4 January 1669
Hieronimus Cruse departs on a Hessequa trade expedition
Corporal Hieronimus Cruse left the Fort of Good Hope with sixteen Europeans and Khoikhoi companions to promote livestock trade with the Obiqua and Hessequa.
View in timelineOn 4 January 1669, Corporal Hieronimus Cruse departed from the Fort of Good Hope with sixteen Europeans and several Khoikhoi companions. His written instructions directed the party toward the Obiqua and Hessequa to promote livestock trade using VOC merchandise.
The expedition travelled eastward through Hottentots Holland and the Riviersonderend region. Its journal records trade with communities encountered along the route and documents the VOC’s effort to extend livestock procurement through Hessequa territory.
Why it matters
The mission shows the VOC actively extending its livestock-supply network eastward through Khoikhoi territory.