Document: Resolution of the Amsterdam chamber granting land in New Netherland

Thursday, 25 April 1652

The petition of Claes Jansen Backer was read, requesting that he be allowed to cultivate, and also possess in ownership as a freeman, the land of Jan van Rotterdam deceased, which partly by his death, and partly through his indebtedness to the Company, has reverted to the Company. After due deliberation, it was resolved that, whereas the directors have no knowledge of the location of this piece of land, the director and council of New Netherland shall be authorized, to grant to Claes Jansen Backer the piece of land, if it has not in the meantime been sold or given to someone else, and he is to pay what is due to the Company or not less than what the piece is appraised at, as they shall deem proper.

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