On the 25th of March 1763 Marinus Smijtegelt, public notary admitted to the Edelen Hove of Holland, Zeeland and West-Vriesland and residing in Middelburg in Zeeland, had captain Jan Minkenfelt, recently repatriated with the ship The Unity in service of the Honourable Gentlemen Directors of the Commercie Compagnie appear before me here in the presence of the witnesses named below.

The deponent declares that he came from Demerara RiverGuyanaRio Demeraij on the 18th of December 1762 and arrived this morning before the roadstead of near Flushing, Western Scheldt, the NetherlandsRammekens. Throughout the journey home, the deponent experienced heavy weather several times, where water came onboard, the anchors, boat and rowboat were lost and even the rudder was knocked off.

This is apparent from the declaration passed today by the appearing party and other ship’s officers before me, the notary, and the witnesses, to which this one is referenced;

that the appearing party is anxious to show that the previously described disasters may have damaged ship or goods, why the appearing party, before opening his hatchways or cargo, hereby declares a protest against the damage which the injuries of the sea may have caused, requesting that a deed be made by me, the notary, which is this one, to serve there where it is proper.

Thus protested at the roadstead of Rammekens, in the presence of Pieter Both & Marinus Smijtegelt junior as witnesses.

The minute has been properly drawn on a stamp of eight pennies.

Quod attestor

Marinus Smytegelt

notarius publicus