First and only edition of a rare report of the French attack on Curaçao in 1673. This attack was part of the larger Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678). Although this conflict mostly took place in Europe, its effects were also felt in various Dutch and French territories across the world, such as Curaçao. The present report is written in Dutch and based on the notes of Jan Doncker, then governor of Curaçao (1673-1679), who fended off the attack. It therefore gives insight into the Dutch side of the conflict. The work is incredibly rare on the market, as we have not been able to find any other copies in sales records.
Curaçao had been conquered by the Dutch West India Company (WIC) in 1634 and become an important trading centre, which made it a more likely target for foreign aggression. In 1673, the merchant Jan Doncker was chosen as the new governor after the death of his predecessor, Dirk Otterinck (1670-1673). When the French, under the command of "De Baas" landed on Curaçao on March 16 of that year, they were not yet aware of the change in governor, and sent a letter to Otterinck asking to speak with him. When Doncker did not respond, they send a second letter, stating they had taken possession of the island and demanded surrender. Doncker immediately readied the defence, which was enough of a deterrent that the French left on March 19. They attempted to attack Curaçao a few more times in later years, but were never able to conquer it. The present work includes both letters from De Baas with his demands, as well as two letters from Jan Doncker with a report of the attack.
With a typed letter on tissue paper from 1956 on the acquisition of the work inserted in the front. The edges and corners of the boards are somewhat scuffed, the spine has been rubbed and is somewhat discoloured, several ink stains on the back. The work is foxed throughout, a later annotation in red ink at the upper inner corner of the first page, and a contemporary annotation in brown ink at the upper outer corner. Otherwise in good condition. Knuttel 10827; Sabin 57270; STCN 863158110 (7 copies); USTC 1810318 (7 copies); WorldCat 461435827, 747673527, 255244479, 1099770906 (11 copies); cf. about the attack: J. Hartog, "De in 1678 op de Aves-eilanden gestrande expeditie der Fransen", in: Nieuwe West-Indische Gids/New West Indian Guide, 40 (1960-61), pp. 145-151.