Browse transcripts » National Archives / Archives South Holland

archive access 1.04.02, inventory number 1823, page 493

In 1891, 15 cinnamon growers owned a piece of land of about 22 ammonams. Half of this land, located in the limits of the village of Ambagam, was taken from them by Corael Don Louis. He gave it to a person from Mitelwittij under false pretenses, claiming the land belonged to the latter village. The real reason was that the Corael wanted to seduce the majorael's wife, and he would only succeed if he gave the land to her husband. After the transfer, he gained unrestricted access to her, causing public scandal.

All the araatchees and harpenaers of Nigombo complained that they had served under various Captains and dessaves for many years. However, none of the previous leaders had been as harsh and unreasonable in governing as dessave Joannes de Krouse. As evidence of his ungodly behavior, they testified that he had severely whipped and chained araatchie Anthonij de Welho and two harpenaers, Francisco Pieris and Francis Matthijs. He also chained araatchie Pedi Moerais without giving any explanation for their punishment. They added that while they could endure the shame, their subordinates now refuse to follow Company orders, saying they won't be commanded by disgraced persons.

A porter named Simittra Jagerero, living in Kage or Kirrege Pakene and carrying hunted game to Colombo, complained that his garden on Company ground was sold by Commissioner Joannes de Crouse and Captain Gregonius da Costa. The garden, containing only 29 young coconut trees and 5 soursop trees, was bought by bookkeeper Hendrik van Reijschoten for 13 rixdollars.