The various cities made strong efforts to build, buy or hire ships, but money was slow in coming in, due to the scarcity of money and disagreements between the subscribers. Consequently the vessels were not on hand at the appointed time. It was then decided to unite the South and the Ship companies, so as “to create in this manner a complete society and trading company, until opportunity and capital should allow the South Company to be continued and re-established.” The nobility also promised to contribute 50 D. for each trooper. The union of the two companies was authorized and legalized by the King in May, 1630. The cities of Finland gradually joined the corporation, and the capital was soon considerable. In the autumn of the above mentioned year the sixteen ships were ready, although all shares had not been paid in full. Expeditions were sent to Stralsund, Archangel, and to cities in Holland and France. In the autumn of 1631 four vessels were prepared for a trading journey to Spain (the largest expedition sent out by the company), but the ships and cargoes were seized by order of the Spanish government. The following year the _Kalmar Nyckel_ was purchased, and two new ships were built to replace those which had been lost. New expeditions were also prepared, but in 1635 the affairs of the company were at a low ebb. Efforts were made by the government to raise more money, and to put new life into the organization; but the old contributors had lost their interest and new ones could not be found. Some of the remaining capital was used for the benefit of the New Sweden company, but individual ships continued to be employed for carrying freight and the _Old King David_ made numerous voyages to foreign ports until it was sold in 1641. Meanwhile Usselinx had been busy stirring up half Europe with his schemes and proposals. Obtaining new commissions he visited Stralsund, Stettin and other cities of Germany and Holland in the interest of his one grand idea. Finally seeing the futility of founding a Swedish company as extensive and important as he desired, he proposed a new plan or rather emphasized an old one (far in advance of his age) of forming an _international mercantile company_. The territorial restrictions of the old charter were to be removed, and the entire world was to be the field of activity.