 In January 1684, an English convoy, led by the 48-gun "HMS Ruby", arrived carrying a note for de Graaf from his wife offering a Spanish pardon and commission.De Graaf ignored the note, not trusting the Spanish to keep their promises, and invited English officers to board his vessels and trade with his men.The English were allowed to pass without incident and soon after, de Graaf and his compatriots left for Petit-Goâve.