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.

CHAP. III. [ 20] Relation of Master RICHARD COCKES Cape Merchant, Of what past in the Generals absence going to the Emperours Court. Whereunto are added diuers Letters of his and others for the better knowledge of Iaponian Affaires, and later Occurents in those parts.

[ 30] §. I. The Kings care, vnreadinesse of ours, Iaponian Saperstitions, strange tempest.

THe seuenth of August, all things being in a readinesse, our Generall in company of Master Adams,* 1.1 departed from Firando towards the Emperours Court of Ia∣pan, and tooke with him Master Tempest, Peacocke, Master Richard Wickham, Edward Saris, Walter Carwarden, Diego Fernandos, Iohn Williams a Taylor, Iohn Head a Cooke, Edward Bartan the Chirurgions Mate, Iohn Iapan Iurebasso, Ri∣chard Dale, Cox Swaine, and Anthonie Ferre a Sayler, with a Caualeere of the [ 40] Kings for Guardian and two of his Seruants, and two Seruants of M. Adams. And so they depar∣ted in a Barke or Barge of the Kings, which rowed with some twentie Oares on a side, and had thirteene Peeces of Ordnance shot off at departure.

I went to complement with the two Kings, (as being sent from the Generall) to giue them thankes for prouiding so well for him for his Iourney; they tooke it kindly. And I verily thinke the old King tooke notice of some of our mens euill behauiour this last night. For he willed me to put the Master in minde to looke well to them aboord, and that I should haue a care on shoare, that matters might be as well managed in the Generals absence, as when hee was heere present, otherwise, the shame would bee ours, but the dishonour his. Wind a stiffe gale at North-east, most part of the day but calme all night.

The ninth, a Iapan Boy called Iuan, came and offered me his seruice, hee speaking good Spa∣nish, [ 50] asking me nothing but what I pleased, and so to serue nine or ten yeares, and to goe with me for England, if I pleased. I entertayned him, the rather, because I did find the Iuribasso Mi∣gell, which Master Adams left with me to bee something stubborne, and loued to runne abroad at his pleasure, leauing mee without any one that could speake a word. I bought him two Iapan Garments cost me fourteene Mas, hee is a Christian and most of his Kinred dwell at Langasa∣que: only one dwelleth heere, who came with him and passed his word for him. Hee serued a Spaniard three yeares at Manilias.

The thirteenth, I shewed our commodities to certaine Merchants of Maioco, but they bought nothing, only their chiefe desire was to haue had Gun-powder. Semidone went aboord the ship to accompany certaine strange Caualeroes, and afterward hee brought them to see the English [ 60] House. I gaue them the best entertaynment I could.

The nineteenth at night, began the great Feast of the Pagans,* 1.2 they inuiting their dead kin∣dred, banquetting and making merry all night with candle-light at their graues: this Feast en∣dured three dayes, and as many nights. And very strict command was giuen from the King, that

euery house should grauell the street before their doores, and hang out candle-light in the night: in doing whereof I was not slacke; and as I was informed, a poore man was put to death, and his house shut vp, for disobeying therein. The China Captaine furnished me with a couple of paper Lanternes very decent. And I was informed the Kings would ride about the streets, and come to visite me: so I made readie a banquet, and expected them vntill after midnight, but they came not at all.

On the twentieth, one and twentieth, and two and twentieth, I sent presents to both the Kings (being informed that it ••as the vse of the Countrey) of Wine and banquetting stuffe; as likewise to Nobesane the yong Kings brother, and to Semidone, the old Kings Gouernour, and Vnagense, which were well accepted. Some Caualeros came to visite our house, and receiued the [ 10] best entertainment I could giue.

On the three and twentieth, we made an end of landing our Gun-powder, being in all ninety nine barrells, of which I aduised the Gener••ll by letter, to reserue conuenient store for our selues, if he sold the Emperour the rest. We landed diuers other things, which things the Master thought good to send ashore,* 1.3 because our men begin to filtch and steale, to go to Tauernes and Whore-hou∣ses. The Purser, Master Melsham and my selfe, dined at Semydones this day: and the Master and Master Eaton were likewise inuited, but did not goe: he vsed vs kindly.

* 1.4This day the great Feast made an end, and three companies of Dancers went vp and downe the Towne with flags or banners, their musicke being Drummes and Pans; at the sound whereof they danced at euery great mans doore, as also at all their Pagods and Sepulchres. [ 20]

The foure and twentieth at night, all the streets were hanged with candle-light, for that the yong King and his brother,* 1.5 with Nabesone, Semydone, and many others went with a Maskarado, or to dance at the old Kings house: the yong King and his brother were mounted on horse-back, and had Canopies caried ouer them; the rest went on foote, and the musicke was Drummes and Kettles, as aforesaid; and Nabesone winded a Phife: I was informed they meant to visite the English House at their backe returne: so I sate vp vntill after midnight, hauing a banquet in rea∣dinesse, and in the end they returned confusedly, and out of order; so I thinke there was some discontent, once none of them entred into the English house: Captaine Brower went along by the doore, but would not looke at vs, and we made as little account of him.

The seuen and twentieth, we landed other three peeces of Ordnance, viz. all whole Culue∣rin, [ 30] all which sixe peeces are Iron Ordnance. The old King came downe when they were about it, and seeing but twentie men, offered them seuentie or an hundred Iapans to helpe them; but very quickly, in his sight, our men got them ashore, which he maruelled at, and said an hundred of his men would not haue done it so soone; so hee sent for a barrell of wine, and certaine fish, and gaue it to our people for labouring so lustily.

The eight and twentieth, I receiued two letters from our Generall, by the Gouernour of Shi∣mon••seke, dated the nineteenth and twentieth of this moneth, with two other from Master Pea∣cock▪ and Master Wickham: this Gouernour came not ashore at Ferando, but deliuered the Letters aboord to the Master, and so went directly for Langasaque, and promising to returne hither short∣ly. A••so I carried a letter to the old King Foyne, which the said partie brought: Master Mel∣sham [ 40] and Harnando accompanied me: the King gaue a Cattan to Master Melsham, and another with a Spanish Dagger to Harnando, and gaue both me and them certaine bunches of Garlick, and gaue vs leaue to drie our Gun-powder on the toppe of the Fortresse; offering vs of his people to helpe ours, if they thought good. And I receiued a land into the English House two and twen∣tie barres of lead, and put into our new lodge and hundred an twentie fiue Culuerin shot, round and langrell. And as wee were going to Supper, the old King came and supped with vs, being very merry, and tooke such fare as we had, in good part.

The first of September, the old King, with all the Nobilitie, made a Maskerado; and this night following went to visite the yong King his Grand-child,* 1.6 with musicke as aforesaid, all the streets being hanged with Lanternes; and I was informed he meant to visite our English House at [ 50] returne: so I made readie for him, and stayed his returne till after midnight, but he p••ssed by with the rest of the company, and entred not into the House. I thinke there was not so few as three thousand persons in company with him, which I make account was the occasion he went by, be∣cause he would not trouble vs.

The second, Semydon and others, being appointed by the King, measured all the houses in the street;* 1.7 our English house being measured amongst the rest: I vnderstand it was for a generall taske to bee paid for making Fortresses by the Emperours appointment. I entertained them to content.

The fourth, we had newes the Queene of Spaine was dead, and the King a Suter to the Princes Elizabeth of England. [ 60]

The sixt, a Caualero, called Nombosque, came to visite our English House, and brought mee a present of two great bottells of wine, and a basket of Peares. I gaue him the best entertainment I could, and he departed content.

The seuenth in the morning, much raine, with wind encreasing all day and night variable, from

the East to the South, and in the night happened such a storme or Tuffon,* 1.8 that I neuer saw the like in all my life▪ neither was the like seene in this Countrey in mans memory, for it ouerthrew aboue an hundred houses in Firando, and vncouered many other; namely, the old Kings house, and blew downe a long wall which compassed the young Kings house, and carryed away bough••s or branches of trees: & the Sea went so high▪ that it vndermined a great Wharfe o•• Key at the Dutch House, and brake downe the stone-wall, and carryed away their Staires, and sunke and brake them two Barkes, as also fortie or fiftie other Barkes were broken and sunke in the Roade. It brake downe our Kitchen wall at the English House, which was newly made, and flowed into [ 10] our Ouen, and brake it downe, and blew downe the tyles, and vncouered part both of the house and kitchen, and the house did shake, like as if there had beene an Earthquake; I neuer passed night in all my life in such feare,* 1.9 for the barbarous vnruly people did runne vp and downe the streets all night with fire-brands, that the wind carried great coales quite ouer the tops of houses, and some houses being carryed away, the wind whirled vp the fire which was in them, and car∣ried it into the ayre in great flakes, very fearefull to behold; so that the greatest feare I had was that all would haue been consumed with fire: and I verily thinke it had, had it not been for the extreame raine which fell (contrary to the true nature of a Tuffon) being accompanied with lightning and thunder. Our shippe roade at an anchor with fiue Cables, and as many Anchors, whereof one old Cable burst, but God be thanked no other hurt done: our long Boat and Skiffe were both driuen from the shippe, yet both recouered againe: And as it is said, it did more hurt [ 20] at Langasaque then heere, for it brake aboue twentie China Iunckes, and the Spanish ship which brought the Embassadour from the Manilleas or Philippinas.

The twelfth, two Merchants of Miaco came to our English house, vnto whom I shewed all our Commodities; they laid by two broad-cloths, viz. a Stammel and a Blacke,* 1.10 the best they could find, and offered seuen Tais Iapan money the yard: also they saw our Priaman Gold, and offered eleuen Tais Iapan plate, for one Tais Gold: but went away without doing any thing. Francis Williams beeing drunke ashoare, did strike one of the old Kings men with a cudgell,* 1.11 which gaue him no occasion at all, nor spake a word to him. The man came to the English house and com∣plained, being very angry (and not without cause) giuing me to vnderstand, that he would in∣forme the King his Master, how he was misused by our people. He had three or foure in Compa∣ny [ 30] with him, who did see him abused, and that he which did it, was newly gone aboord the ship. I gaue them faire words, and desired them to goe aboord, and find out the partie, and they should see him punished to their contents; and to that effect, sent Miguell our Iurebasso along with them: so they found out the said Williams, who would haue denied it, if the matter had not been too manifest; but he stood stiffely against it with oathes; yet the Master caused him to be brought to the Capstaine in their presence, which they seeing, intreated for his pardon, knowing he was drunke, but he was so vnruly, that he tooke vp a crow of Iron to haue stricken the fellow in pre∣sence of the Master, vsing the Master in very bad termes.

The thirteenth, I vnderstood, that Foyne the old King of Firando was sicke, whereupon I sent Miguel our Iurebasso to visit him, and to carry a Present of one great bottle of the Generals sweet [ 40] wine, and two boxes of Conserues, Comfits, and Sugar-bread, offering him my Seruice, beeing very sory to heare of his sicknesse, and that I would haue come my selfe, but that I knew compa∣ny was not pleasing to sicke men. He tooke my Present in very good part, and returned me ma∣ny thanks; wishing me not to let to aske for any thing we had need of, either for the ship, or a∣shoare, and he would giue such order, as we should be furnished.

The foureteenth in the morning betimes, the Master came ashoare, and told me that most part of the ships company had lien ashoare all night without asking him leaue, notwithstanding the great wind which had continued all night, and the ship on ground. So he willed me to let Mi∣guell our Iurabasso goe along with him to seeke them out, which I was content he should doe, and would haue accompanied him my selfe, but he was vnwilling, telling me it was needlesse.* 1.12 But [ 50] M. Melsham the Purser went along with him, and he found diuers drinking and domineering; he bestowed blowes amongst some of them, and notwithstanding the Master had commanded Lam∣bart and Colphax to retire aboord, yet they staid ashoare all day, notwithstanding the great need was aboord about ships businesse, diuers Iapans being hired to helpe them: and Lambart and Col∣phax being drunke, went into the field and fought, Lambart being hurt in the arme, and remained drunken ashoare all night, as Boles did the like, and so had done two or three nights before, and quarrelled with Christopher Euans, about a whoore.

The seuenteenth of September,* 1.13 I was giuen to vnderstand the Bastian which keepeth the whoore-house gaue it out, that if I came any more into his house to seeke for our people, he would kill me, and such as came with me. Whereupon I went and complained to the young King, be∣cause [ 60] the old was sicke: and at my request, the King made Proclamation, that no Iapanese should receiue any of our people into their houses after day light was done, vpon great paine, and that it should be lawfull for me, or any other that accompanied me to goe into any Iapans house to seek for our men, without any molestation; and that they themselues should aide and assist me: and if the doore were not opened at my comming, I might lawfully breake them downe: and a soul∣diour

was sent to Bastian to signifie vnto him, he should take heed he did not molest or disturbe me in my proceedings: for if he did, he should be the first that should pay for it. This angred our peo∣ple in such sort, that some of them gaue it out, they would drinke in the fields, if they might not bee suffered to doe it in the Towne; for drinke they would, although they sought it in the countrey.

The sixe and twentieth, Nouasca dona came to visit me at the English house, and brought me two bottles of wine,* 1.14 seuen loaues fresh bread, and a dish of flying fish, and as he was with me, the old King came by the doore, and said, he met two men in the street as he came along, which hee thought were strangers, and none of our people, wherefore he willed that Swanton and our Iure∣basso might goe along with one of his men, and he would shew them to them, which they did, [ 10] and found it was Iohn Lambart and Iacob Charke, who were drinking water at a doore in the streete as he passed by. I was glad the King looked so neare after them; for it caused our men to haue a better care of their proceedings.

The seuen and twentieth, M. William Pauling Masters mate, hauing been long sicke of a con∣sumption,* 1.15 died at the English house, whereof I aduertised the old King by Miguel our Iurebasso, desiring a buriall place for him among the Christians, which he graunted me. So we put the dead corps into a winding sheete, and coffind it vp, letting it rest till morning. Then the Master, and diuers others of the ships company, came to the English house, to accompanie the dead corps to the graue, and then were we giuen to vnderstand, that of force we must transport it by water, as farre as the Dutch house,* 1.16 onely because the Bose (or Priests) would no•• suffer vs to passe through [ 20] the street (with the dead corps) before their Pagod or Temple: so the Master sent for the Skiffe, and conueied the dead body by water to the place aforesaid, we going all ••y land, and met it, and so accompanied it to the place of buriall, the Purser going before, and all the rest following af∣ter, the coffin being couered with a Holland sheet, and vpon that a Silke quilt, we being followed with many of that countrey people, both young and old. And after the corps was enterred, we re∣turned all to the English house, and there made collation, and so our people returned aboord about ships businesse. But I had almost forgot to note downe, that we had much adoe to get any one of these countrey people to make the graue, that a Christian was to be buried in; neither would they suffer the dead corps to be conueied by water in any of their boates. The King commaun∣ded that all the streetes in Firando should be made cleane,* 1.17 and channell rowes made on either side, [ 30] to conuey away the water, the streetes being grauelled, and the channels couered ouer with flat stones; which worke was all done in one day, euery one doing it before his owne house. It was admirable to see the diligence euery one vsed therein: our house was not the last a doing, the Cap∣taine Chinesa (our Land-lord) setting men a worke to doe it.

The thirtieth, certaine Merchants of Miaco came and had sight of all our commodities, and laid out the best Stammell cloth we had, and offered twelue Tais a fathome for it, and so departed without doing any thing. We had extream winds both day & night, so that we thought another Tuffon had beene come; for all the fishermen haled their boates on shoare, and euery one bound fast the couering of their houses:* 1.18 for a Bose (or Coniurer) had told the King (a weeke since) that this tempest would come. Our Chirurgion being in his pots, came into a house where a Bose was [ 40] coniuring for a woman, to know of her husbands or friends returne from Sea: so when he had done he gaue him three pence to coniure againe, and tell him when our General would returne for this place, which in the ende he assured him would be within eighteene dayes; hee said, hee heard a voice answer him from behind a wall, both when he coniured for the woman, as also when hee coniured for himselfe.

The second of October, the Master sent me word that some of our ships company were runne away with the Skiffe,* 1.19 viz. Iohn Bowles, Iohn Sares, Iohn Tottie, Christopher Euans, Clement Locke, Iasper Malconty, and Iames the Dutchman. I was in way to goe to the King to get boats to send after them, but our Dutch Iurebasso, (entertained for ships vse) came running after mee, and told me our people were on the other side, making merry at a Tap-house: which speeches caused me [ 50] to returne to the English house, and to get a boat for the Master to goe looke them out: but they prooued to be others; namely, William Marinell, Simon Colphax, and Iohn Dench, who had hired a Boat, and were gone ouer to an other Iland, because they could not haue swinge to walke by night in Firando. So in the meane time, our Run-awayes had the more time to runne away.

This night about eleuen a clock, the old Kings house on the other side the water was set on fire, and quite burned downe in the space of an houre. I neuer saw a more vehement fire for the time, it is thought his losse is great;* 1.20 and as it is said, ••e himselfe set it on fire, in going vp and down in the night with lighted canes, the coales whereof fell amongst the mats, and so tooke fire.

The third, I went to visit the old King, giuing him to vnderstand by his Gouernour, that I was very sorry for the mischance happened the night past, and that I pretended to haue come my [ 60] selfe in person to haue holpen the best I could, but that I stood in doubt whether my companie would haue been acceptable, I being a stranger, yet assuring him that he should find me readie at all times, to doe him the best seruice I could, although it were with hazard of my life: he returned me many thanks; saying, the losse he had sustained was nothing. And in returning to the English

house, I met the young King going to visit his Grandfather. And before noone wee had word, that our Run-awayes were at a desart Iland, some two leagues from F••rando, which I made knowne to both the Kings, desiring their assistance and counsel, how we might fetch them backe againe; they answered, that backe they would fetch them either aliue or dead: yet they would be loth to kill them, in respect we might want men to carry our ship backe for England. I gaue them thanks for the care they had of vs; yet withall gaue them to vnderstand, that although these knaues miscarried, yet we had honest men enough to saile the ship for England. In fine, the King made ready two boats full of souldiours to goe after them, with full determination to bring them backe either aliue or dead, which I made knowne to the Master, who desired verie [ 10] much to goe along with them.

§. II. Lies of or on the Deuill, and vproares about fire. Deceit of Nangasack. Suspitions, Feasts, Spanish Occurrents.

THe fourth of October, there was report giuen out, that the deuil had answered by their Oracle to their Bose or Coniurers, that the Towne of Firando should bee burned to [ 20] ashes this night, so that cryers went vp and downe the streets all night, making such a noyse, that I tooke but little rest; they gaue warning that euery one should put out their fire, yet God be thanked, the Deuill was prooued a lyer therein:* 1.21 for no such matter hap∣pened.

The fifth, the old King Foyne Same came to the English house, where I gaue him the best enter∣tainement I could: he also told me, that our Fugitiues could not escape taking, and that hee had sent out two other men of warre after the two former. And as I was talking with him about these matters, there came a Cauelero, and brought him a Letter from the Emperours Court, and said, that our Generall would be here at Firando within eight or tenne dayes; for that the Emperour had dispatcht him away before his comming from thence.

[ 30] The King told me, that the Gouernour (or King) of Langasaque, called Bon Diu, would bee here at Firando to morrow, telling me it were good our ship shot off three or foure Peeces of Ord∣nance as he passed by. This Gouernour is the Empresses brother. And there is an other Iapan Gouernour, or King, in Towne, of a place called Seam.

The seuenth, our Master, M. Iames Foster returned from Langasaque, and had brought the Skiffe with him, but all the men were gotten into Sanctuarie in the Towne, so that he could not come to speech any one of them. I was informed, that Miguell our Iurebasso dealt doubly both with the Master and my selfe: for I sent him along to be linguist, and assist the Master, and diuers Iapans came to me, telling me, that he both spake with our people, and gaue them counsell to ab∣sent themselues. Once I did perceiue how the world went, and doubted the priuy conueyance [ 40] of our people, which was like to ensue, if this Bon Diu the Gouernour were not extraordina∣rily dealt withall: whereupon a Present was laid out.

Afternoone, the Bon Diu passed along the street before our English house on foot, hee being ac∣companied with the young King (who gaue him the vpper hand) with aboue fiue hundred fol∣lowers after them. I went out into the streete, and did my dutie to them, and the Bon Diu stood still when he came to the doore, and gaue me thanks for the Ordnance were shot off at his passing by our ship. I desired pardon of his Greatnesse, if I had neglected my dutie hitherto, which was by meanes of the small acquaintance I had in the Countrey, but that I meant to visit him at his lodging, or aboord his Iuncke, before he went; he answered me, I should be very welcome. So it was darke night before he came to his lodging. At which time I carried the Present abouesaid, [ 50] which hee accepted of in very good sort, offering to doe our Nation any good he could at the Court, whither he was now bound, or else where. And so of his owne accord, hee beganne to speake of our Fugi••iues, asking me if he brought them backe againe, whether they should be par∣doned all for his sake for this fault. I answered him, it was not in my power to pardon them, but in our General, which no doubt (except it were one or two, which were the chiefe authors of this and other euils which deserued punishment) that the rest might easily goe free. He said, that his de∣sire was for pardon for all in generall, without exception. I answered, that I knew our Generall would be contented with any thing, his Greatnesse and the two Kings of Firando would desire. To conclude, he told me, that if I would giue it vnder writing of my owne hand, in faith of a Christian, that all in generall should be pardoned for this time, and that I would procure the Ge∣nerall [ 60] to confirme the same at his returne, that then he would send to Langasaque for them, and deliuer them into my owne custody: otherwaies he would not meddle in the matter, to be the oc∣casion of the death of any man. I said I was contented with any thing it pleased his Greatnes to command, and so to giue the said writing vnder my hand, prouided all our men might be brought backe. And so I returned to the English house, the Dutch comming after with an other Present, but we were before them.

The eight, Semidone passing by our doore, told mee that Bon Diu had a Brother in companie, which expected a present, although it was not fitting it shuld be so much, as his Brothers. So vpon aduice with others I laid by a present for him, as followeth; & going to deliuer it, the Flemmings were before me with another, Captaine Brower himselfe being with it. Hee accepted very kind∣ly of the present, offering his assistance to our Nation, either at Court, or in the Countrey. And soone after he came to the English House himselfe, accompanied with many Caualeeres, where they looked on all our Commodities, yet hee went away and bought nothing, but gaue mee a small Cattan, and I gaue him two Glasse Bottles, two Gally-pots, and about halfe a Cattee of great Cloues, picked out from the rest of purpose, hee being desirous to haue them for Physicall matters, as he told me. I made him and his followers a collation, and so they departed content. And soone after Bon Diu, & the two Kings sent a Caualeero to me, to haue me to giue it in wri∣ting [ 10] vnder my hand, that our Run-awayes should not receiue any punishment for this fact, so by counsell of others I condescended thereunto, and made a Writing in promise and faith of a Chri∣stian, they procure their pardon for this time of the Generall; if I had not done this, out of doubt, we should neuer haue got them againe, but the Spaniard would haue conuayed them to the Manillies or Maluccoes, I not doubting but the Generall will allow of what I haue done. An•• presently after this man was gone I had word, that the Bon Diu, and his Brother would goe aboord to visit our ship, so I sent some banketting stuffe aboord, and went my selfe and met them, where they were ent••rtayned in the best sort we could, and Bon Diu gaue mee two Cat∣tans for a present, and so they departed with seuen Peeces of Ordnance shot off for a fare-well. But forth-with his Brother returned aboord againe, desiring to haue one of the little Monkeyes [ 20] for his Brothers children: so I bought one of the Master Gunner, cost me fiue Rials of eight, and sent him to Bon Diu, and being readie to goe ashoare, he was desirous to haue me g••e along with him in his Boate, which I did, he hauing three Peeces of Ordnance for a fare-well, which as I vnderstood afterwards, was much esteemed off of both Brothers, and being ashoare hee would needs accompany me home to our English House, which I was vnwilling of, yet hee would of force doe it. So I made him collation againe in Captaine Adams chamber: and so hee and the rest departed well contented, (as it seemed) I offering to haue accompanyed him backe to his lodging, but he would not suffer mee. And late at night Foyne Same the olde King sent a man to me to know the particular of the presents giuen to both the Brothers, and put it downe in wri∣ting, but for what occasion I know not. And I forgot to note downe how Bon Diu went to the [ 30] Dutch House to wash himselfe in the new Hot-house, and from thence it was that hee came a∣boord our ship.

The ninth, Bon Diu sent one of his men to me to giue mee thankes for his kind entertayn∣ment aboord, and by the same Messenger sent mee two Barrels of Miaco Wine for a Present. And soone after his Brother sent another man with two Barrels of Iapan Wine, with the like ceremonie: both of them being very earnest to haue a Prospectiue Glasse, and in the end I found an old one of Master Eatons, but soone after he returned me the said Glasse with thankes, not de∣siring at all to haue it.

The tenth, two of the Gouernours sonnes of Langasaque (I meane another Gouernour which dwelleth in the Towne) came to see our English House, they are Christians. I enter••ayned them [ 40] in the best sort I could, and shewed them our commodities, and after made them collation and gaue them Musicke, Master Hownsell and the Carpenter by chance being heere: and as wee were at it, old Foyne the King came stealing in vpon vs, and did as the rest did, and seeing the King and these Langasakians together, I willed our Iurebasso, to put out a word for the speedie sending backe ••f ou•• Run-awayes: which they all promised, prouided, that they should be pardoned for this fault, as I had formerly promised, which now againe I acknowledged. The old King desi∣red to haue a piece of English Beefe, and another of Porke, sod with Onions and Turnips, and sent to him to morrow.

The eleuenth, I sent Migell our Iurebasso to the old King, with the Beefe and Porke accom∣modated as afore-said, with a bottle of Wine, and sixe Loaues of white Bread: he accepted of it [ 50] in very kind part, hauing in his company at eating thereof, the young King his Grand-childe, and Nabison••, his Brother, with Semidone his Kinsman.

The twelfth, I went to visit both the Kings, and found old Foyne asleepe, but spake with his Gouernour,* 1.22 and from thence went to the young King, and spake with him himselfe: they gaue me thankes for the kind entertaynment I gaue vnto these strangers; which they tooke as done vnto themselues. And towards night the old King sent to visit me, and to tell me he vnderstood these people which are departed, had taken away certaine commodities from me, and payd mee what they themselues tho••ght good, and not that which I required, I returned him answere, that it was true that they had done so, but I know not whether it were the custome of this Countrey or no; for that I was giuen to vnderstand they vsed the like course both with Chine∣ses [ 60] and Portugalls at Langasaque, and that that which they had taken from mee, was not worth the speaking of. I was answered, that although they did so with the Chineses at Langasaque, which were a people de••ended not to trade into Iapan, yet could they not doe so to Strangers

that had free priuiledge to trade, especially heere in this place where these fellowes had no command nor nothing to doe. I replyed, I would come and speake with his Highnesse my selfe, and informe him of the truth: and in the meane-time returned humble thankes, for the care hee had to vse Iustice to Strangers as well as home-borne.* 1.23 Captaine Brower sent me word that they had taken diuers sorts of commodities from him, and paid him what they list for it: he also sent an emptie Bottle, desiring to haue it filled with Spanish Wine, for that hee had inuited certaine Strangers, and had none.

The thirteenth, I heard three or foure Gunnes, or Chambers goe off,* 1.24 which I thought had bin [ 10] done to entertayne the King at the Dutch House: but they were shot out of a China Iuncke, which passed by this place, and so went for Langasaque, and presently after the old King sent for me to come to dinner to the Dutch House, and Master Eaton with mee, and to bring a Bottle of Wine. Master Eaton had taken Physicke and could not goe, but I went: wee had a very good Dinner at the Dutch House, the meate being well drest both after the Iapan and Dutch fashion,* 1.25 and serued vpon Tables, but no great drinking. The olde King sa••e at one Table, accompanied with his eldest Sonne, and both the young Kings Brothers (for the young King himselfe was not there, sending word he was not well) at the other Table. First, sate Nabesone the old Kings Bro∣ther, and then my selfe, and next me Semidone, and then the old King•• Gouernour, and next him Zanzebars Father-in-law, and diuers other Caualeeroes on the other side. Captaine Brower did not sit at all, but carued at Table, all his owne people attending and seruing on their knees, and [ 20] in the end, he gaue drinke to euery one of his ghests, with his owne hands, and vpon his knees, which seemed strange to me, and when they had dined, all the Nobles went away, and Cap∣taine Brower would needs accompany me to the English House. I asked him why he serued these people vpon his knees, they sitting at Table: he answered me it was the fashion of the Country; and if the King himselfe made a Feast, hee did the like for the more honour of his ghests. And before night the old King Foyne came to the English House, and visited all parts, and made collati∣on, staying an houre talking of one thing and other.

The sixteenth, I was giuen to vnderstand that two Christians were come from Langasaque, so I went to their lodging to see what they were, as also to vnderstand some newes from our men (or Fugitiues) I found the one of them to bee a * 1.26 Flemming borne in Flushing, (as hee told mee) [ 30] and the other an Italian borne in the * 1.27 Duchie of Venice. They told mee that our seuen men (or Runawayes) were conueighed away secretly in a small Barke, which is gone for Macoro, and that they were runne to get passage in our ship to returne into their Countries, they told me Ma∣ster Adams knew them well. And they were very desirous to haue gone immediately aboord our ship, there to haue remayned, because they were Sea-faring men. The Flemming hauing ser∣ued the Spaniard three and twentie or foure and twentie yeares, and came a Masters Mate from Agua pulca for the Manillias or Ph••llippinas, they had good store of money, and would haue sent it aboord our ship, or haue brought it to the English House: but I told them that in our Generals absence I durst not presume to giue them entertainment. Yet notwithstanding, I would doe them any fauour I could at his returne, and so sent Migell our Iurebasso to the King to let him vnder∣stand, [ 40] that two such Strangers were come to Towne to seeke passage in our shippe, they being no Spaniards, nor yet Subiects to the King of Spaine. The King returned mee answere, that if they were such as I said they were, they were welcome: but if they were Castillians, or Portugalls, hee would permit none to stay in this place, his reason is, for that the Spanish Ambassador hath pro∣cured order from the Emperour of Iapan, that all Spaniards which are to be found in his Empire, shall retyre themselues into the Phillippinas, but these being no Spaniards; are out of that number.

The seuenteenth betimes, the two strangers came to mee, desiring me to accompany them to the old King, the better to countenance them; which vpon good consideration I did. They told me in the way, that our Fugitiues had reported at Langasaque that more would come after them, and not any man of account stay to carry away the ship; the occasion they said was, for that they [ 50] which had command ouer them, vsed them more like dogges then men: adding further, that if but twentie resolute Spaniards would take the matter in hand, with a small Boat or two they might easily take our shippe. The old King gaue vs all kind entertainment, and asked the stran∣gers many questions about the warres betwixt the Spaniards and Flemmings in the Moluccas;* 1.28 the which they said the Spaniards were determined to pursue very hotly, and to that effect had great forces prepared. They also told the King, they thought verily all our Fugitiues were secretly conueyed from Langasaque seuen daies past in a Soma, that departed from thence for Macow: but the King would not beleeue them, saying, it was not possible that such a man as Bon Diu, hauing passed his word to bring them backe, should be found to be false of his promise. In fine, he was very well contented, that these two strangers should stay heere, and goe along in our ship, if it [ 60] pleased the Generall to carry them. So the poore men returned to their lodgings wit•• much content: and told me in the way, that we might make account we had not lost all our men, but recouered two, that would remaine as faithfull to the death, as the othrrs had proued false. Ad∣ding further, that we needed not to wish any worse reuenge to our Fugitiues, then the bad en∣tertainment they were sure to haue of the Spaniards, comming bare and beggerly as they did, in such base sort.

* 1.29The eighteenth, there was a great Eclips of the Moone this night, it began about eleuen of the clocke, and endured from the beginning to the end 〈…〉〈…〉 houres, it was quite darkned.

The nineteenth, at night, about eleuen of the clocke, a fire began in Firando, neare vnto the yong Kings house,* 1.30 the wind being at North-east, which if it had so continued, most part of the Towne had beene burned: but the wind fell variable South-easterly, and in the end calme: yet notwithstanding forty houses were burned to the ground; and had not our English men bestirred themselues lustily, many more houses had gone to wrack, for the fire tooke hold three or foure times on the other side the street, where our English house was, but they still put it out, and were very much commended of the Kings, and all other in generall. The old King Foyne came on horse-backe to our doore, and wished vs to put all things into the Gadonge, and daube vp the doores, [ 10] and then it was out of danger. Captaine Brower, and some of his people, came very kindly to the English house, to haue a••s••sted vs by land or water, if need had bin: it cannot certainly be known how this fire began, but there is speeches amongst the Iapans, that there will be a greater fire then any of these, it being told them by the Diuell and their Coniurers: God grant it bee not done by some villanous ill minded people, thinking to rob and steale what they can lay hold on, in time of such trouble and confusion.

The twentieth in the morning, I went to the Dutch house to visite Captaine Brower, and to giue him thankes for his frien••ly visitation and assistance the last night. And towards night Har∣nando the Spaniard, and Edward Markes, returned from Langasaque, but could not come to sight of any of our Runawayes, yet it is certaine that they are in Langasaque. And a Portugall or Spa∣niard, [ 20] a great man in Langasaque about Sea-matters, told Edward Markes that wee should haue none of these men backe; but to the contrary, if all the rest would come, and leaue the shippe emptie, they would giue them entertainment: yea, and that which was more, if they would bring away the shippe and all, they should be the more welcome. The Iapan, which the King sent to accompany Edward Markes and Harnando, and to looke out our people, would not let Edward Marks budge out a doores in the space of one night and halfe a day after they were arriued there at Langasaque, He going abroad himselfe, and the Spaniard Harnando lying at another place. So I doubt some legerdy-maine betwixt them two, and am now out of all hope to haue any of our people come backe. I blamed the Iesuits, and the old King liked well of my speeches: and told me he would take such order hereafter, that none of our people should be carried to Langasaque, except they stole away our ship-boats, as the others did: of which I aduised the Master, Master [ 30] Iames Foster: and so an Edict was set out, that no man should carry or conuey away any of our people, without making it knowne vnto me, and telling the King thereof.

The three and twentieth, I was giuen to vnderstand of a great Pagan Feast that was to be per∣formed this day, and that both the Kings, with all the rest of the Nobilitie, accompanyed with diuers strangers,* 1.31 met together at a S••mmer-house, set vp before the great Pagod, to see a Horse-race: I thinke there was not so few as three thousand persons assembled together, as I esteemed in viewing of them. Euery N••bleman went on horse-backe to the place, accompanied with a ro••t o•• Slaues, some with P••kes, some with Small-shot, and others with Bowes and Arrowes: the Pike-men were placed on the one side of the streete, and the Shot and Archers on the other; [ 40] the middest of the streete being left void to runne the race: and right before the Summer-house (where the King and Nobles sate) was a round Buckler of straw hanged against the wall, at which the Archers on horse-backe running a full Careere, discharged their arrowes, both in the streete and Summer-house, where the Nobles sate; that neither the Present which we sent, nor we could haue entrance: And so we passed along the streete, beholding all, and returned another way to the English house. And late at night Zanzebars wiues brother came to the English house, and brought me a Present of a hanch of Venison, and a basket of Orenges: Zanzebar himselfe did accompany him. And about ten of the clocke in the night, the Captaine Chinesa (our Land-lord) came and knocked at the doore, telling me that the King had giuen expresse command, that euery house should haue a Tubbe of water ready on the toppe of their houses, for that the Diuell [ 50] had said the Towne should be burned this night:* 1.32 yet he proued a lyer. But for all that, we got a great Tubbe of water on the top of our house, which held twen••ie buckets of water: and men did runne vp and downe the streetes all night, bidding euery one looke to their fire, that it was strange and fearefull to heare them.

The foure and twentieth, this report of burning the Towne being still current, and euery one making prouision to preuent it, I made readie fifteene buckets, which cost sixe Condrins a peece, and filled them full of water, and hanged them vp in the yard, and set another great Tubbe by them full of water, besides that w••ich stood on the toppe of the house; and gaue order to make a couple of ladders, to carry water to the top of the house, and had formerly prouided nine emptie wine-barrels full of tempered clay, to daube vp our Gad••nge doores, if need should [ 60] require, God defend vs from any such necessitie. Three or foure men did runne vp and downe the stre••tes all night, making a horrible noyse, that euery one should haue a care thereof; that it was bot•• strange and fearefull to heare them.

The fiue and twentieth, the Captaine Chinesa our Land-lord, being sicke, sent for a piece of

Porke, which I sent him, and presently followed after my selfe to visite him, and carried him a small bottle of Spanish wine, and while I was there, Semedone and our Guardians father in law came likewise to visite him.

The King sent me word by Miguell our Iurebasso, that he had a bad opinion of Harnando Xime∣nes our Spaniard, and that he went about to haue runne away when he was last at Langasaque: but that I know is not so, for he had free libertie to goe when he would, without running away. Another complaint was also made of him, that he was a common Gamster, and had brought on diuers to play, and got their money: which report I doe rather beleeue then the other; and I find by experience, these people are no friend, neither of Spaniard nor Portugall, and loue them of [ 10] Langasaque the worse, because they loue them so wel. And I had almost forgotten to note downe,* 1.33 that the night past ill disposed people had thought to haue fired the Towne in three places, and in one place set a house on fire, but it was soone put out, and no hurt done; but the partie that did it was not found: out of doubt it is nothing but a villanie of these Coniurers and other base people, which are giuen to the spoile, hoping to get or steale away something when the Towne is on fire.

The sixe and twentieth, Master Melsham being very sicke, Zanzebar came to visite him, and put him in mind to take the Physicke of this Countrey,* 1.34 and that it would presently stop his Flax; and brought a Bonze or Doctor with him, to administer it: Master Melsham was very de∣sirous to take it, but that first our Chirurgion should see it: and so he gaue him two pils yesterday, two in the night, and two in the morning, with certaine other feeds; but for ought I could see, [ 20] it did him no good at all: God send him his heal••h. All our waste-clothes, pendants, Brasse shi∣uers, and other matters were sent aboord, and the ship put in order to receiue the Generall. An∣other house was set on fire the night past by villaines, but soone put out, and no hurt done. Our night-criers of fire doe keepe such a horrible noise (without forme or fashion) that it is impossible for any man to take rest.

The Captaine Chinesa being sicke, sent for some spiced Cakes, and a couple of waxe candles which I sent him, as I had done the like heretofore. Master Melsham now being weary of his Ia∣pan Physicke, returned to our Chirurgion, Master Warner. Whereat Zanzebar and his Doctor tooke pepper in the nose.

[ 30]

§. 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,* 1.35 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:* 1.36 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.* 1.37 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,* 1.38 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,* 1.39 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,* 1.40 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,* 1.41 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.

* 1.42The 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,* 1.43 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:* 1.44 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,* 1.45 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;* 1.46 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,* 1.47 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,* 1.48 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,* 1.49 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,* 1.50 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

  The old King sent 100. Tai•• in Iapan mo∣ney for our Generall to spend on the way, which I put to account by our Gene∣ra••s order as money lent.
• * 1.2

  Pagan Feast at Firando, being a kind of Can∣dlemas, Alsoules.
• * 1.3

  Loosenesse of some.
• * 1.4

  End of the great Feast.
• * 1.5

  Masking and dancing.
• * 1.6

  Septemb. 1. A Mask••.
• * 1.7

  Taxe for Forts
• * 1.8

  A mighty Tuf∣fon or Tem∣pest, with the strange eff••cts thereof.
• * 1.9

  Foolish super∣stitions.
• * 1.10

  Merchants of Miaco.
• * 1.11

  Of many mis∣demeanours, I permit some to passe the Pr••sse that the cause o•• so many deaths in the Indies, might be found rather to be imputed to their owne then the Ele∣men••s distem∣per, and for a caueat to o∣thers which shall send, or be sent into Eth∣nicke Regions; yet doe I con∣ceale the most and worst.
• * 1.12

  Vnrulinesse of some Manners
• * 1.13

  September. 17▪ 1613. Bastian the Bawd angry that his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were d••sturbed. The Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.14

  The King•• care of good Go∣uernment.
• * 1.15

  Death and bu∣riall of W. Pau∣ling.
• * 1.16

  Bonses supersti∣tion, and no lesse in the people.
• * 1.17

  Good obedi∣ence.
• * 1.18

  Coniuring coosening Knaues.
• * 1.19

  Octob. 2. 1613. Seuen English, viz. fiue English and two Flem∣mings which were bound for England run a∣way to the Spaniards.
• * 1.20

  The Kings house burned.
• * 1.21

  Deuill a liar, or belied.
• * 1.22

  A great Feast among the Pa∣gans began this day, it be∣ing told me it was like a Lent, or Pasques of the Papists.
• * 1.23

  B••n Dius Bro∣ther iniurious to the English and Dutch.
• * 1.24

  A China Iun••ke for Langasaque.
• * 1.25

  Dinner with the Dutch.
• * 1.26

  George Peter••son a Flush.
• * 1.27

  Daman Ma∣••yn a Venetian.
• * 1.28

  Macow a Town of Portugalls neere the Con∣tinent of China.

  Miguell the Iu∣rebasso, Capt. Adams h••s man was su••pected of double dea∣ling in this case of the Fu∣gitiues: the circumstances, I omit.
• * 1.29

  An Eclips of the Moone.
• * 1.30

  Fire in Firando.
• * 1.31

  Solemne Feast, the manner thereof.
• * 1.32

  The Diuell a∣gaine a lyer, if the Knaues be∣lyed not their Master.
• * 1.33

  A shame to be∣lye the Diuell so often.
• * 1.34

  Bonze Physi∣tian.
• * 1.35

  Another Feast with a Comoe∣die.
• * 1.36

  Iunketting.
• * 1.37

  Their Play, in which the Kings them∣selues were Authors, with their greatest Nobles.
• * 1.38

  Their acting, song and mu∣sicke.
• * 1.39

  Cushma. Corea.
• * 1.40

  Dutch iealousie
• * 1.41

  Langasaque bad people.
• * 1.42

  Nouember. 1. 1613.
• * 1.43

  Forewarned forearmed.
• * 1.44

  Bishop in Iapan
• * 1.45

  The Pagod is the Idol, or I∣dol-temple, or both.
• * 1.46

  Order to pre∣uent Fire-knaues, and Night-cryes.
• * 1.47

  A Iesuite.
• * 1.48

  Capt. Saris his returne ••rom the Emperours Court.
• * 1.49

  Merchants of Miaco play the Merchants.
• * 1.50

  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.