In order to remedy and prevent these disorders in part, there was established by the XIX., in the year 1643, at the instance of their High Mightinesses' deputies, a Board of Accounts, composed of six persons ; Amsterdam Chamber, and one from each of to wit, two from the the other Cliambers, who were to prepare and report all the matters to be transacted by the XIX. against the meeting of that body further, keep accounts with all the Chambers in this ;

country, as well as with the foreign conquests and compile from these, general books which ;

would show the condition of the Company at all times; they were to make a repartition of receipts and expenses, and decide the disputes arising therefrom, with a view to maintain equality and proportion as well as good correspondence between the Chambers; also, to attend to the execution of the resolves of the XIX., as is more fully to be seen by the instruction of the aforesaid Board of Accounts. But that Board having experienced divers obstacles from its beginning to the present time, and not being clothed with sufficient authority to hold the Chambers to their duty and the various papers and documents not being even submitted to ;

it from the respective Chambers, tiie essential knowledge of their administration could not

be obtained. Nevertheless, we cannot yet see any fitter means of keeping in order the entire body of the Company and each Chamber in particular, than the establishment of such a general and permanent body, on a plan similar to that of said Board of Accounts, but furnished with greater authority for the execution of its office which Board must possess, in the absence of the ;