History of the State of New York, Vol. I (1609-1691)
The petitioner consequently, presented a petition in his own name, which he would not once notice, wherefore the petitioner presented another request, copy whereof is hereunto annexed. To this it was answered on the margin that it must be communicated to the Fiscal, which having been done, the Fiscal replied that he must have 5 to 6 months time for the purpose, as he knew nothing of the matter; this happened when the petitioner was on the point of leaving, for which he having asked permission, the Director refused to grant it, but the skipper connived at it, and consented to
bring him along. It can be easily surmised, that the petitioner was obliged to depart for Patria, as he could not peaceably carry on his trade there, nor travel hither and thither through the country to purchase his wheat and grain, which his business required for bread for the use of the burghers, for, on twice applying to the Director for a pass, he was each time threatened by him with a caning, so that the petitioner, without effecting either the prosecution of his case, or the discharge of his bail, notwithstanding Sibout Claessen accompanied him, has been obliged to repair to Fatherland, and to cast himself in most humble obedience, into your High Mightinesses' righteous and compassionate arms, respectfully praying that you would be graciously pleased to make such provision that the Director, who is too powerful for your petitioner, may be estopped from giving him, the said petitioner, your High Mightinesses' subject, any further unjustifiable trouble; but that he maybe obliged to indemnify him, the petitioner, for the losses and damages he, the petitioner, hath suffered by his unlawful proceedings, and further allow him, the petitioner, to earn his living honestly and honorably for himself and family, both by his daily labor and trade, and to^ transact, unwatched, the