Document: Resolution granting Andries Harpert an island opposite Fort Orange and a piece of wood land on the east bank

A petition of Andries Harperts (copied in the Book of Petitions)[221] was read at the session, in which he requests permission to purchase from the natives a small island opposite Fort Orange and as much woodland on the east bank of the river for a proper farm, so that he may take possession of and cultivate it as is befitting. After consultation, it was decided to grant the petitioner's request because the island in question has been used as a thieves' den by the Indians [ to conceal their plunder, ] to the great prejudice of the inhabitants of Fort Orange and the village of Beverwyck. Done at the session of the honorable director-general and high council held in New Amsterdam, 27 October 1654; and was signed: P. Stuyvesant, Nicasius de Sille, La Montangne, Cor. van Thienhooven.