1701-acknowledgement of debt (property law)

page 2

Dear Anne,

Looking at the text, it appears to be a loan by the mentioned debtors, worth 4,000 guilders. They will have to pay an interest to the creditor of 4 percent per annum, to be paid each year on 13 October. In case the debtors will be in default, 4 attorneys are assigned to act on this: Abraham Selchart van Wouw, Mattheus Stapel, Mr. [this title indicates he has completed a judicial education] Joachim Luijssen, and Abraham Oulrij.

Dear Rene

Many thanks as always.

I assume it didn't say what the loan was for?

Anne

No specification, alas.

Thanks for having another look Rene.

I've found another deed from 1705, with the same couple (father and daughter?) as debtors with Petronalla van Dijssel as creditor. Possibly the same 4 attorneys involved?

But this time I think it mentions the pottery 'De Boot'?

Any other details would be very helpful..

very best wishes

Anne

page 2.

p.s it's interesting that Petronella doesn't sign this deed. Any ideas why not?

Dear Anne,

In this deed, Herman and Catharina Groothuijsen are as the debtors. They may be father and daughter, but they could also be siblings. The latter is mentioned as 'meerderjaerig jonghe doghter', meaning she is 25 years or older, but still unmarried. Creditor is Petronella van Dijssel, widow of Leendert van der Lett.

This time the loan concerns an amount of 7,000 guilders at an annual interest  of 4 per cent, to be paid each year on 1 January. The purpose of the loan is not mentioned; it is however stated that the debtors promise not to put any additional financial obligation on the goods that are now used as collateral: their house, the ground it stands on, and the pottery bakery named De Boot.

As you already thought, the parties involved appoint the same 4 attorneys to act on their behalf, in case the debtors would remain in default.

The reason for Petronella not signing is quite simple: both deeds are a confirmation of the debt owed, as the creditor she did not need to sign, as the deed does not oblige her to anything.

That's great, thanks Rene.

I wondered what the role of the pottery bakery was- now it makes sense.

And also thanks for the explanation about the lack of Petronella's signature. 

very best wishes

Anne