It is perhaps needless to say that the spelling of the originals has been carefully preserved; it is hoped that it would not be thought to be that of the editor. The punctuation of the originals has not been deemed equally sacred. In general, it has been reproduced, but where small alterations would make the sense clear to the modern reader but could not change it, or where that same effect would be produced by introducing punctuation-marks, which writers nearly illiterate often omitted entirely, it has seemed the part of good sense to make reading-matter readable. Also, names of vessels have been uniformly italicized even when not underscored in the original manuscripts. Dates previous to 1752 are old-style dates unless, as in the case of Dutch or French documents, new style is indicated.
1. Commission from the Providence Island Company to Governor Nathaniel Butler as Vice-Admiral. Apr. 23, 1638 1
2. Governor Nathaniel Butler, "Diary of My Present Employment". Feb.-Mar., 1639 3
3. Articles of Copartnership in New Netherland Privateering. Dec. 4 (N.S.), 1646 9
4. Articles of Copartnership between Augustin Herrman and Wyllem Blawfelt. Dec. 4 (N.S.), 1646 11
5. Affidavit: the Capture of the _Tabasco_. July 25 (N.S.), 1649 13
6. Affidavit of Antonio Leon and Fyck Herry. Sept. 27 (N.S.), 1649 14
7. Declaration of the Massachusetts Council. July 20, 1653 17
8. Declaration of Governor Endicott. Aug. (?), 1653 18
9. Deposition of Matthew Hill. Oct. (?), 1653 20
10. Deposition of Francis Blackman and John Dukley. Oct. (?), 1653 20
11. Letter of Governor Searle of Barbados. Nov. 4, 1653 21
12. Order of the Massachusetts Council. Jan. 25, 1654 24
13. Vote of the Massachusetts House of Deputies. June 10, 1654 25
14. Portuguese Commission (Letter of Marque) to Charles de Bils. Feb. 10 (N.S.), 1658, Sept. 10, 1662 27
15. Commission from de Bils to John Douglas. Sept. 20 (N.S.), 1662 29
16. Deposition of William Browne. June 24, 1664 30
17. Deposition of Marcus Claesz. June 24, 1664 30
18. Deposition of Bartholomew Martin. June 24, 1664 31
19. Commission to James Oliver and Others. July 16, 1664 32
20. Deposition of Daniel Sprague. July (?), 1664 33
21. Deposition of William Browne. July 25, 1664 35