The following was taken from "History of Plymouth" - Hallenbeck family; E. S. Stearns 1906, Kansas State Historical Society Library. The account is from "Court Minutes of Albany, Renssalaerswyck and Schenectady, 1668-1685" translated and edited by A. J. F. Van Laer, pub. 1926 N. Y. University
Albany, 24 July 1682
Whereas a message has been received this instant that a dreadful murder has been committed at the house of Jacob Casperse, on the kill, by a certain Negro of the said Jacob Casperse, who cut two of his children’s throats and also cut Hans Dreeper’s throat so deeply that he is not expected to live, you are hereby required in his Majesty’s name, immediately, with all speed, to order 10 or 12 of the troopers to round up their horses and duly mounted to pursue and search for the said murderer wherever he may be; and in order that it may proceed as speedily as possible all persons are required to assist you herein and to do whatever the case may require, and when the murderer has been found you are to apprehend him and immediately bring him to us.
Whereas yesterday a very dreadful murder was committed at the house of Jacob Casperse, on the kill, by his Negro, who cut the throats of Hans Dreeper and his master’s two children with a knife, and whereas, although their honors have used all diligence to pursue and find the aforesaid murderer, they have thus far not been able to find him; therefore the honorable court hereby notify and inform every one that if any person or persons, whether Christians or Indians, can overtake the aforesaid murderer and deliver him here alive to the court, he will receive for it a reward of 300 guilders in seawan. Likewise, if any one can indicate where he may be lying dead, he will receive a suitable reward. Thus done at the session of the honorable court, on Sunday, the 30th of July, 1682.
Whereas the Negro of Jacob Casperse, who committed the three murders on Hans Dreeper and the two children of Jacob Casperse, has now been found dead above in one of the sprouts (of the Mohawk), you are hereby ordered in his Majesty’s name to commander some Negroes along the road and to bring the dead body of the murderer here as soon as possible, in order that it may be hung as an example to others. Albany, the 7th of August 1682.
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