And that with greater ease and much more effectually than heretofore, first, because it now possesses, in Brazil, the most important points in that country, and the most convenient that could be selected in all America ; as the entire world, and even the enemy best knows. Secondly, because it has ascertained by great outlay and long experience, where the King's power in America is weakest, and how easily he can be deprived of the most valuable of his revenues. Whether these services which the Company can confer on the country, and which this State hath undoubtedly a right to expect for its preservation and for the humbling of the enemy, ought still be continued and encouraged or rather whether, on the contrary, such favorable advantages ;

ought to be thrown away, are considerations which we leave to commend themselves to your Great Mightinesses' wise deliberations. For your Great Mightinesses will easily perceive the advantage the King of Spain hath to expect it the Company's Ships, and power be lifted off' his neck. And how soon he, unobstructed in the arrival of his fleets, will be able to recruit his battered finances and credit, and become, ere long, more formidable to this State and its Allies than he ever has been before and bow easily he will be able to fortify the places which now lie open to us, and to ;

strengthen those already fortified, so that all our power and knowledge will hereafter profit us nothing. We can herein prescribe in no wise to your Great Mightinesses, nor be of use any longer than is agreeable to this State. But this we must, in virtue of our office, lay in all submission, before your Great Mightinesses, that the Company, so far as the interest of its stockholders is concerned, can without great loss, be easily brought to this negotiation, by money or goods for its contracts, such as the case deserves.