Richard Cocks to the E. I. Company.[174]
Firando in Japon, the 14th of December, 1620.
Right worll. Ser and Serrs,—
* * * * *
I canot but be sorofull for the losse of such a man as Capt. Wm. Adames was, he having byn in such favour with two Emperours of Japon as never was any Christian in these partes of the worlde, and might freely have entred and had speech with themperours, when many Japon kinges stood without and could not be permitted. And this Emperour hath conformed the lordshipp to his sonne which thother Emperour gave to the father.
* * * * *
Yt is strang to see the changes of merchandizing soe altered since our first arivall in Japon; for heretofore yearly white raw silk was sould at 500, 400, and 300 taies the pico. at least, and now it is fallne to 130, yea som have sould for 105 taies the pico. this yeare, which 3 yeares past was worth 300 tais pico. The reason is, a company of ruch men have got all the trade of Japon into their handes. Soe they
agree all together and will not buy but at what price they think good them selves; and is not to be remedied.
And it is geven out that themperour will defend that noe more lead shall com into Japon till this greate quantety brought by us and the Hollanders be spent. For the Hollanders brought in their shipping this yeare 4000 pico. Eng. lead and 1000 pico. from Syam in their junck. Soe that the Hollanders have 5000 pico. lead com this yeare; but a great part of it is small barrs, such as is com in our shiping this yeare, and I think taken out of our English shipping which they took heretofore.