The people conveyed by us thither, have, therefore, found but scanty means of livelihood up to the present time ; and have not been any profit, but a drawback, to this Company. The trade carried on there in peltries, is right advantageous; but one year with another, we can, at most, bring home only Fifty thousand guilders. Proceeding more southerly, next comes Virginia, possessed by the English and Florida, so far as it has ;

commercial advantages, by the Spaniards. For, although Florida is extensive, the places occupied by the Spaniards are few, and the harbors, even for middling ships, so rare that there is but very small probability of being able to execute anything advantageously there. The large Islands are settled by the Spaniards, etc Exhibited 23'* October, 1629.

Considerations in regard to the Truce with Spain.

[ From the Origin.M in the Eoyal Archives at the Hague ; File, Weft Indie. ]

Extract of the Reasons and Considerations submitted by the Directors of the Incorporated West India Company to their High Mightinesses, the Lords States, in the present deliberation regarding the truce with the King of Spain. Exhibited the 16 Novemb., 1629.

High and Mighty Lords, Although we are confident that you. High and Mighty, can in your usual wisdom, and will, pursuant to your special regard and favor for us, consider that the security and welfare of our beloved Fatherland is most intimately connected with the preservation and prosperity of our Company, yet we have deemed it our duty to lay, with all submission, before you. High and Mighty, in a summary manner, the principal points which, in these parts, ought to be taken into consideration. First: it is to be considered with what longing the Company has been expected, for many years, by all good Patriots at home, and all good wishers of our state abroad ; and how slowly