In 1863, slavery was abolished in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles. Slave owners received compensation from the government. The former slave owner Charlouis was entitled to receive 300 guilders in exchange for this letter. The letter served as a receipt, signed and stamped by the governor of Suriname. At left is the coat of arms of Suriname: a merchant ship in an oval with, on each side, an Indian holding a bow and arrow.