Richard Cocks to the E. I. Company.[159]
Firando in Japon, the 25th February, 1615[6].
Right worshipfull,—
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I know not whether it be come to your W[orp. to understand the] conclusion of these greate wars in Japon [wherin Fidaia] Samme, the son of Ticus Samme, lost [his
life, with the] slaughter of above 100,000 men which took his [parte. Some] report he was burned in his castell, it being fired; others think he escaped and is in Shashma or the Liqueas. His mother cut her owne belly, and his littell childe was executed by comand from the Emperour, as also all others were the lyke which were knowne to take parte with hym. And Osakay and Sackay, two greate citties, burned to the grownd, not soe much as one howse being saved; your Worps. loosing goodes which were burned to the vallu of 155 ta. 5 ma. 8 condr., as apeareth per acco. sent to Capt. Jno. Jourden, your Wor. agent at Bantam.
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[And may it plea]se your Worps. to understand that the last yeare [it was agreed for a certe]n Italion marrener to goe in our junck for Syam [whose name is] Damian Marina, and an other Castalliano called Jno. [de Lievana] went with hym. Which coming to the knowledg of the Portingales and Spaniardes at Langasaque, that they had served the English, they laid handes on them and carid them presoners abord the great shipp of Amacan. The which being made knowen unto me, I wrot a letter to the capitan major of the ship, willing hym to set them at liberty, for that they were not under his comand nor jurisdiction, but under the English; and to the lyke effect I wrot an other letter to Gonrocq Dono, cheefe governor at Langasaque for the Emperour; but had a scornfull answer from the Portingale, and nothing but words from the Japon. Whereupon I got a letter testimoniall from the King of Firando to the Emperour, how these 2 men were entertayned into service of the English; and Mr. Wm. Adams being above with Capt. Ralph Coppendalle to carry a [present to] the Emperour, gave hym to understand of this matter, [and he gave] his command forthwith that the 2 men should be [set at liberty] and all their goodes restored to them. Which was [accordingly
accomp]lished to the greate harts greefe both of [the Spaniardes and Port]ingale, they haveing condemned them both [to death] and sent pristes to confesse them and exhibited [articles] against them to Gonrock Dono, as against traitors [to their owne] cuntry and frendes to the English and Hollanders their enemies. Which processe the capt. major deliverd both in Japons and Portugese with his ferme at it; but that in Portugese Gonrocq Dono sent to the King of Firando, and he gave it unto me, which here inclozed I send unto your Wor., together with his letter written to me, in which is manifested that they hould both English and Duch for their enemies.