Hendrik Doeff, Opperhooft van Deshima, (R.N.L)

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Dutch commadeur in Chief at dutch trading post of Deshima in Japan Koning Willem I tot Ridder van den Nederlandschen Leeuw (R.N.L.) benoemd

Hendrik Doeff (1764-1837) was the Dutch commissioner in the Dejima trading post in Nagasaki, during the first years of the 19th century.

Born in Amsterdam on December 2, 1764, he sailed to Japan as a scribe for the Dutch East India Company.

He became chief of the Dejima post in 1803, succeeding Willem Wardenaar, who was Director from 1800 to 1803. Hendrik Doeff remained in Japan until 1817, when he was succeeded by Jan Cock Blomhoff.

He wrote a Dutch-Japanese Dictionary, a book titled "Recollections of Japan", and is remembered for his strong activity in maintaining Dutch trade monopoly in Japan.

The Netherlands was annexed by France in 1810. Its colony in Indonesia was captured by Britain the following year. Dejima was then the only place on Earth flying the Dutch flag. Hendrik Doeff steadfastly refused all attempts by Britain to take over the Dejima post. The Netherlands was restored in 1815 and Doeff was later decorated for his loyalty and courage.