monopoly. Courthope was not named in this; nor was there any specific mention of the English Company. The reference was in general terms to "French, Scotch, and other foreigners" and "even men of our own nation" who sought to make the Dutch Company's charter illusory by their illicit trading. Dutch commanders were everywhere directed "to attack with arms vehemently" all who were found trading in the islands and to capture and confiscate their ships.
The day following the issue of the proclamation a communication was sent to the English factory at Jakatra demanding the evacuation of Poolo Roon, and warning the English against sending ships to the Moluccas. "If you refuse," said Reaal, "we shall have to help ourselves with all means time and opportunity will give us, believing ourselves to be guiltless before God and the world."
An indignant protest was lodged by Ball, the English chief, against this virtual declaration of war. They were not, he said, to be deterred by any such action from what was just and honest. "Neither is the custom of ill strife in us as in yourselves who, contrary to the bonds of amity betwixt his Majesty of England and States of the United Provinces have most unjustly and in hostile manner robbed our employers of their ships and goods, and murdered and imprisoned their people." As for the demand for the evacuation of Poolo Roon that island belonged to the Crown of England and would in all reason be "defended and made good against all unjust demands and actionc whatsoever." The writer charged Reaal by the bonds of amity between the two nations and on the faith of a Christian to persist not in his course to the effusion of blood. "Hitherto," he concluded, "I have shed no blood, and
