Document: Minute of an application from the magistrates of Midwout for assistance to pay their minister

The schepens of the village of Midwout appeared with the remonstrance that the subscription or collection, which they had obtained for the support of their current minister Do. Johannis Polhemius, amounted in total to about f600; however, that they could not count on it being so much every year because it was a voluntary gift; also, that the inhabitants of the aforesaid would find it difficult and a burden upon themselves to raise so much annually because they had only settled there recently and still had meager means; and whereas the aforesaid domine had requested of them that they pay him his arrears but also that they allow him henceforth a fixed salary or wage, or by default thereof that he would be allowed to depart at any time whenever the opportunity presented itself, they request advice on how to behave in the matter, and how much the director general and councilors, on behalf of the honorable Company, would contribute for the support of the aforesaid minister.

Rights: This translation is provided for education and research purposes, courtesy of the  New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections, Mutual Cultural Heritage Project. Rights may be reserved. Responsibility for securing permissions to distribute, publish, reproduce or other use rest with the user. For additional information see our Copyright and Use Statement Source: New York State Archives. New Netherland. Council. Dutch colonial council minutes, 1638-1665. Series A1809. Volume 6.