Document: RESOLUTION to employ soldiers, regulate private skippers

Resolution drawn up aboard the ship Den Blouwen Haen, 16 March 1644.

In order to carry out the enterprise on the island of St. Martin with more certainty, we have seen fit to employ some capable soldiers here on the island and put them in the pay of the Company so that we have more absolute command over them as well as to be able to give a better release time to the personnel whose enlistment has already been expired for several months.

Second, we find it of benefit to the Company to make sail as soon as possible and if possible to be ready to sail tomorrow morning or the following morning. We consider it still can be damaging and a disservice to the Company for the private skippers, riding here at anchor with 2 to 3 ships, to reveal the enterprise, asking if beyond their interest they want to show themselves with the ships before the aforesaid island or follow the Companys squadron and perform some service for which they shall be allowed a free shipfull of salt (if the Lord God gives his blessing). Thus done and concluded at the place, and year as given above. In witness [ thereof ], signed with our own hands by:

P. Stuyvesant,
Willem Cornelissen Oudemarckt,
Jan Claessen Small,
Marten Doene,
Jan Claessen van Meppel,
Jacob Loper.

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