letter I suppozed it would have byn, for humors now and then are over
much predomenant in som men; but, as the saying is, _nemo sine crimene vivet_. You must pardon me, yf I speak falce Latten. 301
Yistarday we sett our junckes mastes, and I hope will not now be long before she will be ready. We fynd her to be biggar of stoadg then we formerly expected.
I have byn with Capt. Adames at Gonrok Dono, and in thend concluded the price of our lead at 5-1/2 _tais_ the _pico_. But Gonrok will first speake with themperours _bongews_ or councellors thereof, and, in the meane tyme, will deliver us eight hundred _taies_ in parte of payment, and will send a man to way out all the lead, and leave it in our howse till order com downe to take it and pay the rest of the money. And, as Gonrok tells me, the Hollanders have made prise at 5 _taies pico_, and waid it all and delivered it into the handes of the King of Firando. But I esteem this but a tale. And so I comit yow to thallmightie, resting
Your loving frend,
RIC. COCKS.
To his loving frend, Mr. Wm. Nealson, English merchant, deliver in Firando. From Nangasaque. This letter should be derected Mr. Jno. Osterwick, etc.
[170] British Museum. _Cotton Charter_, iii, 13, f. 37.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[171]
Nangasaque in Japon, the 10th of Marche, 1619[20].
Right worll. Ser and Sers,--
After my humble dutie remembred, may it please yow to understand that, by the indirect dealinges and unlooked for proceadinges of the Hollanders, this is the therd yeare since we hadd any shipping came from England or Bantam to Japan. Neather in all this tyme have we had any conveance to enforme your Worshipps of the manifold abuses offered unto us within these kingdoms of Japon, notwithstanding the 302 lardge prevelegese we have from the Emperour that the Japons them selves may not meddell with us. Yet these Hollanders have, by sound of trumpet abord all their shipps in the harbour of Firando, procleamed open warrs against our English nation, both by sea and land, with fire and sworde, to take our shipps and goods and destroy our persons to the uttermost of their power, as to their mortall enemies.
And their cheefe comander which came hither last, called Adam Westerwood, sett my life at sale, offering 50 R. of 8 to any man that could kill me, and 30 R. for each other Englishman they could kill; which their proceadinges could not be soe secretly donne, but I hadd dailie notis thereof by som of their owne people, although they were comanded upon payne of death to the contrary. And because your Wors. shall understand all how it hath passed, it is as hereafter followeth, viz.:--
After that the comander (as they call hym), Jno. Derickson Lamb, came hither from the Molucos and passed by the Manillias, where he took divers China junckes and staid soe long on that cost that the Spanish gallions came out against hym and sunck the admerall shipp, called the _New Sunne_, wherein Derickson Lamb hym selfe was, whoe escaped very hardly abord an other shipp, wherein he came to Japon. The Spaniardes also burned two other of the Hollandes fleete, and made all the rest to run away, without losse of any Spanish shipp, etc.
And Jno. Derickson Lamb, going away, left the _Ould Sunne_, a great ship with 38 or 40 peeces ordinance in her, with an other shipp, called the _Gallias_, of 300 tonns, as they say, with 30 peeces of ordinance in her, and sent them abootehawling one the cost of China, and from thence to the Manillias, where they h[ad] the rifling of xvi seale of China junckes, and filled them with such as they liked and 303 sett the rest on fire, and brought the China junckes along with them, being the best and ruchliest laden, puting som 8 or 9 Hollanders into each junck; but, by fowle wether at sea, they lost company of the shipps, soe that the Chinas, being too strong for the Hollanders, cut all their throtes, and carid all the junckes into China, as we hadd certen newes thereof.
These 2 shipps, the _Sunne_ and _Gallias_, arived at Firando the 6th and 8th day of June, 1618. And the 8th day of August after heare arived an English shipp, called the _Attendance_, which the Hollanders sent hither from the Molucas, to our greater disgrace, but not an Englishman in her. So that, by generall consent, it was thought fitt I went to themperours court to complaine, thinking we might have hadd restetution, considering the lardge preveleges we have in Japon. But answer was made that for factes comitted in other places themperor would not meddell with it, but for anything donne in his owne dominions he would see us have right.
Soe the three forenamed shipps, _Sunne_, _Gallias_, and _Attendance_, were sett out againe, the _Sunne_ to carry their most best stuffes and silke, her full lading, to goe for Bantam; and the other two to goe for the Manillas, to meete an other Hollandes fleete, because they had certen news that 6 of the King of Spaines gallions were cast away per misfortune at Manillas, which was true, soe that the Spaniardes hadd no strength to com out against them. Soe they took 3 China junckes more, but noe greate wealth in them, only they found such good refreshing that it saved the lives of their hongerstarved men; otherwaies they hadd never lived to see Japon.
Soe now may it please your Wors. to understand this last yeare, I meane reckning before Christmas, here cam 7 seale of Hollanders for this cuntrey of Japon and to this towne of Firando, viz.:--
1. The _Bantam_, a shipp of 1000 tonns, wherin Adam Westerwood came. 304
2. The _New Moone_, a shipp of 7 or 800 tonns, vizadmerall.
3. The _Gallias_ before named, of above 300 tonns.
4. The _Attendance_, thenglish shipp before named.
5. The _Swan_, an other English shipp taken by them at Molucas.
And out of these shipps 3 Englishmen escaped ashore and came to thenglish howse to seeke releefe, telling us they were used more like dogges then men amongst the Hollanders. Their names are as followeth: John Moore, John Joones, Edward Curwin; these 3 men brought presoners in Hollandes shipps. The Hollanders demanded these 3 men to be retorned back unto them; unto whome I made answer, I would first see their comition how they durst presume to take our English shiping, men, and goodes, as they did. So then they went to the _Tono_ (or King) of Firando, and demanded that their English _kengos_ (which in Japons is sclaves) should be sent back unto them. Unto whome the _tono_ made answer that he took not the English to be sclaves to the Hollanders, we having such lardge preveleges in Japon as we hadd, and therefore willed them to goe to themperour and demand them of hym, and what he ordayned should be performed, etc.
Also their came a penisse from the Molucas, called the _Fox_, to bring newes of the fight betwixt thenglish fleete and the Hollanders att Jaccatra, and that these shipps should make hast to the Molucas with powder, shott, victuelles, and other provition, etc.
And last of all came an other greate shipp from Pattania, called the _Angell_, being the admerall of 3 shipps which came together and sent of purpose to take the _Samson_ and _Hownd_, two other English shipps, wherin Capt. Jno. Jourden, the presedent, came cheefe comander; they Hollanders coming upon them on a sudden as they road at an ancor in 305 the roade of Pattania, nott dowbting any such matter, where they took both the said shipps, after the death of Capt. Jourden and others. Out of which shipp _Angell_ Mr. Wm. Gourden and Michell Payne escaped ashore, by the assistance of Mr. Wm. Adames; otherwais they hadd byn sent captives (as the Duch terme it) to the Molucas. Mr. Gourden was master of the _Hownd_, and Michell Payne carpenter of the _Samson_. As also a Welchman, named Hugh Williams, escaped from them and came to the English howse the morrow after. By which 3 men, as also by an open letter which I receved from Mr. Adam Denton from Pattania in the Duch shipp _Angell_, we understand of the proceadinges of the Hollanders against our nation; the copie of which letter I send your Wors. here inclozed.
But to conclud the unruly dealinges of the Hollanders: when they saw they could not by any meanes gett back the Englishmen which escaped from them, allthough they laid secrett ambushes ashore to have taken them, which being reveled to me by som of their owne people, then they came to outbrave us in the streetes before our owne dores, urging us with vild speeches; soe that from words som of our people and they fell to blowes, where one of the Hollanders got a scram, which made the rest soe madd that they came on shore by multetudes, thinking by force to have entred into our howse and cutt all our throates, geveing 3 assaltes in one day. Yet the Japons took our partes, that they could doe us no harme, although there were v. or vj. C. of them against v. or vj. persons of us. And the next day morning after, when we thought nothing, a company of them entred our howse, armed with piks, swordes, and _cattans_, where they wounded John Coaker and an other, thinking they hadd kild one of them at least, as they made their bragges after. Soe that we weare constrayned to keepe in our howse a gard of Japons, night and day, armed, at meate, drink, and wages, to your Wors. greate 306 charge. Soe that the king of Firando comanded watch and ward to be kept in the streetes, that noe Hollanders might be suffered to passe by our dores. But then they went in swarmes by water, shaking their naked swords at us, calling us by a thousand filthie names; which coming to the knowledg of the _tono_, he sent for Capt. Jacob Speck, princepall (or cape merchant) of the Hollanders in Japon, and caused hym to geve a writing in Japons before witnesses, with his ferme at it, that from that tyme forward no Hollander should misuse an Englishman, nether in word nor deed, and then caused me, Richard Cocks, to geve an other to the same effect, with my ferme at it, before the same witnesses, that noe Englishman should doe the like to any Hollanders. Yet, before 3 or 4 daies were passed, the Hollanders began againe to misuse us; for that Edmond Sayer, being retorned of a voyage he hadd made for your Wors. affares to Cochinchina and arived at Nangasaque, sentt Richard King to Firando to advertis me thereof and to bring our _foyfone_ (or bark) with hym to carry the comodetis he hadd brought to Firando. But as the said Ric. King was going out in the said bark, accompanied with our _jurebasso_, the Hollanders armed out five or six barkes or shipp boates after them, full of men, with guns, pikes, swordes, and other weapons, and took hym presoner with the bark and carid hym to the Hollands howse, using hym very churlishly. The _tono_ being an eye witnesse and looker on when they did it, mooved hym soe much that he sent out certen boates full of souldiers after them, to have reskewed Ric. King; but they came to late, for the Hollanders hadd carried hym into their howse before they came. Soe the souldiers laid hand on Capt. Speck hym selfe and carid hym presoner to the _tonos_ howse, where he remeaned most parte of the day, till Richard King was sett free.
But this matter was noe sowner overpast but our junck arived from 307 Syam, wherin Mr. Eaton came and advized me of their arivall on this coast, and to send them a boate or two to helpe to toe them in, which I did; and Ed. Sayer, Richard Kinge, and John Coaker went in them with our _jurebasso_. But, passing by the Hollandes shipps in this harbor, they bent a peece of ordinance against them, which took falce fire. Which they seeing, discharged 4 or 5 muskettes at them with langarell (or cheane) shott; but, by greate fortune, missed the Englishmen and kild a Japon. Which open injuries being offered against us in Japon (contrary to the preveleges geven us by the Emperour), yt was thought fitt (and agreed upon by a generall councell) that I should goe to the court of the Emperour of Japon, to make their doinges knowne unto his Matie. and to demand justice; which I did, with much labour and greate cost to your Wors. And order was geven by the Emperours comand and his previe councell to the _Tono_ or King of Firando to heare both parties and see justis performed. Yet, from that tyme till now, there is nothing donne, although I have divers tymes very instantly desired it of the kinge, whose best answer I eaver could gett was, that the Hollanders had kild no Englishman, but a Japonar, his owne vassale, which yf he were content to pardon, what hadd I to doe therwith?
And that which is worse, we being makinge cables for our junck in the streetes of Firando, the servantes of a gentelman called Semi Dono picked a quarrell against Ed. Sayer as he, Wm. Eaton, and Jno. Osterwick were looking on the workmen; and, without any reazon came out against them with clubbs and staves, and knockt downe Ed. Sayer, wounding hym very sore; and the rest escaped not free, but were shrodly beaten, and, hadd they not by good fortune gotten into a howse, they hadd kild them all. For the which abuse I went first to Semi Dono to complaine, but he would not vouchsaffe to speake to 308 me. Soe I complained to the kinge, thinking to have hadd justice; but, to the contrary, he sent me word that by councell he hadd banished two men of Semi Donos out of his dominions, which were the authors thereof, as he did the like by Edmond Sayer, telling me that, yf I did not forthwith send hym to Nangasaque, he would geve orders to kill hym the first tyme he went out of the dores into the street. Unto which I made answer, it was against the preveleges geven us by the Emperour, desiring hym to lett me pleade for my selfe, to show my greefes, or else lett the matter be brought before the Emperour. But the kinge would not heare me speak any ferther in this matter, but badd me stand to the danger, yf I sent hym not away. Yet still I pleaded that the Hollanders hadd donne much more, even to the killinge of Japons, and yet were not banished nor any thing said to them for it, nether for any other abuses offered against us; and Ed. Sayer nor no other Englishman hadd nether wounded nor hurt any Japon for this matter he was banished for, yet he hym selfe being wounded almost to death. But all would not serve, soe that I was constrayned to send Ed. Sayer to Nangasaque, and soe from thence to goe for Bantam or any other place where the English fleete is, to geve the precedent and cheefe comanders to understand thereof, etc.
For may it please your Wors. to understand that, having soe many Englishmen lying idly in the factory, with those which were heare before, and noe shipping to carry them away, as well to avoid charg of howse keepinge as also to geve your Wors. to understand how matters passe, it was ordayned per a general councell to buy a small _soma_ or vessell of som 50 tonns, to carry these men whose names follow (at their owne ernest request) to seek out the fleete in Java, Sumatra, or else wheare, to helpe to fight against the commune enemie, as they have procleamed them selves, I meane the Hollander, as also to 309 carry gunpowder, shott, beefe, pork, biskitt, tunnie fish, and other provition, soe much as conveniently the vessell can carry. The names of the Englishmen which goe are as followeth, viz:--Edmond Sayer, James Burges, Thomas Harod, Wm. Gorden, Robt. Hawley, Jno. Portes, Migell Payne, John Coaker, John Moore, John Joones, Ed. Curwine, Jno. Yonge, Hugh Williams, Peeter Griffine. Also there goe 9 Japon marrenars with them for their more strengthning, as also because their seals are of mattes, after the Japon fation, wherin they are more expert then our English men. And, for their better defence they carry 4 falcons, 2 of brasse and 2 of iron, with 2 long brasse bases, 2 fowlars or murtherers, 3 hargabush of crock, 5 English muskettes, and 8 Japon calivers, with good powder and shott suffitient, etc. The junck name is called the _Godspeed_, of the burthen of 50 tonns or upwardes, and cost us iiij C. xxx _tais_ first peny, being open behind as all _somas_ are, but we have made her now to steare shipp fation. God prosper her and send them a good voyage.
* * * * * *
Truly to my hartes greefe I am eavery day more then other out of hope of any good to be donne in Japon, except trade may be procured into China, which I am not yet out of hope of. Although Capt. Whaw of Nangasaque be dead, whoe was a cheefe dealer hearin, yet his brother, Capt. Andrea Dittis of Firando, tells me it is concluded upon, and that he expects a kinsman of his to com out of China with the Emperours passe, promesing to goe hym selfe with me in person, when we have any shipping com to goe in; for in Japon shipping we cannot goe for China. This Andrea Dittis is now chosen capten and cheefe comander of all the Chinas in Japon, both at Nangasaque, Firando, and else wheare, and I trust in God will prove the author in soe happie a matter as to gett trade into China.
But of all the merchandiz we have this last yeare, before Christmas 310 came, from Syam, Cochinchina, and Tonkyn, as reed wood, lead, deare skins, and silke of severall prices, we cannot make sale of any thing; which maketh me to wonder, for the other yeare before was much greater quantety of all comodetis and yet sould dearer.
* * * * * *
Our lead, which never heretofore lesse then 6 _tais_, now worth 5 _tais_; but none dare buy it for feare of themperour. Soe I have set it at 5-1/2 _tais pico_. But themperours _bongew_ will not take it absolutely at that price, before he have made it knowne to themperours councell, he being now bond up to the court and called thither per themperour, as it is thought to put an other in his place, which God forbid; he being now ruch is better to be dealt withall, but, yf a new hongry fello com, he will gnawe to the very boanes, as others heretofore have fownd by experience, two or three haveing byn changed in my time. But that which cheefly spoileth the Japon trade is a company of ruch usurers whoe have gotten all the trade of Japon into their owne handes; soe that heretofore by theare meanes we lost our preveleges geven us per Ogosho Samma themperour, wherin he permitted us to trade into all partes of Japon not excepted, and now per this Emperour Shongo Samma we are pend up in Firando and Nangasaque only, all other places forbidden us. For they have soe charmed themperour and his councell, that it is in vayne to seeke for remedy. And these fellowes are nott content to have all at their owne disposing above, but they com downe to Firando and Nangasaque, where they joyne together in seting out of junckes for Syam, Cochinchina, Tonkin, Camboja, or any other place where they understand that good is to be donne, and soe furnish Japon with all sortes of comodeties which any other stranger can bring, and then stand upon their puntos, offering others what they list them selves, knowing no man will buy it but 311 them selves or such as they please to joyne in company with them, nether that any stranger can be suffered to transport it into any other parte of Japon. Which maketh me alltogether aweary of Japon.
* * * * * *
And for our English broad cloth, I canot find that any greate quantety will be vented in Japon. For they use it not in garmentes, except som fewe in an outward cloak or garment now of late. But the greatest use they put it to is for cases or coveringes for armours, pikes, _langenattes_, _cattans_, or sables, with muskettes or guns. And the best cullars are stametes or blackes, with reddes, for venting any quantetie. And the best tyme is against warrs, for then every noble man will have his armours and munition sett out in gallant sort. But clothes of above xxli. str. a whole clo. are too deare for Japon, for they doe not respect soe much the fynenesse of the cloth as they do the quantetie of the measure. And the cullers which are best after black and redd are sadd blewes, culler du roy, or mingled cullers neare unto that of culler due roy.
* * * * * *
So that, to conclude this tediouse and unprofitable discourse, I esteem our Japon trade alltogether unprofetable, yf wee procure not trade into China. But, yf it please God that your Wors. lay hould or determen to sett foote in the Molucas, then Japon must be your store howse, as it is the Hollanders. For from hence they make their provition in aboundance, viz. great ordinance both of brasse and iron, with powder and shott good cheape; beefe and pork, in greate quantetie; meale and bisquite, as much as they will; garvances, or small peaze or beanes, in abondance; and dried fish lyke a breame, called heare _tay_, in aboundance; tunnie fish salted, in greate quantetie; rack or aquavite, of any sort, in aboundance; rice, in what quantetie they will; with other sortes of Japon wine made of rise, 312 what they will; and pilchardes, in greate quantetie, either pickled or otherwais. And for provition of shiping, either tymber or plankes, with mastes, yardes, or what else to make a shipp, with good carpenters to work it, as also rozen or pitch enough, but no tarr. Also ther is hempe indifferent to make cables, and them which can resonably well work it. And for iron work, neales, and such lyke, there is noe want, and smiths that can make ancors of hamer work of 20 or 30 C. wight, yf need be; for such have byn made for carickes which came from Amacon to Nangasaque, etc.
* * * * * *
Also heretofore at severall tymes I have sent my acco. to Bantam, according to your Wor. order, with coppies thereof, to the precedent or cheefe in that place, the other to be sent for England. Yet, as I understand, they have detayned all at Bantam and sent non for England; and Mr. Balle per name hath wrott to some Englishmen in this place, whoe loved me not soe littell but they shewed me his letters, wherin he taxed my acco. to be erronios and alltogether falce and fetched about with a trick beyond rule, soe that he wondered they should jumpe soe neare in ballance, being soe notably falce. But yf Mr. Balle hadd byn soe good a frend unto me as he would make me to beleeve in som lynes of his letters (yet he never gave me roast meate but he did beate me with the spitt)--I beeseeke your Wors. to pardon me yf I be too forward of tonge herein--I say, yf Mr. Balle had ought me soe much good will, yt hadd byn a frendly parte to have amended that which hadd byn amiss, yf such were to be donne, and then to have sent the acco. forward, and not to keepe all back, saying it was falce or erronios.... My greefe is, I lie in a place of much losse and expence to your Wors. and no benefitt to my selfe, but losse of tyme in my ould adge, allthough God knoweth my care and paines is as much as yf 313 benefite did come thereby. Yet truly, yf the tyme or place, or other occation amend it not, I shall, as I came a pore man out of England, retorne a beggar home, yf your Wor. have noe consideration thereof, although your Wor. shall never find that I have byn a gamstar or riatouse person which have spent eather your Wor. or my owne goodes riatosly or out of order. I beseek your Wors. to pardon my overbould speeches hearin. But, yf it hadd pleased God that Generall Keeling or any other your Wors. apointed hadd com to Japon to have overseene the affares in this factory, it would have byn a greate comfort unto me and ridd me of a greate deale of care; for most an end for the space of two yeares Mr. Nealson hath byn very sick, and Mr. Jno. Osterwick littell lesse, and both of them at this instant soe extreame sick that I dowbt much of their recovery, which hath [byn] and is a hinderance to me in the proceadinges of acco. and writing out of coppies, they two being all the helpe I have hadd, others going abroad on voyages for your Wor. affares. God of his mercy send them their healthes, for they are soe weake that I esteeme they cannot write by this conveance nether to your Wors. nor noe other frendes.
And, whereas heretofore I wrott your Wors. that Shongo Samma, the Emperour that now is, had shortned our preveleges, that we should trade into noe other partes of Japon but only Nangasaque and Firando, and our shipping to goe only to Firando, now he hath permitted us to goe with our shipps for Nangasaque as well as Firando at our chose. And the harbor at Nangasaque is the best in all Japon, wheare there may 1,000 seale of shipps ride land lockt, and the greatest shipps or carickes in the world may goe in and out at pleasure and ride before the towne within a cables length of the shore in 7 or 8 fathom water at least, yt being a greate cittie and many ruch marchantes dwelling 314 in it, where, to the contrary, Firando is a fisher towne and a very small and badd harbor, wherin not above 8 or 10 shipps can ride at a tyme without greate danger to spoile one other in stormy weather; and that which is worst, noe shipping can enter in or out of that harbour, but they must have both tide and winde as also 8 or 10 penisses or barkes to toe them in and out, the currant runeth soe swift that otherwaies they canot escape runing ashore; where, to the contrary, there is no such mattar at Nangasaque, yt being one of the fairest and lardgest harbours that eaver I saw, wherinto a man may enter in and goe out with shiping at all tymes, the wind serving, without helpe of boate or penisse. And in Nangasaque there is noe king nor noble man, but only the Emperours _bongew_ (or governar) of the place; soe that we need not to geve presentes to more then one at any shipps entring. But at Firando there is the king hym selfe, with two of his brothers, and 3 or 4 of his uncles, besides many other noble men of his kindred; all which look for presentes, or else it is no living amongst them; and that which is more, they are allwaies borowing and buying, but sildom or neaver make payment, except it be the king hym selfe. So that it maketh me altogether aweary to live amongst them, we not being abell to geve and lend them as the Hollanders doe, whoe geve them other mens goods which they neaver paid for. Soe that they are accompted better then true men and better used then we, as apeareth by banishing Ed. Sayer without any occation, which it may be the _Tono_ of Firando may repent before it be long, and, as som say, wisheth allready it were undon; for I have written to Syam, Pattania, and Bantam, that yf they send any shipping for Japon hearafter, that my opinion is, and the rest of the Englishmen heare are the lyke, to send them for Nangasaque, where the governor offereth to lett us have a plott of ground or to take a house in any place of the cittie where we lyke best. So that now many tyme and often we have wished that your 315 Wor. howsing att Firando stood at Nangasaque, which heretofore was not thought fitt, because then a papist Portingale bushopp lived in the towne and ther was 10 or 12 parish churches, besids monestaries, all which are now pulld downe to the grownd this yeare, an end being made thereof; and the places where all such churches and monestaries weare, with the churchyords, are all turned into streetes, and all the dead mens boanes taken out of the grownd and cast forth for their frendes and parentes to bury them where they please. I doe not rejoyce herin, but wish all Japon were Christians; yet in the tyme of that bushopp heare were soe many prists and Jesuists with their partakers, that one could not passe the streetes without being by them called Lutranos and herejos, which now we are very quiet and non of them dare open his mouth to speake such a word.
And soe, beseeching the God of heaven to blesse and prosper your Wors. in all your proceadinges, I humbly take my leave, restinge
Your Wors. most humble servant at command,
RIC. COCKS.
To the Right Wor. the Governor, Depute Committis, and Generalletie of the East India Company of England deliver in London. Per the way of Bantam in the juncke _Godspeed_, whom God preserve.
[171] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. vii, no. 841.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE CLOTHWORKERS' COMPANY.[172]
Nangasaque in Japon, the 10th of Marche, 1619[20].
Right worll. Ser and Serrs,--
May it please yow to understand that, since my arivall in Japon in these eastarne partes of the world, I wrot yow an other letter by a Dutch chirurgion, called Mr. Abraham Blancard, advising your Wors. 316 of my long voyadge into these partes, passing by Cape Bona Speranza, the Redd Sea, Bantam in Java major, the Molucas, and soe to the eastwardes of the Phillipinas into these kingdoms of Japon, wheare now I have remeaned allmost the space of vij yeares. Of the which I thought good to adviz your Wors. of the just occation of my abcense, to the entent I fall into noe broake for the neclecting thereof, as I know others have donne. I also wrot your Wors. from Bayon in France to same effect, many yeares past, by a Duchman of Middebrogh, called James Vrolick. Which former letters I make no dowbt came unto your Wors. handes, etc.
Allso, may it please yow to understand that we are much molested in these partes of the world with the unruly Hollanders, whoe have procleamed open warrs against our English nation both by sea and land, and to take our shipps and goods and kill our persons as their mortall enemies, wheresoever they find us. And, for better proof thereof, they broght two English shipps this yeare into Japon, out of which 3 Englishmen escaped and came to our English howse for releefe. The shipps names taken weare, viz. the _Swan_ and the _Attendance_.
They took also two other English shipps this yeare, riding at an ancor in the roade of Pattania, not dowbting any such matter, three Hollandes shipps coming upon them on the sudden. In which hurly burly Capt. John Jourden, our precedent of the Indies, lost his life, with many others. One of which 3 shipps (which took them) came this yeare to Firando in Japon, out of whome escaped other 3 Englishmen and came to the English howse for releefe, as the former did; by whome we understood the shipps taken weare the _Samson_ and the _Hownde_; the Hollanders at Firando takeing their escape in such dudgin that they demanded their captives (as it pleased them to call them) to be deliverd back againe unto them. Unto whome I answered that I would first see their comition, how they durst presume to take our shipping, 317 goods, and persons, as they did. Unto which they replied nothing, but went to the _Tono_ (or King) of Firando, demanding of hym that their English slaves (as they termed them) might be retorned back unto them. Unto whome he answerd he took not Englishmen to be slaves to them, but, yf they pretended any such matter, they might goe to the Emperour, and what he ordayned should be performed. Soe they, seeing their expectations frustrated, ment to have entred our English howse and cut all our throates; which they wanted but littell to have effected, geving 3 assalts against us in one day, they being 100 of them to 1 Englishman; yet God preserved us from them, the Japoneses, our neighbours, taking our partes. Soe that then their generall or cheefe comander, called Adam Westarwood, sett my life at sale, promesing 50 rialles of 8 to any one would kill me, and 30 of the like for the life of each other English merchant, with many other stratagems they used against us too long to be repeated. Yet God hitherto hath defended us from them all. Of the which I thought good to advertis your Wors., knowing well that many of yow are of this Right Honble. and Right Worll. Sosietie or Companie which trade into the East Indies, of which I my selfe am a pore and unworthie member, as I am the like of the Merchantes Adventurars and made free of the ould Hance.
And soe, with my humble dutie remembred, with desire and my prayer unto Allmightie God to blesse and prosper your Wors. in all your proceadinges, I leave yow to the holy tuition of thallmightie.
By an unworthie membar of your Right. Worll. Sosietie,
RIC. COCKS, Clothworker.
[172] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. vii, no. 839.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[173] 318
Firando in Japon, the 13th of December, 1620.
Right Worll. Ser and Sers,--
After my humble dutie remembred. May it please yow to understand that my last letter was dated in Nangasaque the 10th of Marche, 1619, sent per a small junck or vessell called the _Godspeed_ to seek out our English fleete at Bantam or else wheare; but, meeting with stormy wether and contrary windes at sea, lost their voyadge, having their seales blowen from the yardes, and lost all their cables and ancors but one, and with much ado in the end retorned to this port of Firando. The said letters I send againe by this conveance; unto the which I refer me.
Also may it please your Wor. to understand that this yeare are arived in Japon these shipps following, viz.:--
The _James Royall_ came the first, and brought news of the peace made betwixt the two Companies. God be praised for it; and God grant the Duch may as fermly follow the orders prescribed as I make no dowbt the English will doe, and then their will noe occation of discontent be offered hereafter. The cheefe comander in the _James_ is Capt. Martyn Pring.
The _Moone_ came next; Capt. Robt. Addames, comander and admerall.
The _Palsgreve_; Charles Clevenger, capt.
The _Elizabeth_; Edmond Lennis, capt.
The _Bull_; Mr. John Munden, master or capt.
The _Unicorne_ and English _Hope_ have lost their monson, soe we know not what is becom of them, except they retorned back to Pattania or Jaccatra; which God grant.
And there are arived heare for the Hollanders this yeare:--
all Holland shipps. 319 The _New Bantam_; Jno. Johnson, comander, and vizadmerall to Capt. Adams. The _Trowe_; Capt. Lefevre, comander. The _Harlam_; Wm. Jonson, master. The Duch _Hope_; Henrock Valche, capt. The _Indraught_, a merchant shipp. both English shipps. The _Swan_; Mr. Howdane, comander The _Expedition_, cast away in Firando.
And the Hollanders want a shipp called the _St. Michell_, a French shipp, which should have come hether this yeare but hath lost her monson.
The _James Royall_ and the _Moone_ weare both sheathed heare this yeare, and the _Bull_ all masted, and the rest repared to content; and all the shiping disposed of as followeth, viz.:--
The _James Royall_ fall laden with provition for us and Duch for Jaccatra, and soe from thence pretended to goe for England.
The _Indraught_ for the Molucos, laden with provition for the Hollanders.
The _Swan_, said to doe the like for Jaccatra or Bantam.
The _Expedition_, cast away in this port at an ancor in a greate storme and not to be recovered.
All bound for the Manillas. English shipps. The _Moone_ The _Palsgreve_ The _Elizabeth_ The _Bull_ Holland shipps. The _New Bantam_ The _Trowe_ The _Harlam_ The Duch _Hope_
* * * * * *
I doe verely think the furnishing and setting out these 5 shipps afore named will stand your Wors. in above ten thousand poundes starling; but I canot justly tell it. Nether dare any man buy the lead but 320 themperour only; and his councell sett the price from tyme to tyme as they please. Soe this yeare, per generall consent, there weare 4 men sent up to themperours cort with presentes. They departed from hence the last of August, and as yet are not retorned:
for thenglish, Capt. Charles Cleavenger Mr. Joseph Cockram for the Hollanders, Capt. Lafebre Matias van der Brook
whome, as we understand per their letters, are frendly entertayned both of themperour and his councell, but stay longer for a dispach then they thought of, by reason of the taking of a friggat which came from Manillias, wherin weare both Portingals, Spaniardes, and Japons, and amongst the rest ij semenary pristes (or Jesuists), people defended not to com into Japon, which maketh the better for us. Yet we know not whether themperour will let us have it for good prize or noe, till our men retorne from Edo, of the which I will certefie your Wor. per my next.
I did make full accompt to have retorned for England this yeare, but that Mr. Thomas Brockedon and Mr. Augusten Spalding, presedentes at Bantam, wrot me the want of merchantes in the factory as also to send along in these shipps, willing me to furnish their want out of this factory, which, God willing, I will, and wish I might have byn one of them my selfe. But I hope the next yeare som new supplies may be sent for this factory, to thentent I may now retorne for my cuntrey, I having now served your Wors. a prentishipp of ten yeares since I departed out of England; and I know there hath not wanted som to geve bad reportes of me to your Wors., but I hope to cleare my selfe before your Wors., yf God spare my life.
* * * * * *
Also may it please your Wors. to understand that Mr. Wm. Nealson 321 departed out of this life in Marche last, being wasted away with a consumption, and before divers witnesses gave me all he had both in these partes and else wheare, as I have it under their handes to shew; and yf God had called me to His mercy before Mr. Nealson, then had he had as much of myne.
And our good frend Capt. Wm. Adames, whoe was soe longe before us in Japon, departed out of this world the xvjth of May last, and made Mr. Wm. Eaton and my selfe his overseers, geveing the one halfe of his estate to his wife and childe in England and the other halfe to a sonne and a doughter he hath in Japon. The coppie of his will with an other of his inventory (or acco. of his estate) I send to his wife and doughter per Capt. Marten Pring, their good frend well knowne to them long tyme past. And I have delivered one hundred poundes starling to divers of the _James Royalls_ company, enterd into the purcers book, to pay two for one in England, is two hundred poundes strling, to Mrs. Adames and her doughter. For yt was not his mind his wife should have all, in regard she might marry an other husband and carry all from his childe, but rather that it should be equally parted betwixt them. Of the which I thought good to adviz your Wors. And the rest of his debtes and estate being gotten in, I will ether bring or send it per first occation offerd and that may be most for their profett, according as the deceased put his trust in me and his other frend, Mr. Eaton.
I know not what else to write your Wors., only, as yet, there is noe order com out of China to let us have trade, for that the Hollanders men of warr have shut up their trade that few dare look out. And, besids, the Cheenas them selves robb on an other at sea, thinking to lay all the falt on the Dutch and English; but som have byn intersepted in som provinces of Japon and paid dearly for it. And other China shipping, being sett out of Nangasaque by their owne 322 cuntremen to goe for Isla Formosa (called by them Tacca Sanga) to trade for silke, are run away for China with all the money and left their cuntremen in Japon in the lurch.
And for all other matters I refer my selfe to the relation of my worll. frend Capt. Martine Pring, the bringer hereof; and soe leave your Wors. with your affares to the holy protection of thallmightie, resting allwais
Your Wors. most humble servant at command,
RIC. COCKS.
[173] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. vii, no. 911.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[174]
Firando in Japon, the 14th of December, 1620.
Right worll. Ser and Serrs,--
* * * * * *
I canot but be sorofull for the losse of such a man as Capt. Wm. Adames was, he having byn in such favour with two Emperours of Japon as never was any Christian in these partes of the worlde, and might freely have entred and had speech with themperours, when many Japon kinges stood without and could not be permitted. And this Emperour hath conformed the lordshipp to his sonne which thother Emperour gave to the father.
* * * * * *
Yt is strang to see the changes of merchandizing soe altered since our first arivall in Japon; for heretofore yearly white raw silk was sould at 500, 400, and 300 _taies_ the _pico._ at least, and now it is fallne to 130, yea som have sould for 105 _taies_ the _pico._ this yeare, which 3 yeares past was worth 300 _tais pico._ The reason is, a company of ruch men have got all the trade of Japon into their handes. Soe they agree all together and will not buy but at what price they 323 think good them selves; and is not to be remedied.
And it is geven out that themperour will defend that noe more lead shall com into Japon till this greate quantety brought by us and the Hollanders be spent. For the Hollanders brought in their shipping this yeare 4000 _pico_. Eng. lead and 1000 _pico_. from Syam in their junck. Soe that the Hollanders have 5000 _pico_. lead com this yeare; but a great part of it is small barrs, such as is com in our shiping this yeare, and I think taken out of our English shipping which they took heretofore.
Broad cloth, kersies, and perpetuanos I think will prove the best comodetie for Japon, and redds and stamettes and blacks best cullers, and, yf they sell not at an instant, yet tyme will vent all. Som other mingled cullers, as cullor du roy or such lyke, will not doe amis; but noe more yello nor straw culler, for that proveth the worst culler of all.
* * * * * *
And tuching that which I wrot your Wors. in my last letters sent from Nangasaque in the junck _Godspeed_, how that a nobellmans men of this place (called Semi Dono) fell a quarreling with Mr. Edmond Sayer and others, whereupon the King of Firando banished both them and Mr. Sayer, yet now all is revoked per the kinges order and Mr. Sayer cleared and the others recalled. And soe I leave your Wors. with your affares to the holy protection of thallmightie, resting alwais
Your Wors. most humble servant at comande,
RIC. COCKS.
To the Right Worll. the Governour, Deputie Comitties, and generallty of the East India Company deliver in London. By Capt. Martyn Pring in the _Royall James_, whome God preserve.
[174] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. vii, no. 911.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[175] 324
Firando in Japon, the 20th of January, 1620[1].
Right worll. Ser and Serrs,--
* * * * * *
I am now enformed by a messenger we sent into China that the ould Emperour hath resigned the government unto one of his sonns; and that the new Emperour hath granted our nation trade into China for two shipps a yeare, and the place apointed near to Fuckchew, and that ther wanted but the fermes of ij vizroys of ij provinces to conferme it; and that the _goshon_ or passport will be sent us the next moonson, and had byn heare before now, had it not byn letted per the wars of Tartaria. Thus much our China frendes tell me, and I hope it will prove true.
* * * * * *
Your Wors. humble servant at command,
RIC. COCKS.
[175] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. vii, no. 924.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[176]
Firando in Japon, the 30th of September, 1621.
Right worll. Ser and Sers,--
* * * * * *
The 29th of June last our whole fleete of 9 shipps, English and Duch, arived in saffetie from the Manillias, very few of the men being dead, and have taken and pillaged 5 junckes, the Duch using much crueltie in killing many Chinas after they hadd rendered them selves, and many more had [byn] kild yf the English had not prevented them.
* * * * * *
The Duch did abuse our men in the Manillias, and, had it not byn prevented by som, they had gon together by the eares, to the 325 endangering or losse of the whole fleete, as I make acco. others will write at lardg to your Wors. therof. And now this yeare, per order of the Councell of Defence from Jaccatra, the same fleet proceadeth againe on the like voyage, the Hollanders being admerall this yeare, as the English were the last; only the Hollanders send away the shipp _Swan_ and put an other shipp called the _Muyon_ in her place, and the English joyne the shipp _Pepercorne_ to the fleet, to make them up x seale in all, and have determened that within these xv daies the _Pepercorne_ and _Muyon_ shall departe from hence, to lie upon the coast of China in a certen hight, to keepe back the China junckes which we are enformed will departe for the Manillias with the first of the monson, which yf they doe, of necessitie our 2 shipps will meete with them. And the rest of the fleete, being 8 seale, will follow after, and are to departe from hence the 1th of December, new stile.
* * * * * *
Also may it please your Wors. to understand that, by meanes of the governor of Nangasaque, Gonrok Dono, whoe taketh the Spaniardes and Portingals partes against us, with all the merchantes of that place, Miaco, and Edo, geving the Emperour to understand that both we and the Hollanders are pirates and theevs and live upon nothing but the spoile of the Chinas and others, which is the utter overthrow of the trade in Japon, noe one daring to com hither for feare of us. By which reportes themperour and his councell are much moved against us, as the King of Firando doth tell us, whoe is newly retorned from the Emperours court, where he hath married the Emperours kinswoaman, which hath brought hym into greate creddit, and he is the only stay now which we have in Japon. And by his order the Hollandes capt., Leonard Camps, and my selfe are apointed to goe to Edo with the presentes to themperour and his councell, to procure redresse, yf we may, and prevent our enemies 326 proceadinges. For the Emperour hath sent downe order that we shall carry out noe Japons to man our shiping, nether make nor carry out any ordinance, gunpowder, shott, guns, pikes, _langanattes_, _cattans_, nor any other warlike munition. And it was reported we should carry out nether rise, bred, nor wine, nor flesh; but that is not yet donne. But the other is procleamed, and waiters apointed to look out night and day that noe forbidden matters be convaid abord our shipps. Soe that, yf we get noe redresse for these matters, it is noe abiding for us in Japon, and better to know it at first then last what we may trust unto.
* * * * * *
And, as I understand by Capt. Robt. Adames, admerall the last yeare of the fleete of defence, that in the last voyage the yeare past to the Manillas the Hollanders did much abuse our English men, and Wm. Johnson vizadmerall was cheefe occation therof. Soe that they had like to have gon together by the eares in the Manillias, to the totall distraction of both fleetes, the enemie being so neare, yet by the discretion of som it was pacefied; as I make acco. Capt. Adames hath advized your Wors. at large, he being now apointed vizadmerall, much against his will, by the Councell of Defence at Jaccatra, he dowbting that yf the last yeare, when he was admerall, they feared not to doe soe, that, now themselves are admerall, they will doe worse. And herinclozed I send your Wors. a copie of a letter which I receved from Molucas in a shipp of the Hollanders, sent from Mr. Wm. Nicolles, agent, wherin your Wors. may see the proceadinges of the Hollanders in those partes, as I make acco. he hath advized therof hym selfe. Truly their proceadinges every wheare are allmost intolerable, and they are generally hated thorowout all the Indies, and we much the worse thought of now we are joyned with them.
Yt is very certen that with little danger our fleet of defence may 327 take and sack Amacon in China, which is inhabeted by Portingales. For the towne is not fortefied with walls; nether will the King of China suffer them to doe it, nor to make any fortifecations, nor mount noe ordinance upon any plotforme; and 3/4 partes of the inhabetantes are Chinas. And we are credably enformed that, these 2 last yeares, when they did see but 2 or 3 of our shipp within sight of the place, they weare all ready to run out of the towne, as I have advized the Precedent and Councell of Defence at Jaccatra; and, had but 2 small shipps, as the _Bull_ and _Pepercorne_, entred this yeare, they might easely have burnt and taken 17 seale of galliotas which weare at an ancor, amongst which weare the 6 galliotas which came into Japon, being then full laden; and, had they taken this fleet, the Portingales hadd byn utterly undon, as they them selves confesse, and, that towne being taken, all the Portingalles trade in these partes of the world is quite spoiled, both for Manillias, Malacca, Goa, and else wheare. And the King of China would gladly be ridd of their neighbourhood, as our frendes which procure our entry for trade into China tell me, and doe say that he wished that we could drive them from thence. But this yeare there is 3 kings of China dead, the father and his two sonns, the wives of the two bretheren procuring the poisoning of them both. Soe that now a yong man of 14 or 15 yeares ould is com to be king, being the sonne of one of the deceased brothers; which is a stay unto our proceadinges to get trade into China, for that new petision must be made, and our joyning with the Hollanders to take China juncks is ill thought of. But the barbarousnesse of the Hollanders at Manillias the last yeare is much; for, after they had taken the China junkes and that the pore men had rendred them selves, the Hollandars did cut many of them in peeces and cast many others into the sea; wherof our men saved and took many of them up into our shipps; and much more 328 distrucktion had byn made of them, had not Capt. Adames, the admerall, prevented it.
* * * * * *
Notwithstanding the previleges which we and the Hollanders have from themperours of Japon, that the Japons shall not execute any justice upon our people, yet this yeare the justis of this place (but it was in the abcense of the king) did cut offe the heades of ij Hollanders which, being drunke, did brable with the Japons and drue out their knives, as their custam is, and gave a skram or 2 to som Japons, one being a souldier, yet kild noe man; and yet the Hollanders were haled out into the filds and their heads cut offe and sent home to the Hollands howse, which they refuced to receve, desiring them to leave them with the bodies, which they did, and soe left them in the filds to be eaten by crowes and dogges; which they had byn, had not som Englishmen buried them.
And as som of our men goe along the streetes, the Japons kindly call them in and geve them wine and whores till they be drunk, and then stripp them of all they have (som of them stark naked) and soe turne them out of dores. And som they keepe presoners, forging debtes upon them, which som of our men sweare they owe not; yet it is noe beleeving of all, for som of our men are bad enough; yet out of dowbt the abuse is greate and never seene till the last yeare and this. For the king hath (by our procurement) from the first made an edect that the Japons should not trust our men without paying money for what they tooke; for it is an ordenary course for som of our men to leave the shipps and lie ashore in secret a wick, a fortnight, yea a month som of them, and in the end cause their hostes to keepe them presoners, telling us it is by force, yet confesse the debt som of 5, others of 10, 20, and 30 _taies_ per man which they owe, desiring it may be paid and put upon their wages. Which course of theirs I withstand in all I may, and make many set free without payment, which they murmur at as a 329 disgrance and discredett to them, swearing, woundes and blood, your Wors. are indebted to them in farr greater somms and yet they cannot be masters of their owne; soe that the trowble I have with them heare is much. Nether can ther comanders curb them, they rise in such greate multetudes, as for example I advised your Wors. the last yeare, and laid violent handes on the admerall, Capt. Adames; and this yeare the _Bulls_ company and most parte of the _Moones_ mutened, and all the rest promised them to doe the like, but were prevented, for that som of these weare taken and punished, which caused the others to feare.
* * * * * *
And for the shipp called the English _Hope_ (for the Hollanders have one of the same name) is ether cast away or else the company have revolted and run away with the shipp and kild the master or else carid hym away with them perforce, for every on thinketh that the master, Mr. Carnaby, would never consent thereunto; but they suspect one Thorneton and the chirurgion, with other mutenose persons in her, for that this Thornton hath a brother which they say is a piratt and entertayned per the Duke of Florence. Soe they imagin, after they have made what purchase they may, that they will direct their course thither with the shipp. This is the opinion of the cheefe in our fleete.
* * * * * *
Your Wors. most humble servant at comand,
RIC. COCKS.
To the Honorble. Sr. Thomas Smith, Knight, Governor of the East India Company, and to the Right Worll. the Comittys deliver in London. Per way of Jaccatra, in shipp _Swan_.
[176] _Ibid._, vol. viii, no. 995.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[177] 330
Firando in Japon, the 4th of October, 1621.
Right worll. Ser and Sers,--
* * * * * *
As yet Gonrok Dono is not come to Firando, and God knoweth when he will; for, as it is said, he stayeth at Nangasaque to put to death many Japon Christians for haboring of papist pristes secretly, and till he com the King of this place will not suffer us to goe to the Emperour with our presentes, which maketh us stand in dowbt whether he secretly take part with Gonrok Dono and the papistes our enemies against us and stayeth us of purpose till the Spaniardes and Portingales have preveled against us at Emperours court. For the kinges mother is a papist Christian, and the king hym selfe and all his bretheren are christened. This maketh us to stand in dowbt of the worst. Yet, yf it be trew, we canot remedy it; for we canot departe from hence without the kinges leave and one of his men to goe with us, nether dare any bark carry us away without his comition. Soe that God He knoweth what our affares in these partes will com to in the end. And that which maketh me more afeard then all the rest is the unreasonablenesse and unrulynesse of our owne people, which I know not how it will be amended, as I have spoaken more at lardge in my other letter, and yet it is every day lyke to be worse then other for ought I can see. God of His goodnesse send me into a place where I may have to doe in merchantes affares and not to meddell with men of warr, yf all be as unruly as these are. And soe, ceasing from trowbling 331 your Wors. any ferther, I rest, as allwaies,
Your Wors. most humble servant at comand,
RIC. COCKS.
To the Right Honored Knight, Sr. Thomas Smith, Governor of the East India Company, and to the Right Worll. the Comittis deliver in London. Per the shipp _Swan_, per way of Jaccatra.
[177] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. viii, no. 997.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[178]
Firando in Japon, the 7th of September, 1622.
Right worll. Ser and Sers,--
* * * * * *
Our whole Manillia fleete of x seale, viz. 5 English and 5 Duch, are saffely retorned to this port of Firando, having made a farr rucher voyage this yeare then they did the last, as apereth per the coppie of the cargezon sent hereinclozed, the like being sent to Jaccatra to the precedent.
Since which tyme I have receved 2 letters from Mr. Fursland, the precedent, dated in Jaccatra the 26th of March and 25th of August last past, wherein he and his councell advized me and the rest of the merchantes in the factory to leave affe our consortshipp of the fleet of defence with the Hollanders, and to send our 5 shipps for Jaccatra with as much speed as conveniently we could; and that the _Palsgrove_ and _Moone_ should tuch at Jamby to take in their lading of peper; the _Pepercorne_ to stay upon the coast of China som tyme to look out according to their former comition geven; and the _Elizabeth_ and _Bull_ to com directly from hence for Jaccatra and bring away all the remeander left in Japon in money or merchandiz, except a cargezon of five thousand _taies_ to be left in the handes of Mr. Jno. Osterwick, 332 with one man for a second, and a therd for an assistant, as should be thought fitting; and that my selfe, Mr. Wm. Eaton, and Edmond Sayer should com alonge in the said shipps for Jaccatra, for lessenyng charges in the factory. Which directions, God willing, shall be followed soe neare as we can.
The Hollanders this yeare sent a new fleet of shipps of 14 or 15 seale, greate and small, to have taken Amacan; but they had the repulse with the losse, as som say, of 300, and others say 500 men, and 4 of their shipps burned; the king of China now permitting the Portingales to fortefie Amacon, which he would never condecend unto till now, and hath geven order to the vizroy of Canton to assist them with 100,000 men against the Hollanders, yf need require. There was 4 of our 10 shipps of the fleete of defence, 2 English and 2 Hollanders, plying up and downe before Amacon before the Hollandes fleete of 15 seale arived there. The English shipps were the _Palsgrove_ and the _Bull_, whoe, in passing by, hailed them with a noes of trumpetes, but the Dutch made them noe answer nether by word of mouth nor otherwaies, but passed in by them with silence; which at first made them stand in dowbt whether they were frendes or noe. But the Hollanders made accompt to have taken the towne at first onset without the helpe of our shiping or men, and therefore vouchsafed not to speake to them; yet fayled of their purpose, but since have fortefied them selves in an iland neare to Isla Fermosa called Isla de Piscadores, where they report is a very good harbour and water enough for the greatest shipps in the worlde.
The Hollanders have geven it out to the Chinas that they are Englishmen, only to bring our nation in disgrace; of the which our China frendes in Japon have adviz and have retorned answer per 2 or 3 severall conveances to the contrary, and that we had two English shipps before Amacon, when the Hollanders gave the attempt against the place, but went for Japon without assisting them at all. And the 333 Hollanders in Japon doe geve it out heare that we are halves with them in the new fortification of Piscadores, of the which our precedent writeth me to the contrary. I am afeard that their attempt against Amacon will cause both them and us to be driven out of Japon, for it hath overthrowne the China trade in these partes. Yet our China frendes still tell us we may have trade into China, yf we will, it being granted allready; but by meanes of the warrs of the Tartar against them and the death of 3 kinges of China in one or 2 yeares is the cause we have not entred before now; but, for the Hollanders, he will never suffer them to enter upon any conditions whatsoever.
Mr. Osterwick and my selfe, with 2 of the cheefe of the Hollandes factory, were at Edo after the departure of our shipps the last yeare, with presentes for themperour and his councell, hoping to have gott lycense to have carid out men and munition as in tyme past, but could get nothing but feare wordes for the space of 3 months we were forced to stay at Edo before we could gett our dispach, they telling us in the end they could conclude nothing untill the arivall of the King of Firando, whome they had sent for, but at his coming they would take such order about that which we demanded, as also about the delivering the friggates goods, as should be to both our contentes. And, as we retorned, we mett the King of Firando in the way, whoe made us many faire promisses. Yet now order is com from Edo that themperour will have all the priz goodes of the friggat for hym selfe, leving the rotten hull for us and the Hollanders, and, although we have made what resistance we could, yet are we constrayned to deliver it to them, will we or nill we; and, that which is more, they constrayne us to way over all the goodes to them, we being enformed they will make plito against us for much more matters then ever we receved and beleeve the lying reportes of our enemies whoe duble all. And for carying out 334 men and munition as in tyme past, that such a mighty prince as themperour of Japon is, having once passed his word to the contrary, would not alter it now at the demand of such people as we are. And this is the best we can find now in Japon, and I dowbt wilbe every day worse then other.
The 2 fryres or semenary pristes which came in the friggat from Manillia are both rosted to death at Nangasaque, with Yoshen Dies, capt. of the friggat, whoe was a Japon, put to death with the frires Spaniardes; and 12 other Japons which were marrenars in the friggat were beheaded in their sight, before the other 3 were executed. As alsoe, since that tyme, above xij other Spanish and Portingall fryres and Jesuistes have byn rosted to death at Nangasaque, and above a hundred Japons put to death by fire and sword, both men, woamen, and children, for entertayning and harboring of them.
Also, now of late, a China junck arived at Shaxma in Japon, which came from Caggalion, in the Manillias, and brought 4 Spaniardes or Portingales in her for passingers, they telling the Chinas they were merchantes, but are fownd to be pristes and sent presoners to Nangasaque, where it is thought they shalbe rosted to death as the former have byn, and the China marenars in danger all to lose their lives, and the goodes seazed upon, which did all belong to Andrea Dittis, the China Capt. (our frend), whoe is forced to send his sonne to the court with great presentes to save his goodes, yf it be possible.
The capt. more or major of the Portingall gallion or adventures which com from Amacon to Nangasaque, called Jeronimo de Figeredo Caravallo, with Lues Martin, Jorge Bastian, and Jarvasias Garçis, Portugezes, and Harnando Ximenes, a Spaniard, whoe was _jurebasso_ in tyms past at Bantam, are brought in question for going about to steale a fryer or padre from the Hollands howse the last yeare, and, allthough the padre 335 was brought back (which was one of them which was rosted), yet are they all empresoned and condemned and all their goodes confiscat, and looke howrly when they shall be executed. And one of the Hollandes _jurebassos_ and a scrivano, being Japons, with the master of the bark which carid hym away, his wife and children, all executed; this Emperour, Shongo Samma, being such a mortall enemie to the name of a Christian, espetially of papisticall Christians. And heretofore, when I was at the court at Edo, the Emperours councell did aske me severall tymes whether I were a Christian or our English nation soe; which I tould hym yea; and, in the end, askinge me soe often, I tould them they might perceve per the letters the Kinges Matie. of England sent to themperour of Japon whether we were Christians or noe, the Kinges Matie. writing hymselfe defender of the Christian faith. And then they asked me whether there were any difference betwixt our religion and the Spanish; unto which I answered yea, for that we held nothing of the pope of Roome, but next and emediately under God from our kinge: which it seemed in some sort to geve them content.
We and the Hollanders have had much a doe in standing out for not delivring the priz goodes of the friggat, it belonging to our prince and cuntrey, as taken from their enemies. But that would not serve, the _tono_ or cheefe justis of Firando telling us that, yf we would not leave it by feare meanes, they would take it whether we would or noe, and that yf we had not absolutely proved the Portingalls to be padres, that themperour ment to have put Capt. Leonard Camps and me to death and to have sezed on all we had in the cuntrey, and, yf any resistance had byn made, to have burned all our shiping and put us all to the sword. God send us well out of Japon, for I dowbt it wilbe every day worse then other.
Yt is also said the Emperour will banish all Spaniardes and Portingall 336 howseholders out of Japon, and suffer non to stay but such as com and goe in their shiping, to prevent entertayning of padres. And soe let this suffice for the present state of Japon.
* * * * * *
And soe I leave your Wors. with your affares to the holy protection of thallmightie, resting
Your Wors. most humble servant at comand,
RIC. COCKS.
This letter was first sent per the _Trow_, a Hollandes shipp, but, shee and others being retorned back per stormy wether, I send it now per the _Bull_.
Firando in Japon, the 14th of November, 1622.
May it please your Wors. that the 9th of September last past there departed 5 Hollandes shipps from hence, greate and small, 4 of them for Isla de Piscadores with provition, and one directly for Jaccatra, which was the _Trow_. But, by means of extremety of wether, 4 of them retorned back to Firando the 19th of September, viz. the _Bantam_, the _Trow_, the _Muoien_, the _Tortola_: all in greate extremety, mastes cutt overbord, and much provition throwne into the sea. And the other penisse called the _Santa Croix_, wherein were above 30 men, retorned not back; soe they think she is cast away. As alsoe, in the same storme, the Hollanders had other 2 shipps cast away in the roade of Cochie at Firando, the one called the _Moone_, a shipp of 7 or 800 tonns, and the other, the _Hownd_, an English shipp in tymes past.
The xvijth of October the _Palsgrove_ and _Pepercorne_ put to sea on their pretended voyages, as I formerly nomenated, and 2 Duch shipps, the _Trow_ and the _Harlam_, went out with them; and 3 other Holland shipps went from hence after them the xxvjth ditto, viz. the _Bantam_, _Muoyen_, and _Tortolla_, to tuch all at Piscadores, to discharge 337 tymber and plankes which they carry to fortefie themselves.
The _Moone_ is now ready to put to sea to follow the _Palsgrove_ to Jamby; and we dispach away the _Bull_ to goe in company with her; but send nether money nor goodes in the _Moone_, nether sent we any in the _Palsgrove_, the precedent Mr. Fursland comanding the contrary in his letters from Jaccatra; but we sent a cargezon of money and merchandiz in the _Bull_, amonting to 70,342 _ta._ 8 _m._ 9 _co._, as yow may see per coppie of the invoiz.
The _Elizabeth_ we will dispach away as sowne as we can recover in money, for we have sould all our silk and mantas, but noe money receved but that which goeth in the _Bull_; soe I dowbt I shall be constrayned to stay here till the next monson, to sett matters right. And Edmond Sayer and Ric. Hudson are at this instant ready to departe towardes Edo with our presentes for themperour and his Councell, as the Hollanders are the like, and our frendes geve us councell not to stay behind them. And Mr. Joseph Cockram goeth in the _Bull_ for Jaccatra. Soe Mr. Jno. Osterwick and my selfe of necessety must stay heare to gett in monies to dispach away the _Elizabeth_, as I think Mr. Eaton must doe the like; for it is noe staying a shipp of such greate charges as she is any long tyme upon dowbtfull occations.
I know I need not to adviz of the unrulynesse of many of our marrenars and sealers, and som of them not of the meanest sort, whoe daylie lie ashore att tipling howses, wasting their goodes and geving bad insample to others to doe the like; soe that of force many carpentars and others have byn hired to doe the shipps busynes, whiles they did lie loyteringe. I need not to name them, but refer it to the cheefe comanders them selves.
I have delivered more monies of the deceased Capt. Wm. Adams unto the purcers of the _Moone_, _Bull_, and _Elizabeth_, to the some of one hundred powndes str., to pay two hundred in England to his widdow 338 Mrs. Mary Adams and her doughter in halves; as the other 100_l._ I sent in the _Royall James_ was the like. And soe I leave your Wor. with your affares to the holy protection of thallmighty, resting allwais
Your Wors. humble servant at command,
RIC. COCKS.
To the Right Honored Knight, Sr. Thomas Smith, Governor, and the Right Worll. the Committies of the East India Company, deliver in London. Per the shipp _Bull_, whome God preserve.
[178] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. ix, no. 1078.
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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[179]
Firando in Japon, the 31th of December, 1622.
Right worll. Ser and Sers,--
* * * * * *
The Hollanders have this yeare sould greate store of broad cloth, stamettes, blacks, and other cullars, non being left to sell, and at 20 _tais_ and some above per _tattamy_, and have written for more to Jaccatra to be sent in the next shipp which cometh; as I have donne the like to the precedent, yf any be there to send it. The reason of venting broadcloth is the rumor of warrs very likely to have ensued in Japon, and God knoweth what will com of it; for, since the writing of my last, there is a greate conspirasie discoverd against the person of the Emperour Shonga Samma by 8 or 9 of the greatest and powrfullest princes in Japon, and is thought many others have a hand in it, and his owne bretheren and nearest kinsmen amongst the rest, and the king of this place not free. Soe that it is thought the adverse partie is 339 soe stronge that themperour dare not meddell with them, but will wink at the matter and make peace with them.
The Hollanders have sent greate store of monies and provition to their fortefication at Piscadores, thinking to get trade with the Chinas by one meanes or other; which I am perswaded will not fall out to their exspectation, except they take the China junckes which trade to Isla Fermosa, called by them Taccasanga, which is within sight of the Piscadores. And the Emperour of Japon hath geven out his passe or _goshon_ to the Chinas to trade to Taccasanga, and soe from thence into Japon; soe, yf they be medled withall, their is noe staying in Japon for them which take them. For the 10th ultimo Edmond Sayer, with Ric. Hudson and 2 Hollanders, went from hence towardes Edo with presentes to themperour and his Councell; and we have adviz from them of their arivall at Miaco, and that all men speake ill of them and cry out against them. Soe God knoweth whether our presentes will be receved or noe; but we deliver ours apart and doe mentayne we have nothing to doe with them in their plantation at Piscadores. Of which I thought good to adviz your Wors.
Silk at present is not worth soe much as it was at the arivall of our fleete, yet we have made away most of ours which rested, the presentes being geven out, and trusted it out till the next monson; as the Hollanders have donne the like.
And our frend Andrea Dittis, the China Capt., still mentayneth that our nation may have trade into China, yf they will, but not the Hollanders; which God grant may once take effect.
I have not what else to adviz your Wors. of, matters standing as they doe; but hope the next monson to com towardes England, God sparinge me liffe and health, and soe leave your Wors. with your affares to the 340 holy protection of thallmighty, resting
Your Wors. most humble servant at comand,
RIC. COCKS.
To the Right Honored Knight, Sr. Thomas Smith, Governour of the East India Company, and to the Right Worll. the Committies, deliver in London. Per the shipp _Elizabeth_, whome God preserve. Sent per way of Jaccatra.
[179] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. ix, no. 1093.
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THE COUNCIL AT BATAVIA TO RICHARD COCKS.[180]
(_Copy._)
Mr. Cox and the rest,--
By the _Palsgrave_ and the rest of our shipps of defence, contrary to our expectacon and expresse comission, instead of your personall appeerance in this place, wee have received severall letters from your selfe and the rest, which gives us no satisfaccion for the breach of our comission, neither is therein conteyned any reason of validitie to excuse your so greate disobediance. What mooved you hereunto wee knowe not, but so many yeres should have had so much experience as to knowe what it is to infringe his superiors comition, and certaine wee are that you cannot answere this your transgretion, if wee should call you and the rest soe stricktly to accompt as your neglect deserveth. But wee will suppose that those your proceedinges were more through ignorance then out of any setled purpose of contempt towardes us, and will forbeare to censure you at present, in hoape of your conformetie now at last to our second comission, which wee send heerewith by our loving frend Mr. Joseph Cockram, whome wee have and doe appointe cheefe marchant of the _Bull_ for the whole voyage. Which shipp wee 341 have nowe made reddy, with no small charge to our employers, purposely to send her unto you, to bring awaye boath your selfe and the rest of the factors, with all the Compa. estate remayning there in the countrie, as more particulerly wee have declared in our comission to Mr. Cockram and instructions delivered to him; heereby straightly charging and comanding, in behalfe of the Honble. Companie our masters, that, uppon sight heereof, you, Mr. Richard Cock, shall deliver over into the handes and custody of Mr. Joseph Cockram all such monnies, goods, debts, etc., as pertaine to the Honnorable Compa., our imployers; and boath you, Mr. Richard Cock, Wm. Eaton, Edmond Sayre, and John Osterwick, shall all and every of you come awaye from thence uppon the shipp _Bull_ for Batavia; hereby charging you and every of you to fulfill our saide order, as you will answere the contrary at your perelles.
The debts which were standing out by your last letters we hope you will have cleired and received them in before this shall come to your hands, knowing the last yere that you are to come from thence. But, if any such debts shalbe yett standing out, it concernes you that made them [to receive them] in before the shipp come awaye from thence. The China Nocheda hath two long deluded you through your owne simplicitie to give creditt unto him. You have lived long enough in those parts to be better experienced of the fraudulent practizes of those people, and, although the prejudice which the Honnorable Compa. have suffered by missing of such greate somes of monney so long, which you have delivered unto him, cannot be recompenced by him, yet it will now be respected and required that you procure all satisfaccon from him for all he owes unto the Compa. The King of Firando his debt wee hoape you have received, boath all somes of such moment as it behooves you to be carefull and dilligent in the recovering in of them; and, in hoape 342 you will herein sattisfie our expectacon, wee desist further to incite you in this matter.
Having cleered all busines and gotten the Companies estate aboard their shipp, which wee desire may be with all speede convenient, you are to take frendly leave of the king and such other officers as you knowe to be meete, and to deliver over the Compa. howse and godownes into the kings hands, to appoint some whome hee shall thincke fitting to keepe the same for the Honnorable Compas. use, untill such tyme as wee shall send theither againe to repossesse the same. And for all such provitions as wee have given order unto Mr. Cockram to provide for this place, you are to see them furnished in due tyme, that soe the shipp may take the best season of the monsonn to come awaye from thence.
Alsoe you are to furnish the shipp with all materialls needefull for her tryming, and eache thinge according to our order given for the perforemance of the busines, and lett the flesh that is to be provided be salted in such a tyme as it may keepe to doe us service. If the full quantetie cannot be provided in dew tyme, then furnish what you cann, for wee will that no busines shall hinder the shipps and your coming awaye from thence in dew tyme to performe her voyage unto this port of Batavia.
And in case there shall be any debts of vallue standing out which cannot be recovered before your lymitted tyme of coming from thence, and that there be certaine hopes to recover in the saide debts afterward, then you shall followe such order as wee have given Mr. Cockram for the leaving of a mann there to recover such debts as shalbe remayning and cannot be gotten in as aforesaid.
The China menn which you sent to refine the silver returne in this shipp. They have refined only one chist of barr plate for triall, and that wee finde so badly donn that we would not lett them proceede 343 any further. They are not suffitient to performe what they have undertaken, for they spoile all they take in hand; so that what you have agreed with them for is meerely cast awaye and lost to the Honnorable Compa. Wee have payde them no wages heere, which you are to take notice of and reccon with them there according as you can agree with them.
Wee desire no more barr plate; wherefore the rest remayning, lett it be in _soma_, _seda_, and _fabuck_ plate. But, if there be any such dannger in bringing out the latter, wee desire not to stand to such an adventure. The Dutch have greate quantities sent, yet make no such dannger as you write of; wherefore, if you cannot gett it as securely as they, wee must take such as may be procured without such hassarde.
Camphire which the Hollanders buy in such quanteties wee knowe no vend for; yett you may provide twenty cases or tenn _peculs_, which may serve for a triall both for England and Mu[su]l[i]pa[tam]; but any greater quantitie then prementioned send not.
In this shipp we have laden a small parcell of camphire of Barouse, being in all 60 _catts_. If the quantetie be over greate, you may keepe it secrett and receive it ashore by small parcells, as you can sell it. Wee would have sent more if wee had byn ascertined of its vend there; but, acording to your former advices, this nowe sent may be too much. What part of it you cannot sell bring back with you, or leave it there with him that stays in the factory, if there be occasion to leave a man there; the ordering whereof, with all other busines, wee have referred to Mr. Cockram, as aforesaide.
We expect to have a reformacion in the lavish expences for the shipps companie. It is the Honnorable Compa. expresse order that in any port, where refreshing may be had good cheape, they shall not have allowance of above foure flesh meales a weeke and three meales with salt fish 344 or such like to eate with their rice. This order you are to take notice of and to perfoarme the same; neither may you feede the saylors both aboard and ashore, which (as wee are informed) hath byn a common costom with you, to the excescive charg of the Honnorable Companie, our masters.
You write the pursers aught not to be allowed the foure per cento which they bring to accompt for losse in monneys, and referr it to us to abate it. This abatement you ought to have made there, knowing it to be unreasonable, and should not send such matters unto us to decide where the pursers want no excuses for themselfes, and wee cannot contradict them but only with your barr (wee cannot see you [how ?] they can loose so much), which is no suffitient reason. Wherefore with this purser of the _Bull_ now better examine that busines, and, finding it an abuse by the pursers, abate it uppon Mr. Watts accompt; and, at your arivall heere, wee will take the like course with the rest or so many of them as are heere remayning.
And because the last yere, to serve your owne turne, you made what construction you pleased of our comission for your coming from thence, wee doe nowe iterate our comission in the conclusion of our letter, least, having redd itt in the former part thereof, you should forgett it before you come to thend. Wee will and comaund in the name and behalfe of the Honnorable Compa. of Marchants of London trading [to] East India, our masters, that you, Mr. Richard Cock, William Eaton, Edmond Sayre, and John Osterwick, shall deliver over into the hands of Mr. Joseph Cockram all monneys, goods, and debts perteyning to the Honnorable Compa. aforesayde, and shall all and every of you aforenamed come away from Japon in the shipp _Bull_ for this port of Battavia. Which our order wee require you to performe, as you will answere the contrary at your perill. And soe, hoping of your conformitie unto the premises, wee conclude with our comendations 345 unto you, and committ you with your affayres to Gods direction.
Your loving frends,
RICHARD FURSLAND. THOMAS BROCKENDON. AUG. SPALDING.
Batavia, le 22th of May, Ao. 1623.
[180] British Museum. _Cotton Charter_, iii. 13, f. 43.
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_Coppie of a letter to_ FEGENO CAMME, _the Kinge or Govr. of Ferando in Japon, sent by our jurobasso_, COE JUAN, _to the Emperours courte now at Meacoe_.[181]
Maye yt please your Highnes, etc.
The 19th instante heare aryved one of our Honnourable Companies shipps from Batavia uppon the coaste, by whome wee have rec. letters from the Honnourable our Gennerall and Councell of India their resident, whearby wee are strictlie charged and commaunded to recover in all such debtes as wee have abroad, and for a tyme to disolve and leave this factorie and to come awaye, everie of us, uppon this shipp with the first of the moonesone, without any excuse or hinderance theirunto. The which commaund from our said Gennerall wee maye not, neither to our powers will, any waye infringe, but doe resolve by the prime of November next to departe hence; whearof wee have thought fittinge in tyme to acquainte your Highnes.
The reasonns endusinge our Gennerall heareunto are many; yet not proceedinge out of any unkinde usage heare in his Maties. dominions, but rather in respect of theise followeinge, viz.:--
The dannger of the seas betweene this and Batavia, haveinge loste within this three yeares two greate and rich shipps bound for this place. Alsoe the smale hopes wee have of procuring trade into China, 346 which hetherto our Honnourable Companie have with greate charges endeavoured to procure, and partelie uppon those hopes have contynewed theire factorie heare thus longe tyme at no smale expence, hopeinge of better profight then thefect hath prodused. And now, lastlie, the losse of one of our Honnourable Companies shipps in her voyadge from England, whoe was richlie laden with comodities of our cuntrie, such as, for the moste parte, have beine vendible heare in Japon; by which meanes wee reste alltogeather unprovided of goods to supplie this factorie, and theirfore not held requisite or entended longer to be contynewed, unless wee could see better hopes to profight. Yet, notwithstandinge, if the next yeare shall produce any better encouradgement, maye then returne againe. Uppon which hopes and good expectation wee entend not to sell or put off our howses and godonns; but, accordinge to our Genneralls order, to leave them to your Highnes, intreateinge they may be kepte for us and repocessed by us, if wee shall returne hither againe. Of which your Highnes shall have due advice everie yeare.
Wee have likewise written heareof unto the Lords of his Maties. Councell, a coppie whearof wee send your Highnes heare inclosed togeither with the princepall, which, if you finde requesite, maye please to cause to be delivered.
And thus, intreatinge to excuse the sendinge this messenger and not comeinge our selves in respect of our short tyme of staye and not being furnished with matterialls needfull to present his Maties. Councell of Japon, we humbly take our leaves, ever restinge
Your Highnes servants to comand,
JOSEPH COCKRAM. RICHARD COCKS.
English Factory, Ferando in Japon, the 26th Julie, anno 1623.
[181] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. x, no. 1115.
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_Coppie of a consultation or letters to the Lords of his Maties. 347 Councell of Japon, sent by our jurobasso_, COE JUAN, _to the Emperours courte at Meacoe for the tyme beinge_.[182]
Whearas, with the free consente and licence of his Matie. the Emperour of Japon and many favours of you, the Lords of his Majesties Councell, wee have thus longe contynewed our factorie heare in his Maties. domynions in Ferando without any molestation or injury offred by any of his Maties. subjects, wee are theirfore in all humble mannor bound to acknowledg and render all due obedient thanks for the same. And beinge now by our Gennerall and Councell of India called from hence, with order for a tyme to disolve this factorie and come all awaye for Batavia uppon the shipp now aryved and expreslie sent to that purpose, wee have thought fittinge hearof to acquainte your Honnours, that, as wee had firste admittance to settle a factorie heare and to remaine in his Majesties cuntry, soe likewise wee maye [have] the like favour now for our departure.
The reasonns moveinge heareunto are larglie expressed in our letter to the Governour of this place, Fegeno Camme, from whome wee doe acknowledge to have receaved many curtesies. Wee would our selves have beine the messengers hearof, but that our occasions are more urgent heare, the tyme of our staye beinge but shorte for cleeringe our selves out of this cuntry; and theirfore doe humbly crave your Honnours pardon, and shall ever remaine obliged to your Lordshipps, and reste
Your Lordpps. servants to comd.,
JOSEPH COCKRAM. RICHARD COCKS.
English Factory, Ferando in Japon, the 26th Julij, anno 1623.
[182] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. x, no. 1115.
-------------------
_Coppie of a letter to_ FEGENO CAMME, _the Kinge or Governour of 348 Ferando, in Japon, sent by_ RICHARD HUDSON _to the Emperours courte at Meacoe_.[183]
Maye it please your Highnes,--
Our laste was of the 26th Julie paste, by our _jurobasso_, Coe Juan, whome wee sent expreslie with letters unto your Highnes and the Lords of his Majesties Councell of Japon, makeing knowne unto your Lordshipps our order, reced. from the Honnourable our Genneral and Councell in India, for disolveinge this factorie and comeinge all awaye with the firste of the moonsone for Batavia; which, God willinge, wee entend to performe with all convenientsie. And to this end wee wrote our former letters unto your Highnes and the Lords of his Majesties Councell, theirby craveinge our friendlie departure and excusinge the not cominge our selves nor sendinge any English to take our leaves, in respect of our urgent occasions. All which wee hoped would have prevailed. But, contrarie to expectation, wee understand by Tonomonsama, your Highnes brother, and others your nobillitie heare, that it is found expedient, and by your Highnes required, that wee send an Englishman in performeance of this busines, which wee well hoped our _jurobasso_ mighte have effected. And nowe, seeinge yt cannot be otherwise, wee doe now send the bearer hearof, Richard Hudson, whoe carreth with him certaine small presents for his Majesties Councell, beinge such as the tyme will aford and our abillitie of meanes strech unto; humbly intreateinge your Highnes to further the dispach of this messenger, that he maye returne in tyme to further the dispach of this shipp in our departure.
Wee have alsoe delivered unto this bearer his Majesties _goshenn_, which was grannted us for our free traficke heare in Japon, beinge 349 theirunto required by Tonomonsama and Naygensama, as doubtinge by them yt would be demaunded to be delivered upp unto his Maties. Councell; but, if convenience yt might be granted, wee would intreat the contynewance of yt in our hands, or otherwise in your Highnes custody, that, returninge againe, wee maye have the more freer entrance.
And thus, intreatinge your Highnes favourable assistance in theis our occasions, wee conclude, hopeinge to see you heare before our departure and take a friendlie farwell. In meane tyme we reste
Your Highnes servants to commaund,
JOSEPH COCKRAM. RICHARD COCKS.
English Factorie at Ferando in Japon, the 2th August, 1623.
[183] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. x, no. 1115.
THE END.
INDEX. 350 351
Abbot, Maurice, deputy E.I.C. ii. 116.
Achinese. Join the Dutch against the Portuguese, i. 148, 150.
Adams, Mrs. (in Japan). i. 172, 183, 184, 185, 193, 247, 284, 319; ii. 11, 53, 57, 74, 97, 138, 240, 252.
Adams, Isaac, [? error for Joseph] son of Will. Adams. ii. 233.
Adams, Joseph, son of Will. Adams. i. 183, 284; ii. 97, 233, 240, 252.
Adams, Mary (in England), wife of Will. Adams. ii. 117, 205, 338.
Adams, Capt. Robert. ii. 112, 114, 115, 119, 120, 121, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 182, 183, 199, 207, 212, 213, 219, 222, 223, 224, 318, 326.
Adams, Susanna, daughter of Will. Adams. ii. 97, 240, 252.
Adams, William. _Passim_; engaged to the E. I. Company, ii. 258; voyage to Siam, i. 88; his estate in Japan, i. 181; accident to, i. 195; voyages to Cochinchina, i. 225, 243; ii. 23, 296; his wages, i. 234, 235; ii. 277; attacked at sea, i. 244; Cocks's opinion of him, ii. 263, 269; his influence with the Shoguns, ii. 277, 322; death and will, ii. 321; goshons belonging to his children, ii. 126-129, 131; child at Firando, ii. 143, 156; his children, ii. 233, 245, 253; goods, ii. 189, 222, 233, 337.
Adrian, Dutchman. i. 182; ii, 269.
_Advice_, ship. i. 151, 222, 223, 226, 231, 233, 289, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 330, 336, 342, 343, 348; ii. 15, 16, 40, 54, 61, 279.
Aishima, or Anushma, Island. i. 142; ii. 70.
Akasawa. ii. 79, 98.
Albartus, Capt., Dutchman. i. 25, 158, 189, 205, 234, 239, 240, 264, 275, 298, 306, 330, 339, 344; ii. 7, 24, 25, 62, 125, 133, 136, 137, 138, 179, 197, 206.
Ale, Bartholomew, of the _Palsgrave_. ii. 175.
Alexander, Scotchman in the Dutch service. ii. 69.
Alferis, The two. i. 147, 148.
Alferis, _tuerto_. i. 43, 146; ii. 130.
Amida, saint of China. Monastery at Yedo. ii. 88.
_Amsterdam_, Dutch ship. ii. 189, 191.
Amy, bongew of Cochinchina. i. 140.
Ando Tushma Dono, nobleman. i. 171, 172.
Andrea, host at Nagasaki. i. 28, 41, 42, 43.
Andrea, Will. Adams's Japanese brother-in-law. i. 39, 166, 167, 183, 192, 284; ii. 95, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 138, 244, 252, 253.
Andrea, boatswain. ii. 167.
_Angel_, Dutch ship. ii. 304.
_Ankewsen_, Dutch ship. i. 36, 82, 98, 113.
Anthony, servant. i. 71.
Anthony, King of Firando's caffro. i. 125, 129, 334; ii. 59.
Anthony, Biscayan. i. 238; ii. 51.
Antonison, Lucas. i. 8, 16, 23, 64; ii. 54.
Antony, Thomas. ii. 117.
Apollonario, Franciscan. i. 6, 238, 335.
Arai. i. 163, 196; ii. 98, 232, 255.
Arima. i. 15; Christianity in, i. 173; rescue of a friar, i. 335; troops for, ii. 266.
Arima, King of. ii. 162, 163, 164, 166, 167.
Asakusa, near Yedo. Temple at, ii. 241.
Asberry, ----, of the _Bull_. ii. 118.
Ashiya. ii. 107; fire at, ii. 108.
Atkinson, Richard. i. 229.
_Attendance_, English ship taken by the Dutch. ii. 303, 304, 316.
Ava, King of. Conquests by, i. 17.
Avery, John, purser's mate of the _Elizabeth_. ii. 179.
Awoe harbour. ii. 108.
Badworth, ----. ii. 113.
Ball, George, in Bantam. i. 16, 229, 290, 331; ii. 9, 16, 67, 312.
Balle, the King of Firando's dog. i. 247.
Ballok, Dutchman. ii. 199.
Bantam. Ships trading with, i. 228, 233, 265; ii. 133.
_Bantam_, Dutch ship. ii. 173, 174, 175, 223, 304, 336.
_Bantam, New_, Dutch ship. ii. 319.
Barker, John. ii. 116.
Barker, William, of the _Peppercorn_. ii. 198.
Barkhout, Capt. i. 298, 335, 336, 339; ii. 7, 14, 15, 40, 42, 56, 62.
Barnardo, Capt. ii. 24, 92.
Barns, ----. ii. 213.
Barreda, Gil de la. i. 147.
Bastian, Jorge. ii. 334.
Bates, Ed., of the _Palsgrave_. ii. 175.
Baylie, John, merchant. Dies in Japan, i. 145, 150, 154, 189, 193; ii. 279.
Beamont, John, in Bantam. i. 48, 114; ii. 116.
Beedam, ----, of the _Elizabeth_. ii. 198.
Benita, or Bonita, Pascual, of Nagasaki. i. 126, 146, 150; ii. 14, 145, 147, 171, 172, 180.
Bicho, or Tushma, servant-boy. i. 102, 230; ii. 1, 33, 35.
Bingana Tomo. i. 203, 212, 329; ii. 72, 106, 107, 229, 302.
Bizen. ii. 106.
Blackcolles, Henry, of the _Thomas_. i. 218.
Blancard, Abraham, Dutch surgeon. ii. 315.
Bogens, or Bugins, Nicholas, merchant. ii. 178, 179, 181, 192, 196, 209.
Bongo, or Bungo, Province of. Earthquake in, i. 167; Christianity in, i. 173.
Bongo, King of. i. 213.
Bongo Sama, or Nobesane, King of Firando's great-uncle. i. 2, 5, 7, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 41, 61, 65, 67, 78, 79, 116, 118, 121, 143, 231, 240, 256, 281; ii. 6, 8, 25, 52, 108, 115, 125, 140, 161, 171, 172, 190, 199, 201.
Bongo Sama, King of Arima. ii. 162, 163.
Bonomon Dono, secretary to Tonomon Sama. ii. 115.
Books, Japanese. i. 205.
Bordeaux. Image near, i. 238.
Bowles, John. ii. 257.
Brockedon, Thomas, president of the Council of Defence. ii. 116, 117, 138, 179, 204, 320; letter to recall the English from Firando. ii. 340.
Brook, Matthias van der, Dutch merchant at Firando. i. 15, 16, 17, 28, 34, 41, 298, 306, 332; ii. 50, 59, 125, 142, 149, 153, 178, 180, 206, 320.
Brower, Capt. i. 152; ii. 267.
Browne, ----. ii. 112.
Browne, Arnold, capt. of the _Palsgrave_. ii. 121, 174, 183, 213.
Browne, John, at Patani. i. 154, 220, 268.
Buddha. _See_ Daiboods.
_Bull_, ship. ii. 112, 114, 119, 194, 205, 223, 318, 319, 331, 332, 336, 337, 341, 344; mutiny, ii. 181, 329.
Burdock, Roger, of the _Moon_. ii. 175.
Burges, James and Robert. i. 219, 272, 317, 332, 333, 337; ii. 309.
Butbee, Christopher. ii. 205.
Caboques. _Passim._
Cacazemon, Cacayemon, Cacayezemon, or Cacamon Dono, secretary to Oyen Dono. i. 179, 186, 188, 190, 191, 192, 193, 225, 251, 305, 306, 310, 311, 312; ii. 57, 72, 83, 85, 86, 90, 95, 125, 140, 224, 233, 234, 235, 238, 239, 241, 242, 246, 249, 253.
Caffia Dono, goshon seal-keeper. ii. 235.
Calicut. Nawab detains English goods. ii. 48.
Calsa Sama, the Shogun's youngest son. i. 78, 79, 80, 211; reported death of, i. 10; rumour of war with his father, i. 116; report of suicide of, i. 163; his disgrace, i. 164; orders respecting, i. 158.
Camangare or Caminogari. i. 158.
Camboja, or Cambodia. Portuguese banished from, i. 279, 288.
Camps, Capt. Leonard, Dutch merchant at Firando. i. 233, 264, 286; ii. _passim_.
Canzemon Dono, of Miaco, lacquer maker. ii. 192.
Canzemon Sama: new name of Tonomon Sama. ii. 169.
Caravalle, Lopes Sermiento, Capt. ii. 191.
Carnaby, ----, master of the _Hope_. ii. 329.
Carnero, Francisco, porter. i. 113, 130.
Carpenter, ----. i. 114.
Carwarden, Walter. His uncertain fate, i. 216, 224; ii. 268, 285, 286.
Casanseque or Cazanseque, purser or scrivano. Suit against, i. 241, 242, 245, 248, 252, 263, 279, 281, 282, 283, 287, 289, 294, 296, 313; ii. 3, 14, 19, 29.
Caseror. i. 16.
Castleton, Capt. Samuel. i. 229, 269, 290.
Cata ura. i. 99.
Catsso Dono, kinsman of the King of Firando. ii. 136.
Cattadomary. i. 329.
Catto Sama Dono, King of Iyo. ii. 245.
Chambo, Chombo, or Chamba Dono, bongew of Arima. i. 15, 20, 33.
Champon, in Siam. i. 267, 269, 272, 273.
Chanchew. i. 35.
Chapman. ii. 113, 211.
Charles, Prince of Wales. Report of his marriage, ii. 55.
Charlton, Andrew. ii. 117.
Chase, Thomas. i. 229.
Chauno Shozero Dono, the Shogun's factor. ii. 84, 90, 91, 94, 95, 96, 231, 234, 244.
Chaw, or Tea. Cups, etc., i. 145, 202; ii. 11, 28, 58.
Chimpan, Capt. ii. 153.
Chimpow, Chinaman. ii. 21, 24.
Chimtay, Chinaman. ii. 21.
China. Negotiations for trade with, i. 20, 23, 25, 29, 32, 58, 60, 66, 74, 83, 101, 116, 223, 296, 298, 340, 341, 342; ii. 2, 3, 21, 44, 125, 126, 139, 271, 284, 309, 321, 324, 327, 333, 339; Tartar wars, i. 219, 284; death of the Emperor and his son, ii. 172; succession of Emperors, ii. 324, 327; travelling spies sent to watch Europeans, ii. 285; letters of James I. to the Emperor, ii. 298; Dutch acts of piracy against Chinese, i. 259, 260; ii. 40, 41, 42, 56, 70, 302, 303; piracy against Chinese punished by Taiko Sama, i. 277; English reported taking junks, ii. 172; piracy among Chinese, ii. 321; junks taken by English and Dutch, ii. 324; cruelties of the Dutch to Chinese, ii. 324, 327.
Chinese in Japan. Tiger play and tumbling, i. 235; feast of Piro, i. 256-258; complaint against the Dutch, i. 262, 306; ii. 44; visits on birth of a child, i. 332; losses by fire at Nagasaki, i. 346; visit at the new year, ii. 6; fireworks, ii. 9, 10.
Chiriu. ii. 78, 231.
Chisian Ducuco, Chinese councillor of state. ii. 125.
Chongro, Capt. ii. 269.
Chozamon Dono, son of Oyen Dono of Firando. ii. 140.
Christians. Persecutions in Kokura, ii. 67; massacre and persecutions at Nagasaki, ii. 334, 335.
Christmas, George, purser of the _Peppercorn_. ii. 179, 184.
Christopher, German. i. 150.
Chubio Dono, official at Miako, brother of Safian Dono and uncle of Gonrok Dono. i. 49, 73, 159, 179, 180, 200, 258, 289, 318, 319, 331.
Chubio Dono, host at Bingana Tomo. ii. 159, 160.
Cleavenger, Charles, capt. of the _Palsgrave_. ii. 117, 119, 121, 173, 174, 182, 183, 223, 318, 320.
Clothworkers' Company. Letter of Cocks to, ii. 315.
Clough, John, gunner. i. 84, 100.
_Clove_, ship. ii. 269.
Co Domingo. ii. 59, 219.
Co John, or Coa John, jurebasso. i. 54, 140, 230, 284, 303, 311; ii. 5, 31, 61, 98, 119, 139, 144, 154, 156, 207, 219, 248, 345, 347, 348.
Co John, servant of W. Eaton. i. 136, 141.
Co John, of Goto. i. 10.
Co John, of Nagasaki. i. 13.
Coaker, John. i. 109; ii. 305, 307, 309.
Cochi, harbour of Firando. _Passim_; buildings at, ii. 155; fires at, ii. 192, 214.
Cochinchina. Loss of T. Peacock in, i. 28, 29, 140, 216; ii. 153, 268; trade and communication with, i. 224, 243, 272, 295, 298, 299, 316; ii. 60, 295, 310.
Cockram, Capt. Joseph. ii. 117, 119, 122, 123, 172, 173, 174, 183, 184, 189, 192, 196, 197, 212, 213, 223, 224, 320, 337, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 349.
Cocks, John, in Staffordshire, brother of R. Cocks. i. 228.
Cocks, John, in Bantam, nephew of R. Cocks. ii. 16, 54.
Cocks, Richard, head of the English factory at Firando. _Passim_; journeys to and from Yedo, i. 157-166, 193-214; ii. 70-108, 227-255; interview with the Shogun, i. 169; ii. 279; journey to and from Miako, i. 300-330; visits to Nagasaki, ii, 17-25; ii. 127-188; escape from fire, ii. 106; correspondence, ii. 257-349; proposes to return to England, ii. 339.
Cocks, Richard, son of the host at Osaka. i. 321.
Cocks, Richard, son of Maky Dono. ii. 102.
Cocks, Walter, brother of R. Cocks. i. 48, 114, 152, 155, 229, 290; ii. 16, 113, 116, 117, 205.
Cocora, John, cook. i. 93, 100, 110, 145.
Codskin Dono, secretary to the Shogun. i. 16, 53, 141, 167, 168, 169, 170, 172, 174, 177, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 190, 192, 205, 303, 307, 308, 310, 313, 317; ii. 83, 84, 118, 142, 178, 236, 251, 279, 281, 283, 297.
Cofio Dono. ii. 122, 167, 170.
Collins, John. ii. 252.
Colston, or Coleson, William, purser of the _Thomas_. i. 218, 225, 330.
Comets. ii. 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 105.
Comoro Isles. Action between English and Dutch ships at, ii. 48.
Cook, John. i. 160, 165, 183, 242, 248, 266; ii. 2, 109.
Copland, Patrick, preacher. ii. 112.
Coppindall, Ralph, capt. of the _Osiander_. i. 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 61, 63, 68, 69, 71, 76, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, 90, 96, 100, 102, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 126, 151, 229, 290; ii. 16, 54, 273, 275; letter, ii. 271.
Coral. Highly esteemed in China, ii. 287.
Corea. Embassy from, i. 255, 301, 304, 311, 312, 313; ii. 290, 293, 299; Dutch trade with, ii. 258; difficulty of trade with, ii. 270; sail-carts in, ii. 270; medicinal root from, ii. 287.
Cornelius: Dutchmen so named. ii. 49, 253, 269.
Couper, Barnard. i. 229.
Coye, near Miako. i. 164.
Coyemon Dono. ii. 170.
Cozucke, Sophone. i. 229.
Croby Dono, of Ozaka. i. 323, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 336, 339, 341; ii. 10, 12, 53, 57, 74.
Crozemon Dono, of Fujikawa. ii. 232.
Cude Dono. ii. 101.
Cuemon, plasterer. ii. 170.
Cuemon Dono, or Grubstreet, host at Ozaka. i. 210, 225, 230, 260, 262, 264, 302, 303, 304, 314, 322, 323, 324, 325, 330, 333, 342, 346; ii. 57, 73, 74, 76, 100, 103, 104, 105.
Cuemon Dono, butcher, of Nagasaki. ii. 112, 124, 128, 130, 153.
Cugero, Japanese sailor. ii. 180.
Cuiamon Dono, bongew. i. 198.
Cuiper, William. ii. 136.
Cuishti, Japanese sailor. ii. 180.
Cujero Dono. ii. 147.
Cuning, Gilbert. i. 39.
Curwin, Edward. ii. 304, 309.
Cusa, Japanese sailor. ii. 180.
Cushcron Dono. i. 36, 108, 131, 132, 135, 141, 216, 217; ii. 29, 38, 133, 145, 159, 164, 170, 180, 184, 211, 221.
Cutero Dono, of Totska. ii. 232.
Cuze Dono. ii. 170, 226.
Cuzemon Dono. ii. 170.
Cynemon Dono, of Ozaka. i. 346.
Daiboods, or Buddha. Image at Kamakura, i. 194; image at Miako, i. 200, 201; ii. 75.
Dairi or Mikado, The. Death of Goyosei, i. 311; ii. 293; preparations for his funeral, i. 320.
Daravis, Salvador. i. 345, 347.
Davies, Thomas, carpenter. i. 65, 71.
Dayeynanga Sama, the Shogun's son. ii. 237.
Dead, Festival of the. i. 46.
Dembo, near Ozaka. i. 336; ii. 105.
Dench, John. i. 64.
Denton, Adam, chief at Patani. i. 36, 48, 87, 90, 114; ii. 47, 116, 117, 271, 305.
Deo Dono. His claim to Fidaia Sama's widow, and death, i. 188.
Dickenson, Gilbert. i. 217.
Dittis, Capt. Andrea, head of the Chinese in Japan. _Passim._
Dittis, Augustin, son of A. Dittis. ii. 132, 189.
Dittis, Ingasha, daughter of A. Dittis. ii. 110.
Doca, or Dono, Sama, King of Firando. i. 140, 287.
Dodisworth, Ed., at Surat. i. 156.
Dodsworth, Harry. ii. 119, 178, 209.
Domingo: servants and others so named. i. 11, 97, 102, 130, 148, 153, 210, 276, 310, 323; ii. 219, 221.
Dorington, George. i. 72, 96, 100, 101, 114, 229.
Doughtie, ----, quartermaster of the _Osiander_. i. 57.
Dowriche, George, of Devonshire, serving with the Dutch. i. 276, 285, 339.
Driver, John. i. 100.
Durois, Jonico. ii. 20.
Durois, Jorge, merchant, of Nagasaki. _Passim._
Dutch, in the East. Hostilities with the Spaniards, i. 21, 24, 25, 26, 30, 37, 43, 148, 214, 259, 265, 268, 272, 273, 283, 285, 289,