Which expedition, blessed by God, was brought to a close in 3 @. 4 weeks, when it pleased God to temper this our Victory with such an unfortunate and unexpected accident as New Netherland never witnessed, inasmuch as in less than 3 days over forty of our nation were massacred by the barbarous Natives; about 100 mostly women and children taken prisoners ;

bouweries and some plantations burnt and laid in ashes, and in and with them over 12,000 schepels grain yet unthrashed. In this loss you have been the greatest sufferer in the Colonic you have begun. May the good God please to apply a remedy. Who was the original cause of this great misfortune and scandal, I cannot particularly say, as it occurred in my absence.

Appendix, ith October, 1656.

Commission for as Commander on the Island of Tobago, situate and included in the Caribbean Islands, and consequently within the jurisdiction of the West India Company of this country.

The States General of the United Netherlands. Whereas the General Incorporated West India Company of the aforesaid United Netherlands hath represented to us, that they have resolved to grant charter and freedom to Adriaen and Cornells Lampsins, residing at Flushing in Zealand, and partners, to repair to and reside for a certain time at the Island of Tobago, situate and included among the Caribbean Islands, and consequently within the jurisdiction of the Company aforesaid, to provide it with a proper garrison of sea and land forces, and that they had, for the advancement and direction of their affairs there, need to employ a capable and qualified person as Commander, and to this end have recommended the person of and accordingly requested that we will furnish him with our Commission necessary thereunto. Know Ye, that we having the same in consideration as tending to the promotion of the general trade and prosperity of this country, and being moreover informed of the fitness, fidelity and experience of the aforesaid him have appointed and commissioned and do hereby appoint and commission as Commander to make arrangements for the security of the lands, fortresses and places in the aforesaid Island, to direct the affairs of trade, police, and war, to command the soldiers, sailors and other persons, so far as their Charter permits, and to do everything for the service and prosperity of the abovementioned Island of Tobago, that a good and faithful Commander is bound and obliged to do ; all in conformity with the instruction and commission already given or yet to be given