Transcriptions » Recently created summaries of historical documents

On January 27, 1677, at Amboina near Castle Victoria, local leaders confirmed that the supposed ruler of Loemalatal was not real. Because of this, a request (likely for support or recognition) was denied. The ship Vlissingen arrived from Oma Island, having collected 105 iron wheel rims for cannons as ordered. A letter from merchant Johannes Moris, dated January 22, accompanied the ship and its cargo.

On January 26, nothing unusual happened. The next day, January 28, a letter was sent to merchant Joannes van Beusecom in Larique, stating that a ship would arrive to collect gathered lime. Orders were also given to supply forts with food and ammunition for 1 month, and a corrected list of remaining supplies in the Rotterdam and Vlissingen redoubts was requested. Additionally, it was reported that a sago palm (number 6) in the Dutch East India Company's forest had blown over.

On January 15, 1677, citizen Adriaen Anthonisz van Oosterwijk, a resident of Batavia, arrived at Amboina near Castle Victoria with his ship. He had traveled via Japara, Pandjang, Bali, and Macassar, bringing goods to sell:

• 50 bundles of Macassar pipes
• 1 cask of Spanish wine
• 3.5 jars of arrack (alcohol)
• 5 barrels of arrack
• 70 cowhides
• 8 piculs (a weight unit) of wax
• 36 enslaved people (11 men, 12 women, 13 children)

Van Oosterwijk reported that rebels from Loeboe, who had fought against the Dutch East India Company, were defeated near Macassar with the help of allies. The victory brought slaves and rice as spoils. Around New Year’s Day, fires were lit at Castle Rotterdam in celebration. Some intercepted letters revealed that the king of Gowa had secretly supplied Loeboe with gunpowder and bullets.

• In January 1677, near Amboina at Fort Victoria, a group of Macassars (people from Macassar) claimed they would take a local woman to their camp but were refused.
• The Macassars then took a small boat and kidnapped a Dutch sailor, Marinus Gabrielsz, threatening to kill him. They received supplies (2 sacks of rice, 2 bottles of brandy, and 6 pieces of ham) before leaving with Gabrielsz.
• Out of 16 people, some stayed behind—either forced by the Macassars or by choice—while the others escaped.
• A small cannon loaded with scrap metal was fired at the kidnappers, but it failed to stop them.
• The group reached a nearby island, fixed their boat, and sailed to Fort Rotterdam, arriving on December 21 to report what happened.
• The next day, a crewed boat was sent to the Salines (salt flats) to try and capture the kidnappers, but it returned without success.

On January 159, a report from Amboina Castle described a betrayal by local people who had previously promised loyalty. On December 19, 1676, around 3 PM, while Hendrik Danie and three other Dutchmen—a helmsman, a boatswain, and a carpenter—were working on a new boat with other unarmed crew, the attackers struck.

• The four Dutchmen were stabbed with krissen (daggers) so suddenly that no one understood what was happening.
• Hendrik Danie, the carpenter Jan Orselsz, and the boatswain Johannes Benedictus were killed instantly.
• The helmsman, Marinus Gabrielsz, fought back, grabbing the bare dagger, but was severely wounded in multiple places before barely escaping.
• The remaining 22 crew members scattered in panic.
• The attackers seized the firearms and other goods, which had been stored under the ship’s sails.
• The attackers then gathered on one side of the small island, where the captain of the Macassars and some of his men joined them.

On 29 July 1682, a merchant named Salamat Macassar arrived in Bantam with a small boat called a gontingh and seven of his enslaved people. He had the proper travel documents and wanted to trade food items. At the request of Captain Joncker, he was granted permission to sail to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) with the following people:

• Herria Moor
• Baro
• Mangar
• Iutcke Lolo
• Iutchie Vackaman
• Jntckie Boelong
• Five enslaved individuals: Marco, Sato, Aming, Lambato Lammas, and Gerringk

The group was required to travel under the protection of two ships: first the Bantam until Pontang, then the Muijderberg. They had to wait near Tanara for favorable winds to reach Batavia quickly. Authorities in Batavia were instructed to monitor the boat until it safely arrived.

The document was signed at Fort Sourousouang in Bantam on 29 July 1682 by order of Major Isaack de Saint Martin, with A. M. Smetser (secretary) writing it down.

On 31 July 1682, an unnamed person reported that the previous Sunday, Major Martin and Captain Joncker had engaged with an enemy force.

On 2 May 1679, Isaac van Thije, advisor and secretary, signed a letter on behalf of the ill governor Robert de Vicq at Castle Victoria in Amboina. The letter was addressed to Jacob Cops, President, and the Council in Macassar. The letter acknowledged receipt of their previous correspondence and responded to several points:

• Their last letter, dated 25 March, had been sent via the sloop de jonge Thobias, under the free skipper Jan Cales, and was mainly a brief notice of necessary matters.
• They thanked Jacob Cops and the Council for the offer of goods like Terwe (a type of wheat), silk stockings, beaver hats, and lace, but they saw little benefit in these items.
• They had received 50 lasten (a unit of weight) of good Terwe from Batavia the previous year, but a quarter of it had already spoiled due to mites and pests. The rest was worsening daily.
• They had initially planned to give soldiers and sailors ½ rx (a small unit of weight) of bread daily to increase consumption, but a lack of ovens, skilled millers, and capable bakers had prevented this.
• They still had a reasonable quantity of Japanese stockings, both short and long, but these remained unsold because they cost more than their selling price in Amboina.
• Fine hats were not in demand, and they had already disposed of some goods damaged by moths in September 1678 to prevent further loss to the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
• They were willing to trade more Terwe, but there was no market for it, even at half the price (around 30 rd per last).
• A small iron cannon, belonging to the late burgomaster Captain Hendrik Damezalr, had been handed over to his heir, Jan de Ruijter, who thanked them for their care in this matter.

• A chialoup (small ship) of 26 lasten (a unit of weight).
• A smaller boat of 6 lasten.

• The ruler of Gowa (Radja goa) agreed in a letter dated 27 September 1685 to accept payments in gold, silver, copper, or even slaves (previously valued at 40 maas each) for debts owed.
• The Sultan of Bouton (Paduca Sirij) requested the President (a Dutch official) to hand over Boutonese subjects working under Dutch control to Pangelassa Lasijkoela. As a gift, the sultan sent 12 traditional Boutonese garments and asked for a pair of clear glasses.
• The sultan also complained about two Dutchmen, Jacob Steenbergen and soldier Cornelis, who caused trouble in the Toukabesies region. Despite being punished with local customs (like paying in chickens), they ignored orders and mistreated locals. The sultan banned them from returning.
• A separate letter from the Sultan of Ternate (Paduca Sirij), dated 29 September 1685 and received 23 October 1685, greeted the President Tack warmly. The sultan mentioned that Prins Pancola was traveling to Macassar but should return quickly. He also asked the president to urge Ophoma Njero to help collect debts owed by the Macassar government. As a gift, the sultan sent 2 pieces of fine cloth.
• A report by ship captain Jan van Haaren described the loss of the ship Aardenburg near Warwaj Island (off Celebes) on 15 August 1685. The ship, carrying 800 ironwood posts and 1,600 clove stems, sprang a leak due to strong currents and shallow waters. Unable to anchor or reach shore, the crew turned toward the Strait of Bouton for safety.

• On 10 April 1687, a letter was written in Japara by Joan Albert Sloot and Pieter van den Hoorn, giving instructions to someone (likely a commander) about chasing pirates. They trusted the person’s bravery and experience and allowed them to stay out for an extra day or two if needed, even as far as Rimbang (about 5 to 6 miles further) if they believed the pirates were there. The details could be discussed upon arrival in Rimbang with the resident Ring.
• A daily log was kept by Captain Lieutenant Pieter Jansz. van den Castele, starting 21 March 1687, when he left Japara with the ships Chialoep de Nooteboom, and the gontings (small boats) Meijblom, Lelij, and Japara to hunt for pirates seen in the area. The log was later submitted to Commander Joan Albert Sloot and Chief Pieter van den Hoorn as a report.
• On a Saturday evening around 4 PM, they spotted a prauw (small sailing vessel) at anchor. They approached and found it belonged to Captain Pinko, who was heading to Macassar. They also saw two other vessels, each with two masts—one to the east and one to the west.
• They asked Ian van Macassaer (a former servant of van Vliet from 1662) if these were the pirates who had stolen his prauw and tried to kill him. He replied that if they were sailing kaijangs (a type of vessel), they were likely the pirates. They chased the eastern vessel until evening but faced strong currents and wind, forcing them to anchor for the night.
• Around 10 PM, they spotted the vessel again, but it escaped in the dark. The next day, two gontings, Lelij and Japara, blocked its path, ordering it to stop. After firing two warning shots, the pirates surrendered.
• The leader of the Lelij ordered the pirates to come aboard with their prauw, threatening to fire again if they refused. Six pirates boarded the Lelij, where Sergeant Pieter Meijer questioned them. They gave conflicting answers: one claimed they came from Riauw, another from Jhoor, and a third said they were there "for the hook" (likely a vague or evasive response).

• On 25 April 1619, at Castle Victoria in Amboina, a local leader from the Roemakaij people visited. He agreed to have his people cut more wood planks for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) after the rice planting season.
• He asked to be excused from providing 20 men for guard duty at the Redoubt Hoorn, as ordered by merchant Joannes Mori on behalf of the governor. The governor agreed to this request temporarily.
• The leader took back 5 of the 10 axes previously given to him for cutting wood and was promised more tools later. After receiving food and gifts, he left.
• Later that day, the reverend Iacob Vos returned from a church visit to Mijdoter with 16 soldiers.
• On 22 April 1619, the Council of Justice held an emergency morning meeting.
• On 25 April 1639, at Castle Victoria in Amboina, a letter arrived from Larique via Ioannes van Beusecom, along with 1,100 pounds of cloves left from the previous year’s harvest.
• A letter from Oma Island was also received via merchant Joannes Mori, along with 2,449 pounds of cloves and 8 former soldiers.
• A Chinese junk ship arrived from Batavia via Macassar, carrying goods like sugar and wax. It brought a letter from Jacob Cops, the president of the Council in Macassar, dated 21 March.
• A Moorish trader, Noerlette Boangbesij, returned from Massoal in the Papuan Islands after a trip for trade. He had been delayed by bad weather and brought back 29 enslaved people and some goods.

On 7 September 1691, a report from Timor noted the arrival of 12 ships at Ciffouw (modern Kupang) that year. These included various trading vessels, none owned by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The report detailed:

• The ships' origins, goods brought, and intended destinations.
• Two of the ships were based in Macassar (modern Makassar):
  • The larger ship belonged to a Chinese captain named t onwatko and had a pass from President François Prins.
  • The smaller ship was licensed to Kare Niko, a servant of Crain Lecobodon, for trade in Mangeraij (modern Manggarai). However, it diverted to Larentoeque (modern Larantuka) and then Laffauw (likely Lifau), claiming debts to collect.
• The smaller ship was temporarily beached, relaunched by Resident Moerman after a trip to Coepang (modern Kupang), and left secretly at night without its pass.

On February 29, 1728, a financial report from Bengal detailed the processing and transport of silver and coins by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The report covered the following key points:

• The total amount of mark realen (a type of coin) processed was 7676 1/16 marks, with a profit of 1/80 percent (or 127.4 4/15).
• The silver was transported in 14 chests on various ships, including:
  • 8 chests on VOC ships to India and Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), containing 4113 3/8 marks.
  • 6 chests on the Oudenaarden (ship name), carrying 3098 3/8 marks.
  • 5 sacks (each holding 1000 pieces) with 544 1/16 marks in chests numbered 216 to 220.
  • 2 chests on the Thuijbassenburg to Batavia, containing 935 marks.
  • 3 chests on the Everswaard (from Zeeland) and Rygersbroek, carrying 1763 1/16 marks.
  • 2 kists on the Petronella Olida and Barbe Styn (from Zeeland), containing 1101½ marks.
  • 1 chest on the Wendela (via Ceylon), carrying 661 1/16 marks.
  • Additional small amounts from shipwrecks, including 149 pieces from the Johanna van Enkhuizen and 29 realen from the lost ship Risdam.
• The mark realen were converted into Siccas (another coin type), yielding 146,248 after minting costs:
  • Minting fees: 159.14 2/5.
  • Wages for mint workers: 214.12 2/5.
  • Taxes and duties: 4800.2 2/5.
  • Total deductions: 5174.13 1/3.
• After deductions, the net profit from the mark realen was 141,073.2 2/3.
• Additional silver sources included:
  • 13,016.7 1½ bahars (a weight unit) of raw silver, yielding 273,295.12 after minting.
  • 132,000 ducatons (coins), producing 347,126 in silver bars.
  • After refining and tax costs, the net from ducatons was 334,865.4 1/5.
• 170 kruijs rijksdaalders (coins) from the ship Noordwaddinxveen were also processed, yielding 331.6 2/3 after costs.
• The total silver processed amounted to a final sum of 740,838.1 2/5.
• An additional 5977 pounds of raw silver remained at the Carriemabaadh residency, awaiting transport and refining.

The report was signed by I=n Peltenburgen and N=s Hollaar in Carriemabaadh on November 30, 1727.

• The shipment included a total of 7676.1/16 mark realen (a type of silver coin), divided into 14 chests and smaller sacks, transported by various ships to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) and other locations in the Dutch East Indies.
• The coins were distributed as follows:
  • 4113.3/8 mark in 8 chests via the ship Oudenaarden.
  • 375.5/8 mark in 4 sacks (each holding 1000 pieces) in chest no. 221.
  • 935 mark in 2 chests from the House of Assenburg in Batavia, including:
    • 436.1/16 mark in chest no. 205 (4 sacks of 1000 pieces each).
    • 498.3/16 mark in chest no. 206.
  • 1800 mark in 3 chests via the ships Diverswaard (from Zeeland) and Reijgersbroek, including:
    • 653.1/16 mark in chest no. 32 (6 sacks of 1000 pieces).
    • 494.½ mark in chest no. 34 (5 sacks).
  • 1101.½ mark in 2 chests via the ships Petronella Alida and Barbesteijn.
  • 661.14/16 mark in 1 chest via the ship Wendela (via Ceylon).
  • 642.3/8 mark in 6 sacks from the ship Commerrust (from Amsterdam).
  • Small amounts from wrecked ships, including:
    • 149 pieces from the ship Johanna of Enkhuizen.
    • 29 realen from the wrecked ship Risdam (sent from Riouw).
• After processing (melting and refining), the total silver content was calculated:
  • Original weight: 2059 pounds of paccaloot (a silver alloy), containing 1324.12.3/19 roa (a currency unit) worth of silver.
  • After refining, it yielded 2146 pounds, equal to 1380.11.2/15 roa.
  • Additional costs included:
    • 1640 koeken (a type of coin minting fee) worth 159.14.2/5 roa.
    • Mint workers' fees: 214.12.2/3 roa.
    • Taxes for Tholen (a Dutch mint): 4800.2.2/5 roa.
• Final profit after expenses:
  • Net gain from the shipment: 141073.2.2/3 florins (Dutch currency).
  • Additional earnings from copper and waste: 68.4.2/5 roa.
  • Total value of this shipment: 740506.10.14/15 roa.

In 1726, official letters were exchanged between Dutch East India Company (VOC) officials in Java. These documents were received in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) from various ships and messengers, including:

• Letters delivered by Hendrik Christiaen Leugen and Johannes de Bonner.
• Shipments via the Christiaan Gitting and Andries Exteet on May 3, and the ships Coning Carel (received May 1) and Risdam.

The correspondence primarily involved:

• Commandeur Noodt and his council in Samarang (modern Semarang).
• The High Government (Hooge Regering) in Batavia.
• The Javanese ruler Danoeredja (also called the "rijkbestierder" or realm administrator) in Cartasoera (modern Kartasura).
• Other officials like Cees Jongh, Lieutenant Caster, and the ruler of Madura, Pangeran Adepatti Tsjacraningrat.

Key dates and letters included:

• A letter from Commandeur Noodt to Batavia, dated April 26, 1726, received via ship.
• A translated Javanese letter from Danoeredja to Commandeur Noodt in Samarang, dated April 16, 1720 (likely a typo, meant to be 1726).
• Copies of letters between Samarang, Cartasoera, and Sourabaija (modern Surabaya) from mid-to-late April 1726.
• A separate letter from Commandeur Noodt to Batavia, dated April 29, 1726, and another on May 3, 1726 via the ship Hoogen.
• A letter from Captain Cees Jongh and Lieutenant Caster in Cartasoera to Commandeur Noodt, dated April 25, 1726.
• A translated Javanese letter from Danoeredja to Pangeran Adepatti Tsjacraningrat in Madura.
• An additional private letter from Commandeur Noodt to Batavia, dated May 30, 1726.

The letters discuss governance, local politics, and communication between Dutch and Javanese authorities during this period.

On 28 February 1727, officials from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in Malacca reported the following events:

• A ship from Risdam near Pulo Timaon had lost its crew, except for a few who were rescued. These survivors, along with two others, traveled to Riouw (present-day Bintan).
• A small vessel, captained by a man named Spanse Healen, was sent with supplies to assist the shipwrecked crew.
• A total of 67 people, including the ship’s captain Hendrik Schoon, the under-steersman Jan Schoon, and the lieutenant Anne de Haan, were saved from the wreck near Pulo Gadia and Riouw.
• Two individuals, a provost (ship’s officer) and a sailor, drowned in the accident.
• The survivors planned to travel to Riouw using two local boats, hoping to find further transport elsewhere.
• The VOC officials in Malacca sent a letter to a local leader in Daijeeng Marewa (on Bintan Island), titled Clana Jaja Poetra, requesting help for any stranded survivors who might arrive there.
• They also sent 100 Spanish real coins to Hendrik Schoon to buy necessary supplies for himself and his crew.
• Schoon was permitted to borrow additional money if urgently needed for survival, with instructions to report his arrival in Riouw as soon as possible.
• The goal was to prevent unnecessary rescue missions for the 67 survivors if they had already reached safety.
• On the same day (28 February 1727), a dispatch was prepared and sent to Riouw with these updates.