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On August 20th, 1730, envoys from Banjarmasin, including Intje Maros and Kiaij Satia Diwangsa, visited the Governor in Macassar. Their conversation covered various topics, from fine horses to be bought for the Sultan in Bima, to the monsoon season and their vessels' armaments. They expressed concern about their safety at sea due to Aroe Sinkang, a pirate who had threatened to attack Banjar again once the Company's ship and sloop left the area.
While the Sultan wasn't very afraid of these rough people, Banjar often lacked gunpowder and lead. They were puzzled about how Aroe Sinkang obtained such abundant supplies, as during his last attack on Banjar, his forces had fired heavy artillery almost continuously. The Governor suggested that the pirate had collected these supplies by robbing various vessels over time. The envoys agreed this was possible, as Aroe Sinkang had indeed captured many vessels in the previous year.
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View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0387 The text describes events in Macassar on October 24, 1730. The writer describes a conversation about seeking protection from the East India Company, whose orders they would obey in life or death. The discussion turned to the Queen of Boni's departure to Bouton. During tea and fine spirits, the Governor brought up Arungkaju, who had been well-regarded in Goa due to his marriage to Karaeng Pankajene, but was now rarely mentioned. Pongawa remarked that if the Queen had not taken care of the royal ornaments, weapons, and resources of the Boni court, Arungkaju would have taken them when he went to seek assistance from the king of Goa. They had made promises to each other, following local custom by drinking water from their hip weapons and swearing loyalty to death. Arungkaju later gave two villages, Takalar and another unnamed one belonging to the people of Boni, to the king of Goa.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0385 On October 24, 1730, at Macassar, a secret order was given to reject Aroe Kajoe's proposal. While most nobles had already agreed to turn against the East India Company and seek revenge through weapons with the combined Goa forces, three brothers with their small following prevented Aroe Kajoe's plan from succeeding. This became public knowledge due to the pressure that was subsequently put on them, as if they alone had to pay for all the damage. The situation in Boni became so dangerous for them that they felt forced to seek refuge elsewhere. After consulting with each other, they chose Bouton, firmly deciding not to return as long as Aroe Kajoe remained in control of Boni. However, when they barely heard of his departure, they prepared to return home, being confident they had done nothing wrong against the East India Company. They believed the kings of Boni would understand their temporary departure for the mentioned reasons, although they were uncertain how the Boni nobles would receive their return.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0383 In a report from Maccassar dated October 24, 1730, officials described problems that arose after their sister married Aroekajoe, who became king of Boni. Aroekajoe did not treat their sister well and sought supreme power. He secretly loved his wife Bonto more than the kings. More troublingly, he favored Goa over Boni's interests.
This became clear during the revolt in the Kampong Bugis when Aroekajoe suggested moving the kings to Goa, claiming it would protect them from the Company's power and weapons. This put the Boni court in danger of suddenly falling under Goa's control. Aroekajoe tried to convince the court nobles to agree, and might have succeeded if the kings, in their extreme fear and distress, had not consulted with the officials. The officials declared they would rather die than go to Goa with Aroekajoe.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0381 According to a document from Maccassar dated October 24, 1730, a conversation took place between the Governor and the Pongawa (a prince). The Governor expressed concern about their return from Bouton and their request for protection. He said that while the Company viewed their case favorably, he worried about potential issues between them and the Queen of Bonij that might have occurred when they left, which he was unaware of at the time.
When the Governor noted that people don't leave their land without reason, the Prince responded that explaining the full circumstances would take a long time and might bore the Governor and his wife during their visit. The Governor, trying to uncover the truth without appearing too eager, suggested they move to a side room while the women entertained each other. Once there, the Governor pretended to share a secret but instead returned to discussing their reasons for departing to Bouton.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0379 On October 24, 1730, in Macassar at Castle Rotterdam, a meeting took place. Josua van Arrewijne, who was Governor and Director of the Province, along with Ioan Steenhoff, I. H. Nipoort, J. Augier, E. Nuijts, and I. Wognum were present. On August 11 in the morning, princes Songawa aroe Backa and Latongan, accompanied by their wives and sisters who had recently arrived from Bouton, paid a visit to the Governor and his wife in the garden. After the usual formalities, they engaged in friendly conversation. The eldest of these princes, being typically the most outspoken, was questioned about various past events at the Boni court and his views on the current situation. Despite the Governor having paved the way for such discussions on several occasions, and Prince Pongacca occasionally dropping meaningful hints, the conversation took place.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0377 In Macassar on October 24, 1730, secretary Munnix was relieved of his duties due to ongoing illness. He requested to leave with the next available transport to Batavia, as there was little hope for his recovery in Macassar. This decision was made following a resolution on September 29.
Jan Francois Wattecu, who had been temporarily performing Munnix's duties as secretary of justice satisfactorily during his illness, was provisionally continued in this position, pending higher approval.
Three criminal cases were being processed, including:
The orphanage books and letters from that institution would not be ready for another 8 to 10 days, so the messenger would not need to wait for them.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0375 On October 24, 1730, a letter was sent from Macassar concerning a shipment of slaves as gifts along with other goods. The court in Goa had sent four slaves who were deemed qualified for their roles and showed good behavior. The slaves included both men and women from the Toradja region.
The ship's captain was Willem van Duijve, who transported:
The Chinese merchant Liauwko collected and paid for the turtle shell at a rate of 110 reals per 125 pounds, under the condition that it was not for the Company. The documents were prepared on October 13, 1730, taking into account the early western winds and the fact that no citizens were scheduled to depart who could be trusted with the yearly papers.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0373 On October 24, 1730, several people in Macassar made requests for changes in their employment positions:
The letter concludes with a request to confirm the secretary's appointment to the vacant payroll bookkeeper position and asks for a suitable replacement as secretary.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0371 On October 24, 1730, in Maccassar, a report discusses the death of garrison bookkeeper Abraham Walburg on the 3rd of that month after a prolonged illness. The under-merchant and political secretary Jacob Wognam offered his services for the vacant position. On October 13, he was provisionally appointed to this position while keeping his secretary duties, pending higher approval. The document mentions a request accompanied by 9 other petitions from various servants who also seek promotion to this or other open positions. Among them, Jan Francois Watteu from Ypere, who was working as bookkeeper and paymaster while also serving as secretary to the Council of Justice, humbly requests either confirmation in his current position or appointment to the vacant garrison bookkeeper position.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0369 On October 24, 1730, a report from Macassar discussed a ship encounter near Tannakeke. Helmsman Dirk van der Schaep and six sailors from the ship "Voortvarentheyt," along with a sailor from the ship "Oppas," made statements during a meeting on July 11 about this encounter. The incident occurred on March 5 when they encountered what appeared to be a Hamburg vessel heading from Batavia to Bengal. The sailors consistently testified before the Council of Justice and the Fiscal that the other ship's rigging and sails resembled that of a Hamburg vessel. Contrary to maritime custom, the Hamburg ship had shown its flag first and had hailed them first. This matter was further discussed in a meeting on July 17.
The text also references earlier correspondence from October 15, 1698, April 22, 1702, and February 1703 regarding the power and influence of Macassar over other allies.
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View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0365 On October 24, 1730, a report from Macassar discusses how rescued crew and goods from a ship were already transported to Batavia via another ship from Banda. Because of this, their planned investigation in Bouton would likely be fruitless, though they deemed it necessary at the time due to uncertain native rumors. On October 3, two patrol vessels returned from their cruise mission. They found no harmful wanderers in the waters they patrolled but brought in 6 Ambonese sailor-slaves belonging to the Chinese captain Tansoka. These sailors had gotten lost while searching for drinking water during their voyage to Ambon. Captain Tansoka, lacking drinking water and having lost his men with his sampan (small boat), had to return and report this incident, which he did on September 15. The fiscal officer later examined these men further, as decided on the 4th of that month.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0363 In Macassar on October 24, 1730, there was concern about Buginese people wandering around in company clothes. The Buginese were reportedly traveling without passes to the Malay coasts near Banka Ulu. This affected trade, particularly in textiles.
According to Governor Jacob Christiaan Pielaten, there were also reports of Buginese and Mandarese people moving around in the Bay of Tomini under Ternate territory. A letter dated June 20 mentioned 11 Buginese prisoners and 18 people from Buton in chains.
The ship Noordbeek had crashed on rocks near the village of Lapando in Buton on September 16. This information was brought on the 3rd by Sergeant Rijk van Hooft along with Schoning's regular embassy concerning annual payments for the removal of harmful spice trees. The local ruler had refused to provide official notification about the ship's accident, though the sergeant had politely requested this multiple times during his visits.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0361 On October 24, 1730, officials in Maccassar expressed concern about illegal trade activities. The governor had reminded people to follow trading contracts like their predecessors did. Despite knowing their wrongdoing, powerful people were increasingly participating in this illegal trade for their own profit. The officials suggested sending 3 to 4 well-equipped vessels with local volunteers to capture unauthorized traders in places like Padang, Quaar Padang, and Demandaer. They believed this would discourage illegal trading for 6 to 7 years and boost the Company's cloth trade. At the time, the Celebese Coast was flooded with various types of cloth beyond the known and permitted imports from Batavia, reaching as far as Bima and Sumbawa.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0359 On October 24, 1730, a financial report was made in Makassar. The document shows various income and losses compared to the previous year:
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View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0354 On October 24, 1730, from Macassar, officials reported on efforts to prevent smuggling and encourage locals to use the official trade office (Sabandarije). This would increase both government income and the sale of Company textiles. With permission from higher authorities, they conducted rice sales during this financial year, which contributed to profits. They noted that rice purchases should be limited to what could be sold daily to avoid spoilage and excess stock.
Following a resolution from June 3, officials in Macassar on October 24, 1730, reported the seizure of smuggled wax, Taripans, and green Cadjang, which benefited the Company according to usual practice. They focused on stopping smuggling in the Kampong Bugis area and reminding people to use official trading channels. The patrol ship "de Beschermer" cruised near Sabouton Island and along the Company's Northern Provinces, as decided on August 4. They also reported taking no further action against similar illegal trade in Mandar and Soerang (also known as Padang-padang) without higher authorization.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8198 / 0356 In 1793, efforts were made to regulate trade in Campong Bugis and surrounding rivers and creeks. Officials were concerned about illegal trading activities by Wajorese, Buginese and other local traders who operated their vessels without proper permits or paying required fees. In the previous year, three vessels owned by the Bone administrator were caught trading near Passer Passir and Kutai, and three other vessels belonging to the same official were intercepted on their way to Banjar. These incidents were reported to the High Officials in Batavia. Year after year, reports were made to the High Indian Government about measures taken to curb this illegal trade, particularly mentioning how patrol boats effectively targeted these smugglers and suspected pirates in their hideouts at Soerean.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3102 / 0631 Two boat captains were caught trading cloth illegally in Bougis. The first captain was from Boni and claimed that he and his countrymen never sailed with passes for such small trade, saying no one had ever told them they needed to. The second captain was from Oena near Bouton and had arrived with a similar cargo at Campong Boegis, having informed the Bouton interpreter of his arrival and departure as was customary. The fiscal officer Oosterhout was ordered to conduct a further investigation into the legality of seizing these vessels and their cargo. He was to examine what the captains said in their defense and report back in writing to the assembly for further discussion. A separate case involved a pantjallang (small vessel) that was seized by patrol ships in Jouian Bay, as mentioned in the previous report of July 31. This vessel was now being claimed by a Bugis person.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2964 / 0314 On 29th, the Malayan Jntie Jtam left for Batavia along the Java coast with his vessel of about 3 loads, crewed by 12 Malayans and 2 women. He had a pass and took 65 male and female slaves for trade.
On the 30th, several vessels arrived at the harbor:
On July 13th, the Ambonese free citizen Boudewijn Christaffelsz Klooster arrived in his sloop from Makassar with letters for the President and Council there, as well as for the King of Dompo and his brother Bomi Sorowo. On July 17th, Boudewijn departed again for Amboina with his sloop according to his pass.
On July 20th, the Malayan Intie Bagues left for the Java coast via Kempo with 16 Malayan crew members and a pass, taking 25 male and female slaves for trade.
On August 9th, the Malayan Intie Moeda left for Batavia via the Java coast with his vessel of about 4 loads and 20 Malayan crew members, carrying 46 male and female slaves for trade. The Bimanese Bomi Paraca left for Makassar with letters for the President and Council there, including one from the King of Dompo.
On August 10th, Dain Tatoema Papekat left for Makassar with a vessel crewed by 26 men, with a pass.
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