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. VIII. WILLIAM HORES Discourse of his Voyage in the Dragon and Expedition, from Surat to Achen, Teco and Bantam; and of the surprising the Dragon, Beare, Expedition, &c. in a Letter to the Companie.

To the Honorable Gouernour and Right Worshipfull Committees of the Companie of the English trading in the [ 10] EAST INDIA, &c.

Honorable and Right Worshipfull Sirs.

THe passages of your businesse, in Captaine Bonners Voyage, to and at Surat (till then and long after very hopefull) you haue by ma•••• aduises from themselues, and seuerall relations from others, largely and particularly vnderstood. Where∣fore I shall therein be purposely silent, intending according to my poore meanes and abilitie, (the one being lost with your ships, and the other hauing alwayes beene very small) to acquaint you onely with such accidents as vntill the said [ 20] ships taking hapned. Wherein I shall humbly beseech, that you would be pleased to pardon my presumption, in offering to your view these imperfect and vnworthy Lines, not doubting but others better able, will more accurately performe (what is by me omitted requisite your know∣ledge) then my insufficiency (especially at this time) is able to expresse, and poore imployment in your seruice affoorded not to be made partaker of.

* 1.1The Dragon and other ships of that Fleet parting with the Anne, the seuenteenth of Februa∣rie, 1618. the one and twentieth following, anchored before the Road and Towne of Dabull, (it being formerly ordered by consultation to touch there) and not long after came a Boat from the Gouernour-Deputie, to learne what and whence we were; whereof being certified, hee a∣gaine returned ashoare: and toward night, a graue man, Captaine of a Iuncke, then in the Road, [ 30] laden and bound for the Red Sea, with his sonne came aboord, bringing ten Oxen, ten Goats, three hundred Hennes, with great store of Rice, Fruits, &c. for a Present, to conferre with our Captaine about such things as should be propounded; and that night they lodged aboord. The morrow after (they remayning for pledges) Master Salbanke and Master Fursland went ashoare to the Deputie (the Gouernour himselfe being then at Court, eight dayes iourney distant) The Chiefes of the Towne,* 1.2 as they affirmed, entertayned them very kindly, professing likewise that they were much contented with the English arriuall, and had long desired to haue commerce with them, and to that end intreated to haue a Factorie left, or the ships to ride, till notice there∣of might be giuen to the Gouernour, because without his approbation they could not conclude of any thing. We had at this place great store of very good refreshing, indifferently cheape, large Beeues for sixe Rialls a piece, and Fruits, &c. great plentie for small prices: but none of the old [ 40] remnants in the Lion could vend, yet vpon future hopes, they promising fairely to deale hereaf∣ter for large quantities of broad Cloth, Lead, and other English commodities, Captaine Bonner deferred inforcing, aduising thereof to Surat, that the next yeeres Fleet might doe to them as oc∣casion required. The sixe and twentieth, the aforesaid Noghoda landed, to whom was giuen a faire in-laid Musket with the furniture thereof: He also earnestly desired an English Bible, which being giuen, he said, he would carefully keepe till some English were there resident, and then with their helpe would haue it translated into Arabeck for his owne vse.

It hath beene, I presume, long since related vnto your Worships, how that during your Fleets aboad at Swally, two Mallabar Frigots put themselues vnder command of your ships, affirming [ 50] themselues subiects to a Ragia of Echaree neere Goa, and pretending to be sent by the King their Master, to capitulate with the English about establishing a Trade with him for Pepper, his Coun∣trey, by their report, yeelding yeerly sufficient to lade two great ships, the triall whereof being by consultation assented vnto, they both attended the Fleet to this place: and here one of them desired leaue to depart before to the King to aduize of our comming, that his Pepper might bee in more readinesse against our arriuall, and that an English Merchant might accompanie him to view the commodities, and cut price with the King, for whom sufficient Hostage should be left abo••rd the Dragon. Which was likewise agreed vpon, Master Wight, Merchant, and I••o Tucker with him for Linguist,* 1.3 were dispeeded with him, and eight of the Prime men in both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 left for pledges. [ 60]

The Lion being formerly disposed of for the Red Sea, it was ordered that thee should keepe the other ships companie to Dabull, there to vent, if possible, part or all those remnants brought from the R••d Sea, for readie money▪ or to force them Trade, and the proceeding thereof to bee toward lading the Expedition with Pepper at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but the vnfitnesse of th••se commoditie••

for the Dabulleers, their faire promises and kind vsage, procure their quiet this yeere,* 1.4 for which cause the Lions companie being iudged needlesse any further. The seuen and twentieth, shee was dispeeded vpon her voyage: but before her departure, sixe hundred pounds sterling intended to be transported to Surat, was detayned for speedier lading the Expedition: hauing left Letters to to be sent to Surat: toward night the Dragen, &c. set saile, intending next for Batachala. At Dabull enquirie was made for Tho. Sprage, who was sent from Brampoore into Gulcandawe, to recouer a debt due by a Persian in that place, and at Surat it was reported, that the said Persian was forceably taken from him at this Towne, and Sprage also very much abused. But they de∣nie euer to haue seene or knowne any such men,* 1.5 but tooke notice from vs to apprehend both or [ 10] either if they should at any time happen on them.

The fift of March, we anchored at Batachala, shooting three Peeces to giue notice of our arri∣uall: and the next day about noone, Master Wight with the other Mallabar Frigat came aboord, by whom we vnderstood, that at the Kings Towne, some three dayes iourney thence, was Pep∣per to the quantitie of one hundred and fiftie Tunnes or vpward, but the price was held hard at fiftie Rialls of eight the Candee, and would not be brought lower then fortie seuen;* 1.6 the Pep∣per worse then that of Tercoo, and in all likelihood he had no intent for to sell it, but to keepe it for the Portugalls, with whom he hath continuall Trading, and this to bee but a deuice of those Rowers to free themselues from command of the English. The Candee at this place contayneth neere fiue hundred pounds.

Our hopes of this place prouing no better: the third present, we set saile thence. Running [ 20] along this Coast, we saw and met with many Iuncks of the Mallabars, and not finding ought in them, saue Coco-nuts and such trash, presently dismissed them, one excepted,* 1.7 belonging to the Samorine, which Captaine Bonner caused to returne with him, the sooner to procure satisfaction for goods and debts, left there by Peter Needham, &c. which Iuncke certified of another of the Samorines laden with Pepper, riding at Panana, some twelue leagues to the Southward of Cali∣cut, and bound for the Red Sea, at which place also the Samorine then kept his Court,* 1.8 where ar∣riuing the tenth dicto, a Messenger was sent to aduertise the ships arriuall, to require satisfaction for his debts, &c. and to renew a Trade with vs; all which motions hee seemed willing to en∣tertaine, promising the twelfth following to meet and confer with Captaine Bonner vpon the [ 30] shoare neere the Sea-side, and after an end made of the old, to begin a new businesse. The King came at the time prefixed, hauing the day before drawne ashoare and vnladen his Iuncke, she ri∣ding within a Riuer, at the mouth whereof was a great Barre, hindring our seizing her, whom Captaine Bonner (attended with a Guard of fiftie small shot, &c.) met, deliuered our Kings Maie∣sties Letter with a Present to him; and after long debating, it was concluded, that in regard we knew not the summe due by goods left with him and others, not hauing any notice thereof; the payment should be deferred till information from Needham might be procured, and with aduice of his Merchant consented to sell vs Pepper: at present, seuen or eight hundred Candees or more, at thirtie Rialls of eight, free of all charges. The Candee we found by triall thereof, with our English weights, to contayne fiue hundred and two pounds nete; whereupon resoluing, it was [ 40] concluded that the next day Master Wight and my selfe should view the quantitie and qualitie of the commoditie, which wee were to certifie Captaine Bonner (then aboord the small Pin∣nasse neere the shoare) who would thereupon haue landed, money, &c. and gone to weighing.

But that night the Kings mind changed, and we landing early next morning, were refused sight thereof vnlesse the King gaue expresse order thereto, to whom also going, hee demanded when our Captaine would land,* 1.9 which wee certified him would not bee till wee had seene the Pepper, and could iudge of the quantitie, and that then we should make signe for his comming. He then sent vs backe with one of his Kinsmen to the Merchants house, willing vs there to stay till he either came himselfe, or sent order for dipatch: but there we attended while past noone, and then not hearing ought returned to the King, who by his Iurabassa fell to discoursing of our Countrey manners, had Tumblers playing before him, and with such trifling delayes put off the [ 50] time till neere foure after noone, when we entreated him to giue vs an answere, that we might returne to the Captaine, who all this while expected our comming. Whereupon taking vs a∣side into a roome from sight of his people, he told vs, that he had many matters of import wher∣of to conferre with the Captaine, which he would not haue his owne people to take notice off, and to that end had appointed a priuate house to be prepared for his entertainment not far from his Court, and therefore willed that Master Wight should tarrie and accompanie him presently thither, and that I should returne to the Captaine and bring him to the place assigned. I desired to see it, but he refused, appointing one of his attendants to goe with me to the Sea-side, there to tarrie Captaine Bonners landing, and conduct him to the foresaid house. But by the way con∣sidering, how indiscreet it would seeme, to motion his going to a place I had neither seene nor [ 60] knew, especially in such a treacherous place, I told my Companion, that vnlesse I might first see where the King intended to meet, I would not aduise the Captaines landing; he perceiuing me resolute, left me, and directed one of his Slaues to shew it me; who lead me neere two English miles vp into the Countrey, and at length brought mee to a little house (but handsome enough)

sited in the midst of a small Wood, about which was a faire plaine a quarter of a mile euery way, and without that, round enuironed with thicke and high Woods: which place ministring iustly great cause of suspition. I returned to the King, whom I met vpon the way with fortie or fif∣tie attendants comming thither, with him also Master Wight; to whom I shewed my opinion of the place, and that it now grew late, and therefore nothing to be done that night.

Comming to the house, the King sate a good while musing without speaking, when we desi∣red leaue to depart, it being now neere night and past time for the Captaines landing, and that if he pleased we should againe returne on the morrow, as also to certifie his desire of priuate confe∣rence with the Captaine, but withall intreated, that we might lose no more dayes, but that ac∣cording to his former conclusion, we might dispatch our businesse. After a little pause, he com∣manded [ 10] all his owne people out of the roome, leauing none but Master Wight, In^o. Tucker Lin∣guist,* 1.10 and my selfe. The doores being shut, hee beckned vs, and then readily finding his Porte∣guise tongue (till then concealed) told vs resolutely, that he could not performe at the price con∣tracted for; the Pepper being none of his but the Merchants of the Towne, and that vnder fortie Rialls of eight the Candee he could not accomplish; and if they or any other would sell cheaper, he gaue licence thereto, but if none, then at that price himselfe would furnish, and that he would satisfie his debt when we could certifie how much and wherefore it was due: Also, that he had other businesse to confer with the Captaine, which he said should not be mentioned, vn∣lesse himselfe were present:* 1.11 with which answere we returned aboord to Captaine Bonner, who sent him word ashoare by one of his seruants who came with vs, that the English should largely [ 20] pay themselues vpon his Iuncks, both for the goods he detayned, and for this abuse also.

The fourteenth of March we departed thence, the nineteenth anchored at Brimion; where failing of refreshing or water, the people by the Portugalls instigation, refusing to let our Caskes be filled vnder eightie Rialls of eight: the twentieth, altogether that night set saile, and that night doubled Cape Comorine.

The two and twentieth of March, a consultation was held aboord the Dragon, wherein was propounded and concluded,* 1.12 sending the Portugall Pinnasse for Bantam: and by the way to touch at Teco, to learne the estate of that Factorie (if any were) to stay there foure dayes, and at Ban∣tam ten, and then vnlesse by Captaine Iordaine detayned longer, to make all haste possible backe to Teco, there to attend the Dragons arriuall from Argin, to informe the Companies affaires at [ 30] Bantam. In her was appointed William Rickes Master, with twentie other, and my vnhappy selfe also, that Factorie being likeliest to want attendance, and I willing to my best seruice, though in so meane a condition, as it hath pleased your Worships to dispose me.

The foure and twentieth dicto, about foure after noone we parted with the ships, they stan∣ding away for Achen, and we for Teco, of whose proceedings there I am altogether ignorant, and shall therefore presume to referre your Worships to Master Nichols his aduice (if as I much feare hath hapned) the rest from the Factors there haue with your ships miscarried.

The sixt of Aprill, 1619. wee arriued at Teco, and hearing nothing at this place, saue what your Worsh••ps haue long since beene acquainted with, hauing watered and sent aduice to Cap∣taine Bonner, of our arriuall, &c. The eleuenth following, we set saile for Bantam. Hauing had diuers dayes calme, and sometimes the wind contrarie: the three and twentieth dicto, wee an∣chored [ 40] twixt the salt H••ls in the Streights of Sunda: and the seuen and twentieth toward night, a small gale blowing, we weighed and intended to haue put into Bantam Road before day, but the vsuall calme forced our anchoring some foure miles short of Poolo-Paniang: and in the mor∣ning,* 1.13 readie to set saile, we descried ten ships and foure Iuncks, riding vnder the foresaid Iland, who with that breath weighed and stood toward v••, we knew not what to conceiue of them, little expecting to haue found so many English, especially those ships in that place; the better to make them, we hoysed out our Praw and in her three men, to row vntill they could make their Colours; and if Dutch, to repaire backe to vs; if English, to goe aboord them, the latter where∣of they did. Ere long the Admirall was thwart of vs, whom Master Rickes saluted with three [ 50] Peeces, he answered with one, and sending his Skiffe aboord, willed our Master to weigh and stand after him to Morrogh, and me to come aboord his ship, and bring such Letters as I had with me, which I presently did, where I haue related all those miserable and lamentable accidents, which, I presume, your Worships long since vnderstood by the Iames, safely arriued home.

The nine and twentieth Dicto, the Fleet anchored Morrogh, and the next day Sir Thomas Dale, Captaine Pring, &c. came aboord our Pinnasse, and dispeeded her for Bantam, if possible to get som•• prouision for the shippes, as also to learne if any Flemmish shippes were at Iacatra or thereabouts: but speeding of neither, we returned to the Fleete the second of May. The ten ships then at Morrogh,* 1.14 were the Moone, Cloue, Globe, Pepper-corne, the Iames Royall, Gift, Vnicorne, Aduice, Rose and Bee: Captaine Iourdaine being some foureteene dayes before our [ 60] comming gone with the Samson and Hound, for Iambee, Patania, Syam, and other places, besides the foure Iuncks, three whereof were from China, the other from Patania, and our Pinnasse new∣ly also by Sir Thomas Dale ordered for to attend his Fleete.

The first of May, the China Iuncks began to be Romidged, and their goods taken into your

ships, for debts owing by the Chineses to your Worships. After which,* 1.15 cutting downe their masts, yards and sayles, to preuent their lading the Pepper at Bantam, left them there ryding: the quantitie and qualitie of those goods exceedes my knowledge to aduize, I being both a stranger, and by your Worships order not to meddle in businesse of that nature.

The foure and twentieth of May, Owen Bodman was executed at the yard arme in the Moone. This day the Fleete fitted to sayle, and the Rose in stead of the Pinnasse, was intended for Teco and Achen, to aduize Captaine Bonner of proceedings there with a Cargazon of Rice, Steele, &c. Confined to Master Fursland at Achen; In which ship also it pleased Sir Thomas to appoint my [ 10] returne. One of the foresaid Iuncks being of Patania, and most of her lading Rice, belonging to the Plemmings: so much thereof as was thought fitting, each ships prouision was taken out, and she this day dismissed. The fiue and twentieth Dicto the Fleete set sayle, Sir Thomas Dale with the Moone, Cloue, Globe, Pepper-corne, Aduice and Pinnasse, standing for Ingano, to recouer (if possible) part of the Monies lost, in the Sunne, and to releeue those men left there, if any were aliue; and Captaine Pring with the Iames Royall, Gift, Vnicorne and Bee for the Coast: intending there all to meete, and to come with their ioynt strength to Priaman, there to meete with the ships from England, and also Captaine Bonners, and altogether to goe to Bantam.

The fifteenth of Iune we arriued at Teco, where we made little stay, but hauing watered, &c. and left letters for Captaine Bonner, of the past proceedings at Bantam, and future purposes [ 20] for this place, departed thence the nineteenth Dicto from Achen, going betwixt the Mayne of Sumatra and the Shoalds, which from Teco lye foure degrees or more of North latitude, and stopping euery night: The ninth of Iuly, about sixe in the euening, a storme began at North-west (we being then anchored some fifteene leagues to the Northward of Barrous) which in∣creased in great extremitie till about mid-night with very fearefull Thunder, Lightning, and terrible Raine, we had but one anchor aground, hauing the Shoalds and the Mayne on euery side of vs within two leagues. In this extremitie, not knowing what course to take, but onely to attend Gods mercy in our deliuerance, our Cable brake, and we bare roome backe ouer these Shoalds in an exceeding darke night, with which formerly we durst scarse deale at noone-day; yet the neuer forsaking mercy of the Almightie preserued vs from all those dangers, and with [ 30] day-light also sent vs faire weather, when necessitie enforced determination to beare backe a∣gaine for Teco: it is said we were the first ship that euer went this way, and I thinke no man that dare depend vpon his skill, to aduenture without sight of land, will euer saile that way againe.

The one and twentieth dicto, we had another great storm, which began about two after noone, with very much Wind, Thunder and Raine, which lasted aboue foure houres, split our maine saile, and blue away our sprit-saile; Rich. Crane, one of our companie, being then vpon the yard arme, the braces, lifts, and all the rigging of the sprit-saile yard at once broke, and hee with his head downewards hung (at euery set of the ship couered with the Sea) aboue a glasse space, no man being able by any meanes to succour him, till at last, faintnes & wearines made him let goe, [ 40] and as he droue by the ships side tooke hold of a Rope, by which meanes, next to the Almighties mercy, his life was beyond expectation miraculously preserued; another, named Price Hawks, standing in the waste, was by a flash of Lightning strooke dumbe and lame ouer all his body, lying in most lamentable plight for many dayes, yet, God be thanked, his speech is a little re∣turned, but a kind of dead numbnesse in both his legs and armes, maketh him still continue a ve∣ry miserable man, distressed as aforesaid.

The three and twentieth dicto, we returned to Teco, and by reason of our wants, both of Cor∣dage, Sailes, and Ground-tacke, of which there was no more in the ship then was at that time in vse, no more then one Hogshead of flesh, no bread but Rice and that not sweet, no other drinke for sicke men, &c. but water; but nineteene men in the ship, whereof fiue very sicke, [ 50] and diuers others lame: It was resolued through importunitie of the companie thereto, to remayne there and attend reliefe from the Dragon, or other English; but in the interim, a ru∣mour of Flemmish ships comming from Bantam, forced vs change resolution: and the sixt dicto, with our weake crew put to Sea, in hope either to meet the ships from Achen, or to get our in∣tended parke, and by that meanes to ease our selues of some of those miseries.* 1.16 Hauing had since our departure from Teco a very faire gale: The tenth dicto, to our great comforts we met the Dra∣gon and Expedition, betwixt the Ilands N••mtam and Batta: so soone as we came neere, Captaine Bonner sent his Skiffe aboord, to whom I went and deliuered his Letters from Master Spalding, Master Ball, &c. Sir Tho. Dale by reason of his sicknesse hauing also referred him to them for ad∣uise. The next morning at a Consultation it was concluded,* 1.17 that the Rose should returne backe [ 60] to Teco, in regard of her vnfitnesse for any Voyage, as also for that the goods in her would vend so well here, or better then at Achen, the Invoice whereof was inclosed in a Letter, sealed and directed to Master Rich. Fursland, which I then likewise deliuered: By Captaine Bonner I vn∣derstood of two moneths Trade granted at Teco, of aboue one thousand and three hundred Ba∣hars of Pepper, then in the Dragon, and of more then one thousand and fiue hundred remayning

at Achen vnbought, for lacke of meanes. To the end that so little as might be of our short time should be lost; the fifteenth in the night, Captaine Bonner sent off his barge with Master Ni∣chols and my selfe, to goe ashoare, and acquaint the King &c. with our licence for Trade; as also to take an house, and so much as might be, to set each thing in a forwardnesse. The King see∣med very willing; appointing, as we desired, a very conuenient house close by the sea side, next to the Custome-house, and promised so soone as he saw the Kings Letter, musters of our goods, and had concluded of the price; order should be giuen for present weighing.

The nineteenth, Master Nichols went aboord the Dragon, riding two leagues without the Road, and brought the Kings Letter ashoare with him, which seene and read, Proclamation thereof was presently sent into the Countrey, and many in the Towne had good quantities of Pepper, which they would not sell till the King had first begunne. The one and twentieth, the [ 10] Dragon &c. came into the Road,* 1.18 and musters of goods landed, the greatest part whereof was Cainkeenes, blue Selas; and the price was concluded, fiftie Selas, thirtie fiue Cainkeenes, sixteene blue Byronnes,* 1.19 red Selas thirtie two, and of Baftaes according to the goodnesse, eight, ten, and twelue Pieces for a Bahar, which valued according to the rates worth in readie money, twentie Rials the Bahar; and it was agreed, that the next morning the King should beginne to weigh (the Custome of goods not to be payed in kind; but to land whatsoeuer wee would, and to pay fourteene the hundred Custome,* 1.20 in Rials of eight: for all the Pepper should be payed, either with goods, or money; a very hard condition and wondrous vnaduisedly consented to, by those formerly there employed; but now it is continued, and little hope to get it euer reclaymed. Some goods were this day landed, being first opened aboue, and sent ashoare in bags, to preuent [ 20] wetting; and small quantities at once, for feare of fire and treacherie, both which are very vsuall here (but especially the latter) more then in any part of India.

The two and twentieth dicto, the King &c. returned to the Balley, refusing their former Con∣tract, and would not himselfe sell vnder fortie Cainkeenes, and sixtie blue Selas the Bahar; but gaue free leaue to any other that would; which was nothing: for till he began, none would sell a Catee, so that necessitie inforced our assenting. The sixe and twentieth our trade began, and this day weighed the first Pepper, the contents whereof, and of the succeeding dayes, I forbeare to recite, hauing collected it together in a note herewith vnto your Worships. Master Nichols &c. being aboord the Dragon, this day Captaine Bonner discoursing of the businesse past at Ban∣tam, and his owne at present in the Dragon, fearing lest at the Fleets arriuall, the Pepper in her [ 30] should be taken out, and sent home vpon some other ship that had beene long in the Countrey, as also dreading the Flemmings arriuall (of whom hee was alwayes wondrous suspicious) affir∣med,* 1.21 he had no intent to lade more Pepper in the Dragon, till he knew certainly how he should be disposed of; but would take it into the Expedition, whereto he said shee should be presently fitted, and the Dragon kept cleere and prettie for a Man of Warre, in case the Flemmings should come: his reason was, that he could not at any time after take it into his ship, of which if he could dispose, hee could likewise by the same power command the Expedition, and goods there∣in: in which determination he seemed to be firme; and gaue order for the Expeditions fitting roomes.* 1.22 But the next day after, arriued Henry Bate Merchant, from the ship Beare; who the day before anchored at Priaman; and the eight and twentieth of August aforesaid, arriued at [ 40] Tecoo: at instant of whose comming, but vpon what presumption or reports I cannot certain∣ly determine, Captaine Bonner changed resolution, and proceeds to lade the Dragon, filling each place with lumber, romaging her bread-roomes, and so cloying her deckes, as was not poss••ble to vse her Peeces in greatest extremitie; by which vnhappie accident, Wee your poore Seruants haue with losse of liues, or goods, or both, indured excesse of most base, and past compare, con∣temptible vsage, from an ingratefull and vnciuill Nation, with many other neuer to be satis∣fied or forgotten iniuries.

The seuen and twentieth, all night being very tempestuous, fearefull thunder and lightning, and abundance of raine, we had vnder our house, in a roome for that purpose, some small store of steele Bettle boxes, and such like; where also lay two men, appointed by Capt. Bonner to watch [ 50] the house,* 1.23 the boat being left behind them ashoare. That night Iohn Cocket (alias Tucker) a youth, who had long liued at Surat, and he also lodged there: about midnight came theeues to open the doore, which one within perceiuing, with crying out scarred them away; two houres after, they returned; and one of them putting in his arme, was strucke at with a sword, but missed, fled away the second time; and they within made the doore so fast as they could (which was but hurdles.) About foure in the morning, comming againe, & opening the doore, one went in, taking some Brasse Bettle boxes, our men being all fast asleepe; and in returning, rubbed against Tuc∣kers legs,* 1.24 who starting vp, caught hold of him, and cried, A theefe, I haue him; which scarce pronounced, with a pitifull accent, cried out againe, Oh, hee is gone, and hath stabd mee with his [ 60] Creeze: which was so sodainely done, as those who lay by him had not time to rescue him. There was at that time aloft the Surgeon of the Dragon &c. who presently ran downe with a light, but too late; the villaine hauing with a knife giuen him two wounds, one whereof to the heart, who without speaking more words then, Lord haue mercie vpon me, presently died.

Wee in vaine searched each bush and place about our house, and I went to call the Cowals (or Waiters) who euery night till this, kept watch in a Balley within twentie paces of our house; miss••ng whom, I went instantly to the Pongolo Cowallas house, and calling him, asked him where was the Watch; he said, at the Balley; which I denying, he affirmed to haue charged one that night. Then I told him we had a man slaine, and willed him to search narrowly, if any suspicious person could be apprehended, he forthwith went and acquainted the King therewith, who presently came downe with the Chiefe there-abouts, saw the dead bodie, and affirmed, he would doe what might be, to find the murtherer: Master Nichols charged the Cowals to bee actors, or authors hereof, and required to haue them all sent for, and one after another to touch [ 10] the Corps, whereto the King gaue order: and when each one had taken him by the hand, and no cause to suspect any appeared; Master Nichols demanded if there were no more Cowals; it was answered, no more saue one, who was sicke, and kept his bed; him the King commanded to be sent for, whose very lookes and demeanour condemned him in the opinion of all, to bee the villaine sought for, the King commanded to take the dead man by the hand, which with extreme quaking, and many distracted gestures and answeres he did, but would not hold it any time. Master Nichols vrged this to be the man, and required Iustice.* 1.25 The King caused him to be bound, and professed in his conscience that was the man who kild him, but that hee must be tried by their Law also, whereto the fellow assented.

And while preparation was made thereto, wee sent word to Captaine Bonner, who came ashoare to see the euent hereof: presently after whose comming, a fire was made, and an iron [ 20] pan with a gallon of oyle set thereon; which leasurely boyled till it came to such a degree of heat, that a greene leafe but dipped therein was sodden and shiuered. The prisoner then cal∣led, and persisting in deniall of the fact, was in testimonie of his innocencie, to take out of the said oyle a small ball of brasse, little bigger then a Musket shot, with his naked hand; and that if any burning or scalding appeared thereon, hee was contented to die: which hee addressed himselfe to performe; stripping vp his sleeue aboue the elbow, and taking a kind of protesta∣tion, desiring that as he was cleere thereof, so he might prosper in this act; dipped his hand to the wrist in the burning oyle, tooke out the ball, held it fast, and crying, Olla Basar, or,* 1.26 great is the Lord, tost it vp, caught it againe, and then cast it on the ground; shewing his hand vnto all [ 30] that would, which had no more signe of hurt, then if hee had experimented the same in cold water. The Deuill, it seemes, being loth at that time to lose his credit. The fellow was instant∣ly released, and within an houre after returned in his holiday apparell, and none so lustie as hee, though but a little before he had beene sicke, and so weake, as he was faine to be brought vpon mens shoulders to his triall: and this was all the iustice we could haue, for our murdered man; though in all likelihood, and their iudgements also, he was the actor.

This businesse ended, the King propounded to Captaine Bonner, that our time of Trade be∣gan now to be short, and that there was great store of Pepper yet to be had, which might spee∣dily be bought for readie money: the people being vnwilling to deale for any more Cloth, in regard the Iunkes from Argin were daily expected with great store from the King, who would [ 40] force their taking thereof; and that hauing sold before for readie money, they would make the better shift: which he said was alike to vs, our commodities being as vendible in other places; and the new ship (the Beare) hauing brought good store of mony, which might be wel imployed: whereto consent being giuen, the price was cut, twentie two Rials the Bahar, and the assemblie dismissed. That night good store of Pepper was brought downe to be weighed the next day, many of the Chiefes affirming, that there was in and about Tecoo, aboue a thousand Bahars Pepper, which so fast as could be weighed, would be brought in. The King gaue vs leaue, that if in the night we saw any about the house, we should detaine them prisoners till the next day; and in case they refused to come vnto vs, being called, we should shoot them, and the perill to lie vpon their owne heads. The nine and twentieth dicto, Captaine Bonner perceiuing the Dra∣gon to bee alreadie deepe, and hoping ere long to haue her full lading, weighed out of the Road, [ 50] by the Iland, and anchored without, attending a wind to goe to the Southward of those Ilands, there to ride, and take the rest of her lading.

The first of October, about foure in the morning, the Dragon weighed, and neere eight, with the Breeze set saile, and came into the foresaid Road; not long after, all the boats and Skiffes of the Dragon, Expedition, and Rose, came ashoare to fetch Pepper, who laded so fast as they could; but before all were laden, sixe Saile were descried, standing with a fresh gale at South, toward the Road of our ships. The Boats forthwith put off, and had very much labour to row to wind∣ward, the men being much wearied before, with mooring the ships, and carrying the bags of Pepper: Captaine Bonner iudged them to be Sir Thomas Dales Fleet, who had determined to arriue there, by the fine of September; and therefore, till they came within lesse then a league, [ 60] that their Hulls shewed who they were, no Colours being abroad, not suspecting them: and then before any prouision could be made for defence, the Admirall and Vice-Admirall layed the Dragon aboord, all the other as they went, by shooting so many Peeces as could be brought to beare vpon her, who had that day taken in aboue an hundred Bahars of Pepper, had all her men

euen spent with labour,* 1.27 and was at that time so cloyed as was neuer poore, all emptie and full of caske, bread, and other prouisions then vpon her deckes, and all her lower Gunnes so stow∣ed vp with lumber, as that in so little time, as was then to prouide, not more then one could be cleered, and that but once discharged; powder, and shot in that extremitie not to bee come by. With those Ordnance which were cleere, the Fight was maintained very hot about three glasse, or more; till Captaine Bonner (his worthie resolution approuing his zeale to doe your Worshippes his vttermost seruice) receiued a mortall wound, with a shot in the right side, which remained in his bodie, who being carried downe, the ship fired, in foure or fiue seue∣rall places most pitifully torne, and many men slaine, shee became a Prey, rather then a Prize vnto them.

The other foure Dutch ships stood in to the Beare, Expedition, and Rose, who seeing, as is said, [ 10] the Dragons disaster, yeelded also the two first without shooting a shot. Worthie Sirs, I was not at present an actor at this surprise, though I shall haue alwayes cause to bewayle what I then suf∣fered; and therefore must beseech your fauourable acceptance of this small recitall, till others therein employed, of farre better abilitie then my selfe, shall largely acquaint you with euery circumstance: neither dare I persist in this subiect, lest iust passion, caused by remembrance of so late felt, and (vnlesse by your Worships clemencie relieued) neuer to bee recouered miserie, should transport mee beyond those limits, wherein I must now willingly containe my selfe. But thus much I may truely professe, if (as is a common Maxim) contraries hold the same rea∣son of proportion in change of qualitie, they may be expected to be most kind friends, for al∣readie, [ 20] we haue found them most sterne insulters, and beyond compare cruell enemies: and had not more true compassion, pitie, and reliefe, beene extended to vs from Infidell Moores, then from these Dutch Christians, three hundred of your Seruants (vnhappie men) a great number of whom, would not, a few houres before, haue changed fortunes euen with the chiefest and vnworthiest of that Crew, had left their dead Carcases a prey to beasts and fowles, and sub∣iected their liuing bodies to miserable seruitude, if a greater chastisement for our sinnes had not beene inflicted.

Being possessed of our ships, they straight way sent the English aboord theirs, and for refre∣shing after so great labour, as they had that day sustayned, set them in Irons vpon the gratings, in such a night of wind, raine, thunder and lightning, as either before or since I neuer saw; with∣out [ 30] respect to either sicke or wounded: many of whose liues shortly after payd for that nights barbarous entertainment.

The next morning early, they turned all ashoare with such poore ragges, as they would suffer them to weare on their backes vpon the mayne at Tecoo, beeing the foresaid foure shippes Company, and fortie sixe of the Starres men; till then also kept Prisoners, there beeing then a shoare in the Factorie, William Nichols, Henry Bate, and my selfe; where so good order was ta∣ken for the sicke and wounded, as the times Confusion, and poore meanes then there would permit.

The third day following, Captaine Bonner was sent ashoare with a Gardian, attending him to the house sent by the Dutch Admirall, to carry backe euen the poore bed he lay vpon, which [ 40] for triple the value was redeemed, where Griefe and Anguish adding a violent Feuer and Spas∣ma, to his former deadly wound: hauing heretofore well deserued the repute of a Worthy, now shewing no lesse a Christian man, and with a resolution well sixt on the merits of our Re∣deemer; yeelded his soule into the hands of the Almightie, the ninth of October, leauing vs distressed iustly to lament his losse, who were before enough sorrowfull afflicted with remem∣brance of passed misery, and expectation of more and greater ensuing calamitie, whose bodie as he desired, was buried vpon the little Iland at Tecoo, so neere his Brother Thomas as could be ghessed.

Somewhat to comfort vs in this distresse, it pleased the Lord to giue vs fauour in those peo∣ples sights, who vsed vs fairely and well, as could haue beene expected in any Christian part of [ 50] the World. The King would diuers times visit Captaine Bonner, and each day present him with such Cates as were there esteemed fittest for so sicke a man, desiring him also to bee com∣forted, and that both they and Countrey should bee readie both to protect and relieue vs, which was well performed: for so long as the Flemmings rode there, one thousand men armed lay within a quarter of a mile of our house ready vpon any occasion; and a continuall Market for victuall was kept at our doore, wherein all prouisions sold cheaper then before our ships were taken.

The fifth dicto, the Hollanders hauing taken in their Pepper at Tecoo, set sayle with these ships following, viz. The Vapan van Sealand, Admirall in her; William Iohnson, Commander of the Fleet; the Huerlam, New Zeland, Neptunes, English Starre, Post-part, the Dragon, Beare, [ 60] and Expedition for Priaman, intending thence for Bantam, to the rest of their Fleet, there con∣sisting of thirtie fiue sayle besides them, and were then besieging Bantam. The Pangram and they Vying for dead mens heads, one for Hollanders and the other for Iauas, giuing Rewards; and in which deadly difference, it was vnhappie Diegoes destinie to bee a sufferer; who after his being

taken in the Starre and kept Prisoner, making an escape in a Prow from Iacatra, intending to haue secured himselfe in the English house at Bantam, was by the Iames apprehended and be∣headed instead of a Dutchman; leauing the Rose in the Road, hauing first taken out all her Ord∣nances, Powder, and Munition, and in her twelue Hogsheads salt flesh, two Buttes of Wine;* 1.28 and some few bagges of bread, and a very small proportion of water-caske, for the foresaid number of men, except such as in the interim ranne away into their seruice, to transport our selues whither soeuer we could.

About this time there arriued at Tecoo a man (as himselfe said) belonging to Monanchabo; who reported confidently (but whether by the Flemmings instigation, or his owne knowledge I can∣not [ 10] determin••) that at the place whence he came, two ships and a Pinnasse were said to be taken at Iambee by foure other ships, which is much to be doubted of Captaine Iordan, &c. The Eng∣lish on the Starre likewise, affirming they had heard of foure ships which were double manned, and maruellously well fitted, sent purposely to take them, which the Lord, I trust, in his mercy hath preuented. The foresaid Blacke was thirtie dayes from Monanchabo thither, and though not commonly yet sometimes aduice from Iambee, commeth hither ouer-land.

During our abode at Tecoo, before the Rose could be fitted to sayle, it pleased the Almightie to take compassion on our distresse, and to deliuer vs from the many ineuitable dangers, yea, e∣uen confusions, which were likely presently to light vpon vs, by sending in thither Captaine Charles Cliffingham with the Palsgraue, Elizabeth and Hope; who by consultation at the Cape, were intended for Priaman, and arriued at Tecoo, the three and twentieth of October, aboord [ 20] whom the men ashoare were forth-with dispersed. M. Nichols, and Henry Bate sent in a small Praw to Achin; and the Rose, in that poore and weake state shee then was, and no otherwise concluded, to be dispatched for England; to aduise of these accidents and proceedings. Concer∣ning the intendments of the three foresaid ships, as also the end of sending those mentioned to Achin, I am ignorant, and therefore shall humbly referre your Worships to their owne aduices. The fore-said ships with the Rose, set sayle all together from Tecoo, the tenth of Nouember, & at Nimtam parted the fourteenth dicto, & the Lord of his mercie vouchsafed vs so faire a passage, that with the losse of but one man, who also was sicke before we left Tecoo; (notwithstanding our hard allowance, most of our Bread, and much of our Rice beeing consumed and spoyled with Wormes and Vermine) was arriued at the Cape Bonae Spei, all in sound health, the eight and [ 30] twentieth of Ianuary 1619.

Going ashoare at Soldania, we found Letters left by Captain Adams, (the Copie whereof is herewith inclosed) also of two Dutch ships departed thence home-ward, left by an Englishman, passenger in one of them; the Copie whereof is herewith likewise inclosed. We had our Sayne ashoare to fish, and the Countrey people demeaned themselues as formerly they accustomed, but the next day returning againe ashoare to fish and water. The most tragicall and wofull accident befell vs, that euer happened to any English in these parts: eight of our men going to the Riuer by Land, carryed the Sayne with them to fish, and were all by the Saluages either miserably slaine or kept away from vs; we hauing found the dead bodies of but foure of them. The cause [ 40] which should excite them to such an horrid and vnheard of attempt I cannot conceiue, vnlesse (as is most probable) some wrong offered by the Dutch lately gone hence, haue moued them to practise and exercise this Treachery to vs now, and to bee doub••ed, will bee indeauoured to all that shall hereafter arriue.

Hauing watered our ship, buried so many of the slaine men as could bee found, and left Let∣ters for any that should arriue after vs, we set sayle from Soldania. The second of February, a∣bout noone, past the Equinoctiall, The fifth of March, and the of arriued at in England. The Almightie hauing of his inestimable clemencie protected and deliuered vs, from the exceeding many and eminent dangers of a most miserable Voyage, and vouchsafe vs safe returne into our Natiue Countrey, for which and all other gracious fauours from our beginnings to this day extended, his great and glorious Maiestie be extolled and mag∣nified, [ 50] both now and for euermore. Amen. Amen.

Your Worships poore Seruant in all dutie and seruice euer at your command, WILLIAM HOARE.

[ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Dragon parted from the Anne 17. Febr. neere Surat before Dabull.

  A Iunke of Dabull, laden and bound for the Red Sea.
• * 1.2

  Kind enter∣tainm••nt at Dabull.

  The Dabull••rs desire ••rade with vs. Store of re∣freshing at Da∣bull and good cheape.

  Promising to buy quantities of cloth here∣after & L••ad, but we could not pu•• off any of the Lions remnant.

  The Captaine of the Iun••ke desired an En∣glish Bible▪ to cau••e to bee tr••••slated into Arabeck.
• * 1.3

  The Historie of the offered Pepper at Ba∣taquala.
• * 1.4

  The Lion di∣speeded to the Red Sea. Sixe hundred pounds detay∣ned for the la∣ding of the Ex∣pedition.
• * 1.5

  Sprage not heard off at Dabull.
• * 1.6

  The p••ice of Pepper at Bat∣tagala at fiftie Rials the Can∣dee.

  The Candee fiue hundred pound.
• * 1.7

  A Iuncke of the Samorine de••ayned.
• * 1.8

  At Panana in the Samorines country twelue leagues from Surat, was Iunk of the Samorine laden with pep∣per, bound for the Red Sea. Satisfaction of our debts de∣manded of the Samorine.

  The Samorines cunning. Pepper offered by the Samo∣rine fraud••∣lently.

  The Can∣dee fiue hun∣dred and two pound weight.
• * 1.9

  The Samorines dissimulations: large discourse.
• * 1.10

  The Samorine denieth to performe with vs according, to his promi••e vnder fortie Rials the Can∣dee.
• * 1.11

  Bonner threat∣ned the Samo∣rine, to take his Iuncke, and pay our selues.
• * 1.12

  A Pinnasse or∣dered to be sent from A∣chen from Rob. Bonner vnto Teco and Ban∣tam.
• * 1.13

  The Pinnasse arriue among our ships neer Bantam, the 23. Aprill.
• * 1.14

  Cap. Iordain in the Samson and Hound went for Iambe▪ Pata. Syam, to visit those Factories about the 9. of Aprill.
• * 1.15

  Foure China Iunks taken by our ships, their goods laden in to the Iames, &c. the 1. May 1619.

  Owen Bodman was executed the 24. May 1619.

  Our ships set saile out of the Streights of Sunda, the 25. of May.

  A Iunke of Rice belong∣ing to the Dutch.

  Our Fleet, Sir Tho. Dale being Admirall with all the rest of our ships did set saile out of the Streights of Sunda, 25. May, 1619. Some went to Ingano to weigh the money and ordnance left in the Sunne. Our Fleet pur∣posed to re∣turne againe to Bantam by the last of Sept. The Pinnasse sent backe a∣gaine from Bantam to Teco, Priaman and Achen.

  The Pinnasse passage from Teco to Achin. Rich. Crane, mi∣raculously sa∣ued.

  Price Hawkins stricken with lightning, but partly recoue∣red.

  The Pinnasse driuen backe againe to Teco.
• * 1.16

  The Dragon & Expedition goe to Teco.
• * 1.17

  Two moneths Trade obtay∣ned at Teco. 1500. Bahars remayning at Achen vn∣bought, for lack of meanes.
• * 1.18

  Pepper bought at Teco.
• * 1.19

  The price of Pepper, and of Surat goods.
• * 1.20

  Fourteene per centum custom at Teco.

  Little hope e∣uer to haue the great Custom abated.

  Fire and trea∣cherie vsuall in Teco.

  Alteration of the price of Pepper.
• * 1.21

  Bonner is very suspicious of the Hollanders, and disposed himselfe for a Man of Warre.
• * 1.22

  Vpon the Arri∣uall of the Beare, Bonner altered his re∣solution of fit∣ting his ship for a man of Warre, and lade her into England.

  The Dragon pestred.

  The Dragon vnciuill.
• * 1.23

  Discourse of theft in Teco, the seuen and twentieth of August.
• * 1.24

  Iohn Tucker slaine the se∣uen and twen∣tieth of Aug.
• * 1.25

  A story of trial of a Malefa∣ctor in a strange maner
• * 1.26

  Twentie two Rials a Bahar of Pepper at Tecoo.

  The Dragon went out of Tecoo Road in∣to deeper wa∣ter.

  Diuers Boats laden with Pepper aboord the Dragon. Our men wea∣ried about the Pepper.

  Six Hollanders comming into the Road, were adiudged Eng∣lish ships shew∣ing no colours Found by their Huls to be Hol∣land ships.

  Set vpon the Dragon vnpro∣uided, and her men wearied before.

  The Admirall and Vice-Ad∣mirall laid her aboord, and all the other foure ships dischar∣ged at her as they passed by; she being alto∣gether peste∣red, no Peece free but one & could come by no powder o•• shot.
• * 1.27

  The three o∣ther ships also taken without shooting one Peece.

  Holl••nders most sterne insulters and in••ompa∣rable cruell E∣n••mies.

  If the Infidels had not beene m••re merci••ull then the Hol∣landers, three hundred men had perished. The Hollanders put our men in Irons, in their ships all night in open ayre, in a most ray∣nie and tem∣pestuous night neither re••pe∣cting sicke nor m••ymed.

  The next mor∣ning turned them ashoare with ragges, amongst were fortie sixe of the Stars men, euen till now kept Prisoners. Rob. Bonner was sent ashoare, offering to car∣rie away the bed he lay vp∣on, which for triple the value was redeemed. His death with commendati∣on, 9. October. God mooued the Heathen to fauour our people.

  The King did visit Captaine Bonner, and fur∣nisht him with needfull, and offering all courtesie.

  The names of the Holland ships departing from Tecoo to Priaman and Bantam, where they had thirty fiue saile ••e∣si••ging Bantam. The Pangram at Bantam, and the Hollander veying for sl••ughter one of anothers people.

  Diego Fernandes beheaded, be∣ing taken for an Hollander.
• * 1.28

  The Rose left vnto the Eng∣lish in Tecoo Road with the particulars in her.

  A man of Mo∣nanchabo, re∣ported Capt. Iourdaine to be taken at Iambe. The men taken in ••he Starre, doe re∣port that the Hollanders sent out ships dou∣ble manned to take C. Iordaine The Palsgraue, Elizabeth and Ho••e, arriue at Tecoo very hap∣pily, who tooke in all our men. Will. Nichols & Henry Bates go to Achen to the King, to com∣plaine of the Hollanders.

  The Rose orde∣red to b•• sent for England. The three ships and Rose depart out of Tecoo Road the 10. of Nouem. The Rose arriue at Soldania, the 28. of Ianuary. They found Capt. Adams Letter and of 2. Dutch ships. The Saluage•••• at the 〈…〉〈…〉 slaine e••ight of our men. Thought to be prouoked thereunto by wrongs done the Dutch. Come from Saldania the second of Feb.