Document: Answer to the petition of Abraham de Lucena, Jacob Cohen Henricque, Salvador Dandrada, Joseph Dacosta, and David Frera

The above request being read, the same, after consultation, was disposed of with the following apostille:

The subscription was requested by the burgomasters and schepens of this city and by the director general and council, for good reasons, for the benefit of this city and the further security of the persons and goods of the inhabitants, among whom the petitioners are also counted and included; therefore it is necessary that they, together with others, shall assist in bearing the burden occasioned thereby. In regard to the order of the lords directors mentioned and exhibited, the director general and council are of opinion that pursuant to the same the Jewish nation enjoy such liberty here in the city as the order implies. Regarding the purchase and ownership of real estate, it is advised that the broad question be once again put to the lords directors, and pending the answer die last [ request ] is refused.

Thus done in our session held at Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland. Dated as above. (Was signed:) P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montagne.

Rights: This translation is provided for education and research purposes, courtesy of the  New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections, Mutual Cultural Heritage Project. Rights may be reserved. Responsibility for securing permissions to distribute, publish, reproduce or other use rest with the user. For additional information see our Copyright and Use Statement Source: New York State Archives. New Netherland. Council. Dutch colonial council minutes, 1638-1665. Series A1809. Volume 6.