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In 1580, the government of Holland and West-Friesland created rules about marriage. These rules also applied to territories in the West Indies from October 13, 1629. On October 10, 1774, Indah Benjamyn and Hannak de Lion asked for permission to marry despite these rules.

The issue concerned marriages between a widower and his dead wife's sister, which was forbidden in St. Eustatius. Petrus Bernardus van Starkenborg, secretary of the Grand Council in Curaçao, stated in January 13, 1786 that such marriages happened regularly, though they were technically not allowed.

The legal advisers noted that marriage between a widower and his deceased wife's sister:

• Did not go against moral law
• Was not forbidden by Mosaic law
• Had been permitted before for Jewish people by the government of Holland and West-Friesland

Previous similar permissions had been granted on April 11, 1769 and October 10, 1774 for marriages between uncles and their deceased wives' nieces. Although this case involved a closer family relationship, the advisers suggested that permission could be granted since it did not go against morality or Jewish law.

On June 15, 1746, J. Faesch wrote from Curaçao about several administrative and financial matters. He issued a payment of 1200 guilders to the widow of Jan Rudolph Faesch. The letter mentions accounts from engineers Carel Gustaef and Godfried Carel Esdré, whose appointments were due on July 4, 1746.

Captain Vender Gon had an unfortunate encounter with two English privateers near Porto Rico on his voyage to St. Eustatius. A box containing books from 1745 was delivered to Captain Simon Versteeveren, commander of the warship Hilversbeek.

There was discord among the Jewish community regarding the establishment of a synagogue across the harbor. One wealthy Jewish resident offered to donate a house for this purpose without expecting payment. However, another influential Jewish person offered a house for only ten years, requiring reimbursement afterward for the house's value and expenses.

The letter also mentions enclosed correspondence for the Spanish Ambassador, Marquis de St. Gill in The Hague, and another letter for Madrid, both sent by the president of Santo Domingo. Additionally, there was mention of a sworn manifest of goods loaded on the ship Fortuijn, captained by Gerrit Stroom.

On June 15, 1746, J. Vaesch wrote a letter from Fort Amsterdam in Curaçao about several matters. He mentioned issuing a payment of 1200 guilders to the widow of Jan Rudolph Faesch for a monthly appointment of 100 guilders. He also discussed accounts from engineers Carel Gustaef Schrijven and Godfried Carel Erdre, whose appointments would expire on July 4, 1746.

A dispute existed among the Jewish community regarding a synagogue to be built across the harbor. One wealthy Jewish resident offered to donate a house for free, while another influential member offered a house for 10 years, after which the Jewish community would need to repay the value of the house and expenses.

The letter mentions that Van der Gon had an unfortunate encounter with two English privateers near Porto Rico on his way to St. Eustatius.

The document includes a census of families in Curaçao taken on March 14, 1746. Some notable residents in the first class included:

• Harmanus Storck
• Johannes Stuijlingh
• Willem Meijer
• Hendrik Plier
• Nicolaas Houtschilt
• Several widows including those of Jan Ellis, Jan Martin, and Isaac Lamont
• Jewish residents including Mordochar Alvares Correa, Samuel de Casserez, and Moses Penso

The directors wrote a letter about two matters. First, they discussed problems with Jewish people in Curaçao, which started when an Italian Jew named David Aboab came from Jamaica. After he left, these problems stopped. The Jewish leaders in Amsterdam would send information about how and when the Jewish community in Curaçao could use their religious ban.

Second, they discussed concerns about the harbor becoming too shallow. While some people in the homeland were worried the harbor would become unusable, local officials were less concerned. However, they worried that attempts to flush out the harbor might do more harm than good. Engineers would study this problem. Since residents wouldn't help pay for cleaning boats to remove dirt, and because this would be too expensive for the Company, officials recommended regular dredging of the harbor instead. They requested reports on:

• Whether the depth improves or worsens over time
• The yearly costs of dredging

The letter was dated March 16, 1748 and signed by CHop and J.V. Loon.

Between 1741 and 1747, several events occurred in Curaçao and Sint Eustatius. The military council sent procedures against Christiaan Hisse and Jan Braase. The director complained about hostilities committed by English privateers. He announced new regulations about weighing fees. The director and council received orders from the Assembly of Ten about providing justice to creditors of Hendrik and Cornelis van der Burg, and regarding Hendrik Hofham's case against Pieter Jan Ooije.

The director and Jan Luls reported transferring money from the sale of Negro girls, brought by the late captain Andries Graen, to the Company's treasury. A decision was made to recruit 24 soldiers. The director sent bills of lading for cash and Company books. Questions arose about how to handle ships destined for Sint Eustatius coming to Curaçao and about defense plans in case of hostilities.

Engineers wrote about fortifications on the island. Free people, Negroes, and Mulattoes were granted certain tax exemptions. The Dutch and French church deacons requested aid for their poor. A three-year accounting was to be conducted. Regarding English deserters in Sint Eustatius, a resolution was passed. David Aboab, an Italian Jew, was mentioned regarding Curaçao. Dirk Pellegrom was allowed to receive 400 guilders from Rudolph Bughij's wages. The ship "Vrouw Dorethea" was taken by English privateers who made serious threats.

In July 27, 1795, when people were afraid of being captured by the English, they sent belongings to St. Bartholomew. A ship called Rebecca, commanded by Captain John Bradley from London, captured these items worth 11,000 florins. The goods included clothes, linens, muslins, merchant wares, and gold watches. They were taken to St. Kitts, confiscated, and sold at public auction.

The text also mentions a Jewish merchant named Samuel Moses Frank, who was a citizen of St. Eustatius and originally from Nijmegen. The French commander Merlet had him detained in the fort for singing unauthorized songs and drinking to British success and the Prince of Orange's health. Through the intervention of citizen Roda, the French general allowed him to return home to settle his affairs before having to leave the island.

When secretary Brouwer learned that Frank was packing, he placed a legal hold on Frank's goods due to a significant debt. The goods were sealed by a court messenger and a sworn clerk. Another person was also owed about 800 florins by Frank for delivered goods and requested a second legal hold through secretary Brouwer.

• The management of debts in St. Eustatius
• Some damaged cannons on St. Eustatius that needed to be replaced

• A dispute involving Jacob De Peetersen (the fiscal) and the Jewish synagogue council
• Three merchants (Frederick Eck, Jan Martin, and Cornelis Berch) who had insulted the Jewish community
• The writers' disappointment that these merchants weren't properly punished for their insults
• A recommendation to reconcile the two groups to maintain peace between Christians and Jews on the island

This appears to be a list of early Dutch merchant names, likely from a shipping or trade register. The names show a mix of Dutch, English, Portuguese and Jewish heritage, including merchants such as Anthony Beanjon, Emanuel de Lion, Daniel de Costa Souza, Abraham Salomons, James Hetchons, Jan Juliany, Bartholomie Thomas Wagenaar, and Govert Oyen Junior. The numbers following each name appear to indicate quantities, possibly of ships or cargo units owned by each merchant, ranging from 1 to 9 units.

In June 1785, Alexander Leseune served as Commissioner of Auctions in St. Eustatius. He managed several auctions, including sales for:

• Albert Thomas
• Simon Aron Cappé
• Salomon Levy
• J.L. ter Hoeven
• William Killip
• Anna Catharina Groebe
• The heirs of Hanna Benjamin de Lion
• Captain Daniel Robertson
• Josiah Hill
• R.D. Jennings & Company
• Jan Stiesel, J.G.C. Zeelig, and Jacob H. Schmaltsz as executors of Herman Gosling's estate
• Captain Welch
• Matthieu Bumbry
• Fabrij and Sugnin
• William Halman (as court messenger)
• W. Hill
• Raatjes & Rousman
• Jan Sadler
• Dirk Dyckman
• Thomas Haliburton
• Richard Orven

The commissioner collected 2% commission on most sales. Operating expenses included paper, pens, ink, office rent, clerk salary, and costs for moving books. He had to swear an oath that his accounts were accurate according to the auction protocol.

On August 23, 1790, at the fort in Rio de Berbice, several people signed a document. Among them were F. Gaeeck, H. Thoma (widow of I.L.I. Fal), J.I. de Chambon, J. Van Imbijne Van Basenburg, J.W. Beth (Secretary), J.J. Saving, and J. Bakker.

Wosfert Katz, owner of the Catoenboom plantation in the colony, had issued two bills of exchange in October 26, 1789 to D. Mendes & Company in St. Eustatius. The first bill was for 13,986 guilders, 8 stuivers, and 8 pennies, payable on September 26, 1790. The second was for 14,617 guilders and 7 stuivers, payable on March 26, 1791.

After these bills were not accepted for payment, J.L.C. van Baerle, acting as representative for D. Mendes & Company, asked Katz for security. Katz agreed to place his plantation as collateral once it was officially transferred to him. The transfer was completed on October 28, 1790 by L.H. Buse, who represented former Governor-General P.H. Koppiers.

The Catoenboom plantation was 500 acres, located on the west coast of the colony. The security agreement included:

• All lands and plantings
• Buildings
• 36 slaves (men, women, and children)
• All future income from the plantation
• All future improvements

The agreement excluded any slaves that Katz might buy or sell as a trader for himself or others. A dispute about the land rights was pending before the High Council at the time.

In 1762, Philip Waag, who lived in St. Eustatius and was married to Ester Benjamin, conducted trade with St. Domingo under French control. Through his diligence, he had built up significant capital. On February 6, 1762, while in St. Domingo at Fort Dauphin, he made his testament, followed by a codicil on March 5 of the same year, shortly before his death. The majority of his assets were tied up in St. Domingo due to his long-standing trade there. After his death, the executors of his will tried to carry out their duties but were stopped by Jean Mario Monchinet, the receiver of foreign inheritance rights, who claimed Waag's estate under local law. Hana Benjamin, the maternal grandmother of Moses Waag (the sole heir of Philip Waag), filed a request explaining these circumstances. The case also involved:

• A consultation with Utenhove, Lord of Amelisweord, regarding his appointment to the Admiralty Council in West Friesland
• Communications from Consul Born in Rome on the 7th [of the month], addressed to Clerk Fagel, concerning the lawsuit of Cornelis van onder Meulen, a merchant from Amsterdam

On April 16, 1778, several residents of St. Eustatius made a formal statement about events that occurred the previous evening. Alexander Bromlie, James Callahan, John Peems, George Son, Lodewyk Lindesay, and Judah Benjamin testified that they were at Schandel Hall, a small covered place near the old wheel on the hill. There they met Abraham, the son of Commandant Abraham Raverie. Abraham told them that during a recent meeting of citizens in Congress, his father had been prepared to take violent action. He claimed that:

• Two cannons on the Great Battery were loaded with small and large shot
• Soldiers were divided into three platoons
• All weapons were loaded and ready to fire on the citizens
• A corporal had asked his father two or three times if he should open fire during the heated debate with the Governor

The statement was witnessed by Abraham Heyligen Runion and Nicolaas Gravall, and recorded by Secretary Alexander Lesenne. Since some deponents did not speak Dutch, the statement was translated from Dutch to English. The document was certified on April 25, 1778 by clerk Anth Beaujon.

When Mr. Thomas de Clepole de Nord Bourg died, his position as canon in the St. Peter's Chapter in Boxtel became vacant. The position was given to a new person by Maria Therese Joseph, who was the ruling Princess Dowager of Salm Kirbourg, Princess of Hornes, and Baroness of Boxtel. She was also the lay patron of the chapter. The new appointee, who was of the Reformed religion, requested approval of his appointment to replace the late de Clepole de Nord Bourg. After deliberation, this request was approved.

On December 2, 1778, David de Leon and his wife Mirsam Abendanone, residents of St. Eustatius, requested a revision of two court sentences issued by the Captain Commander and Council of St. Eustatius. They asked for relief from improper prosecution of their revision and requested a clause of inhibition. They wanted to be able to argue for immediate annulment of these sentences. After deliberation, their request for revision was approved with all the requested clauses.

In 1780, merchant F.S. Nolthuysen from Amsterdam sent a ship to Curaçao called the Juffrouw Cleonora Catharena, captained by Jan Derikse. The ship departed from Curaçao on September 26, 1780, heading for Amsterdam. After encountering a hurricane that damaged the ship and cargo, they had to stop at St. Thomas for repairs, where Isaac de Leon handled their affairs.

The repairs cost around 7,000 Dutch guilders, paid by de Leon. By February 12, 1781, the ship was ready to sail to Amsterdam, but news arrived about war breaking out between the Republic and England. The captain decided to stay put and informed Nolthuysen by letter on March 3.

Instead of waiting for orders from Amsterdam, Captain Derikse left his correspondent de Leon and went to John de Wind. Together they sold the ship and cargo at public auction on April 17 and subsequent days. Due to the plundering of St. Eustatius and the nearly halted West Indies trade, there were few buyers in St. Thomas. This resulted in extremely low prices, with John de Wind and Cornelis Kemmers buying most items themselves. The ship, which had cost around 48,000 guilders in 1780 plus 7,000 guilders in repairs, was sold for only 5,000 West Indian rixdollars (about 8,000 Dutch guilders), causing significant losses to the owners and shippers.

In January 7, 1771, July 19, 1779, and April 29, 1780, several legal documents were signed before notary A.M. Ruiters. These involved Willem Beerts and Johanna Raats. On November 1, 1780, a legal case began involving David de Leon and his wife Mirjam Abendanone, residents of St. Eustatius. In 1777, they had filed a complaint against Jacob Solak, also from St. Eustatius, for alleged insults. On March 25, 1778, the Governor and Council of St. Eustatius dismissed their case. Jacob Solak then counter-sued the couple, demanding:

• A public retraction of their accusations
• A formal apology
• Payment of 500 pieces of eight

• Apologize to Jacob Solak in court for their unfounded accusations
• Each pay a fine of 50 pieces of eight
• Pay legal costs

On October 4, 1774, a decision was made regarding Judah Benjamin and Hannah de Lion, both Portuguese Jewish residents of St. Eustatius. They requested permission to marry each other, even though their union was prohibited by a political ordinance from 1580 because Hannah was a priest's daughter. They argued that their marriage was permitted under Mosaic law, and cited a similar dispensation granted to Moses Meyers and Caatje Jacob Juda in Suriname on April 21, 1769.

The couple explained that living in St. Eustatius, their personalities matched better than a West Indian with a European would. Due to the small Jewish population there, finding suitable matches was difficult. Having grown up together, they shared deep love and affection. On October 10, 1774, they were granted permission to marry legally.

The text then shifts to discuss a matter in Maastricht concerning property owned by former Jesuits. After the Jesuit order was dissolved, authorities needed to manage their properties to prevent any harmful influence. The decree required all renters or occupants of properties that belonged to Jesuits in Maastricht during the previous 12 years to report these holdings to the spiritual property administrator, regardless of whether the properties were located in state territory or foreign lands.

In the 1580s, there was a political rule about marriages between uncles and nieces from the Jewish community. The Dutch authorities could give permission to ignore this rule if it did not go against God's laws. Since Jewish law did not specifically forbid marriages between uncles and nieces, this was seen as just a civil rule.

On March 18, 1656, the Dutch government made marriage regulations showing they believed such rules could be changed when needed. On May 30, 1703, they applied these rules to Jews in Suriname.

Two Jewish people wanted to marry in St. Eustatius. They argued that:

• Both were born in St. Eustatius and would understand each other better than if one married a European
• There weren't many Portuguese Jews in St. Eustatius, making it hard to find other marriage partners
• They were in love and their marriage would make them both happy

Similar permission had been given before by the States of Holland and West Friesland. For example, on April 7, 1769, Moses Meyers and Caatij Jacob Jacob Inda received such permission.

The document, written in The Hague on October 13, 1629, suggests granting the couple permission to marry, as their case was similar to previous ones.

Between 1774 and 1775, Inda Benjamin and Hannah de Lion, both Portuguese Jews living in St. Eustatius, requested permission to marry. This was complicated because Hannah was Inda's niece. They asked to be excused from following the Political Ordinance of 1580, which had been extended to Jewish marriages in Suriname by a resolution of 1703.

The legal advisors considered that a similar case had occurred in 1769, when Mozes Meyers and Caatje Jacob Juda had received permission to marry in a similar uncle-niece relationship. They noted that while Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:14) forbade marriage between nephew and aunt, it did not specifically forbid marriage between uncle and niece.

The case referenced rules for the West Indian colonies that had been established in 1629, requiring them to follow the Political Ordinance regarding marriages. The legal advisors drew on the precedent of the 1769 case for their recommendation.

• Was from the 17th class of Holland and West Friesland
• Was registered to the widow of Nicolaes Dombstorf
• Was worth 600 guilders
• Was dated April 1, 1713
• Was approved on October 6, 1716

During 1745, several Dutch merchant ships were captured by English privateers and warships in the Caribbean. The bark 'Elisabeth', captained by Pieter Volllaan and bound for Berbice, was taken by HMS Pembrooke under Captain George Balchin near Dominique. The ship was brought to Antigua where it was condemned on December 3, 1745. To appeal, they had to pay 900 pounds sterling in bail.

The bark 'Nepthemes', captained by Jan Beij, was captured while heading to Suriname by the privateer Aurora under Captain Jeegens, owned by Judge Benjamin King of Antigua. The ship was initially taken to Montserrat but was later moved to Antigua where it and its cargo were condemned on February 4, 1745.

The bark 'Jonge Benjamin', captained by Clercq and bound for Berbice, was captured near Dominique by the English privateer Aurora under Captain Jacob Jeegens. The ship was taken to Antigua where it was condemned.

The bark 'Carolus', captained by Thomas Hassell and heading to Suriname, was captured just outside the harbor by the privateer Brimstoonhill under Captain Israel Summessall. The ship was taken to St. Christopher where Judge William Tin Burs condemned the cargo.

The schooner 'Prosperiteit', captained by Jan Jeerus, was captured near Basleterre at St. Christopher by the privateer Dart under Captain Simmersal. The ship was originally traveling from St. Eustatius to Carbica via Guadeloupe. Judge William Sijn Burt condemned the cargo.

The text describes how the English islands quickly equipped many privateers after a commander's declaration. Some of these were just pirate ships, strong enough to capture defenseless Dutch vessels and their cargo. Two merciless judges would likely confiscate these ships, citing a blockade. This caused great losses for many families in the island and Dutch merchants who had about 30 ships loaded with European goods and provisions.

The text complains about how a British subject disregarded Dutch sovereignty and treaties. A particularly grievous issue involved the surrogate judge of the Admiralty of Antigua, who made an unfair distinction between Dutch citizens and naturalized residents, condemning their vessels despite these residents having lived there for 40 years, being married to Dutch women, and having children born there.

The petitioners request their authorities to send strong letters to the West India Company directors, asking them to bring this matter to the States General (Dutch government). They ask for protection of their trade and navigation rights according to existing treaties, to prevent the complete ruin of the island's merchants who depend on trade and shipping for their livelihood.

The document is signed by numerous merchants and residents, including Pieter Cuvelje, Simon de Graaff, Cornelis Cuvelje, Paul and André Limiot, and many others.

The text describes problems faced by Dutch merchants in St. Eustatius during 1758. Commander John Moore from Antigua was interfering with Dutch trade vessels heading to French islands. This violated the Treaty of Marine from December 1, 1674, which allowed free trade between nations.

The Dutch merchants complained that English privateers were seizing their ships and cargo without proper cause. The admiralty courts in Antigua and Montserrat were unfair in their judgments against Dutch traders. Some merchants could only free their seized vessels by paying large sums to local lawyers or through friends' help.

A group of merchants, ship owners, and captains sent a petition to Governor Jan de Windt, Abraham Heyliger Junior, Jacob Cuvilje, Martin du Brois Godet, P. Runnels, and John Heyliger on January 17, 1758. They requested help against these illegal actions that were harming trade and threatening the island's prosperity.

Commander Moore claimed to blockade all French islands in the region, though he had only 6-7 ships at his disposal, while a proper blockade would require more than 80 ships. His fleet remained stationed in Antigua's harbor.

On December 27, 1757, multiple merchants from St. Eustatius wrote a petition asking for help with their trade problems. They wanted the Dutch West India Company to bring their issues to the States General (Dutch government). They complained about unfair treatment by admiralty judges in Antigua and Montserrat. The merchants requested protection for free trade and shipping rights according to existing treaties. They warned that without help, merchants and residents of St. Eustatius would face ruin since trade was their only means of survival.

The petition was signed by many merchants including Lucas Jacobs Benners, Gedeon Godett, Thomas Perteins, Willem Heyliger, Johan Heyliger, and many others. The document was certified by Secretary Johannes de Graaff on February 3, 1758.

In May 1758, officials received a letter dated December 31, 1757, from the governor and council of Suriname about the Orange Path. This was sent to get their opinion on the situation. The officials noted they had received earlier documents about the Orange Path from December 24, 1756. In their response from June 1, 1757, they mentioned they had foreseen difficulties with this project from the start.