INTRODUCTION. 29 



all the Dutch ship's company to death as pirates. At last the Emperor answered their appli- 

 cation with equal justice and good sense, by telling them that, as yet, the Dutch had done no 

 hurt to him or any of his people, and that therefore he had no just cause to take their lives ; nor 

 could he find any sufficient reason for such severity as they desired in the fact that wars existed 

 between Portugal and Holland, with which he had nothing to do. 



At length he summoned Adams before him again, and asked of him a great many questions. 

 Finally, he enquired of him whether he would like to go to his ship again to see his companions ? 

 Upon his answering affirmatively he bade him go, and this was the first intimation Adams had 

 that the ship had been brought by the Emperor's order to Osaca, and that his companions were 

 alive. Everything was now taken out of the vessel, which was ordered to a spot nearer to Jeddo, 

 whither the Emperor had gone. Tlie whole ship's company were liberally provided for at the 

 expense of the government. Presently, they petitioned that they might be permitted to take 

 their vessel and depart, but the Emperor would not consent. Finally, at the expiration of two 

 years, during which time they had been at liberty and mingled freely with the Japanese, they 

 were informed that they could not have their ship any more, and that they must make up their 

 minds to live, for the rest of their days, happily and peacefully in Japan. Hereupon the 

 Dutchmen dispersed themselves, going where they pleased, and living comfortably enough upon 

 the daily allowance made them by the Emperor. Adams, however, remained about the court, 

 and, by his ingenuity and good qualities, soon made friends, and gradually rose in the esteem of 

 the Emperor until he attained to a high position of honor in the country. He taught his 

 majesty some of the principles of mathematics, and built for him two vessels. These things 

 gave to him such commanding influence, that even the Jesuits and Portuguese, who, for the 

 reasons already mentioned, were gradually losing favor, were glad to secure his friendly inter- 

 position with the Emperor for their benefit. 



At length, in 1609, two armed Dutch ships came to Japan. Their object was to intercept 

 and make prize of the large Portuguese carrack which made the yearly voyage from Macao to 

 Japan with merchandize for the established trade. They were, however, a few days too late for 

 her capture, and so they put in at Firando, and the commanders went thence to the court of the 

 Emperor. Here William Adams, being the chief negotiator for them, they were kindly received, 

 and obtained the Emperor's free pass, and permission for their nation to send annually a ship or 

 two for purposes of trade ; and this was the beginning of the Dutch commerce with Japan. 



Adams, as we have said, rose to high distinction. He thus describes his situation: "Now 

 for my service which I have done and daily do, being employed in the Emperor's service, he 

 hath given me a living like unto a lordship in England, with eighty or ninety husbandmen, 

 who are as my servants and slaves. The precedent was never done before. Thus, God hath 

 provided for me after my great misery ; to his name be the praise forever. Amen." 



But, with all this external prosperity, poor Adams had a heartsore that could not be healed 

 in Japan. He had left a young wife and two children in England, whom he tenderly loved. 

 Some of the most affecting passages he has written are those in which he alludes to his family, 

 and expresses the dreadful apprehension that he should never see them again. There are such 

 honest, natural outpourings of a true and faithful heart in these passages, that it is impossible 

 to read them without the deepest sympathy. The Emperor was not willing he should go at all. 

 Had he been willing, Adams could not have gone in the Portuguese ships, which were, at first, 

 the only vessels that came annually for trade ; birt when he liad successfully negotiated for the 



