Document: Letter from William Beeckman to director Stuyvesant

Noble, Honorable, highly Esteemed, Wise and very Prudent Lord:

My Lord, since my last letter with Mr. Alrichs, I received from Hendrick Huygen at Tinnakunck ?682, beaver value, and ?198, sewant [ value ], in merchandise, for which his Honor charged ?100, beaver [ value ], in taxes. Mr. Huygen procured stockings and shirts from Jacop Swens so that I am now furnished with everything for the garrison. I received 12 pairs of shoes from Mr. Couturier.

While at New Amstel yesterday, I had the messenger there ask Mr. d'Hinojosse for Mr. Cornelis van Gezel's house key and the inventory of his goods. I was supposed to have his house repaired and the roof thickened, according to Mr. van Gezel's instructions in order to be able to rent it easier. The messenger informed me that Mr. d'Hinojosse would not release any goods before van Gezel had rendered his accounts; if anyone should appear to rent the place, then he is to approach him on the matter; and if he wants to repair the house and fix the roof, he will be allowed to do it. I have also been informed that in 8 or 10 days Mr. d'Hinojosse will dispatch a soldier as a messenger to the fatherland by way of Maryland in order to request assistance as soon as possible from his masters and superiors.

Mr. Laers eagerly awaits news from you as to whether he may now be allowed to remarry, since his household requires it.

The seven barrels of salt and eight skipples of peas, which you sent here, have been received in good order.

In closing, I commend you to God's protection, remaining, after wishes for a long life and prosperous administration.