Jan van Riebeeck

Johan Anthoniszoon "Jan" van Riebeeck (21 April 1619 – 18 January 1677) was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator who arrived in Cape Town in what then became the Dutch Cape Colony of the Dutch East India Company.

Quotes

[T]hat our prosperity may never forget God's mercies shown to us, but always keep them in grateful memory.
- Precis of the Archives of the Cape of Good Hope (c. December 1651 - December 1653), as quoted in Riebeeck's Journal (1897), by H. C. V. Leibrandt, Cape Town, p. 184
- After two tough years since their arrival Jan van Riebeeck set apart the 6th of April and resolved to make it a day of thanksgiving and prayer.

Hollanders are not a nation to rob another of its property, but desire to live in friendship with all people, and trade with them.
- Precis of the Archives of the Cape of Good Hope (c. January 1656 - December 1658), as quoted in Riebeeck's Journal (1897), by H. C. V. Leibrandt, Cape Town, p. 67
- In 1657 Jan van Riebeeck spoke to the Native Koihsan about the nature of the Hollanders as a peaceful nation and said.

Be careful in always having a good beacon fire, as the signals entirely depend upon it, that the ships may enter the bay in safety".
- Precis of the Archives of the Cape of Good Hope (c. January 1656 - December 1658), as quoted in Riebeeck's Journal (1897), by H. C. V. Leibrandt, Cape Town, p. 104
- Jan van Riebeeck ordered the establishment of a kraal and signaling post on Robben Island. In 1658 Van Riebeeck wrote to the men stationed there.

You shall also keep your fires burning if the ships are blown back by contrary winds, but if the ships are foreign or not Dutch (onduitsch) you shall at once extinguish your fire.
- Precis of the Archives of the Cape of Good Hope (c. January 1656 - December 1658), as quoted in Riebeeck's Journal (1897), by H. C. V. Leibrandt, Cape Town, p. 117
- On the 3rd of May 1658 Jan van Riebeeck gave further instructions to the men on Robben Island;

And as we are making our position stronger every day, it is to be hoped that they (Khoisan) will feel less inclined to disturb us, provided, however, that a strict watch be kept on everything and we remain on our guard in every direction, continuing with diligence at the fences and other defensive forts...
- Precis of the Archives of the Cape of Good Hope (c. January 1659 - May 1662), as quoted in Riebeeck's Journal (1897), by H. C. V. Leibrandt, Cape Town, p. 86
- On the 3rd of May 1658 Jan van Riebeeck gave further instructions to the men on Robben Island.