States General of the United Netherlands

“ Of the which, as we are now desired by the directors of the West India Company to cause a suitable instrument in writing to be properly drawn up, paraphed, subscribed and sealed with our great seal, we have, agreeable to our resolution adopted on the aforesaid twenty-fourth of March, caused these letters to be drawn up for all that is aforesaid; promising to keep them and cause them to be kept, well, firmly and truly and ordaining that all persons govern themselves accordingly. ”

“ Moreover, we agreed and consented that the cities in which there are no Chambers, upon advancing out of their funds one hundred thousand guilders or more, on proper nomination by the chief participants and for each hundred thousand guilders might appoint a director in whatever Chamber they should think proper to invest their money. ”

“ And with respect to the other two provisions, we further declared that, by virtue of the thirteenth article of the aforesaid charter, Holland and West Friesland, and likewise all the other provinces, shall be free as formerly to cause the nomination of directors to be made in the manner which is for the best interest and advancement of the Company. ”