Document: Examination of Andries Matthias

(far within our boundaries upon land bought and paid for by us a long time ago) at Vreedland,[221] the law officer of the honorable Company, Fiscal Cornelis van Tienhooven, shall issue an interdict, ordering them to desist from further activities and to depart. Done at New Amsterdam, 5 November 1654, in New Netherland.

Andries Matthias was brought for the second time to the session, and defended himself against the fiscal's accusation by saying that the Swedish factor kicked him first and called him a scoundrel, thief and bloody dog. He went on to say that whatever the gentlemen did, was fine with him. "I have no choice." He said further that the factor told him in Porto Rico, "I forgive what you did to me, but when we reach our destination I want justice." Whereupon Andries replied, "Thank you. I'll take you where the sea won't overwhelm you." The director-general and council, Poulus Leendersz and Oloff Stevensz, schepens, agree that the aforesaid Andries Matthias be returned to prison.

Rights: This translation is provided for education and research purposes, courtesy of the  New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections, Mutual Cultural Heritage Project. Rights may be reserved. Responsibility for securing permissions to distribute, publish, reproduce or other use rest with the user. For additional information see our Copyright and Use Statement Source: New York State Archives. New Netherland. Council. Dutch colonial council minutes, 1638-1665. Series A1809. Volume 5.