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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

British Museum,

30th December, 1882.

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

Also I paid, per Mr. Nealson, for washing linen, two mas 6 condrins.

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

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

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

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

June 4.—We bought 40 boardes at 5 per mas, small plate; and 4 cacas[58] at 12 condrins peece, small plate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We had 1830 tiles this day for ston walles.

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

We bought 4 cacas, cost 7 condrins per peec, small plate, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 20.—

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

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

June 21.—I sent a letter to Capt. Adames in answer to one of his receved yisterday from Cochi, wherin he advised he bought 200 gantes of shark oyle at Goto at 1 mas per ganto, wishing me to buy no more till he saw whether we had need of it or no.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 26.—Our fishmonger is run away this night and hath stolne a boate of his neighbors. He was here yisterday very ernest with our jurebasso to have procured me to have lent hym 10 or 20 tais, and in the end desyred hym to have lent hym but one taie, but was deceaved of his expectation. And we bought 1 c. 9 ta. 8 ma. amber greese of Mr. Wickham for the Wor. Company at 100 taies the catty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were two junckes arived at Langasaque from Syam.

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

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

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

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

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

Jno. Jooson arived heare from Miaco, and Unagense Dono and Sugien Dono the lyke. And I sent our jurebasso to bid them welcom hom, as the lyke to Jno. Yoosen. And sowne after Sugien Dono came to vizet me with a present of 10 fannes, and repeated the story of the wars, and how all the nobillety of Japon were joyned together at Miaco to viset the Emperour Ogosho Samme, which was a marvelous thing to see the hudge number of them.

July 1.—I went and viseted Bongo Dono, he being ready to goe for Miaco; and carid hym 2 barills morofack[84], a basket of biskit, 50 roles drid bonita,[85] and 5 cords of drid cuttel fish. He took it in good parte, with offer of many faire words.

I also envited Capt. Speck, John Yoosen, and the rest of the Duch to dyner to morrow. And wrot a letter to Figien Samme, the King of Firando, to Miaco, in complimentall sort, as also advising how our junk had lost her voyag to Syam and was retorned to Firando from the Liqueas. Also, I advised hym how ye King of Ava, of the race of Pegew, had made wars 7 yeares, and in the space gotten 8 other kingdoms, which in tymes past belonged to the empier of Pegu; and wantes now only to conquer Siam, Lanfu, and Camboia, to make hym selfe a greater prince then ever any of his ansesters was, and thought very easy to obtayne it, in respect of his valientnesse and mighty power.

July 2.—I receved 2 letters from Capt. Garrocho and Jorge Durois, of the 8th and 10th currant, new stile, werin they wrot me as apeareth per their letters; but much falce news per Capt. Garrochos letter, yf my ame be not amis.

And Capt. Speck, with Jno. Yoosen, Sr. Matias, Jacob Swager, cam to dyner to day; and Jno. Yoosen told us a great history of Ogosho Sammas good luck in preveling against Fidaia Samme, and that he verely thinkes he is dead in the fortrese burned to ashes.

Mr. Wickham deliverd me an accompt of Syam voyage, resting to ballance 132 ta. 3 m. 3 co., but delivered up no money, as he spesyfied in his answer, because I owe hym for amber greese, for 1 cat. 9 ta. 8 m. wight, at 100 tais catty, 161 ta. 2 m. 5 co.

July 3.—Capt. Speck and the rest sent to thank me for their good entertaynment, viz., nifon catange.[86]

July 4.—Jno. Yoosen sent me a drid salmon and divers peeces salmon in pickell for a present.

July 5.—Jno. Jossen came to vizet me to-day, with 5 men wayting on hym.

We bought 6 saks rise, per Capt. Adames meanes, at 4 gantos per mas plate in bars. I and Ed. Sayer wayed the 3 cattis amber we had in halves, and fownd it wanted 7 taies, lacking 2 mas in wight.

Her was news (or reporte) geven out that Tushma Tay hath burned Edo in the abcence of the Emperour, he haveing left hym prisoner ther under the keeping of a yong man, for that he denied to fight against Fidaia Samme, the sonne of Ticus Samme his master. But I think this will prove a lye, as most Japan news comonly doe.

July 6.—A Japon telors wife brought me a present of paper. She spoake Spanish, and sought to procur work for her husband.

July 7.—Here is reports that the Emperour hath staid the King of Shashma and all the tonos of these partes, and pretendeth to shifte them out of their governmentes (or kingdoms), and put them into other provinces to the northward, and them of the northern parts in their places. But I rather (in parte) esteem it to be the escape of Fidaia Samme, whoe may ly in secret in som of their cuntries, expecting opertunety and their retorns; which to prevent, he keepeth them by hym till he can understand the certen truth whether he be alive or dead.

We had newes that all men that entred into Langasaque were staid theare and not sufferd to retorne out of the towne. The reason is thought to be to look out for such as came out of the fortrese of Osekey; but I rather esteem it to be to serche out Fidaia Samme, which is thought to be escaped.

Also, one of the king (or tonos) men of this place came and tould me that his master had sent for 15 or 20 men of these partes to com unto hym, which maketh me now verely to think that he will be shifted out of his government or kingdom.

July 8.—Ther was paid yisterday, per Mr. Nealson, to Yayemon Dono, the kinges ship carpenter, in parte of payment of 150 shething plankes for the junck, at 4 mas per planck of 3 fathom and a halfe per peece.

I sent Unagense Dono 2 barrills wyne and 4 fishes, he being retorned from wars, and now sick of small pox.

July 9.—I understand that yisterday the Hollanders cut a slave of theirs apeeces for theft, per order of justice, and thrust their comprador (or cats buyer) out of dores for a lecherous knave, who, with hym that is dead, have confessed of much goods (as cloves, mace, pepper, and stuffs) which are stolne per consent of Jacob Swager; which maketh much sturr in the Duch howse. Yet I think this cates buyer plaieth the knave and defameth Jacob, because he was the occation he was thrust out of servyce for haveing to do with his woman, the knave being a marid man.

Also Capt. Adames receved a letter from Melchor van Sanfort from Langasaque, wherin he adviseth hym that a Japon wold sell us an other junck, and to that purpose conselled us to lay up ours. But I had rather som man would buy her, for I had rather sell then buy, for I have enough of Japon juncks, yf I knew how to better it.

July 10.—We had news of 2 China somas[87] arived at Goto. Soe the China Capt. sent a boate to know whence they are.

Also the China Capt. got Capt. Adames to write a letter to Damian to buy 400 sackes wheate for hym at price they cost, he haveing offerd it at same price to hym before, viz., at 3 mas per sack.

And I was enformed that Figen Samme, the king of this place, had sent a letter to Bunga Dono, how it was thought the Emperour would make Chambo Dono bongew of Arima, Langasaque, and Firando, that is to say, of all these sotherne parts. He which sent me word of it was Sugen Dono of Umbra, unto whome I sent a present of 2 barills wyne and 4 fishes, nifon catange. And he sent his man afterwards to thank me for it.

Also Damian retorned from Langasaque, and Symon that was our jurebasso the lyke, and brought me my lock back. I gave Mat 1cat. tobaco, cost 5 condrins. Bongo Dono went for Miaco this day.

July 11.—I receved a letter from Capt. Garrocho, complementall, dated in Langasaque, le 18th of July, new stile.

The China Captain, Andrea Dittis, came to me and brought a letter he had receaved from his brother out of China: how our busynes consernyng procuring a trade into China was in greate hope to take effect, for that the greate men had taken 3,000 pezos[88] presented them to make way; and that at present the ould king was about to resigne up his place to his sonne, and therefore best to let it rest a while till the ould man were out of place, or else it would be duble charg to geve to father and sonne. Also his cheefe kinsman, whoe is neare unto the king, advised that in no hand it should not be geven out that we came out of Japon, for that the hatred against Japons was worse then against any other nation; but rather to say we came directly out of England, or from Bantam, Siam, Camboia, or Cochinchina, etc.

Also there is a China com out of the Manillias from Cagallion, and reporteth that the Hollanders have taken a place in the Philippinas called Shibou; and that, upon this news, all the Spaniards went from Cagallion to defend Manillia, as being the place of most emportance. Also he reported that Don Juan de Silva, Governor of the Manillias, was secretly slipt away, hearing another was coming to take his place; but I esteem this a lye. Yet out of doubt he is hated of the most parte, both Spaniardes and naturalls, for his covetosnes, as having scraped a world of wealth together, he card not how, so he compassed it, as I have byn tould by Spaniardes and others, etc.

July 12.—I sent a present to Taccaman Dono, cheefe bongew, viz., 2 barills wyne, 5 bundls dry cuttell, and 5 pec. drye bonita, which he took in good parte.

July 13.—I wrot a letter to Mr. Eaton, per the purcer of our junck. Also I wrot 2 other to our hostes of Osekey and Sackey per same conveance. We had much ado to apeace a dispute betwixt the Capt. China and Damian for wheate bought, but I entred pledg for China Capt.

Capt. Speck went abord their junck to take vew of her, to sett her out before she rott. He sayeth he would send her for Syam; but I rather take it to be for the Molucos, to cary provition. He tould me also that a Portugez had wrot hym from Langasaque how the Viz Roy de Goa had byn at Surat with a power of 7,000 men in many vessels, and had put all the English to the sword and spoiled the place; and this news he said came per way of Syam, and therfore I know it is a lye, having had letters from thence so late, and not a word thereof.

The Capt. China tould me his brothers greate junck was arived from Cochinchina at Langasaque.

Kitskin Dono’s wyfe dyed this night past.

July 14.—I delivered three hondred fyftie and eight taies to Mr. Nealson, viz., 350 taies in bars and 10 Rs. of 8 is 8 taies. And he paid out to Damian Maryn 670 ta. 1 ma. 0 co. for 6 cattis 4 ta. 2 mas wight amber greese, viz.,

Ther was reportes geven out that 2 shipps were seen ofe at sea neare Langasaque, whereof Jno. Yooson advised Capt. Speck. Soe he sent out a penisse to look out for them; but I esteem it to be common Japon news, which most an end prove lyes. Yet the Duch expect a ship from Bantam or Molucos, besides the bark Jaccatra from Pattania and a junck.

July 15.—I sent Oyen Dono 2 small barills wyne, 2 fyshes, and 30 peces drid tuny, not having visited hym since the king went from hence; but he was not at home when it came, yet sowne after came to the English howse to geve me thanks for it, and tould me of the favorable axceptation the king of this place had fownd in all his affares with the Emperour.

Also I was advised per a frend in secret how the Duch were coyning falce Rs. of 8 at Langasaque, wishing me to take heede how I took any of them. And that which maketh me to think it to be true is the tynne they bought of me the other day. It seemeth to me a dangerous matter, etc.

July 16.—I gave a tay in small plate to two pore sick women of my owne money, the one a China woman, and the other a Japon. And ther was 8 pec. red zelas delivered and soald to Tonomon Sama and his men, at 1 tay per pece—8 tais.

July 17.—A cavelero of Umbra came and viseted me, geving me thankes for the kindnesse shewed to his kinsman, Sugian Dono, and brought me a Japan hargabus (or gun) for a present. He asked me many questions about the longnes of our voyag, which I shewed hym in a globe. He also enquired whether I knew Rome. I answerd I was never at Rome, yet I shewed hym the place where it stood. I perceaved per his questioning that he was a padre (or semenary prist) and thereupon gave hym a tast that we had nothing to doe with the Pope, but esteemed hym only bushop of Rome, haveing other bushops in England of as much authorety as he tuching spiretuall matters; and that we esteemed not much whether he were our frend or enemy, which we left to his choise.

Sent Capt. Speck 1 barell gunpolder out of junk, poz. 1 or 2 cattis, duble barell and all.

July 18.—I wrot 2 letters to Jorge Durois and Capt. Garrocho, advising the Capt. I would take the amber greese, yf it were good, or else retorne it back in saffetie; and to Jorge, to buy me 2 or 3 jarrs conservs and some candells. And ther was delivered unto Capt. Adames 202 cattis iron, for use of junk, of the ould iron out of ston walles. Also I wrot a letter in Japons to a servant of Mr. Lucas Antonison, a Japon at Langasaque, who I am enformed hath the duble of my former letters and keeps them by hym.

And ther was 5 taies in plate of bars lent unto Sugien Dono, the kinges kinsman, to be repaid at pleasure.

July 19.—I lent the China Capt., Andrea Dittis, viz., 2 bars gould of 55 tais per bar, is 110 ta., 0 ma., 0 co., with 200 Rs. of 8 in Spanish money, is 160 ta., 0 ma., 0 co., to be repaid within 8 or 10 dayes, at his retorne from Goto, whether he is bownd to buy matters out of 2 China junkes ther arived. This I doe in respeck I hope of trade into China, which now I stand in more hope of then eaver. Also he had a bale or corge of duttis of 12 Rs. per corge, to make a triall to sell them or more to the Chinas.

And Sugian Dono sent his man, desiring to borow 5 tais in plate, which on good consideration was lent to hym.

July 20.—I paid 2 mas to Torage, for making 2 kerimons,[89] for Tuchma and Jno. Goblen, long ago.

Tonemon Donos man came to have borowed 20 taies of me in his masters name, but I had not a rag of money.

July 21.—I receved a letter from Jno. de Lievana, dated le 29th of July, new stile, in Langasaque, wherin he advised how Capt. Whaows greate junck was arived from Cochinchina; and he which brought the letter tould me that other 4 are com from that place in company with her, wherof he saw one coming in as he came away. Soe the former report of Whaows jonckes arival was an untruth.

I forgot to note downe how Jno. de Lievana advised that the report of the Hollanders being in the Phillipinas is falce, and that Don Jno. de Silva was gon to keepe the straites with a gale and a phriggat, attending the coming of shipping from Agua Pulca.

July 23.—Ther was flying reports that the Hollanders have driven the Spaniards out of the Molucos and entred into the Phillipinas.

July 24.—The China Capt. retorned this mornyng from Goto, and said that all the Chinas goodes were put into warehowses, and not sufferd to sell any thing till the king came, or else order from hym to geve them leave. I receved back the two hundred Rs. of eight from the China Capt.; but the two bars gould he left in pawne for a junck, to receve them back and pay other money in place, etc.

Also the China Capt. gave me a peec of China lynen to mak breeches of, etc.

And wee took eight peec. duttis of 8 R. per corg to make a saile for our bark. We entertayned a boateman this day at 18 taies per ano, named Sinzabra.

July 25.—Mr. Wickham being sick, Mr. Nealson, Mr. Sayer, and my selfe went to dyner to our frend Skeimon Dono, where we were well entertayned. And from thence we went to Duch howse, where Capt. Speck tould me he receved a letter from Albartus yisterday, wherein he advised hym how Mr. Eaton arived at Miaco the first of this moneth, and the second went to Sackay to look out for the bark he sent from Edo with goods per sea, etc. He also tould me he expected news of 12 or 14 seale of their shipps to be in the Phillipinas this yeare, to cut ofe their China trade for the Manillias, as also to look out for the shipping from New Spaine (or Agua Pulca), and then to have 3 or 4 of them to com for Firando to lade provition. Their plot is great and, yf it take effect, will utterly overthrow the Spanish and Portingalle dissignes in these partes of the world, etc.

I bought 2 corse catabras for Ingoti, cost 1 mas 9 condrins per peec.; paid out per Jno. jurebasso, whoe put away his wife this day for trix.

July 26.—I sent a letter to Capt. Adames to Cochi with 3 iron stampers, 2 mattocks, and a pickaxe, and a leg fresh pork and 5 loves of bread.

Also the China Capt., Andrea Dittis, sent me a legg of pork and an other of a goate, he feasting all the Chinas this day, and being ready to goe for Langasaque. I sent per hym for his brother, in respeckt his junck is retorned from Cochinchina, hoping to heare the truth of our maters tuching the losse of our goods and people, as I gave hym in charg at my being at Langasaque—I say I sent hym, nifon catange, 2 bottells of sallet oyle, and 100 peces drid bonita; and to Capt. Andrea Dittis hym selfe 1 barill wyne, and 25 pec. drid bonita. And I lent hym 80 Rs. of 8 at his request, he geveing me instance it was to geve to certen frendes and parentes com per way of Cochinchina out of China, and are to be emploid about our busynes in hand. The China Capt. went for Langasaque in the after nowne.