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Johannes Theodorus Langguth, living in the colony, declared that Cornelia Russel appointed V.H. Schrelta Janoz. and J.J. Brouwer as executors of her will (6 March 1827) and codicil (25 January 1828, confirmed 1 April 1828). They were also named guardians and administrators for her minor heirs.

If one executor died, the surviving one had to appoint another to ensure there were always two executors. After Cornelia Russel’s death, J.H. Schrelta Janoz. died, leaving J.J. Brouwer and Johannes Theodorus Langguth in charge. When J.J. Brouwer later died, Johannes Theodorus Langguth appointed Samuel Martinus Klein (27 August 1828). After Samuel Martinus Klein’s death, Johannes Theodorus Langguth appointed Henri Guillaume Roux as the new co-executor, guardian, and administrator.

Henri Guillaume Roux accepted the role in Paramaribo before Johannes Theodorus Langguth, clerk Wilce Pieter Wilkens, and witnesses Jacobus Olivier Arlaud and Hendrik Francois Wesenhagen.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.05.11.14 / 885 / 0355  


On 20 July 1823, Nicolaas Lambertus Braam, First Sworn Clerk at the Secretariat of the Colony of Suriname and its rivers and districts, appeared before the named witness Miss Carolina Hendrietta Oulorius.

On 23 July 1823, Miss Carolina Hendrietta Culorius, ill but of sound mind and speech, residing in Paramaribo and known to the sworn clerk, declared:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.05.11.14 / 814 / 0034  


On 16 September 1684, in Huijden, Leonard van Asperen, a public notary, recorded a marriage agreement between G. Canelis Josua Bernard, a widower and future groom, and Maritis de Roos Cardus, the future bride, both residents of the city. The agreement was signed in the presence of witnesses Francois van den Bet and Nicolaes van der Sluijs.
View transcript NL-HlmNHA / 5842905 / 553  


In 1663, Batavia Castle received a delivery of good batches of light and white diamonds.

The text describes the last two diamond mines under the rule of Golconda. The first is the Erregoudepalemse mine, located near the famous fortress Gendicotte. According to the Benjamenin of Coeloer, this mine had declined greatly over the past 7 or 8 years, not due to a lack of stones but because of the departure of traders and local miners who wanted to escape poor governance. The mine mostly produced small, white, and low-quality diamonds. The Dutch East India Company had previously acquired several batches of diamonds from here in 1638, totaling 6,132 old pagodas or 27,595 guilders.

The second mine is located near the city of Golconda, 70 miles from Palleacatte. The route to the mine is described in detail, passing through several places including Armagon, Gangapatam, Tompelepette, Sengeraconda, Nirmaloer, Noecleparij, Adink, Moertessera, Raipar, Venneconde, and Wenketaij Palem. The mine is protected by three powerful fortresses: Venneconde, Conderoire, and Coudepillij, located within a 3-day journey from each other. The Golconda or Coeloer mine was discovered about 50 or 52 years ago and has made many adventurers rich, while others became poor. It covers 20 miles in circumference and has 14 villages, including 4 main villages: Coeloer, Wenketaij Palem, Kissafferam, and Contaparij.

The governor resides in Coeloer, and the mine is named after this village. The Benjamenin traders and miners live in these villages. About 3,000 to 4,000 Benjamenin households lived here 4 or 5 years ago, but due to the tyranny of governor Siammalbeeck, most fled, leaving only about a tenth of the population. The King of Golconda gave the mine to Masemchan about 1.5 years ago, who placed it under the governance of a Brahmin named Binnasie. Many refugees returned, and mining resumed with good progress. A new mine near Contaparij was also opened.

Previously, these lands contributed 100 to 150 pagodas annually to the king's treasury. Miners working at their own risk had to work an eighth of their time for the king, paying 2 pagodas per worker, with little benefit to the workers themselves. However, due to the decline and poor governance, the income reduced significantly. Governor Binnasie Brahmin sent over 106 pagodas to the king the previous year, as the mining was not bound to a fixed sum. This year, the lands were leased for 20 pagodas.

To mine diamonds, one must go to the main village Coeloer and express their intention to work, specifying the number of workers (200 to 300 or more). Workers, including men, women, and children aged 10 to 12, are provided with tools. For every 10 workers, 7 new pagodas must be produced monthly. For example, with 300 workers, 210 pagodas must be paid monthly. The king takes half of this, and the remaining 5 pagodas are given to the 10 workers.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 7612 / 0617  


On 5 June 1674, from Bantam, along with gifts of 2 piculs of nails and the requested 3 pumps with their accessories, Willem Caaff offered these to His Majesty. He also expressed gratitude for the return of 10 fugitive slaves and promised future cooperation.

His Majesty accepted the gifts warmly and assured Willem Caaff of his continued goodwill. He mentioned that the fugitive slaves had killed the fiscal and two Bantam Javanese who were fishing and cutting wood near Ruijgenhoeck. His Majesty also requested a diamond cutter, as he had rough diamonds he wished to have polished. He promised to pay the diamond cutter’s salary and saw this as a great act of friendship.

With the ship De Roos and two Javanese vessels, 39 from Bantam, Willem Caaff received 300 stacks of Cadjangs and 1500 pots of white lime for factory costs and fees, totaling ƒ210:15. The Batavia office would cover this, and more Cadjangs would be sent once available.

A Chinese junk, Soucko, bound for Japan via Macau, had wrecked on the north reef of Lucipare. To salvage the goods and crew, the Chinese had sent five large vessels the previous day.

This report was signed by Willem Caaff in the Dutch Lodge in Bantam on 8 June 1674.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1302 / 0098  


In a trade contract with the Dutch East India Company, Gegijselde had taken goods worth 1700 guilders, which were entrusted to him and Rijckloff van Goens in India. Part of this sum, 800 guilders, was sent back to the Netherlands as a return.

Gegijselde was also entrusted with 5 diamond rings from Artus Gijsels to be delivered to Walraven de Larivière or, in case of his death, to his sister, J. Agnes Gysels, who lived in Batavia. Instead, Gegijselde dishonestly sold the rings, kept the money (123 guilders) for himself, and never informed his wife, Jo. Agnes Gijsels, about it. This only came to light when the widow de Larivière repeatedly inquired about it in late April, after Gegijselde had been in the country for about 27-28 months and in Batavia for about 3 months. This act was considered theft.

In 1641, Gegijselde arrived in Malacca, where he served on the Council under the governance of van Twist. He was also appointed president of the honorable Aldermen College of the city of Malacca and was responsible for the administration and supervision of the warehouses and goods belonging to the Company there. Despite the great honor and trust placed in him, he failed to conduct himself with the submissiveness, honesty, and integrity expected of a loyal Company servant.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 9283 / 1342  


In 1162, it was noted that 1000 bahars were to be taken and then depart to England with whatever cargo could be quickly secured. Can U. Ed could not report on this as the resident was unaware and had left with Planter to Battacalo with some chests of reals, intending to return soon. Additionally, ships from England were expected to arrive, which would allow for acquiring good cargo. The timing would reveal the outcome. Mr. Knijppe informed S r. vander Meulen of news from Masilipatam that Prins Robbert was coming to India with a fleet of 14 to 16 large ships and might invade China or build forts somewhere. The implications of this would become clear in time. Upon arriving in Achijn, they tried to sell brought jewels and other goods to the King and others in exchange for gold to support the hunt and trade on the Coromandel Coast. However, this plan failed for several reasons: Thus, the only option was to ask the King to lend 2 or 1 bahar of gold. After consulting with Orangcaija Sierij bidia pacarma and Sierij bidia Jndra, it was clear that Orangcaija maraedia and laxamana would not dare to present this request to the King. They feared the King would take it badly, as maraedia was already in the King's disfavor and laxamana, having been in office for only two months, did not want to risk the King's displeasure. Laxamana was very cautious even about asking the King what response to write regarding the letter from V. Ed about the acts of freedom granted to Commissaris deuterom, which was the current request. Therefore, it was decided to directly ask the King for the loan of gold at the first opportunity, which was done.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1131 / 1395  


In 1164, when the king asked what goods they were taking to the Coromandel Coast to trade, they replied that among other good items, they had gold. The king asked where they got so much gold. The response was that it came from the Chinese, who bought it from them in Taiwan, but the ships had not yet arrived from Batavia when they left. Therefore, the king had sent a yacht to trade their goods for gold and then send it to the Coromandel Coast. However, since it was the deadliest time of the year in Aceh, their goods could not be sold nor could they obtain gold. Thus, they requested that His Majesty, the East India Company, provide some gold until the next year, when they could repay it with Chinese gold, Japanese silver, Spanish dollars, spices, fine jewels, or whatever His Majesty desired. They did not specify the quantity of gold requested, nor did they mention the cost of the belt (of which they had shown him a model), to avoid discouraging the king from granting a large quantity. If the king had any intention of providing gold, he would have at least asked how much was requested, but he did not. Instead, he replied that he currently had no or very little gold, as he did not keep it stored, unlike his predecessor, the king of Aceh. He pointed to his new throne, said to be worth 40 bahars of gold, not counting the many other golden weapons around him. Since the king had refused the request to borrow gold and no other means could secure gold or other goods for the reasons stated above, they decided with the council (with great regret) to send the yacht Wijdenes with the little cargo available to the Coromandel Coast, so that it would not remain fruitlessly in Aceh at great cost. On 10 August 1165, it departed with a cargo worth 12,421 guilders, 13 stuivers, and 12 pennies, as shown in the attached invoice. They showed the king a model of the merchant's belt and explained that the stones should be set in solid gold, not drawn, and that it should be made with joints so that it would fit the body well. The king approved, stating that he wanted no other stones but fine, pure diamonds, cut in facets, and no table cuts except along the edge, where table and facet stones could be placed. They believed that if this jewel was made beautifully, it would sell well, but the king did not show much eagerness. In the first 14 days in Aceh, they rarely visited the king or showed him the many rarities they had, which together would be a priceless treasure. Each time, the king would show them something and lightly ask them to make something as costly as possible, but never reminded them of it again. The king himself had not even asked about the jewels that the East India Company was having made for him in the Netherlands according to his designs, which they had presented to him, and which would be sent to him as soon as they were finished. The king, as mentioned, had recommended some pieces.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1131 / 1397  


1166 the author asked Capn. Moor to have some models made, as it was impossible to remember everything. Capn. Moor replied that he did not know what to order, but that he himself would have some rare and costly items drawn and made, which he would not let be bought. At this moment, he showed such a great variety of beautiful items that one would almost be ashamed to mention it. He boasted that if he had the power, he could show a constant change of costly items for two days in a row. He also showed a great variety of all kinds of shapes, which is unbelievable. He sold them with only a 50% advance and with great difficulty to reach that point. The author had initially decided to take some of the remaining jewels back with him, considering the king's little interest in table and point stones. However, he reconsidered, thinking that if the king had jewels brought to him after his departure and found some stones missing, he might refuse to buy any of the others, especially if he was more inclined towards the missing ones. The king knows every single stone due to his frequent handling. During the author's stay, the king bought jewels worth only 4660 or 18640 reals of 8. The king's lack of interest in jewels might be due to the large quantity he obtained from the Portuguese, which he believes he can get from the Dutch at a lower price and well below their value. Among the jewels taken from the Portuguese by the king is a very beautiful and costly Christ figure, which he had the author examine. The hilt and scabbard are decorated from top to bottom with very large table diamond stones, so much so that the author and his friends estimated it to be worth 30,000 reals of 8. The jewels and other items that the king has recommended to have made and to bring as soon as possible, apart from the Commerbant, are the following: Regarding the matter of trade in Athijn, it lasted until 1167.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1131 / 1399  


An official ordered Sr. Derheuwt to return 200 realen of 8 from Can Berge and a painted box containing a diamond set in gold and finely cut. This diamond had previously been taken by Sr. Derheuwt from the estate of S. Vogelr and wrongfully claimed for himself.

Sr. d' Vogel had first been the employer of the interviewed person, who later worked for Sr. Derhout. The diamond belonged to Sr. d' Vogel, who had disposed of it in his will, but it was not bequeathed to anyone. Daniel Jopp stated that he had heard from the cousin of Sr. van Gent that the mentioned gold sack was indeed true. Additionally, the chief merchant of Gent had accepted gold mixed with other gold that his cousin, the chief merchant of Gent, had taken from the office in Buerg according to the books. This gold, from a Chinese merchant, weighed about 2 catti.

The chief merchant of Gent had also falsely recorded a diamond ring, a claw ring, as given to Ratomnaes in the company's books and kept it for himself.

Regarding the rice, the respondents stated that between 7 and 8 loads could have been brought in, but they were not sure. Some slave houses in the lodge had burned down between the night of 18 and 19 December 1641. However, they collectively knew that not even half a load had burned. Joost Thijssz and Jan Valck were present at the office at that time. Jan Valck testified that the cost of the burned rice was recorded in the trade books of the year 1641. Jan Meerman was also aware of this and had reported it to the noble lord Ouvr. van Sr. van Gent, but no further details could be provided.

The respondents also stated that the chief merchant Derhouwt, along with Valck and others, had taken some quantity of gold from the deceased man of Gent's estate after his death. They had secretly and separately taken much from the deceased's estate, even locking the deceased's young men out of the room with the goods for a month after his death.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 9346 / 1162  


On 3 May 1672, a meeting was held in Amsterdam under the leadership of vander Hoolck. Present were van Gent, vanden Steen, Schimmelpenningh, Huijghens, Ommeren, Vrijbergen, Staefvenisse, Epeus van Glinstra, Sixma, Palerius Bootsma, Tengnegel, and Horenken.

The minutes from the previous day were read and summarized, along with the resulting dispatches.

The meeting discussed the request of Jacomo Florentino, a merchant from Amsterdam. In 1664, while living in Rotterdam, he sent a pearl weighing 25 carats to London. From there, it was forwarded to Suratte and then to Goa, consigned to Johan de Prado, a merchant in Goa. The instructions were to return the value of the pearl in diamonds or other small goods via English ships sailing from Goa or Suratte to London, consigned to Florentino or his agents: Cant, Odijck, Reijgersbergh, Pieserszon, van Glinstra, Bouritius, Ghemmenich, Duarte, and Diego Dias or their representatives. If the pearl could not be sold at the agreed price, it was to be returned as is.

Florentino feared that the ships carrying the return goods or the pearl itself might be captured by warships or privateers commissioned by the authorities. He requested that the return goods or the pearl, held by Joseph Seran Pachero (who took over after de Prado's death) or his successor, be considered free goods and returned to him as they belonged to a subject of the state. The request was referred to Ommeren and other deputies for maritime affairs to investigate and report.

The meeting also discussed the request of Duarte and Diego Diaz, merchants from Amsterdam. They had sent goods from Amsterdam to Lisbon, and from there to Goa, consigned to Sijmon Ribeiro or, in his absence, to other Portuguese merchants. The return was to be in diamonds, musk, amber, or other small goods, sent via English ships from Goa or Suratte to London, consigned to them or their agents.

They feared the ships carrying the return goods might be captured by warships or privateers. They requested that the return goods, consigned by Ribeiro or his successor, be considered free goods and returned to them. This request was also referred to Ommeren and other deputies for investigation and report.

The meeting further discussed the request of Maria Ranneres (also known as Maria Ramieres), a resident of Amsterdam. She had sent various goods from Amsterdam, Livorno, and Madrid to Lisbon, and from there to Goa. Some were consigned to Diego da Fonseca T Silva (deceased, so received by Sijmon Ribeiro) and others to Antonio and Diego Martius de Maira or, in their absence, to other Portuguese merchants. The return was to be in diamonds, musk, amber, or other small goods, sent via English ships from Goa or Suratte to London, consigned to her or her agents.

She feared the ships carrying the return goods might be captured. She requested that the return goods, consigned by Ribeiro, Moura, or their successors, be considered free goods and returned to her. This request was also referred to Ommeren and other deputies for investigation and report.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.01.02 / 3285 / 0780  


On 1680, a sum of 800 ro or ƒ1120 was lent by Director Constantien Ronst in Bengal. The bond or handwritten note for this loan was requested to be sent back at the first opportunity. Additionally, 45 toman or 1912:10 was spent by Director Francois de Hase in Persia on the servants of the king of Siam. Furthermore, 50 rx or ro 150 was extended to the Siammer Omoen Tima Zackan in Batavia on the order of His Excellency. This amount was paid in full upon the first demand by His Majesty and received in cash, totaling 3182:10. The office recorded this in the trade books and credited Taliatours for the wood requested by His Excellency the previous year. It was deemed unnecessary to send more wood, as the Macao Portuguese had initially demanded to buy it. However, the free citizens of Batavia now travel in large numbers to the islands of Macao annually with various goods to trade with the Chinese of Canton. Thus, the Portuguese can only transport a small amount of sapang wood from here, with the rest of the capital carried in Siamese tickets. Therefore, no more silver needs to be advanced to these people for trade goods, as had been done before.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1290 / 0690  


On 16 September 1681, in the waters near Vlissingen in Haitcumon Bay, a group from the Dutch was approached by officials who asked if the depth was sufficient for their ships and whether any news had reached Canton about their arrival. The officials claimed that no good news had been heard in Haitcumon. When asked if they knew about the Dutch ships anchored there, the officials denied any knowledge.

The Dutch then explained their entire journey from Batavia, as told by the noble Hartouwer. The local guard had only reported their arrival to a nearby fort the next day but had not sent word to Canton. The mandarin (official) asked how many ships had come, their origin, and their purpose. The Dutch answered truthfully, and the mandarin promised to return the next day for more details.

The next day, the mandarin returned and asked further questions, including whether the Dutch had been to Macao, the nature of their crew, the duration of their journey from Batavia, and whether their primary goal was trade or a formal greeting to the emperor. The Dutch answered honestly, and the mandarin recorded everything. He added that if the Dutch had stayed outside for 2 or 7 years without sending anyone in, Canton would not have known of their presence and would have let them stay.

The mandarin then left but returned in the afternoon, ordering the Dutch to wait until evening or at most the next morning for a definite response. Meanwhile, the Dutch crew was treated well without any disrespect. Later that day, another mandarin, Chiampen, arrived and asked similar questions, confirming earlier details. He also mentioned concerns about pirates and the safety of sailing with boats to the first anchorage point, from Kouw R to the flag point, covering a distance of 370 units.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1272 / 0991  


On 3 August 1668, in the waters near Vlissingen, several large ships (called Champans) were seen near Haitaimon Bay. Their purpose was unclear, so attempts were made to approach them, but the ships moved away too quickly. It was uncertain whether they were fishermen or pirates, so caution was advised.

On 4 August 1668, early in the morning, the ships were seen sailing from an abandoned fortress, taking as much woodwork as they could. An attempt was made to reach one of the ships with a small boat, but it failed. The people on the ships fled, one even firing a shot. This suggested they were pirates. There were also 4 or 5 similar ships sailing at sea.

Later, they went ashore at the recently abandoned Tartar fortress. They saw that the ships had been there. The gates of the fort and the governor's house (a fine residence) were destroyed, along with its temple. Almost everything was broken into pieces and trampled. Some of the woodwork was also taken. A Chinese fisherman, who lived there, had his Champan taken. He confirmed that they were pirates who lived on nearby islands and often sailed to the coast.

That evening, preparations were made for a possible attack. Under the command of shipper Jeron Dircksz, a well-sailed boat was prepared.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1272 / 0988  


1668-09-05
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1272 / 0989  


On September 4, 1668, a group of 6 men, including 3 soldiers from Sartars, arrived at the ship with supplies like chickens, bacon, radishes, and water. They sold these for money and promised to return with more necessities. They had little news from Canton, only that outer guards at Bercken were ordered to move upstream for an unknown reason. They also confirmed that all ships delayed there were due to pirates. That day, a northern wind blew, and pirate activity increased at night. On September 6, 1668, the pirates were driven away, making it safer for small ships to enter. That morning, the ship's captain and two helmsmen were sent in a boat to inspect the Revich river up to the first point, about 4 miles away, where Tartars had their posts. They checked if the ship, which drew 18 feet, could sail that far and anchor safely. The day had a fresh, clear northern wind, and no pirate ships were seen. On September 7, 1668, nothing notable happened except that the pirate ships moved outward. On September 8, 1668, in the evening, the boat returned after surveying the Revich river 5 miles upstream to den 'thoorn. They found that at high tide, some areas had only 3 fathoms of water, but near Landtsmans Eijlandt, it was 5, 6, or 7 fathoms deep. Further up at den thoorn, a Chiampan with a mandarin had arrived.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1272 / 0990  


On 1 December 1686, a letter from China addressed concerns about a ship allegedly from Batavia. The city officials of Macao clarified that the ship’s captain, a Chinese man, had claimed in court in Canton that his vessel came from Siam, not Batavia. Therefore, any complaint about a violated safe-conduct letter was unfounded.

The Chinese captain, Thesienqua, accused the citizens of Macao of stealing his goods, including 40 catties of ambergris, 20 piculs of camphor, 50 packs of fine cloth, and other items. However, his own crew testified that he had only pepper and rattan, which he had already sold. Since he couldn’t pay his crew, they left his ship. The court ruled that he should reclaim his ship and receive 150 taels for damages, which was immediately done.

When the letter was received, Father Philip Grimaldi, a respected figure traveling to Europe on behalf of the Emperor of China, reviewed it and confirmed its truth. Joao Cortes, a Portuguese director of goods for the Viceroy of Canton and Fukien, also verified the account.

The officials of Macao assured that this minor issue would not harm the friendship between the crown of Portugal and the Dutch States. They emphasized the strong trade and mutual friendship between the citizens of Macao and the Dutch merchants of Batavia, maintained through years of correspondence.

The letter was signed by Francisco Fragoso, a ship’s captain and clerk of the Macao city chamber, along with Mathias Perreira, Manuel d’Aquiar, Goncalo da Costa, Manuel Luis Freire, Joseph Vieira da Silva, and Francisco Nunes de Carvalho.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1429 / 0414  


On 16 November 1677, from China, it was hoped that they would remain undisturbed and without trouble, and that they would properly receive full payment for the delivered saltpeter, sulfur, lead, etc., from the king upon their first arrival. Although the contract was modest and the principal amount had already been received, they wanted to avoid further inconvenience due to the current unstable times and war preparations.

They would try to resolve the matter in the best possible way and continue to serve the East India Company as long as they lived. It was necessary to do what was reasonable, not what one desired. The most difficult part was remaining impartial between parties, as they would try to do, and as was best judged by the statesmen there. However, it would not be possible to stay among the distrustful Chinese without suspicion of favoritism, which could lead to much evil suspicion and hidden attacks from one or another doubting party.

They found themselves sufficiently between the devil and the deep sea, with the Coxinga playing the boss again, while the Hecker was at the bridge under the Tontars, and the markets were in the middle of the River, where the Kopnieder was also not inactive. Thus, they were all in a great dilemma, like a mouse between two cats.

They would not neglect to use all practical means to stay out of danger as much as possible and carefully preserve the Company's resources. Furthermore, they would pray to God Almighty for a good outcome.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1322 / 0186  


On 16 November 1677, a report was sent from China stating that due to the absence of their superiors and the concealment of daily registers, they remained unaware of the progress of the kingdom. The report was signed by J. M. Munnick, Mr. Stroelius, and others, and was received by the High Mightinesses on 30 January 1677 via the ship d'Annata from Siam.

They described their arrival, welcome, and initial good start in China, but noted that the Company's business had not progressed as expected. They had intended to inform the authorities in detail, but difficulties arose due to a change in government, which fell into the hands of the tax collectors. Additionally, a competitor in the region offered lower prices, hindering their efforts.

They were also detained for 5 full days and only recently moved to a lodge, where their activities were delayed and viewed with suspicion. They decided to postpone further actions until a better opportunity arose, despite the harsh treatments they endured. They assured that the Company's resources were being conserved.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1322 / 0185  


On 16 November 1677, in China, preparations were secretly made to depart with the ships Schielemt den Hoecker, de Brantgans, and t goet begin via Canton, while the last one would go via Siam to Batavia on 5 November. H:r. schagen and a few officials would stay to finalize trade, awaiting further instructions from onse H=r meesters in 't patria. On 12 November, an urgent summons was issued by the Pubite (local authorities) for a meeting with the Tartar prince, who was camped nearby with 25,000 to 30,000 men. The Dutch officials and interpreters attended without delay. Since then, no further news had arrived except for three enclosed letters (B, C, D). Meanwhile, 13 Dutchmen remained to guard the Comp. (Company) goods in their old lodgings without disturbance, despite Tartar soldiers being quartered nearby. Even the Danes, whose leaders were in the same area, had to retreat and seek refuge with the Dutch. The Dutch hoped to remain unharmed. The officials ordered the empty ship t goet begin to quietly depart for Batavia via Siam. The ship left with a copy of letter No. 4, which was also sent to u Ho: Ed:s and all E. k tot Oculare.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1322 / 0184  


1677-11-16 in China, an order was given that within 2 days, everything should return to its proper state. This was mainly because the Emperor had been chosen and had his head shaved, so within 2 days, no long-haired Chinese were seen. During this trouble, no harm was done to them. They also worked to load the Company's goods as much as possible into the ships lying at the bridge in China, to be transported to Taihai and then to Zeeland to unload the cargo. Meanwhile, they had already tried 2 times to speak to the Emperor or one of his royal advisors, but this was not possible because the gates were suddenly closed and no one was allowed access. This lasted until 1677-11-27, when they were allowed to leave again. They then presented their request for payment. The Emperor kindly indicated that he was willing to pay, but since the royal treasury was currently under strain due to the soldiers' pay and cash was scarce, they were forced to deviate from the contract and pay partially in goods. After much refusal, they had to accept this. The mentioned goods consisted of copper, iron, pansies, gielangs, silk, etc. The gold was at such a price that the purchase was unprofitable, but they accepted some silver. With the receipt of this and the abandonment of the aforementioned merchant goods, the time (due to the slow progress) was consumed until March of the following year, without an end in sight. The inland trade, due to the opening of the passes, seemed to promise some improvement. They even asked and negotiated with the mandarin Hellenja and other factors to buy their remaining pepper for cash. However, they only saw honor in this in appearance, and no actual order.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1322 / 0183  


On 16 November 1677, a ship from China arrived. Many young merchants were in Canton, which was under siege. No other ship had entered yet, so the skipper of the ship set course for Batavia. His arrival was well received, and unloading of goods began. They waited for more news from Canton about the fleet. Meanwhile, the ship had reached the bridge with great difficulty. Trade seemed to proceed normally. Some of the king's factors had contracted for paper, sulfur, lead, and saltpeter, agreeing to pay upon delivery. They hurried to deliver these goods as quickly as possible. Unexpectedly, it took a long time, so by 20 October, they had delivered everything agreed upon. They then requested a receipt. During this time, they could not understand the true state of the kingdom, despite all efforts. On 24 October, sudden news arrived: the king's uncle, acting as commander-in-chief, had defected to the Tartars with his army. He had allied with their leader and would arrive in a few days. He had already sent a letter to the king, promising his pardon and friendship, and was willing to surrender unconditionally. This news caused great alarm at court and among the people. The streets were filled with refugees, and many robberies occurred. The situation was dire. The revolt ended due to strict orders.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1322 / 0182  


On 16 November 1677, a letter from China was received in Batavia on 30 January 1678. It was addressed to Joan Maetsuycker, Governor-General, and the Honorable Lords of India. The letter stated that on 14 June, they had left Boots Rheede and arrived safely in the harbor of Sotija on 18 July with the ships Schielant, 't Goet Begin, and Marcken. The next day, their arrival was announced to the king by an official and interpreter. The king sent a mandarin and two young men to meet them. On 26 July, they arrived in Lamthaj and were granted an audience. They presented letters from the Honorable Lords and gifts to the king, who, along with his council, expressed great joy and received them with respect. The king immediately allowed open trade without any prior request. They were permitted to bring their merchandise upstream, and lodgings for them and the Company's goods were already prepared. On 29 July, the ship De Brant anchored in Lotija. It reported that some vessels in the Macao Islands had been warned not to proceed further upstream, possibly due to actions by Jaren or Siam.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1322 / 0181  


On 13 January 1677, a translation of two letters written in Chinese was received in Batavia on the ship De Lijp Hetickongh. The letters were from Terijsongkon, also known as Taisong Kong, a commander, and Pangta Lauja, the city holder of Canton, addressed to Joan Maetsuycker, the Governor-General, and the Lords of the Council of India.

Terijsongkon and Pangta Lauja sent their greetings and wishes for a long life and prosperous rule. They noted that although their lands were far apart, letters could be exchanged to understand each other's intentions. They mentioned that ships and junks had previously traveled between their regions, a practice that had occurred long ago.

Last year, Terijsongkon had sent a letter to the Governor-General requesting that ships come to Canton for trade. They had also requested that the Governor-General's junks in Batavia benefit not just themselves but all inhabitants. The Governor-General's letter, along with gifts including a large silk item, a wool alcotiffe, four hours, eight fire wheels, and a lantern, were well received. Terijsongkon expressed his gratitude and assured that he would not forget the kindness.

Terijsongkon had allowed a ship from the Company to trade and depart from Batavia with the change of the monsoon. He requested that if any junks from Canton came to Batavia, the Governor-General assist them, as this would help maintain their friendship. In return, Terijsongkon promised to do the same.

The letter was signed by Stadthouwer Tan Zatjen Sanghtalanja Taulatjen panghtaseuwa Lent and addressed to the commander of Batavia. It was sent with 100 from Elingh on each side, with ample certification.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1322 / 0179  


There was hope that the goods, which had been sent from Japan to the market well-packaged, would yield the desired profits from previous years, with the help of divine blessings from the Almighty.

During this difficult time, efforts were made to gather 375 packages of Coromandel and Bengal fabrics, along with some alcatifas, and manned with shaved Chinese and Siamese people, as well as some Moors, to be sent to Canton. Additionally, two ambassadors from the local king were sent with letters and gifts to the Tartar emperor in Canton. Their task was to renew the alliance that the crown had always maintained with the kingdom of China, and then travel onward to Peking.

However, the junks and the ship were in such poor condition and so poorly equipped that it was feared most of them would not complete their journey. This was undesirable for the East India Company, as the king’s trade with the Moors and Chinese could interfere with the company’s trade, especially in the cloth business. There was also concern that competition from Bengal silk, which would be added, could harm the common trade in Japan. It was judged that in Siam, nothing could be done against this for the East India Company.

It would have been highly desirable if Hendrik Indijk, following his advice dated 19 October, had managed to prevent the Moors from sailing to Japan. The circumstances had seemed favorable for this, so they hoped to share the desired outcome of this with the aforementioned junks.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1240 / 1638  



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