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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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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.


In their reply dated September 3, officials discussed a letter concerning trade contracts in Dutch East Indies. The main topics were:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1633 / 0283  


The text describes administrative issues in a trading company in Ellemantsjellij in September 3. The document mentions that someone had been too generous with the company's money while another had been too frugal. The official Massis was expected to leave his post soon. There were problems with textile trade when people working for Miersa Mamet stopped shipments at the Ballegat. This showed ingratitude, as gifts had been given to them just 6 months before, and additional presents were sent to their master in Eloer during August when he was sick. The company sent a letter to Miersa Mamet with one of their officials (mahaldars) to resolve the situation regarding detained goods and ensure future shipments would proceed without interference.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1633 / 0284  


The text describes administrative procedures in colonial Dutch trade. Caulier, who held the position of junior merchant, was taking longer than expected to handle the warehouse handover. Due to this delay, merchant Massis would be unable to take over the transport duties. The solution proposed was that Caulier should temporarily transfer his administrative responsibilities to the second-in-command, who would later transfer them back to Caulier. Meanwhile, this arrangement would give Massis enough time to prepare for his upcoming journey. The officials were waiting for a ship called the Isselt to sail to Batavia in September, and they wanted to ensure that goods would arrive in time for shipment.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1633 / 0285  


In a letter from Coromandel dated April 1, 1753, it was reported that the chief and his deputy were required to sign letters together, with each able to note their separate opinions. Rinck apparently made it a habit not to acknowledge receipt of letters until he chose to answer them, which often caused delays and uncertainty about whether correspondence had arrived. To address this issue for the future, officials were instructed to: The villages of Gollepalem and Goendewaram had been leased without proper prior authorization, which was against regulations. Officials were warned to request permission first in future cases. Additional matters addressed:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2822 / 0159  


In Sadraspatnam, on an unspecified date in 1400, several Dutch East India Company officials were involved in checking spice shipments. Gerrit Schreuder, a bookkeeper, and Joannes Duijnevelt, an assistant, were assigned since December 20 to inspect packages of mace in the Company's warehouses.

The inspectors were tasked with:

One package was previously sealed in Banda Nassau on September 10, 1725 by J. van Campen in the presence of Anthonij de Bruijn and Jacob Thewalt. According to the invoice, it should have contained 154 pounds, but upon inspection was found to contain only 137¾ pounds of mace.

A second package was sealed in Banda Nassau on August 28, 1724 by A. Aldertsz in the presence of J. de Kester and N. Hertoog. The document was signed by J. Spits, S. Turnhout, and G. Gouds as witnesses.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2084 / 0344  


On October 23, 1724 and August 27, 1725, measurements and inspections of mace shipments took place at Sadraspatnam for the East India Company. Gerrit Schreuder, a bookkeeper, and Abraham Selover, an assistant, were assigned since September 1 to open the Company's trading warehouses and clean the mace from dust, debris, and white leaves.

The inspections were witnessed by various officials including Aldert Aldersz, Joannes Crijn, Jacobus Thewalt, and J. van Campen. The process involved:

The first shipment from Banda Nassau showed:

The second shipment recorded:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2084 / 0339  


This document appears to be about trade and administrative matters in Siam from an earlier period. It discusses several key points:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1621 / 0180  


On September 13, 1740, a report was sent from Coromandel concerning ships arriving and departing. Chief merchant Hendrik Grousius requested to be dismissed from his position on August 11. Second-in-command merchant Isaak Selover applied to fill this vacancy. The writers recommended Selover for the position due to his competency and knowledge of affairs in the northern district.

The document includes a list of ships, challoups, and smaller vessels that arrived, showing what merchandise they brought from various regions and transported between December 1, 1709 and August 31, 1740. The ship De Kiefhoek brought goods and money from Nagapatnam. The cargo included barrels of liquor and Serbster beer, which were to be sold at auction to the highest bidder, though they were in poor condition.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8827 / 0338  


This document describes legal proceedings in Cormandel from October 21, 1723 and June-July 1753. The first part involves questioning about why someone reported accusations to missionaries in Tranquebar instead of the local church council president. The person claimed it was due to confusion and because Andries's father-in-law was in Tranquebar and could reprimand him. This confession was made at the town hall in Nagapatnam in the presence of council members Bartholomeus Gevel and Carel Hendrik Simons, with clerk J. Haselkamp.

On July 3, 1753, another hearing took place with council members Nicolaas Dejoncheere and Tanappengh present. The person maintained their earlier confession but added that Kaijappen could not be brought to prove the statements due to his absence.

On June 28, 1753, a 70-year-old freed person named Rosement, formerly owned by merchant and secretary Willem Wieland, testified before council members. The case was investigated by secretary P. Looman. Rosement confessed to allowing Hermelina, a freed servant of widow van Norden, to build a small room on their property. After Hermelina's death, the property was sold to Faustina, who had been freed by widow Selover.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8898 / 0594  


On June 8, 1728, a document was written about shipping goods from Coromandel. The ship would pick up 20,000 silver rupees and coffee beans at Palliacatta to sell in northern Coromandel. Two clerks, Jacob Selover and Johannes Damman (the latter with his family), plus a trumpeter and drummer, were traveling to work there. To prevent suspicious differences found when weighing goods, especially Japanese copper bars at trading posts, each vessel was given a set of weights of 125 pounds. These weights were sealed and sent to branch offices to weigh incoming goods. The sealed box had to be returned after use. They received letters dated January 28 and would send replies within 2-3 days via the sloop "The Crowned Sword." They were expecting silverware previously brought from Golconda. The trumpeter became unfit for service due to an unexpected accident and would be sent to Batavia, requiring a replacement from incoming ships. If possible, they wanted to send a full cargo along with the Indian merchant Coesoeri Danaij. If the vessel could make another trip to Bimilipatnam, they should send it there to collect cargo and supply that office with as much Japanese copper bars as they could spare.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2102 / 0124  


In Coromandel on June 25, 1787, financial records were kept about trading activities. The previous balance was 50,933 florins. The main trading post and Palicol recorded transactions in 1702/1705 involving spices, cloth, sandalwood, lacquerware, telescopes, glasses, weapons, and other goods worth 1,402 florins, plus 1,401 florins in cash. In 1701/1706, they traded spices, cloth, merchant goods, gunpowder, and other items worth 1,034 florins, with 1,191 florins in cash.

Construction and repair costs included:

In Klatcherom, additional expenses were recorded for food allowances and provisions. This included extra costs because the former chief stayed only one month in 1702/1705, while the new chief received additional allowances. A new cashier also overlapped with the old one, receiving food allowance. The account included 40 cans of wine and necessary goods like wax, lamp oil, washing cloths, and various textiles.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8686 / 0295  


A letter dated June 8, 1728 from Coromandel reports the dispatch of a cargo to Japan containing 80 packs of fabrics: 2 packs of fine bleached salampores, 34 packs of plain ones, 37 packs of guineas fabric, 7 packs of raw fabric, and 1 case with silver works from Golconda. The letter mentions assistant Joannes Croese and former Datcherom merchant Coesoerij Danaij. It was signed by A. Pla, Fredrik Elliot, Marts van Heuven, O. Witmont, and Hermanus Taarling in Mazulipatnam on March 4, 1728.

A postscript shows expenses of 180 guilders and 15 cents. From Nagapatnam, they thank for receiving help with manpower, trade goods, and rupees via two ships, the Maria and the Crowned Sword. Military orders dating back to January 16, 1725 were followed. When current difficulties end, excess staff will be sent back in small groups, including clerks Jacob Selover and Joannes Damman, and boatswain Cornelis Sanderts.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2102 / 0091  


On June 8, 1728, a report from Coromandel mentions a first payment of 250 made to the East India Company. The assistant Abraham Selover, who had been ill for some time, requested to travel by vessel to seek recovery, which was granted under favorable conditions. This was signed by J. Spits, S. Turnhout, and G. Gouds in Sadraspatnam on _March 3, 1728. From Nagapatnam, a report details the following trade goods converted in February:

The total profit amounted to 1,911 guilders, 5 stuivers, and 8 pennies. There was a weight shortage of 4¾ pounds on 3,684½ pounds of nutmeg delivered in 20 boxes. The wages paid to Dutch servants at this office during December, January, and February amounted to 880 guilders and 6 stuivers, while the outpost at Conjemere received 86 guilders, 12 stuivers, and 8 pennies. The remaining cash balance was 29,500 guilders. Merchants delivered 52 packages in total, consisting of:

Cotton and yarn prices remained as reported on January 10 and February 3. Upon receiving letters dated February 27, they sent gifts to Dostalichan the courier, including 2 rolls of Chinese silk fabric worth 18 pagodas, along with 1 pound of mace, 2 pounds of cloves, 2 pounds of nutmeg, and 2 pounds of cinnamon.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2102 / 0205  


In 1704-1705, financial records show transactions in various locations including Masulipatnam, Palicol, and Daatcherom. There were expenses for ink, writing materials, and payments to workers. During Governor J. van Steeland's administration, money was spent on spices, gunpowder, and lamp oil.

In 1705, officials made visits where lamp oil, gunpowder, and supplies were used. Travel expenses were recorded when A. van Noort traveled from Palicol, J. van der Willige from Golepalen, and assistant A. Walree from Masulipatnam.

In 1706, chief surgeon S. F. Kloos traveled from Daatcherom to Palicol. The records also show that an interpreter served for 10⅓ months before passing away in 1705, and a new interpreter was appointed in 1706.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1745 / 0301  


The report from Cormandel dated October 20, 1703 discusses several issues:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1678 / 0640  


During this period, steamships were preferred over traditional vessels for trade routes between Kendari, Bone, Toeloekoemba, Bonthain, Makassar, the Moluccan Islands, New Guinea, Timor, Flores, Soembawa, Lombok, Bali, Borneo's east coast, Java, Sumatra and Singapore. The Celebes region was particularly active in freight transport.

The main imported goods included:

The main exported goods included:

Bonerate, located on an island of the same name in Saleyer, served as an important concentration point for passing native vessels. Steam shipping routes connected Makassar and Kendari, primarily to maintain regular communication with Saleyer for the stationed government representative rather than for trade purposes. However, this connection positively impacted trade in the region.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 2.10.02 / 5159 / 0539  


During this historical period, the Buton islands only had one important port town, Baubau, located on Buton island along Buton strait. Foreign traders were only allowed to settle in Baubau. The town was connected through steamship routes to Makassar and Kendari, and through local boats to the Moluccas, New Guinea, Timor, Malacca, Sumbawa, Selayar, Bone Gulf, Bontheim, the Banggai islands, parts of Sumatra and Singapore.

Despite many trade connections, trade was not very active as the Butonese people were more interested in being transporters than traders, focusing on earning freight money rather than trading goods.

In the Selayar island group, the main northern island of Selayar had a long row of villages along its west coast. Benteng was the main administrative center where the Controller was stationed. Land and water transportation on the island was excellent. Some reefs near Benteng made it difficult for large ships to enter, but these could be easily avoided. The harbor at Benteng, where most trade was concentrated, was protected from east and west winds but exposed to north and south winds. The port was included in the steamship route between Makassar and Kendari, which benefited the town significantly. While Selayar had many local trading vessels, traders focused on smaller but more frequent profits, unlike traders from Buton and Makassar who speculated on larger profits with quick turnover.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 2.10.02 / 5159 / 0538  


In Cormandel on October 14, 1737, a woman named Hermelina, who was supported by the church, died on September 26. When the church treasurer arrived between 5:30 and 6:00 PM to record her belongings, he found surprisingly little: The property was later sold to Faustina, a freed woman of Mrs. Selover. Only Rosemont and Faustina were present when the inventory was taken. The treasurer suspects these two of taking belongings from the deceased, since Hermelina was known to own more items, including: This list was recently reported to Reverend Engelbert through another church-supported woman named Galathea, who is still alive.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8898 / 0570  


On June 22, 1693, Pieter Elsekier, a bookkeeper for the East India Company and sworn clerk, appeared before Adriaan de Visser, a merchant and head of the trading post. Along with witnesses including Gerardus Lindeborn, an assistant and council member, they described events from May 12 of that year.

That morning, De Visser and council members Sweers, van der Wiel, Allewijnsz, Grousius, Lindeborn, and van Norden went to the cloth hall where Indian painters were spreading out linens they had made for Persia. While they were inspecting the goods, Telghuijs arrived. After examining the linens together, everyone stood up except De Visser and Telghuijs, who stayed seated talking quietly.

When they finally stood up, De Visser asked Telghuijs in a louder voice if he had brought the sample patterns for making chintz for the homeland. Telghuijs said yes but insisted the painters should come to his place to receive them. De Visser wanted it officially noted that Telghuijs refused to bring the samples to the hall. De Visser also read a letter from the governor, though Telghuijs claimed it didn't mention samples.

De Visser demanded the samples be brought to the hall, stating that Telghuijs had no authority over the painters and that arrangements had to be made in the hall with the council present. Telghuijs replied that the hall was unsuitable and those who wanted to be present should come to his place, adding that these were samples he had made. When De Visser asked why he should go there when he was already at the hall, Telghuijs responded that he didn't need to explain himself, after which there was silence.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1526 / 0647  


On February 12, 1716, G. Westrenen and I. Selover kept records of trade goods and their profits. The document details various transactions in Patnam from December 1715 to November 1715. The records show:

The merchants kept detailed accounts showing both the initial costs and the profits made on each transaction, with careful notation of all advances and gains on the merchandise.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1884 / 0927  


In Coromandel on October 14, 1753, at Nagapatnam, in the presence of council members Bartholomeus Gevel and Carel Hendrik Simons, a confession was recorded by clerk Haselkamp. On July 3, 1753, the confessor appeared again before council members de Joncheere and Tan Apengh at the town hall in Nagapatnam, where she confirmed her previous statement. On June 29, 1753, Faustina, a 40-year-old freed slave of widow Selover, appeared before the council. She was examined by secretary P. Looman, who was appointed to investigate this case by the Coromandel resolution of June 25. Faustina confessed that:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8898 / 0598  


In Coromandel on June 25, 1707, there were financial records showing various transactions. The main accounts showed 38,967 guilders, with additional amounts from Masulipatnam (2,647 guilders), Palicol (742 guilders), and Daatcherom (344 guilders).

During 1702-1705, expenses included spices, gunpowder, lamp oil, and writing materials. These were approved by Governor J. van Steeland. The total cost was 448 guilders, with additional payments to guards and officials amounting to 251 guilders.

In 1706, there were expenses for lamp oil during regent visits, gunpowder for guards, and various small payments totaling 303 guilders.

Travel expenses were recorded showing that Chief A. van Noort traveled from Palicol, merchant Van der Willige from Golepalen, and assistant A. Walree from Masulipatnam. Later, surgeon J.F. Kloos traveled from Daatcherom to Palicol.

The records also show that an interpreter died in 1702-1705 after serving 10⅓ months at 7 rixdollars per month. A new interpreter was hired in 1706 and worked for 6½ months.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8686 / 0296  


In a letter from Coromandel dated April 27, 1703, concerns were raised about unresolved debts. Despite recommendations from high officials in India, the debt had increased due to excessive advance payments. The only compensation consisted of poor-quality linens, limited cash, and merchants' goods. The chief merchant Soerachittij Serappa had little financial means beyond his company funds, and while some merchants were wealthy, they would only help their poorer colleagues for significant profit. The debt of 81,067 2/3 rixdollars, though recent and made since Selover's arrival, would likely take time to settle. To protect the East India Company from losses, it was suggested to: Jannepan Linga, a supplier of indigo and roggevellen (ray skins), owed 1,485 1/15 rixdollars, with only partial delivery made: Linga and Carra Noekapa, as ray skin suppliers, had a deficit of 65 15/60 rixdollars, having only delivered 400 pieces worth 49 rixdollars against their debt. The washers in Gollepalem, Daatserom, and Goudewaron were also discussed. On January 13, when reprimanded for poor work, some admitted to being heavy drinkers but promised improvement. Due to lack of alternatives, they were kept on despite their unreliability, with 6 head washers and Jannepan being confirmed in their positions.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1678 / 0390  


In 1698, letters and documents from officials in the Dutch East Indies were exchanged between various locations. The main correspondence was between Laurens Pit, who was an Extraordinary Council member of the Indies and governor, and the High Government in Batavia.

Several communications involved English governors Nathaniel Higginson and Thomas Pitt in Madraspatnam regarding an English interloper ship called the Resolution. Danish commander Claus Vooght in Tranquebar wrote about the wreck of their ship Princess Louise on the reef of Mannapare.

Merchants Bartholt van Slingelant and Isaac Selover wrote a report about their mission to Madras where they were sent to congratulate the new English governor Thomas Pitt.

Other officials mentioned in the correspondence include:

The correspondence dates ranged from June 14, 1698 to October 11, 1698, with documents being transported by various ships and yachts.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1610 / 0203  


On October 10, 1703, in Coromandel, an issue with indigo trade was discovered. The house servant of chief merchant Isaac Selover, named Pannepanglinga, who had been a supplier for a long time, was found to be involved in fraud. The East India Company tried to prevent future fraud by summoning indigo makers to make a contract for three different grades of indigo (grades 1, 2, and 3). However, this attempt was hindered, likely due to interference from the house servant or others.

In May 21, indigo makers from Mallaron brought 389¾ pounds of indigo to Masulipatnam, which was found to be mixed with sand:

The prices were set according to quality:

The indigo makers remained stubborn about delivery in grades, likely influenced by the servant who wanted to maintain the old system. The servant denied being a supplier, claiming he was merely a guarantor for the indigo makers, and claimed ignorance of the fraudulent practices. This led to disputes about price calculations between chief Selover and the chief of northern Coromandel, Van Steeland. After reviewing the accounts from both Masulipatnam and Daetcheron, officials found errors in the calculations, determining that the first grade should not cost more than 9 3/32 pagodas per 480 pounds.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1678 / 0480  



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