Pinkster Kings: III. Greed

Greed brought us here. That is my judgement. Next issue? The West India Company needed us to do most of the work to build the New Netherland Settlement, uh, you know, New York. Therefore, our work helped create New York. There seems to be disagreement about this topic too. Listen, here are quotes by leaders of the West India Company that support my position.

Negroes would accomplish more work for their masters and at less expense, than farm servants, who must be bribed to go thither by a great deal of money and promises.

Here's another one

Um, build, fight and carry bags?

Honorable Mr. William Kieft, director in the new Netherland for the General Chartered West India Company, testified, declared and attested that it is true and truthful that he, was as overseer of the Negroes belonging to the Company constantly employed with said Negroes in the building of Fort Amsterdam, which was completed in the year 1635 also, in cutting timber and firewood, as well for the large house as for the guard house, splitting rails, clearing land, burning lime and helping gather the Company's grain in the harvest and considerable other such work which we performed with the Negroes. All of which deponent declares to be true, having done this to bear testimony to the truth, as everyone is bound to do, especially when required to do so... Thus done in Fort Amsterdam, this 22nd of March 1639.

 

155 years later in 1794, people observed that on Dutch farms,

 The oldest slave manages the lands, directs the cultivation of it and without consulting him the master can do nothing.

I am ready to give my ruling. After considering all of the facts, I have concluded that we helped to build this place. My judgement is for 400 years of back pay, ......with interest.

After years of mistreatment, to quote King Afonso I, we cannot reckon how great the damage is.

That is why every year on the Monday after Pentecost, I ask for payment during our Pinkster celebration.

Not convinced? Why did we not ask for payment and our freedom before? We did. I even know the names of the people who asked for their freedom and payment.

My ruling addresses a broken contract revealed in the following legal document.