In Rade summarized are the letters dated ... 72 per de respective Patriase bodems then brought to us the other successive, how much d’ Edle. Gentlemen Directors have approved our payment and have made it their business to ensure the necessary refreshments for the ships, and to ensure their speedy manufacture. We have decided to dispatch the ships Briel, Maccasser, Sticht van Utrecht, Muijderbergh, and Stadtgraaff with the return ships Ceylon, Alexander, and to prudence, having enjoyed provisions and sufficient refreshments, to depart again next Monday, and to allow the first-mentioned ships to convoy the return ships for 2 or 3 days, noting that what ours had spread under the land at the southern latitude of 34 degrees and 14 minutes, and the middle longitude of 31 degrees, was diverted by the chiefs from a certain English ship, which the Governor or Captains on St. Jago learned that a few days earlier, four French warships had passed by, each with 50 guns and 500 mounted men, intending to cross the Cape of Boa Esperance here, hoping to apprehend some Dutch ships. This was also heard from those from the Sticht van Utrecht on St. Jago. Consequently, the aforementioned ships were instructed (although we trust this talk is frivolous and empty) to initially stay with the others, and, hearing nothing from them, each to complete their journey as quickly as possible, except for Sparrendam, who initially thought they would stay there. Furthermore, the aforementioned ships will await the report that Hoecker de Zwaartvis (which had been sent out 4 or 5 days previously upon the crossing of the rumored French ships) is about to bring, in order to proceed more carefully in all matters.
At the Fort of Good Hope on the day and year as above.
[Signed:] J. BAX g. v. HERENTALS.
[Signed:] H. CRUDOP.
[Signed:] DIRCQ JANSZ SMIENDT.
[Signed:] J. CRUSE.
[Signed:] Ms. VAN BANCHEM, Rt. Secrets.