Chapter II: Part 2

At the end of 1621 Cocks set out on the last visit to the court at Yedo recorded in his diary, the English and their Dutch allies now going in one company. Speck was no longer at the head of the Dutch factory. He had left Japan in the previous October; his successor being Leonard Camps, who was now Cocks's travelling companion. After delivering the customary presents, and after the usual long delay in getting leave to depart, they were dismissed without the shogun's return gifts, which were not ready, "which truly is the greatest wrong or indignity that ever hitherto was offered to any Christians." It is almost unnecessary to add that Cocks and Camps quarrelled. The diary ends on the 24th of March, 1622, in the middle of the journey back to Firando; and in the last entry Cocks tells us how the Hollanders slipped away from him. No phrase could better express the whole course of the dealings of the Dutch with the English in Japan.

The rest of the story of the English factory is soon told. The Council of Defence of the East India Company at Batavia had some time before determined to reduce it to small dimensions. In his letter of the 7th September, 1622, Cocks records the receipt of orders "to leave off our consortship of the Fleet of Defence with the Hollanders, and to send our five ships for Jaccatra with as much speed as conveniently we could"; all money and merchandise was to be withdrawn, except a small "cargezon" or stock worth 5,000 taels, to be left in charge of Osterwick and a couple of assistants; and Cocks, Eaton, and Sayers were to "come along in the said ships for Jaccatra, for lessening charges in the factory." All which directions the cape-merchant piously assured the Company should be followed "as near as we can"; but nevertheless stayed where he was. The difficulty, however, of getting payment of outstanding debts was at least some excuse; and he still fondly clung to the hopes of the China trade.

While the English were thus yielding ground, their Dutch rivals were more energetic than ever. They had failed in an attempt to surprise Macao; but had forcibly established themselves in the Pescadore Islands, and they still persisted in their old offence of passing for Englishmen. It was only a few months later that the Amboyna massacre was perpetrated.

At last, at a consultation of the Council at Batavia on the 25th of April, 1623, the dissolution of the English factory in Japan was formally decided. Captain Joseph Cockram was despatched in the ship _Bull_, invested with full powers. It was, however, left to his discretion to allow two juniors to remain to collect debts, if there were any prospect of recovery. He arrived at Firando in July, bearing a letter, dated 22nd May, from the Council, directing all the members of the factory "to come away from thence upon the ship _Bull_ for Batavia; hereby charging you and every of you to fulfil our said order, as you will answer the contrary at your perils." Cocks is ordered to get in all the debts he can; and he is blamed in severe terms for the loss of the "great sums" which he had advanced for the China trade: "The China Nocheda[36] hath too long deluded you, through your own simplicity, to give credit unto him. You have lived long enough in those parts to be better experienced of the fraudulent practices of those people." The English buildings at Firando are to be handed over to the king, to hold in trust "until such time as we shall send thither again to repossess the same." And so, after some other orders, the letter concludes with a caustic admonition that, "because last year, to serve your own turn, you made what construction you pleased of our commission for your coming from thence, we do now iterate our commission in the conclusion of our letter, lest, having read it in the former part thereof, you should forget it before you come to the end."

Preparations for departure were at once made; the ostensible reasons given to the king of Firando being the loss of ships and the bad prospects of the China trade, and not "out of any unkind usage here in his Majesty's [the shogun's] dominions." But, anxious as they now were to shake themselves free of Japan, the factors were still obliged to send up one of their number, Richard Hudson, to deliver the customary present to the shogun; so that it was not till nearly the end of the year that they were ready to quit Firando.

On the 16th of December, in consultation, it was determined to leave no one behind to collect debts; but the Dutch factor was empowered to receive any sums that might come in. The amount owing to the factory was 12,821 taels, about £3,200, out of which Dittis was answerable for 6,636 taels, or £1,659. The following abstract[37] of a lost portion of Cocks's diary gives us particulars of the last days spent by the English in Japan:--

_Abstract_ "_Coppie of some passages at our leaving Jappan and
dissolving ye English Factory at Ferando in ye yeare 1623. Taken
out of_ MR. RICHARD COCK _his Journall; who was Chiefe these eleven
or 12 yeares._"

_December 19._--Tonomon Sarume paid 100 _Tale_ on account of his
debt of 500 _Tales_.

_December 20._--Prepared in the Japanese language the accounts of
the noblemen indebted to the factory, in order that the parties
might sign them as an acknowledgment of the debt to be left with
the Dutch chief for recovery; a power of attorney for that purpose,
also in Japanese, being signed by all the factors and delivered to
him. Copies of these several writings were also prepared for the
king.

On the 22nd these writings were delivered to the Dutch chief, Capt.
Newrode; and the copies sent to the king. The factors "had much
adoe with Tonomon Sama, Semidono, Taccamondono, and others, to give
us their bills ... and, when they didd itt, put in what they list."

On the 21st and 22nd sundry small presents in money were given to
the Japanese servants and others, few exceeding two or three _Tale_.

On the 22nd many of the townsmen came with their wives and families
to take leave of the factors, some weeping at their departure.

On the 23rd the factors went on board the ship _Bull_, intending
to set sail; but, the Dutch and many of their Japanese friends
coming on board with banquets, they postponed their departure;
and, there not being room in the ship to serve up the presents of
their friends, more than one hundred being on board, they landed at
Cochi. Afterwards Messrs. Cock and Osterwicke proposed, as a return
to their friends, to leave 50 _Tales_ as a banquet for them all;
but the other factors would not agree to it.

On the 24th, at noon, they set sail for Batavia. The same night in
a storm the _Bull_ sprung a leak, and was found to make six inches
of water every half-hour.

The _Bull_ reached Batavia on the 27th of January, 1624. And now poor Cocks was indeed in trouble. In their letter of the 24th February to the East India Company the Council of Defence accuse him of culpable carelessness; that he neither kept the accounts himself nor appointed others to do so; that he disobeyed orders in not leaving Japan the year before; that he made a desperate debt of 5,000 taels with the China captain; and that he had brought a store of trash and lumber from Japan. No consultations had been kept, nor decorum nor order observed. They were tempted to deal severely with him and send him home as a malefactor; but, having consideration for his age and position, and allowing for his bad health and testy and wayward disposition, and being also persuaded that harsh treatment might shorten his life, they left him to be dealt with by the Company, only ordering his goods to be seized on his arrival in England.[38] Thus, in disgrace and broken in health, Cocks went on board the _Ann Royal_, and on the 24th of February sailed for England. But he was not to see his country again. A month later, on the 27th of March, he died at sea, and was buried "under a discharge of ordnance."

No doubt many of the charges brought against Cocks were true. Traces of confusion in his money accounts are to be found in his diary; and he was too easy-going for the position of head of a factory which had so many obstacles in the way of its development. There can be no question of his want of firmness. His many quarrels with companions and subordinates, and the somewhat helpless way in which he records them, afford sufficient indications of this failing. But he was perfectly honest; he died poor; and his very weaknesses render him a not unamusing diarist. This last qualification makes us his friend; and we cannot accompany him through these pages without feeling good will towards him. We note his quaint phrases; his sharp eye for "trix" and "legerdemayne" of enemies, or for the "playing the gemeny" of doubtful friends; how this man is angry and "takes pepper in the nose", while another loses temper and takes a proposal "in snuff", and a third in a rage "falls into terms"; and we see him reduced to "Hodgson's choice" long before he ought to be, if Cambridge Hobson gave his name to the proverb.[39] He had a taste for planting and gardening; he grew the first potatoes in Japan; "forget not my pigeons and fishes" is an injunction in one of his letters, when away from home; his gold fish, presents from China, were dearly prized and not willingly given away to the great men in Firando who coveted them--all these are pleasant traits. Nor was he, though "unlettered" and a little unsteady when he quoted Latin, without some taste for books. He had a _Turkish History_[40] and a _St. Augustyn Citty of God_[41] to lend a friend (i. 118); and he received a present of an English book of _Essaies_ (i. 230). But we need not assume that he had read Chaucer because he calls a long rambling statement a Canterbury Tale (i. 282).

His property was only worth 1,500 reals, about £300; but, in accordance with the advice of the Council of Defence quoted above, it was seized on the arrival of the _Ann Royal_ in England. We learn from the minutes of the East India Company that a petition was afterwards presented respecting Cocks's small estate:--

"_24th Nov. 1626._--Mr. Cox, brother unto Capt. Cox that dyed
homewarde bound in the _Anne_, presented himselfe in Court, and
desired by peticion the favor of the Comp. concerning his brother's
estate, to whom the Court related the debaust carriage of his
brother and the evill service performed by him at Japan, where he
had lived long contrarie to the Companies mind and had expended
40,000 pounds, never returning anything to the Comp. but consuming
whatsoever came to his hands in wastfull unnecessarie expences;
nay, for 3 yeares togeather refused to come away when by expresse
order from the Comp. he was called thence; insoemuch that at last
the President and Councell [of Batavia] were inforced to send for
him with a ship sent purposelie. And for his estate he had at the
time of his death, the Court told him, it was very little or none
at all, and, if any, yett not sufficient to answer the Comp. what
he ought them, haveing confessed upon foote of his accompt at
Jaccatra that he was indebted to the Companie £900.

"Mr. Cox was sorry to heare this report of his brother and desired
the Court to deale favorably with him. In the end the Court wished
him to informe himself concerning the truth of these things from
those that are come home; and, because the Comp. at presente have
no leisure to examine his proceedings, they therefore willed Mr.
Cox to returne home and leave the buisnes to Mr. Woodward to effect
yt one his behalfe."[42]

In the end, the money was paid over by the Company to Cocks's relatives.

Scarcely anything was ever recovered from the debts owing to the Company in Japan. The Council at Batavia, writing home on the 6th February, 1626, announce that the Dutch factor at Firando had informed them of the death of the Chinaman, Andrea Dittis, who had left only a small estate to satisfy his creditors, out of which the Company was to receive its share. All other debts were bad, and no return was to be expected but by mere accident.

Thus was severed our connection with Japan, not to be re-united until our own day. But the re-occupation of our factory was often proposed and more than once attempted. Even when writing their letter just referred to, the Council at Batavia spoke of it. Again in 1627 they proposed it. In 1633 a freeman of the Company, named Smithwick, again raised the question; and again in 1635 it was debated. In 1658 the Company actually fitted three ships to re-open the trade, but the lateness of the season and the prospect of a Dutch war caused them to abandon the expedition. In 1664 the Company again seriously thought of the undertaking and wrote to Bantam for information respecting the late settlement at Firando; and it is remarkable that so soon after our retirement so little was remembered. The reply was that "in this factory here is not the least remembrance of your servants acting in Japan formerly; only your agent hath procured a jornall of a voyage made thither in 1615; but it mentions only the acting of the mariner, nothing of the factor."[43] In 1668 a committee was appointed to consider how trade could be re-opened, and in the next year enquiries were again addressed to Bantam. From thence was announced a rumour that the Dutch had tried to purchase the English buildings at Firando, but were refused by the daimio, who was in expectation of our return! In 1670 the ship _Advance_ was sent out to Bantam, to be used in reopening trade, if thought convenient; but she was despatched to Persia. But in 1671 two ships, the _Crown_ and _Bantam_, were actually commissioned to make a voyage from Bantam to Taiwan and thence to Nagasaki; the supercargoes receiving instructions to find out where the English formerly resided at Firando and why they were removed. These vessels were lost. The same year the agent at Bantam reported that "there are some Scotch, Irish, etc., there [at Firando], although wee know not by what occasion there", an interesting remark, probably referring to descendants of the old settlers. At last the matter was seriously taken in hand, and ships were despatched from England in 1672 with a letter from Charles II to the emperor of Japan, every care being taken to escape the attention of the Dutch. Those wary traders, however, did not fail to discover the English designs; so that, when at length the ship _Return_ arrived at Nagasaki on the 29th of June, 1673, it was found that her coming was expected. The crew were well treated and allowed provisions while a message was despatched to the shogun; but the new-comers were closely watched and sharply questioned about their religion. Again, as in Cocks's days, the cross of St. George in the English flag gave trouble. It is interesting to find it noticed that one of his old interpreters was still living. At last, on the 28th of July, the shogun's decision was announced. The Dutch had taken care to inform the Japanese of Charles's marriage with a princess of the Roman Catholic family of Portugal; and the shogun refused to accept the friendship of one who had allied himself with a daughter of the enemies of Japan. So the _Return_ sailed away on the 28th of August; and, after this, only indirect attempts to open negotiations by the mediation of the princes of Bantam, Amoy, Taiwan, Tonquin, and Siam were made in 1681 and 1683.[44]

* * * * *

The social relations of the English with their Japanese neighbours were on the whole friendly. Periodical exchanges of presents and courtesies were the rule, although an occasional quarrel or street row was only to be expected where so many elements of turbulence were present in drunken sailors and factory-men. The domestic arrangements of the English are patent enough in the pages of the diary, and appear to have given no offence to the natives. Only on one occasion do we read of "rhymes cast abroad and sung up and down" against the native women at the English factory; which, moreover, Cocks attributed to the instigation of the Dutch, "songs having been made against them to like effect before, but not against us." They were even allowed to hold slaves, although they were afterwards forbidden to export them. They also appear to have kept on good terms with the princes of the neighbouring provinces; the daimio of Satsuma being specially noticed for his friendliness. The Dutch, on the other hand, were not so conciliatory; and we have seen that the natives of Firando sided with the English against them, when they attacked the English factory. But they were richer and could afford handsomer presents; and thus had always friends at court.

Many of the notices of native customs are interesting. The reader will at once remark several instances of the Japanese severity in punishing offences which our modern code regards as comparatively trivial. Death was the penalty for the most petty theft. Cocks tells us of a boy of sixteen who was cut in pieces with great cruelty for stealing a little boat and taking it to another island; and again, of a man who was "roasted to death, running round about a post, fire being made about him", the offence being also theft of a "small bark of little or no value" (i. 291). A curious form of degradation is mentioned in connection with an execution on a certain occasion, when the brother of a criminal "had the lock of his hair cut off by the hangman with the same cattan which cut his brother in pieces" (i. 156). The difference in European and Japanese ideas of justice was well exemplified when the Dutch factor, complaining of an assault on one of his countrymen, demanded that "the parties which offered the abuse might be brought to the place where they did it and be beaten with cudgels. At which the king smiled and said it could not be, but, if he would have them cut in pieces, he would do it."

The custom of suicide of friends and retainers at the funeral of a great man is referred to more than once. Saris mentions the mint-master of Iyéyasu as "one that hath vowed that, whensoever the Emperor shall die, he will cut his own guts and die with him."[45] No doubt he was one of the two nobles who "killed themselves to accompany Ogosho Sama in another world, as they think", and whose monument Cocks saw at Yedo in 1618. In his letter of 10th December, 1614, Cocks also reports that, at the death of old Foyne Sama, "Ushian Dono, his governor, and two other servants, cut their bellies to bear him company";[46] and in the curious account of the funeral of Foyne's brother, in 1621, we are told that "one bose or priest hanged himself in a tree hard by the place of funeral ... for boses may not cut their bellies, but hang themselves they may". Some of the dead man's servants too were only restrained from self-sacrifice by the king's orders; and "many others, his friends, cut off the two foremost joints of their little fingers and threw them into the fire to be burned with the corpse" (ii. 202).

The practice of hara-kiri, or self destruction to avoid disgrace, is mentioned as occurring at Firando on two occasions (i. 337; ii. 136).

A few other points of interest may be noticed. The spread of Christianity through the southern and western provinces has already been referred to. The mother of the king of Firando is called "a papistical Jesuit, and he and the rest of his brethren and sisters papistical Christians" (ii. 250). Again, at the funeral of Foyne's brother, mentioned above, it was said that a log of wood was substituted for the real body and burned, "for he was thought to be a Christian" (ii. 201). On the other hand, it seems that the Japanese would not admit into their faith perverts from Christianity, for an Englishman "went and cut his hair after the pagan fashion, thinking to turn pagan; which he could not do here, although he would" (i. 179). The changing of names, which gives so much trouble in reading Japanese history, is often mentioned. Figen a Sama is at first called Tome Sama; and some of his relatives appear suddenly under new names in 1621 (ii. 169). The caboques, or dancing bears as Cocks calls them, that is, the dancing women or players, and their male companions, are present at every large entertainment mentioned in the diary. And, lastly, the readiness of the Japanese to adopt foreign customs is curiously exemplified in the rapidity with which tobacco-smoking spread among the people. "It is strange", says Cocks, writing in 1615, "to see how these Japons, men, women, and children, are besotted in drinking that herb; and not ten years since it was in use first." When once the habit had got such a hold, no measures for the destruction of the plant could change it. The "drinking" inevitably went on, and in 1619 the burning of half a town is ascribed to it.

* * * * *

In conclusion I should mention that one of the chief difficulties with which I have had to contend in editing these volumes has been that of finding explanations of the foreign words and terms in the diary. Cocks adopted words from other languages besides Japanese, and generally wrote them down as they sounded. Hence it was no easy matter for one ignorant of eastern languages to decide whether particular words, thus disguised, are Japanese or of some other tongue; and I fear that I have too often taxed the patience and good nature of my orientalist friends for solutions of these difficulties. It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity of thanking Dr. William Anderson, whose knowledge of the language of Japan is so extensive, and my colleagues Dr. Charles Rieu and Professor R. K. Douglas, for much valuable assistance. I also gratefully acknowledge kind help and many courtesies from Mr. Charles C. Prinsep, Superintendent of the Records, and Mr. Edward J. Wade, Assistant-Librarian, in the India office; and from Mr. W. Noel Sainsbury, of the Public Record Office.

BRITISH MUSEUM,

_30th December, 1882_.

SOME JAPANESE AND OTHER FOREIGN WORDS AND TERMS.

bongew (_Jap._ bugiyō).--a superintendent.

bose (_Jap._ bōdsu).--a Buddhist priest.

bubes, or beobs (_Jap._ biyō-bu).--screens, or pictures.

caboque (_Jap._ kabu, singing and dancing).--a dancing girl.

calambac.--aloe wood.

cape-merchant (_Span._ cabo).--head-merchant.

captain more (_Port._ capitão mór).--captain-in-chief.

catabra (_Jap._ katabira).--a summer robe.

catan (_Jap._ katana).--a sword.

chaw (_Jap._ cha).--tea.

chawne.--a lot of land, or house.

dairi (_Jap._).--the mikado.

danko (_Jap._).--consultation.

fanna (_Jap._ hana).--a present to a dancing girl.

fibuck.--silver once refined.

foyfone (_Jap._ fune).--a boat.

fro (_Jap._ furo).--a bath-room.

futtaqui (_Jap._ hotoke, an idol).--a temple.

gadong, or gedong (_Bengali_ gudām).--a shop, or warehouse.

goca (_Jap._ koku).--a dish.

goshon (_Jap._ gosha).--a pass, or licence.

jurebasso.--an interpreter.

kerimon (_Jap._ koromo).--a robe.

kitesoll (_Span._ quitasól).--a parasol.

langanack (_Jap._ naginata).--a lance, or halberd.

makary (_Jap._ makiye).--lacquer.

morofack.--a spirit or wine.

muche (_Jap._ mochi).--a cake.

neremon (_Jap._ norimono).--a sedan-chair.

nifon catange (_Jap._ katachi).--after fashion of Japan.

ropshake (_Jap._ roku-shaku).--a chair bearer.

sappon.--a kind of wood.

sequanseque (_Jap._ sakadzuki).--a cup.

sing.--a wine.

soma.--a junk.

somo.--double-refined silver.

tabi (_Jap._).--a stocking.

tattamy (_Jap._ tatami).--a mat; a measure.

tono (_Jap._).--a lord, or petty king.

wacadash (_Jap._ wakizashi).--a short sword.

ERRATA.

Vol. i., page 3. Note[55] should be "allowaies==aloes".
" " 8. Note[70] should be "Plate once melted".
" " 13. Delete the latter part of note[77].
Vol. ii., " 136. Note² should be "The arquebuse à croc; the croc
being a hook or tooth, generally under the muzzle,
but sometimes fitted to a sliding ring, whereby the
piece was steadied when fired."

DIARY

OF

RICHARD COCKS.

DIARY OF RICHARD COCKS.

THE JOURNALL OR DAILYE BOOK OF ALL ACCURRANTES HAPPENYNG, BEGUN AT
FIRANDO, IN JAPON, PER ME RIC. COCKS, LE 1TH DAY OF JUNE, 1615,
STILO VETRI.

_June 1._--We bought 5 greate square postes of the kinges master carpenter; cost 2 _mas_ 6 _condrins_[47] per peece. And I delivered unto Nicholas Martyn one small bar gould, cost eight riall of eight[48] and a half, is six _taies_ eight _mas_, for which he is answerable. Also I delivered a great bar gold, poz. fowre _taies_ and fowre _mas_ and two _condrins_, rated at fiftie and five _taies_ as yt cost; and is to send to Gapt. Whowe, the Capt. Chinas[49] brother, at Langasaque;[50] to geve in a present at a christning, as apereth per advice.

Also I paid, per Mr. Nealson, for washing linen, two _mas_ 6 _condrins_.

And late within night Mr. Wickham arived here in company of Damian Marines, and brought word the junck was at Goto, they being put from Liquea[51] to have proceaded on their voyage for Syam; but, being at sea, the unruly companie would have gon for Cochinchina, and so Mr. Wickham standing against it, remembring our former losse theare (as I gave hym in comition), they retorned back for these partes. Capt. Adames hath wrot me that the boateswaine and carpenter are in most falte, being mutenouse knaves, etc.

_June 2._--Capt. Adames and Ed. Sayer wrot me 2 letters from Goto of 30th May; and Mr. Adames sent me a bag of potatos, and Ed. Sayer sent me a pece lik lynen (or rather silk) and the lyke to Mr. Eaton and Mr. Nealson. And Mr. Wickham gave me a jar of potatos. And Damian Marines brought me a dish of plantians and another of pottatos, etc. I receved a letter from Jno. de Lievano, the Spaniard. And Mr. Wickham went and visited Bongo Dono,[52] and carid hym a present of 2 pec. Liquea cloth and a dish of pottatos; and tould hym how matters stood about our junck, and withall asked his counsell, whether it were best to let our junck stay at Goto to be trymbd, or else to bring her for Firando. And his opynion was (as many others are the lyke, and among the rest my selfe) that it is best to bring her for Firando, for divers occations.

We had news to day that Ogosho Samme hath taken the fortres of Osekey and overthrown the forses of Fidaia Samme.[53] Others say that most of the forses of Fidaia Samme issued out of the fortrese, and sallid out 3 leagues toward Miaco, but were encountred by the Emperours forses and put to the worse, many of them being slaughtered and the rest driven back into the fortresse, etc. Bongo Dono sent a bark this day to Crates[54] to bring him the certenty of the newse.

_June 3._--I thought good to note downe that a padre or Jesuit came to the English howse and said his name was Tomas and a Bisken by nation, and gave it out he was a merchant; and others gave hym the name of Captain. Yet I knew what he was, having seen hym in this howse before, etc. He beged a littell alloes[55] of me, which I gave hym, as I did the like when he was here before. For you must understand that these padres have all the gifte of beging, and allwais answer: "Sea por l'amor de dios." This is a generall note to know them by, for they cannot so counterfet but that word will still be thrust out. This padre, Tomas (or Capt.), tould me that they stood in dowbt that the King of Shashma[56] would destroy Langasaque and bring all these partes beloe Shiminaseque[57] under his subiection, as being geven him by Fidaia Samme; but I believe it not, for now word is com on a sudden that all the streets must be made cleane, for that the King of Shashma is expected to be heare this night, he being bound up with great forces.

_June 4._--We bought 40 boardes at 5 per _mas_, small plate; and 4 _cacas_[58] at 12 _condrins_ peece, small plate.

And about nowne we had news that the King of Shashma was coming into this road with 500 barks full of souldiers; soe we laid out a present for him as followeth:--

_ta. ma. co._
8 pec. rich damasks of Lankin,[59] cost 16 _taies_
per peece is 48 0 0
10 pec. byrams nill of 15 Rs. per _corge_[60] is 05 6 4
10 pec. red zelas, of 12 Rs. per _corg_ is 04 8 0
10 pec. whit baftas, viz., 6 of 11, and 4 of 9 Rs
_corg_ is 04 0 8
10 pec. of duttis[61] of 12 Rs. per _corge_ 04 8 0
-------------
Som totall amontes unto 67 3 2
-------------

Soe, Mr. Wickham accompanying me, we went and delivered the present, which he took in good parte, offring our nation favorable entertaynment yf we came to traffick in his domynions. I put out a word how the Liqueans refuse to let us trym our junk to have proceaded from thence on our voyag for Syam;[62] but he said littell thereto, but answered, at his retorne he wold talke with me and geve me a present. I said I had receved suffition at his highnes hands in havinge the good hap to see the face of soe mightie a king as the King of Shashma; whereat he smiled. And soe we craved lycence and retorned.

Bongo Dono was with hym before and gave hym a present, and came from hym as we went to hym; but we had byn with hym before hym, yf he had not sent a boate to call us back till he had first vizeted hym.

And at present a letter is com to Bongo Dono from Faccatay,[63] wherin he is advized that the Emperour hath overthrowne the forses of Fidaia Samme, soe that he, his mother, and child have cut their bellies; but that his wife is sent back to her father Shongo Samme, King of Edo and to succeed in the Empire.[64]

_June 5._--There came letters from the King of Firando to Bongo Dono, that it is true that the Emperour hath overthrowne the forcese of Fidaia Samme, and taken the fortres of Osekey, and entred into it the 6th day of this moone, Fidaia Samme and his mother with his sonne having cut their bellies, etc.

Mr. Wickham went and visited Oyen Dono, and carid hym a dish of pottatos and a peec of Liquea cloth. His brother retorned from above, whilst Mr. Wickham was theare, and confermed these newes to be true.

_June 6._--I wrot an other letter to Jorge Durois to look out for a marchant to buy our wheate, as also of the confermyng the newes from above.

There was one of the King of Shashmas barkes cast away coming in, but all the men saved. We bought 1 _caca_ or squar post, cost 1 _mas_. We delivered or sent to keep to Capt. China 51 bundelles great canes, in each are 30 canes.

_June 7._--After dyner came a Franciskan frire, called Padre Appolonario, whom I had seene 2 or 3 tymes in Firando heretofore. He was in the fortres of Osekey[65] when it was taken, and yet had the good happ to escape. He tould me he brought nothing away with hym but the clothes on his back, the action was soe sudden; and that he marvelled that a force of above 120,000 men (such as was that of Fidaia Samme) should be soe sowne overthrowne. He desired me for God's sake to geve hym somthing to eate, for that he had passed much misery in the space of 15 daies, since he departed out of the fortres of Osekey. So, after he had eaten, I gave hym 15 _mas_ in plate; and soe he departed.

We had 1830 tiles this day for ston walles.

_June 8._--Yt is said the King of Shashma hath geven order to his people to retorne back for their cuntrey; I meane the most parte of them. The rest he keepeth to carry along with hym to goe vizet the Emperour.

We bought 4 _cacas_, cost 7 _condrins_ per peec, small plate, etc.

_June 8._--I sent to borow 4 or 5 _gantas_[66] of oyle of Yasimon Dono, because I could get non in any other place. But he retorned answer he had non, when I know, to the contrary, he bought a parcell out of my handes the other day. And I wrot a letter to Jorge Durois to take heed he gave out no yll reportes of Safian Dono. The China Capt. lent us 6 great mesurs (or _gantas_) of oyle, to repay as much. And Semidones steward came in the abcense of his master to borow a bar of plate of 3 _taies_ wight, which was lent hym.

_June 9._--Late within night I receved a letter from Ed. Sayer, dated in the Roade of Casnora in the Island of Goto, the 7th currant, wherin he writ the junck wold com away for this towne of Firando by first wind. Jno. Japon brought this letter, but is sick of the French disease, and took up his lodging at an other howse.

_June 10._--I receved a letter from Jorge Durois, dated the 17th of June, new stile, in Langasaque, with a baskit of aprecockes for my selfe, and an other for Bongo Dono, and a therd for his wife, with a parcell in a bag for the China Capten; all which were delivered according to advice.

A Spaniard called Pablo Garrocho de la Vega came to this towne of Firando to-day and brought Jorges letter.

And before nowne word came that our junck was seene without. Soe I made ready to boate to goe out to Cochi to see them put in harbor, and to vizet Capt. Adames, etc.

_June 11._--Our juncke, the _Sea Adventure_, arived in the Bay of Cochi in Firando at 10 cloth (_sic_) the last night, haveing lost her voyage for Syam this yeare. I went abord, and carid a barill of wyne, a quarter pork, and 10 loves bread, with a box bankiting stuffe; and, by order of the governer, carid 3 _bongews_,[67] to looke the mariners were all retorned and had used their indeavours. Capt. Adames was unwilling we should bring any mans name in question, for geting us an ill report; soe I did let it pas for that tyme. But being enformed that Damian Marines hath bought up 8 or 10 _cattis_[68] of amber greese at Liqueas, forstalling all, that the Company could get non; wherupon I wrot a letter to Capt. Adames to make stay of his chist, for that I wold bring the matter in question before the justice, and to same effect wrot an other letter to Damian hym selfe.

And Capt. Garrocho, the Bisken, sent me a peare of crimson silk stockinges for a present.

And Mr. Nealson reconed with the carpenters labourers and other matters bought for building since the 21st of May till this night, viz.:--

Pro tymber, oyle, and other matters as per perticulers 14 2 6 _con._
Pro 457½ days labourers work, at 5 _con._ per day 20 4 4
Pro carpenters wages, as per perticulers 23 4 4
-------------
Som totall amontes unto 58 1 4
-------------

_June 12._--Damian Marines came ashore, and tould me Capt. Adames had staid his chist with the amber, and that he had receved my letter, wherby he knew the occation. I answered hym I did it for my own discharg, he being a hired servant, and therfore, by the lawes of God and man, ought to look out for the benefite of them which gave hym meate, drynke, and wages. And by fortune Capt. Garrocho was in company when I debated the matter with hym. Soe I referred the matter to hym and Capt. Adames to make an end of it, and I to stand to what they ordayned; and soe wrot to Capt. Adames what was determined betwixt us, but wished hym to take true notis how many _cattis_ amber he had, and to keepe possession of it, etc.

I understood Damian went after to Capt. Jacob Speck,[69] unto whome (as it should seeme) he had offerd to sell all his amber; and so he retorned abord the junck, and Capt. Speck followed hym with a pretence to vizet Capt. Adames, but rather to hunt after amber greese. God grant Capt. Adames be not guld by them, etc.

I receved 16 boates lading of wheate ashore this day, containing 1,198 sacks, is 300 _gocos_, wanting 2 sack laid out in henne meate. And Mr. Wickham brought all the merchandiz ashore which they had for the Syam voyage, but divers of our pikes had the heads stolne ofe.

_June 13._--I receved back of Mr. Ric. Wickham a greate bag of plate in bars of Lucas Antoinsons, containing seven hundred forty and eight _taies_ in bars and _fibuck_.[70] And I delivered fyftie _taies_ in plate of barse to Mr. Nealson. And I receved two _cattis_ of amber greese of Mr. Ric. Wickham, which he bought for the Worshipfull Company at Liquea. And I receved 3 letters from Capt. Adames, how Damian Marin set hym at nought and wold not shew hym any amber; so I retorned hym answer not to let hym cary his chist ashore, but to bring it to the English howse, which Capt. Adames did, but Damian came not with it.

Also I receved 2½ _cattis_ amber of Ed. Sayer, in halves, betwixt hym and me; but he willed to take it all, for that he had need to use money heare.

_June 14._--Capt. Garrocho delivered Andrea Dittis, the China Capt., his papers of 1,080 and od _taies_ he owed hym, as being suretie for an other, and left it to the said Chinas discretion to pay or geve hym what he wold. When we came to open Damians chist, there was nothing to be found in it. He is a craftie knave. And soe let hym goe.

The new botswayn of the junck brought me 2 Liquea brushes and a box of synamon of same place, the best that ever I saw in my life. And Jno. Japan, our _jurebasso_,[71] brought me a present of Liquea cloth, one peec. He hath byn in this place a wick, and never came into the English howse till now, but many tymes passed before the dore singing like a luneticke man. Soe I put hym out of the Companies service, or he rather put hym selfe out.

_June 15._--Jno. Gorezan the _jurebassos_ wife brought a present of Japan apels, or rather other frute lyke appells. Capt. Adames sent me a letter from abord the junck at Cochi to have the kinges master shipp carpenter com to hym, to confer whether it were fitest to trym her at Cochi or bring her to Firando. Damian sent me 2 _cattis_ amber by Capt. Adames, rated at 90 _taies_ per _catty_, resonable good, but had byn watered. And I receved back two chistes money of Mr. Wickham, wherin he sayeth ther is aleven bagges R. of 8, of 500 R. of 8 in eache bagg; but I opened not the chistes.

_June 16._--I sent a letter to Capt. Adames by master carpenter to Cochi, about finding out a place to trym our junck in. And I delivered 1 sack wheate to the baker, to pay in bread as we sell the rest. And I had 1 peec Liquea cloth of Mr. Wickham to make Co Jno. of Goto a _catabra_.[72] We had much flying news to-day that Shongo Samme was dead. Others said it was Calsa Samme, his brother. Others reported Fidaia Samme to be alive, and that many _tonos_[73] were gon to hym to take his part. But I esteem all this to be fables. Yet others geve out secretly that the Emperour ment to chang the government of all these partes, and put other _tonos_ in their places. Soe that these of Firando dowbt the retorne of their king.

Tome, my boy, carid out his chist and thought to have run away; but I prevented hym, yet turned hym out of dores with a _catabra_ on his back as he entred in. He thought to have pickt the lock of my money chist the other day, and had so wrong the wardes that I could not open the lock with my key, which made me to trune (_sic_) hym out of my chamber. But he, misdowbting ferther disgrace, thought to have carid away all his aparell and have geven me the slip.

The purcer of junck gave me 10 Liquea trenchers for a present.

_June 17._--I receved a letter from Capt. Adames from Cochi, wherin he adviseth me that he hath taken counsell about the place most fittest to trym our junck in, and findeth Cochi to be the place.

I delivered Mr. Richard Wickham the rich _cattan_[74] he left in my custody at his departure towardes Siam. The purcer of the junck gave me a greate Liquea cock for a present, which I sent to Bongo Dono, he being desyrous to have hym.

I wrot Capt. Adames answer of his letter receved this day. And I sould 1,175 sackes wheate (brought from the Liqueas) unto Damian Marin, at 3 _mas_ per sack, containing 25 _gantes_ Liquea measure, to be paid in amber grees, at 115 _taies_ the _catty_, to take 5 _cattis_ and pay the rest in ready money.

_ta. ma. co._
The wheate amontes to 352 5 0
-----------
5 _cattis_ amber, at 115 _tais_ per _catty_, amontes
to 575 0 0
2 _cattis_ amber, at 90 _tais_ per _catty_, amontes
to 180 0 0
-----------
Som totall, 7 _cattis_ amber greese, amontes to 755 0 0

_June 18._--Capt. Adames came ashore to dyner, having unrigged the junck at Cochi. He gave me a present of 3 nestes _gocas_,[75] with their trenchers and ladells of mother of perle, with 10 spoons same, and a peece of white Liquea cloth.

I receved a letter from Jorge Durois, dated in Langasaque, le 22nd of June, new stile, wherin he advized me that no one man would buy all our wheate till the shiping come from the Manillias. He wrot me that above 2,600 persons are dead in Langasaque this yeare of the smallpox, amongst whome his boy Domingo and a woman slave are two, since he wrot me his last letter.

_June 19._--I wrote a letter to Mr. Eaton, sent per _sea bongew_. The contentes appeare per coppie. Also I wrot other 2 letters in Japon to our 2 hostes at Osekey and Sackey in kynd wordes, hoping they have dealt well with us in saveing our goods, though the towns be burned.

I tooke a garden this day and planted it with pottatos brought from the Liquea, a thing not yet planted in Japan. I must pay a _tay_, or 5 shillings sterling, per annum for the garden. And we bought 40 _gants_ of shark oyle for the junk, cost 1 _mas_ and two _condrins_ the _gant_. And one of the mareners of the junck brought me 2 fishes for a present.

_June 20._--

_ta. mas._
We receaved 4 _catis_ 4 _tais_ 2 _mas_ wight, amber
greese, of Damian, cost 490 1
With 2 _cattis_ before rated at 180 0
-------
Som totall amontes unto 670 1
-------

I gave hym a bill of my hand for soe much money owing hym, to receve our wheate at price before made, and rest in ready money.

And news came from King of Firando that he arived at Miaco the 18th of the last moone, and was admitted awdience with the Emperour the 20th, whoe used hym in all kindnes, which causeth much rejoysing here. Also the Emperour hath given order into all partes of Japon to look out for such as escaped out of the fortres of Osekey when it was burned. Soe that prive enquirie was mad in all howses in Firando what strangers were lodged in eache howse, and true notis thereof geven to the justice. Yt is thought the padres at Langasaque and else where will be narrowly looked after. They say the taking of this fortres hath cost above 100,000 mens lives on the one parte and other, and that on the Prince Fidaia Sammes parte no dead man of accompt is found with his head on, but all cut ofe, because they should not be knowne, to seek reveing aganst their frendes and parents after. Nether (as som say) can the body of Fidaia Samme be fownd; soe that many think he is secretly escaped. But I canot beleev it. Only the people of these sothern parts speake as they wold have it, because they affeckt the yong man more than the ould.

_June 21._--I sent a letter to Capt. Adames in answer to one of his receved yisterday from Cochi, wherin he advised he bought 200 _gantes_ of shark oyle at Goto at 1 _mas_ per _ganto_, wishing me to buy no more till he saw whether we had need of it or no.

I gave Tome my boy a _wacadash_[76] and most parte of his clothes, with 5 _mas_ in money, at the instigation of the China Capten. And Capt. Speck had 50 _cattis_ tyn in 46 bars, to pay as wee sell the rest, or else to content. And Mr. Nealson paid for 23 matts for new rowmes 6 _ta._ 7 _ma._ 4 _con._, with 2 _mas_ 5 _con._ comprehended for boate hier.

And I receaved a letter from the _Dico_ of Ikanoura[77] advising me that he wold com or send to me to make price for plank or tymber which we should have need of. Unto which letter I retorned answer.

Ed. Sayer put away his ould man, and entertayned Co Jno. my ould boy of Langasaque.

One of the kinges men came and tould me the perticulers of the news above, and that Fidaia Sammes mother was fownd dead, and his sonne alive, being a child of 8 years ould, whoe was carid to the Emperour his grandfather; but the body of Fidaia could not be fownd, soe it is thought he was burned to ashes in a tower in the fortres burned.

_June 22._--We put Yoske the cook away, haveing over many laysy felloes in howse, and he 1 that could do littell or nothing, yet still runing abroad. Mr. Nealson paid hym to cleare his reconyng 8 _ta._ 7 _ma._ 7 _condr._ And we receved 50 greate tiles this day. And there was a _tay_ paid for a years rent potato garden. And Facheman, our skullion, had a parte of his wages paid by Mr. Nealson, three _taies_ in small plate.

_June 23._--I sent a letter to Jorge Durois by Symon _jurebasso_, in answer of his of the 22th June, new stile, and how I had sould the wheate to Damian Marine; and sent my clock by Symon to be mended; and gave hym order buy som conserves, to invite the king at his retorne, we haveing made an end of building our howse. Miguel _jurebassos_ wife brought Capt. Adames a _catabra_, a barell wine, and figges, for a present.

_June 24._--Som of Firando barks retorned from Miaco, as others did the lyke into all partes of Japon, only the _tonos_ (or king) of each parte stay with the Emperour to take _danco_[78] or counsell of what shall be thought needfull; the souldiers being all sent home, the wars being ended.

Also I receved a letter from our _bungew_ Ushanuske Dono, dated in Miaco le 24th of Gongwach (or the moone past), wherin he writes me how well the Emperour receved the King of Firando his master; and that a sonne of Fidaia Samme of 7 years ould, by a band woman, was put to death by the Emperours comand; and 100 _mas_ and 150 _mas_ a head of all them which were in the fortres; soe that dailie many are brought in and slaughtered.

_June 25._--There passed divers boates with men from Fingo[79] and Shashma to goe to Osekey to make cleane the fortres, and, as it is said, they begyn to build the cittie of Osekey and Sackay againe, the Emperour having geven order that yf the former owners will not forthwith new build their howses, that any other may enter upon the _chaune_ (or plot) and build upon it.

_June 26._--Our fishmonger is run away this night and hath stolne a boate of his neighbors. He was here yisterday very ernest with our _jurebasso_ to have procured me to have lent hym 10 or 20 _tais_, and in the end desyred hym to have lent hym but one _taie_, but was deceaved of his expectation. And we bought 1_c._ 9_ta._ 8_ma._ amber greese of Mr. Wickham for the Wor. Company at 100 _taies_ the _catty_.

Bongo Dono sent to me to have had a jar of Liquea wyne (or _rack_), for that the Emperour hath sent to him to com to Miaco, and therfore he sought for such matters to geve in present to grete men for a noveltie.

All the kinges barks are com back with the souldiers; only the nobillety of all provinces stay with the Emperour. So it is dowbted ther will be trucking (or changing of kingdoms); and that which maketh me the rather to belive it is the Emperours sending for this man who is the last man of the blood royall left behind the king, he being the kinges greate uncle and brother to the deceased king Foyne Samme, and is a bursen[80] man and therefore not fit to be emploied in service, he being above 60 yeares ould.

And there was flying speeches how the Hollanders had a man kild and much money taken in cominge downe from Miaco; but Capt. Speck sent me word (I having first advized hym what I heard) that ther was no such matter, for that at instant he had receved a letter from their people that they were in a port neare unto Shiminasaque, selling goodes and expecting wind and wether to com for Firando. And ther is a Japan junk arived at Langasaque from Phillippinas, which wintred theare the last yeare.

_June 27._--Matias the Flemyng retorned from Miaco to Firando; but we have no letter from Mr. Eaton, which maketh me to dowbt legerdymeane.

Also Chombo Donos man (a Caffro) came from Miaco with a letter for Oyen Dono, and brought word his master was cominge downe for Langasaque, and that Safian Dono was ordayned _tono_ (or king) of Arima.[81] This Caffro I gave lodging to in the English howse with meate and drinke, because he was servant to such a master.

_June 28._--We delivered 500 sackes of wheate to Damian Marin, viz., 440 out of our gedong and 60 out of that of Capt. China; so we want 1 sack in our gedonge.

And I receaved a packet of letters from Syam, viz., one from Mr. Lucas Antoinson of 14th of Aprill, 1 from Mr. Jno. Gourney of the 17th of Aprill. Also 2 ould letters from Bantam, viz., 1 from Generall Saris of 6 February 1613, 1 from Mr. Georg Bale of 8 Marche, with an other humerous letter to Mr. Tempest Peacock, and the lyke to Mr. Ric. Wickham, as Mr. Bale is accustomed to doe.

There were two junckes arived at Langasaque from Syam.

_June 29._--Upon good consideration, per general consent, I sent Jno. Pheby to Mr. Eaton with letters and to accompany hym downe and procure the Emperours passe for hym, yf need required; which I willed Capt. Adames to signefie unto Codskin Dono or Goto Zazabra Dono; and gave Mr. Eaton order to com away forthwith, and bring in short endes what he could, and to chang the yello in white at Miaco. This letter was dated the 27th, but kept till 29th present. Also I sent 3 letters to our host of Edo and hym of Shrongo,[82] with the 3d for Sr. Andrea; as also 1 for Miguel _jurebasso_.

And the brother of Sugien Dono of Umbra[83] retorned from the wars and brought me a present of 5 Japan fans.

And I sent an other letter per Jno. Pheby to Oshanusque Dono in answer of his receaved 4 daies past from Miaco.

Capt. Speck and Sr. Matias came to vizet me.

_June 30._--Mr. Nealson paid 10 _taies_ plate bars to Jno. Pheby, and I delivered hym my letters for Mr. Eaton, with the others for Caseror and Oshenosque Dono. And Capt. Adames wrot to Cogsque Dono and Goto Zazabra Dono, to renew our passe yf need require, as also to dispach Mr. Eaton away, yf knaves stay hym.