PROPOSALS Of the Undertakers for settling a Free Port in WEST-INDIA.  
WHereas many and great Advantages have been Reaped by most Nations of Europe, from and by the discovery of that Rich and spacious Country West-India, and yet many Rich and valuable Discoveries both of profit and place in the same, convenient for setlements are hitherto unknown and unposest by Europeans.  
Which the Undertakers having been conversant in these parts, are ready to demonstrate when occasion requires with the advantages, that will accrue to all who shall be willing to adventure therein, either in person or purse.  
And for the public and universal Improvement of the said Advantages in this and time to come, the Undertakers intent to manage the same by a Society to be called and known by the name of the general European Company for West-India.  
And for the more free and easy management of this great and good undertaking, the Company do declare, that they will settle a free Port and Trade upon some convenient place in the said Countries, for the Seat of Commerce between that and Europe, as well as other parts of the World.  
And since every man ought to be informed of the particular Advantages, before Adventure be made, none are obliged to subscribe any sum upon their Admission into this Company, but the terms of such Admission shall only be subscribing to the Conditions upon the Roll here underwritten.  
And he who is admitted in manner aforesaid, shall ever after by himself, or Deputy, be duly informed of all the succeeding undertake, and have vot and share in the same suitable to his Adventure, which is not to exceed ten thousand Gilders in principal stock for any one man at any time for the first three years.  
And the same Company do resolve from time to time, to defray all and every part of the Charge of their several undertake by their joint consent and common stock.  
And as it may be necessary for the said Society in time to come in some particular undertake to make their Application to the High and Mighty States, and other Governments of Europe, as well as particular persons, so this as all other things, shall be done, as need require, by advice of the Company, and Charge of the Common stock.  
The Company think fit at present only to give this general account of things and public Invitation for persons to subscribe reserving the secrets of Trade, and the Company to the assembly, or such as they shall order from time to time.  
Those that are willing to enter into this Society, but would conceal their names for a time, may enter, or cause to be entered what other name they please, and take a note from the Steward, to signify, that such name is only in trust for him provided, always that such notes of Trust shall be produced, and the right Names entered when the Assembly shall please to order it, least by such means one, or a few persons under several names should engrose to themselves too great an interest in this undertaking.  
The Members who have already subscribed, have chosen and appointed Rest Fenner, Bookseller, near the Exchange in Amsterdam, being one of the Company, the present Steward to keep the roll, and take Subscriptions until the meeting of the Assembly.  
All the persons who live at a distance from Amsterdam, may send their Order in writing to any Friend, to do it for them; but such Orders must be filled up for the warrant of every one who subscribes for his Friend; and such Resolutions of the Company as are needful to be made public, shall be given in the Courants or by other public Notice from time to time.  
The Underwritten is the Copy of the roll for Subscription.  
Whereas the Freedom and Liberty of the Worship of God, according to the holy Scriptures, is the first and most desirable thing, and in the next place the Security of the Liberty, and property of the persons and Estates of every man to him and his posterity so far as humane prudence can extend itself for the common good of mankind ought to be preserved; We therefore do resolve and agree by God's permission to settle a free Port and Trade for all Nations in an Eminent part of West-India, whereunto we are invited by a great and populous Empire, where we shall not only by the Divine Assistance be capable of promoting the true Worship of God, but also of enriching ourselves, and all that shall be concerned with us, and therefore We propose to our own and all other Christian Nations, who are desirous to join in so glorious and great an undertaking to incorporate with us; resolving to give and allow equal Privileges and Advantages to all, according to their Merits. And because so great an undertaking cannot be effectually carried on without the concurrence of many persons of ability and Substance, We do resolve and agree that when we have received the Subscriptions of Seventy persons to this undertaking, a general meeting shall be appointed and held, where the whole Affair shall then be debated, and such Officers, both Military and Civil as may seem convenient, shall be settled with the methods for effecting this great glorious and advantageous Affair, which we question not but God that hath inspired us in the undertaking, will bless and prosper to the accomplishing thereof; but in regard all things are intended to be managed by a Common Stock, and the Advantages distributed according to the Quantum of every persons subscription, which cannot be brought to the desired perfection, without some present Charge. It is therefore agreed that every Subcriber shall deposit the sum of twenty Gilders upon his Subscription, to be employed for and towards the necessary charge of the promoting and obtaining the Subscriptions, and meeting of the said Assembly of Seventy, to whom affair and just Account shall be given at their meeting, and then the Remainder of that Money and all such Sums as shall then and after be subscribed, shall be ordered and disposed as they and future Subscribers shall agree upon and direct from time to time.  
When whose names are hereunto subscribed, do engaged with, and incorporate ourselves into the Society pursuant to the Ends above written.