1649
November
6 When the patrol boats of the Witte Paard were relieved, Interpreter Magobei brought me a note from Snoucq, which stated that the letter to Tayouan, which he enclosed, should be signed by me and our associates and should be returned to him. But apparently because of the rush, he had forgotten to send the letter and I had it copied from the minutes. In the evening, a strong south-easterly wind rose, with thunder, lightning, and downpours.
7 Denbyōe and Hachizaemon came to our lodge with four fellows. They claimed that Governor Saburōzaemon had sent them and requested the shaven-headed men to be taught surgery every day. I agreed to this. In the evening, our friends, who had accompanied Snoucq to the entrance of the bay, returned.
Departure of the Witte Paard
8 One of the burgemeesters, called Shirōbei, came with two of the governors’ bongioisen. They questioned our otona, Kurōzaemon, about all the ropes, oars and other tackle on the Shogun’s patrol boats. I treated them to various wines and sakana, which they enjoyed. They thanked me and returned to their quarters.
9 Nothing noteworthy happened.
10 Early in the morning, three interpreters came to tell me that yesterday evening they had heard that news had come from Edo that the envoy and the captain have been summoned to the Court. Also that Chikugo-no-kami had written to the Jesuit Chūan about the trifles he requested last year. They said that they had heard this from Gonpachirō’s secretary, but the governors had not yet mentioned it. In the afternoon, on behalf of the governors, the happy-looking interpreters came to announce that the envoy, my person, and our further suite should prepare to travel to Edo at the earliest opportunity. Last night letters had arrived from the government in Edo. I told them that we would comply with the orders and thanked them for the news. I told the interpreters that the gifts that had been designated – as well as the ones which the envoy will present – will be handed over. They thought this a good idea and they would inform the governors of this.
11 Interpreter Shōsuke told me that the junk that arrived from Batavia this season intends to depart shortly. He wanted to know if I would like to send a letter with the good news to the government in Batavia and also to Tayouan and Tonkin, for the day after tomorrow a junk will sail to Tayouan and another to Tonkin. I told him that I would indeed like to do so and he should ask the governors for permission. We have been busy sorting the goods. I also had a discussion with Kichibyōe whether the envoy should also present gifts to the burgemeesters and to Heizō – as we ordinarily do. He said that he had heard that when we are in Edo the ambassador need not present gifts to all the officials, as had been claimed before, but he wanted to consult his colleagues first.
12 I sent Kichibyōe to the governors to inquire if the remaining copper, which had been delivered by the merchants and of which the Company had not yet taken receipt, could be weighed.
13 I told the interpreters what gifts Frisius would present to the governors. They discussed it and decreased the gifts by a third.
14 After they had heard our opinion about this, they restored them to their former number.
15 Kichibyōe and Shōsuke told me that Governor Saburōzaemon’s secretary had sent for them and had told them that the captain could present the customary gifts either today or tomorrow whenever it suited him, but concerning the envoy’s gifts, these could not be accepted, because he had not yet been presented at Court. But after that had been done, the governors would accept them. He advised me to present the gifts tomorrow, but Frisius should present himself to the governors first to request their favour and recommendation to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami. The governors sent for the silver ship and the alcatief to view them. The interpreters returned them after half an hour and said that the governors had praised them and thought them most suitable gifts.
16 The governors sent two bongioisen and all the interpreters to fetch Frisius. He returned shortly after, having been affably entertained by them and treated to some fruits. Then I went with Junior Merchant Johannes Boucheljon and the gifts.
17 I sent the interpreters to the governors and the burgemeesters to thank them for yesterday’s reception. I also gave the Chinese Siqua, who is about to sail for Batavia, a letter for the Governor-General. The first junk has also set sail for Tonkin and in a few days another will follow.
18 The junk has sailed for Batavia.
19 A junk that sailed in the company of another one for a place called Zhoushan twenty-three days ago arrived.
20 Nothing noteworthy happened. Denbyōe told me that three of them had been to the governors, because the cannon has to be removed from the Robijn tomorrow. On my behalf, without having been given such orders, they had also told Governor Saburōzaemon that I would like him to depart ahead of us – for he had not yet received orders from the Court to travel to Edo – so that he could promote our affairs with Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami and the other officials. He had seemed pleased with this proposal and had replied that he might arrive in Edo ahead of us because he would travel via a different route and we should have no doubts that he would extend his favour towards us.
21 Two bongioisen came with the interpreters. They went with Junior Merchant Meulenaar and the pyrotechnist to the ship to transfer the pieces of ordnance to the barge. The governors had us informed that, because of the risk they would run being transported by sea, the pieces would remain in Osaka till His Majesty had given further orders. The governors wanted to write to the Governors of Osaka to have a drawing made of the pieces giving the length, weight, and the size of the balls, and they would receive further instructions on what to do with them.
22 We have been busy loading the goods onto the barge.
24 On behalf of Governor Saburōzaemon, the joint interpreters came to inform me that, in order to prevent any danger occurring, the envoy and the captain should board one of the largest barges because we were of one body and it was important that no accident should befall us. To accord us the utmost respect, the Shogun had sent a special bongiois or nobleman with Governor Gonpachirō and when we appeared in Edo, we would be accorded all respect and honours by His Majesty. I had the governor thanked and informed him that we would comply with his orders. Today a junk departed for Fuzhou, but it had to stay at the entrance of the bay because of the contrary wind.
Court journey
25 In the afternoon, on three barges, we left Tsukishima with a suite of 24 Dutchmen and sailed to the entrance of the bay. We were accompanied by the supervisor of the island and all the caserossen, who presented us with sakana and wine. We reciprocated. The second Tonkin junk, worth about 70,000 taels, also set sail, which will harm the Company’s trade. Kichibyōe told me that the governors had recommended that when we appear in Edo, we behave modestly when replying to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami.
26 We had to remain at anchor because of the contrary wind. Our escort, whose name is Honma Ichirōbei, received a note from Governor Saburōzaemon stating that His Honour had received a letter that he should leave for Edo on the 26th. He should communicate this news to the envoy and the captain. Our escort also informed us that we should be happy, because it was in the Company’s favour that the governor had been sent for so soon. We had him thanked with suitable compliments.
27 We weighed anchor and travelled as far as Koe.
29 We set sail and progressed seven Dutch miles till we reached the neighbourhood of Hirado.
30 Unsettled weather. We weighed anchor and travelled to Tasuke, behind Hirado, where we dropped anchor. During the night we had a north-westerly storm.
December
1 We had to stay here.
2 We weighed anchor with a north-westerly wind. In the afternoon, we reached Yobuko, where we stayed till midnight.
3 We reached Shimonoseki, where we remained for two days.
6 We set sail and in the evening we dropped anchor in the Bay of Mukōshima.
7 In the evening we reached Karōdo.
8 We arrived in Shiraishi in the evening. At midnight we set sail again.
9 We anchored off Muro in the afternoon. We had to stay here because of a counter-current.
11 We set sail in the morning and in the afternoon we arrived in Hyōgo.
12 We rented three barges and transferred some of the goods in order to make better progress on the river of Osaka. We weighed anchor and sailed to Wakinohama.
13 We arrived in Osaka. Our escort Ichirōbei announced our arrival to the governors. He also inquired what to do with the pieces of ordnance. He was told that a small house would be built near our lodgings – which is the place where the Governors of Nagasaki always stay. The pieces would be stored there till the Shogun had given further orders.
14 Governor Saburōzaemon arrived in Osaka. The secretary of Governor Tanba-no-kami also came to visit us, as did several other persons. They all wished us a propitious journey. I treated them to wines. We prepared the gifts, which will be presented to the governors tomorrow. Shōsuke came to tell me that it would be a good idea to have a wooden model made of the pieces of ordnance to show the Shogun the length, weight, and thickness of them. But before such orders were given, our caseros and the other companions should advise on it.
16 On the order of the governors, the pieces of ordnance were placed on beams in front of the harbour master’s house. A house was built over them. The other parts were stored in the shogunal warehouse. The Company has paid for all expenses.
17 We have been busy packing and weighing the luggage for the horses on the way to Edo.
18 Nothing happened. Governor Tanba-no-kami asked for some spectacles, which I gave to him.
On the Highway
20 We left Osaka in the morning with a suite of 128 horses, 24 Dutchmen, and 310 Japanese. At noon we dined in Hirakata and in the evening we arrived in Miyako. We were lodged in a new inn, in which we had not lodged before. The luggage and the horses were sent ahead via Fushimi.
21 We left Miyako around eleven o’clock. We reached Kusatsu in the evening and we spent the night there.
22 At four in the morning, we left Kusatsu. We had dinner in Minakuchi. We arrived in Sekinojizō in the evening.
23 We set off again and had dinner in Ishiyakushi. In the evening, we arrived in Kuwana, where we dined. Then we left on 17 vessels for Miya, where we arrived at midnight.
24 At dawn we set off, we had luncheon in Okazaki and we spent the night in Akasaka.
25 Today is Christmas. We travelled to Hamamatsu. On the road we met the Lord of Buzen,1 who was on his way to Osaka to inspect the fort. He was accompanied by a large train of people, guns, horses, and bowmen.
26 Two hours before daybreak we set off. We had luncheon in Fukuroi and spent the night in Kanaya.
27 We crossed the Ōi-gawa. In the afternoon we reached Okabe and we spent the night in Ejiri.
28 We set off at dawn. We arrived in Yoshiwara in the afternoon.
29 We crossed the Hakone Mountains and spent the night in Odawara.
30 We lunched in Ōiso and spent the night in Kanagawa.
Arrival in Edo
31 We arrived in Edo at three o’clock in the afternoon. On the road we met one of the Shogun’s cousins, who was on her way to Miyako to marry the second-in-rank to the Emperor. She was accompanied by a large suite of norimono, noblemen, and a host of women on horseback, and other appurtenances. After dinner, our escort, Ichirōbei, came to tell us that he had announced our arrival to Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon. Saburōzaemon had been given audience today and His Majesty had specifically asked him if the pyrotechnist had arrived safely. He had replied in the affirmative. He thought it a good sign that His Majesty himself had asked about him and seemed to be pleased with this. Therefore he would like us to know of it. Tomorrow His Honour would visit the councillors and the secretaries and he would inform them of our arrival.
1650
January
1 Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami wished to know the number of people the envoy had brought with him and also that of those with the captain. The envoy had brought seventeen men with him and the captain seven, twenty-four in all. Today the interpreters went to his residence to greet him on our behalf and to announce our arrival and ask him for his instructions.
2 The interpreters came to report that they had been to the residences of both Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon – as they did yesterday – to announce our arrival. They were pleased with our propitious journey and welcomed us. They recommended we do not display any joy, but to behave quietly and modestly. Therefore the sounding of the trumpet – which Saburōzaemon had ordered – should be called off for the moment. We asked the interpreters the meaning of all these orders. They replied that they thought these were good signs. Time will tell. Chikugo-no-kami sent for all the reading glasses, spectacles, and spyglasses.
3 Nothing noteworthy happened.
4 Six of Governor Gonpachirō’s sons came to visit us with several other noblemen. They were treated to wine and sakana. After they had viewed the silver ship and other rarities, they left.
5 Gonpachirō’s eldest son came with two of his blood brothers. They were entertained as yesterday. Shōsuke took five gold gauzes to Chikugo-no-kami. He was not at home but his son received him. He told Shōsuke that a special commissioner would be appointed by His Majesty to hear the envoy and the captain in a day or two.
6 Nothing happened. Chikugo-no-kami sent for the medicines.
7 Nothing noteworthy happened.
8 The three interpreters and the caserossen came to report that Shōsuke – renamed Sukezaemon – and the landlord had been summoned by Chikugo-no-kami this morning. He had invited them into his room and had told them that the councillors and the Shogun were now aware of our presence in Edo and they would only ask questions about the two galleons of Antonio Fialho, to see if our answers conformed with the previous captains’ statements. The interpreters were fully aware of the matter and they should inform the envoy and the captain of such. They would be questioned in five or six days and then they would be received in audience by the Shogun. The Dutch should be informed of this. Chikugo-no-kami had ordered him, Sukezaemon, that as many piece-goods such as pansies, pelangs, taffachelassen, ginghams, linen, and such, as possible should be included among the captain’s gifts so as not to shower the officials with too many European goods, which they hardly use, the more so because the envoy had brought hardly anything else.
9–11 Nothing happened.
13 Sukezaemon and I were discussing whether Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon should be told at some time that we had been here for quite a while and requested them to seek an early dispatch so that the envoy could leave for Batavia. He said that this might well be, but he thought that it would be in vain, the more so because he knew that Chikugo-no-kami was rather reluctant to discuss any such thing with the councillors, because last year he had lost favour with His Majesty when he had pressed Coyett’s case too hard and the latter had snarled at him: ‘Chikugo-no-kami, you are the champion of the Dutch.’ Thus after Coyett’s departure from Edo, Chikugo-no-kami had not dared to appear at Court for seventy days nor had he been summoned by His Majesty. Therefore he would not be expected to raise the matter. This is credible and patience is the best course. Sukezaemon took note of the gifts as they had been apportioned, so that when Chikugo-no-kami came to ask him for it, he could show him. In the night we felt a severe earthquake.
15 Nothing happened.
16 Gonpachirō’s son, who visited us two days ago, came with some other friends to view the rarities. Denbyōe told me that our escort, Ichirōbei, had been to see Saburōzaemon. The latter had inquired after us and he had replied that time weighed heavy on our hands. His Honour had replied that a conclusion would soon be reached and we should enjoy ourselves. I had Ichirōbei thanked and Denbyōe left.
17 While we were having dinner, the interpreters and the caseros came to notify us that they had been to pay their respects to Saburōzaemon and Chikugo-no-kami because it was the 15th of the Japanese month. They had first gone to Saburōzaemon and he had told them that today or tomorrow the captain would be questioned by Chikugo-no-kami. But he had forbidden them to tell me, but to wait till Chikugo-no-kami did so. Next they had gone to Chikugo-no-kami’s residence and he had told them the same. Therefore I should prepare myself. They did not know when the envoy would be received. Saburōzaemon had also told them that Caron’s letters which Frisius had brought for Chikugo-no-kami would not be handed over, all the more so because he knew that they would not be accepted because some gifts were attached to them.
18 At two o’clock Frisius and I were summoned to Chikugo-no-kami’s residence. When we arrived there, Saburōzaemon and Chikugo-no-kami welcomed us. Chikugo-no-kami had the interpreters ask me what I knew of the arrival of Antonio Fialho in Bantam over six years ago. Saburōzaemon said that I had been stationed in Tonkin and could not have any knowledge of the case. Then he ordered Kichibyōe to ask Frisius the same and also if he had been in Batavia at the time and if he had seen Fialho. His reply was that at the time he had been sent with the ambassador to Goa to settle the differences about Ceylon and to release the Pauw, which the Portuguese had detained. When he returned to Batavia he had learnt that the Governor-General had sent a force to take Fialho from Bantam and had kept him hostage till news arrived from Goa that everything had been settled and the Pauw had been restored with her cargo. Then he had been permitted to sail to Macao and, because he needed some crew, he had been allowed to take a pilot and some sailors, against payment. Chikugo-no-kami said that this confirmed the statements of the previous captains, Coyett and Snoucq. Thus he had nothing further to ask. He asked how things stood with the peace. Why had it been concluded? Furthermore, could we now not war against the people of Manila and other Spaniards?
19 While we were having dinner in the evening, the interpreters came to tell us that they had been summoned to go to Chikugo-no-kami early tomorrow morning. An hour later we were told that there was a messenger from Chikugo-no-kami downstairs. He told us that the captain should also go in person.
20 At dawn I went to Chikugo-no-kami’s residence. When I was about to step into my norimono, one of Chikugo-no-kami’s attendants came to summon the envoy as well and we went together. Chikugo-no-kami was present with Saburōzaemon. They had Kichibyōe tell me the following: ‘For two years the Company and the Shogun of Japan had been at variance about the statements made by the Portuguese ambassador Gonçalo de Siqueira de Souza that he had been in Batavia and he had been given a pilot and sailors to sail to Macao.
21 I sent the interpreters to Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon to thank them for yesterday’s successful meeting.
22 Sukezaemon and Denbyōe told me that they had been summoned by Saburōzaemon and they had been given express orders that the pyrotechnist, a merchant, and the surgeon should remain here to satisfy the Shogun’s curiosity afterwards. His Honour had checked the gifts which the captain would present and had decreased the European goods and had added taffachelassen, ginghams, salempores, and salpicados. The silver ship has been designated for the Prince, the bezoar stones have been divided between the Shogun, who will receive five, and the other councillors two each, so that they would retain their rarity value. He had also given orders to have the presentation trays and other necessities made. Shortly after the audience day we would be given our leave because of the ship’s departure. Chikugo-no-kami would decide tomorrow whether the gifts to be presented by the ambassador would remain as they were and to whom they would be given. The interpreters had told him that Merchant Bijlvelt, who was one of the men who had been in Nanbu, had come with us. He would inform Chikugo-no-kami of this.
24 Some distance away from our inn several houses caught fire.
25 On behalf of the Lord of Owari, Chikugo-no-kami sent for all the red coral to see if there were any that would please him. They were all returned, not being considered suitable. He had the interpreter tell us that we should order some large beautiful coral the next season. They could not be expensive enough. Japan was overloaded with small and inferior ones and they were not in demand. In the night we felt a fairly severe earthquake.
26 We have been busy unpacking the gifts. The three woollen piece-goods for the Shogun which were moth-eaten were rejected and exchanged for others. In the evening Governor Saburōzaemon inquired who were to remain here. I told him Wilhem Bijlvelt, merchant; Juriaen Schedel,2 pyrotechnist; Caspar Schamberger,3 surgeon; and Jan Smidt, corporal, who had specially been sent to look after the silver ship. During the night about two musket shots away from our inn about forty houses burnt down.
28 Nothing happened.
29 The interpreters went to Chikugo-no-kami to ask if we would be given audience tomorrow. He had told them that His Majesty had been unwell for the past two or three days and thus he did not know if he would appear at Court, but we should be ready. He would let us know tonight or tomorrow morning. I hired coolies to carry the goods and we await the decision, which will probably be tomorrow. In the evening, while we were having dinner, we felt an earthquake and during the day there was a large fire some distance away.
30 We had been looking forward to the news that we could appear at Court, but in the afternoon Governor Saburōzaemon had Sukezaemon inform us that it would not be today. This will put the voyage of the Robijn in danger, which is a pity. But we cannot do anything but exercise patience. Saburōzaemon is said to have said that if it were only the captain, he could be received in audience by the councillors, but the envoy would have to wait till the Shogun has recovered. The interpreters told me that the Lord of Higo had died, which will also cause a setback. Regent Heizō is also expected to set off for Nagasaki shortly to hand over his office to his brother.
31 I sent the interpreters to Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon to bring to their attention that, as we had not been given audience yesterday, the voyage of the Robijn to Batavia has been put in jeopardy. Therefore we requested their mediation that we be given audience as soon as possible. The interpreters returned with the message that the officials were not at home because of the Japanese New Year.
February
1 Today is Japanese New Year. Our escort Ichirōbei came to congratulate us. I had had Kichibyōe congratulate him shortly before. He told me that Saburōzaemon had told him that no one had gone to the Court today except for some of the Prince’s regents who had to congratulate the Shogun on behalf of his son. He meant to say that nothing else stood in the way of the audience but the Shogun’s cold and when he had recovered, it would take place.
2 The interpreters went to congratulate Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon on our behalf. They returned the compliments. They repeated what Ichirōbei said yesterday. They were fully aware of the impending departure of the ship, but nothing could be done except exercise patience.
3–5 Nothing happened.
7–8 Nothing noteworthy happened.
9 Denbyōe came to tell Frisius and me that our escort Ichirōbei had heard that the audience might not take place on the 15th, because the Shogun – who had indeed recovered – would not appear for five or six days to prevent a recurrence of his illness. We should not be sad, but enjoy ourselves to prevent falling ill ourselves. This was the only obstruction in the Company’s affairs. None of the councillors had seen him yet, but as soon as they had, we would be given a decision. This surely means that the Robijn will not be able to sail to Batavia, for which we had still been hoping. Today, on the orders of Chikugo-no-kami, Sukezaemon went to the residences of several councillors to share out the mumia, balm, and oils.
10 In the evening, Councillor Inaba Mino-no-kami, Lord of Odawara, summoned the surgeon to the fort to inspect a wound on his arm. His Excellency had told Sukezaemon that today the Shogun had received the councillors in audience.
11 Saburōzaemon’s eldest son came with several courtiers to have a look at the silver ship and other rarities. We entertained them as best as we could. He said that he commiserated with us, for it was taking such a long time before we were given our leave, but we would appear before the Shogun shortly. We thanked him for his kindness and he left. We have been given hope time and again, but one needs to exercise patience in dealing with the Japanese lack of action, for there is no other remedy for it.
12 The interpreters said that they had received news from Nagasaki that nine junks had arrived there with 200 piculs of white raw silk, 5000 pelangs, and some other coarse wares such as medicines, and so forth. We shall find out the truth of it when we return.
13 Nothing happened.
14 Tomorrow is the holiday of the first Japanese moon. The interpreters told me that they would go to congratulate Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon as is their custom.
15 The interpreters came and reported that Chikugo-no-kami had not been at home, but Saburōzaemon had said that the Shogun had not yet shown himself and none of the lords had appeared before him. He was sorry that the ship could not leave and that we had to stay here for such a long time, but we should be patient till the Shogun had recovered completely. He could not say when we would be given audience. We should not be disheartened, nothing stood in the way of the Company’s affairs. In the evening, Ichirōbei came to see us. He told me that he had been to Gonpachirō’s residence today. His sons, who will carry the gifts for the Shogun, had told him that the lords will appear at Court on the 21st and we would follow three or four days later. We take it to be flattery on the part of the Court.
16–17 Nothing noteworthy happened. Denbyōe told us that Chikugo-no-kami had said that the Shogun had had his head shaved today, which is a sure sign that he was well.
17–23 Nothing happened. Every day rainy, cold weather with snow.
24 Frisius and I thought it wise to send the interpreters to Governor Saburōzaemon tomorrow. Because the Shogun is still not appearing because of his illness and we have not yet been given audience and do not know when this will be, they should humbly request him that the ship in Nagasaki be allowed to leave and that we be allowed to send some letters to inform our superiors in Batavia, if possible, or otherwise the officials in Tayouan about the state of affairs here, for they might easily think that problems had arisen here. The interpreters thought this request fair and promised to deliver it to the governor.
25 The interpreters reported that they had presented my request to the governor and he thought it fair. He would consider it and let us know his decision. The governor had also said that if any of the lords had appeared before the Shogun – as they are also longing to do – he would feel more sorry for us having to stay here so long, but because we are suffering as they do, we have to be patient.
26 I had the interpreters thank the governor for his services. We had decided to wait till the 28th to see if we would be given audience. If not, we would send a mail. He agreed.
27 The interpreters said that rumour had it that the Shogun would hold an audience tomorrow. We did not attach any credence to this. We prepared our letters and papers in the evening and gave them to the interpreters to hand them to Governor Saburōzaemon tomorrow so that they could be dispatched.
March
1 In the evening, Saburōzaemon had Denbyōe inform us that the councillors had decided not to send the letters for the time being, for we shall surely be received in audience within five or six days. The ship could sail on the 10th of the 3rd month, which is 10 April. Then it should sail to Tayouan. To wait till October or November would be too long a wait and it would create too many difficulties for the governors and the envoy. To oblige us, after we had been given audience, they would let us make haste and even let us travel the entire journey overland. Till that time we would have to be patient. I replied that we would comply with their orders.
2 About ten o’clock in the evening, all the interpreters, the senior bongiois Ichirōbei, and the caseros came to Frisius’ room. On behalf of Saburōzaemon, they asked us: would the ship reach Batavia safely or not, if she departed now?
3 In the morning Sukezaemon reported that he and Ichirōbei had handed the written statements to Saburōzaemon. He would let us know the councillors’ decision.
4–7 Nothing noteworthy happened.
9 Nothing happened.
10–11 On these two days the heads of the five shogunal cities have been summoned to the Court to be given audience, but on the first day the rain and strong wind prevented His Majesty from appearing. Thus they and all the other nobles, yea even the Lord of Kaga, who were all waiting for the Shogun, had to return home without having achieved anything.
12 Sukezaemon was summoned by Saburōzaemon who wanted some mumia. The governor had asked him if the envoy and the captain were still in good spirits. He had added that we should wait a little while longer, for the Shogun was still weak and could not show himself in public. He did not make the slightest reference to the events of 2 March.
13–16 Nothing happened. We learnt that another audience will be held tomorrow, notwithstanding that every day it is said that the Shogun is still unwell and weak.
17 Today is the 15th day of the Japanese month. The interpreters went to greet Governor Saburōzaemon. He returned us the letters we had given him on 27 February. He let us know that the heads of the five shogunal cities and all Japanese priests would be received in audience today, but no decision had yet been taken about us. Therefore he recommended we wait a day or two and if there still was no mention of us, he would do his best to have the Shogun give permission to dispatch the ship to Tayouan, if we so wished.
18–19 Nothing happened.
20 Today is the 18th of the Japanese month and we are still no nearer to an audience. Frisius and I thought it advisable to sound Kichibyōe, who is the most faithful and diplomatic of the interpreters, to see if we could request that we execute what we had come for before the commissioners, because two days ago all the greater and lesser lords had been given leave by two councillors on behalf of the Shogun and the Prince, and we had no idea when the Shogun would recover from his illness, which could take several more months. Kichibyōe thought this proposal fair and promised to confer with our senior bongiois, Ichirōbei. He did so promptly and shortly after came with Ichirōbei’s reply.
23 I sent a letter to our friends in Nagasaki about what has happened so far and I also advised them to take good care of the Company’s effects. We have run out of wine and butter, so I also sent to Osaka for some.
24 I heard that Burgemeester Shirōbei had arrived here from Nagasaki. I sent the interpreters to go and greet him. He thanked us and let us know that he was sorry that we had to stay in Edo for such a long time and that we had not yet been received in audience because of His Majesty’s illness.
25 Ichirōbei and the three interpreters came to my room. On behalf of Saburōzaemon and Chikugo-no-kami, they told me that it was the custom in Japan that when an ambassador appeared for a country which was a vassal of the state, as were those of Korea, Ezo or such, the Shogun defrayed all their expenses. Their Excellencies did not know how the Dutch would be regarded, but because our expenses were running extraordinarily high because of our prolonged stay and they had learnt that we had already spent over 5000 taels on food since we arrived in Edo, they ordered us to keep house as we were accustomed to in Nagasaki, or the interpreters could keep an eye on it and every day they would consume less than they had done so far, otherwise the costs would run too high. They indicated that Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon looked after us like fathers. Their Excellencies had also said that, as a favour from the officials, the caseros had been allowed to enjoy the benefits from the Dutch, but because they were now excessive, he would fall into disfavour if it lasted much longer.
26 The interpreters came to tell us that they had discussed Saburōzaemon’s proposal with the caseros. He had replied that he would accept the governor’s decision. They all had decided to set a fixed price for the daily provisions, which, they claim, would not make the landlord suffer a loss nor give him an excessive profit. Saburōzaemon had agreed, but he had not set the sum. Our reply was that whatever the governor decided would be acceptable to us.
26–31 Nothing happened.
April
1–2 Nothing happened.
3 Today is a major Japanese holiday. According to custom, the interpreters went to congratulate Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon. On their return they told me that Chikugo-no-kami had said that he had expected us to be received in audience today, but His Majesty had not appeared. This must mean that although the world has proclaimed him healthy, he is still ill.
4 Nothing happened.
5 Sukezaemon has been summoned to the Court. Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon told him that Frisius and I should go to the Court tomorrow where we would be given audience by the councillors and the Prince. His Majesty is still too ill to appear. We rejoiced at this news, but an hour later a servant of Chikugo-no-kami came to inform us that we would not be going to the Court tomorrow, but we should prepare all the presents so that we could deliver them the day after, which is the 7th of their month. Frisius and I should go to Chikugo-no-kami’s residence tomorrow.
6 We went to Chikugo-no-kami’s residence with the interpreters. We were asked to wait a while because Saburōzaemon was also expected. He arrived an hour later. Both came and declared the following:
‘You have been waiting here in Edo for a long time for the Shogun’s recuperation. He is still unwell and orders have been given that you be given audience by the councillors, representing him, and thereafter you shall pay reverence to the Prince and present your gifts. All the Dutchmen will have to appear at Court tomorrow when Saburōzaemon summons you.’
Audience
7 At nine o’clock we went to the Court with our entire suite. Frisius and I were put in a separate room, which was beautifully decorated. The other Company servants were put in the connecting room. After we had sat for a while, Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon came. They congratulated us on this wonderful day. After an hour’s wait Frisius was led by Chikugo-no-kami to the ordinary audience hall. He paid reverence to the councillors Sanuki-no-kami, Izu-no-kami, Bungo-no-kami, and Tsushima-no-kami, who were acting for the Shogun. After his return, I did so as well. Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami called out: ‘The Dutch Captain is paying reverence to His Majesty.’ Kichibyōe translated it for me. I returned to my former place. I had sat there for fifteen minutes, when Frisius was called before the Prince and I after him. The councillors were sitting in their places on the gallery and the Prince was seated on an elevated gilt throne, dressed in blue, but some distance away from the councillors, who were sitting on mats. When I bowed down on the gallery, ‘Oranda Kapitan’ was called out. I stood up and returned to my seat. Shortly after, we were dismissed and we returned to our lodgings, except for Junior Merchant Cornelis Maij and a silversmith, who had to teach someone how the ship should be sailed, as he had shown the councillors before. When we were home, I ordered the interpreters to thank Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon for the efforts they had taken on our behalf.
8 We went to the Court. Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon told us that we would receive our dismissal today and they congratulated us on our success. We thanked them. Shortly after, Frisius was taken to the councillors and, on behalf of the Shogun, he was given 500 schuiten of silver for our superiors and 200 schuiten and ten gowns for himself. When he went in for the second time, he was given thirty gowns by the Prince. Afterwards, I was also summoned and after I had paid them homage, the councillors handed Chikugo-no-kami a document, which he read out to me: ‘Yesterday you and the ambassador were granted an audience by the Shogun and the Prince. Our two-year difference on account of the Portuguese ambassador has now been set aside and forgiven. Let this not happen again. You are allowed free trade again as during the time of the grandfather, of the father, and of this Shogun.’ I bowed again and expressed my gratitude.
9 In the morning, we went to Gonpachirō’s residence to thank his sons for the favours their father had extended to us.
10 In the evening we went to the residences of Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon to thank them for their favours and their troubles and also to present a small gift, consisting of three pieces of English damask, three bezoar stones, and ten taffachelassen ginghams – which the interpreters had agreed to – from Frisius to Chikugo-no-kami. After we had paid him reverence, his junior secretary said: ‘The ambassador presents you these gifts.’ His Excellency thanked him and said that the bezoar stones, being rare medicine, really pleased him. He had Kichibyōe tell us that he was delighted that the two-year difference had now been settled and that all was well again. His Majesty had given him the supervision off the whole of Japan with regard to the Portuguese Christians. It was true that we were also Christians but we were allowed to trade here because never during the reigns of three Shoguns had we violated the Shoguns’ orders. Therefore we should inform the Governor-General that the ships sailing here every year should be inspected closely, so that no Portuguese Christians, or any of their ornaments were found on them and if the Portuguese had any designs against the Japanese, they should be advised about this immediately. Then we would continue to come here for a very long time. The pyrotechnist and the other named persons should remain here. They would return with him and Saburōzaemon, but if they were to leave before, he would provide them with escorts on the way back. The Shogun was expected to appear shortly, possibly even before we left Edo.
11 A messenger came from Court to say that the silver that the Shogun had given us should be fetched. I sent an interpreter, who reported on his return that the Shogun was expected to appear today and everything was being prepared for the event. The secretaries of the councillors also brought gifts for us, namely for me from Tsushima-no-kami, Bungo-no-kami, and Kawachi-no-kami ten gowns each, and from Sanuki-no-kami and Hotta Kaga-no-kami 30 schuiten of silver each; from each lord Frisius received 2 ōban and ten gowns, except for Tsushima-no-kami, who gave him 20 schuiten of silver instead of ōban. We had all of them thanked most sincerely. The secretaries were treated to wine and sakana. Saburōzaemon told us that he would add two of his noblemen as escorts to our suite on his account, who would protect us against any accidents or any such.
12 We have been busy delivering some European goods to the officials as Saburōzaemon had requested.
13 Chikugo-no-kami had us informed that we should prepare to leave on the 15th. We have started to pack.
14 The interpreters went to Chikugo-no-kami and Saburōzaemon to take leave on our behalf. They said that the officials had been pleased about our success after such a prolonged stay and wished us a happy journey home.
15 We are ready to leave, but the rain prevented us from doing so.
Departure from Edo
16 We left Edo 108 persons strong, of whom 19 were Dutch, one black, and 88 Japanese. Our caseros accompanied us to Kawasaki. In the evening we arrived in Totsuka where we spent the night.
27 We arrived in Miyako. We sent the pack-horses with the remaining goods ahead via Fushimi to Osaka. On the way nothing noteworthy happened.
28–29 We had to stay in Miyako because the bongioisen had to write to Edo and had some other business to attend to.
May
1 Ichirōbei went to the governor of this city to order him to store the pieces of ordnance in the fort.
2 Junior Merchant Thijmonsz enumerated all the parts. A few of the governor’s servants noted them down.
3 Frisius went to the governors with some presents. They accepted them.
4 We sold 28 pieces of cloth rash at 73:2 taels, which was the price in Nagasaki. We bought all the provisions we need for the journey.
5 We prepared for the journey.
6 We embarked, but a contrary wind forced us to stay.
7 The Lord of Kokura came on board with a shaven priest. They were treated to a drink of wine.
9 The wind was favourable and we set sail.
Arrival in Nagasaki
22 After a journey of fourteen days, we arrived back in Nagasaki on the 22nd. We found our friends in good health and the Company’s affairs in good order. The citizens share our happiness at the successful outcome. We have been away for five months and twenty-seven days.
23 I asked Kichibyōe if he thought it advisable for Frisius and me to go and greet Governor Gonpachirō and thank him for all his favours and assistance.
24 The interpreters came to tell us that we should go to Gonpachirō as proposed yesterday. We expressed our gratitude to him and he treated us affably. According to the interpreters, Frisius’ gifts will be accepted when Saburōzaemon arrives.
25–26 Nothing happened.
27 I sent the otona of the island to Gonpachirō to request permission to receive the copper – about 2000 piculs – which the merchants have delivered during my absence. He granted this request. Thus we can inspect it, weigh it, and pack it in chests to be ready by the arrival of the ships. This has always been refused before and a lot of time is wasted during the trade season because of all the quarrels.
28 A small junk left for Zhoushan.
29 A junk from that place arrived with little merchandise.
30 Another junk left for the same place.
31 Kichibyōe and I discussed the debt of the Lord of Hirado. He would confer with his colleagues whether they should inform the governor.
June
1–4 Nothing happened. A storm has forced back the junk that left on the 30th. It has lost two of its rudders.
5 Whitsun. Nothing happened.
6 Kichibyōe and Hakuemon came with the decision on the proposal concerning the Lord of Hirado. They had discussed it with the others and had some objections to it, namely that if, as the government in Batavia had ordered, he were to be acquitted of his debt either by sending letters or a messenger there, he would lose face, because the order has come through so abruptly, the more so because reminders had been sent for so many years and even lately and if this happened so suddenly, he would take it as an insult instead of as an honour.
7–9 We have been weighing copper. Sukezaemon said that news had arrived from Edo that the Shogun was still unwell and Governor Saburōzaemon had not yet been given his leave to depart.
10 Junior Merchant Gageldonck handed me four affidavits stating charges against Pieter Jansz Block, boatswain’s mate on the Robijn. He has been behaving intemperately and has mortally wounded two persons and has committed several other violations, which cannot be left unpunished. But because we have no means to do so here and he has denied everything, and furthermore because we do not wish to give the governors any reason to lay their hands on him – as happened with similar offenders during the administration of Van Tzum4 – on the advice of the envoy, we have decided to send Pieter Jansz, with the affidavits for the procurator fiscal, to Batavia, where he will be tried for his offences.
11 The junk which arrived without rudders on the 4th has left.
14 Another junk has left for China.
15 I summoned the otona and the interpreters to discuss the camphor contract with them. They told me that they had spoken to the merchants about it and they wanted 6½ taels per picul. They are not willing to lower the price. Considering that this is a civil price and that the camphor has been standing in the warehouses for five or six years and therefore must be dry, I agreed to accept this price.
20 I heard that the Lord of Owari, an uncle of the Shogun, had died in Edo and mourning is being observed. According to the interpreters, the pyrotechnist and the other Dutchmen will not come for a long while yet, because the Shogun is still ailing.
21 This season’s first junk from Anhai has arrived with 16 piculs of silk, some piece-goods, and black sugar.
22 A west-south-westerly storm.
30 The last junk of the northern monsoon has left.
July
8 Three junks arrived from Quanzhou. The Chinese of the junks reported to the governor that about 200 piculs of raw silk had been carried to Tayouan. We shall see if this is true.
9 A junk arrived from Anhai. The Chinese claim that two ships had arrived in Tayouan and the Company’s affairs there are well, also that there was a good market for many commodities in China.
10 Bijlvelt sent me a letter from Edo in which, on Chikugo-no-kami’s order, he asks for various medicines for the surgeon, for the latter is treating many officials. The pyrotechnist is busy teaching Chikugo-no-kami’s servants land-surveying. No mention has been made so far about firing mortars. According to Denbyōe’s letter, this is because of the death of the Lord of Owari. Chikugo-no-kami says: the Dutch will not leave before October.
12 Nachoda Siqua’s junk has arrived straight from Batavia. He brought me a letter from the Governor-General and Council. All is well in Batavia. The Netherlands will take up arms again against Portugal and orders to attack the Portuguese are expected. I told the interpreters the news. They seemed to be pleased with it. While we were having dinner in the evening, Governor Saburōzaemon arrived with a multitude of barges and men.
13 I sent the interpreters to greet Saburōzaemon. They reported that he thanked me and that he was pleased about our speedy and safe return. He let me know that from the day that we had left Edo, the Shogun had paid for the expenses of the four remaining Dutchmen, but he was not sure when they would come. Kichibyōe asked for the news from Batavia. How were the relations between the Portuguese and us? He was told the contents of the Batavian letter. I added that further news was expected. He thought it was good news for Japan. I took the opportunity to ask him if it was a good idea for the envoy to present his gifts now that Governor Saburōzaemon had arrived or should he wait a while. He said he would confer with the other interpreters and let me know their decision. A junk arrived from Anhai.
17 Two large junks arrived from Anhai.
23 A junk arrived from Tonkin with 150 piculs of silk and some piece-goods. He reported that this season five junks had gone there, to wit three from Japan and two from China, which were all expected here with commodities.
25 The Lord of Karatsu, who is related to the Shogun,5 has arrived in Nagasaki. He came to view the ship and our lodgings. He left shortly after. The interpreters told me that with regard to our proposal of the 13th, the governors had given orders that because they are both unwell, Frisius will have to wait till further notice before he can present his gifts.
26 The second junk from Tonkin arrived. It brought a letter from Senior Merchant Schillemans. He wrote that the Company was not doing well in that region. This partly confirms the latest news. This season nine vessels had arrived there from different quarters, which had thwarted him in the trade, so that on 16 June he had only been able to obtain no more than 40 piculs of silk and few to none piece-goods for a very high price, which will give hardly any profit. Schillemans also wrote that life there was almost unbearable and the Company lodge, which has just been built, will have to be demolished shortly on the orders of the King. On the day after Whitsun our people had been harassed by the Chinese and one boatswain had been killed and five others badly injured. This is a sad affair.
27 I received another letter from Edo, dated 7 June. The contents are almost the same as the last one. Pyrotechnist Schedel had executed some task for a shogunal representative and it had been satisfactory. Both the representative and Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami had been pleased.
30 I received another letter from Bijlvelt and from Chikugo-no-kami a memorandum of medicines and rarities he wishes to receive from Holland.
31 The governors had the interpreters inform me that Commissioners Kutsuki Minbu-no-shō and Kanematsu Yagozaemon are expected here in two or three days to inspect Higo. He advised us to have the ship cleaned and to prepare the cannon for firing. We could take as much ammunition on board as needed to welcome the officials with salutes. I gave the master the necessary orders. Heaps of sand have been placed all over the island so that it can be strewn around in case they come to visit us.
August
5 The commissioners arrived in Nagasaki. The governors received them in state. The governors had given instructions that the ship should fly all flags.
6 Their Excellencies and Governor Saburōzaemon went to the Robijn where they stayed for an hour and a half. They inspected her from top to bottom. Two cannons were discharged, which they enjoyed. When they embarked, they moved a short distance and had them all fired. After this they sailed to the entrance of the bay to inspect the places there. When they returned, the ship’s sails were hoisted and furled. Then they went to have a meal with the governors. In the afternoon Minbu-no-shō’s secretary came with a large suite.
Arrival of the Witte Valk
7 In the morning the officials left for Arima with a suite of five hundred horses. They will also carry out an inspection there, we have been told. Around ten o’clock the governors let us know that there was a ship off shore. In the afternoon, the Witte Valk arrived in the roadstead. She had sailed from Tayouan with a cargo worth 139,187 guilders, consisting of 6826 catties of white raw silk, pansies, sugar, and 27,380 deerskins. Governor Verburch wrote that another ship will follow with the remaining goods.
8 On the governors’ orders, three burgemeesters came to inspect the warehouses to see if the caserossen were looking after them properly. They issued orders to have any defects repaired, especially to ensure there were neither burglaries or leaks. The bongiois came on the island and we went on board to muster the crew and read out the orders. We started to unload the ship and by the end of the day we were almost finished. The governors wanted to write to Edo about the ship’s arrival and they sent a bongiois and two interpreters to ask if there was any news about the Portuguese and why had the King of England been beheaded. I replied that I had received a letter from the Governor-General with the junk.
9 The ship has been relieved of all commodities and munitions. Boucheljon and I went on board to inspect the books and the papers. After this had been done, I thanked the bongiois for his efforts. He returned ashore with us to report to the governors that all had gone well. A junk arrived from Quinam, which is the first from that quarter.
10 I sent for the otona or supervisor of our island and the interpreters to tell them what goods we needed for Tayouan this year. I told them to ask the governors’ permission to export them so that everything will be ready in time when the ships sail. They promised to do so.
11 The interpreters told me that the junk which arrived from Quinam two days ago had claimed that a junk with Dutchmen on board bound for Tonkin had been captured off that coast. All their goods had been seized. They were then let go. What the truth of this is, time will tell.
12 The Company needs cash for expenses and I had the interpreters take out 4000 taels for two months at an interest of 12 mas per cent a month. I also paid for the camphor from this amount.
13 The interpreters told me that the governors would accept the envoy’s gifts within two or three days. They wished to know of what they consist. I told them and they thought the gifts rather large, but they would confer with the secretaries first. They would also let us know if he should also present gifts to the burgemeesters. A large junk arrived from Quinam.
14 The interpreters and the otona told me that the governors would not give permission to export timber, but the other commodities were allowed. Another junk arrived from Cambodia, much larger than the one from Quinam.
15 We prepared the gifts which Frisius will present tomorrow. The secretaries had cut them down by more than two-thirds. The governors will not accept large gifts. I received a letter from Bijlvelt, in which he again asks for medicines. The bottles of oils that have been sent were broken, the victims of careless porterage. He also writes that the pyrotechnist will soon attend to the grenades. They hope to come here before the departure of the ships, notwithstanding the prolonged illness of the Shogun.
18 The interpreters asked the governors for permission to accept the gifts and this was granted. The gifts were handed over and the interpreters were grateful for them.
19–21 Six junks arrived from Anhai, Quanzhou, and a large one from Quinam. They reported that nine vessels would come here this season. The interpreters told us that the Chinese from Anhai had told them that a large junk sailing from Batavia to Japan had gone for fresh water off the coast of China, where pirates – over 250 of them are lurking about there – had attacked them. We shall learn the truth of this.
22 The five interpreters came to ask why our ships are delayed and had not arrived with the Chinese at the height of the monsoon. They said that the trade was being retarded because the merchants cannot set the price and there were only fifty-four days left till the set day of departure. Whether or not the trade had been concluded, we had to leave on that day. I replied that those who sail the seas encounter many unexpected circumstances, which they should take into account. Furthermore, they could not speak of a departure till these people had come. They said that they did so on the orders of their superiors, to whom they had to report. I told them to tell the latter that every day we were looking forward to the arrival of the ships and could not think of a reason for their delay.
24 Rumours went round that a ship had arrived, but the governors did not send me any notice, because it was too far out at sea. Two junks arrived from Anhai. They told the governors that pirates from the island of Nanao or Hainan had caused the junk to lose its mast. The crew had been killed, and they had captured more junks along the coast of China which were on their way to Japan. They were attacking all the vessels they could. All junks which have arrived this year were armed with pieces of ordnance. All the interpreters were present in my room and I asked them for the relations of the deceased Japanese Jan or Sukezaemon, as written in Verburch’s letter. They told me that there was only a sister left, whose present whereabouts was unknown. I told them of our principals’ wishes, but when they understood the matter, they advised against going to the governors with the request. Kichibyōe gave an example of a similar case during the administration of Le Maire and at the time the governors had replied that they would not allow any ex-patriate Japanese to send anything to his friends for fear that he might be a Christian and we should not concern ourselves with matters like this and if we were found to do so, we would be punished. Their reluctance was clear and I did not push them. I shall let the matter run its course and shall write about it.
25 The governors had me informed that the look-out had spotted three white sails. I could send a barge with a couple of Dutchmen there to find out if they were ships. Thus I sent Boucheljon and Thijmonsz with the order that all Christian books and other such things should be put together and the chests should be inspected so that no rosaries or other papist ornaments would be found on inspection.
Arrival of the Vrede
26 In the morning the governors let us know that the look-out had spotted that the ship had lost its mast. They gave permission to send tow-boats there if we so wished. I sent the same men to find out what was the matter. They reported that the ship was the Vrede from Siam with Pieter Sterthemius, my successor, on board. On the 19th they had encountered such a violent storm off the north of Formosa that the hold had taken on more than six feet of water and they had been forced to cut the top mast and to jettison part of the cargo, consisting of sappanwood. Two days before, they had seen another ship which they thought was the Liefde, which had sailed with her from Siam. As soon as I had been given this news, I had thirty tow-boats go there to tow here into the roadstead.
27 I asked the governors if Sterthemius could come ashore. Because it was new moon and a Japanese holiday, I did not get permission till the afternoon. I mustered the crew and had the orders read out. The ship is in such a sorry state that it was a pity to behold. Most of the crew are ill.
28 We started to unload the ship. About forty bundles of silk were wet and many deerskins and cowhides were so rotten that, as they were taken out of the hold, they were thrown into the sea. A bundle of silk was missing.
29 We have been busy unloading the ship. Again we found many skins to be wet and rotten and they were giving off such a ghastly stench that the governors let us know that it was infecting their houses and they gave orders that the spoiled skins should be taken to the other side of the bay so that they would not have to suffer it. The interpreters also wanted to have the lead unloaded to be sold here and not to bother the governors with a request to ship it again, the more so because the Shogun is claiming it. One of the coolies working on the island stole two skeins of silk. This had been spotted by a supervisor and the coolie was thrown into prison. It is said that he will die there.
30 While we were unloading, we found that fourteen bundles of San Thome rayskins had decayed and many jars of lacquer had broken. The ship is almost empty but for the chests with lakenen and the lead. Notwithstanding the interpreters’ advice to the contrary, I asked the bongiois to request the governors on my behalf that the lead be left in the hold, and the hold to be left open so we could go in and out to carry out repairs. He promised to do so.
31 The governors informed me that a ship had been spotted. But she was too far out at sea for a vessel to be sent there. Furthermore, they gave orders to have the lead for the Shogun brought ashore, but the hold could remain open as long as the ship was being repaired. I had them thanked. Two of the cases with lakenen were found to be soaked. The goods were let out to dry. Two more junks arrived from Quanzhou and Zhoushan.
September
Arrival of the Liefde
1 The governors permitted me to send Junior Merchant Oetgens with Assistant Le Seuter to meet the ship and to give her instructions about stowing the Christian books.
Arrival of the Koning van Polen
2 In the morning we went to the Liefde to muster the crew. The master told us that he had also encountered a severe storm, but not as many goods as in the Vrede had been soaked. He also told us that at 21 degrees north latitude he had seized a Cambodian junk, of which nineteen Chinese had been set ashore on the Chinese coast. Twenty-seven others and five Cambodians had been left on the junk, nine Dutchmen had been added to the crew to sail it to Tayouan. This is a very small number and they might have met with an accident. According to him, a number of them had been locked in the hold and to make room for them, 108 jars of lacquer had been transferred to his ship, for they were full and of good quality. This raised our concern, fearing that this might lead to rumblings among the Japanese for it cannot be kept secret. After I had discussed it with Sterthemius, I told the interpreters to prevent it being found out later, for we do not want to give the governors any cause for displeasure. They put it in writing as follows: the ship had encountered the junk off Hainan with a prince’s flag. Its home port was found to be Cambodia and it pretended that it was sailing to Tayouan to request a pass. Our people had told them that they would send a pilot and some sailors to the junk to guide it. They had sailed along for two days, when the Chinese rose against them and nineteen of them had been put ashore in China on the 19th and they had sailed with the rest to Tayouan. The interpreters would tell this to the governors. The governors were not at all pleased.
The Koning van Polen, hailing directly from Batavia, arrived in the roadstead with Senior Merchant Jan de Groot on board. She had been under way for forty-three days. We went on board to muster the crew and to read out the orders.
Arrival of the Zwarte Beer
3–4 We have been busy unloading the Liefde. The flute the Zwarte Beer arrived. She had to cut her top mast on 6 August because of a violent storm off Macao and she had lost her rudder. There was over five feet of water in the hold. Senior Merchant Philips Schillemans had died on 22 June. Merchant Jacob Keyser had traded the entire capital.
5–6 We have unloaded the Koning van Polen. Because the largest alcatief for the Shogun had not been packed carefully, it had been drenched during the storm and was spoiled. The governors were very sorry about this. The fashion and the floral patterns were much to their liking. In the afternoon we started to unload the Beer. Over two hundred bundles of silk came out half soaked and forty bundles had disintegrated. The master complained that the ship had not been properly ballasted in Tayouan, because Schillemans had written to him that there was enough stone in Tonkin, but he did not find as much as had been claimed and he had been forced to throw in sand which had clogged the pumps during the storm and all the sand and dirt had seeped between the bundles and spoilt the silk. Late in the evening, Governor Saburōzaemon sent an interpreter to inform us that new sampans had to be made because these were old. They had withheld their permission previously, but they had found that the unloading was progressing too slowly. I cannot argue with this, because the new ones are urgently needed. I had the governor thanked for his consideration.
7 Early in the morning, the interpreters came to notify me that the governors had given orders that we should have the sampans made promptly so that the ships could be loaded speedily when the time came. I told them that this was not possible and they were not needed for the loading of the ships this year, because the two ships which will sail for Siam will take on nothing and the ship on which the ambassador would leave would also sail to Batavia empty.
8 We have been busy washing and drying the silk. In the evening the young regent Heizō came to visit us. He has been appointed in his brother’s place this year. One of the principal shogunal physicians, who had come to treat Governor Gonpachirō, also visited us. We entertained them as best as we could and after they had partaken of some tent wine and sakana they left.
9 The governors informed us that they had received a letter from Edo that all our fellow Dutchmen were healthy and the grenades have been prepared for the mortars. They will be fired on the 5th of the 8th month, which is 31 August. Then they would be dismissed. In the afternoon, on the governors’ orders, Burgemeester Sakuemon came to inspect the alcatieven. He had the exact measurements noted. He enjoyed some wine and sakana before he left.
11 I had Kichibyōe inquire if the governors had already reached a decision on the opening of trade.
12 In the morning the weather had abated and the ships returned to their mooring, except for the flute the Valk, which had weighed anchor and had run aground where she remained stuck. The governors sent the town’s supervisors onto the island to look after everything. They had a bamboo fence erected as had been done during the administration of Overtwater on 19 September 1645.
13 The governors gave orders that the heads of the five shogunal cities and the Burgemeesters of Nagasaki meet to settle the pancado of the silk.
14 I had the interpreters inquire whether the pancado had been settled and to urge the burgemeesters to make haste, all the more so because we have little time to trade. Shortly after, they reported that they had been to Burgemeester Sakuemon and they were busy settling it and tomorrow I would learn their decision.
15 Sukezaemon came to tell me that the pancado had been settled: for the first quality 500 taels, for the second 470 taels and for the third 430 taels. In the evening the burgemeesters and the heads of the cities came onto the island to sing the same old song. They offered less and we negotiated. Finally, because they claim that we do not import any cabessa, the bariga was fixed at 470 taels and the pee at 430 taels.
16 We have been busy putting goods on view.
17 The governors informed me that a ship had been spotted off the western coast of the Gotō Isles. It was mastless and could not sail in as the wind was against it.
18 We have held the first sale, which was disappointing. The Bengal silk raised 233 taels and the Tonkin silk 174 taels less than last year. The interpreters say that this is caused by the large imports by the Chinese, and, furthermore, because the merchants had purchased the silk for such high prices last year that the principal ones among them had been ruined. This was not only the case with the silk, but with all commodities and will harm the Company this year, and added to this was the interloping by these ships and the cargoes they brought, which cannot be helped. We can only be patient and pray to the Lord for some improvement. Today the governors received a letter from the Lord of Gotō, in which he wrote that the ship had no sails. Therefore, he asked for two sails. They were sent with an interpreter, to wit, a jib and a topsail, so that she could sail hither. I sent a letter asking them to write us how they were and whence they came.
Arrival of the Hulst
19–21 We have been delivering goods and putting more out on view. The yacht the Hulst sailed around the bight of the bay, denuded of her bowsprit, jib, and the big topmast. She carried a cargo worth 60,306 guilders, consisting of 27 piculs of raw silk, 500 piculs of sugar, and 40,000 deerskins. They will yield little profit here. The violent storm had made them fear they would lose ship and crew. Two men had been kept in Gotō. They will be brought here with a small vessel. Because contrary wind impeded her progress, I sent tow-boats to tow her into the roadstead.
23 We have held a sale and, apart from the cinnamon, the prices were a little higher. According to the interpreters, this is because the ship has arrived and the merchants now know that no more are coming. Otherwise, they would think that the goods would have raised less than the first sale. Because of the late arrival of the ships, they cannot make their calculations. While we were holding the sale, we received a letter from Willem Bijlvelt in Edo, in which he wrote that the pyrotechnist had successfully fired the mortars on the 30th and 31st of last month, and the 1st of this month in the presence of Makino Sado-no-kami and Chikugo-no-kami. The Shogun and all the other officials had been very pleased. He had appointed two of his principal master gunners to be taught this art, which will take a while. In the meantime, the expenses have run high, according to Bijlvelt.6
24 I sent the letter for Bijlvelt to the governors’ residence. We have delivered some goods to the merchants.
25 Stormy weather and we could not do anything. The bongioisen came on the island for the timber for the Vrede. I asked them to request the governors’ permission to unload the Hulst, because otherwise there would be no time to repair her and step the masts. They promised to do so. Today the interpreters came to take note of the presents for the governors. They were pleased with them and said they would confer. In the evening a fierce wind rose. The Chinese junk which had sailed from Batavia via Siam and which had not been ballasted properly, capsized, notwithstanding it had 300 piculs of copper and 100 piculs of iron on board. The shape of the keel will make it very difficult to right it again.
27 Hard winds.
28 We have started to unload the Hulst. The rest of the goods which we sold on the 23rd have been delivered. The interpreters told us that the gifts for the governors needed to be increased somewhat. We added a length of laken, ten pansies, and ten pelangs. They approved of this.
30 We went to the Hulst to inspect the papers and the books. We put out some goods to be sold tomorrow. In the evening, while we were sitting at table, the interpreters came with some knives which one of the sailors, whom they refused to name, had sold to a Japanese. On the handles the Passion, crosses, and other papist symbols had been etched with nitric acid. Someone had shown them to the governors. They had asked the Jesuit Chūan for an explanation. When they became aware of its significance, they had us sharply questioned if we had any knowledge of it. We apologized profusely and declared our innocence. We had observed all the shogunal orders when the ships were inspected in the presence of the bongiois. These knives had been sold afterwards. The interpreters would report our answers, but they would return tomorrow for further questioning.
October
1 Kichibyōe came to my room and also requested the presence of Sterthemius. He asked us again what answers he should give the governors. We repeated what we had said. Each master put his mark on his work without any mistrust. We would insert in the placard that nothing which had any mark or letters on it should be sold by our people. He and his colleagues went to report on this. An hour later they returned and said that the governors had accepted our apologies because it was the first time, but we should not bring any such thing to Japan in future or the captain’s life and the welfare of the Company would be at stake. They had much more to say, but none would say what had caused it, although I asked them insistently. We had the governors thanked and promised them that we would keep a close eye on everything.
2 Today is a Japanese holiday and nothing could be done.7
3 The governors urged us again to be ready at the appointed time. The interpreters told me that the gifts will be presented the day after tomorrow. I had presentation trays made.
4 Today is another holiday and we could not deliver any goods, which is an inconvenience.
In the afternoon I received a letter from Merchant Bijlvelt and an extract from his dagregister. I read that all was well at the Court and the Shogun was pleased with the firing of the mortars and the progress of the instruction on a small redoubt built by the pyrotechnist according to Chikugo-no-kami’s wishes. His Excellency had informed the Shogun of this. They would not be dispatched before the arrival of the opperhoofd in Edo, for the Shogun wished to have some more information from the pyrotechnist and to that end he had had the two pieces of ordnance, which had been presented to him, taken to Edo by sea to be tried out at his pleasure. This is all written more extensively in his dagregister.8
5 When we had prepared ourselves to present the gifts, the interpreters came to tell us that the governors had too much to do and had postponed it till tomorrow. They also said that our fellow Dutchmen are free to walk around in Edo. We shall find out the truth of this.
6 Sterthemius and I went to the governors to present them the gifts. We first went to Saburōzaemon. He accepted them with pleasure and only said that he was pleased that our affairs at Court had gone well this year and that the Shogun had taken pleasure in the exercises of the pyrotechnist and had ordered that the Dutchmen stay in Edo till the arrival of the opperhoofd.
7 We have loaded the Beer. She has taken eighty lasten of rice from the Koning van Polen, plus schuitzilver, wheat, flour, and beans.
8 The Beer being full, we started to load part of the goods and provisions for Tayouan in the Koning van Polen, consisting mainly of schuitzilver, rice, and zeekatten.
9 Goods have been delivered to the merchants. Some more goods have been loaded onto the Beer and the Koning van Polen so they can sail for Tayouan tomorrow. I have received permission to remain for four or five days after the appointed day.
Departure of the Zwarte Beer and the Koning van Polen
11 The heads of the five shogunal cities came onto the island to sort and weigh the pancado silk. When they opened the canasters the silk was found to be so inferior that they would not accept it for the agreed price. While we were sitting at the table, Kichibyōe came to address us about it – when we inspected the silk, we found that it was indeed coarse – and asked for a reduction. We would not agree to this and they closed the warehouses and left. In the afternoon, Kichibyōe informed me that the heads had told Burgemeester Sakuemon how inferior the silk was and they had decided to reckon 20 to 30 catties less per picul. On behalf of Sakuemon, he had come to tell us this and to find out what our thoughts were. Sterthemius was present and both of us told him that we could not yield to such unreasonableness. His Honour and the heads had settled the pancado without consulting us and a contract had been made. Now that they saw that the merchants’ other silk had been sold for a low price, they came with preposterous objections. Furthermore, the purchase price for the silk had been more than the pancado price.
Departure of the Robijn and the Vrede
13 We have loaded the Liefde. The raw silk has been weighed. No more than 347 catties of bariga and 5963.5 catties of pee were accepted. The rest we had to keep. The governors let us know that we could sell it as we liked. A few of our personnel whose contracts have expired have been given a five-year contract with an increase in pay and promotion if merited.
14 We have loaded rice, copper, and tobacco on the Valk, apart from the goods for Tonkin. We intend to dispatch it to Tayouan tomorrow, the 20th of the Japanese month, together with the Liefde.
Departure of the Witte Valk and the Gekroonde Liefde
15 The Valk and the Liefde sailed for Tayouan. We have put out the remaining goods to sell them with the rejected pancado silk tomorrow. In the afternoon Kichibyōe came for the document for the Lord of Hirado to show it to Burgemeester Sakuemon. According to him, the latter had asked him for it, wishing to see if it could be delivered to His Honour without the governors’ knowledge. About an hour later, Kichibyōe came with one of his colleagues to tell us that Sakuemon advised us, to be on the safe side, to keep the document as a last will and testament.
16 We have sold the last commodities. Of the raw pancado silk, the Tayouanese fetched no more than 348 taels and the Batavian 263 taels per picul, which is a great loss. The heads of the cities, who were present, were laughing about it, notwithstanding that they were the cause of this low price. It would be better if the Company sent the raw silk to the Netherlands for a year or two till it rises again here, where we lose on it and are being mocked as well.
17 Kichibyōe told me that Governor Saburōzaemon had been shown yesterday’s price. He let us know that he was pleased that all the Company’s goods had been sold and he recommended I prepare for my departure.
18–19 We have been busy packing the camphor and delivering the remaining goods. Today a junk arrived from Quanzhou, belonging to Iquan’s son, with raw silk, pelangs, pansies, gielams, and medicines. It reported that four other richly-laden junks would follow, which depressed the merchants. The silk which the heads had rejected would have sold for even less, had it not already been sold. We also learnt that the Chinese from Tonkin, who had come with a capital of 80,000 taels, was still sitting here with all his silk unsold and he would not sail for Tonkin this year.
20 The books have been balanced and we found that this year we have made a clear profit of 41.5 per cent on a cargo of 915,844 guilders, which is very different from the previous years.
21 I have been busy inspecting everything so that I can hand all over properly. I have also settled the accounts.
22 The interpreters came to tell me that we should offer the governors to have new alcatieven made for the Shogun conform to the old models, because the ones sent this year were spoilt. After I had conferred with Sterthemius, I sent them with this offer to the governors. Shortly after, they reported that Gonpachirō was very ill, but Saburōzaemon was very pleased with the offer, because this showed that we were willing to oblige the Shogun. The governor had long intended to tell us this, but because of his extra duties due to Gonpachirō’s illness, it had slipped his mind. A certain Japanese who claims to have some knowledge of it would patch up this year’s alcatieven, but he is not expected to have much success.
24 Sterthemius and I went to the governors to bid them farewell and to thank them for all the favours they had extended towards me. We first went to Saburōzaemon. I also asked him to do likewise towards Sterthemius. His Honour replied that he was pleased that the two-year differences between the Company and the Shogun had been settled. He would also extend the same favours towards the new captain and when the captain travelled to Edo, Saburōzaemon’s noblemen would escort him. Gonpachirō had to keep to his bed, but his secretary extended us the same courtesy. We thanked them both and returned to our lodgings. In the afternoon, in the presence of all the Company staff, I authorized Sterthemius as head of the factory. Saburōzaemon instructed me to have the alcatieven made without a border at the one end, so that they can be joined together and their length extended. I let him know that they could be made longer and a sample of the desired length should be supplied. He had it done promptly. It should be made to the old width and to the length of the accompanying sample. He also asked for an extraordinary telescope with an exceptional lens for himself. He did not mind the expense, and he did not care if the tube was made of tin. I promised to inform my superiors.
As Buzen Province consists of more than one domain, it is impossible to identify this lord.
Juriaen Schedel was also known as Johan Schedler. See Willman, Olof Eriksson, The Journal of Olof Eriksson Willman: From His Voyage to the Dutch East Indies and Japan, 1648–1654, transl., annot., introd. Blomberg, Catharina (Leiden: Global Oriental, 2014), pp. 29, 84 n. 33.
For information on Schamberger, see Michel, Wolfgang: Von Leipzig nach Japan. Der Chirurg und Handelsmann Caspar Schamberger (1623–1706) (München: Iudicium, 1999), and “Der Ost-Indischen und angrenzenden Königreiche, vornehmste Seltenheiten betreffende kurze Erläuterung” – Neue Funde zum Leben und Werk des Leipziger Chirurgen und Handelsmanns Caspar Schamberger (1623–1706) (Fukuoka: Hana-Shoin, 2010).
See 15, 16 and 21 October 1646.
Ōkubo Tadamoto’s maternal grandmother was Tokugawa Ieyasu’s eldest daughter.
For the list of expenses, see NFJ 1168.
The Kunchi Festival.
No manuscript of this dagregister is extant in the archives of the VOC or the NFJ. A copy was used by Arnoldus Montanus for his book Gedenckwaerdige Gesantschappen … aan de Kaisaren van Japan (Amsterdam: Jacob van Meurs, 1669). See Hesselink, Reinier H., ‘Memorable Embassies: the secret history of Arnoldus Montanus’ Gedenkwaerdige Gesantschappen’, Quærendo, 32/1–2 (2002), pp. 99–123.