Coordinated attacks open the struggle for independence

Johannes Heijnsius arrives to take up the governorship. He sends patrols to search for the fighters, but they return without finding them. The occupying government tries to regain the initiative,...

Heijnsius reports serious divisions among the European settlers: some oppose him, refuse to pay taxes or consider leaving the colony. The war exposes the fragility of colonial rule; resistance...

The colonial militia begins building a fort at Graskreek on an abandoned plantation. The defensive post is meant to protect plantations along the Commewijne. Its construction shows how the occupiers...

Indigenous fighters set fire again to John Browningh’s partly rebuilt plantation. According to the colonial report, they shout that the Europeans who came by ship should leave by ship. The call...

Heijnsius reports that attacks continue, sugar production has almost stopped and many enslaved Africans are fleeing plantations. Their departure undermines the forced labour on which the colony...