Saamaka peace mission reaches a successful stage

A record dated 20 February 1760 documents Boston Band’s role in negotiations with Dutch colonial representatives. Boston, a formerly enslaved man who had become a leader among the Ndyuka, advocated...

On 10 October 1760, Ndyuka leaders and Dutch colonial authorities signed a treaty recognizing Ndyuka freedom and autonomy. The agreement promised supplies, but also required Ndyuka to ally with the...

A colonial record dated 20 October 1760 describes celebrations in Paramaribo following the peace treaty with the Ndyuka. The celebration reflected the colonial government’s relief after years of...

A letter dated 2 April 1761 records Boston Band addressing the issue of people fleeing slavery on plantations. The Ndyuka treaty required the return of some escapees, placing Boston and other...

In a letter dated 29 December 1761, Governor Crommelin complained about compliance with the 1760 peace treaty. The complaint shows that treaty relations remained contested and that the colonial...

On 19 September 1762, Saamaka leaders and Dutch colonial authorities signed a peace treaty. The agreement recognized the Saamaka as a distinct free community, establishing a negotiated boundary...

In a report dated 4 May 1772, Captain Oorsinga described how the marsh around Fort Buku made a colonial attack difficult. Buku was an Aluku settlement and defensive base led by Boni and his allies....

An eyewitness account dated 30 June 1772 describes an attack led by Baron’s forces on plantation Poelwijk. The raid formed part of the Aluku struggle against plantation power and the colonial...

On 20 November 1772, colonial forces captured Fort Buku after finding a concealed route through the marsh. The Zwarte Jagers, known as Redi Musu, helped the expedition; they were enslaved men...

A letter dated 22 March 1776 records Colonel Louis Henri Fourgeoud’s assignment to protect the colony against Boni and Baron. Dutch authorities continued costly expeditions after the fall of Buku,...