AFter the fruitleſs iſſue of two ſeveral Treaties: the firſt Anno 1613. in London; and the other An. 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 Suppoſts 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, Tha • in regard of the great blood-ſhed and coſt, pretended to be beſtowed by the Hollanders in winning of the Trade o • 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 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 Rendezvouz of all, at the Town of Amboyna; and therein firſt Maſter George Muſchamp, and afterward Mr. Gabriel Towerſon, their Agents with directions over the ſmaller Factories at Hitto and Larica upon the ſame Iſland, and at Loho 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 Ordnance 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 two hundred Dutch Souldiers, and a Company of free Burgers. Beſides theſe, there is alwaies 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 protection, 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 times there fell out ſundry differences and debates between them: The Engliſh complaining that the Hollanders did not onely 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 Coromondell, which they put off to the Souldiers at three or four times the value it coſt them, yet would not allow of the Engliſh Companies part of the ſame charge, but onely 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 Jacatra, 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 Kings 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 the Dutch, about theſe and other differences, continued, and daily encreaſed, untill 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 eleventh of February 1622. Stilo 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 alwaies 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 the Torture. Thereby (as ſome of the Dutch affirmed) he was brought to confeſs himſelf, and ſundry others of his Countrey-men there, to have contrived the taking of 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, Abel Price examined. Chyrurgion of the Engliſh, priſoner in the Caſtle for offering in his Drunkenneſs to ſet a Dutch mans 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 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 Japoners, and worſe alſo. Having given him the Torture, they ſoon made him confeſs whatever they asked him. This was the fifteenth 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 Governour in the Caſtle: They all went, ſave one that was left to keep the houſe. Being come to the Governour, he told Captain Towerſon, that himſelf and others of his Nation were accuſed of a conſpiracy, to ſurprize the Caſtle, and therefore, untill further Trial were to remain priſoners. Inſtantly alſo they attached him that was left at home in the houſe, took the Merchandize 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 houſe. Captain Towerſon was committed to his Chamber, with a Guard of Dutch Soldiers. Emmanuel Tomſon was kept priſoner in the Caſtle; the reſt, viz. John Beomont, Edward Collins, William Webber, Ephraim 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 Governour 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 ſixteenth 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 Loho, and brought in irons to Amboyna the twentieth of the ſame moneth. In the mean time the Governour 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 Ʋnicorn; 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 for a little while, and then loud again. After taſte of the torture, Abel Price the Chyrurgion, that firſt was examined and tortured, (as is above remembred) was brought in to confront and accuſe him: But Johnſon not yet confeſſing 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 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 Souldier to watch him that he ſhould ſpeak with no body. Then was Emanuel Tomſon brought to examination;Emanuel Tomſon examined. 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 an half ſpent in torturing him, he was carried away into another room another way, ſo that he came not by Beomont through 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 Jarres of water to be poured on his head. But yet for this time the Governour 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 ſixteenth 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 Tailor was Robert firſt called in;Robert Brown examined. and being tormented with water, confeſſed all in order as the Fiſcal asked him.

Then was Edward Collins called in,Edward Collins examined. and told, that thoſe that were formerly examined, had confeſs'd 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 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 ſhould do him a 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 bad, 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 with himſelf, and told them, That about two moneths and a half before, himſelf, Tomſon, 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 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 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 bad 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 probable fiction, the Fiſcal holp him, and ſaid, Should not two Japoners have gone to each Point of the Caſtle, and two to the Governours Chamber door; and when the hurlyburly had been without, and the Governour 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. Collins anſwered, 1000 Ryals 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 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,Samuel Colſon examined. 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 they asked him: and ſo was quickly diſmiſſed, coming out weeping, lamenting, and proteſting his innocency.

Then was John Clark, John Clark examined. that came 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 Johnſons and Tomſons) 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 would retch, and ſo made them faſt beneath unto the door-trees on each ſide. Then they bound a cloath 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, untill the cloath was full up to the mouth and noſtrils, and ſomewhat higher; ſo that he could not draw breath, but he muſt withall 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 ſwoun or fainting. Then they took him quickly down, 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 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 as 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 again as before, and then burnt him with lighted Candles in the bottom of his feet, untill 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 the hands; likewiſe under the arm pits, untill 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 ask'd: 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 Governour 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 dayes, 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 dayes 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 Smith's 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 ſeventeenth 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, William Griggs examined. 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, John Fardo examined. 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;John Beomont examined. where one Captain Newport a Dutch mans ſon (born in England) was uſed as an Interpreter. William 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 Captain 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 rivitted to his legs, and then was carried back to priſon.

After this George Sharrock Aſſiſtant at Hitto, George Sharrock examined. 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 Governour 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 hanged 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 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 Cap. 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 Twelf-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 matter. 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 December, 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 onely 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, 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 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 grappled with the Fiſcal, and would have ſtopped him from carrying in the confeſſion to the Governour, with whom he alſo craved to ſpeak; but was inſtantly laid hold on, and carried away to priſon.

William Webber, William Webber examined. being next examined, was told by the Fiſcal, that John Clark had confeſſed him to have been at Amboyna on New years day, and ſworn to Captain Towerſon's plot, &c. All which he denied, 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 the examination,Gabriel Towerſon examined. and ſhewed 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 Captain Towerſon, he ſhould to the Torture, coldly re-affirmed the ſame, and ſo was ſent away. They alſo brought William Griggs and John Fardo to juſtifie their former confeſſions to his face. Captain Towerſon ſeriouſly charged them, that as they would anſwer it at the dreadfull day of Judgement, 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 be 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 new born.

Thus have they examined all that belong to the Engliſh Company in the ſeveral Factories of the Iſland of Amboyna.

John Wetheral examined. 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 rotting and worm-eaten, 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 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 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, John Powl examined. 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, Thomas Ladbrook examined. 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,Ephraim Ramſey examined. 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, John Sadler examined. ſervant to William Griggs at Larica, was examined; and being found to have been abſent from Amboyna at New-years tide, when Griggs and others were there, was diſmiſſed.

Thus have we all their examinations, tortures, and confeſſions, being the work of 8. dayes, from the 15. to the 23. of February. After which was two dayes reſpite before the ſentence. John Powl, being himſelf acquitted as before ſaid, 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 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 five and twentieth 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 Caſtle, 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 Th. Johnſon, a free Burgher, got of him by favour of his Keepers for acknowledgement, 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 dye 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 Mr. Welden, the Engliſh Agent at Banda, he paid the money, and received in the acknowledgement.

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 Tailor, 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 fifth of March, Anno 1622. which we through torment 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 extreme torment of fire and water, that fleſh and blood 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 ask'd 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. Welden aforenamed, 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 conſpiracy; and for any thing I know, muſt dye 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.

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.

In the beginning of the Pſalms, and in the leaf ſo referred unto, is thus written; viz.

THe Japons 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 wade them ſay, Yea. Then was Mr. Tomſon, Mr. Johnſon, Mr. Collins, John Clark brought to examination, and were burned under the arms, arm-pits, the hands, and ſoals 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 Engliſhmen called one by one, (amongst which I was one) being wiſhed to confeſs, or elſe I muſt go to torment; withall cauſed 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 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 Captain Towerſon, and at laſt made Captain Towerſon confeſs all, being for fear of moſt cruel torment, for which we muſt all dye. 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.

Yet in another page were theſe words;

I Was born in Newcaſtle upon Tyne, where I deſire this Book may come, that my Friends may know of my innocency.

This Book he delivered to one that • erved the Hollanders, who ſowed it up • n his Bed, and afterward, at his oppor • unity, delivered it to Mr. Welden be • ore named.

All theſe ſaid writings are yet extant under the hands of the ſeveral parties, well known to their friends here in England.

The ſix and twentieth 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 Japoneers now all in general, as ſome of them had done before in particular, cryed out 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 tortured 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, Captain Towerſon was brought up into the place of examination and two great Jar • of water carried after him. What h • 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, Thomas 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 Loho, 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 and Emanuel Tomſom (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; 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 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 money 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 bloody Tragedy, 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 Brethren, 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, ſaying, 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 cried 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 at 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 Luſlick, 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 27th. of February, Stilo veteri, John Powl being freed (as is 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 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 where the quit and pardoned were; who ſtood in the door, to give and take the farewell of their Countrey-men 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, 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 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 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 Countrey, he had, by the perſwaſion of the Dutch Governour, taken another in that Countrey, 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 Engliſhmen, 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, William Griggs Factor at Larica, John Fardo Steward of the houſe, Abel Price Chyrurgion, and Robert Brown Tailor.

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 all born at Firando. Tſioſa all born at Firando. Sinſa all born at Firando. Sidney Migiel born at Naganſacque. Pedro Congie born at Naganſacque. Thome Corea born at Naganſacque. Quiandayo native of Coraets. Tſabinda of Tſoncketgo. Zanchoe of Fiſien.

Beſides theſe, there were two other Japoneſes; the one named Soyſimo, 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 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 cloath 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 their Anchors, and with great labour and difficulty ſaved from the Rocks. Within a few dayes after, one William Danckin, who had told the Governour, That Robert Brown, the Engliſh Tailor, had a few Moneths before told him, he hoped that within ſix Moneths 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 dayes together, and then dyed. Forthwith alſo fell a new ſickneſs at Amboyna, which ſwept away about a thouſand people Dutch and Amboyners: in the ſpace wherein, there uſually dyed not above thirty at other ſeaſons. Theſe ſigns were by the ſurviving Engliſh, referred to the confident prediction of Emanuel Tomſon abovenamed, 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 William Webber, were brought to the Governour; who told Webber, 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. Which 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 Engliſh Companies buſineſs. To which purpoſe, he had within a few dayes paſt, opened a Letter that 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 Welden, 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 ſuſpicion of this Treaſon, (as they term it.) Captain Welden, perceiving the diſorder and confuſion of the 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 Countrey 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 poſſeſſed the poor Vulgar, to make the Engliſh odious unto them. The ſaid Mr. Welden therefore finding it to ſort neither with the honour, nor 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 mercie 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 Governour 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 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: a Copy whereof he therewith ſent to the Engliſh Preſident; who ſent the ſame back to be Authentickly certified, but received 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 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; nor any other of the Engliſh ſuffered to come to ſpeak with them, except onely that ſhort Farewell, which John Beomont took of Tomſon, the morning before the Execution before mentioned. The like obſcurity is yet touching the Examinations and Anſwers of divers of the reſt that are Executed; being, during their impriſonment, ſo ſtrictly lookt to, 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 hands, that they were guilty of the pretended crime; it will not be amiſs to recollect and recall 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 dayes, 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. Tomſom, 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 Curricurries or ſmall Boats of the Amboyners, which lie along the Strand in great number, wherewith they might eaſily have tranſported themſelves to Seran, to Bottom, or to Maccaſſer, 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 enterprize.

The Caſtle of Amboyna is of a very great ſtrength (as is before declared;) 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 onely by the quick Alarm they now took at the fooliſh queſtion of the poor Japon, made to the Sentinel, above recited; but alſo by that which a little before happened at Jaccatra, where one of their Soldiers was ſhot to death for ſleeping in the Watch.

Durſt ten Engliſh men (whereof not one a Soldier) attempt any thing upon ſuch a ſtrength and vigilancy? As for the aſſiſtance of the Japons, they were but ten neither, and all un-armed, as well as the Engliſh: For, as at the ſeizure of the Engliſh houſe, all the proviſion therein found, was but three ſwords, two Muskets, and half a pound of powder: ſo the Japons (except when they are in ſervice of the Caſtle, and there armed by the Dutch) are allowed to have no Arms, but onely 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 Japons or Amboyners. But let it be imagined, that theſe twenty perſons Engliſh and Japons, 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 Japons 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 Soldiers in the ſame Iſland, and at Cambello near adjoining. They had then alſo in the road of Amboyna, eight Ships and Veſſels, namely, the Rotterdam of 1200 Tun, the Ʋ nicorn of 300 Tun, the Free-mans Veſſel of 100 Tun, the Calck of 60 Tun, Captain Gamals Junek of 40 Tun, the Flute of 300 Tun, the Amſterſtam 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 enterprizes 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 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 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 them at the date of the Treaty, Anno 1619. and that the ſame was ratified by the Kings Majeſty, and the Lords States General. They knew likewiſe, and all the world takes knowledge 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 valour 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 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 farewell to Beomont; Colſons prayer, and his writing in his Prayer-book; Fardo's farewell to Powl; alſo his conjuring exhortation to his fellows, to diſcharge their conſciences, and all their anſwers thereunto; craving Gods mercy or judgment, according to their innocency in this cauſe; their general and Religious profeſſion of their innocency, as to their Countreymen, at their laſt 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 the Executioner. 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 ſummoned without Eſſoin, Bail, or Mainpriſe? What? had they hope of reprieve and life, 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 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 alledged by any in the Indies in many moneths after the Execution, but only invented and diſperſed here, for a Fucus and a 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 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 adde 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.

Thus you have had an account of the great miſery inflicted upon defenceleſs mortals, the Engliſh, by their fellow Creatures, yea pretended Friends and Allies, the Dutch; a miſery indeed as great as their malice could invent, or cruelty purſue and practiſe. For 'tis too probably to be fear'd, by their own contrived accuſations impoſed upon, and extorted from the innocent Sufferers, that their cruelty reached not only to the tranſitory deſtruction of their frail bodies, but to the eternal ruine alſo of their immortal ſouls.

A Tyranny ſo execrable, that Heaven would not withhold a ſevere and ſpeedy Vengeance upon the Authors and Actors of it; for thereupon, Firſt, King James and King Charles the Firſt, excepted thoſe Murders from the Indempnities that paſſed in thoſe times between us and the Hollanders. Secondly, a ſudden Hurricane or terrible Tempeſt did much dammage to the Dutch Ships in the Haven of Amboyna, about the very time of this horrid Execution. Thirdly, the firſt informer againſt the Engliſh, fell down as dead upon the very place where the murder'd men were buried, riſing again diſtracted, in which condition he continued till his dying day. Fourthly, in the year 1630. eighteen Dutchmen (whereof three were guilty of the Maſſacre at Amboyna) ſupping at Frankford in their way to Strasburgh, boaſted how they ſerved our Nation; which one in the company noting, and relating it to two Engliſh Captains then in the German Wars, whoſe Kindred had ſuffered there; the Captains laying in Ambuſh for the Hollanders with a Troop of Horſe, took them and commanded them to prepare for death; upon which the Dutch ſubmiſſively laid their Treaſure at their diſpoſal, hoping thereby to redeem their lives; but they reſolutely replied, your Treaſure we ſeek not, but you muſt die, for that our Countrymen and Friends you murder'd at Amboyna: and ſo hanging up one Johnſon the chief Amboyniſt, and giving the reſt leave, by caſting the Dice, to try their fate which of them ſhould bear the News of this to Holland, they diſpatch'd all but him, whom they ſent home to relate the certainty of Divine vengeance, and aſſure his Countrymen, that doubtleſs there is a God that judgeth the Earth.

They indeed promiſed before, the year 1625. but never made any ſuitable ſatisfaction for theſe injuries, nor reſtored to us any of thoſe Iſlands of Spices that they had taken from us; but added to their inſolencies a ſtrict Order againſt all free Trade to Flanders, monopolizing it to themſelves; and indeed whereever they have ſeen any advantage, by cunning, force or fraud, without any conſideration of Right, League, Humanity or Religion, they have endeavoured to proſecute their deſigns.

This cruelty of the Dutch againſt the Engliſh is much more horrible, if conſidered with thoſe aggravating circumſtances that attend it, for when England was newly recover'd from Popery, and unſetled, when engaged in Ireland and the Countries about, when govern'd by a Woman, when threatned from Spain, did then relieve the diſtreſſed States, eſpouſed their quarrel, and ventur'd their lives and fortunes in their cauſe. Yea, ſo great was the endearment, that they ſeemed but one Nation, being conſtantly entertain'd with the affection of Brethren, the love of Friends and the reſpects of Neighbours and Allies.