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VAN RENSSELAER BOWIER MANUSCRIPTS
319
Kiliaen van Rensselaer to Wouter van Twiller 82
September 25, I636 Woutter Van Twillcr, director
In the name of the Lord, this 25th of September 1636, in Amsterdam Mon Cousin: I find myself with your honor's favor of the 3Ist of August 1635. sent to me by the ship d'eendracht, from which I learned of your honor's good state of health; we are also, God be praised, still well. My wife is in childbed of a young son, 83 whom I have named after my uncle Claes van Rensselaer, deceased, so that now the names of the three brothers Rensselaer have been bestowed, the youngest having become the oldest. May Almighty God let them grow up in virtue to the honor of His holy name. Amen. Your father, mother, brothers and sisters at Nieukerck wero on Thursday last still feeling well also, but the situation at Nieukerck is very sad on account of the severe sickness of pestilence. Already 700 persons had died there and few houses are free. May the Lord preserve them further; however, it does not stop Jet but increases daily. Our brother in law Willem van Weelij and his wife anna ten hoof both died of it. It rages here pretty badly too; more than 600 in one week. Many acquaintances have died already, too long to relate, but our and my mother's household are still well, God be praised. The Lord grant what is - pleasing to His holy will and for our salvation in life or in death. Amen. …
