Document: Petition of Jean Peri for remission of the duties on a cargo of sugar and tobacco for Canada

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[ Jean Peri ] shows with due respect how he, petitioner, for [ ] the advancement of the trade [ intends ] for the first time to [ make ] a voyage to Canada, for which purpose he loaded a small amount of sugar and tobacco into his bark the St. Jan, as can be seen on the opposite list; for this small amount of tobacco and sugar the petitioner was summoned to pay a recognition fee. And since he indicated that this is the first voyage, and that the loaded goods are of little importance, the petitioner respectfully requests that for this time your honors please excuse him from the payment of the recognition fee for the loaded goods and the returns for those that he will be bringing back, by which the petitioner and others will be encouraged to continue and promote the trade of these countries according to ability. Which doing, I will remain (lower stood) your honors’ humble servant.

Having received and read the above request, it is resolved as follows: Because this is the first voyage there that is undertaken from here, the petitioner for this time is excused from paying the outgoing recognition fee. Done in Fort Amsterdam in N: Netherland, dated as above.

P. Stuyvesant Nicasius de Sille Pieter Tonnemans J De Decker