Insignia Bataviæ, or, The Dutch trophies display'd being exact relations of the unjust, horrid, and most barbarous proceedings of the Dutch against the English in the East-Indies : whereby is plainly demonstrable what the English must expect from the Hollanders when at any time or place they become their masters / by Elkanah Settle. Settle, Elkanah, 1648-1724. 1688 Approx. 78 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 16 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A59322 Wing S2696 ESTC R37369 16412177 ocm 16412177 105372 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A59322) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 105372) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1158:11) Insignia Bataviæ, or, The Dutch trophies display'd being exact relations of the unjust, horrid, and most barbarous proceedings of the Dutch against the English in the East-Indies : whereby is plainly demonstrable what the English must expect from the Hollanders when at any time or place they become their masters / by Elkanah Settle. Settle, Elkanah, 1648-1724. 32 [i.e. 28] p., [1] leaf of plates : ill. Printed for Thomas Pyke ...and are to be sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, London : 1688. Inspired by the prospective invasion of William of Orange--Cf. Pref. Errors in pagination: 13-17 lacking in numbering only. 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Netherlands -- Foreign relations -- Great Britain. 2005-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-10 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-06 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2006-06 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion depiction of torture Whilst fam'd Amboyna stands in Deathless story ; A Monument to the Batavian Glory ; Oh dull mistaken Page ; that poorly tells of feebler Pagan cut-throat Infidells : Those Demi-furies , with their punjer fame Veile to our Belgian more Immortall Nam● Nor let us wonder , that y e Neth'rland Pride Boasts it self nearer to the Deuill allyed It lyes nigh'r Hell than all y e World beside . INSIGNIA BATAVIAE : OR , THE Dutch Trophies Display'd ; Being Exact RELATIONS Of the Unjust , Horrid , and most Barbarous Proceedings of the DUTCH Against the ENGLISH IN THE East-Indies . Whereby is plainly Demonstrable what the English must expect from the Hollanders , when at any Time or Place they become their Masters . By ELKANAH SETTLE . Published with Allowance . LONDON , Printed for Thomas Pyke in Pall-Mall ; And are to be Sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster . 1688. To the Reader . READER , THE following Treatise of the DUTCH Cruelties in the Indies is here presented to your View ; like an old longfilenc'd Fiend , now rais'd ab Inferis , to walk abroad again , and new terrifie the Trembling World. 'T is an odd sort of Entertainment you are call'd to , to hear of so hideous a Story over again : But New Generations are risen up ; and perhaps , as there are a sort of Men in all Ages , that will not believe there are ( or can be ) any such things as Devils ; This History therefore treads the Stage once more , to convert a greater piece of Infidelity , viz. That there are ( and can be ) a more dreadful sort of Compounds , than Those other more immediate Infernal Subjects of Lucifer ; viz. Devils in Flesh . And truly , this more than stupendious Piece of Horror , had it lain silent even for more than Ages , ( though from a Resurrection , if possible , after a Thousand Years ) it could not be forgotten . The Marks of the Beast in it are only peculiar to it self ; and to shew Mankind its more particular Characteristicks , I need but name its Nativity , and say , 'T is of the Holland-Breed . There is a certain Bogg-Land in the World , which , by the Lowness of its Situation , may justly claim the Honour of being the Sink of the Universe ; And truly , as it had the Credit of first Founding it Self upon Revolt and Rebellion against its Natural Soveraign , and afterwards setting up a Sanctuary for all the Outlaws of the World to find Shelter and Protection in ; possibly , if Villany , Treason , Infamy , Vagrance , and Pyracy , &c. had weight enough , like other grosser Bodies , to move towards the Center , undoubtedly , in one universal C 〈…〉 flux , they fell down , and Fixt and Incorporated Here. The History has this Commendation , That the Subject-Matter of it , is an Original ; and will continue so to the very Period of the Platonick-Circle , unless the Same Hands attempt a Fellow to it . If Nero himself could revive again , and set-up for a Saint , the Project would be only feazible here ; for he could not well pick-up a Convenienter Foyl to his whole Life , than this History : An History so truly extraordinary Black , that it might serve for a Shadow , even to set off the Coursest , rough-cast Pencil-Work of Butchery and Massacre , that ever was dawb'd since the Creation . The Unimitable Actors of this Tragedy , perhaps , study'd the playing a Part so deep , as if they had affected an Applause from the very Execration of Posterity . The secret Spring that set this dismal Machine a-moving , was Avarice . The English had gain'd a little Footing , and Trade amongst them ; and therefore , this False Plot , put upon them , was a Way-lay to ensnare them out of their Lives , only to rob and riffle them of their Money . The National Dutch Moloch , GOLD , requir'd their Blood ; and his burning Paws could not be satisfy'd , but with this extraordinary unexampl'd Sacrifice . Such were the Hogan-Engineers in this Celebrated Torture-work , and this Scene their sometimes Master-piece : And to come nearer even to our present Face of Affairs in or towards England ; possibly , this Original Amboyna-Accomplishment , together with several later Additional New acquir'd Endowments , has Equipt them out for the present Great Protestant intended Reformers of England ; and really , for our present Design'd - Invasion , there needs such Principle to animate in such a Cause . And truly , let Religion , or what-ever other Spetious Declaration be the Masque , the present Invasion , duly examin'd , will be found resting upon the very same Bottom , viz. INTEREST . Little Old England is that fat Spot of Ground , so much a larger Golden Land of Promise , than that poorer inconsiderable Factory of Amboyna ; that , if possible , Greater Villanies , a more Impions Cause , and Blacker Streams of Blood , shall not be wanting to carry it . But , perhaps , the Work may be tougher , than their flattering Hopes have conceiv'd it ; When the Edge of the English Swords ; The Justice of their Cause ; The Conduct of their Martial Soveraign ; Together , with the Favour of Providence , the Guardian of the Throne , like the Angel's Flaming Sword at the Gate of Paradise , standing drawn against them ; Shall all joyn in our Defence . True Relations of the Unjust , Cruel , and Barbarous Proceedings of the Dutch , against the English in the East-Indies . AFter the fruitless Issue of two several Treaties ; The First , Anno 1613. in London ; and the other , Anno 1615. at the Hague in Holland , touching the differences between the English and Dutch , in the East-Indies : At last , by a Third Treaty , Anno 1619. in London , there was a full and solemn Composition made of all the said Differences ; and a fair Order set for the future proceeding of the Supports of both Companies in the Indies , as well in the course of their Trade and Commerce , as otherwise . Amongst sundry other points , it was agreed , That in regard of the great Blood-shed and cost , pretended to be bestowed by the Hollanders , in winning of the Trade of the Isles of the Molluccos , Banda , and Amboyna , from the Spaniards and Portugals , and in building of Forts for the continual securing of the same ; the said Hollanders therefore should enjoy two Third parts of that Trade , and the English the other Third ; and the charge of the Forts to be maintained by Taxes and Impositions , to be levied upon the Merchandize . Wherefore , in consequence of this Agreement , the English East-India Company planted certain Factories for their share of this Trade ; some at the Molluccos , some at Banda , and some at Amboyna . Of the Two former of these , there will be , at this present , small occasion to speak further ; but the last will prove the Scene of a sad Tragedy . This Amboyna is an Island lying near Seran , of the circuit of Forty Leagues , and giveth Name also to some other small Islands adjacent . It beareth Cloves ; for gathering , and buying in whereof , the English Company , for their part , had planted Five several Factories ; the head , and Rendevouz of all , at the Town of Amboyna ; and therein first Master George Muschamp , and afterward Master Gabriel Towerson , their Agents ; with directions over the smaller Factories at Hitto and Larica , upon the same Island ; and at Lobo and Cambello , upon a point of their neighbouring Island of Seran . Upon these Islands of Amboyna , and the point of Seran , the Hollanders have four Forts , the chief of all is at the said Town of Amboyna , and is very strong , having four Points or Bulwarks , with their Curtains ; and upon each of these Points six great Pieces of Ordinance mounted , most of them of Brass . The one side of this Castle is washed by the Sea , and the other is divided from the Land with a Ditch of four or five fathom broad , very deep , and ever filled with the Sea. The Garrison of this Castle consisteth of about 200 Dutch Soldiers , and a Company of free Burgers : Besides these , there is always a matter of three or four hundred Mardikers ( for so they usually call the free Natives ) in the Town , ready to serve the Castle at an hours warning . There lie also in the Road ( for the most part ) divers good Ships of the Hollanders , as well for the guard of the place by Sea , as for the occasions of Traffick : this being the chief Rendezvouz , as well for the Island of Banda , as for the rest of Amboyna . Here the English lived ; not in the Castle , but under the Protection thereof , in a House of their own in the Town ; holding themselves safe , as well in respect of the Ancient Bonds of Amity between both Nations , as of the strict conjunction made by the late Treaty before-mentioned . They continued here some Two Years , Conversing and Trading together with the Hollanders , by vertue of the said Treaty . In which time , there fell out sundry Differences and Debates between them : The English complaining that the Hollanders did not only lavish away much Money in Building , and unnecessary Expences upon the Forts , and otherwise , and bring large and unreasonable Reckonings thereof to the common Account , but also did , for their part , pay the Garrisons with Victuals , and cloath of Coromondel , which they put off to the Soldiers at three or four times the Value it cost them ; yet would not allow the English Companies part of the same Charge , but only in ready Money , thereby drawing from the English ( which ought to pay but one Third part ) more than two Thirds of the whole true charge . Hereupon , and upon the like occasions , grew some Discontents and Disputes , and the Complaints were sent to Jaccatra , in the Island of Java Major , to the Council of Defence of both Nations , there Residing : who also , not agreeing upon the points in Difference , sent the same hither over into Europe , to be decided by both Companies here ; or , in default of their Agreement , by the King's Majesty , and the Lords the States General , according to an Article of the Treaty of the Year , 1619. on this behalf . In the mean time , the Discontent between the English and Dutch , about these and other Differences , continued , and daily encreased ; until at last there was a Sword found to cut in sunder that knot at once , which the tedious Disputes of Amboyna and Jaccatra could not untie : And this was used in manner as followeth : About the 11th . of February , 1622. Stile veteri , a Japoner-Soldier of the Dutch , in their Castle of Amboyna , walking in the Night upon the Wall , came to the Sentinel ( being a Hollander ) and there , amongst other Talk , asked him some questions , touching the strength of the Castle , and the People that were therein . It is here to be noted , that those Japoners ( of whom there is not Thirty in all the Island ) did , for the most part , serve the Dutch as Soldiers ; yet were not of their Trusty bands , always lodged in the Castle , but upon occasion called out of the Town to assist in the Watch. This Japoner aforesaid , was ( for his said Conference with the Sentinel ) apprehended upon suspition of Treason , and put to Torture : Whereby ( as some of the Dutch affirmed ) he was brought to confess , That himself , and sundry others of his Countrey-Men there , had contrived to take the Castle . Hereupon other Japoners 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-Men 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 this while suspected not that this matter did any whit concern themselves , having never had any conversation with the Japoners , nor with the Portugal aforesaid . At the same time there was one Abel Price , Chirurgeon of the English , Prisoner in the Castle , for offering , in his Drunkenness , to set a Dutch-Man's House on Fire : This fellow the Dutch took , and shewed him some of the Japoners , whom they had first most grievously Tortured ; and told him , They had confessed the English to be of their confedracy for the taking the Castle ; and that if he would not confess the same , they would use him even as they had done these Japoners , and worse also . Having given him the Torture , they soon made him confess what ever they asked him . This was the 15th . of February , 1622. Stilo veteri . Forthwith , about Nine of the clock the same Morning , they sent for Captain Towerson , and the rest of the English that were in the Town , to come to speak with the Governor in the Castle ; they all went , save one that was left to keep the House : Being come to the Governor , he told Captain Towerson , That himself , and others of his Nation were accused of a conspiracy to surprize the Castle ; and therefore , until further Tryal , were to remain Prisoners : They also took him that was left at home in the House , and the Merchandize of the English there , into their own custody , by Inventory ; and seized all the Chests , Boxes , Books , Writings , and other things out of the said House . Captain Towerson was committed to his Chamber , with a Guard of Dutch Soldiers : Emanuel Thompson was kept Prisoner in the Castle ; the rest , viz. John Beomont , Edward Collins , William Webber , Ephram Ramsey , Timothy Johnson , John Fardo , and Robert Brown were sent . Aboard the Hollanders Ships , then Riding in Harbour , some to one Ship , and 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 Colson , John Clark , George Sharrock , that were found in the Factory at Hitto ; and Edward Collins , William Webber , and John Sadler at Larica , were all brought Prisoners to Amboyna , the 16th . of February . Upon ▪ which day also John Powl , John Wetheral , and Thomas Ladbrook , were Apprehended at Cambello ; and John Beomont , William Grigs , and Ephraim Ramsey at Lobo , and brought in Irons to Amboyna the 20th . of the same Month. In the mean time the Governor and Fiscal went to work with the Prisoners that were already there : And first they sent for John Beomont and Timothy Johnson from aboard the Unicorn ; who being come into the Castle , Beomont was left with a Guard in the Hall , and Johnson was taken into another Room ; where , by and by , Beomont heard him cry out very pitifully ▪ then to be quiet a little while , and then loud again . After taste of the Torture , Abel Price the Chirurgeon , that first was Examined and Tortu●ed , ( as aforesaid ) was brought in to confront and accuse him ; but Johnson not yet confes●ing any thing , Price was quickly carried out , and Johnson brought again to the Torture ; where Beomont heard him sometime cry aloud , then quiet again , then roar afresh . At last , after he had been 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 in the Hall , with a Soldier to watch him , that he should speak with no body . Then was Emanuel Thompson brought to Examination ; not in the room where Johnson had been , but in another , something farther from the Hall : yet Beomont being in the Hall , heard him roar most lamentably , and many times . At last , after an hour and half spent in Torturing him , he was carried away into another Room , another way , so that he came not by Beomont thro' the Hall. Next was Beomont called in , and being demanded many things , all which he denied with deep Oaths and Protestations , was made fast to be Tortured , a cloath tied about his Neck , and two Men ready with their Jarrs of Water to be poured on his Head : But yet , for this time , the Governor bad loose him , he would spare him a day or two because he was an Old Man. This was all Saturdays work , the fifteenth of February aforesaid . Upon Sunday the 16th ▪ of February , William Webber , Edward Collins , Ephraim Ramsey , and Robert Brown , were fetcht from aboard the Rotterdam to be Examined . At the same time came Samuel Colson , William Grigs , and John Clark ; George Sharrock , and John Sadler , from Hitto and Larica , and were immediately , upon their Arrival , brought into the Castle-Hall . Robert Brown , Taylor , was first called in , and 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 confest him as accessary in Taking the Castle : Which , when he denied with great Oaths and Execrations , they made his Hands and Feet fast to the Rack , bound a cloath about his Throat , 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 that they would by Torture make him confess any thing , though never so false , they would do him great favour to tell him what they would have him say , and he would speak it to avoid the Torture : The Fiscal hereupon said , What , do you Mock us ? and bid , Up with him again , and so gave him the Torment of Water ; which he not long able to endure , prayed to be let down again to his Confession : Then he devised a little with himself , and told them , That about Two Months and an half before , himself , Thompson , Johnson , Brown , and Fardo , had Plotted , with the help of the Japoners , to surprize the Castle . Here he was Interrupted by the Fiscal , and asked , Whether Captain Towerson were not of that Conspiracy ? He answered , No. You lye , 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 thing of a Plot , and that he wanted nothing but your consent and secrecy ? Then said a Dutch Merchant , one John Joost , that stood by ▪ Did not you 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 bid make him fast again ; whereupon he then said , 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 Jaccatra , or Master Welden , Agent in Banda , were not Plotters , or Privy to this business ? Again , he Answered , No. Then the Fiscal asked him , By what means the Japoners should have executed their purpose : Whereat , when Collins stood staggering and devising of some prob●ble Fiction , the Fiscal helpt him , and said , Should not Two Japoners have gone to each point of the Castle , and Two to the Governors Chamber-door , and when the hurly-burly had been without , and the Governor coming to see what was the matter , the Japoners 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 of himself : Whereupon the Fiscal ▪ without attending the Answer to his former Question , asked , What the Japoners should have had for their Reward ? He answered , A Thousand Ryals a piece . Lastly , he asked him , When this Plot should have been effected ? Whereunto , although he answered him nothing ( not knowing what to dev 〈…〉 upon the sudden ) yet he was dismissed , and very glad to come clear of the Torture , though with certain belief that he should Dye for this his Confession . Next was Samuel Colson brought in , being newly Arrived from Hitto , as is before cited ; 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 they asked him ; and so was quickly dismissed , coming out Weeping , Lamenting , and protesting his Innocency . Then was John Clark , that came with Colson from Hitto , fetcht in , an a little after was heard ( by the rest that were without in the Hall ) to cry out amain : They Tortured him with Water and Fire for the space of Two hours . The manner of his Torture ( as also of Johnsons and Thompsons ) was as followeth : First , they hoised him up by the Hands , with a Cord , on a large door , where they made him fast upon two Staples of Iron , fixt on both sides at the top of the door Posts , haling his Hands one from the other as wide as they could stretch : Being thus made fast , his Feet hung some two Foot from the Ground , which also they stretcht asunder as far as they could retch , and so made them fast beneath , unto the door Trees , on each side : Then they bound a cloth about his Neck and Face , so close that little or no Water could go by : That done , they poured the Water softly upon his Head , until the cloath was full up to the Mouth and Nostrils , and somewhat higher ; so that he could not draw Breath , but he must withal suck-in the Water : which being still continued to be poured in softly , forced all his inward parts , came out of his Nose , Ears , and Eyes , and often , as it were , stifling and choaking him ; at length took away his Breath , and brought him to a Swoond or Fainting : Then they quickly took him down , and made him Vomit up the Water . Being a little recovered , they triced him up again , and poured in the Water as before , always 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 swoln 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 any thing ; insomuch that the Fiscal and Tormentors reviled him , saying , That 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 hoised him up as before , and then burnt him with lighted Candles in the bottom of his Feet , until the Fat dropt out the Candles , yet then they applied fresh Lights unto him . They burne him also under the Elbows , and in the Palms of the Hands ; likewise under the Arm pits , 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 Captain Towerson had upon New-years-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 Japoners , to surprize 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 Chyrurgion to dress him , untill ( his flesh being putrified ) great Maggots dropt and crept from him in a most loathsom and noisom manner . Thus they finished their Sabbath days work ; and it growing now dark , sent the rest of the English ( that came that day from Hitto , and till then attended in the Hall ) first to the Smiths-shop , where they were loaden with Irons , and then to the same loathsom Dungeon , where Clark and the rest were , accompanied with the poor Japoners , lying in the putrefaction of their tortures . The next morning being Munday the 17th . of February , Old stile , William Griggs and John Fardo , with certain Japoners , were brought into the place of examination . The Japoners were first cruelly tortured to accuse Griggs , which at last they did : and Griggs , to avoid the like torture , confessed all that the Fiscal demanded . By and by the like also was done by John Fardo , and other Japoners : 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 also John Beomont was brought the second time to the Fiscals chamber ; where one Captain Newport a Dutchman's son ( born in England ) was used as an Interpreter . Will. 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 Beomont ) was present . Beomont denied it with great earnestness and deep Oaths . At last being triced up , and drenched with Water till his Inwards were ready to crack , he answered affirmatively to all the Fiscals Interrogatories : Yet as soon as he was let down , he clearly demonstrated to Capt. Newport , and Johnson a Dutch Merchant , 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 . After this , George Sharrock , Assistant at Hitto , was called 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 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 handed up . He still persisting in this his innocency , the Fiscal bad him be hoised up . Then he craved respite a while , and told them , that he was at Hitto , and not in Amboyna , upon New-years-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 Clark ( who 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 with Captain Towerson of a brave Plot. At which word the Fiscal and the rest were attentive , encouraging him to proceed . So he went on , saying , That John Clark had intreated Captain Towerson , that he might go to Maccasser , there to consult and advise with the Spaniards to come with Gallies , and rob the small Factories of Amboyna and Seran , when no Ships were there . Here they asked him , what Captain Towerson said to this . He answered , that Captain Towerson was very much offended with Clark 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 craved favour again , and began another tale ; to wit , that upon Twelfth-day then last past , John Clark told him at Hitto , that there was a practise to take the Castle of Amboyna ; and asked him , whether he would consent thereunto . Whereupon he demanded of Clark , whether Captain Towerson knew of any such business ? Which , Clark affirming ; then he ( the said Sharrock ) 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 could not be : for the Consultation was upon New-years-day . The Prisoner said as before in the beginning , that he had not been in Amboyna since the first of Decem. till now that he was brought thither . Why then , quoth the Fiscal , have you belied your self ? Whereto the Prisoner resolutely answered , that all that he had spoken touching any Treason , was false and feigned , only to avoid torment . Then went the Fiscal out into another room to the Governour , and anon returned , and sent Sharrock unto 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 Clark at Hitto , touching the Plot to take the Castle of Amboyna : which being read over to him , the Fiscal asked him , whethere 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 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 : withall he grapled with the Fiscal , and would have stopped him from carrying in the confession to the Governor , with whom he also craved to speak ; but was instantly laid hold on , and carried away to prison . William Webber , being next examined , was told by the Fiscar , that John Clark had confessed him to have been at Amboyna on Now years day , and sworn to Captain Towerson ' s plot , &c. All which he denyed , alledging , 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-years day , with all the rest of the circumstances in order as he was asked . He also further told them , he had received a letter from John Clark ; after which was a Postscript , excusing his brief writing at that time , for that there was great business in hand . But one Renier a Dutch Merchant , then standing by , told the Governour , that upon New-years day , the time of this pretended consultation , Webber and he were merry at Larica . So the Governour left him , and went out . But the Fiscal held on upon the other point , touching the Postscript of Clark's Letter , urging him to shew 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 . Then was Captain Towerson brought to examination , and shewed what others had confested 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 Captain Towerson , he should to the Torture , coldly re-affirmed the same , and so was sent away . They also brought William Grigs and John Fardo to justifie their former confessions to his Face . Captain 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 Gods 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 torment . With that the Fiscal and the rest offered them again to the torture : which they would not endure , but then affirmed their former confessions to by true . When Colson ( who had accused Captain Towerson 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 what was false , or upon the constrainers . The Fiscal after a little pause upon this question , went in to the Governour then in another room ; but anon returning , told Colson he must subscribe it : which he did ; yet withall made this protestation : Well , quoth he , you make me to accuse my self and others of that which is as false as God is true : for , God is my witness , I am as innocent as the Child newborn . Thus have they examined all that belong to the English Company in the several Factories of the Island of Amboyna . The one and twentieth of February , they examined John Wetheral , Factor at Cambello in the Island of Seran . He confessed , he was at Amboyna upon New-years day : but for the consultation , whereof he was demanded , he said he knew of no other but touching certain cloath of the English Company , that lay in the Factories rotten and wormeaten , which they advised together how to put off to the best avail of their Imployers . The Governour said , they questioned him not about cloath , but about Treason : whereof when he had protested his innocency , he was for that time dismissed . But the next day he was sent for again , and Captain 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. Wetheral , Mr. Wetheral , speak the truth , and nothing but the truth , as God shall put into your heart . So Captain Towerson was put out again , and Wetheral brought to the torture of water with great threats ; if water would not make him confess , fire should . He prayed 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 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 mens confessions , and asked him from point to point , as they had done others : and he still answered , Yea , to all . Next was called in John Powl , Wetherals 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 , who had long been well acquainted with him , was dismissed without torture . Then was Thomas Ladbrook , servant to Wetheral and Powl 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 from the Agent of Amboyna , he was easily and quickly dismissed . 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-years-tide , being also spoken for by John Joost , was dismissed , after he had hanged in the Rack a good while , with Irons upon his Legs , and the cloath about his mouth . Lastly , John Sadler , servant to William Griggs at Larica , was examined ; and being found to have been absent from Amboyna at New-years tide , when Grigs and others were there , was dismissed . Thus have we all their Examinations , Tortures , and Confessions , being the work of eight days , from the 15. to the 23. of February . After which was two days respite before the Setence . John Powl , being himself acquitted , as before said , went to the Prison to visit John Fardo , one of those that had accused Captain Towerson . To him Fardo religiously protested his innocency ; but especially his sorrow for accusing Master 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 godly Man , Captain Towerson , who ( I think in my conscience ) was so upright and honest towards all men , that he harboured no ill will to any , much less would 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 Captain Towerson falsly and wrongfully , only through fear of Torment . The 25. of February , old stile , all the Prisoners , as well the English , as the Portugal and the Japoners , were brought into the great Hall of the Castel , and there were solemnly condemned , except John Powl , Ephraim Ramsey , John Sadler , and Thomas Ladbrook , formerly acquitted , as aforesaid . Captain 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 report , ) but all was suppressed , save only a Bill of Debt , which one Tho. Johnson , a free Burgher got of him by favour of his Keepers for acknowledgment , that the English Company owed him a certain sum of money . In the end of this Bill he writ these words : Firmed by the Firm of me Gabriel Towerson , now appointed to die guiltless of any thing that can be justly laid to my charge . God forgive them their guilt ; and receive me to his mercy . Amen . This Bill being brought to M. Welden the English Agent at Banda , he paid the money , and received in the acknowledgment . William Griggs ( who had before accused Captain Towerson ) writ these words following in his Table-book : We , whose names are here specified ; John Beomont Merchant of Loho , William Griggs Merchant of Larica , Abel Price , Chyrurgion of Amboyna . Robert Brown , Taylor , which do here lie Prisoners in the Ship Rotterdam , being apprehended for conspiracy , for blowing up the Castle of Amboyna : we being judged to death this 5. of March , Anno 1622 which we through ●orm●nt were 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 extream torment of Fire and Water , that flesh and bloud 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 , that they that shall understand this ; that our Imployers may understand these wrongs , and that your selves would have a care to look to your selves : for their intent was to have brought you in also : they askt 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 afterward● delivered to M. Welden afore-named by one that served the Dutch. Samuel Colson also , another that accused Captain 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 5. Stilo novo , being Sunday , aboard the Rotterdam , lying in Irons . UNderstand that I Samuel Colson , late Factor of Hitto , was apprehended for suspicion of consperacy ; 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 English-men 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 English man guilty thereof ; nor other creature in the World. As this is true : God bless me . Sam. Colson . On the other side , upon the first page of the Catechism , is thus written . IN another leaf you shall understand more , which I have written in this Book . Sam. Colson . In the beginning of the Psalms and in the leaf so referred unto , is thus written , viz THe Japoners were taken with some Villany , and brought to examination : being most tyrannuously tortured , were asked if the English had any hand in their Plot. Which torture made them say , Yea. Then was Master Tomson , M. Johnson , M. Collins , Jonn Clark brought to examination , and were burned under the arms , armpits , the hands , and soles of the feet , with another most miserable torment 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 English men called one by one ( amongst which I was one ) being wished to confess , or else I must go to torment ; withall caused M. 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 to 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 this business . Written with my own hand the first of March , Stilo novo . Sam. Colson . Yet in another page were these words . I Was born in New Castle upon Tyne , where I desire this Book may come , that my Friends may know of my Innocency . Sam. Colson . This Book he delivered to one that served the Hollanders , who sowed it up in his Bed , and afterward , at his oppertunity delivered it to Mr. Weld●n before named All these 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 Captain Towerson and Emanuel Tomson ) to be prepared for death by the Ministers . The Japoners now all in general , as some of them had done before in particular , cryed cut unto the English saying ; Oh you English men , where did we ever in our lives eat with you , talk with you , 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 others , before they had so done indeed , shewed them their tortur'd bodies , and said , If a stone were thus burnt , would it not change his nature ? how much more we that are flesh and blood ? Whilst they were all in the Hall , Cap Towerson was brought up into the place of Examination , and two great Jarrs of Water carried after him . What he there did or suffered was unknown to the English without : but it seemeth they made him then to underwrite his confession . After Supper John Powl , Ephraim Ramsey . Th. Ladbrook , and John Sadler , who were found not guilty , as aforesaid , were taken from the rest , and put into another room . By and by also were Samuel Colson , and Edward Collins brought from the rest ; into the room where Emanuel Tomson lay : The Fiscal told them , it was the Governours 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 lots for it , which they did , and the free lot fell to Edward Collins ; who then was carried away to the Chamber , where John Powl and the rest that were quit , lodged , and Samuel Colson back into the Hall. Anon also John Beomont was brought out of the Hall into the Chamber , where John Powl , and the rest of the acquitted persons were , and was told , that he was beholding to Peter Johnson the Dutch Merchant of Lobo , and to the Secretary ; for they two had begged his Life . So then there remained in the Hall ten of the English , for Captain Towerson & Emanuel Tomson ( as is said before ) were kept in several rooms apart from the rest . To these 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 Sacraments , as a Seal of the forgiveness of their Sins : & withall , 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 otherwise also 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 , imbraced the Preacher , and gave him his Purse , with such mony as he had in it , saying , Domine , God bless you : tell the Governour , I freely forgive him ; and I intreat you , to exhort him to repent of his bloudy tragidy , wrought upon us poor innocent souls . Here all the rest of the English signified their consent to this Speech . Then spake John Fardo to the rest , in presence of the Ministers , as followeth , My Countrymen and Bretheren , all that are here with me condemned to die , I charge you all , as you will answer it at Gods 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 World. Hereupon Samuel Colson spake with a loud voice , saving , According to my Innocency in this Treason , so Lord pardon all the rest of my sins : and if I be guilty thereof more or less , let me never be partaker of thy heavenly joys . At which words every one of the rest cryed out , 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 falsly accused , but he himself had accused another as falsly . In particular , George Sharrock ( who survived to relate this nights passage ) kneeled down to John Clark whom he had accused of the Tale at Hitto above mentioned , and craved forgiveness or his hands . Clark freely forgave him , saying ; how should I look to be forgiven of God , if I should not forgive you , having my self so falsly accused Captain Towerson , and others ? After this , they spent the rest of the doleful Night in Prayer , Singing of Psalms , and Comforting one another ; though the Dutch that guarded them , offered them Wine , bidding them drink Lustick , and drive away the sorrow ; according to the Custom of their own Nation in the like case , but contrary to the nature of the English . Upon the morrow morning , being the execution day , the 2● . of February ( Stilo veteri ) John Powel being freed ( as is abo●● 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 false , and forced by fear of Torture . The same Morning William Webber was called again into the Fiscals Room , and there pressed to produce the Letter , which he had before confessed to have received from John Clark , in the Postscript whereof some great business was intimated . They promised him his Life , if he would deliver or produce them that Letter : which although he did not , nor indeed could , yet at last they pardoned him , and sent him to the rest that were saved , and Sharrock with him . That morning Emanuel Tomson understanding that John Beomont was pardoned , made means to have him come and speak with him ; which with much ado he obtained . Beomont found him sitting in a Chamber , all alone , in a most miserable fashion ; the wounds of his Torture bound up , but the matter and gore-blood issuing through the Rollers . He took Mr. Beomont 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 to his Brother Billingsley , and to certifie them of his Innocency , which ( said he ) you your self know well enough . All things being prepared for the Execution , the Condemned were brought forth of the Hall , along by the Chamber were the quit and pardoned were , who stood in the door , to give and take the farewel of their Countrey-men now going to Execution . Staying a little for this purpose , they praye● 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 , meerly murthered by the Hollanders , whom they prayed God to forgive their Blood-thirstiness , and to have Mercy upon their own Souls . Being brought into the Yard , their Sentence was there read unto them from a Gallery , and then they were thence carried unto the place of Execution , together with nine Japons , and a Portugal ; not the ordinary and short way , but round about in a long Procession through the Town , the way guarded with five Companies of Soldiers , Dutch and Amboyners , and thronged with the Natives of the Island , that ( upon the Summons given the day before by the sound of the 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 Governour caused to be brought to him , and kept it . Emanuel Tomson told the rest , he did not doubt but God would shew some sign of their Innoceny ; 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 suffered the fatal stroke . The Portugal Prayed over his Beads very devoutly , and often kissed the Cross , swearing thereupon , that he was utterly Innocent of this Treason : yet confessed , that God had justly brought this punishment upon him , for that having a Wife in his own Country , he had by the perswasion of the Dutch Governour , taken another in that Country , his first being yet living . The Japons likewise ( according to their Religion ) shut up their last Act with the like profession of their Innocency . So there suffered Ten English-men , viz. Captain Gabriel Towerson , the Agent of the English at Amboyna ; Samuel Colson , Factor at Hitto ; Emanuel Tomson , Assistant at Amboyna ; Timothy Johnson , Assistant there also ; John Wetheral , Factor at Cambello ; John Clark , Assistant at Hitto ; VVilliam Griggs , Factor at Larica ; John Fardo , Steward of the House ; Abel Price , Chirurgion ; and Robert Brown , Taylor . The Portugal also suffered with them ; his name was Augustin Perez ; he was born at Bengala . The names of the Japoneses that suffered ( if any be curious to know them ) were as followeth : Hititso , Born at Firando . Tsiosa , Born at Firando . Sinsa , Born at Firando . Sidney Migiel , Born at Nagansacq Pedro Congie , Born at Nagansacq Thome Corea . Born at Nagansacq Quiandayo , Native of Coraets . Tsabinda of Tsonketgo . Zanchoe of Fisien . Besides these , there were two other Japoneses , the one named Soysino , born at Firando ; and the other Sacoube , 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 knowledg 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 Captain 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 Dutch Ships riding in the harbour , were driven from Anchor , and with great labour and difficulty saved from the Rocks . Within a few days after one VVilliam Dunckin , who had told the Governour , That Robert Brown the English Taylor , had a few Months before told him , he hoped , that within six Months the English should have as much to do in the Castle of Amboyna , as the Dutch : This fellow coming upon an evening to the Grave where the English were buried , being all ( save Captain Towerson ) in one Pit , fell down upon the Grave ; and having lien there a while , 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 Amboyners ; in the space wherein , there usually died not above thirty at other seasons : These signs were by the surviving English referred to the confident prediction of Emanuel Tomson above-named , and were by the Amboyners interpreted as a Token of the Wrath of God , for this barbarous Tyranny of the Hollanders . The next day after the execution , being the eight and twentieth of February , Stilo veteri , was spent in Triumph , for the new General of the Dutch then proclaimed , and in publick rejoycing for the deliverance from this pretended Treason . The day following , being the first of March , John Beomont , George Sharrock , Edward Collins , and VVilliam VVebber , were brought to the Governour ; who told VVebber , Beomont , and Sharrock , that they were pardoned in honour of the new General ; and Collins , that he was to go to Jaccatra , there to stand to the favour of the General . So the Governour made them drink Wine with him , and courteously dismissed them : willing them to go and consult with the rest that were saved , who were fit to be placed in the several Factories . VVhich done , and their Opinions reported to the Governour , he accordingly commanded each to his place , adding that he would thenceforth take upon him the Patronage and Government of the Engglish Companies business . To which purpose he had within a few days past , opened a Letter which came from the English President at Jaccatra , directed to Captain Towerson ; being as he said ) the first English letter that ever he intercepted ; further saying , that he was glad that he found by that Letter , that the English at Jaccatra were innocent touching this business . The Governour and Fiscal having thus made an end at Amboyna , dispatched themselves for Banda , where they made very diligent enquiry against Captain VVelden the English Agent there ; yet found no colour nor shadow of guilt to lay hold on ; 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 suspition of this Treason ( as they term it . ) Captain VVelden perceiving the disorder and confusion 〈◊〉 ●●e English Companies affairs at Amboyna , by means of this dealing of the Dutch ; forthwith hired a Dutch Pinnace at Banda , and passed to Amboyna ; where instantly upon his arrival , he re called the Companies servants , sent ( as before ) by the Dutch Governour to the upper 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 governour had given to the surviving English not once to talk or confer with the Countrey People concerning this bloody business , although the said Country People every day reproached them with Treason , and a bloody intention to have massacred the Natives , and to have ripped up the bellies of women with Child , and such like stuff , wherewith the Dutch have possesed the poor Vulgar , to make the English odious unto them . The said M. VVelden therefore finding it to sort neither with the honour and profit of the English Company , his Masters , to hold any longer residence in Amboyna , he took the poor remnant of the English along with him , in the said hired Pinnace for Jaccatra ; whither the governour had sent John Beomont , 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 the English there , the President forthwith sent to the general of the Dutch , to know by what Authority the governour of Amboyna had thus proceeded against the English , and how he and the rest of the Dutch there at Jaccatra , did approve these proceedings . The governour returned for answer , that , The Governor of Amboyna's Authority was derived from that of the Lords States General of the United Neatherlands ; under whom he had lawful Jurisdiction both in criminal and civil causes , within the destrict of Amboyna ; further , that such proceedings was necessary against Traitours , such as the English executed at Amboyna , might appear to be by their own confessions : a Copy whereof he therewith sent to the English President ; who sent the same back to be Authentically certified , but receiv'd it not again . Hitherto hath been recited the bare and naked Narration of the Progress and Passage of this Action , as it is taken out of the Depositions of six several English Factors ; whereof four were condemned , and the other two acquitted in this process of Amboyna : all , since their return into England , examined upon their Oaths in the Admiralty Court. The particular of Captain Towerson's , as also of Emanuel Tomson's examination 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 ; nor any other of the English suffered to come to speak with them , except only that short Farewel , which John Becmout took of Tomson the morning before the execution before mentioned . The like obscurity is yet touching the examinations and answers of diverse of the rest that are executed ; being , during their imprisonment , so strictly lookt to , and warded 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 hands , that they were guilty of the pretended crime ; it will not be amiss to recollect and recal unto this place , as it were unto one sum and total , certain circumstances dispersed in 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 remembred , that the Japons 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 rise and notorious in the Town of Amboyna , and the parts adjoyning . Tomson , in this interim , and the very first day of the examination of the Japon , went to the Castle to ask leave of the Governour to land some Rice , and brought back the news with him to the English house of the cruel handling of these poor Japons . This had been Item enough to the English , if they had been guilty , to shift for themselves : whereto also they had ready means by the Curicurries or small Boats of the Amboyners , which lie along the Strand in great number , wherewith they might easily have transported themselves to Seran , to Bottoom , or to Maccassar , out of the reach and Jurisdiction of the Dutch ; but in that they fled not in this Case it is a very strong presumption , that they were as little privy to any Treason of their own , as suspicious of any treacherous train laid for their bloods . In the next place let it be considered , how impossible it was for the English to atchieve this pretended Enterprise . The Castle of Amboyna is of a very great strength ( as is before declar'd ) the Garrison therein two or three hundred men , besides as many more of their free Burgers in the Town . What their care and circumspection in all their Forts is , may appear , not only by the quick Alarm they now took at the foolish question of the poor Japan , made to the Sentinel above recited ; but also by that which a little before happened at Jaccatra , where one of their Souldiers was shot to death for sleeping in the watch . Durst ten English men ( whereof not one a Souldier ) attempt any thing upon such a strength and vigilancy ? As for the assistance of the Japans , they were but ten neither , and all unarmed as well as the English : For , as at the seisure of the English house , all the provision therein found was but three Swords , two Muskets , and a half a pound of Powder : so the Japans ( except when they are in service of the Castle , and there armed by the Dutch ) are allowed to have no Arms , but only a Catan , a kind of short Sword : and it is forbidden to all the Dutch , upon great penalty , to sell any hand gun , powder or bullets to the Japans or Amboyners . But let it be imagined , that these 20 persons English and Japans , were so desperate as to adventure the exploit ; how should they be able to master the Dutch in the Castle , or to keep possession when they had gotten it ? what second had they ? There was neither Ship nor Pinnace of the English in the Harbor . All the rest of the Japans in the Island , were not twenty Persons , and not one English more . The nearest of the rest of the English were at Banda , forty Leagues from Amboyna ; and those but nine persons , all afterwards cleared by the Governour , and Fiscal themselves from all suspition 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 Souldiers in the same Island , and at Cambello near adjoyning . They had then also in the Rode of Amboyna 8 Ships and Vessels , namely the Rotterdam of 1200 Tun , the Unicorn of 300 Tun , the Free-mans Vessel of 100 Tun , the Calck , of 60 Tun , Captain Gamals Junck of 40 ●un , the Flute of 300 Tun , the Amsterdam of 1400 Tun , and a small Pinnace of about 60 Tun ; and all these well furnished with Men and Ammunition . 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 , no Legend scarcely reporteh any such hardiness , either of the English or others , That so few persons so naked of Provisions and Supplies , should undertake such an Adventure upon 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 themselves into such a jeopardy ? They knew well enough , that 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 the at the Date of the Treaty , Anno 1619. and that the same was ratified by the Kings Majesty , and the Lords States General . They know likewise , and all the World takes knowledg of his Majesties 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 Valor and Danger ? Certainly none other than that which is expresly provided by the Treaty it self , that is , To be Punished as the Disturbers of the Common Peace and Amity of both Nations . But let these English-men 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 spiritual comforting one another , which the Dutch would have have had them bestow in drinking , to drive away their sorrow ? Let Colsons question to the Minister be considered : his and the rests offer and desire to receive the Sacrament , in sign and token of their Innocency ; their mutual asking forgiveness for their like false accusations of one another forced by the Torture ; Tomsons last Farewel to Beomont ; Colsons prayer , and his writing in his Prayer-Book ; Fardo's Farewel to Powel ; also his conjuring ●xhortation to his Fellows , to discharge their Consciences , and all their Answers thereunto ; craving God's Mercy or Judgment , accord●ng to their Innocency in this cause ; their general and religious profession of their Innocency to their Countrey-men , at their ●ast parting with them ; and finally , the sealing of this Profession with their Last Breath and Blood , even in the very Article of death , and in the stroke of execution . What horrible and unexampled dissimulation were this ? If some one or more of them had been so fearfully desperate , yet would not there one amongst ten be found to think of the Judgment to come , whereunto he was then instantly summone● without Essoin , Bail , or Mainprise ? What ? had they hope of reprieve and l●fe , if they kept their countenance to the last ? Yet what hope had Tomson and the rest , when Captain Towerson's head was off ? Nay what desire had Tomson and Clark to live , being so mangled and martyred by the Torture ? They were executed one by one and every one several took it upon his death , that he was guiltless . Now to blanch and smooth over all this rough and barbarous proceeding ; it is here given out , that the Governour 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 Testimouy of six credible witnesses , as also by other sufficient reports of diverse ( lately come out of those parts ) appeareth to be 〈◊〉 meer tale , not once alledged by any in the Indies in many months after the execution , but only invented and dispersed here for a Faucus an● a fair colour upon the whole cause , and to make the world believe , tha● the ground of this barbarous and Tyrannous proceeding was a true crime and not the unsatiable covetousness of the Hollanders , by this cruel treachery to gain the sole Trade of the Molluccos , Banda and Amboyna , which is already become the event of this Bloody Process . To add hereunto by way of Aggravation , will be needless ; the Fact is so ful● of odious and barbarous Inhumanity , executed by Hollanders upon the English Nation , in a place were both lived under Terms of Partnership and great Amity , confirmed by a most solemn Treaty . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A59322-e1250 Abel Price Examined , Emanuel Thompson Examined . Robert Brown Examined . Edward Collins Examined . Samuel Colson Examined . John Clark Examined . William Griggs examined . John Fardo examined . John Beomont examined . George Sharrock examined . William Webber examined . Gabriel Towerson examined . John Wetheral examined . John Powl examined . Thomas Ladbrook examined . Ephraim Ramsey examined . John Sadler examined .