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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0888  


The text describes the experiences of a group of people who received help from a local ruler, Raja Moeda, during their stay in an unspecified location. Here’s a summary of the key points:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0886  


After their ship sank, the survivors arrived near sunset at a tree in the Riouw river. Soon after, the first signatory (the writer of this account) was picked up by a small boat on the king’s orders and taken to a local building.

There, Clana Jaija Poetra, an official titled Raadja Moeda by the locals, questioned the writer. He asked:

The writer answered honestly. Then, he requested lodging for himself and his group starting the next day. Raadja Moeda kindly refused to make them wait, immediately relocating two Chinese residents and their belongings to free up space for the survivors that same evening.

That night, they were provided with:

Raadja Moeda assured them they could ask for anything else they needed. He expressed sincere sympathy for their misfortune but also happiness at the chance to help.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0884  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0882  


On October 38, 1718, a Dutch ship sailed near the coast, about ¼ mile from the corner of the mainland where it curves inward toward the Murgesiem River. The crew measured the water depth at 9 to 10 feet along the ship’s hull. They prepared the lifeboat and skiff (a small boat) for an emergency. By around 5:30 PM, the ship tilted heavily to the starboard (right) side, forcing the crew to abandon ship using the boats to save their lives. Shortly after leaving, the ship briefly righted itself before sinking deeper—its lower deck nearly submerged and the upper deck close to the water. By around 7:00 PM, the crew reached the island of Satendan (or Satindan). In total, there were 68 people:

The crew tried to pull the lifeboat ashore but failed due to the steep, rocky coastline and strong waves crashing against it. Unfortunately, the waves soon smashed the boat, splitting its side open and rendering it unusable beyond repair. With no way to fix it, the survivors faced a dire situation.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0875  


On 3 January around 9:30 AM, the ship faced severe trouble. The crew—including the boatswain, carpenter, and constable—approached the officers on behalf of everyone on board. They begged to steer the ship toward the shore, as they believed it was impossible to keep sailing. The officers and helmsmen agreed, especially since there was no reason to delay further without risking sinking.

The decision was made to release the tow rope and let the wind and waves push the ship toward land. Around 11:30 AM, they dropped anchor in about 3 fathoms (18 feet) and 2 feet of water. This was necessary to avoid being swept by a strong southward current near the shore, which could have driven them into a reef called Bato Bagadja (near Pulo Timaon, about 8 to 9 miles southwest). Hitting the reef would have destroyed the ship before anyone could launch lifeboats.

Later, after more water depth was lost and the ship swung into the wind, the stern became stuck in the mud. The ship ended up about two ship lengths above the wind and current mentioned earlier.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0873  


On January 2, 1700s (exact year unclear), a Dutch ship was sailing about 4.5 miles from Pulo Timan (likely Pulau Timon, an island in Southeast Asia). The crew discussed encouraging the ship’s progress, hoping that with good weather, they could reach the shallow waters near Pulo Timan within a meal’s time. They had been making slow but steady progress—5 feet of water depth at the front of the ship and 4 feet at the back.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0871  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0869  


In December 1738, the ship's chief officer reported a leak on the starboard (right) side near the stern. The leak was about half a knot (nautical measurement) underwater. After plugging it, the crew estimated around 550 to 600 "steek" (small wood plugs) could fit in a glass of water from the leak.

On December 7, they confirmed the leak was still manageable. The ship set sail again on December 8, but after 5 to 6 days, the leak worsened. Upon closer inspection, they found a second leak at the front port (left) side of the bow, about 1 foot underwater.

Since the ship was anchored due to strong opposing winds and rough seas, they struggled to tilt the ship enough to reach the leak. After plugging it, they again estimated 600 to 650 "steek" in a glass of water. However, within 4 to 5 days, the leak grew so severe that the crew could barely keep up with pumping out the water.

The situation continued until December 29, when a strong storm with heavy seas made the leak even worse. By the morning of December 30, the storm and rough seas caused the leak to increase dramatically.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0867  


On 20 June 1726, the ship Risdam, under the command of its captain and accountant, left the harbor of Batavia (now Jakarta). At that time, the crew had to pump water out of the ship at a rate of 150 to 180 strokes every two hours using two pumps. As the voyage continued, the leaking slightly worsened, requiring up to 200 strokes every two hours after loading tin in Batavia.

The ship arrived at the Chinese harbor (likely near Guangzhou), where the crew had to pump 350 to 400 strokes per hour to keep the ship afloat. After loading more tin and sappanwood (a type of dyewood), the chief mate sent a letter on 27 November, reporting that continuous pumping was needed to keep the ship from sinking.

The captain immediately ordered an inspection. On 5 December, the chief mate and carpenters checked the ship thoroughly, both front and back, to find the source of the leak.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0865  


In 1726, officials in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) documented trade details involving several Dutch ships: the Cisdam, d'Coning Carel (King Charles), and Velser hoofd (Velser Chief).

In 1725 or 1726, 5 packs containing 499 pieces of sanen bengaals (Bengal sarsenet, a fine silk fabric) were sent on recent voyages but returned because they did not meet quality standards.

The document was signed in Batavia Castle on August 10, 1726, by Anthonie Huijsman.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2089 / 0054  


The Dutch trading posts in Asia reported the following in the early 1700s:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2089 / 0052  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0032  


On 31 January, officials reported decisions made on 27 December to prevent the collapse of governance in their region. They had previously informed Ambon and Siam about recent events.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2057 / 0149  


On 28 March 1727, officials in Batavia (located in the Castle of Batavia) wrote to the Governor-General and Council of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to inform them about recent events.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2057 / 0300  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2057 / 0298  


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:

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:

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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2056 / 0151  


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:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0021  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2023 / 0541  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2023 / 0542  


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:

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2074 / 0111  


View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2074 / 0109  


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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2074 / 0107  


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:

C. van Riel, the secretary, finalized the document on 23 February 1727.

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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2074 / 0105  


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:

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.

View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2074 / 0103  



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