Transcriptions » Recently created summaries of historical documents

On 8 January 1726, a report from Siam stated that no one remained on the island of Eijsch. Following this, Mr. Berkelang was informed, as requested by a highly respected official. The request was for the tjau clangs (local officials) to accept a type of currency called tjauclangs at the old exchange rate of 85 for 80, treating it as standard money. This was because the silver used for these coins had been refined to match the quality of Siamese ticals (local silver coins).

Mr. Berkelang then ordered the tjau clangs to bring some samples of this refined silver for testing to confirm if it met the required quality. However, despite the officials' willingness, the process had not yet happened. The tjau clangs wanted all the refined silver handed over first before they would test it. The officials had not agreed to this yet, fearing the silver might fail the test like before. They planned to resist this demand as much as possible.

Because of this delay, no clearer information could be given about potential losses related to the refined silver. The officials hoped their actions would be seen as proper.

With the departure of the ships Risdam and Rapport to Coromandel Coast (Costij), the respected official’s recent demands regarding various goods had been met, except for the gum lac on sticks (a type of resin). Only a small amount of this had been obtained after the earlier request, so it was purchased immediately.

On 10 November 1727, a report was sent from the fortress in Malacca to Governor-General Mattheus de Haan and the Council of Dutch India in Batavia. The documents were received in Batavia on 27 November 1727.

• The report confirmed the arrival of two ships:
  • The Ouwerkerk, a fluyt (cargo ship) from Malacca.
  • The patchiallang de Koning (a vessel from the ruler) of Johor, carrying a letter dated 15 August 1727.
• The letter acknowledged approval granted the previous year for actions taken by officials in Malacca.
• Attached documents included:
  • A list of names and debts of sailors from the wrecked fluyt Risdam.
  • A sealed packet containing the key to a small chest of gold.
  • A receipt (cognizance) and invoice for goods loaded onto the Ouwerkerk, plus a note about the gold sent in a sealed chest.
  • An expense report for supplies provided locally.
• The letter expressed gratitude for the approval of past actions and confirmed the receipt of earlier letters from Batavia.

The report was signed by C.s van Riel, secretary in Malacca.

On 28 September 1725, a letter was sent from Siam (modern-day Thailand) to Gregorius Hendrik Trageman, a merchant and head of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) trading post, along with his council.

• The letter mentioned that earlier, on 15 August, they had sent a detailed report and financial records (from past years) to the VOC via the ship Risdam.
• A local merchant, Mom Apar, was involved in the correspondence.
• The writers requested help to transport 2 crates and 30 boxes (totaling 79 packages) of goods, using a traditional pass (permission letter) from the Siamese government. This was a usual practice allowed by the local ruler.
• They were waiting for further instructions from Trageman and orders from Governor-General Hendrik Zwaardecroon (referred to as "Zyn Excell: den heer berckel:s") to settle remaining debts owed to the king.
• Trade was improving, as previously reported on 15 August, and they hoped for continued support to maintain good relations.
• The letter politely repeated a request for financial or logistical support to ensure smooth operations.

This document details financial transactions and shipments for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1726 and 1727, specifically for trading posts in Siam (modern-day Thailand) and Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat).

• The company requested funds and supplies for its offices in Siam and Ligor for the year 1726-1727, amounting to:
  • 20,000 ducats (or the equivalent in silver coin used in Siam).
  • This included 300 catties (a traditional Asian unit of weight) of silver coin for Ligor.
  • The remaining amount for Siam was 176 thails (another weight unit), 3 ticals, 12 mazen, with 3,600 guilders kept in cash.
• An additional 3,337 catties, 6 tahils, 8 mazen of silver was processed for exchange, costing 107,278 guilders, 16 stuivers, 8 pennies.
• Of this silver:
  • 200 catties were sent to Ligor to support tin trade.
  • The debt owed by the King of Siam in cash amounted to 1,119 (or 4,079 catties, 2 tahils of silver), valued at 130,546 guilders, 14 stuivers.
• Shipments were made on the following dates:
  • On June 20, 1726, goods were sent to Ligor on the ship Rijsdam.
  • On August 10 and 14, 1726, shipments were sent to Siam on the ships Velzerhooft and Coning Carel.
  • These shipments included 600 pieces (likely of trade goods or currency).
• The total value of the sent silver was equivalent to 7,7682 and 2/3 ducats, amounting to 233,048 guilders, 1 stuiver, 8 pennies.

On 2 April 1726, a report was sent from Java detailing several key activities:

• Shipments were urgently dispatched to Surabaya, including:
  • Traders buying horses for the King of Siam (Siamese horse buyers), who had arrived in Batavia via Risdam.
  • Sorted and paid-for indigo (a blue dye), based on received samples, with annual shipments to continue as ordered.
  • Crates of pots, bottles, and other containers for medicine, sent to Rembang and other locations.
• Five additional ships were ordered to be quickly loaded with heavy timber in Rembang by local officials (residents), ensuring their timely return.
• Supplies were allocated as follows:
  • Nails received for the Rembang shipyard were forwarded as requested.
  • Surabaya would also receive its required supplies, with no shortages expected.
  • Efforts would continue to secure long pepper for Bengal and stallions (male horses) as demanded.
• Instructions were emphasized to follow orders precisely regarding:
  • The arrival and handling of the Siamese horse buyers.
  • The sorting, payment, and annual shipment of indigo and medicines.

Between 1307 and 1351, a ship named Cornelia was managed by skipper Marinus Cammers and supercargo (a ship's officer in charge of trade) Francois. The records show details about the ship's cargo capacity and measurements for various trips. The Cornelia was a type of ship called a fluyt, known for its large cargo space.

• The ship's measurements and cargo capacity were recorded for trips to and from several places in the Netherlands, including:
  • Langeroode in 1724 and 1706
  • Opperdoes in 1719
  • 't Land van Beloften in 1725
  • Schuijtwijk in 1726
  • Loenderveen in 1720
  • Wendela in 1718
  • Susanna in 1722
  • Pallas in 1725
  • Velserbeek in 1726
• Other ships mentioned in the records include:
  • Ouwerkerk in 1708
  • Gansenhoeff in 1703
  • Witsburg in 1715
  • Strijckebolle in 1713
  • A ship owned by the 8 council members of Vlissingen in 1716
  • 't Huijs te Vlotter in 1714
  • Margareta in 1717
  • Velserhof in 1717
  • Meerhuijsen in 1717
  • Nederhoven in 1710
  • Amazone in 1710
  • Abbeseerk in 1699
  • Hoogermeer in 1717
  • 's Graveland
  • Crisdam
  • Bellevliet with a length of 140 feet

The Cornelia had a recorded cargo capacity of 32 last (a unit of measurement), 80 barrels, with a total of 6,480 units (likely referring to goods or weight).

On 9, 1684, a man named Daijeena Marawa received a gift from Predikant (Preacher) Fleman. This gift was a thank-you for helping shipwreck survivors. However, there was criticism about the generosity of the ministers, as it was costing the Dutch East India Company (VOC) too much money.

• A Preacher Christiaan Wijar Resman in Malacca was given a monthly housing allowance of 11 guilders (a type of old money).
• Officials decided this was too much and reduced it to 8 guilders per month.
• This amount was meant to be temporary until the preacher’s official housing in Malacca was repaired.
• Before this, the previous preacher had only received 5 guilders for housing.

In 1698, the following events were recorded:

• A gift was given to the survivors of the ship Risdam, totaling 100 rijksdaalders (a type of currency) in aid.
• Malacca (a region) was accounted for in the financial records (Cassa).
• A penalty of ƒ449, 1 guilders, and 8 stuivers was approved to be written off for the ship’s captain, Hendrik Schoon.
• A shortage was discovered when opening and reweighing a small cask: 18 pounds of cinnamon (Coelij) and 18 pounds of pepper (foelij) were found missing.
• The committee confirmed their earlier statement about this shortage, following official orders.
• Envoys from the Raja of Kijil (a local ruler) arrived, and their gifts were accepted. They were given a Pedra porco (a type of cloth) and a cash gift of 60 dukaten (another currency).
• Most of the crew from the wrecked ship Risdam were declared healthy after a medical inspection. They were kindly received.
• An accounting was made for the remaining 29 pieces of goods from the Risdam that were sold in Siam (modern-day Thailand) during the outward journey. The captain, Hendrik Schoon, had given the survivors 100 Spanish reales (coins) to help them in their distress, as aid from Djaieng Marewa (a place) could not reach them in time.
• Upon his arrival, Hendrik Schoon properly accounted for the funds as noted in the resolution of April 4, 1698.
• The financial records (Cassa) were presented, and the government approved the full amount listed.

On 28 February 1727, in Malacca, two copies of short letters were sent to Daijeeng Marewa (referred to as Blana Jaja Poetra) and to ship captain Hendrik Schoon. These letters were dispatched via a local vessel to Riouw on 13 February 1727.

A copy of a council decision, dated 14 February 1727, stated that Anthonio de Merando, captain of the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora de Concessan, was excused from paying anchoring fees in Malacca.

A duplicate list detailed the required goods, trade items, supplies, and provisions needed for the year 1727 (written as 17 3/8). The document was signed in the fortress of Malacca by C:s V:n Kiel, the secretary.

Since the last official report sent at the end of January 1727 via the pachiallang (a type of vessel) to the King of Johor, a Portuguese ship, the Nossa Senhora de Concessan, arrived in Malacca from Macao on 12 February 1727. The ship was commanded by Capitain Anthonio de Merando and brought distressing news: the Dutch fluyt ship Risdam had been lost on its journey from Siam to Batavia.

The report was addressed to:

• Governor-General Mattheus De Haan
• The Honorable Council of the Dutch East Indies (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC).

Additionally, Hendrik Schoon was provided with 100 Spanish realen (currency) to purchase necessary supplies for himself and his crew if he was found in Riouw.

On 20 November 1736, a shipment was sent from Siam containing letters, documents, and 500 bales of tin. Of these, 250 bales were divided among ships docked in the harbor, while the remaining 300 bales were brought aboard the fluyt ship Risdam.

Earlier, on 4 September 1736, another shipment had arrived from the same trading post via the Risdam, carrying:

• Completed trade records and payroll books.
• Standard yearly documents.
• 550 bales of tin, consisting of:
  • 250 bales received from the ship Bo Konings.
  • 300 bales of newly purchased tin.

Following instructions, 250 bales were distributed across three ships and sent as ordered. The remaining 300 bales were transported using the chaloup Ligor and the bark Dingietter, avoiding storage at the Amsterdam sea warehouse due to fears of piracy in the region.

The sender expressed deep respect and assured they would follow further orders as much as possible. They aimed to settle accounts by 16 December, coinciding with the arrival of Chinese junks. Merchant Cosk had also recommended this plan to the residents of Ligor.

On 20 November 1726, a shipment was sent from Siam (modern-day Thailand) carrying letters, documents, and a cargo of 500 bales of tin. Of these, 250 bales were distributed among ships anchored nearby, while the remaining 300 bales were brought along on the voyage.

The shipment also included records from a smaller trading post, sent earlier on 7 September via the ship Risdam. These records contained:

• Trade agreements and payroll ledgers.
• Standard yearly documents.
• An additional 550 bales of tin, consisting of:
  • 250 bales received from the ship Bokonings.
  • 300 bales purchased locally.

Following instructions from higher authorities, 250 bales were distributed among three ships and sent as ordered. The remaining 300 bales were transported using the vessels Ligor and Tingieter but were not stored at the Amsterdam sea warehouse due to fears of piracy, which was common in the region at the time.

The authorities in Siam expressed their commitment to following further orders as closely as possible, particularly regarding the expected arrival of Chinese junks by 16 December. This plan had also been recommended by merchant Colk to the officials in Ligor.

On 2 January 1726, a ship named Risdam arrived carrying official documents from Siam (modern-day Thailand). These included:

• A letter from merchant and chief officer Gregorius Hendrik Drageman and the Council in Siam to the Governor-General and Council of the Dutch East India Company in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), dated 28 November 1725.
• A decision made by the Council in Siam on 22 October 1725 about renting a local ship to transport supplies aboard.
• Two decisions from 28 October and 17 November 1725 regarding proposals by Governor-General Mattheus de Haan for appointing certain officials in Siam.
• A letter from the chief officer and Council in Siam to their counterparts in Japan, dated 4 June 1725.
• Three exchanged letters between Siamese and Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat) officials, dated 8 September, 26 October, and 3 November 1725.
• A translated request from the King of Siam concerning a young man who had traveled from Siam to Japan.
• Three statements, two of which involved Secunde and van Alderwereld, regarding the collapse of the shoreline near the seafront warehouses on Amsterdam Island (likely referring to Dejima, the Dutch trading post in Nagasaki).
• A translated document about Secunde van Alderwereld's close interactions with the English.
• A register listing all the letters and additional documents included in this shipment.

• On 30 March 1739, Simon Cornelisse Nieteland, the only heir of his deceased sister Marytje Cornelisse (widow of Jan Lubbertsz Nieteland), appeared before the notary Gerard van Otelaar in Haarlem.
• Simon gave his wife, Marytje Jans, full power to sell a property on his behalf.
• The property was a house with land located outside the city of Hoorn, in Risdam, which Simon had inherited from his sister.
• Marytje Jans was authorized to:
  • Sell the property publicly or privately, under any conditions she saw fit.
  • Transfer ownership to the buyer(s) ("Cooper" or "Coopers").
  • Handle any necessary legal paperwork to complete the sale.
  • Receive the payment for the sale on Simon's behalf.

On 10 November 1727, a report from Malacca included the following updates:

• The promotion of Pieter Albregts, the cook's mate from the ship Ouwerkerk, to cook with a salary of 16 guilders was approved.
• Jacob Jacobsz, who had been serving as a local surgeon and teacher in Malacca, was sent to Batavia aboard the Ouwerkerk to recover from a long illness. His role as a local teacher was temporarily filled by Steven van den Berg, a local citizen recommended by the church council.
• The survivors of the shipwrecked vessel Risdam also traveled on the Ouwerkerk, except for sailor Willem Martensz, who had died in Malacca.
• A request was made to officially approve the promotion of Pieter Albregts as cook.

On 29 December 1730, a ship from Siam was completely destroyed, leaving the crew with nothing but their lives. All goods and the ship itself were lost. An inspection revealed the ship was in such poor condition that it was shocking no one had noticed or taken better care of it. The writers criticized the Dutch East India Company (VOC) for accepting such preventable losses caused by the negligence of its employees.

The text also refers to a past proposal by former head Christiaan Cock from 20 September 1727. He suggested reducing wages for mint workers in exchange for giving local workers shares worth 7,000 or 10,000 units (likely guilders or similar). Two key points were raised for improving trade in Siam:

• The local people’s strong and unchanging customs made it difficult to reduce the annual supply of sappanhout (a type of wood), which the VOC would struggle to obtain.
• The King of Siam owed the VOC an annual payment of 1,000 catties (a weight unit) of tin and ivory. However, the current stock was only 900 catties, valued at 42 ducats per catty instead of the usual 40 ducats. This adjustment could help cover losses from minting operations.

The writers noted that avoiding this annual obligation would actually be more profitable, as the losses from minting (around 7,200 guilders, based on a letter from the ministers of 20 September 1727) would otherwise continue.

The letter, written in Siam on 29 December 1730, discusses ongoing trade issues and complaints about poor practices in the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

• The quality of ginger must meet strict standards to keep traders satisfied, ensuring it is pure and of good quality.
• Workers in the sugar warehouse in Batavia are accused of cheating. Reports from the Netherlands that year complained about poor-quality sugar and tampered scales, showing that fraud affects both Asian trading posts and the homeland.
• The journey of a ship to Batavia was poorly managed. Due to weak leadership and sickness among the crew, the ship barely reached the height of Johor before problems forced it to stop. This was a serious failure, as proper support could have prevented the loss.
• The ship Risdam had similarly struggled near Johor in 1726 before it was wrecked, showing a pattern of neglect in these voyages.

On 28 February 1727, a document was prepared in Malacca under the authority of Governor Hermanus van Suchtelen and his council. The document bore a black seal with the inscription "Sultan Alaiddin Shah, ibnu Oefsoe" (son of Oefsoe).

The papers listed were entrusted to a Chinese messenger, Tsim Tsonko, to be delivered to Governor-General Matthäus De Haan and the Council of the Dutch East Indies in Batavia. The documents included:

• An original letter from Hermanus van Suchtelen and the Malacca council, dated 28 February 1727.
• A copy of a letter sent in late January via the pachiallang (a type of vessel), marked as number 4.
• A copy of a resolution made by the Police Council on 12 February 1727, approving the urgent preparation of:
  • A letter to Daijieng Marewa in Riow.
  • Another letter to the captain of ship number 3.
• A report given on 12 February 1727 by Jan Schoon (assistant helmsman) and Anne de Haan (caulker), who had been on the ship Risdam. They described the shipwreck near Pulo Gadia, close to Pulo Simaon, and their arrival in Malacca via a Portuguese ship, the Nossa Senhora de Conceição.

The document also noted that a king from Johor, referred to as King Hendrik 9, had been sent from Malacca.

On 28 January 1728, a letter was sent from Siam (modern-day Thailand) by Smel Christiaan Cock, a merchant and resident, along with his assistant and second-in-command, Alexander Walaart. They addressed the letter respectfully to the directors of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat).

• The letter refers to an earlier agreement signed in Ligor on 8 September 1725, confirmed by notary G. Schryver.
• On 16 September 1727, the ship Risdam arrived, carrying a copy of a previous letter from the directors, dated 25 June of that year.
• The letter mentioned a bancosoij (likely a financial document or bill of exchange) that was supposed to be sent but never arrived.
• Cock and Walaart explained they had not sent the requested follow-up documents because the local governor, referred to as Berquelang, had promised to settle the matter himself—but had not done so yet.
• The writers were surprised by the directors' insistence on a formal order regarding the VOC's trading privileges, especially for tin. They noted that previous orders had been forgotten due to frequent changes in Ligor's leadership.
• They suggested the directors should remind the newly arrived governors, calling them "good friends," about these privileges.

On 28 September 1728, a letter was sent from Siam (modern-day Thailand) by Smel Christiaan Cock and Alexander Walaart, who identified themselves as loyal and respectful servants. They referred to an earlier document from 8 September 1725, signed in Ligore (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand) by G. Schriver, confirming their roles: Cock as onderkoopman (junior merchant) and resident, and Walaart as assistant and second-in-command.

The letter discussed the arrival of the ship Risdam on 16 September and mentioned a previous letter from 25 June that had not been fully addressed. The writers explained they had not sent follow-up orders because the local governor, referred to as Berquelang, had promised to fulfill the requests himself—but this had not yet happened.

The letter also expressed surprise at the urgency stressed in the recipient’s request for an official order confirming the trading privileges of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The writers noted that previous orders had been forgotten due to frequent changes in Ligore's leadership. They suggested the recipient should remind the newly arrived governor, referred to as Goede Vrunden (Good Friends), about these privileges.

In 1697, a letter revealed details about a shipwreck. The writer confirmed receiving 21 heads (likely referring to survivors) from a ship called the Risdam, which deserved attention. The rest of the details would follow the letter's content.

The letter mentioned that on 10 March, a Chinese captain named Tantijnko delivered a message in the Malay language. This message was originally sent by Dajeing Marewa, who held the title Kalana Draga, and was now acting as the governor for the king of Johor in Riouw (present-day Riau).

• The letter served as a notice that the ship Risdam had sunk near Batu Gadjah (on the Elephant's Reef, directly across from Pulo Babij) on 3 January.
• On 4 February, by his order, 57 people from the ship’s crew were transported by local boats under the supervision of the regent of Marsang to Riouw.
• He had provided the survivors with necessary aid from the ship’s supplies.
• Later, under a Chinese skipper and accountant, 21 people from the shipwrecked crew were sent back, including the ship’s captain, Hendrik Schoon, and the ship’s accountant.

On 17 June 1725, the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora de Piedade, led by captain Thomas Fletcher and assistant Roeland Beijts, arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on 4 February of that year. During the journey, 1 soldier had died. At the cape, 4 sailors and 5 soldiers either left the ship or deserted, while 4 new sailors boarded. The ship left Table Bay on 28 February without losing any more crew and arrived with a total of 147 people: 100 sailors and 47 soldiers.

The document also lists other ships and their details:

• Blijdorp: Arrived from Amboina with 9 people.
• An unnamed ship with Mr. Gloster: Arrived from Canton with 15 people.
• Risdam: Stopped in Nias with 8 people.
• Jacht Wijnendaal: Arrived from Samarang with 8 people.
• St. Nicolaas: Arrived from Macao with 5 people, including the new governor of Amboina, Mensoharmanus Ladenius, who brought 16 people to Cheribon.
• Noordbeek: Traveled from Amboina via Samarang.
• De Raadhuys van Plissingen and Bendveld: Two small ships (pantjalangs) named De Snoek and De Haai.
• Calcar: An English ship heading to Canton.
• Goram: A pantjalang from Cheribon with 11 people.

The Hoorn, another ship, had lost a military assistant and a sailor, with 13 soldiers and sailors still on board.

On 22 November, the authorities and lower officers of the ship Wapen van Hoorn completed their oath. This was reported to the Governor-General, who then decided to prepare the strong and sturdy ship Saxenburg and 17 other ships for departure.

A letter was sent with the ships of the second convoy to inform others of this decision. The goal was to reach the trading region earlier than in the past 5 to 6 years, hoping that traders from Macao and Chinese merchants would arrive on time. However, none had been reported so far.

A legal record from the previous day was presented at the meeting. It confirmed that the required oath had been completed by the authorities and lower officers of the Wapen van Hoorn. The issue involved a small amount (over 2 units) of Japanese copper, which the crew had improperly distributed from the ship’s cargo to a supplier named Levert. The meeting agreed that this matter had been addressed and resolved.

On November 22, officials confirmed that the crew equipment master and other involved parties were cleared of responsibility regarding the loss of the ship Gisdam. This decision followed an earlier investigation and declaration of innocence. The case involved two documents for Amsterdam and Zeeland, along with reports about Sumatra and the Cape of Good Hope. A note was also made for officials at the Cape to record the outcome.

Earlier, on November 3, the crew equipment master Michiel Weste, appointed skippers, and the advocate fiscal (a legal official) had examined the leaders of the ship Risdam about the loss of a boat in the Gulf of Siam. The investigation, led by the advocate fiscal Everhard Kraeijvanger, concluded that the crew was not at fault, as confirmed by a written statement. The officials accepted this decision as final.

Additionally, two letters were approved for the directors of the chambers in Amsterdam and Middelburg, addressing matters related to the West Coast of Sumatra and the Cape of Good Hope. A total of 9 related documents were also approved.

On 138 (likely a reference to a document or case number), officials discussed the return of a regular ship route instead of a new appointment. They excused two issues: one involving the payment of departure fees for 3 Portuguese ships, and another about a shipwreck near Hisdam.

Two letters were received by the government in Malacca, sent by a Chinese messenger named Tsim Tsong Ko. These letters, dated 28 February and 14 March, were from the ship Risdam and had already been shared with higher authorities.

The text also mentions:

• The dismissal of merchant Jan de Roode on 29 April due to unspecified reasons. He had left his role as a warehouse master.
• Three other junior merchants—Hendrik van der Bel, Gerardus Bernardus Visscher, and Joan Harman Theling—had also departed.
• Officials were ordered to return two ships to Malacca.
• The arrival and later departure of 3 Portuguese ships to Goa and Surat. These ships had initially avoided paying anchoring fees but were later excused from the debt to encourage trade.
• A report of a shipwreck near Pulo Timon, though one-third of the payment was still made in Malacca.

• The government's requests were mostly fulfilled by the ships Noordbeek and Bentveld.
• The election of Joan Frederik van Malacca is mentioned.
• Suchtelein was allowed to leave his post after serving for 10 years, with the condition that his salary would be paused until he found new employment. If he preferred, he could return to the homeland immediately.
• The ship Ouwerkerk was sent on 15 August with goods and supplies for the government, though not all requested items could be loaded. The remaining goods, including wood and equipment, were delivered on 7 and 22 of the same month by the ships Bentveld and Noordbeek, which were assigned to this location.
• A reply was sent via the Ouwerkerk to letters received from the previous year, confirming that Hermanus van Suchtelen was granted his requested release after 10 years of service.
• Joan Frederik van Malacca was nominated as the new governor to replace Suchtelein, while the current governor was assigned to Macassar.