The principal nauigations, voyages, traffiques and discoueries of the English nation. [vols. 1-3] made by sea or ouer-land, to the remote and farthest distant quarters of the earth, at any time within the compasse of these 1600. yeres: deuided into three seuerall volumes, according to the positions of the regions, whereunto they were directed. The first volume containeth the worthy discoueries, &c. of the English ... The second volume comprehendeth the principall nauigations ... to the south and south-east parts of the world ... By Richard Hakluyt preacher, and sometime student of Christ-Church in Oxford.

The Oration or speech of the Ambassadours sent from Conradus de Zolner Master generall of the land of Prussia, vnto Richard the second, King of Eng∣land, and France, &c.

The messengers which are sent from the Master generall of the land of Prussia, doe pro∣pound and declare the affaires and negotiations vnderwritten.

WHereas it is apparant, that diuers and sundrie times heeretofore, your fa∣mous progenitours and predecessours the kings of England haue alwaies bene gracious promoters and speciall friends vnto the generall Masters of the land of Prussia, and of the whole order: whereas also they haue vouch∣safed by their Barons, Knights, and other their nobles of the kingdome of England,* 1.1 vnto the Masters and order aforesaide, sundry and manifolde fa∣uourable assistances in the conquest of the Infidels (in whose steppes your excellent Maiestie insisting, haue, in these your dayes shewed your selfe in like sort right graci∣ously affected vnto the Master generall which nowe is, and vnto his famous Predecessour) in due consideration of the premisses, and in regard also of diuers other affaires, which are at this present to be propounded vnto your Highnes, the foresaid Master general which now is hath cau∣sed vs his messengers to be sent with letters of credence vnto your Maiestie: humbly praying, and earnestly beseeching your roial clemency, that in times to come, the said Master general, his succes∣sors, & our whole Order may of your bounty most graciously obtaine the same fauour, beneuolēce, and stedfast amity & friendship, which hath bin continued from the times of your foresaid predeces∣sors: in regard wherof we do offer the said Master of ours, and our whole company, vnto your high∣nes, as your perpetual and deuote friends. Notwithstanding (most souereigne Prince) certaine o∣ther things we haue to propound vnto your Grace, in the name & behalfe of our saide Master and Order, by way of complaint, namely, that at certaine times past, and especially within the space of x. yeres last expired, his subiects and marchants haue sustained sundry damages and ablations of their goods, by diuers subiects and inhabitants of your realme of England, and that very often, both by sea and land: the which, for the behalf, and by the appointment of the Master general afore∣said, & of his predecessor, are put downe in registers, and recorded in the writings of his cities in the land of Prussia. Of which parties damnified, some haue obtained letters frō the Master-general

that now is, & also from his predecessor,* 1.2 vnto your renoumed grandfather K. Edward of famous memory, and sundry times vnto your highnes also, to haue restitution made for their goods taken from them: whereby they haue nothing at al preuailed, but heaping losse vpon losse haue misspent their time & their charges: both because they were not permitted to propound & exhibit their com∣plaints & letters before your maiesty, and also for diuers other impediments. Certain of them also considering how others of their countriemen had laboured in vain, & fearing the like successe, haue troubled the Master general very often with grieuous and sundry complaints, crauing & humbly beseeching at his hands, that he would vouchsafe graciously to prouide for thē as his faithful & loial subiects, as touching the restitution of their losses: especially seeing y^t so much wealth of the Eng∣lish marchants was euery yeere to be found in Prussia, as being artested, they might obtaine some reasonable satisfaction for their losses. Which thing the Master general aforesaid & his predecessor also haue deferred vnto this present (albeit to y^e great losse of their subiects) therby hauing meere & principal respect vnto those special curtesies and fauours which your excellent Maiesty & your worthy progenitors haue right gra••iously vouchsafed vpon our Masters and Order: neither yet for the iniuries aforesaid, was there euer any maner of offence, or molestation offered vnto any of your subiects noble or ignoble whatsoeuer. Moreouer, in the name & behalfe of our foresaid Ma. general we do propound vnto your excellency by way of cōplaint, that in the yere last past, 6. dayes after y^e feast of the Ascension, certain persons of your realm of England, with their ships & captains comming vnto the port of Flanders, named Swen, & finding there, amongst sundry other, 6. ships of Prussia resident, which had there arriued w^t diuers goods & marchandises: and being informed that they were of Prussia, & their friends, they caused them & their ships to remain next vnto their owne ships, protesting vnto them, that they should in no sort be molested or damnified by thēselues or by any other of their company, & that they would faithfully defend them, as if they were their own peo∣ple, frō y^e hands of their aduersaries: & for their farther security & trust, they deliuered some of their own men & their standerds into our mens ships: howbeit a while after being stirred vp, & bent far otherwise, they took out of y^e foresaid ships al kind of armors, wherwith they were to gard & defēd themselues frō pirats, & they deteined the masters of those ships, not suffring them to return vnto their own ships & cōpanies, one also of y^e said ships (hauing taken al the goods out of her) they cōsu∣med with fire. And within 3. daies after they came with one accord vnto y^e abouenamed ships, and tooke away from them all goods and marchandises which they could find, and all the armour and weapons of the said ships, the chestes also of the marchants, of the ship-masters, & of other persons they brake opē, taking out money, iewels, garments, & diuers other commodities: and so they in∣flicted vpō them irrecouerable losses and vnkind grieuances. And departing out of the foresaid ha∣uen, they caried 2. of the Prussian ship-masters with thē, as their captiues vnto an hauen of Eng∣land called Sandwich. Who, being afterward released, were compelled to sweare, that they should not declare y^e iniuries offred vnto them, either before your roiall maiesty, or your hon. Councell, or your chācelor: neither were they permitted to come on shore. And being offred such hard measure, when they made pitiful mones & complaints vnto your foresaide subiects, amongst other matters they spake on this wise vnto them: Do you complain of iniuries & losses offered vnto you? Loe, in your own coūtrey of Prussia there are English marchants, & goods sufficient, go your waies home therfore, & recouer your losses, taking two for one: and in this maner they were left, & so departed. Afterward returning vnto y^e land of Prussia, they & their friends repaired vnto the Mast. general, iointly and w^t one consent making their complaint vnto him of the losses which had bin inflicted vpon thē by your subiects. And prostrating thēselues at his feet, they all and euery of them made their humble sutes, y^t he would haue compassion on them, as vpon his poore subiects, regarding thēselues, their wiues, & children, and pitying their distres, and penury, and that he would graciously procure some redresse for them. And when he offred his letters vnto them, wishing them to prose∣cute their cause before your highnes, they answered that they were no way able to defray the ex∣penses, and that others, who were in like sort damnified, had laboured that way altogether in vain & to no purpose: beseeching him again and again, that he would by another kind of means, namely by arresting of your marchants and their goods,* 1.3 procure thē restitution of their losses. At length the Master general being moued by so many and so great complaints, and by the molestation of his subiects, caused (alb••eit full sore against his will) a certaine portion of English marchants goods to be laid hold on, and to be arrested, in his cities of Elburg & Dantzik, and to be bestowed in sure places, vntil such time as he might conueniently by his messengers propound and exhibit all and singular the premisses vnto your highnes. And forasmuch as the foresaid Master general and our Order do know no iust occasion, wherby they haue deserued your maiesties indignation, but are firmely and most vndoubtedly perswaded, to finde all curtesie, fauour, and friendship at your Highnesse, according to your wonted clemencie: the said Master generall therefore maketh

no doubt, that al the aboue written••damages & molestations, being in such sort, against God and iu∣stice, offred vnto his subiects by yours, be altogether vnknown vnto your magnificence, & commit∣ted against your mind: wherfore presently vpon the foresaid arrest of your marchants goods, he dis∣patched his messengers vnto your roial maiesty. Wherof one deceased by the way, namely in the ter∣ritory of Holland: & the other remained sick in those parts for a long season: & so that ambassage took none effect. Wherfore the said master general was desirous to send vs now y^e second time also vnto your Highnes. We do make our humble sute therfore, in the name & behalf of our Master and Or∣der aforesaid, vnto your kingly supremacy, that, hauing God and iustice before your eies, and also the dutifull and obsequious demeanor of the said master, and order towards you, you would vouchsafe to extend your gracious clemency, for the redresse of the premisses: wherby the foresaid losses may be restored and repaied vnto our subiects. All which notwithstanding, that it would please you of your wisedome & prouidence to procure so absolute a remedy, by meanes whereof, in time to come, such dealings and inconueniences may be auoided on both parts, & finally that your marchants may quietly be possessed of their goods arrested in Prussia, and our marchants may be admitted vnto the possession of their commodities attached in England, to conuert & apply them vnto such vses, as to themselues shal seem most conuenient. Howbeit (most gracious prince and lord) we are to sollicite your Highnesse, not onely about the articles to be propounded concerning the losses aforesaide, but more principally, for certain sinister reports and superstitious slanders, wherwith certaine of your subiects, not seeking for peace, haue falsly informed your maiesty, & your most honorable & discreete Coūcel: affirming that at the time of y^e aforesaid arrest your marchants were barbarously intreated, that they were cast into lothsom prisons, brenched in myre and water vp to y^e neck, restrained from al conference and company of men, and also that their meat was thrown vnto them, as a bone to a dog, with many other enormities, which they haue most slanderously deuised concerning the master ge∣neral aforesaid, and his people, and haue published them in these dominions: vpon the occasion of which falshoods certain marchants of our parts, and of other regions of Alemain (who, of your spe∣cial beneuolence, were indued with certaine priuileges and fauours in your citie of London, and in other places) were, as malefactors, apprehended and caried to prison, vntil such time as the trueth was more apparant. Whereupon, the foresaide master generall propoundeth his humble sute vnto your maiestie, that such enemies of trueth and concord, your Maiesty woulde vouchsafe in such sort to chastise, that they may be an example vnto others presuming to doe the like.

Moreouer, (high and mighty Prince and lord) it was reported vnto our Master general, that his former Legats required of your maiesty safe conduct freely to come into your highnesse Realme. Which when hee heard, he was exceedingly offended therat, sithence vndoubtedly they did not this at his commaundement or direction. We therefore humbly beseech your Grace, as touching this ouersight, to holde the Master generall excused, because there is no need of safeconduct, between so speciall friends.

Furthermore, sundry damages and complaints of the foresaid general Master, and his subiects are briefly exhibited, and put downe in the billes following. Also, all and singular damnified per∣sons, besides other proofes, were compelled to verifie their losses by their formall othes, taken vp∣on the holy Bible.

Lastly, we doe make our humble suite and petition vnto the prouidence and discretion of your Highnes, and of your honorable Councell, that concerning the premisses, and all other matters propounded, or to be propounded vnto your Maiesty, we may obtaine a speedy answere, and an ef∣fectuall end. For it would redound vnto our great charges and losse to make any long delayes.

An agreement made by the Ambassadors of England and Prussia, confirmed by king Richard the second.

RIchard by the grace of God, king of England, and France, and lorde of Ireland, To all, vnto whom these present letters shall come, greeting. We haue seene and considered the composi∣tion, ordination, concord, and treatie, betweene our welbeloued clearke, master Nicholas Stocket, licentiat in both lawes, Walter Sibel, and Thomas Graa, citizens of our cities of London & York, our messengers and ambassassadors on the one part: and the honourable and religious personages, Conradus de Walrode, great commander, Sifridus Walpode de Bassenheim, chiefe hospitalary commander in Elburg, and Vlricus Hachenberg, Treasurer, the messengers and ambassadors of the right reuerend and religious lord, lord Conradus Zolner de Rothenstein, master generall of the knightly order of the Dutch hospital of Saint Mary at Ierusalem on the other part, lately con∣cluded and agreed vpon in these words. In the name of the supreame and indiuisible Trinitie, the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost, Amen. Forasmuch as the author of peace will haue peace∣makers

to be the sons of blessednes, and the execrable enemie of peace to be expelled out of the do∣minions of Christians: therefore for the perpetuall memorie of the thing, be it knowen vnto all men who shall see or heare the tenour of these presents: that there being matter of dissension and discord bred betweene the most renowmed prince and king, Richard by the grace of God king of England and France, and lord of Ireland, and his subiects on the one part: and the right reuerend and religious lord, lord Conradus Zolner de Rothinstein, Master generall of the knightly order of the Dutch hospitall of S. Marie at Ierusalem, and his land of Prussia, and his subiects also, on the other part: the foresaid lord and generall master, vpon mature counsell and deliberation had, sent his honourable ambassadours towards England vnto the forenamed most soueraigne prince and king, to propound and make their complaint vnto him of violence and iniuries offered (as it is sayd) by the English vnto the Prussians: in consideration whereof certaine goods of the mar∣chants of England were arrested in the land of Prussia. Whose complaint the foresayd most gra∣cious prince did courteously and friendly admit, receiue, and accept, and after many speeches vtte∣red in this treaty, louingly dismissed them vnto their owne countrey againe, promising by his letters vnto the foresayd reuerend Master generall, that hee would dispatch his ambassadours vnto the land of Prussia. Whereupon, in the yeere 1388.* 2.1 he sent hono: and reuerend personages Master Nicholas Stocket licentiate of both lawes, Thomas Graa, and Walter Sibill, citizens of London and Yorke, with sufficient authority and full commandement, to handle, discusse, and fi∣nally to determine the foresaid busines, and with letters of credence vnto the right reuerend lord and master generall aforesayd. Which ambassadours, together with Iohn Beuis of London their informer, and the letters aforesaid, and their ambassage, the said right reuerend lord and Master ge∣nerall, at his castle of Marienburgh, the 28. of Iuly, in the yeare aforesaid, reuerently and honou∣rably receiued and enterteined: and in his minde esteemed them worthy to treate and decide the causes aforesayd: and so vnto the sayd ambassadouurs he ioyned in commission on his behalfe, three of his owne counsellers, namely the honourable and religious personages Conradus de Walrode great commander, Seiffridus Walpode de Bassenheim chiefe hospitalary and commander in El∣burg, Wolricus Hachenberger treasurer, being all of the order aforesaid. Which ambassadors so entreating about the premisses, and sundry conferences and consultations hauing passed between them, friendly and with one consent, concluded an agreement and concord in manner following: That is to say:

First, that all arrestments, reprisals, and impignorations of whatsoeuer goods and marchandi∣ses [unspec 1] in England and Prussia, made before the date of these presents, are from henceforth quiet, free, and released, without all fraud and dissimulation: insomuch that the damages, charges and ex∣penses occasioned on both parts by reason of the foresayd goods arrested, are in no case hereafter to be required or chalenged by any man: but the demaunds of any man whatsoeuer propounded in this regard, are and ought to be altogether frustrate and voide, and all actions which may or shall be commenced by occasion of the sayd goods arrested, are to be extinct and of none effect.

Moreouer, it is secondly concluded and agreed, that all and singuler Prussians pretending them∣selues [unspec 2] to be iniuried by the English at the Porte of Swen, or elsewhere, howsoeuer, and whensoe∣uer, before the date of these presents, hauing receiued the letters of the foresaide right reuerende lord and Master generall, and of the cities of their abode, are to repayre towards England, vnto the sayd hon: embassadours, who are to assist them, and to propound and exhibite their complaintes, vnto the forenamed lord and king. The most gracious prince is bounde to doe his indeuor, that the parties damnified may haue restitution of their goods made vnto them, or at least complete iustice and iudgement without delay. Also in like maner all English men affirming themselues to haue bene endamaged by Prussians, wheresoeuer, howsoeuer, and whensoeuer, are to haue recourse vn∣to the often forenamed right reuerend lorde the Master generall, with the letters of their king and of the cities of their aboad, propounding their complaints and causes vnto him. Who like∣wise is bound to doe his indeuour that the sayd losses and damages may be restored, or at the least that speedie iudgement may be, without all delayes, executed. This caueat being premised in each clause, that it may and shall be freely granted and permitted vnto euery man that will ciuilly make his suite and complaint, to doe it either by himselfe, or by his procurator or procurators.

Also thirdly it is agreed, that whosoeuer of Prussia is determined criminally to propound his cri∣minal [unspec 3] complaints in England: namely that his brother or kinseman hath beene slaine, wounded, or maimed, by English men, the same partie is to repayre vnto the citie of London in England, and vnto the sayd ambassadors, bringing with him the letters of the sayd right reuerend lord the ma∣ster generall, and of the cities of their abode: which ambassadors are to haue free and full authority, according to the complaints of the men of Prussia, and the answers of the English men, to make and ordaine a friendly reconciliation or honest recompence betweene such parties: which reconci∣liation

the sayd parties reconciled are bound vndoubtedly & without delay to obserue. But if there be any English man found, who shall rashly contradict or cont••mne the composition of the foresayd ambassadors: then the sayd ambassadours are to bring the forenamed Prussian plain∣tifes before the presence of the kings Maiestie: and also to make supplication on the behalfe of such plaintifes, that complete iustice and iudgment may without delayes bee administred, accor∣ding as those suites are commenced. Moreouer whatsoeuer English man, against whom anie one of Prussia would enter his action, shall absent himselfe at the terme, the sayd ambassadours are to summon and ascite the foresayd English man to appeare at the terme next insuing, that the plaintifes of Prussia may in no wise seeme to depart or to returne home, without iudg••ment or the assistance of lawe. Nowe if the sayd English man being summoned shall be found stub∣borne or disobedient, the forenamed ambassadours are to make their appeale and supplication in manner aforesayd. And in like sorte in all respects shall the English plaintifes be dealt withall in Prussia, namely in the citie of Da••tzik, where the deputies of the sayd citie and of the citie of El∣burg shal take vnto themselues two other head boroughs, one of Dantzik, and the other of Elburg: which foure commissioners are to haue in al respects, the very like authority of deciding, discussing, and determining all criminall complaints propounded criminally, by English men against any Prussian or Prussians, by friendly reconciliation, or honest recompense, if it be possible. But if it cannot friendly be determined, or if anie Prussian shall not yeeld obedience vnto any such order or composition, but shalbe found to contradict and to contemne the same: from thenceforth the said foure deputies and headboroughs are to make their appeale and supplication vnto the Master ge∣nerall of the land aforesayd, that vnto the sayd English plaintifes speedy iudgement and complete iustice may be administred. But if it shall so fall out that any of the principall offenders shall de∣cease, or already are deceased in either of the sayd countries, that then it shall bee free and lawfull for the plaintife to prosecute his right against the goods or heires of the party deceased. Also, for the executing of the premisses the termes vnder written are appointed: namely the first, from the Sunday whereupon Quasi modo geniti is to be sung next ensuing, vntill the seuenth day following: The second vpon the feast o•• the holy Trinitie next to come, and for seuen dayes fol∣lowing: The third vpon the eight day after Saint Iohn Baptist next to come, & for seuen daies following: The fourth, last, and peremptory terme shall be vpon the feast of S. Michael next to come, and vpon seuen dayes next following. And from thenceforth all causes which concerne death, or the mayming of a member, with all actions proceeding from them, are to remaine alto∣gether voide and extinct. And if peraduenture any one of the foresayd ambassadours, shall in the meane season dye, then the other two shall haue authoritie to chuse a third vnto them. And if after the date of these presents any cause great or small doth arise or spring foorth, it must bee decided in England and in Prussia,* 2.2 as it hath beene accustomed in times past and from ancient times.

[unspec 4] * 2.3Also, it is farther concluded and agreed vpon, that all lawfull marchants of England whoso∣euer shall haue free licence and authority, with all kindes of shippes, goods, and marchandi∣ses, to resorte vnto euery port of the land of Prussia, and also to transport all such goods and marchandises vp farther vnto any other place in the sayde land of Prussia, and there with all kindes of persons freely to bargaine and make sale, as heretofore it hath from auncient times bene accustomed. Which priuiledge is granted in all things and by all circumstances vnto the Prussians in England. And if after the date of these presents, betweene the sayd kingdome of England, and land of Prussia any dissension or discorde (which God forefend) should arise: then the foresayd souereigne prince and king of England, and the sayd right reuerend lord the Master generall are mutually by their letters and messengers to giue certificate and intimation one vnto another, concerning the matter and cause of such dissension and discord: which intimation, on the behalfe of the foresaid souereigne prince & king of England, shall be deliuered in the forenamed ca∣stle of Marienburg: but on the behalfe of the sayd right reuerend lord the Master generall, such intimation shall be giuen in the citie of London aforesayd, vnto the Maior of the said city: that then such a denunciation or intimation being made, the marchants of England and the subiects of the land of Prussia may, within the space of one yeere next following, freely and safely returne home with al their goods & marchandises: if at the least, in the mean while, some composition, & friendly league betweene the two for••sayd countreis be not in some sorte concluded. And that all the pre∣misses may more firmely and faithfully be put in due practise a••d execution on both partes, for the strong and inuiolable keeping of peace and tranquillity: and also for the full confirmation and strengthening of all the sayde premisses, the three foresayd honourable and religious per∣sonages being by the said right reuerēd lord the Master general appointed as cōmissioners to deale in the aboue written ordination and composition, haue caused their seales vnto these presents to be

put: and the sayd ordination also, and letter in the same tenour word for word, and in all points euen as it is inserted into these presents, they haue mutually receiued frō the abouenamed three ambassadours of the right soueraigne king of England vnder their seales. Giuen at the castle of Marienburg in the yeare of our lord aforesayd, vpon the twentieth day of the moneth of August. And we therefore doe accept, approue, ratifie, and by the tenour of these presents doe confirme, the composition, ordination, concorde, and treaty aforesayd. In testimony whereof we haue caused these our letters to be made patents.

Witnesse our selues a Westminster the 22. of October, in the thirteenth yeare of our reigne.

By the king and his counsell, Lincolne.

The letters of Conradus de Iungingen, Master generall of Prussia, written vnto Richard the second, king of England, in the yeere 1398, for the renouncing of a league and composition conclu∣ded betweene England and Prussia, in regard of mani∣fold iniuries offered vnto the Prussians.

OUr humble commendations, with our earnest prayers vnto God for your Maiestie, premi∣sed. Most renowmed prince and mighty lord, it is not (we hope) out of your Maiesties re∣membrance, how our famous predecessour going immediately before vs sent certaine letters of his vnto your highnesse, effectually contayning sundry complaints of grieuances, iniuries and losses, wherewith the marchants of his lande and Order being woont in times past to visite your kingdome with their goods and marchandises, haue bene contrary to their liberties and priuiled∣ges annoyed with manifold iniuries and wrongs. Especially sithens they haue beene molested in your realme, being contrary to the friendly composition made and celebrated by the hono: perso∣nages, master Nicholas Stocket, Thomas Graa and Walter Sibil, in the yeare 1388, with the as∣sistance of their coarbiters on our part, and contrary to God and all iustice, oppressed with mani∣fold damages, losses, and grieuances: as in certaine articles exhibited vnto our predecessors afore∣sayd it doeth more manifestly appeare. In consideration whereof being vehemently moued by the damnified parties, he humbly besought your highnesse by his messengers and letters, for com∣plement and execution of iustice. About the which affayres your Maiestie returned your letters of answere vnto our sayd predecessor, signifying that the sayd businesse of articles concerned al the communalty of your realme, and that your highnesse purposed, after consultation had in your par∣liament, to send a more deliberate auswere concerning the premisses, vnto our predecessour afore∣sayd. Howbeit he being by death translated out of this present world, and our selues by the pro∣uidence of God succeeding in his roome, and also long time expecting an effectuall answere from your highnesse, are not yet informed as we looked for: albeit the complaints of iniuries and los∣ses offered vnto our subiects doe continually increase. But from hencefoorth to prouide a remedie and a caueat for the time to come, the sayd complaynt doeth vpon great reasons mooue and inuite me. Sithens therefore in regard of the sayd composition, neither you nor your subiects may be iudged in the empire: and sithens plaine reason requireth that the one be not inriched by the others losse: as vndoubtedly our subiects should sustaine great damage by the composition aforesayd, by vertue whereof your subiects doe enioy all commodities in our lande, and contrariwise our subiects in your realme haue suffered, & as yet sundrie wayes do suffer ma∣nifold discommodities, losses and iniuries. Wherefore (most soueraigne prince and mighty lord) being reasonably mooued vpon the causes aforesayd, we doe, by the aduise of our counsellers, re∣uoke and repeale the sayd composition concluded as is aboue written, together with the effect thereof, purely and simply renouncing the same by these prefents: refusing hereafter to haue ei∣ther our selues or our subiects in any respect to stand bound by the vertue of the sayd composition: but from henceforth, and for the times heretofore also, bee it altogether voide and of none effect.

Prouided notwithstanding, that from the time of the notice of this denunciation giuen vnto the hono: Maior of your citie of London, for the space of a yeare next ensuing, it shall be lawfull for all marchants of your kingdome whatsoeuer, with their goods and marchandises to returne home, according to the forme in the foresayd compo••ition expressed: conditionaly tha•• our subiects may euen so in all respects be permitted to depart, with the safety of their goods and liues out of your dominions: this present renun••iation, reuocation, and retractation of the order and composition aforesayd, notwithstanding. Howbeit in any other affayres whatsoeuer, deuoutly to submit our selues vnto your highnesse pleasure and command, both our selues, and our whole order are right

willing and desirous: and also to benefite and promote your subiects we wil indeuour to the vt∣most of our ability.

Giuen in our castle of Marienburg in the yeare of our Lord 1398, and vpon the 22. day of February

.

Frater Conradus de Iungingen, master generall of the Order of the Dutch knights of S. Maries hospital at Ierusalem.

A briefe relation of VVilliam Esturmy, and Iohn Kington concer∣ning their ambassages into Prussia, and the Hans-townes.

* 3.1IN primis, that in the moueth of Iuly, and in the yeare of our Lord 1403, and the fift yeare of the reigne of our souereigne Lord the king that nowe is, there came into England the ambassa∣dours of the mighty lord Fr: Conradus de lungingen, being then Master general of Prussia, with his letters directed vnto our foresayd souereigne lord the king, requiring amends and recompense for certaine iniuries vniustly offered by English men vnto the subiects of the sayd Master gene∣rall, written in 20. articles, which amounted vnto the summe of 19120. nobles and a halfe &c.

Item, that the third day of the moneth of October, in the yeare of our Lord aboue written, and in the fift yere of the reigne of our soueraigne lord the king, between the reuerend father in God, Henrie then bishop of Lincolne lord chancelor, and William lord de Roos high treasurer of Eng∣land, on the one party and the sayd ambassadours on the other party, it was (according to their petition) amongst other things ordayned: namely that the liege people of our soueraigne lord the king should freely he permitted, vntill the feast of Easter then next after ensuing to remaine in the land of Prussia, and from thence with their goods & marchandises to returne vnto their own home: and also, that the subiects of the sayd Master generall in the kingdome of England should haue li∣cence and liberty to doe the like. Prouided alwayes, that after the time aboue limitted, neither the English marchants in the land of Prussia, nor the Prussian marchāts in the realme of England should vse any traffique of marchandise at all, vnlesse in the meane space it were otherwise agreed and concluded by the sayd king and the sayd Master general.

Item, immediately after our sayd soueraigne lord the king sent his letters by Iohn Browne marchant of Lin vnto the foresayd Master generall, for to haue mutuall conuersation and inter∣course of dealing to continue some certain space, betweene the marchants of England and of Prus∣sia: promising in the same letters, that he would in the meane season send vnto the foresayd Master his ambassadors to intreat about the pretended iniuries aforesaid: which letters the foresayd Ma∣ster, for diuers causes, refused to yeelde vnto, as in his letters sent vnto our lord the king, bearing date the 16. day of the moneth of Iuly, in the yeare of our lord 1404. more plainely appeareth.

Item, that after the receit of the letters of the Master aforesaid, which are next aboue mentio∣ned, our sayd king, according to his promise, sent William Esturmy knight, M. Iohn Kington c••erke, and William Brampton citizen of London, from his court of parliament holden at Co∣uentrie, very slightly informed, as his ambassadours into Prussia.

Item, before the arriuall of the sayd ambassadours in Prussia, all intercourse of traffique be∣tweene the English and the Prussians, in the realme of England, and in the land of Prussia was altogether restrained and prohibited: and in the same land it was ordayned and put in practise, that in whatsoeuer porte of the land of Prussia any English marchant had arriued with his goods, he was not permitted to conueigh the sayd goods, out of that porte, vnto any other place of the land of Prussia, either by water, or by lande, vnder the payne of the forfeiting of the same: but was en∣ioyned to sell them in the very same porte, vnto the Prussians onely and to none other, to the great preiudice of our English marchants.

Item, that after the arriuall of the sayd English ambassadours in the land of Prussia, it was or∣dayned, that from the eight day of the moneth of October, in the yeare of our lord 1405,* 3.2 all Eng∣lish marchants whatsoeuer should haue free liberty to arriue with all kindes of their marchandise in whatsoeuer port of the land of Prussia, and to make sale of them in the said land, as hath hereto∣fore from auncient times bene accustomed. Also sundry other commodious priuiledges vnto the realme of England were then ordayned and established: as in the indentures made for this pur∣pose it doth more manifestly appeare.

Item, the said English ambassadours being arriued in the land of Prussia, demanded of the ••aid Master generall, a reformation and amends, for the damages and iniuries offered by the Prussians vnto the liege people of our souereigne lord and king, written in fifteene articles, which losses a∣mounted vnto the summe of 4535. nobles.

Item, the said Master generall, besides the articles exhibited vnto our soueraigne lord the king (as it is aboue mentioned) deliuered vnto the sayd ambassadours diuers other articles of certaine

iniuries offered (as he ••ayth) vniustly by English men, vnto his subiects, which amounted vnto the summe of 5100. nobles.

Item, it was afterward concluded, that vpon the first of May next then insuing, namely in the yeere of our Lord 1406,* 3.3 or within the space of one yeare immediatly following there should bee made a conuen••ent, iust, and reasonable satisfaction, for all molestatious vniustly of••••red on both partes, as well on the behalfe of our soueraigne lord the king, as of the foresayd Master general. Which satisfaction not being performed, the Prussians with their goods & marchandises, within three moneths after the end of the sayd yere next following, were without molestation or impedi∣ment, enioined to depart out of the realme of England with their ships and goods, and the Eng∣lish men likewise, out of the territories and dominions of the said Master general, & both of them, without any further admonition, to abstaine & separate themselues, from both the countreis afore∣sayd. For the performance of which premisses, the ambassadors on both parts being sufficiently instructed, were appointed to meete the first day of May, at the towne of Dordract in Holland.

Item, that the sayd William Esturmy and Iohn Kington in their returne homewards from Prussia towards England passed through the chiefe cities of the Hans, and treated in such sorte with the Burgomasters of them, that there were sent messengers and agents, in the behalfe of the common society of the Hans marchants, vnto the towne of Dordract, to conferre with the am∣bassadors of England, about the redressing of iniuries attempted on both parts: where diuers a∣greements were set downe betweene the sayd ambassadors, and messengers, as in the indentures made for the same purpose it doth more manifestly appeare.

Item, that the meeting appointed at the towne of Dordract, vpon the first of May, was by the letters of the foresayd ambassadors, proroged vnto the first of August then next ensuing, and af∣terward by vertue of the kings letters vnto the first day of March next following: and there was another day of prorogation also.

Item, that after the prorogations aforesayd, the ambassadors of England, and the messengers & commissioners of Prussia met together at the towne of Hage in Holland, the 28. day of August, in the yere of our lord 1407. And there was a treaty between thē concerning the summe 25934. nobles and an halfe, demanded on the behalfe of the sayd Master generall for amends and recom∣pense in consideration of wrongs offered vnto himselfe and vnto his subiects of Prussia, as is afore∣sayd. Also the sayd Master and his Prussians, besides the summe not yet declared in the articles, which is very small, are to rest contented and satisfied with the summe of 8957. nobles, in lieu of al the damages aforesaid: no times of pa••ment being then assigned or limited, but afterward to be reasonably limited and assigned, by our sayd soueraigne lord the king. Insomuch, that our said so∣ueraigne lord the king is to write his ful intention & determination concerning this matter, in his letters to be deliuered the 16. day of March, vnto the aldermen of the marchants of the Hans re∣siding at Bruges. Otherwise, that from thenceforth all league of friendship shall bee dissolued be∣tweene the realme of England and the land of Prussia.

Also it is farther to be noted, that in the appointment of the summe next before written to be dis∣bursed out of England, this condition was added in writing, namely, that if by lawful testimonies it may sufficiently and effectually be prooued, concerning the chiefe articles aboue written, or any part of them, that satisfaction was made vnto any of those parties, to whom it was due: or that the goods, of and for the which complaint was made on the the behalfe of Prussia, in the sayd arti∣cles, did or doe pertayne vnto others, or that any other iust, true, or reasonable cause may law∣fully be proued & alledged, why the foresaid sums or any of them ought not to be payed: that thē in the summes contained in the articles abouementioned, so much only must be cut off, or stopped, as shalbe found, either to haue bene payd already, or to appertaine vnto others, or by any true, iust, and reasonable cause alleaged, not to be due. Neither is it to be doubted, but for the greater part of the summe due vnto the Prussians, that not our lord the king, but others (which will in time be nominated) are, by all equity and iustice, to be compelled to make satisfaction.

Also, at the day and place aboue mentioned it was appointed and agreed vpon, that our lord the king and his liege subiects, for the said 4535. nobles demanded of the Engli••h in consideration of recompense to be made for iniuries offered vnto the Prussians, are to discharge & pay the summe of 764. nobles, which are not as yet disbursed: but they haue reserued a petition to them, vnto whom the sayd summe is due, or if they please, there shalbe made satisfaction: which will be very hard and extreme dealing.

Item, that in the last assembly of the sayd ambassadors of England and messengers of Prussia, holden at Hage, made as is aforesayd, for the behalfe of England, there were exhibited anew cer∣taine articles of iniuries against the Prussians. The value of which losses amounted vnto the summe of 1825. nobles and three shillings.

Item, on the contrary part for the behalfe of the Prussians the summe of 1355. nobles, eight shillings and sixe pence.

Item, forasmuch as diuers articles propounded, as well on the behalfe of England, as of Prus∣sia, and of the cities of the Hans, both heretofore and also at the last conuention holden at Hage, were so obscure, that in regard of their obscurity, there could no resolute answere bee made vnto them: and other of the sayd articles exhibited, for want of sufficient proofes, could not clearely be determined vpon: it was appointed and concluded, that all obscure articles giuen vp by any of the foresayd parties whatsoeuer, ought before the end of Easter then next ensuing, and within one whole yeare after, to be declared before the Chancelour of England, for the time being: and o∣ther articles euidently exhibited, but not sufficiently proued, to be proued, vnder paine of perpetu∣all exclusion. Which being done accordingly, complete iustice shall be administred on both parts.

Item, as concerning the eleuenth article, for the behalfe of the Prussians, first exhibited, which conteined losses amounting vnto the summe of 2445. nobles: as touching the first article on the behalfe of England exhibited in the land of Prussia, conteining losses which amoūted to the summe of 900. nobles: after many things alleadged on both parts, relation thereof shall be made in the audience of the king and of the Master generall: so that they shall set downe, ordaine, and deter∣mine such an ende and conclusion of those matters, as shall seeme most expedient vnto them.

Now concerning the Liuonians who are subiect vnto the great Master of Prussia.

IN primis, that the Master of Prussia demaunded of the sayd English ambassadours, at their be∣ing in Prussia, on the behalfe of them of Liuonia, who are the sayd Master his liege people, to haue restitution of their losses, vniustly (as he sayth) offered vnto them by the English, namely, for the robbing and rifling of three ships.* 3.4 The value of which ships and of the goods contained in them, according to the computation of the Liuonian marchants, doeth amount vnto the summe of 8037. pound, 12. shillings 7. pence.

Howbeit afterward the trueth being inquired by the sayd ambassadors of England, the losse of the Liuonians exceedeth not the summe of 7498. pound, 13. shillings, 10. pence halfepeny far∣thing.

Item, forasmuch as in the sayd ships, on the behalfe of the sayd Master, and of certaine cities of the Hans, there are alleadged aboue 250. men very barbarously to be drowned, of whome some were noble, and others honourable personages, and the rest common marchants & mariners, there was demaunded, in the first dyet or conuention holden at Dordract, a recompense at the handes of the sayd English ambassadors: albeit this complaint was exhibited in the very latter end of al the negotiations, informe of a scedule, the tenor whereof is in writing at this present, & beginneth in maner following: Cum vita hominum &c. Howbeit in the last conuention holden at Hage, as is aforesaid, it was concluded betweene the ambassadours of England, and the messengers and commissioners of the land of Prussia, and of the cities of the Hans; that our sayd soueraigne lord the king, should, of his great pietie, vouchsafe effectually to deuise some conuenient and wholesome remedie for the soules of such persons as were drowned.

Item, that our sayd soueraigne lord the king will signifie in writing his full purpose & intenti∣on as touching this matter, vnto the aldermen of the Hans marchants residing at Bruges, vpon the sixteenth day of March next following. Otherwise, that from hencefoorth all amity and friend∣ship, betweene the realme of England and the land of Prussia shall be dissolued.

Neither is it to be doubted, but that a great part of the sayd goods, for the which they of Liuo∣nia doe demaund restitution, namely waxe and furres, redounded vnto the vse and commoditie of our soueraigne lord the king. And also our said soueraigne lord the king gaue commandement by his letters, that some of the sayd goods should be deliuered vnto others. And a great part of them is as yet reserued in the towne of Newcastle. One Benteld also hath the best of the sayd three ships in possession. Also it is reported and thought to be true, that certaine Furriers of London, which will be detected in the end, haue had a great part of the sayd goods, namely of the Furres.

Now as concerning the cities of the Hans.

* 3.5IN primis the Hamburgers exhibited nine articles, wherein they demaunded restitution for certaine damages offered, as they sayd, by the English men, the value of which losses amoun∣ted vnto the summe of 9117. nobles, 20. pence. For the which, after due examination, there was promised restitution to the summe of 416. nobles, 5. shillings. Besides the two articles propoun∣ded

against thē of Scardeburg, the summe wherof was 231. pounds, 15. s. 8. d. cōcerning the which there was sentence giuen in England by the cōmissioners of our lord the king, the execution wher∣of was promised vnto the said Hamburgers by the ambassadors of England: leaue and licence being reserued vnto the sayd Hamburgers, of declaring or explaning certaine obscure articles by them exhibited, which declaration was to be made at the feast of Easter then next to come, or with∣in one yeare next ensuing the said feast, vnto the chancelor of England for the time being, and of proouing the sayd articles and others also, which haue not as yet sufficiently bene proued. Which being done they are to haue full complement and execution of iustice.

Also by the Hamburgers there are demaunded 445. nobles from certaine of the inhabitants of Linne in England. Which summe, if it shalbe prooued to be due vnto any English men, the Ham∣burgers are to rest contented with those goods, which they haue already in their possessions.

Item, they of Breme propounded ••••xe articles,* 3.6 wherein the summe conteined amounteth vnto 4414. nobles. And there was no satisfaction promised vnto them. But the same libertie and li∣cence was reserued vnto them, in like maner as before vnto the Hamburgers.

Item, they of Stralessund propounded 23. articles,* 3.7 wherof the summe amounted vnto 7415. nobles, 20. d. for the which there was promised satisfaction of 253. nobles. 3. q. Also here is a ca∣ueat to be obserued: that they of Stralessund had of English mens goods a great summe particu∣larly to be declared, which will peraduenture suffice for a recompense. And some of their articles are concerning iniuries offered before 20,22,23,24. yeres past. Also their articles are so obscure that they will neuer, or very hardly be able to declare or proue them. Howbeit there is reserued the very same liberty vnto them, that was before vnto the Hamburgers.

Item, they of Lubec propounded 23. articles,* 3.8 the summe whereof extended vnto 8690. nobles and an halfe: whereupon it was agreed, that they should haue paied vnto them 550. nobles. There was reserued the same libertie vnto them, which was vnto the men of Stralessund.

Item, they of Gripeswold exhibited 5. articles,* 3.9 the summe whereof amounted vnto 2092. no∣bles, and an halfe. For the which there was promised satisfaction of 153. nobles and an half. And the said men of Gripeswold haue of the goods of English men in possession, to the value of 22015. nobles, 18. s, as it is reported by them of Linne. And the same libertie is reserued vnto them that was vnto the Hamburgers.

Item, they of Campen propounded ten articles,* 3.10 the summe whereof extended vnto 1405. no∣bles. There is no satisfaction promised vnto them: but the same liberty is reserued vnto them, which was vnto the other abouementioned.

Item, the ambassadors of England demanded of the citizens of Rostok & Wismer, for damages & iniuries by them committed against the subiects of the foresayd souereigne king 32407. nobles, 2. s. 10. d. And albeit euery of the foresayd cities sent one of their burgomasters vnto the towne of Hage in Holland, to treat with the English ambassadours, it was in the end found out, that they had not any authority of negotiating or concluding ought at al. And therfore they made their faith∣full promises, that euery of the said cities should send vnto our soueraigne Lord the king one or two procurator or procurators sufficiently instructed to treat & conclude with our said souereigne lord the king about the damages and iniuries aforesaid at the feast of the nauitie of Saint Iohn the Baptist.

Compositions and ordinances concluded between the messen∣gers of Frater Conradus de Iungingen master generall of Prussia: and the chancelor and treasurer of the realme of England 1403.

IN the yere of our Lord 1403, vpon the feast of S. Michael the Archangel, the right hono: Hen∣rie bishop of Lincoln, chancelor of England, and the lord de Roos high treasurer of England, & the ambassadors of Prussia, Iohn Godek of Dantzik, & Henry Monek of Elbing, masters of the same cities haue at Westminster treated in maner of composition about the articles vnderwrit∣ten: between the most souereigne lord the king of England, and the right reuerend & honorable Conradus de Iungingen Master general of Prussia, as concerning the iniuries offered vnto the people of Prussia and Liuonia vpon the sea by the English.

First, that all ships with their appurtenances, & the commodities of the mariners, according vn∣to the condition of the things, and all other goods taken away by the English, which are actually vndiuided & whole, are incontinently & with al speed to bee restored. And if there bee any defect in ought, the value of the said defect is to be accounted, & with other losses of goods to be restored, at the terme of the restitution to be made and deliuered.

Item, that all ships, damages, and goods (as they are conteined in our bill of accusation) which are not now immediately restored, are to be restored and payd in the land of Prussia, between this

and the terme appointed, with full execution and complement of iustice.

Item, concerning the persons throwen ouer boord or slaine in the sea: it shall remayne to bee determined at the will and pleasure of the most mighty prince the king of England, and of the right reuerend the Master of Prussia.

Item, betwene this and the terme appointed for the restoring of the goods taken away, & vntill there be due payment & restitution of the said goods performed, the marchants of England and of Prussia are in no wise to exercise any traffique of marchandise at all in the foresaid lands.

* 3.11Memorandum, that the third day of the moneth of October, in the yere of our Lord 1403. and in the fift yere of the reigne of the most mighty prince and lord, king Henrie the fourth, by the grace of God king of England and France &c. betweene the reuerend father Henrie bishop of Lincol••, chancelor, and the right honorable William lord de Roos, high treasurer of England, both of them counsellers vnto the sayd soueraigne king on the one party, and the right worshipfull Iohn Go∣deke, and Henrie Moneke, sent as messengers by the right reuerend and religious personage, Frater Conradus de Iungingen Master generall of the Dutch knights of the Order of S. Mary on the other party: it was, at the request and instancie of the sayd messengers, appoynted, and mu∣tually agreed vpon, that all the liege people and subiects of the sayd soueraigne lord and king shall haue free licence and liberty vntill the feast of Easter next ensuing, safely to trauel vnto the land of Prussia aforesayd, there to remaine, and thence, with their ships, marchandises, & other their goods whatsoeuer, to returne vnto their owne home: which on the other side, all the subiects of the sayd Master general may, within the terme prefixed, likewise doe, in the foresaid realme of England. Prouided alwaies, that after the time aboue limited, neither the sayd marchants of the realme of England may in the land of Prussia, nor the marchants of that land, in the realme of England, exer∣cise any traffique at al: vnles it be otherwise ordained by some composition, betweene the foresaid king of England, & the said Master general in the meane time concluded. In witnesse wherof, one part of this present Indenture is to remaine in the custodie of the foresaid messengers. Giuen in the Chapter-house of the Church of S. Paul at London, the day and yere aboue written.

The letters of the chancelor and treasurer of England, vnto Frater Conradus de Iungingen, master generall of Prussia 1403.

RIght reuerend and mighty lord, your honorable messengers Iohn Godeke, and Henry Mo∣neke, the bearers hereof comming of late before the presence of our most souereigne lord the king of England and of France, and being welcomed by our said lord with a chearefull and fauou∣rable countenance, they presented certaine letters on your behalfe vnto the kings Maiestie, with that reuerence which be seemed them: expounding vnto his highnes, sundry piracies & molestati∣ons offered of late vpon the sea, by his liege people & subiects vnto yours, contrary to the leagues of peace and amitie, which hitherto (by Gods grace) haue bene maintained and continued on both parts. In consideration of which piracies and molestations, your messengers demanded full resti∣tution and recompe••se to be made, either vnto the damnified parties, or vnto their procurators. We therefore at that time, especially being in the presence of our soueraigne (who with his puis∣sant army tooke his progresse towards the remote part of Wales being subiect vnto his domini∣on, to see iustice executed vpon his people of those parts, who very rashly haue presumed to rebell against him their souereigne, contrary to their allegeance) right well perceiued that it was his hignesse intention, that euery one should haue due iustice faithfully administred vnto him, especial∣ly your subiects, and that with all fauour, whom he hath alwayes in times past right graciously intreated, as if they had bene his owne liege subiects and natiue countrey men, whome also hee purposeth hereafter friendly to protect: insomuch that betweene him and his subiects on the one party, and betweene you and yours on the other party, great abundance and perfection of mu∣tuall amity may increase. And therefore we offered vnto your foresayd messengers, after they had particularly declared vnto vs such piracies and wrongs, to sende the kings letters vnto them of whom complaint was made, firmely inioyning them, vnder grieuous penalties, that with∣out delay they restore or cause to bee restored vnto the parties damnified, or vnto their procura∣tours, all ships, marchandises, wares, and goods, by them taken or violently stolne from your subiects. And that your said messengers may partly attaine their desire, we haue commaunded certaine ‡ 4.1 ships, marchandises, wares, and goods, found in certaine hauens, to be deliuered vnto them. Howbeit, as touching other goods, which are perhaps perished or wanting by infortu∣nate dissipation or destruction, and for the which the said messengers of yours demand satisfaction to be made vnto them within a certain time by vs limited: may it please your honor to vnderstand,

that in the absence of our sayd souereigne lord the king, being as yet farre distant from vs, wee can in no wise limit or set downe any such terme of time. Notwithstanding, at the prosperous returne of our soueraigne, we are determined to commune with him about this matter. Of whose answere so soone as we be certified, we purpose to signifie his intention vnto you by our letters. Sithens also (right reuerend and mighty lord) your sayd messengers are contented, for the present, to ac∣cept of our offer aforesayde, as indeede by all reason they ought thereat to rest content, espe∣cially whereas by this meanes they shall the more speedily attaine vnto the effect of their purpo∣ses (to the shorte and wished execution and performance of which offer, we will, by Gods helpe, en∣deuour, to the vtmost of our ability) may it be your will and pleasure, that as in the kingdome of England, your marchants and subiects are courteously intreated: euen so the marchants and liege people of our soueraigne lord the king and of his kingdomes peaceably frequenting your parts, ei∣ther in regard of traffique or of any other iust occasion, may there in like manner friendly bee vsed, and with your marchants and subiects suffered to communicate, and to haue intercourse of traf∣fique, inioying the commodities of the ancient league. By this also the feruent zeale and affection which you beare vnto the royall crowne of England shall vndoubtedly appeare: albeit betweene the famous houses of England and of Prussia, the bandes of vnfained loue and friendship haue bin successiuely confirmed and kept inuiolable in times past.* 4.2 And thus (right reuerend and mighty lord) wishing vnto you increase of honour and prosperity, wee take our leaues.

Written at Lon∣don the fift of October, in the yeare of our lord 1403

.* 4.3

By the chancelor, the treasurer, and other lords of the hono: counsell of the king of England and France, being perso∣nally present at London.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The ancient assistance of the kings of England a∣gainst infidels.
• * 1.2

  Edward the 3.
• * 1.3

  The arresting of the English goods and marchants.
• * 2.1

  1388.
• * 2.2

  An ancient cu∣stome.
• * 2.3

  The priuiled∣ges of the En∣glish marchāts in Prussia.
• * 3.1

  1403.
• * 3.2

  1405.
• * 3.3

  1406.
• * 3.4

  These ships were taken by the English y^e 20. of Iuly 1404.
• * 3.5

  Hamburgh.
• * 3.6

  Brem••.
• * 3.7

  Stralessund.
• * 3.8

  Lubec.
• * 3.9

  Gripeswold.
• * 3.10

  Campen.
• * 3.11

  1403.
• ‡ 4.1

  Namely the ship of Edgard Scof at C••leis. The ship of Tidman Dorde∣want and Tid∣man Warowen, at Orwel and Zepiswich.
• * 4.2

  Note well.
• * 4.3

  1403.