must within three or four days advise the Emperor of because his Majesty and Council expected it And here again he warn'd him to take heed that all were truth for upon the least prevarication his Majesty and Council would be very much dissatisfi'd Upon which Hogenhoek assur'd the Vice-Roy that all was true which he had related Whereupon he departed and coming home in the afternoon he heard that the General Lipovi had on the Morrow invited him to be his Guest and also to tell him that the Letters were come from Court On Monday the twentieth Hogenhoek went with all his Train to the General Lipovi's House where he was Entertain'd with the like Discourse as he had with the Vice-Roy Mean while the Copy of the Letter which the Vice-Roy spoke of on the twenty fourth was sent to the Agent which being translated was to this effect To His Highness Singlamong YOur Letter We Lepous of the Council have receiv'd on the twenty fourth of the sixth Moon and in the third Year of Our Emperors Reign which We deliver'd and read to Him We have seen Your Letter and Request and understood that the Holland Admiral is gone with his Ships and hath left a Houbou or President and a Tonpin or Deputy in Fokien Your Highness writes also that You have deliver'd the Presents for the Dutch Admiral to their Agents he being gone before You writ also that the Admiral behav'd himself bravely having taken the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy for which good Service His Majesty hath Presented him but he being subordinate to their King Maetzuiker who Commission'd him to our Assistance therefore he also must be Presented This Your Highness's Request We have acquainted the Emperor with We have all consider'd and made our Opinions known to His Majesty and approv'd of Your Higness's Proposal therefore We will Present the Ong of Batavia with two thousand Tail of Silver and with a hundred Pieces of Stuffs wrought with Gold and Silk We have already given order to Our Officers to make them up and prepare them for Transportation and one of Our Lepous with the Emperors Secretary to go with them to Fokien where they shall give the Silver and Stuffs to them if they be there but if not then to leave them with Your Highness till their Return We Lepous write this to Your Highness that You may know how to govern Your self accordingly Dated the fourth Year of Our Emperors Reign On Tuesday the twenty sixth Lipovi's Secretary with some Commissioners and Mandarins came to Visit Hogenhoek where after a Dish of Tee the Commissioners said They were come thither purposely to hear the Lord General of Batavia's Name and how he was styl'd because there was some difference in the Name and Titles of the Letters which were sent from thence to Canton 'T is true said he their Highness's Singlamong and Lipovi had already satisfi'd me but I must hear it from your own Mouth that I may the better render an account of it to his Imperial Majesty being therefore sent hither and that his great Master desir'd to know his true Title that he might address himself the better with Presents Hereupon the Agent drew a Letter out of his Pocket directed to him which contain'd the Lord Generals Title and Names as Hogenhoek had given them to Singlamong and Lipovi which was in these words Captain Moor of India Iohn Maetzuiker residing in Batavia but according to their manner of writing they had writ Captain Moor of India Maetzuiker Iohn writing his Sur-name first and his Christen-name afterwards Then one of the Commissioners from Peking said That Holland must needs be a fertile Countrey from whence so many good things come asking also some ordinary Questions as it is usual there which the Hollanders onely answer'd with a Smile whereupon the Agents and Mandarins taking their Leave went home On Wednesday being the twenty seventh Coxinga's Mother came with his Brother Sibya to Hoksieu who had submitted her self to the Tartars that Year before the Dutch Fleet came thither to desire their Excellencies to furnish them with Guides to go to Peking the Emperor having sent for them to come and live there for the prevention of further trouble and inconveniences The twenty eighth General Lipovi sent a Mandarin to Hogenhoek to tell him it would be necessary for him to conduct the Emperors Commissioners out of the City because they had taken so great a Journey for his Business and also to Present them with something that was handsom Whereupon Hogenhoek ask'd him if his Lord had not told him what he was best to Present to which he said With fifty or sixty Tail of Silver and when he deliver'd them to tell them That all his Goods were sold and that they would except of that Sum to buy Tobacco with on the Way Hereupon Hogenhoek making himself ready went to take Leave of the Agents and their Retinue taking with him sixty Tail of Silver viz. twenty five for the first Agent fifteen for the second seven for the Heralds and five for some of the Attendants Coming to them he presented the Money as he had put it up handsom in Papers in several Parcels which they receiv'd very thankfully with promises That when they came to Peking they would not fail to Serve the Hollanders in what they could possible whereupon Hogenhoek return'd to his Lodgings SInce the Province of Fokien and the Towns and Cities belonging to it have often been made mention of and hereafter will be more our Business seems here to require a brief Description thereof This Province one of the fifteen which make up China Paulus Venetus sets forth by the Name of Fugui taken from the Metropolis Focheu It borders the Sea from East to South in the South-west on Quantung West and Nor-West conterminates Kiangsi the remaining part from the North-west to the Northeast verges upon the Countrey of Chekiang This Province is the smallest in the Empire of China the Southermost part of it lies in twenty four Degrees and forty five Minutes extending to twenty eight Degrees and thirty Minutes Northern Latitude a Tract of sixty one German or two hundred forty four English Miles The Kingdom of Min or rather several Dominions over which the Free Lords call'd Min Commanded were antiently accounted into this Territory They divide it into eight Shires or Counties as we may call them whereof Focheusu the chief Cineucheufu Changcheufu Kienningfu Ienpingfu Tingcheufu Hinghoafu Xaounfu besides the small Colony of Foning every one hath several Towns and Cities to the number of fifty six belonging to them besides two fortifi'd Cities and many Castles and Strong-holds at the Sea-side The first County Focheufu borders Easterly at the Sea on the North at Foningfu and Kienningfu on the West upon Ienpingfu and the South looks upon Hinghoafu The Chinese Records tell us that this Countrey was first planted by a Family call'd Cheu and by them nam'd Min notwithstanding it did not then
Men of good Quality and well esteem'd at home upon such Foreign Negotiations The Mandarins further inquisitive came at last to ask What Offices they bore in their Princes Court What their Names and Titles of Honor were How many Men they had under their Command All which the Embassadors answer'd very punctually Then they inquir'd again If they came directly from Holland or Batavia If from Batavia What kind of Place it was and what manner of Person the General Which being resolv'd the Mandarins went away satisfied The next day the Embassadors with the Presents appear'd by order of the Chancellor before the Council without which they were not to be admitted where the Chancellor sate uppermost on a high Bed cross-legg'd Next him on the right Hand sate two Tartar Lords and on the left a Iesuit call'd Adam Schal an ancient and venerable Person and being close shaven look'd like a Tartar he had dwelt above forty six years in the several Reigns of Chinesy Princes in the Court at Peking The rest of the Council sate promiscuously without any Order or State one among another upon Benches onely cover'd with old white Linnen The Chancellor welcoming the Ambassadors in few words Commanded them to sit then laying the Presents on a Table he ask'd upon the matter all the Questions which the Mandarines had formerly whereto the Ambassadors by the help of Father Adam their Interpreter there gave ready Answers Mean while Order came from the Emperor to the Council wherein the Jesuit was desir'd to write down and to deliver to his Imperial Majesty that night if the Hollanders possess'd any Land and also where and how far it lay distant from his and also how their Prince was call'd and what kind of Government they maintain'd All which Schal deliver'd in Writing to the Chancellor Adding that their Countrey did formerly belong to the King of Spain from whom they keep it unjustly c. But the Chancellor perceiving that the Jesuit had no kindness for them scrupling made him put in and put out and write the whole matter twice over then ordering him to Transcribe it fair he refus'd excusing himself by age and weakness of sight Upon which he commanded one of his Under-Clerks to write it over which done it was immediately with some small Presents carry'd to the Emperor Who soon after having receiv'd this advice sent a Mandatory Letter to the Council signifying That he receiv'd the Hollanders as Ambassadors and permitted that they might be brought into his presence so soon as he should sit upon the Throne in his new Court The Letter to the Council was written in these words Most Honorable and our great Lords the Holland Ambassadors are come hither with their Presents to Complement the Emperor and shew their obedience to Us which no Record shews nor any remembers that they ever did to this Crown in thousands of years before Therefore since this is their first Address We receive them as Ambassadors and permit that they when We shall sit on Our Imperial Throne in Our New Palace may be brought into Our presence to shew their obedience to Us that afterwards they may be well entertain'd and dealt withal according to their own requests and also be speedily dispatch'd for their better departure and the rather because out of respect to Our Fame they are come an unimaginable vast way by Sea and also by Land nay as if they came out of a shadow from high Mountains to rest their Feet at Peking there with open Eyes to behold the clear Sun in the Firmament therefore how can We withstand and deny the Requests of such Persons after their long and tedious Voyages But after when the Ambassadors Letters of Credence Translated by Schal were read to the Emperor he sent to the Chancellor a second Order in these words Having on the sixteenth day of the sixth Moon read over the Hollanders Letters a second time and gotten a right understanding thereof We find that their Embassy which they have undertaken is freely out of their own kindness and inclination towards Us and that from a Countrey lying beyond the great Sea just like a Bird that takes a voluntary flight through the Air and cannot be forc'd to come down And since We esteem this Embassy higher than ought else and would befriend as Our self therefore We charge you Our Chancellor and the rest of Our Council of State upon their Requests which they shall make by way of this Embassy to permit them egress and regress through Our Empire and what other Agreements you drive with them you acquaint Us therewith This Letter being read the Chancellor ask'd the Ambassadors if they could in like manner make annual Addresses if not every three year whereupon the Ambassadors answer'd That they could with more certainty and Ceremony wait on the Emperor with their due obeisance in Peking every fifth year so that they might be Licens'd yearly with four Ships to come and Traffique at Canton Which Proposal the Chancellor put to the Vote and the Tartars with one voice judg'd their Designs were fit just and reasonable But the Chineses thought it sufficient if they made their Addresses to the Emperor but every ninth year to save the trouble and danger of so long a Journey supposing what the Tartarians did not observe that it was not fit the Hollanders should Trade all that while at Canton Moreover they urg'd that these that call'd themselves Hollanders might be English neither they nor their Shipping being much unlike which would be a high scandal upon their Government to suffer that Nation that had done them such prejudice within memory when they came but with four Ships into the Haven Heytamon and ruffled their Fleet there sinking some and taking others and so batter'd the Castle that they took the Mandarine himself Prisoner fighting more like Furies than Men for which they were ever since declar'd Enemies nay according to an Edict made at that time never after to be permitted to Trade in China so that they ought to have greater proofs whether the Hollanders were not English before they should be suffer'd to Traffique upon their Coasts And also besides that it was contrary to their ancient Laws and Customs to grant to any Nation a free Trade in the Empire they could not perceive any thing concerning this Request in their Lettrrs of Credence therefore according to their opinion the Ambassadors went beyond their Orders This stop of the Council so unexpected seem'd very strange to the Ambassadors who thought of nothing more but that all things had been done and a free Trade granted and that they were onely to return him their humble Thanks All which was brought thus about by the influence of Father Adam Schall and some other Portuguese at Peking foreseeing the undoing of their Factory at Macao if the Dutch set up at Canton and also there wanted not a less Sum than 300 Tail of Silver which was to be dispos'd to Bribe
the Council with promises of more The Tartars also now adding that the Hollanders under pretence of Trade sought to get footing in the Empire and then to Ransack the Countrey and Pillage and make Prize of what e're they could lay hold on All which was more confirm'd as a positive truth by the Allegation of a Commissioner that had dwelt at Canton three years before and also by the Tutang's Letters which at that time was at Canton and Brib'd for that purpose by the Portuguese at Macao had wrought such an opinion in the Hearts of the People that they look'd upon the Hollanders no otherwise than a company of Outlaws and Exiles which had no home or abodes but dwelt on the Sea their whole subsistence drawn from Spoil and Piracy Lastly The Ambassadors found that the Chancellor and other Councellors could not without Bribes understand that these words in their Letters of Credence To have leave to go and come could signifie nothing but a free Trade which seem'd very strange to them since they knew no otherwise but that the five and thirty hundred Tail of Silver which they had oblig'd themselves to pay to the Vice-Roy at Canton was to be distributed amongst the Council Therefore being thus deceiv'd by the Vice-Roy they were forc'd to fall to new Consultations to obtain their desire First They Declar'd to the Chancellor and Council more at large what was intended by that Point concerning their Annual Trade in Canton and desired earnestly to obtain it Next they offer'd by the old Vice-Roy of Cantons Mandarin to the Chancellor that they would stay in Peking till his Majesty was fully assur'd that they were Hollanders and not English They also requested that the Emperor would be pleas'd to give them a Seal with some peculiar Mark Engrav'd in Brass therewith they might Seal Passes for all Ships that either Sail'd by or put into the Harbors of China thereby to distinguish them from others of their neighboring Nations At last they exhibited a Proposal drawn by one of the Clerks of the Council wherein they urg'd that they might as Loyal Subjects Trade in China upon the Grant whereof they would undertake to pay all Taxes and Customs whatsoever like those of Licukieu Ainan and Siam and when those three Nations made their Addresses being every third year they would in like manner attend the Emperor with peculiar Presents But all their Proposals were to no effect wanting at least ten thousand Tail of Silver there being no other means in that Court to make their way for what party Brib'd most abnubilated their understandings and gave them a sense of their Cause which Sum they being then not able to raise for none could be took up upon any Security whatsoever under ten or eight at least per cent a Moneth Interest Which exaction the Ambassadors judg'd no way fit or reasonable because if they were at this Expence it lay still doubtful whether their business should be effected The Emperor at last inform'd of all the Proceedings by his Council and how the Hollanders were inclin'd to come in an Embassy to his Majesty every fifth year and that they had made it appear that in less time they could not go and come Therefore his Majesty out of a respect to the Hollanders and for their better accommodation order'd them to come but every eighth year For said he otherwise they would not be able to hold out and why should We lay an unnecessary Obligation on a People which We neither need nor fear and who of their own inclination come to tender their Obedience to Us with Presents No We have resolv'd to Treat them so tenderly that after they have ended their great Journey they may have two or three years rest at home By this Declaration of the Emperor they saw plainly nothing more was to be done but to apply themselves onely to patience and to put off the Design till another more fit opportunity for the Councils chief Secretary had told them that too much pressing and eager sollicitation would rather hurt than help the Business Amongst others having made their Addresses concerning this matter by the Vice-Roys of Cantons Mandarins they receiv'd this Answer Is it not enough that at this first time they are admitted as Ambassadors to tender their Presents to the Emperor and notwithstanding the bad fame which hath rendred them odious in the Eyes of the most eminent Persons in China they were now accepted as Friends and had leave to dispose of their Goods which they had brought let them not urge too much for a free Trade lest perhaps for the future they be deny'd all They must not think nor imagine that We are oblig'd to grant them all things at first if they come the next year or so soon as they can and with Presents return the Emperor thanks for his kind accepting of them then perhaps there will be better Conveniencies to effect their desires At last the Ambassadors having shew'd due reverence to the Emperor's Seal appear'd before the Throne and been at three of the Emperors Feasts where they were very nobly Entertain'd receiv'd their Dispatch together with his Imperial Majesties Letter to his Excellency Iohn Maetzuiker in New-Batavia The Emperor sends this Letter to the Netherlanders Batavia and to their King John Maetzuiker Ur Countreys are as far distant as the East from the West so that We cannot easily visit each other Many Ages are past since the Hollanders have been seen amongst us but you have done very prudently in that you sent to Us Peter de Goeyer and Iacob de Keyser which in your Name have brought Us Presents You have shew'd your good inclination by remembring Us wherefore Our heart is also much inclin'd to you and as a testimony there-thereof We send you two Rowls of Sattin four Rowls of Flower'd Sattin four Rowls of blew Sattin without Flowers four Rowls of Kin four Rowls of Camlet ten Pieces of Peelings ten Pieces of Parsu ten Pieces of light Colour'd Stuffs and three hundred Tail of Silver You have desir'd to come and Trade in Our Countrey to bring Commodities thither and carry others out by which a private Man might reap good profit But because your Countrey is so many thousand Leagues distant and here blow very hard Winds so that the Ships run great danger which come hither and for that also it is very cold here ashore by very great Hails and Snows it would be no small trouble to Us if any of your People should come hither and miscarry but if this satisfie not unless they have permission to visit these parts then let them come every eighth year once with a hundred in their Train of which twenty may come to the Palace where we keep our Imperial Residence and you may lay your Merchandize ashore in your Store-house without disposing of them at Sea before Canton This We have thought good out of Our inclination for your benefit and believe that it will
the Invasion of the Enemy have listed him in special rank amongst the number of their Gods The four and fortieth Schercong next takes place adored for the invention of Tragedies and Comedies and other Enterludes Acted on the Stage The five and fortieth God nam'd Amkong hath obtain'd the like honor meerly for his great Merits and Vertues The six and fortieth Tswajong was in his life-time a mighty Man of a Gigantick Stature his Club which he could flourish with one Hand weighed ninety two pounds so that for his strength and valour he was very famous in China and therefore worshipp'd as a God The seven and fortieth Hangoe another Giant whose Helmet weighed one hundred twenty five pound whose strength and valour made him living a Vice-Roy and after death a Deity The eight and fortieth Hanzing with whom none could stand in competition either for Prudence or Science except Quantecong and Sodejong who perform'd with a few Men greater Acts by his subtile Stratagems and politick Conduct than others with vast Armies and therefore the Chineses worship and hold him for a God The nine and fortieth Sodejong a wise and politick Prince yet meek and loving to his Subjects look'd upon as superior in his Character to Hanzing but much inferior to Quantecong The fiftieth Sjengoesoeng also a very strong Giant and much reputed for serving his Countrey against the common Enemy The one and fiftieth Goumatzintzing signifies Pastor Gregis The Shepherd of the People and a Servant to God He had if you will believe the Chineses five Eyes two in the right places and two above them and the fifth in the middle of his Forehead like the Cinque upon a Dye two of these were alway sawake or open whilst the other three were shut for which they implore him as their Watch in Heaven The two and fiftieth Soumanoaom had four Eyes two in his Neck and two in his Forehead when those two in his Forehead closing slept the other two kept open watchful wherefore he being General was never defeated whom for his never-sleeping Care and Conduct they worship as a God The three and fiftieth Zjenzucung a Lord of small Stature wearing short Hair but of an acute Wit and profound Understanding and abominator of Gaming and Drink The four and fiftieth Quantecong though by Iohannes Gonsales and others call'd Vitie whom the Chineses honor'd more than any of their Gods being reckon'd the first Emperor in China for Valour Subtilty and Science unparalell'd and not to be match'd such was his wonderful and Gigantick Stature being as they fable twelve Foot and eight Inches high and his Shoulders four Foot broad his Sword weighed ninety two pound which he us'd with one Hand In the beginning of his Reign he possessed onely one Province but by his Conquests and Atchievements became Master of the fifteen which now make the Empire He established many Laws and Ordinances especially one against Idleness He first invented Clothing and Dying of Stuffs which they use to this day for before they went naked like the Indians He also modell'd and invented Ships made Saw-Mills Gun-powder and Guns and improved Architecture Some Buildings and Edifices are yet to be seen whereof as they say he was the Contriver He made a Law That all Mechanicks should continue their Parents Trades from Generation to Generation He erected Cities Towns and Villages and commanded the People to inhabit them And as their Chronicles relate this Quantecong with his own Hand slew in one Battle three thousand some say four thousand Men. He had a Negro for his Squire or Armor-bearer who was no less valiant than himself for he accompanied him in all dangers whatsoever and was called Tzicutzong he perform'd great Exploits in his Masters Service by conquering many People and several Countreys but besides Quantecong had another Servant a White call'd Quanpiong yet no Martialist In every City is also a Temple erected to the honor of Quantecong in which stands his Image On one side of him stands his black Squire with a Sword by his Side and a large Knife like a Mowers Scythe four Paces from him on the other Side his white Page Quanpiong Nor was he invocated onely by his Countrey-men but also by the Tungkins their Enemies for as soon as any War broke out they set a Guard before his Temple that none might hurt him for they believe he would punish their neglect with the loss of their Army Nay farther they say That mounting his red Horse Angbea for he onely us'd a red Steed there being none of that kind else in China he Rid against their Enemies and destroy'd their whole Army in revenge of the damage done to his Temple The six and fiftieth Kongsou is held for the first inventer of Printing which the Chineses have us'd eight hundred years and upwards insomuch that they say the Christians learn'd that art from them because at that time they Traded with Christian Merchants This Kongsou stands on a Throne environ'd with People of several Nations every one holding a Book of all which the Germans stand nearest to him because they according to the testimony of the Chineses have greater Judgment and Print better than any other Nation The seven and fiftieth Tegoe that is Transitory Bull. The eight and fiftieth they nominate Kjenke that is Crow or Chicken-Thief A strange fancy and belief possesses the Chineses about these their two Deities for say they when Tegoe hath the Earth on his Shoulders then Kjenke comes from Heaven and pecks Tegoe on his Body whereby necessitated to shake himself the Earth trembles and shakes with him and as soon as any such trepidation begins they fall a laughing saying Now is Tegoe peck'd by Kjenke Father Martinius in his Chinese History saith That the Soil of China is very little subject to Earthquakes yet the Chronicles of that Countrey mention That the Year before the Birth of our Saviour 73. hapned such a great Earthquake that several Mountains were swallow'd up from whence the Chineses a People much inclin'd to Superstition prognosticated the destruction of their Empire such things say they proceeding from an angry and threatning Heaven The nine and fiftieth Luikong or The God of Thunder for Lui is Thunder and Kong a Governor They represent him with a Head like a Crane Feet and Hands like an Eagles Claws and large Wings wherewith he seems to flye through the Clouds When this Luikong say they intends to Thunder he stands between four Clouds with a Drum on every one on which he beats continually with two great Iron Pestles And when any one is struck by a Thunder-bolt they say that Luikong is much enraged against that Person and therefore struck him with the foremention'd Pestles so that they are very fearful of him and when it Thunders creep on their Hands and Feet under Benches and Tables The sixtieth is the Ruler of Lightning and represented by the Chineses with a Straw Wisp in her Hand which when it Lightens
near a Stone-Bridge built over the Water on Pillars and Arches and cover'd close on the top with long and thick Planks from Arch to Arch on each side thereof are Rails of blue Stone here and there adorn'd with Dragons and Lions Hew'n and Carv'd out Over this Bridge four Horsemen may conveniently ride abrest The twentieth being Wednesday they went in two Pallakins or Horse-Litters carry'd by four Horses over the Bridge to the City Hoksieu there to Complement the Vice-Roy Singlamong's Wifes Mother and to present her with an Amber Necklace and to speak with the Governor Being pass'd over the Bridge they found the High-ways built the Streets pav'd and crowded with thousands of People all along the City to the Palace insomuch that they were scarce able to pass for the Throng The Vice-Roys Palace in which at that time his Wifes Mother resided was a handsom Edifice surrounded with Walls of Free-stone with great Portals and fair Gates and guarded with Horse and Foot At their entring they were courteously receiv'd by the Vice-Roy's Mother-in-law who conducting them into a Hall furnish'd with Pictures and Stools desir'd them to sit down When seated they were entertain'd each of them with a Cup full of Bean-broth and afterwards they were all plac'd before a little Table to eat both boyl'd and roasted Meats serv'd up in Plate of Massy Gold The Vice-Roys Brother for he was also there discoursed with them about several affairs and amongst other things ask'd of them if they had as great and well built Towns in Holland as they had in China and if they had Horses Cows and Sheep there to which they answer'd that they had Then he inquir'd how long they were coming from Holland to China they reply'd Six or seven Moneths Then the Vice-Roy's Mother who had many Women waiting upon her came to them saying That she intended to have eat and drank with them but her indisposition had hindred her but would Write in their behalf to her Son the Vice-Roy and at their return sit at Table with them for you are said she in a strange Countrey full of People and therefore had need be careful to Travel circumspectly that you may meet with no inconvenience Nay she admir'd that they durst venture themselves where they knew no Place nor any Person Van Campen being ask'd what Place he bore and how qualifi'd answer'd He was Vice-Admiral of the Fleet whereupon she reply'd Then your Princes and Lords must needs wear rich Apparel and go bravely being much taken with the Velvet Jump he had on This pass'd Van Campen and Nobel civilly taking their Leave of the Lady parted from her and went to the City Governor's House Guarded both with Foot and Horse by which passing and being entred they soon return'd upon a Servant's saying that his Lord was troubled with an Ague and lay at rest in his Chamber so that at present there was no opportunity to speak with him wherefore he desir'd they would please to come again the next Morning whereupon they were carry'd in Pallakins out of the City the Streets being so crowded with Men Women and Children quite to the Bridge where their Jonks lay that they were scarce able to make their way through The two and twentieth in the Morning going again to Hanlavia they presented him with some red Cloth thereby to obtain his favor and assistance in their speedy dispatch to the Vice-Roy Singlamong From thence they Rode to the City Governor's House that he might furnish them with People for their Journey where coming they found him somewhat indispos'd yet nevertheless they had Audience in the same Place where he generally sits with the chiefest of the Countrey consulting about publick affairs Upon their asking if he would be assisting to them in their Journey to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and Taysing Lipovy he answer'd That he would be ready to do all things that lay in his power saying he had Writ in their behalf to the Emperor at the Court at Peking and to the Vice-Roy Singlamong in Sinksieu and provided two Mandarins with ninety Men to Travel thither with them Being ask'd if he thought it convenient for the Admiral to put to Sea with eleven Sail to Cruise up and down to the Northward if there he could to annoy Coxinga and his Party and leave one Frigat in which the Presents were in the River Hoksieu he reply'd That he durst not advise about it but their Admiral in that case might do what he thought fit yet as he suppos'd it were better that the Ships stay'd there till the Vice-Roy's coming home that there might be a better understanding However you may go said he to the Governor of Minjazen Hanlavia and he will be better able to inform you in these punctillio's what to do Hereupon they leaving Hoksieu went about Noon to Hanlavia by whom they were invited to Dinner when taking opportunity to ask the same Question they receiv'd the like Answer viz. That the Admiral might do what he thought fittest all which Van Campen and Nobel writ to the Admiral Bort with their Opinions A little after Dinner they went with their Retinue into their Jonks to proceed in their Journey to Sinksieu and came about three a a Clock after Noon to the Fort Aulavia or Lavyt near a Ferry where on the the Shore they were courteously receiv'd by the Governor and entertain'd with the customary honor of Bean-broth The Fort Aulavia surrounded with high Walls hath a strong Garrison both of Foot and Horse and stor'd with all sorts of Ammunition and Provisions Here whoever pass over they pay Custom for all those Goods and Commodities that are after sold and dispers'd through the Countrey Several Troops of Horse are daily sent out of this Fort to keep the Ways clear from Thieves which have their lurking-places in the neighboring Mountains After some stay here they set Sail again and in the Evening came to the Village Lanpon where they stay'd all Night This Lanpon is a Place of good Repute being inhabited by many rich Chineses which drive a Trade through all the Countrey and also much frequented by the neighboring People because of a Temple wherein they worship an Idol said to give good and comfortable advice in great misfortunes or adversities and therefore visited daily both by rich and poor that in their Troubles they may receive some consolation from him The twenty third being Saturday at nine a Clock they leaving Lanpon went by Land in Palakins along a Cawsey pav'd with blue and gray Free-stone This day they travell'd through abundance of Rice-Fields and Plains full of Fruit-trees and all manner of eatable Plants scatter'd with many populous Villages and moistned by murmuring Streams that flowing out of the Mountains made it a most delightful Prospect They also saw several antient Monuments all Sculpt out with Imagery resembling Men Horses Lions and Dragons over which stately Arches rais'd high like our Triumphal with Inscriptions in
forth with your Ships the same day and set Sail to the Bay of Wettauw Let five of your best Sailers that draw least Water go before with Our nimblest Jonks and so run into the Haven of Wettauw and the remaining ten Ships with Our great Jonks Anchor in the Mouth of the Harbor If We should meet with any of the Enemies Jonks in the Bay of Wettauw as also in the Haven of Kinsakia as We may expect let us joyntly assail them Concerning your Landing on the Enemies Coasts Bethetok and I have resolv'd about it which must be known onely to us two but We will give you timely notice thereof I have order'd the Agent to bring me the List of the Merchandises which you have brought along with you and I will send them by him to the Governor of Hoksieu with Orders to him to sell them in Publick to which purpose the Conbon will be very serviceable Nobel also brought a Letter from the General Lipovi in answer to that which the Admiral had sent to him containing the following Lines THe twenty ninth of this ninth Moon I receiv'd your Letter and perus'd the Contents of it taking notice of the several distinctions of the Hollanders Flags and Colours which We have approv'd and at this instant acquainted Our Officers with and order'd them to govern themselves accordingly You are here sent from your King in Batavia with your Ships to assist and sail with us to Eymuy and Quemuy Therefore We believe that you will shew your Valour in setting upon the Enemies Countreys and Vessels that when they are Conquer'd you may return with Honor to Batavia and there give an Account of your Adventures to your King That here you have obtain'd your long wish'd for Desire of Free Trade for which you have come hither two Years You write that We should send you Letters of Assurance that you might for ever Trade through all this Empire besides the appointing you convenient Houses and Places which is not possible to be granted till we are impower'd from his Majesty at Peking to whom I have already writ concerning it who by this time understands your Requests But as for those Wares which you have brought with you you may dispose thereof at your pleasure But after the Conquest of Eymuy and Quemuy when you shall return with Us again to Hoksieu We shall by that time have We hope a pleasing Answer to all your other desires from the Emperor You propose also That if any of your Countrey-men being Prisoners with the Enemy should fall into Our Hands we would not kill them which We not onely promise but further also that We will send them to you and to that purpose I have already strictly commanded both My Officers and Soldiers The day on which the Ships shall set Sail with Our Jonks Singlamong will privately advise you The eleventh the Admiral Sail'd out of the Mouth of the River Soanchieuw and with three Ships viz. the Nut-Tree Cinnamon-Tree and Yonker he came to the Cape of Sombou although not followd by the Tartar Jonks The Rere-Admiral Verwei who had since the twenty sixth lain in the River Soanchefoe set Sail also from thence with three Ships the Vlaerdingen Naerden and Sea-hound The thirteenth the Admiral was inform'd by Letters from Tonganpek That his Jonks were the day before come out of the River of Soanchefoe into the Bay of Schoeni and that Morning a Letter was brought to him from the Admiral Matitoe who three days before was gone to the Cape of Wattauw in which he was advis'd That he should be with all the Jonks of the Realm at Wattauw on the fourteenth day of that Moon and also acquaint the Holland Admiral with it that he might Sail thither with his Ships According to this Advice from Tonganpek and also perceiving the Jonks sailing before the Admiral set sail with fourteen Ships from the Cape of Sombou to that of Puthay behind which he came to an Anchor about the Evening in nine Fathom Water Here Iacob Gommers Commander of the Zierikzee came aboard the Admiral bringing with him one of the Dutch Prisoners call'd Maurice Ianzen Vis born in Mauritius-Isle who not long before was taken by the Enemy Coxingans and by them sent to the Netherlanders He also deliver'd the Admiral a Letter from the Enemy dated the tenth Instant written by Summimpesiou otherwise call'd Sioubontok the second or next Person to the young Coxin Kimsia who had the Supreme Command over the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy and other Islands lying thereabouts The Letter was to this effect Summimpesiou alias Sioubontok Commander and Governor of Quemuy sends this Letter to the Chief Commander of the Holland Fleet. YOu have understood and know that Coxinga two Years ago conquer'd Tayowan which formerly was his Native Countrey This was done because he was forc'd to provide a Settlement and strong Fortress for his Soldiers which he us'd in his War against the Tartar And two Years since Coxinga coming to Formosa at Sakkam Iacob Valencyn surrendred upon these Articles That the Hollanders should be alotted a Place in Sakkam or elsewhere to go on with their Trade and settle their Factory in As to what concerns the Tartars they are very much disabled and their Forces so broken that they have lost the Territories Huquan and Nanquin therefore they have desir'd you to make War upon Us with your Ships as We are inform'd which We fear not having Soldiers enough all indisputably valiant As for your Ships they are very large but draw a great deal of Water so that they cannot penetrate the River but must always live at Sea You also know very well that when We were in Tayowan We were stor'd with Soldiers and Ammunition therefore have a care of your selves that these Eastern Tartars deceive you not for they are cowardly and deceitful as you perhaps will find too soon when you shall see that in the Battel and in the greatest need they will forsake you shifting basely for themselves But admit they should stand stoutly they will always be cavilling sometimes they will pretend that you have not assisted them as you ought but that in all their Engagements they were forc'd to resist Coxinga's Forces alone Nay if you should conquer us which we no ways fear they will never grant you a setled Factory for Singlamong and Lipovi have assur'd Us That the Hollanders should never obtain a Free Trade in China if We would come in And besides the Emperor in Peking hath not so much as once heard of your Business for if he did he would never put you upon a War against Us therefore I advise you in good time to look to your selves nor Engage for a false Friend against so potent an Enemy for your Ships of which you boast so much are rather for Burthen than War and if you come to Traffick with us then know that the Coasts you intend for have many Rocks Sands and Shelves where your
the Hollanders continuing firm to their Resolution after many Messages toss'd too and fro at last it was brought so far that he not only excus'd them from going to Tangsoa and Lamoa but also consented that with all the Fleet they might go to Formosa promising likewise that he would send two Jonks Mann'd with two hundred Soldiers to Formosa under the Command of two Mandarins with Letters to demand that Countrey for the Hollanders But if the Enemies would not surrender to the Hollanders nor submit to the Tartars that then one of their Ships should come back with the two Jonks and Mandarins to inform him of it that he might send all his Navy and Forces to their assistance which according to the Admirals Request they should have confirm'd under his Sign Manual before they set Sail. In the Evening Admiral Bort advis'd the Vice-Admiral Lairesse in a Letter of all that had pass'd ashore The tenth he having resolv'd to go aboard the next Morning desir'd his Goods might be put into a Jonk and that he might be furnish'd with Coelyes for that purpose These Coelyes by others call'd Poelyes are a mean sort of Laboring People that for small Wages will serve any Person whatsoever in the Carriage of Burdens and Commodities from Place to Place as our Porters or Carriers They wear Shoes of Straw or Leather which they tie about their Ancles with a String made fast at their Toes and are so swift of Foot that they can match a Horse in his full speed In the Afternoon Captain Poleman was sent to Singlamong to thank him for the Kindnesses shewn to them while they had been on Shore and also to acquaint him that they would wait five or six days longer for the two Jonks and Mandarins with two hundred Soldiers and also the Letter to the Governors of Tayowan Lastly to present his Highness in the Admirals name a Pair of Pistols and Holsters and a Sword with a guilded Hilt At his Return Poleman related what he had receiv'd in answer That his Highness was sorry he could give no better Entertainment but he hoped they would excuse it as being in a Camp and not a City That he would send the two Jonks and Mandarins with the Soldiers and also the Letter to the Governor of Tayowan at the appointed day That he accepted the Presents because they consisted in Arms pretending to be asham'd because the Ong or King of Batavia had twice sent to him and he had not made one Return But he would not forget to present him by the Finch some of the Products of his own Countrey with a Letter and humble Thanks for his good Inclination towards him The eleventh the Admiral and all his Retinue took their leaves and soon after went to the Fleet and Singlamong with his Army to Soanchieuw The twelfth in the Afternoon the Admiral came near the low Point of Quemuy aboard of the Zierikzee Frigat The thirteenth several Jonks went from thence to Eymuy and Soanchieuw whither Tonganpek was gone four days before in which time he had written a Letter to the Admiral to this effect I Thank you for the Honor and Kindness which I have receiv'd from you since We joyn'd Our Fleets Now the Enemy is fled there is great hopes that you may easily regain your Countreys of Tayowan and Formosa The Pyrate is retir'd to Tangsoa whither We must pursue him to which purpose I will fit out eighty great and small Jonks under the Command of Choentsay and Goemtsin which shall Sail to Eymuy and there joyn with Sitetok's Fleet I would have gone my self in Person but that I am oblig'd to go to Soanchefoe to receive an Honor sent from the Court at Peking to be conferr'd upon Me which I thought good by these to acquaint your Honor with In the Evening two Mandarins brought a Letter to the Admiral from the General Lipovi at Soanchieuw and also five hundred Picols of Rice which he had formerly promis'd to the Seamen and Soldiers The fourteenth in the Morning the Admiral went ashore in the Island Quemuy where he view'd some ruin'd Villages and especially the Wall'd City Savja-Houpon being built in a pleasant Place and full of fair Houses but burnt by the Tartars before the Hollanders coming thither This Town according to the Relation of the Netherland Prisoner Maurice Iansz was first built by the foremention'd Savja in the time when old Coxinga went from thence to besiege Tayowan having before had his Residence in Eymuy from whence he went to Quemuy About six Months before Savja and his Brothers went thence and Embarqu'd themselves to go over to the Tartars because young Coxin continually oppress'd them by over-heavy Taxations Coxin having notice of this Flight of Savja sent Messengers to him with fair Promises not to molest him for the future and to make him Chief Governor of Eymuy and Quemuy which Bait taking he return'd but was soon dispatch'd out of the way and all his Goods seiz'd which being told to his Brothers which were not yet come back of which Tonganpek was one they went over to the Tartars In the Afternoon the Admiral return'd aboard whither in his way going into the Boat he found many dead Bodies which had been cruelly Butcher'd by the Tartars The seventeenth two Mandarins came from Soanchieuw to the Admiral with the seal'd Letters from Singlamong in which he advis'd the seventeen Chinese Commanders on Formosa and Tayowan to submit with their Soldiers and Countrey-men The Letter was this effect Lipovi's Letter sent to Tsiakoensin Wetingwan Toerlinpetensin Posinsojau Yogaukiloo Yoewetsji-kay Gautinong Soanchyong Nioetingli Chuenkicin Lioetsingoen Kiwintsiwan Suangi Gautinghtoe Yuensaugautingwan Sinkintingjang Ympincin Lioetsinang all Commanders in Tayowan THis is to let you understand That the Heavens Sun Moon and Stars nay all the Elements have hunted you from one Place to another till at last you came with Coxin into Tayowan Now I and Singlamong tell you by this Our Letter That on the tenth Moon the one and twentieth day with Ours and the Hollanders Forces We have conquer'd the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy and all the other adjacent Places of your Generals and drove them so long till they are fled to Tongsoa where Kimsia Coxinga's Son and all his Party do now sculk but cannot find Sustenance there for so many People Who knows not that in short time he will die of Hunger His Forces have already the last Month receiv'd a terrible blow for one of Our Generals call'd Wansumpin slew above ten thousand Men besides two hundred which he took Prisoners amongst which are three Mandarins Tsiausou Syancin and Rikkoe We have also taken from them in the Haven Yuntzauw a hundred and fifty Jonks and Vessels Yet since Singlamong and I know that you intend and resolve to come to Us and freely submit your selves to Our Government and Realm when a fair Opportunity is offer'd therefore We have sent these Agents and Letters with the Holland Forces to Tayowan
further mention of surrendring judg'd it convenient presently to send for their Agents and break off the Treaty only Commanding that they should tell the Chineses at their departure that since they had sleighted his Proposals they must now make their Addresses to Batavia and accordingly sent them this Letter BY the Letter of Our Agents which We receiv'd aboard this day and also by the Relation given Us by the Interpreter We understand that you will not hearken to the surrender of Tayowan and Formosa and since We are not impower'd without that to conclude of any thing therefore We desire you to send Our Agents and to receive yours desiring Almighty God to give you a righter understanding of your own good that you may not deceive your selves trusting too much in your own Strength and Valor This Letter the Interpreter Melman carry'd with Orders to answer their Challenge thus by word of Mouth that if they were so hardy to try their Fortune with the Hollanders and put it to the hazard of a Set-day thanking them for the offer of their Champans they would if they wanted Boats rather swim to Shore to give them their desir'd satisfaction and though they knew their Valor they should be allow'd to bring two thousand into the Field against their one and also they would spare their trouble of coming to Sakkam by giving them a meeting and smart Entertainment at the half way The Tartars Agents now resolv'd to return sent one of their Servants to Baxemboy with Order to deliver some Letters there and Demand answers of those sent from Singlamong and Lipovi But he return'd soon after with an Arrow in his side which the Chineses when they perceiv'd that he was a Tartar had given him ashore nay according to his own saying they would have taken his Life had he not sav'd himself by Swimming to his Champan On the fourth in the forenoon the Interpreter Melman came a second time with a Letter from the Netherland Agents to the Admiral and also one from the Chinese Governors in Answer to that written to them on the second instant which Translated was to this effect The Governors of Tayowan and Formosa Koulavja Siaulavja Gom-lavja Anglavja Ouwilavja Tanlavja and another Tanlavja send in their Names this Letter to the Dutch Admiral Worthy Sir WE have receiv'd three Letters from you whose Contents We understand being thereby well inform'd of your desires heretofore you demanded only Quelang and Tamsuy to Trade in but now since Our Prince Sepoan hath condescended to give you Lamoa nothing less will serve your turn than Tayowan Sakkam and the whole Countrey of Formosa which is Our antient Right and Patrimony but do not deceive your selves to believe that We will so part with what so many years hath belong'd to Us but if you will comply and take what you are proffer'd well and good The Prisoners are yet strong and healthy Nor have We any thoughts to detain your Agents for whether We conclude or not you need not fear but your Messengers shall be return'd so well We know the Law of Arms but send Our Agents first because We sent them first to you and then your own are free to depart Sepoan hath sent a Letter heretofore to which he desires a speedy Answer which also is Our Request Dated the first Moon the seventh Day underneath it was Subscrib'd Ouwiaen The Holland Agents now desiring to return were not permitted but in stead thereof jealousies daily increasing a Guard was set upon them wherefore the Dutch Prisoners earnestly desir'd in their Letters That the Admiral would first use some mild way for their Deliverance that they might not always live as Exiles amongst a Crew of Heathens and their Wives and Children in Batavia as miserable Widows and Orphans Melman the Interpreter according to the Admiral 's Directions deliver'd the Challenge but receiv'd no other answer than Very well and inform'd them that at his return to the Fleet without the Castle they had lately Planted along the Shore about twenty Iron and Brass Cannon Upon this Intelligence Siautongsiong's Commissioners perceiv'd that all things were not right ashore and therefore believ'd that the Hollanders would not send them before their Agents came back neither did they desire them to go ashore there but requested that they might be sent to Siautongsiong at Tankoya from whence they were brought fearing their Landing there might cost them their Lives the rather because Siautongsiong refus'd to go to Sakkam or Tayowan therefore if he deserted those of Tayowan the Agents believ'd that he would joyn with the Hollanders for the Letter from those of Tayowan to Siautongsiong seem'd to express That Sepoan had submitted to the Tartars reforming his Hair and sending for all his Soldiers and Officers from Formosa with Commands that they should come thence and surrender up the Countrey to the Hollanders But the contrary soon appearing rais'd in the Agents a further suspect and as many jealousies in the Hollanders so that now the whole business was how to contrive home their Agents and to that purpose concluded to write to the Governors of Formosa that since they could not surrender up the Castle in Tayowan and the Fort in Sakkam they would go to Treat with Kimsia or Sepoan himself at Tangsoa and there to see if they could come to better terms with him This Message they sent with design to get their Agents but never intending any such matter as the performance of it and accordingly the Chineses believing it dismiss'd the Agents who upon the sixth in the afternoon came at last aboard again with the Interpreter Melman and a Letter written to the Admiral from the Governors in Tayowan to this effect The Governors of Tayowan and Formosa Gam-lavja Siaulavja Koulovja Anlavja Ouwilavja Tanlavja and a second Tanlavja send in their Names this Letter to the Hollands Admiral WE have perceiv'd by the Hollanders Letter that they are of an upright Heart though they suspected We would detain those they sent to Treat with Us as appears by their last which is contrary to Our Custom and their Opinion who ever put it into their Heads for We have sent them freely of Our own accords without the Formality of meeting half way and exchanging Ours for theirs whereby you may perceive Our Integrity and that We never had any such design We repose the like Confidence in you and know that you will not fail Us in Our expectations You as We have understood by your Letters will intreat Sepoan to send a Mandarin with you to Batavia and there to agree with your King which We will acquaint Sepoan with who knows best what is fittest for him in Honor to do You have also receiv'd from Sepoan himself a Letter to which be pleas'd to send an Answer because he will not Treat without Letters of Credence We also advise that if you intend to Treat at Tongsoa with Our Prince that you would inform Us punctually of
meaning of those Words That the Hollanders might come and Trade with their Ships every other Year To which he courteously reply'd That the Great Council of State at Peking would not yet permit the Hollanders a Free Trade for ever nor grant them a Place for the building of a Store-house according to their Minds declared to his Majesty but he was assur'd that his Imperial Majesty on the Proposal of the Council had made answer That they might come once in two Years which was as much as to say That the Hollanders coming from remote Places could come but once in two Years with their Ships to Trade at which time they should have leave to drive their Commerce And it seem'd by this Order that Gifts and Presents were onely wanting to supple the Courtiers and soften the Counsellors of State through whose Hands all things of this nature pass'd by reason of his Majesties Puerility And if continu'd he you do hereafter order your Affairs accordingly I dare promise and undertake that you may not onely come once a Year and Traffick but twice if you be able so to do Whereupon after several such like Discourses he took his leave and departed From the nineteenth being Wednesday till the twenty second nothing hapned of any Remark the Netherlanders being onely busie in building of one small and two great Rooms for the stowing their Commodities against the next Season On Sunday the twenty third the General Lipovi's Chief Secretary came to to visit the Hollanders with whom they discours'd about the News sent from the Court in Peking and he explain'd it just as the Governor had done saying That he had discours'd with his Master about it who had told him The Hollanders are sure enough in this Countrey The building of a Store-house is of small consequence they have already a good House to Trade in When his Majesty says Once in two Years they may come every Year nay twice a Year if they can provided the Hobou meaning Constantine Nobel went back to Batavia and from thence were sent with a formal Embassy and Presents to the Court at Peking Against the Evening the Governor of Hoksieu sent the foremention'd Letter to Constantine Nobel back again with information that the four Ships were gone On Munday the twenty fourth the Emperors Commissioners came from Peking to confer Titles of Honor on Tonganpek and Zibja the Sons of Zovja whom his Majesty had receiv'd into Favor On Tuesday being the twenty fifth Ongsamya Secretary to the Vice-Roy Singlamong receiv'd the Netherlanders that came to visit him very courteously and after having drank two or three Cups of Tee and shewed them his whole House he solemnly invited them to a Dinner where they were nobly entertain'd And having pass'd about several Cups of their Liquor he said to them The Netherlanders may now be assur'd of a Free Trade for ever but that they being so eminent Merchants ought not to deal with the meaner sort of People as they had done the two preceding Years who sold their Goods again by Retail and then could scarce dispose of half of them but that they should Trade with the Vice-Roy General and Governor who if they wanted any thing in their Requests might intercede for them at Court and that then also they would be assur'd to carry out as much white Raw Silk which his Majesty had prohibited on pain of death as they desir'd Whereas on the contrary if their Highnesses were not pleas'd they could not transport one Bale therefore they ought to be wary Hereupon Hogenhoek made answer That it was certain these Proposals might be advantageous and that they agreed with the Opinions of his Masters but if the Hollanders should Trade with their Excellencies onely who ingross'd the Commodity as they had done in Canton that then they could not subsist at that rate on which account and for no other Reason they had left Canton And he would rather prosecute the Design no farther but go to a Place of Trade where they might dispose of their Goods at Profit But if their Highnesses would deal with them they should have the Refusal and they would be very reasonable according as the Market went After this they fell into other Discourses viz. That Ziekautya a famous Soldier and General to Sepoan was come to them accompanied with six thousand of the chiefest Coxingan Soldiers and that one of the chief Officers Haytan's Brother being ashore and repenting intended to make his Escape again in the Jonks that lay hard by but was overtaken by some of the Vice-Roy's Soldiers who would immediately have Beheaded him had not his Brother who had been Governor of Haytan begg'd him yet nevertheless he was put into Prison This Discourse being ended and having drank a chirping Cup he desir'd Hogenhoek to bear him Company for two or three Hours longer and then gave him leave to return On Wednesday the twenty sixth the Governor of Hoksieu's Secretary came to visit the Netherlanders with Request amongst other Discourses for his Lords Cotton Quilt promis'd by Constantine Nobel which Hogenhoek immediately sent him The twenty eighth being Friday Hogenhoek went to the Conbon or Governor with Requests to him That since the Goods which he had left were not sold he would grant him a Pass for he intended to send some Goods to the Territory of Nangkin or Chikiang there to exchange them for wrought Silks To which he made Answer That he could not do it of his own accord but that he would write to the General Lipovi who was also concern'd in it and let him know his Answer in a Fortnights time Besides the Governor told him that it was their own faults that they had not sold their Merchandizes sooner for he was a Man of sixty Years old in all which time he never knew Cloves sold for an hundred and sixty or an hundred and seventy Tail and accordingly all their other Goods were set at too high Rates so that they would not go off unless they sold them cheaper although there was neither want of Buyers nor Money The Chineses sold the Goods which they brought with them much cheaper viz. Bags of Pepper at nine or ten Sandal-Wood twenty two and Quicksilver at an hundred and ten and an hundred and twenty Tail Colour'd Clothes at three and three and a half the Dutch Ell Scarlet five and six Tail which said he are too great gains according to what they are bought at Kalappa Hogenhock answer'd the Governor hereupon That it seem'd not strange to him that the Revolted Chineses sold their Goods so cheap for stoln Goods were always sold cheaper than those that were bought with ready Money at which the Governor Smiling desir'd the Hollanders to excuse him that he did not invite them to Dinner because his youngest Wife lay a Dying so that after having drank a Cup of Bean-Broth they departed On Tuesday being the first of April the Governors Wife died which occasion'd that he gave
the General Lipovi sent to the Factor Pedel to tell Hogenhoek That since he could not help to fetch in the Emperors Letter at first that now when it came to the Court he should fall on one of his Knees to do it Reverence because it was the Custom of the Country Nobel having also done it at the fetching in of the Letter the last Year Hogenhoek having staid an hour with patience the Vice-Roy Singlamong appear'd with a great Train of his Mandarins Nobles and Courtiers and soon after the Agents with the Emperors Letters and Presents Before the Emperors Letter walk'd above twenty Persons beating on Drums and playing on divers Musical Instruments so that it rather seem'd to be a great Triumph than for the reading of a Letter As it pass'd by Hogenhoek according to the Generals Request shew'd Reverence to the Letter by Bowing of his Head and Body which done they follow'd the Train into a great Hall where their Excellencies were already Seated and then rose up After they had consulted a little together Hogenhoek was again Commanded to Kneel and so to continue Kneeling all the time whilst it was reading After the Letter had been read publickly it was laid on Hogenhoek's Arm by the Chief Agent for which Honor he was forc'd Kneeling to bow his Head several times together and likewise for the thousand Tail and Silk Stuffs After this their Excellencies went to sit under a Canopy and caus'd a great Tankard with Milk mixt with Peking Butter and Bean Flower to be brought to them whereupon they invited Hogenhock also to sit down by them at last the Vice-Roy rising and taking his leave went to his own Court Soon after follow'd the General Lipovi and lastly the two Agents Netherlanders and Governors who advis'd Hogenhoek that he should go the next day to Thank the Agents which he accordingly promis'd to do The Emperors Letter Hogenhoek Commanded Lewis de Keizer to carry on his back but the Presents were laid in Pallakins all the way which they pass'd several sorts of People with Drums and other Musical Instruments throng'd the Streets to see them Hogenhoek coming home was welcom'd by two of the Emperors Poetzienzie with three Volleys of Shot and the Drums and Pipes play'd a whole hour before the Letter which they did onely to get Money for Hogenhoek was directed to give somewhat more than Nobel had done the Year before and likewise the Vice-Roy and General Order'd Hogenhoek to go the next day to visit the Agents and return them Thanks because it seldom or never happen'd that his Majesty gave such great Presents to any Person whatsoever After Hogenhoek had been at home some time he caus'd the Emperors Letter to be Translated Which was to this effect I Conghy Emperor send this Letter to the Holland Admiral Balthazar I Love strangers who come from remote and far distant places as an Emperor ought to do and the more because those that do us good must receive good again and those that deserve Honor must be well rewarded I have certainly understood that you have purchas'd Honor therefore I have sent Presents to you I have heard that you Balthazar have justly and valiantly gone with my Officers to War by which I perceive you mean honestly with me and my People as appears by your subduing the Pyrats and driving them away like a Bird which hath made a Nest to Hatch in and is now broken to pieces The Honor which I always expected from the Hollanders by Conquering the Islanders and driving them away from thence is perform'd therefore I am Oblig'd to Gratifie you with some Gifts and send this my Letter desiring you to accept my Presents and Honor my Letter Conghy The Presents that came with his Majesties Letter consisted in a thousand Tail of Chinese Silver and sixty Pieces of several Silks and Cloth of Tissue On Friday the twenty third Hogenhoek went in the Morning with all his Attendance to the Vice-Roy and General and likewise to the Emperors Commissioners to acquaint them that he was dissatisfi'd for that the Emperors Letter made no mention of their Traffick or about their staying there much less to go with their Fleet and Forces to Tayowan as their Highnesses had long since promis'd him as also the Admiral Bort and Captain Nobel viz. that there were Seal'd Letters expected from his Majesty about it and likewise that the Admiral and they had not without reason complain'd of their inconstancy appear'd now plainly because not one of their Verbal Promises and Assurances were found to be true which would be very ill resented by the Lord General that they had been detain'd two years and now receiv'd nothing but words To which the Vice-Roy answer'd with a Grim Countenance that ' t is true his Majesty had permitted the Hollanders to Trade but an Ambassador must every other year be sent to him and as to the business of Tayowan they would be ready to go with them thither to subdue it if therefore an Ambassador should come they would immediately dispatch him with Letters of Recommendation to Peking Whereupon he durst assure them that they would obtain the everlasting Trade and leave to go and come when they pleas'd and also have an Island or piece of Land alotted them on which they might reside without Molestation The like Answers Hogenhoek receiv'd from the Governor but the General Lipovi seem'd to be highly displeas'd saying That so great honor of receiving Presents and a Seal'd Letter from the Emperor in which he attributed the Honor of Conquering the Enemy to them was never yet known so that they ought to have been satisfi'd with that only Hogenhoek reply'd That they thank'd his Majesty for his Favor But where-ever the Hollanders were permitted to Trade they receiv'd Seal'd Letters from the Princes which serv'd as a safe-guard for their Governors Nay further said he the Hollanders Trade thorow the whole World without being limited a time but when er'e they came they were Welcome and Traffiqu'd as they thought fit Whereupon the General angerly reply'd Each Countrey had its fashion and so accordingly had his if they did not like the proffer of coming every two years once they might stay away and if they did not come in the time limited they should go away again without effecting any thing Hogenhoek answer'd That this Discourse seem'd very strange when as he himself had promis'd that he would procure him Seal'd Letters from his Majesty for it and indeed in Honor he could do no less their Requests being so reasonable viz. That after the Conquering of the Islands they might for their great Charge and trouble only enjoy the benefit of Trade The Vice-Roy having been silent some time diverted the Discourse asking Hogenhoek if Nobel would return with Addresses and Presents to his Majesty at Peking Whereto he reply'd That he could not assure it in regard it was in the Lord General 's choice whom he would choose to Negotiate such an Affair
Then the General told him as he had often done before That he had writ to the Emperor and at Nobels return they would grant the Company all what they would ask for the Emperor affected the Hollanders very much as appear'd by his Letters and Presents which in his time had never been done to any Stranger and the Agents must also be better gratifi'd than Nobel had done and that without fail the next day because they were just upon their return to the Court. Hereupon Hogenhoek ask'd the Vice-Roy that he would be pleas'd to tell him how much more he should give than Nobel had done Who said That it was at his pleasure Then Hogenhoek taking his leave went thence to the Agents who courteously receiv'd him and Discours'd with them concerning the constant Trade saying He hop'd that they would have brought Seal'd Letters from his Majesty about it To which they reply'd That they had deliver'd Seal'd Letters about it to their Excellencies Singlamong Lipovi and the Conbon or Governor of Hoksieu to this effect that if an Ambassador came to thank his Majesty he should immediately travel up into the Countrey and the Trade take a beginning to come every other year The Agents also were of opinion That if an Embassy was sent to the Court at Peking that the Hollanders if they requested any thing else it would be granted them in regard his Majesty bore a great affection towards them because they had so faithfully assisted in the War and gave them the sole Honor of the Conquest of Eymuy and Quemuy They also promis'd Hogenhoek that when they came to the Court they would seek to obtain a Grant from his Majesty for the constant Trade for which he thanking them return'd to his Lodging where he debated the General 's Proposal of augmenting the Presents to be made to the Emperors Commissioners and at last resolv'd to give the prime Agent twenty two Dutch Ells of Scarlet half a Chain of Blood Coral weighing six Ounces two Pieces of Colour'd Perpetuana's six Pieces of Linnen with four rich Swords The second Agent they gave seventeen Ells of Scarlet half a Chain of the like Coral weighing four Ounces two Pieces of Colour'd Perpetuana's four Pieces of Linnen and two Swords and likewise in their Presence their Mandarins and other Attendants were also presented every one according to their Quality On Saturday Morning being the twenty fourth Hogenhoek with his Servants went to the Agents to deliver the Presents who seem'd to refuse them yet after having look'd them over and deny'd them several times they at last over perswaded by Hogenhoek receiv'd them At parting Hogenhoek desir'd once more that they would be pleas'd to seek the Hollanders advantage before the Emperor and Council of State in the gaining of the constant Trade and render such an account of them as they had found and seen during their stay all which they faithfully promis'd Besides the Hollanders had some discourse about Trading into several parts of India and what Goods were brought thither and carry'd from thence by the Netherlanders which they again Transported to other places The Agents seem'd to be much delighted in this Discourse saying If an Ambassador be sent to the Emperor and the Enemy be driven from Tayowan they need not fear but all things would be granted them Here the Discourse ended and Hogenhoek returning Thanks took his leave and departed On Monday being the twenty sixth the Governor or Conbon sent the Hollanders a Present being good Table-provision for which Hogenhoek return'd him thanks by Factor Pedell On Thursday the twenty ninth the Chineses kept the Feast in Hoksieu by them call'd Peelou and likewise on the same day through all China viz. with long Boats with Oars new Painted and trick'd with Silk Flags and Pennons of several colours with which they Challenge and Row great Matches According to the Chineses relation to Hogenhoek the Instituter of this great Festival Peelou was formerly Governor of the Paracelles a Countrey that is very fruitful and abounds with Gold and Silver who foretold That that Island should be swallow'd up wherefore he and some of his Friends and others that believ'd him several days before fled from thence in their Jonks to the Main of China where they honor him as a God of the Sea for as they report soon after his departure the Island sunk in Commemoration of which they keep this annual Holy-day The Hollanders to observe the Custom of this Feast as also to recreate themselves hir'd a Boat to go among the rest No sooner was Hogenhoek return'd home but the General Lipovi sent his Mandarin to give him notice that the Emperors Agents intended the next Morning to go for Peking and that he and his Men should conduct them out of the City and therefore to send him word what Horses he wanted and they should be accordingly furnish'd On Friday being the thirtieth about Day-break another Mandarin sent from Lipovi came to Hogenhoek to desire him that he would be at the Agents House betimes Whereupon he and his Men went immediately thither some on Horses others in Pallakins where coming they found them busie Packing up their Goods and linking and coupling of Slaves and Slavesses to the number of six or seven hundred taken from the Islands Eymuy and Quemuy and given to them by the Governors of Zing and Sanzieuw and other Officers wherefore the Hollanders desir'd to go out before that they might not hinder the Agents which accordingly they did and after having stay'd a considerable time at the Vice-Roys open House the Agents came to them on Horseback excusing themselves that they had made them stay so long which they answering again with a Complement told them That they had not accounted the time long but took it for an honor to wait upon them Here the Emperors Envoys thank'd Hogenhoek for the Presents saying That they had receiv'd them very kindly but knew not whether his Majesty would let them keep such great Gifts without ordering to return them again They also promis'd as they had done several times before to speak in the behalf of the Netherlanders before his Majesty and Council and give them an account of all they had seen and heard and also would do their utmost endeavor and assist the Ambassador when he should come to Peking for which Hogenhoek returning them humble thanks Drank to them his Majesties Health in a great Glass of Sack that he had ready for that purpose which went merrily round The Envoy much admiring the excellent rellish of the Liquor ask'd if it grew in their native Countrey saying That it must need be a brave Place which not onely produces such excellent Wine but divers sorts of rare Commodities desiring him to give each of their chiefest Servants also a Glass that when they came to Peking they might say they had drank some Dutch Liquor This done and the Hollanders having taken their Leave they return'd and came towards Evening
scraggy and scarce passable especially towards the North and South-East The City Foning it self is fair and large lying near the Sea to its great benefit and advantage having to the pleasure of the Prospect an Idol-Temple On the North-side of the City Xaouw a fair Bridge leads over the River Cuyun sixty three Rods long of the same fashion as those mention'd before There are also two large Temples This Province or Kingdom of Fokien hath many strong Holds especially on the Sea-shore against any Invasion of Enemies the chiefest built formerly by the Chineses against the Incursions of the Tartar are two Ganbai and Hiamuen The Castle Ganhai hath a convenient and safe Haven for Ships On the East-side of the City is a fair Bridge two hundred and fifty Paces in length built of black Stone and supported with divers Arches The Garison of Hiamuen lies on an Island North-West from Quemuy Both these Forts for the beautifulness of their Building Populousness and Trade exceed divers great Cities in China for from thence all sorts of Commodities are Transported through all India and foreign Goods brought thither Some years since the famous Pyrat Iquon otherwise call'd Coxinga well known to the Hollanders Portuguese and Spaniards possess'd both these Places and was also very powerful at Sea having a Fleet of three thousand great Chinese Jonks The other Forts for a defence of the Sea-Coast are Pumien Foning Tinghai Muthon Xe Huckeu Vangun Chungxe Tungxan Hivenchung Iungting Anno 1662. the Tartars having Conquer'd the Empire of China caus'd all the Towns and Strong-holds to be pull'd down to prevent the Invasions of the Enemy and hinder them from having any Supplies from thence by their Party which might reside in them Thus ends the Continuation of the second Embassy A THIRD EMBASSY TO THE EMPEROR OF China and East-Tartary Under the Conduct of the Lord PIETER VAN HOORN CONTAINING Several Remarks in their Journey through the Provinces of Fokien Chekiang Xantung and Nanking to the Imperial Court at Peking Sent from Batavia Anno 1666. the third of Iune whither he return'd Anno 1668. in Ianuary c. WHat Troubles Charges and Endeavors the Netherland East-India Company and their Magistrates in India have some Years since us'd from time to time on several Occasions for the gaining of their so long wish'd for Chinese Trade it would be needless here to describe because we may plainly perceive it from other Discourses especially by the former Embassies and Expeditions under the Conduct of Peter de Goyer and Iacob de Keizer sent out Anno 1655. and 1656. And likewise from those of Balthazar Bort Iohn van Campen and Constantine Nobel in Anno 1662. Yet after long Referrings Debates and serious Considerations it was at last again concluded on the twenty eighth of May Anno 1666 by the Lord General and Council of India to send a Magnificent Embassy with rich Presents to the Tartars Court to the Great Emperor of China and East-Tartary that if possible they might at last attain to their so long desir'd Free Trade through the whole Realm of China To this purpose was elected and chosen his Excellency the Lord Peter van Hoorn Privy Counsellor and Chief Treasurer of India as he was intituled in his Commission given him the third of Iuly in the same Year Constantine Nobel was also chosen as Chief Counsel in the Embassy and Prime Head and Governor of the Trade in Hoksieu or Focheu the Metropolis of the Territory Fokien He also was commanded for several Reasons to travel in the Degree before-mention'd up to Peking and upon the Ambassadors Decease to succeed him in his Place and Negotiate that Affair to the Companies best Advantage Furthermore the Embassy was by the Lord General and his Council order'd to consist in the following Persons The Lord Peter van Hoorn Constantine Nobel Chief Counsellor in the Embassy and Governor of the Trade Iohn Putman Factor and Master of the Ceremonies Iohn vander Does Secretary Gysbert Ruwenoort Steward Six Gentlemen viz. Banning Berkman Frents and Ruysser Van Alteren Van Doorn A Chyrurgeon Six Men for a Guard Two Trumpetters and One Cook During their Journey up to Peking it was order'd That David Harthower Cornelius Bartelsz and Maurice should provide all things below in Hoksieu On the third of Iune before-mention'd the Commissions were read aboard the Vlaerding by the following Lords His Excellency the Lord General Maetzuiker Charles Hertzing Chief Comptroller Usual Counsellors of India Nicholas Verburgh Laurence Pit Matthew vander Brook Counsellors Extraordinary Iohn Thysz Iohn van Dam After a kind Farewell the foremention'd Persons return'd ashore For the more Honorable carrying on of this Embassy a Fleet of five Sail Laden with Presents and Merchandise and Mann'd with Soldiers and Seamen was fitted out from Batavia consisting in these Ships viz. The Vlaerding Afen Constance Gilded Tygre and The Blyswiik Frigat Commanded by Iohn vander Werf Iohn Naelhout Iohn Hendricks Henry Bommer Peter Iansz Several Chineses also Shipp'd themselves in the Fleet to return to their Native Countrey from whence they came some Years before and had setled themselves in Batavia The fourth being Sunday in the Morning the Fleet set Sail and lying by the Lee about the Islands they staid for some ready Moneys and other Necessaries which about seven a clock were brought them by one Simon de Danser Master of the Exchequer Then the Fleet weighing Anchor again ran Easterly between the Isles Edam and Alkmaer that they might have the advantage of the Eastern Mouson but the Wind on the contrary in the Afternoon came about to the West and then tack'd to and again having the Wind about seven a clock at Night to the South-West then they steer'd their Course Northerly and so proceeded in the same Course as we have fully mention'd in their former Journals from Batavia and therefore we think not fit to trouble the Reader with needless Repetitions of the same things The fifth of August about Noon they came to the Netherland-Haven where a Tartar came aboard of the Ambassador in a small Vessel who said that he was sent from the Governor of Minjazen to inquire what People and Ships they were and also from whence they came and what Persons of Quality were in them Whereupon being answer'd accordingly the Tartar return'd ashore to give an Accompt thereof having first inform'd them of the General Lipovi's Death The sixth in the Morning while they still rode at an Anchor waiting for the Fleet to carry them into the Netherland Haven there also came a Tartar Vessel aboard with the third Person of Minjazen to ask in the Governors Name What Ships they were and if an Ambassador was come with them to the Emperor Whereupon the Ambassador answer'd him accordingly and also told him That they intended to send the Master of the Ceremonies and Mr. Ruwenoort with the Interpreter De Hase to Hoksieu with Letters to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and the new General which
to go to his Highness First between the sound of several Instruments he was conducted to the Vice-Roy Singlamong who bad him Welcome and shew'd him to sit on a Bench at his left Hand by the Tartar accounted the upper and next him Nobel Harthouwer Putmans and the Secretary Vander Does on a piece of Cloth spread on the Ground Then the Vice-Roy wish'd the Ambassador much joy for which the Ambassador with many Ceremonies thank'd him so that this first Visit ended only in Coplements He at last ask'd If he had about him the Letter from his King to their Emperor and also that with the first opportunity they should give an account to the General how many Chests and Trunks they wanted to carry up their Goods that they might be got ready against the appointed time And likewise that the General might give Order for the Jonks and Vessels to fetch the Presents for the Emperor ashore To which the Ambassador answer'd That he had not brought the Letter with him because of the badness of the Weather but his Highness might Command it when he pleas'd the number of Cases and Chests he would also give an account of as they had occasion and so soon as they could come at the Presents acquaint his Highness with it Moreover The Ambassador desir'd the Vice-Roy's advice and instruction in this Embassy which he would be sure to observe and other such like Discourses To which the Vice-Roy answer'd That he would invite the Ambassador to his Court and then they would further consult concerning all affairs From thence they went to the General who enquired after the Ambassadors Health and how all Friends far'd in Batavia To which the Ambassador answer'd and return'd him Thanks for sending the Mandarins to fetch him in and also for the fresh Provisions Then he ask'd the same question as the Vice-Roy had done before whereon the Ambassador reply'd That the Goods which were to be sold lay upon the Presents but he would give Order to Nobel to fetch them up that they might be seen and if they were damnifi'd they should immediately be shown to his Highness which said his Highness was well satisfi'd saying That he would then write concerning it to the Court at Peking The Ambassador also desir'd his Highness's advice because he knew not the Customs and Fashions of the Countrey Moreover the Ambassador said That he would on the Morrow present his Highness with some Glasses and other such like Rarities which he desir'd he would please to accept His Highness inquir'd also of the Ambassador if he had left good Orders on board that his People us'd no Outrages nor carry'd any Goods privately ashore to which the Ambassador said Yes and if any one should break such Orders he should be severely punish'd The General shew'd the Ambassador two Mandarins which said he shall wait upon you when I intend to acquaint you with any thing of consequence therefore desir'd him to grant them Audience On which the Ambassador taking leave was intreated by his Highness to Eat with him first which was perform'd and at Table said That he would with the first opportunity invite the Ambassador to his Court to Discourse with him concerning the Embassy From hence they went to the Conbon whither they came about the Evening and were kindly receiv'd and bid Welcome by him Moreover the Conbon said That the Ambassadors coming would prove an advantagious business to them promising to assist him in all things he would desire Whereupon the Ambassador taking leave came to his Lodging about eight a Clock about ten arose a mighty Storm out of the North which lasted till Midnight The twenty fifth in the Morning they receiv'd the bad news that the Jonks Laden with all their Travelling Necessaries was cast away driven from the Anchor and shatter'd in pieces against the Bridge of Lamthay But Putmans and the Secretary were sent to see what could be sav'd of the Damnifi'd Goods Towards Noon the Vice-Roy and General sent them in all sorts of Kitchin Provision of what the Countrey afforded and some Vessels of their best Liquor The General sent likewise a Pass to the Ambassador for the fetching ashore the Emperors Presents to which the Ambassador reply'd That it could not be done before he Traded But the Mandarin answer'd That it must be or else the General could not write to Peking Whereupon the Ambassador told him That he would visit the General on the morrow and discourse with him about it on which he went away Next Morning Captain Putmans went to Complement his Highness Singlamong and in the Ambassadors Name to present him with some Rarities who himself was ready to repair to the Court where a Mandarin gave him notice That he was immediately expected whither instantly going and after some Complements had pass'd he deliver'd him the Copy of the Letter to his Imperial Majesty with a List of the Persons Names that were to go to Peking with him and also a Schedule being an Abstract of the Embassy which was to this purpose That the Lord General Maetzuiker and the Council of India say That the Hollanders look upon it as the best way of effecting Business to be just and endeavor Friendship which hath been hitherto attested by all People that have dealt with us either upon the score of Alliance Commerce or both But the way of Traffique is look'd upon as the best Foundation whence sprouting it may grow up and branch like a Tree so to enrich each other in Peace and assist in all Exigencies of War That the Hollanders have many years endeavor'd both Traffick and Alliance with the Chineses to which purpose the General and Council of India ten years since sent their Ambassadors with Presents to the Emperor in Peking which were kindly receiv'd and his Majesty accepted of the Hollanders as Friends and declar'd them so publickly The Hollanders have now again by the Lord General and Indian Council address'd their Ambassador with Presents to the Emperor with hearty wishes That his Imperial Majesty may live for ever and that this their desir'd Affinity may last as long as the Sun and Moon endureth The Ambassador desires of the Vice-Roy General and Conbon That they would assist him in this Negotiation because their Mediation may facilitate and so the sooner effect the Business This being translated was together with a Copy of the Batavian Missives to the Emperor presented unto the General who after inquiry concerning the brave Horses and Oxen which were to be given to the Emperor desiring to see them they fell into other Discourses concerning the Presents and about landing the Merchandise upon which there had like to have hapned some Contrast but the Ambassadors discretion seasonably broke it off and so departing went from thence to the Vice-Roy where they were conducted through another Gate than they went the day before into the Inner Court or Privy Chamber in which the Ambassador after having shew'd Reverence to the Vice-Roy was
do concerning Trade all the Presents were now ashore and the time come which their Highnesses had limited To which the Factor answer'd That it would be convenient to send a Letter to Singlamong about it and therein express That his Highness had for three years together given them leave to Trade and that he would also be pleased to do it now and assist them in it and that Nobel might be admitted to speak with him more at large about it so made no question but all things would fall out according to his desire He ask'd moreover if the Hollanders would sell the two hundred Bags of Pepper lying in the Storehouse to him To which Nobel answer'd Yes if they could agree Mean while two Mandarins came into the Merchants Lodgings from the General telling them that all the Cloths Perpetuana's Crown-Serges and other Goods belonging to the Emperor's Presents should on the morrow if the Weather permitted by an Order from the Governors be fetch'd to the Vice-Roy Singlamong's Palace where all the great Persons would be ready to see them the Chests to fetch the Presents in were making ready and as for the bulky Packs that were not so curious they should not trouble themselves The foremention'd Mandarins were also impower'd by the General as they said to search the Holland Ships if there were no more Pepper or other Merchandise in them desiring that two of the Netherlanders would please to go along with them who at their Return related that all things were according to the Cargo Since now according to the Governors desires the Emperor's Presents were brought ashore and they had promis'd that the Hollanders should begin to Trade of which as yet they saw no likelihood therefore Captain Nobel was on Sunday the nineteenth sent with the following Letters from the Ambassador to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General being to this purpose viz. That the Vice-Roy had known the Hollanders several years and always shewed them respect and favor and assisted them in obtaining Dispatches in their Affairs The Houpou understood the last year from the Vice-Roy and Lipovi That an Ambassador must of necessity address himself to the Emperor this very year whereupon they should immediately drive their Trade which the Houpou gave account of to the General in Batavia who thereupon hath sent a Person of Honor one of his Council as Ambassador and brought the Emperor's Presents ashore upon your Highnesses desire and promise that so soon as that should be done they would begin to Traffick therefore the Houpou humbly desires that his Highness would be pleas'd to permit it and give order to the Factors and Merchants about it that the Houpou may be the sooner ready to go with the Ambassador to Peking and the rather because that two Moneths after the Date thereof two Ships must go to Batavia by which the Ambassador must give an account to the General there and also to the Province of Holland of his success in that Empire The Houpou was very desirous to send some Goods with those two Ships which he would buy of the Factors therefore he humbly requested that the Trade might now commence To which Nobel receiv'd an Answer from Singlamong That he wonder'd at the Hollanders hastiness since the Ambassador was not to travel up to Peking till the new Year and that an Answer was expected from thence in twenty days therefore they must stay till that time because the Cargo that they had brought which in respect of what the Hollanders carry'd into the Empire of Iapan was very small could be sold in five days and that the foremention'd Ships might then go away time enough However his Highness by Nobel's perswasions granted that they might conclude with the Factors about the Prices for the Goods which the Hollanders intended to Vend there and for those which they should receive in Barter for them and drive their Trade privately without publishing it before Orders came from Peking because he knew not but that the Emperor might desire all or a part of their Commodities The General Siangpovi to seem resolute and bountiful promis'd to Nobel That so soon as he had seen the Presents he would send his Factors to the Lodge to agree with him concerning his Merchandise provided the Hollanders ask'd modestly and not more than the value for them He also boasted much of his good inclination towards the Hollanders because he had lent them his Jonks to bring their Merchandise ashore of which they had lost nothing and that he resolv'd from that time forward to continue his kindness and endeavor by all means possible to advance them About the sending of the two Ships for Batavia he seem'd somewhat backward because according to his judgment nothing of consequence could be advis'd by them but being somewhat better inform'd about it made answer That the first Orders were expected from the Emperor in fifteen days therefore would have them stay till then Their Highnesses also ask'd courteously concerning the Ambassadors Health and hearing of his Recovery seem'd much to rejoyce at it The Mandarin Han lavja came also to the Lodge to tell the Ambassador that the General had order'd him to go along with his Excellency as Guide to Peking and that four Standards must be made to be carry'd before the Ambassador in his Journey out of which two must be mark'd with Dutch and two with Chinese Characters and moreover that he had been inform'd the Governors in few days would grant the Trade The one and twentieth and two and twentieth nothing hapned worthy of note The twenty fourth in the Morning a Mandarin came to the Lodge asking if the Ambassador did not know when the Chineses that came from Batavia went away and from what Place if they were first carry'd over with the Holland Ships and what was their native Countrey and Names The Mandarin receiv'd in answer That some went over the last year as Servants with Nobel and Pedel to Batavia and as to what concern'd the rest they came thither from Canton Tayowan Chinkfieuw Hoksieu and other Places both in Ships and Jonks but the Places of their Birth and Names were unknown to him because he had never enquir'd after them They desir'd at Batavia to be Transported to their native Countrey again which was accordingly granted them The same Mandarin had a Letter given him in which a Pass was desir'd from the General for the Blyswiik Frigat to carry down some Goods that were to be sent to Quelang and come up again with Merchandise and likewise from the Vlaerding Sloop The twenty fifth about Noon a Mandarin brought a Pass for the foremention'd Ship and Boat to go up and down the River The twenty sixth in the Morning the Comptroller made several Complaints to the Ambassador That the Chineses at the buying of the Necessaries for Quelang appointed by the General had prevented the Person who daily brought him Flesh Fish Herbs and the like into the Lodge from bringing any
which at this Place they were to provide themselves quite to Peking The thirtieth in the Forenoon the Conbon sent the Ambassador by one of his Mandarins ten Picols of Hay for a Present which since none could be bought for Money was accepted with many thanks and a reward to the Mandarin that brought it In the Afternoon a Grand Mandarin who had the Command over the Militia and the Emperors Wardrobe in this City came to Complement and Welcom the Ambassador who having presented him with a Glass of Wine and shewed him the Horses and Oxen took his leave The one and thirtieth in the Morning being furnish'd with all Necessaries they left Siucheu and were Tow'd along a digg'd Channel which reaches from Siucheu Eastward of the Lake Tai to the City Chinkiang and disembogues it self into the great River Kiang Having stay'd eight days for new Vessels to Embarque themselves in and yet not able to get enough were forc'd to keep four of their Hanksieu Barques two for the Horses and two for the Presents The two Masters of the Havens sent by the General of Hanksieu to conduct the Netherlanders took their leave at the North Suburb of Siucheu where leaving the Ambassador they intended to Sail again to Hanksieu Van Hoorn for their care which they had over the Vessels gave each of them a Piece of Perpetuana and also with this opportunity sent the following Letter to the General of Hanksieu and the Conbon GRatitude is accounted the greatest Vertue amongst the Hollanders The Ambassador cannot forget the many Favors which the generousness and Civility of Talavja had conferr'd on him The Ambassador cannot find words to express his hearty thanks but hopes at his Return from Peking and for the future to manifest by Deeds how much the Realm of Holland and the Ambassador are oblig'd to Talavja The whole City Siucheu hath its Situation on the Banks of a great standing River which cuts through the City cross-ways and is Navigable both for small and great Vessels The Walls of the City according to the Chinese Geographers are forty Chinese Furlongs in circumference and with the Suburbs above a hundred As the Netherlanders were inform'd the City covers a Spot of three Leagues in circumference Without and within are many stately Bridges of Stone resting on several Arches It is but thinly built and the Houses are erected on Pine-tree Masts many of them being very sleight Siucheu because of its nearness to the Sea and the River Kiang is a Place of great Trade and hath many Ships belonging to it nay the Netherlanders saw so many Boats in all Places that there was scarce room to get through them Much Amber is us'd in this City for the Hollanders passing through several Streets saw none but Workers of Amber All things not onely for the subsistence of Man but also for pleasure may be had here in great plenty It is one of the famousest Places in all China because all the Portuguese Indian Iapan and other Commodities that come from foreign Countreys are brought thither not onely by Strangers but the Chineses themselves There also come many Merchants from Nanking and other Places to Trade which makes that from year to year there is a continual Trade here and Ships going from hence to other Provinces and Cities and because the Ships should not be in danger when they Sail cross the neighboring Lake Tai there is a Channel made on the North side of the Lake which runs from the City Sucheu to that of Chinkiang so that it discharges its Waters in the River Kiang but yet the Course of it is stopp'd up there by a Sluce which is drawn up or let down when they please But as they travel from Sucheu to Ukiang or from Ukiang to Sucheu is a Stone Bridge resting on three hundred Arches by which the Channel is divided from the Lake Tai. On this Bridge they draw their Vessels along by a Line it being built for that purpose that they need not lie still there with their Ships Without the Walls of the City stands a Custom-house where they pay no Custom for Goods but for the Ships according to their Burthen and it is said that this Custom comes Annually to ten hundred thousand Ducats or five hundred thousand Pound Sterling whereby it may easily be judg'd how many Ships go constantly up and down this River whereas all the Emperor's Vessels or those that carry any thing to the Court pay nothing Many of the Emperor's greatest Barques call'd Lunchyven past by whilst the Hollanders Rid at Anchor there The City is Govern'd by a Conbon or Governor who at that time was a Leaohing Chinese and highly belov'd by all Persons After the Netherlanders were gone about a League from the City they pass'd by Xuciquan a large Village and in the Afternoon saw two hundred of the Emperor 's great Barques lying at Anchor In the Evening they arriv'd at the South-East side of the Suburb Usie having that day with Sailing and Towing pass'd six Leagues in several Courses Usie the second substitute City to the fifth Metropolis Changcheu signifies Wanting of Tin for formerly on Mount Sie near Fusie the Chineses found a great deal of that Metal but in the beginning of the Reign of the Imperial Family of Han most of the Mines were exhausted for which reason the City receiv'd that Denomination Here the Hollanders found many Stone Ovens in which they Bake or harden with Heat to that purpose all manner of Stone In the Morning being the first of April they proceeded on their Journey and Sailing about a Musquet-shot from the Walls of Usie which leaving on their Lar-board they arriv'd at the North-Suburb where having stay'd some time for Coelies or Men to Tow them they went forward again About Noon they Sail'd through Unquouw a Village situate on both sides of the Channel where they saw divers Vessels full of Indigo which the Masters of them said was to be had at Sinchian and Sucheu and towards the Evening arriv'd at the Village Gongling where they stay'd all that Night having that day Sail'd three Leagues and a half in a Northerly Course The second in the Morning leaving the Village Gongling and after half a Leagues Towing through the Village Syksiovyem they dropp'd Anchor in the Evening on the North side of the City Siucheuw otherwise call'd Cbangcheu that there they might furnish themselves with fresh Coelies but none being to be had there so suddenly they were forc'd to stay that Night having not gain'd above two Leagues in a North-West Course all that day The reason why they made no greater speed was because the Channel was very full of the Emperor's Barques which by reason of their Bulk and deep Lading made but little way and the Channel so narrow that they could not pass them The sides of this Channel near the City are rais'd with much braver Stone than the other parts The third
before a Flood-gate having that day been Tow'd but three quarters of a League it was very difficult too for the great Vessels to get through these Sluces which were in a manner quite dry on the North side and on the South side not above three Foot and a half of Water which being let out there would not remain a Foot and a quarter when as the great Barges drew two Foot and a half so that the Water must at least be a Foot higher before they could get through wherefore they lay still two days viz. the seventeenth and eighteenth but on the nineteenth they got through and after a little Sailing coming to the Village Gihaatsysy they dropp'd Anchor before a Water gate having this half day been Tow'd somewhat more than a League The twentieth in the Morning they went through the Sluce and at Noon another and also by the Village Zoatiajeen In the Afternoon arriving at Lieghayway they Anchor'd before a Water-gate having gain'd two Leagues this day The one and twentieth in the Morning having shot the last Sluce they arriv'd about nine a Clock at the South Suburb of Tungjanfoe otherwise call'd Tungchang the third City of eminency in the Province of Xantung This little City of Tungchang stands in a Valley built square and about an hours walking in circumference with defensive Walls In it are two eminent Streets which run cross through the Town in the middle of which stands a Triumphal Arch or a high Structure with four Vaulted Posterns and as many Roofs one above another The Gates are very strong and have on each side four Bulwarks which they can when Storm'd clear and make good On the North side is a Bridge of a hundred and thirty Paces long leading cross a Water that incircles the City On the South is a very populous Suburb of great Trade On the East stands an Iron Pillar four Fathom and a half thick and about twenty Foot high Engraven at the bottom with several Chinese Characters which according to their Relation was set up there seven hundred years before as a Monument under which lay the Body of an Heroe famous for his valorous Atchievements and good Service done his Countrey The two and twentieth in the Morning they left the South Suburb of Tunghang having gotten fresh Toers for which they stay'd and Sailing a Musquet Shot Eastward by the City came about Noon to Sinsia where they Anchor'd before a Sluce having Sail'd above a League this half day Here they were forc'd to lie all the Afternoon and the next day before they could get through for want of Water The twenty fourth in the Morning they shot the fore-mention'd Sluces and about Noon another and also pass'd by Xoesu Liancotsue Liancotza In the Afternoon they came to Toetsao where they Anchor'd before a Water-gate having been Tow'd above a League that day The twenty fifth setting forth again they pass'd another Sluce and about Noon they came to Woersjavaan where taking fresh Toers they went away immediately with hopes to reach the City of Linsing that day but being past Ooetsjaven Taykiasa and Tayhiaven they saw that the Channel lay full of the Emperor's Vessels laden with Tributary Goods which by reason of its narrowness and sholeness in some places they could not pass by which forc'd them though but half a League from Linsing to stay till the Water grew higher having that day gain'd three Leagues The twenty sixth in the Morning they went forward again and about nine a Clock they arriv'd at Linsing into which they went with their Barges for the Channel runs through the middle of it till they came before a Flood-gate through which they were to pass having this Morning been Tow'd half a League in a Northerly Course All Places hereabouts lay full of the Emperors Barges The Governor of this Place as the Mandarin Guides related was depos'd and a new one expected in two or three days from Tungchianfoe for which reason they could not pass the Sluce before which they lay it being lock'd up with Iron Chains The twenty seventh and twenty eighth nothing hapned of remark The twenty ninth being Whitsunday the Ambassador was told that the Governor of Tungchanfoe was come and had taken possession of his Place so that he thought fit the thirtieth in the Morning for the hastening of his Journey to write the following Letter to him THe Holland Ambassador is come from remote Countries and hath staid here at Linsing above four days The Chinkon hath been a long time a coming and by that means subject to be spoil'd therefore the Ambassador desires that they may with all speed go to Peking and to that purpose the Sluces may be open'd which will be serviceable to the Emperor and a great kindness to the Ambassador Nobel carrying this Letter related at his return that he had been with the new Governor who in answer to the Ambassador's Letter had told him That he was sensible how far a Journey the Netherlanders were come and that he knew having two years since been at Emuy and Quemuy what service they had done for the Emperor therefore he would not detain them but send a Mandarin to search the Barges because there being a Custom-house no Goods but the Emperors were to pass through without paying in which the Emperors Goods were to see if any other private Commodities were in them or not which should no sooner be done but he would give them leave to be gone and accordingly a Mandarin was forthwith sent who at first was very earnest about searching of the Goods But when the Ambassador answer'd him that he might do it and begin at his Vessel but he would permit no Chests nor Cases to be open'd he went away without looking upon them being first presented by the Ambassador with two Pieces of Linnen which was all he aim'd at The next Morning about Day-break passing the Sluce with all the Vessels they went through the City of Linsing till they came to the River Guei or Geu which comes from the South to another part of the City Thus they left the Channel Iun in which they had past through forty seven Sluces or Flood-Gates not without great trouble and Expence of two and thirty days time yet according to the Chineses saying they were gotten happily and speedily out of it because some years since there was so little Water in that Channel that the ordinary Vessels had been forty five and fifty days coming from Tunchiangfoe and Linching which places are not above six Leagues distant one from another In the Afternoon they got beyond Linsing which exceeds all other Cities in this County for Populousness fair Buildings though on the West side it is much decay'd and Traffique nay it need not give place to any City in the whole Empire for it stands at the end of the Channel Iun where the foremention'd Channel and the River Guei commix their Waters by which means there is extraordinary Conveniencies
they are great lovers are never made without either Flesh or Fish The Emperor Che who began his Reign before the Birth of our Saviour Anno 1150. first us'd Sticks of Ivory to Eat with and Ivory Dishes but these Sticks are not always made of Ivory but sometimes of Ebony or some other such like Materials and tipt only at the ends with which they touch the Meat with Silver or Gold yet the Inhabitants of the Counties Iunningfu in the Province of Iunnan a Rustick and Salvage People use not the foremention'd Sticks but put the Meat into their Mouths sooping it down by whole handfuls The Chineses sit at their Tables on high and artificial wrought Stools and not cross-Legg'd like the Tartars Anciently they us'd neither Stools nor Tables but sat on the Ground cross-Legg'd after the same manner as most of the Asiatick and African People yet do insomuch that they have but one Character for a Table and a Carpet Tables were first brought in use among the Chineses near the Raign of the Emperor Han which ever since they have observ'd and have them and their Stools very curious They use many Ceremonies as well in the middle as in the beginning oâ—… ending of their Feasts The Master of the House as their Taster first sitting down when he hath taken a Morsel and tasted the Liquor then recommending invites his Friends to sit down and do the like In the middle of their Feast they change their small Dishes into great and all present Masters and whatsoever have the freedom of drinking what they please but none inforc'd to more Persons of Quality make Feasts when they return from a Journey and it often happens that one Man will go to seven or eight Feasts in a day only to oblige his Friends by his Presence When they have time they send some days before Letters to peculiar Friends desiring them to come to their Feasts which if they cannot being otherwise ingag'd then they excuse themselves again by a Letter and they put off their Feasts till they can come with which they acquaint them by another Letter call'd A Letter of Request At the day appointed those that are there first stay without in a Hall till all the rest are come then they go into the Dining-Room where the Master of the House using some Ceremonies puts all things in a readiness which done every one seats himself according to his Quality and the Invitor sits down in State to animate his Guests to Eat and Drink They sit a loâ—…g while at Table for besides their Discourses they have Musick and Comedians who strait Personate whatever they call for or desire Their Feasts end in many Complements which the Guests make to the Master to whom they send a Letter the next Morning extolling the noble Entertainment and all things thereto belonging and hearty thanks for the honor which they receiv'd by it The Chineses as Trigaut witnesseth eat all manner of Dainties which we have in Europe and very well know how to dress and prepare them but they bring but very little of a sort to their Tables for they account the glory of their Feast to consist in the variety of Petits and Hotch-potches neither do they eat Flesh and Fish apart as we but mix them together Moreover no manner of Meat being once put on the Table is taken away till Dinner is ended wherefore they not onely fill the Tables setting one Dish by another but heap them up like their own Turrets No Bread nor Rice is set on the Table before the Guests except at some small Feasts or towards the latter end if there be then they drink no Wine for the Chineses drink not any before Rice They have also several Games at their Feasts like ours where every one that loseth is forc'd to take up his Cup at which all the rest rejoyce and clap their Hands The Chineses are very mannerly at Meals and keep their Dinners early Mushroms they account a great Dainty sending for them from the Mountain Tienno lying in the County of Hancheufu belonging to the Province of Chekiang near the small City Lingan They are carry'd through all China and being Salted and dry'd last good a whole year They steep them first in Water before they boyl them by which means they become as fresh again as when first gather'd In no place in all China is more Butter and Milk us'd than in the City of Sucheu in the Province of Nanking for Martinius relates that he saw none in any place else The Inhabitants of this City exceed the other Chineses in preparing their Meats with Sugar Salt Vinegar Wine and Herbs The Inhabitants of the twelfth County Xunningfu in the Province of Iunnan a salvage People stick not to eat according to the foremention'd Martinius all manner of Creatures that are not venomous The People of the fourth Territory Chingvenfu in the Province of Queicheu have no Salt but use the Ashes of an Herb call'd Kine in stead thereof Amongst those of the Province Kiangsi are some which all the year long gather up the Bones of dead Cattel and lay them in Porcelane Dishes at their Feasts to fill up their empty Platters that their Dishes may be heap'd one upon another according to the Custom of the Countrey Marriages and Matrimonial Ceremonies THree thousand years since to this day according to an inviolable Law Marriages have been observ'd in China Antiently they us'd many Ceremonies in Betrothing each other and amongst others to give their Hands as we do but most of them are chang'd some quite extinguish'd and others new At this day they observe two kinds of Marriages one firm as with us not to be dissolv'd but by the Death of one or both In this the Woman is conducted with many Ceremonies to her Husbands House The second is a kind of Concubinate yet suffer'd by that Countrey amongst such as have no Children but that limitation is a meer pretence for the Rich take Concubines or Mistresses without any scruple though they have several Children In this the Betrothing differs much from that of a true and lawful Marriage for here they Treat with the reputed Father or Fosters of a Maiden which in truth having no Relation but have onely brought them up with intent to sell them to the first amorous Chapman But to speak properly this is no Marriage because neither any Promises nor Matrimonial Ceremonies pass between them for the Law of the Countrey permit all Women to take any other Man if the first hath put her off Besides these Concubines eat apart by themselves in peculiar Rooms and are under obedience of the lawful Wives being at their Command as Servants on all occasions Neither do their Children shew that obedience to them as those of the lawful Wives do neither call them by the Name of Mother At their Death those Children which are born of them are not oblig'd to Mourn three years nor desist from their Study
chang'd to true and lawful Succession by Birth Sometimes it hath happen'd though very seldom that the youngest Son contrary both to the Laws of Nature and the Realm was declar'd Emperor either for his extraordinary Valor or Prudence as Anno 209. before the Birth of Christ it happen'd to the Emperor Ulxi who after his Father Cin's Death was chosen Emperor in stead of his eldest Brother Fâ—…sa When the eldest Son hath taken Possession of the Throne the rest only boast of their Princely Allyance for they have not in the least any Authority yet the Emperor gives them each a City to reside in with a Magnificent Palace Attendants and Revenues where they keep Court in great State and are serv'd accordingly yet have no Command of the Citizens and that they might not have so much together as to enable them to raise a Commotion the Emperor's Allowance is paid them every three Moneths and on forfeiture of their Lives they may not stir out of the Limits of the City so design'd for their subsistance The Empire hath sometimes also been Govern'd by a Woman for Anno 490. before the Nativity of Christ the Emperor Lieupang's Consort after the Death of Hoci her Son Govern'd the Countrey eight years At the Election of a new Emperor thirteen Contingencies are to be observ'd The first is the alteration of annual Accounts for they begin to reckon from the Inauguration of their new Emperor which they use not only in common Discourses but in their Letters and all manner of Writings The Emperor also gives his Name to that Year in which he begins to Reign for we must observe that all the Years of any Emperor's Raign when soe're they die are reckon'd for whole Years and so make his Coronation the New-Years-Day that is the beginning of the Year and yet though the Chineses immediately and in the same Year have another yet they still shew Honor and Obedience to the late Emperor though Dead till the Years end doing all things in his Name and likewise all Edicts and Proclamations are Seal'd and Mark'd with the same Signets as if he were still living but the Successor gives his Name to the following Year The second they instantly Coyn new Money with the Letters of his Name which doth not abate any thing of the value of the old Coyn. The third his Lawful Wife is Crown'd Empress The fourth they give the Name of Queen to six of his Concubines The fifth they make Offerings to the Heavens Earth and Spirits The sixth they bestow great Alms on the Poor The seventh all Prisoners are set at liberty The eighth all the Magistrates are nobly Treated The ninth all the Women that were Concubines before are put out of the Palace The tenth the Seraglioes which are four in number are fill'd with fresh Beauties fetch'd from all parts of the Empire during which time there are many Marriages because every one seeks to free his Daughter from such a retired Life The eleventh Persons of Quality if not all at least those of Cities either come themselves or send Agents to shew Obedience and acknowledge the new Emperor The twelfth all Officers from the Vice-Roys to the inferior Governors of Cities go in Person to the Court to shew the same Obedience and take the Oath of Allegiance in behalf of their Towns and Provinces The thirteenth is that the Emperor changes his own Name as is before-mention'd The Reverence which the Chineses anciently shew'd to their Kings they perform'd in this manner They Prostrate themselves to him bowing down their Bodies and looking with their Faces to the North for they say that their Kings look always to the South for which reason all the Gates of their Palaces Doors of Chambers and all Draw-Bridges face the South from whence proceeds a Proverb That the Chineses though at great distance always honor their King when with usual Ceremonies they receive their Guests They say that the Tartar Prince who at this day possesseth the Countrey of China and resides in the Metropolis Peking is not the great Cham or Lord of all Tartary as hath hitherto been believ'd but a mean Prince of the Tartars whose Grand-father was the first King of his Family promoted to that Dignity by the Inhabitants of his Countrey which was only a small Province in Tartary call'd Muncheu The Father of this present Emperor call'd Zunchi was the fifth of his Family his Fortune seem'd to be so strange in the Eyes of other Princes of his Countrey that they compar'd him to Lightning when e're they spake of him for they usually said that the Gods and Heavens could only prevent him in any thing The present Emperor Zunchi's Son is call'd Konchi a Youth of about sixteen years The first Ruler of whom the Chineses make mention in their Histories was nam'd Puoncu and after him Tienhoang Ginhoang and Yonjui but in those times the Provinces were govern'd by the Heads of their Princical Families The first Emperors that before the Birth of our Saviour Govern'd China and were Elected and set on the Throne by most Voices were eight in number viz. from the Year before the Nativity of Christ 2952. to the Year 2207. before which the Chineses allow of none in their Histories which in that time are stuff'd with many strange and fabulous Relations as well concerning the Age of Men as Years of the Governors for if we will credit their Writers the World stood many Thousands of Years before the Deluge The first Emperor was Before Christs Birth Raign'd Years 2952 I. Fohi 115 2837 II. Xinnung 140 2697 III. Hoangti 100 2597 IV. Xaohau 84 2513 V. Chuenhio 78 2435 VI. Ko 70 2357 VII Ya 90 2258 VIII Xan 33 After Xun the Empire was Govern'd by Hereditary Succession and the first House or Family Hia was rais'd under the Emperor Yu which continu'd four hundred Years under seventeen Emperors viz. Before Christs Nativity Raign'd Years 2207 I. Yu 10 2197 II. Khi 9 2188 III. Taikang 29 2159 IV. Chumkang 13 2146 V. Siang 27 2058 VI. Xaokang 22 2057 VII Chu 17 2040 VIII Hoai 26 2014 IX Mang 18 1996 X Is 16 1980 XI Pukiang 59 1821 XII Kung 21 1800 XIII Kin 21 1769 XIV Cungkia 31 1848 XV. Ka 11 1838 XVI Fau 19 1818 XVII Kie 52 After the Family Hia the House of Xang succeeded being first rais'd by the Emperor Tang from whom sprung twenty eight Emperors viz. Before the Birth of Christ. Raign'd Years 1766 I. Tang 13  II. Taikia 33 1720 III. Voting 92 1691 IV. Taikeng 25 1666 V. Siaokia 17 1659 VI. Iungie 12 1641 VII Taiu 75 1562 VIII Chungting 13 1549 IX Vaigni 15 1534 X. Hotankia 9 1525 XI Zuie 19 1506 XII Zusini 16 1490 XIII Vokia 25 1464 XIV Zuting 32 1433 XV. Nankeng 25 1408 XVI Yangkia 7 1401 XVII Puonkeng 28 1373 XVIII Siaosini 21 3352 XIX Siaoye 18 1324 XX. Vuting 59 1265 XXI
Zukeng 7 1258 XXII Zukia 2 1225 XXIII Linsin 63 1219 XXIV Kenting 21 1198 XXV Uvye 4 1194 XXVI Taiting 3 1191 XXVII Tiye 37 1154 XXVIII Che 33 After the subduing of the House of Xang rose the Family Cheu Anno 1122. and flourish'd till Anno 247. before our Saviors Nativity under thirty seven Emperors The first of them was a Prince call'd Fa who when he enjoy'd the Crown chang'd his Name to V which signifies Valiant and they say that from him all the Emperors since at their entring on the Throne change their Names He possess'd in the Province Xensi a Countrey nam'd Cheu from whence the Family receiv'd their Denomination Before Christs Birth Raign'd Years 1078 I. Fa or U 7 1115 II. Ching 38 1122 III. Kang 26 1056 IV. Cha 51 1001 V. Mo 55 946 VI. Cung 12 934 VII Is 25 894 VIII Hia 15 896 IX Is 16 878 X. Li 38 827 XI Siveni 46 781 XII Ie 11 770 XIII Ping 51 719 XIV Vou 23 696 XV. Chuang 15 631 XVI Li 5 676 XVII Hoei 25 651 XVIII Siang 33 618 XIX Hiang 6 612 XX. Quang 6 606 XXI Fing 21 585 XXII Kien 14 571 XXIII Ling 27 544 XXIV King 25 519 XXV King 44 Between which was the Emperor Menguen who Raign'd scarce a Moneth  Raign'd  Years 475 XXVI Yuen 7 468 XXVII Chinting 27 440 XXX Ka 15 Ka is accounted the thirtieth for after Chintung's Death his other Sons being Kiucie and Xocie attempted for the Empire and in that regard were accounted as being two viz. the twenty eighth and twenty ninth because they acted for some time but at last Ka mastering them became absolute and so was reckon'd the thirtieth  Raign'd Years 542 XXXI Gueilie 24 401 XXXII Gan 26 375 XXXIII Lie 7 368 XXXIV Hien 48 322 XXXV Xicini 6 314 XXXVI Fo 59 254 XXXVII Cheukuni 9 After the House of Cheu came the Family Cin under their Advancer Ching who was afterwards call'd Xi in the Year 246. and continu'd but to Anno 206.  Raign'd Years 246 I. Ching or Xi 37 209 II. Ulxi 3 206 III. Ing 46 After the Family Cin the House of Han follow'd which flourish'd till Anno 264. after Christ. The first Raiser of this House was Before the Nativity Raign'd Years 206 I. Lieupang or Kaozu 17 194 II. Hoei 7 187 III. Liuheva a Woman 8 179 IV. Veni 23 156 V. Hiaoking 16 140 VI. Hiaou 54 86 VII Hiaoche 12 74 VIII Ho 7 73 IX Siveni 25 48 X. Iuen 16 32 XI Ching 26 6 XII Ngay 6 These are the Names of the Emperors every one in their Families before the Birth of our Saviour according as they are written in the Chinese Chronicles Translated into Latin by Father Martyn but those that have Raign'd since the Incarnation I have receiv'd no account of being not yet render'd to us in any other Language After the Family of Han arose that of Cyn and flourish'd after the Birth of Christ till Anno 1419. At the same time were also five Kings call'd Utai which maintain'd War against one another till by their Ruine the Family Tang took upon them the sole Government of China which they kept till Anno 618. In the Year 923. the Family Sung succeeded that of Tang and Raign'd over all China till Anno 1278. when this House was utterly subdu'd by the Tartars who set up the Family of Iuen which Govern'd China till 1368. in which Year rose the House of Taiming from a Priest call'd Chu who drove the Tartars out of China but this Family was Anno 1644. destroy'd and by a huge Rebellion the East Tartars of Munchu were invited to Ayd the Prince but the way once open'd they swallow'd all and from their Prince nam'd the whole Empire of China Taising The Magistrates or Governors in China taken in general are of two Degrees or Orders the first are such as not only in the Metropolis officiate the places of Privy Councellors but from thence have influence over the whole Empire the other are such as Govern peculiar Provinces or Cities The general Government or that of the first Degree are by Alvarez Semedo describ'd in the following words The Prime Government of China consists in six Benches Chambers or Courts which by a general Name are call'd Pu that is The Kings Benches These manage not only the Affairs of the Realm in the Courts where they reside but like the Head on which all the other depend Rule and give Orders to them according to their several places Every Councel hath his President which they call Chamxu with two Assistants the one nam'd Koxilam who is the Chief and sits on the left Hand by them counted most honorable and the other Yeuxilam These are the first and most profitable Offices of the Empire except that of Kolao's so that a Tutang or Vice-Roy of what Province so e're it be after he hath given Testimony of his Capacity if he would be Promoted thinks himself well provided for though not a Prime Councellor to be only one of the Assistants that sit on the left or right Hand Besides these there is a Councel of Ten which are of equal Dignity only distinguish'd by several Titles and deciding of different Causes To these are to be added the vast numbers of greater and lesser Officers as Notaries Secretaries Clerks Servants Officers and such as we call Bayliffs besides many others not known in Europe The first Councel or Court which have the greatest Command and receive the highest Presents and greatest Fees are the Councel of State call'd Lipu that is properly Councel of Magistrates for Pu signifies a Councel and Li Magistrates To these belong all the Offices in the Empire to change or promote them for he who is once in an Employment rises continually by degrees to higher Dignities They have also Power to restore those to their Employments that are displac'd as if a Mandarin is for some Misdemeanor put out of his place he may easily obtain it again if he be in favor with this Councel The second Bench is call'd Pimpu that is Councel of War which have as great a Command as those of State viz. over all the Militia with the Schools and Academies and for instruction of Youth in Martial Discipline and the Exercise of Arms. The third is of the Customs call'd Limpu which though not of great Commands yet they are of no less Quality for the Mandarins in which it consists are chosen out of the Emperor's Councel Hanlin which are next to the Kolao's the Prime place of Honor in China This Council hath knowledge of all Letters and likewise of Ecclesiastical Affairs Bonzies Strangers and the like The fourth Councel is that of the Emperor's Revenues call'd Hupu which take care to get in the Emperor's Treasure Customs Farms and in general all things that bring in Money The fifth call'd Cumpu look after all business of Building and Architecture and especially what belongs
though small yet abounds with all manner of Provision The fifth County Fuencheufu though Hilly yet on the Hills themselves hath some places capable of Tillage and beneath divers thick Woods and Forests stor'd with Venison fruitful Corn-fields and Meadows for Pasture The Province of Xensi is more subject to Drought than any other Province and very often infinitely endamag'd by swarms of Locusts which like a vast Army devour the Fruits of the Earth and lay waste all before them This Province particularly produces the Physical Plant Rhubarb The first County Siganfu of the Province of Xensi hath both Pleasant Mountains and Fruitful Plains producing all store of Fruits and other Provision The second likewise is both Manur'd and not behind in natural Fertility The third Territory Hanchungfu hath many rank Pastures and rich Fields The fourth Pingleangfu hath many pleasant Mountains which are not altogether barren The Soil of the whole Province of Xantung is inrich'd by the many Rivers Lakes and Brooks that are in the same and hath plenty of all kind of Necessaries as well Rice Barley and other sorts of Corn as of Beans Hau and divers sorts of excellent Fruit but Drought and Locust do often great hurt Nevertheless the Countrey is naturally so exceeding Fertile that they say the Harvest of one Fruitful Year stor'd them for ten Years in such plenty as to spare great quantities to other Countries Particularly it yields large Pears and Apples of several sorts Chest-nuts Small-nuts and great abundance of Plums which are dry'd and sent to other Countries The first County Cinunfu yields not for pleasure to any other of the Northern Provinces for all manner of Grain or Fruits especially Wheat and Rice which grow there in great abundance In like manner the second County Yeucheufu hath many delightful Fields Wooddy Mountains and in most places is well Cultivated The third County Tungchangfu hath a Plain and Rich Soil produces great store of Grain and wants in a manner nothing of what is requisite for the sustaining of Mans Life The Province of Honan is in some parts Champain and in others Mountainous especially Westward yet the Soil being every where Fruitful no place lies Untill'd except towards the West where several craggy Mountains obstruct the Husbandmans Labor The Fields produce Rice and all other sorts of Grain They have all manner of European Fruits and that in such abundance that they are bought at very cheap Rates so that it is no wonder this Province is by the Chineses call'd A Paradice of Delight for the Eastern part thereof is so pleasant and every where so improv'd by Tillage that those who shall for several days Travel through the same may fancy they walk through a most delightful Garden But above all for richness of Soil are the Counties Queitefu and Changtefu as being for the most part Plain without any Mountains The third Territory on the contrary is very barren and Sandy yet that defect is much supply'd by the conveniency of its Rivers The fifth County Hoaikingfu again is exceeding Fertile as also the sixth and seventh being Honanfu and Nanyangfu the last well Water'd with Rivers and surrounded with Mountains so abounds with Provision that it is able to furnish whole Armies therewith In like manner the little County in which stands the City Iu is very Fruitful The Province of Suchuen hath many pleasant Pastures and rich Corn-fields yet is Mountainous in several places The Physical Drugs which this Countrey produces as well Herbs as Minerals are much esteem'd and from thence Transported to Europe among others the true China-Root and best Rhubarb The whole Territory Chingtufu is partly Champain and in some parts with Mountains the Plains are inrich'd by Natures Hand and the very Mountainous parts by good Tillage are made Fruitful all the Fields are Water'd by Rivulets either Natural or Cut insomuch that whoe're Travels through them hath for three days an exceeding pleasant Journey In the County Paoningfu of the Province of Suchuen in a Pagod-Temple in the great City Kien grows an Indian Fig-tree in the Portuguese Tongue call'd Arvor de Rayes In the Country Xunkingfu grow great store of Gold-colour'd Apples a Root call'd Soozanem and Chest-nuts which melt in the Mouth like Sugar The Territory Siucheufu though craggy and Mountainous produces among many other things requisite abundance of Indian Sugar-canes and an excellent Fruit call'd Lichi The County Chunkingfu hath store of Meutang-Flowers and the Fruit Licheu The Territory Queicheufu Fruitful of its self is also by the Inhabitants very much improv'd by Tillage no spot of Ground being left Unmanur'd except some Sandy and Stony Mountains which lie especially towards the North Among other excellent Fruits this Countrey abounds in Oranges and Lemons The first little County wherein stands the City Tungchun is exceedingly inrich'd by the abundance of Rivers which Water the same The small Territory belonging to the City Kiating is a pleasant place and yields plenty of Rice and other Grains By the fourth Garrison'd City Chinhiung grow a sort of Beans which the Chineses for their hardness call The Stone-Beans they grow on Shrubs and are exceeding good against Heart-burning The County of Huquang for its Fruitfulness is call'd Iumichity that is The Countrey of Fish and Rice it is also call'd The Corn-store-house of the Chineses as Sicilie was anciently call'd The Store-house of Italy from its abundance of all things especially Corn and all manner of Grain which it not onely yields to its Inhabitants but in a plentiful manner furnishes all the neighboring Countries The County Vuchangfu is advantag'd by the many Streams and Channels that run through the same and along whose Banks grow abundance of Reeds of which they make Paper The second Honia among other things produces in particular great plenty of Lemons Oranges and Cytrons Nor are the fifth and sixth Territories inferior which last yields all manner of Provisions The seventh County Iocheufu is very much inrich'd by three Rivers viz. the Kiang Siang and Fungi and brings forth incomparable Fruits especially Oranges and Lemons The eighth County Changxafu generally Champain but in some places Mountainous hath a fat and fertile Soil and plenty of all things Rice growing there in abundance without danger of withering in the dryest Seasons because there seldom wants Rain which if there should the Husband-man supplies it sufficiently with Water which by an Engine is drawn out of the Lakes and Streams over their Fields so to moisten the Roots of their Plants The County Hengcheufu is a delightful and well Till'd Countrey yielding all manner of Provisions and among the rest Paper-canes Much of the same Nature are the tenth and fourteenth Counties In the Territory Chingyangfu grows a Plant which like our Ivy runs up in height bears Yellow Flowers and some White The utmost end of the Sprigs are very thin like Silken Threds they say that a small Branch thereof being laid to the Naked Body occasions Sleep and therefore
Ground and the other half out and bears red Flowers and a Fruit like our Figs. The ripe Fruits are also red and the Flesh within tastes also like our Figs and are ripe in Iuly and August The Fruit by the Chineses call'd Cienko is by the Indians and Portuguese call'd Goyaun It seems to those that are not us'd thereto to have no good savor but indeed smells very Spicy and is desir'd afterwards by those that at first disrelish'd it because it warms and hath a soveraign healing power and is exceeding good to stop a Loosness and fortifie the Stomach Within it are many little round Stones from which the Trees grow though quickerby Setting a Bough thereof in the Ground The Boughs bear great store of Fruit and sweet-smelling Leaves which rubb'd to pieces smell very strong and are accounted excellent Medicines against Feavers The Fruit is also in the Portuguese Tongue call'd Pera that is Pear because it is exactly like a Pear In India this Fruit ripens in November and December and for the most part continues in all the other Moneths but in the Province of Quantung in Iune and Iuly On the Island Hiamxan lying near China in Makau and in Malacca grows a Tree and Fruit nam'd Giambo which is of two or three sorts for in India are red white and yellow which smell like Roses the first hath a white and the second a pale yellow Flower The Body and Boughs are Ash-colour'd the Leaves smooth a Hand-breadth long and three Fingers broad The Fruit is as big as a Pear with a thin sweetish spongy Flesh it is pleasant to the Eye either quite red or white or partly red and partly white On one Bough grow Flowers green and ripe Fruit together They are very cooling and the onely thing in great Feavers to quench Thirst. The Indians make a Conserve of this Fruit exceeding good against Agues and other Distempers arising from the Gaul In stead of Seed it incloses a round Kernel but the yellow sort hath two Kernels or rather one divided into two parts the Flesh of the yellow is very sweet and luscious the red ripens in India in October and November but the yellow in some places in March and in other places in Iuly The Pipa is a Fruit of a yellowish Green when it is ripe sweet of taste like our Plumbs and cover'd with the like sort of Skin within it lies a hard oval Stone it is generally gather'd ripe in February and March The Tree by reason of its fine Leaves and Flowers is very pleasant to behold The Fruit Yata hath a green knotty and prickly Shell like a Pine-Apple within which is a waterish Pulp as white as Snow hiding in little Repositories hard and black Stones The bigger this Fruit is the better it is esteem'd The Tree grows chiefly in Malacca from whence it was transplanted into China where it grows in some plenty In some places the Fruit is ripe in October and November and in others in February and March The Fruit Manko by the Chineses and the Indians call'd Manga and by the Turks Ambo grows most plentifully in the Southern Provinces of China In India are several sorts the biggest whereof weigh two and sometimes three Pound especially if they grow on a Bough Prun'd to a Cedar-Tree of whose Fruit they borrow the Coat and rough Shell Their Pruning on other Trees is much like ours in Europe but not in the Mango-Tree a Bough of which being cut off is ty'd to the Bough of another Tree and daub'd all about with Clay by which means the Boughs in time growing together bear Fruit. The ripe Fruits sometimes all upon one Tree are of several Colours some green others yellow and some red or as others write greenish yellow and reddish It hath a bitter Kernel within a hard and woolly Shell as big as an Almond there are also some without Stones The Flesh of those that are ripe is of a kind of Purple colour and exceeds all other in lusciousness Some account it the best Fruit in the World They are ripe in April and May and continue till November The Tree according to Garcias on which this Fruit grows is like a Pear-Tree high and full of Boughs the Leaves are very thin ten Inches long and three broad with a thick sinew in the middle Acosta tells us That the Fruit being slic'd and laid to soke in Wine is counted for a dainty Banquet It is also laid in Sugar thereby to preserve it the longer and sometimes open'd with a Knife is fill'd with Ginger Garlick and Mustard-seed and laid to steep in Salt Oyl and Vinegar or else is eaten with Rice or Pickled like Olives It grows in many places in India as in Malabar Goa Surrat Balagate Bengale Pegu and others but the best sort is judg'd to grow in Ormus the second in Surrat and the 〈◊〉 in Balagate A Fruit nam'd Mangan which grows on the Isle Iava is by the Inhabitants accounted above all Cordials in the World whether Lapis Bezoar or any other It is as big as a Coco Nut and joyns close together till grown ripe for then it cracks and bursts asunder within lies the Seed wrapp'd up in Wooll which if not taken off in time is blown away by the Wind. This Fruit is so dear that it can scarce be purchas'd with Money Moreover the parts split from each other stick so fast at the bottom to the Stalk that the strongest Man cannot pull them from it In many places in China grows also Cotton but in greatest abundance in the Province of Nanking especially near the City Xangchai where there are said to dwell two hundred Cotton-Weavers it being in that place and two neighboring Villages the onely thing whereby the Inhabitants maintain themselves The Seed according to their Relation was brought out of other Countreys into China about five hundred years ago The Herb or Plant on which the Cotton grows in China hath a wooddy Stalk of a Foot and a half long or two Foot high and being cover'd with a darkish red Bark or Rind divides it self into several short Branches The Leaves like those of a Vine are divided into three parts and hang on rough Stalks of two or three Inches long The Blossom or Flower is like those of Mallows and ends in Saffron or as others say blue and Purple Stalks after the Flower follows round Fruit as big as a small Apple which when grown ripe cracks in two or three places and shews the white Cotton which is in it under it is an Oval and white-colour'd Seed which tastes like an Almond or Pine-Apple Another Plant also which produces Cotton but grows like a Tree and hath smoother Leaves grows in Egypt and Arabia where by the Egyptians it is call'd Gotnel Segia and shoots up to the heighth of ten Cubits the Leaves hang on Violet-colour'd Stalks and are divided into five parts when grown to maturity the Fruit is almost
Marry a Woman Which his Daughter hearing urg'd the Sacredness of the Edict and of the King's Word which ought not to be broke and thereupon she was Marry'd to the Dog by whom in six years time she had six Sons and six Daughters who by Marrying one another bred a Generation of Dog-like Natur'd People But it is to be suppos'd that this Fable was feign'd by the Chineses because they accounted none to be Humane which are not of their Countrey or observe their Laws Yet in the Journal of a Monk written in the second Book of Navigation and Travels Collected by M. Gio Baptista Ramusio we find this for the confirmation of these Dogs The Tartars returning through the Wildernesses came to a Countrey in which as the Ruthens which had been there relate they found a Generation of Wild Women who after they had been ask'd by several Interpreters what People they were that Inhabited that Countrey answer'd That all the Women of that place were of humane shape but the Men like Dogs And that upon this occasion whilst the Tartars stay'd in this Countrey the Dogs met together on one side of the River and leap'd being Winter into the Water and afterwards roul'd themselves in the Sand which by the excessive cold Froze upon them and Arm'd them with a kind of a Coat of Mail This having done several times together the Tartars falling upon them threw their Darts at them but the Dogs running amongst the midst of them made a great slaughter among them and drove the Tartars out of the Countrey and took Possession thereof Thus far Baptista The Inhabitants of the eighth County Taiping in the Province of Quangsi are by a Chinese Writer call'd Barbarians because having cast off the Chinese Laws and Government they go bare-footed like Salvage People and live without Law Rule Order or Decency killing one another upon every slight occasion Also on the Mountains in the ninth County Cuncheufu in the Province of Kiangsi there live many wild People which according to the Relation of the Chinese Writers live after a Salvage and Bestial manner Likewise on the Mountains in the Province of Queicheu inhabit a People for the most part Wild and untractable for they observe not the Chinese Laws or Customs but live of themselves under several Governors of their own Elections They often Sally out upon the Chineses which live near them sometimes forcing them to a Peace which at their pleasure they break again never suffering any that are not for their way of Living to come amongst them To reduce this Countrey to Reason the Emperors have often sent Forces thither but with little success that ever was heard of Those of Queiyangfu in the time of the Family Taiming first apply'd themselves to study the Learning and Customs of the Chineses by which means not a few of them have attain'd to the highest degree thereof The People of the second County Sucheufu of the Province of Queicheu are strong Limb'd and Valiant and withal Courteous and Civil yet have something of Wild in their manner of Living they go with their Hair loose bare-footed and the Soles of their Feet have contracted such a hard Callosity that they fear not to tread on the sharpest Stones and most prickly Thornes Those of the third County though somewhat of a Salvage Nature yet they have mix'd therewith a kind of Clownish Civility The Mountaineers of the sixth County Tungganfu in the Province of Queicheu were formerly the most Cruel and Barbarous People in all that Province Proud of themselves Fraudulent and having a Custom among them to kill their old People but have of late by their conversing with the other Chineses learnt something of Morality The City Hinghoa in the Province of Fokien is famous for the Industriousness of its Inhabitants in Learning Arts and ingenious Faculties The Inhabitants of the seventh County Yancheufu of the Province of Kiangnan are much inclin'd to Lasciviousness The Northern Mountaineers as in the County of the Garrison'd City Puting of the Province of Queicheu trouble not themselves with Learning Manners or Civility every one doing what they please living without Laws or Government The Inhabitants of the Mountain near the Garrison'd City Lungli have by their Conversing with the neighboring Chineses learn'd several of their Customs yet going always Arm'd delight in War and the noise of Arms. Those of the Province of Kiangsi are politick and subtle and many of them attain to the highest degree of Literature and thereby are rais'd to great Preferments The Inhabitants of the City Sucheu in the Province of Nanking are exceedingly inclin'd to dainty and delicious Fare and love the Art of Candying and Preserving in Sugar All the Inhabitants of the ninth County Ningpofu in the Province of Chekiang are great lovers of salt Meats whereupon this proverbial Sentence passes upon them That they cannot rot after Death being so much saâ—…ted during Life The People of the Province of Iunnan by reason of their Neighborhood to India participate with them in their Customs and the main thing wherein they differ from the rest of the Chineses is this namely that whereas in all parts of China besides they Lock their Women up in their Houses and suffer them not to be spoken with or seen by any Man or ever to come out of their Houses into the Streets here the Women walk abroad upon their occasions as in Europe They exceed the rest of the Chineses in Courage and Valour being never daunted at the Engaging of an Enemy and training up their Elephants to War They are friendly Courteous and Civil to Strangers and more tractable to embrace the Christian Religion than any of the Chineses besides On the North-side of the fourth County Cuihungfu in the Province of Iunnan before the Tartars coming into China in the time of the Family Iuen dwelt a People call'd Kinchi that is Golden-Teeth because they us'd to cover their Teeth with thin Plates of Gold which is also a Custom amongst those of the eighth Garrison'd City in the same Province The Inhabitants of the twelfth County Xunningfu in the same Province are very barbarous and inhumane some of them take pleasure to make their Teeth black others Paint several Images on their Faces rubbing in their Skin first pierc'd with a Needle a kind of black Colour The Inhabitants of the first Garrison'd City Kiocing of the same Province are good Husband-men but very litigious often spending in Law that which they have labour'd for the whole year and all for a trifle yet they are not the onely People possess'd with this fond humor but may be paralell'd in this Nation especially in some parts of Wales The People of the second Garrison'd City Yaogan in the same Province are according to the Chinese Writers prodigiously strong and therefore delight more in War than Peace The Inhabitants of the third Garrison'd City Cioking in the same Province are valiant prudent and stout People they Fight generally with