Document: Contract of sale between Rut Arentsen and Arent Reyniersen of a house and lot on the great highway on Manhattan island

Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, appeared Rut Arentsen of the first part and Arent Reyniersz, smith, of the second part, who in the presence of and before the undersigned witnesses acknowledged that they had agreed and contracted respecting the purchase of the house and lot situated on the island of Manhatans, on the great highway, on the conditions hereinafter written: Rut Arentsen sells to Arent Reyniersz his above mentioned house and Arent Reyniersz acknowledges that he has bought the above mentioned house and the lot thereto belonging, according to the patent, for the sum of two hundred and fifty guilders, payable in three installments, to wit: one third anno 1645 on Amsterdam fair day; one third on Amsterdam fair day anno 1646; the third and last part of the above mentioned two hundred and fifty guilders must be paid on Amsterdam fair day anno 1647. It is also agreed, if the buyer is not punctual in paying, that the seller shall be at liberty to take back the house, on condition that the buyer shall pay a proper rent, and that from the time he, the buyer, shall take possession of the house. The seller may continue to live in the house until the last payment shall be due and paid. To which end the aforesaid parties bind their persons and properties, present and future, submitting the same to all lords, courts, tribunals and judges. In witness whereof the record hereof is signed by the parties and the witnesses hereto invited and by me, the secretary. Done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 17th of October anno 1644.

Aernr Reinnsen
Rut Arentsen
Hans Kierstedt
Cornelis van Tienhoven