HIGH HOPES, WILD MEN AND THE DEVIL’S JAW - Willem Barentsz Kolderstok 1:50

Aren't there quite a few South-Africans with Dutch roots?
Absolutely - At least 50% of the South African population from European descent. But there is an added dimension - because SA was the subject of worldwide criticism (from 1948-1994), my generation has become particularly thick-skinned and hard-headed.
 
For sure they are hard-headed, as are their descendants. However, as to the phrase "not possible", I have received unbelievable support from the archives I have dealt with. In Zeeland's case, I do believe that losing large parts of your factual sources due to the senseless act of a mad man, is a valid excuse for something not possible.
Not possible is more synonymous with: I can't help you straight away, but let me see if I can twist and bend the rules such that we can come to a satisfying solution.
 
Not possible is more synonymous with: I can't help you straight away, but let me see if I can twist and bend the rules such that we can come to a satisfying solution.
Okiedokie - but in this case - unfortunately - no bending of rules will change this situation.
 
Dear Friends

Herewith is the full, final and correct list of all the ships that participated in the First Two Expeditions. This has been cross-checked four ways by comparing De Veer's Diary with that of Van Linschoten, the German Warhafftige Relation and documentation published by the Hakluyt Society in the UK. Every single document conforms in all respects to the other three.

FIRST EXPEDITION - 1594 (FOUR SHIPS)


1594 4 schepen.png

Numbers 1 and 2: I have grouped them together because these ships were from Amsterdam and under the command of Willem Barentsz and because it is impossible to say which one is which based on the drawing.

They were De Mercurius (The Mercury) from Amsterdam - a vlieboot of 50 last. This was the vessel on which Barentsz sailed and of which he was the captain.

The other one was an Unnamed Fishing Jacht from Terschelling which also fell under the command of Barentsz.

3. De Zwaan - from Zeelandt - a vlieboot of 50 last.
Captained by Cornelis Corneliszoon-Nay (who was also appointed as Admiral for the trip)
Pieter Dirckzoon Strickbolle - Chief Pilot
Francoys de la Dale - Commis and Interpreter
Christoffel Splindler - Interpreter

4. De Mercurius - from Enkhuyzen - a vlieboot of 50 last
Captained by Brandt Ysbrandtszoon or Brandt Tetgales
Jan Huyghen van Linschoten - Commis and tasked with keeping a journal

1595 EXPEDITION (SEVEN SHIPS)

Kleinste.png


1. De Hoop from Enkhuyzen - a war pinnace of 100 last.
Captained by Brandt Ysbrandtszoon aka Brandt Tetgales
Jan-Hufghen van Linschoten - Commis

2. De Windhond from Amsterdam - a war pinnace of 100 last
Captain and Chief-Pilot - Willem Barentsz
Helmsman: Cornelis Jacobszoon
Jacob van Heemskerck - Commis

3. De Zwaan from Zeelandt - a Vlieboot of 40 last (Same ship of the previous year)
Captain: Lambert Gerritszoon-Oom

4. De Griffioen from Zeelandt - a war pinnace of 86 last
Captain: Cornelis Corneliszoon-Nay (Admiral of the Fleet)
Francoys de la Dale: Commis and Interpreter
Christoffel Splindler: Interpreter

5. An unnamed Jacht from Rotterdam - 20 last
Captain: Hendrick Hartman

6. De Mercurius from Amsterdam - a Vlieboot of 50 last (Same ship as the previous year)
Captain: Harman Janszoon
Chief Pilot: Willem Gijsen

7. De Mercurius from Enkhuyzen - a Vlieboot of 50 last (Same ship as the previous year)
Captain: Thomas Willemszoon

That is as much as the research material offers at this stage. When one looks at the 1596 Expedition, it remains - unfortunately - all a matter of speculation, or as Ab calls it, "my suppositions".

I do have a few hooks with bait out in the water - I will see if I get a bite and then examine the quality of the fish to see if it worthwhile keeping - but for now my current ship (and the future one) will remain: Het Expeditieschip van Willem Barentsz.
 
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If you see these days how things are getting organised, you almost can't believe that we stood in the ninth place. A bit flattered i think
I was going to "like" your post, but I truly can't, I agree wholeheartedly with your observation though.
 
I can't comment on any of these posts - if I were to do so, I would do so from a position of sheer ignorance. But think of it this way. The Human Development Index takes three things into account:

1. Life Expectancy (which obviously measures the state of health services in a country).
2. The level of Education. (Both education enforced by law and out of own choice)
3. Living Standards

Then there are a host of secondary factors such as GDP, GNI, Income per capita, Political Stability, etc. that are factored in. So if you are not happy with the way that things are going in the Netherlands , spare a thought for how things must be in countries that rank much lower down on the list.
 
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