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An. 1686
A Mindanaian Punishment.
with an account of their Weight and Measures, and their difference from ours.
The rate agreed on for Mindanao Gold, was 14 Spanish Dollars, (which is a current Coin all over India) the English Ounce, and 18 Dollars the Min- danao Ounce. But for Bees-wax and Clove-bark, I do not remember the rate; neither do I well re- member the rates of Europe Commodities; but I think the rate of Iron was not above 4 Dollars a hundred. Captain Goodlud s Letter concluded thus. Trust none of them, for they are all Thieves, but Tace is Latin for a Candle. We understood afterwards that Captain Goodlud was robb d of some Goods by one of the Generals men, and that he that robb d him was fled into the Mountains, and could not be found while Captain Goodlud was here. But the fellow returning back to the City some time after our arrival here, Raja Laut brought him bound to Captain Swan, and told him what he had done, desiring him to punish him for it as he pleased ; but Captain Swan excused himself, and said it did not belong to him, therefore he would have no- thing to do with it. However, the General Raja Laut, would not pardon him, but punished him ac- cording to their own custom, which I did never see but at this time.
He was stript stark naked in the morning at Sun- rising, and bound to a post, so that he could not stir hand nor foot, but as he was moved; and was placed with his face Eastward against the Sun. In the afternoon they turn'd his face towards the West, that the Sun might still be in his face; and thus he stood all day, parcht in the Sun (which shines here excessively hot) and tormented with the Moskitos or Gnats: After this the General would have [kill d him, if Captain Swan had contented to it. I did never see any put to Death; but I believe they are barbarous enough in it; The General told us him- self