USA > New York > New York City > The minutes of the Orphanmasters court of New Amsterdam, 1655 to 1663 > Part 7
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Hendrick Willemsen Backer appears again and states, that the bakers cannot go on with their busi- ness, if they are to continue baking only for their wages, as they lose much time taking the grain to and from the mill : he also has said to Reynier, that
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he should not blame his boys, which would not be done in Holland.
The Burgomasters resolve to change the price of bread, provided the bakers bake the flour as it comes from the mill, white and good, and no cakes, cracknels or sweet cakes, and the price of bread has been fixed as follows :
A loaf of wheat bread of 8 lbs. 22 st.
" rye
" white 16
" 18 " 5 "
Saturday, November 4, 1661, at the City Hall present Messrs Pieter Tonneman, Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift and Allard Anthony.
The Burgomasters have adopted the following in- structions for Master Evert Pietersen, the school- master, to regulate himself thereby
Instructions and Rules for Schoolmaster Evert Pietersen, drawn up by the Burgomasters of this City with advice of the Director General and Council. First. He shall take good care, that the children, coming to his school, do so at the usual hour, namely at 8 in the morning and one in the after- noon.
2. He must keep good discipline among his pupils. 3. He shall teach the children and pupils the Chris- tian prayers, commandments, baptism, Lord's supper, and the questions with answers of the catechism, which are taught here every Sunday afternoon in the church.
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4. Before school closes he shall let the pupils sing some verses and a psalm.
5. Besides his yearly salary he shall be allowed to demand and receive from every pupil quarterly as follows:
for each child, whom he teaches the a b c, spelling and reading 30 st.
for teaching to read and write 50 “
to read, write and cipher 60 “
from those who come in the evening and between times pro rata a fair sum.
the poor and needy, who ask to be taught for God's sake he shall teach for nothing.
6. He shall be allowed to demand and receive from every body, who makes arrangements to come to his school and comes before the first half of the quarter preceding the Ist of December next the school dues for the quarter, but nothing from those, who come after the first half of the quarter.
7. He shall not take more from anybody, than is herein stated. Thus done and decided by the Bur- gomasters of the City of Amsterdam in N. N. No- vember 4, 1661.
The Burgomasters charge the Officer to direct all bakers in the jurisdiction of this City not to bake anything else, but coarse and white bread and always to keep coarse bread publicly for sale in the shops.
To-day Jan Jelissen Kock, measurer of cans, ells and weights has taken the oath of fidelity.
Instructions for the gauger of measures and
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weights, used by Burghers and inhabitants of this City.
I. He shall carefully see, that the measures and weights are neither too large nor too small, neither too heavy nor too light.
2. He shall also be careful of the right size and weight of his own measures and weight on pain of dismissal.
3. He shall be held to accommodate all and every body without delay or hindrance and for this purpose he must remain in his dwelling in the City or if he goes out, he must leave word, where he is to be found and he must prevent complaints.
4. As before said this office has been given him provisionally, but a change of the duties by increase or decrease remains within the discretion of the Bur- gomasters, to whom he is bound yearly to show his instructions, asking for continuation in office.
5. He shall demand and receive for every piece stamped as follows :
for each ell* 8 stivers
for each can 3 st. and if some cans require gauging and engraving he shall be allowed to receive there- for besides the stamping 2 stivers.
for each weight from 1 to 20 lbs, I st.
" 20 to 50 " 4 "
above 50 6. " Done etc.
Friday, November 11, 1661, at the City Hall
* The Dutch ell is three quarters of an English yard.
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present Messrs. Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift and Allard Anthony.
Having considered, what the merchants should pay for unloading and loading their goods as wharfage dues the Burgomasters have decided : for a box of duffels 6 stivers, for a hogshead 2 st. and for a package, the size of a box of duffels, also 6 st.
Pieter Schaafbanck, called in, is ordered to take better care of the City Hall,
The Burgomasters have been informed, that the shipwrights working on the City's ship draw more than 1100 fl. in wampum from the Treasury for wages, at the rate of 16 fl. in beavers.
Friday, November 18, 1661, at the City Hall present Messrs. Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift, Allard Anthony, Marten Cregier and Olof Stevensen van Cortlant.
Claas Mareschal summoned before the Board for non-payment of his Burgherright according to note given appears and says, having lately come from Fort Orange he requests time. The Burgomasters condemn Claas Mareschal to pay to the Treasurer for his small Burgherright 313 beavers within eight days, which he has failed to do until now. He agrees to pay at the rate of 16 fl. in wampum for the beaver, as the Treasurer will allow that.
Pieter Ebel appearing asks for his anker of Annise attached in the hands of Jacobus Backer.
Reynier Rycker appearing before the Board,
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shows a bill of Jacob Backer against the City for 237 fl. 18 st. for planks and nails delivered in 1655.
The bakers request by petition a raise of the price of white, wheat and rye bread and permission to bake little cakes, sweet cakes and cracknels once or twice the week. Marginal order : The Burgo- masters grant the request to bake cakes and crack- nels, provided coarse bread is kept in the shop for public sale at the prescribed price and not dearer, but if petitioners fail to bake coarse bread, they shall neither bake cakes and cracknels.
Friday, December 2, 1661, present (as before).
The President reports, the Director General has decided, that the Farmer of the slaughter excise shall not take more for excise than 112 stivers of the florin in such pay, as has been given for the animal ; and therefore it is resolved to send to the Farmer this
Order
Whereas many Burghers and inhabitants of this City complain, that the Farmer of the slaughter excise exacts one stiver heavy money of the florin, without regard to the animals, which have been bought for wampum or beavers or wares at beaver price, valuing them at his own pleasure, therefore with the knowledge of the Director General the Burgomasters, wishing to prevent the dissatisfaction and complaints, have decided and order the said Farmer, that he shall not demand and take more
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than 11/2 st. or 712 p. ct. for the animals, reported to him, in such pay, as the reported animal has been bought for. Done etc.
Hermen Vedder is asked, why he does not pay for his Burgherright. He says, he does not know, that he ought to and is shown a letter from Mr. van Ruyven, who has undertaken to pay, if he (Vedder) does not, whereupon he says, he will pay.
Mighiel Muyden, who shows by his petition, that during his absence in Holland he has kept fire and light here, is asked, where he has kept it : he says in his warehouse and he has paid his servant for four- teen months 40 fl. Further asked, whether he has only paid the Rattlewatch dues for his house, he answers, he has no house, offering to pay the City taxes, fallen due during his absence. When he returns, the Board inform him, they had decided, he should pay 30 fl. in wampum, not including his great Burgherright.
Mighiel Muyden reports, that Jan Coopal has let the house, in which he lives, without having first spoken to him and he asks, whether that may be done, as he has hitherto lived there undisturbed. He is advised, to lay the matter before the Court.
Frerick Gysberzen is informed the Burgomasters have out of consideration decided, that he shall pay for his Burgherright 30 fl. in wampum.
Lodowyck Pos reports, that the Rattlewatch has no firewood. The Burgomasters allow to the men 14 pieces weekly or 2 pieces for each night, which
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Pieter Schaafbanck is ordered to deliver to them every Friday.
The Burgomasters resolve to petition the Director General and Council for permission to collect from all ships 5 stivers per last wharfage dues and for every hogshead exported 2 st., other freight pro rata.
Friday, December 9, 1661, present same as before.
The porters of the Weighhouse request by petition an increase of wages and to be exempted from paying Rattlewatch dues. Marginal order : The request of petitioners is for the present denied.
The President reports the propositions made yesterday to the Director General and Council and their answer.
Having received the request of Cornelis Barensen the Burgomasters decide, that everybody is bound to have his grain measured, except what is grown on his own land.
Friday, December 23, 1661, at the City Hall present Messrs. Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift and Allard Anthony.
The Concierge (Sheriff's officer) Mattheus de Vos inquires, where the goods of Boudewyn van Nieuw- landt are to be sold and is told, at the house of Metje Wessels.
Regnier Wisselpenninck is asked, why he does not pay his Burgherright and answers, he has paid it and has not been out of the Province of New
-
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Netherland since, which upon investigation is found to be so.
Guiliam de Vos has taken the Burgher's oath December 30, 1661.
Friday, January 12, 1661, present same as before.
Lodowyck Pos, Captain of the Rattlewatch, is asked after the behaviour of Cornelius Barensen, as complaints are made that he comes for duty after 9 o'c. and is not watchful. He answers, that the man does his duty well enough, but, since his wife has left, comes about a quarter past nine.
Schepen Pieter van Couwenhoven, as a committee from the Court, is requested to have the half schepel of Govert Loockermans measured in his presence and stamped, if of proper size.
Order for Paulus van de Beeck.
Whereas many Burghers and inhabitants of this City complain, that the Farmer of the slaughter excise charges I stiver heavy money on the florin, appraising the animals as he pleases, contrary to the conditions of farm-letting the excise, which were pre- scribed by the general office, which rates the beaver at 12 fl., in wampum, therefore the Burgomasters, with the knowledge of the Director General and wishing to prevent trouble, orders Paulus van de Beeck, the Farmer of said excise, henceforth not to rate the beaver higher or to take from anybody more, than the said conditions allow, figuring the beaver at 12 fl. in wampum.
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The Secretary is directed by the Burgomasters to help remembering, that a report be made to the bench of Burgomasters and Schepens on the charges, paid by ships, barks and merchants for discharging and taking in goods at the landing place, also on the port.
Order, how the members of the Rattlewatch shall go on duty.
Frans Jansen with
Jacques Pryn with
Hend. Van Doesburgh
And. Andriezen
Corn. Barensen with
Abraham Carmel with
Albert Leenderzen Peter Janzen Steenhaler
Pieter Schaafbanck, the jailer, is asked, what he has resolved to do concerning the proposition made to him October 7th, whether he is willing to continue in his service as jailer for free house rent and fire- wood or give up the place. He answers, it is not possible, that he should receive no pay, which having been considered the Burgomasters allow him a yearly salary of 50 fl.
Lodowyck Pos returning is directed to pay better attention and to order his men henceforth to walk less noisily, also inform them of the following order :
The Rattlewatch is herewith ordered by the Bur- gomasters henceforth not to dare and discharge their water on the steps of the City Hall; if it is found to have again been done he, who has done it, shall be arbitrarily punished and if he cannot be found out
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and his comrades will not tell the culprit, all shall be spoken to and each shall lose each time 6 fl. of his monthly pay, as long as the person is not discovered. Done etc.
On the 20th of January, 1662, Frans Janzen, Peter Janzen and Albert Leenderzen, members of the Rat- tlewatch, have as such been sworn in by the Burgo- masters.
Thursday, January 26, 1662, at the City Hall present Messrs Paulus Leendersen van der Grift, Allard Anthony, Marten Cregier and Olof Steven- sen van Cortlant.
Jacques Corteljau appears on summons and is asked, how he progresses with the map of the City. He answers, as far as he is concerned, it is done and that it has already been in the hands of van der Veen for 6 weeks ; he promises to have it ready this week.
The President reports, that the Burgomasters and Schepens have received from the Director General and Council the answer fiat quod petitur to their re- quest : he also reports, the Consistory of this City say, it is necessary, as many poor people come from the country, to pass the plate for a general collec- tion, about which the General has written, he had heard, that not only here in the City but also out- side of it a collection was demanded for the support of the poor coming from outside.
The Burgomasters resolve to send an order to the
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Deaconry of this City, directing them not to give assistance to any body, except to the poor of this City and to provide these poor with clothing, food and a little money ; also to make a note of to whom assistance is given.
Monday, January 30, 1661, at the City Hall present Messrs. Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift and Allard Anthony.
Before the Board appear Messrs. Marten Cregier and Olof Stevensen van Cortlant. Mr. Marten Cregier delivers to the Board of Schout, Burgo- masters and Schepens of this City his accounts of the revenues and expenditures, which on examina- tion are found to be correct.
Monday, February 5, 1662, at the City Hall present Messrs. Paulus Leendersen van der Grift and Olof Stevensen van Cortlant.
Messrs. Allard Anthony and Marten Cregier, sum- moned before the Board, appear and the bonds were examined, according to which the City has claim on several people, of whom there is a list. It is de- cided, to make a settlement with them and Mr. Allard Anthony, now Treasurer, receives all the papers, books etc of the City's revenues and expen- ditures, also a list thereof and his commission in communi forma.
Friday, February 17, 1662, present as before.
Mr. Allard Anthony, Treasurer of the City, states,
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that Jan Jelissen Kock has summoned several people, who are unwilling to pay, namely :
Hermen Vedder, refusing to pay the Rattlewatch dues, says, he does not live here and therefore is not bound to pay; he would speak about it to the General and if he says, he ought to pay, he'll do it. The Burgomasters order him to pay.
Daniel de Haart, who refuses to pay for his Bur- gherright, says, he is in the employ of his brother and does no business of his own ; he undertakes to prove it, which he is ordered to do, and re-entering he shows an invoice, but as that has nothing to do with the case, he is told, if he can prove, that he is his brother's clerk, he is free, not else, and the matter is deferred until his brother comes.
Reinier Willemzen the baker, on account of his boy, says, as he is a boy, he is not bound to pay.
The Treasurer produces a string of wampum, say- ing Teunis Cray had shown it to him, as having been offered to Jacob the baker for bread, who refused to accept it.
Claas de Haan says in regard to his refusal to pay Rattlewatch dues, it was strange, that he and Joannes van der Meulen were asked for it. The Burgomas- ters decide, that he must pay, as long as he is here.
Lodowyck de Roy, refusing to pay Rattlewatch dues, is condemned to pay them.
Order.
Mr. Allard Anthony, Treasurer of this City, is
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herewith ordered by the Burgomasters, to demand and collect from everybody, above 16 years old, with- out exception, the dues for the Rattlewatch. Done etc.
Jan Gerrizen van Buytenhuysen appearing shows a letter from his brother and says, as he has half the profit of the goods, sent by his brother to the cousin (nephew)* Andries Buytenhuys and is the next of kin in regard to the property left by him, he wishes to know, whether he may sell the goods. He is told, to have the letter recorded, to dispose of the case as shall be found proper.
Wednesday, February 22, 1662, present (as before).
The Burgomasters resolve, to appoint adminis- trators of the property left by Sicx van der Stighelen, Andries Buytenhuyzen and Tys Janzen Timmerman (carpenter), as which are chosen, viz .: for the estate of Sicx van der Stighelen, Joannes van der Meulen and Joannes de Witt, for that of Andries Buyten- huyzen Isaack Bedlo and Jan Gerrisen van Buyten- huyzen and for Tys Janzen, the carpenter's, Jan Dircksen Mayer and Tomas Lambersen. These ad- ministrators were called before the Board and re- quested to enter upon their duties, dispose of the goods by selling them to the best advantage and do everything for the benefit of the creditors, which they promise to do.
* The Dutch word neef stands for cousin, nephew and even grand- son
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Commission.
Whereas N. N. has unfortunately perished here in New Netherland on the Ioth of February of this year 1662, leaving besides some accountbooks and papers concerning his business some goods and merchandize, and whereas it is necessary for the best advantage of the creditors and heirs, that administra- tors be appointed, to regulate the estate, that those, interested in it, may come to their own, therefore the Burgomasters of this City elect and qualify as such X. Y. Z., who are requested and authorized to bring in order the accounts and papers of N. N., sell the property left by him to the best advantage of the creditors in this country with the knowledge and by order of the Burgomasters. Done etc.
In the commission for the administrators of Tys Janzen, the carpenter's estate it read: Whereas etc. leaving some property and carpenter's tools outstand- ing debts and credits and whereas it is necessary etc. that said goods for the best advantage etc.
Monday, March 3, 1662, present (as before).
Mr. Allard Anthony reports, that there are within this City yet some houses with wooden and plastered chimneys, which may cause great damages by fire, as in the house of David Wessels, and that the chimney of the house of Lambert Hendricksen comes out even with the roof, just back of Bartholdus Maan's house, which should be changed, to prevent disaster:
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whereupon the following order was given to the Firewardens:
The Firewardens are herewith ordered by the Burgomasters, as soon as possible to go round with the Officer, condemning all wooden and plastered chimneys, especially in the Marketfield Alley the chimney of David Wessels, and all others in this City's jurisdiction, and to direct Lambert Hendrick- sen to build his chimney higher above the roof. Done etc.
The Officer Pieter Tonneman is herewith re- quested by the Burgomasters to accompany the Fire- wardens at their request to condemn all wooden and plastered chimneys in this City's jurisdiction. Done etc.
Jacob van de Water is allowed by the Burgo- masters for making the map of this City, according to his bill for 96 fl. in beavers, the sum of 100 fl. in wampum.
Order.
Whereas Daniel de Haart remains the agent of his brother Balthasar de Haart, who has gone to the Virginias and hence to Old England, therefore the Burgomasters decide, that like others he has to pay for his Burgherright.
Mr. Allard Anthony proposes, as Jan Jelissen Kock is in the service of the City and of the Orphan- masters, that when people come from out of the City and no messengers are at hand, he may also make
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attachments for the City and the Orphans Court, which shall be as legal, as if made by the City's messenger.
Friday, March 10, 1662, present (as before).
Jacques Corteljau appears and is asked, how much he charges for making the City map : he answers he leaves that to the Board, adding, that if made in the Fatherland, such a map would bring 100 ryksdaal- ders .* The Burgomasters allow him for making the map and other services for the City 100 fl. in heavy money.
Teunis Cray petitions for some assistance from the City. Marginal order : The petition shall be considered in due time.
To-day the proclamation for a Day of Prayer is read.
The Burgomasters nominate Churchwardens and Orphanmasters and submit the nominations in due form to the Director General and Council :
Honourable, Valiant Gentlemen.
Whereas your Honours have been pleased to ap- point the Honble Olof Stevensen van Cortlant, late Orphanmaster, to the office of Burgomaster and Churchwarden Hendrick Jansen van der Vin has served his term, which requires new appointments, therefore the Burgomasters of this City submit the nomination of a double number for election, to-wit :
* Equal to $100.
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For Churchwarden.
Joannes de Decker, Councillor of New Netherland Govert Loockermans.
For Orphanmaster.
Allard Anthony, Old Burgomaster
Pieter Wolferzen van Couwenhoven, late Schepen.
We request, that you confirm from these, whom you consider most fit. Done etc.
Copy. Extract from the Register of Resolu- tions of the Director General and Council, Thursday, March 16, 1662.
The Director General and Council having received and read the nominations made and submitted by the Burgomasters of this City, have therefrom selected and confirmed as Orphanmaster in place of the out- going
Pieter Wolferzen van Couwenhoven, late Schepen. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland March 16, 1662. Beneath stood : Agrees with the Register. C. v. Ruyven, Secretary, and a copy thereof in com- muni forma was given to said Pieter W. van Cou- wenhoven.
Friday, March 17, 1662, present (as before).
Before the Board appeared Teunis Tomassen van Naarden, who wishes to know, as he has heard that Burgomaster Paulus Leendersen has received a letter from his (Teunis') wife, what she writes and he is told, that she says in her letter, whereas she owes, as
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he knows, 300 to 400 fl. to several parties, he should send over enough beavers to pay these debts, and if he wishes her with him, he is to come. Teunis asks to be given the letter, to let somebody read it to him, which is granted and he is ordered to have a copy made of the contract for the purchase of his house, in order to see, how much stands to his credit.
Tryntje van Campen appears showing the petition, offered a week ago and she requests assistance by being given some office under the City. The Bur- gomasters promise to consider the case.
Friday, March 24, 1662, present (as before).
Cornelis Janzen Coele asks to be discharged from arrest.
The Firewardens ask for written orders, first, that the buckets be greased and attended to, secondly, that everybody, having powder in his house may be ordered to take good care of it, to prevent disaster in case of a fire, against which God may guard, thirdly that wells be made, fourthly for firehooks and where to place them, fifthly, what they are to do, if a fire breaks out, as they have nothing to show, that they are firemen, sixthly, what and how much fines they may impose, seventhly, an order, that nobody shall use a firebucket on pain of being fined, eighthly, how much they are to receive for their lost time. Having read this request the Burgomasters promise, to consider it.
David Wessels and Frerick Arenzen report, that
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some people come from out of the City asking for work or to make chair matting and are allowed to earn the wages, but as they are Burghers and pay City taxes they request, that it may be forbidden, for it prevents them to earn a support for themselves and their families. The Burgomasters promise, to consider it.
The Burgomasters have resolved to issue an order that no fruit market shall be held at the prescribed place and date.
Abraham Janzen, the carpenter, appears upon summons and is asked, whether he could not work a month for the City. He says No, as he is engaged on other work.
Reinier Wisselpenninck is asked the same question and gives the same answer.
Adolph Pieterzen is called in and asked, whether he could not work eight to ten days for the City, putting up a little house, for the Indians to offer their wares. He answers, that he has work on hand, but returning he says, if the Board would please to wait a few days, he would do it, which is accepted.
Before the Board appears Tomas Lambersen, ad- ministrator of Tys Jansen, the carpenter's, estate, and reports, that Tytus de Vries demands salvage, because he had found said Tys and brought the body home : he asks, what he shall pay. The Burgo- masters allow Tytus de Vries 20 fl. for fishing up and saving the body of Tys Janzen, the carpenter.
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