Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope (South Africa). Archives | Leibbrandt, H. C. V., ed | Riebeeck, Jan van, 1619-1677 | South African Library
Aen Sijbrant Rinokes ende Willem Harmanst: Met 't Bobbejachtjen wort nicht: bij desen tösten 60 stx johne ende oude schapen om bij d'andere to weijden, ende laat ons eens werden hoe veel datter nu in 't geheel op 't eijlant sijn binnen corte dagen staen der U apparent noch al meer toe te oomen alsoo den handel met d'inwoonders redel: begint to gaen; neifens desen gaet boeck pampier met een oleijn kanueken met iiiet onde een maent provisie voor UI : hier mede Qode in genade be\ olon en : gegroet. ül : goede vrient, was geteijokent» Jan van Ribbieck. lilt Kort do Qede Iloope, adij 23'" Novemb : lÖS/i. No. 134. Dassen Eijlant. Aon den adsistent Jan Woutorsr. : per de Chaloup Robbejacht gess : Eersamo, discrete, Hiernevens sendon wij UI : als pr. bijgaande memorie partiie victualie die wel ende na behoon^n moet minageren vermende nochtans dat de luijden den buijck vol ende 2 vleijs dagen's weecx met een s]^eck dagh geven suit, mitsfladera's morgens ^ m Us: brandewijn ende's middaghs ende s avonts elcke mari oock soo veel araok dat dien stereken dranok loo wan hebt Itevonden, hebben wij gemerokt, den stuijrman Tjrmons noot- gierigheiit schuit te wesen. 8<K) Ui : meerder voloq nodigh hebt om de robben in der haest van dat eijlant op te vangen cout ons ton eersten laten weten. 222 lAM. With the NaehtgUu goee Ertman Olen^ of Straalsond, oadet, 23id Nor. ^' tb® AmernfoH. In nis place Jan van Kempen ii to rehurn. Beturn the empty bags, oaska and veaseLs, Ac, to be used for the same purpose again. We can hardly get any from the ships. Don't forget. You are not to take a single man from the Bobbejaeki. You are to use your best efforts in killing and taking care that the holes of the legs are not stretched so wide. Take care that a good supply is ready for the return fleet, and show some extra kindness to the diligent, to encourage them the more. The skins and oil which you have on hand you are to send hither with this boat, — which is also to take in tow the small sloop Penguin &c., &c. (Signed) J. v. Biebekck. In the Fort, 23rd Nov., 1655. List of provisions sent to Dassen Island with the Robbencht, 23rd Nov., 1655. 1,000 lbs. rice in 2 casks. 50 stockfish. 170 cans of arrack in a cask. 1 acker brandy. 1,000 lbs. vinegar. 1 bucket salt. 20 lbs. butter. Some carrots and turnips. No. 135. Bobben Island. To Sybrant Binekes and Willem Harman: Till 1st. Yesterday we sent you per Robben, 68 and now with the Penguin 2½ sheep. We expect to hear how many there are now. Met 't Nachts in London eenen Brünner Olenge, tin Bretelung, gefülltet m 't aohip Amenfort hier aengeeth 25efrNov. in weloken plaatse Jan van Kempen suit laten wederom oomen met 't robbenichten waermede deaen gaet. La et on de ledige saokjea, Taeten en kannen eto : mede temgh oomen om n na deaen ander proviaie in na te eenden aleoo men nijt de eohepen daervan quat : na genoegen can Teraien worden, p' memorie. Van't Toloq op robbejaohtjen jegenwoordigh varende sollen UI : niemant aflliohten. Op 't hooghste willen T71 : bevolen laten allen ijver aen te wenden tot de rpbbevan^ ende dat de gaten van de poten offtevleroken wat naeuwer worden toegepent, mitegadere oook behoorl : devoir gedaen om goede quantitijt tegen de compete van de retour vlote op te gaderen ten dien eijnae de naerstige wat goet doende om haer te bet te animeren : —. De vellen ende traen die UI : in voorraet hebt, laet die met dit roblx^jaohtjen ten eersten mede herwaerte comen, ende tot alle gooden ijver aen wenden mit^adere oook met 't robbejaohtjen trough oomen ; de oleijne sloep reguijn om bij gemelte jaohtjen gesleei^t off seijlen : hier gebracht te worden, pr. Qouvem" endo niormeede Qode in genaden bevolen en : hertel : gegroet, Van UI : goede vrunt, Was geteijokent, Jan van Rivbsick. In 't Fort de Ooede Hoope, doeen 23'* Novemb : A. 1655. Memorie van de provision gesonden na 't Dassen Eijlant pr. do ehaloup llobbejaoht dato 2*V" November 1656. 1000 Ib. rijs in 2 vaten. 50 stookvissen. 271 can arak in een vat. 1 aioker brandewijn. I do olij. 1 do. asijn. 1 pudé zout 20 Ib. boter. Wat wortelen ende rapen. No. 136. Ilobben Eijlant. Aen Sijbrant Kinckee ende Willem Sarmanss. Oister sijn u met de sloep Bobbejaght toegeaonden 68 ende nu 7ra i>^. Wederom UI: roet de dittjne sloep Peroijn mede toegeaonden 28 schapen, jongh ende ont, wij sullen met eenen tijdinee verwachten hoeveel datter nu met d' aengeteelde in alles sijn. Êide laet doch 22i 1^^- on the island. Pay attention to the old ewea^ when they are fat, 7th Dm. ^^7 are to be sent hither for the shipi, also the oldest rams — the yonjig ramB are to be castrated and the tails of the ewes are to be cutoff to assist the breeding. You sre to tell no one how many sheep there are, but always inform us in a sealed letter — for this purpose we send you some paper, pins and ink. You are also to give no sheep unless on receiving a sealed letter from us. Remember this well. Let us also know how the orange trees are thriving and send us the sheep tails which are fit for cutting off. They will save a great deal of butter. (Signed) J. v. Bibbeeck. In the Fort, 7th Deo., 1655. No. 136, Dassen Island. To the Assistant Jan Woutersx : Sent per the Hohljachf. ^7th Dw. Though we can hardly spare the Rohhejach which is required daily to carry sheep to Rohben Island which at present we obtain in fair quantities from the natives, besides cattle, we nevertheless send it now to hear how the seal fishery is proceeding, and should (Signed) You require more men to let us know. We trust that they are appearing in abundance now and that you spare no pains to get as many skins as possible. The oil sent is good and you may continue burning more in the same way, collecting as much as possible. It is required for the establishment here. The skins which you have on hand we expect by the BobbefaeMf and a list of the men exchanged into the blacksmiths and a list of the men given to the men on account, with the books which are to be closed off. Well letten op de oude oijen als die niet meer lammeren afwerpen, cunnen, dat UI: dan onii deselve vet geweijt, herwaerts sent wan- nieer wij om schapen schrijven voor de schepen insgelijox oook beneffens dien d* oudste rammen, de jonge rammetjee ter bequamer tijt altijt lubben ende d' oijtjes de staerten affsnijdende om de aenteelt te meer te vorderen; UI: moet oook gedaiahtigh sijn niemant t* openbaren ofte seggen hoeveel schapen daer sijn maer ons *t selve met een gesloten brieffken overschrijven, waertoe wij u laestleden pampier, pen ende inct hebben gestuijrt, too moeten IJl: oock geen ander off meer schepen overgeven als wij meede in een gesloten brioifken schrijven. Onthout dit wel, sonder te vergeten, laet ons oock weeten hoe 't met de lemoen boompjes staet ende de schape staerten. Toe ejusdem sijn om aff tè snijden, daer met ter tijt veel bdter mede sal cunnen verspaert worden. In 't Fort de Ooede Hoope, UI: goede vrunt, den 7^' X"" 1655. Was geteijokent, Jan van Rikkrkck. No. 136. Dassen Kijlant. Aen den adsistent Jan Woutersjs: p' de Chaloup Kobbejacht gesz. Eersame, discrete, Alhoewel wij *t robbeiaohtjeu jegenwoordigh qualijck missen ir»» Dm cunnen om dagelijcx schapen op *t Robben Uajlant te brengen die jegenwoordigki in redulijcke abondantie van d' Inwoonders beneffens gx}ede partije koebe«>sten gehandelt worden, soo is 't dat wij des niet jegenstaende *t selve UI: bij desen evenwel toesenden express omme te vernemen hoe 't sigh daer met de robbenvanghst aenst^lt, om soo UI: meerder volcci mocht nodigh hebben ons dat ten eersten te laten weten, wij willen hopen deselve jegenwoordigh in abondantie opoomen  bij die manier van branden wel continueren mitsgaders oock soo veel opgaderen mocht als doenlijck sij, dewijle tot Gomp* omslagh alhier vrij wat nodigli is. De vellen die in voorraet hebt sullen met het robbenj acht jen oock verwachten, item meede notitie van de personen die op *t Nacht ^li is tegen den anderen overgegene sijn, als ock wegen 't goet bij Ui : het voloq aldaer op recq : verstreckt om hier na be- hoorf*u gebouckt te worden also de boucken tegen 't laetste vau deee maent na de jaerlijoxe maniere zullen worden gesloten. U 226 1656. You need not leave the legs on the tldnB as they are subject to iTthDec. rotting — yon are to go on in the old way. In the laat skins there were many holes made by the knives. You must look to this, otherwise the skins will not be worth a nothing and all the expensive labor go for nothing. We therefore recommend that attention be given to this — those who do so out of spite are to be properly punished. The diligent are to be rewarded — this will encourage them to continue in this dirty and unpleasant labour. We send you 6 bags of cabbage for the men and I cask beer. (Signed) J. V. RICHMOND. In the Port, 17th Dec., 1787. No. 17, Robben Island. To Sybrandt Binckes and Wilhelm Harmansz: The Robben Island brings you 79 sheep — you must now have some — come to them well that we may know the exact number — the same are to be kept near the homestead — those found missing at night are the following day at once to be searched for and returned to the lock — all are to be taught to come home to the stable every evening. A "kraal" is to be made for those which can find no place in the sheds, similar to what the Hottentots do, of branches and bushes. During the night they can be kept in it and in the morning they may be sent to pasture. This is to be done until we here break down the old Corps de Guarde which we intend to wind over for a stable. Should there be any not thriving very well, let us know how many that we may make arrangements accordingly, &c. (Signed) J. V. RICHMOND. In the Fort, 21st Dec., 1665. À la: hoeft de poten niet meer aen de vellen te laten abou wij ejerchen deelre te veel yerrottinge onderworpen sijn, dee op d' i-en dm. Onde manière wel moi vortyaren. Inde laeet overgeoomen vellen heben wij venioomen dat veele jäten waren auf met meaaen geeteeoken, UI : moet daer wel voren laten sien off anders aouden de vellen niet een etuijver waerdigh weeën ende al die ooetelijoken arbeijt van soo veel volcx voor d. E. Comp' te vergeefEs gedaen worden, dee gereoommandeert blijft daerop wat naeuwe toeiight te nemen, ende die sulox uijt moetwil branch ten doen daer over na behooren te corrigeren, altijt lettende (ie naerstige wat meer ^^ta aU soodanige te doen 't welok veele proetwilligb ende vlijtigh m dat morsige ende smerige werck maken sal, pr. Gouvem". Wij senden bij desen ouck 6 sacken vol oool voor 't volcq ende 1 vaetjen goot bier voor UI : groot 16 minirelen. Hiermeede (jode in genaden bevolen en : gegroet van UI : goeden vrunt Int Fort de Goede Hoope, Wa geteijckent, desen 17"* X'"^ 1655. Jan van Ribbkrck. No. 137. Ilobben Eijlant. Aen Sijbraut Itinokes en Willem llarmansz : Hiernevens worden UI : met de sloep Robbejacht weder toege- 29mi Dec. Seddei 7^ schapen soo datter nu moeten weeën 600 stz. ende op dat l'l : *t ons perfect souden cunnen laten weten, soo moeten UI : doselven altemalen eens ter degen tellen, ende aengaende de creupelen moeten dight bij hujs gehouden wonlen ende die telckens's avonta bevint te missen off te affgedwaelt te wesen, dienen's anderdaeghs ten eersten weder opgeaocht ende bij den generalen trop gebraght, mitsgaders in gewoonte gehoudtn om alle avonden roeede na de stal te oomen edoch die der vermita de menighte niet in cunnen moet daertoe dan een crael in't ronde worden gemaeokt, van struijcken ende tacken gelijok de Hotten- tooa hier doen om deaelve daer 'a nachts dan in te bewaren ende 's morgens geeamentlijck weder uijt te laten gaen weijden ter tijt wil' hier de oude Oorps du Quarde affbreecken die dan derwaerts suUen atuijren om daisr een grooter atal aff te laten maeoken, ende 80 der eeni|;e sijn die niet wel voort willen laet het ona weten met beaeheijt hoe veel datter zoodanige wel lijn om te overlegg En wunderten van d'É. Gompie meede doen aullen. Hiermede Gode in genaden bevolen, Was geteijckent. Jan van Rikbrrck. Int Fort de Goede IJoope, desen 29** December 1655. To the Assistant J. Wouterez: Sent per Ruhlejaclit and Penguin, 166. We have heard from the mate of the Robejacht that many seals are all around the island but that they did not come up high enough, remaining on the rocks; and that you intend to wait until they come nearer. We fancy that some may again be found on the islands about Saldanha Bay and we therefore send you the two boats that with all your men and tools you may proceed thither and catch what you can find, trusting that in the meantime the seals not being disturbed on Dassen Island will come up the better and so be more easily caught. But if you are of a different opinion and think that in the said Bay there really are not so many seals, the Islands are to return, to carry sheep which are daily obtained, to Robe Island. You are also to consider and state what profitable things may be secured for the Company there in the matter of the seal fishery that no men or time may be uselessly wasted, but a good quantity of skins collected of which we have good hopes, in spite of your opinion. Last year the largest quantities came to hand in January and February. You are therefore to notice carefully when they breed and come most abundantly, for future guidance. Get as many of the best small skins as possible—because of their beautiful fur they will fetch as much as the large ones, unless you think that in that case the old ones would not come up. You are to use your own discretion and when you have spare time have the number of small skins received. Trimmed, the smaller and darker the better, We saw the sea lion's skin among the large ones and found it full of fat and oily, the oil boiling out of it with the heat of the sun, consequently all the hair falls off and the skin becomes infested with worms. The seal skins on the contrary become dry No. 138. Dassen jjälant. Aen den adsistent Jan Woutersz: pr. de Ghaloupen Bobbejaoht, ende Peguijn gesz: E^Tsame, diaorete: Uijt dou stuijrman van 't Robbojaohtjen hobbon wij monde- 1666. Lingeb verstaen dat wol goet deel robben rontsom aen alle oanten — van 't Eijlant waren doch dat deselve noch niet opquamen maer -9^'» I^- beneden op de olippen bleven liggen ende dat UI : derhalven van opinie ende voornens waert wat stil te blijven tot deaelve wat meer mochten opoomen. zulcx dan bij ons sijnde ingosien ende gemerekt datter misschien in de baij van Saldanha wel eenige weder op d' Eijlanden te vinden wesen, soo heeft ons goet gedocht ül : bij desen toe te senden beijde de sloepen Robbejaoht ende Peguijn omme pr deselve met al U volcq ende gereetsz: eens weder derwaerts te gaen ende al op te vangen wat daer te vinden sal wesen op insighte ende hope dat tussohen wijle de robben op 't Dassen Eijlant niet geatoort wordende te beter sullen opoomen ende daerna te faoilder gevangen mogen worden. Edoch soo UI : de saken aldaer anders insagen en : dachten dattet in de baij voormelt soo heel veel niet sonde mogen beschieten too sullen UI : de gemelte vaertuijghen ten eersten laten wederom comen, om Schapen (noch dagelijox al redelijck gehandelt wordende) op't robben Eijlaiit te brengen mitsgaders wij-ders overleggen ende voorwenden 't gene aldaer ten mees-ten dienste van d'E : Comp' tot de robben vanghst sal einen vereijsschen op datter geen volcq noch tijt noodeloui gebruijckt ofte gespilt maer goede partije vellen opgegadert mogen worden, daertoe wij (tegen U opinie) noch al goede hooi>e hebben, vermits A pass* de meeste partije in Januari ende Februarij eerst ons oock toequamen, dernalven naeuwe acht moet nemen wanneer deselve jongen ende meest opoomen tot beter narightinge in toecomeu le, en laet mede niet na so veel van de beste cleijne te crijgen a > mogelij ck is, zullen apparent om haer schoon bont alsoo wel u 8 de s^oote ofte overgehmelde getrocken worden ende niser advenant gelden, ten ware ül : dachten dat de ouden dan niet v^'oomen souden des met overlegh moet te werck gaen, ende laet voor't ledigh gaen noch al partij moffe vellekens overhalen hoe oleijnder ende van haer Here be the letter. Wij hebben gesieu onder de becomen velUn het groote zee- leeuwen vel ende bevonden 't selve gantsch vet ende tranigh te wesen, ja, soodanigh datter den traen van de hitte der zonne boven uijt braet, ende ingevolghe 't haijraltemalen aff valt mits- gaders oock vol woimeu groeijt, daei ter contrarie de robben 230 l65o. Qjj^ retain their hair. You ure therefore not to trouble yourselves •29th l>ec. about sea lion» unless you expect to obtain a lot of oil from tlioir excessive fatness We expect to be informed by you, Ac. (Signed) J. v. Hiebekck. In the Fort, 21Hh Dec., 1655. P.8. — Having written thus far we have on second thoughts thought it better to hear your opinion on our own, which we expect as soon as possible — 29th Dec., 1655. 1650. Having already sent away the above, but the Robbejachi having Jamuiry ^° Compelled to put back because of contrary wind, we adhere to what we wrote and expect to receive your opinion, but as the delay has been long, we trust that the seals have appeared in such larjge numbers, that it will not be deemed necessary to proceed to SaManha Bay. We expect to receive the desired news as soon as possible, and also to see the boat return with a full cargo of skins, &c. (Signed) J. v. Birkbkck. Jan , 1656. 2S1 vellen droogh worden ende vast van haijr bliiven UI : sullen der- ^^' lialven Toortaen geen moeijten meer om deaeWe doen, ten ware ^lenVrn-, datter mits hare groote vettigheijt ofte diokspeok veel traen Tan te orijgen soude weeën, waer op wij van ül : oock tullen antwoort ende beright verwaohten. Hiermeede Qode in genaden bevolen ende gegroet van ül : goede : vrunt, Was geteijokent, Jan tan Bikbbbck. Int Fort de Gh>ode Hoope, desen 29 December A'\ 1655. Deeen dus verre gesjs : ende al gesloten sijnde hebben ons be- daoht wegen de Ssldanha Baij, ende eeraden geacht eerst U ad vijs op voorss : onse consideratie te hooren die wij dan ten eersten sullen verwachten 29** d". Dese bovenstaende al eens affgesonden hebbende en : 't robbe- I0i6. jaohtjen daermede mits oontarije wint onvolbraohter voja^e ". wederem geoomen sijnde, soo dient dit dat wij ons bij 't vonge <^"*^"' blijven gedragen, ende verwaohten zullen UI : advijs als boven, edoch dewijle het dus lange heefft geduijrt eer wij't gemelte jacht jen om redenen voorss : oock hebben cunnen afbenden soo wil- len wij hoepen ondertusschen 't opoomen van de robben sodanigh sal hebben toegenomen dat op de vanghst in de Baij niefc sal be- hoeven gedacht te worden, waervan do gewenscbte tijdinge nevens 't jachtjen vol Vellen metten eersten hopen te gemoet to sien, hiermede d'Almogendo in genaden bevolen ende gegroot vau UI : goede Trunt, Januari 1656. Was geteijckent. Jan van Rivbbbcr. 6tli Jhii. 232 LETTERS DESVM\mED—{rouiiNind). Robben Island. To Sybrant Rinokes and Willem Uarmausz. 1606. We send you 36 sheep also Thomas Christoffelsz Mulder, who is to take the place of Maiien Comelisz at present on the island, whom you may send back, as well as a young ram when the Robber returns from Dansen Island, in order to be killed for the table here. We shall also expect with her the tails that are fit for use, but they are not to be out off before the young sheep are old enough for breeding, that the tails may become somewhat bigger, and we may obtain a larger quantity of dripping in order to save butter. You shall do the same with the wethers, whose tails, however, you are to let grow larger, and which you shall only cat off when a vessel is at hand for taking them in, that they may be skinned fresh and sprinkled with some salt and sent over at once. The rams, however, kept by you for breeding purposes shall retain their tails. Remember this! With greeting from your good friend. (Signed) Jem van Rikhkkck. P.S. — You are also not to light beacon fires before vessels are in sight which cannot reach the roadstead the same day and are kept in the offing, or unless any trouble is caused you, which has been often commended to you as a signal, as it is very inconvenient every now and then to send vessels over for trifles. Had it not been for your fires we would have waited until more sheep had been bartered. Instructions for the officers of the yacht Nachtgüu, proceeding to Saidanha Bay de Robben and Dassen Islands. Sitt Jan. As the yacht must necessarily proceed to Saidanha Bay for repairs, you shall leave with the first favorable breeze and take with you the sloop Peguyn, calling at Dassen Island to deliver our letter, and should you find the Robbejachije there, you shall at once deliver to her the provisions for the seal boats, and even should you meet her on the way, you shall take out of her all the skins she has on board, for that purpose taking her with you to Dassen Island, so that you may take the skins on to Saidanha Bay, where they are to be landed until your vessel after having been beached has been thoroughly repaired. It is to be taken on board again. You will also ask Jau Woutorbz whither he has any more on hand, or anything to communicate to us. After that you shall make use of every breath of wind to reach this, leaving behind you the Robbejachije for the use of the seal catchers as long as required. Should you, however, not fall in with the Robbejachije you shall remain with the seal catchers at the bay, in order to take care of their provisions and regularly fetch water for them, etc., until the return thither of the Robbejachije, or Jau Woutorsz may decide to proceed with the seal catchers in your vessel to Dassen Island, or do whatever else may be deemed necessary in the interest of the Company. At any rate you are not to leave before the 1st The arrival, as otherwise the men left on the dry lands without galiot or yacht would perish from thirst. Should Jan Woutersz require Jan Lx)uys'B and Evert Jansen's services in addition to those of his other men for the seal finisher, you shall permit him to retain them, without taking away two others in their stead, for you will still have seventeen left to bring the galiot hither. The two Englishmen who go with you, you shall put on board their own little vessel. In the Fort, i^., the 31st January, 1056. (Signed) J. v. KICKER. To Jan Woutersz on Dassen Islami. I receive yours of the 10th and 11th instant, and with regret heard of your poor success in seal hunting, probably caused by the arrival of Commany's and English ships there this year, and their men passing the beach to and fro in all directions, etc. We trust with you that some may still be found on the islands in Saldanha Bay, and therefore we send you in company with this vessel, the NachtgütH^ the 11th sloop Jorgensen, as well as the provisions mentioned on the accompanying list. We are at present not provided with any sails, so that you will have to get along with the old tent, as well as with the old whetstone which you have there, as we have only one here. This galiot proceeds to Haamanha Bay for repairs, after that she will call on you to take in oil or skins, or to be of such other service as may be required. Should she, however, meet the Robhjachfjr at Dassen Island, she shall take out of the latter all the skins on board of her and transship into her all the provisions intended for you. She shall also leave the Robhjachfjr with you for sailing to and fro in your service. But should she have been despatched hither before the arrival of this galiot, you shall with your men proceed in the latter and the Peguyn to Saldanha Bay, which she is to be despatched hither at once with all the skins you have ready, keeping the little prachas as long as you require her. We also send you 3 bags cabbages, 2 bags carrots, and some turnips, cucumbers and radishes for your use, as well as the carcass of an ox, the half for yourselves and the Robhjachfjr, one quarter for the galiot, and one quarter for the Englishman, whom you may give some of the turnips, cabbages, and carrots, with our compliments, as an act of courtesy, &c. Louise Bain and Evert Jansz we have placed on the Peguun to be again employed in seal catching there; also Warnar and Arien Fousten. Gherrit Harmansz we have made quartermaster, as We believe that he will be of great service to you there. The English, who accompanied our people hither overland, return in this good, in order to be placed on board their vessel again. It is not good that you send English people overland with our people, or employ them there to assist you in seal catching. In future you should refrain from doing so, that they may have less chance of observing the Company's opportunities here, and not obtain any advantage in the world over it; as it should be our object to place foreign nations under obligations, especially to the Company. Do not forget to return each time the casks, cans, and bottles. In the Port, &c., the 1st January, 1606. (Signed) J. V. Bickford. To Batavia. To the Governor General and Councillors. The return fleet not having as yet arrived, this will only serve to cover the annexed garden seeds, freshly gathered since the departure of the Hon. Kemp, and consisting of 10 large and small bags. We trust that they will be welcome. Annexed is also a list of the men discharged hence into the Mayfield and Weep, 35 in number, mostly convalescents from the fleet of the Hon. Kemp. At present fully 20 are still in hospital, who when received will with others also be sent on by first opportunity. We have also, according to your orders, sent home some incapables in the return fleet, in order to relieve ourselves as much as possible, as they caused great consumption here. How excellently the breeding and bartering of cattle are succeeding you will be able to. Gathering from the reports of impartial persons now leaving. We shall, however, advise you fully on this subject later on, as well as reply to your letters... (Signed) J. V. Bubebck. 235 1606. Instruiuations for the officers of the bloodhound, proceeding henco via Dassen Island to Saldanha Bay, As the return fleet is expected every minute, with which we would like to send home a good quantity of seal skins; and as we believe that a considerable number is ready in Saldanha Bay, you shall leave with the first fair wind in order to take the skins thenoe, calling on your way at Dassen Island to see whether any soal is making their appearance there, in order to be able to report to Jan Woutersz for his information. Having been dismissed by him, you shall hurry hither at once, that you may still find the return fleet here, into which the skins are to be shipped. Wish you a prosperous passage thither and back. (Signed) J. v. Uirhkkck. To Jan Woutersz, assistant, at Saldanha Bay. We again send you the Robbejavhtje with provisions. She will rapidly take in such seal skins as you have on hand, that they may be sent home in the return fleet, expected every moment. You are therefore advised to send her back as fast as you can. We will also report to you whether there are any seals on Dassen Island; should there be any, you may (if you have finished in the bay) proceed thither in the Robbejavhtje and Peguyn. But to go to St. Helena Bay with the former, we consider too dangerous. It shall therefore not be done before you receive our further orders. When you have removed to Dassen Island, we shall be glad to hear of it by means of both the sloops, so that we may send you your necessary provisions with the Robespierre. You shall take no men out of the Robespierre on her present voyage, as such changes cause considerable inconvenience. We send you as stores for yourselves and the Robespierre a sum arrack, 1 kanker half oil and vinegar, 1 casks biscuits, 1 do. rice, and a sum of meat. (Signed) J. V. Riebbick. To the Seventeen. Our last, November 29th December, we sent you in London, per the Mardi, the Lorraine, a copy of which is annexed unto this. Regarding the present condition of this place, the castle trade and agriculture are, thank God, more than doubly sufficient and abundant for the refreshment of your vessels, so that this work has been thoroughly completed and brought to the hoped-for end. 1606. The fortifications, and dwellings within them, in a square, are also built of brick and lime, strong and durable, so that there will soon be time over to make something outside of the fort for freemen and others, who should you incline to make this a colony, are to be entrusted with all cultivation in the future; for, as already mentioned, there are at present, during the whole year, sufficient produce in the vegetable and cabbage gardens to supply the vessels well and Property properly. Tree growing also promises well, especially apples and oranges from St. Helena, of which more will be obtained thence when a galiot is sent thither this year, in order to bring us the horses running there, so that we may obtain an abundance. The St. Helena pigs thrive here much better than the Dutch, so that we shall order some to be brought hither; but the breeding of them, as well as of fowls, geese, ducks, etc., would best suit the freemen, as it would be too costly to the Company, which would require to feed men to look after them, who being merely clumsy and useless fellows, would take very little care of them, whilst others who are of a better class think too much of themselves to look after pigs and such things. And as the cattle trade with the natives is at present proceeding so excellently, the Company will have enough meat as well as garden produce, but should the Company decide to settle freemen here, in order thus to reduce the number of her workmen, and keep a light garrison here of soldiers and arquebusiers, leaving the rest in the hands of the freemen, who might be used as burgher watchmen everywhere in the country, it would be necessary for her to refrain from all agricultural pursuits, that the freemen may be able to earn their living. Thus many men would be economized that are now employed in agriculture, that is for 14 or 15 morgen of ground, already prepared, 25 men. Each calculated at $10 per month, would cause a saving per year of $1500; his food would cost half as much, viz., $1500, and the lease of the lands already previously prepared for cultivation would also render $1500, or a grand total saving of $6000. And for 5 men as many assistants for the seal fishery as may be required, which fishery only lasts three months in the year. Against the above, the lessees, who continue incurring the expenditure for men or slaves at less expense to the Company, might be allowed on behalf of the Company for every man on the vessels arriving here two stivers daily, and for that he bound to deliver in proportion to the number of each ship's crew an abundance of garden produce, including a similar quantity for the voyage, etc. No doubt every one would do his best in this respect in order to obtain a ready sale. And if it be estimated that the crews of the vessels arriving here would amount to every ship were to remain here 10 days on an average, much for a longer and others for a shorter time, the lessees would secure the aforesaid 16,000. This would be a first step to show the freemen how to make a living. This, however, would afford but little if any profit to the Company, excepting that the freemen, for the protection of their own property, would assist in establishing the Company on a firm basis here, as they could be employed on burgher guard, and a much smaller garrison consequently kept here, whilst your ships would be abundantly supplied with the necessary refreshments to which the commander of this place has now to attend. The cattle trade, however, with the natives, and the supplying of cattle to the ships, should always be kept in the hands of the Company alone, as otherwise the freemen would spoil and ruin that business, who will be able to discover sufficient profit in many other things, such as the Breeding of sheep, fowls, geese, ducks, etc., which they might sell to private persons, besides what they also supply to the company. For we have already observed that some married persons who have been given some small gardens for their exclusive use, are already doing well with the produce, and the breeding of fowls and eggs, &c., and give particular satisfaction to the going and coming, which enables them to buy something for themselves, independent of what is given them on board their vessels, and are able to satisfy their own likings. The same result has been obtained by leasing the milk cows, as everyone can now buy sweet and butter milk, without distinction of persons. This does not tend a little towards supplying and contenting the voyagers, &c., as will be more fully seen in the resolutions of the 1st October, which was adopted made to make a trial with this special lease, that the Company may in course of time be benefited by it, independent of the profits which would be derived from supplying the freemen with their necessities, and from the cow hides carefully collected, so that in this way all the refreshments would cost the Company nothing and in time leave a profit, as is already evident from the annual accounts. And if the rest of the lands, properly prepared in two or three years' time, are then also leased, reasonable profits might be expected from them, as well as from the fisheries, house-rents, &c. From all the above, as well as from tobacco-growing which promises favourably, the freemen would obtain enough profit, as well as from rearing pigs, fowls, &c., which they would sell for their greater prosperity, and which, for the reasons already mentioned, would Be a too costly undertaking for the Company, and as the attempts made have proved, not very practicable. It will also make a great difference to the Company when the officials and married servants of the Company are placed on board ship, not only on account of the trouble of their wives and children, but also in order to get rid of the maintenance of their servants and slaves, who do not cost as much as half of the Cape Garrison. Through all which the Company's expenditure will diminish and all other matters prosper to her benefit and the special comfort of the passing voyagers. Moreover, it is to be hoped that an excellent quantity of corn will be raised here, (according to further experience evidently sufficient for this place), which might be taken over at a reasonable price from the freemen, and should there be a surplus, the latter might be sent to Batavia in the outward bound, without the necessity of an express vensel being despatched for the purpose. It might be stowed in the Vessel's bread chambers emptied during the passage between the Fatherland and this, as well as in other parts of the ship. The success in all these matters appears to us to be promising, whilst the garrison will be kept cheaply, so that you will hardly feel the expense, whilst the common people, besides the rice from Batavia, abundantly obtained from the homeward bound ship, might also be fairly well provided with barley. Salt meat and pork are already commencing to do without, and are instead slaughtering oxen and sheep which cost very little. You may be quite sure that we shall arrange everything as inexpensively as possible, in order to make you feel the Cape expenditure less, but at the same time also letting you pick the desired fruit, on which may God give the blessing. As a further burden to the place we are sometimes loaded with many sick from the outward bound that have had somewhat long passages, but nothing compared to what we expected, as mostly all recover before their departure, so that we never have more than 60 or 80 on our hands, who are always sent away with the first ships to India, after recovery. Very few have died; for instance, this year only eleven persons both of the garrison and the sick of the ships departed this life; truly a small number compared with former years, when the Company lost hundreds of lives on the outward passage and the Cape was not called at, which next to God is now of great service to the Company with its refreshments and healthy climate, as the men are as a rule so much required in India. Your orders therefore to the skippers to call at the Cape on pain of forfeiting the premium, are not only necessary and should be continued, but the penalty should even be made familiar, as some skippers who have great authority on their ships, and whom in consequence the mates, and much less those counselors of lower rank do not dare to contradict, have more than once said that they are not much concerned about the premium, which only amounts to $166, and consequently is of slight consideration. A heavier penalty would therefore not be out of place in order to compel them to touch here, as the result would be that they would bring but few sick here, for although they might soon read the latitude of the Cape with fairly healthy crews and a sufficient quantity of water on board to pass this place, it has already long ago been found that if those people had the Cape and experience the cold further south, they generally fall ill and become weak, so that very difficult voyages were usually made, and a multitude of unhealthy people brought to Batavia. Sometimes skippers were induced to turn back to the Cape, as in 1854, when the Falmouth, a ship captain Jan van Kampen, having reached the latitude of the Cape rather soon, decided to pass; but afterwards finding the men falling ill in such numbers, he was compelled to return, and arrived here with more than 170 sick, ex-ex. In theusive of 3 who had died. The Longue and Greconde Lumber were in no less plight, being hardly able to furl their sails or east anchor on their arrival here. It is therefore evident that if the outward bound at once make for the Cape they would hardly bring any sick here, for as soon as would be only commencing, it would at once be rooted out by the daily Cape refreshments and the men brought to such strong health that it is a pleasure to see. Subject to your wiser judgment, it would in our opinion not be out of place if the return ships also received more stringent orders to call at the Cape, as some of their skippers gladly seize on any pretext to pass and proceed to St. Helena. To this the Company will be still more subject, as the officers are obtaining certain information that they are to take on board sealskins here annually, which the home voyagers are as desirous of seeing their own hearts, as we have already mentioned ere this. And though some may endeavour to find an excuse here or there, it is certain, nevertheless, that if they only will, they can always come in here, or anywhere before or in the mouth of the bay, as will be shown later on, the said bay being as beautiful for entering successfully, according to the testimony of many old skippers, as any in the whole world, and if land be sighted in the proper latitude, it will be replaced quickly enough, especially by means of the familiar Table Mountain, &c., which in clear weather is visible a great distance off at sea. The rock Wall (whale rock) between Hobben Island and the tail of the Lion is about a small half mile (Dutch) distant from the former, thus leaving a space of fully 1 miles between itself and the mainland. This we ourselves found to be the case when we sailed over the distance in a sloop (see our Journal of the 25th February last), hence the danger of that passage is not so great as it is supposed by some to be, who believed The Wahiê ro< k to be right in the middle of the strait, which is a mistake, as above explained. The Hon. van Goens, in his letter from St. Helena, advised us against others, to place some cattle on that island as a further improvement for the ships, so; but this would afford greater inconvenience to pass this place, contrary to the Company's intentions. When with due respect to His Honour, we deemed such a step as such cattle would be caught without an eye on their increase, by the English, French, &c., long before the arrival there of the Company's return fleets, as is annually experienced in the case of the pigs and oranges, so that the beasts would not be for the Company but for strangers. In our opinion, therefore, subject however to your riper judgment, it would be better to make such a refreshment place unfit for use, as then the Indian Navigation would be made more difficult to them (foreigners), if at the same time no disservice is done to the Company by such a course. We assure your honours, that with the help and blessing of God, we have a sufficient abundance of refreshments for your outing and homeward bound ships, more than they will be able to consume, and that all the year round, without failure at any time. The same excellent results have also been attained in the case of cattle, as will appear from our Journal; and how could the coarse, hairy, hard sorrel of St. Helena be compared to our Dutch cabbage, turnips, radishes, yellow, red and white carrots, salad, beet, chervil, parsley, cress, and all other kinds of European fine greens as well as excellent Indian fruits, such as watermelons, &c. 