Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 24 January - 14 February 1641

On the 24th of January 1641

Manuel of Gerrit de Reus having been condemned to be executed with the rope so that death would follow, standing on the ladder, was pushed off by the executioner, being a Negro, having around his neck two good ropes, both of which broke, whereupon the Inhabitants and bystanders called for mercy and very earnestly solicited the same.

We, therefore, having taken into consideration the request of the community, as also that the said Manuel had partly undergone his sentence, have graciously granted him his life and pardoned him and all the other Negroes, on promise of good behavior and willing service. Thus done the day and year above written, in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland.

On the 14th of February, being Thursday

Cornelio vander Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Uldrich Lupholt, defendant. Plaintiff, answering the written denials of the defendant, bitterly complains about the negligence, fraud, etc., according to the written bill of complaint. Case put over.

Cornelio vander Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Laurens Haen, defendant, for unfaithful conduct in the store. Plaintiff, in writing, demands justice and punishment of the defendant. Laurens Haen admits in court that he took the Holland linen, table linen and velours from the store without charging them to his account.

Jan Snediger declares that he has nothing in his possession that belongs to Haen except some boards and a straw mattress.

Albert Cuyn affirms in court by oath that he does not have, nor ever had, anything In his possession belonging to Haen, except what the fiscal seized in his house.

The case against Haen is put over until the next court day.