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On January 29, 1731, in Banda, there were good expectations for cotton, sassafras, and sappanwood trees. Shell tortoiseshells and mother-of-pearl shells were also found in the forests. On the Aru islands of Wokam, Wammer, Rumawa, and Maykor, they discovered:

• 11,160 coffee trees
• 173 sassafras trees
• 18 sappanwood trees

They expected these plantings would do even better over time. Sergeant Wenselman was sent 1,000 coffee tree seedlings for the local chiefs in Aru. He was instructed to take good care of them and to put more effort into collecting tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl shells to meet the demands of the trading company. To encourage the natives, they were allowed to receive 1 to 1½ guilders for bringing shells aboard.

There were high hopes for rice purchases on the southeastern islands, but this failed when commissioners returned with only 45 measures instead of 3 loads. If more supplies were needed, they were directed to get them from Ternate due to increasing farming in Manado. Merchant Hendrik Meijer and Commanding Sergeant Frans Hendrik were instructed to deal with pirates who had robbed the company's vessel Nova Hollanda.

• The local people were unwilling to help
• The inland people refused to show where mother-of-pearl shells could be found

• People would only trade 8 to 10 shells for an axe and a parang (knife)
• A severe epidemic had killed 250 people in the previous year

• Follow orders more carefully in the future
• Try to achieve better results when the trading junks arrived

• Coffee
• Cardamom
• Sandalwood
• Sassafras

On September 13, 1724, in Ternate, three flag bearers - Caspar Constand, Pieter van Woudenberg, and Willem Willemsz Pining - requested to be promoted to lieutenant following Lieutenant Eijsnagh's promotion. The assistant and political secretary Joannes de Ree asked to be relieved of his duties or be promoted to junior merchant. A young man from Banda, Adriaan van der Woerd, requested to be employed as a soldier for the East India Company and to be assigned to administrative duties.

The governor had been trying to obtain mother-of-pearl shells since the previous year. He inquired with the people of Ternate and Tidore, but nobody could find such large shells. The Ternate people said that when they occasionally find such a large shell, they buy them from each other to decorate their sword hilts, paying one piece of cloth worth 2½ reals.

They searched throughout the Moluccan kingdoms without success. When the king of Tidore's boat returned from the Papuan islands, they only obtained 10-12 small shells. The governor also sent out native boats to search the reefs and sandbanks under the control of the three main kings of Ternate, Tidore, and Bachian, but they returned with only a few small shells.

In 803, officials reported on several matters concerning the Banda islands. A sergeant explained that native inhabitants were unwilling to dive for shells or reveal where these shells could be found, as they used them for their own trade. The natives demanded payment of 1 axe and 1 parang (knife) for 10 shells. The sergeant's written response also mentioned that the low harvest of turtle shells was due to a severe epidemic affecting 250 people, but he promised to improve the situation.

The commissioners informed all residents of the South West Islands about various crops including coffee, cardamom, and spices, but found no nutmeg or clove trees. The natives seemed willing to plant coffee, cardamom, pandanus wood, and sassafras once they received the seedlings that officials had requested from Amboyna.

The report confirmed that no genuine nutmeg or clove trees were found in the South East and South West Islands, nor were any foreign ships spotted. As was customary, patrol boats were sent to the southeast to monitor unauthorized vessels.

In 1531, a private trading ship from Sourabaija carrying 150 Coijangs of rice sank near Macasser while traveling to Banda. This caused concern because it might discourage local residents from making similar shipments in the future.

Ministers were instructed to ensure that good quantities of mother-of-pearl shells were brought from the South Eastern Islands to meet demand. They were also advised that military personnel would be transported on the ship Silver Lion from Java. Assistant Joseph Lucas from Batavia and Political Secretary Nicolaas Kloek were assigned to governmental service. The authorities promised to send 40 European military personnel, though they stated they could not provide additional assistance at that time.

In the 1788, people discussed issues with various vessels in Batavia. The ship Baars needed some repairs and supplies. Another ship, the Macassar, which was damaged at Ambon, provided some needed items.

Two vessels left port, including a vessel called Baars that transported Commander Constants and carried pearl shells and damaged goods. From the Macassar's cargo at Ambon, they received some needed supplies.

Willem van der Sluijt and Christiaan Karouw oversaw the disposal of 1903 pounds of coffee beans from a cargo brought from Batavia on the Baars. This was done in the presence of two legal officials and a prosecutor.

Two older vessels, the Jonge Jan and the Lonthoir (purchased in 1788), were becoming unusable but still had to be employed due to necessity. Officials requested a new medium-sized vessel to replace these two.

There was also discussion about the costs and durability of different types of boats. According to Equipment Inspector 's Gravezande and van der Sluijs, native boats (orembaijs) lasted twice as long as European-style jolls, though maintenance costs were similar for both types.

On August 22, 1736, there was a discussion about trade relations in Makassar. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) had issues with their allies Bone and Gowa. The text discusses several trade matters:

• Rice had not been purchased by the Company for several years
• Trade items like sheep from Timor, and mother-of-pearl shells from Kayeli could not be traded without payment tokens
• In 1735, no purchases were made, but in 1734, 8 picols and 30 katis of bavet, plus 50 picols and 68½ mother-of-pearl shells were delivered to the Company
• These shells came from Borneo and surrounding islands, not from Banda
• The payment rate was increased to 25 percent
• There were concerns about monopolies benefiting Company governors and servants at the expense of poor natives
• Textiles were being sold at a profit of not less than 100 percent
• Trading with locals was impossible without payment tokens
• The high authorities in Batavia ordered these matters to be handled with care and caution, especially regarding relations with the courts of Bone and Gowa

In 1829-1830, plants from Boero died during transport in soil containers. Officials were ordered to send seeds instead of plants to Ambon via the Boero ship, which had been stranded twice at Timor. They sent a box of sandalwood plants and seeds, which was approved. Since the recently sent sandalwood plants died during the journey, and officials believed trees would grow better from seeds than plants, they were ordered to stop sending plants and instead send seeds in soil-filled containers. The officials were repeatedly asked to try to obtain mother-of-pearl shells, despite difficulties mentioned in a letter from August 20. An extract from a respected missive dated September 11, 1734 was sent to them regarding this matter. Regarding the so-called golden copper mountains where sandalwood grew, the Company saw no chance of success. Head officer Visscher requested to return to the Netherlands due to illness. This was granted, and merchant Aart Jansz Peper was appointed as his replacement with a salary of 60 guilders per month. Peper was chosen based on his previous good conduct. A native teacher was also sent to replace another who had recently left.

In Banda in 1783, government officials Hageman and Willemsz were unable to complete their assignment of mapping the islands and their reefs. However, they successfully traded 92 picols of pearl shells. The leaders of Tammer and Warkaeij were given an official document and a flag as a sign of recognition.

Governor van Pluren planned a military expedition in October of that year to address unrest in Ambon. The officials expressed sympathy for the loyal Keffingers who suffered due to their loyalty to the company. The rebels from Pulo Gisser, Ceram Laut, and Goram were causing problems. The government promised to protect and support the loyal Keffingers as much as possible.

Private trade was expected to improve due to prospects of peace and better prices for products. The citizens of Banda were granted their previous trading privileges.

On June 5, 1745, a message from Makassar stated that rice would be charged at 30 rijksdaalders per Last to Ambon and Banda. They were also asked to purchase tortoiseshell, gold, and mother-of-pearl shells. They had already sent tortoiseshell twice to Batavia. Officials reported that mother-of-pearl shells and gold were rarely found in significant quantities on the western parts of the island, though tortoiseshell was available.

The officials expressed concern about purchasing large quantities without knowing the acceptable price ranges for different grades of materials. They requested clear pricing guidelines for tortoiseshell, gold dust, and mother-of-pearl shells (if the latter were to arrive from the Poulaut islands). They wanted to avoid making costly mistakes in purchasing.

The message also mentioned the Boeseroen Islands, but due to the western monsoon, they had not yet been able to inspect whether these islands could be fortified.

On 22 September 1741, officials in Banda reported that native people were neglecting to collect horns and shells. Commissioners believed that during the quiet season, they could still recover heavy guns and anchors from the ship Spiering that had wrecked on the beach the previous year.

The inhabitants of Mattabella island reported that a small ship from Ambon was attacked, its goods stolen, and its people sold to the Cerammers. Unrest continued on Theeuwer island, where the Kilfouwers, working with people from Oedjier on Great Kei, had been selling their coconuts to Cerammers, who had brought about 50 vessels there.

At a meeting arranged by commissioners, about 50 armed men attended, some with firearms. The Company's leader Lastaff, his brother, and many others from Massawin village, where Dutch troops were stationed, were killed.

To stop illegal trade from Macassar, although smugglers had not been seen in the previous year, officials decided to send the ship Kraaij when westerly winds arrived, followed by the ship Arouw. After completing their patrol, they were to attempt salvaging guns and anchors from the Spiering wreck when eastern winds began. They would use Ceramese divers and necessary equipment for this operation.

Officials ordered an investigation into the goods stolen by the Mattabellers and instructed merchants to free the captured Ambonese people for the usual price of 28 reals, which would be repaid by their relatives.

During the eastern monsoon, it was impossible to reach the remote Aru islands, which lie east of Banda. Recently, a well-equipped boat called "De Jonge Ian" that was supposed to bring rations and collect pearl shells, along with another private vessel, had to return after drifting to the Papuan coast due to early eastern winds. This was considered lucky, as they might have been killed if they had landed on Aru as usual. Due to these circumstances, they had to wait until November or December to undertake the necessary journey with local small vessels, for which the Governor was making preparations. The Corps of Sipais agreed to stay for another year instead of being relieved. They could provide the same good service as their colleagues in Ambon during the great Ceram troubles, where the First Designer was present personally. Governor De Bock of Ambon was requested to provide reinforcement of 100 volunteer citizens or natives as military personnel. Banda, being surrounded by slaves and with limited garrison, couldn't spare enough command for nearly half a year. While the request was sent to Ambon, no response had been received yet. The Governor hoped that with this support, they would be able to:

• Restore everything possible
• Arrange compensation for traders
• Collect double the quantity of pearl shells

In Amboina on June 12, 1729, coffee production declined due to lower prices. The natives were voluntarily delivering the coffee without much encouragement. Indigo from Amboina was of good quality, and mother-of-pearl was delivered for the first time, with a quantity of 1,272 pounds or 10 1/12 picols. Free citizens were encouraged to search for these shells.

A document signed by van Bokland in Victoria, Amboina on June 1739 lists required spices and trade goods. The document mentions:

• 600 pounds of mother cloves
• 2,000 units of sassafras wood
• 8 units of Coelij larrang oil
• Cajuput oil to be sent in September
• 1,000 pounds of deer horn
• 15,000 pounds of black ebony wood

The document was signed by G. v B. v. Blokland in Amboina Victoria on June 7, 1739. It also includes a provisional request for funds, trade goods, and provisions needed for the province of Amboina for the year 1740, to be approved by Governor-General Adriaan Valckenier and the Council of the Dutch East Indies in Batavia.

In 1729, a report discussed pearl shell collection problems in Ambon. Local leaders unanimously declared they couldn't meet delivery requirements. The shells were becoming impossible to find on their beaches. A standard inspection of measures and weights was performed twice, following the proclamation of May 4.

In 1328-1329, there was a smuggling incident involving Abraham Tenoe and his wife Maria Bauwan. They were charged by the fiscal officer before the land council for taking possession of someone else's plantation and stealing 51 units of cloves that weren't delivered to the company.

The ministers requested printed copies of regulations in both Malay and Dutch languages to be posted annually. However, this was deemed impossible to implement at the time. This was related to an earlier decision about clove trading from December 9, 1716.

A report dated June 12, 1739 from Amboina describes various trade activities. The coffee production decreased due to lower prices, with the locals neglecting the trees. Indigo deliveries were expected in September, though the crop wasn't thriving well. Pearl oyster shells were harvested for the first time, yielding 1,212 pounds, and efforts would be made to encourage free citizens to collect more shells.

The document, signed by G. V. R. V. Blokland at Amboina Victoria on June 7, 1739, includes orders for various goods. These include:

• 660 pounds of various items
• 1,000 pounds of corn
• 15,000 pounds of black ebony wood

For the upcoming year 1740, a provisional request was made to Batavia, addressed to Governor-General Adriaan Valckenier and the Council of the Dutch East Indies, for the following items:

• 600 pounds of whole cloves
• 2,000 pounds of sassafras wood
• 30 pounds of lawang oil
• 8 pounds of cajeput oil

This text describes indigenous crafts and natural products from the Dutch East Indies. The museum displayed 32 common animal species and their products, including sea cucumbers, turtle shells, mother-of-pearl, edible bird's nests, buffalo hides and horns, snakeskins, and bird feathers.

In Ambon, local women made artificial flowers from feathers that were superior to European factory products. Beautiful bird feathers from New Guinea, Halmaheira and other eastern islands were valuable trade items. Rhinoceros horn was highly valued by natives as an antidote for snake venom.

The text describes various indigenous crafts:

• Fine silver filigree work from Padang
• Copper items from Old-Acham, Sumatra
• Weapons like machetes and spears
• Stone carvings made by chain gang prisoners in Borneo
• Lacquered wooden boxes from Palembang
• Clove decorations from Ambon
• Flower wreaths from Ternate
• Shell rice spoons from Surabaya

The text also details textile production, noting that indigenous cotton sarongs, though more expensive than European versions, had better colors and showed more artistic originality. The finest sarongs came from Surakarta. The natives excelled at weaving and used materials like cotton, silk, pineapple fiber, and Manila hemp. They were also skilled at making items from bamboo, rattan, and palm leaves.

According to the text, in 1894, there was growing concern about bird hunting in New Guinea. Hunters employed by merchants in Ternate were killing large numbers of birds, especially paradise birds, for their skins which fetched high prices in European markets.

L. Tortes Fonnet, himself a feather importer, warned about this destruction in a speech to the French National Acclimatization Society on April 6, 1894. He noted that in the Moluccas and New Guinea, paradise birds and other species were being heavily hunted. In German New Guinea, protection laws came into effect on January 1, 1892, requiring special permits for hunting these birds.

The text identifies several problems:

• Bird populations near the coast were already depleted, forcing hunters to move inland
• Most birds being caught were young ones with less valuable plumage
• Killing males before breeding age threatened species survival
• The quality of bird skins was declining while quantities increased

Bird skins were being shipped from Banda, Ternate, and Macassar to European markets, particularly Paris and London. Prices varied greatly, with shipping crates worth between 300 and 5,000 guilders. Competition between traders had driven prices up significantly, which only encouraged more hunting.

In September, English ships were spotted near Saonek. Their captain had gone to Moemos on Waigeoe and returned with the Raja of Waigeoe. On October 12, they reached Moemos on Waigeoe. The Raja of Waigeoe, dressed formally in black coat, white pants, white vest, and shoes, came aboard and reported that in mid-September, English schooners had requested permission to fish for pearl shells for 14 days as a trial.

The English promised to return in 2-3 months to make a contract if the harvest was good. The Raja agreed but with conditions:

• They couldn't fish on banks used by local people
• They needed government permission for any contract

The English captain claimed he had asked the resident of Ternate for permission. During their 14-day trial, the English collected 64.5 picols of shells and gave 6.5 picols to the Raja as payment. The Raja sold these shells for 170 per picol to Maijmond Kelly and a Chinese supercargo from the Ternate ship owned by Oan Swée. The English captain gave the Raja a letter to send to Ternate, but it was taken by the controller. The local people only fish for pearl shells in shallow waters during good monsoon seasons with quarter moons when there isn't too much current.

Between 1829 and 1876, customs records from the department of Ternate show various exported goods and their values. The following items were traded:

• Oil
• Elephant tusks
• Mother-of-pearl shells
• Birds of paradise
• Saijongs (a type of textile)
• Provisions
• Writing materials
• Rice
• Sago
• Tortoise shell
• Steel pans

The records detail both the value of these goods and the customs duties collected on them. The values and duties fluctuated significantly throughout this period, with birds of paradise being one of the more valuable exports, reaching values of up to 8,224 units of currency in some years.

On September 10, 1732 in Ternate, officials discussed a copy report and invoice. They expected resident Heijmans to show more enthusiasm in collecting horn and pearl shells at 15 Rixdollars per picol, even if it cost more. They also wanted as much wax as possible since supplies were running low. They were pleased about the promising grain delivery and harvest, hoping it would succeed with God's blessing.

On June 10, 1734, from Castle Orange in Ternate, Johannes Bernard (extraordinary council member of India) became commissioner of the Moluccas on May 6 of that year, along with Paulus Rauwenhof who replaced Governor Elias de Haeze. A detailed report was written by merchant Cornelis Backer about a commission along Celebes' northwest coast.

• Personnel statistics of different nationalities recruited and re-engaged in the Department of War during the first quarter of 1899
• Reports from the Resident of Banke about disturbances in that region
• Reports from the Resident of Moenado dated March 25 about unrest in Svemalata
• A secret letter from the Assistant Resident of Gorontalo dated March 9
• Finance Director's reports dated the 10th showing import and export duties and excise taxes in Java and Madura for the first two months of 1898 and 1899
• Similar financial reports for outer territories for January of those years

On the island of Ternate in 1730, officials were dealing with several trade issues. They discovered fraud involving mother-of-pearl shells, where coarse gunny sacks had been substituted for the actual shells. The authorities decided to take strict measures against such fraudulent practices. A letter dated July 6, 1730 was sent to Bengal regarding textile prices. The ministers in Ternate were ordered to follow proper procedures for textile trade according to current market conditions. According to a letter from the Lords 17 dated September 15, 1730, mother-of-pearl shells had brought good profits in the Netherlands. To encourage locals to collect more shells, officials increased the purchase price. They also wanted to prevent other nations from taking these valuable items from the Moluccan district. The text also mentions the shipwrecked vessel Thienhoven on its way to Manado. The ship's journal was examined by the Equipment Master and maritime experts in the presence of the fiscal officer. Due to a continuous shortage of wax, which was difficult to obtain even for daily use, the authorities increased its price to 22 rix-dollars per picol, provided the wax was properly cleaned and didn't show excessive loss when melted.

This text describes trade patterns in the Dutch East Indies during an unspecified period. Various goods were imported and exported through Makassar with many items moving between Netherlands, Singapore, Java, and other locations in the archipelago. Major trading destinations included:

• Menado
• Ternate
• Amboina
• Timor-Koepang
• Timor-Dilly
• Flores
• Celebes
• Spermundes Islands

Common trade goods included:

• Matches
• Manufactured goods
• Furniture
• Mineral water
• Fashion items
• Oil
• Opium
• Horses
• Paper
• Rice
• Spices (including nutmeg and cloves)
• Tobacco
• Tea
• Tin
• Salt

Many items were either consumed locally in Makassar or redistributed to other parts of the Dutch East Indies. Some goods were completely in transit (doorvoer), while others were partially used locally before being re-exported.