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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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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 unknown date, a shipment was sent to Ceylon via Gale containing 7 packages of various clothes, iron and steel, worth 28,081 guilders and 6 stuivers. The main cargo was valued at 77,221 guilders and 15 stuivers. Additional transactions were recorded in the Coromandel ledgers at the General Office of India. A credit of 139 guilders was recorded for 6 bales containing 60 pieces of red English cloth, sent from Malacca with the Alphen. These goods arrived too late in Batavia to be forwarded to Suratte as originally intended, according to Extraordinary Councilor of India and Governor Balthasar Bort. Half of this shipment was kept for Golconda as a trial, with plans to send the remainder to Persia via Nieuwenhoven. The Blue Fisher carried a Palliacat cargo of:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1284 / 0238  


In 1919 a shipment included sharp leather hides and in 1750 there was a delivery of forged iron cannonballs. Along with 2000 pieces weighing 2222 pounds of red wood shipped from Alfen, and another 500 pieces weighing 65,680 pounds shipped from Durgerdam, the total cost came to 93,606 guilders, 18 stuivers and 5 pennies.

A copy of this letter was sent to Masulipatnam and Nagapatnam. The ship from Alfen departed on the 4th to Masulipatnam to collect return cargo from the northern Coromandel trading posts and Pegu. The next day, the Durgerdam sailed to three southern trading posts to be loaded. Letters and invoices from the respective trading post chiefs would indicate the cargo of these two vessels.

Both trading posts were supplied with money, trade goods and other necessities by these ships.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1284 / 0239  


In Masulipatnam, preparations were made for a trade journey to Pegu. The ship was to return via the South and then proceed to Malacca in May with a full cargo from this coast. The cargo included: A Japanese trade route via Malacca was also established, with all goods to be sent through Batavia. The ship Brooghkaspel was reported missing, though this didn't cause major problems as there was enough cargo space on other vessels for the first return shipments to Batavia. The following ships were mentioned as having safe passage: The writer expressed hope that the missing Brooghkaspel might still be found safely harbored somewhere.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1284 / 0240  


This is a list of Dutch sailors who departed from various ports for the Dutch East India Company, documented at Fort Geldria in Paleacatta on September 23, 1622.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1076 / 0937  


In Durgerdam during December, several signs of shipwreck washed ashore, including a piece of a small office containing writings. These identified the owner as merchant Jacob de Jonge, who was assigned to the cinnamon tree. 2 or 3 broken mast pieces were found, though their ship of origin was unclear. A stranded empty boat was identified by the captain of Durgerdam as belonging to the White Lion. 4 ships were seen near Manikpatnam:
  • Durgerdam
  • Blue Fisher
  • Sparrow
  • Miller
These ships came from Batavia and safely reached Bengal. A storm in Masulipatnam on November 4 forced 2 Moorish ships ashore. These ships had left for Arrakan in late September and early October but returned due to storms. About 65 people drowned and most goods were ruined. On December 9, news arrived via the Sparrow that chief Sivaji had attacked and plundered the city of Surat in October. While the Company avoided robbery this time, Sivaji's control of the countryside disrupted trade in Golkonda due to unsafe roads. Even the route from Masulipatnam to Golkonda became dangerous for merchants. This situation was expected to last 2-3 months. Rumors suggested that the Mogul's son, the Orange Prince, and Raja Lessing secretly supported Sivaji, allowing robbery to force the great monarch into the field and remove him from the throne.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1284 / 0242  


Deaths aboard the ship White Lion in 1610: On May 2, Joris Harmsz shot himself with his own musket. On July 3, Hans Carel died. On July 13, Heijndrick Hillkens from Dronten died. On July 16, Jan Geertsz from Frankfurt died. On July 23, Daniel Zeeuw died. On December 22, Heijndrick Faem died.

Deaths aboard the ship Black Lion: On July 1, Barendt Wijbrantsz from Amsterdam and Cristoffel Cerbeijn died. On July 11, Claes Arensz from Vaeren died. On July 16, Jacop van Loo died. On July 17, Pieter Hartich from Consvelt and Tacken Jochumsz died. On December 15, Jacques De Keijsser died.

In 1611: On January 13, Meijnaert Burgersz from Jeveren died. On April 5, Arent Jansz from Slooten and Jan Wolfff from Otmersz were shot dead.

Deaths in Ambon: Several soldiers and their families were ordered to stay in Ambon, including:

Rijchert Becker died in Ambon, and his widow married one of the old soldiers from the castle. Dirick Geertsz, a former gunner, married the widow of Heijndrick Jansz van Veemeren and settled in Ambon. Sijmen Jansz Meulleman, an unmarried soldier, remained in Ambon.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1053 / 1296  


On the coast of Kormandel in 1727, 3 bills of exchange worth 116,340 guilders were drawn. Two ships, the Kaneelboom and the Witte Leeuw, left Ouglij for Batavia on November 6 with cargo worth 376,458 guilders. The Kaneelboom appears to have been lost, as debris from a European ship washed ashore in December, including documents from that vessel. A severe storm hit Orixa on November 18, sinking 3 Moorish ships. Similar storms at Masulipatnam two weeks earlier had destroyed 4 local ships. Japanese and Malaccan reports indicated that two ships from Batavia, the Hoogh Kaspel and Vredenburgh, had sailed to Japan via Tonquin. The Hoogh Kaspel went missing, while the Vredenburgh, carrying 120,000 guilders in cargo, caught fire and sank near Ciamon island. 16 men were lost, but 20 survivors reached Ligoor by boat. Good rains along the coast led to successful rice harvests. Bengal had reasonable rice prices and was expected to supply grain to Ceylon through Moorish shipping. Reports confirmed that Sinasij raided Suratte again on October 13. The English, with 100 Europeans, repelled an attack but lost 2 men. While the French had made peace with Sinasij, both the Dutch and English were still negotiating. Though Sinasij withdrew from the city after the attack, there were fears of another raid on October 16. The ship Molenaar was sent from Bengal to Ceylon via this location, departing on the 17th.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1274 / 1589  


During October 1927, several ships arrived safely at Batavia from the homeland. The Company's business was doing well in Makassar and on the west coast of Sumatra. Relations with France and powerful neighbors remained peaceful. However, the Company suffered losses when the ships Nieuwendam, Diemermeer and Vredenburg were lost in the waters of Makassar, Banda and Japan. The ship Kanneelboom was likely lost, possibly along with the Witte Leeu. Both had departed from Bengal on November 6 carrying cargo worth 376,458 guilders. Twelve days later, a hurricane hit the coast of Orixa, destroying three Moorish ships at Koringo. Near Paliacatta, various signs of shipwreck washed ashore, including an office piece containing documents belonging to junior merchant Jacob de Jonge, who was aboard the Kanneelboom. Four other ships - the Durgerdam, Blauwen Visser, Spreeu, and Molenaar - were seen near Manikapatnam. These ships, coming from Batavia, all safely reached Bengal. A storm at Masulipatnam on November 4 drove two Moorish ships ashore. These ships had departed for Arakan in late September and early October but were forced to return due to stormy headwinds.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1284 / 0241  


A ship inventory list from November 1669 shows various Dutch East India Company vessels present in the East Indies. Ships marked with X were deemed unsuitable for heavy waters but could still be used in calmer seas. The list includes larger ships like the Damiaten (350 tons), Tulpenburgh (300 tons), 't Hoff van Breda (300 tons), and the Gecroonde Vreede (325 tons). The 't Hoff van Zeelandt, marked as mostly worn out, was a larger vessel of 600 tons. Other ships included:
  • Eendragt (350 tons)
  • Dordrecht (420 tons)
  • Rammekens
  • Buijcksloot
  • Caneel Boom
  • Ammerongen (180 tons)
  • Nieuwenhoven (160 tons)
  • Vlaardingen (200 tons)
  • Pauw (180 tons)
  • Achilles (250 tons)
The list also included several smaller vessels called "jachten" (yachts) of various sizes ranging from 130 to 250 tons.
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:

  • The Amsterdam Exchange served 3-4 years and could carry 200 loads
  • The Durgerdam served 5-6 years carrying 170 loads
  • The Muiden operated 2-3 years with 200 loads
  • The Town Hall served 1-2 years carrying 180 loads
  • Several ships served longer periods in distant routes:
    • The Ouglij served 8-9 years carrying 180 loads
    • The Damak and Rambang both served 10-12 years
  • Smaller vessels included:
    • The Stockfish (60 loads)
    • The Stumpnose (75 loads)
    • The Gorcom (36 loads)
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1269 / 0426  


Here is a summary of the Dutch text in modern English:

In 1666, the main company buildings in Nangasaki needed repairs. Nicolaes van de Roij ordered repairs for 315 guilders, including:

  • A new storage house
  • A new kitchen
  • A new ship for loading and unloading

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:

  • June 23: Ship Rammek from Batavia with cargo worth 249,606 guilders
  • July 8: Nieupoort with 37,310 guilders
  • August 5: De Gerechtigheit with 149,757 guilders
  • September 7: De Cogge with 84,275 guilders
  • July 7: Hilversum from Bengal and Malacca with combined cargo of 258,077 guilders
  • August 19: Schelvis from Cambodia with 32,521 guilders
  • September 26: De Witte Leeuw from Tonquin

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:

  • Four pieces of narrow local cloth, including scarlet-colored ones costing 17.14.5 guilders
  • Green cloth that sold for less than expected
  • Cassia linga, which made a loss
  • Alum and artal, which made excellent profits
  • Wood that earned good profits
  • Candy sugar that made about 50% profit
  • Black sugar that sold well
  • Clove nails that made remarkable profits
  • Black cloth that earned less than the previous year
  • Crimson red cloth that decreased in price

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  


Here's the summary in HTML:

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  


In Moluccos on June 12, 1614, after the death of Cristiaen den Dorst, Adam Westerwolt became Director. The writer expresses concern about appointing someone more qualified, but due to lack of candidates, they had to use him. The writer hopes General Reijnst will bring someone more capable. The writer received a letter dated February 1614 mentioning the arrival of ships from Blissingen and Amsterdam, and the unfortunate loss of ships "Witte Leeu" and "Bantam". The text describes administrative practices including:
  • Making 3-4 copies of all books as ordered
  • Sending copies of letters and memos to Moluccos
  • Closing old books and creating new ones at each location
  • Recording separate accounts for different types of textiles and debtors
  • Only transferring outstanding debts and remaining balances to new books
Regarding trade:
  • The Moluccos region is well-supplied with textiles and sago
  • Amboina has sufficient textiles
  • During the writer's time, only clean and dry cloves of good quality were received
  • Trade in Amboina is more difficult due to many foreigners
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:

  • Closing old books and creating new ones
  • Maintaining separate accounts for different types of cloth and debtors
  • Only transferring outstanding debts and remaining stock to new books
  • Recording expenses, gifts, fortification costs, and garrison costs separately

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:

  • A contract with local merchants regarding silk trade in Canacoul
  • A memo for bookkeeper Hendrick Cansius about trade investigation in Malda
  • Notes about prepared silk in Cassumabasa with the new master Haspelaer
  • A report from merchant Pieter Hofmeester about his journey to Canancoul
  • A written report from assistant Hendrick Cansius about his purchase of sample cloths in Maldouw

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  


In a letter dated 11th, 9th, 10th and 27th June, and 1st September, correspondence was received from 19th April, 17th and 25th May, 18th June and 23rd August. The letters were delivered by free citizens' vessels and the Banda citizen Jan 't Hijssen, along with citizen Captain Heijndam. The letter discusses:
  • A transaction of 50 and 122,000 small sago palms, purchased at ½ real per thousand, totaling 215 reals or 645 at the general counter
  • Administrative matters in Amboina and the Moluccas
  • The need for supplies and resources in Ternate
  • Difficulties in executing plans due to limited administrative support
  • A reference to the destruction of enemy forces, mentioning 10,000 units of ammunition being used
The writer explains that while making plans is straightforward, implementing them is more challenging as they cannot simply call upon administrators who have permanent positions elsewhere. They mention that the requested supplies are no longer needed, as the enemy has been dealt with.
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:

  • Chinese invasions in Manila reported by Gabriel
  • The refusal of Hitoese pair to those from Aron
  • The capture of 5 escaped slaves belonging to Jan de Ruijter on Xula Mangoli, who were brought to Amboina
  • News received from the superintendent admiral regarding the Company's military activities
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  


De Vlaming is mentioned as a highly respected leader who had to move from stronghold to stronghold for many years to drive the Macassars and their allies out of valuable territories. The text discusses military and supply matters in several Dutch colonial locations: A shortage of gunpowder at Castle Victoria*, with only 133 crates remaining * A proposal to take 6,000 pounds of gunpowder each from ships White Lion and Klavereck Military concerns in Amboina, Banda, and Ternate* Issues with soldiers in Macassar*, where many died from illness Reports about activities in Manila and Mindanao* Activities of Chinese from Copinja who had shown interest in Manila* The writer argues that: * The garrisons in all provinces were below required numbers The war in Macassar* was difficult but necessary for provincial peace * Many Company servants died from disease rather than combat * Local rebellions were considered unlikely, especially after recent Company victories The text mentions Mr. Nacke and President de Jongh regarding news about shipping movements between Mindanao and Gresse.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1275 / 0261  



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