We, Gustavus Adolphus, by the grace of God, King of Sweden, Gothland and the Wendes, Grand Duke of Finland, Duke of Esthonia and Dalecarlia, Lord of Lugermanland, etc., etc.
Know you, that by a petition the honest and prudent William Ussling has humbly shown and proved to us how a general trading company here from our kingdom of Sweden to Asia, Africa, America, and Magellanica could be established for the considerable improvement of our and the Crown’s revenues and the great advantage and benefit of our subjects; besides, that the said Ussling has also promised to us and engaged himself that he will organize this company using the utmost of his diligence and power, while he cherishes the certain hope that, with God’s gracious blessing and help, it shall have a good beginning and progress as well as a favorable result and end. Such being the proposition which he made, we have taken it into consideration and find it to be founded and based upon so good reasons that we cannot disapprove of it nor do we see but what it is sure that if God will give success it shall tend to the honor of his Holy Name, to our and the state’s welfare, and the advancement and advantage of our subjects. We have, therefore, graciously received and with pleasure approved of it and consented that the said company be organized and established. And that it may be done so much easier and better and capital and a management may be got so much quicker, we have given to the said Ussling power and permission now and in future to raise, inscribe, and accept in this our kingdom of Sweden and its dependent provinces all those who wish and desire to participate in the said society or company, not doubting that our faithful subjects, considering the advantages which they can have thereby both for themselves as well as their descendants in future, shall let themselves be found willing, each according to his power and means, to contribute something to and take a share in the said undertaking which is with especial well-meaning directed and organized for the common welfare and everybody’s advantage. We also command herewith to all our governors, lords-lieutenants, bailiffs, crown-farmers, mayors, and councillors, as well as to all our other officers, whom the abovementioned Ussling shall ask for assistance and encouragement, that they receive him in friendship and, as far as their positions require and admit, give him for the promotion of this work what is needed, aid, and help him while he and everybody in his place here shall communicate more detailed information and advice about it.
Given and signed in our Royal Palace at Stockholm, the 21st of December, 1624.
Gustavus Adolphus.
