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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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 group received a letter from a local ruler named Radja Moeda, who informed them that in 10 to 12 days, 3 Chinese ships would depart from his location to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta). He asked if they preferred to travel to Batavia or Malacca.
- The group requested Radja Moeda's permission to travel to Batavia with the first 3 ships, as they knew their business in Malacca would take too long and waste time.
- On February 28, the group, along with the chief mate, visited Radja Moeda again. They returned the borrowed rice and 20 realen (Spanish coins) out of the 3,825 they owed. They mentioned that their governor had sent 100 pesos worth of Spanish mats as partial payment.
- Radja Moeda seemed slightly displeased and claimed he had not expected repayment. He said his gifts were a sign of friendship and gratitude for the Dutch ("hollandse natie") and asked them not to speak of payment again.
- On March 1, Radja Moeda informed them that a Chinese merchant, Taan Tjuko, would depart the next day. That evening, the second mate, the boatswain, the constable, and 14 other men were sent aboard the ship.
- On March 2, Radja Moeda had two state boats pick up the group from their lodging to continue their journey.
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:
- The group had earlier received permission to assist the servants of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) because one of their members claimed to have served as a sergeant under the Buginese (people from South Sulawesi) allied with the Dutch and was trusted by them.
- On 11 February, Raja Moeda provided them with supplies, including:
- 600 gantangs (a traditional unit of measurement) of rice,
- a bag of salt, and
- a quantity of salted fish.
- When they asked Raja Moeda for 20 reales (a type of currency) to buy additional supplies, he gave it to them immediately. He also assured them that if they needed more money or had any other needs, they should not hesitate to ask.
- The group continued to be treated kindly until 26 February.
- On that day, they received a letter from the Governor of Malacca via a local boat, along with a small bag containing 100 Spanish mats (likely a type of coin or trade good). The letter informed them that the 19 men who had gone missing from their ship had been found. These men had drifted away and were picked up by a Portuguese ship on 13 February and taken to Malacca.
- The group believed this was the same Portuguese ship they had encountered earlier near Singapore Strait (straat Sinka Poera).
- The Governor of Malacca wrote that he was sending a sloop (a small sailing vessel) to bring them to Malacca as soon as possible.
- In response, the group sent a brief report of their arrival back to the governor using the same boat and informed him that they had reached their current location two days earlier.
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:
- Where they had traveled from,
- Whether the wrecked ship was Dutch (from the VOC, the Dutch East India Company),
- What cargo it carried and what they had salvaged,
- How the locals had treated them,
- How the shipwreck happened, and
- Why they had taken so long (about 15–16 days) to reach Riouw, since orders had already been sent to a man named Jenang Dul to bring them quickly.
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:
- 20 gantangs (a local measure) of rice,
- Firewood,
- Fish,
- Candles, and
- Lamp oil.
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
- On November 7, a Dutch ship anchored one mile north of the Burboquet reef near the shore, waiting for other ships and boats to join them. They hoped the moonlight would help them spot the vessels to sail together again.
- By November 8, early in the morning, no ships or boats had arrived. Assuming the others had already left, the crew decided to set sail again. After passing the west point of Burboquet, they found a stranded local vessel in a bay between Johor and the last point of Burboquet.
- Around 7:30 AM, they anchored near the local vessel but learned its crew had no news about the missing boat (number 3822). The Dutch then prepared a small amount of rice to eat before sailing toward Riouw (Riau).
- At about 9:00 AM, they spotted a Portuguese ship sailing toward the strait. They quickly returned to their own vessels and chased it, hoping to board it and force it to take them to Malacca.
- After an hour of pursuit, they realized they couldn’t catch the Portuguese ship. They continued their journey to Riouw and, by sunset, anchored at Pulau Labuan Gorab near Tanjung Museri, a green plain on the port (left) side. They stayed there overnight.
- On November 9, at sunrise, they prepared to depart again.
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:
- 61 employees of the Dutch East India Company (VOC),
- 2 enslaved Black boys belonging to the captain,
- 1 enslaved boy belonging to the chief mate,
- 3 enslaved women belonging to the same chief mate.
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.
- The crew agreed to adjust their course to Zuid (South) and Zuid ten Westen (Southwest).
- Rain and lighter winds slowed them down, but by noon on January 2, they spotted Pulo Timan to the south-southeast.
- They changed course to Zuid ten Oosten (Southeast), but rough seas and easterly winds forced them to steer Zuid en Zuidwester (South and Southwest) again to ride the waves.
- By evening, water depth was still manageable—5.5 feet at the front and 4.5 feet at the back.
- Around 10:00 PM, they anchored near the westernmost island of Pulo Timan in 12 fathoms (72 feet) of water, expecting shallower conditions.
- Instead, the water kept getting deeper, contrary to their hopes.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2042 / 0871
- On a ship, the crew managed to keep the water at bay using three pumps and bailing over two bows (front sections of the ship). They also worked on the stern (rear) near the powder magazine (storage for gunpowder).
- By the afternoon of an unspecified date, around 5 PM, they realized the situation was critical. Despite their efforts, only one pump remained functional, and bailing over four shifts was barely keeping the ship afloat.
- Around noon on December 31, 1726, water began overwhelming the pumps and bailing efforts. The crew estimated they were near the Ridang Islands, about 27 to 28 miles to the west-southwest (WZW) of their position.
- Using a sounding weight (a tool to measure water depth), they found the ship had 5 feet of water at the front and 4 feet at the rear.
- The crew kept the pumps and bailing going until around midnight, but the water continued to rise. They then decided to change course toward the southwest (ZW) and southwest by west (ZWtW) for two reasons:
- To improve their chances of keeping the ship afloat.
- At the boatswain’s (ship’s officer) request, on behalf of the entire crew, to seek land. This was a precaution in case the leak worsened beyond control, allowing them a chance to save their lives using the longboat (a ship’s boat) and reach shore by "God’s grace."
- On January 1, 1727, around 5:30 PM, they spotted Capas Island to the west-southwest (WZW 1/3 W) based on their visual estimate.
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).
- The ships were to transport as much high-quality Jappanhout (likely a type of valuable Asian timber) as their holds could carry.
- Other requested goods included:
- Aguilhout (a type of wood), Namrak (possibly camphor), wax, and rice.
- 150 small glazed pots (or "Hoogenaamde swarte Hond" black clay pots).
- 40 pots of bamboo aatchiaar (likely a type of resin or dye).
- 30 pots of red pinang kalk (betel lime) and 30 pots of regular pinang kalk (not from the bottom sediment).
- An additional 40 pots of aatchiaar.
- A total of 465,300 pounds of sappanhout (sapanwood) were expected, but only the Coning Carel and Velser hoofd received some, amounting to 988,727 pounds.
- 50 jars of an unspecified item were noted as lost.
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.
- Other goods mentioned:
- 50 pots of honey.
- 100 pounds of yellow gum.
- 1,000 pounds of hartshoorn (likely hartshorn salt or ammonium carbonate).
- Gold had been scarce in recent years, making it difficult to meet the demand for gold thread used in clothing on the Coromandel Coast (southeastern India).
- Officials in Siam (modern-day Thailand) were urgently instructed to gather as much gold as possible at fair prices, specifically gold of 24 carats, with a weight equivalent to 16-17 reaal (a unit of weight).
- A budget of ƒ233,048.18 was allocated for purchasing gold in Siam, using local currency (tikal). The ships Coning Carel and Velser hoofd were sent for this purpose.
The document was signed in Batavia Castle on August 10, 1726, by Anthonie Huijsman.
- Upon inspection, the following were received:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2089 / 0054
The Dutch trading posts in Asia reported the following in the early 1700s:
- 1727:
- A shipment of somlak (a type of resin) on sticks was not sent from the Netherlands this time. The current stock was 24,300 pounds, with an additional 12,000 pounds excused for now.
- The Dutch East India Company (VOC) ordered 40,000 pounds of preserved tamarind for 1727. It had to be prepared in firm, juicy cloves—not too dry or sticky—but well-soaked and clean. To support this, the ships Coning Carel and Velser Hooft carried 62,713 pounds of powdered sugar in 244 cans, plus 90 new water barrels. In Siam, the water had to be replaced every 8 to 10 days.
- Only 26,171 pounds of preserved ginger arrived due to the loss of the ship Risdam. The Coning Carel and Velser Hooft brought 15 barrels, while 35 barrels (12,431 pounds) were lost with the Risdam on January 14 and February 25, 1727.
- A shipment of gomlak (shellac) was also excused because of the Risdam disaster. The Velser Hooft only received part of the requested goods for 1727.
- Stockpile issues:
- The mineral tin from Siam had grown so much that there was a surplus of over 940,000 pounds (excluding Bankas and Malacca). Traders were warned not to accept more than necessary to keep the market stable.
- Elephant tusks for Surat:
- 50,000 pounds of the heaviest and largest tusks were needed—no cracked, broken, dead, or small ones (each had to weigh at least 15.375 pounds). Buyers had to negotiate fairly based on quality, as advised before.
- Only 11,643 pounds of tusks arrived; 60,135 pounds of tin and 28,342 pounds of sappanwood were lost when the Risdam sank.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2089 / 0052
- On 21 September 1725, Anthonij Huijsman sent a letter from Siam to the directors of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), congratulating the newly appointed leaders:
He wished them strength and health for their important roles.
- The letter included a price report for goods shipped on the Hogermeer and Prins Eugenius, listing:
- Elephant tusks: ƒ1.9 per pound
- Candied ginger: ƒ8.8 per unit
- Bamboo atchiar: ƒ1.16 per pot
- Red pienang (betel nut) and lime: ƒ0.9 per unit
- Empty pots: ƒ12 per 2 units
- Honey: ƒ12.3 per unit
- Due to deaths on the Prins Eugenius and Risdam:
These changes awaited approval from the VOC directors.
- The merchant and second-in-command of the Siam trading post, Rugier van Alderweerelt, respectfully requested:
- Resignation from his post due to long service, hoping for a new assignment elsewhere.
- The head of the trading post (unnamed) supported Van Alderweerelt's resignation, stating:
- He could no longer work with Van Alderweerelt, who was described as "unbearable."
- The head had served the VOC honorably for about 22 years and had good relations with Siamese ministers.
- He trusted the directors would maintain him in his position while approving Van Alderweerelt's resignation.
- The bookkeeper and senior clerk also requested to replace Van Alderweerelt if his resignation was granted.
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.
- The ship Risdam was lost on its return journey from Siam due to overwhelming enemy forces. Details would be discussed later.
- A new trade effort was started with the government of Tagal (likely referring to a region in the Philippines).
- The ship Beesvliet was sent carrying nails (likely cloves or another spice) washed in Wassenaar, along with letters confirming the appointment of Johannes Bernard as the new governor, replacing Stephanus Versluijs, who was needed elsewhere in the Dutch East India Company (VOC) territories.
- Copies of official letters (both general and secret) dated 11 February were sent via the ship Beekvliet and a small vessel called Chialoup Die Agelboom.
- A total of ₭147,152.12 worth of goods and cash was sent to support the government in Tagal.
- An additional 300 lasten (a unit of weight, roughly 2 metric tons each) of rice, valued at ₭14,724.18, was shipped via Wassenaar and Beekvliet, as confirmed by Resident Hendrik Gouset in a letter dated 20 January.
- A small vessel, Chialoup Banda, was also mentioned in the records.
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.
- The letter reports the death of Cornelis ’t Lam, the chief accountant (referred to as the "opperhooft van het soldij comptoir"), who passed away on 26 March 1727.
- His position would soon be filled by someone new.
- The letter was signed by multiple officials, including:
- The letter was formally approved on 14 May 1727.
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.
- The rest of the crew later arrived on two similar boats, leaving only the 19 men missing—those taken by a Portuguese ship to Malacca via Batavia.
- On 11 and 28 of the same month, temporary financial support was provided to the survivors for food, excluding the captain and the helmsman.
- By 25 of that month, it was confirmed the ship had sunk before an investigation could be held. The investigation, led by the supply officer and experienced captains, was overseen by the fiscal advocate of India, Everhard Kraeijvanger, to check if any negligence had occurred.
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:
- 12 pairs of light wooden beams for hulls,
- 14 heavy deck beams,
- 8 beams for sawing planks,
- 100 beams for masts,
- 10 curved support beams,
- 3,700 heavy root knees (wooden ship parts),
- 3,700 sawn Chinese planks,
- 2 kati (a weight unit) of long pepper from Cartasoera (now Cirebon), and
- 6,750 pounds of long pepper from the local area.
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:
- An original Javanese letter from his master to Noodt,
- A brown stallion and a white-grey mare (also from Banjoemas), and
- 50 pikuls (a weight unit) of long pepper.
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:
- A letter from the leaders of the Siam trading post to De Haan and the Council, dated 28 November 1725.
- A financial demand (bill) for the trading posts in Siam and Ligor (modern-day Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand) for the years 1725 to 1727.
- A copy of a letter from the same leaders to the Dutch trading post in Japan, including a request from the King of Siam about a ship that had traveled from Siam to Japan.
- Copies of letters from Dutch representatives in Ligor to the leaders in Siam.
- Copies of two letters from the leaders in Siam to the representatives in Junkceylon (likely Phuket, Thailand).
- A copy of a decision about renting a local ship to transport goods like gum lac and supplies.
- A copy of a resolution supporting the nomination of Mattheus de Haan as Governor-General and the temporary appointment of several officials, pending approval from the Dutch government.
- A translated document about Rugier van Alderwerelt's (a Dutch official) family dealings with the English.
- Two statements (one in Dutch, one in Portuguese) against Van Alderwerelt.
- A copy of a statement about the seashore warehouses in Amsterdam Island (likely a location in Siam).
- Copies of sent and received letters between Siam and Ligor from September 1724 to August 1725.
- A daily log from the Siam trading post covering November 1724 to August 1725.
- Six sets of payroll journals and ledgers for the Siam and Ligor trading posts as of August 1725.
- Two original muster rolls (lists of personnel) for Siam and Ligor from July 1725.
- Two original payroll accounts.
- A request from the bookkeeper, Gerrit Schrijver.
- A list of names of horse traders traveling overseas.
- Two catalogs of medicines for the trading posts in Siam and Ligor.
- A bill of lading (shipping document) for the ship Risdam.
- A cost report for the ship Hoogermeer.
- A duplicate register (copy of the list).
- A copy of a letter to the Dutch government in Batavia.
- Another financial demand for Siam and Ligor for the year 1726/1727.
- A list of the Dutch East India Company's horse traders.
- Two more medicine catalogs for the trading posts.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2030 / 0021
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2023 / 0541
- The ship Risdam was to be inspected by experienced skippers and the fiscal officer (a legal/financial official) under the supervision of the advocate fiscal (chief legal officer) for the Dutch East India Company, Everhard Kraeijvanger. The inspection aimed to determine if the crew had acted with proper care and seamanship when the ship’s boat was lost on 18 August of the previous year during a storm while crossing from Ligor to the River of Siam.
- The crew members, including the ship’s master Michiel Westpalm, were to be questioned about the incident.
- Abraham van den Anker, a merchant and fiscal officer in Macassar, was promoted to second-in-command (secunde) of the Macassar government, replacing Opperkoopman Ioan Saphon, who was leaving for Banda.
- Due to a reduction in the number of sailors (from 7 to 5 per ship), the total crew count was decreased by 2,900, including 580 merchants.
- The speaker (likely a high-ranking official) was elected Governor of Ternate and decided to appoint Abraham van den Anker as the new head merchant and fiscal officer of Macassar, with a salary increase of 80 guilders per month for 5 years. This decision was made because no other officials applied for the position, and van den Anker had recovered from a previous illness.
- A discussion took place regarding the affairs of Banda, based on reports brought by Pieter Gabrij, an extraordinary council member. The reports included advice from Banda and were reviewed during the previous autumn.
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
- A letter was written from the fortress in Malacca on 14 March 1727 by officials including H. van Suchtelen, P. d'Quensne, J. Brun, J. Cottiere, J. Kuijpers, C. van Riel, D. Nolthenius, and J. Onneke. It was addressed to Governor Hermanus van Suchtelen and other high-ranking officials in Batavia.
- The writers mentioned that Daijeeng Marewa would arrive soon, so they would not need to send a ship to bring his group but would wait for a suitable vessel to transport 19 prisoners who had arrived via the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora de Conceição.
- The group was in a difficult situation in Malacca but had received help. They noted that 3 Chinese ships were ready to sail to Batavia, with the first departing in two days. The group, including the writer, would split into 3 parties to travel with the king’s permission.
- They acknowledged receiving a letter from Hermanus van Suchtelen dated 13 February 1727, delivered by the Pangulu of Tanjungkling and Intje Hackim, along with a sealed pouch containing 100 Spanish real coins. This money was distributed among the group for food.
- The local king and the supervisor of the Bugis people, Clana Jaja Poetra, had shown them kindness, providing housing, feasts, and food upon their arrival on 9 February 1727. This support was greatly appreciated.
- Another letter from Riouw, dated 28 February 1727, was signed by P. Dienaaren Aandamen, Bt. Holscher, H. Schoon, and A. Landsbergen. It confirmed the help sent to the stranded group.
- Poetra Clana Saja, ruling on behalf of Paduka Sri Sultan Sulaiman Shah Alam, wrote to Hermanus van Suchtelen, praising his wisdom and trustworthiness. He mentioned sending a captain with 57 prisoners, escorted by the Bugis, to Batavia.
- The Pangulu of Tanjungkling and Intje Hackim had arrived with a letter about a Dutch wine ship that had wrecked. The letter instructed providing all possible help to the survivors, which had already been done before the official request arrived.
- The letter ended with well-wishes for Hermanus van Suchtelen's health and long life, recognizing the challenges of governing Malacca.
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:
- The captain and 37 men took the largest boat.
- The second mate and 13 men took a smaller boat.
- The first narrator (likely an officer) and 14 men took a small skiff.
- The boatswain and 16 men traveled overland along the coast.
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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