Arawak allies refuse the colonial attack on the Caribs

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...

Eight canoes carrying about 250 Arawaks under the leadership of Warray arrive from Berbice. The Dutch government wants to deploy them against Carib fighters. Hira shows that the Arawaks did not simply...

Heijnsius writes that Indigenous attacks are increasing and that many Africans are fleeing plantations. Together, Indigenous military pressure and African marronage weaken the plantation colony’s...

Colonial documents report that hundreds of Indigenous people are on the occupier’s side or are being recruited. Hira describes cooperation, rivalry and constrained choices as part of a complex war....

A journal reports that Gaminet, a Maroon, is travelling with Indigenous fighters. This points to contact and possible solidarity between communities resisting colonial rule. The archive describes...

Indigenous fighters burn a house and sugar works; the following day a provision ground is also attacked. These actions affect both colonial production and food supplies. The reports describe damage,...

Heijnsius estimates that hundreds of enslaved Africans have escaped, possibly about a quarter of the population held on plantations. This is a colonial estimate, not a complete count. Mass marronage...