58 EXTRACT, ETC.
To conclude this instruction, we wish you the protection and blessings of Omnipotence, which we pray to inspire you with manly courage for the intended discoveries, and after finishing to return in safety, to the expanding of His glory, reputation to the mother country, the service of the Company, our contentment, and to your own everlasting honour.
Out of the castle, Batavia, this 29th day of January, 1644, signed
Antonio van Diemen, Cornelis van der Lvn, Joan Maatsuiker, Justus Schouten, and Salomon Sweers.
Southland sealed-up Commission for the Successor of the Commodore Abel Jansz Tasman, in case of his Decease.
In consideration of the uncertainty of life in the human race, and the disorders which many times arise from the loss of those in command," and to prevent as much as possible all evils, we have found good to order, as we do by this : that if the skipper, commodore Abel Jansz Tasman, upon this voyage of discovery should decease (which God forbid), the skipper of the yacht the Zeemeuiv, Dirk Cornelisz Haan, shall succeed in his place, shall be acknowledged and obeyed as chief, and receive and follow this our instruction given to Tasman as given to himself.
In this case, for the service of the Company, is this our meaning and desire.
Out of the castle, Batavia, day and date as above.
