1655
October
In the Nagasaki factory on Tsukishima
Departure of the Anjelier
In the evening, both secretaries of Governors Yohyōe and Kiemon came to congratulate me on my new charge and to commend us to take care of fire and light, so that no accidents would happen. After they had received the muster-roll of the remaining residents – altogether 14 Dutchmen and six black servants – from Bada Kurōzaemon, the otona or supervisor of the island, they left without having dared eat or drink anything.
24 Fine weather, westerly wind. On behalf of Burgemeester Sakuemon, Interpreter Sukezaemon came to request the imperial paper which had arrived from Batavia this year for Councillor Sanuki-no-kami. The burgemeester had received orders to send it to Edo at the earliest opportunity.
25 In the morning, the interpreters told me that the governors have issued orders to all citizens of Nagasaki and merchants from outside the city who are still here, that each of them should write down his status, wealth and means and give the governors the particulars of their purchases both from the Chinese and the Dutch this year, how much money each had spent and how much they had left. The interpreters did not know the purpose of all this.
26 The otona and the interpreters came on the island and told us that they had heard that the governors had received orders from Edo that the 1316 piculs of white raw Chinese silk which had been accepted on the Shogun’s account on 27 May after the abolition of the pancado – half of which was kept here on Tsukishima and the other half in Osaka Castle – should be sold off for the same price to the merchants of Miyako, Osaka, Sakai and the greater part should be distributed to the merchants of Nagasaki. That was the reason why the merchants and the citizens had been asked to state their status and what they could afford. They said that the silk would be fetched from our warehouses shortly, as soon as the governors had decided on the division. Payment will be made in three months. All those who have a share, will enjoy great profits. At today’s market price, a pack of 50 catties, without payment of money and just handing it over, makes 40 taels. If people had known of this apportionment before the sale of the Company’s Bengal silk, we would have sold it for a much lower price and the Company would have suffered.
27 On behalf of Governor Kiemon, Sukezaemon came to pay for some plush, spectacles, spyglasses and reading glasses, which had been fetched during the term of office of Winnincx. But he paid just 20 taels or 57 guilders for the plush which cost 220 guilders in the Netherlands. This is the same price for which he received it in the past. The cost price was paid for the other items. Today the island and the warehouses have been cleaned.
28 The four Company sampans – which are used to unload and load the ships – have been breamed to protect them against worms. At springtide they will be beached. Interpreters Hachizaemon, Magobei and Shichibei told us that the envoys from Korea – numbering with their retinue a total of 600 people – had set off for Edo five weeks ago to congratulate the Shogun for the first time on his accession. They are bearing gifts consisting of gold cloth, ginseng, wax, honey and some other native products. They travelled from Korea via Tsushima – called the Quelpaert on our maps – where the lord welcomed them lavishly and supplied them with suitable vessels to travel by sea to Osaka. They also said that the roads between Miyako and Edo had been cleaned. These envoys are treated regally everywhere on the Shogun’s account and great honours are bestowed upon them.
29 Today is the first day of the 10th Japanese month. The otona and the interpreters came to visit us on their holiday. They announced that the governors had shared out the aforesaid white silk. Each Nagasaki citizen who had just 500 taels of silver had been given a pack, the heads or supervisors of the streets had each been given two packs. All the merchants who are from out of town but who are still here had each been given his share. But they and the Chinese interpreters had missed out on it.
30 In the morning, Sakuemon and three other Nagasaki burgemeesters came with some merchants from Miyako, Osaka and some citizens here and a large crowd of servants and workmen. They opened the warehouses where the white silk is kept. Each was given his share according to the governors’ division. The burgemeesters were occupied with this till the afternoon. In the meantime, I went to greet them and invited them to my lodgings for some refreshments. They were grateful, but had to excuse themselves because they were too busy. Governor Kiemon, to whom they have to report this, will set off for Edo tomorrow. Thus I sent them some sakana and tent wine. They consumed a fair amount. After they were finished, they left in the evening together. All the silk has been taken from the warehouses. This suits us very well and will be of convenience to us in the coming trading season. Because the governor will depart for Edo tomorrow, I sent the interpreters to ask if we could say farewell personally. On their return they reported that he had not been at home, but they had given the message to his secretary.
November
1 In the morning, I was told that the camphor would cost me no less than 95 mas. I commended the interpreters to bring the supplier to me so that I could settle with him on the delivery of 300 piculs.
3 I learnt that on the 30th of last month the governor had made the following division of the silk: [listed number of packs of 50 catties each, assorted] for the first burgemeester Sakuemon, nineteen; the three burgemeesters Shirōbei, Hikoemon and Shōzaemon, thirteen each; Mattaseijmon and Jossoseijmon, supervisors of the outskirts of this city, seven each; the supervisors or heads of the main streets, two each; the supervisors of the lower streets, one-and-a-half each;
4 The otona came with the interpreters Sukezaemon and Nihyōe to ask for 3000 taels of silver for Burgemeester Sakuemon. It had been promised him as a loan before Winnincx’ departure for a short period until I arrive in Osaka. Because we do not lose and we can oblige him, I handed them three chests or 3000 taels of the Company’s money in return for a debenture promising that the sum will be repaid either in gold or in silver, whichever I prefer, when I arrive in Osaka.
5 I have contracted for 300 piculs of Japanese camphor for 95 mas per picul on condition that payment would be made as soon as 100 piculs were ready and we had approved the quality. It is true that the price is half a tael per picul higher than two years ago, but one has to take into account the probable reasons for the high price and also that this year not a single catty had been bought nor sent, because the camphor had been kept at 15 taels. In order that the burning of camphor will not be stopped completely, we have decided to accept this price, the more so because it is not in excess of its value and previously 12 taels or more have been paid per picul. I was also told that the citizens of Nagasaki have already sold their white silk for 240 taels per pack of 50 catties. This means that they made a profit of 38.5 taels on each pack, which is substantial, the more so because it is done without the expenditure of money. In the evening, two junks left for China. We could not find out precisely what their cargoes consist of, because they are made up of various small stuff and many factors are involved.
10 Magobei told me that on 21 October a huge and devastating fire had struck Edo. Within twenty-four hours, eighty streets – of sixty houses each – had been burnt to ashes. The lodgings of the Dutch are supposed to have fallen victim to it too. We shall be given confirmation shortly.
11 Two more junks left for Anhai. Magobei told me that the delivery of the camphor which we had contracted for on the 5th was in doubt. News had come that most of the workmen are being employed in the mines. He said that the contractor had left for Satsuma yesterday to see if the workmen could be induced to take up the burning process again. If this was possible, he would deliver us 200 piculs within four months. If there was a shortage of workmen, this would be impossible and his promises would be empty.
12 Three junks departed for China. The otona visited me and told me that confirmation had come that our lodgings in Edo had burnt to the ground. This will be an inconvenience, for we are to travel there shortly. He also said that Tosack, the Japanese doctor, had died at the house of Chikugo-no-kami.
14–15 Five junks left for Anhai and Fuzhou.
16 Fine weather. On behalf of the governors, the interpreter came with the otona to ask us for the date on which we intend to undertake the court journey. I told them that I was almost ready and could depart when His Honour was pleased to order me so. We could set off around 10 or 15 December – as had been done now for some years. They also discussed the Japanese servants who would be needed. They said four of the governors’ secretaries had been recommended and, according to annual custom, two of the onderbongioisen. There should also be a sakana preparer, a clerk, a cook, a washerman and a caretaker, in all 11 men.
18 Two junks returned to Fuzhou. The interpreters came with three bongioisen. The governor has sent them to witness the testing of the rockets. The bongioisen removed eight of the rockets from the sealed powder magazine and we all went to the end of the bay to Kibachi, where we fired the rockets. The largest ones were very good and set off powerfully, but the smallest ones fell to the earth and into the water before they were halfway through and kept on burning for a while – probably because of the weight of the iron and not being filled with enough material. They thought that we should take just some of the largest ones to Edo and to leave the smallest here.
19 On behalf of Burgemeester Sakuemon, Sukezaemon asked me for the white plush bed-tick and two globes which had arrived on the order of Inaba Mino-no-kami, Lord of Odawara. Sakuemon had been given orders to send them to the lord as soon as possible. I handed the objects to Sukezaemon with the cost price in the Netherlands. In the afternoon, three junks set off for Anhai and Zhoushan.
22 In the evening, a Nanking junk, which left two days ago, returned to the roadstead because of a contrary westerly wind.
24 Yohyōe sent Magobei for another prepared swanskin, which I gave to him. He also wanted to see the pistols which have arrived. They are in the custody of the otona and they were taken to the governor. In the afternoon, four junks returned to China.
26 The interpreters, who had been treated to dinner by Governor Yohyōe – which happens once a year – came to inform me that included with the letters to the councillors, the governor had sent a letter to our landlord Gen’emon and had urged him to rebuild his burnt-down house and be quick about it. If it could not be done in time, he should look out for suitable accommodations for us while we are in Edo. We shall receive a reply before our departure or perhaps on the way.
27 Rainy weather. Today is the last day of the 10th Japanese month and Coxinga’s junk, which arrived lately, returned to China. In the evening, another large junk sailed to Quinam loaded with cash [coins], copper, iron, cotton and earthenware. The governor returned the pistols, except for the puffer.
29 Hachizaemon came to ask for 2 gantang of butter for the Lord of Hirado, which were given to him.
December
1 The governor sent for 5 taels’ weight of mumia, and, if possible, for some of the bilili, which has arrived. I obliged him. Sukezaemon will accompany us to Edo. I handed him the money for the rent of the barges, the remuneration for the interpreter and the bongiois and also the pay for the servants – to whose number two servants of the governor’s household have been added. Old interpreter Kichibyōe came and explained to his colleagues the potency and virtues of the bilili. They wrote it down and took it to the governor.
3 On behalf of the governor, Sukezaemon came to thank me for the bilili, with which the governor had been very pleased.
4 The governor has appointed young interpreter Nihyōe to accompany us to Edo with Sukezaemon to gain experience in the Company’s affairs at the Court. The entry of 25 July in last year’s dagregister mentioning this interpreter’s appointment, also mentions that this will happen every year, but in turn.
8 Sukezaemon came with three of the governor’s bongioisen to fetch some tent wine and wine for the Lords of Hizen and Higo. I had it handed to them.
13 My guests of yesterday came to thank me for the hospitality. I handed Nihyōe 10 schuiten of silver at 43 mas each to cover his expenses on the court journey. He was also given some black baize for a travel coat. The other interpreters always receive 50 schuiten of silver, thus this is not too much and will suffice for the time being. Sukezaemon told us that the governor’s secretary had told him that we shall not be able to leave before the 20th or the 24th. The bongiois who has been appointed to escort us is also one of Yohyōe’s secretaries and he will not be ready before that date. This will not be an inconvenience, even if we were to travel later.
14 The otona told me that the envoys from Korea have already left Edo. On their journey up and down their expenses have been defrayed by the lords and in Edo return gifts have been bestowed liberally upon them. According to him, they have made a large sum of money out of this salutation. When we are in Edo, we shall have confirmation of this. The barge on which we shall travel to Osaka has been brought in front of the island.
15 The interpreters told me that they had informed Yohyōe of the 10 schuiten of silver which Nihyōe received on the 12th for the court journey. Magobei came to fetch a gantang of tent wine for the governor.
21 Everything is ready for the court journey. After having received permission, I went with Merchant Johan Oetgens and Junior Merchant Messteecker to say goodbye to Yohyōe.
Court journey
22 Fine weather. After I had commended the factory members who are staying behind both orally and in writing to carry out their duties properly, I embarked together with Merchant Johan Oetgens, a surgeon and two assistants, the bongioisen, the interpreters and the Japanese servants. The otona, the interpreters, their sons and a crowd of other Japanese came with their sakana and after we had spent a while together, they were given a gift of silver according to custom. They said goodbye in the evening and returned to the shore. We rowed out of the bay and anchored off Kibachi.
In the barge
23–25 We had to stay because of the steady north-westerly wind.
26 We set sail with an easterly wind. In the evening, we passed the Seto Strait and around midnight we anchored in the Bay of Kawachi.
27 In the morning, at high tide, we rowed away. Around eight o’clock we arrived at Hirado. We had to remain there because of the tempestuous weather, although the wind was westerly.
28 Before dawn we weighed anchor, but when we were outside, the wind shot in from the east and we had to stay in the Bay of Tasuke.
1656
January
7 We had to remain here for nine days and nights because of the contrary wind. In the afternoon, the sky overcast, we set sail with a fresh westerly wind. But when we were outside, the sea was so turbulent that these barges were in danger. But we had to go on and in the evening, having withstood some great perils, we arrived safely in the Bay of Ainoshima.
8 In the morning the surrounding mountains were covered with snow. We had to remain here because of the hard wind.
9 We set sail with a westerly wind. We passed Kajime-no-Ōshima and reached the roadstead of Shimonoseki in the evening.
10 Two hours before dawn we left, but by sunrise the wind shot around from the east and because there was no place to anchor here, we had to return to Shimonoseki. The Korean embassy is expected here any day and we could not purchase any food, which is otherwise plentifully available. Orders from higher-up have been given to collect everything and keep it for the arrival of the Koreans.
15 We have spent five days and nights here because of adverse winds. We left in the morning with a south-westerly wind. In the evening, we sailed through the Strait of Kaminoseki. At midnight we anchored off Tsuwa.
16 We left before dawn. The wind was westerly and we reached Bingo-no-Tomo in the evening. We waited there for high tide and then set sail again.
17 We passed Hibi and in the afternoon Ushimado. In the evening, we arrived with a northerly wind off Muro.
18 After midnight we left again, but after having sailed for two hours, the hard headwinds forced us to return to our former anchoring place. The Koreans left at dawn in six vessels. It is said that they number three hundred men, including the sailors. They were accompanied by twenty-five to thirty hayafune and a crowd of people. It seemed as if a whole army was breaking camp, there was such a noise when they were preparing to leave. They were also blowing horns and shawms, like on the Nanking junks. I have been told for a fact that the sojourn of these people here during the voyage up and at present, which is a total of twenty-one days, is costing the lord of this domain around 100 chests of silver or 100,000 taels, which is an enormous amount.
In the afternoon, it began to snow. Because we have to stay here and we have spent quite some time in the barge, at the request of our bongiois, we went ashore together and went to a bath-house to clean ourselves. In the evening, we returned to the barge and when the moon rose we set sail with a westerly breeze.
19 The snow lay thickly on the mountains we were passing. We passed Akashi and dropped anchor off Hyōgo. We sent a servant ahead to Osaka to announce our arrival to the landlord.
In Osaka
21 Fine weather. Around ten o’clock we went to greet the governors, Soga Tanba-no-kami and Matsudaira Hayato-sama, according to custom with the gifts mentioned below. They were both at home and after a short wait they received us. They treated us affably and wished us a propitious journey. After a few unimportant questions we were given our leave and we returned to our lodgings. The gifts for each governor consists of one piece of rasset, one piece of camlet and three pieces of Bengal gingham. The secretaries of the governors each received two pieces of taffachelas gingham. We have been busy preparing for the land journey and hiring horses and bearers. We want to leave as soon as possible.
22 Heavy rain all day. We have been preparing for the journey, hiring horses and bearers and contracting with Shirōemon for the timber and other goods that Batavia has ordered and also for some necessities for the factory. We also received 300 gold koban from him in partial payment of the 3000 taels which we lent to Sakuemon in Nagasaki on 4 November. We do not need the rest of the money in Edo and he will keep it till we return. On behalf of the governor and Sakuemon, the bongiois and the interpreters have brought some goods for Chikugo-no-kami and other lords in Edo. We had been informed of this before. We shall have to take them to Edo on the Company’s account, as we have to do every year. Itamij Mattaijmon, the landlord of the Nagasaki Governors here, requested that we take a teapot for Kiemon. Because it is a small thing and for courtesy’s sake, we shall do so. In the evening, we were ready and if the weather is fine and dry tomorrow, we shall set off.
On the highway
Arrival in Miyako
23 After midnight the rain stopped and the sky cleared. Thus I sent for Sukezaemon and urged him to depart. When he saw the clear sky, he promptly gave orders to get the horses and summoned all the bearers and other people. Everything was ready by eight o’clock and we left Osaka. The road was very muddy. We lunched at Hirakata and passed Fushimi and arrived in Miyako at the house of Kōzuke Saburōemon, our lodgings, in the evening. I thought it necessary to send Sukezaemon to Makino Sado-no-kami (the son of the late councillor Makino Takumi-no-kami),
24 Early in the morning, Sukezaemon went there and on his return he told me that he had conveyed my request and the message to the secretary. He had waited for a short while and then Sado-no-kami, who still knew him very well, had asked him to come in and after some small talk had told him that every year the Dutch captains had requested a visit to his predecessor Suō-no-kami when they passed through, but that it had always been refused – which is true. Nonetheless, as a token of the good feelings which he had always fostered for the Company, he would permit it this time. The interpreter happily announced it as a great honour and a sign of the Company’s good standing. Therefore, with all due speed we went to his house with such goods, or those of equal value, as we used to present to him in Edo. There we were led to a costly hall and after we had sat for a while, the secretary informed us that shortly before we arrived, his master had been summoned to the palace of the Dairi. But he had his secretary prepare the pass for us and had him tell us that on our return from Edo we should visit him again, because he would like to speak to us. We thanked him and left the hall. Outside we presented the secretary as usual with a small gift.
25 Before dawn we proceeded on our journey, we lunched in Minakuchi and arrived in Sekinojizō in the evening.
26 We left early, lunched in Ishiyakushi and in the evening with rain and snow, we arrived in Kuwana. We had to spend the night here because of the rain and also because it is the final day of the year.
27 Shōgatsu, the first day of the Japanese New Year, called Saru.2 In the morning our luggage was loaded on the barge. I paid the landlord a little more than ordinary because he had entertained us on this holiday and gave him three inferior quality allegias for his children. We sailed to Miya on a westerly wind and arrived there at noon and had lunch. We travelled on to Chiryū, where we spent the night.
28 We proceeded on our way, stopped for refreshments in Okazaki, because the bongiois had to attend to some business in the castle for the governor, and we spent the night in Akasaka.
29 We left before dawn, arrived in Yoshida at sunrise. There we had to leave the case with pistols behind in the custody of the otona, because the shogunal guards will not let it pass without orders from Edo.
30 We went on our way and lunched in Fukuroi. We spent the night in Kanaya.
31 We left at daybreak. We crossed the Ōi-gawa, the water-level was low, had lunch in Okabe and spent the night in Ejiri.
February
1 We left before dawn. We lunched in Yoshiwara and spent the night in Mishima.
2 We crossed the Hakone Mountains. Midway we met the second son of Mito Chūnagon, called Matsudaira Ukyō. He is travelling to Miyako on behalf of the Shogun to greet the Dairi in his newly-built palace. He is accompanied by a large entourage of nobles, musketeers and attendants, all in order. When they approached, we stepped beside the road and greeted His Honour in this country’s fashion. We proceeded on our way and in the evening we arrived in Odawara at the foot of the mountains. We spent the night there.
3 We left at daybreak. Today we met three envoys of the Shogun’s great-uncles, namely Kinokuni, Owari and Mito. They are travelling together to Miyako for the same purpose of greeting the Dairi. All are accompanied by a large and stately entourage. We lunched in Ōiso and spent the night in Totsuka.
Arrival in Edo
4 Cold weather. Before dawn we set off. Around ten o’clock we had a meal in Kawasaki and in the afternoon we arrived safely in the shogunal city of Edo. As has been stated before several times, the house of our landlord and our lodgings burnt to ashes last October,
5 Last night there was heavy snowfall and in the morning the snow lay one foot thick on the roofs. Very early I sent Sukezaemon with the list to Chikugo-no-kami. He should also thank him on my behalf for the good hope he had given me of an early audience. He returned in the afternoon and reported that he had spoken to His Honour in person and had conveyed him my message. He brought a memorandum of some rarities which His Honour was eager to see. I had them collected promptly. In the meantime Governor Kiemon sent for the interpreter and told him that he was pleased about our safe arrival. He had heard from Chikugo-no-kami that we would be given an early dispatch and he had no doubts about this.
6 Early in the morning, I gave the interpreter and the landlord the list with the division of the gifts to have it translated into Japanese and take it to Chikugo-no-kami. But while we were busy doing so, Inoue Uneme-dono, who is married to the daughter of Chikugo-no-kami’s son,
Shortly after, Genzō, the son of Chikugo-no-kami’s son, came to view the rarities and other goods we had brought. I also treated him to tent wine and sakana. After about an hour he left full of gratitude. In the evening, while I was still busy with the interpreter and the landlord writing down the list of gifts in Japanese, a messenger came from Chikugo-no-kami with a note that the day of our audience had been set on 15 Shōgatsu, which is four days from now. I had the messenger thank His Honour on my behalf for this good news.
When we had finished writing down the gifts, I sent Sukezaemon with the memorandum to Chikugo-no-kami and had him thank His Honour for the good news. I would appreciate His Honour’s advice and approval of the items on the list. I should also like to know if some pistols, spyglasses, reading glasses, mirrors and such could be included in the gifts for the councillors. These are new things and I have brought an ample supply.
Around ten o’clock the interpreter returned with Chikugo-no-kami’s reply that the gifts we had selected met with his approval. He only replaced the pistols for the councillors with two fine, large pairs of spectacles for each – which His Honour had previously ordered for himself and which have now been brought. He also thought it advisable to present Kutsuki Minbu-no-shō with one of the pieces of plush and Sanuki-no-kami with some fabric such as linen like [we do] every year instead of European goods.
7 Rain. At the request of the secretary, Oeffioje, Sukezaemon took the memorandum of the goods we had remaining and a decoratively embroidered, small jewellery coffer to the house of Chikugo-no-kami. He thought the small coffer was also rare and suitable to be presented to the Shogun, because there are few rarities included in his gifts.
In the afternoon, on behalf of his master, Fatsiroseijmon, secretary of Governor Kiemon, came to congratulate me on the audience I shall shortly be given. I reciprocated his compliments and entertained him. He left in the evening.
But downstairs he had words with the interpreter about the speedy construction of our accommodation. This had been done on his master’s orders. This had increased the costs of the landlord compared to those if it had been rebuilt at leisure and we should take this into account, as if he wanted to say that we should compensate him for it. Others have implied this even more clearly to the interpreter. We packed the gifts for the Shogun and each councillor in separate papers. The whole day it poured with rain.
9 Steady rain. In the morning, I sent Sukezaemon to Chikugo-no-kami to request permission to visit him in person, mainly to greet him and thank him properly for his efforts in obtaining an early audience. On his return he told me that Chikugo-no-kami had intended to send for me, but he was very busy this month, being Shōgatsu. Moreover, we needed time to prepare ourselves. He would expect us at his house after we had paid homage to His Majesty. His Honour had had a long conversation with the interpreter. We should be ready early tomorrow.
Audience
10 Today is 15 Shōgatsu, an ordinary day of audience. Fine weather. Around nine o’clock in the morning, after Chikugo-no-kami had sent a messenger that we should send the gifts on ahead, we went to the castle. On arrival, we were shown into the ordinary waiting hall. While we were sitting there, we were looked at by a crowd of great nobles, who were passing. We also saw Mito Chūnagon, the Lord of Satsuma, several priests and other courtiers of the Dairi, dressed in various fashions, pass. They had come to greet the Shogun. In the meantime, Chikugo-no-kami came to congratulate us on this happy day and tell us that we should wait a while longer. When he left, His Honour called Sukezaemon and showed him the place where and how we should pay reverence. Shortly after several lords had left, I was called by Chikugo-no-kami. I stood up and together with the interpreter followed His Honour along the gallery. We turned two or three corners and went through halls filled with gentlemen sitting in double rows till we reached the hall where the gifts were set out in order. I knelt down and Chikugo-no-kami gave me a signal to come a little closer. When I looked up – but just with a turn – I saw the Japanese Shogun, standing on a raised platform dressed in black. At once Councillor Sakai Uta-no-kami, who was sitting on a lower platform opposite His Majesty with his head bent, called out in a clear voice ‘Oranda Kapitan’, which means ‘He is paying homage to Your Majesty’. I lay down with my head bowed and stood up. Then I returned with the interpreter along the same path to the first waiting place.
11 Fine weather. In the morning, we went to greet the Councillors Matsudaira Izu-no-kami, Abe Bungo-no-kami, Sakai Sanuki-no-kami,
12 Fine weather. Early in the morning, there were many visitors and requests. We obliged everyone as best as we could. At nine o’clock we went to present the gifts to Ōta Bitchū-no-kami, who is in his domain in Hamamatsu. His secretary accepted them on his behalf. Then we went to the house of Governor Yohyōe to thank his son for his father’s recommendation. He treated us to sakana. In the afternoon, we returned to our inn where a servant of Matsudaira Dewa-no-kami, who is related to the Shogun,
13 Very early, servants of various gentlemen came for some goods or other things. I obliged them as much as I could. Uneme-dono came for the red thrum blanket, which Mito-sama ordered last year, and some other goods. In the afternoon, Sinnemon, Chikugo-no-kami’s interpreter, came to inform me that we should be given our dispatch and the reciprocal gift from the Court in two or three days. Because we shall leave shortly thereafter, he commended us to oblige the specified gentlemen today and tomorrow with all that we could. We should keep 8 to 10 gantang of good tent wine for Mito-sama. I had His Honour thanked for this news and told that I would comply with his orders. Around four o’clock I went to the house of the former Nagasaki Governor Baba Saburōzaemon to greet him and to thank him for all he had done for the Company when he was governor and for the present occasion that we had been allowed in the presence of the Shogun so quickly and to request his continuing favour. But he was not at home. I told his major-domo the reason for my visit. He treated us to cha and promised to inform his master when he returned in the evening. When we were back home, the interpreter was summoned hastily to the house of Chikugo-no-kami. On his return an hour later he told me that His Honour had given instructions that we should go to the Court together tomorrow.
14 Around ten o’clock we went to the Shogun’s palace. We had to wait for an hour in the ordinary waiting hall. Then Chikugo-no-kami came to us and said that the councillors would only read out the Shogun’s order and charges today. Then he left again. A short while later, he called me and I went with Sukezaemon to the hall where the councillors were gathered. Chikugo-no-kami showed me where I had to sit opposite the officials, near the mats where he was sitting. After I had lain there for a short while, on behalf of Councillors Matsudaira Izu-no-kami, Abe Bungo-no-kami and Sakai Sanuki-no-kami,
That the Dutch – meaning the General Company – had been permitted to trade here for many years during the lives of four Shoguns. So far, they had been found to be loyal and sincere. They should see to it that they continued to comply strictly with the Shogun’s orders given every year, nor should they bring any Portuguese or papists, who have been declared enemies of this empire, here on their ships nor should they conclude an alliance with them to the detriment of Japan. If it so happened that the Dutch and the Portuguese united, they should then declare this here in all sincerity and give the reasons for this. For if it was disclosed sooner by the Chinese or any other nation, it would be taken as a serious crime. Therefore the Dutch should take great care and then they would continue to enjoy the trade with this country in peace. Furthermore, if we were to learn in Batavia or elsewhere – even if they were just rumours – that the Portuguese or any other nation had any hostile intentions against this empire, we should inform the governors in Nagasaki of this truthfully when the ships arrive. This will be of great service to the Shogun and this empire. I replied briefly and politely that the Governor-General and the Council of the Indies in Batavia take the Shogun’s orders, which the captains copy perfectly every year, much to heart.
15 In the morning, on behalf of several officials, their secretaries brought me some gifts: ten silk gowns from Councillor Izu-no-kami, five from Councillor Andō Ukyō-sama and two each from the city magistrates Bizen-no-kami and Shōgen-sama. I accepted them gratefully after having entertained them and requested their masters’ continuing favour towards the Company.
16 The men went there. Around nine o’clock, Uneme-dono came under the pretext of fetching some tent wine for Mito-sama. The interpreter was not at home and he stayed with me all the time. He brought his companions inside one after the other and in order not to give offence, I entertained them all. He was very impertinent and searched through everything in the room. I let him do as he liked. After he had gone through everything, he expressed his gratitude and left, saying that he would come for the tent wine tomorrow.
17 Around nine o’clock Sukezaemon went to the castle with the landlord. In the afternoon, they returned with thirty silk gowns, which Chikugo-no-kami had handed them on behalf of the Shogun.
18 Early in the morning Sinnemon came on the orders of his master to note down how to prepare the material with which to fill the iron rockets and also how to use them. He said that his master would send for us tomorrow. The surgeon was summoned again to Matsudaira Tosa-no-kami. Sukezaemon is troubled by sore eyes and could not go out, thus Oetgens and Sinnemon accompanied him.
19 Rainy weather. Chikugo-no-kami sent a vessel to carry us to his garden in spite of the rain. When we arrived, we found it to be a beautiful house and delightful place for repose, with streams. We were led to a large hall adjacent to the garden. Shortly after, His Honour came to welcome us and told us that he had only sent for us so that we could enjoy ourselves today in this spacious and pleasant place. He was sorry that it rained this very day. We thanked him for the great honour which he was bestowing on the Company through our persons. After some small talk he returned inside. In the meantime, a Japanese doctor came with two horns – apparently brought by the Portuguese or the Chinese some time ago. He asked if we knew what they were. We thought that one was a large rhinoceros horn but the other one, which was longer by half as much and bent, was unknown to us. The doctor then inquired after the potency, efficacy and preparation of various medicines. The surgeon explained it all to him. He wrote everything down. In the meantime, Chikugo-no-kami had the interpreter ask us why the telescopes which had been ordered four years ago, had not yet arrived. Could they be made? The telescope which Captain Coyett had given him in 1648 was fine, but too small to see the moon in its entirety when it was full moon. I replied that we had written to the Netherlands about it.
20 Fine weather. In the morning, I sent the interpreter to Chikugo-no-kami to thank him for yesterday’s hospitality. On his return he told me that His Honour had not been at home and he had given his secretary Oeffioje my message.
21 In the morning Tosa-no-kami’s secretary came to tell the interpreter that his master’s leg, which the surgeon has rubbed with ointment to dispel the itch, was very swollen and also very painful. He wanted to wait a while and not use any medicine for a few days. It seems that these great lords imagine that we can heal such old wounds by rubbing it once and they can be cured without any pain.
I sent Sukezaemon to Governor Kiemon to remind him of raising money at interest and if this was possible in future in Nagasaki if the Company needed to do so.
Sinnemon, Chikugo-no-kami’s interpreter, came to make notes about the preparation of some medicines. On behalf of his master, he asked why the fire hose, which had been ordered long ago, had not yet arrived. I told him that it was in Batavia when I left, but the only person who could fix it, was ill at the time and the ships could not be kept back or they might not make the journey. I was certain that it would be sent next year.
In the afternoon, we all went to Chikugo-no-kami’s house. After a short wait, we were called into the inner hall. We expressed our gratitude for his hospitality and for his fatherly help in promoting the Company’s affairs. He said that I had been very lucky for having seen the Shogun’s countenance and that I had been given my dispatch by the councillors themselves in the highest hall. This was unusual and I should rejoice in it. Good luck had more to do with it than his assistance, for this was not left to his discretion but to that of the councillors. They had been content and had therefore been pleased to do so.
23 Fine weather. Last night we fixed the prices for the goods that had been sent for by various people. We sent them notices for payment.
In the afternoon, Chikugo-no-kami sent his interpreter Sinnemon with four Japanese silk gowns for me and two for the surgeon for services rendered. We accepted them gratefully and had Sinnemon thank His Honour most politely for them. Secretary Oeffioje also sent me the following advice to the questions I put to him two days ago. Concerning the large alcatief, if it was suitable, it could be brought here next year and be presented to the Shogun. In future, we could contrive to be in Edo within the 12th Japanese month and before the Shōgatsu, on condition that the governor had left Nagasaki earlier. Every year we could bring more goods than were strictly necessary for the gifts to oblige some of the nobles, but we should not bring too many.
We have been busy packing the luggage and preparing for our departure. In the evening, I sent Sukezaemon for the last time to Chikugo-no-kami to thank him for the gowns and the bread. He stayed there till midnight, when His Honour, who had been a guest at Mino-no-kami’s, returned home. He announced the reason for his visit and thanked him on our behalf. Chikugo-no-kami was pleased and told the interpreter that he had only sent it out of affection for us. He also ordered Sukezaemon to notify the landlords with whom we would lodge on the way on his behalf – for he is also the regent of the highway – to keep a close guard that no accident would befall us. They would test the iron rockets shortly. When they met with approval, he would send for the ones remaining in Nagasaki. Finally, His Honour had commended him that next year no red coral or mumia need be brought here. The main reason was that every year he was having great difficulty in apportioning it, as we have also experienced. He wished us a safe and propitious journey.
Departure from Edo
25 We left early, lunched in Ōiso and in the evening we reached Odawara. In Edo we had been shown a memorandum concerning the illness of Inaba Mino-no-kami, the lord of this place. There had been no time there and the surgeon explained it now. He also pointed out the cause of the illness and which food was good for His Honour and which food was detrimental to his health. It was written down and the note was given to his major-domo to be sent to Edo.
26 We travelled up the Hakone Mountains but met with heavy rain, strong wind and fierce and large hail and added to the dense fog, this made the road very hazardous. In the afternoon, thank the Lord, we safely reached the village on top and after the weather had calmed, we travelled down to Mishima, where the surgeon found a kind of herb as a cure for the gravel from which Chikugo-no-kami is suffering. He is asking after all possible remedies. This same evening we sent the herb with an explanatory note in Japanese and an expression of gratitude for the bread, which stood us in good stead in these conditions, to Edo to his secretary Oeffioje.
March
1 We lunched in Arai. In the evening, we met Matsudaira Ukyō again. He had been to Miyako to greet the Dairi on the Shogun’s behalf. In passing, we greeted His Honour the same way as we had done on the outward journey. He also greeted us. This envoy is treated everywhere with great respect.
2 We left before daybreak, stopped for refreshments in Chiryū and in the evening we arrived in Miya. We intended to cross over to Kuwana, but rain and the dark sky prevented this. We were forced to spend the night here.
3 The rain continued. Around eight o’clock we embarked and in the afternoon we reached Kuwana, where we had to spend the night because it was late.
4 Rain mingled with snow, but we left and reached Sekinojizō in the evening.
5 Last night it froze hard. In the afternoon, we travelled across the mountains of Suzukasaka, which were covered with snow, as was the entire road to Minakuchi. In the evening, we reached Kusatsu.
In Miyako
6 In the afternoon, we reached Miyako. Sukezaemon went to announce our arrival to the Grootrechter, Makino Sado-no-kami. On our outward journey, he had not been at home and he had left orders that we should visit him on our way back. On his return Sukezaemon said that he had spoken to His Honour in person. He was pleased with our early dispatch from the Court and if we wished to visit him, we could do so tomorrow.
7 Early in the morning, I went with Oetgens. After a short wait we were led into the inner hall in front of him. He congratulated us on our performance at Court and thanked us for the gifts which we had left at his house on our outward journey. We thanked him for the favours he had shown the Company during his term of office in Edo and also for accepting the small gifts. When we were leaving, he called Sukezaemon, whom he knew very well from the time in Hirado.
In Osaka
9 Some goods have been loaded on the barge. The remaining provisions have been purchased. At the invitation of old Soijin we visited the furo.
10 I settled with the landlord, Ebiya Shirōemon, for the goods that he purchased for the Company. The rest of the luggage was loaded on the barge.
11 I settled with the landlord for accommodation and food. According to custom, I presented him and his father, Soijin, with gifts. At his invitation we visited the temples of Tennōji. Then we went to the barge, which was waiting at the end of the river. In the evening, we said goodbye to Shirōemon on the barge and he returned to Osaka.
12 High tide and an easterly wind helped us out of the river. With better speed than in the outward journey,
Arrival in Nagasaki
23 we arrived safely in the bay of Nagasaki and dropped anchor in front of our residence. Shortly after, we went ashore, where we found everyone well. We have been away for three months. I was told that Governor Yohyōe had left a few days ago to visit Ōmura and the surrounding places. I had the interpreters convey our gratitude to his secretary for His Honour’s letter of recommendation to the Court. Junior Merchant Messteecker has kept notes during my absence. I found that little of importance happened during that time.
24 Fine weather, southerly wind. Our goods, the luggage and the sugi boards have been brought ashore.
25 Governor Yohyōe returned.
26 This is the 1st day of the 3rd Japanese month. In the morning, I sent the interpreters to greet the governor, to inform him of our success in Edo and ask him when it would suit him that I come to thank him in person. His reply was that he would be busy today and tomorrow with sending letters to the councillors, but thereafter I could visit him at his home.
28 Fine weather. Sangatsu sannichi, a Japanese holiday. In the morning, Merchant Oetgens and I went to greet Governor Yohyōe. We thanked him for his letter of recommendation to Edo, also for the hospitality his son showed us at his house. Furthermore, that he had given us such a fine and affable bongiois as escort, who had been most helpful and had shown us fine friendship during the journey. His Honour treated us affably and congratulated us on the speedy dispatch. He said he would visit us on the island shortly. We said goodbye and returned home.
31 A junk arrived from Anhai flying Coxinga’s flags. It brought the following: [List]. It seems that it has become known in China that, because last year no ships arrived from Siam nor junks from Quinam, the sappanwood is very expensive here nowadays and is being sold for 12–13 taels a picul.
April
1 Cold weather with a northerly wind. A small Chinese junk left for Fuzhou.
4 Rainy weather. We received the rest of the sugi boards. The newly-ordered barge arrived from Osaka. It is large enough, but constructed of wood that is too light and thin. Every year the things we order from there are always faulty.
7 Today Sukezaemon handed over the list of orders which Chikugo-no-kami, Mino-no-kami, Izumo-no-kami and Izu-no-kami placed in Edo for next year. Compared to previous years, it is small.
8 I handed Sukezaemon two rhinoceros horns and two bottles of lime syrup which, when we left Edo, I had promised Chikugo-no-kami I would send him. He should send them to His Honour at the earliest opportunity with our gratitude.
9 The otona told us that Burgemeester Sakuemon had told him that Yohyōe intended to visit Tsukishima today. Therefore the street should be cleaned and some sakana prepared. When everything was ready, we learnt that the governor had changed his mind and had gone hawking.
10 Misty weather. The otona and the interpreters – except for Kichibyōe who is ill and weak – came in the morning. I had them read out and translate the Shogun’s order which the councillors had given me orally in the castle in Edo on 14 February.
11 In the morning two junks left for China. I could not find out their exact cargoes, because they belong to many factors and consist of various small things and foodstuffs. The warehouse in which the Siamese cowhides are usually kept, will be demolished because of its age. A new one will be constructed and today I proposed to the landlord or owner that, in order to make it more convenient for the heavy hides and other goods, it should be built wider and higher. There was enough space. The back gallery, which is ramshackle and useless and in the way, could be torn down. The proposal appealed to him and he would discuss it with his carpenter and let us know his reply shortly.
16 A junk arrived from Anhai flying Coxinga’s flag. [List of cargo.]
17 The otona informed us that the warehouse for the cowhides would be constructed according to my proposal. It would be built sound and sturdy and for our convenience. He himself would begin on some repairs on his own house, my house, which is highly necessary.
21 The surgeon gave Sukezaemon some more written instructions on the cure for gravel for Chikugo-no-kami, because tomorrow Nabeshima-dono’s people will take the horns and the syrup, which I gave the interpreter on the 8th, to Edo.
25 Yohyōe sent Interpreter Magobei to take the surgeon’s mortar to his house because he wants to see it.
27 A junk arrived from Fuzhou, carrying 132 men. [List of cargo.]
28 Five Japanese have been brought here from Satsuma. Last August they had dredged up 3–4 packs of silk from a certain Chinese junk which had foundered in a storm off one of the islands there and had kept them hidden from the authorities. They had sold the silk below its value in Miyako a short while ago and this had been the cause of their discovery. They had been apprehended and because it concerned the Chinese or foreigners who come under this government’s jurisdiction, the five principal culprits had been brought here to be punished. But Yohyōe sent the delinquents back on the same vessel to the powerful Lord of Satsuma, in whose domain the crime was committed, with his judgement, which was that these five men should be crucified on or near the island where they had obtained the silk as an example and a deterrent to others.
29 Two junks arrived from Anhai. One had been captured by Coxinga’s people – because it had tried to sail without his pass, which costs them a lot of money – and most of the goods had been taken. Thus both junks bring just a few goods. [List.]
May
1 Sukezaemon came with one of Nabeshima-dono’s servants to fetch two gantang of tent wine. They were given to him.
2 Overcast. An Anhai junk is returning home. A junk arrived from Fuzhou. [List.]
3 Fine weather. Sukezaemon and the interpreters came to inform me that news had arrived from Edo that the Shogun – who is now about 15 years old – had been suffering from smallpox, but now he is out of danger and improving.
4 Fine, clear weather. The interpreters, the otona and their following have been invited to a Japanese dinner, as is the custom after we have returned from the court journey.
5 In the morning two junks left for Anhai.
6 Another junk departed. The interpreters came to announce that the governor had received a letter from Chikugo-no-kami in Edo last night, that an important Japanese doctor called Mukai Genshō,6 who is living in the city, should be permitted to come on the island to be instructed by our surgeon in the art of medicine and the preparation of some medicines according to the memorandum we had been given in Edo. We promised we would comply with his wish when the governor sent him. In the evening, the interpreters brought the doctor. He announced the purpose of his visit. After he had sat down for a moment and had taken a small cup of tent wine, he said goodbye. He would return within two or three days to start on his assignment.
8 In the afternoon, the interpreters and the otona came with the doctor for the said purpose. They wrote down the preparation of some plasters. They were busy till the evening. They found – which is true – that although they had written it out extensively,
9 Sukezaemon told me that Burgemeester Takashima Shirōbei will leave for Edo on the 15th to convey the joy of the entire population of Nagasaki about the Shogun’s convalescence and recovery from smallpox. Many people from all over the country will be paying a visit to the Court, because they say that the Shogun has only now become a sound person. We should consider whether we should do so as well on behalf of the Company. I intend to sound out the interpreters.
10 Fine weather. A Fuzhou junk departed. Its main cargo is cotton, rice and copperware. Nachoda Pinqua also returned to Anhai on his junk.
11 In the morning, Otona Kurōzaemon came with Sukezaemon and told me that everywhere people were rejoicing about the Shogun’s recovery. Many envoys from the surrounding regions have been dispatched to Edo. Shirōbei and a deputy of Yohyōe will also set off within four days for that purpose. They asked my opinion on sending someone on behalf of the Company.
13 In the morning a junk left for China. The interpreters came to tell me that they had been to Sakuemon and they had decided that it would be best if Magobei undertook the journey to Edo, pending the governor’s approval. Sakuemon had also advised to present just ten pieces of red gielam to the Shogun and to the councillors three pieces of pelang each. This would be sufficient, because, he said, the whole city of Nagasaki would present just ten red and ten pieces of white gielam to the Shogun. But Magobei would ask Chikugo-no-kami’s advice.
14 The interpreters came with thirty pieces of white pelang and 15 pieces of red gielam, which they had obtained from the Chinese in the city to be paid for according to the price they were sold for later. It is an ample amount to select the gifts from and the remainder will also come in good stead. At my request, they wrote two letters of similar content according to Japanese custom to Kiemon and Chikugo-no-kami, but the superscription was addressed to their secretaries with the request to hand the letters to their masters at a suitable opportunity. They translated the contents for me: we were happy from the bottom of our hearts about His Majesty’s good health and that he had recovered from his illness. To express this, the interpreter Magobei had been dispatched with a letter written in Japanese to congratulate the Shogun. We also hoped that the interpreter would find Their Honours in good health and prosperity. Whatever else we had to say Their Honours would hear from Magobei’s mouth. The 20th day of the first 4th month of Shigatsu,7 signed by me and all interpreters.
15 At seven o’clock in the morning, Magobei came to inform me that he had received the letter from Yohyōe. Shirōbei had already left at daybreak and he was now ready to travel over land to Shimonoseki. I impressed upon him for the last time to convey my messages of gratitude to Chikugo-no-kami, Kiemon and the other gentlemen and to commend the Company’s affairs to their favour. He should also remind Kiemon at a good opportunity of the matter of raising money at interest.
18 Fine weather. I heard that the Chinese interpreters will stage a play and a dance in the Chinese and Japanese manner in front of Yohyōe’s house to express their joy about the Shogun’s good health. The governor has given permission for this.
24 The 1st day of the Japanese 4th month. The Chinese junk which arrived on 29 April has left. Just as he had brought little, so he is carrying just some cotton and foodstuffs away.
27 We have again been occupied with explaining to Doctor Genshō the preparation of medicines for Chikugo-no-kami.
28 According to annual custom, most of the residents of this factory have gone to Fukahori at the end of this bay under the pretext of collecting medicinal herbs. We walked around and visited some temples. On our return in the evening, I sent the interpreters to the governor to thank him for his permission.
29 The governor’s factor handed me 515 taels. This sum had been lent in gold, on behalf of Yohyōe, to San’emon, our bongiois and escort on the court journey, in Miyako and Edo. Now the loan has been repaid.
June
6 Today is the first dry day in eight days. We have inspected the warehouses which were leaking and need repairing. I had one of the guards call the owners, because now is the best time for them to see the leaks.
7 Most of the landlords came to inspect their houses. They promised to repair them as soon as the weather improved.
11 Fine weather. Today the last two junks returned to China.
12 We have been explaining the medicines for Chikugo-no-kami.
15 Interpreter Nihyōe told me that the white raw Chinese silk is being sold for 500–550 taels per picul in Miyako. The missions to congratulate the Shogun are increasing the demand for silk piece-goods. We hope that the Company will find a good market for the silk and other goods which the ships will bring.
16 We have been busy explaining the medicines to the Japanese doctor.
18 Sukezaemon and the otona told me that Burgemeester Hikoemon returned from Edo last night. They did not know if he brought any news or the money which Genba-dono and Uneme-dono owe us. They promised to find out tomorrow.
20 Sukezaemon told me that Yohyōe had received express letters from Edo yesterday. He had been notified that the Shogun had ventured outside the castle on the 8th to enjoy himself and the Court is rejoicing and every day people are enjoying entertainment and theatrical performances. The interpreter had also received a letter from Shirōemon, the landlord in Osaka, that the Bengal silk cabessa was being sold for 490–500 taels. This is a profit of about 100 taels per picul. Furthermore, that the Miyako merchants had made a good profit on all the goods which they had bought from the Company last year. But the European goods made the lowest profit. Furthermore, the prices for all silk fabrics have risen because of the missions to the court. The shops in Miyako and Osaka are almost empty.
21 Sukezaemon brought the money for a gantang of tent wine, some almonds and spectacles, for which the servants of Andō Ukyō-sama and Minbu-no-shō had not yet paid on our departure from Edo. They had paid the landlord afterwards. Hikoemon had brought the money. But we have received no payment for the lakenen which Genba-dono took and for the small things for Uneme-dono. Because Genba-dono was absent from Edo during Hikoemon’s stay there, I hope that payment will follow with Magobei.
23 Today is the 1st day of Gogatsu, the 5th Japanese month. In the afternoon, the Japanese doctor came for more instruction in medicine.
29 Fine weather. A Chinese junk which had lain in mid-stream for some time waiting to sail, has been brought to the shore with the governor’s permission, because the northern monsoon has passed and the southern wind is blowing strongly. The nachoda has received permission to remain here till October.
July
1 The interpreters came to tell me that Yohyōe intended to visit the island. Two hours later he came with Burgemeester Sakuemon and a large train of servants. I went to welcome them at the gate and led them to my house. There I treated them to some pastries and drinks. The governor was very friendly and affable. He, Sakuemon, and his principal servants drank a cup of tent wine and looked at some things that we still had in the factory,
2 Early in the morning, Hachizaemon came to fetch the wood which the governor had selected yesterday. I commended him to thank the governor on my behalf for his visit and to apologize for the meagre offerings and to add other such compliments according to Japanese custom. Hachizaemon returned within the hour and told me he had passed on my message to the governor himself. He had been pleased and had repeated that he was grateful for the fine treatment.
4 Strong southerly wind. In the evening, a junk appeared from Anhai, the first in the southern monsoon. It is the same junk which left here on 24 May. Thus it has journeyed back and forth in forty-two days. It had taken just five days from Anhai to here. [List of cargo.]
6 With a strong south-westerly wind a junk from Siam arrived in the roadstead. It had sailed from Siam to Quanzhou on 24 May and had left for this place on the 1st. [List of cargo.] On today’s market it is worth about 18,000 taels of silver.
7 In the afternoon, Sukezaemon and Kichibyōe’s son Shinkichi came. The governor had sent them with a pass and a flag which had been found yesterday when the junk from Siam was inspected. They wished to know the contents. I notified them that it was a pass issued by Opperhoofd Volkerus Westerwolt to the Chinese Benqua in Siam on 5 May. It stated that he, Benqua, would sail with his junk with a cargo of sappanwood, pepper, tin, lead, saltpetre and cotton to Quanzhou. All the masters of the ships which Benqua encountered were advised to let him continue his journey unmolested,
9 Continuing south-westerly wind. A junk arrived from Cambodia. [List of cargo.] On today’s market the goods are worth 16,500 taels. In the afternoon, we heard a rumour that a Dutch ship had been spotted by the guards on the Nomo Mountains. The governor gave us permission to send a vessel with a couple of Dutchmen. But an hour later we saw a ship, with sails made up in the Dutch manner, sail into the bay. It had a Chinese flag at the back. On the return of our people they reported that the ship came from Siam and belonged to the King. It is said that it had been constructed there by a Dutch carpenter. Time will tell if this will cause us problems, in particular with the officials in Edo, such as in 1647 on the arrival of the two Portuguese ships. It is probable that not much good will come out of it for the Company.
10 Strong south-westerly wind. Early in the morning, Nihyōe told me that the Siamese ship which arrived yesterday had brought an ambassador on behalf of the King to His Majesty of Japan. There were 15 Chinese on the ship – including the master and the first mate – and 101 native Siamese.
11 I heard that the Chinese who arrived here on the 6th from Siam via Quanzhou have sold their entire cargo for good profits.
12 Fine weather. South-westerly breeze. I heard that the 15 Chinese who came on the Siamese ship have been allowed to come ashore. They have been divided over three houses of five each and they are not allowed to go out. The Lord of Ōmura is guarding this ship till further orders come from Edo.
13 Two junks arrived flying Coxinga’s flag. They sailed here from Zhangzhou in six days. [List of cargoes; worth 35,000 taels.]
14 Sukezaemon told me that the Siamese ambassador had informed Governor Yohyōe that the old King of Siam had died and this young King – who, he claims, has sent him – has been accepted all over the Siamese kingdom. He also said that the 15 Chinese who came with the ambassador have indeed been divided over three streets, but each in a separate house and no other Chinese or Japanese are allowed near them. They are being closely guarded.
15 In the morning the guards of the Lord of Ōmura towed two Chinese junks, which had been anchored off Seto, into the roadstead with Japanese barges. The one came from Cambodia and the other from Quinam. [List of cargoes; together worth 12,000 taels.]
Arrival of the Zoutelande
17 Merchant Oetgens, Junior Merchant Messteecker, an interpreter and two bongioisen carried a note with instructions to the ship’s officers to prevent them from unwittingly doing anything to contravene the orders or the customs of the Japanese. In the afternoon, the ship sailed into the bay. It was the yacht the Zoutelande, sent by Governor Cornelis Cæsar from Tayouan with a cargo worth 130,461 guilders. [List of cargo.] Except for the Formosan sugar and skins, it is the cargo which had been loaded on the Trouw in Batavia and Siam for this factory. The Trouw had not been able to continue her journey and turned back off Pehu on 29 September last year. In the letter-book one can read what the governor wrote us about the state of affairs on Formosa and other matters. After we had read the letters and other papers, on the governor’s orders, the interpreters came to inquire what news the ship had brought.
18 In the morning, after the bongioisen had come, the crew of the Zoutelande was mustered, the rules and regulations which they have to follow here were read out to them and we started to unload. We made good progress and by the evening the ship was empty except for the sugar.
19 Fine weather. We started early to unload the sugar. But it did not proceed so smoothly as yesterday because some barges were taking on stone for ballast. Except for 50 chests, all the sugar was brought ashore. In the evening, on the orders of the governor, the interpreters brought a pass which had been brought by the Siamese junk.
20 Fine weather. Before noon the yacht the Zoutelande was empty. Her cargo was dry and in good condition. It tallied with the bill of lading. The ship was inspected and everything was done to the satisfaction of both parties. I had the interpreters thank the governor for the good orders he had given concerning the unloading. In the evening, we were told that a short while ago, two of the governor’s falconers were passing through the streets with the falcons on their wrists. A servant of a bongiois from Ōmura, approaching from a side street, bumped into them. This had infuriated the falconers and they abused this man and kicked him. They got into a fight and the servant killed both falconers. The servant was badly hurt himself and he slit open his belly. Thus within the space of a quarter of an hour, three men have been killed because of the arrogance of these falconers.
21 Before dawn a junk arrived from Quinam.
26 Fine weather. To make room for the goods on the ships which we are expecting any day now, I had 103 packs of Bengal silk cabessa which the Zoutelande brought and which are of a similar quality and value, taken to a secure display attic. I intend to open the packs and to display them as soon as we receive permission to trade. This will save us some time.
28 A junk from Anhai arrived flying Coxinga’s flag. It left on the 13th of this month with the following cargo. [List.] It is worth 10,000 taels.
30 The interpreters came with Doctor Genshō to note down the remedy for some illnesses for the last time. After they had finished, I commended them to request Yohyōe permission to purchase copper because the copper merchants will appear here shortly.
31 This morning Magobei, the interpreter who was sent to Edo on 15 May, returned. He reported – this has also been written in the reply to my letter by the major-domo of Chikugo-no-kami and his interpreter Senoosje – that not only were the Commissioner and Kiemon most appreciative of the mission which contributed to the honour of the Company, but the councillors had been so pleased that he, Magobei, had been given audience on 23 June – which is the 1st day of the 5th Japanese month – in their full meeting in the shogunal palace. Our gifts – just consisting of ten pieces of red gielam – had been accepted by the councillors on behalf of His Majesty. But the gifts which had been taken to the houses of the councillors had been refused by their secretaries with many apologies, because the councillors did not accept anything from anyone on these extraordinary missions. On the 27th Magobei had received two silk gowns on behalf of the Shogun and he was given his dispatch by the councillors. During his stay in Edo he had been entertained very affably by Chikugo-no-kami and the Nagasaki Governor. They value this mission highly, because it shows our sincere affection for His Majesty’s well-being. In sum, according to the interpreters, the honour bestowed on the Company was great. Thus the 261 taels which this mission cost have been well spent.
August
Arrival of the Koning David
2 I sent another barge with three Dutchmen. South-westerly wind during the day. In the afternoon, we saw the ship sail into the bay. It is the flute the Koning David, dispatched by Governor Cæsar from Tayouan on the 19th of last month. [List of cargo: Formosan powdered sugar, Formosan deerskins, mountain goat skins and elk hides.] The skins and the sugar cost 48,423 guilders with expenses. From Cæsar’s letter I learnt that thus far no ships had yet arrived from Batavia. That Coxinga has forbidden his subjects to trade in Formosa and had sent a placard there which had been affixed for the public.
3 Last night and this morning eight Chinese junks arrived in the roadstead. I was told that six came from Anhai and one from Tonkin and the eighth was a Patani junk which had sailed directly from Batavia. In the morning the weather was fine. I went on board the ship to muster the crew and to publish the instructions. The bongioisen were pleased with the proceedings. Then we started to unload and all the skins were brought ashore.
4 Last night and early in the morning four more Chinese junks arrived. They are said to have come from Anhai. I do not know what they or the junks which arrived yesterday brought, because most cannot be unloaded because of a shortage of bongioisen. The bongioisen came early and we started to unload the sugar from the David. In the afternoon, two more junks arrived from Anhai, flying Coxinga’s flag. In the afternoon, the governor sent the interpreters with a pass and a bond.
5 Hard rain and fierce thunder in the morning, but later it cleared. The ship has been inspected, twelve pieces of ordnance were removed from the hold and ballast stone has been loaded. The governor gave permission that the rudder remain in the ship. I had the interpreters thank him for this and also because the ship had been unloaded so quickly thanks to the diligence of the bongioisen.
6 Burgemeester Sakuemon sent for the red thrum blanket and the burning-glass which Inaba Mino-no-kami had ordered when we were in Edo. Yohyōe asked for two blue thrum blankets which were still at the factory. I had the interpreters take the goods to Sakuemon and the governor.
8 Fine weather. Today the confiscated goods of the Lord of Karatsu, which are being kept in one of the warehouses on Tsukishima, have been aired. Burgemeester Hikoemon and two of the governor’s bongioisen were present.
9 The interpreters came with a few of the principal copper merchants. I told them that, if we could agree on a fair price, I would order a good quantity of fine bar-copper. As they do every year, they explained the reason for the high price of copper. They gave me a quote of 14 taels per picul. I offered them 10 taels. After some haggling, they finally lowered their quote to 12.5 taels and I raised my bid to 11 taels, to show them that we were willing to buy. They would not listen to this and left. If we could not offer them a higher price, we need not send for them again.
10–11 The interpreters came and I asked them what they thought of the price I had offered for the copper. They thought the bid was fair, but that it would not be possible to obtain it for that price this year. We could wait for another two or three days and they would sound the merchants out about for which price they would be willing to deliver. I commended them to do so without letting on that I had given orders to do so.
12 The copper merchants came again and after much haggling they lowered their quote to 117 mas.
13 At nine o’clock in the morning we sent another vessel to the ship. They returned again in the evening not having achieved their goal, but the ship had been spotted far out at sea from the mountain.
Arrival of the Arnemuiden
14 For the third time I sent two barges. They returned in the afternoon with the ship. It is the yacht the Arnemuiden from Tayouan. According to the master she is loaded with 300 chests of sugar, about 40,000 Siamese deerskins and cowhides and 3,000 buffalo-horns, which the Trouw had brought there last year. But he did not bring me any letters, invoices, bill of lading, or other documents. The reason is that on 30 July a fierce storm had struck the ship which cut her anchor ropes and she had drifted from the southern roadstead.
15 Fine weather. The crew of the Arnemuiden was mustered and we began to unload. All the skins and the horns have been brought ashore.
16 After we had sent three sampans full of ballast stone to the ship, the sugar was unloaded. In the evening, a junk from Anhai arrived flying Coxinga’s flag.
17 The Arnemuiden is empty and has been inspected. The munitions have been brought ashore. Every day the interpreters have been impressing upon the copper merchants that, if they did not sell their copper in time, they would be left stuck with it. Thus they came for the third time and after some negotiations we finally agreed to 11.4 taels per picul for fine copper with the chests, to be weighed on the Company’s daats. Thereupon about 2000 piculs were brought onto the island.
Arrival of the Kalf and the Avondster
18 The copper is of a good quality and alloy. We have begun to take delivery employing four daatsen simultaneously.
19 After the crew had been mustered and the instructions had been published, we began to unload the Kalf. Around eight o’clock we were told that another Dutch ship had been spotted, but when we sent a vessel there, it returned without having seen any ship. This afternoon six Chinese junks arrived in the roadstead, including one belonging to the brother of Itchien, the one-eyed Chinese, who came from Tonkin on his newly-built junk with a costly cargo. We shall hear shortly what it consists of.
20 The bongioisen urged the workers on and the Kalf was empty in the afternoon. The cargo is in good condition and tallies with the bill of lading. The governor gave permission to leave the 100 sows of lead which had been loaded onto the yacht for Tayouan on board as ballast.
21 After midnight the wind started to blow strongly from the east and then from the south-east with driving rain. The water in the bay, it being spring tide, rose to a high level, almost as high as Tsukishima. We were afraid that we would suffer the same experience as in 1650, when the fence, the pantry and the buttery blew down.
Arrival of the Arnhem and the Cabo Jasques
22 It had calmed down a little and I sent the interpreters to the governor with the request to have the mastless ship towed in by tow-boats. He gave permission to do so. I sent Oetgens there straightaway. Although we would have liked to postpone it till tomorrow, the bongioisen also came to unload the Avondster. After the crew had been mustered, we made a start. Around nine o’clock the Arnhem arrived safely in the roadstead. She had sailed from Siam and, apart from the cargo from Batavia, she carried a Siamese cargo
23 The ship was being unloaded when the hard rain made us stop. Yesterday I had the interpreters inform the governor’s secretary that I wished to offer some payment to the tow-boats of the Lords of Arima and Ōmura. The secretary sent the reply that I could do as I wished. He thought that this was a good opportunity to present it to them. After consultation with the interpreters, I sent the men of Arima 20 schuiten of silver and those of Ōmura ten, a total of 30 schuiten of silver, which is 129 taels. The interpreters took it to them with our gratitude. The men of Ōmura refused to accept it, their lord having forbidden it, but the men of Arima accepted it on condition that they receive their lord’s permission first. They expected a reply within two days. In the evening, two Nanking junks arrived. They have brought medicines and some fabrics. This is the first time in two years that a vessel from that place has arrived here.
24 All the goods have been unloaded from the Avondster. It has been inspected and the munitions have been brought ashore. In the meantime, the Cabo Jasques was mustered and we unloaded the Tonkinese silk. In the afternoon it was also empty.
25 The bongioisen came early to unload the Arnhem. We made good progress. Kiemon arrived from Edo over land. As soon as we heard the news, I sent the interpreters to welcome him. We also heard that several pieces of timber, ropes and other things which had fallen over board when the masts of the Jasques were cut, had been dredged up. The Ōmura men had picked them up on the beach. I sent a few Japanese vessels to collect them. A junk arrived from Anhai. It just brought medicines, alum and 200 piculs of black sugar. We have brought a good part of the Siamese goods of the Arnhem on shore.
27–28 We have been busy unloading the Arnhem and we loaded 1800 piculs of copper. She is now ballasted with 2500 piculs of copper. The masters received permission to go to the city to look for some masts. They found three suitable ones for the Jasques and the Kalf. They were purchased for 150 taels each. Compared to former times, this is reasonable.
29 The Arnhem is empty. She has been inspected and the munitions have been brought ashore. The whole cargo, both from Batavia and Siam, is dry and looks in good condition and tallies with the bill of lading. In the afternoon, while the gates were still open, the three pieces of timber for masts were brought onto the island. One is damaged and useless for a mast.
30 All the ships have been unloaded. We have started to weigh copper again. We received 500 piculs and packed them. In the afternoon, Doctor Mukai Genshō received his final instruction in medicine from the surgeon, both orally and in writing. The order from Edo concerning surgery has now been fulfilled and has been explained extensively. They can understand it now.
31 After having received permission, I went to welcome Kiemon after his difficult journey hither.
September
1 I had the interpreters request the governors for permission to leave the hatches of the Cabo Jasques unsealed as long as the carpenters are busy with their work and stepping new masts, which are being prepared on the island. Their reply was that the bongiois could open the hatches at all times, even ten times a day, but they would consider whether to leave them open all the time. We received 500 piculs of copper.
2–3 Today is the Japanese holiday for the dead called Bon. We could not weigh copper. In the afternoon, both governors sent for some of the goods they had ordered and which have now arrived, such as plush, blankets, lanterns, morions, spectacles and spyglasses. I had the interpreters take the goods to them. They returned with the message that Yohyōe had thought about the start of our trade and when he heard that most of the merchants were present and also that the Chinese are selling their coarse goods, even silk, every day, he had said that we could start selling the coarse goods after the holidays.
4 Three barges brought some goods from a Cambodian junk which had been with our ships in the storm on 21 August. It had been driven to Ishū off Hirado, where it had been dashed against the cliffs and was smashed to pieces. Most of the men on board had been saved. On the orders of the Lord of Hirado they were brought here. Today we received 800 piculs of copper.
5 I had the interpreters request the governors that the experts on rayskins be allowed on the island to see if there were any suitable for the Shogun. We should also like permission to load the copper, which we have in store, on the ships as ballast. This will save us time when we have to load and it would be done in a more orderly and careful fashion than when we were pressed for time. The governors gave their permission and we can proceed tomorrow when the bongioisen come.
6 After the ballast stones had been unloaded from the Zoutelande, they were replaced by 1000 chests of copper. I urged the master to have the chests handled carefully and to see to it that they arrived at their destination in proper order. We would not like to receive any complaints about any underweight. He promised to do his best.
In the afternoon, the son of Nabeshima-dono, Lord of Hizen, came with a very large suite to view the rarities which have arrived. I entertained him in my room for half an hour and treated him to tent wine and confitures. He left satisfied and went on his vessel to the Arnhem. He looked it all over and after having spent an hour there, he sailed out of the bay. Yesterday and today the San Thome rayskins were inspected by the expert on rarities in the presence of the governor’s bongiois. They found some old and damaged ones in the packs. From the entire number of 32,600 skins they selected 16, which were taken to the governors in the evening for inspection.
8 After the bongioisen had come, the ballast stones were unloaded from the Cabo Jasques and they were replaced by 400 chests of copper.
9 Heavy rain in the morning, but around nine it cleared and the bongioisen came to unload the stones from the Kalf and to load copper. Before evening all the stones had been unloaded and 845 piculs of copper loaded. This was all that we had in store. Before the start of trade we have loaded 6245 piculs in four ships, which will save us a lot of time when the ships have to be dispatched.
Arrival of the Charlois
11 The interpreters have assured us that most of the merchants have arrived and I requested the governor that we may start trading. The interpreters told me that they had presented our request to the governors and after some thought and discussion they had said that they would see to it that we could start trade in this, the 7th, month. Today it is the 23rd of that month. This means more delay, but we can proceed with taking delivery of copper and sorting the goods. The wind is still northerly, thus we sent ten tow-boats to the Charlois to bring her in.
12 The sugar on the Charlois has been unloaded and 100 chests of copper were taken there as ballast. The yacht has been inspected and because there is just one landing, the hold has been left unsealed. In the afternoon, the interpreters came to tell us that all of them had been summoned by both governors. They had been told that notwithstanding that not all merchants had arrived from up country, we could start selling the coarse goods, for which there is no shortage of merchants. I had the governors thanked for this welcome message. In the evening, we decided to sell sugar, pepper, sappanwood, deerskins, cowhides and such. The goods will be displayed the day after tomorrow.
14 Fine weather. The skins were put on display and the island was opened for everyone. The merchants came in droves and inspected the goods. The four burgemeesters of the city came to supervise proceedings. We entertained them in the otona’s quarters and treated them to tent wine and sakana.
15 In the morning, the otona and the interpreters showed Wagenaer, Oetgens and me a Japanese document in the form of a request which the Chinese nachoda Wansick – who arrived here on 2 August from Batavia – had handed to the Chinese interpreters to present to the governors here. It contains many false complaints and accusations against the Company, namely that he, the nachoda, had been forced to hand over all his money and merchandise in Batavia. He had been belittled and treated very disgracefully because he came from Japan and he had been threatened that if he sailed back to Japan, his junk would be confiscated and all the people on board would be killed. And more such lies. The Chinese interpreters had handed the document to our interpreters before they took it to the governor, to show it to us and to find out what was the matter. We told them in general about the junk, why it had been brought to Malacca and why he had deposited 3000 reals in Batavia. Furthermore, that the nachoda was telling lies saying that he had permission from the opperhoofd of the Japan factory to go to Malacca, while they, the interpreters knew very well
16 Rainy weather. This prevented us from delivering the deerskins. The merchants came to fetch the rayskins, elephant’s teeth, nutmeg and catechu.
17 We delivered a batch of deerskins, namrak, sugar and pepper. In the evening, we decided which of the silk, European woollen goods, Coromandel cloth and hides to put on display for the merchants’ inspection in two days.
19 The remainder of the goods we have chosen for the sale have been put on display. In the afternoon, people came to view them.
20 After the merchants had viewed some goods, we held the second sale. The Bengal and Tonkinese silk raised good prices, the European goods on average also 100 per cent, some of the Coromandel cloth accordingly, the Siamese and Tayouanese deerskins made prices similar to the previous sale, so we can say that the thirty-three lots have been sold at a good profit.
21–22 We have been busy delivering the silk and the other commodities which we sold yesterday. The weather is dry and fine and suitable for this kind of work. In the evening, we decided on which goods to take out tomorrow for another sale.
23 We have been busy all day selecting the silk and other goods and displaying them in the warehouses.
24 The goods have been divided into 34 lots. In the afternoon, a crowd of merchants came to view them. The stadsburgemeesters also came and we entertained them as before in the house of the otona. They left after they had visited several of the warehouses where the goods are displayed.
25 Several merchants came to view the silk, red coral, European cloth and other goods in the morning.
26 Heavy rain most of the day. This prevented us from handing over the skins to the buyers, but we made fair progress delivering the other commodities which we sold.
27 Steady rain, but we received a batch of copper and delivered some Bengal and Tonkinese silk. We also had the gift goods, which will be presented to the governors, Regent Heizō and the four burgemeesters when the weather improves, brought out. The time of departure of the first ships is approaching, thus we decided in a meeting of the council to dispatch the Arnhem and the Cabo Jasques around 10 or 12 October with the first northerly wind to Batavia and Tonkin. The ships for Tayouan will wait till 15–20 October. We shall also decrease the schuitzilver for Batavia and Tonkin so that we can send more capital to Tayouan for the coast of India. See the resolution.
28 Steady rain, which hindered us in the delivery of the goods sold, especially the skins.
29 Early in the morning, the merchants came to take delivery of the silk and sugar they bought. The bongioisen came to bury the deceased. In the presence of four Dutchmen he was buried at the other side of the bay near a Japanese temple.
30 Fine weather. In the morning Wagenaer and I went to governors Kiemon and Yohyōe, Regent Heizō, and the four burgemeesters of the city to present them with gifts according to annual custom. They all accepted the gifts very affably and gratefully. We were treated to food and drink. In the meantime, the skins sold were delivered and the goods that have been selected to be viewed tomorrow have been taken out and put on display.
October
1 After the skins had been set out, all the goods that were on display, consisting of 36 packs, were viewed by the merchants. The governors sent for some tent wine and wine for several nobles.
2 Gloomy weather with a stiff easterly wind which prevented us from proceeding with the sale. In the afternoon, the wind gathered such force that a severe storm broke loose and the ships could barely ride at three anchors. Some snapped their anchor ropes. The bowsprit of the Zoutelande was damaged and the mizzenmast of the Charlois broke. The Jasques lost two anchors and the Arnemuiden lost a piece of the taffrail. In the evening, the wind veered south-westerly and when the tide rose, it calmed. We have been lucky that it was low tide during the storm, otherwise we would have suffered great damage on the island, part of the fence having already been blown down, through the collapse of the pantry, the houses of the interpreters and the bongioisen, and the warehouses on the south- eastern side. Thank the Lord that we were spared this.
3 The merchants have again viewed the goods on display and we held the fourth sale. Most of the lots fetched good prices, but the buyer of the elk hides made himself scarce.
4 We have been busy handing over the silk and skins to the buyers. The two anchors of the Cabo Jasques have been dredged up. In the meantime, the interpreters were summoned by the governors. They brought us the document or request which Nachoda Wansick presented to the governors yesterday. He expounded on his false complaints – as mentioned on the 15th of last month – and requested the governors’ help to recover the 4846 taels, which – according to him – he had paid in Batavia as toll – this included the 3000 reals he deposited. Otherwise he would be unable to repay the 6000 taels which he claims several citizens here lent him last year. The governors had the interpreters ask us about this matter. Wagenaer, Oetgens and I explained to them extensively that the Company had taken Malacca from the Portuguese by force in 1641. This gave the Company jurisdiction over those waters. Since olden times all passing vessels had paid toll there and this was the reason why this Chinese, having already passed Malacca, had been taken to Batavia, where – contrary to his false claims that his money had been taken from him after much harassment because he came from Japan and that he had been subjected to violence – he had been favoured above the other Chinese.
5 We delivered the silk sold. We brought out the last goods which will be displayed tomorrow. In the evening, we presented the annual gifts to the otona, the interpreters and the guards, all of whom accepted them gratefully.
6 In the morning, the ship of the Siamese ambassador left as she had come. Just 700 taels’ worth of sappanwood has been unloaded to pay for the provisions for their journey back. The two ambassadors and fifteen Siamese have died since their arrival. During the three months that they stayed here they have been closely guarded by men from Ōmura. None of the Siamese has been allowed on shore. We shall hear shortly how they were given their dispatch. I trust that this will make the Siamese king think twice about sending another ambassador under this guise. In the afternoon, a crowd of people came to view the merchandise on display.
7 I struck an agreement with the designated merchant of the vermilion. He will accept it for 122 taels per picul. After the sale of the mercury, this is a fair price and only 9 taels less. Usually it fetches 30 to 40 taels less. But because of the low price of mercury the profit is just 40 per cent.
8 We have been busy all day delivering the sold piece-goods. In spite of the sharp watch, we still found some to be short, in particular the taffachelas gingham of which there were nine pieces less than we had displayed. This thieving is regrettable, but we cannot do anything about it because of the hustle and bustle and the throngs forcing themselves into the warehouses.
9 Another storm from the north with rain. It abated in the afternoon, but the northerly wind kept blowing hard. Today Magobei told me that Kiemon had returned the Chinese nachoda Wansick’s request – which had been presented to him on the 3rd – with an irate expression on his face. The governor had surmised from our reply that the Chinese had been heading for Portuguese or popish places after he had passed Malacca. His creditors, who had lent Wansick a total of 4000 taels on bottomry, had also complained to the governors and had requested payment. But the governors referred them to their debtor. This makes it clear that the governors do not wish to become involved in foreign affairs.
10 Fine weather. The remaining Bengal silk and deerskins have been delivered. Some rice merchants came with samples of their grain to make a deal with us. But the interpreters had been summoned by the governors and we could not go ahead.
11 The grain merchants came again and we made a contract for a quantity of 12,000 bales of rice, to wit, a bale of Higo rice which contains 32½–33 gantang at 138 candareens a bale and the Chikugo rice containing 32 gantang at 128 candareens a bale, which is a fair price.
12 A good quantity of rice has been brought onto the island and stored in the warehouses. In order to do everything possible to prevent any fraud, to which we are subjected every year by the rice suppliers, the interpreters proposed to appoint someone from the Geldkamer who was experienced in this trade and who knew the rice of every domain to supervise it together with the persons who are assigned to execute this. I thought this a good plan and told them to promise the man that he would get something in remuneration.
14 We proceeded loading the Arnhem. In the afternoon, Sinnemon, Chikugo-no-kami’s interpreter, who arrived from Edo yesterday, came to greet us on behalf of his master. He would like to know what goods the ships had brought for his master and if the long-requested fire engine had now come. He told us that all the Dutch seed which I had taken to Edo had been sown and had matured well. Also that Chikugo-no-kami had given all the councillors some produce from those crops as a novelty. Therefore, he commended us to supply him with some on the next journey. After some other conversation, for instance that the mission of Magobei to congratulate the Shogun on his recovery had pleased his master immensely, he left.
15 In the morning, we began to load rice on the Cabo Jasques. We also received and packed 100 chests of silver which will be sent with both ships.
16 The remainder has been taken to the Arnhem. The ship has been loaded with 50,000 taels of schuit- zilver, 2500 piculs of copper, 5000 bales of Higo rice, 1000 bales of new wheat, 200 bales of white unhusked rice, 1000 sugi and somagi boards and 12 jars of cha for the Netherlands. The total value is 251,383 guilders.
Departure of the Arnhem and the Cabo Jasques
17 Fine weather. In the morning, we dispatched the Arnhem to Batavia and the Cabo Jasques to Tonkin. The total value of both ships is 411,952 guilders. They set sail with a fresh northerly wind. May the Almighty guide them safely to their destination. In our letter-book one can read what we have written to the Governor-General and the Council of the Indies in Batavia and to Louis Baffart, opperhoofd in Tonkin. In the evening, we packed another 100 chests of silver.
18 After the bongioisen appeared, we began to load the Zoutelande with copper, grain and other goods.
19 We loaded the Koning David and the Charlois.
20 The remaining goods have been loaded on the Koning David. We have also loaded 10 chests of silver, 300 chests of copper, 150 bales of whale train and 200 bales of wheat for Tayouan on the Charlois. The three ships are now fully loaded with 210 chests of silver of 1000 taels each, 3200 piculs of bar-copper, 2500 bales of rice, 1200 bales of wheat and various other necessities for Formosa, Bengal and Siam.
21 The stone has been unloaded from the Arnemuiden. The pieces of ordnance have been brought out and 1200 piculs of copper have been loaded as ballast.
Departure of the Koning David, Zoutelande and Charlois
22 In the afternoon, we dispatched the Koning David, Zoutelande and Charlois to Tayouan. They set sail with a north-westerly wind. One can read in the letter-book what we wrote to Governor Cæsar and the Council of Formosa and to Siam. In the evening, we received and packed another 100 chests of silver.
23 We loaded rice on the Arnemuiden. We also received 800 piculs of fine refined copper. In the evening, the complete number of interpreters came to inform us that Yohyōe intends to set off to the Court before the 20th of the 9th month.16 Thus I should hasten my departure and I should be ready by the 16th of this month, which is 2 November. They added that the governor could not force me to depart before the set date, but if I stayed till the final day while the trade had started early this year, this would harm the following captains in future, giving many more circumlocutory arguments, of which they are never short.
24 Today is a Japanese holiday and the island was quiet.17 We have been busy settling the accounts.
25 The Kalf has taken on 1100 chests of copper and 2200 bales of Higo rice.
26 Rainy weather. Another holiday. In the afternoon, we received and packed another 100 chests of silver. The yacht will carry these to Tayouan.
Departure of the Arnemuiden and the Kalf
27 Fine weather. When everything was ready, the Arnemuiden and the Kalf were dispatched to Tayouan. The Arnemuiden is carrying 125 chests of silver, 2000 bales of rice and 1300 piculs of copper, worth 407,214 guilders, and the Kalf 125 chests of silver, 1100 piculs of copper and 2200 bales of rice, worth 401,836 guilders. In our letter-book one can read what we have written to Tayouan, Coromandel and Bengal.
29 I settled with the Geldkamer for the entire delivery. I paid the rent for the island and the powder magazine and handed the otona, money-weighers and clerks their annual payment.
30 A part of the ballast stone has been unloaded from the Avondster and 398 chests of copper, 1000 bales of wheat and some bales of rice have been loaded. In the afternoon, Burgemeester Sakuemon appeared with 25 schuiten of silver as payment for three dogs which had been taken from the Arnhem and the Koning David for the Lord of Hakata. The lord also sent five silk gowns as gifts. He told us that the lord was exceptionally pleased with the dogs and he requested that another one be brought for him next year. He also said that Yohyōe would like me very much to be ready to leave on the 16th of their month, which is 2 November, in connection with his journey to Edo. This would be to our advantage in future when the ships were late in arriving and we had to request an extension. I told him that we were very busy settling our accounts and hoped to be ready on that date. He was pleased and after some friendly conversation,
31 The Avondster has taken on the remainder of her cargo. She is carrying 27,000 taels of schuitzilver, 2000 bales of wheat, 2000 bales of Higo rice, 10 jars of cha for the Netherlands and some porcelain flasks and jars for the surgeon’s shop. The total value is 101,817 guilders. We have been busy closing the books and settling all our accounts and preparing for the transport.
November
1 Shortly after midday, Zacharias Wagenaer, Merchant Johan Oetgens and I went to the house of Kiemon and Yohyōe to bid them farewell. They were together. I thanked them for the favours they have bestowed on me and requested them to bestow them also on my successor. They said that they were most pleased that this year everything had gone smoothly and peacefully and they hoped that next year the ships would arrive early and everything would go smoothly as well. I should inform the Governor-General of this when I arrived in Batavia and also of the recommendation of the authorities in Edo that we should notify the Japanese in time if the Portuguese or any other nation intended to send a mission to Japan and, furthermore, not to harm any Chinese junks sailing to this empire to trade.
Sic. 11 January 1656.
The Year of the Monkey.
This may be a join-up of Mizuno and Sakai.
Andreas Vesalius (Andries van Wesel, 1514–1564), Renaissance Flemish physician, who revolutionized the practice of medicine by his careful description of the anatomy of the human body. He challenged the doctrine of Galen and wrote the first comprehensive textbook of anatomy, De humanis corporis fabrica libri septem [The Seven Books on the Structure of the Human Body], printed in Basel, Switzerland in 1543, with illustrations by Jan Steven van Kalkar.
Mizuno Iwami-no-kami Tadasada (adopted by Mizuno Iwami-no-kami Nagakatsu).
Mukai Genshō (1609–1677) was a Chinese-style doctor and founder and head of the Seidō Academy in Nagasaki. See Michel, Wolfgang, ‘Shoki kōmō – ryū geka to jūi Mukai Genshō ni tsuite’(The Confucianist doctor Mukai Genshō and early Dutch-style surgery), Nihon Ishigaku Zasshi (2010), pp. 367–385.
This year had an intercalary month after the fourth month.
The High Government sent two envoys, Pieter de Goyer and Jacob Keyser, to Canton in 1655. They had to wait seven months before they received permission to travel to Peking on a so-called tribute-bearing mission. The Emperor’s response to their humble request that the VOC be allowed free trading rights in China was that the Dutch need only bring tribute once every eight years.
In 1656 the Dutch captured Colombo, which then became the capital of their government on Ceylon.
From the French nantir: provide collateral.
We could not find the meaning of this.
See 17 July 1656.
The Goshin-ji.
See 4 October.
Hassaku.
6 November.
The Kunchi Festival.