to Smeerdorp as Spies and to inquire News who brought word back that the Chineses were already gotten into a Head and that setting upon them they had escap'd by flight At this Alarm the Hollanders that had setled in Sakam being to the number of thirty in great fear fled for safety to the Forts Fayet who judg'd Delays dangerous and doubting that his Brother would or had discover'd the Plot march'd with his Forces to Sakam where falling without mercy upon the Town with Fire and Sword he gave no Quarter to any A Gardener belonging to the Dutch going on that Sunday Morning early with a Basket of Fruit to the Governor in the Castle Tayowan the Revolters overtaking him cut off his Head and taking out the Fruits laid it in the Basket designing to have sent it before them but the Humor altering they cast both it and the Body under a Bridge The News of this Massacre spreading a strange Fear seiz'd all the Hollanders where-ever setled through the Country so that dispersing they hid themselves where-ever their Fear carried or their Hope 's led them to escape the Slaughter But one Captain Marine well mounted with three more with their Swords in their Hands broke through the Enemy and killing the first that oppos'd him came safe to Tayowan Verburgh the Governor well knowing how untowardly the Business stood and the hazard wherein the Hollanders abroad were lying open to destruction immediately sent out a hundred and twenty Men commanded by Captain Danker This Handful in comparison of their Enemies great Forces went in one Sloop and a Boat from Tayowan to Sakam whither being come the first that endeavor'd to Land being Captain Hans Pieters leap'd Breast-high into the Water by which Example the rest encourag'd forsook their Boats and resolv'd wading to fight their way to the Shore which the Enemy observing sent down with the Lieutenant-General a thousand Men to oppose their Landing While they were thus drawing up towards the Shore for the Service Fayet the General gave his Lieutenant Loukegwa new Orders thinking it more fit to suffer them to Land saying It would be a higher pleasure to him to see the Christian Dogs die on the Land than in the Water which would be much the better sport having them there inviron'd with his Army as in a Net But Loukegwa not so perswaded nor willing to receive these new Commands earnestly advis'd the General that he might go on and set upon them in the Water averring That these being the Hollanders choicest and pick'd Men if they did not cut them off at this Advantage they should never have the like But however the Generals Opinion prevailing he obey'd and retreating gave the opportunity of Landing in safety where a little towards the left Hand of the Enemy he drew up his small Party into a Body when a Negro that had married a Hollander coming out of a Wood where she had hid running for her safety towards them they intercepting ripp'd up her Bowels and cutting the Child in pieces threw the Limbs at them vaporing aloud That so they would serve them all But the Hollanders not replying march'd boldly up to the Front of the Enemy where in the first Charge killing fortunately their Prime Commander Fayet which presently nois'd through the Army all struck with a Panick fear threw down their Arms and disbanding fled shifting for themselves but the Hollanders pursu'd firing at their Heels through Sakam and the Town clear'd they sate down in their Enemies Head-Quarters But before Night while yet they were triumphing for the Victory came two thousand Christian Formosans rais'd by the Governor Verburgh to their Aid who according to present Orders march'd together in pursuit of the Enemy some few of whom the next morning they spied drawn together upon a rising Ground but a River betwixt impeded their present Charge but soon after the Formosans who knew the Fords and Avenues got over and charging them smartly one being slain they were suddenly dissipated which Victory they and the Netherlanders pursu'd making Execution till Sun-set from whence returning to their Camp weary and hungry they found store of fresh Provisions boyl'd and roast with which they feasting were refresh'd This Tumultuary Commotion was in fourteen days thus concluded in which of the Enemy were slain four thousand Men besides as many more Women and Children and not one Hollander so much as wounded Two Years after this War Anno 1645. in May came abundance of Locusts out of the North-West of the Isles which devouring all the Fruits of the Field occasion'd so great a Famine that eight thousand Persons died of Hunger These Locusts were of a strange shape having a Back and Breast like a Pikeman and an Helmet on their Heads such as Soldiers wear They made an affrighting noise with their Wings in their flight as if it had blown a Storm They flew from the Island Tayowan to Formosa where they staid three Months and at last took their Progress from thence towards the North-West from whence they came at first on Sunday the ninth of August about Sun-set Yet though they were gone the fear of that Plague was no ways abated for they left young ones behind which were far worse than the old eating up all that remain'd yet by the Industry of the Inhabitants with the Governors Order most part of them being not fledg'd were taken and destroy'd The Island TAYOWAN THe Island Taywan or as others call it Tayovan and Tayowan lieth South from Formosa the uttermost North-Point being distant almost a League but the Southermost Point within a Bowe-shot of the Land over which at low Water they wade to and again but between the North and Formosa it is at least thirteen Foot deep at Low Water It spreads South-East and North-West and hath two Leagues and a half in length and a quarter of a League in breadth being naturally a spot of barren Sand rather than a fertile Isle producing onely Pine-apples and other wild Trees yet here resided above ten thousand Chineses who liv'd by Merchandize besides Natives On the North-side upon a Sand-hill stands the Fort Zelandia built by the Hollanders Anno 1632. surounded with a double Wall one investing the other whereof the outermost fortified with Sconces and Redoubts Under the Castle Westward lies another Fort square guarded by two Points of the Sea A Bowe-shot distant lies a strong Out-work being the Key to the Castle call'd Utrecht rais'd sixteen Foot high with Stone and defended with seven Pallisadoes Eastward from which stands a Town built also by the Netherlanders call'd by the name of the Isle and about a Mile in Circumference adjoyning to which is a Haven call'd by the Chineses Loakhau and by the Dutch The Straights of Tayowan On the other side of the Castle lies a rising Sand call'd Baxemboy where a few scatter'd Villages appear Since the Chineses possess'd Tayowan under the Pyrate Coxinga and his Son Sepoan's
the separated Ships are strictly Commanded not to pass by the foremention'd Island De Lemas but put in to it and there wait for the Fleets coming that so they may proceed on together in their Voyage and the more resolutely bid the Enemy defiance if they should Rancounter After leaving the Island De Lemas and coming on the Coast of China they shall first put in for the Bay of Engeling or rather that of Hoksiu they being the safest and convenientest Harbors in the Southern Bay or Mouson and with the whole Fleet except those bound for Iapan which will part from us before run into them to inquire how the Affairs of War stand between the Tartar and Coxinga and whether he be in China or Formosa therefore if in the way from Lemas to the Coast of China any Frigats should be separated from the Fleet let them put in for the foremention'd Bays of Engeling or Hoksiu where they shall joyn with the Fleet again When the white Flag shall be set up at the Admirals Stern and a Gun be fired from his Ship then the General Council of War shall meet consisting of these following Persons to consult with the Admiral viz. Henry Indiik of the Ship Loosduinen Iohn Idze de Vink or Van Campen Vice-Admiral of the Fleet but so long as Indiik is by the Fleet the Finch shall carry the Flag as Rear-Admiral of Zierikzee The Merchant Constantine Nobel who carries the Light before the Fleet after Indiik hath taken leave shall bear the Flag of Domburgh Peter Iansz Veldmuis Captain of the Naerden Ysbrand Bowmester Captain of the Domburgh Barent Iochemsz Captain of the Overveen Harman Symonsz Commander of the High-Land Iohn Hendriksz Master of the Sea-Dog Dirk Gerritz Commander of the Meliskerke Iohn Ysbransz Van Bank Captain of the Ankeven Valk Master of the Vink Christopher Edwartsz Secretary If the Admiral le ts flie his Red Flag from his Poop then all the remaining Commanders of the Fleet as Brukelen Loenen and Ter-Bode shall also come aboard with the foremention'd persons and likewise their chief Officers of War as the Ensigns and Serjeants But if the Admiral will have his Privy Council to come aboard he shall put out his white Flag with a Bend from the Poop The Privy Council shall consist in the following Persons Henry Indiik Iohn Idze de Vink Constantine Nobel Peter Iansz Veldmuis Commander of the Naerden Ysbrand Bowmester Captain of the Domburgh If the Admiral is desirous to speak with the Captain of the Loosduine he shall let a Pennon flow from his Mizzen-Yard if with the Zirikzee a Pennon from the Fore-Yard if with Domburgh a Jack from the Sprissel-Yard If any one be found to neglect these Orders he shall be put in mind of it by the Secretary and after examination of the cause receive all due punishment All these were made and agreed on in the Naerden Frigat Sailing about the Thousand Islands the 26. of Iune 1662. Balthazar Bort Iohn Idze de Vink On Thursday morning being the twenty seventh the Fleet having the same Weather found themselves to be in four Degrees and eighteen Minutes South-Latitude and in the afternoon beyond the Point of Boomy's Riff in nine and ten Fathom Gravelly Ground in the Night on fourteen and fifteen Fathom the same Ground they spy'd the Banks of the foresaid Riff at a pretty distance On Wednesday Morning the twenty eighth the Fleet being in thirteen and fourteen Fathom Water the Wind Easterly saw the Island Lucipar or Lukapar lying to the South-West about a League and a half from them This Island lies near Sumatra in the Mouth of the Straights of Banka and is fourteen Leagues in Circumference It is uninhabited yet Wooddy and yields a pleasant Prospect with its high Trees towards the Sea it is interlac'd with many murmuring Streams which abounding in Fish and the Woods with Beasts makes it a fit place for the Sea-men to refresh in In the afternoon being in three Degrees and seven Minutes Lukapar lay three Leagues South South-East from the Fleet and having got the first Point of Sumatra on their Starboard their Course being North-East and by East they Sail'd along the Coast of Sumatra in ten and thirteen Fathom Water The twenty ninth about Noon the Fleet Sail'd by Poele Nancha lying in the Straights of Banka thirty Leagues to the In-land in two Degrees and twenty five Minutes Southern-Latitude and were got within a small League from the third Point of Sumatra Poele Nancha that is The Isle Nancha for Poele is Island and Nancha the proper name of the place and signifies Round Island so call'd being indeed almost Circular and hath eight Leagues in Circumference very barren being onely Sandy Ground having on the Shore nothing but a few Turtles In the Evening about Sun-set they came up with the high Promontary Monapien on the North of the Island Banka and the fore-Fore-Land of Sumatra lying West South-West about a League from them Banka an Island about a League from Sumatra is inhabited fruitful and full of Woods The thirteenth being Friday the Fleet was at Noon gotten into one Degree and twenty two Minutes South-Latitude and had Poele Toutyon that is seven Islands East and by North four Leagues from them in sixteen and seventeen Fathom Water These Isles though they lie close by one another yet are uninhabited Close by Poele Toutyon towards the East lies the Isle of Linge Inhabited on the Shore by Fishers and Rusticks but in the Countrey by a People who came thither from the Mountain Passarvan which is in Iova for these People opprest by the King of Passarvan with great Tributes and other Inconveniencies fled for their better accommodation to several places most of them being Licens'd by the King of Bantam to have setled behind the City on the Coast of Sunda at the foot of the Mountain Gomon Bezar where they have built the City Sura and several Villages Electing a King of their own which pays Tribute to the King of Bantam Others have setled themselves on this Isle and built Towns and Villages which they enjoy'd in Peace a long time but submitted themselves at last either out of kindness or force to the King of Sura These People live peaceably and friendly maintaining themselves with Husbandry or Tillage and observe the old Pythagorean Doctrine concerning the Transmigration of the Soul therefore they neither kill nor eat any animated Creature They go clothed in white Paper made of Trees of which they tie only one piece about their Head and another about their Middle for decency This Isle hath all manner of good Provisions though not in very great plenty but abundance of Birds which are from thence Transported to China for a great Dainty The first of Iuly about Noon the Fleet finding it self in twenty five Minutes South-Latitude spy'd the East Point of the Isle of Linge North-West from them and Poele Zay South-West and by
which extends it self to three days Journey are on each side wharf'd and wall'd in with Stone of the Quarre at the end of which appears a great Dam that receives and keeps the Waters which swelling to a convenient heighth Vessels that come thither are with little help floated over into another Stream This Current serves onely to bring small Vessels up to the City Ningpo for the great ones go about by Sea Near this City are also many Triumphal Arches for building of which they have ready accommodation because the Quarres that serve all China are close by their Doors The ninth Division call'd Ningpofu borders in the East with the Sea in the West with Xaochingfu South upon a River flowing between this and the County Tancheufu The Kings Iue gave this and its Metropolis the Name of Iungtung the Family of Yang Nungcheu those of Sung Kingchyven but at last by the Taimingian Ningpo that is Reconciler of Strife The Kings of Han brought this Countrey under the Territory of Huiki Ningpofu hath five Cities viz Ningpo Cuki Funghoa Finghai and Siangxan Not far from Ningpo lies a Promontory which the Portuguese formerly very much frequented who corrupted the Name to Liampo Some say that from this Point in serene Weather they can discern the Mountains of Iapan whereas the most exact Chinese Cards or Maps make the Sea much broader than to discover any such Prospect The Metropolis Ningpo situated close by the River In boasts store of handsom Buildings On whose Eastern Shore stand several Triumphal Arches and two Steeples with seven Galleries one over another The Banks of the said River are all rais'd of Free-Stone at the end the Water is also stopp'd with a Stone Dam over which they hale the Vessels into a larger Channel In the little City Cuky are two Bridges one with Stone Supporters and great Pieces of Timber three hundred Rods long another which is very high and all of Stone stands on three Arches The tenth County call'd Taicheufu being a great Tract of Land verges Eastward with the Sea Southward with Vencheufu Westward with Kinhoafâ—… Northward with Xaohingfu and Ningpofu In the time of the Kings this Countrey belong'd to V. afterwards to Iue but was at last by the Family Cyn brought under the Territory of Minching The Family Han gave it the Name of Changan Tang of Haicheu and soon after that of Taicheu which it retains to this day This Countrey comprehends six Cities viz. Taicheu Hoanguien Tientai Cienkiu Ninghai Taiping This City Taicheu is situate on a Hill lying on the East side of the River San. The eleventh call'd Veucheufu conterminates in the East at the Sea in the South with the Territory of Fokien in the West at Cucheufu in the North at Taicheufu This Countrey is for the most part very mountainous but hath in the South before you approach the Hills of Fokien a large and spacious Plain Formerly this Countrey belong'd to the Kings of Iue afterwards to those of V. King Loang gave it the Name of Iungkia and was by the House of Tang first call'd Tunkia and soon after Voucheu by Sung Xuigan and lastly by the Taimingian Veucheu This Province Veucheu possesses six Cities viz. Veucheu Xuigan Locing Ping Yang and Taixium The City of Veucheu seated on the River Iungkia because it is also like the Metropolis Hangcheu standing on a Morass Soil and adorn'd with many fair Edifices is by the Inhabitants call'd Little Hancheu The City is very populous and a Residence for many Merchants whose Ships find good and safe Harbors in the great River Iungkia the Sea ebbing and flowing up to the City Walls Near the Sea-shore in this Territory are fifteen Garisons built against the Incursions of the Iapanners and safeguard of the Sea viz. in Veucheufu Nan Ningtung Sining Huigan Tunchi Cumen Puohin Xetic in Taicheufu Sinho Cioki Ninghai in Ningpofu onely Tinghai in Kiahinfu Hiacing Kinexan and Chincam Several Isles neighbor this Countrey inhabited by Husband-men and Fisher-men of which Cheuxan is the greatest the next are Chanque Chaopao besides several other lesser Cheuxan lies directly East from the Metropolis Hancheu opposite to the River Cientang in thirty one and thirty two Degrees Northern Latitude thirteen Leagues from the Main Land and hath in length from North to South sixteen and in breadth eight Leagues When antiently the Chinese King Lui worsted by the Tartars and flying with his scatter'd Forces to this Isle from all Parts many of the Chineses flock'd thither so that ever since what was before inconsiderable hath been a populous and well planted Isle for they number in this small Isle above seventy Towns and Villages most of them verging the Sea in such Places where Inlets and Bays make convenient Harbors neither wants their King a considerable Fleet which keep his Coast safe from the Incursions and Landing of the Tartars Horse wherein they are most formidable And the Tartars as much in awe of the Islanders keep continual Guard in the Fort of Tinghay rais'd on the Main Land with a Fleet of Crusing Chineses Before the Province Taicheufu near the Garison Cioki lies an Island call'd Ychoan which is Precious Circle so call'd for its convenient Havens the whole being in a manner so surrounded with Mountains it breaks off all Winds leaving onely a Gap or Entrance for Ships to come in at The whole Province of Chekiang is every where cut through with Rivers Rivulets and murmuring Streams some brought in by Art others of their own accord Most of the Channels of those Rivers which run Southward fall in such order as if Nature on purpose had contriv'd their Course so that the Traveller may pass through the whole Territory either by Land or Water which way he will still supply'd with all conveniencies The River Che from whence this Countrey hath its Name runs from the South to the North and divides it exactly in the middle in an Eastern and Western Canton but it changeth its Name at Hangcheu and there is call'd Cientang and again where it takes its original out of the Mountains in the Province Hoeicheufu they name it Singan The eighteenth day of the eighth Moon which is our October a prodigigious Spring-tyde happens worthy of admiration for it is onely on that day and begins to flow exactly at four a Clock in the Afternoon and comes with a Head at the first appearance high and strangely mounted above the Waters and suddenly turns Topsi-turvy what ever either by neglect or carelesness lies in the Way roaring extremely in his ascent beyond the loud murmur of Cataracts or Water-breaches to which as a wonderful spectacle where they have secure places the Magistrates Strangers and a great number of People resort to see though horrid the annual Spectacle The River Ho takes its Original near Cinijuw the third substitute City to the seventh Province Chucheufu and from thence follows by the Metropolis Kuihoa
Poele Tymon about four Leagues Southerly from them The one and twenty they kept a Fast. The twenty two twenty three twenty four and twenty fifth nothing happen'd of any remark The twenty sixth the Isles Candor bore Easterly about seven Leagues from the Fleet. The twenty seventh and twenty eighth nothing happen'd only a strong Gale of Wind blew from South-East out of the River Cambodia The twenty ninth the Finch Sailing before made a sign that she saw Land which was afterwards found to be the two Sand Hills on the Coast of Champan about six Leagues Northerly from the Admiral who in the Evening descry'd Poele Cecier de Mare three Leagues in the South-South-East and Cabo Cecier in the North-East and by North three quarters of a League from them The thirtieth the Bay of Padaran bearing West-North-West they came by Avarella Falso about Noon and were in twelve Degrees and seven Minutes Northern Latitude their Course North and by East The first of August Poele Cambir was East and by North from the Admiral and in the afternoon the Isle Canton North-North-East about six Leagues The second the private Iuncto being assembled the Admiral read to them some peculiar Orders chiefly about the putting in at the South of Tayowan with four or five Ships and the manner how they should best get knowledge concerning the condition of their Enemies according to his Excellencies Order in Batavia and also in what time it was best to Cruise for their Jonks that Sail richly Laden to and from Iapan and likewise how they should dispose of those Jonks which they should take on the Coast of China Manilhas Makkaw Tunking Quinam Ciam Ligoor Patany and other places and also of those which they might find in the Haven of Tayowan and in the Piscadores Lastly It was judg'd best to refer it till the next meeting and in the mean time to give every one a Copy of it as was perform'd by the Secretary on the fourth of the same Month who also put in what was consider'd before-hand and concluded on That William Volkers before his departure to Iapan might see their resolution chiefly concerning the Cruising for Iapan Jonks and giving an account of it to the Netherlanders there they might make use thereof when occasion serv'd The fifth and sixth they saw the Isles Tinhosa and Ainam though Tinhosa lay five Leagues distant from the Admiral Mean while on the sixth according to their last Intentions an Order was made in the Council concerning the written Proposals and newly added Observations taken by the Admiral and Council at that time of which every one had a Copy given them which the better to understand it is requisite that we also give a Transcript thereof as follows The Admiral according to Order when he came in sight of Formosa sent four or five Ships to the Southermost Harbor of Tayowan that there they might enquire some News and first propos'd what Ships and Persons out of the Fleet might be fittest for that purpose and if the Chinesys did not come aboard of their own accords whereby they might attain to the desir'd Information they should put out a White Flag to invite them or fire now and then a Gun but if they could not attain their desire by these two means they should send one or two Hostages which they had brought with them from Batavia which if they did no good could do no harm and there ask the Governors for whom they kept the Forts and Castles on Tayowan and Formosa whether for themselves or together for those of Ey and Quemuy or for the Tartar as being his Subjects and whether it were best to be done in writing or by word of Mouth If they should make answer to the foresaid Demand and desire to know our Intention whether it would not be convenient to intreat them to send some of their People with us to the greater part of the Fleet at the Piscadores promising there to acquaint them with our Design If they should be thereto inclin'd leaving them Hostages whether they should consent to it Also how many days the Ships should stay on the South part of Tayowan likewise if during that time they should use any Hostility as taking of their Jonks and other Vessels because the Indian Council had Commanded them to use none till they knew how they stood affected to the Tartars but on the contrary Commanded again That nevertheless all Chinesy Jonks from whence soever they came and whither soever Bound which they met withal in their Channel they should endeavor to take without any distinction whether they belong to the Tartars or Coxinga And in regard the Intentions of their Excellencies in Batavia are declar'd to us that we may take all Chinesy Jonks coming from other Countreys if it would not be convenient to take out the Goods whether Skins or ought else and sending them for a tryal to Iapan to see how the Iapanners would refent it whether well or ill and whether it relate only to the Jonks on the Coast of China or also to those which they might find on the Coast of the Manilhas Makkau Tunking Quinam Cambodia Siam Ligoor Patany Iohoor and Formosa which if they should not be set upon at our first coming thither might easily escape from us On the contrary they consider'd that the Enemy by such harsh actions might alter from their good Resolution if perhaps they had any before and then not suffer the Netherlanders to speak with them much less freely proffer to surrender up Tayowan and Formosa into our possession again as their Excellencies would willingly have it and to that purpose Commanded to take hold and make good use of such an opportunity otherwise if the Enemy should make fair Promises and thereby detain us from taking their Jonks or doing ought else when perhaps being forc'd by sudden Invasions they might sooner come to an agreement and do what we should demand of them Therefore it was Propos'd if they ought not to take all the Jonks and Vessels which they should find in the Piscadores at the Admirals coming thither Secondly Since their Excellencies had commanded to send peculiar Ships to Cruise up and down for the Jonks that Trade to Iapan without expressing in what time it is best to be done nay requir'd that according to their Order it should be done before William Volkerts went from the Fleet to Iapan to carry News also thither concerning it that in case ought should happen there he might govern himself accordingly therefore the Admiral Propos'd if it were best to be begun in the Southern or Northern Mouson if in the Southern the only time would be about the latter end of August or the middle of September to get to the Northward of the Cape Sumber and moreover in the Iapan Sea in which the foremention'd Jonks were best to be taken But then again was to be consider'd the Cruisers would be forc'd to spend three or four Months
else is permitted and the other stands empty for their Deity who they say sits therein and receives the Offering Without the Temple stand many Altars of Red Marble which represent the Moon Sun Hills and Floods and according to the Chineses Relations all these Altars are plac'd without the Temple that none might worship them but that every one should know they are of the same Structure which the Emperor worships in the Temple Round about are several Chambers or rather Cells which formerly as they say were us'd as Bannia's in which the Emperor when he went to Offer Bath'd himself with his Attendants To this Temple and to the Emperor's Tombs lead very broad Ways on each side planted with five Rows of Pine-trees at equal distance and in a direct Line from which none might break a Bough on pain of death All these Buildings were ruin'd in the late Tartar Wars the Trees pluck'd up the Tombs defac'd and the Temples and Palaces utterly laid waste The County of Fungiangfu a great Tract of Land gives Limits in the East and North-East to Hoaiganfu in the East to the Lake Piexe and Chucheufu in the South and South-West to Hocheufu and Lucheufu in the West to the Territory of Honan This pleasant and fruitful Countrey vein'd by several great Rivers is famous because two of her Natives of mean Extract were rais'd to the highest degree of Honor the first call'd Lieupang bred among the scum of the Commonalty nay among Robbers and Rebels subdu'd the Imperial Family Cyn and rais'd that of Han. The second being Humvu or Chu was a mean Priests Son who at first turning Robber soon after the expulsion of the Tartars got into the Throne and establish'd the Crown on the Taimingian Family The Emperor Yu also did not a little enrich this Countrey when by his Predecessor Ya he was Crown'd King in the City of Mao It is also said that Lahu the first Inventer of the Epicurean Learning which liv'd before the great Philosopher Confut was born in that City of Mao The County Fungyangfu contains eighteen Towns of which Fungyang is the chiefest the next are Liuhoai Hoaiyuen Tingyuen Uho Hung Hokieu Munching Su Hiutai Tienchang So Lingpi Ing Tacho Hao Ingxan Su So Ing Hao all great Places The Metropolis Fungyang lying on a Mountain incloseth many Hills within its Walls built with fair Edifices both publick and private This Division was by the Emperor Yu brought and joyn'd to the Province of Yang to be Govern'd by Teu In the time of the Kings this part of the Countrey was call'd The Kingdom of Tuxam which the Kings of Cu afterwards included in their Dominions but the Family Han made it again Tributary call'd Chungly yet this Place was not honor'd with the Title of Teu or Metropopolis untill the fore-mention'd Chu which rais'd the Taimingian Family and was born in this City enlarg'd it building new and strong Walls fifty Furlongs in circumference and adorning the Tombs of his Predecessors and gave it the Name of Metropolis setting over it a Vice-Roy giving it Jurisdiction over other Cities intituling it Fungyang that is Nobleness of the Phenix The third Sucheufu conterminates in the North and North-East with the Mouth of the River Kiang in the East with the Sea in the South with Sunkiang and Kiahingfu the West borders Kiangningfu and the North-West Chancheufu The first which inhabited this Countrey amongst the Chineses was one Taipe of the Family Cheu who coming out of the North planted his Seat here and reduced those that formerly were wild and savage to be rational and understanding People In the Emperor Vu's time this County obtain'd Royal Dignity being call'd The Kingdom of V. after whose Death it was taken by the Kingdom of Iue who possess'd it but a little while being routed by Cu who subdu'd the Countrey Lastly the promoter of the Family Cyn conquer'd all those Kingdoms and brought them under the Province of Hoeiki The first which call'd this Countrey and its Metropolis Sucheu was King Sui the Family of Tang gave it the Name of Changcheu Sung that of Pnkiang but the Taimingian Family restor'd the old Name Sucheu The Countrey is in all Places interlac'd with Branches of Rivers and Graffs along which they may Sail from the City to the Sea Sucheufu contains seven Towns of which Sucheu is the chiefest the rest are Quengxan Changxoe Ukiang Kiating Taicing Cungmung and Cungming which lies on an Island in the Sea The fourth Tract of Land being Sunghiangfu is a small County yet fruitful and a good Soyl bordering in the North with Sucheufu in the East with the Sea and Hangcheufu in the South and West at Hangcheufu onely and the remainder on Sucheufu This Countrey as the former lies most in Water the East part of it being wash'd by the Sea and the rest surrounded by Rivers which with their Branches cutting through the middle and all Places else of it make the whole Navigable It contains onely three Towns which in bigness populosity and variety of Commodities may stand in competition with many more eminent Cities the first and chiefest is Sunkiang the other two Langhai and Cingpai The City Sunkiang verges with the Sea on the Northern Shore of a River which at its Mouth is fortifi'd with a strong Castle from whence they may Sail to Iapan In ancient times this Countrey and City before mention'd shar'd also in the Tartars Cruelties The Family of Tang call'd it Houting the Tartars of the House of Iuen not onely gave it the present Name but also the Title of Fu or Great City having formerly but the Priviledges and Name of a mean Town and belong'd to the third County Sucheufu The fifth County Changcheufu reckons for Limits in the North and North-East the River Kiang in the South Sucheufu in the South and South-West the Lake Tai in the West Yancheufu This County contains five Towns viz. Changcheu Vufie Kiangyn and Ginkiang There are also five Temples of which one built near the City Vufie in honor to Taipe the Supporter of the People exceeds all the other The City Changcheu lies near the fore-mention'd Moat which runs from the City Sucheu to the River Kiang the Stone Banks of which near this City are much more curious and artificial than any where else There are also some Triumphal Arches which add a great beauty to the City It hath receiv'd its Denomination Guihing from the exceeding fineness of the Earth of which the Tee Cups are made for Guihing signifies Rare Earth The sixth Territory Chinkiangfu borders in the North at the River Kiang in the East at Changcheufu in the South at the Lake Tai and in the West at Kiangnangfu This County reckons three Cities viz. Chinkiang Tanyang and Kintan Chinkiang by Martinius taken for Cingiam so call'd by Paulus Venetus lies Northward from the River Kiang on the East side of a Channel which falls into the Kiang
Interpreters came aboard to tell the Ambassador That they could not speak with his Excellency that Evening he being gone to sleep before they came but they would go to him early the next Morning as accordingly they did desiring to know of the Ambassador what time he might wait upon him But returning they brought word That his Excellency durst not permit it because he had not yet had Audience from the Emperor Mean time his Highness Sail'd by the Netherlanders accompany'd with twenty great Barges The City Gioechioe is a Ruin'd place bury'd almost in heaps of Rubbish occasion'd by the last War After they had gotten Coelies they left that City though with slow advance because the River notwithstanding the Wind was good in many places as they had seen the day before was full of dry Sands yet at last passing by Sanghkiatwangh they could because of the Night coming on get no further than Wanghiapan where they came to an Anchor having notwithstanding they had a good Wind Sail'd but two Leagues and a little more The fifteenth in the Morning they Weigh'd again and with Sailing and Towing past by Ponsinghou and Googothien and in the Afternoon arriv'd at Goechin where they staid all Night having this day gain'd three Leagues About half a League from Goechin lies the City Goeycen North-West into the Countrey which appear'd but little to the Netherlanders for they did not put in to it but seem'd rather like a large Castle than a City A little before they arriv'd at Goechien a grand Mandarin a Tartar as it was said Nephew to the present Emperor came to Complement and Visit the Ambassador in his Barge where he was entertain'd with a Glass of Spanish Wine which having drank and seen the Horses he took his leave The sixteenth leaving Goechien they proceeded on their Journey and pass'd by many Houses built on both sides of the River and also by some Villages as Kongidieen t' Santan Nainaimeao Iaumeao and Xantiento the Suburb of Sangsinghwey and in the Evening arriv'd on the East side of the same City before a great Plain lying between the City Walls and the River having this day Sail'd three Leagues Here they were to lie because the River being in a manner dry they could get no higher till the Emperors Order came to unlade the Presents and go with them by Land to Peking which was four Leagues distance The seventeenth nothing happen'd of remark The eighteenth several Mandarins came to Visit and Welcom the Ambassador and likewise that Mandarin which was with him on the fifteenth which was said to be the Emperors Nephew who gave the Ambassador two Sheep for a Fire-Lock which he much desir'd Amongst other Discourses Van Hoorn ask'd this Lord If no other Ambassadors from any other place were in Peking To which he answer'd None but some from the Corean Isles which were shortly to return There happen'd little of note here only the Mandarin Guide came to acquaint the Ambassador that the next Morning Carts and Coelies would come to carry the Goods to Peking and that one of the Lipous would be at a Town call'd Tonghsieuw four Leagues from thence to receive the Ambassador in the Emperor's Name and conduct him to Peking The next Morning being the nineteenth many Carts Coelies and Horses came to fetch the Presents with all the Persons belonging to the Embassy and their Goods to Peking by Land whereupon the Ambassador gave immediate Order for the unlading of them in which they spent all the Morning The Ambassador gave the Barge-men though every one apart which came with him and his Retinue from Sucheu and Hoaigan eighty six Tail of Silver with which they were very well contented About Noon the Netherlanders set forward on their Journey to Tongsieuw with the Presents and their other Goods which were guarded by some Troopers and between a concourse of thousands of Townsmen Rusticks Women and Children About three a Clock coming to Tongsieuw all the Goods were put into an old decay'd House where the Netherlanders also Lodg'd but found small conveniencies The twentieth setting forth by Day-light and having Rid thorow Palikua Swango and Kapucheen they came within half a League of Peking where they were Welcom'd by one of the Lipous call'd Liu Lavja a Native Tartar who kindly receiv'd them and after some Complements conducted them to the City which they enter'd just about Noon in good order Coming within the Gates of Peking they thank'd God for his Mercy in bringing them so great a Journey all in good Health being a Way of many Leagues in which they had spent six Moneths Travelling both by Water and Land by and thorow thirty seven Cities three hundred thirty five Villages and thirty four Temples They were led by the Emperors Palace to the Tartars or Prime Chancellors Court standing behind the Emperors where all his Imperial Majesties Presents according to order were to be left and then the Hollanders to go to their Lodgings prepar'd for them The Streets through which they pass'd swarm'd with People thousands standing on each side of the way which made so great a Dust to which inconveniency the Streets in Peking are very subject that they could scarcely see wherefore they were bid to sit down under the Gate or entrance of the Court from amongst the croud of the People which by thousands stood before it there to stay for the Presents which were left somewhat behind in their Riding through the City Having staid about a quarter of an Hour under the Gate and drank a Cup of Tee the Goods came whereupon the Hollanders were led into a Chamber leaving Putmans and some of the Retinue to look to and separate the Emperors Presents from the other The Ambassador and Nobel with the rest coming into the Chamber they found some Secretaries sitting on a Table which pointed to Van Hoorn to sit on the Floor but he said he could better stand which they observing bid him sit on the same Table where they sat which he accordingly did Then the foremention'd Secretaries began to ask the Ambassador by Order of the Lipous the following Questions viz. Concerning his Quality From whence the Horses and Oxen came How old they were and how many Miles every Horse could go in a Day To all which Questions he gave them fitting answers They likewise ask'd who was the chief in Quality Whether the Ambassadors Son or Nobel because the General of Hoksieu had plac'd the Ambassadors Son first To which was answer'd That the Lord Van Hoorn's Son was according to the Lord Generals Order in Batavia to have the upper place besides many other frivolous Questions not worthy rehearsal Mean while the Lipou which had fetch'd in the Netherlanders came to bring them some Meat dress'd after the Chinese manner which they kindly accepted of having eaten nothing all that day before Putmans also came to tell the Ambassador that after the Netherlanders had taken nineteen Chests with
and had his chiefest Residence on the Islands Ay Quemuy and others lying under the Continent of China The Chineses themselves on the Main Coast who had submitted and in token thereof shav'd off their Hair conform'd to the Tartars brought them all sorts of Provisions and drove also a private Trade with them The Tartars at last to stop all Provisions from going to the Enemy commanded all the Villages Towns and Hamlets that stood along the Sea-shore or the Main Continent to be burnt to the Ground and the Countrey laid waste and no People suffer'd on pain of death to live within three Leagues of the Sea By this means and likewise by the great Losses which Coxinga sustained from the Tartars assisted by the Netherlanders who set upon them both at Sea and Land he found himself so straightned that Anno 1660. he Sail'd with all his Forces to Tayowan and Formosa both which Islands and also the Castle Zelandia he took in March Anno 1661. after a Siege of ten Moneths Very cruelly were several of the Netherlanders dealt withall especially the Ministers Anthony Hantbroel Aren Vincenius Leonard Campen Peter Muts and others and at last put to death others against Agreement kept in Prison without hopes of attaining their Liberty notwithstanding the great trouble the Hollanders took upon them to procure their enlargement Therefore in revenge of Coxinga's Cruelties and also to regain the conquer'd Places a Fleet was sent out the next year after under the Command of the afore-mention'd Admiral Balthazar Bort and Vice-Admiral Iohn van Campen with the Ambassador Constantine Nobel with Letters from his Excellency Iohn Maetzuiker to Singlamong Vice-Roy of the Territory Fokien and the General Taisang Lipoui for the same purpose and also to request liberty for a free Trade Since the Letter to the Vice-Roy Singlamong in brief contains the Reasons and Intentions for sending out the Fleet to the Coast of China and the dispatching of an Ambassador thither and may also serve for a small declaration of our following Discourse I judge it no way amiss to set it down before-hand being to this effect This Letter comes from John Maetzuiker chief Governor and the Councel for the Netherland State in the Countreys of India to Singlamong Vice-Roy or Governor for the Mighty Emperor of Tartary and China of the Territory Fokien whom the God of Heaven grant long Life and Prosperity on Earth Great and Powerful Sir THe Letter sent some time since from Your Highness to our Governor of Tayowan he hath receiv'd in due time and also not been negligent to Answer according to Request and with all speed sent five Men of War with some Soldiers to the Bay of Engeling that according to Your Highness's noble Proposal and Request they might bidding defiance to Coxinga fall upon him But We were so unhappy that as soon as the Ships set Sail from Tayowan they were surpris'd by a mighty Storm which separated them one from another so that some of them came back to Batavia and others were forc'd to return again to Tayowan which is the onely Reason that We could not perform Our good Intentions according to Your Highness's Pleasure Since which time Coxinga hath joyn'd all his Forces together to Master our Castle in Tayowan having Besieged it ten Moneths rais'd great Batteries against it on all sides and so straitned the Besieged with his Army that the Governor and his Councel concluded to deliver him the Fort which We have resented very ill of our People because as We suppose they have not as they ought to have done manfully resisted the Enemy which as an Example to terrifie others We will not pass by unpunished Yet since We have suffer'd so great a Loss and Damage and chiefly for that against his Promise he hath most cruelly Murder'd several Unarmed Christians on the Island Formosa God who is a hater of such Villanies and a righteous Judge commands Us to take Revenge for our sustained Wrongs so that we are resolv'd with all our Forces to prosecute this Tyrant and not leave till by force of Arms We have brought him to nought And since we are inform'd that Your Highness also intends and endeavors the like Ruine towards him so at once to free the Empire of China from the Oppression which it hath suffer'd so many years by his Means Therefore We think it now the most proper time to obtain as well Your Highness's as our own Desires to which end according to Your Highness's own Proposal We are inclin'd to joyn all Our Land and Sea-Forces with Your Highness's Militia against which We suppose Coxinga will not be able to subsist long And to shew that We really intend it We have sent from hence under the Command of Our Admiral Balthazar Bort to the Bay of Hossien the number of twelve well prepar'd Men of War which considering their strength and fit posture for defence may justly be term'd Floating Castles and will be able to make Coxinga quit the Sea which will not a little trouble and disable him of which We hope Your Highness shall in a short time see the Event We therefore fortifie Our selves hoping that Your Highness will do the like that We may enter into a firm League with the Empire of China with Promises faithfully to assist one another against Coxinga and to hold him for our mortal Enemy and with all Endeavors if it be possible bring him and all his Party to utter Ruine so to make him taste the sharpness of Our Revenge for his committed Villanies But since at present having lost Tayowan We have no convenient Harbors to preserve Our Ships in stormy Weather Our humble Request is That your Highness would please to do us that favor as far as your Commands reach along the Sea-Coasts to Permit and Order us a place wherein our Ships if they should chance to be necessitated may come to an Anchor and that they may be kindly receiv'd and our People entertain'd as Friends and buy Provisions and other Necessaries for Money China and Batavia as your Highness very well knows lie a great distance one from another therefore it is very necessary and requisite that we had a convenient place of Rendezvouz near Coxinga's Channel there to keep our Ships together and watch for his Jonks so that we desire of your Highness that you would be pleas'd to direct us to such a place and to give us leave likewise to Fortifie the same against Coxinga's Assaults for we do assure your Highness if this cannot be granted us it is altogether impossible for us to do the Enemy that damage which may be expected Therefore if we intend to manage this War with Prudence we must be there to wait on our business continually or else we shall not be able to clear the Sea of Coxinga's Ships And as the driving of Trade makes all Nations and People flourish and we are us'd from Antiquity to promote the same for the benefit of the
distant consisting of sixty thousand Horse and Foot five grand Mandarins attended by a File of Musqueteers conducted the Agents with great honor to the Secretaries Tent who hearing of their coming immediately carry'd them to a great Pavilion where the Vice-Roy Singlamong sate in Council with the General Taysing Lipovi besides two other great Lords the one being Santing Hou Bethetok and the other Haitankon Governor of Sinksieu The Floors of this Royal Pavilion were Matted had three publick Gates or Entrances close by one another thorow the middle most and greatest the Vice-Roy passes only and his Attendants thorow the other two Coming close to the Vice-Roy and General the Agents were order'd to sit down and deliver their Letters which they did with great Ceremony the Presents also were presented and deliver'd to the Lords all which were receiv'd very courteously but they would not accept their Presents before they had a Warrant for so doing by an answer from the Emperor at Peking But they kindly accepted of the small Presents which the Admiral Bort had sent them being twelve Pound and two Ounces of Amber-Beads strung on a Thred to the number of twenty five one Amber Hour-Glass and an Amber Cup. The Presents from the Lord General and Council of Batavia sent to the Vice-Roy were these following One Piece of Scarlet Green Cloth Blue Cloth One half Piece of Red Cloth One Piece of Red Crown Serge. Grass Green Crown Serge. Blue Crown Serge. Musk Colour Crown Serge. Black Crown Serge. One Musquet Gilt and Polish'd One Fire-Lock Gilt and Glaz'd One pair of Polish'd Pistols Gilt with Holsters One pair of Pocket Pistols One Sword with a Golden Hilt Twenty Ounces of Blood Coral upon one String in an hundred and ten pieces Sixteen Ounces of Blood Coral in one Polish'd Branch One Pound and four Ounces of Amber Beads in fifty five pieces One great Bengael Alkatiff Ten pieces of fine white Linnen One Pikol of the best Cloves One Case of Rose-Water Two hundred and sixty Katty of Sandal-wood in three pieces The Vice-Roy and General falling in Discourse with the Agents ask'd how long they had been from Batavia Whereupon they answer'd about seventy days Then they ask'd in what time they could come from Holland to China Answer was made in about eight Months at which they marvel'd exceedingly and likewise at their answer to the question If there were any Horses Cows Hogs Sheep Fruit and Herbage and they reply'd By thousands and more than in China Next they enquir'd Why they came with such a Fleet on their Coast Whereto the Agents said To serve the mighty Emperor of China and to prosecute that great Pyrate Coxinga to do him all the damage they could both by Sea and Land because said they He without ever giving any notice or reasons thereof came with an Army in a Warlike Fleet the last Year in April and set upon the Netherlanders in the Islands of Formosa and Tayowan and in nine Months time not only made himself Master of the Countrey but also took the Castle Zelandia from them into his own possession therefore we seek to unite with the Emperor of China his Forces and make a League with him to Engage Coxinga both by Sea and Land till we have Conquer'd and brought him under the subjection of his Imperial Majesty Whereupon the Vice-Roy and General Reply'd The Islanders of Quemuy and Eymuy have already Treated on Peace and made ready their Ambassadors to come to the Court of Peking to obtain the Emperor's Ratification Being ask'd upon what Articles they began to smile and answer'd they could not tell Then the Hollanders enquir'd if they knew where their Prisoners were and if there was no likelihood to get them releas'd They reply'd they were in Quemuy and that they would use their best endeavors in a short time to send them to their Ships Then the Ambassadors propos'd if they might not take possession of some place on the Main Continent of China or on some Island for the Harboring their Ships They answer'd you are free to choose any good place either on the Main or any Island where you please and to take possession of it and likewise to put into all Havens Bays and Rivers on the Coast of China to take in Water and Firing buy Provisions and in bad Weather seek for a safe Harbor To which purpose We will Command Our Subin all Havens Bays and Rivers to aid and assist you which We doubt not but they will perform The Agents asking them to Grant them leave for the disposing those few Merchandize for Money which were loaden in their Ships to pay and refresh their Men with The Vice-Roy and General answer'd That they had no Power but they must have Order from the Emperor at Peking but had they moved it before they might perhaps have had Authority to Grant After these Discourses ended every one according to the fashion of the Countrey was placed by himself at a Table viz. the Vice-Roy Singlamong the General Taysang Lipovi the Admiral Santing Houbethetok the Governor of Zwamsifoe the Vice-Admiral Van Campen Constantine Nobel and Bodel the Assistant beside several Mandarins Their Meat was all brought and set upon the Tables in Golden Chargers and their Drink fill'd out in Cups of Gold rarely Imboss'd so that their Entertainment was very splendid After Dinner the Vice-Roy carry'd them through his whole Army and shew'd them his Forces making some of his Soldiers to be Exercis'd before them Towards the Evening the Agents taking their leave returning humble thanks for the Honor they had receiv'd they Mounted their Horses and Rode towards their Lodgings where the remainder of the Feast and Banquets which they had left at Dinner was brought after them and according to the manner of the Countrey they were visited and Complemented by divers Persons of Quality The fifth being Thursday the Agents prepar'd themselves to deliver their Excellencies Letters from Batavia to the General Taysang Lipovi with the Letter and small Presents sent to the same Lord from Admiral Bort viz. One Pound and four Ounces of Amber one String of fifty five Corals one Amber Hour-Glass with a tender of the other Presents sent from Batavia which were yet on board About eight a Clock the Tartars brought eight Horses to the Agents Quarters with which they Rode with their Attendants into the Field about a Canon shot from the Vice-Roy to the General Lipovi Coming into his Presence the Agents made their Obeisance delivering the Letter and were commanded to sit down with the Letter they also proffer'd him the Presents which were for the same reasons as the Vice-Roy Singlamong gave refus'd The Contents of the Letter were thus John Maetzuiker Governor and the Council for the Netherland States in the Countrey of India send this Letter with our kind Salutation to Taisang Lipovi General and Deputy Governor of the Territory Fokien for the Great Emperor of Tartary and China SO soon
answers rewarding the Servants took their leaves and Rode to the Inn whither all the Meat that was left on their Tables was brought in Chinesy Suebas About the Evening nineteen Jonks came thither from the Isles of Quemuy and Eymuy Laden with Pepper Cloth and other Merchandize wherefore none of the Netherlanders were permitted to go that day nor the next out of their Lodgings Yet the Agents sent out Ships to enquire what those of the Isles Barter'd their Commodities for who coming back inform'd them that they exchange Rice and other Commodities for the Inhabitants on those Isles wanted Provision extreamly because the Tartars had Burnt and Ruin'd all the Towns Villages and Hamlets which stood along the Shore on the Main of China leaving nothing but heaps of Rubbish to testifie their former being Neither were any People allow'd to live within three Leagues of the Shore for those that were found in the foremention'd Limits were put to Death without Mercy so to prevent all manner of supply either of Provisions or Merchandize to go from those or the Main to their Associates the publick Enemy In the Evening came three Negro's who could speak Portuguese and running away from Makou a Factory of Portugal were now in service amongst the Tartar Horse these entring the Agents Lodgings fell upon the Hollanders with reproachful Language The seventh being Saturday the Agents Rode in the Morning with their Attendants to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Lipovi into the Army with Request to both That they would be pleas'd to Sign what they had in words promis'd them that they might give it to their Masters the Lord General and the Lords of the Indian Council and to the Admiral Bort viz. that they promis'd to do their best endeavors if it were possible to send the Prisoners aboard the Hollanders Ships and secondly that they may put into all Harbors Havens and Rivers on the Coast of China with their Ships and to Sail to and from all Islands to get Water Firing and Provisions for Money for their Sea-men and in bad Weather choose any good Harbor to secure their Vessels in Thirdly That those Goods which were in their Ships might be privately sold in Hoksieu whereto the Vice-Roy answer'd about eighteen or twenty days since as I said before I am to be in Hoksieu then I will consult with the Governor if you may sell those Goods there which you have brought in your Ships which I no ways doubt But as to what concerns the Journey of your Forces with ours to Ruine Coxinga and his Party there is no more to be said of it for those of the Isles are now Treating with us concerning a Peace so that the Admiral must be silent therein yet if he should chance to meet with any of their Jonks or Vessels at Sea or in Harbors Havens or Rivers he may take and carry them away nevertheless it would be better to let them pass rather than to disturb the Coast of China with such sudden Alarms Then the Agents made a complaint to the Vice-Roy and General of the three Negro's that abus'd them the other Night whereupon they were immediately brought and severely punish'd before them Lastly The Vice-Roy desir'd the Ambassadors that their followers would stay and be merry with them and shew some skill in their way of Dancing but they making excuses for them and taking their leave went to Sinksieu The eighth being Sunday in the Morning the Chinesy Interpreter Lakka with the two Hoksiean Mandarins belonging to the Vice-Roy's Mother were sent to the Vice-Roy in the Army to request that the Agents might return to Hoksieu After some stay the Vice-Roy sent some of his Servants with fifteen Horses Sadled and very richly furnish'd to their Lodgings to carry them thorow the City to the Army Having therefore made ready some small Presents they mounted and rode directly to the Army addressing themselves in an humble manner to the General and the rest of the Captains giving them thanks for the Honor they had receiv'd Hereupon according to order the Interpreter Lakka appearing proffer'd the Vice-Roy in the Vice-Admiral Iohn van Campen's Name a great Case with fifteen Flasks of Brandy sixteen Rummers sixteen Beer-glasses six handsom Knives with a Bever Hat The General Taising Lipovi receiv'd from the Hands of the same Interpreter in the Admirals Name a Bever Hat a pair of Pistols and Holsters eight Flasks of Brandy eight with Spanish Wine three Knives three Rummers and three Beer-glasses The Presents given to Haitangkong Governor of Hoksieu was a Castor six Dutch Knives three Rummers three Beer-glasses six Flasks with Spanish Wine and six with Brandy The Lord Santing Houbethetok Admiral of the Sea and Governor of the City Zwansifoe was also presented with a Castor five Flasks of Spanish Wine and five of Brandy three Rummers three Beer-glasses and five Dutch Knives all which though of a small value were accepted with extraordinary kindness After this the Agents had a long Discourse with these four Great Ministers who promis'd to assist them in all that lay within their Power alledging as a proof thereof That they had already sent their Generals Letter to the Emperor and written in their behalf so that they did not doubt to get them Licence for a Free Trade through the whole Empire But at last the Vice-Roy added You Hollanders must not be too hasty for We are not to be forc'd to grant any thing to you much less can We joyn our Forces and make a League with you against the grand Pyrate Coxinga both by Sea and Land before We have Order from the Emperor at his Court in Peking We have continu'd he Power to perform what We have promis'd you As Freedom to put into all Havens Bays and Rivers lying on the main Coast of China and the adjacent Isles to fetch Water Wood and buy Provision and furnish your selves with other Necessaries nay We will accommodate you with it upon a free Accompt Nay more you have full Licence to take a convenient place in possession which is provided of a good Harbor either on the main Coast of China or on one of the Islands in the River Hoksieu or on one of these Places Tenhai Sotiha Kitat or Onkia every one of which have large and safe Havens for the accommodation of many Ships As to what concerns your Prisoners We will speedily send away Letters to the Governors of the Islands Quemuy and Eymuy to inquire if they be there If so We promise to procure their Liberty and send them aboard your Ships Lastly The Vice-Roy and General caus'd the Interpreter Lakka to tell them That if they would stay four or five days in Sinksieu they should have an Answer of their Letters from the Governors of the Islands and so hear if the Prisoners be there or not But if they would depart they must tarry sixteen or seventeen days in Hoksieu for the Vice-Roy and Generals coming thither
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
an Anchor before Eymuy to prevent the Eenemy from making an escape and in so doing you will oblige me At present I have little of fresh Provision to send you yet be pleas'd to accept this small Present viz. five Porkers fifty Capons fifty Ducks five Pots with Liquor some Crabs and ten Picols of Radishes To this Letter he answer'd That on Singlamong's Request to secure him and his Jonks from the Enemy he would command eight of his Ships to Sail to Lissoe and that they would not fail with the rest of their Fleet to come to the Tartars assistance No sooner was this Answer on Shore but Lipovi sent a second Request and that he need not trouble himself for he was sufficiently Guarded by Tonganpek with his Forces therefore if he would be pleas'd to come ashore he and his Mandarins would entertain him in the fairest House in the Island Upon which Invitation first chusing two Jonks for his own use out of those which he had taken he went ashore accompanied with the Vice-Admiral Huibert de Lairesse and Captain Poleman The General being assembled with his principal Mandarins in young Coxinga's House receiv'd the Admiral with great courtesie and real joy Lipovi also ascrib'd the honor of the Victory to the Netherlanders telling them That it was not themselves but they that had put the Enemy to the rout that he had seen the Engagement at Sea before Eymuy and sufficiently heard of that at Quemuy for which much rejoycing he highly extoll'd their Valor Whereupon he assur'd the Admiral That though he was not able to make satisfaction for the Service which they had done to his Countrey he would endeavor that the Emperor should Lipovy having ended his Discourse the Admiral return'd in like manner how glad he was for his Victory at Eymuy wishing him many more not doubting but he should scowre the Sea and clear the Port and Harbors from the Coxingans that Pyratick Rabble After this the Admiral made three Requests to the General First That he would be pleas'd to write a Letter to the Konbon in Hoksieu and give Order in it that the Goods which Captain Nobel and the Merchant Hogenhook had in Hoksieu might be sold off Secondly That they might not stay long there but prosecute the Enemy on Quemuy and the other Isles Thirdly That the Tartars should then go with the Netherlanders to Formosa and assist them in driving the Pirates from thence The first and second Request Lipovi absolutely granted the Admiral promising more That he would not fail to get them what they so much desir'd a free Trade through the Empire and that within two days they would Sail together to Quemuy But concerning the third Proposal of going with the Netherlanders to Tayowan he made no promise but said That perhaps would follow after the rest of their work was finish'd Then Lipovi recounted to him what purchase they had upon the Isle consisting only in a few Cattel and Sheep of which he sent forty Oxen and some of the Sheep aboard the Netherland Ships promising them the whole Plunder of the other Isles that his Men might not be discourag'd but might venture their Lives for something Whilst the Admiral was ashore three Champans with Chinese Rusticks came amongst the Fleet which dwelt on the Main Land near Goutsoe with Request to the Netherlanders to grant them a Pass to go to the Tartars and submit themselves to his Subjection by cutting their Hair like the Tartars and paying of Tribute which the Admiral so soon as he came aboard granted them in requital whereof they gave him four Hogs and five Pots of Chinese Beer The Rusticks being ask'd concerning the condition of the Chinese Enemies declar'd That they were all fled away from thence in the night none knowing whither they were gone The two and twentieth the Admiral receiv'd a Letter from his Highness and the Vice-Roy Singlamong in Thanks for his gotten Victories over the Chineses with Intreaties that he would Sail with the Fleet to the Isle of Goutsoe The same day Captain Poleman and the Secretary were sent ashore to deliver to the Vice-Roy and General what so long had slept and would not be at first receiv'd the Letter and Presents from Maetzuiker and the Council at Batavia and to request of Lipovi that he would be pleas'd according to his promise the day before to write to the Conbon and with it send a Letter which the Admiral had given to Poleman and the Secretary and directed to Constantine Nobel at Hoksieu The Agents having receiv'd their Orders went in two Sloops to the General whom they found on the Main Land opposite to Colongsoe and after a kind Salutation to him from Maetzuiker they deliver'd him the Letter which the General having perus'd declar'd that their Excellencies Letters were very acceptable yet it seem'd strange that they should send Presents when they knew it was not his Custom to receive any but if they were useful in War he would accept of them to which being soon perswaded he requir'd them as they were brought before him and commanded them without opening to be carry'd to his Tent only returning the Complement of Thanks promising also to unite to the Conbon in Hoksieu in the behalf of the Hollanders there After this the Agents having been nobly entertain'd by Lipovi took their leave and departed The three and twentieth the Fleet having fir'd three Guns set Sail to the Isle of Goutsoe accompany'd with the Tartars and about Noon they came to Anchor a League and half South-West from the Island not being able by reason of a calm and contrary Tide to double the North fore-Fore-land while the Tartar Jonks Anchor'd before Lissoe from whence the Admiral was desir'd by Sietetok and Tonganpek to come ashore whither having resolv'd to go before he went with Lairesse Captain Poleman and three Companies of Soldiers to the Isle of Goutsoe from whence the Enemy was fled and they took possession of three new rais'd Forts which were deserted one of them with a Castle and though not very beautiful yet strong for the Walls and Breast-Works which were twenty three Foot high were made of firm Stones and the Curtain on the Walls six Foot broad the whole in Circumference as big as the Castle at Batavia but nothing was found in it except Stools Benches the Tartars having been there and Plunder'd all and thirty nine unserviceable Iron Guns which lay about of these the Hollanders making themselves Masters plac'd Centinels to look over them till they had opportunity of Shipping The next day there came Letters from Lipovi that he had given Order to dismantle the three Castles excusing it from the infertility of the Countrey as unfit for the Hollanders to make any thing of either to improve or Garrison and that Formosa was much better for them to resettle upon which they need not doubt but the Tartars should help them to regain and then they should possess it as formerly but the
Evening the Admiral follow'd by one of the Tartar Jonks set Sail and the next Morning without having gain'd much Ground because of the strong Tyde towards the South he came to an Anchor about half a League to the Southward of Tankoya The six Chinese Hostages which were left in stead of the three Hollanders that went by Land to Tayowan related and declar'd at the drinking of a Cup of Tee with the Admiral That most of the Chineses which were then an Formosa were not inclin'd to stay there long but much rather would go to the Coast of China their native Countrey where they had Friends and submit themselves to the Tartars That the old Coxinga came to Formosa with his Soldiers none was to be blam'd but one Pinqua who was the onely Person that advis'd him to it and since they did not find it on Formosa as they had been told but on the contrary lost a great many of their Men in the War and Sickness occasion'd from the unwholsom Air and besides having now lost Eymuy and Quemuy therefore the Chineses do not at all esteem of this Pinqua nay the Soldiers and others have desir'd to cut his Flesh alive from his Bones and every one eat a piece of it if it might have been permitted In the Evening the Ionker Frigat sent from the Haven of Tayowan by the Vice-Admiral Lairesse brought a Letter to the Admiral from the Chinese Governors which was to this effect We the Governors of Formosa Gamia Siautongsiong Koulavja Anglavja Owilavja Tanlavja and another Tanlavja write in their Names this Letter to the Lord Admiral WE desire nothing but Peace We have receiv'd Letters from the Tartar but will not hearken to it nor have any thing to do with him You write in Your Letter which We have receiv'd to send You two Agents It is true We have lost Eymuy and Quemuy and also Goutsoe but We care not for them for we deserted them freely and suffer'd the Tartars to come into them We have fought against the same Tartars and slain Bethetok and other of their Officers They have 't is true destroy'd and burnt the Towns and Habitations upon the Islands Eymuy Quemuy and Goutsoe and pull'd down some of the Fortresses but have not had the courage to keep them so that We very well know what People they are In former times You Hollanders have Engag'd with Us in the Piscadores Baxembay and Loakkau so that We know Your Customs and You Ours We have lost the Fight at Quemuy and suffer'd Our Cities there to be taken by them but this was done by Your help We have lost a great many Men on Our part but also know that You likewise have had some loss But now a Letter is brought to Me by two Mandarins from Sepoan commanding that We shall endeavor to make Peace with You and give You a Place to Trade in Therefore if You are willing to agree with Us on that account or not let Us know with speed As to what concerns Us We have order from Sepoan to agree with the Admiral that We may live as Friends and Brothers We have also understood by Your Letter that if We do not send Agents to You in two days that then You will use Hostility against Us seeing Your Writing was somewhat harsh We have thought Your Proposal to be of like kind But if You are minded to agree We will grant Your Requests and make a beginning whilst the two Agents from Sepoan are here therefore what the one hath to say to the other ought now to be known The Letter written by the Lord-Admiral to the Prisoners We have deliver'd to them If You will not credit Us send Assam ashore to examine the truth This Letter was Seal'd with Owiden's Seal in the Title call'd Owilavia The twenty ninth the Admiral set Sail again with the Ionker Frigat but the Tartar Jonks went back The thirtieth in the Morning the Admiral was got two Leagues to the Northward of the Cape of Tankoya where by contrary Tydes he was again forc'd to an Anchor and by two Persons that came from Tayowan he received a Letter from the young Coxinga otherwise call'd Sepoan and Kimsia who at that time resided on Tangsoa They also proffer'd the Admiral as a Present twenty Pieces of Silk Stuffs four Frails of Iapan Tobacco and ten Iapan Apples which he modestly refus'd except the Apples In this Letter nothing more was proffer'd the Netherlanders than the Island Lamoa as appears more at large by the Letter it self as follows TSiovan a Servant to Tsioubontok is come back and hath brought good tydings from the Lord-Admiral with a Relation That the Hollanders were inclin'd to make Peace with us We have receiv'd the Letter from the Admiral written to the Netherland Prisoners and understood the Contents of it I much rejoyce at the great love which the Hollanders bear to their Prisoners In the last Southern Mouson the Hollanders coming with Ships into the Piscadores they deliver'd a Letter to the Mandarin who durst not of himself take upon him to grant what they desir'd therefore he hath sent the Letter to Me on which I sent one to the Admiral wherein I desire to make Peace with the Hollanders But my Letter coming to the Piscadores they were gone from thence with their Ships to Hoksieu On the Admirals coming with his Ships to Quemuy a Servant was sent from Tsioubontok or Tonbeenpek with a Letter to the Holland Admiral to which he had sent Answer That he had agreed with the Tartars and therefore could not make Peace with the Chineses nor that he had any reason to break the League with them Therefore because we could not then agree with you we Fought together in which Fight indeed a great many Rusticks were kill'd in Quemuy but we suppose that some of the Hollanders were also slain Our intentions were not to Fight with them but we thought to have made Peace All the Villagers on the Islands and those which dwell along the Sea-Coast have been under my subjection I also lov'd them as I do your Nation Therefore I send two Mandarins Houpou-Thousou-Iapien and Lungeugia Tsiouki whom I have commanded to endeavor to agree with you and we hope you will not be backward in agreeing with us which will be good for both because we shall make good advantage by your Trade If we agree then you Hollanders must forsake the Tartars Friendship that we may not fear them and when the Peace is concluded we will give you the Island Lamoa and deliver you your Prisoners then we can Trade together and you come with your Ships to us and we with ours to you which to testifie that I mean it from my heart I take the Heavens to witness Written in the twelfth Moon the first Day Underneath was fix'd Sepoan's Seal The Messengers that brought this Letter related That they had first been in the Piscadores and from thence according to their
for Us Christians but strictly forbidden by Our Superior Magistrates Therefore We give every one knowledge and warning not to dispose of any of the Maids or Youths or other Chineses either here at Poele Timon or Batavia to Mahumetans or Idolaters neither to barter nor give them away to such on pain of those Punishments decreed for such Offences And that such Misdoers may be found out every one shall be oblig'd to give an Account of how many they have to Our appointed Officers that they may take their Names in Writing And this to be set up in all the Ships of the Fleet lying at an Anchor before Poele Timon Dated the eighth of March 1664. The tenth it was concluded in the Council That since there was not Provision enough to be had for the Fleet and that which was there very dear to go thence to the Isle of Laver in hopes to be better provided Towards which having weigh'd Anchor they set Sail in the Evening and about midnight arriv'd there On his departure the Admiral left a Letter with the Inhabitants of Poele Timon to deliver to the Rere-Admiral Verwei in which he advis'd him of all what had hapned since they parted The twelfth it was resolv'd in Council that Evening to proceed on their Voyage to Batavia according to which they weigh'd Anchor and set Sail. The thirteenth the Fleet sail'd by Poele Panjang and on the fourteenth pass'd Lingen and Poele Saya and in the Evening Poele Toesjouw The fifteenth towards Night they pass'd by the Rock Frederick Hendrick and towards Evening entred the Straights of Banka The twentieth the Fleet stemm'd the Thousand Islands and in the Evening Anchor'd in twenty eight Fathom and were about three Leagues distant from the Isle of Edam The next day being the one and twentieth the Fleet came to an Anchor at Batavia with ten Ships The Sea-hound Frigat sent thither with the Quemuy Jonk with Letters from the Piscadores were also arriv'd there and likewise two other Jonks Towards Evening the Admiral Balthazar Bort Vice-Admiral Huibert de Lairesse the Council of War and Commanders of all the Ships went ashore and were courteously receiv'd by his Excellency the Lord Maetzuiker who inviting them to Dinner the next day the Admiral related all his Adventures to him deliver'd him also his Papers and a List of the Prisoners and the Chinese Children which were in all two hundred forty three viz. fifty nine Men a hundred forty eight Male Children and thirty six Female Mean while the Rear-Admiral Bartholomew Verwei who on the twenty fourth of February set Sail with four Ships from the Piscadores to the Coast of China to transport the revolted Chineses and land them about Puthay or the River Chincheo the twenty sixth came to an Anchor at the Island Colongsoe where he desir'd the Tartar Agents that they would with one of their Vessels fetch away the Chineses to which purpose he put the Agents ashore at the City Eymuy The next day they brought a Jonk into which they were put with their Arms and likewise the Letters given to the Agents to be deliver'd the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Lipovi with which the Agents went to the City Chincheo The twenty eighth a Tartar Vessel came aboard the Rere-Admiral in which was a shaven Chinese call'd Hionko which had formerly liv'd in Batavia and spoke Portuguese who told him That he was sent by Sitetok with Request to Verwei That he would please to come to him to Haytin a Place about a League and a half from thence to a Treat but Verwei being sickly put it off This Hionko also related That the Enemy with his Forces lay yet in Tangsoa and durst not go to Tayowan fearing the Dutch Ships that lay before it and that about fourteen days since five thousand Men came to them in sixty Jonks which then lay at Haytan that the Commanders which came in the said Jonks desir'd to inhabit the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy which if it were permitted them the Prime of the Coxingans would come over to them But the Vice-Roy Singlamong had denied and would not hearken thereto alledging That when another Holland Fleet should come again on the Coast they would then without any further trouble submit The first of March the Overveen Cogge and Buiksloot Frigats came to an Anchor by the Rere-Admiral The third being Monday Verwei set Sail with his four Ships that according to Order he might proceed on his Voyage to Batavia and in the Afternoon found himself half a League beyond the Island with the Hole his Course South-South-West The fourth he descry'd Lammo an Isle in the North-West four Leagues from the Fleet in twenty two and twenty three Fathom Water and in the Evening the Sands Nor-West and by West within five Leagues The fifth being Wednesday Verwei came amongst a Company of Chinese Fishers of which he thought to overtake one or by firing of a Gun make him strike but in vain for they by their nimble sailing got clear away In the Forenoon they saw Pedro Branco and about Noon were in twenty two Degrees eleven Minutes Northern Latitude Towards Evening they descry'd the Isles Lemas Nor-West three Leagues from them The eighth being Saturday in the Morning they had Tinhosa in the West five Leagues distant and at Noon in the Nor-West his Course being South-South-West Munday the tenth about Sun-rising they saw Poele Canton West-South-West four Leagues from them and at Noon by Observation found themselves in fifteen Degrees and three Minutes Northern Latitude and at Sun-set descry'd the Box Horns in the South-West and by South The eleventh they discern'd the Cape Averello in the South and by West six Leagues from them and Poele Cambier de Terre in the Nor-West and by West at three Leagues distance The twelfth in the Morning they reach'd the Round Holm being three Leagues to the West and by North and the Bay of Pangerang in the Nor-West at the same distance The thirteenth early they saw Poele Cecier de Mare in the South-East and by East about six Leagues from them and the fourteenth at Noon the Point of Sinques Iagues about five Leagues to the Nor-West The fifteenth being Saturday they had still sight of the high Land of Cambodia On Monday they saw Poele Candor in the Nor-West about three Leagues distance The twentieth in the Morning they had the Isle of Timon in the South towards which Verwei steer'd his Course with the other Ships and in the Afternoon dropp'd Anchor on the West side of the great Sandy Bay in eighteen Fathom Water The Inhabitants of this Place inform'd Verwei That the Admiral Bort had been there ten days with the rest of the Fleet. The same day Verwei set Sail again about Noon from Poele Timon and was the next day in the South-West and by South four Leagues from Poele Panjang which lay Nor-Nor-West two Leagues from him The following Day the East Point of Lingen bore West-South-West from
belong to the Emperor of China but to certain Free Lords which they call'd the Min. The first that joyn'd it to the Empire of China was the chief of the Family Cheu yet the Inhabitants soon shook off that Yoke and kept themselves free till the fortunate and valiant Emperor Hiaou of the Family of Han reduced and added it to China with all the Southern Territories setling them in Peace and placed a Vice-Roy over it call'd Veuching who kept his Court in the Metropolis thereof Cyn the first King thereof call'd the chief City and the Tract of Land thereto belonging Cyngan the next King Sui nam'd the Countrey Mencheu but the Tangs of another Line Kiencheu and not long after Focheu which Name the Taimingian Race kept ever since This Countrey Focheufu contains eight Cities Focheu the Metropolis and chief of all the Countrey otherwise call'd Hoksieu or Hokzieuw Cutien Mincing Changlo Lienkiang Loquen Iangfo Focing The City Focheu by Paulus Venetus call'd Fugui lieth about fifteen Leagues Westerly from the Sea on the Southern Shore of the River Min which with a wide Mouth falls Easterly into the Sea and brings both great and small Vessels up to the City Walls The convenience of this River makes the Town very populous and of great Trade It is adorn'd with fair Buildings and hath large Suburbs call'd Nantai otherwise according to the pronunciation of the Inhabitants Lamthay for those in Fokien use in stead of N the Letter L. and often say Lamking in stead of Nanking There are also many Idol Temples Cross the Bay near Nantai lies a Stone Bridge a hundred and fifty Rods long and one and a half broad built all of white Free-stone resting on a hundred very high Arches on the top of each side are Rails and Benches adorn'd at an equal distance with Lyons neatly cut of Stone Next this Bridge at the South end stands a fair and large Pagode or Temple Another Bridge not unlike this being a hundred Rods long may be seen at the City Focing And many more are without and within the Walls of the chiefest Cities Three Leagues from Focheu stands a Temple call'd Kouzan the largest of all in the Nether Provinces The second Division Civencheufu borders from the East to the South-east and so to the South upon the Sea and from the South-west to the West touches Chancheufu and on the North verges with Ienpingfu This Countrey formerly belong'd to the Princes Min and hath seven Cities Civencheu the chief Nangan Hocigan Tehoa Ganki Tunygan and Iungehung The City Civencheu lies near the Sea in a delightful Plain and admits by a large Bay the greatest Ships to Ride close under the Walls not onely on one but both sides of the City for it is built on a Promontory encompass'd with Water except on the North and South-east sides On the opposite Shore are many populous and Trading Towns and chiefly on a Place towards the North-west call'd Loyang which may rather be look'd upon as great Cities There also is a Bridge which hath the same denomination with the Town the whole World not shewing the like for it consists of a black Stone like Touch-stone not supported with Arches but above three hundred square Columns sharp above Bridge and below the better to break the impetuous egress and regress of the Current These Pillars are Capp'd to walk upon with five Stones of an exact breadth each eighteen Paces long and two broad which successively touch one another at either Foot of the Bridge of which there are to the number of a hundred and forty it is certainly a Miracle of Workmanship not onely for its great number of Stones of such a bigness that rest on those Columns but most of all where so many large and equal Stones could be had on each side to make the Passage the safer are Rails of the same Stones adorn'd with Lyons standing on Pedestals and other Imagery It is worth our observation what is written of one part of this Bridge that is between a Village call'd Loyan and a Castle built on the Bridge for beyond the Village reaches another part not much less than the former and of one make A Chinese Writer saith thus concerning it This part of the Bridge Loyang and also call'd Vangan lying on the North-west side of the City cross the River Loyang was built by a Governor call'd Cayang it extends in length to about three hundred and sixty Rods and in breadth one and a half Before this Bridge was built they cross'd the River in Boats but because every year many Vessels were by Storm cast away Cayang resolv'd for the safety of Passengers to build a Bridge but seeing such a great piece of Work to be too much for Mankind to undertake and also the Water too deep to lay a Foundation in it he invok'd the Gods of the Sea as he says for some time to stop the Current of the Water which if you will believe he obtain'd After the Essluxes were stay'd and no Tydes swelling the River in one and twenty days the Foundation was laid and forty hundred thousand Tail spent in the building of it The third Province call'd Chancheufu being the most Southern of all this Territory borders in the North-East and East with Civenchufu on the East South-East and South with the Sea on the South-West touches the Countrey of Quantung on the West and North-West and North at Tingcheufu It contains ten Cities of which Chancheu is the chiefest the rest are Changpu Lugnien Nancing Changtai Changping Pingho Chaogang Huicing and Ningyang The Name of Chancheu was first given to this Metropolis and Countrey by the Family of the Tang from the River Chang on whose Western Shore situate and was then allow'd the priviledge of a small City but the Iuem made her afterwards a Metropolis and at the same time built the small City Nancing from whence Father Martin concludes that then all these Places were much frequented by Navigators and that Paulus Venetus his Zerte must needs be thereabouts On the South-side where the River also washes the City is a large Bridge of Hew'n-stone with thirty six high Arches and so broad that on each side are divers Tradesmen and Artificers Shops in which they sell every day all manner of rich and foreign Commodities which are brought thither from Hiamuen The fourth call'd Kienningfu a very wide and spacious piece of Land borders on the North and North-East upon Chekiang on the East with Foningfu on the South at Focheufu and Ienpingfu on the West at Xaonufu on the North West and North upon Kiangsi This Division belong'd antiently to the Princes Min after which the Family Tang gave it the Name of Kiencheu and Sung another Race that which it hath at present Here are seven Towns whereof Kienning is the chiefest the rest are Cungan Puchiang Chingo Sunghi and Xeuning The City Kienning lying on the Eastern Shore of the
River Min is no way inferior either in beauty or worth or bigness to the Metropolis Father Martin affirms this City to be Venetus his Quelingfu In this last Tartarick War this City suffer'd much damage for having revolted from the Tartars it was taken after a long Siege and laid in Ashes and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword The Fire consum'd here a Bridge over the swift River Min the Pillars whereof were of an exceeding heighth of Free-stone the other parts of Wood beautifi'd on the top with Houses and Shops on each side but since by re-building it hath re-gain'd somewhat of former lustre Beyond the Bridge on the opposite Shore stands a stately Pagode Most of the new Buildings fall short of their old beauty notwithstanding the Chinese Towns that are consum'd by Fire are much more easily re-built than those in Europe because most of them are nothing but Wood. Near the City Kienning is another fair Bridge with Shops and Houses on both sides This City Kienning is a Place of great Trade for all those Commodities that come either up or down the River must pass through it When they come to the City Pucing they are taken out of the Vessels and by Porters carry'd to a Village call'd Pinghu belonging to the City Kiangxan over high Mountains and deep Valleys four days Journey In like manner they are carry'd from Pinghu to Puching The whole Way as much as is possible to be done by the Art or Labor of Man is made even and Pav'd with square Stones along whose sides are built many Houses and Villages onely to entertain Travellers The Merchandises being first weighed are deliver'd to the Master of the Inn which send them for a certain Gratuity by Porters to other Places where the Merchant without any trouble receives them If any thing chance to be lost the Host is bound to make it good Here are always above ten thousand Porters ready which wait to receive the Goods and carry them over the Mountains Because of this Carriage of so many Goods a House stands erected for the receiving a small Custom or Duty towards the maintaining and reparation of the High-ways The fifth Tract of Land call'd Ienpingfu makes the Centre of this Territory and borders in the East at the chief County Focheufu in the South and South-West at Civencheufu and Kancheufu on the West and North at Tingcheufu Xaounfu and Kienningfu King Cyn was the first that call'd the chief City and the Countrey thereto belonging Ienping the Family Tang nam'd it Kiencheu that of Sung Nankien but Taiming restor'd its antient Name Ienping This Ienpingfu contains seven Towns and Cities of which Ienping is the chiefest next Cianglo Xa Yonki Xunchan Iungan and Tatien The City Ienping lieth on the Western Shore of the River Min from whence it rises with its Buildings up the Hills rendring a delightful Prospect to those that pass by and though none of the biggest yet it is beautifi'd with several fair Houses The Walls exceed in heighth the neighboring Ascents which on the out-sides are inaccessible making the City very strong and indeed the Key to the whole Territory On the East-side is a Lake made by the Rivers Min and Si. Almost every House is furnish'd with Water convey'd to them through Pipes from the Mountains which Convenience no other Place in China hath Not far distant lay over the Rivers Min and Si two fair Bridges near which are two Temples The Town of Xa lieth on the Northern Shore of the River Taisu though formerly on the Southern Shore but was by the Emperors Order pull'd down to the Ground and left desolate because in it a young Man had Murder'd his Father The sixth Division being Tingcheufu is the most Western of this Territory borders Easterly on Ienpingfu on the South-East at Quantung on the West at that of Kiangsi and on the North Xaounfu This Countrey belong'd also heretofore to the Princes Min King Cyn gave it the Name of Sinlo and the Tang Family that which it bears at present in which Tincheufu was only a small Town but the Taimingian Family made it a chief City This Countrey contains eight Towns and Cities viz. Tingcheu the chief Winghon Xanghang Vuping Cinglieu Lienching Queihon and Iungting The seventh County call'd Hinghaofu is a small yet fruitful Countrey and borders on the East and South-East with the Sea on the South at Civencheufu on the West at Ienpingfu on the North at the Tract of Land belonging to the Metropolis Focheu King Sui gave it first the Name of Putien the Family Sung that of Hinghoa which signifies A Budding Flower afterwards the same Family call'd it Hingan but by the Taimingian the antient Name of Hinghoa was restor'd This Shire hath onely two Cities whereof Hinghoa is the chief the other call'd Sienlieu is but small but the Countrey abounds with Villages and Hamlets All the Ways being sixty Stadia's long and a Rod in breadth are Pav'd with square Free-stone The City Hinghoa is very neatly built and adorn'd with many triumphal Arches and full of Colledges for the training up of Youth in Literature and encouragement of Learning At the Foot of the Mount Hocung South-Eastwards from Hinghoa lies a Village in splendor and bigness of Buildings like a great City but hath neither Walls nor any Priviledges belonging to it yet many rich Merchants reside there which Traffick through all China On the Shore of the Lake Ching lying at the Foot of the Mount Chiniven Northward from Hinghoa stands a great Palace with ten Gardens belonging to it in which before either Rain or tempestuous Weather happens as the Chineses say is a ringing noise heard like the sound of a Bell. The eighth County being Xaounfu borders Easterly at Kienningfu in the South at Ienpingfeu and Tingcheufeu in the West North-West and North at the Territory Kiangsia This Division reckons four Cities the chief of which is Xaouw the rest Quangce Taining and Kienning The City Xaouw the most Northern of this Territory was antiently a mean Place under the Princes of Mins Jurisdiction and was first fortifi'd with Walls and the Title of City given it by the Family call'd Tang yet hath ever preserv'd its Name of Xaouw It lies Westerly of the River Cu and is cut through by the River Ciao which poures its Streams into the Cu and from thence by several small Channels waters the City Because this County is a firm and profitable Soyl and on the Borders of Countreys whose Passage is troublesom it is fortifi'd with several Castles Garison'd with Soldiers The small Tract of Land belonging to the City Foning a Mountainous Countrey and the most Eastern of this Territory borders in the East and South-East at the Sea in the South and South-West at Fochenfu in the West at Kiennunfu in the North at the Territory of Chekiang It contains three Towns Foning Fogang and Mingte The Ways through the Mountains are very
The second County call'd Kiahingfu every where water'd with Rivers and Lakes borders in the East upon the Sea in the South upon a part of the Ocean and part of Hangcheufu Westward at Hucheufu and in the North at Sucheufu and Sungkiangfu the Territory of Nanking and a part of the Lake call'd Tai. This Shire contains six Cities viz. Kiahing Kiaxeny Hayeni Pinghu Cungte and Tungchiang The Metropolis Kiahing was formerly a small City and subject to Sucheu but growing in Riches and Greatness in the Reign of the Taimingian Family it was made the Head City or Metropolis and chang'd its former Name Siucheu to Kiahing The City Kiahang being the most Northern of the whole Province lies as if it were Moated about with Rivulets of Water full of stately and well built Structures flourishing with variety of its own Product having in all Places Riches and Plenty All the Streets of the City are Arch'd under which they walk as in a Piatzo or Exchange free from Wind and Weather and sheltred from Sun and Rain Without the City are several Triumphal Arches erected and on the West side near the River in one peculiar Place which they Sail by with their Ships or Vessels stand sixteen of these Arches in a Square all built of Marble Athwart the River stands a Bridge of Marble with many Arches seventy Paces long and likewise a Tower thrusting forth towards the Skye nine Pinacles or Spires All the Shores without the City are wharfed with square Free-stone of which also the lesser Bridges are made that lead over them There are forty more fair Bridges leading to several parts of the City besides a great many less scarce to be numbred The third County being Hucheufu borders in the East with Kiahingfu in the South upon Hangcheufu in the West verges the Province of Nanking in the North at the Lake Tai. This was formerly a Kingdom of it self and nominated Tung which first was possess'd by King V. and afterwards by Ine then by Cu. The Family Cyn gave this County and its Head City the Name of Uching that of Tang call'd it Hucheu that is The City of the Lake because of the neighboring Lake Tai for Hu signifies a Lake and Cheu a City the Royal Line of Sung nam'd it Chaoking but the Taimingian Family restor'd the old Name Hucheu Here are five Temples the chiefest of which stands within the City Walls they were founded in honor of the five first Emperors This Division contains six Cities viz. Hucheu Changhing Tecing Hiaosung Unkang and Gankie Hucheu is not onely the chief but reckon'd one of the biggest and flourishes in Trade and Riches It is adorn'd with many beautiful and large Buildings The fourth Niencheufu is a mountainous and rough Countrey and borders Eastward on the River Chee South at Kincheufu the West on Nanking and the North on Hancheufu It was formerly call'd Suntu next by the Family of Han Lecheu and lastly by that of Sung Niencheufu It contains six Cities Niencheu Xungan Tungliu Suigan Xeuchang and Fuentui The Metropolis Niencheu stands upon a rising Ground between the Singan and Chee which two Navigable Rivers before the Walls conjoyn their Waters The fifth Kinhoafu touches North and East upon Xaohingfu and Taicheâ—…fu in the South upon Chucheâ—…fu in the West conterminates with Kincheufu and the remainder bounded by the River Chee King Loang call'd this with its Metropolis first by the Name of Kinhoa that is Venus Flower for the Chineses say that the Goddess Venus striving here with another which they call Vuniu that is a Masculine Woman and the same which the Poets call Pallas a Flower which obtaining they styl'd her Kingsing that is Golden Star and the City receiv'd the Name of Kinhoa that is Venus Flower This City Kinhoa was formerly very populous and full of well built Edifices but in the late Tartar War in which they held out a considerable time was in a manner buried in Ruines yet nevertheless it is almost re-erected and especially one Stone Bridge on the West side hath obtain'd its former lustre This County hath eight Cities Kinhoa Lanki Tungagang Yui Iungkang Vuy Pukiang and Tanki Near the small City Lanki you may see another Bridge over the Chee some few years since re-built and now much better than the former burnt by the Tartars The sixth call'd Kincheufu being the most Southern of all this Province borders in the East at Kinhoafu in the South-East at Chincheufu in the South-West upon Fokien in the West on that of Nanking and in the North at Niencheufu In the time of the Kings Reigns this Province with the two former suffer'd divers great Changes and Alterations the Family Cyn after they had taken all China call'd its Metropolis Taimo Han nam'd it Singuan and the Family Tang gave it the Name which it now hath It contains five Cities viz. Kincheu Lungyeu Changxan Kiangzan and Kaihoa The City Kincheu lies on the Eastern Shore of the River Changyo three days Journey from Fokien between steep and troublesom Mountains to pass over Paulus Venetus calls this City Kugui according to the Tartar pronunciation with whom he travell'd in an Embassy thither who in stead of Cheu say Gui both Words signifying Great City wherefore Paulus may easily have made Kugui to be Kuicheu The seventh Division or Shire Chucheufu inviron'd with several high Mountains borders in the East at Veucheufu in the South-West at Fokien in the North-West at Kuicheufu in the North upon the County Kinhaofu In the time of the Kings this Countrey was also subject to various Revolutions and strange Alterations The Family Tang gave it the Name of Hocheu the Taimingian that of Chucheu This Chucheufu contains ten Cities of which Cheucheu is the Metropolis the rest are Cingtien Ciniquun Sungyang Sunchang Lunguven Kingyven Iunko Sivenping and Kingning besides three famous Temples The City of Chincheu which is very populous lieth upon the River Tung which falls into the Sea and able to carry Ships of good burthen The eighth Tract of Land being Xaohingfu borders in the East with Ningpofu North upon the River Cientang in the West at that of Chee and opposite to Hangcheufu in the South at Kinhoafu and Taicheufu The Family Sung first gave this Countrey the present Name Xoahing but it was formerly by the Family Tang call'd Iucheu It reckons seven Cities Xaohing Siaoxan Chuki Yuyae Xangyu Xing Sinchang The City of Xoahing though not so big yet in handsom Buildings exceeds the Metropolis being seated in a pleasant Plain Moated with fresh Water very much resembling Venice the Water gliding through every Street which are all curiously Pav'd and the Walls of the Houses all built of Free-Stone which in China is very rare and scarce to be seen in any other Place in the whole Empire The Bridges also over which they pass the River and Lake are all built in the same manner being very numerous The Banks of the River
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