Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 30 March - 6 April 1645

March [ 30 ], 1645

Cornelio van[ der ] Hoykens, fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Tobias Esaias and Barent Jorisz Tourbay, defendants, for having taken a wounded goat from the beach and eaten it. Defendants acknowledge having taken and eaten the goat, but state that they did not know to whom she belonged. They are condemned to ride the wooden horse.

The fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Piter van[ den ] Berch, defendant. Defendant denies having had 11 pieces of cloth. Ordered that the plaintiff shall make inquiries about it.

Burger Jorisz, plaintiff vs. Jan Haes, defendant. 1 Default.

April 6

Having observed the unseaworthiness, age, etc. of the sloop St. Marten; furthermore, that the sails, cordage and other appurtenances were worn out and that there are at present no materials here to make her seaworthy; therefore, we have sold the aforesaid sloop with her appurtenances to Eduwart Moor for fl. 1300:-.

At the request of Cornelio van[ der ] Hoykens, fiscal, you, Cornelis Melyn, are asked what goods you purchased in the year 1644 from Willem Cornelissen Oldemarckt, skipper of the Blauwe Haen,[1] and what you gave in payment for them; also, whether you know that said skipper or you made a present or gave some gold coins to some one to keep the transaction secret. Cornelis Melyn answers that on the next court day he will deliver a written statement of what he bought of the said skipper and delivered in return. He says further that he does not know that any presents were given and never heard of it.

The fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Piter van[ den ] Berch, defendant. Plaintiff replies in writing to defendant's answer. Defendant requests a copy. Ordered that the plaintiff furnish the defendant with a copy of his reply.