sighted down to 33 degrees,
is one uninterrupted mainland coast.

[* Left blank.]

When in 26 deg. 20' we were in sight of the land, we had 8 degrees decreasing
northwesterly variation of the compass. We then shaped our course north
and north by west, which leaves it due north, if the variation is
deducted. On the 29th of August we made the south-coast of Java, 60 miles
to eastward of the western extremity of the said island, so that if you
are near this South-land in 23, 24 or 25 degrees S. Lat., and shape your
course north by west, which deducting the variation is due
north-north-west, you will strike the coast of Java [*] miles to eastward
of its south-western extremity. Therefore, in order to have a fixed
course from the Cape to Java, it is advisable to set sail from the Cape
de bonne Esperance in June or July, and to run on an eastern course in 36
and 37 degrees Southern Latitude, until you estimate yourself to have
covered a thousand miles to eastward, after which you had better shape
your course north and north by east, until you get into 26 or 27 degrees,
thus shunning the shoal aforesaid which lies off the South-land in 28 deg.
46'.

[* Left blank.]

When you have reached the 26th or 27th degree, run eastward until you
come in sight of the South-land, and then, as before mentioned, from
there hold your course north by west and north-north-west, and you are
sure to make the western extremity of Java, as shown in the annexed small
chart [*], which I have drawn up for the better assurance. This
South-land, as far as we could judge, seems to be a very fair coast, but
we found it impossible to land on it, nor have we seen any smoke or signs
of inhabitants there; but further investigation is wanted on this point.

[* Not forthcoming.]

On the 25th of August we got into Sonda Strait...

In the fortress of Jacatra, October 7, 1619.
Your Worships' obedient servant
FREDERICK HOUTMAN.

{Page 16}

C.

_Letter of Supercargo_ JACOB DEDEL _to the Managers of the E.I.C.,
October 7, 1619._

Worshipful Wise Provident Gentlemen,

My last letter to you was dated May 20 last, in which I informed you of
my arrival at Cabo de bonne Esperance..., where I found Commander
Houtman...

On the first of June I was ready to set sail for Bantam from Cabo de
bonne Esperance but contrary winds prevented my putting to sea before
June 8th, when I sailed in company with the Hon. Houtman, pursuant to a
resolution of the Plenary