Beschrijving
Manuscript, 30×21 cm, two folded sheets, written on 5 pages, sewn together, clearly legible and in good condition. Handwritten statement relating the tragic event of the death of Annigje van der Weide (1762-1812). Arnold Joost Timmermans (1766-1843, adjunct mayor of Noordeloos) Willem Vijver (ca. 1765/1770-1835, thatcher) and Herber(t) Rietveld Jacobszoon (1755/1757-1824, farmer) heard screaming in the evening of 16 February 1812. They went outside to find out what was wrong and to offer their assistance. They learned that Annigje van der Weide had most likely fallen into the water and neighbours were searching for her. The three men joined the search and tried their best to find Annigje and save her life. After some time, Arnold noticed that Arie de Jong (1788-1859, baker) – another neighbour – had taken his boat away from the scene of the accident. In his role of adjunct mayor Arnold ordered Willem and Herber to fetch the boat and use it to search for the Annigje in the water. Arie refused to cooperate, took his boat and sailed off.
The statement is signed by Willem Hendrik van Barnevelt Vrijheer van Noordeloos (1765-1829), Arnold, Willem and Herber and followed by a French translation dated to 27 May 1812. Both statements are stamped with a postal stamp (Empire Francais, 75 cents). The statements are not clear on the ending of the tragic accident, but an online search on Annigje van der Weide confirms that she drowned in 1812, in Noordeloos.
