In view of the fact that we, with our last land expedition to the Hessequan nation, aimed to acquire a good number of sheep to serve in the impending return fleet from Indien, we have indeed achieved some measures by exchanging … ps.116 sheep, but not a sufficient quantity to satisfactorily refresh a considerable return fleet of 13 or 14 ships, as we have to expect this year from Batavia, Ceylon and Bengal, without even taking into account the native ships that are also expected to appear around the same time and, according to all appearances, already in 6 or 7 stx. or there will certainly be more, which is why we will inevitably, since the last moulted sheep have been brought here from the country by the heavy march and great distance, have been driven away and are quite sober in flesh and a part of them have already perished and some of them can still be followed according to all appearances, without us not being able to secure much good from the remaining number, which is, as said, quite bad, 's Comp. young and not yet battle-ready sheep would be forced to be used, to considerable detriment and a deterioration of the breeding stock. Therefore, we have decided and understood to arrange an exchange with the Soeswaese nation, who, according to the latest news we have received, are with the others along with all their coral, in the hope that we will be able to obtain a reasonable quantity from them. And since we have no one besides the chief militia officers who is qualified for this, Lieutenant of this garrison, Oloff Bergh, along with 8 men, will head there with such quantity of tobacco and other merchandise as is deemed necessary.
Thus done and resolved in the Castle of Good Hope, on the day and year aforesaid.
[Signed:] ANDS. DE MAN.
[Signed:] J. CRUSE.
[Signed:] A. v. BREUGEL.
[Signed:] L. v. STEL.
[Signed:] CORNLS. LINNES.