Ex-slave Carel Jansz of Bengal’s legacy of love The way we were

THE manumitted slave Carel Jansz of Bengal was a prudent and prosperous man, although it’s not clear how he made a living. He was probably in his sixties when he died in 1744. His slave, Rebecca of Bengal, became his concubine and was set free in terms of his will, together with her children, Jan de Jager, 16, and Apollonia Jansz van de Kaap, 14, who was Carel’s daughter. He also bequeathed them a male slave and 300 rixdollars to cover their manumission costs.

Carel left the rest of his estate to the two little daughters of Zacharias Eijkenstroom, a Swedish sea diver whose wife, Johanna Jansen van de Kaap, was his deceased wife Flora’s daughter and therefore his step-daughter.

As immigrants, Carel and Rebecca couldn’t rely on an extensive network of children, in-laws and connections by marriage for support, but matters were different for their grandchildren.

Nevertheless, this may have helped Carel to accumulate a relatively large debt-free estate. Most of his wealth was invested in his property, Lot 2, Church Street, situated behind the VOC Hospital in the Heerengracht.

The Council of Policy had granted him a free erf in September 1721 on which he’d erected a small dwelling consisting of a voorhuis (room or passageway leading to the kitchen and yard) with a front room on either side.

It appreciated in value and was sold for 1 766 rixdollars after his death, financed by cash and a mortgage.

Judging from Carel’s inventory, the inhabitants lived fairly frugally. One room was used as a bedroom and display area, and the other contained a bed, a table, 17 assorted chairs and a scale. It’s possible that Rebecca provided meals or sold spices or snuff there.

The bedroom furniture consisted of three beds (one with red curtains) and the appropriate bedding. The room also contained fabric, plates, dishes and equipment for serving tea.

The kitchen was well provided with pots, pans and kettles, including some items made of copper. There was more storage space in the loft. The deceased also owned a good deal of gold and silver finery and jewellery, including buckles, buttons, snuffboxes, rings, chains, and necklaces, plus 160 rixdollars in cash.

Bidders from all walks of life attended the auction, which was held on June 23, 1744. The most valuable lot was the slave Slamat (70 rixdollars), while a feather mattress, three bolsters and two pillows realised 20 rixdollars.

Most lots fetched less than three rixdollars, but the sale nevertheless realised the respectable sum of 494 rixdollars before costs.

After the bookkeeping was completed, the little Eijkenstroom heiresses were each credited with 928 rixdollars, to remain at interest until they attained majority or married.

More next week.