named to succeede in the place, who shall thereupon take vpon him the charge in the said voiage according to these instructions, in such sort as if they had bene specially directed vnto him, and the rest of the companie so to take and repute him in euery respect, as they will answere to the contrary. But if it shall so fall out, (as we hope it will) that there shall bee no such neede, but that that the Generall doe continue still, then shall you at your returne deliuer backe the sayd coffers and bals of waxe sealed in such sort as they be, without opening them, vnlesse it be in the case aforesayd.
The gouernour of this companie. 8 You shall make a iust and true inuentorie in euery ship and vessell appointed for this voyage of all the tackle, munition, and furniture belonging to them at their setting foorth hence, and of all the prouisions whatsoeuer, and one copie thereof vnder your hand, and vnder the hands of your Vice-admirall and lieutenant, to be deliuered to the Earle of Leicester, and the other to the gouernour of the companie for them before your departure hence, and the like to bee done at your returne home of all things then remaining in the sayd ships and vessels, with a true certificate how and by what meanes any parcell of the same shall haue bene spent or lost.
They are inioyned to go by the Cape of Buena Esperanza. 9 Item, you shall vse all diligence possible to depart from Southampton with your sayd ships and vessels before the last of this present moneth of Aprill, and so go on your course by Cape de buena Esperançar not passing by the streight of Magellan, either going or returning, except vpon great occasien incident, that shall be thought otherwise good to you, by the aduise and consent of your sayd Assistants or foure of them at the least.
10 Item, you shall not passe to the Northeastward of the 40 degree of latitude at the most, but shall take your right course to the Iles of the Malucos for the better discouery of the Northwest passage, if without hinderance of your trade, and within the same degree you can get any knowledge touching that passage, whereof you shall do wel to be inquisitiue, as occasion in this may serue.
11 Item, you shall haue speciall regard after your departure from the coast of England, so to order your course, as that your ships and vessels lose not one another, but keepe companie together both outward and homeward. And lest if they happen to seuer the one from the other by tempest or otherwise, it shall not bee
