Laus deo A.D. 1602 This 15th day of May in the island of Banda.

A brief account of certain islands with which they of the islands of
Ceran and, Banda carry on trade...

They can say nothing certain respecting the island of Nova Guinea, but
say that there are white people living on the south side, inhabited by
Portuguese [*], but [the people of the parts of Ceram visited by the
Dutch] had never seen any Portuguese ships. They can give no information
about their dealings and commodities.

[* If any reliance can be placed on this report, it proves that in 1602
the Portuguese were acquainted with the South(-west) coast of New Guinea.
But considering the fact that the Dutch were utterly unacquainted with
New Guinea, it is _quite possible_ that on this point they misunderstood
the inhabitants of the parts of Ceram visited by them.]

* * * * *

{Page 4}



III.


(1605-1606).VOYAGE OF THE SHIP DUIFKEN UNDER COMMAND OF WILLEM
JANSZ(OON) AND JAN LODEWIJKSZOON ROSINGEYN TO NEW GUINEA.--DISCOVERY OF
THE EAST-COAST OF THE PRESENT GULF OF CARPENTARIA.