Every thing is, by God's blessing, in a good condition; and in consequence of the employment of the negroes, which were from time to time introduced from Angola into Brazil, in planting grain, flour is produced in such quantity that what used to always cost S to 10 guilders, still contintes to be sold at the low rate of six stivers, wherefore the Supreme Council now have written to send from here half as much flour as used heretofore to have been conveyed thither. 2. Orders have been made by this Assembly for the aforesaid possessions of the Company; letters have now been sent over to the Directors in those countries on the subject. 3. Propositions have been made by Directors and principal stockholders of the Amsterdam

Chamber for the opening of the Angola trade to all, to which the other Chambers are strongly opposed. It was to be expected that this would create some difference between this Amsterdam

Chamber and the others, to the loss and discredit of the West India Company; which was prevented by good reasons. The trade principally to Guinea and Angola, is the life of the Company; and the ruin of the latter would follow the deduction or diminution thereof. The Company can neither exist or flourish without commerce ; even though all the public subsidies were promptly paid. The receipts herefrom still keep the Company alive, and furnish means for the equipments and cargoes for these and other coasts. 4. At the request of your High Mightinesses' delegates, something has been proposed by the General Board of Accounts for the support of the Company; namely, 10'= 63 M. guilders yearly ; out of which, they say, the six per cent per annum can be paid. The Chambers have taken the proposition with them in order to resolve thereupon at the next Assembly of the XIX., in Zealand. (No. 1.) 5.