In this broadsheet, the governor general of Suriname, Jan Gerhard Wichers, and the councils of the local police and justice department announce an obligatory day of prayer and contemplation for all inhabitants of the colony, including enslaved people. Not only is it forbidden to sell and/or serve drink, meaning alcohol, it is also strictly forbidden to do any sort of work and even travel (by land or water) is strongly discouraged unless to go to and from church. Between 1713 and 1795 a general day of prayer, contemplation and giving thanks took place every year in March in the Dutch Republic (mainland) and on a later date in the colonies because news and announcements travelled slowly.
This broadsheet was meant to inform the inhabitants of Suriname of an upcoming prayer day, but it indirectly tells us about things like the government of Suriname, the relationship between the Dutch Republic and its colony, and even about international politics.
Blank margins and upper corners restored. The sheet was previously folded, with one fold-line slightly browned and restored, without affecting the text. Lacking the imprint, but otherwise in good condition. A rare and interesting broadsheet announcing a day of prayer, also for slaves. National Archives of the Netherlands, The Hague, Sociëteit van Suriname, toegang 1.05.03, inv. no. 192 (online: page 169/228).