Reforming the administration of the Dutch colonies in the Americas

Jacob Hendrik Floh (1758-1830).

Gelykheid, vryheid, broederschap. Publicatie.

The Hague, ’s Lands Drukkery, 1798.

Folio (40,5 x 31,5 cm). 1 p. With a woodcut device on head of page.

Extremely rare Dutch Batavian Republic broadside that proclaims the abolishment of the “Committé tot de zaken van de Colonien en Bezittingen op de kust van Guinea en in America” and to erect in those places an “Intermediair Bestuur over de zaken van de Colonien en Bezittingen in America en op de kust van Guinea” consisting of seven persons, based in Amsterdam. The first seating will be held on April 1^st, 1798.
Although this broadside proclaims it, the reform of the Dutch colonial administration never actually happened. The last years of the 18^th century were politically turbulent, resulting in an almost continuous reform. In 1800 the “Intermediair Bestuur” was already changed into the “Raad der Amerikaanse Koloniën en Bezittingen”. The Dutch Guinean colonies consisted of Surinam, Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice. At the time of this broadside, the English already conquered Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice (in 1796).

Condition: Slightly browned, stained in foot margin (not affecting text). four folds, of which one with a tear in the margin. Date in pencil in right foot corner. Otherwise in good condition.

Reference: not in STCN.

J. Roelevink, Onderzoeksgids Bestuur en administratie van de Bataafs Franse tijd 1795-1813, Huygens Instituut voor Nederlandse Geschiedenis Den Haag, 2012, pp. 24-25.