Users of Open Archives can have summaries generated from the recognized texts (transcriptions) produced through text recognition (OCR) and handwriting recognition (HTR). Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable. In the transcripts, names are underlined in green and clickable (to search the personal entries on Open Archives for the name in question), the recognized dates have a light gray background and recognized place names have a light purple background.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1269 / 0425 A ship registry list from Ternate managed by Cattenbu Meerman shows various vessels with their service durations:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1269 / 0426 In 1666, the main company buildings in Nangasaki needed repairs. Nicolaes van de Roij ordered repairs for 315 guilders, including:
The total cost for all construction was 1,147 guilders. These repairs were necessary to prevent buildings from collapsing. During this time, Willem Volger forgot to record 838 pounds of Bengali silk in the trade books that was meant as gifts.
In 1667, several ships arrived with cargo:
Several ships had difficult journeys. The Cogge and Spreeuw took 60 days due to northern winds and calm seas. Constantijn Ranst on De Witte Leeuw left Tonquin on August 10.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1265 / 0212 In Combodia, a ship was looted and the trading post was burned. The books were also destroyed in the fire. The incident was reported to the governor of Nangasacki, with a request to take action against Chinese pirates from Formosa who trade with Japan.
Four ships - Rammekens, Geregtight, Cogge, and Spreeuw - delivered letters dated April 30, May 9, and July 20, along with copies of invoices and other documents.
On October 18 of the previous year, there were plans to speak with copper suppliers in Osacra about increasing copper shipments. However, the governor of Nangasacki had forbidden any Japanese to speak with them during the journey. The copper suppliers came to their lodgings but had to leave without meeting.
When copper merchants finally arrived in Nangasacki, negotiations took place over the price of copper. The merchants wanted 13 units per weight, while the buyers would not go above 12.5 units (the previous year's price). By October 1, they finally reached an agreement to raise the price once.
Samples of red and yellow copper plate were shown in Osacka and Nangasack. The yellow copper was priced at 8.75 units and the red at 24.8 units. These prices were considered too high since the copper could be obtained more cheaply in the Netherlands.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1265 / 0214 In 811, merchants in Naerdieh reported about trade activities. They discussed a contract for 400 pounds of camphor at a price of 14, which was half of the previous year's price. The goods had to be distributed to inland areas after deducting what was needed for the homeland.
The trading ship 'Spreeuw' and 'White Lion' began trading on the first of '88. They sold various goods including:
The document also mentions trade with Siam, which contributed 49,273.4 guilders to Japanese trade that year. The low quantity of leather goods from Siam was due to the war depleting manpower and people being pressed into service for the King of Siam. The trade included sappanwood, wax, hides, and various other goods.
The report concludes by discussing silk trade with Bengal, where they received only 424 packages instead of the requested 1,200, though what they did receive made considerable profits.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1265 / 0215 In Bantam on January 14, 1616, officials were dealing with various shipping and trade matters. The ship Solphijn was expected to arrive and would be reloaded quickly. Issues with indigo cargo were mentioned. The English were present with 4 ships and 2 small boats.
Four men from the ship Eagle of Delft were brought ashore in chains. They had plotted with a helmsman (who was executed on Mauritius) to kill the authorities and steal the ship. While their case was being investigated, three of them escaped and fled to the English ships. When asked about these men, the English captain first denied knowledge, then admitted they had been on a ship that sailed to England on the first of the month.
The escapees were:
On January 15, 1616, various documents were sent with the ship Mauritius, including trade papers, cargo lists, and copies of correspondence. The letter continues with financial matters and book-keeping records from various trading posts and ships.
On March 3, 1616, there was discussion about building a square tower in Japara, approximately 5 fathoms on each side and 4-5 fathoms high, with 2-3 floors and a gallery around the top for defense.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1063 / 0330 On July 20, 1612, a letter reported that Jacques de Cock sailed with the ship Der Veer. He was found unfit to command soldiers by the General and his Council, who decided to send him back to the homeland. The letter advises that when sending captains, they should choose good soldiers who can handle military matters wisely. The letter discusses debts owed by Captain Gerrit Gerritsz and Wouters. Captain Wouters left for Makian with the General, planning to return to the homeland without providing receipts for delivered goods. On March 4, 1613, the General went to Batjan and stayed there for about 5 months to repair the severely damaged fort. During this time, an Englishman arrived from Boutton with letters from the King offering help and support. The Englishman informed them that Timor and Solor could be captured with just 60 to 70 men. Captain Apollonius Schotte was appointed commander for this mission. The General returned from Batjan six weeks earlier to strengthen Maleye, where two forts were in poor condition. They decided to rebuild these with stone and lime. They also planned to build a stone house to protect goods from fire, as everything was currently stored in a straw house that could easily burn down.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1056 / 0219
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1057 / 0129 In June 12, 1614, after the death of Cristiaen ten Dorst, Adam Westerwolt succeeded him as director in the Moluccas. The writer expresses concern about Westerwolt's appointment, suggesting that a more capable person should have held this important position. The writer hopes that Governor General Reijnst will bring someone more suitable to perform these duties.
The writer received correspondence dated February 1, 1614 on the ship "'t Hert". The letter mentioned the arrival of ships from Vlissingen and Amsterdam, and the loss of ships "Witte Leeuw" and "Bantam". Many books were lost in this incident.
The writer discusses trade matters, particularly regarding cloves and pepper. He emphasizes that while assistants can handle buying these goods, the roles of director and governor require more skills. The writer has implemented new bookkeeping practices at various trading posts, including:
The writer also mentions that the Moluccas are well-supplied with various types of cloth and rice. He confirms that during his time in the Moluccas, they only received high-quality, dry cloves, as evidenced in the records of the "Zwarte Leeuw".
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1057 / 0381 On September 18, 1667, in Nangasaki, ships from Nomo and Foekefoeri reported seeing a ship 30 Japanese miles offshore. On September 20, 1667, they identified it as the merchant ship "Spreeu" from Batavia, carrying goods worth 842,715 guilders. The ship had endured two severe storms during its 60-day journey. The officials were waiting for another ship, the "Witte Leeu" from Tonquin. Due to northern winds, the "Spreeu" had difficulty reaching port. On September 22, 1667, they sent 5 tugboats to help bring it in. The governor of Nangasaki was petitioned about damages suffered by the Company in Cambodia, where their trading post was attacked and its chief killed by followers of Coxinga. They requested help in getting compensation from Coxinga's Chinese traders who traded in Japan. On September 24, 1667, they received news that the "Witte Leeu" had arrived from Tonquin, carrying merchant Constantinus Ranst and cargo worth 298,679 guilders, mostly Tonquinese goods.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1267 / 1386 This document appears to be a ship's manifest from 1669 listing crew members and passengers aboard the vessel Tulpenburgh. Notable crew members included:
The document records that there were 95 company servants and 99 people in total on board. Various monetary amounts in guilders were recorded against different names, likely representing wages or debts.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1269 / 1763 From August 11, 1669 to April 4, 1670, several letters and documents were exchanged between officials in Bengal and Batavia. Constantin Jansz, the director, and his council sent multiple letters to the General Council and the Council of Seventeen. Jacobus Verburgh, the senior merchant, handed over a memo to his successor Jacobus Salderus at the Patna trading post on December 20, 1669.
The documents include:
The final document is a copy of a letter from skipper Pieter Coopman to the General Council, written from the ship "De Vryheyt" in the Strait of Sunda on December 23, 1670.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1275 / 0010 On May 4 and June 20, 92 soldiers arrived at Batavia. Three ships from Ambon carrying cloves and the ship Klaverskerk safely reached Batavia. 13 return ships under Joan Thijsse safely departed from the Cape on March 26 headed for the homeland. The last 2 ships from Batavia were also in sight, giving hope that the return fleet would arrive early in the homeland's harbors.
In Batavia, Mr. Ranst departed as director to Bengal on June 13. News arrived that day that the large ship Hollandse Thuijn had reached Anjer in the Sunda Strait, and the ship De Vrijheit was in sight of Batavia. This confirmed earlier news that Willem III of Nassau was gloriously received in Vlissingen and honored with great splendor in Middelburg as premier nobleman of that province. Discussions were underway to elect him as stadtholder, with the Zeeland lords being so eager that they seemed unwilling to wait for the province of Holland's approval.
Of the eastern return ships, their patrol boat only encountered the Klaverskerk, but merchant Abbema did not choose to stop there, though it could have been done with as little delay as the unnecessary stop at Ambon.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1275 / 0259
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1275 / 0260 In a letter dated February 28, 1669, written from Homoa, Adriaen van Lier discusses several administrative matters. He mentions receiving military orders which he will post at redoubts and ensure they are followed. He addresses a debt matter concerning a soldier named Jan de Haen. The letter also references a ship arriving from Banda with mail. A second letter discusses the capture of Nicodemus at Amblau by church visitor Jan Hermansz, for which 10 rixdollars was paid. The letter mentions troubles in Boero and discusses justice being carried out in Ternaten. The document also mentions:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1271 / 0389 On June 13, Sergeant Jan Blinne returned from the southeast with the chaloup Banda. He brought the brother of the king of Adi, named Silisapij, and the orangkaya Amarossie, who was an envoy from Queen Beklouw. They came to ask for help against the violence of the Portuguese and their allies. According to general complaints, these troublemakers had been causing havoc in the surrounding islands, burning Company flags and treaty letters, and threatening to pursue with fire and sword those who wouldn't side with them. In Lakloi and Are, several people were massacred.
On Etter island, the sergeant found a Makassarese and a Javanese vessel. One was burned, and the other was brought back. Although the recently dispatched hooker arrived late in Batavia for the last European return fleet, it was still useful for promoting local trade. Jacob Doorgank repaid his bill of exchange of 200 rix dollars to the Company.
Due to occasional shortages of masonry stones, more should be purchased for this province. The fluyt Claverskerke, which Governor Jacob Cops will bring soon, will be partially loaded with these stones, and they also expect to receive straw with this vessel.
Regarding news received from Batavia via the yacht Witte Leeu, which sailed together with their ship to Amboina, they will address this in their response.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1271 / 0391
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1275 / 0261
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1267 / 1333 At the trading post in Nagasaki in October 1667, several business activities took place. Officials delivered sold merchandise and received copper payments. They sent two ships, the Witte Leeuw and Spreeu, to Batavia on October 22, 1667, carrying:
The total cargo was worth 475,724 guilders. They received permission for 8 people from Korea to leave. The Japanese celebrated a festival called Matsuri on October 24. On October 25, they held their fifth and final sale day, where most goods increased in price, resulting in a profit of about 1,500,000 guilders for the Company. The governors Iansabrod and Eauanna informed them that the Council in Jedo had not yet decided about unsealing ship hatches and delaying departures. The traders had to leave by the 6th of the next month. The final days of October and early November 1667 were spent delivering remaining goods to merchants and receiving copper payments.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1267 / 1392 This document lists soldiers stationed at the forts on the island of Ternate, including Fort Orange at Maleye, Willem Stadt at Tacome, and Calouco. The soldiers served under different commanders and on various ships. Here are the key personnel and their monthly wages in guilders:
The rest of the list includes lance corporals, young soldiers (adelborsten), a drummer, coopers, gunners, and regular soldiers, with wages ranging from 12 to 17 guilders per month. They served on various ships including the Delft, Banda, Hoorn, Erasmus, and Der Veer, under different admirals such as Matelieff, Verhoeven, and Pieter de Boot.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1053 / 0773
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1271 / 0570 On November 14, 1636, several matters were discussed in a meeting. Jan Iansen Coninck requested payment of property taxes for 1635 and 1636 for his warehouse rented to the Company.
Captain Comas Nickelsz complained that the Chamber of Hoorn in North Holland refused to pay his boy's wages and his own salary for the period when he served as ensign, lieutenant, and captain. He requested a letter to the Chamber requesting payment of 215 guilders and 10 stuivers.
Dester Jansdr, widow of Ibrahim Schellekens, requested payment of her late husband's wages, who had sailed on the ship Haarlem and later served as constable at Fort Nassau.
Dirck Evertsen, former captain of the White Lion ship, requested his final settlement. Pieter van Conincxloo, a glazier and glass writer, was granted permission to travel by ship after paying freight and recognition fees.
The ammunition commissioners were instructed to place 8-10 pieces on the ship Waterhout. Lucas Pietersen Raven, captain of the Samaraca, was denied additional claims except for 200 guilders subject to arrests.
The meeting also addressed tobacco inspectors' reports about a pilot boat arriving from the West Indies with tobacco. A letter from de Laet was read, and discussions were held regarding the ship Alkmaar and a case involving Paeuw and Stachoner.
The meeting was presided over by Samuel Rommert, with attendees including Reijnier Reaet, Jean Raeij, Abraham Spiers, Eduard Man, and Pieter Verleck.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.05.01.01 / 14 / 0418 On October 25,
After three trading ships left, the remaining goods were sold through a system of written bids. The market was better than in the previous two sales. The company made a profit of 1,579.76 guilders on their initial investment of 1,345,509 guilders. After deducting all expenses of the
The
Vermilion brought by the ship Schelvis from
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1267 / 1323 On March 2, 1641, a meeting was held following the death of Political Councilor Becker, who had also been treasurer. Since Nimuw Olphardh was left alone with treasury duties, and instructions required two political councilors to manage administration, Danel Albert was proposed as a new treasurer.
Three ships - the Leeuwinne, Stockmsch, and Snoeck - were sent to Bonaire to load salt. These ships had been chartered by the Amsterdam Chamber but couldn't get sugar cargo locally and lacked proper salt-loading equipment.
The ship Nassou, designated for slave trade, departed for Guinea with 140 barrels and letters for General Arent Jacobsz.
An agreement was reached with engineer Willem Loussen in Goijana regarding payment to the Company. He would deliver half of his sugar, both from what was currently in the purifying house and what would be ground in his sugar mill.
On March 4, 1641, after communication with Lieutenant Lichthart, the following supplies were ordered for the ship Utrecht:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.05.01.01 / 69 / 0125
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1255 / 0019 Find your ancestors and publish your family tree on Genealogy Online via https://www.genealogieonline.nl/en/