Primo June
In the night we set sail, being conducted aboard by Sr. Cuteles, Pr. Segers and others. And being the half way of Sumatra we got a mighty cake [squall] out of the E. of rain, wind and foul weather, so that we ran behind certain islands under the coast of Java, till towards the evening the weather growing more tractable, and then we set sail again.
3 ditto
We came under the coast of Sumatra, and having passed a great breach, by reason of a shole, in passing from Java to Sumatra. Here we took our course N.N.E.; but eschewing dyvers sholes, we went sometimes E. and sometimes W.
4 ditto
We passed the sholes of Sumatra, and the 5 we came by the low Island [Boom Island] which lied hard [close] under Sumatra, so that it hardly be discerned to be an island. Here we lost a man by the flux [dysentery].
6 ditto
We passed between the island of Lusapara [Lucipara] and the land of Sumatra, and before we came near the island we had scarce 4 fathom depth and muddy ground about some 2 (miles) leagues from the shore. But having got the island southerly as [well as] east, we presently got deeper water of 11 and 12 fathom, sandy ground.
7 ditto
We came in the Strait of Palembang [Banka Strait], between Banca and Sumatra.
8 ditto
In the night we came by the river of Palembang, called Arbocas de Palimbam. Here we were forced to come to an ancker by reason of the great stream which came against us, having very red water on the coast of Sumatra, a league of more from the shore at 8 or 9 fathom. This day we lost 2 men with the flixe [flux], to witte John Hunte and Chareboute, having dyvers other sick of the flux; yet we had every day fair weather and a wholesome air, but it was the corruption of Bantam which now break forth daily.
9 ditto
We passed the mount Manupin [Manoembing], being the N.W. corner of the island of Banca and at the end of the day we came most out of sight of the mount, and in the evening we saw the Islands of Pulo Tayo [pulau Tuju], or the Seven Islands; taking our course N. and N. by E., we had 15, 16 and 17 fathom sandy ground.
10 ditto
In the morning we had Pulau Pon just at our stern, and towards evening saw the Island of Linga sticking out with his hares eares. This morning died Arthur Smith of the flux.
11 ditto
About noon we saw Pulau Pinang, and shortly after the Island of Bintang.
12 ditto
In the morning we were by Pedra Branca [White Rock; sea-mark for the eastern entrance to the Strait of Singapore] and saw him, but were not knowen [did not recognise him]. At noon we saw N. from us 2 high islands, whereof the W. is called Pulau Tingi, with a high tipp, and the E., being about 7 (miles) leagues seawards, is called Pulo Laor [Pulau Aor]. In the evening we saw Pulau Pisan [Bajin], taking our course without about the islands.
13 ditto
In the morning we were E. from the Ile Pulo Timon [Tioman], being a great and high island with three little islands at the north side; lied under 2 3/4 degrees.
14 ditto
At noon we saw the firm land, making our course N.W. towards it.
15 ditto
We came by 3 or 4 islands lying not passing [more than] 1 1/2 (miles) leagues from the land, called Pulo Capas; and this day we lost a man called Hugho Moore, a Scottsman.
16 ditto
We came by a great many islands lying at about 6 degrees, and are from Patani about 26 (miles) leagues, and are called Redange,
19 ditto
We were by a great out-pointing corner [the peninsula Tanjong Patani], having had but little speed during these 3 days. When this corner is past, those of Pattani begin to see the ships over the low land called Saberang [across the river], being as then yet at the least 6 (miles) leagues from the roads; for one must pass a low point, being sandy, with some few trees, and then to go on S. by W. and S.S.W. towards the roads, to shun a shole of sand which is left lying at the left hand; all the rest is muddy ground. From this corner seawards, about a (mile) league from the land, lied a a little rock above water, about which the depth is 7, 10 and 12 fathom.
22 ditto
We came in the roads of Patani, where we found a Hollands shipp of Enckhusen [Enkhuizen, north of Amsterdam] called Bantam, which was arrived there 10 days before us. The merchant, Wm. Jansen Neblet, with Matchys de Maire and Lambert Jacobsen, came aboard of us, of whom we learned the manners and custom of the country; and at noon we came to an anker hard by the ship Bantam, upon 3 fathom depth, at the height of 7 degrees, [blank] min. In the evening we sent John Persons and Nasarchan [Nasir Khan] on shore, to give notice that we were Englishmen, and that we had a letter from His Majesty to the Queen of Patani.
23 ditto
Here arrived a Hollands Pinasse called the Greyhound (Hazewind) of Enckhuysen, whereof was Master Evert Janse[n], and Foulon Dragon merchant. They came from Benjarmasingh [Banjarmassin, south coast of Borneo], where in company of 3 pinasses they had burned and pilled the town, in revenge of certain wrongs done to their men heretofore. This pinas had order to go for Japan. In the afternoon our men came aboard again, bringing some officers of the country along with them, who told us that we should stay with our letter till next Thursday, being the 26, for they must first make themselves ready to receive it honorably. And after we had bestowed some presents upon them, they went on shore again.
25 ditto
Some came aboard again, among other the Chattis [Chetties, merchants from the South Coromandel Coast], for to translate the Kings letter into the Malay tongue; and after some questioning touching the opening of the letter, it was agreed that he [they] should open it, and, having translated it and received some presents, they went on shore again.
26 ditto
We went on shore in very great state, taking with us a present of about 600 R8 to accompany the Kings letter, which otherwise would but little be esteemed. Coming on shore we were reasonably well received according to the manner of the country; the letter, being laid in a bason of gold, was carried upon an elephant, with minstrells and a good many lances and little flags. The Queens Court being sumptuously prepared, whereas the letter was read; and understanding that it was for to have a free trade, she did grant it onto us, paying the duties of the country as the Hollanders did. Against which we had little to reply for that time, but did accept of the Queens offer till we should be informed of the laws and duties of the country; and so departed from the Court without having seen the Queen. From thence we were brought to Dato Laxmanna [Laksamana, Lord Admiral/Minister], the Sabander and chieftain of the strangers. There a banquet of fruits was set before us. From thence we must go to the Oran Caya Sirnora [Orangkaya Seri Nara] in company of the Hollanders, who likewise were called thether. And after we had eaten something there and some speeches had, and intreaties of Hendrick Janse[n] [the head of the Dutch factory at Patani] to lodge in his house that night, we as yet not being provided of a house, the which we accepted, we rid upon elephants homewards.
27 ditto
In the morning came Dato Besar [Chief Minister] and Dato Laksamana down in the Ballaia, where we had dyvers speeches, among the rest that we had a letter to the King of Siam; and in regard the monsoon was farre spent, we desired leave of them to build a packhouse of brick, as the Hollanders have, to bring some of our goods on land, and to leave some of our men with them till the ship came back from Siam, and that for want of such a house we should be in great danger and hazard of our goods by fire and other mischances. And notwithstanding that they suffered us to set a factory there, according to our own desire, yet they refused us to build a packhouse which should not be subject to fire, alledging that the Hollanders had traded there full 10 years before without it, but having suffered fire 2 several times to their great damage, it had been granted onto them to build the same house, of which we could not complain as yet. But when we answered that it would be too late to build such a house when the goods were burned, and that therefore we must look to it before that come to pass, at last, having long buysied ourselves with these blockheads a great while, they harkened to our reasons a little better, and would certify the Queen of it. And so we parted from them and went aboard. Towards the evening the Queen sent us a refreshing aboard of some meat and fruits.
29 till primo July
We ran daily up and down to have licence for the building of a house, and to know the customs of the country, because we understood they were extreme high here and more then we had found in any place before, but could attain to neither of both, for now they would not consent to it, saying the Kings letter made no mention of it; and then they would build a house for us themselves; and anon again that they would consider of it; so that such people would have stinted a madde brain [driven a man mad].
3 July
Departed the pinasse the Greyhounde for Japan, having in her 33 cases of silk and silk wares and a parcell of wax. With which said pinasse we sent the letters of the Company and other particular persons to Mr Wm. Adam [William Adams], which came as fit for us as ever anything could happen. Mr Skinner made acquaintance with the masters mate of the pinasse, and [read who] was even the very same man which has brought the letter from Mr Adam to Bantam to the Englishmen there, whereof himself was very glad, as having an occasion to do a kindness to Mr Adam, to whom he was beholding, promising to deliver the letter to his own hands; we making no dout of the delivery thereof, for otherwise we should have had no means to do it, for those of Japan [some Japanese, not Japan as a state] are at enmity with this place, and have burned Patani twice within these 5 or 6 years. As yet we cannot learn what is to be done at Japan, but at the return of the aforesaid pinas we hope to have better information, for as yet we think that the trade for Japan is but of small importance.
After much running, toyling and giving of gifts, we got leave to build a packhouse, they ordaining us a place hard by the Dutch house, 30 fathom in length and 20 in breadth. The house should be 8 fathom long, 4 fathom broad and 10 hastas [each 18 inch] high, with the which we were not well contented, because the Dutch house was a great deal longer and higher; but in regard it could serve our turn, the time being short and the charges very great as would not well bear the building of another house, we did accept of it. But when we heared the great and excessive customs and gifts, which they demaded of us, whereof they showed us good and certain proof that the Hollanders did yearly pay so much, then we could not tell what to do; for firstly they asked 72 ta. 5 ma. 2 copon for a gift, which must be done in 4 several times, to witte, the first is we must sombah datang [sembah datang], that is to say, give notice of our arrival; the second is sombah benaga, or ask leave to lande your goods and to have free trade; the third is somba datching or licence to have the waights; the fourth is sombah muson, that is leave to ship your goods and to depart; which 4 sombahs amount to the sum afore mentioned. Besides this, to pay 5 per cent for all goods coming in and going out, and the weighing money besides, the pepper paying 5 ms. per barre [bahar] for the buyer, and 6 coupons for the seller, and all other wares accordingly; so that we were even amazed with these great charges, and we alledging that we had already been at great charges for the present which was given at the delivery of the letter, they made us answer, what Kings gave one to the other was another manner of reconing, but this belonged to the gentility and certain officers, whereof the Queen only had a part. We, seeing they would not listen to any abatement, said that we could not yield onto it, but would go home and consider of the matter.
Being come home we pondered the matter together what was best to be done, for what [read while] by one means and another we guessed [calculated] the expenses would come to 4000 R8, being 1/6 of our whole stock or capital, and to the contrary we had a great deal of Maleisian apparel which we had expresly caused to be made for this place, which would not be requested in other places. Secondly, that we perceived that in future time here was something to be done. We therefore resolved, seeing we had spent so much already, to taste of a soure apple, and for this time to make a trial, to have the more experience against the time to come. Wherefore, according to our resolution, we went the next day before the Ballee [balai], agreeing in manner aforesaid. Whereupon we presently fell to the building of the house, so that the time for the going to Siam drew on very fast, which did important us very much, making therefore all the hast that possibly we could.
Meanwhile we had hired 2 houses, the one for us, the other for the sick men, which were in great number, seeming as if the plague had been in the ship; and among all the rest Captain Hippon who had complainedof the flux ever since his coming from Bantam, having been some 9 or 10 days on shore, died the 9th of July in the night about 11 of the clock, by which man we had toto [sic] great a loss, as well in the government of the ship as in matters touching the seas; but we must take patience and commit it to God, who is able to help and comfort us. We gave him a stately burial according as the time would suffer. God Almighty grant him a joyful resurrection, and the like to us all. Amen.
13 ditto
We all together went aboard, whereas we found our men in great perplexity, but, having called them together, we caused the article to be read (before) onto them, and then opening the box No. I, we found that Robert Browne was to succeed, but he being deceased, we opened the box No. 2, wherein we found Thomas Essington to succeed, he being present. Whereupon we praid God send him joy, and delivered the commission and other writings onto him in presence of all the folks, authorizing him as captain and merchant. The which being done, we departed aside and consulted together, that seeing Anthonie Hippon had been captain and merchant, and that now Thomas Essington was captain and merchant, who in matters belonging to the seas was not sufficiently experimented, besides that we had daily great need of him on shore, to choose a master under him, who in his absence might take the regard [control] and charge; the which was found fitting, and so John Johnson was choosen, as being the eldest masters mate and bore the first place. Therefore, calling all the men together, we declared our resolution onto them, who were well contented with it, having nothing to say against it. Wherefore, assembling again the company of the ship, we authorized the foresaid John Johnson as master of the ship called the Globe, who was joyfully received of the whole company. Thus with this was (the peoples) our mens amazement [anxiety] not a little set aside; and having thus instituted the new government, we required the new captain, Thomas Essington, to take account of all the officers of the ship, each in his calling, to see what was spent and what was yet remaining both of victualls and other furniture [supplies], for the keeping of a good order in everything; and not to be dismaiyde, but to seek our own credits and our masters profit as long as we had a good ship and God should give us health, and to do our uttermost endeavours to deliver to our masters both the ship, the goods, and a true account, according to our duty.
14 ditto
Deceased Mr Thomas Smith, master mate, an excellent astronomer and seaman, whereby we had a great loss, for the rest, God He know, are but so and so. But seeing it is Gods will, we must take patience, for what mans judgement cannot do must be committed to God, who be merciful onto us and grants us that which is tending to our good. Amen.
17 ditto
In the night we had thieves in the house, and was the strangest robbery as the like had not much been heared of; for being in our hired houses, which were onely made of reeds, and buysied in building of our own, being all of us in the house above 15 persons sleeping, Mr Lucas and I in a bed apart lying close together, having a great black dogge lying under my cabin, my trunk standing at my feet (hard) close to the boording [seeling], being no greater space between the bed and coffer [trunk] but that only the lid might shut and open; yet notwithstanding the thieves, climbing up at the outside, cutting of an end of the boording which only was bound with rotang [rattan], passing over my trunk, creeping under my bed by the dog, and there by force wrung off a padlock, taking out of my chest 283 R8 and dyvers other pretty things as also apparel linen, and my rapier, which had at least 25 R8 in silver upon it, standing at my beds side, leaving Mr Lucas his rapier which was not passing 3 foot from it; and it is to be wondered that neither I nor nobody else in the house did see or hear anything, a burning lamp hanging in the house, and watch kept in the yard, nor the dogge once for to bark. We have indeed had dyvers opinions and guessings of our own house servants and some other persons, but could never get any certainty notwithstanding all the means we used. Doubtless they were resolute villains.
Adi primo August
Our house being now ready, we have thought it good to discharge such lawnes as we thought would be best requested here, and to let Pr. Floris stay by them, to bring the trade in a train and to establish the factory, leaving with him John Persons and six men more. And thus having ended all our matters, the ship was ready to set sail in the night for Siam. God grant them a prosperous voyage. Since we came from Bantam we have lost 12 men of the flux and some other yet sick, so that in all we have lost 19 persons, besides one which was left over at Bantam going for Succadama, which make the 20 persons less then we had at our coming forth. God preserve the rest.
20 ditto
There went away from hence a junk for Buncasey [Bancosea, port in the north-west corner of the Bight of Bangkok], with whom I wrote a letter to Siam, wherein I wrote the state I was in, and the small trade and vent that was in the lawnes which I had here, as appeared by the copy thereof.
6 September
The aforesaid junk arrived hether back again, not being able to perform her journey, and the letter was delivered me back again, to my great grief. I sought all means possible for the conveyance thereof, either by sea or land, although I should have spent 100 R8, but it was not possible, for by water it was not feasible, and by land no less then 4 persons would go together for fear of the tigers and upperwaters [floods], for they must pass many rivers, asking 3 ta. a man and the money beforehand [in advance], which I durste not do, so it remained undone to my great grief, and the rest must do as it may.
This month the King of Joor [Johore] overrun the suburbes of Pasan [Pahang], burning up all, and likewise Campon [kampong, quarter] China, which happened for a small occasion. It seemed that those of Patania would come to aid them of Pahang, but they never mente it, whereby the Joorists keep Pasan hard besieged, so that there began a great dearth in Pahang. What will be the end the time will show.
Thus being here with the lawnes, having no vent at all, which is greatly to be wondered, especially for me who 4 years ago saw such a vent in them that it seemed the world had not clothings enough to provide this place as was needful, much less to overfill it; and that now it was so overcloyed that it is hardly possible that in a great many years they can be much requested. Here it might be asked how and from whence comes this sudden change, whereas before it was such a continual and profitable trade, yea, the greatest of all the Indies. But the cause why the same lies now so under foot is this: that the Portuguese bring the same quantity of clothing in Malacca as heretofore they have done; hereupon followed the Hollanders, who have not only filled Bantam and Javan but also all the Islands of Molucca, so that they have no utterance at Malacca; besides this there be some ships of the Moores [Moslems] which trade for Tenasserim and provide Siam; besides this 2 Portuguese and a Moores ship have found out a new haven this last year called Tarangh [Trang]. Is a place hard by Keda; [In the later Portuguese Period, when the transit dues charged at Malacca were very high, the practice of carrying the trade between India and Siam across the Malay Peninsula developed largely, though it had been in existence for an indefinite period. Tenasserim, or rather Mergui at the mouth of the Tenasserim river, was the most usual port for this traffic, but the text indicates that other routes also were used. Trang is scarcely hard by Kedah, being more than 100 miles north.]
And this year arrived a Gujarati and another from Nagapatam at Keda, bringing the lawnes overland, and so over filled it that no man ever saw the like; and to all these we come with 200 packs, the rumour whereof being sufficient to cause the price not to rise these 10 years, and whereas I myself have made 3 and 4 of one, cannot at this present make 5 per cent; the worst of all being that there is no vente, so that I am much in doubt that, if it be likewise so in Siam, from whence we shall gather a stock or capital for to go again towards the coasts [the Coromandel Coast], whereupon the whole benefit of the voyage depended; but yet we cannot help it, for it lieth not in mans wisdom, but patience is the best herb which we can use at this time. Yet, notwithstanding, not to be utterly dismayed, both for my own credit and my masters profit, I have resolved to send a cargason for Macassar [Celebes], an occasion presenting itself to make a trial of what may be done there, that the Worshipful Company may have a good information of all what is to be had and done in one and other place.
8 October
Being thus resolved, I ordayned for this business John Persons as merchant and Thomas Brett boatswain, with a Chodsie [Khoja/Khwaja, a Persian title of respect], Ibrahim Geisart [Gusarite/Gujarati], to embarque themselves in the junk of Empan, with such a capital and instructions as appeared by the copy, with order to come back again hether with the same junk, and to give account of what he shall have seen and learned. Whereupon they have set sail this day, having in their company the [Dutch] ship Bantam and a small pinnas, built here, called Enchusen. They were first to go for Johore, and then the junk and the pinnas should go for Maccasar and so to the Moluccos. I had agreed for 5 percent for fraight. The great ship was to go for Bantam and so homewards; by which ship I sent 2 letters directed to my brother; the one wherein was enclosed the letter to Sir Thomas Smith I gave to Mr Jansen Noblet, the other, being a copy of my letter to my brother, I gave to Mr Frauncys Barber, wherein I have written at large what hetherto had happened onto us, as more at large appeared by the copies thereof. God send them all a prosperous voyage.
9 ditto
Here arrived 2 junks from Siam, with whom came Cornelis Van Nieuvenroode [Cornelis Neijenrode], who brought me a letter from Mr Lucas and Mr Essington, wherein they make a great complaint of the great trouble, pain and misery which there they must endure, and especially of the small likelyhood of finding of any good market, in regard of the great quantity of lawnes that were come from Tenasserim and Trang, and the country filled with wares besides, those of Cambois [Cambodia], Laniam and Jagoman [Lanshan or Luang Prabang and Chiengmai] making themselves ready jointly to fall upon Siam; which we must committee to the Almighty God, who can prevent it if it be His godly will, who graunte us what is for our good. We cannot help it if it will go thus of all sides against us.
14 ditto
We got news of the arrival of a small Portuguese ship in Trang; but if there come no more there nor at Kedah, the lawnes might happen to stiffen a little, which time will show.
25 ditto
Departed hence almost all the junks which pretended [intended] for E. or. S., to witte for Borneo, Jambi, Java, Macassar, Jortan [Surabaya] and other places; among whom was the junk of Orancaya Raia Indra Mouda [Orangkaya Raja Indera Muda], who in person embarked himself, being first to go for Bantam, from thence to Surabaya, and fo forward for Ambon and Banda, and coming back again to put to Macassar, and so hether again; with whom I sent a letter to Mr Spalding to Bantam, as appeared by the copybook. This is a pretty passing [surpassing] voyage, and, happening well, ought doubtless to yield some profit. I cannot imagine what the Hollanders mean, to suffer these Maleysians, Chinese and other Moslems of these countries, and to assist them in their free trade thorough all the Indies, and forbide it their own servants, countrymen and brethren upon pain of death and loss of goods; surely a token of a great ignorance or envy, suffering Turckes and heathen to grow rich rather then their own countrymen should get their living: surely a great ingratitude and a token that Gods punishment is coming upon them.