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.

§. III. A strange Comoedie acted by Kings and Nobles: Preuentions for Night-cries and fires; Returne of the Generall from Court.

THe thirtieth day, the Captaine Chinesa (our Land-lord) came vnto me, and told mee of a generall Coll••ction which was made throughout euery house in the Towne, to send presents of eatable commodities to the Kings,* 1.1 for the more honor of a great Feast they haue to morrow, with a Comoedie or Play: and so by his counsell (with aduice [ 40] of others) I ordained two bottles of Spanish wine, two roasted Hennes, a roasted Pigge, a small quantitie Ruske, and three boxes banquetting stuffe, to send to their Feast to morrow. And be∣fore night the yong King sent one of his men vnto me, to furnish them with some English appa∣rell, for the better setting out their Comoedie, namely, a paire of Stamel-cloath breeches. I re∣turned answere, I had none such, nei••her did know any other which had: notwithstanding, if any apparell I had wo••ld pleasure his Highnesse, I wo••ld willingly giue it him. And within night both the Kings sent to me, to bring Master Foster, the Master, and be a spectator of their Comoe∣die to morrow.

The one and thirtieth, before dinner, I sent our Present aforesaid to the Kings by our Iure∣basso, desiring their Highnesses to pardon the Master and my selfe, and that we would come to [ 50] them some other time, when there were lesse people: but that would not serue the turne, for they would needs haue our company, and to bring Master Eaton along with vs; which wee did, and had a place appointed for vs, where we sate and saw all at our pl••asures: and the old King himselfe came and brought vs Collation in sight of a••l the people:* 1.2 and after Semidone did the like in the name of both the Kings; and after diuers Noblemen of the Kings followers, made vs a third Collation. But the matter I noted most of all, was their Comoedie (or Play) the Actors being the Kings themselues, with the greatest Noblemen and Princes.* 1.3 The matter was of the valiant deeds of their Ancestors, from the beginning of their Kingdome or Common-wealth, vntill this present, with much mirth mixed among, to giue the common people content. The Audience was grea••, for no house in Towne but brought a Present, nor no Village nor [ 60] place vnder their Dominions, but did the like, and were spectators. And the Kings them∣selues did see, that euery one, both great and small, did eate and drinke before they departed. Their acting Mu••••que and singing (as also their Poetry) is very harsh to vs, yet they keepe due time both with hands and feet. Their Mus••que is little Tabers, made great at both ends,* 1.4 and smal in the middest, like to an Houre-glasse, they beating on the end with one hand, and straine the

cords which goe about it, with the other, which maketh it to sound great or small as they list, ac∣cording their voices with it, one playing on a Phife or Flute; but all harsh, and not pleasant to our hearing. Yet I neuer saw Play wherein I noted so much, for I see their policie is great in do∣ing thereof, and quite contrary to our Comoedies in Christendome, ours being but dumbe shewes, and this the truth it selfe, acted by the Kings themselues, to keepe in perpetuall remembrance their affaires. The King did not send for the Flemmings, and therefore I accounted it a greater grace for vs. At our returne to the English house, I found three or foure Flemmings there, one of them was in a Iapan habit,* 1.5 and came from a place called Cushma, within sight of Corea. I vnder∣stand, they sold Pepper, and other Commodities there, and I thinke haue some secret trade into Corea, or else are very likely to haue. I hope, if they doe well, we cannot doe amisse, M. Adams being the man that put them forward vnto it, and no doubt will bee as forward for the good of [ 10] his owne Countrey, as for Strangers. Hernando Ximenes was with Captaine Brower, and saw the two men which came from Cushma,* 1.6 and did but aske him from whence they came; whereat Cap∣taine Brower was angry, telling him he would giue him no account thereof. And towards night, I vnderstood that two Spaniards were come from Langasaque, and lodged at Zanzibars, and sent for our Iurebassa to come to them; but I would not let him go so soone. After, Zanzibar and they came to the English house, the one of them beeing Andres Bulgaryn, the Genowes, which passed by this place the other day; and the other is called Benito de Palais, and is Pilot Maior of the Spanish ship, which was cast away on the Coast of Iapan, and is the same man which came from Langa∣saque, to visit M. Adams at his being here. They told me they were come of purpose to visit their friends; namely, my selfe first of all, with many other words of complement, and then en∣tred [ 20] into speeches of our Fugitiues; saying, it was not the Fathers (as they call them) which kept our people secret, or went about to conuey them away; but rather they of Langasaque them∣selues,* 1.7 who they reported to be very bad people. In fine, I stood in doubt that these fellowes are come of purpose, to inueigle more of our people to doe as the others haue done, and thereof adui∣sed the Master, to haue a care both to ship and boats, as also to take notice of any such as went a∣bout to keepe them company: for that it is good to doubt the worst, for the best will saue it selfe.

* 1.8The first of Nouember at night, two houses were set on fire on the other side the water, but fire was soone put out, but the villaines that did it could not be found. I sent M. Foster the Master [ 30] a letter, aduising him to take care of ship and boats, as also to looke vnto the behauiour of our peo∣ple, for that I doubted these two Spaniards were but come as Spies, to see what we did, and to in∣tice some other of our people to do as the former did. Also, I aduised him how I vnderstood the said Spaniards did pretend to inuite him to dinner this day; but I wished him to take heed they gaue him not a Hig••: he returned me answer, that he esteemed them such as I tooke them for, and therefore would haue a care to the maine chance. But soone after he came ashoare, and the Spa∣niards came to the English house, and with much intreaty, got M. Foster, and M. William Eaton to goe along to dinner with them to Zanzebars, and the other two Spaniards and Harnando did the like. But these two Spaniards came vnto me, and bade mee tell the Master or any other that went with them,* 1.9 to take heed they did not eate nor drinke any thing, but such as they did see the others taste before them; for that it was no trusting of them, of which I aduised both the Ma∣ster, [ 40] and M. Eaton. Also I sent Miguell our Iurebassa, to both the Kings (and other Nobles) to giue them thanks for our kind entertainment yesterday, Harnando Ximenes told me that M. A∣dams had goods in his hands, belonging to this Pilot Maior the Spaniard, and that his chiefe com∣ming was, thinking to haue met M. Adams here, and doth meane to attend his comming to haue an accompt of those matters. As also they brought Letters of recommendation from the Bishop, and other Fathers to the other two Spaniards (or strangers) to perswade them to returne backe to Langasaque:* 1.10 but I thinke it is not their determination so to doe.

The second, some villaines set an house on fire in the Fish streete; and it was soone put out, and the partie escaped: and it is generally thought to be some base people or Renegados, which lie loytering vp and downe the Towne, and came from Miaco, and three are much suspected, but no [ 50] proofe as yet found against them. But there is order giuen, to make Gates and Partitions ouer e∣uery streete in diuers places, and watch to be kept at each place, and no man be suffered to walke in the night, except he be found to haue earnest businesse. Another villaine got into a poore wid∣dowes house, thinking to haue robbed her, but she making an out-cry, hee fled vp into the wood, ouer against the English house, where the Pagod is; and soone after, the wood was beset round a∣bout,* 1.11 with aboue fiue hundred men, but the theefe could not be found. At night, as we were go∣ing to bed, there was an out-cry on a sudden, that theeues were on the top of our house, setting it on fire; but our ladders being ready reared, both my selfe and others were not long a going vp, but found nothing, but that all our neighbours houses were peopled on the tops on a sudden, as well [ 60] as ours. And it is to be thought it was nothing but a false lar••m, giuen of purpose to see how euery one would be found in a readinesse. Yet at that very instant there was a house set on fire, but soone quenched, it being a good way from our English house.

The night past, three houses were set on fire in diuers parts of the Towne, but all put out at

beginning, so that no hurt was done. So now order is giuen, to take notice in euery house what people are in them, whether strangers or others;* 1.12 and such as are found to be suspected are to bee banished out of the Countrey; and gates or bars made to shut vp the passages or ends of streets, and watch set in diuers places, without crying and making a noyse vp and downe streets in the night, as hath been for a time heretofore without either forme or fashion: yet notwithstanding all this, a villaine about tenne a clocke in the night, set a house on fire neare vnto the Pagod, ouer against our English house: but he was espied by the watch, who pursued him with all speed, but he got into the wood aboue the Pag••d, which forthwith was beset round about, with aboue fiue hundred armed men, and the old King Foyne came in person with many other Noble men, [ 10] assisted in the pursuit▪ yet I verily thinke, the villaine did runne vp and downe amongst the rest, crying, Keepe theefe, as well as the best.

The fourth, the night past there was fire put in diuers places more, one in the Towne and an other in the Countrey, besides the House neere ours, as I said before. Order is now giuen, to haue secret watch in diuers parts of the Towne euery night, and no man to goe out in the night except vpon vrgent occasion, and then to haue a light before them, to the end they may bee seene. If this decorum be duly kept, our House burners will play least in sight. I told the Kings, and others hereof aboue a weeke past, and now it is put in execution.

The fifth, this morning I receiued two Lett••rs, the one from Domingo Francisco the Spanish Ambassadour dated in Ximonaseque fiue days past, and the other from George the Portugall: the Ambassadour went ouer Land from t••ence for Langasaque, and sent his Seruant with the Letters, [ 20] vnto whom I shewed such Commod••ties as he enquired for, and referred him off for others till our Generals returne writing him a Letter in answere of his, the Copie whereof I kept: his man tooke liking of two peeces of fine Semian Chowters, and eight p••eces of white Bastas, and paid seuen Tais the piece for Chowters, and two Tais the piece for Bastas. There came a Spanish Frier or Iesuite, in the Boat with the Ambassadours man & desired to see our ship,* 1.13 which I willed our Master to let him, and to vse him kindly, which he did. For as the olde saying is, It is good sometimes to hold a Candle to the Deuill, &c. Master Eaton, Harnando and my selfe dined with Vnagense, and were kindly entertayned.

The sixth this day about ten a clocke,* 1.14 our Generall and all his company arriued heere from the Iapan Court, Master Adams being in company with him. And presently the Generall sent [ 30] me wi••h Iohn Iapan our Iurebasso, to visit both the Kings, and thanke them for their kindnesse in so well accommodating him with a Boate, as also for the care they had of the ship, and the rest in his absence, and that he would come on the morrow to visit them, beeing now weary of his long Voyage. They tooke this visitation kindly, saying, they would be glad to see him at their Houses. Also certaine Merchants of Miaco which came from Langasaque, came to our English House, and had sight of all our commodities, and amongst the rest, took liking often pieces of Cas∣sedy nill, and made price for them at three Tais the piece, which is in all thirtie Tais, and so sent them to their lodging, as other Merchants before had done the like, and so returned mee money to my content, but these sent mee nothing but a Paper, and consigned mee to receiue my [ 40] money of Semidone, who was newly gone out of Towne on a Voyage, our Generall meeting him on the way: but I returned these Merchants word, that I would haue my payment of them, or else my Merchandize backe againe, but they made answere, I should haue neither the one nor other; neither would the Host of the House where they lodged passe his word for payment,* 1.15 so I was forced to goe to both the Kings to seeke for Iustice, but first sent word aboord, that if the Boate of Miaco weighed anchor to goe away, that they should man out the Skiffe, and stay her, which they did, and made her to come to an anchor againe, and in the meane-time I spake to the Kings, but the younger said that Semidone was a man able enough to pay me. And then I answe∣red and asked him, that if Semidone did not, whether he would, and he told me no, and while we were talking of it, old Foyne Same came in and told me he would take order that I should haue content: yet his order had come ••oola••e, if our Pinnasse had not stayd them. So in the end the [ 50] Host where they did lodge, passed his word for payment.

Captaine Brower and all his Merchants came to the English House to visit our Generall,* 1.16 and Nobisana sent him a young Porke for a Present, saying, hee would come himselfe and visit him within a day or two.

Here follow certaine Letters, the first sent from the Emperour to the Prince of Orange, the rest from the English in Iapan, and principally from Master Cocke, wherein the Iaponian Affaires and various Occurrents for diuers yeares are expressed.

[ 60]

The Copie of a Letter sent by the Emperour of Iapan, vnto the King of Hol∣land, by the Ship called the Red Lyon, with Arrowes, which arriued in the Texel, the two and twentieth of Iuly, 1610.

I Emperour and King of Iapan, wish to the King of Holland, who hath sent from so farre Countries to visit me, greeting.

I reioyce greatly in your writing and sending vnto me, and wish that our Countries were neerer the one to the other, whereby wee might continue and increase the friendship begunne betwixt vs through your Maiesties presence, whom I imagine in conceit to see, in respect I am vnknowne vnto your Maiestie, and [ 10] that your loue toward me is manifested through your liberalitie in honouring mee with foure Presents, whereof though I had no need, yet comming in your name I receiued them in great worth, and hold them in good esteeme.

And further, whereas the Hollanders your Maiesties Subiects desire to trade with their shipping in my Countrey, which is of little value and small, and to traffique with my Subiects, and desire to haue their abiding neere vnto my Court, whereby in person I might helpe and assist them; which cannot bee as now through the inconueniencie of the Countrey: yet notwithstanding I will not neglect, as alreadie I haue beene, to be carefull of them, and to giue in charge to all my Gouernours and Subiects, that in what places and Hauens in what part soeuer they shall arriue, they shall shew them all fauour and friendship to their Persons, Ships and Merchandize: wherein your Maiestie or your Subiects need not to doubt or feare [ 20] ought to the contrarie. For they may come as freely as if they came into your Maiesties owne Hauens and Countries; and so may remayne in my Countrey to trade. And the friendship begunne betwixt mee and my Subiects with you shall neuer bee impayred on my behalfe, but augmented and increased.

I am partly ashamed that your Maiestie (whose Name and Renowme through your valorous Deeds is spred throughout the whole World) should cause your Subiects to come from so farre Countries into a Countrey so vnfitting as this is, to visit me, and to offer vnto me such friendships as I haue not deserued. But considering that your affection hath beene the cause thereof, I could not but friendly entertayne your Subiects, and yeeld to their requests: whereof this shall serue for a testimonie, That they in all pla∣ces, Countries, and Ilands vnder mine obedience may trade and traffique, and build Houses seruiceable and needfull for their Trade and Merchandizes, where they may trade without any hinderance, at their [ 30] pleasure, aswell in time to come as for the present, so that no man shall doe them any wrong: And I will mayntayne and defend them, as mine owne Subiects.

I promise likewise, that the persons which I vnderstand shall bee left heere, shall now and at all times be held as recommended vnto me, and in all things to fauour them, whereby your Maiestie shall find vs as your Friends and Neighbours.

For other matters passed betwixt me and your Maiesties Seruants, which would bee too long heere to repeate, I referre my selfe vnto them.

[ 40]

Firando in Iapan, the tenth of December 1614.

TO this day I haue not had time to perfest vp my old bookes of Accounts, by meanes of the dispat∣ching away our people, some to one place, some to another, and then the new building of our house, and after that the buying of a Iuncke,* 3.1 and repairing of her, which is now ready to depart for Syam, and hath been any time this ten dayes riding at an anchor at Cochi, a league from Firando, where your ship rode at your departure from hence, expecting but afaire wind to set forward on her voyage: shee is called the Sea Aduenture, being about some two hundred Tunnes, in whom Master Adams goeth for Master, and Master Wickham and Edward Sayer for Merchants,* 3.2 by meanes of the death of Master Peacock slaine in Cochinchina, and likelihood of casting away Walter Carwaden, returning backe from thence, [ 50] for to this houre we haue no newes of him, ••or the Iuncke they went in, as I haue at large aduised the Wor∣shipfull Company,* 3.3 &c. Since your departure from hence, the Emperour hath banished all Iesuits, Priests, Friers and Nunnes out of Iapan, and pulled downe, and burned all their Churches and Monasteries, ship∣ping them away, some for Amacau in China, and the rest for Manillias. Foyne Same the old King of Firando is dead,* 3.4, and Vshiandono his Gouernour, and two other Seruants cut their bellyes to beare him company; their bodies being burned, and ashes entembed by his. Heere are warres like to ensue betwixt Ogu••ho-same the old Emperour, and Fidaia-same the yong Prince, sonne to Tico-same, who hath for∣tified himselfe strongly in his Castle or Fortresse of Osak••y, hauing eightie thousand or an hundred thou∣sand men run awayes and banished men, mall-contents, which are retyred out of all parts vnto him, & vi∣ctualled themselues for three yeares. The old Emperor himselfe is come downe against him in person with an [ 60] armie of three hundred thousand souldiers,* 3.5 and is at the Castle of Fushma: their fore-runners haue had two or three bickerings already, and many slaine on each part. All Osakey is burned to the ground, but only the Castle. So Master Eaton is gone to Sackey with his goods; yet not without danger, for part of that Towne is burned too.* 3.6

Such a Tempest or Tuffon hath lately happened at Edoo, that the like was neuer seene in that place,* 3.7 the sea ouerflowing all the City, driuing the people vp into the mountains, defacing and breaking downe all the Noblemens houses, which you know were beautifull and faire. So let thus much suffice for newes in Iapan.

And now for Sales of our goods: the Emperour tooke our Ordnance, with a good part of our Lead, and ten barrels of powder, and two or three Broad-cloathes, and a good part of our other Broad-cloathes are sold, namely, Blacke, Haire-colour, Synamon-colour, at fifteene, fourteene, thirteene, and twelue Taies▪ the Tattamy: but they will not looke on a Venice-red, nor a Flame-colour, neither are Stamels in such request as heretofore: they enquire much after white and yellow Broad-cloath. The Hollanders haue sold most of their Broad-cloath at base rates, which maketh vs to doe the like. And for our Cloath of [ 10] Cambaya, they will not looke on our red Zelas, blew Byrams, nor Duttis, which are the greatest part of that you left with vs, only some white Bastas are sold at fourteene and fifteene Masse a peece: And Cassedys nill, Alleias, broad Pintados, Chader Pintados, with such spotted, striped and chequered Stuffes, most looked after, and sold at profit. We haue also sold neare halfe our Bantam Pepper for sixtie fiue Masse the Peecull, and all the rest had been gone before now, had it not been for this rumour of warres. I stand in great hope we shall procure Trade into China, by meanes of Andrea, the Captaine China, and two o∣ther of his brothers, which labour in the matter, and make no doubt but to bring it to effect,* 3.8 for three ships a yeere to come and goe to a place neare Lanquin, to which place we may goe from hence in three or foure dayes, if the wind be good▪ I haue written hereof at large to the Worshipfull Company, as the like to my Lord Treasurer.

[ 20] Some little sicknesse I haue had, but now I praise God it is past. Master Wickham, Master Eaton, Master Nealson, and Master Edward Sayer, haue all foure been very sicke, but now well recouered all, except Master Eaton, who is troubled with the Fluxe and a tertian Ague, God send him his health, for I cannot too much praise that man, for his diligence and paines taken in the Worshipfull Companies af∣faires. Iacob Speck, who was thought to be cast away in going from hence to the Moluccas, is now re∣turned to Firando, Captaine of a great ship called the Zelandia, with a little Pinnasse, called the Iaccatra: the cause of his so long missing was, for that the ship wherein he went from hence, passed to the Eastward of the Philippinas, the same way we came, yet by currents and contrary winds (as they say) they could not fetch the Moluccas, but were driuen to the Westward of the Iland Celebes, and so passed round about it through the Straights of Desalon, and so backe to the Moluccas, &c. The Chinaes doe much complaine [ 30] of the Hollanders robbing and pilfering their Iuncks▪ for (as they say) they haue rifled and taken seuen. The Emperour of Iapan hath taken some distaste aga••nst the Hollanders, for he refused a Present they late∣ly sent vp to him, and would not speake to them which brought it:* 3.9 as he did the like by another Present the Portugalls sent him, who came in the great ship from Amacau, this yeare, to Langasaque; he refusing both the Present, as also to speake to them which brought it. You thought at your being heere, that if any other ship came out of England, we might sell our Goods without carrying vp any Present to the Em∣perour: but now I find it to be otherwise, for euery ship which commeth in must carry a Present to the Emperour, as a custome: neither can we set out any Iuncke,* 3.10 without procuring the yearely License of the Emperour, otherwise no Iapan Mariner dare goe out of Iapan vpon paine of death, only our owne shippes from England may come in, and goe out againe when they will, and no man gain-say it.

[ 40] Wee cannot yet by any meanes get Trade from Tushma into Corea, neither haue they of Tushma any other priuiledge, but to enter vnto one little Towne (or Fortresse) and in paine of death not to go without the walles thereof, to the Landward, and yet the King of Tushma is no Subiect to the Emperour of Iapan. Wee could vent nothing but Pepper at Tushma, and yet no great quantitie of that, and the weight is much bigger then that of Iapan, but sold at a better rate. I am giuen to vnderstand, that vp in the Countrey of Corea, they haue great Cities, and betwixt that and the Sea mightie Bogs,* 3.11 so that no man can trauell on Horse-backe, nor very hardly on foote; but for remedie against that, they haue great Waggons or Carts, which goe vpon broad or flat wheeles vnder saile, as ships doe. So that obseruing Monsons, they transport their goods to and fro in these sayling Waggons. They haue Damaskes, Sattins, Taffeties, and other Silke stuffes made there, as well as in China: it is said that Ticus-same (otherwise called Quabicondono) [ 50] the deceased Emperour, did pretend to haue conueyed a great armie of Souldiers in these sailing waggons, to haue assaulted the Emperour of China on a sudden in his great Citie of Paquin,* 3.12 where hee is ordinarily resident, but he was preuented by a Corean Noble-man, who poysoned himselfe, to poyson the Emperour, and other great men of Iapan, which is the occasion the Iapans haue lost that, which some two and twenty yeares past they had gotten possession of in Corea. Iames Turner the fidling youth, left a wench with child heere, but the whore, the mother, kill••d it so soone as it was borne, although I gaue her two Taies in plate before to nourish it, because shee should not kill it, it being an ordinary thing here. Master Foster, the Masters whistle and chaine is found, and Master Adams hath it, and will be answerable vnto him for it. I did thinke to haue sent you a Iapan Almanacke in another Letter to the same effect as this, dated the fiue and twentieth Vltimo, and sent by Sea-aduenture, by way of Syam, but forgot to put it in, yet now [ 60] commeth here inclosed: I pray you let this Letter suffice to Master George Sa••is your brother and the rest of my louing friends▪ and with heartie Commendations in generall, I leaue you all to the holy protection of the Almightie, resting alwayes

Your euer louing friend at command, RICHARD COCKS.

To the Worshipfull THOMAS WILSON Esquire, at his House at the Britaine-Burse, at the Strand, giue these.

SIr, my last vnto you was of the first of December 1613. dated in the Isle of Firando in Iapan; and sent by Captaine Iohn Saris, in the ship called the Cloaue: wherein I aduertised you, how vnkindly the Hollanders dealt with vs in the Maluccas. Since which time, there is not any matter of moment to aduise you of, more then I haue touched in another Letter to my good Lord Treasurer. The Hollanders giue it out heere, That it is very likely our East-India Company of England, and that of Holland shall be ioy∣ned all in one: which if it proue true, it is thought an easie matter to driue both Spaniards and Portugals out of these Easterne parts of the world; or else vtterly to cut them off, or debarre them from all Trade. [ 10] For you will hardly beleeue how the Hollanders alreadie haue daunted the Spaniards and Portugals in these parts,* 4.1 especially in the Maluccas, where they daily encroach vpon the Spaniards, which are not able to withstand their proceedings:* 4.2 but now stand in much feare, that in short time they will also take the Phi∣lippina; from them. Also the Portugals, which trade from Ormus to Goa, and so for Malacca and Macao in China, stand daily in feare to be surprised by them.

One thing there is, the issue whereof I cannot well conceiue: and that is the robbing of the Iunckes of China, daily practised by the Hollanders in these parts: the goods whereof cannot choose but amount to great matters,* 4.3 and suffice to set out and maintaine a great Fleete, which is worthy of consideration. And if it should happen, that the King of Iapan should fall out with the Hollanders, and debarre them from Trade into his Dominions, (as it may fall out that he will:) then is it likely the Hollanders will make prize as [ 20] well of Iapans as Chinaes. For out of doubt, their Forces at sea in these parts are sufficient to doe what they lust, if they haue but a victualing place to retire vnto. And they are of late growne very stout, and mocke at them, which, all the world knoweth, were their masters and teachers. And it is very certaine that they haue gotten possession of diuers Fortresses in the Maluccas, and those parts: yet on my knowledge the people of those parts doe rather encline to the Spaniards, then to them: although at the first, they were glad of their arriuall, by meanes of the intollerable pride of the Spaniards. But now time telleth them, that the Spaniard brought them store of Rialls of plate; and in their proud humors were liberall, which was easie for them to doe,* 4.4 in respect they had wherewithall to doe it. But the poore Hollanders, which serue in these parts for souldiers, both by sea and land, haue such bare pay, that it will hardly find [ 30] them clothing to their backes, and meate for their bellies: Their Commanders alledge, that all the benefite which hapneth, either by reprisall or conquest, is for the States, and Winthebbers, as they call them. So that what will come of this in the end, is hard to iudge.

But letting these matters passe, I am verily of opinion, that, if it be not for the misdemeanour of the Hollanders, we shall obtaine a Trade in China: for our demand is but for three ships a yeare to come and goe;* 4.5 and only to leaue Factors sufficient to doe the businesse, without bringing in any Iesuits or Padres, as they tearme them, which the Chinaes cannot abide to heare of, because heretofore they came into these parts in such numbers to inhabite, that now they will not endure it, and were alwayes crauing and begging without shame, which is a common saying among the Pagans.

One thing there is, which putteth me in good hope, and that is the good report and fame, which our English Nation hath gotten in these parts, since our Arriuall: which, as I am giuen to vnéerstand, is [ 40] come to the knowledge of the Emperour of China: and how the chiefe King of Iapan hath receiued vs, and granted vnto vs very large priuiledges. As also, how that the English at all times, haue held the Ca∣stilians, as they call them, to hard meate, both by sea and land. These things the Chinaes themselues tell me: and that the Emperour and other great men in China, delight to heare reports of our Nation. But I had almost forgotten to note downe, how some China Merchants put out a question to me, to know if we had a trade in China, whether the King of England would debarre the Hollanders from robbing and spoiling of their Iunckes? Which question was dow••full vnto me: yet I answered them, that his Maie∣stie would take such order, that the Hollander should not misuse them.

Of late heere is come newes from Edoo, a Citie of Iapan as bigge as London, wherein the chiefe of [ 50] the Nobilitie of Iapan haue beautifull houses,* 4.6 that by meanes of an exceeding Tuffon or tempest, all or the most part of them are defaced; the whole Citie being ouer-flowen with water, and the people forced to flye vp into the mountaines, a thing neuer heard of before: and the Kings Palace being stately builded in a new Fortresse, the tyles being all gilded on the out-side, were all carryed away with a whirlewind, so that none of them are to be found. The Pagans attribute it to some Charmes, or by Coniurations of the Iesuits lately banished: but the Papist Iaponians doe rather ascribe it to the punishment of God, for the banishing of such holy men.

Another matter there is, which I thought good to aduertise you of, and that is of a disaster lately hap∣pened to vs in Cauchin-China:* 4.7 To which place we sent a quantitie of goods and money, to the value of seuen hundred and thirtie pound sterling, as it cost in England. Master Tempest Peacock, and Ma∣ster [ 60] Walter Caerwarden, going for Merchants in a Iapan Iuncke, carryed the Kings Maiesties Letters of England, with a Present of worth for the King of Cauchin-China, and arriued at their Port of Dis∣charge, called Q••inham: deliuered his Maiesties Letters, and the Present, which were taken in g••od part, and they entertained with kind speeches, and large promises▪ The Hollanders seeing we aduentured to

that place, would needs doe the like, and tooke fraught in other Iunkes, and were likewise well entertained at first. But in the ende, Master Peacocke and the ch••efe Merchant of the Hollanders, going on shoare, both in one boat, to receiue certaine summes of money of the King for broad-Cloath, and other Commodi∣ties sold him, were treacherously set vpon in the water, and their boat ouerturned, they beeing killed in the water with harping yrons like fishes, with their Interpreters and other followers which were Iaponians: Walter Caerwarden beeing aboord the Iuncke, escaped and came away. But from that day to this, wee can heare no newes neither of him, nor of the Iunke, wherefore we feare hee is cast away.

The common report both of the Chinas and Iapans is, that the King of Cauchin-china did this, to be reuenged on the Hollanders, for burning a Towne of his, and putting his people to death without mer∣cie. [ 10] The originall grew, from a great quantitie of false Dollers or Rials of eight,* 4.8 sent to Quinham by the Hollanders certaine yeeres past; and there put away for Silkes, and other China stuffes, with the Mer∣chants of that place. But the falshood of the money beeing espied, they laid hands on the Holland Factors, and I thinke, some one was put to death in reuenge: whereupon the Holland ships comming on that Coast, ••••nded their men, and burned a Towne, putting Man, Woman, and Child to the sword. This was the chiefe occasion (as report goeth) that this mischance is happened now; M. Peacocke being slaine, because he was in company with the Hollanders. Here inclosed, I send you a Iapan Almanacke, whereby you may see their order of Printing, Figures, and Characters. And so I leaue you to the holy protection of the Al∣mighty. Resting alwaies

Your Worships to command, RICHARD COCK.

[ 20] From Firando in Iapan. December 10. 1614.

December 5. 1615.

SIr, I receiued a Letter from you by the hands of Captaine Copendall▪ Captaine of the Hosiander, which arriued here in Iapan the twentie ninth of August, 1615. wherein I vnderstood of your safe arriuall at the Cape Bona Esperanza homeward bound•• wherein your Worship gaue mee to vnderstand, of the losse of some of your Company; yet I make no doubt, but by the grace of God, you are safely arriued in England long before this time. I sent you a Letter, dated the last of Nouember, 1614. by the Hollan∣ders [ 30] ship called the old Zealand, wherein I gaue you to vnderstand of the death of M. Peacocke, and Walter Carwarden betrayed in Cauchinchina, which was not a little griefe to vs all besides the losse of the Companies goods. This last yeere past, M. Wickham, M. Adams, and my Selfe, beeing bound in a Iuncke which we bought for Siam, hauing great stormes and foule weather, sprung leakes in her, and were faine to beare vp for the Ilands Leuckes, where we stayed so long, and could not stop our leakes, we lost our Monson, and came to Firando againe. This yeere we haue trimmed her againe, and at this present readie to set sayle againe for Siam. My greatest hope in these parts is, that we shall haue a trade into China, for we haue great possibilities, and I make no doubt but ere long, to see a Factory established there, by meanes that the Captaine Cheny and his brothers haue made. We haue had here the last Summer great troubles of Warres, betwixt the Emperour and Fida••a Sama, which we doe not know whether hee bee slaine or fled, [ 40] but the Emperour hath got the victory, with losse of men of both sides, the summe of foure hundred thousand.* 5.1 Thus hauing no more newes to write, I commit you to the protection of the Almightie. From Firando in Iapan.

Your Seruant alwaies to command, EDMOND SAYER.

Firando in Iapan. December 4. 1616.

WOrshipfull Sir, my humble dutie alwayes remembred: hauing so fit an oportunitie, I could not [ 50] choose but trouble your Worship with these few lines, I being but newly arriued heere in Firando, of a hard and tedious Voyage from Siam, which went in a Iunke of the Right Honourable Companies, M. Adams being Master, and my selfe Factor in her, hauing bought more goods then we could lade, we fraigh∣ted an other Iunke for Iapan: M. Beniamin Fary being principall of the Factory of Siam, thought it fit for me to goe in this Iunke for Iapan, for the safegard of the Worshipfull Companies goods: wherein I tooke my Voyage, the yeare beeing far spent, that we were from the first of Iune, to the seuenteenth of September, betweene Siam and Shachmar, with much torments and fowle weather, hauing lost twenty of our men with sicknesse and want of fresh water. The greatest occasion of this first, was for want of a good Pilot, for we had a China Pilot, which had no vnderstanding of Nauigation: for when he was out of sight of the Land, hee know not where he was, nor what course to take: then he falling sicke, was not able to creepe out of his Cab∣bin, [ 60] I beeing forced with the small skill I had, to doe my best, and with the helpe of God brought the Iunke safe to Shachmar, where we arriued the seuenteenth of September, hauing but fiue men able to stand on their legges, comming so late to Firando, that I could not goe this yeere to Siam, but the Companies Iunke is gone with M. Wil. Eaton, and two English Pilots, whose names are Robert Burges, and Iohn Burges.

Your Worships seruant till death, EDMOND SAYER.

Firando in Iapan. February 15. 1617.

CAptaine Saris, My last Letter vnto you, was the fifth of Ianuary, 1616. sent by way of Bantam, in the ship Thomas, which went from hence that yeere, with an other small ship called the Aduice: in which Letter I wrote you at large, of all matters which occasion then offeered: as also of the receipt of two Letters of yours, the one dated in London the twenty fourth of Nouember, 1614. and the other the fif∣teenth of August, 1615. Since which time the ship Aduice is returned againe into Iapan, and arriued at Firando, the second of August last past. By which conuaiance I receiued a Letter from the Honoura∣ble Company, dated in London the thirtieth of Ianuary, 1615. Wherein they write me, &c. [ 10]

* 7.1There are some which can tell you, that Captaine Barkely lying on his death bed, escaped a scowring of loosing sixe thousand Rialls of eight; and had he died before it was found out, paid out for Custome of Pep∣per, it may be some other man might haue had the credit of paying it. It is a common Prouerbe, that it is a small matter for men which lie at Bantam, to be rich if they liue but a little time: for as the old saying is, No man dieth without an heire.

Wee haue beene this yeare againe, before the Emperour of Iapan, but cannot get our Priuiledges en∣larged, but trade onely at Firando and Langasaque, and our English shipping to come for Firando only.

M. Edmond Sayer went this last yeare for Cochinchina, with a Cargeson of some one thousand eight hundred Tays Goods and money:* 7.2 and being ready to come away, was coozened of sixe hundred and fifty Tays by a China & others, of whom he had bought Silke for the Worshipful Company, and weighed out the Mo∣ney, [ 20] attending to receiue the Silke, the Money lying by till it came, he and an other being in the roome where it lay: but those false people made a hole through the Cane-wall, and stole out the Money, they not seeing when it was done. I am sorrie for the mischance, but he hopeth to recouer it againe this yeare, hauing left a man to follow the suite, and returneth backe this Monson in a China Iunke, with a Cargeson of two thousand Tais in Plate to bestow in Silke, and one Robert Hawley goeth with him for mortalities sake, and M. William Adams goeth Pilot for the Chines. God send them a prosperous Voyage, and to reco∣uer the money lost.

Our Iunke, the Sea Aduenture, made an other Voyage the last yeare to Siam, M. William Ea∣ton going Merchant in her, and is returned againe in her thither this yeare, God send them a prosperous Voyage.

The Hollanders sent a Fleete of ships the last yeare from the Moluccas to the Manillias, to fight with [ 30] Spanish Fleete: but they kept in for the space of fiue or sixe moneths, so that the Hollanders made ac∣count they durst not come out at all: and therefore separated themselues, to looke out for China Iunkes whereof they tooke and rifled some say twentie fiue Iuncks,* 7.3 others say thirtie fiue: once they tooke great ri∣ches, and all vnder the name of Englishmen. But in the end, the Spanish Fleete came out, and set vp∣on fiue or sixe of their ships, burning and sinking the Admirall, and two other Holland ships, the rest esca∣ping: but the Spaniards separating themselues to seeke out the Hollanders, the Vice admirall of them fell with two fresh Hollanders on the morning, who fought with her all day, and made her to runne on ground, and set her selfe on fire, because the Hollanders should not take them: the which two ships, and one of them which was at former fight, came after to Firando, with two other great Hollanders from Bantam, to [ 40] looke out for the Amacau ship, but missed narrowly of her, so that fiue great Holland ships, the least of them as big as the Cloue, came into Iapan this yeare, one of which, called the Red Lyon (which was she which rid by vs at the Moluccos) was cast away at Firando in a storme, with a China Iuncke they brought in for Prize, but all the Merchandise recouered, although wet. The Emperour letteth them make good price of all. They sent away the Blacke Lyon for Bantam, a ship of nine hundred Tunnes, full laden with Raw Silke, and other rich China stuffes. Another, called the Flushing, of seuen or eight hundred Tunnes, is gone for the Moluccas, full laden with prouision and money: and the Sunne, a ship of sixe or seuen hun∣dred Tunnes, with the Gallias of aboue foure hundred Tunnes, are left to scowre the coast of China, to take what booty they can, and returne the next Monson: the Gallias is gone out already, but the Sunne atten∣deth the going out of the Amacau ship from Langasaque, to be doing with her. She was going out hereto∣fore, [ 50] but comming in sight of the Gallias, (the wind seruing her) returned into Langasaque againe, so I thinke she will hardly goe out this yeare:* 7.4 and as I said before, they haue robbed all the Chines in the name of Englishmen, which hath done much hurt to our proceeding, to get trade in that place; so that we were forced to send new supplies, to giue the Gouernours in China to vnderstand, that they are Hollanders which did it, and not Englishmen. In fine, I haue aduised the Worshipfull Company at large of all, of which I make no doubt but you will heare: And so I commit you to God, resting

Your louing Friend assured at command, RIC. COCK.

The Coppie of my Letter the last yeare, I send you here inclosed. [ 60]

A piece of another Letter of M. Cockes.

There came two Friers in that ship as Embassadours from the Viceroy of new Spaine, with a Present for the Emperour, but he would neither receiue the Present, nor speake to them which brought it, but

sent M. Adams to tell them, they should auoide out of his Dominions, he hauing formerly banished all of their coate, and remained still in the same opinion. It is said, that Fidaia Same had promised the Ie∣suites entrance againe, if he had got the victorie, and been setled in the Empire, which if it had taken effect, out of doubt both Hollanders and we had been turned out of Iapan. And therefore better as it is.

Also, the last yeere when we set out our Iunke, we entertained a Spaniard, called Damian Mari∣na, and was the same man which thought once to haue gone along with you, in Company of George Pe∣terson. This Damian was a good helme man: and therefore entertained, and an other Spaniard, cal∣led Iuan de Lieuana went with them as a Passenger: but the Iunke loosing her Voyage, they returned [ 10] to Langasaque, where soone after arriued the Carracke from Amacau; and vnderstanding that these two men had gone in our shipping, they laid hands of them, and put them in chaines aboord the great ship, condemning them to death, as Traytors to their Prince and Countrey in seruing the English their enemies. Which comming to my knowledge, I tooke their defence in hand, and by authoritie from the Emperour got them set at libertie, to the great spight and hearts griefe of both Spaniards and Portu∣gals, these two men going Passengers in the Hosiander for Bantam, &c. We haue had extreame trou∣bles in Iapan, by meanes of these warres, in posting or transporting of our goods from place to place, to saue it. I long to heare from you of your safe arriuall, &c.

M. Adams is gone againe in the Iunke for Siam, accompanied onely with M. Edmond Sayer; and M. Nealson is very sicke, but M. Wickham, and M. Eaton well: I pray you deliuer the enclo∣sed [ 20] to my brother.

Yours, most assured at command, RICHARD COCK.

Naugasaque in Iapan, the tenth of March 1610.

[ 30] IT is now almost three yeeres last past since I wrote your Worship any Letter, and is by meanes of the vnlooked for & vnruly proceedings of the Hollanders against our English Nation in all these parts of the World, not sparing vs in these Kingdomes of Iapan,* 9.1 contrarie to the large Priuiledges which the Em∣perour of Iapan hath giuen vs, that the Iapans should not meddle with vs. But these Hollanders this yeere hauing seuen ships great & small in the Harbor or Port of Firando, haue with sound of Trumpet pro∣claymed open War against our English Nation, both by Sea and Land to take our English ships & goods, and kill our persons as their mortall Enemies, which was done by one Adam Westarwood, their Ad∣mirall or Lord Commander (as they tearme him) and openly proclaymed aboord all their shippes. Also they came to braue vs before our owne doores, and picking quarrels entred into our House, thinking to haue cut all our throates, yet wounded but two persons, and had it not beene for the ••ssistance of the Iapa∣nesses [ 40] our Neighbours, which tooke our parts, they had killed vs all, they being a hundred Hollanders to one Englishman: and not contented with this, they tooke our Boat going out about our businnesses, where∣in there was one Englishman which they carryed Prisoner into their owne House, threatning to haue kil∣led him, putting him in great danger of his life, by meanes of a Company of drunken Consorts which were about him, threatning him to stab him with their Kniues. The young mans name is Richard King and sonne to Captaine King of Plimmouth. And besides this, two other of our Barkes going besides their ships within the Towne and Harbour of Firando, they bent a Peece of Ordnance against them, which tooke false fire, but they shot at them with Muskets, but missed the Englishmen, and killed a Ia∣pan: Yet for all this there is no iustice executed against them by the King of Firando, although the Em∣perour hath commanded him to doe it.

[ 50] Also may it please you to vnderstand, that two of these shippes which they brought into Firando this yeere, are English ships which they tooke from Englishmen in the Indies, as also they tooke two other this yeere from them, riding at an anchor in the Roads of Patania, where wee haue a Factorie, and not doubting any such matter: in which broyle, they killed Captaine * 9.2 Iohn Iordaine, our Chiefe President for the right Worshipfull Companie in the Indies, with diuers others, and carryed the ships and goods quite away, but sixe of the Mariners which were in the English ships which they tooke, escaped from them and came to the English House, they sending to me to haue them sent backe againe: vnto whom I answered, I would first see their Commission, how they durst presume to take our shipping and goods, and kill our Kings Maiesties faithfull Subiects as they did: so then they went to the Tono or King of Firando; [ 60]

desiring to haue their * 9.3 English slaues (as it pleased them to call them) delivered vnto them, but they had answere, they must first demaund them of the Emperour, and looke what he ordayned should be ful∣filled. Yet in th•• meane time, they held not the English-men to bee slaues vnto them. This was the chiefe occasion which made them to picke quarrels against vs, to haue killed vs all, but I hope in God, his Maie∣stie by the Solicitation of our right Honourable, and right Worshipfull ••mployers, will not suffer his true and loyall Subiects to lose their shipping, liues and goods, in such order as they ••••e by such an vnthanke∣full and theeuish Rabbie of them, which are assembled together in these parts of the World, who make a daily practice to rob and spoile all both friends and foes, and I trust that you your selfe will be a Solici∣tor in this so iust a cause, against so common an Enemie.

This Adam Westerwood their Lord Commander, set my life at saile, offering fiftie Rials of eight, to [ 10] any one that would kill me,* 9.4 & thirtie Rials for each other Englishman that they could kill▪ but hitherto God hath preserued me and the rest in this place, although they wounded two or three, yet they are not dead. And this proceedings of their Lord Commander, was told me secretly by some of their owne people (wil∣ling me) and the rest to take heed of our selues. They also informed mee of the Noble Parentage of their Lord Commander Westerwood, telling that his Father is a Close-stoole-maker at Amster••am, or thereab••uts, and the best of their Captaines either Shoomakers, Carpenters, or Beere-brewers Sonnes, God blesse such an Honourable and Worshipfull Generation, I meane, God blesse mee from them. And so to make an end of this matter, I was this yeere aboue at the Emperours Court at Miaco, to make com∣plaint of the abuses offered to vs within his Dominions, contrary to the Priuiledges his Maiestie had gi∣uen vs, and I had very good words and promises that wee should haue Iustice, and the Tono or King of [ 20] Firando commanded to see it performed, but as yet nothing done, although I haue many times earnestly sued for it.

And at my beeing at Court, and at the Emperours Palace, Portugals and Spaniards being there at the same time, to doe their duties to the Emperour, as they doe euery yeere when shipping commeth. There was a Hollander in the Court,* 9.5 (which had liued in Iapan almost twentie yeeres, and speaketh the Iapan Language well) this fellow, in my hearing and others, beganne to extoll their King of Holland, to be the greatest King in Christen••ome, and one that held all the others vnder, he little thinking that we had vn∣derstood what he said: but I was not behind hand to tell him that he needed not to lye so loud, for that they had no King at all, in Holland, but were gouerned by a Court, or rather they gouerned him. But if they had any King at all, in whom they might boast it was the Kings Maiestie of England, who hitherto had [ 30] beene their Protector, otherwayes they had neuer bragged of their States, at which speeches, both Spa∣niards, Portugals, and others did laugh apace, and so the Hollanders mouth was stopped, &c.

And now for newes in these parts, may it please you to vnderstand that this Emperor is a great Enemy to the name of Christians,* 9.6 especially Iapans, so that all which are found are put to death, I saw fifty fiue mar∣tyred at Miaco, at one time when I was there, because they wold not forsake their Christian Faith, & amongst them were little Children of fiue or sixe yeeres old burned in their mothers armes, Crying out, Iesus re∣ceiue their soules. Also in the Towne of Naugasaque, there was sixteene more martyred for the same matter, whereof fiue were burned and the rest beheaded and cut in pieces, and cast into the Sea in Sackes of thirtie fathome deepe: yet the Priests got them vp againe, and kept them secretly for Reliques. There is many more in Prison in diuers other places, as also heere, which looke hourely when they shall die, for very few turne Pagans. Also this last yeere before Christmas, the Emper••ur hath displaced one of the [ 40] greatest Princes of Iapan, called Frushma Tay, of sixtie or seuentie Mangocas, and turned him into a Corner, in the North parts of Iapan, where hee hath but a small portion in respect of that was taken from him, and this must bee doe or cut his belly. It was thought there would haue beene much trouble in Iapan about it,* 9.7 for all Frushma Tayes Subiects were in Armes, and meant to haue held it out to the vt∣termost, hauing fortified the Citie of Frushma, and gotten prouision into it for a long time, but the Tay himselfe and his Sonne being in the Emperours Court, he commanded them to write to their Vassals, to lay downe their Armes and submit themselues to the Emperours pleasure, or else forth-with to cut their bel∣lies. So life was sweete vnto them, and all rendred vnto the Emperour, and those pardoned which had ta∣ken vp Armes in the defence of the Tay. And the Emperour hath giuen his Dominions being two King∣domes, [ 50] to two of the Emperours owne Kinsmen, and now this yeere the Emperour hath pulled downe his Castle at Frushamy, which I thinke was f••••re bigger then the Citie of Rochester, a very beautifull and gallant thing, wherein I saw him this yeere, and all the stones are carried to Osackay, and that old rui∣nated Castle which Ticus Samma built,* 9.8 and Og••sha Samma pulled downe, must now bee built againe, three times bigger then it was before, so that all the Tones or Kings, haue each one their taske set them to doe at their owne proper charge, not without much grudging, they hauing leaue after so many yeeres, to re∣turne to their owne Lands, and now on a suddaine, are all sent for againe to come to the Court, which an∣greth them not a little, but they must, ••••ll they will they; in paine of belly-cutting. Yet at this very instant, heere is a s••cret muttering, that Fidaia Samma the Sonne of Ticus Samma is aliue; and in the Daires House at Miaco but I thinke it hath beene reported diuers times heretofore that hee was aliue, and in o∣ther [ 60] places but proued vntrue, yet here are some rich Merchants at Miaco, hereat present, which are af∣fraid, and are readie to goe vp on a suddaine, for feare the Emperour should burne Miaco, if it be true, he be aliue, and out of d••ubt if he be aliue, it may turne the Emperours Estate vpside downe, for hee is no Marshall man, but a great Politician: once, howsoeuer it bee, it cannot bee worse for vs then it is, &c And as I aduised you in my last, of the pulling downe of all the Churches in Iapan, yet there were some

remnants standing in Naugasaque till this yeere, and the Monasterie of Misericordia not touched, nei∣ther any Church-yard nor Buriall place, but now by order from the Emperour all is pulled downe, and all Graues and Sepultures opened, and dead mens bones taken out, and carried into the Fields by their Pa∣rents and Kindred to be buried else-where. And streets made in all their places, where both Churches or Church-yards were, except in some places, where the Emperour hath commanded Pagods to bee erected, and sent Heathen Priests to liue in them, thinking vtterly to roote out the memory of Christianitie out of Iapan. For there were certaine places a little without the Citie of Naugasaque, where diuers Fathers and other Christians were martyred, in the time of Ogosha Samma, where their Parents and Friends had planted greene Trees, and set vp Altars neere each Tree, vnto which place many hundreds went euery [ 10] day to pray, but now by command from the Emperour, all the said Trees and Altars are quite cut downe, and the ground made euen, such is his desire to root out the remembrance of all such matters.

And in Anno 1618. in the moneths of Nouember and December, heere were two Comets seene o∣uer all Iapan, the first rising in the East, being like a great fiery beame rent to the South-wards,* 9.9 and there within the space of a moneth vanished away. The other did also rise iust East, being a great blasing Starre, and went North-wards, and within a moneth vanished quite away about the Constellation of Charles-wayne, or Vrsa Maior. The Wissards in these parts doe prognosticate great matters thereof, but hitherto nothing of moment hath happened, but the deposing of Frushma Tay, aforesaid.

But I am ashamed to write you the newes the Portugals and Spaniards report,* 9.10 and some of them haue shewed me Letters to verifie it, and is of a bloudie Crosse seene in the Ayre in England, against which an English Preacher speaking in the Pulpit was strooke dambe, which Miracle, as they terme it, caused our [ 20] Kings Maiestie to send to the Pope, to haue some Cardinals and Learned men to come into England, for that he meant all England should turne Roman Catholikes. I pray you pardon me for writing such fop∣peries which I doe, to the intent to haue you laugh a little, yet I assure you, heere are many Portugals and Spaniards, will not be perswaded to the contrary. I know not what else to write, but I hope by the next shipping which commeth for this place to come towards England, where God grant I may find you in good health, &c.

Your Worships at command, RICHARD COCK.

To the Right Worshipfull Sir Thomas Wilson, &c.

[ 30]

I haue heere added for the Readers profit and delight this Map of Iapan, published by I. HONDIVS.

[illustration]

[ 40] [ 50] [ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Another Feast with a Comoe∣die.
• * 1.2

  Iunketting.
• * 1.3

  Their Play, in which the Kings them∣selues were Authors, with their greatest Nobles.
• * 1.4

  Their acting, song and mu∣sicke.
• * 1.5

  Cushma. Corea.
• * 1.6

  Dutch iealousie
• * 1.7

  Langasaque bad people.
• * 1.8

  Nouember. 1. 1613.
• * 1.9

  Forewarned forearmed.
• * 1.10

  Bishop in Iapan
• * 1.11

  The Pagod is the Idol, or I∣dol-temple, or both.
• * 1.12

  Order to pre∣uent Fire-knaues, and Night-cryes.
• * 1.13

  A Iesuite.
• * 1.14

  Capt. Saris his returne ••rom the Emperours Court.
• * 1.15

  Merchants of Miaco play the Merchants.
• * 1.16

  George the Por∣tugall sent the General a Pre∣sent of Iapan Figs and Chesnuts.
• * 3.1

  Trade at Syam.
• * 3.2

  M. Peacocke sl••ine in Co∣chinchina.
• * 3.3

  Iesuites bani∣shed.
• * 3.4

  Foyne Same dead.

  Ciuill Warres in Ia••a••. Osakay.
• * 3.5

  Fushma.
• * 3.6

  Ozacay burnt. Sacay.
• * 3.7

  Most terrible Tuffon.
• * 3.8

  Hope of Trade in China.
• * 3.9

  Hollanders di∣stasted by Chi∣neis and Iapan: Portugalls not accepted.
• * 3.10

  Presents a cu∣stome for eue∣ry ship.
• * 3.11

  Corea Bogges and sailing waggons.
• * 3.12

  Paquin:
• * 4.1

  Hollanders acts in Moluccas.
• * 4.2

  Spaniards and Portugals feare.
• * 4.3

  Hollanders rob the Iunckes of China.
• * 4.4

  Hollanders sea force.
• * 4.5

  Iesuits play the Factors Agēts, and Beggers in these parts, as by all ••ndian relations m••y appeare. Fame of the English in the remote East.
• * 4.6

  Force of Tem∣pests in Iapan.
• * 4.7

  Ill successe of some English in Cauchin-China.
• * 4.8

  Perfidy reuen∣ged.
• * 5.1

  Forty thou∣sand Iaponians lost in Ciuill warres.
• * 7.1

  Capt. George Barkeley.
• * 7.2

  Trade in Cau∣chinchina vn∣lucky.
• * 7.3

  Fight of Hol∣landers and Spa∣niards.
• * 7.4

  Hollanders wronging the English name.
• * 9.1

  Hollanders abu∣ses of the Eng∣lish in those parts, are here published for knowledge of the Easterne Affaires, and Occurrents, as it is meet in a Historie. But neither were these Nationall but personall Crimes, and done in time and place of pretended Ho∣stilitie, and now I hope sa∣tisfaction is or sha••l ••e m••de. Neighbour∣hood of Re∣gion▪ Reli∣gion and Cu∣stomes; are e••sily violated by Drink, Co∣uetousnesse & Pride, the three ••uries th••t raysed th••se Combu∣bustions. This Historie hath related the worth of many Worthy Hollanders; if it yeelds a Close-stoole for Westarwood (as E••••••••∣ments rather then true Dutch) or a Graine-Tub or Swil-••ub for some braue Brewers and Bores, that embrewed with Nobler bloud then themselues haue, preferre their brutish passions to Gods Glorie, Religion, and publike Peace, let it be no imputation to the Nation (which I loue and honour) but to such ba••er spirits as haue (like Scorbuticall humours in these long Voyage••, and their lon∣ger peace and want of wonted employments) beene bred as Diseases to their, and infections to our bodie. My intent is to present others with their Acts, my selfe with Prayers that all may be amended.
• * 9.2

  This Iohn Iordaine is said in the time of t••••••tie to haue beene treacherously slaine.
• * 9.3

  And who w••s the happy instrument of th••••r deliuerie, from that which they ac∣count slauerie, but the English?
• * 9.4

  Vnchristian, vnciuill, inhu∣mane, imm••ne, Deuillish Im∣pietie.
• * 9.5

  Brags of a Hollander.
• * 9.6

  Persecutio••.
• * 9.7

  ••••ushma de∣stroyed.
• * 9.8

  Tidaia Samma sonne of Tico Sama.
• * 9.9

  Comets which appeared also in these patts.
• * 9.10

  Ex vn••ue Leo∣nem. You may guesse of their Tales of Mira∣cles at home & abroad, by this.