The Grote Joris, in the service of the NWIC’s Zeeland Chamber, was urgently dispatched to the Arguin outpost alongside the yacht Zeeschildpad (early spring 1678). The Republic was at war with France, a conflict that caused significant difficulties for the WIC. Admiral Jean-Baptiste du Casse was operating in West Africa; in 1677, he had captured the WIC slave depot at Gorée.

Instructions
The Grote Joris was ordered to sail in convoy through the English Channel and then proceed urgently—alongside the yacht Zeeschildpad to the WIC outpost at Arguin in Africa. A French attack was anticipated there as well. The Grote Joris was to deliver supplies, take on as much gum and salt as the ship could carry, and then sail back to the Netherlands via the 'back route' (sailing north around the British Isles). All of this is detailed in the surviving instructions for the skipper—which also stipulate, for instance, that daily prayer times must be observed (instructie voor schipper Johan Kien).

Too Late
By the time the Zeeschildpad arrived at Arguin, it was too late. A French squadron led by Jean-Baptiste du Casse was blockading the roadstead, and the Zeeschildpad was intercepted on August 27, 1678. Fort Arguin surrendered on September 1.

Grote Joris
The Grote Joris is not mentioned in these accounts. Had the two ships become separated earlier? Did the Grote Joris never actually reach Arguin? In any case, the ship was not confiscated by the French. However, it did not fare much better. On the return voyage to the Netherlands, the Grote Joris was wrecked off Hitland (Mainland, the largest of the Shetland Islands). The ship had indeed taken the "back route," in accordance with its instructions.

*) Arguin (or Argijn) is a small island off the coast of Mauritania. It was captured from the Portuguese in 1633. It was important for the trade in gum and gold.

• Zeeuws Archief
  Lijst verongelukte schepen WIC 1674-1740