The Conquest of Palembang by General De Kock, 24 June 1821 by J.H.L. Meijer, 1857. Britain tried to retain its influence in Sumatra by supporting resistance against the Dutch by the sultanate of Palembang in southeast Sumatra. In 1821 a military expedition commanded by General H.M. de Kock (1779 - 1845) succeeded in capturing the sultan's kraton (palace). The sultan and his family were taken prisoner, their property was confiscated and divided as warbooty. A few years later, the sultanate was dissolved. Louis Meijer (1809 - 1866) was commissioned by the De Kock family to portray the scene thirty-six years later. He used a sketch by P. le Comte, a naval officer who had taken part in the conquest of Palembang.