New York Deeds, NY and Long Island Documents and the Melyn Papers

From The New York Historical Society Collections, this 1913 volume

contains 1) the Original Book of New York Deeds from 1/1/1673 to

10/19/1675, 2) miscellaneous documents relating to New york and Long

Island from 1642 to 1696, and 3) the Melyn Papers, a small collection of

original maunscripts and contemporary copies mainly relating to Staten Island

(1640-1699).

Bibliographic Information: New York Deeds, NY and LI Documents, Melyn

Papers, The New York Historical Society, 1913.

Pages 97-138:

MELYN PAPERS

1640-1699

[Deed for Staten Island, July 1640]

We Willem Kieft, Director General and Councillors in behalf of the High

Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands, His Highness of

Orange and the Hon. Managers of the General Privileged West India

Company, residing in New Netherland: Make Known that on this

underwritten date we have given and granted as we are giving and granting by

these presents (by virtue of a certain Act, dated July 1640, conceded by said

Lords Managers), to Cornelius Melyn the entire Staten Island, situated on the

Bay and North River of New Netherland, excepting so much land as

appertains to a farm which by us Director and Councillors before mentioned

had been granted and given--before the date of the before mentioned Act--to

David Peterse De Vries of Hoorn, which land has also been occupied by him

David Peterse; all under express condition that he, Cornelius Melyn, or those

by virtue of the present entering upon his rights, shall acknowledge the said

Hon. Heeren Managers as their Lords, under the Sovereignty of the High

Mighty Lords the States General; and hereto obey their Director and

Councillors as good inhabitants are bound to do; providing he, Melyn, or

those entering upon his right, submit in whole and in part to all such charges

and requisitions as--in accordance with the exemptions of New

Netherland--have been already levied or shall yet be levied by the Managers;

consequently constituting in quality and by virtue as expressed before, said

Cornelis Melyn,

 in our stead, real and actual possessor of the aforesaid parcel of land; granting

him by these presents perfect power, authority and special order to take

possession of cultivate, inhabit, use, the said Staten Island--except the said

farm--as he may do with other his patrimonial lands and effects, without we,

the grantors, in the aforesaid quality are reserving or retaining any the least

share, claim or authority in the same, desisting of the same in behalf of as

above.

The above is a true copy of the Part of a Patent as it is found in the Dutch

book of Record in the Secry's office of the Province of New York.

Pr. M: Clarkson, Secry.

[Translated from the Dutch]

In manner and on conditions hereafter expressed the Very Noble Jongheer

(Lord) Godert Van Reede, Lord of Nederhorst, etc., has agreed with

Cornelis Melyn that the said Lord of Nederhorst shall receive and possess in

ownership the just half of the colonies acquired by Cornelis Melyn from the

West India Company on Staten Island or elsewhere to be selected as well in

regard to jurisdiction as to ownership of the lands, woods, and all other rights,

appertaining to the said colony. Which one half said Melyn by these presents

cedes to the Lord of Nederhorst; the other half as well as in regard to

jurisdiction, lands, woods and rights appertaining to the same remaining to the

said Cornelis Melyn; provided that said colony with the consent and

approbation of both parties, shall be divided in two equal parts, an exact map

of which shall be made and sent over by the said Melyn, to be then drawn for

by the said Lord of Nederhorst, and by the said Melyn. And in case the said

Lord of Nederhorst should draw the part upon which said Melyn

 should have incurred any expenses, said Lord of Nederhorst in such case shall

pay indemnification, upon the award of expert arbitrators. With the distinct

understanding that each for his own share shall bear his own expenses and

shall people the same, and further each shall regulate his own property in such

a manner as they shall deem proper without having anything further in

community with the other; with express condition that if the Lord Count of

Solms in regard to his Colony should happen to acquire any more privileges

from the West India Company or their High Mightinesses, that said Lord of

Nederhorst shall also exert himself as much as possible that said Melyn, in

such case, shall also receive similar condition and privileges for his portion,

without however being obliged to positively acquire the same. Said Melyn

promising to act as superintendent and to take care that the people to be sent

there by the Lord of Nederhorst (who will do so as soon as his Honor shall

find an opportunity) shall be held to their duty, and to report on the same from

time to time. The said people to be sent there by the said Lord of Nederhorst

are not to act in weighty matters unless with the advice of the said Cornelis

Melyn. In ratification of which parties mutually pledge their respective persons

and goods, submitting the same for this purpose to all Lords, Courts and

jurisdictions. In testimony respective parties have subscribed to this present

(which remains in the custody of me Jan De Graeff Notary Public at

Amsterdam) in the presence of and with me Notary, at Amsterdam, this sixth

of May, old style, of the year sixteen hundred forty one.

Agrees with the minute of the deceased Notary Jan De Graeff, this 16th

January Anno 1648.

By me

F. Steur, Notary Public

1648.

Endorsed:

Agremt with the Lord Nederhorst and Cornelis Melyen

[Translated from the Dutch]

We, Willem Kieft Director General and Councillors for the High Mighty Lords

States General of the United Netherlands, his Highness of Orange and the

Hon. Heeren Managers of the privileged West India Company, residing in

New Netherland, Make known and declare by these presents that on this

underwritten date we have granted to Burger Joorissen a lot situated on the

bank of the East River on the Island Manhatans to the East of the Fort,

extending to the East eleven rods and to the North ten rods, being an uneven

square amounting to one hundred and ten rods of land; with express

conditions and stipulations that he, Borger Joorisen, or those acquiring by

virtue of this present his right, shall acknowledge the aforesaid Heeren

Managers as his Lords and Patroons under the Sovereignty of the High

Mighty Lords States General, and here their Director and Councillors to obey

in everything as good inhabitants are bound to do; and provided he, Burger

Joorisen further submits to all such charges and duties as have already been

imposed or shall yet be imposed by the Hon. Heeren. It is also stipulated that

Burger Joorissen, in one or two years time, on the said lot on the strand shall

yet cause to be built a good house. Therefore confering upon said Burger

Jorissen, or those entering upon his right in our stead real and actual

ownership of said lot, granting him by these presents absolute and irrevocable

power and authority and special order to build on, inhabit, and use said lot, as

he might do with other his patrimonial lands and possessions, without we

grantors, in our afore stated quality, having, reserving or retaining any the least

share, ownership or authority in the same, but in behalf of as above from now

on and forever renouncing everything, promising further firmly, irrevocably and

unbreakably to observe and carry out this their Conveyance, all under pledge

as expressed by law; without guile or craft this has been subscribed by us and

confirmed with our seal in red wax, in Fort Amsterdam April 28th, 1643,

New Style. Was signed Willem Kieft.

By order of the Hon. Heeren Directors and Councillors of New Netherland

Cornelis Van Tienhoven

Secretary.

Lib A fo. 58

A true Copy

David Jamison D: Secry

Endorsed in Dutch

Grant of Burger Jorison, of the 28th April 1643.

[Translated from the Dutch]

In the year after the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ one thousand

six hundred four and forty the 17th day of December, appeared before me

Cornelis Van Tienhoven, Secretary of New Netherland, Burger Jorisen,

Farrier (hoefsmid) and inhabitant here, who declared in the presence of the

below subscribed witnesses to convey and transfer in a true free ownership to

Mr. Cornelis Melyn, his house and lot situated on the island Manhatans, as he

is by these presents conveying and transfering said lot and house by virtue of

ground brief & conveyance granted by the Director and Councillors of New

Netherland, dated April 28, 1643. On account whereof he Burger Jorisen

Constitutes in his stead as real and actual owner of the said lot and house said

Cornelis Melyn or those entering upon his right, granting him irrevocable

power, authority and what has been expressed before, so that he, Melyn, may

do with and dispose of the same as he might do with other his patrimonial

estate, without he, the grantor, retaining in the same any ownership or claim

(the bill of sale having been satisfied), but renouncing the same from now on

for ever. In testimony hereof, the

Minute of the present has been subscribed to at the record office by Burger

Jorissen, Will. De Kay & Gysbert Opdyck, as witnesses invited for this

purpose. Done at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, December 17, 1644,

New Style. It was subscribed to with the mark of Burger Jorisen and signed in

the name of Burger Jorisen.

On March 18, 1661 the here standing

name has been put down by

Burger Jorisse.

To which we testify

N. De Sille, N. Bayard

A true copy taken from the Records being much toorne. (signed) David

Jamison. D:Secry.

Endorsed in Dutch: Conveyance of Burger Joris to Cornelis Melyn, December

17th, 1644.

[Translated from the Dutch]

[Mandamus April 28, 1648]

The States General of the United Netherlands, To the first Marshall or

Messenger having power to serve when requested, Greeting: Make Known,

that we, having received the humble supplication presented to us by and in

behalf of Jochem Pietersz Cuyter and Cornelis Melyn, containing that they,

petitioners, with permission and leave of the Assembly of the XIX of the

General West India Company, with wife and children and with private means,

besides a large herd of cattle, in the year one thousand six hundred and thirty

nine, transported themselves from these countries to New Netherland, so that

they, petitioners, after enormous expenses, difficulties and inexpressible labor,

got into condition, in the year sixteen hundred forty three, their lands,

houses and other undertakings which in the aforesaid year on account of the

war (waged by Director Kieft unjustly and contrary to all international law,

with the savages or natives of New Netherland) they have been obliged to

abandon and as a consequence lost all their property. On account hereof the

petitioners, besides the other six Selected Men took counsel and in the name

of the joint Commonality in New Netherland in the year sixteen hundred forty

four by the Blue Cock, sent two letters: to the said Assembly of the XIX, as

also to the Directors in Amsterdam, containing their grievances regarding this

matter, the disasters grown out of these actual murders, massacres and many

other cruelties (which is appalling to every christian conscience having

information hereof) which Director Kieft at the time, has caused to be

perpetrated by his forces among the simple and innocent savages, as may be

learned more at large from the original letter to the XIX; so that the Eight

selected men did not know that they had transgressed in this matter, but had

hoped that the same would have been taken in good part by the Lords

Directors. But petitioners find on the contrary that their writings were taken in

the worst part by the Lords, who consequently returned said letter with the

New Director Stuyvesant to New Netherland to Director Kieft, from which

subsequently followed that said Kieft began to proceed very vigorously

against the Eight Select Men (especially against both petitioners) and has

caused them to be prosecuted by the Fiscal. In such a manner that Director

Stuyvesant (in order to please said Kieft in the matter) has banished

petitioners for a number of years out of the country because they were not

willing to repeal the truth, and adhered to their previous writings. Petitioners

thereupon turned to us, requesting, imploring and praying for God's Sake, that

we should be pleased to maintain them in their just cause, that they might again

be able to join their poor, desolute wives and children, and to be reinstated in

their former condition on their devastated lands. And in case petitioners have

transgressed through any improper documents (tending to the damage of New

Netherland or the common weal, which they have never attempted) they

submit to such punishment as we shall find to be proper. But on the contrary it

will be shown that petitioners in their writings did not consider anything but

that the common prosperity and the desire for peace in New Netherland might

again be restored, and that the inhuman cruelties, tryanny and evil government

(which in that country from time to time have been inflicted by the officers of

the West India Company especially by Director Kieft upon the inhabitants of

New Netherland) might be stopped. As a consequence of these barbaric

proceedings the entire government of that country has been erupted the

householders chased away, their lands laid waste, the farms and plantations to

the number of fifty or sixty burnt and reduced to cinders. And, worst of all, the

the name of the Netherland nation, on account of the cruel acts is most

thoroughly detested by the Heathens of that country. And then when the poor

inhabitants complained about these and other harsh proceedings to the High

Sovereign Government, they were, by the Director, chased out of the country,

in such a manner that in course of time the country was denuded of the Dutch

inhabitants, and at present there are found there little more than a hundred

males (excepting the private traders), and therefore it is to be feared that the

English (who arrived some years after the Dutch, and within fifteen years

increased to about fifty or sixty thousand souls in New England) and already

now have had a taste of the fruitfulness and also of the convenient navigable

rivers of our New Netherland, will in course of time attempt to become

masters of the same. On account whereof petitioners again cordially pray that

this aforesaid, and their humble petition may be considered by us, and they

may be granted their reasonable and just request, which has even been

promised by the Assembly of the XIX in their Freedoms of 1630 to all

Patroons and Free Residents. Considering which we order and command

you,

commissioning you by these presents, that at the request of the said petitioners

you summon in our behalf the aforesaid Director Stuyvesant and the members

of the New Netherland government before mentioned, besides all others; if

necessary to come and appear, or send attorneys, on an appropriate day,

before us here at the Hague, to maintain and defend the aforesaid sentences

and the tenor of the same or if they deem proper to renounce the same; to see

and to hear the same pronounced null, void and of no value and in

consequence modify and correct the same, as per law, if such be necessary;

to reply to such questioning as petitioners shall be inclined to put on the proper

day, in order, parties heard, petitioners may be granted by us such remedies

of Justice, and also of grace, if necessary, as shall be found requisite, and be

appropriate to the cause. Further forbidding and most rigorously ordering on

our behalf if need be on certain heavy penalty, the aforesaid defendants and all

others, that pending the case in appeal they do not act, attempt, nor innovate

anything against nor in prejudice of the same, nor of the said appellants; but in

case anything should have been done, attempted or innovated contrary to the

same, that immediately and without delay they repair the same, putting it in its

first and proper state. Leaving, in behalf of defendants, copy of the present

and of your service, relating to us on the said day what you shall have done in

this matter. Given at The Hague, on the twenty eighth of April, sixteen hundred

and forty eight.

Hieron: Eybenvt

By order of the above named Lords

States General Corn. Musch

1648.

Endorsed as follows: The States General of the United Netherlands, To all

who shall see or hear read this present,

greeting Make Known, that having paid attention to the later petition made to

us on this day in the name and on behalf of Jochim Pietersz Cuyter and

Cornelis Melyn our subjects, and residents of New Netherland, have

amplified, as we are amplifying by the present, the mandamus inscribed on the

other side of this present, in such a manner that the said mandamus may be

served not only by a messenger, marshall or Notary but by such other person,

whether official or private, as the said petitioners, either together or separately,

shall be able to acquire and agree upon. Ordering and commanding each and

every one whom it may in any way concern, exactly to regulate themselves in

conformity herewith, in every appearance as if the aforesaid amplification had

been verbally inserted in the aforesaid mandamus. Given in the Hague on the

Sixth of May, sixteen hundred forty eight.

J. Van Gentvt

By order of the above named Lords States General

Corn. Musch

[Translated from the Dutch]

[This Document without the above endorsement is printed in the "Documents

Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New York." Vol. I, p. 250-1.]

[Melyen vs. Van der Capellen]

The Hon. Lord Debit

1. By appraisal of arbitrators is to pay for the barn, rick, well,

palisades, etc. and guardhouse etc, the amount of guilders 1500

2. For 6 1/2 Morgen (13 Acres) of clear land guilders 650

3. For postrails, according to the decision of arbitrators " 171:8

4. For the Cattle, as per the Contract " 800

5. Also according to account as sent to His Honor on Sep.

18, 1651 for what I have advanced for His Honor's Farmers " 1395:3:8

Bill delivered this 15 December 1652, to Mr. Lubbartes Van

Dincklagen and Jabock Van Couwenhoven for advances

made to this date to the said farmers " 430:9 4948:0:8

[Melyen vs. Van der Capellen]

Credit

1. For as much as he has paid to me in Fatherland in 1650,

as appears in the Contract. guilders 1200

2. For two pairs of plough oxen, ordered in my account, sent

on September 18, 1651. " 400 guilders 1600

3. December 13, 1652, for an assignment drawn on the said

date to the charge of the said Lord " 600

guilders 2200

4. Balance of the present account

guilders 2748-8

guilders 4948-8

5. Note that the 280 wagon loads of manure have not

been considered in the account of the arbitrators but have

been left to the discretion of the Hon. Lord. by me

Cornelis Melyn.

This account is endorsed in English: L. Capelle acct wch he owes to Cornelius

Melyen.

[Though the account mentions neither the name of the debtor nor the locality

on account whereof the debts were contracted, it is evident that this is

Melyen's account with Baron Van der Capellen concerning the latter's colony

on Staten Island.]

[Power of Attorney to J. Schellinger]

[One line entirely destroyed]

. . . Melyn on her departure . . . declared to constitute and [half a line out] her

son in law Jacob Schellinger . . . to, in her prospective absence, the cattle

[out] her . . . are on the Staten Island, to have them as early as possible ferried

across, and to sell the same to her largest profit, to pay the debts resting on

the same, as well to Andries Pos, as those incurred in conveying the same and

other expenses, and as quickly as possible to send over the balance as per

verbal orders given concerning the same; and further generally in the above

case, to act and do in everything as she, the principal or her husband himself, if

present should and might do, even if further or more specific power might be

required than is here expressed. Promising to consider and to have considered

valid, binding and well done what her aforesaid attorney shall have done and

executed in the aforesaid matter. Binding her person and goods, provided that

the attorney, under equal bond, be held upon request to render account, proof

and reliqua of his receipts and disbursements. Thus granted and passed in the

presence of Caspar Steymets and Isaack Kip, as witnesses invited this April

6th 1656, at Amsterdam in New Netherland.

Janneken Melyen

witnesses|Casper Steinmets

Isack Kip

Known to me

Jacob Kip, Secretary.

To the Hon. Lords Managers of the privileged West India

Company at the Chamber of Amsterdam.

Makes Known with due reverence Cornelis Melyn Patroon of Staten Island;

that he petitioner in the year 1640, on July 2, obtained from your Honors

liberty to found in New Netherland, wherever he might think proper a colony

and that for this purpose he selected the said Staten Island, which selection

was approved by your Honors and entered in your Honors' Colonial registers,

as can be further seen by Act and Conditions of the same.

The petitioner, in extending and erecting his colony has sustained several

unexpected obstacles damages and great disasters: First, on August 13, 1640,

when he was going thither with people, cattle, goods and all implements

necessary for agriculture, he was taken by a Dunkirk frigate, on account

whereof he was prevented said year till Anno 1641, when through your help

and assistance he arrived with the ship "Den Eyckenboom" (The Oaktree) in New

Netherland on the said Statten Island with 41 persons. He immediately began to build

houses, to plough land, and to do everything conducive to establishing a good

colony, begrudging neither money nor labor. But thereupon a second

unexpected disaster took place owing to a war with the savages or aborigines,

commenced in New Netherland. My houses and farms and everything were

burnt my cattle besides some people were shot dead, so that I was obliged to

flee for the sake of saving my life, and to sojourn with wife and children at the

Menatans till the year 1647, when the new Director Petres Stuyvesant

proceeded very severely against the (8) Eight Men, one of whom was myself;

elected by the community, on account of two letters so written to your Honors

in the name of the poor ruined community treating of the cause of the war,

disasters and the consequences of the same, which letters had been read by

your Honors and returned to him Stuyvesant. As a consequence hereof I,

besides one Jochem Pietersen Cuyter were by said Stuyvesant banished from

New Netherland for a number of years, according to the sentence

pronounced regarding the same, and departed for Fatherland from New

Netherland with the ship The Princess Amelia in company with Director

Willem Kieft. However owing to mistakes and wrong calculations we entered

the "Verkeerde Canaal" (Bristol Channel) where during the night, the ship

went to pieces, many people were drowned, and after having floated hither

and thither at sea for about eighteen hours, the Lord be praised, I at last

reached land, where I found Jochem Pietersen Cuyter and some other people

and subsequently, after much trouble, arrived in the fatherland, where I

advised with Jochem Pietersen Cuyter about complaining to their High

Mightinesses of the unjust sentence pronounced, the violence and trouble

caused us by the Director in New Netherland, with request of Mandamus on

account of appeal, which was granted us, Herewith, in the year 1648, we

returned to New Netherland, in the hope, in the future to be permitted with

wife and children, peacefully to live on our lands.

But whereas said Director used every means to sustain his unjust

sentence, and the Secretary Cornelis Van Thienhooven (who most believe to

be the cause of all disasters and calamities fallen during his time upon New

Netherland) was by him sent to Fatherland to appear in his stead before their

High Mightinesses, I resolved also to go thither, besides some delegates of the

Community, in order to be present in cases which might concern me, but

mostly to look for means to restock my ruined Colony and again, if possible,

to retore the same, as my power and capital, owing to the said causes, had

been very much diminished. Consequently I received some money from good

friends, some of whom I have yet to pay, and futher, for the said purpose I

agreed on certain conditions with the Hon. Lord Hendrick Van der Capellen

to resell etc., about one-third share of my Colony on the Staten Island, which

upon contract he agrees at his expense to people with settlers, and to bring his

share up to condition, which he has demonstrated. Consequently about 70

strong and with fresh necessaries for agriculture I again set sail for New

Netherland, with the ship named the New Netherland Fortune. But whereas

we encountered very bad weather and unfavorable conditions, after much

trouble, many dangers and out of provisions and water, we at last arrived at

the Red Island, where we were obliged to provide ourselves with some

victuals and water, and therefore to exchange some merchandise. We

therewith arrived in New Netherland in front of the Staten Island where owing

to contrary wind and tides we cast anchor. The people belonging there,

joyfully went on land, thanking God for Having been freed from the water and

the ship. Meanwhile about sunset, Fiscal Van Dyck arrives on board with the

Sergeant and a few soldiers to guard the ship, so that no merchandise should

be discharged from the same. Thereafter we arrived at the Menatans,

expecting to be welcomed by the Director, as well as by the community and

all lovers of New Netherland and of the Company, owing to the arrival of the ship

and such a splendid multitude of country people consisting of farmers and farm

laborers, the like of whom, it was averred, had never yet been seen (to arrive)

in New Netherland. But on the contrary the Director began by manifesting his

old hatred and partisanship asserting first that at the Staten Island something

should have been discharged which looked like contraband; second that I

should have sold goods at the Red Island; third that one Casper Verlet, who

said to be part owner of the ship should have been deprived of his claimed

share in the ship and the merchandise; fourth, that I had too much encouraged

the skipper in his evil intent and further several allegations not worth while

enumerating here but which can be seen from the documents regarding the

same. Owing to these before enumerated causes he begins, through the fiscal,

to proceed very rigorously against ship and goods, attaches everything, arrests

my person guarding me well with soldiers; as a consequence my newly arrived

country people began to grumble, the desire for work, because I could not be

present there, they began to loose to my great damage and expense; the crew

were arrested, and thus were forced to make such declarations as pleased the

authorities; (which arrest) caused me great expense to the crew, and for the

ships repairs, up to the time when it pleased him to confiscate ship and goods

and to appropriate the same to his own use. Not stopping at this, but for the

purpose of absolutely ruining me, also my real estate being at the Menatans,

consisting of some houses and lots, was attached and sold to my great

damage under appearance of "rugrant" of the shipper and owners; so that

owing to these before related acts I have clearly perceived that for me there

was no security at the Menatans owing to these many arrests, citations,

summonses and molestations and I have resolved to quit the Menatans and,

thus Wronged and plundered, to join with wife and children my people in my

colony on Staten Island. And I left the Director at the Menatans with all his

proceedings to continue as he pleased without defending my just cause, as it

would not have done me any good anyway, and further intending to repair my

above mentioned losses, and attend to the support of my wife and children,

which has again been assiduously undertaken by myself and my people, and

commenced to cultivate the land which had been laying so long fallow to clear,

plow, sow, mow, thresh, make a harbor to build houses, racks, barns for the

purpose of lodging the people, and the cattle we were using, as an ornament

of New Netherland and an honor and credit to the Hon. Company and further

as an incentive and spur to all other country people as well villagers as

detached farmers, and even to those arriving from the Menatans itself, who

were surprised at the large crop of grain which had this year been produced

through our diligence; and there had been commenced sixteen handsome

farms as well by myself as by my children as also by the people taken along

by me for the Lord Van der Capelle and sent over by His Honor; which farms

were covered with twenty seven buildings; houses, racks and barns, each well

provided with cattle as well beautiful plow oxen, milch cows, as calves for

increase, so that every thing began to be abundant on Staten Island, and

through God's blessing I again began to recover my losses. But Director

Stuyvesant again became active, as if it appeared that my prosperity began to

trouble him. For when, in the year 1655, in August, he had received some

soldiers from Fatherland by the ship the Waech (Balance) Captain Frederick

De Cooninck, to sail with them on an expedition to the South River, he

dispatched said Cooninck with the Fiscal Cornelis Van Tienhoven and some

soldiers to the Staten Island for the purpose of fetching me; but being ignorant

of the same, about two or three hours before, I had gone in my boat to the

Menatans in order to attend to some business concerning my colony. The

Director Stuyvesant met me with some soldiers, and he immediately exclaimed

Take hold of Melyn, conduct him to the guard house and secure him well.

There I was incarcerated till the return from Staten Island of the

boat with the said Capt. Coninck and Fiscal Tienhoven. He thereupon

convened his council and the said Captain, has me brought before him, asks

me "where are the letters you have received from the Swedes?" which

sounded to me as strange as if I had been asked for letters from the great

Turck, and gave for answer not to know of any letters from the Swedes, nor

that I was expecting any. To this said Stuyvesant replied "you will soon be

taught to speak differently," and ordered the fiscal to have me conducted to

prison and to secure me well. I was there conducted and thrown in a dark

hole, and I was not to see nor to converse with any one. This lasted twenty

five days without a further hearing until the 16th of September when the

Savages set fire to all buildings around the Menatans, and killed and murdered

a large number of our people which at the Menatans and the whole country

[here three quarters of a line obliterated] interceding and running to and fro of

my wife and children as well as others, permitted me under certain conditions

to leave the hole. I then immediately departed for the Staten Island to see

whether I could save my people, houses and goods from the savages; but in

vain; for a few days later the savages arrived there in great numbers and

commenced to attack our people, to set fire to the houses, stacks, barns

mostly full of grain, so that the people were obliged to seek safety in my house

which they (the savages) also succeeded in setting afire. And when the cinders

began to fall down on us we were forced to leave it and obliged to break

through the savages to enable us to retire to another small house standing

close to the shore. Here we held out for some time longer, hoping meanwhile

to receive some assistance from the Menatans. But all in vain. At last the

savages called out to us that if we desired quarter they would grant the same

to us, whereupon we resolved as we saw no other refuge [here nearly an

entire line obliterated] because from among our number already 15 or 16

persons, among whom my son 22 years old, my son in law and two nephews

had been shot

dead, besides some wounded; and thus fifty one in number went into captivity

among the savages, where we remained during thirty one days until I had

raised a ransom of about 1,400 guilders for myself, wife, son and son in law,

which was to be paid if we did not want to be burnt alive in a fire which for

this purpose had been already prepared and was burning. Subsequently

arriving at the Menatans, as miserable as we well could be, we hoped to enjoy

some quiet after our sad imprisonment. But the day following there arrived at

my lodgings Secretary Van Reuven with a sergeant in command of soldiers

armed with firearms and sword, saying "Melyn the Director sends us hither

and lets you know that you must try to find more ransom, for the savages are

not yet satisfied," and forced me immediately to go in search of 60 or 70

guilders additional payment, if I did not want to be put in the former prison. It

appeared to me somewhat suspicious that the savages were so bold, and at

the Menatans, through the servants of the Company, dared to vex me yet

further; (it occurred to me) that the same might have been trumped up in order

to at once ruin me. I submit to your Honour's judgment after all that had

befallen me and I being in such a sorrowful and miserable condition, my

children and people murdered by the savages, the houses, racks, barns to the

number of 25, burnt, the people, cattle and farms destroyed, my goods stolen,

and in place thereof debts incurred for my ransom, and retaining the bitter

hatred of the Director, I have resolved to quit the Menatans, in order not to

perish absolutely with wife and children and for the time being to put myself

under the protection of the English; and consequently departed with my family

for New Haven, until I shall have found opportunity and means to pay for the

trip hither, Meanwhile making your Honors acquainted with my distress as

related heretofore, with humble request to sustain me in my just cause against

the aforesaid Petrus Stuyvesant regarding the evil acts and great damage

unjustly inflicted on me, and to assist me in regaining my own, in order with the

same means and your Honors' assistance to refound my ruined colony for the

third time, and to restore the same to its former condition.

Which doing etc.

Endorsed in English

The Remonstrance & Petition of Cornelius Melyen to ye West India

Company in Amsterdam Ano 1659.

[Translated from the Dutch]

Upon this thirteenth Day of June 1659 (???) Mr Cornelius Melyen (who untill

this time hath been Patron, & hath had Jus Patronatus of ye Colony of Staten

Island scituated in ye mouth of ye North River in New Netherland) for himself,

his heirs & Successors acknowledgeth to have bargained & agreed wth the

Lords ye Directors of ye privileged West India Company at their chamber

here in Amsterdam freely & most amicably by these presents (Vizt) That he

consenteth to desist deliver over, transfer & Transport all ye Pow'r, Authority,

Highness, Jurisdiction, preheminencies, prerogatives, Profitts, Emoluments,

Liberties, & exemptions belonging to him in quality of Patroon & belonged to

him until now in upon ye lands & Colony of ye sd. Staten Island with ye

following dependencies & appendencies thereof none excepted by him

procured, according to ye Resolutions, Acts, articles, freedoms & exemptions

& other instruments as likewise by ye letters of conveyance made over

especially unto him by Willm. Kieft Governor of New Netherland, & other

letters of concessions, which may have been granted concerning ye same,

none excepted, which he also agreeth to deliver up unto ye abovementioned

Chamber, as well here as in New Netherland as many as are yet in his

custody & possession

are made to cease Expressly upon ye following conditions. Vizt. That ye

abovementioned company & chamber shall in New Netherland make

restitution of all such Sum or Sums of money, which were produced from

certain his houseings & Lotts scituated & being upon ye Manhatans in New

Amsterdam neer ye ffort (which were sold by Governor Stuyvesandt by

Execution in behalf of Daniel Michiels master of ye Ship ye New Netherland's

Fortune) shall be restored to him again in New Netherland by sd. Company &

chamber for ye sd. Moneys or so much thereof as yet may be found to remain

wth ye sd. company.

And moreover that ye Just Sume of fifteen hundred gilders shall be forthwith

paid him, & likewise that he shall enjoy ye Freedome & exemption of ye

Custome both here & in New Netherland of ye value of about one thousand

gilders Stock of Merchandise, being necessary utensels for cultivating land &

permitted, wch he should think fitt to carry wth him into New Netherland.

As likewise that himself, his family & his people wth him shall be transported

over thither with their own ships or ships hired at ye charge of the company

according to ye Prsent use. Also that he for ye future as a free Coloneer &

inhabitant for himself & his Successors shall hold & possess as free & legal

estate, ye lands houses & lotts, which he hath there in ye sd. Colony, & hath

hitherto made use of & which he yet shall be able to improve (& by others not

possessed) they shall enjoy ye Succession thereof or by will, writings,

donation or gift, agreemt. or otherwise may dispose thereof, as according to

ye Articles of Privilege & Exemptions granted to Patroons & Coloneers. That

likewise his eldest son being capable (& ye sd. Colony having need of a

Schout, & one to be appointed thereupon) shall be preferred before any other

by ye aforesd. Company & Chamber. And Finally that by ye present

Governor Steuyvesandt shall be shewed & maintained a perfect Amnestia of

all Strifes, hatred & differences, which formerly may

have risen between them; as well in respect of ye Company as their own

private concerns; ye same hereby to remain forgiven & forgotten & for ye

future they to be good friends & to respect & acknowledge each other in his

quality & to demonstrate all resaonable Assistance. To ye performance of all

ye premises He Cornelius Melyen bindeth himself & his estate movable and

unmovable, present & future none excepted to ye Submission of ye Court of

Holland & all laws & Judges as well in New Netherland as herein this

Countrey--In Witness whereof this is underwritten by ye undernamed Lords

& Committe of ye West India Company thereunto authoriz'd by ye Lords

their fellow brethren on ye behalf of ye aforementiond company & chamber

by special Comission dated ye tenth of April last past, & by ye aforesd.

Cornelius Melyen at Amsterdam ye day & year aforesd. was underwritten &

signed. Edward Man as Direct. Abraham Wilmerdonck as Directr H:

Bontemantel as Directr Cornelius Melyen late Patroon of Staten Island in ye

presence of me as Notary, H: Schaef No. P.

It agreeth with ye original signed

agreement being in my Custody

In Witness

H: Shaef Noy Public

Examined this with ye Dutch

agreemt. & find it to be a

true translate to ye best of

my understanding as Witness

my hand

Jacob Leisler

Also by me

vera copia

George Turfry

Endorsed: A Copy of ye Translate of ye Agreement of Melyen wth ye West

India Company Examd Pr

Mr. Leisler

[This Document is printed in O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland. . .

Vol. 2, pages 575-6.]

To the Hon. Heeren Managers of the Privileged West India Company at the

Chamber of Amsterdam, and to the Hon. Commissioners appointed to

negotiate with Cornelis Melyen regarding his colony on the Staten Island, viz.

Mr. Edwaerd Man, Mr. Abram Wilmerdonck, Mr. Hans Bontemantel, as

Managers.

Hon. Gentlemen I trust that it is still fresh in your Honors' memory that, on

June 13, 1659, at Amsterdam, I most amicably agreed, covenanted and

contracted with your Honors, viz, in such a manner as can be seen from the

way of Curacoa, On March 5, 1660, I safely arrived with God's help in New

Netherland. I showed the said agreement and contract, besides your Honors'

good intentions to the Hon. Heer Stuyvesant, and verbally proposed to him

that I hoped and trusted that the same would be followed up and carried out

by his Honor. He answered in substance according to my best recollection,

that he would regulate himself according to the orders of the Hon. Heeren

Managers, his masters and principals. And a little time afterward I went to His

Honor, and informed him that for account of the said Company and Chamber

in New Netherland there shall be returned to me all such monies as have

proceeded of certain my house and lots, standing and situate on the Menatans

in New Amsterdam near the Fort, which, by Director Stuyvesant, by

execution levied in behalf of Daniel Migielse, skipper of the ship the New

Netherland Fortune have been sold, or as much of the monies as should yet

be in the hands of the Company; answers that the Hon. Company never has had

any monies produced by the sale. Here upon I requested His Honor to afford

me some information about where they were or who had received them, or

how to get at them. He refers me to Commissary Caerel Verbrugge in order

to obtain from him information and light regarding the same, who, after I had

several times petitioned, requested and accosted him, at last said and gave me

for answer that he had much sought after the same and had not succeeded in

finding it. With this I had to be satisfied until May 23, 1661, when the Director

General had bidden me to attend his meeting, as can be seen from the

attached copy of his resolution. Among other things we had several debates

concerning this matter also some debates and talks concerning the sale of

house and lots though it had not been expressed or mentioned in the

Resolution, as it appears that their Honors don't bother as much about this

matter as about other questions, contrary to their Honors favor and good

opinion. Arriving now to the second dispute in the contract, broached by

Director and Council: their Honors also grant me exemption from tolls, as well

here as in New Netherland on the amount of about one thousand guilders

capital, in merchandise, which I should import. Now the Hon. Lords in

addition to their aforesaid exemption have permitted about fifteen hundred

guilders' worth to follow me, in conformity with their verbal promise that a

couple hundred guilders difference would not matter, which has been actually

substantiated by your Honors. Will also show gratitude at occurring

occasions. Now upon arriving here I request to enjoy the same favor as at

Amsterdam, according to the tenor of the agreement. In opposition to this it is

argued that it is their Honors' opinion "exemption at Amsterdam but not in

New Netherland, Upon sending the goods again tolls must be paid." I answer

if it had not been the opinion of the Hon. Heeren Managers they would simply

have said "Here at Amsterdam," not "As well here as in New Netherland,"

from which it is plainly

to be understood: "In New Netherland as well exempt as at Amsterdam,"

where the Hon. Heeren have granted the freedom, and still so much more as

has been stated before. Thirdly His Honor and his Council dispute about

freight and passenger charges for myself and accompanying people, in this

manner in regard to this article: "And further that he and his family and

accompanying people with hired or owned vessels, shall be conveyed thither

by said Company, at the expense of the Hon. Company, in accorddance with

the present custom." This "present custom" is here by the Director and Council

understood: that the expense and passage charges are to be paid upon arriving

here. Answer, if this was the case it would have been unnecessary to have

made any condition regarding it, or to enter the same in a contract, and would

[my]self have sought means of conveyance or have agreed with the skipper.

Fourth, it is disputed and illy explained that which the Hon. Heeren opine

justly and in good faith, viz: that from now on as a free colonist and inhabitant

for himself and his descendants he shall have and hold as a free allodial

property the lands, houses and lots which in the said colony there he

possesses, and has hitherto occupied, and which he shall yet there take up

and, are not possessed by others, and shall enjoy the succession of the same

or may dispose of the same by will codicil, donation or gift, contract or

otherwise, as per the articles of Freedoms and Exemptions, was granted to

the patroons and colonists. Surely it is plain and visible, from the abovesaid

that it is not the Hon. Lords opinion and desire to take away from me the

liberal grant, made and conveyed to me in their Assembly of July 3, 1640, and

further on February 18 & 25, 1641, by which the before mentioned grant is

renewed. And further the groundbrief--being the conveyance--also expresses

the granting of the entire Staten Island as a consequence of the consent

mentioned above, signed by the Heer General Wilm Kieft, dated June 19,

1642. And whereas the contract states that I shall

surrender all letters and documents concerning the jurisdiction and what

appertains thereto, which I have also immediately done, requesting again a

new groundbrief of the lands of the Staten Island, in the manner as I

possessed and occupied the same heretofore, as can be seen by said Act and

Letters; this opinion of the Hon. Lords is thus explained by Director and

Council, if he was to remain in possession of the said entire Island, why then

had it been necessary to stipulate that he and his descendants should possess

and retain as free allodial good the lands, houses and lots he possesses on the

said Island and which up to the present he has occupied, and still shall be able

to occupy. This forsooth is to be surely and clearly understood that the Hon.

Lords let me keep that which thay have granted and given me, as was said

before. For it has been occupied nor expenses incurred for, by anybody else

but myself and those who received my permission. On the other hand if the

Hon. Lords were of opinion that I should not remain proprietor of the Island,

and their Honors had retained it to themselves to grant away, why then did the

Hon. Heeren have need to agree with heirs of the Hon. deceased Lord

Vander Capelle, whom, by contract, I ceded one third portion of the entire

Island, which still remains hypothecated (mortgaged) for my advanced

moneys. As also in what manner I have yet pointed out and promised and

agreed with many others about my lands, besides with the Hon. Heer Van der

Cappellen. But neither this nor several other clear proofs and arguments I

desire to produce for the Hon. Heeren but refer the Hon. Heeren to my

petition delivered in to the meeting--where on April 10, by resolution, the

above named gentlemen were appointed--from which can be seen the great

expenses, exceedingly hard work, great damage and difficulties, come to me

on account of the said entire Island. These gentlemen after having maturely

considered and discussed this entire matter, in accordance with your Honors'

wise and intelligent understanding shall conclude,

in every respect, that I deserve to be maintained in my just causes, which I

also hope and firmly trust shall thus be done by your Honors, and that

Director General Stuyvesant shall then be ordered by the high authority of the

Hon. Heeren Managers of the Chamber of Amsterdam, to let me peacebly

enjoy the perfect effect of the favor of the Hon. Lords' good intentions, so that

I, besides those who have yet remained and besides myself have saved their

lives from the savages, resolve again to take up our former lands and renew

our dwellings; and orders might be issued by your Honors that the means

towards this end should not be prevented and that I might be shown where I

can find the moneys of my sold houses and lots, which means would now also

be serviceable to me on the Staten Island, and give courage to my dispersed

people, who would gladly return to their lands, in order to put them in the

same good condition as before.

Endorsed in Dutch:

Copy of a letter of Cornelis Melyn to the Managers at Amsterdam,

concerning his opinion about the Contract entered into with the Gentlemen.

Endorsed in English:

A copy of a Letter of Cornelius Melyen to ye Committe & Lords of ye West

India Company at Amsterdam complaining of ye evil usage & bad exposition

of Governr Steuyvesant relating to ye Agreemt made about ye Title of

Goverm. upon ye Colony of Stat Isld.

[Translated from the Dutch]

Cornelius Melyen at ye desire of the Lords of the West India company at their

chamber in Amsterdam, declares what be knows concerning ye purchase of

Staten Island from

the Indians in New-Netherland, & what they receiv'd for ye payment of it,

Sayith that Anno 1640. (at which time ye aforesd. Lords had granted him

License to plant & manure his sd. Colony of Staten Island) he went to ye late

Governr Walter Vantwilder (then being at Amsterdam) of whom he amongst

other things Enquired into ye circumstances of ye purchace of Staten Island of

ye Indians, who answered him, that ye Island was bought & paid for by ye

Governr Minnewit, who immediately preceded him; He desired him (if he

could) to do him ye kindness of furnishing him with ye relation thereof in

writing, wch (at his request) he did, & gave him some days after a written

Copy taken out of ye purchac'd deed (or bill of Sale) which shew'd what pay

ye Indians receiv'd for sd, Island, vizt. Some Duffies Kittles, Axes, Hoes,

Wampum, Drilling Awls, Jews Harps, and diverse other small wares, which

were all particularizd, wch Bill of Sale was signed by diverse Indians &

remaind in his custody intill ye Dunkirkers took him, his Ship, people, Cattle &

all his writings-- The Year following arriving in New Netherland & being come

on Staten Island I (ye sd. Cornelius Melyen) caused ye Indians to be askt

whether they were not well recompenced by Minnewit for sd. Island, They

gave me for Answer, yt they had sold it to sd. Minnewit & were paid for it,

but that it was their custome, when a New Governr came to such a place, that

there should be a Gratuity given them; thereby to continue the friendship

between ye Indians & or nation, which I did to ye great content & Satisfaction

of them all--After this when I took out my Patent from Goverr Willm Kieft

pursuant to ye grant of ye aforesd. Lords, I desired that ye Indians might once

again be ask'd if they had yet any pretence to any Right upon Staten Island, or

could pretend to make any, which was done by ye Secretary Cornelius Van

Tienhooven, who could speak in ye Indian Dialect very well, whereupon they

answered that they were well satisfied & well agreed with me, & they (ye sd.

Indians), after that made no pretence till ye year 1649--at

which time I was in ye mind to go with my wife, children & people to live

upon sd. Island again. The Indians began then of to speak of buying ye Island

again; I then demonstrated to them ye aforesd. Sale & agreement, which they

acknowledged they knew very well, & that they did not speak of that, but

they supposed that ye Island by reason of ye war, by killing, burning & driving

us off, was become theirs again, and therefore thought that there must be a

new bargain made, which I wholly refused them & would neither give, nor

promise them any thing saying unto them, that which is sold, must remain sold

& that ye Dutch will not pay twice for any thing, which they have once bought,

but if they will once more have a small gift gratis to maintain good friendship as

had been done before I would give it them, whereunto (after mature

deliberation among themselves) they resolved; whereupon I gave them

amongst them all two Coats of Duffles containing Six Ells four fathom of

wampum, 5, or 6, little kittles, some awls & needles wherewith they were all

well satisfied & cryed unanimously (Keene, Keene, Keene orit nietap) i.e.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Good friend, and they were very well

satisfied until Lubbert Vant Dincklagen began to speak with ye Indians of

buying Staten Island again of them, who did it on purpose to find occasion to

write to ye Lord Capell to try whether under that Covert he might bring about

ye getting of some goods of ye sd. Lord into his hands to dispose thereof for

himself & to give little thereof to ye Indians for there is indeed nothing at all

due to them for by such means ye Indians would be induced often to make

outrages, that they might ev'ry now & then be paid again & not only to play

such Prancks upon Staten Island, but throout all New Netherland, where the

Lords of ye West India Company's Governmt. extendeth. I trust therefore that

ye honour'd Lords will not approve (or allow) of such bargains, in order to ye

preventing more mischiefs.

This is as much as I can write of Testifie of this matter

This done at Amsterdam ye 30th of Janry 1659--by me--Staten

Island is bought for ye use & acct of ye Honble Lords of ye West India

Company Augst ye 10. Anno 1630 by their Ministers.

Peter Minnewit

John Lampo

Peter Byleveldt

Reynier Harmenss:

Jacob Elberts Wissingh

Symon Derksen Pos.

of ye following Indians

Krahorat

Piearewach

Tamekap

Sackwewah

Tetemackwemama

Wissipoack

Wieromies

As appeares by ye Records of ye date abovesd.

Appeared before me William Bogardus Notary Publick in New-York,

admitted by ye Honble Francis Lovelace by his Royal highness James Duke of

York & Albany etc. Governr General of all his Territories in America &

before ye afternamed Witnesses; Yochem Beekman, aged about 49 years, &

Thomas Koninck aged about 55 years both inhabitants of this City at ye

request of Mr. Jacob Melyen, who verbally inste'd of a Solemn Oath attest &

declare, that now about 30 years since according to their best remembrance

being in service of ye West India Company as Souldiers, were present upon

Staten Island when ye former Sachems & owners of Staten Island aforesd.

had some difference wth sd. Melyens Father Cornelius Melyen about ye free

hunting upon ye aforesd. Island, which ye sd. Cornelius Melyen, conceives

that they parted with their right of at their Sale, & after some debates more ye

sd Jacob Melyen's Father referred it to Nichos Kartenz Noorman, who was

interpreter, when ye Sale of ye aforemention'd Isld. was made, & would make

it appear by him, wherewith ye Indians were satisfied, whereupon ye aforesd.

Nicho: Kartenz by sd. Jacob Melyen's Father was sent for to come to sd.

Staten Island, & ye aforesd. Sachems & owners were thereupon assembled

together, again, whereupon

ye aforesd. Nicho:s Kartenz (by sd. Jacob Melyen's Father's desire) related

unto them what pay they had received for that & for ye aforesd. Island, Vizt.

Some Duffles, Blanckets, Axes, Kittles, Wampum--Wherewith ye Indians

were convinced, who then declared that they could not well be without the

Liberty of Hunting & desired Earnestly to agree with ye sd. Melyens Father,

what they shall yearly contribute to him for it; whereupon then was agreed that

they should yearly contribute to him for it; whereupon then was agreed that

they should yearly contribute & deliver Tenn or Twelve Deer & some Turkeys

not remembring the Just Quantity, & ye Deponts further declare that they

were present & did so that some Deer for ye fulfilling ye promised

contribution were deliver'd to ye aforesd. Melyen's Father; concluding

herewith their Deposition & are ready in case of need & desired to confirm it

by Oath. This done at New York upon Manhatans Island in prsence of Henry

Williams, Baker, & Adolph Pieters, Carpenter as witnesses hereunto desired

who have signed unto these prsents wth me Notary Pubck underwritten June

27. Anno 1672 (???)

Agreeth wth ye Original, wch

Testifieth

W Bogardus Notay Pubck

Endorsed: Several Testimonies & writings relating to ye

Purchace of Staten Island

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Hon.

Heer Director General and Councillors of New Netherland,

adopted in their Assembly on Monday May

23, 1661.

Invited to be present at the meeting, and standing inside, Cornelis Melyn; after

taking up the Contract entered into

by the Hon. Heeren Managers and the said Melyn in date of June 13, 1659, in

regard to Staten Island, said Melyn was asked whether he had in his

possession any papers and documents regarding said Island, and whether he

was prepared in conformity with said contract, to deliver the same to the

Director General and Councillors, and further to convey said Island in behalf

of the privileged West India Company at the Chamber of Amsterdam,

excepting the lands, houses and lots he is occupying or may be able to occupy

as per the said contract.

Whereto it was answered in substance by the said Cornelis Melyn that he was

ready to hand to the Director General & Council the papers and documents

concerning the same, in his possession, which he has also immediately done,

delivering the papers specified below, declaring to have no others concerning

the said island; in regard to the transfer and conveyance of the said island in

behalf of the Hon. Priv. West India Company (excepting the lands, houses

and lots he is occupying there etc.) said this had never been his opinion, but

only that he should grant, convey, cede and transfer all the power, authority,

rights, jurisdiction, preeminence, prerogatives, etc. belonging to him in his

quality as patroon of the said island; requested on the contrary since he had

now surrendered the deed granted to him for said island by the deceased

Heer Kieft, that he should again be granted a new deed for the ownership of

the said island.

It was answered if it had been the intention that he should remain possessed of

the said entire island why it should have been necessary to stipulate that for

himself and his heirs he shall hold and retain as a free allodial possession the

lands, houses and lots owned and up to now occupied by him, and which he

may yet be able to acquire etc.; and further if the entire island belongs to him,

what, then, the Heeren Managers have bought of the heirs of the Lord Van

Capelle, who have now also conveyed their right to the Hon. Company?

In regard to which said Cornelius Melyn acknowledged

having ceded and vacated one third of the said island to the Lord Capelle, but

that he even yet had large claims against the same; in regard to the two

remaining thirds, it had not been his opinion--as expressed before--to

renounce his ownership; but that it would be well to enquire how the Hon.

Heeren Managers understand the same.

Said Melyn was also informed that he had been charged for his own passage

and for that of the servants taken with him, just like others, carried over at the

expense of the Company, because it is stipulated in the said Contract that he

shall be conveyed with his family at the expense of the Company, as is at

present customary: which means that the advanced passage money be here

refunded. Said Melyn maintains, that it is his opinion and was also the opinion

of the Hon. Heeren Managers that he and his people were to be carried over

absolutely free of charge, without repaying the advanced moneys; also

because he was granted freedom of tolls on a thousand guilders principal, and

not having taken with him so large a principal (capital) from Holland he would

be permitted to deduct the balance here in paying duties or tolls.

After divers debates for and against it was resolved to send a copy of the

present to the Hon. Heeren Managers and not to proceed with this business,

until we shall have received further explanation regarding said contract of said

Heeren Managers.

Acted on the date written above.

The papers surrendered by Mr. Cornelis Melyn concerning Staten Island are

as follows:

A petition of Cornelis Melyn to the Hon. Heeren Managers, and disposition

on the same, by which he is permitted to found a colony on Staten Island and

he is acknowledged as Patroon, dated July 3, 1640.

A further petition of said Melyn to the Heeren Managers dated Feb. 18,

1641, presented after he had been taken by the

Duynkerckers, requesting leave to depart with wife, children, servants and

some cattle in Company's ships for New Netherland.

Two extracts of the resolution of the Hon. Heeren Managers dated 18th and

25th February, 1641, by which the afore said consent is renewed.

A groundbrief being the conveyance of Staten Island to Cornelis Melyn

granted in consequence of the consent mentioned above, signed by the Heer

General Willem Keift, dated June 19, 1642.

Agrees with the aforesaid Register,

C. V. Ruyven, Secretary.

Endorsed In the margin in English:

Govr Steuyvesant in Council, his Evil construction of ye agreemt of ye West

India Company & Melyen.

[Translated from the Dutch]

Extract from a Letter of the Hon. Heeren, Managers to the

Messrs. Director and Councillors of New Netherland,

dated Jan. 27, 1662.

Concerning the contention of Cornelis Melyn, that he surely did sell and

deliver to the Company the title and the right of patroonship of the Staten

Island, but not the lands themselves, we can not observe that the same can be

deduced from the contract entered into with him concerning the same, but

assured by the opposite, as there is entered, as your Honors have justly

remarked and argued against him, that from now on, as free colonist and

inhabitant, he shall have and hold for himself and his descendants as a free,

allodial possesion the lands, houses and lots he has in said colony

and has occupied hitherto and which he shall yet be able to occupy. Ergo not

the remaining lands which are laying fallow and uncultivated, so that the same

neither can or must be permitted to be questioned.

Agrees with the Letter mentioned above,

C. V. Ruyven.

Endorsed in Dutch:

Copy of a letter of the West India Company concerning the Staten Island.

Endorsed in English:

A Copy of a Letter of ye West India Company, wherein they Justifie

Steuyvesant's evil Construction.

[Translated from the Dutch]

June ye 4th 1668

Upon the Petition & Request of Mr Jacob Melyen That his Fathers interest

may be taken into consideration, upon ye settlement of Staten Island, The

Governor ordered it to be Entered upon Record that Care should then be had

of him, so farr, as that he shall be allotted a Convenient proportion of Land

upon ye said Island, In lieu of what was reserved by his Father, & promised

him by ye West India Company.

Extracted out of ye Records in ye

Office at Fort James in New

Yorke.

Matthias Nicolls, Secry

Endorsed: A Copy of a Record of or Interest upon Staten

Island ordered by Govr Richard Nickolls, being ye first

English Goverr

To the Hon. Very Respectable Lord Anthony Colve,

Governor General and the Lords High Councillors of

New Netherland.

Makes known with respectful humility Jacob Melyen, that his deceased father

has been proprietor of the Staten Island and has inhabitated and possessed

the same for many years, until he was surprised by a general war with the

savages, many of his children and farmers murdered, their houses and goods

burned and destroyed, on account of which great damage and ruin, and also

owing to the temporary danger of the savages, he was forced to suffer the said

island during some time to remain uninhabitated. Some little time afterward he

went to Amsterdam and there entered with the Hon. Heeren of the West India

Company into a contract, concerning the Patroonship and jurisdiction of the

said Island, provided he retained to himself, his heirs and successors all his

lands, according to the letter of the said contract, of which right your Honors'

petitioner's deceased father and his heirs have been deprived, partly owing to

lack of means, sickness and death of your Honors' petitioner's deceased

father, partly owing to the scattered residences, smallness of means and

immaturity of years and understanding of his heirs, and also partly owing to

various changes of government. However your Honors' petitioner having

made known his right to the aforesaid, to the first English Governor Colonel

Nicholls, the latter, before his departure, consented--and had registered by his

secretary in the minute book--that a considerable tract of land should be

surveyed for the heirs of said Melyen. The last acting governor, Loules

(Lovelace) also several times promised Your Honors' petitioner to permit him

to retain and enjoy the same. And about 8 or 10 days before his departure for

Hartfort he promised with many words that if God favored him he would have

measured for and confirmed to Your Honors' petitioner and friends a parcel of

land, situated between two branches of the Millriver, as also

the point to the West of the mill, stretching toward the Schoetters Island,

which point of land he, Governor Lovles, said he had intended to grant to his

brother Thomas Lovles, but desiring to make a reality our long deferred hope,

he would accommodate him [his brother] elsewhere. And whereas I now

understand of Thomas Lovles, that he petitions You, Hon. Very Respectable,

to be granted land there, and thus absolutely to deprive my aged mother and

her children of all hope ever to receive anything any more of our father's

inheritance, the island having been almost entirely apportioned to various

individuals.

In consideration of the great expenses and miseries suffered and experienced

on the island, therefore I find it my duty, in behalf of myself, wife and children,

as well as my brothers and sisters and their children. to pray You Hon. Very

Resp., very seriously and humbly that you be pleased to deny him Thomas

Lovles his desire to obtain any land there, but that you Hon. Very Resp. be

pleased to confirm the petitioner and friends in their right, that being delivered

through your Hon. Very Resp.'s authority from the English nation, they may

again live together in our calling, under our natural Authorities. In expectation

of Your Hon. Very Resp's favorable answer, remain Your Hon. Very Resp's

subject and servant,

Jacob Melyen

New Orange 1674, April 12/2

In the margin of the above petition was written in Dutch:

Fort Wm Hendr, Apr. 18, 1674.

The petitioners within fourteen days from date must produce whatever claim

they have on any land on Staten Island, or at least on the land granted to

Thomas Lovelace. Dated as above.

By order of the Hon. Heer Governor General and Councillors of New

Netherland. N. Bayard, Secretary.

Endorsed in English:

A petition to the Dutch govr Anthony Colve and his Consill:

Nickols Bayard, Sekretary.

In New Orange 1674: Apr 12/2

[Translated from the Dutch]

Extract from the Register of the Minutes of the Hon. Ld Governor General

and Councillors of New Netherland, held in Fort Willem Hendrick, on

October 12, 1674.

Received and read the petition of the children and heirs of the deceased

Cornelis Melyn, assisted by the guardians of the absent heirs of the said

estate, and besides the same delivering--in accordance with the order of 18

April last--the documents in proof of their right to Staten Island; requesting

that, in consideration of the same, they may be shown and granted in

ownership a parcel of woodland situated on Staten Island between the two

branches of the mill creek, with the point to the West of the said Mill,

stretching beyond Schutter's Island to a certain fresh river, running into the

country, with the valleys bounding on the same; calculating the same to be

about a farm for each child; offering at the same time to renounce any further

claims thay may have had on the said land; which petition having

been taken into consideration the Lord Governor & Councillors (after having

examined the produced documents) render the following decision:

The petitioners are granted for each child of the deceased Cornelis Melyn, on

the said land, a farm of thirty morgen [about 60 acres] amounting for the five

children together to one hundred and fifty morgens, provided none of said

lands, prior to this date have been granted [to others] and that thay shall be

cultivated by the petitioners as per the orders of the government; In regard to

the petitioners further request concerning said parcels of land, they are

permitted to have the same measured by the sworn surveyor and further

disposition shall be made after receipt of his report.

Agrees with the said Register,

N. Bayard, Secretary.

Endorsed in English: A Grant of ye Dutch Govorr Anthy Culve. In answer to

ye Petition of Jacob Melyen whereby he grants 5 Farms with Medows sutable

& comonages for ye same.

[Translated from the Dutch]

At a Council held at Fortt James in New Yorke the 22d Day

of May 1684.

Present

The Governor. &c.

The Petition of Jacob Meleyne in behalfe of himselfe his Brother and three

Sisters for a Confirmation of their Pretended Right to Land on Staten Island

being Read was Rejected the land being allready Pattented & Possessed

however the Governor said if he could show them any other Kindness he

would willingly do it.

By order In Council

J. Spragg Secry.

Endorsed: The governor's answer to the petition Relating Staten Island ye

Gouvr Thomas Dunghon Pr Secretary Sprage.

To his Excey Richard Earl of Bellomont, Capt. General & Governor in Chief

of his Majties Provinces of the Massachusetts Bay, New York, &c and of the

Territories thereon depending and Vice Admiral of the same.

The humble Petition of Jacob Melyen,

most humbly sheweth

That yor Petitioners Father Cornelius Melyen by vertue of a Grant from the

West India Company of Holland bearing date the Third of July 1640; was

Governr & Proprietr of Staten Island in the Province of New York & was

confirmed in the Governmt and Propriety thereof by Governr Kieft by a

Patent bearing date the 19th of June 1642 and was in the quiet Possession &

Enjoyment of the Governmt and Soyle of the sd Island as his rightfull

inheritance, until he with his people [were] driven from thence by the Indians in

the year 1643; and he was after that resettled thereon with diverse families, his

servants, until another quarril was made at New-Amsterdam (now New

York) with the Indians, Anno 1655 & were then cutt off upon Staten Island,

having about twenty psons slain, who were of sd Melyen's Children,

Nephews, Servants & Tenants. The Town consisting of

about forty houses, which were burnt, & the Goods made plunder off, & yor

petitioners sd father & mother & two sons with all those that survived were

taken into a barbarous Captivity by the heathen; Yor Excellcy's Petitir was

one of the Sons who was much wounded, but recovered not wthout great

difficulty. That his sd Father Cornelius Melyen upon some considerations did

afterwards, vzt June 13, 1659, Resign his Right of Governmt back to the sd.

West India Company of Holland upon sundry conditions, which were not all

by then observed; But he never alienated or sold his Right to the Lands of the

sd. Island or any part of his Estate there; but expressly reserved the same to

himself And His heirs &c for ever as may appear by the sd agreement

between the sd. West India Company & his sd Father, bearing date the 13th

Day of June 1659, and that upon the Delivery of the Governt of New York to

the English, One of the Articles of Agreement between the English & Dutch

Commissioners expressly confirms unto all the Dutch Inhabitants, that

continued there their freedome as Denizens and the Enjoyment of their Estates

as before; Yet he the sd Jacob Melyen hath been ever since by fraud &

Injustice denyed and hindred from the Enjoyment of his sd. Father's

Inheritance he being the Rightfull heir, & this notwithstanding he hath made

applican to ev'ry Governr that hath been sent thither by the Kings of England,

by which means he hath suffered much Damage; All which will plainly appear

to be true by the Records of New York, Copies of which have hitherto been

denyed the Supplicant.

Yor Petitior therefore being well assured of yor Excellcys great regard to

Impartial Justice most humbly Prays that Yor Excellcy will take his case into

Yor serious Consideran and permit him to take out of the Records copies of

such Instruments & Papers as are necessary to prove ye Truth of what he hath

before sett forth in order to Yor Lordship's more full Satisfacn That Yor Petitir

hath a Right to the Soyle of the sd Island & that he may be better enabled to

possess himself of the

same.

And Yor Petitir as in Duty bound will

ever pray etc.

Endorsed: Jacob Melyen's Petition to his Excellcy Richard Earl of Bellomont

etc.

Boston. Novembr 30th. 1698 [or 99]

A copy