Chapter XI: Part 11

But that which vexeth them the most is that the Hollanders tooke a Portingale junck on the cost of Japon laden with ebony wood, the greatest parte, with tynne and serten bars of gould and much conservs. Which junck with all that was in it, men and all, the Emperour aloweth for good prize; and is [to] be thought that Mr. Wm. Adames was a cheefe occation to move the Emperour thereunto, he first asking Mr. Adames wherefore [there was] such hatred betwixt the Spaniardes and Hollanders, for [that it w]as tould hym their princese and governors were [frendes in all] other partes of the world, and that it seemed strange [to hym that they] should be enemies heare. Unto which Mr. Adames answerd that it was true they [had been] frendes of late yeares per meanes of the Kinge [of England] and other potentates; but yet, notwithstanding, [the Kinge of] Spaine did think hym selfe to have more right [in these] partes of the world then any other Christian prince, by [reason] of the footing he had gotten in the Phillippinas and in other partes of the Indies, and therefor per force ment to keepe all other nations from trading into these partes. Unto which the Emperour replied and said, the Spaniard had no reason, and therefore, seeing it was a differance or dispute amongst us which were all strangers, he would not make nor meddell in the matter, but leave 277 it to their princes to decide at home. "But," said he, "what is the occation they take men as well as goods?" "Because (said Mr. Adames) the Spaniardes take the Hollanders and have 150 or 200 of them presoners in the Phillipi[nas, for] which occation the Hollanders doe use the lyke [towards] their people, man for man and goodes for goodes." [Unto which] the Emperour answerd that they had [reason].

* * * * * *

[Mr. Adames tould me that the] Emperour gave hym councell not [to seale in Japon] joncks on noe voyage, but rather stay in [Japon, and that] yf the stipend he had geven hym were not [enough] he would geve hym more. But he answerd his [word was] passed, and therefore, yf he performed not his w[ord, it would] be a dishonor unto hym. Yet truly, at his retorne to Firando, I offred to have quit hym of his promis and to have sent hym to Edo to be neare the Emperour upon all occations. Yet would he not be perswaded thereunto. But the Emperour esteemeth hym much, and he may goe and speake with hym at all tymes, when kyngs and princes are kept out.

Mr. Adames tould me his tyme of serveing your Wor. 2 yeares at one hundred powndes or 400 _tais_ per anno. was out before he went towardes Syam; yet would he receave no pay till his retorne, willing me to certifie your Wor. that he thought 100_l._ very littell, and would be loth to engage hym selfe any more at that rate, [and] willed me to desyre your Wor. to let his wife have [30 or 40 powndes] str. to supplie her wantes of her selfe and childe, y[f there were any] need, and he would see it repaid heare againe.

* * * * * *

[And may it pleas]e your Wor. to understand that the Emperour [hath commanded] all the _tonos_ (or kinges) of Japon to com to his [court and] bring their wives (or queenes) with them, for [to remaine the]are the space of 7 yeares. He will no [char]ges of sonns, 278 doughters, or kynred, but they them selves and their queenes with them, and each one to keepe howse by hym selfe and have a servant of the Emperour allwaies neare them to understand what passeth. He aledgeth it is for their goods he doth it, to keepe Japon in quiet, which otherwais would still be in broyles. Soe now all the kinges and queenes of Japon are bound prentis to the Emperour for 7 yeares, and this _Tono_ of Firando departed from hence towardes the court 12 daies past, he being a bachelar, the Emperour haveing promised hym to geve hym his brothers doughter to wife.

* * * * * *

Your Worshipps most humble at command,
RIC. COCKS.

[159] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. iii, no. 342.

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RICHARD WICKHAM TO RICHARD COCKS.[160]

(_Extract._)

Meaco, le 22th May, 1616.

Many report that the Emperor is dead, but the report from most of credit saye he is recovered and in resonabel good health. He hath bestowed great presents upon the chefe nobylity whome he hath despatched very honorably for theyr contery. Shimash Dono came yesterday to Fuxame, and will be imbarked within this 4 daies at furdest from Osacay. Frushma Tayo Dono came to Meaco 4 dayes since, having leave to goe for his contery after 5 yeares attendance at the court. He is much honored heare in these parts. Shongo Sama is departed from Serongaue 23 dayes since for Eado, and it is said that he will come and visit his douory in Meaco in June or July next. During the Emperors sicknes he caused his chefe phesition to be cut in peces for telling him, being asked by the Emperor why he could not 279 soner cure him, that in regard he was an ould man his medesen could not worke so efectualy upon his body as apon a yong man. Wheareupon without saying any more to him commanded Cogioodon to cause him to be bound and cut in peces. Upon the which Ximas Dono sent him his phesition, the China, who did him much good, as it is reported; which maketh me thinck that the Emperor is living by reason Ximas Dono his peopell doe report. You may be sure the China would not kepe any such secret from his master Ximas Dono, yet nether Ximas Dono nor Tozo Dono nor any nobel man since the going up hath sene the Emperor, nether of his Counsell hath any this many dayes bene admited to his presents, there being none but Cogi Dono, 2 weomen, and 2 phesitions sufered to com in his sight, which maketh many to suspect that he is dead, as they saye it is the maner to conceale the death of the Emperor a whole yeare or more before it be knowne publik.

[160] India Office. _Miscellaneous Records_, T. c., no. 43.

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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[161]

Firando in Japon, le 1th January, 1616[7].

Right worshipfull,--

* * * * * *

May it please your Wors. to understand that, these 2 shipps [the _Thomas_ and the _Advice_] being arived at Firando in Japon and Mr. Jno. Baylie being very sick, wherof he shortly after died, it was generally thought fit that I made a journey to the court of the new Emperour Shungo Samme, to renew our privelegese (as the Hollanders ment to do the lyke), in which voyage I was 4 monethes and 5 daies before I retorned to Firando, and the Hollanders are not yet retorned. Yet the 5th day after I arived at court our present was deliverd, and had audience with many favorable wordes, but could not get my dispach in above a month after; so that once I thought we should have lost 280 all our privelegese, for the Councell sent unto us I think above twenty tymes to know whether the English nation were Christians or no. I answerd we were, and that they knew that before by our Kinges Maties. letter sent to the Emperour his father (and hym selfe), wherein it apeared he was defender of the Christian faith. "But", said they, "are not the Jesuists and fryres Christians two?" Unto which I answerd they were, but not such as we were, for that all Jesuists and fryres were banished out of England before I was borne, the English nation not houlding with the pope nor his doctryne, whose followers these padres (as they cald them) weare. Yt is strang to see how often they sent to me about this matter, and in the end gave us waynyng that we did not comunecate, confesse, nor baptiz with them, for then they should hold us to be all of one sect. Unto which I replied that their Honours needed not to stand in dowbt of any such matter, for that was not the custom of our nation.

Soe, in the end, they gave me our new privelegese with the Emperours ferme, telling me they were conformable to the former. So herewith I departed, and, being 2 daies journey on my way, met an expres from Mr. Wickham, wherin he wrot me from Miaco that the justice (per the Emperours comand) had geven order that all strangers should be sent downe to Firando or Langasaque, and forthwith departe and carry all their merchandiz with them and not stay to sell any, so that he was forced to keepe within howse, and our hostes durst sell nothing. Which news from Mr. Wickham seemed very strang unto me. Whereupon I sought one to read over our privelegise, which with much a do at last I fownd a _boz_ (or pagon prist) which did it, and was that we were restrayned to have our shiping to goe to no other place in Japon but Firando, and there to make sales. Whereupon I retorned back againe to the court, where I staid 18 or 20 daies more, still suing and puting 281 up suplecations to have our privelegese enlarged as before, aledging that yf it were not soe, that my soveraigne lord King James would think it to be our misbehaviours that cauced our privelegese to be taken from us, they having so lately before byn geven us by his Matis. father of famous memory, and that it stood me upon as much as my life was worth to get it amended, otherwais I knew not how to shew my face in England. Yet, for all this, I could get nothing but wordes. Whereupon I desyred to have the ould privelegese retorned and to render back the new, with condition they would geve us 3 yeares respite to write into England and have answer whether our Kinges Matie. would be content our privelegese should be so shortned or no. Yet they would not grant me that. And then I desird we might have leave to sell such merchandiz as we had now at Miaco, Osakay, Sackay, and Edo; otherwais I knew not what to do, in respect Firando was but a fysher towne, haveing no marchantes dwelling in it, and that it was tyme now to send back our shipps and junckes, and nothing yet sould. Yet this I could not have granted nether. So that with much a doe in the end they gave me leave, as I past, to sell my goodes to any one would presently buy it, or else leave it to be sould with any Japon I thought good to trust with it. Which restrant hath much hindered our sales and put me to my shiftes, the rather for that the order of Japon is that no stranger may sell any thing at arivall of their shipps till it be knowne what the Emperour will take; so that it is allwais above a month or 6 wickes before a post can run to and fro to have lycence.

And at my coming away Oyen Dono and Codsquin Dono, the Emperours secretarys, tould me that they were sory they could not remedy this matter of our privelegese at present, the reason being for that an Emperours edict per act of parliament being soe lately set out could not so sowne be recalled without scandalle, but the next yeare, yf 282 I renewed my sute, my demandes being so substantiated, they did verely think it might be amended, in respect Firando was well knowne to be but a fisher towne. So that I aledged the Emperour might as well take away all our privelegese and banish us out of Japon as to shut us up in such a corner as Firando, where no marchantes dwell. But I hope the next yeare, when Generall Keeling cometh, it may be amended; otherwais I feare me our Japon trade will not be worth the looking after.

And it is to be noted that at my retorne to Miaco, haveing donne such busynes as I had theare, I would have left Richard Hudson, a boy, your Wor. servant, to have learnd to write the Japans; but might not be suffered to doe it, the Emperour haveing geven order to the contrary. Soe we withdrew all our factors from Edo, Miaco, Osakay, and Sackay to Firando.

The fathers which came in the shipp from Aguapulca brought a present from the King of Spaine to the Emperour; but, after he had kept it halfe a yeare, he retorned it back, not reserving any thing, but bad them be gon.

And I had allmost forgotten to adviz your Wors. of a Spaniard, which was at the Emperours court at Edo when I was theare. He went out of a ship of theirs from Xaxma, where 2 greate shipps of theirs arived out of New Spaine, bound, as they said, for the Phillippinas, but driven into that place per contrary wynd, both shipps being full of souldiers, with greate store of treasure, as it is said, above 5 millions of _pezos_. Soe they sent this man to kis the Emperours hand; but he never might be suffered to com in his sight, allthough he staid theare above a month; which vexed hym to see we had axcesse to the Emperour and he could not. So that he gave it out that our shipps and the Hollanders which were at Firando had taken and robbed all the China juncks, which was the occation that very few or non came into 283 Japon this yeare. And som greate men in the court did not want to aske me the question whether it were true or no, Mr. Wm. Adames being present. Which we gave them to understand that, concernynge the Englishe, it was most falce. And withall I enformed the two secretaries, Oyen Dono and Codsquin Dono, that, yf they lookt out well about these 2 Spanish shipps arived in Xaxma full of men and treasure, they would fynd that they were sent of purpose by the King of Spaine, haveing knowledg of the death of the ould Emperour, thinking som papisticall tono might rise and rebell and so draw all the papistes to flock to them and take part, by which meanes they might on a sudden seaz upon som strong place and keepe it till more succors came, they not wanting money nor men for thackomplishing such a strattagim. Which speeches of myne wrought so far that the Emperour sent to stay them, and, had not the greate shipp cut her cable in the howse so to escape, she had byn arested, yet with her hast she left som of her men behind; and the other shipp being of som 300 tons was cast away in a storme and driven on shore, but all the people saved. So in this sort I crid quittance with the Spaniardes for geveing out falce reportes of us, yet since verely thought to be true which I reported of them.

Also may it please your Wors. that, at our being at themperours court, the amerall of the sea was very ernest with Mr. Wm. Adames to have byn pilot of a voyage they pretended to the northward to make conquest of certen ilands, as he said, rich in gould; but Mr. Adames exskewced hym selfe in that he was in your Wors. service and soe put hym afe. And as I am enformed, they verely think that our pretence to discover to the northward is to fynd out som such rich ilandes and not for any passage. Yet I tould the admerall to the contrary, and tould hym that my opinion was he might doe better to put it into the Emperours mynd to make a conquest of the Manillias and drive those small crew of 284 Spaniardes from thence, it being so neare unto Japon; they haveing conquered the Liqueas allready. He was not unwilling to listen heareunto, and said he would comunecate the matter to the Emperour. And out of dowbt yt would be an easy matter for the Emperour to doe it, yf he take it in hand, and a good occation to set the Japons heades awork, to put the remembrance of Ticus Samme and his sonne Fidaia Samme, so lately slaine and disinhereted, out of their minds.

And tuching my former opinion of procuring trade into China, I am still of the same mynd. And, had it not byn for the greate wars betwixt the Tartars and them the last yeare, which cauced the Emperour of China to goe into the northermost partes of his kyngdom to withstand them, otherwais we had had news of entrance before now. Yet, notwithstanding, the Chinas which have the matter in hand have sent an expres about it againe, and caused two letters to be written in China (as from me) with my ferme at them, with two others in English from me to same effect, only for fation sake, because they might see my ferme was all one, the one letter being directed: To the mighty and powrefull Lord Fiokew, Secretary of Estate to the high and mightie Prince, the Emperour of China, manifesting that I had geven two hundred _tais_ to the bearer thereof, his Lo. servant, to buy hym necessaries in the way, hoping to receve som good news shortly from his Lo. of our entrance into China, with other complementall wordes, as the Chinas wisht me put downe. And the other letter was directed: To the greate and powrefull Lord Ticham Shafno, Councellor of Estate to the high and mighty Prince, the Emperour of China, also making relasion of ten greate bars Oban gould, amonting to 550 _tais_ Japon plate, deliverd to the said bearer to carry to hym as a toaken or small remembrance of my good will, hoping to heare som good news from hym, as in the other. But both the 10 bars gould and 200 _tais_ silver are sent from the China Capt. to them, yet put downe 285 in my name, as yf it came from me. In fine, these Chinas tell me that undowbtedly it will take effect, and the sowner yf the Portingales be sent from Macau this yeare, as they have adviz they shall. But, howsoever, these men follow the matter hardly, and tell me that the Emperour of China hath sent espies into all partes where the Spaniardes, Portingales, Hollanders, and we do trade, in these partes of the world, only to see our behaveours on towardes an other, as also how we behave our selves towardes strangers, especially towardes Chinas. And som have byn in this place and brought by our frendes to the English howse, where I used them in the best sort I could, as I have advized to Bantam, Pattania, and Syam to doe the lyke to all Chinas.

* * * * * *

Also may it please your Worships to understand that, since my retorne from the Japon cort, there came a mestisa Indian to me, which went to Cochinchina from Japon in the same junck which Mr. Peacock and Walter Carwarden went in, and sayeth the reportes are falce which are geven out against Mr. Peacockes host, that he set upon hym in the way to slay hym and the Duch, but rather that the matter hapned by meare chance, his said host being in the boate with hym when it was overthrowne, and escaped hardly ashore with swyming, being taken up halfe dead and hardly recovered health in a moneth after; and that Mr. Peacock carid 50 or 60 R. of 8 along with hym in his pocket, which was the occation of his drownyng, as apeard som dayes after when his body was fownd per Walter Carwarden (this mestisa accompanying hym) whoe fownd the said R. 8 in his pocket, and after gave his body buriall. And that Walter Carwarden staid in Cochinchina above a month after, before he imbarked hym selfe to retorne for Japon, the monson being past. So that, Mr. Peacock being dead and Walter Carwarden gon without going up to the court to receave the monies which the kyng owed for 286 merchandiz bought, that the kyng took occation to write Safian Dono, governor at Langasaque under the Emperour of Japon, to signefie unto hym of the death of the one Englishman and departure of the other, so that, yf an Englishman would com and receve the money he owed, he was ready to pay it. But the junck which brought that letter for Safian Dono was cast away, as well as that wherin Water Carwarden came, so that we never heard news of them.

The boate wherein Mr. Peacock and the Hollanders were in was overset, or rather steamed, by another bigger boate runing against them on a sudden in turnyng at a corner, the other coming on a sudden upon them from behind a point of land, being under seale and haveing the currant with her; so that they had no meanes to avoid them, but were presently sunck downe and, the currant being swift, very few were saved, his host, a Japon, being one.

I did what I could at my being at Edo to have procured the Emperours letter to the Kyng of Cochinchina in our behalfe, to have had restetution of such marchandiz he had bought, in respect we lived in Japon under his protection and that our goodes went in a Japon junck under his chape or pase; yet, doe what I could, he denid his letter, saying he would not medell in other mens matters, nether be behoulden to the King of Cochinchina for it. But now, coming to knowledg of these matters and seeing Capt. Adames to have bought a junck, going hym selfe for pilot in her, I have written to Safian Dono to let us have his letter of favour to the King of Cochinchina, to send som small adventure with hym. And Edmond Sayer is very desirous to goe along with Mr. Wm. Adames; but as yet the adventure is not determined upon. God send it good suckcesse.

* * * * * *

I receved a box by the _Adviz_ with a certen roote in it, which came 287 from Cape Bona Speranza; but it proveth here worth nothing, it being dried that no substance remeaneth in it. Herewithall I send your Wors. som of it, with an other peece of that which is good and cometh out of Corea. It is heare worth the wight in silver, but very littell to be had in comune mens handes, for that all is taken up for the Emperour by the Kyng of Tushma, whome only hath lycense to trade with the Coreans, and all the tribute he payeth to the Emperour is of this rowte. Yt is helde heare for the most pretious thing for phisick that is in the world, and (as they thinke) is suffitient to put lyfe into any man, yf he can but draw breath; yet must be used in measure, or else it is hurtfull.

* * * * * *

The China captens which labour to get us entrance into China doe tell me that your Wors. canot send a more pretiouser thing to present the Emperour of China withall then a tree of currall, ether white or red. They say the Portingales of Macau gave a white corrall tree to the Emperour of China many yeares past, which he doth esteem one of the ruchest jewells he hath. Also they say that earelings or jewelles to hang in hattes, that are greate pearls and of an orient culler, are esteemed much in China. And som very greate looking glasses and fyne Semian chowters and white baftas are good for presentes, with som guns well damasked, but not soe hevie as these are which ordenarely are sent; and som dagges or pistalls, som short and others more longer.

The three peeces currall your Wors. sent for a triall were disposed of as followeth, viz. 1 branch containing 1 _ta._ 1 _ma._ 5 _co._, and 1 branch containing 9 _ma._ 2 _co._, both geven the Emperour in his present; 1 branch containing 1 _ta._ 2 _co._, sould for ten _tais_ two _mas_ plate. But yf much com it will not sell at that rate. The biger the peces or branches are, and of a red culler well polished, are most in esteem; for they make buttens or knots of them to hange their 288 purces at.

* * * * * *

I know not what else to write, but that my greatest sorrow is I lye in a place which hitherto hath byn chargable and not benefitiall to your Wors., by reasons of the presentes contynewally geven, it being the fation of the contrey, or else there is noe staying for us yf we doe not as other strangers doe. And were it not for the hope of trade into China, or for procuring som benefit from Syam, Pattania, and (it may be) from Cochinchina trade, it were noe staying in Japon. Yet it is certen here is silver enough, and may be carried out at pleasure; but then must we bring them comodeties to ther lyking, as the Chinas, Portingales, and Spaniardes doe, which is raw silke and silke stuffs, with Syam sapon and skins; and that is allwais ready money, as price goeth, littell more or lesse.

* * * * * *

And soe I take my leave, commiting your Wors. with your affares to the holy protection of the Allmighty, resting allwais

Your Worps. most humble at command,
RIC. COCKS.

[161] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. iii, no. 342.

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RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[162]

Firando in Japon, le 16th of January, 1616[7].

Right worll. Ser and Sers,--

* * * * * *

As tuching the discovery to be made from hence to the northward, to seeke for passage into England, there was noe mention thereof made in our former previleges, that the Emperour offered (or promised) to assist us therein, nether would they now put in any such matter. So that, to say the truth, yf we goe about to take such a matter in 289 hand, I know not well whether the Japons will assist us or no. Yet know I nothing to the contrary but they will. The coppie of our previlegese (as we have them now) I send yow here inclozed, I geting them translated my selfe by a learned _boz_, haveing two _juribassos_ with Capt. Adames to assist me at doeing thereof.

* * * * * *

Your Wors. most humble at command,
RIC. COCKS.

[162] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. iv, no. 433.

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_Coppie of the articles (or previleges) granted to the English
nation by_ SHONGO SAMME, _Emperour of Japon_.[163]

Be yt knowne unto all men that the English nation throughout all Japon, in what part thereof soever they arive with their shipping, shall, with all convenyent speed they can, retyre to the towne (and port) of Firando, there to make sale of their marchandiz, defending all other places and partes whatsoever in Japon not to receave any of their goodes nor merchandiz ashore, but at Firando only.

2. But yf it fortune through contrary wyndes (or bad wether) their shiping arive in any other port in Japon, that they shalbe frendly used in paying for what they take (or buy), without exacting any ancoradge, custom, or other extraordenary matters whatsoever.

3. That yf the Emperour needeth any thing their shiping bringeth, that it shall be reserved for hym in paying the worth therof.

4. That noe man force (or constraine) thenglish to buy nor sell with them, nether thenglish the like with the Japons, but that both parties deale the one with the other in frendly sort.

5. That yf any of the English nation chance to die in any part of 290 Japon, that the good, monies, and marchandiz, or whatsoever else is found to be in his custody at the hower of his death shall be helde to be or belong to hym (or them) unto whome the capt. or cape merchant of thenglish nation sayeth it belongeth unto.

6. That yf there be any difference or controvercy (be it of life and death or otherwais) amongst the English abord their shipps or aland, yt shall be at the disposing of the capt. or cape merchant to make an end thereof, without that any other justice in Japon shall tuch them or meddell in the matter.

7. The conclusion is, to comand all _tonos_ (or kinges), governors, and other offecers in Japon whatsoever to se the premesies afforsaid accomplished.

[163] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. iv, no. 379A.

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RICHARD COCKS TO WILLIAM NEALSON AND JOHN OSTERWICK.[164]

Fushamy in Japon, le 12th of September, 1617.

Loving frendes,--

My last unto yow was of the 10th present from Miaco, advising yow of my arivall theare. And yistarday we came from thence to this place of Fushamy, to which place Capt. Adames came to us.

The Coreans have byn royally receaved in all places wheare they came, by comandment from themperour. And, as we entred into Miaco, they took us to be Coreans, and therefore in greate hast, as we passed, strawed the streetes with sand and gravill, multetudes of people thrunging in to see us.

I stand in greate hope we shall get our priveleges enlarged as before, and all thinges to content. But I canot write yow the truth thereof till I know how it will passe. Only this encuradgement I have from 291 Oyen Donos secretary, whoe heareth how matters are lyke to passe. Yf themperour enlarge our privelegese, I will forthwith send for our comodetis, as silk, wood, skins, cloth, quicksilver, etc.

The Hollandars setting their Syam lead at 6-1/2, the Emperour hath refuced it and will not meddell with it, but take all ours. The Hollandars have made a greate complaint against the _Tono_ of Firando of their bad usage donne by the mouth of Jno. Yoossen, seting hym at nought, not soe much as going to vizet hym. And, as it seemeth, he stood in dowbt we would have don the like; yet, upon good considerations, I have thought fit to proceead in an other fation, not dowbting but I shall have better justis at Firando then heretofore. Keepe all these matters to your selfe, and, when I heare more, I will adviz yow from tyme to tyme and retorne with as much speed as possibly I may; and soe in hast comyt yow to God, resting

Your loving frend,

RIC. COCKS.

This day we delivered our present to themperour, which was well accepted of with a cherefull countenance.

Yt is said that to morrow the _dyrie_ ys to geve the title to themperour which he soe much desyreth.

[164] British Museum. _Cotton Charter_, iii, 13, f. 14.

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RICHARD COCKS TO WILLIAM NEALSON AND JOHN OSTERWICK.[165]

Fushamy in Japon, le 27th of September, 1617.

Loving frendes,--

Many letters have I written since my departure from Firando, but never receved any from yow, but them two which yow wrot me 2 daies after I departed from thence of arivall of _Sea Adventure_ at Tushma. Soe that, the wynd having byn good ever since, I marvell I have not 292 heard from yow.

We have donne what we can both by word of mouth as also with supplecation (or writing) to have had our previlegese enlarged, and the rather by meanes of the Kinges Maties. letter sent themperour. But in the end are forced to content us with them as they were, that is, only for Firando and Langasaque. And because I was ernest to have had it otherwais, the councell took the matter in snuffe, esteeming it a presumption in me to aske lardger previlegese then all other strangers had. So then I desird they would write a letter to the Kinges Matie. of England, for my discharge, to show thoccation wherefore they did it. But that they denid to doe, telling me that we might content our selves with such composition as other men had, or, yf we did not lyke it, might retorne to our cuntrey yf we pleased. So now I stay only to get out our two _goshons_ for Syam and Cochinchina, and to get a dispach from themperour, which will be 3 or 4 daies before I think it will be ended. And then will I goe for Miaco to se yf we can doe any good for sales. And then will I for Osakay and Sackay and look out for the like, to se if I can procure plate to bring downe with me; otherwais it will be late to send it per the shipp. I think it will be 15 or 20 daies hence before I shall be ready to set from Osakay towardes Firando. So that, in the meane tyme, use your best endevour to make sales of such merchandiz as are belo; and stand not upon small matters to make ready money.

Yt were good, yf yow can, to receve the lead money in melted or _somo_ plate, donne by a rendador, with themperours stampe upon it, for then will it passe in saffetie. Or yt were better yf yow could get it molten into bars lyke tyn bars, but of halfe the length, and of the just goodnes with rialles of eight; for soe am I advised from Bantam.

I went thother day to Miaco to have vizeted the Corean embassadors 293 with a present; but the _Tono_ of Tushma would not let me have accesse unto them. So I turned back to Fushamy.

The _Tono_ of Xaxma, with them of Goto and Umbra, had leave to retorne to their cuntres 2 or 3 daies past; but the _Tono_ of Firando cannot be permitted as yet, although he be very ill at ease.

The ould _dire_ died som 8 or 10 daies past. But nether he nor his sonne, which now is _daire_, will geve themperour the name or title he soe much desireth; which geveth hym much discontent, as also the death of one of his sisters whoe was marid to a greate man not far from hence and died the other day.

The castell of Osakay must be new builded, with a pagod neare unto Sackay, which weare destroied in these last wars; and all at themperours owne cost. Only the westarne _tonos_ must furnish men; but themperour will pay them, and not put any enhabetant to trowble about the doing thereof.

Themperour hath geven greate presentes to the Coreans, as all the greate _tonos_ of Japon have donne the like; but for what occation I am not certen. This is all I know for the present; and so comit yow to God, resting allwais

Your loving frend,

RIC. COCKS.

For God sake take heed of fire; and forget not my pigions and fishes. Comend me to all our frendes, both hees and howes.

To his lovinge frendes, Mr. Wm. Nealson
and Mr. John Osterwick, English
merchantes, deliver in Firando. From
Fushamy. Pay port. one _mas_ for
letter and for other matters, as per
adviz.

[165] British Museum. _Cotton Charter_, iii, 13, f. 15.

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

RICHARD COCKS TO WILLIAM NEALSON AND JOHN OSTERWICK.[166] 294

Fushamy in Japon, le 1th of October, 1617.

Loving frendes,--

Yow will not beleeve what a trowble we have had about our previlegese, and with much ado yistarday got Langasaque set in as well as Firando, and soe sealed per themperour. But, before it could be delivered, som took acceptions thereat, and so Langasaque is razed out againe, and matters remeane as before. Yet this morning I have sent Capt. Adames againe to get Goto and Shashma put in for shiping that, yf in case the _Tono_ of Firando abuse us, we may have a retiring place, as also to abcent our selves from the Hollanders, it not being to our content to live together. But whether they will grant this or no, I know not. Once we are put to Hodgsons choise[167] to take such previlegese as they will geve us, or else goe without. My dowbt is, they will drive us affe till the Emperour be gon (whoe they say will departe to morrow), so thinking to make us follow them to Edo; but truly I will rather leave all and retorne for Firando. I doe protest unto yow I am sick to see their proceadinges, and canot eate a bit of meate that 295 doth me good, but cast it up as sowne as I have eaten it. God send me well once out of this cuntrey, yf it be His blessed will. Mr. Wickham and Capt. Adames are not halfe currant neather, as also our folkes which came with us have byn sick, except Fatchman, Richard King haveing had his part.

Kept till the 2th ditto.

Yisternight came your letters dated in Firando the 8th and 9th ultimo, accompanid with the _goshon_, which came in good tyme (I instantly sending it to the Cort where there was much enquiring for it). Soe we gott out our _goshons_, but the privelegese as they were the last yeare. Warry, warry, warry!

Your loving frend,

RIC. COCKS.

God grant Tozayemon Dono do not play the jemeny with us in buying much of our merchandiz and stay there till he think I am com from hence, and so I shall nether meete hym heare nor theare, to make acco. with hym. I have the lyke dowbt of Neyemon Dono.

To his lovinge frendes, Mr. Wm. Nealson
and Mr. Jno. Osterwick, English merchantes,
deliver in Firando. From
Fushamy.

[166] British Museum. _Cotton Charter_, iii, 13, f. 17.

[167] This early use of the proverbial "Hobson's choice" is
almost conclusive against the usual explanation of the phrase,
that it was derived from the method adopted by Hobson, the
Cambridge carrier, in serving his customers with horses. Hobson
was born in 1544 and died in 1630. Granting that the expression
arose during his life-time, it could hardly have begun to pass
into common usage before the close of the sixteenth century; and
in those days such popular phrases were not communicated so fast
as in ours. But here we find Cocks using it as early as 1617,
after an absence of some years from England; and he would hardly
have picked it up abroad. Again, Cocks was not a young man; and,
as a rule, proverbs are learned and become part of our vocabulary
in youth. "Hobson's choice" (or Hodgson's, as Cocks writes it)
may very well have been an older popular saying which was applied
to the Cambridge carrier's stable arrangements from the mere
accident of his bearing the name he did.

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

RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[168]

Firando in Japon, the 15th of February, 1617[8].

Right worll. Ser and Sers,--

* * * * * *

Consernyng attempting trade into Cochinchina, yt was generally agreed upon the last yeare, as I advized your Wor. in my letter; Ed. Sayer being sent upon that busynes, and went in a junck of Mr. Wm. Adames, 296 he being both master and owner, and was to pay for fraight and passage as other men did and according to the custom of the cuntrey, and carid a cargezon goodes with hym.

* * * * * *

Edmond Sayer retorned ... having donne his best endevour, with the assistance of Mr. Wm. Adames, to learne out the truth of Mr. Peacockes death. And fynd that he was murthered by a Japon, his host, with the consent of one or two of the cheefest men about the kyng, and, as it is said, the yong prince was of their councell, but the ould kyng knoweth nothing thereof but that he was cast away by mere chance or misfortune. These greate men and his host shared all the goodes and money amongst them, as well of the Hollanders as thenglish whome were slaine all together in one small boate, it being steamed or oversett with a greater full of armed men. They are enformed that Mr. Peacockes ill behaveor was partly occation; for at first the king used hym kyndly and gave us larg previlegese to trade in his domynions. And one day a greate man envited hym to dyner, and sent his cheefe page to conduct hym, he being sonne to a greate man. But he coming into the place wheare Mr. Peacock sate, he gave hym [hard] wordes and bad hym goe out and sit with the boyes. And, as som say, being in drink, he tore the previlegese the king had geven hym for free trade and cast the peeces under his feete. These and other matters (which is reported he did) did much estrang the peoples hartes from hym, and, as it was thought by som whome saw how matters went, was the cheefe occation which caused his death.

Mr. Adames and Ed. Sayer were very ernest to have had speech with the kyng, which at first that greate nobelman was contented, as it seemed. But, when he knew they would bring in question the murthering of Mr. Peacock (he being giltie of it), he put them affe from tyme to tyme 297 with delaies, and in the end did flatly gainsay them. And, had they gone, out of dowbt they had byn murthered in the way.

* * * * * *

I am of your Wor. opinion that, except we procure trade into China, it will not quite cost to mentayne a factory in Japon.... I have this yeare byn againe at themperours court, in company of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Wm. Adames, hoping to have got our previlegese enlarged, as Codsquin Dono and Oyen Dono did put me in hope the last yeare.... We gave the present to themperour as from his Matie., and amongst the rest went a scritorio sent in adventure from my Lady Smith, esteemed at 40 markes, with the gloves, mittens, looking glasse and other silver implementes in it, with an other present aparte for the shipp, as the Japon custom is. Which presentes were taken in good sort, with many complementall wordes; but in the end were answered we had as larg prevelegese as any other strangers, wherewith we might rest contented, or, yf we fownd not trade to our content, we might departe when we pleased and seeke better in an other place. So then I desird I might have an answer to the letter he had receved from the Kinges Matie. of England, wherby he might perceve I had delivered both letter and present. But answer was made me, the letter was sent to his father, Ogosho Samma, the deceased Emperor, and therefore held ominios amongst the Japons to answer to dead mens letters. I aledged they needed not to feare that we had any accoyntance with the pristes or padres; but they tould me that was all one, the Emperour would have his owne vassales to get the benefite to bring up merchandize rather then strangers. So that now it has com to passe, which before I feared, that a company of rich usurers have gotten this sentence against us, and com downe together every yeare to Langasaque and this place, and have allwais byn accustomed to buy by the _pancado_ (as they call 298 it), or whole sale, all the goodes which came in the carick from Amacau, the Portingales having no prevelegese as we have, but only a monson trade, and therefore must of necessety sell.

* * * * * *

The Chinas of late tyme, within these 2 or 3 yeares, have begun a trade into certen ilandes called by them Tacca Sanga, and is named in our sea cardes Isla Fermosa, neare to the cost of China. The place the shiping enters into is called Las Islas Piscadores, but non but small shiping can enter, nether will they suffer any shiping or trade with any people but Chinas. It is within 30 leagues (as they say) of the meane of China, soe that they make 2 or 3 voyages in small shipping each monson. Andrea Dittis and Capt. Whow, his brother, are the greatest adventurers for that place. They sent 2 small junckes the last yeare, and bought silke for the one halfe they pay ether at Cochinchina or Bantam. The reason was the greate aboundance which came together this yeare and the littell money that was sent to buy, so that above one halfe was retorned into China for want of money, for they say the people are barbarous and have not the use of silver.

* * * * * *

I have rec. 2 letters from the Kynges Matie. to the King of China, sent from Bantam by Mr. Ball, the one in frendly sort and the other som stricter termes. Mr. Ball writes me that no Chinas at Bantam dare nether translate them nor carry them when they are translated, upon payne of their lives and even of all their generation. But these our China frendes, Dittis and Whaw, will not only translate them, but send them by such as will see them delivered. But their opinion is, yt is not good to send the thretnyng letter, for they are assured there will nothing be donne with the king by force. But as we have a good name 299 geven of us of late, that we are peacable people, soe to goe forward still in that sort.

* * * * * *

I had almost [forgotten to tell your Wor. of the coming of the] ambassadors from the Kyng of Corea to the Emperour of Japon, having above 500 men attending upon them. They went up at same tyme I went to themperours court, and were, by the Emperours comand, royally entertaind by all the _tonos_ (or kinges of Japon) thorow whose terretories they passed, and all at the Japons charge, they first begyning with the _Tono_ of Tushma, and next with hym of Firando, etc.; and coming to the court the Emperour made them to dyne at his owne table, they being served by all the _tonos_ (or kinges) of Japon, every one having a head attire of a redish culler with a littell mark of silver lyke a fether in it. Mr. Adames was in presence and saw it.

* * * * * *

Your Wor. most humble at command,

RIC. COCKS.

To the Right Worll. the Governor, deputy
Committies, and Generallety of the
East India Company, deliver in
London.

[168] India Office. _Original Correspondence_, vol. v, no. 615.

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

RICHARD COCKS TO WILLIAM NEALSON AND JOHN OSTERWICK.[169]

Langasaque in Japon, this 21th of February, 1618[9].

Loving frendes,--

We arrived heare yisternight an hower before sunne seting, Capt. Adames being arived the day before and came out and met us with the China Capt., all the China junckes haveing out their flagges and stremars, with St. George amongst the rest, and shott affe above 40 chambers and peeces of ordinance at my arivall.

I wish I had had noe _goshon_, for the trowble and vexation it puteth 300 me unto, and know not how to remedy it. Yet now it is concluded that our _goshon_ shall goe in that new junck at Firando, and Capt. Adames goeth capt. and pilot in her, for Tonkyne.

I have much speeches heare betwixt Alvaro Munos and Jorge Durons about the caffro; but Alvaro Munos standeth stiffly to it that it is the same caffro, and Jorge Durons saieth it is an other. I have delivered Mr. Nealsons letter to Jorge, and in the end the truth will com out. I know not what else to write, but leave yow to the protection of thallmightie, resting

Your loving frend,

RIC. COCKS.

To his loving frendes, Mr. Wm. Nealson
and Mr. Jno. Osterwick, English merchantes,
deliver in Firando. From
Langasaque.

[169] British Museum. _Cotton Charter_, iii, 13, f. 35.

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

RICHARD COCKS TO JOHN OSTERWICK.[170]

Nangasaque in Japon, the 18th of February, 1619[20].

Loving frend, Mr. Osterwick,--

The next day after our departure from Firando, being the xvjth currant, we arived at Nangasaque, having, the day before, mett with a bark of Firando, which brought me a letter from Mr. Eaton and therinclozed an other from yow. My letter I opened and read over, and afterwardes sent it, with a few allmondes for Mr. Nealson, and your letter with it, per the same partie and bark which brought it, to the intent yow both might read it over and see the contentes. Yet I think it will not prove soe dangerous a matter as at the reading of the letter I suppozed it would have byn, for humors now and then are over much predomenant in som men; but, as the saying is, _nemo sine crimene vivet_. You must pardon me, yf I speak falce Latten. 301

Yistarday we sett our junckes mastes, and I hope will not now be long before she will be ready. We fynd her to be biggar of stoadg then we formerly expected.

I have byn with Capt. Adames at Gonrok Dono, and in thend concluded the price of our lead at 5-1/2 _tais_ the _pico_. But Gonrok will first speake with themperours _bongews_ or councellors thereof, and, in the meane tyme, will deliver us eight hundred _taies_ in parte of payment, and will send a man to way out all the lead, and leave it in our howse till order com downe to take it and pay the rest of the money. And, as Gonrok tells me, the Hollanders have made prise at 5 _taies pico_, and waid it all and delivered it into the handes of the King of Firando. But I esteem this but a tale. And so I comit yow to thallmightie, resting

Your loving frend,

RIC. COCKS.

To his loving frend, Mr. Wm. Nealson,
English merchant, deliver in Firando.
From Nangasaque. This letter should
be derected Mr. Jno. Osterwick, etc.

[170] British Museum. _Cotton Charter_, iii, 13, f. 37.

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

RICHARD COCKS TO THE E. I. COMPANY.[171]

Nangasaque in Japon, the 10th of Marche, 1619[20].

Right worll. Ser and Sers,--

After my humble dutie remembred, may it please yow to understand that, by the indirect dealinges and unlooked for proceadinges of the Hollanders, this is the therd yeare since we hadd any shipping came from England or Bantam to Japan. Neather in all this tyme have we had any conveance to enforme your Worshipps of the manifold abuses offered unto us within these kingdoms of Japon, notwithstanding the 302 lardge prevelegese we have from the Emperour that the Japons them selves may not meddell with us. Yet these Hollanders have, by sound of trumpet abord all their shipps in the harbour of Firando, procleamed open warrs against our English nation, both by sea and land, with fire and sworde, to take our shipps and goods and destroy our persons to the uttermost of their power, as to their mortall enemies.

And their cheefe comander which came hither last, called Adam Westerwood, sett my life at sale, offering 50 R. of 8 to any man that could kill me, and 30 R. for each other Englishman they could kill; which their proceadinges could not be soe secretly donne, but I hadd dailie notis thereof by som of their owne people, although they were comanded upon payne of death to the contrary. And because your Wors. shall understand all how it hath passed, it is as hereafter followeth, viz.:--

After that the comander (as they call hym), Jno. Derickson Lamb, came hither from the Molucos and passed by the Manillias, where he took divers China junckes and staid soe long on that cost that the Spanish gallions came out against hym and sunck the admerall shipp, called the _New Sunne_, wherein Derickson Lamb hym selfe was, whoe escaped very hardly abord an other shipp, wherein he came to Japon. The Spaniardes also burned two other of the Hollandes fleete, and made all the rest to run away, without losse of any Spanish shipp, etc.

And Jno. Derickson Lamb, going away, left the _Ould Sunne_, a great ship with 38 or 40 peeces ordinance in her, with an other shipp, called the _Gallias_, of 300 tonns, as they say, with 30 peeces of ordinance in her, and sent them abootehawling one the cost of China, and from thence to the Manillias, where they h[ad] the rifling of xvi seale of China junckes, and filled them with such as they liked and 303 sett the rest on fire, and brought the China junckes along with them, being the best and ruchliest laden, puting som 8 or 9 Hollanders into each junck; but, by fowle wether at sea, they lost company of the shipps, soe that the Chinas, being too strong for the Hollanders, cut all their throtes, and carid all the junckes into China, as we hadd certen newes thereof.