Document: Authority to Jan Finje to superintend the harvesting of the crop on Jan Damen's farm; Appointment by Ariaentje Cuvelje of administrators of the estate of Jan Jansen Damen

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The widow and the appointed curators of Jan Jansen Damen hereby authorize Jan Finje to command the servants of Jan Damen, deceased, and to direct all farming operations until the crop of this year 1651 is brought into the hay rick and barn, provided that everything be done in proper manner. In token of the truth, signed with their own hands, this 21st of June A° 1651, on the island of Manhatans in New Netherland. Signed: Thomas Hall, the mark of Egbert Woutersen and the mark of Cornelis Aertsen. Beneath was written: In my presence, David Provoost. Also signed by the mark of Aryaentie Cuvelje, Carel van Brugge and Geo. Baxter, witnesses for Adriaentie Cuvelje. Acknowledged before me, Jacob Kip, clerk.

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This day, the XXI of June of this year 1651, we, the undersigned, came to the house of Aryaentie Cuvelje, widow of Jan Jansen Damen, deceased, who in our presence declared that she nominated on her behalf and appointed, as she does hereby appoint, Davidt Provoost, Jacobus van Corlaer and Borger Jorisen, all inhabitants here, as guardians and administrators to settle, distribute and for her to dispose of the entire estate to the best advantage of her and her children and heirs, as they shall find to be in all things conformable to law and equity This doing, she promises to hold and cause to be held good, firm and valid whatever shall be transacted, done and performed in the premises by the said guardians and administrators. Thus done and executed the day and year aforesaid. In testimony whereof she has signed this in the presence of Carel van Brugger and G[ e ]orge Baxter, witnesses hereto invited, on the island of Manhatans in New Netherland. Signed with the mark of Ariaentie Cuvelje and by Carel van Brugge and Geo. Baxter. Acknowledged before me, Jacob Kip, clerk.