The Rachel was a hired ship in the service of the West India Company (WIC). The WIC frequently used hired ships during times of war. Usually, these were slave ships and were chartered only once. The Rachel is an exception to the rule. Between 1691 and 1704, she made seven slave voyages (Henk den Heijer, 91). Hiring was safer for the WIC during wartime. Should a ship be lost, the company was only responsible for the cargo.

The Rachel was en route from Texel to West Africa in June 1704. The Republic was at that time at war with France.* French privateers were particularly active in the English Channel in 1704. Many Dutch ships were captured and taken to French ports (St. Malo).

During the French privateering operation of June 6, the Rachel and Tijger were captured. The Karel II managed to escape to the English port of Plymouth. because the ship Rachel, carrying a Customs Cargo amounting to ƒ63,428, was seized by the French on the Customs.

Zeeuws maritiem muZEEum

What became of the Rachel in French service is unknown.

Triangular Trade
The triangular trade was a trade route connecting Europe, Africa, and America.

European ships transported trade goods to West Africa, such as weapons, textiles, alcohol, copper, and beads. These goods were exchanged there for enslaved people.

The enslaved people were subsequently transported to America. There, they were sold to plantation owners.

With the proceeds from these sales, colonial products were purchased, such as sugar, cotton, tobacco, coffee, rum, and gold. These products were then shipped to Europe. shipped.

*) War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714): Was a European war over the succession of the childless Spanish King Charles II, in which France (Louis XIV) and Austria (Habsburgs) vied for control of the Spanish Empire. The war involved major powers such as England, the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, and Portugal, and ended with the Peace of Utrecht (1713), which redefined the balance of power in Europe.

• Vergadering van Tienen
• Henk den Heijer (1997)
  Goud, ivoor en slaven: scheepvaart en handel van de Tweede Westindische Compagnie op Afrika, 1674-1740
  Walburg Pers