At last the fourth voyage was undertaken (in our government) in the month of April 1636, from Banda, with the yachts Clyn Amsterdam and Wesel, under the command of Gerrit Tomasz Pool, for the discovery of the east and south lands; when they first discovered the coast of Nova Guinea in 3½° south latitude, and coasted about 60 miles (240´) to the eastward to 5° S.; when the commodore Pool, with three of the crew (by the barbarous inhabitants) was murdered, at the same place where the skipper of the yacht Arnhem was killed in the year 1623.
Notwithstanding which the voyage was assiduously continued, under the supercargo Pieter Pietersz, and the islands Key and Aroum visited; by very strong easterly winds they could not reach the west coast of Nova Guinea, but shaping their course very near south, descried the coast of Arnhem or Van Diemen’s Land, in 11° south latitude, and sailed along the coast for 30 miles (120), without seeing any people, but many signs of smoke; when, turning towards the north, they visited the unknown islands of Timor Laut,[[16]] and the known islands of Tenimber, Kauwer, etc., but without ever being able to converse with the inhabitants, who were a very timid people; when, after three months cruising, they returned in July to Banda, without (in this voyage) having done or discovered anything of consequence; which may be seen by the journals and maps.
After the little success in these voyages, nothing further was attempted on discovery to the eastward; but last year (under your direction) the discovery of the remaining unknown south lands was assiduously re-attempted; and in that remarkable voyage was that great unknown Staten[[17]] and Van Diemen’s Land discovered from 35° to 43° south latitude, and at the same time the (so long wished for) passage to the South Sea; but it is unnecessary to relate more here, as you are perfectly acquainted with all particulars.
But to obtain a thorough knowledge of these extensive countries, the discovery whereof has been begun (in consequence of the intention of the Company and the recommendation of our masters), now only remains for the future to discover whether Nova Guinea is one continent with that great south land, or separated by channels and islands lying between them; and also whether that New Van Diemen’s Land is the same continent with these two great countries, or with one of them; or, if separated from them, what islands may be dispersed between Nova Guinea and the unknown south land, when, after more experience and knowledge of all the said known and unknown countries, we shall be better enabled for further undertakings.
After considering well what is above related, and by our estimate of the present strength of the Company’s naval forces, it is found that, without prejudice to the ordinary trading and warlike expeditions, two or three yachts could be spared, it is therefore resolved in the Council of India, to equip the yachts Limmen, the Zeemeuw, and the Brak, for the further discovery of the east and south lands, to furnish them well with all necessaries, and to commit them to your conduct, in confidence that you will with courage, vigilance, prudence, good order, and the requisite perseverance, skilfully direct this important voyage, in such a manner as to be capable to give an account, on your return, fully to our contentment.
1st. You shall early to-morrow morning, after mustering your men, proceed to sea in company, and steer your course to Macassar, Amboina, and Banda; as the service of the Company shall require, and by separate instructions you are commanded, by which you are entirely to regulate your voyage to the above places.
On your arrival at Amboina and Banda, you shall plentifully stock your yachts with water, fuel, and all other necessaries; in the time you are there the crews are to be supplied with all sorts of fresh provisions, and well provided for the voyage; for which purpose this shall be an order to the vice-governors[[18]] Gerrit Demmer and Cornelis Witzen, to whom you have to communicate your instructions, and demand, in writing, the further knowledge they may have of the countries situated to the east of Banda; and particularly the journal of the commodore Carstens, which we think may still be found there, and be of some service to you on the voyage.
But by this we by no means intend you shall spend any time unprofitably, but dispatch everything so assiduously that you may leave Banda in the latter end of February, when the west monsoon has set in, fixing, with the advice of the council, instructions for the signals at the beginning of your voyage, in which particularly is to be inserted by what method the yachts may join, in case (which God prevent) they by storm or other accidents were separated, upon which event the good success of the intended voyage chiefly depends.
After fulfilling your orders at Amboina and Banda, you shall (as is mentioned) in the latter end of February (or sooner, if possible) undertake, in the name of God, the voyage you are ordered upon, and steer your course eastward, between and in view of the islands Tenimber, Key, and Aroum, to the point Ture, or False Cape, situated in 8° on the south coast of Nova Guinea: from which place you are to continue eastward along the coast till 9° south latitude, crossing prudently the cove at that place; looking about the high islands or Speult’s River with the yachts for a harbour, and to inspect into the state of the country; dispatching the tender Brak for two or three days into the cove, in order to discover whether, within the great inlet, there is not to be found an entrance into the South Sea; which soon may be determined by the current of the streams. From this place you are to coast along the west coast of Nova Guinea, to the farthest discoveries in 170° S. latitude, following this coast farther as it may run west or southward.
But it is to be feared you will meet in these parts with the S.E. trade winds, by which it will be difficult to keep the coast on board, if stretching to the S.E.; but notwithstanding this, endeavour by all means to proceed, by reason that we may be sure whether this land is divided from the great known south continent or not, which by the great and slow swell from the S.E. may well be perceived; in which case you shall try (if possible) to run so far to the S.E. as the New Van Diemen’s Land, and from thence to the islands of St. Peter and St. François, to learn the situation of these to the northward, and at the same time to be assured (which is much wished for) of a passage to the South Sea, between them and the known south land, which found (as we presume, and hope) you ought, returning through the discovered passage, to steer along the east coast of the known south land, according to its trending; following its direction to the westward, to De Wit’s Land and William’s River, in 22° south latitude, when the known south land would be entirely circumnavigated, and discovered to be the largest island of the globe.