SA History Timeline

10 December 1676–6 January 1677

Cruse leads a livestock expedition toward Captain Claes and the Hessequa

The VOC authorised Hieronimus Cruse to lead a 28-man expedition seeking livestock from Captain Claes and Hessequa suppliers.

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On 10 December 1676, the VOC Council authorised Lieutenant Hieronimus Cruse to lead a party consisting of a sergeant, two corporals and twenty-four soldiers. Its stated purpose was to obtain livestock from Captain Claes and the Hessequa.

The official diary recorded the expedition's return on 6 January 1677. The surviving summary does not permit a reliable allocation of animals between Captain Claes and Hessequa suppliers.

Why it matters

The expedition demonstrates the continuing importance of organised inland procurement to the VOC's livestock economy.

Perspective notes

The cited record groups the mission around livestock procurement from Captain Claes and Hessequa suppliers; the surviving summary does not permit a reliable allocation of animals between those sources.