Users 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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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.
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) paid a total of ƒ156,205 for two main expenses:
- A demand ("Eysch") for red cloth to supply the court in Ayutthaya (Siam) completely.
- A demand for goods needed by the servants of Bhaar Silver, including items requested by Coopmansz and gifts ("Schenkagie") for Siam and Ligor (modern Nakhon Si Thammarat). These goods were sent via the ships Risdam, Prins Iugeen, and Hogermeer.
The total cost for both was ƒ156,205. Some minor additional expenses of little significance were also mentioned, with further details available in referenced letters and records.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2019 / 0226
This document outlines a shipment of goods transported by several Dutch ships in the 17th or 18th century. The cargo included:
- 20 pounds of a material called Bindkoort (likely a type of cordage or binding material).
- 200 pounds of sealing wax, packed in well-secured crates, with specific instructions:
These were to be stored outside the ship’s hold in a cool place.
- 2000 pounds of sail yarn.
- 50 rolls of wide sailcloth and 150 rolls of narrow sailcloth.
- 200 pieces of lead lines (used for measuring water depth).
- 1500 chickens (likely for food supply).
- 400 common white lines (likely ropes or cords).
The total declared value of these goods was
2541 guilders.
The sealing wax was delivered promptly by the ship
Damazone, which carried:
Other ships involved in transporting these goods included:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0116
- Several ships arrived from Siam (modern Thailand), including:
- The ships Risdam and Hogermeer on February 2 and 6, carrying goods worth ƒ95,918.4, including sappan wood, tin, gum lac, elephant tusks, and preserved ginger.
- The frigate Castor and the ships Ruijm, 23 Thon, and Pollux, with a total value of ƒ2,353,260.12.
- Additional returns totaling ƒ2,297,686, with more details to follow in later reports.
- On December 28, 1768, the newly built yacht Constantia arrived from Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) with unfortunate news:
- The arrival of these ships allowed for a second shipment to be sent to the Netherlands.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2021 / 0042
After 1620, the trading posts in Palicollu (modern-day Pulicat) and Datcheri (near Devikottai) were closed. This happened while workers were already following up on a letter sent by authorities on October 27.
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) had, in the meantime, encouraged groups of workers:
These workers were urged to return to their usual trades, either in Masulipatnam (modern-day Machilipatnam) or within Golconda (a nearby region). The plan was for them to continue paying their yearly share of 1,000 pieces of cloth, as previously agreed upon in earlier contracts.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2155 / 0341
The text discusses the trade practices of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in India. It mentions specific types of cloth called "doekens" that were typically included in shipments to regions like Pulicat and Masulipatnam, as well as to trading posts further south.
- The cloth was meant to be distributed and sold in these areas.
- This practice had already been tested successfully in the previous year (no specific date given).
- The goal was to expand these efforts to avoid the troubles and difficulties faced in other trading methods.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2155 / 0342
Between 1620 and 1707, the Dutch trading posts (called Comtoiren) in question were profitable. They didn’t just make money—they also helped the Dutch East India Company (VOC) avoid extra costs in those areas since no goods were lost or spoiled there. These posts seemed to have been set up mainly to store and safely collect cloth (risdam fabrics) until the yearly shipment, as ordered by the company’s leaders.
The company considered this a major success and expected its officials to keep monitoring the situation. Future reports would help decide if the trading posts should stay open or follow new instructions from the company’s board.
The summary also mentions a disputed claim: a local official named Pannagondas Fausdhaar demanded a two-year tax exemption worth 400 pagodas (a type of currency). The company planned to review this claim later based on further reports.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2155 / 0343
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) requested funds for its trading posts in Siam (modern-day Thailand) and Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat) for the year 1792.
- The total demand was for 20,000 ducats (or its equivalent in local silver currency, called catties).
- This amount was broken down as follows:
- The remaining funds were kept in cash at the trading post, including newly exchanged ducats.
- The total debt owed by the local king (likely the King of Siam) in cash at that time was 11 catties, 17 taels, and 8 mas.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2040 / 1118
This document lists trade goods and financial transactions involving Dutch ships in the early modern period:
- An unnamed ship carried 20 loads of a product called moverissen.
- The same ship also transported another 20 loads of unspecified goods.
- A third shipment from the same vessel included another 20 loads.
- The ship Prins Eugenius was involved in a transaction worth 1,000 pounds (ponden), but no further details were provided due to "known troubles in Persia."
- A cellar (likely a ship’s hold) linked to the Prins Deugenius was mentioned, but no goods were listed for the same reason as above.
- Another entry noted 2 pounds of goods linked to earlier transactions, but again, nothing was delivered due to the issues in Persia.
- A final payment of 24 pounds was made for unspecified reasons.
- A gift shipment was prepared for Ligoor (likely a local ruler or official) using the fluyt ship Risdam, including:
- ½ piece of an unspecified item.
- 10 pounds of "white" moverissen from Eijsch.
- 10 pounds of red moverissen (customs noted).
- 10 pounds of Cassa Bengals (likely a type of fabric or spice).
- 8 pounds of Chitsen (another fabric or textile).
- 1 pound of mixed spices.
- 200 bottles of kakspersaens rozenwater (a type of rosewater).
- An unspecified amount of flint stones (vuursteenen).
- Additional supplies were listed for ship provisions (Provisien), equipment (Equipagie), artillery, weapons, and a small amount of wine, totaling 60 (units unclear).
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2040 / 1127
- Abel Comun was responsible for supplying a medical storehouse in Siam (modern-day Thailand).
- The following items were ordered to be prepared and sent to the main city (likely Batavia, now Jakarta):
- 20 packs of Thotassen (a type of cloth), each pack containing 50 pieces called marados.
- Each piece was to be 2¼ cobidos (a unit of measurement) wide.
- Originally, 4 cloths were to be made per marado, but this was changed to 2.
- Half of the cloths were to have heads (likely decorative ends) on both ends.
- The other half were to have a head on only one end so they could be sewn together and used as wrapping cloths.
- The length was not specified in the order, so previous orders from Siam were to be used as a reference.
- 12 packs of common Hammans (another type of cloth), each pack containing 45 pieces.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0118
In this record, a merchant named Singam Pinasse was excused (likely from certain taxes or duties) for a shipment containing:
- 93 packs of unspecified goods.
- 150 pieces of zijde Allegiassen (a type of silk fabric) in various colors.
- 150 pieces of smooth double-width armosijn (a rich, glossy fabric), broken down by color:
- 20 pieces in black.
- 20 pieces in light and dark blue.
- 50 pieces in red.
- 10 pieces in cinnamon (brownish-red).
- 10 pieces in orange.
- 10 pieces in green.
- 10 pieces in yellow.
- 20 pieces in white.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0110
In 1634, a shipment was arranged with the following ships: Westerbeek, Amazone, Ouwerkerk, Hoogermeer, Purmerlust, Crooswijk, Wijnendaal, Gansenhoeff, Susanna, Arendsduijn, Risdam, Clarabeek, Agatha, Hopvogel, and Ter Horst.
Officials from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in Bengal confirmed they had secured the necessary resources to produce the requested goods. Initially, local merchants were reluctant to agree to contracts, likely due to competition from English traders and others. To encourage cooperation, the VOC ministers decided to pay half the money upfront. Thanks to strong pressure from the director, most of the requested goods were successfully loaded onto the mentioned ships.
Only a few items were missing, including:
- Some Tesserse fabrics intended for Japan and Jangernaat.
- Pourse Cassas (a type of fabric) meant for Persia.
The rest of the goods were received in the correct quantities, as listed in the accompanying documents (15 pages).
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0103
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) received a shipment of fabrics and goods from Bengal intended for Batavia and other trading posts in India for the years 1723 and 1724. The goods, transported by 15 ships starting from 19 December of the previous year, arrived late—most fabrics and linens didn’t reach their destination until after 20 April. This delay meant that demand from the eastern provinces couldn’t be fully met.
To prevent future shortages, it was suggested that, in addition to the usual shipments from the Dutch Republic, at least one ship should be sent early—by October or November—with a portion of the fabrics and linens for India. The director, Vuijst, and his council were strongly advised to arrange this. There was also an expectation that the company’s interests would be carefully managed by providing high-quality goods at fair prices to maintain trade.
Based on this, the following order was placed for India:
- 15 packs of Tammans Hendiaalse fabrics, each 23–24 units long and 2 7/8–3 units wide, called Cobidos.
- 10 packs of plain fabrics.
- 5 packs of the same fabrics but with gold-trimmed edges.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0102
Between the years 1000 and 1200, the following goods were ordered for trade:
- 145-pound crates of opium:
- Expected to be of good quality and from the newest harvest.
- All efforts were to be made to send most of this amount on the first ships leaving the region.
- The goal was to avoid delays and ensure quick delivery.
- Saltpeter (potassium nitrate):
- As much as the returning ships could carry without difficulty.
- Intended to be used as necessary ballast for the return ships.
- There had been a shortage of this in previous years, making it hard to meet domestic demands in the homeland.
- 300 loads of Bantam (Banten) wheat:
- Expected to be the newest and best-quality grain.
- Had to be tightly packed in better sacks than those usually used in the region to prevent waste.
- Every year, around 100 to 150 loads could be bought locally before the wheat from Batavia arrived.
- 300 loads of mung beans:
- Also expected to be of the required quality and condition.
- 50 loads of cassia (a spice):
- Expected to be from the newest harvest.
- 42 unspecified items (likely additional goods or loads).
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0112
In 1623 or 1624, the following ships arrived carrying goods:
- The ships Weijnendaal, Crooswijk, Gansenhoeff, Amazone, Ouwerkerk, Hogermeer, Purmerlust, and Westerbeek delivered 926 chests of goods. From these, enough melted fat was obtained to supply 15 ships (excluding the named grain ships) for their maintenance needs.
- The ships Susanna, Arendsduijn, Risdam, Clarabeek, Wijnendaal, Gansenhaeff, and Amazone delivered an additional 300 lasten (a Dutch unit of weight) of requested goods.
- The ships Agatha, Hopvogel ter Horst, Crooswijk, and Amaroae delivered another 300 lasten.
- The ships Ouwerkerk, Westerbeek, and Purmerlustidan delivered 50 lasten.
- The ships Susanna and Hogermeer delivered 200 pots of fresh cow butter, noted for its good, fresh taste and not being old or overly strong.
The following additional goods were also received:
- 600 cans of high-quality flaxseed oil, packed in well-sealed containers to prevent leakage and contamination of other goods.
- 4 packages of wax cloth.
- 5000 pounds of packing yarn.
- 50,000 pieces of long, dense canvas, made as previously requested in earlier orders.
- 30,000 pieces of canvas bags, made of good, dense material and of proper size.
- 500 pounds of mustard seeds from the most recent harvest.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0113
- The Dutch received 3 shipments of goods from Siam, including:
- 62,576 pounds of powdered sugar packed in 223 jars.
- 90 new earthenware jars filled with drinking water to seal gaps and prevent leakage, following Siamese methods (water changed every 6 to 10 days).
- Iron bands were used to reinforce the jars, addressing past complaints about 12 defective jars sent the previous year, which had been unfairly criticized in a Siamese letter dated September 25, 1724.
- Tin imports were limited to Ligor and India only when necessary, as existing stockpiles from Siam, Malacca, and Banka were already excessive—enough to last 8 to 10 years without new shipments.
- Silver was prioritized over other goods to avoid oversupply, as:
- 291,879.5 pounds of elephant tusks were transported by ships like the Prins Engenius.
- Some goods (like ivory) were redirected to avoid market saturation, as Surat already had excess stock from Cape of Good Hope.
- Ships (Depuins, Eugenius, Hoogermeer, Risdam) were expected to carry high-quality sapanwood, with crews instructed to pack it loosely to maintain quality.
- Certain goods were exempted:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2062 / 0089
In 1726, three ships—Risdam, Hogermeer, and Prins Eugenius—arrived in the Netherlands from Siam (modern-day Thailand) on the following dates:
The ships carried goods ordered for 1726, including:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2062 / 0087
The summary explains a financial and trade agreement involving silver and goods:
- A deal was made where 47.25% of the displayed goods were accepted. This was based on a negotiated total amount of ƒ20,171.16.
- An advance payment of ƒ9,528.10 was made, which was 47.25% of the total agreed amount.
- The latest shipment of silver had not yet been minted (turned into coins), so the final payment would happen later.
- Official letters were sent to a local ruler (referred to as "the prince") and his officials, along with the usual gifts.
- A shipment of 1,832 rosewood chambers (likely a trade good) had arrived and would soon be sent on to Java.
- The ruler of Siam (modern-day Thailand) had not yet received the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) return gift.
- The king of Siam made his usual request to transport his rosewood chambers to Java to buy horses with the help of the VOC.
- These rosewood chambers were sent via Risdam (likely a ship name) and arrived at the local port. They were then sent on to Samarang (modern-day Semarang, Indonesia) to fulfill the trade agreement.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2021 / 0182
In 1830, there was discussion about a similar type of mineral found in the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). This mineral was meant to be used as payment for the annual trade agreement between the ruler of Siam and the Dutch East India Company (VOC). According to the contract, the value was set at 16 thaels (a type of currency) at 7.40 guilders per thael in cash.
The decision was made, but it was noted that the matter would be examined further during upcoming discussions with Siam. Additional instructions would be given as needed.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2021 / 0179
- The Dutch East India Company (VOC) prepared orders to protect trade and sent two shipments of tin, totaling 65,008 bahars (or 165,288 pounds), to Ligor (modern Nakhon Si Thammarat).
- The tin was cast into 3,828 bars as usual and transported on the ship Risdam to Siam (modern Thailand).
- Following standard procedure, half of the shipment was transferred to another ship, the Hogermoeder, along with 1,831 pieces (likely of another trade good).
- The two ships (Risdam and Hogermoeder) delivered additional goods, including:
- The total value of the cargo on both ships, based on the sent invoices, amounted to ƒ95,918 and 4 stuivers (Dutch currency).
- It was also reported that linens and fabrics were brought in by many ships, but these were confiscated by local officials (the "king’s factors") upon arrival.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2021 / 0180
In 1721, a shipment was organized by Westerbeek from an unspecified location. The following goods were sent to various trading posts:
- Samarang: 6,000 pounds via the ship Risdam.
- Tagal: 10,000 pounds via the ship Voorburg.
- Manila: 30 bales via Westerbeek.
Additionally, on May 21, 1721, the ship Cornelia was sent with:
- Copper, indigo, and pots (based on received models).
- Supplies including provisions, equipment, artillery, weapons, and other goods for Samarang and its related trading posts.
A remaining balance of 50% was noted for expenses related to:
- Cash, provisions, weapons, equipment, and goods for the trading post in Sourabaja.
- The outpost in Passourouang.
- Stationed troops, both at the trading post and in Passourouang, for a full year (12 months).
A respectful request was made to the High Indian Government in Batavia to cover the following costs:
- 8,000 in local payment for necessary expenses at the trading post and Passourouang.
- 20,000 in Dutch payment for the stationed troops, both at the trading post and in Passourouang.
- 12 barrels of beer.
- 4 pots of Bengali butter.
- Various artillery, weapons, and other goods for a year’s consumption and use.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2022 / 0283
After losing all their supplies and belongings, a group of 3,820 people decided to follow a local man from Jawa named Jenang Dul to the mainland. He promised to provide them with rice and other food supplies. They traveled to the mainland without having eaten much—only a few jars of a type of porridge and oysters they had gathered from the rocks. They set up camp near the mouth of the Murgessiem River (likely Musi River in modern Sumatra).
- They stayed there for 28 days, barely surviving on the small amount of rice they received.
- After much begging and pleading with Jenang Dul, they finally left on February 4, 1727, in the evening around 7:00 PM, using two local boats and their own small boat (schuit).
- Jenang Dul refused to take them to Malacca because he claimed it would cost him his life, as it went against the orders of the king of Riouw (modern Riau). Instead, he agreed to take them to Riouw if they pretended to be part of the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
- Around 11:00 PM that night, they were forced to sail up the Kak River after the rudder of the larger boat broke. They lost sight of the second local boat but managed to reach the river with their small boat.
- On the morning of February 5, 1727, while repairing the rudder, the cook’s assistant—who had been placed on the other boat with the helmsman—returned to them.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0879
After doing everything possible to get the ship back to sea to rescue the remaining survivors from the sunken vessel, the crew had to pull the boat back to shore. The waves were too rough, and they also spotted several hidden rocks in the water, making navigation dangerous. They decided to wait until the next day, hoping the sea would be calmer and the rocks easier to spot, giving them a better chance to save any remaining survivors.
- On 4 January 1727, the sea was still just as rough, so they did not dare launch the boat again, fearing it would meet the same fate as the first one.
- Around 11 AM, pirates brought the following people ashore:
- the chief mate and his wife,
- the chief steward (oppermeester),
- the constable (Constabel),
- and two others from the ship.
- They reported that the ship had completely broken apart around noon, with the masts now underwater. Because of this, the provost marshal (provoost) and another sailor drowned.
- On the same day, the pirates brought 6 more men to the island, plundered them, and then left.
- On 5 January 1727, the constable’s servant and an enslaved person belonging to the bookkeeper arrived, also plundered.
- On 6 January 1727, nothing notable happened.
- On 7 January 1727, 6 more men were found on the island during a crossing.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0877
In this report, a French merchant ship named la Seine, commanded by a Monsieur de Pallas (a captain of light frigates under the Toulon department), arrived in port. The ship was hired by de Pallas, who loaded it with wine allegedly purchased in Tunis. He now intended to acquire a ship’s load of grain in the region to return to Toulon.
The long-awaited Venetian convoy also arrived, consisting of 5 merchant ships escorted by 2 warships with three decks. The convoy was under the command of the nobleman Pesaro, a squadron captain of the Venetian Republic. The ships anchored near the islands in the gulf, and 2 merchant vessels later set sail for Constantinople (via Tenedos). Pesaro visited the author and his wife out of old acquaintance before returning to his ship.
The warships carried 204 freed Turkish slaves of the Republic, intended as a gift to the Ottoman court. This was part of the 932 agreements in the recent treaty between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic. Additionally, valuable gifts were reportedly being transported to be presented by the Venetian ambassador (Eno Baillo) to high-ranking Ottoman ministers in Constantinople.
Around this time, an officer of the Grand Vizier, named Thiure Esman Aga, arrived from Constantinople. He was accompanied by two servants of the disgraced and exiled Captain Pasha Haggi Mehmed Pasha (also called Gramin Chograe). After a failed attack on the Dey of Tripoli, Haggi Mehmed Pasha had fled to Bona (under Algerian rule). Thiure Esman Aga brought a letter of recommendation from the Pasha’s son, requesting help in securing a French ship to transport the Pasha back to Bona. The purpose was to deliver the Sultan’s pardon and an invitation for Haggi Mehmed Pasha to return to Constantinople to command the Sultan’s warships, a position he had been appointed to.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.01.02 / 11295 / 0937
- On 20 January 1926, two marriages were recorded in Amsterdam by a civil registrar.
- First Marriage:
- Second Marriage:
- Pieter Cornelis Jacobus Wiertz, a 25-year-old laborer, son of Henri Louis Wiertz (57, cigar maker) and the late Stijntje van der Laar, married Dirkje Elisabeth van der Pluus, a 21-year-old woman with no occupation, daughter of Pieter Jelle van der Pluis (62, dockworker) and Jannegie de Bruin (52, no occupation).
- The groom’s father and the bride’s parents gave their consent in person.
- The marriage announcement was posted on 9 January 1926 without objections.
- The couple confirmed their commitment to each other and their legal duties as spouses.
- Witnesses were Jan van der Huis (31, laborer, bride’s brother) and Gerrit Pris (33, cocoa worker, groom’s brother-in-law) from Zaan dam.
- The bride’s father, Pieter Jelle van der Pluis, could not sign because he never learned to write.
View transcript NL-AsdSAA / 2362910 / 16
On 10 March 1727, a group led by H. Schoon and B. Holscher arrived in Batavia (now Jakarta) around 8 PM after sailing for about one hour. Before their journey, a polite and kind Chinese man had escorted them to the dock and warmly said goodbye.
The two men, Schoon and Holscher, wrote a formal letter to a high-ranking official (referred to as "uw hoog edelheijd" or "your high nobility") to confirm their arrival. They expressed great respect and loyalty in their message.
The letter was signed on 14 March 1727 and approved by W. Sicres.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0890
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