[165] British Museum. Cotton Charter, iii, 13, f. 15.
Richard Cocks to William Nealson and John Osterwick.[166]
Fushamy in Japon, le 1th of October, 1617.
Loving frendes,—
Yow will not beleeve what a trowble we have had about our previlegese, and with much ado yistarday got Langasaque set in as well as Firando, and soe sealed per themperour. But, before it could be delivered, som took acceptions thereat, and so Langasaque is razed out againe, and matters remeane as before. Yet this morning I have sent Capt. Adames againe to get Goto and Shashma put in for shiping that, yf in case the Tono of Firando abuse us, we may have a retiring place, as also to abcent our selves from the Hollanders, it not being to our content to live together. But whether they will grant this or no, I know not. Once we are put to Hodgsons choise[167] to take such previlegese as they will geve us, or else goe without. My dowbt is, they will drive us affe till the Emperour be gon (whoe they say will departe to morrow), so thinking to make us follow them to Edo; but truly I will rather leave all and retorne for Firando. I doe protest unto yow I am
sick to see their proceadinges, and canot eate a bit of meate that doth me good, but cast it up as sowne as I have eaten it. God send me well once out of this cuntrey, yf it be His blessed will. Mr. Wickham and Capt. Adames are not halfe currant neather, as also our folkes which came with us have byn sick, except Fatchman, Richard King haveing had his part.
Kept till the 2th ditto.
Yisternight came your letters dated in Firando the 8th and 9th ultimo, accompanid with the goshon, which came in good tyme (I instantly sending it to the Cort where there was much enquiring for it). Soe we gott out our goshons, but the privelegese as they were the last yeare. Warry, warry, warry!
Your loving frend,