|
| July 2. |
492. Minutes of a General Court of the East India Company.
Those absent to be fined 12d. apiece. Mr. Governor said that before
entering the election, the work of the day, he would first acquaint
the Court that it had pleased God to send home two of their ships
in safety; but they must also hear the bad news, viz., that they
have lost a ship on the coast of Surat, esteemed worth 100 and odd
thousand pounds, laden, they believe, with 430 bales of silk, indigo,
&c.; but there are other matters of a worse condition; that 10 of
their servants have been, without all colour of justice, and by evidences extorted out of them by the violence of insufferable torments,
put to death by the Dutch; and yet they stick not to maintain here
at home that the proceeding was just; but he maketh no doubt but
that God, the Avenger of all such bloody acts, will in His due time
bring the truth to light. The Company had not failed to set down
in writing to be published "the unspeakable tyrannies done upon
those unfortunate men, which is able to amaze the Christian world."
There is hope the State will take care of the Company; but the best
comfort is that when man is at the weakest, God is then strongest.
The general state of the adventure is fair, and in these two ships
there will be sufficient for eight half capitals, and there is hope of
further returns this year. "The unkind questions which their confederates the Dutch, and their perfidious dealing in the Indies, doth
beget worse matter than any other loss whatsoever." The election
of Governor and other officers was then proceeded with. Speech of
Morris Abbott, who desires to be spared, but the Court would not
leave him out in the nomination for Governor, with Sir Wm. Cokayne
and Alderman Ducy, and the major part, without all controversy,
chose Mr. Abbott, who protested he took more comfort in the Company's love than in the place, and took his oath accordingly. Mr.
Munnes, having very earnestly intreated to be spared, Mr. Clitherow
was elected Deputy; Messrs. Stone and Bateman were re-elected
treasurers, and Messrs. Crispe, Cartwright, Warner, Wm. Garroway,
Leate, and Keightly were chosen for committees in the places of
Messrs. Clitherow, Parkhurst (chosen sheriff of London), Cokayne,
Coxe, Bownest, and Lawrence. List of the names of the 24 committees for the ensuing year. |
|
Mr. Alderman Cambell. |
Mr. Alderman Allen. |
|
Mr. Alderman Ducy. |
Mr. Offley. |
|
Mr. Westrowe. |
Mr. Styles. |
|
Mr. Bell. |
Mr. Abdy. |
|
Mr. Venn. |
Mr. Henry Garroway. |
|
Mr. Browne. |
Mr. Kerby. |
|
Mr. Munnes. |
Mr. Smith. |
|
Mr. Eyers. |
Mr. Martynn. |
|
Mr. Harby. |
Mr. Leate. |
|
Mr. Strowd. |
Mr. Warner. |
|
Mr. Crispe. |
Mr. William Garroway. |
|
Mr. Cartwright. |
Mr. Keightley. |
|
[Three pages and three quarters. Court Minute Bk., VII., pp. 1–4.] |
| July 7. |
493. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Both the
ships (lately arrived) to unlade at the CustomHouse key. Request
of Mrs. Jackson, sister of George Cokayne, deceased, for the arbitrators to meet at the Guildhall, to be postponed. Request of [Geo.]
Ball's solicitor for an answer in writing concerning the writ "De
executione ordinis" refused, but the Company are ready to perform
my Lord's answer, as they understand it. Complaint that the Lord
of Valentia, in Ireland, has sold his calicoes in town, notwithstand
ing he had passed "his honorable promise" that they should be
shipped out. Four rings of gold, sent home by the last ships, delivered to Treasurer Stone. Nut (nutmegs) to be sold at 2s. 6d.
and 2s. 4d., and mace at 4s. 8d. and 7s. 8d. Whether to divide, to
make up 7½ capitals in pepper or part in cloves. Mr. Cappur
reported it would be three days before the six men returned from
Amboyna could be examined concerning the execution done upon
the English by the Dutch. Sureties offered by Capt. Greene for
his enlargement; the Court uttterly unsatisfied with one. Committees appointed to take care of the business concerning "the
discharge for matters done beyond the Line," and the order lately
made in Chancery, wherein Ball is to have his wages until the time
he was discharged. After debate, Dr. Page is allowed arrears of
tithes due for lands in Deptford, in the Company's yard. [Three
pages and a quarter. Court Minute Book, VII., pp. 4–7.] |
July 8.
Sumatra at Andrapora. |
494. James Troughton to [President at Batavia]. Account of
his voyage from Jacatra in the Abigail. Agreed by Mr. Christmas
to get aboard the Diamond and return to Priaman. Arrived on
board the Diamond the 7th, upon which was laden about 700 bahars
of pepper. Sanderson has delivered to him 2,500 ryals, the greater
part whereof is mill money and cracked. Having found one room
empty in the Diamond, he has determined to stand along the coast
to Catotanga and Andrapora, to fill it, and put off some bad goods.
[Three pages, mutilated. O.C., Vol. X., No. 1158.] |
| July 9. |
495. Court Minutes of the East India Company. About the
examination of the estate of Capt. Fitzherbert; 500l. and somewhat
more ordered to be paid. Concerning eleven bags of galingale taken
by Messrs. Farley and Hill, druggists. To deal with the officers of
customs concerning the unlading of one of the ships at Buttall
Wharf. Agreed to acquaint the General Court in the afternoon, that
they who had not divided in calicoes might take out the 6th and
7th capitals in pepper and cloves, "it being proper to the Court of
Committees to appoint the dividends, and to the General Court to
settle the prices." Refusal of Capt. Geere to bail Capt. Greene,
when he heard the Company had to charge him to some value.
The dividends to be made to 7½ capitals, three-fourths in pepper and
one fourth in cloves; pepper to be sold at 19d. and 20d. to ship out, and
cloves at 5s. 8d. The business of delinquents referred to the General
Court. Resolved that a short narration of the barbarous proceeding
of the Dutch against the English in the Indies be read at the General
Court, the discourse written thereupon being over long; and that
the several protests be also read, that it may appear the proceedings
of the Dutch were altogether grounded upon tyranny and injustice;
and that there be a meeting of the committees the next morning to
consider of a petition to his Majesty thereon. The Court is informed
that 2,000l. of the 10,000l. to be paid to the Lord Admiral, for his
Majesty's use is yet unpaid, by reason there is not come the promised warrant from Sec. Conway for paying it to Mr. Oliver. The
10,000l. after the last treaty with the Dutch was paid to the Lord
of Annand for his Majesty's use, and his receipt (was given) for the
same. [Three pages and a half. Court Minute Book, VII., pp. 8–11.] |
July 9.
(Afternoon.) |
496. Minutes of a General Court of the East India Company.
Those absent to be fined 12d. per piece. Mr. Governor acquainted
the Court, God had sent them home two ships in safety, and that
the stock with these ships now come home will afford to the
adventurers seven half capitals. Proposal by a gentleman, no committee [man], that consideration be taken of the pains and travail
of the Governor, Deputy, Treasurers, and Committees, but it was
put off at the request of the Governor, who protested that the
motion was sudden and unexpected, to the next General Court.
Those that will may take out their seven half capitals either in
goods or money. Proposal to take out an eighth capital, deferred.
Exceptions taken to the price fixed for the pepper, viz., 19d. and
20d. Opinion of the Governor that the markets will bear the price
which will rule all Christendom; the Hollander sells none, the Dane
a little, and the Portugal a little. The price settled as above, as
also the times of payment; the price of cloves set at 5s. 8d.
"Dispute" concerning delinquents, or those that are behind with
their payments, and whether they shall reap anything before they
have fully paid; exception taken to the word delinquent; the not
paying in of stocks may be expressed in a more civil word. The
adventure might have borne more (dividend) if the ship Whale had
come home safely. Finally, resolved that the joint committees shall
consider of the whole case of men in arrears, and end it. Mr.
Governor then reported on the state of their trade, that there was
no fear of it, if those that are by nation linked in alliance with the
State and by treaty bound to a mutual amity and friendship with
the Company had not carried themselves in so barbarous fashion
towards our people in the Indies, as no history, either ancient or
modern, doth report the like, the particulars whereof are fully
expressed in a discourse taken from the several protests, and the
testimony of divers who had part in that bloody execution, wherein
ten of the Company's servants suffered death with all cruelty of
preceding torments to draw that from them that might render them
guilty of death, which they were glad to embrace that they might
be delivered from tortures of fire and water, worse than death;
which relation [see No. 499 I.] being too long to be read, he prayed
them to be content with the two protests, which were read. Motion
what should be done with the men spared from execution by the
Dutch, who have been presented to the Judge of the Admiralty; it
was conceived that the cause stands fair under the justice of the
Court of Admiralty. Consideration of what is fit for the Company
to do, as the case stands between the Company and the Dutch; it
was held impossible to proceed in the trade except a real restitution
be first made for damages, justice done on those Dutch that have in
so great fury and tyranny tortured and slain the English, and
security given for prevention of the like hereafter; all which if
they may not be obtained there is no help but the trade must be
let fall, and the Company must fetch home what they have in the
Indies; and further that if offer be made to treat of these things, it
can give no content, for they have experience by a late treaty upon
particulars as clear as the sun that the Dutch intend nothing
less than to do the Company right. This being the vote of the
whole Company it was, notwithstanding, held fit that they first resort
to his Majesty by petition imploring his help and favour, for as it
becomes the Company in honesty to seek reparation for the lives of
their servants thus butchered so it stands with his honour to call for
an account of his subjects. It was the general desire that his Majesty
may be made acquainted that without a real reparation for the past
and assurance for the future they will bring in no more money but
give over the trade, and according to his answer and proceeding, the
trade to stop or proceed. Mr. Governor added that this complaint is
not to be made against the Dutch nation in general but particularly
against the East India Company who have thus injured this Company and dishonoured the English nation. [Five pages and a half,
Court Minute Bk., VII., 11–16.] |
| July 10. |
497. Petition of the East India Company to the King. Represent the true and lamentable discourse of the hellish torments
and bloody execution of Capt. Gabriel Towerson with nine other of
the King's subjects at Amboyna, together with many other complaints against the Dutch East India Company, which are of so
much consequence to the trade, estates, and lives of the King's subjects in the East Indies, that at a late General Court the petitioners
fully resolved to bring in no more money, being wholly discouraged
to continue that trade wherein they are so much oppressed by the
Dutch. Having cause to suspect that the Dutch Company have a
design to seize upon the persons, ships, and goods of the petitioners
in the East Indies and to drive the English nation out of those parts,
they pray that some course may be resolved upon for the safety
of the King's subjects, and for bringing hence their estates which
consist of 24 ships and merchandize to the value of 800,000l., or
900,000l. at the least. [Presented to the King at Wanstead on
Sunday, 11 July, see No. 503. Two pages. East Indies, Vol. III.,
No. 20.] |
| July 10. |
498. Another copy is in.—Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CLXV.,
No. 72., Cal., p. 262. |
| July 10. |
499. Morris Abbott, Governor, Christopher Clitherow, Deputy
Governor, Wm. Stone, Robt. Bell, and Thos. Mun, committees of the
East India Company, to Carleton. Send herewith a narration of the
bloody proceedings at Amboyna, grounded wholly upon the several
protests of their people (whereof they also send copies), and upon
the collections out of their letters, together with the relation of
divers of their people returned, taken upon oath, among whom are
some that have felt their part in that barbarous tragedy, from which
it will appear that there is not yet a name given to such exquisite
tyranny. "The relation we have received of the close of the treaty
whereunto Mr. Misselden and Mr. Barlow were authorised, did give
us a taste of their resolution not to right us in any thing (notwithstanding our fair proceedings without any complaint here to the
State) and the doings of the Company's ministers in the Indies do
manifest that they are all alike minded." Are determined to deliver
to the King to-morrow copies of the writings inclosed. [One page.
Corresp. Holland.]
[The following is a copy of the "Narration" which was presented
at a General Court of the East India Company 9th July "being
too long to be read (see No. 496). It was read before the Privy
Council 12th July "whereat sundry of the greatest shed tears" (see
Nos. 503, 534). And on 27th August following before a General
Court of the East India Company (see No. 574). This MS. has been
collated with a printed copy in the British Museum, dated 1624
(802 K. 1), and the additions and variations are here printed in
brackets, and the words not in the printed copy in italics.] |
|
499. I. "A true Relation of the late [unjust,] cruel, and barbarous
tortures and execution done upon [proceedings against]
the English at Amboyna, in the East Indies, by the
Netherlanders there" [upon a forged pretence of a conspiracy of the said English]. After the fruitless issue of
the two treaties of 1613 and 1615, there was a full and
solemn composition made of all differences in the treaty
of 1619, whereby the Hollanders were to enjoy two third
parts and the English one third part of the trade of the
Moluccas, Banda, and Amboyna. Description of Amboyna.
Five factories belonging to the English at Hitto, Larica,
Looho, Cambello, and Amboyna, "the head and rendezvous
of all"; George Muschamp, and afterwards Gabriel Towerson, being agents. The Hollanders have four forts, the
chief at said town of Amboyna, very strong, having four
points or bulwarks, upon each six great pieces of ordnance
mounted. One side of the castle is washed by the sea,
the other is divided from the land by a ditch of four or
five fathoms broad, very deep and ever filled with the sea;
200 Dutch soldiers in garrison, and a company of Free
Burghers, besides a matter of 300 or 400 Mardikers (for
so they usually call the free natives) in the town ready
to serve the castle at an hour's warning. There lye also
in the road (for the most part) divers good ships of the
Hollanders, this being the chief rendezvous for the islands
of Banda and Amboyna. Here the English lived, not in
the castle, but under its protection in a house of their
own in the town, holding themselves safe, as well in respect
of the ancient bond of amity as the before-mentioned treaty.
Their differences during two years. It then proceeds as
follows:— |
[Timothy Johnson examined and tortured.]
[Emanuel Thompson examined and tortured.]
[John Beaumont examined.] |
About the 11th of Febry. 1622 stilo veteri, a Japonese, a
soldier of the Dutch in their castle at Amboyna, walking in the
night upon the wall, came to the sentinel, being a Hollander, and
among other talk asked him some questions [touch-]concerning
the strength of the castle and the people that were within. It is
here to be noted that these "Japonesses," of whom there were
not 30 in the island, did for the most part serve the Dutch as
soldiers, yet were not of their trusty bands always lodged within
the castle, but upon occasion called out of the town to assist [in]
the watch. This Japonese aforesaid was for his said conference
with the sentinel apprehended upon suspicion of treason, and put
to the torture. Thereby, as some of the Dutch affirmed, he was
brought to confess himself and sundry others of his countrymen
there to have contrived the taking of the castle. Hereupon other
Japoneses were examined [and tortured], as also a Portugal, the
guardian of the slaves under the Dutch. During this examination, which continued three or four days, some of the English
went to and from the castle upon their business, saw the prisoners,
heard of their tortures, and of the crime laid to their charge; but
all the while suspected not that the matter did any whit concern
themselves, having never had any conversation with the Japoneses
[n]or with the Portugal aforesaid. At the same time there was
one Abel Price, a "chirurgion" of the English, prisoner in the
castle, for offering in his drunkenness to set a Dutchman's house
on fire. This fellow the Dutch took and shewed him some of
the Japoneses whom they had first most grievously tortured, and
told him that they [had] confessed the English to have been of
their confederacy for the taking of the castle, and that if he
would not confess the same, they would use him even as they had
done these Japoneses, and worse also. Having given him the
torture, they soon made him confess whatever they asked him.
This was the 15th of February 1622 stilo veteri. Straightway
[Forthwith] about 9 of the clock the same morning they sent
for Capt. Towerson and some of the English that were in the
town to come to speak with the Governor in the castle; they all
went save one, whom they [that was] left to keep the house.
Being come to the Governor, he told Capt. Towerson that himself
and others of his nation were accused of a conspiracy to surprise
the castle, and therefore until further trial were to remain prisoners. Instantly they also attached him that was left at home
in the house, took the merchandises of the English Company
there into their own custody by inventory, and seized all the
chests, boxes, books, writings, and other things in the English
houses. Capt. Towerson was committed to his chamber, with a
guard of Dutch soldiers; Emanuel Thompson was kept prisoner
in the castle; the rest [viz., John Beamont, Edward Collins,
William Webber, Ephraim Ramsey, Timothy Johnson, John
Fardo, and Robert Brown, were] sent aboard the Holland ships
theu riding in the harbour, some to one ship, some to another,
and all made fast in irons. The same day also the Governor sent
to the two other factories in the same island, to apprehend the
rest of the English there, so that Samuel Collson, John Clarke,
and George Sherrocke, that were found in the factory at Hitto,
and Willm. Griggs and John Sadler at Larica, were all brought
prisoners to Amboyna the 16th of February, upon which day
John Powle, John Wetherall, and Thomas Ladbrooke were
apprehended at Cambello and Lahow, and brought in irons to
Amboyna the 20th day of the same month. In the meantime the
Governor and the Fiscal went to work with the prisoners that
were already there. And first they sent for John Beaumont and
Timothy Johnson from aboard the Unicorn, who being come unto
the castle, Beaumont was left with a guard in the hall, and
Johnson was taken into another room, where by and by Beaumont heard him cry [out] very pitifully, then to be quiet for a
little while, and then loud again. After taste of the torture, Abel
Price, the "chirurgion," that first was examined and tortured, as
is above remembered, was brought in to confront and accuse
him. But Johnson not yet confessing anything, Price was
quickly carried out, and Johnson brought again to the torture,
where Beaumont heard him sometimes cry aloud, and then quiet
again, then roar afresh. At last, after he had been about an hour
in this second examination, he was brought forth wailing and
lamenting, all wet and cruelly burnt in divers parts of his body,
and so laid aside in a by-place of the hall, with a soldier to watch
him that he should speak with nobody. Then was Emanuel
Thompson brought to examination, not in the room that Johnson
had been in, but in another somewhat [thing] further from the
hall; yet Beaumont being in the hall heard him roar most
lamentably and many times. At last, after an hour and a half
spent in tormenting [torturing] him; he was carried away into
another room another way, for that he came not by Beaumont
through the hall. Next was Beaumont called in, and being
demanded many things, which he denied all with deep oaths and
protestations, was made fast to be tortured; a cloth was tied
about his neck, and two men ready with their jars of water to be
poured on his head; but yet for this time the Governor bade
loose him, he would spare him a day or two, because he was an
old man. This was all Saturday's work, the 15th of February
aforesaid.
Upon Sunday the 16th of February, Willm. Webber, Edward
Collins, Ephraim Ramsey, and Robert Browne are fetcht from
aboard the Rotterdam to be examined. And at the same time
came Samuel Colson, Willm. Griggs, John Clarke, George Sherrocke, and John Sadler, from Hitto and Larica, and were
immediately on their arrival brought into the castle hall. |
| [Robert Browne and Edward Collins examined and tortured |
Robert Browne, the tailor, was first called in, who being tormented with water confessed all in order as the Fiscal asked him.
Then was Edward Collins called in and told that those that
were formerly examined had confessed him as accessary to the
plot of taking the castle, which when he denied with great oaths
and execrations, they made his hands and feet fast to the rack,
bound a cloth about his throat, and ready to be put to the torture
of water, [Thus prepared] he prayed to be respited and he would
confess all. Being let down, he again vowed and protested his
innocency, yet said, That because he knew they would by torture
make him confess anything, though never so false, they should
do him a great favour to tell him what they would have him say,
and he would speak it, to avoid the torment [torture]. The
Fiscal hereupon said, What, do you mock us? and bade up with
him again, and so gave him the torment of water, which he not
able long to endure, prayed to be let down again to his confession.
Then he devised a little within himself, and told them that about
two months and a half before, himself, Thompson, Johnson,
Browne, and Fardo had plotted with the help of the Japoneses
to surprise the castle. Here he was interrupted by the Fiscal,
and asked whether Capt. Towerson was not one of that conspiracy. He answered, "No." "You lie," said the Fiscal;
"did not he call you all to him, and tell you that those daily
abuses of the Dutch had caused him to think of a plot, and that
he wanted nothing but your consents and secrecy?" Then said
a Dutch merchant, one John Jooste, that stood by, "Did you
not all swear upon a bible to be secret to him?" Collins
answered with great oaths that he knew nothing of any such
matter. Then they bade make him fast again, whereupon he then
said that all was true that they had spoken. Then the Fiscal
asked him whether the English in the rest of the factories were
not consenting to this plot? He answered, No. The Fiscal
then asked him whether the President of the English at Jacatra,
or Mr. Welden, agent at Banda, were not plotters or privy to this
business. Again he answered, No. Then the Fiscal asked him
by what means the Japoneses should have executed their purpose,
whereat when Collins stood staggering and devising [of] some
probable fiction, the Fiscal "holpe" him and said, "Should not
two Japoneses have gone to each point of the castle and two to
the Governor's chamber door, and when the hurly-burly had been
without, and the Governor coming to see what was the matter,
then the Japoneses to have killed him?" Here one that stood
by said to the Fiscal, "Do not tell him what he should say, but
let him speak himself." Whereupon the Fiscal, without attending the answer to his former question, asked what the Japoneses
should have had for their reward. Collins answered, 1,000 reals
apiece. Lastly he asked him when this plot should have been
effected, whereunto although he answered [him] nothing (not
knowing what to devise upon the sudden), yet he was dismissed,
and was very glad thus to come clear of the torture, though with
certain belief he should die for this his confession. |
| [Samuel Colson examined and tortured.] |
Next was Samuel Colson brought in, being newly arrived from
Hitto, as is before touched, and was the same day brought to the
torture, who for fear of the pain wherewith he saw Collins come
out, in such [a] case that his eyes were almost blown out of his
head with the torment of water, chose rather to confess all that
they asked him, and so was quickly dismissed, coming and
weeping and lamenting and protesting his innocency. |
[John Clarke examined and tortured.]
The manner of torture. |
Then was John Clarke, that same with Colson from Hitto,
fetcht in, and a little after was heard by the rest that were without
in the hall to cry out amain. They tortured him with water and
with fire by the space of two hours. The manner of his torture
(as also of Johnson's and Thompson's) was as followeth. First
they hoisted him up by the hands with a cord upon a large door,
where they made him fast upon two staples of iron fixed on both
sides at the top of the door posts, hauling his hands the one from
the other as wide as they could stretch. Being thus made fast,
his feet hung some two feet from the ground, which also they
stretcht asunder so far as they would reach, and so made them
fast beneath unto the door-trees on each side. Then they bound
about his neck and face a cloth so close that little or no water
could go by. That done, they poured the water softly upon his
head until the cloth was full up to his [the] mouth and nostrils
and somewhat more [higher], so that he could not draw breath
but he must withal suck in the water; when he had drunk his
body full then began his pain, for then the water, [which] being
still continued to be poured on [in] softly, forced all his inward
parts, came out at [of] his nose, [ears,] and eyes, and often as it
were stifling and choking him at length took away his breath and
brought him to a "swounde" and [or] fainting. Then they took
him down quickly and made him vomit up the water. Being a
little recovered, they triced him up again and poured in [the]
water as before; eftsoons taking him down as he seemed to be
stifled. In this manner they handled him three or four several
times with water till his body was swollen twice or thrice as big
as before, his cheeks like great bladders, and his eyes staring and
strutting out beyond his forehead, yet all this he bare without
confessing anything, insomuch that [as] the Fiscal and the tormentors reviled him, saying he was a devil and no man; or
surely was a witch, at least had some charm about him, or was
enchanted that he could bear so much. Wherefore they cut off
his hair very short, as supposing he had some witchcraft hidden
therein. Afterwards they hoisted him up again as before, and
then burnt him with lighted candles in the bottom of his feet
until the fat dropt out the candles, yet then applied they fresh
lights unto him. They burnt him also under the elbows, and in
the palms of his hands, likewise under the armpits until his
inwards might evidently be seen. At last when they saw he
could of himself make no handsome confession, then they led
him along with questions of particular circumstances by themselves framed. Being thus wearied and overcome by the torment, he answered yea to whatsoever they asked, whereby they
drew from him a body of a confession to this effect, to wit, that
Capt. Towerson had upon New Year's Day last before sworn all
the English at Amboyna to be secret and assistant to a plot that
he had projected, with the help of the Japoneses, to surprise the
castle, and to put the Governor and the rest of the Dutch to death.
Having thus martyred this poor man, they sent him out by
four blacks, who carried him between them to a dungeon, where
he lay five or six days without any "chirurgion" or other to
dress him, until his flesh being putrified, great maggots dropt
and crept from him in most noisome and loathsome fashion.
Thus they finished their Sabbath Day's work, and it now growing
dark sent the rest of the English that came that day from Hitto
(and till now [then] attended in the hall) first to the smith's
shop (where they were laden with irons), and then to the same
loathsome dungeon where Clarke and the rest were, accompanied with the poor Japoneses lying in the putrifaction of their
tortures. |
[Wm. Griggs examined.]
[The Japonese examined and tortured.]
[John Fardo examined and tortured.]
[John Beaumont examined.] |
The next morning, being Monday, the 17th of February, old
style, Willm. Griggs and John Fardo, with certain Japoneses,
were brought into the place of examination. The Japoneses
were first cruelly tortured to accuse Griggs, which at last they
did, and Griggs, to avoid the like tortures, confessed all that
the Fiscal demanded. Bye-and-by the like also was done by
John Fardo and other Japoneses, but Fardo himself endured
the torture of water, and at last confessed whatsoever the Fiscal
asked him, and so was sent back to prison. The same day John
Beaumont was brought the second time to the Fiscal's chamber,
where one Capt. Newport, a Dutchman's son born in England,
was used as an interpreter. Willm. Griggs was also brought
in to accuse him, who said that when the consultation for taking
of the castle was held, then he, the said Beaumont, was present.
Beaumont denied it with great earnestness and deep oaths; at
last being triced up and drencht with water till his inwards
were ready to crack, he answered affirmatively to all the Fiscal's
interrogatories; yet as soon as he was let down he clearly
demonstrated to Capt. Newport and one Johnson, a Dutch
merchant, and then also present, that these things could not
be so. Nevertheless he was forced to put his hand to his confession or else he must to the torture again, which to avoid he
subscribed, and so had a great iron bolt and two shackles riveted
to his legs, and then was carried back to prison. |
| [George Sherrocke examined.] |
After this George Sherrocke, assistant at Hitto, was called
to the [in] question, who seeing how grievously others were
martyred, made his earnest prayer to God (as since upon his
oath he hath acknowledged) that he would suffer him to make
some such probable lies against himself as the Dutch might
believe, and so he might escape the torment. Being brought to
the rack, the water provided, and the candles lighted, he was
by the Governor and Fiscal examined and charged with the
conspiracy. He fell down upon his knees and protested his
innocency; then they commanded him to the rack, and told
him unless he would confess he should be tormented with fire
and water to death, and then should be drawn by the heels to
the gallows and there hanged up. He still persisting in his
innocency, the Fiscal bade him be hoisted up. Then he craved
respite a while, and told them that he was at Hitto, and not at
Amboyna, upon New Year's Day, when the consultation was
pretended, neither had been there since November before, as was
well known to sundry of the Hollanders themselves that resided
there also with him. Hereupon they commanded him again to
the rack, but he craving respite as before, now told them that he
had many times heard John Clarke (that was with him at Hitto)
say that the Dutch had done them many unsufferable wrongs,
and that he would be revenged of them, to which end he had
once broken to [with] Capt. Towerson of a brave plot; at which
words the Fiscal and the rest were very attentive, encouraging
him to proceed, so he went on saying that John Clarke had
entreated Capt. Towerson that he might go to Maccassar, there
to consult and advise with the Spaniards to come with gallies
and rob the small factories of Amboyna and Serán when no ships
were there. Here they asked him what Capt. Towerson said to
this; he answered that Capt. Towerson was very much offended
with Clarke for the motion, and from thenceforth could never
abide him. Hereupon the Fiscal called him rogue, and said he
prated all from the matter, and should go to the torture. He yet
craved favour again, and began another tale, to wit, that upon
Twelfth Day then last past John Clarke told him at Hitto that
there was a practice to take the castle of Amboyna, and asked
him whether he would consent thereunto, whereupon he demanded
of Clarke whether Capt. Towerson knew of any such matter,
which Clarke affirming, then he, the said Sherrocke, said that he
would do as the rest did. Then the Fiscal asked him what time
the consultation was held; he answered in November last. The
Fiscal said that that could not be, for the consultation was upon
New Year's day. The prisoner said as before in the beginning,
that he had not been in Amboyna from [since] the first of December until now that he was brought thither; why, then, quoth
the Fiscal, have you belied yourself? whereto the prisoner resolutely answered that all he hath spoken touching any treason was
false and feigned only to avoid torment. Then went the Fiscal
out into another room unto the Governor, and anon returned and
sent Sherrocke to the prison again. The next day he was called
again, and a writing presented him, wherein was framed a formal
confession of his last conference with Clarke at Hitto touching
the plot to take the castle of Amboyna, which being read over to
him, the Fiscal asked him whether it were true or no. He
answered, No. Why, then, said the Fiscal, did you confess it?
He answered, for fear of torment. The Fiscal and the rest in a
great rage told him he lied; his mouth had spoken it, and it was
true, and therefore he should subscribe it, which he yet refusing
to do, they laid hands on him to bring him to the torture,
so then he subscribed it, which as soon as he had done he fell
presently into a great passion, charging them bitterly to be
guilty of the innocent blood of himself and the rest, which they
should look to answer for at the day of Judgment; withal he
grappled with the Fiscal and would have stopt him [from] carrying in the confession to the Governor, with whom he also craved
to speak, but he was instantly laid hold on and carried away to
prison |
| [Wm. Webber examined and tortured.] |
William Webber being next examined, was told by the Fiscal
that John Clarke had confessed him to have been at Amboyna
on New Year's Day, and sworn to Capt. Towerson's plot, &c.
All which he denied, alleging that he was that day at Larica,
yet being brought to the torture he then confessed he had been
at the consultation at Amboyna upon New Year's Day, with all
the rest of the circumstances in order as he was asked. He
also further told him [them] he had received a letter from John
Clarke, after which was a postcript excusing his brief writing
at that time, for that there was great business then in hand.
But one Renier[a], a Dutch merchant, then standing by, told
the Governor, that upon New Year's Day, the time of this pretended consultation, Webber and he were merry together at
Larica; so the Governor' finding that he had falsely accused
himself, left him and went out. But the Fiscal held on upon
the other point, touching the postcript of Clarke's letter, urging
him to show the same, which when he could not do, though
often terrified with the torture, he gave him respite, promising
to save his life if he would produce that letter. |
| [Gabriel Towerson examined.] |
Then was Capt. Towerson brought to his [the] examination,
and showed what others had confessed of him; he deeply protesting his innocency, Samuel Colson was brought to confront
him, who being told that unless he would [now] make good his
former confession against Capt. Towerson, he should to the
torture, coldly re-affirmed the same, and so was put [sent] away.
They also brought William Griggs and John Fardo, to justify
their former confessions to his face; Capt. Towerson seriously
charged them, that as they would answer it at the dreadful day
of Judgment they should speak nothing but the truth. Both of
them instantly fell down upon their knees before him, praying
him for God's sake to forgive them, and saying further openly
before them all, that whatsoever they had formerly confessed
was most false, and spoken only to avoid the torment. With
that the Fiscal and the rest offered them again to the torture,
which they would not endure, but they [then] affirmed their
former confessions to be true. |
|
When Colson, who had accused Capt. Towerson as before, was
required to set his hand to his confession, he asked the Fiscal,
upon whose head he thought the sin would lie, whether upon
his that was constrained to confess that was false, or upon the
constrainers? The Fiscal, after a little pause upon this question, went into the Governor, then in another room, but anon
returning told Colson he must subscribe it, which he did, yet
withal made this protestation: Well (quoth he), you make me
[to] accuse myself and others with [of] that which is as false as
God is true; for God is my witness, I am as innocent as the
child new born. Thus have they examined all that belonged to
the English Company in the several factories of the island of
Amboyna. |
| [John Wetherall examined and tortured.] |
The 21st of February they examined John Wetherall, factor,
of Cambello, in the island of Seran. He confessed he was at
Amboyna upon New Year's Day; but for the consultation whereof
he was demanded, he said he knew of none other but touching
certain cloth of the English Company's that lay in the factories
rotten and wormeaten, which they advised together how to put
off, for [to] the best avail of their employers. The Governor
said they questioned him not about cloth, but of treason; whereof
when he had protested his innocency, he was for that time
dismissed, but the next day he was sent for again, and Capt.
Towerson brought to confront and accuse him (having before, it
seems, confessed somewhat against him); but Mr. Towerson
spake now these words only: Oh, Mr. Wetherall, Mr. Wetherall,
speak the truth and nothing but the truth, as God shall put it in
[into] your heart. So Capt. Towerson was put out again, and
Wetherall brought to the torture of water, with great threats,
that if water would not make him confess, fire should. He
prayed God [them] to tell him what he should say, or to write
down what they would, he would subscribe it. They said he
needed no tutor; they said they would make him confess of
himself; but when they had triced him up four several times,
and saw he knew not what to say, then they read him other
men's confessions, and asked him from point to point, as they
had done others; and he answered yea to all. |
| [John Powle examined.] |
Next was called in John Powle, Wetherall's assistant at Cambello, but he proving that he was not at Amboyna since November,
save now when he was brought thither prisoner, and being spoken
for by one John Joost, that had been long time acquainted with
him, was dismissed without torture. |
| [Thomas Ladbrooke examined.] |
Then was Thomas Ladbrooke, servant to Wetherall and Powle
at Cambello, brought to be examined, but proving that he was at
Cambello at the time of the pretended consultation, and serving
in such quality as that he was never acquainted with any of the
letters of [from] the agent of Amboyna, [he] was easily and
quickly dismissed. |
| [Ephraim Ramsey examined.] |
Ephraim Ramsey was also examined upon the whole pretended
conspiracy, and particularly questioned concerning Captain
Welden, the English agent in Banda, but denying all, and proving
that he was not at Amboyna at New Year's tide, being also
spoken for by John Joost, he was dismissed after he had hanged
on [in] the rack a good while, with his [the] irons upon his legs
with the cloth about his mouth. |
| [John Sadler examined.] |
Lastly, John Sadler, servant to Wm. Griggs at Larica, was
examined, but [and] being found to have been absent from Am
boyna at New Year's tide, when Griggs and others were there,
was dismissed. |
|
Thus have we all their examinations, tortures, and confessions,
being the work of eight days, from the 15th till the 23rd of February, after which was two days' respite before the sentence.
John Powle, being himself acquitted as aforesaid, went to the prison
to visit John Fardo, one of those that had accused Capt. Towerson.
To him Fardo religiously protested his innocency, but especially
his sorrow for accusing Mr. Towerson; for, said he, the fear of
death doth nothing dismay me, for God, I trust, will be merciful
to my soul according to the innocency of my cause. The only
matter that troubleth me is that through fear of torment I have
accused that honest [and] goodly man, Capt. Towerson, who I
think in my conscience was so upright and honest towards all
men, that he harboured none ill-will to any, much less would he
attempt any such business as he is accused of. He further said
he would before his death receive the sacrament, in acknowledgement that he had accused Capt. Towerson falsely and wrongly
only through fear of torment. |
|
The 25th of February 1622, old style, all the prisoners, as well
the English as the Portugal and the Japoneses, were brought
into the great hall of the castle, and there were solemnly condemned, except John Powle, Ephraim Ramsey, John Sadler, and
Thomas Ladbrooke, formerly acquitted as aforesaid. |
|
Capt. Towerson, having been during all his imprisonment kept
apart from the rest, so that none of them could come to speak
with him, writ much in his chamber (as some of the Dutch
reported), but all was suppressed, save only a bill of debt which
one Thumis Johnson, a free burgher, gat of him by favour of his
keepers, for acknowledgement that the English Company ought
[owed] him a certain sum of money. In the end of this bill he
writ these words: "Firmed by the firme of me, Gabriel Towerson, now appointed to die, guiltless of anything that can justly be
laid to my charge. God forgive them their guilt, and receive me
to his mercy. Amen." This bill being brought to Mr. Welden,
the English agent in Banda, he paid the money and received in
the acknowledgement. |
|
Willm. Griggs, that had before accused Capt. Towerson, writ
these words following in his table book: "We whose names are
here specified, John Beaumond, merchant of Looho, Wm. Griggs,
merchant of Larica, Abel Price, surgeon of Amboyna, Robert
Browne, tailor, which do lie here prisoners in the ship Rotterdam,
being apprehended for conspiracy for blowing up the Castle of
Amboyna, we being judged to death this 5th of March, A° 1622,
which we, through torment, was constrained to speak that which
we never meant nor once imagined, the which we take upon our
deaths and salvation. They tortured us with that extreme torment
of fire and water, which flesh and water could not endure; and
this we take upon our deaths, that they have put us to death
guiltless of our accusation. So, therefore, we desire they that
understand this, that our employers may understand this our
[these] wrongs, and that yourselves would have a care to look
to yourselves, for their intent was to have brought in you also.
They asked concerning you, which, if they had tortured us, we
must have confessed you also. And so farewell; written in the
dark." |
|
This table book was afterwards delivered to Mr. Weldon, before
named, by one that served the Dutch. |
|
Samuel Colson, also another that accused Capt. Towerson,
writ as followeth in the waste leaves of a book wherein were
bound together the Common Prayers, the Psalms, and the
Catechism:—
In one page thus:— |
|
March the 5th, stilo novo, being Sunday, aboard the Rotterdam,
lying in irons. |
|
Understand, that I, Samuel Colson, late factor of Hitto, was
apprehended for suspicion of conspiracy, and for any thing I
know, must die for it. Wherefore, having no better means to
make my innocency known, have writ this in this book, hoping
some good Englishman will see it. I do here, upon my salvation,
as I hope by His death and passion to have redemption for my
sins, that I am clear of all such conspiracy, neither do I know
any Englishman guilty thereof, nor other creature in the world.
As this is true, God bless me,
Samuell Coulson. |
|
On the other side, upon the first page of the Catechism, is thus
written— |
|
In another leaf you shall understand more, which I have writ
in this book.
Sa. Coulson. |
|
Being in the beginning of the Psalms. |
|
And it that [the] leaf so referred to is thus written [viz.]:— |
|
The Japoneses were taken with some villany and brought to
examination, being most tyrannously tortured, were asked if the
English had any hand in their plot, which torture made them say
yea. Then was Mr. Thompson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Collins, John
Clarke brought to examination, and were burned under the arms,
the armpits, the hands, and soles of the feet, with another most
miserable torture, to drink water. Some of them almost tortured
to death and were forced to confess that which they never knew,
by reason of the torment, which flesh and blood is not able to
endure. Then were the rest of the Englishmen called one by one,
amongst which I was one, being wished to confess, or else I must
go to torment. Withall called Mr. Johnson, who was before
tormented, to witness against me, or else he should be tormented
again, which, rather than he would endure, he said what they
would have he would speak. Then must I confess that I never
knew, or else go to torment, which rather than I would suffer, I
did confess that which (as I shall be saved before God Almighty)
is not true, being forced for fear of torment. Then did they
make us witness against Capt. Towerson, and at last made
Capt. Towerson confess, all being for fear of most cruel torment,
for which we must [all] die. As I mean and hope to have pardon
for my sins, I know no more than the child unborn of the business. Written with mine own hand the 5th of March, stilo novo.
Samuell Coulson. |
|
Yet in another page are [were] these words—
I was born in New Castle upon Tyne, where I desire this book
may come, that my friends may know my innocency.
Sa. Coulson. |
|
This book he delivered to one that served the Hollanders, who
sewed it up in his bed, and afterwards at his opportunity, delivered it up to Mr. Welden before named. All the[se] said
writings are yet extant under the hands of the several parties,
well known to their friends here in England. |
|
The 26th of February, stilo veteri, the prisoners were all brought
into the great hall of the castle (except Capt. Towerson and
Emanuel Thompson) to be prepared for death by the minister.
The Japoneses now all in general, as some of them had done
before in particular, cried out unto the English, saying, Oh, ye
Englishmen, where did we ever in our lives eat with you, talk
with you, yea, or to our remembrance, see you? The English
answered, Why, then, have you accused us? The poor men
perceiving they were made believe each had accused other before
they had so done indeed, shewed them their tortured bodies, and
said, If a stone were thus burnt, would it not change its nature?
How much more we that are flesh and blood? |
|
Whilst they were all in the hall, Capt. Towerson was brought
up into the place of examination, and two great jars of water
carried after him. What he there did or suffered, was unknown
to the rest of the English without. But it seems they made him
there to underwrite his confession. |
John Powle, Ephr. Ramsey,
Thos. Ladbrooke, John
Sadler, Edw. Collins,
John Beaumont saved. |
After supper John Powle, Ephraim Ramsey, Thomas Ladbrooke, and John Sadler, who were found not guilty as aforesaid,
were taken from the rest, and put into another room. Bye-and-by
also where Samuel Colson and Edward Collins brought from the
rest into the room where Emanuel Thompson lay. The Fiscal
told them, it was the Governor's mercy to save one of them
three, and it being indifferent to him which of them were the
man, it was his pleasure they should draw lot for it; which they
did, and the free lot fell to Edward Collins, who was carried away
to the chamber where John Powle and the rest that were quit
lodged; and Samuel Colson back into the hall. Anon, also, John
Beaumont was brought out of the hall into the chamber, where
Powle and the rest of the acquitted persons were, and was told
that he was beholding to Peter Johnson the Dutch merchant of
Lahoo, and to the secretary for they two had begged his life.
So then there remained in the hall only ten of the English (for
Capt. Towerson and Emanuel Thompson, as is said before,
were kept in in several rooms apart from the rest) to those that
remained in the hall came the Dutch ministers; who telling them
how short a time they had to live, admonished and exhorted them
to make their true confessions, for it was a dangerous and desperate thing to dissemble at such a time. The English still professed
their innocency, and prayed the ministers that they might all
receive the sacrament, as a zeal of the forgiveness of their sins,
and withal thereby to confirm their last profession of their
innocency. But this would by no means be granted, whereupon
Samuel Colson said thus unto the ministers: You manifest unto
us the danger of dissimulation in this case; but tell us if we
suffer guiltless being also otherwise true believers in Christ Jesus,
what shall be our reward? The preacher answered, by how much
the clearer you are, so much the more glorious shall be your
resurrection. With that word Colson started up embraced the
preacher, and gave him his purse with such money as he had in
it, saying, Domine, God bless you. Tell the Governor I freely
forgive him; and I entreat you to exhort him to repent him of
this bloody tragedy wrought upon us poor innocent souls. Here
all the rest of the English signified their consent of this speech. |
|
Then spake John Fardo to the rest in presence of the ministers
as followeth: My countrymen and brethren that are here with
me condemned to die, I charge you all as you will answer it at
God's judgment seat, if any of you be guilty of this matter
whereof we are condemned, discharge your consciences and
confess the truth for satisfaction of the word. Hereupon Samuel
Colson spake with a loud voice saying: According to my innocency in this treason, so Lord pardon all the rest of my sins, and
if I be guilty more or less, let me never be partaker of thy
heavenly joys; at which words every one of the rest cried out,
Amen for me, Amen for me, Amen for me, good Lord. This done,
each of them knowing whom he had accused, went one to
another, begging forgiveness for their false accusation being
wrung from them by the pains or fear of torture. And they all
freely forgave one another. For none had been so falsely accused
but he himself had accused another as falsely. In particular
George Sherrocke (who survived to relate that [this] night's
passage) kneeled down to John Clarke (whom he had accused of
the tale at Hitto before mentioned) and craved forgiveness at his
hands. Clarke freely forgave him saying, How should I look to
be forgiven of God if I should not forgive you, having myself so
falsely accused Capt. Towerson and others. After this they spent
the rest of that [the] doleful night in prayer, singing of psalms,
and comforting one another, though the Dutch that guarded
them offered them wine, bidding them drink lusticke [? lustilie]
and drive away their sorrow (according to the custom of their own
nation in like case) but contrary to the nature of the English. |
Wm. Webber, Geo.
Sherrocke saved. |
Upon the morrow morning being the execution day, the 27th
of February old style, John Powle, being freed as in above recited,
came into the room where the condemned persons were, and found
them at prayer. They all requested him to relate unto their
friends in England the innocency of their cause; taking it upon
their deaths, that what they had confessed against themselves
and others, touching this crime, was all forced by fear and [of]
torture. The same morning Willm. Webber was called again
into the Fiscal's room, and there pressed to produce the letter
which before he had confessed to have received from John Clarke,
in the postscript whereof some great business was intimated:
they promised him his life if he would deliver or procure them
that letter, which although he did not, nor indeed [c]would, yet
at last they pardoned him, and sent him to the rest that were
saved and Sherrocke with him. |
|
That morning also Emmanuel Thompson understanding that
John Beaumond was pardoned, made means to have him come
and speak with him, which with much ado he obtained; Beaumond found him sitting in a chamber alone in a most miserable
fashion: the wounds of his torture bound up, but the matter and
gore blood issued through the rollers. He took Mr. Beaumond
by the hand, and prayed him when he came into England, to do
his duty to the honourable Company his masters, to Mr. Robinson
and his brother Billingsley, and to certify them of his innocency
which (said he) yourself know well enough. |
|
All things being prepared for the execution, the condemned
were brought forth of the hall along by the chamber, where the
quit and pardoned were: who stood in the door to give and take
their [the] farewell of their countrymen now going to execution.
Staying a little for this purpose, they prayed and charged those
that were saved to bear witness to their friends in England of
their innocency, and that they died not traitors, but so many
innocents, merely murdered by the Hollanders; whom they
prayed God to forgive their bloodthirstiness, and to have mercy
upon their own souls. |
|
Being brought forth into yard, their sentence was there read
unto them from a gallery. And then they were [thence] carried
[un]to the place of execution together with nine Japoneses and a
Portugal, not the ordinary and short way, but round about with a
long procession through the town; the way guarded with five
companies of soldiers Dutch and Amboynezes, and thronged with
the natives of the island that, upon instruction [the summons
given the day before by the sound of a drum, flocked together
to behold this triumph of the Dutch over the English. Samuel
Colson had conceived a prayer in writing, in the end whereof
he protested his innocency. Which prayer he read to his fellows
the night before, and now also at the place of execution devoutly
pronounced the same: then threw away the paper, which the
Governor caused te be brought to him and kept it. |
|
Emanuel Thompson told the rest, he did not doubt but God
would shew some sign of their innocency. And every one of the
rest took it severally upon their death that they were utterly
guiltless, and so one by one with great cheerfulness they suffered
the fatal stroke. |
|
The Portugal prayed over his beads very devoutly, and often
kissed the cross, swearing thereupon he was utterly innocent of
this treason, yet confessed God has justly brought this punishment upon him, for that having a wife in his own country he had
by the persuasion of the [Dutch] Governor taken another in that
country; this first being yet living. |
|
The Japonezes likewise according to their religion shut up their
last act with profession of their innocency. |
Capt. Gab. Towerson,
Sam. Closon,
Eman. Thompson,
Tim. Johnson,
John Wetherall,
John Clarke,
Wm. Griggs
John Fardo,
Abel Price,
Robt. Browne executed. |
So there suffered ten English[men], Capt. Gabriel Towerson,
the agent of the English at Amboyna, Samuel Colson, factor at
Hitto, Emanuel Thompson, assistant at Amboyna, Tymothy
Johnson, assistant there also, John Wetherall, factor at Cambello, John Clarke, assistant at Hitto, William Griggs, factor at
Larica, John Fardo, steward of the house at Amboyna, Abel
Price, chirurgion, and Robert Browne, tailor. |
|
[The Portugal also suffered with them. His name was
Augustine Perez. He was born at Bengala. |
|
The names of the Japonese that suffered (if any be curious to
know them) were as followeth:— |
|
Hiheso, Tsiosa, Suisa; all born at Firando. |
|
Stanley Migiel born at Nangasacque. |
|
Pedro Congie born at Nangasacque. |
|
Thome Corea born at Nangasacque. |
|
Quiondayo, native of Coraets. |
|
Isabinda of Tsoucketgo. |
|
Zanchoe of Fisien. |
|
Besides these there were two other Japoneses, the one named
Soysimo, born at Firando, and the other Sacoute, of the same place;
the former of which being tortured, confessed both to have been
privy to this pretended treason and to have offered his service
unto the English to aid them in taking of the castle, and the
latter confessed to have had knowledge of the consultation of the
other Japons to this purpose. But neither of them was executed
nor so much as condemned. The reason whereof was not known
to the English that were saved.] |
|
They had prepared a cloth of black velvet for Capt. Towerson's
body to fall upon, which being stained and defaced with his
blood, they afterwards put to the account of the English Company. |
|
At the instant of the execution there arose a great darkness,
with a sudden and violent gust of wind and tempest, whereby two
of the Dútch ships riding in the harbour were driven from their
anchors, and with great labour and difficulty saved from the rocks.
Within a few days after one Willm. Dunkin, that had told the
Governor that Robert Browne, the English tailor, had a few
months before told him, he hoped within six months the English
should have as much to do within the castle of Amboyna as the
Dutch. This man [fellow] coming upon an evening to the grave
where the English were buried (being all, save Capt. Towerson,
in one pit) fell down upon the grave, and having lain there awhile
rose up [again] stark mad, and so continued two or three days
together, and then died. Forthwith also fell a new sickness at
Amboyna, which swept away [about] a thousand people, Dutch
and Amboynezes, in the space where usually there died not above
thirty at other seasons. These signs were by the surviving English referred to the confident prediction of Emanuel Thompson
above mentioned, and were by the Aboynezes interpreted as a
token of the wrath of God for this barbarous tyranny of the
Hollanders. |
|
The next day after the execution, being the 24th (? 28th) of
February, stilo veteri, was spent in triumph for the new General
of the Dutch (Peter de Carpentier), then proclaimed, and in public
rejoycing for their deliverance from this pretended treason. |
|
The day following, being the 1st of March, Jno. Beaumound,
George Sherrocke, Edward Collynes, and Wm. Webber, were
brought to the Governor, who told Beaumound, Sherrocke, and
Webber that they were pardoned in honour of the new General,
and Collines that he was to go to Jacatra, there to stand to the
favour of the new General. So the Governor made them drink
wine with him, and courteously dismissed them, bidding [willing]
them go and consult with the rest that were saved, who were fit
to be placed in the several factories, which done, and their
opinions reported to the Governor, he accordingly commanded
each to his place, adding that he would thenceforth take upon him
the patronage and government of the English Company's business,
to which purpose he had then within a few days past opened a
letter that came from the English President at Jaccatra, directed
to Capt. Towerson, being (as he said) the first English letter
that ever he intercepted. Further saying, he was glad that he
found by that letter that the English at Jaccatra were innocent
touching this business. The Governor and Fiscal having thus
made an end at Amboyna, despatched themselves for Banda, where
they made very diligent inquiry against Capt. Welden, the
English agent there, but found no colour nor shadow of guilt to
lay hold of But at last entertained him with courteous speeches,
professing to be very glad that they found him, as well as the
English at Jaccatra, to be without suspicion of this treason, as
they termed it. |
|
Capt. Welden, perceiving the disorder and confusion of the
English Company's affairs at Amboyna, by means of this dealing
of the Dutch, forthwith hired a Dutch pinnace at Banda, and
passed to Amboyna. Whither instantly upon his arrival he recalled the Company's servants sent (as before) by the Dutch
Governor to the under factories. |
|
Having enquired of them and the rest that were left at Amboyna, of the whole proceedings lately passed, he found, by the
constant and agreeing relation of them all, that there was no such
treason of the English as was pretended, as also understanding
what strict command the Governor had given to the surviving
English, not once to talk or confer with the country people concerning this bloody business (although the same country people
every day reproached them with treason, and a bloody intention
to have massacred the natives, and to have ript up the bellies of
the women with child, and such-like stuff, wherewith the Dutch
had possessed the [poor] vulgar people to make the English
odious unto them), the said Mr. Weldon, therefore, finding it to
sort neither with the honour nor profit of the English Company, his
masters, to hold any longer residence there [in Amboyna], he took
the[is] poor remnant of the English along with him in the said
hired pinnace for Jaccatra, whither the Governor had sent John
Beaumound and Edward Collins before, as men condemned and
left to the mercy of the General. |
|
When this heavy news of Amboyna came to Jaccatra, and to
the English there, the President forthwith sent to the General of
the Dutch to know by what authority their Governor of Amboyna
had thus proceeded against the English. And how he and the
rest of the Dutch there at Jaccatra did approve there proceedings,
The General returned for an answer that the Governor of Amboyna his authority was derived from the Lords States General of
the United Netherlands, under whom he had lawful jurisdiction,
both in civil and criminal causes, within the district of Amboyna.
Further, that such proceeding was necessary against traitors, such
as the English executed at Amboyna might appear to be by their
own confessions, copy whereof he therewith sent unto the English
President, who sent the same back to be authentically certified,
but received it not again. |
|
Hitherto hath been recited the bare and naked narration of the
progress and passages of this action, as it is taken out of the
depositions of the [six] several English factors, whereof four were
condemned [and] the other two acquitted in this process of Amboyna, all since they returned into England examined upon their
oaths in the Admiralty Court. The particular of Capt. Towerson's, as also of Emanuel Thompson's, examinations and answers,
are not yet come to light, by reason that these two were kept
apart from all the rest, and each alone by himself; none [nor any]
other of the English suffered to come to speak with them, except
only that short farewell [which] John Beaumound took of Thompson the morning before the execution before mentioned. The
like obscurity is as yet touching the examinations and answers of
divers of the rest that were executed, being during their imprisonment so strictly looked unto and watched by the Dutch, that they
might not talk together, nor mutually relate their miseries. But
because the Hollanders defend their own proceedings by the confessions of the parties executed, acknowledging severally under their
own hands that they were guilty of the crime pretended, it will
not be amiss to recollect [and recall unto this place], as it were, into
one sum or total, certain circumstances dispersed in the several
parts of this narration, whereby as well the innocency of the
English, as the unlawful proceedings against them may be
manifested. |
|
First, therefore, it is to be remembered that the Japonezes
were apprehended, examined, and tortured three or four days
before the English were attached. And the same as well of
their apprehension as torture was rife and notorious in the town
of Amboyna and the parts adjoining. Thompson in this interim,
and the very first day of the examination of the Japonezes, went
to the castle to ask leave of the Governor to land some rice, and
brought the news back with him to the English house of the
cruel handling of these poor Japonezes. This had been item
enough to the English (if they had been guilty) to shift for themselves; whereto also they had ready means of the curricurries
or small boats of the Amboynezes (which lie along the strand in
great number), wherewith they might easily have transported
themselves to Seran Bottoon or Maccassar, out of the reach or
[and] jurisdiction of the Dutch. But in that they fled not in
this case, it is a very strong presumption that they were so [as]
little privy to any treason of their own as suspicious of any
treacherous train laid for their blood. |
|
In the next place, let it be considered how impossible it was
for the English to achieve this pretended enterprise. The castle
of Amboyna is of very great strength, as is before declared; the
garrison therein 200 or 300 men, besides as many more of their
free burghers in the town. What their care and circumspection
in all their forts is, may appear not only by the quick alarum
they now took at the foolish questions of the poor Japoneze,
made to the sentinel above recited, but also by that which a little
before happened at Jaccatra, where one of their soldiers for
sleeping in his watch was shot to death. Durst ten English,
whereof not one a soldier, attempt anything upon such strength
and vigilancy ? As for the assistance of the Japonezes, they
were but ten neither, and all unarmed as well as the English.
For as at the seizure of the English house all the provision
therein found was but three swords and two muskets, with half
a pound of powder; so the Japonezes (except they are in service
of the castle and there armed by the Dutch) are allowed to have
no arms, but only a cattan, a kind of short sword; and it is
forbidden to all the Dutch upon great penalty to sell any hand
gun, powder, or bullets either to the Japonezes or Amboynezes.
But let it be imagined that these 20 persons, English and Japonezes, were so desperate as to venture the exploit. How should
they be able either to master the Dutch in the castle or to keep
possession when they had gotten it ? What seconds had they
at hand ? There was neither ship nor pinnace of the English
in the harbour; all the rest of the Japonezes in the island were
not 20 persons, and not one Englishman more. The nearest of
the rest of the English were at Banda, 40 leagues from Amboyna,
and those but nine persons, all afterwards cleared by the Governor
and Fiscal themselves of all suspicion of this pretended crime,
as were also the rest of the English at Jaccatra. On the other
side, besides the strength of the castle and town of Amboyna,
the Hollanders have three other strong castles well furnished
with soldiers in the same island, and at Cambello, near adjoining.
[They had then also in the rode of Amboyna] eight ships and
vessels, namely, the Rotterdam of 1,200 tons, the Unicorn 300,
the Freeman's vessel of 100, the Calke of 60, Capt. Gamall's
junk of 40, the Flute of 300, the Amsterdam of 1,400, and a
pinnace about 60 tons. All these were well furnished with men
and munition. It is true that the stories do record sundry valiant
and hardy enterprises of the English nation, and Holland is
witness of some of them, yea hath reaped the fruit of the English
resolution; yet no story nor legend scarcely reporteth any such
hardiness either of the English or others, that so few persons, so
naked of all provisions and supplies, should undertake such an
adventure upon such a counter party so well and abundantly
fitted at all points. |
|
But let it be further granted that they might (possibly) have
overcome all these difficulties, yet to what end and purpose
should they put themsèlves into such a jeopardy ? They knew
well enough it was agreed between both Companies at home that
the forts in the Indies should remain respectively in the hands
of such as had possession of them at the date of the treaty,
a° 1619, and that the same was ratified by the King's Majesty
and the Lord States General. They knew likewise, and all the
world takes knowledge, of his Majesty's religious observation of
peace and treaty with all his neighbours, yea with all the world.
What reward, then, could these English hope for of this their
valour and danger ? Certainly none other than that which is
expressly provided by the treaty itself; that is, to be punished
as disturbers of the common peace and amity of both nations.
But let all these Englishmen have been as foolish in this plot as
the Hollanders will have them, is it also to be imagined that they
were so graceless as when they were condemned and seriously
admonished by the ministers to discharge their consciences, yet
then to persist in their dissimulation ? being otherwise of such
godly behaviour as to spend the time in prayer, singing of
psalms, and spiritually comforting one another, which the Dutch
would have had them bestow in drinking to drive away [their]
sorrow ? Let Coulson's question to the minister be considered,
his and the rest's, and offer and desire to receive the sacrament
in token [witness] of their innocency, their mutual asking forgiveness for their like false accusations of one another forced by
the torture, Thompson's last farewell to Beaumound, Colson's
prayer, and his writing in his prayer-book; Fardo's farewell to
Powle, also his conjuring exhortation to his fellows to discharge
their consciences, and all their answers thereunto, craving God's
mercy or judgment according to their innocency in this cause;
their general and religious profession of their innocency to their
countrymen at their last parting with them; and finally, their
sealing of this profession with their last breath and blood, even
in the very article of death and in the stroke of the executioner:
what horrible and unexampled dissimulation were this? If
some one or more of them had been so fearfully desperate, yet
[w]could there not one in [amongst] them be found that would
[to] think of the judgment to come, whereunto he was then
instantly summoned without essoyne, bail, or mainprize ? What ?
had they hope of reprieve or [and] life if they kept their countenance to the last ? yet what hope had Thompson and the rest
when Capt. Towerson's head was off ? Nay, what desire had
Thompson and Clarke to live, being so mangled and martyred by
the torture ? They were executed one by one, and every man
[one] severally took it upon his death that he was guiltless. |
|
Now to blanch and smoothe over all this rough and barbarous
proceeding, it is here given out that the Governor and Fiscal
found such evidence of the plot, and dealt so evenly in the process,
that they spared not their own people, having used some of their
native Hollanders, partakers of this treason, in the same manner
as they did the English. But this, as well by the relation here
truly and faithfully set down, grounded upon the sworn testimony
of six credible witnesses, as also by other sufficient reports of
divers lately come out of those parts, appeareth to be a meer tale,
not once alleged by any in the Indies in many months after the
execution, but only invented and dispersed hére for a fucus or
[and] fair colour upon the whole cause, and to make the world
believe that the ground of this barbarous and tyrannous proceeding was a true crime, and not the insatiable covetousness of the
Hollanders, by this cruel treachery to gain the sole trade of the
Molluccoes, Banda, and Amboyna, which is already become the
effect [event] of this bloody process. |
|
To add hereunto by way of aggravation will be needless, the
fact is so full of odious and barbarous inhumanity executed by
Hollanders upon the English nation in a place where both lived
under terms of partnership and great amity confirmed by a most
solemn treaty. |
|
Endorsed, "The Discourse of the Execution of the English at
Amboyna. Handson." [Thirty-four pages. East Indies, Vol. III.,
No. 21.] |
|
500. Copy of the above in Dutch. [Thirty-eight pages.
East Indies, Vol. III., No. 22.] (The "third impression" of this
"True Relation" was printed in 1632 (Brit. Mus. 8022 a.).
It was reprinted in 1651 (E. 1311) and in 1688 (9055 a.a.a. 2).
To the editions of 1624, 1632, and 1651 are frontispieces showing
the manner of torture, as described at pp. 306–7.) |
