MORE EXCELLENT OBSERVATIONS OF THE ESTATE AND AFFAIRS OF HOLLAND. In a discourse, showing how necessary and convenient it is for their neighbouring Countries, as well as the netherlands Provinces, to Trade into the West Indies. And by most urgent and good reasons, proving that by the West Indian Trade now erected in HOLLAND, the said Company shall receive great benefit, the Hollanders greater service, and the Spaniard more hurt, and greater disadvantage than ever he received before. As also the great profit and commodity the said Netherlands have reaped and received, during the time of 24. years that the said Company hath Traded into the East Indies. Faithfully Translated out of the Dutch Copy.  
Printed at London by E.A. for Nicholas Bourne and Thomas Archer, and are to be sold at their Shops at the Exchange, and the Popes-head-Pallace. 1622.   

MORE EXCELLENT OBSERVATIONS OF the estate and affairs of Holland.  
SIR, in conformity of my promise to resolve you of certain questions, in your Letter lately sent unto me, set down; I thought good at this present, orderly to make answer thereunto, nothing doubting, but that you shall thereby receive good contentment and satisfaction.  


The first question.  
Whether it had not been better and more commodious for the united netherlands Provinces, to have made a new truce with the King of Spain for twelve years more, with leaving of the East Indian Trade, then by continuing the same, to begin war again, and to be debarred of the Spanish Trade?   

Answer.  
It is true, that friendship, commerce, and conversation, are the necessary consequences of peace, according to the general laws of nature, of all people, and of all times, conversation and commerce, being signs of friendship, and of peace, which is denied to no man, but to an enemy.  
In such manner that there is no example extant, or to be found, that there was ever any treaty of peace made or concluded, with the united netherlands Provinces, upon condition that conversation and commerce should be excepted and prohibited unto them, for that were no peace, but a certain and true banishment, which always is discerned and excepted between enemies and evil doers.  
Therefore the proposition made by the Spaniards, to debar us from trading into the East India, first showeth and declareth a manifest kind of unreasonableness and injustice. Secondly, an open caution and deceit, by words declaring us to be a free sovereign State, and in effect making us to be of worse condition, than ever we were under Sovereign Princes, which is wholly without any reason or ground: for although we had not traded into the East Indies before the war began, yet we had reason, right, and freedom, to have done it, jure gentium, which was never taken from us by any man.  
The King of Spain, when he was Lord of these Countries, had no lawful power, in respect of his Spaniards, to take that from us, for that he was bound by oath, to maintain and upold these Countries in their freedoms & privileges of Trading and trafficking, whereof without all doubt the free use and benefit of the Sea, of the air, and of traffic throughout all the world, is the principallest point: and doing the contrary, he should have dealt with us contrary to his Oath, in such manner that we challenge that freedom which from the beginning of the war wet always had, for that free traffic upon the Sea, throughout the whole world lies open for us, whereof without war and by force, we cannot be debarred nor hindered.  
And that we that are Batavians (whose living dependeth upon the Seas) and which are the best Merchants, and Seafaring men, in the whole world, should be debarred or denied of, & from the use of the greatest part of the Seas, and of the most notable parts and traffic of the whole world, is the greatest presumption that can or may be imagined, specially when men will extend the same, to other Kingdoms & countries, where they have nothing to do, & over the Seas, over the which he hath no command: the use whereof jure gentium is free for all men; and whereof no man in the world hath any particular command or authority.  
And it is sure, that this should be an undoubted subversion of our estate, which in this great war cannot stand and subsist, without free Trade of Merchandise and Seafaring, as being the only means that God hath appointed for our maintenance, and the more that the quantity of our Seafaring and traffic diminisheth, according to the same proportion, the strength & power of these Countries would also be weakened and decay, for that our Towns and Inhabitants cannot be maintained, much less can we have any general power or means, by the inlandish benefits, of commodities, or rents and revenues, as other great Countries and Kingdoms may and can, because our Country is too little, therefore we must have all that, out of the Sea and Seafaring.  
Now to let you see how much we should be hindered, if we should leave off the East Indian Trade, and the like hindrance we should consequently also fail of touching the power and strength of these Countries. I will proceed to tell you, but first I will discourse of the East Indian Trade, and after that of the West Indies.  
To make a true estimation of the hindrance and hurt as aforesaid: first we must understand, what adventures and prosperity we have had by the said Trade. In the Records of the East Indian Company it appeareth, that from Anno 1595. to Anno 1601. included, they sent out 46. ships, whereof there arrived 43. again in these Countries richly laden. Ships that brought for return, (all charges deducted) two hundred and thirty Tons of gold, clear gains for the Merchants of the said Company.  
Further, by the Records and Books of the said East Indian Company: it is also showed, that for the space of eleven years we had still about 30. ships continually in East India, with 5000. Seafaring men, and that they expected to receive from thence at least 300. Tons of gold in capital, besides that which they had in the land. Now I refer it to your judgement, what the said Company in the last ensuing ten years until this time hath gained? who within the time of six months, have had a good return of 40. Tons of gold. I doubt not but you have heard of the rich lading that the two ships brought hither, within the space of a month, being valued to be worth 24. Tons of gold, in such manner, that the particular partners from Anno 1605. (every man's full adventure being delivered in) have gained upon every hundred Gildernes, until this day, in ready money, the sum of 200. Gildernes, and whensoever any man will sell his stock (which at this time he hath in the Company) which he may do when he will, he may for every hundred have 230. Gildernes: whereunto are the Interest, which the partners (from the first money received) to this present have gained, which also is half a capital, there resteth to the partners particularly, upon every hundred, if they have ventured and traded 16. years in the East Indian Company, in clear gains about 400. Gildernes.  
I speak not this by report, but as a witness thereof, being one of the partners, that have received my part of the gain, and may have the rest within 8. days if I will sell my stock, which I may at all times do: but at this present I intent not to do it, for we hope, that our portions by means of our good success in the East Indian Trade, (wherewith I will hereafter more at large acquaint you) in few months will be much better.  
But it may be, you will say, that this profit is great, and very good for the particular partners in the said Company, but what benefit doth thereby arise unto the public Commonwealth? whereunto I answer; first, that no Merchants in Trafficking, nor partners in Companies put in their stocks, but only for their own particular gain; yet it is most true, that the public Commonwealth, should be much more interressed, than the particular Traders, by leaving the East Indian Trade: for besides this, that the public only consisteth of the particular, and that the particular maketh the public, and that the public is powerful and rich, according to the proportion that the particular hath and aboundeth withal; yet it is most true, that the particular without the public, and not the public without the particular may be, and subsist, by this means, that the particular going and withdrawing itself into other Countries, can as well venture from thence into the Indies, as in these Countries. But the public must stay, and see itself become weak, and decrease in force and power, as her Trade and Traffic decayeth. For according to the proportion thereof, necessarily also the number of Inhabitants decreaseth, and the power of the public likewise.  
Besides this, considering that the Ships and Sailors, that are used by the particular Company, are great and many, which without any charge to the Country are maintained and paid, and daily employed, upon all occurrents to be used by the Country, without the which it is impossible to have any power at Sea; as we see and well know, that the greatest Kingdoms have no power at Sea, according to the proportion of their puissance and might, but only according to the proportion, of the Trade and Traffic that they have and use in their Countries.  
Secondly, we may by the Trade used by the said Company, until the year 1614 included, declare and prove, that the custom houses of the Country, by means of convoys, licences, tolls, and customs, which the said East Indian Company have, and pay, inward and outward, have profited and received above 35. Tons of gold, for the which the States of the land, have at some times (as need required) aided the said Company towards their wars in India, with money and ships: partly to ease the said Company of some portion of their charge. Now, what they have received in the custom houses of the Country, from Anno 1614 to Anno 1621. without doubt it is a greater sum, and much more than the former, noting what a rich return they have had within these seven years.  
Now to show what furtherance & benefit the common people have had and gotten by this East Indian Trade, we must note, that a Fleet of 12. ships, doth cost in money and all other things thereunto belonging, about eighteen Tons of gold, to set and send it forth: and commonly there is not above 5. or 6. Tons of gold in ready money sent out with it: all the rest is bought and prepared here in the land, to the great benefit and welfare of the Country, and gained by the Inhabitants, that sell and deliver the same. And every ship that comes home again, one with another, payeth above a Tun of gold for monthly wages, whereby the Officers and Sailors also are enriched, which also is gotten and spent by and among the Inhabitants: whereby it is manifest, what the common people have profited; besides the great number of so many thousand people, that by means of this Trade aforesaid, are set on work, and well paid for it, to the great comfort and benefit of many poor people. In such manner, that the last year when I was at Amsterdam, I saw not one idle vagabond nor beggar (for such as are sick, are provided for in the Hospitals) go about the streets to beg, which good order is also observed in some other Towns.  
Thirdly, to show what the public Commonwealth hath yet further gotten by this Trade, you must understand, that the greatest profit of the land consisteth in the most great hurt and damage which the Enemy hath first and last endured, and yet endureth in East India: for since that we were prohibited to Trade and Traffic in Spain, and other of the Spanish territories (which not withstand against his will, by other Nations we do continue with good profit) some of our Merchants in Anno 1595. with resolute and good courages (which God without doubt endowed them withal) sailed prosperously into the East Indies, and there first began our Trade. And notwithstanding, that the Portugals and Spaniards sought by all the means they could at the first to debar and keep us from it: nevertheless, we abstained not the next year, happily to proceed therewith again. Whereby we being but a small number of Partners in the said Company, brought and procured the mightiest Potentates of all Europe, to be our Enemies: who well considering the consequence thereof, sought all the means they could to remedy the same, and joined the power of Castille and Portugal together, (such and so great, as in a hundred years before the like was never heard of) not only to let and hinder the proceeding of our happy Trade, or at least to stay it a while, but also therewithal to be revenged on the Kings, Princes, and Countries, with whom, in the name of the Prince of Orange, we had a contracted alliance. In respect whereof, (the honour and reputation of the Country requiring it) it sought to protect and defend our oppressed Company, whereby war throughout East Indian (to the great cost and charges of our Company) began, and yet to the great hurt and hindrance of our Enemies, which may be noted & considered hereby, that from Anno 1596. we have overcome and spoilt eleven of his great huge Carckets, Galleys, and other great ships, and have made about 40. of his ships unserviceable; besides those, that in the last ten years ensuing, we have spoilt and taken: whereby our Enemy's trade there, hath been greatly impaired, and ours, by God's blessing (who only is to be praised therefore) to the admiration of the whole world, is greatly increased. In such manner, that the staple of all manner of Spices, and other rich and costly Wares, which for the space of 200. years together was in Venice, (whereby the said Town increased and became exceeding rich) and after that by means of their Navigation, was in Portugal, for the space of 100 years: and lastly, for 25. years hath been in Holland and Zealand, and since that by a good agreement made, the last year was also brought into England: in such sort, that the King of Spain's Merchants, were forced, in the said years aforesaid (contrary to all men's expectations) to buy Nutmegs, Cloves and Mace, of us. Now also to know what great hindrance the King of Spain receiveth in his Customs and Tolles yearly, you must remember that which I shall tell you, all Caracks and Galleons, that are made and prepared by the particular Company, to sail outward, must not sail to East India, without leave, and satisfying the King's custom, and being returned again out of East India, into Portugal, the Factors or Partners must deliver a just note of their lading, sealed up and signed by the Officers in East India, after that the Officers in Portugal agree with the Company or Partners for the King's custom, which amounteth to a great sum of money, at the least half a Capital: which Wares when they are carried out of Portugal into other of the said King's Kingdoms, must again pay custom, and when they are carried from thence into other Provinces, the King hath the third and last toll of them: all this being calculated into one sum, will amount unto yearly for the King above 100 Tons of gold, besides the double loss which the Portugals in 24. years have had and endured first & last in their ships and goods, and yet endure.  
Having showed what the Partners have profited the Commonwealth, and the Inhabitants thereof, by the East Indian Trade, and yet do profit them; as also what great damage and loss, the King of Spain with his Portugal Subjects by this means hath received, and endured: now I will briefly declare, the present state of the said Company in East India. You must understand, that matter of Traffic is in very good terms, which we hope by God's help and blessing, shall from year to year still be better and better, now the Englishmen (by means of a contract made with them a year since) join their forces with ours, and we for our parts have in East India, that are coming home and here in the Country, above 50. ships, double furnished with lusty Sailors, as also all other things fit for the War, and for so long a voyage, and about 10. strong Forts, whereof some we have taken from the Enemy; the rest have been erected at the great cost and charges of the Company, and made defensible, which for the security of our own people and goods, as also for the defence of our confederates are sufficiently provided. Lastly, when they of Bantam began to lay an extraordinary toll upon our Nation, and caused us to pay 50. pro cento custom, and yet we could not for all that obtain licence of them, to build a Warehouse of Stone and Mortar, for the security of our Wares and Merchandises, for that being of wood, it was twice burnt: we were constrained to transport our Trade in Bantam to another convenient place, which is a firm Island, and hath many good and convenient Havens in it: for in my Writings I find, that five years past, Mataram the great Emperor of java, who is able to bring 300. thousand men into the field, dwelling about 100 miles distant from Bantam, had also sought to make some contract of alliance with us, offering to deliver us Pepper toll free, and licence to build us a Castle of Mortar and Stone, with all things convenient in japara, which was not well liked of by the King of Bantam, and his Lieutenant: At last our Nation built a convenient Town about jacatra, reasonably well fortified, and called it Batavia, where there are about 1000 houses of all Nations, there to Traffic and deal in Merchandise, which is defended and governed by a Governor, Scowt, and other Officers, for the maintenance of good government and policy, and to administer justice unto every one: and to the end that before all other things, God's service and honour might be maintained, whereby the blind Heathens might be brought out of their great darkness, and young children taught the knowledge of the truth of jesus Christ our Saviour: the Company diligently and carefully took order, to erect a Church and a School therein, to the which end they sent thither certain learned men, as at the first also they did, which with great benefit and increase, have taught the Heathens the Gospel of Christ in their own language, as well as unto our men in their language: In such manner, that a King and a Prince of Amboina, (where the Country people are much addicted unto devilish and heathenish superstitions) sent two of their sons into these Countries, with a Letter written unto the Prince of Orange, to have them brought up at School, and taught our language, and Christian Religion, that they might at their return into East India, be a means of planting the Church of Chaste there in India, and learn how to defend their own native Country. We are hearty to pray unto God, that he will be pleased to send more true Shepherds thither, that willingly and out of mere love, will undertake that long voyage, to feed the blind Sheep, that they may by means of true faith, be brought unto the fellowship of his heavenly Kingdom and glory: which the Company before all things ought specially to have a care of, (which I and other of my fellow partners have hearty entreated them to undertake, thereunto choosing such men, as by their godly lives and behaviours, may be an example unto others, that so our Spiritual exercises, together with our temporal Trade of Merchandise, may the better be blessed, and prosper. This shall serve only for an advice, now that I may fully make answer unto your first question, I will briefly speak somewhat of the Spanish Trade, whereof in the end of your proposition you make mention.  
I said before, that notwithstanding the King of Spain's interdiction against us made, touching the same, nevertheless we enjoy it by means of other Nations: for you must certainly be persuaded, that we were not bereft thereof here in these Countries, if you note, that all manufacters, both for price and dealing in other parts into Spain, is nothing lessoned. In such sort, that we shall win nothing by the Spanish Trade, but obtain a little bettering thereof, yet with doubtful security, for if he should grant us freedom of Trade there, than we shall have liberty to go thither, which is more than many men think of or conceive, for he for his part thereby, hath his custom, which is very great, and Spain would be victualled by us in time of need, and we for our parts should put our stocks, people, ships, and Ordnance into his hands, therewith to oppress ourselves or our friends, whereunto he would want no occasions, as we have heretofore well found, and by experience tried, whereof it is needless here to produce any examples.  
Herewith I will conclude my answer to the first question, and proceed to the second, and having satisfied you therein, I will make a final resolution of them both.    


The second question.  
For that we have no Towns nor Forts in West India, land the Spaniards for the space of an hundred years at the least, have had & inhabited the most part of the Country, and the havens there, where they trade, with the Indians that now are left therein to their great profit and advantage. It is therefore out of hope, and no appearance at all, that our West Indian Company shall be able with any advantage to trade there against the Enemy's wills, because some men are of opinion, that the most difficulty will consist in the erecting of certain Colonies in unknown places, where they have no friends, without the which Colonies, our Merchants can have no security of Trade, as you must of force confess, for the King of Spain will not cease, by all the means he can to let and hinder the same, and those that live securely here, will also be doubtful, to trust their moneys out in strange elements, where the wind blows it away, and where men shall not in long time hear of it again.   

Answer.  
I assure myself, when you shall have read my Letter, you will not be doubtful as you make show of, and therefore I will not spare, to put you out of that scruple, and also to take the like away from others. When we in Anno 1594. resolved in the year ensuing, with a small Fleet (as aforesaid) to sail into the East Indies, we then had no sorts nor friends in those Countries; nevertheless the Portugals then inhabited, and had strong Towns and Forts therein, and fare surpassed our power for quantity of ships, yet we then began (in the name of God) to Trade there, and notwithstanding the same the next year, with good success continued it, (which we must praise God for) until the year of our Lord 1605. and then obtained a licence of the States to erect a Company, at the particular costs and charges of the said Company, (whereof the Capital in the said Anno 1605. was fully brought in and paid) which amounted unto about 65. Tons of gold: what notable effects (by God's blessing) until this time have ensued thereupon (whereat both the Christians and Heathens themselves do wonder) In my former answer, I have already partly declared, whereby the Spanish Trade there, by our Trade, at this present is much decreased, whereto the contrary ours yearly increaseth: and it is apparent, that at last they may be driven out of the Moluckoes Lands, where the Cloves and Nutmegs grow, and (where they get little or no advantage being so much hindered by us.)  
Now I will speak of Guinea, where also at the first we had not one foot of ground, and notwithstanding that the Spaniards there had some strong Forts and friends, yet we Traded there in such manner with 20. ships, and 400. men in them, that in time of war, we dealt there for about 12. Tons of gold.  
Likewise at Punckle del Rey, in the West Indies, we sailed Southward with 100 great ships, and 1800. men in them, which yearly traded for freight and Salt, which cost nothing but the freight, and brought in to the value of 10. Tons of gold.  
The trade for Hides to Cuba & Hispaniola, was followed with 20. ships and 1500. men in them, and there we yearly traffic, for 8. Tuns of gold at the least, which in all amounteth unto 180. ships, 8700. men, and the return (by God's blessings) 130. Tons of gold, as you may see by the calculation made by the directors Anno 1608. which was openly printed and set forth the same year.  
But for that some men without knowledge or understanding, discourse and speak of the West Indian Trade, I will briefly declare, what benefit these Countries may reap by the said Trade; which the better to understand, we must know, wherein the greatest part of the riches thereof consisteth, which is gotten therein by Spaniards.  
Secondly, by what means we may reap part thereof by God's help, and hope of good success.  
Lastly, what furtherance, strength, and power these united netherlands Provinces, and what good success the partners therein may thereby obtain.  
The common opinion is, that the greatest riches of that Trade consisteth in gold and silver Mynes, which are in West India: but it is not so; for the greatest riches at this time consisteth in the several sorts of Fruits, and other things that grow therein, as Sugar, Ginger, Indigo, Cocheville, and other drugs, as also diverse kinds of wood, hides, pearls, and precious stones: and likewise in diverse sorts of Manufactures that are carried thither, whereby the Merchants, Sailors, Peasants, and most part of other Handicrafts men live. The gold and silver hath been a great profit unto the King, when the Spaniards first entered into those Countries, where they found great quantity of gold, that had been gathered together by the Indians in a long time: for the which, some millions of poor innocent men, lost their lives in the Ours, so that the gold at this time is much wasted away, and no more found in so great quantity, and the greatest riches at this day consisteth in the Wares aforesaid that are carried to and fro.  
To show this, I will make no long discourse of the riches, (that besides gold and silver) come out of the West Indies, but only speak somewhat of Brasilia, wherein there is no Ours of gold nor silver, but only Sugar, Cotton wool, Brasill wood, Conserves and Ginger: but Ginger may not be brought out of Brasilia into Spame, because they of St. Domingo, (who for the most part get their liuings thereby,) may not be impoverished. Yet the trade in Brasillia is one of the profitablest trades in West India, whereby the Portugals get most profit, and where they (now they are almost bereft of Guinia and the East Indies, or at least get little by them) maintain their Trade. For out of Brasillia yearly one with another, there is brought between 40. and 50. thousand Chests of Sugar, which may be valued (2. third parts being white, and but 1. third part brown Sugar) at 25. pounds Flemish the Chest, then say it were 40. thousand Chests, and each Chest but 20. pounds Flemish, it amounts to 800. thousand pounds Flemish, which is 48. Tons of Gold, not reckoning Brasill wood, Cotton wool, and other wares, which also are of great value: and then the manufactures & other wares, that are carried out of Portugal thither, which also amount unto as much as the Sugar. It is true, that there is much money also carried thither out of Portugal, but that is by reason that there is no other manufactures used there, than such as the Portugals themselves have need of, but their Slaves, which are many thousands, have nothing, because most of them go naked, and so get nothing else but their pains for their labours, and of the wild Brasillians they get no advantage thereby, because they esteem not of the use thereof. Where to the contrary, if we were there, we would get great furtherance and advantage also by our labours, and thereby trade would be much increased. By this you may easily perceive, what great riches the wares of West India altogether amount unto, as also what the wares that are carried thither do yield. For in Nova Spania and Perto, in some places there are some Indians that are politic and wear  as we do. And if the Spaniards, by means of their great strength, had not for the most part rooted out the Inhabitants, where they command, without doubt, they should have reaped more furtherance thereby, then now they do, for that the Indians would have grown more civil and politic, and to enjoy the fruits that proceed from labour, would have addicted themselves to labour. But now those Countries for the most part are unpeopled of their natural Inhabitants, and those that still remain therein, are had in such subjection that they have neither hearts nor wills, but had rather dye, then live under their government. Thus I have sufficiently showed, wherein the riches of the West Indian trade most consisteth, that is in the Wares and Marchandizes which are in those Countries, and other Countries have not, yet Gold and Silver is not amiss therewith to increase and augment the Trade.  
The means to be perticipants in this Trade, is to erect some Colonies there, and the better to do the same, we must suffer the West Indian Company to proceed in their Trade.  
For as in the Article of the Truce it was agreed, that we might traffic and trade in all places, Havens, and Towns, that were not under the King of Spain's command, than thereby we are free to deal in Terra Florida, the Antilles, the whole Sea coast of Guiana: a great part of Brasillia, and so forth to the Sraights of Magellanes; being 500 miles, where the Spaniards have no command, but only in Rio de la Plata, and further through the strait De la Maere in the rich Country of Chili, and many other Countries and Lands lying in the South Sea. I speak not of the great riches, that are to be found inward in the Land, which have abundance of Gold, and other costly Wares and Marchandizes, the people whereof are somewhat politic, to whom the Spaniards can have no access, where we in time might obtain their good wills: in which Countries we might erect our Colonies, and by that means traffic there, and without doubt better, conveniently, and with more profit than the Portugals and Castellians do. But to tell what places at the first, were fittest to place our Colonies in I think it not convenient, for that were a means to some to Discover our intent, and thereby the Spaniards might be forewarned.  
Now if certain Colonies were erected, by that means we would get the most part of the Trade & Traffic in the West Indies into our hands, by reason that we can sell and afford all Manufactures a hundred for one, better cheap than the Spaniards can do, and those Wares that come out of India are better cheap unto us 50. in the hundred, then unto them, because they stand us in so much more, before we can bring them out of Spain hither, and further our Countrymen by their industry and labour, would advance themselves more than the Spaniards.  
We must not likewise be persuaded, that the Spaniards do possess and enjoy all the fruitfullest places in the West Indies, and that there is none resting which they have not in their hands which are good, temperate, fruitful, and convenient to dwell in, and to reap profit from thence, for we know that continually he maketh war to win some of them, which otherwise, by reason of the unfitness of his great Ships, can not by him be well found out, as also by means of the resistance, which the Indians there make against him, some of them are yet unknown unto him.  
Besides all this, the West Indies are so great and spacious, that he cannot possess the same, whereby the fift part of the West Indies, are not yet found out by the Spaniards, neither is the fourth part thereof subject to to the Spaniards.  
Some will make a great doubt in the beginning of these matters, because they are of opinion, that it will be many years before there will be any profit or benefit gotten by this Trade: but they understand it not, for Sugar and Ginger are all ready grown, which will be so easily done, that in a year and a half or two years at the most, we shall reap fruits of our Plantation. And when we have once begun, it will increase every year. I say nothing, that there we may have Salt, Wood, diverse colours for Dying, Tobacco, and other Wares, where by at the first we may make some profit, attending more.  
If it be answered, that the Portugals and other Spaniards have better and fit means thereunto in these Countries than we may have, for that already they have some Forts and places in the Country; I confess it, but when they came first thither, than they had not so good means nor opportunity, neither for Ships nor other things, as we now have, and the rather, for that those Countries are now as well known unto us, as unto them, and we have good means, out of some places bordering therein, to get and obtain all whatsoever shall be needful and necessary.  
For us to erect Colonies, which places are not here to be spoken of, but at the beginning the Spaniard was forced to have all things out of Spain, that he had need of, Thus I have sufficiently showed, that the means to make us paricipants of the West Indian Trade, is that we must possess some places therein, with people out of these Countries. Now I will also show what great furtherance, strength, and commodity these Countries shall thereby obtain.  
To show this I will not set down, the Situation, temperateness, wholesome air, and good and fruitful grounds, that are in the said West Indies, neither the great store of Rivers, abundance of four footed Beasts, Fowls, and Fishes, nor yet at large declare what Wares and Fruits grow there, but in a word I will tell you, that the Country is fit and convenient for planting of Oil, Wine, Sugar, Ginger, Chochenile, Cotton wool, Indigo, diverse Drugs, and other Fruits, and to be short, all things that Spain and the West Indies yields unto us, and these Countries have not of themselves, which then necessarily must needs be a rich Trade.  
That this Trade, is the richest trade in all Europe, I think it is without question, for not only Spain getteth great riches thereby, but all Europe also hath profited by the same. The example of the Spanish Merchants may sufficiently prove it, who were wont to have a great Trade here in the Netherlands, but when they began to feel and taste, what great commodity the West Indian trade brought unto them, they left this old Trade to us, & wholly or for most part, dealt in their West Indian trade, whereby besides the great imposts and tolls that they paid, ordinarily they used to get 50. and 100 for a 100 gains. The Netherlanders that dwelled in Spain, and secretly had a part in the said gain, can sufficiently witness the same, as also the great riches which the Genovesians have gotten from thence.  
The profit that these Countries might reap by our Manufactures, will be more than that the Spaniards reap, because we know that the Wares that are sent from Spain hither, must cost much custom and charges to be carried from hence thither. That the Merchant was wont commonly to gain 20. procento by the same, sometimes more, sometimes less. In Spain when it is brought in, the tolles and other charges amount to 20. procento, and when it is carried forth, as much more, and the charges from Spain into the Indies are rather more, then from these Countries, and if we gained no more but that which is spared, by sending the Wares from Spain thither, it were more than sufficient gain, and I think the Merchants and the West Indian Company here, would be well pleased with half thereof.    

That our Manifacture may well be carried thither also, it is without all doubt, because it is known that in times past they were much used to be sent thither by the Spaniards and Indians, which now would be done by those of our Nation that go to dwell there, to have them good cheap. And finding the commodity and profit, which they should get by diverse wares coming out of these Countries, (as the like happeneth in Guinea, and here without question would be more when they dwelled among us) then also they would work, to get something, and to do it, one would apply himself to Till the same, others to work in the Mines, and Women would spin Cotton wool, and wind Silk, for that by reason of the warmth of the Country, Silk worms would prosper well there, which Cotton wool and Silk, might be brought hither into these Countries, to make Fustians and other Wares, whereby we may see, that the same would yield more profit to these Countries then to the Spaniards, and what great furtherance and power these Countries might get thereby.  
And for that the Spaniard knows well, that Trade of Merchandise consisteth in bringing of Wares and Marchandizes, from one Country into another, and that it is necessary, that one Country should abound in that, whereof the other hath want, Therefore he will not suffer Oil nor Wine to be planted in the West Indies, thereby to maintain Traffic, whereunto we shall have much better commodity, than the Spaniard or any Country in Europe. For when we shall plant Vines, Olive trees, Orange trees, and Sugar there, we shall not only serve the Netherlands, but also other Provinces and Kingdoms, out of India therewith, in such manner, that by the decay of the Spanish trade, consequently, there must ensue, a great eclipse in the King of Spain's Custom and Treasury, whereof I will speak hereafter.  
But to cause the Handicrafts men of these Countries, to have good utterance for their wares, and that in great abundance, there shall no other Manufactures be sent out of these Countries into India, than such as are made here in these Countries. Whereby, and by other the like ordinances, the said Lands will flourish, and be filled with Inhabitants.  
For that many Germans, East Countrymen, Englishmen, and diverse Netherlands would come hither, to dwell and place themselves, in these united Provinces, some in one, some in another, where they might best get their liuings; yea, and out of Brabant and Flaunders, many would come hither, to be released of the Spanish yoke, whereby these Countries would abound with people. And it is credible, that many Thousands out of other Countries, would rather go with their Wives and Children into the West Indies, then dwell under the Popish Government, for that the voyage being short, it may well be endured by Women and Children, as many go from thence into Spain, and few Fleets go thither, but they take many women with them; and this in truth were no small benefit, for honest men that fear God, who in time of bad trading, have no great means to maintain their households, to provide a Country for them, where they may in good manner get their liuings, and dwell freely without burden of conscience, and carne their bread.  
That Seafaring also should hereby be much increased, and many Sailors thereby made, and still entertained, it may be sufficiently averred, by that which is formerly set down, for that if the West Indian Trade for Salt and Hides, which we have used, hath maintained 100 ships, what would it be when we should Traffic (besides the Salt) for Sugar, diverse kinds of Wood, Oil, Wine, and other Wares? This being a voyage but of 4.5. or fix months to & fro, which many times we spend in a voyage to the straits, or into Spain, & there would be better allowance then ordinary given to common Sailors.  
Against this, first it might be alleged, that here in the land we have not men enough to erect Colonies in India. Secondly, that our Country men by reason of the heat in India, are not so able to endure the air nor labour, and that by reason thereof, they could not make so much benefit as the Spaniards do, that do it only by their Slaves. Touching the first, it is already parrly answered, by that I have said before; that is, that by reason of the great Trade, many Merchants & Tradesmen of other places would come hither: whereof some would go from hence to India; and for such as are fit for labouring, we shall have enough out of high Germany, Denmark, Eastland, and other Northern Countries, who for the most part are industrious people, which Countries are ten times better peopled than Spain, and there many of the people are so poor, that they cannot live in worse state (than they do) by changing their Country; besides this, we might get many Netherlanders out of Spain, that know what benefit is to be made in India, who also would be willing to go thither; as also some that are driven out of Brasilia and the Canary Lands; so that we should get men enough out of other Countries, without emptying of these Countries, and thereby we might in a manner have a twofold Netherlands, both in East and West India.  
Touching the heat, which may be said would hinder us, to dwell or labour there, show the contrary thereof, we need allege nothing but experience, which hath taught us, that the Netherlanders wheresoever they come, whether it be in Spain, the Canaries, Barbary, Guinea, or the East and West Indies, surpass all other men in taking pains. And if we had no other proof then of the Salt, which is fetched out of the West Indies in a most hot climate, which as I think, is the greatest labour that is in all the world, it were sufficient to prove it, and yet it hath not been found, that in any ships that sailed thither, they have ever left any of their men behind them. And those that once sailed thither, have many times gone thither again. We must also note, that the days and nights there, are of an equal length, and that the heat of the day, by reason of the long cold nights is much weakened, as also by means of the continual East winds, which yearly blow there: the greatest labour that is to be done in the Towns and Sugar Milles, may well be done in the night time, and touching tilling of the ground, men have time to do it from five or six of the clock in the morning, till ten of the clock: and after that again after noon from three to six or seven of the clock in the evening, which is eight or nine hours in a day. There also, all the year long a man may work and labour in the fields: but here for the most part we cannot, by reason of the cold and untemperate weather, the weather also many times is overcast, and then it is cold there also, and although it raines, yet that rain hinders them not so much, as it doth in cold Countries.  
To think that the Spaniards with their Slaves, do more profit by their labour than we, that also is not so, for commonly men say, that unwilling Hounds catch bad Hares, and that unwilling labour brings little profit, when men labour as long as you hold a stick over their backs, all that they do is without industry, doing like Beasts with great labour: one man of these Countries will rid more work, than three Moors shall do, which cost them much money: and when they are unwilling to labour, either they poison themselves, or starve for hunger to spite their Masters, as knowing no other means to spite and be revenged on their Masters, but only to make their masters to lose their money, and by that means often times some man that by means of his Slaves was rich, in a short time waxeth poor when they die. And when men look into the great charges and expenses which the Portugals and Spaniards are put unto in their voyages too and fro, we must of force confess, that we giving great days wages, shall get more than they, although they should have their Slaves and Victuals for nothing.  
Hear I would now conclude, if it were not that the great distrust which only is grounded upon our small might and power in respect of our mighty Enemy, without any reason, makes you and some others discouraged, as I perceive by your Letters, therefore to content and satisfy you herein, I will begin somewhat higher, and yet briefly and thereby to gain better credit, and to make your memory the fresher, I will speak somewhat of our former proceed, and by a true relation approve it: then I say, touching our weakness, in respect of so powerful an Enemy, we confess the same. But we are taught, by the holy Scriptures, That there is no difference with God to help men by great forces, or where their is but a small power. 2. Chro. 14.11. That Israel should not brag and say, mine own hand hath set me free. jud. 7.2.  
So our valiant Ancestors in their greatest need, when the Duke of Alva sought to destroy the flourishing Netherlands, had their recourse to the Lord of Sabothes, which is a God of all power, and a protector of those that are oppressed, specially of those that fear him with all their hearts, who therein to this day, never failed in their hope, but were graciously comforted. For it is known to every one, how that for the space of 50. years together, when all things were at the worst, the Gentlemen destroyed, some principal Lords beheaded, many thousands spoilt, banished, and run away, the good Inhabitants purses drawn dry, and the good Prince of famous memory gone out of the Country: the Spaniards being Masters over all the Country, so that in men's opinions, we were all in a manner utterly overthrown, but that God (as I said) put such courageous hearts and constant resolutions into our Ancestors, that they took on them to defend the Country, with body, lives and goods, against so mighty a Potentate, with constant perseverance and providence, as the truth of the cause (without the which there is no blessing to be expected at God's hand) on our side required, expecting and hoping that God would send us a happy issue, as at this day it is manifest unto all the world, and for the which we praise God continually.  
Now set the present state of the East Indies before your eyes, whereof I have already spoken, and where we in the beginning had not one foot of Land, and at this day we have strong Fortresses, and have built a good strong Town, notwithstanding that the Enemy there, fare surpasseth us for power and force, and the best and greatest Traffic, as also in Guinia, is now among us.  
Wherefore then should we doubt, to set a fast and firm foot in West India, where many thousand miles of Land are yet resting, wherein the Spaniards and Portugal never dwelled nor Trade, and where there are yet many thousand Indians, desire to have friendship and alliance with us, as there are among others the valiant Chilesians enemies to the Spaniards, by whom they were yet never wholly overcome. Think you that the Indians that remain in Perto, Mexico, etc. when they shall have the least occasion, to make use of our friendship, that they will neglect or overslip the same? we hope therefore by God's blessing and his just assistance, to have a happy and good success in our proceed.  
Besides the estranging of the Indians, by means of the sharp government of the Spaniards, there is another occasion sprung up, which may cause the Spaniards to doubt, that the Indies shallbe taken from them, if we once set a foot therein, that is, the estranging that springeth from the Marriages that have there been made between the Spaniards and the Indian Women, and also between the Indians and Spanish women, from whence the Mesticos or half generations proceed, who esteem themselves rather to be Indians then Spaniards, and for that cause are more addicted to the Indies their native Country, then to Spain.  
To give you a better courage and liking of our West Indian Trade, I will speak something of all the notable Victories that we in former years, (by the help of God) have gotten in the East Indies, which I will at large set down for the honour of God, as also to serve for a testimony of his Fatherly care and favour towards those, that with all their hearts put their trust and confidence in him.  
Andrea's de Furtado de Mendoza, General of the Spaniards in East India, having gathered a great fleet of Ships in Goa, Cochin, and Mallacco, being 30. Ships, whereof 8. were Galleons, and 22. Galleys and Fusts well furnished, determined in Anno 1601. in the month of August, to besiege Bantam both by Water and by Land, there by force to hinder our Trade, but being hindered from the fame by storms and contrary winds that happened, he arrived before Bantam upon the 24. of December, the same day that Wolfaret herman's, with three Holland Ships and two Pinnaces by Gods wonderful providence, also arrived there. It is a common use among the netherlands ships, that when they have passed the Cape De bona Sperance, they draw in their Ordnance, as thinking them from thence to the straits of Sunea, to be needless to be used, and by that means had been likely to have fallen into the hands of the said Portugal Army, if God (a thing worthy to be noted) had not sent them an unexpected messenger before hand, that made them acquainted with all that had been done. This messenger was a man of China, who with his Boat came aboard of those Ships, when they were out of fight of the Portugals, thinking to do them a special pleasure and good service, thereby to give them advice to shun the danger that they might fall into by meeting with that great Army. Our Ships to whom this message was brought, were called the Gelderland, of 500 Tons, the Zealand of 400. tons, the Verecht of 260. tons, the 2. Pinnaces, the one was 140. tons, the other 56. tons, which sailed out of the tessel in April, 1601. who in steed of hoisting up of their Anckers, God giving them courage, took another resolution, for the Admiral aforesaid, as soon as he understood that news by the man of China, willed the Anchors to be cast out, and calling the Officers together, after they had made their prayers unto God, they took counsel together what was best for them to do, for the welfare of their small fleet, for the upholding in time to come of the East Indian Trade, and for the honour of the Netherlanders: whereupon they fully determined and concluded, that considering the weightiness of the business in hand, whereon the preservation of Bantam consisted, or the utter overthrow thereof, whereby it was evident what loss and hindrance the united Provinces might thereby reap and sustain, trusting unto God for his merciful aid, they fully determined valiantly to fall upon the Portugal army, thereby to drive them from thence, and upon the same resolution, presently all their Cabbens and other things that might hinder them were pulled down and cast overboard, to the end that when need required, freely use their great Ordnance, and every man personally stand to his defence against the enemy as need required; The Ordnance being cleared, and all things ready prepared for such a fight, being set in order, the next morning at two of the clock before daylight, upon a sign made by fire, they hoist up their anchors, about Sun rising, being the 25. day of December, and about the same time were in sight of the Portugals, and after they had fought eight days together with them, drove them from thence, and forced them to run away, their ships being shot through with the Ordnance, and six ships lost, whereof two we took, they themselves setting fire on two of them, and two were shot under ground, & for our parts lost but one man, but many hurt, and with great honour went back to Bantam, wherein few days they repaired their ships. At this triumphant victory, not only the Indian Kings and Princes, but also the ghostly Father of his Highness, pater john Nay (when he in Anno 1607. was in the Hage) much wondered, and finding occasion to speak with the General Wolfart herman's, he asked him what moved him to be so hardy and bold, to set upon so mighty a Fleet of ships, which for ships and men was three times stronger than his was, whereby it was apparent, that both he and his men were likely to be spoilt by them. He made him answer, that he was assured of God's gracious aid, who endowed them with such manly courage, and that before they would have permitted the Enemy to be Masters of them and their goods, they would have set fire on their powder, and at one instance would have blown their Enemies and themselves up into the air. I have written this battle somewhat more at large, intending not to make rehearsal of the brave victory gotten by Matelief before Malacca, and of Stephen Verhaghen before Ambyna, etc. because I will be brief, the honour only belonging unto God, who giveth his servants courageous hearts to effect great matters, and to bring them to pass, to whom be praise and glory for ever Amen.  
Lastly, you writ that some men that live here in the Country, will be doubtful to trust their money in strange elements, where the wind blows it away, and whereof in long time, men shall not hear again. All these doubts, by that which is said before, are sufficiently taken away, but to such as have not read the Letters Patents made and granted to the West Indian Company, by the general States, I said, You know how the East Indian Company began particularly without any aid from the Country, and with indifferent benefit, and furtherance to the particular partners, by God's blessing, still continue the same, whereof the profit would have been two times greater, if they had not been pressed with excessive great charges, touching war, for the maintenance of the East Indian Trade, and the defence of themselves and their allies. Whereas the West Indian Company, are granted a notable aid to be given them by the general States, in respect of their great charges, for they are promised, that they will defend & protect their Company in their free Seafaring and Trade, and to that end help them with a sum of money of ten 100 thousand Gilderns, to be paid in five years, whereof the first 200. thousand Gilderns shall be furnished, as soon as the first payment among the partners shall be made, and when they have furnished the half of the said ten 100 thousand Gildernes, they shall have their benefit of the gain and profit as all other partners in the said Company shall have. And further, when so ever the matter within the limits of the Company, shall proceed to an open war; the States promise to aid the same further, with twenty Ships, well mounted and appointed of all things, as also of brass and other Ordinance, and a convenient quantity of ammunition, together with double sails, ropes, anchors, and other things accordingly. And that when these Countries are somewhat eased of their great charges which now they are at, and that the said Company should happen to be put to great charges, by reason of wars, the said Company should have an amends made them of the said Subsidy, as much as the state of the land would permit. Upon these benefits and grants, without doubt many thousands will willingly contribute thereunto, specially when they shall understand, that the Trade to Guinea and to the Salt Countries, is also comprehended in the West Indian Company, which trade's yearly have made good returns, as I have already partly showed, which also will partly lighten the burden of the Company; whereof when the partners shall be well informed before, wherein (with this discourse I would willingly aid them) they will the readilier contribute, which by myself I have found: for being resolved, (for the love of my Country) to put in a portion, after that I was better informed of the matter, I doubled the same. And this is certain, that there will a great number contribute unto the same, whose hearts are by God stirred up thereunto, 1 Sam. 10.27. in the register whereof I hope your name will be one, although there shall not want money for the erecting of this notable Company, for the which so many thousand good Patriots the last year did long and wish after: for if some particular persons, at their own costs & charges (as aforesaid) in time of war, raised, furnished & set forward 140. great ships to sail Southward to Guinea, Cuba, and Espaniola, and still kept them in Trade. How much greater than shall this Fleet be, (by God's blessing) being endowed with so great furtherances and privileges, for the ease & benefit of the partners, by the general States: for the which preparation some other Commonwealths, and many thousands, that are not of the united Netherlands, will participate with us. We must also consider, that for the price that one East Indian ship doth cost to set it out, & in 17. months brings home her return, we may for the money set out 3. or 4. West Indian ships, with hope of 2. returns in a year, which ships may also be sent out 12. voyages one after the other, without reparations, which will also ease us of a great part of our charges. Now to conclude, I must answer you to your proposition, of strange elements, whereby you understand, that we should both lose our capital & benefit all together. In trusting to the venture of the Seas, I believe the last well, but that we should lose both capital and profit by this Fleet, I hope that God will never permit it, but those that deliver out their monies for firm rents, or for any such pawns, are not they sometimes subject to such chances, specially in time of war: yea, and in time of peace it often times falls out, that the honours in twenty years do not receive their principal money laid out for their dear bought lands, where men in time of war, by the Indian Trade, have received five or six principal stocks, by the Spanish Trade men in time of peace yearly gained 20. pro cento, when their Trade prospered, which profit the Indians and other Merchants, also in time of war; by other Countries (as I said before) got out of Spain, and yet get always the return that shall come out of the West Indies, will fare surpass others, when we shall have planted some Colonies there (as we hope we shall) and it is apparent, that many thousand Indians, will join with us, and deliver the hill of Potosy and other places, (where the Ours of gold and silver are) unto us: yet if this at the first will not fall out so, we will gladly content ourselves with the other rich commodities and great blessings, which it shall please God to send us, wherewith those Countries above all others are richly furnished, as we at large have already showed.  
This is that which I thought good to write, for an answer unto your questions aforesaid, and other doubts by you made, nothing doubting but that all good Patriots, that desire the good, benefit, and prosperity of our native Country, will not at any time take on them, with a good conscience, to speak or give counsel to leave off the East and West Indian Trades, that we may hold and enjoy an uncertain Spanish Trade, not that we do not in any sort long and wish after a godly, upright, general, and continual peace: but because we desire not under the show thereof, to be deceived. Always the necessity of the said Indian Trades, for two reasons is specially thought convenient. The first, that the free Netherlands considering their situation, and the manner of living used by the Inhabitants thereof, cannot continue in their flourishing state and welfare, wherein (notwithstanding the war) they now are, if their Ships, rich Havens, and Seafaring men, and rich Merchant's Town, have not free Trade and traffic at Sea. The second considering the King of Spain's might and riches, in all respects, the netherlands Provinces must be persuaded, that there is no better means in the world to be found, whereby to be released of that continual fear, then to undermine the foundation of his great riches to bereave him of a good deal of his East and West Indian Trade, In such manner, that by means of the fire in the East and West Indies so kindled, the Spaniards shall in such manner decline, that all the world shall warm itself by that fire, for that the Merchants thereby, upon the eclipse of the Spanish Trade, will disburse no money before hand.  
And although the first necessity of the Traffic beyond Seas, may be some be contradicted and answered in this manner, that it followeth not thereupon, that we must of force Traffic into India, but rather if we have peace, we might again have and use our old Trade into Spain, whereunto, although before I made answer to the same, yet for some pregnant reasons, I will again repeat them, that it may the better be understood, and briefly said, First that the Spanish Trade, can not be assured unto us, for that the Spaniards by a hundred ways will find means (whereunto they will not want pretences) to make it unprofitable for us, as by his Impositions, Tolls and Proclamations, as of late years it appeared. Secondly, it is altogether dangerous, for that if the Enemy hath any great enterprise in hand, by that means (we having put ourselves into the hands and power of our reconciled Enemy,) he may not only have many hundred thousand means to hinder us, but aid himself by our Ships, Ordinance and Sailors in great numbers, to our great detriment, which Spanish Trade also, notwithstanding, in time of War, by means of the English and Frenchmen, we have used with indifferent good gain; therefore it is altogether to be disliked, and not convenient for us, upon such terms to treat with the Spaniard.  
But now my Lords the States general upon premeditated ripe deliberation and good advice, (without doubt by the good providence of God) have generally granted the West Indian Trade to go forward, and have endowed the same with notable privileges, whereunto many good Patriots according to their means, have willingly begun to contribute. The Spaniards will not cease to use a thousand practices, to frustrate and make void the said States good resolutions, either by some Merchants or other Favourites, whom they will seek to stroke with the golden staff of Peru, yet with those that are good and honest, to no end, who for no worldly respect will be moved unto so hurtful and dishonourable resolution, being assured, that at the last, thereby will ensue the subversion of this great state, and consequently of all their Allies and adherents.  
But now some men will say, that we ought to keep in our Country, without seeking to extend our command by Colonies beyond the Seas, that we may keep and defend that we have. That is but a bad counsel, for his power, by our Trade in East India (as aforesaid) is much decayed, and if God (whom we must pray unto for that grace) will give us a good success in the West Indies, he will without doubt desire Peace with us, which for our security he will religiously keep and maintain, only not to lose a great part of his Indian revenue, whereunto we have good hope, for the reasons before, at large by us set down.  
Then having showed, how these Countries, by the trade beyond the Seas, (by God's blessing) have even in the middle of their Wars increased in Trade, people, & wealth, (which are the Sinews of this Commonwealth) so we must confess that the East Indian Trade, hath wrought two notable effects. It hath increased the means of our native Country, with no small decreasing of the Spanish Trade in East India. For the which, God is eternally to be praised, and having also showed, that yet better success by the West Indian Trade, is (by God's blessing) to be expected. Then all good Patriots ought to encourage one the other, (seeing that they cannot better employ their money, for more and greater reputation for the Country then so) liberally to contribute their money for the setting forth of this Fleet in 3. payments, whereof the first shall be paid the last of November, which next unto God, will be a sovereign means to hold the Enemy in balance, and keep us and all our neighbours and friends, in peace without any fear, if in man's judgement and consideration, there be any security to be had.  
Tu conclude, I beseech God, to be pleased to hold his Holy hand over this Fleet, and to strengthen it with his aid, and so to direct it, that thereby our Enemies may be weakened and overthrown, and we strengthened and made powerful, and yet nevertheless not to embolden ourselves upon our own power, but only to rest upon God, and with humble hearts and bended knees to thank him for the same, and commit ourselves to his Fatherly protection. Commending the Lords the general States, his Excellency the Prince of Orange, and all other Noble personages, and valiant Soldiers unto God.  
Vale. Written in haste the First of September. 1621.    

And to show our Bataviaens in East India, in the beginning have been entertained of Kings and Princes, notwithstanding the Portugals and jesuites, sought to hinder the same, with some of them, by scandalous reports. You may read the Copy of a Letter that Signior Arenet ten Grotenhuyse a Merchant and partner wrote unto Mr. N. N. from Amsterdam, Anno, 1610. the 29. of july, as followeth.  
GOod Friend, having read the Letters that came out of East India, and examined the Commissioners, I thought good to make you perticipant thereof, which is, that the Admiral Verhoeff thinking it expedient to send two Ships (namely the Lion with piles, and the Grison, which he had left there for the Defence of Ihoor) to the Island of japan, there to obtain Licence of the Emperor freely to Trade, and to make a Contract with him touching the same, according to the Letters by the Prince of Orange written unto the said King, and the instructions of the Partners to that end also given. And as soon as those Ships had received those Letters and Commission from the Admiral, they hoist up their Anchors before Booz and set sail, holding their course to Patava, and taking in some Silk, unwrought, Silk stuffs, and some Pepper, in the beginning of june Anno, 1609. they sailed to japan, and upon the First of Inly anchored before the Town of Firando, lying under the height of 33. Degrees, and 20. minutes, where our men were well and friendly received and entertained by the Governor, and Magistrates of the place, and for that the Governor of that part of the Country was in few days after to go unto the great Emperor to salute him, (which throughout all the Kingdom once a year is to be done by every Governor) they persuaded our Committee, that he should also presently go thither with him, that so the Portugals and jesuites, that reside in Hagesacke about eighteen miles from Furando, might not prevent them, nor hinder in their suit, which our Committees considering of, made preparation to go, having first gotten letters of commendation from the Govemour of Furando, and taking some presents with them, set forward on their journey, accompanied with a Netherlander called Melchior van Sandtuoore, that had dwelled ten or twelve years in that Country, and was left of Mahews Fleet, with about ten persons more, and could speak Spanish very well, and also ten or twelve persons of good quality, that were appointed to go with them, that no hurt might be done unto them by the way, and so travailed for the space of 14. days by water, and eight days on horseback by land, about 300. miles, passing through many fair built and well inhabited Towns, where in every place they were well and honourably entertained, till at last they came to a great fair Town, wherein the great King or Emperor of japan holds his Court, where they presently addressed themselves unto, and had audience of two great Lords near attending upon the King, who forthwith brought them into the King's presence, and got audience for them, where they were most friendly welcomed and entertained both by the said two Lords, and the King, and having showed the cause of their coming, and business with the King, and delivered the Presents and Letters of Prince Maurice unto him, the Emperor shown them a most friendly countenance, telling them, that he liked well of their coming with their Ships and of themselves, ask after the manner and situation of our Country, and what manner of man our Prince was, of whom by the men that were of Machiens Ships, he had formerly-heard much speaking, and also had heard of the valour of our men, in the battles fought by our Ships in India, against the Portugals, specially of those of Malucco, saying that he was sorry that our Ships arrived not in some Haven nearer unto his Court, that he might show us greater courtesy, and so granted us our request, for free trading and commerce in his Country and whole Kingdom, and for that he understood that no agreement could be made between us and the Portugals, he granted us therefore as free licence to traffic and negotiate in his Country, as any of his own people and subjects have. Three days before the arrival of our Committees there, some Portugals and jesuites were come to the Court, using all the means they could to make us distasteful to the King, and to hinder us from having access unto the Emperor, but all in vain; for that be-before we came, they could get no audience of the great personages, nor yet of the Emperor: and after that our men had been 10. days at the Court, and there seen great magnificence, riches, and glorious shows, they obtained licence of the Emperor to departed, who gave them an open Letter written unto the Prince of Orange, in japan language, bravely sealed up, and to the end that we should know the contents of the said Letter: it was by one of the japeners read unto us, and put into Dutch by four or five of our Nation, the contents thereof being as followeth, I Emperor and King, etc. our men cannot sufficiently set down the firtillity and fruitfulness of the Country, abounding in Rice, Wheat, Goats, a great number of dried and fresh Fish: all kinds of trees, and fruits of the earth, as Apples, Oranges, lemond's, and many other fruits, which are common with us. They have good policy and laws in their Country, they are a kind of witty and courteous people, amongst them having many rich men which are Heathens, only about Hagesar, where the Portugals dwell, there are some Christians. This land buyeth many kind of Manufactures of our Country, and hath good store of gold and silver, many rich Ours of Copper, and still more and more are found: the Emperor's revenue of Gold and Rice is innumerable, our men understood by those of japan, and also by the Netherlands, that the Tower in the Castle was full of Plate, Gold and Silver, in such great pieces, that ten men could hardly lift them.  
They also said, that the Country lies much more Northerly than it is set down in our Cards, and that it reacheth about 23. degrees, and 48. minutes more Northerly, it is full of diverse Towns; so that as you travel through the Country, every three or four miles you shall find a Town, besides the Villages that lie between them. It is full of hills, which from the bottom to the top are fruitful, as also fair flat valleys, many rivers, ponds and pools. The Emperor hath 66. Kings under him, he is a man of about 60. years old, and two years ago he caused his son to be crowned, which hath his Court at Eden, lying upon a fair river, about three miles broad.  
And so having been ten days in the Court, they went again to their Ship lying at Firando: and after they had there hired a house for our men, upon the 1. of October Anno 1609. they departed from thence, leaving one jaques Phillips there for their chief Merchant, one under Factor, and three more, in all five persons, with an indifferent stock: and from thence set sail for Patava, where they took in more Pepper, raw Silk, and Silk Clothes, and with it returned home into the Netherlands, arriving here with all their men whole and sound upon the 20. of july, having lost but three men that were sick and died in the voyage, from japan hither, etc.  
FINIS.