Always called Edoo in Purchas, but we have thought it
better to use the form of the name now universally adopted in
geography; but which name, from the orthography used by Captain Saris,
is probably pronounced in Japan, Idu, or Eedoo.
- E.]
On the 9th I sent the present intended for the secretary to be delivered
to him, for which he heartily thanked me, but would in no wise receive
it, saying, the emperor had so commanded, and that it was as much as his
life was worth to accept of any gift. He took, however, five pounds of
Socotorine aloes, to use for his health's sake. I this day delivered to
him the articles of privilege for trade, being fourteen in number,
which we wished to have granted. These he desired to have abbreviated
into as few words as possible, as in all things the Japanese are fond of
brevity. Next day, being the 10th September, the articles so abridged
were sent to the secretary by Mr Adams; and on being shown by the
secretary to the emperor, they were all approved except one, by which,
as the Chinese had refused to trade with the English, we required
permission, in case of taking any Chinese vessels by force, that we
might freely bring them into the ports of Japan, and there make sale of
the goods. At the first, the emperor said we might take them, since they
refused to trade with us; but, after conference with the Chinese
resident, he altered his mind, and would not allow of that article. All
the rest were granted and confirmed under his great seal, which is not
impressed in wax as with us in England, but is stamped in print with red
ink. These articles of privilege were as follow: -
Privileges granted by OGOSHOSAMA, Emperor of Japan, to the Governor and
Company of the London East India Company.[19]
[Footnote 19: This copy Captain Saris brought home and gave
me - Purch.]
1. We give free licence to the subjects of the king of Great Britain,
viz. To Sir Thomas Smith, governor, and the Company of the East Indian
Merchants Adventurers, for ever, safely to come into any of the ports of
our empire of Japan, with their ships and merchandize, without any
hinderance to them or their goods; and to abide, buy, sell, and barter,
according to their own manner, with all nations; to remain here as long
as they think good, and to depart at their pleasure.
2. We grant to them freedom from custom for all such goods as they have
brought now, or may hereafter bring into our empire, or may export from
thence to any foreign part. And we authorise all ships that may
hereafter arrive from England, to proceed immediately to sell their
commodities, without any farther coming or sending to our court.
3. If any of their ships shall happen to be in danger of shipwreck, we
command our subjects not only to assist them, but that such parts of the
ship or goods as may be saved, shall be returned to the captain, or the
cape merchant, or their assigns. That they may build one house, or more,
for themselves, in any part of our empire that they think fittest for
their purpose; and, at their departure, may sell the same at their
pleasure.
4. If any English merchant, or others, shall die in our dominions, the
goods of the deceased shall remain at the disposal of the cape merchant;
and all offences committed by them shall be punished by the said cape
merchant at his discretion, our laws to take no hold of their persons or
goods.
5. We command all our subjects trading with them for any of their
commodities, to pay them for the same without delay, or to return their
wares.
6. For such commodities as they have now brought, or may bring
hereafter, that are fitting for our proper use and service, we command
that no arrest be made thereof, but that a fair price be agreed with the
cape merchant, according as they may sell to others, and that prompt
payment be made on the delivery of the goods.
7. If, in the discovery of other countries for trade, and the return of
their ships, they shall need men or victuals, we command that our
subjects shall furnish them, for their money, according as their needs
may require.
8. Without other passport, they shall and may set out upon the discovery
of Yeadso, or Jesso, or any other part in or about our empire.
From our castle in Surunga, this first day of the ninth
month, in the eighteenth year of our dary, or reign.
Sealed with our broad seal, &c.
(Underwritten)
MINNA MOTTONO.
Yei. Ye. Yeas.[20]
[Footnote 20: Kempper writes this other name of Ongosio Sama, as he
calls him, Ijejas; which, according to the English orthography, is
Iyeyas. - Astl. I. 489. b.]
On the 11th of September, the present intended for the mint-master was
delivered to him, which he received very thankfully, and sent me in
return two Japanese gowns of taffeta, quilted with silk cotton. The 12th
Mr Adams was sent to the mint-master, who is the emperor's merchant,
having charge of the mint and all the ready money, being in great
estimation with the emperor, as he had made a vow, whenever the emperor
dies, to cut out his own bowels and die with him. The purpose of Mr
Adams waiting upon him at this time, was to carry a list of the prices
of our English commodities. About noon of this same day, being furnished
with horses and men by the emperor, as formerly specified, we set out
for Jedo. The country between Surunga and Jedo we found well peopled,
with many Fotoquis, or idol temples. Among others which we passed, was
one having an image of great reputation, called Dabis, made of copper,
hollow within, but of substantial thickness.
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