Stedman's Surinam, J.G. Stedman, edited Richard & Sally Price, John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1992. ISBN: 0-8018-4260-3
Subject: [Mil History] Siege of Boucou
Article:
The First Boni Wars began in 1765 and ended in 1777. In April 1772 the colonial Dutch army discovered the palisaded village of Boucou. ( Boekoe ) This village was surrounded by a deep swamp. It was only fordable by secret path ways hidden just below the water level.
The book Stedman's Surinam has a drawing of 'fort' Boucou during the final siege (1772). The drawing is kept in the 'Algemeen Rijksarchief' in Holland. The drawing shows the layout of the Dutch camp and Boucou in the back ground. There is also a map showing the location of Boucou. This village was north of the Cassipera Creek.
In July 1772, the colonial government formed the 'Neeger Vrij corps' (black rangers). These were 116 slave volunteers. They were purchased from their plantation masters and they were promised freedom, a house and garden plot and pay to fight the Maroons. During the first attack of Boucou two rangers drowned and twelve were captured. The captives were maimed or executed by Boni followers. Following this failed attempt an other 190 slaves joined the black rangers.
In September 1772, after a siege of five months, Boucou was attacked, taken and destroyed for good. Five of Boni's men were killed, twenty five women, four men and nineteen children were captured. Historians believe that the fall of Boucou was caused (a decisive factor) because of the near starvation state of the villagers.
The fall of Boucou was a serious military blow to Boni's people. Within weeks after the fall additional maroons were captured or they turned themselves in. Some fifty to sixty fugitives were shot by military patrols.
[ note: see archives for other Boucou postings]
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Met dank aan Albert Buys