By resolution of July 28, it was proposed and taken into consideration, among other things, that it would not be useful57 to liberate the gate of this castle and otherwise, on the seashore between the two sea points, a small earthen structure fenced with palisades in the form of a ravelin58 was extruded and that for reasons and motives in the aforementioned resolution this was extended largo, but on the contrary, it was noted that at the time with so much more necessary work in progress, this proposal was initially examined, but was nevertheless kept under consideration until further expediency, in order to devise something further thereon. Finally, the fortifications on the ramparts surrounding the castle have been advanced to such an extent and are positioned in such a way that they are deemed accessible and suitable for defense. Furthermore, no essential works are underway beyond the continuation of the moat, as those within the castle will be able and must continue in a more manageable manner. Therefore, having refocused our thoughts on whether the construction of such a small structure would be necessary, both in terms of its usefulness in liberating the gate for a swift assault, as well as the beaches on either side of the fort and incommodeing the enemy with cannons laid out in the ravelin. level over the Rhine61 and also especially to bring to pass the large heaps of earth that in the time of the late Mr. Governor were brought out of the canals under both sea points for these and similar purposes, and which outside of that would not have to be brought back into the sea or elsewhere without great difficulty, if it would not serve to weaken the said bulwarks and enough to blind the enemy,62 besides that the same work can also be completed in a very short time without any expense and without the labor spent on it. This has been well found and is largely in the service of the E. Compe. to construct a small earthen structure in the form of a ravelin and to enclose it with palisades, and according to the communication and advice of the engineer or surveyor, to place it at a distance from the fort similar to the provisional beacons, and to ensure it can be best defended both from the faces and from the shoulders of the sea points. Furthermore, it should extend out to a length of 6 rods seaward, thus providing more space for the inland cannon and ensuring it is more resistant to sea washes, which at high tide could sometimes roll in somewhat hard against the outermost sharp corners, and thus prevent it from being torn; that the foundations of the battlements on either side will be safely laid with 2 to 3 rods of heavy clips, stacked securely on top of each other (which are already in stock here and there around the fort and beach, and are only swelling more and more in the sand every day) and, as far as possible, ensured in such a way that the splashing of the sea surf will cause little or no damage to the construction, primarily using a portion of our masons and foremen, who, due to the current shortage of lime, cannot be effectively employed on other projects.
Thus arrested in the Fort de Goede Hoop, date as above.
[Signed:] CRUDOP.
[Signed:] DIRCQ JANSZ SMIENT.
[Signed:] J. CRUSE.
[Signed:] Ms. VAN BANCHEM.
[Signed:] JOHANNES RAVENSBERGH.
[Signed:] I present A. DE MAN, Secrts.