Atlas Chinensis being a second part of A relation of remarkable passages in two embassies from the East-India Company of the United Provinces to the vice-roy Singlamong and General Taising Lipovi and to Konchi, Emperor of China and East-Tartary : with a relation of the Netherlanders assisting the Tarter against Coxinga and the Chinese fleet, who till then were masters of the sea : and a more exact geographical description than formerly both of the whole empire of China in general and in particular of every of the fifteen provinces / collected out of their several writings and journals by Arnoldus Montanus ; English'd and adorn'd with above a hundred several sculptures by John Ogilby.

A CONTINUATION OF THE Second Embassy;

Being a Journal of the Adventures that happened to the two Fleets sent from Batavia to the Isles of Formosa, Tayowan, and the Coast of China, under the Command of Balthazar Bort, as Admiral, and General of the Land-Forces, since the Year 1663. Iune the 27. until Anno 1664. March the 21.

THe great Damage which the Netherlanders suffer'd, Anno 1661. by the loss of Tayowan and Formosa, taken from them by the Pyrate Coxinga, not only staining their Honor, but also damnifying their Estates, and preju∣dicial to their Trade, was not satisfi'd by the Fleet and Land-Soldiers, sent out the last Year, as was expect∣ed, because the Tartars were not only wanting to joyn their Forces for the Defeating of the common Enemy, but also detain'd them most of the time idly at Hoksieu, feeding the Admiral with fair Promises, without any performance, although a fit opportunity seem'd to be presented to the Hollanders, because the Enemy by the death of their General Coxinga were all in confusion; yet notwithstand∣ing, as our former Relation mentions, the Hollanders Fleet at several times took thirty three Jonks, besides many lesser Vessels which they burnt, and also the strong Fort of Kitat, leaving whole Towns and Villages in Flames, whose Inhabitants fled to the Mountains, whilst the Tartars took not the least Cog∣nizance thereof, although they knew that Coxinga's Party made Overtures of Peace, and had to that purpose sent Ambassadors to their Emperor at Peking, as it was reported at the departure of the Fleet; though his Majesty having put them off with dilatory answers, signifying altogether, that they should shew the first Point of their Obedience, by wearing short Hair, as himself and all his Subjects did, which (as the Hollanders suppos'd) might procrastinate the business; and besides all this, the Tartars did not perform what they promis'd concerning the inlargement of the Dutch Prisoners, yet confin'd in the Isle Ey∣muy, although they shew'd all outward Civilities in their Entertainments, still Complementing their Ambassadors, yet would not grant them a free Trade before they had full Orders from the Emperor, with which they held so long

in suspence so long, that they would not any longer attend with their whole Fleet such continual delays; but having done little or nothing, set Sail from thence the first of March, and came safe on the twenty ninth of the same Month before Batavia, leaving the Ankeveen Frigat behind them, which suffer'd Ship-wrack before the Channel of Hoksieu, as before mention'd; and the Mer∣chant Constantine Nobel, with eight Netherlanders which were kept by the Tartars; and as their Governors pretended, in kindness to them, that they should not return until they carry'd from the Emperor what should give satisfaction to their General Maetzuiker; all which cast up together, amounted to more Jea∣lousie, than Hopes, so that Ballancing their Actions, they could not positively say, that either they were Friends or Enemies whom they Treated with: Yet howsoever, let them be what they will, whither against the General Maetzuiker and his Council in Batavia, pitch'd resolutely upon, that with all their Forces they would prosecute those that had done them their Injury, viz. the Coxingans, and would never hearken to any accommodation, until by reprisal or other∣wise, they had fully satisfi'd themselves of the Damages sustain'd in Tayowan and Formosa. Which Decree of theirs was luckily confirm'd by Letters from their Masters at Amsterdam, bearing Date October the 22. Anno 1662. Whereby they were inform'd, that a Peace was concluded between Holland and the Por∣tuguese, which giving them more liberty, they prepar'd to equip their Navy with greater speed and diligence, and send forth once more, under the Com∣mand of Balthazar Bort, to the Coast of China; and if by Treaty with the Tar∣tars they could not obtain their desires, they would try what they could do by force of Arms, and look upon both as one Enemy.

In this their great Expedition, sixteen Ships were appointed, and fitted out with Men and Arms according to the following Schedule.

Names of the Ships.	Mariners	Land-Men	Volunteers had no Pay	Reformadoes	Iron Guns	Brass Guns
Nut-Tree	151	139	17	1	32	10
Tertolen	106	96	2	3	27	4
Ulaerdingen	95	94	4		30
Mars	112	106	1		28	3
Naerden	92	102	3		28	8
Flusshing	105	96	4		30	3
The Arms of Zealand	100	117	1		28
Kogge	90	105	3		30	2
Sea-Hound	62	69	1	1	19	2
Zierikree	107	93	1	1	28	4
Overveen	75	74	1		26
Ionker	77	41	2		26
Meliskerke	64	55	1		18	3
Buiksloot	64	51			20
New Dam	48	24			16
Finch	34	22			10	1
Together	1382	1234	41	6	399	44

Which make in all 16 Ships, bearing 2653 Men, and 396 Iron, and 44 Brass Guns.

All which Vessels were Victual'd for twelve Moneths, and furnish'd with Necessaries of War accordingly.

At the same time, four Merchant-Men, viz. the Venenburg, Pepper-Bag, Grave-Land, and Amstelland, all Laden with rich Cargo's, and Bound for Iapan, were order'd to go and continue with the Fleet, till they came in sight of Formosa.

The Soldiers in Batavia were divided into twelve Companies, which had three Captains, twelve Lieutenants, twelve Ensigns, thirty eight Serjeants and Corporals, every Company according to the Councils Order, consisted at first of an hundred Men, that afterwards if need requir'd, they might be divided in∣to fifty or seventy in a Company, and then choose new Officers for them.

The several Commissions to the Officers of the Fleet, were first given them ashore in the presence of all the Militia in Arms, by the Lord General, and afterwards by the Governor of the Company, Charles Hertsing, accompany'd aboard by the Lords Adrian Vander Moyden, and Iacob Hutzaerd, where their Commissions and Orders were publickly read before all the People.

The chiefest Orders in their Letter of Advice, given in Writing to the Ad∣miral and his Council, from the Grand Council at Batavia, consisted in the following:

AFter you have furnish'd your self with Water and Wood, at Laver and Ty∣mon,* 2.1 you shall Steer your Course directly to Formosa.

Your first place of Rendezvouz shall be at the Isle of Pehoe, otherwise call'd Piscadores, about twelve Leagues Westward from Formosa.

If any Ships run beyond the Piscadores, they shall Sail on to Hoksieu, lying on the Main Coast of China, and there expect the Fleet.

Coming in sight of Formosa, five or six Ships shall Sail to the South Shore of Tayowan, to enquire how Affairs stand there, and bring a speedy account of it to the Piscadores.

If the present Possessors should proffer freely to deliver up Tayowan and For∣mosa, do not refuse, but make the best advantage of the opportunity.

You shall Sail with the whole Fleet from the Piscadores first to Hoksieu, and put all other affairs aside, till such time as you have made inquiry, in what Po∣sture our business stands with the Tartars.

Let the absolute knowledge of the Tartars well meaning, or otherwise, be a guide to the Admiral and his Council, what seems fit to be done.

Take all Chinese Jonks which you meet with by the way, or on the Coast, not regarding from whence they come, or whither they go; neither make any distinction, whether they belong to the Tartars or Coxinga.

Send peculiar Ships to Cruise up and down for those Jonks that Trade to Iapan, and let them not Sail to the South of Cabo de Sumber; but to the North∣ward of it towards the Gulf of Iapan.

When it's convenient, let them put into the Isles of Meaxima, Gotto, and Co∣ray, lying to the Westward of Iapan; and if it may be done without any consi∣derable hinderance, to make Inspections, and enquire what convenient Harbors there are for Ships.

If two or three Jonks be taken, send them with the Cruisers.

To use no Hostility to the Portuguese, because of the concluded Peace.

Let the Merchandize which are distributed in the Fleet, if the Tartars will not permit a free Trade, be sent to Iapan; and likewise keep the four Mer∣chants Freighted thither in your company, till you come within sight of

Formosa, then let them proceed on their Voyage, except the Amstellant, which shall Sail with you to Hoksieu, to take in the Merchandize for the Chinesy Trade, out of the several Ships (but if they will not allow it) then carry them to Iapan.

Make your first coming at Hoksieu known to the Governor of the Fort Min∣jazeen, and sending a Chinesy ashore, ask for the Merchant Constantine Nobel, de∣siring him to come aboard.

If all things stand well in Hoksieu, send their Excellencies Letter by some per∣son of Quality to the Governors, and desire their Answer to it.

If the Tartars are united with the Coxingans, and would perswade you not to use Hostility, by no means condescend, except they will consent to make good the Damage which the Hollanders had suffer'd in Tayowan, and Surrender up Formosa and Tayowan, with all the Forts and Castles; and also procure the Emperors Letters to forbid the Chinesys to Trade with any, but with our Peo∣ple in Tayowan: Neither should any Chinesys Sail with their Jonks Southward of the Isle Ainan, nor to Iapan; and that those which were found there, might be taken by them; and also to release the Netherland Prisoners.

The Chinesys shall be permitted to Sail to Batavia and Malakka, provided they have our Pastports, if the Article of their not Sailing to Iapan be too hard for them, pass it by.

But all the other Proposals must be perform'd, which if not, no way to agree with them; and that they should also get the Articlrs concluded upon Sign'd and Seal'd at Peking.

If they should request an Embassy to be sent to the great Cham, and there to make our Addresses; by no means agree to it, but promise them, if satisfacti∣on be made of all things, to send a Honorable Embassy in recompence to his Majesty.

If the Tartars and Coxingans are joyn'd in a League, and do not regard the Netherlanders as much as formerly, neither will make satisfaction, declare them both Enemies, and use Hostility to one as well as the other, by Burning and Ruining all places on the Main Continent of China: Then also Steer to the Chincheu Isles, and there endeavor to destroy the two Towns, Que and Aymuy. If there be a conveniency there for a strong Hold that might be kept by a small Garrison, to take it in Possession; for which purpose the Isle Kolong lies very convenient, and likewise the Piscadore's, but barren and unfertile, where also a Fort might be erected for our better Guard.

Not to accept to take any other place in possession, if you can get Tayowan again.

Endeavor to Conquer Formosa and Tayowan by force of Arms, if it cannot be done by Peaceable means; yet take not so much Ground in possession as formerly.

The lower Castle of Zelandia being a good Garrison, would be a sufficient Defence against the Assaults of the Chineses.

The upper Castle shall be Dismantled, and left ungarrison'd, that after∣wards on farther Order it may be pull'd down, and build a strong Redoubt in its place.

To keep the Fort Provintia, and Garrison it with a hundred Men; as also that of Quelang.

To begin somewhat in more safety in Tayowan, the Forces ought to be brought ashore through the Straights of Lakge Moey on the main Land, and there

first to Attaque and win the Fort Provincia, and likewise endeavor to get the Inhabitants there, to joyn with our People; to which purpose it will be re∣quisite for you to take flat bottom'd Vessels from the Chineses, because our Boats cannot carry so many Men in those shallow Waters; neither could the requir'd Forces be brought ashore together; and if they wanted those Vessels, it would not be convenient to attempt any thing on that side, but be better be∣hind Tonkoya, about six Leagues Southward of Tayowan, where in the Northern Mouson the Water is very smooth, and a higher Shore to break off the Winds.

From thence they should March up in two or three days by Land to the Fort Provincia at Sakkam; and besides the convenient Landing there, the Inhabitants of the South might perhaps joyn with the Hollanders, which if they should, all the Chineses in Formosa would not be able to withstand them.

If the Tartars should deny the Trade, and that those of the Isles Ay and Que∣muy live apart from Formosa and Tayowan, and are in friendship with the Tartars, and also inclin'd to agree with you, do you likewise seem willing to it, nay, seek to joyn with them, provided they procure us those Articles demanded of the Tartars, and use their assistance towards the regaining of Formosa and Tayo∣wan; nay, to fall upon the Tartars themselves, if occasion should require.

No time is limited you to come with the Fleet from the North to Batavia, but is left to the Discretion of the Admiral and his Council.

After the Admiral Balthazar Bort had on Iune the 30. Anno 1663. been con∣ducted by several Friends aboard his Ship, he set Sail the next Morning three hours before Day, with all the Fleet, consisting in sixteen Men of War, and four Merchants, bound for Iapan, out of the Haven of Batavia, with a South East Wind, and running between the Isles of Hoorn and Edam, they stood to the North-East. At Noon, the Fleet had the Isle South-Wayter South West and by West three Leagues from them, in five Degrees and thirty Minutes Southern Latitude; in the Evening about Sun-set they had the Isle North-Wayter, about West-North-West, four Leagues distant.

The second at the usual Signal of a White Flag, and firing of a Gun, all the Commanders and Chief Officers of the Militia, came aboard the Admiral, who according to the Lord General, and Indian Councils Order, chose out of them all for his Privy Council the Persons under written, which the rest were to follow in Order, viz. next to the Admiral Balthazar Bort, who is to be always Chief: was

Huybrecht de Lairesse, Vice-Admiral.

William Volkersz, made Commander of those Ships that were to go to Iapan, and Rere-Admiral as long as he stay'd with the Fleet.

Bartholomeus Verwei, who at Volkersz departure was to carry the Rere-Admi∣ral's Flag; and in that Degree take place in the Council.

Peter Coker, Master of the Admiral's Ship.

Ernest Van Hogenhoek, Merchant in the Kogge.

And the first Captain Christian Poolman, Commander of the Nut-Tree.

These having taken their places, the Fleet was by them order'd to be divided into three Squadrons, as had already been consider'd by the Admiral, and approv'd of by the Vice-Admiral; and the Orders which the Fleet was to fol∣low, being read were also affirm'd, and likewise the proportions of Diet was agreed on.

At Noon the Admiral was in four Degrees and five Minutes Southern Lati∣tude, and had the High Island with the Trees, West-North-West, about seven Leagues from him.

The third about day-break, they spy'd the Coast of Banka; at Noon they Sail'd Eastward of the Isle Lucipa; and in the Evening past within two Leagues and a half by the first Point of Sumatra, South and by East from them.

On Thursday, being the fifth, they saw the Mountain Monapyn, and were within two Leagues of the Shore of Sumatra; towards Evening, they Sail'd by the River Palimboang, and between Poele Tousjou, and Poele Sayo.

The sixth, they saw the Isles Tousjou, and were at Noon in one Degree and sixteen Minutes South Latitude.

The seventh, the Fleet found Poele Sayo North-West and by West, about three Leagues and a half from them, in nineteen Minutes Southern Latitude; and in the Evening descry'd in the North the Isles which lay near Lingen.

On Sunday they discover'd Dominies Island, West-South-West, four Leagues from them; and crossing the Line, saw the High Isle of the Box-horns, about se∣ven Leagues distant.

The ninth at Noon, the Admiral was in fifty four Minutes Northern Lati∣tude, and in sight of the Isle Pangang, West and by North, about three Leagues and a half from him.

On the tenth appear'd the Isles Tinghy, North-West and by West, and Laver North and by West from them; in the Morning, the Fleet being near Laver, cast Anchor on the West side of it. Tymon hath no Wood, neither for Firing nor any other use, with which Laver is plentifully supply'd: This Isle is pretty high, and hath two rising Promontories, one on the South, and the other at the North end, which make a Plain in the middle.

The twelfth about Noon, five Ships upon the Admiral's Order set Sail from Laver to Poele Tymon, to take in Water, Fuel, and other Wood; and likewise to Barter for Provision, according to their agreement of the eleventh.

The Bay on the South-East Point of this Island lies very convenient for the fetching and taking in of fresh Water, Firing and other Wood, which is to be had ashore in great plenty; but Provision is somewhat scarce here, because the People of this Countrey have their Habitations more towards the South-West side; and also that which is to be had, is much dearer than at Poele Laver.

The nineteenth, the Admiral about Sun-rising set Sail from Poele Tymon, and came in the afternoon to an Anchor, with the whole Fleet, by those Ships that were sent out before from Laver.

The Fleet thus furnish'd with all Necessaries, Weigh'd Anchor on the twen∣tieth about Day-break; and in the Evening had the Isle Poele Tymon, about four Leagues Southerly from them.

The one and twenty, they kept a Fast.

The twenty two, twenty three, twenty four, and twenty fifth, nothing hap∣pen'd of any remark.

The twenty sixth, the Isles Candor bore Easterly about seven Leagues from the Fleet.

The twenty seventh, and twenty eighth, nothing happen'd, only a strong Gale of Wind blew from South-East out of the River Cambodia.

The twenty ninth, the Finch Sailing before, made a sign that she saw Land, which was afterwards found to be the two Sand Hills on the Coast of Champan, about six Leagues Northerly from the Admiral; who in the Evening descry'd Poele Cecier de Mare, three Leagues in the South-South-East; and Cabo Cecier in the North-East and by North, three quarters of a League from them.

The thirtieth, the Bay of Padaran bearing West-North-West, they came by

Avarella Falso about Noon, and were in twelve Degrees and seven Minutes Northern Latitude; their Course North and by East.

The first of August, Poele Cambir was East and by North from the Admiral, and in the afternoon the Isle Canton, North-North-East, about six Leagues.

The second, the private Iuncto being assembled, the Admiral read to them some peculiar Orders, chiefly about the putting in at the South of Tayowan with four or five Ships, and the manner how they should best get knowledge con∣cerning the condition of their Enemies, according to his Excellencies Order in Batavia; and also in what time it was best to Cruise for their Jonks, that Sail richly Laden to and from Iapan; and likewise how they should dispose of those Jonks which they should take on the Coast of China, Manilhas, Makkaw, Tunking, Quinam, Ciam, Ligoor, Patany, and other places; and also of those which they might find in the Haven of Tayowan, and in the Piscadores.

Lastly, It was judg'd best to refer it till the next meeting, and in the mean time to give every one a Copy of it, as was perform'd by the Secretary on the fourth of the same Month; who also put in what was consider'd before∣hand, and concluded on, That William Volkers, before his departure to Iapan, might see their resolution chiefly concerning the Cruising for Iapan Jonks, and giving an account of it to the Netherlanders there, they might make use thereof when occasion serv'd.

The fifth and sixth they saw the Isles Tinhosa, and Ainam; though Tinhosa lay five Leagues distant from the Admiral.

Mean while on the sixth, according to their last Intentions, an Order was made in the Council, concerning the written Proposals, and newly added Ob∣servations, taken by the Admiral and Council at that time; of which every one had a Copy given them: which the better to understand, it is requisite that we also give a Transcript thereof, as follows:

The Admiral according to Order, when he came in sight of Formosa, sent four or five Ships to the Southermost Harbor of Tayowan, that there they might enquire some News; and first propos'd what Ships and Persons out of the Fleet might be fittest for that purpose; and if the Chinesys did not come aboard of their own accords, whereby they might attain to the desir'd Informati∣on, they should put out a White Flag to invite them, or fire now and then a Gun; but if they could not attain their desire by these two means, they should send one or two Hostages, which they had brought with them from Ba∣tavia, (which if they did no good, could do no harm;) and there ask the Go∣vernors for whom they kept the Forts and Castles on Tayowan and Formosa, whether for themselves, or together for those of Ey and Quemuy, or for the Tartar, as being his Subjects? and whether it were best to be done in writing or by word of Mouth?

If they should make answer to the foresaid Demand, and desire to know our Intention, whether it would not be convenient to intreat them to send some of their People with us to the greater part of the Fleet at the Piscadores, promising there to acquaint them with our Design. If they should be thereto inclin'd, leaving them Hostages, whether they should consent to it? Also how many days the Ships should stay on the South part of Tayowan? likewise if du∣ring that time, they should use any Hostility, as taking of their Jonks and other Vessels, because the Indian Council had Commanded them to use none till they knew how they stood affected to the Tartars; but on the contrary, Commanded again, That nevertheless all Chinesy Jonks (from whence soever

they came, and whither soever Bound) which they met withal in their Chan∣nel, they should endeavor to take without any distinction, whether they be∣long to the Tartars or Coxinga.

And in regard the Intentions of their Excellencies in Batavia are declar'd to us, that we may take all Chinesy Jonks coming from other Countreys, if it would not be convenient to take out the Goods, whether Skins or ought else, and sending them for a tryal to Iapan, to see how the Iapanners would refent it, whether well or ill; and whether it relate only to the Jonks, on the Coast of China, or also to those which they might find on the Coast of the Manilhas, Mak∣kau, Tunking, Quinam, Cambodia, Siam, Ligoor, Patany, Iohoor, and Formosa, which if they should not be set upon at our first coming thither, might easily escape from us.

On the contrary, they consider'd that the Enemy by such harsh actions might alter from their good Resolution, if perhaps they had any before, and then not suffer the Netherlanders to speak with them, much less freely proffer to surrender up Tayowan and Formosa into our possession again, as their Excellencies would willingly have it: and to that purpose Commanded to take hold, and make good use of such an opportunity; otherwise, if the Enemy should make fair Promises, and thereby detain us from taking their Jonks, or doing ought else; when perhaps, being forc'd by sudden Invasions, they might sooner come to an agreement, and do what we should demand of them.

Therefore it was Propos'd, if they ought not to take all the Jonks and Ves∣sels which they should find in the Piscadores, at the Admirals coming thither.

Secondly, Since their Excellencies had commanded to send peculiar Ships to Cruise up and down for the Jonks that Trade to Iapan, without expressing in what time it is best to be done; nay requir'd, that according to their Or∣der, it should be done before William Volkerts went from the Fleet to Iapan, to carry News also thither concerning it, that in case ought should happen there he might govern himself accordingly; therefore the Admiral Propos'd, if it were best to be begun in the Southern or Northern Mouson; if in the Southern, the only time would be about the latter end of August, or the middle of Septem∣ber, to get to the Northward of the Cape Sumber; and moreover, in the Iapan Sea, in which the foremention'd Jonks were best to be taken.

But then again was to be consider'd, the Cruisers would be forc'd to spend three or four Months, without any likelyhood of meeting with any Jonks; and likewise to consider, that the Ships aforemention'd would not be able to en∣dure there long, if they should be surpris'd by Northerly Winds, want Water or Wood, and their Men happening to fall sick and die, which would force them to put into some Harbor or other; and also, that it was very uncertain, if by their Cruising they should meet with any thing, because that the Nether∣land Ships could not always Sail in that Channel, for the Reasons aforemen∣tion'd, which the Chineses use: Nay, if they should keep there continually, they might let them pass by in dark or misty Weather; and though the Netherland Ships did perhaps see some Jonks, yet they might loose them by their nimble Sailing: Adding moreover, that their Excellencies in this concern had thus exprest their opinion in the Orders which they had given to them: viz.

As We are inform'd, there may be more assurance made of those Trading Jonks that Sail to Iapan, than when they return in the Northern season, at which time it is very uncertain to wait for them, because they generally re∣turn late in the Year, and Our Ships can scarce stay so long there.

But on the contrary, it is also to be observ'd, that if the Netherland Ships do not go at the foremention'd time, but later, they cannot get beyond the Cape de Sumber, and no likelihood to meet with any Jonks to the Southward of it, whereby we should be depriv'd of those rich Booties, that is to be had out of the Iapan Jonks; of which their Excellencies make mention in their Or∣ders, saying,

And since the richest Prizes are to be had out of the Trading Jonks which Sail to, and from Iapan, therefore it is requisite that you use your chiefest en∣deavors about them, and send out expert Cruisers to frequent the North Pas∣sage, and not the South of Cabo de Sumber, Sailing quite to the Iapan Sea.

Provided this Cruising thus order'd, with hopes to take something, could be perform'd; yet there are no reasons to perswade us to it, for the uncertainties, if it must be perform'd by our Ships only, their Excellencies make mention of in these words:

We put it to your consideration, if it would not be convenient to take two or three Chinesy Jonks that are good Sailers (which perhaps may fall in∣to your hands on the Coast of China) along with you thither, thereby to de∣ceive the Chineses, and the easier take their Trading Jonks, which Our Fri∣gats, because of their sluggish Sailing, are scarce able to do, since We know the Chineses commonly out-Sail them.

About this the Council ought chiefly to consider, if We had best undertake so uncertain a Design this Year, because the Fleet would not only be much weaken'd thereby, but also abated in its Power and Forces, when it should go against the Enemies; neither would they esteem nor regard us so much, as if we had all our Forces together; and we should also thereby be bereav'd of our nimblest and best Ships, which would be more assisting to us in all Affairs, than the biggest.

It may also happen, that falling on so many things together, nothing might be effected; therefore it ought to be consider'd, that all uncertain Designs which cannot be perform'd, without separating the Fleet be laid aside, and see what could be done to the Enemy with our whole Fleet together, and accord∣ingly defer the sending of Ships out to Cruise up and down the Coast; the ra∣ther, because in October, November, and December, it is better to get along the Shore to the Northward, as it happen'd to us the last Year; besides, their Ex∣cellencies themselves have little hopes this Year to get any Jonks that come from Iapan, as by these following words more plainer appear, speaking of this concern in their Advice and Orders.

And to be ready so soon, that We may take them in their going thither, is not to be done from hence; by which We should understand, that all other Designs ought to be laid aside, and begin first with Cruising; therefore to consider what number of Ships We shall send out to that purpose, and how they shall be Man'd; and also if they shall put into the Isles of Meaxi∣ma, Gotto, and Koray, to enquire if there be no safe Harbors, Bays, and other conveniencies for Ships, that in time of need, they might make use of them according to their Excellencies Order, if it may be done without prejudice or hinderance.

But it is again to be consider'd, that this Enquiry and Cruising cannot be done both in one season; and likewise to be suspected, that our Cruising Ships might be kept in the Havens aforemention'd by the Chineses; yet this might be excus'd in Stormy or Tempestuous Weather; however, We ought not to trust

our Forces in their Hands; also that Cruising from Hoksieu, they might by Sayling along the Shore run beyond Cape de Sumber, nay, to Nanking, to see for convenient Havens and Bays, for the getting of Wood and fresh Water, of which in bad Weather, they might also make use, and at once take all those Jonks which they could meet with: On all which Proposals, they resolv'd and agreed as follows.

First, That the Admiral in person, according to his request, should go to Tayowan, with the Nut▪Tree, Vlaerdingen, Kogge, Sea-Hound, and Ionker, there to enquire concerning all Affairs, that on all accidents he might give speedy Or∣der: If the Chineses do not come aboard of their own accords, he shall fire some Guns leasurely one after another, and also set up a Chieuw; if nothing be effected that way, to send the two Chinese Hostages, brought along with them from Batavia, (if they can get no Prisoners) ashore with Letters; by whom some Questions should be ask'd, viz. For whom they kept their Forts and Ca∣stles in Formosa and Tayowan? whether for themselves, or joyntly with those of Ey and Quemuy? or for the Tartars, as being their Subjects? with promises, if they should truly answer them, that then the Netherlanders would also declare their Intentions; if thus they obtain'd their desire, the Admiral shall ask them to send some of their People along with him to the rest of the Fleet at the Pis∣cadores, with promise, there to declare his Design, without leaving any of our Men as Hostages in their custody. If they are not inclin'd thereto, the Ad∣miral shall do what time and convenience shall advise him to: For the per∣formance of which, he shall only spend two or three days, in which time no Hostility shall be us'd ashore; but nevertheless, not only endeavor to make Prize of all Vessels there, but also in the Piscadores.

Concerning the second Proposal about Cruising for the Jonks in the Iapan Channel, It is thought fit that it be undertaken after the business be done at Hoksieu, if they are not prevented by receiving satisfaction for their sustain'd In∣juries. But if they should not, then to wave their Cruising so long in the South∣ern Mouson, but return to the Enemies chief Towns and Places; and Sailing to the North with the whole Fleet, do all the Damage possible, both by Sea and Land, and then against the time comes, to send the Merchant Ernest Van Hogenbook as Admiral with three of the best Sailers, Man'd as they were at that present, and three nimble Jonks (if they could be Masters of so many be∣twixt that time) to Cruise beyond Cabo de Sumber, nay, if possible, as far as Nanking, that in their way thither, they might seek for some convenient Bays and Harbors wherein Ships might be safe in bad Weather, and be furnish'd with Water and Wood. Moreover, to flie up and down in thirty two and thir∣ty three Degrees, and seize on all Ships they could light upon. They should also for that purpose, put in at the Isles Meaxima, Gotto, and Koray, provided they could do it without prejudice, according to their Excellencies Order in Batavia: In performance of which also, the Cruisers should again come to the Fleet, either at Ey, Quemuy, or Formosa in February, that then with all their Forces they might undertake such Adventures as should be thought con∣venient.

The two chief Articles aforemention'd thus agreed on, it was also thought fit, after their former refusal, to Sail with the foremention'd Ships from Pe∣dro Blanko to Formosa, towards the Cape of Tankoya, so to reach the South Harbor of Tayowan, and Anchor there; and likewise although William Volkerts, Admiral for the Iapan Merchants, had purpos'd with his Ships to proceed on his Voy∣age

from Pedro Blanco along the Coast of China to Iapan; yet the whole Fleet consisting of twenty Sail should first appear in sight of Formosa▪ and that then three of the Iapan Ships should go on without the Ankeveen, between Formosa and the Piscadores, and the Vice-Admiral with the remaining twelve Ships, should immediately Sail to the Piscadores, and there stay and expect the Admi∣ral with his five Ships; but if bad Weather, all the Men of War should go to the Piscadores, and the three Vessels that were bound for Iapan, without staying any longer by the Fleet, proceed on their Voyage.

The same day, according to agreement, the Admiral set Sail with his five Ships, the Nut-Tree, Vlaerdingen, Kogge, Sea-Hound, and Ionker to Formosa, to∣wards the Cape of Tonkayo, from thence to steer for the South Harbor of Tayowan, and there drop Anchor.

The eighth, the Sea-Hound and Ionker return'd from their fruitless chasing of a Jonk, since the sixt, which in calm Weather had escap'd them, taking only a Chinese Champan, in which the Ionker had five Men wounded, and the Sea-Hound one.

The Politick Chineses first set adrift a Pot with Arak in a Tub▪ and after∣wards a Chinese Water-Vessel, on which stood a Cane with a Letter; and lastly, the aforemention'd Champan, which was taken by the Netherlanders, but the Pot with Arak the Commanders would not permit the Seamen to take up.

Whilst the Sea-hound and Ionker were yet busie chasing the foremention'd Jonk, they spy'd another under Sail, toward which, accompany'd with the Vice-Admiral and his whole Squadron, they made with all the Sail they could possible; and soon after the Admirals Sloop was put out Arm'd with six Blunderbusses, and other Necessaries of War, and Man'd with the Boats Crue, be∣ing twelve Soldiers, one Ensign, and a Corporal, all Commanded by his Pilot.

In the taken Jonk, which on the tenth was brought close aboard the Admi∣ral, they found seven small Guns, Sythes, Pikes, a parcel of Fire-Balls and Arrows, and likewise good store of Gun-Powder and other Ammunition; the rest of the Lading consisted in several kinds of Wood.

The Admiral first caus'd some of the Chineses to be mildly examin'd, then threatning, that if they would not speak the truth, they should die for it; to which purpose a Soldier was put behind one of them with a naked Sword, and then ask'd, To what intention they ply'd there, yet (partly supposing, that they would not confess, and partly, because the Interpreters could not well under∣stand what they said) they could get but a slender account from them; but that which they agreed in most was, that they belong'd to the Tartar, and with twenty Jonks had carry'd Tartar Soldiers from Canton to the Island Ainan, to re∣inforce the Garrison, and had now been in company with five of the same Jonks in their way towards Canton; besides, they made mention of their Pass, which the Vice-Roy of Canton had given them to that purpose, and deliver'd it to the Netherlanders, which were not able to understand it: At this time the Admiral was about the Craeke Deep, off from the Makaw Island.

The eleventh, the Council being assembled by the Admiral, caus'd the two Commanders of the taken Jonks, nam'd, Onghing, and Ongkeeyn, to be brought before them and examin'd; but could learn nothing from them, but what agreed with that which their People had told two days before, viz. that they had carry'd Soldiers from Canton to Ainan, and were now on their return; and reply'd when ask'd, That Coxinga had been dead a year, and that his Son Kim∣sia had the chief Command in Tayowan and Formosa; but how it was with the

Wars between the Tartars and Chineses they knew not. When ask'd if they knew the Champan taken by the Netherlanders of the second instant, and now be∣hind the Admiral's Stern; they answer'd, after having see it, Yes, and that it belong'd to Canton; but if the Jonk to which it belong'd came along with them from Ainan, they could not resolve.

The Letter which they found also in the said Jonk was given them to read; but they gave another construction than the former: Neither could the Hol∣landers be rightly inform'd of the Contents, because their Interpretors could not explain it; so that in stead of satisfaction, they found themselves more per∣plex'd than before.

Hereupon the Admiral desir'd the Council to consider if these shaven Chi∣neses, with their Jonk and Cargo, since they had shew'd no manner of Hosti∣lity to the Netherlanders, ought to be clear'd and discharg'd, or if it were bet∣ter to be sure by taking them along with the Fleet to Hoksieu, and put their free∣dom to be judg'd by Singlamong and Lipovi Chief Governors there; or if by tor∣tures, they should make a farther examination.

Which being consulted on, it was suppos'd that by tortures they might perhaps draw from them the truth, and what the Netherlanders expected, viz. That they were of Coxinga's Party, and Sail'd with false Passes, and yet be sent out by the Tartars, and be under their jurisdiction, whom by the taking of these Jonks, they ought no ways to displease; the more, because their Ex∣cellencies Order in Batavia, concerning the taking of Jonks, was not specifi'd to relate to those which Sail'd to places that belong'd to the Tartars, but those that drove a Trade to Iapan: But because this Jonk thus prepar'd for Piracy was much suspected, and also the rough entertainment which they had from the small Vessel, six of their Men being Wounded, they resolv'd after consideration to declare the Jonk with the foremention'd Goods, and all her Men free Prize, and carry them to Hoksieu, there to make further inquiry concerning the truth. This being told them, they seem'd to be satisfi'd, only fearing at their return to be taken by Coxinga's Jonks.

In the Morning about Day-break, the Fleet had the North-Point of Ilha dos Viados, or the Island Lemas North and by West, two Leagues and a half from them.

About Noon, the Nut-Tree, Cogge, Zierikzee, Overveen, Naerden, and Mars, came at the firing of some Guns, from the Admiral to an Anchor, on the North-side of Lemas, within Cannon shot of the Shore. A good distance be∣hind the Admiral, they saw the Bucksloot and Nieuwendam also lying at Anchor. So on the twenty ninth, the Admiral came with ten Ships safe to an Anchor, in the Road of Hoksieu; the rest of the Fleet were order'd to Sail to the Bay of Tenhay, and the Good Fortune soon after sent notice of her arrival by Letters to the Governor of the Castle Minjazeen, lying at the Mouth of the River Hoksieu; and likewise to the Vice-Roy Singlamong, and General Lipovi.

The twentieth of October, after long stay, and many Consultations, con∣cerning the Commencing the War against the Coxingans, the Vice-Admiral Hui∣bert de Laresse, and Hogenbook came aboard the Admiral again at Soanchefoe, with a Letter from the Vice-Roy Singlamong, containing these words.

Singlamong's Letter to the Admiral▪

YOu are come hither from a remote Countrey, with mighty Ships, to serve Our Empe∣ror, which is a certain Sign of your good Inclinations. How shall We return Kindnesses sufficient to such your Deserts? It is needless to shew Thankfulness for the small Trisles sent you. You write to have it Seal'd, what hath pass'd between us: But how can I possibly do it? because you (if it be onely Written in Our Language) cannot un∣derstand it. Therefore I desire you to let the Business of the War be written in Paper, both in the Dutch and Chinese Tongues, and send it to Me, that I may also rightly appre∣hend it.

When We together shall have regain'd the Isles of Ay and Quemuy, We will joyn Our Ionks and Forces to your Ships, to set upon Tayowan, and so utterly root out their whole Party.

It is most true, that Our Emperor will requite the good Service which you have done to this Empire, by permitting you a free Trade; for I and the General Lipovi will write expresly about it to his Imperial Majesty.

The Ionk which you desire to carry News to Batavia, shall be sent you, when you please to advise Us, whether you will have it Mann'd with Tartars or Hollanders: We desire you to employ none of your Ships in it, that your Forces may not be weakned, because they will be wanting in the War. If you please, We desire you to stay a little longer before you depart; for I expect an Answer from Lipovi, which so soon as I have, We will ap∣point the day. This is in short an Answer to your Letter; for all things cannot so well be express'd on Paper.

Written in the second Year of the Emperor Conghi, the ninth Moon, and the nineteenth Day.

The one and twentieth, according to the Vice-Roys Request, the Articles and Agreement were written in Chinese and Dutch, on Flower'd Paper, and both Sign'd and Seal'd by the Admiral and Secretary, with the Companies Seal in Red Wax, and sent ashore about Noon by the Merchant Ernest Hoogenhoek, who was also commanded to request, That the Vice-Roy would in like manner Seal that for the Netherlanders with his Seal, and return it with him. The Ar∣ticles were these.

• I. There shall be an inviolable League between us and the Subjects of his Imperial Ma∣jesty of China and Tartary.
• II. Faithfully to assist one another against the Coxingans, our Enemies, till they are brought under Subjection.
• III. That Writings shall be deliver'd on both sides concerning the Flags and Colours, whereby to distinguish each other from the Enemy.
• IV. That the Expedition against the Enemy shall be hastned on both Parties.
• V. That the Emperors Ionks and Vessels shall be under Our Flags, and as Ours divi∣ded into three Squadrons, shall keep under them, till their coming to Eymuy and Quemuy, that when Our Ships, which draw more Water, cannot come near the Shore, We may run with the Ionks into the Havens; to which purpose, We desire Chinese Pilots.
• VI. That We Land and set upon the Enemy together.
• VII. That the East-India Company shall drive a Free and unmolested Trade in Chi∣na and Tartary, and all other his Imperial Majesties Countreys, for ever; but the disposing of those Goods which We brought along with Us, shall be referr'd till with joynt Forces We have conquer'd Eymuy and Quemuy.
• ...

• VIII. That when We have subdu'd those Isles, upon Our Request We may take Posses∣sion of one of them, or any other thereabouts, which may be convenient for Us, to keep a Garrison, to defend Us from Assaults of the Pyrates.
• IX. That on the Conquest of Eymuy and Quemuy, your Highness Ionks and Forces shall Sail with Us to Formosa and Tayowan, and upon Conquering of those Places, deli∣ver them with all the Forts and Castles, and what is found in them, into Our Possession, that We may inhabit that Countrey, as formerly.
• X. That the Vice-Roy shall accommodate Us with a good Ionk, which we may send with Information to Batavia.
• XI. That his Highness also take care that all this be approv'd of, and confirm'd by the Emperor in Peking, and a Grant thereof procur'd under his Imperial Majesties Signet, to the Hollanders.

About these Articles, as the Admiral was inform'd by Letters of the twen∣ty third from Nobel and Hoogenhoek, the Vice-Roy made great scruple, saying, That he could not sign them, before he had made the General Lipovi, and the Emperors Deputies in Chinchieu, acquainted with the seventh and eighth Arti∣cles, and had their Approbation concerning them, which at farthest within two or three days, on the Word of a King, should be perform'd; to which purpose he had already sent the foremention'd Articles, written by the Nether∣landers in form of an Agreement, by Post to Chinchieu. And likewise the other Ar∣ticles, especially that of Tayowan and Formosa, which upon the taking of it with joynt Forces, should be left in possession of the Netherlanders, was already grant∣ed without contradiction by the Vice-Roy. Nay, he had protested to them, That upon the taking of Ay and Quemuy, the free and unmolested Trade through all the Empire of China should not onely be granted to the Hollanders for a few years, but for ever, for which he would stand oblig'd; onely he de∣sir'd them to stay the foremention'd three or four days, as we said; when they answering, told the Vice-Roy, That in that Point they could not satisfie his desire; but that one thing or other thereof must be Seal'd: He again re∣peated what he declar'd before.

The twenty third the Admiral sent Lairesse, and the Rere-Admiral Bartholo∣mew Verwei ashore, with Order to go with Nobel and Hoogenhoek to the Vice-Roy, and desire him to Sign and Seal the Covenant for performance of all those foremention'd Articles, and also for that of the Free Trade, which his Highness had granted; and then declare to him, That the Hollanders would at present be satisfied with it, and stay the limited three or four days for the granting of that Article concerning Eymuy and Quemuy; but that in the mean time he would be pleas'd to hasten the sending of the Jonk which was to be dispatch'd for Batavia.

The twenty sixth the Vlaerdingen, Nut-tree, Tertolen, Naerden, Mars, Zierikzee, Flushing, and the Cogge, being under the Rere-Admiral Bartholomew Verwei his Squadron, set Sail from before the River Soanchieuw, steering directly for Cape Tsombou.

The twenty seventh a Servant came with the Interpreter Melman from his Highness Singlamong, who had himself been with the General Lipovi, and brought the long-expected Seal'd Agreement; as also two Letters, one from the Vice-Roy, and another from the General. The Conditions aforesaid were to this effect.

SInglamong Chief Commander, and King of the Territory of Fokien, hath concluded in his Council as followeth.

Singlamong's Jonks shall carry a black Flag, in the midst of which shall stand a red Full-Moon.

Matthithel'avia, Governor in Soanchieuw, a yellow Flag with a white Pennon: The Jonks under his Command, a white Flag, and a red Moon: His Man∣darins, a green Flag, with a red Moon, and a white Pennon.

Tonganpek, a black Flag, and a white Pennon: His Officers, a black Flag, with a Silver Moon.

Soensinpek, a black Flag, and a red Pennon.

Iantoetek, a black Flag, with a yellow Pennon.

Loylavia, a green Flag, with a Silver Moon in it: His Officers, a green Vane, with a red Moon, and a white Pennon.

Thelavia, a green Flag, with a red Moon, and a black Pennon: His Offi∣cers, a green Flag, with a red Moon, and red Pennon.

Yoejoeng, a green Flag, with a red Moon, and a white Pennon.

The Holland Ships shall set Sail from hence with Our Jonks: The smal∣lest, and those that draw least Water, coming before the Enemies Countrey, shall run up into the Harbors; and the greatest Ships, as likewise Our big∣gest Jonks, shall follow. If the Holland Ships, or Ours, be in any danger, they shall not desert, but each be ready to assist the other as much as possible. We promise therefore to be faithful, as People of one Heart ought to be; and from hence forward no Hostility shall be shewn on our Part to the Hol∣landers. Tonganpek shall also set out two convenient Vessels, furnish'd with experienc'd Sea-men, which shall sail before the Holland Ships, and be at their Service. Likewise he shall furnish the Hollanders with three good Pi∣lots, that understand and know this Channel, which also shall serve the Hol∣landers. When they set Sail from hence with Our Jonks, they shall keep to∣gether, till they see if the Enemy with his Sea-Forces will come out to meet Us: If not, Our Ships shall with the Hollanders come to an Anchor at the Cape of Laetjen, which shall be the Station where the Jonks of Our Kingdom shall meet, and from thence besiege the Enemies Forts and Islands by Sea, when Singlamong shall give Order what his People are to do when they come ashore. The Hollanders shall the day before receive a Letter from Singlamong, when they shall set Sail from hence. After the Conquering of Eymuy and Quemuy, the Hollanders shall by Our Emperor be accepted as Subjects, and his Imperial Majesty shall acknowledge their faithful Assistance, and grant them their Requests, which I and Lipovi promise with all speed to procure, when once We have seen the Valour of the Hollanders. Furthermore, you may sell those Merchandizes which you have here aboard in that Ship which lies in the Hoksieu: But since the time is short that the Ships must Sail against the Enemy, it will be better that the Goods be reposited in Hoksieu, and the sale thereof deferr'd till We shall have conquer'd Eymuy and Quemuy: Yet if you will sell any thing before, you may, it being freely permitted.

Our Tartar Jonks shall all have a black Circle in their Sails, in which shall stand a black Character.

This We have Seal'd with Our Royal Signet: In the second Year of the Emperor Conghi, the ninth Moon.

The Letter writ to the Admiral by the Vice-Roy Singlamong was to this purpose.

THe last Year you were sent hither from the King of Batavia, and came with your Ships before Hoksieu, and have acquainted by Letters and Word of mouth, That you come to serve Our Empire, and assist Us against Coxinga, which We have already made known to his Majesty at Peking.: And seeing you resolve to be fully satisfied and reveng'd to the height for all the Losses you have sustain'd, and never to desist until you have utterly extirpa∣ted those Pyrates, therefore We have been the more earnest in Our Sollicita∣tion: And since you are come hither again this Year to the same purpose, to joyn with Us, We have read your Letter, which We receiv'd some days since, concerning the War, with the Government and Order thereof, which We shall observe when We come to engage with the Enemy; but We find thereby, that you make more Proposals than the last Year, and those such as I and Lipovi (though Chief Governors of this Territory) cannot conclude on, before we have made it known to the Emperor, and receiv'd his Approbation. As to what concerns those things for which We have receiv'd Orders and Command from the Emperor to conclude with you heretofore, We have sent you in this Letter, and they shall also be strictly observ'd by Us.

The Letter from the General was to this purpose. Lipovi General of the Tartars in the Territory of Fokien, to the Admiral of the Hollanders, sends Greeting.

TWo days since I receiv'd Singlamong's and your Letter concerning the Agreement to be concluded between you and Us, which I have strict∣ly perus'd; but finding some weighty Articles in it, I thought it not conve∣nient to answer your Proposals. It is true, I am plac'd by the Emperor here as Chief Commander; yet I am not impower'd to treat about such Affairs, according to my desire; but must first acquaint his Majesty with it, and ex∣pect his Confirmation: But I have very well understood your desire, and you must expect an Answer to your Business from the Court at Peking, whi∣ther I have already sent a Letter. As to your going with Our Ships to Ey∣muy and Quemuy, Singlamong will acquaint you with Our Intentions, and give •…•…ou order concerning all things else. You have inclos'd in your Letter the Agreement We have mention'd, viz. That after the Conquering of Eymuy and Quemuy, Our Fleet and Forces shall sail with yours to Tayowan; and likewise that here in Hoksieu, or elsewhere, a Place shall be granted wherein you may drive a Trade; I have also written about it to the Court at Peking, from whence We expect a sudden Answer, which so soon as We receive, We will send you, together with the Emperors Pleasure concerning your last Articles. You request also three Pilots, which Singlamong will dispatch to you. Here in∣clos'd I send you an Express of the Flags in those Ships which shall go out of this River, to Eymuy and Quemuy, by which they may be distinguish'd.

Santokquon, Lipovi's Admiral, shall carry a blue Flag, with a black Moon, and a white Pennon.

Cheytinquon, a black Flag, with a Moon Argent.

a green Flag, with a red Moon.

Schuluwan, General of the Militia, a red Flag, with a black Moon.

Captain Yoeloewan, a white Flag, with a sable Moon.

Captain Ian Sumpin, a green Flag.

Captain Goo Sumpin, a black Flag, and a blue Pennon.

This Seal'd Writing, being compar'd with that sent by the Netherlanders to his Highness, to be Seal'd by him, was found to differ in the principal Arti∣cles, viz.

The taking possession of the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy, was not mention'd, but left out.

No mention was also made, That if they conquer'd, then they would go with them to Tayowan and Formosa.

Concerning the Free Trade through the whole Empire, and also to get the Emperor to ratifie their Agreement, they express'd thus:

That upon the Conquering the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy, the Hollanders should be receiv'd into the Emperors Subjection, and that his Majesty should acknowledge their Assistance, and grant their Request, to which Singlamong and Lipovi would be means that it should be perform'd.

Besides, although the King and Councils Writing agreed for the most part with that of the Hollanders, yet they had inserted many new things, about the carrying of their Flags, and other unnecessary Matters.

The last Exception was, That the Vice-Roy Singlamong's Letter was sign'd with his Seal; but Lipovi's was not.

The Admiral Bort, in Answer to their Highnesses Singlamong and Lipovi, writ back, with an Account of what Flags and Colours the Netherlanders us'd to carry, and should carry in that Expedition, as follows.

BEsides the Letter from your Highness and the General Lipovi, I also re∣ceiv'd yesterday the Result made in your Highness Assembly about Our Business, in which we are permitted to sell those Commodities at this time onely which We brought along with Us, being but few, and such as Captain Nobel can at any time give your Highness an Inventory of: We accept of this Grant, provided it may be forthwith publish'd, as well here in Soanchieuw, as Hoksieu, and made known to the People by divulging the Proclamation; and that Captain Nobel may go about it to Hoksieu, and there at his coming open his Cargoes, and expose the Goods to sale. And though this be but a small Requital for the great Service which We intend to do, yet We will firmly hope and believe, That his Imperial Majesty hereafter will not refuse to grant us a Free Trade for ever, through his whole Empire, it being onely what agrees with his Royal Bounty, to requite all such who to their great Charge come to his Service. We declare, That Our Fleet of Ships stands Our Masters in above a hundred thousand Taile to fit out, and forty thousand Taile a Month to maintain: That Fleet which return'd last Year with ill success to Batavia, cost also a great Sum of Money, which your Highness must needs be sensible of, and likewise what damage We sustain'd by the loss of two Ships that came to his Imperial Majesties Service. If therefore the Sale of those few Goods which We have brought along with Us, can make any satisfaction for the great Charges which We have already been at, We leave to your Highness consideration. Therefore We cannot but be still importunate in our first Request, That the Free Trade may be ratified to Us for ever through the whole Empire, and Writings seal'd in confirmation thereof.

But as concerning Eymuy and Quemuy, upon whose Conquest We desire

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some adjacent Isle to plant in; and also about your Sailing with Us from thence to Formosa and Tayowan, and surrendring that Countrey upon the re∣taking of it to Us, your Highness makes no mention; neither of the Article to procure Us Letters from the Emperor for the confirming all things.

Yet We are confident that your Highness will be so favorable as to pro∣cure what We so oft and so long have requested; upon which account We are ready and willing to venture Our Lives and Fortunes for the Emperor, and use Our uttermost Endeavors to ruine that avaritious and insulting Py∣rate, so We stand ready to joyn Our Forces with yours, desiring all celerity in the Expedition, and that the time for Our setting Sail from Eymuy and Quemuy may be appointed and publish'd, because the time limited for Us to be there, by Our General and Council, is already past.

There are yet some Prisoners of Ours, whom We desire your Highness to remember, and to send them to Us, if you hear where they are, or find them. In Canton, as We understand, are two of Our Men, that went over to the Enemy, which We desire may be sent fetter'd to Us, because such as are un∣faithful to their Trust, as the worst of Men, should suffer by condign Pu∣nishment.

The Flags and Colours which your Highness Fleet shall carry in this Our intended Expedition, We are sufficiently inform'd of their differences by your Highness▪ Ours also you may be pleas'd to take notice of, here inclos'd.

From the good Ship the Nut-Tree, the twenty seventh of October 1663. from Soanchieuw.

Balthasar Bort.

The Hollanders Colours, when joyn'd with the Tartars, shall be as follows.

First, All the Vanes and Flags which constantly flow from their Ships, are Red, White, and Blue.

When a white Ensign appears on the Stern, and a Gun is fir'd, it signifies the calling of a General Council: This Ensign also signifies Peace, as the Red War, and the beginning of a Fight.

At the putting on of a red, white, and blue Pennon from the Admirals Ship, all the Ships must follow him.

The Admirals Captain shall carry a green Flag, in which on the upper end near the Staff stands a gilded Lion with a Bunch of Arrows in his Paws.

The several Inferior Officers shall be distinguish'd by their several Co∣lours of Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green.

The Rere-Admiral shall carry a blue Ensign, with a Lion near the Staff; and his Inferior Officers Watchet, Blue, White, and Yellow Colours.

All other Martial Officers shall carry their Colours mingled, by which, together with their Sails and Yards, they may very well be distinguish'd from the Tartars.

The second of November, Constantine Nobel came from Soanchieuw aboard the Admiral, and brought an Answer from the Vice-Roy Singlamong, in which the time of their setting Sail, and all other things were mention'd, as appears by the following Contents.

IN the tenth Moon, the first day, I have given Order to the Agent Nobel to tell the Holland Admiral, That Our Tartar Jonks shall set Sail out of the River Soanchefoe on the ninth of this Our tenth Moon, and shall ride close by

the Hollanders in the Haven of Schoeni, and if Wind and Weather serve, to set forth with your Ships the same day, and set Sail to the Bay of Wettauw. Let five of your best Sailers, that draw least Water, go before with Our nimblest Jonks, and so run into the Haven of Wettauw; and the remaining ten Ships, with Our great Jonks, Anchor in the Mouth of the Harbor. If We should meet with any of the Enemies Jonks in the Bay of Wettauw, as also in the Haven of Kinsakia, as We may expect, let us joyntly assail them.

Concerning your Landing on the Enemies Coasts, Bethetok and I have re∣solv'd about it, which must be known onely to us two; but We will give you timely notice thereof.

I have order'd the Agent to bring me the List of the Merchandises which you have brought along with you, and I will send them by him to the Go∣vernor of Hoksieu, with Orders to him to sell them in Publick, to which pur∣pose the a 9.1 Conbon will be very serviceable.

Nobel also brought a Letter from the General Lipovi, in answer to that which the Admiral had sent to him, containing the following Lines.

THe twenty ninth of this ninth Moon I receiv'd your Letter, and per∣us'd the Contents of it, taking notice of the several distinctions of the Hollanders Flags and Colours, which We have approv'd, and at this instant acquainted Our Officers with, and order'd them to govern themselves ac∣cordingly.

You are here sent from your King in Batavia, with your Ships, to assist and sail with us to Eymuy and Quemuy: Therefore We believe that you will shew your Valour, in setting upon the Enemies Countreys and Vessels, that when they are Conquer'd, you may return with Honor to Batavia, and there give an Account of your Adventures to your King, That here you have ob∣tain'd your long wish'd for Desire of Free Trade, for which you have come hither two Years.

You write that We should send you Letters of Assurance, that you might for ever Trade through all this Empire, besides the appointing you conveni∣ent Houses and Places; which is not possible to be granted, till we are im∣power'd from his Majesty at Peking, to whom I have already writ concern∣ing it, who by this time understands your Requests: But as for those Wares which you have brought with you, you may dispose thereof at your pleasure. But after the Conquest of Eymuy and Quemuy, when you shall return with Us again to Hoksieu, We shall by that time have, We hope, a pleasing Answer to all your other desires, from the Emperor.

You propose also, That if any of your Countrey-men, being Prisoners with the Enemy, should fall into Our Hands, we would not kill them; which We not onely promise, but further also, that We will send them to you; and to that purpose I have already strictly commanded both My Of∣ficers and Soldiers. The day on which the Ships shall set Sail with Our Jonks, Singlamong will privately advise you.

The eleventh the Admiral Sail'd out of the Mouth of the River Soanchieuw, and with three Ships, viz. the Nut-Tree, Cinnamon-Tree, and Yonker, he came to the Cape of Sombou, although not followd by the Tartar Jonks. The Rere-Admiral Verwei, who had since the twenty sixth lain in the River Soanchefoe, set Sail also from thence with three Ships, the Vlaerdingen, Naerden, and Sea-hound.

The thirteenth the Admiral was inform'd by Letters from Tonganpek, That his Jonks were the day before come out of the River of Soanchefoe, into the Bay of Schoeni; and that Morning a Letter was brought to him from the Ad∣miral Matitoe (who three days before was gone to the Cape of Wattauw) in which he was advis'd, That he should be with all the Jonks of the Realm at Wattauw on the fourteenth day of that Moon, and also acquaint the Holland Admiral with it, that he might Sail thither with his Ships.

According to this Advice from Tonganpek, and also perceiving the Jonks sail∣ing before, the Admiral set sail with fourteen Ships from the Cape of Sombou to that of Puthay, behind which he came to an Anchor about the Evening, in nine Fathom Water.

Here Iacob Gommers, Commander of the Zierikzee, came aboard the Admiral, bringing with him one of the Dutch Prisoners, call'd Maurice Ianzen Vis, born in Mauritius-Isle, who not long before was taken by the Enemy Coxingans, and by them sent to the Netherlanders: He also deliver'd the Admiral a Letter from the Enemy, dated the tenth Instant, written by Summimpesiou, otherwise call'd Sioubontok, the second or next Person to the young Coxin Kimsia, who had the Supreme Command over the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy, and other Islands lying thereabouts. The Letter was to this effect.

Summimpesiou, alias Sioubontok, Commander and Governor of Quemuy, sends this Letter to the Chief Commander of the Holland Fleet.

YOu have understood and know, that Coxinga two Years ago conquer'd Tayowan, which formerly was his Native Countrey.

This was done because he was forc'd to provide a Settlement and strong Fortress for his Soldiers, which he us'd in his War against the Tartar.

And two Years since Coxinga coming to Formosa, at Sakkam, Iacob Valencyn surrendred upon these Articles, That the Hollanders should be alotted a Place in Sakkam, or elsewhere, to go on with their Trade, and settle their Facto∣ry in.

As to what concerns the Tartars, they are very much disabled, and their Forces so broken, that they have lost the Territories Huquan and Nanquin; therefore they have desir'd you to make War upon Us with your Ships, as We are inform'd; which We fear not, having Soldiers enough, all indispu∣tably valiant: As for your Ships, they are very large, but draw a great deal of Water; so that they cannot penetrate the River, but must always live at Sea. You also know very well, that when We were in Tayowan We were stor'd with Soldiers, and Ammunition; therefore have a care of your selves, that these Eastern Tartars deceive you not; for they are cowardly and deceitful, as you perhaps will find too soon, when you shall see, that in the Battel, and in the greatest need, they will forsake you, shifting basely for themselves: But admit they should stand stoutly, they will always be ca∣villing; sometimes they will pretend, that you have not assisted them as you ought, but that in all their Engagements they were forc'd to resist Coxinga's Forces alone: Nay, if you should conquer us, which we no ways fear, they will never grant you a setled Factory; for Singlamong and Lipovi have assur'd Us, That the Hollanders should never obtain a Free Trade in China, if We would come in. And besides, the Emperor in Peking hath not so much as once heard of your Business; for if he did, he would never put you upon a War against Us; therefore I advise you in good time to look to your selves,

nor Engage for a false Friend against so potent an Enemy: for your Ships, of which you boast so much, are rather for Burthen than War: and if you come to Traffick with us, then know, that the Coasts you intend for have many Rocks, Sands and Shelves, where your Ships may easily suffer. But in Tayo∣wan we have Sugar, Deer-skins, and other Merchandises which you desire, in far greater abundance: therefore if you will turn your Business to a friendly Commerce, intimate your Intentions to Kimsia, and he will provide a Place for your Merchants, and a Harbor for your Ships. I have with yours sent some of our Men to you to know further your Mind; and if you desire to Treat with me about any thing, send three of your Men to me, and we will first consult: we will send you aboard Valencine's Wife, your Minister Leo∣nard with his Wife, and all the other Prisoners. What we Write is plain, but serious, not ambiguous, and free from all dissimulation. The Hollander Assam was Interpreter two years since in Sakkam to Iacob Valencin, therefore I have sent him with this Letter to declare to you all things, and to acquaint you with the condition of our Affairs.

In the 17th Year of Yunlie, the 10th Moon and the 9th Day.

The Commander, Iacob Gommers-back, sent in Writing by the same Champan which brought Maurice, an Answer to the young Coxin, That neither he nor his Officers could give any Answer upon it; but that they must first acquaint their Admiral with it, and have his Order: therefore it would be requisite for his Highness to send a Coya with Oars to him, to carry the Messenger (by the Chineses call'd Assam, and by the Netherlanders, Maurice) to receive his Answer on their Proposals.

This Maurice Ianzen Vis inform'd the Admiral and his Councel, as well of his own accord as by Examination, That the Enemy was five or six thousand strong in the Island Eymuy, and that there were no other Castles or strong Holds, but one round Stone Wall, without Batteries or Guns: That the Island Lissoe was inhabited onely by Rusticks, and that the Enemy had no Fortifications there; but on the Island Goutsoe was a small Castle: That Anpontek Command∣ded in Formosa and Tayowan, yet lived on Sakkam, which was no way fortifi'd: That in the Castle there were no Soldiers, nor any but Coxin's Wives and Chil∣dren: That the Militia were Quarter'd all about the Countrey, yet much decrea∣sed by divers running away, and many cut off daily by the Formosan King Mid∣dag; for neither he nor the People of the Mountains would submit to the Chinese Government; but all the Villages did: That before Eymuy and Quemuy lay about eighty great, and twenty ordinary Jonks with Soldiers; moreover, above two hundred and sixty Jonks Unarm'd, in which their Women and Children, and Housholdstuff, had their abodes: Lastly, that the Towns on Eymuy and Quemuy were most of them deserted, and the Chineses preparing to flie to Formosa.

Upon this Intelligence the Admiral and his Councel conceiv'd, that their dilatoriness about the Islands would strengthen Formosa, all the rest flying thi∣ther, which by all means ought to be prevented. Hereupon it was thought convenient and concluded, to send the Vice-Admiral and Captain Poleman as authoriz'd Persons, to Tonganpek, General of the Tartar Fleet, lying at the Cape of Pathany, to demand of him peremptorily, If he did not intend with all his Jonks and Forces that very day, to joyn and set Sail with them, and so together fall upon the Enemy: which if he refus'd, then tell to him, That they would

undertake the Work themselves. And that it might appear they dealt upright∣ly, Maurice Ianzen was sent with the two Captains to acquaint him, That they had Overtures of Peace from Summimpessiou, yet they would not desist from their Intentions.

But they returning told the Admiral, That he was very unwilling to Engage till he heard from Singlamong and Lipovi, and therefore desir'd three or four days respite, alledging that it was not according to the Agreement, which was, That they should assail the Enemy together: but if they would go, then to leave two or three Ships for their Convoy to follow them.

The fifteenth he sent a Mandarin with Letters to the Admiral, persisting in his former Desire, that he would please to tarry but two days longer. But the Admiral suspecting delays, and the change of their Councels, and that the time expir'd they might have other Orders, pitcht upon the next day to set forward with eight Ships to Quemuy, and to leave seven small Frigats to con∣duct them; of which they sent him word by his own Mandarin; desiring also, that for the more easie Landing of their Men they lend them twenty five of their Coya's, or small Boats.

In the Evening the Hollanders espy'd fifty or sixty little Tartar Jonks and Coya's to stand directly for Quemuy, to whom the Admiral immediately sent his Lieutenant Hendrick van Dalen, with the Interpreter Iohn Melman, to demand the reason thereof, and why they Sail'd thither? to which they return'd an∣swer, That the Tartars had that Night taken a Coya with three Men from the Enemy, who inform'd them that there were many more at Quemuy, therefore they had sent out those Coya's to watch their motion; adding moreover, that the next Morning they were to come again to the Fleet.

The sixteenth about Day-break they saw the same Vessels according as they told them, returning from Quemuy, but seem'd to be a greater Fleet; to meet whom, upon a Signal, many more Boats set out from the Tartars by fifteeen or sixteen in a Company, which might easily be discern'd very much to decrease the Fleet; and observing they went all of them thither full of People, and re∣turn'd in a manner empty, they were jealous that the Tartar either had, or would privately agree with the Enemy: whereupon they chang'd their in∣tention, and resolv'd to wait another day for the Tartar Fleet, whilst they sent to them to be better satisfi'd concerning the former Passages.

In the afternoon a Mandarin, chose by Tonganpek, brought the twenty five Coya's to the Dutch Fleet, with a Letter to the Admiral, desiring some farther de∣lay; but he not altering his resolution, distributed the Tartar Vessels amongst his Fleet as he saw fit: and immediately the Admiral and the Councel agreed, that the next Morning he should Sail from thence with eight Ships to the South Point of the Island Quemuy; and in the mean time the Rere-Admiral Bartholo∣mew Verwei should with his Ship and the other small Frigats, being seven in number, stay with the Tartar Fleet, and Sail with them towards Quemuy; but if the General Tonganpek did not follow the Admiral with all his Forces within five days, that then the Vice-Admiral, no longer delaying, should follow to joyn with the Admiral, that so together they might fall upon the Service, the better to endamage the Enemy. Mean while came another Letter from Singlamong the Vice-Roy, to the Admiral, by all means desiring him to tarry a little longer; but he persisting, and not enduring delays, the next day with his Ships reaching to Erasmus Bay, the twenty five Coya's running in, lay behind the North-Foreland: the Admiral not doubting but that the Tartars would

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follow him, Sail'd nearer the City; and about ten a Clock the next Morning anchor'd before the great City Quemuy: where after some difficulty in chusing their Ground, the rest of their Fleet being now joyn'd with the other seven, Rode as near the City as they could: then the Admiral sent some Boats to discover fit Landing-places, with Orders also, that if they saw any conveni∣ence to Land a Party; which Coker their Captain perform'd, putting ashore fourscore Men; but the Chineses coming out of the City gave them a smart Camisado: yet the Hollanders behav'd themselves so well, that they put the Enemy, though twice their number, to flight with the loss of one Man, and some few wounded. During this Skirmish, the Hollanders having gotten some Ground, and the Chineses retreated, the one was recruited from their Ships, and the other from the Town, who after a while facing each other, came to a second Engagement: but these also, as the former, were repuls'd, and forc'd to retreat with loss; and had the later Landed Hollanders been drawn up and setled in a Body, they had probably, by a total rout in their confused flight, broke in with them into the Town; but they seeing the Hollanders ad∣vance no farther, fled not in, but lay sculking behind a natural Breast-work of Rocks that lay before the Town, whence they gawl'd them very much with continual flights of Arrows. The Admiral from Sea observing the difficul∣ty of the Service, sent Order that Captain Poleman should Command in chief upon the Shore to prevent all disorders and confusions, ordering them to stand upon their Guard, and not venter too near the Town, while he should Land and plant some Cannon to facilitate the Storming thereof: But whilst the Hollanders made good their Ground all that Night, next Morning the Admiral himself Landed; then consulting what was best to be done, or whether they should Storm the City that day, Letters were presented them from Singlamong, Matithelavia, or Bethetok, Tonganpek, and other Commanders, in which they advis'd, That the Tartar Forces would set forth with their Fleet that very day, therefore they desir'd them to forbear Storming till their whole

Force were conjoyn'd, that they might first together set upon the Enemy at Sea, and having routed them there, attended with Victory, next assault the Town, alledging, That when they had taken the City, all the adjacent Places and Isles would of themselves surrender. The Admiral, though well satisfi'd by this, that the Tartars were punctual to their Promises, yet thought it better not to lose time by suspending their Motion (which would ask some days) re∣solv'd to give them a present Assault: whereupon it was unanimously agreed, with two Companies of Soldiers and some Sea-men with Hand-Granado's, to draw near, having a good Reserve upon all occasions: this no sooner conclu∣ded, but they march'd up to the Walls, where while some ply'd the Defen∣dants* 11.1 with Volleys of Shot, that they could not peep over the Wall, and others threw Hand-granado's, some set up Scaling-Ladders, on which they mounted very resolutely; but they being made of Canes, and over-burden'd with the Assailants, broke when they had in their hopes swallow'd the City; which the Admiral observing, and that they were like to do no good at present, sounded a Retreat; and so they drew off in some confusion, though with no considera∣ble damage.

This Design falling out so unfortunately, the Admiral commanded all his Men aboard, and the next day set Sail to meet the Tartars, and the remainder of his Fleet, according to Singlamong's Desire, having sent Letters before him to that purpose.

Whilst the Admiral made these Dispatches, and went with the Vice-Admiral went aboard the Ionker Frigat, a Chinese Messenger arriv'd with a Letter from Somminpesiou, in Coxin Kimpsia, Coxinga's Son's Name, who had the chief Com∣mand over his Forces. The Letter being interpreted, was found to be of the same Contents as that of the tenth instant, which we mention'd before. Be∣sides this was another written by a Dutch Prisoner, Iohn Ianse of Bremen, who al∣so desir'd them to agree with the Chineses, who, if the Netherlanders were inclin'd to Trade, were best able to serve them; and to that end they might chuse a Place where they pleas'd, and it should be given them; and also that their King Kimsia did with the first opportunity expect the first Messenger Maurice, who he hop'd would bring him news, that they would agree with him; in hopes of which they intended to send them their Prisoners from Tayowan.

Whereupon the Admiral sent word again to Tsioubontok, That he had re∣ceiv'd his Letters too late, because the Netherlanders had entred into a League before with the Tartars, by which they were oblig'd to maintain Wars against them, unless the Tartars gave any new occasion of breach; but as concerning Assam, or Maurice, he intended to send him by some other opportunity.

All things being now ready and in order, they weighed Anchor, and had not Sail'd far before they descry'd behind the Point of Quemuy two of their other Ships at an Anchor, by which they absolutely concluded, that the Tartars whole Fleet was there with them, because they also saw a great many Jonks Sailing behind the Island Lissoe; but in stead of coming on they dropp'd An∣chor: when in the Evening the Admiral receiv'd another Letter from Ton∣ganpek to this effect:

THe eighteenth of our tenth Moon eight of your Ships Sail'd about Quemuy, which is very well done. This day I have receiv'd Letters from Singlamong to set Sail with your and our Ships on the one and twentieth of the tenth Moneth, from Wetauw to Tathaen: wherefore I and Matithelavia have set forward with the remainder of your

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Ships to the West Point of Quemuy, that on the twentieth in the Morning they might be at Tathaen, Wind and Weather favouring: You mention in your last Letter, that the Coya's which were sent to your Service did not perform as they ought; the Business shall be examin'd, and their Officers shall suffer condign punishment. On the closing of this Let∣ter we came with our Ionks and two of your Ships, to the Point of Osatauw, where we have taken some of the Enemy's Vessels, and with the slaughter of a few put the rest to flight: nothing now remains, but that we may▪ conjoyn Forces at Lissoe, hoping there to meet you, that the next morning we may fall upon the Service.

Which the Admiral presently answer'd, and sending Orders to his Reer-Admiral to be in a readiness, prepar'd for the Rendezvouz at Lissoe.

The nineteenth he receiv'd other Letters, both from Tonganpek and his Reer-Admiral, giving an account onely of some small Actions, and a little jea∣lousie of his Reer-Admiral concerning the Tartars; which he answer'd no otherwise, but that he would meet them at Lissoe.

About day-break the Admiral receiv'd a Letter, brought in a Coxingan Vessel, from Tsioubontok, or the second Person to Kimsia; in which, in Kimsia's Name, was written to this effect:

Summimpessiou sends this Letter to the Holland Commanders in their Ships.

YOur Letters which I receiv'd yesterday I partly understand, viz. that you have made a League with the Tartars; in so doing you have done well: for we know by experience, that you Hollanders never break your Words, and inviolably observe all Covenants and Promises. Whereas the Tartars were ever a perfidious and treacherous People: for it is common with them, after Articles of Peace, and Acts of Oblivion, whom they receive under their subjection, and should honorably protect, they without mercy murder, butchering in a manner, whole Provinces; and those great Persons that were able to withstand them, after they had invited them with golden Baits of Promotion, having once got them in their power, have first loaden them with Fetters, and after murder'd, witness my Grandfather Equon and others, whereof we have had woful experience these twenty years. They have threatned to destroy us and our Fleet with Fire and Sword, and take in Eymuy, and those Isles we stand possess'd off, but never durst look us in the face, till by the like dissembling arts they have drawn you in to their assistance; for which they promise you (if you will believe them) a free Trade for ever through the whole Empire: But they are onely pleasant with you, and intending no such matter. Besides, whensoever you with your Ships shall Engage ours, they will, to keep up their character of cowardise and treachery, leave you singly either to be over∣thrown, or work out a hard, and at the best, a disputable Victory: but if by your sole Prowess and Power you subdue us, which we little fear, yet they will not onely take into their possession what you have won, but assume the whole honor of the Victory unto themselves: but we will not insist further on this Point. Your Nation we have a kindness for, because we know you to be honest, therefore we, as an honorable Enemy, hoping our selves to be suffici∣ent enough to fight you, advise you to beware of Rocks and Shoals, whereof there are many in our Harbors: yet if upon better advice, and surer, you will come in to us, we have in Formosa at present twenty thousand Chineses, which make abundance of Sugar yearly; for which your Ships may come into the Haven of Tayowan, and there Traffick: to which purpose we will give you Tamsuy and Kelang, formerly inhabited by the Hollanders, and provide you with a good Harbor for your Ships: If these please you not, you may take Lamoa, or any other. We therefore desire you speedily to send a Person of Quality with Assam, with whom I may Communicate and Treat concerning the whole Affair, who, if we* 13.1 come to a right understanding, shall bring you all your Prisoners, of what quality soever.

The Heavens, Sun and Moon, are witnesses, that what I offer is truth, and desire Peacē; but if it must be War, let us know your determination: for we have a Fleèt five hundred strong, besides two hundred Fire-ships, with which we shall put you to it, try your Valor, and know how well you Hollanders can fight, not doubting when we come to trial, but to sink, rout, and burn you all.

In the seventeenth Year of our Emperor Iunglie, the tenth Moon and the nineteenth Day.

The Admiral onely answer'd, That he was engag'd already to assist the Tartars, and they never made any breach with their Allies without many and just Provocations: therefore he could serve him no otherwise but by return∣ning thanks for his kind proffers; and that they would continue their civility to their Prisoners, as he had done to theirs.

About nine a Clock in the afternoon the Admiral set Sail with his eight Ships to Engage with the Enemy's Forces, which consisted in a thousand as well great as small Jonks, and the day before anchor'd near the Island Lissoe: Then he Sail'd to the Southward of Quemuy, where he met with the remainder of his own and the Tartar Fleet: about Noon they fell in with some of the Ene∣my's Jonks between Lissoe and Quemuy; and although they endeavor'd to hin∣der them from running away, yet some of them made their escape, creeping close under the Shore, and steer'd their Course to Eymuy: however, they hemm'd in about fifty great Jonks of War, which after some resistance, and the sinking one of their biggest, us'd all means possible to break through, and to fall upon the Tartars, which lay without Shot, and not once offer'd to En∣gage; which after some difficulty they effected, and immediately Boarding them, before the Hollanders, by reason of a Calm, could come to their assistance, behaved themselves with so much courage, that after a little resistance the Tar∣tars were forc'd to flie up to the Netherland Ships, and leave two of their Jonks behind, one Commanded by the Admiral Bethetok, Governor of the City of Soanchieuw, and the other by the General Iantetok, which the Enemy took and plundred, but were afterwards by the Netherlanders regain'd, which the Enemy could not prevent, because upon the Hollanders approach they had enough to do to secure their own Jonks by flight; for their nimble Rowing (the Ships not being able by reason of the calm Weather to follow them) was their preserva∣tion, onely one running on the Shore of Quemuy, was forsaken by her Men. Against the Evening the Enemy being much scatter'd, Tyded towards the South; but part of them chased along the Coast of Quemuy by the Rere-Admi∣ral late in the Evening, made their escape. The Enemy thus fled, the Battel ended for that Night. The Tartar Jonks went to the North from whence they came, but the Hollanders anchor'd at Lissoe; whereupon search he found himself no way damnifi'd, but onely in his Sails, having but one Man kill'd, and about sixteen wounded.

The Hollanders were now fully satisfi'd of the Tartars cowardise, for that with their whole Fleet, which was four times as strong as the Enemy's, they durst not Engage with seven or eight Jonks, but fled, as we said, for safeguard under the Netherlanders Guns, leaving their Admiral Bethetok, and the General Iantetok, which last was kill'd: whereas the Enemy, when he came near the great Ships, defended himself with Bowes and Arrows, and Darts, which in great abundance they shot and threw into the Sails, and likewise with small Shot and fiery Darts, yet did little damage.

In the Evening the Interpreter Melman was sent aboard Tonganpek, to enquire how it hapned that his Men had not defended themselves better? whereto he made this Answer:

That a sudden fear had surpris'd them; but desir'd him that he should be pleas'd at the rising of the Moon, to Sail between the Isle of Goutsoe and the other small Isles thereabouts to Eymuy, where he would meet him.

The twentieth, two hours before Day, the Admiral with his whole Fleet set Sail for Eymuy, and Rowing along to the Southward, so passing by Goutsoe; not far from whence they spy'd Coxin'gas Fleet: whereupon the Hollanders made up towards them, as they on the other side did towards the Tartar Jonks, and about ten of the Clock came into the Channel between the Westermost Island of Toata and the Northern, or third of Goutsoe: but the Hollanders, because the Current was against them in that Straight, spent two hours in approaching the Enemy; by which time they had Engag'd the Tartars: but at the Hollanders coming in they quitted their Design, and shifted for their safety; which, though the Hollanders had them as in a Pound, that either they must be taken, sunk, or run ashore, they perform'd with such activity, skill and courage, that they broke through the midst of them, running their low-built Vessels close under their Guns, so fighting their Way, that of a hundred and eighty Ships of War, three onely were taken, the rest all entring with small damage into Quemuy and Goutsoe.

Lipovi, greedy to hear of the Success, came down the River Chinchieu, and sent a Batsiang, or Messenger aboard the Admiral, to know the news and ad∣vise concerning the Landing of the Tartar Horse at Eymuy: to all which he return'd an Answer in Writing by the same Batsiang, relating at large the whole circumstances of the Battel.

In the afternoon the Netherlanders saw four Chinese Jonks coming from Que∣muy, which designed passing by them to go to the Tartars, but they were pre∣vented in their Course by the Guns, and forc'd to Anchor near the Ships, of which the Commanders that lay nearest, went aboard, and according to the Admirals Order brought them into the middle of the Fleet; who being exa∣min'd by the Commanders, told the Admiral, That they had onely six Fami∣lies aboard, and Provisions for their Voyage: Whereupon he declar'd the Jonks to be free Prize, and gave all what was in them to be distributed amongst the Sea-men. Notwithstanding, some Tartar Mandarins came to intreat the Admiral to let them be discharg'd, alledging, that they had an Invitation by Letter from Geitonkok, Governor of Chinchieu, to make an escape over to them: but he having a Letter from Soanghieu, to spare none upon any pretence, but to make all Prize and Prisoners, made seizure, sending two of them, and keep∣ing the other two for himself.

But Lipovi not long after sent another Letter to the Admiral, acknowledg∣ing, that though he desir'd to be inform'd from his Excellency, yet he had seen the Fight, though at great distance from a Hill, and acknowledg'd the honor of the Victory belong'd only to his Ships. His Letter Translated was to this effect:

Lipovi, Chief Commander and General of the Tartar Forces in the Territory of Fokien, and Admiral of the Fleet before Eymuy, by this Letter sends kind Salutations to his Excellency the Admiral of the Hollanders.

THe one and twentieth in the Morning, from a Mountain I saw the co∣ming of your Ships, and with joy beheld the driving away of the

Pyrates Jonks with the Thunder of your Cannon. Now I see the integrity of your Nation, and that you mean as you say, and perform what you promise. I will not be negligent with the first opportunity, to signifie to my Master the good Service which you have done to his Imperial Majesty, and how bravely you have behav'd your selves in the Fight, routing yours and our Enemies. Soanghieu's Supplies will be ready to joyn with us to morrow. What I have more to write, I hope ere long, Sir, to deliver by word of Mouth.

To which the Admiral return'd in brief, That he was much rejoyced that he was pleas'd to present their Business to the Emperor with such favor, that he should be the better prepar'd to requite their good Service.

With Lipovi's Letter, Bort also receiv'd one from Admiral Sitetok, who sent him four fed Oxen which he had taken in Eymuy.

The same day the Rere-Admiral brought Iohn Ianz, one of the Dutch Prison∣ers aboard the Admiral, who had written the two fore-mention'd Letters, and was come in a Champan with four Chineses aboard the Rere-Admiral the day of the Fight, having on purpose misconstrued the Admiral's Letter to the Chineses desire, as if he had granted what was but in Proposal, viz. That the Nether∣landers would Charge their Guns onely with Powder, and that he must go in Person to acquaint the Rere-Admiral with the Design: By which means he got his Liberty, and the rest were taken Prisoners.

Mean while, the Enemy being dispatch'd at Sea, the Tartars under Lipovi having Landed their Horse, which put the People under great consternation, they suddenly took the City of Eymuy by Storm, slaughtering the Inhabitants, and plundering their Houses.

The same day a Mandarin came with a Letter from the General to the Admi∣ral, expressing his joy for having taken the City Eymuy, and desiring that on the Morrow he would be pleas'd to favor him so much as to come thither and speak with him. The Admiral congratulated his Victory, but excus'd himself as to waiting upon him, because of the distance of the Place.

The one and twentieth he receiv'd Missives from Tonganpek to this effect:

TWo days since I saw with great admiration, how valiantly your Ships behav'd themselves in the Engagement against the Enemy, which will so amaze the Pyrate himself, that he will never dare to look you in the Face. I for my particular part humbly thank you for such kind Service, in dissipating the Enemy. About three days since I sent you the Vice-Roy's Order, wherein he commands us to Sail with all our Fleet to Eymuy; but be∣ing on my Way thither, I was by another Order detain'd at Liutien. Now in regard his intentions are to come in Person to Eymuy, I humbly desire you, according to his Request, that you will please to send five of your Ships to Liutien, and with the other ten lie at an Anchor before Eymuy, to prevent the Eenemy from making an escape, and in so doing you will oblige me. At present I have little of fresh Provision to send you; yet be pleas'd to accept this small Present, viz. five Porkers, fifty Capons, fifty Ducks, five Pots with Liquor, some Crabs, and ten Picols of Radishes.

To this Letter he answer'd, That on Singlamong's Request, to secure him and his Jonks from the Enemy, he would command eight of his Ships to Sail to Lissoe; and that they would not fail with the rest of their Fleet to come to the Tartars assistance.

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No sooner was this Answer on Shore, but Lipovi sent a second Request, and that he need not trouble himself, for he was sufficiently Guarded by Tonganpek with his Forces: therefore if he would be pleas'd to come ashore, he and his Mandarins would entertain him in the fairest House in the Island.

Upon which Invitation, first chusing two Jonks for his own use out of those which he had taken, he went ashore, accompanied with the Vice-Admiral Hui∣bert de Lairesse, and Captain Poleman.

The General being assembled with his principal Mandarins in young Coxinga's House, receiv'd the Admiral with great courtesie and real joy. Lipovi also ascrib'd the honor of the Victory to the Netherlanders, telling them, That it was not themselves, but they that had put the Enemy to the rout; that he had seen the Engagement at Sea before Eymuy, and sufficiently heard of that at Quemuy: for which much rejoycing, he highly extoll'd their Valor. Where∣upon he assur'd the Admiral, That though he was not able to make satisfaction for the Service which they had done to his Countrey, he would endeavor that the Emperor should.

Lipovy having ended his Discourse, the Admiral return'd in like manner, how glad he was for his Victory at Eymuy, wishing him many more, not doubt∣ing but he should scowre the Sea, and clear the Port and Harbors from the Coxingans, that Pyratick Rabble.

After this the Admiral made three Requests to the General:

First, That he would be pleas'd to write a Letter to the Konbon in Hoksieu, and give Order in it, that the Goods which Captain Nobel and the Merchant Hogenhook had in Hoksieu, might be sold off.

Secondly, That they might not stay long there, but prosecute the Enemy on Quemuy and the other Isles.

Thirdly, That the Tartars should then go with the Netherlanders to Formosa, and assist them in driving the Pirates from thence.

The first and second Request Lipovi absolutely granted the Admiral, pro∣mising more, That he would not fail to get them what they so much desir'd, a free Trade through the Empire, and that within two days they would Sail together to Quemuy. But concerning the third Proposal of going with the Ne∣therlanders to Tayowan, he made no promise; but said, That perhaps would follow, after the rest of their work was finish'd.

Then Lipovi recounted to him what purchase they had upon the Isle, con∣sisting only in a few Cattel and Sheep, of which he sent forty Oxen and some of the Sheep aboard the Netherland Ships; promising them the whole Plunder of the other Isles, that his Men might not be discourag'd, but might venture their Lives for something.

Whilst the Admiral was ashore, three Champans with Chinese Rusticks came amongst the Fleet, which dwelt on the Main Land near Goutsoe, with Request to the Netherlanders, to grant them a Pass to go to the Tartars, and submit them∣selves to his Subjection, by cutting their Hair like the Tartars, and paying of Tribute, which the Admiral so soon as he came aboard granted them; in re∣quital whereof, they gave him four Hogs, and five Pots of Chinese Beer.

The Rusticks being ask'd concerning the condition of the Chinese Enemies, declar'd, That they were all fled away from thence in the night, none knowing whither they were gone.

The two and twentieth, the Admiral receiv'd a Letter from his Highness, and the Vice-Roy Singlamong, in Thanks for his gotten Victories over the

Chineses, with Intreaties, that he would Sail with the Fleet to the Isle of Goutsoe.

The same day Captain Poleman and the Secretary were sent ashore to deli∣ver to the Vice-Roy and General, what so long had slept, and would not be at first receiv'd, the Letter and Presents from Maetzuiker and the Council at Bata∣via, and to request of Lipovi, that he would be pleas'd, according to his pro∣mise the day before, to write to the Conbon, and with it send a Letter, which the Admiral had given to Poleman and the Secretary, and directed to Constantine No∣bel at Hoksieu.

The Agents having receiv'd their Orders, went in two Sloops to the Gene∣ral, whom they found on the Main Land, opposite to Colongsoe; and after a kind Salutation to him from Maetzuiker, they deliver'd him the Letter, which the General having perus'd, declar'd, that their Excellencies Letters were very acceptable; yet it seem'd strange, that they should send Presents, when they knew it was not his Custom to receive any; but if they were useful in War, he would accept of them; to which being soon perswaded, he requir'd them as they were brought before him, and commanded them, without open∣ing, to be carry'd to his Tent, only returning the Complement of Thanks; promising also to unite to the Conbon in Hoksieu, in the behalf of the Hollanders there: After this, the Agents having been nobly entertain'd by Lipovi, took their leave and departed.

The three and twentieth the Fleet having fir'd three Guns, set Sail to the Isle of Goutsoe, accompany'd with the Tartars; and about Noon they came to An∣chor, a League and half South-West from the Island, not being able, by rea∣son of a calm and contrary Tide, to double the North Fore-land, while the Tartar Jonks Anchor'd before Lissoe; from whence, the Admiral was desir'd by Sietetok and Tonganpek to come ashore, whither (having resolv'd to go be∣fore) he went with Lairesse, Captain Poleman, and three Companies of Soldiers to the Isle of Goutsoe; from whence the Enemy was fled, and they took possession of three new rais'd Forts which were deserted, one of them with a Castle, and though not very beautiful, yet strong, for the Walls and Breast-Works which were twenty three Foot high, were made of firm Stones, and the Curtain on the Walls six Foot broad; the whole in Circum∣ference, as big as the Castle at Batavia; but nothing was found in it, except Stools, Benches, (the Tartars having been there and Plunder'd all) and thirty nine unserviceable Iron Guns, which lay about; of these the Hollanders making themselves Masters, plac'd Centinels to look over them, till they had opportu∣nity of Shipping.

The Admiral coming out of the Castle, was met by the Tartar General, who earnestly invited him aboard his Jonk to a small Treat, which he mo∣destly excus'd, desiring them to take a slight Sea-Entertainment upon the Land, which he thought would not be inconvenient for either; so giving Or∣der while the Meat was a Cooking, they view'd the other two forsaken Forts; one of which for the most part was cut out of a Rock, and built very strong on a Rivers side, whither oftentimes Armies of Hornets, thick like a Thun∣der-Cloud, appearing cover the adjacent Countrey, devouring Plants, Fruits, and whatever they find where-ever they come; which before their lighting, to prevent, the Rusticks come arm'd with Canes, and Flags at the ends, and fight them by flourishing and waving them about their Heads, which fetches them down in thousands, where thus destroying some of them, the rest not ventu∣ring to light, flie in their great bodies to other places, and so often clear the

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Countrey. Here the Admiral having spent some time, they were call'd down, where on the Sea shore they Eat, Drank, and were Merry; and well-pleas'd each departed to their own Quarters.

The next day there came Letters from Lipovi, that he had given Order to dismantle the three Castles, excusing it from the infertility of the Countrey, as unfit for the Hollanders to make any thing of, either to improve or Garrison; and that Formosa was much better for them to resettle upon, which they need not doubt, but the Tartars should help them to regain, and then they should possess it as formerly; but the Admiral sent word, that he would not suffer them to touch it, until the next day he had spoken with their General Lipovi.

Soon after the Admiral receiv'd a Letter from Lipovi, which was to this effect:

At present you have had much trouble, but now there is nothing left but the Isle Que∣muy, which I desire you will Sail to with Setetok and Tonganpek, that there you may fully take satisfaction for your losses; and therefore let your Soldiers first Pillage the Countrey, and then ours shall be contented with the Gleanings: This done, We will burn and pull down the Towns, because we do not desire to keep them; when we have won Quemuy, then we will consult of further Proceedings.

The twenty fifth in the Morning, the Admiral, and the Mars, and Zirikzee Frigats, setting Sail with all the Tartar Jonks to Quemuy, Anchor'd in the Afternoon between Lissoe and Toata, where he call'd a Council, to consult if they should take the Island Goutsoe in Possession, because of the Forts al∣ready built upon it, and Garrison them, or not? Whereupon after some debate, they unanimously agreed, not to settle on that Island, nor Garrison the Forts, but suffer the Tartars to burn and destroy them, because it was little, barren, and not improvable by Cultivation; but their special reason was, that it would too much weaken them, having design'd so suddenly to fall upon Formosa.

The twenty sixth in the Morning, the Admiral set Sail again, being fol∣low'd

by nine Frigats to the West side of Quemuy, where he Anchor'd amongst several Tartar Jonks, which Sail'd thither the day before.

The Rere-Admiral Verwei stay'd with five Ships at the Isle of Goutsoe, to bring away the remaining Guns, and make those that could not be brought unfit for Service by Cloying; with Orders also, that when he had done, he should come up to Quemuy.

The Admiral and his Men going ashore, found the Enemy likewise fled from thence, and the Tartars pulling down, tearing, and rifling the City, which was contrary to Lipovi's promise, who not only in his Letters, but per∣sonally assur'd the Admiral, that the Netherlanders should have all the Plunder; but after this they set a less value upon the Tartars promises.

But however, the Admiral, Vice-Admiral and Captain Poleman went to see this little City, whose Walls were of an incredible thickness, yet not so strong as those of Aymuy, and an hours walking in Circumference, with four Gates, besides fifteen or sixteen Iron Guns, which the Tartars made Prize of. More∣over, the City consisted all of Stone Houses, but thinner built than Aymuy, yet all were desolated, the Inhabitants being all fled, only here and there the Tar∣tars pick'd up some miserable Creatures out of Holes and blind Recesses, whom they us'd Salvagely, killing some, cutting, slashing, and driving them like Cat∣tel, which the Admiral observing and pitying, towards Evening went thence aboard.

The twenty seventh, the Admiral receiv'd several Letters, but that of most concern was this from the Vice-Roy and General, Singlamong and Lipovi, which were written before, but hinder'd by bad Weather, came not till now, being in effect the Contents of all the rest.

YOu worthy Hollanders have had great care and trouble to beat the Pirate Our Enemy, which is very well known to Us; We may certainly say, that you have been a Terror to them, and put them to flight by your Valor and Conduct; I and Lipovi Thank you for the Service done to Our Empire. Three days since We desir'd you in a Letter to come to see Us at Cinwe, that there We might Communicate Our Consultations; to which We have re∣ceiv'd your Answer and Resolution, that you intend to cleanse your Ships at Quemuy, which We are very well pleas'd with. But the Pirate out of fear of your Forces is fled, and hath settled on the Isle Tongsan, which place belongs to the Province of Fokien; therefore if he be not now prosecuted, he will soon return to the deserted Islands and sculking places which he hath for∣saken. You write after you have cleans'd your Ships, that you will Sail to the Cape of Wetaw, or to Soanchefoe, to speak with Us; which if the Enemy should hear of, he would soon come and find the Island, which is now Guar∣ded by you, in its full state as he had left it; because you desir'd that the Forts there should not be pull'd down, nor the Houses in the City be burnt; if therefore the Enemy should find your People gone and his places no way ruin'd, he might perchance soon be Master of all again; wherefore We keep Our Forces in Arms near the Enemies Borders, lest that after your departure he should return.

The twentieth of Our tenth Moon, one of Our Commanders inform'd us, that in the last Month he took near Tongsan, in the Haven of Yuntzaw, an hundred and sixty Jonks and Vessels; and also that he took and kill'd five thousand Men, of which two hundred are yet kept Prisoners, whereof one

is an eminent Mandarin Therefore since the Pyrate is so near, and it is not to be doubted but that he will settle himself again on the foremention'd Isle, We desire you to take this trouble upon you, and do so much Service more for this Empire, as to Sail with Our Jonks to Tongsoa, that there the Foe may also be dislodg'd. To which purpose, Lipovi and I are together at Cinwe, to give Order, that all Our Jonks, as well great as small, may be in readi∣ness; and being furnish'd with Men and Provisions, may Sail with your Ships to Tongsoa. We very well know, that your People understand better how to fight at Sea than Ours; therefore I and Lipovi wish, that you be in∣clin'd to go thither, that We may have it from your own Mouth; where∣upon We will rely, and desire that We may know your answer by these two Mandarins; but if it be possible, take the trouble upon you, and come to Us in Cinwe, that We may consult about this and other Affairs.

The Interpreter and Secretary brought also a Copy of the Letter sent by Singlamong and Lipovi, about their business to the Emperor in Peking, which being Translated was to this effect.

THe Holland Ships having set Sail with Our Jonks from Soanchefoe, and Anchor'd again at Wetauw, on the twelfth of the tenth Moon, the eighteenth of the same, eight Ships Sail'd to Quemuy, and seven Holland Ships with Our Jonks the day after pass'd thorow, and Anchor'd by Our Jonks on the West side of Quemuy.

The nineteenth, Our People drove away some Jonks from Quemuy, but on the twentieth, We saw the Pyrates Jonks, being almost two hundred, com∣ing from Goutsoe, towards Us and the Hollanders, who inclos'd the Enemy, and made such a rout amongst them, that they were forc'd to flie, having left many Men, as We understood of some that came over to Us from Eymuy.

The one and twentieth day of the same Moon, the Holland Admiral went with a couragious Heart with his fifteen Ships to the Enemy at Taota, and stoutly Ingag'd him on the Isle Eymuy; from whence the Pyrate, to his great shame and disgrace, was also forc'd to flie to Goutsoe, whither the Hollanders and Our Jonks also Sailing on the twenty fourth, they found the Enemy fled thence Southwardly to Lamoa and Tangsoa.

The twenty sixth, the Holland Ships Sail'd with Ours to Quemuy, and there caus'd by Our People, all the Towns and Forts to be burnt and pull'd down. The Hollands Admiral hath behav'd himself very Valiantly against the Ene∣my; they are all a People of great Resolution and Valor, to fight with their Ships at Sea, and Musquets on the Shore; they have had a great deal of labor and trouble, for they carry many great Guns in their Ships, which require much trouble to Charge and Discharge them.

The Admiral writ in answer to their Excellencies, That he intended to send a Jonk to Batavia, with advice to the Lord General and Indian Council, of their Adventures concerning the Routing of their Enemy, and his deserting of their chief Cities, Eymuy, Quemuy, Goutsoe, and others; which done, and that he had cleans'd his Ships, he would in Person come to their a 17.1 Highnesses, that then they might consult one with another concerning all their Affairs.

Moreover, the Admiral told the two foremention'd Messengers, how he was displeas'd, that their People had taken all the Booty on Quemuy, and given

his Men not so much as an Ox, which was contrary to Lipovi's promises, not onely in Person, but in his Letters also; alledging, that it no ways suited with their Natures to be serv'd so; which he desir'd them to tell Singlamong and Li∣povi: Who reply'd, The Messengers had to their sorrow already understood it out of the Admirals Letter, and would not forget to make satisfaction for it.

The same day the Vlaerding and Buiksloot came to an Anchor near the Island Quemuy, before Goutsoe; for the three other, viz. the Cogge, Flushing, and Naerden could not get out. Here the Rere-Admiral Verwei told the Admiral, That since his depar∣ture from thence, according to his Order, he had gotten twenty Iron Guns out of the Forts on the Isle Goutsoe, besides an hundred ninety eight Bullets, which were distributed amongst the Flushing, Buiksloot and Nieuwendam.

The third in the Morning, they saw one great new Jonk, one Wankan, and two Coyaes coming about the South-West Point of the Isle, to which most of the Ships sent their Boats and Sloops, to take them, which accordingly was perform'd by the Rere-Admiral, who took the Jonk, and also the three other Vessels, who yielded without the least resistance, all of them Loaden with Bal∣last, Rice, and a 17.2 Padije.

The Admiral and Rere-Admiral Rowing aboard the Jonk, found in her eight Iron Guns: The Chineses aboard inform'd them, that in the seventh Moon of the Year, they were sent by the young Coxin from the Isle Quemuy to Pakka, Kitat, and other adjacent Isles, and places lying to the Northward of Hoksieu, there to Load as much Rice as they could get, and then return with all speed, because those places were in great want. They also related, That in the eighth Moon, they had found about the North several Bills of Singlamongs and Lipovi's sticking up, whereby all the Chineses that kept out of the Empire were invited to come in to the Tartars. Thus the Chineses in the great Jonk inform'd the Hollanders, perhaps on advice of some Tartars that had been with them be∣fore; For those of the other three Vessels declar'd, that they thought all things had still been there in their former state and condition, and expected to have found their Families at Eymuy and Quemuy; neither did they know any other, but that their Fleet had remain'd ready to have Ingag'd the Tartars: But com∣ing about the South-West Point of Quemuy, and spying the Hollanders Ships, they would fain have fled, but were necessitated by reason of the calm, and seeing they could not get clear from them, to surrender themselves without any re∣sistance; therefore they desir'd that their Lives might be spar'd, which they ob∣tain'd. They also said, That they expected twenty Sail to follow them, which on the second instant they had left to the Northward of the Isle Ongkoe; from whence they came with six Vessels, of which, four were now in the Ne∣therlanders Possession, and two Sail'd about the South, as they judg'd, to the Isles of Tangsoa and Lamao, where they dwelt: Being ask'd if they had not seen any of the Enemies Jonks coming from Iapan, at Sea, they reply'd, No, but that in this Moneth some were daily expected from thence.

Soon after, Tonganpeks Admiral came aboard the Dutch Admiral, to ask what Vessels they were which he had taken, and from whence they came, and also if they had resisted the Netherlanders; of which they inform'd him as beforemention'd: Then he inquir'd when the Admiral intended to go to Sin∣glamong and Lipovi; and if he would Sail with them to Tangsoa? To the first Question the Admiral reply'd, That he knew not the certain day: And to the second, That he did not know what his Ships should do there, because their Highnesses had advis'd him, that one of the Tartars Commanders had some

days since taken from the Enemy an hundred and sixty Vessels, and kill'd and taken Prisoners near five thousand Men. This, reply'd he, was not of the young Coxin's power, but of another Pyrate, who kept about the Isles Tongsoa and Lamao, and was formerly neither subject to the Tartar nor Coxin, but set up for himself, and maintain'd Pyracy.

Then the Secretary related, That young Coxin had sent Agents to this Py∣rate, to crave his assistance against the Tartars; and also that he was gone with all his Forces to Tangsoa and Lamao, there to joyn with him, because he did not know (being driven from the Isles Eymuy, Quemuy, Goutsoe, and others there∣abouts) what he should do.

The same day they sent the conquer'd Jonk, by them call'd, The Good Tidings, to Batavia, with eight Chinese Prisoners, Letters, and Papers.

This day also the three remaining Ships which staid at Goutsoe to help take in the Guns, came to the Fleet at Quemuy; so that the whole Fleet consisting in fifteen Men of War, were all in a Body together.

The fourth, a Tartar Vessel with two Mandarins came to the Admiral with a Letter from Singlamong and Lipovi, in which they earnestly desir'd him, that he would repair to them at Cinwe. Whereto the Admiral reply'd, That so soon as his Ship was clear'd from the Rocks (for the day before it was driven within half a Musquet shot to the Rocky North-West Point of Quemuy) and lay out of danger amongst the other Ships, he would wait upon them.

Mean while came Maurice Iansz, whom the Netherlanders us'd as their Inter∣preter in the Chinese Tongue, and told the Admiral, That he had heard by some Tartar Chineses which came aboard with the Mandarins, that young Coxin had sent Agents to Singlamong and Lipovi, with proffers, that they would submit themselves to the Tartars Jurisdiction, by cutting off their Hair, because he was not able to maintain War against them any longer; but especially, by reason of those great losses which he had lately sustain'd.

The Admiral to learn the Truth of it, Order'd the Interpreter Melman to in∣quire of the two Mandarins, who affirm'd it, with alledging, That the Enemy had lately so many wounded and slain Men by the Netherlanders Guns, that none of his Soldiers would fight any longer; nay, that all his Forces in Tayo∣wan came flocking to the Tartars, and would freely surrender both Tayowan and Formosa to the Hollanders: Therefore the Vice-Roy and Lipovi desir'd to speak with him; also that Tonganpek was to go to Tayowan with some Jonks to fetch all that would submit themselves to their Emperor, and from thence bring them to the Main Land.

The next Morning, about five a Clock three Jonks came to the Fleet, and in them one Mandarin, who came aboard the Admiral, with request from their Highnesses, that seeing it was fair Weather, he would be pleas'd in those Jonks to come to them, or at least to appoint a day, because they might not wait in vain at Cinwe, from whence they were minded to go with the first con∣veniency.

The Admiral having consulted with his Council, resolv'd to go thither the next Morning; whereupon the Mandarins went in one Jonk to carry the News to their Excellencies, leaving two behind amongst the Fleet to convey the Ad∣miral to Cinwe.

The sixth, the Admiral went according to his promise attended with Cap∣tain Poleman, Secretary Ysbrantsz, and some other Retinue in the two Tartar Jonks sent for that purpose to the Fleet.

In the Evening, the Vice-Roys Interpreter came to them, and in his Masters Name entring the Jonks, bad them welcome, with promises, that he would take care the next Morning to provide that they should be well Mounted for Cinwe.

The seventh, the Admiral Landed between the Straights of Eymuy, and the main Coast of China, where he was presented with a Copy of a Letter, by a Batavian Chinese, call'd Seko, from Nobel and Hogenhoek in Hoksieu, dated the twenty eighth of November, (of which the true Letter and Post was sent by the Conbon) in which they inform'd the Admiral, That they could not go from Soanchieu before the twentieth of the same Month, and that seven days after they came into Hoksieu, where they were not permitted to Vend their Com∣modities according to the Conbon or Governors promise, till he had further Order from Singlamong and Lipovi, that when they told him that it was granted by the Vice-Roy and General, he reply'd, That he had no such advice.

The Letters and Presents of the Admirals he had receiv'd, and sent a Mes∣senger to their Highnesses, to know their intentions concerning the Trade; further requesting, That they would be pleas'd to send him the Originals, writ∣ten by Singlamong and Lipovi concerning the same. This Copy being deliver'd to the Admiral in his way, riding to the Vice-Roy, he would not read it till he had been receiv'd in the Vice-Roy's Tent; after which, he perus'd it in the Vice-Roy's presence, and three of his Council, and explaining it to them, ask'd them, Why against their written Obligation they kept their Merchandize un∣sold? But the Vice-Roy excusing himself, said, That he had sent Letters of License to the Conbon; but Lipovi had Countermanded it, and first desir'd an Inventory of all the Merchandize which they had brought with them, that he might send it to Peking; but since that he and Lipovi joyntly had given free leave to sell those, and bring in other Goods; whereupon the Admiral de∣sir'd, That he might have such a Letter of Command then given him, that he might send it with one of his own to Nobel and Hogenhoek in Hoksieu, which the Vice-Roy immediately granted.

This Discourse being ended, Singlamong propos'd to the Admiral, and de∣sir'd that he would send his Ships with their Jonks against the Enemy, who on the Isles Tongsoa and Lamoa did now fortifie himself; whereupon the Admi∣ral reply'd, That he had heard and understood, that the Enemy had sent Agents to his Highness, and proffer'd to submit themselves to the Tartars, and therefore (said he) how shall we understand your Proposal? The Vice-Roy pausing a little answer'd, 'Tis true, but there is no assurance in these Villains, neither do I believe them; therefore he judg'd it convenient, still to prosecute the War against them. The Admiral reply'd, That he intended to Sail to Tay∣owan and Formosa, and therefore intreated him to send his Forces and Jonks first along with him thither, and then they would go joyntly, and drive the Enemy from Tongsoa and Lamoa; also that he had receiv'd Orders from his Ma∣sters in Batavia, that when he had beaten the Enemy from Eymuy and Quemuy, he should not go to Tongsoa or Lamoa, but to Formosa and Tayowan: Besides, the Admiral added, that he had understood that the Coxingan's were not in Tongsoa, but having Pillag'd the Rusticks, and taken what they could find, were gone to Tayowan and Formosa; and though the Vice-Roy perswaded the Admiral that he was assur'd to the contrary, yet he stood firm to his Proposal, that he might go from thence to Tayowan; whereupon, the Vice-Roy obser∣ving the Admiral to be in earnest, said, That the present routing of the Ene∣my

could not be taken for a Conquest, for they still had their Forces together, and therefore without doubt, as soon as the Netherland Ships were gone, they would return to their Receptacles again, and invest the Coasts as formerly. Whereupon the Admiral reply'd, That it was impossible to kill them all, be∣cause where e're they came, they fled from them, and got away by the nim∣bleness of their Jonks; and if the Netherlanders should go with the Vice-Roy's Jonks to Tangsoa and Lamoa, and drive the Enemies thence; yet the Coast would not so be clear'd of them, but that there would still be some in one place or other: To which the Vice-Roy said, that if the Enemy were but driven thence, he would be satisfi'd, because then he would be hunted out of the Territory of Fokien, where he was Chief; and then (proceeded he) my Jonks shall go with yours to Tayowan; therefore he desir'd the Admiral to consult with his Vice and Rere-Admiral about it; which he promis'd to do, and so ended that Consultation.

Moreover, Singlamong excus'd himself concerning the forty promis'd Oxen; because he had no Vessels at Eymuy to bring them aboard the Admirals Ships; therefore he desir'd him to accept them now, and with them five hundred Pi∣cols of Rice, which he had given Order to be carry'd before. The Admiral thanking him, said, That he needed not the Rice so much as the Cattel, how∣ever, he would accept his kindness; but when they were brought aboard, half of them were dead, which they were forc'd to throw into the Sea, whereof the Vice-Roy having notice, promis'd, that for every dead Beast, they should have one alive.

Soon after, the Admiral having been well entertain'd, took his leave, and went to the Tents set up on purpose for them, near the Sea-side on a high Hill. No sooner was the Admiral come thither, but he receiv'd the promis'd Letter of Command to the Conbon, for selling the Merchandizes in Hoksieu, that he might send it himself with his Letter to Nobel, who was only to shew it to the Conbon, and then make Sale of his Goods, which contain'd to this effect.

Singlamong sends this open Letter of Command to the Holland Admiral of the Sea, to be sent by him to their Agent in Hoksieu.

SInce the Hollanders with their Ships and Forces have done so good Service to Our Realm, in the routing their and Our Enemies, and the wish'd for Victory remains on Our sides, therefore I and Lipovi have resolv'd to Grant them to Sell all those Merchandizes, which they have brought with them in Hoksieu, for the maintaining of their People, as We have by Letters already inform'd the Emperor in Peking: Therefore We Command the Conbon in Hok∣sieu, that he assist them in the same, and provide them a Person who may be present to look that they may not be cheated by Our Merchants.

This Letter We have sent open, that the Holland Agent, upon the receipt of these Our Orders, may immediately begin to dispose of his Goods that are ashore in Hoksieu; as also those that are yet in their Ships lying before the Magazine. The Mandarin, who by the Conbon is order'd to be at the selling of the Commo∣dities, shall take an exact account of what Goods and Moneys the Hollanders receive in return for their Merchandize, that they may not be deceiv'd or de∣frauded by any; and he shall also inform Us of what shall be done herein.

Under Singlamong's Seal was written:

In the second Year of the Emperor Conchi's Reign, the eleventh Moon, and eleventh day.

In the Evening the Admiral sent the forty Oxen which had been given him by the Vice-Roy, to be distributed amongst the Ships.

Soon after the Vice-Roy sent to tell the Admiral, That if he was desirous to see the Countrey, he would send Horses to his Tent; for which Proffer he return'd thanks, and sent word, That he would expect them. Mean while it began to grow wet Weather; but the Rain again ceasing, the Admiral and his Company walk'd afoot to the Camp, where the Tartars had intrench'd them∣selves very handsomly within several Batteries: Here getting on Horse-back, they were conducted to the Vice-Roys Tent, who desir'd the Admiral to come in, where having sate a while, he inquir'd if he had sent Letters to his Vice-Admiral, and also his Letter of Command to Nobel and Hogenhoek in Hoksieu; to which he answer'd, Yes.

Then the Vice-Roy told him, That he hop'd the Vice-Admiral would com∣ply with his Request, to sail to Tongsoa: The Admiral answer'd, He suppos'd there was no doubt; and withal added, That Nobel and Pedel desir'd they might go to Batavia, and therefore he had order'd Hogenhoek, who had liv'd many Years in Iapan, and the Factor Bartel (both Men of whom the Netherlanders and his Highness might expect good Service) to stay in Hoksieu: To which Singla∣mong answer'd, That it was all one to him who staid, so they were People of good conversation, and he believ'd the Lord General would not send any other into that Empire. After this, they discours'd about the cleansing of the Ne∣therland Ships, and the Island Colongsoe, which the Admiral desir'd he might see, and that if it lay convenient for the Netherlanders, they might take it into pos∣session, and Garrison it with Soldiers, the situation being near the Main Land, and before the Mouth of the River Chincheu, which whatever the Netherlanders wanted, they might have from thence, and likewise drive their Trade all under one. Whereupon the Vice-Roy replied, That they had always made choice of Goutsoe; What then would they do with Colongsoe? Whereupon the Admiral replied, That if he would permit them to drive their Trade, that then they would leave six Ships there, take the Island into Possession, and Garrison the Forts with their Soldiers: Whereto the Vice-Roy suddenly said, That that was not his meaning; for he durst not give away any Lands that belong'd to the Emperor, but that they must expect his Imperial Majesties Order for that, as well as the driving of their Trade in Hoksieu: Yet at last, after many Ar∣guments, he granted the Hollanders on the Emperors allowance to take and Garrison the Isle of Goutsoe, conditionally, That if the Emperor should not approve of it, then to desert it again. But concerning their Traffick, Whe∣ther it would be granted them for ever or not, they must expect an Answer in five Weeks time.

Thus the Business rested; and the Netherlanders, after having been plentifully entertain'd, taking their leave, in the Evening rode to their Tents.

Towards Night the Admiral receiv'd a Letter from the Vice-Admiral Hui∣bert de Lairesse, and his Council, in answer to one sent to him the day before, wherein he advis'd him, That their Opinions agreed with his, not to go with the Fleet to Tongsoa and Samoa; yet they referr'd themselves wholly to what the Admiral pleas'd to do.

The ninth the Vice-Roys Interpreter went to the Admiral, to know whe∣ther he had receiv'd an Answer from the Vice-Admiral; whereupon the Admi∣ral inform'd him, That he could not perswade his People to it, because it was impossible for them with their Ships to go from Tongsoa to Formosa and Tayowan,

whither they had strict Order first to Sail; according to which, after six days, he resolv'd to set Sail thither with his Ships that lay at Quemuy, desiring that his Highness would be pleas'd to send his Jonks with him; as after the subduing of the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy, he had promis'd; with which Answer the Interpreter return'd. But soon after he was sent back with the Vice-Roys Ex∣cuses, That he could not send his Jonks with him to Tayowan, because they wanted Sails and Rigging for such a Voyage; but if they would please to stay a little longer, they would endeavor to fit themselves out: And as an Induce∣ment to it, he granted them the Isle of Goutsoe, which they might freely take, and Garrison as they thought fit. But the Admiral much dissatisfied, answer'd, That he delighted not in such Procrastinations, nor would any longer be de∣lay'd; for he plainly saw, and must be bold to say, That the Vice-Roy mind∣ed not either what he said, or what he writ; and therefore they would no longer rely upon him: But as for Goutsoe, it was not then convenient for them to take the possession thereof, because they should thereby weaken their Forces design'd for the taking in of Tayowan, but if they would preserve the Forts and Houses from ruine till their return, then they would Garrison it.

Many other like Expressions he had to the Interpreter, concerning his not being satisfied with the Vice-Roys waverings and unconstancy; who relating it all to the Vice-Roy, he seem'd very much netled, to hear from the Admirals Mouth such his Character, and sent him back suddenly with several Comple∣mental Excuses: But the Hollanders continuing firm to their Resolution, after many Messages toss'd too and fro, at last it was brought so far, that he not on∣ly excus'd them from going to Tangsoa and Lamoa, but also consented, that with all the Fleet they might go to Formosa; promising likewise, that he would send two Jonks, Mann'd with two hundred Soldiers, to Formosa, under the Command of two Mandarins, with Letters to demand that Countrey for the Hollanders: But if the Enemies would not surrender to the Hollanders, nor sub∣mit to the Tartars, that then one of their Ships should come back with the two Jonks and Mandarins to inform him of it, that he might send all his Navy and Forces to their assistance, which, according to the Admirals Request, they should have confirm'd under his Sign Manual before they set Sail.

In the Evening Admiral Bort advis'd the Vice-Admiral Lairesse, in a Letter, of all that had pass'd ashore.

The tenth, he having resolv'd to go aboard the next Morning, desir'd his Goods might be put into a Jonk, and that he might be furnish'd with Coelyes for that purpose.

These Coelyes, by others call'd Poelyes, are a mean sort of Laboring People, that for small Wages will serve any Person whatsoever, in the Carriage of Bur∣dens and Commodities from Place to Place, as our Porters or Carriers: They wear Shoes of Straw or Leather, which they tie about their Ancles with a String made fast at their Toes; and are so swift of Foot, that they can match a Horse in his full speed.

In the Afternoon Captain Poleman was sent to Singlamong, to thank him for the Kindnesses shewn to them while they had been on Shore, and also to ac∣quaint him, that they would wait five or six days longer for the two Jonks and Mandarins, with two hundred Soldiers, and also the Letter to the Gover∣nors of Tayowan: Lastly, to present his Highness, in the Admirals name, a Pair of Pistols and Holsters, and a Sword with a guilded Hilt.

At his Return Poleman related what he had receiv'd in answer, That his

Highness was sorry he could give no better Entertainment; but he hoped they would excuse it, as being in a Camp, and not a City; That he would send the two Jonks and Mandarins, with the Soldiers, and also the Letter to the Gover∣nor of Tayowan, at the appointed day: That he accepted the Presents, because they consisted in Arms, pretending to be asham'd, because the Ong or King of Batavia had twice sent to him, and he had not made one Return: But he would not forget to present him by the Finch some of the Products of his own Coun∣trey, with a Letter, and humble Thanks for his good Inclination towards him.

The eleventh the Admiral and all his Retinue took their leaves, and soon after went to the Fleet, and Singlamong with his Army to Soanchieuw.

The twelfth in the Afternoon the Admiral came near the low Point of Que∣muy, aboard of the Zierikzee Frigat.

The thirteenth, several Jonks went from thence to Eymuy and Soanchieuw, whither Tonganpek was gone four days before, in which time he had written a Letter to the Admiral, to this effect.

I Thank you for the Honor and Kindness which I have receiv'd from you since We joyn'd Our Fleets. Now the Enemy is fled, there is great hopes that you may easily regain your Countreys of Tayowan and Formosa. The Py∣rate is retir'd to Tangsoa, whither We must pursue him; to which purpose, I will fit out eighty great and small Jonks, under the Command of Choentsay and Goemtsin, which shall Sail to Eymuy, and there joyn with Sitetok's Fleet, I would have gone my self in Person, but that I am oblig'd to go to Soan∣chefoe, to receive an Honor sent from the Court at Peking to be conferr'd up∣on Me, which I thought good by these to acquaint your Honor with.

In the Evening two Mandarins brought a Letter to the Admiral from the Ge∣neral Lipovi at Soanchieuw, and also five hundred Picols of Rice, which he had for∣merly promis'd to the Seamen and Soldiers.

The fourteenth in the Morning the Admiral went ashore in the Island Que∣muy, where he view'd some ruin'd Villages, and especially the Wall'd City Savja-Houpon, being built in a pleasant Place, and full of fair Houses, but burnt by the Tartars, before the Hollanders coming thither.

This Town, according to the Relation of the Netherland Prisoner Maurice Iansz, was first built by the foremention'd Savja, in the time when old Coxinga went from thence to besiege Tayowan, having before had his Residence in Ey∣muy, from whence he went to Quemuy. About six Months before Savja and his Brothers went thence, and Embarqu'd themselves to go over to the Tartars, be∣cause young Coxin continually oppress'd them by over-heavy Taxations.

Coxin having notice of this Flight of Savja, sent Messengers to him, with fair Promises not to molest him for the future, and to make him Chief Gover∣nor of Eymuy and Quemuy; which Bait taking, he return'd, but was soon dis∣patch'd out of the way, and all his Goods seiz'd, which being told to his Bro∣thers, which were not yet come back (of which Tonganpek was one) they went over to the Tartars.

In the Afternoon the Admiral return'd aboard, whither in his way, going into the Boat, he found many dead Bodies, which had been cruelly Butcher'd by the Tartars.

The seventeenth two Mandarins came from Soanchieuw, to the Admiral, with the seal'd Letters from Singlamong, in which he advis'd the seventeen Chinese

Commanders on Formosa and Tayowan, to submit with their Soldiers and Coun∣trey-men. The Letter was this effect.

Lipovi's Letter sent to Tsiakoensin, Wetingwan, Toerlinpetensin, Posinso∣jau, Yogaukiloo, Yoewetsji-kay, Gautinong, Soanchyong, Nioetingli, Chuenkicin, Lioetsingoen, Kiwintsiwan, Suangi, Gautinghtoe, Yuensau∣gautingwan, Sinkintingjang, Ympincin, Lioetsinang, all Commanders in Tayowan.

THis is to let you understand, That the Heavens, Sun, Moon, and Stars, nay all the Elements, have hunted you from one Place to another, till at last you came with Coxin into Tayowan: Now I and Singlamong tell you by this Our Letter, That on the tenth Moon, the one and twentieth day, with Ours and the Hollanders Forces We have conquer'd the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy, and all the other adjacent Places of your Generals, and drove them so long, till they are fled to Tongsoa, where Kimsia, Coxinga's Son, and all his Party, do now sculk, but cannot find Sustenance there for so many Peo∣ple: Who knows not that in short time he will die of Hunger? His Forces have already the last Month receiv'd a terrible blow; for one of Our Gene∣rals, call'd Wansumpin, slew above ten thousand Men, besides two hundred which he took Prisoners, amongst which are three Mandarins, Tsiausou, Syancin, and Rikkoe. We have also taken from them in the Haven Yuntzauw a hundred and fifty Jonks and Vessels. Yet since Singlamong and I know that you in∣tend and resolve to come to Us, and freely submit your selves to Our Govern∣ment and Realm, when a fair Opportunity is offer'd; therefore We have sent these Agents and Letters with the Holland Forces to Tayowan, to perswade you to submit your selves to the Emperor.

At the coming of the Netherland Ships to Tayowan, you and your Soldiers having corrected your long Hair, shall come over to Us with those Ships; but if you will not reform your exuberant Locks in Tayowan, We will de∣cline the so doing till you come on the main Land, under Our Government; but whether you pole your Heads, or not, the Hollanders shall transport you and yours in safety in their Ships; which if you distrust, upon notice given, I will send you of Ours, that shall Land you without doing you the least prejudice; and after assure your selves that you shall be preferr'd to the like Dignities and Imployments in Our Army, as you have in Tayowan, which We have already perform'd to others of your Party, as Tonganpek, Tuncinpek, Ian∣tetok, and many more that yielded.

The like Letter was sent to the same Commanders by Singlamong. Besides other Letters of several Advices and sleight Concerns, too long to be here in∣serted.

The twenty fifth the Council unanimously concluded, That since the Fleet was equipped and ready, to sail with the first fair Wind to Formosa and Tayo∣wan, and according to the States Order in Batavia, bring them under their Sub∣jection.

To this purpose the two Jonks, call'd Eymuy and Quemuy, which were amongst the Fleet, were fitted out: The biggest, being Quemuy, was Mann'd with thirty Hollanders, and fifteen Chinese Captives; and the smallest with twenty five Hollanders and twelve Chineses. Then the Admiral gave order,

First, That the Fleet should steer to the Piscadores, and there Anchor near the

South Point of the Fishers-Isle, or the South-East Point of Pehoe, where the Rendezvouz should be, that from thence they might all go together. If any of the Ships should chance to miss the Piscadores, they should lose no time, but sail straight up to Formosa, and there attend the coming of the rest of the Fleet, which all should endeavor to get to the North Foreland of Tayowan. If any of the Ships, or the whole Fleet could not reach that Point, or come before Tayowan; nay, if they were got thither, or any where else on the Formosan Coast, and be necessitated to seek for a convenienter Anchoring Place, it was ordered, That they should go behind the Cape of Tankoya, from whence in fair Weather they might proceed forward in their Voyage to Tayowan: And that the Almighty might prosper them in their Undertakings, a Fast and Pray∣er-day was order'd to be kept in all the Fleet the twenty eighth of that Month.

The twenty ninth the whole Fleet set sail, consisting in fifteen Ships, besides the two Jonks taken from Coxinga, and two others that belong'd to the Tartar, which they sent with their own Letters and Interpreter to Tayowan, and steer'd their Course South-West, between the Isles of Lissoe and Quemuy, and Anchor'd about Sun-set a League from the South-East Point of Quemuy, where being hindred by foul Weather, they lay all the next day.

Mean while a Jonk from the Enemy came to the Admiral with an open Letter from the Netherland Prisoners in Formosa, sign'd by fifteen of them, and written on the sixth Instant, in the Village Loakhou, near the Straights of Tayo∣wan, which Letter inform'd them, That they not onely writ this from their own free inclination, but also by the express Order of Summimpessiou, who told them, That if the Netherlanders desir'd to treat with him, and drive their for∣mer Trade, he would give them Tamsuy, Kelay, or Lemao, alledging, That if they would not accept that proffer, their Prisoners should never expect to be re∣leas'd by him: Therefore they begg'd, That the Admiral would endeavor to work some means for their Liberty.

Hereupon the Admiral immediately call'd his Council, and read the Letter in the presence of the Messenger, who as he had peculiarly done to the Admi∣ral, so he proffer'd the Council the same Places. But he had no written Orders for so doing, neither was he impower'd to Treat; for he declar'd, That he was onely sent to deliver the Letter, and to see how they were inclin'd: And al∣though they endavor'd to draw from him some discovery of the Enemies Po∣sture, by variety of Questions, yet they could get nothing more, than that by the young Coxin's permission he was sent from the Governors of Tayowan and Formosa, to Singlamong and Lipovi, to make some Agreement with the Tartars.

Wherefore after serious Debate, the Admiral and his Council, with the five Tartar Agents approbation, answer'd the Bearer by Word of Mouth, That the Netherlanders would not be wanting on their parts, if they were inclin'd to agree with them, which they must manifest with the first opportunity, and to that purpose meet them in the Piscadores before Tayowan, whither they were now going. Likewise they gave him a Letter, in answer to that of the Pri∣soners; yet the Contents were such, that if the Enemy should translate it, he should not pick any advantage out of it.

In the afternoon the Fleet proceeded on to the Piscadores, but was forc'd by a strong North-East Wind to Anchor two Leagues Southerly from Quemuy.

In the Morning, being the first of February, the whole Fleet set sail again,* 20.1 and on the second reach'd the South Point of Fishers-Isle, South-East and by East five Leagues from them. At the tacking about the South Point, they heard three

Cannons fired in Church-Bay, which the Netherlanders suppos'd was a Sign to the Inhabitants, to give notice of the coming of the Dutch Fleet.

In the Evening the Fleet came between the Great Table and the South Point of Fishers-Isle, and the next Morning they all dropp'd Anchor in the Bay of Pe∣hoe, lying to the South-East.

In the Night the Weather grew very tempestuous, the Wind blowing hard out of the North-East.

The sixth the Sea-hound, Buiksloot, and Cinnamon-Tree Frigats, sail'd into the same Bay, close to the Shore.

In the Evening the Captains of the Ships were commanded early the next Morning to send their Boats full of Soldiers to those three Ships, but not to Land them till farther Order.

The seventh before day the Admiral and Captain Poleman went aboard the Buiksloot Frigat, from whence Poleman was sent ashore, with a Party of Men, to explore the Countrey, and bring off some Cattel if he could. Mean while the Admiral commanded the Captain of the Buiksloot to put a Cable out of his Stern, and bring all his Guns to one side, that, if occasion requir'd, they might fire at the Shore, which was immediately perform'd.

Whilst these things were doing, the Netherlanders were inform'd, That the Tartars had been ashore, and skirmishing with the Enemy, lost four Men; whereupon the Admiral sent word to Captain Poleman to be very careful, who immediately march'd with six Companies, each consisting of forty Men, up into the Countrey, and left one Company on the Shore. He had scarce march'd a League and half, when News was brought, That the Enemy had fallen up∣on him, and that in the Skirmish five or six of his Men were wounded, and an Ensign slain. Amongst the wounded was Captain Bitter, who with an Ar∣row was shot into the Foot, and also receiv'd two Cuts with a Sword through his Hat and Clothes, but not into his Flesh. The Admiral by this time being also landed, gave Order to all the Ships to send as many Sea-men ashore as they could spare, each arm'd with a Pike and Sword. Being now drawn up into Battalia, he sent two Companies more to Captain Poleman, and soon after a Company of Sea-men, who had not been gone above half an Hour, but a Ser∣jeant sent from Poleman brought word, that the Enemy was put to flight, and fourteen of them slain. The Admiral sent back the Serjeant with Orders to Captain Poleman to pursue the Enemy as far as was possible, and prosecute the already gotten Victory; yet not to go any farther than he would be able to come back in the Evening; for the Admiral would wait his coming upon the Shore: Whereupon the Serjeant, with another Company of Soldiers, and some Sea-men, march'd away.

In the Evening Poleman return'd, and inform'd, That he had pursu'd the Enemy as soon as he had put his Men in Order again, having seen much Blood along the way which he went, and found four more lying dead, but met no manner of Resistance, nor saw so much as one Chinese afterwards.

Poleman also brought a Horse and an Ass with him, but never an Ox nor Cow, notwithstanding he saw several hundreds, having no opportunity to fetch them.

The twenty eighth, about Day-break, six Companies of Soldiers and sixty Sea-men, under Captain Poleman's Command, were sent to the Church-Bay; and two Companies of Soldiers, and twenty Sea-men, led by Captain Shim∣melpewy to the Hollands Fort, with Order, That if they could not meet with

any of the Enemy, to fetch some Cattel aboard of the Ships: In the Evening they return'd, having not met with any Opposition, but bringing with them about seventy Oxen, and some Sheep and Goats, which were distributed amongst the Ships and Soldiers.

The ninth in the Morning Captain Pooleman, with seven Companies of Sol∣diers, march'd towards the Church-Bay, and several Places thereabouts, to see for more Cattel, with order to stay there all Night, and return to the Fleet the next day. The same day also the Admiral, Vice-Admiral, and several others, march'd with two Companies into the Countrey; and in the place where the Battel was, they found the fourteen foremention'd dead Bodies, which were stripp'd of all they had by the Tartars. Soon after the Admiral return'd to the Place where they had incamped themselves.

In the Afternoon, being the tenth, the Eymuy Jonk and the three Boats came again from the Church-Bay to the Fleet; and according to the Relation of the Secretary, who the day before had march'd thither by Land, and was now re∣turn'd again with the Jonk, Captain Pooleman had given one whom he had ta∣ken Prisoner his Liberty, on promise that he would furnish them with Cattel, and bring the Rusticks to them; which he endeavor'd, though to little pur∣pose; for Pooleman got onely two Cows, a Calf, and a few Poultrey: But Peter Coker, who had been ashore with his three Boats full of Men before Cap∣tain Pooleman came thither, had found fifteen Iron Guns, twelve of which, that carried from three to eight pound Bullets, did formerly belong to the Holland∣ers; but the other three were made by the Chineses.

Not long after Peter Coker came to the Admiral with some Prisoners and Chinese Rusticks of the Countrey, as also twenty six Cows and Oxen.

Lastly, the Admiral sent the foremention'd Villagers and Prisoners home, with Command, as they priz'd his favor, to bring more Cattel; and then gave them a Sack of Rice, and a Cup of Arak, for which with their Heads bow'd to the Ground they cry'd, Camsia Compagnia, that is, We thank the Company.

In the Evening the Admiral went aboard, but came ashore again the next Morning.

In the Afternoon Captain Pooleman with his Soldiers having been a foraging, brought some Chinese Peasants, and twenty Cows, to the Admiral, who dismis∣sed the Men, upon promise of bringing in daily fresh Provisions.

The twelfth towards the Evening came about twenty five Countrey-men to the Netherlanders Camp, with Goats and Poultrey, for which the Admiral gave them two Bags of Rice, restor'd them the Prisoners, and granted them a free Pass, which was to this effect.

SInce the People of this Countrey have submitted themselves, and as an earnest of Subjection, presented Us some Cattel, Sheep, and such as the Countrey affords; therefore We have taken them into Our Protection; and We charge and command all Persons, and especially the Netherlanders, not to do them the least harm, when they of their own free Wills come with Pro∣visions, or anything else, aboard of Our Ships.

Dated on the great Island Pehoe.

Balthasar Bort.

The thirteenth, three Hours before day, the Fleet set Sail, and at four a Clock in the Afternoon dropp'd Anchor three quarters of a League North-East from the Castle Zelandia, with their fifteen Ships, besides the Jonk Eymuy, and the two Tartar Jonks.

And now in regard the Netherlanders receiv'd no Tydings from the Shore, much less Proffers as they expected of surrendring up the Countrey: there∣fore the Admiral on the fifteenth proposed to his Council what it was best to do in carrying on their design of recovering it; whether it were best first to Parly, or begin with the Sword. Hereupon they concluded, that they had ac∣cepted of the Tartars Proposition about sending their Ambassadors with Letters from Singlamong and Lipovi to the Governors of Tayowan, according to a Result taken the eighteenth of December; in which the Chinese Commanders in For∣mosa and Tayowan were desir'd with their Soldiers to come to the Tartars and deliver up the Countrey to the Netherlanders, as we have before related: To which purpose the Agents were also among the Council; there to desire their Order to let them go with their Jonks, and two of the Netherland Ships to Tan∣koya, and there to deliver their peculiar Letters, and advise them to come over to the Tartars, alledging, That they could never do it in a better time: where∣upon, after serious consideration, the Council granted their Request, and as Convoys, sent two Frigats along with them.

Soon after the two Tartar Jonks, conducted by the two Frigats, took their Voyage to Tankoya.

The next Morning, about two hours before Day, the Admiral set Sail with six Frigats more to the Cape of Tankoya, and two hours after Noon Rid by the Frigats that set Sail before, and the two Tartar Jonks lying Westerly about a League from the Point.

The Tartar Agents being Landed with their Letters, they immediately met with a great company of People; who soon after ran all up into the Countrey, so that they saw not one Man afterwards.

Towards the Evening the Rere-Admiral Verwei came aboard the Admiral, with news, That one of the Tartar Agents was return'd, who told him that they had deliver'd all the Letters, to which they expected a sudden Answer, and doubted not but they should attain their Desire, four hundred Soldiers be∣ing already prepar'd to come over to them; of which one hundred lay at the Mountain Tankoya, and three hundred at the River of Tamsuy, where the Ene∣my fear'd that the Netherlanders would Land.

In the Morning, being the nineteenth, the Jonk Eymuy came from Tayowan to the Admiral at Cape Tankoya, with Letters from the Vice-Admiral Huibert de Lairesse, and another from the Governors of Tayowan and Formosa, to the Netherlanders.

The Rere-Admiral, presently after the Admirals departure from him, Sail'd with all the small Frigats within Shot of the Castle Zelandia: which his ap∣pearance wrought such effect, that those on the Shore sent the foremention'd Letter to him; so that he did not think it convenient to make any farther pro∣gress with their Boats before they heard further from the Admiral. The Let∣ter was to this effect:

The Governors of Formosa, Kovia, Anghia, and Oenia, have receiv'd the Letter from the Hollanders, and return this Answer.

FOrmosa belongs to us of old. The young Coxins Father permitted the Hol∣landers to live and drive a Trade with them: after which the Hollanders made themselves Masters of the Countrey, and opprest the Inhabitants with Taxes, who complain'd of it to Coxin: Whereupon he came with an Army

and Conquering Tayowan took it into his possession, and after the Hollanders went from thence elected us to be Governors of it: and we have, according to the Articles of War, maintain'd your Prisoners, and furnish'd those that went to Batavia with all Necessaries. Coxin also sent a Mandarin with a Hol∣land Ship to Quemuy, to fetch the Governor Valentine, and other Prisoners from thence: but the Hollanders did not endeavor to get thither, but carry'd the Mandarin with the rest to Batavia; so that the Prisoners remain'd in our custody, where they have wanted nothing but Liberty: but you kept the Mandarin, and carry'd him to the Tartars your Allies, who are a very fickle and false People, which the Hollanders have had trial of in Canton, where they first granted them to Trade, and afterwards defrauded and deceiv'd them. Now you have receiv'd Promises from them in Hoksieu, that you may settle on Haythom and Colongsoe, and there drive a Trade. The old Coxin knew very well what treacherous People the Tartars were, therefore he would never agree with them. They have often sent Ambassadors to Treat about Peace, under which pretence some years since they had like to have taken Eymuy; but it fell not out according to their expectation, for they were beaten from thence, and all the Prisoners we took, we chopp'd off their Hands and Feet and so sent them home, which we suppose you are not ignorant of; but on the contrary, Coxin knows the Hollanders are a People that keep their Word, therefore he hath us'd the Prisoners well: but now you are joyn'd with the Tartars, and have taken the Countreys of Eymuy, Quemuy, and Goutsoe from us; yet nevertheless the Tartars dare not take them in possession, but have one∣ly burnt down the Houses; nay, they have sent Agents since that to the young Coxin, to desire him with his People to come under their Protection, which he hath refus'd. The Hollanders have a considerable time Sail'd up and down the Coast, and have not yet obtain'd from the Tartars a Place to settle on, by which they may plainly perceive their treachery. Your Letter we have receiv'd, and thereby partly understand your Request, to deliver your Prisoners, which we think very fit: they are all in good health, and have a good allowance. We know that you Hollanders seek nothing but Trade, yet we are not ignorant that you will not trust us, and therefore neither credit our Sayings nor Writings: nevertheless you may believe that Sepoan, or Kimsia, would agree with you. If you are so inclin'd, and desire to settle in any Place, send us Ambassadors, Persons of Repute, whom we will not de∣tain, if you do not keep ours: if you are hereto inclin'd, do it suddenly, that we may inform Sepoan of it, and make a League with you, that we may no longer stand in fear one of another, but Trade friendly together; for the Tartar, assure your self, will at one time or other delude you. This our Writing you may credit, taking the Heavens to witness the truth thereof.

In the twelfth Moon, the one and twentieth Day.

The same Morning the Rere-Admiral Verwei came Aboard the Admiral with four Tartar Agents, and two Persons belonging to the Enemy; who being heard in the Councel, declar'd, That they were sent from Siautongsiong, Com∣mander in Chief of the Chinese Forces in the South part of Formosa to Treat with the Netherlanders, and make them divers friendly Proposals. Whereupon the Admiral demanded, How many Men the Collonel Siautongsiong had? they answer'd, Seven thousand; which so startled the Admiral, that he knew not what to resolve upon. At last he demanded, What they would desire of the

Netherlanders? they reply'd, That they had no Order, but onely that they came thither to hear what the Hollanders would proffer. Lastly, having seri∣ously debated the Business, they resolv'd to proffer the Collonel five thousand Tail of Iapan Silver so soon as he should come to them, with a Proviso, That if the Hollanders should want his Men, they should assist them against the Ene∣my, which they promis'd, but insisted, that the Sum was too little; so that they desir'd, if the Netherlanders were really inclin'd to agree, they should send some Person of Quality to the Collonel, to Treat with him himself, proffering to leave one of their number, to stay as a Hostage till the Person whom they should send did return.

In the afternoon the Secretary, with the Interpreter Maurice, the Tartar Agents, and one of the Messengers were sent to Siautongsiong with a Letter, in which he promised him the foremention'd Sum; and another to the Dutch Prisoners, intimating to them the hopes of their Liberty.

After the Secretaries departure, a Tartar Jonk was sent to Tayowan to Lairesse, with Orders to send the two Chineses with a Letter to the Governors there, proposing the release of their Prisoners, and offering a Treaty upon honorable terms.

The same day the Soldiers in the eight Ships under the Admirals Squadron, consisting in eight hundred Men, were divided into sixteen Companies and put ashore, and the day after the Tents which were pitch'd under the side of a Mountain, were quite finish'd.

The one and twentieth about Noon, Secretary Ysbrant came back with the Interpreter Maurice, sent on the nineteenth to Siautongsiong, and related, That he had deliver'd him the Admirals Letter, and discoursed with him; whereby he found that the Collonel was inclin'd to come with four thousand Armed Men to the Netherlanders, that so he might be carry'd to the Coast of China, provided the Hollanders would give him ten thousand Tail of Iapan Silver; of which they should pay five thousand so soon as he had given them Hostage, that he might distribute it amongst his Soldiers, and the other half (being for him and his Officers) should be paid him so soon as he came aboard their Ships, alledging, that those of Sakkam and Tayowan, being about nine thousand Armed Men, would immediately after his deserting them, endeavor to agree with them; that for a little Money they should surrender up the Castle and Forts, with all the Countrey thereabouts, and go to the Coast of China. And further, he desir'd to keep five hundred Acres of Land, and two hundred Horses, that were his own, which he would lend the Hollanders till they were Masters of the Countrey. Besides, at the Secretaries Request he had underta∣ken to deliver the Netherland Prisoners, and to that purpose advis'd him to send one or two Ships more from the Cape of Tankoya to Tayowan, that those of the Castle might not send out Forces, and prevent the Design.

Whilst they were driving this Bargain, the Jonk Eymuy came to the Admi∣ral at the Point of Tankoya, sent by the Vice-Admiral Lairesse from Tayowan, with News, That the Enemy, as he perceiv'd with his Perspective Glasses, wrought very hard upon three Forts, which he had now finish'd, leading them cross from the Sea-shore to the In-land Water; and also that the Enemy before with eight or nine great Jonks set Sail thence.

The two and twentieth, being Tuesday, the Interpreter Maurice went again to Siautongsiong with a Chinese Letter, in which he was promis'd five thousand Tail of Iapan Silver, so soon as he brought the Netherland Prisoners from Sak∣kam

to their Camp, and that then he should with all his Soldiers come to the Netherlanders, and go over with them to the Main of China. And the same day two Ships were, according to his Request sent from the Fleet at Tankoya to Tayowan.

The three and twentieth in the afternoon the Interpreter Maurice return'd, with tydings, That the delivering of the Netherland Prisoners could not be ef∣fected, because Siautongsiong, before he would undertake it, would first receive five thousand Tail of Silver. But the Admiral and his Council no way appro∣ving of it, sent them and the former Hostages to their Masters, notwithstand∣ing the Tartars endeavor'd to perswade the Admiral to pay the five thousand Tail, alledging, That the Chineses at their coming over must leave their Estates behind them, therefore they ought to be perswaded thereto by Money. But the Admiral answer'd, That if they should have sent him the Money, they could not have been assur'd of his coming to them by his leaving those two in∣considerable Hostages, and thereupon resolutely declared, That if Siautongsiong desir'd Money, he should first deliver the Netherland Prisoners, and come to them.

The four and twenteth in the Morning, the Zierickzee and Tertolen Frigats, sent two days before to Tayowan, came again to the Fleet at Tankoya, with Let∣ters from the Vice-Admiral Lairesse, and the Chinese Governors in Formosa and Tayowan, in answer to the Admirals, written to them on the nineteenth. Whilst Lairesse lay with part of the Fleet before Tayowan, they perceiv'd that those which they suppos'd to have been Battlements before the Castle of Zelandia, as he had advis'd in his first Letter, were onely Nets, hung up there to dry. The Chinese Letter was to this effect:

YOu Hollanders write to us to send two Men to Treat with you, which we are not inclin'd to do before you send two Persons to Treat with us first: neither do you understand our Language, which made you send two Chinese Rusticks with Letters. As to what concerns the Letter written to your Prisoners, we have made them translate it in our Presence, and thereby understand your kind Salutation to them all, and also your inclination to agree with us, and cut off the League with the Tartars; with Requests more∣over, that the Prisoners should be set at liberty: if your meaning be so, we shall be very glad; but the contrary hath appear'd to us by a Letter brought to us ashore by Assam and another Person, viz. That the Hollanders are yet united with the Tartars, as is manifested also by Singlamong and Lipovy's Let∣ters written to us; so that we know not what to think of this contradiction. We believe what ever you do is meerly to deceive us, and to draw away our People, but we will prevent it with our greatest care. Besides, you have, according to the information of your Holland Prisoners to us, writ to them, That you are cozen'd by the Tartars, because you could not get a Place in possession to drive your Trade on, and therefore forc'd to Cruise up and down the Seas with your Ships: If this be truth, we will agree with you. If you are resolv'd, and desirous to Treat with us, send Assam and two other Persons of Quality to us, whom we promise to entertain nobly, and after having Treated with them, let them go freely away; and when we are agreed, we will also send your Prisoners, and give notice to the young Coxin∣ga, otherwise call'd Sepoan, that we are agreed.

The Council of War in answer to this Letter, writ to the Governors

of Formosa and Tayowan the twenty fourth of Ianuary from Tankoya, to this effect:

WE thought to have had a better Answer from you, than your Letter, which we re∣ceiv'd this instant, makes mention of; for thereby appears to us, that you will not send any body to us, neither of your own nor of our Prisoners. When we lay before Que∣muy, before our coming hither, a Letter came from Sepoan, wherein you specifi'd your inclination to agree with us: and do you now require Agents from us to Treat with you? We positively declare, that you shall first send one to us, and hear our Answer to your Prof∣fer, to give us Quelang, Tamsui, Pehoe, or Lamoa, and then we will Treat further, and perhaps make a good Agreement: which if you will not do, and send us no Answer here∣upon, we will in the space of two days put our Flag of Defiance, and use Hostility against you every where. Our gotten Victories before Eymuy and Quemuy, with the ruine of both Cities, as also of the Forts on Colongsoe and Goutsoe, witness our Power: therefore since we cannot do any thing to you by fair means, we will try what we can do by force of Arms; for we have that God, who is Creator of Heaven and Earth, on our sides: neither are we at such difference with the Tartars, as you suppose. We drive a Trade again in Hoksieu, and their whole Countrey is at our Service, and stands open for us: we may put into any of their Harbors with our Ships: nay, they promise to assist us with all their Ionks and Forces, if you are stubborn and will not agree with us: Therefore consider with your selves, and do not refuse our good Proffers whilst you may have them. Here inclos'd is a Letter to our Friends, your Prisoners, which pray deliver to them: we observe that they have not well understood our meaning, of which at present we have given them better information.

These Letters were carry'd to Lairesse by the Zierikzee Frigat, with Orders moreover to him, that the sending to redeem the Prisoners was come to effect; and also that the Collonel Sautongsiong had already inform'd those at Tayowan concerning their Treating with him, as they had perceiv'd by their Letters.

Upon the sending of these Letters ashore, Lairesse was order'd to stay two days for an Answer; but if then he receiv'd none, to fire a Cannon with a Bullet on the Shore, and set up a red Flag from all the Ships, and then come together to the Admiral, that they might consult together what was best to be done: But if they should, according to the Netherlanders Request, send some of their Men to Treat with them, and should desire that some of the Hollan∣ders should go ashore again, that Lairesse should send the Factor Philip Mey.

The twenty eighth the Ensign, Christopher Iust, came to tell the Admiral, that the Enemy was that Morning come over the In-land Water on that Tract of Land, where their Men lay Encamp'd with a considerable Army; and be∣ing both Horse and Foot carry'd about seventy Colours, which he himself had told, and discover'd accidentally, going with five Men more the last Night to shoot some Venison, towards the South near the River of Tamsuy.

The Admiral immediately upon this Intelligence went ashore, where he caus'd the convenientest Place, about a Cannon-shot from the Hill (where the Netherlanders pitched their Tents,) to be Entrench'd, and some great Guns to be carry'd thither, that therewith they might put a stop to the Enemy, if he should march forward; who about two Leagues from thence had Encamp'd himself, and shown many Bravado's with his Horse, but yet durst not set upon the Netherlanders, who kept themselves in good Order at the fore-mention'd Entrenchment, that they might not lose their advantage.

The next Morning, being the twenty sixth, the Enemy sent three Men with a Letter to the Admiral, who gave them Audience, and read it without

the Works, which were not then finish'd, in a Tent. The Letter was to this effect:

Tathonling Totoksiau sends this Letter to the Dutch Admiral, from an upright heart and good inclination, to which I call the Heavens to witness.

THe Letter written by the Admiral I have receiv'd, and understand your meaning. Our Agents also have told us what you said to them; by which I gather, th•…•…t you Hollanders are a People of noble Minds, and endu'd with Wisdom and Understanding, there∣fore we desire to enter into a League with you. My Intentions I have before declar'd to your Secretary and Interpreter Maurice: I am now come hither with my Army for my pleasure. According to a Letter sent to me from Sepoan at Tayowan, I have order to make Peace with you: To which purpose two Mandarins are sent to Tayowan to make an Agreement, and surrender such Places as you desire; so that I hope we shall be Friends: To attain which I send you this Letter, with Request, that you will send Agents to go with me by Land to Tayowan, that there they may make an inviolable League between us.

The twelfth Moon, the nineteenth Day.

Underneath was his Seal.

Whereupon the Interpreter Maurice was sent with the two Tartar Agents to the Enemies Camp, fully to know their Intentions, and also to tell them the Netherlanders Resolutions. The Tartars returning before, were in the Evening follow'd by the Interpreter, who was immediately sent back again with a Mes∣sage, that the Netherlanders granted his Request, viz. To send two Persons of theirs to him, so soon as the six Hostages which he had proffer'd should come into their Camp, who that very Night came thither with the Interpreters.

At the same time a Rumor was spread, and the Chinese General had also told it to the Interpreter Maurice, That the young Coxinga was gone to the Coast of China, to submit himself to the Tartars, and accordingly had commanded his Soldiers in Formosa to come to him, and surrender up the Countrey to the Ne∣therlanders: But this quickly appear'd nothing but a bare Report.

The twenty seventh in the Morning, according to a Result taken by the Admiral and his Council, the Hollanders Agents were sent to the Enemies Camp, viz. the Lieutenant Hendrick Noorden, and Factor Iohn Renaldus, and Iohn Melman, as Interpreter, for their Assistant. They were fetch'd in on Horse∣back, and courteously receiv'd and entertain'd by the Chinese General, who ac∣cording to his Promise was ready with his whole Army, consisting in two thousand Armed Men, to break up that day, and go with them by Land to Tayowan.

The Agents had these following Orders given them in writing to Read to the Chinese Governors at Tayowan.

• I. That they should deliver and surrender the whole Countrey of Formosa to the Ne∣therlanders, that it might be possess'd and Govern'd by them as formerly.
• II. Especially the Castle Zelandia in Tayowan, and the Fort Provencia, in Sakkam, with all the Guns and other Ammunition, and also Quelang.
• III. To restore the Companies Goods, Merchandizes, Moneys, and other things, which at the surrender of Tayowan they took possession of; and also satisfaction for the Charge which they had been at in coming two several years with a Fleet of Ships to their Coasts, which had cost above sixty Tun of Gold.
• IV. All Debtors to the Company, whether their Servants or Free People, shall satisfie their Creditors.
• ...

• V. Our Prisoners shall immediately be redeem'd, and sent with their Goods to our Ships.
• VI. On the granting and allowing of these Articles, there shall be an everlasting Peace betwixt them and us, and all things past shall be forgotten and forgiven.

The Commissioners having Read the Articles severally to them, said, That the Netherlanders desir'd a speedy Answer, what they were inclin'd to grant or not, and also what they would have of the Netherlanders.

Three Sea-men, which were sent along with the Agents to carry some Goods, came back with two Chineses, sent from the Enemy with two live Hogs, and four Baskets of Potato's, for a Present to the Netherlanders; who gave the Bearers two Cangans, and as much Meat as they would eat, which they devour'd very greedily: He also gave them a Pass to bring Provision into our Camp.

After the Enemy had broke up with his Army, the Admiral, according to a Resolution taken a little before, also made himself ready to go with the Hosta∣ges from Tankoya to Tayowan; to which purpose towards the Evening leaving the Shore, he went aboard of the Vlaerding Frigat, and left the chief Command to Captain Poleman, the second to Schimmel Penny, and to Bittar the third, of the sixteen Companies then ashore, viz. six under the first, and five apiece under the other two. The Camp was also in good Order, their Sconces finish'd, their Guns planted, and a Breast-work rais'd with Planks, that if occasion should require, they might easily cast up Earth against it. The Nut-tree, Naer∣den, Mars, Flushing, Buiksloot, with the Quemuy Jonk, remain'd there at an An∣chor. In the Evening the Admiral, follow'd by one of the Tartar Jonks, set Sail, and the next Morning, without having gain'd much Ground, because of the strong Tyde towards the South, he came to an Anchor about half a League to the Southward of Tankoya.

The six Chinese Hostages, which were left in stead of the three Hollanders that went by Land to Tayowan, related and declar'd at the drinking of a Cup of Tee with the Admiral, That most of the Chineses which were then an For∣mosa, were not inclin'd to stay there long, but much rather would go to the Coast of China their native Countrey where they had Friends, and submit themselves to the Tartars; That the old Coxinga came to Formosa with his Sol∣diers, none was to be blam'd but one Pinqua, who was the onely Person that advis'd him to it: and since they did not find it on Formosa as they had been told; but on the contrary, lost a great many of their Men in the War and Sickness, occasion'd from the unwholsom Air: and besides, having now lost Eymuy and Quemuy, therefore the Chineses do not at all esteem of this Pinqua: nay, the Soldiers and others have desir'd to cut his Flesh alive from his Bones, and every one eat a piece of it, if it might have been permitted.

In the Evening the Ionker Frigat, sent from the Haven of Tayowan by the Vice-Admiral Lairesse, brought a Letter to the Admiral from the Chinese Go∣vernors, which was to this effect:

We the Governors of Formosa, Gamia, Siautongsiong, Koulavja, Anglavja, Owilavja, Tanlavja, and another Tanlavja, write in their Names this Letter to the Lord Admiral.

WE desire nothing but Peace. We have receiv'd Letters from the Tartar, but will not hearken to it, nor have any thing to do with him. You write in Your Letter, which We have receiv'd, to send You two Agents. It is

true, We have lost Eymuy and Quemuy, and also Goutsoe, but We care not for them; for we deserted them freely, and suffer'd the Tartars to come into them. We have fought against the same Tartars, and slain Bethetok, and other of their Officers. They have, 'tis true, destroy'd and burnt the Towns and Habitati∣ons upon the Islands Eymuy, Quemuy, and Goutsoe, and pull'd down some of the Fortresses, but have not had the courage to keep them, so that We very well know what People they are. In former times You Hollanders have En∣gag'd with Us in the Piscadores, Baxembay, and Loakkau; so that We know Your* 26.1 Customs, and You Ours. We have lost the Fight at Quemuy, and suffer'd Our Cities there to be taken by them, but this was done by Your help: We have lost a great many Men on Our part; but also know, that You likewise have had some loss. But now a Letter is brought to Me by two Mandarins from Sepoan, commanding that We shall endeavor to make Peace with You, and give You a Place to Trade in; Therefore if You are willing to agree with Us on that account, or not, let Us know with speed. As to what con∣cerns Us, We have order from Sepoan to agree with the Admiral, that We may live as Friends and Brothers. We have also understood by Your Letter, that if We do not send Agents to You in two days, that then You will use Hostility against Us; seeing Your Writing was somewhat harsh, We have thought Your Proposal to be of like kind. But if You are minded to agree, We will grant Your Requests, and make a beginning whilst the two Agents from Sepoan are here; therefore what the one hath to say to the other ought now to be known. The Letter written by the Lord-Admiral to the Prisoners We have deliver'd to them: If You will not credit Us, send Assam ashore to examine the truth.

This Letter was Seal'd with Owiden's Seal, in the Title call'd Owilavia.

The twenty ninth the Admiral set Sail again with the Ionker Frigat, but the Tartar Jonks went back.

The thirtieth in the Morning the Admiral was got two Leagues to the Northward of the Cape of Tankoya, where by contrary Tydes he was again forc'd to an Anchor; and by two Persons that came from Tayowan, he recei∣ved a Letter from the young Coxinga, otherwise call'd Sepoan and Kimsia, who at that time resided on Tangsoa. They also proffer'd the Admiral as a Present, twenty Pieces of Silk Stuffs, four Frails of Iapan Tobacco, and ten Iapan Ap∣ples, which he modestly refus'd, except the Apples.

In this Letter nothing more was proffer'd the Netherlanders than the Island Lamoa, as appears more at large by the Letter it self, as follows:

TSiovan, a Servant to Tsioubontok, is come back, and hath brought good tydings from the Lord-Admiral with a Relation, That the Hollanders were inclin'd to make Peace with us. We have receiv'd the Letter from the Admiral written to the Netherland Prisoners, and understood the Contents of it. I much rejoyce at the great love which the Hollanders bear to their Prison∣ers. In the last Southern Mouson, the Hollanders coming with Ships into the Piscadores, they deliver'd a Letter to the Mandarin, who durst not of himself take upon him to grant what they desir'd, therefore he hath sent the Letter to Me, on which I sent one to the Admiral; wherein I desire to make Peace with the Hollanders. But my Letter coming to the Piscadores, they were gone from thence with their Ships to Hoksieu. On the Admirals coming with his Ships to Quemuy, a Servant was sent from Tsioubontok, or Tonbeenpek, with a Letter to the

Holland Admiral; to which he had sent Answer, That he had agreed with the Tartars, and therefore could not make Peace with the Chineses; nor that he had any reason to break the League with them; Therefore because we could not then agree with you we Fought together: in which Fight indeed a great many Rusticks were kill'd in Quemuy: but we suppose that some of the Hol∣landers were also slain. Our intentions were not to Fight with them, but we thought to have made Peace. All the Villagers on the Islands, and those which dwell along the Sea-Coast, have been under my subjection. I al∣so lov'd them, as I do your Nation. Therefore I send two Mandarins, Houpou-Thousou-Iapien, and Lungeugia Tsiouki, whom I have commanded to endeavor to agree with you; and we hope, you will not be backward in agreeing with us, which will be good for both, because we shall make good advantage by your Trade. If we agree, then you Hollanders must forsake the Tartars Friendship, that we may not fear them; and when the Peace is concluded, we will give you the Island Lamoa, and deliver you your Prisoners; then we can Trade to∣gether, and you come with your Ships to us, and we with ours to you; which to testifie that I mean it from my heart, I take the Heavens to witness.

Written in the twelfth Moon, the first Day.

Underneath was fix'd Sepoan's Seal.

The Messengers that brought this Letter related, That they had first been in the Piscadores, and from thence, according to their Orders, came five days since to Tayowan: but they should have been there before, had not the bad Weather detain'd them some days at Tangsoa. Moreover, they had heard six days before, that the three Netherland Agents were on their Way to Tayowan; and also that all the Prisoners were in good health.

The Admiral told them, That if they desir'd the Island Lamoa, they could have that when they pleas'd, and needed not their Proffer: and also told them, That they did not maintain the War against them for Lamoa, but for Formosa and Tayowan.

To which they reply'd, If their Master Sepoan did not rightly understand their Desires, it was not his nor their fault; for the Netherland Prisoners had so explain'd his Letter to them, that he demanded the Island Lamoa: alledg∣ing, If the Hollanders wanted Formosa and Tayowan, they should not have taken the Islands Eymuy, Quemuy, Goutsoe, and others thereabouts, from them.

Then the Admiral ask'd if they had no Commands besides the Letter, to declare any thing else to the Hollanders? whereupon they answering No, the Admiral told them, That the Netherlanders would on those terms never make Peace with them.

Whereupon they reply'd again, That they might do as they saw fit: for if they could not agree, they would go and submit themselves to the Tartar, and desire of Him not to grant them to Trade there. But these Threats the Ad∣miral not regarding, told them again, That if they were not yet weary of the War, the Hollanders would not be tir'd with using their Armes, till they had ut∣terly extirpated them.

Whereupon the Coxingans observing that they could avail nothing by harsh Speeches, after a little consideration desir'd the Admiral to pass by all those Discourses, for they would rather live in Friendship than at Variance, and therefore were sent to Treat; and to that end desir'd that he would be pleas'd to go with his Ship to the Harbor of Tayowan, where (after they had

consulted with the Governor) they doubted not, but they should give him full satisfaction; To which the Admiral made answer, That he would endeavor to get with his Ship to Tayowan, and that then he would expect their sudden an∣swer, what they intended to do; and if they would manifest their good in∣tention, they should bring some of their Prisoners along with them, that the Admiral might know the reason, why they had not written to him since he came thither, because it created suspicious thoughts in him of their Welfare. Then the Admiral as'd them, Why they did not send their Prisoners to them according to the Agreement at the Delivery of Tayowan: To which they re∣ply'd, That they were ready to have deliver'd them, if they had been deman∣ded; but because that was not done, they remain'd still in their power.

But after they had promis'd the Admiral at their return to bring one of the Netherland Prisoners with them, and had been kindly entertain'd, taking their leave, they went to the Shore, and so from thence to Tayowan by Land.

The six Chinese Hostages that were aboard the Admiral, and had the day be∣fore told him that most of the Chineses were not inclin'd to stay on Formosa, but would rather submit to the Tartar; inform'd the Interpreter Maurice, that some desir'd to stay and live there, of whom several were Persons of Quality.

The one and thirtieth, the Admiral came with the Vlaerding Frigat half a League Southward of Sakkam, and the next day Anchor'd in the Harbor of Tayowan, before the Castle of Zelandia.

The second against Noon, the Interpreter Melman came aboard the Admiral* 27.1 in a Chinese Champan, with a Letter from the Agents Lieutenant Hendrik Noorden, and Iohn Renaldus, written in Tayowan the Night before, in which they inform'd the Admiral, That after the twenty eighth of Ianuary, having remov'd with the Army under Siautongsiong's Command, they Rode to Sakkam, where coming on the twenty ninth, on the thirtieth they were courteously entertain'd at Tay∣owan, but forbidden to speak with the Netherland Prisoners.

The next day after their arrival in Tayowan, they had Audience granted them from the Governor Ouwilavia, before whom they were commanded, ac∣cording to the Chinese manner to kneel, which they refus'd.

Whereupon Ouwilavia having caus'd them to be ask'd, to what end they came to him; and being told that it was to know how he was inclin'd to agree with them, he answer'd, That he referr'd himself to the Letter written by the Ne∣therland Prisoners, on the sixth of October last to the Admiral; and then ask'd the Agents, if they had any thing else to say? Whereupon the Agents, accord∣ing to their instructions read the Proposals, which he would no ways hearken to; but said, That they were unreasonable, and not fit to be answer'd, aver∣ring, that the Admiral himself had written to the Netherland Prisoners, that he would be contented with Lamoa, whereupon they parted at that time.

The first of February, the Holland Agents met with those of Sepoan, where the Letter written by the Admiral and his Council, the one and twentieth of Octo∣ber, to the Holland Prisoners, and in which they thought to shew, That the Hol∣landers would have been satisfi'd only with Lamoa, was produc'd, which the Agents explain'd quite another way, viz. That Lamoa in comparison to the other places that were proffer'd to the Netherlanders, signifi'd nothing, and that they were no ways satisfi'd with it.

Mean while, being met together, the Holland Agents said, That they had understood aboard of their Ships, how their Prisoners were us'd to hard labor, nay, that they doubted whether they were yet living; they to manifest

the contrary, brought them all out of the Castle into a Court, where the A∣gents look'd upon them at a distance, but were not permitted to speak to them. At last, the Agents were directed to tell the Admiral, that the Mandarins of Se∣poan were ready to go again to the Coast of China, and that he might now send a Letter with them to Sepoan, and make mention of some other place, and not speak any more of Tayowan and Formosa, for they were resolv'd not to hear any more of it.

While Affairs stood in this posture, the Chineses told Melman, That they would not deliver the Castle of Formosa, unless forc'd by necessity, which they concluded with a Challenge, That if the Hollanders would give them a meet∣ing at Sakkam, they would fairly try their Valor, and fight them Hand to Hand in Champain; and if they wanted Boats, would supply them with their own Champans, to Land as many as had a stomach to the Invitation; and if their fortune were such (which they did not fear) to loose the day, they would de∣liver up the Forts, and whatever else they desir'd; But if they got the better, which they could not doubt, yet they would be ready to a compliance; and laying all animosities aside, joyn in an everlasting League of Amity.

The Netherlanders seeing by this, that the Chinese Governors on Tayowan had sleighted the propos'd Articles, and commanded their Trustees not to make any further mention of surrendring, judg'd it convenient presently to send for their Agents, and break off the Treaty; only Commanding, that they should tell the Chineses at their departure, that since they had sleighted his Proposals, they must now make their Addresses to Batavia, and accordingly sent them this Letter.

BY the Letter of Our Agents which We receiv'd aboard this day, and also by the Relation given Us by the Interpreter, We understand, that you will not hearken to the surrender of Tayowan and Formosa; and since We are not impower'd without that, to conclude of any thing; therefore We desire you to send Our Agents, and to receive yours, desiring Almighty God to give you a righter understanding of your own good, that you may not deceive your selves, trusting too much in your own Strength and Valor.

This Letter the Interpreter Melman carry'd with Orders to answer their Challenge thus by word of Mouth, that if they were so hardy, to try their Fortune with the Hollanders, and put it to the hazard of a Set-day, thanking them for the offer of their Champans, they would (if they wanted Boats) rather swim to Shore, to give them their desir'd satisfaction; and though they knew their Valor, they should be allow'd to bring two thousand into the Field against their one; and also they would spare their trouble of coming to Sak∣kam, by giving them a meeting and smart Entertainment at the half way.

The Tartars Agents now resolv'd to return, sent one of their Servants to Baxemboy, with Order, to deliver some Letters there, and Demand answers of those sent from Singlamong and Lipovi: But he return'd soon after with an Ar∣row in his side; which the Chineses, when they perceiv'd that he was a Tartar, had given him ashore; nay, according to his own saying, they would have ta∣ken his Life, had he not sav'd himself by Swimming to his Champan.

On the fourth in the forenoon, the Interpreter Melman came a second time with a Letter from the Netherland Agents to the Admiral; and also one from the Chinese Governors, in Answer to that, written to them on the second in∣stant, which Translated, was to this effect.

The Governors of Tayowan and Formosa, a 29.1 Koulavja, Siaulavja, Gom-lavja, Anglavja, Ouwilavja, Tanlavja, and another Tanlavja, send in their Names this Letter to the Dutch Admiral.

Worthy Sir,

WE have receiv'd three Letters from you, whose Contents We understand, being thereby well inform'd of your desires, heretofore you demanded only Quelang and Tamsuy to Trade in; but now, since Our Prince Sepoan hath condescended to give you Lamoa, nothing less will serve your turn than Tayo∣wan, Sakkam, and the whole Countrey of Formosa, which is Our antient Right and Patrimony; but do not deceive your selves to believe, that We will so part with what so many years hath belong'd to Us; but if you will comply, and take what you are proffer'd, well and good. The Prisoners are yet strong and healthy. Nor have We any thoughts to detain your Agents, for whether We conclude, or not, you need not fear but your Messengers shall be return'd, so well We know the Law of Arms; but send Our Agents first, because We sent them first to you, and then your own are free to depart. Sepoan hath sent a Letter heretofore, to which he desires a speedy Answer, which also is Our Request.

Dated the first Moon, the seventh Day

; underneath it was Subscrib'd,

Ouwiaen.

The Holland Agents now desiring to return, were not permitted, but in stead thereof, jealousies daily increasing, a Guard was set upon them; where∣fore the Dutch Prisoners earnestly desir'd in their Letters, That the Admiral would first use some mild way for their Deliverance, that they might not al∣ways live as Exiles amongst a Crew of Heathens, and their Wives and Children in Batavia, as miserable Widows and Orphans.

Melman the Interpreter, according to the Admiral's Directions, deliver'd the Challenge, but receiv'd no other answer than, Very well; and inform'd them, that at his return to the Fleet, without the Castle they had lately Planted along the Shore about twenty Iron and Brass Cannon. Upon this Intelligence, Siau∣tongsiong's Commissioners perceiv'd that all things were not right ashore, and therefore believ'd, that the Hollanders would not send them before their Agents came back; neither did they desire them to go ashore there, but requested, that they might be sent to Siautongsiong at Tankoya, from whence they were brought, fearing their Landing there might cost them their Lives; the rather, because Siautongsiong refus'd to go to Sakkam or Tayowan; therefore if he deser∣ted those of Tayowan, the Agents believ'd that he would joyn with the Hollan∣ders; for the Letter from those of Tayowan to Siautongsiong seem'd to express, That Sepoan had submitted to the Tartars, reforming his Hair, and sending for all his Soldiers and Officers from Formosa, with Commands, that they should come thence, and surrender up the Countrey to the Hollanders.

But the contrary soon appearing, rais'd in the Agents a further suspect, and as many jealousies in the Hollanders, so that now the whole business was how to contrive home their Agents; and to that purpose, concluded to write to the Governors of Formosa, that since they could not surrender up the Castle in Tay∣owan, and the Fort in Sakkam, they would go to Treat with Kimsia or Sepoan him∣self at Tangsoa, and there to see if they could come to better terms with him:

This Message they sent, with design to get their Agents, but never intending any such matter as the performance of it; and accordingly the Chineses believing it, dismiss'd the Agents, who upon the sixth in the afternoon came at last aboard again, with the Interpreter Melman, and a Letter written to the Admiral from the Governors in Tayowan to this effect:

The Governors of Tayowan and Formosa, Gam-lavja, Siaulavja, Koulovja, An∣lavja, Ouwilavja, Tanlavja, and a second Tanlavja, send in their Names this Letter to the Hollands Admiral.

WE have perceiv'd by the Hollanders Letter, that they are of an upright Heart, though they suspected We would detain those they sent to Treat with Us, as appears by their last, which is contrary to Our Custom, and their Opinion, who ever put it into their Heads, for We have sent them freely of Our own accords, without the Formality of meeting half way, and exchang∣ing Ours for theirs, whereby you may perceive Our Integrity, and that We never had any such design: We repose the like Confidence in you, and know that you will not fail Us in Our expectations.

You (as We have understood by your Letters) will intreat Sepoan to send a Mandarin with you to Batavia, and there to agree with your King, which We will acquaint Sepoan with, who knows best what is fittest for him in Honor to do: You have also receiv'd from Sepoan himself a Letter, to which be pleas'd to send an Answer, because he will not Treat without Letters of Credence.

We also advise, that if you intend to Treat at Tongsoa, with Our Prince, that you would inform Us punctually of the time, that We may give him notice of your coming, and that he may the better prepare Jonks to Convoy you in∣to safe Harbors, to prevent the loosing and endangering of your Ships.

We have no more to say, but desire Our Commissioners may be sent to Us in this Vessel.

Hereupon the Chinese Agents were sent ashore, not to Tayowan, but accord∣ing to their Request to the Southward of the fresh River in Formosa. The Ad∣miral also Order'd Melman to bid the Men that belong'd to the Champan, tell the Governors, That if they desir'd a Letter from him, they should send for it the next day.

The Agents Henrick Van Noorden, and Iohn Renaldus being come aboard of the Admiral again, inform'd them, That the Quarters in Tayowan, except two or three Houses, lay Ruin'd, and were nothing but a heap of Rubbish; but on the contrary, that Sakkam was much inlarg'd with Houses, and that they had seen few Cattel as they past along.

The seventh, two hours before day, according to their resolution taken the last Night, the Admiral set Sail with seven Frigats to the Point of Tankoya, where about Noon he Anchor'd amongst the rest of the Fleet.

Soon after the Admiral's arrival there, Captain Poleman coming to him, told him, That all things were well on the Shore, only some few Soldiers were sick, of which some dy'd, and the Distemper increas'd. He added also, that that very day, a Captain call'd Lita and twenty six Soldiers with their Arms, came from the Chineses with two Colours, and one Pennon to us, to go over with our Ships to Tayowan, and offer'd to fight for us against the Enemy; with promise also to get more to their Party.

This Captain Lita gave Information, that Siautongsiong did not in the least in∣tend* 30.1 to come to them, but at one time or other, would set upon them, if he could find a fit opportunity; and that the Enemies Forces on Formosa consist∣ed in ten thousand Arm'd Men, of which near five thousand belong'd to this Siautongsiong, whereof he kept about him a Guard of fifteen hundred Men, the rest were distributed, some about the River Tamsuy, but the greatest part a∣bout Iokan.

In the Evening, there came six Soldiers more, belonging to the foremention'd Lita, as on the next day twenty five more, furnish'd with Coats of Mail, Hel∣mets, and Scythes; and about Noon nine more, each of them only with a Scythe, who had stood on the Inland Water, making signs to be fetch'd over to the Dutch Camp; and as they related, had been forc'd to throw away their Coats and Helmets, or else they could not have gotten through the Woods.

The foremention'd Captain Lita, was according to Order Presented by Ca∣ptain Poleman, with four Pieces of Cangans or Clothing, to distribute amongst his Soldiers.

The tenth came ten other Chinese Soldiers, belonging to Lita's Company, with Tidings, That the Enemy on the other side did fortifie and strengthen himself very much; to which purpose he had already gotten a great number of Baskets to be us'd as blinds, and plac'd them ready for the first opportunity to lay Guns betwixt them, and that then they threatned to come, and set upon the Netherlanders.

There also came four Chineses from Siautongsiong, into the Dutch Camp, and in their Masters Name, presented the Admiral with two Kings Fish, and a Bas∣ket with Potatoes; in like manner, two other Chineses came to the Camp, who brought some dry'd Fish and other Provisions to sell, which Poleman took in exchange for a Cangang; but because it was suppos'd that they were sent as Spies, none of them was permitted to come within the Works.

The eleventh came four other Chineses, who affirm'd what the ten which came the day before had related, concerning the Enemies Fortifying himself.

Those Chineses that came thus to the Hollanders (to prevent them from act∣ing any mischief) were divided amongst the Overveen, Buiksloot, and Cogge Fri∣gats, and their Arms taken away from them, viz. thirty in the Cogge, nine in the Buiksloot, and twenty six in the Overveen.

In the afternoon came a Person with a Letter from Siautongsiong, otherwise call'd Tatholing-Totoksiau, to the Admiral, which was to this purpose.

Tathonling-Totoksiau sends this Letter to the Hollands Admiral.

FOrmerly the Admiral sent his Secretary with the Interpreter Assam to My Army, who spoke with Me; My Inclinations have been for the Hollanders ever since they have been with Me; We then Discours'd of five thousand Tail to be distributed amongst My Souldiers, of which I have as yet not receiv'd one, so that I find My Expectations of receiving Money to be frustrated; nay fear, that by the long delay, My good Intentions which I have had in this bu∣siness, and still have, will be prevented; therefore I desire, with the first to know your Honors Intentions, for when I (which I would have the Hollanders take notice of) shall come to them with my Souldiers, they may be sure of the Castles and Forts, nay, the whole Countrey of Formosa. You formerly pro∣mis'd to give me five thousand Tail, when I should deliver the Holland Pri∣soners

in Sakkam, which I never undertook, neither think it needful, because they will fall with the Countrey into your hands.

And that your Honor may the better Credit Me, I promise hereby to deli∣ver My Grand-father to go in the Holland Ships to Soanchefoe, and there Treat with Singlamong and Lipovi, concerning my coming over, and to that purpose Request, that they would be pleas'd to send some great Jonks hither with the Holland Frigats, which if they do, all things shall be well.

Pray Credit my Writing, for I mean all what is here before mention'd with an upright Heart, therefore I desire it may be kept private; please to send As∣sam to Me, that I may hear from him what your intentions are; if that can∣not be, send your Resolution in Writing, that I may Govern my self ac∣cordingly.

Written in the first Moon, the fourteenth Day

; and underneath stood Tathonling-Totoksiau his Seal.

The same Messenger brought also two little Letters from Siautongsiong, as he pretended to the Tartar Agents; but being broken open by the Admiral, one was found to be to Tonganpek, and the other to Sibja; yet both of the follow∣ing Contents.

THe Letter sent to Me by your Servant Gom, I have receiv'd and under∣stood your meaning; My inclinations, as you very well know, were always to leave this State and come over to the Tartars; but to do it accord∣ing to your writing with the Holland Ships, I am something doubtful, fearing they might carry Me to Holland, or elsewhere: Besides there is no conveniency for My Wives and Children, neither for My Arms in those Ships, for I am near five thousand strong with My Soldiers and Officers, which are all ready and willing to come over to you; wherefore I hereby desire you, to be importu∣nate with Singlamong, that his great Jonks with the Holland Ships may be sent at farthest on the fifteenth day of the second Moneth, either to Tamsuy or Tan∣koya; upon whose timely appearance, I will immediately put aboard My Com∣manders, Wives and Children; as for the Soldiers it is no great matter, they may go in the Netherland Ships: I intend to send my Grand-father to speak with you farther about this Concern, which I desire you to keep secret.

The Admiral, by the Vice-Admiral's and Rere-Admiral's advice, return'd this Answer.

FRom your Writing, I understand anew your desire of five thousand Tail, which had you come to Us with your Soldiers, they had been paid be∣fore this time, according as We proffer'd: But to be plain with you, We sus∣pect all your Actions, which are clandestinely manag'd; you holding a Cor∣respondence at Tayowan, though you pretend and desire of Us, that your Letter may be kept private.

We had also thought to have found more fair Dealings in the Governors of Tayowan, and if you were really resolv'd to go to the Coast of China, you would not have trifled so long, but sent some Persons of Quality to Us, to have been carry'd in one of Our Ships to Singlamong and Lipovi; but since We cannot by fair means, We will endeavor to bring you and those of Tayowan both to bet∣ter Terms by force.

The twelfth in the Evening, Captain Poleman with eleven Companies being in Arms, the Guns and other Ammunition was in the Night brought aboard from the Point of Tankoya; and the next day all the Tents were pull'd down and put into the Ships; and soon after the Sea-men and Soldiers that had been appointed to stay ashore, came from thence aboard.

The thirteenth in the afternoon, the Admiral assembled his Council to con∣sult what they should do further, and Propos'd, That since they had no place of meeting there, nor on the Coast of China, whither they should go with the whole Fleet, to see what condition the Forts were in at Goutsoe, and if they could be repair'd with little cost and trouble, then to Pitch there for the present, that they might have a place of Rendezvouz upon any occasion, and also might leave there some Frigats, to go out in the beginning of the approaching Sou∣thern Mouson, to Cruise for the Iapan Traders.

Secondly, If they should fall short of Goutsoe, whether it were convenient, and the time would permit them to venture a design on the Isles Lamoa or Tang∣soa, and from thence send the Cruising Frigats.

Thirdly, If they should directly Steer from thence to Batavia, with the greatest part of the Fleet, and send only three or four Frigats with the hundred Chineses, and their Captain with the two Tartar Jonks to the Coast of China, ac∣cording to their promise to Singlamong.

These Proposals being duly weigh'd and consider'd, at last they Resolv'd,

First, To examine, how the Fleet was stor'd with Provisions, Ammunition, Soldiers and Sea-men, and then they might on better ground and with more safety, consult what they had best to do, and accordingly the whole Fleet were found to be two thousand and seventy eight Men, (nine hundred and sixty Sol∣diers, and one thousand one hundred and eighteen Sea-men;) besides an hun∣dred and two Soldiers, and an hundred and thirty Sea-men that were sick; the number of those that were dead, was two hundred and eleven in all.

The fourteenth the Tartars fetch'd twenty three more from the Shore that came running to them with their Arms, and in their Champans carry'd them aboard the Vlaerding Frigat.

The same day a Party of the Enemies Horse and Foot, consisting in about three or four hundred appear'd upon the Shore, but durst not come within Shot of the nearest Frigat; and towards Evening they march'd away again.

The fifteenth they agree'd to send four Frigats, under the Command of the Rere-Admiral Verwei, to the Coast of China; and that the Admiral should with the rest of the Ships go to Batavia: The Orders which Verwei was to observe, were to this Effect.

TO Conduct the two Tartar Ionks home that came with the Netherlanders from China to Formosa, and also to put ashore in China, the Renegade Chineses, being an hundred and two, besides their Captain; therefore to use all means to reach the Coast of China, and if possible, to get to Puthai, and Land them there; or if by con∣trary Winds be could not reach Puthai, then to run to Chinchieuw.

To stay on the Coast till the last of February, and wait for an Answer to the Admirals Letter, which he had given the Rere-Admiral to send by the Renegade Chineses to deliver to Singlamong and Lipovi; and if he receiv'd no Answer in that time, to go thence, without any longer delay towards Batavia, whither the Admiral would set Sail with the rest of the Fleet before.

The Admiral's Letter to Singlamong and Lipovi, from the Fleet before Tunkoya was to this effect.

The Holland Admiral Balthazar Bort, doth hereby present his kind Salutation to Sin∣glamong the Vice-Roy, and Taising Lipovi General of the Territory of Fokien; and wishes health to their Excellencies, with a happy and prosperous Government.

WE hop'd that the Chinese Forces which remain on Tayowan and Formosa, would have accepted of your Excellencies Proffer, and accordingly come over to Us to be conveigh'd to China. To the Letters written by your Highness to that purpose to them, We added another, to assure them of Our Integrity and Care, We would manifest in the carrying over and furnishing them with Provisions, which was deliver'd by your Excellencies Agents to Si∣autongsiong, General of the Forces in the South part of Formosa, who pretended to be satisfi'd therewith, and began to Treat with Us, and Demanded five thousand Tail of Silver beforehand. But We observing, that if he should once have gotten the Money, he would have deceiv'd Us, therefore We would not consent to it; however, upon his assurance, that Sepoan, otherwise nam'd Kim∣sia their Prince, had agreed with your Excellencies, and submitted himself to his Imperial Majesty, We dispatch'd Agents to him, and I also went from Tan∣koya thither by Sea. I receiv'd a Letter from Sepoan, whereupon he offer'd us the Isle of Lamoa, and to make Peace with us, provided We would immediately break Our League with your Highness, and joyn with them, which We look upon as a business no way suiting to Our Honor; therefore We immediately Commanded Our Agents from Tayowan, and refusing all Treaties about Peace, resolv'd to go to Arms; but a Sickness arising amongst Our Soldiers that lay Encamp'd some time in Tankoya, We were necessitated to remove. Mean while Captain Lita submitted, and brought with him an hundred Men, which We have sent your Highness with this Letter, had your Excellencies sent your Jonks with Us, many more would have come over; for they pretend, that they dare not venture themselves in Our Ships: We will be here again from Batavia (whither We are now going) with a strong Fleet and Forces in the Southern Mouson, when We hope your Highnesses will also be ready, that We may fall upon the Enemy in Tangsoa and Lamoa, or where ever else he shall be, that so We may at once make an end of the Work.

When Kitat or Lita the Commander was come aboard the Admiral, and told that he should go with four Frigats to China, with all his People, he shew'd great signs of joy; affirming, That Siautongsiong did not intend to come in, but only held them in Treaty to gain time, yet they might easily master Formosa and the Fortresses thereon, if they would suddenly set upon Lamoa and Tangsoa with a well Man'd Fleet, those being the only strong places which he had on the Coast of China.

The sixteenth, the Rere-Admiral Verwei set Sail with his four Frigats, and steering Northerly along the Formosan Coast, about Noon Anchor'd a League from Ape-Mountain; and likewise the Admiral with eleven Ships, and the Jonk Quemuy putting forth, came to an Anchor on the one and twentieth in the Piscadores.

In the Evening, the Rere-Admiral Verwei set Sail with the four Frigats to the Coast of China, to Land the Chinese Revolters, either on Puthay or about the Ri∣ver Chincheo, under the Tartars Jurisdiction.

The twenty fifth, a Letter written by the Admiral to the young Coxin, or Sepoan, in Tangsoa, was sent ashore by a Chinese Prisoner at Pehoe, that from thence he might go thither with the first opportunity, which was to this effect.

THe Holland Admiral Balthazar Bort wishes Health to Sepoan.

I receiv'd your Letter at Tayowan; but the sudden departure of your Messengers would not afford me Opportunity of sending an Answer. We did at your Request send Commissioners to Tayowan; but when they motion'd the Surrender of the Fort, they had a Guard put upon them. We always believ'd, that it was free for Us to ask, and you to deny, without such Af∣fronts. Tsiautongsiong made Us believe, That your Highness had submitted to the Tartars, and commanded all your Souldiers from Formosa, with Order to deliver the Countrey to Us: Whereupon We sent Our Agents, as afore∣mention'd: But when We receiv'd your Letter, We understood the contrary; for you advis'd Us to break Our League with the Tartar, and proffer'd Us onely Lamoa for a Factory, and the Releasing of Our Prisoners: In answer to which, We advise you to unite with the Tartar, and deliver Tayowan to Us, that We may live peaceably together, and Trade flourish afresh, which you very well know is Our chief aim. I much wonder why those of Tayowan, while Our Agents were there, sent not to Me, and why yours never return'd to speak with Me; perhaps they may pretend Fear, but they have no reason, for with Us 'tis usual in the midst of the sharpest War, to send Persons to Treat, and make Overtures of Peace: And themselves are able to make out, how honourably We protected them: Whereas on the contrary, those of Tayowan were so barbarously uncivil, that they would not suffer Our Agents to speak with Our Prisoners, nor take a Letter from them to Us. I have set Sail from thence, with intention to come to you at Tangsoa, in hopes to find more Civility, and withal to perswade you to send Ambassadors to Batavia; but the stormy Weather hath spent so much of the time, that to My great sorrow I could not effect My desire: Therefore I have left this Letter with the Piscadoreans, to be sent to you with the first opportunity. If you resolve to send, do it with speed.

Balthazar Bort.

The twenty sixth the Admiral set Sail again with his ten Ships, and ran by the high Western Island: The twenty seventh he saw the Sands; and the twenty eighth, the Macau Islands. On one of these Macau Isles stands the City Macao, of whose Beginning and Plantation this is the Account.

The Chineses at first permitted the Portuguese to Traffick on a desolate Isle* 36.1 call'd Sancham, or Sancian, thirty Leagues from the Continent, and ten from Macao, where they built themselves, in stead of Houses, Bowers of plash'd Trees, and meanly thatch'd on the top. Here the Chineses came to Trade with them, after they were thus setled, nor would suffer their nearer Approaches, being terrified with the remembrance of the former Calamities they suffer'd by Invasions, especially of the Tartar in the Year 1208. yet fresh in their Me∣mory. These their Fears and Jealousies increas'd upon them, by seeing and considering the Portuguese Ships, what huge Vessels they were, like floating Castles, big with Armed Men, and terrifying both Sea and Land with the Voice of their thundering Guns▪ Besides, the Mahumetans and Moors, which in great numbers daily resorted to Canton, reported, That these People (meaning

the Portuguese) were Franks (for so they call'd all Europeans) and were a mighty People of prodigious Valour, and Conquerors of whatever they design'd, and that the Borders of their Empire were extended to the Brims of the Universe. But though the Portuguese were thus represented, and appear'd themselves to be too formidable, yet the Avarice of the Chineses overpower'd their Fear; for the Benefit accrewing by this Commerce was so great, that it did not onely redound to the Emperors Advantage, but also the Magistrates and Common People were all Sharers; so that by Degrees they suffer'd it to be driven with∣in their Dominions, yet with this Proviso, That so soon as their time of Sale was done, they should go again to India with their Commodities.

The Portuguese Merchants had Annually two Markets or Fairs, to buy what the Indian Ships transported in Ianuary, or the Iapanners in Iune.

The Fairs or Markets were not kept in the Haven of Macao, nor on the Isle of Sancian, as in antient times; but in Canton it self, whither an infinite Com∣pany of People resorted; for the Portuguese went from the City Macao, with the Magistrates leave of China, to the Metropolis Canton, two days Journey by Water, against Tyde, and lodg'd at Night in their Vessels in the Haven: Yet all things were done with such circumspection and vigilancy, that it was easie to see they were not without jealous Fits, and grudgings of their former Fear. These yearly Fairs continu'd two Months, and sometimes longer.

By this means that Place which was before desolate, began to be inhabited not onely by the Portuguese, but also by many of the neighboring People; so that in few Years, by the great abundance of Commodities brought thither out of Europe, India, and China it self, it grew a famous and populous City: Nay, such was the Chineses Covetousness, seeing their Wealth, that they not on∣ly dwelt there, and Traded, but Married with them, and in a short time fill'd the whole Isle full of rich Habitations.

This Place is also famous amongst the Catholicks, for the great resort thither of Priests, and their converting the Natives to the Christian Faith. From hence all the Voyages for the Converting of Heathens were undertaken; as to Iapan, China, Tunking, Cochinchina, Cambaya, Laos, and other Countreys; where∣fore the King of Portugal gave it the Title of a City, and by the approbation of the Pope rais'd it to an Episcopal See. But since the banishing of the Por∣tuguese out of Iapan, this City hath much decreas'd.

The twenty ninth in the Night the Fleet reacht the East Point of the Isle Ai∣nan, which, according to Bartholomew Verwei's Observation, lies much more Nor∣therly than it is plac'd in the general Map. On this Isle lies the City Ingly, otherwise call'd Ciunchew, being fortified with very strong Walls, full of hand∣som Buildings, and well seated for Trade; the whole Island being in a manner surrounded with Mountains and Woods, produceth great plenty of all Necessa∣ries for Humane Sustenance.

On the Mountains grows the sweet-smelling Craine-Wood, and likewise Ebony, Roses, and Brasile, much us'd by the Dyers through all China. There are also many Indian Nuts, and a Fruit by them call'd Iaca, which grows not on the Branches, but the Body of the Tree. Amongst others, there also grows a certain strange Herb, in the Chinese Tongue call'd Chitung; for the Sea-men are of opinion, that they can find by its Joynts or Knobs, in what Month, and how many Storms there shall be in a whole Year, saying, The fewer Joynts this Herb hath, the less the number of Storms will be; and likewise from its Stalks that shoot out of the Joynts from the Root upwards, they judge in

what Month it will be tempestuous Weather. The Island also breeds many Harts, and other wild and tame Beasts, besides abundance of Birds.

Near this Island they also fish for Pearls on the Northern Shore, between this and the Main Land. There is likewise a very strange Fish caught here, with four Eyes, and six Feet, which the Chineses affirm produces also Pearls.

There is yet another Monster in this Sea, whose Head resembles a Birds, all the rest a Fish, and yields, as they say, several Precious Stones.

Between the City Coacheu and the Isle of Hainan they catch some Sea-Crabs, which differ not much from the other, except in this, that as soon as they come out of the Water into the Air, they are turn'd into Stone, yet still keeping their former Shape. The Portuguese and Chineses use them for Medicines against Burning Fevers.

On the Southside of this Isle the Chineses catch Whales, after the same man∣ner as we do at Greenland.

This Island hath divers Mountains towards the South side, whereof one call'd Kinim, hath a Quarry of red Marble.

Not far from Linkao, a little Town, there lies the Mountain Pisie, of which the Chineses tell strange Fictions; for they relate, That there was a Stag endued with Humane Reason, which conducted the Islanders Army through unknown ways, and brought them where they block'd up their Enemy, that came from Cochinchina to invade them, by which means they obtain'd a great Victory, and on the same place erected a Temple in his Honor.

Eastward of Cincheu is a Lake, where a City stood formerly, that was swal∣low'd up by an Earthquake.

By the little Town Iai rises a Mountain, said to be so lofty, that neither Wind nor Rain reaches the top; and therefore call'd Hoeifung, that is, Above the Wind.

It is very remarkable what the Chineses relate of the Sea near the Town Ci∣um, viz. That it neither ebbs nor flows, which is observ'd at the neighboring Places; but runs one half of the Month towards the East, and the other half to the West.

The City of Ingly is a Place of great Commerce, in which there are three Markets every day; one of which is held in a very large Place on the East side of the City, whither so soon as the Sun rises divers Merchants resort, as Arabians, Turks, Zurats, Malabars, Abyssines, and those of Pegu and Malaya, besides many of the Native Inhabitants, Indians, and Portuguese.

After this Market is ended, which continues till nine a Clock, begins a se∣cond, which is kept before the Governors Palace, and lasts till Noon, at which time every one retires home to their Dinners.

In the Afternoon about three a clock the third Market begins, in a Place at the South side of the City, where those Women (for the Females drive the Trade here, and not the Men) which sell several sorts of Goods, stand apart by themselves, and separated from one another; First stand in a row the Pepper-traders; next, those that sell Betel Leaves, Onekka, Water-Melons, and Anana's; and behind them the Book-sellers. In another Quarter are the Iron∣mongers and Brasiers Shops, furnish'd with Armor, Poniards, Swords, and all sorts of Weapons, and likewise Sandal-Wood: Opposite to them stand such as vend Sugar, Honey, and all manner of Preserves: Not far distant is sold white, black, red, yellow, green, and gray Beans; and lastly appears a hand∣som Square, where all sorts of Herbs, either for Food or Physical use, may be bought.

Here also those Merchants which Trade in Linnen, and other Commodities by Whole-sale, have their Exchange; beyond which is a Market for Poultry, as Hens, Ducks, Pigeons, Parrots, and other Birds; and likewise of Cabrito's, or Goats.

Here are also three High Streets: In the first on the right side are some Jew∣ellers, which sell Rubies, Hyacinths, and the like; on the left side, many Chi∣nese Picture-drawers, intermix'd with such as sell divers Colours of Sowing-Silks, Silk and Damask Stuffs, Flannel, Sattin, Gold Wyre, Cloth of Tissue, Porcelane, Wax'd Baskets, Copper Basons, Pots, and Cans, great and small; Quicksilver, Chests, Writing-Paper of all Colours, Almanacks, Leaf-Gold in Books, Looking-glasses, Combs, Spectacles, Brimstone, Chinese Scymiters with wax'd Scabbards, China-Roots, Fans, and other Trifles. The second is full of Picture-Shops. The third is onely for private use. Passing on somewhat fur∣ther, you come to the Fruit-Market, and through that into the Fish-Market; and from thence turning towards the left side, to the Shambles, beyond which is a peculiar Place, where the Women sell by Retail round and long Pepper, white and black Cloves, Nutmegs, Mace, Cubebs, Cinnamon, Cummin, Gin∣ger, Zedoar, Sandal-Wood, Rhubarb, Galanga, Anniseeds, and the like: On the right side is the Rice-Market; close by which, the place where they sell Pots, Bags, Mats, and Salt; and opposite to it, on the left side, Oyl.

The first of March the Fleet sail'd by Tinhosa; the second, by the Cape de* 36.2 Avarelles; on the third they pass'd over the Garden of Holland, Breda, and Acker∣sloot Sands, lying on the South side of the Paracelles: The fourth they sail'd by Candor, and on the seventh Anchor'd at the Isle of Timon.

The eighth was publickly read an Order of the Council, by which it was commanded, That none, either there or at Batavia, should sell any of the Chi∣nese Children which the Officers, Soldiers, or Sea-men had taken, either to Moors or Heathens: And for the better prevention thereof, it was order'd, That they should all be numbred; which Office was committed to the charge of Peter Suskens, Captain Adrian Mouldpenny, Secretary Henry Ysbrands, and Iohn Renaldus. This Order was verbatim as follows.

SInce there are many Chinese Children, as well Females as Males, in the Fleet which be∣long to the Officers, Sea-men, and Soldiers, whom We fear they may sell either here at Poele Timon, or when they come to Batavia, either to Idolaters or Mahumetans, which is neither fitting nor lawful for Us Christians, but strictly forbidden by Our Su∣perior Magistrates: Therefore We give every one knowledge and warning, not to dispose of any of the Maids or Youths, or other Chineses, either here at Poele Timon, or Batavia, to Mahumetans or Idolaters, neither to barter nor give them away to such, on pain of those Punishments decreed for such Offences: And that such Misdoers may be found out, every one shall be oblig'd to give an Account of how many they have, to Our appointed Offi∣cers, that they may take their Names in Writing: And this to be set up in all the Ships of the Fleet lying at an Anchor before Poele Timon. Dated the eighth of March, 1664.

The tenth it was concluded in the Council, That since there was not Pro∣vision enough to be had for the Fleet, and that which was there, very dear, to go thence to the Isle of Laver, in hopes to be better provided: Towards which having weigh'd Anchor, they set Sail in the Evening, and about midnight ar∣riv'd there. On his departure the Admiral left a Letter with the Inhabitants of Poele Timon, to deliver to the Rere-Admiral Verwei, in which he advis'd him of all what had hapned since they parted.

The twelfth it was resolv'd in Council that Evening to proceed on their Voyage to Batavia; according to which, they weigh'd Anchor, and set Sail.

The thirteenth the Fleet sail'd by Poele Panjang; and on the fourteenth pass'd Lingen, and Poele Saya, and in the Evening Poele Toesjouw.

The fifteenth towards Night they pass'd by the Rock Frederick Hendrick, and towards Evening entred the Straights of Banka.

The twentieth the Fleet stemm'd the Thousand Islands, and in the Evening Anchor'd in twenty eight Fathom, and were about three Leagues distant from the Isle of Edam.

The next day, being the one and twentieth, the Fleet came to an Anchor at Batavia, with ten Ships. The Sea-hound Frigat, sent thither with the Quemuy Jonk, with Letters from the Piscadores, were also arriv'd there, and likewise two other Jonks.

Towards Evening the Admiral Balthazar Bort, Vice-Admiral Huibert de Lairesse, the Council of War, and Commanders of all the Ships, went ashore, and were courteously receiv'd by his Excellency the Lord Maetzuiker, who in∣viting them to Dinner the next day, the Admiral related all his Adventures to him, deliver'd him also his Papers, and a List of the Prisoners and the Chinese Children, which were in all two hundred forty three; viz. fifty nine Men, a hundred forty eight Male Children, and thirty six Female.

Mean while the Rear-Admiral Bartholomew Verwei, who on the twenty fourth* 37.1 of February set Sail with four Ships from the Piscadores, to the Coast of China, to transport the revolted Chineses, and land them about Puthay, or the River Chincheo, the twenty sixth came to an Anchor at the Island Colongsoe, where he desir'd the Tartar Agents, that they would with one of their Vessels fetch away the Chineses; to which purpose he put the Agents ashore at the City Eymuy. The next day they brought a Jonk, into which they were put with their Arms, and likewise the Letters given to the Agents, to be deliver'd the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Lipovi, with which the Agents went to the City Chincheo.

The twenty eighth a Tartar Vessel came aboard the Rere-Admiral, in which was a shaven Chinese call'd Hionko, which had formerly liv'd in Batavia, and spoke Portuguese, who told him, That he was sent by Sitetok, with Request to Verwei, That he would please to come to him to Haytin (a Place about a League and a half from thence) to a Treat; but Verwei being sickly, put it off. This Hionko also related, That the Enemy with his Forces lay yet in Tangsoa, and durst not go to Tayowan, fearing the Dutch Ships that lay before it; and that about fourteen days since, five thousand Men came to them in sixty Jonks, which then lay at Haytan; that the Commanders which came in the said Jonks desir'd to inhabit the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy, which if it were permitted them, the Prime of the Coxingans would come over to them: But the Vice-Roy Singlamong had denied, and would not hearken thereto, alledging, That when another Holland Fleet should come again on the Coast, they would then with∣out any further trouble submit.

The first of March the Overveen, Cogge, and Buiksloot Frigats came to an An∣chor by the Rere-Admiral.

The third, being Monday, Verwei set Sail with his four Ships, that according to Order he might proceed on his Voyage to Batavia, and in the Afternoon found himself half a League beyond the Island with the Hole; his Course South-South-West.

The fourth he descry'd Lammo, an Isle in the North-West, four Leagues from the Fleet, in twenty two and twenty three Fathom Water; and in the Even∣ing the Sands, Nor-West and by West, within five Leagues.

The fifth, being Wednesday, Verwei came amongst a Company of Chinese Fish∣ers, of which he thought to overtake one, or by firing of a Gun make him strike; but in vain, for they by their nimble sailing got clear away.

In the Forenoon they saw Pedro Branco, and about Noon were in twenty two Degrees eleven Minutes Northern Latitude: Towards Evening they descry'd the Isles Lemas, Nor-West, three Leagues from them.

The eighth, being Saturday, in the Morning they had Tinhosa in the West, five Leagues distant, and at Noon in the Nor-West, his Course being South-South-West.

Munday the tenth, about Sun-rising, they saw Poele Canton, West-South-West four Leagues from them; and at Noon, by Observation, found themselves in fifteen Degrees and three Minutes Northern Latitude, and at Sun-set descry'd the Box Horns in the South-West and by South.

The eleventh they discern'd the Cape Averello, in the South and by West, six Leagues from them; and Poele Cambier de Terre in the Nor-West and by West, at three Leagues distance.

The twelfth in the Morning they reach'd the Round Holm, being three Leagues to the West and by North; and the Bay of Pangerang in the Nor-West, at the same distance.

The thirteenth early they saw Poele Cecier de Mare, in the South-East and by East, about six Leagues from them; and the fourteenth at Noon the Point of Sinques Iagues about five Leagues to the Nor-West.

The fifteenth, being Saturday, they had still sight of the high Land of Cam∣bodia.

On Monday they saw Poele Candor in the Nor-West, about three Leagues di∣stance.

The twentieth in the Morning they had the Isle of Timon in the South, towards which Verwei steer'd his Course with the other Ships, and in the Afternoon dropp'd Anchor on the West side of the great Sandy Bay, in eighteen Fathom Water.

The Inhabitants of this Place inform'd Verwei, That the Admiral Bort had been there ten days with the rest of the Fleet.

The same day Verwei set Sail again about Noon from Poele Timon, and was the next day in the South-West and by South, four Leagues from Poele Pan∣jang, which lay Nor-Nor-West two Leagues from him: The following Day the East Point of Lingen bore West-South-West from him; in the Evening, the Isle Poele Sayo Nor-West and by North; and the Northermost of the Isles, South-West and by South.

The twenty third, being Sunday, the Fleet descry'd the Mountain Monapyn, in the South-South-East, five Leagues distant, in fifteen Fathom Water. In the Af∣ternoon the Monapyn bore South-South-East three Leagues off. Here he sail'd directly towards the Straights of Banka, and on Munday Morning came up with Poele Nanko, driving with a Fore-Tide into the Straights, and in the Evening descry'd the Island Lucipar East-South-East, in five Fathom and a half, from whence he steer'd his Course directly South-West.

On Tuesday, being the twenty fifth, they saw the Isle with the High Trees in the West and by North, four Leagues from them: On Wednesday the North-Watchman▪

in the South-South-East, about three Leagues; and towards Even∣ing in the South-South-East, at one League.

The twenty seventh, being Thursday, Verwei sail'd West-ward, along by the Thousand Islands, and in the Afternoon ran safe to an Anchor in five Fathom Water, on the Road before Batavia, where going ashore, he went with the Com∣manders of the other three Ships to the Lord General Maetzuiker, and the Coun∣cil, and related such Adventures as had hapned to him since his departure; who for his faithful Services and valorous Conduct, gave him hearty Thanks, and promis'd him greater Rewards.

Thus much of the Relation concerning what hapned to the first Fleet, set out under the Command of the Admiral Balthazar Bort, and the Vice-Admiral Iohn Van Campen, to the Coast of China, and their Expedition to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Lipovi; and likewise what Adventures befel the second Fleet. Now it is requisite to give a brief Account of what hapned in Hoksieu, to the Merchant Ernest van Hogenhoek.

Till the first of March, Anno 1664. Captain Constantine Nobel had resided in* 37.2 the City Hoksieu, as Agent; but then he came aboard the Finch, which he freighted with Merchandises to Batavia; in whose Place Hogenhoek was order'd to look after the Companies Business in Hoksieu, and to keep a Journal as well of State as Trading Affairs, and of all his Transactions and Services done for the Company, according to his Orders given him from the Admiral Bort and his Council.

The same day in the Morning the Vice-Roy Singlamong went to Chinzieu, to receive the Enemies of the Isles Tamswa and Lamoa into Favor, except Kimsia, who was said to be gone to Tayowan.

On Wednesday, the fifth, the General Lipovi went also to Chinzieu, that there with the Vice-Roy, he might receive the submitting Chineses into Favor; from whence he sent one of his Mandarins to the Netherlanders, to Complement them, and tell them in his Name, That some Letters written by the Council of State for that Empire, were come to his Hands, and that theirs would soon follow. Not long after the General Lipovi's Chief Secretary came also with a Copy of the Council of States Letter, which was to this effect.

WE Lepous have shew'd your Letter concerning the Hollanders Trading* 38.1 here, to his Imperial Majesty.

We Ponpous have also made your last Years Writing concerning the Hol∣landers, known to his Majesty.

The Piejapous have also shew'd yours written to them, to his Majesty.

The Conbon likewise hath written a Letter to the Emperor, That the pro∣mis'd Ships were already come; and likewise the Hollanders Request concern∣ing Trade.

Povi hath also written to the Zoetaysins, That the Holland Admiral was come with his Fleet of War to Hoksieu, and that his Request was to come and Trade here once a Year, and also that he might have a Place granted for the building of a Store-house. The Express of the Conbon written to the Zoetaysins inform'd, That the Holland Admiral hath brought some Goods with him in his Ships, with Request that he may dispose of them to pay his Sol∣diers.

On all the foremention'd Writings his Majesty made Answer, You, my Lords, go and consult first about this Business; then let me know your Opi∣nions, and I will give you my further Answer.

The Zoetaysins, Puejapous, Lepous, Ponpous, in humble Obedience to Your Imperial Majesty do certifie our Opinions in manner following.

We have look'd over antient Records, and find that it was never us'd to permit any Strangers to live in our Countrey, or build a Factory, much less to drive a constant Trade; therefore We suppose it ought not to be granted.

We also find, That in antient Times it hath been accustomed, that when any Strangers came to Complement the Emperor, their Goods which they brought with them were put into one of the Emperors own Store-houses, erected for that purpose, where one of Our Mandarins taking an Inventory thereof, sold them: But without Addresses to the Emperor with Presents, nothing was permitted.

But since the Holland Admiral comes hither to assist the Emperor against his Enemies, We think that by way of Compensation he may this one time be suffer'd to sell his Goods brought along with him, first obtaining Licence from the General Lipovi, and the Conbon in Hoksieu: But hereafter the Hollan∣ders shall first make their Addresses to the Emperor, before they shall sell their Goods.

The Empeeor answer'd hereupon,

I Conghy, the twenty seventh Day of the twelfth Moon, in the second Year of My Reign, permit the Hollanders to come every other Year and Trade: The other Points I am of the same Opinion as You, my Lords. These are the Words of the Emperor, according to which, and this Letter, you may govern your selves.

In the translating of this Copy of the Council of States Letter, their man∣ner of Stile was as much as possible could be imitated.

The foremention'd Lepous and Ponpous, which had written these Letters to Singlamong and Lipovi, are Judges and Councellors of Civil Affairs, as the Pie∣japous are of Martial: The Zoetaysins are four Guardians in the time of his Fa∣ther, plac'd over the young Emperor and Empire, to supervise Affairs during his Minority, being at the time of this Grant about twelve Years of Age.

The tenth, being Munday, Hogenhoek sent the Secretary Cheko with a Letter to the Governour of Hoksieu, who promis'd to speed it with his Post to the Nether∣land Ships.

On Wednesday, being the twelfth, the Netherlanders went all to the Pagode Con∣zan, being one of the greatest in all those lower Territories, situate in a most pleasant and delightful Place, about three Leagues from Hoksieu.

Monday the seventeenth, in the Afternoon, Lepora, one of the Vice-Roys Se∣cretaries, came to visit Hogenhoek, to whom, amongst other Discourses, he re∣lated, That the Enemies of Tanzwa and Lamao had alter'd their Opinions, ex∣cept Ziekautia Chief General of Kimsia, who staid with his Wives, Children, Soldiers, and Jonks, to know on what Terms he should come in, having first cut off his Hair after the Tartar Fashion.

He also related, That there was shortly expected a Seal'd Letter from his Majesty, with great Presents for the Hollanders.

The twenty eighth, being Tuesday, Hogenhoek went to visit the Conbon and Go∣vernor, and desir'd him to expound the meaning of those Words, That the Hollanders might come and Trade with their Ships every other Year: To which he courteously reply'd, That the Great Council of State at Peking would not yet permit the Hollanders a Free Trade for ever, nor grant them a Place for the

building of a Store-house, according to their Minds declared to his Majesty; but he was assur'd that his Imperial Majesty, on the Proposal of the Council, had made answer, That they might come once in two Years; which was as much as to say, That the Hollanders coming from remote Places, could come but once in two Years with their Ships to Trade, at which time they should have leave to drive their Commerce: And it seem'd by this Order, that Gifts and Pre∣sents were onely wanting to supple the Courtiers, and soften the Counsellors of State, through whose Hands all things of this nature pass'd, by reason of his Majesties Puerility: And if (continu'd he) you do hereafter order your Af∣fairs accordingly, I dare promise and undertake that you may not onely come once a Year, and Traffick; but twice, if you be able so to do. Whereupon, after several such like Discourses, he took his leave and departed.

From the nineteenth, being Wednesday, till the twenty second, nothing hap∣ned of any Remark, the Netherlanders being onely busie in building of one small, and two great Rooms, for the stowing their Commodities against the next Season.

On Sunday the twenty third, the General Lipovi's Chief Secretary came to to visit the Hollanders, with whom they discours'd about the News sent from the Court in Peking; and he explain'd it just as the Governor had done, say∣ing, That he had discours'd with his Master about it, who had told him, The Hollanders are sure enough in this Countrey: The building of a Store-house is of small consequence; they have already a good House to Trade in. When his Majesty says, Once in two Years, they may come every Year, nay twice a Year, if they can, provided the Hobou (meaning Constantine Nobel) went back to Ba∣tavia, and from thence were sent with a formal Embassy and Presents to the Court at Peking.

Against the Evening the Governor of Hoksieu sent the foremention'd Letter to Constantine Nobel back again, with information that the four Ships were gone.

On Munday the twenty fourth the Emperors Commissioners came from Pe∣king, to confer Titles of Honor on Tonganpek and Zibja, the Sons of Zovja, whom his Majesty had receiv'd into Favor.

On Tuesday, being the twenty fifth, Ongsamya, Secretary to the Vice-Roy* 38.2 Singlamong, receiv'd the Netherlanders that came to visit him very courteously; and after having drank two or three Cups of Tee, and shewed them his whole House, he solemnly invited them to a Dinner, where they were nobly enter∣tain'd: And having pass'd about several Cups of their Liquor, he said to them, The Netherlanders may now be assur'd of a Free Trade for ever; but that they being so eminent Merchants, ought not to deal with the meaner sort of People, (as they had done the two preceding Years) who sold their Goods again by Retail, and then could scarce dispose of half of them; but that they should Trade with the Vice-Roy, General, and Governor, who if they wanted any thing in their Requests, might intercede for them at Court; and that then also they would be assur'd to carry out as much white Raw Silk (which his Majesty had prohibited on pain of death) as they desir'd: Whereas on the contrary, if their Highnesses were not pleas'd, they could not transport one Bale; therefore they ought to be wary.

Hereupon Hogenhoek made answer, That it was certain these Proposals might be advantageous, and that they agreed with the Opinions of his Ma∣sters; but if the Hollanders should Trade with their Excellencies onely, who ingross'd the Commodity, as they had done in Canton, that then they could

not subsist at that rate; on which account, and for no other Reason, they had left Canton: And he would rather prosecute the Design no farther, but go to a Place of Trade, where they might dispose of their Goods at Profit: But if their Highnesses would deal with them, they should have the Refusal, and they would be very reasonable, according as the Market went.

After this they fell into other Discourses, viz. That Ziekautya, a famous Sol∣dier, and General to Sepoan, was come to them, accompanied with six thousand of the chiefest Coxingan Soldiers; and that one of the chief Officers, Haytan's Brother, being ashore, and repenting, intended to make his Escape again in the Jonks that lay hard by, but was overtaken by some of the Vice-Roy's Sol∣diers, who would immediately have Beheaded him, had not his Brother, who had been Governor of Haytan, begg'd him; yet nevertheless he was put into Prison. This Discourse being ended, and having drank a chirping Cup, he desir'd Hogenhoek to bear him Company for two or three Hours longer, and then gave him leave to return.

On Wednesday the twenty sixth, the Governor of Hoksieu's Secretary came to visit the Netherlanders, with Request, amongst other Discourses, for his Lords Cotton Quilt, promis'd by Constantine Nobel, which Hogenhoek immediately sent him.

The twenty eighth, being Friday, Hogenhoek went to the Conbon or Governor, with Requests to him, That since the Goods which he had left were not sold, he would grant him a Pass; for he intended to send some Goods to the Terri∣tory of Nangkin, or Chikiang, there to exchange them for wrought Silks; To which he made Answer, That he could not do it of his own accord; but that he would write to the General Lipovi, who was also concern'd in it, and let him know his Answer in a Fortnights time.

Besides, the Governor told him, that it was their own faults, that they had not sold their Merchandizes sooner, for he was a Man of sixty Years old, in all which time he never knew Cloves sold for an hundred and sixty, or an hundred and seventy Tail; and accordingly all their other Goods were set at too high Rates, so that they would not go off, unless they sold them cheaper, although there was neither want of Buyers nor Money. The Chineses sold the Goods which they brought with them much cheaper, viz. Bags of Pepper at nine or ten; Sandal-Wood, twenty two; and Quicksilver, at an hundred and ten, and an hundred and twenty Tail; Colour'd Clothes, at three, and three and a half the Dutch Ell; Scarlet, five and six Tail; which said he, are too great gains, according to what they are bought at Kalappa. Hogenhock answer'd the Governor hereupon, That it seem'd not strange to him, that the Revolted Chi∣neses sold their Goods so cheap, (for stoln Goods were always sold cheaper than those that were bought with ready Money;) at which the Governor Smiling, desir'd the Hollanders to excuse him, that he did not invite them to Dinner, because his youngest Wife lay a Dying, so that after having drank a Cup of Bean-Broth, they departed.

On Tuesday, being the first of April, the Governors Wife died, which occasi∣on'd that he gave Audience to none in fourteen days time.

Wednesday, being the second, the Vice-Roy's Secretary sent the Factor Lapora with a Letter to the Hollanders, informing, That two Agents, with two Manda∣rins stil'd Tzouzou (that is, Governors) came the twenty eighth of the first Moon from Peking, and had brought with them the Emperors Letter and Presents to the Hollanders, for their faithful Service.

On Tuesday the twenty eighth, Haytankon Governor of Sinkzieu, with two Jonks, set Sail to the Manillaes: Their Lading consisted chiefly in Raw and Wrought Silks: And it was rumor'd, That the Vice-Roy and General in∣tended to send a Trading Fleet to Iapan, to which purpose abundance of Silk was already bought out of the upper Territories, which occasion'd so small Inquiry for the Netherland Goods.

About this time it hapned that no Rain had fallen for six or seven days: Whereupon the Conbon or Governor caus'd the killing or eating of Swine to be forbidden by Proclamation, on pain of death; because the young Rice-plants, that should be transplanted, dried up to nothing. And on the Thursday, being the seventeenth, the Conbon, with all his Mandarins and Nobles, went in Proces∣sion on foot, (which was never seen before) into several Temples, and carried Perfumes, making great Offerings to their Idols. The Priests also went up and down every day making great Lamentations and Prayers for Rain; the more, because the Conbon had threatned them, That if no Rain fell in ten or twelve days, they should be severely beaten with Sticks.

The sixteenth, being Wednesday, the Factor Lapora came with a Letter, co∣pied out of the Vice-Roy Singlamongs, written to his Secretary Ongsamya, the Contents of which were as followeth.

THe Holland Admiral hath by assisting Us against the Enemy gain'd great Honor, which I have made known to the Emperor, who hath sent two Agents from Peking, with an Imperial Letter and Presents to them: His Majesty hath also written to Us to go with your Forces and ingage Tayowan, and upon the Conquering of it, to restore it to you; and also that you may come every two Years to Trade. Acquaint the Holland Hobou with this joyful News, and that the Agents are also to be in Hoksieu within fifteen or six∣teen Days.

On Friday, the eighteenth, the Netherlanders were inform'd, That the Vice-Roy and General, attended with some of the Revolted Mandarins, were gone a Voyage with their Jonks to Tanswa and Lamoa, to meet Tziekautzia, who waited there to submit, as they had been inform'd; but coming thither, they found no body, Kimsia being fled with all his People; yet the Tartars not daring to stay, fearing his Return, took away the Villagers, with their Wives and Chil∣dren, ruining and burning all they could find.

On Saturday, being the nineteenth, some Merchants came with Tydings that Tziekautzia had brought a great many Merchandises with him from Tayo∣wan, and the other Islands, as Pepper, Sandal-Wood, Quicksilver, Iapan-Wood, Cloves, Amber, Cloth, and the like.

About this time the Rice (by reason of the abundance of Prisoners and Coxingan Chineses, and likewise the Army which lay there) began to grow very dear; insomuch that a Sack was sold for thirty five or thirty six Maes: Their Highnesses therefore were necessitated for some time to give leave to those Chineses that were not Soldiers, to go to Sea with their Vessels, and seek to get a Livelihood, and also Till some Ground on the Sea-shore.

On Monday, the one and twentieth, News came that Houtin, one of the vali∣antest Soldiers belonging to Sepoan, was come to the Tartars, accompanied with eight thousand Men, whom he deliver'd all to the Tartars; and likewise, That Kimsia was gone to Tayowan, and Anpikya to the Piscadores; and that Kim∣sia resolv'd there to venture the Hollanders and the Tartars till the uttermost time, and was daily busie about fortifying and strengthning the Castle Ze∣landia,

and raising another Fort on Sakkam, so to make Formosa invincible.

On Thursday, being the twenty fourth, News came that the General Lipovi was gone from Sinchieuw to Soanchieuw, whence he was expected in ten or twelve days; likewise that a Post was come from the Court at Peking, with informa∣tion, That Lipovi was made Povi, or Governor of three Provinces, viz. Fokien, Kiangsi, and Chekiang; a thing seldom done, to give the Chief Command, both in Civil and Military Affairs, of three Territories, to one Lord.

Monday the twenty eighth, a Mandarin came in the Governors Name to com∣plement Hogenhoek, and to tell him, That the Emperors Agents were expected within five or six days in Hoksieu.

On Tuesday the twenty ninth, the Governor caus'd an Idol-Priest, because he had been negligent in his Prayers and Offerings for Rain (for the droughty Season still continu'd) to be miserably beaten with Sticks, threatning him moreover, That if none fell in five or six days after, he should be executed.

The first of May, being Thursday, it hapned to rain, to the great joy of the* 39.1 Idol-Priests; and the same day the Governor sent the Mandarin Tan-lavja to tell the Netherlanders, That the Agents were expected either that day or the next, and if they would not please to go and fetch in those Lords, because they were come so great a Journey about their Business, it being the Tartars fashion, and that which Nobel had also done the last Year. Hereupon, the Netherlanders prepar'd immediately to go to meet the Agents, and Congratulate their Wel∣come, as soon as they should have notice of their Arrival.

On Saturday, being the third, in the Evening the long expected Commissio∣ners came to Hoksieu, with a great Train of Tartar Soldiers and Servants; so that the Hollanders could not fetch them in.

On the fourth in the Morning, Hogenhoek went with all his Attendants to the Castle, to Welcome the Emperors Agents, who came to meet him in the Hall, and conducted him thorow two or three Chambers, where several Stools were plac'd, desiring him to sit down on the left hand, (by them ac∣counted the most Honorable, which Hogenhoek refus'd; yet after many Cere∣monies, he was forc'd to sit right against the Chief Agent, who would not take the Upper-hand, saying, The Hollanders are Mighty Lords; and that His Majesty rejoyc'd very much that they had assisted him with such a great Fleet and For∣ces, which was taken as a great kindness at Court, for to none else but the Hollanders did his Majesty ascribe that Victory: Wherefore he was sent from the Emperor to them, with returns of Thanks, together with Seal'd Letters and Presents. Then he signifi'd, that his Majesty had granted Licence to come thi∣ther, and Traffique every other year; and besides, had written to their Excel∣lencies the Vice-Roy Singlamong, the General Lipovi, and Governor of Hoksieu, to joyn with the Netherland Fleet and Forces, and go with them to Tayowan, which after the Conquest, should be deliver'd to them, that they might as Neigh∣boring Friends, Trade with one another.

Then the Agents ask'd for the Admiral Bort, and the Fleet: Whereupon Hogenhoek reply'd, That for divers Reasons written to their Highnesses, he was gone to Batavia, but intended to return very shortly with fresh Recruits, and then with joynt Forces to set upon Tayowan. Whereto the Agents reply'd, That his Majesty and the Council of State knew not, but that the Admiral and the whole Fleet had been still upon the Coast; for which reason, they had with all speed written to their Excellencies, to go with them to Tayowan, that the Hollanders might be repossess'd of it, which his Majesty earnestly desir'd.

They would willingly deliver him his Majesties Letter now, but their High∣nesses, the Vice-Roy Singlamong, and General Lipovi, who were also concern'd in it, being absent, it could not be done: therefore they desir'd he would be pleas'd to have patience till their coming, which would be very shortly.

Hogenhoek having drank a Cup or two of Tee, took his leave, and was con∣ducted out at the Gates by the Agents, who profess'd great love to the Hollan∣ders. In his return home, Hogenhoek met with the Conbon or Governor of Hok∣sieu, accompany'd with divers Noblemen and Mandarins, who were all going to welcome and Complement the Agents.

On Monday Morning, being the fifth, one Mandarin came in the Agents name to salute Hogenhoek; and after having been entertain'd with Wine and Fruit, took his leave.

Soon after, Hogenhoek went to the Governor to ask, If the opening of his Majesties Letter must be defer'd till the Vice-Roys and Generals coming home? Who answer'd, That it was very requisite; and because the Letter must be broke open in the presence of the foremention'd Persons, and him, he had al∣ready sent an Express about it to their Excellencies: But that it would be eigh∣teen or twenty days before the Vice-Roy could return, till which time he must have Patience. Then Hogenhoek ask'd the Governor, if it was requisite to invite the Agents to a Treat, and some other Recreation? Whereupon he was an∣swer'd, That before they had done all their Commands and Businesses, they durst not come, but when that was done, he might do his pleasure. Asking moreover, If Hogenhoek did yet doubt, whether he was a true friend to the Hol∣landers? And told him, That they were too hasty in the going with their Ships, and had they staid but five or six days longer, they might (without doubt) have carry'd this News to the King of Iacatra, (meaning Maetzuiker.) But the Admi∣ral, for two years together, was gone so hastily, that he did not so much as take his leave of any person, which was not well taken by them, and they had written their discontent concerning it to the General and Governor of India: Which Hogenhoek answering, said, That necessity had forc'd them.

After being handsomly entertain'd, the Netherlanders taking their leave, re∣turn'd to their Quarters.

The sixth being Tuesday, some Chinese Merchants came to the Dutch Store∣house to look upon the Commodities that were left; and afterwards ask'd, if the Hollanders would dispose of them by Parcels, or all together? To which Hogenhoek reply'd, That if they lik'd the whole quantity, that he would dispose of them all, and be paid for them as in Constantine Nobel's time; at which the Merchants laughing, said, That then the Goods were sold the dearer, because it was the first time that the Hollanders drove a Trade there; and also, because the Chineses were formerly forbidden on pain of Death not to buy such Commo∣dities of Foraigners: But if they would abate something of their Price, consi∣dering the whole Parcel, then they would Treat with them; which if they would not do, they told Hogenhoek, that he might keep them a year or two lon∣ger. Whereupon Hogenhoek desir'd them to make a proffer, which was, an hun∣dred and forty Tail for the Cloves; an hundred and twenty for Quicksilver; for Amber of twelve Guilders, eight Tail; for that of eleven, seven Tail and an half; for that of six, four Tail; for that of five, three Tail; for that of twenty four Stivers, nine Maes; for the best sort of Camphier, of twenty three Ryals, eighteen Tail; for the second sort of twenty Ryals, sixteen Tail and a half; for Scarlet, six Tail the Dutch Ell; for Crimson, four Tail; for other Co∣lours,

three Tail; and if he thought fit to dispose of them at these Rates, they would deliver him White-Raw-Silk in the sixth Moneth at the Market Price which should be then; to which, Hogenhoek desiring some time of considerati∣on, they return'd.

On Thursday, being the eighth, the General Lipovi return'd with all his Train to Hoksieu, where he was nobly receiv'd by the Conbon or Governor.

Friday, the ninth, Hogenhoek sent the Factor Pedel to the General Lipovi, to Complement and welcome him in his Name, because the Chollick, wherewith he was sore afflicted, prevented him from doing it in Person.

Being come home, he related, That the General had accepted of the excuse, and ask'd, if he had sold all his Goods; to which Pedel had made answer, No, and that they remain'd without any enquiry for them; which the Governor said, was not strange to him, because they held them at so high a rate; and if they intended to dispose of them before more came, they must set a more mo∣derate Price, as they had done before, or else they would hereafter so stick on their Hands, that they would get nothing near so much for them as they might do now.

The tenth, being Saturday, the General sent for a piece of Crown Serge to Hogenhoek, which being carry'd him, he ask'd, What he must pay for it? Hogen∣hoek answering, said, Forty Tail; to which the Factor reply'd, If the Mer∣chants pay forty, my Master ought to pay but thirty eight, because he wants it for his own use, to make a Tent of it; whereupon Hogenhoek, according to his desire, let him have it.

On Sunday towards the Evening, the Governor sent his Servant to invite Ho∣genhoek to come to Dine with him the next day; to which returning Thanks, he sent word, that he would come, notwithstanding he was not well.

On Monday Morning, the twelfth, Hogenhoek went to the General Lipovi's House, to Complement and welcome him; because at his coming he could not in Person do it, being prevented by Sickness, and now going to a Treat at the Governors, it might have been ill resented, if he had not first visited the General.

When coming, he had immediately Audience by the General, who before he sate down, ask'd him concerning his Health, and why he walk'd abroad so soon, and that he could see by his looks that he was not perfectly cur'd. To which he answer'd, That he did it for the Reasons aforesaid, fearing if he had deny'd, that the Governor might perhaps have resented it ill.

The General, after he had drank, and Presented Hogenhoek with a Cup of Milk mixt with Bean Flower and Peking Butter, he began to speak concerning the Letter that came from the Emperor, whereby he said, It appear'd how the Emperor lov'd the Hollanders, observing, he had Commanded his Forces to go to assist them out of his own Dominions, which was never done before, neither in the Chinese nor Tartar Government. Nay, that which is more, if the Hollanders desir'd Tayowan, they should possess it again, and then as true and faithful Friends, to Trade and assist one another; as for their Trading there, they were ascertain'd; and concerning their coming every other year, they need not to take any notice thereof, but that they might upon his word come and Traffique every Year.

But an Ambassador must without fail be sent to the Emperor, with humble Thanks and Presents for his gracious Favors; and that he had writ to his Ma∣jesty, that the old Hobou (meaning Constantine Nobel) was gone to Batavia, to

be Commission'd to that purpose; and therefore it would not be convenient, that any other should come in his stead. But Hogenhoek answering, that he could not assure it; the General seem'd dissatisfi'd, however taking no further no∣tice, ask'd, When the Admiral Bort would come again, because they only wait∣ed for the Fleet to go to Tayowan, to ingage it with all their Forces: To which Hogenhoek reply'd, that he knew not certainly the time, but suppos'd, that the Fleet would either be there again in Iune, or the beginning of August, as the Admiral Bort had written at his departure to their Highnesses. But the Gene∣ral in return, onely declar'd himself unsatisfi'd with the Holland Admirals de∣parture, laying the whole fault of the Enemies not being totally subdu'd up∣on him, who (he said) pretended to be more bound up, and limited by his Commission than he was.

Hogenhoek, after many other Discourses, desir'd, That he might take his leave, which the General permitted, because he was invited by the Conbon or Gover∣nor; from whence as he was going, he met with a Mandarin by the way, sent by the Conbon, to tell him, That it was time to come, because the Agents were there already.

Coming to the Court, Hogenhoek was very courteously receiv'd by the Go∣vernor, and likewise by the Agents, which being pass'd, they took their places: The Governor sat below the foremention'd Lords. The Stools on which they sate were cover'd with Damask, Imbroyder'd with Gold. After having rested themselves a little, the Agents crav'd Hogenhoek's excuse, that they had not vi∣sited him, alledging, That the chief reason was, because they had not fully effected all their Commands; which should no sooner be done, but they would wait upon him in his House.

Then having drunk a Cup or two of Milk, the Governor desir'd the Ne∣therlanders to rise, and sit down at the Table, as the Stools were plac'd, on which they accordingly went, and seated themselves.

Whilst they were at Dinner, the Governor had order'd some other Pastimes to be presented, so to make the Treat the nobler, which was very Magnificent of it self: After the several Chargers with variety of Meat, had been chang'd for greater Delicacies thirty six several times, and the Feast ended with Mirth and Entertainment, the Agents took their leave first, and afterwards the Ne∣therlanders.

On the twenty ninth, against the Evening, the Vice-Roy Singlamong return'd to Hoksieu, where he was receiv'd with great signs of Rejoycing, having Con∣quer'd Tamzwa, Lamoa, and other little Isles lying thereabouts, by which the whole Coast was clear'd.

The twentieth, the Mandarins belonging to the Agents came again to the Ne∣therlanders, to raise the Price of Silks, telling their Landlord, that they had understood by the way, that the Hollanders bought great quantities of Silk, which they sent to Batavia, a thing contrary to the Emperors Order. But be∣cause of their Services done to the Empire, it was conniv'd at; therefore their Masters had also bought Silk to deliver to them, which if they would not take, it might easily be wrought by the Agents means, to procure the Vice-Roy, Ge∣neral Lipovi, and Governor, to forbid them to buy any more, before they had leave from the Emperor, with several other such like Discourses; but Hogenhoek returning them the former answer, they went away unsatisfi'd.

About ten a Clock, Hogenhoek with all his Company, went to the Vice-Roy Singlamong's Court, to Complement and wish him joy, of the Conquest gotten against his Enemies.

Coming thither, the Vice-Roy was gone about half an hour before, to visit one of his Chief Captains, that lay very sick. But his Interpreter desir'd the Netherlanders to stay a little in the base Court, and he would give his Highness notice; which being accordingly done, the Vice-Roy, after a little stay, re∣turn'd home, and immediately granted Audience to Hogenhoek, who Congra∣tulated his happy Return, and likewise his Victory, for which his Highness return'd him Thanks, and wish'd him Joy of the Letter and Presents sent to them from his Majesty. But after some short and Complemental Discourses, the Vice-Roy made fresh Complaints of the Admiral Borts sudden departure, without giving him the least notice of it, saying, it was true, that he had re∣ceiv'd a Letter from him, but it was just at his departure, when he had no time to answer it.

He ask'd moreover, if the Admiral would return, or another come in his place; to which Hogenhoek made answer, That it was at the King of Iacatra's pleasure, and that he could not give his Excellency any assurance of it.

Then the Vice-Roy said, That in regard he could not agree with the Admiral therefore wish'd, that there would come another in his stead; for had the Admi∣ral (said he) observ'd my Advice, to have gone together to Tayowan, after we had Conquer'd Tamzwa and Lamoa, we had surely been Masters of it er'e this time. But the Admiral would never believe him; but there was now Order come from his Majesty to go thither; for He did not know, but that the Fleet was there yet, and therefore for their faithful Service done to the Realm, he had likewise granted them to come and Trade every Year, which they ought to take as a great Favor, and believe, that his Majesty was very graciously in∣clin'd towards them, and therefore when an Ambassador should come with Addresses to his Majesty, he doubted not, but what er'e else they desir'd at Court, they would obtain. They staid only for the Fleet, which should no sooner be come, but according to his Majesties Commands, they would go to∣gether to Tayowan. At last excusing himself, that he could not in person stay to Treat him, being still weary of his Journey, he Commanded two of his Coun∣cil to bear Hogenhoek Company, and Entertain him, and when it was time to open the Emperors Letter, they should give him notice; which said, he went in, and the Netherlanders soon after return'd to their Lodgings.

Against the Evening, being the one and twentieth, their Excellencies sent word to Hogenhoek by one of their Mandarins, that the next Morning about Sun rising, he should go to the Emperors Poetzienzie; and accordingly at the ap∣pointed time, Hogenhoek taking Horse, went thither with all speed; where coming, and finding the whole Court Guarded, he stay'd at an appointed place, till the Vice-Roy and Agents came with the Emperors Letter; where, also, the General Lipovi, with the Conbon or Governor, and all the Mandarins waited.

After they had staid some time, the General Lipovi sent to the Factor Pedel, to tell Hogenhoek, That since he could not help to fetch in the Emperors Letter at first; that now, when it came to the Court, he should fall on one of his Knees, to do it Reverence, because it was the Custom of the Country; Nobel ha∣ving also done it at the fetching in of the Letter the last Year.

Hogenhoek having staid an hour with patience, the Vice-Roy Singlamong ap∣pear'd with a great Train of his Mandarins, Nobles, and Courtiers, and soon af∣ter, the Agents with the Emperors Letters and Presents.

The Letter was carry'd by eight Persons, all in a Livery of Red and Yel∣low,

[illustration]

on two Wax'd Sticks, on which stood a Cabinet made like a Temple, richly Gilt and adorn'd with Imagery; in this Cabinet lay the Emperors Let∣ter, wrap'd up in a Yellow Scarf: Afterwards follow'd five or six Red Wax'd Tables, cover'd with Damask Clothes, and carry'd by four Persons, on which the Presents which consisted in Money, Gold, and Silks lay bare: Then fol∣low'd the Agents on Horse-back, accompany'd with divers Nobles.

Before the Emperors Letter walk'd above twenty Persons, beating on Drums, and playing on divers Musical Instruments; so that it rather seem'd to be a great Triumph, than for the reading of a Letter.

As it pass'd by, Hogenhoek, according to the Generals Request, shew'd Reve∣rence to the Letter, by Bowing of his Head and Body; which done, they fol∣low'd the Train into a great Hall, where their Excellencies were already Seat∣ed, and then rose up: After they had consulted a little together, Hogenhoek was again Commanded to Kneel, and so to continue Kneeling all the time, whilst it was reading.

After the Letter had been read publickly, it was laid on Hogenhoek's Arm by the Chief Agent; for which Honor, he was forc'd Kneeling to bow his Head several times together, and likewise for the thousand Tail, and Silk Stuffs.

After this, their Excellencies went to sit under a Canopy, and caus'd a great Tankard with Milk mixt with Peking Butter and Bean Flower, to be brought to them, whereupon they invited Hogenhock also to sit down by them; at last, the Vice-Roy rising and taking his leave, went to his own Court: Soon af∣ter follow'd the General Lipovi, and lastly, the two Agents, Netherlanders, and Governors, who advis'd Hogenhoek, that he should go the next day to Thank the Agents, which he accordingly promis'd to do.

The Emperors Letter Hogenhoek Commanded Lewis de Keizer to carry on his back, but the Presents were laid in Pallakins; all the way which they pass'd, several sorts of People, with Drums and other Musical Instruments, throng'd the Streets to see them.

Hogenhoek coming home, was welcom'd by two of the Emperors Poetzienzie, with three Volleys of Shot, and the Drums and Pipes play'd a whole hour be∣fore the Letter, which they did onely to get Money; for Hogenhoek was direct∣ed to give somewhat more than Nobel had done the Year before; and likewise the Vice-Roy and General Order'd Hogenhoek to go the next day to visit the Agents, and return them Thanks, because it seldom or never happen'd, that his Majesty gave such great Presents to any Person whatsoever.

After Hogenhoek had been at home some time, he caus'd the Emperors Letter to be Translated: Which was to this effect.

I Conghy Emperor, send this Letter to the Holland Admiral Balthazar.

I Love strangers who come from remote and far distant places, as an Emperor ought to do; and the more, because those that do us good, must receive good again; and those that deserve Honor, must be well rewarded. I have certainly understood that you have purchas'd Honor, therefore I have sent Pre∣sents to you. I have heard, that you Balthazar have justly and valiantly gone with my Officers to War, by which I perceive you mean honestly with me and my People, as appears by your subduing the Pyrats, and driving them away, like a Bird which hath made a Nest to Hatch in, and is now broken to pieces. The Honor which I always expected from the Hollanders, by Conquer∣ing the Islanders, and driving them away from thence, is perform'd; therefore I am Oblig'd to Gratifie you with some Gifts, and send this my Letter, desiring you to accept my Presents, and Honor my Letter.

Conghy.

The Presents that came with his Majesties Letter, consisted in a thousand Tail of Chinese Silver, and sixty Pieces of several Silks and Cloth of Tissue.

On Friday, the twenty third, Hogenhoek went in the Morning with all his At∣tendance to the Vice-Roy and General, and likewise to the Emperors Commis∣sioners, to acquaint them, that he was dissatisfi'd for that the Emperors Let∣ter made no mention of their Traffick, or about their staying there, much less, to go with their Fleet and Forces to Tayowan, as their Highnesses had long since promis'd him, as also the Admiral Bort, and Captain Nobel; viz. that there were Seal'd Letters expected from his Majesty about it; and likewise, that the Admiral and they had not without reason complain'd of their inconstancy, appear'd now plainly, because not one of their Verbal Promises and Assurances were found to be true, which would be very ill resented by the Lord General, that they had been detain'd two years, and now receiv'd nothing but words: To which the Vice-Roy answer'd with a Grim Countenance, that' tis true, his Majesty had permitted the Hollanders to Trade, but an Ambassador must every other year be sent to him; and as to the business of Tayowan, they would be ready to go with them thither to subdue it; if therefore an Ambassador should come, they would immediately dispatch him with Letters of Recommendation to Peking; Whereupon he durst assure them, that they would obtain the ever∣lasting Trade, and leave to go and come when they pleas'd, and also have an Island or piece of Land alotted them, on which they might reside without Molestation.

The like Answers Hogenhoek receiv'd from the Governor; but the General Lipovi seem'd to be highly displeas'd, saying, That so great honor of receiving

Presents, and a Seal'd Letter from the Emperor, in which he attributed the Honor of Conquering the Enemy to them, was never yet known; so that they ought to have been satisfi'd with that only. Hogenhoek reply'd, That they thank'd his Majesty for his Favor: But where-ever the Hollanders were per∣mitted to Trade, they receiv'd Seal'd Letters from the Princes, which serv'd as a safe-guard for their Governors: Nay further, (said he) the Hollanders Trade thorow the whole World, without being limited a time; but when er'e they came, they were Welcome, and Traffiqu'd as they thought fit: Whereupon the General angerly reply'd, Each Countrey had its fashion, and so accordingly had his; if they did not like the proffer of coming every two years once, they might stay away; and if they did not come in the time li∣mited, they should go away again without effecting any thing. Hogenhoek an∣swer'd, That this Discourse seem'd very strange, when as he himself had pro∣mis'd, that he would procure him Seal'd Letters from his Majesty for it, and indeed in Honor he could do no less, their Requests being so reasonable, viz. That after the Conquering of the Islands, they might for their great Charge and trouble, only enjoy the benefit of Trade.

The Vice-Roy having been silent some time, diverted the Discourse, ask∣ing Hogenhoek if Nobel would return, with Addresses and Presents to his Maje∣sty at Peking? Whereto he reply'd, That he could not assure it, in regard it was in the Lord General's choice, whom he would choose to Negotiate such an Affair.

Then the General told him, as he had often done before, That he had writ to the Emperor, and at Nobels return, they would grant the Company all what they would ask; for the Emperor affected the Hollanders very much, as appear'd by his Letters and Presents, which in his time had never been done to any Stranger; and the Agents must also be better gratifi'd than Nobel had done, and that without fail, the next day, because they were just upon their return to the Court.

Hereupon Hogenhoek ask'd the Vice-Roy, that he would be pleas'd to tell him, how much more he should give than Nobel had done? Who said, That it was at his pleasure: Then Hogenhoek taking his leave, went thence to the Agents, who courteously receiv'd him, and Discours'd with them concerning the constant Trade, saying, He hop'd that they would have brought Seal'd Let∣ters from his Majesty about it. To which they reply'd, That they had deli∣ver'd Seal'd Letters about it to their Excellencies, Singlamong, Lipovi, and the Conbon or Governor of Hoksieu; to this effect, that if an Ambassador came to thank his Majesty, he should immediately travel up into the Countrey, and the Trade take a beginning to come every other year.

The Agents also were of opinion, That if an Embassy was sent to the Court at Peking, that the Hollanders, if they requested any thing else, it would be granted them, in regard his Majesty bore a great affection towards them, (be∣cause they had so faithfully assisted in the War) and gave them the sole Honor of the Conquest of Eymuy and Quemuy. They also promis'd Hogenhoek, that when they came to the Court, they would seek to obtain a Grant from his Ma∣jesty for the constant Trade, for which he thanking them, return'd to his Lodging, where he debated the General's Proposal of augmenting the Pre∣sents to be made to the Emperors Commissioners, and at last resolv'd to give the prime Agent twenty two Dutch Ells of Scarlet, half a Chain of Blood Coral weighing six Ounces, two Pieces of Colour'd Perpetuana's, six Pieces of Lin∣nen, with four rich Swords.

The second Agent they gave seventeen Ells of Scarlet, half a Chain of the like Coral, weighing four Ounces, two Pieces of Colour'd Perpetuana's, four Pieces of Linnen, and two Swords; and likewise in their Presence, their Man∣darins and other Attendants were also presented every one according to their Quality.

On Saturday Morning, being the twenty fourth, Hogenhoek with his Servants went to the Agents to deliver the Presents, who seem'd to refuse them, yet after having look'd them over, and deny'd them several times, they at last over▪perswaded by Hogenhoek, receiv'd them.

At parting, Hogenhoek desir'd once more, that they would be pleas'd to seek the Hollanders advantage, before the Emperor and Council of State, in the gaining of the constant Trade, and render such an account of them, as they had found and seen during their stay; all which they faithfully promis'd.

Besides, the Hollanders had some discourse about Trading into several parts of India, and what Goods were brought thither, and carry'd from thence by the Netherlanders, which they again Transported to other places.

The Agents seem'd to be much delighted in this Discourse, saying, If an Ambassador be sent to the Emperor, and the Enemy be driven from Tayo∣wan, they need not fear but all things would be granted them. Here the Dis∣course ended, and Hogenhoek returning Thanks, took his leave and departed.

On Monday, being the twenty sixth, the Governor or Conbon sent the Hollan∣ders a Present, being good Table-provision; for which Hogenhoek return'd him thanks by Factor Pedell.

On Thursday the twenty ninth, the Chineses kept the Feast in Hoksieu, by them* 40.1 call'd Peelou; and likewise on the same day through all China, viz. with long Boats with Oars, new Painted and trick'd with Silk Flags and Pennons of se∣veral colours, with which they Challenge and Row great Matches.

According to the Chineses relation to Hogenhoek, the Instituter of this great Festival Peelou, was formerly Governor of the Paracelles, a Countrey that is very fruitful, and abounds with Gold and Silver, who foretold, That that Island should be swallow'd up: wherefore he and some of his Friends, and others that believ'd him, several days before fled from thence in their Jonks to the Main of China; where they honor him as a God of the Sea: for as they report, soon after his departure the Island sunk; in Commemoration of which they keep this annual Holy-day.

The Hollanders to observe the Custom of this Feast, as also to recreate them∣selves, hir'd a Boat to go among the rest.

No sooner was Hogenhoek return'd home, but the General Lipovi sent his Mandarin to give him notice, that the Emperors Agents intended the next Morn∣ing to go for Peking, and that he and his Men should conduct them out of the City, and therefore to send him word what Horses he wanted, and they should be accordingly furnish'd.

On Friday, being the thirtieth, about Day-break, another Mandarin, sent from Lipovi, came to Hogenhoek, to desire him that he would be at the Agents House betimes: Whereupon he and his Men went immediately thither, some on Horses, others in Pallakins; where coming they found them busie Packing up their Goods, and linking and coupling of Slaves and Slavesses, to the num∣ber of six or seven hundred, taken from the Islands Eymuy and Quemuy, and gi∣ven to them by the Governors of Zing and Sanzieuw, and other Officers; where∣fore the Hollanders desir'd to go out before, that they might not hinder the

Agents; which accordingly they did: and after having stay'd a considerable time at the Vice-Roys open House, the Agents came to them on Horseback▪ excusing themselves that they had made them stay so long: which they an∣swering again with a Complement, told them, That they had not accounted the time long, but took it for an honor to wait upon them.

Here the Emperors Envoys thank'd Hogenhoek for the Presents, saying, That they had receiv'd them very kindly, but knew not whether his Majesty would let them keep such great Gifts without ordering to return them again. They also promis'd, as they had done several times before, to speak in the behalf of the Netherlanders before his Majesty and Council, and give them an account of all they had seen and heard; and also would do their utmost endeavor, and assist the Ambassador when he should come to Peking: for which Hogenhoek re∣turning them humble thanks, Drank to them his Majesties Health in a great Glass of Sack that he had ready for that purpose, which went merrily round. The Envoy much admiring the excellent rellish of the Liquor, ask'd if it grew in their native Countrey? saying, That it must need be a brave Place, which not onely produces such excellent Wine, but divers sorts of rare Commodities, desiring him to give each of their chiefest Servants also a Glass, that when they came to Peking, they might say they had drank some Dutch Liquor. This done, and the Hollanders having taken their Leave, they return'd, and came to∣wards Evening to their Quarters.

The last, being Saturday, Hogenhoek was inform'd, that the General Lipovi* 40.2 had shut up his great Gates, because he would not grant any more Audience; and also that he would not trouble himself any longer about business concern∣ing his Office, being resolv'd to go to Peking, where his most pre-eminent Wife (Aunt to the present Emperor) resided, she having writ to him several times to come up to her.

The Council of State (as on the twenty fourth of April is related) endea∣vor'd preferring the General, to make him chief Governor of three Territo∣ries, which he modesty refused, being rather willing to give over all Offices of State, because (as he told Hogenhoek) his Age requir'd case, and that to Go∣vern was a Work too great for him; and to that purpose expected his Writ of Ease, for which he had sent five or six Posts to his Majesty and the Council, whose Answer he expected daily.

On Tuesday, being the thirtieth of Iune, Hogenhoek sent Factor Pedell to the* 40.3 Conbon, or Governor, telling him, That he had not receiv'd any allowance of Money for his Table from the Mandarins in two Moneths, and therefore desir'd that he would please to provide it for him. The Governor, to whom this seem'd very strange, said, That his Majesty had not yet forbid, but that it should be continu'd. But however, on Thursday Morning early, he with all his Company went to the Vice-Roy and General themselves, complaining that they had not receiv'd their Table Pension these two Moneths: whereat they were much dissatisfi'd, and immediately sent Order to the two Mandarins, not to fail to pay the Arrears next day, and so at every Moneths end punctually, at their peril, and thence-forward.

On Friday, being the sixth, the Grand Mandarin Tziekautzia, came from Sin∣chieu* 40.4 by Land to Hoksieu, with a Guard of between four and five hundred Sol∣diers, and the remainder of them were to come within a day or two after, with his Jonks. It was also reported, that he should go to Iemping, a Town about nine days Journey from Hoksieu) to be Governor of it, though the Townsmen oppos'd it.

[illustration]

[illustration]

On Wednesday, being the eleventh, Tziekautzia's Jonks arriv'd at Fort Minjazen, and were expected in three or four days to come up to the Bridge.

On Friday the twentieth, Hogenhoek went to the Vice-Roy and General Lipo∣vi, with Request in their General Maetzuikers Name, for the delivery of some Holland Prisoners, that were brought thither with Tziekautzia's Jonks: where∣upon they promis'd to enquire if it were so or not, and would give Order that they should be sent to the General Lipovi, he having the Command of the sub∣mitted Chineses.

The Netherlanders heard this day the news of the death of Tonganpek, Zavja's Brother, and one of the Admirals, as also of the great Court Messenger.

On Tuesday the twenty fourth, Zanzia, chief Secretary to Lipovi, came in his Masters Name to acquaint Hogenhoek, that he had sent to Tziekautzia concern∣ing the Prisoners; who answer'd, That they which came to him from the Castle Zelandia in Formosa, had told him, that they would rather chuse to be chopp'd in Pieces, than return again to their Countrey-men; and that the Negro Boys refus'd in like manner. To which Hogenhoek made answer, That it seem'd very strange to him, since every day one or other spoke to him to pro∣cure their Liberty. I hear, that since I mov'd the General concerning their Free∣dom, they have been in Fetters, and harder restraint than before. In brief, I am confident he has falsly inform'd the General, of which I desire you will please to acquaint him.

The twenty fifth and twenty sixth Hogenhoek sent a Letter to the General Lipovi, but it was not receiv'd in regard of his Infirmity: but on Friday the twenty eighth it was deliver'd, and Answer sent, That he had read the Letter, and finding mention'd therein, That unless the Prisoners were deliver'd, some trouble would arise thereupon, which he understood to be Threats; therefore Hogenhoek must know that he was Lipovi, and that it lay in his power to do the Hollanders good or hurt, and desir'd to hear no more such calumnious words, or else to forbear the Court.

The Sunday following the Master of the Lodgings where the Agents lay, de∣sir'd him to take Tziekautzia's Goods and sell them for him, promising to give him a good Reward for so doing: The Cargo consisted in twenty four Pie∣ces of colour'd Cloths, ten Picols of Amber, three hundred of Tin and Lead, thirty Birds-nests, fifty of Pepper, three hundred of Iapan Wood, twenty of Quicksilver, twenty five of Cloves, and one hundred Picols of Sandal Wood, besides other Commodities. But Hogenhoek refus'd it, alledging they had not yet put off their own Goods; wherefore he durst not undertake another Mans Business.

The same day Lepora the Vice-Roy Singlamong's Secretary lying near, came to Visit the Agent, as his custom was, and discoursing with him concerning the Prisoners, and Lipovi's rough Answer, proffer'd his Service to acquaint the Vice-Roy with the Business, well knowing that he had sent two or three days before to Lipovi to let Hogenhoek have them; to which he assented. After this, through the interposition of the Vice-Roy, Lipovi and Hogenhoek came to a bet∣ter understanding, and the distasteful Letters, and harsh Repertees, were melio∣rated into a Reconciliation.

The next day General Lipovi sent his chief Secretary to Hogenhoek's House,* 40.5 with Orders to tell him, That there had been five Holland Ships seen about the Islands Heyton, by his Jonks which had brought Rice to Sinksieu, which caus'd great joy amongst the Netherlanders.

The first of Iuly the Vice-Roy Singlamong sent his Physitian to the Dutch* 40.6 Agent, who for three Moneths had been troubled with the Gripes, and also desir'd him to send him two Chains of Blood-Coral, which accordingly he did.

The sixth the Governor or Conbon, went to the Castle Tiolo, lying about three Leagues from Hoksieu, to Besiege Ovatunge, an old Soldier, that held out against the Tartars from the time of Iquon, Coxinga's Father, being now of the age of seventy years, and having under his Command three thousand Men.

On Tuesday the eighth, Tziekautsia went to Iemping, to take the Government upon him, having four or five hundred Soldiers and eighty Jonks, with which upon the return of the Dutch Fleet they were to go to Tayowan, as the Vice-Roy and General had inform'd Hogenhoek.

From the tenth to the eighteenth nothing hapned of any remark: when the Merchants which came from Nanking out of the Territory Chekiang, carry'd all their Silks to Sinksieu, not coming to Hoksieu, which was to the great preju∣dice of the Hollanders, as well in the Goods which they Imported, as those which they intended to Export.

Haytankon, Governor of Sinksieu, and also others, might not publickly send any Jonks to Iapan, the Manilla's and Tayowan, but us'd this Invention, which Hogenhoek makes mention of in his Annotations, viz. those Jonks which they intended to send away, they load in publick at the Keys, and when ready to Lanch them, news comes in another, that some of the Enemies Jonks are on the Coast: whereupon the Merchant immediately unladeth, and the Cargo is car∣ry'd ashore, and their Jonk with others sent to Fight the hovering Enemy, while privately in the Night they load again with prohibited Goods, which get away by Day-break; but this could not be done, but by the connivance of the Searchers, knowing the Grandees are concern'd in the Freight.

From the seventeenth, being Thursday, till the twenty sixth, nothing hap∣ned but a prodigious Storm, mix'd with impetuous Showres of Rain, conti∣nually deluging for nine days, by which many Houses were torn down and wash'd away, and twenty People drown'd in Hoksieu. It rag'd also in the neighboring Parts; for in the Streets of Lamthay the Water was Knee-deep: and in Sinksieu the Water swell'd so high, that they lost above four thou∣sand People, which were overwhelm'd and carry'd away with the Torrent, and in some Places sweeping away whole Villages: In the Fort at Sinksieu the Land-flood did rise fourteen or fifteen Foot high. Amongst others the Vice-Roy lost four hundred Picols of white Raw Silk, which he thought to sell to Tonganpek, which made Silk to rise two hundred Tail; and as it was re∣ported, there was above two thousand Picols more carry'd away and spoil'd.

On Tuesday, being the twenty ninth, Hogenhoek gave the General a Visit;* 40.7 who, though much indispos'd, rejoyc'd to see him, asking him why their Fleet stay'd away so long? to which Hogenhoek made answer, That they had a Moneth good to the time of their arrival the last year: at which the Gene∣ral wondring said, You came in the sixth Moon: but he reply'd, It was be∣cause there were two sixth Moons that year; but if the General pleas'd to rec∣kon the days, he would find a great difference. The General seem'd to doubt whether any Ships would come thither that year, because they stay'd away so long, and ask'd if Hogenhoek would assure him of their coming? whereupon he reply'd, It was without doubt, and therefore desir'd the General to have patience; that their Ships wanted a great deal of Repair, which requir'd some

Moneths before they could be fitted to go to Sea. We, said the General, are all ready so soon as we receive tydings, that the Admiral is arriv'd at the Pisca∣dores, or before Tayowan, to send the great Mandarin, Tziekautsia Governor of Sinksieu, and Zietetok, and two other great Lords, to welcom and consult with him.

On Wednesday the thirteenth of August, Hogenhoek receiv'd news, That the* 40.8 General Lipovi had receiv'd his Writ of Ease from the Emperor, with Licence to come to Peking, and also that he was made a Councellor of State, for which Place he had given eight Tun of Gold, and many rich Presents: Nay, it was certain, that the Vice-Roy Singlamong at the same time gave twelve Tun of Gold, that his Son might succeed him in his Place.

On Saturday, being the sixteenth, Hogenhoek had news, That one of Haytan∣kon's Jonks, the Governor of Sinksieu, in its return from the Manilla's was taken by Anpikja's Jonks, having a hundred and fifty thousand Spanish Ryals in her, and that Haytankon had on the contrary taken nine Jonks loaden with Rice, to carry to Zanchieu, in which Place Rice was very scarce. None was able to apprehend these kind of dealings, in the taking one anothers Jonks; yet never∣theless Traded with one another, the one is Silks and Cotton Clothes, and the other in Rice.

Till the two and twentieth nothing hapned of remark.

The three and twentieth towards Evening, the Vice-Roy's Factor came to* 40.9 invite Hogenhoek in his Lords Name to Dine with him the next day, which he promis'd to do.

The twenty fourth, being Sunday, Hogenhoek went with all his Attendants to the Court; where coming they were immediately call'd into the Hall of Au∣dience, fill'd with Mandarins and Lords, the Vice-Roy himself sitting very stately on a Stool, with a Chain about his Neck, and an Ave Mary fix'd to it, bad Hogenhoek kindly welcom. Having sat a little while, he related, That* 40.10 about three Moneths since he had sent a Letter to the Council of State in be∣half of the Hollanders, to be deliver'd to his Majesty, but would not tell him of it before, because he knew not whether his Majesty or the Council would grant his Request, as he was now inform'd; therefore he had invited him to be merry: for which Hogenhoek humbly thank'd the Vice-Roy. Yesterday (said the Vice-Roy) there came some Agents with two Mandarins from his Majesty to Hoksieu, onely to enquire if there were one or two Ongs, that is Kings, in Batavia: And they understood there were two from the Letters that came from Canton; for that of Canton was in the Name of the Governor, Gene∣ral Maetzuiker of Batavia; and that of Hoksieu written to their Highnesses, was in the Names of Captain Moor and Iohn Maetzuiker. He added also, that he had a Letter from the Lepous, or Council of State at Peking; in which was menti∣on'd, That his Majesty had granted his Request, which much rejoyced the Vice-Roy, who promis'd to send them the Copy of it: for which Hogenhoek return'd him humble thanks, answering, That the Lord General would think himself much oblig'd to hear of his great Favors. As to what concern'd the Names and Titles, Hogenhoek said they were all one, and that they had but one Governor-General, which was the Lord Iohn Maetzuiker, but by the Indians was Entituled Captain Moor, that is, Chief, or Governor over all others in India; so that both Titles were butone. Hereupon the Vice-Roy ask'd how many Councellors and petty Governors he had under him? to which Hogenhoek an∣swer'd, Seventeen or eighteen: at which the Vice-Roy seem'd to be much

amaz'd, saying, He never thought that the Ong of Batavia had had so many Rice-Roys under him, saying, Can it be possible? Hogenhoek smiling said, He hop'd that his Highness should find that it was true, and thereupon nam'd most of them: after which the Vice-Roy looking stedfastly on all his Coun∣cellors and Mandarins, who bowed their Heads, shewing him reverence. Then his Highness giving a Nod, all the Tables were brought in, furnish'd with Silver Chargers and golden Goblets, which fill'd with variety of Meats, made up a most noble Entertainment. The Vice-Roy was at this time more than ordinarily merry, beginning several Healths one after another.

Whilst they were at Dinner, to recreate their Eyes and Ears, as well as satis∣fie their Appetites, exquisite Musick was presented, with Masquing, Dancing, and other Princely Recreations.

After having drank very plentifully, Hogenhoek desir'd to take his Leave: whereupon the Vice-Roy commanded three great Bowls, Cut and Turn'd of a Rhinocerots Horn, to be fetch'd, one for himself, one for Hogenhoek, and a third for Factor Pedell, which they were to drink out three times one after another, before he would permit them to go, which accordingly they did.

Lastly, standing up to return Thanks and take their Leave, his Highness said, That the Discourse which he had had with Hogenhoek he must within three or four days advise the Emperor of, because his Majesty and Council ex∣pected it. And here again he warn'd him to take heed that all were truth, for upon the least prevarication his Majesty and Council would be very much dis∣satisfi'd: Upon which Hogenhoek assur'd the Vice-Roy, that all was true which he had related. Whereupon he departed, and coming home in the afternoon, he heard that the General Lipovi had on the Morrow invited him to be his Guest, and also to tell him that the Letters were come from Court.

On Monday the twentieth, Hogenhoek went with all his Train to the General Lipovi's House, where he was Entertain'd with the like Discourse as he had with the Vice-Roy. Mean while, the Copy of the Letter which the Vice-Roy spoke of on the twenty fourth was sent to the Agent, which being transla∣ted was to this effect:

To His Highness Singlamong.

YOur Letter We Lepous of the Council have receiv'd on the twenty fourth of the sixth Moon, and in the third Year of Our Emperors Reign; which We deliver'd and read to Him. We have seen Your Letter and Request, and un∣derstood that the Holland Admiral is gone with his Ships, and hath left a Hou∣bou, or President, and a Tonpin, or Deputy in Fokien. Your Highness writes also that You have deliver'd the Presents for the Dutch Admiral to their Agents, he being gone before. You writ also, that the Admiral behav'd himself brave∣ly, having taken the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy, for which good Service His Majesty hath Presented him: but he being subordinate to their King Maet∣zuiker, who Commission'd him to our Assistance, therefore he also must be Presented. This Your Highness's Request We have acquainted the Emperor with. We have all consider'd and made our Opinions known to His Majesty, and approv'd of Your Higness's Proposal; therefore We will Present the Ong of Batavia with two thousand Tail of Silver, and with a hundred Pieces of Stuffs wrought with Gold and Silk. We have already given order to Our Officers to make them up, and prepare them for Transportation, and one of Our Lepous, with the Emperors Secretary, to go with them to Fokien, where

they shall give the Silver and Stuffs to them, if they be there, but if not, then to leave them with Your Highness till their Return. We Lepous write this to Your Highness, that You may know how to govern Your self accordingly.

Dated the fourth Year of Our Emperors Reign.

On Tuesday the twenty sixth Lipovi's Secretary, with some Commissioners and Mandarins came to Visit Hogenhoek; where after a Dish of Tee, the Com∣missioners said, They were come thither purposely to hear the Lord General of Batavia's Name, and how he was styl'd, because there was some difference in the Name and Titles of the Letters, which were sent from thence to Canton. 'Tis true (said he) their Highness's Singlamong and Lipovi had already satisfi'd me, but I must hear it from your own Mouth, that I may the better render an account of it to his Imperial Majesty; being therefore sent hither, and that his great Master desir'd to know his true Title, that he might address himself the better with Presents. Hereupon the Agent drew a Letter out of his Pock∣et directed to him, which contain'd the Lord Generals Title and Names, as Hogenhoek had given them to Singlamong and Lipovi, which was in these words: Captain Moor of India, Iohn Maetzuiker, residing in Batavia: but according to their manner of writing, they had writ Captain Moor of India, Maetzuiker Iohn, writing his Sur-name first, and his Christen-name afterwards. Then one of the Com∣missioners from Peking said, That Holland must needs be a fertile Countrey, from whence so many good things come; asking also some ordinary Questi∣ons, as it is usual there; which the Hollanders onely answer'd with a Smile: whereupon the Agents and Mandarins taking their Leave went home.

On Wednesday, being the twenty seventh, Coxinga's Mother came with his Brother Sibya to Hoksieu (who had submitted her self to the Tartars that Year before the Dutch Fleet came thither) to desire their Excellencies to furnish them with Guides to go to Peking, the Emperor having sent for them to come and live there for the prevention of further trouble and inconveniences.

The twenty eighth General Lipovi sent a Mandarin to Hogenhoek, to tell him it would be necessary for him to conduct the Emperors Commissioners out of the City, because they had taken so great a Journey for his Business, and also to Pre∣sent them with something that was handsom. Whereupon Hogenhoek ask'd him if his Lord had not told him what he was best to Present: to which he said, With fifty or sixty Tail of Silver, and when he deliver'd them, to tell them, That all his Goods were sold, and that they would except of that Sum to buy Tobacco with on the Way. Hereupon Hogenhoek making himself ready, went to take Leave of the Agents and their Retinue, taking with him sixty Tail of Silver, viz. twenty five for the first Agent, fifteen for the second, seven for the Heralds, and five for some of the Attendants: Coming to them, he presented the Money as he had put it up handsom in Papers in several Parcels; which they receiv'd very thankfully, with promises, That when they came to Peking they would not fail to Serve the Hollanders in what they could possible: where∣upon Hogenhoek return'd to his Lodgings.

SInce the Province of Fokien, and the Towns and Cities belonging to it, have often been made mention of, and hereafter will be more, our Bu∣siness seems here to require a brief Description thereof.* 41.1

This Province, one of the fifteen which make up China, Paulus Venetus sets forth by the Name of Fugui, taken from the Metropolis Focheu: It borders the

Sea from East to South; in the South-west, on Quantung; West and Nor-West conterminates Kiangsi; the remaining part from the North-west to the North∣east verges upon the Countrey of Chekiang.

This Province is the smallest in the Empire of China: the Southermost part of it lies in twenty four Degrees and forty five Minutes, extending to twenty eight Degrees and thirty Minutes Northern Latitude; a Tract of sixty one German, or two hundred forty four English Miles.

The Kingdom of Min, or rather several Dominions, over which the Free Lords call'd Min, Commanded, were antiently accounted into this Territory. They divide it into eight Shires or Counties, as we may call them, whereof Focheusu the chief, Cineucheufu, Changcheufu, Kienningfu, Ienpingfu, Tingcheufu, Hinghoafu, Xaounfu, besides the small Colony of Foning: every one hath seve∣ral Towns and Cities, to the number of fifty six, belonging to them, besides two fortifi'd Cities, and many Castles and Strong-holds at the Sea-side.* 41.2

The first County Focheufu, borders Easterly at the Sea; on the North, at Fo∣ningfu and Kienningfu; on the West, upon Ienpingfu; and the South looks upon Hinghoafu.

The Chinese Records tell us, that this Countrey was first planted by a Fami∣ly call'd Cheu, and by them nam'd Min; notwithstanding it did not then be∣long to the Emperor of China, but to certain Free Lords which they call'd the Min. The first that joyn'd it to the Empire of China was the chief of the Fa∣mily Cheu; yet the Inhabitants soon shook off that Yoke, and kept themselves free, till the fortunate and valiant Emperor Hiaou, of the Family of Han, re∣duced and added it to China, with all the Southern Territories, setling them in Peace, and placed a Vice-Roy over it, call'd Veuching, who kept his Court in the Metropolis thereof. Cyn, the first King thereof, call'd the chief City, and the Tract of Land thereto belonging, Cyngan; the next King Sui nam'd the Coun∣trey, Mencheu; but the Tangs, of another Line, Kiencheu, and not long after Fo∣cheu; which Name the Taimingian Race kept ever since.

This Countrey Focheufu contains eight Cities, Focheu the Metropolis, and* 41.3 chief of all the Countrey, otherwise call'd Hoksieu, or Hokzieuw, Cutien, Mincing, Changlo, Lienkiang, Loquen, Iangfo, Focing.

The City Focheu, by Paulus Venetus call'd Fugui, lieth about fifteen Leagues Westerly from the Sea, on the Southern Shore of the River Min, which with a wide Mouth falls Easterly into the Sea, and brings both great and small Ves∣sels up to the City Walls. The convenience of this River makes the Town very populous and of great Trade: It is adorn'd with fair Buildings, and hath large Suburbs, call'd Nantai, otherwise, according to the pronunciation of the Inhabitants, Lamthay; for those in Fokien use in stead of N the Letter L. and often say Lamking in stead of Nanking: There are also many Idol Temples.

Cross the Bay near Nantai, lies a Stone Bridge, a hundred and fifty Rods long, and one and a half broad, built all of white Free-stone, resting on a hun∣dred very high Arches; on the top of each side are Rails and Benches; adorn'd at an equal distance, with Lyons neatly cut of Stone.

Next this Bridge, at the South end, stands a fair and large Pagode, or Temple.

Another Bridge not unlike this, being a hundred Rods long, may be seen at the City Focing. And many more are without and within the Walls of the chiefest Cities.

Three Leagues from Focheu stands a Temple call'd Kouzan, the largest of all in the Nether Provinces.

The second Division, Civencheufu, borders from the East to the South-east,* 41.4 and so to the South upon the Sea; and from the South-west to the West, tou∣ches Chancheufu; and on the North verges with Ienpingfu.

This Countrey formerly belong'd to the Princes Min: and hath seven Ci∣ties,* 41.5 Civencheu the chief, Nangan, Hocigan, Tehoa, Ganki, Tunygan, and Iungehung.

The City Civencheu lies near the Sea in a delightful Plain, and admits by a large Bay the greatest Ships to Ride close under the Walls, not onely on one but both sides of the City, for it is built on a Promontory encompass'd with Water, except on the North and South-east sides.

On the opposite Shore are many populous and Trading Towns, and chief∣ly on a Place towards the North-west call'd Loyang, which may rather be look'd upon as great Cities. There also is a Bridge which hath the same denomina∣tion with the Town, the whole World not shewing the like; for it consists of a black Stone like Touch-stone, not supported with Arches, but above three hundred square Columns, sharp above Bridge and below, the better to break the impetuous egress and regress of the Current. These Pillars are Capp'd, to walk upon, with five Stones of an exact breadth, each eighteen Paces long, and two broad, which successively touch one another at either Foot of the Bridge; of which there are to the number of a hundred and forty: it is cer∣tainly a Miracle of Workmanship, not onely for its great number of Stones of such a bigness, that rest on those Columns, but most of all, where so many large and equal Stones could be had: on each side, to make the Passage the safer, are Rails of the same Stones, adorn'd with Lyons, standing on Pedestals, and other Imagery.

It is worth our observation what is written of one part of this Bridge, that is between a Village call'd Loyan, and a Castle built on the Bridge; for be∣yond the Village reaches another part, not much less than the former, and of one make: A Chinese Writer saith thus concerning it:

This part of the Bridge Loyang, and also call'd Vangan, lying on the North-west side of the City, cross the River Loyang, was built by a Governor, call'd Cayang: it extends in length to about three hundred and sixty Rods, and in breadth one and a half. Before this Bridge was built they cross'd the River in Boats; but because every year many Vessels were by Storm cast away, Cayang resolv'd, for the safety of Passengers, to build a Bridge; but seeing such a great piece of Work to be too much for Mankind to undertake, and also the Water too deep to lay a Foundation in it, he invok'd the Gods of the Sea (as he says) for some time to stop the Current of the Water; which (if you will believe) he ob∣tain'd. After the Essluxes were stay'd, and no Tydes swelling the River in one and twenty days, the Foundation was laid, and forty hundred thousand Tail spent in the building of it.

The third Province call'd Chancheufu, being the most Southern of all this* 41.6 Territory, borders in the North-East and East with Civenchufu; on the East South-East and South, with the Sea; on the South-West touches the Coun∣trey of Quantung; on the West and North-West, and North, at Tingcheufu.

It contains ten Cities, of which Chancheu is the chiefest; the rest are Changpu,* 41.7 Lugnien, Nancing, Changtai, Changping, Pingho, Chaogang, Huicing, and Ningyang.

The Name of Chancheu was first given to this Metropolis and Countrey by* 41.8 the Family of the Tang, from the River Chang, on whose Western Shore situate, and was then allow'd the priviledge of a small City; but the Iuem made her afterwards a Metropolis; and at the same time built the small City Nancing: from whence Father Martin concludes, that then all these Places

were much frequented by Navigators, and that Paulus Venetus his Zerte must needs be thereabouts.

On the South-side, where the River also washes the City, is a large Bridge of Hew'n-stone, with thirty six high Arches, and so broad, that on each side are divers Tradesmen and Artificers Shops, in which they sell every day all manner of rich and foreign Commodities, which are brought thither from Hiamuen.

The fourth call'd Kienningfu, a very wide and spacious piece of Land, bor∣ders* 41.9 on the North and North-East, upon Chekiang; on the East, with Foningfu; on the South, at Focheufu and Ienpingfu; on the West, at Xaonufu; on the North; West and North, upon Kiangsi.

This Division belong'd antiently to the Princes Min; after which the Fa∣mily* 41.10 Tang gave it the Name of Kiencheu; and Sung, another Race, that which it hath at present.

Here are seven Towns, whereof Kienning is the chiefest; the rest are Cungan,* 41.11 Puchiang, Chingo, Sunghi, and Xeuning.

The City Kienning lying on the Eastern Shore of the River Min, is no way inferior, either in beauty or worth, or bigness, to the Metropolis. Father Mar∣tin affirms this City to be Venetus his Quelingfu.

In this last Tartarick War this City suffer'd much damage; for having re∣volted from the Tartars, it was taken after a long Siege, and laid in Ashes, and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword. The Fire consum'd here a Bridge over the swift River Min, the Pillars whereof were of an exceeding heighth of Free∣stone, the other parts of Wood, beautifi'd on the top with Houses and Shops on each side: but since by re-building it hath re-gain'd somewhat of former lustre. Beyond the Bridge, on the opposite Shore, stands a stately Pagode.

Most of the new Buildings fall short of their old beauty, notwithstanding the Chinese Towns that are consum'd by Fire, are much more easily re-built than those in Europe, because most of them are nothing but Wood.

Near the City Kienning is another fair Bridge, with Shops and Houses on both sides.

This City Kienning is a Place of great Trade; for all those Commodities that come either up or down the River must pass through it. When they come to the City Pucing, they are taken out of the Vessels, and by Porters car∣ry'd to a Village call'd Pinghu, belonging to the City Kiangxan, over high Mountains and deep Valleys four days Journey: In like manner they are car∣ry'd from Pinghu to Puching. The whole Way, as much as is possible to be done by the Art or Labor of Man, is made even, and Pav'd with square Stones, along whose sides are built many Houses and Villages, onely to entertain Travellers. The Merchandises being first weighed, are deliver'd to the Ma∣ster of the Inn, which send them for a certain Gratuity by Porters to other Pla∣ces, where the Merchant without any trouble receives them: If any thing chance to be lost, the Host is bound to make it good. Here are always above ten thousand Porters ready, which wait to receive the Goods, and carry them over the Mountains. Because of this Carriage of so many Goods, a House stands erected for the receiving a small Custom, or Duty, towards the main∣taining and reparation of the High-ways.

The fifth Tract of Land, call'd Ienpingfu, makes the Centre of this Territo∣ry, and borders in the East, at the chief County Focheufu; in the South and South-West, at Civencheufu and Kancheufu; on the West and North at Tingcheu∣fu, Xaounfu, and Kienningfu.

King Cyn was the first that call'd the chief City, and the Countrey thereto belonging, Ienping; the Family Tang nam'd it Kiencheu; that of Sung, Nankien; but Taiming restor'd its antient Name Ienping.

This Ienpingfu contains seven Towns and Cities, of which Ienping is the chiefest, next Cianglo, Xa, Yonki, Xunchan, Iungan, and Tatien.

The City Ienping lieth on the Western Shore of the River Min, from whence it rises with its Buildings up the Hills, rendring a delightful Prospect to those that pass by, and though none of the biggest, yet it is beautifi'd with several fair Houses: The Walls exceed in heighth the neighboring Ascents, which on the out-sides are inaccessible, making the City very strong, and indeed the Key to the whole Territory.

On the East-side is a Lake made by the Rivers Min and Si. Almost every House is furnish'd with Water, convey'd to them through Pipes from the Mountains, which Convenience no other Place in China hath.

Not far distant lay over the Rivers Min and Si two fair Bridges, near which are two Temples.

The Town of Xa lieth on the Northern Shore of the River Taisu, (though formerly on the Southern Shore) but was by the Emperors Order pull'd down to the Ground, and left desolate, because in it a young Man had Murder'd his Father.

The sixth Division being Tingcheufu, is the most Western of this Territory:* 41.12 borders Easterly on Ienpingfu; on the South-East, at Quantung; on the West, at that of Kiangsi; and on the North, Xaounfu.

This Countrey belong'd also heretofore to the Princes Min: King Cyn gave it* 41.13 the Name of Sinlo; and the Tang Family that which it bears at present: in which Tincheufu was only a small Town, but the Taimingian Family made it a chief City.

This Countrey contains eight Towns and Cities, viz. Tingcheu the chief▪* 41.14 Winghon, Xanghang, Vuping, Cinglieu, Lienching, Queihon, and Iungting.

The seventh County, call'd Hinghaofu, is a small, yet fruitful Countrey, and* 41.15 borders on the East and South-East, with the Sea; on the South, at Civencheufu; on the West, at Ienpingfu; on the North, at the Tract of Land belonging to the Metropolis Focheu.

King Sui gave it first the Name of Putien; the Family Sung, that of Hinghoa,* 41.16 which signifies A Budding Flower; afterwards the same Family call'd it Hingan; but by the Taimingian the antient Name of Hinghoa was restor'd.

This Shire hath onely two Cities, whereof Hinghoa is the chief; the other* 41.17 call'd Sienlieu is but small: but the Countrey abounds with Villages and Hamlets. All the Ways, being sixty Stadia's long, and a Rod in breadth, are Pav'd with square Free-stone.

The City Hinghoa is very neatly built and adorn'd with many triumphal Arches, and full of Colledges for the training up of Youth in Literature, and encouragement of Learning.

At the Foot of the Mount Hocung, South-Eastwards from Hinghoa, lies a Village, in splendor and bigness of Buildings like a great City, but hath nei∣ther Walls nor any Priviledges belonging to it; yet many rich Merchants re∣side there, which Traffick through all China.

On the Shore of the Lake Ching, lying at the Foot of the Mount Chiniven, Northward from Hinghoa, stands a great Palace, with ten Gardens belonging to it; in which, before either Rain or tempestuous Weather happens, as the Chineses say, is a ringing noise heard like the sound of a Bell.

The eighth County, being Xaounfu, borders Easterly at Kienningfu; in the South, at Ienpingfeu and Tingcheufeu; in the West, North-West and North, at the Territory Kiangsia.

This Division reckons four Cities, the chief of which is Xaouw, the rest* 41.18 Quangce, Taining, and Kienning.

The City Xaouw, the most Northern of this Territory, was antiently a mean Place, under the Princes of Mins Jurisdiction, and was first fortifi'd with Walls, and the Title of City given it by the Family call'd Tang; yet hath ever preserv'd its Name of Xaouw. It lies Westerly of the River Cu, and is cut through by the River Ciao, which poures its Streams into the Cu, and from thence by several small Channels waters the City.

Because this County is a firm and profitable Soyl, and on the Borders of Countreys, whose Passage is troublesom, it is fortifi'd with several Castles Garison'd with Soldiers.

The small Tract of Land belonging to the City Foning, a Mountainous* 41.19 Countrey, and the most Eastern of this Territory, borders in the East and South-East, at the Sea; in the South and South-West, at Fochenfu; in the West, at Kiennunfu; in the North, at the Territory of Chekiang. It contains three Towns, Foning, Fogang, and Mingte.

The Ways through the Mountains are very scraggy, and scarce passable, especially towards the North and South-East.

The City Foning it self is fair and large, lying near the Sea, to its great benefit and advantage, having to the pleasure of the Prospect an Idol-Temple.

On the North-side of the City Xaouw a fair Bridge leads over the River Cuyun, sixty three Rods long, of the same fashion as those mention'd before. There are also two large Temples.

This Province, or Kingdom of Fokien, hath many strong Holds, especially* 41.20 on the Sea-shore, against any Invasion of Enemies; the chiefest, built for∣merly by the Chineses against the Incursions of the Tartar, are two, Ganbai and Hiamuen.

The Castle Ganhai hath a convenient and safe Haven for Ships.

On the East-side of the City is a fair Bridge, two hundred and fifty Paces in length, built of black Stone, and supported with divers Arches.

The Garison of Hiamuen lies on an Island North-West from Quemuy.

Both these Forts, for the beautifulness of their Building, Populousness and Trade, exceed divers great Cities in China; for from thence all sorts of Com∣modities are Transported through all India, and foreign Goods brought thither.

Some years since the famous Pyrat Iquon, otherwise call'd Coxinga, (well known to the Hollanders, Portuguese, and Spaniards) possess'd both these Places, and was also very powerful at Sea, having a Fleet of three thousand great Chinese Jonks.

The other Forts for a defence of the Sea-Coast, are Pumien, Foning, Tinghai, Muthon, Xe, Huckeu, Vangun, Chungxe, Tungxan, Hivenchung, Iungting.

Anno 1662. the Tartars having Conquer'd the Empire of China, caus'd all the Towns and Strong-holds to be pull'd down, to prevent the Invasions of the Enemy, and hinder them from having any Supplies from thence by their Par∣ty which might reside in them.

Thus ends the Continuation of the second Embassy.

Notes

• * 2.1

  Orders from the grand Council of Batavia.
• a 9.1

  An Officer belong∣ing to the City.
• * 11.1

  The City Quemuy Stor∣med.
• * 13.1

  Assam is a Hollander, otherwise call'd Maurice, and brought the first Letter from Summimpessiou.
• a 17.1

  Singlamong and Lipovi.
• a 17.2

  Unthres•…•…'d Rice.
• * 20.1

  February.
• * 26.1

  By the Hollanders call'd The Straights of Tayowan.
• * 27.1

  March.
• a 29.1

  Lavja, which is the termination of all these Names, is no other than such a one Lord, or the Lord such a one.
• * 30.1

  Chineses come over to the Hollanders.
• * 36.1

  The Original of the City Macao.
• * 36.2

  March.
• * 37.1

  The return of the five Ships, with the Rere-Ad∣miral, from the Coast of China.
• * 37.2

  March, 1664.
• * 38.1

  A Copy of the Council of States Letter.
• * 38.2

  •…•…rse with
• * 39.1

  May.
• * 40.1

  Feast Peelou kept by the Chineses.
• * 40.2

  Lipovi will resign his Governorship.
• * 40.3

  Hogenhoeks Request for the Emperors Allowance.
• * 40.4

  Iune.
• * 40.5

  Secretary Zangia come•…•… to Hogenhoek.
• * 40.6

  Iuly.
• * 40.7

  Hogenhoek visits Lipovi.
• * 40.8

  August.
• * 40.9

  Hogenhoek invited by the Vice-Roy to Dinner.
• * 40.10

  His Discourse with him,
• * 41.1

  Borders▪
• * 41.2

  Borders.
• * 41.3

  Cities.
• * 41.4

  Borders.
• * 41.5

  Cities.
• * 41.6

  Borders.
• * 41.7

  Towns.
• * 41.8

  Names.
• * 41.9

  Borders.
• * 41.10

  Names.
• * 41.11

  Towns.
• * 41.12

  Borders.
• * 41.13

  Names.
• * 41.14

  Towns.
• * 41.15

  Borders.
• * 41.16

  Names.
• * 41.17

  Towns.
• * 41.18

  Borders.
• * 41.19

  The smallest Tract of Land belonging to the City Foning.
• * 41.20

  Fortresses.