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 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 10taies. 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.
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 theCompany our broad cloth was not vented this 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 firstcosta 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 thowsandtaiesI 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, 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.
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 thousandpezosin 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 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 thePearleor 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 theirjurebasso; 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 theClovewas gon. I find the man tractable and willing to doe your Wor. the best service he may, and hath takengreate paines about the reparing our jonck called theSea 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 whoepoisoned 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.
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 atreasonable rates; for which purpose principally the Hollanders 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 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 8tayesthetattamy, which is 21⁄3yardes 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.
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 Portingalejunck on 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.
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 [hislife, with the] slaughter of above 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 155ta.5ma.8condr., 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 [accordinglyaccomp]lished to the greate harts greefe both of [the 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.
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 makenor meddell in the matter, but leave 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 400taisper 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 100l.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 thetonos(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 7yeares. He will no [char]ges of sonns, 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 thisTonoof 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.
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 hecould not 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.
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 [theThomasand theAdvice] 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 monthafter; so that once I thought we should have lost 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 aboz(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 thecourt, where I staid 18 or 20 daies more, still suing and puting 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 sownebe recalled without scandalle, but the next yeare, yf 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 ofpezos. 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 fewor non came into 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 smallcrew of 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 hundredtaisto 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 550taisJapon 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 200taissilver are sent from the China Capt. to them, yet put downe 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 courtto receave the monies which the kyng owed for 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 theAdvizwith a certen roote in it,which came 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 1ta.1ma.5co., and 1 branch containing 9ma.2co., both geven the Emperour in his present; 1 branch containing 1ta.2co., sould for tentaistwomasplate. 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; forthey make buttens or knots of them to hange their 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.
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 saythe truth, yf we goe about to take such a matter in 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 learnedboz, haveing twojuribassoswith 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.
Coppie of the articles (or previleges) granted to the English nation byShongo 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 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 alltonos(or kinges), governors, and other offecers in Japon whatsoever to se the premesies afforsaid accomplished.
[163]India Office.Original Correspondence, vol. iv, no. 379A.
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 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 6½, the Emperour hath refuced it and will not meddell with it, but take all ours. The Hollandars have made a greate complaint against theTonoof 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 thedyrieys to geve the title to themperour which he soe much desyreth.
[164]British Museum.Cotton Charter, iii, 13, f. 14.
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 ofSea Adventureat Tushma. Soe that, the wyndhaving byn good ever since, I marvell I have not 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 twogoshonsfor 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 orsomoplate, 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 Coreanembassadors with a present; but theTonoof Tushma would not let me have accesse unto them. So I turned back to Fushamy.
TheTonoof Xaxma, with them of Goto and Umbra, had leave to retorne to their cuntres 2 or 3 daies past; but theTonoof Firando cannot be permitted as yet, although he be very ill at ease.
The oulddiredied som 8 or 10 daies past. But nether he nor his sonne, which now isdaire, 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 westarnetonosmust 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 greatetonosof 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. onemasfor 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]
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 theTonoof 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 amsick to see their proceadinges, and canot eate a bit of meate that 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 thegoshon, which came in good tyme (I instantly sending it to the Cort where there was much enquiring for it). Soe we gott out ourgoshons, 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, 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.
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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 totyme with delaies, and in the end did flatly gainsay them. And, had they gone, out of dowbt they had byn murthered in the way.
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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 accustomedto buy by thepancado(as they call 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.
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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.
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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 goodname geven of us of late, that we are peacable people, soe to goe forward still in that sort.
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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 thetonos(or kinges of Japon) thorow whose terretories they passed, and all at the Japons charge, they first begyning with theTonoof 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 thetonos(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.
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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.