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View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3468 / 0201 This document is a continuation of a merchant's inventory from 24 December 1776. The list includes various trade goods with their quantities measured in different units (pounds/lb, pieces/p:s, barrels/b):
The document mentions a claim by the youngest petitioner in Samarang (modern-day Semarang, Indonesia) that was filed in November 1776.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3468 / 0200 This document is an inventory list dated 24 December 1776 and continuing into November 1777. It records ammunition supplies and equipment goods at Semarang.
The ammunition items included:
The equipment goods included:
The document notes that all other ammunition goods were excused. It refers to remainder stocks at Semarang and a requisition from November 1776.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3468 / 0202
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0302 On Wednesday the 21st, the contract was fully approved and certain articles were to be expanded or changed as deemed necessary. The mentioned contract was shown in original form to the chosen king and read to him in the Malay language, with its content clearly explained. He then swore an oath on the Quran while drinking kris water. The contract was sealed with the royal seal and confirmed with his signature and those of the mentioned nobles.
This was done and signed at Castle Rotterdam in Macassar on 12 May 1773. It was signed by P. G. van der Voort, B. van Pleuren, S. W. Peters, J. Raket, and C. Krane. By order of the governor and council, signed by C. Krane, secretary.
On Thursday the 22nd, the chief interpreter Brugman was sent by the writer to the king of Bone to find out if the tomilalang and glarrang of Bontualacq could travel with him to Maros the day after tomorrow to investigate the disputes between the Company and his highness's subjects there and in the further northern provinces. He was also to request that his highness give these officials full authority so that all matters concerning his subjects could be completely settled without any appeal to his highness, to prevent unnecessary delays in dragging out disputes that sometimes had no substance and became more difficult rather than easier to resolve. Brugman reported back that the king had told him that his commissioners would be ready at the appointed time and that he had ordered this in Brugman's presence. His highness immediately had his secretary put an order in writing according to the request, of which he gave notice.
On Friday the 23rd, nothing happened.
On Saturday the 24th, in the evening the chief interpreter Brugman departed for Maros in company with the Bone tomilalang and the glarrang of Bontualacq. The first mentioned took a note with him to the resident van Rossum.
Nothing happened on Sunday the 25th, Monday the 26th, and Tuesday the 27th.
On Wednesday the 28th, the writer received a report from the under-interpreter Blij that yesterday in the province of Siang, specifically in the village of Bone Bone, the Bone prince Lawajoe Anna, also called Danig Pagoeling, a brother of Danig Mandjaroengie, had gotten into a quarrel with a Buginese ship captain Pamana at a cockfight and was stabbed to death by him. The mentioned captain was then killed in turn by Danig Pagoeling's bodyguard.
On Sunday the 1st of November, nothing noteworthy occurred.
The regent of Tanette, who had been mentioned in a letter dated the 8th of the previous month, arrived there the day before yesterday and appeared before the writer this morning. The writer had the under-interpreter Blij tell him that he could not be unaware that his subjects had for quite some time brought serious complaints about his despotic and extremely harsh way of governing. Therefore, the writer had had to decide to summon him here to hear what he might say in his defense. However, far from excusing himself on any points, he openly admitted he had done wrong and had made himself unworthy of the regency. He therefore requested to be relieved of it simply through dismissal and asked permission to live with his family on
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0403
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0463 Van der Burg sent a letter to the high authorities dated 5 April 1773.
The following documents were included:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0465
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0464 P. Luzao wrote from Java's east coast on 5 April 1773. At that moment he received a message about a distribution from Noessa through a copy of a letter from postmaster Steenbergen at Gitten. He sent a copy of this letter to the Commissioner at Adirogo and told him that if the boats were not there, he should respond in a friendly way to invitations to submit.
In response to a letter from 27th of the previous month which was delivered on the 10th of this month by a merchant from Sourabaya, Luzao answered that he had not yet been able to accomplish anything good. He had already responded to a letter from the 17th of the previous month on the 30th. He kept the regent Pafanagara friendly and made sure that the people who had gathered from the area around Cotta were divided among the villages under their leaders to continue farming. Pafanagara would travel to Samarang to request his confirmation as regent, as requested by the governor. The governor wanted to speak with him personally about his districts and people, which pleased the regent very much. The regent was now busy placing the people. Luzao heard secretly that great preparations were being made for this journey.
Luzao hoped that by the time Pafanagara left, someone suitable could be found among the people from Balemboan who were on Madura to be trusted with the leadership over this difficult people. He would let the regent leave under the mentioned excuse without giving him anything.
Quartermaster Perk arrived safely with his cargo belonging to quartermaster Alberts. Luzao had no other information about the third boat under a sailor except that it had to turn back towards the coast. Quartermaster De Gelder also arrived safely with his 3 boats loaded with provisions and was already being unloaded as quickly as possible. Luzao let him return with the 2 boats from Pamacassang and their sailors because the west winds were already starting to come through and the journey would otherwise become difficult. He sent back the boat that belonged there, along with the sick ensign and a European servant who had been given permission by the head of the expedition to accompany him.
Regarding the treatment of this people, Luzao made every effort according to the instructions from the high authorities and the governor and director. He told the regent and other native leaders to work in the friendliest way possible. According to reports received in recent days, there was new hope that the people from Balemboan, Bappa Larat and Endo, could still be brought under control, partly through the oldest woman with a child of Bappa Endo who was brought to him on the 9th of this month by the Hebbe officials.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0500
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0499
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0497 On 5 April 1773, I. R. van der Burgh wrote from the east coast of Java about some letters that did not contain any information. He was waiting for clarification about how something was arranged in a previous expedition and which article in a contract with a prince was being referred to before he could make a statement about rice. He signed the letter as a good friend.
On 24 March 1773 in Samarang, van der Burgh confirmed the accuracy of the document.
Pieter Luzac, who held a position of authority, wrote from Soerabaja on 27 December 1772. He had received a separate letter dated 15 December containing an extract from a letter from the high authorities dated 9 December 1772. Most of the content concerned Balemboangang, so he immediately sent a full copy to the resident there. He was waiting to hear about dealings with the temporary regent of Jaxanagara. Since he had nothing important to report at that time, he respectfully signed the letter as an obedient servant.
In response to separate letters dated 21 December and 24 December, he confirmed receiving the instructions from the authorities' letter of 9 December. The instructions concerned the customs posts at Balemboangang, Lamadjang, Panaroekan, and Malang, which he forwarded to the relevant officials. He also provided extracts to captain lieutenant Heinrich about the expedition. On that same day, an expedition force was organized consisting of Madurese leaders Braja Singa and Sianataka, 7 common officers, 60 Madurese musketeers, and 440 pikemen, along with their provisions.
Another copy of a letter from the same authority was dated 30 December 1772.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0495 On 5 April 1773, a letter was sent from Java's east coast. The writer stated he would wait for further explanation to support certain opinions, and hoped to find another person for an unspecified task. He expressed regret about the poor condition of the crew of a boat called the pantjallang, as he could not replace them with other sailors. However, he noted that local deserters could be publicly punished on the parade ground with cane beatings to discourage them from running away.
The writer was disappointed that a detachment under ensign Dijkman, which had been searching for rebel leaders Bappa Larat, Bappa Endo, Pa Som, Promp, and Wilondo, had returned without finding anything. Since a group of rebels had been discovered near the Klonkong river, showing they still had supporters, it was clear that complete peace could not be expected until all rebels were defeated. Therefore, it remained necessary to continue searching for them with willing troops to either capture them or prevent them from gathering and causing trouble again.
The writer noted that the Madurese soldiers had long been unwilling and useless according to reports, and their desertion was being overlooked. However, they should not be sent back, as that would give them an excuse in the future. Instead, the writer wanted to keep the option to demand others if necessary. Meanwhile, the Sumanapper forces at Adirogo needed to be brought up to full strength, as the 3 companies of Malays or Easterners currently in the Balembangan area were said to be very useful.
Regarding the island of Noessa, the writer approved orders to prevent the chief Bappa Janie from attempting a landing on Java. He agreed it was time to force the islanders, who would not listen to friendly requests, into submission through military force. He found the plan proposed by the Passoeroan commander Van Rijcke in his letter of 25 February acceptable. The willingness of the regent Nitinagara and the commander's request to both personally carry out the plan also deserved consideration. The writer would wait for detailed orders about the timing and method of the operation, including how many troops and boats would be needed, and whether the patrol boats that the regents in the east had to provide should be doubled.
A joint letter of that day showed that important payments had been granted to some regents, especially those of Sourabaija, to restore the land to its former state. These regents, now that they were on equal footing, had to completely fulfill their annual obligations without fail. This would apply this year if they kept their promise to ensure 500 koyangs of rice would come in before New Year from each regent, otherwise they would face unpleasant consequences.
The writer had questioned the prince of Madura about advancing 100 koyangs of rice to his chiefs. The prince confirmed receipt but claimed repayment had never been discussed. The writer wondered if each person could be employed with a couple of European sailors and other necessary supplies, in which case, while waiting for approval from their high authorities, preliminary arrangements could be made.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0493
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0491
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0490 I. R. van der Burgh wrote from Java's east coast on 5 April 1773 and 7 April 1773. He mentioned that they were being assisted with rice from Rawa. When the opportunity arose, all required timber for the eastern corner would be sent at once without loss. He would arrange for a skilled carpenter and copper coins as requested. He signed as a good friend.
Van der Burgh was still waiting for the promised consideration about a new regent for Balemboangang, with Maas Alit being a candidate. He had been pleased to learn from letters dated 27 January and 5 February about the departure of the former regent Jaxanagara from Oeloe Pampang to Costij. He recommended treating Jaxanagara kindly and suggested keeping him there until the shipping route opened, when he could travel by sea. However, Van der Burgh thought it best to keep the suspicious Krinkdono and 4 fugitives to Bali in custody. He also wanted Boedjaar, who claimed to have been a servant, and captain Alap sent overland immediately to confront Alap Alap, who was currently with his master's entourage and lying about everything, so he could be corrected for his bad behavior.
In another letter from Java's east coast dated 5 April 1773, Van der Burgh discussed the escape of the rebel Larat after he had been caught. This did not surprise him but raised harmful suspicions about those responsible for guarding him. He considered it necessary for resident Schophoff to investigate the matter thoroughly. Those who had given Larat the opportunity to escape or had not taken proper care should not be trusted but watched carefully. The women and others from the rebel's group who had been captured would be sent by sea.
Van der Burgh would present the account of extraordinary expenses to their High Honors and request reimbursement. Following the request, he would provide the eastern corner with military support as soon as Batavia enabled him to do so. With one of the first ships arriving on the coast to load cargo, he intended to have the timber currently stored in Japara, Joana, and Rembang for Soerabaja and Crissee collected and transported there. Care should be taken that a full ship's cargo of rice was in stock before the shipping route to Batavia opened, as the regents had promised. The opposite would not please their High Honors, especially since there was no precedent for Soerabaja delivering less rice than during this period, particularly in 1772. As a result, counting the quota for 1773, Soerabaja was now behind by approximately 2,500 kojangs of rice.
According to separate letters dated 20 February and 22 February and their attachments, Van der Burgh approved the measures planned and implemented in Balemboangang to track down and capture the still-wandering main rebels Bappa Larat, Bappa Endo, Pa Simpring, and Wilondo. He very much wanted to hear about the desired outcome. After resident Schophoff had informed about the general opinion regarding Maas Alit as a candidate for regent instead of Japanagara, who was currently in Soerabaja
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0488 On April 5, 1773, a letter was written from the east coast of Java. The ratoe (a local ruler) informed a woman that he was learning to make decorative trimmings and asked if she could kindly provide him with some lace, which he needed for this work. He sent greetings to the brother, the woman, and the children. This letter was written in Surabaya on the second day of the month Bazar 1698 and was translated by C. P. Boltze, who worked as a translator. J. A. van der Burgh confirmed the translation was accurate.
In response to letters from December 27 and 30, 1772, the writer stated he was pleased to hear about the sending of more than 500 Madurese people to Valemboangang. He hoped to soon receive news that followers of Sumanappers for Adirogo and illnesses among the local people would have stopped. When this happened, people from Surabaya, Grisee, and Sidayu, especially those from the first location, should be sent home. However, ensign Tisscher would need to stay there with some Europeans until further orders, because the authorities could not yet trust the local district leaders in that area.
The writer discussed prisoner transport. The question was not whether the authorities of the ship Velsen were willing to transport prisoners, but how many war prisoners they could safely take to Banda. The ship Vlietlust would transport 42 prisoners from there, and the writer believed the Velsen would have room for at least the same number. The writer stated he was not authorized to allow certain prisoners to be executed and have their heads displayed, but prisoners who could not be transported to Banda should be sent back when shipping resumed.
Several vessels (the pantjallang, the bark, and the Bestendigheid) were sent to be used wisely where the Company's interests required it. When these vessels served Balemboangang, that location should also bear the costs of the expedition. The writer trusted this had always been observed, even regarding the pantjallangs that belonged to the recipient, when something extra was provided for service or the journey to Oeloepampang. The letter was signed by I. R. van der Burgh in Samarang on the date mentioned above.
In a separate letter from January 22, 1773, written by governor Van der Burgh to commander Luzac in Surabaya, Javanese letters were enclosed. These were letters exchanged between ensign and commander at Adirogo, Frederik Tisser, and the head of the island Noessa, Juragan Janie. The content contained little of substance. It appeared Juragan Janie had no intention of submitting to the Company but seemed to be hiding other objectives through deception. Therefore, if ensign Tisser met with Juragan Janie at the Soeger river as requested and their conversation had no effect, it would be best to cut off all correspondence with those islanders. They should prevent all travel to and from Java and especially stop the transport of provisions there. The writer expected further investigation would be done into whether this was truly necessary.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0486
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0484 I. R. van der Burgh wrote from Java's east coast on 5 April 1773. Long-standing difficult disputes over some villages or areas called dessas and tatjas had finally been settled and decided. These disputes were resolved by the ministers of the King and of the Susuhunan (a Javanese ruler), in the presence of the Dutch officials Straalendorff and Lapro. Van der Burgh was very happy about this.
He had the papers that the officials sent him translated into the Javanese language. He sent these papers along so that the King could see for himself how fairly everything had been handled. Van der Burgh did not doubt that the King, together with the Susuhunan and himself, would be satisfied with the division and arrangement that had been made. He was confident that everything would be approved by the King.
Van der Burgh asked that orders be given not only to have these papers signed and sealed on both sides (by the King and by the Susuhunan), but also to have proper registers made as soon as possible of the lands that belonged to the King and that he actually possessed. According to an earlier agreement, Van der Burgh wanted to be present himself when these registers were checked and sealed by the ministers and officials in Samarang. This would prevent such disputes once and for all.
Two subjects of the King had been sent to Van der Burgh from Solo:
Van der Burgh sent these two criminals to the official Lapro to be handed over to the King. He did not doubt that the King would make them experience the punishment they deserved for their evil actions, as a warning to others.
Radeen Adipattij Danoeridsa had written to Van der Burgh that one of the King's elephants had died. Van der Burgh had already asked the High Authorities to request another one from Ceylon. If the King would send his stable master in 1 or 2 months, Van der Burgh would let him choose from some horses from Bima for the King.
Van der Burgh sent greetings to the King and to Prince Adipattij Mancoenogoro with all his heart. His wife also sent greetings.
A copy of a letter from the undersigned to the Sultan was dated Samarang 16 February 1773. Another copy of a letter from the undersigned to the Susuhunan was also dated Samarang 16 February 1773. These letters contained similar information about the settlement of disputes over villages and lands between the King and the Sultan, and between the King and the Susuhunan.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0482 On 5 April 1778, commander Luzac from Java's east coast submitted an account for extraordinary expenses that occurred during the year 1772 for the expedition, totaling 46 guilders and 36 stuivers. He requested approval for payment and write-off of these costs.
The Palembang leader Suragan Badar would not be taken to court upon his arrival regarding the conquest by pirates of the private vessel Sara Margaretha, as there was no sufficient evidence, following the authorities' instructions. Luzac would strictly follow the recommendation to ensure that the tax farmers of the domains paid their taxes on time.
Luzac forwarded a request from senior merchant and first resident at the sultan's court in Djojocarta, Ian Lapro, who asked to be relieved from his position and transferred to the main settlement in order to request transport to the Netherlands the following year. Luzac recommended granting this request favorably, as Lapro had always given complete satisfaction in his service. However, Luzac personally would have preferred if Lapro had been persuaded to abandon his wish to resign and return to the fatherland.
Luzac proposed merchant and second resident at the emperor's court Ian Matthijs van Rhijn as Lapro's replacement, as he had learned to interact with princes and nobles in particular and with the native population in general, and had knowledge of the current state of affairs. Van Rhijn would receive his current title and rank next to the youngest senior merchant, according to the authorities' determination in their general letter of 29 July 1767.
For Van Rhijn's position, Luzac proposed the 12-year bookkeeper Abraham van Heemert to become second secretary and salary bookkeeper in Soeracarta with the title of junior merchant, as he possessed all required qualities better than other servants at the coast who might otherwise be considered.
The sultan was always mindful of everything that nurtured his glory and ambition and was very attentive to whether equality between him and the emperor was maintained everywhere. He therefore noticed with concern that in Soeracarta there was a second resident who accompanied his greatest enemy Maas Said (who held the title of Pangerang Adipattij) at all solemn occasions in public, while his beloved son, who held the same title or that of crown prince at his court, had no one to accompany him at similar occasions.
According to the instructions, a junior merchant was designated for this position, and previously there had even been a second resident with the rank of merchant in 1764. A second resident was required just as much as in Soeracarta to take over affairs in case of illness or absence of the first resident and to function as sworn secretary keeping the salary books, which currently caused much embarrassment and double work for the salary clerks who already had plenty of work.
Luzac therefore proposed to the authorities to again place a second resident in Djojocarta and respectfully nominated the junior merchant and salary bookkeeper Paulus Jacobus de Blij for this position, maintaining his current rank or title. Due to his long stay on this coast, together with the previously mentioned Van Heemert, he had the prospect of fulfilling these positions. Both would receive the rank that the previous second residents at the courts Luzac and Lapro had held, according to the authorities' general letter of 1 May 1764.
Finally, Luzac requested approval to make a journey to inspect the offices and regencies in the west, to be held at
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0480
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0479
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0477
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0475 Luzac was ordered to pay the only remaining debt for received money, totaling 5,600 rijksdaalders. The employees together were reminded again of the old letter from 4 November 1771 not to keep more than 5,000 rijksdaalders, since the cash balance at the end of February had amounted to 2,800 rijksdaalders and 16 stuivers.
Regarding the construction of a new residence for the resident in Rembang, the writer asked to refer to what was mentioned in the general letter being sent. For the major repairs needed to the stone piers of the bridge in Japara, a specification and cost estimate would be prepared and submitted once engineer Soutman returned from Surakarta and Yogyakarta.
Instructions were sent to Surabaya for the carpenter foreman Dexter, who had traveled there, to provide a cost estimate for repairing the small fort at Triffel and constructing a new wall behind it. However, making a plan for rebuilding the Belvidera redoubt and arranging proper storage places for gunpowder and weapons in Surabaya would remain postponed until the engineer could be spared from his current work on fortifications and warehouses.
Following the qualification in the respected letters from 8 December 1712, the writer opened, read, and properly resealed letters from the Javanese governor. The writer thanked for the trust placed in him. The letters would remain in his keeping and their contents would be observed when necessary. Proper records were made at the secretariat and he would ensure nothing of their content leaked out.
The princes, according to the writer's letters to them and their replies (copies included under L: A: and B.), had fully confirmed themselves with the settlement of village disputes. Work was currently progressing successfully on exchanging and returning lands to each party, after which the register of each share would be started.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3389 / 0474 5 April 1773, from Java's east coast, it was stated that 1,000 coijangs (units) of rice needed to be delivered completely. This was ordered under threat of punishment as written in article 3 of the contract agreement passed on 20 October 1772. However, there was fear that they would not be able to meet their promises for this year due to lack of workers to help with farming.
The debts for 1771 and 1772 had been reduced in January and February to 1,471 coijangs. A reduction was granted, bringing the total down to 1,538 coijangs. It was ordered that rice delivered after 1 March would be used to reduce the debt for the current year. This change was made in favor of the company, since 67 coijangs that had been delivered were already counted toward reducing the previous year's debts. It was hoped this adjustment would be approved.
Efforts were made to convince the most important regents that by leasing out their territories and lands they were harming themselves and burdening their subjects. It was expected that many would be more careful about this in the future. They would help prevent being further exploited by the hardworking nature of the Chinese. The problem of Chinese influence had become too deeply rooted and needed to be stopped, as the deep penetration of that nation was harmful.
A request was made for permission to renew the prohibition against bringing newcomers to this coast. The number of newcomers was already very large everywhere and kept growing through frequent arrivals from Banjarmasin, Pasir, Palembang, Riau, Johor, Terengganu, and other places where junks (boats) came from.
The old contracts of the various regents would be renewed from time to time with necessary changes and additions, following the authorization given. Surabaya's officials were not only informed of the prohibition against further circulation of whole and half duits (coins) on credit in exchange for silver coins, but were instead permitted to receive up to 5 percent in copper coins in cash from lease payments from time to time. The same would also happen here.
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