Constitution of New Caledonia in America. © RBS 2011.

Before the first Darien expedition had set sail from Edinburgh, the directors of the Company of Scotland had already planned how the new colony was to operate.

The 'Charters and Constitutions of New Caledonia in America' identifies the members of the expedition who were to form the colony's ruling council.

It also gives details of how the new Scots settlement was to be organised.

This document and other archival material featured in the Scotland and Darien display at the National Library of Scotland from 1 July to 31 August 2011.