Claudius Antoine (also Claude Anthonius or Claudius Antonie) van Luepken was a major of artillery in the VOC's army in Batavia when he penned these words in the early 1760s. Originally from Hamburg, Luepken entered VOC service in 1751, sailing out on board the Schakenbosch as a sergeant at twenty guilders a month. Once in Asia, his career advanced quickly: he was promoted to ensign at double his previous salary in his first year in Asia, and by 1757 he had made lieutenant-engineer and first surveyor at fifty guilders a month. By 1760 he had been made captain and his salary had risen to eighty guilders. Two years later, he was promoted to major of artillery with a further increase in salary to 150 guilders a month. In the capacity of major of artillery at Batavia, Luepken would in fact become the VOC's unofficial chief engineer, drafting ambitious plans for the refortification of Batavia after the end of the Seven Years’ War (1757-1763). The British capture of Havana and Manilla towards the end of the war showed the VOC leadership that even its central base might not be safe from amphibious attack. Though there was no formal continuation of the central position of “director of fortifications and approaches” that Pieter Gijsbert Noodt had occupied during the 1720s, Luepken would become the de facto chief engineer of the VOC, and was frequently asked to review plans from outlying establishments. In 1762, for example, he would advise the High Government to order the demolition of an outwork at Fort Mosselstein on the island of Kharg. In that same period Luepken was asked by the High Government to comment on proposals for new fortifications and improvements to existing works at Negapatnam and Cochin. Luepken, though he was more successful than the typical engineer, is typical for the period in a number of respects. Like many others who enlisted with the VOC in this period, he hailed from one of the German states. Also like many others, he sailed out at the low rank of soldier or subaltern officer before rising rapidly through the ranks once in Asia. This rapid advancement likely indicates that Luepken had either enjoyed some formal training or that he was experienced as a soldier.