HANSdoc Database

15580207BRE00

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1558, February 7

[Bremen]

Lawyer Dirick van Minden to [Bremen]: answer to the complaint against his client Gerdt Breker by Brun Oldenburg and Johan Beling about the death of Cordt Hemeling in Shetland, in which he explains the circumstances that led to Hemeling's death. It was the rude behaviour of Hemeling himself that led to a fight on the ship, in which he was hit among others by Breker, and fell down. However, it cannot be proven that it was these events that led to his death, as he acted normally afterwards for 10 or 12 days, before he was found dead in his bunk. As Breker had no other choice than to confess, the obligation was forced upon him and therefore, it is pleaded to be declared null and void.

15590109BRE00

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1559, January 9

[Bremen]

Verdict of the Bremen city council in the case about the death of Cordt Hemeling on Shetland, in which it is decided that Gerdt Breker should fulfill the conditions set out in his obligation towards his warrantors Johan Beling and Brun Oldenburg, but that he is free to raise a suit against Gerdt Hemeling, the brother of the deceased skipper, and the ship's crew.

15591212BRE00

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1559, December 12

[Bremen]

Gerdt Hemeling to Bremen: defense against the complaint of Gerdt Breker's lawyer Didrick van Minden in the case about the death of his brother Cordt Hemeling on Shetland, in which he states that the witnesses contradict each other about what happened in Shetland, and that there is no alternative explanation for the cause of death of Hemeling than that he died from the blow dealt to him by Breker. Moreover, Breker confessed before Shetland governour Olave Sinclair, of whom he sends a letter of testimony, and demands that Breker pays the desired amount.

15600115BRE00

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1560, January 15

[Bremen]

Lawyer Dirick van Minden to Bremen: replication to the defense of Gerdt Hemeling against his client Gerdt Breker in the case about the death of skipper Cordt Hemeling in Shetland, in which he states that the witnesses do not contradict each other, that Breker cannot pay the desired amount, and there is not enough evidence to convict him for manslaughter of Hemeling. Moreover, the translation of the testimony of Shetland governour Olave Sinclair is not valid as evidence because it is not verified by a notary.