Document: Lease from Rev. Everardus Bogardus to Rufus Barton of land on the East river

Before [ me, Cornelis van Tienhoven ], secretary [ in New Netherland ] appointed by [ the General Chartered ] West India Company, appeared E. Bog[ ardus ][ , minister here, and ] Ruffus Bartem, who acknowledged that they had entered into the following contract, to wit: He, Ruffus Bartem, takes a lease of the land situated [ ] [1] on the East river, belonging to him, Bogardus, for the term of five consecutive years, commencing on the first of September next and ending on the first of September anno 1647, when the harvest shall be over, for which the lessee shall pay annually two capons as rent. It is also expressly covenanted that he, Bogardus, shall select and retain such part of the flat as he shall require for his use and the maintenance of his cattle. The house, which is to be built at the lessee’s expense, shall be erected at the place to be indicated to the lessee. At the expiration of the term the lessee shall be paid for the house and the palisade by E. Bogardus according to appraisal by impartial men, the said lessee to have the preference [ in renewing the lease ] and the parties to give each other notice three months in advance. In testimony whereof this is signed by the parties, this 14th of August anno 1642.

E. Boghardus
Rufus Barten
Cornelis van Tienhoven