Congressional Serial Set (Volume 3595)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898. Excerpt: ... REPORT ON THE EVIDENCE OF DUTCH ARCHIVES AS TO EUROPEAN OCCUPATION AND CLAIMS IN WESTERN GUIANA. By George Lincoln Burr. To the Commission appointed To investigate and report upon the true divisional line between the Republic of Venezuela and British Guiana Early in May, 1896, I had the honor to receive from you the following instructions: Washington, D. C, May 7,1896. Dear Sir: For the satisfactory completion of the work of the Venezuelan Boundary Commission, it is found necessary to verify and supplement the materials in its hands by researches in the archives and libraries of the Netherlands. It is the Commission's wish to intrust you with this mission. It seems best that you proceed at once to The Hague, and there first examine carefully the records and diplomatic correspondence of the States-General from the time of the earliest Dutch settlements on the coast of Guiana to the final transfer to Great Britain of the colony of Essequibo, seeking to learn what claims were at any time made to territory or jurisdiction on this coast, and especially what correspondence may ever have been had, as to boundaries or territorial aggressions, with the Government of Spain. Having completed this, you may then make similar research in the records of the provincial Estates, especially in those of Zeeland, for such dealings with trade or with the colonies as may possibly throw some light on territorial claims made by or for the latter in Guiana. This done, all accessible papers of the Dutch West India Company, whether at Amsterdam, Middelburg, or wherever now to be found, should be thoroughly looked into, with a view to ascertaining the exact location and extent of its settlements and trading posts, the character of the territorial claims based ou these under its c...