Considering, according to the resolution adopted on 22 December 1677, some young Madagascan slaves, male and female, were brought from the island of Madagascar via the Voorhout here to various of these inhabitants, each to the extent of 2 or 3 pieces of both boys and knives,4 with the condition that they would keep the said bodies under their supervision for a period of one year and provide them with maintenance, compensating the E. Company for those who died within the said year to the amount of 12 1/2 Rxrs a piece and who were found still alive after the expiration of the year, to be agreed upon with the E. Company. then to draw lots, and those who consequently fell in their lot to pay the piece up to 25 Rxrs. to the E. Company, as well as to refund the remainder, well dressed, to the E. Company, which stipulated time now having fully expired. It is therefore good and understood that all the free residents who have enjoyed such bondsmen from the E. Company, with the slaves who have still survived, are summoned to us, to join the E. Company if they are so inclined to draw lots for the election, and those who fall in their lot to pay the piece up to 25 Rxrs., or otherwise the same for the E. Company. to withdraw in its entirety, but in respect of such, consisting of ... 6 pieces, which other citizens, because of their miserable condition, have been sufficiently forced upon their arrival to pay for the E. Company, provided that they enjoy 40 lb. of rice per month from the E. Company and remain exempt from the aforementioned compensation, in case they should die, it is understood in the event that they show their willingness to pay those still alive from the E. Company up to 25 Rxrs. to accept the point, to let her keep it then, especially as she (as said) was extremely miserable and sick, was not desired by anyone, and it would be an unfair case that she should now be deprived of it as compensation for her efforts, since she had had to feed herself more than enough as foster children, and not be allowed to share in the benefits accruing to the other citizens; and with regard to the few who only 's Comps. Ministers, also in the manner previously submitted, understand that, in respect of several of them, it is entirely innocent and that no, or indeed little, service can be derived from them. Their withdrawal, or any research, will in due course become more suitable for the work, leaving it to each individual's discretion to be able to transport his own to the E. Company for repatriation.
Thus resolved at the Fort of Good Hope, date of supna.
[Signed:] CRUDOP.
[Signed:] SMIENDT.
[Signed:] J. CRUSE.
[Signed:] Ms. VAN BANCHEM.
[Signed:] JOH. RAVENSBERGH.
[Signed:] I present A. DE MAN, Secrts.