Slavery in New Netherland
Translation from Gehring, Curaçao Papers, Volume XVII, 1640-1665 (online edition), doc. 96, pg. 211
"Among other things, I have noticed in your honor's welcomed letter the great mistake that has been committed here in the trading of your honor's slaves; especially the small children, since they had been presented for baptism with good intentions by Mrs. Stuyvesant, your honor's beloved. If I had had the slightest knowledge of this, it would not have happened, as I believe [ ] there also completely [ ] so that I am sorry [ ] a great error has been committed which I fear is irreparable, because it happened so long ago that one will hardly be able to find out where they finally ended up; however, Ishall make inquiries with the first ship that leaves here for Cartagena and Porto Bello, and if possible, try to get them back, even if I have to give two full grown slaves and more for them."
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For over three decades, NNI has helped cast light on America's Dutch roots. In 2010, it partnered with the New York State Office of Cultural Education to establish the New Netherland Research Center, with matching funds from the State of the Netherlands. NNI is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. More
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