"Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in New Amsterdam/New York – Marriages Marriage Book of the Register of the Persons who are herein recorded, and who were married here or outside the city of New York from the 11th Dec. 1639," published in "The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record," available at http://olivetreegenealogy.com/nn/church/rdcmarr1647.shtml
+ Aug. 28, 1647: "Johannes de La montagne, Wedr Van Rachel Defour, en Agnietie Jilles, Wede Van Arendt Corszens Stam." Johannes de la Montagne, widower of Rachel Defour [De Forest], and Agnietie Jilles, widow of Arendt Corszens Stam.

"Collections of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, Vol. II, Baptisms from 1639 to 1730 in the Reformed Dutch Church, New York," by Thomas G. Evans, 1901, reprinted by The Gregg Press in 1968.
+ Jan de la Montagne, son Willem, baptized April 22, 1641. Sponsors were de Hr. Willem Kief, Command.; Do. Everardus Bogardus; Marritje Thymes; Cataline Strafele. Page 12.

"Baptisms at the Reformed Dutch Church of New Amsterdam (1639-1730)," entered by Theodore Brassard ,available at: http://www.altlaw.com/edball/dutchbap.htm#1639
+ Willem, son of Jan de la Montagne, baptized April 22, 1641. Witnesses were de Hr. Willem Kief, Command.; Do. Everadus Bogardus, Marritje Thymans, Cataline Strafele.
+ Johan de La Montagne, son Gillis baptized Sept. 18, 1650. Witnesses were Olof Stephenszen Van Courtlt., Grietie ten Waert.
+ Jan de La Montagne and Agneta ten Waert, son Jesse baptized April 6, 1653. Witness was Sara du Trieux.
Witnesses
+ Madam de la Montagne was a witness at the baptism of Jessen, son of Isacq de Foreest on Nov. 9, 1642. Other witnesses were Jochem Pieterszen, Philip du Trieux, Sara Roelofs.
+ Jean de la Montagne was a witness at the baptism of Susanna, daughter of Isaac de Foreest and Sara du Trieux, on Jan. 22, 1645. Other witnesses were Mr. Jan de Minuiet, Susanna de Trieux.
+ Jean de La Montagne was a witness at the baptism of Lodowyck, son of Gysbert Opdyck on June 10, 1646. Other witnesses were Michiel Ter Oycken-fiscael, Richard Smit, Margariet Kalder.
+ Jan de La Montagne and Agnietie Jillis were witnesses at the baptism of Barbara, daughter of David Provoost, on Aug. 15, 1647.
+ Jean de La Montagnie was a witness at the baptism of Balthazar Lazarus, son of De Hr. Petrus Stuyvesant-Gouvneur generael, on Oct. 13, 1647. Other witnesses were Lubbert Dinclagen, Capt. Luyt. Nuton and his wife, Paulus Leendertszen-Equipagiemr., Corn. Van Tienhoven-secretrs., Commissr. Keyser, Anneken Bogardus.
+ Johannes de La Montagne was a witness at the baptism of Samuel, son of David Provoost, on Nov. 22, 1648. The other witness was Marritie Snyers.
+ Agnietie Montague was a witness at the baptism of Marie and Michiel, twins of Isaac de Foreest, on Jan. 10, 1649. Other witnesses were Hendrick Van Dyck-fiscael, Adriaen Janszen Van Lipendam, Geertie Abrahams.
+ Jan de La Montagne was witness at the baptism of Philip, son of Isaac de Foreest, on July 28, 1652. Other witnesses were Jan Peeck, Susanna du Trieux.
+ Jacob Kip and Maria Montagnie, son Johannes baptized Feb. 21, 1655. Witnesses were Johannes de La Montagne and Hendrick and Tryntie Kip.
+ Jacob Kip-Secrets. and Maria de La Montagne, son Jacobus baptized Oct. 15, 1656. Witnesses were Isaac Kip, Johannes de La Montagne, Agnietie Jillis and Sara du Trieux.
+ Jan de La Montagne and Maria Vernelje, son Abraham baptized March 16, 1664. Witnesses were Willem de La Montagne, Gerrit Van Tricht, Jacomina Jacobs.
+ Jacob Kip and Maria de Lamontagne, daughter Maryken baptized Dec. 5, 1666. Witnesses were Willem de Lamontagne, Jacques Couseau, Tryntie Kip.

"Van Rensselaer Bowier Manuscripts," translated and edited by A.J.F. van Laer, University of the State of New York, Albany, 1908.
+ From the introduction, concerning the ship Rensselaerswyck: "The cargo was discharged and Hendrik de Forest, the trader and mate,* remained in the hired warehouse to carry on trade, while the ship went up the river to the colony on the 26^th and dropped anchor on the 7^th of April opposite Fort Orange." [Footnote: "According to the Journal, he died on July 26 and was buried the following day at the Manhattans, where the ship then was. Geertruy Bornstra, his widow, claimed his property from his sister Rachel, then living at the Manhattans, who had married dr. Lamontagne. Acccording to his own declaration, made before Notary Coren, before his departure in 1636, he had been selected by the patrons in 1631 to fill the place of Gilles Houset in Zwanendal, but on account of the sad circumstances at said place the patrons gave up this plan."] Page 75.
+ Sept. 25, 1636-April 7, 1637, Log of the ship Rensselaerswyck on its voyage from Amsterdam to New Netherland. Following are some of the more interesting entries: [355] "Journal for ijan tiepks Schellinger … In the year of Our Lord 1636, the 25th of September, the boat called Rinselaers Wijck sailed in God’s name from amsterdam to tessel, at about two o’clock in the afternoon. God preserve Rinselaers Wick!
[September] "Th. 25 Sailed from Amsterdam and anchored before duickerdam with a south wind and heavy weather. …
[October] "Wed. 8 "The wind easterly followed by calm. Here lay some French traders, some Straits trader and two faernebocks* traders, poor fleets, and the Straits trader intended to go to Ireland; we arranged to sail together as far as pleijmuijen* and so put to sea in God’s name, about four o’clock in the afternoon, about 22 vessels strong, without convoy. … [Footnotes: faernebocks – "Pernambuco." Pleijmuijen – "Plymouth." This entry was made at Tessel.]
[356] "Sat. 11 In the morning the wind as before with rough weather. We saw the island of oeranaij*; it lay S. by E. about six leagues from us. There the Ireland traders left the fleet. She had 20 guns and as she was going toward the sorlings* and had promised us if convenient to convoy us around the sorlings or past them, we followed her and proceeded westward, as that was the most convenient course for continuing our voyage. We left the fleet and about noon we saw a sail come form the coast and as we were but two we prepared as well as we could for action. When we were ready we waited for her with furled sails and when she was nearly within [357] range of our guns she turned away before the wind. It was a large flute with a poop. There was another ship behind us which we could barely see. She waited for it but when it came near she let it pass. What kind of ships they were we do not know. goutstaert* lay about west from us and we continued our course. …[Footnotes: oeranaij – "Alderney (French, Auregny." Sorlings – "Scilly Islands." goutstaert – "Start Pont, Devonshire."]
"Tu. 14 … In the morning we were near a Frenchman, whom we chased while following our course. It was a ship that came form the bank of terucef.* In the afternoon another one passed us to windward without speaking. We then se out course toward the W.S.W. with a stiff topsail breeze. … [Footnote: "Terre Neuve; that is Newfoundland."]
[358] "Mon. 20 … Fitful rough weather and toward evening we had sailed eight leagues W.S.W. with very rough weather from the N.N.W.; during the evening it became quite calm, with lasted till daylight; then the wind changed to the south. Done.
"Tu. 21 In the morning the wind changed to the W. and it blew so hard that the topsails had to be taken in . The wind veered to the N.W. We had then sailed about three leagues to the N.W. and about nine o’clock it blew so hard that we had to take in all our sails and could not carry a single sail. An hour later there blew a violent gale from the N.W. and we then drifted east with a very rough sea. The waves rose to such an awful hight that the waves and the sky seemed one. The wind turned again to the W. and so it lasted the entire night. Don as far as the night is concerned.
"Wed. 22 In the morning it still blew so hard that we could not carry any sails, but the sea was calmer. The wind came from the S.W. and during the night to in the second watch it grew less; we set our mainsail but toward dawn it had to be taken in again on account of the strong wind, thunder and lightning. It blew hard, the wind as above, we drifted east. Done till morning.
"Th. 23 The wind about W. and we drifted east with rough weather. We drifted from about nine o’clock on the 21st to noon of the 23rd, by reckoning 23 leagues N.E. by E. No latitude had been taken from the past three days up to noon.
"Fr. 24 Drifted east by north 10 leauges. The wind about W.N.W. with severe storm and during the past day drifted without said. …
[The Rensselaerswyck drifted amid "rough weather," occasionally being able to set a sail for a brief while.]
[359] "Tu. 28 A gale still blew from the west and we still drifted S.E. by E. Drifted by reckoning 12 leagues. That night the beak of our ship was knocked to pieces. The day gone.
[360 – November] "Sun. 2 Drifted 16 leagues N.E. by E.; the wind about west, the latitude by dead reckoning 41 degrees, 50 min. with very high seas. That day the overhang above our rudder was knocked in by severe storm. This day a child was born on the ship, and named and baptized in England stoerm*; the mother is annetie baernts. The day gone. … [Footnote: "Storm Albertsz (van der Zee), son of Albert Andriesz Bradt and Annetie Barents van Rolmers."]
"Th. 6 In the morning the wind and weather were as above. Seeing little hope of getting better wind and weather soon – though God knows – having lain to already 17 days because of severe gales and having few provision for 52 or 53 souls, the number on board to keep dry, we could opposed it no longer, in the first place, on account of the sick people whose number increased daily because of their hardships and , in the second place, because we feared that it might last a long time yet. As we had already [361] passed Caep finnestaer,* to wit, to the north of it, in great peril and were drifting into the bay, I knew nothing better to do than to hold a council with the supercargo, the mate and other advisers, to decide what had best be done in the matter. We concluded in the said council to put the helm hard up and to steer in God’s name toward the Channel and try to et into faelmuiden* or pleijmuiden,* which was done and at noon we found the latitude to be 43 deg. 9 min., wind and weather as above. With two courses we proceeded toward the N.N.E. The day gone. [Footnotes: Caep finnestaer – " Cape Finisterre, Spain." Faelmuiden – "Falmouth, England." Pleijmuiden – "Plymouth, England."]
[After the ship turned toward England, the weather moderated a bit but still blew very hard on some days.]
[362] "Th. 13, near the sorlings In the morning the wind was south with very rough weather, we did not yet see land. We set our mainsail with great difficulty but took in our foresail and then sailed E.S.E. During the night in the second watch we saw land south of us. It was very bad weather; we could not see for the rain, thunder and lightning. We ran before the wind and according to our reckoning it must be the sorlins, as we later found it to be; we then sailed N.W. with one lower sail. Toward daybreak the weather became a little better and in the day watch we turned toward the land to reconnoiter. The wind changed to S.S.E. Till morning. [Footnote: "Scilly Islands."]
"Fr. 14 near the 7 steen In the morning the wind was as above so that we could not make the land we had seen during the night. We noticed however the seewen steen* which indicated sufficiently where we were. They were to starboard about a league off. The wind began to get stronger again. We looked for a good roadstead and thought it advisable to run behind Caep Coernwal so as to get into the small by or haven which is there. When we got around the cape the wind changed to the east and N.E. and north and finally to the N.W. with terribly rough weather so that we [363] could carry half a mainsail. We got aground near the cape and at twilight our foresail blew away, for we were obliged to carry all the sail we could and our main shet broke and we let ourselves be driven to the north with one sail, but in the second watch the mainsail had to be taken in too, for it was no longer possible to carry any sail, as one thing or another would break and we were driven E.N.E. Till morning. [Footnote: "Seven Stones; a group of rocks 18 miles W. by S. from Land’s End."]
"Sat. 15, by longeij* In the morning the land lay close under our lee and we drifted toward it. We concluded to set our foresail and, as we could not keep away from the shores, to run in near the land during the day, thinking that we might make a port there called bedeshaeuen* or else straton.* When we came near the shore we were too far down. We were driven by the strong current so that with our foresail only we were carried along the shore trying to find some place where the ship and people would be safe. As it became late In the day, we decided that we could do no better than to run to an anchorage or land which we saw and which according to the description of the book must be a harbor, and concluded, if possible to run in , or else to beach the ship, on account of the strong current and the severe W.N.W. storm and the fact that we were in a bay. Commending ourselves to God, we ran toward it with reefed foresail and when we came close to the shore, as the weather seemed to calm down and clear up a little, for it had been very dark before, we saw Londeij and hastily turned so as to sail on the wind, tacked and carried all the sail we could. We again raised our main topmast, which had not been up in eight or ten days, and set both the topsails. It seemed as it we would capsize or all our sails blow away. We headed for a point above the cape called haertlanpuint* and during the night we came with God’s [364] help to anchor under the lee of londeij, in 20 fathoms, with a N.W.N. wind. Till morning. [Footnotes: londeij – "Lundy Island; 10½ miles N.W. by N. from Hartland Point." Bedeshaeuen – "Padstow Haven; this and most of the places that follow are points in Cornwall and Devonshire on or near the Bristol Channel." Straton – "Stratton." Haertlanpuint – "Hartland Point."]
"Sun. 16 in ijlle facom In the morning the wind was as above. We weighed anchor and set sail for a harbor called ijlle vacom,* about four leagues from the island. On our way we saw a ship without mast drift by, and coming near the harbor a pilot came on board and brought us in. … [Footnote: "Ilfracombe; the distance from Lundy Island is about 23 miles."]
"Mon. 17 The wind as above with rain and strong wind storm so that we could not do anything to repair the ship but only supply the people with some fresh provisions. Some families went on land."
[The Rensselaerswick remained in port until Jan. 9, 1637. There are only a few interesting notations in the log.]
[December] "Mon. 8 The winds as above; in the evening when some of our passengers had gone on land to sit and drink in the tavern, where we were sitting with an English merchant to sell our goods, there were two there, of whom one struck to the ground the other, named Cornelis toemesz smit*; the offender was his helper hans* and *** [Footnotes: Cornelis toemesz smit – "Cornelis Thomasz, the smith." Hans – "Hans van Sevenhuysen." *** – "Sentence not finished in the original."]
"Tu. 9 It was a day of prayer here for the whole neighborhood on account of the severe sickness which God is sending them. The wounded man died this morning and was buried in the afternoon.
"Wed. 10 As above, and we began to get our hold ready. …
"Wed. 17 As above; and as matters relating to the accident had not yet been cleared up, they took the rudder from our ship and brought it on land, on account of the crime. …
[366] "Mon. 22 The body was dug up again and the wound viewed by the criminal and the coroner or schout.
"Tu. 23 They carried the offender away in the name of the king and let us fetch our rudder from land again and go free.
"Wed. 24 A severe storm blew form the W.S.W. …
"Wed. 31 End of the year 1636. By God’s mercy in ijlle fakom. …
[January] "Th. 1 As above. In God’s name in the New Year. …
"Fr. 9 At three o’cock before daybreak we set sail in God’s name and in the morning we were at the N.W. point of Londeij. The wind S.E. with steady weather. We sailed then W.S.W. by W. …
[The Rensselaerswick sailed on, occasionally encountering rough weather or a storm.]
[368] "Th. 22 … the wind about north with steady breeze and clear weather. This day we made two more gun carriages and mounted a gun, so that we now had four on deck. We could for the present not put any more on deck. The day gone. …
"Sat. 24 In the morning we saw a sail to starboard under our lee. The wind was N.E. and we sailed south. He made sail toward us. We kept our course and cleared away the chests and cows so that we obtained a clear deck, which took us till shortly after noon. When we were ready we waited for him with furled sails and when he came near us we hailed him. He answered that he came from roosel* and was looking for good booty. We said that we were also looking for a good prize. He remained near us for almost an hour and then headed for the west when each of us fired a salute. He had four iron and two metal cannon on board. This morning we saw poerte sante* which lay S.W. from us. We had fine weather and at noon our latitude was 33-16 and in the evening we got near the west side of poerte sante and ran then S.W. by S. till the second watch, with a gentle breeze. We then took in the foresail and waited for the day. The day gone. [Footnote: roosel – "La Rochelle." Poerte sante – Porto Santo, an island of the Madeira group."]
[369] "Sun. 25 In the morning about an hour after sunrise we were between poerte sante and madeere.* About two o’clock in the afternoon we got a steady breeze from the W.S.W. and ran south and in the evening the S.W. point of madeere lay 12 leagues N.N.W. from us. Our latitude by dead reckoning was then 31 deg. 40 min. From there we sailed W.S.W. with rough weather and lower sails. The wind about north with high seas. This night about three o’clock a child* was born; the father is montanij* and the mother raegel.* The day gone. … [Footnotes: madeere – "Madeira." Child – "Marie. See Riker, Harlem; its origin and early annals, p. 140." Montanij – "Johannes La Montagne." Raegel – "Rachel."]
"Fr. 30 … the wint about north, mostly stiff topsail gale. About two o’clock in the night a boy* was born; the name of the mother is Caetelin. The day gone. … [Footnote: boy – "Hendrick Cornelis Maesen, son of Cornelis Maesen, and Catelijntie Martens."]
[370 – February] "Th. 5 … gentle topsail breeze, wind north. This night a flying fish flew on board our ship. The day gone. …
"Wed. 11 … N. with stiff topsail gale. This noon we changed our course and then sailed N.W. by W. The wind was before with lower sails and in the afternoon there was a severe storm with thunder, lightning and rain so that we took in all our sails, but toward the end of the second watch it became somewhat better. We set both our lowers sails, the foretopsail and mizzensail and then sailed about N.W. The wind N.N.E. The day gone. …
[372] "Tu. 24 … Rough weather. … We had dark weather with much rain. About noon there was a waterspout behind our ship which drew the water like smoke to such a terrible hight that we were afraid of it; we took in all our sails but it was soon over and passed behind us at close range without hurting us. The day gone.
"Web. 25 … Stiff breeze, we had during the day much change of wind and terrible thunder, lightning and rain. Toward evening there was a gentle breeze and after supper we cast the lead and found at 50 fathoms small black stones and also small red ones, some as large as shot, together with grayish sand, at this latitude and longitude about 10 miles form land. We went then N.N.W. the wind N.E. with a gentle breeze and when the first watch was over the sounded again and struck sand at 18 fathoms. Course and wind as before. At four bells in the second watch we found sand at 12 fathoms, the depth having become steadily less up to this point. Course and wind as above. We then took in our topsail and turned to the S.E. the wind being E.N.E. We sailed for four glasses [two hours] or till we had 17 fathoms; then we turned and sailed north and set our topsails to a gentle breeze.
[373] "Th. 26 … The wind fitful with calms. … We did not know where we were for it was foggy weather. We supposed that there might be a bank, as the southern colonies of the English were quite near and as we had had in the afternoon the above course, leagues, latitude, longitude and variation. We were about three miles from land and found 14 fathoms of water, with foggy weather, so that we could not tell much about the land. At about three o’clock in the afternoon smits Island* lay about three leagues W.N.W. from us. Seen from there the island looks as follows: the upper part is hard to recognize, the north point is indented, and it seems as if a small flat island lay at the south point. [Footnote: "Smith Island; east of Cape Charles, the northeastern end of the island is about 75° 49’ W. and 37° 11’ N."]
"Sat. 28 … During the past night we had a steady breeze from the S.W. with rain, thunder and lightning. We were about N.N.E. of Caep hinlooep.* [Footnote: "Cape Hentlopen."]
"Sat. 17 … During the night we had showers, as if we were near land. By reckoning we were six leagues from land. We found 22 fathoms of water and ran closer to northward. We sounded often and found sometimes 22, but also 20, 18, 17, 15 and then again 22 fathoms and we saw many whales. We then sailed mostly N.W. The whole night long with calms and that night we saw many fires burning. [I do not know why this item is dated the 17th when it appears to be a continuation of the entry from Feb. 28.]
[374 – March ] "Sun. 1 In the morning we were about two leagues from land and in 16 fathoms, S.W. from the north point of the baernde gat,* bloemerts puint* being north of us. We saw many whales, some 10 or 20 swimming for at last two hours about our ship; we supposed that they were taking their course from the south to the north. At about six o’clock in the evening at sunset we came to anchor behind godius puint* in five fathoms, good anchorage. God be praised for his mercy. [Footnotes: baernde gat – "Barnegat Inlet." bloemerts puint – "Blommaert’s Point; Norton’s Point, at the west end of Coney Island was called Blommaert’s Point and is referred to as such in the present log, under date of Aug. 8th, p. 383. At the time of the present entry the ship was so far south of Norton’s Point that it could not have been visible and it is possible that some point on the New Jersey coast had the same name." godius puint – "Godyn’s Point; now Sandy Hook."]
"Mon. 2 In the morning the wind was N.W. with rough weather so that we could not make the hoefden.* Our boat landed at godius puint for the purpose of shooting geese and stayed over night there. It was bitterly cold. [Footnote: "The headlands at either side of the Narrows; called also Hamelshoofden."]
"Tu. 3 At noon the weather was somewhat better as far as the wind was concerned thought it was N.W. and very cold. Our boat returned and we could not do anything else.
"Wed. 4 The wind as above with a gentle breeze. We weighed our anchor and arrived at four o’clock in the afternoon at the manatans, where we found and English vessel. God be praised for our safe voyage thus far. As we learned here that the river was still closed up above we remained here. …
"Sat. 7 We began to clear our hold and brought our empty water casks on land.
"Sun. 8 Two of the children born on our ship were baptized here. The wind N.W. …
[375] "Sat. 21 I brought most of the merchandise on land into a house and left the mate* in charge, with orders to sell it. With the consent of the director, we got ready to sail up the river with the ship. [Footnote: "Hendrick de Forest."]
"Sun. 22 The widow of Cornelis smits* was married here at the manatans to aerent steffeniers. … [Footnote: "Cornelis Thomasz, the smith; cf. entry of Dec. 8, 1636."]
"Th. 26 We sailed up the river in the ship with calm weather and in the evening came to anchor near sapachenikan.* [Footnote: "Sapokanican, or Sappokanican, later Greewich village and now that part of New York City between 14^th and Houston sts. On the Hudson River."]
"Fr. 27 In the morning we set sail again with calm weather and very light northerly breeze and at about nine o’clock at night we anchored on account of the darkness. We had sailed about eight leagues.
"Sat. 28 In the morning we set sail and came to the hoege lant.* The tide went out and the wind was contrary so that we anchored there about four o’clock in the afternoon. [Footnote: "The Highlands."]
[378] "Sun. 29 In the morning dirck Coersen came down in the yacht and boarded our ship again; the yacht sailed on with a north wind.
"Mon. 30 The wind as above with rough weather.
"Tu. 31 In the morning the wind was about S.W. with fair weather. We got under sail and came to the esoepes.* In the evening the wind changed to the north and blew hard. [Footnote: "Now Kingston."]
[April] "Wed. 1 As above.
"Th. 2 In the morning the wind turned ot the south and we set sail and came to anchor about a mile above Catskil. The wind was then about east.
"Fr. 3 In the morning the wind was about south with a drizzling rain. We set sail and in the evening came to anchor about half a mile before beren Island,* on account of calms and contrary wind. [Footnote: "Barren Island."]
"Sat. 4 As above.
"Sun. 5 As above.
"Mon. 6 In the evening the wind changed to the south. We set sail but were becalmed. Getting a fair breeze during the night we sailed on.
"Tu. 7 About three o’clock in the morning we came to anchor before foert oeranien.* the end of our voyage upward. [Footnote: "Fort Orange."]
+ April 28, 1638, Inventory of goods consigned to Jacob Albertsz Planck by the ship het Wapen van Noorwegen: "Loaded in the ship called het waepen van noorweegen, for the colony of Rensselaerswyck, these following goods, consigned to Jacob albertsz planck, or whoever may fill his place in his absence, marked as in the margin and numbered as follows, sailing as supercargo on said ship; may God watch over the same and bring it to its place of destination. … a copper pot and a long gun for Jan la Montangie." Page 400.
+Feb. 5, 1641, letter from Kiliaen van Rensselaer to Toussaint Muyssart, at Leyden: "I am sorry that the survey of the land in our colony by lamontangne was not completed. I forgot to write about it and therefore Cornelis Teunessen, whom I appointed as the representative of the patroon and the participants, objected to it and I can not blame him either that he did not allow this without order from his patroon, for it might have serious consequences, as one participant might give different orders from another. … It would have been better if you had given me a recommendation to la montangne to help me in this matter provided I paid him for it and that it had requested and authorized him to carry it into effect." Page 536.
+ July 12, 1658, Agreement of the council of Rensselaerswyck to pay tithes to the West India Company: "Whereas Mr. Iohan La Montagne, accompanied by Abraham staets and francois Boon, did on the 10th instant serve on me, Ian Baptist van Rensselaer, director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, the order issued by the directors of the West India Company concerning the collection of tithes in the colony aforesaid accompanied by a letter from the director general and council of New Netherland in the which order issued by the directors it was firmly resolved to proceed to attachment, whereupon I requested a copy of the aforesaid resolution and replied to their honors that I must first communicate it to and take action upon it with our council; and whereas it came to pass on the 12th instant that Mr. La Montagne, having been called to our meeting and requested to suspend the aforesaid order as we could not find that according to the Freedoms of the colony owed any tithes to the Company, in reply said that he could not do otherwise than follow his instruction and therefore offered to come to an agreement with us about the tithes but that in case of refusal he would proceed with the public farming thereof; therefore, we, considering ourselves in the highest degree aggrieved on account of the injury to and infringement upon our jurisdiction, have under due and serous protest agreed, as we hereby do agree under protest, to pay on the first of July 1659, as tithes on the present year’s crop, 300 schepels of wheat, or the value thereof if in good payment, but before the aforesaid date the patroon and the codirectors come to an agreement with the West India Company in the fatherland either by process of law or by way of amicable settlement, the present agreement should be of no effect and the stipulated tithes for this year 1658 should be reimbursed. …
"This compromise in the terms above written has been agreed upon between the Hon. Mr Rensselaer, director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, and myself, as commis of Fort Orange, which I certify. Was signed: La Montagne, Commis at Fort Orange. Agrees with the original, which I certify. [signed] D:V: Hamel, Secretary." Pages 781-782.

"New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch; Vol. IV, Council Minutes 1638-1649," translated by Arnold J.F. Van Laer, edited by Kenneth Scott and Kenn Stryker-Rodda, Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc., Baltimore, Md., 1974.
[In addition to the following cases, Johannes de la Montagne’s name appears frequently in connection with his routine duties as a colonial official. I have not included most of these references.]
+ April 8, 1638: "The Honorable Director Kieft and Council [having considered the small number] of councilors, having deemed it necessary to [choose an] experienced person. To strengthen their number [and] in consideration of the ability of Doctor Johannes [la Montagnie], the said Montagnie has therefore been appointed by us a political councilor of New Netherland at fl. 35 a [month], commencing on the date hereof." [Brackets are in source.] Page 1.
+ Aug. 26, 1638: "Claes Cornelissen S[wits], plaintiff, vs. Montang[ne, defendant]. The plaintiff complains that the defendant beat [plaintiff’s] wife. The defendant, having admitted the same, is condemned to compound with the fiscal." [Brackets are in source.] Page 22.
+ Aug. 26, 1638: " Johannes La Montagnie, plaintiff, vs. Claes Cornelisen, defendant, for slander. Case put over to the next court day." Page 23.
+ Sept. 2, 1638: "Johannes La Montaenje, plaintiff, vs. Claes Cornelissen, defendant, for assault. Is condemned to pay fl. 6 to the poor and to satisfy the fiscal." Page 23.
+ Sept. 16, 1638: "Everardus Bogardus, defendant, vs. Johannes La Montaegnne, plaintiff. Whereas the defendant has a power of attorney from Geertrujt Bornstra, widow of the late Hendrick de Foreet, plaintiff’s brother-in-law, to demand the goods and effects of [24] the said Foreest, the plaintiff requests that the defendant take possession of the house together with the cattle and appurtenances of the plantation, provided the defendant pay the plaintiff the balance of the amount due him by de Foreest, according to the account thereof. Parties are ordered to submit their complaint and answer in writing on the next court day." Pages 23-24.
+ Sept. 30, 1638: "Johannes la Montaengne, plaintiff, vs. Everardus Bogardus, defendant, for the delivery of the property belonging to Hendrick de Foreest, deceased, or his heirs. Having seen the demand of the plaintiff and the answer of the defendant, it is ordered that the property aforesaid shall publicly be sold to the highest bidder on the 7^th of October, being Thursday, at Fort Amsterdam, for the benefit of the widow, and the defendant, in virtue of his power of attorney from the widow of the late de Foreest, is condemned to repay to La Montaegnie such moneys as he has advanced for the benefit of the farm." Page 25.
+ Oct. 14, 1638: "Tobias Tonisen and Willem Fredricksen, plaintiffs, vs. Johan La Montaenje, defendant. The plaintiffs ask to be released from their contract of service, maintaining that they are not bound to serve the defendant, as they were hired by his uncle and not by the defendant. The defendant produces the contracts made between the plaintiffs and Geraert de Foreest from which it appears clearly that the plaintiffs are bound to serve the said de Foreest or [30] his agents for three consecutive years after their arrival here in New Netherland; furthermore, the defendant shows a power of attorney and authorization from the aforesaid de Foreest to employ the plaintiffs in his serve at the expiration of their term of service. All of this having been duly considered, the plaintiffs are condemned to serve out their bounded time without any gainsay with La Montaenje, who also promises at the expiration of their bounded time to tender and pay them here in New Netherland the wages which shall then be due to them." Page 27-28.
+ Oct. 14, 1638: "Johannes La Montaenje, plaintiff, vs. Tobias Tonissen, defendant, for slander. The plaintiff demands proof that the ration meat was dried at his house and sent away without the defendant having eaten or had his share thereof as well as the plaintiff. The defendant declares under oath before the court that what he has spoken in regard to La Montaenje is untrue, namely, that he had dried and carried away the meat without giving his servants any of it to eat, acknowledging that he had his share of the meat as well as the plaintiff." Page 28.
+ June 6, 1641: "Whereas the English on the Fresh river of New Netherland commit great depredation and violence against our people there and are not satisfied with usurping and cultivating the lands which were bought and paid for taken possession of by our people, but in addition come at night and sow with grain the land which our people plow, haul away to their houses the grass which our people mow, come with clubs and mattocks and barbarously treat our people when they are plowing, dig out our fine looking peas and plaint Indian corn instead, forcibly take away our horses, cows and hogs and let some of them die of hunger, cut the traces of our plow to pieces and throw the latter into the river, and surround our house with palisades so that one can scarcely get out of it on the land side;
"Therefore, all of this having been considered by us and whereas the same is tending to the injury and contempt of our supreme government and the honorable West India Company, whose jurisdiction and authority we are charged to maintain, we have resolved to send thither Dr. Johannes la Montagne, councilor of New Netherland, with 50 soldiers and some sloops, in order to fortify our house De Hoop* and to prevent the repetion of such hostilities as the English has wickedly committed against our people and to maintain our soil and jurisdiction." [Footnote: "Fort Hope, at Hartford, Conn." Also, "repetion" appears in the source. Perhaps it should be "repetition."] Page 111.
+ Dec. 5, 1641: "Before us, the director and council, appeared Dirck Corsen Stam, who declared that he did not state in Holland that Mr. La Montangne daily went around with his pockets full of ducatoons and Jacobuses." Page 130.
+ Dec. 5, 1641: "Johannes La Montangne, plaintiff, vs. Jan Meris,* defendant. Plaintiff says that the defendant built the tobacco house which he had engaged him to build so poorly that it blew over, as it stood with its posts loose on the ground. He therefore demands payment for the tobacco which was spoiled in the said house and, furthermore, that the defendant raise the house again at his expense. It is ordered that two carpenters, one Dutch and one English carpenter, shall inspect the house and render a decision according to their conscience whether in their opinion the house was well or poorly built. Mr. La Montangne chooses Gillis Pietersz and Jan Meris engages Jan Haes, both carpenters, to inspect the work." [Footnote: "John Morris."] Page 130.
+ March 28, 1643: "Whereas Maryn Adriaensen, a resident of this place and formerly one of the freebooters and sailors of Compaan,* … in the afternoon of the 21^st of March 1643, [190] under the pretext that some member of the community had called him ‘murderer’ and had reproached him for being the cause of the damages now committed by the Indians in the country, because he with some others had signed the petition praying that they might be permitted once to avenge the Christian blood which was so treacherously shed by the Indians and of which it was said that the director now disavowed the responsibility and shifted all on the signers of the petition, which however, was not true, left his house in a rage, armed with a sword and a loaded and cocked pistol, and came to the house of the director and went to his bedroom. Pointing his pistol at the director to shoot him, he said: ‘What devilish lies are you telling of me?’ Monsr. La Montagne, being at the time with the director, caught the pan with such quickness that the cock snapped on his finger, preventing thus through God’s mercy this atrocious design. Meanwhile, the fiscal and several others having come into the chamber, they disarmed Maryn, and Jan Harmensen from Lemmet, each armed with a musket and pistol, came to the fort, where the director was walking up and down. He was informed of their coming and retreated to his house, which he had barely entered when Jacob Slangh fired at him, God having in his mercy saved the director a second time within an hour and a half and preserved the community from a cruel massacre." [Footnote: "Claes Gerritsen Compaen, a notorious freebooter."] Pages 189-190.
+ July 14, 1644: The fiscal filed smuggling charges against Laurens Cornelisz, skipper of the Maecht van Enckhuysen, who had "sold some pitch, trainoil and lace without having entered the same." However, the court noted that the goods were "not worth more than fl. 300; also, that a skipper can not go on a voyage without taking something with him" and decided that Cornelisz’s deeds didn’t constitute smuggling. Cornelisz was ordered to pay a fine of one anker of wine "for the benefit of the fiscal and his friends; wherewith he is discharged and the fiscal’s complaint about the smuggling is dismissed." A final note on the case states: "Absent: the honorable director and Mr. La Montagne, as being objected to." Page 227.
+ July 21, 1644: "Mr. Crol, Captain Willem Cornelisen Oldemarckt and Captain de Fries, having looked over the examined the recusation presented by Laurens Cornelisz can to the best of their knowledge not find that any exception can be taken against eh director and Councilor La Montangne in matters pertaining to the interests of the Company and the criminal case of the fiscal." Page 229.
+ July 28, 1644: "The council (the honorable director exempted), to wit, Bastiaen Crol, Johannes La Montangne, Willem Cornelisz Oldemarckt and Captain Jan de Fries, having carefully weighed and with due deliberation examined the evidence as to the slander uttered by Laurens Cornelisz to the detriment of the honorable Director Willem Kieft, do find that inasmuch as Laurens Cornelissen persists in his statement that he received a box of pearls from the honorable director, but can not prove the same here, it is proper according to the law that he, Laurens Cornelissen, shall in [231] court beg forgiveness of God, the court and the aforesaid director, and acknowledge that he has spoken falsely; or, in case of refusal, he shall be banished from this country until he prove at Amsterdam that he brought over pearls for the honorable director. Having proved the same there, this sentence shall be annulled. Laurens Cornelissen still persists in his statement and appeals from the sentence to Amsterdam, protesting against loss and damage. The sentence shall remain intact, notwithstanding the appeal. The above named council having seen the foregoing sentence provisionally pronounced by associates invited for the purpose in the matter of smuggling committed by Laurens Cornelisz, skipper of the Maecht van Enckhuysen; Therefore, we order absolutely that the good which are in the hands of the fiscal shall remain confiscated and that the defendant in addition shall pay a fine of fl. 20 in cash." Pages 230-231. [During this time, Cornelisz was also facing charges of committing adultery with Hillegont Joris. He took an oath stating he was innocent and the charges were dismissed.]
+ Aug. 30, 1645: "Articles of peace concluded in the presence of the Mohawks between the Dutch and the River Indians. … [280] We promise that all that is above written shall be strictly observed throughout New Netherland. Thus done in the fort, under the blue canopy of heaven, in the presence of the council of New Netherland and the entire community called together for the purpose, in the presence of the Maquas ambassadors, who were requested to assist as mediators in this peace negotiation, and of Cornelis Antonisen, their interpreter and co-mediator in this matter. Dated as above. The original was signed with the mark of Sisiadego, the mark of Claes Noorman, the mark of Oratamin, the mark of Auronge, the mark of Sesekenins, the mark of Willem Tappaen, Willem Kieft, La Montangne, the mark of Jacob Stoffelsen, Jan Onderhil, Francis Douthey, Go: Bacxter, Ritchert Smith, Gysbert Opdyc; the mark of Aepjen, sachen of the Mahikans, Jan Eversz Bout, Oloff Stevensz, Cornelio vander Hoyken; the mark of Cornelis Tonisz. Below was written: Acknowledged before me, and was signed, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary." Pages 279-280.
+ Aug. 2, 1646: The fiscal filed suit against Johan de Fries, the former captain, complaining that he "cultivated the friendship and society of some dangerous persons, enemies of the Company’s welfare and of this country and defamers of their authorities … furthermore, that he is leading a scandalous life, highly dangerous in this [332] infant republic; that he has also with unbearable arrogance called the director a liar in the presence of the entire council, taking hold of his Polish casse-tete with the intention of striking him, had he not been prevented; and that a few days later, meeting Councilor La Montangne, he called him many vile names, for which he was finally cashiered, being expressly forbidden to give offense to any one on pain of forfeiture of all his wages." After losing his job as captain, de Fries continued to insult the authorities. The council ordered that he "depart in the first ship, direct to Holland." Pages 331-333.

"New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch; Volume I, Register of the Provincial Secretary, 1638-1642," translated and annotated by Arnold J.F. Van Laer, edited by Kenneth Scott and Kenn Stryker-Rodda, 1974.
+ July 10, 1638, agreement about the cultivation of a tobacco plantation on Manhattan Island*: "Conditions and terms agreed upon between Andries Hudde and Hans Hansen Noorman,* on the 9th of July Ao. 1638, as follows: First, the aforesaid Andries Hudde shall by the first opportunity of ships send hither from Holland to Hans Hansen aforesaid six or eight persons with necessary implements for a tobacco plantation. [31] Hans Hansen shall be bound to place the aforesaid persons on the flat land* situated on the island of Manhates behind Corlaer’s land. Hudde shall be bound to pay the expenses of their transportation and of engaging them and shall send the vouchers of expenses over with them. … [32] Thus done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, this 10th of July Ao. 1638." [Footnotes: "Other translation in Doc. Rel. Col. Hist. N.Y., 14:11." Noorman – "Hans Hansen, from Bergen, in Norway." Land – "A tract of 100 morgens (200 acres), extending from the present 109th street to about 124th street, New York City, for which Andries Hudde obtained a patent on July 20, 1638. The tract was originally known as ‘Muscoota’, and had been granted by the council of New Netherland to Hendrick de Forest during his first visit to New Netherland in 1632, subject to the approval of the directors of the West India Company. De Forest applied on Sept. 11, 1636, to the Amsterdam chamber for a confirmation of the grand and the following month sailed for the second time to New Netherland as mate of the ship Rensselaerswyck, apparently without having received the confirmation. On his arrival at Manhattan, in March 1637, De Forest made arrangements to have the land cleared and a house built, but he died on July 26, 1637, leaving the plantation in charge of his brother-in-law, Johannes La Montagne. La Montagne remained in charge till June 22, 1638, and in September of that year brought suit against Domine Bogardus, who had a power of attorney from the widow of Hendrick de Forest to look after the property, for the recover of certain moneys expended at the plantation. In the course of the proceedings, the court ordered that the plantation should be sold at auction for the benefit of the widow and that from the proceeds La Montagne should be paid his claim. The auction was held on October 7th and La Montagne became the purchaser of the property for 1800 guilders. Meanwhile, Andries Hudde, probably with the consent of Domine Bogardus, had secured a patent for the plantation and gone to Holland, where early in 1639, at Amsterdam, he married Geertruyt Bornstra, the widow of Hendrick de Forest. He returned with her to New Amsterdam in July 1639, and the next year entered with La Montagne into an agreement regarding their respective claims, La Montagne being left in possession of the property, which he had named ‘Vredendael’. See Land Patents, GG:21; N.Y. Col. Mss., 1:216-17; 4:19, 20; Van Rensselaer Bowier Mss., p. 197; James Riker, Revised History of Harlem, pp. 128-31; Mrs. Robert W. de Forest, A Walloon Family in America, 1:81-108; and a manuscript volume at the Rijksarchief, The Hague, entitled "Resolutien [van de Kamer van Amsterdam], No. 6, 1635-36, fol. 177 vo."] Pages 30-32.
+ July 23, 1638, disbursements by Johannes La Montagne for maintenance of the plantation of the late Hendrick de Forest: "Specifications of what Johannes la Montaenje has paid and disbursed to divers persons on account of debts and for the maintaining of the house and plantation of the late Hendrick de Foreest, deceased on the 26th July Ao. 1637 … [81] First, for board of Montaenje at the house of Jacob van Curler, as appears by the bill rendered to Bogardus fl. 98- … [82] Below was written: The 23d of July Ao. 1638. Examined and accepted this. Signed: Everhardus Bogarde, Eccl. Manatas. …" Pages 78-82.
+ Probably soon after July 23, 1638, public sale of the house and effects of the late Hendrick de Forest: "Conditions and terms on which Everhardus Bogardus has sold in Fort Amsterdam to the highest bidder, for the account of the widow and heirs of Hendrick de Foreest, deceased, what follows: First, the purchaser shall be bound to tender and pay the proceeds of the hereinafter mentioned property within the period of 12 months, commencing on the date hereof, and that in three instalments: the fist, cash down; the second in six months; and the third and past payment as above stated. The house is 42 feet long, 18 feet wide, with 2 doors, * enclosed with round palisades. [83] Two milch cows; 1 heifer 2 years old; 1 bull of 1 year; half a bull calf of this year; 2 old goats; half a little male kids of his year; half a kid of this year; 6 hens and 2 cocks, with about 20 chickens; 4 funs, good and bad; 1 kettle; 1 churn; 4 axes, good and bad; 6 hoes, 2 siths, 2 scythes, 2 iron forks; one fourth of 600 tobacco plants and 1 tobacco house; the half of the grain of one morgen of land; one boat. Johannes la Montaenje remains the purchaser for fl. 1800." [Footnotes: "Judging from the general style of Dutch farmhouses of the period and from O’Callaghan’s translations of other specifications of houses, there is no doubt that the word which is here translated as ‘doors’ was uytlaeten, literally, outlets, which in this connection refers, not to exits, but to the aisles, or extensions, running the full length of the house, between the posts which support the roof and the outer wells. These aisles, which are divided into bins or stalls, are used for the storage of grain and for stabling purposes, the width of 18 feet, which is mentioned in the text, being that of the center floor space, between the posts."] Pages 82-83.
+ Jan. 24, 1639, lease from Cornelis van Tienhoven to Claes Cornelissen Swits and Jan Claessen Alteras of the farm previously occupied by Jacob van Curler: "This day, date underwritten, in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, of the one part, and Claes Cornelisen Swits and Jan Claes Alteras, of the other part, have in amity and friendship agreed and contracted about the hire of the farm heretofore occupied by Jacob van Curler, situated opposite Johannes la Montagne’s farm called Vredendael, on the terms and conditions heretoafter written. … Done on the island of Manhatans, this 24th of January 1638.*" [Footnote: "Intended for 1639."] Pages 93-96.
+ March 22, 1639, deposition concerning the buildings erected in different places in New Netherland during Director van Twiler’s administration*: "This day, the 22d of March XVIc. XXXIX, before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary in New Netherland on behalf of the General Chartered West India Company, in presence of the undersigned witnesses, appeared Gillis Pietersen van der Gouw, ages about 27, at present master carpenter on the island Manhatans … knows what buildings, etc., have been erected for the service of the Company during Mr. van Twiller’s time on the island Manhatans, at Fort Orange, Fort Nassau situated at the south, and Port Hope situated to the north on the Fresh River, to wit: … [109] On the island outside the fort … On Corlaer’s farm much work was also done. On that of La Montaengne, the same." Pages 108-110.
+ 1639, probably soon after May 12, deed from Jacobus van Curler to Cornelis van Tienhoven of a farm on Manhattan Island: "Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary in New Netherland, of the first part, and Jacobus van Curler, commissary of cargoes, of the second part, have in amity and friendship agreed about the purchase of the farm and the appurtenances thereof heretofore occupied by the above named Mr. Curler, situated on the island of Manhates opposite the farm of Johannes la Montaengne, on the conditions and terms hereinafter written. …" Pages 146-147.
+ May 31, 1639, promissory note of Johannes la Montagne to the deacons of New Netherland: "I, the undersigned, Johannes la Montagne, acknowledge in the presence of the subscribing witnesses that I am well and truly indebted to the deaconry in New Netherland in the sum of fifty Carolus guilders, which sum aforesaid I received on the first of November Ao. 1638 from the hands aforesaid to my content and satisfaction. I promise honestly to tender and pay the said sum with the interest thereon at 5 per cent per annum, commencing the 22d of November Ao. 1639, and that free of costs and charges, the first penny with the last, without any gainsay, for which I, the undersigned, bind my person and property, movable and immovable, nothing excepted, submitting to all courts, judges and justices, all in good faith. Without fraud or deceit, this is subscribed by me, the undersigned, in the presence of the witnesses, in Fort Amsterdam this 31^st of May 1639.*" [Footnote: "Not signed."] Page 170.
+ July 18, 1639, receipt of Andries Hudde for part payment of the amount due by Johannes la Montagne to the estate of Hendrick de Forest: "Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, appeared Andries Hudden, who voluntarily and deliberately acknowledged that before the execution hereof he received from the hands of Johannes La Montagne the sum of two hundred Carolus guilders, in part payment of the balance of the amount due by said La Montaenge for the payment above mentioned. Thus done, this 18^th of July 1639. A. Hudde." Page 193.
+ March 5, 1640, receipt of Tobias Tonissen and Willem Fredericksen for payment in full by Johannes la Montagne for their services on the farm called Vredendael: "We, the undersigned, Tobias Tonissen and Willem Fredericksen, hereby acknowledge that we have been satisfied, paid, well treated and used by Mr. La Montaengie during our three years’ service on the farm called Vredendael and we therefore discharge the above named La Montagne and his heirs from all claims and demands which we may have to this date. In witnesse and token of the truth, this is signed by us this 5th of March Ao. 1640, in Fort Amsterdam. This is the X mark of Tobias Tonissen, above named" Page 266.
+ Aug. 28, 1640, quitclaim from Andries Hudde to Johannes la Montagne of his interest in the farm Vredendael left by the late Hendrick de Forest: "This day, date underwritten, before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, appointed resident secretary in New Netherland for the General Chartered West India Company, personally appeared Monsieur Johannes la Montaengne and Mr. Andries Hudde as husband and guardian of Gertrude Bornstra, widow of the late Hendric de Forest, deceased, who both acknowledge that on the 12^th of July Ao. 1640 they amicably agreed and arranged regarding the farm, goods and chattels purchased [by la Montagne], lying on [297] the island of Manhates and known by the name of Vredendael, which were left by the late Hendric de Foreest, and the right, title and interest in and to the same which Hudde in the capacity aforesaid may in any wise claim, wherefore they, the parties, request that a record be made thereof, releasing and acquitting each other from all further claims and demands which they might make to the farm, goods and chattels aforesaid in any manner, whether to the whole or to a part thereof; we, La Montaengne and Andries Hudde promise that no kind of after claim regarding the said property shall be presented either by ourselves or any of our heirs or assigns. All in good faith, without any exception whatsoever. Done the 28th of August 1640, in New Netherland. La Montagne A. Hudde J. van Curler, witness Ulrch Lupoltt, witness Acknowledged before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary" Page 296-297.
+ Aug. 11, 1640, receipt of Johannes la Montagne for one sixth part of the personal estate of the late Hendrick de Forest: "The day, date underwritten, before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, appointed secretary in New Netherland for the General Chartered West India Company, appeared Johannes la Montagne, political councilor here, who in the presence of the undersigned witnesses acknowledges that he has received and been fully satisfied and paid by Mr. Andries Hudde, husband and guardian of Gertrude Bornstra, widow of the late Hendric de Foreest, the just sixth part of the goods and chattels inventoried or caused [298] to be inventoried by Gertrude Bornstra, which inventory amounts to nine hundred and eighty-four guilders net, over and above all debts and charges, the sixth part received by said La Montaengne amounting to the sum of one hundred and sixty-four Carolus guilders, reckoned at twenty stivers Holland currency, out of which aforesaid moneys, or sixth part, the above named Mr. la Montaengne promises to satisfy and pay Johannes and Isaac de Foreest such competent portion as belongs to them on account of the aforesaid goods and chattels, promising further to leave the above named Hudde and his heirs and successors henceforth and forever unmolested as regards the matter aforesaid and releasing him, Hudde, hereby from all further claims and demands, either of himself, his heirs, or successors. For which he binds all his property, movable and immovable, present and future, nothing excepted, under submission to all courts, judges and justices, without any objection or gainsay. In testimony and witness of the real truth this is signed by the principal and the subscribing witnesses. Done in Fort Amsterdam, this 11^th of 8ber Ao. 1640, in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland. La Montagne J. van Curler, witness Ulrh. Lupoltt, witness Acknowledged before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary" Pages 297-298.

"New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch; Volume II, Register of the Provincial Secretary, 1642-1647," translated and annotated by Arnold J.F. Van Laer, edited by Kenneth Scott and Kenn Stryker-Rodda, 1974.
+ June 21, 1642, settlement of Annetje Jans upon her minor children by Roeloff Janssen, her first husband: "… Annitjen Jans, formerly widow of the late Rouloff Jansen from Masterland, and at present wife of Everardus Bogardus, minister here, with the Hon. Willem Kieft, director general of New netherland, and Mr. Johannes La Montangne, her chosen guardians herein, who declared that in the month of March Ao. 1638, before she, Annitjen Jans, had entered into the marriage state with her present above named husband, she had agreed with the guardians of the surviving legitimate children which the aforesaid Rouloff Jansen had in his lifetime procreated by her respecting their share of their deceased father’s estate, which aforesaid contract was drawn up and written by the late Secretary Hudden, and is at present not to be found in the old books, papers or registers. … she has caused this instrument to be drawn up as a supplement to the foregoing contract …" [43] Anna Jans to pay 200 Carolus guilders each to her daughters Sara, age 16; Trijntjen, 13; Sijtjen, 11; and Annitjen, 6; and son Jan, 9. La Montagne was a witness. Pages 42-44.
+ September 1642, agreement of Willem [ ] to serve Mr. La Montagne: "Willem [ has bound himself out for] the term of [ years, commencing on the] date [hereof], and this [on condition that he agrees] to serve Mr. la Montagne [as a servant] and [to perform all such work as] a good servant ought to perform, [for which Mr. la Montagne] shall every three m[onths or whenever the] servant needs it pay him his [wages], either in beavers or in money. [Done this ] of September Ao. 1642, in New [Netherland]. This [is the] X [mark of *] La Montagne Acknowledge before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary" [Footnote: "Name of servant not given."] Page 79.
+ June 14, 1643, lease from Johannes la Montagne to Bout Francen of the farm Vredendael: "This day, date underwritten, before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, appeared Mr. La Montangne councilor of New Netherland, of the first part, and Bout Francen from Naerden, of the second part, who acknowledge that they have amicably agreed and contracted together about the hire of the farm called Vredendael.* situated on the island of Manhattan, on the conditions and terms hereinafter written:
"Mr. La Montangne leases the above mentioned farm to Bout Fransen above named, who also acknowledges that he has rented the said farm, for the term of three consecutive years commencing on the date hereof and ending the 14^th of June Ao. 1646, with which farm Mr. La Montangne delivers all that is specified in [133] the inventory hereto annexed. In regard to the cattle mentioned in the [invent]ory, the lessee shall restore them to the lessor at the expiration of the lease in such number and condition as now received, and then the increase which shall be bred by God’s blessing from said cattle is to be divided half and half, it being well understood that the lessor shall first withdraw his number. The lessee shall during the aforesaid lease keep in proper repair the house, barrack and barn, together with everything that is delivered with the far, and surrender it again to the proprietor at the end of the term in the same condition as now received. The lessee shall also be bound during the lease to cultivate the land diligently and at the expiration of the term to deliver it back properly fenced, when thirteen morgens of it must be sowed as he now receives it, to wit, with rye, barley and peas. Bout Fransen shall likewise be bound to pay strict attention to the orchard, so that the trees belonging to the proprietor may not be destroyed by cattle or otherwise. Parties shall during the lease share in common the risk of the death of the cattle, and if any die, the loss must be made good form the increase, so that the capital stock may remain complete. The lessee shall annually pay for said farm and cattle as rent fifty schepels of rye, sixteen schepels of barley, and ten schepels of peas; for the cows shall be paid as rent [the fist year] twenty pounds of good butter for each cow; the second and third year twenty-five pounds of butter for each animal. For the performance and security of all that is above written Wessel Eversen offers himself as surety and principal, and specially for the sum of three hundred and fifty Carolus guilders advanced by Mr. La Montangne to the lessee, [134] which must be paid within one year from date, the same being for the wages of a servant man, board and security for the first year’s rent, the servant’s wages amounting to one hundred guilders. To which end the aforesaid Bout Francen and Wessel Eversen, each as principal, submit to all courts, tribunals and judges, placing under the control thereof their persons and properties, movable and immovable, present and future, without any exception. Thus done and contracted on the farm Vredendael and to that end signed in the record of the parties, the surety and the witnesses hereto invited, together with me, the secretary, the fourteenth day of June Ao. 1643, on the island of Manhattans, in New Netherland. La Montagne Bout Frans This is the X mark of Wessel Eversen, surety Cornelio vander Hoykens, fiscal, witness Cornelis Pieters, witness" [Footnote: "Literally: ‘Peace deal.’ The farm was situated at the north end of the present Central Park, New York City."] Pages 132-134.
+ inventory of Vredendael: "Inventory of the goods and effects delivered by Mr. La Montagne to Bout Francen for the behoof of the farm Vredendael.
"The farmhouse, barn, a barrack of four posts, cook house and hog pen
"1 boat with two oars
"1 wagon, nearly new
"1 foot plow with appurtenances, in working order
"1 ditto iron harrow
[135] "1 six year old stallion
"1 six year old mare
"1 stallion colt between one and two years old
"1 filly of ten weeks
"3 milch cows, square (3 Melck coyen viercant)
"1 heifer of 14 months
"1 yearling bull
"4 sows > from one to two
"1 boar > years old
"1 new mash tub containing one hogshead
"1 three-pronged fork
"1 two-pronged fork
"rope harness for two horses, in good condition
"1 fan
"1 peck measure bound with iron
"1 iron bound church
"2 milk tubs
"1 butter tub
"1 new tub holding one half hogshead
"1 water paid
"1 oak chest
"3 good scythes with snaths
"3 Flemish scythes, good and bad
"2 handles
"3 pickaxes, one of English make
"1 hand cross cut saw
[136] "4 / 1 iron wedges [Footnote: "/1 Cipher indistinct; in the margin is written four."]
"1 buttermilk tub
"1 half barrel with a brass faucet
"1 herring barrel
"4 ferrules for scythe blades
"4 ditto for Flemish scythes
"4 mattocks
"2 bill hooks
"2 new axes
"1 currycomb; 1 iron ladle to melt lead
"1 iron spade
"1 pewter tankard; 1 pewter mug
"1 large pewter basin
"1 ditto platter
"1 copper kettle
"1 grindstone
"1 wheelbarrow
"1 25-rung ladder
"2 millstone, dressed and grooved
"1 jackscrew for the hay barrack
"1 auger
"1 carpenter’s adze
"1 pruning knife
"1 hand saw
"1 trowel
"2 bits
[137] "2 iron ferrules for a wooden maul
"1 gun
"1 iron bolt, 1½ feet long
"All of which above mentioned [effects] I, Bout Francen, acknowledge having received from Mr. La Montagne, promising to deliver them back to the aforesaid La Montagne or his order in the same condition at the expiration of our contract, or in default thereof, the value thereof or other articles of the same quality. Bout Frans Cornelis Piters, witness
"Mr. La Montagne discharges and releases Bout Francen from the aforesaid contract and his brother-in-law* from his obligation as surety. Said Bout Francen has delivered the farm back to Mr. Montagne the 27th of September 1643. La Montagne Acknowledged before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary" [Footnote: "Wessel Eversen."] Pages 134-137.
+ Nov. 3, 1643, declaration of Jan de Visser regarding his release from the service of Johannes La Montagne and entrance into the service of the Company: "I, J[an de Visser, declare that after I had] served Mr. La Montagne [a little more] than two years, I requested the said La Montagne in a friendly manner to be allowed to leave his service in order to enter that of the Company, in which service I have continued to this day. Done the 3d of November Ao. 1643. This is the X mark of Jan de Visser, made by himself Willem de Key, witness" Page 175.
+ Jan. 5, 1644, protest by director and council against the fiscal for neglect of duty*: "We Willem Ki[eft, d]irecto[r general, and the council of] New Netherland, to you Cornelis [van de]r Hoykens, fiscal and schout of New Netherland:
"Whereas many complaints are heard daily of thefts, robberies, shooting of hogs and goats and other depredations, and the same are increasing every day, yes, from all appearances will shortly lead to public plundering and highway robbery, so that it is even to be feared that people will murder one another, and all this because no delinquents are arrested, prosecuted or punished; [whereas] also divers ordinance have from time to time been published here to prevent such scandals as much as possible, but no effort is made to put the laws into execution and therefore all disorders have full swing; [whereas] furthermore judgment has been rendered and orders have been issued to receive the Company duties and these also have remained unexecuted; and [whereas] divers people have died or been killed by the Indians, of whose estates no proper inventory or settlement has been made; and whereas these are all matters that concern your office and no one is at fault but yourself, since the commonalty generally complain* that they are put off with words and that nothing further is done and you furthermore throw the blame on the director for not giving you men to assist you;
[188] "Therefore you are hereby commanded to attend in ever way to the duties of your office according to you bounden duty, in order that justice may not wholly fall into contempt; and in order that you may not present the excuse that you are not supported by enough me, we assure you (as heretofore has been repeatedly done) that the director and council and all the soldiers are at you service to uphold you; furthermore that you deputy sheriff and the provost with all the Negroes are at your command; and if you remain in default, we protest against all damages, mischiefs, losses and injuries which may result therefrom, intending to remain innocent thereof and to make such provision in the matter as we shall deem proper.*
"The fiscal gives for answer that he has from time to time done his best and performed his duty to the best of his ability. This day, 5 January 1644.
"The director and council reply that the general complaint shows the reverse and they protest as hereinbefore written. Thus done in the presence …"* [Footnotes: "O’Callaghan’s translation is printed in Doc. Rel. Col. Hist. N.Y., 14:52-53." Complain – "At this point the following words are canceled: ‘that if they prefer any complaints to you in the evening, you are intoxicated, and in the morning’." "At this point the following paragraph is canceled in the Dutch record: ‘We also have assurance that you atrociously slander the director before numerous company and the entire watch at the guard house, saying that he is a rascal and a thief; that he drinks himself full every day with Mr. La Montagne and then shuts his room tight; that he steals the Company’s beavers and sends them over; that he buys a great deal and does not charge it all to his account; that he has ruined the country and that ht director now wants you to save it; that you well know who buys the hides, etc., and many other calumnies which you according to your oath should punish. Therefore, we require that you prove all this or that you suffer the penalty provided therefore.’ " Final note – "Not completed."] Pages 187-188.
+ March 11, 1644, declaration of Johannes La Montagne and Philippe de Remier respecting the testamentary disposition of his property made by Jan Manje, laying wounded at Stamfort: "Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, appeared Johannes La Montangne, councilor of the said place, and Philip Dorme, aged 34 years,* who at the request of Marta Chombar, widow of the late Jan Manje, attest, testify and declare, in place and with promise of an oath if need be and required, that it is true and truthful that Jan Manje at Stamfort, [205] being wounded, requested and charged him, the deponent, to tell his son-in-law, Piter, the Italian,* that the above mentioned Marta Chambar, his wife, should remain in full possession of all the property they might jointly possess, without being disturbed about it by this son-in-law as long as she lived. All of which they offer to confirm. The 11th of March Ao. 1644, in Fort Amsterdam, New Netherland. La Montagne Ph[i]lipe X de Remier Acknowledged before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary" [Footnote: "The italicized words were added in the margin."] Pages 204-205.
+ Aug. 9, 1647, powers of attorney from Jesse La Montagne to Coenraet van Ceulen to receive money due him by the West India Company: "Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary of New Netherland, appeared Jesse La Montangne, assisted by his father and guardian, Mr. Johannes La Montangne, councilor in New [469] Netherland, who declared in the presence of the undersigned witnesses that he appointed and empowered, as he hereby does [appoint and empower], Mr. Coenraet van Ceulen, merchant at Amsterdam, to ask, demand and receive in the name and on the behalf of the above mentioned Jesse La Montangne from the honorable directors of the Chartered West India Company, chamber at Amsterdam, the sum of nine hundred and forty guilders, ten stivers, earned by the above mentioned Jesse La Montangne from their honors in New Netherland as appears by the annexed account and the Book of Monthly Wages, N.o F, p. 51. On payment of said sum of nine hundred and forty guilders by the above mentioned directors to the above named Mr. Coenraet van Ceulen or his substitute they may execute a receipt therefore in due form, he, Jesse La Montangne, promising with his father and guardian, who assists herein, to hold and cause to be held as valid all that the above mentioned Mr. van Ceulen or his substitute shall do or transact in the matter, even though it should require more specific and ample powers than are herein mentioned. Thus done and signed in the record by Jesse La Montangne, assisted by Johannes La Montangne, his father and guardian, in the presence of [ ], as witnesses hereto invited, in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 9th of August Ao. 1647. La Montagne Jesse Lamontangne Augustin Herrman, Testat. Jno Dolling Acknowledged before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary" Pages 468-469.

"New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch; Volume III, Register of the Provincial Secretary, 1648-1660," translated and annotated by Arnold J.F. Van Laer, edited by Kenneth Scott and Kenn Stryker-Rodda, 1974.
+ Feb. 22, 1649, report of the inquest on the body of Elizabeth___?: "On the 22d of February Ao. 1649, Mr. La Montagne and Fiscal van Dyck, together with Mr. Jacob* and Mr. Jan Pau, surgeons, went to the house of Herry Pirs,* by order of the honorable director and council, to examine the dead body of Lysabet [ ], on which corpse was found a small wound on the forehead inflicted by an axe. The above named surgeons declare that the said wound was not lethal, nor the cause of death, and that Elisabet had come to her death by some other accident. In testimony whereof this is signed by the surgeons in the presence of the said gentlemen, on the date above mentioned, in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland. Jacob Henderycksz Jan Pauw La Montagne Acknowledged before me, Cor. Van Tienhoven, Secretary" [Footnotes: "Surgeon Jacob Hendricksen Varrevanger." "Harry Piers, or Pierce."] Page 83.
+ Sept. 23, 1651, contract of sale from Jochem Pietersen Kuyter to Director Stuyvesant, Luycas Rodenborch and Cornelis de Potter of three fourths of his land called Zegendael on Manhattan Island: "… Zegendael, in the Indian tongue Schorrakyn, adjoining to the south Willem Beeckman, lieutenant of the burgher guard here, at the end of Mr. Johannes la Montagne’s hollow to the first cliff, stretching northward to the great kill, having to the west on the North river a hay meadow, containing about three or four morgens, the aforesaid land being about two hundred morgens in extent …" Pages 309-312.
+ Dec. 14, 1654, certificate of Johannes de La Montagne and Cornelis van Tienhoven as to the good health of Nicasius de Sille: "In the year after the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 1654, the 14th of December, before me, Cornelis van Ruyven, appointed secretary in New Netherland for the General Chartered West India Company, appeared the Hon. Johan de La Montagne, councilor of New Newtherland, and the Hon. Cornelis van Thienhoven, councilor and fiscal of New Netherland, who certified and declared, as they do hereby certify and declare, that it is true and truthful that on this day, the 14th of December 1654, they have seen Mr. Nicasius de Sille, now first political and military councilor of New Netherland, son of the honorable Dr. Laurens de Sille, former advocate fiscal of the High and Mighty lords the States General of the United Netherlands, being well disposed and, God be praised, in good health and quite fit; which they have confirmed with their signatures. Thus done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the year and day above written."* [Footnote: "Not signed in the record."] Page 381.

"New York Historical Manuscripts, Dutch, Volume V, Council Minutes, 1652-1654," translated and edited by Charles T. Gehring, The Holland Society of New York, Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc., Baltimore, 1983.
+ Feb. 12, 1652: "The surgeons request by petition that they alone be allowed to shave.
"The director and council respond that shaving is actually not in the domain of surgery, but is only an appendix to it; and that no one can be denied this service to himself or doing it out of friendship for another, with the condition that it is done out of courtesy and without receiving payment for it or keeping a shop to do it in, which is hereby forbidden.
"With regard to this last petition: we proclaim this regulation concerning the surgeons and the public health and about which [ ] have decided, that whereas last summer two or three serious mistakes were made by the inexperience of some ships’ barbers; therefore, the director and council hereby order that such ships’ barbers shall not dress any wounds, bleed, or prescribe any drinks for anyone on land without the knowledge or special consent of the petitioners or, at least, of Doctor La Montagne." Page 13.
+ On or soon after Feb. 12, 1652: Adriaen van Thienhoven, Samuel Megapolensis and Jan de la Montagne request by petition that a pew be erected in the church at this place. The director-general and council resolve to take it into consideration." Page 13.
+ March 28, 1652: "Without mentioning the various misbehaviors of the fiscal, van Dyck, of which he has made himself guilty by connivance, negligence and, in general, failing to do his duty, he has now had the audacity to insult, slander and chide us and the honorable council repeatedly, as his won confession and the evidence of trustworthy witnesses proves, especially his own petitions of 4 July 1647 and September 1651, as of the council’s petition dated 1648. All of this we have suffered patiently and overlooked upon his promise of better behavior. Nevertheless, he has again seen fit to insult, slander and chide [ ] on the 6^th of this month at the house of Captain Francoys Vyn, in the presence of him, his wife, the dry nurse and Andries Christman, calling [ ] a scoundrel, murderer and tyrant [ ] and other such names. Because we have a different opinion or ourselves and because up till now we have never been so considered by respectable people, or much less having anyone be persuaded to believe such; however, because such insults and slanders have been repeatedly uttered behind our backs and in our presence, we [25] cannot endure it any longer without causing our good names and reputation to be suspected. We are therefore compelled for the sake of the Company’s, our subjects’, and our own honor to suspend the aforesaid fiscal, Hendrick van Dyc, from his office and duties until further orders are received from the lords directors, and in the meantime communicate this to your honors for approval or defense of the fiscal, as your honors may see fit for our honor and public welfare. Done in New Amsterdam, 27 March 1652.
"After the director-general, Petrus Stuyvesant had read the above proposal to the council and aldermen, they declared that they could not produce anything for the defense of the fiscal nor find any reason why he should not be suspended. 28 March 1652.
"La Montagne, Brian Newton, David Provoost, Willem Beeckman, Pouwelis Leendertsen van der Grift. Before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary." Page 24-25.

"Correspondence 1647-1653," translated by Charles T. Gehring, Holland Society of New York, Syracuse University Press, 2000.
+ March 21, 1651: Letter from the West India Company directors in Amsterdam to Director General Petrus Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam. "We regret, that we cannot fully comply with the request of Mons. La Montangie, although we are willing, upon your recommendation, to grant as much as the condition of the Company admits. Under these circumstances we thought it advisable that you should be directed to encourage him in the continuance of his duties and not to molest him for the present on account of what he owes to the Company, further also to increase his yearly salary from 150 to 200 and to favor him, subject to our approval, with any office, becoming vacant, for which you think him fit." Page 108.
+ June 6, 1653: Letter from the West India Company directors in Amsterdam to Director General Petrus Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam. "We have also decided out of special consideration that your honor shall allow commencement of the improvement of Councilor La Montagne’s salary to 50 per month and 200 annually for board as much sooner and from whatever time that his debt to the Company can be cleared thereby. We trust that this will allow him to continue in his office and devote even more energy to the Company’s affairs." Page 213.

"Council Minutes, 1655-1656," New Netherland Documents Series, Vol. VI, translated and edited by Charles T. Gehring, Syracuse University Press, 1995.
+ "The winter of 1654-1655 in New Amsterdam was so severe that farmers were ordered to haul firewood, people were punished for cutting palisade to heat their houses, and it is related that George Baxter, traveling from New England to his home on Long Island, was able to cross the East River on the ice at the ‘White Stone.’* It may also have been the severity of the winter that inspired Petrus Stuyvesant, the director general of New Netherland, to lead a trade mission tot eh Caribbean in December of 1654. He would not return until July of the following year. [Footnote – "Whitestone, Long Island, location of the present-day Whitestone Bridge."]
"In Stuyvesant’s absence the council consisted of Nicasius de Sille, Johannes de la Montagne, and Cornelis van Tienhoven. As the highest governing body in New Netherland, the council was responsible for all legislative, judicial, and executive activities within its jurisdiction. In the early years under directors Minuit, Van Twiller, and Kieft this meant the entire territory from the Connecticut River to Delaware Bay. However, as New Netherland’s population grew it was necessary to establish new communities with rights and privileges of their own, and to grant older settlements the right to govern themselves within their own local jurisdiction." Page xiii.
+ "The year 1654 was bittersweet for the West India Company and its possession of New Netherland. It saw the end of the first war with England (1652-1654); a war that tested the naval resources of patria and [xv] the abilities of Petrus Stuyvesant. English strategy to place its naval forces in the Channel – the so-called bottleneck of Europe – succeeded in blockading the Netherlands and disrupting normal commercial traffic to North America for most of the war. For the duration of the war Stuyvesant was faced with the prospect of invasion from the English in New England or the Chesapeake colonies. It took all his political and military skills to hold New Netherland together. News of peace with England was celebrated with bonfires and a day of prayer and thanksgiving. However, the euphoria was soon tempered by reports that Dutch forces in Brazil had surrendered the ‘impregnable’ stronghold at Recife in Dutch Brazil to the Portuguese. Although the loss of Brazil in January of 1654 was a severe blow to the West India Company, it proved to be a boon to New Netherland. Resources, both financial and human that once flowed to South America, were now redirected to New Netherland." Pages xiv-xv.
+ On or after Aug. 11, 1655, message from Stuyvesant to the council concerning New Sweden: "Whereas my indisposition, which has now already continued 12 or 13 days, does not permit me to attend to and to help advance the very urgent business, which must be undertaken effectively and speedily with the arrival of the ship de Waagh, as we so wished from our heart; to which must be added that the councilor Lamontagne three or four days ago has fallen prey to and been stricken by the general illness, so that he cannot appear in the meeting. Nevertheless, the matter must not suffer any delay because of it; therefore, the lords Nicasius de Sille and Corn. Van Tienhooven are required and at the same time hereby also specially qualified, authorized and directed to promote everything for a speedy execution, which their honors may consider in any way necessary for the aforesaid expedition, and they are to accept as colleague the honorable and valiant Frederick de Coninck, captain of the aforesaid warship de Waagh; and [he is] freely to communicate with us on all occasions, to ask and request, whereupon he might need our advance and counsel." [Footnote: "New Sweden in the Delaware Valley was taken over by the Dutch in September of 1655. See Delaware Papers, NYHM, 18:77."] Page 73.
+ Aug. 28, 1655, resolution to exempt Jews from military service: "The honorable Lamontagne did not sign because he was lying sick in bed at this time." Page 81.
+ Sept. 8, 1655, Joseph Safford and Thomas Read testified concerning Indian threats against the Dutch at Gravesend. The councilors then offered their recommendations on what to do about the situation, mostly urging to send a letter with delegates to determine what was happening in the village. "The lord general advises that it would not be bad if the Messrs. Montagne and Allard Anthony went as deputies to Gravesande to find out what was going on and to sound out the feelings there. The lord Montagne recommends: That 20 to 25 men should be sent there for relief of the Dutch in the village of Gravesande." The councilors decided to send a letter urging the town’s Dutch and English settlers to stick together and offering troops if the threat is serious. The records don’t mention whether Montagne was one of the delegates. Pages 87-90.
+ On or after Nov. 5, 1655, appointment of surveyors for New Amsterdam: "[The aforesaid request of the burgomasters of this city being taken into serious consideration by the director] general and councilors, they find the survey particularly necessary; therefore, the the honorable councilor Lamontagne and the honorable burgomaster Allard Antony, together with the regular surveyor, are ordered and authorized, without regard to persons, gardens or laces, to advance the desired survey, as soon as they are able, so that the interested parties may be better accommodated at a reasonable price. …" Page 129.
+ Nov. 10, 1655, Director General Petrus Stuyvesant requested advice from his council concerning "the recent Indian war," known as the "Peach War." He asked whether the war was "legal and justifiable"; whether it was "timely"; whether "it can be brought to a desirable conclusion with the forces that we present have without endangering the country in general"; and what should be done "regarding the Indians" if the war would be deemed illegal, untimely or impractical. Pages 130-132. Response of La Montagne to the forgoing propositions: "In my opinion it is impossible to judge by the most recent incident between us and the natives whether the war between us and them is lawful or unlawful because it is first necessary to know whether they were the cause of it or not. The matter must be judged by their previous actions, for suppose that they had no evil designs in this matter, but having laid themselves open to suspicion and given cause for the incident, they will always be considered the instigators or aggressors and consequently the causa movens of the same. First, if the untimely gathering here of 1900 Indians without our knowledge and consent (of whom 800 were already here on this side) in order to attack 50 or 60, contrary to their usual manner, was not sufficient enough to cause suspicion of evil intentions, and if their insufferable insolence committed by breaking into Mr. Allerton’s house, and the beating of several burghers in their own houses did not increase the same suspicion thereof, or their remaining here contrary to their promise, and the murder, which they tried to commit on the person of Capt. Paulus Leendertsz after the mounting of the guard, not powerful enough conclude that it was an evil intention of theirs? And all the burghers (to whom the security of the fort was entrusted) assembled in it, and being there were they not obliged (because they were placed there to guard not only the fort but from there to defend the entire place) to give assistance to a burgher who cried, ‘murder’ and ‘help,’ and whether, being there and finding the same burgher wounded in the chest with an arrow, were they not obliged to run after the Indians in order to observe their composure and finding them armed and with guns whether they did not have cause to strike at them? But why do we try to argue so precisely about the lawfulness of a war between us and the Indians from the last incident, seeing that they have given a just and sufficient, indeed more than sufficient cause, before the conflict by murdering our people at various times, without having been willing to give us any restitution, contrary to the treaty made between them and us after the same incident, for the murdering of so many men, women and children, for the taking of so many prisoners, for the burning of so many farms and plantations [140] and for the destruction of so many animals, contrary to the articles of the treaty that was especially requested by them, which stated that in case anyone of us or them should be killed in some mishap that war should not begin against one another before and until reparations and accommodations have been demanded, which having been refused, one should not be able to judge that the war against them is lawful, and in particular against those of Ahasiemes, Hachkinckeshacky, Tappan and others who were together in this incident and who did the most damage to our people and committed the abominable cruelties in the murdering of seven men and one woman, whom they murdered in cold blood (contrary to their promise, confirmed by an oath never before taken by then, namely, God above shall take revenge on us if we fail to keep our promise). However, of what advantage are these investigations to us, as we do not have the strength to pursue the war, whether it be lawful, or even necessary.
"Concerning the second article: as we do not have the strength to purse the war, it is now untimely for the same; if we acquire the strength, then it shall be timely.
"Since we do not have the strength to pursue the war (as I judge), the country in general should not be placed in danger by the same.
"Concerning the fourth article: as we do not have the strength to pursue the war, then it necessarily follows that we must keep quiet until we acquire it; meanwhile we should not trust too much in the Indians. With regard to what we should do with the Indians concerning the losses suffered, I do not have any advice, since they cannot be recovered either by war or peace. With regard to the captives, experience teaches us that it must be accomplished through ransom.
"Although I have never known the state of the treasury, still I can judge that the same is not well funded as alleged by the reasons about the imposts and otherwise, which is for us a great misfortune because this deficiency compels us to dismiss the soldiers during our great emergency, or to levy subsidies in an unsuitable time, for dismissing soldiers shall strengthen the enemy and make them bolder; on the contrary, weaken us and lower our spirits. On the other hand levying taxes shall be very difficult because the farmers have been ruined and shall be unable to pay the tenth, land tax, or horned cattle fee, so that the subsidies would have to be levied from the burghers of this place and of Fort Orange, but the burghers of this city, besides having suffered great loss in the ruin of farmers who were indebted to them, they have also furnished a consider- [141] erable sum for payment of the blinds* constructed in the defensive works of this city, and especially for daily maintenance of the poor people, widows and orphans who were produced in this war, so that there is no hope for being able to acquire a sufficient sum for our urgent needs. Nevertheless, of two bad choice, one must avoid the worse one; it would be best (in my opinion) to levy subsidies rather than to dismiss the soldiers.
"The means of [levying] these subsidies, and those who would feel it least, is by increasing the excise on beer and all sorts of wine; for the brewers, who now sell beer here at f 24,- the tun, although the malt is no more expensive than when they sold it for f20,-, would be able to bear an impost without harm; the same for the tappers who can still make a profit from their cheapest wine.
"Considering the Curacao horses: if they are alive and can be found, it would be best to sell them, or otherwise to contract them out to the farmers, Dutch or English. Ady ut supra. (Was signed.) La Montagne." Pages 139-141.
[Footnote: "Protective shelters and covers in the walls and trenches protecting the city."]
+ Nov. 29, 1655, Jewish merchants petitioned for permission to trade in the South River. They said, "the petitioners along with other inhabitants here were given permission and consent from the lords directors of the chartered West India Company, lords and patrons of this province, to sail, live , and trade, and to enjoy the same freedom, as appears by the document hereto appended; therefore, they humbly request that you honors will not prevent and hinder them therein, but he pleased to allow and consent that (pursuant to their obtained consent) they may be allowed, along with the other inhabitants of this province, to sail and trade there and in the South River of New Netherland, Fort Orange, and other places located within the district of this government of New Netherland." The New Netherland council offered its advice. La Montagne advised: "To recommend that the petition be denied for important reasons." The council then issued its final recommendation: "For important reasons the petition, which was proposed in such general terms, has been denied; however, because it has been reported that the [151] petitioners have already shipped some goods, they will be permitted for the present time to send one or two persons to the South River in order to trade the same. When this has been done, they are to return to this place." Pages 149-151.
+ Jan. 26, 1656, Jan Smith was indicted with a statement reading: "it not only appears that Jan Smith is a thief of hogs but that he, if those whom he sought out would have committed violence, theft, murder and arson at Taelman’s under guise of Indians, also through deceit to take away the goods of a burgher here." The New Netherland council then made recommendations on the charges: "Recommendation of the lord councilor La Montagne: Having seriously examined and considered all the papers concerning the criminal proceedings brought at the request of the fiscal of New Netherland in the case of thievery and enormous outrages against Jan Smith, presently a prisoner, my recommendation is (under correction of a better) that the same Jan Smith, although according to the law he deserves death, but because of his youth and because he has never been previously in trouble with the law, that he shall be whipped, branded and banished. Was signed: La Montagne." The officials convicted Smith, who made "his confession, made without torture and chains." They sentenced him to "be brought to the place where justice is commonly done, and there to be beaten severely with rods, branded, and banished from the province forever, as an example to other such field and livestock thieves." Pages 199-201, 203.
+ Feb. 22, 1656: Director General Petrus Stuyvesant made proposals for raising funds to cover expenses for the expedition against the Swedes near what is now Philadelphia and other expenses. He also asked for councilors’ advice "concerning the present situation with the natives."
Johannes de la Montagne replied: "It is unknown to me how many times that the lord director has demonstrated verbally to the honorable council the dearth of treasury and the necessity to find means to supplement it; however, one thing I do know is that written recommendations have been submitted to all his proposals, and if sufficient means are not found to alleviate all the burdens stated in the honorable lord director’s proposals, it cannot be attributed to any maliciousness but to the impossibility of the matter caused by the misery of this time.
"On the first point concerning the resolution of the honorable lords patrons regarding the land tax and cattle fee, the honorable lord director should, in my opinion, still be mindful that he himself was the first one, when the printed placards came from Holland, who saw fit to delay the posting of the same until a more appropriate time. If his honor now finds the times to be more appropriate and the entire [ ] to carry out the same, the same placards are ready, and nothing remains but to post them. Concerning the 2 and ½ stivers for each rod on lots in this city, I do not know that the honorable lords patrons have ordered such, but do know that the tenths should be demanded on the rent of houses included in this city, which could have brought in a considerable sum, or otherwise [could have been] a pernicious income in its beginning, for the compensation of the damage that the burgers shall claim, would certainly exceed the sum of the aforesaid income, Just as everyone shall be able to judge [arrange] as he considers tha the place included within the surrounding walls of this city is barely 30 morgens in size, from which is deducted the fort, the church grounds, the Company’s garden and houses, old and [234] news streets, there shall hardly remain left 20 morgens, which calculated at 15 guilders per morgen, shall amount to about 300 guilders. This sum shall obviously not be able to compensate for the aforesaid damage. All the confusion that the building regulation shall cause in the patents, which regulation was, in my opinion, unnecessary at this time, because there are more empty lots on the regulated and completed streets than houses shall apparently be built in 4 years. Therefore it is my opinion that these subsidies could have been raised on the unimproved lots with more profit and more satisfaction of the burghers, according to the patents.
"Concerning the tax on malt: I fear that the same shall be considered very peculiar and severe because recently the excise on beer has been doubled; and especially because the prices on grain has risen greatly since that time. Therefore, it is my recommendation that this should be reserved to another more suitable time.
"Concerning the commissary Carel van Bruggen: I have personally admonished him regarding his promised to carry out his duties. He replied that he was doing his best, and that he was sleeping in the shop to do so; however, he experienced so many difficulties that he often saw no information, namely, about the goods, which he had neither received nor debited. Therefore, he was required to work from a waste book that was very vague. But such excuses are frivolous, as the honorable lord director knows better than I. My recommendation is that he be ordered to finish up before the departure of the ship de Waagh, or by failure to do so that he shall be sent with his books aboard the same ship to the lords.
"Concerning the present situation of the Indian: it is my recommendation that as I have already done so for the last proposal of the lord director made to the council, it was unnecessary to repeat the same; and concerning the consolidation of the farmers’ houses at M[ ] in the countryside: the published placard of the director and council about this city excuses my recommendation to deny the same. At For Amsterdam, the [ ] 1656. La Montagne." Page 233-234.
+ Late February or early March, 1656, four men were to be questioned about the presence of too many marks on containers of distilled spirits aboard a ship: "commissioners have been empowered and authorized the honorable lords Nicasius de Sille and La Montagne, provided that the interrogation occur in the presence of the lord fiscal." Page 251.
+ On or after April 12, 1656, order appointing commissioners to settle a dispute between John Gray and his creditors: "At the request of the magistrates of the village of Middel borch, the honorable lords La Montagne and Cornelis van Tienhoven have been appointed commissioners to proceed to the aforesaid village of Middelborch where they are to supervise the settlement of accounts between Jan Craay and his creditors. Ady ut supra." Page 296.

"Correspondence 1654-1658," translated by Charles T. Gehring, Holland Society of New York, Syracuse University Press, 2003.
+ Sept. 15, 1657: Letter from the West India Company directors in Amsterdam to Director General Petrus Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam. "The satisfaction apparently felt by the resident community of Fort Orange and the village of Beverwijck over the administration of the councilor La Montagne has led us to approve of continuing the same there as commissary or vice director provisionally and until further orders." Page 147.
+ Aug. 15, 1658: Letter from Johannes de la Montagne to the French governor of Three Rivers in New France, which is now Canada. "Sir, The Indians, called Maquas by us, have come here on the 13^th of this month, bringing with them a Frenchman named Louis Paraget, whom (as they told us) they desire to return to your Lordship with two others, in exchange for six of their people who are held prisoner there, trying at the same time to conclude a general peace with all the Indians in your region. And as they dare not do it themselves, they have asked me urgently to assist them with someone who has knowledge of the French language to help them in this matter. I could hardly refuse them this for fear of causing an obstacle or ruining an opportunity to do a good work. For this reason I have dispatched this soldier, bearer hereof, name Henry Maertin, to serve them in this work according to his ability. I hope that your Lordship will take in good part what I am doing, which only proceeds from good intentions and affection. Meanwhile, I remain (after my humble compliments) Sir, Your very humble obedient servant LaMontagne." Page 198.

"Minutes of the Orphanmasters of New Amsterdam, 1655 to 1663," by Berthold Fernow, Colonial Dames of the State of New York, 1902.
+ March 14, 1653: "Having seen and considered the memorial of the Burgomasters and Schepens of this City of New Amsterdam, pointing out, first and above all, that the City ought to be fortified with palisades, then that the fort should be put into a condition of defense, for which they propose to furnish four to six thousand guilders,
"The Director General and Council are pleased with these propositions … We therefore consent that the suggested and requested fortifications shall first properly be prepared for defense under the supervision and directions of the Director General and Council or their agents in the presence of Burgomasters and Schepens or their deputies and to have this work commenced as soon as possible, the Director General and Council appoint as their representatives from this Board the first Councillor Monsieur la Montagne, who will see with the deputies from the Commonwealth, that the work is properly carried out." Vol. 1, page 68.
+ March 15, 1653: "Burgomasters and Schepens have by a plurality of votes nominated and elected Schepens Pieter Wolfersen and Wilh. Beeckman, whom they hereby authorize, to supervise with the Hon’ble Mr. la Montagne, appointed by Director General and Council, the work of fortifying this City, and to take care, that it is properly done, and Burgomaster Arent van Hattem shall pay out the funds, furnished as per list. Done etc. March 15, 1653. … Notice: The Committee, appointed by Director General, Council and Magistrates of this City will receive proposals for a certain piece of work to set off the City with Palisades, 12 to 13 feet long, by the rod. Any one, who wishes to undertake this work may come to the City Hall next Tuesday afternoon, hear the conditions and look over the work. Done etc. March 15, 1653." Vol. 1, page 69.
+ "The Committee, appointed for the work of making this city of New Amsterdam defensible, met to-day, March 18, 1653, at the City Hall and after repeating the conditions several times they have found, that nobody is willing to do the work for a less price, than 40 to 50 fl. per rod. As this would cost a great deal the Committee provisionally suspend the bidding, considering it profitable and useful, after a conference, to set it off with planks and finding, that this would cost only three to four thousand florins, they will communicate with the Hon’ble Director General and inquire, what is to be done. Done as above, La Montagne Wilh. Beeckman Pieter Wolfersen." Vol. 1, page 73.
+ March 2, 1654: "Council Chamber, Fort Amsterdam March 16 1654. Present in the Director General’s absence, Johannes La Montagne High Councillor and the Burgomaster and Schepens of the City of New Amsterdam except Jochem P’r Kuyter." Vol. 1, page 174.
+ June 16, 1654: "Whereas the Director General and Council have in consequence of the current and continued reports, thought it highly necessary and proper to think of the prompt and speedy security of this place, as well as by constructing necessary new works, as repairing the old ones, both of the Fort and of this City; for which purpose some workmen have been sent for and engaged; Therefore it is necessary, to pay close attention so, that lazy labor may not defraud the day’s wages. The following persons are hereby authorized, commissioned and appointed: … Overseers and Superindentents of Works of the City New Amsterdam – Hon’ble La Montagne, Councillor, Capt. Crigier, burgomaster, Poulus Leendersen, Schepen." Vol. 1, pages 214-215.
+ March 6, 1656: "The Hon’ble Cornelis van Tienhoven exhibits in Court of Burgomasters and Schepens a petition, presented by certain housekeepers, to the Hon’ble Director General and First Councillor d’Silla, wherein they accuse the government, which was left in authority here in Amsterdam on the departure of the Honble Direct’r General for the South River, with [55] the last disaster and Indian Massacre – and the endorsement thereupon together with the petition presented to the General and the Councillor d’Silla by the Heer La Montagne and him Tienhoven on the same subject, and the endorsement annexed, wherein the petitioners were allowed to take information for the elucidation of the matter. Requesting, therefore, the Court, that their Honors would be pleased to appoint one or two persons from their College as commissioners to hear and examine the witnesses, who shall be brought before them for this purpose. The Hon’ble Burgomaster Oloff Stevensen and Schepen Johannes Pt’r Verbrugge were thereunto commissioned by plurality of votes. Done in Court at the City Hall this 6^th March 1656.
"The Hon’ble Tienhoven departs." Vol. 2, pages 54-55.
+ July 26,1656: The Hon’ble La Montagne was appointed an arbitrator when "David d’ Ferere, Jew," appealed a verdict that against him on July13. Vol. 2, page 146-147.
+ Sept. 28, 1656: "In the afternoon appeared at the renting besides the Schout and Burgomasters, also the Hon’ble General Stuyvesant and Councillor La Montagne when, after reading the conditions of the farming of the Burgher excise, the Hon’ble La Montagne hearing that the Company’s Servants should also pay the Burgher excise, maintained that such ought not to be, with whom the Hon’ble Silla and the Hon’ble General, who had so decided the same, differed; wherefore the renting was stopped by order of the Burgomasters. Done, the 28^th Sept’r 1656." Vol. 2, page 177.
+ Jan. 30, 1658: "Agreeably to the arrangement of last Monday eight days, the Burgomasters and Schepens exhibit in Court in writing, each his Nomination of succeeding Burgomasters and Schepens. The votes being collected are found ... For Schepens … Joannes Montagne, 1." Those who were elected generally had at least four votes. Vol. 2, page 319.
+ March 29,1661: "Simon Hermzen Cort, arrestant and pltf. v/s Joannes de la Montagne, arrested and deft. Pltf. says, that his chest with carpenters tools stands in the defts. house, from which he missed one thing and the other. Requests his chest and tools back. Deft. shows an acte, whereby the chest and tools stand attached, also the protest made against him and the contract of the building. Which having been read to pltf., he says, that deft. got the contract from him, when he was drunk. Burgomasters and Schepens refer the matter in question to Symon Janzen Romeyn and Adolff Pietersen, to decide the parties’ differences, to reconcile the same if possible, if not to report to the Court their decision, and the arrest remains so long valid until the matter is disposed of." Vol. 3, page 287.
+ Aug. 21, 1663: "Freryck Gysbersen appearing demands, that the Marshal may levy execution on one of Jacob Vis’ houses, inasmuch as Jacob Vis does not settle on the notice of Marshal or the Officer in his name. Burgomasters and Schepens decree, that another letter shall be sent to Fort Orange to Commissary Joannes de la Montagne to notify the aforesaid Jacobus Vis by the Court Messenger and to communicate the return to this Court." Vol. 4, page 289.
+ Oct. 25, 1664: Joannes de Witt, arrestant and pltf. v/s Joannes La montagne Senior, arrested and deft. Deft. in default. Pltf. demands, that the attachment shall be declared valid, until the deft. shall have satisfied him and paid six beavers. The W. Court declares the attachment valid." Vol. 5, page 146.
+ Oct. 25, 1664: Joannes de la Montagne, Senior, pltf. v/s Joannes Withart, deft. Pltf. demands from deft. twenty beavers according to award of arbitrators in the case in question between him and the deft. Deft. admits something to have been settled by arbitrators between him and the pltf., then says he does not know for how much and requests copy of the demand to answer thereunto at the next Court day. Burgomasters and Schepens decree, as the deft. says, he does not know for how much the case in question was settled, that the pltf. shall have to prove for what and for how much." Vol. 5, page 146.
+ Nov. 1, 1664: "Joannes de Witt, pltf. v/s Joannes de la Montagne, Senior, deft. Defts. Second default. Pltf. demands from def. payment of six beavers, saying he prosecuted at the last Court day the attachment against his person and that the deft. has departed. Burgomasters and Schepens decree, that deft. shall be ordered, by a legal letter to be written to him by their Secretary, to satisfy the pltf. or to send an attorney to defend his cause, or that the cause shall be proceeded with." Vol. 5, page 149.
+ Nov. 1, 1664: "Letter to Joannes de La Montagne.
"Mons’r de La Montagne,
"Whereas Joannes de Witt summoned you before the Court of this City on the 25^th of Octob’r last, Old Style, attaching your Honor’s person, and prosecuted the summons on the next Court day following, which was on the first of November; on which your Honour did not appear, neither on the first summons nor on the second, to hear such demand as he should institute against you, to wit payment of six beavers, therefore your Honour is hereby notified in the names of the Court above named to pay the aforesaid Joannes de Witt the six beavers or to appear in person or to send an attorney to defend your suit in whatever you have against it; otherwise the case through neglect shall be proceeded with as is fit. Herewith closing they commend you to God’s mercy. (Under stood) By Order of the Court of the City of N. York, situate on the Island [152] Manathans. Was signed Joannes Nevius Secretary. At the Side stood. Done N: Jorck, situate on Manathans Island the first Novemb’r 1664." Vol. 5, pages 151-152.
+ Nov. 27, 1664: "Jacob Kip, pltf. v/s Joannes Withart, deft. Pltf, as attorney of his father in law Joannes de la Montagne senior, demands from deft. thirty seven guilders in beavers balance of twenty beavers according to award of arbitrators. Deft. says, he has suffered great vexation from the abovenamed Joannes de la Montagne and the Commissaries of the Town of Beverwyck, demanding for the damage suffered thereby and for the property taken out of the house, according to a/c, the sum of six hundred and twenty two guilders ten stivers in sewant and no award has been given, as to how much he should give. The W. Court condemn the deft. to pay, before he departs, to the pltf., in the quality in which he acts, the 37 gl. in beavers balance of the twenty beavers according to award of arbitrators, and if he have any claim against the abovenamed Montagne or Commissaries, he can institute his action in the premises, wherever he thinks proper." Vol. 5, page 164.
+ Jan. 31, 1665: "Jacob Kip, pltf. v/s Simon Janzen Romein, deft. Pltf. as attorney of his father in law Joannes Monjeer de la Montagne senior, demands from deft., as attorney of Joannes Withart, the sum of thirty seven guilders ten stivers in beavers. Deft. says, he has no beavers in hand for Joannes Withart; requesting time. The W. Court condemns deft. to satisfy and pay pltf." Vol. 5, page 179.

"Minutes of the Court of Fort Orange and Beverwyck, 1657-1660," translated and edited by A.J.F. Van Laer, University of the State of New York, Albany, N.Y., 1920-1923.
+ 1657: "The vice-director and magistrates of Fort Orange and the village of Beverwyck and the dependencies thereof, observing the difficulty which they have at present in making up the account of the expenditures for the building of the church of the village of Beverwyck and other work during the past year, 1656, have decided that henceforth no work shall be let except by order of the court, granted either by themselves or their deputies, and that no money shall be paid except upon their order. And in order that this may not be too troublesome for the court to grant every time, it is ordered that
Commissary Johannes La Montagne shall hereafter issue such order, provided that he shall keep a record thereof, so as to know thereby at any time the state of the treasury. Done in Fort Orange, the 23d of February Ann 1657." [Footnote: "Apparently a mistake for the 23d of January Anno 1657."] Vol. 2, page 14.
+ April 26, 1657: "J. Lamontagne, in his capacity as officer, plaintiff, against Hans Vos, defendants. The plaintiff says that many complaints have reached him from the inhabitants of Katskil about the sale of liquor to the savages by the defendant, contrary to the ordinance issued by the honorable director general and council of New Netherland. He has therefore investigated the matter and caused several witnesses to be examined before the court and, as it appears [33] from their answers to the interrogatories hereto annexed that the defendant is guilty thereof and this is a matter of dangerous consequence which can not be tolerated in a land where justice prevails …
"The court, having examined the documents produced by the documents produced by the honorable plaintiff as well as by Hans Vos, defendant, and finding that the defendant is guilty of the charges brought against him, condemn him to pay a fine of fl300:- and in addition to banish him, as they do hereby, form the jurisdiction of the court for the period of three years, as an example to others." Vol. 2, pages 32-33.
+ Aug. 1, 1657: "Whereas last Sunday, being the 12^th of this month of August Anno 1657, during the preaching, some drunken savages committed many acts of insolence in this place and upon making inquiries a Maqua Indian was found, named Kamgeragae, who declared the he knew a house where the savages obtained the brandy and offered, if we gave him a beaver, to get brandy in the said; therefore, we, Johannes La Montagne, officer, Philip Pietersen Schuyler and Jan Tomassen, magistrates, in [67] view of the seriousness of the matter, on the 13^th of the said month, having given a beaver to the aforesaid Indian, followed and accompanied him with Henderick Jochimsen, lieutenant of the burgher guard, which Indian went to the south side of the boundary line, having in his hand an empty kettle, which we have had in our hands, and with this empty kettle went into the house of Marten Bierkaecker,* we together remaining near the said house to watch the result. But as there were strangers in the said house, as we ourselves could hear from the noise, the Indian came back to us with his kettle empty. About three quarters of an hour later the said Indian again went into the said house and came back to us having in his kettle about three pints of brandy and sugar, which he had obtained for the beaver which we had given him, so that we took the kettle with us and went into the house of the said Bierkaecker, where we found him and his wife quite amazed after we had asked them whether they had sold the brandy that was in the kettle to a savage with a white blanket for one beaver, as we had seen the said savage go in and out of the house. All of which, we, the undersigned, upon oath declare to be true. Done in Fort Orange, the 15^th of August Anno 1657. Was signed: Johannes La Montagne, Philip Pietersen Schuyler, Jan Tomassen and Henderick Jochimsen." [Footnote: Marten Hendricksen.] Vol. 2, pages 66-67.
+ Aug. 20, 1657: Goossen Gerritsen, " the officer, plaintiff, against Susanna Janssen, wife of Marten, the bierkaecker, defendant. The plaintiff says that on Sunday, being the 12^th, he discovered a savage about ten o’clock in the evening who came form the house of Marten Bierkaecker, having with him a kettle in which brandy and other strong liquore, as he proves by the testimony of three witnesses, given on the 15^th of the aforesaid months, and also by the confession of the defendant herself. And whereas this is a deed of very dangerous consequence, in violation of the placards issued by the honorable director general and council of New Netherland, and a deed which can not be tolerated in a place where justice prevails, therefore, the said La Montagne, in his capacity of officer, demands that the said Susanna Janssen, in accordance with the said placards, be condemned to pay a fine of fl.500: and the costs of the suit and furthermore be banished from this jurisdiction for the term of six years.
"The defendant again confesses that she committed the said deed, but says that she was moved thereto by extreme poverty, her husband having double hernia and being therefore unable to [72] earn his living and she being burdened with three small children, for whom she can buy no food except with beavers, which she the week before had tried to buy in many places for seawan at fl.12:- apiece, but could not get. That, finally, she was asked [for the liquor] by a savage, who came twice to her house at night with a beaver, for which she gave him three pints of beer, brandy, French and Spanish wine, mixed together, praying of the court forgiveness in consideration of her youth and extreme poverty, promising never to do it again.
"The court, considering the dangerous consequences of the case and the severe placards, condemn the said Susanna Janssen, in accordance with the said placards, to pay a fine of …[amount left blank." Vol. 2, page 71-72.
+ August 1658: "To Mr de la Poterie, Governor of the Three Rivers In New France.
"Sir: The Indians, by out people called Maquas and by your people Iroquois, have come here, bringing with them a Frenchman named Louys Paraget, whom (as they have states to us) they desire with two others to bring back there and to surrender to you in exchange for six of their people whom you hold prisoners, wishing at the same time to make peace with all the Indians in your parts. And as they dare not do it personally, they have asked us to assist them with some one who has knowledge of the French language, to serve them on this occasion. Which we could not refuse them, for fear of losing the opportunity of doing a good work. For this reason we have dispatched a soldier named Henry Martin, to serve them in this matter as the occasion and justice may require, hoping that your [152] honor will take in good part what we are doing, which proceeds only from good intentions and sincere affection. Meanwhile I remain, Sir,
"Your very humble and obedient servant, La Montagne." [Footnote: "The above letter, with certain variations, is printed in O’Callaghan, History of New Netherland, 2:366, where the date is given as August 15, 1658."] Vol. 2, pages 151-152.
+ Oct. 8, 1658: "There appeared before the court the sachems (Sackimaes) of the three Maquas castles, having with them Saciadego, as their spokesman, who requested as follows:
"First, that we should tell them whether we knew where the Frenchman (who the last time came here with them) was at present. [Footnote: Louis Paraget.]
"Secondly, whether we did not know that they had not killed the aforesaid Frenchman?
"Thirdly, they requested that we should write to the governor of Canada that they had not killed the said Frenchman.
"Fourthly, whether Commissary La Montague would not go with them to Canada to make peace with the French?
"To which questions or propositions the court gave for answer:
"First, that they did not know where the Frenchman was at present.
"Secondly, that they had not heard that they had killed him.
[162] "Thirdly, that they were willing to write to that effect. "To the fourth proposition: that the commissary was appointed to guard this place and could not leave it without the consent of the great Sachem (de groote Sackimaker).
"Hereupon they asked us to provide them with a man who understood the French language and also with a letter to the governor of Canada. This was promised them, whereupon Jacob Begyn, a soldier, immediately offered his services. He went with them on the 9th of this month, with a letter of this tenor." Vol. 2, pages 161-162.
+ July 8, 1659: "The honorable officer Johannes La Montagne, plaintiff, against Cornelis Teunissen Bosch, defendant. The plaintiff says and complains that the defendant defamed the honorable court. The defendant says that he is not guilty. The honorable court orders that copies shall be delivered to the parties, to make answer thereto on the next court day.
"Idem, plaintiff, against Pieter Erasmus, defendant. The plaintiff says and complains that Pieter Erasmus contrary to the ordinance has been in the woods and came down the hill
with Indians. The defendant denies it and says that he has not been there. The plaintiff demands that the defendant shall under oath purge himself of the charge, namely, that he persuaded the Indians to go to his master’s house. The honorable court orders the defendant to think the matter over until the next court day.
"Idem, plaintiff, against Philip Pietersen, defendant. The plaintiff requests judgment against the defendant who contrary to the ordinance sent Indians into the woods and gave
them presents. Therefore, that Philip Pietersen shall purge himself under oath, or else be fined according to the ordinance. The defendant refuses to take the oath aid says that he is not guilty thereof. [202] The honorable court orders the parties to think the matter over until the next court day.
"Idem, plaintiff, against Pieter Hartgere, defendant. The plaintiff say» that Pieter Hartgers, according to his own confession contrary to the ordinance has sent Indian brokers into the woods. He requests therefore that the defendant be fined according to the ordinance. The defendant admits that he sent Indians as brokers into the woods and that he was permitted to do so, because the ordinance according to his opinion should have been repealed in the same way as last year. The honorable court will take the matter under advisement." Vol. 2, pages 202-203.
+ Sept. 6, 1659: La Montagne presided over an "Extraordinary Session held in Fort Orange by both courts to hear the propositions made by the Maquaes." The Native Americans presented gifts of seawan and beaver pelts and issued a series of statements and questions, including professions of friendship and well as complaints about sales of alcohol and fickle – and sometimes cruel – treatment by the Dutch. They asked that their guns be repaired for free. They also asked for help in rebuilding their fortifications and in obtaining the release of two sons who were held by the French. Vol. 2, page 211-213.
+ Sept. 8, 1659: La Montagne presided of a "Session held in Fort Orange on the 8^th of September anno 1659, to consider the propositions made by the Maquaes on the 6^th of the same month." The Dutch officials reasserted their friendship with the Native Americans but delayed making any firm decisions until the arrival of Director-General Pieter Stuyvesant, who was expected to arrive soon. Vol. 2, page 213.
+ Sept. 16, 1659: La Montagne presided over an "Extraordinary Session held in Fort Orange by both courts of the said place." Since the director-general was unable to visit Beverwyck because of illness, the officials "have for the peace and well-being of their country decided to delegate some of their members to enter into a further alliance with the said Maquaes … and to give them a fair and proper answer to their propositions." The delegation traveled to "the first castle of the Maquaes called Kaghnuiwage" and delivered their response on Sept. 24. After reiterating their pledges of friendship, the Dutch said they could not force their gunsmiths to work for free; urged the leaders to discourage their people from buying brandy; replied that horses wouldn’t work well on the steep hills and the Dutch men "become sick merely from marching to this place" and could not help build fortifications; requested that the leaders forbid their people from killing horses, cows, hogs and goats; and gave gifts of gunpowder and lead, axes and knives. The propositions were "gratefully accepted by the chiefs and all the bystanders." "As soon as we had made our propositions, a letter was handed to us by the negro of Mr La Montagne, whom his honor had expressly dispatched to us. From this letter we learned that some mischief and fighting had taken place between our people and the Esopus savages." [The preceding is on page 217.] The delegate told the chief and bystanders about the matter and they replied that "if the Esopus or other river Indians should come to them with presents and asked them for assistance to fight with them against our people, they would kick them with the foot and say to them: You beasts, you hogs, go away from here, we will have nothing to do with you." The delegation asked the Native Americans to release some French captives and they, in turn, complained about the French. Vol. 2 , pages 215-219.
+ Oct. 28, 1659: " Whereas Cornelis Teunissen Bosch on the 8^th of July of this year dared to defame the honorable magistrates of this court, which said magistrates represent the supreme authorities, and this by such words that out of respect due to the court we dare not write them down, as appears from the testimony of three credible witnesses and his own confession; therefore, I, Johannes La Montagne, plaintiff, in my capacity of officer, demand that the aforesaid Carnelis Teunissen Bosch, as a defamer of his superior authorities and [contemner of] their ordinances, shall be condemned to pay a fine of twelve hundred guilders and in additional shall be banished form this jurisdiction for the period of twelve consecutive years, as an example to others, Actum in Fort Orange, the 28^th of October Anno 1659. In reply to which demand of the officer, Cornelis Teunissen Bosch said that he did not propose to plead his case before the magistrates of this place and rejected their authority, appealing to the honorable director and council.." Vol. 2, page 221. [Note: This record is repeated on page 225.]
+ Oct. 18, 1659: La Montagne presided over an "Extraordinary Session held in Fort Orange, October 19, Anno 1659, to hear some propositions to be made by two Maquaes sachems, being sent by and speaking in the names of all of them." The Native Americans complained about insults by the Dutch settlers and discussed fighting between the settlers at the Esopus and the local Indians. They then said they would send a sachem to the Esopus encourage them to release Dutch prisoners and to abstain from attacking Beverwyck. Vol. 2, 222-223.
+ Nov. 18, 1659: La Montagne presided over an extraordinary session held at Fort Oragne. The court had received a Nov. 12 letter from the director general concerning the Esopus Indians. The court decided it would not as that the Esopus Indians be "shut out by the Mahican and Katskill Indians" until they are informed of an attack on the settlement at Esopus. Vol. 2, pages 228-229.
+ May 31, 1660: An extraordinary session was held to discuss "Indian brokers," who sought out Native Americans who could sell highly valued beaver pelts. The Native Americans had asked that the practice be ended because the brokers were often abusive. The court had banned the practice but several settlers signed a petition asking to overturn the ban. Johannes de la Montagnes was among those who entered the debate. [Page 256] "La Montagne is of opinion in this difficult matter, where there are two directly opposite parties, one asking to be allowed to employ Indian brokers and no Christians, and the other Christians and no Indians, that, according to the ordinance issued about the said matter in the year 1654 and since then published here every year, no brokers of either nation shall be employed, but that the Indians unsolicited shall be allowed to trade their beavers where they please." After La Montagne testified, the commissary and magistrates voted to follow his advice. Those who used a broker were to face a fine of 300 guilders and a suspension of their business for two months. Vol. 2, pages 255
+ Jun 26, 1660: La Montagne presided over a meeting concerning the Maquas at Fort Orange. The Native Americans complained about physical abuse by the Dutch, especially that by Indian brokers who entered the woods in search of Native Americans with valuable beaver pelts. The asked that the Dutch be banned from entering the forest and beating and kicking them. The Dutch leaders then discussed the matter. [Page 269.] "La Montagne advises to give the Maquas for answer that we had never heard that any violence was done to them in the woods and that they had never complained of it, but now that we have heard their complaints, we promise them to do our best to prevent it and if they can report the persons, we shall punish them. As to the Dutchmen who roam in the woods, we shall forbid them to do so, but if no Maqua brokers were employed, it would be easier to forbid it to the Dutch and then the Indians could exchange their beavers unmolested wherever they pleased." Most of the others who discussed the matter were of the same general opinion. As a result the officials decided on June 28 to restate their ban on Indian brokers. Vol. 2, pages 268-269.
+ July 15, 1660: "Johannes La Montagne, in his capacity of officer, plaintiff, against Poulis Jansen, defendant. The plaintiff complains and says that the defendant, contrary to the latest ordinance, has ventured to go as a broker into the woods and to attract the savages with beavers. The defendant admits having been in the woods, but claims that he went there to pick blueberries. The honorable court adjourns the case until the next court day." Vol. 2, page 278.
+ Sept. 14, 1660: Johannes La Montagne prosecuted a number of cases "in his capacity of officer." Examples: "Johannes La Montagne, in his capacity of officer, plaintiff, against Lambert Albersen van Neck, defendant. The plaintiff complains, according to his complaint delivere3d in writing, that the defendant offered resistance to the court [officer] in regard to the collection of the chimney tax. The defendant says the he offered resistance because he would not allow his property to be carried out of the house. [298] The honorable court orders the plaintiff to furnish the defendant with a copy of his complaint, to make answer thereto on the next court day."
"Idem, plaintiff, against Jurriaen Theunesen, defendant. The plaintiff says and complains that the defendant, on the 23d of August last past, did not hesitate to beat some of the magistrates at the house of Juffrouw Dyckmans and furthermore to abuse the honorable court, according to the affidavits thereof, which the plaintiff produces. He demands, therefore, that the defendant be arbitrarily punished. The defendant says that he known nothing about it, as he was very deeply intoxicated. The honorable court, having examined the affidavits, and heard the complaint of the plaintiff and the answer of the defendant, condemn the defendant to pay a fine of thirty guilders and the costs of the suit." Vol. 2, pages 297-298.
+ Dec. 30, 1660: Johannes La Montagne, "in his capacity of officer," prosecuted a pair of cases against tavernkeepers who conducted business "at night, after the ringing of the bell." In the second case, the record mentions that Marceles Jansen was "fined by the court messenger (who came by order of the honorable plaintiff), to whom the defendant said: ‘I shall tap the entire night, in spite of Montagne.’ He asks therefore that the defendant be fined according to the ordinance and in addition be ordered to pay a fine of fl.50 for his insolent remarks. The defendant pleads not guilty. The plaintiff produces the report of the court messenger and in addition four witnesses, who declare that they heard it. The honorable court … condemn the defendant to pay a fine of fl.70 and furthermore a fine of fl.50 for his insolent remarks." Vol. 2, pages 311-312.


"Collections on the History of Albany, From Its Discovery to the Present Time," published by J. Munsell, Albany, N.Y., 1870.
+ Oct. 16, 1656: "Appeared before me Johannes De La Montagne, in the service of the Privileged West India Company, Clerk and Vice Director at Fort Orange and the village of Beverwyck …" [Footnote: "Johannes Le Montagne succeeded Johannes De Decker, as vice director and deputy at Fort Orange, 28^th Sept., 1656. Johannes Provoost was secretary, and Ludovicus Cobbes court messenger. See p. 9, note."] Vol. 3, page 1.
+ Nov. 16, 1656: "Acknowledged before me, La Montagne, Deputy at Fort Orange." [Footnote: "Johannes La Montagne, a magistrate at Albany, N.Y., under the Dutch colonial government, was born in 1592; was a Huguenot physician, of varied acquirements, and came to New Netherland in 1637; in 1638 was appointed one of the council under Kieft; married, 1. Rachel Monjour; 2. Agritta Fillis, 18 Aug., 1647; 1641 was appointed by Kieft to command an expedition consisting of fifty men in two yachts to Fort Good Hope, now Hartford, on the Connecticut river, to maintain Dutch rights there against the encroachments of the English; but the enterprise was stayed by the pressure of affairs nearer home; 1643 saved the life of Director Kieft, attacked by Maryn Adriaensen, and same year was sent to Staten island with three companies to put down the Indians, from which he returned laden with the spoils of several hundred bushels of corn; 1644 headed an expedition against the Indians of Long Island, where one hundred and twenty savages were killed; 1645 accompanied Kieft on his first voyage to Fort Orange, to secure the friendship of the Mohawks, on which occasion he conducted an analysis of the war paint of the natives, and discovered gold therein, to the great comfort of Kieft; 1647 was retained in the council by Stuyvesant; 1648 was dispatched to the South river to secure the Dutch acquisitions there, which was successfully done; 1652, it having been determined to establish a school in the city tavern, he was for the time appointed schoolmaster; 1653 he was in the enjoyment of an income of nearly four hundred dollars a month from his public offices; 1656 on the retirement of De Decker he was appointed vice director at Fort Orange, now Albany; 1660 headed a detachment of soldiers to discover and arrest forestallers (bosh-loopers, bush runners), or persons, among whom were some of the magistrates of the city, who went out to intercept the Indians on their way to Fort Orange with furs, with a view to make advantageous purchases against the regulations of trade; 1664 surrendered Fort Orange to the English, and swore allegiance to the new dynasty. His bouwery in New York was east of Eighth avenue, and extended from 93d street north to Harlem river, containing about two hundred acres, which was called Vrdendael (peaceful vale). – O’Callaghan’s History of New Netherland; document relative to the Colonial History of New York. Vol. 3, page 9.
+ Nov. 20, 1656: "Appeared before me Jan De La Montagne, in the service of the Privileged West India Company, Vice Director and Deputy at Fort Orange, and village of Beverwyck …" Vol. 3, page 9.
+ Nov. 10, 1657: Willhelm Montagne and Johannes Provoost witnessed a payment by David Wessels to Evert Luycassen. Vol. 3, page 60.
+ July 16, 1659: "Goods of Pieter Claerbout to be sold, and paid for in beavers in the time of eight days, or else what is not beaver and is reckoned in sewant is to be paid at 12 guilders the beaver. … J. La Montagne, 3 ditto platters, f. 5.10 … Heer La Montagne, a black linnen apron, f. 13.00" ["ditto" indicates porcelain in this case.] Vol. 4, pages 249-250.

The following items relate primarily to Willem de la Montagne, Johannes’ son.