Document: Petition of Jan Jacobsen for a commission to trade along the coast and elsewhere

[several lines lost] Jacobsz [ ] he, petitioner, with his ship named St. Jan presently here at the roads, would be of the mind to go trading and trafficking along the coast of this province as well as overseas with all allies of this state, where one has freedom of trade and commerce, paying as others for all rights and privileges established by the authorities; and, whereas your esteemed honors’ permission and consent is required thereto, he, therefore, humbly requests that your esteemed honors be pleased to grant him ultimately said commission in communij forma, being his aforesaid ship manned by Dutch sailors[i] under the prince’s flag or otherwise as your esteemed honors shall deem suitable. Thus doing etc., (below was written) Your highly esteemed honors’ humble servant, (was signed) Jan Jacobsz.

After due deliberation on the above request it was decided as follows: When the petitioner shall have shown us his burgher right, a commission in communi forma shall be granted him on the condition of placing proper surety, like others, for the commission. Dated as above.