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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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 May 18, 1741, in Macassar, cannons and mortars could not do damage partly because of high water and the coming rain season, along with many European soldiers being sick and dying. The authorities decided to negotiate peacefully with the Wadjoreese people and include the Bonij court. The young King replied that he would present this to the Bonij nobles for their decision.

On Monday, May 13, the admiral sent interpreter Willem Muller to Tosora to ask the Arou Matoua for his name and those of three banner lords for the contracts. Arou Matoua replied that his name was known worldwide and that God had made him Arou Matoua of Wadjo.

On May 16, 1741, two electors from Bonij, Arou Oedjong and Arou Tanette Malolo, told the admiral that the Bonij nobles hadn't reached a decision yet but would report soon. Three mortars were retrieved from earthen fortifications across the lake.

On Tuesday, May 14, the admiral sent first interpreter Jan Hendrik to Tosora to have Arou Matoua review the draft contract. The ruler immediately returned it, saying he would agree only if the Bonij forces first withdrew from Wadjoreese territory, explaining he couldn't trust the Bonij people while they were armed. The young King of Bonij and all nobles then came to the admiral.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2533 / 0236  


Here is the summary in HTML:

In Macassar on May 18, 1741, representatives from the Bone court including Djemma Tongan, Arou Oedjong, Arou Tanette Malolo, and Arou Tanette met with the admiral. Through the admiral's mediation, they agreed to jointly attack enemies in Tosora within three days.

On Thursday May 9, the admiral personally inspected the enemy city of Tosora and its earthen fortifications along the river. On Friday May 10, he sent Daing Mangelaij to Tosora to arrange a ceasefire so they could send Company representatives to meet with Arou Matoua and the forty kings of Wadjo to inform them of decisions made between the Company and Bone.

The Soping and Tanette representatives informed the admiral their subjects refused to join the Bone forces in attacking Tosora as agreed on the 7th, but would follow the admiral's orders on their side of the river.

On Saturday May 11, the admiral sent interpreter Jan Hendrik Vol to Tosora with these written instructions:

  1. Timoerong will remain with Bone as agreed in the latest peace treaty with Wadjo
  2. The cannon given as debt payment will remain as is
  3. Queen Todjamalil's personal goods in safekeeping will be handed over in the presence of the Bone representatives
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2533 / 0231  


On May 18, 1741, in Makassar, the admiral reported severe food shortages. Many of his people had died or were sick. He requested rice supplies or permission to move his people to Tjenrana-Bone and then to Buton, offering to return quickly if needed. The admiral denied the first request due to their own shortages but thanked them for the offer to return.

That evening, the admiral sent the native Carre Mangelai to the Young King of Bone to request his army to retreat to Parige, following the request of the Wajo head king.

On Sunday the 12th, the Wajo messengers Souro Latanie and Souro Sinkang went to Arou Matoua of Wajo. They requested that since peaceful negotiations were starting and a ceasefire was agreed upon, the Company's ammunition and soldiers should be removed from the earthen fortifications across the lake opposite Tosora.

The admiral sent the first interpreter Jan Hendrik Vol with these messengers back to Tosora to propose to Arou Matoua that, to remove all suspicion, messengers should be allowed to travel directly between Tosora and Lagousi without being stopped at the fortifications by the lake. They also proposed dismantling all earthworks on both sides. Arou Matoua said they couldn't do this first because Tosora was surrounded by enemies and they needed to be cautious, but if the Company's works were dismantled first, he would follow suit.

In the afternoon, when the Young King of Bone came from his army at the admiral's request, the admiral informed him that from Lagousi, the enemy city Tosora...

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2533 / 0234  


In a letter dated May 25, 1739, from Macassar, it was reported that Dain Rhaia and Arou Sinkang (also known as Arou Matoua Watjo) were in Tjamba. They planned to clear the mountains and then visit Goa. From Valkenburg on March 5, 1739, H. Raad reported maintaining vigilance in the area. Aroe Sinrie returned from Boni and reported a conversation with a Soerewang from Wadjou. When questioned about this meeting, he explained that Matoa Wadjo had summoned them to discuss removing Europeans from the land. The prince reportedly replied they were not ordered to engage in discussions with Matoa Wadjo. The ship "Ongeziene Verandering" returned to Bonthain due to lack of water and firewood. Lieutenant Philip Lodewijk Vigera was reported anchored in the bay of Turatte with his vessel from Bima. From Boelecomba on February 28, 1739, W. Camerling wrote from the Company's fortification. The ship "Adam" anchored there on Wednesday, March 4 at 3 PM.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8212 / 0718  


On 23 October 1738, a letter from Macassar reported that people needed to properly register at the post instead of wandering around like spies. When confronted, Crain replied that he knew nothing about this and did not want to get involved in such matters. The letter also requested coconut oil supplies, as they were running very low and could not obtain coconuts locally.

The letter included monthly specifications of receipts and expenses, and listed several deceased soldiers from the previous month:

A replacement was needed for the last one. The letter was signed by Hans Raad at Valkenburg on 3 September 1738. After sending previous letters on 22 July and 6 August, farmers began harvesting their rice. The soldier Jan Lodewijk Len van Monbeuse, who was in charge of the area from Tino to Lemoa, went missing on the 27th after sending his guard boy to fetch clean clothes. The boy returned but could not find him, even after searching all night.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8211 / 1141  


On October 23, 1738, a soldier named Joseph Berkman from Vienna had been ill for some time. The surgeon Adriaan Koning determined he was infected with syphilis and could only be treated with mercury-based medicine. Since there was no chance of treating him locally, he was sent to the Company's hospital with his full weapons under supervision of the native Intje Momie.

W.M. Camerling wrote from Bonthain on September 17, 1738 that they had never detained a boat belonging to the Butonese sea captain, but they had detained a paduwakang (type of boat) crewed by people from Buton and Bone. The boat was brought in by guards from Siang and was carrying 1,600 bundles of rice. The cargo was seized for the Company's profit and the boat was kept in custody because they had been warned not to transport goods without a pass.

From Macassar on October 22, 1728, it was reported that Arou Pandilie had arrived from Libo and informed that the Wajorese leaders were in conflict with each other and their main gunpowder storage had burned down. There was also news from Selayar that the Bonto-Bango had died.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8211 / 1147  


In Macassar on October 20, 1738, Bontolancas sent his messenger Dain Manbanie Haama to Crain Binamo to ask if he would willingly submit to the Macassarese rule. Crain Binamo replied that he could not answer before informing the Dutch East India Company and the King of Bonij. Due to high death rates among the Turatters, Crain Binamo feared Bontolancas might attack suddenly and requested help from the Bollecombas resident. In Macassar on October 23, 1728, Arou Pandilie arrived from Libo and reported conflicts among Wadjoreese leaders and the burning of their main gunpowder storage. News also arrived from Zaleijer about the death of Bonto-Bango. From the Dutch Company fort in Boelecomba on September 12, 1738, surgeon Adriaan Koning reported that soldier Joseph Berkman from Vienna was suffering from a venereal disease that could only be treated with mercury-based medicines.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8211 / 1145  


In Macassar on October 23, 1728, Jamang Lemoa reported a person missing. After searching, the body was found on the 28th during low tide in the Cajeli river, drowned in mud. The body was undamaged and still had its weapons. It was carried to the fence and properly buried. The deceased's only possessions were 3 pieces of soldier's pay, which were sent to the authorities. The letter included 10 rixdollars for one month's food money for Dain Mabalie. It was signed by W. Camerling in Bonthain at the Company's fence on September 2, 1738. Another letter from Valkenburg dated September 7, 1738 requested a vessel to transport the Company's tenth rice harvest to Macassar. A message from Binamos Soerewang reported that a Soerewang from Matoa Wadjo was sent to Chrain Bontolancas, ordering him to gather all former Goa allies and subjects, either through goodwill or by force of arms. Matoa Wadjo expected a favorable report from Bontolancas soon.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8211 / 1143  


This document details various administrative records and correspondences from Dutch colonial territories in Batavia and surrounding areas during 1655-1656. Arnold de Vlamingh van Oudtshoorn handed over his position to Jacob Hustaerds on May 24, 1656. De Vlamingh also gave orders to Simon Cas, who became governor of Molucco on April 6, 1656. A report describes De Vlamingh's activities as superintendent over the governments of Amboina, Molucco, and Banda dated August 14, 1656.

The documents include:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1216 / 0005  


In a letter dated December 27, 1627, officials discuss shipping and trade matters. They mention sending ships from Tayouan (Taiwan) and Japan, specifically the vessels "Erasmus" and "Peace" carrying 840 packages of raw Chinese silk. They decided to dispatch the ship "Vijanen" on January 1 with 400 picol of silk to the homeland to help offset the high costs.

They report problems with the cloth trade in Coromandel Coast due to lack of capital. Governor Lefebure is mentioned regarding instructions about the ship "Texel". The ship "Orange" was to be sent via Ambon to the Moluccas with requested provisions and trade goods.

There is also reference to an earlier letter dated December 11 sent with the ships "East Holland" and "Eagle". The letter was written from Castle Batavia and discusses the Magellan Company case, requesting all necessary evidence to be sent with the returning ships in 1628.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1095 / 0461  


In Formosa, there were concerns about Spanish and Portuguese invasions, as well as Chinese pirates who reportedly had 400 war junks and 60,000-70,000 men making the coast unsafe. The previous year, Manila sent a fleet to Formosa including 3 galleons, 6 frigates, 2 galleys, and 12 wankans (small vessels), crewed by 500 Spanish soldiers and 711-1,200 Papangers. Only one galleon, 6 frigates, one galley, and 5-6 wankans reached the east-northeast end of the island. They began fortifying a bay, but achieved little because 250 Spaniards died and the rest were sick with dropsy. In September, two galleys were seen passing near Tayouan heading toward Pehoe and then to their island at the east-northeast end of Formosa. The Dutch forces couldn't attack due to their own weak condition. Prisoners from Macassar via the Moluccas reported that the most experienced soldiers and sailors were taken from the Moluccas to Manila for the planned expedition to Formosa. This left the enemy forces in the Moluccas so weak that their galleys had to stay close to shore. The Spanish considered the Chinese trade more important than the Moluccas and would likely focus their forces on Formosa. The Dutch advised explaining to the King of Ternate and his council that their vigorous operations along the Chinese coast would help relieve Spanish pressure in the Moluccas, even though they couldn't send as many ships there as desired. The text concludes by requesting that the ship Texel, one of the company's best defensive vessels in the Indies, be sent via Ambon to Tayouan.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1095 / 0459  


In the letter, a Dutch commander gives instructions regarding two ships: the fluyt ship Castricum and the yacht Breskens, under the command of Captain Commander Marten Gerritsz Vries. They were sent to explore the east coast of Tartaria and unknown islands to the east. The ships were to be resupplied and their crew refreshed during a brief stay, with no changes to be made to officers, soldiers, or sailors unless sick ones needed to be replaced with healthy ones.

The mission was to be kept secret, with a cover story that they were going to cruise near Manila for profit and advantage. The letter mentions that Governor Caen's fleet was coming to relieve soldiers and common folk in the Moluccas whose service time had expired.

The letter also reports that:

The ships Egmont and Arnemuiden left on November 9, and the next day the return ship Tijger arrived from Taiwan or the Pescadores with Chinese cargo.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1141 / 0919  


In January 1669, several transactions and activities took place at the Cape trading station. The commander's house received various goods including tobacco (both Virginia and Brazilian). The saddlemaker got Cape leather and Dutch sailcloth for repairing saddles. The hunters received gunpowder and lead for shooting. At the fort, maintenance work was carried out:

Firewood was distributed among various people and facilities:

Other supplies were distributed, including cloth for making flags and money bags, leather for the fort gates and wagons, and ropes for cattle trading. Jeronimus Cruse led a land expedition during which cattle were traded with local tribes, including the Hottentots. Various provisions were supplied for these trading expeditions, including rice, bread, oil, vinegar, wine, and tobacco.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 4004 / 0941  


In Fort during March 1669, various supplies were distributed and work was carried out:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 4004 / 0953  


The letter from Casteel de Goede Hoop dated May 11, 1710 describes several events:

A payment of 12,000 reichsdaalers was made to a lady who got divorced and wanted to return to Batavia. Her ex-husband couldn't pay this amount in cash, so it was paid from the company's treasury.

For the government's needs, they took 10 barrels of butter from the ship Oudenaerden. Three ostriches were being sent to Governor-General Abraham van Riebeek, though some had died before shipping as young ostriches are delicate creatures.

The letter mentions several ship movements:

The letter also describes how the ship Oudenaerden got separated from its companion ships in stormy weather and encountered a French vessel on December 20.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 4064 / 0309  


On October 22, 1728, officials A. Minnendonk and P. Boockesteijn in Nagasaki recorded trade requests for Japan. The list included various textiles and goods:

For the Japanese Emperor, they specifically requested:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2100 / 0833  


At Castle Good Hope on May 13, 1709, Jacob van Hoff from Rotterdam confirmed a previous statement by Jan Jansz Swart. The dispute started when they saw ostriches at Font, but Roelof insisted they were cassowaries. Later that evening, when the argument continued, Jan Jansz Swart, who said he had a wife and children and needed to be careful, was wounded by Roelof. Jacob was surprised that he himself wasn't wounded while trying to separate the two men.

On May 14, 1709, both witnesses reappeared before the Council at Castle Good Hope. After their statements were read back to them, they confirmed everything. The case was brought before Governor Louis van Assenburgh and the Council of Justice by prosecutor Joan Blesius against Roelof Cornelisz from Amsterdam, a sailor on the ship Samson. The incident had occurred on May 7 in the evening at the tavern of free burgher and wine merchant Johannes Phijffer.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 4063 / 0207  


On October 1734, at the office in Nangazackij, Japan, there was a discussion about a camphor shipment. Initially, 1,809 catties were received instead of the expected 2,000. The Dutch officials protested this shortage.

Officials came to check the inventory and found everything in order. They celebrated with sweet drinks and confectionery. At 3 o'clock, they returned to the city to report to their governors.

On Monday the 18th, around 9 o'clock, an interpreter reported that the camphor would be weighed and brought on board. De Laver had originally calculated 2,000 catties, but only 1,809 were present. Despite protests, they had to send representatives to inform De Laver about this discrepancy.

The inspector announced at 5 o'clock that the remaining camphor would be brought to the island the next day. Following this, he presented a list of demands for the Emperor and other nobles, including:

Additional requests were made for the Crown Prince and governors Inaba and Friseen, including special glass bowls, specific fabrics, colored birds, dogs, and Persian leather in various colors.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2330 / 0167  


The document describes ship movements and cargo from Cape of Good Hope Castle in 1748. Several officials including H. Swellengrebel, R. Tulbagh, M. Alteman, N. Heijims, C. Brand, C. Eelders, and J. de Graendpreez wrote multiple letters about ships and their cargo.

Ships mentioned include:

The Zeelandia and Hercules arrived in Table Bay on October 15 and November 16 respectively. The Zeelandia reported 130 dead and 94 sick, while the Hercules had 72 dead and 40 sick crew members.

Johan Jochem Sijbrand, a preacher who arrived on the Eendragt, had to stay behind due to serious illness. After the death of Captain Lieutenant Otto van dam, Thomas Hardij was promoted from chief mate to captain of the ship.

The cargo included various items such as:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 9903 / 0049  


In Nagasaki, Japan, on November 1730, various trade activities and requests were recorded. A request was made for Spanish wine and other manufactured goods for court presents. A delivery was made to interpreter Fatsizaijemon for the lord of Pougara, Cangara Tossa Nocammi Samma, including:

On October 28, a Chinese junk was unloaded. Between Saturday 5 and Monday 6, nothing noteworthy occurred. The Japanese Emperor Yosi Moni Samma requested several items for 1731, including:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2175 / 0029  


On June 17, 1732, a report was made about goods received at the Batavia equipment warehouse from the ship Haamstede from Delft. The report was addressed to Michiel Westpalm, First Councilor and Director General of the Dutch East Indies.

The inspection was conducted by ship's captain Jan Sandersz, compass maker, and Jan Pietersz van der giese, together with supervisors including Lourens Pietersz. They found:

On June 30, 1732, additional inspections were conducted by J v. alderweereld and CE dellafaille, witnessed by P.D. Graaff and Harmanus Vaillant. Ship captains Henderick van den Bergh, Nicolaas Vister, and Boudewijn de Graaff were present for the unloading of drinks and other provisions.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2208 / 0553  


On February 1678, from Mocha, a shipment was made consisting of 108,600 pounds of frankincense, 807 pounds of aloe, and 1,470 pounds of rassamala. Though they had ordered 50,000 fewer pounds of frankincense, the sellers wouldn't break up their stock, so they had to buy it all.

For His Royal Highness Prince of Orange, they acquired 24 speckled Arabian goats and 6 field hens in Mocha. Unfortunately, all but 5 goats died during transport, possibly due to sea conditions or diet changes. They had been promised 3-4 ostriches from Ethiopia, but contrary winds prevented delivery. They also searched unsuccessfully for striped forest donkeys.

Doctor Cleijer's order for the Batavia medicine shop couldn't be fulfilled as these medicines weren't available that year. Following orders, they gathered information about both sides of the Red Sea from local sailors:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1330 / 0703  


In Nagasaki, October 1728, a detailed order was made for several items. The order included two Persian horses, required to be at least 4.5 Rhineland feet tall (taller ones preferred), and 2-3 Persian stallions of any color (spotted white, gray, brown, or black). They emphasized that the horses should be similar in height to the gray one from 1725 and the brown one from the previous year. They specifically warned against sending horses like the yellow one from last year, which was considered not truly Persian in Edo.

The order also included:

The order further listed 32 types of plants (or their seeds if plants were unavailable), including various medicinal and exotic varieties such as balsam, saffron, nutmeg, cardamom, and sassafras. Additionally, 18 different types of seeds were requested, including opium, citrus, and various other botanical specimens.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2122 / 0440  


On December 13, 1656, Commander Jan van Riebeeck wrote from Fort de Goede Hoope about sending 4 young ostriches, about 6 weeks old, to Batavia. He suggested these birds might interest people in Japan, who were known to be curious about such things. He mentioned that more ostriches could be obtained if needed.

On October 30, 1656, Jan van Riebeeck wrote instructions for quartermaster Gerrit Harmansz regarding the seal-hunting vessel. This was because assistant Jan Woutersz was being recalled due to misconduct and needed to be punished. Harmansz was given authority over both the seal-hunting vessel and its crew.

The instructions specified that when Harmansz arrived in the bay, he should take command from Woutersz. Woutersz and his wife were to be confined on board to prevent any mischief. The following provisions were provided:

The crew was to maintain proper discipline, conduct daily prayers, and manage provisions more carefully than Woutersz had done.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3991 / 0132  


In 1745-1746, various gifts and items were requested and sent to different destinations. The list included:

The ship Castle of Woerden carried:

The ship Rijgersbroek transported:

Additional requests included Persian horses (4½ feet tall), various plants and seeds, Muscovy glass (7-9 inches square), small telescopes, and copper tea and coffee kettles for Governor Tawabato Lammi Samma and Governor Tossa Nolammi Samma.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2119 / 0112  



Previous pageNext page

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