Transcriptions » Recently created summaries of historical documents

The remaining crew of the ship Risdam, except for 19 men who had arrived in Malacca, reached their destination after the shipwreck. Earlier reports had already mentioned the loss of the Risdam and its cargo from Siam, noting that 19 survivors, including the captain Hendrik Schoon, had arrived using a Chinese boat from Riouw.

• The rest of the crew later arrived on two similar boats, leaving only the 19 men missing—those taken by a Portuguese ship to Malacca via Batavia.
• On 11 and 28 of the same month, temporary financial support was provided to the survivors for food, excluding the captain and the helmsman.
• By 25 of that month, it was confirmed the ship had sunk before an investigation could be held. The investigation, led by the supply officer and experienced captains, was overseen by the fiscal advocate of India, Everhard Kraeijvanger, to check if any negligence had occurred.

On 3 May 1726, officials from Java's Noord-Oost Kust (Northeast Coast of Java) sent a letter to Governor-General Matthijs de Haan and the Council of the Dutch East Indies in Batavia. The letter was received on 8 May 1726 via the ship Risdam, which had also transported goods from Rembang:

• 12 pairs of light wooden beams for hulls,
• 14 heavy deck beams,
• 8 beams for sawing planks,
• 100 beams for masts,
• 10 curved support beams,
• 3,700 heavy root knees (wooden ship parts),
• 3,700 sawn Chinese planks,
• 2 kati (a weight unit) of long pepper from Cartasoera (now Cirebon), and
• 6,750 pounds of long pepper from the local area.

The total value of these goods was ƒ4,051.10, with additional costs of ƒ525 for transport and handling in both Rembang and Batavia. The writers requested reimbursement for these expenses.

The letter also mentioned that two horses—a brown stallion and a light grey mare—were being sent to De Haan. One horse came from the highlands of Cartasoera, and the other from Banjoemas (now Banyumas). These horses were gifts from a local ruler named Adepatti Danoeredja, along with a Javanese letter. Though the horses were smaller than the usual Japanese standard, they were sent as promised. The letter included a note from Cartasoera officials, dated 27 April, confirming that more long pepper would soon be delivered.

On the same day, 3 May 1726, another letter was sent from Samarang (now Semarang) to Commander Pieter Gijsbert Noodt of Java’s Noord-Oost Kust. It reported that a Javanese servant of Adepatti Danoeredja, named Siling Singan, had arrived with:

• An original Javanese letter from his master to Noodt,
• A brown stallion and a white-grey mare (also from Banjoemas), and
• 50 pikuls (a weight unit) of long pepper.

Though the horses did not meet the Japanese size standards, they were sent for inspection and potential trade in Batavia or elsewhere. The letter noted that Danoeredja had promised to send more long pepper soon. It was signed by officials including P. G. Noodt, H. Cool, Dirk Paradijs, Andries Johannes Sauer, P. Vereeke, and W. Nuijts.

On 28 November 1725, two ships, the Risdam and the Hoogermeer, were sent from Siam to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta). The cargo included official documents addressed to Governor-General Mattheus de Haan and the Council of the Dutch East Indies. The following items were recorded in the ships' register:

• A letter from the leaders of the Siam trading post to De Haan and the Council, dated 28 November 1725.
• A financial demand (bill) for the trading posts in Siam and Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand) for the years 1725 to 1727.
• A copy of a letter from the same leaders to the Dutch trading post in Japan, including a request from the King of Siam about a ship that had traveled from Siam to Japan.
• Copies of letters from Dutch representatives in Ligor to the leaders in Siam.
• Copies of two letters from the leaders in Siam to the representatives in Junkceylon (likely Phuket, Thailand).
• A copy of a decision about renting a local ship to transport goods like gum lac and supplies.
• A copy of a resolution supporting the nomination of Mattheus de Haan as Governor-General and the temporary appointment of several officials, pending approval from the Dutch government.
• A translated document about Rugier van Alderwerelt's (a Dutch official) family dealings with the English.
• Two statements (one in Dutch, one in Portuguese) against Van Alderwerelt.
• A copy of a statement about the seashore warehouses in Amsterdam Island (likely a location in Siam).
• Copies of sent and received letters between Siam and Ligor from September 1724 to August 1725.
• A daily log from the Siam trading post covering November 1724 to August 1725.
• Six sets of payroll journals and ledgers for the Siam and Ligor trading posts as of August 1725.
• Two original muster rolls (lists of personnel) for Siam and Ligor from July 1725.
• Two original payroll accounts.
• A request from the bookkeeper, Gerrit Schrijver.
• A list of names of horse traders traveling overseas.
• Two catalogs of medicines for the trading posts in Siam and Ligor.
• A bill of lading (shipping document) for the ship Risdam.
• A cost report for the ship Hoogermeer.
• A duplicate register (copy of the list).
• A copy of a letter to the Dutch government in Batavia.
• Another financial demand for Siam and Ligor for the year 1726/1727.
• A list of the Dutch East India Company's horse traders.
• Two more medicine catalogs for the trading posts.

On January 3, 1726, the High Government of the Dutch East Indies held an emergency meeting in Batavia Castle. Mr. Petrus Vuijst, a council member, was absent due to illness.

• The meeting approved a plan for crew and supplies for 5 return ships scheduled for a second voyage.
• The plan was proposed on December 28, 1725.
• Each ship measuring 145 feet would carry 14 disabled or unskilled workers (called Impotenten).
• Each ship measuring 130 feet would carry 10 such workers, in addition to the regular crew.

• The ship Risdam was to be inspected by experienced skippers and the fiscal officer (a legal/financial official) under the supervision of the advocate fiscal (chief legal officer) for the Dutch East India Company, Everhard Kraeijvanger. The inspection aimed to determine if the crew had acted with proper care and seamanship when the ship’s boat was lost on 18 August of the previous year during a storm while crossing from Ligor to the River of Siam.
• The crew members, including the ship’s master Michiel Westpalm, were to be questioned about the incident.
• Abraham van den Anker, a merchant and fiscal officer in Macassar, was promoted to second-in-command (secunde) of the Macassar government, replacing Opperkoopman Ioan Saphon, who was leaving for Banda.
• Due to a reduction in the number of sailors (from 7 to 5 per ship), the total crew count was decreased by 2,900, including 580 merchants.
• The speaker (likely a high-ranking official) was elected Governor of Ternate and decided to appoint Abraham van den Anker as the new head merchant and fiscal officer of Macassar, with a salary increase of 80 guilders per month for 5 years. This decision was made because no other officials applied for the position, and van den Anker had recovered from a previous illness.
• A discussion took place regarding the affairs of Banda, based on reports brought by Pieter Gabrij, an extraordinary council member. The reports included advice from Banda and were reviewed during the previous autumn.

On 14 March 1727, in Malacca, a document confirmed that the debts and fees owed by the Chinese—whose ships had departed—were fully settled. The agreement was signed by C:s v:n Riel, the secretary.

Later, in Batavia at the Castle on 30 November 1727, the following officials verified that the above letters matched their originals, including the certified attachments:

• Johan Busch
• C:C: Killa
• D Jamin Engelsen
• D: Smet 94
• C:L: Overman E

• A letter was written from the fortress in Malacca on 14 March 1727 by officials including H. van Suchtelen, P. d'Quensne, J. Brun, J. Cottiere, J. Kuijpers, C. van Riel, D. Nolthenius, and J. Onneke. It was addressed to Governor Hermanus van Suchtelen and other high-ranking officials in Batavia.
• The writers mentioned that Daijeeng Marewa would arrive soon, so they would not need to send a ship to bring his group but would wait for a suitable vessel to transport 19 prisoners who had arrived via the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora de Conceição.
• The group was in a difficult situation in Malacca but had received help. They noted that 3 Chinese ships were ready to sail to Batavia, with the first departing in two days. The group, including the writer, would split into 3 parties to travel with the king’s permission.
• They acknowledged receiving a letter from Hermanus van Suchtelen dated 13 February 1727, delivered by the Pangulu of Tanjungkling and Intje Hackim, along with a sealed pouch containing 100 Spanish real coins. This money was distributed among the group for food.
• The local king and the supervisor of the Bugis people, Clana Jaja Poetra, had shown them kindness, providing housing, feasts, and food upon their arrival on 9 February 1727. This support was greatly appreciated.
• Another letter from Riouw, dated 28 February 1727, was signed by P. Dienaaren Aandamen, Bt. Holscher, H. Schoon, and A. Landsbergen. It confirmed the help sent to the stranded group.
• Poetra Clana Saja, ruling on behalf of Paduka Sri Sultan Sulaiman Shah Alam, wrote to Hermanus van Suchtelen, praising his wisdom and trustworthiness. He mentioned sending a captain with 57 prisoners, escorted by the Bugis, to Batavia.
• The Pangulu of Tanjungkling and Intje Hackim had arrived with a letter about a Dutch wine ship that had wrecked. The letter instructed providing all possible help to the survivors, which had already been done before the official request arrived.
• The letter ended with well-wishes for Hermanus van Suchtelen's health and long life, recognizing the challenges of governing Malacca.

On 28 February 1727, officials in Malacca sent a letter with 100 Spanish real coins to survivors of the shipwrecked vessel Risdam, who were stranded near Riouw (now Riau). The money was delivered by Pongelae of Tanjonkling and Intje Hackim to help the survivors buy food and supplies. The officials also wrote to Cana Jaja Poetra, the leader of the Bugis people in Riouw, asking him to assist the survivors with extra help and money if needed. They expected updates on the survivors' situation soon to avoid sending an unnecessary rescue ship.

Earlier, on 14 February 1727, the council in Malacca decided to waive the anchoring fee for a small Portuguese ship, the Nossa Senhora de Conceição, captained by Anthonio de Merando. This was a gesture of goodwill for his kindness toward 19 rescued employees of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) from the Risdam wreck, as noted in a resolution on 12 February 1727. The council, led by Harmanus van Suchtelen, agreed this was a one-time exception and would not set a precedent.

On 14 March 1727, another report from Malacca confirmed that Tsim Tsonko, a Chinese messenger, had not yet traveled to Batavia (now Jakarta) as planned. Meanwhile, Pongelae of Tanjonkling and Intje Hackim returned to Malacca on 7 March 1727 with letters from Daijeeng Merewa (also called Clana Jaja Poetra) and the survivors of the Risdam. The letters described how the survivors arrived in Riouw on 9 February 1727 and received help from Radja Seleman and Daijeeng Merewa. Using the 100 Spanish real coins, the survivors then traveled to Batavia on three Chinese ships.

On 22 February 1727, officials in Malacca decided unanimously to send a letter to Daijeeng Marewa, also known as Clana Jaja Poetra, in Riouw (Riau). They asked for his help for shipwrecked sailors who might have reached his area. The letter was to be sent by local boat.

The officials also instructed that a second letter and 100 Spanish realen (coins) be sent to the ship’s captain, Hendrik Schoon, via Pangeloe van Tanjongkling and Intje Hackim. The money was to buy food and supplies for Schoon and his surviving crew. If needed, Schoon was allowed to borrow more money from Daijeeng Marewa for essentials. The officials wanted quick confirmation of the sailors’ arrival to avoid sending unnecessary rescue ships.

The letter was signed by:

• Hermanus van Suchtelen (Governor and Director)
• P. d’ Quesne
• I. Brun
• S. Cottiere
• I. Kuijpers
• C. van Riel
• D. Nolthenius
• J. Onneke

On 28 February 1727, another report from Malacca confirmed the shipwreck of the Risdam near Pulo Gadia, close to Pulo Simaon. Survivors (19 people) arrived on a Portuguese ship, Nossa Senhora de Concessan, and reported that 67 more crew, including Hendrik Schoon and some officers, had reached Riouw on two local boats to seek supplies.

The officials again asked Clana Jaja Poetra for help, permitting Schoon to borrow money if necessary. They promised to repay any loans and thanked Clana Jaja Poetra for his assistance. The document was sealed with the company’s red lacquer stamp and signed by Hermanus van Suchtelen, with C. van Riel as secretary.

On 28 February 1727, a shipwreck occurred near Malacca. Two crew members drowned: one named Van Van Malacca and another sailor who was thrown overboard by Malays because the small boat they were using was leaking and sinking.

The survivors, including the captain, struggled to find food on the island for 4 or 5 days, living on shellfish and seaweed. A Malay man advised them to go to the mainland, where they received some rice. However, they did not stay long because they felt unsafe. They reunited with the rest of the crew who had stayed behind and survived for about a month on the little rice the Malays brought.

Eventually, they split into groups to reach Riouw:

• The captain and 37 men took the largest boat.
• The second mate and 13 men took a smaller boat.
• The first narrator (likely an officer) and 14 men took a small skiff.
• The boatswain and 16 men traveled overland along the coast.

They planned to sail along the coast at night and cross to Riouw the next day. The skiff, being the slowest, was sent ahead. The survivors traded their clothes and remaining possessions for rice and eventually hired two boats, one of which came from Trangano.

At dawn, the other boats were missing, so they decided to sail toward an island they believed was Riouw. Before midday, they spotted a sail and hoped it was a ship from Malacca. However, it turned out to be a Portuguese ship. The Portuguese crew initially treated them roughly, making them work and shouting at them before bringing them to Malacca.

The report was signed by J.s Schoon, Anna de Haak, and witnessed by Theodorus Iacobus van den Heuvel, with confirmation by F:s G:s van den Heuvel and Clercq. The Portuguese captain, Anthonio de Merando, reported to the governor-general that his ship, the Nossa Senhora de Concessan, had rescued 19 Dutch survivors, including a mate from the wrecked Dutch East India Company ship Risdam. He mentioned seeing two other local boats at sea, likely carrying the remaining 67 crew members, including the captain and senior officers, who were probably heading to Riouw as planned.

The clerk Theodorus Iacobus van den Heuvel shared this information with the Council of the Indies on behalf of the governor, and their advice on this unexpected event was requested.

On 8 December 1726, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ships Risdam and Coning Carel were sailing from Siam toward Batavia. The Risdam, already leaking, encountered rough seas near Pulo Gadja. Despite pumping water out, the leak worsened, and the crew realized the ship could not be saved. The captain, Hendrik Schoone, signaled the Coning Carel for help, but due to the stormy conditions, rescue was impossible. The Coning Carel stayed nearby but could not assist.

By 3 January 1727, the Risdam ran aground near Pulo Gadja, close to Pulo Simaon, with 3 fathoms (18 feet) of water behind the ship. The crew dropped anchor to prevent further damage, but the heavy waves made the situation worse. They tried to launch a lifeboat but failed as water flooded the deck. With no other option, everyone attempted to save themselves by climbing into the rigging or the small boat.

Within 4–5 days, most survivors reached Pulo Gadja, except for the provost (an elderly man) who drowned. The next day, the chief mate (Ian Schoone), his wife, the supercargo (oppermeester), and 4 others were rescued by local Malay fishermen in small boats (prauws). Later, 18 more crew members, who had remained on the wrecked ship overnight, were also picked up.

Unfortunately, the lifeboat crashed against the shore, leaving the survivors stranded without a way to escape. The final count of those who made it to Pulo Gadja included:

• The chief mate (Ian Schoone) and his wife,
• The supercargo (oppermeester),
• 18 other crew members.

This account was officially recorded in Malacca on 28 February 1727 by the second mate Ian Schoone (from Amsterdam) and seaman Anne de Haan (from Harlingen).

• On 28 November 1725, officials in Siam (modern-day Thailand) reported several updates to their superiors in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta).
• They noted that Christoffel Nagel had been sent back on the ship Risdam because he was no longer needed in Siam, as he had originally been assigned to Malacca. The ship’s carpenter, Gerrit Cornelisz, also returned home since his contract had expired and he had requested to go back.
• The officials asked for a replacement house carpenter to be sent.
• They mentioned that the 216 jars of preserved ginger sent earlier (instead of the usual amount) were of much better quality this year. These jars were part of the cargo on the ships Risdam and Hoogermeer.
• A total of 24,300 pounds of gombak (a type of resin) on sticks was collected and packed into 135 chests:
  • 40 chests were loaded onto the Risdam.
  • 30 chests were loaded onto the Hoogermeer.
  • The remaining 65 chests were placed on the Prins Eugenius because the Hoogermeer had no more space.
• Before receiving further instructions, they had already gathered 7,921 pounds of elephant tusks, which were divided between the Risdam and Hoogermeer and sent to their superiors. They respectfully requested approval for these actions.
• They addressed a loan from the King of Siam:
  • In January to November 1722, they had borrowed 550 catties (a weight unit) of Siamese silver, equal to ƒ79,200, interest-free, due to a shortage of funds.
  • The loan was to be repaid using funds from Batavia at the earliest opportunity, as required by a contract from 1706.
  • According to the contract, the King of Siam was to be paid for trade goods, loans to his officials, and items requested by the court in cash, tin, and sappanwood (a type of dyewood), each making up one-third of the payment.
  • Gifts to the king and nobles were to be repaid only in tin and sappanwood.
  • Most of the cash debt from the loan had been repaid by May 1724, but the debt in tin and especially sappanwood had grown. This was because the king’s ministers had sold some of these goods for small profits to Chinese and other traders.
  • The officials promised to do their best as loyal servants to resolve the remaining debt.
• They expressed hope that their report satisfied the requests from the Honorable Directors (their superiors in Batavia).

On 1 January 1727, aboard the ship De Koning Carel, the crew faced difficult sailing conditions. They tried to keep up with another ship using minimal sails but lost sight of it due to bad weather and strong winds. The crew decided it was wisest to continue their journey alone, trusting in divine help.

The ship was estimated to be about 28 miles west of the Rédangs (likely a coastal area or reef). The account was confirmed under solemn oath by the following individuals:

• Boudewijn Septmeijer
• D. Wagner
• Simon Lomp
• Jan Balk
• Roeloff Iansz
• Theodorus van Herwerden
• Sterov Flouers (agreed with the statement)

The document was signed in the presence of Mij Present Boudewijn Septmeijer.

• On January 5, during the second watch (around 1 AM to 4 AM), a Dutch ship faced serious problems while sailing.
• The ship was in poor condition due to heavy rocking and movement, risking damage to the upper parts, especially the bowsprit (a large pole at the front).
• The back of the ship was also damaged, with the main rope holding the stern nearly broken. Other ropes were at risk of failing too.
• The crew had to constantly pump water out—using two pumps—to keep the ship from flooding, which worried them greatly.
• They discovered over 4 feet (about 1.2 meters) of water in the gunpowder storage room, soaking several barrels of gunpowder. They heard water sloshing inside, likely caused by damage from steering issues since December 30.
• The crew believed the rough winds were making the damage worse, possibly breaking more parts of the rudder.
• They realized that if they stayed anchored or kept drifting, the ship would suffer even more damage and might not survive.
• To make the ship more stable, they decided to set additional sails (which had been adjusted at sunset) to help steady it.
• No signs of major leaks or other serious issues were found, and the ship did not continue drifting uncontrollably.

• The crews of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ships De Koning Carel and Risdam wrote this report. De Koning Carel was on a voyage from Siam (modern-day Thailand) to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta, Indonesia), sailing alongside the Risdam, commanded by captain Hendrik Schoon.
• On 8 December, both ships left the harbor of Siam and stayed close until 30 December.
• Around 4:00 PM on 30 December, the Risdam signaled distress by waving its flag and shouting, but strong winds (northeast to north-northeast) and rough seas made communication impossible. The Risdam then pulled its flag back in, and both ships continued sailing side by side.
• That night, they sailed with reduced sails (two reefs in the marsail) but saw nothing unusual. At sunset, they lowered the formarsail and kept only the lower sails with two reefs in the main marsail, battling strong winds and high waves.
• Around 10:00 PM (4 glasses into the first watch), the Risdam raised its mainsail, and De Koning Carel did the same with its main marsail. They stayed as close as possible to each other.
• Around 1:00 AM, shouts were heard from the Risdam, but the storm and waves made it impossible to understand. After 15 minutes, only drifting wreckage was seen—likely parts of the Risdam—floating toward the leeward shore, with no sign of movement or survivors.
• Soon after, the Risdam completely disappeared from sight.

On 14 March 1727, a letter was sent from Malacca by Clana Taija Poetra, who ruled on behalf of Sultan Seleman Sajohoor Darallalam. The letter was addressed to Hermanus van Suchtelen, the governor and director of the city and fortress of Malacca, praising his wisdom, experience, and leadership. The writer wished him long life, prosperity, and good health.

The letter mentioned that Pangeloe Tanjongkling and Intje Hackim, sent by the governor, had arrived with a message. They had come to check on Dutch survivors from a shipwreck. The letter confirmed that the survivors had been helped as requested, even before the governor’s written order arrived. Due to the difficult conditions in Malacca and trust in the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in Batavia, the captain and 57 other survivors were sent to Batavia under the guidance of Buginese sailors. Chinese traders who helped with their ships were excused from paying local taxes and fees.

The letter was signed by C. van Riel, the secretary. Later, in Batavia, on 30 November 1727, officials—J.C. Hille, D. Overmaz Engelsen, D. de Smit, and Johan Busch—confirmed that they had reviewed and verified the documents.

• A letter was sent from the fortress in Malacca on 14 March 1727 to Governor Herman van Suchtelen and the Council in Riouw (now Bintan).
• The writers, including H. van Suchtelen, J. D. Quesne, J. Brun, J. Cottiere, J. Kuijpers, C. van Riel, D. Nolthenius, and J. Onneke, explained they would not send a ship to pick up the crew mentioned in a previous letter but would wait for a suitable ship to transport 19 cannons that arrived via the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora de Conceição.
• They acknowledged receiving a letter from Hackim (likely a local official) dated 13 February 1727, delivered by a messenger from Tanjungkling, along with a sealed pouch containing 100 Spanish real coins, which were divided among them as food supplies.
• Despite their difficult situation, they reported good relations with the local king and a Bugis supervisor named Clana Jaija Poetra, who provided housing and food upon their arrival on 9 February 1727.
• Three Chinese ships were ready to sail to Batavia (now Jakarta), with the first departing in two days. The group planned to split into three parties, with one party, including the letter’s authors (W. Hendrik Schoon, C. Cijlolscher, and A. Landsbergen), leaving on that ship to reach Van Suchtelen.
• They thanked the governor for the food money sent earlier and closed by commending themselves to his protection.
• The letter was noted and approved in Riouw on 28 February 1727 by secretary C. van Riel.

• On 28 February 1727, officials in Malacca wrote about a small ship called Nossa Senhora de Concessan. They decided to waive fees for this trip because the captain did not ask for payment for helping shipwrecked sailors. They also noted that even if anchor fees were requested, very little would need to be paid for the small ship. However, they warned that this kindness should not set a future example.
• The document was signed in the fortress of Malacca on the date mentioned above by:
  • H. van Suchtelen
  • P. du Quesne
  • J. Brunel
  • I. Cottiere
  • I. Kuijpers
  • C. van Riel
  • D. Nolthenius
  • J. Onneke
• It was approved and signed by C. van Riel, secretary in Batavia, and addressed to:
  • Mattheus de Haan, Governor-General
  • The Honorable Council of the Dutch East Indies.
• A Chinese man named Tsim Tsonko could not travel to Batavia as planned, despite receiving instructions at the end of the previous month.
• On 7 February 1727, messengers Ta Jongkling and Intje Hackim returned from Riouw with letters:
  • One from Daijeeng Merewa (also called Klana Jaija Poetra).
  • One from the leaders of the shipwrecked vessel Risdam, dated 28 February 1726 in Riouw.
• The letters confirmed that survivors from the ship Risdam arrived in Riouw on 9 February 1726 and received help from:
  • Radja Seleman
  • Daijeeng Merewa, the leader of the Buginese people there.
• With permission, the survivors used 100 Spanish realen (money) sent to them. They then left Riouw on three Chinese boats heading to Batavia.

On 28 February 1727, officials in Malacca sent a letter to the captain of the Dutch ship Risdam, Hendrik Scroon, after learning about the shipwreck of his vessel near Pulo Gadio (close to Pulo Timaon). The letter confirmed that 19 survivors had arrived in Malacca on a Portuguese ship called Nossa Senhora de Conceição. It was also reported that Scroon had left for Riau with 66 other crew members and two small boats.

• The officials sent Scroon 100 Spanish real coins, delivered by Pangulu of Tanjungkling and Intje Hackim, to buy food and supplies for the crew.
• They expected Scroon to arrive in Riau soon and requested an update to avoid sending an unnecessary rescue ship.
• The letter also mentioned that they had asked Klana Jajasoetra, the leader of the Bugis people in Riau, to assist Scroon with money or support if needed.

The letter was signed by order of Harmanus van Suchtelen and the council in Malacca on 13 February 1727, with C.s van Kiel acting as secretary.

Additionally, on 14 February 1727, the Portuguese captain Anthonio de Merando was rewarded for his kindness to the 19 survivors of the Risdam. As a gesture of thanks, he was exempted from paying anchor fees in Malacca.

• On 28 February 1727, a letter was written from the fortress in Malacca by Gouverneur Hermanus van Suchtelen and the Council of Malacca, including Pierre d’Quesne, Isaac Brun, Jan Cottiere, Jan Cuijpers, Cornelis van Kiel, Dirk Nolthenius, and Jan Onneke. The letter was addressed to Clana Jaija Poetra in Riouw (modern Riau), wishing him good health and a long life.
• The letter reported the tragic shipwreck of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship Risdam near Pulo Gadia (across from Pulo Timon). News of the disaster reached Malacca the previous day from 19 survivors, who arrived on a Portuguese ship.
• According to the report, 67 more survivors—including the captain and some junior officers—had crossed to Riouw using two local boats. They went there to gather supplies before continuing their journey elsewhere.
• The writers asked Clana Jaija Poetra for help:
  • To assist the stranded survivors in Riouw with food and supplies.
  • If the captain needed money to buy necessary provisions, Clana Jaija Poetra was requested to lend it to him. The VOC promised to repay the loan and expressed deep gratitude for any aid given.
• The letter was sealed with the VOC's red lacquer stamp and signed by Hermanus van Suchtelen, with approval from Cornelis van Kiel, the secretary.
• The message was sent via a pangulo (local boat) from Tanjong Kling, accompanied by a man named Intje Hackim.

On 28 February 1727, near Malacca, a ship was spotted and initially thought to belong to the local fleet. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a Portuguese vessel. The Portuguese crew surrendered without resistance, and their ship was taken to Malacca. The report was signed by IJsbrand Schoon and Anne de Haan, with Fs Is van den Heuvel and E. Clercq as witnesses, and confirmed by C.S. van Riel, the secretary.

The captain of the captured Portuguese ship, Nossa Senhora de Conceição, named Anthonio de Merando, informed the governor of Malacca that his ship had encountered 19 Dutch survivors near Riouw (Riau). Among them was a helmsman from the wrecked Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship Risdam. The survivors reported that 67 more crew members, including the ship’s captain, chief helmsman, and other officers, had likely sailed toward Riouw as previously agreed.

The governor immediately shared this news with the Council of Malacca and requested their advice. The council unanimously decided to:

• Send a letter to Daijeeng Marewa (also called Klana Jaja Poetra) in Riouw, asking for help for the stranded sailors if they had reached there.
• Send a letter to the Risdam’s captain, Hendrik Schoon, with 100 Spanish realen (currency) via Pangeloe van Tanjongkling and Jntje Hackim, to buy food and supplies if needed.
• Request additional funds from Daijeeng Marewa if necessary.

• On 13 February 1855, a legal case (number 7781) was reviewed involving Robert Mitchell (plaintiff) and Thomas Moodij (defendant).
• The case referred to an earlier agreement from a court document dated 23 January 1812, where both parties had reached a mutual settlement.
• The plaintiff (Robert Mitchell) requested the court to:
• Uphold the earlier decision and declare his demands valid.
• Order the defendant (Thomas Moodij) to pay costs, including:
• £58 for the petition and legal proceedings.
• £1 6s for documents and copies related to the case.
• Issue a penalty (fine) if the defendant did not comply with the court's order.
• The defendant (Thomas Moodij) was accused of:
• Ignoring a previous court order (or "interdict") related to property or assets.
• Failing to provide requested documents, specifically a list of offers and expenses, which should have been submitted to the Secretary of the Colony in Paramaribo.
• The plaintiff demanded that:
• The defendant be forced to comply immediately, without delay.
• The defendant cover all legal costs, damages, and interest.
• The court enforce its ruling strictly, including potential penalties for non-compliance.

• On July 24, 1808, a legal document was created in Amsterdam involving a financial dispute.
• The document was addressed to Themas Mordy and concerned a protest against a bill of exchange (a type of payment order).
• The protest was filed by Robert Mitchel, a merchant from Armadale Coast (likely a place name), against the drawee (person ordered to pay) and acceptor (person who agreed to pay) of a bill for £1,075 sterling.
• The bill was originally issued by Thomas Moodij and was payable to the order of Stoomas Moodij.
• Robert Mitchel claimed he suffered damages, costs, and interest due to non-payment of the bill.
• The document was signed by witnesses:
  • Coenraad Laast
  • Jorhen A. Willemsz Sterk
  • W. Sterk D.C. Van Oostran
• The bill was dated June 24, 1808, and was accepted (agreed to be paid) on August 1, 1808, by the firm of Messrs. Barow Louwrades.
• The document also mentions an endorsement (transfer of the bill) to Recht Slament.

• The document is a pay record for the Royal Engineers covering the period from 21 March to 29 June 1806 (19 pay periods).
• It lists one officer by name: Lieutenant Thomas Moodije.
• Thomas Moodije was approved for pay on 1 June 1806 for 9 days of work, earning a total of ƒ 30 and 3 (likely guilders and a smaller unit).
• The record notes his rank as Captain-Chief (Keeenoed Chiabooe) and mentions his status as a Colonial Engineer (koij Enijnees).

On 28 February 1727, a ship from Malacca sank near an island. One sailor drowned, and another was thrown overboard by Malay locals when their small boat leaked and began to sink. The survivors struggled to find food on the island, living on small shellfish and sea plants for 4 to 5 days.

A Malay man arrived, bringing rice, and advised them to head toward the mainland during low tide. The captain and most of the crew followed his advice, hoping for safety, but they found the area unsafe and returned to the others who had stayed behind. For about a month, they survived by trading their clothes and remaining belongings for small amounts of rice brought by the Malay man.

Eventually, they managed to acquire two boats—one from Trang carrying rice and another they hired. They split into groups to sail toward Trouw:

• The captain with 37 men in the largest boat.
• The second mate with 13 men in a smaller boat.
• The first narrator (likely a senior officer) with 14 men in a longboat.
• The boatswain with 16 men, traveling along the coast.

When they reached the Sidilli River, they could go no farther. They regrouped, placing 19 men in the longboat, and planned to stay near the shore overnight. The next day, they intended to cross to Riouw, the nearest populated area. The longboat was sent ahead, but when the others lost sight of it by dawn, they decided to head toward a distant island they believed was Riouw.