Negro children whom Mrs. Stuyvesant had baptized, sent to Curaçao and then sold through mistake

15 November 1664. Letter. “Vice-director Beck to Stuyvesant; negro children whom Mrs. Stuyvesant had baptized, sent to Curaçao and then sold through mistake to the Spaniards from Carthegena”

Translation from Gehring, Curaçao Papers, Volume XVII, 1640-1665 (online edition), doc. 96, pg. 211

“Among other things, I have noticed in your honor’s welcomed letter the great mistake that has been committed here in the trading of your honor’s slaves; especially the small children, since they had been presented for baptism with good intentions by Mrs. Stuyvesant, your honor’s beloved. If I had had the slightest knowledge of this, it would not have happened, as I believe [ ] there also completely [ ] so that I am sorry [ ] a great error has been committed which I fear is irreparable, because it happened so long ago that one will hardly be able to find out where they finally ended up; however, Ishall make inquiries with the first ship that leaves here for Cartagena and Porto Bello, and if possible, try to get them back, even if I have to give two full grown slaves and more for them.”