Briefwisseling oor Kaapse sake 1778-1792

[p. 344]

XX. ?? to Swellengrebel
26.5.1782

At long last the documents in defence of the officials have reached the XVII, although they were handed more than a year ago to the Governor. What the reason was we cannot guess, much less why we were kept in the dark about their contents and the proposed measures of redress against the pretended grievances, although the burghers, even the smallest shoemaker, knew what they were. Possibly the Governor did not want us to know what complaints were lodged against his own administration. I have, however, seen these complaints in reports that the so-called representatives have made known. However, the documents themselves were worse than I had gathered. They contained many falsifications and puerile suggestions for redress, which if put into practice would plunge this beautiful colony into ever greater confusion.

Some were surprised that the XVII had issued no riposte to the letter that accompanied the charges, and what (I have been told it in confidence) was significant, that they were of opinion that the XVII ought to have taken the opportunity to draw up a memorandum, based on the officials' testimonies, setting out proposals for reform, in which the complainants were reprimanded for their mode of procedure and contumacy in regard to their lawful authorities, which might serve as a basis of a plan of redress for such abuses as may have crept in or such things as were no longer suited to the present condition of the Colony.

It is true that such a task seems to have been placed in the Governor's hands. In the Netherlands, a very favourable impression must have been formed of his great knowledge of the internal affairs of this Colony, although he has not spent a very long time there. Many are of a different opinion.

It is not less noticeable that in the present war in which all are deeply involved, everything appears to have been entrusted to him. Is it not hard for other members of the administration, who have just as great an interest in the preservation of the Colony, to appear to be regarded as not trustworthy or not able enough to be consulted on such matters? They must look on in silence while by no means everything is conducted as prudence and a real knowledge of the land would suggest. Moreover, is it not somewhat dangerous to leave such matters entirely in the hands of one individual? The nobleman shows himself more and more despotic.

Secret matters have to be discussed with the Secunde; but, as he is no more than a yes-man, that is sharing them with a shadow. Only forbearance exercised in difficult times prevents the unfortunate consequences coming into the open.

[p. 345]

At least as regards the defences, it is certain that if the French had not insisted so loudly and, with the assistance of the inhabitants, at last set to work, the place would not have been fortified yet. (We - the inhabitants - have the honour of having constructed a battery of some strength and a good redoubt at our own cost). The work was started only at the beginning of this year. Thanks to the English for having left us so long in peace!

For some reason there is an idea abroad that after the war has ceased, the grievances of the burghers will be investigated and then a plan will be evolved for the improvement of the government. I am aware that, some time ago, someone sent you his views on the matter. I am in agreement with his ideas. The Council of Policy is too irregularly constituted. Besides the governor, there is the second in command, the fiscal, the head of the military; they are so-called ‘senior merchants’. In addition there are four members who are ‘merchants’ - lovely names, yet they are all mere subordinates. The Secunde is only a shadow, yet all the others, in their jobs, are dependent on him. They are only human. Some have many children, others are too attached to their own interests. Your friend was of opinion that there should be more equality amongst the members of the government. The governor, the fiscal, the secunde and other members should be given good salaries paid directly by the Company, which would at once end the complaints about the excise on wine and the 5% levied by the Fiscal on imports and exports, etc. More later on; the Portuguese vessel is about to depart.

(In the margin:) At present all is quiet amongst the malcontents, but a few unpleasant events happened in quick succession in protest against an order given by the governor, sustained by a similar order of the whole government. This matter was also dealt with in a lackadaisical manner.