Jan van Groenewegen (c1620-1665)

Biography

This project aims to reconstruct a complete biography for Jan van Groenewegen, who died in December 1665 as the VOC's resident of Padang.
There is no formal published biography for him, information about his life is scattered across many (often untapped) records of the VOC (here quick access to the VOC dagh-registers, or "daily journals"). A particular reason for attempting to reconstruct his life is that he spent his adult life in the Dutch East Indies, and he fathered a daughter who is an ancestor to a very significant number of descendants in Asia, including many notables.

Elements of this biography previously appeared on his profile page. This is an ongoing project that can serve as forum for discussion and exchange about this man.

Geography

Some insight into the geographical locations where Jan van Groenewegen was active or resided, can be found on a page about Key locations on Sumatra's West Coast in the 17th centrury...

Jan van Groenewegen, alias "Orang Kaya Hulubalang Raja"

• His alias means ""The Rich Warrior King" (nickname given by the Acehnese) (NOTE: other translation found: "Commander of the Rich King")

Timeline

• 1637: sent by the VOC as assistant (from where? to where?)
  • NOTE: most likely he arrived in Batavia, coming from Delft. To be checked whether the VOC chamber Delft has more specifics. Also to be checked what Groenewegen may have been doing in Batavia, and for how long).
• Malakka ( from? until?)
  • 1645: onderkoopman (assistant buyer) in Malakka
  • NOTE: He is mentioned to have been onderkoopman in Malakka in the year 1645. To be checked when he arrived in Malakka. Also to be checked whether he was dealing with Phuket from Malakka. He is mentioned as resident in Phuket in 1651, but not sure that this meant that he was actually living there).
• Phuket (xxxx-1656)
  • 1650: buyer (koopman), i.e. in Udjung Selang (Oedjong Salang)
  • 1651: resident in Phuket (Udjung Selang, Ujong Salang, Jung Ceylon)
  • 1656: court case against him for irregularities (pursuing private business interests in VOC time); Jan was resident at Phuket at that time, and his private deals were against the larger trade agreement between the VOC and the Ayutthaya Kingdom; Jan was subsequently recalled from Phuket. (This case is also reported in "Towards an Autonomous History of Seventeenth Century Phuket", where Jan is called Jan van Groeningen). (Was Goossens the same "Joan Goossens" who was 'commissaris' in Arakan in 1653?)
• Malakka (1656-1659)
  • 1656: In November 1656, Jan van Groenewegen is mentioned (in the Chijs daghregisters) as "coopman", "recently head resident of the factory at Oedjong Salang" (Phuket). In that month, he arrived on ship Amersfoort from Malakka in Batavia for the trial about "particulieren handel" (private trading), together with co-accused Johan Goossens (who had been opperhoofd and second in rank in Malakka). (Does this suggest that Goossens and Groenewegen practised a private trade between Phuket and Malakka?).
  • 1658-1659: "Winkelier" (warehouse keeper) in Malacca (succeeded in that position by Johannes Massis, who later becomes "opperhoofd" in Perak when Jan van Groenewegen is opperhoofd in Aceh)
• Aceh (1659-1661)
  • Background: Upon succeeding to her throne, the queen of Aceh (Sultanah Taj ul-Alam Safiatuddin Syah) allowed the VOC to trade in four places: Tiku, Priaman, Inderapura and Padang. In 1657, the relationship had become very conflictuous, and VOC officials were emprisoned in Tiku, Priaman and SIllida. The next years were marked by several negotiations and changing allegiances (for instance between the VOC and local opponents of the rule of the queen of Aceh. Bort then went to Inderapura, Padang and Tiku, and closed local agreements with the "panglimas" (in agreement with the queen), and placed a VOC resident in each place.
  • In August 1659, Jan van Groenewegen joined Jacob de Keizer and Balthazar Bort as envoys to the Queen of Aceh to conclude a peace and trade deal. They were accompanied by Serbizji Indara, who was appointed Aceh's ambassador to Batavia and who had negotiated the deal in Batavia (see as reported in Chijs 1664, page 122).
  • 1659: resident in Aceh ("Opperhoofd", from between Aug-Oct 1659)
  • 1660 : In December 1660, replaced as resident by onderkoopman Gabriel Bruyl. Jan van Groenewegen left Aceh on December 1, 1660 with the ship Sluys under commisar Balthasar Bort, according to Chijs Daghregisters January 1661 - pages 13-14. It mentions that the Queen of Aceh had preferred that Groenewegen would have stayed in his position. Balthasar Bort then dropped off Jan van Groenewegen in Padang to manage the trade there.
  • Nick-named "The Rich Warrior King" by the Aceh government
• Padang (1661-1665)
  • Padang had a main factory (hoofdcomtoir) and three subfacties (buitencomptoiren): Kotatenga, Poulo Chinco, and Sillida. (Valentijn suggests that a "Jacob van Groenewegen" had been head of Kotatenga 'before' 1667; to be verified if this is one and the same as Jan van Groenewegen) (NOTE: in various Malay texts, Jan is very often referenced as Jacob - perhaps because of confusion with the reknown Jacob who died in the Dutch Indiens in 1609?)
  • Jan van Groenewegen was placed as VOC resident in Padang
  • 1661 : 26/07/1661, Batavia promotes Jan van Groenewegen, resident in Padang, to Opperhoofd of all trade on Sumatra's West Coast (source: Chijs 1661, pages 243-244)
    • This control includes all other trading posts on the West Coast. Jan was given a house in Padang.
    • Background : The queen had allowed the VOC to build a temporary lodge in Padang, but the VOC in reality tried to make it a permanent one; this didn't work, and the VOC tried to have a permanent lodge in Sillida - which the local ruler agreed to.
    • 02/08/1661, Batavia assigns the merchants Jacob de Cauter and Pieter Ketting to the trade on the West Coast, and orders them to report to Jan van Groenewegen, hwo's residing in Padang at that time.
      • (NOTE: this looks like it is Pieter Ketting senior, who was before in Cambodja but had to flee from there - and later returned to Cambodja; he had a son Pieter Ketting junior who occupied positions in Suratte)
    • 17/08/1661, the ships Tortelduyf and Saphier leave Batavia with de Cauter and Ketting, as well as money and goods as well as instructions to recover the debts owed to the VOC in Padang. The situation is described in Chijs 1661, pages 260-261. (They arrive at Padang on September 6, 1661 (after stops in Sillida and Indrapura)).
    • In November 1661, Jan van Groenewegen writes a missive to Batavia, which is taken by de Cauter and Ketting on their way back to Batavia, where they arrived December 5th 1661 with ships Tortelduyf and Saphier. The contents of the missive are described in Chijs 1661 pages 451-453. Selected info from the missive...
      • Groenewegen had been to Tico and Sillida, but had not been able to go to Priaman. It appears that the Priaman panglima is in permanent conflict with Padang and is a trusted supporter of the queen of Aceh. The conflict with Padang is lasting since 4 years.
      • The Tortelduyf and Saphier had carried wood for building a lodge in Padang. However, thiose in Padang had not allowed the lodge to be built (seemingly out of fear that the VOC would then expand it to a fort).
      • When some fighting erupts between people from Aceh and those in Padang, Groenewegen decides to leave bookkeeper Albert Canter and leaves for Sillida on ship Tortelduyf (but with the intention to come back).
      • In Sillida, Groenewegen receives the king from nearby Bajang - the latter being keen on having the VOC trading directly in Bajang.
      • Groenewegen leaves Ketting in Sillida (de Couter is in Tico at that time), and returns to Padang. However, given that the local conflict in Padang is not over yet, he returns to Sillida with the Tortelduyf, and then continues to Tico.
      • Groenewegen returns to Padang with both the Tortelduyf and Saphier. Upon arrival, those from Padang seem to have been embarassed that they hadn't allowed Groenewegen to build the lodge, and they told him they wanted to reconsider. However, Groenewegen has no patience with the ambiguity of the Padangese, and returns to Sillida where he arrives November 20, 1661.
      • A concluding remarks states that the air in Sillida is healthier than the one in Padang and Indrapura. It seems that Padang as such doesn't produce anything interesting, but it is a very busy place for trading goods that come from elsewhere (for instance because of the river where sailing is easy). There is a large population, and there is gold coming from the Minangjabau that live higher up in the mountains.
  • 1662 : On March 8, 1662, Groenewegen writes a missive to Batavia. His next missive is of February 24, 1663. This is reported as such in Chijs 1663, page 81 (can the content of the missive of 1662 be traced? It probably covers four months since the missive of November 1661 - except if there has been another missive in between.
    • The missive of February 24, 1663 thus covers events happening over a period of 11 months. It is covered in Chijs 1663, pages 81-93.
  • 1662 : It is clear that Groenewegen has been trading in pepper and gold, and that the queen of Aceh was aware of this but that she stated that she had never allowed the VOC to extend the trading from pepper to gold. Nevertheless, Groenewegen had told her that this was implicit to their agreements, and the queen's advisers seem to have been favourable to the trading in gold.
  • On February 11, 1662, Groenewegen arrives in Padang. The next day, he meets with the pongelous Maradja Najuda and Orangcay Besaer (pongelou = local chief). They tell him that they hadn't want Groenewegen to move the Padang lodge away, but that this had been instigated by the panglima of Padang. They and other rulers (including Orangcay Kitchil, in whose house Groenewegen stays overnight) are actually in favour of the VOC, and are in conflict with the queen of Aceh. They inform him that the rulers of the Songy Pagou (NOTE: the peoples on the Sungai Pagu river)had sent an envoy, Radja Panjang, to Batavia to express their friendship with the VOC. The VOC told Radja Panjang that the Minangkabau were to discuss this with Jan van Groenewegen (this response is conveyed in Chijs 1663, pages 81-93.
  • Back in Sillida, Groenewegen meets Radja Panjang of Singy Pagou on April 27, 1662 and discusses the matter of the conflict with Aceh.
  • On May 2, 1662, Groenewegen travels with pongelou Radja Lilla Sittia and Sultan Samporna (alias Radja Carbou) to Songybongin (1.5 miles from Batancapas, a little south of Painan).
    • Background: This is a secret meeting with representatives of the rulers of the Minangkabau (the Minangkabau had their seat in Pagaruyung, in Tanjung Emas which is close to modern Batusangkar - about 110km north of Padang over modern roads). These representatives were Kendie Maradje, Radja Conto, Dato Setty, and Radja Indra Moeda. Also present Radja Bongsou (not a ruler, but powerful), and envoy Radja Panjang. It is clear from the discussion that the Minangkabau wanted to emancipate from Aceh and regain their freedom as a people. In order to achieve that, they wished to associate with the VOC. In the practical impossibility to finalize an agreement there and then, it is agreed that they would reconvene in Batavia. Only a provisional contract was established there and then.
    • Background: The Minangkabau were unhappy with the rule of Aceh, and wished to put themselves under VOC protection. They declared an "unbreakable friendship", and promised to deliver their pepper to no one else but the VOC. The initial agreement between Jan van Groenewegen and the local penghulus was achieve on May 2, 1662, in Songibongin
    • Background: The agreement seems to cover an areas stretching between Sillida and Indrapura, including the following main villages: Batancapas, Telho, Schierante, Priamanpare, Cambang, Lakhitan, Plangley, Songeytouna, Pangasan, and Ajerhadgy. This region is ruled by four kings that descend from the Songy Pagou (NOTE: the peoples on the Sungai Pagu river):
      • Radja Plangey, with under him pongelou Kende Maradje (in Batancapas). Under the latter, also Sire Indra Palawang and Sultan Samporna (alias Radja Carbou) both in Sillida.
      • Radja Cambang, with under him pongelou Radja Conto (Batancapas) and Radja Mamet (Sillida)
      • Radja Bonge Passang, with under him pongelou Datto Satty (Lakithan), the latter having under him Dato Sierenare (the most powerful man in Sallida).
      • Radja Ajerhadgy, with under him Radja Indra Moeda who has under him Radja Lilla Sittia (Sillida)
  • On June 26, 1662, Jan van Groenewegen receives in Sillida the envoy Radja Kitchil, sent by the orangcay Soure Radja (the principal ruler of Tico). Those of Tico had heard the rumour about the secret dealings with the Minangkabau, and wanted to get tid of Aceh themselves.
  • On July 3, 1662, Groenewegen travels with Kitchil to Tico, where he meets with Soure Radja a his home on July 7th 1662. Soure Radja tells that the Tico region and its pongelous have decided to repudiate Aceh and to enter a treaty with the VOC. Jan van Groenewegen comes to a provisional agreement with them, to be confirmed later by Batavia. Groenewegen leaves Tico on for Padang.
    • Background - Reported by Groenewegen, there were three top rulers of Tico (which comprises 12 villages, which all have a pongelou - this region is called elsewhere Duabelas Kota). These three rulers are:
      • Soure Radja
      • orangcaya Maradja de Radja
      • orangcaya Besar
  • On July 9, 1662, Jan van Groenewegen travels from Tico to Padang. He reports that there is rumour in Padang about the meeting in Tico, but there is no need for further discussions, as Soure Radja is the top ruler over Padang as well. Groenewegen then leaves for Sillida. (Elsewhere is reported that when visiting Padang, the penghulu Orangkaya Ketjil welcomed Groenewegen to stay at his house and to discuss the possibility of putting Padang under the Company's protection and to chase the Acehnese panglima from there).
  • On November 3, 1662, the Radja Malaphar (elsewhere called Sultan Muzaffar Syah) from Indrapoura arrives, together with his son-in-law Radja Silleman (elsewhere called Raja Sulaiman) and his own son Sultan Mametchia (elsewhere called Muhammad Syah) arrive at Sillida - all aboard a Moorish or English ship. Sultan Mametchia meets with Jan van Groenewegen to discuss the status in Indrapoura and their perception that Aceh is betraying them. In the name of Indrapoura, the sultan also seeks a deal with the VOC along the same lines as those in the works with Sillida and Tico.
  • On November 4, 1662, the rulers of Indrapoura all meet at the house of Jan van Groenewegen. This includes Sultan Mametchia, Radja Malaphar, Radja Mansiercha - joined by Tico's top ruler Soure Radja. They reach a provisional agreement, and Tico and Indrapoura also promise eachother assistance. Radja Malaphar confirms that these terms had been previously discussed and agreed with the 20 mandarins ("mandoryns") of Indrapoura.
    • NOTE: It is clear that Aceh was informed of what was happening. A person named Catip was present in the group of Radja Panjang that had visited Batavia and had obtained the instruction from Batavia to discuss with Jan van Groenewegen. In turn, Catip had informed Radja Mamoulia in Sillida (was this a pawn of Aceh???).
  • On November 12, 1662, the Aceh resident Gabriel Bruyl reports to Groenewegen that the queen of Aceh was very displeased with the progress that Groenewegen had made with building the lodge in Sillida. On January 25, 1663, she punishes the panglima of Sillida and orders that the VOC lodge there wpould be dismantled and moved elsewhere. Groenewegen displays some cunning, and actually recommends that the lodge would be moved indeed.
    • Background: It seems that the queen of Aceh was particularly afraid that the VOC would build a permanent fort. This appears from the cooperative panglima who suggested to Groenewegen to transform the lodge from wood to bamboo so as to make it less permanent. A wooden lodge was considered to be the basis for a stronger, fort-like construction.
    • The rulers in Tico and Priaman showed interest in having the VOC move over to those places. But, the issue fizzles out and Groenewegen maintains the lodge in Sillida.
  • On January 9, 1663, Jan van Groenewegen meets again with the Minangkabau in Sillida. The Minangkabau were represented by three orangkaya from formerly Minangkabau-ruled Bajang - Radja Poety, Sultan Mamoulia and Maradia Lella - representatives of Dato Pekepia, the ruler of Bajang.
    • Outcome: Jan van Groenewegen obtains for the Dutch the trade monopoly for all trading posts between Salida and Air Hadji (confirmed by his report of 18/02/1663 to Governor General Joan Maetsuycker regarding Songeij, Pageuw, Padangh, Tico and others).
  • On February 15, 1663, Jan van Groenewegen leaves Sillida in ship Elburg towards Padang, and from there he left for Priaman where he arrived February 21 - for business reasons, He would then later continue to Tico, to pick up merchant Ketting. As his missive is written March 8, 1663 - it only projects that he intended to arrive at Sillida by March 15 or 20. During that trip, he was expected to pick up envoys from various places.
  • On April 4, 1663, ship Elburg arrives in Batavia with Jan van Groenewegen (he left the West Coast on March 26) as well as envoys from the four kings of the West Coast, seeking ratification of the secret provisional agreements conducted by Groenewegen. (The original translation of the messages from the kings submitted to Batavia is given in Chijs 1663, pages 135-138). These are the envoys:
    • Main envoys: Raja Panjang (who is the son of Radja Carbao) and Radja Leyla - representing Maharadja Leyla, Radja Coassa, Radja Carbao
      • with Radja Mansor Chia from Indrapoura (son of Mohamed Chia) - representing Sultan Mohamed Chia, Radja Modhassir, orangcaya Maharadja Anackda, Radja Soleyman
      • with Orangcaya Ketsil from Tico (son of Maharadja de Radja) - representing orangcaya Maharadja de Radja
      • with Orangcaya Ketchil from Padang (son of Maharadja) - representing orangcaya Maharadja
      • NOTE: to be verified, but more than likely that Ketsil and Ketchil are the same, given that we know that those of Tico also had the rule over Padang.
  • On July 6, 1663, parties conclude the "Painan Treaty" ("Painansch Contract", "Perjanjian Painan") in Batavia (full text is given in Chijs 1663, pages 349-351). It ratifies the provisional agreements reached by Jan van Groenewegen over the previous months. The key considerations for Batavia seem to have been that the rulers of Aceh have been totally unreliable, haven't generated much for the VOC, and have shown little respect for agreements. The agreement was ratified through signatures and the seal of the VOC.
    • Those present at ratification in the morning of that day are:
      • Envoys of Songy Pangou (called elsewhere Bandar Sepuloh?) and of Indrapoura, Tico and Padang.
      • Symon Symons, "licentmeester"
      • Jan van Groenewegen, "coopman" (named in the text as "opperhooft van de Nederlandse negotie op de Westcust van Zumatra")
      • NOTE: though it is reported in Chijs that the parties met at "syn Ede" - which suggests Joan Maetsuycker, governor-general), Maetsuycker's presence here is uncertain, given that the treaty gives Jan van Groenewegen as acting on behalf of the VOC, Maetsuycker and the Council of India ("Raden van Indië"). It looks very possible that only Groenewegen met with the envoys and signed - and then the document was handed over to Maetsuycker who, in meeting with the Council; ratified the document. (To be verified).
      • NOTE: elsewhere it is said that an agreement was concluded in Batavia on June 27, 1663. If so, perhaps this was the base document presented to Maetsuycker on July 6?
    • During the afternoon meeting where the agreement was ratified, other decisions were taken:
      • Closure of the comptoirs in Aceh and Perak, as well as the one in Ligor (the latter resorting under Siam).
      • Jan van Groenewegen is ordered to take the dignitaries back to the West Coast, with fours ships (including the Terhoede, Vlieg and Casuwaris).
  • On July 28, 1663, Jan van Groenewegen leaves Batavia with four ships including Terhoede, Vlieg and Casuwaris, to take the dignitaries of the four kings back to the West Coast (specifically back to Indrapoura, Sillida, Tico and Padang). He takes along four letters for each of the kings.
    • The instructions to Groenewegen are specified on July 27 (in the "uytgaande briefboek")...
      • The sequence of the trip is to stop first at Indrapoura with the letter for Radja Mansorgt; next to go to Sillida with the letter for the Songy Pagou - and then to send orangcaya Kitchil to Tico and Padang to warn them of Groenewegen's imminent arrival.
      • Groenewegen is authorized to move the VOC lodge from Sillida to a place in Pinang Bay (aka Melkbaey) if and when he believes this will better suit trading.
      • Groenewegen is encouraged to contact the rulers of Priaman and try to move them to abandon the rule of Aceh.
      • He is authorized to use force if the current treaty would not be respected by the signatories.
      • Groenewegen is asked to court the rulers of Bayang.
  • On August 9, 1663, Groenewegen arrives at Sillida with ships Terboede, Vlieg and Casuwaris - coming from Batavia. Orangcay Kitchill is sent with the Casuwaris to Padang and Tico. Kitchill has some reservations, because in Sillida they learn from Pieter Ketting that a war is going on between Padang and Pajang, and the the top ruler of Padang, Maradja Nanjuda (whom Kitchill represented) had died.
    • Groenewegen is called by the panglima of Sallida to discuss the curent situation of conflict in and around Sallida between rivalling rulers.
  • Sometime (before October 13, 1663, probably even before September 16 - probably late August?), Groenewegen is asked by Radja Panjang and Radja Lillecarang to go to Penang to meet with the fugitive pongelous of Batangcapas (who also found refuge at Bongepassang just outside Sillida). Groenewegen goes to Penang where he meets at the house of Radja Carbon.
    • NOTE: it appears from the writings that the local partisans of Aceh remain dominant and, despite the fact that these avoid direct conflict with the VOC, they take an active part in opposing and fighting the local rulers that are united by the Treaty of Painan. In fact, (though lots of detail needs to be covered here) it seems that the partisans of the VOC are all in some sort of vacuum and even on the run - unable to decide whether they should forcefully oppose Aceh in an outright war, or just 'wait and see'. It seems that the VOC is quite exasperated by this lack of clear commitment, as it detrimental to the trade. The partisans of the VOC seem to be dwelling in Sillida, Bongepassing and Penang.
    • Some of the parties to the Painan treaty have died, i.e. Maradja Manindra and orangcay Bassaer.. There successors seem favorable to the VOC, but incompetent.
  • On September 12, 1663, ships leave for the West Coast, including messages for Jan van Groenewegen asking him to step op efforts to obtain pepper and gold, and to ensure that private traders don't undermine the VOC trade.
  • On September 16, 1663, Groenewegen travels to Cotatenga to stay there for a few days (at least 3) to assess the trading potential of the place. Cotatenga is ruled by 10 local chiefs.
    • Groenewegen stays one night at the house of one of the rulers, Sireradja Oelebalang. The latter acts in the name of the other chiefs, and they invite the VOC to start trading there and even start a lodge. There is no pepper but gold to be traded.
    • Groenewegen assesses that Cotatenga is not very sympathetic to Aceh
    • It seems that Groenwegen then travelled to Priaman (an Aceh stronghold). Priaman wants the VOC to have a stronger presence there, but Groenewegen avoids the issue judging it would not be a good decision.
    • Groenewegen then travelled to Tico where he meets with Soureradja and Maradja de Radja.
  • Sometime after September 16, 1663, it becomes clear that the VOC should move its lodge from Sillida, given the ongoing conflicts there and the seeming impossibility to conduct good trade in those circumstances. After discussion with the friendly pongelous of Penang and Padang, it is decided to do so (NOTE: uncertain where this took place, and whether Groenewegen was directly involved). The decision is made to establish the VOC lodge on the island Chinco.
    • Representatives of Aceh nevertheless insist on keeping the lodge elseweher, for instance in Tico or Priaman - but Groenewegen declines.
  • On December 14, 1663, Jan van Groenewegen sends a letter (which arrives in Batavia on December 21, 1663 with ships Terhoede and Vlieg). From this letter and its appendices, Batavia understands that the execution of the Painan Treaty is not as smooth as expected, and the situation seems confused. Batavia decides to observe what has happened on the West Coast since Groenewegen's departure from there on March 26. The following is observed (see Chijs 1663, pages 697-704)
    • NOTE: The Chijs reference details extensively the situation on the West Coast. We incorporate above some specific dates that are relevant for the chronology of Groenewegen.
    • In this letter, Groenewegen reports that the lodge on Chinco is almost completed, and he asks Batavia for the approval and means to start and conduct the gold trade from there.
  • On December 22, 1663, the king of Sillida named Radja Mamoulia comes to Chinco to meet with Groenewegen. This was arranged by Radja Sulliman from Indrapoura. The objective was to convert Mamoulia to abandon Aceh and join the other rulers that have alligned with the VOC. Mamoulia seems enclined to join. Mamoulia suggests to fetch the Radja Malasarcha of Indrapour, currently residing in Ajerhadgy, for a similar talk on Chinco. Groenewegen sends a ship to Ajerhadgy, and indeed Malasarcha comes to Chinco together with Radja Manchorsia. Mamoulia later rejoined them on Chinco and confirmed his alignment with the VOC. (all this reported in Chijs 1664, pages 46-47) MORE TO BE COVERED HERE...
  • On February 8, 1664, Groenewegen writes from Poulo Chinco to Batavia (where his letter is received on February 17, coming with coopman Pieter Ketting on the ship Elburg from the West Coast). The letter reports all what has happened since December 14, 1663 (details incorporated in the above paragraphs).
  • On April 16, 1664, a letter arrives in Batavia on a ship coming from Priaman. The letter is written by the (Aceh-minded) rulers of Priaman to the governor-general, and concerns complaints about private and business aspects of Jan van Groenewegen. This letter appears in full translation in Chijs 1664, pages 121-123. (In this letter, Groenewegen is called "ridder van zijn Mayesteit").
    • NOTE: The nature of this letter seems to seek to undermine the credibility of Jan van Groenewegen before Batavia. Given the chronology of events in the previous three years, it is indeed clear that Groenewegen's activities (sanctioned by Batavia) have undermined Aceh's position on the West Coast. In its letter, Aceh seeks to portray itself as a seeker of peace with the VOC, and pertains that Groenewegen may be a troublemaker. The question here may be whether Aceh did indeed not yet understand that Groenewegen was acting in full accord with Batavia, or whether Aceh wished to show Batavia that it understood very well the situation but that it offered "a way out" by using Jan van Groenewegen as a scapegoat (any judgement on this needs to be based on the full evidence of what has been recorded in the VOC archives - to be researched).
    • The letter is written in the name of the following people...
      • the Orang-caya Maharazja Indara, who is the panglima of Priaman
      • the Orang-caya Maharazja Anakda
      • the Orang-caya Siri MIr Bangsa Rddarazja
      • Razja de Hiler
      • the Orang-caya Towa
      • Baginda Rato
      • Razja Lowangsa
      • Maharazja Lila
      • Maharazja Sittia
      • Razja Indara Wangsa
      • Maharazja Eddarazja
      • Siri Andara Maharazja
      • Kazjarowan Sanggoena Eddarazja
      • Kazjarowan P.E. Manis
      • Kaziorawan Sittia Goen Peria
      • .... and all those that reside in Priaman on behalf of the crown of Aceh.
    • The following is a limited list of factual information conveyed in the letter that pertains to Groenewegen's activities...
      • The letter pertains that Groenewegen, en route for Batavia, made stops at Padang and Sillida and contracted an accord with Razja Malasser and took Razja Mansoer and orangcaya Kitsjil with him to Batavia, suggesting that the latter two represented the rulers of the West Coast - but that this created confusion seeking to separate Aceh from Batavia.
        • NOTE: in the chronology, this voyage probably refers to Groenewegen's presence in Priaman on February 21, 1663, followed by his departure on March 23 for Batavia, where he arrived April 4, 1663 with the envoys (see earlier).
      • Moving from Sillida to Chinco two wives and two or three singers - and these are said to "dominate" on the island (Chinco). (The letter says that they know that this is not a custom with the Dutch - and by saying so, they clearly seek to undermine Groenewegen's standing with the VOC).
      • It is suggested that Groenewegen had contracted with Priaman that he would move over to that place (coming from Sillida), but that he never did so (to be verified whether Groenewegen indeed committed to this).
  • On September 17, 1664, Jacob Cau leaves Batavia with four ships (including Hof van Zeelant, Cabbeljau and Meliskerke) for the West Coast, having 300 soldiers on board. The language in the journal is clear: this military force has the purpose to enforce the accords made with the 'peoples there'.
    • The instructions are...
      • To stop first at Indrapoura to check of hostilities have ended there. If not, the Aceh people need to be driven from there (eventually under friendly escort).
      • Before doing the above, Jacob Cau needs to meet with Groenewegen on Chinco to judge whether Indrapoura is ready to receive and assist the military force.
      • Once those from Aceh are driven away, it has to be considered to open posts in Padang, Cotatenga, Tico and Priaman, and possibly a main residence in Peinang.
      • To help restore Sultan Mametcha as a ruler.
    • NOTE: The incendiary letter from Priaman has obviously not impacted Groenewegen's standing with the VOC, given that the above shows that they keep their trust in his handling of the West Coast. The break between Aceh and Batavia seems complete.
  • On October 4, 1664, Jacob Cau arrives with ships and soldiers at Indrapoura
    • NOTE: this arrival date is derived from the letter by Jacob Cau to Batavia, sent on November 9 from Padang and arrived in Batavia on December 14 (as reported in Chijs 1664, pages 550-551). The letter says that they arrived at Indrapoura after 17 days of sailing.
    • Jan van Groenewegen arrived at Indrapoura with ship Casuaris a day later, on October 5.
    • The letter indicates that the whole region has been in war at this time. Those from Aceh are being chased from the West Coast, and many are killed (see details in Chijs mentioned above).
  • On January 13, 1665, Jacob Cau arrives in Batavia on the Hof van Zeelandt, coming from the West Coast. He reports about the situation on the West Coast (Chijs 1665, page 5):
    • All seaports on the West Coast have accepted protection from the VOC and signed contracts. One exception: a place called Majutte, in the region of Indrapura.
    • In a general way, force had to be used to chase the Aceh panglimas.
      • Sillida, Padang and Tico had not given much resistance.
      • Priaman was more difficult, as those of Aceh had concentrated there and were in large numbers - but they were chased nevertheless.
  • On March 9, 1665, arrives a report from Jan van Groenewegen written "ultimo February", with ship Meliskercke coming from the West Coast.
    • Ultimo februari 1665 : "De missive, door den coopman, Jan van Groenewegen, daermede in dato ultimo February aen haer Ede geschreven, behelst een verhael van hetgene op de gemelte cust nae het vertreck van den E. Jacob Cau is voorgevallen ende gepasseert." (Chijs 1665, p. 48)
  • VOC assistant Jacob Cornelisz (and two soldiers) have been murdered in Tico. Groenewegen makes an agreement with the rulers of Songy Limoen and of Nares with the purpose to chase the panglima of Tico and Priaman. Groenewegen also plans to attack Majutte. To assure the trading in Padang, ondercoopman Lot is assigned to take care.
    • Also mentioned is that, for lack of capital, the establishment of a factorij at Cotatenga has been postponed.
    • Also mentioned is that mortality on the West Coast hasn't been so high, and that the remaining soldiers will continue to be there to help execute the plans for Majutte.
  • On March 23, 1665, Jan van Groenewegen heads for Indrapura and Majutte with ships Cabeljauw and Casuares. On course, he drops a few soldiers at Bongo (two miles north of Majutte) to join the sultan of Indrapura to approach Majutte by land.
  • On April 2, 1665, Jan van Groenewegen arrives at Majutte. Caught in very strong tidal currents the ships almost capsize, 5 people drown and Jan van Groenewegen himself barely survives from drowning.
  • On April 5, 1665, de VOC force at Majutte defeats Radja Adil and his rebels. But, these escape and seem to have taken hold of a village named Sablat, about 8-10 miles south of Majutte. It is expected that the Radja would ask the king of Bantam for assistance. In order to prevent that, Jan van Groenewegen intends to head for Indrapura and discuss the situation with Sultan Mametcha - and provide assistance.
  • On April 14, 1665, Batavia agrees to extend the contract of Jan van Groenewegen by three year, and to give him a salary increase. (Chijs 1665, page 81).
• On April 22, 1665, Batavia sends ships Zeehont and Achilles to the West Coast, with on board instructions for Jan van Groenewegen in response to the reports of January 13 and March 9. The instructions are, amongst others (Chijs 1665, page 84-86)...
  • Several ships need to stay in the waters north of Tico and Priaman, in order to block any possible attack by Aceh.
  • Agrees with the decision that established a lodge at Nares.
  • More ships will be sent to the West Coast once ships return from the Coromandel and Suratte.
  • Agrees with the building of a lodge and warehouse on Poulo Chinco.
  • Ondercoopman Maerschalck is assigned to the West Coast.
  • Batavia looks forward to learn about the exploration of the "wild peoples" of Baros (TO BE CHECKED... what is this about, and who was doing that?)
  • On August 27, 1665, arrives in Batavia the ship Vinck, coming from the West Coast. It carries a report by Jan van Groenewegen about what happened since his last report of February 1665. (Some of this is mentioned in the chronology above) (Chijs 1665, pages 237-240).
    • It seems that very significant progress has been made with establishing the VOC at Cotatengah. The rulers of Padang are very keen on this, not in the least because it seals the peace with Cotatengah (NOT: this implies strife between Padang and Cotatengah - to be studied).
    • Padang had sent delegates to the kingdom of Menangcabau, and later sent two coastal penghulus to show their respect for the king of Minangcabau, in their name and in the name of the VOC. The latter had expressed his great satisfaction with the fact that the might of Aceh on the West Coast had been broken down.
    • Jan van Groenewegen suggests that it might be opportune if he himself or other VOC officials would actually travel to the king of Minangcabau (in order to stimulate the trading of gold).
  • On September 13, 1665, the ship Vinck leaves Batavia for the West Coast, with instructions for Jan van Groenewegen (Chijs 1665, pages 257-258). The ship arrived October 4th.
    • He has to make sure that Radja Adil (chased from Majutte), will not strike back and harm the VOC.
    • They encourage Jan van Groenewegen to go to the king of the Menangcabau. They are keen on learning how far this kingdom stretches.
  • On October 18, 1665, Jan van Groenewegen writes to Batavia (letter arrived on October 31, on ship Zeehondt). He reports the following (Chijs 1665, page 312):
    • The villages Sablat and Ketauwa are back under control. Radja Adil has escaped to the mountains of Chilagan.
    • In Tico and Priaman, those of Aceh are trying to sow discord through corruption. However, Groenewegen reports that the expectation of freedom and peace under the VOC has the upper hand. He suggests to continue the "blockade" with the north. It seems he draws this blockade north of Padang and Cotatenga.
    • The envoys to the King of Menangcabau had returned and reported that the king had been most pleased.with his regained status with regards to the rulers of Padang (his status was severly diminished due to the Aceh rulers).*
      • NOTE: In recognition of this regained status, the king names Jan van Groenewegen a "viceroy" (the title seems to be interpreted by the Dutch as "stadhouder van den Conincq van Maninghcabou" - source F. de Haan, 'Naar Midden Sumatra in 1684').
    • The warehouse and lodge in Padang are almost finished.
  • On December 1, 1665, Jan van Groenewegen died on the West Coast. This reported by a letter dated January 12, 1666, which arrived on January 22, 1666 in Batavia. The letter was signed by two "raedspersonen". (Chijs 1666, page 8).
  • On August 1, 1666, ship Zeehont arrives at Batavia coming from the West Coast, carrying a letter signed for the most part by coopman Evert Michielse on June 23 and, after his death, further signed (ultimo Juny) by onderkooplui Brinckhoff and Bakker. In addition, letters from various local rulers on the West Coast (all this in Chijs 1666, pages 126-128 - including the translations of the letters from the rulers).
    • The letter by the VOC officials reports the dramatic events at the village of Pauw, where "imprudence" led to the death of 131 whites and 2 blacks. Amongst the deaths: Jacob Gruys (commissaris), Jan Pigge (capiteyn), Thomas van Yperen... and most other senior officers. (TO BE RESEARCHED)
    • From the letters of the rulers of the West Coast, the following can be understood...
      • Jan van Groenewegen was obviously a most respected VOC man.
      • Groenewegen's replacement, Evert Michielse, seems to have ignored the caution offered by the rulers about the troubles in Pauw - as they advised against immediate intervention. (NOTE: this seems to mean that Evert Michielse was the cause of the massacre at Pau (to be reseached)).
      • Evert Michielse having died, it seems the local rulers are suggesting to Governor General Maetsuycker that Michielse be replaced by Brinckhoff
      • The letter of orangkaya Quitschil is interesting in the sense that re-iterates in a nutshell how the big alliance on the West Coast against Aceh occurred, in cooperation with Jan van Groenewegen.
        • It is also interesting because of a more personal note, where the orangcaya tells Maetsuycker that, for the sake of building the alliance, he "took three wives, daughters of leaders" (freely translated from "... dat ick 3 vrouwen, kinders van groote lieden soude nemen..." - see Chijs 1666, page 128). The three wives were: one from Tico, one daughter of Radja Carbou of Pienen (Penang), and one of Padang.
        • (NOTE: the above is interesting because it may suggest how Jan van Groenewegen got the two wives mentioned during his stay at Pulo Chinco!)
    • NOTE: it is not fully clear how Jan van Groenewegen's succession at the West Coast was, precisely. Jan van Groenewegen was replaced by Evert Michielse and later by Abraham Verspreet (but, according to a source, Jacob Gruys took the position in April 1666 - so perhaps it was first Gruys, then Michielse and then Verspreet? To be researched).
  • Padang became the VOC's main administrative center in 1666.
    • Background: in all the trading posts on Sumatra's West Coast, there was significant conflict between the orangkaya that were loyal to Aceh and those that favoured the Dutch. By 1667, the situation was strongly in favour of the Dutch, with the following local leaders:
      • Orangkaya Kecil became Governor of Padang
      • Raja Bugis became King of Oelakkan
      • Raja Ambon was panglima of Priaman,
• When examining the chronology of assigments, Jan van Groenewegen seems to be the Jacob van Groenewegen mentioned in the archives firstly as the chief of Aceh (Atjeh), and secondly as chief of the trading post of Kotatengah (which is in Serdang Bedagai, in North Sumatra). In 1665, he was replaced as chief of Aceh by Jacob Gruys, and in Kotatengah by Henrik Marschalck.
• At Kotatengah, the Dutch were in regular conflict with the local chief Seri Raja Hulubalang (who fled to Oelakan in 1669)

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References

• (Val.5) - François Valentijn, "Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën", Zesde Boek, "Beschrijvinge van Malakka"
• (Val.6) - François Valentijn, "Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën", Zevende Boek, "Beschrijvinge van het eiland Sumatra"
• Sher Banu A. Latiff Khan, "Rule Behind the Silk Curtain: The Sultanahs of Aceh 1641-1699", University of London, 1609
• Jacobus Anne van der Chijs, "Dagh-Registers", 1661, 1663, 1664

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