In 1632, Killiaen van Rensselaer wrote to his nephew, Wouter van Twiller, who was in route to the colonies, to van Rensselaer’s patroonship in New Netherland. He sent several items with his nephew, things that were intended for the leading men of his settlement, as signs of their prominence.

 

A silver-plated rapier with baldric and a black hat with a plume to be presented to Rutger Hendrixsz van Soest in his capacity as officer and schout of Rensselaerswyck.

 

Four black hats with silver bands to be presented in his name to the schepens and councilors of Rensselaerswyck.

 

Details from the Banquet at the Crossbowsmen’s Guild
by van der Hulst, 1648.