Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 13 March 1642

On the 13th of March anno 1642

Johannes Winckelman, plaintiff, vs. Abraham Pietersen, defendant. Plaintiff says that Abraham Pietersz to his great loss makes his servant, Jacob Bouwensen, whom he brought from Holland at great expense to his masters, dissatisfied in his service, inasmuch as he has made a contract with him to take his place as head farmer on farm No. 5, thereby causing him great loss and damage. Plaintiff demands that the aforesaid Jacob Bouwensen be forced to serve out his bounden time according to the contract made with him at Utrecht.

Having seen the complaint and the answer of the parties with the depositions submitted on both sides, and the matter having been duly considered by us, Jacob Bouwensen is ordered to serve out his time according to the contract made at Utrecht and signed by him.

Cornelio vander Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Maryn Adriaensz, defendant, for drawing a knife. Plaintiff demands that Maryn pay such fine as is imposed by law for knife drawing. Defendant denies expressly that he drew a knife and says that he has had no quarrel with anyone.

Sybert Clasen, plaintiff, vs. Jeuriaen Hendricxz. Second default.

On the 20th of March

Baltasar Lourens, plaintiff, vs. Jan Tomassen, smith, defendant. Plaintiff says that he sold to the defendant a small house and demands that the defendant accept delivery thereof. Defendant admits the purchase of the house. Having seen the demand of the plaintiff and acknowledgment of the defendant that final purchase took place and that part payment was made, the defendant is condemned to receive the house according to the contract made between him and the plaintiff.