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archive access 1.04.02, inventory number 1053, page 977

The Dutch controlled several locations in the region, though some inhabitants remained under Spanish rule. People from places like Cernatanen, Mackianesz, Montyresen, and Batsianesen, as well as inhabitants from the mainland coast of Gillolo, sided with the Dutch. The island Motix had been brought under Dutch control by order of Admiral van Caerden, following Ariaen Clemenssz, who served as captain. Clemenssz's son had been beheaded by 3 Germans from Tidore. The inhabitants of Motix had been scattered and destroyed, so the Dutch relocated many people from Ternate there, along with all inhabitants from a place called Gane. In total, about 2,000 souls now lived on the island. Because they had just been relocated and found the land very barren, and because they were used to strengthen and protect the settlement, they only harvested about 50 or 60 barrels of cloves on one side of the land. Within 3 or 4 months, they expected to harvest much more during the next monsoon season, hoping to send a good supply of cloves home, along with what was still being gathered on Mackian, which was estimated at 5 or 6 hundred barrels, though the inhabitants claimed it would be more. The fort called Nassau was now complete. Its bastions had been completely covered with lime and stone, so they need not fear enemy attacks. The island Mackian was also provided with fortifications. To avoid great repair costs, these had not yet been completely covered with stone and lime, but this work was now being undertaken at all locations and was expected to be completed within 6 months. The inhabitants of the island helped by providing lime and stone. Regarding governance, since Admiral van Caerden's second unfortunate imprisonment (who would have served well due to his good experience in governance and his ability to maintain authority), no effective leadership structure had been established. On 9 January 1601, the writer noted that everyone in authority disagreed with each other. Some wanted supreme rule to remain entirely with the people of Ternate, who had willingly placed it in Dutch hands, not trusting themselves with it. Others wanted a system like in Bantam and other places. The writer felt it was unnecessary to deceive these people, as they were clever enough and not as simple as one might think. They knew why they had called for Dutch assistance: namely, for the war they had against the Spanish and Portuguese. They feared the people of Tidore, who had always been loyal to the Spanish and Portuguese, would rise above the people of Ternate. The people of Tidore felt the same way against the Dutch and the people of Ternate, so the peace requests from these 2 nations were nothing but deception. The inhabitants were also sufficiently governed by Malays and Javanese, so adding Dutch governance was unnecessary. Since customs could not be applied everywhere in the same way, as lands had different characteristics and inhabitants had diverse temperaments and conditions, it was best to adapt governance as much as possible. The main principle was not to wrong these people or allow wrongs to happen to them, not to demand anything unreasonable from them, and especially not to interfere with their religion in the slightest. These had been the main causes of the Portuguese downfall in these regions. One could make as many agreements with these people as desired, but they would not have much value since they did not want to keep all their promises unless brought to it with polite authority. Flattering governance had proven harmful there. The people of Ternate and those nearby could be counted among the most warlike nations in the world. They could endure proper authority founded in reason very well, which the writer had experienced on various occasions while on expeditions with people from Ternate and Mackian and while working with them on fortifications in different places. They were very accepting of European ways of war. Everything they did aimed at worldly honor, making them very similar to the Romans. They would often rather die than endure what they