Document: Dutch colonial council minutes, 17 August 1646

On the l7th of August anno 1646

Jan Evance, merchant at New Haven, plaintiff, vs. Jan Wilcocx, defendant, for purchase of the ship Abigael. Plaintiff demands delivery according to the contract of sale. Defendant says that he is ready, provided a definite time is set when he is to receive his payment. Ordered that the ship shall be delivered to the purchasers and that the purchasers shall cause Governor Johan Prints to state in writing that the bond dated the 6th of July 1646, old style, shall be paid by said governor in the month of September or October; or else, that at the same time a bill of exchange for the amount of the bond must be delivered to the seller. In default thereof the purchasers shall pay interest on the money and, if the seller fall to make delivery, he shall be condemned to make good all damage, loss and interest and also pay the costs of the suit.

On the 23d of August

Dirck Volckertsen, plaintiff, vs. Laurens Pietersen, defendant, for the payment of about 150 gl. Defendant admits that he owes something. Ordered that the attachment shall remain in force and that meanwhile parties shall reach an agreement.

Claes Pietersen, plaintiff, vs. Jan Jansen from Hoorn, defendant, for attaching two shirts which the defendant claims resemble his own shirts, which are brought into court. The court never discovered any fault in Claes Pietersen to this date and order the defendant to remain silent if he can not prove that the shirts belong to him and when Seger Teunesen comes, to whom he appeals, he can then speak or hereafter keep silent.

At the request of Cosyn Gerritsen it is ordered that Hans Hansen shall prove this day week that the rapier sold by him to the plaintiff belonged to him and that no one has any claim to it. In default thereof the attachment shall be vacated.