Purchas his pilgrimes. part 1 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

§. V. WILLIAM ADAMS his Voyage by the Magellan Straights to * 1.1 Iapon, written in two Letters by himselfe, as followeth.

HAuing so good occasson, by hearing that certaine English Marchants lye in the Island of Iaua, although by name vnknowne, I presumed to write these few liues, desiring the Worshipfull Companie being vnknowne to me, to pardon my boldnes. The reason that I write, is first, for that conscience bindeth me to loue my Country, & my Coun∣trymen. [ 10] Your Worships therefore shall vnderstand, to whom these presents shall come, that I am a Kentish-man, borne in a Towne called Gillingam, two English miles from Rochester, one mile from Chattam, where the Kings ships lye: and that from the age of twelue yeares, I was brought vp in Lime-house neere London, being Prentise twelue yeares to one Master Nicholas Diggines, and haue serued in the place of Master and Pilot in her Maiesties ships, and about ele∣uen or twelue yeares serued the Worshipfull Company of the Barbarie Marchants, vntill the Indian Trafficke from Holland began, in which Indian Trafficke I was desirous to make a little experience of the small knowledge which God had giuen me. So, in the yeare of our Lord God, 1598. I was hired for chiefe Pilot of a Fleete of fiue sayle, which was made readie by the chiefe of the Indian Company Peter Vanderhag, and Hance Vanderuek••: the Generall of this Fleet, [ 20] was a Marchatt called Iaques Mayhay, in which ship, being Admirall, I was Pilot. So, it being the three and twentieth or foure and twentieth of Iune before we set sayle, * 2.1 it was somewhat too late ere we came to the Line, to passe it without contrarie winds: for it was about the midst of September, at which time we found much Southerly winds, and many of our men were sick, so that we were forced to goe to the Coast of Gyn••y to Cape de Lopo Gonsalues,* 2.2 where wee set our sicke men a land, whereof many dyed: and of the sicknesse, few bettered, hauing little or no refreshing, and the place being vnhealthy. Therefore, to fulfill our Voyage, wee set our course for the Coast of Brasill, determining to passe the Straights of Magellan, and by the way came to an Island called Illha da Nobon, at which Iland we landed, and tooke the Towne, which contai∣ned about eightie houses, in which Iland we refreshed our selues, hauing Oxen, Oranges,* 2.3 and di∣uers [ 30] other fruits. But the vnwholsomenesse of the Aire was such, that as one bettered, another fell sicke: we spent vpon the Coast of the Cape Gonsalues, and of Annobon about two moneths time till the twelfth or thirteenth of Nouember. At which time, wee set sayle from Annobon, finding the winds still at the South by East, and South South-East, till wee got foure degrees by South the Line: at which time the windes fauoured vs comming to the South-East, and East South-East, and East, so that we were vp betweene the Iland of Annobon, and the Straights of Magellan, about fiue monethes. One of our fiue sayle spent her maine Mast, by which we were much hindred; for with much trauell we set a new Mast in the Sea. Then, the nine and twentieth of March, we saw the Land in the latitude of fiftie degrees, hauing the wind two or three daies contrary: so, in the end, hauing the winds good, we came into the Straights of Magellan, the [ 40] sixt of Aprill, 1599. at which time, the Winter came, so that there was much Snow:* 2.4 and our men, through cold on the one side, and hunger on the other, grew weake: wee had the wind at North-East, some fiue or six dayes, in which time wee might haue passed through the Straights. But, for refreshing of our men, we waited, watering and taking in of wood, and setting vp of a Pinnace of fifteene or sixteene tunnes in bignesse, At length, wee would haue passed through but could not by reason of the Southerly winds, with wet, and also very cold, with abundance of Snow and Ice. Wherefore, we were forced to winter and stay in the Straights from the sixt of Aprill, vntill the foure and twentieth of September,* 2.5 in which time the most part of our pro∣uision was spent, in so much that for lacke of victuals many of our men dyed through hunger. Now, hauing passed through the Straights, and comming into the South Sea, wee found many [ 50] hard streames, being driuen to the South-wards in fiftie foure degrees, being then very cold. At length we found reasonable winds and weather, with which wee followed our pretended Voy∣age▪ towards the Coast of Peru: but in long trauels we lost our whole Fleet, being separated the one from the other. Yet before the dispersing of our Fleet, wee had appointed, if wee lost one another with stormes and foule weather, that in Chili in the latitude of fortie sixe degrees,* 2.6 wee should stay one for another the space of thirtie dayes. In which heighth according to agree∣ment, I went in sixe and fortie degrees, and stayed eight and twentie dayes where we refreshed our selues, finding the people of the Countrey good of nature: but by reason of the Spaniards, they would not haue dealt with vs at the first. They brought vs Sheepe and Potatoes, for which [ 60] we gaue them Bels and Kniues, whereof they were very glad: but in the end, the people went vp from their houses into the Countrey, and came no more vnto vs. Wee stayed there eight and twentie dayes, and set vp a Pinnasse which we had in our ship, in foure parts, and in the end de∣parted and came to the mouth of Baldiuia, yet by reason it blew much wind we entred not, but directed our course out of the Bay, for the Iland of Mocha, vnto the which wee came the next

day, finding none of our Fleet. So not finding them, wee directed our course for the Island of Sancta Maria, and the next day we came by the Cape, which is a league and an halfe from the Island, and seeing many people tossed about the Cape, and finding good ground, ancho∣red in fifteene fathom in a faire sandie Bay.

* 2.7We went with our boats hard by the water side, to parlee with the people of the land, but they would not suffer vs to come a land, shooting great store of Arrowes at our men. Neuerthelesse, hauing no victualls in our Ship, and hoping to find refreshing, wee forcibly landed some seuen and twentie or thirtie of our men, and droue the wild people from the water side, hauing most of our men hurt with their Arrowes. They being on land, we made signes of friendship, and in the end came to parlee with signes and tokens of friendship, which the people vnderstood. So, [ 10] wee made signes, that our desire was to haue victualls for Iron, Siluer and Cloth, which we shewed them. Wherefore they gaue our folke Wine, with Batatas to eate, and other fruits, and bid our men by signes and tokens to goe aboord, and the next day to come againe, and then they would bring vs victualls: so, being late our men came aboord, the most part of them being hurt more or lesse, and yet we were very glad that we had come to a parlee with them, hoping that we sho••ld get refreshing.* 2.8 The next day, being the ninth of Nouember, 1599. our Captaine, with all our Officers prepared to goe a land, hauing taken counsell to goe to the water side, but not to land more then two or three men: for there were people in abundance, and were also vn∣knowne; our men therefore were w••lled not to trust them. This counsell being concluded, the Captain himselfe went in one of our Boats, with all the force that we had: and being by the shore [ 20] side, the people of the countrie made signes that they should come a land; but that did not like our Captaine well. In the end the people comming not neere vnto our Boats, our Captaine, with the rest resolued to land, against that which was concluded in our Ship, before the going on land. At length three and twentie men landed with Muskets, and marched vp towards foure or fiue houses, and when they were about a Musket-shot from the Boates, more then a thousand Indians who lay intrenched, immediately fell vpon our men with such weapons as they had, and killed them all to our knowledge. So our Boats waited long to see if any of them would come againe;* 2.9 but seeing no hope to recouer them, our Boates returned with this sorrowfull newes, that all our men that landed were slaine, which was a lamentable thing to heare: for we had scarce so many men left as could winde vp our Anchor.* 2.10 The next day wee waited, and went ouer to the Island Sancta Maria, where we found our Admiral, who had arriued there foure [ 30] daies before vs, and departed to the Isle from Mucha the day before we came from thence, hauing the Generall, Master, and all his Officers wounded on land: and God had so plagued vs, that all our Officers were slaine, so that the one of vs bemoned the other. Neuerthelesse being glad that we were come together, my good friend Timothy Shotten was Pilot in that Ship. Being at the Island of Sancta Maria,* 2.11 which lieth in the Latitude of thirtie seuen degrees, twelue minutes by South the Line on the Coast of Chili, wee tooke counsell to take all things out of one Ship, and to burne the other: but the new Captaines could not agree, which of the Ships they should burne, and so could not conclude it. Hauing much cloth in our Ships, it was agreed that wee should leaue the Coast of Peru, and direct our course for Iapan, vnderstanding that cloth was good marchandise there: and also vpon that Coast of Peru, the Kings Ships hauing knowledge [ 40] of our being there, sought for vs, vnderstanding that wee were weake by reason of the losse of our men, which was all too true: for one of our Fleet, as wee vnderstood afterward, was forced to yeeld themselues into the enemies hand in Saint Iago. For which reason, hauing refreshed our selues in the Island Sancta Maria, more by policie then by force, we departed the twentie seuen of Nouember, from the Road, or Island of Sancta Maria, with our two Ships, and for the rest of our Fleete we heard no newes of them. So we tooke our course directly for Iapan, and pas∣sed the Line Equinoctiall together, vntill we came in twentie eight degrees to the North-ward of the Line: in which Latitude, the twentie second & twentie third of February 1600. we had a wonderfull storme of wind, as euer I was in, with much raine, in which storme wee lost sight of our greatest ship, whereof we were very sorry being left alone; yet wee hoped in Iapan to find [ 50] one another. Then according to wind and weather, we followed our former intention for Iapan, and in the height of thirtie degrees, sought the North Cape of the forenamed Island, but found it not, by reason that it lieth false in all Chartes, and Globes, and Maps: for the Cape lyeth in thirtie fiue degrees ½. which is a great difference. In the end wee came in thirtie two degrees 1/••. and then had sight of the Land, being the nineteenth of Aprill, so that betweene the Cape of Sancta Maria and Iapan, we were foure moneths, and twentie two dayes: at which time there were no more then sixe besides my selfe, that could stand vpon their feet. Now being in safetie, we let our Anchor fall about a league from a place, called Bungo. At which time many Boats came vnto vs, and we let them come aboord, being not able to resist them: yet the people did vs no harme, we not vnderstanding each other, but by signes and tokens. After two or three [ 60] da••es space, a Iesuite came vnto vs from a place called Langasacke, to which place the Carake of Macao is yeerely wont to come, which with other Iaponers, that were Christians, were our In∣terpreters; which was ill for vs, they being our mortal enemies. Neuerthelesse the King of Bungo,

the place where we arriued, did vs great friendship. For he gaue vs an house on shore for our sicke men, hauing all refreshing that was needfull. We had when we came to anchor in Bungo foure and twentie men, sicke and whole, of which number the next day three dyed, the rest for the most part recouered, sauing three which lay long time sicke, and in the end also died.* 2.12 The Em∣perour hearing of vs, sent presently fiue Gallies or Frigots vnto vs, to bring mee to the Court, where his Maiestie was, which was distant from Bungo, about eightie English leagues. Now,* 2.13 when I came before him, he demanded of me, of what Countrey we were; so I answered him in all points: for there was nothing that he demanded not, both concerning warre, and peace be∣tweene Countrey and Countrey; the particulars whereof were too long to write. After this [ 10] conference, I was commanded to prison being well vsed, with one of our Mariners, that came with me to serue me.

Some two dayes after, the Emperour called me againe,* 2.14 demanding the reason of our comming so farre: I answered, We were a People that sought all friendship with all Nations, and to haue trade of Merchandize in all Countries, bringing such Merchandizes as our Country had, and buy∣ing such Merchandizes in strange Countryes, as our Countrey desired; through which our Coun∣tryes on both side were inriched. He asked much concerning the warres betweene the Spaniards and Portugals, and vs, and the reasons: the particulars of all which I gaue him to vnderstand, who seemed to be very glad to heare it. After this, I was commanded to prison againe, but my lod∣ging was bettered in an other place. So, I continued nine and thirty dayes in prison, hearing no [ 20] more newes, neither of our ship, nor Captaine, whether he were recouered of his sickenesse,* 2.15 nor of the rest of the company: in which time, I looked euery day to be Crossed, as the custome of Iu∣stice is in Iapan, as hanging is in our Land. Now in this long time of imprisonment, the Iesuites and the Portugals gaue many euidences to the Emperour against vs, alleadging that wee were theeues and robbers of all Nations, and if we were suffered to liue, it should be against the profit of his Maiestie, and the Land: for then no Nation could come there without robbing: but if Iu∣stice were executed on vs, it would terrifie the rest of our Nation from comming there any more. And to this intent they sued to his Maiestie daily to cut vs off, making all the Friends they could to this purpose. But God was mercifull vnto vs, and would not suffer them to haue their wills of vs. At length, the Emperour gaue them this answer, That as yet wee had done no hurt or da∣mage [ 30] to him, nor to any of his Land;* 2.16 and therefore that it was against reason and Iustice to put vs to death: and if our Countreys and theirs had warres one with the other, that was no cause that he should put vs to death. The Emperour answering them in this manner, they were quite out of heart, that their cruell pretence failed: for the which, God be praised for euer and euer. Now in this time that I was in prison, the ship was commanded to bee brought so neere to the Citie where the Emperour was, as she might, the which was done. So the one and fortieth day of my imprisonment, the Emperour called me before him againe,* 2.17 demanding of mee many questions more, which were too long to write. In conclusion, he asked me whether I were desirous to goe to the ship to see my Countrey-men: I answered, that I would very gladly do it: so he bade me goe. Then I departed, and was freed from imprisonment. And this was the first newes that I [ 40] had, that the ship and company were come to the Citie. Wherefore, with a reioycing heart I tooke a Boat, and went to our ship, where I found the Captaine and the rest,* 2.18 recouered of their sickenesse. But at our meeting aboord, we saluted one another with mourning and sheadding of teares: for they were informed that I was executed, and long since dead. Thus, God be praised, all we that were left aliue, came together againe. All things were taken out of the ship, together with all my instruments, &c. and I had nothing left me, but my clothes on my backe: likewise whatsoeuer the rest of the company had, was also taken away, vnknowne to the Emperour: which when he vnderstood, he gaue order that they should be restored to vs againe. But being so dispersed abroad, they could not be had: yet fiftie thousand Rials in ready money, were comman∣ded to be giuen vs,* 2.19 the Emperour himselfe seeing the deliuery thereof to the hands of one that [ 50] was made our Gouernour, who kept them in his hands to distribute them vnto vs as wee had neede, for the buying of Victualls for our men, with other particular charges, &c. So in the end of thirtie dayes, our ship lying before the City called Sakay, three leagues, or two leagues 1/•• from Ozaca, where the Emperour at that time lay, commandement came from the Emperour, that our ship should be carried to the Easter part of the land, called Quanto, whither according to his commandement we were carried, the distance beeing about an hundred and twenty leagues.* 2.20 Our passage thither was long by reason of contrary windes, so that the Emperour was there long be∣fore vs. Comming to the land of Quanto, and neere to the Citie Eddo, where the Emperour was:* 2.21 beeing arriued, we sought all meanes by supplications to get our ship cleare, and to seeke our best profit, to come where the Hollanders haue their trade: in which suit we spent much of the mony [ 60] giuen vs. Also, in this time, three or foure of our men rebelled against the Captaine, and me, and made a mutinie with the rest of our men, so that we had much trouble with them. For they would not abide me any longer in the ship, but euery one would be a Commander: and they would euery one haue their parts of the money that was giuen by the Emperour. It would bee too tedious to write the particulars of all that passed herein. Therefore for quietnesse sake, wee

diuided the money to euery one as his place was: and this was after we had beene two yeeres in Iapan. After which time, when we had receiued a deniall, that we should not haue our ship, but must abide in Iapan, our companie hauing their parts of the money, dispersed themselues euerie one where he thought best. In the end, the Emperour gaue euery man (to liue vpon) two pounds Rice a day, and yeerely so much as was worth eleuen or twelue Ducats a yeare: my selfe, the Captaine, and Mariners all alike. So in processe of foure or fiue yeeres the Emperour called me, and as he had done diuers times before, so one time he would haue me to make him a small ship: I answered that I was no Carpenter, and had no knowledge thereof: Well, doe it so well as you can,* 2.22 saith he, if it be not good, it is no matter. Wherefore at his command I built him a ship of the burthen of eightie tunnes, or there abouts: which ship being made in all proportions as our [ 10] manner is, he comming aboord to see it, liked it very well; by which meanes I came in more fa∣uour wich him, so that I came often in his presence, who from time to time gaue me presents, and at length a yeerely reuenew to liue vpon,* 2.23 much about seuentie Ducats by the yeere, with two pounds of Rice a day also. Now beeing in such grace and fauour, by reason I learned him some points of Geometry, and the Mathematickes, with other things: I pleased him so, that what I said could not be contradicted. At which my former enemies, Iesuites and Portugals, did greatly wonder, and intreated me to be friend them to the Emperour in their businesse: and so by my meanes, both Spaniards and Portugals haue receiued friendship from the Emperour; I recompen∣cing their euill vnto me with good. So, to passe my time to get my liuing, it hath cost mee great labour and trauell at the first; but God hath blessed my labours. [ 20]

In the ende of fiue yeeres, I made supplication to the King to goe out of this Land, desiring to see my poore Wife and children according to conscience and nature. With the which request, the Emperour was not well pleased, and would not let me goe any more for my Countrey, but that I must continue in his Land, &c. Yet in processe of time, beeing in great fauour with the Empe∣rour, I made supplication againe by reason we had newes that the Hollanders were in Ache•• and Patania; which reioyced vs much, with hope, that God should bring vs to our Countrey a∣gaine, by one meanes or other. Then I made supplication againe, and boldly spake my selfe with him, at which he gaue me no answer. I told him, if he would permit me to depart, I would bee a meanes, that both the English, and Hollanders should come and traffique there in his Land. He answered, that he was desirous of both those Nations company for traffique, but would [ 30] not part with me by any meanes: but bade me write to that purpose. Seeing therefore I could not preuaile for my selfe,* 2.24 I sued that my Captaine might depart, which suit hee presently graun∣ted me. So hauing gotten his libertie, he imbarqued in a Iapans Iunck, and sayled to Patane: but he tarried there a yeers space, waiting for Holland ships. And seeing none came, he went from Pa∣tane to Ior, where he found a Fleet of nine saile: of which Fleet Matleef was General, and in this Fleet he was made Master againe, which Fleet sailed to Malacca, and fought with an Armado of Portugals: in which battel he was shot, and presently died: so that as yet, I think, no certain newes is knowne,* 2.25 whether I be liuing or dead. Therefore my desire is, that my wife and two children may heare, that I am here in Iapan: so that my wife is in a manner a widdow, and my children fatherlesse: which thing only is my greatest griefe of heart, and conscience, &c. I am a man not [ 40] vnknown in Ratcliffe and Lime-house: to my good Master M. Nicholas Diggines, and M. Thomas Best, and M. Nicholas Isaac, and William Isaac, brothers, with many others; also to M, William Iones, and M. Becket. Therefore may this Letter come to any of their hands, or the copy of this Letter: I know that Companies mercy is such, that my friends and kinred shall haue newes, that I doe as yet liue in this vale of my sin•••••• pilgrimage: the which thing againe and againe I do de∣sire for Iesus sake.

You shall vnderstand, that the first shippe that I did make, made a Voyage or two, and then the King commanded me to make an other,* 2.26 the which I did, beeing of the burthen of an hundred and twentie tunnes. In this ship I haue made a Voyage from Meaco to Eddo, beeing about the length as from London to the Lizarde or Lands end of England. In the yeere of our Lord 1609. [ 50] the King lent this ship to the Gouernour of Manilla, to goe with eightie of his men, to saile to Acapulco. In the yeere of our Lord 1609. a great ship called the S. Francisco, beeing about a thousand tunnes,* 2.27 was cast away vpon the coast of Iapan, in the latitude of thirty fiue degrees and fiftie minutes: by distresse of weather she cut ouer-boord her maine Mast, and bore vp for Iapan, and in the night befote they were aware, they ranne the ship vpon the shore, which was cast a∣way, in the which one hundred thirtie and sixe men were drowned, and three hundred fortie, or three hundred fiftie saued: in which ship the Gouernour of Manilla as a Passenger, was to returne to Noua Spania. But this Gouernour was sent in the bigger ship of my building, in Ann. 1610. to Acapulco. And in Ann. 1611. this Gouernour returned another ship in her roome, with a geeat present, and with an Embassadour to the Emperour, giuing him thankes for his great [ 60] friendship: and also sent the price of the Emperours ship in goods and money: which shippe the Spaniards haue now in the Philippinas.* 2.28 Now for my seruice which I haue done and daily doe, be∣ing employed in the Emperours seruice, he haeh giuen me a liuing, like vnto a Lordship in Eng∣land, with eightie or ninetie husbandmen, who are as my seruants and slaues: the like President

was neuer done to any stranger before. Thus God hath prouided for mee after my great miserie; his name hath and haue the prayse for euer, Amen.

Now, whether I shall come out of this Land I know not. Vntill this present there hath been no meanes, but now, through the Trade of the Hollanders there is meanes. In the yeere of our Lord, 1609. two Holland Ships came to Iapan. Their intention was to take the Caracke,* 2.29 that yeerely came from Macao, and being some fiue or six dayes too late, neuerthelesse, they came to Firando, and came to the Court to the Emperour: where they were in great friendship recei∣ued, conditioning with the Emperour yearely, to send a Ship or two: and so they departed with the Emperours Passe. Now, this yeare 1611. there is a small Ship arriued, with Cloth,* 2.30 [ 10] Lead, Elephants teeth, Dammaske, and blacke Tafficies, raw Silke, Pepper, and other com∣modities: and they haue shewed cause, why they missed the former yeare 1610. according to promise yearely to come. This Ship is well receiued, and with great kindnesse intertained. You shall vnderstand that the Hollanders haue, here, an Indies of money: for, they need not to bring Siluer out of Holland in to the East Indies. For in Iapan,* 2.31 there is much Siluer and Gold to serue their turnes in other places where need requireth in the East Indies. But the merchandise, which is here vendible for readie money, is, raw Silke, Damaske, blacke Taffities, blacke and red Cloth of the best, Lead, and such like goods. So, now vnderstanding by this Holland Ship lately arriued here, that there is a settled Trade driuen by my Countrey-men in the East Indies: I pre∣sume that amongst them, some, either Merchants, Masters, or Mariners, must needs know mee. [ 20] Therefore I haue emboldned my selfe to write these few lines, in short, being desirous, not to be ouer-tedious to the Reader. This Iland of Iapan is a great Land,* 2.32 and lyeth to the Northwards in the Latitude of eight and fortie degrees, and the Souther-most part of it, in fiue and thirtie degrees, and the length of it East by North, and West & by South (for so it lyeth) is two hun∣dred and twentie English leagues. The breadth South and North of it thirteene degrees twenty leagues to the degree, is two hundred sixty leagues, & is almost sq••are.* 2.33 The people of this Iland of Iapan are good of nature, curteous aboue measure, and valiant in warre: their Iustice is seuerely executed without any partialitie vpon transgressors of the Law. They are gouerned in great ci∣uilitie, I thinke, no Land better gouerned in the world by Ciuill Policie. The people are verie superstitious in their Religion, and are of diuers opinions.* 2.34 There are many Iesuites and Francis∣can [ 30] Friars in this Land, and they haue conuerted many to be Christians, and haue many Churches in the Iland. Thus, in short I am constrained to write, hoping that by one meanes or other, in processe of time I shall heare of my wife and children: and so with patience I wait the good will and pleasure of God Almightie, desiring all those to whom this my Letter shall come, to vse the meanes to acquaint my good friends with it, that so my wife and children may heare of me: by which meanes there may be hope, that I may heare of my wife and children before my death: The which the Lord grant to his glorie, and my comfort, Amen.

Dated in Iapan the two and twentieth of October, 1611.

By your vnworthy friend and seruant, to command in what I can. WILLIAM ADAMS.

Endorsed, [ 40] To my vnknowne Friends and Countrey-men, desiring this Letter, by your good meanes, or the Newes or Copie of this Letter, may come to the hands of one, or many of my acquaintance in Lime-house, or elsewhere, or in Kent in Gillingham by Rochester.

A Letter of WILLIAM ADAMS to his Wife from Iapan.

[ 50] LOuing Wife, you shall vnderstand how all things haue passed with mee from the time of mine absence from you. We set saile with fiue ships from the Texel in Holland, the foure and twentieth of Iune, 1598. And departed from the Coast of England, the fift of Iuly. And the one and twentieth of August, we came to one of the Isles of Capo Verde, called Sant' Iago,* 2.35 where we abode foure and twentie dayes. In which time many of our men fell sicke through the vn∣wholsomenesse of the Aire, and our Generall among the rest. Now the reason that we abode so long at these Ilands was, That one of the Captaines of our Fleet made our Generall beleeue, that at these Ilands we should find great store of refreshing, as Goats and other things which was vntrue.

Here I and all the Pilots of the fleet were called to a Councell: in which wee all shewed our [ 60] iudgements of disliking the place: which were by all the Captaines taken so ill, that afterward it was agreed by them all, that the Pilots should be no more in the Councell, the which was ex∣ecuted. The fifteenth day of September we departed from the Isle of Sant' Iago, and passed the Equinoctiall Line. And in the latitude of three degrees to the South our Generall dyed:* 2.36 wherewith many contrarie windes and raine, the season of the yeare being very much past, wee

were forced vpon the Coast of Guiney, falling vpon an head-land called Cabo de Spiritu Sancto. The new Generall commanded to beare vp with Cape de Lopo Consalues,* 2.37 there to seeke refreshing for our men, the which we did. In which place we landed all our sicke men, where they did not much better, for wee could find no store of victuals. The nine and twentieth of December wee set saile to goe on our Voyage; and in our way we fell with an Island called Illha da Nobon, where we landed all our sicke men, taking the Island in by force. Their Towne contayned some eigh∣tie houses. Hauing refreshed our men, we set saile againe. At which time our Generall com∣manded, that a man for foure dayes should haue but one pound of bread, that was a quarter of a pound a day; with the like proportion of Wine and Water. Which scarcitie of Victuals brought such feeblenesse, that our men fell into so great weaknesse and sicknesse for hunger, that [ 10] they did eate the Calues skinnes,* 2.38 wherewith our Ropes were couered. The third of Aprill 1599. we fell with the Port of Saint Iulian: And the sixt of Aprill we came into the Straight of Ma∣gellan to the first narrow. And the eighth day we passed the second narrow with a good wind, where we came to an Anchor, and landed on Penguin Island: where we laded our Boate ful of Penguins, which are fowles greater than a D••cke: wherewith we were greatly refreshed. The tenth we weighed anchor hauing much wind, which was good for vs to goe thorow. But our Generall would water, and take in prouision of wood for all our fleet. In which Straight there is enough in euery place, with anchor ground in al•• places three or foure leagues one from another.

In the meane time, the wind changed, and came Southerly, so we sought a good harbour for our ship on the North-side,* 2.39 foure leagues off Elizabeths Bay. All Aprill being out wee had won∣derfull [ 20] much Snow and Ice, with great winds. For in April, May, Iune, Iuly, and August is the Win∣ter there, being in fiftie two degrees 1/••. by South the Equinoctiall. Many times in the Winter we had the wind good to goe through the Straights, but our Generall would not. We abode in the Straight till the foure and twentieth of August, 1599. On the which day wee came into the South Sea:* 2.40 where sixe or seuen dayes after in a greater storme we lost the whole fleet one from another. That storme being long we were driuen into the latitude of fiftie foure degrees▪ 1/••. by South the Equin••ctiall. The weather breaking vp and hauing good wind againe, the ninth of October we saw the Admirall, of which we were glad, eight or ten dayes after in the night ha∣uing very much wind, our fore-sayle flew way, and wee l••st companie of the Admirall. Then according to wind and weather, we directe•• our course for the Coast of Chili: where the nine and twentieth of October,* 2.41 we came to the place appointed of our Generall in fortie sixe de∣grees, [ 30] where wee set vp a pinnesse and stayed eight and twentie dayes: In this place wee found people, with whom wee had friendship fiue or sixe dayes: who brought vs sheep; for which we gaue them Bels and Kniues, and it seemed to vs they w••re contented. But shortly after they went all away from the place where our ship was and we saw them no more.* 2.42 Eight and twentie dayes being expired, we set sayle minding to goe for Baldiuia. So wee came to the mouth of the Bay of Baldiuia. And being very much wind our Captaines minde changed, so that we directed our course for the Isle of Mocha.

The first of Nouember we came to the Ile of Mocha, lying in the Latitude of eight and thirtie degrees. Hauing much wind we dur••t not anchor, but directed our course for Cape Sancta Maria, two leagues by Sou••h the Iland of Sancta Maria: where hauing no knowledge of the people, [ 40] The second of Nouember our men went on land, and the people of the Land fought with our men, and hurt eight of nine; but in the end, they made a false composition of friendship, which our men did beleeue.

The next day our Captaine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 three and twentie of our chiefe men went on land, meaning for marchandize to get victualls, hauing wonderfull hunger. Two or three of the people came straight to our Boat in friendly manner, with a kind of Wine and Rootes, with making tokens to come on land▪ making signes that there were Sheep and Oxen. Our Captaine with our men, hauing great desire to get refreshing for our men,* 2.43 went on land. The people of the Countrey lay intrenched a thousand and aboue, and straight-way fell vpon our men, and slew them all; among which was my brother Thomas Adams. By this l••sse we had scarse so many men whole, as could [ 50] weigh our Anchor. So the third day in great distresse, we set our course for the Island of Santa Maria,* 2.44 where we found our Admirall: whom when we saw, our hearts were some-what com∣forted▪ we went aboord them, and found them in as great distresse as we; hauing lost their Ge∣nerall with seuen and twentie of their men slaine at the Island of Mocha: from whence they de∣parted the day before we came by. Here we tooke counsell what we should doe to get Victualls. To goe on land by force we had no men: for the most part were sicke. There came a Spaniard by composition to see our Shippe. And so the next day he came againe, and we let him depart qui∣etly. The third day came two Spaniards aboord vs without pawne, to see if they could betray vs. When they had seene our Shippe, they would haue gone on land againe: but we would not let them, shewing that they came without leaue, and we would not let them goe on land againe [ 60] without our leaue; whereat they we••e greatly offended. We shewed them that we had extreame neede of Victualls, and that if they would giue vs so many Sheepe, and so many Beeues, they should goe on land. So against their wils they made composition with vs, which within the time

appointed they did accomplish. Hauing so much refreshing as we could get, we made all things well againe, our men beeing for the most part recouered of their sickenesse. There was a young man, one Hudcopee, which knew nothing, but had serued the Admirall, who was made Generall: and the Master of our Shippe was made Vice-Admirall, whose name was Iacob Quaternak of Ro∣terdam. So the Generall and Vice-Admirall called me and the other Pilote, beeing an English∣man, called Timothy Shotten, (which had been with M. Thomas Candish in his Voyage about the World) to take counsell what we should doe to make our Voyage for the best profit of our Mar∣chants. At last it was resolued to goe for Iapan. For by report of one D••rrick Gerritson,* 2.45 which had been there with the Portugals, woollen cloth was in great estimation in that Iland. And we [ 10] gathered by reason that the Malucos, and the most part of the East Indies were hot Countreyes where woolen cloth would not be much accepted: wherefore we all agreed to goe for Iapan. So leauing the Coast of Chili from thirtie sixe degrees of South-latitude, the seuen and twentieth of Nouember, 1599. we tooke our course directly for Iapan,* 2.46 and passed the line Equinoctiall with a faire wind, which continued good for diuerse moneths. In our way we fell with certain Islands in sixeteene degrees of North-latitude, the Inhabitants whereof are men-eaters. Comming neere these Islands, and hauing a great Pinnesse with vs, eight of our men beeing in the Pinnesse, ranne from vs with the Pinnesse, and (as we suppose) were eaten of the wild men, of which people we tooke one: which afterward the Generall sent for to come into his Shippe. When wee came into the latitude of seuen and twentie and eight and twentie degrees, we found very variable [ 20] winds and stormy weather. The foure and twentieth of February we lost sight of our Admirall, which afterward we saw no more: Neuerthelesse we still did our best, directing our course for Ia∣pan. The foure and twentieth of March, we saw an Island called Vna Colonna: at which time many of our men were sicke againe, and diuers dead. Great was the miserie we vvere in, hauing no more but nine or tenne able men to goe or creepe vpon their knees: our Captaine, and all the rest, looking euery houre to die. The eleuenth of Aprill, 1600. vve savv the land of Iapan neere vnto Bungo: at vvhich time there vvere no more but fiue men of vs able to goe. The tvvelfth of Aprill, vve came hard to Bungo, vvhere may Barkes came aboord vs, the people vvhereof vvee vvillingly let come, hauing no force to resist them: at vvhich place vve came to an Anchor. The people offered vs no hurt, but stole all things that they could steale▪ for vvhich some paid deare [ 30] aftervvard. The next day, the King of that land sent souldiers aboord to see that none of the Mar∣chants goods vvere stolne. Tvvo or three dayes after, our Shippe vvas brought into a good Har∣bour, there to abide till the principall King of the vvhole Island had nevves of vs, and vntill it vvas knovvne vvhat his vvill vvas to doe vvith vs. In the meane time vve got fauour of the King of that place, to get our Captaine and sicke men on land, vvhich vvas granted. And vvee had an house appointed vs, in vvhich all our men vvere laid, and had refreshing giuen them. After vvee had beene there fiue or sixe dayes, came a Portugall Iesuite vvith other Portugals,* 2.47 vvho reported of vs, that vve vvere Pirats, and vvere not in the vvay of Marchandizing. Which report caused the Gouernours and common-peeple to thinke euill of vs: In such manner, that vve looked al∣vvayes vvhen vve should be set vpon Crosses; which is the execution in this land for the euery and [ 40] some other crimes. Thus daily more and more the Portugalls incensed the Iustices and people a∣ga••nst vs. And tvvo of our men, as traytors, gaue themselues in seruice to the King, beeing all in all vvith the Portugals, hauing by them their liues vvarranted. The one vvas called Gilbert de Conning, vvhose mother dvvelleth at Middleborough, vvho gaue himselfe out to be Marchant of all the goods in the Shippe. The other was called Iohn Abelson Van Owater. These traitours sought all manner of wayes to get the goods into their hand•• and made knowne vnto them all things that had passed in our Voyage. Nine dayes after our ••••••uall,* 2.48 the great King of the land sent for me to come vnto him. So taking one man with me, I went to him, taking my leaue of our Captaine, and all the others that were sicke, commending my selfe into his hands, that had preserued me from so many perils on the sea. I was carried in one of the Kings gallies to the Court [ 50] at Osaca, where the King lay, about eightie leagues from the place where the Shippe was. The twelfth of May, 1600. I came to the great Kings citie:* 2.49 who caused me to be brought into the Court, beeing a wonderfull costly house guilded with gold in abundance. Comming before the King, he viewed me well, and seemed to be wonderfull fauourable, He made many signes vnto me, some of which I vnderstood, and some I did not. In the end there came one that could speake Portuges. By him the King demanded of me, of what Land I was,* 2.50 and what mooued vs to come to his Land beeing so farre off. I shewed vnto him the name of our Countrey, and that our land had long sought out the East-Indies, and desired friendship with all Kings and Potentates in way of marchandize, hauing in our Land diuerse commodities, which these Lands had not: and also to buy such marchandizes in this Land, which our Countrey had not. Then he asked whe∣ther [ 60] our Countrey had warres? I answered him yea, with the Spaniards and Portugals▪ beeing in peace with all other Nations. Further, he asked me, in what I did beleeue? I said, in God that made Heauen a••d Earth. He asked me diue••se other questions of things of Religion, and many other things: As what way we came to the Count••y. Hauing a Chart of the whole world, I shewed him, through the Straight of Magellan. At which he wondred, and thought me to lie.

Thus from one thing to another I abode with him till mid-night. And hauing asked mee, what marchandize we had in our shippe, I shewed him all. In the end, he beeing ready to depart, I de∣sired that we might haue trade of marchandize, as the Portugals and the Spanyards had. To which he made me an answer:* 2.51 but what it was I did not vnderstand. So he commanded me to be carried to prison. But two dayes after he sent for me againe, and enquired of the qualities and conditions of our Countreys, of Warres and Peace, of Beasts and Cattell of all sorts, of the Hea∣uens. It seemed that he was well content with all mine answers vnto his demands. Neuerthe∣lesse I was commanded to prison againe: but my lodging was bettered in another place.

The rest of this letter (by the malice of the bearers was suppressed: but seemeth to bee in sub∣stance the same with the former. I haue added this also, as containing diuers things not mentio∣ned in the former. This William Adams lately died at Firando, in Iapan, as by * 2.52 the last Ship we [ 10] receiued intelligence.

Notes

• * 1.1

  This Voyage, though not by the Cape of Good Hope, yet because it was to Iapon, I here deliuer. See before, pag. 78.
• * 2.1

  Adams chiefe Pilot of a fleete of fiue sayles.
• * 2.2

  Cape de Lopo Gonsalues.
• * 2.3

  The Isle of No∣bon taken.
• * 2.4

  April. 6. 1599.
• * 2.5

  They wintered in the S••aights of Magellan.
• * 2.6

  Many of their men dyed for want of food. They stay in fortie sixe de∣grees, and re∣fresh them∣selues.

  The mouth of Baldiuia. The Isle of Mocha.
• * 2.7

  A faire sandie Bay.
• * 2.8

  The ninth of Nouember, 1599.
• * 2.9

  Twentie three men slaine.
• * 2.10

  The Isle of Sancta Maria.
• * 2.11

  Timothy Shotten of London, Pi∣lot of the Ad∣mirall.

  Cloth good m••rchandise in Iapan.

  One of their Fleete yeelded to the Spani∣ard, at Saint Iago in thirtie three degrees. See before in the Voyage of O••••uer Noo••t. They take their course from Ia∣pan, from the Road of the Isle o•• Sancta Maria, No∣uember 27. The North part of Iapan, lieth in 35. degrees, 1/;.

  They were foure months, & twentie two dayes between the Isle of Sancta Maria, and Iapan. Bungo.
• * 2.12

  Sixe of their men died.
• * 2.13

  This was at the citie of Os••ca, which is eighty leagues from Bungo.
• * 2.14

  He was called the second time.
• * 2.15

  Thus farre go∣eth his first let∣ter to his wife. Crucify••ng the v••uall punish∣ment of Male∣factors in Iapan The Ie••uites & Portugals ac∣cusations.
• * 2.16

  The Emperors answer.
• * 2.17

  He was called the third time before the Em∣perour.
• * 2.18

  The ship was brought to he City of Sacay.
• * 2.19

  Fiftie thousand Ryals in ready money were giuen vnto them.

  The Citie Sakay.
• * 2.20

  Quanto.
• * 2.21

  Eddo about 120. league•• from Sacai▪
• * 2.22

  He builded a ship of 80. tuns for the Empe∣rour.
• * 2.23

  The Emperour bestoweth a yeerely reue∣new on him of 70. Ducats, and two pounds of Rice a day.
• * 2.24

  He obtained libertie for the captaine.
• * 2.25

  The Captaine slaine at Malac∣ca,
• * 2.26

  He builded an other ship for the King of 120. tunnes. 1609.
• * 2.27

  The S. Francisco a Spanish ship of 1000. tunnes cast away on the coast of Ia∣pan in 35. de∣grees 50. min.
• * 2.28

  A new and greater pensi∣on giuen vnto him.
• * 2.29

  Two Ships of Holland came to Iapan, in the yeare 1609.
• * 2.30

  Another small Ship of Hol∣land, ar••iued there, 1611.
• * 2.31

  There is much Siluer & Gold in Iapan

  Commodities vendible for readie money.
• * 2.32

  The length and breadth of Iapan.
• * 2.33

  The disposition of people.
• * 2.34

  Many Iesuites and Fran••i••c••n Friars in Iapan▪
• * 2.35

  The Iles of Cape Verde.
• * 2.36

  Their General dyeth.
• * 2.37

  Cabo de Spiritu Sancto in Gui∣ney.

  Capo de Lopo Consalues. Illha da Nobon taken by the Hollanders.
• * 2.38

  April 3. 1599. The Straight of Magellan.
• * 2.39

  A good Har∣borough.
• * 2.40

  The 24. of Au∣gust, 1599. they came into the South Sea.
• * 2.41

  They ariue on the Coast of Chili the 2••▪ of October.
• * 2.42

  They trade with the peo∣ple of the countrey in 46 degrees. Th•• Il•• of Mocha.
• * 2.43

  2•• Men slaine Thomas Adams slaine.
• * 2.44

  The Isle of S. Mar••a.

  Th••y meete with their Ad∣mirall.

  The Generall and 27. men slaine at Mocha.
• * 2.45

  Timothy Shotten an Eng••ishman Pilot in the Admirall. D••rrick Gerrit∣son.
• * 2.46

  They leaue the coast of Chili▪ and aile dire∣ctly for Iapan. They crode the Equinocti∣all l••ne.

  These Iles seeme to bee the Ladrones. 8. of their men ran away with their pinn••sse. They lost their Admirall the 24. of Febru∣ary, 1600. An Ile call••d Vna Colonna. The 12. of A∣prill, 16••0. they di••couered Iapan neere vnto Bungo. They came to an Anchor.
• * 2.47

  The Portugals accuse them for Pirates.
• * 2.48

  He war sent for to the great King.
• * 2.49

  He commeth to the Court.
• * 2.50

  The Kings questions.
• * 2.51

  He was sent to prison.

  He was sent for againe.

  He was sent to prison the se∣cond time.
• * 2.52

  The Iames re∣turning home this yeere. 1621.