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.

§, II. The manner of taking the Salomon and Attendance, in diuers Letters described, Dutch abusiue deuises by lyes to delude and dis-hearten our men: diuers Extracts of Letters of Master CORTHOP, * 1.1 with other Occurrents.

THe first of Aprill, Robert Fuller brought newes from Lantore, that the Bandaneses were most of them slaine by the Hollanders (in taking the ships) and that they fezed the [ 10] Hollanders twice ouer boord and slew many of them, but were oppressed with num∣ber. On the foureteenth, a Hollander with a flag of truce brought mee a letter from Master Cassarian Dauid, Commander of the three ships aforesaid, in these words.

Pooloway, the fourteenth of April, 1618.

MAster Corthop, my loue premised vnto your selfe, and the rest of your good companie, I wish you all health and prosperitie. Hauing at this time (through the Generalls permission) gotten opor∣tunitie [ 20] to write vnto you, I thought good to let you vnderstand of that, which I thinke, you doe alreadie know too well, that is, of our being surprized by the Hollanders. The Generall and his Councell doe al∣leage, that these Ilands Pooloway and Pooloroan with the rest, is their right,* 2.1 as you haue formerly heard them say, and that if any of the English came there for Trade, they haue a Commission to make lawfull prize of them, and so late experience hath taught vs here. For my part I cannot resolue the Ge∣nerall of any determinate course, for want of your adui••e, but I wish you were all safe from thence.

It rests that you doe aduise with the Merchants and the rest, residing with you, and (if you thinke good) write downe your determination, and send it me by this Bearer, that I may the better answere to the Ge∣neralls Propositions, which I cannot doe, till we vnderstand each others mind, as for my consent it shall be grounded vpon your knowledge and experience of the Iland, whether you bee able to keepe it, or bee willing [ 30] to leaue it.

Our ships, the Salomon and the Attendance, ride at Nero, and our men shared amongst the Dutch ships, being stripped out of all money and clothes. My selfe with one English Boy to attend me, remayne vpon Pooloway, where the Generall and his Councell doe abide, at whose hands I doe daily find much fauour and kind vsage, though watched and looked vnto as a prisoner. The Thomas, which was my Vice-Ad∣mirall, we lost in the Streights of Desalon, and by all iudgement; shee is there cast away, yet we haue no absolute certaintie thereof.

I would be glad to haue your presence here for our better proceeding in the businesse, and the Generall is willing to send to Pooloroan a man of fashion to stay there as a pledge in your absence, but alwayes [ 40] prouided, that you enter into a condition with the Countrey people, that the said pledge haue no wrong of∣fered him in your absence, but as you shall returne in safetie to Pooloroan, so hee may returne in safe∣tie to Pooloway againe, of this, I pray you, consider, &c. and conferre with the Orankayas, and send it me in writing by this Bearer, whether you may doe so or not: If you thinke good that it shall be so, faile not to aduise me thereof, and the Boat shall come for you againe, and bring the Generalls pledge. And so I commit you to the safe tuition of the Almightie: And rest

Your euer louing Friend, CASSARIAN DAVID.

[ 50]

Aboord the Trow in Nero Road, the twentie sixe of April, 1618.

MOst louing and kind friend, Master Nathaniel Corthop, I heartily salute you, and beseech God to send continuance of health vnto you all there: Your Letters, yesterday being of vs safely receiued here, ministred much ioy vnto vs all in middest of our lamentations for you, vnderstanding there∣by the Flemmings notorious lyes, who can doe little else,* 3.1 reporting you all to be in all manner of wants [ 60] and miserie by the Bandaneses, against whom they are speedily bent to make an assault vpon either Lan∣tore or otherwise Polaroon (but I hope you mistrust the worst) with fiue hundred Souldiers at least, now they hauing here e••ght saile of ships of their owne, and within two or three dayes expect them.

It pleased Master Geo. Barkley, the twentieth of Februarie, 1616. to send mee with Ric. Hunt, (who died at Bantam) vpon the attendant to your selfe, but the Monson being spent wee could but fetch Maccassar, where I stayed but eleuen moneths, in expectation of our Fleet for Banda, which was a hot one when it came (to incounter with such an Enemie) being but three ships, and the best of them run away afore-hand, I meane the Thomas, Master William Hakeridge leauing my selfe and his Mate Tatten▪ and Pu••ser, with fiue more of his companie aboord the Salomon, and God knoweth what is become of them, which had we beene together, doubtlesse we had gelded them of their great Bantam, but being as we were so deepe ships, hauing vpwards of two hundred quoynes of Rice, besides Arack six hun∣dred larres, thirtie foure bales of cloth with other prouisions, as neuer was Poolaroon so fitted, if it had pleased God, wee had all safely here arriued, for that wee were too too much ouer-matched by their [ 10] great Forces.

* 3.2There hath beene this yeare a great mortalitie in Bantam, the chiefe Factors there, with Generall Pepwell and the rest kept the ships there so long, that there dyed aboue two hundred of our men there before their departure from thence.

The Frenchmen that arriued at Bantam, these Flemmings tooke their Dutchmen out of them perforce,* 3.3 to the ouerthrow of their Voyage, and for any farther matter not worthy the writing thereof.

Now to come to our selues, and our taking the Bantam being neerest vs, of the Flemmings foure ships, yet some distance off, and the fiue and twentieth of March last past, about noone shot at vs, whom we soone answered againe with shot for shot all that afternoone, but our Powder was naught, and could not carrie the shot home, when theirs came euer vs, but neuer touched vs to the setting of the Sunne, [ 20] soone after the wind comming Easterly, we were in the middest of our foes, and being so much ouer∣matched, were by them surprized and taken, but the Bandanezes eight of them fought very valiantly, and killed the Flemmings, three men out-right, and hurt them three more: but the tall man of Poolo∣way, and another little man with him, played their parts excellently, for they droue the Flemmings ouer∣boord, by fortie at once; some vp into the foure shrouds, some one way, and some another, that they had scoured the Deckes of them all. I thinke if the Bandanezes had had them vpon plaine ground, they would haue put the Flemmings to the sword euery man of them,* 3.4 for that they were exceedingly feare∣full to deale 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, but by their Boats and subtiltie, they killed the Bandanezes, and tooke seuen or eight Boyes prisoners, whereof one or two of them is runne away and escaped from hence out of their hands, and I hope got safely to you there by this time. Now, after that wee came to a parley with the [ 30] Flemmings,* 3.5 they killed vs three men basely, both against the Law of Armes and all good manners be∣sides, bringing vs afterwards to Nero, where they made pillage (by the Dutch Generall his order) of all that we had, keeping our men in Irons, these Flemmings being so close in all their doings, that their owne Skippers cannot know their determination; and yet then Generall is bound with them in companie, or else I thinke little would be by them performed, what I can I will aduise you, though I cannot perswade you, but I beseech God blesse you, and all with you.

Master Cassarian Dauid is kept by the Dutch Generall at Pooloway, being sent by the chiefe Factor and counsell at Bantam, Cape Merchant of the Fleet vpon the Salomon, and my selfe his se∣cond vpon the Thomas, consigned all by Commission vnto your selfe and is referred to your appointment. The first present I writ Master Cassarian at Pooloway, aduising him to acquaint you with all Occur∣rences [ 40] what hath passed, that you might not be ignorant of any thing, nor frustrate your hopes in expe∣ctation of what now cannot be, I say, the more to blame them at Bantam, so cares••y to keepe these ships there so long, vnto the eight of Ianuarie, last before, they sent them away from thence, which hath brought vpon vs all this miserie. The shippes arriued at Maccassar the second of February last, and through extremitie of foule weather it was the seuenth of March, before we could set saile from thence. I pray you returne my hearty commendations vnto Master Muschampe, Master Hayes, and Thomas Foord, with all the rest of our louing friends, there likewise Master Lane, Master Churchman, Ma∣ster Kellum, and Thomas Fowle, commend themselues heartily vnto you all, I cannot yet heare from Master Cassarian, I thinke hereafter we shall goe for Amboyna, where Master Dauis is and twentie men more, the rest are at Ternate, I pray you excuse my not formerly writing to you, because I doubted the [ 50] deliuerie, and thus much at present shall for this time suffice, and with my kindest commendations vnto your selfe, I beseech God to keepe you out of the hands of all your enemies, and make our meeting ioyfull to each other, and so in haste I rest,

Want of conueyance maketh a long passage.

Your euer louing friend here now Prisoners, Geo. Iackson, in the behalfe of Iacob Lane, Bartholomew Churchman and the rest.

These Flemmings report that the day after we were taken, their other three ships tooke vp the Attendants Skiffe, halfe full of bloudy water, and thinke those Bandanezes that went a∣way [ 60] in the Skiffe,* 3.6 killed one another; and got not to Poolaroone. Wherefore in your next, I pray you write the certaintie of it, likewise, they report that our men did not runne away with the Defence, but would haue carryed her for Ceyran, but that the Flemmings manned out two of their long Boats, and tooke the Defence, and brought her into Nero.

Pro idem GEO. IACKSON.

A Letter from Master Lane Master of the Salomon. From aboord the Trow of Amsterdam, in Nero Road the twelfth of Aprill.

LOuing Friend Master Nathaniell Corthop, I heartily salute, these are to certifie you, the seuenth of March we departed out of Macasser Road, with the Salomon, the Thomas and the Atten∣dance, Master Cassarian Dauis being our chiefe Commander of all the ships, the thirteenth of the same moneth, being neere the Streights of Saler, we lost company of the Thomas, which wee neuer heard of [ 10] since all of vs being bound directly for Poolaroone: the fiue and twentieth of the same moneth, beeing breake of the day, the Salomon and the Tendance beeing within foure or fiue leagues of Poolaroone, we saw foure sayles of Dutch ships, three of them being to the Easterne of vs, the other being their Ad∣mirall, was neere vnto the Iland of Poolaroone, that day beeing calme with little wind Easterly, wee towed with our Boats and made the best meanes we could to get the Iland, the Dutch ships hauing the wind of vs, bore with vs at two a clocke in the afternoone, the great Bantam Vice-Admirall got within shot of vs, and plyed her best to vs, and we requited her to our power at foure a clocke; the Starre which tooke the Swanne, and the Swanne likewise got within shot of vs, at eight a clocke at night. The Ad∣mirall got within a ships length of vs, and plyed their great Ordnance vpon vs, killing three men, and hurt thirteene or fourteene men, but would not boord vs, commanding the chiefe of vs to come aboord [ 20] their Admirall, and to strike downe our Sayles, and to take in our Flagge, which Master Cassarian caused to be done, and commanding the Skiffe to be manned to goe aboord of them, and likewise Master Iackson, in another Boat to goe aboord another of them, they being there, I could heare no answere from any of them, the Dutch hauing our two Boates aboord with our chiefe Commander, send their foure large Boats full of men, to the number of one hundred and fortie, or one hundred and fiftie men to keepe our ships, and to take the Bandaneses which they killed, the Arankayes to the number of twelue of them, the rest they saued aliue, and carry them ashoare to Nero, for Master Cassarian hee is and hath beene at Pooloway since we came in here, but for my part with my Mate Churchman, and Ma∣ster Iackson, with thirteene men more, are aboord of the Trow in Irons; but we three, for Master Vil∣les which was Master of the Attendance, he is aboord the Starre with many of his men, for the rest of [ 30] our men they are aboord the Bantam, and the Swanne not suffered to goe to one another,* 4.1 but lye and fare more like slaues then men, which I thinke will kill many of vs. For our things they haue taken a∣way all that euery man had to their clothes of their backes; Sir, I vnderstand, that your wants are great at the Iland, and that the Countrey people haue got the Castles from you,* 4.2 and that within short time they meane to send you all ouer here vnto the hands of the Dutch, which I wish you could rather get for Ma∣casser, then to come in their hands. The Dutch hath no ships at Buttone, three ships they haue now in the offing, or at Amboyna fiue ships, they haue heard if, the three ships get in here, they purpose to come all for Poolaroone, otherwise I thinke not this yeare, yet I heare within this seuen or eight dayes, the old Horne a ship of seuen or eight hundred tunnes, with the small Gally and other Boats are to come for Poolaroone, where they vnderstand that the small Castle shall be deliuered vp vnto the Dutch, for the [ 40] rest of their ships that be here, I heard within this three weekes they are to goe for Amboyna. Sir, I haue saued these two Letters which Captaine Ball deliuered me for you, which I vsed the best meanes I could to saue them for you, and to send them to you with the best meanes I could to saue them for you, and to send them to you with the best meanes I could vse, which I desire you may receiue, and to send me answere how all businesse standeth with you in this case, and I will be glad to pay the Coat off my backe to the bearer for an answere, other Letters we haue for you and the rest of your company on the Iland, which if I can shall be sent you.

Sir, the Salomon was deepe layd with Rice, the Thomas laded with Rice and Racke, and other pro∣uision, the Attendance laded with Rice, Fish and Racke and other prouision. Thus with my loue vnto you with the rest of your company, I cease, beseeching God to blesse you in your proceedings, and deliuer [ 50] vs out of the hands of these Tyrants, and send vs all a ioyfull meeting.

Your Friend to his poore power to command, IACOB LANE.

Sir, the Generall of the Dutch had giuen expresse authoritie vnto the Commanders of those ships, that if they meet vs, either to sinke or burne vs before wee should recouer the Iland, or else [ 60] he would hang them that should be the occasion.

Adie in the Prison of the Castle Pooloway, Iuly the fifteenth, 1618.

* 5.1HOwsoeuer William Hakeridge hath dealt with me, yet I rest much bound to your selfe for your loue to me, that thought so well on me, whose thankefulnesse should vndoubtedly haue turned to your credit, had it not beene by these arrogant theeuish Flemmings, and Master Hakeridge: otherwise preuented, which mischiefe grew from a Molajo Letter, written by a Flemming Whore in Maccasser, and sent in a Trunke to Amboyna, aduising of our comming: otherwise wee had beene at our Port be∣fore that the Flemmings had heard of vs. Hereupon the Flemmings layed waight for vs, with foure of [ 10] their best ships of Warre, and three more readie to second them if need required. Now the Thomas being lost out of our Company: we plyed our Voyage with the Salomon, and the Attendant sayling to the South-ward of the shoalds that are off a Buttone. And the fiue and twentieth of March last, by day breake we had sight of Polaroone, about fiue leagues off, presently vpon this we descryed three sayle of Flemmings to the North-ward, and one to the East-ward, to say, the Bantam, the Trow, the Swanne, and the Starre that tooke the Swanne, which of these shippes the Bantam came somewhat neere vs about noone, and had we here had the Thomas in our Company, wee had surely Gelded them of their great Bantam for that ship was some distance from her Consorts, and seeing our weaknesse, be∣gan fight and shot at vs, whom we soone answered againe with shot for shot, but our Powder was naught and could not carry the shot home, when the Flemmings shot ouer vs, thus wee continued but no hurt [ 20] done of eyther side to the setting of the Sunne, for that we were some distance off, and being sent to too late: the Monson fayles vs, the wind comming now Easterly, and in the night brought our ene∣mies round about vs, at which time of being sent by Master Cassarian aboord their Vice-Admirall. The Bantam to know their intent which was according to their protest made at Bantam against vs, then the Trow their Admirall very basely shot: the Salomon twice thorough and thorough, killed there foure men, and hurt vs ten men more, thus were we by the Flemmings surprized, taken Pri∣soners, and pillaged; who kept vs first in their ships at Nero, and now close Prisoners in Pooloway Castle ten of vs,* 5.2 the rest are carryed for Amboyna, and the Moluccas.

Now if our three ships had beene sent sooner, we had not onely arriued safely at Polaroone with two hundred and fiftie Quiens of Rice, for that I know there was no lesse prouided in Maccasser, but also [ 30] we had gained the whole commoditie of Nuts and Mace, with both Countrey of Banda, and people likewise; and the Flemmings could not haue bought two hundred Suckles of Mace whereas now they haue bought at least two hundred Tunnes. The neglect of which thus much importeth, though it proue not the losse of both commoditie and Countrey hereafter.

The fiue and twentieth of May last, the Flemmings marched with seuen hundred and fiftie Soul∣diers against Lantore, but the Bandanezes gaue them such a repulse, killing them foure men, and hurt them sixteene more, that the Flemmings came off againe, and neuer beate their Drumme. The Dutch Generall would not be intreated of vs to shew vs any kindnesse, neyther would he ransome vs for any money, it may be that he thinketh the English will take so many of his men, and so ransome one man for another. [ 40]

Thus not willing to be ouer tedious, I beseech you good Sir, to consider our misery, and doe what may be for our Releasement.

Your euer louing Friend to command, George Iackson.

Pooloway, the 18. of September.

I sent an answere offering vpon pledges to come ouer to Pooloway, in the Vessell which they should come in. [ 50]

The seuenteenth of Aprill, the Orrenkayes of Lantore came ouer to me to conferre about kee∣ping the Iland another yeare, which they promised to keepe out the Hollander from trading with them, onely relying vpon our Forces the next yeare. Wee agreed to hold it out till the next yeare. The eighteenth, by a Praw that went to Bottoone, I sent a Letter for Bantam, to be conueyed by that King to our Factorie at Maccasser,* 5.3 signifying the taking of these ships, the vnaduisednesse in sending them so vnseasonably (for one day sooner had brought them in) neither was there aboue halfe a day of Westerly winds to bring them to Nero) that many poore men were slaine, maymed, or held in slauerie worse then Turkish slaues; and had not foure or fiue Iaua Iunckes come in, for want of victuals we must also haue giuen vp, and still line on Rice only with a little fish, which in [ 60] foule weather is not to be had; daily expecting an assault from the Hollanders, and wish it not so much able to stand out, as willing to make them pay deare, &c. He sent another also for refreshment to the Factor at Maccasser.

The twentieth of Aprill, we were aduertized that within two dayes the Hollanders would

assaile vs, but they came not. The thirtieth, they trayned their men, about seuen hundred. I sent another Letter to Master Ball (where, in relating the fight these words are vsed.) The At∣tendance before they yeelded gaue the Bandanezes their small Boat; so they escaped to Poolaroone. But the Salomon was so belayd: that the Bandanezes could not goe out of her. Master Cassarian yeelded in that manner that if I had beene in his place, before I would haue done it, I would haue sunke downe * 5.4 right in the Sea. That was in this manner: After they had fought from two till nine at night, being almost boord and boord, the Dutch called vnto him to take in his Colours, strike his sayles and come himselfe aboord, which all hee did, they detayned him and his Boat. So our men in the ship played a good and wise part likewise: for they perceiuing their Commander kept aboord the Dutch shippes, went [ 10] and got the Bandanezes Swords, and hid them from them: only two of them kept their Swords pri∣uately: nineteene had no weapons, and stowed themselues in the ship, and some eight or ten of them with their Creezes and two Swords, at the Hollanders entring of our ship killed the Hollanders at least forty of them, and hurt diuers more of them; most of this slaughter being done by two of the Bandanezes only. For at their entring our men kept themselues in the fore-castle apart, whilest the Bandanezes fought; but at last being taken, the Hollanders killed some twelue, and saued seuen of the youngest. So farre as can I perceiue, they neither respect right or iustice, but stand altogether vpon force of Armes. I haue but thirtie eight men to withstand their force and tyranny, our wants extreme: neither haue wee victuals or drinke but only Rice and water, they haue at present eight ships here and two Gallies, and to my knowledge all fitted to come against vs. I looke daily and howerly for them, &c. He signified also [ 20] both to him and in a Letter to the Factor at Maccasser, that he had not, since first hee came into these Ilands, receiued one Letter or aduise from any English.

In a Letter from Master Lane to M. Courthop, is written that he had sent away the Bandane∣zes, but one Richard Tawton Masters Mate of the Thomas would not suffer it, for feare of the Dutch seueritie: and that they seeing no remedie, shot William Shoply, after Master, and cut the eare off of the Gunners Mate neere off; another they ranne thorow the backe. This is like to be the cause of taking away their Swords. The seuenth of May, the Salomon went from Ne∣ro laden. The fiue and twentieth, the Hollanders gaue an assault on Lantore landing eight com∣panies of Souldiers, contayning about fiue hundred men, but were repulsed with losse of foure of theirs and one Bandaneze. The two and twentieth, for further certaintie I sent another Let∣ter [ 30] to Master Ball.

The eight and twentieth of Iune, I had a Letter sent mee from Master Cassarian Dauid, wherein he signifieth the Dutch threats of perpetuall imprisonment, if I came not to better consideration: which I answered,* 5.5 refelling the Hollanders lyes touching the Attendants Boat ta∣ken vp by them with bloud; and another, that I shouid send the Generall a Letter to surrender the small Iland; and that I haue but ten English here: also that the Blackes had possession of my Or∣denance, &c.

The last of Iune, Master Balls Letter was sent me by Master Lane, which is as followeth.

[ 40]

MAster Courthop, my heartie commendations to you, and all the rest of your companie, with my prayers for your health, and happinesse, &c. Yours of the eleuenth of Aprill, by Master Tho∣mas Spurway, and the thirtieth of Iune, by Master Stacy, I receiued vnderstanding thereby of the Occurrences happened in Banda, which, albeit in many things contrary to our expectation, yet as now not to be auoyded, nor by any faire course hoped to haue it amended, was it to be doubted that surrender being made to his Maiestie of England, of those places, and his subiects in possession, that in so appa∣rant and iust cause; the Flemmings durst haue fallen out into open Hostilitie with vs, in taking the Swan, and making themselues Owners of the Defence, with the imprisonment of our men, but now we haue too manifest a proofe of their insolencie, and that they dare doe any thing, that is not aboue their [ 50] force, and make the best shew of a bad meaning.

They pretend contracts with the King of Ternate, for defence of his Countries, and with his subiects for their Epices, and all Trade whatsoeuer, euen to the exclusion of all other Nations, Iustice is too weake to deale with force, and consequently, no pleading with them without force, which I hoped wee should haue beene able this yeare to haue effected, albeit that it fals out to the contrary, but the next I doubt not, but we shall haue force to make them know, that free gift and possession is better then con∣tracts, and that they are not to conquer Countries to themselues, vnder pretence of defending the King of Ternate, being to them in nature of a Prisoner; that are in no command of him, in the meane time our indeauour must be: for the right of our King and honour of our Countrey, to make good what wee haue; Master Spurway in his returne was charged into Botone by the Flemmings, and so be∣laid [ 60] for, that had not the King of that place stood his very good friend, hee, and his companie had fallen into their hands: but by this meanes while the Flemmings waited before the mouth of the Riuer for their comming out, they were conueyed ouer a necke of Land, and so escaped for Maccasser, where

meeting the Attendance they tooke passage, and came hither, Stacie that Owle, blind in his selfe will, cast away his Praw vpon Botone, the goods all lost, the men only saued, where he left the Ban••a∣nezes, who chose to stay there, in hope to saue something for themselues: and by the Kings fauour got a Praw, and came thither by the way of Maccasser, all the Billes of exchange, only the hundred Rials of Peter van Loa••e: I payd also the Honourable our Imployers, lose one quarter thereby, the Cattee of Mac•• take•• there at a Riall, worth here not three quarters of a Riall, and for him the said van Loare, as he came to you an espie in that place, so at his best oportunitie hee left vs here; leauing, though very loth, his money behind him.

Captaine Iordane departed hence in the Cloue for England, Christmasse last a yeare, and Captaine Barkley our Chiefe, departed this life the first of March past: here arriued the Fleet of Captaine Ioseph, [ 10] but not himselfe, being slaine about the Ilands of Comora, in fight with a Carracke; who hauing no meanes to escape, ranne ashoare and fired, there was in her besides goods of diuers Fabriques, three and twentie hundred thousand pieces of eight, a prettie Cargazon, and would haue done well in our Factories, but it is fallen out, a lasse, to the Portugals, and no gaine vnto vs, neither in purse nor credit, as you may vnderstand by others.

It is giuen vs to vnderstand, by Letters from our Honourable Imployers of a second ioynt Stocke, subscribed for twentie hundred thousand pounds; It began the first of this yeare, the first ioynt Stocke ended in the Fleet of Captaine Pring, consisting of seuen shippes, whereof two, to say, the Hope, and Hound came directly hither, the other fiue went by, by off Surat, I pray God to blesse them, and that per∣forming effectually there, they may arriue hither in safety, the Gouernour of the Flemmings hath beene [ 20] here, but we conferred not together, the cause proceeding of pride in them, and no submission in me: but to be short, as they began, which you see they haue continued vnto vs in Hostile manner. The sixe and twentieth of Nouember, the Speed-well, Robert Iackson Master, bound for Iacatra, was taken, and the men all (but one that was slaine in the entring her, and one that is since dead) are in Chaines, the Gouernour after the taking of this Pinnasse came with sixteene ships into Bantam Road, to braue vs which we were content to suffer, in respect of their too much aduantage. And now you may vnder∣stand I haue dispeeded these two ships, the Salomon and Thomas for Maccasser, to lade Rice alreadie prouided for them, with a good Cargazon of goods, besides of cloth, of diuers sorts for Banda, accor∣ding to the Inuoyce here inclosed sent you, whereof not doubting your care and diligence for Sales and Returnes, I omit in that respect to insert to your memory. For other Newes and Occurrents here passed since your departure, I commend you vnto the Bearers hereof, and so for this time, I commit you to the [ 30] might and mercifull protection of the Almightie.

Bantam, the seuenth of Ianuary, 1617.

Your euer louing Friend, GEO. BALL.

The seuenth of Iuly, I sent Robert Hayes to Lantore, to view the Road, what conuenient [ 40] place our ships might ride in, free from shot of Nero Castle, and what place wee might plant Ordnance to defend our ships, and endamage the Hollanders, which returned with a draught of the Roads there, on the eighteenth. The two and twentieth, I wrote againe by a Iaua ••uncke to Master Ball (touching the taking of the ships, the Hollanders proud wearing our colours at their sterne, and a long time neuer ceasing shooting day nor night, as though they had taken halfe the goods in the World. The third of this present, the Generall with fiue ships set saile to the Westwards, sending me word some foure dayes before, that he would come by me, and send me some flying Messen∣gers to know how I did: but like a bragging, lying, &c.

The second of August, I sent Master Muschamp in a Banda Praw, with the Sabandar of Poo∣loway and Inche Tungull, to giue intelligence at Bantam: by whom I writ (touching the intolle∣rable [ 50] pride and tyrannie, that the Hollander vseth in these parts vpon vs both, in bodies, and name, and that with a good conscience we may proceed in regard of the great outrage and infamie they haue offered vs in these parts, both in disgracefull speeches to our King and Nation, and in their barbarous tyrannie they haue vsed to our weake forces, being captiuated by them: hauing written how we may offend them by planting Ordnance at Oretaton, &c.

The thirteenth of August, there came fifteene Portugals borne at Goa, which had beene sur∣prized by the Hollanders, from Nero in a Praw, and I gaue them entertaynment. The fifteenth, I receiued a Letter from Master Cassarian Dauid, in the name of the English at Pooloway, vrging to right what was amisse, * 6.1 and to call conscience to the Barre (words shewing what a hard im∣prisonment and faire glosses may doe with impotent and impatient spirits) which I answered [ 60] the next day, both with best reason, and sending them reliefe. I receiued also a Letter from Master Willes, as followeth.

From Pooloway, the fifteenth of August, 1618.

LOuing Friend, Master Courthop my loue remembred to you and to all the rest of our good friends, &c. Master Courthop, the vrgent occasion at this present is to let you vnderstand, about sen∣ding the Blackes ashore was this, first about ten of the clocke the same day, we being chased by three sayle, for my part I went aboord of the Salomon, to see what they were minded to doe. Master Cassarian willed me presently to goe aboord againe, and to be readie to defend our selues, and to keepe faire by him, which indeed I did, and also I could haue gone from them at first sight if I would, but I could not haue gotten [ 10] the Iland if I had gone at ten of the clocke at night, we were faire by the Flemmings, the Salomon beeing within call of vs. The Blackes that were in the Salomon, were got into the ships Boate for to goe ashoare, then was I called to to haue our Blacks, for to make themselues readie to goe with them, which I did, and looking when the Salomons Boate would come, thinking they had beene gone. I gaue them our small Boate to carry them: and for my part faine would I haue sent you a Letter or some other thing, but being at that time so employed, that I had not time to do as I would: Faine would I haue writ more at large, but that time will not permit. So I rest, praying to the Almightie to blesse you to in all your affaires. Yours to command, I pray commend mee to Master Iones. Vse to his power the Chirurgion,

Matthew Willes.

[ 20]

LOuing and kind Friend, Master Courthop, heartie commendations vnto you and the rest of your good company, with all health & prosperity to you in all Affaires: for to relate of our crosse Voyage and misfortunes, it is no newes. But I hope to see the proudest of them pulled down•• one day, although we indure the miserie of it in the mean time: I am glad to heare of your good prosperitie and wel-fare; the which, I much doubted, long since of your wants: but God will prouide for his Seruants, although he giues these Horse-turds leaue to domineere awhile, whosoeuer liues will see their Pride abated. I must needs say they doe vse vs well. For I doe not know to compare it neerer then to Ludgate, or Newgate: not an inch libertie nor allowance more, then the worst Prisoner they haue in keeping, which was commanded at the receite of your last Letter to the Generall, in the which case I wish you were able to doe vs any good: [ 30] but in the mean time I hope God will prouide for vs. There is this yeere to come to Bantam the best fleet of ships that euer came out of England, one Martine Friend is Generall. The Horse-turd that tooke vs was at the Cape with them, in all fiue ships: the Royall Iames a new ship Admirall, the Ball Vice-admirall, the Gift reare-Admirall, with two ships more which went to Surat: wee had the last yeare eleuen ships at Bantam, but the reason of no more comming this way, as I heare was by Master Lucas his com∣ming from the coast, and setting Captaine Ball and Captaine Pepwell together by the eares: because Lucas must haue a ship to goe home: for afore Lucas came Captaine Pepwell was minded to come this way, but time will not permit to write any more, so in haste I take my leaue.

I had a Box of stones of yours which I did imploy for your vse in Rice. Some of them, and the Re∣maynder I brought backe, but all is lost: for I had some necessaries for you, as linnen and some clothes, but [ 40] all is gone, and not able to helpe my selfe: you shall receiue a Letter from Captaine Ball, which I got out of the Salomon after she was taken, but it was opened. I pray commend mee to Master Muschampe, Mastrr Hayes, and Master Ford, Thomas Miller.

Yours to my power, Kellum Throgmorton.

The nineteenth, Master Dauid sent me a Letter from Master Ball, bearing date the sixe and twentieth of Ianuary, expressing his cares and endeuours for furthering the Banda businesse; that [ 50] it falleth out so late in the yeare before I send vnto you hath beene caused through discord betwixt Cap∣taine P. and my selfe, who of himselfe weake and extreame couetous,* 8.1 and instigated by his proud and insolent Masters, did obstinately insist to crosse our Designes, thinking to bring vs vnder his com∣mand. If this Captaine and his Masters had beene, they had this yeare come for Banda, to haue made further tryall of these Flemmings, that threaten fire and sword; but haue sent only two or three shippes that are worst able to hold out; which if not catched vp by the Flemming, will be sufficient. But if ta∣ken, the losse will be the lesse vnto vs. I shall not be able to send you Beefe, Porke, or Powder for your reliefe, because I can get none from these new-come ships, how much it doth grieue vs, that wee are able [ 60] to doe no better, &c.

The Commander Captaine Derickson vsed the English Prisoners with some kindnesse,* 8.2 and more would, but for Rials strict command: him therefore I did write vnto, with thankes, &c. who also passed on the three and twentieth of August, by the Iland of Neylackey, and strooke

his mayne top-sayle;* 8.3 and there was shot in kindnesse betwixt vs on either part some fiue or sixe Peeces; he going for the Moluccas. The six and twentieth, the Hollanders Frigat fetching wa∣ter at Salamon, were beset by Lantore men, one killed and diuers hurt, and had beene all taken but for discouery by Salamon men.

The tenth of September, I sent Will••am Newbegin with supply of two Goates twelue Hens, Mackerell,* 8.4 Oranges, and other trifles to the English at Pooloway. The Messenger returned with a Letter from Master Cassarian Dauid, commending the vsage of the Captaine since the departure of the Commander, in what he might be bold without offending orders prescribed vnto him, that the Salo∣mon and Thomas were sent away with goods and victuals, and one and twentie dayes after the Atten∣dance,* 8.5 wherein I was to shape my course directly for Poolaroone: but by reason the Salomon and Thomas as both ware their flagges in the mayne-top, and that in sight, in going out of the Road of Ban∣tam, [ 10] the President thinking it done in pride by the two Ship-masters, as also shaping a forbidden course for water at Pontang: therefore it was decreed that I should first goe to Maccas••er, there to take the gouernment of the three ships and dispose them after the order of a Fleet. If it had not beene for striuing for authoritie betweene Captaine P. and Captaine B. You should haue beene visited last yeare with the Charles and the Vnicorne, and other good ships. But multitude of Commanders maketh a confused go∣uernment, which is the only cause of ours, and your faring the worse this yeare, &c.

[ 20]

Here followeth also a Letter from the English at Amboyna, to Master Dauid.

CAptaine, I heartily commend me vnto you and to our Master and his Mate, and all the rest of the Companie, this is to let you vnderstand, that I am in good health, and all the rest of our Company, only Andrew Keele and Thomas Sweet is dead, but all the rest are in good health, but vsed very basely: for we are kept in Irons night and day, and if we haue not a Releasement the sooner, I thinke it will make an end of vs all. I maruell much we could not heare from you by the Frigat, which made me the more forgetfull to write vnto you. No more at this time, but the Lord haue you in his keeping. From Amboyna, this third of October, 1618.

[ 30]

Your Friend to command to his power, Richard Nash.

I receiued Copies of certaine notes, The first a petition of the English for shift of clothes and to be freed of Irons in the day time;* 9.1 which was in some sort granted. The second, that each man might come before the Generall to speake for his libertie, which would not be granted. The third, that the Dutch Generall might giue vs an old ship, Pinnasse or Praw to carrie vs to Bantam; or that hee would set a ransome on the English Prisoners, which he would neither grant nor heare of; but answe∣red, that he would keepe vs Prisoners so long as any English were vpon Poolaroone. The seuenth [ 40] of Iune we were sent for Pooloway. The fourth humble petition of the Prisoners in Nero Road. The fourth of Iune, 1618. Humbly shewing vnto your good Lordship, that whereas your Lordships poore Petitioners and Prisoners, being altogether doubtfull of any speedie Releasement, and desirous to auoyd the dangers of sicknesse and mortalitie, incident to all men in these vnwholsome Countries, do there∣fore beseech your Lordship, that it may stand with your Lordships pleasure to grant vnto your Lordships said Petitioners, license & fauour to go for Holland this yeare in your Lordships ships. And so your Lord∣ships poore Prisoners shall doe our best endeuours to doe your Lordships seruice in our passage, wishing there may be a good end of all these differences; and thus hoping of your Lordships fauourable charitie herein towards vs poore Prisoners; we will pray for the prosperous successe of your Lordships Affaires. The Petition would bee granted. The fifth, on the second of Iuly, Humbly showeth vnto your Lordship, that we poore Prisoners now in this Castle of Pooloway, doe petition vnto your Lordship, that [ 50] we may be allowed such victuals as may sustaine our bodies without famishment, and that your Lord∣ship will be pleased to spare vs money to buy such things as are needfull for vs: for our clothing at this time is but very bare. Wherefore we beseech your Lordship to take some course for vs before your Lord∣ships departure from hence. Likewise we beseech your Lordship, that we may be suffered to walke abroad at seuerall times, as your Lordship shall be pleased to giue order. And so your Lordships poore Prisoners shall pray for the good successe of your Lordships Affaires. Which would not be granted.

[ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  In Master Co••thops Iour∣nall are Co∣pies of Letters sent by him or to him.
• * 2.1

  False pretence of Commis∣sion.
• * 3.1

  Lies of English distresse.
• * 3.2

  Sicknesse at Bantam.
• * 3.3

  French arriued at Bantam, and how welcom∣med by the Dutch.
• * 3.4

  Braue spirits of the Banda∣nezes.
• * 3.5

  Base dealing of Brutish Dutch.
• * 3.6

  This was a Lie, for it arriued safe at Poola∣roone.
• * 4.1

  Dutch crueltie.
• * 4.2

  Lye-deuices▪
• * 5.1

  The Cop••e of a piece o•• M. Iacksons Letter to M Ball from the Prison in Pooloway Ca∣st••e, Iuly 15. 1618.
• * 5.2

  Perfidious Dutch.
• * 5.3

  M. Courthops Letter to M. Ball.
• * 5.4

  Thus he did fore-tell his owne death in the cause and manner.
• * 5.5

  Dutch lyes to sca••re the Eng∣glish, and sawce their imprison∣ment.
• * 6.1

  M. Courthops magnanimous mind is not more seene in withstanding the Hollanders wrongs, then in bearing the impatience of his Countrey∣men impo∣tently vrging right.
• * 8.1

  Disagreeme•••• of the English, aduantagious to the Dutch: I had the whole Letter, which being long I haue expressed this onely.
• * 8.2

  Some of the Dutch kind to the English▪
• * 8.3

  D••ricksons kindn••sse.
• * 8.4

  The Captaine his kind••esse, to the English.
• * 8.5

  Eng••ish dissen∣tions & vanity
• * 9.1

  Petitions of the English Prisoners to the Dutch Ge∣nerall cruelly reiected.