[several lines lost] [ ] rdigen [ ] [ ] in order to take care of the new books [ without being employed thereto ] until he has informed himself of everything [ ] te could be discharged, the more because [ according to reports ], he is inclined to it;
The 2nd subsection of the 5th article of the aforesaid instruction considering the payment of accounts or ordinances, in my opinion, should also include and contain the recording of some accounts; I ask the lords director general and councilors to consider whether it would not be necessary to make this the responsibility of the bookkeeper and the collector respectively, and by resolution to ordain to enter or pay no accounts or ordinances but those, in accordance with the same article.
The reasons for the bookkeeper being this: first, so that after the accounts are entered people have a record to claim them and demand payment; second, that the accounts first should be examined jointly. Such [ is ] easier than entering them a long time there[ after ], when the memory and reminder of the circumstances of the entries is prevented by the intervention of time, on pain of, concerning the bookkeeper, that entries that are found to be debatable or that may be canceled may be charged against him. And concerning the collector, this way as before, all payments that have not been made shall not be awarded to them. Judging that it is the intention and desire of the lords directors that I should always be one of the two members reported there, and not alternately.
The entire world can see and judge that presently the fortress has no defense, and that it can easily be attacked by surprise, and invaded by a dozen men who are aware of its state and condition; the more so because the soldiers, who often have no light at night, could [ sooner ] be taken by surprise than be warned; therefore, in my opinion, it would be useful and highly necessary that all other unnecessary, or at least the not so necessary, works be left aside with [ two ] of the Company’s masons, and that, if need be, others be hired for that. [several lines lost]. As [ it ] to order and ordain [ ] to obey, and employ [ ] duty to contribute thereto [ ] being manifest that orders without [ ] without [ reaching or advancing ] [i] the intent or the aim of the person who gave the orders. Therefore, it is necessary to have the same revived [ ] and to keep them alive, and with the hand of practice to support them, maintain them, and keep them going.
The instruction given to me by the honorable lords directors especially reflects on the finances, the success, and administration thereof, and therefore I think it necessary, yes, highly necessary, that the 1st and 2nd article of the said instruction will be realized and dealt with,
Without, in my opinion, it being necessary to postpone this until the books of the outstanding debts of the merchants and others are closed; the more so, because I cannot imagine that this would be accomplished within the next six years if business and copying are continued on the same footing as before.
Also related to this is that, especially, the revision and examination of the books and accounts of the former collector Tienhoven should be encouraged. Commissaries were appointed for that by resolution indeed, but so far I have only heard of laborious or no meetings held about that, except for when on occasion one or another account appears of which the beginning, middle, or end depends on said Van Tienhoven’s administration.
Therefore, as before, it would be useful, that for the time being one would take inventory of those assets that are fluid and available, such as monies of the treasury, condition of provision warehouses, war ammunition, equipment, necessities, soldiers’ clothing, the merchandise, unpaid leases, tenths, lands and houses belonging to the Company; then the order of the 11th article of the said instruction can somewhat and in some way be pursued, copied and sent to the fatherland, if it is not a general,[ii] then at least a register [several lines lost] be a burden [ ] transported and [ brought; ] capable [ for the ] necessary work [ ]
To the completion and in consideration of the [ ] repeatedly given by the lords directors to the director general [ and councilors ] so far, and having arrived, namely, that [ in accordance with ] the practice previously in use in Brazil and presently still in Guinea, one could have the Company’s Negroes taught carpentry, masonry, masonry assistant’s work, blacksmith work, etc.; in my opinion, if not the old or elderly, at least the children of the liberated slaves or Negroes could be employed and brought up; even more so because I find that the parents/elderly,[iii] on and under such and other conditions, have evaded slavery free and liberated.
Lastly occurs what could have been said before, regarding the 1st subsection of the 5th article of the instruction in question, namely that this should and must be executed expressly in obedience of the lords directors and immediately set to work.
For now I will postpone some of my other considerations until a later opportunity, the details of which will be communicated and imparted to the lords director general and councilors in due time.
On the occasion of the arrival of the small ship the Hay, which is loaded with dyewood, I think it advisable that it be sent to the fatherland together with the ships lying here at present, and in order to facilitate the cargo, to hand over a bill to the skippers and collect it again, [ asking ] at what price they are willing to transport the aforesaid wood. If this is not deemed advisable, the wood, anyhow, should not be stored in cellars except by way of the weighhouse.
