Engelbert Kaempfer: The History of Japan, London 1727 |
[253]
BOOK IV.
Of Nagasacki, the Place of Residence for Foreigners: Of
their Trade, Accommodation, &c.
Chap. I. Of the Situation of the City of Nagasacki, and its Harbour; as also of its pubiick and private Buildings.
Amongst the imperial Domains, or Crownlands, are comprehended the Gokosio, as they call them, that is, the five chief Maritime, or Trading Towns in the Empire. They are, Mijaco, the Residence of the Ecclesiastical Hereditary Emperor, in the Province Jamasijra; Jedo the Residence of the Secular Monarch, in the Province Musasj; Oosaka, in the Province Setz; Sakai in Jassumi, and Nagasaki in Fisen. The four first are situate upon the qreat Island Nipon, and all eminent for their wealth and riches as needs they must, considering the fruitfulness of the Country about them, their manufactures and inland Commodities, and many more considerable advantages, such as for instance, the residence of the two ImperiaI Courts, [254] the great number of strangers, and amongst them, of many Noblemen Princes and Lords, who resort thither, in their way to and from Court,with great retinues. Nagasacki, on the contrary, the subject of my present consideration, is situate at the Western extremity of the Island Kiusju, upon an indifferent and barren soil, between steep rocks and high mountains, remote from the populous and wealthy Nipon, and almost shut up even against the Commerce with foreign nations. So many disadvantages, this City labours under, make it but thinly inhabited by Merchants, Innkeepers, Mercers, Manufacturers, or other rich people. The greatest part of its Inhabitants is made up by workmen, labourers, and ordinary people, who must get their livelyhood by their daily labour. However, the commodious and secure situation of its port, makes it the common harbour for such foreign ships and people, as are permitted to trade to Japan, to import foreign commodities, and to sell them to Japanese Merchants, who resort thither at certain times of the year, from several parts of the Empire. This particular favour and privilege is granted only to the Chinese, or such Eastern Nations as trade under their name, and to the Dutch, to both indeed with great restrictions and under a very narrow inspection. After that cruel persecution of the christian religion, which, with the loss of many thousand Natives of Japan, ended at last in its total extirpation, about the year of Christ 1638, amongst many new laws which were then made, it was enacted by Imperial Authority, that for the future the harbour of Nagasacki should be the only one open to foreigners, and that if any ship should be forc'd, thro' distress of weather, or otherwise, to put in for shelter any where else, none of the crew should be suffer'd to set foot ashore, but that immediately, upon the danger's blowing over, she should proceed on her Voyage to Nagasacki, under a convoy of Japanese Guard-ships, if needfill, and shew cause to the Governor of that place, why she put in elsewhere.
The harbour begins to the North of the
City. Its h entrance is very small, and but a few fathom deep, with a sandy
bottom. Not far from it some rivers fall into the sea from the neighbouring
mountains. It soon grows broader and deeper, and when it comes to be about half
a mile broad, and five to six fathom deep, it turns to the Southwest, and so
runs on between high land and mountains for about a mile, being all along about
a quarter of a mile broad, more or less, till it reaches an Island, or rather a
mountain encompass'd by the sea, and call'd Taka Jama, or Taka Boko, which is
as much as to say, Bambu's Pic, or high Mountain of Bambou's. The Dutch call it
Papenberg. This latter denomination is grounded upon a fabulous story of some
Roman Catholick Priests, said to have been thrown down that mountain into the
Sea, in the time of the persecution. All the Ships bound from Nagasacki to Batavia, commonly ride at anchor near
this Island to watch an opportunity of getting out of the harbour, which [255]
could be easily done in two hours time, or thereabouts, were it not for the many banks, shoals, and cliffs, which make the streight passage equally difficult and dangerous, and to avoid which ships must steer Westwards, leaving the continent to the right, and so passing between some small Islands get out to the main. Some bastions are built along the harbour, as it were for defence, but they have no cannon. About half a mile from the Town are two Imperial guards, opposite to one another, 1 and enclosed with Pallisadoes. They consist of about 700 men each, those taken in, who do duty in their Guardboats, which lie in the harbour both for its defence, and to guard foreign Ships riding at anchor. Near the Papenberg, where properly speaking the harbour begins, is a small Island, where the last Portuguese Ship, which was sent from Macao to Japan, was burnt with all the goods on board, about the year 1642. They call it ever since the burning place of hostile Ships, having appointed it to be the constant place for the like executions hereafter
There are seldom less than fifty Japanese Ships and boats in this harbour, besides some hundred fisher-boats and other small boats. Of foreign Ships there are seldom, some few months in the winter excepted, less than thirty, most of which are Chinese Yonks. The Dutch Ships never stay longer than three months in Autumn, nay seldom so long, for about that time the South, or West Season, or iWonsoon, which brought them to Japan, turns, and the North, or North East Monsoon sets in, under favour of which they must return to Batavia, or other places where they are bound to. The Anchorage is at the end of the bay, within reach of the Imperial guards, about a musket shot from the Town, where Ships ride at anchor upon a soft clay in about six fathom at high, and four and a half at low water.
The town of Nagasaki, its Harbour, and part of the adjacent Country are represented in Fig. 78, copied in small from a very large map made by the Japanese themselves.
Nagasaki lies in 32｡ 36' of North
Latitude, and ISI degrees of Longitude, at the end of the harbour, where it is
broadest, and where turning North it forms a near Semicircular shore. It hath
the shape of a half moon somewhat inclining to a triangle. It is built along
the shore in a narrow valley, which runs Eastward, and is formGd by the opening
of the neighbouring mountains. It is about three quarters of a mile long, and
nearly as broad, the chief and broadest of its Streets running almost so far up
the valley. The Mountains, which encompass it, are not very high, but steep,
otherwise green up to their tops, and withal of a very pleasant and agreeable
aspect. Just behind the city in going up the mountains are built many stately
Temples, beautifully adorn'd with fine Gardens and terrass walks, according to
the Country fashion; higher up are innumerable burying
The Town of Nagasaki it self is open, as most other Towns in Japan, without either castle, walls, fortifications, or indeed any other defence. The streets are neither strait nor broad, running up hill, and ending near the Temples. Three fresh water rivers run through the town, which come down from the neighbouring rnountains. The middlemost, and largest, crosses the valley from East to West. For the greatest part of the year they have scarce water enough to water some rice fields, and to drive a few mills, tho' in rainy weather they are apt to ancrease so, as to wash away whole houses.
Nagasaki hath obtain'd its name from its former Lords, who had it in possession, along with its whole district of 3000 Kokf yearly Revenues, from Nagasaki Kotari the first of this name, through a succession of twelve of his lineal descendents to Nagasaki Sijn Seijemon. They still shew at the top of a Hill, behind the Town, the ruins of their former residence. The last Lord of Nagasaki, I mean the abovemention'd Nagasaki Sijn Seijemon, dying without issue, about 200 years ago, it fell, with its whole district, to the Prince of Omura. The place, where the Town now stands, was then nothing else but a poor miserable Hamlet, the abode of some few fishermen, and was call'd Fukaje, or Irije, that is, the long Bay, from the length of the Harbour, as well as for distinction's sake from another village, situate not far off on the said Harbour, and call'd Fukafori, which is as much as to say, the long Pond, which name it still retains. The new Lord of Fukaje then thought fit to alter the name of this Hamlet into that of [257] Nagasaki, and 'twas owing entirely to his care and attention, that in success of time it became a very considerable village or borough.
Things continu'd upon this foot till sometime after the first arrival of the Portuguese in Japan. This Nation for some time enjoy'd a free commerce, upon the same terms with the Chinese, then likewise trading to these Islands. For they were not bound to any particular Harbour, but at liberty to put in wherever they pleas'd, or thought it most convenient. Accordingly they made divers settlements in the Island Saikoku, chiefly in the Provinces Bunco and Fisen; and first of all in the Province Fisen, at a vihage call'd Fakuda, situate upon the Island Firando, not far from the entrance of the harbour of Nagasaki, about six Japanese water Leagues, or two long German Miles off this Town. This Place was under the jurisdiction of the Prince of Omura. Their next Settlement was in the Vilhge Fukafori mention'd above. At these and all other Places, they ever settled at, they made two things the chief object of their care and attention; one was to carry on their trade and commerce, the other to propagate the Christian Religion, and to set up the standard of our Saviour in this remote Empire. They succeeded in both according to their best wishes. They prosper'd in their Trade beyond expectation, and by their good conduct, which at first was humble and complaisante, they gain'd the hearts, not only of the common People, but even of great Men, the rather as there was sonwe natural resemblance between the minds and inclinations of both Stations. About that time the Prince of Omura himself openly espous'd the interest of the Christian Religion, and invited the Portuguese to come and settle at Nagasaki, which Place was then already grown up to a considerable Village, consisting of about twenty three Streets, which now make up that part of the Town, call'd Utsimatz) or the inner Town, and containing in all twenty six Streets. In this condition it was deliver'd up by the said Prince into the possession of the Portuguese, both for carrying on their trade, and for propagating the gospel. Whether or no this was done by him, with a real design to forward the advancement of the Christian Religion, or rather with an intent to encrease his revenues, and to enrich his subjects, by making this place, as it were, the center of commerce and trade with foreigners, I will not take upon me to determine. Be this as it will, thus much is certain, that this new establishment soon prov'd in many respects very advantageous to this town. For the convenient and secure situation of its harbour, with several other advantages, invited also the Chinese to come up thither with their ships and goods, and the Japanese, allur'd by the prospect of gain, came to settle there in such numbers, that the old town was not large enough to contain them. Therefore new streets were built, and nam'd from the several provinces, towns or boroughs, their hrst inhabitants came from, as for instance Bungomatz, Jedomatz, [258] Kabasimamatz, Firandomatz, Omuramatz, Simabaramatze Besides these there are some other streets callnd Bunts, from one of the first members of this new Colony. who built them at his own expence. Thus Nagasaki, formerly a mean and inconsiderable hamlet, became dearees a wealthy and populous town, wherein there are now about 87 streets, all well inhabited.
The flourishing condition, and increasing wealth of the town of Nagasacki, when in possession of the Portuguese, a soon afforded matter of jealousy and discontent to the Court. Taico, the then reigning Secular Monarch, reprimanded the Prince of Omura very severely, for that he imprudently parted with a place of that importance in favour of a foreign Nation, and withal told him, that seeing he was not fit to keep and to govern it any longer, he would annex it to his own dominions. The haughty conduct of the Portuguese contributed not a little to this resolution. Push'd up with pride and success, they pull'd of the mask too soon, and thought it unbecoming the honour and gravity of their nation, to pay so much deference and respect to the great men of the Empire, as they had formerly condescended to do. I was told by an old Japanese, that the foIlowing incident, with many more of the like nature, very much incens'd the Emperor, and hasten'd his resolution, to let the proud Portuguese feel. the effects of his Imperial displeasure. Taico, to be nearer at hand to second his expedition into Corea, set up his Court and residence for some time at Facatta. One day a Portuguese Priest meeting upon the road one of the principal Counsellors of state in his way to court, caused himself to be carried by without stopping or alighting from his chair, as is usual in the country, nay indeed without shewing him so much as common marks of respect and civility. It is easy to be imagin'd, how much such a haughty and contemptible conduct provok'd a man of his quality, for which reason he resolv'd, as soon as he should come to court, to acquaint the Emperor with what had pass'd, which he did accordingly, and in the height of his resentment made a most odious picture of the pride and haughtiness of the Portuguese Nation in general, withal intimating, how inconsistent it was with the Emperor's schemes, and of how dangerous a consequence it might prove, any longer to suffer these foreigners to inforce their Interest and influence over his subjects, they having already gain'd too much. In short, whether the Emperor was really displeas'd at the disrespect shewn to his Minister, or whether he look'd upon the increasing
prosperity of the Portuguese Nation, and
the propagation of the Christian Religion in general, as detrimental to the
peace and tranquility of the Empire, the indiscreet behaviour of this Priest
furnish'd him with a plausible pretext, to let these foreigners experience the
first proofs of his displeasure, to take away their town from them, and their
patron the Prince of Omura, and besides, to
Thus much of the Town of Aiagasacki in general, I proceed now to a more particular survey thereof.
Nagasacki, (or as it is sometimes pronounc'd, tho' not written Nangasacki) is divided into two parts: One is is call'd Utsimatz, or the inner town, consisting of 26 Tsjoo, or Streets, all very irregular, as they had been built in the infancy of that town. The other is call'd Sottomatz, which is as much as to say, the outward city, or as it might be otherwise express'd, the suburbs. This contains 61 streets, so that there are in all 87. The most remarkable publick buildings in and about Nangasacki, are some Janagura, as they call them, belonging to the Emperor, being five large houses, built of wood, on the North-side of the town, on a low ground, not far from the shore, where they keep three large Imperial Yonks, or Men of war, with all the tackle, ready to be launch'd at command.
Ten Siogura, or the Powder Magazine, stands on the shore, opposite to the town. For a greater security, and to prevent ill accidents, they have built a large vault in a neighbouring hill, where they keep the Gun-powder.
The Palaces of the two residing Governors. They take in a large spot of ground, standing something higher than the rest of the streets. The houses are very neat and handsome all uniform, and equally high. Strong gates, add well guarded, lead into the court. The third Governor lodges at Tattejama, in a Temple, till his Predecessor, by his departure for Jedo, makes him room in the Palace.
Besides the Governor's Palaces, there are about twenty other houses and spots of ground, belongint, to all the Dai Mio, and some of the most eminent Sio Mio, (Dai Mio are Lords of the first rank, or Princes of the Empire, and Sio Mio all other Lords of an inferior rank,) of the Island Kiusju, or as it is otherwise call'd Saikokf, that is, the Western Country, wherein the town of Nangasacki lies. Some of their Noblemen constantly reside there, upon all occasions to take care of the affairs and interest of their Principal, being answerable upon their return for what happens. If the Dai Mio's, or Sio Mio's come up to Nagasacki themselves, the said houses serve to lodge them and their retinue.
The Foreigners live without the town, in separate places, where they are very narrowly watch'd and guarded, like persons suspected of ill practices. The Dutch live on a small Island, situate in the harbowr, hard by the town, and call'd De Sima, that is the Island De. The Chinese, and neighbouring nations, who profess the same religion, and trade under the same name, live behind the town, at the Southern [260] extremity of it, upon a rising ground. Their habitations are encompass'd with a wall, and are call'd Jakujin, or the Physick-Garden, from what they were formerly, as also Dsiusensju from the Imperial Lookouts, who from the tops of the neighbouring hills are to look out for what foreign ships steer towards the harbour, and to give notice of their arrival to the Governors of the town.
There are in all 62 Temples, within and without the town, viz. five Sinsia Temples, erected to the Came, or the Gods and Idols as of old worshipp'd in the Country, seven Temples of the Jammabos, or Mountain-Priests, and fifty Tira, Temples of foreign Idols, the worship of whom was brought over from beyond sea. Of these last there are 21 within, and 29 without the town, in the ascent of the hills, with beautiful staircases of stone leading up to them. These Temples are sacred not only to devotion and worship, but serve also for recreation and diversion, being for this purpose curiously adorn'd with pleasant gardells, elegant walks, and fine apartments, and by much the best buildings of the town, for good air, a sweet situation, and a most entertaining prospect over the town of Nagasacki itself, and good part of the harbour and adjacent country. A more particular description of these and the like religious buildings, I propose to give in the tourth Chapter of this Book.
My next Step shall be, according to the
custom of the Country, from the Temples over to the Bawdy Houses, h the
concourse of people being as great at the latter, as it is at the former. That
part of the Town, where they stand, is calltd Kesiematz, that is, the Bawdy
Houses Quarters. It lies to the South, on a rising hill, call'd Mariam. It
consists, according to the Japanese, of two Streets, uhich an European would be
apt to mistake for more, and which contain the handsomest private buildings of
the whole Town, all inhabited by Bawds. This and another Place in the Province
Tsikusen, tho' not so famous, are the two only Mariams, as they call them, or
publick Stews, in Saikokf, where the poor People of this Island, which produces
the greatest beauties of all Japan, (the Women of Miaco only excepted, who are
said to exceed them) can dispose of their Daughters this way, provided they be
handsome and well shap'd. The place accordingly is extraordinary well
furnish'd, and after that of Miaco the most famous of the whole Empire, the
Trade being much more profitable here than it is any where else, not only
because of the great number of foreigners, Nagasaki being the onlv place they
have leave to come to, but also on account of the Inhabitants themselves, who
are said to be the greatest Debauchees and lewdest people in the Empire The
Girls are purchas'd from their Parents when very young. The price varies in
proportion to their beauty, and the number of years agreed for, which is
generally speaking, ten or twenty, more or less. Every Bawd keeps as many as he
is able, in one house together, from seven
The Bawds are oblig'd also to send their own servants, to assist the Jetta at all publick executions, or to hire other people to do it. Thus much of the Kesiematz. It will not be improper thence to go over to the Gokuja, Hell, or as it is otherwise call'd Roja, the Cage.
By this they mean the Prison, which stands
about the P' middle of the town, at the corner of a descending street. It
consists of many separate huts and small rooms, to accommodate Prisoners
according to their quality, or the crimes they stand committed for. Besides
those who are put in prison for crimes committed at Nagasacki, smuglers also
are confin'd there, and persons taken up on suspicion of professing the
Christian faith, so that it often contains above an hundred Prisoners, and tho)
dear'd by frequent executions seldom less than fifty. There are within its
compass, a place, where the Prisoners are
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
been found necessary to appoint the following officers for every street.
The first and chief person is the Ottona. He is the head and chief magistrate of his street. He gives the necessary orders in case of fire; he takes care, that a good and regular watch be kept at night, and that the orders of the Governors and Mayors be punctually complied with. He keeps books and registers, wherein he enters, what persons are born in the street, how many die, or marry, or go a travelling, or leave the street, as also what new inhabitants come in, along with their names, birth, religion, trade, and so on. In case of small differences arising between the inhabitants of his street, he summons the parties before him, to accommodate and set them to right, if possible. He punishes small crimes by putting the criminals under arrest, or laying them in irons. He commands criminals to be taken up by his own people, within his district, and confines them till further orders from superior magistrates, before whom he lays all criminal affairs, and all cases of moment. In fine, he is answerable for what accidents happen within the compass of the street, whereof he is the head and chief commanding officer. He is chose [280] by the inhabitants of the street, from among themselves. Every inhabitant writes the name of the person, whom he would have preferr'd to this dignity, upon a label of paper, which he signs and puts his seal to it. The votes being all taken in, the papers are open'd, and the names of those, who have most, are by the Nent iosi laid before the Governor, with an humble petition of the Inhabitants, that he would be pleas'd to nominate and appoint one of them as Ottona, or head of their street. His salary is a tenfold portion out of the publick exchequer, or treasury of the street, or which is the same, out of the money which arises from the foreiCn trade for the joint benefit of all the inhabitants of this town.
Every Ottona hath three deputies, call'd Oogumi, Oja, or Oogumigasijra, that is, Chiefs or Heads of the great company or Corporation. They are, as it were, the Ottona's Lieutenants, and assist him with their advice and help, in order to a better execution of his office, and a speedier dispatch of the affairs relating to the management of the street.
The inhabitants of every street are divided into Goningumi, that is Companies, or Corporations of five men, whereof there are ten or fifteen, more or less, in every street. They are compos'd, each of five, and sometimes a few more of the next neighbours, and those only, who are proprietors of the ground and houses they live in. The rest, who have no houses of their own, altho' they are inhabitants of the same street, are not admitted into these Corporations, but look'd upon as tenants, and consequently dependants on their landlords, and proprietors of their houses. Of these there are sometimes fifteen, or more, families belonging to one Goningumi, or Corporation of five. These tenants are exempted from taxes, and other burdens, which are laid upon their landlords, the Monban, that is, the Night-watch and round only excepted, which they are oblig'd either to keep themselves, or to take care, that it be kept, it being a general duty which all the Inhabitants are bound to observe in their turns. This seeming advantage however is attended with no inconsiderable disadvantages in other respects, for they have no voice in the elections of the officers of the street, and no pretence to any share of the publick money; besides, that the rents, which they pay to their fandlords are very great, considering what small and sorry houses they live in. The rents are paid monthly, and the estinlate is made according to the number of mats, which they cover the floors withal, allowing five Condors for a mat in the poorest, and ten in the best houses.
Every Corporation hath a Kogomi Oja, or Kogomi Gasijra, that
is, the head of the Corporation, or Elderman. He hath the inspection over the
conduct of his Companions) and is withal answerable for their actions, which If
they be contrary to law, he shares with
The Fisia, Secretary, or publick Notary, is another of the street's Officers. His business is to write and to publish the commands of the Ottona to the Inhabitants of the streets, to issue passports, testimonials, and letters of dismission. He keeps the Ottona's books and journals, such as, the list of all the houses in the street, and of their Inhabitants, along with their names, age, trade, religion, and so on, a book, wherein are enter'd the names of all the persons that die in the street, the time and manner of their death, with proper evidence concerning the religion which they profess`d on their deathbed, a register book, containing what passports have been issued out of his office, with the names of the persons to whom they were granted, the business which call'd them abroad, the time of their departure and their return; lastly a journal of the daily occurrences within the compass of the street.
Takura Kaku, that is, according to the signification of the character whereby this word is expressed, the Jewel keeper, is the Treasurer of the Street, who keeps the publick Money, and from time to time accounts for it to his fellow Inhabitants, specifying what Sums he receiv'd, and what was paid out. The publick Treasure consists chiefly of what Sums the Magistrates of the Town order to be detain'd from the price of foreign goods for the joint benefit of the Inhabitants, to be afterwards equally distributed among them, according to the number of the streets, and this in order to enable them to pay what additional taxes are levy'd upon them. The Inhabitants take this office upon themselves, and serve it in their turns, each a year.
Nitzi Josi, denotes a Person, whose daily business it is to carrv and to bring back messages, or, The Messenger of the Street. He is to acquaint the chief Officers when any body dies, or leaves the street; or if any thing else happens, notice whereof should be given to them. He likewise delivers to them the petitions of the Inhabitants of the street, and the testimonials which they obtain from their Kogomi Oja. He collects the Fassakf, or contribution money for the present, which is made at certain timeS to the Governors, and chief Magistrates. He acquaints the Kogomi Oja, or Heads of the Corporations, with the commands of the Magistrates, and publishes the same in the street.
For the security of the streets in the night time, two watches are kept.
The first is the chief, or head guard, upon which the Inhabitants do duty themselves in their turns, three at a of time. It is for this reason call'd Dsijsinban,which signifies the personal Lifeguard. They have a room or house assign'd them some where about the middle of the street, or else at the corner of a cross street. Upon solemn great days, and at any other time, when the Magistrates think it necessary, it [282] must be kept all day long. It must be doubled when they are apprehensive of danger, and in that case the Ottona assists at it in person with one of his deputies, a good part of the night, till the greatest crowd, or danger, is over. For, should any misfortune happen, which could be any ways attributed to their carelessness, or neglect, they and the whole street would be made answerable, and severely punish'd for it. So great a regard must be had to this watch, that it is a capital crime to oppose or to insult it.
The second is the Monban, or round gate and round guard, appointed to watch accidents of Fire and Thieves, and to give notice upon the least suspicion. It consists of two labouring men, or others of the poorer sort among the Inhabitants of the street, sitting one at each gate, in a centry box built for that purpose. They walk over, one to the other, all night long, and indicate their vigilance and the hours of the night (as do all other watchmen at land, and on board of their ships) by beating two wooden sticks against one another. They are maintain'd at the expence of the Inhabitants of the streets, some of whom do duty themselves in their turn. In some Towns, there is a small hut built at the top, or side of a house, some where about the middle of the street, for a man on purpose to watch accidents of fire.
By so many strict regulations, and so many troublesome offices to be personally serv'd, it cannot be denied, but that the Inhabitants of Nagasaki are kept to a very great degree of slavery and submission, which indeed is scarce to be parallel'd; but on the other hand, they have that considerable advantage, that they are not overburthen'd with taxes, as the subjects of most European Princes are, and what is still more, that they are assisted towards paying even the few taxes and contributions, which are rais'd upon them, by the sums which the magistrates of the Town detain from the prize of foreign goods, and afterwards equally distribute among them, an advantace peculiar to Nagasaki alone, as being the only one of all the Imperial Cities, where the trade with foreigners is permitted. Of these three things, I mean, the strict and rigorous submission the Inhabitants of Nagasaki are kept to, the small and inconsiderable taxes, or contributions rais'd upon them, and the care of the Magistrates to ease and enable them towards paying the same, I now proceed to treat briefly, previously assuring the Reader, that I shall affirm nothing but what I know to be true.
No crimes are punish'd in Japan by fines,
or pecuniary )' mulcts; for in this case, they say, if punishments could be
rbought off with money, it would be in the power of the rich to commit what
crimes they please, a thing in their opinion, and in its very nature, absurd
and inconsistent with reason and justice. This is the reason, why they know of
none but corporal punishments, death,
If quarrels, or disputes, arise in a street, whether it oe between the inhabitants, or strangers, the next neighbours are oblig'd forthwith to part the fray, for if one sllould happen to be kill'd, tho' it be the aggressor, the other must inevitably suffer death, notwithstanding his moderamen inculpatae tutelae, pleadings of se defendendo or the like. All he can do, to prevent tne shame of a Publick execution, is to make away with himself, ripping open his belly. Nor is the death of such an unhappy person thought satisfactory, in their laws, to attone for deceased's blood. Three of those families, who live lext to the place where the accident happen'd, are lock'd up in their houses for three, four, or more months, and rough wooden boards nail'd a-cross their doors and windows, after they have duly prepar'd themselves for this imprisonment, by getting the necessary provisions. The rest of the inhabitants ot the same street, have also their share in the punishment, being sentenc'd to some days, or months, hard labour at publick works, or to serve the magistrates for some time, to the great prejudice of their own business. These penalties are inflicted upon them in proportion to the share of guilt every one bore in not endeavouring to the utmost of his power, to prevent the fatal consequences of such a quarrel. The like penalty, and in a higher degree, is inflicted on the Kumi Gasijra, or heads of the Corporations of that street, where the crime was committed. It highly aggravates their guilt, and the punishment is increas'd in proportion, if they knew beforehand, that the delinquents had been of a quarrelling humour, or which holds equally in other criminal cases, inclined to the crime, ior which they are to suffer. The landlords also and masters of the [287] delinquents partake in the punishment for the misdemeanors of their lodgers, or servants. This rigorous proceeding, of the Japanese, in the like instances, seems to be grounded upon the same principle with the Canon Facientis dist. 86. Facientis culpam procul dubio habet, qui quod potest corrigere, negligit emendare. He is doubtless guilty of the same Crime with the delinquent, who neglected to prevent it, when he could have done it.
Whoever draws his sword, tho' he doth not touch, or hurt, his enemy, is found guilty of death, if he be indicted, and the fact fully prov'd before the magistrate.
If one of the Inhabitants flies from justice, the Kumigasijra, or head of his Corporation is, bound to deliver him up to the civil magistrate, and must therefore follow him himself, or hire other people to do it, till he be found, under pain of corporal punishment, to be inflicted according to the state of the case, and the nature of the fugitive'scrime.
In the last month of the year, the Nitzio Giosj of every street performs the Fito Aratame, that is, he takes down in writing the names of all the inhabitants of every house, old and young, with the time and place of their birth, and the Sinu, or religion of the landlords. It sometimes happens that zealous persons, chiefly the followers of the Sect of Siodo, are not satisfy'd with the Nitzio Giosj's setting down, what religion their landlord is of, but will have him mention their own. Women are only counted in this inquisition, and 'tis added to the list how many there are.
After the list of all the inhabitants of
every street, male and female, young and old, hath been compleated, which is
commonly done towards the latter end of the year, another solemn and important
act, in their opinion, is perform'd at the beginning of the new year. This is
the Jetumi, that is, in the strictest sense, the figure-treading, because they
trample over the Image of our Blessed Saviour extended on the cross, and that
of his holy Mother, or some other Saint, as a convincing and unquestionable
proof, that they for ever renounce Christ and his Religion. This detestable
solemnity begins on the second day of the first month. They begin in two
different places at the same time, and go on from street to street, and house
to house, dispatching four, five and more streets a day, till the whole is
compleated, which takes up at least six days. The officers of the street, who
must be present at this act, are, the Ottona, or head of the street, his three
Oogumi Oja, or deputies; the Fiziu, or
Secretary, Nitzi Josi, or messenger of the street, besides two Monban, or
Watchmen, who carry the Images about. The Images are about a foot long, cast in
brass, and kept sn a particular box made for this purpose. The act itself is
perform'd in the following order. After the Inquisitors have seated themselves
on a mat, the landlord, his family, and all his domesticks, of both sexes, old
or young, and whoever else lodges in the
When any body dies, his landlord, or if the landlord dies himself, his family must desire the Kogomi, or members of the corporation, which the house belongs to, to be witnesses of his death, both as to its being natural and unchristian. These sit on the body, and view it narrowly, to see whether or no there be any external signs of violence, or marks of the Christian religion, whereof if they find none, they give them a certificate sign'd with their hands and sea]s, which is by the Nitzi Giosi presented to the presiding Mayor.
There are but few taxes rais'd upon the
Inhabitants of Nagasaki, and only upon those who have some estate in land
within the Town, either by inheritance or acquisition. The rest of the
Inhabitants being not look'd upon as true Citizens, or Freemen, are also in
regard thereof exempted from the land taxes, and other charges, notwithstanding
they make out far the greater number. The Taxes levied upon the rest of the
Inhabitants are Dsijsi Gin, is properly the Land-Tax, or Groundrents, rais'd in
the Emperor's name in the eighth month, upon all such persons as have houses,
or pieces of ground of their oss-n, within the town. The ground is not measur'd
accordillg to the area quadrata, or square surface, but only according to the
length, to wit, the front of the house, or houses towards the street, and they
must pay four Maas in the Soto, and six Maas in the Utzi Town for everv Kin
they have in front. A Kin is a measure about the length of a fathom. It is not
regarded how deep the houses run backwards, unless the depth exceeds fifteen
Kin, which if it doth but the breadth of a Bu, or Straw a double groundrent
must be paid for it; and this, they say, because
Fassaku Gin, is another Tax laid upon the Inhabitants of Nagasaki, if otherwise it deserves that name, being rather a voluntary contribution for a present to be made to the Governors, by all such persons, as have hereditary lands or tenements, in possession within the town, or to superior officers by their inferiors. This present is usually made upon the first day of the eighth month, which being a Festival-day, call'd Fassaku, it hath thence obtain'd the name of Fassaku Gin, that is, Fassaku Money. Those persons, who are in publick posts, and have a share in the management of the town, make besides the common and gelleral contribution, another particular present, each aCcording to his pleasure or abilities, to the Governors of the town, to the Treasurer and Surveyor of the Imperial l ands and Rents residing at Nagasaki, and to the Mayors. l ven the Interpreters sons, I mean those who are lnstruct'd in foreign languages, in hopes of succeeding their fathers in their employments, make upon this occaslon a present to each of the Governors of 25 Maas, and to the other just-mentioned superior officers in proportion. This contribution money is not levied upon the common people, till after the said festival-day; it is eather'd in all the streets, and then deliver'd to the Governors. They raise it according to the extent of the Un ground, which the houses stand upon, asking for the Kasjo of each house in the Sotomatz 6, and in the Utsimatz from 9 to 10 Maas, which makes in all 4350 Kasjo, or 2630 Tails, allowing 50 Kasjo for every street. Kasjo is a square surface, as it was measur'd in the first division of the ground, which the street was afterwards built upon, and as it is enter'd in the publick Rental or Ground-book of the town. In success of time several Kasjo's were brought together into one large building, others were divided into two small houses. This tax upon the Kasjo's of the houses, is levied no where but at Nagasaki, in consideration whereof, and in order to assist the inhabitants of this town towards the easier payment of these supernumerary charges, they have invented the fannagin. Fannagin (of which more hereafter) is call'd that money, which the Governors detain from the price of foreign commodities for the joint benefit of the inhabitants, amongst whom it is afterwards proportionably divided. In all other towns throughout the Empire, whether they belong to the Imperial demesns, or crownlands, or to the Lords of particular Provinces, no other tax is levied upon the inhabitants, but the ground-rent above mentionZd. The City of Miaco was by a particular privilege, granted to it by the Emperor Taiko, exempted from both, and remains such to this day.
Besides these two taxes, there are some
other expences of less note which must be bore by those inhabitants of
Nagasaki, who have land in possession within the compass ol the town. Most of
these are
The situation of this populous town, upon the extremity of the Province Fisen, between the Sea and high mountains, almost at the end of a secure and convenient harbour, though on one hand it be very advantagious for the trade and commerce with such foreigners, as are suffer'd and tolerated by this jealous nation, yet on the other it is attended with this considerable disadvantage, that the produce of the adjacent Country is by no means sufficient to maintain the Inhabitants, much less to enable them to pay the necessary taxes and contributions. Besides, as the very trade, for which the Town is so commodiously seated, puts the Inhabitants to a good deal of supernumerary trouble, costs, discontents and vexations, so reason, and the nature of things, hath taught them, that maxim of Justinians; Secundum naturam esse, commoda cujus cunque rei eum sequi, quem sequuntur incommoda. That it is but natural, that he should enjoy the advantages arising from a thing, who hath all the trouble of it. Therefore, assoon as the supreme direction
0000000000000000000000000000000000000
------------------
------------------
the profits like to accrue to their Subjects, from the commerce with the Portuguese, bred no small jealousies among them. Every one used his most pressing endeavours to oblige these foreigners to put into his harbours preferably to others. By this means, they disposed of their commodities freely and currently all over the Empire. The Japanese, curious as they are, strove who should first get these foreign rarities into his possession, and being unacquainted with their intrinsick value, they willingly paid whatever prize was exacted. The reverend fathers of the Society of Jesus, who accompanied this first Portuguese colony into Japan, had it no less at heart to propagate the Gospel amongst these Infidels. It was so much the more easy to the Portuguese, to bring their trade into a flourishing condition, and at the same time to advance and support the conversion of the Japanese to the faith of our Saviour, as the neighbouring Town of Macao in China, which they were then already possess'd of, could furnish them at command, with a sufiicient stock of European and Indian commodities, and a competent number of Priests. Their countrymen the Spaniards, who were then establish'd in the City of Manilhas in the Phillippine Islands, not very far distant from Japan, were likewise at hand to assist them in case of need, and the City of Goa itself, as an Indian Rome, and the Metropolis of all the Portuguese dominions in the East, though at a greater distance from Japan, yet could easily, and without prejudice to its own Inhabitants, send over fresh recruits of Ecclesiasticks. Hence 'tis not to be wonder'd that the Portuguese attain'd in a short time to the highest pitch of fortune. The Merchants in exchange for their European and Indian a commodities, as raw silk, fine stuffs, druggs, wines, medicines, and a great variety of other both natural and n artificial curiosities, became possess'd of immense treasures, and the golden marrow of the country. The fathers of the Society on their side gain'd the hearts of the people, always greedy of novelties, by the meek and comfortable doctrille of the Gospeg which was new and till then entirely unknown to the Japanese, by the examples of their modest and virtuous way of life, by their charitable and disinterested assistance to the sick and poor, as also by the pomp and majesty of their divine service, which the Japanese were uncommonly delighted withal. Besides all these advantages, a certain natural resemblance between the minds and inclinations of the Japanese and Portuguese, both born nearly [312] under the same clime, and in particular, the great affability, and that serious and pleasing gravity common to both nations, as on one side it contributed not a little to the advancement and flourishing condition of the Portuguese trade, so on the other it fill'd the Jesuits with just grounds to hope for success in the conversion of these Heathens to the faith of Christ. 'Tis true, they did not at first, as beginnings are always difficult, meet with that docillty in the Japanese, which they expected, insomuch that even that great Apostle of the Indians, S. Francis Xavier, unwilling to stay any longer to so little purpose, resolvid to leave the country, and to retire where he thought his presence could be more useful. But these seeming difficulties, which at first, they had to struggle with, are easily to be accounted for, since the fathers being then as yet unacquainted with the customs, manners, language, and policy of the Japanese, were oblig'd to get their sermons, and what else they had to propose to the people, translated into Japanese by not over-skilful interpreters) and the Japanese words express'd in latin characters, which being done, they read out of their papers, what they did not understand themselves, and in a manner, as may be easily imagin'd, which could not but expose them to the laughter of a less serious and unattentive audience. But in success of time, when they came to familiarize themselves with the natives, learning their language, studying their religion, their customs and inclinations, they then met with a success infinitely beyond their expectation. The number of converts, chiefly upon the Island Kiusju, where they first settled, was alrnost unconceivable) and this the rather, as the Princes of Bungo, Arima and Omura, did not only openly espouse the interest of the Christian religion, but were converted themselves) and baptiz'd, and sent in the year 1582 some of their nearest relations, with letters and presents, to pay homage to the then Pope Gregory XIII, and to assure his Holiness of their filial submission to the Church, an account of which most celebrated embassy hath been given in the works of that incomparable Historian Thuanus, and by many other Roman catholick writers. The illustrious and pious example of these Princes was quickly follow'd, not only by their own subjects, but likewise by the subjects of the Princes their neighbours, with that zeal and forwardness, that it may be justly said of them, they forc'd themselves into the kingdom of heaven. The gospel being thus propagated in Japan, slowly indeed in some places, but with incomparable success in others, fresh recruits of workmen for so Cood, tho' unexpected a harvest, were sent over from Manilhas, Macao, and Goa. In the mean time some of the natives of Japan were bred up amongst the Jesuits, and afterwards admitted into their order. These forwarded the propagation of Christianity, far beyond what the European fathers could do, being able to talk to their countrymen in their own language, and to make them sensible of the absurdity and [313] inconsistence of their religion, and Idol-worship. Considering this, there was good ground to hope, that the conversion of the whole Empire of Japan would be brought about in time, when of a sudden, and unexpectedly, affairs took quite another turn. This new religion, and the great number of persons of all ranks and qualities, who were converted to it, occasion'd considerable alterations in the church, prejudicial in the highest degree to the heathen clergy, and it was fear'd, that the same might be attended with fatal consequences, even upon the state, for which, and for several other reasons to be mention'd hereafter, the Secular Emperor thought it necessary to put a stop to this growing evil, and to forbid all his subjects, under pain of death, to embrace a religion like to nrove so detrimental. For this purpose proclamation were issued in 1586. The same year the persecution began and several persons were executed for having disobey'd the Imperial commands. This unexpected turn however was not able to stop the progress of christianity. The common people continu'd openly to embrace and to profess the same, and many persons of quality, out of fear and circumspection, did the same in private. Not evell the raging flames of a persecution, the most dreadful of any mentioll'd in histories, seem'd at first to have that effect, which the heathen government expected it should. For altho' according to the letters of the Jesuits, 20570 persons suffer'd death for the faith of Christ, only in the year 1590, yet in 1591 and 1592, when all the churches svcre actually shut up, they made 12000 new converts. The Japanese writers themselves do not disown, that the young Emperor Fide Jori, who in the year 1616, was put to death by his tutor Ijejas, who usurp'd the throne upon him, was suspected of being a Christian, and that the greatest part of his court, soldiers, and military officers, profess'd the same religion. The chearfulness, with which the new converts suffer'd all imaginable torments, and the most cruel death, rather than to renounce their Saviour, excited the curiosity of many people to know, what doctrine it was, that could make its followers so joyful even tn the pangs of death, and they were no sooner instructed In the same, but it manifestly appear'd so full of truth and comfort, that many resolv'd to embrace it.
Here I shall leave for a while the affairs
of religion, to sav a few words concerning the commerce and trade of the
Portuguese. The merchants in their trade, and the Priests in the propagating of
the Gospel, prosper'd equally well. The merchants married the daughters of the
richest Inhabitants and dispos'd of their goods to the best advantage. The gold
of the country was exchang'd against European and Indian curiosities,
medicines, stuffs, and other things of the like nature. Upwards of 300 tuns of
this precious metal were exported every year, for at that time they had full
liberty to import, and to
----------------
Chap. VI. Of the Dutch Trade in Japan in general.
The Dutch, allur'd by the advantageous
trade of the Portuguese, resolv'd, not long after the establishment of their
East India company, and in the very infancy of their navigations into the
Indies, about the beginning of the hst century, to make proper settlements in
Japan, and to provide for the reception of the ships and goods, which they
intended to send thither every year. Their first factory and habitation was
built on a small Island, not far from the town of Firando, and made contiguous
to the same by a bridge. They were the more welcome, and the better receiv'd,
the greater enemies they were to those, whom the supreme power had then already
resolv'd to get rid of, and to expel the Country, I mean the Portuguese. This
nation indeed used their utmost endeavours, and all the influence and credit,
they had as yet preserv'd with several great men in the Empire, to crush the
Dutch establishments in the very beginning, and to ingross the whole trade to
themselves, but all was in vain. The then reigning Emperor Ijejas, who was
after his death call'd Gongen, granted the Dutch, in the year 1601, a free
trade to all his dominions by an express Gosjunim,
Quid non mortalia pectora cogis Auri sacra fames!
But I proceed to a more particular
description of the Dutch prison in Japan, for so I may deservedly call their
habitation and factory at Nagasaki. The place where the Dutch live, is callvd
Desima, that is, the Fore-Island, the Island situate before the town: Sometimes
also they cal1 it Desimamatz, that is, the Fore-Island Street, it being
comprehended amongst the streets of Nagasaki, and subject to the same
regulations. It stands not far from the town, and hath been rais'd from the
bottom of the sea. which is hereabouts rocky and sandy, lying bare in very low
water. The foundation, for one and a half or two fathoms, is of freestone, and
it rises about half a fathoms above high-water-mark. In shape it nearly
resembles a fan without a handle, being of an oblong square figure, the two
longer sides whereof are segments ot a circle. It is join'd to the town by a
small stone-bridge, a few paces iong, at the end whereof is a strong
guard-house, where there
This is the present state of the Island,
the small compass whereof the Dutch have been confin'd to by the Japanese; and
as things now stand we must be so far satisfied with it there being no hopes
that we should ever be better accommodated) or allow'd more liberty by so
jealous and circumspect a nation. Our ships, which put into this harbour once a
year, after they have been thoroughly visited bv the Japanese, and proper lists
taken of all the boods on board, have leave to put their men on shore upon this
Island to refresh them, and to
The
first and chief of our Guards is the Monban, or Gate-Guard, which guards the
gate towards the town, that being the only passage left for people to go in, or
out and for things to be carried in or out. It is mounted dailv by five
persons, their servants not computed. At *e time of the sale of our goods,
there are never less than ten, but sometimes twelve and more, their number
beina at that time very uncertain. At the same time there are constantlv two
men of the Funaban, or ships and harbour guard, two of the Siuninsi, or spy
guards, a servant of the Ninban Tosij Jori, or presiding mayor, and a servant
of the Dsiososj, or deputy mayor, as the chief ofiicers of the Sottomatz, or
lower town, do duty there. One of the two last keeps the journals of the guard
wherein is enter'd what passes from hour to hour, what persons go itl or out,
and what things are carned in or out, for the instruction of the governors of
the town,
The
second guard, or rather watch, is the Mawariban) 2 or Round. It consists of six
of the poorer inhabitants of Nagasaki, or labouring people. They have their
proper stations within the narrow compass of our Island, from whence they go
over to one another all night long, and indicate, according to the custom of
the country, both their vigilance, and the hours of the night, by beating two
wooden cylinders one against another. They are also to watch thieves, accidents
of fire, and the like. They are reliev'd once a month. All the streets of
Nagasaki furnish their number by turns. During the time of the sale of our
goods, the Ottona, or head of our street, our landlords, and the officers of
our exchequer, do duty themselves, as being answerable for all accidents, or
else send their trustiest servants. So long as our sale lasts, another
particular guard is kept on purpose to watch accidents of fire, by our Ottona,
his clerks, our landlords, the officers of our exchequer, and the cooks. In
their first
Besides all these several Guards, which I have hitherto mention'd, there are some others appointed to have a general inspection over all foreigners, (I mean the Dutch, is as well as the Chinese, and those Eastern nations, who trade to Japan under their name). The chief of these is the Funaban, or ships and harbour guard, which goes the round in the harbour, particularly about our Island, all night long. But I shall not much enlarge at present upon these) having already given some account of them in the third chapter of this Book. I proceed therefore to our officers, I mean those persons who are concern'd in the Government of our Island, and the carrying on of our trade, whether appointed by the Governors of Nagasaki, or hired by us, and pay'd out of the money, which is scarly detain'd from the price of our Goods. All these people, although they maintain themselves and their families entirely upon what they get by us and our service, yet from their conduct one would take them to be our sworn enemies, always intent to do us what mischief they can, and so much the more to be fear'd, as their hatred and enmity is hid under the specious colour of friendship, deference, and good will.
The chief of our Officers, and who ought to
be mention'd in the first place, is Josijkawa (Gibujemon, our present Ottona, who besides the command
he hath of one of the streets of the Town, is also entrusted with that of our
lsland Desima. He is next in rank to our first Interpreter, who is president of
the whole company of Interpreters, which doth not stand under the Ottona's
disposition. The business of his office is as follows. He is to take care ot
whatever relates to us, to our Island and the Government thereof. He hath the
inspection of our trade, and of the yearly sale of our goods, in company and
with the assistance of the Company of Interpreters. He keeps a particular list
of those of our goods, which belong to private persons, keeps them in his
custody, and gives orders, when and how they are to be dispos'd of. He takes
care, that our streets, houses, and other buildings be kept in good repair, and
likewise, so much as lies in his power, that they be not injur'd by thieves,
fire, or other accidents. He protects our servants, cooks, masters of the
kitchin, or daily labourers, and all persons who are within the reach of his
Jurisdiction. He composes the differences arising between them. He [331] admlts and swears them into their
respective employments, and dismisses them as he pleases. He gives passports
and tickets to come to Desima, no body being permitted to enter this Island
without them. He is oblig'd by virtue of his office, and by the oath he hath
taken to the government) narrowly to examine into the conduct, life and
behaviour) not only of our servants and officers, but also of our selves, and
to keep us to a strict obedience to the Imperial orders, tho' he is very
cautious in laying any commands upon us of his own accord and sole authority,
knowing that we would refuse to obey them in that case. However, he hath so
much power over us, that in case any considerable crime be committed, or any
disregard shewn to the Imperial orders, by any one of us, he can arrest him,
and lay him in irons, of which there are many and almost daily instances. Our
present Ottona, as on one side he work'd himself
into no small esteem and favour with the government, by his great severity in
the execution of his office, but chiefly by having betray'd us and our interest
in a late affair, so much is he on the other hated by us. I will not take upon
me to examine, what reasons he hath to alled｣re for his conduct in
that affair, tho' I have been credibly informXd, he had very good ones. Thus
far I must do justice to his character, and own, that he shews a great deal of
prudence in his conduct, that he is no ways given to covetousness or falshood,
as also, that he is an enenl5~ to ignorance and brutality, and so well vers'd
in the moral doctrine of Koosi, (or Confutius) and in the history, laus. and
religion of his country, that he hath been desir'd to write the history of the
Province Fisen. For the exeCution of his office, as Ottona, he hath the
following officers under him; a Nitzi Josi, or Messenger, whose businesi it is,
daily to examine into the condition and safety of tlle locks at the
water-gates, into the state of our warehouses, and other buildings, and to give
his master notice of what he finds out of repair; several Fisia, or Clerks, who
are to make lists of all the moveable goods belonging to private persons, which
may be dispos'd of, to seal them up in the Ottona's name, and to take them into
safe custody. Not to mention at present several other inferior officers, who
are at all times in readiness to put his orders in execution. He hath the same
salary allow'd him by the Dutch East India Company, with the chief interpreter,
and the same share in the money detain'd by order of the grovernment from the
price of our goods, besides several other advantages, as for instance, his
salary as Ottona of another street in the town, many presents and
gratifications made him by the proprietors of our Island, and a considerable
part of the yearly rents we pay for the same, he having already purchas'd about
one third of our houses. His greatest profits arise from the Dutch goods,
bought up for him
Next to the Ottona are the Desima Tsijoonin, that is, our twenty four landlords, or proprietors of our Island. They visit us but seldom, excepting at the time of our sale, when they make their appearance daily, to look after the condition of our houses, to be present and lend a helping hand in making a list of all our commodities, housholdgoods, and other things, and what is more, to have a watchful eye over us, their tenants, themselves, and to examine mto our behaviour and conduct, as being, by Virtue of the laws and customs of the country, answerable tor the same, and in case of accidents or misdemeanors sentenc'd to bear a share either in the loss or punishment. he chief and most extensive company, or corporation of the officers of our Island, is that of the Hollanda Tsjuunsi, or Dutch Interpreters, a very numerous body, generally consisting of about 150 Persons. During my stay in Japan their number was not compleat, there being then not above 123. The government took care to provide such a large number of Interpreters, on purpose to make it needless for us to learn the language of the country, and by this means to keep us, as much as lies in their power, ignorant of its present state and condition, its customs, laws, commerce, history and other things, which might be worthy our knowledge and enquiry Formerly there were not near so many, but it hath been smce thought proper to increase their number, chiefly for two reasons. First, that so many more of the Inhabitants of Nagasaki should be enabled by this means to get an honest livelihood, secondly, that we should be more narrowly watch'd in proportion at the time of our sale. A more particular account lof this corporation, its management, laws, and customs, which may serve as a pattern of other the like corporations establish'd in this country, would be too ample a subject to be enlarg'd upon at present, I shall therefore defer it to the next chapter. For the same reasons also, I shall now forbear giving an account of the Desima Fisia, or Secretaries of our Island, who are Deputies of the Interpreters, of the Desima Tsietzi, or the inspectors of our porters and daily labourers, and the Cannabana Kama, or the directors and other officers of our Treasury, all these several offices and companies having a more particular relation to our trade and commerce, which will be the subject of the following chapter.
Next to the several corporations and
offices aforesaid, that of the Kaimono Tskai must be consider'd, or as they are
otherwise call'd with a half Portuguese word Compranakama,
which is as much as to say, Commissioners for victualling. It is compos'd at
present of about seventeen house-keepers of Nagasaki, with their families.
Their business is to provide our Island with victuals, drink houshold goods,
and what
Next follow the Daidokoro
Nomono, that is, the officers of the kitchin.
This company consists of three cooks, who serve by turns, each a month, (for
which service they are allow'd twenty four Siumome a piece) of two grooms of
the kitchen, an apprentice, or two, who are generally the cook's own sons, and
likely to succeed their fathers in time, lastly of some labourers to carry
water. Sometimes the servants of the Commissioners for victualling help them.
This is the reason that our table is so very expensive, since the best part of
the year, the time of our sale only excepted, there are actually more cooks
than people to provide victuals for. And yet we have strict commands from the
governors of the town, not in the least to alter this number, nor to get our
victuals dress'd by our own people. They were allow'd formerly, the first and
head cook, six, the second four, the third three thails a month. But ever since
1674) we have been oblig'd by an order from the governors to allow them 150
thails a year to the first, 130 to the second, and 100 to the third, that is
about double their former wages. There are besides some other people who now
and then, do some little service in and tor our kitchin, such as a gardiner, a
man to look after our cattle, (tho) but very few in number, and of very little
use to us, the males being generally secretly poison'd, or their lebs broke in
the night, to prevent their multiplying too llauch, which, 'tis apprehended,
would turn to the disadvantage of the commissioners for victualling,) and some
other menial servants. This being look'd upon by the meaner sort of people at
Nagasaki, as a small peroquisite) which every one is glad to have a share of in
his turn, these servants are relieved once a month, and others sent in their
stead to do their business, out of every street of Nagasaki. But the chief
reason why they relieve them so often is, because they apprehend a longer stay
would make them too familiar with us, and perhaps too favourable for our
interest.
The Dutch, out of a particular favour, are permitted to have some young boys to wait upon them in the daytime. They are enter'd into the Ottona's book in quality of messengers. They are commonly sons of the inferior interpreters, and other officers of our Island, who by this opportunity of learning the Dutch language qualify themselves in time to succeed their fathers. However care is taken, that they should not stay in our service, but so long as they are look'd upon as simple and ignorant of the state and interest of their country, or else so long as the Ottona pleases to give them leave, but never without sufficient security given upon oath, by an honest inhabitant of Nagasaki, who obliges himself to be answerable for their misbehaviour. Thus much must be own'd in justice to these young boys, that more readiness to do what they are commanded, and a greater fidelity in the custody of the goods they are intrusted with by their masters, is hardly to be met with in any other nation.
Last of all, there are also some tradesmen and artificers of several companies in Nagasaki permitted to come over to our Island, when sent for, provided they have leave of the Governors, which must be obtain'd every time they are wanted. They divide the profits with the rest of the sarne company, and besides to be in favour with the Ottona and our Interpreters, as the chief mxnagers of our business they make them a present once a year.
These are the several officers concern'd in the management of our Island and trade, and permitted on this account, to come over to us, and to converse with us, tho' never without some plausible pretext, and yet no sincere friendship, good understanding, or familiarity, can be by atly means expected from them. For before they are a,3mitted into our service, they must oblige themselves by a solemn oath, to deny us all manner of communication, Credit, or friendship, any ways tending to support or to promote our interest. This obligation must be frequently renew'd by them, so long as they continue in our service.
The oath as it is taken at Nagasaki, and every where a in the Empire, is a solemn obligation to do such or such things, made according to a stated form, as it is contain'd in the laws and statutes of the Empire. The person, who takes this oath, prays the vengeance of the supreme Gods of the heavens, and the chief magistrates of his country, upon him, his family, his domesticks, his friends and near relations, in case he doth not sincerely fulfil and satisfy to all and every article, as they are read and specified to him after the form of the oath, which together with these articles must be sign'd by him, and sealnd with his seal dipp'd in black Ink, pouring for a still stronger confirmarion, some drops of his own blood upon it, which he fetches by pricking one of his fingers behind the nail. This oath though never so terrible and binding would yet be but little regarded, by this nation, were it not for the severe punishment put by the civil magistrate upon any the [335] least transgression thereof, a crime which is not to be expiated but by shedding the very same blood, the oath hath been confirm'd withal.
The articles thus sign'd and solemnly sworn to, differ both in number and weight, according to the person, who takes the oath, the nature of his office and the extent of the power he is entrusted with. In the main they may be divided into three sorts. The first, and those of the greatest moment, the transgression whereof is also punish'd in the most severe manner, are sign'd and sworn to by the Ottona, the chief interpreter, his deputy, and apprentices, as presumptive successors to his employment. The oath is renewed to them only upon the arrival of a new Governour, who administers it in person, and in his own palace not by making the persons) who are to take it, repeat the words after him, or hold up three of their fingers, or lay their hands upon some sacred Book, as is customary in European Countries, but by making them sign the articles read to them with their seals and blood, in the manner above related. The articles of the second sort, which are of less weight and consequence, are sign'd and sworn to in the same manner by the main body of our interpreters, our cooks, the officers of our treasury, the secretaries and clerks of our Island, the Kuli Masters, or inspectors of our workmen, and the commissioners for victualling. The oath is administred to them by the Ottona, and chief Interpreter, in the temple Ansensi of the sect Ten Dai, as the usual place of their meetings. The articles of the third sort and those of the least moment, are sworn to by all our menial servants and inferior officers, the young men, who are suffer'd to wait upon us, the workmen and trades-men who have any thing to do with us, and who take the oath only in presence of the Ottona, and in his own house. This last oath, as being taken by mean, young and inconsiderable people is also not allow'd to be sufficient for which reason they must, every one of them, find an honest house-keeper in town, who will give security for their good behaviour, and be answerable for their misdemeanours. The Commissioners for victualinC being likewise answerable for the behaviour of the servants belonging to their office, take a particular oath from them, to which they make them put their seals only, but not their blood.
The jealous and suspicious magistrate is
not at all satisfied with making our officers and servants of the second and
third rank take the oath once a year. The same must be repeated twice at least;
first about the beginning of the year, at the time when they perform that
solemn act of theirs of trampling over the Image of our blessed Saviour pendant
from the Cross, of the Virgin Mary and of other holy persons, as a publick and
unquestionable proof that they for ever renounce the christian religion. It is
administred to them a second time, after the arrival of our ships in the
harbour, and this in order to remind them of the solemn obligations they lie
under, and to renew their hatred towards us. The persons who are to attend us
in our Journey to court
Besides all the articles aforesaid, which are thus solemnly swore to, there are several particular orders made, and publish'd by the Ottona, and put up in several parts of our Island, the chief intent whereof is to instruct those, who are permitted to have any communication with us, how they are to behave themselves with regard to us and the dispatch of our business, so long as they stay at Desima. There are five of these orders stuck up at the time of our sale at the entry of the Ottona's house, where he lives during the summer. The chief relates to the visitation of our Goods exported and imported. The visitors appointed, receive from the Ottona, the necessary instructions, a list of all the contraband goods, according to which they are to regulate themselves. A proclamation of the Governours relating to the conduct of such persons, as during the time of our sale, go in and come out of our Island is stuck up at all the corners of our streets. The proper orders concerning the regulation and management of our treasury are hung up in that office, and those which relate to our interpreters in the house, where they meet.
Besides the persons sworn into the several
offices relating to the management of our Island and trade, some others have
leave to come over to us, but only during the time our sale, and upon other
determined days. Of the number of these are the merchants, who come over to buy
at goods have been imported by us, and the copper merchants, or else their
factors, or deputies, who come chiefly from Miaco, and other parts of the
Empire. When our sale is at an end, some manufactures of the Country as
lacker'd ware, several things made of copper, which the Japanese work with
uncommon nicety, and some goodS of the country are expos'd to sale in a
particular place, built for that purpose. None of these persons hitherto
mention'd can pass through our gates, unless he suffers himself to be search'd,
and can produce a proper passboard which is done generally upon their going
out; however) the commissioners or deputies of the Governours, who have a pike
carried before them, as a badge of their authority, and such of their retinue,
as wear two swords are exempted from being search'd, as are also the Ottona,
eight of our chief Interpreters and their sons or apprentices, who are
priviledged to learn our language, in order to qualify themselves as their
future successors. This particular favour is allow'd them, to the first, as
commission'd inspectors of our conduct, to the rest as our profess'd enemies,
as well by virtue of their oath, as for the sake of their Interest. [337]
The pass-board, is a small board about three inches long and two inches broad. It hath on one side the common, or family-name of the Ottona of that street, where the bearer lives, with his seal under it in black ink, a limitation how long it is to continue in force, and the name of the bearer. On the other side is the impression of the larger mark of our Ottona, made with a hot iron, with his title Desima Ottona added to it. When our ships are shortl! expected in the harbour, he sends a competent quantlt!of boards thus mark'd to all the Ottona's of the town, for the use of the inhabitants of their streets, or strangers, who at that time resort thither on account of our trade, fronz all parts of the Empire.
The orders of the Japanese Government to the Dutch are partly read to the director of our trade in the Imperial palace at Jedo, in presence of some of the Privy Counsellors, and partly communicated to us by the Governors of Nagasaki, either by word of mouth, or by their Bugjo's alld our Interpreters. Upon the arrival of our ships, our tnterpreters take especial care to recommend to us to have a due regard to those orders, which tend chiefly to prevent smugling of what kind soever, as it is accurately specified therein for the instruction of new comers, to avoid all the Outward marks of Christianity in presence of the natives, and to live in good understanding both with our own officers and servants, and other Inhabitants of Nagasakib Otherwise they need not recommend to us to remain svithin due bounds of continency, because there are so many guards and watches set upon us in all corners of our lsland) as one would think more than sufficient to prevent all means of being loose and extravagant.
Thus we live all the year round little better than prisoners, confin'd within the compass of a small Island, under the perpetual and narrow inspection of our keepers. 'Tis true indeed, we are now and then allow'd a small escape, an indulgence, which, without flattering our selves, we can by no means suppose to be an effect of their love and friendship, forasmuch as it is never granted to us, unless it be to pay our respects to some great men, or for some other business, necessary on our side, and advantageous for the natives. Nor doth the coming out even upon those occasions give us any greater liberty, than we enjoy at home, as will appear by the great expences of our Journies and visits, great or small, by the number of guards and inspectors who constantly attend us, as if we were traitors and profess'd enemies of the Empire, and by enumerating the particular opportunities, which call us abroad, and are as follows.
After the departure of our ships, the director of our trade, or resident of the Dutch East India Company, sets out with a numerous retinue on his journey to court, to pay his respects to the Emperor, and to make the usual yearly presents. This journey to court must [338] be made once a near, not only by the Dutch, but even by all the Princes and Lords of the Empire, as being the Emperor's vassals, and our own embassy is look'd upon at court) as an homage paid by the Dutch Nation to the Emperor of Japan, as their sovereign Lord. For this very reason it is, that before the departure of our Embassadors from Jedo, several orders and regulations are read to them, relating to our behaviour in this country, and that, by waar of conversation, we are commonly call'd Fitozitz, that is, Hostaces, viz. of the Dutch Nation. Upon the journey it self we are not allow'd any more liberty than even close prisoners could reasonably claim. We are not suffer'd to speak to any body,noteven without special leave to the domesticks and servants of the Inns we lodge at As soon as we come to an Inn, we are without delay carried up stairs, if possible, or into the back apartments, which have no other view but into the yard, which for a still greater security, and to prevent any thoughts of an escape, is immediately shut and nail'd up. Our retinue, which by special command from the Governors of Nagasaki, guards, attends and assists us in our journey, is compos'.l of the interpreters and cooks of our Island (of whom above) and moreover of a good number of soldiers, bailiSs servants, porters, people to look after our horses, anal baggage, which must be carried on horseback. All these people, tho' never so needless, must be maintain'd at the company's expence.
Before our departure for Jedo, and again upon our return from thence, our Captain as he is call'd by the Japanese, or the Director of our Factory, with one of his company, goes to make a visit to the Governors ot Nagasaki at their Palace, to return them thanks for their favours, and to entreat the continuation of their protection. Now, not even this visit can be made without a numerous train of guards, soldiers and bailifs, carrying halters in their pockets. The Ottona, some of our chief Interpreters, and some few of our servants, are also of the party. The whole company is often oblig'd to stay a good while at the Genquban, or great House-guard, before they are admitted to audience.
Another visit, and with the like numerous attendance, is made to the Governors, by the director of our factory, upon the Fassiaku, that is, the first day of the eighth monthr when it is usual to make them a present.
If the Governors want to speak with any of
the Dutch, upon any particular occasion, either to communicate new orders to
them, or else to get some information from them, the same means and inspections
are made use of to bring them over to their palace, and they must take it as a
singular favour, if they are adrnitted into the Governors presence) who often
send only some of their officers to let them know what they were sent for. [339]
The few Dutchmen, who remain at Desima, after the departure of our ships, are permitted once or twice a year, to take a walk into the adjacent country, and in particular to view the temples about Nagasaki: This liberty is oftner granted to Physicians and Surgeons, under pretence of going to search for Medicinal Plants. However, this pleasure walk falls very expensive to us, for it must be made in company of the Ottona, of our ordinary interpreters, and other oicers in our service, who are handsomely treated by us at dinner, in one of the Temples of the Ikosju Sect, and we must on this occasion, even with seeming satisfaction, see our purses strongly squeez'd for the most common civilities shewn us by the Priests of that Temple.
Another day is set apart for viewing five large boats, which must be constantly kept at the expence of the Dutch East India Company, for the lading and unlading of our lps. This is again done with the same numerous retlnue, which we afterwards entertain at dinner at one of neighbouring temples.
The festival of Suwa, the Patron and Protector of Nagasaki, of which above, filling just upon the time, when our ships lie in the harbour, our people are permitted to view this solemnity from a scaffold, built at our own expence, our presence being not only thought honourable their Saint, but, what they value still more, advantageous to many of his worshippers. It may be easily imacin'd, that our train and guards are not lessensd upon such an occasion. On the contrary we are examin'd and search'd four times, before we come to the place, where the solemnity is perform'd, and agam afterwards counted over several times with all possible accuracy, when we go up and when we come down from the Scaffold, as if it were possible for some of us to slip out between their fingers. Our slaves also are admitted to this solemnity, as black Dutchmen.
When one of our ships hath been discover'd to steer towards the harbour, some of the Dutchmen left at Desima are sent to meet her, in order to get a preliminary information of her cargo and condition, for our own instruction, and that of the governors. The company for this purpose constantly keeps two barges in readiness, large enough to take on board our usual numerous attendance, which, together with the Compra Nakama, or Commissioners for victualling, attending in their own barge, with a good provision of victuals and refreshments, must be treated in the neighbouring small Island Iwara Gasima, the whole again at the company's expence.
There are likewise orders, in case of
accidents of fire in or near Desima, to carry us and our things away into safe
custody to another place. These and some other orders are to be seen at large
in the last Chapter of this Book.
These are the days allow'd us for our recreation, otherwise it may be call'd a recreation to be led about like prisoners, under the narrow inspection of so many attentive eyes. Thus much however I cannot forbear owning in justice to the natives, that even amidst all the trouble and hardships we are expos'd to in this country, we have at least this comfort, that we are treated by our numerous guardians and overseers, with apparent civility, with caresses, compliments, presents of victuals, and other marks of deference so far as it is not inconsistent with their reason of state. But this their genteel and reasonable behaviour on our behalf is owing more to the custom of the country, and to the innate civility and good manners (of the natives, than to any particular esteem they have for us, or any favour they are willing to shew us. Nay quite the contrary appears evident by their conduct towards us in many instances, which is not only unreasonable, but in the highest degree dishonest. It will not be amiss to mention a few particulars, which I know to be fact, either from my own experience, or their own confessions in private conversation. It would be endless to enumerate all the roguish tricks and cheats, our Interpreters have at all times play'd us, all the unjust demands laid upon us, chiefly during the time of our sale, and the unreasonable requests made even of our Captains, as they call them, and directors of our factory, their sacred character, as rublick ambassadors to their own Emperor notwithstanding.
No Japanese in general, who seems to have any regard or friendship for the Dutch, is look'd upon as an honest man, and true lover of his country. This maxim is (grounded upon the following principle, that it is absolutely contrary to the interest of the country, against the pleasure of their sovereign, nay, by virtue of the oath they have taken, even against the supreme will of the Gods and the dictates of their conscience, to shew any favour to foreigners. Nay they pursue this false reasoning still arther, and pretend, that a friend of foreigners must be of necessity an enemy to his country, and a rebel to his sovereign. For they say, if the country should happen to be attack'd or invaded by these foreigners, the laws and xxxxies of friendship would oblige him to stand by them, and consequently to become a traitor to his country and sovereign.
Hence to over-rate a Dutchman, to ask
extravagant Prices of him, to cheat and defraud him, so much as they think will
not prove prejudicial to their reputation, which have a very tender regard for,
to lessen their liberties advantages) to propose new projects for making their
servitude and condition still worse, and the like, are look'd upon as good,
handsom, and lawful things in themselves) and unquestionable proofs of a good
Patriot.
If any body steals any thing from the Dutch, and it be found upon him, (which the Kuli, or Porters, we employ during the time of our sale, are very dextrous at) there .s seldom any other punishment inflicted upon him, but restitution of the stolen goods, and a few lashes from the soldiers upon duty at our gate. Sometimes he is banish'd from the Island for a small time, or if the crime be very notorious, from the town, tho' this is done but seldom. But the penalty inflicted upon smuglers, is no less than an unavoidable death, either by beheading or the cross, according to the nature of the crime, and the degree of guilt.
The lading and unlading of our ships, and other businesc of this kind, must not be done by our own people, but hsthe natives, who are well paid for their work, whilst the former stand idle, and have nothing to do but to look at them. But this is not the only grievance we have reason to complain of in this particular, for they always hire at least twice as many people as there is occasion for, and if they work but one hour, we must nevertheless pay them a whole day's wages.
All the people, who have any thing to do for or with us, tho' never so numerous and needless, must be mailltain'd by us, either directly by appointed salaries, or indirectly by the money, which the Governors of the town detain from the price of our commodities, in the manner above related.
No Dutchman can send a letter out of the country unless the contents be first enter'd into a Registerbook kept for this purpose, and a copy of it left with the Governors. Inckorder to this, there must be always two equal copies deliver'd to the proper officer, one whereof is to remain, the other is sent on board the outward-bound ships. As to the letters sent from abroad, all the publick ones must be sent directly to the Governors, before they are open'd, but as to the private ones, there are ways and means secretly to convey them to us, which the government connives at, tho' it be contrary to law.
No Japanese is permitted to send any letters, or presents, to their relations abroad (there being still some left from former marriages with the Dutch) or to receive any from them) unless they be first carried to the Governors, to be by them open'd, and to be left entirely to their disposal.
Formerly when a Dutchman died at Nagasaki,
his body deem'd unworthy of their ground was thrown into the sea, somewhere
without the harbour. But of late an empty spot of waste ground upon the
mountain Inassa was assign'd us, and leave given us, decently to bury our dead
there, tho' afterwards a Japanese guard is appointed to watch the place, which
is done generally with so much care, that
It is an easy matter for any body, whether a native or foreigner, to make his claims upon the Dutch; but we find it very difficult to obtain justice from others. In the first case the Government is always willing to give the complainlng party damages, without so much as considering whether the claim be upon the whole company, or some of its officers and servants, and whether it be just to make the tormer suffer for the misdemeanors of the latter. In the second case, if we have any complaint to make, we generally meet with so many difficulties and tedious delays as would deter any body from pursuing even the most righteous cause. One instance out of many will be sufficient to make the reader sensible of the truth of this assertion The famous Chinese Pyrate Coxeng, having made himself master of the Island Formosa, and of our fort Tayovan, or Zelandia, upon the said Island, we took all opportunity about the year 1660) by way of reprisals to attack a large yonk of his bound for the said Island, with about 300 men on board, and to disable her with our fire so, that altho) she drove for about thirteen days after the attack) yet not above nine of the whole company sav'd their lives. Upon this heavy complaints were made by the Chinese to the Government of Nagasaki, and with so good an effect, that the same year 27ooo Siumome damages were assign'd them out of our treasury. Some time after, about the year 1672) one of our ships, call'd the Kuylenburg, having unfortunately stranded upon the coasts of Formosa, the ship's company was barbarously murder'd, and the whole cargo taken in possession by the Chinese subjects of Coxenga, whereupon we made our complaints before the very same court, against this act of hostility, but with so little success, that far from having any damages assign'd us, we could not so much as obtain the restitution of one farthing.
Chap. VII. Of the Dutch Trade in Japan in particular, and first of the several Corporations establish'd for this purpose.
I have already in the preceding chapter a
mention'd something of the company of Tsjuusi, as they are call'd, or
Interpreters upon whose faithfulness, a very rare taletlt ' among them, we must
entirely depend in, carrying on our profitable trade and commerce in this
Country. It is a body numerous to excess, and consisting, when compleat, of no
less than 130 persons. I propose to be somewhat
Tlle first order of our Interpreters consists of eight persons, call'd Fon Tsjusi, or Fon Tsiuunsj, which signifies the true Interpreters. By vertue of their office they are obliged to assist and attend us, whenever there is occasion, and so far indeed they execute their duty with great preciseness, that we can scarce ever one moment get rid of their importunate presence, for as they are made answerable for our condllct, so they spare no pains, nor trouble, to have a watchful eye over it.
I our of these are O Tsjuusi, that is High,
or chief Interpreters, one whereof is Ninban, which signifies, in the literal
sense of the word, a yearly Guardian, as also a person, who is to make his
reports to another. This office is only annual: our petitions, complaints and
whatever else relates to us and to our commerce, must be deliver'd to him, and
by him with the consent of his brethren, to the commanding Governor, or his
deputy. He hath the greatest share in the management of our Island, in the
tlirection of our trade, and in all our affairs in general. As Ninban he
presides in the college of the eight chief interpreters The four other
Interpreters, though of the same order, are call'd Ko Tsjusi, that is, inferior
Interpreters. They have not near that power and authority, which the former are
invested with, whom they are to assist in the execution of their office. They
have a Ninban, or resident of their own, who is a sort of deputy to the chief
Ninban, and hath the first vote in the Quadrumvirate or College of four,
whereof he is president. Both Ninbans attend us in our Journey to court, and upon
our return from thence to Nagasaki, they quit their stations, as presidents of
these two colleges. If any thing that relates to our commerce, or persons, is
to be laid before the college of the eight chief Interpreters, in order to a
determination, it must be done in presence of the Ottona of our Island, who
claims his place next to the first and
The Tsijo, that is, the yearly salaries and
perquisites of our chief Interpreters amount to a very considerable sum, and
are as follows. A Jakukio, or Salary, which since the confinement of our
persons and trade to the Island Desima, hath been assign'd them by the Emperor
in proportion to every one's office and the rank he hath in the company. It was
formerly a certain determined sum of money: For the present it consists in a
certain quantity of silk, which as I have been inform'd, they are permitted to
buy of us, and which if sold in the Country, yields about so much money clear
gain, as their former salary amounted to. Besides this the company allows them
some raw silk every year, by way of a present, or reward for their trouble, to
wit, a bale, or I4I, 3 qrs. Catti for every chief Interpreter, which we buy for
about 400 Thails, and is worth in Japan, 8 50. Half this quantity is allow'd to
every inferior Interpreter. ftnother yearly gratuity is given to them by the
company of copper merchants, as it were to reward them for their trouble, but
in fact, to buy them over to their interest, and to engage them to turn the
sale of copper to the best advantage. This puts us under an obligation to act
the part of the best bidder for their favour, and to countermine the intentions
of the copper merchants by a larger gratuity of 300, 600, or 800 Thails, more
or less, in proportion to the quantity and goodness of the copper bought by us.
lWr. Camphuysen, when he was director of our trade, having bought 22466 Pickels
of refin'd copper, at twelve Thails and a half the pickel, and 10: pickels of
course copper, made the company of Interpreters a present of 1360 Thails,
besides a pack instead of a pickel, which he gave to every chief Interpreter)
and half a pack to every Inferior Interpreter. The Kosen, that is, the tax, or
duty which is laid upon foreign commodities belonging to private persons, not
exceeding the value of 40000 Thails, light, as they call it, or gold-money,
must be paid by the buyer, at so much per cent. This makes out a sum far beyond
20000 Thails, which is assign'd for the joint benefit of the Governors,
presiding mayor, Ottona, and the whole body of Interpreters. This tax, though
it be paid by the buyer, is yet in fact indirectly exacted from us, insomuch as
the buyers generally take care to make up their losses, by giving us a less
price for our goods Another very advantageous perquisite both of the
Interpreters and of the Ottona, is the selling of some goods of private
persons, which remain over and above the ailowed yearly sum of 40000 Thailes,
and are bought for them at a very cheap rate. Add to this I&O Cubangs,
which the company allow them from boarding during the time of our sale, because
at that time they must be constantly attending. They receive also very
considerable presents for theiinferior ofiicers of our Island, private
merchants, artificers, trades-men, and often upon particular occasions the
Dutch themselves,
They go the same way to work with regard to the persons employ'd to lade and unlade our baggage, and to take care of our horses. Thus they make us pay the 180 Cubangs, allow'd for our horses alld porters, twice over. They likewise get something upon the barge, which is to carry our baggage from Nagasaki to Osacca, for they make use of this opportunity to bring over goods belonging to private merchants there, and never fail to put the freight in their own pockets. At Jedo they receive some (rratuities from all the great men at court, to whom it is usual to give presents in the company's name. Thus the whole revenue of a chief Interpreter may amount in all to 3000 Thails and upwards, and that of an inferior interpreter is seldom less than 1500, and yet with all this income) they live but sparingly, because they must maintain out of this money numerous families, and sometimes poor relations, whom, according to the innate pride of this natiOn, they won't suffer to appear necessitous. Some part also of thelr revenue is spent in presents to be made to the Governors of Nagasaki, and their Karoo or Deputies.
The company of Interpreters is not only the most cxtensive of any concern'd in the management of our Island and trade, but also the most expensive, and withal the most prejudicial to our honour, liberty and welfare. Two fundamental maxims, they go upon, are first, to do what hes in their power insensibly to increase the yearly expences of the Dutch, to the advantage of their countrymen, as becomes true Patriots; secondly, to conceal, so much as possible, all the tricks and cheats they perpetually play us, lest the natives should come to know them. Both these ends they endeavour to obtain by confining us still more and more, looking upon this, as the surest means to keep us ignorant of the language of the country, and to prevent all conversation or familiarity with the natives. If there be any of our people, [346] that hath made any considerable progress in the Japanese language, they are sure under some pretext or other, to obtain an order from the Governors to expel him the country. The only thing xvherein the Captains, as they are here call'd, or directors ot our trade (a Province the Japanese will suffer them to have but very little to do withal,) can be useful to the Company) and shew their zeal for their master's service, is o act contrary to these principles, and to find out ways and nleans civilly to refuse what new requests are from time to time made to them. For if any one of their demands be cranted but once, or any new charge, tho) never so small, suifer'd to be laid upon us, they make it a precedent for ever after: And herein they endeavour particularly to deceive new directors, who have not been in the country before, and whom they suppose to be not fully appriz'd of their ways of proceeding- On this account they will often in the first year of their presence help them to a very profitable trade, knowing, in case their demands be not granted, how to balance it the next; with a more chargeable and less profitable one.
Next to the chief Interpreters the Keekotsjusi, that is, 2 learning Interpreters, or apprentices, must be mention'd. There are never less than eight, but sometimes more, all sons to the chief Interpreters by birth or adoption. They come over to us every day, in order to learn the Dutch and Portuguese languages, as well as the art and mystery of dealing with foreigners. They are employ'd as spies upon several occasions, as also to inspect the lading and unlading of our ships, to search the sailors, and such persons, who go on board, or come from thence, to examine the goods imported and exported, for which their trouble in these several particulars, they are allow'd by the company a reward of forty Thails a year. They have also a share in the boarding wages, and several other perquisites.
After the Keeko Tsjusi, or apprentices, follow the Naitsjusi, that is, in the literal sense, Interior, or HouseInterpreters, because they are employ'd by private Dutchmen within their own houses. They have nothing to do upon our Island, unless it be during the time ot our yearly fair, or sale, when after having taken a solemn oath to avoid all communication, intimacy and familiarity with us, they are by the Ottona admitted into our serviceF and for this purpose presented each with one of his Passboards. From two to six of these people are assign'd to every Dutchman, during the whole time of our fair, in quality of Interpreters, but in fact, as spies to watch his actions. For there is scarce one in ten, that understands a Dutch word, excepting some few, who had been servants to the Dutch formerly.
There are upwards of an hundred of these
Waitsjusi who all stand under the command of the chief Interpreters, and
particularly the Ninban, or President for the time being. They have as well as
the
They have four Takurajaku, or Treasurers, who are to of take care of the company's cash, and to keep an account of what is paid in, and out; besides two Fisja, or clerks) who receive also their salary out of the said cash.
No body is admitted into this company, but the sons of deceas'd members. The admission is perform'd in the isfollowing manner. The candidate gets some body to write a Sosjo, or Petition for him, which he presents to the Ninban, or President of the Kumigasijra, withal recommending his interest by word of mouth, and sometimes making use of indirect means to obtain his favour. The Ninban calls his brethren together to consider of the case, and to examine whether or no the candidate be entitled by birth, ate and merit, to what he petitions for, and if they find that he hath all the necessary qualifications, he delivers the petition to the Ninban of the Ko Gasijra, who likewise takes his time to examine into the matter with the members of his company, and if they too approve of the candidate, the [348] petition is presented to the Ninbon of the Fontsjusi, or President of the College of the chief Interpreters. Here the affair hangs sometimes two or three years, till by repeated petitions and submissions, but chiefly by what they call So de no sita, that is, acting under the sleeve, (which by the by they wear so wide, that a present can be easily and secretly convey'd into them) the Ninban is at last persuaded to favour the candidate.
Upon this, having first obtain'd leave of his brethren, he lays the petition and the petitioner's case before the Governor, who seldom refuses to give his consent.
All obstacles being at last remov'd, the new Interpreter goes to visit every member of his company, to return them thanks for their favour and to receive the compliments of concratulation from them.
Thus far of our Interpreters.
I proceed next to the five Desima Fisja, or ordinary Clerks of the Island Desima. They are a sort of deputies to the chief Interpreters. Their business is to keep an account of the presents made by the Dutch, of their ordinarsexpences, the expences of their journey to court, alld other things of thls kind, which are thought beneath the dignity of a chief Interpreter. Nay, they themselves, being not always willing to dispatch their business in person, keep also their deputies. The company allows a constant salary only to two, and these are to attend us in our journey to court. The rest are rewarded by handsom gratuities at the time of our sale.
Amongst the officers of our Island, I must not forget to mention the Desima Tsijetzkni, or Inspectors of our Kuli, or Workmen. This honourable company consists of fifteen persons, who keep a list of our workmen, in order to divide the work among them, and to assign every one his task. One of these 15 is Quarter-master, who must be present in person, to encourage and look after them, when there is any work to be done. The whole company is to take care, that we be not robb'd by these Kuli's, they being very dextrous at it, whenever a favoural opportunity offers. For this reason our East-India company allows them a constant salary. The Kuli's, who are employ'd in lading and unlading of our ships, are people unknown to us, and taken out of the town. All ue know of them is, that we must pay them well for their trouble In order to make it beneficial to the whole town, every Ottona is to keep a list of what people in his street are willinc, or able, to serve as Kuli's, that in their turn they may be sent over to Desima.
The Cannaba Nakama, that, is the Officers
of our Treasury, still remain to be mention'd. They are to receive the money
for the goods we have dispos'd of, to change it into Kobanj's of gold, and to
deliver them to us by our Interpreters, who count them before us. The Cannaba
Nakama retain one per cent for their trouble, fifteen or more for the common
benefit of the town aCcording to the yearly value of
Chap. VIII. Some more Particulars concerning the Dutch Trade in Japan.
The Dutch ships are expected in the harbour
sometime in September, towards the latter end of the S. W. Monsoon, that being
the only one proper for this navigation. As soon as the spy-guards with their
glasses discover a ship steering towards the harbour, and send notice of
herapproach to the Governors of Nagasaki, three persons of our factory are sent
with the usual attendance to meet her, about two miles without the harbour, and
to deliver to our captain the necessary Instructions from the director of our
trade, with regard to his behaviour, seal'd up. The Interpreter) and the
deputies of the Governors, demand forthwith the list of the cargo and crew, as
also the letters on board, which are carried to Nagasaki, where the governors
first examine, and then deliver them to our director. The ship follows as soon
as possible, and being enter~~d the harbour, salutes every Imperial guard wlth
all her guns then
Many questions are ask'd on account of those who dy'd in the voyage, when, and of what distemper they dy'd. Even now and then a dead monkey, or parrot, may occasion a strict enquiry to be made after the cause and manner of their death, and they are so scrupulous, that they will not give their verdict, without sitting upon the body itself, and carefully examining it. Upon this the orders of our resident, and likewise of the Governors of Nagasaki, relating to our behaviour, with regard to the natives, are read in Low Dutch, and afterwards for every ones instruction stuck up in several places on board the ship and at Desima. The same rules are observ'd with the rest of our ships, of which there are two, three, or four sent from Batavia to Japan every year, according to the quantity of copper they have occasion for. Formerly uhen the Dutch as yet enjoy'd a free trade, they sent seldom less than six or seven ships, sometimes more, in proportion to the quantity of goods they were likely to dispose of.
The review being over, or else at what
other time they please, they proceed to unlade the ship. In the mean time some
Joriki's, as deputies of the Governors, some of the Dosen, a chief Interpreter,
a deputy Interpreter, and an apprentice, besides several clerks and inferior
officers remain on board taking possession of every corner, to see that nothing
be carried away privately. The time for unlading the ship [351] being determin'd, the water gates of our
Island, through which the cargo is to be brought in are open'd in presence of
the Karoo, that is, high comnllssioners of the Governours, and their retinue.
So long as the gates are kept open, the Karoo's, with their deputies and other
assistants, stay in a room built for this purpose not far off. The whole body
of Interpreters, as also our andlords, clerks and other officers of our Island
give their attendalace) as well as necessary assistance, at that time. Then
they fall to work with 300 or more Kuli's, or workmen, always at least twice
the number, there is occasion for. The unlading of every ship ought to be
perform'd it in two days time, but notwithstanding the great number of workmen
they employ, they generally make a three day work of it, in order to make it so
much the more beneficial to the town. The goods are brought over from board the
ship in small boats, call'd Prauen, and kept on by for this purpose at the
companies expence, and in the water gates laid before the commissioners, who
set them down in writing, count them, compare them with the list, that hath
been given in, opening a bale, or two, of each sort pick'd out from among the
rest, and then order that they should be lock'd up, under their seal, in the
companies warehouses untill the time of our sale. The trunks belonging to
private persons, are set down at the entry of the Island, and there open'd and
examin'd. If the owner doth not forthwith appear with his key, the) proceed
without any further ceremony to open them with axes. All vendible goods are
taken out, and lock'd up under their seals. Some other things also which they
do not approve of, as for instance) arms, stuff, and cloath wrought with gold
and silver, as also all contraband goods, are taken into custody by the Ottona,
who returns them to the owner upon his departure. No European, nor any other
foreign money, and in general nothing, that hath the figure of a cross, saint,
or beads upon it, is suffer'd to pass. If any such thing should be found upon
any of our people, it would occasion such a confusion and fright among the
Japanese, as if the whole Empire had been betray'd. I took notice above, in the
journal of our voyage, that upon our drawing near the harbour every one was
oblig'd, pursuant to orders, to deliver his prayer-books, and other books of
divinity, as also all European money he had about him, to the captain, who
pack'd them all up in an old cask, and hid them from the natives. Those who are
newly arriv'd. in going in or coming out of our Island, must suffer themselves
to be search'd whether or no they have any contraband goods about them, chiefly
amber and corals, which they might exchange for gold, the natives being very
fond of these commodities even one of our directors (who was afterwards rais'd
to the eminent post of Director-general) had it practis'd upon himself, upon
his first arrival in Japan. However thts ts done but seldom. [352]
Every one that wants to go on board, whether it be for his own private business, or in the company's service is oblig'd to take out a passboard from the commissioner at the water-gates to those upon the ship, and in like Manner when he returns on shore, he must take out allother from these. By this means they know at all times, how many people there are on board, or on shore.
At night, when the commissioners sent on board the Ship return with their retinue to Nagasaki, the cabin is seal'd up in their presence, and all the Dutchmen accurately counted over, to see that there be none wanting, which would occasion a very great confusion. During my stay in Japan it happen'd, that a common sailor unfortunately drownrd himself in the night, no body perceiving his falling down into the water. At the review made the next morning (for it is constantly made every morning and night) the fiellow was miss'd. This unlucky accident suddenly stopt all proceedings, and the fear, lest it should be a Roman Catholick Priest, who made his escape into the country, occasionvd such a consternation among the Japanese, that all the officers ran about scratching their heads, and behaving themselves as if they had lost their senses, and some of the soldiers in the guard-ships were already preparing to rip open their bellies, before superior orders could compel them to answer for their carelessness and neglect of their duty. In this state things continu'd, till at last the unhappy fellow's body being taken up from the bottom of the sea, put an end to their fears and farther enquiries.
At all other times, that for lading and unlading our ships excepted, the water gates are shut. By this means all communication is cut off between those that stay on board, and those that remain on shore, both being equally confin'd within proper bounds. The ships whole cargo having been after this manner brought over into the warehouses, the goods lie there till they are pleas'd, in two or three days of sale, which they call Cambangs, to sell them; at remains unsold, is carried back to the warehouses, kept there against the next years sale.
The following goods, are imported by us:
Raw silk from China, Tunquin, Bengale, and Persia; all sorts of silk, woollen
and other stuffs from the abovemention'd) and some other countries, (provided
they be not wrought with gold or silver,) such as, Tassaceel from Bengale and
the coasts of Cormandel; large white Pelangs roll'd up, white Gilangs,
Armosins, Sumongis's, Florette-yarn; several sorts of half silk Indian Tsitsen,
and course cotton stufts without flowers, and not painted; white Gunis)
Salempuri's and Paraceels; woollen cloth from Europe, besides some other silk
and woollen stuffs, chiefiy serges) and English serges; Tsiampan, or dywood,
(or as we call it in Europe) brasilwood, buffle and deer hides, Ray skins, wax
and buffle horns from Siam and Cambodia; Cordowans and tann'd hides from
Persia, Bengale and other
Of all the imported goods, raw silk is the
best lik'd, ffi tho' it yields the least profit of any, for which reason the
portuguese call'd the sale of this commodity, Pancado, w-hich name hath been in
a manner naturaliz'd in the country, and is still in use arnong the natives.
All sorts of stuffs and cloth yield a considerable and sure profit and should
there be never so much imported, the consumption in so populous a country would
be still greater. Tsiampan, or Brasilwood, and hides, are also to be dispos'd
of to very good advantage. The most profitable commodities are Sugar, Catechu,
Rosmal, or Storax liquida, Patsju, Camphire of Borneo (which they covet above
all other sorts of Camphire,) looking glasses, and several other thints of this
kind, but only, when they have occasion for them, and when the Chinese have imported
them in small quantities: Corals and amber are two of the most valuable
commodities in these Eastern parts of the world, but Japan hath been so
thoroughly provided by smuglers, that at present there is scarce fifty per cent
to be got upon them whereas formerly we could sell them ten, nay an hundred
times dearer. The price of these things, and of all natural and artificial
curiosities, varies very much according to the number and disposition of the
buyers, who may be sure to Cet cent per cent clear profit by them, at what
price soes er they buy them.
The state of our trade and commerce in this country) since our first arrival, hath been subject to various changes and fatalities, with regard to the commodities, which were from time to time forbid to be imported, or exported, by us, to the gradual restriction of our liberties and privileges) to the lessening of our profits, and the manner we were treated with, by the natives. Since our first establishment I find four remarkable periods, which I proceed now to consider singly, in order to give the reader a true and compleat account, of this considerable branch of the Dutch trade in the East-Indies.
The first period takes in upwards of thirty
years, from our first settlement in the town and Island Firando, and the
privilege of a free trade and commerce, which was soon after (in the year 1611)
granted us by the Emperor, till the year 1641, when we receiv'd orders from the
Emperor to remove our factory to Nagasaki. The trade of the Castilians and
Portuguese, who had a large and flourishing settlement at Nagasaki, was then in
its greatest lustre, and they had one considerable advantage over us, in that
they could furnish Japan with raw silk, and silkstuffs, a commodity whereof
there then was, and still is a vast consumption in this populous Empire. We had
not then as yet any settled establishment in China, and the neighbouring kingdoms,
where the best and finest silk is produced. The Empire of China itself, being
as yet govern'd by its natural Monarch, before the late Tartarian Conquest, was
shut up and kept from all commerce with foreign nations. The Chinese forbid to
go out of the country, and to export any of its native commodities, could
furnish us but with a small quantity of silk, and even that too they were
forc'd to smuggle, nor durst we go to fetch it upon their own coasts. The
Portuguese on the contrary, having a settlement at Macao, a small Island upon
the coasts of China, which Empire it still belongs to, had more frequent
opportunities to procure this valuable, and then much more profitable
eommodity. We had besides no commerce with Tonquin, till about the year 1637,
nor any settled establishments in the kingdoms of Bengale and PerSia But when
fortune and our good conduct, had once open'd us a way into these silkrich
countries, and after we had once made firm settlements there, we could then
furnish the Japanese with that and other commodities, coveted by them, full as
well as the Portuguese and spaniards We then as yet sold our silk and other
goods firee and without restraint to the best bidder, and exported yearly a sum
of 60, more or less, tuns of gold, (according to the Dutch [355] way of counting, that is, 6000000 of their
gilders, or upwards of 500000 pound sterling. This brought in vast profits to
the company, even altho' some of the goods imported by us did not at that time
yield near so much profit, as they now do, and altho' the navigation itself was
then much more dangerous and subject to more frequent wrecks and losses, for as
much as we did not direct our course along the secure coasts of China, then as
yet not fully known, but across the dangerous and fatal seas about Formosa, and
the neighbouring Islands. Our main Capital at that time consisted in silver,
whereof we exported every year at least 1200 to 1400 chests, or 1400000 Thails,
which makes a sum of 4900000 Florins, (or about 450000 l. sterling.) Sometimes our
profits were still more considerable, and arnounted to six millions. This was
the first and golden age of our trade in this country, during which we enjoy'd
full liberty to dispose of our goods to the best advantage, and this by virtue
of a privilege granted us, under the great Imperial red seal in the year 1611,
by the then reigning Emperor Ijejas, otherwise call'd Ongoschio, and after his
death Gonginsama. This privilege, (which is inserted in the last chapter of
this book, and grav'd in Fig. 86) by which, leave was granted us freely, and
without disturbance, to import and sell our goods, when, and in what parts of
the mpire we pleas'd, was afterwards in 1617 renew'd at our own desire, by his
son and successor Fidetada, who vvas after his death call'd Teitokujin, tho' in
somewhat less advantageous terms and characters. Alld yet, thol at that time
every thing seem'd to succeed according to our best wishes, vet we had a great
deal of care and trouble to undergo, many a vexatious difficulty to overcome,
and many a hard and unreasonable demand either to prevent) or prudently and
with good manners to decline. The Spaniards and Portuguese left no stone
unturn'd to ruin us and our trade, to calumniate and blacken us at Court,
calling us Pyrates, rebels to their, the Spanish Government, invaders of the
Indian Kingdoms, oppressors of our lawful sovereigns, and the like. We were
reproach'd in most exasperated and blasphemous terms, that, like the
Castilians, we did believe in Christ, and must needs be liable, upon that sole
account, entirely to lose all favour at court. It must be own'd, that 'twas the
fear of being expell'd this golden Ophir, as the Portuguese had already been,
which necessitated us in I638) to assist the Japanese in the Siege of Simabara,
and the destruction of many thousand Christians, (whom despair and dread of
torments forczd to shut themselves up in that place) and since to leave off
praying and singing of Psalms in publick, to forbear all outward marks of
christianity, lastly, in I641) after the Christian relicrion was almost totally
extirpated in Japan, and the Castillians and Portuguese expell'd the country,
to exchange our factory and new-built storehouses at Firando, against the
Island Desima, in the harbour o1 Nagasaki, and with the loss of our liberty,
and the freedom we
Many reasons contributed to make us
suspected and hated at court, and occasion'd at last the fatal change we underwent at this time, but the profession
we make of the Christian religion, was one of the chief, the whole court being
exasperated against it to the highest degree. as a publick nuisance, and the
only cause of the ruin antl destruction of so many thousands of the Emperor's
subjects, and perhaps, would it not have been possible for us to maintain our
selves in the country and the possession of our trade, had we not made it our
business to give the court convincing proofs, that we were Christians indeed)
but quite of another sect, and profess'd enemies or the Romish Priests, whose
dangerous conspiracies against the Emperor and the Empire we had discover'd our
selves. This, with the deference and readiness we shewvd in assisting the
Japanese at the siege of Simabara, savnd us so far, that we were suffer'd to
stay in the country, and to continue our trade, tho' under so strict a guard,
and so narrow an inspection, that ever since there hath been scarce any
opportunity left us to converse with the natives. As things now stand, the main
endeavour of the Japanese Government is, to keep us ignorant of what passes in
the country, and at court, and to prevent any attempt we could make, to bring
over the natives to the faith of our Saviour, which might probably occasion new
troubles and disturbances in the Empire. They are so much the more upon their
guard, because, taking it for granted, that the Spaniards and Portuguese would
miss no opportunities to revenge the affront and insulting usage they had met
with, they apprehend, that in order to bring this about they might one time or
other combine with the Dutch. We happen'd just at that time to build a new
Warehouse at Firando, which greatly encreas'd the jealousy and suspicion the
Japanese had already conceiv'd of us, and contributed not a little to forward
our removal from thence to Nagasaki; for it was, contrary to the custom of the
country, built too high, and all of stone, so that It look'd more like a Castle
than a warehouse. It had besides) which made the case still worse, the year of
our blessed Saviour's nativity engrav'd on a stone in the front. I was told
privately by a Japanese of good credit, that as the Dutch were unlading one of
their ships, and bringing the goods on shore, to lay them up in the new built
Warehouses, it happen'd that the bottom of a large box gettlng loose there came
out, instead of merchant's goods, brass mortar. How much there is to be
depended upon the truth of this story I will not take upon me to determine: How
be it, thus much is true, that soon after we receiv'd orders suddenly, and
under pain of death, to demolish our new built warehouse, and to exchange our
residence and the liberty we enjoy'd at Firando against the imprisonment of
Desima, which put an end to the first and golden period of our trade and [357] commerce in this country. Brasman, alias
Jensejmon, our chief Interpreter, a man of fourscore and ten years of age, who
had been already at that time in the company's service, assupd me, that the proud
and haughty conduct of Monsieur Caron, then director of our trade in Japan, had
not been the least cause of this sudden change. He said, that the Japanese
Government could not endure any pride and haughtiness in merchants, whom the
whole nation looks upon as the fourth and meanest degree of mankind. The chief
judge of Miaco, who at that time had the direction of foreign affairs, found
himself so highly offended by Mr. Caron's proud behaviour, that he would not
admit him to an audience at Miaco, nor receive the company's presents, and when
afterwards that opportunity offer'd of our aforesaid new built warehouse, he
gladly seiz'd it, and greatly aggravating the thing, he represented to the
Emperor the base intentions of the Dutch so strongly, that he obtain'd orders
for the demolition of the said warehouse, and soon after for our removal. This
Mr. Caron is the very same, who publish'd a short account of Japan, which was
first written in High Dutch, and afterwards translated into several other
languages. He first serv'd as cook's-mate on board a Dutch East-India Man. His
happy genius, and ready apprehension, brought him to the pen, and by degrees he
rais'd himself to be director of our trade in Japan, in which employment he was
continu'd for several years. Afterwards, having been disappointed in his hopes
of obtaining one of the chict places at Batavia, which he expected should be
given himhe went over to offer his service to the Portuguese alld French, but
stranded and perish'd in sight of the wallS of Lisbon, before he could put his
designs, doubtless disadvantageous enough to the company he fortnerly serv'd,
in execution. I cannot forbear taking notice in this place of an aspersion
which hath been falsly thrown upon the Dutch by some Authors, viz. That having
been ask'd by the Japanese Government, whether they were Christians ? they
answer'd, No, not Christians, but Dutchmen. This I particularly and with great
Impartiality enquir'd into, but could not meet with any thing of this nature in
the Journals, and other writings belonging to our factory at Nagasaki, which
have been kept and preserv'd ever since our first arrival in this country. But
besides, our above-mention'd chief Interpreter, who certainly, had there been
any such thing, had no reason to conceal the truth, frequently assur'd me to
the contrary and told me, in answer to the like questions, that they
constantly, and very much to their own disadvantage, profess'd themselves to be
Christians, but not addicted to the sect of the Portuguese Priests. What probably
gave birth to this rumour, was the answer of one Michael Sandvoort, a Dutchman,
who being stranded upon the coasts of Japan, settled afterwards, with a
countryman of his, at Nagasaki, amongst the natives and independant of the
Dutch. Upon the establishment of the Japanese
I come now to the second period of our
trade in this country) which must be dated from the time we left of Firando)
and remov'd to Nagasaki. We had no sooner enter'd the harbour, but they secur'd
us forthwith in the lsland Desima, and depriv'd us at once of all the liberties
and privileges we had till then enjoy'd. Surrounded with numerous guards and
watches, both within and without the Island) we were denied all manner of
conversation with the natives, those only excepted who were in our service, and
who oblig'd themselves by a solemn and dreadful oath, sign'd with their oun
blood, never to enter into any familiarity with us, nor to communicate anv
thing to us about the state and affairs of the Country. Our ships, as soon as
they dropt anchor in the harbour) were by them taken in possession, guard-ships
put on evers side, the gun-powder, balls, swords, and cutlashes, and ail other
arms brought on shore, and kept in safe custody till our departure. Even the
heaviest guns, and the rudder itself was then taken out, and brought on shore,
but now they have left off giving themselves so great and withal so needless a
trouble. A review was made of all the people on board, according to the list
given them, and an exact memorandum taken of every one's age, name and
business. Those that were to go ashore, either in their own or the company's
business, were narrowly search'd, their swords and firearms, as also such of
their goods as might be dispos'd of, taken into custody by the Ottona; and tho'
the place, where ships ride at anchor, is not above 3co paces distant from
Desima, yet nobody was permitted to go ashore, or to return on board, without
takinC a passport from the proper officers. Our ships were unladen and the
cargoes brought ashore by their own people, and lock'd up in our warehouses
under their seals. In short we were then treated, and have been ever since,
like traitors and profess'd enemies to the country. However this sudden and
fatal change of our affairs, and the good opportunity notwithstanding, which
the Japanese then had at once to reduce our privileges and profits to ad narrow
a compass as ever they pleas'd, yet as the populous town of Nagasaki, and its
government, lately depriv'd of the advantageous trade with the Portuguese,
could not well subsist without a commerce with foreigners, so we continued for
some time to send no less than six or sesre ships a year thither, and to
dispose of our Cargoes to vers good advantage. That very year 1641) So
remarkable for the fatal turn it gave to our affairs, was one of tllt most
profitable we ever had, for we dispos'd of our goodi to the value of eighty
tons of gold, or 8000000 Florins (above 7000001. sterling) and exported no less
than I400 chests of silver.
Thus, the many troubles and hardships we
were forc'd to Thi undergo, and the unreasonable demands laid upon us at of fi
several times, were at least made good in some measure Tra LIy the considerable
profit, as weil upon the goods we imported, as upon those we exported, till
about thirty years after our removal to Nagasaki, in the year I 672, we fell of
a sudden and unawares into the third period of our commerce in this Country.
For having had the misfortune to fall under the displeasure of Inaba Mino,
Prime Minister, and a great favourite of the then reigning peaceable Emperor
Dajjojin, (who with Uto, another of the counsellors of state, and likewise in
great favour with the Empcror, govern'd the whole Empire) the golden fleece, wc
had yearly fetch'd from this Colchis, was chang'd into a very ordinary one, and
our trade reduc'd to low and miserable terms. It will not be improper to trace
this misfortune from its early ori ,ins, were it but to give an instance of the
revengfulness of this nation. Mino otherwise with the additional title, which
is usually given to great men at court, Minosama, one of the prime tulnisters)
to whom the Emperor himself fancied to have no small obligation, and who,
besides the share he had in the Government of the Empire in general, was
entrusted with the direction of foreign affairs in particular, thought, the
main maxim these courtiers aim at, is to please eir Sovereign) that it would be
highly agreeable to the Emperor, to present the temple, where his Imperial
ancestors were buried, with a great European Lamp, such as are commonly hung up
in our churches, such another having been presented by the Dutch, when they
were at Firando, to one of his Predecessors, by whom it was very graciously
receiv'd. It must be observ'd that it was look'd upon by the Emperor, as it is
in general by the whole nation, as an essential part of piety and religion, to
observe the filial duty towards their ancestors and deceas'd Parents, by
cultivating their memory, and visiting the temples or monuments erected to
them. The Dutch upon this were desir'd, with all possible speed, to get such a
lamp sent over from Europe, which was done accordingly: but it unluckily
happen'd, thro' the imprudence and inadvertency of the then Governors of
Nagasaki, to whom it belongs to chuse and determine what presents are to be
made to the court, that this lamp, instead of being given to Mino, for whom it
was intended,
The Dutch had as yet no notice given them of this newregulation, when in Autumn 1685) their ships, very richly laden, arriv'd in the harbour. The joy of their safe arrival was so much the greater, as anew they promisnd themselves mountains of gold, and were in no ill grounded hopes once more to see the first and happiest period of their commerce revive. But we had scarce begun to unlade them, and but just got the Cargo of one on shore when to our unspeakable grief, new orders were sent fron, court to limit the liberty restored to us (and to the Chinese) to a certain determin'd sum, beyond which nothing should be disposed of; and to prevent smugling) an exact account was to be taken of the whole cargo, the same narrowly to be examin'd into, and afterwards to be laid up in our warehouses under our own locks indeed, but with their seals put to them. Nor are we ever since allow'd the liberty of going into them to take care of our goods unless it be by their leave, and in their presence.
The yearly sum, to the value of which the
Dutch are permitted to sell goods imported by them, and which is just half the
sum allow'd to the Chinese, amounts in Dutch money to ten tons of gold, and a
half, that is 1050000 gilders, (very near 100000 l. sterling,) and in Japanese
money to 300 chests, or boxes of silver, each of 1000 Siumome, or Thails (which
last word hath been introduc'd into Japan by the Dutch) which make up in all
300000 Siumome in silver, or 50000 Cobangs in Gold. The highest value of the
Cobang, as current in the country, is of sixty Momi, or Maas of silver, but the
Japanese have
The Reader is desir'd here to observe, that the Company keeps constantly a Director, or as he is call'd by the Japanese, Captain of the Dutch, who hath the command of all the people of our factory, with the inspection and care of our trade. The same person is to be at the head of the embassy, which is sent to court once every year He must, according to the custom of the country, be reliev'd after the year is expir'd. The ships bring over from Batavia his Successor, along with a deputy, some few merchants and clerks, who are to assist him during the time of the sale. When the sale is over, and the ships ready to set sail, he goes on board in order to his return to Batavia, and leaves the place to his Successor. who is reliev'd the next year, by another in the same manner.
The sale of our goods is performed in the
following manner. The day of the Combang, (as they call our sale) which must be
determin'd by the court, drawing near, a list of all the goods is hung up at
the gates without trur Island, written in very large characters, that every b｡d! may
read it at a due distance. Mean while the government signifies to the several
Ottonaxs of the town, and these to the merchants,
As to the profits, the Company gets upon
the commodities imported by us, it differs very much and varies every year, the
same goods being not constantly sold to an equal quantity, nor at the same
rate. The whole depends upon the price each sort of goods hath at Miaco, and
this is commonly regulated by the consumption, and want, there of them in the
country. The profits our goods produce, may be computed to amount, one year
with another, to 60 per cent, tho' if all the charges and expences of our sale
be taken into consideration, we cannot well get above 4o or 45 per cent clear
gain, and thus the goods we sell in Japan to the value ot ten tons of gold and
a half, or I050000 Gilders, yield no more than four tons, or four and a half,
that is, 40000, or 450000 Gilders clear profit. A profit indeed very
inconsiderable for so great a Company, which must constantly keep at least
18000 men in pay, at the expence of upwards of 260000 Gilders (near 240001.
sterling) a month, onl) in wages, besides the vast number of Ships, factories.
and forts, they have to maintain and to look after, all over the East-Indies.
Considering so small a profit, it would be scarce worth the company's while to
continue this branch of our trade any longer, were it not that the goods we
export from thence, and particularly the refin'd copper, yield much the same
profit, so that the whole profit may be computed to amount to 80 or go per
cent. The charges and expences we must be at, are not the same every year. They
are greater, if there is any thing wants building or repairing, or if there be
more presents to be made, or if any thing extraordinary happens. For the
satisfaction of the Reader, I will here set down the expences of two years, as
they stood in the last and fourth period of our commerce, to wit, in 1686. Mr.
Licentiate Cleyer being then Director, and the expences much higher an usual,
and in I688, when Mr. Butenheimb was Director and the expences so small, as
could possibly be expected.
For Victuals, Gilders 23580 Gilders 13166
Boarding 9791 6828
Extraordinary Expences 14097 4993
Charges of the Ships 10986 7589
Presents 107086 100789
Interests and monthly wages paid of 8092 7318
Hire for Desima and our warehouses 19530 19530
Summa Gilders 193162 160213
As to the price and profit of every sort of goods in particular, I think it doth not become me accurately to specify the same, nor perhaps would it be agreeable to the Reader. However to give him some satisfaction, I will here set down the current price of foreign commodities at Miaco for the year 1692, as it hath been communicated to me.
Chinese silk, Cabessa, or the best, the Pickel, or 125 lb. Dutch for 665 Siumome, or Thails, Dito Bariga, or middle sort, * 638 Thails.
Silk of Bengale, Cabessa, or the best, * 530 Thails, * pickel. Ditto Bariga, * 406 Thails.
Tunquineese Silk Thails 440 the Pickel, or 125 lb.
Florette Yarn 240
Cinnabar 600
Cloves 223
Pepper 23
Sugar Candy 21
Powder'd Sugar 14
Camphire of Baros, * Katti, or 1 pound and * qr. * 38 Siumome, or Thails. Putsiuk, or Costus Arabica, * 10 Thails * Catti. Great, white, roll'd Chinese Pelangs, 14 Thails * piece. Armosins, * 7 Thails, 4 Maas, the piece.
Tafaceels from Cormandel, the best at 6 Thails, 8 Maas * piece, the courser sort at 6 Thails.
Tafaceels from Bengale, at 4 Thails, 3 Maas.
Common white simple Gilangs, at 4, 8, 4, * piece.
Sumongis from Tunquin, at 3. 3.
White Gunis Linnen, * 7 Thails.
Salempuris, common bleach'd, at 3, 1.
Paraceels, common bleach'd, at 1, 5, 3. [368]
Before I close this subject, and proceed to send our four ships, with the profits and fresh cargoes on their return to Batavia, it may not be amiss to say something t of the profits which the goods belonging to private persons bring in, and in particular, what the three chief Directors of our trade can get by their places. The goods belonging to private persons being brought over and sold without any expence to the owner, produce all clear gain, which the great duty laid upon them notwithstanding, is no ways inferior to that of the Company, tho' they pay but a small duty. The two chief Directors (who pursuant to order from court) cannot hold their office longer than three years, and even that not successively, being oblig'd, after they have serv'd one year, to return, with the homeward bound ships, to Batavia, from whence they are sent back again, either by the next ships, or two years after, have the greatest share of it, for they are permitted to sell and dispose of their own goods, upon their arrival to the value of 7000 Thails, and in their own directorship, when they are going to return to Batavia, to the value of 10000 Thails, consequently for 17000 Thails in one year. The deputy Director for his share can sell for 12000 Thails of his goods. If the Directors stand upon good terms with the chief Interpreter, and have found ways and means to secure his favour, by making him large presents de alienis) he can contrive things so, that some of their goods be put up and sold upon the first or second Combang, alnongst the Company's goods, and will consequently, because of the small duty, produce at least 65 to 70 per cent profit. This too may be done without any prejudice.
to the Company, for in casting up the sums
paid in for our goods, in order to make up the 300000 Thails, these articles
are slipt over. If they have any goods beyond the sum, they are legally
entitled to, chiefly red corals) amber, and the like, it is an easy matter to
dispose of them in private, by the assistance of the officers of our Island,
who generally will take them off their hands them selves. The Ottona himself is
very often concern'd in such bargains, they being very advantageous. Formerly
we could sell them, by a deputy, to the forelgners, who at the time of our
Combangs came over to our Island, and that way was far the more profitable for
us. But one of our Directors, in 1686, play'd his cards so aukwardly, that ten
Japanese were beheaded for smuggling, and he himself banish'd the country for
ever. The residing Director who goes also as Ambassador to the Emperor&s
court, hath besides another very considerable advantage, in that such presents,
as at the governors of Nagasaki desire should be made to the Emperor, but are
not to be found in the Company's warehouses, and should therefore be bought
from the Chinese, can be furnish'd by him out of his own stock, if it so
happens that he hath them, in which case he takes all the profit to himself,
without doing any prejudice to the company. Nay they might possibly go still
farther
But it is time at last, to send our ships
on their return To make up their cargoes, a good part of the 1050000 gilders.
paid in for our commodities, is laid out in refinzd copper, of which we buy for
12000 to 20000 pickels a year, (a pickel is 1351. dutch weight) all the refin'd
Copper is cast in small cylindrical staffs about a span long, and near an inch
thick. Every pickel is pack'd up in a small box made of firr, for the easier
carriage. Every one of the three or four ships, we send hither, makes up part
of her cargo with it. One of these ships makes the best of her way to Batavia.
The others put in at Puli Thimon (an Island upon the coasts of Malacca) from
whence they proceed on their voyage to Malacca, to be by our Governor there
bound farther either for Bengale, or the coasts of Cormandel, or for Surate, or
any other place, where they are like to dispose of their cargoes to good
advantage. We buy likewise a smaller quantity of course copper, which is
deliver'd to us cast in broad flattish round cakes, sometimes we take in some
hundred Pickels, or chests of copper Casjes, or farthings, but not unless they
be ask'd for at Tunquin, and other places. All the copper is sold to us by a
company of united merchants, who by vertue of a privileCe from the Emperor,
have the sole refining. and selling of it to foreigners, for which they are to
pas to the Imperial chief Justice at Miaco, as Inspector, tor the time being,
of foreign affairs, 400 shuets of silver a year, by way of a present. To engage
our interpreters to make a good bargain for us with the copper merchants we
allow them a reward of 600, or more, Thails a year and they generally play
their cards so well, as to receive a sum not inferior to this from the copper
Company, by way of a gratuity. The other part of our Cargoes is made up by
Japanese Camphire, from 6000 to 12000, and sometimes more, pounds a year,
pack'd up in wooden barrels; by some 100 bales of China ware, pack'd in straw
by a box or two of Gold thread, of an hundred rolls the box, but not unless it
be wanted; by all sorts of japan'd cabinets) boxes, chests of drawers and the
like workmanship, all of the very best, we can meet with; by umbrello's
skreens) and several other manufactures of canes, wood buffalos, and other
horns, hard skins of fishes, which they with uncommon neatness and dexterity, stone
Copper, gold and Sowaas, which is an artificial metal compos'd of copper,
silver and gold, and esteem'd equal in value to silver, if not superior; by
Rollangs; by paper made transparent with oyl and varnish; by paper painted and
colour'd with false gold and silver for hanging of rooms; by rice, the finest
of all. Asia; by Sacki, a strong liquor brew'd of rice; by Soje, a sort of
pickel, fit to be eat at table with roasted meat; by pickel'd fruits pack'd up
in barrils; by
Our ships cannot be laden, nor set sail from the harbour) till special leave hath been given, and the day of their departure determin'd by the court. When they are laden, all our private goods, and what else we have to bring on board, must be again narrowly search'd. For this purpose two of our landlords, two apprentices of the Interpreters, and two clerks, either of the Ottona, or of the treasury Office, with some Kuli's or workmen, call about 2 or 3 days before the departure upon every one in his room, as well those, who stay at Desima, as those, who are to return, and have been lodg'd in our empty houses during the time of the sale. These people visit every corner, examine all our things piece by piece, taking an exact memorandum of what they find, then bind them together with straw ropes, and put their seals to them, along with a list of what the parcel contains for the information of the gate guard, who would else open them again. A]l contraband goods are seiz'd at this search. Such are for instance, whatever hath the figure of an Idol of tlle Country, of a Kuge, or an Ecclesiastical person of the Dairi's Court in his dress; all printed books and papers. looking glasses, or other metals with Japanese characters upon them, silver money; stuffs woven in the Country; but in particular arms, and whatever can be referr'd under that title, as the figure of a soldier, saddle, ship, or boat. armour, bow and arrows, swords and scimeters. Should any of these be found upon any Dutchman, the possessor would be at least banish'd the Country for life, and the Interpreters and servants appointed to take care of his Affairs, and all other suspicious persons, would be put to rhe rack, till the seller and all his accomplices be discover'd, by whose blood only such a crime is to be expiated. Of this we had a late instance in the Imperial stewards own secretaryn who having endeavour'd to send over some blades of a Scimeter to China, was executed for it, with his only son, an innocent child, not above eight years old. Upon my own departure, altho' my things, for good reasons) were visited but slightly, and over a bottle, yet they seiz'd upon an old Japanese razor, and a few small sticks ty'd to the babies, instead of sabres, because they just happen'd to see them.
All the gold belonging to private people
must be exported openly, and before their leaving Desima shewn to the
Commissioners, to see whether it pass'd thro' their hands, which they know by a
mark, they stamp upon all Cobangs in the Exchequer-office. By this means they
may find out, whether it hath not been got by smugling. As to this however,
they cannot be so very nice, because of the great hurry of other business to be
dispatch'd upon our departure. All these several strict orders and regulations
of the Japanese, have been made chiefly with an intent to prevent smugling, a
crime severely
Chap. IX. Of the way of Life, Trade and Privileges of the Chinese in Japan.
The Chinese from remotest antiquity,
exported the growth and commodities of their country, chiefiy raw silk, wherein
it abounds, all over the East. 'Tis from thence they were by the Greeks and
Romans cail'd Seres. They traded particularly to the Kingdoms and Islands
situate beyond Sumatra and Malacca to the East. Since the late Tartarian
conquest many of them, unwilling to conform to the orders issu'd by their
Conqueror, to shave their heads after the manner of the Tartars, left their
native country, and settled in the same Kingdoms and Islands, which till then
they had frequented only as traders. They had also, from times almost
immemorial, carried on a commerce with Japan, tho' but small, and with a few [375] yonks. For under the reigns of some former
Emperors, China was, as Japan now is, shut up and kept from all commerce with
foreign nations, and the Inhabitants strictly forbid under severe penalties, to
export th~~ growth of the country, or to have any communication with their
neighbours. Nevertheless, those who lived along the Sea coasts, and in the neighbouring
Islands, found means, tho' with some difficulty and in private, to fit out a
small number of yonks, and now and then to pass ovcr to the Kingdoms, and
Islands, which lay nearest, whereol Japan was one. Things stood upon this foot,
when the late Tartarian Conqueror of China, and his Successor the now reigning
Monarch of that mighty Empire, thinking that it would very much conduce to the
honour of his subjects, and to the advantage of his dominions, for the future
to permit a free and undisturb'd commerce, resolsr'tl to suffer his subjects to
trade abroad, and to give foreigners a free access to his dominions. The
Chinese ever since exported the produce and commodities of their country to a
much greater quantity, than before, and enlarg'd their trade and commerce, as
with most Eastern Nations, so particularly with their neighbours the Japanese,
by whom they had been all along receiv'd as welcome guests, and tolerated)
because of the affinity there is between the relit ion, customs, books, learned
languages, arts and sciences of both nations. Formerly they frequented the
harbour of Osacca, and others less secure, because of the frequent cliffs,
rocks and shoals, which make the whole navigation that way exceedingly
difficult and dangerous, and wholly impracticable for ships of any bulk. The
Portuguese some time after shew'd them the way to that of Nagasaki, which is
not only more secure, but was in many other respects much more advantageous.
The resort of merchants to this place, who came from all parts of the Empire to
trade with the Portuguese, was too great, not to engage the Chinese to put in
there preferably to other places. At last orders from court, importing, that
the harbour of Nagasaki should be for the future the only one open to
foreigners, in all the Japanese dominions, fix'd them there. Ever since, the
Chinese, as well those who live in China, as others who were by the late
Tartarian conquest dispers'd into the neighbouring Countries and Islands beyond
the Ganges to the East, traded to Nagasaki, either upon their own account, or
that of their principals, for sometime with all the liberty they could possibly
desire. They came over when, and wlth what numbers of people, yonks and goods
they pleasrd. So extensive and advantageous a liberty could not but be very
pleasing to them, and put them upon thoughts of a surer establishment, in order
to which, and tor the free exercise of their religion, they built three
templesw according to the three chief languages spoke by them, each to be
attended by priests of their own Nation sent over from China. The number of
Chinese, and hinese yonks soon encreas'd to that degree, as made the suspicious
and circumspect Japanese extreamly jealous of
As to the second of the two abovemention'd
points, which the court haxl in view with regard to the Chinese Nation, I mean
to shut them up, as they had done the Dutch at Desima, that was not put in
execution till three years after; for they as yet enjoy'd ample liberty, till
the year 1688, when the fine garden of Sije Ssugu Feso, late Steward of the
Imperial Lands and Tenements about S7aCasaki, (whose fatal disgrace I have
above related) was assign'd them for their habitation. This garden was
pleasantly seated almost at the end of the harbour, not far from the shore and
town. It had been maintain'd with great expence, as the Emperor's own property,
and was curiously adorn'd with a great number of fine plants, both native and
foreign, the possessor himself having been a great lover of Botany. Upon this
spot of ground several rows of small houses were built to receive the Chinese,
every row cover'd with one common roof, and the whole surrounded with ditches,
pallisadoes, and strong well-~~uarded double gates. All this was done with so
much expedition, that the same place, which at the beginninC of February was
one of the pleasantest gardens, had already towards the latter end of May the
horrible aspect of a strong prison, therein to secure the Chinese, who into the
bargain, must pay ever since a yearly rent of 1600 Thails for it. Whenever they
come to Nagasaki, they must live here, and so great is their covetousness and
love of tain, that they su｣er themselves to be so narrowly watch'd, and every bit so badly, if
not worse, accommodated, than I have above describ'd the Dutch to be at Desima.
However, there are some remarkable differences to be observ'd with regard to
the accommodation of the Dutch and Chinese. These are, 1. The Chinese are not
allowrd the favour of being admitted into the presence of the Emperor, as the
Dutch are once a year, but instead of this, they save the trouble and charges
of a journey of three months, and of so many presents, which must be made to
his Imperial Majesty, and his Ministers. 2. They have victuals and provisions
brought and offer'd them to sale, at the very gates of their factory, whereas
we must be at the expence of maintaining a whole company of Commissioners for
victualling, all natives of Japan. 3. Being look'd upon as private merchants,
and withal encreasing the bad opinion the Japanese have of them, by the
frequent disputes and quarrels arising among them, they are not treated with so
much civility, as we are, by their inspectors, guards and interpreters, who
make no scruple now and then to cane them by way of punishment for small
misdemeanors. 4. They have no Director of their trade, constantly residing
there, as the Dutch, but when the sale of their goods is over, they go all away
on board their yonks, leaving in the mean time their houses empty, [379]
They have three sales a year, at three different times, one in the Spring, when they dispose of the cargoes of twenty yonks, another in the Summer for thirty others, and another in Autumn again for twenty. What other yonks come over beyond this number, or after the sale is over, must return without so much as being suffer'd to unlade. Their cargoes consist in raw silk from China and Tunquin, and all sorts of silken and woollen stuffs, which are likewise imported by the Dutch, and have been nam'd in the preceding chapter. They also import Sugar from several parts of the East-Indies, Calamine Stone from Tonquin, for making of brass and Brazier's wares; Turpentine (from wild Pistacho-trees); Gumm, myrrh, Agat, and Calambak-wood from Tsiampa, Cambodia and the neighbouring Countries; the precious Camphire of Baros from Borneo; the precious Chinese-root Nisin, or Ninseng (wild Sugar-root) from Corea, several other drut s and medicines, simple and compound, from China, besides several Philososophical and Theological Books printed in China. As to these Books, it happen'd, as I have taken notice above, that some relating to the Christian Religiona which were compos'd and printed by the Jesuits in China, slipt in among the rest. When this was first found out by the Japanese, they oblig'd the Proprietor of the Books to testify in the most solemn manner, that he was not a Christian himself, and that he did not bring over any of these Books designedly, and knowing what they were, then to make him more circumspect for the future, they sent him back with his yonk and whole cargo, without permitting him to dispose of any one part of it. Upon this it was order'd, that for the future all the Books whatsoever) imported by the Chinese, should be first examin'd, and one of each kind read and censur'd, before they should have leave to sell them. This office of Censors, with a competent yearly allowance, hath been given to two learned men of this town, one whereof is Father Prior of the monastery Siutokus, who is to read and censure all the E:cclesiastical Books, the other is a Sjutos Philosopher, and Physician to the Dairi, as he stiles himself, who is to read and censure all the Philosophical, Historical and other Books. This latter Gentleman resides at Tattajamma and wears long hair, which he ties together behind his ead, as the custom is amongst the Philosophers, Physicians and Surgeons of the country.
The proceedings at the sale of the goods imported by the Chinese, being nearly the same with ours, I need not add any thing to the description I have given thereof in the preceding chapter. It must be observ'd only, that as the voyage of the Chinese is shorter than ours, and not expos'd to so many dangers, nor liable to so great an expence, the government in consideration of this hath laid a much greater duty upon all their commodities, to wit, 60 per cent to be pay'd by the buyer for the benefit of the several officers concern'd in the management of the Chinese trade, and of other Inhabitants of Nagasaki) amongst whom this money is afterwards [380] distributed. This great duty is the reason, why their profits are nOt near so considerable, as ours, the buyers, by whom the duty is to be paid, being not willing to offer great prizes for them. It hath been order'd besides, ever since the reduction of their trade, that the money paid in for their goods should not be exported, as it was done formerly, in copper or silver money, but should be all laid out again in copper and manufactures of the country, so that now they are not permitted to export one single Itzebo, or farthing of Japanese money.
As soon as a yonk hath dispos'd of that part of her (r cargo, which in the distribution hath been assign'd her for her portion, the Funaban (or guard ships, which as soon as she came into the harbour, were posted on both sides of her) attend her out of the harbour, till she gets to the main Sea. The day before her departure the Chinese Neptunus, or Sea-idol, Pusse or Bossa, is fetch'd from the temple, where he was kept from the time of the yonks arrival, and is with great pomp and ceremony, under the sound of timbrels and other musical instruments carried on board. This Bossa is an idol unknown in Japan, and not worshipzd by the Japanese. Chinese sailors carry him along with them in all their voyages, and make great vows to him, when they are in danger. Every evening a gilt paper is lighted before him, and thrown into the Sea as an offering, with ringing of bells, and playing upon musical instruments. If they made a good voyage, particularly if they escap'd some considerable danger, they play Wejjangs, or Comedies, at night in the open streets for his diversion. They are likewise said to sacrifice to him swine and other animals, the flesh whereof they afterwards eat. For this reason they never sacrifice Cows to him, because they have a great veneration for this animal, and religiously abstain from eating its flesh. The Chinese merchants returning commonly with a good quantity of undispos'd goods on board, they are frequently followZd by Japanese smuglers, who buy the remainder of their s, goods at a low prize. But these unhappy wretches are almost as frequently caught by the Japanese cruizers, and deliver'd up to justice at Nagasaki, which constantly proves severe and unmerciful enough to them. Not long after my arrival in Japan, viz. Nov. ao. I690, eleven persons were caught in one boat, and brought into prison at Nagasaki, where they were executed a few days after. Not to mention several other instances, there suffer'd death for smugling twenty three persons, upon the 28th of Dec. I69I, ten whereof were beheaded, and the others laid on the cross. Among the latter there were five, who upon being taken, made away with themselves, to avoid the shame of an unavoidable public execution, but their bodies were nevertheless preserv'd in salt, on purpose to be afterwards laid upon the cross.
Before I close this chapter, it will not be
improper to mention in a few words, another company of merchants Li from the
Riuku, or Liquejo Islands, who are permitted to to carry on a particular trade
to the province
Chap. X. Some Proclamations, Pasports, Orders, &c., mention'd in the foregoing Chapters.
I.
Gosju In, that is, Letters Patent under the red Imperial Seal, granted by the Emperor Gonggingsama (who was in his Life-time call'd Ongoschio Sama) to Jacob Spex, in behalf of the united Company of Dutch Merchants trading to the East Indies, and their Factory at Firando.
All Dutch Ships, that come into my Empire of Japan, whatever place or port they put into, we do hereby expressly command all and every one of our subjects, not to molest the same in any ways, nor to be a hindrance to them, but on the contrary, to shew them all manner of help, favour
Every one shall beware to maintain the friendship, in assurance of which we have been pleas'd to give our Imperial word to these people, and every one shall take care, that my commands and promises be inviolably kept.
Dated (Stylo Japoniae) on the 25th Day of the 7th Mane, being the 30th of August 1611
These Letters Patent, together with the red Seal, are ingrav'd in Fig. 86.
II.
In the year 1617 upon fresh application
made by the Dutch, the like Letters Patent under the red Seal, and nearly in
the same terms, were granted by the Emperor Aaitokoujnsama, Ongoschiosama's
Successor, to Hendrick Brouwer, who was for this purpose sent as Ambassador to
the said Emperor. The direction, as it stood on the outside, is represented in
Fig. 87 where it must be observ'd, that the Japanese, not being able rightly to
pronounce the letter l, write and pronounce Horanda, instead of Holanda. Fanrei
Borowara, is the name of the Ambassador Henry Brower, spelt after the Japanese
manner. As to the word Gosju In, which denotes the red Imperial Seal, I have
elsewhere observid) what it will not be amiss to repeat on this occasion, that
Go, is the character of greatness and magnificence in general, but denotes in a
more particular manner, the sublime highness of the Emperor, as supreme Monarch
of all Japan, that Sju signifies red, and In a Seal; that consequently Gosju
In, is as much as
III.
Imperial Orders sent by the Counsellors of State to the Prince of Firando, concerning the behaviour of the Dutch there.
IN haste we send our words to you.
The Dutch ships shall carry on their trade at Firando according to their Captain's pleasure, as they did heretofore.
Tho' we do not command it every year, yet you shall know once for all, that you are to take care, that the Dutch do not spread the doctrine of the Fathers. This we leave to you to order.
We are venerating, venerating, speaking with respect. Postscript, or rather Interscript.
The Merchants of Miaco and Sakai, shall likewise come to your place to trade as they please. Thus it will be well. So it is.
Directed to Matsura Fisinno Cami Donno Fito Fito, That is, Man's Man.
Sign'd,
Doji Oje Nofske, (L.S.) Nagakatz.
Ando Tsussimano Cami. (L.S.) Sigenobus.
Itakura Ingano Cami. (L.S.) Katzuge.
Fonda Sinano Nofske. (L.S.) Massatsungu.
On the 23d day of the 8th month.
IV.
Godsiomoku. Strict Imperial Commands.
OI. Ur Imperial Predecessors have orderXd concerning you Dutchmen, that you shall have leave to come to Nagasaki, on account of the Japan trade, every year. Therefore, as we have commanded you heretofore, you shall have no communication with the Portuguese. If you should have any, and we should come to know it from foreign Countries, you shall be prohibited the navigation to Japan. You shall import no Portuguese commodities on board your ships.
2. If you intend not to be molested in your
navigation and trade to Japan, you shall notify to us by your ships, whatever
comes to your knowledge, of any endeavours or attempts of the Portuguese
against us; we likewise expect to hear from you, if the Portuguese should
conquer any new places or countries, or convert them to the Christian Sect.
Whatever comes to your knowledge in all countries you trade to, we expect that
you should notify the same to our Governors at Nagasaki. [384]
3. You shall take no Chinese yonks bound for Japan.
4. In all countries you frequent with your ships, if there be any Portuguese there, you shall have no communication with them. If there be any countries frequented by both nations, you shall take down in writing the names of such countries, or places, and by the Captains of the ships you send to Japan yearly, deliver the same to our Governors at Nagasaki.
5. The Liquejans being subjects of Japan, you shall take none of their ships or boats.
So be it.
Sar.
V.
( I.) Regulations concerning
Kinsai Desimamatz. the Street Desima.
KEE Seno Foka onna irukotto.
(2.) Koja fisirino foka siuke Jammabus irukt to.
So quan sin no mono narabini kotsusiki irukotto.
Desima mawari foos Kui Jori utsij ni fune norikomu kotto tsuketarri fassinosta fune nori tooru kotto.
Juje naku site EIoranda sin Decima jori idsurukotto.
Migino dsio dsio Kataku limamoru beki.
Mononari,
Gua Pi
Tsino Cami. Siu Bioje. Tonomo.
Whores only, but no other Women, shall be suffer'd to go in.
Only the Ecclesiasticks of the maountain Koja shall be admitted. All other Priests, and all Jammabos, shal stand excluded.
All beggars, and all persons that live upon charity, shall be denied Entrance.
No body shall presume, with any ship or boat, to come within the Palissadoes of Desima. Nobody shall presume, with any ship or boat, to pass under the bridge of Desima.
No Hollander shall be permitted to come out, but for weighty reasons.
All the abovemention'd orders shall be punctually obeyed.
Thus much,
In the year of the Monkey,
Month,ﾑDay,
Sign'd,
Tsino Cami. Siu Bioje. Tonomo. [385]
I. (Desimamatz.) Desima, is an Island rais'd by art in the harbour of Nagasaki, not far Som the town. It was formerly the factory of the Portuguese. At present the Dutch live there. It is comprehended among the streets of Nagasaki, and subject to the same regulations, for which reason it is call'd Desimamatz, that is, the street of Desima.
2. (Koja Fisiri.) Koja is a mountain in the neighbourhood of Miaco. Its Inhabitants, many thousand in number, lead an Ecclesiastical Life, and are for this reason call'd Koja Fisiri, that is to say, the Monks, or Clergy of the mountain Koja, tho' the word Fisiri implies, that they have not near so strict Rules to observe, as other religious Orders. This mountain is a sanctuary for Criminals, no Constables nor any Officers of Justice being suffer'd to come there. Every body is admitted, that desires it, or flies there for shelter, and afterwards maintain'd for Life, if they can but bring in thirty Thaiis for the use of the Convent, and are otherwise willing to serve the commonwealth in their several capacities. Kobodais was the founder of this order. Lamps are kept perpetually burning before his Idol, and it is thought a very good and meritorious work to found such a Lamp, which may be done by a small Legacy of an hundred Maas, the Interest of this Money being sufficient to provide the necessary quantity of Oil. These Monks are not absolutely confin'd to this mountain, but may travel up and down the country in what manner or business they please. Very many of them betake themselves to trade and commerce. They do not indeed come to Nagasaki, but if they should, they must be admitted as well as other merchants.
3. (Jammabus,) Jammabus signifies mountain
priests. It is a very singular religious order, which hath been more
particularly describ'd in the fifth Chapter of the third Book of this History. [386]
VI.
Dzio Sadamari.
Nippon sui Ikokusiu gofatto Somuki nanigo toki Jorassu akusiwo takumi Reimotzuwo idasi tanomu mono korre araba kitto moosi idzubezi Tatto Jeba Dorui tarito sutomo togawo Jurus sono rei motzno ldsii Gofoohi Kuda Sarubes mosi Sonnin kore aruni Oitewa seiqua nanbeki,
Mono nari,
- QuaPi
VI.
Orders concerning Contraband Goods.
If any foreigner, or Japanese, endeavours, contrary to orders, to dispose of any contraband goods whatsoever, and it be discover'd, notice shall be given forthwith to the proper magistrates. If any of the accomplices discovers himself, and turns evidence, he shall have his Pardon, and moreover a reward proportionable to the Crime. Offenders found guilty upon the evidence of their accomplices, shall be punished according to law.
Thus much,
Month Day. Sign'd, Tonnomo.
Siu Bioje. Setzno Came.
VII.
Desimi Narubixi kindsjo quasino fetz, ait tsitomo beki Sidai, that is, Orders to be observ'd in case of fire, if any should break out in the Island Desima, or the neighbourhood thereof
Desima Ottona, that is, the headborough, or comtmanding officer of the street Desima; Hollanda Tsiusi, the eight chief Interpreters; Desima Tsioonin, the landlords, or proprietors of our Island and Houses, being four and twenty in number; Kannaba bannamono, the officers of our exchequer, or treasury, being six and thirty; Hollanda Naitsuusi Kogasijra, the private Interpreters of the Dutch, the number of whom is uncertain; Desima Tsijetzki, kulimasters and Inspectors of our porters and daily labourers, being fifteen in number; Desima Daiku, carpenters, that have leave to frequent our Island; Daidokoronomono, the officers of our kitchin.
If a fire should break out in the
neighbourhood of Desima, all the officers aforesaid shall repair thither, and
take their own servants along with them if they please: However, they shall not
enter the Island, but meet at the door, and stay there, till a Kinsjo, or
commanding
If a fire should break out in the Island Desima, at the time, when the Dutch ships lie in the harbour, all Dutchmen shall retire on board of their own ships, in order to which a competent number of those boats which commonly lie near the street Jedomatz, shall wait at the great watergate to carry them over. But if a fire should happen, after the Dutch ships have left the harbour, in that case the Dutchmen shall be carried by our Guardboats to Nomotomiban, or the houses of the Spy guards on the mountain Noomo, where they shall be accommodated as well as possible. The reporting Interpreters, and a Tsionsi, shall repair thither along with them, and shall, together with a Joriki and a Dosen, have the command over them at that time.
Quasidoogu, that is, the proper Instruments for extinguishing fires shall be kept in constant readiness on the Island Desima.
So be it,
Given in the period Jempo, in the fifth year.
Mino
Siguatz.
VIII.
The Oath, as it is enter'd at the Mayor's House of Nagasaki, in the Sikkimoku, as they call it, or the Mayor's Book.
All the officers concern'd in the management of the Island Desima, and the affairs relating thereunto, before they are entrusted with their respective employments, must oblige themselves by a solemn Oath, religiously to observe the following points.
I. Not to serve the Dutch but in the day-time. Not to enter into any discourse or conversation whatever about the forbidden sect of the Christians. Not to act contrary to any standing Laws or orders relating to the Island Desima. To be very careful of the fire, when in any Dutchman's room.
2. Not to enter into any familiarity, or private discourses with the Dutch upon any subject whatever. If any Japanese should ask you to carry any money or goods to Desima, or to bring them away from the said Island, strictly to forbear complying with the like demands. To sell no Gotsiosimono, or contraband goods, much less to make a present of any to any body whatever.
3. If any Dutchman should ask you to buy
any thing for him in the town of Nagasaki, or to bring it over to Desima, not
to do the
These, and other articles, if needful, being premised, the general form of their oath is annex'd, sign'd with the party's name, and seal'd with his blood. The gerleral form of the oath, whether it be taken as a nece;rsary qualification to accept of a publick office, or to witness particular facts, or in justification of one's innocence, or in confirmation of private contracts, or in general upon any account whatever, is as follows.
Bonden Taisaku Si Dai Tenno, soosite Nippon Goktsju, Rokkusiu Josjuno, Dai siono Singi, kotoniwa, Jdzu Fakone, Rioosiono Gongin, Missima Dai Mioosin, fatzman Daibosatz, Tenman Dai Sisai Tensin, Burui kensok sinbatz mioobatz ono ono makari, komo urubeki. Mononari, that is,
If I do not religiously and punctually maintain all wshese several articles heretofore specified, May the four great Gods of the immense and boundless Heaven, the Gosis of all the (66) Provinces of this Empire, all the great and little Gods, the two suddenly punishing severe Gods of Idzu, the Gods of Fakkone and Rioosju, the God of Missima, the God Fatzman, and the God Temmindai Tensin, let their wrath and anger fall upon me, and may all my family, and my relations and friends, feel the weight
Name and Seal of the Governor, or in a Marriage Contract of the Bride.
Month.
Year.
Name of thee Person that takes the oath,
with his Seal, died red with his own Blood;
in a Marriage Contract, the name and Seal of the Bridegroom. [389]
It may not be amiss to observe with regard to the private servants of the Dutch, who are appointed to wait upon them at their lodgings, that as they are generally young boys, as yet not qualify'd to take so solemn an oath, they
must find some honest Citizen of Nagasaki, who will stand security tor their good behaviour, and enter into a bond, to take care, that so long as they continue in our service, the several articles abovemention'd be punctually observ'd by them. In this case however, the form of the oath aforesaid is omitted, and only a general obligation added in its stead, in these or the like expressions. I promise to take care, that N. N. keep all the articles above specified: If he should do otherwise, at any time, I will willingly undergo the punishment you'll be pleas'd to inflict upon me. This is done in presence of the Mayor of the Town, and of other proper officers.
IX.
Orders to be observ'd during the time of the Dutch Sale, and put up in the great street of our Island, for the information particularly of such persons, as come to Desima at that time.
Dsjo. Absolute Command.
No Dutchman shall be permitted to go out of Desima without leave.
No body shall be suffer'd to come into the Island before the sale begins, but the ordinary officers and servants.
No goods whatever shall be carried out of the Island, before the sale begins. No Tsintasaki (Tent) nor any Budoosju (Spanish Wines) shall be sent out of the Island, without special license.
No Japanese arms, nor the pictures, or representations, or puppet-figures of any Musia, or military people, shall be brought to Desima. Pursuant to our often repeated strict commands, no goods whatever shall be sold privately to the Dutch; no goods shall be bought of them in the same private way.
When the time of the departure of the Dutch ships draws near, notice shall be given to the Ottona, and to the company of interpreters, of what goods have been sold to the Dutch, together with a written list of the same, that so the sums agreed on be paid in time, and all troubles and inconveniences avoided on the last days of their stay in the harbour.
The Dutch and Portuguese Interpreters, who frequent the Island, and are licens'd for so doing, shall not plot, nor privately converse together.
No body shall come to Desima without special
leave, but the Bugjo, and officers of the Island.
All the Articles aforesaid every body is commanded duly and strictly to observe.
8 Month Day
Nagasaki.
Bugjo.
X.
Gotsioosi Mono No Objoje; that is, List of the Contraband Goods, none of which the Dutch are suffer'd to buy, or to export the Country.
Comon. The Emperor's coat of arms. All prints, pictures, goods or stuffs bearing the same.
Budoogu. Warlike Instruments.
Musaige. Pictures and representations, printed or others, oW Soldiers and military people.
Jejro no Giendsi. Pictures, or representations, of ana persons belonging to the Court of the Dairi, or Ecclesiastical Hereditary Emperor.
Nippon bune no kogatta narabinije. Pictures or Models of Japanese ships or boats.
Nipponno Jedsu. Maps of the Empire of Japan, or of any part thereof. Plans of towns, castles, temples and the like.
Jakko kenqua Ningio. Puppets, or small figures repre sentinc military men.
Duitru Jurigana. Crooked knives, such as the Carpenters use.
Fino Ginu. A sort of silk stuffs made at Fino
Kaga Ginu. The like made at Kaga.ﾑBoth these are made up in long rolls, like the silk stuffs of Tonquin.
Tsumuggi. Another sort of stuffs in long rolls, manufactur'd in Japan.
Gumai no rui. All sorts of fine silken stuffs.
Nuno no rui. All sorts of stuffs made of hemp.
Momen no rui. Stufis manufactur'd of Cotton.
Mawatta. Mats of Silk.
Gin. Silver.
Ken Hollanda gattana Nippon gosij raje. All
sorts of Scimiters, Swords, and other Arms made in Japan, in imitation of those
imported by the Dutch.
XI.
Form of their Passports.
Nagasaki. Name of the street. The Person's Family Name. His proper name. His age. The sect he professes. Going to such or such a Province, for such or such particular reasons, we desire you would let him pass unmolested on his way thither, and on his return. So be it.
Nengo. Year. Month. Day.
Sign'd,
Nagasaki Tosji Jori.
Name
and
Seal.
Directed.
On Aratame Sui Dsiu.
To all Visiters and
Overseers.
Dsio Josi.
Name
and
Seal.
Xll.
The Proclamation Case, as they call it, or
the Place, where all the Imperial Proclamationsa orders of the Princes of the
Empire, Governors of Imperial Cities, Magistrates, & c. are put up, for the
information of those, whom it concerns to know them, is represented in Fig.91. [392]
