Melaka-Ryukyu exchanges 1469
When Shō Toku
虎ぬ子や虎、悪王ぬ子や悪王。物呉 ゆすど我御主 、内間御鎖 ど我御主
The name of the usurper was Uchima Kanamaru 内間
琉球國王移咨滿剌加國王殿下：
The King of Ryukyu (尚円) to Your Majesty the King of Melaka (Mansur Shah):
恭審賢王福祿增崇，自天祐之，曷勝所羨。
We know that both the fortune 福 and wealth 祿 of Your Majesty are multiplying, having being blessed by the Heaven 天祐之. How can we suppress our envy 羨 for you.
且敝邦與貴國聘問往來，歲時貿易，未嘗或間。非善交鄰，其能然乎？今復遣正使阿普斯、通事林昌，齎咨文并禮物，致聘交通。非惟自得其宜，抑且兩便其利。贅語以聞，幸惟鑒納。
Our humble state 敝邦 and your country 貴國 are conducting bidirectional 往來 communications 聘問 and trade exchanges annually 歲時貿易 and uninterruptedly 未嘗或間. This can only be possible when we are good neighbors 非善交鄰，其能然乎. We are again sending chief envoy Ufusiku 阿普斯 and translator Rin Sho 林昌 to carry this letter 咨文 and some gifts 禮物 to you, as a token to maintain our relations. The benefit is not unidirectional 自得其宜 as should benefit both of us 兩便其利. We hope that you can accept the tokens 幸惟鑒納, after listening to these lengthy lines 贅語以聞.
其來船亦有微貨，乞令概管，
早與貿易，趁風回還利便。須至咨者。
There are also some cargoes 微貨 aboard the ship. We hope that they can be accorded fair treatment 概管 and that you will expedite the business transactions associated with these goods 早與貿易 and let them come back speedily with the wind 趁風回還利便. Let this letter be given to the addressee 須至咨者.
今開禮物：色段五匹、青段二十匹、腰 刀 伍把、扇三十把、大青盤二十個、小青盤肆百個、青碗二千個。
The gifts are itemized 今開禮物 as follows:
- 5 bolts of dyed satin 色段
- 20 bolts of blue satin 青段
- 5 pieces of short swords 腰刀
- 30 pieces of fans 扇
- 20 pieces of big blue plates 大青盤
- 400 pieces of small blue plates 小青盤
- 2000 pieces of blue bowls 青碗
右咨滿剌加國 成化伍年八月十五日
一差正使阿普斯、通事林昌、陳泰
Dispatched to Melaka on the 15th day of the 8th month of the 5th year of Chenghua 成化伍年八月十五日 (September 20, 1469, about 4 months post Shō Toku-Shō En transition). Chief envoy: Ufusiku 阿普斯, translators: Rin Sho 林昌 and Chin Tai 陳泰.
The following was the reply from Mansur Shah. In the first part of the letter, the kind words from Shō En was infinitesimized and reciprocated. It is the last known Melakan despatch to Ryukyu by Mansur Shah, for the next Rekidai Hōan entry was dated 1480 and it was signed by a juvenile Malay king, approximately three years after the death of Mansur Shah.
滿刺加國王回咨琉球國王殿下：
The King of Melaka to Your Majesty the King of Ryukyu:
恭審賢王福祿無疆，浩天之庇，曷勝永昌。
We have learned of the infinite 無疆 fortune and wealth of Your Majesty, having being blessed by the unbounded Heaven 浩天, this is forever enviable 曷勝永昌.
In the second part of the letter, Mansur Shah explained, for the first time, why Melaka was not able to send mission although the first Ryukyuan visit was received in as early as 1463. This probably the For example, earlier in 7 February 1469, Mansur Shah loaded some return gifts on the Ryukyuan vessel led by Envoy Amuru, who departed Ryukyu on 1 September 1468.third time return gift was sent from Melaka to Ryukyu.
每受貴國所聘，愧未微物酬稱，歲歲來往於貿易，未曾毫釐之所輕。四海之內，皆兄弟也。本欲遣使前來，致聘交通，奈水途不熟，未便卑咨以聞，望為喜納。
We have always received gifts from your country 每受貴國所聘, it is embrassing 愧 that we are not able to thank you 酬稱 with some humble tokens 微物 personally. Every year trade is happening without fail 歲歲來往於貿易 and we have never 未曾 considered taking them lightly and minusculely 毫釐之所輕. We are all brothers within the bounds of four seas 四海之內，皆兄弟也. Although we have long wanted to dispatch envoys to you 欲遣使前來, it was a difficult task since we are not familiar 不熟 with the sea voyage 水途 to Ryukyu. We hope you can accept the present despatch with joy 望為喜納.
今有微物，就寄貴舶致聘回禮，具開于後。須至咨者。
Some small gifts 微物 are aboard your ship 就寄貴舶 as return gifts 致聘回禮. A list of them is given in the later part of this letter 具開于後. Let this letter be given to the addressee 須至咨者.
今開回聘禮物：喏哪哩壹匹、細紹達布四匹、苾布伍匹、紹達布四十匹。右咨琉球國。
The return gifts are itemized 今開回聘禮物 as follows. Despatch to Ryukyu.
- 1 bolt of gold spangled cloth 喏哪哩 (of Asia Minor origin?)
- 4 bolts of finely woven Bengali fabrics 細紹達布 (chautares cloth)
- 5 bolts of white fabrics 苾布
- 40 bolts of Bengali fabrics 紹達布 (chautares cloth)
Mansur Shah, however, added the following postscript in which he complained about the bad behavior exhibited by the recent Ryukyuan crew in Melaka. This complaint was reciprocated with a formal acknowledgement from Shō En a few months later.
復奉賢王殿下：每歲差來使臣、通事俱好，只是以下頭目，甚至為非，不聽勸諭，欲行爭闘 ，實是攪擾。卅府後年，乞差的當人員前來交通，庶得兩便。卑咨復聞。
Again we address 復奉 Your Majesty: Each year 每歲, the envoys and translators dispatched to us are well-behaved 差來使臣通事俱好. This year, however, the leader committed extreme mischief, he refused to listen to our advice 不聽勸諭 and attempted to start strife 欲行爭闘. This is rather problematic 實是攪擾. In future 後年, We hope 乞 you can deploy 差 proper persons 的當人員 for the mission as it will benefit both of us 庶得兩便. We have added this much to our humble despatch 卑咨復聞.
成化六年三月■日 咨
The 3rd month of the 6th Year of Chenghua 成化六年三月■日 (approximately between April 2 to May 1, 1470 since the day of month ■ is not explicitly given. The date of this outgoing letter was gapped by about 200 days from the incoming letter by Shō En of 20 September 1469).
| Vol. | Doc. No. | Date | From | To | Interpreters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 | 1 | 1463 | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 田泰、鄭傑 |
| 241 | 5 | 1464 | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 蔡回保 |
| 341 | 8 | 1465 | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 蔡回保 |
| 441 | 9 | 1466 | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 蔡回保 |
| [39] | 4 | 1467 | Mansur (Melaka) | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | ? |
| 641 | 11 | 1467 | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 蔡回保、林昌 |
| 741 | 12 | 1468 | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 蔡回保、林昌 |
| [39] | 7 | 1469 | Mansur (Melaka) | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | |
| 941 | 14 | 1469 | Shō Toku (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 陳泰、林昌 |
| [39] | 8 | 1470 | Mansur (Melaka) | Shō En (Ryukyu) | |
| 1141 | 16 | 1470 | Shō En (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 陳泰 |
| 41 | 18 | 1472 | Shō En (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | ? |
| 41 | 19 | 1472 | Shō En (Ryukyu) | Mansur (Melaka) | 陳耀 |
| [39] | 9 | 1480 | Mahmud (Melaka) | Shō Shin (Ryukyu) | |
| [39] | 10 | 1480 | Laksamana (Melaka) | Shō Shin (Ryukyu) | |
| [39] | 15 | 1481 | Laksamana (Melaka) | Shō Shin (Ryukyu) |
[1] Volume 41, Document Number 1: Letter, 16 September 1463
琉球國王次滿剌加國王殿下。蓋聞交聘睦鄰，為邦之要，貨財生殖，富國之基。邇審賢王起居康裕，深以為慰。且敝邦與貴國雖云自西自東，禮信往來未嘗少替。曩歲復蒙厚惠，銘刻于懷。茲者特遣正使吳實堅等，齎禮物詣前酬獻，以敘寸忱，伏希少留。亦有微貨載□前來，□□□方□□□令行屬早與買賣，□□□□回還利便。須至咨者。
今開禮物：
色段五匹、青段二十匹、腰刀伍把、扇三十把、大青盤二十個、小青盤肆百個、青碗二千個。
右咨
滿剌加國
天順柒年捌月初肆日
控之羅麻魯
恭字號差正使吳實堅、副使那嘉明泰、通事田泰、鄭傑
The King of the Country of Ryukyu communicates with Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca. We have learned that exchange of inquiries and the promotion of neighborly friendship are necessary in governing a country, and that the production of wealth is the foundation of national welfare. We have recently heard that you, the Virtuous King, are blessed with good health and prosperity, and we are deeply comforted with this knowledge.
There has been a constant and unceasing exchange of courtesies and communications between our country in the east and yours in the west. Previously we were again honored to receive liberal gifts from you, and we are deeply conscious of our obligation to you.
We are hereby specially dispatching Chief Envoy Gushiken and others to take some presents and proceed into your presence to deliver them as a little token of our appreciation and sentiment. We humbly hope that you will accept them.
[Our envoys] also have some goods in their cargo which they want to trade for products of foreign lands. We request that you let our envoys and your officials conduct transactions as soon as possible, and it would be much to our advantage if you could let our people come home speedily with the wind. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are hereby listed: Dyed satin 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 40.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca T'ien-shun 7/8/4 [September 16, 1463]
[Ship]: Kushira-maru, bearing the designation of the character Kung. Dispatched are: Chief Envoy Gushiken, Deputy Envoy Nakamini, and Interpreters Den Tai and Tei Ketsu.
[2] Volume 41, Document Number 5: Letter, 10 September 1464
琉球國王為禮儀事謹咨滿剌加國王殿下。竊謂結信修盟，乃交鄰之大典，以有易無，誠相生之要道。恭惟賢王踐祚，寬仁大度，澤被群生，名揚列辟。嚮者遣使適彼，貿易殊方土宜，荷蒙俾眾協成，且弗侵〔漁〕自利，宅心公恕，交鄰輯和，仍承饋惠，何可忘也。于茲復遣正使讀詩通事蔡回保，齎咨文及回奉禮物，庸表區區芹忱，實少酬平萬一。亦有微貨前來，尚望寬洪遠人買賣，早與回歸利便，永惟遐慕。所有徑咨，幸惟鑒納，勿異無文。須至咨者。
今開禮物：
各色段伍匹、青段二十匹、腰刀伍把、扇三十把、大青盤二十個、小青盤四百個、青碗二千個。
右咨
滿剌加國
天順八年八月初九日
一差勝號船，杜固麻沙里、正使讀詩通事蔡回保。
The King of the Country of Ryukyu, in reference to the matter of courtesy, respectfully communicates with Your Majesty the King of the County of Malacca.
We humbly express our opinion that to maintain mutual trust and to consolidate associations are basic principles in neighborly relations, and that to exchange what one has for what he does not have is fundamental in mutual aid.
Solemnly we recall that you, the Virtuous King, have been kind at heart and broad-minded since your ascension to the throne, your favors extending to the people and your name known widely among various princes.
Previously we dispatched envoys to your country to conduct trade in products of foreign lands. They were allowed to carry on negotiations by themselves and were not obstructed [by local officials], and they enjoyed peaceful neighborly contact in an atmosphere in which the spirit of doing favors for others and of granting leniency prevailed. Furthermore, they were given liberal provisions. How can we forget [these acts of kindness]?
We are now again dispatching Chief Envoy Takushi and Interpreter Sai Kaiho to take a despatch and return presents. How can this small number of presents express our humble sentiment? We only hope to do our best to requite your favors.
They also carry forth some goods. We would like to request that you show liberality to men from afar. It would be much to our advantage if you would let them finish their trade and come home as soon as possible. We shall always think of you with affection from far away.
We are sending this despatch; we shall be glad if you will accept it. Please do not regard as strange the unpolished language [of this despatch]. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are hereby listed: Satin in various colors 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 400.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca Tien-shun 8/8/9 [September 10, 1464]
Ship being dispatched: Tukumasari, bearing the designation Sheng. Chief Envoy: Takushi; Intepreter: Sai Kaiho.
[3] Volume 41, Document Number 8: Letter, 5 September 1465
琉球國王尚德謹咨滿剌加國王殿下。諒惟貴國德懷黎庶，惠及鄰邦，推誠待物，來萬里之舟航，樂善愛人，集四方之商旅。曩者遣使獻禮，甚蒙回惠珍貺，及寬恤人船貿易早歸，深感于衷。為此，特遣正使阿普察都，同通事蔡回保等，齎捧咨文禮物，詣前奉謝。永固前盟，伏希賢王殿下見納是美。
今來人船裝載貨物，仍乞街市寬容貿易，早趁風迅回國便益。今將奉謝禮物開坐移咨，請照驗施行。須至咨者。
今開：
色段伍匹、青段貳拾匹、腰刀伍把、扇參拾把、大青盤貳拾個、小青盤肆百個、青碗貳千個。
右咨
滿剌加國
成化元年八月十五日
正使務布察都、副使二員通事蔡回保、讀固至麻魯船。
King Sho Toku of the Country of Ryukyu respectfully communicates with Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca.
We sincerely believe that your virtues hold your people together and your benevolence extends to neighboring countries. You place confidence in other peoples and treat them well, and you welcome ships which come voyaging thousands of li. You take pleasure in being good to and loving people, thus attracting merchant-travellers from all directions.
When we dispatched envoys previously and paid our courtesies, we were honored to be granted a great amount of rare presents, and we were deeply touched. For this reason we are specially dispatching Chief Envoy Ufuzatu, Interpreter Sai Kaiho and others to take a despatch and gifts and to present them to you as an expression of thanks, hoping thus to consolidate our former association forever. We humbly request that Your Virtuous Majesty accept these. This would be very gratifying.
The members aboard the ship now departing will carry some cargo. We request that you permit trade in streets and markets and let our people come back to the country speedily with the wind. This would be beneficial to us.
We now itemize our return presents below; we hope you will accept them after checking them against this list. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The following: Dyed satin 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 400.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca Cheng-hua 1/8/15 [September 5, 1465]
Chief Envoy: Ufuzatu; Deputy Envoys: two persons; Interpreter: Sai Kaiho; The ship: Tuguchi-maru.
[4] Volume 41, Document Number 9: Letter, 9 November 1466
琉球國王移咨滿剌加國王殿下。蓋聞有土此有財，有財此有用。苟不以貨財生殖，又奚得財用之足矣。稔知貴國民生富庶，物產豐登，皆由賢王仁德以致是也。舊載遣使奉幣，以申交鄰之道，多蒙厚惠，誠副乃心。茲者特遣正使讀詩通事蔡回保等，齎咨文并禮物，詣前酬獻國王殿下，伏望笑留是幸。船內仍有瑣碎方物，前來互相易換殊方土產，煩令行屬作成，早與買賣，回還利便。須至咨者。
今開禮物：
各色段五匹、青段二十匹、腰刀伍把、扇三十把、大青盤貳拾個、小青盤肆百個、青碗貳千個。
右咨
滿剌加國
成化二年月
一差正使讀詩副使魏武安、謨盧、通事蔡回保。
The King of the Country of Ryukyu addresses Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca in this despatch.
We have learned that every territory, no matter where, has wealth, and all wealth, no matter where, has its use. And without the exploitation of wealth, how can it be used satisfactorily?
We know well that the people of your country lead a rich life and that your products are abundant. We ascribe this to the virtues of you, the Wise King.
Last year we dispatched envoys and offered our presents, observing the principles of neighborly relations. We were given a great deal of gifts, and you have indeed responded to our heart-felt wishes. We now are specially dispatching Chief Envoy Takushi, Interpreter Sai Kaiho, and others to take a despatch and presents and go into your royal presence to deliver them. We shall be very happy if you will accept them with a smile.
Aboard our ship will be some trifling local products, being carried forth to be exchanged with products of foreign lands. We humbly request that you let our men conduct their business and come home as soon as possible. This would be beneficial to us. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
It follows:
Our presents are: Satin in various colors 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 400.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca Ch'eng-hua 2/[10/2] [November 9, 1466]
Chief Envoy: Takushi; Deputy Envoys: Gibu, Amuru; Interpreter: Sai Kaiho.
[5] Volume 39, Document Number 4: Letter, 23 April 1467
滿剌加國王謹奉琉球國王殿下。蓋聞有生此有土，有土此有用，苟不以貨生闊殖，又奚得生用之足自矣。稔知上國民生富庶，物產豐登，此由賢■仁德之至之，天下九天下知天下也。弊邦相去■交遠之情愈堅，既數載，余蒙差使臣、頭目、通事等，裝載寶物到來，咨與收辨，于後禮信往來，嘗嘗■于懷，欲行差人前來，便如蒙准，此未盡茲者，特謹齎禮物前來上國王殿下，乞望笑留是幸，以敘寸忱。有使臣頭目，交遊稱晴以畢，風迅回還。須至奉者。
今開禮物：
好三速打■貳拾匹、椒達布拾匹、■達布九匹、南嗼哪布十一匹。共計伍拾匹。
成化三年三月二十日
The King of the Country of Malacca respectfully addresses Your Majesty the King of the Country of Ryukyu.
We have learned that every territory yields something, and every thing thus yielded, has its use. And without the multiplication of production, how can one expect self-sufficiency?
We know that the richness of the livelihood of the people and the abundance of products in your country are due to the virtues of you, the Wise King, whose influence extends to all the world, binds the whole world, and is known to the whole world.
Although our country is far away from yours, our friendship has grown ever firmer over these past several years. We have been honored to receive your chief envoy, interpreters and others, who came carrying precious goods, together with a despatch, and paid a courtesy call. We are deeply conscious of our obligation to you. Much as we wanted to dispatch men to go to your country, we have not had an opportunity. Having no other recourse," we could only receive it [the despatch]. We have not yet been able to respond.
We are now specially having our presents forwarded with our respects to Your Majesty the King. We shall be very happy if you will accept them with a smile. Thus we indicate our feelings in a small way.
Your chief envoy indicated his satisfaction at being able to enjoy social intercourse. Finally he is ready to go back with the wind.
Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are now listed below: Hao San-lien ta-pu' 20 bolts; [Hsi]-chiao-ta-qu' 9 bolts; Chiao-ta-pu 10 bolts; Nan-mo-na-pu 11 bolts; 50 bolts all together.
Ch'eng-hua 3/3/20 [April 23, 1467]
[6] Volume 41, Document Number 11: Letter, 30 August 1467 ~ 27 September 1467
琉球國王移咨滿剌加國王殿下。夙蒙厚惠，感慰良深。詢知賢王壽體多福，自天佑之，且敝邦與貴國交通和好，蓋亦有年，非一朝一介之使往來能致是乎。茲當遣正使沈滿布、通事蔡回保等，幣交報聘，國王殿下笑留是幸。其船內亦有微貨，望賜贊成，早與貿易，回歸利便。須至咨者。
今開禮物：
色段五匹、青段二十匹、腰刀五把、扇三十把、大青盤二十個、小青盤四百個、青碗二千個。
右咨
滿剌加國
成化三年八月■日
一差正使沈滿布、副使查農是、阿布薩都、通事蔡回保、林昌。
The King of the Country of Ryukyu addresses Your Majetsy the King of the Country of Malacca in this despatch.
Formerly we were honored to receive liberal presents, for which we felt deep gratitude. We have also learned that you, the Virtuous King, enjoy long life and much good fortune. This is the blessing of Heaven.
There has been intercourse and friendship for many years between our country and yours. Is this not the result of a felicitous exchange of envoys, though it involves but a small number of people and a brief space of time on each occasion?
We are here again dispatching Chief Envoy Shimabuku, Interpreter Sai Kaiho, and others to return your courtesy with presents. We shall be very happy if you will accept them with a smile. There are some goods aboard their ship, too. We hope that you will grant favors [to our people], and it would be much to our advantage if you would allow them to finish their business and come home as soon as possible. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are now listed below: Dyed satin 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 400.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca
Cheng-hua 3/8/? [-1467]
Dispatched are: Chief Envoy Shimabuku; Deputy Envoys Jana Utchi and Ufuzatu; Interpreters Sai Kaiho and Rin Sho.
[7] Volume 41, Document Number 12: Letter, 1 September 1468
琉球國王為禮儀事謹咨滿剌加國王殿下。嘗聞食貨乃民之先務，儀禮由國之當施。苟失交鄰之心，貿易之事又何以致國之富而使民之安哉。近自交通貴國，實蒙其惠，深感于衷，是以復遣正使安遠路、通事蔡回保等，謹陳聘獻，庸表微誠。萬冀賢王笑而納之是幸。遂與來船，早令買賣，毋違風信，趁風回國為便。須至咨者。
今開禮物：
色段五匹、青段二十匹、腰刀五把、扇三十把、大青盤二十個、小青盤四百個、青碗二千個。
右咨
滿剌加國
成化四年八月十五日
一差正使安遠路、副使那交、沈志禮、通事蔡回保、林昌。
The King of the Country of Ryukyu, in reference to the matter of courtesy, respectfully communicates with Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca.
We have learned that [the acquisition of] foods and property is the primary duty of the people, and that observance of rituals should always be a function of a country. If one should ever lose interest in neighborly relations and neglect matters of trade, how could he hope to increase the country's wealth and ensure the welfare of the people?
Recently, as we have communicated with your country, we have been honored to receive your favors, for which we are deeply grateful. Thus, we are again dispatching Chief Envoy Amuru, Interpreter Sai Kaiho, and others to respectfully offer our presents, in order to express our humble sentiments.
We shall be very happy if you, the Virtuous King, will accept them with a smile. Furthermore, it would be much to our advantage if you would arrange trade for our men when they arrive aboard the ship and let them come back to the country speedily with the wind, and not deter them so that they miss the favorable wind. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are now listed below: Dyed satin 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls; 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 400.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca Ch'eng-hua 4/8/15 [September 1, 1468]
Dispatched are: Chief Envoy Amuru; Deputy Envoys Nako and Shim[a]jiri; Interpreters Sai Kaiho and Rin Shô.
[8] Volume 39, Document Number 7: Letter, 7 February 1469
滿剌加國王微禮事。謹奉琉球國王金堦殿下，朝聞收覽滄海之由，務其負販經商，乃以薄土，然其寶景通四方舟車商賈之所，積聚金銀錦綉，百貨之處，茂竹青松，桃源之儀。聖承先世聿修之德，齟齬欲昌，貴國朝混一海宇，仁育萬物，其生之盛，非前代交鄰於天，感皇恩福德，蒙殿下咨遣使臣安遠、通事蔡回保等，掌管寶舟，到于微國，豐樂民安，瓊瑤歌武之勇，任從貿易，毋違咨旨。荷遺禮重之儀，微國聊備素寶，奉獻回國，深幸萬冀懷蓋之景，覽舊明之意。鳴呼萬歲。帝王誠意，廷臣有望，清風高節，御蟠谿周富之思，錦帆高掛，稱風回國，歡因永遠廣甚二渡寶舟平安，歲率再復為便。須至啟者。
今開微禮：
別布好啪十一個、別底啪十九個、南母掌十個、山南八好啪五個、左達五個。
右咨
琉球國
成化五年正月二十六日發行
微禮事
The King of the Country of Malacca, in reference to the matter of expressing simple courtesy, respectfully presents this despatch to Your Highness the King of the Country of Ryukyu.
We have learned that to master the blue oceans people must engage in commerce and trade, even if their countries are barren. Your country is the place to which ships come from all directions to conduct trade, for it is where gold and silver and hundreds of other precious goods are found. It is like an Arcadia where thick and luxuriant bamboo groves and brilliant ever-green pines grow. We hope that you will bear in mind and follow the virtues expounded by your royal predecessors and thus keep your country prosperous.
All the lands within the seas are united in one body, and all living things are being nurtured in love; life has never been so affluent in preceding generations as it is today. Allowed to communicate with one another under Heaven's auspices, we feel a sense of gratitude for the Imperial favors. Blessings have been bestowed upon Your Majesty.
We have been honored to receive Envoy Amuru, Interpreter Sai Keiho, and others who, carrying a despatch sent by Your Majesty, have arrived in our country aboard your ship. Your people enjoy prosperity and happiness and security. They chant beautiful songs, demonstrate great vigour, and engage in trade. This accords well with the intent of your despatch.
We were honored to receive your courteous presents; we are going to proffer some ordinary presents and let your men go back to the country. We most sincerely hope that you will always remember us and refect upon our old friendship.
Your Ever-prosperous Majesty and Your faithful subjects hold honesty and moderation in high esteem and are concerned about the welfare of people the world over. The embroidered sails raised high, your ship is about to leave for home with the aid of the wind. Our joy is lasting and profound. If your ship accomplishes a peaceful voyage both ways, and if it could come back here again and again each year, it would indeed be gratifying. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The humble presents are now listed: Pieh-pu hao-pe 11 bolts; Nan-mu-na 10 bolts; Pieh-ti-pu 19 bolts; Shan-nan-pa [hao]-pe 5 bolts; Tso-ta 5 bolts.
Despatch to the Country of Ryukyu
Issued on Cheng-hua 5/1/26 [February 7, 1469]
Matter of humble courtesy
[9] Volume 41, Document Number 14: Letter, 20 September 1469
琉球國王移咨滿剌加國王殿下。恭審賢王福祿增崇，自天祐之，曷勝所羨。且敝邦與貴國聘問往來，歲時貿易，未嘗或間。非善交鄰，其能然乎。今復遣正使阿普斯、通事林昌，齎咨文并禮物，致聘交通。非惟自得其宜，抑且兩便其利。贅語以聞，幸惟鑒納。其來船亦有微貨，乞令概管，早與貿易，趁風回還利便。須至咨者。
今開禮物：
色段五匹、青段二十匹、腰刀伍把、扇三十把、大青盤二十個、小青盤肆百個、青碗二千個。
右咨滿剌加國
成化伍年八月十五日
一差正使阿普斯、通事林昌、陳泰
The King of the Country of Ryukyu addresses Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca in this despatch.
We have learned with reverence that the happiness and prosperity of you, the Virtuous King, is increasing; this is due to the protection of Heaven. How can we express our delight?
Our country and yours have exchanged inquiries and communications, and we have conducted trade annually; in this there has never been a lull. Without concern for neighborly relations, how could this have been possible?
We are again dispatching Chief Envoy Ufusiku and Interpreter Rin Shò to take a despatch and presents, as a means of maintaining our relations. This is, not merely beneficial to us alone; it should benefit both of us. We waste words, but ask for your acceptance of these [presents].
There are also some goods aboard the ship. We hope you will expedite the trade of the officials concerned. It would be much to our advantage if you would let them come back speedily with the wind. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are now listed below: Dyed satin 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 400.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca Cheng-hua 5/8/15 [September 20, 1469]
Dispatched are: Chief Envoy Ufusiku and Interpreters Rin Sho and Chin Tai.
[10] Volume 39, Document Number 8: Letter, 2 April 1470 ~ 30 April 1470
滿刺加國王回咨琉球國王殿下。恭審賢王福祿無疆，浩天之庇，曷勝永昌。每受貴國所聘，愧未微物酬稱，歲歲來往於貿易，未曾毫釐之所輕。四海之內，皆兄弟也。本欲遣使前來，致聘交通，奈水途不熟，未便卑咨以聞，望為喜納。今有微物，就寄貴舶致聘回禮，具開于後。須至咨者。
今開回聘禮物：
喏哪哩壹匹、細紹達布四匹、苾布伍匹、紹達布四十匹。
右咨
琉球國
復奉賢王殿下，每歲差來使臣、通事俱好，只是以下頭目，甚至為非，不聽勸諭，欲行爭闘，實是攪擾。卅府後年，乞差的當人員前來交通，庶得兩便。卑咨復聞。
成化六年三月日
咨
The King of the Country of Malacca sends this despatch in reply to Your Majesty the King of the Country of Ryukyu.
We have learned with reverence of the boundless happiness and prosperity of you, the Virtuous King; this is due to the protection of the Great Heaven. How gratifying this is!
We have always received inquiries from your country, and we feel ashamed of not having requited you with some goods. Every year trade has been continued without the slightest neglect in the past. All within the bounds of the four seas are brothers.
Originally we intended to dispatch envoys to offer presents and to communicate with you, but, alas, we are not familiar with the seaways and it has not been easy to communicate through our humble despatches.
We hope you will accept this despatch with joy. Some goods will be taken aboard your ship to be offered as return presents. They are listed below. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The return presents are now listed below: Je-na-li 1 bolt; Рі-рu 5 bolts; Hsi shao-ta-pu 4 bolts; Shao-ta-pu 40 bolts.
Despatch to the Country of Ryukyu
Again, we address Your Royal Highness: All the envoys and interpreters so far dispatched [from Ryukyu] annually have behaved well. But among their following, one [or some]? committed extreme mischief, heeding no advice and trying to start strife. This indeed gave trouble to our country. We request that proper persons be dispatched here for communication with us in the future. This would benefit both of us. We have added this much to our humble despatch.
Cheng-hua 6/3/? [-1470]
[11] Volume 41, Document Number 16: Letter, 1 February 1470 ~ 20 January 1471
琉球國王移咨滿剌加國王殿下。恭審賢王英資天錫，繼統地方，德澤被諸生靈，聲葉揚於遠邇。肇自先君開基，永通盟好，紹承偎質，良惟蕞爾襲廕，聊致恪恭，特賜優容，仍承饋惠，銘刻弗忘。今遣正使安遠路、通事陳泰等，齎咨文及回禮物。詣前酎獻，伏惟見納，欣慰倍常。前歲多有下人，故違禁令，作事無端，咨文至日開知，隨即區處。今後儻令使有失常儀，望希言回示以懲，尚無兩負，永協壹盟。其船內裝載瑣碎方物，適彼互相易換奇貨，乞令行屬作成，趕趁風信回還利便。須至咨者。
今開禮物：
色段伍匹、青段二十匹、腰刀伍把、扇三十把、青火盤二十個、小青盤肆百個、青碗二千個。
右咨
滿剌加國
成化六年月
咨
The King of the country of Ryukyu? addresses Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca in this despatch.
We have learned with respect that the excellent qualities of you, the Virtuous King are gifts of Heaven, and that inheriting the territory to rule, you bestowed your benevolence upon the people, and your glorious reputation spread far and near.
Since our royal predecessor? laid the foundations in the beginning, we have maintained the association and have continued to receive your inquiries. We have succeeded to the administration of this petty country, and while we attend to our duties with humility and reverence, we have been honored to be granted your kind favors and presents. We shall always keep this in mind and never forget it. We are now dispatching Chief Envoy Amuru, Interpreter Chin Tai, and others, to take a despatch and return presents to be offered to you. If you will accept these, our gratitude will be doubled.
Last year one [many] of our men intentionally violated your regulations and committed mischief. We learned of this with surprise when we received your despatch, and accordingly we took proper measures. If in the future our envoys should not heed ordinary rules of conduct, we request you to report it to us; we shall punish them. We hope that, without causing trouble to each other, we can co-operate and bind ourselves in perpetual friendship.
Aboard the ship are some trifling local products, which we hope to trade for rare goods in your country. We would like to request that you let our men finish their business and come back speedily with the wind. This will benefit us greatly.
Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are now listed below: Dyed satin 5 bolts; Swords 5; Big blue vases 20; Blue bowls 2,000; Blue satin 20 bolts; Fans 30; Small blue vases 400.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca
Cheng-hua 6/?/ [-1470]
[12] Volume 41, Document Number 18: Letter, 21 October 1472
琉球國王移咨滿剌加國王殿下。恭惟賢王睿謨天咨，盛得日新，恩被黎民，德聞鄰國。推己及人，而無物我之間，愛人猶己，而無彼此之殊。商旅摘踵而來，遐邇聞風繼至。年年承惠之何多，歲歲報答之莫及。今遣正使王達魯、通事等，齎咨文并禮物，前詣貴國酬獻，伏惟見納，欣慰倍常。
但舊年差去通事林昌、陳泰等二隻船，時月過期，未見回還，倘有風水不虞，或船隻損壞，人口漂在所屬，或與彼處容商不睦等事，煩念交鄰之道，以罄招來之心，乞為和輯為貴，優恤為望，送回本國，以期圖報。庶見四海為一家，共享萬萬年太平之福也。其船內裝載瑣碎方物，互相易換寶貨，乞令行屬，作成兩平買賣，趕趁風信回歸利便。須咨者。
右咨
滿剌加國
成化八年九月二十日
The King of the Country of Ryukyu addresses Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca in this despatch.
We have learned with reverence that the glorious reign of you, the Virtuous King, is becoming daily more prosperous with the blessings of Heaven, that your benevolence is bestowed upon the people, and your virtues are known to neighboring countries, and that you put yourself in the place of others and make no distinctions among various peoples, loving others as you do yourself and treating people equally. Merchant-travellers flock to your country on each other's heels. Hearing your reputation, they come in succession from far and near.
We have frequently received your favors and each year we have been unable to requite you sufficiently. We are now dispatching Chief Envoy Ufutaru, Interpreter [?], and others, to take a despatch and presents to be offered to you. If you will accept them, our gratitude will be doubled.
Now, the two ships fitted out last year and carrying Interpreters Rin Sho and Chin Tai and others have not yet reached home although the expected time of their arrival has passed.? We are wondering whether or not they encountered some emergency, whether their ships were destroyed and the men sought shelter in your land after they had drifted, or whether anything untoward happened in contacts with merchants of your country. We would like to request that, with principles of neighborly relations in mind, you do all you can in regard to this matter.
We hope, therefore, that you will further our harmonious relations, show our people sympathy, and send them back to this country. We shall requite you in due time. Let us always regard all within the four seas as brothers, and let us together make sure that we enjoy the blessings of eternal peace.
Aboard the ship are some trifling local products; let us exchange our respective rare goods. We hope that you will expedite the business of the officials through mutually satisfactory arrangements. It would be much to our advantage if you would let them come home speedily with the wind. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca Ch'eng-hua 8/9/20 [October 21, 1472]
[13] Volume 41, Document Number 19: Letter, 29 October 1472
琉球國王移咨滿剌加國王殿下。邇辱惠書，眷愛勤勤，重增感愧。諒惟賢王起居安好，甚慰馳仰。且貴國與敝邦雖海波遼闊，而舟車可通，夙蒙厚惠，敢報菲儀。今遣正使沈滿志、通事陳耀等，奉諸聘幣，再伸交好之勤，伏希笑留是幸。
其船內裝來鎖碎方物，前至貴國互相易換奇貨，煩令行屬作成，早與買賣，趕趁風信回歸利便。須至咨者。
右咨
滿剌加國
成化八年九月二十八日
The King of the Country of Ryukyu addresses Your Majesty the King of the Country of Malacca in this despatch.
Recently we have been honored to receive your kind favors. For your frequent expression of love and special affection toward us, we feel deeply obliged and humbled. We sincerely believe that you, the Virtuous King, are enjoying good health at all times. How gratifying this is! We hasten to convey our respects.
Although a vast expanse of waves and winds separates your country from ours, travel is not impossible. Previously we were honored to receive your liberal gifts, and we hereby wish to requite you with our trifling presents. We are now dispatching Chief Envoy Shimajiri, Interpreter Chin Yo, and others to submit these presents as a means of expressing our sincere desire for amity. We shall be very pleased if you will accept them with a smile.
Aboard the ship now departing are some trifling local products, which we hope to exchange for rare goods in your country. We would like to request that you let our men finish their business as soon as possible, and it would be much to our advantage if you would let them come home speedily with the wind. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
Despatch to the Country of Malacca Ch'eng-hua 8/9/28 [October 29, 1472]
Volume 39, Document Number 9: Letter, 11 March 1480 ~ 9 April 1480
滿剌加國王謹奉琉球國王殿下。
恭聞中華唐朝聖恩宥，臣年方六歲，感謝神恩保佑小邦安泰，伏望琉球父王多蒙欽賜敕書封賞。專差使臣沈滿志、通事鄭珞等坐駕寶船，裝載方物前來，齊捧商旅，接踵繼至。
奈海遼敻，不能酬謝具告，優待倍然。彼處欲來貢謝，凡為船隻不便，懷念永遠交憐之道，以此特修信義薄禮之心，小答至情，收受笑納。
萬幸父王哀憐窮番，伏候世代往來，具感惠珍，星分翼軫，同沃財富，是以遠客商聚，即令所屬早為買賣，勝意平安，轉責來使，庶不遲誤風迅回國，實為便益。咨者。
今開禮物：
山南不十匹、生已殺十匹、南母□十匹、山南不文地里十匹、火外十匹。
成化拾六年二月□日奉行
The King of the Country of Malacca respectfully submits this despatch to Your Majesty the King of the Country of Ryukyu.
We have learned with reverence that the Imperial bounty of the Middle Kingdom is far-reaching. I am just six years of age, and I am grateful for the peace and welfare ensured for this little country by Heavenly favor. It is hoped that Your Fatherly Majesty of Ryukyu will graciously grant us many letters and presents.
You have dispatched your envoys Shimajiri, Interpreter Tei Raku, and others aboard your ship, with a cargo of local products, to proceed hither to present them. Merchant-travellers have come one after another. But alas! the distance over the sea is so great that we have not yet been able to return our thanks. It has been faithfully reported that more liberal treatment is accorded there [in Ryukyu], and much as we wish to make our way hence to pay tribute and express our appreciation, we are generally in want of ships.
Mindful of the principles of lasting neighborly relations, we are hereby expressing our feelings by means of sincere and humble presentation of gifts to return your great kindness. We shall be most pleased if you will accept them with a smile.
Pray have pity on this destitute country of ours, Your Fatherly Majesty, and let us look forward with humility to your continued communication in succeeding generations and to your sympathy and grant of presents.
We have our respective territories, whose soils are rich and products abun-dant. For this reason travelling merchants come swarming to us from afar. [We request that] you have your people engage in business [with our envoys] as soon as possible and send the envoys back to the country safely and speedily with the wind, accompanied by your envoys. This would be most beneficial to us. Let this despatch be given to the addressee.
The presents are now listed: Shan-nan-pu 10 bolts; Nan-mu-[na] 10 bolts; Huo-wai 10 bolts; Sheng-chi-sha 10 bolts; Shan-nan-pu wen-ti 10 bolts.
Ch'eng-hua 16/2/? [-1480]
On behalf of [the king]
[15] Volume 39, Document Number 10: Letter, 11 April 1480
滿剌加樂系麻拿拜奉琉球國王殿下。
拜聞得寶船一隻，打在交趾失水，与交趾人相殺。聞得樂作麻拿差使小船一隻，前往占城地面，根尋得著，止有人口二名。不其日久，一名病故。
今有琉球國王差來使臣、通事鄭珞等，到國賣買，平安回還本國，圓為樂作麻拿滿剌加奴婢也，是琉球國王腳下奴婢，如此所有人口一名，代字奉來我王殿下，乞賜1要刀一把、2榜身一個、3馬鞍一付，乞來奴婢所用，顯見奴婢在此。年年寶船來往，相增酬保，煩念奴婢永遠之心。國王萬萬歲。
成化十六年三月初二日樂作麻拿拜
Lo-hsi-ma-na of Malacca respectfully submits this despatch to Your Majesty the King of the Country of Ryukyu.
We have learned that one of your ships was cast ashore in Chiao-chih [northern Annam], and, wanting to obtain water, [the Ryukyuans] became engaged in a bloody fight with people of Chiao-chih. Having learned of this, Lo-tso-ma-na dispatched envoys aboard a small ship to go to the land of Chan-ch'eng [Champa; Annam], and after a thorough investigation they found only two men, one of whom died of illness before long.
Now the envoys of the King of the Country of Ryukyu, including Interpreter Tei Raku, have come to this country, and after they did their business peacefully, they returned to their home country. Lo-tso-ma-na is but a servant of Malacca, and thus a servant in the service of Your Majesty the King of the Country of Ryukyu [as well]. On behalf of the man remaining here [in Malacca; i.e., the Ryukyuan waif], I venture to submit this letter to Your Majesty and request a grant of one sword, one bow-adjusting tool, and a horse saddle. These are for use by the servant who comes begging, and I am your servant indeed.
The number of voyages of your ships is increasing each year, and we always receive presents. I hope you will give consideration to the unchanging feelings [faithfulness] of your servant.
Long live the King!
Cheng-hua 16/3/2 [April 11, 1480]
Respectfully,
Lo-tso-ma-na
[16] Volume 39, Document Number 15: Letter, 30 March 1481 ~ 28 April 1481
滿剌加國回奉琉球國王殿下。道契撫字萬民，太山之瞻，政得優游，清濁激廉恥，才名七類布。臺端推正邑，憲度已伸，威靈雙佩日月，參照天命而順人心，錦繡佳賓，身致太平之遠，親明世代大明國奉謝。兄王乾坤福祿，榮修萬萬子孫，天幾命運，享太平之景，以茲使臣通事等前來，船隻禮物到國平安，並無法禁。所屬買賣，早令敕封金花御酒登途，眾臣回國，願坐山河萬歲山呼。
樂索摩拿拜謝馬安山到琉球國王殿下。
今開禮物：
吉地布貳拾個、林母拿拾貳個、星幾指拾肆個、山南比肆個。
成化拾柒年參月□日奉行
禮物事
[The King of] the Country of Malacca submits this reply to Your Majesty the King of the Country of Ryukyu.
Your precepts nourish and tend all people, and they look up to you as to the Great Mountain. Your wise rule permeates every corner and encourages the cultivation of honesty, talent and the sense of shame. In the seven territories laws and regulations are enforced, and your prestige and authority are spread far and wide as are the rays of the sun and the moon. You rule with the Mandate of Heaven and in accordance with the wishes of the people, and noble personages come from afar to enjoy your patronage. We are grateful for the favor of the Great Ming Empire.
Our brother king [referring to the king of Ryukyu] is always blessed with happiness and prosperity, and your glory lasts for thousands of thousands of years, the state of peace being ensured for your posterity for ever.
Now your envoys and interpreters and others have come hither aboard a ship, bringing presents with them. Peacefully and without restrictions we let them conduct their business. We ordered precious colored wine to be bestowed on them, and we let your people set out on their homeward voyage.
We wish that your hills and rivers may last for ever. Long live [the Kingl!
Lo-so-ma-na in appreciation, Ma-an Shan to Your Majesty the King of the Country of Ryukyu.
The presents are listed below: Chi-ti-pu 20 bolts; Lin-wu-na 12 bolts Hsing-chi-chih 14 bolts; Shan-nan-pi 4 bolts
Ch'eng-hua 17/3/□ [-1481]
On behalf [of the King]
In the Annotated Rekidai Hōan, Vol 2. 歴代宝案訳注本第２冊 (published in 1997), we were given the following Japanese translation. The possibility that 馬安山 could be a reference of the fief or residence of Laksamana was also given.
1-39-15 満剌加国の楽索摩拿より琉球国王あて、返礼の書簡（一四八一、三、□）
満剌加国、琉球国王殿下に回奉す。
道契して万民を撫字す。太山の瞻、政は優なるを得、清濁と遊び廉恥を激し、才名は類い亡し。台端に布き正色を推し、憲度、已に伸ぶ。威霊は日月を双佩し、天命を参照して人心を順わしむ。錦綉の佳賓、身から太平の遠きを致し、世代、大明国に親朋なり。
兄王に奉謝す。乾坤の福禄は万々の子孫を栄修し、天幾の命運は太平の景を享く。茲を以て使臣・通事等、前来し船隻・礼物もて国に到る。平安にして並びに法として所属に買売を禁ずる無く、早やかに令勅して金花御酒を封じ、衆臣を登途し回国せしむ。愿んで山河に坐し万歳山呼す。
楽索摩拿、琉球国王殿下に拝謝す 馬安山は、シンガポール海峡の南側のビンタン島をさすか（〔三九-一四〕注（7）に引用の J. V. G. Mills (1970) Ying-Yai Sheng-Lan: The overall survey of the ocean's shores, p. 205 を参照）。馬鞍山とも記す。楽索摩拿が馬安山に駐在し、そこで書をしたためた可能性がある。馬安山より到す
今、礼物を開す
吉地布二十個
林母拿十二個
星幾措十四個
山南比四個
成化十七年（一四八一）三月 日奉行す
礼物の事
Volume 42, Document Number 3: Voyage certificate, 2 September 1509
琉球國中山王尚真為進貢等事。切照本國產物稀少，缺乏貢物，深為未便。為此，今遣正使佳滿度、通事高賢等，坐駕康字號海船壹隻，裝載磁器等貨，前往滿剌加國出產地面，兩平收買蘇木、胡椒等物回國，預備下年進貢大明天朝。所據今差去人員別無文憑，誠恐到處官司盤阻不便，王府除外，今給玄字壹〔佰〕柒拾肆號半印勘合執照，付正使佳滿度等收執前去。
如遇經過關津把隘去處，及沿海巡哨官軍，驗實即便放行，毋得留難，因而遲誤不便。所有執照，須至出給者。
今開：
正使壹員佳滿度。副使貳員麻寧球、吾剌每。通事貳員高賢、高賀。火長梁實。管船直庫麻勃他。稍水共壹伯伍拾名。
正德四年八月拾八日
右執照付正使佳滿度、通事高賢等，准此。
為進貢等事執照
King Shō Shin of Chūzan, the Country Ryukyu, in reference to tributary affairs, now makes this known. This country, being deficient in products and lacking tributary goods, still suffers great inconvenience. For this reason, we are now dispatching Chief Envoy Kamadū, Interpreter Kō Ken, and others aboard a seagoing ship bearing the designation K'ang, with a cargo of porcelain and other goods, to proceed to the productive land of Malacca to purchase such products as sapanwood and pepper through mutually satisfactory arrangements, and then to return to the country to make preparations for the presentation of tribute to the Celestial Court of the Great Ming in a subsequent year.
There is no special document, however, on which the members of this mission now departing can rely, and it is deeply feared that they may encounter the inconvenience of investigations and obstructions by officials along the way. Accordingly the Royal Court has now issued a certificate stamped with a seal bearing half each of the character Hsüan and the number 174, to be received and borne by Chief Envoy Kamadū and others in proceeding on their mission.
In the event of investigation by guards at landings and by coastal patrol officers in the course of the voyage, it is requested that the mission be released and that no obstacles that might cause delay and inconvenience be put in its way.
Let this certificate be given to the envoys.
It is now stated [that the mission consists of]:
One chief envoy: Kamadū; Two deputy envoys: Manyukū, Gurāmi; Two Interpreters: Kō Ken, Kō Ga; Pilot: Ryō Jitsu; General manager of the ship: Mabuta; No. of personnel including crew: 150 persons.
Cheng-te 4/8/18 [September 2, 1509]
The above certificate has been issued for and received by Chief Envoy Kamadū, Interpreter Kō Ken, and others.
Certificate
Volume 42, Document Number 6: Voyage certificate, 21 September 1510
琉球國中山王尚真為進貢等事。切緣本國產物稀少，缺乏貢物，深為未便。為此，今遣正使王麻不度、通事高賢等，坐駕義字號海船壹隻，裝載磁器等物，前往滿剌加國出產地面，兩平收買胡椒、蘇木等物回國，預備下等進貢大明天朝。所據今差去人員別無文憑，誠恐到處官司盤阻不便，王府除外，今給玄字壹伯捌拾壹號半印勘合執照，付正使王麻不度等收執前去。
如遇經過關津把隘去處，及沿海巡哨官軍，驗實即便放行，毋得留難，因而遲誤不便。所有執照，須至出給者。
今開：
正使壹員王麻不度。副使貳員麻加尼、他魯。通事貳員高賢、高進。火長蔡廸。管船直庫馬三魯。稍水共貳百名。
正德伍年捌月十玖日
右執照付正使王麻不度、通事高賢等，准此。
執照
King Shō Shin of Chūzan, the Country of Ryukyu, in reference to tributary and other affairs, now makes this known. This country, being deficient in products and lacking tributary goods, still suffers great inconvenience. For this reason, we are now dispatching Chief Envoy Ufumafutu, Interpreter Kō Ken, and others aboard a seagoing ship bearing the designation I, with a cargo of porcelain and other goods, to proceed to the productive land of Malacca to purchase such products as pepper and sapanwood through mutually satisfactory arrangements, and then to return to the country to make preparations for the presentation of tribute to the Celestial Court of the Great Ming in a subsequent year.
There is no special document, however, on which the members of this mission now departing can rely, and it is deeply feared that they may encounter the inconvenience of investigations and obstructions by officials along the way. Accordingly the Royal Court has now issued a certificate stamped with a seal bearing half each of the character Hsüan and the number 181, to be received and borne by Chief Envoy Ufumafutu and others in proceeding on their mission.
In the event of investigation by guards at landings and by coastal patrol officers in the course of the voyage, it is requested that the mission be released and that no obstacles that might cause delay and inconvenience be put in its way.
Let this certificate be given to the envoys.
It is now stated: One chief envoy: Ufumafutu; Two deputy envoys: Makani, Tarū; Two Interpreters: Kō Ken, Kō Shin; Pilot: Sai Teki; General manager of the ship: Masanrū No. of personnel including crew: 200 persons.
Cheng-te 5/8/19 [September 21, 1510]
The above certificate has been issued for and received by Chief Envoy Ufu-mafutu, Interpreter Ko Ken, and others.
Certificate
the word 𣦹 is used to indicate the function of the plate (免𣦹 = 免死 = to be spared death).= 死 = 𣦹 = 歹 + 人; Those who do not tally are doomed. The word was incorrectly deciphered as behead 斬 by Gao (2009), under the influence by 葉玉梅：《明代茶馬互市中的金牌信符制度》，《青海民族學院學報》1993年第4期。Ye (1993), who partially corrected the description by 七修類稿・卷12・國事類・西茶易馬考Lang Ying 郎瑛 (1487 - 1566) from 今當差發・不信者死 to 合當差發・不信者斬). The tally issued by Ryukyu was probably fashioned along the same line but less elaborate than the Chinese-made tallies. Half-glyphs (From Confucian's Analects (論語・述而): 子以四教：文，行，忠，信。
C. C. Huang (1997) translated (p. 91) the words as: 7.24The Master introduced four aspects: Culture, moral conducts, wholehearted sincerity, and truthfulness.
The word 文 is likely a reference to classical literature composed by Confucian's predecessors, rather than ‘culture'.文行忠信) are inscribed on the side of the tally plate and they are to be matched with the other half on the receiving end of the business transaction. This tally was probably issued during Zhu Yuanzhang's reign (洪武二十六年, Jorhat' tally in Gurdon (1913) and Wade (1997) was issued during Yongle's period) and it was used specifically to trade horses (with tea leaves) with the natives 西番 in the Western Region (Qinghai 青海, Tibet 西藏 and Gansu 甘肃).
Volume 42, Document Number 7: Voyage certificate, 4 September 1511
Melaka was captured when Portuguese fleets led by Albuquerque launched their second attack two hours before the morning of 9 August 1511 (正德六年辛未岁七月十六日). The Laksamana of Melaka, who was then enfiefed at Bintan Island 馬鞍山, gave advice to the Ryukyu merchants to stay in Bintan and not to continue their journey to Melaka, as the port city was already taken by the Portuguese. However, Albuquerque tells us that the Ryukyu traders did eventually land in Melaka because the Portuguese administrator learnt of thir position and personally escorted them from Bintan to Melaka to trade:
. . . & por conselho do Lassamane que fora Almirante do már do Rey de Malaca, se deixaram estar, não quiseram passar, sabendo que Malaca era to mada polos Portugueses, & como os gouernadores da terra souberam q̃ elles ali estauam, mandaramlhe seguro & bandeira, & elles vieram lógo . . .
Albuquerque mentioned the age of the Laksamana immediately after this passage and claimed that the Laksamana initially wanted to join the Portuguese government in Melaka but he was probably dissuaded by the Moors in Melaka when he was in Muar.
. . . Este Lassamane era homem deoitenta annos , bom caualeiro & de boa fama, & de bom saber, & vendo o Rey de Malaca perdido soy se assentar em Singapura, & depois de Afonso Dalboquerque estar em posse de Malaca, se veyo ao rio de Muar, & mandou pedir seguro dizendo, que se queria ir viuer a Malaca, & seruir el Rey de Portugal . . .
If Albuquerque's ‘Lassamane' and Rekidai Hoan's Lok8sak7mo2la3 (樂索摩拿) were the same person, then the age of the Laksamana must be around 50 when he wrote to the King of Ryukyu in 1480/1481. It also means that he was around 46 when Mansur Shah died in 1477. However, Albuquerque's claim on the timing of the Laksamana's retreat to the Straits of Singapore is problematic since the Laksamana marked his addresss at Bintan in 1481 when he wrote to Shō Shin.
The date given in the Commentaries is problematic because the events associated with the Ryukyu was reportedly after Albuquerque set sailed to India (i.e. January 1512). This is obviously not in line with the dates marked in the following voyage certificate.
琉球國中山王尚真為進貢等事。切緣本國產物稀少，缺乏貢物，深為未便。為此，今遣正使馬彼比、通事梁傑等，坐駕康字號海船壹隻，裝載磁器等物，前往滿剌加國出產地面，兩平收買胡椒、蘇木等物回國，預備下年進貢大明天朝。所據今差去人員別無文憑，誠恐到處官司盤阻不便，王府除外，今給玄字壹伯捌拾捌號半印勘合執照，付正使馬彼比等收執前去。
如遇經過關津把隘去處，及沿海巡哨官軍，驗實即便放行，毋得留難，因而遲誤不便。所有執照，須至出給者。
今開：
正使壹員馬彼比。副使貳員麻美子。通事貳員梁傑、高賀。火長梁實。管船直庫不他。稍水共貳佰參名。
正德陸年捌月拾參日
右執照付正使馬彼比、通事梁傑等，准此。
執照
King Shō Shin of Chūzan, the Country of Ryukyu, in reference to tributary and other affairs, now makes this known. This country, being deficient in products and lacking tributary goods, still suffers great inconvenience. For this reason, we are now dispatching Chief Envoy Mafibi, Interpreter Ryō Ketsu, and others aboard a seagoing ship bearing the designation K'ang, with a cargo of porcelain and other goods, to proceed to the productive land of Malacca to purchase such products as pepper and sapanwood through mutually satisfactory arrangements, and then to return to the country to make preparations for the presentation of tribute to the Celestial Court of the Great Ming in a subsequent year.
There is no special document, however, on which the members of this mission now departing can rely, and it is deeply feared that they may encounter the inconvenience of investigations and obstructions by officials along the way. Accordingly the Royal Court has now issued a certificate stamped with a seal bearing half each of the character Hsüan and the number 188, to be received and borne by Chief Envoy Mafibi and others in proceeding on their mission.
In the event of investigation by guards at landings and by coastal patrol officers in the course of the voyage, it is requested that the mission be released and that no obstacles that might cause delay and inconvenience be put in its way. Let this certificate be given to the envoys.
It is now stated: One chief envoy: Mafibi; Two deputy envoys: Mamitsī, Yamatū; Two interpreters: Ryō Ketsu, Ko Ga; Pilot: Ryō Jitsu; General manager of the ship: Futu; No. of personnel including crew: 203 persons.
Cheng-te 6/8/13 [September 4, 1511]
The above certificate has been issued for and received by Chief Envoy Mafibi, Interpreter Ryō Ketsu, and others.
Certificate
Comments