1 II. N. Y. Hist. Soc. Coll., 2d Series, 326 ; see also I. Brodhead, 51, and note E., p. I'A. - Prince Maurice.

to, and approve thereof, and direct that the same shall be punctually attended to and observed, by the directors, members, and every person concerned therein, in the same manner as if they wore inserted in the charter; because we find them proper for the service of the West India Company." '

While these modifications were being considered the States-General authorized many special voyages to New Netherland, each under a special license, which also contained a proviso obliging the j)arties in interest to return with their ships by the first of July 1622. This was to avoid any interference with the West India Company, or any anticipation of the commencement of their business.*

The Charter of the Dutch West India Company was modeled after that of the Great Dutch East India Company, and like it was intended to promote trade, colonization, and the breaking down by armed fleets of the power and pride of the kingdom of Spain.

Both were armed commercial monopolies with most extensive powers and enormous capital. Both were established on the basis of the public law of Holland, which was simply the " Roman Law," with slight modifications. And both were supported by the assistance and strength of the Government of the United Provinces.

The West India Company's Charter consists of a preamble and forty-five articles, together with the preamble and twelve articles of the final agreement of the 21st of June 1623 above-mentioned. The central power of this vast association, as O'Callaghan states, " was divided, for the more efficient exercise of its functions, among five branches or chambers, established in the dilferent cities of the Netherlands, the managers of which were styled ' Lords Directors.' Of these, that of Amsterdam was the principal, and to this was intrusted the management of the affairs of New Netherland.