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[1613.]
[December.] |
669. Wm. Addames to [the East India Company]. Arrival of Capt. John Saris in the Clove, who sent a distance of 250 leagues to Addames to come to him. Was gladly received by the whole company, and entered into consultation of the course to be taken. Thought it good to go with all speed with Captain Saris to the emperor's court, to deliver His Majesty's letter. The goods brought by the ship not very vendible; there being much cloth unsold from New Spain, Manilla, and Holland, and abundance of elephants' teeth brought by the Hollanders. Price of steel and lead ; tin as good cheap as in England, and ordnance not in any great request; abundance of cotton in the country; pepper and cloves not much used, and “now being overlaid, is very cheap.” Departure of himself and the general [Saris] for the court. Horses provided for them at Miako to go to the emperor's court, when the writer made the general's coming known, who was courteously received and bid welcome by the treasurer and others. The general's desire when in the emperor's palace to deliver His Majesty's letter with his own hand; answer of the secretary that it was not the custom of the land for any stranger to deliver a letter, but that the general should keep it in his hand till he came into the emperor's presence, when the secretary would deliver it; the general very much discontented, but the emperor coming forth bid the general welcome of so weary a journey, and received His Majesty's letter from the hands of the secretary. The emperor's inquiries of Addames concerning His Majesty; and desire to know Saris' requests, which being written were carried before the emperor, who told Addames they should be granted. Interview with the emperor; he seemed very glad of the general's intention to settle a factory in his land, not far from his court, and asked if part of the general's coming was not for discovery to the north-westward or northward; remarks of and encouragements offered by the emperor. “Now in my simple judgment, if the North-west passage be ever discovered, it will be discovered by this way of Japan; and so thus with divers other speeches most friendly used I took my leave of him.” Visited with Capt. Saris the province of Quanto, where the emperor's eldest son resides, about 42 leagues from the court, where they were very well entertained. Returned to court, received the emperor's commission and privileges [see No. 656], and then went back to Firando. Endeavours to get leave to go home to his country, but none of the council would speak for his liberty. Finding the emperor in a good mood, he made himself somewhat bold, and “I thank God got my liberty out of my long and evil service,” and being not a little joyful returned with the general to Firando, where the ship was. Account of the general's overtures to him to serve the Company, and his agreement to do so for 100l. a year on certain conditions; hopes he may be a profitable servant. Concerning the discovery to the northward; reasons why “in my judgment never hath been better means to discover.” Has built two ships in Japan for the emperor, one lent to the governor of Manilla, who was cast away upon the coast, and found her so good that she was never returned, though her worth in money was. Although by profession no shipwright, he hopes to make such shipping as shall be necessary for any discovery. Requests, “if your worships have any such purpose,” some 15 or 20 good mariners to be sent over “for the people of this land are very stout sea men ;” for victualling there be plenty, but cordage, canvas, tar, pitch, rosin, compasses, hour-glasses, a pair of globes, and “some cards or maps containing the whole world,” are wanted. If he is furnished with these things “you will find me not negligent in such an honourable service.” Has been somewhat long in making the particulars apparent of this discovery, which he trusts “shall be one of the most famous that ever hath been.” Thanks for lending his wife money, and request to lend her 30l. or 40l. more till he comes home. [Four pages. Indorsed, “A very large letter, written in Japan by Wm. Addames, and sent home in the Clove, 1614, discoursing of his assistance unto the general, and of entertainment into the Company's service.” O.C., Vol.I., No. 122. Printed in “Memorials of the Empire of Japan” for the Hakluyt Society, pp. 57–72.] |
1613.
Dec. 1
Firando,
Japan. |
670. Wm. Addames to. . . . . . The same in substance as the preceding, the only variations being as to the vessel first lent to and afterwards purchased by the Governor of the Philippine Islands, which is here stated to have been of the burden of 170 tons. As to the departure of the writer from Japan, he adds that he had thought to come home in the Clove, “but by some discourtesies offered me by the general changed my mind.” And the conclusion. Has passed great miseries and troubles since he saw “your worship.” Desires him to salute Sir Thos. Smythe, and tell him that he will find the writer as faithful and trusty an Englishman as ever served the Company; let him take no care of his affairs in Japan, his factory and goods being as safe as in his own house. Whatever the Company need in Japan shall be accomplished, “for the emperor and the king hath made me such promise, which I do know shall be accomplished.” Begs to be remembered to Wm. Burrell, shipwright, and to Nicholas Diggins. Presents that should be sent to the emperor when any shipping is sent; “Rousse” [Russian] glass of the greatest sort to “glass him a room of two fathoms four square,” fine lamb skins, holland, and three or four pair of spectacle glasses; for merchandise, some 1,000 bars of steel. [Four pages. O. C., Vol. I., No. 123. See “Memorials of the Empire of Japan,” pp. 75–77.] |
Dec. 2.
Firando
Japan. |
671. Tempest Peacocke to the East India Company. His last letter was from Bantam by the Thomas. Arrived at Bachian, one of the Moluccas, 24th February; no trade there because of the sway of the Flemings. The island of Machian offered to Sir Henry Middleton ; the inhabitants expected his return for three years, when they were forced to yield to the Flemings. Desire of the people to trade with the English, but the Flemings sent great ships to prevent it, and threaten the islanders with punishment. Hopes the Company will not put up with such insupportable injuries. The people promise that they will not suffer the Flemings to build another fort upon the island. Proceedings at Tidore and Ternate Anchored 23rd April at the unfortunate island of Doy, where they lost three men. Arrived at Japan 12th June, and dispatched letters to Mr. Addames, who obtained such privileges as were desired. Has small hopes of this place; knows not what may be made from Siam and Patani. English commodities will not yield cent. per cent. at Firando; depreciation in the price of cloth. Wishes to receive his wages. Is scarcely recovered from a dangerous sickness. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. I., No. 124.] |
Dec. 4.
London. |
672. Sir Thos. Smythe to Sir Thos. Edmondes, ambassador in France. The East India Company having formerly prosecuted a tedious and chargeable suit in France, without hope of justice, have entreated His Majesty's letters to the French King and to himself, to press some speedy satisfaction. Proceedings of the adverse party since the sentence of the council was returned to the Court Parliament of Rennes. The Company earnestly desire him to take their wrongs to heart and press their suit to the uttermost, it “being the last occasion that His Majty intends to trouble himself with writing.” They authorize him to “compound by satisfaction,” the Company preferring “rather to endure loss with peace, than gain by trouble and strong hand,” and offer him the tenth part of the composition drawn by his means, or if nothing can be effected they will not be unthankful, but remember him in due time. The bearer, Paul Triggs, has letters from the King and Council, and other papers, and will attend to his directions. [Two pages. Correspondence, France.] |
Dec. 5.
Road of
Firando, Japan. |
673. Capt. John Saris to Rich Cocks, captain of the English of factory in Firando. Wishes to leave him a remembrance of such principles as the Company decreed in England, and also what he finds by experience likely to be beneficial. First to fit a junk for Siam and Patani, with cloth, elephants' teeth, &c., and get there by 5th February, before the Chinese junks. From Patani to procure Chinese wares, and return to Siam. Peacocke, Wickham, Eaton, Walter Carwarden, Edward Saris, and Wm. Nelson left with him, besides Addames. Places where he thinks they should be dispersed; at Siam and Patani, Surunga and Osaka, and Tushma. Inquiries to be made of the commerce to be had with the people of Corea. Frugality to be used, the place requiring great charge, and their knowledge as yet producing little profit. Refusal to increase either Peacocke's or Wickham's wages. Addames only fit to be master of the junk, and to be used as linguist at court when there is no employment for him at sea. “It is necessary that you stir him, his condition being well known unto you as to myself, otherwise you shall have little service of him, the country affording great liberty whereunto he is much affected.” The forced agreement Saris made with Addames could not be eschewed, “the Flemings and Spaniards making false proffers of great entertainment, and himself more affected to them than his own nation, we wholly destitute of language.” He is not to have the disbursing of any of the Company's money; no need to send him to the emperor for setting out the junk, it being already granted. If he says she cannot depart without a licence, believe him not, for his wish is but to have the Company bear his charges to his wife; but rather than he betake himself to the Spaniards or Flemings, make a virtue of necessity, and let him go. Leaves 16,000 ryals with him; the emperor's privileges for trade, &c. “Rather please them often with small matters than seldom with things of worth.” To use the Flemings kindly. Directions for disposing of commodities. Wickham's wages; has had intolerable trouble with him. Peacocke to succeed Cocks in case of death, after him Wickham. [Two pages and a half. Indorsed, “Capt. Saris' remembrance left with Rich. Cocks at Japan, December, 1613.” O. C., Vol. I., No. 125. Partly printed in “Memorials of the Empire of Japan,” for the Hahhiyt Society, where (pp. 78–81) the editor, Thos. Rundall, in some “observations” argues that “in all this [letter] Capt. Saris was wrong and unjust” to Addames.] |
| Dec. 8. |
674. Earl of Northampton to Sir Thos. Lake. Sends copy of articles between the Great Mogul and “our merchants,” about settling our trade in those rich parts, which he thinks may be productive of much good. Understands from Sir Thos. Smythe that our men have had a bloody fight with the Portugals, but with no great advantage, “for these are our antipodes.” Incloses,
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674. I. Articles agreed on between the Governor of Ahmedabad on behalf of the Great Mogul and the Governor of Surat and Thos. Best, commander of the Dragon and Osiander on behalf of the King and the East India Company, for settling a trade and factory in the cities of Surat, Cambaya, Ahmedabad Goga, or any other parts of the country within the Great Mogul's dominions; the just observance of these articles to serve as a true pledge of perpetual amity and the breach as a just cause of war irrevocable. 21 Oct. 1612. [DOMESTIC, Jac. I, Vol. LXXV., Nos. 38, 38.1. Cal., p. 214.] |
| Dec. 22. |
675. Narrative of the discovery of the Northern Seas and the coasts and countries of those parts. Of the discoveries of Sir Hugh Willoughby in 1553, of Stephen Borowgh, Frobisher, Pet, and Jackman, Sir Humphrey Gylberte, Davis, and others. In order to prove the interloping of the Hollanders, and to answer Sir Noel Caron, the States Ambassador's suit for the restitution of two ships taken by the Muscovy Company. [Nine pages. Holland Correspondence] |
Dec. 24.
Firando,
Japan. |
676. Rich. Cocks to Capt. Addames and Rich. Wickham, at Yedo or elsewhere. Request them, when arrived at Yedo or Miako and they have received money for their goods, either from the emperor or any other, to furnish Tome Same, the young King of Firando, with 1,000 tais or what he stands in need of, taking a receipt from him for the repayment at demand in Firando. Underwritten is some Japanese writing, probably the receipt in question. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 126.] |
Dec.30.
London. |
677. John Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton. The City, the Merchant Adventurers, the East India Company, and the farmers of customs sent all their presents of plate to a great value [to the Earl and Countess of Somerset on the occasion of their marriage. [Extract from DOMESTIC, Jac. I., Vol. LXXV., No. 53. Cal., p. 217.] |
