A MEMENTO FOR HOLLAND: OR A True and Exact Histo●● of the most Villainous and Barbarous Cruelties used on the Eng●●●● Merchants residing at Amboyna in the East-Indies, by the netherlands Governor and Council there.  
Wherein is showed What Tortures were used t● make them confess a Conspira●● they were never guilty of; by putting them on the Rack, and by a Water torture to suffocate them; and by burning them under their Armpits, and Sols of their Feet, till their fat by dropping extinguished the Candles.  
London, Printed by JAMES MOXON, 1●●●.   

 woodcut of scenes of torture   

The PRINTER TO THE READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
I Here present thee with a Story, which cannot be paralleled; that a Nation with whom we have had so long confederacy; and for whom we have ventured our lives; and in whose quarrel so much English Blood hath been spent, for the Defence and Regainment of their lost Liberties; without whom they could not have subsisted; by whose Valour they have been maintained; and to whom they Own their very Being; should thus be requited! for (only upon a pretended Conspiracy) to take away the lives (and that a Favour, their Tortures considered) of so many innocent (eminent) men; merely out of a Covetous Desire to Engross the whole East-India Trade to themselves.  
Let them pretend what they please; God is a just Revenging God: And although hitherto i●●●●h been passed by, and their execrable detesta●●rranny (a name too good for such Rulers) ●●●●●h buried in the ashes of Oblivion; yet (I 〈◊〉 the Generation alive are not so degenerate, 〈◊〉 will both Remember and Requite their ●●●●●ie.  
●●ey might have remembered th●t if we had 〈◊〉 assisted them in th●ir lowest Ebb against ●●●●r puissant Fee, One who (in his thoughts) 〈◊〉 swallowed the Empire of Christendom; 〈◊〉 would: Yet since the beginning of our 〈◊〉 happy Troubles, what Aid have they sent 〈◊〉 recover our Rights and Liberties? Surely 〈◊〉. Nay, have they not assisted those who s●●g●t to enslave us?  
〈◊〉 hope the Lord will put it into the hearts of t●os● Worthies sitting at the Helm, to take th●●●●siness into their Serious Consideration. I l●●v● the issue to God; having done my Duty as a ●rue born Englishman, and a Lover of my Country; Farewell.  
Thine, J. M.   

An Exact and more full Relation of the most Horrid, Cruel, a● Barbarous Proceed against the English 〈◊〉 Amboyna by the Netherlanders, for the pretended Conspiracy of the English there inhabiting.  
Gentlemen and beloved Countrymen,  
IT is not out of any prejudice that I thus recount their barbarous proceedings against the poor English Merchants in Amboyna, but to remember them of their former cruelties to that Nation, which now they seem to Court and Sue to. I shall give you a true Relation thereof, and let the world judge between us, whether we have not cause to remember their former courtesies.  
After the progress of two several Treaties, the first being in 1613. in London; and the other at the Hague in Holland, concerning matters of Trade between the English and Dutch in the East-Indies; and at length by a third Treaty in London, 1619. all differences in matter of Trade were composed; and solemnly agreed upon the future proceed of both Companies in the Indies, as well in matter of Trade and Commerce, as otherwise: and in regard of the great blood shed, and pretended cost the Hollander had been at, in obtaining the Trade of the Isles of the Moluccos, Banda, and Amboyna from the Spaniards and Portugals, and in building of places of Strength to keep out the enemy, and all such as should oppose them; the said Hollanders should have the two third parts of the Trade, and the English the other third; and whatsoever charges they were at in relation to their defence, should be imposed upon the Merchandise. Wherefore in order to this Agreement, the English East India. Company placed certain Factories for their part of Trade, some at the Mollucco's, some at Banda, and others at Amboyna; which last will prove the Scene of an unparelleled Tragedy.  
Now a little to digress, I will acquaint the Reader what part of the Indies this Amboyna lieth in: 'Tis an Island adjacent to Seran, the compass about forty leagues, from whence some other Islands derive their name; for Commodities, Cloves abound, and great Trade there is for them; for buying and gathering in thereof, the English Company had settled five several Factories, the head and chief place of meeting was at this Town of Amboyna; where first M. Geo, Muschamp, and after him M. Gab. Towerson were Agents; to whom Instructions were given for the Government of the smaller Factories in the respective Island, and the neibouring Island of Seran.  
Upon the Islands of Amboyna and point at Seran, the Dutch had fortified themselves in four several places but their chiefest Fort was at the Town of Amboyna, which they had made impregnable, having four Bulwarks, and on each point six pieces of Ordnance mounted, upon the side of the Castle the Sea beats, the other is divided from the Land with a kind of deep Graft of five fathom broad, exceeding deep and filled with the Sea. The Garrison of this Castle consisted of about two hundred Dutch soldiers, and a company of free Burghers, and about four hundred Mardijkers, for so they call the free natives in the Town who are ready to serve the Castle at an hours warning; There likewise lay in the Road divers strong Holland ships as well for defence as Traffic. This being the place of general meeting, as well for the Island of Banda, as the rest of Amboyna. Here the English inhabited, not in the Castle, but under its protection, in an house of their own, thinking themselves safe, and resting upon the credit of the Dutch; first in respect of the affinity of both Nations; secondly, in regard of the late Treaty.  
Here they continued with a seeming loving respect; the English conversing and trading with the Hollander and the Hollander with the English; and all by virtue of the late Treaty. But in the mean time there happening some difference between them. The English not only complain of the Hollanders squandring away much money in building of unnecessary charges upon For●s, thereby to bring in unreasonable reckon to the common account; but also did for their part pay the Garrisons with Victuals, and Cloth of Corom●●nde●, which they put off to the soldiers at four times the price it cost them; yet would they not allow the English part of the same charge▪ thereby drawing from the English (which in right aught to pay but one third part) more the● two thirds of the whole true charge. Hence began the feud between the Hollander and the English; and upon like usages of the English by the Hollanders grew further discontents T●e complaints were sent to Jacatra, in the Island of J●va Ma●or, to the general Council for the Defence of both Nations there residing; Who not agreeing upon the great difference between the two Nat●ons, sent the same over into ●●rop● to be debated, and the differences to be composed here by both Companies; and in case they could not end the controversy, to the King's Majesty, and the Lords, the State's General, according to a former Article in the Treaty in 1619. In the interim the coals of discontent increased between the English and the Dutch, and there wanted not those that kept them burning; for their differences augmented about these and other things, until at length the knot of concord was cut asunder by the sword of discord. The full relation take as followeth.  
About the 11. of February still. vet. a Japonian Soldier of the Dutch, in the Castle of Amboyna, walking in the night upon the Rampire, took an occasion to speak to the sentinel (being an Hollander) and among other discourse, asked him some questions touching the strength of the Castle, and concerning the people of the Garrison; but by the way 'tis here to be noted, that those Japoneers, of whom there were not thirty in all the Island, were for the most part employed by the Dutch in the condition of Soldiers, yet were not of those that they confided in, and always lodged in the Castle; but upon some extraordinary occasion were called out of the Town to do some duty in the watch; This Japoneer aforesaid was suspected upon his conference with the sentinel, and apprehended upon surmise of treason, and put to the water torture, whereby through extreme anguish and pain, and the cruel usage of the tormentors he was brought to confess himself, and some of his Countrymen there, to have con●pi●ted the taking of the Castle; upon his confession, other Japoniers were examined, and put to the torture; together with a Portugal, the keeper of the slaves under the Dutch. Now all the while this business was upon examination, which was four days, some Englishmen having business in the Castle, had leave to go to and from the Castle, where they saw the prisoners and heard of their tortures, and of the crime laid to their charge, but never dreamed or surmised any thing that they were concerned, or that their turn should be next, since they never conversed with the Japoniers, or the aforesaid Portugal.  
At the same time there was one Abel Price, Abel Price Chirurgeon of the English, for a misexamind demeanour of offering to fire a Dutch man's house, this fellow the Dutch took, and shown him some of the J●poniers whom they had grievously tortured, and to palliate their intentions and designs upon the English, told him they had confessed the English to be confederate with them in the taking of the Castle; and if he would not confess, they would torture him worse than the Japoniers. He denies their accusation, they put him to the torture, through the extremity whereof they soon make him confess that which neither he or any of his Countrymen were ever guilty of; this was Febr. 15. 1622. Scil. vet. Soon after nine of the clock in the morning they sent for Capt. Towerson, and the rest of those English that were in the Town to come to speak with the Governor of the Castle, and they as innocent of any conspiracy, never mistrusted any plots against them; all went save one that stayed behind to keep the house. They being come to the Governor, he told Captain Towerson that himself and others of his Nation, were accused of conspiracy about surprisal of the Castle, and therefore till there could attest be made appear of their innocency, they must remain in safe custody and so were made prisoners.  
Immediately also they apprehended him that was left at home in the house, and took all the Merchandise that belonged to the English Company into their custody and took an Inventory of their goods; seizing upon all their Chests, Boxes, Books, Writings, and other things that were in custody of the English, or belonged to the English Merchants. Cap. Towerson was committed to his chamber, and a Guard of Dutch Soldiers appointed to watch him; Emanuel Tomson was kept prisoner in the Castle, and the remaining party, viz. John Beaumont, Edward Collins, Will. Webster, Ephraim Ramsey, Tim. Johnson, John Fardo, and Rob. Frown, were carried aboard the Hollanders Ships then riding in Harbour, and distributed (as to them seemed best for their own designs) to several Ships, and laid fast in irons: Also the same day the Governor sent to the two other Factories in the Island, to apprehend the rest of the English there, so that Sam. Colson, John Clark. Geo. Sharrok that were found in the Factory at Hitto; likewise Edw. Collins, Will. Webber, and John Saddler at Larica, were all brought prisoners to Amboyna, Febr. 16. Upon which day also John Powel, john Wetheral and Thom. Ludbrook were apprehended at Cambello; and john Beaumont, Will. Gregs, Ephraim Ramsey at Loho, and brought in Irons to Amboyna, Febr. 20. In the mean time the Governor and Fiscal went to work w●th the prisoners that were already there, and first they sent for john Beaumont, and Tim. johnson from aboard the Unicorn, who being come into the Castle, Beaumont was left with a guard, and johnson carried into another room; where presently Beaumont might hear him cry out pitifully; then again while they surceased his torment, to be quiet for a little while; then upon the pinching him again, to tyre the ears by the shrilness of his voice and lamentable complaints. After a taste of his tortures, Abel Price the Chirurgeon that was first examined and tortured, as before rehearsed, was brought to confront and accuse him; but johnson not yet confessing any thing, Price was quickly carried out, and johnson brought again to the Rack; where Beaumont heard him cry aloud then again to cease, then to cry afresh; at last some time being spent in his second examination upon some further business, he was brought forth bewailing his evil fortune to be thus tortured for nothing, and being all wet with the water torture, and cruel burning in all parts of his body, he was a perfect Emblem of the Spaniards c●u●●●y to the poor Indians; for they used not ●●●m with more cruelty, than the Dutch did our poor English Merchants. Now this poor soul being thus tormented, was laid as the in a hole with a Soldier to guard him, that he should not speak with any body.  
Then was Samuel Tomson brought to Act his part upon this Tragic Scene, and to be examined; 
Sa●uel Tomson examined  but not suffered to come into the same room where Ioh●son had been, but something farther from the Hall; Yet Beaumont being in the Hall, heard him roar out most lamentably at last, after an hour and an half torturing he was carried away into another room a contrary way, so that he came not by Beaumont through the Hall.  
Next was Beaumont called in, and being examined of many things which he denied by deep Oaths and protestations, he must taste of the same sauce his Countrymen had, and be made to suffer those extreme torments; which was to have a cloth tied about his neck, and two men ready with Jars of water to pour on his head: But yet such cruel pity, or pitiful cruelty had the Governor (being almost a Christian) to command to lose him, and he would spare him a day or two, because he was an old man. This was finished on Saturday the fifteenth of February aforesaid, as a preparative to their Sundays exercise.  
Upon Sunday the sixteenth of Febru●ry, Will. Webber, Edw. Collins, Ephr. Ramsey, and Rob. Brown, were fetched from aboard the Rotterdam to be examined. At the same time came Sam. Colson, Will. Griggs, john Clark, Geo. Sharock, and John Saddler, from Hitto and Larica, and were immediately upon their arrival, brought into the Castle Hall.  

Robert Brown Examined.  Robert Brown, Taylor, was first called in; and being tortured with water he confessed all was asked him.  

Edward Collins Examined.  Then was Edw, Collins called; and they by their insinuating practices told him, that those that were formerly examined, had confessed him as accessary to the plot of taking the Castle; which when he denied with great oaths and execrations (as what will not a man say that is guiltless? yet notwithstanding all the cries of that poor disconsolate soul, they they made his hands and feet fast to the Wrack, and bound a cloth about his throat, ready to put to the torture of water. Thus this poor man being prepared for the torture, he required respite, and he would confess. After Such a small courtesy required, the Hoghen Moghens gave leave. But being again let down, he was so far from confessing any thing, that he vowed and protested his innocency: yet said, that because he knew that they would by torture make him confess any thing, though never so false, they should do him a great favour to tell him what he should say, and he would speak it, to avoid the torture. The Fiscal made answer, What, do you mock us? and bade up with him again, and gave the torture of water; which his tender nature not enduring, he prayed to be let down, and he would confess all. Then he consulted with himself, and told them, that about ten weeks before, himself, Tomson, Johnson, Brown, and Fard●, had plotted, with the help of the Japoners, to surprise the Castle. And here the Fiscal interrupted him, and asked him whether Captain Tower were not a complotter with them. He answered, No. You lie, (said the Fiscal;) did not he call you all to him, and tell you that the Dutchman's baseness to you had caused him to think of a plot; and desire you to secure its discovery, and to swear on a Bible to be secret to him? Collins answered, with great Oaths, that he knew nothing of it. Then they commanded to make him fast again: and when he saw he must go to torture, he said all was true that they had spoken. Then the Fiscal asked whether the English in the rest of the Factors were not consenting to this plot. He answered, No. The Fiscal then asked him whether the Precedent of the English at Jaccatra, or M. Welden Agent in Bandu, were not plotters consenting to this business. Once more, he replies negatively. The Fiscal asked them by what means the Japoners should have executed their purposes. Whereat when Collings was at a stand, he devised with himself some probable fiction. The Fiscal holp him, and said, Should not two Japoners have gone to each point of the Castle, and two to the Governors' chamber-door; and when the hurly-burly had been without, and the Governor coming to pacify the business, the Japoners to have killed him? Here one said to the Fiscal, Do not tell him what he should say, but let him speak for himself. Whereupon, the Fiscal, without attending his answer to the former question, asked him what reward the Japoners should have received. Collins answered, A thousand Royals apiece. Lastly, he asked when this plot should have been effected. Whereunto though he answered nothing, not knowing what to devise upon the sudden, yet he was dismissed, and glad to become clear of the torture, though he should certainly die for this confession.  
Next, in order to our Tragedy, was Samuel Colson examined, being brought before them, having newly arrived from Hitto, as is before touched; who being the same day brought to the torture, was so appalled at the sight of Collins, (whose eyes were blown out of his head with the torture of water) that he chose rather to confess all they asked him, then to be tortured: and so he was dismissed; but he went out weeping, protesting his innocency.  
Now comes John Clerk, who came with Colson from Hitto, to be examined, and put to the torture, so that he was heard by those without the hall to cry out in an extreme manner; for they tortured him with fire and water for the space of two hours. The manner of his torture, as also of Jonson's and Tomsons, was as followeth. First, they twisted him up by the hands with a cord on a large door, where they made him fast to two staples of iron, fixed on both sides on the top of the door-posts, stretching his hands asunder as wide as they could: and being thus made fast, his feet hung about two foot from the ground, which also they extended as far as they could, and so made them fast unto the bottom of the door. Then they bond a cloth about his neck and face, so close, that little or no water could go by. When they had done this, they poured the water softly upon his head, until the cloth was full up to his mouth and nostrils, so that he could not draw his breath, but he must suck in the water; which being still continued to be poured in softly, forced his entrails to come out at his eyes ears, and nose, almost to strangling. Never were there such horrid cruelties exercised among the Turks and Barbarians, as among those that pretend Christianity. They were so cruel to him, that they tormented him till his breath was gone, so that he fainted: then they took him quickly down, and made him vomit up the water; and being a little recovered, they pulled him up again, and charged him with the water again, till they had stifled him as before: and this was exercised on this poor wretch three or four several times, till his body was swollen twice as big as ordinary, his cheeks puffed up like a pair of bladders, and his eyes starting and strutting out beyond his forehead. Yet such was the constancy of this poor soul, that, rather than he would confess, or betray any of his Countrymen, he weuld suffer all the injuries could be inflicted upon him; insomuch that the Fiscal and Tormentors reviled him, saying he was a devil; (when indeed they shown themselves to be so) and that no man but a Witch could endure such torments: wherefore they, in relation to some Charms about him, cut off his hair short from his head, and hoist him up again as before. Then they burned him with lighted Candles in the bottom of his feet, until the fat dropped out the Candles: yet, as if these cruelties had not been enough, they called for fresh lights, and applied them unto him. They burned him also under the elbows; likewise in the palms of his hands: they moreover burned his armholes, till his entrails might be seen. At length, when they saw all their cruelties could not do any good upon him to make him confess of himself, they led him along with circumstances plotted and contrived by themselves; and being thus wearied and overcome by the torment, he (rather than he would suffer more) answered Yea to whatsoever they asked him. The confession that they drew from him, was to this effect, viz. that Captain Towerson had, upon Newyears day last before, sworn all the English at Amboyna to be secret, and to be assistant to a plot that he had projected, with the help of the Japoners, to take the Castle, and to put the Governor and the rest of them to death. And thus have I shown you the cruel handling this poor English Merchant. Now after they had thus macerated his body, they sent him out by four blacks, who carried him to the Dungeon, and there laid him in heavy irons for five days without any Christian pity, so much as to send a Chirurgeon to dress his putrified wounds, which were filled with great Maggots, which dropped and crep from him in a most loathsome manner, and this they made their Sabbath days work, it now grew dark, they sent the rest of the English that came from Hitto (attended in the Hall) to the Smiths, where they were loaded with Irons, and then carried to the Prison where the rest of the tortured prisoners were, with the Japoners, lying miserably putrified. The next morning, being Monday the 17 of February, William Grigs, and John Fardo were called to examination.  
The Japoners were first cruelly tortered to accuse Greggs, which after a great deal of torture, were constrained, in hope to avoid the cruelty of the torture, to accuse Griggs, to avoid the torture, confessed all that he was demanded.  
John Fardo comes next with some other Japoners; himself endured the torture of water, but being not able to undergo any further torture, confessed what was asked him by the Fiscal and so was sent to prison again.  
The same day also, was brought John Beaumont the second time to the Fiscals Chamber, where one Captain Newport a Dutchmans' son but born in England, was interpreter. William Griggs was brought to accuse him, who said, that when the consultation for surprisal of the Castle was held, he the said Beaumont was present: Beaumont denies it with deep imprecations, the other faintly affirms it; upon which, Beaumont is triped, and filled with water till his entrails began to crack: so devilish were these hellhounds. (for other terms I cannot give them.) Well, so tortured he was, that he answered affirmatively to all Interrogatories; yet being let down, swore to Newport, and Johnson a Dutch Merchant, that the things were false which were extorted from him, yet he was constrained to put his hand to his confession, or else to the torture he must go: which to avoid, with a sorrowful heart he subscribed, and so had heavy Irons put upon him, and carried to the Dungeon.  
Next to Beaumont, was George Sh●rock brought to the stake, he was an assistant at Hitt●; he being called to question, saw how others had been tortured, made his prayer to God (as since upon oath he hath affirmed) that he would permit him to tell some probable lies against himself, as the Dutch might give credit to, and by that means escape the torture; but being brought to the wrack, the water provided, and the Candles lighted. he was by the Governor and Fiscal examined, and charged, That he with the rest of his Countrymen had contrived the surprisal of the Castle: he on his knees protests his innocency, upon this they command him to the wrack, and expressly told him, unless he did acknowledge himself, and confess the other Conspirators, he should be tormented with fire and water, to death, and after to be drawn to the Gallows, and there hanged up as a monument of their rebellion; all this works not with this noble minded English man, he still maintains his innocency, the Fiscal commands him to be hoist up, than he craved a little time, and told him that he was indeed at Hitto, and not in Amboyna upon Newyears day, when the consultation was pretended: neither had been there since November before, as was well known to many of the Hollanders themselves, yet there remaining with him: they again commanded him to the wrack; but he desires once more some time, and he would tell them the truth so near as he could: 'Tis true said he, I have many times heard John, who was with me at Hitto, say that the Dutch do them many unsufferable wrongs, and that now was the time to think upon revenge, in order to which, he had spoke with Captain Towerson concerning a brave Plot, at which words the Fiscal and the rest were attentive, and much hastened him on to proceed: so he went on, saying, That John Clark had entreated Captain Towerson, that he might go to Manasser, there to advise with the Spaniard to come with Galleys, and pillage the small factories of Amboyna and Serac, when no ships were there. Here again they demanded, What Captain Towerson said to this; he said, That Towerson was much offended with Clark for this motion, and from thence forth, could never abide him, hereupon the Fiscal was much offended with him, and told him he was much from the matter, and therefore should to the torture; he once more craves favour, and began another story, viz. Thar upon eight day last passed, John Clark told him at Hitto, that there was a practice to take the Castle of Amboyna, and asked whether I would consent thereunto, wherefore he demanded of Clark, whether Captain Towerson had any knowledge of the same, which Clark affirming, than he the said Sherrock said he would join with them in the Conspiracy, than the Fiscal asked him when the consultation was held, he answered, in November last, the Fiscal replied, that could not be, for the consultation was upon Newyears day, the prisoner replied as before, that he had not been in Amboyna since the first of December, till now that he was brought thither, why then quoth the Fiscal, did you contrary yourself? whereto the prisoner with a bold and steadfast countenance, told him, that all that he had spoken about Treason were but fictions, and what he spoke was to avoid torture. Then went the Fiscal out into another room to the Governor, and by and by returned, and sent Sherock to the prison again. The next day was goe called again, and a writing presented to him, wherein the Fiscal had cunningly framed a Confession of his dealing with Clerk at Hitto, touching the taking of the Castle of Amboyna, which being read unto him, the Fiscal asked him whether it were true or no, he answered no: Why then did you confess it? he answered, for fear of torture: The Fiscal and the rest in fury told him, he lied; for his mouth had spoken it, and it was true: therefore they commanded him to subscribe. Which he had no sooner done, but he fell into great passions, charging them all to be guilty of his Countrymen blood, for they had extorted this from his hands, which his heart abhorred, and bid them look to it; for they should answer for this at the last day: withal he grappled with the Fiscal and would have stayed him from carrying in his Confession to the Governor, with whom he also desired some discourse; but was presently laid hold on and carried away to the prison.  
William Webber being next examined was told by the Fiscal that John Clark had confessed him to have been at Amboyna on New-yeers-day, and that he had been sworn to Captain Towersons plot: all which he denied, and said that he was that day at Larica. But being brought to the Wrack, he then confessed he was at the consultation on New-yeers-day at Amboyna: whatsoever was asked, he confessed in every respective circumstance. He also confessed that he had received a Letter from Clerk, to which was annexed a Postscript excusing his brief writing in respect of the great business. But one Reyner a Dutch Merchant then standing by, told the Governor, that upon New-yeers-day (the time of this pretended consultation) Webber and he were merry at Larica. So the Governor left him, and went out; but the Fiscal had another card to play touching the Postscript of Clerk's Letter, urging him to show the same: which when he could not produce, though often threatened the torture, he promised to save his life, if he would produce the Letter.  
And now must Captain Towerson act his part in the tragedy; for now he's brought to be examined by the Fiscal: and in order thereunto, he is showed what others had confessed. To clear himself from these accusations, he imprecates dire judgements to fall upon him. if he be any way guilty of what is laid to his charge. Samuel Colson is brought to confront him; but before, is told, that if he will not make good what is extorted from him, he shall again to the torture; and for fear, he faintly affirmed it; and so was sent to prison again. They also brought Grigs and Fardo to justify what they confessed of him; and being come face to face, Captain Towerson charged them as they would answer it another day before God, that they should not belie him.  
They being both stricken for their false accusing him, fell down upon their knees, and asked him forgiveness, and protested that whatsoever was before confessed, was as false as God is true; and what they spoke was to avoid torment: with that the Fiscal was so mad, that he threatened torture, which they would not endure, but affirmed their first Confessions to be true.  
When Colson (who had accused Captain Towerson before) was commanded to set his hand to his extorted Confession he said, The sin I hope shall not lie at my door, for who are the greatest sinners, you that compel me by torture to accuse those which were never guilty, and to subscribe, or me that am compelled, let God judge between us.  
Febr. the 20 comes john Wetheral to be examined, he was a Factor of Cambello in the Island of Seran: he is likewise forced to confess he was at Amboyna upon New-yeers-day; but that he was engaged by way of consultation, he utterly denies; and all the business he had there, was about some cloth of the English Companies that lay in some factories rotting and spoiling, which they advised for the putting off at the best advantage. The Governor said, We question you not about cloth, but about treasonable actions of you and your complices. He protests his innocency, and is for that time dismissed: but the next day he was sent for again, and Captain Towerson was called to confront him, having already spoken something concerning him: but Towerson spoke only these words: Master Wethral, Master Wethral, speak the truth, and nothing but the truth, as God shall direct you. So Capt. Towerson was put out again, & Wethral called in and put to the water-torture, with menaces that if water did not make him confess, fire should; be prayed them to tell him what he should say, and he would do any thing, rather than be tormented: they told him he knew what to say without being directed; but when they had hoist him up three or four times, and they saw he was to seek what to say, they re●d other men's Confessions to him, and examined him from point to point what they had confessed, and he answered positively that he was engaged, merely to avoid the torture.  
Next John Powel, Wetherels assistant at Cambello, was called; but he proving that he was not at Amboyna since November las●, and being solicited for by one John Joost, was dismissed without torture.  
Then was Thomas Ladbrook, servant to Powel and Wetheral at Cambello, brought to be examined, but proving that he was at Cambello at the time of this pretended engagement, and serving in such a condition, as that he was not acquainted with letters of so high consequence, he was dismissed.  
After him comes Ephraim Ramsey to be examined, and particularly concerning Captain Welden the English Agent at Bandu, but he denies, and proves he was not at Amboyna, at Newyears tied; he was likewise mediated for by john joost, and discharged after he had been tortured a good space.  
Thus gentle Reader have I given you a relation of the examinations tortures, and confessions, being the work of eight days; after which, two days expired, than Sentence was pronounced; john Powel being acquitted, went to visit john Fardo in prison, which Fardo had accused Towerson, for Fardo was much troubled, and protested his innocence and sorrow for accusing him: for, said he, the fear of death doth nothing dismay me; for God, I trust, will be merciful unto me: the only thing that torments my spirit, is, that I have accused that honest and godly man, Captain Towerson, whom I think in my conscience was so honest, that no thought remained in his breast to do any man the least injury, much less would he attempt a business of such a nature as he is accused for. He further said, he would before his death receive the Sacrament, as an acknowledgement of the injury he had done Captain Towerson, in accusing him wrongfully through fear of torment.  
The five and twentieth, old stile, all the prisoners, as well the English, as the Portugals and Japoners, were brought into the great hall of the Castle, and there solemnly condemned, except john Powel, Ephraim Ramsey, john Sadler, and Thomas Ladbrook formerly acquitted, Captain Towerson while he was imprisoned, was never permitted to see, much less to speak with any of his Countrymen, and fellow prisoners, yet he writ much in his chamber to vindicate himself, but all was suppressed except a bill of debt, which one Thomas Ichison a free Burgher, by favour of the keepers, got as an acknowledgement that the English Company owed him money, in the end of this bill he writ thus: Firmed by the firm of me Gabriel Towerson, now appointed to die, guiltless of any thing that can be justly laid to my charge, God forgive them their guilt and receive me into his mercy, Amen. This bill being brought to Mr. Welden the English Agent, at Bandu, paid the money, and received in the acknowledgement.  
William Grigs, who before had accused Cap. Towesson, writ these words following in his Table-Book, We who are here specified, John Beaumont, Merchant of Loho, Will. Grigs Merchant of Larica, Abel Price, Chirurgeon of Amboyna, Robert Brown Taylor, which here lie Prisoners in the ship Rotterdam, being apprehended for Conspiracy, for blowing up the Castle of Amboyna, being judged to death this 6 of March 1622. which we through the anguish of the the torments were constrained to speak that which never came into our thoughts, which we take upon our deaths and salvation, they tortured us with those extreme tortures of fire and water, that humane flesh is not able to see it, and this we take upon our deaths, That they have put us to death guiltless of our accusation.  
This Table-book was afterwards delivered to Mr. Welden aforenamed, by one that served the Dutch.  
Samuel Colson also, that through tortures accused Captain Towerson, writ in waste leaves of Common Prayer and Psalms, these ensuing lines in one page thus;  
March 5. Stilo novo being Sunday, aboard the Rotterdam, lying in irons:  
UNderstand that I Samuel Colson, late Factor of Hitto, was apprehended for suspicion of conspiracy, and for any thing that I know must die for it: wherefore having no better means to have my innocency known, have writ this in this book, hoping some good English men will see it. I do here upon my salvation, as I hope by his Death and Passion to have redemption for my sins, that I am clear of all such conspiracies; neither do I know any English man guilty thereof, nor other creature in the world. As this is true: God bless me.  
Samuel Colson.  
On the other side, upon the first page of the Catechism, is thus written:  
IN another leaf you shall understand more, which I have written in this book.  
Samuel Colson.  
In the beginning of the Psalms, and in the leaf so referred unto, is thus written, viz,  
The Japons were taken with some villainy, and brought to examination, being most tyrannously tortured, were asked whether the English had any hand in the plot, which torture made them say, Yea. Then was Mr. Tomson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Collins, John Clark brought to examination, and were burned under the arms, armpits, the hands, and the soles of the feet, with another most miserable torture, to drink water; some of them almost tortured to death, and were forced to confess that which they never knew, by reason of the torment which flesh and blood is not able to endure. Then were the rest of the English men called one by one, amongst which I was one, being wished to confess, or else I must go to torment; withal caused Mr. Johnson, who was tormented to witness against me, or else he should be tormented again; which rather than he would endure, he said what they would have, he would speak: then must I confess that I never knew, or else go to torment; which rather than I would suffer, I did confess that, which, as I shall be saved before almighty God, is not true, being forced for fear of torment. Then did they make us witness against Captain Towerson, and at last made Captain Towerson confess all for fear of torment, for which we must all die. As I mean and hope to have pardon for my sins, I know no more than the child unborn in this business.  
Written with mine own hand the first of March, Stilo novo. Samuel Colson.  
Yet in another page were these words:  
I Was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, where I desire this book may come, that my friends may know of mine innocency.  
Samuel Colson.  
This book he delivered to one that served the Hollanders, who sowed it up in his bed, and soon as occasion offered itself, he delivered it up to Mr. Welden before named.  
All which writings are extant in very good hands.  
The six and twentieth of February, Stilo veteri, the prisoners were brought into the great Hall of the Castle, only Captain Towerson, Emanuel Tomson, were to be prepared to death by the Ministers.  
As for the Japoners in general, they cry out unto the English concerning this plot: Oh you English men, where did we ever in our lives eat with you, talk with you, or to our remembrance see you? the English men answered, why then have you accused us? the poor men perceiving they were made believe, each had accused others, before they had done so, and shown them their tortured and masserated bodies, and said, if a stone were thus burrt would it not change his nature? how much more we that are but flesh and blood.  
Whilst they were all in the Hall, Captain Towerson was called to examination, and two Jars of water carried after him to fright him, but what they did to him no man knows, but they made him subscribe.  
After the Governor had supped, John powel, Ephraim Ramsey, Thomas Ladbrook, and John Sadler, who were found not guilty, were taken from the rest, and put into another room, presently Samuel Colson and Edward Collins were brought from the rest, and put where Emmanuel Tomson lay. The fiscal told them though they deserved little mercy, yet it was the Governors' mercy to save one of them three, and 'twas not to him which he saved, but it was his pleasure they should draw lots for it, which they did, and it fell upon Edward Collins to be saved, who was then carried to John powel's Chamber, where the rest lay that were quit, he was told he was beholding to Peter Johnson the Dutch Merchant of Loho, and to the Secretary, for they had begged his life.  
Now there remained in the Hall ten of the English, for Towerson and Tomson were kept in rooms by themselves, apart from the rest.  
To those in the Hall the Dutch Ministers came, and they admonished them to confess unto the world what they were guilty of, for their time was but short, and to dissemble now with God 'twould lie heavy upon their consciences, and took the Sacrament thereon, but especially as a seal of the forgiveness of their sins, and to show to the world their innocency: but by the way Samuel Colson spoke to the Minister, saying, you tell us of the danger of dissimulation, but tell us if we suffer guiltless, being otherwise true believers in Christ Jesus, what shall be our reward? the Preachers replied, so clear as you appear now before God, by so much shall your Resurrection be the more glorious: this rejoiced Colsons heart, insomuch that he embraced the Preacher that had given this comfortable glance upon him, and gave him his purs● with such money he had in't, saying Domine, Lord bless you; and tell the Governor I do freely forgive him, and I do earnestly desire you to exhort him to repent him of this bloody tragedy brought upon us poor souls that are innocent of any such action.  
Upon this speech of Colsons all the rest of the prisoners stood up, and signified their consent to his speech: then spoke Fardo to the rest in presence of the Ministers, as followeth, Countrymen and Brethren, all you that are condemned to die, I charge you all as you will answer it at the dreadful day of judgement, if any of you be guilty of this we are accused, clear your consciences, and speak the truth to satisfy the world.  
Hereupon Samuel Colson spoke with a loud voice, saying, if I he guilty of this treason, let not my soul live in the Kingdom of heaven, at which words every one of the rest cried Amen, Amen for me, Amen for me Lord. When this was done, every one went to embrace each one whom he had accused, and begged forgiveness of one another, for their false accusation being extorted from them by the pains of fear and torture, and they all freely forgave one another, for none had so falsely accused, but himself had accused another falsely; imparticular George Sharrock, who survived to relate this night's passage, kneeled down to john Clerk whom he had accused of the tale at Hitto, above mentioned, and desired pardon at his hands, as he looked for forgiveness of God; Clark freely forgave him, saying, if I should not forgive you, how should I look to be forgiven of God, for I have as falsely accused Towerson, and others?  
After this they spent the rest of the doleful night in Prayer, and singing of Psalms, comforting one another, though the Dutch that guarded them offered them wine, and bid them drink lustick and drive away the sorrow according to their custom, but 'twas contrary to the nature of the English.  
The next morning being the execution day, 27. of February, Stilo veteri, John powel being freed, as is above recited, came into the room where the condemned persons were, and found them at prayers: they all desired him to relate to their friends, how they were put to death for that they were never guilty of, taking upon their deaths that whatsoever they had confessed concerning themselves, or accusing of others was false, and only done to avoid the cruel torments they were put to.  
Likewise this morning was William Webber called into the fiscals room, and there urged to produce the letter which he had received from john Clark, in the postscript whereof there was some business of consequence; they made great promises, as to save his life if he would show them that letter, which though he did not (for could he produce that to them he never received?) yet they pardoned him his life, and sent him to the rest that were pardoned, and Sharrock with him.  
Emanuel Tomson hearing that Beaumont was pardoned, desired that he might speak with him, which he obtained with much entreaty. Beaumont found him in his Chamber in a miserable condition, with his wounds bound up, but the matter and blood issuing through the Rowler; he took Beaumont by the hand, and prayed him when he came into England to do his duty to the honourable Company, his Masters, to Mr. Robinson, and his brother Billingsley, and to certify his innocency by his own knowledge.  
All things being prepared for execution, the prisoners were brought forth of the Hall, by the chamber where the quit men were, who took their farewell of their Countrymen now going to execution, and staying a little before the chamber, they charged those that were their friends to bear witness to their friends of their innocency, and that they were merely murdered by the Hollanders upon a pretended treason, whom he prayed God to forgive.  
Being brought into the yard, sentence was read unto them from a gallery, and from thence they were carried to the nine japons, and one Portugal condemned with them, and in procession, to show them to the people of the town, guarded with a strong guard of Dutch and Amboyna soldiers, and such was the concourse of people which resorted to this triumph of the Dutch over the English that ' 'ttwas admirable.  
Samuel Colson having conceived a prayer which he read to his fellows before his execution, it was a protest of his innocency, and now at the place of execution pronounced the same, which done, threw away the paper, which the Governor caused to be brought unto him, and kept it.  
Emanuel Tomson he doubted not but God would show some sign of his innocency, and every one severally of them at their death protested their clearness of any fact or treason against the Dutch, and so one by one with great cheerfulness suffered the fatal stroke.  
The Portugal he prayed over his beads, and kissed the Cross, swearing thereon, declared that he was clear from this treason laid to his charge, but yet took this punishment as a just judgement of God, for leaving his wife in his own Country, by the persuasion of the Governor had taken another, his first wife living.  
The Japons according to their Religion concluded with the like profession of their innocency: so there suffered ten English men, viz. Gabriel Towerson, the English Agent at Amboyna, Samuel Colson Factor at Hitto, Emanuel Tomson Assistant at Amboyna, Timothy Johnson Assistant, John Wetherall. Factor at Cambello, john Clark Assistant at Hitto, William Griggs Factor at Larica, John Fardo Steward of the house, Abel Price Chirurgeon, and Robert Brown Tailor.  
The Portugal was Augustin Perez, born at Bengala.  
The Japonesses names were 

Hitieso, all born at Firanda.  
Tsiosa, all born at Firanda.  
Sinsa. all born at Firanda.  
Sidney Migiel, all born at Nagansacque.  
Pedro Congee, all born at Nagansacque.  
Thome Corea. all born at Nagansacque.  
Quiondayo Native of Coreats.  
Tsabinda of Tsoucketgo.  
Zanchoe of Fisien.    
Besides these there were two other Japonese, the one named Soysimo born at Firando, and the other Saceube of the same place: the former of which being tortured, confessed both to have been privy to this pretended treason, and offered his service unto the English to aid them in taking the Castle; and the other confessed he was privy to the consultation of the other Japons to this purpose: but neither of them were executed, nor so much as condemned, but the reason why was kept from the English.  
The Dutch had prepared a black cloth of velvet for Captain Towersons body to fall upon, which being defaced with his blood, was put to the account of the English Company.  
At the instant of the execution there arose a great darkness, and a violent wind and tempest, that two Dutch ships were driven from their anchors in the harbour, and with great labour saved from the rocks.  
Presently after all this, William Dunkin, who told the Governor that Robert Brown the English Tailor, had said, that within six months the English should have as much to do in the Castle as the Dutch: this fellow coming one night to the grave, where the English were in a pit together, excepting Captain Towerson, fell down upon the grave, and after rise again stark mad, and so continued three days and died, this was remarkable: next follows a new sickness, which swept away a thousand Dutch and Amboyners in as short a time as thirty died at other times. These signs were by the surviving English taken as the confident presage of Emanuel Tomson before spoken of, and were by the Amboyners reputed to be a token of God's wrath for the Hollanders barbarous tyranny.  
The next day, as if these Judgements had been nothing, was spent in triumph for the new General of the Dutch then proclaimed, and in public rejoicing for their deliverance from this pretended treason.  
The day following, john Beaumont, and George Sharrock, Edward Collins, William Webber were brought to the Governor, who told them they were pardoned in honour of the new General, and Collins he was to go to Jaccatra to stand to the favour of the General, so the Governor made them drink wine with him, and dismissed them, and bid them go and consult with those that were saved, who were fit to be planted in the rest of the factories.  
Which done, he accordingly appointed them each to their place, adding that he would henceforth take upon him the patronage of the English Companies business; to which purpose he had intercepted a letter come from the English Precedent at Jaccatra to Towerson, wherein he found nothing whereby to accuse them, but said he was glad that the English at Jaccatra were innocent in this business.  
The Governor and fiscal having thus made an end at Amboyna, dispatched themselves for Banda, where they made enquiry against Captain Welden, the English Agent there, yet found nothing to accuse him justly of, but at last courteously entertained him, and told him they were glad they found him as well as the English at Jaccatra without suspicion of treason: Captain Welden taking into consideration the great disorder of the English Companies at Amboyna, by reason of these practices, goes to Amboyna in a Dutch Pinnace, which he hired at Banda, where he recalled the Companies servants, sent as before this to the under Factories.  
And having enquired of the whole proceed lately passed, he found by the agreeing speeches of them all, there was no such treason as was pretended, as also hearing what strict charge the Governor had left to the surviving English, not once to talk about this bloody business, although they were daily reproached by the Country people of treason, and a bloody intent to have murdered all the Natives, and to have ripped up women with child, and such fopperies did the Dutch possess the vulgar, to make the English odious to them. M. Welden holding it neither for the honour and profit of the English Company to continue at Amboyna, he took his poor remnant of the English with him in his Pinnace, and went for Jaccatra, whether the governor had sent john Beaumont and Edward Collins as condemned men to stand to the mercy of the General.  
When this news of Amboyna came to Jaccatra, and the English Precedent sent to the General of the Dutch, to know by what Authority the Governor of Amboyna used the English thus, and how he and the rest of the Dutch resent it;  
The Governor of Jaccatra answers the Governor of Amboyna, he derived his Authority for the Lords and States of the united netherlands, under whom he had lawful Jurisdiction in all causes criminal as civil, and their proceeding necessary against Traitors, such as the English, executed at Amboyna, were as may appear by their own confessions: a Copy whereof he sent the English Precedent, who sent it back to be authentically certified, but never could obtain it again.  
Hitherto gentle reader hast thou the bare and naked Narration of the progress of these actions, of the date, and for the truth of them, as 'tis taken from the Depositions of the six English factors, whereof four condemned, and the other two quitted in the process at Amboyna, all since returned into England, examined upon Oath in the Admiralty Court; Towersons and Tomsons examinations are not yet come to light, because they were kept from all the rest, and not any of the English suffered to come near them, except that short farewell which John Beaumont took of Tomson the morning before the execution then mentioned.  
But because the Hollander will seem to palliate their cruelties over English Merchants, as they acknowledge their treasons under their hands; 'twill not be impertinent to recall certain circumstances from what hath been related, whereby to clear the English from any such crime as was laid to their charge.  
First, Let's remember the Japons were apprehended and tortured three or four days before the English were troubled, and their torture were known in Amboyna, for what they were used so, and Tomson went into the Castle to ask leave of the Governor to land some rice, just as the Japoners were in their torture, and brought back the news to the English house, of the cruel handling of the Japons, which if they had been guilty, they might with ease have escaped by the Corricorries or small boats that lie along the Strand, but in that they fled not, it proves their innocency.  
Next how impossible 'twas for the English to take this Castle, seeing it was of such great strength, how vigilant they were upon the watch to take alarm at the foolish word of a Japon, and how they shot one of their own soldiers to death for sleeping on the watch. Durst ten English men, whereof not one soldier, do you think, attempt such a strength, having but three swords in the English house, when seized on, and half a pound of powder two muskets? so these Japons were not suffered to bear arms, but in the Castle, and in their service, and none to sell them arms nor powder but on great penalty, no Ships in the Harbour of the English, not twenty Japons in the Island, and not many more English, the rest of the English forty leagues off, and those but nine persons, which were afterward cleared by the Governor himself, 'twas not likely that these could surprise a Castle of such strength, and those at Jaccatra likewise.  
Again, the Hollander hath three other strong, Castles in the Island well furnished with soldiers and eight Ships in the harbour, besides a Pinnace, although the English have been approved for their valiant acts, which the Hollanders are witness of forth it service done them against the King of Spain, yet that so few persons, and unarmed, should be imagined to surprise such a Castle, to me seemeth incredible.  
But let it be granted they might have obtained it, to what end should they endanger themselves, when the Companies had agreed the Forts should remain in the hands of those in possession, and they had the King's Majesties, and Lords States General to ratify it, what peace could they expect to keep in.  
But let these English men be so foolish in their plot, that when they were condemned to die, and at the hour of their execution to persist to justify their innocency, to a dissimulation, and to spend their time in prayer, and to take the Sacrament on it, that they were free, and ask one another forgiveness for their accusing one another, and their conjuring one another to discharge their consciences, craving God's mercy or judgement according to their innocency, and to do this in the point of death, what horrid dissimulation had there been, if some one had been so desperate amongst ten, but all to agree and protest their innocency? What hope had they when they saw Towersons head cut off, what hope had they to live, nay, why should they desire it, being so mortified, it was no time to dissemble with God then, when they must answer it at his Tribunal to me this seems a riddle that they should be guilty.  
But now to colour this business over, and to smooth their barbarous proceed, it is given out, the Governor and fiscal found such evidence of the plot, & proceeded so evidently, that they spared not their own Country men, partakers of the treason, in the same manner as the English: but this as the relation is true, and grounded on sworn testimony of six credible Witnesses, and as many Merchants of quality that come from those parts can testify.  
And what the Hollander can do to colour these their barbarous proceed, it is but the unsatiable covetousness of the Hollander to obtain the whole trade of the Molucccoes, Banda, and Amboyna, which is now become the event of this bloody process.  
Now to conclude in a word, gentle Reader, I have given thee a true relation of a fact so odious and barbarous, and inhuman, executed by Hollanders upon the English, in a place where both lived in a seeming amity of partnership, and confirmed by a most solemn treaty, it must needs cast an Odium upon them, and never to be forgotten by a true born heroic spirited Englishman.  
FINIS.