Preparing presents for the ‘Emperour’. Everything has a price….
“Kinge Foyne sent to knowe of what Bulke our kinges Present to the Emperour was, alsoe what number of people I would take with mee, for that hee would provide accordinglie for my going vpp in good fashion, both for Barck, Horses and Pallanchin.
This daie I caused the Presents, to be soarted, that were to be given to the Emperour, and to those of office and esteeme aboute him. Viz.
£ s. d.
To Ogoshosamma the Emperour, to the value of 87. 7. 6.
To Shongosamma the Emperours sonne 43. 15.
To Codskedona the Emperours Secretarie 15. 17. 6.
To Sadda dona, the Emperours sonnes Secretary 14. 03. 4.
To Icocora Iuga, Iudge of Meaco 04. 10. 6.
To Fongo dona Admirall of Orungo 03. 10. 0.
To Goto Shozauero the Mintmaister 11. 0. 0.
Totall 180. 03. 10.”
(pp. 170 – 171)
Note: By now, William Adams, the only other Brit in Japan has arrived in Hirado. Together with Captain Saris and his men, they are preparing for a journey to Edo (Tokyo) to meet the Emperor and present him with the finest gifts from Britain. However, this comes at a price as above, a considerable sum in those days and the pricing reflects the perceived order of importance. The names are the phonetic spelling of the Japanese titles and are best read aloud to understand.
Comments are closed.