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View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0484  


I. R. van der Burgh wrote from Java's east coast on 5 April 1773. Long-standing difficult disputes over some villages or areas called dessas and tatjas had finally been settled and decided. These disputes were resolved by the ministers of the King and of the Susuhunan (a Javanese ruler), in the presence of the Dutch officials Straalendorff and Lapro. Van der Burgh was very happy about this.

He had the papers that the officials sent him translated into the Javanese language. He sent these papers along so that the King could see for himself how fairly everything had been handled. Van der Burgh did not doubt that the King, together with the Susuhunan and himself, would be satisfied with the division and arrangement that had been made. He was confident that everything would be approved by the King.

Van der Burgh asked that orders be given not only to have these papers signed and sealed on both sides (by the King and by the Susuhunan), but also to have proper registers made as soon as possible of the lands that belonged to the King and that he actually possessed. According to an earlier agreement, Van der Burgh wanted to be present himself when these registers were checked and sealed by the ministers and officials in Samarang. This would prevent such disputes once and for all.

Two subjects of the King had been sent to Van der Burgh from Solo:

Van der Burgh sent these two criminals to the official Lapro to be handed over to the King. He did not doubt that the King would make them experience the punishment they deserved for their evil actions, as a warning to others.

Radeen Adipattij Danoeridsa had written to Van der Burgh that one of the King's elephants had died. Van der Burgh had already asked the High Authorities to request another one from Ceylon. If the King would send his stable master in 1 or 2 months, Van der Burgh would let him choose from some horses from Bima for the King.

Van der Burgh sent greetings to the King and to Prince Adipattij Mancoenogoro with all his heart. His wife also sent greetings.

A copy of a letter from the undersigned to the Sultan was dated Samarang 16 February 1773. Another copy of a letter from the undersigned to the Susuhunan was also dated Samarang 16 February 1773. These letters contained similar information about the settlement of disputes over villages and lands between the King and the Sultan, and between the King and the Susuhunan.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0482  


On 5 April 1778, commander Luzac from Java's east coast submitted an account for extraordinary expenses that occurred during the year 1772 for the expedition, totaling 46 guilders and 36 stuivers. He requested approval for payment and write-off of these costs.

The Palembang leader Suragan Badar would not be taken to court upon his arrival regarding the conquest by pirates of the private vessel Sara Margaretha, as there was no sufficient evidence, following the authorities' instructions. Luzac would strictly follow the recommendation to ensure that the tax farmers of the domains paid their taxes on time.

Luzac forwarded a request from senior merchant and first resident at the sultan's court in Djojocarta, Ian Lapro, who asked to be relieved from his position and transferred to the main settlement in order to request transport to the Netherlands the following year. Luzac recommended granting this request favorably, as Lapro had always given complete satisfaction in his service. However, Luzac personally would have preferred if Lapro had been persuaded to abandon his wish to resign and return to the fatherland.

Luzac proposed merchant and second resident at the emperor's court Ian Matthijs van Rhijn as Lapro's replacement, as he had learned to interact with princes and nobles in particular and with the native population in general, and had knowledge of the current state of affairs. Van Rhijn would receive his current title and rank next to the youngest senior merchant, according to the authorities' determination in their general letter of 29 July 1767.

For Van Rhijn's position, Luzac proposed the 12-year bookkeeper Abraham van Heemert to become second secretary and salary bookkeeper in Soeracarta with the title of junior merchant, as he possessed all required qualities better than other servants at the coast who might otherwise be considered.

The sultan was always mindful of everything that nurtured his glory and ambition and was very attentive to whether equality between him and the emperor was maintained everywhere. He therefore noticed with concern that in Soeracarta there was a second resident who accompanied his greatest enemy Maas Said (who held the title of Pangerang Adipattij) at all solemn occasions in public, while his beloved son, who held the same title or that of crown prince at his court, had no one to accompany him at similar occasions.

According to the instructions, a junior merchant was designated for this position, and previously there had even been a second resident with the rank of merchant in 1764. A second resident was required just as much as in Soeracarta to take over affairs in case of illness or absence of the first resident and to function as sworn secretary keeping the salary books, which currently caused much embarrassment and double work for the salary clerks who already had plenty of work.

Luzac therefore proposed to the authorities to again place a second resident in Djojocarta and respectfully nominated the junior merchant and salary bookkeeper Paulus Jacobus de Blij for this position, maintaining his current rank or title. Due to his long stay on this coast, together with the previously mentioned Van Heemert, he had the prospect of fulfilling these positions. Both would receive the rank that the previous second residents at the courts Luzac and Lapro had held, according to the authorities' general letter of 1 May 1764.

Finally, Luzac requested approval to make a journey to inspect the offices and regencies in the west, to be held at

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0480  


On 5 April 1738, a report was written from the east coast of Java about activities in the Krayagang area, where someone had visited bird's nest cliffs to collect nests. The writer believed it was necessary to remove all hope from the rebels who were still roaming around and to prevent those from Nusa from being strengthened by help from Bali, Mandhaer, and other places where they seemed to place their hopes. The writer argued that peace in that area could not be secure as long as the island was not brought back under the Company's control. Since the islanders did not respond to friendly appeals, the writer proposed using force to make them submit. The writer found the plan suggested by the commander of Passerouang, van Rijke, in his letters of 25 February and 24 March acceptable. The commander and the brave regent there, Niti Nagarra, offered to carry out the operation themselves. They could use the pantjallangs (boats), the bark, and the defenses that were already in that area, as well as employ some of the ships that the regents had to prepare against pirates. Regarding the Balemboan affairs, the writer submitted something to the high authorities. The writer requested permission to follow the plan with some changes he thought advisable. He respectfully asked for reinforcement with some soldiers and sailors, because:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0479  


A report was written from 5 April 1773 about leadership issues in several regions of Java's east coast. The writer did not trust someone (name unclear from text) to take on the government of a regency alone, partly because locals might see him as a foreigner and possibly someone born in Bali, which would make him unsuitable. The writer was also concerned that if certain points mentioned by resident Schophoff in his letter of 14 March were confirmed, this person's merits would decrease significantly. For the Tinkelsewoesche area, the writer requested that someone familiar with the region be appointed who had connections to the regents of Joana Pattij or Damak and could quickly get assistance when needed. The writer asked for favorable consideration of Marts Nipojo. Regarding Maas Alit, reports indicated: Commander Luzac suggested in his letter of 12 March that the election could wait until common people in the villages were divided and placed under their minor heads. The writer had not yet proceeded with appointing a regent. A proposal was made to divide the land under two regents: the eastern part under Maas Alit and the western part under a certain Soemodirono, who was in Samarang and had been advisor and guardian of the current second regent of Soerabaja. However, the writer wanted to wait for investigation results among the common people and information about whether the two ministers who had been managing affairs since Jacanagara's departure continued to give satisfaction and could be trusted. The writer suggested provisionally appointing Maas Alit as regent without specific district assignment, while postponing judgment on dividing the lands and appointing a second regent until peace was fully restored and knowledgeable people had investigated the extent and condition of the lands, the location, size and population of the villages. Regarding the island of Noessa, the writer had previously on 4 March rejected plans to take a chance on Noessa and insisted on strict observance of orders from 9 December 1772. However, on 12 March the writer approved orders to prevent a plan that, according to unconfirmed rumors, the head Bappa Sanie (allegedly from Bancahoeloe) was said to have devised to make a landing on Java near Twee Gillem.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0477  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0475  


Luzac was ordered to pay the only remaining debt for received money, totaling 5,600 rijksdaalders. The employees together were reminded again of the old letter from 4 November 1771 not to keep more than 5,000 rijksdaalders, since the cash balance at the end of February had amounted to 2,800 rijksdaalders and 16 stuivers.

Regarding the construction of a new residence for the resident in Rembang, the writer asked to refer to what was mentioned in the general letter being sent. For the major repairs needed to the stone piers of the bridge in Japara, a specification and cost estimate would be prepared and submitted once engineer Soutman returned from Surakarta and Yogyakarta.

Instructions were sent to Surabaya for the carpenter foreman Dexter, who had traveled there, to provide a cost estimate for repairing the small fort at Triffel and constructing a new wall behind it. However, making a plan for rebuilding the Belvidera redoubt and arranging proper storage places for gunpowder and weapons in Surabaya would remain postponed until the engineer could be spared from his current work on fortifications and warehouses.

Following the qualification in the respected letters from 8 December 1712, the writer opened, read, and properly resealed letters from the Javanese governor. The writer thanked for the trust placed in him. The letters would remain in his keeping and their contents would be observed when necessary. Proper records were made at the secretariat and he would ensure nothing of their content leaked out.

The princes, according to the writer's letters to them and their replies (copies included under L: A: and B.), had fully confirmed themselves with the settlement of village disputes. Work was currently progressing successfully on exchanging and returning lands to each party, after which the register of each share would be started.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0474  


5 April 1773, from Java's east coast, it was stated that 1,000 coijangs (units) of rice needed to be delivered completely. This was ordered under threat of punishment as written in article 3 of the contract agreement passed on 20 October 1772. However, there was fear that they would not be able to meet their promises for this year due to lack of workers to help with farming.

The debts for 1771 and 1772 had been reduced in January and February to 1,471 coijangs. A reduction was granted, bringing the total down to 1,538 coijangs. It was ordered that rice delivered after 1 March would be used to reduce the debt for the current year. This change was made in favor of the company, since 67 coijangs that had been delivered were already counted toward reducing the previous year's debts. It was hoped this adjustment would be approved.

Efforts were made to convince the most important regents that by leasing out their territories and lands they were harming themselves and burdening their subjects. It was expected that many would be more careful about this in the future. They would help prevent being further exploited by the hardworking nature of the Chinese. The problem of Chinese influence had become too deeply rooted and needed to be stopped, as the deep penetration of that nation was harmful.

A request was made for permission to renew the prohibition against bringing newcomers to this coast. The number of newcomers was already very large everywhere and kept growing through frequent arrivals from Banjarmasin, Pasir, Palembang, Riau, Johor, Terengganu, and other places where junks (boats) came from.

The old contracts of the various regents would be renewed from time to time with necessary changes and additions, following the authorization given. Surabaya's officials were not only informed of the prohibition against further circulation of whole and half duits (coins) on credit in exchange for silver coins, but were instead permitted to receive up to 5 percent in copper coins in cash from lease payments from time to time. The same would also happen here.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0473  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0471  


A letter was received dated 2 March of the most recent year. This letter was addressed to Petrus Albertus van der Parra, who served as Governor General, along with the Council members of Netherlands India. The letter concerned various territories and peoples, including the Tongse territories and peoples, the Pradjakan territories and peoples, and the Sobrangse and Djambers territories. Additionally, secret letters and attachments were received from Java's east coast between 5 April and 25 August 1773, relating to Cheribon and Bantam.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0470  


This document is a list or index of various letters, reports, and declarations related to Dutch colonial administration in Java. The documents date from 26 April 1773 to 25 August 1773.

The records include:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0469  


The Political Council in Padang on Sumatra's West Coast held meetings from 30 January to 2 February 1773. The council discussed several matters:

The council members present included: D.E. Adam Frederik Adami (merchant and first administrator), Challier (junior merchant), Joseph (departing secretary of politics and elected chief of Poulo Chineo), Iesaias Ehrentzaut (junior merchant and fiscal officer), Frans van Kerchem (junior merchant and 2nd administrator), and Ian Marthin Scheffer (ensign and head of the militia).

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0458  


March 19, 1773, a report was sent from Malacca. Both brothers stated that they wanted to be warned some time in advance before any breakup would happen. They also showed fear and asked the commander not to interpret their refusal in a bad way. They said that if the East India Company decided to break up many things at once, they might sometimes change their mind. However, because all of this was uncertain guessing, no one could rely on it.

It was certain that the post at Pera was very important for the East India Company for various reasons. These reasons had been explained most clearly by former governor Mister Thomas Schippers and second-in-command Kretschiar in their separate letter of September 15, 1772 to the High Lords.

After careful consideration, it was decided to report all these circumstances respectfully to the High Lords at the first opportunity. In the meantime, while waiting for the positive orders from the High Lords, they would continue to operate at Pera in the old way. They did not feel authorized to break things up because no final decision had yet been made by the highest authorities.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0455  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0014  


A Chinese boat with a Portuguese pass suffered a shipwreck. The officers and sailors from the boat were examined but were found free from any suspicion. The failure to send the yacht de Grijpvogel (the Griffin) from Makassar to this place was dealt with through a reprimand. Regarding the Chinese small sailing vessel with a Portuguese pass that arrived in this province in the previous year 1693 at Ternate and suffered shipwreck there, about which notification was given on 8 December 1693, some people from this group arrived here from Makassar. These people were examined and found free from all suspicion. Therefore, orders were sent to Ternate by letter of 25 February of this year to also examine the others from their group if they had fallen into Dutch hands. If this examination agreed with what was done here, then these people would be set free and allowed to depart directly to their destination, just as had happened with the others from here. The fact that at Ternate in the year 1693 the Dutch orders had not been followed regarding the dispatch of the yacht de Grijpvogel to Makassar, but instead it was sent directly to Batavia, was dealt with under a serious reprimand by letter of 25 February of this year, considering that the reasons given could be considered to contain some appearance of justification. Regarding the payments to the new king Toleko, and what had been provided from the Company's treasury through Dutch officials in Ternate for the maintenance of his highness's children and blood relatives of the deceased king Amsterdam, this was deducted from the king's subsidy on Dutch orders. Then this king, according to the notification of 8 December 1693, was still owed 10,360 rixdollars or 31,080 guilders. Orders were given by letter of 25 February of this year to pay this amount to his highness under proper receipt and thus to settle accounts with him once and for all.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1540 / 0135  


On May 30, 1736, Marcus Benjamin, a merchant in Amsterdam, appeared before Daniel van den Brink, a public notary authorized by the Court of Holland. He appointed Moses Benjamins, also living in Amsterdam, to handle all his legal affairs. This included:

The document was witnessed by Pieter Clockener and Abraham Witte in Amsterdam.

View transcript NL-AsdSAA / 1338035 / 556  


On August 13, 1736, Judith Polak, widow of Benjamin Arons, and Moses Benjamins, son of Benjamin Arons, appeared before notary Daniel van den Brink in Amsterdam. They declared that Benjamin Arons had died in the night between August 5 and 6 and was buried on Monday August 6 according to Jewish customs. Due to the seven-day Jewish mourning period, during which Jews are not allowed to sign their names or conduct business, they could not file this document earlier. Once the mourning period ended, they wanted to declare that the burial of their husband and father was carried out only to fulfill their final duty to him, as they were unaware of his estate's condition. They intended to recover the burial costs from his estate. They emphasized that by arranging the burial, they had not involved themselves in managing the estate. They explicitly retained their right to either accept or reject the inheritance after careful consideration and gathering information about the estate. This declaration was witnessed by Abraham Witte and Abraham van der Poel.

View transcript NL-AsdSAA / 1338038 / 287  


In Amsterdam on December 8, 1634, a marriage contract was signed between Johanna Moses, widow of Salomon Metz, and Moses Benjamin. The contract detailed the upcoming marriage between Moses Benjamin and Regle Salomon Metz (daughter of Johanna and Salomon). The key terms included: The contract was witnessed by Nicolaes Lamoen and Ahus Sakers, and recorded by notary M. Servaas.
View transcript NL-AsdSAA / 1511077 / 265  


On April 13 and 14, 1698, several people appeared before notary Michiel Servaas in Amsterdam. These included:

They testified on behalf of Maria Brisco about her employment with Adriaana Hacquaert, who lived on the Heere Gracht. Pieter de Sterke, who had been Hacquaert's bookkeeper, was asked to calculate what goods Brisco had received and if it amounted to a year's wages.

Another document dated April 10, 1698 shows Judith Levij (wife of Nathan Kohen) and Gerson Nathan Kohen testifying about a marriage agreement between Moses Benjamin and Keyle Salemonis, daughter of Anna Moses (widow of Salomon Metz). Moses Benjamin promised to pay 150 guilders if Anna Moses fell into poverty.

A third document dated April 15, 1698 records Otto ten Dam, an apothecary and guardian of Anna van Swanenburgh, selling an obligation worth 3,300 guilders to Adam Tarwe. This obligation was issued by the government of Holland and West Friesland at the Leiden office on September 20, 1656.

View transcript NL-AsdSAA / 1511079 / 237  


On December 19, 1737, Adrian Baars, a public notary in Amsterdam, was asked by treasurers Nathan Coppels, Salamon Samuel Moses, and assessors Benjamin Joseph and Sarboche Samuel Moses from the brotherhood of Shomer Mitzvot (protectors of the commandments) of the German Jewish community to deliver a notice to Samuel Meijer.

The complainants stated that Meijer was wrongfully keeping in his possession:

The brotherhood claimed this prevented them from holding their ceremonial meetings properly and carrying out their charitable work. They demanded through the notary that Meijer return all items against proper receipt. They also warned they would seek compensation for all costs and damages if he refused.

On December 9, 1727, treasurers Nathan Cappels and Talomon Samuel Mozes, along with assessors Benjamin Joseph and Hartoele Samuel Mozes, had filed a similar complaint against Daniel Meijer Levij for wrongfully holding the same types of items belonging to their brotherhood.

View transcript NL-AsdSAA / 1176059 / 456  


In this letter from Dutch East India Company times, officials reported on various trade and political developments in the East Indies. The Chinese traders at Tabon and Carao had seized 2 junks, which affected trade prospects. They left 80 pieces of eight mainly to buy cotton yarn. The success at Banjarmasin impressed other Muslim nations, as its king commanded 50,000 men. His city was easily burned and destroyed, which made trading at Succadana safer. The English had also established a presence there. At Grece, the chief merchant Gurry was ordered to buy 10-12 Chinese silk picols at 70-90 pieces of eight each, to be sent to Macassar for 200% profit. The King of Goribaya received a Portuguese-language letter and gift from the Governor-General, which helped Dutch relations since the Portuguese had delayed responding to the king's request. At Japara, officials found: The writer suggested moving the trading post from Grece to Japara due to better ship access. This was proposed to President Matheo Coteelijk at Bantam.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1053 / 0472  


In Cambodia and Siam in 1632, several significant events occurred. Father Francis Buzomi carried a message from the governor of Manila to the King of Siam regarding a captured Spanish ship and its crew, demanding justice for Father Pulio Casar Marge, an Italian who died in captivity. Trade activities included: In Cochinchina: Jeronimo de Silvera, former captain-general of Macau, disappeared during his journey to India, leading to fears about his fate.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1110 / 0402  


Here is a merchant's report written in Batavia about trade and shipping matters in the Dutch East Indies around 1650: The merchant describes sending 89 piculs of sandalwood worth 2,748 florins. He mentions problems with traders in Larentoucque who had promised to deliver 45-50 bahar of goods but secretly loaded them onto a Macassar ship instead. He reports that an Italian free citizen's ship in Batavia was taken by the English in Macassar and sold to the Portuguese. The Dutch ship St. Nicolas tried to pursue it but failed to catch up due to unfavorable winds. The writer complains that the English in Macassar are supplying their enemies with: He discusses plans for trade along the coasts of Timor and requests proper equipment for three ships, including a new frigate under construction that will carry 6 guns. The merchant criticizes the poor state of supplies provided and warns about the dangerous waters around Timor with its storms and winds. The report ends with plans to send out 4 champans (small vessels) for trade, working with local rulers and Christians living near the fort. He also mentions allowing free citizens to engage in trade, though their first attempt was unsuccessful.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1094 / 0777  


In Macassar on October 8, 1651, officials received a message saying their arrival was welcome. They were allowed to appear the next day, provided they would send advance notice. They then called their council together and discussed various matters. They made decisions which were recorded in a resolution document, but the secretary had lost this document.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1186 / 0933  


On October 9, 1681, in Macassar, the first harbor master and two interpreters came to the trading post with many armed men to escort officials to the king's court. Around 10 o'clock, they rode there on horseback in a specific order:

At court, they found the king with his nobles. They were seated and made their proper greetings. They thanked the king for his friendship and requested permission to keep their trading post for another year, even though their ships were already overloaded. Prince Craijn Patingelo answered on behalf of the king, saying that as long as they continued to behave well, the friendship would remain strong. The king granted their request to stay another year, though this would not break the original agreement. The King of Ternate's letter was then read aloud publicly.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1186 / 0935  



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