Moritz Hartmann

Moritz Hartmann (alternatively spelled Mourids; 1657–1695) was a Danish naval officer, serving in the Danish, Dutch, French, and Venetian navies.

Moritz Hartmann was born in Heiligenhafen, Holstein, and became a Leutnant in the Danish Navy in 1682. Hartmann entered French service in 1684 and served in the Venetian navy the following year, where he was made a knight of the Order of Saint Mark. In the subsequent years, Hartmann continued in Venetian service, distinguishing himself in the battles of Kalamata, Patras, and Athens.

He returned to Denmark in 1688 and quickly got the role of Governor of Danish India, departing for the Danish colony of Tranquebar with a minor squadron. Being handed a mandate of administrative and diplomatic character, Hartmann concluded several treaties with Indian rulers and enacted many internal reforms. After half a year, Hartmann left again for Copenhagen, acting harshly on the crew of the return voyage. Consequently, a royal commission was initiated to investigate Hartmann's actions, which was later ruled in his favor.

In 1695, Hartmann returned to Venetian service, dying of fever in the Aegean Sea that same year.

Early life and service Moritz Hartmann was born in 1656 or 1657 during the Dano-Swedish War of 1657–1658 in the small town of Heiligenhafen in the Duchy of Holstein. He was the youngest son of deacon and rector Rembertus Hartmann and Christine Agnes . The Hartmann family is native to Braunschweig, and Rembertus Hartmann is first mentioned as residing in Heiligenhafen in 1655.

Hartmann received his education from his dad until the age of 14 and subsequently entered the Danish Navy in 1682, becoming Leutnant in August the same year at the age of 25 by order of King Christian V. His decision to seek a career in Denmark may have been influenced by the fact that his older brother already lived there and could have paved the way for him. Hartmann was furthermore enrolled in the Danish School of Navigation, giving him permission to reside and serve abroad, from a fever. It is unknown whether his body was lowered into the sea or if he was buried at a local Greek church like many other naval officers.

Meanwhile, in July 1684, while Hartmann was still serving abroad, the royal commission convicted Hartmann of all charges except one and demanded a payment of 1,000 Danish rigsdaler in reparation. However, the case was referred to the Danish Supreme Court,

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