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Wednesday 14 September 2011

Slavetrade: Dutch frigate ship Zeemercuur of the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagnie 1787-1791

Certificate dated 20 September 1787: dimensions 89’6”x 26’2”x 11’9½”, height deck 6’½”, 109 7/10 lasten, destination Africa, master Cornelis van Kakom of Middelburg. Certificate dated 15 September 1791: dimensions 89’6”x 26’2”x 11’9½”, height deck 6’½”, 109 7/10 lasten, destination Africa, master George Cristoffel Zill of Middelburg.

The foundation of the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagnie was 13 July 1270 stated and since 5 August was a board active. The municipality of Middelburg was responsible for the supervision. The company was 28 September allowed to found a yard and elsewhere where ships bought. January of the next year departed her first ships since 1723 with destination Africa (Guinea). Since 1730 played the company an important roll in the slave trade between Africa and the West Indies and from there back to Europe. Because due to the fact that the (second) Dutch West India Company already was active in this area were this latter company paid compensation. The last slave voyage was in 1807. The ships were measured by experts on behalf of the chamber Zealand of the Dutch West Indies Company and which supplied a certificate. Dimensions in Amsterdam foot.

Source
Archive Middelburgsche Commercie Compagnie no. 148 (Zeeuws Archief, Middelburg).