Document: Resolution of the Chamber at Amsterdam

Extract from the register of resolutions kept by the directors of the West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam.

No. 26.

9 November 1654.

Messrs. Jan de Sweerts and Dirck Pietersz Wittepaart appeared before the assembly, requesting leave to go from here to the coast of Africa with their ship Wittepaart for slaves, and to trade the same in New Netherland upon payment of the ordinary tonnage or impost affixed thereto. Upon questioning, lengthy discussion took place; and finally, as it was understood that the same would tend to promotion of population growth and the improvement of the aforesaid place, the same was allowed them, provided that the Company shall have the option, upon the arrival of the aforesaid ship, which must return here, to collect the proper imposts on goods, which it is carrying, or the ordinary tonnage, according to the regulation enacted on the coast of Africa. Whereby the aforesaid Messrs. Jan de Sweerts and Dirck Pietersz Wittepaert are satisfied.

[ ENDORSED: ]

No. 6

Resolution concerning fetching slaves from Africa.

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