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* 1.1THE nine and twentieth of May, we set saile from this Iland of Sombrero, and the se∣cond of Iune, we had sight of the land of Sumatra, and the fifth of Iune we came to anchor in the Roade of Achen, some two miles off the Citie. Where we found sixteene
or eighteene saile of shippes of diuers Nations, some Goserats, some of Bengala, some of Calicut, called Malabares, some Pegues, and some Patanyes, which came to trade there.
There came aboord of vs two Holland Merchants, which had beene left there behind their shippes, to learne the language, and manners of the Country. These told vs, we should be very welcome to the King, who was desirous to intertaine strangers: and that the Queene of England was very famous in those parts, by reason of the warres, and great victories,* 1.2 which she had got∣ten against the King of Spaine. The same day, the Generall sent Captaine Iohn Middleton, Captaine of the Vice-admirall, with foure or fiue Gentlemen, to attend vpon him to the King: to declare vnto him, that he was sent from the Generall of those shippes, who had a message, and a letter, from the most famous Queene of England, to the most worthy King of Achen, [ 10] and Sumatra. And that it would please his royall Maiesty, to giue to the said messenger, audi∣ence to deliuer his message, and letter: with a sufficient warrant for the safety of him and his people, according to the law of Nations, holden in that behalfe. This messenger was very kindly entertained by the King, who when he had deliuered his message, gladly granted his re∣quest, and communed with him about many questions: and after, caused a royall banquet to be made him. And at his departure gaue a robe, and a Tucke of Calico wrought with Gold, which is the manner of the Kings of this place, to those he will grace with his speciall fauour. And withall, sent his commendations to the Generall, willing him to stay one day aboord his ships, to rest himselfe after his comming from the disquiet seas▪ and the next day to come a land, and [ 20] haue kind audience, and franke leaue, with as great assurance, as if he were in the kingdome of the Queene his Mistris. And, if he doubted of any thing of this his royall word, such honoura∣ble pledges should be sent him, for his further assurance, as he should rest very well satisfied therewith.
The third day, the Generall went a land very well accompanied, with some thirtie men or more, to attend vpon him. And first at his landing, the Holland Merchants met him, and carried him home to their house, as it was appointed. For as yet, the Generall would make choyce of no house of his owne, till he had spoken with the King: but stayed at the Hollanders house, till a Noble man came from the King, who saluted the Generall very kindly, and declared, that he came from his Maiestie, and represented his person. Then, he demaunded the Queenes letter of [ 30] the Generall, which he refused to deliuer: saying, he would deliuer it to the King himselfe. For it was the order of Embassadours, in those parts of the world from whence he came, to deliuer their letters to the Princes owne hands: and not to any that did represent the Kings person. So, he demaunded to see the superscription, which the Generall shewed him, and he read the same, and looked very earnestly vpon the seale, tooke a note of the superscription, and did like∣wise write her Maiesties name: and then, with courtesie tooke his leaue, and repaired to the Court, to tell the King what had passed. Who presently sent sixe great Elephants,* 1.3 with many Trumpets, Drums, and Streamers, with much people, to accompany the Generall to the Court: so that the presse was exceeding great. The biggest of these Elephants was about thirteene, or foureteene foote high, which had a small Castle, like a Coach vpon his back, couered with Crim∣son [ 40] Veluet. In the middle thereof, was a great Bason of Gold, and a peece of Silke exceeding richly wrought to couer it: vnder which her Maiesties letter was put. The Generall was moun∣ted vpon another of the Elephants: some of his attendants rode, others went a foote. But, when he came to the Court gate, there a Noble man stayed the Generall, till he had gone in, to know the Kings further pleasure. But, presently the said Nobleman returned, and willed the Generall to enter in. And when the Generall came to the Kings presence, he made his obey∣sance after the manner of the Country: declaring that hee was sent from the most mightie Queene of England, to congratulate with his Highnesse, and treat with him concerning a peace and amitie with his Maiestie, if it pleased him to entertaine the same. And therewithall began to enter into further discourse, which the King brake off, saying: I am sure you are weary of the [ 50] long trauaile you haue taken, I would haue you to sit downe and refresh your selfe. You are very welcome, and heere you shall haue whatsoeuer you will in any reasonable conditions demaund, for your Princesse sake: for she is worthy of all kindnesse, and franke conditions, being a Prin∣cesse of great Noblenesse, for Fame speaketh so much of her. The Generall perceiuing the Kings mind, deliuered him the Queenes letter, which he willingly receiued: and deliuered the same to a Noble man standing by him. Then the Generall proceeded to deliuer him his present, which was a Bason of Siluer, with a Fountaine in the middest of it, weighing two hundred and fiue ounces, a great standing Cup of Siluer, a rich Looking-Glasse, an Head-peece with a Plume of Feathers, a case of very faire Dagges, a rich wrought embroidered Belt to hang a Sword in,* 1.4 and a Fan of Feathers. All these were receiued in the Kings presence, by a Nobleman of the Court: [ 60] onely, he tooke into his owne hand, the Fanne of Feathers: and caused one of his Women to fanne him therewithall, as a thing, that most pleased him of all the rest. The Generall was commanded to sit downe in the Kings presence, as the manner is, vpon the ground:* 1.5 where was a very great banquet prouided. All the dishes, in which the meate was serued in, were, either of pure Gold, or of another Mettall, which (among them) is of great estimation, called Tam∣baycke,
which groweth of Gold and Brasse together. In this banquet, the King (as he sate a∣loft in a Gallery, about a fathome from the ground) dranke oft to the Generall in their Wine, which they call Racke. This Wine is made of Rice, and is as strong as any of our Aquauitae: a little will serue to bring one asleepe. The Generall, after the first draught, dranke either wa∣ter mingled therewithall, or pure water, the King gaue him leaue so to doe: for the Generall craued his pardon, as not able to drinke so strong drinke. After this feast was done, the King caused his Damosels to come forth, and dance, and his Women to play Musicke vnto them: and these Women were richly attired, and adorned with Bracelets and Iewels: and this they ac∣count a great fauour, for these are not vsually seene of any, but such as the King will greatly ho∣nour. The King also gaue vnto the Generall, a fine white Robe of Calico, richly wrought with Gold, and a very faire girdle of Turkey worke, and two Creses, which are a kind of Daggers, all [ 10] which a Noble man put on in the Kings presence: and in this manner he was dismissed the Court, with very great curtesies, and one sent along with him, to make choyce of an house in the Citie, where the Generall thought most meete. But, at this time he refused this kindnesse, and rather chose to goe aboord his Ships: and left the King to consider of the Queenes Letter, the tenor whereof, hereafter followeth.
ELIZABETH by the grace of God, Queene of England, France and Ireland, defendresse of the Christian Faith and Religion.
[ 20]To the great and mightie King of Achem, &c. in the Iland of Sumatra, our louing Brother, greeting.
THe eternall God, of his diuine knowledge and prouidence, hath so disposed his blessings, and good things of his Creation, for the vse and nourishment of Mankind, in such sort: that not∣withstanding they growe in diuers Kingdomes, and Regions of the World: yet, by the industrie of Man (stirred vp by the inspiration of the said omnipotent Creator) they are dispersed into the most remote places of the vniuersall World. To the end, that euen therein may appeare vnto all Nations, his maruelous workes, hee hauing so ordained, that the one land may haue need of the other. And there∣by, not only breed intercourse and exchange of their Merchandise and Fruits, which doe superabound in [ 30] some Countries, and want in others: but also ingender loue, and frendship betwixt all men, a thing natu∣rally diuine.
Whereunto wee hauing respect (Right noble King) and also to the honorable, and truly royall fame, which hath hither stretched, of your Highnesse humane and noble vsage of Strangers, which repaire into that your Kingdome, in loue and peace, in the Trade of Merchandise, paying your due Customes. Wee haue beene mooued to giue Licence vnto these our Subiects, who with commendable and good desires, saile to visite that your Kingdome: Notwithstanding, the dangers and miseries of the Sea, naturall to such a Voyage, which (by the grace of GOD) they will make, beeing the greatest that is to be made in the World: and to present trafficke vnto your Subiects. Which their offer, if it shall bee accepted by your Highnesse, with such loue and grace, as wee hope for, of so great and magnanimious a Prince: Wee, for them, doe pro∣mise, [ 40] that in no time hereafter, you shall haue cause to repent thereof, but rather to reioyce much. For their dealing shall be true, and their conuersation sure, and wee hope, that they will giue so good proofe thereof, that this beginning shall be a perpetuall confirmation, of loue betwixt our Subiects on both parts: by carrying from vs, such things and merchandise as you haue need of there. So that your Highnesse shall be very well serued, and better contented, then you haue heretofore beene with the Portugals and Spaniards, our Enemies: who only, and none else, of these Regions, haue frequented those your, and the other Kingdomes of the East. Not suffering that the other Nations should doe it, pretending themselues to be Monarchs, and absolute Lords of all these Kingdomes and Prouinces: as their owne Conquest and In∣heritance, as appeareth by their loftie Title in their writings. The contrarie whereof, hath very lately appeared vnto vs, and that your Highnesse, and your royall Familie, Fathers, and Grandfathers, haue (by the grace of GOD, and their Valour) knowne, not onely to defend your owne Kingdomes: but also [ 50] to giue Warres vnto the Portugals, in the Lands which they possesse: as namely in Malaca, in the yeere of the Humane Redemption 1575. vnder the conduct of your valiant Captaine, Ragamacota, with their great losse and the perpetuall honour of your Highnesse Crowne and Kingdome.
And now, if your Highnesse shall be pleased, to accept into your Fauour and Grace, and vnder your royall Protection and Defence, these our Subiects, that they may freely doe their businesse now, and continue yeerely hereafter: This Bearer, who goeth chiefe of this Fleet of foure Ships, hath order (with your Highnesse Licence) to leaue certaine Factors, with a setled House of Factorie in your Kingdome, vntill the going thither of another Fleet, which shall goe thither vpon the returne of this. Which left Fa∣ctors, [ 60] shall learne the Language, and customes of your Subiects, whereby, the better and more louingly to conuerse with them.
And the better to confirme this Confederacie, and Friendship betwixt vs, wee are contented, if your Highnesse be so pleased, that you cause Capitulations reasonable to be made: and that this Bearer doe
the like in Our name. Which wee promise to performe royally, and entirely, as well herein, as in other Agree∣ments and Arguments which he will communicate vnto you: to whom, wee doe greatly desire your High∣nesse to giue intire faith and credite, and that you will receiue him, and the rest of his companie, vnder your Royall protection, fauouring them in what shall be Reason and Iustice. And we promise on our behalfe, to re-answere in like degree, in all that your Highnesse shall haue need, out of these our Kingdomes, And wee desire, that your Highnesse would be pleased to send vs answere, by this Bearer of this our Letter, that wee may thereby vnderstand of your Royall acceptance of the Friendship and League, which wee offer, and greatly desire, may haue an happie beginning, with long yeeres to continue.
[ 10] AT his next going to the Court, hee had long Conference with the King, concerning the effect of the Queenes Letter, wherewith the King seemed to be very well pleased, and said: if the contents of that Letter came from the heart, he had good cause to thinke well thereof. And, for the League, Her Maiestie was desirous to hold with him, hee was well pleased there∣with. And, for the further demands the Generall made from Her, in respect of the Merchants trafficke: he had committed all those points to two of his Noblemen▪ to conferre with him, and promised, what her Maiestie had requested, should by all good meanes bee granted. With this contented answere, after another Banquet appointed for the General, he departed the Court. And the next day, he sent to those Noblemen, the King had named to him, to know their ap∣pointed time, when they would sit vpon this Conference. The one of these Noblemen [ 20] was the chiefe Bishop of the Realme, a man of great estimation with the King,* 2.1 and all the peo∣ple: and so he well deserued, for he was a man very wise and temperate. The other was one of the most ancient Nobilitie, a man of very good grauitie: but, not so fit to enter into those Con∣ferences as the Bishop was.
A day, and a meeting was appointed, where many questions passed betwixt them, and all the Conferences passed in the Arabicke Tongue, which both the Bishop and the other Nobleman well vnderstood. Now, the Generall before his going out of England intertained a Iew, who spake that language perfectly, which stood him in good steed at that time. About many de∣mands, the Generall made touching Freedomes for the Merchants, the Bishop said vnto him: Sir,* 2.2 what reasons shall we shew to the King, from you, whereby he may (the more willingly) grant [ 30] these things, which you haue demanded to be granted by him? to whom the Generall answered with these reasons following.
Her Maiesties mutuall Loue. [ 1]
Her worthinesse in protecting others against the King of Spaine the common Enemie of these parts. [ 2]
Her noble mind which refused the offer of those Countries. [ 3]
Nor will shee suffer any Prince to exceed her in kindnesse. [ 4]
Whose Forces haue exceeded the Spaniards in many Victories. [ 5]
And hindred the Portugals attempts against these parts. [ 6]
The Grand-Signor of Turkie hath alreadie entred into League with her Maiestie on honorable conditions. Reasons of another kind. [ 7]
[ 40] Moreouer, it is not vnknowne to the King, what prosperitie, Trade of Merchandise bringeth [ 8] to all Lands: with increase of their reuenues, by the Custome of these Commerces.
Also Princes grow into the more renowme and strength, and are the more feared, for the wealth [ 9] of their Subiects, which by the concurse of Merchandises grow and increase.
And the more kindly that Strangers are entertained, the more the Trade doth grow. The [ 10] Prince is thereby much enriched also.
And for Achem, in partic••lar, this Port lieth well, to answere to the Trade of all Bengala, Ia∣ua, [ 11] and the Moluccas, and all China. And these places hauing vent of their Merchandise, will not let to resort hither with them. So that, by this meanes, the royaltie of the Kings Crowne, will greatly increase, to the decrease, and diminishing of all the Portugals Trade, and their great [ 50] Forces in the Indies.
And, if it shall happen, that his Maiestie wanteth any Artificers, hee may haue them out of our Kingdome, giuing them conten•• for their trauaile: and free course to goe, as they haue good [ 12] will to come. And any other necessarie, that our Countrie bringeth forth, and may spare, shall be at the Kings command and seruice.
But, I hope his Maiestie will not vrge any demands more, then her Maiestie may willingly consent vnto: or that shall be contrarie to her Honour and Lawes, and the League she hath made with all Christian Princes her neighbours.
Further, the Generall demanded, that his Maiestie would cause present Proclamation to be made for our safetie, and that none of his people should abuse any of ours: but that they might [ 60] doe their businesse quietly. And this last request was so well performed, that although there were a strict order, that none of their owne people might walke by night: yet ours, might goe both night and day, without impeachment of any. Onely, if they found any of ours abroad at vnlawfull houres, the Iustice brought them home to the Generals house, and there deliuered them.
After these conferences ended, the Bishop demanded of the Generall, notes of his reasons in writing, as also of his demands of the priuiledges he demanded in her Maiesties name for the Merchants, and hee would shew them to the King: and within few dayes, he should haue his Maiesties answere to them. And with these conferences, and much gratulation, and with some other talke of the affaires of Christendome: they broke vp for that time.
The Generall was not negligent, to send his demands to the noble men, which (for the most part) were drawne out before hand: for, he was not vnreadie for these businesses, before he came aland in the Kingdome.
* 2.3At his next going to the Court, and sitting before the King, beholding the Cock-fighting (which is one of the greatest sports this King delighteth in) hee sent his Interpreter with his [ 10] obeisance to the King, desiring him to be mindfull of the businesse, whereof hee had conferred with his Noblemen. Whereupon, he called the Generall vnto him, and told him, that hee was carefull of his dispatch: and would willingly enter into Peace and League with her Maiestie, and (for his part) would hold it truely. And for those Demands and Articles, he had set downe in writing, they should be all written againe, by one of his Secretaries, and should haue them au∣thorized by him. Which within fiue or six dayes, were deliuered the Generall, by the Kings owne hands, with many good and gracious words: the Tenor of which League and Articles of Peace, are too long to be inserted. According to their desires, was to the English granted, First, Free entry and trade. Secondly, Custome free, whatsoeuer they brought in, or carried forth: and assistance with their vessels and shipping, to saue our ships, goods, and men from wracke in any [ 20] dangers. Thirdly, Libertie of Testament to bequeath their goods to whom they please. Fourthly, Stability of bargaines and orders for payment by the subiects of Achen, &c. Fiftly, Authority to execute iustice on their owne men offending. Sixtly, Iustice against iniuries from the Natiues. Se∣uenthly, Not to arrest or stay our goods, or set prizes on them. Eightly, Freedome of Conscience.
This League of Peace and Amitie being setled, the Merchants continually went forward, pro∣uiding Pepper for the lading of the ships: but there came in but small store, in respect of the last yeeres sterility. So by some of them he vnderstood of a Port, about an hundred and fiftie leagues from thence, in the South part of the same Iland, called Priaman, where he might lade one of his smaller ships.* 2.4 Then he prepared the Susan, and placed for Captaine and chiefe Merchant in her, M. Henry Middleton.
He was also not a little grieued, that Captaine Iohn Dauis his principall Pilot, had told the [ 30] Marchants before our comming from London, that Pepper was to be had here for foure Spanish royals of eight the hundred; and it cost vs almost twentie. The Generall, daily grew full of thought, how to lade his shippes to saue his owne credit, the Merchants estimation that set him a worke, and the reputation of his Countrey: considering what a foule blot it would be to them all, in regard of the nations about vs, seeing there were merchandise enough to bee bought in the Indies, yet he should be likely to returne home with empty ships.
Besides the Portugall Embassador had a diligent eye ouer euery steppe we trode, but was no whit accepted of the King. For the last day of his beeing at the Court, he had demanded of the King, to settle a Factorie in his Countrey, and to build a Fort at the comming in of the Harbour: his reason was, for the more securitie of the Marchants goods, because the City was subiect to [ 40] fire.* 2.5 But the King perceiuing what he meant, gaue him this answer backe againe: Hath your Master (saith he) a Daughter to giue vnto my Sonne, that he is so carefull of the preseruation of my Countrey? He shall not neede to be at so great a charge, as the building of a Fort: for I haue a fit house about two leagues from this Citie, within the Land, which I will spare him to supply his Factorie withall: where they shall not need to feare either enemies or fire, for I will protect him. Hereupon the King was much displeased at this insolent demand: and the Embassadour went from the Court much discontented.
29. Of May. 1602. Sumatra.
The Fame of Q. Elizabeth.
The honora∣ble entertain∣ment of the English Gene∣rall by the King of Achen.
The Queenes Presents sent to the King of Achen.
A mettall of gre••t esteeme, called Tam∣bayck.
As the Turke hath his Mufti, so other Ma∣humetan Prin∣ces haue their Chiefe Priests in all Coun∣tries of that profession.
Great vse of the Arabian Tongue.
Cock-fighting in Achen.
Henry Middle∣ton. Captaine Iohn Da••is.
This was his second voyage to the Indies. In the third with Sir E. Mich. he was slaine, as be∣fore is shew∣ed.
Discontent be∣twixt the Por∣tugals and the King.