Document: Resolution calling on the court of Renselaerswyck

Today, 29 January, the court messenger delivered a sealed letter which proved upon opening to be a petition drawn up and signed in the colony of Rensselaerswyck by Brant van Slechtenhorst, director of the aforesaid Colony, on 25 September 1651 and directed to the aforesaid court of Rensselaerswyck, with the aforesaid court's decision written in the margin on the previous page next to the letter as follows: "Concerning the detention of the honorable Director: whereas some members of this court, the principals of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, had been arrested in the time of the honorable director-general, Willem Kieft, which he not only maintained were not subject to arrest but also was followed by their release, stating that the Colony was accountable for them, the court of this Colony declares that the same decision should hold true now as before. Done in council, 25 September 1651.Acknowledged by me,

After proper examination and discussion, the above decision was found to be ambiguous and obscure; and the director-general and council resolved to order the court of the Colony, as they do hereby, to free the aforesaid decision from ambiguities and obscurities, and to explain themselves thoroughly.

First, by stating the names of the principals of the Colony who were arrested during the time of Director Kieft. Secondly, by stating in whose name and why the aforesaid principals were arrested. Thirdly, by stating whether the members of the court are declaring null and void the arrest of Slechtenhorst for disobedience and contempt of the order issued by the director-general and council of New Netherland, from which arrest he stealthily escaped. This intent appears to be expressed in their decision. Whereupon a categorical reply is requested of them.

Anthony de Hooges