THE JOURNAL, OR Daily Register, CONTAINING A TRUE manifestation, and Historical declaration of the voyage, accomplished by eight ships of Amsterdam, under the conduct of jacob Corneltszen Neck Admiral, & Wybrandt van Warwick Vice-admiral, which sailed from Amsterdam the first day of March, 1598. SHOWING THE COURSE THEY kept, and what other notable matters happened unto them in the said voyage. sailing scene Imprinted at London for Cuthbert Burby & john Flasket: And are to be sold at the Royal Exchange, & at the sign of the black bear in Paul's Churchyard. 1601. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, MASTER Thomas Smith, Sheriff of the honourable City of London, and Governor of the famous company of the English Merchants trading to the East Indies, Sumatra, java, the Isles of the Malucos, Banda, and the rich and mighty Kingdom of Chyna: and to the right Worshipful the Aldermen, and the rest of the Committees and society of the said corporation. William Walker wisheth all prosperity and happy success. RIght Worshipful, who so takes but a sleight survey of the present state of things, must needs be forced to acknowledge both the great and general benefit likely to ensue of this your intended East Indie voyage, the success proving answerable to these forward beginnings: and also the danger and loss on your part, if it should (which God defend) fall out otherwise then well. The benefit is most apparent, if we do but consider either the necessity of the enterprise, or the gain depending thereon. That the searching of new trades, & above all other, this to the East Indies, is more than necessary, both the restraint of traffic in the King of Spain's dominions, and also the underrate of the Hollanders spices, in regard of those brought out of the Indies by the way of Turkey, do too plainly demonstrate. Hereunto you may add the venting of divers natural commodities, which otherwise would lie dead, and likewise the employment of tall and serviceable Ships, and the increase of our Mariners knowledge in Navigation: the gain both to the augmenting of her majesties Customs, and the enriching of all the Adventurers cannot choose (as yourselves best know) but prove in time extraordinary Wherein, though I were silent, yet the Portugal Carracks, and within these few years also the Ships of Holland, and Zealand do in a manner proclaim so much to all the world. The danger in attempting this action no man can doubt of: it being subject to like difficulties and misadventures with other honourable exploits of the same kind, and in that respect also far more commendable and praiseworthy: and so the loss (if matters should miscarry, which God forbidden) cannot be little, seeing the charges have been so great. These considerations (right Worshipful) being seconded by the persuasion of M. Richard Hacluyt, a man for his matchless industry in collecting the English Voyages, most incomparably well deserving of this state, prevailed so much with me, that being stirred up with the zeal of a true Patriot or well willer to my native Country, I could not less do, then cast into your East Indie treasury this poor mite, I mean my labour in translating this little pamphlet, which containeth matter so agreeable and pertinent to this your present purpose. For herein the Hollanders (who borrowed a great part of their light All these Voyages, and sundry other important discourses of the East Indies, Pegu, China, the Malucos, Philippinas and japan, are to be found in the second and third volumes of M. Hakluyts English Voyages, from us, namely out of the famous Voyages of Sir Francis Drake, Master Thomas Candish, Master james Lancaster, Ralph Fitch, and Thomas stephan's, their forerunners in those parts, and have had special assistance in their late Navigations by the means of Master john Davies, Master Timothy Shotton, and other skilful Pilots of our Nation) do in ample manner requite us with the like: acquainting us with their Voyages, discoveries and dangers, both outward and homeward; with their negotiation and traffic at java, the Malucos, and other places, with the disposition of the natural inhabitant, and the sly sullen practices of the Portugals, and likewise with the quantity and value of Spices and other commodities which they brought home. Hear therefore your Captains, Masters, and Factors (notwithstanding they are very sufficiently informed already) may in some sort be directed how to shape their course to avoid many perils, and to enjoy several kinds of Merchandise for which you send them. And albeit both yourselves and they also, in regard of your deep insight and experience in these matters, may seem not much to stand in need of this my endeavour, yet remembering an old rule in law, that Superabundans cautela non nocet: sure I was, that some good might come hereof, but harm none at all. It may please you therefore (right Worshipful) to take it in kind part, if not for the worthiness of the matter, yet for the sincere intent of him that offers it, who in this, and in all other your worthy designs, wisheth you most prosperous success, and stands continually devoted to your service. Your Worship's most unfeignedly affected, WILLIAM WALKER. THE JOURNAL, OR daily Register, containing a true manifestation, & Historical declaration of the voyage, accomplished by eight ships of Amsterdam, under the conduct of jacob Corneliszen Neck Admiral, & Wybrandt van Warwick Vice-admiral, which sailed from Amsterdam the first day of March, 1598. showing what course they kept, and what other notable matters happened unto them in the said voyage. IN the name of God, Amen. In the year of our Lord 1598. the first day of March, sundry worshipful Merchants & others, lovers of our country's welfare, rigged and furnished six tall ships, with two Pinnaces, to sail unto the East Indies, whose names hereafter follow. The first ship was called Mauritius, wherein jacob Mauritius. Corneliszen Neck of Amsterdam was Admiral, and Govaert Lanszen master. The second ship was called Amsterdam, wherein Wybrandt Amsterdam. Warwick of Amsterdam was Vice-admiral, and Cornelis janszen Fortui●n was master. The third ship was called Holland, whereof was master Hollandia. Simon lambert's Mau. The fourth ship was called Zealand, whereof was Zelandia. master Claes janszen Melknap. The fift was called Gelderland, whose matter was john Gelderland. Bruin. The sixth ship Vtrecht, whereof was master john Martzen. Vtrecht The seventh being the greater Pinnase, was called Vriesland, Freeslad whose master was john Corneliszen. The eight ship was the smaller Pinnase called Ouerysell, Ouer-Ysell. wherein Simon janszen Hoen was master. In these aforesaid eight ships were some 560. men, mustered the 9 day of March. The 13. day of March we set sail, and departed from Amsterdam, and the nine and twentieth day of the said month, the great ships were towed over the Pampus by three water ships. The fourth of April the ship called Hollandia, came near unto the sand of Encusen, where she was forced to cut down her foremast, by reason of the great storm, and fowl weather: and the two and twentieth day we came to the Texell, where we remained eight days for a good wind to carry us thence. The first day of May we set sail from the Texell, having Anno 1598. The. 1. day of May we sailed from the Texell. the wind at South east. The third day we passed by Dover, where we spoke with certain ships of war, and the fourth day we had sight of Wicht, Portland, and Beviser. The tenth day came a small ship of Enchusen, into our fleet in the Spanish seas, which came from Aueren, and about two hours after, our smaller Pinnaces sailed after her with letters, and brought some ten thousand Oranges with her, which were distributed among the ships: so that every man had eight Oranges. The 11. day we were in the height of the Burlings, at which time 25. men in the ship called Gelderland were christened. The 15. day we had fight of the Isles of Madera and Sartes. The 17. day before noon we were passed the Islands of Canaria, namely, Gomera and the Palm. The 23. day we passed by the salt islands, to wit, the I'll of May and S. jago. The nine and twentieth day being in the height of fire degrees, we were forced to strike our sails, by reason of tempests and fowl weather, which continued about two hours. The first day of june we took a Torteyse, weighing an A Torteyse take weighing 143 pounds. hundredth three and forty pounds. The 5 day Gerrit janszen of Alkmar leapt over board, into the sea, out of the great Pinnase. The 6. day came a flying fish into the ship called Gelderland, which was very strange unto us. The 8. day we passed under the Equinoctial line with a fine fresh gale, and then every mess had a can of wine allowed them. The 25. day every mess had three cans of wine allowed, The sho else of Brasilia passed, for which was great joy among us. for joy that we were passed the shoels of Brasilia, lying 18. degrees south the Equinoctial line. The 26. day the small Pinnase lost us, by reason of the mists: and the twenty seventh day the Admiral sent out the Ship called Hollandia to seek the said Pinnase. The eight and twentieth day of the said month in the morning, we sailed towards the Island, and after we were approached near unto the shore, we manned two boats, and rowed on land to seek for some refreshing. The 29. day the ship Hollandia returned into the fleet with the small Pinnase, at which time the first execution of justice was done aboard the ship called Gilderland: at this place we saw mighty shoels of birds, as great as Storks. The 24. of july we took the height of Cape de Bona Esperance, which lieth 33. degrees from the Equinoctial line. The 27. of the said month, we saw driving on the water great long logs or trunks of wood, whereof some were 20. or 25. fathom long: we saw also great store of great birds, which is a very good mark of the Cape de Bona Esperance. The 28. day of the said month, we fastened again our Cables to our Ankers: the same night we had a great storm, so that we were forced to take in our sails: and we saw the same night a Corpus sanctus in our main The 29. of julie, four of our ships lost our company, being in the height of C. Bona Esperance. Every measure or mutskin is the eight part of a quart. top mast, or a light burning as clear as a candle. The 29 day, we lost the company of four of our ships, but between the 30. and the 31. day in the night, three of them returned unto the fleet, so that we wanted but one, which was Claes janszen Melknap of Horn. The 31. of july in the morning, we had sight of Cape Bona Esperance. The 2. day of August we drank our last Beer, and we began our first allowance to drink water, four mutskins or measures every day, and three of wine. The 7. of August we had again a stout gale of wind at South east, so that we were forced to strike our top masts. The 8. day towards the evening it lightened and thundered mightily, so that we were glad to take in our sails. The same night we lost our Admiral, the Hollandia, and the small Pinnase, by means of the great thunder and lightning. The 14. day our committees and masters had been aboard the Vice-Admiral, and had diminished our allowance of wine, ordaining us one and a half mutskins or measures of wine, and six of water for every mess. The 15. of August, we saw a little place in the Sea, where the water seemed to boil, as a kettle that seetheth on the fire: the water was of a very grey colour, it extended the length of an arrow shot, and in breadth the length of a ship: we sailed through it, but we perceived not any great strangeness therein. The 17. day justice was executed in our ship, for some offences therein committed. The 18. day we met with a contrary wind, and we kept our course for the most part South east: the same day we saw many Whales. The 20 day we had store of rain, with thunder and lightning, at which time the Vice Admiralles foretopmast was broken in three pieces: the same day the wind changed, so that we held our course East north-east, making good way. The 22. day of the said month, the ship called the Zealand returned to our fleet, which was about 25. days after she had been missing, so that now we were five ships in company. The 24. of August, the company of the Zealand fetched another mast out of the Gelderland, to make another foremast, for she had lost her mast in the foresaid storm, when she parted from us, and had been in great danger. The same day we had sight of the land called Saint Laurence or Madagascar, which gave great joy and comfort to all in our ships: and the 25. day we made to the land, for we saw we could not pass the neck land of Madagascar, therefore we anchored near unto the neck of the land, which was the first time that we did cast any anchor, since we departed from the Texell. The 26. day in the morning, we manned four boats, Four boats rowed to the shore of Madagascar, & what happened unto them near the shore. and rowed to the land, to see if we might there find any refreshing: & coming near the shore, the beat of the Vtrecht was with the folk therein overturned, and one of the quarter masters of the boat drowned, called john Pamer of Amsterdam: and the same day we had a storm, so that we were forced to departed thence, for our Vice Admiral, the Amsterdam, the Zealand, the great Pinnase, and the ship of the deanery & Chapter of Vtrecht lost every one of them an anchor, but the Gelderland road out the storm. The 17. day of the said month in the morning, we weighed our anchor, and sailed after the other ships, which were under sail in sight, having a fair wind, we kept our course East South east, to reach the Cape of Saint Sebastian, and the 29. day in the morning we left the said Cape behind us. The 30. day we passed the Cape de julian, and were becalmed, the wind contrary, and dark weather. The 4. day of September, all the Merchants and Masters September. went aboard the Vice-admiral, where it was amongst them debated, whether we should put into the bay of Antongil, or direct our course towards Bantam: but in the end it was concluded to keep our course. The 5. day of September we were allowed again three mutskins of wine, and four of water, without The I'll de Cerne, other wise called the Island Mauritius. porridge, by reason of the scarcity of water: the same day we had also a good wind, so that we held our course East, and East and by North. The 17. day we had sight of an Island, called isle de Cerne, which seemed to be very hilly, so that we had good hope there to find fresh water, whereby we were all greatly rejoiced, for our ships began to be vexed with the scurvy disease. How they came to the land Mauritius, where they found a very fit and fair haven, fresh water, and birds which they caught with their hands. The 20. of September most of our people were on shore, where a Sermon was made in the forenoon, & another in the afternoon. The 18. day in the morning, we rowed with two boats towards the shore of the Isle de Cerne to see if we might there find any fresh water, or relief of victuals: and coming near the land, we rowed along the shore, but could not find any open place convenient for landing: whereupon our boat with the Committees went aboard the Vice-admiral, where it was appointed that our boat should row to another part of the Island, to search for some convenient place of landing: whereupon (the boat manned with seven men, after they had rowed to shore and made diligent search) found a very fair ciosed haven, where fifty ships might lie, defended from all winds, and good ground for ankeridge: towards the evening the boat returned, and came aboard the Vice Admiral, bringing with them eight or nine great birds, and many small, which they had taken with their hands: also they found there very fair and sweet water, that came from the hills, which caused great joy in the ships among our people, that they might have their bellies full of fresh water. This haven is the fairest and fittest that a man may possibly find for refreshing. And the ninetéenth day we went further up into the Island, where we found passing good ground to anchor and road at, fourteen fathom clay ground. The 20. day the most part of all the people went a shore, where they heard a Sermon made by a Minister of the Vice-admirals' ship. It was now just four months and twenty days, since we had set foot on any shore, and that day we had double allowance of wine, for a remembrance of the Fair kept the same day at Amsterdam: and the same day we did nothing (because it was Sunday) but heard two Sermons in the morning and at afternoon, praising and giving heatlie thanks unto Almighty God, that he had conducted us to this wished place of refreshing, for if we had not found this place, many a man had not lived to tell what he had seen, for the scurvy disease began mightily to vex our people, and our water for the most part stunk, and was as black as kennel water, and (as the Pilot affirmed) we were then 500 leagues from Bantam: we named this Island Mauritius. The 21. of the same month in the morning, our boat rowed to another place of the Island, to see if they could find any inhabitants: in the end they came to a fresh river which descended from the mountains, but they could not see any people in the land. At this place we fetched our water: for a man may row in with a boat, and with ease strike the same into the boat, so that it is a marvelous commodious place to water. In this river our people took so great quantity of fowl, as they were all able to eat, for when we came near them, they sat still, and could not fly from us, so that we with our hands might easily take them: whereby we noted that the land was not inhabited. The 23. day certain of our people went out with a small boat to fish with a net, which the Vice-admiral had brought with him, for there was exceeding great plenty of fish. The 24. day certain were appointed to row with a long boat to the land, to search if they could find any other hole or place to come forth, beside the same which we had already passed, by reason that the wind was contrary, so that we could not return the same way we came. The 25. day some that had been sent abroad returned, but they found not any people in the land: the same day all of us with great diligence carried water aboard our ships. The 27. day was another Sermon made so the common Another Sermon preached in the land Mauritius. Mariners on the land: and there was an Indian, one of those which was brought into Holland in the last voyage from Madagascar, who willingly became a Christian, and received Baptism, and was named Laurence. The same day the long boat returned, but could find no depth for our ship to pass out. The 29. day, some of our people returned (which had been sent into the land) without any desired news, but only that they had found a place where many Cokar-trees grew, bringing some of the nuts with them, and we furnished ourselves with fresh water. The 30. day some of our people went a shore to get Cokar-nuts, at which time we had our first allowance of bread, to wit, every day one pound and a quarter. The second day of October, we had a fair wind, and October. The second day of October we sailed from the Island named by us Mauritius. we set sail, but in the mouth of the haven we were becalmed, so that we were forced to tow the ships out with out boats, but our Vice-admiral was put back when the other ships were out: we sent our boat manned to help him also out, but so soon as they were come aboard, it began to blow a little gale, whereby the Vice-admiral got out, and then we directed our course towards Bantam East, and East and by North. The 17. day we made an end of our last butter, and the wind was very scant. The 28. and 29. of October, the Sea was of a wonderful white colour, so that we imagined that we were near to some land, but we could not descry any land at all, and the same day in the morning we had the sun over our heads, and this was the second time that the sun was right over us. ❧ A description of the Island de Cerne, which was now named Mauritius, lying 21. degrees to the South of the Equinoctial line. THe Island de Cerne, named by the Hollanders Mauritius, lieth 21. degrees to the South of the Equinoctial line, and is in compass some six miles or leagues, very little more or less. Such as will sail into this Island, must bring the two highest hills into one, leaving the six small Islands on the right hand, keeping ton fathom water. On the left side of us lay a small Island, which we named the Island of Hem● kerken, and the bay of the said Island of Cerne, we called after the name of our Vice-admiral, The bay of Warwick: it hath a very fair haven, where fifty ships may lie, defended from all winds and weather. This foresaid Island Mauritius is not inhabited, nor never was, by all that we could judge, for many and often times we ran up into the country, and found no people: but we judged by the tameness of the birds and fowls that it must be an unfrequented place, by reason that men might take them plentifully with their hands. It is a very high hilly land, so that for the most part it is covered with clouds, and sometimes there passeth such a smoke or mist over the land, that a man can hardly see The situation and fertilicie of Cerne. one another. For the most part it is all stony ground, not withstanding very abundant of wild trees, which are there in innumerable sort, standing so thick, that a man can hardly pass by them. These trees are as fair & even wood, as may be found in any Country, as black as pitch, and as smooth as a bone: on the outside is a very thick green bark, and under the bark is the black Eben, some with very fair red wood, and other some yellow as wax, of which three sorts of wood, we brought a little from thence for a proof, and is found to be excellent fair and good. Also it hath Palmites tree, whereby we were greatly Palmites trees. refreshed, they grow like to the Cokar-trees, aloft in the top it carrieth the branches thick and spreading: the same we cut down, and having taken out the pith, did eat: we made sometimes salads thereof, which strongly purged and refreshed our bodies. We landed in this Island almost all our people, and found the same to be very good and healthsome, so that we erected there some tents and cabins, wherein we laid our sick and diseased, which we brought from our ships, and there remained until they were recovered, which was in very short time: whereby we noted, that this Island was of a sweet and wholesome air. After we were all landed, we had a Sermon in the forenoon, and another in the afternoon, thanking, and praising God, that he had brought us to a place of so good refreshing for if we had not come to this place, many of us had not lived to tell news, for the scurvy disease began mightily to reign among our people, and our water for the most part stunk, and was as black as kennel water: this happened just when in four months and twenty days before we had not set footing upon any land. Being now in the Isle Mauritius, we rowed with one of our boats to another place of the land, to search what inhabitants we could find, but found none, only we came to a fresh river, which fell from the mountains, where we took in fresh water for our ships. Some of our company went a fishing in a small Of the multitude of fish. cock, with a net which the Vice-admiral had brought with him, and we found that there was wonderful plenty of fish, so that at one draft we took near two barrels and a half of fish, and could hardly draw the net, by reason of the great number of fishes therein: and we took every day so great quantity of fish, that we were not able to spend the same while it was fresh and sweet. Here we took a Chorn-backe that was so big, that we, with the Mariners of our ship, had sufficient to eat thereof at two meals. Here are great numbers of tortoises, which are so big, that 4 of us might stand upon some one Torteyse, and yet it crept away with us, in the shells or shields whereof, ten of us have had room to sit. This Island is very fruitful, and plentiful of fowls, The fertility of Cerne. as of Turtle Doves, whereof there are such plenty, that 3. of us have in one afternoon taken 150. and if we had been able to carry them, we might have taken more with our bare hands, & killed them with cudgels. There are also great plenty of russet Parrots, & of other colours: there are also other great fowls, as big as our Swans, having great heads, & upon their heads a skin, as if they had caps on their heads: they have no wings at all, but in place of wings, they have 3. or 4. black quills, and where their tail should be, they have 4. or 5. small curled feathers, & their colour is grayish. We named these fowls Walghfowle (partly because they were tough in eating, how long time soever they sod: yet the crop & breast were very good meat) but specially because we could take store of Turtle Doves, which were more delectable in taste. There are yet other sorts of fowls good to be eaten, which are called Rabos Forcados, because their tails are like in fashion to a tailors shears. These fowls are so tame, that a man may take them with his hands as they sat on their nest, and also kill them with staves and cudgels, insomuch that in the space of one half hour, we could fill a boat with them: whereby we presumed that there had never been any people in the Island, for the birds shunned no man, yea, they scarcely would forbear to come and sit on our heads, and so suffer themselves to be taken. In this Island we did set up a Smiths sorge, where our Smith made and mended some Iron works, and the Shipwrights made also a boat for the Vtricht, for she had lost her boat before Saint Laurence Island. In this Isle de Cerne before mentioned, we found about 300. pound weight of wax, whereon stood Greek Letters. We found also a Netting, with a Capsten bar, and a great Maineyard: whereby judged, that some ship had there suffered wrack. In this Island, our Vice-admiral caused a shield of wood to be made & fastened to a tree, to the end that if any The Ad mirall naileth a board or a shield to a tree, & the reason thereof. ships arrived at that place, they might perceive the Christians had been there: & thereupon was carved these words following, Christianos Reformadoes, reformed Christians, with the arms of Holland, Zealand, and Amsterdam. Also there is in this Island a very large plain, whereof our Vice-admiral caused a garden to be made, & paled it round about, & after did sow and plant all sorts of fruits, to prove if they would there grow & increase. Our ships also left some Hens there, to prove whether they would there increase or not. Sundry times we sent of our folk up into the Island, to understand if there were any inhabitants on the further side of the Island: they were sometimes 3. or 4. days out before they returned, but they neither saw nor heard of any, no not of any 4. footed beasts. A further and more particular declaration of the Island de Cerne, otherwise called Mauritius, No. 1. THis is the entrance of the Isle Mauritius, lying East north-east. A wild Palm-tree, which we set here for a Beacon, if perhaps any ship should chance to arrive here. The Crosses are all rocks, which lie under the water. Is a little Island, where we gathered Indian Nuts. These are sweet rivers, where we caught such plenty of fish with our cockboat, that sometimes we had 50 fishes at one draft (which we named Trenchors by reason of their flatness) together with many other small fishes of divers sorts, so that oftentimes we thought that our net would break, and with our shipboate we were oftentimes forced to help them to unlade the cock, because they could not without great labour and danger of sinking, bring the cock aboard: and (which is very strange) they swom in such innumerable multitudes hard along the shore, that men might take them with their hands as they stood on the land, yea, oftentimes we killed them with our halfe-pikes. This is a fresh river, where we filled our water with our boat: and here we caught a thornback which was almost three yards in compass, besides her tail, so that our people had much to do to get it into the boat. Our Vice-admiral sailed about this corner or neck of the land for his pleasure, & caused Oranges, Lemons, peason, beans, and all kind of other grain to be sowed, which he had in the ship, to see if the same would grow well there or no, to the end the same might hereafter serve for refreshing of such as should chance to come thither. These are small Islands, against which the Sea masheth sometimes casting upon the land many tortoises. A repetition or more plain manifestation, of such things as we found and saw in the Island Mauritius, and of such matters as we there did in the time of our abode. No. 2. These are tortoises which live on the land, and have no fins to swim, being so great, that they will creep away with a man standing on their shells, which they carry on their backs, & they live upon crabs, which are as big as a man's foot. Is a fowl altogether as big as a Swan, having two or three curled feathers behind at her tail, without any wings, but in place of wings they have three or four small black Quills: of which fowl we caught some, with store of Turtle Doves, and other birds, which our Mariners with great joy brought aboard, dealing to every ship part of their wild fowl, after they were first sent ashore to search for the deepest fresh rivers, and what harbour there was for our ships: whereupon the next day we went to the haven with our ships, taking one of those Mariners into every ship for a Pilot, which had been a shore the day before. These fowls we dressed and sod, but we found them so tough, that we could not (how long soever they sod) seethe them tender, but were feign to eat them so tough as they were. As soon as we were entered into the Haven, our Vice-admiral sent some of us with the long boat ashore, to spy if there were any inhabitants in the Island, but we found no creatures, except only great quantity of Turtle Doves, and other birds, whereof we caught, and killed with cudgels, great numbers: for seeing they had not been accustomed to be feared by any people there inhabiting, they had no fear of us, but would sit still, suffering themselves to be killed with staucs and cudgels. To be short, it is a plentiful land of fish and fowl, and so abundant, that in all our voyage we found not the like. This is a Palm tree, which carrieth leaves so great, that a man may shroud himself with one of them from the rain, and not be wet: if in this tree a hole be bored, and a quill or tap put into the same, immediately there runneth out wine or liquor, having a sweet and pleasant taste like unto sack, but if it be kept three or four days, it waxeth Tower, and therefore it is called the Palm tree. This is a bird or fowl, which we called Rabos Forcados, for that their tails are in shape resembling a tailors shears: they were very tame, and little less than a fathom long, when they were stretched out: their bills are long, their backs most part black, and their breasts white: they eat flying fishes which they catch, and the guts or garble of other fish and fowl, as we found by experience: for when we cast abroad our garble of such fish and fowl as we had taken, yea of their own kind, they would strait ways come and devour the same: their flesh would not be sodden tender. Is a bird, which we named an Indian Kaven, almost as big again as a Parrot, they are of two or three sundry colours. Is a wild tree, whereon (for a memory if any other ships should there arrive) is nailed a board, having three srutcheons or arms graven or cut thereon, so wit, the arms of Holland, Zealand and Austerdam: to the end they may know that ships of Holland have been at that place. This is a Palmites tree, where of our Mariners cut down many and cut out the pith (marked with the letter A) which we found to be an excellent remedy against the scurvy disease: it is some three or four foot long, within very white, and hath a sweet taste. Some of our people ate the pith of 7. or 8. of these plants. A Bat or flying Mouse, having a head like unto a Monkey, and fly in this Island in great numbers, they hang themselves on the 〈◊〉 by the wings, and often times they fight and bite one the other. Here our Smith set up a forge to repair our broken iron works, and such other things as were needful to be mended abeard the ships. These are cottages made by us of trees and boughs, where our Smith and Cooper's did forge and hoop their Cask, that we might be ready to sail thence with the first fair wind. At this place our Preacher made every Sunday two Sermons: in the morning one half of our people went ashore, and at afternoon the other half, to hear the sermon. In this place was a man Christened, borne in the Island of Madagascar, and named Laurence, with one or two of our company which had not been christened. Here we took so great abundance of fish, that it may seem incredible to be written, yea at one draft we took two barrels and a half of many sorts. To the gentle Reader. IT is to be understood (Gentle Reader) that all the eight ships kept company, until they came near to the C. de Bona Esperance, where they were parted and severed by tempests and foul weather, namely the eight day of August, 1598. but these five ships kept together, to wit, the Amsterdam, the Zealand, the Gelderland, the Vtrecht, and the great Pinnase called Freesland, which happened to fall with the Island Mauritius, where we lay fourteen days, without any knowledge what was become of the other three ships, the Mauritius our Admiral, the Hollandia, and of the small Pinnase called the Ouer-Ysel, which three ships came from the Island of Saint Marie, and from thence sailed to Bantam. Of which three ships we will make some relation, and of such matters as befell them in the Island of Saint Marie, at Bantam, and in their return. After that these three ships were parted and severed How 3. ships arrived at the Island S. Mary, & took the king thereof prisoner. by storm and foul weather, from the company of the other ships, they were driven under the Island of Saint Mary, where they took the King prisoner, and afterwards ransomed him for a Cow and a fat Calf. In this Island we found not any great matter, coming thither in a time out of season, for the Orringes were but blossomed, and the Lemons very small, but we found some Sugar Canes, Hens, and such like: And the people of the Country came to us with two or three small Oranges. Here we saw a strange manner of The manner which the Indian's use to take whales. hunting: there were certain Indians in a Canoes or boat, which had spied a Whale at Sea, who with their boat made out to take her: and after they had struck into her body an harping Iron, whereunto was fastened a long rope made of the inner barks or péelings, next to the bodies of trees, the Whale finding herself wounded, descended into the deep, and they viering the rope to the whole length: not withstanding the Whale drew the boat after him as easily as if it had been a straw: but the Indians assuring themselves upon their expert swimming, feared not drowning, nor the overturning of their boat. Now after they had thus continued a while, until the Whale had tired herself, and was out of breath, they towed her to the shore, between wind and water, and afterwards at low water they hewed her in pieces, and every one of them took as much as he desired. We might have taken thereof at our pleasures, but it looked so greasy, & bacon like, that it went against our stomachs. Afterwards we sailed to the great bay of Antongil, where we filled our vessels with water. Our Indian, whose name was Madagascar, might have remained at this place, but he excused himself, that he would rather go with us appareled, then remain in a place naked where he was unknown. We went up the fresh river with our long boat, to seek for fresh victuals, but the people of the Country made signs unto us to return, for that there was nothing here to be had: yet we rowed three leagues higher, but we sped according to the sayings of the Indians. This scarcity was by reason that the Kings of the Island had war, whereby all things were spoiled and wasted, insomuch that the inhabitants themselves died with hunger and penury. One of their Kings was slain, wherefore we stayed there but five days: but sailing from thence, we directed our course towards java, and with Gods help arrived at Bantam with all our three ships as before, to wit, Mauritius our Admiral, whose master was Gouert janssen, and Corneles Hermskerck, one of the Committees, the ship Hollandia, wherein Simon Lambertsen Mavor was Master, S. Wte N●● Committees, who died before Bantam, in whose place was chosen john janson Smit. The third being the small Pinnase called the Ouer-Ysil, whose Master was Simon janson, Arent Hermanssen of Alkmer was Commissioner, and jacob van Neck was Admiral and chief Commander of the whole Navy, in the end we arrived with great celerity before Bantam, the 26. day of December, 1598. As soon as we were come unto Bantam, we practised How 3. ships procured the friendship of those of Bantam, & what gifts they presented to the king with all possible speed, to attain the friendship and good liking of these of Bantam, to which end Hemskerck was sent before to the town, to offer them trade and dealings in Merchandise (for they suspected we had been the same that had been there the last year, & that kept themselves so long at sca, and that we were Pirates & thieves, as the Portugese's had heretofore persuaded them) but we excused ourselves, and made sufficient answer, after we had sent Abdol unto them, who was of that place, and brought thence the last year. The said Abdol, having declared the good and friendly entertainment he had found with us, together with the rarities & singularities which he had seen in our Country, & that we had now many years maintained mortal wars against the king of Spain and Portugal, we had favourable audience, and presented our gifts unto the king being but a child: but the chief governor ●ephate, who had the kinglike authority, received our gifts in the king's name, in very thankful manner: the gifts were a gilded cup, & certain pieces of velvet, and other draped silks, with fair drinking glasses, & gilded looking glasses; & withal were presented letters of credit, under the hand & seal of the worthy Lords the States, and of his Excellency Grave Maurice, which were with great reverence and creeping on their knees received. After that all these matters were finished, we began to buy and sell with those of Bantam, insomuch that the 4. day after, we began to lad, & before the end of 4. or 5. weeks the ships were almost laden. Thus after we had remained there some four weeks, our other 5. ships came sailing towards us in good safety, having none of their people, or but very few sick. Then we put out our flags, ancients, and streamers, saluting each other with our great ordinance in the best order. Immediately after came certain of their Praus or boats aboard us, bringing great plenty of Hens, eggs, Cokar-nuts, Bonovas', Sugar Canes, and Cakes of Rise. This was every day to do, changing and bartering with them for wrought Tin: we had for a Tin spoon as much victuals as a man was able to eat in seven days. Abdol did us great hurt: for he had not only reported that there were five ships to come after us, but also that there were more ships in rigging, to come thither out of Zealand, which was cause, that whereas at the first we The prices of pepper at Bantan paid but 3. pieces of royals of eight for 55. pound of pepper, afterwards they raised it to 4. royals of eight: it was all royals of eight that they sought for; wares were nothing so well esteemed as money. It was very strange to us, to see how the people of java would signify unto us, that there were five ships to come, showing us 4. fingers and a thumb, which sign they made, saying, Lyma Shepen, meaning thereby, that there were yet 5. of our ships to come: for Lyma in their language signifieth five. Here the gentle Reader is to understand, that besides the aforesaid three ships, a fourth (namely the great Pinnase called the Vriesland, whereof jacob Cornelisson was master, and Wouter Willekens Commissioner, laded in this place for Holland: all which four ships being fully laden, gave notice to all men of the town, that they would departed homewards, and that therefore all such as they ought any money unto, should come and receive their payment. Afterwards (having made good provision of Rise and Anno 1599 the 11. of january, 4. ships well laden, departed from Bantam towards Holland divers Commodities. water) they departed thence, and sailed until they came near unto Sumatra, where they took in fresh water: for the water of Bantam is white, and after a while groweth full of maggettes. At this place they bartered knives, spoons, looking glasses, bells & needles, for many things, and much fruit; as Million, Cucumbers, Onions, Garlic and some small store of Pepper, but excellent good. Some few days before the departure from Bantam of these four ships, the other four that had determined to seek their lading further, and to that end to sail to the islands of Moluccoes, took leave of the said laden ships, and the same night wherein they set sail to departed, they thundered such a peal of ordinance, that it was heard over all the Island, and the whole town of Bantam was up in arms, not knowing what the meaning thereof was: and thus these eight ships parted from cath other. The people of Bantam were very glad that they were gone: for every day they would inquire of us when we would departed: and to hasten our departure, they used all diligence to deliver us such wares as we had bought, for it was nothing at all pleasant unto them, to see us lie there with eight ships together. The four ships aforesaid sailed from Sumatra, and came to the Island of S. Helena, where they refreshed themselves eight dayesieng: there they found a Church, wherein were some celles or booths, with the Image of Saint Helena: there was also an holy water vessel, with a sprinkle but we left all things as we found them, with certain writings and memories of our being there. The Island of Saint Helena (as john Huyghen writeth) Description of the Island of Saint Helena. aboundeth most plentifully with Kids, Coats, wild Swine, Pheasants, or Firid-hennes, Partridges, and Doves, but by means of much shooting and hunting, used by all and sundry such ships as there arrive, they are so wild & hard to be taken, that it was too too much pains and labour to us to seek after them. The Goats after they were shot, would run from us to the tops of the stéepest Mountains, where it was unpossible for us to come unto them. Neither could we get so much fist, here as we gladly would have had, but here we look in our fresh water, whereof we had sufficient store until we came into Holland. In this Island we left behind us Peter Gysbrechtsson, The cause why Peter Gerbrantion was left in the Island Saint Helena. Boat-swane of the great Pinnase, because he had strucken his master or shipper. We would willingly have begged his pardon, but after that the orders & articles were read whereunto we were all sworn, we could not, but (for examples sake) execute justice. Notwithstanding, her had thus much favour that there was delivered unto him some portion of bread, oil, and Rise, fish hooks and a piece with some quantity of gun powder, and so we all took, our leave, and committed him to God, hoping that he will preserve him from all ill, & no doubt he shall come thence well enough, for as much as all ships which sail to the East Indies, must touch at this place to water & refresh themselves. As we departed thence, we saw afar off, a small ship, which seemed to us, as near as we could guess, that it was a French man, directing his course thitherward we hope that he is come into France in the same ship. From this Island we sailed, and in short time, without any misadventure, arrived in the Texell the 19 day of july 1599 God be praised for it, to whom we cannot give sufficient thanks for so good a voyage as we made: for since the time that Holland was Holland, there never came thither ships so richly laden, for they brought 400. last of Pepper, one hundredth last of Cloves, some store of Paces, Nutmegs, and Sinnamum. To conclude, we finished this long voyage in less than 15. months: for in seven months we sailed from the Texell to Bantam, the time we lay still and were in lading, was 6. weeks, and in 6. months we returned home to Holland from Bantam, in which time outward & homeward, we sailed 8000. leagues. The Merchants and ventures of the ships went with all speed to the Texell, to order all things aboard the said ships, and to refresh the Mariners. The Committees, Cornelis Hemskerck, with Henrick Buyck, went with all speed to his Princelike Excellency, declaring unto him, not only these acceptable news of the return of these ships from Bantam, but also delivered unto him letters, together with rich presents from the king of java. The 27. day of july, the Admiral, with the ship Hollandia, 1599 27. july. came before the town of Amsterdan with great noise of 8. trumpets: the town bestowed wine on them for their welcome, and all the bells were rung for joy. Gentle Reader, you have briefly heard the success of the 3. ships which lost the company of the other five: hereafter shall follow the Navigation & success of the other aforesaid five ships. THe 1. of Novem we met with another storm at sea, with November. much rain, & mighty wind, whereby our Vice-admiral, the same night with the great Pinnase, lost our company. The third day the Vice-admiral with the Pinnase returned unto us: the same day we saw many birds, and very much wood and trees driving on the water. The 13 same night died one of our folk in the ship of the deanery and Chapter of Vtrecht, which was the first man that died in the fleet. The 6. day of the said month in the afternoon, there came near unto our ship a spout, which is a whirl wind that taketh and carrieth the water up out of the sea, which falling into a ship, will carry away all things that are lose, and endanger the ship: wherefore we took in our sails with all speed, tearing least perhaps they might thereby receive some damage, & in striking of the main yard, our principal sayle-maker, called Ioost Janson of Amsterdam, looking overboard, to see if any part of the sail hung in the water, suddenly (as he was putting his head over the ships side) the main yard fell lose from the mast above, and smote the said Ioost janson on his head stark dead, which was a great mischance, and he was the first man that died this voyage in that ship. The 7. day in the morning we cast the said Ioost janson overboard. The 9 day his goods were sold before the main mast, which were well sold, for that one Ryail of 8. was accounted for 8. Gildernes and a half. The same day we were put to our first allowance of Oil, to wit, weekly two Mutskins, which maketh of our wine measure about half a pint. The 12. day the Vice-admiral came aboard our ship to minister justice, which was the first execution of justice that he did in these ships. The same day we had sight of an Island, and were in the night come near to the land before we witted thereof, for it was a very low land: then we discharged a piece to warn the other ships thereof, & then wended and put roome-ward. The 13 day we saw three other small islands, whereupon the little Pinnase sailed that evening before us, to see if we might sail on the farther side of one of the islands or not, but the water was too shallow, for there lay out a great neck or corner of the Island, therefore we cast about to seaward, and the same evening we cast our sounding lead in the first quarter, and had 20. fathom, and casting the lead again, found but 15. fathom, the third time 11. fathom, and the fourth time 9 fathom, insomuch that we were in great danger of the shoals, but God prevented the same, for we held our ship turning, and suddenly came into the deep, escaping the great danger we were in, to lose our ship and our lives: for, doubting greatly that we should meet with great storms and tempests between the Islands, we were drawn out of the right way, and brought into this error. The 15. day we had again shallow water at 13. fathom, but we were out of sight of any land, which was a great wonder to find such a shallow in the Sea so far from any shore, for we could not see any land at all. The same day, we had again a fair wind, so that we must hale in our sheets, and set our course East and by South, and East Southeast: the same day we shot a great Toonny, whereof there were in that place very many, wherewith we made good cheer. The 16. day of the said month in the morning, we had sight of another Island, so that we let slip our sheets to sail beyond it. This Island stretcheth to the South and North, and lieth very low, and pleasantly to see to: in the evening we were past this Island, and pulled in again our sheets: we held our course most East and by South, and East Southeast. The 22. day in the afternoon we had much rain with a stouts gale of wind, so that we were constrained to take in our topsails, the same night it lightened wonderfully. The 24. day the Vice-Admiral gave sign by putting out his streamer or banderol, that all the Pilots should come aboard him, to take counsel together what course were best to be kept. The 25. 26. and 27. days, we had very still and calm weather, but towards the evening the wind came South south-west, and we held our course most East southeast. The 28. day in the morning the wind slacked, and we directed our course East, and East, and by North: we turned by the wind, the weather being very fair, in the night the wind came Westerly, so that we shaped our course East southeast, and Southeast and by East. The 30. day the Vice-admirals' preacher came aboard our ship, where he made unto us a godly and learned Sermon. The first day of December we had the wind fair, and December. the same day we began first to eat of our smoked or dried flesh, which remained as yet very good and sweet. The 2. 4. 5. 6. and 7. days we had calm and still weather, with variable winds, and some while a pretty little gale, and sometimes small showers of rain: this day we might behold squales and snakes driving in the water, whereby we knew that we were near unto the land. The 8. day we had also mutable winds with some small showers and gusts of rain, with thunder, the weather being very still and calm, and towards the evening it began to blow a fine sweet gale from the West northwest, so that we haled in our sheets, and held our course East southeast: the same night a flying fish came flying into our ship. The 9 day it blew a fine gale, the wind westerly, and we held our course for the most part East Southeast: about noontide one of our company fell from the spritsail yard, and was drowned, for before we could hoist out our boat, he sunk: his name was Gerbrand jacobszen of Alckmar, and a common mariner. There fell another overboard also, who was one of the under Shipwrights, and was browned with the other. His name was Timon janszen of Amsterdam; so that this day we lost two of our company. The same day also died one aboard the Vice-admiral, and one aboard the Pinnase: Thus in this one day we lost four men in in our fleet of five ships. The 10. day the wind continued fair, shaping our course most East Southeast, the weather fair: at noon we took the height, and found we were eight degrees to the South of the Equinoctial line. The 12. 13. and 14. days continued fair weather, except new & then a little missing rain, and the same day we saw multitudes of birds, and scum of the sea, driving upon the water, which caused us to judge that we were not far from the land. The 21. day our Vice-admirals' boat came aboard us, at which time happened an extreme storm of wind and rain, so that we were constrained to take in our top sails: and because the storm continued long, it was thought good to take in the Vice-admirals' boat aforesaid, fearing lest our boat should have drawn her under water: wherefore we cast about to Léeward, to take in the boat, but in hoisting it over, the rope, which was fastened before to the boat, brake, and therewith one of the quarter masters fell over board, but we help him presently and saved his life. The 25. day in the night, about three hours before daylight, we had a shrewd gust of rain and wind, so that we were glad to take in our sails. The 26. day in the morning we could see but 2. of our 15 ships, but in the evening we came again together, and with our foresailes every one of us put loof, fearing we should come too near the shoals, and the Moon was so bark, that we could hardly discern the length of a ship from us. The 27. day in the morning we put out again all our satles to make more way, having a fine full gale from the West Northwest with fair weather, and at afternoon we saw an Island called the Isle de Gano, wherewith we were all greatly comforted and rejoiced. The same night we had a very hard tempest with contrary winds, which lasted two hours, and then the wind was again good, and we shaped directly our course towards the main land of Sumatra. The 28. day in the morning we saw the main land 1598. The 28. December we saw the main land of Sumatra of Sumatra, which is a very high Country declining with a point towards the Straight. All this day we sailed for the most part East Southeast towards the shore. In the evening we spoke with our Pinnase, and demanded if they knew the place: and the Master answered us that he knew the place very well: wherewith we left off to demand any farther, but sailed forth Southeast and by East. The 29. day in the morning we had a shrewd gust of rain and wind, with very dark weather. In the evening the Pinnase cast about to leeward, and stayed for the ships to speak with us: whereupon we took in our We came into the strait of Sunda. sails, and ran with our forecourse only, to the end we might by daylight be before the straits. The 30. day in the morning being come into the straits of Sunda, in the afternoon we descried five small sail under the shore, but they came not aboard us, by reason that the wind was very great, & blew a mighty storm: we layled along the shore, to wit, the coast of java. The same day all the ships cleared all their ordinance, & in the evening we cast our Ankers a good mile from Bantam, near unto two small Islands, for we would not come before the town in the night time. The 31. day we weighed our Ankers, and sailed towards We arrived at Bantam. Bantam; in the way came a small boat of our other ships aboard us, with four men, declaring unto us that our Admiral, the Hollandia, and the small Pinnase were at Bantam, almost fully laden, and that they had been there a month and four days: with which good news we were all marvelously rejoiced, and in the afternoon we came into the road with exceeding joy, where our said other three ships lay, at which time were but fifteen of our men dead since our coming from Holland. Presently came many of the Country people aboard us, bringing us Hens, Eggs, and many other sorts of fresh victuals & fruits, which seemed very strange unto us. The first day of januarie many commodities were january. brought aboard us to barter and truck, as Hens, Eggs, fruits, and such like. The second & third days, their Prawes or boats continued to come aboard us so abundantly with all kind of Merchandise, which they offered us in truck, that we could hardly pass through them in our ships, some with Hens, some with Bonanas, & some with garlic, and other fruits. The 4. day the Admiral came aboard all the ships, giving order to separate the fleet, namely, that the 4. laden The ships sever themselves. ships should return homewards, & the other 4. should sail to the Islands of Moluccas: the Vice-admiral in the ship called Amsterdam, was made Admiral, & one of our Committees, jacob HemskerckVice-Admirall, in the Gelderland, of these said four ships appointed to go to the Moluccas, and john janssen Carel was appointed to be Vice-admiral in the Hollandia: in stead of Wybrandt Warwick, Corneles janson Fortuiin, was appointed master in the great Pinnase, john Cornelisson was appointed master in Melcknaps place, and Melcknap was put master into the Amsterdam, and Woulter Willekins, Committees in the Vtrecht, was placed in the great Pinnase, the Pilot of the Amsterdan was shipped into the great Pinnase, and the master of the said Pinnase was again appointed to sail in the Amsterdam, which was Admiral of the fleet for the Moluccas. The fift, sixth, & seventh days, many Prawes or small boats continued to come aboard us, offering us fresh victuals in truck. The eight day in the evening we hoist our sails, and The 8. day of january the 4. ships departed from Bantam towards the Islands of Moluccas. departed from Bantam with our four ships, towards the Moluccas, to wit, the new Admiral, Wybrandt van Warwick, the Vice-admiral, jacob Hemskerck, the Zealand, whereof john Cornelisson was master, and the Vtrecht, whereof john Martssen was master or shipper. The 11. day we anchored before a river lying between Bantam and Sakentra, and is about some four leagues from Sakentra, two little Islands lying right over against it, and five other Islands right before you, about some half league from Sakentra. The 12. day we made provision of water with all possible diligence, for two of our ships were appointed to sail before, to make provision of fresh victuals: by noon we had in all our water, and then we and Melcknap sailed together away, and the next morning we cast our anchors before Sakentra, about a league from the land. The 13. day in the morning, the Sambander or governor came aboard us with one of their Prawes, or little boats, demanding what we came for, because we road in that place with our ships. Our Vice-admiral made answer, that we came to buy fresh victuals: with which answer they were well pleased, saying there was enough of all things to be had, and offered us a present of a certain fruit which they call Maugenus, which our Vice-admiral received, remunerating him with a looking glass, and a couple of drinking-glasses of small value. The afternoon following he departed again from whence he came, with two of our Committees, to make provision of fresh victuals. The same evening our Admiral with the Vtrecht came unto us. The 14. day in the morning, one of our boats rowed ashore The king sendeth a Bull unto the Admiral for a present. to buy more fresh victuals, who returned aboard towards the evening, bringing much good victuals unto the Admiral, with a Bull sent unto our Admiral by the king, which was distributed among the four ships. The 15. day in the morning, so ne of our boats were sent again to the shore for more fresh victuals, who returned at noon, and after dinner we weighed our anchors, and sailed from jaketra. The 16. day in the morning we let fall our anchors, because the weather was very dark: for we could not pass the neck of the land, which there stretcheth out, about some three leagues from Sakentra: at noon we sailed thence, but towards the evening we cast out our Ankers again. The seventeenth day we weighed our Ankers again, sailing, forward with a Northwest wind, and very fair weather. The 20. day of the said month we saw the Island called Lybock, and in the afternoon we saw that it lay Eastward of java, with three other small Islands: all this day we had the wind Westerly, for the most part keeping our course East, and East and by South. The 21. day the committees and Masters of the The 21. januarie 1599 we came before the Island Tuban. ships were commanded to come aboard the Admiral, where they sat together in counsel. The same day we made with the land, and in the night we came before a Town called Tuban. The 22. day in the morning, two long boats were manned and sent to the shore, with two of the under-committees, to see if they might there make any provision of fresh victuals. The same day in the evening, the long boats returned to the ships, bringing with them a Portugal gentleman of the Country, which had renounced the Christian religion, and taken upon him the religion of the Country. This said Renegado spoke with our Admiral, saying we should at that place have lading sufficient to our contentment, if we would slay there three or four months. The 23. day in the morning, a long boat with three cocke-boats rowed again to the shore, to buy Rice and other victuals. The same day in the evening, we saw many people assembling in every street with their weapons in very gallant comely sort after their manner, having very many Gentlemen among them on horseback, which could very well ride and manage their horses, in running, Tourneiss, breaking of lances, and hunting, which pastimes we saw the same evening on their market place. Tuban is a little Town, wherein is used a very large Description of Tuban. trade of all kind of Merchandise, as of Silks, Linen, Chamblets, and many garments, wherewith they cloth themselves, and of all other sorts of commodities. At this place is plenty of fresh victuals to be had. In this Town dwell many rich Gentlemen, using great trade in pepper, which they send to other Towns from thence in ships, which they call jonken: These gentlemen are marvelous proud and stout, their apparel is like unto theirs of Bantam, bragging with their daggers hanging at their sides. Also these gentlemen have many slaves and servants, insomuch as they go not once out of their doors, without x, or xx, persons following them, which wait with great diligence and care. The 24. day in the morning, two long boats rowed ashore to receive the king, for he had promised to come aboard, to see our ships, to which end our Vice-admiral went ashore with the said long boats, who was by the king brought into his palace, showing him all his wives, women and maidens, and all his horses, which were marvelous fair. At noon the Vice-Admiral returned aboard, the ships bringing the King's son with him, for the King himself would not come. In the evening we brought him again to the land, honouring him with sixteen great shot out of the 4. ships, wherein he received great pleasure and contentment. The description of Tuban, which is a Town situated in the Island called java Maior, where we arrived the 22. day of januarie, 1599 finding therein store and great plenty of fresh victuals. No. 3. THis Town of Tuban is a very fine place, or Town The situation of Tuban, and of the estate of the king and people ther. for trade in merchandise, walled round about, having gates of wood, made very trim and gallant after their country fashion, the King is a Prince of great power, and (as is there by the Inhabitants reported) he is the mightiest King of all the country of java, insomuch that when he goeth into the field, he is able to raise within the space of 24. hours, many thousand men, both on foot and horseback. The King holdeth himself very majestically, accompanied with many Gentlemen of great state and quality, his Court is royal, and very stately, worthy to be seen of strangers. In this Town dwell very many Gentlemen, which are great dealers in buying and selling of silks, Chamlets, Calikuthes, & of apparel which they use to wear, and are there made in the Country. They have ships, which they name in their language jonken, these ships they lad with pepper, sending the same to Baly, where they barter for slight or simple apparel made of Cotton Their dealings in trade of merchandise. cloth, or Callikuts, whereof great store are there made. And after they have so made change of their pepper for these wares, they send the same to Banda, Ternati, Phlippina and other adjoining Countries, rechanging that apparel for Maces, Nutmegs, and Cloves, and having laden their ships with those commodities, they return home. The common people for the most part get their living with fishing, and bringing up of cattle, whereof they have great plenty. They drive their cattle out in the morning, and in the evening they fetch them in again. They go appareled like unto those of Bantam, wearing a cloth about their middles, their bodies upward being naked, and a dagger which they call their Kriis at their side. Commonly the Gentlemen cast over their bodies a mantle made of Camel's hair, which they call a Pitguen, whereof, and of their daggers they are not a little proud. Such as are of any calling or countenance, have many servants and slaves, which wait on their masters at an inch, so that if they go but out of their houses, ten or twelve of these slaves follow them, and wheresoever they go, a small chest is carried after them with beet leaves, which they eat with chalk or lime and green Nuts, called in their language Ladon, the same being so chawed until all the moisture be out, they spit it out of their mouths. ❧ A declaration of the manner of their Horses, and comely fashion used in decking and trimming them, together with their order in Attorneys and running with their Lances, showed unto our Merchants the 23. day of januarie, to congratulate or welcome them, which was by those people accomplished very gallantly. THe Gentility of Tuban have great delight & pleasure Of their Horses, & how they are trimmed. in their Horses, for all such as are of any ability, will keep a horse, wherein they take great pride. Their Horse are of a very small stature, their legs are small, but they run very swiftly, using rich & costly Saddles made of Velvet, and some of Spanish Leather, painted with grisly Dragons & fearful Devils, for the most part gilded: the saddles are made like unto ours, but with lower backs behind the seat. Their bridles are garnished with precious stones, which are as white as Alabaster: the bits are also made very fine & costly, with 2. bosses of silver, whereof some are white & some gilded, according to th'estate & degree of the master or owner of the horse: some of those bosses are made of copper also, for the meaner sort of people. They ride oftentimes out of the town, 3. or 4 in a company more or less, bragging, outfacing, & bearding each other as they ride, run, or turn their horses, striving who can best run the ring, spring, leap, career, manage, force, and govern his horse, in the best and most gallant manner. Their Spears or Lances are commonly of a very light wood, made round & small which they use very finely & cunningly in all their Turnyes & warlike exercises, chase & running after each other with such fury, as if they had to do with their enemies, or meant the matter in good earnest: when the one cometh near unto the other, the hindmost (which runneth after the other) declining or abasing his staff, passeth forth before the other, then is he followed by him that was before the foremost, who setting spurs to his horse, & giving him the bridle, followeth as fast as his horse can run, until he be before him, & then the other followeth him again, bidding each other the base in this sort, until their The ma ner of running with their Lances on horseback. horses be wearied. This their manner of warlike exercise on horse back, we saw: there the 23. day of januarie, 1599 accomplish to by many gallant Gentlemen in the Market place, to honour and welcome our Merchants, who were there present, made to the end we might see their bravery & cunning in riding, whereat the king himself was present on horseback, whose apparel was a mantle or Pytgin of velvet, cast over his undergarment, & a dagger hanging by his side with a golden haft, having thereon the picture of a Devil. They had great changing of horses: for as soon as one horse was wearied, a fresh was presently brought, and the other led away: they showed themselves very magnificent and stately in their riding, running, and chase in this their warlike pastime. At this place we found great plenty of fresh victuals, as The fertility of the Country. 1599 24. januarie. Oxen, Goats, Hens, Eggs, Fish, & other fruits, as Cokar-nuts, Lemons, Bonanas, Maugas, & many other sorts, very good & wholesome to be eaten: also we bought very good Rice here at a reasonable price, so that we found this place very good and fit to make provision of fresh victuals. The said twenty fourth day in the night we hoist our sails, and departed thence with two of our ships, namely the Zealand and the Vice-admiral, for the Admiral and the Vtrecht remained there at Anchor, for they were to receive of the King, cattle and Rise, for certain wares which the King had bought of them. The 25. day at noontide we sailed by Sydago, where Schellinger was murdered in the first voyage: we passed forward along the coast, until we came under the shore of java, where we cast our anchors the same evening, (for we could not reach the corner or neck of the land, which stretcheth from Madura) where we sent out our boat to sound the depth, but returned the next morning to the ships with small intelligence, by reason that there grew a great storm. The 26. day, the Admiral and the Vtrecht came unto us, casting their Ankers under the land of java and Madura: for the water is very shallow before the strait of Madura, insomuch that our Admiral sat all the night aground, not receiving any hurt at all, for it was in that place a very soft clay ground. The 27. day in the morning, we and Melcknap sailed The 27 day we anchored in the straits of Madura, by reason of great tempests. thence, but the Admiral and the Vtrecht stayed behind, for our Admiral durst not venture over the shallows, but afterwards they sailed thence to the East end of Madura, and anchored before a little town called Arosby, to buy Rise and other fresh victuals. The same day at noon we cast our Ankers between Madura, and the Land of java, to wit, in the strait of Madura, where a mighty stream runneth, so that we were forced to stay for the Tide: at afternoon we sailed thence, and towards the evening let fall our Ankers before a little Town called jortan, where one of our Committees went ashore with the long boat, to inquire for a Pilot, to bring us unto the Islands of Moluccas, but returned the same evening with a Lamb, which the King had bestowed on our Vice-Admiral, not bringing any Pilot with them, which was the principal cause of our coming thither, for here at jortan is the Road, where all the ships of java lie. The 28. day in the morning, we sent a long boat to the shore to buy Rice and other necessaries, but they returned presently, bringing with them the Sabander, and in the afternoon the King's brother came aboard us, with a Present, which he gave to our Vice-Admiral. The same day, some of our company spoke with a Dutchman that dwelled there in the Country, exercising great trade in Pepper, Nutmegs and Cloves. The 29. day our long boat went ashore again, and bought all provision of fresh victuals. The 30. day we sent again to land to buy Rice, and to inquire after a Pilot, which we found: the same night came a boat aboard us with folk therein, showing us, that near forty of our men of the Admiral's ship and of the Vtrecht were taken, and imprisoned in a very strong little Town of the Country of Madura, called Arosbay. The 31. day, the before mentioned Renegado of Tuban, The king of Tuban sendeth a present to Grave Maurits. came to us at jortan, bringing from his King a very fair present to be delivered unto his princely Excellency, which was a Kriis or dagger, and two spears or lances made after their manner, very fair and costly: upon the handle of the dagger was the kings own counterfeit or picture, made all of pure gold, and set with precious stones, worth 500 Gildernes, or 50. pound starling, and the blade of the dagger was indented and made after their fashion. The first day of February we arrived before Madura, February. anchoring near unto our Admiral, having with us the Renegado of Tuban aforesaid, who had promised to do his best, to procure liberty to our imprisoned people, but found no good success, by reason that the King demanded so great a ransom for the prisoners, whereby we were driven to attempt by force to redeem our people, which fell not out to our best contentment, notwithstanding I will briefly relate the same unto the courteous Reader. A true declaration of our attempt in the Island of Madura, before a little Town called Mosbay, done by us for the releasement of our people (by force of arms) that were there imprisoned, and of our ill success in the said attempt. N o. 4. THe Island Madura lieth on the North side of java Maior, The situation of the Island of Madura. stretching out to the East end of java; The Inhabitants are appareled as the people of java: they are very industrious, and painful in all their actions. On the West end of Madura is situated a small town named Arosbay, strongly walled with gates and stages whereon they keep watch in the night, which are very fit, and aptly placed to serve them at such times as they are visited by their enemies. But to come to our purpose, and speak of our attempt, we will leave to speak any further of the situation of Arosbay. januarie 27. 1599 after we had anchored under the land of java, we found a mighty shallow or bank, which stretcheth out even unto the mouth of the strait of Madura, & so runneth forth to the land of java. This bank in some places is but six fathom deep, and in other places deeper or shallower as it may fall out, by reason whereof we were constrained to part company (as before is partly declared) concluding among ourselves, that the Vice-admiral (which was the Geldria, with the other ship called the Zelandia) should sail to the strait of Madura, (lying between the Island of java and Madura) to a little town named jortan, which is the place whereunto the Javanars come with their ships, attending there for a fair wind to go to the Islands of Moluccas. At this place therefore we meant to take in a Pilot, to bring us to the Islands of Moluccas: this was the only reason that brought us hither. In the mean while our Admiral and the Vtrecht, sailed to the West and of Madura, where they let fall their anchors before a small town called Arosbay, & sending their long boat to the said town, to buy Rise & other victuals, the mariners were no sooner landed, but they were all apprehended, unarmed, & taken prisoners, the most part of them spoiled of their apparel, and other rags given them to cover their bodies. The Admiral seeing that the said boat stayed so long away, and returned not, sent a cocke-boat with three men to the shore, to know the cause why the other stayed so long from the ships. These 3. men were no sooner come to the shore, but they were also taken prisoners by the inhabitants of the said town, and carried to their fellows. After that they were thus dealt with, the committees which were taken in this sort among the rest, obtained of the king licence to send 3. of their company unto their Admiral, to advertise him of this imprisonment, conditionally, that the said 3. men should presently return to the town, after they had been aboard their ship: which was accordingly agreed and accomplished. After that the Admiral understood of these proceed, he sent a boat unto the Vice-admiral to advertise him hereof. Who presently weighing his anchors, drove down the stream until he came before that said town Arosbay, where the mariners were imprisoned. Every day letters were sent to & fro, to come to some agreement for the liberty of our people: but that K. demanded a great ransom, namely the 2. black pieces of ordinance which were in the Admiral, some number of , & pieces of velvet, We 1000 rials of 8 This demand pleased the Admiral nothing at all, answering, that if they would content themselves with money or wares, he would with all his heart agree with them: but as touching the Ordinance by them demanded, they belonged not unto him, neither had he any power or authority over them▪ for they belonged unto his land, or state of whence he was. This manner of parley continued in this sort five or six days, and every day their demands were more unreasonable than other. In the end the Admiral called all the Merchants and masters aboard him, counseling together what was best to be done. Then they concluded to land some of their company, and with force of arms to deliver the prisoners, (for we were advertised, that our men were kept in the long boat wherewith they went ashore, as yet lying in the haven before the gate, without bonds, fetters, or close prison) meaning suddenly, and before they of the town should be able to prevent us, to deliver our men: but we failed of our purpose. The 5. day of February, after we had very well and in good order with 150. men manned and armed three long boats, and three ship boats, we rowed to the shore, where we found a great multitude of people before the town, among whom were two Portugeses, who came unto us with flags of peace or truce in their hands, saying they would agree with us: which was nothing but deceit and knavery, for they assembled themselves very strongly within the town. Whereupon some twenty of our muskeeteers leapt on land, discharging their muskets among the thickest, so that three or four of them fell down dead: and running towards the place where the long boat lay with the prisoners, our Vice-admiral called unto us to return into our own boat, and to bring her in nearer unto the town, which we did: in the mean while the townsmen were come out at another gate, meaning to environ us, and so to enclose us in the haven, that we should not be able to return. We perceiving their intent, sent presently two of our boats to the bome or bar, to keep the haven free for our return: for if the enemy could have possessed the corner, it would have returned to our great hurt. While we were thus in skirmish one with the other, they had cleared their brass Bases, discharging them very terribly among us, they had also many calievers, and great store of Bows and arrows, wherewith they shot among us, so that it seemed that arrows reigned upon us: they thought as soon as our powder was spent, to deal easily enough with us, but we stayed not so long, by reason that the weather began to grow very tempestuous, the water was much fallen, and beside we thought good no longer to hazard our lives in vain, wherefore we retired to our boats, and pulling up the dregs, rowed out of the haven towards our ships, for the wind began to rise more and more: and being some shot off from the land, the Admiral's boat with 36 men, and the boat of the Zealand with 13. men, were with the waves & billows turned topsie-furuy and overthrown: we that were in the other boats were not able to help them, for it was as much as we were able to do, to preserve our own boats above water, so that many a man came to his end by this mishap, some being drowned, and others killed by the wild people on the shore, but some that happened to swim to the one side of the town, were saved by the Renegado of Tuban, which stood by as the men came to land, and entreated for their lives, persuading the people to take them prisoners: whereupon they were suffered to come to the land: and kneeling on the ground, the people laid sand on their heads, in token that their lives were saved, but so many as swoome to the other side of the land, were put to the sword without mercy, Thus there died 25. of our men, to wit, 15. of the Admirals, one of john Martssens ship, & 9 of the Zealands. The prisoners were the same evening led through the town, and kept without the gates in a country house. The Trumpeter and the Corporal were bound and fettered, the rest were bound together, and three of them were shrewdly wounded, & those which we meant to have rescued, were carried to other places, separated in two companies. The 6. day they were removed from the place where 1599 the sixth of February. they were kept, and on the way met all together, except 6. which were led to another place, the rest were carried a mile into the Country, where they were put into a cave under the ground, and kept with a strong guard: here the Trumpeter and the Corporal were released of their bands and shackles. The 7. day they were brought again out of the den, The Prisoners are brought out of the den, & how it befell them afterwards. The prisoners raniome made for 2000 rials of eight. (the Trumpeter and the Corporal being led apart before the King) the said Corporal was by the king demanded if he would stay & serve him, promising to bestow on him 2. of his wives, & many other rewards. Whereunto the Corporal answered, his desire was rather to live with his fellows aboard the ship, hoping that his Captain would find means for his release, if it were possible. Then were they led again to their companion prisoners, and in the gate of the town they met the rest of their company, being then 51. in number all prisoners: from whence they were led all together to a little Islandlying on the towne-ditch, hard by the town, where they were night and day guarded with a strong watch. The eight day we began again to parley about the prisoners ransom: and in the end it was agreed to pay 2000 pieces of Rials of eight, in spice or in wares at the King's pleasure. The 9 day eight of the Prisoners were sent aboard, and their ransom carried a shore. The 10. day were 12. delivered, and their ransom sent to the King, and this continued the 11. and 12. unto the 13. day, until all the prisoners were released. The 14. day we had all our folk aboard, two except, whereof one was taken with the rest. the other had in the night hide himself, which too willingly remained behind, greatly to the disliking of our Admiral. The same day the Vtrecht discharged three pieces of Ordinance, for joy that our people were delivered, and having hoist our sails, departed thence, and the same evening came to the other ship: and sailing together in company, we shaped our course East and by North, along the coast of Madura, having the wind West south-west, at which time (our ships being under sail) our Master jacob Martssen died. A brief repetition of the Island of Madura. MAdura is a very fruitful land, having such plenty of Description of the Isle of Madura. Rise, that it spareth and nourisheth all the adjoining and bordering places thereabouts. This grain or Rise groweth there on a most fat fruitful clayey ground, comparable to any ground in our ground, and is so plentifully watered, that when the ground is ploughed, the Oxen and plowmen go in the water half knee deep or more, and the Rise like wise groweth knee high in great abundance, so that their neighbours cannot miss the help of this Island, but it wanteth shipping, by reason of the sands or shallows that stretch all along the coast thereof. The people thereof live most by thievery and spoil of others, taking with their small boats or praws, all they can get at Sea, as well from their neighbours, as from strangers, and yet their neighbours so rob and daily spoiled by them, dare not revenge themselves, for fear lest they should shut up the passages, and not suffer any thing to be transported out of their Country, whereby they should want means of sustentation and food: neither is it an easy matter to hurt them, for that no shipping can come near them. Touching their weapons and use thereof, they are like unto the same of java, as well for Elephants, Horses, Pikes, Lances, and Targets: and beside, they have the use of Curtelares and Daggers, with the devils picture on them. The King's servants are all Gentlemen, having their Kruiislen or Daggers trimmed and garnished with silver, but none else of the land may wear the like. The 15 day we cast the dead Shipper aforesaid overboard, within sight of the Cliffs of little java. The 16. day the Admiral's boat fetched the Vice-admiral aboard their ship, to choose new officers for the Admiral, in place of those that were lost at Madura: we held our course East and by North with a fine gale. The 17. and 18. days we had sight of the Island Celebes, keeping our course East, and East and by North. The 19 day in the morning, we saw the Island Combayna, which lieth some 18. leagues from Celebes, and the same day we had sight of another Island called Bouton, and stretcheth East Southeast from Combayna some eight leagues. The 20. day we sailed about the Island Bouton, A sandy bank not noted in the Card. where the Admiral called aboard him all the Masters and Committees, to advise themselves in their affairs. The 21. day in the morning, we were under the Island Cebesse, where we found a shoal, which appeared not unto us in the Card: we had sailed the same night beyond it above the length of a shot with a great piece, before we perceived the danger: wherefore we must acknowledge that the Almighty God preserved us. This bank or shoal is some two leagues long, stretching for the most part East and West, and aught to be regarded and well noted: it lieth between these two Islands Bouton and Cebessa, almost in the midway: here we found that our Compass drew again towards the north-east. The 22. and 23. days, the weather was rainy, we holding our course north-east towards Amboyna. The 24. day the Vice-admiral came aboard the Admiral, to confer with him, at which time the Commissioner of the Zealand was shipped into the Vtrecht, and the Commissioner of the Vtrecht was placed in the Zealand. The same day died a boy aboard our ship of the Bloody Flix, called Lieven Rooeckessen, and was keeper of the Masters Cabin: in the evening we threw him overboard. The 25. day we had sight of the Island Boora: in the 25. February, 1599 a quartermaster fell from the top into the sea. morning was a great gust of wind and rain, so that we were forced to take in our topsails: at which time one of the quartermasters fell out of the top into the Sea, but he chanced to hold fast by a small rope, whereby we haled him again into the ship without any hurt at all, which was greatly to be wondered at: for it blew so ●●out a gale, that we were hardly able to bear our courses: the wind came about to the south-west, we held our course north-east towards the next land in sight. The 26. and 27. days, the weather being calm, we drove along the shore of the Island of Blau, having now and then a small gale of wind, very variable. The 28. day in the morning, we rowed aboard the Admiral to fetch the Preacher: for there were two of our sailors, both young men, which desired to be instructed by him in some points of the Sacrament of Baptism, and to be baptised. The first day of March we arrived near under the March. Island of Blau, which lieth on the East end of Boera: then might we behold before us three other small Islands, the one called Atybotty, the second Manipa, and the third Gyra: these little Islands lie before Amboyna. The second day we sailed beyond Blau, and towards the evening came two Prawes or little boats unto our Admiral, refusing to come into his ship, but kept themselves behind, and lying by the Admiral's boat: in the mean while the Vice-admiral sent his boat aboard the Admiral, to know what news those Prawes brought: but so soon as they marked that our long boat rowed towards the Admiral, they presently rowed away in all haste towards the shore, we holding our course directly towards Amboyna. The third day in the morning, we came before the Strait of Amboyna, which was very narrow, after we were entered into the mouth thereof, the weather fell calm, so that we drove back again, by reason of the strong stream or currant. About noon there came three Prawes or small boats aboard us from a little town called Matel, lying on the Mountains of Amboyna, and in the evening we came before a little town called Itou or Iton, situated in the Island of Amboyna. The description of the Island Amboyna, and the situation thereof, with the weapons, behaviour, and inclination of the people, of their going in their apparel, and manner of their Galleys. THis Island Amboyna lieth near so the Islands of The situation of Amboyna. Moluccas, about some 24. leagues from the Northwest side of Banda. In this Island groweth great plenty of Cloves, and great abundance of fruit, as Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Cokars, Bononas, Sugarcanes, and such like, which things are to be had there marvelous cheap, for a man may have 80. Orringes for a button, insomuch that here we found ourselves wonderfully accommodated with all kind of fresh victuals. The inhabitants are very simple people, their apparel for the most part like to theirs of Banta, and so go likewise all the people of the Islands of Moluccas, they live for the most part by the trade of Cloves, near and hard in their dealings: their weapons are commonly Pikes, the end armed with iron, in manner of a broad arrow head, or of an harping iron, which they throw with great strength and assurance, insomuch that they will hit the breadth of a dallar: they use also shields in their wars, and Curtelaxes. The poorer sort of people commonly carry a great knife in their hands, wherewith they do their work. They bake great Cakes of Rise, with Sugar and dry Almonds, which they carry to the adjoining Islands to sell or change for other wares. They use much Rise in making of great loaves of bread, after the shape and fashion of a Sugarloaf, which commonly they eat as bread with other meats. They have also the use of Galleys, whereof they are very proud, and boast not a little of them: they row them marvelous swiftly, and are made after the shape and fashion of a Dragon: before is a Dragon's head, and at the stern it is shaped like unto a Dragon's tail, hanged and decked with flags and pendons, as we ourselves saw when we came first before Amboyna, at what time the Admiral of the Seas there, came aboard us, with 3. very rich & gallant Galleys, full of men, & well appointed, which they call in their language Karkollen: they rowed about our ships with great joy & mirth, singing, and playing upon Copper Basins, & long Droomes, which they carry under one arm, and with one hand they played upon the Droome in accord with the sound of the Basins, whereunto the slaves sung likewise in accord as they rowed, which was very pleasant to hear. Every one of these Karkollen or Galleys had 3. Bases, all which they discharged to honour and welcome us: we discharged also all our Ordinance, to congratulate and answer their courtesy, and then let fall our Ankers, keeping good watch all the night, for we understood that they kept a watch all night on the shore, which we might easily discern. Afterwards the Admiral came aboard us, demanding to what end we came thither, and what we desired. Whereunto was answered, that we came in trade of Merchandise, & to that end had brought with us all sorts of Merchandise: with which answer he seemed to us to be glad, willing us to come aland, where he would agree with us. The next day the Vice-admiral went ashore to accord & conclude some great bargain, where he was in very friendly sort welcomed and received, bringing him into a Tent made of their sails under a tree, where they conferred with each other about trade and full lading of our ships. Another description of the Island Amboyna, where we arrived with our four ships the third day of March, 1599 Together with the manners and fashions used by the people of the country. No. 5. IS a Boor, or country man dwelling in some country town or village, as he goeth to his labour in the woods or forests, commonly carrying a knife in his hand. Is a common man, that is of some better quality than the other, with a pike about some saddome & a half long, which they commonly carry with them, in casting whereof (with great force) they are very expert. Is a woman going to the market to sell her wares, carrying the same with her band aloft. Is the Admiral of the sea, as he bseth to go with his servants after him, whereof one holdeth a Tiresol or Canopy over his head. His apparel is a Pitgin with wide sleeves, which commonly he turneth up upon his shoulders, having a coat made of silk, most like to the fashion used by the Portugeses. Is the Galleys which they name Karkollen; they row them very swiftly, and are made after a marvelous Anno 1599 March. 4. great store of fruit brought aboard. strange manner and fashion. THe 4. day in the morning, great store of all sorts of fruits were brought aboard our ships to truck, as Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Cokars, Bononas, & many others, which they sold us very good cheap: for, for one Cinne spoon we had so great store of all sorts of fruits, that we knew not what to do there with. They brought us also great plenty of their bread to be sold for money or in change, the same was made with almonds and sugar, very medicinable for a lose belly, wherewith our people were vexed. Towards the evening we removed more Eastward off the Town, where our ships might have better road, for we lay first at 36. fathom, very ill ground, but now we road at 50. fathom sandy ground. The 5. day the Admiral of the sea came aboard to view The Admiral of the sea cometh aboard our ships. our ships, wondering not only at our great Ordinance, muskets and other artillery, but also that we were so well provided of all other necessaries, he was a very ready man with a piece, wherein he took most delight. The 6. day in the morning the Vice-admiral with 3. of the committees went ashore, to confer with the Captain, and to know whether we could there be provided of sufficient lading for our ships or no. After that they were landed, they were met by the chief Lords of the Land, saluting and reverencing each other after their Country manner, showing themselves very glad of our coming, and said that we should there have sufficient freight for two of our ships, which we were very glad to hear: afterwards, bringing the Vice-admiral under a place of shadow from the Sun, they remained together in conference near 3. hours. In the afternoon the Vice-admiral returned to the ships, bringing with him the King of Ternates his brother, with many gentlemen desirous to see our ships: and afterwards, toward the evening they returned to the shore, at what time we honoured them with five great shot, whereof two were laden with bullets, for so they had desired of the Admiral. The seventh day in the morning, they brought us great store of fruit aboard our ships, offering the same in change. The 8. day in the morning, our under-committees were sent ashore, to speak to the Governor of the land for an house to lay in our wares, which was presently granted, and to that end one appointed us. The 9 day all the Committees and Masters were aboard the Admiral, where they deliberated and conferred together, what ships should be chosen to seek their lading at some other place, for we understood that here we should not find sufficient freight for all our four ships. The same day about noon Carpenters were sent aland, to repair and make fit the house which was appointed us for our wares. The 10. day justice was executed in our ship the Gelderland. The same day store of fruits was brought aboard our ships, and we were very earnest to hasten the repairing of the house. To the Reader. THe Gentle Reader may please to understand, that the four ships (namely the Amsterdam, the Vtrecht, the Zealand, and the Gelderland, arrived the third day of March before Amboyna, where, perceiving that they should not find sufficient lading for all the four ships, after consultation had, it was determined to separate the ships, & to send 2. of them to Banda, namely the Zealand, whereof john Cornelissen was Master, & the Gelderland, whereof john Bruiin was Master. The eleventh day of March therefore, these said two Ships set sail from Amboyna, leaving the other two Ships behind them, the which remained there two months after: where leaving them, we will proceed with the navigation of the other two towards Banda, declaring unto you the rich and speedy lading which they there found, and afterwards return to speak of the navigation of those other two, to wit, of the Amsterdam, whereof Claes janssen Melknap was master, and of the Vtrecht, whereof john Martssen was Master, who also departed from Amboyna the 8. day of May toward the Islands of Moluccas. Thus much I thought good to note unto the favourable Reader, that he might the better read and understand the order, and whole discourse of this Voyage made by the 8. ships, which sailed from Amsterdam the 13. day of March 1598. to the East Indies. THe 11. day of March at afternoon we parted from 1599 March 11. our consorts at Amboyna towards Banda, but the Zealand lay still, by reason that she could not weigh her anchor: wherefore we were feign to stay until the ship was lighted: for in that place is very bad anchoring, and we imagined that the Cable was wound about some stone: wherefore that night we turned to and fro to have his company. The 12. day in the morning, the Zealand with our 1599 March. 12. ship the Gelderland, set sail together, but for that it was calm weather, we could not make any way. The 13. day about noon the Zealand came aground in the strait of Ceru, near an Island called jelau, where a mighty currant runneth, and the weather very calm, so that the stream drove her upon the bank, which lieth before this little Island: but God blessed her, sending a fine gale, whereby she presently got out an Anchor, and so wound her off. Thus with great joy and comfort we sailed forth together. At after noon, two Praus or Boats came aboard us, telling us that there lay a Portugal ship under the Island of Noesau: which Island lieth in the mouth of the strait of Cera, towards the east end of Amboyna? the people whereof are Cannibals, or devourers of man's flesh. The. 14. day very calm, with a fine gale towards the evening from the northwest, we holding our course southeast towards Banda: The same evening we had sight of the Island Banda, lying from us southeast. In the night time we came by an Island called Loel Setton, lying on the Northwest end of Banda about some 5. Leagues. This little Island is not inhabited, neither dare any man A strange tale, if it be true. presume to come into it (as our Pilot reported, that was in our Ship.) The people are wonderfully afeard thereof: for they are of opinion, that it is the habitation of Satan, in so much that when they approach near unto this Island with their shipping, they know not how to make haste enough to pass from or by it: which we might easily perceive by our Pilot, who took a Boate-hooke in his hand, placing himself before in the Ship, where he stood drawing and pulling the hook towards him, imagining that thereby we should the sooner leave the land behind us: but after he was weary with pulling, he laid the hook before over the Ships side, not suffering us to take the hook away before we were passed this little Island: and when it was a little calm & still weather, this pretty fellow went whistling with his mouth up and down the Ship, meaning therewith to call and entice the Devil: whereby we saw that these people were very weak of belief. The 15. day we saw two islands more, lying south-west of Banda some league and a half: the one is called Polleway, and the other Polleruyn, which lie some half a league distant from each other. At Noon came aboard us one of the Praus full of people, from the Island Polleruyn: they are very nimble and lusty men: they were appareled with a garment made of Cotton cloth: their weapons were Pikes, which they throw with their hands. In the evening we let fall our Anchor in the River of Banda, The 15. day we came into the River of Banda, but the Zealand stayed yet behind, by reason the weather was so calm and still. The same evening came many Boats aboard us, telling us that there had been 2. Portugal Ships laden there, and that it was three Months since they departed thence: and they brought with them great plenty of Nutmegs, Maces, & Cloves: and said there was lading plenty to freight our Ships. The 16. day about noon, the Sabander came aboard to speak with the Vice-Admiral, at which instant Melcknap let fall his Anchor by us, at 14. fathom sandy ground. The. 17. day an other Sabander came aboard us from a little Town called Ortattan: we offered to bestow on him a present, but he refused it, saying he would the next day come again aboard us. The. 18. day the Sabander came again aboard us, Agreement made with the Sabander for liberty of trade. A Baer is 100 li. of their weight. with whom it was agreed freely to buy and sell, and to trade with all Merchants at that place, paying 4. Baers of Maces for Anchorage and Toll, or Custom, of our goods: promising us a Warehouse to lay our Merchandise in. Towards the evening he returned to land, & we honoured him with the ten pieces of ordinance. The. 19 day out two Commits went a shore with Carpenters to mend and repair our Warehouse. The. 20. day the great Turk of Bantam came aboard us, to speak with our Admiral, saying, we should have store of Merchandise there to lad our Ships. The. 23. day we began first to discharge and carry some goods a shore, into the Town Ortattan. The. 24. day we began first to buy and sell. The. 25. day the Vice Admiral sailed to the other side We began to buy and sell. of the Island, meaning there to hire an house, because more resort of people was on that side then else where: for there all the ●auaners dwell, which bring yearly Merchandise thither, and are great dealers. The. 26. day we began to trim and Kauke our ship, that we might be ready as now & then to take in lading. The. 27. day they began to buy and sell on the other side of the Island, in a little Town called Nera. The. 28. day we began first to rummege our hold, to take in lading as it came aboard, receiving the same day Our first sales, buy, and time that we began to lad. store of Nutmegs and Maces. The. 29. and 30. days we were busy on all hands in buying and selling. The 31. day the other Ship took in her first lading, to wit, Nutmegs. The. 1. 2. & 3. days of April we were all very busy, & April. occupied about the sale of our wares & buying commodities. The. 4. day we received letters from our Admiral lying before Amboyna, advertising us that there was little lading to be had there, by reason that the Inhabitants had great wars with the Portugeses, who finding themselves grieved with our being there, sought to have our trade forbidden at that place, & that our people should not there come a shore: for the Portugeses had a little Castle on the west side of Amboyna, wherewith they greatly annoyed the people of the Country. The. 5. day they of Nera took our weights from us, forbidding us to use our trade any longer, until we had agreed with the Gentlemen, for they sought & demanded to have some benevolence or reward bestow upon them, whereupon we shut up our doors. This, 6. day of April, we received the first goods aboard The. 6. day of March 1599 the weights were taken from us by those of Nera, our Ship from Ortattan, namely Nutmegs. The. 7. day the Commissary of the Zealand went ashore at Nera, where he agreed with the Gentlemen to bestow on them 60. li, of Mace: whereupon, the weights were again delivered unto us, with licence to buy and sell, as dear and as good cheap as we could. The. 8. day we laboured on all hands to discharge and land our commodities. The. 14. day we sent our long Boat manned with 14. men to Amboyna, to understand how all things went with our Admiral. The 26. day the said long Boat returned from our Admiral, declaring that he had not aboard the Ship above 5. Last of Cloves: but that he hoped very shortly to have more. The. 28. and. 29. days, we were very busy on shore in buying and selling, and we began as well as our other Ship did, to buy of the ●auaners, Maces, Nutmegs, The price of Nutmegs Cloves and Mace. and Cloves: we bought the Baer of Mace for 60. pieces of rials of eight, the Baer of Cloves for 45. Rials of eight, and the Baer of Nutmegs for 6. Rials of 8: a Baer is 100 li. of Bandas' weight: every pound is five pound and a quarter of Holland's weight. These prizes lasted not long, for they sought to enhance their Spices. This month we laboured daily in discharging and landing our merchandise, battering the same for Nutmegs, Cloves & Mace: our goods was in great estimation, and good request, going so fast from us, that we could hardly serve the buyers, & so continued all day from morning to the evening, weighing with two pair of balances as fast as we could weigh, insomuch that sometimes in one day we received a Last of goods, & some days two Last: which we thus weighed and received by small weights. From the first to the last day of May, we continued May. these affairs, daily sending aboard and lading our Ships. The. 8. day a great mighty Snake of II. foot long came creeping in at the hance of the Zealand: which the company killed and did eat. The. 5. of june they of Labbetacken came with four june. Galleys before Nera, skirmishing with the inhabitants of the said town of Nera, where some men were slain and many hurt. Nowbeit that these two towns lie so near together, that a man may go between them in an hour space, or there about: they are mortal enemies to each other, not sparing one the other upon any opportunity or advantage that they can take, keeping very strong watch in the woods, and on the shores, where they wait for their enemies. They use shields about some four foot long, with very heavy Sables or Curtelaxes, the haftes or handels whereof are covered with tin, and are very cunning and expert in the use of them. They have some calivers and Baesses of brass, which they use in their Galleys, and for defence of their towns: when they go into the field against their enemies, every man carrieth with him two Darts, or javelling, made of very hard wood, some fathom and a half long: in casting whereof they are so perfect and exact as may be, yea, they throw them with such force, that they slay their enemies therewith: and having spent their darts, they draw their Sables: wherewith, and with their shields, they stoutly encounter each other pell-mell. They have also Calivers as is aforesaid, but not many. They make great account of Salads and head pieces: for if they get one of them on their heads, they think themselves well defended from all perils. The same day was our Vice Admiral on the strand amongst them in the skirmidge. The. 17. day in the morning they of Nera, Lontoer, They of Nera make a road with their galleys upon their enemies, & of their success. and Pollerbay, went out with their Galleys to a little Island called Waiter, where they slew certain of the people, whose heads they hung about their Galleys in despite of those of Labbetacke, wherewith they returned to Nera with great pride and glory, carrying their naked sword openly through the streets embrewed with the blood of their enemies. Some of these their enemies heads they buried, wrapping them first with Callicute cloth, before they put them into the earth. The. 29. day, the Zealand took in her last lading of Mases and Nutmegs: on which day, our workmen laboured mightily on the House, which our Admiral caused to be built for such as were appointed to remain there. The first day of july, we also of the Gelderland took july. in our last and full lading. The. 2. day of july our vice Admiral went a shore The Admiral taketh his leave of the Sabander & Gentlemen. to take his leave of the Sabanders and Gentlemen, and to desire their help and favours to those that should there remain of our people, which they promised to accomplish: so after the Admiral had bestowed on them sundry gifts and rewards, he took his leave, and at after noon set sail, but within a while after was forced to cast his Anchor, for that he saw not well how to get out. The description of the Island of Banda, (which lieth 4. degrees and a half Southward of the equinoctial line) of their religion, apparel, disposition, and inclination: together with their weapons, and order of wars, used by them against their enemies. THe Island Banda, lying some 24. leagues The Island Banda is some so leagues in compass. from Amboyna (bringeth forth great plenty of Maces and Nutmegs) and containeth some 5. leagues. The people being at wars continually among themselves are severed into three factions: the chief Town whereof, is called Nera. Among all the Islands of Moluccas, this Island yieldeth the greatest quantity of Nutmegs, insomuch that the people of I ava, Malacca, China, and many other neighbouring Islands, do here use and exercise very large trade in buying and selling, bringing hither their goods and merchandises from all places: where, after they have stayed two or three months, and made sale in barter, or otherwise, they return home in their shipping: using at their first coming, to buy a Woman to do their business, and dress their victuals: but when they have finished their affairs, and are ready to departed thence, they cast off the said Woman to go where she will, until the next year, that they come thither again. The most part of the Inhabitants are commonly Heathens, of Mahomet's religion or belief, wherein they have so great devotion, that they will not go the watch, or return from it, before they have made and poured out their prayers & orisons in their Temples, which in their speech they call Musquita, always washing their feet before they enter into their said Musquitas, (for commonly they have great pots filled with water before their said Musquitas) wherewith they cleanse & wash themselves: which done, they go into the Church or temple, where pouring out their prayers with cry & howlings, yea so loud, that a man may hear them very easily above 20. houses from their Musquitas, pronouncing these words for the most part two or three times: Stofferolla, Stofferolla, Ascehad an la, Ascehad an la, Ill la, Ascehad an la, Ill lol la, Ill lol la, Machumed die rossulla. And as they pronounce the last word, they strike their face with their hand: in which cerrimonie, they have great devotion. They use also other prayers, which they utter not with voice, but mumble them and jumble them softly to themselves in a very strange manner: such prayers ended, and having spread a mat on the earth, they stand thereon, casting their eyes twice or thrice up toward the heavens, and then falling on their knees, they lay their heads three or four times on the ground. This ceremony they use often, both in their Musquitas, in their houses, & also openly abroad. The Inhabitants meet often times together in their Musquitas, bringing their victuals with them: where they make good cheer, and feast one another. They use the like feastings oftentimes in the Woods, assembling sometimes 100 persons in a company, to make good cheer, and to be merry together: of such assemblies they make great account, taking great delight, pleasure, and contentment therein: and commonly such meetings are used, when they will confer together of common wealth matters, and such like, of some weight or moment. They make sharp wars one against an other, yea the towns lying scant a mile or league distant from each other, are divided. This enmity hath continued long & many years in this Island, for that they of Lambetack (a town situated some little league from Nera, the principallest town of the whole Island) heretofore cut down, or overthrew certain trees within the circuit or liberties of Nera: from hence I say, such mortal hate, and bloody wars hath so long since taken such deep root in the hearts of those people, that never since they could be reconciled, but without all mercy, or sparing one another, or keeping of any quarter, upon all advantages & stratagems, they murder and kill one an other like Dogs, as we in the time of our being there, have often and sundry times seen. In the night they keep very strong watch as well in the woods, as within their towns, calling & crying one to an other all the night long, to th'end they should not fall a sleep. Now when they mean to make any attempt, or to take any enterprise in hand, commonly they come with their Galleys, which they row so swistly as a Ship can sail with a reasonable gale of wind. These Galleys do great service: neither are they altogether ignorant in the use of their Baesses, whereof every Galley hath two of brass. They use also Handgunnes, or calivers, in their wars, with sundry other instruments and weapons, as Shields, with a great Sable, called in their language Padaug, which they handle and use in very good sort, teaching their children while they are young, to fight & play at fence. They have also Pikes commonly in their wars, made of very hard wood, which they cast very certainly and near, as we ourselves have often times seen. They have also an other kind of weapon most common & usual among them, the end is of Iron, made like unto a small harping-yron, wherein they put a stick, fastening thereunto a little thin chord, which they throw into the bodies of their enemies when they come near together, and draw it to them again with the string: when they go against their enemies, they set a murrion or head piece upon their head, whereof they have good store among them, wearing in them commonly a Paradise bird in stead of a feather, thinking themselves sure and safe enough when they have such an helmet on their head. Some of the Gentlemen have corselets or harness, wherein they think they can take no hurt of their enemies. Now when they enterprise any attempt with their Galleys, they make a most hideous noise with crying, calling, hooping, hallowing, playing on Drums, and Basin, as if they were all out of their wits: the Gentlemen (standing aloft in the Galley with their weapons in their hands) make many crooked leaps, springing this way & that way: he which can spring best, thinks himself the trimmest fellow, and is not a little proud thereof. On the sides of the Galleys are stages of Canes, made to pass even with the water, whereon the slaves sit to row, or rather skoope & shovel the water, for in stead of Oars they use shovels made of wood, 2. or 3. sitting together, shovel up the water, & casting the shovel over their heads, pour out the water over the side of the Galley: in doing whereof, they make a wonderful noise with singing, after their manner: others sitting by them, which play upon Drums, & sometimes upon Basins also. They are very subtle and The disposition & inclination of the people. stout men in their wars, seeking and visiting their enemies with great courage and assurance, as we saw ourselves at what time they of Labbetacke came with four Galleys before Nera, even right before our lodging, offering skirmish most bravely to each other on the land, wherein some were slain & some hurt. This spited the inhabitants of Nera, who in revenge, taking the opportunity of The attempt of the people of Nera against their enemies of Waygar. the time rowed out the next morning with 5. Galleys to a little Island named Waygar (the people whereof kept watch that night in Labbetacke (for they are confederates, & hold with those of Labbetacke) where they put to the sword most of the people that were in the said Island, bringing their heads from thence with them to Nera, fastened one by another to a rope, for their greater glory & triumph, which they hold with all their pomp of flags, streamers, banners, pennons, & banderels, shooting very lustily with their Baesses that lay in their Galleys. They also brought with them a woman prisoner, which the Sabander of the Island kept for his slave. They also brought an other woman with them, but they cut her in the middle in two pieces with a Sable or Curtlar, in so much that they lived most beastly with the people, whereby we might see that they were a most bloody & tyrannical nation. But not contented that they had thus butcherly prayed upon their neighbours, and murdered them, 5. or 6. days after in despite of their enemies, they went up & down the streets bragging, with their weapons yet red with the blood of their enemies, for in such bloody actions they take a marvelous pride, especially that they had so well effected this bloody stratagem: yet not withstanding this their mortal hatred, they buried the heads of their slain enemies very honourably, the order whereof was thus. After that they were with their Galleys returned, the heads being orderly placed on a staff, fastened thereunto (as before is said) with a rope, they are brought before the house of the Sabander or Governor, and laid upon a great stone under a Tree, to the view of all the people, that they might see how valiantly they had behaved themselves against their common enemies: whence (after they had so lain the space of an hour) they were taken, and wrapped in Callicute, or cloth made of Cotton, and laid in a platter, & so carried to the place of burial: & being put into the earth, they burned great store of frankincense over the graves, according to the manner and custom of the Country. Furthermore, when a man dieth, the women that are Their ceremonies used over the dead. allied in friendship or kindred, weeping and lamenting, call and cry to the dead corpse very loud, thinking with such calling and mourning that the Course shall again receive life: but seeing that it remaineth dead, without mourning they prepare are a great Banquet, inviting all their friends, and such as accompanied the dead corpse to the funeral, which is carried upon men's shoulders, in such sort as is commonly used in our Country, but that they lay a white piece of Callikute over the dead: then is the corpse followed to the Grave first by the men, and the women after: the dead being laid into the earth, they burn Frankincense one whole day and night thereover, put into a vessel for that purpose: and under a penthouse, or such like, which is made over the grave, burneth a Lamp all night▪ the next day in the morning after the burial, come thither all the common people, Gentlemen, and others, making their prayers over the Grave: which manner of ceremony they keep and observe for many days. These things we saw and beheld with our eyes, and demanded of them why they used such kind of ceremonies: They answered interogatively, demanding of us if we did not the like when any died in our Country. We demanded further, what they prayed over the dead▪ Their answer was, that the dead might not rise again: which they steadfastly believe, supposing that if they should not so pray over the Grave of the dead, he would again revive: such is their lamentable misbelief. In this Island are many old folk, for their great years very lusty and well disposed: for we How the women employ themselves in their houses have often times seen a man there of 130. years old, yea and many others of great years. They live by the profit of their fruits, The women do there the work & labour, while the men walk idly up and down the streets: they never walk abroad with their husbands, but keep at home at their work and business, as drying of Nutmegs, and shaleing the same: wherein, and in other such like, they employ their time. Hereafter followeth the way of the Island of Banda, which lieth about some 24. leagues from Amboyna. No. 6. The signification of certain Pictures or Counterfeits, according to the letters A. B. C. etc. as followeth. No. 7. SIgnifiyng the order used by the Admiral in his landing, to make agreement with them for trade, where he was very gladly and friendly entertained with great honour and reverence, bringing him into a Tent made of Sails, placed under the trees, and fastened from one tree to an other: under which they sat. Is the Governor of the Land: a very old man. Is the King of Ternati his brother. Is the Vice-admiral, with an Interpreter standing behind him, which interpreted all matters unto them. Are Gentlemen, sitting in company under the Tent. Is the Admiral of Sea there, standing a part in the side of the Tent with his servants. Is the Governor, his house. Is the common people, sitting with them in the side of the Tent, to hear what was said, Are Hollanders with their Trumpets, appointed now and then to sound, wherein these Nobles and the rest, took great pleasure & delight, wondering greatly thereat. A description how those of Banda use to make themselves terrible unto their enemies, when they join in fight. No. 8. COmmonly when the people of Banda enterprise any matter of warfare, they have great assembles and meetings: the reason, whereof is, the Island having 5. or 6. Towns, and (as I said before) being severed into three parts or factions, deadly hate and malice each other. Nera is the principallest Town of the Island, Labbetacke, Combeer, & Waeyer, Towns of the same Island, join together in mortal hatred against the Nerans. On the other part, Lontoor, lying on the other side of Nera, with two other Islands lying some league from Banda, called Pollevine, and Poelway) hold and take part with the Nerans. Now when any of these confederates pretend any attempt against those of Labbetacke they come with their Galleys to Nera, where the people of Banda provide a Banquet, even against the instant that the execution of their attempt is appointed, inviting all their people thereunto, & holding the same openly in the streets: and sitting side by side, there is brought and laid before them a piece of a leaf of the Bonanas' plant, for or in stead of a trencher, with a piece of their bread (which they call Sago:) then is set before every one a mess of sodden Rise in a dish or porringer made of the leaf of a tree, and therein a bit of flesh, whereunto they fall with good appetite, like ravening beasts, casting the Rise with their fingers into their mouths: in the mean season, and while they sit thus at their victuals, commonly the Gentlemen with their weapons in their hands, come into the streets where this good cheer is kept, dancing and fight (as they dance) one with an other, while their drums and basins, standing one against an other, make them music: after the sound whereof they dance, and play at fence, until they are weary: then are their weapons taken from them, & they led thence to their houses, in whose place an other dancer succeed: and thus continueth as long as they are at their banquet. No. 9 The Galleys of Banda used by them in their wars, (called in their language Caracora) are light and swift, neither are they unexpert to row them in very good order. They make them commonly weak of timber, cut out of one piece for the inner part of the Galley: the outside is made of planks, lined upon the joints, and bound together with roopes: and commonly the same roopes are fastened thereunto with the lyninges, every lining is some fathom one from another: in the finishing whereof, the lyninges are so placed, that they lie level upon every plank, which are pinned in the inside of the Galley on both sides of the lyninges, for the strengthening & binding together of the work: then they Rauke her with a certain substance made of the inner bark or peeling of the Indian Nut-tree (which they call Clappus) after the same hath been beaten with an hammer until it be like unto Tow. Pitch they have none, but instead thereof, they daub all the seams, chinks, and joints, with lime, tempered with some other substance, which lieth so fast that the water cannot wash it away. A. Is a slave of Banda (which they call Leschar) coming from the Garden with fruit, and wine of Palm, which they themselves drink. B. A poor Woman coming from the wood with all kind of fruits, which the carrieth to the Market to sell, having the same in a Mat made of Canes, which they carry behind them, fastened for their ease to a hood on their heads, hanging down at their backs. No. 10. Is the description of our House in Nera, wherein was our Warehouse to buy and sell in, for money or in barter, showing how the people came to the same, bringing their wares to be weighed. Their weights are just and true, called Katti in their language. One pound of their weights maketh five pound and a quarter of our pounds. The Beam is made of wood which we received with the weights of the Sabander or Governor: after which weight, all others that they use are made. No. 11. A little Turk named Goeytyen, of whom we bought much wares, and received great friendship. A Gentleman, as he goeth in the streets with a slave after him, commonly appareled after their manner, whereof they are very proud. A woman of Banda, as she goeth in the streets with a woman slave (commonly) weighting on her, which carrieth a Hat for her. Mistress to keep her from Sun burning when she putteth off her tire. No. 12. Is a Map, showing the manner of their Football play, spurning the Ball one to the other standing round, and one man in the middle: one of them smiteth the Ball first to his fellow as high as a man is able to throw it. It is made of Spanish Reed, interlaced one with another, of the fashion of a Sylera mundi, being a great shame and reproach to him that misseth and hitteth not the Ball with his foot when it cometh to him, for then the rest and others standing by mock him, and laugh him to scorn. This play is greatly esteemed among them: sometimes they will spring & leap up, and hit the Ball as it reboundeth: and sometimes turn themselves round about as the Ball reboundeth, and yet smite the Ball to his fellow before it shall come to the ground. No. 13. When the Inhabitants of Banda go out in Warfare, they carry a Shield in one hand and a Sabel in the other, which they call Padaug: and commonly they have also a Spear or Pick, which they cast at their enemies: and after the same is so cast, they use their Sables, which they hold with their hand behind the Shield until they have discharged themselves of the Pick. The. 5. day of july in the morning, we set sail and Anno. 1599 the 5. day of july we set sail from Banda. departed from Banda, discharging all our Ordinance for our farewell: which they liked very well. About noon we were past Banda, and directed our course Northwest towards Amboyna, with a fair gale. The. 4. day in the morning, we saw the Island Noeseleau, the Inhabitants whereof are Cannibals, or eaters of man's flesh: from thence we sailed to the strait of Cera, but by reason of the storm that we then had, we were fallen too low, missing the right channel or entrance, wherefore we turned up and down, thinking to pass at the Western gap of Amboyna, but the wind came contrary, with very foul weather, raining, lightning, and thundering, so that we were forced to take in our Sails. The 6. day we shot off two pieces before the Western gap of Amboyna, to th'end that the Master and Commits of the Zealand should come a board to consult together what was to be done, and it was thought best to set our course towards java, for we could not reach Amboyna, where our Admiral lay. We sailed for the most part South, and South and by West. The 7. day we had a fine gale from the Southeast, holding our course all the forenoon South South west: and at after noon we haled in our Sheets, and held our course West South west, the weather fair. The 8. and 9 days, we held our course West South west: at after noon we took the height, and found 4. degrees and an half Southward of the line equinoctial. the weather being very fair. The 10. day we continued our course West South west: we had sight of the Island Cebesse, and perceived that it was parted in 7. or 8. little parts or portions, with a great neck or corner lying out 6. or 7. leagues in length, wherefore we durst not sail forwards that night. The 11. day in the morning, we held our course West South west and South west towards the Island Bouton. And at noon taking the height, found 6. degrees about the midst of Bouton. The 12. day in the morning we sailed beyond the Island Combayna. At noon we took in our sails, and lay still until the last quarter before day, that we might be before the strait of Celebes by day light, for in that place it is narrow. The 13. day in the evening we passed the strait of Celebes, and found that there ran a mighty stream or currant. The 14. day in the morning it was calm, and at after noon it began to blow a little gale. The 15. and 16. days, we made a great way, holding our course most West, and South west and by South: and sometimes West and by North. At after noon we saw two small Islands, the one lying from us South South east, and the other South South west. The 17. day we took the height, finding 7. degrees lacking one quarter. At noon we had sight of the East end of Madura, lying South west off us. We held our course along the coast of Madura West, and West and by South. The 18. day in the evening we were hard by the town of Arosbay, lying on the West end of Madura: in which place, we lost our men outwardly bound, as is before declared. The 19 day we were against the land of juban and Sydaye, holding our course West and by North: and at after noon North west, towards the high land of japan. The 20. day we saw the high land of japan. The same evening died one of our Mariners, called Renier Reyneirszen vander Schellingh. The 21. day we drove in the calm under the high land of japan. The 25. day we held our course directly, for we knew not where we were. Towards the evening we saw the Islands of jaketra. And the same night we let fall our Anchors. The 26. day in the morning we set sail again, and had sight of the east corner of jaketra. And in the after noon we Anchored before jaketra. The 27. day our Boat rowed a shore to buy fresh victuals. The 28. and 29. days we were busy to make provision of victuals, as Rice, Hens, Coquers, and such like. The same day the King sent a young steer to our Vice-admiral. The. 30. day our Boat went again a shore to buy Rice, for there were two Ships come thither with Rice, which came in good season for us. The 1. 2. and 3. days of August, we spent in buying August. 1599 of fresh victuals. In the evening came to us from Bantam a long Boat from the Ships of Zealand, the long Bark and the Sun, showing us that they had lain at Bantam 4. months and an half, and now weighted for the next season or harvest. The 4. day the Admiral, with the Merchants, went a shore to speak with the King. In the evening the Boat returned towards Bantam. The. 5. day we made further provision of fresh victuals on the shore. The. 6. day we sailed from jaketra to the fresh River to take in water. About noon we arrived, and let fall our Anchors before the said fresh River, beginning the same day, and so continuing all night to bring water a board, making all the haste we could to have in our water. The. 8. day about noon, we sailed towards Bantam, casting our Anchors the same night about some. 4. leagues from Bantam. The. 9 day in the morning, about. 10. of the clock we set sail again: in the evening we let fall our Anchors before Bantam, where presently the Masters and Merchants of the aforesaid Bark, and of the Sun, came aboard us, declaring that there were 36. of their men dead, so that they were hardly able to sail their Ship. The. 10. day our Comisares or Merchants, went a shore to buy some Purselayne, dishes and other things. The. 14. day about noon, the Governor of Bantam came aboard us, accompanied with some. 400. men, viewing our Ship, and offering great friendship, requiring our Vice-admiral to go with him a land. The 19 day we departed from Bantam, meeting with a sharp gust of wind and rain, which continued some hour. The 20. day in the morning we were past the coast of java, shaping our course the most part of the day south-west. The same day our allowance of water was again lessened: to wit, every day one Ran & a Mutskin of Arake: a Wine which the wild people of the country use themselves to drink, making it with Rice, and is a very strong Wine in taste. The 22. day about noon it reigned, thundered, & lightened, with so great a wind, that we were forced to take in all our sails. This storm continued two hours. The 23. day it was very fair weather: we shaped our course as before, the wind East Southeast. About noon the Carpenter of our Ship died, called Peter Lauwelssen of Harllem, which was the third man that died in our return homewards. The 24. day in the night foul weather, the wind South Southeast, keeping our course most part West, and south-west and by North, bearing only our mayne-sayles. The 25. 26. 27. 28. and 29. days, ill sailing weather, the wind South Southeast, in so much that it was as much as we could do to bear our mayne-sayles. The 31. day the weather began to be somewhat fairer, so that we might put out our topsails. The first day of September we took the height, & were September. in 15. degrees lacking 3. quarters: at noon we sent our Boat aboard the Zealand to fetch the Master and Pilot, to th'end we might confer together what course were best to be kept: their conclusion was to sail West south-west, until we should come to 20. degrees, for the storm drove us far to the Southward. We held our course West south-west, with a fine gale from the South south east. The 4. day in the night we had the wind East south east, with fair weather, shaping our course most South west, & by south, and haled in our sheats. The 8. day we were in twenty degrees, holding our course west south west, the wind being East south east with a fine gale: in the morning we cast a man over board, who died of the bloody flux, his name was Daniel Kogher of Hamborgh. In the evening we shaped our course one point lower, running for the most part west and by south, with a fine gale. The 10 day we were in 21. degrees 14. minutes, keeping our course for the most part west and by south, the wind being South east. The 14. day the wind was contrary, blowing from the South west with ill weather, so that we were glad to take in our sails. The 15. day in the morning, we sailed west north west, with variable winds, and as we judged, we were under Tropico Capricorno The 20. day we were in 26. degrees lacking 15. minutes, shaping our course west and by south, with still weather, being 150. leagues from Saint Laurence as we guessed. The 24. day the wind was contrary, blowing very hard from the North west, and rainy weather. The 26. day we had fairer weather, shaping our course most West and by south: the same day we were in the height of 29. degrees 15 munites. The 30. day we had 28. degrees and an half, holding our course North west, and by west, the wind westerly: and we judged ourselves to be 100 leagues off Cape de Roman. The first day of October the wind came fair towards the October. evening, holding our course West and by south. The 2. day the wind continued good, holding our course most West and by south: the wind South east, with very fair weather. The 5. day we were in 30. degrees and an half, shaping our course westerly, the wind blowing from the South. The 12. day we had the wind contrary, from the North northwest, with a great tempest, so that we were forced to take in our topsailes, and to bear only our main sails. The 14. day we were in 34. degrees and 20. minutes, keeping our course West south-west, with ill weather, the wind blowing from the North west: here we saw many Birds. The 19 day a contrary wind out of the south-west, and West south west, with a great gale. The 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. and 25. days the weather was very still and calm, with a Southeast wind, keeping our course for the most part West and by North. The 29. day it blew a mighty storm out of the North, and Northwest, so that we took in our sails: the same night it lightened and thundered mightily. The 30. day we were in 33. degrees and an half, guessing that we were 150. leagues off the Cape: and (as we judged) West, and West and by North from us: toward noon the weather cleared up. We shaped our course most Northwest, and by West, the wind being south-west, and West south-west. The first day of November we continued our course November. Northwest, and North west and by North, the wind being Westerly and West south west. The 2. day still weather, but towards the evening blew a fine gale East north-east, sailing most West and West & by North. The 3. day continued a fair East and East north-east wind, holding our course for the most part West, with a fine gale and clear weather, but towards the Evening grew a great Storm, so that we were glad to take in our sails, shaping our course West, the wind being north-east. In the night the wind came again about to the West south-west, with a stout gale. The 4. day we fardelt up our Maine-sayle, holding our course most Northwest, and Northwest and by North, with a stout gale. The 5. day we took a Turtle Dove, which came flying into our Ship: whereby we presumed that we could not be far from land. The 10. day at noon tide we saw the land of Ethiopia, in the height of 32. degrees and a half, namely the neck land of Lahnera. Towards the evening the wind came about to the Eastward: our course was South and by West, and South south-west. In the night time our spirit sail was rend from the Yard. The 11. day we shaped our crurse most part South south-west, with a contrary wind from the East and East Southeast, with dark weather. At this place was great store of fish, whereof we caught some store. The same night was a rousing storm from the East, & East Southeast: we kept our course most south-west, and south-west and by South. The 12. day it continued very blustering weather. In the night we took the height, and found 35. degrees, as we guessed 15. leagues from the land. The same evening we sailed south-west, making hard way, the wind being at southeast. The 13. day in the morning, the Zealand was as far behind us that we could hardly discern her from our stern: whereupon we took in our Maine-sayle, making way with our foresail, keeping our course most south-west, with dark weather, & a very ill wind blowing from the south east. And in the morning after we had brook our fast, we shaped our course West south-west. At noon we took the height, and found 36. degrees, and sailed West, judging the Cape de Anguillos to be some 5. leagues off us, West and by North. The 15. day we had 37. degrees and 15. minutes, holding our course west south west, the wind being west northwest. The 16. day about none, the wind came about to the north-east: we sailed West north west, with very fair weather: at after noon we had store of rain, with lightning, & contrary and changeable winds. In the evening it cleared somewhat up, yet it blew very hard from the North east: we shaped our course most West Northwest, sailing only with our forecourse: about which time, many of our people began to fall sick, in so much that at this present 22, men lay sick. At noon we shaped our course Northwest, the wind being East Southeast, with a fine gale. The 18. day we were in 37 degrees 15. minutes: our course northwest, guessing the Cape Anguillos' to lie northerly of us. The 20. day we were in 34 degrees & 22. minutes, holding our course North west, the wind South east & at East, with a fine gale & clear weather. The Cape de bona Esperançe lying East and East by South off us some 28. leagues. The 21. day, and so to the last day of this month, the wind continued Southeast, shaping our course most of the time Northwest, making good way, & having very fair weather. The 30. day we were in 23 degrees and 15. minutes: at noon we passed the Tropic of Capricorn. holding our course yet North west the wind being South east. The first day of December we had 22 degrees 20 minutes, the same day we had the Sun again right over our heads. December The 2. day we had 20. degrees and an half, continuing our course North west, the wind South east: the same day we mounted and cleared our Ordnance. The 6. day we were in 17. degrees & 8. minutes, and continued our course North west. The 7. day in the morning after breakfast, we had sight of the Island of S. Helena, lying off us West North west: towards the evening we took in our sails, letting the Ships drive, for we were not able to reach the Island this day. The 8. day about noon, we let fall our Anchors in the Road, at 30. fathom, some two shot length from the shore: our Master, and under commissary, presently rowed a shore to look for fresh Water. And the same evening, they brought a board Goats and Hogs, which were caught on the land. The 9 day we carried all our sick people to the shore, and afterwards filled fresh water: some of our people running up into the land to seek after cattle, brought some a board our Ships with them, which made our Mariners very glad: but we found no Oranges, whereof we had most need, for those that were troubled with the scurvy disease. The 14. day out people ranging about to seek for Goats and Swine, (as God would) came to a very fair pleasant valley of Orange trees: whereof they plucked some 4000 and brought them aboard, which marvelously refreshed and cheered us all. The 31. day we brought out sick again a board the Ships. The first day of january, we departed from S. Helena Anno. 1600 First day of januarie. homewards, shapeing our course most, Northwest, with a very fine gale blowing from the Southeast. The 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. and 8. days we continued our course North west, with fair and clear weather, the wind being Southeast, and East Southeast. Here we saw many flying Fishes. The 14. day we began to have small showers of rain, the wind at Southeast: we continued our course Northwest, making fair way. The 18. day at noon, we crossed the equinoctial line, with a fine Southeast gale. This day we saw plenty of Fish swimming called Dorados, whereof we took some store. The 22. day marvelous calm, with rain, lightning, and thunder. The 23. 24. 25. 26. and 27. days, still weather, with some small showers, and little gales of wind, now and then: the wind very mutable: in the mean while, we made good cheer with Dorados, where of we caught plenty The eight and twenty day continued still weather, until the first quarter in the night, the wind coming to the East Southeast, with a full gale, we held out course North west. The thirtieth day in the morning the Moon has eclipsed, being in 5. degrees in the foot of the Cross, we held our course Northwest, the wind being at North north-east. The first day of February to the 5. day, we continued our February. course West northwest, the wind being North and by East, with a fine gale in our top sails: at what time we began first to have sight of the North Pole, which we had not seen in long time before. The 6. day at noon we had 8. degrees, we sailed Northwest, the wind blowing North north-east with a fine gale, running close by the wind: towards the evening we held our course North north west, the wind being East and by North. The 7. day we were in 9 degrees holding our course North west, and North west and by north, with a North east wind. The 10. day we were in 12. degrees, continuing our course North west and by north, the wind North east. The 13. day we had 15. degrees, judging the Isle de Mayo 150. leagues east off us. The 14. day in the morning, the wind came again to the South east, and East South east, but very calm weather, our course most Northerly. The 22. day. 23. degrees and an half, judging ourselves then under Tropuo Cancri, holding our course North northwest. The 25. day we saw great store of Saragassa, driving on the Seas, with a great gale out of the North east: our course was North North west. The 26. day, in 28. degrees, holding our course North North east, with a fine gale. We judged the I'll of Palm 300. leagues East off us. The 11. day of March 41. degrees, our course North east March. and by East. In the evening the wind contrary, blowing from the North east, with much rain and wind. The 12. day the wind continued very high, so that we were feign to take in our top sails, and the weather so dark, that we could not take the height. The 13. day we took in our Sails, letting our Ships lie at hull, for it blew a mighty storm from North east. The 14. day some two hours before day, the tempest began to cease: we put out our Sails, shaping our course North and by East, being in 42. degrees. The 15. day blew again a very hard storm from the East Southeast, so that we sailed only with our courses, sailing north-east and by East. The 16. day the storm continued, so that we were feign to strike our top Masts, and run with our courses Southerly. The same day our allowance of wine was lessened and made but two Mutskins for a mess. The 24. day we were in 48. degrees, our course East north-east. The same evening we sounded, but found no ground. We judged that we were too far about the West. The 25. day we were in 48. degrees and an half, shaping our course Easterly, to th'end we might reach the length of the Channel: for we were shot too far Westward: the wind scant, in the evening we cast our Lead, but found no ground. The 29. day misty weather, so that the Zealand discharged a piece, supposing they had seen land, but it was a bank of mist. The 30. day in the evening, we had sight of England, supposing that we were some 6. leagues from land. The same night blew a mighty storm out of the North Northwest. In the second watch of the night we saw two Ships, but we spoke not with them. The 31. day in the after noon, we turned Westward, the storm continuing very hard. The same night we saw an other sail, but spoke not with them. The second day of April the Zealand made a sign to us April. to send our Boat aboard them, about some conference and counsel that was to be taken, for their Bolt-sprite was broken, so that they could put no Sail thereunto. At after noon the wind was again contrary. The 3. day it blew a very stout gale from the north-east. Our allowance of Oil was diminished to two Mutskins a day. The 6. day we spoke with two Frenchmen: These were the first Ships we had spoken with: the wind being North-east. The 10. day we spoke with a small Ship that came from Calis Malis, laden with Wine, whereof we had two Pipes. The same was bound for Calais in France. The Ship and Master were of Euckhusen, the masters name was john Frantslen, but the company were all Frenchmen. The 11. day we passed by the Kaskets. The same morning Anno 1600 the 11. day of April. the small Ship aforesaid, parted from us. The 12. day in the night, we lost the company of the Zealand by reason of the mist. The 13. day we heard nothing of her. In the night we ran Northward, taking in our topsails, to th'end we might come together again. The 14. day in the morning we were near to Fair Lee, having sight of a Flecte of 30. Sail, but could understand nothing of the Zealand. About noon we saw Dover Cliffs, having a fine South west wind a long the coast of France. The same night we left Dover behind us. The 15. day in the morning we saw Calais & Dunckerk, where we met with a Northerly wind, and at noon turned toward Dover Roade: at what time the Zealand came again to us, and the same evening we let fall our Anchors in Dover Roade. The 16. day in the morning, the Boat rowed to the shore to buy some fresh victualies, the Wind North North west, with a very hard gale. The 20 day came a Post to us from London with Letters, which he delivered, with other news to our Vice-admiral Afterwards, with great joy to all the Merchants and Owners whom▪ it concerneth, were arrived (God be thanked) in safety in the Texel: where the Nutmegs were unladen, and put into bags, and sent to Amsterdam, to the great admiration and comfort of the people, where they were laid up in Warr-houses: which with the other Spices, yielded a most pleasant sweet smell to all the neighbours dwelling there abouts. And it is most true, that these Nutmegs were so fresh, that Dyle was pressed out of them: the like whereof were never brought from Lysborne. Having thus finished, and declared the arrival of these two Ships in the Texel, we will return to the other two, namely the Amsterdam, and the Vtrecht: which (after they had lain two months at Amboyna, before Tuban, and could not there find sufficient store of lading) sailed thence the 8. day of May towards the islands of Moluccas. THe 13. day of March Anno 1599 March, the two Ships lying before Tuban, there arrived three Ships of war from java, full of Soldiers, which were sent for by the Tubans, to aid them against the Portugeses, and to take a Castle, which they there held, committing daily great outrage and mischief against those of Tuban, because we were suffered to lie there. These javaners were received with great joy and triumph: who (after their landing) fell to making of Booths and Cottages, running over all the land, climbing the Coquar trees, and gathering the fruits, to the great damage & dissyking of all the people of Amboyna. The 20. day some of us were a shore to kill fowl with our Pieces, where we killed green Pigeons as great as Ducks. The 25. day john Cornelissen of Edam, died: who was the first man that was buried there on the land. The 29. day was a letter sent to the Vice-admiral lying at Banda. The 30. day some lading in small quantity, was brought aboard, for that they could not agree on the prizes. The last day, the Admiral went ashore to agree about the price of wares, but effected nothing. The first day of April, Isaac Henricksen of Rees died, & April. was buried on the land. The 2. day Gisbrecht Wolfertsen died also, and was buried on the land. The 10. day the price of Cloves was agreed, viz. for 35. The price of Cloves. pieces of Rials of eight the Baer: the Baer weighing 550 li. The 12. day was agreement made for the price of head pieces, viz. 250. li. of Cloves for every head piece of Murrain. The 13. day we took in some Cloves. The 19 day the long Boat returned from the Vice-admiral at Banda, (which is some 28. leagues from Tuban) from whom we understood, that the said Vice-admiral had taken into his Ship, some 30. Last of Nutmegs, and Maces, and it was supposed, that at this time, he had in his full lading (for the Boat had been 5. days on the way) and that the other Ship of Melcknap began to lad also. The 20. day the Portugese's attempted to take a little Town in the Island of Amboyna, not effecting any thing, but that they killed two men: for the people of the Island assembling, made head against them in the aid of the town: in which company 4. of our Mariners went in the Boat with the King of Ternates his Brother, which seemed strange unto them, and as a miracle, that the Hollanders would take their parts in their wars, as enemies to the King of Spain and Portugal. May. The 2. day of May john Martsen, a Wallon and our Trumpeter, died, and was buried on the land. The 8. day we bartered for some small quantity of Cloves, of which commodity was no great store in this Island to be had, but wonderful plenty of Rice, insomuch that for a looking glass of a blank, or of a penny of sterling money, we had fifteen or sixteen pound of Rice, and so accordingly after the same rate for all other wares. In the end, we set sail and departed thence towards the Island Moluccas carrying with us a Gentleman belonging to the King, who gave himself out to be the King's brother, but it was not so. This gentleman told us that the King's father of Amboyna had in his life time 70. married Wives, besides his other concubines, and that the King now living, had 40. married wives, besides his other women or concubines. The 14. day, died Albert Petersen, in john Martsens ship. The 16. day, in the night we crossed the Line, having sight the next morning of the Island Ternate and Tidore. The 22. day towards the evening we let fall our anchors Anno 1599 The 22. of May. under the Island of Ternate, and road at fifteen fathom. The 25. day, died one jacob a Fleming, and was buried on the land. The 28. day, the King of Ternate came aboard us, but The King of Ternate cometh aboard. not into our ships, desiring our Admiral to come into his galley, which the Admiral did, between whom was long conference by interpreters, so that we supposed he would have come into our ships, but he would by no means: excusing himself, first that the ladder had no convenient covering, although there was a piece of woollen cloth cast over it, than it was too late for him, and it was now time for him to go to his prayers, for said he, the Sun is now very low. The 29. day, the King came the second time to us In what triumphant manner the King came the second time. with 32. galleys; marvelously well trimmed and appointed with some hundred bases of brass, rowing in triumphant manner thrice about ourships, with great noise of singing, drums and copper basins. In the mean while, we made ourselves ready with our ordinance, muskets, pikes, and other artillery, placing some of our men aloft, and other some beneath, to make resistance if nèede had been, and that if they had offered us any violence: but in the end there came none near our ships, but only the King's galley, who sent into our ship one of his Captains to confer with our Admiral by an interpreter, but the King himself would not come aboard. Towards the evening, the King returned with two galleys only, the one wherein the King was not, had a boat, or one of their Praus, and rowing a good way from our ships, the King in the mean while boarded us with his galley, and being come into our ship, desired (after salutations, and some other speeches with our Admiral) that our Gunner might make a shot at the Praw or boat, which the other galley had brought, and was now a drift a good way from the said galley, to see how near he could shoot with the great piece, which was accordingly accomplished, and a very fair shot made, to the great contentment and liking of the King, perceiving well that if the shot had been made at one of the great galleys, it would have pierced and run thorough the same. The 29. day, towards the evening, Raynard Reinerdson died, and was the same night buried on the land. The 30. day, the King came again unto us with one The King cometh secretly aboard unknown to us. galley in very simple sort, to see how we would behave ourselves, giving us to understand that the King would come aboard us, who was in a little boat in person, to wed by the said galley unknown to us, supposing that he would come afterwards, and coming close to our ship, went into the galley, demanding for many strange things, too long to here repeated. The last day, was a spirit in john Martsens Cabin about midnight, making such a rumbling and jumbling, that all that were in the Cabin ran out in great fear. The 2. day of june, all our principal officers were june. with the King on land, with certain presents which they delivered unto him, reporting at their return, that Presents carried to the King. there were some store of Cloves to be had, and that the next day, some should be sent aboard us, to see what commodities we had, and to make price with us, to the end we might truck with them for some of theirs. The 3. day, some of the people accordingly came aboard us to see our wares, but we could not agree upon any barter, but for ready money they offered their baer for 120. pieces of royals of 8. but we would not make no offer upon so high a price. The 10. day our diet was shortened, to wit, every day once flesh or fish, and the other three meals Rice. The 11. day, our Merchants went a shore, thinking to speak with the King, but could not, by reason that it was their Sabbath day. The 12. day, our people went again a shore, carrying with them some merchandise: the same evening the King came aboard us, but not into our ship, but desired to have a gilded Musket, which was freely given him: but as we A gilded Musket given to the King. understood, his answer was, it should be paid for in his toll or custom, rated at two baers and an half, taking the tenth penny of his toll. The 18. day, we received the first Cloves aboard, The first Cloves brought aboard, and 600. viols of glass, sold for one baer of Cloves. Three Orkins is a penny sterling. julie. The price of Cloves. namely some two baers, and every day more or less, for which, we bartered for the most part viols of glass of an orkin the piece, and had in truck one baer of Cloves for 600. of those viols. The last day, our diet was again diminished of flesh and fish, and were appointed weekly but twice flesh, and as often fish. The 9 day, the price was agreed of Cloves for money, viz. the baer for 54. pieces of Royals of 8. the baer weighing 620. pound. The 11. day, the people of Ternate made an attempt upon a village in the Isle of Tydore, from whence they brought sword and shields (as trophies) whereon hung the ears of their slain enemies, which they presented unto their King, with a woman of Portugal, whom they afterward sold for a slave. The 24. day, they of Ternate made another sally upon the said Island of Tydore, returning with five heads and some prisoners, whereof they killed one as he came on land, and cut off the head of another, who was a stranger, and came in trade of merchandise to Tydore. The 25. day, the King of Ternate came aboard our ship, The King cometh aboard the Admiral. viewing the same in every corner, and desired our Admiral that he would leave some of his people there with him, and so going up and down the ship, all that he saw liked him well, and coming into the Cooke-roome took up the bellows, which he desired to be given him, and as he stood, blew with the bellows into his mouth as if he had not been well in his wits. The 28. day, the King came again aboard, so earnestly viewing the same in all parts and places, as if he had meant to buy the ship, but his chief intent was to have some of our people to abide with him, but there were none that would hearken unto his persuasions. The 29. day, came a Praw or small boat from Banda, signifying unto us, that our two ships there, were almost laden, yet we could not understand the certainty of them, for it was six weeks since they came from Banda. The 4. of August we received some further portion of August. lading aboard our ship, preparing ourselves to depart from this place. The 5. day, the Admiral went a shore to speak with the King, who lay in his galley near the shore. The 6. day, the Admiral went again to the land with store of Merchandise to bestow on the King. The 12. day, the Merchants with all their merchandise came aboard, to the end we might departed thence homeward. The 13. day, the King came aboard us, where he barganed in truck for 250. baers of Cloves, to be delivered the next growth or harvest. The 14. 15. and 16. days, the King and Admiral agreed that five men and a boy should remain there, with whom he left great store of commodities, and some portion of money, to buy and engross all the Cloves against the coming of the next ships, their names that were so appointed to remain there, were Frank Verdoes, The names of those that were left in the Island of Ternate for trade. cousin german to the Skoute or Sheriff, William Verdoes of Amsterdam, Dirick Floritssen of Harlam, jacob Lambertsson of Amsterdam, john jansson of Grol, Cornelis Adriausson of Leyden, and the boy, Hendrick jansson of Amsterdam. A description of the Isle of Ternate, lying 28. leagues from Banda. IN the Island Ternate, is small store of victuals to be had, and is without any kind of cattle, except some very few Goats, and some small store of Hens, and but little fish. There groweth no Rice, neither any kind of grain to make bread, but they make the same of trees, which being cut down and cloven, they take an hammer made of a thick reed, wherewith they beat the same cloven wood, which yieldeth a certain dust, like unto sawe-dust (which they call in their language Sagge) where of they make their bread, which is very white, and the loves four square, of the breadth or bigness of the palm of a man's hand, wherewith they use their principal trade, for whatsoever they buy or sell, is all with this bread. There are plenty of Coquars, and Bonanas' trees, with some Lemon and Orange trees, but marvelous quantity of Cloves, so thàt it is very poor and scant of victuals. The people are kind and good of nature, but of beggarly condition, even the King himself and all his gentlemen, as well as the common sort: nevertheless, they hate thievery, in so much that not a thief can there escape the rope. It happened while we were there, that a boy of 11. or 12. years old had stolen a leaf or two of Tabaco, wherewith he was taken, and led thorough the streets with his hands bound behind him, after whom followed all the boys of the town mocking him, and crying in their language a thief, a thief. They are great enemies of the Portugeses, for right over against this Island, lieth another Island called Tydore, planted with Portugeses, they hold no quarter with each other, but kill one another like dogs, as it happened at our being there, the 20. day of julie, 1599 at what time they of Ternate went out to the Island Tidore, where they on a sudden set upon a village, slew three of the inhabitant, and brought away 43. prisoners: among whom was a young man of 21. years old, son to the King of Tydores brother, who (after he had been brought to the King's presence, and some speeches used between them) was lead out of the palace with a rope about his neck unto the sea side, where he was commanded to wash his hands: the young man stooping so to do, one that stood behind him, smote him on the back with his Sable that he fell to the ground, and presently another man lent him another blow, wherewith his liver and lungs hung out of his body. Having in this despiteful sort showed their merciless hearts, the body was towed into the sea, at the stern of a Praw or small boat, and so suffered to drive away. Their chief weapons are pikes of reeds, which they cast at their enemies with their hands marvelous right and strongly: they use also great broad sword and long shields, which seem to be made of some board, four foot long. Some of them use Muskets and handguns, but in very small number, for of themselves they have none, but such as they get from the Portugals. At such times as the Sun or Moon are eclipsed, they make great sorrow and lamentation, supposing that their King (or some other of their chief men) shall die (as we ourselves saw the sixth of August, about eight of the clock in the evening, the Moon then being eclipsed) the people kept such a howling, praying, crying, and mourning in most hideous wise, with smiting upon drums and copper pans, as was most strange to behold. Wherefore we demanded of them the cause why they cried and mourned in such sort, they answered us, that the Moon was eclipsed, and that therefore their King, or some of his blood should die. The eclipse passed, and seeing that the King nor any of his blood is dead, they make great joy: and the next day hold as it were a procession: those that go foremost carry in their hands Purcelane dishes, followed with others bearing Pikes, Halberds, Muskets and Guns, after whom three Lamps are carried, made after the manner as they paint in our country a bunsh of grapes of the land of Promise, then followeth a boy apparelled in kingly apparel, before whom is borne a gilded fan, then follow many women, as well young as old finely decked after their manner: all this is done for joy that no man is dead. We told them that there were men in our country, that know, and can tell long before when any eclipse shall be of the Sun or Moon, which they thought to be impossible, and wondered thereat, as if it were a miracle. A declaration of the Cards and figures of the Island of Ternate hereafter following, according to the numbers and letters. No. 14. IS the Island of Ternate, where we arrived the 22. day of May, 1599 with two ships. A. Is the Island Tidore inhabited with Portugals, between whom is mortal enmity. B. Is an Island not inhabited, lying between both the other Islands, but nearest unto Tidore. C. Is a River where we fetched our fresh water out of a Well, in a village. D. Is the King's Galley or Karkol, trimmed most bravely, and coming from Ternate with 31. other galleys in company, with a most terrible noise of singing, crying, and playing on drums and copper basins, rowing their galleys with wooden shovels in stead of oars, two & two sitting together, flourishing or casting the same (as they row) over their heads, and so power out the water over the side of the galley, rowing in this sort about our ships. E. The place where they row into, one before another, and there lie side by side. No. 15. IS the town of Gammelamme, lying in the Island Ternate, where we traded, the howsen whereof are made of a thick Reed or Cane, cloven and interlaced one in the other. A. Is our two ships coming under sail before the Town. B. Is a galley that came aboard us, which after they had demanded of whence we were, and received our answer, bade us in very hearty manner welcome, and were marvelous glad of our coming thither. C. Is a galley appointed for the wars. D. Is a stake, whereupon stood the head of one of their enemies, which they had fastened with a rope, put into the mouth of the head, and coming out under the chin. E. Is their market place, where they keep their markets under a tree, to shadow them from the heat of the Sun. F. Is their Temple or Musquita. G. Is the King's Court or Palace, built of stone. H. Is a little house standing before the Palace, where an iron cast piece of ordinance lieth, the which Captain Drake, by force of ill weather was compelled to cast overboorde, and afterward taken up by these people. I. Is the house which the King gave unto those of our nation, which we left behind us. K. Is the house wherein we used our trade. L. Is a Cloister, called S. Paul, built in times passed by the Portugals. M. Is a stone house built by the Portugals. N. Is the house wherein the King's Interpreter dwelleth, and is of Chyna, speaking good Portugal. O. Is a Tower or Steeple whereon lay a Brass piece. P. Is an uninhabited Island lying between Ternate and Tydore. Q. Is the Island Tydore, kept by Portugals, who are great enemies to those of Ternate. R. The hole or gap where all the ships must pass, for all along by the town, it is full of rocks and shoels, at which rocks, the people with their boats catch fish when the water is low, which they find in little plashes or puddles of water between the rocks. S. Is a boat of pleasure. T. Is their manner of fishing for great fish: first, they catch some small fish with a little casting net, then setting a long cane right an end in the forepart of the boat, in the end whereof they make a hole, thorough which is put a long rope or cord, and in the end of the cord is fastened a fishehooke, with a leaf over it, that thereby the line may drine with the wind, than one that sitteth behind casteth out his small fish towards the hook, which they keep hanging close above the water, whereby they deceive the great fish, and so with the book take them. Also they use certain baskets which they lay in the water, so that they sink to the ground, and having so line one tide, they look over the boats side, to see if any fish be in the baskets or not, wherein if they perceive any fish, one of them tumbles over board, and diving into the water, bringeth up the basket, and so take out the fish. Here might be objected by some, how it might be possible that they should see and discern 15. 16. or 17. fathom deep whether there were any fish in the baskets or not, let this sufflie for answer, that the water is there so clear, that a man may out of the ship see the anchors very plainly as they lie in the water, and easily behold multitudes of fishes swimming, yea in the very bottom of the sea, as manifestly as if it were but a foot deep. V Is a merchants ship of Ternate, which goeth from one Island to another, laden with Rice, Sagge and spices. No. 16. THe King of Ternate going to the Temple to offer sacrifice, before whom goeth a young boy with a sword on his shoulder, carrying a book in the other hand, then follow a certain number of the King's men of war, after whom cometh one bearing a Franckensence-pot or vessel, and is followed by the King, over whose head is borne a Tyresol or canopy, then come others of his soldiers or men of war, with their Ensign displayed, being now come before the Musquita or Temple, they wash their hands and feet (to which end certain water-pots full of fair water are prepared) that done, they enter into their said Musquites, where they spread a white cloth on the ground, and falling on their knees, knitting their hands together, do often lay their faces on the ground, mumbling certain words or prayers to themselves. In the said Musquites is placed a pulpit, hanged with a white cloth: and in steed of a clock, there hangeth a kind of Drum, whereupon they smite with a great strick. They have also a bell hanging in their Musquita, but without a clapper, whereon they smite at such time as any rumour or other stir is in hand, at what time every man, rich and poor, must come out of his house, some with Pikes, some with Sables and shields, some with Muskets, and some with guns: but of these are not many so armed. To conclude, their order is such, that it would make a man laugh to see them. No. 17. THe King of Ternate his galley, having stages on either side made of Spanish reeds or canes, manned with slaves that row, sitting two and two together, and so made, that the outer parts are passed even with the water, and that some may sit within the galley and row, having a sheaf of arrows lying by them. In steed of oars they use shovels, casting the water from them along by their sides. Aloft sit certain men knocking upon Drums and basins, and is appointed with seven brass Bases, with certain pikes standing right an end, which are much longer than any used in our Countries. Also, on the galley is placed a bedstead wrought all over and gilded, whereon was hanged the breast and back parts of the King's armour, with his helmet, all covered with red velvet, and on the bed was spread a very fine wrought coverlet, whereon sometimes the King sitteth, and sometimes lieth, always shaking his leg as if he had the Palsy, and having one by him with a fan, fanning over his face. The King was a very thick and corpulent man, well set, having a great head, and all his members correspondent: he is a mighty Prince, having under his obedience threescore and ten Islands, and is marvelously honoured and feared of all his subjects. No. 18. ARe fencers of the Moluckish Islands, called in their language Bakeleyers, wearing an headpiece, beautified with a Paradise bird instead of a feather. When they meet to fight or fence one with another, they stand always upon one leg, thereby being the readier to leap and spring forward or backward. Now when the one leapeth in towards the other, the same springeth a good way backward, always resting himself but upon one foot, and thus they spring forward and backward with such agility and nimbleness, that it is a thing very pleasant to behold, Their apparel is a Pytigen, made of Callicute cloth, with breeches of the same, or some other stuff of silk, cut upon very fair white, and made after the fashion of the Spanish breech. The women of Moluccas going abroad, and having their heads covered from the Sun with Callicute cloth their garments are made of Callicute, drawn out with sundry and divers colours. When they fetch their water, they use a very thick cane, some fathom and an half long, wherein they put or lad the water with a dish, and so carry it home on their shoulders. The 19 day, we set sail from Ternade, to shorten our voyage. The 21. day, we crossed the Line, near unto an Island called Macha, and is one of the Islands of Molucca. The 22. day, was our last ordinary flesh day, remaining only but for two or three seethings, insomuch as all our victuals was spent, except a little oil and dry bread which was full of worms, and some small store of Rice and water, and were allowed but one Mutskin of wine daily. The 30. day, we had sight of the Isle of Oba, sailing to the Northward thereof, the same is a very great Island. The 6. day, we came to the west end of Oba, to the Anno 1599 the 6. of September. westward whereof lie so many Islands, that it is hardly possible to tell them, and full of shoals, which greatly amazed us. These Islands lie some two leagues and an half, to the west of the Line. The 10. day, a chief weighing some seven pound, was The price of an Holland's cheese aboard the ship. sold for 12. Gilderns 10. Styvers, which is five and twenty shilliugs sterling. The 11. day, we let fall our anchors under an Island, lying to the westward of Oba, where many other Islands are, but we knew not their names, for in the Pilots Cards were found but two Islands in the place where all these Islands are, this place is excellent good for anchoredge, where we had 16. 17. 18. 19 20. 21. 22. and 23. fathom, fair sandy ground, the next morning we set sail again. The 12. day, we let fall our anchors again under the same Island, by reason that john Martsson sailed from our company, to seek way between the Islands, but the next day came again to us, for the Admiral discharged a piece to the end he should return. The 13. day, john Martsson returned to us, and then we sailed thence together, but towards noon we cast out our anchors again, for that john Martsson could not keep us company, by reason of a great tempest that then blue, but towards the evening he came to us, and then sailed thence together, but could not go far, by reason of the shoels, wherefore we cast out our anchors again, and road at 9 10. 12. and 15. fathom. The 14. day, we hoist up our sails, and went thence, but at afternoon let fall our anchors again, at what time came a boat or Praw from the land unto us, telling us that the Island was called Bankore, and the other next was Sabobe, and warning us of the great number of shoels in that place, and moreover showed us that to shun them, we must sail to the aforesaid Island Sabobe, where we might provide ourselves of water and other fresh victuals. Their King as he said, dwelled behind Sabobe, in an Island called Mithare: these Islands lie in two degrees southward the Line. The 16. day, we sailed thence towards the Islands The 16. day, we were compassed with Islands. from whence we came, at afternoon we let fall our anchors again, and within an hour after set sail again, and in the evening cast out our anchors again, than some of our Sailors went up to the main top Mast, from whence they descried, and told some thirty Islands lying round about us, within the compass of fourteen or fifteen leagues, but by no means we could get out of them. The 17. day in the morning, we hoist up sails again with a South Southeast wind, shaping our course South south-west, and south-west and by South to seaward, whereby (with God's help and providence) we got clear of the Islands, sailing thorough a very narrow channel or gap, leaving the neck of the land that lay out, on our star board side, where we found a little narrow place to get out, for on our larboorde lay three little Islands, where many shoels were to the southward, and as far as we could discern, we might see a fire, and at afternoon we saw another great fire in the open Seas some four leagues from land, which we left on our starboard, having a very fine gale of wind. The 18. day in the morning, we saw again high land, which stretched out a great length. The 22. day, we came near to this aforesaid land, meaning to sail about that way to the Eastward, but for want of wind could not: in conclusion, we agreed to shape our course along the coast Eastward, and to go about to the Westward, and so put forth our foresailes. The 23. day, john Martsson discharged a piece, being very near aground, having but two fathom and a half water, and was feign to tow the ship with their boat from the shoels (the weather being very clear and fair, as God would) and afterward came aboard us, declaring that he had seen six boats, but not spoken with any of them, neither could he learn what Island that the same was, our Pilots supposed it to be Boere. The same night john Martsson came aground, but wound himself off with a bow anchor, but lost a plank of his ship, some fathom and an half long, howbeit, the ship (God be praised) remained tied, it was an uncertain or unéeven ground: for having cast his lead, and finding 40. fathom, before they could cast out the lead again, the ship sat fast aground, but being now off, we ran East Southeast of that place. The 25. day, john Martssons folk were a shore, where They go ashore at Tabocke. they spoke with some of the people, who told them that the land was called Taboke, and that there was plenty of Rice, Goats, and Hens. This is a very great Land, for by all judgement, we had sailed some 30. leagues along the coast thereof, and now at last were come where was abundance of shoals, and yet could see no end of the land, insomuch that we were constrained to return the same way we came. The land lieth so bending with corners, that it cannot be well described, except it were explained corner by corner. The first day of October 1599 The first day of October was allowed a can of Wine to every mess, for toy that we had reached the East end of Tabocke, where we found many other small Islands. The same night john Martsson drove a ground on the East end of the said Island, the weather being very calm, the ship sat before aground, having behind twenty fathom water, whereupon they cast out their bow anchor behind at the gallery, and so in winding her off, she swayed to the sholeward, but wound her off again with the Capsten, and pulling up their anchor, they found the same to be broken, for the shank was in two pieces, but they got them up into their ship, by reason that the Buy rope was twisted about the Cable. The 2. 3. and 4. days we lay at hull, about some two degrees Southward of the Line, by reason of extreme wind, and tempestuous weather, the Sun being for the most part over our heads. The 5. day, Solomon Dirikson of Harlyng died, who was a quarter Master, and before had been the Stowers mate. The 6. day, our last Rice was spent, in so much that the Cook dressed us no more victuals, our feeding was then bread and water, with one Mutskin of Wine, and A Mutskin is the eight part of a quart. one of Honey every day to a mess. The 9 day, our allowance of bread was increased, so that we had some five pound of bread allowed for five days, this day we made an end of our fish. The 10. day, was a kanne of Wine allowed to every mess, because there was nothing else to eat but dry bread. The 11. day, William Hermanson Klock of Alckmer, was appointed quarter Master in place of Solomon Dirickson, so that he was both quarter Master and Corporal. The 12. day, Wouter Egbertsson of Bréewolt was appointed Gunner. The 16. day, our allowance was appointed to be five pounds and one half of bread for seven days. The 17. day, we saw two joncken or boats, but spoke not with them, being then at the East end of Botton, and having five degrees and six minutes: now we knew where we were, for outward bound towards Amboyna, we were by the same Island, and had five degrees. To the east of this Island Botton, lie three other Islands, from whence many corners and shoels stretch to seaward toward the Southeast. In sailing towards Amboyna, the said three Islands must be left on the starboard, and so running forward out by Botton, there lie other two Islands to the Northward, which must be left on the larboorde, sailing forth between both, this is to be well observed, by reason of the shoals in that place stretching from those three Islands. The 20. day, we passed thorough the strait, between Anno 〈◊〉 the 20. of October Selebes and the Soles, where two Islands lie right in the midst of the gap, between which we ran, they lie a good league one from the other: it seemed that there was a fire in one of them, we might see boats pass from one Island to another. This gap lieth from Bantam some 30. leagues, and as we returned homewards, we left many Islands on our starboorde, which lie in 5. degrees and 50. minutes. The 21. day, we had 5. degrees and 50. minutes to the Southward of Selebes, sailing thorough the strait. This land stretcheth for the most part West and by North, and East and by South, here we made an end of our last smoked flesh, and every mess had a can of Wine. The 22. day, we passed by the Island Selebes, which stretcheth West and by North, and East and by South: from the strait it is some 20. leagues long Westward, with low ground lying before it, and thereon very high and hilly ground, as it were doubled or indented, the South end whereof lieth in 5. degrees and 50. minutes, and as a man passeth from the West end forward in coming towards it, sailing some eight or ten leagues along by it, there appeareth a round high hill like unto a cock of hay in the fields, seeming to lie far off from the rest outward: but approaching near thereunto, it lieth plainly far within the Land, the ground before it being very low, and stretching at least two degrees thorough the Line on the North side, so that it is about some eight degrees long South and North. The 23. day, we sailed over a shallow of six fathom deep, wending West and by South, in five degrees and six and fifty minutes, about some eighteen leagues from the Land, the wind being Southeast, at what time we had sight of a small Island from our Main top, lying to the Northward of us. The same evening we sailed over the shallow, at 12. 13. 14. and 15. fathoms, which continued three glasses, wending West, and West and by North. The 24. day at noon, we had a dish of Rice and a Can of Wine, being the first day since the 30. of August, that we sailed without view of Land. The 25. day, half the night time, we sailed again over the shallows, the wind West, and West and by North, at some twenty fathoms depth, and as we guessed we were about 90. leagues from the west end of Selebes. The 29. day, we saw the Land of▪ Madura, as we guessed, where we had been imprisoned, having forty and fifty fathom with clay ground. The last day we were again allowed a dish of Rice, Anno 1599 the 29. of October we saw Mednra seeing every day Land, but could not have any certain knowledge what Land it was. The 2 day of November, we had sight of the length of the main Land of Madura, to the Northwards whereof lieth the Island Laybock, some 18. leagues distant. We ran between them, having sight of land every day. The 5. day we left the Island Carman java behind us, lying some 20. leagues from Laybock, most East and West a sunder, finding sometimes 30. 35. 40. 45. and 50. fathom depth, all good clay ground. The 9 day we passed by another Island, where eight or ten trees stand in the water a little from the Island, lying some 20. leagues from Karmen java, most West and by North, and East and by South from each other, where we sailed about by the North. The 13. day, we came before Saketra, where we made some provision of Rice, and were (God be thanked) delivered of our former penury and hunger: here we heard that the Vice-admiral was departed from Bantam, about three months past. The 16. day, we sailed from Saketra, anchoring the same day before the fresh river, where we furnished ourselves with water, the Chinans brought unto us Aracca and Rice in most plentiful sort, which we bought for some five pence the pound. The 17. day, we sailed thence towards Bantam, where two Dutch ships lay. The 18. day we spoke with them, they were the Long bark, and the Sun, which had line eight months and ten days before Bantam, (and were departed from thence in the night time, not refreshing themselves) where they had so nearly bartered all; that in the end (for want of money) they trucked also the whistels from about their necks, and yet had not effected any great matter, for both the ships had but 60. last of Pepper and Cloves together, and farther were weakened 55. men. The 19 day we arrived before Bantam, where we We arrived before Bantam. The price of Pepper, Maces, & Cloves. were much made of: john Martsson having taken in his first Pepper but the fifth of this month, and bought the same by the bag, every bag weighing fifty pound, for the which they paid four pieces of Rials of 8. and an half, but at the last four Rials of 8. for a bag. The Maces and Cloves are bought by the Baer, weighing 500 pound, the Maces for 80. and the Cloves for 65. pieces of Rials of 8. The 15. of januarie 1600, our Admiral went a shore to the Magistrates of Bantam, bestowing on them sundry presents and gifts, and dealt with them about farther trade, wherein they agreed very well, with thanks and due salutations on both parts, which done, he took his leave after he had given the boat unto the Governor of Bantam, wherein he came ashore, hanged with Scarlet cloth, and appointed with two murdering pieces, but those people have small knowledge how to use the same. The 20. day we brought all our Merchants aboard, having almost sold all their wares. The 21. day, one of our Merchants went again ashore, with a small parcel of Velvet, and returned Velvet. with twenty bags of Pepper, made of the said Velvet. The description of Bantam. THE manners and policy used in Bantam are very strange, for when a man dieth, leaving behind him any goods, whether he have children or none, the King seizeth upon the widow, children, and goods, appropriating all to himself: making the Mother his slave: and if a man of China desire to buy the Mother or daughter, he selleth them, and if afterwards they chance to have children between them, it happeneth to her again as it did after her first husband's death, if the King do understand of any goods left by the deceased: such as have any wealth, have no other means to prevent this mischief, but only to marry their children while they are young, whereby they may inherit their Parents goods: wherefore they are married when they are but twelve or thirteen years of age and younger, if they be of very rich Parents: and (which is more strange) sometimes such rich children have two or three Wives, according as they abound in wealth, and this is done to prevent the King of the possessions of their goods after they are dead. In their trade and traffic, they are marvelous thievish, both the people of China and lava, in so much that they let not to help themselves with false weights, falsifying and mingling their Pepper with black sand and small stones, to make it weigh heavy: they are also false of their word or promise, and given to manslaughter: for if it so chance that two fight, and the one killeth the other, he which liveth (knowing that he must die) will stab and kill every one where he can or may, sparing neither man, woman, nor child, no not the children sucking the Mother's breast, so long until he be overcome by force and multitude of people: then is he brought before the Governor, who pronounceth sentence upon him, and after such judgement given, he is thrust into the breast with a dagger, that he falleth to the ground: but it chanceth seldom that such an one is apprehended alsue, for commonly they are slain before they be taken. The 21. day of januarie, we set sail from Bantam towards Holland, but at afternoon we lay still by reason of the calm, yet towards the evening we hoist up our sails again. The 26. day, we were put to our allowance, to wit, every day six Mutskins of Atack, at which time we were not passed the Islands of java. The 28. day, we were in the height of 8. degrees, the evening still and calm, the wind westerly. The 3. day of February, we had the wind at south-west, so that we sailed Southeast, and South Southeast with a fine gale. The 4. day of February we were in the height of 10. degrees, and could not sail higher than South and by East, and South Southeast, with a reasonable gale, the wind being westerly. The 12. day, our chief Barber (master Christopher an Easterling) died. The 14. day, the Sun passed over our heads in the height of 13. degrees and 12. minutes. The 16. day, our corporal john Peerson, being an Englishman borne, died in john Martssons ship. The 26. day we were in the height of 19 degrees with a fine gale, shaping our course for the most part West south-west with a full gale. The 27. day a flying fish flew into the Amsterdam at the house. The 3. day of March we were in the height of 23. degrees 50. minutes, we sailed with a forewind according to our hearts desire. The 16. day we were in the height of 35. degrees, holding our course West and by North. The 18. day was a Mutskin of Aracks' bestowed on the most of the chief officers, to the number of sixteen persons, after the second watch according to the Admiral's direction, the wind being then Northerly, so that we could not sail nearer than West Northwest. The 19 day the common Mariners made request to have one Mutskin of Arack in the night, as the officers had, which was denied, except they would content themselves with one less of their allowance in the day, and drink the same in the night, so that the officers had sour Mutskins, and the rest three at every meal, the wind as before. The 22. day in the night, we had the wind again at Southest with a fine gale, setting out course Northwest and West Northwest. The 23. day john jacob son of Medenblick died in the Amsterdam. The 26. day we had the wind contrary at West Northwest, which blew very hard. The 29. day in the night the wind came fair again from the North, and then we kept our course West and by North, and West Northwest: all these days the wind was so variable, as it might possible be in our own country, and (as the Pilots said) we were two hundred leagues Estwards of Capo de Bonna Esperance. The first day of April we turned by the wind, having a storm from the West. The second day (being Easter day) we were allowed to our Easter eggs a dish of small beans, with a dish of dried fish, and a can of Sack, in lieu of Arack. The third day john janson of Ossenbrugh Cooper in the ship of john Martssen died. The 6. day of the said month, the wind was again fair at north-east: but it lasted not long, for here the winds are marvelous variable, with very many durable storms. The 13. day we had sight of land about some 70. leagues eastward of the Cape, in the height of 34. degrees and an half, and found ground at 80. fathoms, or thereabouts, being yet as we guessed five leagues from the land, we turned again by the wind, being West south-west with a storm. The 17. day we had the wind fair again at Est Southest, the Pilots held a parley, and judged the Capo de bonna Esperance to be from us 68 leagues Northwest and by West. The 19 day the wind was contrary from the West. The 22. day we were in the height of 37. degrees and 40. minutes, we wended to pass the Cape, and then for the most part we sailed North Northwest, and Northwest and by North. The 24. day we saw land again: wherefore we put someward, yet we could not sail higher than South and by West. The 25. day we had again fair weather, the wind first South; afterwards Southest, and so Esterly. The 27. day, we were in the height of 34. degrees and 40. minutes Westward of the Cape, and (as the Pilots said) 16. leagues from the land, the wind as before. The first day of May we had a fine gale from the South, and were in 32. degrees. The 9 day of the said month we were in the height of 22. degrees five minutes, we saw every day Trombus or Reeds driving, which (as men report) drive near about the Cape, the wind Northwest. The sixteenth day about noon we had sight of the Island of S. Helena, wherewith we were all greatly comforted. The 17. day in the morning we had sight of a Carack near unto the land, being the Admiral of the Portugals Fleet, sailing into the road of S. Helena, where lay at anchor three other Carracks, whereby we were forced to put into the old Road, which is the first valley that you come unto after you are passed the Northwest corner, or neck of the land, and the Road where the Carracks lay is the third valley beyond the said neck of the land, so that we lay within Sakar or Minion shot of each other: we sent unto them four men to parley with them, but I cannot write what communication passed. The same evening came another Carack making towards the Road, sailing about the Northwest neck hard under the shore, insomuch that she came so near unto us, that they haled us, and demanded of whence we were: and understanding that we were Hollanders, seeking to refresh ourselves in that place, (refusing the land) they cast about, and directed their course Northwest to seaward. The 18. day four of our men went up into the land at S. Helena, it is a very high hilly land, beautified and enriched with very fair and pleasant valleys, with great abundance of Goats, and some store of Swine: we meant to provide ourselves there of fresh water, but the Portugals would not suffer us, so that we were without hope to make any provision of water at this place: for they had ordained a strong watch on the shore, which was the only cause that we could not here refresh ourselves. The 21. being A scention day, we sailed thence (with God his help) homewards, and being under sail, we descried another Carack making towards the Road, which was the sixth Carack that we had now seen, we directed our course Northwest and by West. Furthermore, touching the Island of S. Helena, the same is a very fruitful and an healthsome land, with such incredible multitude of fish in the Road, that it may seem a thing hardly to be beléued, the most part Mackerel, and some other small fishes, as Breames, and other sorts which have great eyes like unto Haddocks, but their bodies more flat. The 25. of the same month we were in thirteen degrees, with a north-east wind, but it lasted not long before it turned again to the Southest, and so it continued for the most part after we were past the Cape. The 30. day in the morning we had sight of the Island called Ascension, which lieth eight degrees Southward the Line, and the same evening we cast our anchors near to the shore thereof. The same night we set men ashore to take view of the place, and the next morning we sent more of our people to search and view all places, but found no fresh water, no not so much as one draft. This Island is full of stony rocks & holes, like unto the cinders of Sea-coals which are thoroughly burnt: we saw some Swine also in this Island, not without great marvel how they could there live, for there is neither tree, leaf, nor grass, and that much more is, a man is not able to describe the badness and barrenness of the ground: but a man may there with endgets hill plenty of Sea-Mews, although some store of people remained there for a time. Also we took there some Tortoises, whereof we brought four aboard our ships, which were so great, that some of them were esteemed to weigh four hundred pound. There was also some reasonable store of fish to be taken. The last day of May in the evening we weighed our anchors, hoist our sails, and departed from the Island Ascension, with God his help, sailing homewards with a fine gale from the Southest, shaping our course Northwest and by West. In the end, after great pains, travail, and sickness, which we specially suffered for want of fresh water, these two ships arrived in the Texell, and afterwards being discharged of our lading, we came with great comfort to Amsterdam, to the incredible joy of the owners and Merchants (as may well be thought) seeing now all the eight ships were with great profit safely returned to to their wished home, which had been sent out the first day of March 1598. in company to the Islands of the East Indeses. The Almighty God be blessed and praised therefore, who with his mighty hand governed and brought us home thorough the fearful waves, and raging gulfs of the Sea. Some words of the Malish speech, which language is used throughout the East Indies, as French is in our Country, wherewith a man may travel over all the Land. The Portugals speech is apt and profitable in these Islands, for there are many Interpreters which speak Portugal. ALtogether Samoanga Ask it Minta Ashamed Malon Any thing Bacabaren Alas. Saya BKing it again Combaly a Bull Carboo a Brother Addollaley a Beard Tganga a Bone Backy Better Parma Blood Darna to let Blood Bewangdarner Books Kytab to Buy Bilby Baked or burnt stones Batta Black Ita Bags Corni a Boy Catsion to burn Baccar a Bat that flieth Lavo a Bird Borron Beastinesse Cheehoo a Billet Cayo a Boat Prau the Belly Penot Behold Doduer a Borer Alforees. COme hither Maree to cut off Pang a Crab Horra Charge the piece Sombo bedyl Cloves sink a civet Cat Gatto d'algalia Calamus Dirimguo Copper Tambagle Custom or use Esteedat Choose Damare a Cap Nasse a Child Buda a Courtesan or wooer Cemoeda a Cast piece Bedyl the Cough Capello. DEath Mattu two Days past Balmarys' d'aula Ducks Bebe a Dog Hanghee I Desire it not Tyeda mau to Demand Betaugia to Dye Bantaren Dishes Pyennig the Day. Arys. Eggs Teloor to Eat Makan Eyes Martye Ears Talynga Eye brows Alys Early. Pagy FOlly Bengo Found Botonuum Fair upon Fear Tacat Fish Ican Farther off Bapa Friendship Pondarra Forehead Batock Finger's jaryiary Forget Lampa to Fight Baccalayo Flesh Lalyer to Forgive Ampo a Foot Goumo my Father Beta babpa a Friend Maety pooty Fire. Apy. GVnpowder Ooby a Goat Camby God be with you Tyngal Guts Perot Go Pegy Go we Mary Given Berny Green Ice Great Basaer Glass Lora Good Bayck not Good Tyeda bayck Gold Mas Good morrow Tabea Go a way Tachghy to Gain Menang Galingal Lancuas' Ginger Alia Green herbs. Dyngin. he Itowen the high priest Cadda How much Batapa Here Chyny How do you Bygimana the heart Aly to Help Toulong Hair of the head Ramboret the Hand Tanga the Head Kokodang Heavy Brat How sell you that Barappeitu a Hen Ayam an House Roema I have it not Tyetada I Have it Ada a Hog or swine Saby Hard wax. Caiu Lacca. I Thank you Teymacache I am sick Bite secata I Manyte Ink Mangsy Is there Beeff an Interpreter jorbissa It is much Soeda Is out Pacasuyra. Keep good watch. Tage a Knife. Pieson to Kill. Benue Keep silence. Dyem Know. Kiunal a King. Rutgee. Leave Sun Lead Tyma a Lamp Palyta Light Arynga to Live Lagava Lie down Bearing Leave off Ganga Let it alone jangemast lime Capyer a Lord Queay a Looking glass Sarmi a Lawnce or pike Tomba Lips Lambbyder to Leave freely Lepas to lose Ilan Little. Selykit. Merciful Caruguanler a Merchant Fetor to Make Bretoun to Morrow Ysouck a Man Orang Money Sarfy to Marry Barwin a Master or Lord Queay the Manner of the Country Negry Mustard seed Saiani Many or much. Banghe. NO Tieda the Night Malam News Yrotdon Near Gyla a Naiel or spike Koko a Needle Naroen Nutmegs Palla Nuts Calappey the Neck. Goulon. Oil Nuagia Ours Quitabota old Tua an Elephant Catgha an Ore Saby Out of that Padyni Out of the way. Lalau. Poor Backeyen a Pearcer or borer Alforces to Pay Chyny Put up Passai Pens Calamp Paper Cartas Pepper Lada Pearle-mother Neffa pins Caluenetten long Pompions jacca a Pillow. Bantel. RIce Bras to reach Dusta to Rise up Bangs Rye Balacca a Ring Chynsyn a Rope. Taly. SMall Citghel Cinnamon Caiumains Sad Chynta Scarlet Faccalata miera to Swear Sempa Sweet Manies the Sabbath day jonmahet Salute Baesart Sister Addeparapas the Shoulders Baon Salt Matary Silver Peca Sick Sabyt I am sick Bite secata Should Tehylacca Steel Negle a Sword Padang Shears Goethieng a Shield Salwacke Strike Pockul a Smith Goeda Small Kytchyl Spicery Oberbedyl Strong Cras a Ship Capal Silver Salacha a Stone Batu Salt Garram to Sell jou wall a Swéetcheart Nay moeda a Swine or hog Saby. TAke away Ambel There Sana to Think Engat They Dya I Thank you Tarrima casse teeth Anton Tongue Ilat Tarry a little Nanthy Tamaryndis. Aassa. Vinegar Tsuyka an Uncle Mana to understand Taven Use, or custom Esteedat I understand it not. Tyeda tau WIthout Blou waer to Work Kareya to War Backelay a Woman Paranpoan a Wooer Cemoeda Where Dymana to Winifrid Menang Warm Penas Woe, or alas Saya We Dep a Waterpot Land Where is it Manaoden Water Eyer Well Sousa What say you Abbacatta Wood of Aloes. Garro. YEasterday Balmary You Pakanera the Year Tauwn Young Monda Ice Dalan. Some javanish words. PEpper Syhang Mace Massa Nutmegs Palla Cloves Syancke Water Eyer Water Baya Silver Salorcka Pieces of 8. Serpy Casses, or Cassia Petys' Fish Ivack A Dagger. Cryssen A Ship Capella There is too little. Courang A great piece of Ordnance Bedyl bezar A Gun or Piece Bytsyl To eat Mackan Paper carta's Wine Arac A Hog Sieleng An Ox Alomba Christians Vrangy Strangers. Oranleyo. Counting in the Molucas tongue. One Satu Two Dua Three Tyga Four Enpat Five Lyma Six Nam Seven Toufiou Eight Delappan Nine Sambalan Ten Sapolo Eleven Sabalas Twelve Duo balas thirteen Tyga balas fourteen Enpat balas Fifteen Lyma balas sixteen Nane balas seventeen Toufiou balas Eyghtéene Delappan balas Nineteen Sambalan balas Twenty Dua pola One and twenty Dua pola satu Two and twenty Dua pola dua Three and twenty Dua pola tyga Four and twenty Dua pola en pat Five and twenty. Dua pola lyma. FINIS.