Transcriptions » Recently generated summaries of recognized texts

Fully AI-GeneratedUsers 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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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. The results of the application of (European) artificial intelligence have not been verified by a human.


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:

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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1119 / 0713  


Here is the summary in HTML:

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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1119 / 0711  


Here is the summary in HTML:

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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1119 / 0709  


In Banda Islands on March 30, 1638, a sergeant returned from Pulo Run reporting that he had found 10-12 Macassarese and Chinese people, both men and women, collecting vegetables on the beach along with some goats and chickens. They quickly fled to their vessel when they saw him. He sailed around the English yacht where he saw 6 small rusty iron cannons and many people but few English. The captain called to him, but he politely declined to stop, saying the governor was at Pulo Ay. Later that day, the skipper and captain returned from Nera with company soldiers and lieutenants. In the afternoon, they sent a Mardijker boat to Pulo Run to observe the English, who reported that they had occupied a citizen's reed house near the former village of Lochom. His Excellency inspected Castle Revenge, the warehouses, and the parks, finding them in good order except for a fallen wall section on the western side that was being repaired. The castle had built-in water tanks and pots since Pulo Ay only had rainwater. The island was pleasantly planted with spice and coconut trees. On March 31, 1638, the Governor General and his company, including 2 companies of soldiers, embarked in 9 vessels (2 sloops, 1 tingan, and 6 orangbaijs) from Pulo Ay to Pulo Run. They landed near the English yacht where the previously mentioned citizen's house stood, which some of the English had already occupied. The English captain, after firing a welcome salute, was surprised and disturbed to find the Governor General there, as he had only expected the governor. After exchanging polite greetings, His Excellency addressed the English captain.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1126 / 0887  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1126 / 0885  


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:

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

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1126 / 0882  


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:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2236 / 0059  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2380 / 0313  


In 1720, a shipment of 4,055 pounds of shells was sent from Zullok, received as a gift from the ruler. These shells were valued at 3 rijksdaalders per picol and measured 8-12 inches in diameter. More shells were brought to Samarang for trade and transported by Chinese merchants. An additional 1,375 pounds was later found and sent to the homeland. It was determined that similar products could best be obtained in Ternate, either from Zullok and surrounding areas or from islands under the control of the kings of Ternate and Tidore. There was speculation about whether mother-of-pearl shells could also be found on islands visited from Banda. The goal remained to fulfill the order of 6,000 pounds of the shiniest shells from Ternate, requiring correspondence with officials in Banda. Written in Batavia Castle on February 5, 1723 by Matthijs de Haan. Additional items received included: The remaining requested items could not be obtained at that time.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2005 / 0204  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2236 / 0088  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2005 / 0198  


In a report from Banda dated August 17, 1732, officials encouraged local leaders to collect mother-of-pearl shells. The sergeant was told to motivate locals to dive for these shells, following orders from important officials in Batavia. However, when the sergeant visited the villages of Warkaij and Kreij to discuss shells and turtle shells for the East India Company, locals threatened his life, saying they preferred selling to Macassarese traders who paid more. Regarding infrastructure, locals reported that: Sergeant Hendrik van Leeuenberg exchanged 7 faulty muskets and bandoliers for better ones. He received 30 measures of teak seeds to distribute to village chiefs for planting. Other matters discussed:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 7990 / 1198  


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:

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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 7630 / 0212  


In Banda on August 24, 1726, a sergeant was warned to put more effort into collecting tortoise shells and mother-of-pearl shells than he had done before. If he didn't improve, he would be replaced by someone else. The sergeant responded with two main issues: He explained in a signed written statement that: The sergeant promised to: The commissioners presented requests to the local people about planting: The locals agreed to cultivate these plants once they received the seedlings. A Christian leader from Waij made a request about a male slave named Fidede, who had belonged to teacher Gregorius Kitthijl, who was killed on June 17, 1723.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2050 / 0265  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2037 / 0093  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8093 / 0392  


In Banda and the surrounding area, some local tribes collected and traded shells. 900 cans of lamp oil and 125 pounds of turtle shells were sent to the homeland, along with 30 mother-of-pearl shells that came from Banda. The report mentions conflicts between certain Cabroon mountain people and the Dutch East India Company's subjects on Arouw island. This was discussed in letters dated June 9 and August 20. The pirates would hide in secret places when they felt outnumbered, making them difficult to catch. The Company's subjects requested permission to fight their enemies in the Company's name for self-defense, which would likely be granted. The report also noted that no genuine spice trees were found in the area.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2002 / 0086  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3683 / 0128  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3956 / 0049  


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:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8208 / 0479  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2331 / 0139  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2649 / 1237  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 7642 / 0652  


Here is the summary in HTML:

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:

The Alfurs and other inland people remained cooperative and continued trading even while trouble occurred at the foreland. The case of Lieutenant Johannes Herdelman's commission and activities in 1786 remained unresolved due to uncertainty about the nature and circumstances of events.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8034 / 0152  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8000 / 0648  



Previous pageNext page

Find your ancestors and publish your family tree on Genealogy Online via https://www.genealogieonline.nl/en/