[E.B. O'Callaghan (ed.) (1856)] payment of the 2S00 soldiers in service there, so that they may not become dissatisfied on account of the want of their pay, and desert as many have already done, and the Reciff and other places belonging to the country experience great annoyance, damage and ruin by means of the deserters. In regard to the Coast of Africa, wherein Guinea comes specially under consideration; the Castle of Elmina and the other fortresses of the Company are thought to be sufficient for their own defence; and the English thereabout can be somewhat annoyed by the privateers of this country, to whom commissions will be granted for that purpose, pursuant to their High Mightinesses' resolution of the IS"" instant, according to a regulation prepared by the respective Chambers. New Netherland is the only place from whence the English in various parts, and especially in the Caribbean Islands, can be attacked. For this purpose, should the Government be agreeable, 5 or 6 ordinary, but well manned, frigates could be employed, the expenses whereof could doubtless be easily defrayed out of the property taken as prizes. But in case the Commonwealth be no wise disposed thereunto, the matter must be kept a profound secret; otherwise, the English in those parts, being very strong, must not be troubled, but those of the Company remain altogether on their guard. Thus handed in and delivered on the 30"" July, 1G52, pursuant to the Command of the Honorable Mighty Lords Deputies. (Signed) JoHAN le Thor.