Transcriptions » Recently created summaries of historical documents

Fredrik Christoffel van Stralendorf, captain and First Resident at Souracarta, wrote a letter to the governor and Director of Java's northeast coast on 20 July 1747.

He responded to a letter from 18 July by investigating information about Brodjo Mengollo, a former leader of the kalangs (a specific group of people). Van Stralendorf sent his findings in Javanese and concluded that there was little truth to what this returned fugitive had said.

According to Van Stralendorf's investigation:

• Some villages had been exchanged, but this happened peacefully among family members
• There had been a village from Java's east coast involved in conflicts, but this had happened a year or more ago, not recently

Van Stralendorf stated he could never believe that Prince Mancoenagara had directly participated in the attack on Gagatan. However, he thought it was more likely that some of the prince's people were involved, and that the prince had looked the other way while pretending not to know about it.

Van Stralendorf felt such behavior would not be very blameworthy, especially because the sultan had always tried to cause trouble and harm to Mancoenagara and still did. The sultan was trying to get rid of the prince. Van Stralendorf's predecessor Beuman had already noted this in a separate letter from 23 May 1763, stating that the sultan absolutely sought to remove Prince Adipattij Mankoenagara from Java. Van Stralendorf believed this, because then the sultan would have free rein to deal with the emperor as he pleased.

On the east coast of Java, a confrontation had taken place in the southern mountains, in which 6 to 7 people were killed. At first, people thought this was an action by Djoejocartan forces against the lands of pangerang Morcoenagara. However, after investigation it turned out that the inhabitants of one of the emperor's villages had split into two groups and fought each other. The emperor had the leader of the guilty group brought to Souracanta and executed him as an example to others. He issued strict new orders that when cromans or other troublemakers invaded his lands, the neighboring villages had to help each other, but only within his own territory and definitely not on the sultan's lands, to avoid disputes.

The letter was signed by I. B. v. der Burgh in Samarang on 31 July 1777.

Someone (name not specified) wrote from Java's east coast on 31 July 1717. He addressed his letter to His High Noble (a high-ranking official). He had received a shared letter dated 18 July and was very satisfied with it. In his letter, he thanked the officials for their favorable response to his request to be released from his position as governor of that coast and to be transferred to Batavia. He expressed his sincere thanks strongly. He stated he felt too much obligation to the Company to withdraw from its service, as long as his work satisfied His High Noble. He said he had too much duty to His High Noble not to strictly follow their will and wishes as his rule and guideline. He mentioned being particularly sensitive about the manner in which something was done (the sentence is incomplete).

• On 7 June 1777, the Governor and Director of the coast wrote a letter to Ian Matthijs van Rhijn, who was the head of the office in Djoepoeartan.
• The Governor had received statements from the wife of the leader of the troublemakers, the gagattan Marto Gjoedo, as well as from the Javanese men djoijd Nitie and kartie, and a report from another Javanese man Irodend djoedo.
• These documents had arrived with van Rhijn's letters dated 22 May and 2 June.
• The statements made pangerang Aria Mancoenagara in Souracanta suspicious of having dealt with the troublemakers.
• However, the evidence was not strong enough to be certain, and caution required that they should not reveal to the sultan that they suspected his important people.

8 January 1717. The council at Souraboij (Surabaya) set out these rules:

Article 2: Whenever requested, the person had to appear in person at Samarang (Semarang) and even at Batavia to show respect to the Company, his supreme master, to whom he owed his entire well-being and advancement.

Article 3: He was not allowed to have contact or correspondence with regional rulers and leaders from the highlands or lowlands, nor with anyone else who did not work under the Company. Especially, he was forbidden to have any dealings with anyone, whether they were European, Company servants, citizens, or locals from outside the Java territory. He could not send or receive messengers without special permission and knowledge from the governor and director at Samarang or his representative at Sourabaija.

Article 4: He was not allowed to get involved with trade coming into the land of Lamongang beyond what the Company ordered and permitted. However, he had to faithfully and carefully prevent all smuggling.

8 January 1717 from Java's East Coast: A person declared that they would faithfully fulfill the content of this document and the promises and obligations made in it, without any deviation. They stated they would maintain and enforce it without any objection. This contract was signed by hand and sealed, along with 2 other copies with the same content, and confirmed with an oath sworn on the Koran.

Samarang, 8 March 1777: The document was signed and sealed in the presence of:

• J. R. v. d. Burgh
• I. v. Panhuijs
• J. van Ardeune
• A. Cornabe
• J. v. Santen
• N. A Leleveld
• A. Bankeij
• W. d. Beekern
• A. L. goswijk
• C. P. Boetke

8 January 1717 from Java's East Coast: Jngabij Crdmo wissoij declared that through the special goodness of the distinguished general Dutch chartered East India Company, he had been appointed as Regent of the Company's district Lamongang, in place of his late uncle, the second Regent of Japara, Tommongong Jaijo Santiko. He would hold the title and honorary name of Tommongong djoijd dirdje. He committed himself, together with all his officials both high and low without exception, to fulfill the following conditions and terms, which he promised to observe faithfully and have observed.

Article 1: He promised that he would be loyal and faithful to the distinguished Dutch Company, his supreme authority, in the administration of their district Lamongang entrusted to him. He would carry out the service to the Company and its subjects with all attentiveness, obedience and loyalty, and would follow the orders given to him from time to time, whether from the high Indian Government at Batavia itself, from the Governor and Director of this coast, or from the supreme head.

• On 8 January 177[?], several local leaders from Java's East Coast made agreements. These leaders included Demang Pinto Poedo from Caligawe, Demang Reekso Joedo from Grogol, Demang Iroens Joedo from Tanjong, and Bongo Keerto Widjpoijd and Oeroet Dalam from Lambarawa.
• Article 10 stated that these leaders would not dismiss or remove their current officials and advisors without the special knowledge and approval of the Governor and Director at Samanang. If any official misbehaved, was lazy, negligent, or disobedient, they would complain to the Governor and let him decide what was fair and just. They also agreed not to fill vacant positions (whether due to dismissal or death) without the Governor's special knowledge and consent.
• The leaders promised to treat all subjects of the Company under their authority, whether high-ranking or lower officials, justly and fairly, and especially not to burden them with unusual or new taxes.
• Article 11 stated that because the Company was the supreme sovereign ruler over the lands and districts entrusted to them, including matters of justice, the leaders would leave everything to the Company. They promised to hand over all criminals to the Company, regardless of the person's status, so they could be tried and punished either by the Land Council or the Council of Justice.
• Article 12 stated that for all extraordinary situations not specifically mentioned in the agreement that might require further decisions in the future, the leaders would follow the Company's wishes. They promised to carefully follow and enforce any orders given, ensuring all their subordinates did the same. They would treat everyone fairly and justly, encourage them to serve the Company and cultivate its lands, and govern in a way that was most beneficial to the Company.

• Poedak Bantjak, the village of Gamal, measuring 6 djpeng
• Rasjobo Pamotan, measuring 2 djpeng
• Katapang, measuring 12 djpeng
• Passer Padoerongan

• Goemoelak, led by Maas Jngebij Martanagara
• Tourbaija, led by Jngebij Soemo Dirons, along with 1 djpeng
• Caligane, with 12 djpeng

• Preventing secret rice purchases in the lands and districts under this person's authority
• Stopping rice exports to places across the water that were forbidden by the Company
• Delivering rice and other local products to the Company without fail or objection when needed
• Helping to facilitate and promote the purchase of these goods at the Company's regular or market prices

• Providing 170 to 180 workers (called Battoors) for work in warehouses and at the lodge, excluding those already provided by the regents of Damak and Caliwoengo
• Supplying necessary vehicles for daily service at the small lodge
• Keeping a sufficient number of boats and Battoors ready at the gladdak for transporting letters
• All of this was to be done for free
• Following the so-called Lord's services currently in use
• In ordinary cases of loading and unloading Company ships, transporting servants and goods to the upper lands and elsewhere, providing as many boats, Battoors and boats as ordered by the Governor and Director

The narrator promised not to have any contact or correspondence with local leaders or anyone else not under the Company's authority, especially with Europeans, Company servants, citizens, or locals outside Java's territory, without special permission from the governor and Director in Samarang.

Article 4: The narrator would not interfere with trade conducted outside Samarang and in the districts under its control, except as ordered by the Company. He would faithfully and carefully watch out for and prevent all smuggling and anything that could harm the Company's trade or income. This included smuggling of opium, cloth, or other trade goods from across Java, Bali, and the islands further east, including Bavian, the island Lubok, Banco, or anywhere else. He would maintain the Company's customs posts in his regency according to old customs and try to improve them where possible, doing everything the Company required.

Article 5: As proof of his obligation for the trust placed in him, the narrator would annually pay the Company:

• The traditional amount for the Grogol district: 800 Spanish reals or 100 Dutch rijksdaalders
• Money for Calang
• By the end of October, deliver to Samarang: 40 koyangs of rice (28 picols each) at 15 Dutch rijksdaalders per koyang
• 12 picols of cotton thread, as much as possible of the finest sort or first quality, at the Company's set price
• 224 buffaloes, as large, heavy, and long as possible, at the current set buffalo price of 36 stuivers per buffalo

He would also ensure that the Samarang forests were properly cleared.

Maas Djoijd Nagorne, a resident of Sourbaija, was appointed as Head Regent of Samarang and its associated districts and lands on 8 January 1717. He was nominated by the Governor and Director of Java's northeast coast, Iohannes Robbert van der Burgjh, and approved by the Governor General and the Council of the Indies in Batavia. He replaced his recently deceased uncle, Pangerang Adipattij Soero Dimongollo, and received the title and honorary name of Adipattij.

He solemnly promised in good faith to fulfill and enforce the following conditions during his administration:

1. He promised to be loyal and faithful to the Dutch Company, his lawful supreme lord, in governing the regency of Samarang and all its subordinate districts and lands, including Goemoelak, Goenwelak, Tourbaija, Caligawa, Guogol, Tanjong, Lambarawa, and Oeroet Dalam. He would perform his duties for the Company's benefit and its subjects with complete attention, obedience, and dedication, following all orders given to him from time to time, whether from the High Indian Government in Batavia, the Governor and Director of this coast, or whoever might hold authority over Java in the future.
2. He promised to appear personally in Batavia whenever required to pay homage and show respect to the Company, his supreme lord, to whom he owed his prosperity.
3. The text breaks off mid-sentence regarding relations with inland regents.

On 8 January 1777, from Java's East Coast, Tommongong Manco Coessoemo reported that the newly appointed first Regent of Togal, Radien Tommongong Tjacra Nagara, and the second Regent of Japara, Tommongong Tjitra Soema, had confirmed the acts of alliance that had been made by their predecessors on 12 July 1731 and 16 May 1741.

The widow of the second Japara Regent, who had died the previous autumn, was now present. She was one of the 2 daughters of Pangerang Maas-saik, also known as Aria Mancoenagara. The writer had accepted these daughters from their father with special approval from the High and Noble Lords, as mentioned in letters dated 20 January 1775 and 26 May 1775, and had married them to Regents of the Company. The widow had inherited nothing from herself and very little from her late husband, so she needed to be provided for with everything.

Her father, Pangerang Aria Mancoenagara, was not willing to take back this princess who had been accepted and married out on behalf of the Company. He also had not yet been persuaded to agree to the marriage with Ingebeij Cromo Widjoijd that had been proposed in a separate letter of 11 December 1776, now that this man had become Regent of Lamongang instead of Regent of Japara.

The writer therefore asked the High and Noble Lords for their decision regarding this princess. He respectfully suggested that if the father continued to refuse the mentioned marriage, another man should be proposed for his daughter, namely the current first Regent of Tagal, Radeen Tommongong Tjacka Nogarra, who was still young and unmarried. The writer believed the Pangerang would be more pleased with this match.

The letter was signed by van der Burgh in Samarang on 15 March 1777.

• On 8 January 1717, a consideration was made regarding confessions. According to their statements, both men were made drunk and seduced by Willem Fester. They were ignorant of the sins of Sodom.
• Goedhart had committed these acts 4 times, always after renewed requests from Fester. According to Fester's own confession made in front of Goedhart, neither of them had ever done this with anyone else before or after.
• To reduce the punishment for Jacobus van Boven, a soldier, it was noted that he too had been seduced by Willem Fester without knowing the evil involved in such acts.
• Special consideration was requested for Fredrik Goedhart and Jacobus van Boven because of their youth and ignorance. Goedhart was only 17 years old and Van Boven was not older than 19 to 20 years.
• On 8 January 1717 from Java's East Coast, thanks were offered to the High Lords for their favorable response to a proposal regarding native leaders.
• The proposal concerned appointing Djaijs Nagara as regent of Samarang and its districts, Karta Dirdjo as second regent of Damak, and Cromo Widsoijo as regent of Lamongang.
• The first regent requested permission to use his family name Soero Dimongollo. The second regent of Damak adopted the name Karta Nagorda, and the regent of Lamongang adopted the name Djoijo Dirdje.
• The mentioned regents had properly signed agreements of alliance, which were respectfully presented to the High Lords, along with a similar agreement document signed the previous year by Sinkelsewoes, regent of Sommongong.

On 8 January 1777, a report was sent from Java's East Coast to the high authorities. The Council of Justice of this government had informed the writer about a criminal case. The prosecutor, Nicolaas Alexander van Lelivele, had brought charges against four men who were prisoners.

The accused were:

• Willem Fester, 45 years old
• Jan Oversteeg, 46 years old
• Fredrik Goedhard, 17 years old
• Jacobus van Boven, 19 to 20 years old

The first three men were convicted of a serious sexual crime (referred to as Crimen Nefandum). The fourth man, Jacobus van Boven, was convicted of masturbation.

On 21 February of that year, the court had passed sentences. Willem Fester, Jan Oversteeg, and Fredrik Goedhard were sentenced to death. Jacobus van Boven was sentenced to public whipping until he bled and banishment.

The writer felt obligated to submit these documents to the high authorities for approval or possible change of the sentences. He did not believe the convicted men were punished too harshly according to their crimes. The prosecutor's demands were based on God's word, the laws and rights and customs of the fatherland and other civilized peoples, and the judge's ruling itself was also based on these principles.

However, the writer had concerns about carrying out the sentences publicly on Europeans in front of the native population. He hoped the high authorities, known for their humanity and compassion which always went beyond the strictness of the law, might reduce the death sentences for Jan Oversteeg and Fredrik Goedhard, as long as the wrong was prevented and justice was served.

1. Maas Djoijd Coessoemo, 47 years old, born from a legitimate wife
2. Maas Tommongong Soero Dipouro, 34 years old, illegitimate, who was the current Regent of Cassum
3. Maas Soemo widjoijo, 26 years old, illegitimate
4. Maas winjo Dipoetoo, 20 years old, illegitimate
5. Maas Djoijo Diwirjo, 17 years old, illegitimate
6. Maas Bakat, 11 years old, illegitimate
7. Maas karim, 9 years old, illegitimate

1. Maas Rongo, 32 years old, illegitimate
2. Maas Soemo Dipoetro, 26 years old, illegitimate
3. Maas Loemo wirdojo, 22 years old, illegitimate

1. Maas Soumengoreg Soemo Nogara, from Kanbal, 2 years old
2. Rabeen Sommargang Soeme Dinip, from Danak, 31 years old
3. Maas Anjo Adiradjo, 10 years old
4. Maas Sakin, 16 years old
5. Maas Sammir, 12 years old
6. Maas Sarif, 11 years old
7. Maas Agoes, 10 years old
8. Maas Tamman, 9.5 years old
9. Maas Adie, 1.5 years old

1. Maas Aojeng, 21 years old, married to Maars Tommongong Tommangong Djoijo Dirono, the second Regent of Sourabaija
2. Radeen Aijoe Sumanap, 19.5 years old, married to the Regent of Sumanap
3. Raden Aijde Paccalongong, 14.5 years old, married to the Regent of Paccalongang
4. Maas Alijab, 11 years old, unmarried
5. Maas Kadanijas, 8 years old
6. Maas Kadi, 5 years old
7. Maas Kaimab, 4 years old

1. Maas Jngebij Djaijo Nagara, 49 years old, from a legitimate marriage, and was a village head of Torbaija
2. Maas Manto Dipouro, 35 years old, illegitimate

I. R. v. d. Burgh wrote a letter from Java's east coast on 8 January 1717. He mentioned that Tommongong Tjitro Soema was regent in Japara with the title and name given to him. The authorities had allowed him to propose a suitable person to fill the position in Lamongang.

He thankfully proposed the younger brother of the replaced regent, the Ingebij Cromo wiedjojo. He explained that while some regents on Java were of illegitimate birth, this man was a legitimate son according to the country's customs. His father was Adigattij Tjitao Soema, the former first regent of Japara who had always been loyal to the Company. The proposed candidate was also a brave, watchful and hardworking person.

However, if the authorities did not wish to accept this proposal, van d. Burgh asked permission to propose the Ingelij Soema Dirana as regent of Lamongang instead. This man was a former Bepattij and also guardian of the current second regent in Sourabaija.

He requested that whichever of the two candidates the authorities preferred should be honored with a certificate as Tommongong and given the name they would choose.

The letter was written from Samarang on 8 January 1717. In a postscript, van d. Burgh mentioned that he also included a letter from the emperor and one from the Sultan, both addressed to the authorities.

• the coastal villages of Soubaija, goemoelak, and Caligaia
• the newly acquired territories of Gragol and Taijong
• the inland districts of Laimbarawa and veroetdalm, both given to the Company years earlier by the previous Soesehoenang

Johannes Vos, an extraordinary council member, left behind a report about several young people and children aged 10 to 1.5 years old. Of the two sons mentioned in the report:

• The oldest, Maas Tommongong Primo Nagoraa, Regent of Kandel, was often sickly and generally not well respected or regarded
• The second son, Radeen Tommongong Soemae Dirop, formerly Regent of Batang and first Regent of Damak, who had been married to one of the emperor's sisters but had long been separated from her, appeared better and had more promise for the future. However, he was still too unreliable and too attached to his passions to be trusted with more authority than he already had

Of the daughters, the three oldest were married:

1. The first to Maas Tommongong Djoijo Dirons, second Regent of Surabaya
2. The second to Pangovang Notto Coessoemo, Regent of Sumanap
3. The third to Radeen Adijpattij Jaija Ningrat, Regent of Polalongong, who was the only one among the sons and sons-in-law (though all were present) who indicated he wanted the succession

The only surviving legitimate brother, Maas Ingebij Wirat Midja, was not suitable for this position. Of the nephews, only Maas Djoijo Nagaraa Ingebij of Surabaya could be considered. He was the oldest and only son of the deceased's oldest full brother Ingebij Soenio Poedo, former chief officer at Goemoelak, who had died long ago.

The writer stated that on 8 January 1717 from Java's East Coast, the Chief Regent of Samarang needed to be well respected by other regents and even by princes. He should be a man of insight and judgment who, through knowledge, capability, and vigilance, had enough experience to handle daily matters promptly and courageously. The writer testified that among the sons and other relatives of the late Pangerang Adipattij Soero Dimongollo, no one possessed these qualities as much as Maas Djoijo Nagaraa Ingebij of Surabaya. Therefore, the writer felt obliged to recommend him for the succession as a sensible person, well-regarded by both Europeans and locals according to his status. If the authorities decided to look outside the deceased's family, the writer could suggest no more capable person among all the Company's coastal regents than Adapattij Soera Diningaat, Regent of Pattij, or Sommongong Wirja Dinagara, Regent of Batang, both of whom he knew well.

The Regent of Saman, Sangerang Abdipattij Soero Dimongollo, who was also protector of Damak, Calivoen, Candal Batang, and Pacalongangen, had returned from Batavia feeling unwell. He continued to be sick and died on 3 January from a severe fever. The writer informed the High Nobility of this death and reported that no unusual disturbances had been observed because of it, and no harmful consequences were expected.

From 8 January 1777 onwards, the Regent's duties were being carried out by the Bupati Sudo, under the writer's personal supervision. To prevent conflict between the oldest son and the illegitimate sons (who did not get along) and to protect the interests of the other children, the writer appointed commissioners to make an inventory of the estate:

• Chief Administrator Mister Iohan C Michiel van Panhuis
• Prosecutor Mister Nicolaas Alexander van Lelyveld
• Translator Carel Philip Boltze

The estate would then be divided among the heirs according to Muslim law. The deceased had made no arrangements or instructions about either his estate or who should succeed him as Regent.

The writer included a list prepared by Bupati Sudo of the deceased's children, brother, and brother's children. The deceased Regent left behind 9 sons and several daughters, all of whom were illegitimate children. Of these, only 2 sons were of appropriate age.

Secreete Brieven en Bijlagen (secret letters and attachments) were received from Java's east coast. Sangerang Adijpattij Soero Dimongolle, the regent of Saman and its districts, as well as protector of Damak, Caliwvoen, Candal Batang, Paccalongang, and Wienadesse, had returned sick from Batavia. He had been ill since then and died on the 3rd of the month from a severe fever. The writer informed his high authorities of this death and reported that no unusual disturbances were noticed or expected as a result of this event, and no harmful consequences were foreseen. The leadership of the regency was being handled according to instructions.

The following documents were included:

• A copy of instructions from Van der Niepoort dated September 1777
• A copy of instructions for quartermaster Bossotiel
• A notice of fallen servants
• A list of fled, fallen, and captured Javanese people
• A list of village heads who had allied themselves with the rebels
• An extract from a letter written by the governor to commander Van der Niepoort on 25 August 1777
• An extract from a letter from Van der Niepoort to the governor
• A letter written by Van der Niepoort to lieutenant Van Rijke dated 28 August 1777
• A letter from ensign Nobel to Van der Niepoort
• Instructions for ensign Muller going on an expedition to Poelo Soempo
• Instructions for ensign Zzeegel
• A separate letter from the first resident at Soura Carta, Van Stratendorpp, to governor Van den Burgh on 27 August 1777
• An extract from a letter written by the same resident dated 10 September 1777