31/7/1712.






THE TRINIDAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Publication No. 106.

The Commavdeur, Essequibo to the West India Company.
31st July, 1712. Essequibo.

Source : The British Guiana and Venezuela Boundary Commission,
Appendix Vol. I.

Concerning the 600-700 stoops of Balsam Oil of which
I wrote in my former dispatch that I would have in readiness
with this same merchandise, I am obligated to my vexation
to say that this past year not a single pound has been procured
for the Noble Company since they in Orinoco have all at
once prohibited the traffic in it to the Hollanders.

These changes have come to pass with the arrival of a
new Governor at Trinidad, who with this object has caused
several arn'eJ vessels to cruize in the River Orinoco so as
to confiscate and bring in as good prizes all Dutch vessels
which should wish to go thither.

This has bfrced me to put a stop to these journeys since of
necessity I dared not hazard and put in danger on such a
journey, the Company's cargoes, slaves, vessels and other
goods, the which I hope Your Noble Sirs will take well.

Yet some however, have undertaken to send thither with
small vessels but at how great a risk. At the present moment
the traffic is again free so that shortly I shall send thither
as before, a proper vessel, and I think that next year I shall
have about 600 stoops ready for the Noble Company.