that you may
inquire whether these articles are known to the natives, and might be
obtained there in any considerable quantity.

[* i. e. drawn from the Coast of Coromandel.]

In landing anywhere you will use extreme caution, and never go ashore or
into the interior unless well-armed, trusting no one, however innocent
the natives may be {Page 21} in appearance, and with whatever kindness
they may seem to receive you, being always ready to stand on the
defensive, in order to prevent sudden traitorous surprises, the like of
which, sad to say, have but too often been met with in similar cases. And
if any natives should come hear your ships, you will likewise take due
care that they suffer no molestation from our men.

When you get near the northern extremity and the east coast of the
South-land, you will diligently inquire whether it yields anywhere
sandal-wood, nutmegs, cloves or other spices; likewise whether it has any
good harbours and fertile tracts, where it would be possible to establish
settlements, which might be expected to yield satisfactory returns. In a
word, you will suffer nothing to escape your notice, but carefully
scrutinise whatever you find, and give us a full and proper report on
your return, by doing which you will render good service to the United
Netherlands and reap special honour for yourselves.

In places where you meet with natives, you will either by adroit
management or by other means endeavour to get hold of a number of
full-grown persons, or better still, of boys and girls, to the end that
the latter may be brought up here and be turned to useful purpose in the
said quarters when occasion shall serve.

The command of the two yachts has been entrusted to Jan Vos, who during
the voyage will carry the flag, convene the council and take the chair in
the same, in virtue of our special commission granted to the said Vos for
the purpose.

Given in the Fortress of jacatra, this 29th of September, A.D. 1622 [*].

[* Unforeseen circumstances prevented the expedition from setting out
(Letter of the G.-G. and Counc. to the Managers, 1 Febr. 1623).]

* * * * *

XIV.

(1623). VOYAGE OF THE SHIPS PERA AND ARNHEM, UNDER COMMAND OF JAN
CARSTENSZOON OR CARSTENSZ, DIRK MELISZOON, AND WILLEM JOOSTEN VAN COLSTER
[*] OR VAN COOLSTEERDT.--FURTHER DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH-WEST COAST OF NEW
GUINEA. DISCOVERY OF THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA.

[* He replaced Meliszoon after the latter's death in February.