This have we witnessed the case, then away with such people to the gallows.

jI^r'^'TeyKs in the case of Jacob Ryntgens and Jacob van Schermerhoren, who were capitally '*''''*"" me'rhooni'.'' prosecuted for this offence, and a great deal of difficulty was experienced before they could be got off, and even then they were banished as felons and their property was confiscated. By the repeated interposition of several worthy citizens, the banishment was revoked, but the property which was somewhat considerable, they being importers, remained confisrated.

jomitSuK'. We cannot refrain from relating here what happened to one Joost Theuniss: Backer, as he has complained to us that his case was one of gross injustice, which it indeed is. For the man, being an honest Burgher here, of good repute, though •^ moderate means, was thrust into prison, and charges raked up against him from every hole and corner, on the information of one of the Company's servants, who, according to the statement of the General and Council, had richly merited the gallows three times, and for whom even a new one had been erected, which, however, he had out of mercy, escaped; finally, not a shadow of a charge being established, the accused was liberated, after 13 days imprisonment, on giving sufficient bail. If the Fiscal should find anything, he is to institute

his action, but up to this time nothing has been done. A considerable time having elapsed, we, as organ of the Commonalty, respectfully demanded, at his request, as his bail was importunate, that the man should have his trial and be (43) punished according to his deserts, if he were guilty if not, that he ;