Chapter X: Part 10

We could doe nothing about procuring our dispach this day, per means of the tempestious wether.

_March 9_ (_Ninguach 8_).--The Hollanders and we sent our _jurebassos_ to the Court to get our dispach, but had nothing but feare wordes, as allwais the like heretofore. Soe I went to Capt. Camps, to take councell with hym what we were best to doe. And in the meane tyme, while I was theare, Torazemon Dono, and Stroyemon Dono, our _bongew_, came to our lodging. Soe I went and bade them welcom, and they staid supper with me; and, amongst other speches, Torazemon Dono said it had byn better for us to have followd the King of Firandos councell, and kept Capt. Speck heare, which, by meanes of the Comander Johnson and others, was refuced, and now we saw how matters went forward. Unto whome I answered that thenglish were not in falt that he went away; "but," said I, "what could Capt. Speck doe heare now (yf he were here) then Capt. Camps hath donne?" Unto which he knew noe other answer but it was true; yet this Emperour of Japon was not soe easy to be spoaken with as his father was. Unto which I answered I knew not that, but for the King Firando he ought to heare us, we refusing all other kinges of Japon to settel our selves only in his cuntrey, when we might as well have donne it in another. He used som wordes that by meanes of our residence in his cuntrey, he was put to much more charges then heretofore about building fortresses. In fine, I think all will be nought, the king being a yong man and harkning to yong councell, which may deceave hym as it did Roboam, King Sollomans sonne. Once I dowbt this Torazemon Dono is our secret enemie, and I have the like opinion of Coa Jno., our _jurebasso_, although he be a very asse, yet he secretly doth what he can against us.

_March 11_ (_Ninguach 10_).--Torazemon Dono sent for Capt. Camps and 249 me to com to hym, for that he had something to tell us from Oyen Dono, themperours secretary. Soe we went to his howse, where we mett Cacazemon Dono, Stroyemon Dono, and Jentero Donos secretary. And they tould us that, tuching the priz goodes in the friggot, the Japons said it was theirs, and not the Spaniardes or Portingales, but themperour would not beleeve them, for that we had proved them tretors in bringing padres into Japon, contrary to his comandement. Yet, notwithstanding, Oyen Dono desired to have our and the Hollanders _jurebassos_ with Stroyemon Dono, our _bongew_, to com in private to hym to morrow, to shew unto hym the truth, what belonged to the Spaniardes and Portingals and what to the Japons. Soe we agreed upon it, and withall tould them we never ment to withould anything from the Japons, and, for the fardells of silk and other matters which the Japons fathered, there was ticketes in them which shewed to whome they belonged, and their names written in Spanish and Portugez, all which we made knowne unto them for their better remembrance to morow. Soe we had kynd entertaynment and full promis to be dispached within a day or two without faile, with many complementall wordes both from Cacazemon Dono and the rest.

_March 13_ (_Ninguach 12_).--Our pilot of Sackay, which brought us from Firando to Osacky, came to viset me, he coming from Sacky by sea in a greate bark laden with salte, and was 2 months in the way; and he sayeth that with the storme few daies past many barkes were cast away coming in company with hym, and all the people lost, his bark not escaping without greate danger; this being the 34th voyadg he hath made from Sacky to this place.

The Hollanders and we sent our _jurebassos_ to Court to get our dispach; but had nothing but fayre wordes as heretofore, only they said that themperours Councell receved the King of Fingo this day and feasted hym, which hindered our dispach, but to morow they would doe it.

_March 14_ (_Ninguach 13_).--We sent our _jurebassos_ to Court to 250 procure our dispach. Soe they had answer that our dispach was granted, and to morow themperour would send us his present, and then we might departe when we would.

_March 15_ (_Ninguach 14_).--Capt. Camps and I apointed to morow to goe to the nobles to take our leave and thank them for our dispach, and soe to dispach our selves out of Edo.

Also this night, about 10 a clock, was an earthquake, but not of much contynewance.

And about midnight was a fire in the towne, and much hurleburly.

_March 16_ (_Ninguach 15_).--Capt. Camps and I, with Mr. Osterwick, went to Torazemon Dono to thank hym for the paines he had taken about our busynes heare, and withall did deliver unto hym a writing conserning the abuses offered unto us and our nation at Firando, in keeping of our men presoners and sending them to Nangasaque to sell them to our enemis, and make our howse a preson for the Japons, against whome we had no plito. Unto which he answerd we had reason in what we said, and that the King of Firando knew nothing thereof, and therfore all should be amended to our content; and that the presoners Japons were kept per ordenance of Gonrok Dono, and not per the King of Firando.

And as Capt. Camps and I were about to goe to thank the nobles for our dispach, word was brought us we might departe when we would, and leave som one behind us to receve the present themperour ment to geve us, for that as yet it was not ready; which truly is the greatest wrong or indignety that eaver hitherto was offered to any Christians, and I think is donne of purpose per meanes of the King of Firando, whose mother is a papisticall Jesuist, and he and the rest of his bretheren and sisters papisticall Christians. Soe that I think it is impossible 251 that we shall eaver have good entertaynment in his cuntrey. God send me and the rest of our nation well out of it.

_March 17_ (_Ninguach 16_).--Capt. Camps and my selfe went to the Emperours Councell to take our leave, viz: to Oyen Dono, Codgque Dono, Otto Dono, Ita Canusque Dono, the 4 princepall councellors. And we spoake to Oyen Dono and Ita Canusque Dono, whoe gave us very good wordes, and said they were ashamed we staid here soe long and that we had not themperours present delivered to us before we went from hence, but, yf we tarid 2 or 3 daies longer, it would be ready, or delivered in our abcense to whome we pleased to receave it, yf we went away before. But Codgsque Dono and Otto Dono were not at home, but hadd left order with their secretaries to answer as the former. Soe we went from thence to the lodging of Gonrok Dono, and carid hym a present from us and the Hollanders. And Itamia Canusque Dono sent me 2 silke coates or _kerremons_, and the like to the Duch.

I tould Capt. Camps I ment to vizet Shongo Dono, the admirall, and cary hym a present of 1/2 a _catty_ of campher and a _tay_ wight of currall, all at my owne coste, in respect of the frenship which was betwixt Capt. Adames and hym, and to wish hym to contynew his favour to his child, now the father was dead. But Capt. Camps fell into collerik terms, and tould me I could not goe to hym nor non else without his consent. Unto which I replied I might doe with my owne what I list, and that I did not put this to the companis acco. Unto which he answerd that I now went about to procure his disgrace, and to get all the thanke to my selfe, in respeckt of a present was geven hym both this yeare as also the last, which had it not byn for thenglish, they would have given him nothing. Unto which I replied I knew nothing of that which passed the last yeare, and, for that which was donne this yeare, he might have chosen whether he would have geven it or no. 252 Yet there is suffitient witnesse he said he was sory he had not geven more in respect of our good entertaynment. But it seemed Capt. Camps was angry, for he tould me he had put up more indigneties at my hands then this, which, God is my witnesse, I know not whereby he speaketh it, for he hath contynewally ensulted over me, and thrust hym selfe still before me into presence of themperour and his Councell, saying his place was before myne in respect the Duch was admerall at sea in the Manillias voyage this yeare. Yet I suffered all this with pasyence, and let hym take his course; but to be master of my owne and geve it to whome I list, I think I offerd hym no injury.

Also Oyen Dono, themperours cheefe secretary, brought me 5 silk coates or _kerremons_ of silk (as I make acco. the Hollanders had the like) with many complementall wordes; and out of these 5 coates I gave 2 to Mr. Osterwick, 1 to Robt. Jones and 1 to Jno. Collins at recept therof.

Also we gave these presentes following in our house:--

5 _cattis_ white raw silk to Capt. Adams wyfe.
to Madelina Samma, her sister.
1 _catt._ white raw silk
1 pece redd silk say
1 _catty_ ditto silk to their ould mother.
1 pece red cheremis to Susana, Capt. Adams doughter.
1 halfe pece ruch crimson damask to Joseph his sonne.
1 pece ornary damask to Andreas their uncle.
1 pece ornary taffete to Maria their kinswoman.
1 pece ornary taffety to Josephs schole master.
1 pec. ditto to Yode Dono, their frend.
1 pec. red cheremy to Robt. and Jnos. hostis.

We left order with Torazemon Dono to rec. our present from themperour both for us and Hollanders, as also our petition for themperour; and I left my _goshon_ with Andreas to get a new one out and send it to me.

_March 18_ (_Ninguach 17_).--We departed this day from Edo towards 253 Miaco, and went to bed to Canengaua,[136] 7 leagues. But we overtook Captain Camps 2 leagues from Edo, and he out went us 3 leagues without biding us farewell.

We gave 300 _taies_ to our hostis, for diet in our lodging at Edo for the tyme we staid there, besids other extraordnary which came to above 80 _taies_ more. Soe we wanted 50 _taies_ to cleare all matters, which I promised to send them from Miaco, God permiting.

And Andrea, with Capt. Adams 2 children, and Jenquese Dono, accompanied us out of Edo, and brought us a duble banket, with our presents bord man. Soe we gave the bringers ij _ichebos_ to make a feast, and to the servantes in our hostes howse i _coban_ and i _ichebo_; as also one _ichebo_ to our host at Suningaua,[137] 2 leagues from Edo, being there called in by Capt. Camps, otherwais we had pased alonge; yet he went from us afterward, as above said.

[136] Kanagawa.

[137] Shinagawa.

_March 19_ (_Ninguach 18_).--We went to Oyesso (or Oiso) to dyner, 9 leagues, and to supper to Odora,[138] 4 leagues. And per the way we overtook Stroyemon Dono, our _bongew_, whoe deliverd me xxviij _coban_ barrs of gould, as he did the like nomber to Capt. Camps, to employ for Cacazemon Donos sonns best advantage when shiping cometh or otherwais, the _coban_ vallued at 6 _ta._ 2 _m._ 5 _c._ per barr, is 175 _taies_; wherof I send back, per the servant of Cacazemon Dono, to deliver to our hostis at Edo, Capt. Adames woaman, at rate abovesaid, is 50 _taies_.

Capt. Camps had a letter in Japons how Cornelius died within 3 daies after he arived from Osacky to Firando, and that the shipp departed to Molucas.

[138] Odawara.

_March 20_ (_Ninguach 19_).--We went from Odoro to Facana Yama[139] to dyner, hostes name Jembio Dono; and to soper to Nomads,[140] hostes 254 name Tozemon Dono, having made 4 leagues before dyner and 5-1/2 after.

[139] Hakone.

[140] Numadsu.

_March 21_ (_Ninguach 20_).--We went to dyner to Cambar,[141] 6 leagues, the hostes name Sayemon Dono; and to supper to Egery,[142] 4-1/2 leagues, to our ould hostes howse as we went up.

[141] Kambara.

[142] Ejiri.

_March 22_ (_Ninguach 21_).--We went to dyner to Ocaby,[143] 6 leagues; and to supper to Canayea,[144] past the greate river, 5 leagues.

[143] Okabe.

[144] Kanaya.

_March 23_ (_Ninguach 22_).--We went to dyner to Fucore,[145] 7 leagues, hostes name Facherozamon Dono; and to supper to Hammamach,[146] 6 leagues.

And by the way we met with Quiemon Dono, our barkman, or _sinde_,[147] of Sackay, whoe brought me 3 letters from Mr. Eaton, 2 of one date, 3th of January, and both coppis verbatum, and an other of the 10th of February; wherein he writes me all the Japon presoners which were in our howse are sett at liberty; and that the Hollanders sent our 6 English men ashore againe which weare abord their shipp, being compeld by Japons. Soe they carid them all to Nangasaque, and Jno. Yoosen hath them in his handes and will not deliver them unto us, allthough Mr. Eaton sent Ric. Hudson and a _jurebasso_ with hym to demand them, offering to pay all the charges he hath disbursed. But he answered that he would not deliver them, although the King of Firando and Governor of Nangasaque comanded hym, for that he had mad ready his junck and ment to send them to the Holland factory at Jaccatra, except we would buy his junck and pay hym 20,000 _taies_ he had disbursed in provitions to send thither. But the world knoweth that Yoosen is not worth 20,000 pence.

Also this day, as we passed over a river, a _bongew_ of the King of 255 Faccatais men did misuse our horsmen, after our horses weare entred into the bark, and would have put them out per force, because we weare strangers. Whereupon they went together by the eares, and much a doe there was about it. Soe that the _bongew_ of Faccata sent word it was donne without his consent, and therefore, yf we brought out the parties which did it, were they 1, 2, 3, or 4, he would put them to death in our sight. But our horsmen weare soe bent because the Faccata men had misused them, they being themperours men, that nothing would serve them but the death of the others; which I would not consent unto, but wished them to defer the matter till we came to Miaco, and then we would bring it to passe before the justis theare. And Stroyemon Dono, the King of Firandos _bongew_, was of the same opinion; yet our horsmen weare not content. But in the end they agreed among themselves.

[145] Fakuroi.

[146] Hamamatsu.

[147] _Send[=o]_, a boatman.

_Marche 24_ (_Ninguach 23_).--This day we went to Aray[148] to dyner, 5 leagues; and to supper to Yoshenda,[149] 4 leagues. Heare our _bongew_ and the Hollanders sliped from us and went to bed 5 leagues ferther.

[148] Arai.

[149] Yoshida.
256

APPENDIX. 257

CORRESPONDENCE.

RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[150]

Right worshipfull,--

* * * * * *

The 12th of June we came to an ancor in the haven of Firando, in Japan, where the kinge of the place receaved us very kyndlie; Mr. Adams not being theare, but had heard of our coming per meanes of a letter sent from Sr. Thomas Smith, which caused hym to leave order with his host to send a post to hym at our coming, which he did, and our Generall wrot hym 3 severall letters, yet he arived not at Firando till the 29th of July. And the 7th of August our Generall departed for the Japan court, Mr. Adams accompanyinge hym. And it was the 6th November before he did retorne for Firando, it provinge a tediouse jorney. Yet he obtayned all priveleges that he did demand. God grant the trade may prove as benefitiall as hetherto our succeadinges have byn suckcesfull. The only crose hath byn the runinge away of 7 of our marreners in the abcense of our Generall, viz. John Bowles, Christopher Evans, Jno. Sars, Clement Lock, and Jno. Totty, Englishe men, and Jasper Malconty, and one Jaques, Flemyngs; but Bowles and Evans were the instigators of the rest. They stole away the skiffe and went for Langasaque, and there took sanctuary in the papist churches, and weare secretly convayed away for the Phillipinas per the 258 Jesuistes; but the skiffe we recovered againe.

The Flemynges had setled them selves heare 3 or 4 yeares before our arivall, and have built them a howse in this place, which hath cost them allready above 2500_l._ str.; and doe disperce them selves abroade, som on way and som an other, to look out for trade, as we must doe the lyke, for they are close and will let us understande nothinge. They have som small entrance allready into Corea, per way of an iland called Tushma, which standeth within sight of Corea and is frend to the Emperor of Japan. But the chifest place which as yet they have fownd out is from hence to Syam and Pattania, from whence they bring silke, brasill wood, and deare skynns, which is all ready money heare.

Mr. Adams is now entertayned into your Worships servis for a cupell of yeares, untill news com of the _Cloves_ safe arivall in England, he being now at libertie to com for his contrey when he will. He wold not be entertayned under 100_l._ str. a yeare. The Flemynges did what they could to have gotten hym from us, which made hym to stand the more on his pointes. He aledged he was a pore man and that he had spent 14 yeares allready to noe purpose, and now wold be loth to retorne for his contrey a begger, gevinge the Worpll. Compa. humbly thankes for his libertie, which he doth acknowledge came cheefely by meanes of the coming of this ship with his Maties. letters of England.

Mr. Adams is of the opynion that, yf eaver the northeast or northwest passages be fownd out, it must be from these partes, and offreth his best services therein, the Emperour promisinge his best fortherance with men or letters of recomendacions to all prinses, and hath entrance allready into an iland called Yedzo, which is thought to be rather som parte of the continent of Tartaria. Mr. Adams hath drawne out the plot of Japan, with parte of that iland and Corea and other bordering places, and sendeth it to your Worships per this conveance.

Yt is certen that the Hollanders had taken this discovery in hand 259 before now, but that they have soe many irons in the fyre allready with their wars in the Molucas against the Spaniardes.

I am sory that I canot instantly write your Worships of much benefitt to be made in these partes; yet I see both the Spaniard, Portingale, and Duche look out very sharplie about matters of trade. And, yf they doe good, I hope in tyme we shall doe the lyke, in havinge care and usinge dilligence, for out of dowbte heare is greate store of silver in these partes, and, could we gett any greate quantety of broad cloth to vent, it wold prove a greate matter, allthough at low rates; but as yet they are soe adicted to silks, that they doe not enter into consideration of the benefitt of wearinge cloth. But tyme may altar their myndes, and in the meane tyme we must seeke out other matters benefitiall, as I have formerly said other men doe; and, for my owne part, soe long as I stay in these partes (or else where) in your Worps. service, I will use my best endevour.

* * * * * *

At Firando in Japan, the 30th November, 1613.
Your Worps. duringe lyfe at comand,
RIC. COCKS.

[150] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. i, no. 121.

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RICHARD COCKS TO RICHARD WICKHAM.[151]

January the , 1613[4], Firando in Japan.

Mr. Wickham,--It being generally agreed upon (with your owne consent) that yow make a voyage for Edow, Sherongo, and those partes of Japan, with such a cargezon of goods and merchandiz as I should think fyttinge, beinge assisted with Capt. Adams, for the better dispaching your busynes with the Emperour, with whome yow know he hath good 260 entrance and no other employments for hym at present; yet, those matters of the Emperour being past, I pray yow detayne hym not theare, but will hym to make as much speede as he can back for Firando, where there will be necessary use of hym.

And being arived in those partes, my opynion is that yow take up your lodginge in the best merchantes howse in the towne, where yow may have a gadonge fyrefree, to prevent the danger therof, which is not unknowne unto yow this cuntrey is much subject unto. And to live under the roofe of a naturall Japan is better then to be in the howse of any stranger, be he Duch, Spaniard, Portingall, or of any other nation whatsoever. And the better mans howse yow lye at, the more creditt it will be for yow, and the more securetie yow will live in what occation soeaver happen. I my selfe speake this per experience, as havinge made proofe thereof. And have an espetiall care not to trust any man with the Companies goods without makinge ready payment, for I am informed these cuntrey people are not to be trusted, nether will any marchant of accompt seeke to bye upon creddit. And for others, they are to be refused.

And in my opynion it will be your best course to make choise of som one man in those partes, to assiste yow in makinge choise and receavinge of your moneyes, a thinge much to be regarded in these partes per meanes of the greate deceate is used therein. And no dowbt yow may procure such a one for a small matter. And make much of frends, when yow have them, and use these cuntrey people kyndly both in word and deede, for fayre wordes will doe much and as soone are spoaken as fowle, and allwais good will com thereof; for these cuntrey people are not to be used nether with bad wordes nor blowes, no not soe much as servantes entertayned for necessary uses; but rather put them away, yf they be not to your lykinge, and make choise of others.

And to use any speeches to perswade yow from gamnynge I thinke it is 261 needlese; for I hold yow no gamster. Yet, notwithstandinge, the admonition of a frend is not to be rejected. And, to say the truth, many inconvenyences happen and fall out per meanes of gamnynge, although it be but to passe away the tyme for trifles; and therefore it is not amisse to forsweare gamnynge.

Yt is good to use both Duche, Spaniardes, and Portingalls kyndly, as also all other strangers; and learne from them what yow can, but make them not partakers of your secretes or pretenses.

And for sales or dispach of your comodeties, I know yow will use your best endevour for our employers benefits; and therefore I will sett yow no stynted rate or price, but wishe yow to sell away as tyme shall serve at all prises, to turne all into ready money, before any other shipinge com out of England, that it may not be said we lye still and doe nothinge but eate and drink without takinge care for any thinge. I hope yow will not let the Duch goe beyonde yow in this poynt.

Yow know that as yet we have not sould our English cloth under eight _taies_ the English yard, and cloth of Cambaia under fowre for one profitt; but stand yow not upon that matter, but sell away both the one and other as yow can, as also gunpolder, allthough it be under twentie _taies_ the barell, which is loe price. Yet yow must consider it is a dangerouse comodetie to be kept, and therfore make dispach. Once use your best endevour both for that and the rest, as afforsaid, etc.

And for the two parcelles of comodeties left in the custody of Andreas, alias Gendoque Dono, of Uringo, and Quedoquea Stibio Dono, att Edow and Shrongo, yow are to take acco. of it beinge parte of your cargezon.

And yf Tome Same, the yonge Kynge of Firando, com unto yow with a note or remembrance of my hand, to lend hym one thousand _tais_ or more, as Capt. Adams will advize yow, I pray yow take in my note and let hym 262 have the money, in gevinge yow a bill of his hand to repay it me heare againe in Firando at demand; which Capt. Adams tells me I need not to stand in dowbt of, for that the Duch have doone the lyke heretofore and have receaved good payment. But this must be doone when yow have receaved money of the Emperour.

And, havinge any overplus of that money lyinge by yow or that is receaved for any other comodetie, use your best endevour to send it to me per first sure conveance (which I think will be per Capt. Adams), that it may not be dead, but be emploied to the Companies use as occation shall be offred.

And for your dyet or such as shall be with yow, I will not prescribe yow any rate, because I am unaccoynted with the place; but leave that to your owne discretion, not dowbtinge but yow will use frugallitie, etc.

And because yow are to goe overland from Osekey to Shrongo in company of Capt. Adams about the Emperours busynes, and that it is fytt som one of trust goe in the bark with the rest of the goods per sea for that place, I have thought good to send Jno. Phebie with it, a man well knowne to Capt. Adams, whome yow may entertayne theare as the Companies servant under yow, yf yow fynde hym capeable or that it be fytinge.

And forget not to write me per all conveances what yow doe, and learne out what yow can tuchinge trade into any place we yet know not of. And, God willing, yow shall not want to heare from me soe often as I fynd fit conveance. And it is good yow write contynewally to Mr. Eaton for Osekey, as I have willed hym to doe the lyke to yow; for soe may we from tyme to tyme understand of each others proceadings, and I be ready to supplie your wantes with such comodeties as lye by me, yf in case yow can sell them yow have theare.

And for a _jurebasso_, yf he which promised yow com from Langasaque, 263 yow shall have hym with yow, otherwais yow must get one at Edow or Shrongo; and in the meane tyme Capt. Adams hath promised me that Andreas shall helpe yow, and tells me that yow canot want to fynd one there to your content.

I know not what else to advize yow of for present, but, yf any thinge com to my remembrance heareafter, yow shall understand thereof per first. And soe the Lord send yow a prosperouse voyage and safely to retorne. Amen.

Your lovinge frend,
RIC. COCKS.

Mr. Wickham,--I pray yow have a due care to geve Capt. Adams content: which yow may easelie doe, yf yow use hym with kynde speeches and fall not into termes with hym upon any argument. I am perswaded I could live with hym 7 yeares before any exstraordenary speeches should happen betwixt us. And the necessary use we have of hym is as well knowne to yow as me. I hope a word will suffice for that matter.

RIC. COCKS.

[151] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. i, no. 127.

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RICHARD COCKS TO RICHARD WICKHAM.[152]

Firando in Japan, the 1th Aprill, 1614.

Mr. Wickham,--By George the Portingall (whoe departed from hence the 9th ultimo) I wrot yow severall letters, advisinge for the present; since which time I have recd. 2 letters from Mr. Eaton of the 1th and 13th ultimo, wherin he hath adviseth me he hath sould all his white baftas at sixteene _mas_ the peece, and certen mattes broad cloth at fyfteene _taies_ the matt. I wish all the rest were gon at same or lyke rate, both that I have here and others else where. He sayeth that som of his comodeties they will not look at, namely, 264 selas, blew byrams, and candequis maweey. Once doe what yow can to sell away, allthough somthinge under cento per cento, for it is better to have money by us then comodeties, whatsoever shall happen; for here are many reportes geven out of trubles lyke to ensue in Japan. But kepe that to your selfe, and learne out what yow can and advize me thereof per first sure conveance.

I make acco. Capt. Adams will be com away before this com to your handes, otherwaies geve hym counsell to take heed of one Pedro Guzano, a papist Christian, whoe is his hoste at Miaco; for a lyinge fryre (or Jesuist) tould Mr. Peacock at Langasaque that Capt. Adams was dead in the howse of the said Guzano, which now I know is a lye per letters I receved from Mr. Eaton, for the said fryre rep[orted] he was dead before the date thereof. Once I wold wish Capt. Adams to looke to hym selfe, for these villanose papisticall rable at Langasaque doe geve it out behinde his back that he is a Lutrano and one that they make accompt hath incensed the Emperoure against them. I wish Capt. Adams at his being here to looke to hym selfe and take heed of them. And soe would I wish yow to do the lyke.

Mr. Peacock departed from Langasaque towardes Cochinchina the 18th ultimo, as he advized me in a letter of that date, written from abord the jonke he goeth in called the _Roquan_. We have had much northerly windes since their departure, soe I dowbt not but they will have a spedie passage, which God grant them with a prosperouse voyage.

Upon som occation I have noted that yow may esteeme I love yow not, or that I beare som secret grudge against yow, which here I doe protest (before God) I doe not, but rather doe esteeme much better of yow since your cominge hether then I did before. And soe shall yow find by proofe, yf it lye in my power to do yow good; for I regard not, but rather have quite put out of my memory, any wordes which have passed betwixt us hereto[fore].

I wish yow could make dispache of your busynese to be here ag[ainst] 265 the Syam voyage, and then shall yow see what I will doe. And tru[lye] I wold not wish yow to stay there upon small occations, but rather to leave them with your host or some other good frend that is assured. And in the meane tyme sell away what yow can; stand not upon price, but turne what yow can into money and bringe it alonge with yow. I can say no more nor geve yow no larger comition then I have doone. And soe, with my hartie comendacons to your selfe, Sr. Andrea, and the rest of our accoyntance, I comyt yow to God, restinge allwais your lovinge frend,

RIC. COCKS.

To his lovinge frend, Mr. Richard Wickham,
deliver in Edow, Shrongo, or
else where. Per way of Osekey, inclozed
to Mr. Eaton.

[152] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. ii, no. 138.

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RICHARD COCKS TO RICHARD WICKHAM.[153]

Firando in Japan, the 12th of May, 1614.

Mr. Wickham,--

* * * * * *

Ed. Sayer arived heare yisternight from Faccatay, and brought me such money he had receaved at Tushma, which God knoweth is but littell, he not havinge sould one yard of English cloth nether all his pepper. He left John Japan with his host at Faccatay, to see to the busynes in his abcense. And this mornynge I have sent hym back againe, with order that yf he see no hope of dispache of his comodeties within 8 or 10 daies, that then he shall retorne for Firando with the rest of his cargezon.

I hope the Emperour have taken the ordinance, poulder, and such other comodeties as were sent for hym. Only Capt. Adames hath writ me he refused most parte of the broad cloth was sent, in respeck it was moutheaten.

Mr. Nealson hath hym comended unto yow. He and I are soe busye about 266 our building that we have small pleasure, havinge above 100 men daylie at worke; but I hope it will not last longe. On Sunday night last our kitchin was set on fire, and soe burned our new gates and gate howse; but was sowne quenched, God be praised for it. The lose will not be above 8 or 10 _taies_. I daylie expect Capt. Adames to look out about a jonck. Newes we have non but that many souldiers are sent out of Firando, and, as it is said, goe for Arima, but for what intent I know not.

George the Portingale retorned for Firando the 4th currant. His wife was brought to bead of a boye the night before he came. Well fall (or fare), an ould knocker. And soe, with harty comendacons to your selfe with the rest of our frendes, I remeane

Your lovinge frend,
RIC. COCKS.

To his lovinge frend, Mr. Ric. Wickham,
English merchantt, deliver in Edo or
else where. Per Sr. Duzak Skidoyemon
Dono.

[153] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. ii, no. 143.

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RICHARD COCKS TO WILLIAM ADAMS.[154]

Firando in Japan, the 5th of June, 1614.

Capt. Adames,--My last unto yow was of the 12th ultimo, sent per Duzak Skidoyemon Dono, Yasimon Donos brother in law; since which tyme your letter, dated in Edo the 27th of Aprill, came to my handes in Firando the 27th of May followinge.

I was right glad to heare of your good health, but sory to understand of the longe taryinge of our goods. I pray God that the necklegence of that dreamynge fello Jno. Phebe be not the occation. Once it is a greate hinderance to the Company our broad cloth was not vented this 267 winter, soe many caveleros beinge at Court could not have wanted to have carid all away. And I am afeard that Capt. Browers cloth he sent hence the last of Aprill will com to serve the market at Edo before ours; which yf it soe fall out, yow may easely gese what a skandall it will be unto us, ours departinge hence soe many monethes before it. I wold to God ours had gon overland all with yow and Mr. Wickham; but, for me, I had no insight into tymes and seasons. I am enformed that Toba, the place wheare our goods have layne windbownd soe longe, is within 2 or 3 dayes jorney of Edo or Shrongo per land. I marvell Mr. Wickham had not put yow in mynd to have convayed our goods overland at first _costa que costa_; but now it is to late, I dowbt to our everlastinge skandall; for yf we stay 7 yeares more in Japan, we shall neaver have the lyke tyme to have vented our cloth as at this generall assembly of the nobilletie.

Ould Foyne Same is very sick. It is thought he will not escape it, for the phisitions have geven hym over. He tould me it was the Emperours mynd that our cullers (or flagg) should be taken downe, because it had a crose in it; and to this day it was not set up againe.

I perceave per Mr. Wickhams letter that Tome Same and Oyen Dono are very ernest to have money before we can receave it, and that in place of one thowsand _taies_ I promised to lend them they demand two thowsand. In deed I said I was content to let them have more, yf we could spare it; but I thinke we canot, and therfore they must pardon us. God grant they will be as forward to repay it when it shall be demanded.

I have byn much tormented with an agew, which, after, turned into extreame ache in my boanes in all partes of my body, soe that I had thought I should have lost the use of my lymbs and was become a very crippell. But I praise God it is now somthinge aswaged, and I meane (God willinge) 4 or 5 daies hence to goe to the hot bathes at Yshew, 268 an iland of Nobisanas, whither Sr. Yasimon Dono will accompany me. Our howse is now in a good forwardnes, but hath cost caro. And soe, in hast, I rest

Your ever lovinge frend,
RIC. COCKS.

To the worll. his frend, Capt. Willm.
Adames, deliver in Edo or else wheare.

[154] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. ii, no. 147.

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RICHARD COCKS TO RICHARD WICKHAM.[155]

Firando in Japan, 1614, July the 25th.

Mr. Wickham,--

* * * * * *

With greefe of mynd I write unto yow of the ill hap and death of our frend Mr. Tempest Peacock in Cochinchina, where he arived in saffetie, as the Duch did the lyke, and sould their goods to the kinge, whoe gave order they should com to his cittie of Miaco to receave payment, but forestald them and sett upon them in their retorne and kild all that was in company, both Duch, English, and Japans their followers. But, as it is reported, Walter Carwarden was left abord the jonck and soe escaped; yet serche was made there for hym, and whether he be alive or dead, God He knoweth, or what parte of our comodetie was left abord the jonk, for out of dowbt Walter was not left there for nothing. And amongst the rest they had a thousand _pezos_ in rialls of 8, which I am assured was not ashore. Their cargezon did amount to above seaven hundred twentie and eight pownd str., as it cost first peny. It is thought that the Kynge of Cochinchina did this in revenge of som injuries offered hym per the Duch certen yeares past. God grant Walter may escape, and then I dowbt not but a good parte of our goodes will be retorned.

Also there is reportes that Capt. Chongros jonck is cast away in 269 retornyng. And our host at Langasaque is retorned from the Phillipinas and bringeth newes that aboove 20 seale of Hollanders are com thether from the Moloucas, amongst whome are 2 or 3 saile of English ships; but I canot beleeve that, except it be the _Pearle_ or such lyke. Yf this be true, out of dowbt it goeth ill with the Spaniardes in the Molucas. In my next I will advize yow more hereof.

At present we are about preparing a ship or jonck to make a voyage for Syam. And seeinge it hath pleased God to take away Mr. Peacock, of necessitie yow or my cuntreman Mr. Eaton must be emploied about that voyage. And the shipp will be ready to departe som 4 monethes hence.

* * * * * *

Cornelius, Capt. Browers kinsman, is slaine with their _jurebasso_; but Adrian, beinge sent to an other place, is thought to be escaped. I shall not be quiet till I heare of Walter. God grant he be escaped. And soe I rest allwayes

Your lovinge frend,
RIC. COCKS.

To his lovinge frend, Mr. Richard Wickham,
merchantt, deliver in Edo. Per
John Phebe.

[155] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. ii, no. 155.

-------------------

RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[156]

Firando in Japan, the 25th November, 1614.

Right worshipfull,--

* * * * * *

Mr. Wm. Adames hath paid me twentie pownd str. your Wor. lent his wife in England. He [paid] it presently after the _Clove_ was gon. I find the man tractable and willing to doe your Wor. the best service he may, and hath taken greate paines about the reparing our jonck 270 called the _Sea Adventure_, otherwaies she wold not have byn ready to have made the Syam voyage this yeare. He ha[th a] great desire to find out the norther passage for England from hence, and thinketh it an easie matter to be donne in respect the Emperour of this place offreth his assistance. Your Wor. shall find me as willing as any man it shall please yow to employ in these partes to second hym.

The Emperour of Japan hath banished all Jesuistes, pristes, friers, and nuns out of all his domynions, som being gon for the Phillippinas and the rest for Amacou in China. Yt is thought wars will ensue in Japan betwixt the Emperour and Fidaia Same, sonne to Ticus Same, the deceased Emperour.

* * * * * *

We cannot per any meanes get trade as yet from Tushma into Corea, nether have them of Tushma any other privelege but to enter into one littell towne (or fortresse), and in paine of death not to goe without the walles thereof to the landward; and yet the King of Tushma is no subject to the Emperour of Japan. I am geven to understand that up in the cuntrey of Corea they have greate citties and betwixt that and the sea mightie boggs, soe that no man can travell on horseback nor very hardlie on foote. But, for remedie against that, they have invented greate waggons or carts which goe upon broad flat whiles under seale, as shipps doe; soe that, observing monsons, they transport their goodes to and fro in thease sealing waggons. They have damasks, sattens, taffetes, and other silke stuffs made theare as well as in China. It is said that Ticus Same, otherwaies called Quabicondono (the deceased Emperour), did pretend to have convayed a greate armie in thease sealing waggons, to have assealed the Emperour of China on a sudden in his greate cittie of Paquin, where he is ordenarely rezident; but he was prevented by a Corean noble man whoe poisoned 271 hym selfe to poison the Emperour and other greate men of Japan; which is the occation that the Japans have lost all that which som 22 yeares past they had gotten pocession of in Corea, etc.

RIC. COCKS.

[156] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. ii, no. 189.

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RALPH COPPINDALL TO ROBERT LARKIN AND ADAM DENTON.[157]

Firando in Japan, le 5th of December, 1615.

Loveing frendes,--Wishing your welfare, etc. After a tedious passage and almost out of hope to obtaine my appointed porte (by reason of the latenes of the monsoone), it pleased God (praysed be His name) to bringe me, with men, shipp, and goodes, in safety unto Firando upon the 4th September past, where I found Captaine Adames returned and his juncke in trimminge a new. He putt not into China, as was reported, but into the iland called Leque Grande, where he was indifferentlie entreated, but could not be suffered to repayre his junck as he desired, beinge forced onelie to stay for the monsone to bringe him backe againe hither.

Upon the 11th September I departed from hence towardes the Emperours court with a present (which every shipp or juncke that cometh hither must of force performe), which with charges much surmounteth an indifferent custome, espetially when a shipp cometh with a small capitall, and sales soe base and slacke that nothinge is here to be expected but losse, except a trade be procured into China, the raw silkes of which cuntrey are alwaies here reddy mony and reasonable profitt. Ether, I say, we must procure a peaceable trade in China, or elles, as the Hollanders doe, to trade with them perforce. And, yf wee sett foote in the Moluccoes, this place will be a fitt storehouse from whence we may alwaies have men, munition, and victualles good store and at reasonable rates; for which purpose principally the Hollanders 272 doe mentaine this factory.

The Portingalles are quite out of favour with the Emperor. They attended 40 daies at the Emperors court to deliver theire present, which at last was recd., but none of them admitted to his presence. It is thought that they will com noe more hither with any greate shippes from Amacon.

Certaine Jesuites came out of Nova Espania in embassage unto the Emperor, with a letter and a present from the King of Spaine, which, after a moneth or 6 weekes attendance, the Emperor recd., but none of the embassadors admitted to his presence. All the answer to their embassage was, to gett them foorth of this cuntry with speede, upon paine of his displeasure.

His cuntry is now in peace, for that the old Emperor hath made an absolute conquest, haveinge driven the young king quite out of this cuntry and made away most of his principall partakers.

* * * * * *

Capt. Cock is of opinion that the ginghams, both white and browne, which yow sent will prove a good commodity in the Kinge of Shashma his cuntry, who is a kinge of certaine of the most westermost ilandes of Japon, a man of greate power and hath conquered the ilandes called the Leques, which not long since weare under the governement of China. Leque Grande yeeldeth greate store of amber greece of the best sorte, and will vent 1,000 or 15,000 (_sic_) ps. of course cloth, as dutties and such like, per annum. At my being at the Emperor, I procured his letters unto the King of Shashma, to graunt us as free liberties of trade in the Leques and all other his dominions as we had in any other parte of Japon; and in February Mr. Richard Wickham is to goe thither, and (priviledges obtained accordinge to the Emperors order) to remaine there.

* * * * * *

Thus for present I committ yow and your affaires unto the protection 273 of the Almighty.

Your loveinge frend to commaund,
RAPHE COPPINDALL.

Yow are to note that the people of this cuntry doe not buy our sortes of India cloth soe much for necessity as for the new and strange fashions and painteinges thereof, being a people desireinge change; for they have greate store of silkes and linnen stuffes made here better and cheaper then we can afford our India cloth. Soe that we must strive to procure strange sortes of cloth with strange painteinges every yeare; but such cloth as hath any redd painteinge will not sell here. The Hollanders sell English broade cloth for 7 and 8 _tayes_ the _tattamy_, which is 2-1/3 yardes at the leaste. The devell hawle some of them for theire paines.

To his very loveinge frendes, Mr. Robert
Larkin and Mr. Adam Denton, English
merchantes, deliver in Patania.
Per Capt. Adams, per way of Syam,
whom God preserve.

[157] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. iii, no. 317.

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RICHARD COCKS TO [JOHN GOURNEY].[158]

Firando in Japon, le 6th of December, 1615.

Worshipfull,--

* * * * * *

As I advised in my last the Emperor did very gratiously accept of the present Capt. Coppendall carid up unto hym, as Capt. Adames can better enforme yow whoe was an eye witnesse, the Emperour offring to geve us anything that might be for the benefit or good of our nation, esteeming us above all other Christian nations whatsoever.

And, as I advised yow, the Hollanders took a Portingale junck on 274 this cost and brought her into Firando. And the Emperour hath alowed it for good prize, both men and goods, and that either we or they may take them or Spaniardes at sea and make good purchesse thereof, except they have the Emperours passe.

Also yow may understand how a shipp arived at Quanto in Japon this yeare, which came out of New Spaine and brought good quantety of broad cloth, kersies, perpetuanos, and raz de Millan, which they offer at a loe rate; but I thinke it is the last that ever will be brought from thence, for it is said the Spaniardes made proclemation with 8 drums at Aguapulca and other partes that, upon payne of death, their should neaver any more Japons com nor trade into New Spayne, and that both they and all other strangers of what nation soever should forthwith avoid out of all partes of New Spaine. But in requitall hereof the Emperour of Japon hath made proclemation, in payne of death, that neaver hereafter any Japon shall trade or goe into New Spaine, and comanded the fryres or padres which came in this shipp should avoid out of his dominions; for the truth is, he is noe frend nether to Spaniardes nor Portingalles.

* * * * * *

Your loving frend at comand,
RIC. COCKS.

[158] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. iii, no. 319.

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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[159]

Firando in Japon, the 25th February, 1615[6].

Right worshipfull,--

* * * * * *

I know not whether it be come to your W[orp. to understand the] conclusion of these greate wars in Japon [wherin Fidaia] Samme, the son of Ticus Samme, lost [his life, with the] slaughter of above 275 100,000 men which took his [parte. Some] report he was burned in his castell, it being fired; others think he escaped and is in Shashma or the Liqueas. His mother cut her owne belly, and his littell childe was executed by comand from the Emperour, as also all others were the lyke which were knowne to take parte with hym. And Osakay and Sackay, two greate citties, burned to the grownd, not soe much as one howse being saved; your Worps. loosing goodes which were burned to the vallu of 155 _ta._ 5 _ma._ 8 _condr._, as apeareth per acco. sent to Capt. Jno. Jourden, your Wor. agent at Bantam.

* * * * * *

[And may it plea]se your Worps. to understand that the last yeare [it was agreed for a certe]n Italion marrener to goe in our junck for Syam [whose name is] Damian Marina, and an other Castalliano called Jno. [de Lievana] went with hym. Which coming to the knowledg of the Portingales and Spaniardes at Langasaque, that they had served the English, they laid handes on them and carid them presoners abord the great shipp of Amacan. The which being made knowen unto me, I wrot a letter to the capitan major of the ship, willing hym to set them at liberty, for that they were not under his comand nor jurisdiction, but under the English; and to the lyke effect I wrot an other letter to Gonrocq Dono, cheefe governor at Langasaque for the Emperour; but had a scornfull answer from the Portingale, and nothing but words from the Japon. Whereupon I got a letter testimoniall from the King of Firando to the Emperour, how these 2 men were entertayned into service of the English; and Mr. Wm. Adams being above with Capt. Ralph Coppendalle to carry a [present to] the Emperour, gave hym to understand of this matter, [and he gave] his command forthwith that the 2 men should be [set at liberty] and all their goodes restored to them. Which was [accordingly accomp]lished to the greate harts greefe both of [the 276 Spaniardes and Port]ingale, they haveing condemned them both [to death] and sent pristes to confesse them and exhibited [articles] against them to Gonrock Dono, as against traitors [to their owne] cuntry and frendes to the English and Hollanders their enemies. Which processe the capt. major deliverd both in Japons and Portugese with his ferme at it; but that in Portugese Gonrocq Dono sent to the King of Firando, and he gave it unto me, which here inclozed I send unto your Wor., together with his letter written to me, in which is manifested that they hould both English and Duch for their enemies.