Considering that the work of fortification from the outside at least consists in principle in the continuation and advancement of the projected moat around the castle, this being a work that cannot and should be brought to an end in a short time but rather in a gradual manner, as daily experience sufficiently demonstrates, regardless of the bloody and arduous labour carried out on it by both our garrison and Comps. bodies that have been done here for some time now, considering the size and weight of that work, not much comes to mind yet, although in contrast to the previous form and appearance, quite a lot has indeed advanced in it, for which work all Dutch people have enjoyed a double stiijver and a cap of arracq a day, which has already amounted to a lot and in the last year well over ƒ ... 32, on the other hand, we are now, by God's grace, experiencing peaceful times again and therefore the continuation of the canal was not kept so pressing, that it would by the Comps. One's own, in due time and relatively inexpensively, could be required as with Dutchmen, and the highly necessary mess that was so earnestly recommended to us by the Honorable Majors in the Country in their successive letters, were being attended to, besides that the people were made very reluctant and wary by the continuous work and long occupancy of this place, so that Her Honorable also recommended in her letter to them to prevent as much as possible. This matter having been carefully considered, it has been unanimously decided that, for the first time, all Germans or Europeans will be excused from the work on the canal and, as far as possible, from all fortification works, and consequently, the Honorable Company. relieved of these heavy expenses, except for the craftsmen and a few others who will inevitably have to be retained for some time, and to use the Company's slaves for this work and, in addition, to make them as capable as possible for all other work that may arise.
The sargeants of this garrison having requested that, as is customary, they also be provided with something to support their daily care and service on the fortifications. They were also arrested for this purpose, to be given a cellar every now and then and some provisions for a happy day.
Thus resolved and arrested, date as above.
[Signed:] H. CRUDOP.
[Signed:] SMIENDT.
[Signed:] J. CRUSE.
[Signed:] Ms. VAN BANCHEM.
[Signed:] JOHS. RAVENSBERGH.
[Signed:] Presenting me A. DE MAN, Secrets.