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 Neither of these artificial intelligence tasks is perfect, but they are often more than sufficient to make the historical document understandable.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.
On 29 November 1726, a report was sent from Siam regarding wage increases for employees due to their contracts expiring.
- The ship Coning Carel van Hulst requested a wage increase for a worker named Smith, who was employed at the local office. The request (marked as number 7) was supported because Smith had shown good behavior and satisfactory performance in his service. His conduct was deemed worthy of the requested raise.
- The blacksmith (or craftsman), also referred to as Smith, along with the interpreter Jochem Smink van Lauwenberg, had completed their 5-year contract, which was set to expire in May of the following year. Their monthly wage was 15 units. They also requested a wage increase, which was supported because they had met the required standards in their service.
The report also mentioned delays caused by:
- The late arrival of ships that year.
- Difficulties in sending goods from Batavia to the anchorage in Siam.
- Delays due to heavy rainfall affecting the transport of the East India Company's boats carrying gifts and other goods.
- The frequent absence of the Siamese court because of ongoing festivals.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2051 / 0571
On February 19, 1724, two ships arrived safely at the trading post in Basra:
- The Velser, a fluyt ship (cargo vessel) from Siam (modern-day Thailand).
- The Thienhoven, a frigate from Palembang (on Sumatra, Indonesia), which had left on February 11, 1724.
Earlier, on February 2, 1724, there was news about a private English ship. The crew, led by the Mellieurs Arei, had been missing since 1726 (likely a typo, meaning 1724). However, they arrived safely in good condition, much to everyone’s relief. The ship was owned by the Chamber of Delft (a division of the Dutch East India Company).
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2041 / 0744
On 29 November 1726, two ships owned by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the Coning Carel and the Risdam, were prepared for departure from Siam (modern-day Thailand). The ships were loaded with goods purchased in the region, and their managers requested approval for the costs and cargo from the company's higher authorities.
The cargo included:
- Coning Carel:
- 3,780 pounds of sappanwood (a type of dyewood), totaling 56,142 pieces.
- 31,854 pounds of tin, packed in 517 Ligor (a region in Siam) barrels.
- 15,731 pounds of preserved ginger, stored in 45 jars.
- 50 pots of honey.
The total cost for these goods was 32,218 guilders, 11 stuivers, and 8 pennies.
- Risdam:
- 465,300 pounds of sappanwood, totaling 37,599 pieces.
- 28,342 pounds of tin, packed in 459 Ligor barrels.
- 12,431 pounds of candied ginger, stored in 35 jars.
- 40 pots of arrack (a type of liquor).
- 30 klak (a unit of measure, possibly for a liquid or bulk good).
- 150 empty glass jars.
The total cost for these goods was 26,210 guilders, 15 stuivers.
Additional expenses were incurred during the ships' stay in Siam, including provisions and necessary supplies for the journey. The costs were as follows:
The letter requesting approval was signed by four VOC officials in Siam:
Imel Christiaan Cock, Gregorius Hendrik Prageman, Rugier van Alderweereld, and Gel Schryver. The document was marked as originating from the VOC trading post in Judja Adie (likely a local name or district in Siam).
An earlier note from 7 October 1726 mentioned a meeting where Gregorius Hendrik Prageman (a merchant and outgoing chief of the trading post), Imel Christiaan Cock (a merchant and incoming chief), and Rugier van Alderweereld (an assistant merchant and second-in-command) were present.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2051 / 0572
The ship Risdam was lost on its return journey from Siam (modern-day Thailand). The loss included both the ship and its cargo, caused by severe leaks that overwhelmed the vessel. More details about this event would be discussed later in the records.
The following section outlined what would be covered next in the report, including updates from Ambon and the trading post in Basra (Bassoura).
There was no major news from Ambon, but in Basra, private English traders—Messieurs Aren and Vettij—showed respect to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) officials. They reported on events in their service since the departure of the last Dutch representative on January 31. Efforts were being made to re-establish communication with the government of Ambon.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2041 / 0745
On 17 October 1715, in Malacca, instructions were given regarding the ships Cockenge and Arentsduijn:
- A shipment of silver had been unloaded from the Cockenge for the ship Risdam. The Risdam was to carry its copper cargo to Bengal, along with 12 chests containing roughly 200,000 guilders in silver. If the Risdam had not arrived before the Cockenge departed, the silver was to be kept ashore until the Risdam appeared.
- The ships Cockenge and Arentsduijn were to sail together under the command of the Cockenge's captain, Wouter Reijniersz, but only as far as the coast of Aceh. After that, each ship would continue independently to reach their destinations faster.
- Supplies for the Malacca government, meant for the ships Eijsch and Arentsduijn, were to be transported with the governor, De Visser, when he left Malacca.
- Goods on board for Cormandel, Ceylon, Surat, and other places were to be transferred to the yacht Meervliet, which would follow shortly under the elected governor of the Cormandel coast, Adriaan de Visser. He was to be treated with respect during his stay in Malacca.
- The Meervliet was not to leave Malacca before 20–25 December to arrive in Nagapattinam by 25–30 January 1716, avoiding storms and dangerous conditions.
- A debt of ƒ209,013:4:- remained unpaid for missing goods from the Eijsch. The ships Cockenge and Arentsduijn had unloaded what they could in Malacca, and officials were to ensure the ships were cleared in time to avoid delays in their reports.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 7625 / 0091
Between 1686 and 1720, the following shipments were recorded:
- On 20 August 1720, payments were made for three ships:
- Shipments sent with the mentioned ships included all available stock:
- No Cabessa type (reserved for the homeland) was shipped, but the available Bariga type was sent:
- Additional payments were made for the same ships:
- Nothing could be shipped due to the delayed arrival of Japanese ships.
Additional records from 1722 include:
- 17 rolls of long paper from Nesuw
- 17,350 sheets of remaining paper from Eijsch to Batavia
- Various supplies, equipment, and goods.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1952 / 0531
In 1685, a financial record was kept involving large sums of money (up to 761,940 pounds) and several ships.
- On 20 August 1720
, payments were made using the following ships:
Payments were also made using the hulls (bases) of ships:
Ships were loaded with as much cargo as possible, leaving other goods behind:
Further payments were made using the ships:
Later, additional payments were recorded:
One entry notes that nothing was sent due to the ship's own failure ("door Eijgen gebrek niets gesonden").
The record includes unclear or abbreviated notes, possibly referring to people or additional transactions, such as:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1952 / 0529
- The will outlines how the parents (Testateuren) want their children to be raised and provided for after their death.
- The surviving parent will be responsible for:
- Educating the children, including teaching them useful skills.
- Giving each child a financial settlement when they come of age (likely 23) or get married, based on what the surviving parent thinks is fair and what the child deserves.
- This settlement replaces any legal inheritance the children might otherwise claim.
- The surviving parent is also named as:
- The executor of the will.
- The guardian of the children and their property.
- The surviving parent has full authority, including:
- The power to appoint others (friends or strangers) to act on behalf of the children if they remarry.
- No need to provide financial security for the children’s property until they are adults or married, but must support them from the profits of that property.
- The will explicitly excludes any involvement from orphanage authorities in Amsterdam or elsewhere, politely declining their oversight.
- Special provision for if the mother (Testatrice) dies while the father (Testateur) is traveling abroad:
- The couple Gerrit Lammerts and Gezina Meijlink are appointed to:
- Arrange a proper burial for the mother.
- Care for any remaining children.
- Inventory and safeguard the estate until the father returns or gives further instructions.
- They are given full legal power to act in this role, excluding all others.
- The will was signed in Amsterdam on 1750 (likely a transcription error for 1755 or similar) in the presence of two witnesses:
- Jan van Veen, living near korte princegracht by the haer t: dijk.
- Jan Van Veere, living on Vinkestraet near korte princegracht.
- The witnesses confirmed they knew the testators personally.
- The notary (likely Jan Verleij) and others signed to validate the document, including marks possibly made by the testators or others present.
View transcript NL-AsdSAA / 723134 / 108
The Dutch trading post in Surat reported serious challenges in the Mughal Empire around 1737, making trade difficult and risky. Key issues included:
- Corruption and misconduct by local governors and military leaders, who abused power to block rivers and trade routes, disrupting the transport of goods.
- Merchants feared investing due to instability, causing losses for the Dutch trading company (VOC).
- A shortage of silver from the Red Sea made money scarce and expensive, worsening trade conditions.
- English ships, originally bound for Mochi, Persia, and Bombay, were forced to reroute, adding to competition and difficulties.
Despite these problems, the VOC requested support from the High Government of the Dutch Indies in Batavia to improve trade. They asked for:
- ₹30,000 worth of specific goods (instead of the usual ₹150,000) to adapt to the declining market.
- Additional silver to stabilize transactions.
- Only one ship, the Bethlehem, was sent to Surat on 22 August 1736, carrying limited goods due to low demand:
- 3,379 pieces of fine cloth.
- 22,500 pounds of garlic (reduced from earlier requests).
- 1,406.5 pounds of cinnamon from Ceylon.
- 4,000 pounds of Japanese copper (less than requested due to low stock).
- Black pepper from Bantam (only 200,000 pounds instead of 400,000 due to limited supply).
- 114 pounds of cloves.
The VOC hoped these adjustments would help recover trade under the difficult conditions.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2367 / 0265
This fragment describes a list of goods and their values in
Galle (a historical Dutch trading post in present-day Sri Lanka) during the Dutch colonial period. The text mentions the following items and their status:
- Malacca tin: 100,000 pounds were available, but only 80,000 pounds were taken due to limited demand.
- White sugar from Candy (Kandy): 30,161 pounds of the finest quality were available, but no more was requested because the city already had a very large stock.
- White Chinese alum: Worth 400,000 (currency not specified), but demand was low because the market price was falling.
- White benzoin from Siam (Ciabessa): 5,000 pounds were available, but only a small amount was used.
- Benzoin (bariga): Fully supplied, with no further need.
- Alum: 841 sacks remained unsold and could not be shipped.
- Sugar: 236 jars of coarse sugar and 619 jars of powdered sugar (totaling 90,037 pounds) could not be shipped.
- White powdered sugar from Cadessa: Sold for less than 200,024 (currency not specified), with remaining stock expected to be sold with God’s blessing.
- Baraja: 25 chests were available, valued at 17,645 (currency not specified), with 10,000 (currency not specified) worth remaining.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2367 / 0267
This document outlines the trading activities and profits of the Dutch trading post in Surat (India) for the fiscal year 1748–1749, signed by J.b Plefock. The records detail the purchase, sale, and profits of various spices, metals, textiles, and luxury goods traded by the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
- Goods Traded and Quantities:
- Spices: cloves (42,904.125 lb), nutmeg (23,387 lb), mace (1154 lb), and black pepper (45,025 lb).
- Metals: Japanese copper bars (38,563 looth—a Dutch weight unit), tin from Malacca (18 shaulten), and vermilion (15 lb).
- Luxury goods: Chinese porcelain cups (5,775), white sugar (19,946 lb), ivory tusks (5,169 pieces), and sandalwood (67,243 pieces).
- Textiles: Chinese damask tableware (51,748 pieces) and various Chinese porcelain items.
- Financial Summary:
- Total sales revenue from auctions and direct sales: ƒ318,091 (Dutch guilders).
- Total costs (purchase and sales expenses): ƒ216,107.
- Net profit after expenses: ƒ543,924.
- Profit percentages varied per item, e.g., cloves yielded a 17.8% profit, while Japanese copper bars had a 33.3% profit margin.
- Some goods, like certain types of sugar and porcelain, resulted in losses (e.g., ƒ1,903 loss on white powdered sugar).
- Key Observations:
- The trade in spices like cloves and pepper was highly profitable, with cloves alone generating ƒ17,504 in profit.
- Metals like Japanese copper and luxury items like ivory and porcelain also contributed significantly to the profits.
- The document highlights the VOC's extensive and diverse trade network, spanning China, Japan, Malacca, and India.
- Final net profit for the year, after all deductions, was recorded as ƒ510,810.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2765 / 1092
This document lists trade goods, their quantities, and notes on their availability or quality from a historical Dutch trading post, likely in Asia.
- 10,000 lb of mercury ("quiet silver") was not requested due to its low profit.
- 35,000 lb of Siamese elephant tusks (heavy and intact pieces) were noted, while 28,020 lb of Cape (African) elephant tusks were considered lower quality ("only for dogs").
- 30,000 additional Cape elephant tusks were mentioned, similar to the Siamese ones, along with 532 tusks shaped like daggers ("Jambij") from Palembang received as gifts.
- 3,000 lb of tortoiseshell from the Cape (thick pieces) and 1,000 of a type called "Carabbie" (soaked in strong alcohol, not lime) were recorded.
- 28,116 lb 10 oz of powdered sugar was excused due to excess stock and no transport to other places.
- No Siamese elephant tusks were received that year, and no mercury was available, as none had arrived from China in 2–3 years.
- 60 tb (likely "tubs") of mace (a spice) and 5,000 lb of long pepper (new harvest, as the old was eaten by worms) were listed.
- 108,000 flat iron bars (thin and thick) and 400,000 lb of Ceylonese areca nuts (new, large type) were noted.
- 97,468 of cast lead in "seugen" (likely pigs/ingots) were in surplus due to English imports.
- 2,000 of an unspecified item and 5,000 of camphor from Barus were missing because no Japanese camphor was available.
- 80,000 flat iron bars were mentioned for fulfillment.
- The Colombo ministers ordered that if 400,000 lb of Malabar pepper could be spared, it should be sent via ship; otherwise, 200,000 lb should be provided by the Cochin ministers.
- 56 bales of Fatsumase camphor were noted, with a remainder of 4,476 lb 5 oz.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 2367 / 0268
In January 1696, a ship from Banda at Fort Nassau set sail toward the South-East Islands (likely part of New Guinea) for permitted trade. The ship carried the following goods:
- 20 pairs of gold arm rings
- 10 pairs of gold earrings
- 5 gold "krits" (likely a type of ornament) for the head
- 20 wide Chitsen zourats (a type of cloth)
- 10 narrow Chitsen zourats
- 10 red karikams (another type of cloth)
- 260 pairs of an unspecified item (possibly textiles or ornaments)
- 300 long agate coral beads
- 7,000 small beads
- 3 glass arm rings
- 200 plates (likely ceramic or metal)
- 200 bowls and dishes
- 7 pieces of coarse porcelain
- 100 rolls of brass wire
- 12 pairs of leg rings
- 10 pairs of bells
- 100 Blijtonse (likely a type of) small axes
- 10 dozen knives
- 5 pairs of copper tallangs (likely a type of tool or weapon)
- 3 dozen elephant tusks
- 1 piece of old iron
The ship, under the command of an unnamed leader, departed for Orembaij. A note was sent to Sir Jan de Heere, the acting head at the fort.
Later that month, another record from Fort Nassau noted the arrival and departure of small vessels (chialoupen) and boats. A ship called Revenge was sent to Pulo Ay (an island) with a letter from His Excellency (likely a high-ranking official). The letter acknowledged that Sir Jan de Heere had received a large quantity of sorted nuts (likely nutmeg or other spices) and iron goods sent from Banda. Following old custom, the received nuts would be burned in the presence of committee members.
The document also listed three ships that arrived in Banda in January 1696 from Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), carrying goods for various merchants:
- A chialoup (small ship) owned by Jacob Abramsz, with a capacity of 48 last (a unit of weight), arrived on January 14.
- A ship owned by Jan Renaux, a citizen of Batavia, with a capacity of 18 last, arrived on January 29.
- A chialoup owned by Joost Boveth, another citizen of Batavia, with a capacity of 34 last, also arrived.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 8056 / 0294
- The document details profits from trade goods, primarily from Ambon and Banda (Indonesian islands), in the 17th or 18th century.
- From the sale of 2760 to 2763 pounds of nutmeg:
- Costs included expenses, interest (4.5% per 100 for 2 months), and administrative fees.
- Total costs: ƒ26,419:17:— (guilders).
- Revenue from sales: ƒ78,798:18:—.
- Profit after costs: ƒ17,879:18:—.
- From 3,250 pounds of cotton yarn from Java:
- Costs included interest (4.5% per 100 for 3 years) and administrative fees.
- Total costs: ƒ624:14:—.
- Revenue from sales: ƒ926:13:—.
- Profit after costs: ƒ301:19:—.
- From 48 1/3 Thin Bancas (likely a type of coin or commodity):
- Costs included interest (42% per 100 for 8 months) and administrative fees.
- Total costs: ƒ93,406:5:—.
- Revenue from sales: ƒ125,740:—.
- Profit after costs: ƒ26,031:7:—.
- From 140 pounds of elephant tusks:
- Costs included interest (84.5% per 100 for 5 1/3 months) and administrative fees.
- Total costs: ƒ161:17:8.
- Revenue from sales: ƒ206:11:—.
- Profit after costs: ƒ44:13:8.
- From Japanese or cabinet lacquerware:
- Costs included shipping, worker wages (5.5% per 100), risk at sea (12% per 100), interest (4.5% per 100 for 9 years and 8 months), and administrative fees.
- Total costs: ƒ174:4:—.
- Revenue from sales: ƒ129:17:8.
- Loss after costs: ƒ44:6:8.
- Total summarized profits and losses:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 3713 / 0165
In March 1695, a trade record from Banda at Castle Nassau listed various goods and their quantities:
- Textiles:
- Other goods:
- 600 pounds of elephant tusks.
- 200 tamboxe swords.
- 2 pieces of climaats (local) axes.
- 6 pieces of copper basins.
- 8 small copper basins.
- 20 arm rings.
- 20 bells.
- 3 chains.
- 1 piece of bajo rante (a type of fabric).
- 100 pounds of old iron.
- 8 tails (units) of gold, weighing 150 pounds.
- 100 large comnen (possibly a type of container).
- 150 pierings (possibly a type of container).
- 5 plates.
- 1 pound of gum.
- 1 pound of gold chalk.
- 1 pound of coral.
- A batch of gilded copper rings.
Some goods were sent to different locations:
- A mixed shipment to Ternate via Amboina.
- A shipment to Pieter Lambertsz on a chialoup (small ship) from Mels in Ternate.
- A ship named helbebout with a capacity of 26 lasten (a unit of weight) and 12 crew members carried:
- 20 pieces of Guinese gebt (a type of fabric).
- 8 white linen.
- 4 rolls of Chinese silk fabric.
- 12 silk allegies (possibly shawls).
- 8 ginghams (a type of fabric).
- 10 Chinese silk garments.
- 1 striped white fabric.
- 13 ell (a unit of measurement) of chergie (a type of fabric).
- 8 ell of flowered fabric.
- 40 dozen knives.
- 15 gross (15 x 144) of tobacco pipes.
- 90 pounds of smoked sammen (possibly sapanwood).
- 200 cans of arack (alcoholic drink).
- 2 pieces of copper basins.
- ½ pound of old iron, copper, and lead.
- A citizen’s chialoup to the Eijlanden (islands) carried:
On the evening of an unspecified date, a political meeting was held, and decisions were made, which were recorded in the resolutions.
On Thursday, March 17, 1695, a ship named chr: chin=t (likely a ship named after Jan Jacobsz) set sail from the roadstead (anchorage) of Banda. The ship had a capacity of 25 lasten and a crew of 21, heading to the Zuid-Oost Eijlanden (Southeast Islands) for trade. The ship carried:
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1565 / 0497
On 26 October 1826, officials discussed a request involving Siam (modern-day Thailand). They agreed to fulfill a potential future demand from the King of Siam for certain goods, though they suspected only half of the promised items would actually be needed.
The officials confirmed they would follow instructions from Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) to avoid any shortages on their end. They also noted that the requested payment in silver coins (called "schuijt gelt") would arrive via the ship Westwoordt from Japan by the end of November. This silver was necessary for preparing next year’s trade goods for Japan and any additional requests from Batavia. However, obtaining these coins was difficult due to high interest costs and scarcity, with some loans charging up to 2% per month.
The officials respectfully requested that, for the benefit of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), a ship be sent annually from Nagasaki to Harwaerts (likely referring to a Dutch port). This ship would:
- Deliver the silver coins ("schuijt gelt") owed to them, and
- Bring reports from local leaders in Japan about the quantity and prices of Siamese trade goods sold at public auctions.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1253 / 0621
- The controller of Landak sent several official letters between 1845 and 1895, discussing legal cases, reports, and administrative matters.
- Key events reported include:
- A murder case involving a person named Oesjo gak, a Chinese individual, in 1875 near Lansong Kongsi.
- The arrest and interrogation of a suspect named Si Lindoeng for a murder committed in 1862 in Lebam.
- A report from December 9 (year unspecified) stating that several Chinese individuals were killed near Ian Anstir by a group led by someone named Delsaks.
- Suspicion against a village head named Dasak Rangok from Detoral for involvement in a major theft, along with two other village heads, as mentioned in a letter from Banpawe dated 1876.
- Requests were made for:
- Copies of records related to the 1862 case involving Si Dain.
- Information about crimes committed by village heads in Pontianak and surrounding areas over recent years.
- Translations of legal proceedings, including interrogations and witness statements.
- The government secretary in Pontianak provided copies of reports and letters, including:
- A mail report (no. 597) from November 27, 1876.
- Letters from the assistant resident of Abonhado and the controller of Banpawe, with attachments.
- The letters suggest ongoing issues with crime and corruption among local officials in Landak, with concerns raised about the good governance of the region.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 2.10.02 / 6380 / 0434
In June 1684, Dutch officials in Japan received orders related to a meeting with Japanese authorities. The emperor’s representatives, called Commissarissen, demanded honesty from the Dutch, warning that any deception would lead to severe punishment, including forced suicide (seppuku) for Kiemots Samma if he were found lying.
Later that day, two interpreters, Kitsieseijmon and Sinnemon, informed an unnamed Dutch official that he and his colleagues (who had also been involved in earlier discussions) were required to appear before the Commissarissen the next morning. They were unsure why but assumed it was just to see them.
Soon after, Brasman arrived, seemingly surprised, and confirmed the message. He added that Kiemots Samma had sent word from the governor, insisting the Dutch answer the Commissarissen's questions truthfully and completely, without hiding anything. The Dutch doubted whether this was a serious threat but suspected the Japanese already had prepared answers to replace theirs if needed.
On Saturday, June 10, the Dutch group—accompanied by 2 bongiosen (Japanese guards) and their own zedos (assistants)—went to the meeting before noon.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0689
In June 1684, Dutch officials in Nagasaki, Japan, questioned Portuguese traders about their faith and global presence. On June 17, around noon, interpreters Kitsieseij and Rinnemon, along with a scribe, visited the writer’s room on behalf of the commissioners. They asked two main questions:
- Where in the world did the Portuguese live, and which lands did they own?
- The writer admitted they couldn’t provide a full list but mentioned hearing that some Portuguese lived in Coromandel and Bengal.
- They also knew the Portuguese had forts and cities in places like Macau, Goa, Mozambique, the Persian Gulf, and Arabia.
- However, they couldn’t specify how many places, their sizes, or their strength.
- This information applied only to India; the writer knew nothing about other regions.
- What was the faith of the Tartars, and what was their religion called?
- The writer confessed they didn’t know exactly but said the Tartars were often called "heathens" in their lands.
- They believed the Tartars shared many beliefs with the Chinese but couldn’t explain the specifics.
- The commissioners pressed further, asking if the Tartars worshipped idols. The writer again admitted ignorance but guessed they might worship in a way similar to the Chinese.
- They added that the Tartars had previously worshipped the sun, stars, fire, earth, and water on Saturdays.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0700
In June 1684, a Dutch trading ship from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in Nagasaki, Japan, carrying goods from Siam (modern Thailand) and Tonkin (northern Vietnam). The cargo included:
- Textiles: 6,000 pieces of striped gold cloth, fine and coarse elegias (a type of fabric), deeken (blankets), madapollams (plain cotton cloth), tasserse elegias, and alcatijven (a coarse fabric).
- Raw materials: 2,400 buffalo and cow hides, deer skins, elephant tusks, wax, buffalo horns, sappanwood (for red dye), tin, roggevellen (likely a type of animal hide), namrack (possibly rhinoceros horn), borrij (a type of resin), arrack (alcohol), rattan mats, dragon’s blood (a red resin), cinnabar (red mercury sulfide), clove oil, brown sugar, and more alcatijven.
- Luxury goods: Benzoin (a type of incense), agate stones, and pearls from the Mughal Empire.
- Other items: Catechu (a plant extract), coconuts, Maldivian cowries (shell money), frankincense, and red earth (ochre).
The ship also brought goods from Japan itself, including:
- 1,500 pieces of silk satin, pelings (a fabric), roekiens (likely a fabric), velvet, chiouwerons (possibly a type of silk), gielams (damask), gases (silk gauze), baesen (cotton), and rumongijs (a fabric).
- Medicinal and luxury items: Musk root, Chinese toka (a medicinal herb), spiaulter (likely spikenard, a plant), cardamom, rattan, and turpentine.
Between June 13 and 16, 1684, nothing significant was reported by the crew. However, the reports from the Commissioners (VOC officials) were conflicting—many seemed based more on rumors and lies than truth. Because of these inconsistencies, no official account was written, and a final report was delayed until more reliable information could be gathered. This decision was noted on Saturday (exact date unspecified).
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0699
In June 1684, Dutch representatives from the Japanese Trading Post in Nagasaki visited the Japanese Commissioners to deliver a formal greeting. The Dutch were asked why they wanted to learn the Japanese language and visit certain places in the country.
The Dutch were secretly warned beforehand to answer any questions carefully and truthfully to avoid suspicion. They were told their answers had to match the letter sent by His Excellency (the Dutch Governor-General) to the Japanese ruler, or there would be serious consequences.
First, the Dutch group visited the home of a respected commissioner named Mattabioia samma, where another official, who lived across the street, was also present. After sitting briefly, Kitsieseijmon, Brasman, and Ottena were called in first, followed by the narrator of the text. The Dutch paid their respects with a traditional Japanese greeting, mentioning the bad weather and wishing the officials long life and good health on behalf of the Japanese ruler.
Next, Bolthon and Obe were also called in, and similar polite words were exchanged. The commissioners then asked about the journey from Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) to Japan and from Japan to Holland, which the Dutch answered honestly.
The officials then asked why the Governor-General had requested in a letter the year before that more Dutch people (specifically, 3) be allowed to stay in Nagasaki.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0690
On 8 June, Dutch officials in Nagasaki, Japan, discussed several issues with local commissioners. Here’s what happened:
- The Dutch asked why goods were still being taxed at a low rate even though prices had gone up. The commissioners replied that such requests were rare and that the low tax rate might have slightly increased prices.
- The Dutch also asked why the Japanese hadn’t learned Dutch to use as interpreters, as there had been communication problems in the past. The commissioners explained that Dutch was difficult to learn and understand, which often led to misunderstandings.
- When asked about other requests not mentioned in the official letter, the commissioners stated that the most important ones were already included.
- The Dutch questioned why goods priced too low weren’t sent back. The commissioners answered that they had always hoped for changes and followed orders from the governor-general and Nagasaki’s governors without question.
The commissioners clarified that these questions weren’t formally planned but came up because the Dutch had visited. They mentioned the main purpose of the discussion would come later. After this, the Dutch were asked to wait in another room, where interpreters and an official named Ottena returned to ask again about complaints over the low tax rates on goods.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0691
On June 13, 1684, a Dutch ship arrived near Nagasaki, Japan. The local governor had previously given them minor additional fees, which they had already addressed through interpreters. However, the Commissioners insisted on hearing their response directly. The Dutch agreed to a small increase in fees, after which they were allowed to leave and returned to their island base.
Later that day, around noon, a hired ship that had arrived from Simonoseki docked near their island. Shortly after, the senior official Matsiamma Coemeiemon arrived to inspect the ship at the water gate of the Bongios warehouse. The Dutch greeted him as usual, and by evening, the unloading was complete. Everything matched the records from their departure in Osaka.
During the unloading, the interpreter Brasman visited and shared news: the interpreters—Kitsies Eijmen and Ottena—had been under pressure since the previous day. The Commissioners had demanded a report on how many Dutch ships had arrived in Japan annually over the past 30 years.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0692
In June 1684, a report was given about Dutch ships arriving in Nagasaki, Japan, over the past 30 years. The report was prepared by Commissarissen (Dutch officials) and confirmed the distances of the lands visited by the Dutch, the goods brought by Coopmansz, and the gifts given by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in both Jeddo (modern Tokyo) and Nagasaki. The officials signed the document to ensure its accuracy, but it was unclear how this information might change trade rules.
On Monday, June 12, a high-ranking Japanese official named Kitsieseijmon brought a Japanese book listing the names and distances of lands where the Dutch traded. He showed it to the Dutch without further explanation. The book included the following details:
- Greenland (as recorded by the Japanese): Located 15,300 Japanese miles from Japan, visited by the Dutch to hunt whales but uninhabited.
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0693
This text describes the trade relationships between Japan and various European regions in the 17th century, as recorded by the
Dutch East India Company (VOC) in
June 1636.
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The Seven Provinces of the Netherlands (modern-day Zeeland, Gelderland, Groningen, Overijssel, Utrecht, Friesland, and Holland) were located 12,900 miles from Nagasaki, Japan. They exported:
- Fine woolen fabrics (like scarlet and black cloth, crown fabrics).
- Mixed fabrics (stamets, heresays, carasays, armensijns).
- Various types of baize (a coarse woolen cloth), serge (a twill fabric), and coarse linen.
- Leggings, pelings (a type of fabric), boeratten (peasant fabrics), and farandines (light fabrics).
- Velvet, camlet (a fabric of silk and wool), silk damask, gold lace, and ratteen (another coarse fabric).
- Blood coral, amber, resin, mercury, gilded leather, pedra porca (a type of stone), and coins.
-
Norway was 13,500 miles away and supplied:
- Masts for large ships and other woodwork.
- Steel and iron.
-
Denmark was 13,380 miles away and provided:
- Rope, cannons, beams, anchors, copper, iron, and hemp.
-
Muscovy (Russia) was 14,100 miles away and exported:
- Grain, Muscovy glass (a type of glassware), amber, and various animal furs.
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Poland was 13,650 miles away and sent:
- Grain, amber, and various animal furs.
-
Germany was 13,140 miles away and traded:
- Grain, wine, gold, silver, buffalo leather, crystal, and mercury.
-
Sweden was 13,380 miles away and supplied:
- Copper, iron, cannons, anchors, woodwork, hemp, rope, pitch (tar), and bezoar stones (a type of stone once used in medicine).
View transcript NL-HaNA / 1.04.02 / 1407 / 0694
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