Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 19-22 August 1648

Whereas the Scotch merchants who came over in the year 1648 in the ships Pynappel and Valckenier request permission to return to the fatherland, the honorable director general and council have granted their request and resolved and concluded that the Scotch merchants who hereafter come over shall remain during the term of three consecutive years in New Netherland. This shall be published in due season and at a most convenient opportunity. Thus done in council. Present: the honorable director general, Mr. Dincklagen, Mr. La Montagne, Captain Nuton, and Poulus Leendersz, the 19th of August anno 1648, in New Amsterdam in New Netherland.

Jan Jansz Damen appeared in council and produced two protested bills of exchange allowed to go to protest by the honorable directors; one of fl. 1,000, the other fl. 350. He demands payment and reimbursement for exchange and re-exchange, with loss and damage thereof. The honorable director general and council, seeing the equity of the demand, promise to pay promptly in the spring, to wit: fl. 350 in beavers and the fl. 1,000 in other good currency, and in addition by way of interest eight per cent of the amount, commencing from the date of the bills of exchange. This 19th of August anno 1648, at New Amsterdam. Present: the honorable director general, Mr. Dincklagen, Mr. la Montagne, Briant Nuton and Poulus Leendersz.

[1]The honorable director general lays before the council a message from Commissary van Brugge, who reports that Commander Slechtenhorst, contrary to the notice served on him, proceeds with the building under the walls of the Company's Fort Orange. [ Resolved, ] that he pull down the same, and in case Slechtenhorst offers opposition thereto, he, [ van Brugge, ] is to advise us thereof, when more men will be sent from here for his assistance. This day, the 23rd of August anno 1648, in New Amsterdam, Present, the honorable director, Mr, Dincklagen, La Montagne, Briant Nuton and Paulus Leendersz.