Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 18-22 July 1647

Mr. Johannes La Montangne appears in council and requests permission to marry Angeneta Gillis t'Waert, widow of the late Arent Corsen. As we are sufficiently assured that he perished and the honorable directors themselves write that they have made inquiries about the aforesaid Arent Corsen and have learned nothing of him; therefore, as the above named La Montangne and she, Angeneta, declare that they have no scruples about it, they are permitted to enter into the married state with each other. This 18th of July anno 1647.

On the 22d of July 1647

Whereas Cornelis Melyn thus far falls to pay what he owes to the West India Company, notwithstanding sufficient time has been allowed him; therefore, the above named Melyn is ordered to pay within twenty-four hours his debt which is due the aforesaid Company, or, in default thereof, execution may issue against the aforesaid Melyn and his sureties.

Cornelis Melyn appeared in court and declared that Hans Jansen and big Barent, residing in Breuckelen, carried away without his consent the maize belonging to the Indians on Long Island, wherefore Fiscal Hendrick van Dyck is authorized to place them in confinement, in order to inquire further into the matter.

This 22d of July 1647.

Whereas it is highly desirable that the church begun in Fort Amsterdam be completed and made tight before the coming winter, it is thought necessary, in order to have the work on the church progress, to provide materials and to keep proper accounts thereof, to appoint church wardens to have proper supervision of, the church and all that is required thereto. Therefore, the honorable General Petrus Stuyvesandt, Jacob Wolphersen and Jan Jansen Damen are unanimously chosen and elected by the council church wardens. This 22d of July anno 1647.

Whereas the honorable director general and council have considered and judged it necessary to appoint and choose surveyors to take care that all houses here in this city of New Amsterdam be placed in proper alinement; also to straighten all fences, etc. not standing here as they should; therefore, Mr. L: van Dincklagen, Paulus Leendersz commissary of naval stores, and Secretary van Tienhoven are appointed and commissioned to said office. This 22d of July anno 1647.