On March 11, 1671, by a charter most graciously granted by his royal Majesty,
King Christian the Fifth, the Company was established for the benefit of commerce and
for the general welfare which thereon depends. ...

 In the said ... charter the Company is graciously permitted to have, use, enjoy
and retain in its possession the island of St. Thomas in the Caribbees, and other
islands in the vicinity or on the mainland in America, with the following privileges,
namely:

 (1) To be permitted in the name of his Majesty to form alliance with either
governments in the West Indies;

 To be allowed in case of violence or attack to employ means adequate for
defense and offense;

 But in case European lords, potentates, or states cause trouble to the Company,
 it must first refer the matter to the king, although if the others should begin the use of
 violence, the Company must defend itself.

 If it shall be considered necessary, his Majesty will not alone furnish the
 Company with the needed credentials but will also send to all foreign potentates such
 communications as the Company's interests may require.

 (2) The Company may build such forts, lodges and offices as they may deem
 necessary [upon St. Thomas], and also upon such islands and lands as are
 uninhabited and belong to no other power, and if such possession is effected by the
 Company, the lands must belong to the Company.

 His Majesty will appoint and ordain commandants and governors suitable for
 the Company's service, after considering the recommendation of the Company, and
 will, moreover, especially order them to labor for the Company's best interests; nor
 shall they be paid higher salaries than the condition of the Company's finances will
 justify.

 (3) The commandants and others in the Company's employ must not do any
 trading except on the Company's account.

 (4) During the first three years, his Majesty will loan the Company a ship, which
 will be fitted out with all necessities, and for the use of which the Company will pay
 nothing during the first year, on condition that the Company shall give [to the king] one-
 half of all woods, pock-wood or other kinds, which they carry, and likewise one-half of
 such quantity of salt as they may secure there. But if they carry other goods, then they
 must pay 30 rdl. in freight for each 4,000 Ibs.