1650
October
Departure of the Hulst
26 On behalf of Governor Saburōzaemon, the interpreters came to inquire when I intended to undertake the journey to Edo. I told them when it pleased His Honour to give me permission to do so, but I would like Governor Gonpachirō, whose turn it is this year to travel to Edo, to travel before or with us, for he and Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami take care of our affairs there and without their intercession we could not achieve anything. When the governor was informed of my reply, he was pleased. However, it was unlikely that the governor would be travelling to Edo this year, for he had been ailing for a long time and he was still poorly. I could set off when I pleased. He would send his favourable commendations to the Court and he did not doubt that we would be given an early dispatch. I had him thanked for his courteous reply and let him know that I would be ready on the 20th of their month, which is 13 November.
27 The interpreters came to the lodge. Because for some years now the yield of camphor has been low and subsequently also the amount to be exported, which has led to the ruin of several merchants who used to collect it from time to time and the others have no desire to resume the trade,
28 Governor Saburōzaemon had me informed that Merchant Bijlvelt and the other Dutchmen left Edo fourteen days ago and had already arrived in Osaka. They are expected here in eight to ten days.
29–31 Nothing noteworthy happened. Every day several junks departed for various regions.
November
1 Three Chinese junks arrived from Fuzhou. Their cargoes consisted mainly of drugs, some pansies and raw silk. This can be seen in the separate record which is being kept.
2 The interpreters came to inspect the gifts which I intend to take to Edo. They claimed they had to inform the governors.
4 I sent Sukezaemon to Governor Saburōzaemon to ask his advice about whether it would be advisable – for our companions are expected from Edo soon, as His Honour informed us a few days ago – to remain here till their arrival, in case they were bringing some recommendations from Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami. He replied that I could do as I pleased, but that he thought it advisable to remain here till that time. I promised to do so.
6 The otona or supervisor of this island asked for a pass for a certain junk from Cochin China. I told him I could not oblige him, unless the governor gave me express orders to do so, because we are at variance with the prince of that country. He said that this was not an order of the governor, but it was his own request without the governor’s knowledge. I learnt that the renegade Jesuit father who lived here for about forty years and whom we called Chūan died and departed for the Elysian Fields yesterday.
10 The interpreters came to inform me that Governor Gonpachirō, who had kept to his room for several months suffering from diarrhoea, died last night. His demise is greatly regretted and many people are mourning him. Governor Saburōzaemon has issued orders, carrying heavy penalties, that no shops in the town should open their doors for three days and for six weeks no celebrations are allowed. We have been requested to respect this and not to sound the trumpets during that period. I promised we would not do so. I sent the interpreters to Governor Saburōzaemon to convey our condolences. He accepted them and let me know that we had lost a good friend, but that he was still alive and he would assist us as best as he could, we could rely on that. I had him thanked and let him know that we relied fully on his benevolence towards us.
13 A hayafune or fast vessel arrived from Hirado. It brought the news that the Dutch from Edo had arrived there yesterday and would arrive here today.
14 Merchant Wilhem Bijlvelt and the three other Dutchmen arrived from Edo. They reported that all had gone well there and His Majesty had been exceptionally pleased with the pyrotechnist’s performance, which contributed to a great respect for the Dutch nation.
16 The joint interpreters told me that they had been to Burgemeester Sakuemon’s house and had discussed my request of the 2nd with him. He also thought it fair and reasonable, but for reasons the interpreters did not want to disclose, he advised me to wait till a more opportune moment. I had to accept this, for all we can do is obey. It is certain that we shall have to suffer the old vexations like in previous years.
18 The Chinese nachoda Siqua had Interpreter Sukezaemon inform me that he intended to sail to Batavia shortly. If I wished to send any letters, I should prepare them. I sent the interpreter straight to Governor Saburōzaemon to ask his permission. He granted this and asked to remind Their Honours of the spyglasses and the alcatief, which Brouckhorst had been asked to take care of. I promised to do so.
20 I handed the interpreters my letter, which would be given to the Chinese nachoda by the governor.
22 The otona came to my house and repeated his request of the 6th for four passes and as many prince’s flags for four Chinese junks belonging to Cochin China. I refused again. I told him that I was certain that the junks could safely sail to and from Japan. The governors had urged the envoy1 and my predecessor to commend the Governor-General and Councillors of the Indies that if they encountered any of our ships, no harm should befall them and the Governor of Tayouan had also been advised of this. He thought that if this was true, the passes would only add to the security of the Chinese. I stuck to my reply. When he realized that he could not obtain them, he gave up.
23 Everything is ready for our journey. Merchant Bijlvelt and I went to Governor Saburōzaemon and I took my leave and requested his favourable intercession at Court for a successful audience and an early dispatch, the more so because Governor Gonpachirō – whose turn it would have been to travel to Edo and advocate our cause at Court – had died. He gave his promise and added that there were no differences at all at present and he would commend us to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami and the other councillors. We should not harbour any doubts about the successful outcome and an early dispatch.
Court journey
In the barge
24 We embarked in the afternoon. Our party numbers six Dutchmen and 26 Japanese, including bongioisen, interpreters and servants. The remaining residents accompanied us on board. The burgemeester of the island and other interpreters and their sons joined us to bid us farewell and presented us with gifts as is customary, but mainly in order to receive gifts in return. They took their leave after we had treated them in our manner and had given them an appropriate present. We rowed to the mouth of the bay, more out of custom than because of a contrary wind. We had to remain there till the next day.
25 We set sail and around noon we passed Seto. In the evening, we dropped anchor off Kawachi-ura off the domain of Hirado.
26 We passed Hirado and entered the Bay of Tasuke where we had to stay.
29 The weather was fair and we weighed anchor. We reached the Bay of Yobuko where we were obliged to remain because of contrary wind, according to the skipper.
December
5 A stiff north-westerly wind rose and we set sail. We reached Shimonoseki in the evening.
8 We had to remain here because of contrary wind. In the afternoon, a sudden hard north-westerly wind rose.
9 Last night a storm blew up. When the weather calmed, we weighed anchor and made extraordinary progress. We quickly passed Kaminoseki but a counter-current forced us to stay in the Bay of Tsuwa.
10 We set sail and in the afternoon we passed Tadanoumi and in the evening Bingo-no-Tomo.
11 At dawn we reached Ushimado, where we stayed till the afternoon because of a contrary wind and counter-current. Then we set sail again and by sailing and rowing we reached the Bay of Muro in the evening.
15 The bongioisen and the interpreters agreed to stay here because of the hard wind even though it blew in a favourable direction. The wind having abated, many of the barges lying here left and I would have liked to have done likewise, but was not able to convince them or the skipper to do so. So we remained here.
16 Fine, clear weather with a north-westerly wind, but I could not induce the bongioisen to weigh anchor until they noticed that both small and large barges were leaving and, ashamed, they ordered the skipper to set sail. We arrived in Hyōgo in the afternoon, where we had to remain because of the strong north-westerly wind.
18 Because the weather remained the same, I had the gifts transferred to four small rented barges.
In Osaka
20 I went to pay my respects to the governors with an appropriate gift for them, consisting of fabrics [itemized], and also for their secretaries. They accepted the gifts gratefully and promised to send us a pass. The second governor, Matsudaira Hayato-sama, had left for Edo a few days ago, but his secretary accepted the gift on his behalf.
21 Because the Grootrechter of Miyako had travelled to Edo, the governor sent us the pass with an apology that yesterday he had not entertained us with fruits as usual. We let him know that we valued his favour towards us more than any entertainment. I learnt that a certain Chinese junk had arrived in Nagasaki with the news that the Tartars were still wreaking havoc in China and pursuing victory and that Fuzhou and Nanking had been razed to the ground. Time will tell if these are not feigned rumours spread by the Chinese to obtain a quick sale of their commodities. The price of silk here and in Miyako has risen by 25 taels per picul.
In Miyako
23 About two hours before daybreak we set off. We lunched in Hirakata and reached Miyako in the evening. I wished to continue on our journey the following day, but the bongioisen and the interpreters were reluctant to do so and kept us back two extra days.
1651
January
In Edo
5 Forty-three days after our departure from Nagasaki, we arrived in Edo. I sent the interpreters straight to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami to announce our arrival. He was very pleased and commiserated with us on the long and vexatious journey. He inquired how many Dutchmen had accompanied me and also if the men who had left here had arrived safely in Nagasaki. On my instruction, the interpreters gave him the names of the Dutchmen in writing and informed him that the others had arrived in good health. We thanked him for his fatherly care. He was pleased, in particular that we had brought along the surgeon who had been here before.2 He would send for us tomorrow. Shortly after, I received a note from His Honour that the surgeon should go to his residence early in the morning.
6 I sent the surgeon to the commissioner’s house, who, I was told, had been very pleased. He had asked him extensively about [my] affairs, namely had [I] arrived directly from the Netherlands, had I served the Company in other places in the Indies and did [I] know Portuguese? [The surgeon] had replied to the best of his knowledge.
7 Chikugo-no-kami sent Interpreter Magobei to ask for the goods we had brought for him. He would like to see them. He also informed us that we should go to his house early in the morning so that he could see and talk to us in person.
8 Merchant Boucheljon, Junior Merchant Gageldonck, the surgeon, and I went to the commissioner’s house. After a short wait we were ushered into a large inner hall. The commissioner appeared shortly after. He congratulated us again on our safe arrival at this cold time and after a difficult journey. We reciprocated and told him that we were grateful for his benevolence towards us, in particular for his services last year during the embassy and the care he had taken with the safe return of the Dutch who had stayed behind in Edo to serve the Shogun after the envoy’s departure.3
9 Chikugo-no-kami sent for the surgeon to inspect the medicines he had brought and to write down the names in Japanese. When he returned, he said that the commissioner had told him
10 When Hachizaemon went to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami’s residence, his secretary told him that, as I was doing now, the previous opperhoofden had come here primarily to pay homage to the Shogun and present him with gifts to show our gratitude for his benevolence that we may trade here in peace. But usually, in spite of being permitted to trade in Nagasaki, these men had brought along so many commodities, which were then sold here, so that one could assume that we were more interested in trade than in paying homage to His Majesty. Many people, in particular those who are envious of us, regard this as an insult and a sign of disrespect by the Dutch. Because he was our friend, he informed us of this as a warning and to preclude it happening again. We replied that we were grateful for his warning and at the next opportunity we would tell him that it was true, as the interpreter was also aware, that our predecessors brought a larger amount of each type of commodity to prevent us being short of any. The reason for this was that every year the gifts were usually selected here and it was not known beforehand with any certainty which goods or how many would be selected.
11–12 Nothing noteworthy has happened. Some gentlemen ordered some small things through Chikugo-no-kami.
13 Interpreter Magobei told us that His Honour was pleased with the selection of the gifts. It is hoped that we shall be received in audience soon, on the 28th of their month, which is the 19th of this month. We shall be notified of this shortly.
15 In the evening, Chikugo-no-kami sent for the interpreters and the landlord. He handed them some sable furs and bezoar stones which he had taken a few days ago from the ones which we had brought here as gifts. Tomorrow they will be presented on our behalf to the Councillors Izu-no-kami, Bungo-no-kami and Abe Tsushima-no-kami, at whose request His Honour asked us for them. He thought it advisable to do so, because this would induce these gentlemen to arrange an early audience for us.
17 The interpreters told us that the reason for postponing the delivery of the bezoar stones was the one mentioned yesterday. However, he had now ordered to send the aforesaid gentlemen one each – as has been done – and to keep the others till the planned presentation of gifts.
18 Chikugo-no-kami had his interpreter inform us that tomorrow, which is the 28th day of their month, or the 1st of the next new month, which is the 22nd of this month, we shall surely be granted an audience by His Majesty. Therefore we should prepare and be ready by that time. We sent to thank His Honour for this good news and promised that we would be ready.
19 In the evening, the son of Governor Saburōzaemon came with several nobles to greet us. But the main reason was to see what rarities we had brought for His Majesty and his son. They also gave us hope that we shall be given audience on the 1st of their next month. We expressed our pleasure and gratitude. We were also assured that his father’s recommendation would earn us an early dispatch. We apologized that, because of the delayed arrival of the ships from the fatherland, we had not been able to bring any rarities of importance.
21 We have been eagerly waiting for Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami’s order to appear before His Majesty tomorrow. The interpreters came to tell us that, contrary to His Honour’s hopes and expectations, His Majesty had not said a word about it. He could imagine that we were very unhappy about this long delay and that the expenses for the Company were running high, but we should be patient. He would do all he could to obtain an early dispatch for us.
22 We received a letter from Nagasaki written by Merchants Wilhem Bijlvelt, Thijmonsz and Jacob le Seuter, dated the 7th of this month, in which they informed us that all was well and that every day good progress was being made in the rebuilding of the pantry, the buttery and the house of the bongioisen, which had all been blown down in the last storm and had been washed away. There was good hope that everything would be in place on our return. But owing to the unreasonable behaviour of the interpreters, they had postponed having the sampans built until our return. Moreover, they had calculated that each would cost the Company 1000 taels, while the previous ones had been built for 120–130 taels each. The difference is too great. It is sad that we have to suffer these annoyances from this grafting bunch and are incapable of doing anything about it.
29 Nothing noteworthy has happened during the past days. We have not heard anything from Chikugo-no-kami other than the summons for the surgeon to attend to some sick people. I thought it advisable to remind His Honour of our audience, the more so because the 15th of their month, which is a day on which audiences are ordinarily held, is fast approaching. I sent the interpreters to his residence. They returned in the afternoon well pleased. They were of the opinion that the audience would soon be granted, because His Honour had told them in person that we were always in his thoughts and he would see to it that we be taken to His Majesty shortly. We are looking forward to it.
February
1 Today Magobei went to the house of Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami. His Honour had asked him how we were and whether we were displeased about this long delay. He said that he had told him that we were well and that we still felt assured of his good feelings towards us and that he would do his best to seek an early and propitious dispatch.
2 Interpreter Hachizaemon came to inform us that a few rapados or shaven-headed men of the Court had told him that the councillors had had a discussion at the Court about the Dutch, but it was unknown what decision they had taken. We hope that we shall receive some good news shortly.
4 One of the principal servants of Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami came with one of the sons of the late Governor Gonpachirō and another nobleman to greet us. They commiserated with us about our protracted stay here and gave us hope for an audience soon. We said that we were pleased and grateful for this favourable news, although no store can be set upon it and it is merely Japanese politeness. After they had been entertained, they took their leave.
5 We had looked forward to this day, having been given hope so often by Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami and other nobles at the Court that today, being the 15th of the Japanese month, we would be given audience, but no mention has been made of this. I decided to sound out the interpreters about the reason for this and to tell them that as far as we were aware, there were no differences. All had been smoothed out satisfactorily last year with the appearance of the envoy. Furthermore, Chikugo-no-kami had told us on the 18th of last month that we would be given audience on the 28th of last month or the 1st of this month.
6 I sent a letter to Wilhem Bijlvelt, Thijmonsz, and Jacob le Seuter in reply to the one I received on the 22nd of last month. I wrote of our safe arrival and what else has happened here. I advised them that, if it were not possible to contract for the construction of the sampans at last year’s price of 120–130 taels each, they should wait till my return. I refer to the letter-book.
10 The Shōgatsu or Japanese New Year is approaching and all we have heard about our audience or when it is planned is that it will not take place before the Shōgatsu and it might be a long while, because the councillors are very busy. On the advice of the interpreters, I decided to send a request to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami asking to speak to him in person about our case, for then he will undoubtedly pay more attention to it than were the interpreters to speak to him. He let me know that he was very busy because of the Shōgatsu, but when he could spare some time, he would send for me.
12 The interpreters informed me that today Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami brought our case to the attention of the councillors.
14 Chikugo-no-kami sent for the bezoar stones which are left, apart from the ones which have been designated as gifts. I had Hachizaemon take them to him. On his return he said that His Honour had told him to inform us that every day he was busy having various models made, of this and that, so that we could order them from Batavia and thence from the Netherlands. We should bear in mind that all the things that he ordered every year were not for himself, but for various other gentlemen and the most important nobles here.
18 Nothing noteworthy happened during the past days. We just had some visits from some nobles, who tried to feed us with idle hopes of an early dispatch. The interpreters told us that last night about two hundred houses had burnt down. Also that today, being the 28th of the Japanese month, several gentlemen and nobles had been granted an audience with His Majesty. We hope that we shall be granted one shortly.
19 Last night another extraordinarily great fire raged. According to some people it consumed about three hundred houses. Interpreter Magobei went to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami’s house this morning. He told me that – because our previous request had produced no result and this was a good opportunity –
22 The heads of the five shogunal cities, who arrived here a few days ago to pay their respects to the Shogun according to annual custom, visited us. They told us that they will appear before him tomorrow. Magobei told us that he had been told for a fact that they will lose 70 taels per picul on the raw silk they purchased this year. Nonetheless, the councillors and Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami had warned them that
23 Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami’s interpreter came to our lodgings and after some light conversation, he said that it was unlikely that we would deliver our presents to His Majesty before the 20th of their month4 and even that was unsure. He was daily occupied receiving various gentlemen. It was true that we had been told differently by his master, that we would be received in audience in four or five days, but this had been done for courtesy’s sake. We should put it out of our minds and could be sure of the contrary. This is a meagre consolation. It is a regrettable matter, which shows disrespect and contempt for the Dutch nation and for the Company, the more so because it is said that there is no disagreement of any kind, but everything is as it should be. Furthermore, we are told every day that anyone who requests an audience is granted one. It seems that this proud nation wants us to suffer this humiliating vexation with forbearance.
March
4 Nothing noteworthy has happened in the past days. All we heard from Chikugo-no-kami was the idle hope of an early dispatch with which he kept feeding us, like today, when he had Magobei tell us that we were constantly in his thoughts and that he was sorry about this long delay. He had spoken to the councillors several times, but they had not yet given a decision when it would take place. Nonetheless, he hoped that soon it would be all over.
6 The surgeon said that Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami’s interpreter had told him for a fact that our audience would not take place before the 1st or the 15th of their next month, which is the 22nd of this month or 5 April. When the time came, he was certain that we would not have to stay here much longer. In sum, all their actions clearly show that – as stated on the 8th of last month – they surely intend to keep us here for two or three months every year before we shall be allowed to hand over our gifts. Besides the contempt and disrespect which is displayed by this, it is a very costly business for the Company and a sorry affair for its servants, for everything here is strictly regulated and it feels like being kept in a civil prison.
9 I wrote a note to accompany my last letter of the 6th to our friends in Nagasaki, in which I advised them to urge the otona and the landlords to undertake the necessary repairs to the houses according to annual custom.
12 The interpreters went to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami’s house today. They said that His Honour had been in an excellent mood. He had told them that His Majesty had been poorly for some days, but that he had recovered completely. Thus it might happen that we would appear before him in four or five days. Because of the many wrongful reports, we just took it for the same old tales and Japanese compliments. Time will tell for sure.
17 I had a talk with Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami’s interpreter, who was somewhat intoxicated.
20 In the afternoon, Chikugo-no-kami unexpectedly let us know by an express messenger from the Court that today the councillors had set our audience with His Majesty for the day after tomorrow and that with the Prince6 – who had moved from the shogunal palace and now kept his own court – one or two days after. Therefore, we should be ready at that time. We promised that we would be ready.
21 While we were busy setting ready the gifts which we intended to present to His Majesty tomorrow – following the order we received yesterday – Chikugo-no-kami sent another express message from the Court that the councillors would be busy tomorrow and therefore the audience has been postponed for another two days. It will be on the 3rd of their month, which is the 24th of this month. They intend to accept the gifts for the Shogun and the Prince on the same day. Like yesterday, we promised to follow his instructions.
Audience
24 Around eight o’clock in the morning, I went with my party to the palace. On arrival, we were taken to the ordinary waiting-room by Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami. He congratulated us on the honour which was about to be bestowed on us. We should wait there till everything was ready. While we were waiting, many noblemen visited us, including Makino Sado-no-kami, who came to look at us with the commissioner. Nothing worth mentioning was said. When the time came, I was taken inside to the Councillors Sanuki-no-kami and Izu-no-kami, who represented His Majesty. The other Dutchmen were ordered to go as far as the hallway, in sight of them. Then, in the old manner, with knees bent and heads bowed, ‘Oranda Kapitan’ was called out loudly. According to this country’s custom this means that the Dutch captain is paying his respects. Then Councillor Sanuki-no-kami asked Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami to draw nearer and ordered him to inform us that His Majesty was pleased with the gifts which we had presented this year. When this had been translated for me, I bowed in gratitude. Then I got up and returned to the previous place.
25 Rainy weather. This impeded the presentation of the other gifts. In the afternoon, two shaven-headed men from the Prince’s court came to inquire after the use of the timepiece. They said that of all the gifts we had presented, this had most pleased His Highness. I replied that it pleased us to hear that he took pleasure in such small things.
26 Fair weather. I took our gifts to the residences of the councillors and the other officials of the realm. But all were at Court. Their secretaries accepted the gifts on their behalf. Shortly after, the gifts presented to Matsudaira Kai-no-kami, the son of Councillor Izu-no-kami, were returned with the apology that on the orders of his father he was not allowed to accept them. But Councillors Sanuki-no-kami and Ōta Bitchū-no-kami sent to thank me for the gifts with the notification that they were pleased with them. While busy taking around the gifts, I also called in at the residence of Governor Saburōzaemon to thank his son for the success we have achieved and his father’s recommendation. I also called in at the residence of the late Governor Gonpachirō to tell him of our successes. But no one was at home, thus I left for our lodgings. I sent notice of my doings today to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami and asked him for his advice about whether I should visit the newly-elected Governor of Nagasaki, Kurokawa Yohyōe.
27 Following the advice of Chikugo-no-kami, I sent the interpreters to the residence of Kurokawa Yohyōe to pay him my compliments and to inquire if he would grant me the honour of greeting him personally. His reply was that it was true that the councillors had elected him as Governor of Nagasaki, but the Shogun had not yet given his decision. Therefore, it was not an opportune moment and it would work against him. Nonetheless, he was pleased that we had shown our goodwill. He would visit us in Nagasaki and he wished us a propitious and happy journey home. Today the interpreters went to the residences of Councillors Sanuki-no-kami and Izu-no-kami to present gifts to their secretaries according to annual custom. Those presented to the secretary of Izu-no-kami were returned with the apology that his lord had given orders that he should not have accepted them.
28 Chikugo-no-kami sent the interpreters to ask which goods were left after the gifts had been presented. He wished to share them out to some of the principal nobles. I made a list and sent it to him. Shortly after, he sent a message that I should send the interpreters to the castle tomorrow to receive the reciprocal gift from the Shogun and the Prince. I promised to do so, but I wondered whether the messenger had understood the message erroneously and that I should go there personally, as has been the custom for some years now.
29 In the morning I sent the interpreters to the castle. They returned with permission to depart and the reciprocal gifts, consisting of thirty gowns from the Shogun and twenty from the Prince. I sent the interpreters to Chikugo-no-kami to thank him for all the trouble he had taken on our behalf and the honour we received. We were now ready and looking forward to his permission to leave. He let me know that he would grant us permission to leave, but before that he would like to speak to us. Could we go to his house? The interpreters thought that I could not go empty-handed. If I had something rare left, I should present His Honour with it. They had some doubts whether he would accept it, but they assured me that he would appreciate the gesture. I told them that I was willing to give him something, but the only rare object I had left that was worthy of presentation to His Honour was a timepiece. They thought that it was more than enough and they were certain that he would not accept anything else or any goods of large volume. I decided to comply.
30 Several gentlemen sent for various European goods and other trifles by order of Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami.
31 In the morning, I sent the interpreters to Chikugo-no-kami’s residence to announce that we were ready and would like to know when we could take our leave. We were welcome in the afternoon. I went there and thanked His Honour for the favour he had shown us, the honour we received and all his troubles on our behalf. He congratulated me on the dispatch but regretted the long time we had to spend here. He was still sorry about Coyett’s unhappy experience and that he had been forced to return to Nagasaki without having been permitted to present the gifts to His Majesty, on account of the disagreements which had arisen through the reports of the Portuguese ambassador.7 If Coyett were to return here, he would see to it that the dishonour and defamation which had befallen him were turned into a happy dispatch. He hoped that the fine state of the Company’s affairs, which had now taken a turn for the better, would continue.
April
1 While we were packing, Chikugo-no-kami sent me a memorandum of the goods which the Shogun and some nobles would like to have from the Netherlands and Batavia. He would like to have everything as soon as possible. The list is as follows:
A batch of fine and genuine unicorn horn for His Majesty; he is very desirous to have it. Three thrum blankets, also for the Shogun; the length and width should be the same as those brought this year, but the colours should be different, namely a red one, a dark one and one sky-blue. Two pieces of plush like the ones he received this year, but with a somewhat deeper pile. Six reading glasses, of which the size and thickness should be similar to the wooden models which had been handed to us. Two or three extraordinary spyglasses with excellent lenses, without regard to their cost; the Shogun had already requested them on several occasions. A batch of exquisite spectacles. A batch of Sumatran bird feathers similar to the ones sent last year, but mixed with some wing feathers. Ten to twenty beautiful, fine, Ceylonese mats.
Departure from Edo
On the Highway
2 Around eight o’clock in the morning, in drizzly weather, we departed from Edo. We lunched in Kawasaki and spent the night in Totsuka. We travelled further and after having been held up by rain for two days, we arrived
Miyako
14 in Miyako. The next day we travelled to Fushimi.
Osaka
In the barge
18 We were ready to travel and embarked. Contrary wind and unpleasant weather forced us to remain in the mouth of the river.
21 We sailed on the high tide. We made haste and without encountering anything worth mentioning, we arrived
May
Arrival in Nagasaki
3 in Nagasaki in the evening. Our friends were in good health and the Company’s affairs were in good order. After our departure, five Chinese junks had arrived, three from Zhoushan, one from Quanzhou and one from Nanking. Their cargoes were very small. [List of goods on fos. 37–38.]
4 I sent a message to Governor Saburōzaemon about our success in Edo, thanking him for his recommendations to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami and other high officials. I requested leave to visit him personally. He replied that he was pleased about our good dispatch from Edo and when it suited me I could visit him.
6 I went to pay my compliments to Governor Saburōzaemon. He regretted our long stay in Edo, but he was very pleased about the good dispatch. He congratulated us on our success, which we attributed to his favourable recommendations. We took our leave and returned home.
7 The interpreters and the otona, or supervisor of this island, came to my house. I asked them to have the owners undertake the necessary repairs to the houses.
10 None of the interpreters showed up, thus I sent for the oldest one, Kichibyōe and the otona. I reminded them of my proposal of the 7th and urged them to have something done about it, but in particular to have the owners of the houses carry out the necessary repairs. I also told them to inquire of the carpenters what their lowest quote would be for the construction of two new sampans, because last year we received permission to have two new ones built. Merchants Wilhem Bijlvelt and Thijmonsz had been given instructions to find this out during my absence. They should impress upon them that if the quote was not civil, we would postpone contracting for the sampans. They thought about 430 taels for both. But because the previous ones had been made for much lower prices and this was much too high, we thought it unacceptable. If the quote was around 310–320 taels, they could accept it. They promised to do so.
13 Interpreter Kichibyōe let us know that he had reminded the landlords to repair the houses. They had promised that they would do so shortly. He had discussed the quote for the sampans with the carpenters and he had offered them 350 taels for both, but they would not accept and he had left it at that. This was just for our information. Tomorrow he would discuss it with us and see what could be done about it.
14 The interpreters came to the lodge and told us, among other things, that today five of the principal nobles of the domain of Higo, whom a certain prisoner in Edo had accused of being Christians, had been taken there as prisoners. It seems that the persecution of Christians is not coming to an end here but is continuing unabated. Travelling back from Edo on the highway, we came across several of them who had been taken prisoner. May the Almighty soften these hardened hearts and aid these poor people in their distress. Interpreter Kichibyōe reiterated that he had discussed the construction of the sampans with the carpenters and had tried to have them build the sampans for 350 taels, but the lowest he could induce them to was 400 taels. Thus he had let it pass for the time being, unless we wished to change our minds and would make do with the old ones this season, the more so because now that we had received permission to have new ones made,
20 A second Nanking junk arrived. We shall be told shortly what its cargo consists of.
21 The otona and Interpreter Sukezaemon told me that they had been to the house of Governor Saburōzaemon today. They had presented my fair request for the purchase of copper in the best form. He had refused it, with the excuse that these were novelties and against the order of His Majesty, that no trade at all was allowed before the pancado had been settled or after the departure of the last ship. It was true that Governor Gonpachirō had permitted it last year,
23 We received information on the cargo of the Nanking junk which arrived on the 20th. [List.]
24 Another junk arrived from Quanzhou. [List of cargo.]
26 The Nanking junk which arrived on 7 February sailed today. We could not find out its exact cargo.
31 Another junk from Quanzhou arrived with a small cargo. The memorandum of the imports will show of what it consists. In the afternoon, the secretaries of Governor Saburōzaemon came to my house.
June
1 A fairly large junk from Fuzhou arrived. The interpreters brought the governor’s permission for inspection of the sampans. I sent Merchant Willem Thijmonsz and Junior Merchant Gageldonck. On their return they told me that the sampans were sturdy enough to serve not only this season but also next season. The contract for the construction of new ones could be postponed, if possible. However, in spite of their colleague having said a few days ago that, as permission had been given, we could make use of it whenever we needed, the interpreters thought that we should do so now to satisfy the governor’s order and to please him. Instead of having two built, one would suffice and the second one could be made when needed without offence. I agreed reluctantly. I told them to bring the carpenters to the lodge to see whether they would do the work themselves or contract out for it. They promised to bring them.
2 Magobei came and told me that he had received a letter from Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami in Edo, which enclosed a demand for various medicines. He would like to have them as soon as possible, if we had them here in the factory, or else to have them ordered from Batavia.
9 News came from Edo that the newly-elected Governor of Nagasaki, Kurokawa Yohyōe, had been granted leave by the Shogun and he will arrive here shortly.
10 The interpreters and the carpenters came to discuss the price for the sampan. At first they stuck to their old quote of 215 taels – just as Kichibyōe had said – but finally they agreed to 190 taels, on condition that it would be made sturdily and of well-seasoned timber, not like the present ones, and they would follow our future instructions.
13 The carpenters came to make the sampan. Governor Saburōzaemon sent two of the burgemeesters and all the interpreters and the supervisor of this island to tell me that he had heard that we intended to have a new vessel built. But since this involved many people, which gave petty thieves the opportunity to mix among them, just a few days ago twenty of them had been caught, we should be on guard all the time and admonish our people not to engage in any unpleasantness. I had him thanked for his warning and promised to follow his advice.
20 A second Nanking junk arrived with a small cargo. [List.]
21 Governor Saburōzaemon had us informed that news had arrived from Edo that the Shogun, who had been very ill for a while, died on the 20th of last month, which is the 8th of this month. The Prince has succeeded him. We should rest assured that we would not suffer any obstacles in our affairs. After having expressed our great sorrow for the bereavement, I had him thanked for this comfort. We relied wholly on his benevolence towards us.
23 The interpreters came and among other things related to us not only the widespread sorrow for the untimely demise of the Shogun and how Councillors Hotta Kaga-no-kami and Abe Tsushima-no-kami and one of the senior chamberlains of the Shogun had slit their bellies and had taken their lives, but also what alterations and feelings this great change had created among the community. Because the Prince is still a minor and the government of this empire will be entrusted to the councillors in the meantime, they fear that jealousy and thirst for power among the nobles will ignite disorder or revolts,
24 Early in the morning the interpreters brought the governor’s reply. They told me how they had phrased my request to him: the Company had been coming to Japan for about fifty years, spanning the life-times of four Shoguns. We hoped that we would and could continue to do so for many more years to come. Being faithful vassals and citizens of this empire, we were saddened by the untimely demise of His Majesty. For the comfort of our hearts, we humbly requested His Honour to permit one of the interpreters to travel to Edo to convey our condolences to Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami,
27 Interpreter Sukezaemon left for Edo with the oral order and a written recommendation to Uma-no-jō, the first secretary of Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami – because according to the governor’s order we should not write to the commissioner personally – to request his lord to convey our sorrow at the death of His Majesty to the government and to commend the Company’s affairs to its good favour and other such expressions which the nature of this matter demands. Time will tell if this mission will bear the Company any success and if the government officials were pleased with it.
30 A junk arrived from Cocheo, which is a place near Macao, with the following cargo. [List.] According to the Chinese, the Tartars were still waging war there and a short time ago they had taken the famous city of Canton. If this is true, then it is to be feared that the imports from China in Tayouan will not amount to much and that little silk or piece-goods will be sent from there.
July
8 News came from Miyako that the prices for all commodities, but principally for silk, which had dropped quite considerably some time ago, were now rising and that the white raw Chinese silk now made 650 taels a picul. These are good signs and because of the sober imports of the Chinese thus far, we hope that the Company will find a good market for its commodities this year, like it did in 1648 and 1649.
18 A junk arrived from Zhoushan with a small cargo worth about 4500 taels, which is noted in the separate memorandum of the imports. The main reason for their coming here is to spend their capital on rice, if possible. They claim that the war and poor harvests have caused a shortage of foodstuffs. Rice is being sold for 6–7 taels a picul. This may cause a steep rise in the price for rice because last year’s harvest here was poor, which has already caused a fairly high price, or it may result in a ban on the export of rice, which will make it difficult for us to fulfil the annual demand for Tayouan. We hope for the best.
22 I sent the interpreters to the aforesaid governor’s residence to welcome him on my behalf and to inquire when I could go to bid him welcome personally. He let me know that he was tired from the journey and would like to rest first. He would send for me.
27 The interpreters came to inform me that they and several of the principal citizens of Nagasaki had gone to pay their respects to Governor Kurokawa Yohyōe. They had obtained permission for me to go and greet him tomorrow. I should prepare and be ready.
28 Rainy weather. My visit to the governor has been postponed. The interpreters told me on his orders that he did not wish to inconvenience me and I could visit him tomorrow or when the weather has improved. They also said that the governor had cautioned them to do their duty and provide precise translations for both parties to obviate any displeasure on either side. In the afternoon, a rumour spread that a sail had been spotted about two miles off the Nomo Bight. The governors let me know that if we wished to send a vessel there, we could do so. Thus Merchants Boucheljon and Thijmonsz were dispatched with the customary letters of instruction.
Arrival of the Pelikaan
29 Early in the morning I went to pay my respects to Governor Kurokawa Yohyōe. I also commended the Company’s affairs to his favour. He promised to help us as much as he could. I bowed in gratitude. I left and returned to my house. I was told that the sail that had been spotted yesterday had come closer to the shore and had been found to be one of our ships. Both governors, who had gone out to amuse themselves and had dropped in on the island to have a look at my house, confirmed this. Boucheljon and Thijmonsz were sent there again and on their return they told me that it was the flute the Pelikaan from Tayouan. I saw it sailing into the bay and shortly after it anchored in the usual roadstead. It carried a cargo worth 71,832 guilders. The news about the state of affairs there, which Governor Nicolaes Verburch wrote about in his letter of the 16th, can be read in our letter-book.
30 In the morning, when we were about to begin the unloading, we were surprised by a heavy downpour and had to stop. Around noon, on behalf of the governors, all the interpreters and the supervisor of this island came to inform us of the following:
Firstly: On the past strict orders of the Shogun we should not celebrate the Sabbath or any other holy days or
Secondly: The government in Edo had been told for a fact by the renegade Portuguese padres that, because all their own public as well as secret entries to this country on their own and on Chinese vessels had been cut off, the clergy both here in the Indies and in Portugal were firmly resolved to find other ways to obtain their goal. They could think of no better means than to send some priests under the guise of sailors on our ships. Therefore, we should be on guard and search all incoming ships to prevent the Company from suffering harm were any to be found.
Thirdly: They seriously advised us to go out of our way to prevent any unpleasantness with the Japanese and not to hit or push any of them. Any complaints should be addressed to the governors, who would take appropriate action.
Fourthly and lastly: We should in all sincerity – just as we had done thus far during the lifetimes of three Shoguns and should continue to do for this young Shogun – inform them in time if any malevolent actions were undertaken towards Japan. The only suitable reply I could give was that we would wholeheartedly comply with the Shogun’s orders and that Their Honours should rest assured of our sincerity.
August
1 The flute has been unloaded. I went on board with Merchant Bijlvelt to inspect the books and the papers. The gunpowder, ammunition and rudder have been removed. In the afternoon, the Lord of Hakata and Governor Kurokawa Yohyōe visited the island. There was little conversation. After having exchanged a few compliments, they left.
2 Early in the morning, the governors had the interpreters inform us that yesterday evening news had arrived that a ship had been spotted at sea. Shortly after, a Nanking junk sailed into the bay. Probably the junk has been mistaken for a ship.
Arrival of the Koning van Polen
5 On the orders of the governor, the interpreters came to inquire several times about the change in the government of the Indies, the day and the month that the present Governor-General had taken over the government and that Cornelis van der Lijn had departed for the fatherland. Furthermore, when the envoy Frisius had arrived in Batavia and whether he was still there on the departure of the ships to Siam. At first I was reluctant to answer, but then I considered that it was difficult to keep anything hidden from these people, because they can find out everything from the men who have just arrived, yea, even from the sailors. Therefore, I thought it best to be truthful, the more so because it seems that they only want to trick me with these questions to find out the truth about the envoy. Thus I answered truthfully and to the best of my knowledge that the Governor-General had been authorized in his post on 7 October of last year and Cornelis van der Lijn had left for the fatherland in January. The envoy had arrived in Batavia two months before his departure.
6 On behalf of the governor, Magobei came to tell me that another sail had been spotted about thirteen Japanese miles off the Nomo Bight. He also told me that on that occasion permission had been given to buy copper. The governor had asked him about the unloading of the ship and when it would be finished. He had said that it was already finished and that he thought that some stone would be loaded as ballast to prevent her lying empty. The governor thought that this was double the trouble.
7 No ship has been spotted, but last night two Chinese junks arrived in the roadstead, the one from Cambodia and the other from Cocheo. This afternoon another arrived from Anhai. It is likely that one of the junks was taken for a ship. The cargoes of the junks will not be specified here but in a separate memorandum.
9 Another junk arrived from Fuzhou. Burgemeester Sakuemon had me informed that he had received a letter from Commissioner Chikugo-no-kami in Edo, in which he advised sending an order with the next ships so that the Lord of Owari, who is the brother-in-law of the present Shogun, be supplied as soon as possible with a thrum blanket, two feather beds and two small dogs. I promised to inform the High Government of this when the time came. In the afternoon, at our request, Interpreter Kichibyōe brought the stonemasons to the lodge to negotiate the price of the floor-slabs.
10 Another Chinese junk arrived from Quanzhou. Its cargo is not specified here but it will be noted in the separate memorandum of imports which will be drawn up at the end of the trading season.
11 After having received permission from the governors to buy copper, for which I had pressed the interpreters several times, I received some samples today. Merchant Willem Thijmonsz, who is an expert, inspected them. He judged them to be very pure and as good as last year’s. We tried to agree on a price with them. But they, or the interpreters whose business this is, thought it unnecessary, because it had been set two years ago by the burgemeesters at 11 taels and 6 mas per picul once and for all. We had many sound arguments against this, but to no avail. They did promise to confer with the others and to bring us their decision.
13 I sent the interpreters to the governors to express my gratitude for our good success at the Court, which we attributed to their favourable recommendation.
15 Several landlords and the son12 of the otona of the island came to my house and offered me a good batch of copper at 10 taels per picul. I would have struck an agreement with them, this being a reasonable price, but they were reluctant to do so without the knowledge or permission of the interpreters. I summoned them promptly. They claimed that the men had just said this to sound us out and to see where we are lodged and that we should be suspicious of such talk. It was certain that we would not obtain any copper below last year’s price of 11 taels and 6 mas per picul. I am afraid I shall have to accept in the end because of their monopoly and because they or their mates, but mainly they themselves, are the suppliers of everything. This is a regrettable state of affairs and it is sad that powerlessness subjects us to vexations by this greedy bunch in all matters, for I am certain that if we could deal to our own discretion and without the knowledge of the interpreters, we would be able to obtain it for 10 taels or even less per picul. But we have to abide by the interpreters’ wishes and be patient and hope that they will settle for a fair profit or 16 mas per picul.
Arrival of the Tayouan and the Jonge Prins
18 In the evening, the yachts the Tayouan and the Jonge Prins arrived from Batavia with an excellent cargo of Dutch textiles,
19 Early in the morning, I went on board to accompany Van der Burgh ashore, to muster the crew and to publish the usual order. In the afternoon, on the orders of the governors, now that Van der Burgh had arrived – for so far we had made excuses that we had not received any letters and had to await his arrival – the interpreters came to inquire what news he had brought from Europe and about the envoy. We replied that there was no news from Europe other than what we had told them on the 29th of last month and that we had learnt that His Highness the Prince of Orange13 had died and that nothing had changed with regard to the Portuguese and the Castilians. Regarding the envoy, he was still in Batavia,
Arrival of the Gekroonde Liefde
20 The interpreters came to inform me that yesterday they presented the report to the governors. They had been highly pleased, as if the envoy had gone to the fatherland himself. We were also pleased that they have taken this so well. In the afternoon, the Liefde came sailing into the bay and a short while later she arrived in the roadstead. Because we are unloading the other yachts, we could not go aboard for the mustering, but according to the orders of the High Government, the authority of the Governor-General was properly announced.
21 Van der Burgh and I went to muster [the crew of] the Liefde. The ship’s officers told us that they had lost their main topmast and the top of their foremast in bad weather in the Gulf of Siam. They had been battered by two more storms and the ship was leaking on top and the seams were open all around. Thus they feared that like last year the goods had become wet and had suffered damage.
22 Last night a junk arrived from Tonkin. It brought news that on its departure on the 24th of last month, two of our ships, fully-laden, had been ready to sail four or five days later. I hope it is true and that they will arrive shortly.
23 We have been busy unloading the Liefde. Not only were several bundles of cowhides, deerskins and rayskins soaked and spoiled, just like the ship’s officers had said, but on account of the rolling of the ship the jars of namrak had been damaged and several had been broken. The significant underweight which is the result of this will be the cause that the Company will make little profit.
24 On the orders of the governor, the burgemeesters came to inspect the two large alcatieven. They seemed to be pleased with them. When they were opened, it appeared that they were a little wet, but not so badly that they had suffered any damage.
Arrival of the Hillegersberg
25 Before noon the ship was empty. Van der Burgh and I went on board to inspect the papers and the books. It was done to the satisfaction of both parties. When we returned to the lodge, I summoned the interpreters to remind them, as I had done several times already, that we need to contract for the copper. I asked them for the reasons for the delay and why we cannot negotiate with any merchant of our choice, for the governors have given us permission to deal freely. They had little to say and were so ill-mannered in their reply, that it would have been better for them to think than to speak. They claimed that if we decided on the old price, there was no need for a further contract and there was no likelihood of a lower price and they would not give us any reasons. This is more than unreasonable and such opprobrious words almost make our hearts burst, but we have to let them pass for the time being and be patient. In the evening, the flute the Hillegersberg arrived from Tayouan with a cargo consisting mainly of Formosan powdered sugar, deerskins, some Chinese raw silk and 100 pieces of pansies, worth 40,148 guilders. Governor Nicolaes Verburch’s letters can be found in our letter-book.
26 In the morning, the bongioisen came to open the water-gates and to muster the crew on board. We started to unload.
27 We were told that last night two more junks arrived without their masts. One is supposed to be that of the one-eyed Tonkinese Chinese.14 It had left Tonkin in the company of the one which arrived on the 23rd.15 Its cargo consists mainly of Tonkinese silk. Together with the silk brought by the junk on the 23rd, this is already a fair quantity and it is to be feared that it will affect our market. The High Government has ordered a large quantity of camphor. The interpreters told us last season that the production in Satsuma is taking off again. I asked them about the quantity that could be obtained and the price for it. They said that it was true that they had told us this, but last year’s poor rice crop had slowed it down. They thought that it would not be possible to obtain more than 100 piculs and these at a much higher price than last year. But they would make inquiries to be sure and bring us the result.
28 The interpreters told me that they had made inquiries about the camphor and the owners would not sell it for less than 9 taels per picul, because – so they claimed – it was old camphor that had been processed four years ago.
29 The governors asked how many ships we were still expecting this season and from which places. They wanted to know so that they could decide when to let us begin trading to reduce the fire hazards for us. We thanked them for their fatherly concern and let them know we were expecting just one more ship from Tonkin with the usual cargo. We requested that we be allowed to begin trading the sooner the better. We urged the interpreters to promote this cause.
30 In the morning the interpreters came to the lodge and told me that yesterday they had reported to the governors and they had given them hope that trade would begin soon.
September
1 The interpreters came to inform us that, according to our wishes, they had spoken to the copper merchants yesterday. After much discussion, they had concluded a contract for 11 taels per picul, which is 6 mas less than we paid in the past two years.
Arrival of the Valk
3 The Valk arrived from Tonkin via Tayouan. Her cargo is worth 73,924 guilders and consists mainly of 300 packs of silk and some aniseed, which the Kampen had been unable to load because of lack of space. Some tin and twenty lasten of rice had been left in the ship in Tayouan to ballast her. She had sailed from there on 23 August. The ship brought us a letter from Commissioner Wilhem Versteeghen dated 23 August, written in Zeelandia Castle, and a copy of another letter written by him on the 8th on the Kampen lying in the river of Tonkin, in which he informs us of his safe journey and the events in Tonkin. On his arrival he had not only put an end to all the old corruption and the newly-erupted disorder, but he had also concluded a new indissoluble and eternal alliance of friendship with the Tonkinese. His achievements had been crowned by an excellent trade. Not only had all of the Company’s capital been exchanged for fine silk and piece-goods, but the rich supplies of fabrics had made him decide to take out another 20 chests of money against 2 per cent interest per month. This is truly splendid.
4 After the mustering we started to unload. We were finished in the afternoon. Van der Burgh and I went on board to inspect the papers. The bongioisen kept expressing their surprise that such a costly ship had arrived with such a small cargo. To satisfy their curiosity, we told them that the reason was the extraordinarily violent weather in the roadstead of Tayouan, which not only had forced her to sail away, but on account of the monsoon she had to set course hither. The Tayouanese goods which she was carrying was proof of this. They were satisfied with this. While they were sitting there, the Japanese inspectors searched the ship from top to bottom, as is the custom. In spite of our strict admonitions to the ship’s officers to hand over everything promptly, according to the orders of the bongioisen, they still found three containers with balls, one with cartridges and one with grenades, which had been hidden on purpose. The bongioisen almost suspected us and were so displeased
5 Just as we were about to take action concerning yesterday’s incident on the Valk – our council having decided that we should give satisfaction to the Japanese to clear ourselves of any suspicions that it had happened with our knowledge – the interpreters came to inform us that the bongioisen requested us to let the matter rest, as they had not reported it to the governors. The master and the constable had already been given a reprimand yesterday and we need not take further action. We were not pleased with this, but they insisted and we relented.
Arrival of the Kampen
6 We have started to take delivery of copper. Several bars have been broken and Merchant Willem Thijmonsz, who is an expert, has inspected the pieces. He found them to be as good as last year’s. In the afternoon, the Kampen arrived with a Tonkinese cargo worth 35,269 guilders. The officers reported that the ship had stranded off Boompjes Eiland and had put to sea on the 16th. After Versteeghen’s departure, Merchant Keyser had taken up another six chests of money against interest and had spent it on fine silk. This is good business. May the Almighty bless us with fair sales. When the interpreters were handing us the letters, the invoice and the muster-roll, the governors had us notified that they were very pleased with the early arrival of the ships this year and that we could trade shortly, if we so wished. We had Their Honours thanked. But according to the interpreters, we would have to be patient for a few more days, because hardly any merchants had arrived yet from up country. The main reason for this is that last year there were two tenth months and thus thirteen months in the year and therefore, according to their reckoning, it is a month early. This is bad for our business.
7 Rainy weather. We could not go aboard for the mustering till the afternoon.
8 The rain prevented us from unloading till the afternoon. Then it began to clear, but towards the evening, while we were bringing the fabrics ashore, we were overtaken by such extraordinarily heavy rain that some may have become soaked.
9 The rain continued and nothing could be done. We received permission to open the warehouses to inspect the fabrics we brought ashore yesterday to see if any of them were wet. When we opened the cases, we found that they were in a better condition than we had feared and none had sustained any damage.
10 In the morning, the ship was empty and 500 piculs of copper have been loaded as ballast. In the afternoon, we went on board to inspect the papers. This was done to the satisfaction of the bongioisen. When we returned to the lodge, I had the governors informed that we were ready and did not expect any more ships this season. We were looking forward to their permission to begin trading. We urged the interpreters to do their best to achieve this, the more so because they told us that yesterday and today most of the merchants from up country had arrived. They promised to do so and to bring us the decision tomorrow.
11 The interpreters came to the lodge and told us that they had brought our request to the attention of the governors. They had already given orders to Burgemeester Sakuemon to have the pancado settled.
12 In the morning, the interpreters brought the requested permission to load the copper. Shortly after, the bongioisen came to open the water-gate and 1000 chests were shipped to the Liefde.
13 Interpreter Kichibyōe told us that he went to Burgemeester Sakuemon’s house yesterday. The latter had told him to inform us that two days previously the governors had given him orders to settle the pancado. He had already done his best on our behalf and shortly it would be settled. Last year’s high price and excessive losses had made the merchants very cautious. They were in two minds about what to do. They were of the opinion that, if it were settled at the previous price, the Chinese imports would become so opulent and their losses so great that they would not survive.
15 We were told that Burgemeester Sakuemon had requested the governors that, because it might take some days before the pancado was settled, we be allowed to begin trading in the other commodities. But because this had never been done before and would introduce something new, it had been refused. Thus we have to be patient.
17 Early in the morning, I summoned the interpreters and again urged them to do their best to get trade started. They said that in spite of yesterday being one of their major holidays on which no one engages in any work, they had not been idle, but they and Burgemeester Sakuemon had been discussing the matter with the heads of the five cities. They trusted that a decision would be taken today or tomorrow. We are looking forward to this, for time is passing fast. With the governors’ permission, we shipped another 1000 chests of copper to the Hillegersberg. We shall send some to the Pelikaan tomorrow.
18 We have convened a meeting because, according to the interpreters, the time for trading is near and we shall receive the goods or the keys to the warehouses in three or four days, in which case the private individuals will also have access to the goods they have brought. We have brought to their attention the orders of Their Honours and of Commissioner Wilhem Versteeghen concerning this matter and how we should comport ourselves to avoid any scandal and serve the Company in the best way. Our decision can be found in the resolutions. The council, reinforced by the masters, has been given the following into consideration:
20 On behalf of Burgemeester Sakuemon, one of the interpreters and the island otona came to inform us that only with great difficulty had the pancado been settled yesterday with the heads of the cities. The prices are 450 taels for the bariga and 410 taels for the pee. To discuss this with us according to custom, they wished to visit me. They came shortly after. We negotiated with them pro forma, as if we still had to settle. After much discussion, Sakuemon had us accept the prices which had been proposed. Shortly after, on the orders of the governors, the bongioisen came to unseal the warehouses and we were handed the keys in the afternoon. Various goods were put on display.
21 We have been busy putting goods on display. We were finished in the afternoon.
22 The weight at the Geldkamer, which has been in use since we took up residence in Nagasaki in 1641, is much worn and differs about 1½–2 mas per 50 taels. Because of the excessive losses that are being made, we requested the governors that a new weight or the ordinary one in use here in Nagasaki be employed. They granted permission and we had them thanked.
23 We held the first sale, which was fairly successful. The Tonkinese silk was sold for 54 taels and the Bengal cabessa silk for 100 taels more per picul than last year and the other goods accordingly, except for the Dutch drapery and mainly the red lakenen, which was sold for much less than last year and did not raise more than 14:2:7 taels per ikje. The outrageously low price that was fetched for the Siamese namrak can be found in the memorandum of the sales.
24–25 Nothing noteworthy happened. We have been busy delivering the goods sold. The continuous rain impeded us a great deal.
27 We have been busy weighing the goods sold. We have also been displaying some of the goods we shall offer for sale tomorrow. The interpreters came to view them.
28 The second sale was held. It was also successful. Everything made as high a price as in the previous sale, except for the Bengal unreeled silk, which, compared to the cabessa and the bariga variety, raised a meagre profit, 35 taels per picul less than last year. The main reason for this is, that it is mixed in the centre with an extraordinary amount of pee and at the ends with coarse and dirty silk, which makes up about 30 per cent. Next year it may be omitted and instead as much cabessa and bariga as can be obtained should be ordered, unless the deception is prevented by a close and careful inspection. In that case it will raise a fair profit. We shall write about this to see what can be done about it.
30 The governors informed us that they need a batch of pitch and some coarse canvas to make fireballs and grenades. They would have some removed from the ships present here to send to Edo shortly. I promised to give them as much as we can spare. I asked the masters to contribute as much as they could.
October
1 We have been busy delivering the goods sold and displaying some others, which, if possible, will be sold the day after tomorrow.
2 The interpreters came to escort us to the residences of the governors and other officials, where we should present the gifts. Van der Burgh and I left with them. Governor Saburōzaemon was very pleased, saying that he was glad that the ships had all arrived safely this year and that trade was running smoothly. He would assist the new captain, who would travel to the Court shortly after my departure. We should not doubt that he would be given an early dispatch. We thanked him for this with the requisite courtesies and also for the benevolence he has shown us. Next we went to the residence of the second governor, Kurokawa Yohyōe, who said much the same thing. Then we went to Regent Heizō and the four burgemeesters according to annual custom. They all accepted the gifts gratefully. We took gratification from this, for in this country this is a great honour. The interpreters were very pleased with our success and we returned to our lodgings.
3 We held the third sale. It topped the previous sales, except for the cowhides, which only made half the price of the previous sale, because of the monopoly of the hide merchants.
4 We have been busy delivering the goods we sold yesterday. If the weather remains fine, we can finish in four or five days.
6 Fine weather. We have been busy delivering goods.
8 The secretaries of the governors came for the pitch and canvas which they requested on the 30th of last month. We handed it over against a charge, for they said that they could not accept it otherwise. After some conversation, they left.
9 We heard the news from Edo that a few days ago an extraordinarily precarious conspiracy against the young Shogun and the government of this empire had been discovered between some relatives of the councillors, attendants and various other nobles, several thousands in number, without the knowledge of the councillors.16 This will cost many their lives and make others more careful.
11 I had been postponing contracting for rice for Tayouan, because I had hoped that the price would drop because of the abundant crop this season, but today I had to negotiate with the interpreters. Time is running out before the ships have to sail and there is no sign that the price will drop. I contracted for 5000 bales at 11 mas each, which is quite expensive, considering this year’s crop. But we cannot do anything about it, it being a monopoly of these rascals.
12 Trade has almost come to a close and almost everything is ready for the dispatch of the ships.
14 Rainy weather. Nothing could be done.
15 The Hillegersberg has been loaded. [List.]
16 The Pelikaan and the Valk have been loaded. [Lists.]
17 The Kampen has been loaded. Because the Hillegersberg is too unstable and is too deeply loaded compared to the other ships,
Departure of the Hillegersberg, Pelikaan, Valk and Kampen
18 In the morning we mustered [the crews of] the other ships. They sailed one after the other on a fine north-westerly breeze. Their joint cargo for Tonkin and Tayouan is worth 884,991 guilders. May the Almighty guide them safely and speedily to their destinations. In our letter-book are the letters we have written to the Governor-General and the Councillors of the Indies in Batavia, to Commissioner Wilhem Versteeghen and Governor Nicolaes Verburch in Tayouan.
19 We heard that last night a Chinese junk arrived unexpectedly from Nanking. This has created a stir among the merchants, who had not been counting on this. It is certain that if we had not sold our goods by now, the Company would have suffered. We shipped floor-slabs as ballast on the Liefde and the Tayouan. We also requested the governors for permission to load the rest of the goods tomorrow. They let us know that their annual holidays were on the 21st and the 23rd and we should have to wait till they had passed. The more so because trade had begun very early this season and had progressed exceptionally smoothly. They were very pleased that four ships had already been dispatched.
20–21 A Japanese holiday and nothing could be done.17 Because tomorrow no holiday will be celebrated, we requested the governor that the Tayouan be loaded, because her cargo is small and it would take little time. They granted this.
22 Fine weather. The Tayouan has been loaded. [List.]
23 Another Japanese holiday. Nothing could be done. We asked the governors’ permission for the Liefde to be loaded tomorrow and some of the Koning van Polen’s ballast to be unloaded. It has to be removed before the copper is loaded. They gave their permission.
24 The bongioisen came to open the water-gates. We began loading straightaway. Apart from some provisions, everything has been loaded.
Departure of the Gekroonde Liefde and the Tayouan
25 We went on board to muster [the crews] and dispatch the Liefde and the Tayouan. It was done to the satisfaction of the bongioisen. The ships sailed with very fine weather and on a north-north-westerly wind. Their joint cargo is worth 376,711 guilders. May the Almighty guide them safely and speedily to their destinations. In our letter-book can be found what we wrote to Tayouan, Siam, the Coromandel Coast, Surat and Persia. While we were dispatching the two ships, we had a batch of copper loaded onto the Koning van Polen instead of the ballast we lifted yesterday.
26 Another Japanese holiday. Nothing could be done.
27 We began to load the Polen, but the rain hindered us. But most of the copper has been loaded.
28 The Polen has been loaded, as has the Jonge Prins. [List of cargoes.]
31 I sent the interpreters to the residence of the governors. I requested permission to visit them personally to take my leave. They granted this. In the afternoon, Van der Burgh and I went there. Saburōzaemon was also present at Yohyōe’s residence. I thanked them both with the required courtesies for the favours they had extended to me and requested the same treatment for my successor. They said that they were very pleased that this year everything here had passed without any unpleasantness and very smoothly. They hoped it would be the same next year and they would ensure that on their side it did. I should let the Governor-General know this when I arrived in Batavia. The government in Edo also requested that the Governor-General inform them in time of any hostile actions the Portuguese intended to undertake against the Japanese. They said that they were sure that after the death of the old Shogun they would seize the opportunity and under the pretext of wishing to congratulate the young Shogun, they would send a mission here at some time. Therefore, we should be on our guard and send them due warning. This would yield us special favours. We replied with the appropriate courtesies and assured Their Honours that we would heed their words. We were then given permission to leave and returned to our lodgings. In the afternoon, I handed over the Company’s effects to Van der Burgh.
November
1 According to the order of the High Government, I authorized Van der Burgh as the opperhoofd of this factory. May the Almighty grant that he execute his charge with satisfactory profits for our principals and to his own honour.
Andries Frisius.
Caspar Schamberger. See fo. 6.
Bijlvelt, Schedel, Schamberger, and Smidt. See fo. 6.
11 March.
Without the negation the sentence does not make sense.
Tokugawa Ietsuna.
The court journey of 1647/48. The Portuguese ambassador was Gonçalo de Siqueira de Souza.
Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s son Hideyori. Tokugawa Ieyasu gained victory over the Toyotomi in the Osaka Campaigns of 1614–1615.
Hendrick Crayer, opperhoofd of the VOC factory in Siam.
Zheng Chenggong, alias Coxinga.
Bada Shichibei, son of Bada Kurōzaemon.
Willem II (1626–1650), Stadholder of Groningen, Overijssel, Gelderland, Holland, Zeeland and Utrecht, only son of Frederik Hendrik and Amalia van Solms, married to Maria Stuart, daughter of Charles I of England, died on 6 November 1650 of smallpox.
Otherwise known as Itchien in the Dutch records, his Chinese name was Wei Zhiyuan. He and his younger brother Wei Zhiyan hailed from Fuqing in Fuzhou County. See Iioka, Naoko, ‘Wei Zhiyan and the Subversion of the Sakoku’, in Fujita, Kayoko, Momoki, Shiro and Reid, Anthony (eds), Offshore Asia: Maritime Interactions in Eastern Asia before Steamships (Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2013), pp. 237–258.
Sic. Entry on the 22nd.
Known as Keian-no-hen/ran. This conspiracy was led by discontented rōnin, masterless samurai, who had lost their positions due to the many fief reforms during the formative years of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The Kunchi Festival.