1648
December
1 Departure of the Gekroonde Liefde and the Koe
9 The wind northerly and north-westerly, the sky overcast, showery weather. Nonetheless, at the insistence of the governors, the last of our ships, the Gekroonde Liefde and Koe, had to depart. The former will carry Frederik Coyett to Tayouan, the latter will carry the books and the papers of this year’s trade to Batavia. Their cargoes consist of 150 chests of money and some small goods, worth in all 439,108 guilders. Both flutes sailed out of the bay, but shortly after, they returned and dropped anchor a mile off the lodge. Late in the evening an interpreter brought me the following note from Coyett, stating their problems.
11 The remainder of the load has been removed from the ship. The stern of the ship will be set on the ship’s yard, because the rudder had sustained the most damage and the stern let in most of the water. The Koe has also been towed to the front of the town. I asked if I could return on board today, but this was refused. I sent some planks and other timber on board.
13 In the morning, I received permission to go on board till the evening, if I so wished. Junior Merchants Boucheljon and Meulenaar accompanied me. We found an ill-tempered Coyett, who was fed up with all the fuss and pointless boasting by the bongioisen in particular, but also by the interpreters. The ship’s stern was still on land. The rudder lay on the ground and new hooks, which had been supplied by the master of the Koe, were being fixed to it. They made a list of everything they needed from the Koe. The mate of the Liefde took two vessels and twelve men from the Koe to the entrance of the bay to look for the anchor, which they had cut when they were in danger. They were pumping out much less water than before.
14 The bad weather continued till the afternoon. The Liefde was moved from the place where she had lain for the repairs to the ordinary roadstead. When the governors became aware of this, they sent interpreter after interpreter to urge us to ship the silver. They wanted the ships out of the bay that same evening, without any consideration for all that still needed to be done on board. Since the night before, I had heard nothing concerning the reloading from Coyett. Thus I rejected their proposition. I would not reload till I had heard from him, whether he could sail the day after, wind and weather permitting. I had the ropes around the silver chest rewound and the seals renewed. A few hours before dusk I was given a note from Coyett, in which he asked to divide the silver as we had agreed.
15 No Japanese showed himself before ten o’clock, thus I sent for some of the interpreters to ask them about the dispatch of the ships and should we go on board. They said that the departure of the ships was expected any moment, but because the ships had been dispatched once before, we need not go on board again. I told them that I needed to go on board and they should request permission and a bongiois immediately. Shortly after, they returned with the requested permission and I went with three junior merchants to sign the resolution on the division of the silver and the accounts of the costs and the bills of lading and also to say goodbye to Coyett. At two o’clock in the afternoon, I returned to shore. The wind was westerly and the ships could not make any progress. In the evening the wind gathered more force and I did not expect the ships to be able to sail till the morning, when the wind usually blows from the land.
Departure of the Gekroonde Liefde and the Koe
17 Fine weather, the wind northerly. The five interpreters came to tell me that the copper merchants with whom we had discussed a contract were ready to depart up country. They wished to know if we were still willing to deal with them and what the ultimate price would be for the refined copper, of which they had shown us a sample and which is suitable for the manufacture of kettles. Even before I could give them a reply, they asked if I would agree to 12 taels per picul. I told them no, but before his departure, Coyett and I had agreed to 11 taels. They said that if we did not agree to 12 taels, there was no way of doing business.
18 Fine weather in the morning with a northerly breeze, but in the evening it veered westerly and south-westerly. This is not favourable for our departed friends.
19 North-westerly wind. When we were having dinner, Kichibyōe came to discuss the copper again. He wished me to offer 11 taels and 5 mas, which would induce the merchants to continue negotiating, for they would not budge from the 12 taels. I said that I would not go higher than eleven. He kept insisting that we should negotiate, for which I also tacitly hoped.
20 The interpreters came with the contractors who would deliver the stones, dressed according to the models sent by Batavia, to see if we could come to an agreement. We drew up a contract for 2330 taels for 978 stones, on condition they be delivered next year before the departure of the ships. I shall have to hand them 1000 taels in payment of wages. The interpreters again mentioned the copper, but I stuck to my old offer and there would be no agreement, unless the governors allowed us to receive all in the quiet season, so that we could test the quality and the weight properly, which permission I understood I should have before anything could be done. They agreed, but they thought it would be exceptional if I was granted it. The stonemasons also proposed asking the governors’ permission to bring the undressed stones onto the island and work them here.
21 Fine weather. I asked the interpreters for replies to my requests, which I had ordered them to get on the 19th. They said that no decisions had as yet been taken.
23 Kichibyōe, the most senior interpreter, came to the lodge and told me that the copper merchants will not go lower than 12 taels and were ready to leave. I told him that if they left now without having settled with us, there would be little time during the trade season to negotiate. Denbyōe and Hakuzaemon had assured me that the merchants would not leave unless they had made a deal with us. There would be ample time afterwards because they have copper in store.
24 Kichibyōe, Denbyōe, and Hachizaemon came to ask me if I would like to negotiate on the copper with the merchants before their departure and in that case, what was my highest bid and when would I like to see them at the latest. I said that if they would like to make a deal, they should come and negotiate.
25 Christmas.
26–27 Nothing noteworthy happened.
28 Today as well. It is much windier and colder. Three junks have arrived from Fuzhou.
29 I sent for the interpreters, for they do not show up on their own accord. I wished to know what they had done about the copper contract, about which they are keeping silent. Had they received permission to look for the anchor and to store the loading barges on shore? I also wanted to know what cargoes the junks had brought. I was told that three of the interpreters, namely Kichibyōe, Denbyōe, and Magobei were ill at home.
30 Overcast, the wind north-westerly, which makes it cold. When we were having dinner, Denbyōe told me that the rowers had agreed to look for the anchor and the rope for 30 taels. The last Nanking junk which left had been towed back into the bay last night.
31 Nothing extraordinary happened. The year 1648 has come to an end. I hope for a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
1649
January
1–3 Cool weather. Nothing noteworthy happened.
5 Weather as before. This morning eight persons were carried past our island to be executed: six criminal men and two Christian women, who would be hanged by their feet. When they are hanged in this way, they can last as long as five, six or seven days, which is execrable.
6–8 Cold, winter weather with showers. No matter what effort I put in, I could not get the interpreters to do anything about the search for the anchor, beaching the loading barges, the information about the three junks which arrived, or the start of the cutting of the stones. It seems that now the trading season has ended for this year, they take their leisure and we sit here like prisoners, cut off from the world and we can do nothing but plead, which often has no effect. In the evening, Kichibyōe came to tell me that the rowers had found the anchor and the rope and would deliver them shortly. He came to speak of the copper and thought that the merchants would deliver it in time before the arrival of the ships. I said that I trusted they would do so.
9–10 Cold days with hail and snow.
11 Very cold.
12 It is so cold that the ice is one finger thick. Bright sunshine during the day.
14–16 Fair weather. Nothing happened.
17 The interpreters came with the contractor of the stones. He wished to have the work finished by the 8th Japanese month, Hachigatsu, or September. I gave him 200 taels from the sum we had agreed upon, for he claimed not to be able to pay a deposit with the 1000 taels I had already given him.
18 The anchor and the rope have been delivered.
19–21 Fine weather. Nothing noteworthy happened. I gave the interpreters the note with the provisions and necessities which we would like to have at reasonable prices. They promised to discuss it with the others. They also told me that they had heard that an important merchant, not one of the group with whom I had been negotiating, was about to send 2000 piculs of copper. I thought that it was well that we had not settled with the others, for if the one was trying to oust the other, this would be profitable for the Company.
26 We felt another earth tremor. I learnt that our otona, Hachirōemon, had died during the night.
27–28 Nothing happened. We felt another stronger earthquake, running from the north to the south. Calm weather. The interpreters came to tell me that the governor had given permission to store the Company’s two loading barges on the island till the next trading season, so that they could be caulked. The stones, which we have ordered, have to be dressed in town and not on the island.
29 The bongioisen came with the order that part of the fence could be opened and closed again on our account so that the barges could be brought onto the island. This was done in their presence. They stayed till the barges had been stored and the fence had been returned to its former state. In the presence of Denbyōe and Hachizaemon, I handed the stonemason the wooden models, after a proper inventory had been made. I commended he make everything as ordered and to use the stone we had chosen.
30 The barges have been careened and covered with mats against sun and rain.
February
1–3 Nothing happened. Kichibyōe and Shōsuke came.
4–7 Like the days before. Hachizaemon and Magobei and I discussed the Chinese and their trade in this country. They expected them to bring a considerable quantity this coming season. The basis of their expectation is a conference they had with some Chinese. Hachizaemon also told me that some time ago he had a discussion with a fairly respected Chinese about the Company’s business on Formosa and in particular Tayouan, about the number of Dutchmen, the strength of our fortress and other matters.
8–11 Nothing noteworthy happened.
12 This is the 1st day of the Japanese 1st month, which they call Shōgatsu. The interpreters, the servants, and all others who make a living from the Company, came all dressed-up to wish us a happy New Year. The more senior ones were treated to wine and the lower-ranking ones were given a small token.
13–15 Nothing happened. Severe winter weather with incessant snow showers. The whole surface is covered with snow.
16 Kichibyōe, Denbyōe, and Shōsuke, still wearing their ceremonial dress, came to visit me and told me that still no news had come from the Court concerning my journey. Thus they thought there would be no question of it till the ambassador’s arrival.
17–20 Unsettled rainy winter weather. No one came to the lodge.
21–22 Nothing happened.
24 They all came to the lodge and accompanied me to the governor’s residence. My proposal was that my government had sent me here as the head of the Dutch factory for the present year and I had found that the most important aspect was that it had been an annual custom of my predecessors to travel to the Japanese Court to pay reverence to the Shogun and to present gifts to him. I had not been allowed to do this at the usual time, but Governor Gonpachirō had promised me that, when he was in Edo, he would do his best to promote the idea that I follow him around the time of the Shōgatsu. This had now passed, but I have not heard anything. This is a notorious change in the Company’s stature in this country and I felt compelled to address the governor, who has always been helpful towards the Company and under whose benevolent administration its servants here lived, about my amazement at this. I hoped the governor would advise me what I should do. The governor replied that he thought my proposal was proper.
25 Nothing happened. I heard that the governor has appointed a new otona or burgemeester of Tsukishima in place of the deceased one. It is rumoured that he is a reasonable fellow.
26 All the interpreters came with the new otona, named Bada Kurōzaemon. He inspected the building of which he was now the owner. The most senior interpreter, Kichibyōe, assured me that the Company would find him a good mediator.
27 Nothing happened.
28 The otona came to the lodge with Magobei and Hachizaemon. The son of his predecessor handed him the effects. He checked the Company residents against the list given to him. They said there were rumours, based on many letters from Miyako, that I would travel to Edo before the arrival of the ships. I took this to be idle talk. I asked them to request the governor permission to send a note to Tayouan with one of the junks from Quanzhou, which were lying here, describing my experiences here so far and that there was no likelihood of my court journey. They doubted that it would be permitted, but they promised to discuss it. I insisted that they request it and if it were refused, we could discuss it further. Two junks came sailing into the bay.
March
1–2 Nothing happened. I sent for the interpreters to ask them about my request to send a letter.
4 Nothing happened.
5 A junk left for Nanking. Magobei brought me a list of the cargoes of the last two which arrived from Anhai. The value was about 30,000 taels. They had imported 1000 piculs of black sugar, which, it is said, would fetch at least 7 taels per picul, about 14 piculs of raw silk, medicines, and some silk piece-goods. The war in China was continuing, but it was mainly a civil war, that is, the one mandarin or lord against the other and there was not much talk of the Tartars in the southern parts. Iquan was still in Peking and his son had also been summoned.
6–7 Nothing happened. There was an earthquake in the morning.
8 We felt a stronger quake.
9 With the governor’s permission, eight members of our staff visited Nagasaki, accompanied by two interpreters and two bongioisen. The surgeons went along to look for roots and new herbs.
10 Unsettled weather with southerly winds. Magobei came to notify me that the 14 piculs of white raw silk which the Chinese had brought lately, has been sold at the pancado for 516 taels per picul and straightaway to private merchants in Miyako for 1516 taels per picul. Such a price had been unheard of before.
17 We felt an earthquake which lasted for several minutes. Five interpreters and our new burgemeester came to discuss the best course of action towards the fulfilment of my request regarding the provisions. We discussed the court journey and I asked them for their opinion about whether I would undertake the journey or not. After much conferring, they unanimously declared that there would be no question of it before the arrival of the ambassador. This accorded with my own opinion. I asked them if it would be advisable, even though Governor Saburōzaemon had reacted half-heartedly to my last request and nothing had happened, to request permission to travel to Edo for a second time, at my own risk of how it would be taken in Edo, and if this was rejected, could one of the interpreters be sent to Edo with a petition to that end.
18–19 Pleasant weather. Nothing happened.
20–21 Nothing important happened. The Chinese have sold their black sugar for 7 taels and 3 mas per picul.
22 All the interpreters came with the new otona, Kurōzaemon, to discuss the matter mentioned on the 17th. After much deliberation, they decided to go to Governor Saburōzaemon after the 26th, which is a feast day, and remind him of my request to him in the best possible manner, in the hope that he would write something of it in his letters to Court, which was the only way, because they knew that the governor had no authority to allow me travel to Edo without orders from the government or to send private requests. It was unlikely that a sworn interpreter would be licensed to go. And, although I had been given hope before the departure of Chikugo-no-kami and Gonpachirō, it was already definite that I would not undertake the journey. They promised to let me know what they had achieved.
23–28 I have heard nothing from the interpreters. On the orders of the governor, Denbyōe came to ask the Company surgeon if he knew of a remedy for a certain equine ailment. On this occasion he told me that they had not yet been to see the governor because of the indisposition of Kichibyōe, whom they would like to do the talking. I told him that time was flying and they should do it now or never. At the same time they should ask permission to send the letter to Tayouan.
30 A junk arrived from Anhai. I was promised a list of its cargo. The Chinese pretend that five more junks will follow and various merchandise from Anhai and Amoy will be sent to Tayouan to be exchanged there for spices and other goods.
31 The joint interpreters told me that they had been to the governor’s residence, but he had gone sailing on his hayafune and they would try again the next day.
April
1 The interpreters returned and told me that they had presented my request to Governor Saburōzaemon. His reply had been that he thought it fair, but because of special orders from the Court, he could not give me permission to undertake the journey and he could not send another letter, because my last proposal which I had conveyed to him in person on the 14th day of the first moon – which is 24 February1 – had been forwarded to Edo and he had not yet received a reply. If, however, I wished to send a request to Edo, he could not forbid it, but he would advise me to be patient a while longer. Concerning the letter to Tayouan sent via China, this he could permit me and he would order the Chinese to deliver my letters.
2 Kichibyōe, Hachizaemon, and the otona came. I complained to them that our new compradoor, who had been appointed when the supervisor of our island was changed, was of no use, for he did not speak any Dutch or Portuguese. This led to a Babel-like confusion, for instance when we ordered timber, he delivered stone. They promised to take care of it.
3 Our caretaker sent a Japanese who could speak Portuguese reasonably well to offer his services. I employed him in the hope of better service.
4 Easter. We spent it quietly.
5 The new burgemeester of this island and some interpreters and their sons came to enjoy our hospitality. They were very jolly and drank to the safe arrival of the ambassador and his successes at Court.
6 A junk arrived from Fuzhou. Because junks are already appearing, the Japanese are of the opinion that the Chinese will import large quantities during the monsoon. But they cannot be so large that the market will suffer for it.
7–8 Nothing happened. Kanbyōe was taken to the prison in Ōmura on the 5th.
9 Kichibyōe and Kurōzaemon, our caretaker, told me that it appeared that there would be no court journey this spring. I gave Kurōzaemon a note of goods to be ordered from Miyako: sake, money chests, paper, and other small necessities, which are ordered every year by the opperhoofd when he passes through. He promised to repair his house and set a good example for the other landlords.
10–13 Nothing noteworthy happened.
14 Today is the Japanese feast called Sannichi. On this occasion the women and children go out and enjoy themselves, like we do in Europe on May Day.
15–16 Nothing happened.
17 A junk arrived from Quanzhou with a small cargo. Kichibyōe and Magobei told me that after the arrest of the nobleman from Osaka, the particulars of every citizen of Nagasaki are being noted: his name, place of birth, his parents, and where he had lived after the outbreak of the Osaka War. This is done to find out if anyone of that line is still living. They also told me that two sheds where the copper will be stored had been built on the southern side of the bay, for they will start refining it any day now after the sample I had been given. If the ambassador came early, it could be delivered straightaway.
18–19 Nothing noteworthy happened.
20 The otona and four or five other landlords are busy with the repairs. The others are expected to follow their lead. Kichibyōe, Denbyōe, and Hachizaemon appeared.
21 The joint interpreters came with the otona to tell me that the junk will leave for Anhai in two or three days, should I wish to write a letter. They told me that in excess of the presents they had given the governor and others, at the request of the young Heizō, who is the supervisor of civilian affairs, the Chinese who trade in Nagasaki had had three stone bridges built over several canals which run across Nagasaki. When some of the nobles had asked Heizō why the Dutch did not pay for having a bridge built, he is supposed to have answered that there was no reason to ask this of them, for they have been ordered to remain on the island and do not commute to the city or make use of the bridges, in contrast to the Chinese who are allowed complete freedom and make use of them. This explanation was accepted. The interpreters proposed that, considering the fact that last year we did not have to shoulder the expenses of the gifts, we could offer to have one built, without asking Batavia for permission first.
22 I wrote a letter to Tayouan to inform them that I had received no permission to undertake the court journey or present gifts to the Nagasaki Governor. If no ambassador appeared, nothing could be done here. No agreement had yet been reached on the copper, but we had been assured that a good amount would be available. I also sent a note of the imports of the seven junks which have arrived since Coyett’s departure and the selling prices for the most important goods, to serve as a guide for their purchases, as can be seen in the copy book of outgoing letters. I also refer to my dagregister, which I intend to send also.
24 They returned and told me that Governor Saburōzaemon had given permission to send the papers. Because this had never happened before, he had even spoken of the necessity of the ambassador’s arrival in the following way: ‘Tell Captain Snoucq that he inform his superiors that, when the ambassador arrives here, he should explain the delay for so many years either by the death of the Governor-General or other appropriate reasons and he would be well advised not to speak differently as in the case of the umbrage created by the Portuguese ambassador, as Captains Coyett and Snoucq have unanimously done. Order him to write this in this exceptional letter, so that no error be committed.’ A copy of this had to be inserted in the letter in their presence. They had promised to see to it that nothing else was included.
25 Full moon and in the evening strong winds started to blow from the south-west, with rain, thunder and lightning, blowing up to a storm which lasted till the next day. Then it abated, but the weather remained overcast and showery. The water had risen to the level of our residence and early the next morning it had dropped so low as we have never seen before.
27–30 Nothing noteworthy happened. The owners of the houses are busy repairing their properties.
May
1 We have started to prepare the most suitable houses on the island on the Company’s account to serve as residence for the expected ambassador and his suite. By doing so we wished to convey that we were certain of his arrival and would show him special courtesies. In this vein I ordered the supervisor of the island to order fifty new mats from Miyako as furnishing for this house in time. The interpreters were also pleased with these preparations and assured me that the governor would be pleased as well.
2–3 Nothing happened.
4 Denbyōe told me that had the most senior interpreter, Kichibyōe, not been indisposed – his ailment is bothering him more and more by the day because of his great age – they would have come to discuss the stone bridge with me – as mentioned on the 21st of last month. This has to be postponed because the old man has privately engaged some people to do so. Because the surgeon and the apothecary have again mentioned that they would like to go pick some plants and flowers, which had been postponed due to the rainy weather, I ordered him to renew this request. He promised to do so tomorrow, weather permitting.
6–9 Nothing happened. Stormy and wet weather, but good for the plants. We noticed that the wheat and the barley in the fields are maturing well.
10–11 Nothing happened.
12 All the interpreters, apart from Shōsuke, came with Kurōzaemon to discuss the stone bridge. Burgemeester Sakuemon intends to visit me shortly to inspect the repairs and see if the owners are living up to their responsibilities. If not, he would urge them to do so. They said that this would be an excellent opportunity to entertain him and, before he left, to offer to have a bridge built at our expense. This would gain us the favour of both high and low of this town. I replied that I would willingly go along with what they deemed the most opportune action to improve the affairs of the Company in this empire.
13–16 Nothing noteworthy happened.
17–19 Nothing noteworthy happened.
20 Early in the morning, on the orders of Governor Saburōzaemon, Denbyōe, Hakuzaemon, Hachizaemon, and Magobei came to announce that he had written to Chikugo-no-kami and Governor Gonpachirō in Edo about my request to him concerning my journey to the Japanese Court, which I had presented in person on 24 February, and which the interpreters had again presented on 1 April. He had finally received a reply from them that they had conveyed my request to the councillors. Their reply had been the following:
The governor thought it necessary to inform me of this, advising me to write to Tayouan with the next junks leaving for the southern regions, so that the expected ambassador and the new captain would be unanimous. He insisted that I should not take this as an order but as well-meant advice. I sent my thanks and assurance that with regard to the Portuguese ambassador’s accusation, the oral and written statement which Coyett and I had submitted would be found to be nothing but the truth. Therefore we need not resort to ruses.
21 The interpreters told me that the dispute between the contractor of the stone works and the bōzu owner had been settled on condition of some payment, they thought about 70 taels. They would come for it in two or three days. I agreed on condition that the work proceed and be finished at the agreed time. They assured me it would be. I told them that I wished to see if the work was being done according to the models and the intentions of my superiors.
22 Nothing happened.
23 Whitsunday.
24 Our otona came with all the interpreters and the stonemason, whom I gave 800 taels. To my surprise the corn, wheat, barley, and other early grains on the mountains around the town are being harvested before they have hardly seen any sun.
25–27 Nothing happened. Kichibyōe came to show me two bars of copper as they are refined here. I compared it to the sample and found them to be a fair match – the one is a little duller than the other. He thought that on the arrival of the first ship we might receive permission to receive the copper, so that all could be weighed and packed in good order.
28–30 Nothing happened.
31 I learnt that the Lords of Hakata and Arima and our governor, Gonpachirō, have left Edo for these regions. Chikugo-no-kami may not come this year. He was travelling to Nikkō with the Prince to visit the old Shogun’s grave. The Shogun had bestowed a small gift on him, which was nonetheless a great honour. Kurōzaemon reported that he had asked the governor for permission to visit the stone works, but none had been forthcoming.
June
1 Nothing happened.
2 The dispenser told me that two landlords, chosen from their group, had come to his room and, on the group’s behalf, had told him that in future they would take good care of the daily provisions, which they will deliver for prices more civil than before. They will charge 1:5 taels for a barrel of sake, for which we used to pay 1:6:5 taels; instead of 25 bundles of wood for 1 mas, they will deliver 25 larger bundles for the same price; a bale of coal will cost 5½ candareens instead of 6½. The prices for other goods will be likewise lowered. I told him to keep an eye on the compradoors and if he found them at fault, he should tell them so. When the ships are here and consumption is high, we shall find out if they do offer the provisions for the lowest prices as they have promised.
3–4 Nothing happened.
5 The junk from Zhoushan which arrived on 16 April has departed. Because the cargo it imported amounted to little, it is also exporting little silver.
6 Sunday.
7 Kichibyōe and Hakuzaemon came with our supervisor to show me a sample of refined copper, to which a stamped piece of paper was attached. They asked me to keep it with the other sample.
8–10 Rain.
11 A rumour reached us from the town that two ships have been spotted, but it soon evaporated. I hope it is a forecast of early ships. During the night there was a severe earthquake.
12–18 Rainy and windy weather. Nothing happened.
19 The otona brought permission to have the barges caulked. I sent for the carpenters. They made preparations for the work to be carried out. They had a straw tent erected above one of the barges so that they would not get wet. I asked the otona to have the interpreters write to Hirado. They keep putting me off, passing it from the one to the other. I also asked him to obtain permission for me to inspect the stone works. He promised to do so.
20 Sunday, nothing happened.
21 Kurōzaemon and Kichibyōe told me that the four Nagasaki burgemeesters intend to come for an inspection of the progress the landlords are making in repairing the houses. They arrived with the other interpreters and a large suite. I went with some employees to meet them and together we went round the island. They were pleased with the work in general.
22 Kurōzaemon came with compliments of gratitude for the entertainment enjoyed yesterday. He said the burgemeesters had sent him expressly to offer their services, if needed. I repaid them in kind and sent a small present to Sakuemon’s children, which was accepted gratefully. I also sent an appropriate present to the wife and daughters of our supervisor, who, a while ago, had sent us lots of fruit, sakana, and other cooked dishes.
The Company servants obtained permission for the third time for as many as wished to go out with the interpreters and a bongiois and enjoy themselves. Eleven of them went, taking with them a bottle of wine and a jūbako. On their return they told me that they had visited some temples and had been entertained by persons of note, more than ever before.
22–26 Nothing noteworthy happened.
27 I learnt that Governor Gonpachirō had arrived in Nagasaki. He had spent some days in Hizen. I had Kichibyōe order the interpreters to go and welcome His Honour on my behalf tomorrow and to ask permission to present myself to him in person.
28 All the interpreters, except Denbyōe, told me that they had done as ordered and had welcomed the governor. The governor had said that he would like to see me.
29 Heavy rains.
30 The interpreters and our supervisor came in their best dress and announced that I should appear with them before the governor. Johannes Boucheljon accompanied me. I started by telling the governor how pleased I was with his safe return and with his successes at Court. He thanked me and was also pleased that we were well. I said that Coyett and I regretted that he had been impeded in his journey to Court by the return of the ships last year.
July
1 The dispenser and the otona’s servant tried to calculate the pay for the workmen and the timber, but the landlords whose month it was for making purchases raised some objections. They claimed that the delivery of the timber was their due and they had not been consulted. This gave me cause to complain about them and the trouble they usually made and to ask for a proper reply to my petition – which had been written in Portuguese and given to the interpreters in January. Thus I summoned all the interpreters to discuss it with our supervisor and to see if I could manage to arrange that everything be ordered through him, all the more so because he would be so inclined. These landlords do not care so much for the Company’s interest as their own. Furthermore, they have never been ordered to do so, but have taken it on themselves, having forced it from Otona Liemon in 1646.
3 I was told that some of the landlords had gone to see the otona and had argued with him that the purveyance belonged to them and he should keep out of it, for he was no more than one of them. It got to the point that they were summoned to Burgemeester Sakuemon.
4 The interpreters came without the otona, who had been invited to the anniversary of the death of Heizō.3 I showed them my predecessors’ complaints on this matter and that since 1646 they had been taxed for a third on the purchase of provisions by the landlords. Without being forced to by anyone, they had intruded themselves in the business and they had usurped this just to satisfy their greed. I asked them that, now that a dispute had arisen between our supervisor and the landlords, they defend the Company’s case to the burgemeesters of the town and, if necessary, inform the governors how we are at the mercy of this greedy selfish lot – against Their Honours’ intention. They should be satisfied with the substantial sum of money they receive for their houses.
5–6 The days passed without speaking either to the interpreters or to our otona. His servant told me that he had been with the interpreters to see Kichibyōe and the landlords had gathered somewhere else. They had been to see the first burgemeester, Sakuemon, several times and there had been many arguments. The otona had remained neutral but had accused the landlords saying that the Dutch had many complaints about being overcharged and he knew that they did this without the governors’ knowledge.
7 The interpreters, except for Hachizaemon, came to confirm what I had been told yesterday. They added that they could see an end to the matter, but they and the otona intended to argue some more with the landlords and in the end they would propose addressing the governors to explain the matter to them – Kichibyōe told me that this was Sakuemon’s advice – but he trusted that the landlords would not let it come to that and a solution would be found soon. I praised their diligence. They said that Sakuemon had grasped the matter and had said that the Dutchmen are showing their goodwill towards Nagasaki, as is evident from their presentation of funding for a bridge, and it is only fair that they are supported in their justified complaints, of which this is one.
8 Shōsuke brought me the list of the cargo of the Chinese junk which arrived lately. It was indeed of little import.
9 Nothing happened.
10 The interpreters, except for Hakuzaemon, came with permission to move the barges. This will be done tomorrow, when the tide is at its highest. They said that four of the landlords had gone to Kichibyōe on the 24th and had raised many complaints, but he had contradicted them on our behalf. They had requested to be allowed to carry on this season as before to put a stop to the gossip among the common people, after which they promised to hand over their charge and the otona of my choice could take it over. I replied that they should hand it over now and the otona – who has been appointed expressly to serve us – should be allowed to carry out his charge as his predecessors had done. I was sure that this was the intention of the governors, who would not wish them to take advantage of us. If they did so willingly, I would overlook their wrongdoings, but if they objected and tried to take over the Company’s effects, they could rest assured that I would address Their Honours. Would we be friends or enemies? The interpreters said they would take this message to them and let me know their reply.
12 They came and Kurōzaemon was sent for. I had them tell him that the Governors of Nagasaki had relieved us from ordering from the landlords and had allowed us to choose whom we wanted to supply us with provisions at the lowest price, according to the statement in Japanese. I had chosen him to supply us, because the governors had appointed him to be responsible for us and we trusted him and hoped he would accept. He replied that he was willing to serve the Dutch, but it would be a dangerous charge, for all the landlords would turn against him and he also has to rely on his people, who have to buy the trifles, and they would be watched by everyone. Therefore, he wished to confer first and also announce to the governors that he had been chosen. Without their advice he could not accept the charge. He would let me know his decision in a few days’ time. I commended him for his caution.
13 The bongioisen escorted me to the place where the stone is being hewn. We were only allowed to go by boat and go ashore at no other place. Johannes Boucheljon, the otona, and all the interpreters went along.
14 Nothing happened.
15 A junk arrived from Tonkin. It had been expected last year. Our friends had seen it in a severe storm off Hainan and it was thought to have foundered. It had returned and had spent the winter there. Its cargo consisted of 265 piculs of silk and piece-goods, worth 53,000 taels purchase price.
16 Nothing.
17 Another junk arrived from Anhai, belonging to a underling of Iquan’s son – who is said to have become a great mandarin of Canton a short while ago – with a rich cargo, consisting of 50 piculs of white silk, 50 piculs of poil silk, and piece-goods. It is rumoured that three or four more of the same owner are expected to arrive, with a similar cargo. Some of the crew have been in Tayouan recently. They say that before their departure on the 29th of last month, seven ships had arrived from Batavia, loaded mainly with rice for China. I was surprised to hear this, for I could not understand why they should be loaded with rice. They said that this year a fair amount of piece-goods had been transshipped in Tayouan. I look forward to seeing the result of this.
19 They came and enjoyed themselves till the evening. Today it was overcast and the wind gathered force from the south-east, turning into a gale.
20 Showers. I hope it will not hinder our expected friends. In the afternoon the interpreters came and thanked me for yesterday’s entertainment. I gave the stonemason, who was with them, 500 taels of silver.
21 Nothing happened.
22 A junk arrived from Cochin China.
23 We heard a rumour that two ships had been spotted off the Nomo Bight.
24 I was told that the junk which arrived last evening, had sailed directly from Batavia forty-five days ago. Its nachoda is called Siqua and it was loaded with coarse wares. I asked the interpreters if I could talk to the Chinese in the presence of themselves and that of the Chinese interpreters. They thought it would be futile to ask.
25 Our supervisor and the interpreters came to tell me that Burgemeester Sakuemon and his three colleagues had gone to Heizō’s residence yesterday and had discussed the matter of the stone bridge. They intend to mention it to the governors today, but before they did so they wished to ascertain that I had not changed my mind – as I had made the offer without the foreknowledge of my superiors. I repeated what I had said: that my superiors had commended me to do anything that would benefit the Company’s interests.
26 Another wankang arrived, I was told from Anhai.
27–31 Nothing noteworthy happened.
August
1–3 Warm summer weather.
4 Kichibyōe, Denbyōe, and Hakuzaemon came. They were surprised that there was still no sign of any ship. They asked me if I could think of any reason. I said that compared to previous years, they were not exceptionally late, but I suspected that the delay was caused by the sailing of the ambassador or that he had to wait for his outfit. They thought that if my masters intended sending one, they would send him early, so that he could undertake the journey to Court before the trading season. It was uncertain if trade would be allowed before His Honour had travelled to the Court. I replied that I did not doubt that he would come if he had a safe voyage, nor that we would be allowed to trade after he had arrived. There were no disputes between us and the Japanese ruler, but we wished to convey our gratitude and confirm our long-standing friendship. I thought that they had not come of their own accord, but had been sent by the governors, the more so because they headed in that direction when they left.
5 Another junk arrived from Anhai.
6 Another junk arrived from Fuzhou. It had lost its mast and had been forced to make for Satsuma. In the evening five more passed the bay. In the morning eight were said to have dropped anchor.
Arrival of the Maasland
7 While I was having dinner, I was told that two Dutch ships had been spotted off the Nomo Bight. The otona and the interpreters confirmed it. The governors had ordered them to tell me that, if I wished to send a vessel there, the bongioisen would be ready. I said yea, I would. Junior Merchants Boucheljon and Meulenaar were sent with Hachizaemon and the usual letters of instruction. While they were sculling out of the bay, another Portuguese vessel with Chinese rig arrived before the city.
8 Brouckhorst was feeling poorly. I ordered twenty tow-boats to tow the ship in front of the city. The governors gave us permission to go on board. The interpreters and our otona came and sat down with me. They wanted to hear the news from Europe and the Indies to report to the governors. I told them that peace had finally been concluded between the King of Spain and our nation – which one had thought would never occur – and a general peace among all the Christian princes, towards which they had worked for five years, had now been concluded. The King of France was the only one at odds, but he would undoubtedly come to terms with it. Then they would join together against the Turkish Emperor – who was infesting the Christian countries in several areas – and shake that evil off.
9 The bongioisen, interpreters, and otona came early to open the water-gates. The barges were unloaded. Before noon the secretaries of both governors came to remind the landlords and the otona of their responsibilities and to advise me that I should impress upon our people to be civil, to prevent giving rise to complaints. I assured them there would be no cause, and I requested they exhort their people to treat us well and should any Dutchman misbehave himself, not to hit him or punish him, but to inform me and I would give him his just punishment. They promised to do so. They were very pleasant. In the afternoon, Kichibyōe and Hachizaemon came with their clerk to ask about the peace.
11 After the flute was unloaded, I went aboard with Anthonio van Brouckhorst to inspect the books and the papers. The bongiois left it entirely to us. The gunpowder and munitions were unloaded and everything went satisfactory. Shortly after noon we returned to the island.
12 Nothing noteworthy happened.
13 All the interpreters came with our supervisor. The four Nagasaki burgemeesters had sent them. They told me that the burgemeesters had conferred with the governors on the presentation of the stone bridge. They thanked me for my generosity and were very pleased about the offer. However, they had to forgo it for now, but they would continue their favour towards the Company. The otona told us in particular that the governors had advised against accepting the offer at this moment and would rather wait to see how matters developed. He thinks they were referring to the ambassador and his achievements at Court. They brought me the permission I had asked for to build a gallery or balcony for the new opperhoofd’s house and also for the dining-hall, on the condition that no boys would sit there playing music with their feet dangling or spitting on the street, nor should any other person climb in the windows or any other high spots to look out at the governors or other nobles when they were passing the island on their boats, but each and everyone should behave respectfully towards their superiors including the bongioisen. I replied that the Dutch were unfamiliar with the Japanese customs and could not live according to all of them, the more so because we live separately and had little intercourse.
14 Nothing happened. Two junks arrived.
15 Another junk arrived, fully loaded.
16 The interpreters and our supervisor came on the orders of the governors to ask what junks the captain-elect had encountered on his journey hither, from where they had come, and where they had parted company, because the crew of a junk claims to have been chased to Satsuma by a Dutch ship. The governors did not believe them, but they would nonetheless like to hear our version. Brouckhorst replied that it was untrue, and furthermore, our superiors did not allow us to molest any junks near this empire, nor had there been any intention of doing so.
17 Nothing happened. Two junks arrived.
18 Another one. In the evening, Denbyōe told us that two Dutch ships had been spotted. But, according to Brouckhorst’s report that they had sailed late, they should not be expected so soon.
19–22 Nothing happened.
Arrival of the Gekroonde Liefde
23 Kichibyōe and Hachizaemon told me of rumours that ships had been spotted ten miles off shore. Later they came bearing further news that there was definitely a ship off the Nomo Bight. I requested a bongiois and had boats prepared, which were dispatched at two o’clock with the usual letters of instruction.
24 I went on board with Brouckhorst to give the usual instructions and to muster the crew. This went satisfactorily and we started to unload. In the afternoon the governors sent us a message that another ship was off shore. We trusted that she was the Griffioen. Another vessel was sent with the usual instructions. Four hours after sundown they returned and told us that the ship had been becalmed for seven or eight days and now she was anchored off Iōshima.
Arrival of the Griffioen
25 Easterly wind, which holds the ship up. Heavy rain later in the day, but in the afternoon the wind veered southerly and we saw her enter the bay and she dropped anchor. Notwithstanding the rain, on the orders of the governors, the interpreters came to inquire, now that we had received letters from the three ships, if these letters contained any news of Macao and the state of the Portuguese affairs in their holdings.
26 Part of the Liefde has been unloaded and she is in need of ballast. I decided to give her a portion of the dressed stones, as we shall also do when the other ships are unloaded.
27 The Liefde has been unloaded. The ammunition has been taken to the governors’ arsenal. We have inspected the books and the papers. The bongiois has sealed the hold. The same day we started to unload the Griffioen. In the afternoon, on behalf of the governors, Kichibyōe and Hakuzaemon came to find out if the Chinese had made a false accusation. When the Chinese were in Tayouan, they seem to have seen two Portuguese being carried to Macao in one of our best ships, after they had been honoured by the firing of cannon.
28 Another junk arrived. We have been unloading the Griffioen. I gave orders for a load of stones to be taken to her as ballast.
30–31 Nothing happened.
September
1 Another junk arrived.
2 The interpreters came with one of the commissioner of Kinokuni’s minions. He paid us 20 schuiten of silver for the two buffaloes which were sent to him last year. I treated him to some sakana and confitures. I told him that if His Highness needed anything else from our regions, he should let me know. He was very pleased. He did not doubt that when the new captain travelled to Edo, his master, whom he said favoured our nation, would request a few things from him.
3 The interpreters came to inquire about two Genoese ships which had been taken in Batavia. Brouckhorst told them about the affair in general terms. They said that they had heard that these people had designs on Japan and therefore they applauded the taking of ships and the Governor-General’s precautions. They asked whether the governors should be told now or should they wait till the arrival of the ambassador. Our advice was to wait, for our government had not written about it, but all was based on hearsay. The ambassador would give us full elucidation. They agreed.
4–7 Nothing happened.
Arrival of the Kampen
8 There was a rumour of a ship and shortly after confirmation came, but it was still far off the Nomo Bight. The wind was favourable and I thought it better to let her approach more before sending a vessel. At sundown she dropped anchor in the entrance of the bay. It was the flute the Kampen from Tonkin. She had been dispatched to Tayouan on 31 July together with the Valk. Her cargo is worth 254,126 guilders and consists of Tonkinese silk and, compared to previous years, few piece-goods, although there had been few competitors to compete with in the trade.
9 I sent twelve barges to tow the ship to the lodge. She dropped anchor in front of the lodge around noon. The bongiois and I went on board and found Senior Merchant Schillemans and his party in fair condition, but Master Jan Kant was critically ill and there was no hope of recovery. Schillemans complained of having suffered graver difficulties than last year in Tonkin and he was absolutely adamant about not returning there.
10 It drizzled the whole day and we could not unload the ship.
11 Most of commodities have been unloaded.
12 In the morning, I was told that Master Jan Hendricksz Kant had died shortly after midnight. I asked the interpreters if it would be possible to request that he be buried somewhere on an islet, but they gave me no hope for this and I let it pass. They brought permission to have a coffin made, which was done. The body was carried out at sea and dumped there. It is truly a deplorable indignity that these dogs do not consider a Christian worthy of a foot of earth. On the same day Zievert Hendricksz Kant, a brother of the deceased, and also critically ill, came ashore, as did some other sick men in order to convalesce. The ship was empty by the afternoon and I carried out an inspection together with the bongiois. When we returned ashore we were told that fishermen had spotted a ship.
Arrival of the Witte Paard
13 Thunderclaps and continuous rain. No ship appeared. Even if one was at the entrance of the bay, the darkness prevented her from making an approach. When it cleared somewhat in the afternoon, she was spotted from up on the mountain.
14 Rainy weather and we could not unload.
15 Rainy weather in the morning, but later it cleared. I requested the presence of the bongioisen and they came. We mustered the crew and read out the usual orders. We started to unload the ship, but rain put a stop to it in the afternoon.
Arrival of the Witte Valk
16 We continued to unload the ship, but we had to stop again. While we were having dinner in the evening, we heard a cannon being fired. We thought it sounded louder than that of a junk and when we looked out we found that it had come from a Dutch ship. She was anchored in the roadstead and in the moonlight we took it to be the Valk. Although it was already late, I had the otona ask the governors for permission to send a barge to find out, but it was refused.
17 In the morning, it turned out that it was indeed the Valk, hailing from Tonkin via Tayouan. She had left there on the 2nd of this month and brought me a letter, dated the 1st, from the President and Council of Formosa.
18 There was no news and because we feared that ignorance might lead the ship to choose the Arima Bight instead of the entrance of the bay, the governors gave permission to send deputies there. Merchant Jan de Groot and First Mate Pieter Doedesz were sent to look for the ship and guide her here.
Arrival of the Robijn
19 With a south-westerly wind and under a clear blue sky we started to unload the Witte Valk. We were looking forward to the ambassador. Around ten o’clock the yacht flying the top pennant sailed into the bay and dropped anchor in front of the lodge an hour later. De Groot announced that it was the yacht the Robijn. The person whom the Governor-General had sent as envoy, by the name of Petrus Blockhovius, had died on 15 August and Merchant Andries Frisius was on board as his replacement. I had already requested bongioisen and we immediately went on board with Brouckhorst and Schillemans. There we indeed met Frisius, who had been appointed to replace the envoy in case he died – which seemed to have been predicted.4 I announced this to the interpreters and the bongioisen even before we left the cabin. They asked some sharp questions about the quality and status of the deceased. In order not to create any further obstacles – for merchants being used for such a post fills them with disgust – I told them that he had been a doctor iuris and because of his learning he had been sent directly from the Netherlands to fulfil this honourable charge.
20 Early in the morning, on behalf of the governors, the interpreters came again in the company of our supervisor, Kurōzaemon. They said that the governors were pleased with the letters and asked if the envoy had anything else to tell them. They were told no. They questioned him about the news from Europe, and they were told about the treaty between Spain and our nation, and with the Kings of France and Sweden, the new altercations between us and the Portuguese, the seizure of the two Genoese ships at Batavia. Mr Frisius told them the details and they wrote everything down for the governors’ information. They returned in the afternoon to check our explanations with their notes. I asked them to do their best to ensure that the governors allow the journey to Court be undertaken at the earliest opportunity, even if only to Osaka, to meet up with the news from Edo. They would mention it to the governors. The Valk is empty. The books have been inspected.
21 We went on board, the crew was mustered, and the placard read. A start was made with the unloading of the ship. While this was in progress, three or four different troops of Japanese, in the service of the governors and others, came on board. They inspected everything closely, even going up to the coffin of the deceased, lifting the shroud and touching the coffin. They found everything in order. According to the interpreters they were satisfied. We treated them with as much honour as we could, some had a drink, others refused. The wet weather put an early stop to the unloading.
22 Nor could we make any progress today.
23 We resumed the unloading. I proposed to the interpreters that the envoy present the gifts to the governors in person, as this might increase their willingness to help us at Court. They thought it a civil proposal and would confer on it. Because the decaying corpse of the deceased was exuding odours, although it is kept in a well-closed box, we intend to have a larger coffin made and to fill it with camphor and keep it on board and respectfully take it back.
24 In the morning, they told us that we should wait before proceeding to unload the ship, for the governors were with the Lords of Hakata and Hizen and they could not see them.
27 The wet weather continues and there is no hope of finishing unloading the Robijn. I sent for the interpreters and the otona and asked for their advice with regard to having the envoy present the governors with gifts now. Also concerning unloading the munitions from the ship, for time was flying by and it might continue to rain for some days. I asked them to request permission to have the pancado settled on the small amount of white silk we have imported and the trade opened. They were willing to do so. They returned in the afternoon and told us that they had put all my requests to the governors. They had promised to confer and give their reply the same day or tomorrow.
28 On behalf of Burgemeester Sakuemon, the interpreters came with Kurōzaemon to inform me that the governors had given permission to settle the pancado. Because the amount is so small, the heads of the cities would not come to the lodge as usual, but we should state our asking price and the burgemeester would discuss it with the merchants and try to get the most for the Company. I replied that the silk had been bought for high prices and had mainly been sent here to show our goodwill. The 4 last piculs sent from Batavia had cost 450 taels and the other over 300 taels. I asked the interpreters to inform the burgemeester of this. I relied on his discretion in settling the price. The interpreters praised my move and thought that this would get us a higher price than any bargaining would have done. Time will tell.
29 Three interpreters came to announce that the governors had been pleased with our resolute replies. They had said that whatever the Company did in those kingdoms did not concern them. Shortly after, Denbyōe and Shōsuke came to congratulate us on the start of trade, for Burgemeester Sakuemon had reached an agreement on the pancado. The prices were 580 taels per picul for the first quality, 550 for the second, and 510 for the third quality. We expressed our contentment and had him thanked for his troubles. They also told us that the governors would not accept any present from the envoy before his presentation at Court. Furthermore, we need not ask for the ambassador’s ship to wait for his return, for the governors had no objections. In the afternoon, the bongiois and the landlords removed the seals from the warehouses and we could take charge of the Company’s commodities.
30 Four bongioisen came to inspect the rayskins and the eagle-wood, to see if there was any suitable for the Shogun.
October
1 The rainy weather prevented us from putting out the deerskins. This has to be done on the streets. Shōsuke appeared and told us that the island had been opened and everyone was allowed to view the merchandise. I asked him and the other interpreters to request the governors to have some bongioisen supervise the crowds viewing the goods to prevent any thefts, for our personnel does not carry enough authority.
2 Early in the morning, it was dry and we put out the deerskins to view, so that they could be included in the sale, but this could not take place, for the interpreters said that some of the silk merchants had not been able to inspect the goods to their satisfaction yesterday and had requested permission to do so again today. This was done to their satisfaction. They also told us of several requests from the tonos from Arima, Hizen, Hakata, Ōmura, Gotō, and the governors [here].
3 We started to deliver the bulk goods. I again told the interpreters to urge the copper merchants to settle the price, for they have to do this and not we. We settled the price for 500 piculs of iron for Tayouan and also sold the skins which we could not sell yesterday because of the rain. The cowhides raised half of what they did last year, because the Chinese have imported a great many and also because a lot of deerskins have been offered for sale.
4 The delivery of the goods is making little progress because the Japanese are slow in receiving the goods. We have made preparations for the second sale and put some more goods on view. The interpreters complained that they could not reach all of the copper merchants and the governors had ordered that all of them need to be present before we could negotiate with them.
5 We put the remaining goods on view and tried to announce the sale, although the wet weather had prevented us from delivering sugar and skins. The interpreters told us that the sale of the sappanwood and other bulk goods has to be postponed, because the governors wish to discuss something with the heads of the merchants. We did not mind because the Company will not suffer because of the delay. The buyers of the Coast rayskins complained about 1900 pieces, claiming that these were not from the Coast but another kind. We politely rejected their complaints and told them that they had had ample opportunity to inspect the goods.
6 The weather was clear and we urged the merchants to take receipt of their goods, especially the skins and the sugar. Around nine o’clock, the burgemeester and the heads of the cities came to the lodge, accompanied by the bongioisen to keep away the rabble and everyone was admitted to view the goods. The first Chinese junk has departed.
8 We wanted to put out more skins on view to be sold separately, while the other goods are being delivered, but the rain prevented this.
9 We have delivered the remaining goods. We put out a goodly amount of skins and settled with the buyer of the powdered sugar, with whom we have had quite a few arguments because the sugar has never been imported in chests or weighed and therefore does not have its own balance. He wanted to have the sugar weighed with the balance with which the sappanwood is weighed, which we refused. But we reached a settlement. In the evening, on behalf of the governors, the interpreters and the otona came to tell us that the alcatief which had been ordered for His Majesty would remain a present, but it should be handed to Saburōzaemon, he being the one who had ordered it, and he asked to know the price. I replied, having already pretended not being able to ask anything from His Majesty, that the price should be sent from Batavia next year.
10 It is Sunday and the copper merchants have finally shown up, at least twenty of them, accompanied by the otona and the interpreters. We got right down to business. Although the samples were similar to the previous ones, they demanded 13 taels and 5 mas. I told them that we had lost precious time and renewed our bid of 11 taels and 3 mas, adding that they should have started with their last asking price of 11 taels and 7 mas and we could have settled it quickly. They said that that was last year’s and now was another time. We said it was the same negotiation and since then there had been no change to do with copper. They would not yield and left without having done any business. In the afternoon we sold a batch of skins and the price was higher than at the first sale. Two junks departed. They are said to be carrying more provisions than in any previous year because of the scarcity in China.
11 We put more goods on view for the third sale. The skins we sold yesterday were delivered and because it was dry, we started to deliver the sappanwood. Two interpreters came to tell me that the patrol boats guarding two of the ships in the roadstead were needed elsewhere and thus the ships were left without guards which did not mean more freedom for them. I sent a note to advise them of this. It is clear that they have no intention of allowing us more freedom. I discussed the matter of the copper with the interpreters, reminding them of last year’s negotiations and the difference with the merchants this year. They were of the opinion that if each merchant could negotiate for himself, we would reach a better deal than in this way in which they had to sell jointly, which had been ordered by the governors. Tomorrow and the day after was a Japanese holiday and we would have to wait till after to reach a settlement.
12 Notwithstanding the Japanese holiday,5 Kichibyōe, who had not come for three or four days because he had been indisposed, came to visit me, mainly to tell me what he thought about the copper dealings. He advised us to stick to our bid of last year and not to offer more until they decreased their price.
13 The goods that had been put on view were inspected. The mast for the Witte Paard was taken on board.
14 Another holiday and nothing noteworthy happened.
15 We held our third sale. It was also a success. On the orders of Governor Saburōzaemon, Burgemeester Sakuemon came to inspect the large alcatief. He asked for it to be placed on the scale, and its exact measurements were taken. He told me that the governor had sent him to tell me that because he had ordered it for the Shogun, it could not be used as a gift, and he had to know the price or else it could not be sent to Edo. I repeated my excuses of the 6th, adding that notwithstanding this, a price would have to be fixed. I added that our government was ever willing to oblige the Shogun, nor had we ever fallen short in fulfilling the wishes of some of the officials. He remained for an hour and a half.
16 We have delivered some goods from the last sale. Nothing was heard from the copper merchants. They are deliberately exasperating us. Because the time for departure is approaching, they think they can press us to accept a high price or because of the great hurry in receiving the copper, they might get away with mixing it with alloyed copper. This really is an exceptionally vexing problem.
17 We have finally reached a settlement and have contracted for the delivery of 4000 piculs of copper for 11 taels and 6 mas per picul. Each city, Miyako, Sakai, Osaka, and Nagasaki, was assigned a warehouse in which to store its copper. Each would stamp its copper with its seal and we would receive it in chests of 1 picul’s weight. The Dutchmen who took receipt of the chests would write their names and that of whom they received it on a piece of paper which would be put inside each chest. This would reveal the name of whoever cheated. I gave orders to have a number of chests made. I have not had them made beforehand so as not to give away our desire for the copper.
18 A good batch of copper has been delivered. We have put out some skins on view. Cornelis Claasz, of Warmond, died and was thrown into the sea. He had served as our gardener.
19 Copper has been delivered. We received permission to export 6000 bales of rice and 2000 bales of wheat.
20 Chests have been made for the copper and we started to weigh it on four scales. We also sold about 25,000 skins of different qualities. In the afternoon, a sailor of the Robijn, who had been ill for some days, died. Not even half an hour later these vultures had already taken the body away to dump it out at sea without anyone of the factory being aware of it.
21 We discovered that a great deal of the copper from Osaka was inferior to the sample. I ordered to put a stop to it. Others did not give the full weight. I dealt with it as far as I was able. The most aggravating part was that the landlords opened the chests which had been delivered yesterday and had already been sealed, sometimes even breaking them to pieces, to check if nothing else but copper was packed in the chests, although innumerable Japanese were present as witnesses. These are the vexations we have to suffer.
22 We continued as before and we started to load the flute the Maasland and by the evening she was half full. Yesterday and today the governors have been pressing us to make haste, because three ships have to leave on the 25th. Their pressing and urging are indescribable.
23 The Maasland has been fully loaded and we started to load the Valk.
24 We have been extremely busy. A ship was being loaded through each of the water-gates, copper was being weighed on three places. The flute the Kampen was not given time to get rid of her ballast and take on copper and because night fell, she could not take on her load of rice and wheat either. In the evening the bongioisen were still sitting at the water-gate writing by the light of a candle. Three interpreters and the otona came to inform me that we have to be ready early in the morning.
Departure of the Maasland, Kampen , and Witte Valk
26 Before dawn we were summoned to load the ship for Siam. I sent for the forty steps for the Governor-General’s residence, of which only fifteen, one of which cracked, could be loaded. Thus the remainder will have to be sent on the Liefde and the largest pieces, ninety in all, will be loaded on the Robijn. We also loaded some chests of copper.
27 I settled with the merchants and they were paid today. The remaining skins were delivered and the Griffioen was loaded. I paid the lacquerers.
Departure of the Griffioen
28 Early in the morning, the Griffioen was dispatched and she reached the Papeneiland in the afternoon. I was assured that tomorrow news will arrive from Edo about the envoy. I hope so.
30 We started to load the Liefde. All the copper and most of the rice has been loaded. Kichibyōe and Shōsuke came to inform me that we could visit the governors. They took this to be a good omen. They would not be receiving me if they had not had news from the Court. They also thought that it would be a good idea to present the governors and other officials here with a double present, to prevent a larger single present creating a custom. I agreed, relying entirely on their good judgement.
31 In the morning, we continued to load. The interpreters again came to discuss the gifts, but they had decided that it should not be a double gift but – as had been decided on the departure of Versteeghen – a large single gift should be presented. I shall have a respite for my departure but not an hour longer than the 1st day of their 10th month.6 They also came to inquire after the European news regarding the peace. I repeated what I stated before. Then they went to the envoy and my successor, to find out if we were unanimous on this subject, which they found we were. Everything was noted down.
November
Departure of the Liefde
1 In the morning, the Liefde set sail for Tayouan carrying letters to the factories on the Coromandel Coast, in Bengal, Surat, and Persia. We prepared the gifts for the governors, the burgemeesters, our supervisor, the interpreters, and servants, with the intention of presenting them the following day. But while I was having supper with the envoy, five interpreters came to tell me that I had to postpone presenting the gifts to the governors till further notice or at least till news had come from Edo about the envoy. They said that it was expected any moment now. Both governors had discussed my departure and I would have to leave on the 5th, but the ship could stay at the entrance of the bay for a further two days if I had not finished my papers. I think it will be a while before there is any news about the envoy, which can only be taken as an affront to us and I intend to complain about it, but discretely, for nothing can be achieved here by doing so vociferously. I think the governors had been curious to find out what we would be giving them, especially Saburōzaemon, who is said to have been behind all of this, so he can give his major domo instructions for the receipt and sale of the gifts before his departure to Edo.
3 We have started to load the Witte Paard. The books have been closed. I have delivered the gifts which I mentioned yesterday. The interpreters told me that I shall have to take leave of the governors in the morning, but no news has arrived from Edo. They had said before that it would come within twenty-six to twenty-eight days, but there is some rumour that the Shogun is ill, and that this is the cause of the delay, but it seems far-fetched.
4 The last ship has been loaded. Brouckhorst and I went to the governors to say farewell. I told them that I regretted the difficult circumstances surrounding my forced departure, especially that I had to leave without being able to bring news about the embassy to my government. They replied that the time of departure had arrived and it was uncertain when that news would come, thus there was no question of waiting for it. They would extend Brouckhorst all possible favours after my departure. They were pleased that the trade had been carried out satisfactorily. I requested to say something more, which they granted. I intended to sail on the ship tomorrow, but I had not finished my paperwork, although we had been writing night and day to comply with their orders. Would they allow me to stay here in the lodge for a further twenty-four hours and then go on board. They said that they could not allow this, but they would allow me to stay at the entrance of the bay for a further two days to finish my paperwork. They could not allow me to stay on shore because this would contravene the Shogun’s orders. I thanked them and took my leave. The interpreters even said that we had enjoyed a great honour.
5 I handed the command of the factory over to Anthonio van Brouckhorst. I said goodbye to the supervisor of the island and the interpreters, commending them to keep on executing their responsibilities towards the Company. They promised to do so. I said goodbye to my friends and embarked in the afternoon. I intend to spend two more days at the entrance of the bay to finish the paperwork. May the Lord grant us a safe journey and preserve the Company’s effects and servants in this empire.
Sic. 25 February.
Field-Marshall of Toyotomi Hideyori, Hideyoshi’s son, during the Osaka Campaigns.
Suetsugu Heizō (Shigesada) died on the 12th of the 9th month (9 October) 1647.
See the instruction given to Petrus Blokhovius by the Governor-General and Councillors of the Indies. VOC 873, fos. 60–68. For a transcription of the text, see Diaries kept by the heads of the Dutch factory in Japan. Dagregisters gehouden door de opperhoofden van de Nederlandse factorij in Japan, Vol. XII November 5, 1649–December 31, 1651 (Tokyo: Historiographical Institute, The University of Tokyo, 2013), pp. 243–263. The instruction also states that Frisius should keep a dagregister. For this dagregister, see VOC 1176, fos. 585–639.
The Kunchi Festival.
5 November.