[2] In response to the changed regulations, merchants from Middelburg led by Kornelis van der Helm Boddaert founded the Essequibo Society in 1771.

[4] In the first two years, six ships were purchased: Phoenix, Planterslust, Vreede, Eensgezindheid, Middelburgs Hoop and Westhove.

The first two financial years, Essequebo Society paid 3% dividend and retained 4,500 guilders in cash.

[5] After the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War broke out, four ships were captured by the British: Eensgezindheid, Jonge Juffrouw Margaretha, Middelburgsche Hoop and Vryheid.

[7] Captains who sailed for the Essequebo Society were: Wrister Pieterse Nap, Stoffel Different, Maarten van Lou, Barend Land, Frans Hansen, Cornelis Medendorp, Jan Clisser, Hans Theudels, Hendrik Medendorp, Rocus van Swijndregt, Andries Christiaan Doutz, Pieter Willem Prins, Pieter Harmszoon, Rocus Boom and Barend Goverts.