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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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


In November 1759, records from Colombo Castle (in present-day Sri Lanka) detailed financial transactions under the Dutch administration:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2985 / 0129  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1679 / 0082  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1638 / 0561  


In 1543, plans were being made to send two colomb-type ships to the Maldives to trade for cowrie shells, as had been done in previous years. However, the governor faced a shortage of available ships because:

This left only the following ships in port:

One of these might still be sent to Batavia, but the governor argued that keeping ships locally was necessary, especially since both vessels and crews were essential for emergencies. Therefore, it was unanimously decided not to send any ships to the Maldives for cowrie shells that year. The trip was postponed until the following year, with the hope that conditions would improve by then.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2109 / 0087  


The following events were recorded in 1735:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 10356 / 0043  


The document describes a trade report from January 1769, summarizing goods and profits from the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) activities in 1768.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3256 / 0242  


In September 1764, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) reported on the sales of goods from the ship Vertinim Restan. The report noted that a significant amount of goods had been sold at sea during the voyage from Wy (likely referring to a location in Asia). By February 1769, it was clear that the demand for a product called Vertier was increasing, as 137 3/16 lb had already been sold by August 1769.

The report listed the following sales figures for various goods:

The following goods were also mentioned but had no sales figures provided:

The report concluded with another mention of Vertier, indicating its importance among the traded goods.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3284 / 0175  


After deducting profits, the shipment of cowrie shells to Ceylon was worth 228,300 guilders, 2 stuivers, and 8 pennies. The writers believed this amount would be well-received by the respected recipient.

The text mentions that they recommended the new Commander, Iacob De Iong, to use all practical means to revive the trade advantages that had been delayed due to the burdens of war. They hoped this could be achieved by encouraging favorable merchant activities.

The cowrie shells from the Maldives mentioned here amounted to 37,491 pounds, purchased by the employees, along with a batch of other necessary goods.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2002 / 0660  


In a letter from Siam dated 28 November 1725, the writer admits they had not properly reported earlier on the slow progress of tin purchases. Despite claims that local traders (inlanders) were suspicious of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the writer argues this is not a valid excuse for the lack of cash to buy tin. They point out that the VOC had borrowed 2,000 tahil (a currency) from local officials, yet still failed to prioritize tin purchases—even though Batavia (the VOC's headquarters in Java) had strongly urged them to buy tin at low prices.

The writer dismisses claims that Chinese traders were dominating the tin market by offering higher prices (2 tahil more per bahar, a weight unit) and selling goods in exchange for tin. They argue that tin was actually cheap in China and at other VOC trading posts, with little demand, meaning Batavia's tin stockpile was already excessive and would take 8 to 10 years to sell.

The letter strongly orders the recipient to buy tin only with cash and to do so as slowly as possible to save the VOC's money, which was needed more urgently in places like Suratta (modern Surat, India) and Bengalen (Bengal).

The letter also acknowledges receiving a previous message from 15 August 1725, delivered on 16 September via the ship Risdam, along with enclosed documents.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0051  


In a letter from Siam dated 28 September 1725, Berquelang informed officials that goods belonging to a high-ranking noble (referred to as "her High Nobility") and intended for his ruler had been brought by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship De Tinnegieter. The goods were ready to be handed over.

The local VOC leader (called the "opperhooft") called a council meeting to discuss whether this matter should be completed on the upcoming Sunday, 18 October 1725 (8 days later). The council unanimously agreed to finalize the handover on that date without delay, as previously decided. Before this, the people would be addressed with a written statement.

The statement explained that the VOC leader and council had received letters from the High Government of the Dutch East Indies (in Batavia) via the ships Hoogermeer and Prins Eugenius, which arrived on 29 September and 15 October 1725, respectively. These letters announced a change in leadership:

The High Government ordered in their letter of 22 August 1725 that the inauguration be officially announced in Siam as well. This included reading the Act of Authorization and administering the oath of loyalty and obedience, as drafted by the Council of India and sent in copy.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0040  


On 9 April 1726 and 2 April 1726, documents were sent from Java’s East Coast aboard the ship Het Land van Beloften to the High Government of the Dutch East Indies in Batavia. The records, registered by H. Grootestraat, included the following items:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2056 / 0042  


  • On 28 November 1725, officials in Siam (modern-day Thailand) sent an urgent request to promote the tin trade, asking for quick instructions before ships departed for Batavia (modern-day Jakarta).
  • Their tin stock had grown by 197 units since the ship Risdam left, and they needed cash to keep buying tin, as shown in their financial records.
  • To help the trade, they borrowed money from the local government in Siam:
    • Two bills of exchange worth 512 Ligoors (a type of currency) were issued.
    • The first bill was for Luconborie to pay to Heer Berckel (a person or company).
    • The second bill was for the owner of the tin smelters, payable in the same month to whoever delivered this request.
  • They asked politely for these payments to be approved and charged to their company account, as the amounts were already recorded in their trade books.
  • Since their last report on 15 August (same year), 8 local ships arrived in Siam from Bancosais (likely a nearby region), carrying low-value goods.
  • Meanwhile, 6 ships were ready to leave for Siam, showing ongoing but limited trade activity.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0047  


On 21 September 1725, in Siam, a man named Lhelm—known as a troublemaker—threatened the head of the Dutch trading post, Gregorius Hendrik Prageman. Lhelm pointed at Prageman and shouted that he would take revenge for something Prageman had done to him. He also warned that things would turn out differently than the previous year when Prageman had supposedly made a plot against him. Prageman called the assembled merchants and ship captains as witnesses to Lhelm’s insults and threats. After that, he left without responding further, and everyone else also left without making a decision about Prageman’s earlier proposal (which had been written down word for word). The people present signed a statement on 18 August 1725 in the Dutch trading office in India, confirming that everything described was true. The statement was signed by the official writer, Willem D' Ghij, and the following witnesses: They also reported that when they arrived on Amsterdam Island, the assistant Andries Wens, supervisor of the company’s warehouses there, showed them a written order from Prageman. The order instructed them to inspect the condition of the land. They found that heavy erosion from water had severely damaged the northeastern side of the island, and the damage was still getting worse every day. Without proper action, the situation would—
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0060  


On 8 January 1726, a report from Siam stated that no one remained on the island of Eijsch. Following this, Mr. Berkelang was informed, as requested by a highly respected official. The request was for the tjau clangs (local officials) to accept a type of currency called tjauclangs at the old exchange rate of 85 for 80, treating it as standard money. This was because the silver used for these coins had been refined to match the quality of Siamese ticals (local silver coins).

Mr. Berkelang then ordered the tjau clangs to bring some samples of this refined silver for testing to confirm if it met the required quality. However, despite the officials' willingness, the process had not yet happened. The tjau clangs wanted all the refined silver handed over first before they would test it. The officials had not agreed to this yet, fearing the silver might fail the test like before. They planned to resist this demand as much as possible.

Because of this delay, no clearer information could be given about potential losses related to the refined silver. The officials hoped their actions would be seen as proper.

With the departure of the ships Risdam and Rapport to Coromandel Coast (Costij), the respected official’s recent demands regarding various goods had been met, except for the gum lac on sticks (a type of resin). Only a small amount of this had been obtained after the earlier request, so it was purchased immediately.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0079  


On 10 November 1727, a report was sent from the fortress in Malacca to Governor-General Mattheus de Haan and the Council of Dutch India in Batavia. The documents were received in Batavia on 27 November 1727.

  • The report confirmed the arrival of two ships:
  • The letter acknowledged approval granted the previous year for actions taken by officials in Malacca.
  • Attached documents included:
    • A list of names and debts of sailors from the wrecked fluyt Risdam.
    • A sealed packet containing the key to a small chest of gold.
    • A receipt (cognizance) and invoice for goods loaded onto the Ouwerkerk, plus a note about the gold sent in a sealed chest.
    • An expense report for supplies provided locally.
  • The letter expressed gratitude for the approval of past actions and confirmed the receipt of earlier letters from Batavia.

The report was signed by C.s van Riel, secretary in Malacca.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2074 / 0122  


On 28 September 1725, a letter was sent from Siam (modern-day Thailand) to Gregorius Hendrik Trageman, a merchant and head of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) trading post, along with his council.

  • The letter mentioned that earlier, on 15 August, they had sent a detailed report and financial records (from past years) to the VOC via the ship Risdam.
  • A local merchant, Mom Apar, was involved in the correspondence.
  • The writers requested help to transport 2 crates and 30 boxes (totaling 79 packages) of goods, using a traditional pass (permission letter) from the Siamese government. This was a usual practice allowed by the local ruler.
  • They were waiting for further instructions from Trageman and orders from Governor-General Hendrik Zwaardecroon (referred to as "Zyn Excell: den heer berckel:s") to settle remaining debts owed to the king.
  • Trade was improving, as previously reported on 15 August, and they hoped for continued support to maintain good relations.
  • The letter politely repeated a request for financial or logistical support to ensure smooth operations.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0046  


This document details financial transactions and shipments for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1726 and 1727, specifically for trading posts in Siam (modern-day Thailand) and Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat).

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2062 / 0176  


On 2 April 1726, a report was sent from Java detailing several key activities:

  • Shipments were urgently dispatched to Surabaya, including:
    • Traders buying horses for the King of Siam (Siamese horse buyers), who had arrived in Batavia via Risdam.
    • Sorted and paid-for indigo (a blue dye), based on received samples, with annual shipments to continue as ordered.
    • Crates of pots, bottles, and other containers for medicine, sent to Rembang and other locations.
  • Five additional ships were ordered to be quickly loaded with heavy timber in Rembang by local officials (residents), ensuring their timely return.
  • Supplies were allocated as follows:
    • Nails received for the Rembang shipyard were forwarded as requested.
    • Surabaya would also receive its required supplies, with no shortages expected.
    • Efforts would continue to secure long pepper for Bengal and stallions (male horses) as demanded.
  • Instructions were emphasized to follow orders precisely regarding:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 7810 / 0082  


Between 1307 and 1351, a ship named Cornelia was managed by skipper Marinus Cammers and supercargo (a ship's officer in charge of trade) Francois. The records show details about the ship's cargo capacity and measurements for various trips. The Cornelia was a type of ship called a fluyt, known for its large cargo space.

The Cornelia had a recorded cargo capacity of 32 last (a unit of measurement), 80 barrels, with a total of 6,480 units (likely referring to goods or weight).

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2038 / 0133  


On 9, 1684, a man named Daijeena Marawa received a gift from Predikant (Preacher) Fleman. This gift was a thank-you for helping shipwreck survivors. However, there was criticism about the generosity of the ministers, as it was costing the Dutch East India Company (VOC) too much money.

  • A Preacher Christiaan Wijar Resman in Malacca was given a monthly housing allowance of 11 guilders (a type of old money).
  • Officials decided this was too much and reduced it to 8 guilders per month.
  • This amount was meant to be temporary until the preacher’s official housing in Malacca was repaired.
  • Before this, the previous preacher had only received 5 guilders for housing.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2059 / 0164  


In 1698, the following events were recorded:

  • A gift was given to the survivors of the ship Risdam, totaling 100 rijksdaalders (a type of currency) in aid.
  • Malacca (a region) was accounted for in the financial records (Cassa).
  • A penalty of ƒ449, 1 guilders, and 8 stuivers was approved to be written off for the ship’s captain, Hendrik Schoon.
  • A shortage was discovered when opening and reweighing a small cask: 18 pounds of cinnamon (Coelij) and 18 pounds of pepper (foelij) were found missing.
  • The committee confirmed their earlier statement about this shortage, following official orders.
  • Envoys from the Raja of Kijil (a local ruler) arrived, and their gifts were accepted. They were given a Pedra porco (a type of cloth) and a cash gift of 60 dukaten (another currency).
  • Most of the crew from the wrecked ship Risdam were declared healthy after a medical inspection. They were kindly received.
  • An accounting was made for the remaining 29 pieces of goods from the Risdam that were sold in Siam (modern-day Thailand) during the outward journey. The captain, Hendrik Schoon, had given the survivors 100 Spanish reales (coins) to help them in their distress, as aid from Djaieng Marewa (a place) could not reach them in time.
  • Upon his arrival, Hendrik Schoon properly accounted for the funds as noted in the resolution of April 4, 1698.
  • The financial records (Cassa) were presented, and the government approved the full amount listed.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2059 / 0163  


On 28 February 1727, in Malacca, two copies of short letters were sent to Daijeeng Marewa (referred to as Blana Jaja Poetra) and to ship captain Hendrik Schoon. These letters were dispatched via a local vessel to Riouw on 13 February 1727.

A copy of a council decision, dated 14 February 1727, stated that Anthonio de Merando, captain of the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora de Concessan, was excused from paying anchoring fees in Malacca.

A duplicate list detailed the required goods, trade items, supplies, and provisions needed for the year 1727 (written as 17 3/8). The document was signed in the fortress of Malacca by C:s V:n Kiel, the secretary.

Since the last official report sent at the end of January 1727 via the pachiallang (a type of vessel) to the King of Johor, a Portuguese ship, the Nossa Senhora de Concessan, arrived in Malacca from Macao on 12 February 1727. The ship was commanded by Capitain Anthonio de Merando and brought distressing news: the Dutch fluyt ship Risdam had been lost on its journey from Siam to Batavia.

The report was addressed to:

Additionally, Hendrik Schoon was provided with 100 Spanish realen (currency) to purchase necessary supplies for himself and his crew if he was found in Riouw.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2074 / 0098  


On 20 November 1736, a shipment was sent from Siam containing letters, documents, and 500 bales of tin. Of these, 250 bales were divided among ships docked in the harbor, while the remaining 300 bales were brought aboard the fluyt ship Risdam.

Earlier, on 4 September 1736, another shipment had arrived from the same trading post via the Risdam, carrying:

Following instructions, 250 bales were distributed across three ships and sent as ordered. The remaining 300 bales were transported using the chaloup Ligor and the bark Dingietter, avoiding storage at the Amsterdam sea warehouse due to fears of piracy in the region.

The sender expressed deep respect and assured they would follow further orders as much as possible. They aimed to settle accounts by 16 December, coinciding with the arrival of Chinese junks. Merchant Cosk had also recommended this plan to the residents of Ligor.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2051 / 0550  


On 20 November 1726, a shipment was sent from Siam (modern-day Thailand) carrying letters, documents, and a cargo of 500 bales of tin. Of these, 250 bales were distributed among ships anchored nearby, while the remaining 300 bales were brought along on the voyage.

The shipment also included records from a smaller trading post, sent earlier on 7 September via the ship Risdam. These records contained:

Following instructions from higher authorities, 250 bales were distributed among three ships and sent as ordered. The remaining 300 bales were transported using the vessels Ligor and Tingieter but were not stored at the Amsterdam sea warehouse due to fears of piracy, which was common in the region at the time.

The authorities in Siam expressed their commitment to following further orders as closely as possible, particularly regarding the expected arrival of Chinese junks by 16 December. This plan had also been recommended by merchant Colk to the officials in Ligor.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2051 / 0548  


On 2 January 1726, a ship named Risdam arrived carrying official documents from Siam (modern-day Thailand). These included:

  • A letter from merchant and chief officer Gregorius Hendrik Drageman and the Council in Siam to the Governor-General and Council of the Dutch East India Company in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), dated 28 November 1725.
  • A decision made by the Council in Siam on 22 October 1725 about renting a local ship to transport supplies aboard.
  • Two decisions from 28 October and 17 November 1725 regarding proposals by Governor-General Mattheus de Haan for appointing certain officials in Siam.
  • A letter from the chief officer and Council in Siam to their counterparts in Japan, dated 4 June 1725.
  • Three exchanged letters between Siamese and Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat) officials, dated 8 September, 26 October, and 3 November 1725.
  • A translated request from the King of Siam concerning a young man who had traveled from Siam to Japan.
  • Three statements, two of which involved Secunde and van Alderwereld, regarding the collapse of the shoreline near the seafront warehouses on Amsterdam Island (likely referring to Dejima, the Dutch trading post in Nagasaki).
  • A translated document about Secunde van Alderwereld's close interactions with the English.
  • A register listing all the letters and additional documents included in this shipment.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0019  



Previous pageNext page

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