"Approved of and understood—
"That M. Kolff, Lieutenant in the Navy of the First Class, receives the thanks of the Government for the laudable manner in which he has executed the commission entrusted to him; and that a report of this, and of the above voyage itself, be sent to His Excellency the Governor-General.
"An extract of this to be forwarded to Lieut. Kolff for his information and direction.
"Copy from the above-named Register.
"Signed (W.G.) Paape,
"Secretary."
And now, kind and honoured Reader, the task which I promised to undertake for you is fulfilled, and may the artless narrative of a seaman, containing not unimportant contributions to a knowledge of countries seldom visited or described, be acceptable to you. The countries visited by me are, as Dutch possessions, of the highest importance to every Netherlander, while, at the same time, the simple description of the habits and disposition of their inhabitants may afford matter for speculation. If, by the composition of this narrative, I have rendered myself serviceable to the reading world, or contributed to afford entertainment, then shall I be most amply repaid for the time employed in its compilation.—Farewell!
FOOTNOTES:
[51] A tope is a native-decked vessel, with three masts, and sails resembling lugs. Some are of considerable size, but the present one measured only twenty tons.
[52] It is from these that the shell, so much prized for combs and fancy articles, is obtained.—Translator.
[53] The thirteen pieces, which form the shell of the turtle, are called collectively a "head of tortoise-shell."