hand and in the Afternoon pass'd by Swinckin situate on their right hand and arriving at Suchiap about three a Clock they Landed having that day gain'd two Leagues and a 〈◊〉 The sixth in the Morning leaving Sichiap where they had chang'd their Coelies or Pugs for the Towing forward of their Vessels they pass'd by Tintenna Cholunga and Leantong three Villages seated on the right hand In the Afternoon they ran by the Villages Losjouwa and Sichem built on the same side and towards Evening anchor'd opposite to the Village Hochiechien having gain'd three Leagues that day The seventh proceeding on their Journey they pass'd Hoesuna and Nagan and at Noon arriv'd at Quiquan where they stay'd for the Vessels that brought the Horses which by reason of the shallow Water could not get up the River so fast but at last arriving the Masters of them complain'd that by drawing over the Sands they were grown very leaky and that it was impossible to go any further with them before they were mended and trimm'd up a new for which cause it was judg'd convenient to put the Horses ashore and send them by Land to Poutchin by others call'd Puchin a good Town not above five Leagues from Quiquan The Horses being got safe ashore were set up till next Morning The Comptroller Ruwenoort Interpreter Maurice and the four Grooms were order'd to Ride them thither and also twelve Chinese Soldiers by order of their Mandarins were sent to conduct them That Night the Vessels lay at Anchor before Quiquan The eighth they left Quiquan at Day-break and about Noon pass'd by the Village Souswenna standing on the left hand soon after they got sight of a great Town call'd Swipia near which appear'd several ruin'd Houses and also a large but broken and decay'd Stone Bridge and about four a Clock they came before Chintewa a Village lying on their left hand a Mile from Swipia and towards Evening dropt Anchor near a Watch-Tower about which were built a few Houses having that day with great danger gain'd three Leagues The ninth in the Morning weighing they pass'd by two Villages call'd Gotanga and Quotinha the first lying on the right and the second on the left hand at Noon they saw a Temple which being built over a Moat or Sluce like a Bridge under which at High-water Vessels might pass was round about adorn'd after the Chinese manner with Imagery to which they ascended by a pair of Stairs rais'd on one side of it After Noon they pass'd Saloekia and several other Places ruin'd in the last War onely some Pieces of Walls remaining The Night approaching they cast Anchor before a Sandy Plain about a League from Poutchinfoe having with much ado that day gain'd three Leagues The tenth in the Morning they set Sail about eight a Clock through a broken Bridge formerly laid cross the River and about Noon came to Poutchin the fourth eminentest City belonging to Kienningfoe Here the Comptroller Ruwenoort came to the Ambassador to tell him that the Horses came safely thither the last Night and were put into a Stable joyn'd to the House prepar'd for them to stay in till the Coelies were come to carry the Emperor's Presents The Ambassador commanded the Secretary to ask the Mandarins that were come with him because the Houses prepar'd for him and his Attendants were very old and rotten and scarce fit to Lodge in if he might stay so long in the Barques till such time as the Coelies were come up and they ready to go farther But the Mandarins said that it could not be because all the Goods must be taken an account of that they might see how many Coelies they should want to carry them Whereupon they found it convenient to Land all their Goods the next Morning and put the Oxen ashore that Afternoon In the Evening the Netherlanders were presented with some fresh Provisions by some Mandarins belonging to the Conbon of Hoksieu and likewise by their Mandarine Guides for which Van Hoorn they having presented him several times before gave them a small Piece of Plate The eleventh in the Morning all the Presents were unladen and carry'd to the House prepared for that purpose which was not onely very old but of no convenience the Rooms being so bad and so few seeming rather a Hog-stye than a Dwelling-house but they no way able to better themselves were forc'd to be contented In the Evening order was given to watch the Goods because they were constrain'd to lie in open Places incident to filching Pilferers Every Person was also strictly commanded not to stir abroad without the Ambassador's leave thereby to shew the Chineses who had forbid the Hollanders from going into the City that they did not value it there being nothing to do for them The thirteenth the chief of the Coelies as the Mandarins their Guides inform'd the Ambassador came to his Lodging to take an account of the number of the Chests and Packs and to see how many Coelies would be requisite to carry them after the weight and number were written down they found that they should want six hundred Coelies for the carrying of the Presents and other Goods The fourteenth in the Morning both the Mandarins came again with Ienko and Liu-lako the Interpreters to the Netherlanders in their Lodging to tell them that the number of the Coelies for the carrying of the Goods far exceeded the number express'd in their Warrant given them by the General because onely two Persons were allow'd for the carrying of a Pack or Case whereas now there were several amongst them which two Men were not able to carry and thereupon would want two hundred Porters and moreover that the Mandarins of the City durst not do contrary to the General 's Order in allowing them more Coelies than was express'd in their Warrant Whereupon Van Hoorn reply'd That if the Hopou and Pimpous in Peking had given such Order it was well Moreover he would pay for the Carriage of what was over and above that which was mention'd in the Pass and that it seem'd strange to him since in Hoksieu the number of the Cases and Packs that belong'd to the Embassy were deliver'd in Writing to the General 's Officers which had seen them and might well have discern'd that there were several Chests amongst them which could not be carry'd by two Men but it was no great matter for if they got no Coelies they were the less obliged Nay he knew the former Ambassadors never wanted Men to carry their Goods and had also much more honor and respect shewn them than was done to him never travelling through any Place but they were fetch'd in and nobly entertain'd by the Governors thereof whereas now on the contrary the Gates were shut up against him and he forbid to come into the City To which the Mandarins made no Reply Mean while the City Mandarin who commanded the Coelies came in Person to the Ambassador whereupon a Contest began between him
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
had entred into a League before with the Tartars by which they were oblig'd to maintain Wars against them unless the Tartars gave any new occasion of breach but as concerning Assam or Maurice he intended to send him by some other opportunity All things being now ready and in order they weighed Anchor and had not Sail'd far before they descry'd behind the Point of Quemuy two of their other Ships at an Anchor by which they absolutely concluded that the Tartars whole Fleet was there with them because they also saw a great many Jonks Sailing behind the Island Lissoe but in stead of coming on they dropp'd Anchor when in the Evening the Admiral receiv'd another Letter from Tonganpek to this effect Which the Admiral presently answer'd and sending Orders to his Reer-Admiral to be in a readiness prepar'd for the Rendezvouz at Lissoe The nineteenth he receiv'd other Letters both from Tonganpek and his Reer-Admiral giving an account onely of some small Actions and a little jealousie of his Reer-Admiral concerning the Tartars which he answer'd no otherwise but that he would meet them at Lissoe About day-break the Admiral receiv'd a Letter brought in a Coxingan Vessel from Tsioubontok or the second Person to Kimsia in which in Kimsia's Name was written to this effect Summimpessiou sends this Letter to the Holland Commanders in their Ships YOur Letters which I receiv'd yesterday I partly understand viz. that you have made a League with the Tartars in so doing you have done well for we know by experience that you Hollanders never break your Words and inviolably observe all Covenants and Promises Whereas the Tartars were ever a perfidious and treacherous People for it is common with them after Articles of Peace and Acts of Oblivion whom they receive under their subjection and should honorably protect they without mercy murder butchering in a manner whole Provinces and those great Persons that were able to withstand them after they had invited them with golden Baits of Promotion having once got them in their power have first loaden them with Fetters and after murder'd witness my Grandfather Equon and others whereof we have had woful experience these twenty years They have threatned to destroy us and our Fleet with Fire and Sword and take in Eymuy and those Isles we stand possess'd off but never durst look us in the face till by the like dissembling arts they have drawn you in to their assistance for which they promise you if you will believe them a free Trade for ever through the whole Empire But they are onely pleasant with you and intending no such matter Besides whensoever you with your Ships shall Engage ours they will to keep up their character of cowardise and treachery leave you singly either to be overthrown or work out a hard and at the best a disputable Victory but if by your sole Prowess and Power you subdue us which we little fear yet they will not onely take into their possession what you have won but assume the whole honor of the Victory unto themselves but we will not insist further on this Point Your Nation we have a kindness for because we know you to be honest therefore we as an honorable Enemy hoping our selves to be sufficient enough to fight you advise you to beware of Rocks and Shoals whereof there are many in our Harbors yet if upon better advice and surer you will come in to us we have in Formosa at present twenty thousand Chineses which make abundance of Sugar yearly for which your Ships may come into the Haven of Tayowan and there Traffick to which purpose we will give you Tamsuy and Kelang formerly inhabited by the Hollanders and provide you with a good Harbor for your Ships If these please you not you may take Lamoa or any other We therefore desire you speedily to send a Person of Quality with Assam with whom I may Communicate and Treat concerning the whole Affair who if we come to a right understanding shall bring you all your Prisoners of what quality soever The Heavens Sun and Moon are witnesses that what I offer is truth and desire Peacē but if it must be War let us know your determination for we have a Fleèt five hundred strong besides two hundred Fire-ships with which we shall put you to it try your Valor and know how well you Hollanders can fight not doubting when we come to trial but to sink rout and burn you all In the seventeenth Year of our Emperor Iunglie the tenth Moon and the nineteenth Day The Admiral onely answer'd That he was engag'd already to assist the Tartars and they never made any breach with their Allies without many and just Provocations therefore he could serve him no otherwise but by returnning thanks for his kind proffers and that they would continue their civility to their Prisoners as he had done to theirs About nine a Clock in the afternoon the Admiral set Sail with his eight Ships to Engage with the Enemy's Forces which consisted in a thousand as well great as small Jonks and the day before anchor'd near the Island Lissoe Then he Sail'd to the Southward of Quemuy where he met with the remainder of his own and the Tartar Fleet about Noon they fell in with some of the Enemy's Jonks between Lissoe and Quemuy and although they endeavor'd to hinder them from running away yet some of them made their escape creeping close under the Shore and steer'd their Course to Eymuy however they hemm'd in about fifty great Jonks of War which after some resistance and the sinking one of their biggest us'd all means possible to break through and to fall upon the Tartars which lay without Shot and not once offer'd to Engage which after some difficulty they effected and immediately Boarding them before the Hollanders by reason of a Calm could come to their assistance behaved themselves with so much courage that after a little resistance the Tartars were forc'd to flie up to the Netherland Ships and leave two of their Jonks behind one Commanded by the Admiral Bethetok Governor of the City of Soanchieuw and the other by the General Iantetok which the Enemy took and plundred but were afterwards by the Netherlanders regain'd which the Enemy could not prevent because upon the Hollanders approach they had enough to do to secure their own Jonks by flight for their nimble Rowing the Ships not being able by reason of the calm Weather to follow them was their preservation onely one running on the Shore of Quemuy was forsaken by her Men. Against the Evening the Enemy being much scatter'd Tyded towards the South but part of them chased along the Coast of Quemuy by the Rere-Admiral late in the Evening made their escape The Enemy thus fled the Battel ended for that Night The Tartar Jonks went to the North from whence they came but the Hollanders anchor'd at Lissoe whereupon search he found himself no way damnifi'd but onely in his Sails
other Silk which he much scrupled at fearing lest it might be discover'd yet if they would faithfully promise not to speak of any such thing or make mention thereof at Peking he would deliver them some which the Hollanders on the other side as much scrupling they broke off farther Discourse and so parted The next Morning they went again to the Factor about the same Business and told him That before their Journey to Peking the Hopou must make all things even that the Tyger being unladen must go again to Netherland Haven and the Alphen would also be suddenly deliver'd therefore they must now either receive Money or Silks to divide and lade into the Ships Moreover as they pass'd by they call'd at the Vice-Roy's and ask'd him when his Highness would be at leisure to permit the Ambassador to come and confer with him about his addressing himself to the Court. Whereupon the prime Factor seeming to be somewhat dissatisfi'd ask'd if ever they remain'd in their debt that the Hopou should so much press their setling and making even of Accounts before he went to Peking with many other Discourses to the like purpose yet at last promis'd they should have Money the next Morning it lying ready for them with this Answer the Netherlanders took their leave and as they pass'd by went to the Vice-Roy's Court who sent them word that the Ambassador might within two days come and speak with him about the Embassy Mean while two Mandarins came to the Lodge to tell the Ambassador from the General That he must make himself ready for his departure at farthest in seven days demanding a List of the Names of the Persons and number of the Packs Chests and other things that were to go with him which immediately was deliver'd to them In the Morning being the nineteenth four Mandarins came to the Lodge two sent from the General and two from the Vice-Roy to drink to the Ambassador's health and good success in their Journey and at Peking also informing them how they should carry themselves there and also two Interpreters Ienko and Liulako which came with the Mandarins being sent by their Highnesses to observe the Hollanders Transactions nay they were to do nothing without their advice because they knew the Custom of the Countrey and also what was best to be done or otherwise The Netherlanders willing to be led by them answer'd That they would endeavor in all things to give the Vice-Roy and General satisfaction Whereupon the Mandarins took their leave being Presented each of them with a Piece of Crown Serge. The Merchant Harthouwer had a written Order given him according to which he was to govern himself during the Ambassador's absence and likewise the Names and numbers of the Persons that were to stay with him in Hoksieu The twentieth in the Morning after all their Goods and Necessaries were Shipp'd in thirty eight Barques they went away with the Flood and came about Noon to Hoksantiouw Bridge two Leagues distant from Lamthay the Suburbs of Hoksieu where they found the Vessels with their Mandarin and Guides lying at Anchor Here the Netherlanders were forc'd to stay till all their Barques came thither Harthouwer and some other Persons which had accompanied the Ambassador to this Place return'd in the Evening They were no sooner gone but several Mandarins came to ask the Netherlanders how many their Train consisted of being two and thirty whereof five were Negro Boys To which they reply'd That neither the Vice-Roy nor General would suffer above twenty four Persons in all to go because it was written to the Emperor so many should come In the Afternoon about four a Clock the Hollanders being twenty four in number that belong'd to several Offices went at the Flood with about fifty Barques Westerly up the River Min and came in the Evening about seven a Clock to an Isle lying about a Cannon-shot from the Village call'd Unwono where they stay'd that Night being got a League to the Westward The two and twentieth at Day-break they set Sail again and about nine a Clock pass'd Howtong a Village lying on the right-side of the River In the Afternoon they Sail'd by Petjong Hongia and Tiksoya on the same Shore they came in the Dusk of the Evening before Congimon having that day by Rowing and Sailing gotten five Leagues more to the Westward All the fore-mention'd Villages were thick built with Houses that were little better than our Huts or Hovels but the adjacent Fields abounding with Rice and store of other Grain The three and twentieth in the Morning they proceeded the Wind still favoring them and about nine a Clock pass'd by Binkin a Village by some call'd Mincing three Leagues from Congimon standing behind a Hill a little up in the Countrey on the left-side of the River Min. This Town is adorn'd with fair Buildings and a high Steeple which appears with its Spiry top above the Mountain and seen by all those that pass by it In the Afternoon they had in view Anike Siaivang and Twavigh the first of which Towns lies on the right and the other two on the left Hand the last being about three Leagues from Binkin at four after Noon they arriv'd at Chukaw where they rested that Night to get Coelies to Tow their Boats because the Stream ran very slack having that day made six Leagues and a half more Westerly The Verges of the River here are nothing but hilly and barren Cliffs The twenty fourth in the Morning the Wind at North-East they got two Coelies for every Vessel and going on their Journey about eight a Clock pass'd by Caukawa a Village on the left side of the River a League from Chukaw and in the Evening Landed at Poutcham where they saw some decay'd Houses having that day gain'd though with no small danger of Rocks and strong Water-falls three Leagues The next Morning being the twenty fifth they left Poutcham and about two a Clock in the Afternoon pass'd by Tiongopan and Iunchiam both lying on the left side of the River the last being two Leagues distant from Poutcham and in the Evening they came over against Ukekaun near a Watch-house having not gotten above three Leagues all that day because of the Sholes and contrary Current The twenty sixth in the Morning putting forward they were drawn up over Sholes and Rocks which by the violent Precipes and fall of the Stream seem'd very dreadful and not without imminent danger as appear'd by the Barque in which the Comptroller Ruwenort was which Rowing about as they suppos'd for advantage ran on a Rock and sunk immediately yet most of the Goods were sav'd though weâ—… In the Afternoon they reach'd Kantang and Poinpang Villages standing on the right side going up and in the Evening Landed near a Watch-house call'd Bokkay where they reposed that Night having gone but two Leagues and a half that day and with great trouble The twenty seventh about Day-break they weigh'd and
accept of it they might keep it and return it in Peking Whereupon it was deliver'd to the Comptroller Ruwenoort to keep till they came thither The City Ienping or Ienpingfoe the next to the prime City or Metropolis of the Province of Fokien lies at the going up of the Stream on the right Hand or on the Westerly Shore of the River Min from whence it maketh a handsom Prospect on the side of a Hill the Edifices rising gently by degrees This Mountain is for the most part inaccessible making the City rather a Fortress and to be esteem'd as the Key of the whole Province The City is a League long but not above a Mile and a half broad full of fair and large Buildings Every House is furnish'd with Water convey'd from the Mountains in Cane Pipes the like not elsewhere to be seen in China All Provisions are to be had there in great abundance and at a cheap Rate the Streets and Houses also throng'd with Inhabitants On the East side of the City two great Rivers the Min and Zi uniting their Waters make a great Lake through which Ships come thither from all parts of the adjacent Countrey Each of these Rivers hath a fair Bridge and in the City are three beautiful Temples Most of the course China Paper is made here but the whitest and finest sort in a Village call'd Siege three Leagues beyond more Westerly which is all that is there of remark onely this City boasts that her Inhabitants speak the most elegant Phrase of all the Chineses and therefore it is call'd the Mandarins or Court Language That Night the Netherlanders lay a little from the City near the opposite Shore from whence they Row'd and set Sail the thirtieth in the Morning to Honjong a Village about a League from Ienping where all their Fleet Rendezvouz'd having had a narrow and dangerous Passage thither Hence they set Sail again about nine a Clock and in the Afternoon pass'd by Louquon Hoeyong Linkentome and Tafa the two first of which lie on the right and the two last on the left side of the River about half a League distant one from another In the Evening they anchor'd before Ongsoutow having that day gain'd three Leagues in a Northerly Course The one and thirtieth in the Morning setting Sail again they pass'd by a long Village call'd Bonsjouko about eight a Clock and at ten by the Village Liucuir Posjen and Ubaka the first and last on the right side and the second on the left In Ubaka much Paper is made which appear'd by several Vessels that lay Freighted onely with such Goods to go up the River About Noon they saw Konchian Sioeukke and Tayping the two first on the right and the third on the left side of the Stream close by one another In the Afternoon about three a Clock they came to Chiakiang where they Rode till the next day The next Morning being the first of February they set Sail again and in the Afternoon pass'd by five Villages viz. Siejokaun Itantauw Bayapo Siema and Filictauw the two first lying on the right and the two last on the left side of the River and about Noon they arriv'd at the City of Kienning or Kienningfoe where the Horses were immediately put ashore because the Barques in which they came were judg'd too big to carry them up any higher but not getting any smaller that day they were set up till the next Morning Here the Netherlanders had the Gates shut against them being not permitted to enter the City so that they were not able to get any fresh Provisions nay none were suffer'd to sell any thing to the Netherlanders without the Interpreters leave who acted as Comptrollers where-ever they came and especially Ienko as appear'd by a Soldier that belong'd to Sioubontok General of the City Ienping who having bought some Fruit for the Ambassador and bringing it to him was so soon as the Interpreters were inform'd of it taken by the Mandarins Order and ty'd Neck and Heels together and had not the Ambassador interceded for him they had sent him a Prisoner to Hoksieu where he would have been severely punish'd but the Ambassador at last prevail'd so much that he was set at liberty The second after the Vessels were prepar'd to carry the Horses they were immediately imbarqu'd again and all safely put Aboard the Tartars being highly pleas'd with them had dress'd them so neatly that they were slick as Glass In the Evening the Mandarins which were the Netherlanders Guides presented them with some boyl'd and roasted Meats Thus having gotten all things in a readiness they left the City Kienningfoe on the third the Governors thereof being so surly that they not once bid the Ambassador welcom or wish'd him a good Journey at his going from thence nor presented him with the least Provision which no way grieved them who by that means kept their Chests lock'd This Kienningfoe being the fourth and so one of the most eminent Cities in Fokien lying on the Eastern Shore of the River Min is something inferior in Beauty and Riches but not in bigness to the Metropolis Focheu and larger than Ienping but not so close built because several Corn-Fields are inclos'd within her Walls The Streets are all Pav'd with Pebble and very full of Inhabitants that drive no other Trade but making of course Paper They are Rul'd by two Governors which sway alternately the one not so much as once daring to contradict the other in his time China affords several sorts of Paper made of several Materials viz. of the Body and Leaves of Cane-tree Cotton Silk and Flaxen Clothes that which is made of Cotton is not altogether so white as our French Paper In the County of Vuchaufu belonging to the Countrey of Huquang They make also great quantities of Paper of the Canes and Leaves which grow there in great abundance In the Forenoon having left Kienningfoe they pass'd by Gaetchan Maschetany and Petchin Villages lying close together on the left side of the River the last lying about a League from Kienningfoe In the Afternoon they saw by the Village Kekau Vazoeo and Gautauw the two first on the right and the last on the left side of the River Towards Evening they came before and Landed at a ruin'd and decay'd Village call'd Chiaphong where they remain'd all Night Here they directed their Course almost North having a little of the West The next Morning being the fourth leaving Chiaphong they pass'd by Chincheuw seated on the right side of the River a League from Chiaphong and in the Afternoon by several Hamlets Houses and Pagodes that stood here and there apart from the rest along the Margents of the River In the Evening they arriv'd at a ruinous Town call'd Sjovova on the right side of the River having that day gain'd but two Leagues with great trouble The fifth in the Morning setting Sail again they left the Villages Tachoe and Pagou on their left
afterwards taught it her Subjects For though the breeding and ordering of the Silk Worms was not unknown to the Chineses before that time yet they were ignorant of that Art to make Silk Clothes of them as generally at the first Discovery of things we are unskilful in the proper use But however the Chineses may justly claim the honor that from them as the chief Fountain the Art of making Silk was carry'd to other remote Countreys in Europe BUt to return The Ambassador having pass'd many beautiful Stone Bridges in the Afternoon they came to the City of Kunghti or Cunghte the fifth substitute City of the second Metropolis Kiahing in the sixth Province lying on the left side of the River and in the Evening arriv'd at a Village call'd Summingsing where they stay'd that Night having that day gotten four Leagues further In the Morning leaving Summingsing they Sail'd as the day before by many Rusticks Houses and about the Evening arriv'd at Chiangfoe otherwise Kiahing the sixth City in this Province along which they ran Westerly to the North Suburb where they staid that Night to get other Coelies to Tow them having that day made four Leagues forward in a Northerly Course The two and twentieth in the Morning they proceeded and were Tow'd coming about a Cannon shot from the Suburb of Kiating between two Fortresses and so to the Village Iankanking seaving it on their Lar-board in the Afternoon by Pinghaw on the South side of which lies a small Lake call'd Fuen which separates the Province Chekiang from that of Nanking so that they enter'd the Province of Nanking After the Netherlanders were arriv'd about Noon in the Village Pingchwan they from thence past by Ukiam and leaving it about a Cannon shot from them on their left hand they went up to the Suburbs where they cast Anchor to stay that Night and provide themselves with other Men to Tow their Barques having that day pass'd four Leagues of which two in the Province of Nanking This great Province of Nanking by the Tartars at this day call'd Kiangnam being the chiefest of the nine Southern Verges in the East and South-East with the Sea in the South it borders upon Chekiang in the South-West upon that of Kiangsi in the West touches Huquang in the North-West Honan and the remainder the Territory of Quantung Although the Chineses reckon except the chief Province of Peking wherein the Court and Seat of the Emperor is kept that of Kiangnang the next in honor and order yet setting aside the Emperor's residence there it cannot be compar'd to this of Nanking either in Magnitude Fertility or ought else nay their Histories affirm that the ancient Chinese Emperors as V Cyn Sun Ci Leang Chin and the Family Tang first Planted the Seat of the Empire in this Province although afterwards Transported thence to Peking by the Taymingian Family the better and with the more ease to oppose the Tartars incursions being nearest to their Borders The whole Province is divided into fourteen great Territories viz. Kiangningsu or Nankingfu Fungyangfu Suchenfu Sunkiangfu Changcheufu Chingkiangfu Yancheufu Hoaiganfu Lucheufu Gankingfu Taipingfu Ningquefu Chicheufu Hoeicheufu besides four small Counties as Quangte Hocheu Chucheu Siuchtu every one having great and small Towns in them to the number of an hundred and ten The first County Kiangningfu hath for boundaries on the North-East Yancheufu in the East Changcheufu and Sucheufu in the South Ningquefu in the West Taipingfu and Hocheufu in the North and North-West Cheuchufu This County contains seven Towns viz. Nanking or Kiangning the chief and Metropolis of the whole Province Kucyung Lieyang Lieuxui Caoxun Kiangpu and Loho The first Builder of the City of Nanking was Guoi King of Cu who call'd her Kinling that is Gilded Tract of Land The first Raiser of the Family Cyn nam'd it afterwards Moling the Kings V. which kept their Court there Kienye the House of Tang Kiangning but the Taimingian Family chang'd the Name of Kiangning to that of Ingtien but at last the Tartars after having harrased the whole Empire of China restor'd it the ancient Name Kiangning This Kiangning lieth in thirty two Degrees and fifteen Minutes Northern Latitude about six Leagues from the Eastern Shore of the River Kiang in a pleasant and delightful Plain for the River Kiang flows through broad and deep digg'd Graffs not onely by the City Walls but also into it with several Navigable Channels In like manner the East side of the City lying in a pleasant Valley is interwoven with broad Graffs by which means they may as well come to this part of the City in Barges as to that side which verges with the River Kiang and may there likewise lade and unlade Vessels of ordinary Burthen Over all these Graffs lead several Stone Bridges supported on divers Arches Over the fore-mention'd Channel which runs from the River Kiang into the City is a Bridge with fourteen Arches According to the opinion of the Chinese Geographers this City doth not onely exceed all other Cities on the Earth in bigness but also in beauty and indeed she is inferior to few for as to what concerns her inward part is most plain except some pleasant and easie Ascents It stands surrounded with a double Wall the first and innermost of which is six German Miles in circumference or according to Trigaut and Martinius eighteen Italian Miles yet the City it self is not above six Leagues in circumference This Wall incloseth the Palace and most part of the City The second or outward Wall is much bigger but not continu'd round or joyn'd together in all places but stands onely as a Defence in those places where the City is weakest When two Troopers for so the Chineses describe this Wall are sent from one another in the Morning to Ride about the City they meet not again till Night by which may easily be judg'd the bigness of the Wall and City Notwithstanding within the circumference of this Wall there are great and spacious Gardens Lakes Mounts and Warrens yet the greatest part thereof is full of Inhabitants The first Wall which is above thirty Foot high whose under part consists of Free-Stone but the upper onely of bak'd Stones or Bricks is rais'd very even and hath Battlements round about strengthned with Redoubts and Watch-houses It reckons thirteen Gates some of which have four and others five Posterns whose Doors are cover'd with Iron Plates Every one of these Gates are continually Guarded by strong Parties of Soldiers The chiefest Streets are about twenty eight Paces broad and being as direct as a Line are in the middle Pav'd with broad blue Stones and on each side with Pebbles The common Citizens Houses are neither fair nor costly but mean and without Conveniences being but one Story high standing all with their Gable-ends towards the Streets with onely one Door The Front hath a square Hole in stead of a Window before which they have
the Priests to know future Events Presently after Noon the Governor of Sinkian came with a Train of great Lords to the same Temple which he was no sooner enter'd but he sent for the Ambassador desiring him he would Command his Musick with him which the Ambassador did and so repairing to the Temple the Governor Entertain'd them with Bean-Broth and the Ambassador on the other side Cordiall'd them with Preserv'd Nutmegs which the Governor and his Mandarins having never tasted of before Eat with great delight while the Musicians plaid on their several Instruments After some stay the Governor desir'd to see the Horses which the Ambassador caus'd to be brought out of the Barques which they all beheld with great admiration saying That they had never seen the like therefore they doubted not but they would be very acceptable to the Emperor after they had seen the Horses the Governor return'd again to the City and the Hollanders to their Barques On Sunday being the tenth and Easterday they set Sail with a South-East Wind from the City of Sinkiun the Ambassador with twelve Barques more went Northerly cross the River Kiang and after having Tack'd too and again about an hour they arriv'd at the North-side of the River about a quarter of a League distant from the Garrison of Quasieu or Quacheu through a great Stone Sluce in an artificial Channel running Northerly by the seventh Metropolis Xangcheu to the Lake Piexe This Trench is digg'd directly through the Countrey to make a way for Shipping out of the River Kiang which in that place sends no Branches to the North but runs direct East towards the Sea into the Yellow River It was at first in the Embassy of Peter de Goyer and Iacob de Keys by Nieuhof call'd The Royal Channel partly for her breadth and pleasantness and partly because it was built at the King's Charge They were Tow'd thorow the same in several Courses having divers Reaches and Windings in half a League At the end of which they arriv'd at a Village call'd Tongnanghong where they rested a little whilst the Ambassador walk'd ashore to see the foremention'd Sluces and going also towards a Temple was met by two Mandarins one a Sinksieuwan and according to his own saying the second Person of Quasieu and the other a Tartar and Governor of that Village who both civilly welcom'd him for which he return'd them Thanks He of Sincksieuw being ask'd by the Ambassador concerning Tayowan whether it would be deliver'd answer'd That he was well satisfi'd that this Embassy and chiefly the Presents which the Netherlanders brought would be very acceptable to the Emperor and that he doubted not of their good success in their Business and that all their Wishes were that the Netherlanders were enter'd into a League with the Tartars in the Countrey of China and that they might come there to Trade with them and then they should hope that the Foraign Traffique would again be permitted as formerly whereas because of the strict Watches at the Sea-Port Towns nothing could be done and that the Countrey People could not put off their Commodities and if you Fee the Courtiers well nothing will be deny'd at Peking As to what concern'd Tayowan it was in a mean condition because they were obstructed from Trading to any place in China and likewise all their best People were gone therefore if the Emperor would only joyn twenty Jonks to the Netherland Ships it might easily be taken That about five Moneths since a Messenger had been there from the Emperor to bring all the Chineses there present under Subjection who had also Order that if those of Tayowan did not hearken to his Proposals that then at his return he should destroy all the Sea-Port Towns which were yet in being and to give strict Orders in all places that not one Jonk should either come in or go out but if they would submit themselves to the Emperor that then all places should be left as they were Now this Messenger being return'd fruitless there was such Orders given in all the Havens that not one Vessel can either come out or in to them which was formerly winked at Not many days since another Messenger was sent to Tayowan being the same of whom Ienko the Interpreter had inform'd the Ambassador at Sucheu whose return they much long'd for The Ambassador after this Discourse invited the Mandarins with some other that came thither in the interim to this Barque where they were entertain'd with a Glass of Spanish Wine which having drank they departed This Mandarin of Sincksieuw sent the Ambassador as a Present one Porker one Sheep four Hens two Geese a Vessel of their Drink and some Herbs and the Governor of the Village some Dishes of Meat ready dress'd Afternoon the Vessels going thorow the foremention'd Sluces the Mandarin Guide Hiu Lavja came to an Anchor at the end of the Village before a Pagode and from thence Rode to make merry at the City of Quazieu wherefore the Ambassador seeing that this day would be spent idly went with the Barques wherein the Presents were Laden to the Village Palipoe and staid all Night but the Mandarin inform'd of the Netherlander's departure soon after follow'd them to the foremention'd Villages This day they gain'd about three Leagues The eleventh in the Morning they set Sail again and pass'd by several small Towns and Villages and also by a great Tower with seven jutting Galleries standing on the South-side of Tongnaphan between which and the foremention'd Tower a Channel runs up Westward into the Countrey Against Noon they came to the South Suburb of Iamcefu otherwise call'd Iancheu the third City of Note in this Territory where was also a Tower with four Galleries by which being Tow'd to the City Walls they resolv'd to change their Coelies having given those that brought them thither leave to go home notwithstanding it was late before they got new Men yet they went away and pass'd through a Bridge with six Arches opposite to a Custom-House and so Eastward having that day been Tow'd up the River two Leagues and a half In the Morning being the twelfth they proceeded on their Journey about Day-break from Yancheu against the Stream by and through Wantoe a Village separated by a Channel that runs up into the Countrey of Wayopoe or Stone Bakers from the abundance of Kilns that are there the West part of it being under Water represented a great Pool or Lake At Noon they pass'd by Sjopouzink a Village that a far off seems a City and also three Sluces thorow which the Water runs out of this Channel into the Manur'd Grounds Towards the Evening coming to a small Village of seven or eight Houses call'd Louting where was a Cloyster of their Votaresses or Nuns they dropp'd Anchor having gain'd five Leagues on several Courses The thirteenth in the Morning leaving the Village Louting they pass'd by many Cottages standing on the East-side of this Channel to the
her Vomit would send them Rain whereupon the People force upon her more Liquor that they may have plenty of Rain If the Priestess chances to Urine thorow the Roof of the Church then the Spectators promise to themselves a fruitful year but if not great scarcity so that they often drink the more to satisfie the People then bidding the whole Congregation look up she Tabors on her private parts a considerable time which Taboring the Spectators observe with as much Zeal as in our Countrey the Auditors give ear to the Preaching of a Sermon Lastly coming down she falls flat on the ground and begins to roar and foam rolling too and again and spreading her Hands and Feet then lies still a while as in a Trance her associates come to lift her up but seem to have met with too weighty a burthen yet at last recovering after she hath made a small Speech to the People her Companions lead her into the Temple where she drinks her self dead Drunk all which impudent debaucheries as they say are done to the honor of their gods to grant them store of Rain and a plentiful Harvest All the Women must appear naked at this Feast except their Privacies which they cover with a Kagpay that is a little piece of Cloath so also must the Men When they have drunk out all their Liquor at the Temple the Congregation goes home where they Drink till the Morning and walk from house to house committing all manner of Villanies not fearing to lie with or vitiate their Sisters and Daughters The third Feast call'd Sickariariang they keep in Iune the manner thus After every one hath done their Private Devotions in their Houses and as they say spoke with the gods they make themselves ready to go to the general place of Sacrifice near the Sea The Men walk stark naked but the Women have a small Clout before them At their general Assembly the Priestess offers to the gods of whom they now request that they may be strengthen'd against their Enemies and the Women that the Corn be preserv'd from Tempests and Wild Beasts Amongst all other this is the most Celebrated because it is as one of Bacchus and Venus's Feasts so that it differs much and exceeds the rest in perpetrating unheard of Abominations both night and day The young Men are commanded by the Magistrates of the Town to go naked to this Feast and to exercise themselves with Running and Martial Discipline which they willingly perform The fourth nam'd Lingout begins in Harvest and kept also on the Sea shore near the mouth of a River Hither also both Men and Women going naked pray to the gods for Rain to keep the Corn in the Ears to banish Storms and Tempests which very frequently rise in that Moneth Great villanies are committed at this Feast The Youths are stuck and hung with green Boughs and Garlands and so adorn'd must run Races with Rattles in their Hands he that gets first to the River wins the Wager and by the Maidens is conducted and carry'd over where he enjoys the handsomest of them at his pleasure The fifth Feast call'd Piniang is kept in October at which time the Magistrates have a piece of Wood cut in the fashion of a Tortoise-shell ty'd to their Bodies whereupon in the Night with their whole Congregation they walk Drumming and Shouting up and down the Town At this Feast they come all clothed to their place of Offering to run about with the artificial Shell which is first perform'd by those whose Parents are yet living then by those that are Orphans This Feast is no less polluted by vicious performances than the other The sixth they name Itaoungang At this Feastival the old and young Men appear in peculiar Habits and have a pretty way of moving their Hands and Feet Capering and hitting their Feet one against another and likewise act several Postures with their Hands besides many other Ceremonies too long here to relate This continues two days meeting both Morning and Evening at the sound of the artificial Tortoise-shell after they have perform'd their several Offerings to their Deities they fall a Drinking in which they spend the whole Night The seventh Feast call'd Korouloutaen is kept in November with great Solemnity At the time of this Feast they adorn their Arms and Heads with white Feathers The Formosans except those by the Hollanders converted to Christianity believe not in God the Creator of Heaven and Earth but Worship thirteen Idols The first and chiefest is call'd Tamagisangak and resides in the West part of Heaven The other his Wife Takaroepada and dwells over against him in the East both these are by them accounted for their powerfullest gods and reverenc'd with great Devotion for if any War lay desolate their Cities or Sickness and Famine oppress the People they say all proceeds from the neglect of their duty in worshipping these gods The third God call'd Tamagisangak reigns in the South and shapes handsome People as the fourth his heavenly Consort Teckarupada in the East gives growth to Corn and Field-Fruits they say these Deities have the ordering of Mans Life wherefore the Women present them with Seeds and Plants They believe likewise that Thunder is the Goddess Teckarupada's voice chiding at her Husband for not sending Rain timely upon the Earth and he always when thus ratled up by his thundering Wife delays not to send Rain in abundance The fifth God call'd Tugittellaegh and his Queen Tagisikel the sixth have the cure of the Sick and are worshipp'd by them The seventh Deity being Tiwarakahoeloe and the eighth Tamakakamak are chiefly reverenc'd by such as frequent the Woods and Forest to hunt and kill wild Beasts The ninth call'd Tapaliat and the other Tatawoeli govern all Martial Affairs and are for the most part invok'd by Soldiers The eleventh nam'd Takarye and the twelfth Tamakading preside their annual Feasts and punish the omission of their long setled Customs The thirteenth Farikhe they say resides in the North they esteem him a cross-grain'd and ill natur'd God whose business is to deform what ever nature makes Comely and therefore onely worship him that he may not mis-shape them The Natives relate that this last God was formerly a Man living in Sinkam very fierce and of a stern Countenance with an exceeding long Nose which caus'd the People so to mock at him that growing impatient to bear such indignities any longer he desir'd of the Gods to take him amongst them which was immediately granted that after some stay there he descended again and gave his Countrey-men twenty seven Articles or Commandments charging to observe them strictly threatning that if they neglected he would send upon them many and great Plagues These Commandments they keep ten days together every Month beginning when the Moon enters Aries which time is by them call'd Karichang of which Laws more hereafter The Formosans are very slothful and Till but little although
West in eighteen and nineteen Fathom grey Sandy Ground mixt with little Shells their Course North and by East the Wind at South-East and by South Poele Zay are several small Rocky Isles and uninhabited lying in a Train one by another The second being Sunday the Fleet Sail'd about Noon in fifty three Minutes Northern Latitude In the afternoon the Pink Loosduynen being seven Leagues to the Eastward of the Island Poele Panjang ran on unknown Rocks not specifi'd in the Maps to which the Vice-Admiral Iohn Van Campen Rowing with his Boat and some Tackle giving speedy assistance helpt the Pink off from the Rocks without any Damage On Munday being the third the Fleet proceeded on her Course North-North-East full before the Wind and reach'd about Noon in two Degrees and three Minutes Northern Latitude and in sight of the Island Poele Tingi which lay North-West from them In the first Watch the Zierikzee and Ter-Boede Frigats came to an Anchor on the West side of Aura in thirteen Fathom Water and put each of them a Light in their Lanthorns for a Sign to those Ships that were behind The fourth being Tuesday the Admiral with the Naerden Frigat accompanied with the Overveen Sea-dog Singing-bird High-land and Vink came to an Anchor in the same place for the Domburg and six more took their Course to the Isle of Timon according to Order when they set sail Their Boats going ashore to fetch fresh Water and Wood brought also many Baskets of Fish and Fruits besides some Hens and Goats which they either bought for Money or barter'd for Next Morning being the fifth the Singing-bird Sea-dog and the Goldfinch weigh'd their Anchors and sail'd to Poele Pisang for fresh Provisions and Wood. This Island is Populous and full of Villages All the Inhabitants observe strictly their Fishing and Tillage being bred to such Drudgery from their Childhood Here as also on the Coast of the Kingdom of Sampan and on the Island Lingen a kind of Birds-nests are plentifully found which at Feasts and Entertainments are look'd upon as a great Regalia nay the Inhabitants on their New-years Feast which they keep with great Solemnity commonly present one another with these Dainties as an infallible sign of unfeigned Friendship They are also transported as a great Delicate to China and every Pound thereof sold for half a Tahers they being a great Cordial much relieving both the Stomach and Brain A Bird like a Swallow about the time of the year when they chuse Mates and fall to coupling yields a kind of glutinous or slimy matter which lying on the Rocks is the first Material of these Nests and by a daily additional Moisture or Morning-dew gather'd on their Wings and sprinkled on it at last becomes both large and perfect which when dry resembles the Bowl of a Spoon with high Edges and are found here in such abundance that they gather some Hundred weights of them yearly When their Coupling time is past and the Nests finish'd which happens all at one time they lay their Eggs and Brood upon them which Father Kircher thus describes Between Cochinchina and the Island Hainan lie in a long Ridge a Series both of great and lesser Rocks to which in March flock abundance of strange Birds like Swallows there building their Nests but of what or how not known and having bred up their Young fit for flight they quit their Birth-place and leave their empty Nests which Ships coming thither from China and other places transport from thence and sell at home at great Rates because they are esteem'd as the onely Condiment either to Fish or Flesh which being handsomly season'd with it gives a delightful Hogooe Philip Martyn in his Relation of the Kingdom of Tunking saith That in that Province are many strange Birds and Fowls especially some little ones that fly like a Swallow making their Nests on the Rocks which are gather'd and sold at no ordinary price because they believe that they owe their Health to the use of them mix'd in their Dishes and that it is a certain Cure for the loss of Appetite They are of a bright colour and hard like Sea-horn and they esteem the greatest Feast no Entertainment without this Dainty which they prepare after this manner First they lay it a whole Night in warm Water till it grows soft and mellow then again dried in the Sun mince it very small It hath of it self almost no taste but like Mushrooms prepar'd in Sallads provokes an Appetite and as other Food asswages Hunger and satisfies the Stomach this on the contrary makes the Appetite greater and still desirous of more There is also much Ager-Wood and Cotton On Thursday the sixth Admiral Bort firing a Gun from the Naerden-Frigat signified his intention to set Sail but no sooner had he weigh'd his Anchor but the Ship was strongly driven by the Current towards the Shore so that he was forc'd to let it fall again and firing several Guns the Vice-Admiral Van Campen coming thither with his Pinnace Long-boat and Tackling found the Naerden Frigat to ride about three Cables length from the Rocks on good Ground able enough to hold out a great Storm But carrying out a small Anchor and weighing the other at last got under Sail and was follow'd by the rest of the Ships The seventh being Friday the Zierikzee Highland and Ter-Boede Frigats came about the East side of the Isle of Timon for the Naerden and the other Ships lay at the North-East Point to an Anchor in thirteen Fathom where they took in Water Firing and fresh Provisions as Hens Goats Fish Potatoes and the like The eighth being Saturday the Zierikzees Men going into the Woods cut Anchor-stocks Oars Hand-spikes and Leavers and fishing in their Sloop took some Shepherds and Breams About Noon hapned a great Thunder-shower The ninth day being Sunday the Zierikzee Highland and Ter-Boede weighing their Anchors ran to the North-East Point of Timon to the Naerden and the other Ships Admiral Bort putting out his white Flag to call a Council they judg'd it convenient to steer further out from the Shore and also seal'd their Orders The Admiral here complaining that he had many young and unexperienc'd People in his Ship Order was immediately given That two of the stoutest Sea-men should be taken out of each of the other Ships except the Gold-finch and put aboard of him In the afternoon the Fleet set sail and took their Course North-North-East and saw the Isle of Timon about Sun-set bearing South and by West and South-South-West about five or six Leagues distant The tenth in the afternoon under three Degrees and eight Minutes the Fleet had thirty eight Fathom Water sandy Ground But by the eleventh at Noon they had reach'd five Degrees and four Minutes Northern Latitude and in forty and forty one Fathom Water gravelly Ground The next day at Noon they were in five Degrees and fifty six Minutes and had thirty nine Fathom Water
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
to visit them The Letter from the Admiral Bort to Santing Houbethetok with the Presents being a pair of Snaphance Pistols with Holsters four Yards of Scarlet and four Pieces of fine Linnen were by the Agents two Interpreters Bedel and Lakka sent to him but he told them That he durst not receive any Letters or Presents before they came back again from Sinksieu and had spoke with the Vice-Roy and General Lipovy but he intended to have visited them had not his present indisposition hindred him But Houbethetok caus'd his Servants to carry them Oranges Nuts Chesnuts besides some Porkers Hens and Geese for which they return'd the Servants good Spanish Coyn. The next day being the thirtieth they with their Retinue went to see the City whilst the Convoy made all things ready for their farther Journey Zwansifoe is a Place of great Trade full of Shops and Merchandise adorn'd with several Triumphal Arches made of blue Stone whereon Men Women Horses Dragons Tygers Lyons Bears Apes were all presented in Graven Work to the Life in their various Colours and on the top the Names of those in honor of whom they were erected It hath also three high Steeples with Galleries about them besides many inferior Temples The Wall about the City being twenty seven Foot high and of equal thickness is fortifi'd with many Bulwarks Moats and Breast-works upon the top of it always lie heaps of Stones and Timber for defence against sudden Storms or Assaults This City hath three Gates with winding Entrances rais'd of great blue Stones and was never Conquer'd by the Tartars but deliver'd up by Collonel Houbethetok conditionally That he should still possess the Place of Governor and likewise because of this free Surrender the old Magistrates kept their several Offices and the City their antient Priviledges and Liberties yet as a sign of Conquest the Tartars caus'd all the Steeples to be pull'd down except the three before-mention'd Coxinga once laid Siege to it but was forc'd to leave it and depart with the loss of many Men. In the Morning about nine a Clock they proceeded on their Journey and at Noon travel'd by the ruin'd City Engeling and all the day long past thorow and in sight of divers strong Castles built of Stone and many Villages About the Evening they came to two great Forts call'd Twaia distant from each other a quarter of an Hours walking whose Walls built of Free-Stone were twenty five Foot high and twenty eight thick The first of October in the Morning the Agents leaving these Forts came about three a Clock with their Retinue which consisted of above a hundred Persons Hollanders Chineses and Tartars to the City Tanwa surrounded with a Stone-Wall and Fortifi'd with high Bulwarks and deep Trenches Tanwa is accounted one of the most delightful and populous Cities of all China seated in a rich Valley abounding with plenty of all things so that many Merchants resorting thither take up their Residence to enjoy the benefit and pleasure of the adjacent Countrey Without the City are many stately Monuments where the Towns men make daily Offerings to the Souls of their deceas'd Parents Three grand Mandarins well Mounted and follow'd by a great Train of Servants bidding the Agents welcome carry'd them into a stately Inn to which they ascended by seven Marble Steps in it were many Chambers all the floors neatly Pav'd and furnish'd with Chairs and Stools Benches and costly Bedsteds to accommodate Persons of Quality when they travel'd with Stable-rooms for an hundred Horse and Lodgings for twelve hundred Men Here the Agents choosing one of the most convenient Chambers took their repose that Night The second being Munday about nine a Clock the Agents with all their Attendance left Tanwa and passing a large Stone Bridge saw several Ruin'd Towns and Villages besides others yet in their Splendor but commanded by Garrisons A little before Sun-set they came to a Fort on the top of a Hill which whilst they ascended they were met and courteously welcom'd by the Governor from whom they understood that the Islanders of Eymuy and Quemuy were upon a Treaty of Peace with the Tartars but he fear'd that it would come to nothing This Night they Lodg'd in the Castle where they had good Entertainment for their Money The third being Tuesday the Agents set forward about three a Clock in the Morning and travel'd by and through many Villages coming at last to a Stone Bridge at each side Guarded with a Fort. In the afternoon the Agents pass'd by several Pagodes where the Chinesy Priests seem'd to shew them great Respect Presenting them with Sweet-Meats and Tee After some stay proceeding on their Journey came at last in sight of Sinksieu whither they were sent not far from whence they were met by three Mandarins with their Attendants sent from the Vice-Roy Singlamong and the General Lipovi to Complement and welcom them After the Ceremonies were past on both sides the Agents were by the Mandarins carry'd to a great Pagode from whence after a short Treat they were conducted through the City into a spacious Court the usual place of Reception for their travelling Grandees This House was of so large Reception that it not only afforded Stable room for above a thousand Horse but also Lodgings for as many Men having divers large and handsom Chambers furnish'd with stately Bedsteds Stools and Benches Here the Agents took their repose several Soldiers being sent to Guard the House from the overpressing intrusions of the common People which by thousands out of curiosity came thither to see and gaze upon the Hollanders The Agents immediately gave notice of their arrival by their Interpretors Pedel and Lakka to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Taysing Lipovi with request to grant them Audience and suffer them to speak with him that they might deliver the General of Batavia's Letters that so time might not be lost in imploying so stout a Fleet as lay at present in his own River Whereupon the Vice-Roy and General reply'd That they were come a great and long Voyage by Sea and Land and were weary with travelling thefore they should stay till the next day on which they should have Audience Mean while several Mandarins came to Congratulate their welcome bringing with them divers sorts of Fruit as Oranges Nuts Chestnuts and Pears besides Hens Geese and two Swine for which they return'd them Thanks and gave their Servants Money The fourth in the Morning the Agents made themselves ready to deliver the small Presents and Letters from Batavia to the Vice-Roy and General in the Camp About eight a Clock twelve Horses were brought to their Lodging which they and their Attendance Mounted and with two Mandarins Rode thorow a great part of the City Sinksieu by many fair and large Triumphal Arches A little Southward from the City ran a River which having cross'd they came into the Army which lay about a Mile and a half
small Garrison to take it in Possession for which purpose the Isle Kolong lies very convenient and likewise the Piscadore's but barren and unfertile where also a Fort might be erected for our better Guard Not to accept to take any other place in possession if you can get Tayowan again Endeavor to Conquer Formosa and Tayowan by force of Arms if it cannot be done by Peaceable means yet take not so much Ground in possession as formerly The lower Castle of Zelandia being a good Garrison would be a sufficient Defence against the Assaults of the Chineses The upper Castle shall be Dismantled and left ungarrison'd that afterwards on farther Order it may be pull'd down and build a strong Redoubt in its place To keep the Fort Provintia and Garrison it with a hundred Men as also that of Quelang To begin somewhat in more safety in Tayowan the Forces ought to be brought ashore through the Straights of Lakge Moey on the main Land and there first to Attaque and win the Fort Provincia and likewise endeavor to get the Inhabitants there to joyn with our People to which purpose it will be requisite for you to take flat bottom'd Vessels from the Chineses because our Boats cannot carry so many Men in those shallow Waters neither could the requir'd Forces be brought ashore together and if they wanted those Vessels it would not be convenient to attempt any thing on that side but be better behind Tonkoya about six Leagues Southward of Tayowan where in the Northern Mouson the Water is very smooth and a higher Shore to break off the Winds From thence they should March up in two or three days by Land to the Fort Provincia at Sakkam and besides the convenient Landing there the Inhabitants of the South might perhaps joyn with the Hollanders which if they should all the Chineses in Formosa would not be able to withstand them If the Tartars should deny the Trade and that those of the Isles Ay and Quemuy live apart from Formosa and Tayowan and are in friendship with the Tartars and also inclin'd to agree with you do you likewise seem willing to it nay seek to joyn with them provided they procure us those Articles demanded of the Tartars and use their assistance towards the regaining of Formosa and Tayowan nay to fall upon the Tartars themselves if occasion should require No time is limited you to come with the Fleet from the North to Batavia but is left to the Discretion of the Admiral and his Council After the Admiral Balthazar Bort had on Iune the 30. Anno 1663. been conducted by several Friends aboard his Ship he set Sail the next Morning three hours before Day with all the Fleet consisting in sixteen Men of War and four Merchants bound for Iapan out of the Haven of Batavia with a South East Wind and running between the Isles of Hoorn and Edam they stood to the North-East At Noon the Fleet had the Isle South-Wayter South West and by West three Leagues from them in five Degrees and thirty Minutes Southern Latitude in the Evening about Sun-set they had the Isle North-Wayter about West-North-West four Leagues distant The second at the usual Signal of a White Flag and firing of a Gun all the Commanders and Chief Officers of the Militia came aboard the Admiral who according to the Lord General and Indian Councils Order chose out of them all for his Privy Council the Persons under written which the rest were to follow in Order viz. next to the Admiral Balthazar Bort who is to be always Chief was Huybrecht de Lairesse Vice-Admiral William Volkersz made Commander of those Ships that were to go to Iapan and Rere-Admiral as long as he stay'd with the Fleet. Bartholomeus Verwei who at Volkersz departure was to carry the Rere-Admiral's Flag and in that Degree take place in the Council Peter Coker Master of the Admiral 's Ship Ernest Van Hogenhoek Merchant in the Kogge And the first Captain Christian Poolman Commander of the Nut-Tree These having taken their places the Fleet was by them order'd to be divided into three Squadrons as had already been consider'd by the Admiral and approv'd of by the Vice-Admiral and the Orders which the Fleet was to follow being read were also affirm'd and likewise the proportions of Diet was agreed on At Noon the Admiral was in four Degrees and five Minutes Southern Latitude and had the High Island with the Trees West-North-West about seven Leagues from him The third about day-break they spy'd the Coast of Banka at Noon they Sail'd Eastward of the Isle Lucipa and in the Evening past within two Leagues and a half by the first Point of Sumatra South and by East from them On Thursday being the fifth they saw the Mountain Monapyn and were within two Leagues of the Shore of Sumatra towards Evening they Sail'd by the River Palimboang and between Poele Tousjou and Poele Sayo The sixth they saw the Isles Tousjou and were at Noon in one Degree and sixteen Minutes South Latitude The seventh the Fleet found Poele Sayo North-West and by West about three Leagues and a half from them in nineteen Minutes Southern Latitude and in the Evening descry'd in the North the Isles which lay near Lingen On Sunday they discover'd Dominies Island West-South-West four Leagues from them and crossing the Line saw the High Isle of the Box-horns about seven Leagues distant The ninth at Noon the Admiral was in fifty four Minutes Northern Latitude and in sight of the Isle Pangang West and by North about three Leagues and a half from him On the tenth appear'd the Isles Tinghy North-West and by West and Laver North and by West from them in the Morning the Fleet being near Laver cast Anchor on the West side of it Tymon hath no Wood neither for Firing nor any other use with which Laver is plentifully supply'd This Isle is pretty high and hath two rising Promontories one on the South and the other at the North end which make a Plain in the middle The twelfth about Noon five Ships upon the Admiral 's Order set Sail from Laver to Poele Tymon to take in Water Fuel and other Wood and likewise to Barter for Provision according to their agreement of the eleventh The Bay on the South-East Point of this Island lies very convenient for the fetching and taking in of fresh Water Firing and other Wood which is to be had ashore in great plenty but Provision is somewhat scarce here because the People of this Countrey have their Habitations more towards the South-West side and also that which is to be had is much dearer than at Poele Laver. The nineteenth the Admiral about Sun-rising set Sail from Poele Tymon and came in the afternoon to an Anchor with the whole Fleet by those Ships that were sent out before from Laver. The Fleet thus furnish'd with all Necessaries Weigh'd Anchor on the twentieth about Day-break and in the Evening had the Isle
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
able to maintain War against them any longer but especially by reason of those great losses which he had lately sustain'd The Admiral to learn the Truth of it Order'd the Interpreter Melman to inquire of the two Mandarins who affirm'd it with alledging That the Enemy had lately so many wounded and slain Men by the Netherlanders Guns that none of his Soldiers would fight any longer nay that all his Forces in Tayowan came flocking to the Tartars and would freely surrender both Tayowan and Formosa to the Hollanders Therefore the Vice-Roy and Lipovi desir'd to speak with him also that Tonganpek was to go to Tayowan with some Jonks to fetch all that would submit themselves to their Emperor and from thence bring them to the Main Land The next Morning about five a Clock three Jonks came to the Fleet and in them one Mandarin who came aboard the Admiral with request from their Highnesses that seeing it was fair Weather he would be pleas'd in those Jonks to come to them or at least to appoint a day because they might not wait in vain at Cinwe from whence they were minded to go with the first conveniency The Admiral having consulted with his Council resolv'd to go thither the next Morning whereupon the Mandarins went in one Jonk to carry the News to their Excellencies leaving two behind amongst the Fleet to convey the Admiral to Cinwe The sixth the Admiral went according to his promise attended with Captain Poleman Secretary Ysbrantsz and some other Retinue in the two Tartar Jonks sent for that purpose to the Fleet. In the Evening the Vice-Roys Interpreter came to them and in his Masters Name entring the Jonks bad them welcome with promises that he would take care the next Morning to provide that they should be well Mounted for Cinwe The seventh the Admiral Landed between the Straights of Eymuy and the main Coast of China where he was presented with a Copy of a Letter by a Batavian Chinese call'd Seko from Nobel and Hogenhoek in Hoksieu dated the twenty eighth of November of which the true Letter and Post was sent by the Conbon in which they inform'd the Admiral That they could not go from Soanchieu before the twentieth of the same Month and that seven days after they came into Hoksieu where they were not permitted to Vend their Commodities according to the Conbon or Governors promise till he had further Order from Singlamong and Lipovi that when they told him that it was granted by the Vice-Roy and General he reply'd That he had no such advice The Letters and Presents of the Admirals he had receiv'd and sent a Messenger to their Highnesses to know their intentions concerning the Trade further requesting That they would be pleas'd to send him the Originals written by Singlamong and Lipovi concerning the same This Copy being deliver'd to the Admiral in his way riding to the Vice-Roy he would not read it till he had been receiv'd in the Vice-Roy's Tent after which he perus'd it in the Vice-Roy's presence and three of his Council and explaining it to them ask'd them Why against their written Obligation they kept their Merchandize unsold But the Vice-Roy excusing himself said That he had sent Letters of License to the Conbon but Lipovi had Countermanded it and first desir'd an Inventory of all the Merchandize which they had brought with them that he might send it to Peking but since that he and Lipovi joyntly had given free leave to sell those and bring in other Goods whereupon the Admiral desir'd That he might have such a Letter of Command then given him that he might send it with one of his own to Nobel and Hogenhoek in Hoksieu which the Vice-Roy immediately granted This Discourse being ended Singlamong propos'd to the Admiral and desir'd that he would send his Ships with their Jonks against the Enemy who on the Isles Tongsoa and Lamoa did now fortifie himself whereupon the Admiral reply'd That he had heard and understood that the Enemy had sent Agents to his Highness and proffer'd to submit themselves to the Tartars and therefore said he how shall we understand your Proposal The Vice-Roy pausing a little answer'd 'T is true but there is no assurance in these Villains neither do I believe them therefore he judg'd it convenient still to prosecute the War against them The Admiral reply'd That he intended to Sail to Tayowan and Formosa and therefore intreated him to send his Forces and Jonks first along with him thither and then they would go joyntly and drive the Enemy from Tongsoa and Lamoa also that he had receiv'd Orders from his Masters in Batavia that when he had beaten the Enemy from Eymuy and Quemuy he should not go to Tongsoa or Lamoa but to Formosa and Tayowan Besides the Admiral added that he had understood that the Coxingan's were not in Tongsoa but having Pillag'd the Rusticks and taken what they could find were gone to Tayowan and Formosa and though the Vice-Roy perswaded the Admiral that he was assur'd to the contrary yet he stood firm to his Proposal that he might go from thence to Tayowan whereupon the Vice-Roy observing the Admiral to be in earnest said That the present routing of the Enemy could not be taken for a Conquest for they still had their Forces together and therefore without doubt as soon as the Netherland Ships were gone they would return to their Receptacles again and invest the Coasts as formerly Whereupon the Admiral reply'd That it was impossible to kill them all because where e're they came they fled from them and got away by the nimbleness of their Jonks and if the Netherlanders should go with the Vice-Roy's Jonks to Tangsoa and Lamoa and drive the Enemies thence yet the Coast would not so be clear'd of them but that there would still be some in one place or other To which the Vice-Roy said that if the Enemy were but driven thence he would be satisfi'd because then he would be hunted out of the Territory of Fokien where he was Chief and then proceeded he my Jonks shall go with yours to Tayowan therefore he desir'd the Admiral to consult with his Vice and Rere-Admiral about it which he promis'd to do and so ended that Consultation Moreover Singlamong excus'd himself concerning the forty promis'd Oxen because he had no Vessels at Eymuy to bring them aboard the Admirals Ships therefore he desir'd him to accept them now and with them five hundred Picols of Rice which he had given Order to be carry'd before The Admiral thanking him said That he needed not the Rice so much as the Cattel however he would accept his kindness but when they were brought aboard half of them were dead which they were forc'd to throw into the Sea whereof the Vice-Roy having notice promis'd that for every dead Beast they should have one alive Soon after the Admiral having been well entertain'd took his leave and went to the Tents set up on purpose for
esteem'd themselves happy by the Ambassadors grave counsel to be provided against the Chineses Treachery In the Trade nothing was to be done but to use care and prudence as in former times If they intended to effect any thing they must wait yet not depend too much upon it The Jonks which were should the Horses at Minjazen were judg'd to be unfit to go to Sothia therefore the Tartars desir'd that they might be brought into the Netherland Haven in one of the Ships from whence they would convey them up the River The Governors had lately chosen a place on the other side of the River where they intended to request of the Emperor that the Hollanders might build a Store-house but they knew not whether it was done out of their own inclination or by the Emperors Order which perhaps had long since granted it They were inform'd that about eight or ten days since a Mastless Vessel ran into the Storm-Bay and soon after went away again and that the Commanders of her said that they were sent from Batavia to Iapan and likewise that an Ambassador was come thither with nine Ships by which they suppos'd that it was the Newpoort because no other Ships knew of the Ambassadors coming There went also a rumor That some Portuguese Ships were arriv'd at Makaw and of an Ambassadors going to Peking that came over in them The single Letter from Nobel was to this purpose That Hopes and a good Heart was half their Business and he much rejoyc'd at what the Ambassador had been pleas'd to write but nothing more concern'd him than the promoting and making the Embassy more Honorable that it might be perform'd with all fitting Splendor and Magnificence of which there were fair appearances But because nothing could be assur'd from the Chineses looks therefore time must produce it They declar'd that all the Governors were exceedingly rejoyc'd at the Ambassadors coming and had never shown such great incouragements to their Design The nineteenth the great Jonk which went the same day to fetch the Horses return'd and brought a Letter from the Commander to this effect That that Morning he had receiv'd the Ambassadors Order for the sending of the Horses and Oxen according to which he had Shipt them in the Jonks with three Chests full of Saddles all in good condition and that at their putting off he had fir'd seven Guns in Honor of the Emperor and the Ambassador which he hop'd he would opprove off His Excellency Commanded Ruwenoort that so soon as it was Flood he should go up with the Horses to Hocksieu which was perform'd accordingly and the Ambassador writ a Letter to Nobel and Harthouwer advising them that he had receiv'd theirs by the Secretary and prepar'd himself to go in the expected Vessels to Hoksieu and in the mean while had sent the Horses and Oxen as also their Saddles and the Coach provided for the Emperor The twentieth nothing happen'd of remark The one and twentieth in the Morning two Pleasure-Boats came with three Mandarins two from the Vice-Roy and General and one from the Governor of Minjazen to attend and bring in the Ambassador who desir'd two days for the fitting and accommodating all things for his more convenient Landing The three and twentieth in the Morning the two Pleasure-Boats before-mention'd that came with the three Mandarins were ready to take in the Ambassador but prov'd much too little to carry him his Attendants and Goods up the River And because they proffer'd as many Jonks on the one and twentieth as he should need therefore they were desir'd to procure one more which they scrupling he said he had been told that they were a well Govern'd Nation and therefore wonder'd that they kept not their own promise that he should have as many as he needed therefore he would send one up to Hoksieu to fetch written Orders from the General according to which he would Govern himself Upon the news thereof without any more ado they sent a Jonk to carry his Goods or any thing else whereupon he gave Order for the Shipping of his Goods and Attendants At Noon the Ambassador Imbark'd himself to go up to Hoksieu and about three a Clock arriv'd at Minjazen of which place the Governor sent him a Complemental Letter informing him of his indispos'dness which prevented him from giving the civility of a meeting Moreover he caus'd the Ambassador and his Retinue to be Entertain'd with Bean-Broth and Bak'd Meats The Governor of Minjazen also sent to desire the Ambassador to stay some short time because he would send a Letter with him and soon after some Mandarins coming aboard said That they were sent from the Governor to search all Chests and Trunks which was so ill resented by the Ambassador that he said with a displeas'd Countenance the Mandarins had promis'd him That his Goods should without trouble or molestation be deliver'd and if they could not he would rather return aboar'd than suffer such affronts which words made them wave their receiv'd Orders yet he went away in the Evening without a Letter The Ambassador by reason of the Ebb meeting him was forc'd to Anchor at Lamthay and about Flood setting forward again about Day light arriv'd at the Bridge of Lamthay Here the Mandarins went to acquaint the General of the Ambassadors arrival and also to know if it pleas'd his Highness that he should first go into the Netherlanders Inn or come to his Highness The Ambassador also made his coming immediately known to Nobel and Harthouwer who came to welcome him of whom he demanding in what Postures Affairs stood They told him they had no present cause of dissatisfaction because the last Night Singlamong's Secretary had come and told them that seven hundred Bales of Silk lay in store which were to be exchang'd for the Netherland Commodities and also that Singlamong would have half a share in the Trade The General two third parts in the other half and the Conbon a third part The four and twentieth after several Houses shewn and deny'd a Mandarin came to ask if the Ambassador would be pleas'd to send one of his Servants to see the House which was chosen for him Whereupon he sent Nobel Putmans and Ruwenoort to the General to desire him to give Order for a House The Mandarins which had fetch'd the Ambassador and were that Morning gone to the General to make his coming known return'd with Horses to conduct him to the Vice-Roy Singlamong And Nobel Putmans and Ruwenoort came with the foremention'd Mandarins to tell the Ambassador that a House was making ready for him also that his Highness expected him at Court and before the Ambassador should have done his business with his Highness the House would be ready The General also said That if they had known of the Ambassadors coming from Batavia before hand the Emperor would have given Order for the building a new House And accordingly although it Rain'd very hard yet the Ambassador prepar'd himself
the Chineses with a general name call'd Che for there are several sorts of them and by the Indians Mambu which the Portuguese have turn'd to Bambu and the Netherlanders to Bamboes There also grows in most places all manner of Herbage and Grain and in the County of Kinhoafu many great Plums which they Transport to other parts In the seventh Shire being Chucheufu are many Woods and Wildernesses of Pine-Trees whence the Chineses have their Timber for the Building of Houses and Ships They say that near the City Sunghiang that is Earth of Pine there are such thick ones found that eighty Men cannot Fathom nay some whose hollow Wombs contain thirty or forty Men. In the County of Ninchufu their Hills produce store of Copper Mines In Kinhoafu they make the best Drink that is in all China of Rice and Water and in the same place are also the chiefest Gammons of Bacon which bear a great esteem through all the Empire There is likewise a sort of Gum in the Chinese Tongue call'd Cie or Cia and in the Portuguese Cairo which drops out of the Trees and is very like Turpentine the Chineses gather and colour it how they please the best bears a Gold colour and the next to that Black before it is quite dry it yields an infectious Smoak or Damp which causes a swelling in the Faces of those that are not us'd to it The curiosity and excellency of this shining Gum Europe hath long since been acquainted with by those Chests and Coffers brought thither out of Iapan and China for they both colour all their Wood-work over with it and also their Ships Houses Tables Bedsteds and other Houshold-stuff The Revenue which this Province pays yearly to the Emperor amounts to what may seem an incredible sum of Money viz. two hundred fifty one thousand two hundred ninety nine Bags of Rice three hundred and seventy thousand four hundred sixty six Pound of raw Silk two thousand five hundred seventy four Roles of Silk Stuffs seventy eight hundred thousand four hundred ninety one Bundles of Straw besides the ordinary Customs paid to the two Custom-Houses standing in the Metropolis Hangcheu First for the Merchandize in the North part of the City Secondly for the Wood in the South part for the Chineses use much Wood for the building of their Houses Ships Coffins and the like and the Wood-Merchants being vast rich People pay no small part of their gain to the Emperor Moreover this Province sends yearly four Imperial Ships call'd Lung-ychuen to the Emperors Court laden with Silk Clothes or Stuffs wrought after a peculiar manner These Silk Stuffs are interwove with Gold and Silver and also with the Pictures of the Bird call'd Funguang Dragons and the like None are permitted to wear these Stuffs but only the Emperor and those of Imperial Blood unless his Majesty out of a peculiar favor gives them leave and these badges of Clothes distinguish them from meaner People as much as our Badges of the Cross and Garter or the like be marks of Noble Orders There are those that reckon the yearly Revenue of this Province to amount to above fifteen Millions of Crowns fifteen hundred thousand Duckets or seven hundred and fifty thousand Pound Sterling BUt to return again to our Ambassador who proceeded on his Journey the twenty ninth of February travelling over the Mountains of Iakoling which because of their steep ascent make carriage difficult and dangerous On the tops and sides stood several Pagodes or Temples built after a strange manner and surrounded with Trees But at last leaving them behind they past through the Villages Sambathova Sagebatauw Longhia Longzango Poangtiou and Hachova where they were drawn upon a float of Canes over a River which divided Hachova into a Southern and Northern part in which last the Hollanders took their repose that Night having that day gained a League and a half to the North. The twenty fourth in the Morning leaving Hachova they travell'd the following part of the day through Kolontja Quanimg and Souzinhova and in the afternoon came to Pinhoea where Putmans Vander Does and the rest that travel'd before met the Ambassador and told him of their safe arrival there the day preceding and also that the Goods design'd for Presents were already Shipt in twenty seven Vessels and that others lay ready to take in him and the rest of the Goods Whereupon Van Hoorn was no sooner come into the Village before-mention'd but he gave order for all his Necessaries to be Shipt off immediately and likewise caus'd the Oxen to be Imbarqu'd that they might go forward on their Journey the next Morning The Horses were forc'd to go five Leagues further by Land because there wanted convenient Vessels to carry them The twenty sixth about Noon after all things were ready they set Sail from Puchoeu going North-East up the River Chang with a Fleet of about forty Vessels amongst which were ten that carry'd the Mandarins Guides About three a Clock they came to the City Tjanchia otherwise call'd Changxa and having Sunthia a pretty Village on their Larboard cast Anchor that Night about three quarters of a League from Tjanchia before a Sandy Plain having gain'd two Leagues that afternoon The twenty eighth in the Morning about Day-break they set Sail again and at nine a Clock Landed at the City Kitsjouw or Kutchieuw otherwise call'd Kiucheu here they chang'd their Vessels The first of March all the Goods were Ship'd again into other Vessels At Noon two private Persons of the City presented the Ambassador with some fresh Provisions in return for which they receiv'd six Ells of Gingerline colour'd Cloth which Putmans carry'd them for which they again in the Evening sent twelve Tail of ready Money and three Silver Cups but the Ambassadors modestly refus'd the Presents and thanking sent them back Kiucheu the sixth City of the Province Chekiang lying on the Eastern-Shore of the River Chang three days Journey by Land from the Territory Tiokien over steep and difficult Mountains seems pretty large yet but meanly Inhabited and of small Concourse and so having little or no Trade yet the Streets are handsomely Pav'd and all Provisions very cheap The second in the Morning they left Kiucheu and about nine a Clock pass'd by Sigajum a Village lying on the right side at the going up the River in a pleasant place surrounded with Arable Grounds The remaining part of the day they Sail'd by abundance of Villages standing along the River a little way up into the Countrey and in the Dusk of the Evening arriv'd at Loujujenne where they staid that Night having that Day gain'd five Leagues on several Courses From Loujujenne having gotten two Coelies to Tow every Barque they Weigh'd again the third in the Morning and coming a little way from the Village they saw a stately Tower built after the Chinese manner with jutting Stories The Countrey every where well Manur'd was also full of populous
would rather endure death than suffer their Honor to be blemish'd The thirteenth County Chicheufu borders in the East upon Ningquefu in the South-East touches Hoeicheufu in the South-West lies the Province Kiangsi the North-West hath the River Kiang and in the North a Promontory at the same River for Boundaries This Countrey was formerly under the Kingdom of V. soon after under Iue next under Cu. King Loang call'd it Nanling Siu Cieupu and the Family of Tang the present Name Chicheufu It comprehends six Towns viz. Chicheu the chief Cinyang Tungling Xetai Kiente Tunglieu and four stately Temples The City Chicheu stands seated on the Southern Shore of the River Kiang The fourteenth Division Hoeicheufu being the most Southern of all this Province conterminates in the East with the Province of Chekiang in the South with a Promontory in the South-West with that of Kiangsi in the North-West with Chicheufu and in the North with Ningquefu This Countrey in the time of the Kings suffer'd the same misfortune as the fore-mention'd The Name Hoeichu it receiv'd of the Family Sung and possesseth six Towns viz. Hoeichu the chiefest the rest are Hicuning Vuyveng Kimuen In Cieki This Hoeichu is a Place of great Trade especially famous for making the best Chinese Ink and wax'd Chests The four small Territories of this Province are Quangte Hochen Chucheu and Siucheu every one call'd by the Name of their principal City The first of them being Quangte borders Eastward upon the prime County Kiangningfu and Hangcheufu in the South upon Hoeicheufu in the West looks at Ningquefu and in the North runs with a Point to the River Kiang This County hath two Towns Quangte the chief and Kienping both situate at the Foot of a pleasant Mountain call'd Hong and Ling. The City Quangte is not onely fair but also abounds with Silk The second call'd Hocheu hath for Limits in the North the third small and twelfth great Territory Chucheu in the East and South Kiangningfu and in the West Lucheufu This Shire contains two Cities of which Hocheu is the chiefest and Hawxan The City of Hocheu is famous because heretofore the Residence of a great Robber Chu who Anno 1368. drove the Tartars out of China The third little County in which the great City Cheucheu stands whose Denomination it bears verges in the North and West with the second Territory Pungyangfu in the East with the Lake Piexe and the seventh great Shire Yangcheufu in the South with Kiangningfu and the two little Territories of the City Hocheu This County contains three Cities of which Chucheu is the chiefest and biggest and the other two much less are Civenciao and Laigan The fourth small County in which the great Siucheu is situate is the most Northern of this Province and borders in the East upon Hoaiganfu in the South upon Tunyangfu in the West upon Honan in the North at that of Xantung In the middle it is cut through by the Yellow River and is of great consequence because it conterminates with four Provinces and contains five Cities Sieuchu Siao Tangxang Fung and Poi On the North-West side of the City Siucheu lies a Bridge made of thirty five Ships linked together with Iron Chains Here also is another Bridge that runs athwart the River Pieu This City Sieucheu is also famous because the Emperor Lieupang promoter of the Family of Han after he had taken the City of Poi set forth from hence to conquer the Empire Thus much of the Province of Nanking now we will return to our Embassy AFter the Netherlanders had gotten fresh Men to Tow them they set forward again over the River Sung on the twenty fifth and Landed about ten a Clock at the City Sucheu where they chang'd their Barques No sooner they arriv'd at the West Gate of the City where they were to Embarque again but the Mandarin who had the Command of the Vessels came to bid them welcom and invited them to Dine with him the next day and moreover presented them with two Porkers as many Sheep four Hens two Pots of Drink several sorts of Fruit and twelve Pices of Silk-Stuffs which were all deliver'd to the Ambassador himself with request that he would please to accept them Van Hoorn thanking him for his good inclination and trouble which he had taken upon him and also for the Presents said That he would accept of the Provision because he would not seem to despise them but as for the Stuffs he could not do it because it was not customary therefore he desir'd them to excuse him Moreover that he could not possibly come to Dine with him the next Morning partly for his indisposition being tir'd with his Journey and partly fearing to displease the Conbon of the City if he went any where to a Feast before he went to him with which Excuses they seeming to be satisfi'd took their leave The next Morning being the twenty sixth the Horses being till that time prevented by Stormy Weather were Landed and put in Stables ashore The twenty seventh nothing hapned of note onely some Mandarins came from the Vice-Roy Singlamong who keeps in this City to the number of twenty five to Complement and Welcom the Ambassador whilst the Netherlanders waited for fresh Vessels to be gone again of which they then saw no likelihood notwithstanding the Mandarine Guides had told them the day before that without fail they should have them as that day They also saw little hopes of their going there being no convenient Vessels to be had to carry their Horses The Conbon having the day before sent to ask the Hollanders if they had no Pistols nor Sword-blades to dispose of it was judg'd fit on the twenty eighth observing what Courtesies the fore-mention'd Lord might do them in their coming thither to present him with a pair of Pistols two Sword-blades five Ells of Scarlet one String of Amber two Pieces of Linnen and a Quilt But the Conbon would not accept any thing of the Presents which were carry'd to him by the Secretary onely the Pistols and Sword-blades so that the rest he brought back again In the Evening a Mandarin sent from the Conbon came to Present the Ambassador in requital for his Pistols and Sword-blades with twelve Pieces of Silk-Stuffs four Porkers four Goats Geese Hens and other fresh Provisions which were accepted but the Silk-Stuffs sent back again The twenty ninth Genko the Interpreter inform'd the Ambassador that at his coming an Envoy had been there who just before was sent from the Emperor at Peking to bring the Chineses of Tayowan under his Obedience The same day more Presents and also the Oxen were put into new Barques and likewise the Horses were Embarqu'd again into the same Vessels which they came in there being no convenient Vessels to be got for them there Soon after they prepar'd all things to be gone the next day onely staying for Fodder for the Horses of
for Shipping the Vessels and Barques that come Laden to this City with all sorts of Merchandize from most places in China here pay Custom to three Treasurers chosen for that purpose On the North side you may see a Bridge with nine Arches over which they pass from one part of the City to the other one of which Arches is made so artificially that it may be remov'd and give Passage to the biggest Vessels after they have paid their Custom The City seated in a plain and Sandy Soil hath a Mud-Wall Fortifi'd on the top with Stone Breast-works having on the North side fifteen Bulwarks and two Redoubts Half a League from the Walls on the North side of the City is an exceeding high Tower built with eight corners rising from the Ground with nine Galleries every one nine Cubits above another so that the whole heighth amounts to ninety Cubits The Out-Wall consists of fine Porcelane Earth curiously adorn'd with Imagery and Painting the Inner of various colour'd Marble Pollish'd as smooth as Glass especially the Black The Ascent is by a pair of winding Stairs not made in the middle but betwixt two Walls which hath its Entrance at every Story and from thence to the Marble Galleries and Gilded Iron Rails which as an Ornament are made round about the Galleries at whose corners hang little Bells in such a manner that being mov'd by the Wind they make a pleasing sound On the uppermost Story stands a great Image thirty Foot high Cast of Copper and Gilt to which being a Goddess the Tower is Dedicated From the upper Gallery the whole City with the adjacent Countrey yield a pleasing and delightful Prospect On one side of this Tower stands a fair Pagode or Temple worth the seeing for the great Gilded Images which are in it In the Afternoon they were Tow'd along the River Guei through the Village Wantouwo and in the dusk of the Evening they arriv'd at Ifong a little Village where they Anchor'd being gotten three Leagues with the Tyde from Linsing This River Guei takes its Original on the West side of Gueihoei the fourth City of Eminency in the Province of Honan and from thence runs with many crooked Meanders between Xantung and Peking and at the Castle Tiencin disembogues into a Bay call'd Cang which borders on the great Indian Ocean The first of Iune Weighing again by break of Day they had sight of Oepoeye and Wankelo two pretty Villages at Noon they were Tow'd Easterly by the City of Vohincheen but without stay so in the Afternoon passing Sangnes about the Evening they arriv'd at Chianmaing where they were to change their Toers having that day gain'd five Leagues in several Courses The second in the Morning having gotten fresh Coelies they set out from Chiamaing and past by Tsasuang and Singkiakouw and in the Evening they arriv'd at the City of Oesingjeen or Uciening otherwise call'd Vuching the fourteenth City belonging to the Metropolis Tungchang in the Province of Xantung where they cast Anchor Vuching lies Inclos'd with a square Wall on the East side of the River having on the same a well-built Suburb This day they gain'd five Leagues and a half according to the Course of the Stream which thereabouts is full of windings and shallow Water The third in the Morning they reach'd the Villages Thunloo Soenusoe and Teckchiouw and at Noon arriv'd at the City Taatchiouw otherwise call'd Tachu This City lieth in a Square as most of the other Cities in China built on the right side of the River Guei as you go up the same it is inlarg'd with a fair and Populous Suburb The City it self though full of handsom Houses yet hath lost much of his former Luster suffering in the last Tartar Wars The Wall is about thirty Foot high well built and Fortifi'd with Bulwarks and Breast-works The chiefest Trade of the Inhabitants consists in the Brewing of as we may call it Chinese Beer which the Tartars Transport from thence to other places Here they lay still a little while waiting for fresh Toers which having gotten they Weigh'd again and came that Evening to Soukuntang a Village where they staid to change their Toers again having this day gain'd six Leagues and a half The next Morning being the fourth having gotten other Coelies they proceeded on their Journey and past by some Vessels that were come from Peking in one of which was the General of the Province of Quantung sent thither to succeed him that was then there having in regard of his great Age desir'd a Writ of Ease About nine a Clock they Landed at Sangjueen where they tarry'd some time from thence going on in the Afternoon they came to Ghanning and Seufeukhouw and against the Evening at Lienuchoe where they Anchor'd having that day gone six Leagues According to the information of the Villagers here the Province of Xantung parted from that of Peking though others will have it that those two Provinces are separated by the City Taatchiouw The fifth in the Morning they Weigh'd at break of Day and Sailing down the River with a fair Wind from Lienuhoe they past about eight a Clock by Taloeveen at nine a Clock Westward by the City Tonquangchien or Tungquiang on the South side of the River Guei about a Musquet shot up into the Countrey This City as the rest built Square contains about an Hours walk in Circumference Inviron'd with strong Walls and deep Moats In the Market-place in the middle of the City stands a great Iron Lyon and the Countrey about is planted with all manner of Trees pleasant to behold At Noon they Landed at Ieusang in the Evening at Poethouw where they dropt Anchor waiting for new Toers having this Day Sail'd four Leagues in the Province of Peking The next Morning so soon as Day-light appear'd they left Poethouw with a fair Wind and new Toers and in the Forenoon past Suskiajeen Sjenzoctan Swykvao Sakkiavoy Siensiteen Fonkiakoul Sangui and Suangcho and at Noon arriv'd at the City of Siangchiouw where they found other Toers ready with which they immediately went away again and past that Afternoon by Paliswang Zaysisung Ulchilitung Soucoulthon Suckiaswun Sang Isuang Ul and Vly besides many Pagodes and Hamlets of decay'd Houses and arriv'd in the Evening at the City of Chinche where they lay still that Night to be furnish'd with fresh Coelies The seventh before Day-light new Coelies coming they immediately went on their Journey and very early past by and through several Villages viz. Sanquesucan Iaquacouw Tonchekouw Palisuang and about eight a Clock they went Eastward along by the City Chingchee By this City a River running up into the Countrey takes its Course to the South soon after they went by Sayetwang Masang Haysoemat and Suang At Noon they past thorow Lioucho where they should have chang'd their Toers but the Wind blowing very fair they past by without striking Sail which favoring them all the Afternoon they went by nine Villages
the Emperors Presents out of the Carts the Tatan or Prime Chancellor coming thither with another Person of Quality had forbid them to unlade any more and that they would have the Emperors Letter which after much trouble being found having happily a day or two before been wrapt up in a yellow Cloth the Ambassador bare Headed bowing himself three times laid it with both Hands on a Table cover'd with Red Cloth behind which stood the first and second Tatan not having time to deliver it in a Silver Charger or any thing else of value which done the Netherlanders were again conducted into the Room in which they were before without a Word spoke on either side Soon after the remaining Presents Horses Oxen and other Goods were dispos'd into proper places As they went to their Lodings they were told that the Horses must be Saddled and the Oxen put into their Waggon to be brought to Court the next Morning because the Emperor had design'd to see them And now the Ambassador coming to his new prepar'd Lodging was much amaz'd that there was not so much room as would hold the Goods Horses and Oxen nor no convenience for himself nor his People Whereupon chiding the Mandarins that brought him thither he ask'd if that was a House fit for an Ambassador which came so great a Journey and had brought such Rich Presents and whose Countreymen had done the Emperor such remarkable Service Withal that it was impossible for him in that place to take out the Saddles for the Horses and also the Coach yet nevertheless he would do his endeavor although he fear'd much that it could not be done The Mandarins observing the small conveniencies that the Netherlanders would have in that place said That they would acquaint their Master with it and perswade them that they might have better Lodgings next day mean-while the Ambassador must by no means fail to Saddle the Horses and fit the Oxen that they might be brought to the Court next Morning but the Ambassador telling him that it was no way possible unless they wrought the whole Night The Mandarins took their leave About Midnight two Mandarins came again to the Ambassador's Lodging sent from the Lipous to tell him that the Horses and Oxen must be brought to the Court before Day and if they could not be Saddled to bring them without for the Emperor would be there in Person to see them which would be no small Honor. The one and twentieth about three a Clock in the Morning one of the Lipous came to fetch the Horses and Oxen to the Court whereupon they were immediately Caparison'd and Harness'd but the Chariot being fitted up could not come out of the Door so that being forc'd to leave it Nobel and the Secretary conducted by the Lipous went with the Horses and Oxen to the Court from whence returning at nine a Clock they gave the Ambassador the following account That entring the Emperor's Court at break of Day they past through four strong Gates then they walk'd along by the Walls of the foremention'd Palace about a quarter of a Mile at the end of which they went through a fifth Gate into the inner Court where the Horses and Oxen were first view'd by the chief Zoutaizin or Councellor of State who was a brown Tartar with one Eye and a White Beard about sixty years old who as they said by his conduct Valor and Prudence Govern'd almost the whole Realm He also told Nobel and the Secretary that they should go and stand back a little for the Emperor was coming in Person to see the Horses and Oxen and that when his Imperial Majesty came out they should Kneel But the Horses stood still held by four Hollanders in the same place where the before-mention'd Zoutaizin had seen them and the Oxen also held by two were about twenty Paces from the place where the Emperor afterward came to view them The Grooms were likewise commanded to Kneel a little while after four Horses with Yellow Saddles came in at the inner Court Gate on one of which the Emperor sitting stood still just without the middle Gate of the inner Court The Emperor according to Nobel and the Secretary's Relation was a Person of a middle Stature pretty White and about sixteen Years of age not gorgeously Habited having only a Blue Silk Damask Coat on Imbroyder'd before behind and on the shoulders with Yellow Boats looking stedfastly upon the Horses for a considerable time at length drawing his Eyes from them smiling he spake to the foremention'd Governor about them by which the Hollanders perceiv'd that his Majesty was well pleas'd with them Then the Emperor gave Order that two of the Horses should be Rid by the Commissary Berkman and one Horse and an Ox be brought nearer him where he look'd upon them with a more curious Eye After which the Horses and Oxen being led a little way thence his Imperial Majesty alighting sate down on a little Bench in the same place where he had stood with his Horse and likewise the two first Zautaizins or Councellors of State sate down about four or five Paces from the Emperor on his left Hand on Carpets of Cloth the first of the two was the Person that had seen the Horses and Oxen alone the other was also a Tartar When upon his Majesties Order a Cup of Bean Broth was given him and also to the Netherlanders who drank it on their Knees Moreover the Emperor Commanded to ask them How far Holland was from Batavia and Batavia from Hoksieu and also by whom the Ambassador was sent To which they reply'd That Holland was eight Moneths Sailing from Batavia and Batavia about six Weeks from Hoksieu and likewise that the Ambassador by Orders of their Prince in Holland was sent from the Lord Maetzuiker in Batavia which was all that was ask'd them But the Horses and Oxen on the Emperor's Order taken from them and led into a Stable opposite to the Gate of the inner Court after which the Netherlanders had leave to depart when to their full satisfaction they had seen the Emperor above half an hour the same way they came leaving his Imperial Majesty sitting in the foremention'd place Soon after Nobel and the Secretaries return with the remaining Attendance two Mandarins sent from the Emperor came to desire two Hollanders one to dress the Horses and another the Oxen and shew his Grooms the manner of it which the Ambassador immediately granted The Lipou Liu-Lavja which had the day before fetch'd in the Ambassador came also to his Lodgings to tell him That the remaining Presents must immediately be made ready to be carry'd to the Court to which purpose Carts would immediatly be brought thither to fetch them likewise that the Lord Ambassador his Son and as many Persons more as he pleas'd might come along with them because he ought to be Present when the Goods were look'd over to see if none were wanting
the Morning the Cape Avarelles Valze The Wind being at North-East and their Course along the shore South and by West and South-South-West they came in the Evening up with the Point of Holland from whence they Steer'd South-West and by South to raise Paul Candor which Isle they saw in the West on the six and twentieth in the Afternoon and the next Evening Anchor'd behind the Goats Horns where the Crane also arriv'd the following day The last of October the Batavia Frigat arriv'd at the South-East side of Paulo Timaon but the Wind shrinking she was forc'd to drop Anchor half a League from that wherein the Ambassador was aboard Here the Ambassador gave Order to take the Silver out of the Victoria and Crane and put it into the Bleiswyk again and likewise sent his Sloops to the Batavia to fetch the Silver out of her Whereupon the Bleiswyk was according to their Excellencies Order in Batavia sent with all the Silver Gold and other Commodities to Malakka to the Governor Balthazar Bort to be sent from thence to Bengale The Ambassador inform'd him by Letters that he was receiv'd with all kindness at the Court in Peking and left the same with much Honor and Friendship but could not inform him what was obtain'd by this Embassy because the Emperor had sent his Letters Seal'd to the Lord General but that it was certain that for the future they should Trade in Canton and not in Hoksieu in the removal of which if all things else were well he found little trouble The first of Ianuary the Fleet left Paulo Timaon and in the Afternoon the Bleiswyk taking leave of the Fleet steer'd her Course to the Streights of Sinkkapura In the Evening the Ambassador saw Pulo Aura a League and a half North-East from him The second in the Morning he stemm'd the Mountain Monapyn and on the third had Pulo Lingen on his Stern The fourth entring the Streights of Banka he arriv'd on the seventh before Batavia where the Ambassador deliver'd the Emperor 's Seal'd Letter to the Lord General and gave him an account of all his Adventures Thus having brought the Embassy out of China to Batavia we will return thither again and declare what properly concerns the Chineses and their Countrey and first begin with their Entertainments and Diet. Feasts or Entertainments THe Chineses according to Alvarez Semedo spend most of their time in Feasting with extraordinary Costs and Charges On the meeting of Friends and good success in any Business they prepare a Feast and sometimes also in Troubles and Adversities in which they come to comfort each other nay at Entertainments are the Consultations of the Chineses advising with one another at Meals what they shall take in Hand This is the usual life of the Common People and especially of Handicrafts-men which are divided into Companies which they call Mane because in every Company are thirty Masters as many as there are days in a Month which make a Feast every day by turns If they have not Conveniencies in their own Houses they may hire publick Halls in which are all manner of Necessaries being built for that purpose or if they will keep their Feasts in their own Houses without any further trouble then they only set down the number of the Persons Guests and Retinue and what Dishes they will please to order which are punctually serv'd in according to the Bill of Fare The Northern Chineses differ much in their Customs from the Southern who are in general more civiliz'd than the other The Southern Chineses in their Feasts esteem of a Quelque-chose or of Minc'd Meats and Hashes more than great Joynts and standing Dishes entertaining more upon the score of good Society than Debauches yet they will do their parts well at their Trencher and as sufficiently at the turning off their Glasses They are entertain'd with Wine before Dinner of which they take and taste till they refuse then they fall to their Rice and neither speak nor Drink till pretty well satisfi'd The manner of the Northern Chineses is quite otherwise for they are not Ceremonious nor Complemental but delight in well-fill'd Tables with great and full Dishes After the usual Ceremony which is observ'd through all China they begin first with Eating every one taking as much as he can on his Trencher of what he likes best which they eat without Drinking Rice is their Banquet After Meals they spend an hour in talking which ended they seat themselves again at Tables fill'd with Potation-Dishes and Salt-Meats as Gammons of Bacon dry'd Tongues and the like which they do not without cause call Ushers or Vehiculums preparers of the way that the Tope may the better go down for they no sooner take a Relishing Bit but a lusty Go-down follows They keep their Breakfasts at seven a Clock in the Morning and their Dinners at five in the Afternoon but drink no Wine at either Only at Night at a light Supper of relishing Meat they give themselves full liberty and fresh scope of good Fellowship therefore their Feasts are Nocturnal spending the Day upon their serious either Business Exercise or Studies In the Winter Nights they use Candles made of Oyl mix'd with Wax but their Summer Lights are of three sorts of Wax one of Bees another of certain Snakes which is very white and the third comes from a Tree call'd Kieujeu but that is not so good as our European yet much better than our Tallow and their Candles likewise exceed ours Persons of Quality make great Preparations for their Feasts Erecting Banqueting Houses for that purpose both in the Cities and at their Countrey Houses furnish'd with Pictures and other Rarities And though the use of Hangings be very rare yet if those that are invited to a Feast be Officers or Noblemen they furnish their Houses with Tapestry from the top to the bottom The number of Tables is a testimony of the greatness of their Entertainment They generally place no more than four Persons at a Table but at very grand Meetings every Guest hath a peculiar and sometimes two Tables one to sit at and the other to set away his empty Dishes The Tables are neither cover'd with Clothes nor Napkins but Varnish'd with the Wax of the Gum call'd Cie They use no Knives for all their Meat except Eggs Fish and the like is brought before them ready Hash'd Neither use they Forks nor Spoons but two small Sticks two handfuls long with which they very dexterously and neatly take up their Meat nay put a single Corn of Rice either raw or boyl'd to their Mouth without letting it fall They never put Salt Pepper nor Vinegar or Verjuice amongst their Meat but Mustard and the like Ingredients which they Compound with extraordinary Art having several of them of a curious relish Their common Dishes are Flesh and Fish boyl'd or broyl'd on Grid-Irons and fry'd in Pans with variety of Sauces not unpleasing to the Palate Their Pottages of which
of Musick and use several Instruments on which account they are invited to Funerals and publick Solemnities and serve the Emperor and Mandarins in making their Offerings They boast themselves to be Soothsayers and promise to procure Rain and clear Houses haunted by Spirits All the Chineses are strangely inclin'd to Superstition but especially the Followers of this second Sect and give great credit to Sorcery and Predictions of future things The Emperor's Astronomers according to Semedo do not a little uphold this Superstition because they foreshew ensuing Events from the colour of the Heavens and tempestuous Weather Thunder out of Season by several aspects of the Sun which they reckon to be twenty two and from sixteen other Appearances with all which they acquaint the Emperor And they chiefly employ their time in foretelling either Peace or War as also Sicknesses Death Changes Insurrections and the like to which purpose they make Almanacks or yearly Prognostications which are divided into Moons and the Moons again into Days the Days into fortunate or unfortunate Hours either to undertake any thing or let it alone as to go a Journey remove out of a House Marry bury the Dead build Houses and the like By this manner of Cheating the Chineses are so deluded and so strictly do they follow these Observations that they govern themselves wholly thereby for if the Almanack commands to do any thing on such a Day though all the Elements were against it they will not neglect it These Astronomers according to a very ancient Custom are punish'd with Death if they through neglect do not foretell the Eclipse of the Sun and Moon or accidentally commit any mistakes in their Prognostication for the Chineses account it a deadly sin not to assist the Sun or Moon when they are darkned with Offerings and beating of Drums and other noise fearing else they would be devour'd by a Dog or Dragon wherefore the Emperor inform'd by People experienc'd in the Course of the Heavens of the approaching Darkness immediately sends Messengers Post through all the Cities of the Empire to give notice of the Day and Hour on which the Eclipse will happen whereupon the Magistrates and Citizens carefully watch for the time and prevent the threatning danger by beating on divers tinkling and Copper Basons They have Temples that are drawn or Carriages made for that purpose in which the Women deliver out their Almanacks wherein a Receipt is written how they may Conceive Trigaut saith that no superstitious Custom hath spread it self so far through the whole Empire as that in the observation of fortunate and unfortunate Days and Hours so that the Chineses in all their Actions observe the time exactly To which purpose two sorts of Almanacks are Printed every year which upon the Emperor's Command are dispersed through the whole Empire which makes the Fallacy the more believ'd These annual Prognostications are sold in such abundance that most Houses have them In them they find what they too punctually observe not onely the critical Days but the precise Hours and Minutes at what time they shall begin or desist in any Negotiation or Business whatsoever Besides these Writers of the annual Predictions go higher Composing for their profit Books more puzling and mysterious with large Comments on the good and evil Days with more accurate Directions especially concerning Buildings Marriages or Travel and the like Business of consequence and though it often happens that the Weather fall out tempestuous let it Thunder and Lighten Blow or Rain yet they will begin though they make never so little progress Nasirodin a Persian Author who flourish'd Anno 1265. tells us that the Chineses by him call'd Katayans have a Circle of twelve Days which according to the Instruction of the Astronomers they use in chusing the time to undertake or delay any Business of consequenc These twelve Days are by the Chineses call'd as followeth Ching that is Perfecting Xeu that is Receiving Cai that is Opening Pi that is Locking Ting that is Affirming Che that is Serving. Po that is Breaking Vi that is Running danger Kin that is Raising Chu that is Dividing Muen that is Exchanging Ping that is Making even Four of these twelve Days are call'd He that is Black and are accounted unfortunate four Hoang that is Yellow which are lucky and promise some good two Hoen that is Brown and Dark and esteem'd ominous The Romans and Greeks agreed herein with the Chineses and most of it is at this day us'd amongst them one thing there is which may properly be said to be the Chineses it consists in the chusing of Land to build private or publick Structures upon or bury the Dead in chusing it by the likeness of the Head Tail and Feet of several Dragons which they suppose to live under Ground and believe that on them the welfare not onely of Families but also of Cities Provinces and the whole Empire depends The Chineses account one Dragon whom they call Lung for the greatest fore-runner of good Luck Before the time of the Family of Hia nay the Emperor Fohi who began his Reign Anno 2952. before the Birth of Christ it is said That a Dragon was seen flying from a Pool and to make the Business seem of greater consequence and consideration they added That they had observ'd sixty four Marks or Characters on his Back which according to their Sages have mysterious significations The Chineses in a manner ascribe all things to a Dragon and believe that not onely all humane Fortune but also Rain Hail Thunder and Lightning are as that Monster orders They also affirm That there is a Dragon under the Earth but chiefly under the Mountains and this is the reason why with such great Care and Charge they observe the parts of the Dragon in the making of their Graves for according to the goodness of the Earth they value the Riches and Fortune of the whole Family just as the Astronomers from the Conjunction of several Planets prognosticate future Events For this reason also the Chinese Emperors bear a Dragon in their Arms as the Romans an Eagle nay the Emperor's Apparel is Embroider'd with Dragons and likewise on all the Furniture for his Table and whole House is Engraven the same nay the whole Court is every where full of painted Dragons But above all it is to be admir'd that the Chineses paint five Claws at the Feet of the Emperor's Dragons None but those who are of Imperial Blood or peculiar Favourites of the Emperor may bear a Dragon in his Coat of Arms yet if others do use this same Bearing they must on pain of Death not give above four Claws They say that the Foam of a Dragon impregnated one of the Emperor Ie's Concubines without the use of a Man which Fable the Chineses thus relate In the time of the Family of Hia say they a Dragon was seen which vanish'd on a sudden and left a Froth on the Earth This Froth being of
 Kiocing 13 48 25 35 Yaogan 15 50 26 3 Cioking 16 40 26 28 Vutin 14 59 25 27 Cintien 13 52 26 4 Likiang 16 58 26 54 Iuenkiang 15 33 23 54 Iungchang 17 42 24 58 Great Cities     Pexing 16 8 26 44 Lanking 15 55 27 3 The manner of the Building of the Cities in China MOst of the Cities in all China are of one Model and Fashion and exceed each other only in Bigness and Commerce for most of them are square with broad and high Walls of Brick or Free-stone Fortifi'd round about at an exact distance with high Watch-Towers not unlike those of the ancient Romans surrounded with broad Moats and within with Pallasadoes The Entrances into the City have always double Gates one before another with Portcullases between those two Gates is a large Court wherein the Soldiers are Exercis'd that belong to the Guard These Gates are not opposite but oblique so that they cannot see through them both at once The first hangs on a double Wall which appears like our Bulwarks Above the Gates on the Arch are high Towers which the Chineses call Muen Leu in which the Soldiers keep Guard and are Magazines where their Arms are kept Every Metropolis and almost all the small Cities have a little distance without the Walls in a pleasant and frequented place or near the Road a Tower by Peter Iarrik and others call'd Chimes which the Chineses look upon to be so auspicious that no Man goes about any business of consequence before he hath Saluted these Edifices from thence expecting their better Fortune One of these Towers by which we may judge all the rest is before discrib'd in the Province of Xantung They have at least seven nine or ten Galleries of Free-stone and very artificially built in manner like a Pyramid they are not onely Erected in or near the Cities but some of them on the highest Mountains These Towers are not much unlike other Structures from their quality call'd Culeu which here we should name Hourly Towers which are built at the Publick Charge one or two in every City according to the bigness thereof On every one of these Towers is a Water-Glass for in stead of Watches or Hour-Glasses the Chineses use Water Glasses which shew the Hour of the Day for the Water falling out of one Glass into the other lifts up a Board Carv'd with the Figures of the Hours and time of the Day There is also one who constantly observes the Hand which points and by the beating on a great Drum gives notice thereof to the People every Hour what the Clock is he also puts forth another Board out of the Steeple on which the Hour of the Day is Painted with Golden Figures of a Foot and a half long The same Person which Watches the Hours hath an Eye also because he looks over the whole City if any Fire should accidentally happen in one House or other and by beating on his Drum raises all the Citizens to the quenching of it He whose House is set a Fire through his own carelesness suffers Death without mercy because of the danger which threatens the neighboring Houses all built of Wood. On these Time-telling Towers the Governors often meet to keep their Festivals Pagodes or Temples NOt far from these Turrets stands generally a Pagan Chappel besides a Temple Consecrated to the Spirit or good Genious of the City In these all the Governors or Magistrates on the entring into their Offices take their Oaths of Allegiance and the like as if before the God or Protector of their City In former Ages the Chineses in these Temples honor'd only the fore-mention'd Spirits but at this day Worship other Idols Great numbers of these Pagodes are through all China and are likewise built in solitary places on the tops and declinings of Mountains Most of these Pagodes are inhabited by Priests who live there upon the ancient Revenues granted them of the place The Pagodes also afford good Lodgings and Entertainment for Travellers who there find plenty of all things The Pagodes or Temples are within furnish'd with Images to the number in some of above a thousand and hung round about with black Lamps which burn Night and Day in Commemoration of those as they conceive which liv'd Piously and dy'd Happily Some Images sit on Tables as if they liv'd and were consulting together At the entrance or behind the other Images stand horrible shapes Horn'd Fiends with open Mouths and Hands with grievous Claws In the middle commonly appears an Altar whereon sits an Image of some times thirty forty fifty nay a hundred Foot high to which the Temple is Consecrated besides several lesser Idols on each side thereof before the Image stands generally a thick but hollow Cane full of little Reeds or Pens inscrib'd with Chinese Characters which they believe foretel future events On each side are Perfuming-Pots which are continually supply'd and in the middle stands a Woodden Charger in which the Priest puts his Offerings when he Invokes the God on some exigent to grant him a favorable sign of good success The Altar is Colour'd Red with which no common Houses may be Painted A Pagode or Temple which was formerly the Hall of a Palace belonging to a grand Eunuch near the City of Peking and afterwards on the Emperor's Command given to the Iesuits for a Chappel Trigaut says was before set forth after this manner In the chief Isle stood a great Altar of Bak'd and Hewn Stone curiously Wrought and Painted Red after the manner of their Temples Upon the middle of the Altar sat a great and horrible Monster Bak'd of Clay Gilt from top to bottom The Chineses call'd this Image Tuan and suppose it Commands over the Earth and Riches thereof wherefore we with the ancient Poets should call it Pluto It had a Scepter in one Hand and a Crown on its Head both not unlike the Marks of our Kings On each side of the Isle stood two great Tables every one Guarded by five Infernal Judges which were also Painted on the Walls sitting on Seats of Justice and Condemn'd as they said the Sinners to Everlasting Torments every one according to his Condition Before them stood many Furies far more terrible with tormenting Scourges than those which we represent and in such manner those Devils seem'd to punish the Criminals that they struck a Terror to the Living for some lay broyl'd on Gridirons others boyl'd in Oil others again rent to Pieces some cut through in the middle torn to Pieces by Dogs bruis'd in Mortars and other such like cruel Punishments The first of the fore-mention'd Infernal Judges seem'd to examine the Malefactors which as the Chineses suppose he re-views in a Looking-Glass this done he sends them to the other Judges according to the several Punishments which they are to suffer Amongst them was one whose Office was to Punish by Transmigration sending the Souls of the Malefactor into worse Bodies
signifies Enough The Feu begins in the North part of the Province of Suchuen in the County Lungganfu on the South-West side of the City Lunggan passing from thence South through this and the Territory Chingtufu and Eastward by the City Tungchuen from whence it bends East and glides through the County Chunkingfu where near the Mountain Pu it mingles with the Ta. The Chuen which springs in the Mountains Northward from the City Quanggan in the County Xankingfu and gliding South by the West side of the City Quanggan more Southerly by the West side also of the City Gochi at the end of the County falls into the River Sung or Sihan In it are thirty six deep Water-falls where it descends violently with great noise The Sung by some call'd Sihan begins in the Province of Xensi in thirty Degrees and fifty Minutes Northern-Latitude at the East side of the Garrison Mincheu from whence it passes Southward and in thirty three Degrees and forty Minutes North-Latitude enters the Province of Suchuen then running through the County Paoningfu by the West side of the City Zangki receives the Tung falling out of the Mountain Xeyen so gliding by the City Paoning enters at last into the Territory of Chungkingfu and near the Mountain Fu joyns with the Rivers Pa and Feu which all loose themselves near the City Chungking in the River Kiang The Xe which rises in the Mountains Westward from the City Kien passes Southward through the Mountain Tapa and with several Windings glides Eastward by the City Lenting and Xehung then passing on South-East makes way through the County of Xunkingfu and mixes at the South-end thereof with the River Sihan or Sung The Xemuen or Heng runs through the South part of the Territory Siucheufu by the South-West side of the City Siucheu with great force and Precipices call'd the Bell because it makes a noise like a Bell re-sounding with Ecchoes Lastly the River Xemuen falls in the Kiang The Stream Cingy also passing on the East side of the same Territory fills the River Kiang The Cing and Tosiang cut through the Territory Queicheufu the first which takes Original in the Lake Cingyven and falls joyn'd with the Tosiang which glides out of the Lake Cienking into the Kiang Eastward from the City Queicheu Cing signifies Clear because its water is clearer than any other Rivers in this Province The Tahoa which passes through the South side of the County Chunkingfu glides Northward by the West side of the City Vulung and falls on the West side also of the City Changxu into the River Kiang The Kiu or Kiukiang begins with two Branches the one call'd Piniao in the South part of the Province of Queicheu Westward from the City Luken and with the other in the Province of Suchuen Southward of the Mountain Fuyung from whence it glides North-East along the South-East side of the Province of Suchuen afterwards running Northerly into the County Chunkingfu falls Eastward of the City Changxeu into the River Kiang By the way the Ciu receives on the North side of the Garrison Pingchai the Nanyang and in the County Vunkingfu the Stream U Northward from the City Pengxui THe Han which runs through the North part of the Countrey Vuchanfu falls Westward of the little City Vuchan into the Kiang The water of the Han is exceeding cold insomuch that it makes the Air about the same temperate in the dog-Dog-Days for which cause the Kings in times past built a Palace over the same to reside in the Summer The Io springs in the Mountains Southward from the City Vuchan and runs Northerly through the middle of the City into the Kiang The Sui takes Original in the Mountains Eastward from the City Tangzan and glides North-West into the Kiang through the South part of this County passes another Branch which also discharges in the Kiang The Cha divides the whole County Teganfu and takes Original in the Mountain Tahaung from whence it passes Southward by the East side of the City Sui and inlarg'd with the Stream Tuen on the West side and with others on the East side out of the Lake Tuigmung by the West part of the City Tegan at last mixt near the City Iungmuug with the River Hoan which comes out of the Lake Tungmung it falls by the Name of Hoan into the River Han. The Ki which glides through the County of Hoangcheufu out of the Lake Uheu Westward by the City Ki falls into the River Kiang The same Territory is also cut through by two other Streams viz. Hi and Lungsiang which both coming out of the North mingles with the Kiang The Mie which glides through the County Yocheufu springs from the Mountain Tienho from whence it shoots North-West into the River Siang and with that into the Kiang The Lieu begins in the Lake Pexa which produces four Rivers and gliding North-West through the Territory Chanxafu empties it self into the County Iocheufu in the River Siang The Mielo proceeds from the joyning of two Streams viz. Lieu and Chao originally springing out of the County Paokingfu and passing Westward by the City Siangiin at last falls into the River Taohao or Siang The Mielo receives by the way another Stream call'd Can which comes out of the Lake Pexa This River is eminent because it was the occasion of a great Feast by the Chineses call'd Tuonu which with all Solemnity is kept on the fifth day of the fifth Moon through all parts of China in Commemoration of a Loyal Governor who not able to serve his Master the Emperor any longer Drown'd himself in this River The Siang rises at the conjoyning Borders of the Province Huquang and that of Quangsi in the Mountain Siung from whence it passes North through the County Iungcheufu where on the West it receives the River Yu and out of this Territory entering into that of Hengcheufu glides afterwards through that of Changxafu where it also receives the Names of Mielo by the West part of the City Siangyan where it unites with the River Tahoa but retains the Name of Siang and at last falls through the Territory Yocheufu into the Kiang Its water may compare with Crystal for clearness and though it be very deep yet the Stones that lie in the bottom may plainly be discern'd The Siao which begins in the Mountain Kieny at the South-West side of the City Ningyven passes from thence close by the East side of the City Iungcheu and towards the North mixes with the Siang receives by the way Northward from the City Ningyven on the West the River Cin and Rivulet Xu on the East the Hoang The Chinghiang and Ciencieu glide from the South to the North through the County Ciencheufu afterwards mixing their Waves together pass along one Channel North-West through the Territory Hengcheufu thence pour their waters into the Siang The Lofeu which comes out of the Northern Mountains in the County of Changxafu runs to the South by the City