Purchas his pilgrimes. part 2 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. XVI.

The Dutch late proceedings at Amboyna, in cruell torturing and executing of diuers English-men: with other their like Acts to the Natiues in Banda; published lately by the English-East-Indian [ 30] Societie; heere much abbreuiated.

AFter the fruitlesse issue of two seuerall Treaties: the first Anno 1613. in London; and the other Anno 1615. at the Hage in Holland, touching the differences be∣tweene the English and Dutch in the East-Indies, at last by a third Treatie Anno 1619. in London, there was a full and solemne composition made of all the said differences, and a faire order set for the future proceeding of the Supposts of both Companies in the Indies; aswell in the course of their Trade and Commerce, as otherwise. Amongst sundry other points, it was agreed, that in regard of the great blood shed and cost, pretended to bee bestowed by the Hollanders, in winning of the Trade of the Iles of the [ 40] Molluccos, Banda, and Amboyna, from the Spaniards and Portugals, and in building of Forts for the continuall securing of the same, the said Hollanders therefore should enioy two third parts of that Trade, and the English the other third; and the charge of the Forts to bee maintained by taxes and impositions, to be leuied vpon the Merchandize. Wherefore, in consequence of this a∣greement, the English East. India Company planted certaine Factories for their share of this Trade; some at the Molluccos, some at Banda, and some at Amboyna.

This Amboyna is an Iland lying neere Seran, of the Circuit of fortie leagues, and giueth name * 1.1 also to some other small Hands adiacent. It beareth Cloues; for gathering and buying in where∣of, the English Companie for their part had planted fiue seuerall Factories: the head and Ren∣devouz of all, at the Towne of Amboyna; and therein first, Master George Muscham••e and after∣ward Master Gabriell Tomerson; their Agents, with directions ouer the smaller Factories at [ 50] Hitto and Larica, vpon the same Iland, and at Loho and Cambello, vpon a point of their neighbou∣ring Iland of Seran.

Vpon these Ilands of Amboyna, and the point of Seran, the Hollanders haue foure Forts; the chiefe of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the said Towne of Amboyna, and is very strong, hauing foure Points or Bul∣warkes with their Curtaines, and vpon each of these Points sixe great Pieces of Ordnance moun∣ted, most of them of Brasse. The one side of this Castle is washed by the Sea, and the other is * 1.2 diuided from the Land with a Ditch of foure or fiue fathome broad, very deepe, and euer filled with the Sea. The Garrison of this Castle consisteth of about two hundred Dutch Souldiers and * 1.3 a Company of free Burgers. Besides these, there is alwayes a matter of three or foure hundred [ 60] Mardikero for so they vsually call the free Natiues) in the Towne, ready to serue the Castle at * 1.4 an houres warning. There lye also in the Roade (for the most part) diuers good Ships of the Hol∣landers, as well for the guard of the place by Sea, as for the occasions of Trassique: this being the * 1.5

chiefe Rendevo••••, as well for the Iland of Banda, as or the rest of Amboyna. Heere the English liued; not in the Castle, but vnder protection there••••, in a house of their owne in the Towne; holding themselues safe, as well in respect of the ••••cient bonds of Amitie betweene both Nati∣ons. as of the strict coniunction made by the late Treatie before mentioned.

They continued heere foine two yeares, conuersing and trading together with the Hollanders, by vertue of the said Treatie. In which time there fell out sundrie differences and debates be∣tweene them; The English complayning that the Hollanders did not onely lauish away much money in Building, and vnnecessarie expences, vpon the Forts and other wise, and bring large and vnreasonable reckonings thereof to the common accompt; but also did, for their part, pay the Garrisons with victuals and cloath of Coromandell, which they put off to the Souldiers at three or [ 10] foure times the value it cost them, yet would not allow of the English Companies part of the same charge, but onely in ready money; thereby drawing from the English (which ought to pay but one third part) more than two thirds of the whole true charge. Hereupon, and vpon the like occasions, grew some discontents and disputes, and the complaints were sent to Iaccatra, in the Iland of Ian•• Maior, to the Councell of defence of both Nations there residing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who also, * 1.6 not agreeing vpon the points in difference, sent the same hither ouer into Europe, to bee deci∣ded by both Companies heere; or, in default of their agreement, by the Kings Maiestie, and the Lords the States Generall, according to an Article of the Treatie of the yeare 1619. on this be∣halfe. In the meane time, the discontent betweene the English and the Dutch, about these and other differences, continued and daily encreased, vntill at last there was a sword found, to cut in [ 20] sunder that knot at once, which the tedious disputes of Amboyna and Iaccatra could not vntie. And this was vsed in manner as followeth.

About the eleuenth of February 1622. Stilo veteri, a Iaponer Souldier of the Dutch in their Ca∣stle of Amboyna, walking in the night vpon the wall, came to the Centinell (being a Hollander) and there, amongst other talke, asked him some questions touching the strength of the Castle, and the people that were therein. It is heere to bee noted, that those Iaponers (of whom there is not thirty in all the Iland) did, for the most part, serue the Dutch as souldiers, yet were not of their tru∣stie bands, alwaies lodged in the Castle, but vpon occasion called out of the Towne to assist in the Watch. This Iaponer aforesaid, was for his said conference with the Centinel, apprehended vpon suspicion of Treason, and put to the Torture. Thereby (as some of the Dutch affirmed) hee was [ 30] brought to confesse himselfe, and sundry others of his Countrymen there, to haue contriued the taking of the Castle. Hereupon, other Iapanets were examined and tortured, as also a Portugall, the Guardian of the Slaues vnder the Dutch. During this examination, which continued three or foure dayes; some of the English men went too and from the Castle vpon their businesse, saw the Priso∣ners, heard of their tortures, and of the crime laid to their charge; but all this while 〈…〉〈…〉ted not, that this matter did any whit concerne themselues; hauing neuer had any conuers〈…〉〈…〉 with the Iaponers, not with the Portugall aforesaid. At the same time there was one Abel P〈…〉〈…〉, Chirurgi∣on * 1.7 of the English, Prisoner in the Castle, for offering in his Drunkennesse to set a Dutch-mans house on fire. This fellow the Dutch tooke, and shewed him some of the Iaponers, whom they had first most grieuously tortured, and told him, they had confessed the English to haue beene of their [ 40] confederacie, for the taking of the Castle; and that if he would not confesse the same, they would vse him euen as they had done these Iaponers, and worse also. Hauing giuen him the torture, they soone made him confesse what euer they asked him. This was the fifteenth of February, 1622. Stilo veteri. Forthwith, about nine of the clocke the same Morning, they sent for Captaine Tower∣son, and the rest of the English that were in the Towne, to come to speake with the Gouernour in the Castle: they all went, saue one that was left to keepe the House. Being come to the Gouer∣nour, he told Captaine Towerson, that himselfe and others of his Nation were accused of a Con∣spiracie to surprise the Castle, and therefore, vntill further triall, were to remaine Prisoners. In∣stantly also they attached him that was left at home in the house, tooke the Merchandize of the English Companie there into their owne custodie by Inuentorie, and seized all the Chests, Boxes, [ 50] Bookes, Writings, and other things in the English house. Captaine Towerson was committed to his Chamber with a guard of Dutch Souldiers. Emanuel Tomson was kept Prisoner in the Castle, the rest, viz. Iohn Beomont, Edward Collins, William Webber, Ephraim Ramsey, Timothy Iohnson, Iohn Fardo, and Robert Browne, were sent aboord the Hollanders ships then riding in Harbour, some to one ship, and some to another, and all made fast in Irons. The same day also the Gouernour sent to the two other Factories in the same Iland, to apprehend the rest of the English them. So that Sa∣muel Colson, Iohn Clarke, George Sharrock, that were found in the Factorie at Hitto, and Eduard Coll〈…〉〈…〉, William Webber, and Iohn Sa••ler at Larica, were all brought Prisoners to Amboyna, the six∣teenth of February. Vpon which day also Iohn Pow〈…〉〈…〉, Iohn Wether all, and Thomas 〈…〉〈…〉brooke, were apprehended at Cambello, and Iohn B••omont, William Grigs, and Ephraim Ramsey, at Laho, and [ 60] brought in Irons to Amboyna the twentieth of the same moneth.

In the meane time, the Gouernour and Fiscall went to worke with the Prisoners that were al∣ready there: And first they sent for Iohn Beomont, and Timothy Iohnson, from aboord the Vnicorne; who being come into the Castle, Beomont was left with a guard in the Hall, and Iohnson was taken

into another roome. Where, by and by, B〈…〉〈…〉 heard him cry out very pitifully; then to be quiet for a little while, and then loud againe. After taste of the torture, Abel Price the Chirurgion, that first was examined and tortured (as is aboue remembred) was brought in to confront and accuse him: But Iohnson not yet confessing any thing, Price was quickly carried out, and Iohnson brought againe to the torture, where B〈…〉〈…〉 heard him sometime cry aloud, then quiet againe, then roare afresh. At last, after he had been about an houre in this second examination, he was brought forth wailing and lamenting, all wet, and cruelly burnt in diuers parts of his body, and so laid aside in a by place of the Hall, with a souldier to watch him that he should speake with no body. Then was Emanuel Tomson brought to examination; not in the roome where Iohnson had beene, but in ano∣ther * 1.8 somthing farther from the Hall. Yet B〈…〉〈…〉 being in the Hall, heard him roare most lamen∣tably, and many times. At last, after an houre & an halfe spent in torturing him, he was carried a∣way [ 10] into another roome another way, so that hee came not by B••omont through the Hall. Next was B••omont called in, and being demanded many things, all which he denied with deepe oathes and protestations, was made fast to be tortured; a cloth tyed about his necke, and two men ready with Iarres of water to be powred on his head. But yet for this time the Gouernor bad loose him, he would spare him a day or two, because he was an Old man. This was all Saturdaies worke, the fifteenth of February asoresaid.

Vpon Sunday the 16. of February, William Webber, Edward Collins, Ephraim Ramsey, and Robert Browne, were fetcht from aboord the Rott〈…〉〈…〉, to be examined. At the same time came Samuel Colson, William Grigs, and Iohn Clarke, George Sharrocke, & Iohn Sadler, from Hitto and Lari••a, and were immediatly vpon their arriuall, brought into the Castle-hall. Robert Browne Tailor was first * 1.9 [ 20] called in, & being tormented with water, confessed all in order as the Fiscall asked him. Then was Edward Collins called in, and told, that those that were formerly examined, had confest him as ac∣cessary * 1.10 to the plot of taking the Castle. Which, when he denied with great oathes & execrations, they made his hands and feet fast to the Racke, bound a cloth about his throat, ready to be put to the torture of water. Thus prepared, he prayed to be respited, and he would confesse all. Being let downe, ••e againe vowed & protested his innocencie; yet said, that because he knew that they would by torture make him confesse any thing, though neuer so false, they should doe him a great fauour, to tell him what they would haue him say, and hee would speake it, to auoyd the torture. The Fiscall hereupon sud; what, doe you mocke vs? and bad, Vp with him againe; and so gaue him the torment of water: which he not able long to endure, prayed to be let downe again to his [ 30] confession. Then he deuised a little with himselfe, and told them, that about two mon〈…〉〈…〉 and a halfe before, himselfe, Tomson, Iohnson, B〈…〉〈…〉, and Fard••, had plotted, with the helpe of the Iapo∣ners, to surprice the Castle. Here he was interrupted by the Fscall, and asked, whether Captaine Towerson were not of that conspiracie. He answered, No. Y•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, said the Fiscall; did not bee call you all to him, and tell you, that those daily abuses of the Dutch had caused 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to thinke of a plot, and that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wanted nothing but your consent and secretie? Then said a Dutch Merchant, one Iohn ••oo•••• that stood by, Did not you all sweare vpon a Bible to bee secret to him? Collins answered with great oathes, that hee knew nothing of any such matter. Then they bade make him fast againe: whereupon he then said, All was true that they had spoken. Then the Fiscall asked him, whether the English in the rest of the Factories, were not consen••ing to this plot. Hee answered, No. The [ 40] Fiscall then asked him, whether the President of the English at Iaccatra, or Mr. Welden Agent in Banda, were not plotters or priuie to this businesse. Againe he answered, No. Then the Fiscall as∣ked him by what meanes the Iapouers should haue executed their purpose. Whereat, when Collins stood staggering and deuising of some probable fiction, the Fiscall holpe him, and said, Should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two Iaponers haue gone to each point of the Castle, and two to the Gouernours Chamber doore; and when the hurly-burly had beene without, and the Gouernour comming to see what was the matter, the Iaponers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue killed him? Here one that stood by, said to the Fiscall, Doe not tell him what he should say, but let him speake of himselfe. Whereupon the Fiscall, without attending the answer to his for∣mer question; asked what the Iaponers should haue had for their reward. Collins answered, 1000. Ryals a peece. Lastly, he asked him, when this plot should haue bin effected. Wherunto although hee answered him nothing (not knowing what to deuise vpon the sodaine) yet he was dismissed, [ 50] and very glad to come cleere of the torture, though with certain beleefe that he should die for this his Confession. Next, was Samuel Colson brought in, being newly arriued from Hitto, as is before * 1.11 touched, & was the same day brought to the torture, who, for feare of the paine wherwith he saw Collins come out, in such a case, that his eyes were almost blowne out of his head with the torment of water; chose rather to confesse all they asked him: and so was quickly dismissed, comming out weeping, lamenting, & protesting his innocencie. Then was Iohn Clarke, that came with Colson * 1.12 from Hitto, fetcht in, and a litle after was heard (by the rest that were without in the Hall) to cry out amaine. They tortured him with water & with fire, by the space of 2. houres. The māner of his torture (as also of Iohnsons & Tomsons) was as followeth: First, they hoised him vp by the hands [ 60] with a cord on a large doore, where they made him fast vpon 2. staples of Iron; fixt on both sides, at the top of the doore posts, haling his hands one from the other as wide as they could stretch. Be∣ing thus made fast, his feet hung 2. foot from the ground, which also they stretcht asunder as farre

as they would retch, and so made them fast beneath vnto the doore trees on each side. Then they bound a cloth about his necke and face so close, that little or no w••••er could goe by. That done, They powred the water softly vpon his head vntill the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp to the mouth and nostrils, and somewhat higher; so that hee could not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 breath, but hee must withall sucke in the water: which being still continued to be powred in soft∣ly, forced all his inward parts, came out of his Nose, Eares, and Eyes, and often as it were stifling and choaking him, at length tooke away his breath, and brought him to a swoun•• or fainting. Then they tooke him quickly downe, and made him vomit vp the wa〈…〉〈…〉. Beeing a little recouered, they triced him vp againe, and powred in the water as before, eftsoones taking him downe as he seemed to be stifled. In this manner they handled him three or foure seuerall [ 10] times with water, till his bodie was swolne twice or thrice as bigge as before, his cheekes like great Bladders and his eies staring and strutting out beyond his fort head: yet all this hee bare, without confessing any thing; insomuch as the Fiscall and tormen〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉iled him, saying that he was a Deuill, and no man, or surely was a Witch, at least had some charme about him, or was enchanted; that he could beare so much. Wherefore they cut off his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very short, as supposing he had some Witchcraft hidden therein. Afterwards they hoised him vp againe as before, and then burnt him with lighted Candles in the bottome of his feete, vntill the fat dropt out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gandles; yet then applyed they freshlights vnto him. They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him also vnder the ••••••owes, & in the plames of the hands; likewise vnder the arme pits, vntil his inwards might be euidently seene. At last, when they saw he could of himselfe make no hansome confession, then they led him [ 20] along with questions of particular circumstances, by themselues framed. Being thus wearied and ouercome by the torment; he answered, yea to whatsoeuer they asked: whereby they drew from him a bodie of a confession to this effect; to wit, That Captaine Towerson had vpon New-yeeres day last before, sworne all the English at Amboyna to bee secret and assistant to a plot that hee had proiected, with the helpe of the Iaponers, to surprize the Castle, and to put the Gouernour and the rest of the Dutch to death.

Hauing thus martyred this poore man, they sent him out by foure Blacks; who carried him be∣tweene them to a Dungeon, where he lay fiue or six daies without any Chirurgion to dresse him, vntill (his flesh being 〈◊〉〈◊〉) great Maggots dropt and crept from him in a most loth some and noysome 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Thus they finished their Sabbath daies worke; and it growing now [ 30] darke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the rest of the English (that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that day from H〈…〉〈…〉, and till then attended in the Hall) first to the 〈…〉〈…〉ths shop, where they were loaden with Irons, and then to the same lothsome Dungeon where Clarke and the rest were, accompanied with the poore Iaponers, lying in the putrifaction of their tortures. The next morning being Munday the 17. of February, old S••ile, William Grigs and Iohn Fardo, with certaine Iaponers, were brought into the place of exami∣nation. The Iaponers were first cruelly tortured to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Grigs; which at last they did: and Grigs to auoid the like torture, confessed all that the Fiscall demanded. By and by the like also was done by Iohn Fardo, and other Iaponers: but Fardo himselfe endured the torture of water; and at last confessed whatsoeuer the Fiscall asked him; and so was sent backe to Prison.

I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no heart to proceed. In like manner Iohn B••omont, George Sharrock, William Webber, [ 40] Gabriell Towerson, Iohn Wetherall, Iohn Powle, Thomas Lad••uoke, Ephraim Ramsey, Iohn Sadler, were examined by torture of the mind or bodie, or both. The Storie is fresh and lately printed; and long, to which I referre the Reader. Ten suffered, viz. Mon. Towerson, Colsor, Thomson, Iohnson, Wetherall, Clarke, Grigs, Fardo, Price, Browne; all protesting their innocencie.

They had prepared a Cloth of blacke Veluet for Captaine Towerson his bodie to fall vpon; which being stained and defaced with his bloud, they afterwards put to the account of the Eng∣lish Company.

At the instant of the execution, there arose a great darknesse, with a sudden and violent gust of wind and tempest; whereby two of the Dutch ships, riding in the Harbour, were driuen from their Anchors, and with great labour and diffiultie saued from the Rockes. Within a few dayes [ 50] after, one William Dunck••••, who had told the Gouernour, That Robert Browne the English Tai∣lour, had a few moneths before told him, he hoped; that the English should haue as much to doe in the Castle of Amboyna, as the Dutch; This fellow comming vpon an Euening to the Graūe where the English were buried, being all (saue Captaine Tower sony in one pit, sell downe vpon the Graue; and hauing lien there awhile, rose vp againe starke madde, and so continued two or three dayes together, and then died. Forth with also fell a new sicknesse at Amboyna, which swept away about a thousand people, Dutch and Amboyners: in the space wherein, there vsually died not aboue thirtie at other Seasons. These signes were by the suruiuing English referred to the con∣fident prediction of Emanuel Tomson aboue-named, and were by the Amboyners interpreted as a token of the wrath of God for this barbarous tyrannie of the Hollanders. [ 60]

The manifold testimonies of their innocencie by their owne writings before their death, deuout and deep protestations at their death; desire also to receiue the Sacrament to ratifie the same, and lastly the proo•••• thereof by many reasons, with the Obiections answered; the Reader may at large see in the Booke set forth by the Company. Out of which for perfecting our Banda Relations, I haue added this.

But he could not see the thirtieth Article, which orders, that all disputes that cannot be decided by the Councell of defence, should be remitted into Europe; first, to the two Companies there, and in default of their agreement to the King and States. Why then was not this dispute so pro∣ceeded in. There is nothing in the former Articles, to limit the Councell of defence; and this generall Article appeareth to be added by way of ampliation, to prouide for that which was not particularly and expresly cared for in the former. Which is most plaine by the words of the ex∣planation vpon this thirtieth Article, agreed vpon at the first, and subscribed by the Commissio∣ners on both sides, Anno 1619. where this course of proceeding is expresly directed, not only in disputes about the meaning of the Articles, but also about any other matter happening in their common aboad. Since which also the Kings Maiestie hath, vpon a smaller occasion then the life [ 10] of his Subiects, cleerely declared himselfe in the point of Souereigntie; That both Nations in the Indies should wholly lay aside al pretence therof. Which Declaration was sent to the Lords States General, & by them accepted before this bloudie but cherie was executed. But if it were granted, that the Hollanders are absolute Lords of their partners the English in those parts, without re∣spect to the Treatie, yet at least the Hollanders in Amboyna, are bound to obserue the Lawes of the vnited Prouinces; for so saith this Authour himselfe. Doe these allow to begin the Processe at the torture, and to bring persons of honest fame to the Racke, vpon others confession made in the torture? Do their Lawes allow of the leading Interrogatories aboue mentioned, to direct the Prisoner what to say, to auoid the torture? Where, in the vnited Prouinces, is that drowning with water, in vse? or the torture with fire, vsed to Iohnson, Tomson, and Clarke? or especially the split∣ting [ 20] of their toes, and launcing of the brest, and putting in Gun-powder, and then firing the same, whereby the bodie is not left intire, neither for innocencie, nor execution? Clarke and Tomson were both faine to bee carried to their execution, though they were tortured many dayes before.

Lastly, their confessions were contradictory, apparantly false, and of things impossible to bee done, much lesse practised before by the said parties; and therfore ought not by their Law to haue beene beleeued, nor the Prisoners to haue beene condemned thereupon, without other sufficient Indi••ia, or euidence besides.

In the last place, this Author handleth the excesse of the torture whereof (hee taketh notice) there is much complaint in England; and saith, That the Lords States Generall take great care [ 30] to enforme themselues of all the passages of this busines; and to that end haue desired to see all the Letters, Pieces, and Papers that concerne this Processe: by which it appeareth not, that there was any cruell torture vsed. But suppose the acts make no mention of them; is it any maruell that the Authors of this murtherous and tyrannous Processe, being themselues the persons that also formed the Acts would omit those things that made against them? It is to bee presumed al∣so, that the Acts kept by their people at Poloway in Banda, haue omitted many things of their Processe, against the poore Polaroones, whom in August 1622. being about sixe monethes before this execution of the English, their Gouernour there vsed in like sort, as the Gouernour o•• Am∣boyna did the English, and gaue him a modell and precedent of this Processe, which it will no•• be amisse to relate briefly, because this Authour, in the next place alleageth the mercifull 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 40] of the Netherlands Nation in generall; to inferre thence, that it is therefore vnlikely, that their Gouernour at Amboyna was so cruell, as is reported in England.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 one of the Ilands of Banda, was in possession of the English at the time of the Treatie, Anno 161•• and by the agreement was to remaine theirs. After the Treatie came vnto the Indies, the Hollanders forbare publishing thereof in the Ilands of Banda, vntill they had taken Polaroon. But, knowing that it must be restored againe, according to the Treatie, they first take all courses to make the Iland little or nothing worth: they demolish and deface the Buil∣dings, transplant the Nutmeg-trees, plucking them vp by the Roots, and carrying them into their owne Ilands of Nera and of Poloway, there to be planted for themselues; and at last finde a meanes to dispeople the Iland, and to leaue it so, as the English might make no vse of it, worth [ 50] their charge of keeping; and that vpon this occasion: There was a young man, the Sonne of an Orankey, or a Gentleman in Polaroon, that had committed Felonie; for which, by the Lawes of his Countrey, hee was to die. This fellow, to saue his life, fled to another Iland of Banda, called Rofi••ging, and there turned Christian: but quickly vnderstanding, that that would not make him safe from punishment, hee went backe secretly to his owne Countrey of Polaroon; and, hauing lurked there a few dayes, tooke his passage for Nera, another Iland where the Dutch haue a Fort; and told the Dutch Gouernour, that the Orankeyes of Polaroon had conspired to massacre the Dutch as well at Polaroon, as at Poloway, with helpe of the peo∣ple of S〈…〉〈…〉, that should send ouer thirtie Curricurries for that purpose. Immediately vpon [ 60] this Indic〈…〉〈…〉 of this Malefactor, certaine Prowes or Fisherboates of the Polaroons, that were fishing at Poloway, were seized, and the people made Prisoners, Command was sent by the Dutch Gouernour to Polaroon, that the Orankeyes should come ouer to him, that there might be further inquisition made of this matter.

The Priest of the Polaroons and seuentie Orankeyes instantly tooke a Prow or small Vessell of their owne, and imbarked themselues for Poloway. As they were at Sea, and yet out of the sight of the Dutch Castle, they were met by a Fisher-boat of Bandanezes, and told, how all the rest were apprehended; and that, if they went to Poloway, they were all but dead men. Neuerthe∣lesse, the Priest and the rest, although they had space and meanes to haue escaped to Seran and other places safe enough from the Hollanders, yet were so confident of their innocencie, that they would needs to Poloway to purge themselues. Where, assoone as they were arriued, they were instantly carried Prisoners to the Castle: and withall the Gouernour, with a force of two hundred men, went presently for Polaroon; whence he fetched all the rest of the Orankeyes, and brought them Prisoners to the same Castle. As soone as they were comne, they were presently [ 10] brought to the torture of Water and fire, euen in the same sort as our people were afterward at Amboyna; onely herein differing, that of those of Poloway, two were so tortured, that they died in their tortures: the rest being one hundred sixtie two persons, were all vpon their owne forced confessions, condemned and executed. The Priest when he came to the place of execu∣tion, spake these words in the Mallaian Tongue: All yee, great and small, rich and poore, black and white, looke to it: we haue committed no fault. And when hee would haue spoken more, hee was taken by the hands and feet, laid along, and cut in two by the middle with a Sword. Forthwith, the Gouernour caused the wiues, children, and slaues of those of Polaroon, to be all car∣ried out of the Iland, and distributed in other Ilands subiect to the Dutch; and so haue made a cleere Countrey for the English; where they may both plant and gather themselues destitute of [ 20] the helpe of any of the Countrie people; without whom, neither the English nor Hollanders can maintaine their Trade in the Indies, And yet this is not heere recited, to the end thereby to charge the Neetberlands Nation with those cruell proceedings, but the persons themselues, that haue commited those barbarous Tyrannies: Who, if we shall beleeue an Authour of their owne, are not of the best of that Nation. For the Maiores (as this Authour sayes) vse the Indies as a Tucht-house or Bridewell, to manage their vnruly and vnthriftie children and kindred; whom when they cannot rule and order at home, they send to the Indies, where they are preferred to * 1.13 Offices and places of Gouernment. Yea, saith he, they preferre such to be Fiscals there, as neuer saw Studie nor Law. So that it is no maruell, that such persons proceed not with that Iustice and moderation as is vsed generally in the Low Countries, by the choice of the Nation there. And [ 30] this agreeth well with the report of our Merchants of credit, that came lately from Amboyna; who auerre, that excepting the Gouernour himselfe, who is well stept in yeeres, of the rest of the Councell there, as well the Piscall, as others, there was scarce any that had haire on their faces, yea, that most of them are lewd drunken debauched persons; and yet must be Iudges as well of our English, as the poore Indians there.

VVE haue bin long enough perplexed with viewing Easterne Tragedies. Let vs now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Eyes Westward. And lest any should thinke that in hatred of the Dutch Name I haue published the last, or any of the former Relations of bad dealing with the English: I haue beere added this that may make for their Honour, an Act of Hostilitie against a knowne Ene∣mie: [ 40] as also euery where in this Worke I haue not wittingly omitted, either publike Act, Fleet, Voyage, or Victorie of theirs, which might honour their Nation (yea if I found any particu∣lar Act of kindnesse, or any kinder person to the English Name and Nation, I haue beene readie to mention the same) so farre as agreeth with our Historie. I cannot make the East In∣dian Dutch Case good, nor would I make the European bad, raising a Nationall quarrell (which God forbid, and which the Deuill there sought) out of a personate.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Amboyna de∣scribed.
• * 1.2

  Dutch Castle.
• * 1.3

  Garrison.
• * 1.4

  Subiects.
• * 1.5

  Ships.
• * 1.6

  Iacatra (now Baearia) seat of the Dutch Go∣uernment in the Indies.
• * 1.7

  Abel Price exa∣mined.
• * 1.8

  Emanuel Tomp∣son examined.
• * 1.9

  Robert Brown•• examined.
• * 1.10

  Edward Collins examined.
• * 1.11

  Samuel Colson examined.
• * 1.12

  Iohn Clarke ex∣amined.
• * 1.13

  Noo••••endich discourse prin∣ted, An. 1622. vnder the name of Ymant van Wa••rmond.