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• Rice in Macassar cost 48 reals of eight per last, up from the usual 16
• Maximum rice production was about 200 lasts per season
• Rice was bought partly by the King and his relatives
• Various cloths could be traded for up to 60,000 reals of eight yearly
• Money from cloth sales couldn't leave the country due to poor gold quality, but could be exchanged for Chinese gold, tortoise shell, rice, sandalwood, and silk

• 5 strong seaward points with 8-10 guns each
• A weak northern side with unbaked stone walls

During this historical period, there were concerns about finding good household managers in India. The Governor from Amboina faced challenges with cotton production in Batavia. The text discusses issues with slave management and the need for proper masters, as some free citizens and Mardikers needed supervision themselves.

The situation in Banda was difficult, as they refused to accept slaves without masters. In Batavia, they had trouble finding good masters for their slaves. There was a need for committed people from the Netherlands to stay in the region.

The farmers in Batavia were described as lazy people who were content with basic provisions like sago and simple clothing. They preferred living off the wild forests rather than farming. There were concerns about their weak commitment to Christianity, partly due to the lack of dedicated preachers and schoolmasters.

Willem Jansz was mentioned in connection with Banda. The text also discusses relations with Macassar, where Governor Speult visited with a fleet. He was received with great ceremony by the King of Macassar and entered peace negotiations.

The peace with Macassar was considered beneficial for:

• Strengthening commerce in Batavia
• Directing traders to the castle of Amboina for clove trade

An Italian vessel and a small junk brought 45 loads of Macassar rice to Batavia. The Danish ship under Waterhout obtained about 40 bahar of cloves in Macassar during the previous Western Monsoon. The English were unhappy that the Danes had gained an advantage in the clove trade in Macassar.

• The actions were taken by individuals without orders from the President and Council
• The Italian actually owed money to English Company officials from private trading

• The ship N. Bantam and yacht Purmereijnde departed for Bantam to relieve the yachts Arent and St. Nicolaes
• News arrived about an escort being sent from Mataram to Tegal for their envoy to the Susuhunan
• The English yacht Swalbe left for Japara
• The Arent and St. Nicolaes arrived from Bantam, with the Arent carrying the remains of Admiral Geen Huijgen Schapenham, who had died the previous year in the Sunda Strait and had been buried on an island near Bantam

On August 28, 1626, the yacht Arent departed for Bantam to replace the yacht Goope which needed urgent repairs. On August 31, 1626, the Italian Juan Maria Moretti arrived in Batavia from Macassar via Jappare. He had left Batavia for Macassar in February with his yacht Diana. In Macassar, English merchant Hendrick Shiort had captured Moretti and seized his yacht, claiming to act on orders from the English President in Batavia. Shiort sold the hull and sails to the Portuguese leaders for 1,600 reals but kept the guns as they belonged to the Dutch.

Shiort sent the crew back to Batavia but kept Moretti prisoner for two months. The English planned to hand him over to the Portuguese for a gold chain worth 500 reals, to be taken to Manila, but French and Dutch people prevented this. Moretti escaped but was chased by four Englishmen who were ordered to kill him. Spanish people at the market rescued him, thinking he was Spanish, and brought him to the Portuguese leader.

The King of Macassar later visited Moretti, freed him, and treated him well. The King told him about his expeditions to Bouton, Solor, Sumbaija, Inde, and Bima, and allowed him to return to Batavia to seek justice. The King was awaiting a response from the Dutch Governor-General to his letter sent with Governor Herman van Speult of Amboina.

Moretti learned that Shiort had sent 100 reals for his company and additional funds to Amboina to buy cloves at 125 reals, planning to sell them to the company for 250 reals. Shiort had also arranged with the Portuguese to send a frigate to Amboina with an ambassador to tell the local chiefs that the Dutch had no power. The ambassador died in Amboina, and the ship returned with only 5 bahar of cloves.

On February 1626, the magistrate was released from arrest, which he said was to his disadvantage. President Specx addressed this matter, stating it was formally settled by the Board of Aldermen. If anyone felt wronged by the verdict, they could appeal to a higher court, which would not be denied. When the meeting ended, his Excellency strongly urged the President to ensure none of their people would be taken aboard the ready-lying return ships to England.

On Friday, February 13, the long-awaited ship Schiedam arrived from the homeland, having departed from Zeeland on March 17. The crew consisted of:

• 118 sailors
• 45 soldiers
• 5 married couples

30 people died during the journey. The ship was blown off course from Cape of Good Hope by storms and sailed to Madagascar for supplies, staying at St. Maria Island for several weeks.

The yacht Arnemuiden also arrived from the Sunda Strait on the same day, having been sent with the return ships to the homeland. These ships were reported to have reached the open sea the previous day.

On Saturday, February 14, by order of the Governor General, Jacques Specx and Anthonio van Diemen, Council members of the Indies, along with Secretary Dooreslaer, went to meet with the English commissioners. After exchanging friendly greetings, Specx addressed the President and his Council, discussing a certain extract from letters that the President had delivered to his Excellency two days earlier in the castle.

On February 17, 1626, a meeting was held to discuss shipping arrangements between the English and Dutch companies. The English president brought up an order about transporting 212 loads for the Dutch Company. After reviewing letters recently received from England on the ship London, the English were willing to transport the cargo on their ship called the Reformation, which could hold 200 loads. However, they lacked enough crew members and requested 60-70 additional men to properly staff the vessel.

The Dutch Governor-General expressed regret about not knowing this earlier before their return ships departed, as they could have kept one ship in the region to help crew the English vessel. Due to current staff shortages, they couldn't spare any men. The matter was postponed for 10-14 days for further consideration.

Finally, the English president complained about procedures by the local magistrate regarding a dispute with an Italian captain, Juan Maria Moretti, who commanded the yacht Diana. Despite being legally detained before his departure to Macassar over certain debts, the magistrate had intervened.

On Sunday March 17 1626, the ship Woerden left for Bantam with provisions for the guard ships there. The ship Wapen van Zeelt arrived from Gresik bringing cattle, buffalo and horses. The frigate Muijs remained there to watch for expected Chinese junks.

From officials who stopped at Jepara, it was learned that the English ship Reformation had arrived from Macassar. In Macassar, it had seized the yacht Diana, which had been sent out against common enemies under the Italian Juan Maria Moretti with permission from the General. The Dutch sailors who had been allowed to sail on the Diana had all taken service with the English and arrived in Jepara on the Reformation. The Company's guns that had been entrusted to Moretti were loaded to be brought back.

The yacht Woerden arrived from Bantam with news that Pangeran Gede had died on March 13. The English ship Reformation arrived from Macassar carrying about 120 cloves and sandalwood purchased there. They had stopped at Jepara to load planks and cattle.

News arrived that the King of Macassar had conquered Buton and sailed to Bima and Solor intending to incorporate them as well. Two Danish ships had been in Macassar and obtained some cloves before departing for Borneo to get pepper in Sukadana and Banjarmasin. A Chinese junk captained by Lunthien carried 1800 for the trading post.

On August 13, 1703, at the Castle in Macassar, there was a report about unauthorized sailing by subjects in the bay of Tonum. When the King of Bonij would visit the Castle, they planned to complain about this issue, though they believed it would have little effect since the problem had deep roots. The Chinese merchant 't Jatko returned to the harbor on that day. He had left on June 16, 1702, with proper permission to trade in Manado. He reported to the governor that he had left Manado on August 23 but encountered severe headwinds and strong currents near the Banka strait. After drifting for seven days, he anchored near Mindanao. At Mindanao, he met a Papangar chief and traded wax for iron. The local King Kaloo informed him about a large ship with a red flag that had anchored near Bissaija or Bantul about eight days earlier. The ship, believed to be English, fired several cannon shots but neither the crew nor the locals dared to make contact. The ship later sailed westward, presumably toward Simo. On February 18, 1703, it was reported that about 60 Bugis people had settled in Bangaij with 20-30 vessels. These Bugis traders were buying all available tortoiseshell and wax in the region, including the gulf of Tomimij and Gorontale, to transport to Macassar. They traded with various textiles, silk fabrics, and Chinese rolls. Most vessels reportedly belonged to the Chinese Captain Ongwatko in Macassar.

On February 1, 1629, Andries Coggins wrote a letter from Macassar regarding a shipment of goods on his trading vessel. He listed various items including:

• 50 pieces of white hare Gilams
• Various types of silk (satins, damask, and velvet)
• 404 plain Armosijns
• 12 Corge blue Boulonghs
• 32 pots of Arak (liquor)
• 8 Koyang of rice
• Various food items including meat, preserved food, bread, fish roe, and eggs

He requested permission for his helmsman to sell these goods at current market prices. Any profits were to be invested in nutmeg and mace, which he planned to give as gifts upon his return to England. He also sent some items as gifts to the letter's recipient, including bread, leather goods, preserves, and English strong water (spirits), wishing the recipient good health and success in their business.

In March 1635, the garrison at the Banda Islands consisted of 351 European soldiers. The governor advised that all fortresses were well protected, though they planned to increase this number to 400. The total population in Banda, including various nationalities, was 3,842 people.

The financial records for 1635-1636 show:

• The Company drew 1,907 3/8 reals from Batavia, worth 48,648 guilders
• Total Company assets in Banda, including provisions and ammunition: 236,899 guilders
• Expenses from March 1635 to February 1636: 114,955 guilders
• Profits during this period: 98,444 guilders
• Overall deficit: 16,510 guilders

On March 11, English Captain Randel Jesson from London arrived at Pulo Run in his ship "Pearl" near the former village of Lochum. Governor Acolei sent representatives to remove the Dutch garrison of 10 men from the island. Jesson declared in writing that his only orders were to inspect Pulo Run, not to take control. The Dutch garrison therefore remained to prevent hiding of fugitives. Jesson requested permission to anchor at Pulo Ai for water, which was politely refused, though the Dutch offered to send water to his ship.

Captain Randel traveled to Pulo Ay to meet the governor. After being denied permission to trade sugar in Pulo Run, he sailed from Banda to Amboina on March 20, arriving at Outtomoerin on March 27. When Governor Jochum Roeloffsz of Amboina and Director Arent Gardenijs learned of the English ship's arrival, they sent representatives to warn them to leave since English ships were not allowed to anchor there. After initial resistance, the ship departed on March 29, clearly dissatisfied, leaving two written protests dated March 19.

The ship Buijren arrived at Castle Victoria on January 27, followed by several vessels including Wassenaer, der Goes, and the fleet under Commander Pool with the yachts Zeebur, Zeeuschen Nachtegael, Cleen Amsterdam, Wesel, Waterloose Werve, and Waterlandt, arriving on March 22.

The ship Leeuwinne returned on June 22 carrying 197,402 pounds of cloves worth 54,365 guilders. The cloves came from several areas:

• 81,875 pounds from Hittoe
• 5,841 pounds from Oma
• 67,940 pounds from Larike
• 32,249 pounds from Amboina
• 9,497 pounds from the Uliasser Islands

The yacht Zeeuschen Nachtegael returned empty with Director Arent Gardenijs on July 22. The yacht Waterlandt arrived on September 14, and the yacht Cleen Wesel arrived with the latest letters on October 6.

• Departed on January 24
• Arrived in Martapoura on February 2
• Left on February 9
• Passed through Laut Poulo canal on February 15
• Reached Samboppo on February 19

• 4 English ships sailed to Macao but were poorly received by both Portuguese and Chinese in Canton
• The Chinese took over 30,000 reals from them
• Woddel sold one ship to the Portuguese
• He departed for Goa via Malacca with three ships carrying cargo and royal treasure worth 800,000 reals

• Was about 25 loads in size
• Carried 6 small iron guns
• Had a crew of 30-35 people, including only 7-8 English sailors, plus people from various backgrounds (Chinese, Macassarese, Bandanese, and mixed-race individuals)

On June 1636, the ship Galiasse encountered Spanish reinforcements from Manila between the islands of Hieri and Ternate. The Spanish forces consisted of 2 ships, a yacht, and a brigantine. After a battle with 6 Dutch deaths (including the barber) and 15-16 wounded, the Galiasse had to retreat to Marquian.

The Spanish fleet consisted of:

• Admiral's ship with 46 guns
• Vice Admiral's ship with 36 metal guns
• Yacht with 10 guns
• 300 Spanish and 200 Pampanga soldiers, including 50 captains and reformed lieutenants

The Spanish Admiral angrily confronted the Gogugu (chief minister) of Tidore, accusing him of deceiving the Captain General in Manila about the situation in the Moluccas. The Gogugu had claimed that the kings of Tidore and Ternate would join forces against the Dutch, but instead found Ternate at war with them.

Despite Governor Broeckum's attempts through warnings and threats to convince the King of Ternate to break his peace with the Spanish and Tidore, the king made promises but never followed through, giving various excuses. On January 27, he finally appeared at the castle, stating he was ready to wage war against the Spanish, but not yet against Tidore due to sworn contracts.

On March 6, 1636, a fleet departed for Amboina, arriving at Castle Victoria on March 22. The ship Leeuwinne arrived from Banda at Hitou on May 16, taking over cloves from the ship Buijren. The ship Leiden, loaded with Banda spices, departed on May 18.

1,608 Spanish reals were paid by some free citizens at the trading post. A free citizen named Pieter van de Camer returned on the Leiden. He had sailed to Amboina and Banda in November for private trade in his yacht called Nieuwicheijt, which he sold there.

On his outward journey on December 4, Van de Camer fired four cannon shots at Grifse. Between Grisse and Sortan, he encountered a Javanese ship. After his crew of 9 sailors captured it, about 15-16 small boats from shore forced them to abandon their prize.

Near Balimboangh on December 11, 11 large vessels surrounded him. After exchanging fire, they retreated to harbor and raised a white flag. When Van de Camer went ashore to meet the king, he found 206 armed men who claimed they had driven away the Mataram.

Governor Jan van Broeckum's report from March 20 mentioned that ships Galiasse and Tessel arrived safely at Maleijo on February 21 and March 3. The Galiasse had run aground in the Buton strait, forcing them to throw 8-9 loads of rice overboard. On March 1, Governor Van Broeckum sent the Galiasse and Thoolen to sea under command of chief merchant Joannes van der Haghe to intercept Spanish support from Manicha to Gammalamma.

On March 1, 1636, Commander Pool sailed to Buton. On March 3, he arrived and fired three cannon shots while raising a white flag. The city responded with three shots. The king's two interpreters came aboard with some boats. Pool gave gifts to them and the king. He requested the release of a Dutch woman and six Dutch people who were captured by the people of Makassar the previous year. On March 4, when many local boats came alongside with the interpreters, Pool noticed their ill intentions. He killed about 35-36 people and captured 76 others. He sent an interpreter and a Buton native to tell the king to release the Dutch prisoners in exchange for his captured subjects, or he would kill all the captured people from Buton. The king, afraid, immediately released Elsjen Jansz (the wife of skipper Saskerdouwensz) and six Dutch people in exchange for his 76 subjects. He asked for peace and forgiveness. Elsjen Jansz and the six Dutch people reported that the king had treated them well. However, a nobleman called Orangcaij Capattij, brother of the Captain Laut, had threatened to kill them. Three prisoners who tried to escape on an English ship to Dulo Ron were punished severely: they were tied up, had water poured over them, and red ants were placed on their bodies while they stood in the sun all day. The people of Buton had planned to kill Sir Gijsels when he visited the previous year but didn't because of the Hitu nobles who were with him. They also dug up the grave of Evert Hulft and threw his remains to wild animals. Commander Pool finished his mission in Buton on March 6.

In the Banda Islands on March 21, 1638, there was severe weather that prevented travel to Poulo Aij. A ship's boat from Leiden carrying nutmeg to Nera was driven against the shore, losing 3,000 pounds of cargo.

On March 25, a 24-foot snake was brought from Gannongh Apij. It had killed and swallowed a 30-year-old slave woman who had been working in her master's garden. Soldiers from Lonthoir shot and killed the snake.

On March 26, the deserter Jan Jans Ijtges, who had previously been returned by the people of Ila Mau and had tried to desert again in Ambonio, was executed by hanging.

On March 29, Hendrick Pontcaes was examined by minister Justus Hurmus and promoted to preacher. That afternoon, the Governor-General sailed from Nera to Poulo Aij. Near Lonthoir, they received a note from merchant Pieter Willems about an English yacht anchored near Poulo Ron. Upon arriving at Castle Revengie on Poulo Aij, they sent additional soldiers and ordered Sergeant Jan Nieustad to prevent any English from settling on the island.

On March 1638, in the Banda Islands, several events took place. The area was inspected, including a bay and valley near the shore. The journey continued to Lammer or Lackoij bay behind Lonthoir, where there was a suitable sandy bay and anchorage. A small guardhouse was considered necessary near Castle Hollandia. The party then traveled to Nera, arriving around 8 PM.

On Sunday March 21, a large sloop arrived from Amboina with a letter from Governor Joan Otto dated March 18. The letter reported that on March 14, the yacht Akersloot had arrived from Batavia via Macassar, followed by the ship Wassenaer on March 18.

Director General Philips Lucasz reported from Batavia on February 9 that:

• Peace negotiations with Bantam were proceeding
• Japanese profits had improved due to the emperor's recovery
• Regular dispatches from Batavia were being handled properly

Chief merchant Hendrick Kerckringh reported from Macassar on March 5 that:

• Rice was expensive and hard to obtain
• The Akersloot had to leave empty, only carrying 3 loads of rice sent as a gift from the King
• A Japanese resident had gifted a brown Macassar horse
• 2 Dutch deserters from Amboina were recovered
• 20 vessels had sailed to trade in spices
• English chief Json Hunter planned to sail to Banda to claim Pulo Ron
• A Portuguese yacht reported its companion vessel had been captured by Dutch naval forces

On March 12, 1732, at Banda, two officials were appointed: flag-bearer Michiel Hillig and assistant Johannes Justinus de Kester. They departed on March 20 with the sloop "de Reuk" to the South Western Islands. Their mission included:

• Providing supplies for the Company's garrison on the South Eastern Islands
• Collecting 3,000 cans of coconut oil
• Gathering as much tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl as possible
• Appointing a new chief (Laf-Laf) over Moesoelwaen village, replacing his deceased father, and giving him a cane with a silver knob
• Instructing Sergeant Hendrik van Leeuwenberg at Arouw to collect tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, and to plant coffee, sappanwood, sassafras, and teak trees
• Requesting the inhabitants of Wammer to build a new church and teacher's house
• Investigating why the chiefs of Wokam refused to help ship captains catch illegal wanderers in the previous year
• Ordering local leaders to provide future assistance in capturing these harmful wanderers, as they were Company subjects, with the promise that they would receive the captured vessels and two-thirds of the goods found (except weapons and crew)

• 8 male slaves and 1 female slave from various kings
• 1 additional male slave on August 21, 1723
• 60 birds of paradise
• 25 lory birds

On August 20, 1738, officials reported on turtle shells and pearl shells collected from Banda. They also discussed problems with people from Macassar. These wanderers had been seen near the Papuan Islands, where about 70 of them forcefully took some goods from local citizens' vessels.

Following yearly custom and a decision from June 2, officials inspected all spice lands in the province. According to their reports, the only notable issue was that citizen Willem Mouritsz needed more slaves for his land. Since his separated wife had died, his land would likely change owners because he couldn't pay what it was worth above what he owed.

The spice lands were searched for clove trees by appointed inspectors. Matthys Claasz and two assistants searched the accessible valleys and reported they found no clove trees or shoots. Investigations were also conducted on the islands of Rosingain and Rhun for nutmeg.

On May 27, 1732, officials discussed pearl oyster shells, which were becoming scarce in Arouw due to the low price the Company was paying. They considered raising the prices since the trade was still profitable according to recent sales.

Nutmeg samples from the Aubijse Islands, sent via the ships Meijenberg and Hogersmilde, were similar in quality to those sent the previous year from Macquian and Montier. These nuts were slightly inferior to others. Officials reiterated previous instructions to remove such trees wherever they were found.

The text praised Governor Relat's conduct, noting that he showed diligence and attentiveness in serving his superiors' interests better than others had done. They indicated that his efforts would be recognized at an appropriate time.

In 1720, the Prince of Sullok sent 4,055 pounds of mother-of-pearl shells as a gift. The shells were 8-12 inches in diameter. The Dutch authorities in the homeland demanded 6,000 pounds of such shells. In Samarang, these shells were valued at 3 rixdollars per picol, with the largest shells considered most valuable in the homeland. Some shells were brought to Samarang by vessels from Sullok and were traded by Chinese merchants before the homeland's demand arrived. Later, an additional 1,375 pounds were found and sent to the homeland. The shells could be found in Banda or on islands visited by citizens and Company vessels, where they could be obtained for 3-4 rixdollars per picol. If the requested quantity of 6,000 pounds could not be entirely fulfilled, a partial shipment would be acceptable. The ministers in Ternaten were also asked to look for these shells, and they should coordinate with those in Banda. A separate shipment of 532 pounds of turtle shell was received on previously named ships.

• The church had been repaired
• Work on the teacher's house was ongoing

• Officials inquired about black ebony wood, but locals said none was available
• The Company promised to set prices for coffee once locals could supply it
• Teacher Moses Pieris from Banda received notice of a salary increase
• Gardener Fredrik Valenthijn de Vries was denied a salary increase but was told it might be reconsidered if he showed more dedication to planting coffee, sappanwood, and sassafras trees. He blamed his poor performance on illness but promised improvement