Document: Complaint of the fiscal against Peter de Graeff

To the highly esteemed lord, my lord the director general and councilors of New Netherland.

Whereas Pieter de Graeff, captain[i] [several lines lost] dated 17 June [ ] of his ship are resident [ ] island and that he again [ ] having done it again there, has to return there as the owners of [ ] are residents there; however, the captain adds that he suffered ship wreck with the aforesaid ship; he also knows of no other proof to offer than the testimony of his accompanying mates, about which the fiscal, having examined everything, can’t find that the aforesaid captain had properly taken this small ship, which he brought in, and is concerned about any claims; he had the rudder removed from the same, as the captain sought to remove the same and depart for Zeeland; it is therefore decided that the captain shall not depart or remove the small ship until he has posted sufficient security and has paid the lord justly in order to prevent any claims or demands for recovery. Thus done the 21st of July 1656 (was signed) Nicasius de Sille.