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 BOOK OF DISPATCHES. 57

The yachts are manned with 111 persons, and amongst them one officer and 16 sokliers. Namely: —

In the Limmen, 45 sailors, 11 soldiers ; in all 56 persons. In the Zeemeuw, 35. . 6 . . . . 41 ..

In the Brak, 14. . . . . . 14 ..

94 sailors 17 soldiers : total 111 persons.

Are well provided with all necessary ammunition, tools and utensils, and for eight months plentifully victualled. Manage everything well and orderly, take notice you see the ordi- nary portion of two meat and two pork days, and a quarter of vinegar, a half quarter of sweet oil per week, and a half- quarter of arrack per day, regularly distributed. Each yacht carries a leaguer and 120 quarts of strong arrack (the Br'ak is to be provided from the Zeetneuta), which must be carefully distributed in the cold climate for the health of the people. Notwithstanding you are plentifully stocked with waterbuts, manage particularly fresh water and fuel to prevent wanting it ; as you would then be obliged to search after it, to the retarding of your voyage, or return without success, to your shame and the great detriment of the Company, which has been at great exjjense in equipping these yachts ; and for these reasons, by in- dustry and prudence, ought to be prevented from suffer- ing.

"We give then no further instructions, and leave to your and the council's good conduct and advice what you will have more to do upon this voyage ; only recommending seri- ously in all emergencies, to use such prudence as may keep the Company's valuable ships and people out of all dangers as much as can be done. For the better to answer this pur- pose, we do not approve the commodore much to leave ship- board, but to stay in the yacht, unless (with advice of the council) the Company's service may require the contrary, in order to avoid the object being neglected, by any unfor- seen misfortune in this important voyage. i