131 – Sailing Instructions

Today we discuss the instructions that Abel Tasman was given by the Batavian Council for his 1642 expedition. This included anything from what ships and supplies he would be given right through to how he should interact with indigenous peoples. This will help us understand Tasman’s actions as well as give us a frame of reference for how the Council will judge the voyage upon its completion.

Cover photo from Wikipedia of a Dutch fluyt in 1677.

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