Saamaka and Dutch authorities sign a peace treaty

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...

A colonial archival record dated 5 February 1762 marks a successful phase in a peace mission to the Saamaka. The negotiations followed decades of conflict and an earlier failed attempt at peace....

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,...

A colonial meeting record dated 18 January 1786 states that Ndyuka leader Pambu promised not to support the Aluku. The Ndyuka had their own treaty relationship with the Dutch, and colonial officials...