Charter Dated the 31st December in the 43rd year of Her Reign said:
ELIZABETH, by the Grace of God, Queen of England [etc.] To all ... People ... greeting.
Whereas our most dear and loving Cousin, George, Earl of Cumberland, and our well-beloved Subjects, Sir John Hart, of London, Knight [and other members of the East India Company] ... [intend] ... for the Honour of this our Realm of England, as for the Increase of our Navigation, and Advancement of Trade of Merchandize [to] adventure and set forth one or more Voyages [etc.] KNOW YE THEREFORE, that we, greatly tendering the Honour of our Nation, the Wealth of our People, and the Encouragement of them, and others of our loving Subjects in their good Enterprizes, for the Increase of our Navigation, and the Advancement of lawful Traffick, to the Benefit of our Common Wealth, have of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, given and granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do give and grant unto our said loving Subjects [the right to incorporate, and to operate in East India]