No. 124.

came down there with the intention of killing the Caribs dwelling there was received by them reasonably, and thereupon they again retired back up the Orinoco. But the undertakings of the Spaniards go so far that, if proper provision be not made in that matter, it may cause in course of time the total ruin of the colony.

*

*

*

*

*

Besides, it has been reported to me by the Burgher-Captain S. Persik, on his arrival from Orinoco, and confirmed by some Spaniards, that the Spaniards there had made a journey in the southwest right behind us, and had there discovered the source of the Rivers Cuyuni and Mazaruni (which two are the real source of this river Essequibo), both flowing out of a great lake or sea which is 60 [Dutch] miles long and 20 broad, and very deep, the water azure blue, without fish therein, from seventyfive to eighty hours in a straight line above Fort Kykoveral; that their intention was to settle and to fortify themselves near the source of the rivers mentioned, so that we then should be hemmed in by a cordon.

I should already long ago have seized and demolished the first fort above in Cuyuni (which as yet is easy of accomplishment on my part through the Caribs), if I were but rightly conscious how far the limits of your territory extend, both on the eastern and northern sides as well as back to the south and westwards (regarding which no documents whatever are to be found in this office). I therefore earnestly request you to be pleased to transmit hither the necessary information concerning this matter, because an error in this might be the cause of quite too evil consequences.

Extract from letter from West India Company (Zeeland Chamber) to Storm van's Graveande, Commandeur in Essequibo, August 7, 1747.

*

[Reprinted from U. S. Commission, Report, Vol. 2, p. 311.]

*

*

*

As to the forts already established in Cuyuni for the Spaniards, and those they might seek to establish there hereafter, we have thought it best to await the action to be taken thereon by the Board of Ten, of which we shall then notify you at the earliest opportunity.

No. 126.

Extracts from proceedings of West India Company (the Ten), 1747. [Reprinted from U. S. Commission, Report, Vol. 2, pp. 313-314.]

That in case there could be found in Essequibo a competent surveyor, he cause to be made an accurate chart, not only of the plantations in existence there and of their size, but also of the lands still uncultivated and not yet granted.

*

*

*

*

*

That all the respective Chambers, each by itself, investigate and inquire whether it can be discovered how far the limits of this Company in Rio Essequibo do extend ; that nevertheless, if in the meantime he can by indirect means, and without himself appearing therein, bring it about that the Spaniards be dislodged from the forts and dwellings which they have, as he maintains, made on the territory of the Company, and be prevented from further extending themselves there, he shall be authorized to carry this out.

And lastly, all the respective Chambers are instructed to investigate whether it can be discovered how far the limits of the Company in Rio Essequibo do extend, and to report to the other respective Chambers what they find and discover. Whereupon, after discussion, it was resolved to adopt the aforesaid report, and furthermore to convert it into a positive resolution, and to thank the Committee for the pains taken, and Mr. Backer for the report made.

Extract from letter from West India Company (the Ten) to Storm van's Gravesande, Commandeur in Essequibo, September 9, 1747.

*

[Reprinted from U. S. Commission, Report, Vol. 2, pp. 314-315.]

*

*

*

*

*

We have requested all the Chambers to investigate, each in its own records, whether it is possible to find out how far the limits of the Company in Rio Essequibo do extend. Nevertheless, if in the meantime you can, by indirect means and without yourself appearing therein, bring it about that the Spaniards be dislodged from the forts and buildings, which, according to your assertions, they have made upon the territory of the Company, and can prevent them from spreading further in that quarter, you will do well to accomplish this.

* * *

No. 128.

Extract from letter from the Court of Policy in Essequibo to the West

[We have the honor to report] that, in fulfillment of your salutary intention, we have caused to be posted every where the announcements of the sale, on January 8 last, of the burdensome and unprofitable indigo plantation. But, to our sorrow, we must report that in this matter we could in no way attain the desired end, inasmuch as, although the conditions were arranged very favorably, not one person was willing to bid a single stiver thereon, presumably on acount of the great distance and the insalubrity of the river Cuyuni. We had therefore to keep it for the

Company, to whom, even for bread-grounds alone, it is worth at least two hundred rix-dollars and more.

Extracts from letter from Storm van's Gravesande, Commandeur in Esscquibo, to the West India Company, February 11, 1748.

[Reprinted from U. S. Commission, Report, Vol. 2, pp. 316-317.]

I shall also, as soon as the opportunity seems to me somewhat favorable, execute the orders of the Board of Ten as regards the forts of the Spaniards. Concerning the fishery I have brought the matter so far with the Commander of Orinoco that I do not believe it will again be interfered with.

Your honors in the Board of Ten having ordered me to have a map made of the colony and the plantations, if a good surveyor could be found here, I have in the absence of such a person not been able to execute this. However, to satisfy your desire as far as was in my power, I have myself, as well as the shortness of the time has permitted, made up a map from various small charts which from time to time I had drafted as a pastime. It is not of the extremest exactitude, but [it] will not be found greatly wanting, excepting only that down below there are many more islands which do not appear in it because I have not charted them, and, being uninhabited, they are of little importance. The plantations where the number of slaves is not set down are those of which the lists for the year 1747 have not yet come in.

No. 130.

Extract from letter from West India Company (Zeeland Chamber) to Storm van's Gravesande, Commandeur in Essequibo, May 30, 1748.

It gave us especial pleasure to learn through a subsequent letter from you, dated September 9, how, by the zeal you have shown, the trade of the Spaniards in the river of Essequibo begins to develop more and more, and we hope that all further means will be put in operation to make it altogether flourish there.

Extracts from letter from Storm van's Gravesande, Commandeur in Essequibo, to West India Company, December 2, 1748.

[Reprinted from U. S. Commission, Report, Vol. 2, pp. 321–323.]

The Spaniards were beginning to approach more and more up in Cuyuni; but a war having some weeks ago arisen between the Carib nation and that of the Warrows, which is carried on very obstinately, this will stop their further progress, and possibly, if the Caribs obtain the upper hand, they will be driven somewhat farther away, without our having in the least degree to meddle therewith. I could wish, however, that, if it were possible, I might know the true boundary. According to the talk of the old people and of the Indians, this jurisdiction should begin to the east at the creek Abary and extend westward as far as the river Barima, where in old times a post existed; but this talk gives not the slightest certainty.

*

*

*

*

*

A wanderer of the name of Pinet, having gone up the river Cuyuni to obtain hammocks by barter with the Indians, was requested by me carefully to spy out the going of the Spaniards in that region-a duty for which he is very well fitted, because he understands the Carib language thoroughly, and is by no means destitute of intelligence. He returned here on the 13th of November, four months after his departure, and has made report to me that the Spaniards had not yet undertaken the building of any forts or missions lower down, as had been their intention, but that they

No. 131.

cruelly illtreated the Indians subject to us, continually taking them by surprise in their dwellings and carrying them off, with their wives and children, to send them all to Florida; that he had spoken to the chief of the Spaniards, and had placed before his eyes the unfairness of this treatment as well as the consequences of it, but that the latter had replied that the whole of America belonged to the King of Spain, and that he should do what suited himself, without troubling about us.

Seeing that all my remonstrances and letters to the Spaniards are of no avail, and that no redress is obtainable, I intend to tell the chiefs of the Indians, when they come to me, that I can provide no redress for them, and that they must take measures for their own security. Then I feel assured that in a short time no Spaniard will be visible any more above in Cuyuni. I have always, but with great difficulty, restrained them and prevented all hostilities by fair promises.

Extract from letter from Storm's van's Gravesande, Commandeur in Essequibo, to West India Company (the Ten), March 27, 1749.

[Reprinted from Blue Book, No. 3, p. 91.]

There should sometime be some profit gained with the Spaniards, though the attempt is made as far as possible to pay attention thereto. But many Spaniards, come and go out of the river without coming under my observation: that is in breach of all rules and custom, but being there at the instance of some great persons, and also in order not to frighten away the Spaniards, I have until now remained quiet in consequence of pressure, and have only ordered the Postholder of Marocco always to advise me when any come, stating their names, and to whom addressed, so that I have always been informed thereof.

Extract from letter form Storm van's Gravesande, Commandeur in Essequibo, to West India Company, April 10, 1749.

Inclosed is the copy of a Proclamation which has been placarded by the Marquis of Cailus, the Governor of Martinique, all over the Island of