Transcriptions » Recently generated summaries of recognized texts

This document appears to be a report about Dutch maritime activities in Asia around 1610-1612. The Governor General arrived in Bantam and departed for Ambon and Banda with his fleet. The ships Delft and Orange left Bantam in February 1611.

In Banda, they found the ship Hollandia taking on cargo. They began building a small fort on a hill overlooking Fort Nassau. The construction faced delays, and they remained there until August 30 when they planned to leave for Ternate with the ships Black Lion and Vlissingen.

The report mentions poor conditions in Ternate, where peace was not achieved. They left the ships White Lion and Arms of Amsterdam to load cargo, as the Banda people seemed interested in peace. However, the Dutch suspected this peace offer was insincere, believing the locals were trying to get rid of ships that could harm them, only to resume hostile activities later.

The document is dated June 15, 1612.

• The profitable trade returns
• The Dutch reputation among neighboring rulers in India

• The Spanish stronghold at Gammalamma in Ternate, which contained their main garrison, food supplies, and ammunition
• The large city in Tidore where the king held court

• 5 or 6 regular companies, including one of Papangos
• A fortress protected by a reef on the seaside
• A crescent of inaccessible mountains
• A fortified area called Gomasfou used as a retreat
• Several batteries and a large square redoubt made of lime

In this report about Dutch settlements in the East Indies around 1625, we learn about several trading posts and conflicts. At Larentoucou, the Portuguese used gifts and Catholic priests to win back over 4,000 Christian converts. The Dutch needed to strengthen their garrison at the castle, though they believed the Portuguese couldn't cause much damage since they lacked ships to sail to Timor. The Dutch maintained 4-5 small vessels to control ports and transport sandalwood. Jan Gijsbrechts de Vrij had died, and Crijn Jacobs van Raemsdouc was appointed as a merchant. The Dutch regretted not sending the Portuguese away to Gresi or Macassar after taking the castle, as agreed. Instead, they let them settle at Larentoucou, where Captain Apollonius Schot made a treaty with them. At Botton, the trading post was poorly fortified with just two small bulwarks manned by soldiers. The king of Botton promised to send 200 households to Banda to work with nutmeg and mace, but was considered untrustworthy. In Macassar, the trading post was in disorder after merchant Samuel Denijs died. The books were a mess, with no entries for a year. Abraham Sterc replaced him. The reporter suggests closing this trading post as it was costly and supplied the enemy Bandanese. Rice could be obtained from Japara and Japan instead. At Gresi, they found everything destroyed by Mataran 8-10 months before their arrival.

A person calling himself a blacksmith named Daniel went to visit Jacobus Meijburg. He had bought coal from Stephanus Sebastiaan Walters and had treated Meijburg's son's horse. As payment, he gave Meijburg's son silver buckles that were stolen from Willem Hartkamp.

He then went to widow Gilderhuijsen's place near Saldanha Bay. He asked her son, who worked there as a servant, for a night's lodging, claiming he had his workshop at widow Poul Jordaan's place and was just out for pleasure. After getting permission, the next day he accompanied Gildenhuijsen to farmer Jacobus Kloete's place near Massenberg.

He stayed there until the afternoon, but when Gildenhuijsen decided to remain there, he secretly returned to widow Gildenhuijsen's place. He told the slave Gabriel that he had permission to stay overnight. The next morning, he stole Gildenhuijsen's light blue coat or waistcoat, a musket with bandolier, and one of his horses.

He rode to Geelbek Fountain, the farm of Johannes Heufke. There, he told the slave Martinus he was Gilderhuijsen's servant out hunting. After leaving the stolen musket and bandolier at Geelbek Fountain, he rode to farmer Teunis Schalkwijk's place called Ganse Kraal.

On an evening, Le Roust allowed Gerrit to stay overnight when he came to collect a horse that was supposed to be delivered earlier. That same morning, a Khoikhoi person had asked Le Roust about the horse and was directed to his second farm nearby. During their conversation that night, Le Roust learned that Gerrit had stayed behind from an English ship that was in port in April. Gerrit had permission from the prosecutor to seek his fortune and wanted to set up a blacksmith shop. They reached an agreement: Gerrit would pay 10 rijksdaalders monthly for lodging at Le Roust's third property, including meals, coffee and tea (but not wine) for himself and a slave boy he would hire. Van Reenen had promised to help him establish the blacksmith workshop.

The suspect bought a horse from the wife of former leader Gerrit de Leeuw for 10 Rixdollars. He convinced someone to trade horses, with him paying an extra 10 Rixdollars upon his return from Groeneberg. At Groeneberg, he was supposed to collect wages owed to him by blacksmith Jan Joost Steenberg from farmer Andries du Foit. He told the other party to verify his story with Ian Le Roux, claiming he had agreed to work as a blacksmith for 40 Rixdollars per year, including food, drink, and lodging for himself and his servant. After exchanging stirrups and dishonestly obtaining the horse, he left for farmer Johannes van Aarden's place. Finding no opportunities there, he stayed just one night, pretending he came from across Berg River from Gabriel du Frit and needed to travel to farmer Louis Coetsee. He stole a snuff box from the slave quarters.

On July 21, 1646, at around 6pm in Amsterdam, Elsge Matheus, widow of Hans Jansz, made her last will and testament. She was physically healthy and of sound mind, revoking all previous wills. She left the following bequests:

• 2000 Carolus guilders to the Reformed Church
• 400 Carolus guilders to Saertge Willems, her late husband's stepmother
• 2000 Carolus guilders and her gold claw ring to Aeltge Jans, her sister's daughter
• 1000 Carolus guilders to Pieter Jacobs Ebbenhou, her late husband's nephew
• 1000 Carolus guilders to Ytge Jaco, his sister
• 500 Carolus guilders to Jacob, son of Maijck Bols
• 50 Carolus guilders to the Poor House

The money for Aeltge Jans was to be passed down to her legitimate children if she died. Half of Jacob's inheritance would go to Jaques Bols's children if Jacob died without legitimate heirs. Jans, a basket maker in the Niesel, was named as the universal heir for all remaining possessions.

These documents are correspondence from 1772-1773 between various Dutch officials in colonial areas. They include letters from Captain Lieutenant Henrich, Commander Tisscher in Sairogo, Sergeant and innkeeper in Gettam, Ensign and Commander in Passerouang, Governor van der Burgh, and Administrator Luzal in the eastern region.

There is also a translation of a Javanese letter from Jurragan Jania, chief of Noessa Island, to Commander Fisser, shown in Samarang on January 10, 1773, and correspondence with Bui Deremo Joedo. Additional letters are from Resident Schophoff in Oeloo Pampang and Balemboangang, and a report from the Mantria Kondor of Bansen.

A list of requested trade goods shows items that were ordered but not received for 3 years, and are now being requested again. The items appear to be meant for different Japanese nobles including Matsudaira Sangaro, Kamisama, and the Lord of Arima. Nabeshima Siranodono is also mentioned as a recipient.

• 2 sets of armor with iron gloves
• 1 finely crafted Dutch saddle with bridle and accessories
• 3 Italian plumes
• 10 of the best English knives and 2 power sums
• 20 units of black money
• 2 metal pots
• 20 gantang of wine
• 20 gantang of Spanish wine
• Additional wine allocations for specific nobles
• 100 good spectacles
• 20 reams of Dutch writing paper
• 5 wooden letter boards
• 10 large book mirrors
• 5 reading glasses

On 14th 1500, a list of trade goods was made. Several textile products were mentioned, including bleached Guinea linen and bleached Salampores. 1,000 pieces of fine bleached Parcalles were received that year, along with 1,000 pieces of bleached Allegias from Coromandel, 1,000 pieces of bleached red Chelas, 1,000 pieces of blue Radaphons, and 2,000 pieces of sailcloth, mostly black.

500 pieces of Sarasses were painted according to Japanese samples. The Thomese ray skins, which usually gave good profits, could not be sent in too large quantities. They needed to be well-protected from moisture and packed tightly, as the slightest dampness could ruin and infect an entire package.

From Persia, 3 to 4,000 pieces of black prepared goatskin leather from Esfahan were listed. From Surat, 150 to 200 picols of good Catchie were recorded. They didn't request any Putchock since Japan was still well-stocked and there was little demand. It was noted that if none was sent for 1 or 2 years, it would find a better market and return to its previous price. That year it sold for 17 Tael per picol.

From Siam, they had not yet received their annual order, which consisted of:

• 70 to 80,000 pieces of various deerskins
• 6,000 pieces of large cowhides
• 3,000 picols of sappanwood
• 3 to 4,000 pieces of buffalo horns
• 8 to 10,000 pieces of Aijnemonne and Onico ray skins
• 12 picols of wax for office use

In 850, various goods were requested, including:

• 3 barrels of Spanish wine and 6-8 half barrels of red wine, which fetched good prices
• 2 barrels of mum (beer) and 3 half barrels of olive oil
• Half a barrel of vinegar
• 5 barrels of butter and 1 barrel of preserved meat
• 30 picols of black Japanese sugar
• 5-600 pounds of almonds
• Persian flasks with capers
• 6 good sweet milk cheeses
• Persian dried fruits including raisins and prunes
• 3 chests of Surat soap, which was much needed and sometimes requested by governors
• Writing materials including 3 reams of regular paper, 2 reams of large paper, 600 quills, 3-4 penknives
• One small barrel of ink and some pencils for the Imperial Majesty of Japan
• 1-2 large Venetian mirrors measuring 6 palms high and 4 palms wide
• 1-2 pieces of Venetian or Persian gold brocade with flower patterns
• 1 Dutch sword with an intricately engraved iron hilt
• A collection of large prints for mounting on screens

These items were provisions and necessities for the trading office and to please important officials.

The report describes sailing activities near Banda from May 10-16, 1728. A captain navigated through waters near Great Kei and Little Kei islands. The ship used various depths for anchoring, ranging from 5 to 18 fathoms. The sailors faced changing wind conditions, mostly from the northwest. On May 16, they experienced rough weather with rain, and their staysail tore apart, requiring immediate replacement. During the night, they encountered unstable conditions with rain, thunder, and lightning.

The crew asked all natives from the Little Kei islands whether they had seen any foreign ships or other vessels in the area. The locals responded that they had not seen any.

• The journey involved careful navigation between islands
• Weather conditions varied from calm to stormy
• The ship required regular anchoring at different depths
• Local inhabitants were questioned about foreign vessel sightings

• From St. Laurens northward to St. Michael
• Through San Francisco to Corsuro
• From Corsuro to Geijta
• Through the forest to St. Sebastian

• Flee if Dutch people arrived
• Help Portuguese visitors with whatever they needed

• A mulatto who had killed Captain Waldeck
• 2 Dutch people without horses who had been convinced by Johan Fernandes Vieira to wait until St. John's Day

• Manage the estate
• Choose additional guardians if needed
• Determine inheritance portions for the children
• Handle matters without interference from external authorities

On September 13, 1634 in The Hague, a regulation was proposed concerning travel costs for civil servants and military personnel being transported between colonies in the Dutch West Indies. The document was sent to H.J., the Governor General of the Dutch West Indies, who forwarded it to the Department of Marine.

After reviewing the proposal on September 6, 1734, the Department of Marine (reference B3. 4072) determined the regulation matched existing colonial rules. The proposal specifically dealt with payments to commanders of war vessels who transported officials between colonies as part of their duties.

On September 4, 1814, the Major General, who was also Governor General of the Dutch West Indian possessions, stressed to the King the necessity of establishing fixed regulations regarding these travel expenses. The matter was considered urgent enough to require formal rules about how civil servants and military personnel should pay ship commanders when being transported between colonies on official business.

In 1891, 15 cinnamon growers owned a piece of land of about 22 ammonams. Half of this land, located in the limits of the village of Ambagam, was taken from them by Corael Don Louis. He gave it to a person from Mitelwittij under false pretenses, claiming the land belonged to the latter village. The real reason was that the Corael wanted to seduce the majorael's wife, and he would only succeed if he gave the land to her husband. After the transfer, he gained unrestricted access to her, causing public scandal.

All the araatchees and harpenaers of Nigombo complained that they had served under various Captains and dessaves for many years. However, none of the previous leaders had been as harsh and unreasonable in governing as dessave Joannes de Krouse. As evidence of his ungodly behavior, they testified that he had severely whipped and chained araatchie Anthonij de Welho and two harpenaers, Francisco Pieris and Francis Matthijs. He also chained araatchie Pedi Moerais without giving any explanation for their punishment. They added that while they could endure the shame, their subordinates now refuse to follow Company orders, saying they won't be commanded by disgraced persons.

A porter named Simittra Jagerero, living in Kage or Kirrege Pakene and carrying hunted game to Colombo, complained that his garden on Company ground was sold by Commissioner Joannes de Crouse and Captain Gregonius da Costa. The garden, containing only 29 young coconut trees and 5 soursop trees, was bought by bookkeeper Hendrik van Reijschoten for 13 rixdollars.

The document appears to be a trade order list from 1600s Holland to Japan, listing various goods requested by different Japanese officials:

For Sickendonne, the order included black goatskin leather, squirrel pelts, rare Sumatran bird feathers, snake fat, caiman oil, mastic, Spanish steel, turpentine oil, a fire-hose model, saffron, surgical needles, razors, emery, indigo, a mapmaker's compass, and various furs.

For Ando Oijckiosamma, square Dutch earthenware with handles and decorative crawling creatures was ordered.

For the Lord of Owari, crystal glasses and goblets were requested.

For Mathendeijro's son, large coral pieces were ordered.

For Inaba and Snaba Minosamma, carpentry compasses, a telescope, and two globes (one celestial, one terrestrial) were listed.

For Todo Daijkack Samma, the order included:

• 3 pairs of turkeys (male and female)
• 6 cassowary birds
• 6 long-armed baboons
• 2 Persian sheep
• 3 cockatoos
• Various rare birds from Java and other Indian regions

For Quiemons, the list included red clay pens, scented shaving soap balls, letter-wood planks, Italian white plumes, English knives, Dutch earthenware dishes with colored paintings, spectacles for different age groups (20 and 60 years), telescopes for government officials, Dutch horn lanterns, and large Dutch earthenware dishes. Portuguese-style iron storm helmets were also mentioned as the Dutch ones were found too heavy.

On 1738, in Orlis, some belongings of an old woman were found and searched. These included:

• 37 guilders and 11 stuivers in silver coin
• 2 gold items
• Coral necklaces
• 3 women's headscarves with lace
• 3 handkerchiefs without lace
• 3 head coverings with lace
• 3 without lace
• 6 upper and 6 lower caps
• A bundle containing:
  • Pieces of silk fabric (armozijn) in different colors
  • White silk garments
  • French linen
  • Fine cambric cloth items
  • Various cotton fabrics
  • Black silk gowns (samaers)

• 501 picols of powder sugar were darker than previous shipments
• They wanted feedback on which type sold better to adjust future production
• Sugar cultivation increased after they raised purchase prices
• They expected to produce about 12 picols that year
• Production was expected to increase further in the future

In Emmerich, Meurs, and Rheinberg, Gillis van Rijck served as a provost. Military payments were distributed to several soldiers including Pieter Jans van Greningen, Andries Gerenth, Jan Tchorne, Johannis van Tilburgh, and Adriaen Anthonissen.

The province had to support 315 soldiers, both cavalry and infantry. These included elderly, disabled, and permanent soldiers. Each soldier was paid 12 pounds for 42 days per month.

Additional expenses included service payments for a cavalry company in Coevorden and Captain Rutger van Soon's company stationed in Embden.

• Rembert Crombosch
• Pieter de Mortier
• Nicolaas Bondt
• Theodorus Avinck

• Couverden
• Courtjene
• Wester Amstel (a fluyt ship)
• Baeren (a small fluyt ship via Mallebaer)

• 70 crew members died
• 115 sick people were brought to the hospital
• Many more crew members later needed hospitalization

• 270¾ pounds of garden seeds
• 10 loads of wheat

In this legal document from Holland, payment details are recorded for services rendered by Notary Cornelis Knapper. The document lists several payments for various notarial services, including:

• 23 guilders and 14 stuivers for the notary's basic fee
• 14 guilders and 8 stuivers for drafting and writing the document on sealed paper (48 pages)
• 19 guilders and 4 stuivers for two copies
• 3 guilders and 12 stuivers for an extract regarding allocated annuities
• 22 guilders and 16 stuivers for three extracts for Jacob Kortpenning, Derk Kortpenning, and Leenden Kortpenning
• 13 guilders and 8 stuivers for administrative work
• 5 guilders and 12 stuivers for preparing additional documents

• Her children should keep their own clothes and personal belongings
• Her household goods could not be sold but must be divided among her heirs
• Professional appraisers would determine the value of the items
• Her husband had first choice of the following items at the appraised value:
  • 2 beds with accessories
  • 1 cabinet
  • 1 porcelain cabinet
  • 1 closet
  • 2 mirrors
  • 2 paintings depicting a lease
  • 12 silver spoons
  • 12 silver forks with a coat of arms
  • 2 fine napkins
  • 2 tablecloths of the best quality