Document: Commission to the arbitrators in the case of Capt. Thomas Adams vs. Cornelius Houtewall

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. . . or that the parties on both sides each choose, concerning this [ ] dispute, two impartial [ ] who as arbitrators shall examine [ ] papers and accounts, and to the best of their knowledge pass judgment on it; if possible [ bringing ] the parties to an agreement. Otherwise they are to send their written recommendations to the director and council for consideration according to the urgency of the matter.

According to the determination of the above order, we have ordered the parties to [ ] two arbitrators; the plaintiff: Secretary van Bruggen and the notary Provoost; the defendant: Mr. Couwenhoven and [ ] , in order to investigate their differences and to bring them to an agreement, if possible. Otherwise, according to the above order, to [ ] the judgment of the council. These arbitrators have been fully authorized by the director and council for the [ ] . Thus done on [ 23 ] January 1653 in New Amsterdam. Present [ ] the General and council.