British government supporting whalers according to the Dutch newspaper ‘s-Hertogenbosche Courant dated 10 May 1776

An item dated London 3 May reported that on 30 April was decided to stimulate the whaling and that five British whalers (including if they belonged to Ireland, Guernsey, Man or Jersey) active on 44° degrees North Latitude during a certain period got a reward namely for the largest cargo of train brought into a British harbour 500 pound sterling, the second largest 400, third largest 300, fourth largest 200 and finally the fifth largest 100 pound sterling.

This decision was effective according to the item published in the newspaper Middelburgsche Courant dated 7 May. From London (?) departed in the spring 26 whalers towards Greenland. Some harpooners who made already past voyages to Greenland were now signed on very favourable conditions to go to Newfoundland where a large whaling company was to be founded.