In 1623, the two-year-old West Dutch Indies Company was eager to start trade with the American Indians, especially for their quality furs. They wanted permanent colonies to aid in this new opportunity. In 1623 a young 19 yr. old man from Valenciennes, France, by the name of Joris Jansen De Rapalje (pronounced Rap-el-YAY), and his 18 yr. old girlfriend, Catelyntje Jeronimus Trico from Paris, were promising prospects for this new venture. From the recently published book on Manhattan by Russell Shorto, The Island At The Center Of The World, we read that Joris and Catelyntje, "…agreed to take part in the wildly hazardous enterprise on the condition that the company marry them in a hastier-than-normal ceremony, which took place four days before their ship [The Unity] left Amsterdam."
Dear Sir,
Imagine how amazed I was to read this above from your article on the Twin Towers
I am James John Rapalje , ( age 63 ) of North Carolina and for so long we have had a framed copy of the
Rapalje children of 1776 which was published in The New York Times newspaper back in 1976 celebrating the country's heritage. My aunts were the original land owners of Flushing , NY which became the tennis empire standing today.
Your writings are equally amazing to me. I just happened to come across them while researching the Concordant Bible Version. I am now reading them all.
My spirit offers up prayers for you, also.
Thank You,
jim
