A True Relation of the Fleet which went under the Admiral Jaquis Le Hermite through the straits of Magellane towards the Coasts of Peru, and the Town of Lima in the West-Indies.  
With a Letter, Containing the present State of Castille in Peru.  
Hereunto is annexed an excellent Discourse which showeth by clear and strong Arguments how that it was both necessary and profitable for the United Provinces to erect a West-India Company, and every true subject of the same aught to advance it according to his power.  
Written by a Well-willer of the Commonwealth.  
LONDON, Printed for Mercurius Britannicus. 1625.   

A TRUE RELATION of the success of the Fleet which went under the Admiral jaquis L' Hermit through the Staights of Magellane, towards the Coast of Peru, and the Town of Lima in the West-Indies.  
THE Lord Inquisitor john de Manneza, having very earnestly urged the Viceroy of the West-Indies, that he would procure and take care that this year the silver should be sent sooner downe than was done in the former year, seeing that he had letters from the General Thomas de Larrasperu, by which he received order to do it, and showed what damage were caused in Spain in the former year, namely in the year 1622. the silver then being to late carried from Harana, and in the year 1623. Don Antonio de Oquendo tarrying then there in the Winter time, seeing that the silver was not sent timely away: Wherefore he did his best endeavour to move the Viceroy to the same effect according to his Commission which he had. The silver of the small Navy being shipped, they of Lima were still of opinion that it should not be carried before the 7. or 10. day of May, and although diverse persons entreated the Viceroy that it might not sooner be sent away, he caused nevertheless the Fleet to depart with the silver from the port of Callao, on the 3 day of May, to th● intent that it might in good time be sent to the appointed places, and gave afterwards notice that such as had not been ready with their silver to send it with the Fleet, they should carry to another Ship which is called the Ship of the Recago, which was within the space of few days afterwards to put to Sea. And it fell very happily out by the Providence of God, that a Chinchorro (being a certain manner of a Bark) which went to Sea in the seaventh day of May, found itself on the next morning to be amongst the Fleet of the Enemies, which demanded them which were in it, whether the Fleet with the silver should put to Sea on the seaventh of May, as was reported unto them by one that was but half black (on that was gotten perhaps by a Spaniard and a blacke-Indian woman) and was taken by them in a Bark: Seeing that they were resolved to attend upon it, or to pursue it if it was gone to Sea: And without doubt (if God had not prevented it) and they had followed the Fleet, they could easily have taken it, for it consisted but in two Ships that went very careless and ill-provided; and the Enemies had twelve great Ships besides their Shaloups.  
But the Pilot that was upon the aforementioned Chinchorro or Bark, deceived the General of the Hollanders, by not telling the truth, for he spoke unto him in this manner.  
Signior, you shall not need to trouble yourself about the small Fleet, seeing that there are already eight days past since it went to Sea, and it is not possible that your Fleet can overtake it: The report which is made unto you of the seaventh of May, is of nothing else then of the Ship of the Recago which lieth yet until this day in the Haven of Callao, and is ready to put to Sea being loaden with two Millions of silver which could not be sent with the Fleet, seeing the silver was not ready by reason that went to soon to Sea.  
The Enemies were mightily displeased upon these tidings, and resolved thereupon to cast anchor against the next night before the Haven of Callao, which they did also afterwards, and set yet in the evening 18▪ of their Shaloupes in Sea, which were of the bigness almost of a Bark, and were not only furnished with Oars, but also with Masts and Sails to use them when the Wind will serve: They came with 14 of them betwixt the Ordinance of the Haven, notwithstanding that 130. pieces were mounted upon it, and fired 9 of our Ships which lay in the Port; but they could not go further to take the Ship with the silver, and to fire a Gallion of the King of Spain which laid near it: For our Gunners could see them very easily by the means of the great light which proceeded from the Ships that were set on fire (as is aforementioned) and played so fiercely upon them with the Ordinance that they were forced to forsake again the Haven, and to fly thence, levying there yet 40 Ships which they could never touch although we were unprovided and looked not for such an enterprise  
When the aforemencioned ships were burning at Callao, there were great moans and lamentations made at Lima (seeing that there was a rumour spread abroad that the enemies had taken and fired Callao, and they were directly marching towards Lima) and they lasted until such time they learned the truth of the matter.  
One of our Captains took the same night a Low-Countryman who was descended from german Parents, and was a gunner of the enemies, and a very skilful man, and rare Engineer to make fireworks: Being brought before the Viceroy, he charged him to declare upon his oath the truth of such things as should be propouded unto him, if he would save his life, and on the other side, he threatened to hang him in case he would not reveal the truth, the Prisoner answering thereupon said, that the Fleet was on the twenty nine day of April departed from Holland, being set forth by the rebels that dwell there, and that it consisted in eleven galleons, of which there were seven that were newly built, and other four that had been used in former time by private Merchants: and were very well furnished with Ordinance, and all other manner of necessaries, which might be required both to fight at sea and to sail through the streigh of Magelane.  
Moreover he said that besides them there were yet four pinnasses, in the same Fleet: he was likewise asked what Ordinance, arms, munition, and victuals were in the Fleet: Item who was the General, what course they had kept in their voyage, how long ago it was they had taken any prizes, and what prizes they had taken during the time of their voyage what the fleet intendeth to do, whatstore of victuals were daily allowed to the men and mariners, how many there were deceased, from whence they had fetched their water, and where they had refreshed themselves with victuals, and what advices they had received o the sea.  
Moreover, he was commanded to declare all such things as he knew concerning the voyage, for we knew many things that happened in the same voyage, and asked him only these questions to try whether he spoke the truth; that we might punish him with the aforementioned pain if he went astray from the truth.  
Whereupon he declared that there were four months passed since the fleet departed from their country, and were within the space of the same time come in the Zouth-Sea: that the ships which they had brought with them, were the same which he named or described in the beginning of his examination, that both the Admiral, Vice-admiral, and the Schout, by night were great ships, and that every one of them was furnished with thirty pieces of ordinance, of which some twenty or thereabouts were brass pieces, that the least Gallion of all the rest, was furnished with one hundred barrels with powder; that the Fleet is likewise very well provided with bullets, muskets, and all other manner of warlike provision, that wheresoever they met with the Indians, and Blackamoors, they caused a rumour to be spread amongst them that they came to recover their liberty and settle them in it: that the Fleet brought provision enough with it for the space of two years: that both the soldiers and mariners amounted all together, to the number of two thousand and five hundred men.  
That some of them were discontented by reason that they could not get Biskit, and other victuals, that the Admiral was loath to land his men, fearing that many of them would run away.  
That the Admiral was named jacques L' Hermit, Item that he was a man of great experience, having in former times been in the East-Indies, that his Legs were very thick being swollen: that it was thought that he should dye by reason of the grief and vexation which he conceived in his mind in regard that he took not the silver which was escaped.  
That john Hugen the Vice-admiral (who was to succeed the Admiral if he should dye) was a lusty and highminded young man, but very cruel, that since they passed Guiena, many of the Fleet fell sick, and some of them died: that they sailed along the Coasts of Africa.  Translated out of the Spanish Copy.  

Laus Deo. In Seville the 4. of january. Anno 1625.  
Here come daily many heavy tidings, the Fleet of Lisbon is above a month ago departed, but it is uncertain whether it is gone towards the Bay of Todos los Santos or not.  
The Spanish Fleet is ready to depart, & tarrieth but for a good wind: Some are of opinion that it is not bound for Brasill, seeing that the wind hath a good while been good to go thitherwards, and that it putteth not to Sea: it is a very strong Navy.  
About eight days ago arrived here a Bark that came from the West Indies, and brought letters that were written in the Town of Lima and diverse other places of Peru, to give us to understand how the Hollanders had fired and taken many ships, both in the Callao de Lima and in diverse other Ports and places that lie in the South sea, and that they have fortified themselves in an Island which lieth directly opposite against the Port of Lima, from whence it is but a league distant, by means of which fortification and their ships, they hinder that none of our ships can either come in the Port of Lima, or go out of it.  
All the goods and merchandises that went last hence with the Fleet of Terra Ferma, lie as yet at Panama, by reason of which we stand here in great fear, that we shall not in this Summertime receive any silver from Peru. Many Tradesmen cannot pay their debts, by reason that their goods lie yet by them, seeing they could not send them to Lima, where they thought to sell them: To be brief, the Hollanders spoil there all our traffic. By the same letters we learn likewise these following tidings, namely, that the Hollanders have hanged about Lima diverse of our men, and that we have taken some of them.  
That in the Town of Lima, there was a Hollander who was a shippe-Carpenter accused of treason, and condemned to be torn in pieces with hot tongues, by reason that he (as was alleged against him) had given advice to the Hollanders, and wished them to come in the South sea.  
There are two ships perished of the last Fleet that went towards Nova Hispania, and we cannot hear any thing of another that was coming from Havana.  
It is here a miserable time, and we have no hope that it will mend, by reason of the heavy wars by sea.  
Here at Seville is a judge arrived, with a Commission that he brought from Madrill, to punish all such as had carried out of Spain without licence, gold, silver, or Rials of eight, and had brought false Rials in it. And he hath already taken diverse upon suspicion oraccusation, but whither justly or unjustly God knoweth. The first that were taken were these following, Bernard Dores, Henrique Ʋander Borg, juan Vermuelen, Lorenzo Bultiau, besides some French men, and one amongst them being put to the torture, hath revealed many things. Molernaer Cortoys, Vanden Buyr, have likewise been taken, but they got loose again, having put in Bail, by favour of friends. Afterwards were likewise taken Franciseo and Antonio Sandier, Pedro de la Farce, juan Gutier: but they are released again of their imprisonment: Cornelis de Groot retired into a Church with Oliver Leffe, and Guilliam Gutier. Many of them are put in prison, and know not what the cause is of their impr isonment.  
About eight days ago was at St. Lucar, found in a vessel that was drowned in the sea, as many Rials and wedges of gold and silver, as amounted to the value of 15. thousand Ducats.  
The Flemings have here erected an Admiralty with the permission of the King: the Precedent of it is Signieur Hendricke vande Raet, and his Assistants Nicolaes' Anthoine, Francisco de Smit, Pedro Francoys, juan Courtois, Guilliam Clent: they are to buy many ships, to fetch booties from the Pirates Turks, Hollanders, and Zealanders.  
And it is reported that they are to make ready in the Port of St. Lucar about 34. ships: they put themselves in great troubles, and God knoweth how they shall speed.   

To the Worshipful the Majors or Masters of the West India Company, which is granted by the High and Mighty Lords, the State's General of the United Provinces.  
SIRS, Many have longed a great while for a West India Company, and the matter is at last brought so far, that the High and Mighty Lords the State's General have granted one, and that your Worships are chosen to be Masters of the same. Nevertheless this good work goeth not forth in such a manner as is required: and there are many well-willers of these lands, which were very sorry therefore, and some of them do likewise their best endeavours, not only to advance this work by their own means, but exhort also others both with word of mouth and by writing, to do the like, that it may come to full perfection. And among others the Author of this Discourse is one of them, and a Participant or Venturer of this Company. He useth not only great diligence to exhort every one to the maintaining of this work, but goeth likewise about to persuade them by strong reasons to venture their monies in this Company, to the intent that the Capital may be the greater before it be shut up, both for the good of the Company, and for the general welfare of the Commonwealth: And seeing that this came to my hands, and was judged to deserve Printing, that it might be made common to be read by others, I have willingly been at the cost of the Printing of it, to show my good will to the Company, and have emboldened myself to present this Discourse unto your Worships, which takes great pains to advance this work, and that it may be the better commended by your approbations: and desire therefore, that your Worships will be pleased to take my small labour in good part. And especially I with the Author will pray the Almighty, that it may please his Divine Majesty, to prosper your administration, and to send his rich blessings one the Company.   

To all the Inhabitants of the united Provinces, the Author wisheth a true and right consideration and care of the Common-welfare.  
IT is strange that so much pains are taken to move men to their own welfare and good; for it seemeth that every one ought to care for his own welfare: There are daily complaints made, that the Children have too little care of their own welfare: We attribute this to the foolishness and unadvisedness of Youth, so that their Parents are compelled to take great pains to exhort, move, and compel them thereunto. But that men which are come to their years, and have their wit, must be brought thereunto with great pains and labour, that is a thing no less to be wondered at then to be complained for. The like happeneth in Spiritual matters. What endeavours I pray you are taken to make men apprehend and embrace that good which leadeth them to the everlasting salvation? In the same manner it goeth in temporal matters.  
I will now pass by the lazy, unadvised, strong, and unthrifty Drunkards, Gamesters, Players, and such like, which neglect their own particular welfare, and that of their Families, etc. I will speak now only of the Common welfare of our dear beloved Country: What endeavours must be used to make men which are Inhabitants of these Countries, and whom the general welfare concerneth in the highest degree, aswell in general as in particular, to embrace and use such means by which it may be procured.  
For the Defence of these Lands, there are necessary general contributions, and revenues. Every one is very sparing and slothful (except some few honest men) to raise and pay them.  
It is necessary that such monies as are raised be well managed. But where is any that taketh such care of these things as he ought? But I do not intend to treat at this time of all that which is necessary for the preservation of these Lands. For if I should speak of it, I must first of all treat of the true service of God, who is to be worshipped with a pure Conscience: and then of the using of Charity and justice amongst us.  
For without these things, there isneither any blessing of the Almighty to be expected, nor likelihood to preserve any Commonwealth in welfare and prosperity. But I will leave these points to the Teachers of God's Word (which may speak of them in their Sermons; and will wish that one amongst them, would out of a godly zeal, deduce into a small Treaty, how necessary they be; and I shall rejoice mightily, if both by the high & low degrees they should be embraced) and intent only to speak of a main mean which hath long been expected and wished; and is at last, through great labour and pains brought so far, that it is granted: namely, the West India Company.  
And seeing that it goeth yet slowly forth, and that men must be persuaded, and as it were compelled in a manner to do themselves good, I will use the best means I can, according to my capacity, for the good of the Commonwealth.  
It is certain, that many years before the Truce of twelve years was concluded, this Company was wished for: and that by reason of the same Truce it could not be granted. This was one of the hurtful effects which the Truce produced, and one of the advantages which the Enemies received by the Truce. And besides them, they had many other of no less importance, which are all clearly demonstrated in a small Book, which was presently after the Truce published by a well-willer of his Country, who instiled it THE COMPANION OF THE FAR-LOOKING WARNING-GIVER, and showed briefly, with clear and strong arguments, how that for the preservation of the State of these Lands, the War was more profitable and safe than the Truce. But we need not at this time to debate the matter, seeing that our Enemy is not now of that mind.  
He did his best endeavour in the time of the deceitful Truce, not only to take breath and to strengthen himself, but to ruin us by civil Wars, and dissensions amongst us. He having mist▪ his mark (God be thanked) he renewed the war again; and that the rather, seeing that he is become of a high mind, through the Victories which he hath obtained in Germany, more through deceit, and by the means of the negligence and dissensions of the Germans, then through his own valiantness.  
He hath these two last years set very fiercely upon us, and caused these Lands to be at very great and such excessive charges, which these Lands should not be able to bear for many years.  
Therefore it is necessary that we device other means, by which we may support and bear the common charges, weaken the enemy, by diminishing his means, and giving him elsewhere work.  
The West-India Company (as I take it) is one of the best means to effect this. But because I may treat more orderly of this business, I will put to the consideration of the Reader, and all the Inhabitants of these united Provinces, these following points.  
1 That this Company is necessary.  
2 Feasible and possible to be effected.  
3 The profit which is received from it.  
4 The good conduct & administration of the same.  
Concerning the first point: It seemeth that it will be needles to take much pains to prove it: For there is hardly a well-willer of these Countries, but esteemeth this Company to be very necessary. But I would wish that each one said this, not only with his heart, but showed his mind likewise by the deed: For words and wishes only, without deeds, cannot advance it. Not fair speeches but money will help us herein: For we want no advisers and Counsellors, but Disbursers, as the Proverb saith.  
But seeing that there are many which contribute yet very little to this Company, by reason that they are not well informed of the necessity of it: It seemeth then to be necessary, which otherwise might be accounted superfluous, to show with few, clear, and strong reasons, the necessity of it.  
First of all it is to be considered, that we have an irreconciliable enemy, who thirsted after the good and blood of us and of our children. The high mind which the Spaniard beareth is well enough known. It is not yet forgotten, or at least it ought not to be, what cruelty he hath used in America, and other Lands among the poor Heathens which had not given him any occasion of offence.  
Who knoweth not what cruelties, bloodsheds, deflowrings of Virgins, pillages, and ransackages of the Towns and Villages of the Low-countries the Spaniard hath used in them: but such as know not this, let them read the History of Emanuel van Metrens, or if this History be too long for them, let them peruse a Book which is called in Dutch, Den Nederlantschen Morgen-wecker: that is to say, The Netherlandish morning-waker: and look upon the observations which are made upon the proposition of Peckius, and he shall find this to be true. Then were the offences not so great; and are now since grown irreconciliable by the means of the war which hath continued the space of fifty years▪  
He neither shall, can, or will forget the spire which he accounteth that these Lands have done unto him, and it will continually stick in his stomach, that he hath spilt so much money and so many men to recover them.  
He accounteth us all as Rebels, and as if we had committed Crimen laesae Maiestatis, treason in the highest degree, and maketh reckoning that we have forfeited both life and goods.  
I know that some Romish Catholics which dwell amongst us, think that they are excepted: but they are much mistaken. For it is fault enough for them that they have tarried here, and have strengthened the power of the Heretics (as he calleth us) by their means.  
In regard of the Reformed Religion he accounteth us to be damned persons, that are fit to be burnt. So that the Spaniard maketh reckoning that our lives and goods are for the King of Spain, and our souls for the Devil.  
Consider now by yourselves what we ought to expect of such an enemy. And therefore it is certain that we have no reason to conceive any hope of a Peace or Truce to live in with a tranquil and settled mind.  
To obtain peace is impossible, unless we would surrender ourselves wholly into his hands, with soul and body, goods and blood.  
If you like such a peace, accept of it. Truce is but deceit, and is only concluded by him to make afterwards his own vantage. Then it is certain, that we have no other remedy then to keep our arms in hand, and trust to the aid and protection of the Almighty. This foundation must first be laid. This you must know and hold firm in your hearts, that you may look to yourselves.  
And therefore we have reason to devose means to increase our power with the blessing of the Almighty, and to diminish the might of the enemy. And to effect this, there is nothing more fit than the West India Company, for thereby shall our traffic augment, and the enemies decrease, yea his means shall be taken from him, to make with the same war upon himself. It is very well known that the Spaniard should not be very well if he had not the West Indies. From thence he gets great store of silver and gold to maintain his wars. We must annoy him there, if we will make him weak, and not only go about that he get none or few thence, but do likewise our best endeavours that we get some part of them. For otherwise it is impossible that ever we should live in rest of him. The Spaniard himself knoweth this very well, and was there chiefly besides some other considerations moved to make a truce with us, fearing we should otherwise erect a West India Company.  
Secondly, the present state of these Lands require it, for they are small, and full of inhabitants, which for the most part live by manufactours, traffic, and by the Sea. Now then to get means for this great number of inhabitants to entertain them withal, and to employ our ships and Mariners▪ it is necessary to have many Navigations on the Sea.  
We must look that the Merchants and Handicraftsmen, which nourish themselves by hand labour get no occasion to depart. And we must especially find out work for our Mariners, for fear that they might become desperate, and go to serve our enemies against us, or should go again towards Algiex and turn Pirates.  
The King of Spain hath forbidden the Inhabitants of these Lands to traffic in the Lands which are under his Dominions, and are very many, for some of them border on the North, Spanish, and the Mediterranean Seas. So that we are compelled to try our fortune el ewhere.  
Many years ago when the King of Spain barred us from the traffic which we had in Spain, we began in these United Provinces to sail towards the East Indies, and have still had good success, as is known to all the world.  
Let us then follow this example, and in consideration that that voyage is long, and that we cannot have our ships which go thither, at hand when we will, and it requireth not so many ships and Mariners as we have to employ, take some near voyages in hand, to set our Mariners and ships at work.  
These two reasons seem unto me sufficient and strong enough.  
Look upon the power of our enemy: Look upon the present state of these Lands, and the inhabitants of them, and you shall easily perceive how necessary i the erecting of this Company.  
But some heavy head shall perhaps say: Although this Company be very necessary, but not likely to have any good success, it were better not to begin it, then to dissolve it afterwards with damage and shame.  
Our Saviour Christ himself teacheth us this providence, that whosoever will build a steeple that he must first forecast what the charges will be to finish it. But this hath been already, even before the resolution was taken to erect this Company.  
If this were yet now first to be done, it were too late: And it is to be considered, that it should be a great discredit and shame for us, at which our enemies would laugh, if we should now give over this Company, the resolution of which hath been taken so solemnly and at several times iteratively: And thereupon the Octroy or Patent being granted and published, the Masters of it were likewise chosen.  
If it were not possible and feasable, be assured that the States would not have troubled themselves so long with the consideration of it, nor have taken so many advices.  
Wherefore I pray ye may the West India Company not have as good success as the East India, which was at the beginning only by the small means of few persons undertaken, and is now grown so rich and strong?  
Certainly the voyage is not so great, but half so big only as that of the East Indies.  
The coasts are not unknown to our Mariners, for by the means of the traffic which some particular persons have used in diverse parts and places thereabouts, they are as skilful, and as well acquainted with them, as with any other in the world: yea they are as skilful of those parts, as they are of our own coasts.  
Could particular persons traffic and trade thither in former times, what should be the reason I wonder, why a settled Company shall not be able to do it.  
The Traffic of Guinea, Puncto del Rey, and diverse other places, are already in daily use and practice.  
I pray you what may hinder us, not only to continue them, but also to increase them with the traffics upon many other places which lie at large about them?  
Shall we want ships? Where is there a Country vader the Sun, that is richer in shipping then this Land? or in which there may yet daily so many lusty and strong ships be built, in less time and with lesser charges?  
Shall we be destitute of Mariners? We have already far more of them then we know how to employ: so that this point is one of the chiefest reasons which may and indeed aught to move us to the advancement and furthering of this Company, to the intent that they may have employment and not be idle.  
But some miserable Hollanders, which would fain lay their thumbs upon all that they have, shall be afraid for loss at Sea, and will therefore rather buy and purchase lands, rents, and Leases in these countries.  
O poor foolish men, who look only unto the Hen's egg (as the proverb is) and in the mean time lose the Goose's nest.  
Have you then all gotten when you peserue your own particular goods, and so suffer the Commonwealth to receive damage and loss in the mean while?  
But if do well consider even your own particular good, is thereby not your money in danger which you have bestowed on lands and rents in these United Provinces?  
Doth there not daily happen Bankrupts and other damages, and is it not all uncertain whatsoever we possess in this world?  
Seeing then that all is to be ventured, is it not best to hazard it in such manner and places that it may yield both particular and general profit.  
But some shall perhaps say, the danger is too great in this traffic: For there is both peril at Sea, and of a mighty Potentate, the King of Spain.  
His power is not unknown unto us, his riches which he getteth out of the West Indies are almost unualuable, and he shall employ them to his uttermost power to keep us out of the West Indies. For this is the best Pearl which he hath on his Crown, and his only means and pillar which upholdeth him in his Chair.  
He will use all means he can to bereave us of the trade which we have through the Straight of Gibraltar in Italy, where he hath no command, what shall he then do in this case.  
Certainly this is a point of great consideration: but it will both the difficulty and the necessity set before our eyes.  
For if the West Indies be so dear unto him that will venture all that he hath before he will lose it, we have the more reason to venture for them a blue eye.  
And if we become Master of all, or of some part, as we are now in the East Indies, we shall shorten his wings in such a manner, that he shall not easily trouble us nor our good friends so much as he hath done.  
Moreover, I say, that the danger is not so great that it ought to discourage us, and to make us conceive that these voyages will not be made with good success.  
Look upon the former times, and you shall perceive that our honest Predecessors have not only resisted the power of the King of Spain in these Countries, but have likewise been so bold as to wage battle with him, when he was more powerful than he is now, and have been the occasion that we live now in liberty, and enjoy the fruits of their labour.  
But consider once if we might not rightly be blamed if we living now at ease, should lose that which they have gotten (with the loss of their own blood, and by the deaths of so many brave soldiers which were sent to aid them, by several Princes and States of Europe, but especially by her Majesty of England of happy memory) and that only through a base fear, imprudency, covetousness, or through any other ill passions. If our Ancestors had had such heavy heads, in what case should we now be? where were our liberty, and welfare? The enemy hath now so many years made a heavy war upon these lands, but they with their power and the aid of their confederates, reresisted him bravely through the favour and grace of the Almighty.  
These two last years hath the enemy set very fiercely upon these united Provinces, but what hath he gotten in a manner to speak, but damage and shame? Can we do so much by land? we may do much more by water. This may appear by the Sea fight which was in the straight of Gibaltar betwixt our Fleet that was commanded by the valiant Admiral Heemskerke, and the Spanish Navy, which tried there what the Mariners of Holland could do. I will not boast idly, knowing that all things happen according to God's blessing. But I speak only in manner of discourse, according to nature, to show what means the Almighty hath granted us for our defence. We have ships enough, and we want neither Mariners, Soldiers, Munition, and Victuals. But you will say, we want money. This is the main point I intent to speak of, and will show that this shall neither want, if every one will do his best to bring a good Capital or stock in the Company.  
And therefore let every one go on with a good resolution, and he shall find this matter easily to be performed. But some shall perhaps reply there is daily so much to be given to the maintenance of the wars, as pole-money for every ones head, and other taxations and impositions according to the several estates of the inhabitants, etc. This is given, but the other is laid in to get profit. That which is given is gone, saith the Proverb, although there is nothing lost that is given for the defence of the Country, and to remove the enemies from our frontiers, as hath been done at Bergen up Zoom: But this which is required is no giving, but laying in a Company of traffic upon hope of great gain. You set daily ships forth, and send abroad, and receive daily Merchandizes, and buy and sell wares to get a penny. But what is the reason that you will not venture your moneys in this Company to annoy the enemies, by which means it is likely to happen that henceforth you shall not be charged with such great taxations as you are now for the maintenance of war. You complain that there is nothing to be gotten, that the trades and traffickes are very dead: and now when there are means shown unto you, where to traffic with profit, and how to revive the negotiation, you will not give ear and lend your helping hand.  
In former times the Lord gave us this advantage, that our enemies had now and then wars with England, France, and other States of Christendom. But the enemy hath hitherto lived in peace with them, and made himself master in a manner of Germany, so that all aid which we might get thence is cut from us, and we have almost no means to defend ourselves but our own power, and the aid of the Almighty. If we will not use those means of our own which his divine Majesty hath yet left unto us, what will become of us? If it be impossible for us to erect this Company as it should be done, how shall we then hereafter be able to resist our enemies, if we neglect this, and other such like means? But it is certain that there can want no money, if the richer sort of the inhabitants of those united Provinces will spare but some of their moneys. The common sort of people have quitted themselves very well, and have according to their abilities ventured great some of money, and raised thereby a good Capital. But if it could be made higher, it would be more sufficient to bring the matter to a good effect. Let but the rich follow their example, and assist the Company likewise, according to their ability, all the difficulties will presently be taken away. divers rich persons which have either subscribed for small sums, or have not done it at all, they excused themselves, saying, that they did it for fear they might be chosen Masters of the Company: which charge they would not accept of for many reasons. Let them then now yet sign for as much or more than the Masters must needs participate in the Company, otherwise we shall have reason to think that they seek but frivolous evasions.  
Those which object that the West-Indies are in many places inhabited by the Spaniard, and fortified with Forts in such a manner, that we shall hardly be able to settle ourselves there: they scant deserve any answer. For the West-Indies are so large and great, that the Spaniard cannot beset the hundreth part of it, and we shall have opportunity enough to traffic in such places which lie from his Forts.  
But it is all for Profit that the Merchant looketh: and where there is any hope of gain, there he ventureth willingly. Therefore if we can make apparent that this Company is to yield profit, it is likely that there will be many that will resolve themselves to venture their moneys in it.  
First of all, then ought every good subject, and well-willer of his Country, to have regard to the general good of these Lands. It is to be hoped that by the means of this Company we shall diminish the traffic of the Spaniards in the West-Indies, even in the same manner as we have done with our East-India Company in the East-Indies. Hereby shall the revenues of the King of Spain be defalked and lesseved, his customs decreased, and his treasure sometimes exhausted.  
If some heavy head would say, that we shall not continually have good success; I would answer, that it is as much to be hoped that we shall continually lie under and have the worst. And although there were not any thing else effected by this Company, but to make the Spaniard elsewhere to employ his power, and to bestow some of his means to war by water where we have more vantage than by land, (by which means the war which he maketh upon these lands would be partly diverted) our Commonwealth should receive great benefit by it.  
Moreover, it is no small matter, that by reason of this Company, there are not only many Carpenters and Smiths, besides other workmen, and other poor men which do now hardly know how to live, shall get good employments both here and in the West-Indies.  
And it is likewise to be considered, that diverse Manufactures, as Linen, Say, Bombasin, Ribbon, Looking-Glasses, Knives, and other wares (which the Spaniard used to get out of the Low-Countries, and other parts, to sell them there) shall by the Company be vented in the West-Indies, to the great good of our handicrafts men.  
But all this is yet nothing to the participants which lay their monies in the Company; for every one looketh commonly what profit he may make with his own money, notwithstanding that the common good is to be preferred before the particular.  
Therefore coming now to the particular profit; I say, that by all likelihood (if the Almighty will be pleased to send his blessing to this Company, without which, no good success is to be had) they that shall venture in the same▪ are likely to make more profit of their monies, than they could get by any other traffic.  
It is known what profit the East-India Company hath yielded to the participants of it, namely, in the time of seven years, viz. from the year 1595. to the year 1602. they have received for one hundred Gilders Capital, three hundred Gilders.  
And afterwards when the East-India Companies were united by the Octroy, or privilege of the State's General, the participants of the same, which sold their Actions, have in the time of sixteen years, namely, from the year 1604. until the year 1602. gotten four hundred Gilders, for every one a hundred Gilders Capital: so that they profited some twenty four Gilders yearly in the hundreth: and those which have not sold their Actions, have received about five hundred and fifty Gilders for each hundreth Gilders of their stock. That this be true, is not only confessed by the Masters of the East-India Company, but likewise by those participants themselves, which complain against the Government and dealing of the Masters of the Company.  
And it is to be observed, that notwithstanding the heavy wars which this Company hath had, the Participants have profited so much. Confer now these profits with other traffickes and employments, and bestowings of moneys, and you shall find that they exceed all other gains which are made with money. If you buy land with your money, you cannot commonly get above three in the hundred by the year, and by buying of houses, you shall get but little more. If you buy rents you shall out get above 4. 5. or 5. and a half at most. If you put your moneys at use, you receive no more than 5. 6. and 6. and a half in the hundreth yearly. The best traffickes which are now used yield seldom above ten in the hundred clear gain. The Chap keepers I must confess may sometimes get 18. or 20. in the hundreth: but they lose again much by bankrupts and slow payments. It is then manifest, that the East-India Company yieldeth more profit than any other traffic or dealing; and it is apparent, that the West-India Company is likely to give yet once as much profit: and we may easily be induced to believe this by these following considerations.  
For first of all, we may sail hence into the West-Indies within the space of seven weeks, whereas an East-India ship that goeth but for Bantam, is commonly thirty or forty weeks by the way; and those ships which go to the Moluccaes, are for the most part a whole year by the way.  
Secondly, I gather hereout, that the West-India Company, by reason of the short Voyages, shall nothing near be at such charges as the East-India Company is, which give great wages both to the Mariners and Soldiers.  
Thirdly, a West-India ship may make two returns in a year, whereas an East-India ship can make but one return in a year and a half, or in two years.  
Fourthly, an East-India ship is to be cast off, after that it hath made three Voyages in the East Indies, and a West-India ship may make twelve or more Voyages in the West-Indies.  
Fiftly, the Voyage for Gold upon Guinea, and the Voyage for Salt upon Printo del Rey, which cost nothing but the fraught, are already in use, and have continually yielded great profit, and are likely to yield yet more, through good directions and government.  
Sixtly, there are almost no wares, or marchandizes, but only monies sent into the East-Indies; but in the West Indies there may many wares and other commodities be sold (as we said before) to the great profit both of the Company and of the other Inhabitants of those united Provinces.  
And last of all it is to be considered, how that the States assist this Company with ten Tons of Gold, which amount to an hundred thousand sterling, and twenty ships, being altogether well furnished with all manner of necessaries, and have promised to give yet more aid to this Company, as soon as the state of these Lands will be able to bear it, and the occasions and employments of the Company shall require it.  
So that I may conclude very well, that it is to be hoped, that the West-India Company shall yield more profit than ever the East-India Company yielded unto the Inhabitants of those Lands. And there is no doubt to be made, but there will be many that shall repent that they have not ventured their monies in this Company, when they shall learn the good success of it, and shall resolve to buy some Actions of other, that they may likewise enjoy the benefit of it. And it is likely, that there will be many that will upon this hope, That they shall be able to sell their Actions afterwards with great profit, subscribe for greater sums of money than they would have done otherwise. Therefore let every housekeeper, that will enrich himself and his family, venture his monies in this Company, and he shall in time, by the grace of the Almighty, learn that he hath done the part of a prudent and wise housekeeper.  
Now concerning the fourth and last point of the orders and Government of the Company, we must a like treat of them a little: for every one will the rather put his money in the Company, when they shall be possessed and assured that it shall be well governed. But seeing that these orders are already concluded by the States, and the Articles of them in Print, that every one may read them, and understand how the moneys of the Companies shall be administered, I shall not need to talk much of them. They are such, that many honest & understanding Merchants take great liking in them. There are also some which refuse to venture their moneys in the Company, and allege for their excuse, that they mislike the Orders and Articles of the Company. It were to be wished that men would not in these days be too curious and nice. For there is not any man that can please every one. And there is nothing in the world so well done, but some that will look with curious eyes upon it, shall say that it hath the one or the other fault. Therefore let us hold with our common Proverb, which saith: That we must commend those things which are reasonable well done. But they shall perhaps say, If they were tolerable we should commend them: But they are too strange. I will not dispute against such for fear that I should do nothing else but lose my labour. What their drift or design is I cannot tell. But it is to be admired, that so many other understanding Merchants cannot as well as they perceive the faults & imperfections of these orders. They shall perhaps say out of their malice: that the other have perceived them as well as they, but would not find fault with them, and lay thereupon so much in the Company, as the Masters of it must bring in, the Company hoping to get such places, and to come to the handling or receipt of the moneys. But let us banish out of our hearts all such malicious and pestiferous conceits which hinder all good affairs. Who is it (I pray you) amongst us that knoweth the heart of another? None surely, but only the Almighty knoweth the heart of man, and the experience shall show what their intentions have been. And this I dare assure you, that if these Articles be but well observed that the Company shall by the grace of God yield great profit, according to the calculations which have been made. You know that the East-India Company hath much enriched the participants of the same, notwithstanding that many have found fault with the orders and administration of it.  
But I will wish that if any one could propound any better order or directions for the good of the Company, that they would yet show them to the States, and I make no question or the Company will be very willing to embrace them whiles it is yet time.  
Therefore seeing that this Company is so necessary and profitable, both for the State of these united Provinces, and the particular good of the inhabitants, and easily to be erected and maintained, and that no exceptions can be taken against it, I will exhort every one but especially the Magistrates, and the richer sort of the Commons, to lay great sums of moneys in this Company, hat they may be precedents to others. For there ought great Fleets to be sent into the West-Indies: And it is apparent that how the Capital of the Company will be the greater, the traffic will be surer, and yield more profit. Herewith ending, I will pray the Almighty, who is the only fountain of all goodness that he will send his blessing to this Company, and that it may tend to the welfare of these united Provinces, the weakening of our enemies, & especially to the exaltion of his Holy Name, and the propagation of the Gospel, that it may be preached amongst the blind Indians which have no knowledge of the right way to salvation.  
FINIS.