YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE MATTHEW C. D. BORDEN FUND NARRATIVE OF THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. SAMARANG. VOL. I. NARRATIVE OF THE YOYAGE OF H.M.S. SAMARANG, DURING THE YEAES 1843-46 ; EMPLOYED SURVEYING THE ISLANDS OF THE EASTERN ARCHIPELAGO ; ACCOMPANIED BY A BKIEF VOCABULARY OF THE PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES. PuWt^rir utrtrer tlje gufljnrttp at tije %attss €ammiSSiamvi at tt)t fitrmirattg. BY CAPTAIN SIR EDWARD BELCHER, R.N., C.B., F.K.A.S., F.G.S., &c. COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION. WITH NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OE THE ISLANDS, By ARTHUR ADAMS, Assistant-Sukgeon, R.N. IN TWO VOLUME^. VOL. I. LONDON: REEVE, BENHAM, AND REEVE, KING WILLIAM STREET STRAND. 1848. REEVE, BENHAM AND REEVE, 1'ltINTERS AND PUBLISHERS OF SCIENTIFIC ' KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND- THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF AUCKLAND, G.C.B., FIUST LORD-COMMISSIONEK FOE EXECUTING THE OFFICE OF LORD HIGH ADMIRAL OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, &C, &C, &C, THESE VOLUMES, CONTAINING THE NARRATIVE OP THE VOYAGE OE H.M.S. SAMARANG, ARE, BY HIS LORDSHIP'S PERMISSION, INSCRIBED, WITH THE GREATEST RESPECT, BY HIS OBEDIENT SERVANT, E. BELCHER. PREFACE. In appearing again before the Public as the Narrator of the leading incidents of a protracted Surveying Ex pedition, I wish the work to be regarded only as another effort in the performance of that duty which should be undertaken, to the best of their ability, by all Officers intrusted with the command of Scientific Voyages ; and however monotonous the recital of the Service-portions of such duty may appear to those not immediately con versant with Naval affairs, I trust the observations here detailed on some of the Islands and Islanders of the Eastern Hemisphere, hitherto rarely visited, will not only prove interesting to the general reader, but will, in a political point of view, afford matter for considera tion in our future intercourse with those Regions. At the time of H.M.S. Samarang quitting England, on the termination of the war with China, the promi- VI. PREFACE. nent feature of my instructions related specifically to " the Coasts, Ports and Rivers of that Empire, laid open by the new Treaty of 1842;" but the veto of Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary forbidding "all approach to any part of the Chinese Territories north of Canton," my attention was directed to the off-lying Islands of the Eastern Archipelago, including all that are compre hended within the limits of 50° N., and 10° S. Latitude, and as far as 175° of E. Longitude. The territories of this wide domain were to be ex amined according to the tenor of my Instructions in H.M.S. Sulphur:— "In all the operations connected with the several branches of the Service thus allotted to you, you will strictly guide yourself by the Instructions, mutatis mu tandis, under which you acted in the Pacific," and which the following extract will illustrate. " In carrying this great Survey into effect, their Lord ships have placed the fullest reliance on the unabated zeal and talents which you have heretofore displayed, and they have cautiously and wisely abstained in your orders, from fettering you in the selection of your ground, or in that division and disposition of your time which the periodic changes of season, or the occasional necessities of the vessels may require." — Voyaqe of H.M.S. Sulphur, 1842. PREFACE. Vll. The conclusion of the present ran : — " On all these subjects we shall give implicit direc tions to the Commander-in-Chief ; we shall prohibit his interfering with your proceedings, or permitting any casual Senior Officer, with whom you may fall in, to control, or meddle with you in any way, unless in cases of extreme exigency, and we shall direct him to keep up your supplies, so as to enable you to carry out this important Service with uninterrupted energy, and to continue on it till you receive further orders from us. " (Signed) G. Cockburn. " W. H. Gage." Dated 13th of January, 1843. The Instructions, therefore, confided to me the trust of selecting and examining those points most important to Navigation, and of using the intervals occasioned by the Monsoons, in enlarging the great net-work of Mag netic Stations over the limits assigned, with the aid of a most complete set of Instruments furnished from the Magnetic Observatory at Woolwich, to which twenty well-proved Chronometers (mostly prize) were added for the purpose of measuring accurate Meridian distances. At the moment of my departure from Falmouth, a despatch arrived from the Admiralty, desiring me to visit Sarawak, in Borneo, communicate with Mr. Brooke, Vlll. PREFACE. and then proceed to Borneo Proper, where I was to examine and report on the Coal Measures of that dis trict, and obtain a sufficient quantity for trial on board one of our Steamers. The Samarang reached Singapore on the 19th of June, 1843, moved on to Sarawak, and there, in the act of dropping down the river, grounded, heeled over, and filled. By the great exertion of the crew she was recovered, after eleven days' immersion, and having replenished provisions, and completed the object of her mission to Borneo, reached Hong-Kong on the 15th of September, 1 843. Here the necessity for a diversion from the original Instructions became known, and avoiding the actual coasts of China, for the reason before mentioned, the off-lying Islands were examined, including in the following order, the Bashees, Meia-co-shimahs, Luzon, Mindoro, Mindanao, Sooloo, Borneo, Celebes, and Ter- nate ; whence, after a sharp encounter with the Illafion Pirates, off Gilolo, we returned to Singapore. The Samarang then revisited Borneo, joining the Dido in her Sakarran Expedition. Subsequently, aided by the H.E.I.C. steamer, Phlegethon, placed at my disposal by the Governor of Singapore (for the search after an English Lady, supposed to be captive in Borneo), we transferred the Rajah Muda Hassim and family to Borneo Proper; leaving Mr. Brooke in undisputed possession of his PREFACE. IX. territory. At this visit, the Phlegethon was moored in the main street of Brunai, and saluted the Sultan, at which period the original Document, wherein the Sultan offered to cede to Her Majesty the Island of Labuan, was received and transmitted by the Author to Government. Our search for the supposed female cap tive proving unsuccessful, the Samarang proceeded to Manila, where, hearing of the distress and captivity of the crew of the British barque, Premier, on the coast of Borneo, we returned to Sooloo, and, aided by the Sultan of that place, who sent his Ambassador, succeeded in liberating all who remained, and completed Treaties of Friendship with the Sultans of Gunung Taboor and Bulungan. The Samarang then revisited Sooloo, Manila, and Hong-Kong, with the Bashees, Meia-co-shimahs, Loo-Choo, Quelpart, Korea, and Japan, where we were most kindly received ; returned to Loo-Choo, and Hong- Kong; thence to Manila and the Mindoro Seas, to Mindanao, crossed to our old possession of Balam- bangan, and carried out the complete Survey from that Island to Labuan, revisiting Sarawak and Singapore, where orders awaited us for England; and calling at Anjer (Java), the Keeling Islands, Cargados-Garajos, Mauritius, Cape of Good Hope, St. Helena, and Ascen sion, we arrived at Spithead after an absence of nearly four years. X. PREFACE. In the collection of objects of Natural History, I was fortunate enough to possess an acute observer in the person of my Assistant-Surgeon Mr. Adams, whose remarks on the Plants and Animals of the countries visited, will be read with interest by all who can ap preciate the delight experienced by the Naturalist, when transported to so prolific, and comparatively new, a field for observation as the remote islands of the Blue and Yellow Seas. In the department of Mollusca, to which I was myself chiefly attached, the zealous and successful exertions of Mr. Adams in obtaining drawings of the living animals, deserve my warmest commendation ; and it is pleasing to me to know that the materials now preparing for publication are likely to furnish more im portant matter than has been contributed by any former British Expedition. It will be sufficient to notice, that the Molluscous division of the Zoology commences with an elaborate memoir on the anatomy of that remarkable Cephalopod, which has so long evaded the pursuit of the naturalist, the Spirula, or Ram's-Horn, by Professor Owen, the accomplished dissector of the Pearly Nautilus. In conclusion, I thank my officers, Messrs. Browne, Richards, and Adams, for their skilful aid in preparing the drawings with which the Narrative is illustrated, and it only remains to ask a seaman's indulgence for any errors or ambiguity in the composition. CONTENTS. VOL. I. CHAPTER I. VOYAGE TO BORNEO AND THE SARAWAK RIVER. Determination of the Government to survey the approaches to the Ports laid open by the new Treaty with China — H.M.S. Samarang, 26 Guns, commissioned for that purpose — Experiments with Eox's Dipping Needle, &c. — Importance of marking the localities used for Magnetic observations — Make for the Cape of Good Hope by an easterly course — Thermometrical Experiments at great depths — Anchor in Simon's Bay — Meet the Antarctic Expedition — Arrive at Singapore and Borneo — Enter the Sarawak River — Hospitable reception from Mr. Brooke at Kuching — Excursion up the Sarawak with Mr. Brooke — Visit the Antimony and Gold Mines worked by the Chinese — The Dyaks — Declaration of their attach ment to Great Britain — Return to the Samarang — Preparations for sea — Visit of the Rajah — Summary of Observations on the capabilities and resources of the Sarawak Territory under the government of Mr. Brooke . . . Page \ CHAPTER II. SARAWAK, BRUNAI, AND HONG-KONG. Preparations for leaving Kuching— The Ship grounds — Inclines forty- five degrees to Starboard — Instruments saved — Construct houses on shore — Royalist despatched to Singapore for provisions and assistance — Measures adopted for raising the Ship — Zeal of the X|J_ CONTENTS. Crew-Speedy and successful issue- Cockpit Hall-Newspaper report of the disaster-Departure from Sarawak-Navigation dan gerous-Arrival at Borneo Proper— Visit to the Sultan— Re- ception-Brunai, a City of the Waters-Eloating Bazar-Futile search for Coal— Lema Islands— Arrival at Hong-Kong— Im provements at that Island— Its Physical and Natural History. 37 CHAPTER III. BASHEE AND MEIA-CO-SHIMAH ISLANDS. Macao— General features— Camoens' Cave— Sail for the Bashee Group of Islands— Batan— Natural History and Resources of that island —Visit the Me'ia-co-shimah Group— Arrive at Pa-tchung-san— Reception by the Mandarins— Exploring Excursion— Interesting co-operation of the Natives — Integrity, kindness of disposition, and general habits — Laborious mode of dressing the hair — Clean liness and domestic comfort — Temples and Groves for worship — Oblations— Mode of sepulture — Want of mechanical skill— Success in Agriculture— Chiefs entertained on board the Samarang — Port Haddington — Ty-pin-san Group— Mr. Adams' account of the Meia-co-shimahs — Return to Hong-Kong — Sail for Manila— Cour tesy of the General Alcalde — Scenery and general features — Pass the Islands of Cabras, Luban, andPanagatan — Arriveat Mindanao — Anchor off the town of Samboanga — Cordial reception from the Governor, Colonel Eigueroa — Ealse alarm — Shooting excursion into the interior — Departure for the Island of Sooloo. 65 CHAPTER IV. SOOLOO, MANADO, TERNATE, AND GILOLO. Arrive at the Island of Sooloo — Astronomical Observations — Imperti nent curiosity of the Natives — Visit to the Sultan — Hall of Audi ence — Dress and appointments — Remonstrance on the subject of piracy — City of Sooloo — Means of defence — Celebes — Monado — Reception by the Governor — Ternate — Courteous invitation from the Governor — Eix Observatory on a coral reef off Gilolo — Sur prised by the Natives — Fire musketry to frighten them — Attacked by five Prahus — Discomfiture of the enemy — Vessels with the killed and wounded disabled and burnt — Second attack of five larger Prahus — Author knocked overboard by a ball from one of CONTENTS. XU1. the Chief's brass guns — Severely wounded in the hip — Enemy put to flight — Further arrival of the Natives — Ammunition ex pended, return to the ship — Boats recur to the scene of action under the command of Lieut. Heard — Destroy several of the enemy's Prahus with shot and Congreve rockets — Woman and child saved from a burning Prahu — Cessation of hostilities . 113 CHAPTER V. SINGAPORE AND BRUNAI. Singapore — Occupy Recorder's house — Assemblage of Vessels of War — Opinion respecting site of Horsburgh Testimonial — Romania Islands — Samarang rejoins Dido at Sarawak — Letters from Europe — Mr. D"Aeth of the Dido capsized — Intrepidity of Mr. Brooke — Excursion up the River Linga in pursuit of Seriff Sahib ¦ — -Town of Bunting — Assistance of the Balow Dyaks — Captain Keppel's account of the conference to which Seriff Jaffer was summoned — Mr. Brooke's address to the Balow Dyaks — Visit their habitations — Explore River Lundu — Return to Santubon entrance — Town of Tundong — Entertainment of Seguga, the Orang Kaya — Continue Survey of the Bay to Tanjong Datu — Return to Singapore — Expedition to rescue a European Female supposed to be living in captivity at Amboon, north coast of Borneo — Documents relative thereto — Mr. Presgrave's account — Statement of Haggee Hassan, a Lascar — Return to Sarawak — Embarkation of the Rajah Muda Hassim with his brothers and twenty-four wives — Brunai — Interview with the Sultan — Address to Queen Victoria — Brunai coal-district — Excursion with Mr. Brooke — Island of Cherimon — Port Victoria 146 CHAPTER VI. AMBONG, MANILA, AND EASTERN BORNEO. Reach the Bay of Ambong — Peaks of Kini Balu — Town of Ambong and adjacent scenery — Value of stock and provisions — Tampas- sook River — Sultan of Tampassook — His predilection for spirits — Depart for Manila — Pass Balabac and Balambangan — Monkey Conchologists — Fishing Boats — Island of Dumaran — Pursuit of a XIV. CONTENTS. Pu-ate— Reach Manila— Kindness of the Governor— Arrival of six Lascars, bringing information of the wreck of the Premier — Depart to rescue her crew— Arrival at Sooloo— Entertainment to the Ministers on board the Samarang— Pulo Panjang — Marine Observatory of novel construction— Remains of villages destroyed by fire — Town of Gunung Taboor — Ambassador from the Sultan — Fire salutes — Procession and music — Loss of the Premier — Statement of the Sultan— Execution of a Treaty with Great Britain — Departure for Bulungan . .188 CHAPTER VII. EASTERN COAST OF BORNEO. River Bulungan — Ceremonial visit — Exchange of salutes — Interview with the Sultan — Sagai Tribes — Friendship of their Chief — Release of the Lascars — Treaty with the Sultan of Bulungan — Quit Bulungan, and return to Gunung Taboor — Complete terms of friendly agreement with Sultan — Offer of the Island of Maratua — Quit the position off Premier Reef — Examine the Island of Maratua — Escape of Samarang from a most dangerous extremity — Approach the Coast — Anchor to avoid danger — Beauty of Coral lines observed beneath us — Enter the Reefs and find a safe an chorage within — Ligitan Group — Conflict of one of the boats with an Illanon Pirate — Prahu burnt — Curious instrument found on board her for capturing slaves — Arrival at Sooloo — Meet French Squadron — Exchange civilities with Mons. Lagrene and Admiral Cecile — Friendly relations with Sultan of Sooloo — February Mag netic Term-day — Kindness of Datoo Danielle . . 223 CHAPTER VIII. ILLANON PIRATES AND SOOLOO TERRITORY. History of the Illanon Pirates — Established in a spacious lagoon with a Chief of their own — Ingenious ways of escape — Their mode of construction — The Illanon vessels — Range of piratical incursions — Mode of eluding the Spanish forces — The Ballignini Pirates — Court of Sooloo — Notes from Oriental Repertory of Dalrymple — Sooloo group of Islands — Toolyan — Tawee-Tawee — Bangene — Palawan— Tiroon— River Barow— Sicatack— Sibocco — Maratua — CONTENTS. XV. Spanish account of the origin of the friendship between the British and Sultan of Sooloo, and occupation of Balambangan by the English — Instructions upon these matters from Madrid — Pro ceedings of Governor of Samboanga — English attacked and ex pelled from Balambangan — Summary of the English privileges on northern coast of Borneo — Dalrymple's account of the Sooloo independency. ..... 262 CHAPTER IX. BATAN, HOA-PIN-SAN, AND LOO-CHOO. Take leave of Sooloo — Cagayanes Group — The Natives — Camden Shoal — Loss of Jib-boom in a Squall off Point Calivite — Arrive at Manila — Return to Hong-Kong — Examine Defences of Canton — Leave for Batan — Excursion to Ibayat, accompanied by the Dominican Padres — Difficulty of landing — Explore Interior — Embarkation hazardous — Island of Samasana — Slight shock of Earthquake — Sail for T-nah-koo — Beneficial results of the trans portation of Plants — Visit Hoa-pin-san — Attack of Mosquitoes — Tia-usu — Geological features — Proceed to Loo-Choo — Anchor in the roads of Napa Kiang- — Loo-Chooans visit to the ship — Droll curiosity of one individual in taking its dimensions — Find French Priest and his Servant. . . . . 296 CHAPTER X. QUELPART AND THE KOREAN ISLANDS. Island of Quelpart — Landing at first opposed by the Fishermen — Observations effected on shore by appointing Sentinels to inter cept the curiosity of the Natives — Symptoms of hostility — Sur prised at midnight by a body of the inhabitants with torches — Disperse quietly to their homes — Watch-fires on the Great Island — Visit of the Chief to the Ship, accompanied by most discordant music — Dress and Manners — Visit to a superior Chief on the Great Island — His curiosity to understand the object of our Ex pedition — Punishment of an offender— Make the Tour of the Island— Proffers of hospitality from a young Chief — Arrange ments for making a formal visit to the Examiner — March to the City — Misunderstanding and return to the beach — Proceed to xvi. CONTENTS. the Southern Islands, and are visited by an intelligent Civilian Chief— General remarks on Quelpart and the Quelpartians— De parture for the Archipelago of Korea— Survey estuaries— Features of the Country— Habits of the People— Return to Quelpart— Sail for Japan 224 VOL. II. CHAPTER XL JAPAN AND LOO-CHOO. Approach Nangasaki — Escorted by numerous guard-boats — Permission to land — Observations effected — Deputation of the Chiefs to the Ship — Numerous visitors' — Japanese customs and habits — Legal suicide — Dress of superior class — Swords, Boats, &c. — Fortifica tions of Nangasaki — Batteries of the Cavallos- — Approach the Ship — Interesting interview — Reflections on Japan and the Japanese — Extracts from the voyage of the Morrison — Leave Nangasaki — Gig swamped, and loss of valuable Instruments — Arrival at Loo-Choo — Excursion into the Interior — City of Sheudi — Napa — Pootsoong — Entertained by the chief of Mandarins — Ramble through the town — Japanese Ship-building — Collegiate institutions — Want of cleanliness and attention to dress — Diet — Produce of the market — Presentation of a curious document de nouncing the system of Surveying . . Page 1 CHAPTER XII. HONG-KONG AND THE PHILIPPINES. Leave Loo-Choo — Touch at Pa-tchung-san — Botel Tobago — Arrive at Hong-Kong — Refit and sail for Batan — Fall in with a Bremen wreck — Reach Manila — Nicholas Shoal — Make Term Day Mag netic Observations — Arsenal of Cavite — Fortune Island — Looc Bay — Lay in a store of wood — Fever caused by the fermentation of wood when damp — Apo Island — Fall in with a nest of Pirates — Island of Mindoro — Skirmish in the Bay of Ylin — Convenience for obtaining supplies— Town of Mangarin— Garza Island— Semi- rara — Pirate Island — Panagatan Group — Shoal of fish — Cagayan- CONTENTS. xvii. cillo — Inhabitants — Structure of the Island — Oalusa — Samboanga — Inland Excursion — Country round Samboanga — Examination of Shoals extending from the Santa Cruz Islands — Courtesy of the Governor, Colonel Figueroa . 71 CHAPTER XIII. ISLANDS OF THE MINDORO AND SOOLOO SEAS. Island of Malavi — Mode of felling trees — Visit to the Commandante — Fort of Pasanhan — Wood of Malavi — Course directed across the Mindoro and Sooloo Seas — Island of Kulassien — Cagayan Sooloo — Chase after two piratical-looking prahus — Dangerous navigation — Banguey — Geological structure — Balambangan — Harbours and general resources — Tanjong Agal-Agal — Useful properties of its Sea-weed — Dalrymple's account of Maludu and Kini Balu — The Black Peninsula — Encampment of Illanon Pirates — Ant Islands — Description of the Sumpitan and arrows — Tampassook river — Abai and Ambong — Visit from the Sultan of Tampassook — Return of the Royalist with supplies — Height of Kini Balu — Rivers Sulaman and Kawalan — Friendly disposition of the natives — Gaya Group — The rivers Kabatuan and Inanam — Interview withthe natives — The Kimanis River — Alarm the natives — Idaan Tribes — Membakut, Kula-lama and Kuala-panco Rivers — Bird Island . . 106 CHAPTER XIV. LABUAN TO MAURITIUS. Coast of Bird Island — Attack of Pirates — Revisit Labuan — Discovery of a Watering Bay — List of Rivers — Lines of Coal — Reach Sarawak — Death of Mr. Williamson — Detail of Massacre at Brunai — Loss of the Sultan Muda Hassim— Observations on the Trading- Interests of Borneo — Letter from Mr. Jesse to the East India Company — Chinese located in the City of Brunai — Of the Mission about to sail for Borneo — Original Paper from Mr. Brooke, on the state of the Indian Archipelago, in 1838, bearing on the pre sent aspect of affairs at Borneo — Leave Borneo; passing Tanjong Api and St. Pierre Islands — Land on Barren Island — Reach Singapore — Dullness of the town — Life and bustle introduced by CONTENTS. landing of the Ship's Crew— Description of the town— Division of the Inhabitants— Manufacture of Pirate arms— Occupation of Pulo Brani, or Gage Island — Leave Singapore — Island of Billi- t0n — Strike on a rock — Dangerous situation of the Ship — Lighten the Ship of Guns and Spars, and escape into deep water — New Island named Pigeon Island — Dangers of the Caramata Channel — Reach Anjer, Straits of Sunda — Opinion relative to the erection of a Lighthouse — Arrive at Cocos or Keeling Islands — Sailing qualities of the Samarang class — Reach the Cargados Garajos — Transactions there — Visit Mauritius . 205 CHAPTER XV. MAURITIUS TO ENGLAND. Leave Mauritius — Pass Island of Bourbon — Cape of Good Hope — Sioion's Bay — Illness of Lieut. Roberton — Left at sick quarters — Resurvey of Table Bay — Proposed construction of a Break-water — St. Helena — Terrific consequences of the rollers— Ascension Island — Excitement on nearing home — Violent Gale — Narrow escape of the ship — Reach Spithead — Ordered to Chatham— Paid off — Conclusion . 205 NATURAL HISTORY. CHAPTER I. CAPE DE VERDS— CAPE OF GOOD HOPE— JAVA. Porto-Praya — A Rainbow. — Aspect of the Village — Negro Children — The Lion-ant — Vegetation of Santiago — The Bird of Pharaoh — The Fishing Eagle of Africa — The Gecko— Splendid Sun-set — Leave Porto-Praya. — The Petrels — The Dolphin — Jelly-fish — Beautiful Physalia — Double the Cape — Simons Bay — Scenery — Vegetation — The Honey-suckers — The Fishing Cormorant ¦ — Reptiles — The Sand-Mole — The Long-eared Fox — Singular habits of a Beetle — Insects fertilizing Flowers — Leave Simon's Bay — Eve on the Indian Ocean — Habits of the Pteropods — The Straits of Sunda — Transparent Crustaceans — Fecundity of the Ocean — Remarkable Crabs — Welcome Bay, Java — Scenery — Natives — Habits of the Plantain Squirrel — The Walking-leaf Insect — The Carrier-Trochus — Animal of Marginella Page 225 CHAPTER II. BORNEO. Arrive at Sarawak — Gigantic Orthoptera — Remarkable Insects — Curious habit of a Beetle — Prevalence of certain tribes of Insects — Butterflies — Insects used as Ornaments — A splendid Glow worm — Instincts of Spiders — Singular Forms of — Habits of — The Close-eyed Gudgeon — The Fighting-fish of Siam — The Organ-fish — Curious Blenny — Thunder Storm — Tree struck by Lightning — A Man killed — The Crocodile — Nondescript Plant — Habits of the Musang — The Slow-paced Lemur — The Wou-Wou — The Flying Fox — The Pitcher Plant— Forest Scenery — Exuberant Vegetation — Aspect of the Woods by Day — Their appearance at Eve — Nocturnal chorus of Animals — Night Alarms — Gigantic Lizard — Beautiful Tree-Snake — Enormous Cobra — Capture of a xx CONTENTS. Python— Adventure with a Snake— Changeable Lizard — The Toke — The Chichak— The Grass Lizard — The Bingkaron— The Fringed Gecko— The Flying Dragon . • 251 CHAPTER III. BASHEE AND MEIA-CO-SH1MAH GROUPS. Macao— lis appearance from the Roads— Batata- A Marriage Feast- Rejoicings over the Dead— Exhibition of the Magic-Lanthorn— Appearance and Dress of the Women — Vegetation— Insects- Anecdote of a Spider— Pirate-Crabs— Story about a Land-Crab —Beautiful Molluscous Animal— Singular Crustacean— Sea-Eggs —Star-Fish— Red-blooded Worms— Sharks— Meia-co-sUmals— Lost in the Woods— Scenery— A natural Amphitheatre— Proposed scheme of abduction— Gratitude of the Natives— Mountain Scenery —The Screw-Pine— The Hibiscus, Banyan, Camelia, and other plants— Combination of Temperate and Tropical Forms— Palms — Bamboo— Torches— Edible Cryptogamic Plant— Vegetables— Reptiles— Blue-tailed Lizard— The Diodon— Enormous Octopi— The Kraken— Habits of Cephalopoda— Mollusca used as food- Modes of defence of Mollusks— Enemies of Mollusks— New Genus of Dorididse — Habits of Crustaceans— Insects— Glow-Worm— The Centipede— The Scorpion— Spiders— Aspect of the Coral- reefs — Zoophytes • 2^5 CHAPTER IV. THE PHILIPPINE ARCHIPELAGO. Anecdote of a Python — Exploration of Sesarma — Curious Cavern — A ramble about Samboanga — Villages — Scenery — Vegetation — Aborigines of Mindanao — The Flying-Fox — Remarkable Crabs — Habits of Spiders — Insects — Mindoro — Hostility of the Natives — Use of the bow and arrow — Ylin — Poisonous Plant — Insects — Habits of Molluscous Animals . . . 322 CHAPTER V. THE SOOLOO AND MOLUCCA ARCHIPELAGOS. Sooloo — Appearance of the People — Gigantic drum — The Tsjampaka — The Sooloos poison the water — Their fondness for Pearls — Fanciful origin of those concretions — The Sultan's fable respecting them — Sea-Snakes — Origin of "Great Sea-Serpent" — Water Spouts — CONTENTS. XXI. Shells, and their inhabitants — Apo Island — Malay fishing village — Questionable character of its occupants — Shooting excursion in Basilan — Hostilities in the Island — Habits of Spiders— Curious Shell-fish — Unsang — Wild Animals — Apes — Gigantic Crane — Lace-Lizard — Crocodile — Insects — Celebes— Cape Rivers — Marine Animals — Manado — Forest Scenery — Adaptations — Anecdote of a Bee — Curious Insects — Land-Crabs — Habits of Crustaceans — Island of Meyo — Whale — Turtles — Fish— Lizard — Shells— Ternate— The Malukus— Habits of Spiders . .347 CHAPTER VI. SINGAPORE AND BORNEO. Singapore — The Sensitive Plant— The Nutmeg Tree — Gutta Percha — Trees yielding Caoutchouc— Jatropha Manihot — Gambier — Useful Plants — Lizards and other Animals — An Opium-smoker — Effects of Opium on the brain — Royal Children — Curious mode of catching- Snakes — The Sun-birds — A Tree Slug — Cerithia — Dragon-flies— Nondescript Spider — Remarkable Caterpillar — The Horse-shoe Crab — A Land Lobster — Borneo — Excursion up the Linga — Scenery — Insects — The Long-nosed Monkey — Village of Bunting — The Balows — Dried Human Heads — Diseases — Excursion to Tungong — Native Boar-hunt — Singular Fish — Crabs and Shells — Land-Crabs — Habits of Crustaceans . 380 CHAPTER VII. BORNEO. Ambong — The Badjows — The Illanons— Appearance of the Country — Wild Men in the Mountains — Tampassook — Scenery — The haunts of Pirates — New species of Lantern-Fly — Lantern-Flies not lumi nous — A Beautiful Flata— Gigantic Tent-Caterpillar — Habits of certain Ants — The dwellings of the White Ants — Habits of Scarabi and other Mollusks — Brunai — The Upas-Tree — The Pantai— Scenery of the River — A deserted Village — The Rajah's grave — Bats and other Animals — Bulungan — The Orang Sagai — Wild and cultivated Plants — Terrestrial Leeches — The Nibong Palm — Vegetable Tallow. — Aromatic Barks — Plants used for be numbing Fish — Singular mode of fishing — Insects — Leegeetan — Scenery — Poisonous Plants — Insects — Birds — Habits of Crusta ceans . . . 406 XX11. CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. LOO-CHOO— KOREA— JAPAN. Loo-Choo — Mandarins — Visit a Missionary — Gardens of the Temples — Burial-ground — Tombs — Loo-Chooan ' Females — Sheudi, the capital — Palace of the Viceroy — State of religion — Acquainted with Arms — Language — Money — Medicine — Korea — Physical appearance of the Natives — Costume — Moral Character — Arms — Boats — Punishments — An Anecdote — Beacon-fires — Island of Quelpart — Plants — Stone Images — Vegetation — Scenery — Birds — Fishes — Insects — Habits of Spiders — Molluscous Animals — Radiata — Sponges — Sama-Sana ¦ — Scenery — Vegetation — In sects — An Earthquake — Koumi — Scenery — Birds — Beetles — Grasshoppers — Japan — Physical appearance of the Japanese — Costume — Weapons — Shells — Volcanic Archipelago — Inhabi tants . . . 439 CHAPTER IX. BORNEO. Indian Butterfly-flower — Mangrove, Casuarina, and other trees — Bird- catching plant — Curious Tree-louse — Nidification of Pigeons — New Bulimus — Wasps' and Ants' nests — Borneon Mammifera — Haunts of Molluscous animals — Their Habits — Localities of certain fresh-water species — Habits of Crustaceans — Singular larva? — In stincts and varied forms of Spiders — Visit Kabatuan — Muda Mo hammed — The Dusuns — Molluscous animals 477 CHAPTER X. MAURITIUS TO ENGLAND. Scenery and Vegetation of Mauritius— Estivation of Tropical Mollusca —Great Indian Tortoise— Habits of the Dolabella— Singular spe cies of Bulleea — St. Brandon Shoals — The Cocoa-nut — Aspect of the reef and islets— Sea-birds — Their habits and nidification— Instinct in Fish— Animal of Ancillaria— Pelagic skeleton Crustacea — Anomalous Zoseas— Cypridina Adamsii— Habits of Janthina— The Carinaria and Atlanta — The Hyalaja and Cleodora The habits and development of the Argonaut— Insects at Sea— Con cluding Remarks ggn INDEX. Abai, harbour and river of, II., 135, 136. Abbey peak, Korea, height of, II., 353. Agal-Agal, Sea-weed, uses of, I., 329, note; II., 128. Agulhas Cape, shoal of fishes at, II., 206. Alcala, General, Captain- General of the Philippines, I., 100. Alceste, wreck of, II., 188. Ambolon Island, uninhabited, II., 88. Ambong, 188 ; dangers of access, 189 ; description of, 190 ; traffic in Bullocks, 191. America, North, U.S. Frigate Brandywine at Manila, I., 100. Anderson, Lieut., I., 198, 317. Andromache, boats of, attack pirates, I., 18. Animals, proboscis-monkey of Borneo, I., 15, 89. Anjer roads, I., 14 ; fair, 15 ; description of, II., 192 ; opinion on the site for a lighthouse, 193. Ann, wreck of the, on Santa Cruz bank, II., 100; ease of the, 102. Anonyma, Capt. Hicks, takes despatches to Bombay, I., 14. Ant Islands, dangerous approach to, II., 133. Antarctic Expedition, met with at the Cape, I., 10. Antimony mines in Borneo, I., 24 ; method of working them, 24. Apo Island, II., 83 ; a pirate's nest, 83 ; position fixed, 83, 84. Apo Lambo, or the Sunken Island, overwhelmed by a* storm, I., 276. Areng coal, of good quality, but scarce, I., 60, 177, 179. Ariel, Mr. Stewart's brig, arrives at Sarawak with stores, I., 55. Ascension Island, II., 212 ; effect of rollers at, 213, 214. Astronomical observations recorded, I., 5, 16, 30, 107, 119, 126, 132, 211,212,317,326; II., 7,83,139,190,193,210. Auckland Mount, Quelpart, height of, I., 347. Bajows, or Sea-gipsies, pirates, I., 191 ; decamp, II., 127, 132, 145. XXVI. INDEX. Balabac, Bay on E. coast explored, I., 196 ; access barred by coral, 196 monkey conchologists, 197. Balambangan, conferred by Sultan of Sooloo on Great Britain, I., 32 II., 116 ; its resources, 117 ; English claims to, 116, 119 ; har bours, 118, 120; colour of freshwater, 119; inhabitants, 120 trading advantages, 121. Ballignini (or Bangene) I. 208 ; pirates of, 269. Banca straits, I., 16, 131. Bangene, see Ballignini. Banguey Island, II., 115 ; dangerous reefs, 115 ; soil and resources, 117 ; description of the coast, 118. Barlow Island, bad anchorage, I., 347. Bashee, or Ibugos Island, I., 52; Bashee liquor, 71; vegetation, 72; deer hunt, 73. Basilan, Spanish settlement on, II., 106; produce of, 110; excellent timber, 111. Batan, (see Batanes) natural history and resources of, I., 71, 72. Batanes Islands, Bay of San Domingo in, I., 69, 310; natives of, 70; produce of, 71 ; scale of prices, 98. Batang Lupar river, I., 150. Batomande rocks, II., 127 ; fixed, 132. Baugh Lieut., encounter with pirates, 134, 141 ; despatched with gun boat to Sarawak, 170. Bazar, floating, at Brunai, I., 59. Biche de mer, I., 197 ; II., 112, 121. Billiton Island, II., 187. Bird Island, II., 148 ; curious natural bird-trap, 148, 149 ; coast, 150; attack of pirates, 151. Blachong, a condiment, II., 125. Beaufort Island, Quelpart, I., 346. Black Peninsula, II., 132. Bonavista Island, reported dangers of, I., 5. Boats of Samarang, their equipment, I., 2. Borneo, treaty with Holland respecting, I., 32 ; antimony and gold mines, 24 ; method of working them, 24 ; inhabitants, *3 5 ; timber, 35, 36; Cockpit Hall, 54; palace and city of Brunai, 57; Audience Hall, 57; Kianggi mountains, 59; Unsang, 119; monkeys, 120 ; Linga river, 151 ; towns of Bunting, 152 ; and Tundong, 157; Eastern coast, 223; Bulungan river, 224; the Sagai, 225 ; English privileges in Borneo, 293 ; Spanish claims, 294, 303 ; observations on the trading interests of Borneo II 167 ; scale of barter, 169; Mr. Jesse's letter to E. I Comp 170 • Chinese inhabitants, 173; Borneo mission, 173; clergymen ap pointed, 175 ; Sooloo dominions, 128. Borassus gomutus, a poisonous fruit, I., 261. Bore in Bunting creek, I., 156. Brandon's, Saint, rocks, II., 203. Brandywine, U.S. frigate, at Manila, L, 100. Brunai, city of, capital of Borneo, I., 58 ; population, 59 ; money, 59; alarm at, 173; geological features, 178 ; coal seams 179; detail of the massacre at, II., 159 ; its motives, 161. Brooke, Mr., the "tuan besar," I., 21 ; his position at Sarawak, 21- 33 ; his influence, 31 ; his mild government, 36 ; hospitality, 54; visits Sultan of Borneo, 59; excursion against the pirates, 150; address to the Balow Dyaks, 154 ; interview with the Sultan of Tampassook, 193. Broughton, Capt., wrecked at Y-ki-ma, I., 83. Budduruddin, Pangeran, II., 142, 146, 159. Bugis, prahus, I., 16 ; their doubtful country, I., 121 ; women of Celebes, 129. Bullocks, traffic in, at Ambong, I., 191. Bulungan river, I., 224; oyster-banks, 238. Bunting town, I., 152. Butterworth, Lieut. Col., Governor of Singapore, I., 163. Cagayan Islands, I., 299 ; natives, 300 ; II., 92 ; Cagayancillo, 93. Cagayan Sooloo, II., 112 ; pirate chase, 113. Calamianes Group, I., 200. Calivite point, Samarang loses jib-boom off, I., 302. Calusa Island, abundance of Cocoa-nuts at, II., 97. Cambden (or Panagatan) shoal, I., 301. Camoens' cave, at Macao, I., 67. Canton, defences of, I., 304. Cape of Good Hope, Simon's Bay, I., 10 ; light-vessel in Simon's Bay, II., 207. Lieut. Roberton left at, 210; resurvey of Table Bay, 210 ; remarks on proposed construction of a breakwater at, 211. Cargados Garajos Group, coral bed, II., 197 ; Avocare and Verronge, 200 ; Frigate Island and Etablissement, 201 ; St. Brandon's rocks, 203. Carimata channel, dangers of the, II., 191. Cavallos Islands, I., 22. Cecil, Rear-Admiral of French squadron, I., 65 ; at Sooloo, 254. Celebes, Cape Rivers, fixed, I., 121. Chads, Capt. The Hon. G.F. Hastings, I., 50. China, Wise's Analysis of 100 voyages to, I., 9 ; laws prohibit female emigration, I., 18. Christmas Island sighted, I., 13 ; altitude of, 13. Chronometers, stations selected for rating them, I., 4, 10, 16, 30, 314. Church, Mr., resident councillor, at Singapore, I., 55. Claveria, Captain-General of Philippines, II., 78. Cleopatra the, arrives at the Cape, I., 4. Clerk, Lieut., R.A., Magnetic Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, I., 11. Coal, at Pulo-Chermin and Areng, I., 60, 177. Cockpit-Hall, Sarawak, I., 53. Cocoa trees, difficulty of rearing, II., 202 ; abundance of, I., 279 ; II., 94, 97. Coeos, or Keeling Islands, II., 193 ; Hare and Ross, I., 194. Coral Islands, observations on, I., 135 ; decreasing, II., 202. Crozier, Capt. of Terror, I., 10. Crucial incision at Japan, II., 18, 28. Curan territory, I., 238. Currents at sea, I., 5, 253. D'Aeth, Mr., accident to, I., 150. Dalrymple's description of Bangene, I., 276 ; dominions in Borneo, II., 128 ; Abai, 135 ; the Idaans, 137 ; Mankabung river, 141. Darwin, Dr., poetical account of the Upas, I., 184. Datoo Danielle, his character, I., 206, 259; house at Sooloo, 257. Datoo Muluk Mandalya, Prime minister of Sooloo, I., 206 ; enter tained on board, 207, 259. Dido, boats of, attacked by pirates, I., 18. Dipping-needle, Fox's, experiments with, I., 3. Direction Island, II., 194, 195. Domingo, bay of San, in Batan, I., 69. Douglas, Mr., naval aide to Mr. Brooke, I., 21. Dumaran Island, I., 198 ; pursuit of a pirate, 199. Dyaks, their houses, I., 26, 155; dress, 27; women, 28; affection and manners, 28 ; Mr. Brooke's oration to, 29 ; declare their at tachment to Great Britain, 29 ; industry, 35. Earthquake at Samasana, I., 311. Ellice, Capt., Packet establishment at Falmouth, I., 3. Elliot, Lieut., his magnetic observations, II., 166. Fairy Islands, I., 122. Fever, damp fire-wood, one cause of, II., 81. Figueroa Col Governor of Mindanao, I., 106; his cordiality, 107; xx. , y / y j uu. Fish, shoal of, off Cape Agulhas, II., 206. Fishermen, a healthy race, II., 94. Floating Bazar at Brunai, I., 59. INDEX. XXIX. Fox, Rob., W. Esq., Falmouth, scientific assistance, I., 3 ; Dipping- needle experiments with, 3. French squadron, at Macao, I., 65 ; at Singapore, 147 ; touches at Sooloo, 204 ; negotiates for Basilan Island, 254. Fresh-water, colour of, at Balambangan, II., 119. Fruits of various sorts, I., 15, 83. Garza Island fixed, II., 89. Gaya Islands, II., 141 ; Pangeran Madaout, 142 ; Inanam river, 143; Kimanis bay and river, 143 ; Bajows and Kadyans, 145 ; native character, 146 ; Pulo Tiga, 141 ; Bird Island, 148 ; natural bird- trap, 148 ; attacked by pirates, 150. Geological remarks, I., 23, 25, 60, 309, 319, 347, 351 ; II., 117, 127. Giffard, Capt. of Vixen steamer, I., 55, 57. Gilolo Island, I., 135 ; attacked by pirates at, 136 ; their haunt burnt, 137. Gipsies, Sea, or Bajows, II., 127, 132. Gold mines in Borneo, I., 25. Gomuti Palm, poisonous, I., 261 ; II., 349 ; its various uses, 350. Good Hope, Cape of, route to the, I., 7, 10 ; lighthouse in Simon's Bay, II., 208 ; Table Bay, breakwater at, 211. Graham, Capt. of Castor, I., 62. Guava trees at Tahiti, I., 315. Gunung-Taboor, I., 214 ; flags and salute, 21 5 ; interview with the Sultan Maharajah Dinda, 217 ; wreck of the Premier, 217 ; treaty with the Sultan, 220 ; Curan, 238 ; Rajah Muda, 239 ; Sultan's friendly disposition, 241 ; his seal, 242 ; the prime minister, 244; present of a snake-stone, 244 ; Tuan Hadji, 245. Haddington, port, at Pa-tchung-san, large but full of coral patches, I., 85. Hamilton, port, Korea, I., 352 ; botanical features, 354. Hansteen's needles, L, 3. Hart, Mr., left wounded at Manado, I., 125. Hastings, Hon., Capt., G. F., I., 50, 57. Heard, Lieut., sent in search of Mr. Hooper, 142-144. Helena, Saint, rollers at, II., 213. Hicks, Capt. of Anonyma, conveys despatches to Bombay, I., 14. Hoa-pin-san, attack of mosquitoes at, I., 316, 318. Hogs, fat, at Loo-Choo, I., 13. Holland, treaty with, respecting Borneo, I., 32. Hong-Kong, description of, I., 63 ; its improved condition, 63 ; fish- market at Victoria town, 64 ; physical and natural history, 64 ; II., 74. Hooper, Mr., purser, despatched to Singapore, I., 42 ; returns, 50; XXX. INDEX. destroys a pirate haunt, 137 ; pursues three prahus, which he captures and bums, 140-143. Hoosman Seriff, I., 194, 201. Hope, see Cape of Good Hope. Hornets, crew attacked by, I., 39. Horsburgh testimonial, I., 148. Ibayat Island, excursion to, accompanied by Dominican Padres, I., 306 ; difficulty of landing, 306 ; the Padres, 307 ; their pastoral duties, 308; habits of the people, 309; hazardous embarkation, 310. Ibugos, or Bashee Island, I., 69 ; deer hunt, 73. Idaan tribe, Borneo, account of, II., 137 ; origin of their name, 140. Illanon, bay of, I., 263 ; history of the Illanon pirates, 263-295 ; people (Lanoons, Los Moros, Los Illanos de la Laguna,) of Min danao, 263 ; La Laguna, 264 ; pirate ships, 265 ; their arms, 266; piratical incursions, 267; mode of eluding Spanish forces, 268; Ballignini pirates, 269 ; court of Sooloo, 271 ; notes from Dalrymple's Oriental Repertory, 271 ; Sooloo group of islands, 272 ; Spanish account of friendship between British and the Sultan, 284 ; instructions from Madrid, 285 ; proceedings of Governor of Samboanga, 285 ; English attacked and expelled from Balambangan, 290 ; summary of English privileges on N. coast of Borneo, 290 ; Dalrymple's account of Sooloo inde pendency, 293-295. Ivana, (or San Vicente) bay of, landing-place for Pueblo of Ivana, I., 69. Inanam river, accessible to boats only, II., 143. Jaffer, Seriff, I., 154. Japan, II., 2 ; Nangasaki, 2 ; picturesque guard-boats ; calico batteries, 3, 24 ; Anchorage 4 ; visit of a chief, 5 ; Japanese deputation, 6 ; affair of the Phaeton, 8 ; observations interrupted, 9 ; strata gem to survey the harbour, 10; provisions, 13; education, 14; Titsing's Illustrations of Japan, 17 ; torture, 17 ; suicide, 18, 28; dress, arms, boats, 20, 21 ; Cavallos Islands, 22 ; Japanese cha racter, 27 ; intercourse with the Dutch, 29; houses, 32; charts and maps, 49. Japan, early history of foreign intercourse with, I., 36 ; Portuguese 36; Spaniards and Dutch, 38; English, 39; persecution, 40; conspiracy of foreigners, 41 ; Christianity exterminated, 42 ; Por tuguese expelled, 43 ; British intercourse, 46 ; the Phaeton, 48 ; Dr. Ainlie's report, 49. Java, description of, I., 14, 15. Kabatuan river, Gaya group, II., 141. Kadyan tribe, II., 145-147. Kalampunian Island, II., 126. Kawalan River, II., 139, 140. INDEX. XXxi. Keeling Island (or Cocos), discovered by Capt. Keeling, II., 139. Keppel, Capt., attacks the pirates, I., 22. Kianggi Mountains, I., 59, 177 ; people of 180 ; coal-shaft, 181. Kimanis Bay, and river, II., 144 ; accessible to boats, 145 ; suspicious movements of the natives, 146. Kini Balu, height of peak, I., 190 ; II., 139 ; lake, II., 129, 130 ; latitude and longitude of mountain, 139. Klabat Mountain, Manado, height of, I., 131. Koo-kien-san Island, I., 76, 84, 95, 97, 315. Korean Archipelago, defects of the charts of, I., 351 ; description of the Koreans, 352 ; port Hamilton, 352 ; botanical features, 354 ; names applied to land, 355 ; change in manners since the visit of the Alceste, 357. Kuala Lama, river, dangerous rollers at, II., 147. Kuching (Borneo), Chinese gardens at, I., 23 ; description of, 33 ; embarkation of the Rajah, 171. Kulassien Island, II., 112. Kumi, or Y-nah-koo, I., 312 ; observations at, 313 ; description of, 313-315 ; position of Pseu-bang-yah, 313, 315. Labuan, its advantageous position, I., 33 ; ceded to England, 34 ; II., 156 ; port Victoria, I., 185 ; coal, 186 ; II., 156 ; water, II., 153 ; watering bay, 154 ; list of fresh rivers, 155 ; delicious oysters, 155 ; fish abundant, 157. Lagrene, M. Ambassador and Plenipotentiary from France to the court of China, I., 147 ; at Sooloo, 254. Land, names applied to, I,. 355. Lascars, crew of the Premier, I., 201 ; delivered up, 235 ; Sultan's statement, 240. Lay, Mr. Tradescant, of the Himaleh, formerly naturalist to H.M.S. Blossom, at Brunai, I., 59. Leaves edible, I., 339. Leeches in the Sarawak, I. 24. Lema Islands, I., 62. Ligitan group, I., 249. Linga, excursion up the river, I., 151. Lizards, aquatic, I., 111. Loney, Mr., I., 142. Looc Bay, II., 79 ; stock and provisions, 80. Loo-Choo, Napa-Kiang-roads, I., 320 ; the Japanese at, 321 ; visit from French priest, 321 ; measuring the ship, 322 ; excursion into the mountains, II., 52; hogs at, 13 ; city of Sheudi, 55 ; Napa, 58 ; visit to Mandarin, 60 ; ship-building, 63 ; custom-house, 64 ; colleges, 65; language, 66; dress, 67; diet, 67; fruit, 68; official document, 69 ; tribute to China, 70. xxxii. INDEX. Luban Island, I., 103; attacked by pirates, 268; copper abundant, II, 82. Lundu River, Borneo, Captain Belcher accompanied by Keppel and Brooke, visits the Orang Kay a at, 156. Magnetic observations recorded, care required in, I, 5, 6, 11, 100, 107, 114, 119, 126, 135, 211, 257, 353 ; II., 7, 113, 210. Macao, general features of, I, 66 ; Camoens' cave, 67. Madagascar, Capt. Foote, letter and parcels for, I. 6. Makota, the pirate, 'the Serpent,' captured, I, 152. Malavi Island, II, 106 ; mode of felling trees, 107 ; official differ ences, 108 ; visit to the commandant, 103 ; fort and town of Pasanhan, 109 ; hard wood of the island, 111. Malay traffic, I, 17 ; character, 35 ; II, 146. Maludu (Borneo), II, 128 ; Bankoka harbour, 129 ; rattans, 129 ; lake Kini-Balu, 130. Manado Tua Island, I, 123 ; directions for anchoring, 124 ; reception by the Governor, 125 ; town, 126 ; the surveyor, Papke Bulow, 126, 128 ; active volcano, 127 ; women, 129 ; produce, 130 ; fort Manado fixed, 131. Mangarin port, and town of, II, 87 ; hostile feeling of the natives, 87. Mangeedara, I, 282. Manila, 1,19; Magnetic observations at, 100; courtesy of General Alcala, 101; scenery and general features, 102; hurricane off, 200; kindness of the Governor-General Claveria, 200; Mr. Otadui, 201 ; arrival of six Lascars with news of the wreck of the Premier, 201. Mankabung River, Dalrymple's account of, II, 141. Mantanani group, I, 195 ; II, 138. Maratua Islands, offered to Great Britain, I, 242 ; island examined, 247 ; dangerous extremity of Samarang, 248 ; Dalrymple's account of island, 282. Marriage arrangements at Ibayat, I, 308. Marryat, Mr. J. H, I, 141. Matthew Saint, Island of, I, 7. ; not to be found, 8. Mauritius, II, 204. Mazatlan, California, effects of rollers at, II, 213. Meia-co-shimah group, I, 73 ; Pa-tchung-san, 75 ; surveying excur sion, 75 ; natives, 76 ; habits and manners, 77, 90 ; honesty and good-temper, 78; severe laws, 79; dress, 80; religious worship, 81 ; sepulture, 82, 95 ; arts, 82, 90 ; agriculture, 83 ; people re semble the Loo-Chooans, 87 ; yearly tribute, 88 ; apathetic dis position, 89 ; food, 89 ; curiosity, 91; houses and temples, 94 ; idolatrous practices, 96 ; diseases, 96. Meyo, position of, fixed, I, 131. INDEX. XXX111. Mindanao Island, I, 105 ; town of Samboanga, 106 ; II, 99, 103 ; Governor's cordiality, 107 ; visit to Calderas, 108 ; scenery, 109; Bisayan family, 110; arms, fishing, 111 ; II, 97 ; rural excur sion, 98 ; aborigines, "los Indios," 328. Mindoro Island surveyed, II, 85. Mines of Antimony and Gold in Borneo, I, 24. Moarra Island, I, 56, 177. Monkey conchologists, I, 197. Moratabas, entrance to the Sarawak, I, 20, 171. Morrison, extract from Voyage of the, II, 36. Muda, Rajah, at Sambiliong, I, 239. Muda Hassim, Rajah, at Kuching, I, 22, 30 ; family embarks for Brunai, 171-175. Nangasaki, approach to, I, 2 ; escorted by guard-boats, 2 ; permis sion to land, 5, 7 ; observations effected, 5 ; deputation of chiefs to the ship, 7 ; numerous visitors, 9 ; Japanese customs and habits, 13 ; legal suicide, 18 ; dress of superior class, 20 ; swords, boats, &c, 21 ; fortifications, 22 ; Cavallos batteries, 22, 24 ; approach the ship, 26 ; interesting interview, 25 ; reflexions on Japan, 26 ; extracts from Voyage of the Morrison, 36. Napa, town in Loo Choo, II, 55, 58. Napier, Sir George, Governor of the Cape, I, 10. Natural History, notes of, I, 15, 64, 89, 95, 111, 112, 133, 182, 339, 345, 354 ; II, 225. Observatory, marine, at mouth of Pantai, I, 211. Oomara river, I, 224. Oosookan Island, II, 134. Orang Kaya, of the Lundu, I, 156. Orchidaceous plants, I, 123. Otadui, Mr, at Manila, I, 201 ; II, 78. Padres of San Domingo, I, 307. Palawan channel, I, 197 ; island, 277. Palms, I, 27, 133; II, 133. Panagatan reef, I, 104 ; islands, II, 90. Pangeran Budduruddin, I, 172, 184. Pangeran Madaout, II, 142. Pangeran Usop, Prime-Minister of Borneo, I, 57, 171, 175 ; disgraced, 176 ; cause of his death, II, 146. Pantai river, Pulo-Panjang, I, 210; marine observatory at, 211, 248. Papke Bulow, government surveyor at Manado, I, 126, 128. Pappal, productions of, II, 131. Parker, Admiral Sir P. W, dispenses with Court-Martial, I, 62. XXxiv. INDEX. Pasanhan harbour, II, 110. Pa-tchung-san, reception by the Mandarins at, I, 74; excursion, 75; interesting co-operation of the natives, 75; integrity, kindness of disposition, and general habits, 76, 77 ; laborious mode of dressing the hair, 80 ; cleanliness, and domestic comfort, 80 ; temples and groves for worship, 81 ; want of mechanical skill, 82 ; agriculture, 83 ; chiefs entertained on board, 84; port Had- tington, II, 72. Patientia strait, I, 144. Percy, The Hon, Admiral, at the Cape, I, 10. Phaeton, case of the, I, 8, 28, 48. Philippines, General Alcala, Cap. General of the, I, 100. Phlegethon, embarks the Rajah's family, I, 171, 174; sails to Tam passook river, 192 ; returns to Singapore with despatches, 196. Pigeon Island, new island named, II, 190. Pilot, ingenuity of a Dyak, I, 21. Pinnacle Island, mosquitoes at, I, 316. Pirates, I, 18; contests with, 139, 141, 143, 149, 151-3, 199, 209, 250; II, 114; Hlanons, I, 263; II, 132; of Ballignini, I, 269. Pirate Island, II, 90. Plants, beneficial results from the transportation of, I, 314. Poon wood, hardness of, I, 35, 36 ; II, 111. Porto Praya, Cape de Verde Island, I, 6. Pootsoong, II, 58. Pratas bank, shoals, I, 305. Premier, wreck of, I, 201, 217, 241 ; letter from the Master, 202. Presgrave, Mr, I, 161 ; statement respecting European female captive, 163. Pulo-Brani, or Gage Island, occupation of, II, 186. Pulo-Chermin coal, I, 60. Pulo-Panjang, I, 210. Pulo-Tiga, or Three Island Group, I, 187 ; II, 148. Python-serpent, anecdotes of, II, 323. Quail Island, Cape de Verds, astronomical and magnetic observations at, I, 5. Quelpart, landing at, opposed by fishermen, I, 325 ; curiosity of the people checked by sentinels, 326 ; midnight surprise, 327 ; watch- fires on the Great Island, 328 ; visit of the chief to the ship, accompanied by music, 329; his hat, 329; and dress, 330; curiosity and entertainment, 331 ; interview with a superior chief on the Great Island, 332 ; an offender punished, 334 ; the tour of the island, 335 ; proffers of hospitality from a young chief, 335 ; INDEX. XXXV. interview with the Examiner, 337 ; city of Quelpart, 338 ; stratagem, 340 ; flail-men, 341 ; hostility of the people, 342, 343 ; friendly chief, 345 ; general appearance of island, 347 ; measure height of Mount Auckland, 347 ; Q. a penal settlement, 350; return to, 356. Rajah Muda Hassim, I, 58 ; and party carried to Brunai, I, 171, 173. Raleigh rock, I, 320. Richards, Capt. of Cornwallis, I, 62. Richards, Mr, his skirmish at Quelpart, I, 344. Rivers, Cape, N. W. extremity of Celebes, fixed, I, 121. Rivers in Labuan, list of, II, 155. Roberton, Lieut, I, 198 ; encounter with a pirate, 250 ; his death, II, 210. Rogers, Signor Jose, of Manila, Mr. Wyndham's letter to, I, 201. Rollers, their effects at Manado, I, 127 ; at St. Helena and Tristan d'Acunha, II, 213. Romania Island surveyed by Lieut. Baugh, I, 148. Roossocan, Great, Island, I, 56. Ross, Capt. Sir James Clarke, I, 10. Roy, Capt. of French frigate Madagascar, wrecked on the Bombay shoal, L, 65. Royalist sails to Singapore for assistance, I, 42 ; returns, 50. Sabanoon river, I, 223. Sabine, French corvette, two seamen captured, I, 204. Sabtan Island, Batanese group, I, 70. Sagai tribe, I, 225 ; Arab priest and prime-minister, I, 226 ; Sultan, 227 ; character of tribe, 229 ; costume, 230 ; Sagai chief, 231 ; over-land letter carrier, 232 ; friendly disposition, 233 ; native map, 234 ; recovery of two Lascars from slavery, 235 ; treaty with Sultan, 237. Sahib, Seriff, I, 152, 153. Saint Matthew's Island, not to be found, I, 8. Salleolookit, observations at, I, 298. Salomon, port-captain of Manila, his present of charts, I, 101. Samarang, swinging the ship, I, 3 ; meets a wreck, 4 ; route to the Cape, 7 ; grounds at Kuching, 37 ; dangerous position, 38 ; hornets, 39 ; a leak, 40 ; chain-pumps useless, 42 ; illness of the crew, 43 ; measures for raising the ship, 44 ; zeal of the crew, 47 ; the ship rights, 48 ; garbled newspaper reports, 51 ; strikes on a rock, 56 ; dangerous extremity off Maratua, 248 ; looses jib-boom in a squall off Point Calivite, 302 ; on a coral ledge, 303 ; grounds off Billiton, II, 188 ; ship's sailing qualities, 195 ; terrific gale, 216; reaches Spithead, 220; state of the ship, 221. Samasana, earthquake at, I, 311. XXXvi. INDEX. Samboanga, cordial reception from the. Governor, Colonel Figueroa, I, 107 ; shooting excursion into the interior, 108 ; excursion, II, 98; 'abundance of stock, 99; general features, 100; Spanish penal settlement, 100 ; military disagreements at, 101 ; Dumalon village, 103 ; natural history excursion, 104 ; position fixed, 105. Sampadien, Island of, I, 159. San Bias, California, rollers at, II, 214. San Domingo Bay, in Batan, I, 69, 97, 305. San Nicholas shoals, II, 77. San Vicente bay, I, 69. Santa Cruz Islands, II, 99 ; wreck of the Ann on the bank, 100. Santubon, entrance to the Sarawak, I, 20. Sarawak river, position of its mouths unknown, I, 19 ; entrance to, 20; Kuching, 21; beauty of the banks, 23; leeches, 24; Anti mony mines, 24 ; Gold mines, 25 ; navigable, 34 ; healthy climate, 35 ; capability and resources under Mr. Brooke's govern ment, 31-36; properties of the water, 53; Cockpit Hall, 54; Mr. Williams drowned, II, 159. Serambo, Dyak village, I, 25 ; the Head House, 26. Satang, I, 160. Scott, Capt. of Phlegethon, a. v. Sea-weed, useful properties of, II, 128. Semirara, Island of, II, 85 ; surveyed, 89. Seriff Sahib, II, 152 ; Jaffer, 154 ; Hoosman, 194. Serpents, anecdotes of, II, 323, 324. Sesarma, a sea-side cavern at, II, 324. Seymour, Capt. of the Wanderer, I, 55. Shells and conchology, I, 15, 89, 104, 112, 133 ; II, 72. Sharks, their voracity, II, 92. Sheudi city, Loo-Choo, II, 55. Ship-building, in Japan, II, 62; among Hlanons, 265. Shoals, reefs, banks and rocks, notices of certain, off Tanjong Sipang, I, 20 ; at Ambolon, 189 ; Santa Cruz, II, 100 ; Ant Island, 133; Banguey Island, 115. Sicatack, produce of, I, 280. Si-Dawut, at Sooloo, I, 243. Singapore, I, 16 ; value of, 16 ; Malay traffic, 17 ; gaiety of the har bour, 147 ; opinion respecting the site of the Horsburgh testi monial, 148 ; description of the town, II, 180 ; touters and jug- lers, 180; crew on shore, 182; three divisions of the inhabitants, 183; manufacture of pirate arms, 184; Horsburgh light-house, 185; new harbour, and occupation of Pulo Brani, or Gage Island, 186. Siniavan, in Borneo, I, 22, 25. Slaves at Singapore, I, 18 ; slave markets, II, 124. index. xxxvn. Slime Island, Celebes, I, 121. Soog, language of the Sooloo group, I, 259. Sooladde, position fixed, I, 118 ; Samarang loses anchor, 118. Sooloo, inaccm-acies of the charts, I, 113 ; astronomical observations, 114; Mr. Wyndham at, 114 ; Sultan of, 115 ; remonstrance on the subject of pirates, 117 ; description of Sooloo city, 117 ; means of defence, 118 ; Sultan aids in recovering captives, 205 ; marriage laws, 206 ; French negotiations, 254 ; Datoo Danielle's liberality, 257; slaves, 260; attempt to poison the water, 261; Gomuti fruit poisonous, 261 ; II, 349 ; sovereignty of Sooloo, 271 ; description of Sooloo, 272 ; climate, animals, 273 ; Toolyan, 274 ; Tawi-Tawi group, 275 ; Apo Lambo, or the Sunken Island, 276; Bangene, 276; Palawan, 277; Tiroon, 278; produce of Sicatack, 279 ; Sabanoon river, 280 ; Sambacoong, Sibocco river, 281 ; Maratua Island, 282 ; Mangeedara, 282 ; Spanish history of Sooloo, 284 ; Espanol's plot, 286 ; two factions, 288 ; Dalrymple's account of Sooloo dominions in Borneo, II, 128 ; people, 347. Soundings, great depth of, I, 9. Stewart, Mr, arrives with stores, I, 55. Stuart, Sir Patrick, the new governor, arrives at St. Helena, II, 212. Storms at sea, I, 200, 325 ; II, 326. Suicide in Japan, II, 18, 28. Sulaman river, II, 139. Sulphur, home course of the, I, 7. Sultan of Borneo, letter to the Queen, I, 53, 176 ; gives audience to Captain Sir E. Belcher, 58 ; description of, 58, 176. Sumpitan arrow, II, 133. Sunda, straits of, I, 15. Sunken Island, see Apo Lambo. Survey, operations connected therewith, at Falmouth, I, 4 ; at Saint Jago, 5 ; the Cape, 10 ; Singapore, 16 ; Tanjong Datu, 50 ; Macao, 68; Batan, 69; Pa-tchung-san, 74; Hong-Kong, 99 ; Manila, 100 ; Samboanga, 107 ; Sooloo, 114 ; Unsang, 119 ; Manado Tua, 123, 126; Ternate, 132; Talantalan Island, 160; Tanjong Api, 161 ; Kianggi, 177 ; Kini Balu peak, 190 ; Pantai river, 211; Sooloo, 257; Salleolookit, 298; Ibayat, 306; Hoa- pin-san, 318; Loo-Choo, 321; Quelpart, 3^7; Korea, 351; Nangasaki, II, 7 ; Loo-Choo, 51 ; Looc Bay, 79 ; Semirara, 89 ; Cagayanes, 92 ; Samboanga, 105 ; Kulassien, 112 ; Cagayan Sooloo, 113; Balambangan, 121; Kini Balu peak, 132; Anjer, 191 ; KeeUng Island, 193 ; Cargados Garajos group, 197 ; Cape of Good Hope, 207 ; Table Bay, 210. Swinging the Samarang, I, 4, 11. Talantalan Islands, Borneo, I, 160, 161. Tambisan Island, good trading position, II, 123 ; slave markets, 124. XXXVUl. INDEX. Tampassook river, I, 192; II, 134; Sultan of, I, 193; his predi lection for spirits, 195 ; bar, II, 136 ; visit from Sultan, 137 ; Spanish slave released, 138. Tanjong Agal-Agal, II, 128 ; uses of the sea-weed, 128. Tanjong Api, or " Fire Point,'' description of, I, 19 ; fresh-water pool, 161. Tanjong Datu, I, 50, 156. Tanjong Sipang, I, 160. Tawi-Tawi, a pirate establishment, I, 119; group, 275. Tenjoo, amber-bke gum, I, 277. Ternate Island, I, 132 ; general features, 133 ; Governor's kindness, 134. Thermometrical experiments at great depth, I, 8. Thunder, the, arrives at the Cape, I, 11. Thunder-storm at Santubon, kills a carpenter, I, 156. Tia-usu Island, I, 317 ; zoological features of, 319. Tiroon, I, 278. Titsingh's Illustrations of Japan, II, 17, 26. Toolyan, description of, I, 274. Tooncoo, a slave market, II, 124. Treaty with Holland respecting Borneo, I, 32 ; with Sultan of Borneo Proper, 237; of Gunung Taboor, 220; of Bulungan, 237. Toolyan Island, Sooloo Archipelago, presented to Mr. Dalrymple, I, 116. ' Tuan Hadji, the interpreter, I, 209, 217, 224, 245. Tundung, Sarawak, I, 23 ; town, 157 ; entertainment at, 158. Tristan d'Acunha, rollers at, II, 212. Ty-pin-san group, I, 86 ; description of the people, 87; yearly tribute, 88 ; curious scene at, 91 ; sketches of character, the Spy, (Kien- Anchee), 42 ; Beaufort, (Shang Hai,) 93 ; writing, 93 ; qualities of the soil, 94; places of sepulture, 95 ; religious practices, 96; diseases, 96. Unsang, in Borneo, I, 119. Upas tree, I, 181; -no ill effects from effluvium, 182; deleterious effects, 183 ; Darwin's poetical account of, 184. Victoria, Hong-Kong, fish-market at, I, 64. Villalba, Alcalde of San Domingo, I, 69, 98. Villavicentio, Capt. at Cavite, I, 263; II, 78. Vicente, Bay of San, N. W. coast of Batan, I, 69. Voyages, Analysis of a hundred, to China, I, 9. Williamson, Mr, interpreter, I, 57 ; drowned, II, 159. Wise, Henry, Analysis of one hundred voyages to China, I, 9. INDEX. XXXIX. Wood, Poon wood, I, 35, 36 ; remarks on the storing of, II, 81. Wreck of the Premier, I, 117 ; Ann, II, 100 ; of the Alceste, 188. Wyndham, Mr, at Sooloo, I, 114, 209, 270 ; at Gunung Taboor, 242 ; letters to Mr. Rogers of Manila, 201, 204 ; his personal sacrifices, 297 ; II, 291. Y'ami Island, Batanes group, I, 309. Y' -nah-koo, town and port of, I, 313 ; beneficial results of the tran sportation of plants, 314. YKn, Island of, surveyed, II, 85 ; skirmish in the bay of, 86 ; general features, 88 ; threatened hostilities, 337 ; edible leaves 339. Zeolite Bluff, black rocky Cape, II, 127. ILLUSTRATIONS. Crjarte. 1. Eastern Seas, track of H.M.S. Samarang, Vol. ] 2. Surveys of Northern Borneo - 3. Discoveries in the China and Japan Seas 4. City of Brunai, Coal district of Kianggi, 5. Part of the Eastern Coast of Borneo 6. Sarawak, return of the war prahus, 7. Dyak Head House, Sarambo, - - 8 . Immersion of the ship in the river Sarawak 9. House of the Meia-co-shimahs 10. Attack of Pirates off Gilolo 11. Group of Sagai Dyaks Town of Sooloo Gentleman of Japan Imperial Guard Boats, Japan, View of Kini Balu, alt. 13,700 feet, 12131415 ©ttfiitiflS. 16. Native Hill Dyak - 17. Method adopted for raising the ship 18. Sultan of Borneo Proper 19. Quand-tund-tsze, native of Pa-tchung-san, 20. Boy of Pa-tchung-san - - 21. Mund, native of Pa-tchung-san, 22. Shung-hoo, native of Ty-pin-san, - 23. Triton Tea-kettle and Symbolic Gateway 24. Bridles and Stirrup of Pa-tchung-san 25. Grandee of Ty-pin-san 26. Ox God of the Meia-co-shimahs 27. Mahommed Pulalu, Sultan of Sooloo, 28. State Procession at Gunung Taboor 29. Orang Sagai Dyak 30. Illanon weapons - 31. Pa-poo-hoo, native of Koo-kien-san, 32. Korean Chief 33. Group of Koreans 34. Malay weapons - 35. Dusun Dyak Vol. I. In pocket. 33 ib. 33 i b. „ Page 179 33 33 223 Vol. I, Frontispiece. 33 Page 26 33 33 37 3333 33 80 141 33 33 225 33 33 272 Vol. II, Frontispiece. 33 jj 4 if 33 138 Vol. I. Page 29 33 „ 43 33 3 58 3333 3 3 757685 33 , 87 33 33 33 33 33 3 89919396 115 216 33 3 230 33 3 266 3)33 3 3 315353 33 „ 356 Vol. II. 3 133 33 33 137 VOYAGE H.M.S. SAMARANG. CHAPTER I. VOYAGE TO BORNEO AND THE SARAWAK RIVER. Determination of the Government to survey the approaches to the Ports laid open by the new Treaty with China — H.M.S. ' Samarang', 26 Guns, commissioned for that purpose — Experiments with Fox's Dipping Needle, &c. — Importance of marking the localities used for Magnetic Observation — Make for the Cape of Good Hope by an easterly course — Thermometrical Experiments at great depths — Anchor in Simon's Bay — Meet the Antarctic Expedition — Arrive at Singapore and Borneo — Enter the Sarawak River — Hospitable reception from Mr. Brooke at Kuching — Excursion up the Sarawak with Mr.Brooke — Visit the Antimony and Gold Mines worked by the Chinese — The Dyaks — Declaration of their attach ment to Great Britain — Return to the ' Samarang ' — Preparations for sea — Visit of the Rajah — Summary of Observations on the capabilities and resources of the Sarawak Territory under the government of Mr. Brooke. At the period of my return to England in the month of July, 1842, in H.M.S. ' Sulphur,5 when few hopes were entertained of the termination of hostilities in China, I tendered my services on the chance of regaining that B 2 EQUIPMENT OF THE SHIP. [1843. station in time to share in the operations of the spring of the following year. The offer was accepted ; and as H.M.S ' Samarang', 26 Guns, was the only vessel that could be completed in time to afford a hope of joining the Commander-in-Chief before the commencement of the S.W. monsoon, I commissioned that ship on the 17th of November. About this time, however, intelligence reached England of the termination of the war ; and as the ports laid open by the new Treaty were unsafe to navigate with our scanty hydrographical knowledge of those regions, it was determined by the Government that a complete Survey should be made, not only of their main approaches throughout the adjacent Seas, but of the entire coast of China. As the greater part of our labours would be carried on in boats, my principal attention was directed to their equipment ; they consisted of two diagonally-built barges of thirty-two feet, coppered and fitted to carry six- pounder brass guns, two Carvel cutters of twenty-five feet, with brass three-pounders, two thirty feet gigs, and a jolly-boat ; the cutters and gigs furnished with three- pounder rocket-tubes. Every facility was afforded by the Admiralty, in the equipment of the ship, to render her as complete as could be desired; and, by dint of exertion, she was in a condition for sea by the 1st of January, 1843. Her immersion, with extra boats and stores, rendering it, however, imprudent to put to sea at that early period of the year, she was detained until the 7th, lightening, re-stowing and altering, and did not quit Spithead for Falmouth until the 26th. 1843.] DIPPING NEEDLE. 3 The unusually severe gales which then prevailed, com pelling us successively to put into Weymouth and Torbay, we were prevented reaching Ealmouth until the 5th of February ; here I had been directed to swing the ship in order to determine the amount of local attraction ; I had also to receive and fit Fox's Dipping Needle, and obtain final results on shore with Hansteen's Needles. These latter experiments were conducted at the house of Robert Were Fox, Esq., a gentleman to whom our Service and the whole scientific world are deeply indebted ; and I must not omit to acknowledge the kind assistance derived on this occasion from the exertions of Capt. Ellice, com manding the Packet Establishment, who immediately directed the boats and masters of the packets in port to attend and aid our operations. In the ordinary duties which will be required hereafter from every ship of war supplied with the compasses adapted by the Committee of the Royal Society, assistance from other vessels will scarcely be needed ; but in instances where the Dipping Needle and other delicate instruments are to be observed on the quarter-deck, and the results of vessels equipped as the ' Samarang ' to be regarded of authority, it is imperative that the ship be reduced to the same condition as she would be when such observations are to be made at sea ; that all chance of error.may be removed, or means pursued to arrive at data by which any may be corrected. These observations referring to the magnetic dip, intensity, and variation of the compass, must be taken throughout the voyage from a fixed point ; prior to sailing, therefore, the ship is to be reduced to her sea footing ; that is to say — to that state in which she would b 2 . 4 LEAVE ENGLAND. [1843. be found under ordinary breezes, away from the land and out of soundings. The cables, as well as her chain- messenger, should be unbent and below ; all her boats up and stowed, and if provided with chain-topsail-sheets, particularly on the mizen-mast, they should be home. At Falmouth all this was easily provided for (the ' Sama rang ' had only two brass twenty-four-pounder howitzers on deck), and the ship being secured by hawsers to the mooring buoy was swung to thirty-two points of the compass for the Magnetic Variation, and to sixteen for Dip and Intensity. At other ports I should deem it sufficient to unshackle and pay down the after part of the chain- cable, and to hang the ship " before all " at the bitts — all other precautions observed. On the evening of the 9th of February, 1843, we slipped our moorings and proceeded to sea. I had de cided not to touch at any point before reaching the Cape of Good Hope, but strong breezes preventing our making westing, and pressing us almost to the entrance of the Straits of Gibraltar, I determined on nearing the Barbary coast, where I well knew that we should soon experience breezes calculated to facilitate a southerly passage. On the 25th of February we passed between the Island of Fuer- taventura (Canaries) and the coast of Africa, where we took a fair wind. Here, in lat. 27° 7' N., long. 14° 34' W., we fell in with the wreck of a large vessel which we had observed on our homeward voyage in the ' Sulphur ' off the coast of Portugal, the fore part of her bow timbers and stem still above water. As she was more than two- thirds immersed, and covered, probably, with barnacles [Anatifa lavis),sh.e could not be much affected by the wind. 1843.] MEET A WRECK. 5 Her drift, therefore, between these two positions during this interval may safely be assumed as evidence of the prevailing southerly currents. I have little doubt that the next report of her will be from a more westerly position ; influenced by the trade winds and intertropical currents of these regions, she will probably be driven past the Cape de Verds towards the West Indies. She is rather a dangerous object in the way of navigation, but having broken up from her centre and slipped all her weights, there is little chance of sinking much deeper. She might be mistaken for rocks at night, and may possibly have been reported as such. On the 2nd of March we passed along the eastern side of the Island of Bonavista, and much closer to the breakers than we should have ventured had I been aware of the dangers reported in that neighbourhood ; the next day we anchored in the Bay of Porto Praya in the Island of St. Jago, Cape de Verds. Here we remained four days, refitting, watering, and completing astronomical and magnetic observations; our observing position being upon Quail Island, rather nearer to the landing place than the centre of the island, and just below the highest ground.* I deem it necessary to be particular in stating these facts, because discrepancies are frequently noticed by successive visitors to the same port, which may be traced to the differences of locality. Magnetic observations, for correct comparison, should always be conducted in one particular site, and especially amongst islands of volcanic origin ; at Tahiti the differences of observation are often * For notes on the Botany, &c. of St. Jago, vide Appendix. 6 PORTO PRAYA. [1843.. considerable. The Consul, or principal merchant, should be apprized of the exact spot, and the place should be marked, if time permit, by some such effectual method as digging a hole and filling it with lime and stones, which will soon become a solid conglomerate. Three good angles to conspicuous objects would also assist in finding such a position. The amount of Magnetic Variation, or Dip, is well known to vary on the eastern and western sides of islands, and therefore on basaltic or trap formations too much caution cannot be taken to select the same localities used by former observers ; the data offered to prove the question of annual change, can be of little value otherwise, although we may notice in recent publications, the deduction of this element from the year 1600 to the present without any certain knowledge of the positions at which they were observed. The result of our observations at this position will be found in the Stations noticed in the Appendix. On the 7th of March we quitted Porto Praya, but had scarcely cleared the bay when a ship -of- war was descried in the offing, On closing, we exchanged Numbers with H.M.S. 'Madagascar' , Captain Foote, senior officer on the coast of Africa. Having letters and parcels for her, it was fortunate we met ; but for this circumstance they would have been delayed some months, being directed to be forwarded from the Cape of Good Hope ! Our onward course to the Cape was as monotonous as such voyages usually are ; we did not, however, pursue " the beaten track ", but endeavoured, by adopting an easterly route, to obtain a series of magnetic observations. 1843.] ROUTE TO THE CAPE. 7 That my brother seamen may not be displeased with this remark, it may be stated that my reasons for selecting this almost abandoned track, were, in the first place, that many competent observers had already preceded me in the route towards the twenty-fourth degree of West Longi tude ; and, therefore, if I could pass ten or fifteen de grees more to the eastward, a parallel course would tend either to confirm or shake the theoretical lines of Dip and Intensity, particularly in the vicinity of the Magnetic Equator. Secondly, that as the Island of St. Matthew still remains on our charts, it might be desirable to add my testimony as to its existence or otherwise, in its "assigned position." These were points of research essential in a Naval Surveyor, and a further duty, which all Naval Commanders owe to their profession, is that of explaining why they have deviated from what is com monly received as the " main road ", as well as the result of such deviation. Having always considered the eastern route the pre ferable, I attempted, on my homeward voyage in H.M.S. ' Sulphur ', to reach Porto Praya direct from Ascension ; in this, however, I failed, owing to the occurrence of westerly breezes driving us towards the African coast until in the parallel of the Cape de Verd Islands, which proved that from the Cape de Verds southerly towards the Equator, in the month of June, favourable breezes without calms might be reckoned upon; and I was reminded that ships coming from Ascension and St. Helena gene rally make good passages, passing to the westward of the Cape de Verds. My experience whilst employed on the African Station, taught me that a fair passage from the 8 THERMOMETRICAL EXPERIMENTS. [1843. the Cape de Verds to Sierra Leone, or to the coast easterly, could always be anticipated, and that no re tarding calms, are to be met with on the verge of African soundings. Vessels also from the African coast, seeking Ascension for change of climate, find this remark appli cable, and it might be fairly assumed that if we could reach the Equator under light airs and moderate breezes in a less number of days than the average passage to the twenty-fourth degree of West Longitude (the increased distance being impeded by many days' calm), that by crossing to the eastward of the tenth degree of West Longitude, the westerly current would be avoided, and we should be able to fetch to windward of Ascension, or possibly sight St. Helena many hundred miles to windward of the "beaten track." The result proved as was anticipated. We experienced light and mo derate breezes with a south easterly current. Between the 7th and 21st of March, or from Porto Praya to the Equator on the ninth meridian of West Longitude, we averaged eighty-one miles per day, and experienced no more than ten hours' calm ! Here we passed over the position assigned to the Island of St. Matthews ; the day was beautifully clear and the radius of vision at least twenty miles, but no traces of land were visible in any direction, whilst any moderate elevations could readily be seen at forty or more miles distance. Before the south-westerly breezes quitted us, we had been carried as far as 8° west. On the 23rd of March experiments were made with the water-bottle and ther mometers as low as 1,000 fathoms, as follows : — 34d.J SIMON s BAY. Depth. Temp. Latitude of position 2° 32' S. 300 46° Fahr. 400 38°? „ Longitude 8° 11' W. 500 600 46°45° 5' 33 Sea at surface 79° 700 46° 3 800 45° 3 900 40° 25' 3 1,000 42° 75' 3 The slight variations of the last two may be accounted for by the vibration of hauling the line in affecting the indices of the Six's thermometers. On the 25th, in lat. 4° 14' S., long. 4° 41' W., soundings were obtained at 1,615 fathoms, though a previous trial on the 20th, at the great depth of 3,065 fathoms, proved unsuccessful. After light south-westerly airs we were enabled, on the 28th of March, by a succession of breezes from the S.E., to pass 150 miles to windward of Ascension in 9° 44' E. On referring to a little publication by Henry Wise, Esq., termed " Analysis of a Hundred Voyages to and from China," it may be noticed, by way of com parison, that the ' Castle Huntly,' a fast-sailing ship in the China trade, which quitted the Lizard on the 15th of February, and had fair winds, crossed the Equator in 22° 5' W., on March 23rd, and on April 4th reached the lat. of 22° 12' S., and long. 28° 53' W., taking twelve days to perform this distance. The ' Samarang ' crossed the Equator on the 21st of March, in the meridian of 9° W., and on the 4th of April reached 22° 38' S., and, long. 15° 43' W., 790 miles to windward, without expe riencing the " wear and tear " resulting from calms, and passing to the westward of 16° 18' W., arrived in Simon's Bay, Cape of Good Hope, on the 25th of April. 10 MEET THE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION. [1843. We certainly ought to have reached the Cape on the 18th, and were only 200 miles distant from it on that day ; I would therefore strongly advise keeping to the southward of 36° S, until near enough to the Cape to haul sharp in. Had we preserved southing instead of shaping our course to meet a suspected gale from the N.W., we should have reached the Cape easily. A good collection of well-recorded " Naval Passages ", for each month in the year, would be highly valuable for the vici nity of the Cape. About six p.m., after experiencing two very heavy squalls, which caused the ' Samarang ' to heel very much and to ship a great deal of water, we reached our anchorage in Simon's Bay in company with H.M.S.. 'Thunderbolt', Capt. Broke. We found here H.M.S. ' Southampton,' Capt. C. Eden, bearing the Flag of Rear- Admiral the Hon. Josceline Percy, C.B ; ' Acorn ', Capt. Adams ; ' Lilly ', Capt. Baker, ; ' Erebus ' and ' Terror' , Capt. Sir James Clarke Ross and Crozier. The Admiral being absent at Cape Town, I was happy to join my good friends Ross and Crozier, and the night was far advanced before half our interchange of questions was expended ; had the former not given me hopes of further detention, it is probable that we should not have parted until his anchor was at his bows, and that sullen monitor, the fore-top-sail, at his mast head. After completing our observations to secure the time, I moved off to Cape Town, to pay my respects to the Governor, Sir George Napier, and Admiral Percy; I passed a very agreeable evening at the house of the former, where the Admiral and his family were staying, and afterwards visited the Observatory. On the day 1843.] quit simon's bay. 11 following I was joined by Lieut. Clerk, R.A., of the Magnetic Observatory, who was desirous of witnessing the operation of swinging the * Samarang' for local at traction, and reached Simon's Bay in the evening. On the 30th H.M.S ' Thunderer, ' &c, arrived with troops, and on the 5th of May, H.M.S. ' Cleopatra.' After a pleasant sojourn at Simon's Bay we quitted on the morning of the 5th, with a fair wind from the north ward, and before noon were well to the southward of Cape Hanglip. Our observing position at Simon's Bay was the same as that used by Capt. Sir J. C. Ross, and by myself twelve months previously on my home ward voyage in the ' Sulphur'. It is marked by a post and well known to the people of the dock-yard, but somewhat liable to be overgrown by grass and shrubs ; a spring at which cattle come to drink, serves, however, in some measure, to indicate the locality. Leaving Simon's Bay I now began to search for documents likely to assist me in selecting the best route for this season ; Horsburgh's Directory proved to be of little or no service, and upon referring to the ' Analysis of a Hundred Voy ages', before alluded to, that authority was equally un satisfactory, although furnishing a better insight into general passages made at trading seasons. No warning of the discomforts, or even dangers, to which we should be liable occur in either ; I had, however, already made the voyage to Ceylon in H.M.S. ' Southampton', in July, and was not unprepared for inauspicious weather. In that ship we split a close-reefed main-top-sail, and were reduced to our fore-sail for some days. The ' Samarang', when deep, is an uneasy sea-boat ; 12 ISLAND OF ST. PAUL'S. [1843. she rolled viciously, and having nearly broken up one cutter, we were compelled to get the other in board before she sustained similar damage. Our magnetic duties required us to carry the boats on our quarters, or they would have been stowed in-board be fore quitting the Cape. Ten days bad weather may always be contemplated in these regions until passing St. Paul's. Not obtaining any information from the books supplied by Government, I may add, that from present experience, as well as that of the Journals contained in the ' Hundred Voyages', I would recommend running a S.S.E. (com pass) course from the Cape until reaching the parallel of 36° or 38° S.; then a course between S.E. by E. to S.E., as the local attraction may render necessary, in order to make the Island of St. Paul's.* About the 60th degree of east longitude we experienced light breezes, which continued, varying from north to south-west, until pass ing 70°. On the 19th we were again favoured with strong breezes varying from N.W. to S.W., but not suffi ciently strong to prevent our carrying all plain canvas. During the night of the 22nd of May we passed the meridian of St. Paul's and expected to have sighted it at dawri, but had over-run our distance. On the 26th we reached the 95th meridian, and, with the expecta tion of meeting the S.E. trade near the tropic, altered our course, first to E. and E.N.E., and then to N.E. * The daily observations for the Variation made on board each ship will accurately point out what is due to local attraction. After passing the Island of St. Paul's the course may be varied by degrees (as the varia tion decreases), so as to ensure cutting the Southern Tropic to the eastward of 100° or probably 105° E., where the S.E. trade may be expected from May until November. 1843.] CHRISTMAS ISLAND. 13 My reason for keeping thus far to the eastward was to take advantage of the N.W. current, which usually pre vails during this season ; unless the wind be well free, the lee set considerably diminishes the rate of sailing, and if it haul, as it does occasionally, more easterly, time as well as velocity would be sacrificed. Soon afterwards we experienced a westerly current, and on the 30th, in lat. 24° 41' S., and long. 99° 15' E., the breeze suddenly chopped round to E.N.E., eventually to N.E , and notwith standing the scud, or light clouds aloft, still preserved a a rapid motion to the eastward, fully proving that we were not far beyond the influence of a westerly wind. As the breeze did not admit of our lying better than N.W. by N., we tacked to the eastward, being at that moment in lat. 21° 15' S., long. 98° 15' E. It is important to notice these points, because I am satisfied the 30th parallel of latitude should not be crossed until reaching the 105th degree of longitude, in order to secure a com fortable passage, or to relieve the mind from the idea of being " backstrapped " *. Every effort was made to preserve our easting, in order to sight Christmas Island, and we so far succeeded as to pass within ten miles to the westward of it. The result of our observations, on a running survey, give it an altitude of 1,1 15 feet. We passed the western extreme of the island on the 7th, at noon, and, calculating on our previous westerly current, steered a course to cut Klapp's Island ; the following day, however, we found ourselves about thirty miles to the eastward of it, and about the * Driven to leeward of a port and compelled to beat up. 14 ANJER ROADS. [1843. same distance from Wine-Cooper's Island. On the 8th, at midnight, we passed Java Head, but the strength of the current prevented our getting much beyond the Second Point of the charts before daylight. Strangers may be warned to keep the Java shore on board and anchor when the breeze fails, otherwise they will find themselves drifted to the S.W. The ' Samarang', attending closely to this, arrived in Anjer Roads on the 11th, just five- weeks from Simon's Bay. Shortly after daylight numerous canoes laden with stock, fruit, &c, were noticed putting off to the numerous merchantmen endeavouring to work up. We received a visit from Capt. Hicks, of the Clipper Brig ' Anonyma', just arrived from China, who afforded us intelligence from the scene of our destination, and took charge of our despatches for Bombay. We also obtained from him much useful information relative to the navigation of this immediate neighbourhood, particularly as to the set and duration of the tides. Calm had compelled him to anchor the previous evening to the northward of the Strait, when he ascertained the flood tide to set N.E. three miles per hour. The tides are regular on both sides of the Strait, and the flood being strong, I gave up all idea of delay here and pushed on northerly. We were well supplied by the canoes with vegetables, stock, &c, at very low prices, but no edible, or sufficiently ripe, fruit was offered. Mr. Adams, my assistant-surgeon and constant com panion on detached service, observed that " after a long and tedious voyage across the Indian Ocean, the Javanese who come off to barter, afford the European who sees them for the first time, much amusement. They are 1843.] THE JAVANESE. 15 chiefly women, dressed with primitive simplicity in loose sarongs ; their heads being protected from the sun by large hemispherical bamboo hats, and their long black shining hair streaming down their backs. In the canoes that venture alongside the ship, might be seen amusing monkeys, sitting among heaps of fruit and vegetables, chattering and making grimaces ; huge turtles lying bound at the bottom of the boats ; saucy Krocotoas, and gaudy-coloured Loris ; pretty plantain squirrels in neat quadrangular cages, and domesticated Musangs. The Straits of Sunda being considered the ' Gate of the East ', the natives of the villages along this part of the coast of Java, find a ready sale for natural curiosities among the passengers of homeward-bound Indiamen. At Anjer, especially, a fair of the most remarkable cha racter is held under the shade of a magnificent Banyan tree, where, for a few dollars, may be purchased long- armed Apes, hideous Baboons, pigmy Musks, Java Finches, graceful Doves, pert Paroquets, satin Grackles, gentle Love-birds, and splendid Peacocks. Among other quad- rumanous rarities I noticed the Hylobates syndactyla, from the opposite Island of Sumatra, and among Ophidians a very large and handsome Python poda. The Kahau, or pro boscis monkey of Borneo, was offered us for six dollars, and the pig-faced baboon might have been procured for half that sum. Baskets of Cowries {Cyprmm histrio, Argus, Arabica, and vitellus, &c), might be had for a mere trifle." Before two o'clock of the same day we had weathered Java, but, owing to calms and variable airs, made little progress ; and the prevailing easterly wind much impeded us. On the evening of the 13th we made the land of 16 SINGAPORE. [1843. Banca (drift-wood, Nipa Palms, and water-prahus abun dant), passed Gaspar Island on the 15th, and entered the Straits of Singapore on the 19th. Keeping on the northern danger line in four to six fathoms, we groped our way at night towards Singapore, but several times found ourselves grazing the fishing stakes ! To a lighter vessel than the ' Samarang' this might have proved dan gerous, and, I think, considering the navigation of this Channel is considerably risked by these obstructions, the authorities of Singapore should prevent their being placed in any greater depth than three fathoms; they might then be made available as danger marks by day. On the 14th, we dropped anchor in Singapore Road, and having refitted and rated our chronometers, sailed for Borneo ; on our passage through the straits we met and communicated with H.M.S. 'Wanderer', Capt. Seymour. On the eve of our departure from Falmouth, I received instructions to call at the River Sarawak, communicate with Mr. Brooke, and obtain the necessary information relative to that place ; then move on to Borneo Proper and report upon the coal measures in that neighbourhood, and, if possible, obtain a sufficient quantity to test its value in one of Her Majesty's Steamers. In order to appreciate the value of our connection with Singapore, it must be understood that the chief British traffic with Northern Borneo has been maintained through the medium of small Malay (or at times Bugis) Prahus, who collect the produce of that and the neighbouring islands in their voyages from Macassar, and (not unfre- quently demanding it as tribute or Black-Mail) repair to this port to exchange their cargo for British goods, 1843.] MALAY TRAFFIC. 17 and return with them during the fair monsoon. This may, in many cases, prove to be the virtual object of these voyages ; the immense profit (amounting, it is said, to nearly six hundred per cent) charged by the Dutch for similar commodities without any choice of quality, renders them doubly lucrative, — first on account of the higher price obtained for their goods at Singapore — and secondly, as just stated, in the more advantageous pur chase of return cargo. By the laws which govern this trade, the Malay vessels are prohibited taking from Singa pore any arms or ammunition beyond a limited allow ance, or without a special pass ; failing to produce this they are liable to be captured by the gun-boats belonging to the Indian Government, which cruize in the straits for the prevention of piracy. It was formerly the prac tice of the pirates, and from the fears expressed to me by those disposed to trade between Borneo and Singa pore, I believe it still exists, to cruize amongst the numerous islands in the vicinity of the Anambas, and Natunas, for the purpose of intercepting the unprotected craft ; and after robbing them of their cargoes, they would load a trading vessel of their fleet, and despatch her to Singapore, where the proceeds of the sale were expended in arms and ammunition. It is not improbable even that these returns were again disposed of in the neigh bourhood of the Sarawak, and furnished the means by which the disaffected intended to have attacked Mr. Brooke in his territory. These ventures were not, however, restricted to the natural produce of Borneo, they extended even to the 18 ACTS OF PIRACY. [1843. sale of human beings, — female children captured on the coast and sold as slaves to the Chinese at Singapore, who brought them up for their future wives. The laws of China strictly prohibit the emigration of females ; and so strictly has this edict been enforced, I do not believe a case can be adduced of its infringement by any of the respectable classes ; I learned, moreover, from one of the first Chinese merchants, that if the evasion of it did not entail death to the kindred left behind by the lady eloping, the expenses in the shape of hush-money would be too ruinous to allow of the risk. These piratical vessels do not belong, in many instances, to the neigh bourhood of Singapore, and are nominally the friends and allies of the Dutch. It was by the prahus of the Sultan of Rhio that the boats of the ' Dido' were attacked, under an impression that they were the weaker party, and there is little doubt that had they been captured and the ' Dido ' not at hand to resent it, all would have been murdered to prevent discovery. The pirates of these seas are of the same description, and we have only to refer to the exploits of the boats of H.M.S. 'Andromache' Capt. H. D. Chads, C.B., to prove their original haunts. It is much to be regretted that the case of the attack on the boats of H.M.S. ' Dido ' was not referred to a com petent Court of Admiralty, where the question of what constitutes an act of piracy might be defined. I am not prepared to admit that their act was not piratical, " because they were the forces of the Sultan of Rhio, not at war with us, and the friend and ally of the Dutch," or that because they failed in murdering the Dido's boat's crew, they had not committed piracy ; indeed the 1843.] TANJONG API. 19 very fact of this force being detached to collect tribute at the Anambas, has in itself a piratical complexion. Before leaving Singapore I used every endeavour to obtain information which might assist me in finding the mouth of the River Sarawak ; but disappointed in this, I was compelled to trust to the pamphlet published by Mr. Brooke, a copy of which had been kindly furnished me by Mr. Wise. I did not imagine the published charts to be more in error than fifteen or twenty minutes of longitude, and confidently relied on obtaining a local pilot off its embouchure. On the 4th July we passed Tanjong Api, or " Fire Points "; a low wooded spit, forming the north-western angle of Borneo, and dangerous to approach within two miles. It has a slight elevation immediately within the line of trees, which are not Mangrove, nor is the ground swampy, as in other parts of the low coast ; the trees are of hard wood, and the rocks and solid ground jut out at the point where a fresh-water stream oozes through the sand into the sea. The water inland is deeply tinged by leaves and decayed vegetable matter, but it percolates into a large sandy reservoir a little to the south, about ten feet above high-water mark, where it may be procured very pure. The knowledge of this fact is highly important to seamen ; easy and safe landing may be found immediately to the southward of the large rock at the northern angle, and no similar facility for watering occurs in any part of the route by the Palawan Channel to Manila or China. We looked in vain for Tanjong Datu of the charts ; it is the first high land seen from Tanjong Api, and is situate in lat. 2° 6' N. long. 109° 38' E. There are several c2 20 ENTER THE SARAWAK RIVER. [1843. rocky patches off its northern extremity, but they may be avoided by keeping in twenty fathoms until it is rounded, when Tanjong Sipang, capped by the high mountain of Santubon, points out the western or " San- tubon entrance " of the Sarawak, accessible to vessels of twelve feet draught by the chart, and of eighteen feet, aided by pilots, at high-water. Beyond Tanjong Sipang, off which a rock a-wash lies, a deep indentation called Ape's Bight occurs, and round the high peninsula, or where solid high land terminates (at Tanjong'Po), will be found the Morotabas or eastern entrance to the Sarawak. These facts being then unknown to us, and forced easterly by currents, we attempted the first great gap which seemed to correspond with Mr. Brooke's pamphlet, until we found the depth decrease to four fathoms ; anchoring until the change of tide, and ascertaining by the charts that we were too far to the eastward, (being now at the mouth of the Batang Lupar), we worked an opposite course, and on the following morning found ourselves westerly of Santubon. I then determined to approach the river, now in sight, and anchoring in five fathoms off the mouth of a promising stream, which proved to be the Lundu, the boats were despatched for information, as well as to procure a pilot. Towards the evening they returned, having, after a smart chase, come up with a canoe, from which a very intelligent native, who happened to be an ally of Mr. Brooke's, volunteered to show us the way into the Sarawak. By 8 o'clock that evening we reached Tanjong Po, and by moonlight, assisted by our boats sounding, worked into the Morotabas, and anchored in safety. The abihty 1843.] ANCHOR AT KUCHING. 21 of this native was remarkable; even by day I should hardly have given him credit, for conducting a square- rigged vessel of the size of the ' Samarang' into so narrow a channel as that formed at the entrance by the shoals. As he did not understand English, nor we Malay, our communication was chiefly by signs ; a black board and a piece of chalk were procured, and we intimated to him our wish to know the direction and probable distance to Sarawak. This he endeavoured to show, but suddenly recollecting a black silk handkerchief around his neck, which one of the officers had given to him, he immediately rolled it up like a snake, and kneeling on the deck, shaped it to represent the windings of the river ; giving us to understand that Kapal Prahu (ship-of-war), was the nearest end, and Kuching, or Mr. Brooke's residence, the most remote. The intelligence expressed by his counte nance, and the playful manner in which he executed his manoeuvres, formed an admirable specimen of savage talent, affording us nearly as much information as might be obtained from a chart ; of the distance, we were of course unable to judge. Having advanced the ship as high up the river as I thought our present knowledge of it warranted, she was anchored in a safe berth, and I proceeded with my gig in search of the town of Kuching, which we reached about four p.m. I was received most warmly by Mr. Brooke, and he immediately despatched Mr. Douglas, his naval aide, to assist in piloting the ship up ; after touching on one or two banks, she eventually found a safe berth off the city of Kuching, nearly in the same spot occupied by H.M.S. 'Dido,' Capt. the Hon. Harry Keppel, who had 22 EXCURSION UP THE RIVER. [1843. visited the river shortly before. Previous to the arrival of the 'Samarang,' Capt. Keppel had been appointed to the command in the straits of Malacca, and in the execu tion of the duties entrusted to him, had visited Sarawak, in order to repress some piracies committed in the vicinity of the territory ceded to Mr. Brooke. The pirates, as I before mentioned, threatened to attack Mr. Brooke, and but for the timely aid of the 'Dido,' for an account of which I must refer the reader to Capt. Keppel's very interesting work, he might have been defeated before the 'Samarang' could have rendered any assistance; the arrival of our frigate at this particular period, was esti mated therefore, beyond doubt, by the people of Sarawak as a jealous interest on the part of the British Govern ment in the affairs of Mr. Brooke. On the second day of our sojourn at Kuching, we paid a formal visit to the Rajah Muda Hassim ; it appeared to gratify him much, and the arrival of a second British ship-of-war added in no small degree to the importance of the ' Tuan besar' (great man), the term by which Mr. Brooke was known to the natives, who concluded he must be a very important chief for his Government to send two large war ships to support him. Preparations were now made for ascending the river, and for visiting the mines, as well as Mr. Brooke's friends, the Dyak tribes, in their native holds. On the morning of the 11th we started, accompanied by all the Officers who could be spared from duty, and well stored with provisions, in three covered canoes and my gig, and shortly before sunset reached Siniavan; here we slept, and on the following morning proceeded to Toondung, a distance of about twelve miles. 1843.] CHINESE GARDENS. 23 The scenery throughout the river is somewhat unin teresting, being much confined by the lofty trees which intercept the view ; but the small cleared patches which frequently present themselves, give promise of a rich luxuriant soil elevated about fifteen feet above the ordi nary level of the stream. We first met with elevated land at Siniavan, about nine miles direct from Kuching. The Chinese appear to have made some progress here, in their gardens, the plateau, on which their houses are built, being above thirty feet above the level of the river, to which it gradually descends. We observed the cus tomary products of tropical gardens, but upon a critical examination of the soil, found it to consist of a great pre ponderance of clay, which in this climate, where torrents of rain are succeeded by intense heat, causes the ground to cake and become rent. The inhabitants endeavour to overcome this by the introduction of wood ashes into the pits which they make for their plants, and although they have both loam and sand in the vicinity, do not appear to understand the value of these materials for improving the soil, nor are they disposed to be advised. At Toondung, which, by the sinuosities of the river, I assume to be about twelve miles distant, we found the stream perfectly clear, with a pebbly bottom, and enjoyed the luxury of a cool bath without the apprehension of being selected as a delicate meal by any epicurean alli gator. The narrowness of the river in this part, caused the lofty trees on the banks to approach so nearly as almost to complete an arch, and thus, shaded from the sun's rays, kept the stream at the same temperature as that in which it descended from the mountain ; it was 24 ANTIMONY AND GOLD MINES. [1843. not, however, free from disagreeables which annoyed Us in the form of leeches. Having duly equipped ourselves, we proceeded, about nine a.m., on our journey to the Antimony Mines, distant about five miles inland ; the intermediate country does not merit any particular notice, being merely an unin teresting gently undulating tract, which rises gradually until it reaches the mountains where the ore is obtained, about 700 feet above the level of the river. Here we break fasted, or rather lunched, and examined the ore in situ, as well as the process by which the Chinese work it ; not by blasting, but simply by making large fires upon the heavy masses, and throwing water on them to cause them to split ; by this rude process, the purest portions become fused and dissipated. As the entire mountain is a mass of ore, any improvement in their modus operandi would not be of much importance to the present generation. It is paid for by contract, at a certain price per picul of 1401bs. delivered at Kuching, where the ore is strictly examined and that of doubtful quality rejected. Having refreshed ourselves, and amused the Chinese by practising with rifles at our empty bottles, we continued our march to the Gold Mines at Selingok, which I should estimate at about three miles further inland; on our arrival we were saluted by several gingals, very much to the risk of all parties, if one might judge from their rude construc tion, as well as the heavy charges put into them. Here we remained to sleep. The Gold Mines are worked . by a Chinese party, at a rental, and as it is not their interest to allow any one to ascertain the amount of their returns, the property may 1843.] ASCENT OF THE MOUNTAIN. 25 be retained on these conditions, until Mr. Brooke can put it into better hands. The gold is obtained by wash ing, from a very loose disintegrated granitic debris, con taining detached crystals of quartz (dodecahedrons, or six-sided pyramids, base to base), pyrites, antimony, and traces of tin. I have been informed that late experiments prove their current of water to be too powerful, and that they lose a very large portion of light gold. On the morning of the 13th, we returned to Toon- dung, and thence by boat to Siniavan, where we passed the night ; on the 1 6th, after an early breakfast, we started for the Dyak village of Sarambo. We were apprised that this excursion would put both our walking and climbing to the test, but as I suspected that our land brethren must have under-rated our powers, I had treated the matter rather in jest; indeed, we were all simple enough to carry our guns, in the hope of shooting objects worthy of preservation. As we approached the base of the mountain, which I should describe as a cone com pressed literally with an oval base, it presented the ap pearance of prepared ground, that could readily be main tained by a small power against a formidable opponent. The advances appeared to proceed by terraces, and the access to each guarded by steps, up which we could only ascend by notched logs ; the first were ^easily overcome, but as we proceeded they became more frequent and more slippery, the angular edges being worn away, and, as fewer intervals for breathing occurred, our strength rapidly diminished. I notice these objects in a war-like view, as the attacking or scaling party would be but a poor match even for the female garrison left in the village, by the time 26 THE 'HEAD HOUSE.' [1843. they reached the outer lines. Those who accompanied me maintained their ground until we made good our lodging in the Great " Head House ", but we amounted only to three ; forty-five minutes afterwards (by watch), when we had recovered ourselves, we noticed the rest of our party advancing, some towed along holding a stick by which a Dyak helped them forward, whilst several were reduced in dress to nearly the same limited garb as their Dyak assistants ; yet, upon subsequent examination we found that the height to which we had ascended was only 950 feet above our point of departure at Siniavan. After refreshing ourselves with cool cocoa-nut milk, aided by the contents of our baskets, we examined the village and our apartment, which was the " Head House," par excel lence, of this tribe. It is a building elevated on posts, about thirty feet above the ground, of an octagonal form, with the roof, commencing at the height of six feet within the room, carried up to a very sharp peak ; the flooring, which in all buildings in the country, is sufficiently open for the passage of a kris, is formed of the outer rind of the Nibon Palm (Areca tigillarid), an exogenous wood of flinty hardness towards its exterior, and pith within ; from some cause, however, not yet determined, it does not endure long, the decay, arising probably from the fermentation of its juices. Suspended from the ceilings of this building are the heads of the enemies captured by the tribe, those of the higher caste being ornamented according to their taste by red and white paint, with Cowries for eyes, but the generality simply smoke-dried. We examined a few of them, but it is highly probable their numbers had been very much diminished out . JK9P Bro?me, Set. BIA1S. ISISivIi' HOUSE, &TE&i.K®©.. 1843.] THE DYAK DRESS. 27 of respect to Mr. Brooke, whom they were prepared to receive. When we consider that every man in the village had to obtain a trophy of this revolting description be fore he could be permitted to pay his addresses to his lady love, it is highly probable that the living members had abstracted theirs in order to afford us the shelter which this building offered, independent of its being the chamber of the honoured guest ! The village itself con tributed little to interest; the houses were all in the same style, built upon posts, not raised more than three feet from the ground, and as filthy as can well be ima gined. The dress of the male is simply a cloth about the loins, descending about half way to the knee, with a jacket of tough material woven by the women, and frequently padded with bark cloth to withstand the point of the arrow ; the legs and arms are generally ornamented with rows of brass wire rings covering them to the extent of about a foot. The female dress is mostly a short sarong of very substantial workmanship, displaying no want of taste in the pattern, and not extending below the knee. The sarong generally in use throughout other parts of the eastern islands, consists of about the same quantity of material as may be required to make a gown of the pre sent style, or three times the circumference round the shoulders ; it is open at top and bottom, and, extending in length from the shoulders to the heels, is generally overlapped, twisted round the waist by the upper edge, and, with the twist turned in, is retained like a petticoat ; sometimes it is thrown loosely over one shoulder and under the opposite arm, at other times over the head 28 AFFECTION AND MANNERS. [1843. and held crossing over the breast, cowl fashion, and is worn by both men and women. The ornaments dis played by the women are of brass, similar to those of the men, but they are distinguished by wearing stays formed by a continuous spiral band of rattan, which, extending about a foot above the hips, presents a beaded black band not unbecoming ; they also use a light jacket composed of the same material as the sarong. During the period of our visit, the women were occu pied in drying rice upon a slight platform in front of their houses ; they are well formed, and, with pleasing features, are free from the shyness exhibited by the Malay ; of their strength we had a convincing proof by witnessing two girls not exceeding ten years of age, ascending the steep hill we had laboured to surmount, with enormous faggots on their backs. In one or two of the houses visited, a considerable degree of neatness prevailed, for this untutored tribe, and there was a manifestation of domestic happiness among the younger couples, which would not suffer if placed in competition with European manners. They were much amused in examining our dresses, and comparing them with textures of their own manufacture ; it was plain, however, that the gilt buttons of our uniform excited their greatest admiration, and we returned home with the loss of not a few in consequence ; as an example of their affection, however, I noticed the ladies begged them only to adorn their husbands. During the afternoon we visited one of the minor peaks of this mountain, whence we had a magnificent view of the whole country, and complete outline of the land from Tanjong Datu to the most eastern point, Mitivc J!M By ok ¦ 1843.] ORATION OF THE DYAKS. 29 furmshiug us with important observations for its future delineation. Here we found another 'Head-House,' smaller and neater, but of inferior calibre to that at Sarambo. On our return to the village in the evening, we joined an assembly of the principal inhabitants in which their chief, Meta, a compact and handsomely formed young man about twenty-five years of age, addressed a very energetic speech to Mr. Brooke, which was interpreted to us. He commenced by expressing his satisfaction, as well as that of his allies, at the interest which Great Britain had been pleased to take in their affairs, and bore witness of the increasing benefit they derived from the residence of a man of such activity and kindness of disposition as Mr. Brooke among them. Formerly, the Dyaks effected the cultivation of their territory at the risk of life, and half their strength was expended in the village in the protection of their pro perty ; now, they were not only free from the piratical incursions of their neighbour, but were able to visit their " Great Friend" at Kuching in safety, and to supply their wants from his stores. The oration was long and much applauded, and those who knew the Dyak language described it to be not only interesting but brilliantly expressed ; the evening terminated with dancing and singing on the part of the natives varied by that of my gig's crew, and on the ensuing morning, after taking leave of our Dyak friends, we returned to Siniavan and reached Kuching the same evening, with the prospect of softer repose than that afforded during the course of our eventful excursion. The ' Samarang' was now ordered to prepare for sea, 30 VISIT OF THE RAJAH. {1843. and also to be in readiness for the reception of a visit of ceremony from the Rajah Musa Hassim and his suite. As it was contrary to the custom of vessels employed upon surveying duty to fire salutes during the period of rating the chronometers, or until after the necessary observations are made for the determination of the meri dian distance between the ports of departure and arrival, we could not risk the disturbance of them ; but having three boats on the water fitted with brass guns, it was arranged that the compliment should be paid by them ; and, it seemed to afford more amusement and interest than might have been experienced had the guns of the ship performed the office. The Rajah and his suite arrived in due state, and after inspecting the ship, ex pressed themselves better pleased with her than with the beautiful ' Dido,' nearly double our tonnage ; two decks and better shelter weighing more in their esti mation than capacity or beauty, and our main-deck cabin, with free passage of air by the ports and windows, seemed more consonant with their ideas of comfort; the difference in the description of gun mattered little, and they could hardly be brought to comprehend that our twenty-four 32-pounders were not preferable to the eighteen heavy guns of the same calibre mounted by the ' Dido.' The progress made by Mr. Brooke during his short sojourn amongst these people, not only in acquiring a moral command over the affections of the Malay race, (hostile, often, to the Christian in feeling as well as reli gion,) but also in allaying the fears and exciting the affections of the Dyaks or natives of the interior, is truly 1843.] INFLUENCE OF MR. BROOKE. 31 wonderful ; this great philanthropist has in a compara tively short period entirely overcome the antipathy felt by the Malay to the residence of an European and a Christian amongst them; by representing the sovereign ruler and proprietor of the Sarawak district, he has, moreover, advanced to an elevation, unparalled in the history of any remote aboriginal tribe. The Malay has yielded up his tyrannical sway over the Dyak ; and his systematic pursuit of piracy, the terror of their tribes, has been successfully arrested. With the example and influence of Mr. Brooke, the Malay, Dyak, and English have combined their forces, and, under the command of one of our spirited captains, have entered the strong holds of their lawless neighbours, and dealt a blow from which piracy will never recover ; the particulars of which have already been forcibly narrated by my friend Capt. Keppel. The next question which naturally suggests itself is, what is to be the end of the splendid advantage resulting from the energy of our countryman? Are the unfor tunate Dyaks, and no less unfortunate Malay rulers to be left to the savage vengeance of the neighbouring pirates, by the withdrawal of British protection, upon the bare plea that the occupation of Borneo is against the spirit of our Treaties with Foreign Powers ? Let us refer to our Treaty with Holland, and I think it will be clear to any unprejudiced mind that it contains no article inimical to our taking possession of any part of Borneo, even by force : — 32 OCCUPATION OF BORNEO. [1843. " TREATY 1824, 17th of March. " Art. 6. It is agreed that orders shall be given by the two Govern ments to their Officers and Agents in the East not to form any new Settlements on any of the Islands in the Eastern Seas, without previous authority from their respective Governments in Europe. " Art. 12. His Britannic Majesty, however, engages, that no British Establishment shall be made on the Carimon Islands, or on the Islands of Battam, Bintang, Lingin, or on any of the other Islands south of the Straits of Singapore, nor any Treaty con cluded by British authority with the chiefs of those Islands." But the case assumes a very different aspect when viewed under a gift, sale, or transfer, by the Power ac knowledged by the laws of nations to be authorized in conferring part of his Dominions upon a subject of his most ancient ally. Such a proceeding was not attempted to be cavilled at when the Sultan of Sooloo, a sovereign, not even of Borneo, conferred upon the subjects of Great Britain not only the Island of Balambangan, but also a greater portion of the northern coast of Borneo (extending from Maludu Bay to Pulu Tiga) than that now under discussion. Great Britain had then a factory within the river of Borneo Proper, within sight of the city of Brunai, and also the fortified ' Island of Balambangan, from which her subjects even tually withdrew, not by the interference of any European Power, but by the continued depredations of the pirates, and unhealthiness of the climate. Mr. Brooke, by formal Treaty with the reigning Powers of Borneo, having obtained, or, for a consideration, pur chased, his estate of Sarawak, seeks for that protection 1843.] ISLAND OF LABUAN. 33 which should be, and usually is, extended to British sub jects from the mother country ; anxious also not to lose sight of the interests of those with whom he has con sented to settle, and willing, at the same time, to advance their security, by obtaining the countenance of Great Britain, he has further induced the Borneon Powers to seek by Treaty a closer alliance with our country, and to offer, as a pledge of their sincerity, the cession of part of their territory for the foundation of a military position. Kuching does not offer such a position ; it is inland, ap proachable only with a favourable tide, and by a cir- cuituous route, nearly twenty-five miles from the sea ; nor are any spots to be met with either at the Santubon or Morotabas entrances desirable for forming a settlement. The ground is too precipitous, and the difficulties of clearing away and levelling too heavy an operation for an infant colony to undertake. If compelled to select a spot in this neighbourhood, the most eligible is probably on the Santubon or western entrance ; but it is much to be feared that the percolation from the mountain in the rear would create fever, and take off the young colony before any efficient mode of draining could be carried out. It is more than probable that to this cause alone may be attributed the original lamentable sickness at Hong-Kong. » Under these considerations it was thought that the Island of Labuan would offer a better naval position, a more central point from which the pirates could be overlooked ; and under the supposition that its coal might be rendered available for the use of steamers employed upon the 34 SARAWAK RIVER. [1843 station, it was considered advisable to make a further examination of its capabilities.* The river Sarawak is safely navigable up to the ridge of rocks which occasioned the unfortunate accident to the ' Samarang,' to be described in the succeeding chapter. All dangers may be avoided by the aid of beacons or pilots, and care should be taken not to pass them until the proper times of tide, certainly not at dead water or change of tide to ebb, as the rapidity of the ebb produces many eddies and causes a vessel to veer so much that she be comes unmanageable. The banks of this river do not afford any firm landing, or spots eligible for cultivation, until within the neighbourhood of Kuching ; above this town, the banks are level, in many places cleared, and apparently of a rich diluvial granitic soil. The Chinese possess excellent gardens, where the sugar cane and common vegetables appear to thrive. The climate is particularly healthy, and no greater proof of this can be * At the moment of going to press with the observations above recorded, intelligence has reached England that the Island of Labuan is ceded to the British authorities for a naval and military station. The following is from a letter dated " Labuan, East coast of Borneo, December 25th, 1846 :— " We are now at the Island of Labuan, which was taken possession of yesterday by Captain Mundy, of the ' Iris,' in Her Majesty's name. There is to be a grand expedition against the pirates next April, and we may be detained on the station till May. The treaty ceding the Island of Labuan was signed and sealed by the Sultan. I have no doubt that there will be a flourishing trade here in a few years ; there is a brig laden with long cloths in the harbour, so that the merchants of Singapore have their eyes here already. If the piracy could be sup pressed, a large market would be opened." 1843] GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 35 adduced than the circumstance of the ' Samarang' losing only two men out of a crew of two hundred, during the arduous surveying duties of this river, and neither of which cases was fairly attributable to climate. The great drawback which occurs to me is the want of a labouring population ; the Malay is too indolent and independent, and will hardly work for the maintenance of his own family ; the Dyak may be induced to quit his mountain holds when he finds security and a better market for his labour, but at present he prefers the air and retirement of the mountains, with the cultivation of his Paddy fields, without which necessary article of provision the town population would probably suffer. The Chinese are the only people to be depended upon, but the present race is little better than Ladrone ; they belong to their captain or headman, and it is difficult to obtain their labour excepting through him, with whom they are under bond. Under the countenance, or pro tection of Great Britain it is not improbable that a more civilised race will flow in. A feeling of greater security will naturally be engendered by the formally taking pos session of any portion of the northern coast of Borneo, or even by the frequent visits of our cruizers for the sup pression of piracy. If the highly important advantages which Mr. Brooke has obtained, are not followed up by some decided act on the part of Government before any misfortune befal him liable to annul them, this territory will gradually recede into its former insignificancy, or be transferred to the hands of some other power. The forests of Borneo do not appear at present to offer any very desirable or valuable wood ; poon is abundant, d 2 36 MR. BROOKE. [1843 and apparently of finer quahty than that procured at Singapore, approaching in some parts to the hardness of good mahogany or cedar. With the advantages which the river offers for the construction of saw mills, poon and cedar plank might afford a lucrative article of export to Hong-Kong. With respect to the position which Mr. Brooke now occupies in Borneo, I am firmly of opinion, that it would be unsafe to trust the power which he has so firmly but mildly wielded in the hands of others. His acceptance of any appointment under Government, which would interfere with the absolute power which he exercises would destroy the charm by which he has maintained himself amongst the unruly Malays. Nothing but the vigorous exertion of power, untrammelled by law, will avail with them. As the British population increase and become better able to protect themselves, the necessity for this power may decrease, but so long as Mr. Brooke exists, he should not descend from his princely position. 37 CHAPTER II. SAEAWAK, BEUNAI AND HONG-KONG. Preparations for leaving Kuching — The Ship grounds — Inclines forty- five degrees to Starboard — Instruments saved — Construct Houses on shore — Koyalist dispatched to Singapore for provisions and assistance — Measures adopted for raising the Ship — Zeal of the Crew — Speedy and succesfull issue — Cockpit Hall — Newspaper report of the Disaster — Departure from Sarawak — Navigation dangerous— Arrival at Borneo Proper — Visit to the Sultan — Beception — Brunai, a City of the Waters — Floating Bazaar — Futile search for Coal — Lema Islands — Arrival at Hong-Kong — Improvements at that Island — Its Physical and Natural History. On the 16th of July, preparations were made on board the ' Samarang' for quitting Kuching, but in unmooring it was found that sufficient attention had not been paid to securing her in the stream, and she had been forced by the tide on a slaty ledge immediately below Mr. Brooke's residence. I was then absent, and on my 38 GROUNDING OF THE SAMARANG. [1843 return found the ship inclined to port, twenty-two degrees, a most unpleasant predicament, and one which in the event of the tide falling lower, might be attended with danger. She was battened down and every precaution observed in case of slipping from her hard bed ; shortly after midnight she righted, and by dawn, preparations commenced for moving down the river. It was my intention to warp the ship against the last quarter flood, through the narrow pass where the rocks bar the mid- channel, but the delays occasioned by grounding the previous evening, prevented our reaching the spot until slack water; indeed, the tide of ebb had made, and our kedges for dropping through were already laid with strain on them. An eddy tide, or under tow, having laid the ship athwart the river, with her stern towards the rocks, orders were given to drop one of the heavy quarter kedges in shore, but, unfortunately, the proper officer was not in the boat, and the youngster, finding the ' Royalist' in his way, waited to let her pass instead of dashing athwart her bows. No time was to be lost, and the kedge was ordered to be instantly let go where he was ; alas ! it was now too late, the bow hawsers had stretched, and the tide pressing the ship towards the reef, caused her to ground by the heel on a projecting rock, the leads giving not less than four fathoms all around. The strength of the ebb now came full upon us, and the ship turning upon the pivot formed by the rock under her heel, stretched the hawsers and, finally, brought home the anchors ; she then lay with head down the stream until she bedded herself in the line of current upon the inclined side of the reef, having six fathoms on 1843] ATTACK OF HORNETS. 39 her starboard side, and nine feet under her port, fore, and main channels. In the expectation, that being grounded by the heel and the boats sent to sound having reported deep water a-head, she might be hove into deeper water, the star board anchor, of 15 cwt. was laid out, but the bottom being of rock and smooth slate, it was unavailing. The small bower of 30 cwt. was then laid out a-head, or down stream, and held in mud, the tide, however, had now fallen so as to render any attempt to move futile ; more over, we had discovered that a patch of rock with only nine feet of water over it lay directly under our bow. All efforts were now directed to prevent the ship falling over to starboard, as we had no less than six fathoms on that side, our draught of water being sixteen feet, and fall of tide at this period about nine feet. To obviate this, the coasting sixteen inch hempen cable was secured to the trunks of trees on the left bank, with double runner, purchases leading from it to the fore and main mast heads, and a steady strain kept up as it continued to stretch ; this service was much retarded by the oppo sition of a swarm of hornets, which stung our men so severely that they were glad to precipitate themselves into the river ; they soon, however rallied, and effected their object. By this time the ship had taken her incli nation to starboard, and in defiance of all our efforts to the contrary, fell over to twenty-two degrees, or the same inclination as that experienced the previous night. All attempts to get spars over, as shores, were rendered futile by the rapidity of the current, and, to add to the dilemma, those peculiarly required for such service, being stowed 40 PREPARATIONS FOR RIGHTING. [1843 in the channels (in order to afford room for the two barges on deck), could not be got at on the declining side ; we had, however, embarked several large spars cut up the river as specimens of the wood to.be obtained here ; and as the tide slackened, we succeeded in getting three of these well placed on the starboard side, and a good vertical strain brought upon them by purchases lashed through the starboard main-deck ports. These measures, aided by our horizontal purchases on the coasting cable, tended to prevent her keel from slipping. The usual preparations having been made by battening down the hatchways, and the ship having only inclined twenty-two degrees, or to what had been ascertained the previous night to be not attended with danger, no doubts were entertained of her righting herself with the ensuing flood tide, particularly as more decided measures had been adopted to aid her by the horizontal purchase from the mast heads on the coasting cable to the shore. Upon the rise at flood, the chain pumps were put in motion to free her from nine inches water, reported in the well, this being merely two inches beyond her ordinary depth in the well. A serious difficulty, however, not hitherto contemplated, now presented itself; the 'Samarang' being fitted with the old chain-pump, it was found that the inclination caused the slack part of the chain to fall into a curve, and the descending discs to overlap the trunks so much as to render them useless. Before time allowed of any effectual remedy being applied, a report was made of the water " gushing in full streams into the hold," and that the ship had five feet, the rise of' tide rapidly overpowering her. The carpenter then dis- 1843] INSTRUMENTS SAVED. 41 covered that the water found its way through the air holes bored through the casing between the beams above the shelf-piece, and passed down by the vacant timbers left out to afford ventilation. These holes being orna mental, could only be stopped by naihng plank over them, and by this time they were some feet below water ; the tools of the carpenter and crew were submerged, and subsequently, it was ascertained, that the water not only flowed through these air-holes, but that it found its way out on the receding tide by the butts of the outer plank ing, as well as spirketting at each port. It was therefore apparent that she could not be righted without more decided measures ; namely, that the weight of the ship and stores could only be overcome by displacing the water within her holds and lower-deck, and lightening her of every possible weight. As soon as the water was observed to gain upon us, means were taken to withdraw all the cnronometers and instruments through the cabin windows ; they were despatched to Mr. Brooke's house at Kuching, within sight, at the distance of about a mile^ but unfortunately overtaken by a deluge of rain on their way thither. Immediately Mr. Brooke ascertained that no hopes remained of the ship righting this tide, he despatched all the native craft which could be mustered, and such clothing and hammocks, belonging to the crew, as could be got at, were sent away to the town for safety. At eight o'clock that evening, the crew, having been, more or less, incessantly on the alert for the last twenty- four hours, and since four, p.m., under a continuous torrent of rain, were withdrawn, leaving a guard-boat at anchor, to prevent pillage ; by this time the ship had 42 CONSTRUCT HOUSES ON SHORE. [1843 inclined to forty-five degrees. Natives were now hired to construct houses on shore for the accommodation of the crew, and parties were appointed to receive, and stow away, the various stores landed to lighten the ship, which was soon cleared of her top hamper. Orders had also been given to the native chiefs to employ their people in cutting and bringing down the river the largest and lightest timber which they could procure, and we con tinued daily to receive rafts varying from twenty to thirty spars each. I hoped to have been able to right the ship on the evening of the 23rd, without their aid, but the flow of water was found to be overpowering, and our chain-pumps, in their present condition, inadequate to reduce the level of the water in the hold. In this dilemma I resolved to husband the powers of the crew until the next spring tide, when, with the means at command, I calculated upon every chance of success. Upon receiving intelligence of our situation, as well as the loss of provi sion, Mr. Brooke, in the most handsome manner, placed the ' Royalist' at my disposal, also his store of nails, iron, and other important articles, without which, as our car penter's stores were under water, we should have been greatly distressed. Mr. Hooper, our zealous and indefatigable purser, having immediately volunteered his services, was directed to proceed in the ' Royalist ' to Singapore, communicate our disaster to any vessels of war that he might meet there, and return with all possible despatch with bread, and as much salt provisions as he could find room for. The ' Royalist' took her departure on the night of the 22nd, the day prior to our first attempt to recover the 1843] FEVER AND ILLNESS. 43 ship ; and when my letters, antecedent to that failure, spoke confidently of ultimate success. To overcome the difficulties of the occasion, it now became necessary to adhere to a more decided system. Our crew continued to fail from fever and diarrhsea, and at one time more than half were either in their hammocks or disabled ; the three warrant officers fell ill, and not an individual seemed to entertain the remotest idea of the ' Samarang' being ever brought to float again on the bosom of the ocean. Severely afflicted myself, with partial loss of my right arm and hand, as well as suffering mentally, I continued, however, to superintend my plans. The three upright spars before mentioned were re placed by larger ones, arranged as follows : — the first was stepped just abaft the fore-channels, in three fathoms mud, the second between it and the starboard gangway, and the third on the fore side of the main-channels. The two last were used as sheers ; and to these and the fore most, the main strain was to be applied ; their length enabled their heads to reach above the tops, and a spar was lashed horizontally, to keep them steadily in their places. To the heads of these the vertical purchases were attached in the following manner : — On the head of the main, an iron-strapped top-block, a ; on the lashing, which was formed by the bights of the breeching hawser passed through each of the main-deck ports and over the skid beams, a lashing block, b ; the top pendant was rove through a, down through b, and secured round the head of the spar. The top tackle purchase was brought upon this, and, by a leading block 44 MEASURES ADOPTED [1843 on the starboard gangway, direct to the capstan. A similar purchase was also applied to the foremost spar, and all hove to an even strain. The mast head purchases attached to the coasting cable were arranged as follows : — From each mast head, a lashing block c ; lashing block on the cable, d. The runner, of five inch hawser, rove through c and d, and its end secured to the mast-head over the shoulders of the rigging ; on this double runner the barges long purchase, falls four inches prepared rope with double blocks, was used for the runner tackle, the hauling part rove through a block at e, below the cap, and led amidships ; when taut, luffs were clapped on these falls. The power of these purchases was sufficient to bring about ninety fathoms of the fifteen inch cable taut, and during the day it stretched sufficiently to let its bight fall into the river. Until required for further use, a strain was maintained sufficient to keep it just out of the water. Of the heavy spars which were floated down the river, a powerful raft was constructed, consisting of eighty pieces of timber, and disposed as follows: — the twenty largest were first formed into a single raft, occupying an area of about sixty feet by twenty ; four strong cross riders were secured on these, and the raft increased in this manner to four tiers, the outer, upper spar, being calculated to admit of the bilges of the water casks taking between it and its neigh bour within, so as to render them independent of their lashings, their floating powers enabling them to press heavily into their proper positions. As such a mass of timber attached to the side of the ship might, during the 1843] FOR RAISING THE SHIP. 45 spring tide, cause her to shift her position to greater dis advantage, this raft was secured by independent moorings. The next object was, to derive the greatest power from this raft ; if lashed alongside, the yielding of the hempen, or chain fastenings, would very shortly render it useless, if not a hindrance. Two very powerful trees, exceeding seventy feet each, of available timber, were selected from our raft supplies ; they were got across the ship by the aid of our uprights, attached solely to them, for fear of oppres- ing the ship still further, by bringing any lifts from the masts. As they were intended to act in a double capa city, some description of their application will be necessary. Their heels being lodged on the foremost and after skid beams, on the Port side they were there securely cleated, lashed, and the lashings wedged ; the outer ends were supported by topping lifts from the sheer heads, and they were thus prevented from affecting the ship by the action of the stream. From the ends of these outriggers to the heads of the sheers, heavy double runners, with the cat and fish blocks as purchases, were attached, similar to those already described as a and b. The leading blocks of these purchases were at the outer ends, and long luffs were led from their heels the whole length of this lever, in readiness to clap on when required. The object of this lever purchase, was to act in conjunction with the power of the raft, which could not be attached before the moment for concentrating our forces. The upperworks had been well caulked, and all the air-holes between the beams closed and plastered with pipe clay, obtained from a pit found in the vicinity of our huts, the hatchways were closed in by double platforms, ten inches asunder, the 46 DIVISION OF LABOUR. [1843 space between made water-tight with old hammocks and a bed of pipe clay ; the chain-pumps had been fitted with leading or conducting boards, which obviated the overlap ping, and we had now only to await the lowest tide. As the tide ebbed, scuttles were cut in the decks to allow the water to flow out, and boards covered with greased felt were kept in readiness to close them at a moment's warning. The crew were previously schooled at the pumps, and an estimate having been made of the least number required to work fifteen-minute spells, they were formed into divi sions ; and by the appointment of special officers to each division, we secured eight spells, or two hours full power before again calling upon the first division to resume their spell ; I fully calculated, however, that before half this period could elapse, the fate of the ship would be decided. Arrangements had been made that each spell coming off duty should retire into a large Tope, or native vessel, alongside ; there receive a pint of sherbet, and take repose if they desired. It now only remains to describe what we anticipated from these operations. Our first purchase was a double runner and luff vertically exerted on the immersed gun wale ; No. 2, the levers. These were allowed to bear the full weight of their outer ends on the raft, and at the period of low water, lashings were securely passed over them, through strops, already passed through the main- deck ports, and over the skid beams. By this arrange ment, the buoyancy, or floating power of the raft, was fully communicated, without loss, on the lever ends, and acted, directly, in raising the lee gunwale ; this was lever age resulting from the rise on the flood tide, at this 1843] GREAT ZEAL OF THE CREW. 47 period equal to twelve feet. Two mechanical powers were now applied in aid ; the first was the direct pur chase to the gunwale from our sheer heads, which inchned at an angle of fifteen degrees inwards ; the second was the topping lift runner purchases to the heads of these sheers, which afforded its whole power directly in con nection with the raft at the lever ends. It will be appa rent, by consulting the diagram, that the tendency of these topping lifts to draw the sheers into a vertical posi tion, (as the difference between the hypothenuse and per pendicular) would furnish a very considerable lifting power on the immersed gunwale. The final working, but variable power, was that exerted in the horizontal line, by the purchases from the mast heads to the coasting cable attached to the trees on shore. It may be as well to notice, that the strength of our crew was at this time considerably diminished ; the substitution of rice, resulting from the loss of bread and other changes of customary diet, upon men enduring heavy fatigue, had, in addition to fever and diarrhsea, at one period, with drawn more than half our force, and particularly our leading petty officers. As the time, however, approached for bringing our whole energies to the anxious experi ment about to be made for raising the ship, it afforded me extreme gratification to notice a marked disposition among the crew to rally, and when the important day arrived, not more than thirty were absent. The 17th having been fixed upon for our great effort, the crew were exposed as little as possible, and arrangements were made for their accommodation in the Tope or native vessel alongside. About four, p.m., they were directed to 48 SUCCESSFUL ISSUE. [1843 take five hours sleep, and at nine o'clock orders were issued to embark. The inclination of the ship remained at forty- five degrees, and a long plumb line was attached to the foremost cabin bulk head to indicate the slightest altera tion. The water on the ebb fell as low as the star board main-deck waterways, and until near dead low water continued to flow out of the scuttles made in the decks for its escape ; these were afterwards closed, as well as the scuppers and main-deck ports, as high, at least, as the lashings would admit. The chain pumps were put in motion, and cleared the holds to five feet. The lever lashings were then brought taut and wedged, and the greatest strain brought upon the sheer, as well as the topping lift purchases, which were then belayed; by which arrangement our whole remaining force could be employed for the pumps and mast head purchases. Our first division at the pump had just been relieved and sent into the Tope for their sherbet and rest, when we found that the water in the holds was rapidly di minishing. The speedy rising of the flood tide gave very ominous notice of the great strain on the levers ; they cracked with one or two reports which made me very uneasy, but as it was confined to their inner ends I still retained confidence in them. About the same mo ment, the plumb began to vibrate, and the officer watch ing it reported her "moving". This excited those stationed at the mast head purchases, and the leading man, strik ing up an improvisation adapted to the moment, or a burlesque on the croakers who declared the ship never could be recovered, they ran the falls rapidly in, and she righted to thirty degrees. The pumps soon freed her, 1843] CONDITION OF THE SHIP. 49 and she continued gradually to assume her upright posi tion. The moment she became free from the rocks, we found it necessary to cut our important aids adrift, par ticularly the mast head purchases which tended to press her on the reef. At two, a.m., the ship was hove off to her anchor, and warps having been already laid out, it was weighed and the ship dropped up to a secure berth above the rocks. At dawn, the crew were sent to rest, and at about ten, a.m, to the inexpressible satisfaction of all concerned in the welfare of H.M.S. ' Samarang ', we resumed our former moorings off Kuching. As the hand pumps kept the drainings under, it was obvious that she had not re* ceived any material damage under water; divers were employed, who reported some ruffling of the copper but nothing materially wrong. The state of the ship was in* conceivable ; the coal tar, as well as that forced out of the rope stowed in the holds, had smeared the paint-work within, the river mud had accumulated to a depth of several inches between decks, and in the hold had filled every open space below the level of the tanks. The bread, which was stowed in bulk in the sail room, tinned for that purpose, relieved from the pressure of the water, had commenced fermenting, and the combination of effluvia was dangerous even to those who had hitherto preserved their health. For the removal of the bread we were for tunately able to hire natives, and this service having been completed, the ship was freed from everything, thoroughly scoured, large fires made in the holds, and white-washed, About ten, p.m., on the evening of the 3rd of August, as we were all seated at Mr. Brooke's hospitable table, E 50 EXCURSION TO THE SEA. [1843 after the harrassing duties of the day, we were surprised by an addition to our party of Mr. Hooper, our purser, as well as Lieut. Chads, first of the ' Harlequin ', Capt. the Hon. G. F. Hastings, which vessel, in company with the ' Royalist ', had reached the Morotabas entrance of the Sa rawak, bringing provisions, as well as rope and purchase blocks to our relief; a noble example of zeal, and executed with extraordinary despatch, only twelve days having elapsed since Mr. Hooper left the river in search of assis tance. Both vessels joined us, and although our grand effort to raise the ship, unaided, was completely successful, I feel bound to record my warmest acknowledgement of the important service subsequently derived, not only from the force of the ' Harlequin's ' officers and crew, but from her excellent captain, in particular, who zealously super intended the land duties, and by his kindness in antici pating my wishes, relieved me of a load of anxiety. The duties of cleansing, rigging, &c, not requiring my pre sence, I planned an excursion to the exterior coast, with a view to improve the health of those employed with me ; the barge and gig were fitted with Kedjangs, or palm mat ting, to protect us from rain, and I proceeded to make a survey of the coast as far as Tanjong Datu. The result of this examination, directed principally to the entrances of the Sarawak river as adapted for positions for building, should Her Majesty's Government determine upon taking possession of this territory, was unfavourable, and on the night of the 18th, we returned to the ' Samarang ', now ready for sea. Thirty-three days had elapsed since entering the Sa rawak river, and what exciting events had occurred during 1843] NEWSPAPER REPORT. 51 that limited period ! On the 16th of July, the ' Samarang ' grounded and filled, and not a member of her company seemed to entertain the slightest hope of her recovery. The garbled reports which found their way into the Eng lish papers, and which must have emanated from some illiterate person at Singapore, were really ludicrous ; the following is from The Times : — " Loss op Her Majesty's Ship Samarang, 26 Guns. — During the last few days the Lords of the Admiralty have received accounts from Singapore, containing intelligence of the loss of one of Her Ma jesty's frigates, the Samarang, 26 Guns, Commander Captain Sir J. Belcher, C.B., off the Island of Borneo. The circumstances attending her loss are reported to be as follows : — The Samarang, which was launched at Portsmouth in the year 1822, was in the latter part of last year fitted up as a surveying ship in order to make a survey of the Chinese Seas, and in the course of the spring of the present year she sailed from Portsmouth on the expedition, and arrived at Singapore on the 22d of June. On the 28th of the same month she proceeded to inspect the Eiver Burrawak, off the Island of Borneo. They had favourable weather and the voyage was equally successful. On the 17th of July she had gained about forty miles up the river above named, when in the early part of the day the master, Mr. Lozey, left her in one of the galleys, accompanied by another officer and a party of seamen, for the purpose of taking soundings along the coast. The ship was under weigh at the time, and was making but very slow pace, when suddenly the ebb tide, which runs remarkably strong, carried her right on to a sunken coral rock, which she struck with considerable violence, producing the greatest alarm amongst those on board. Eor a few minutes she kept an upright position, and then partly slipped off the rock and fell over on her beam ends, when she instantly filled, ^.nd it was only by the greatest exertion that the crew cquld save themselves ; in fact, many of them as the ship rolled over were precipitated into the water, and no doubt would have perished, but for others who caught hold of them as they made their appearance on the surface of the water. Having reached the shore, which was not far distant, they commenced saving from the unfortunate ship, as the tide permitted, as much provision as they possibly could get at, as also the arms which they needed in order E 2 52 LOSS TRIFLING. [1843 to protect themselves from an attack by the natives. An order was instantly sent by the commander, Captain Sir G. Belcher, C.B., to Singa pore for assistance, and in the subsequent day until fresh arrivals every means were resorted to to save the vessel. Her guns were thrown overboard and her masts cut away, but it had not the slightest effect. When the mails left Singapore she remained in the same position, and it was very possible that she would become a total wreck. The fol lowing is from an extract of a letter dated Singapore, Aug. 3, which furnishes some additional facts : — ' The wreck at high water is covered by four feet of water, and we fear she is bilged, as she is lying com pletely on her side. Her Majesty's ships Harlequin and Wanderer have since arrived from Singapore for the purpose of attempting the raising her, which it is feared will prove ineffectual, although Captain Sir G. Belcher entertains very sanguine hopes. There were 32 valuable chronometers, and an immense number of mathematical and scientific instruments, as also several rare surveys and charts on board of her, and which were estimated at about 32,000?., all of which are lost. We have dragged several of them out of the sunken ship, but find them perfectly useless, and not worth repairing. Sir G. Belcher and several of the officers have taken up their quarters at the British Consul's resi dence at Borneo, and the crew are living at a small settlement about three miles off, and on half allowance.' " Such is the history of the disaster of the ' Samarang', copied verbatim et literatim, from the " Leading Journal" ; thank God, however, she was restored to the navy, after eleven days immersion only, and, in a few more, floated proudly on the water complete with stores and provision, and ready for service. Not an instrument was injured ; the losses incurred to Her Majesty's Service were trifling, and the recovery of the ship was effected entirely by our own exertions. The only store needed, viz., ammunition, was obtained from the ' Harlequin ', and this being only wanted for salutes, was not of very material importance. Of our stores of powder, rockets, and live shells, not any had escaped the water, although prepared and fortified in 1843] THE SULTAN TO HER MAJESTY. 53 the usual manner ; indeed, the water of the Sarawak appeared to have affected everything which suffered im mersion in a most extraordinary manner. As the river consisted of pure fresh water, the stores saved were sub sequently washed, and dried under a powerful sun, with the expectation that they had not sustained much damage ; subsequent experience, however, proved that experiment to be unavailing.* Before quitting the Sa rawak, Mr. Brooke, who kindly consented to accom pany me with his interpreter, received from the Rajah Muda Hassim a letter addressed to Her Majesty, to which he would receive the Sultan's seal at Borneo Proper, intimating his wish to aid Great Britain in the suppres sion of piracy, and extension of trade. Thus ended our eventful sojourn with this zealous mediator of peace and civilization in the Sarawak ; the alternations of distress, hope, and gratitude that affected me during this exciting period my pen cannot portray; nor can I find language to convey the satisfaction I enjoyed, of being able to resume my duties, and avert the disappoint ment that would have been otherwise experienced by those who had entrusted me with this important command. The house allotted to the Junior Officers of the ' Sa marang ', by their kind friend Mr. Brooke, is thus de scribed by Mr. Adams : — " Our house, which some of us facetiously christened Itz-e- ' Cockpit Hall ', was situated on the banks of a small branch of the Sarawak river, embosomed in a grove of Coco-nuts, Areca Palms, Papiaas and Plantains. A shght * Excepting, however, those sails and other stores which had been previously immersed in Sir. W. Burnett's valuable solution. 54 COCKPIT HALL. [1843 Nibon fence enclosed its atop * walls. The habitable portion of our domicile was elevated on piles, four feet from the ground, and consisted of three separate apart ments, with open windows, some made by ourselves, and a floor made of split Nibon, covered with neat mats. A ladder mounted to the door, some rude planks formed our table, and our wardrobes hung around the walls. " Bamboo and sugar canes formed little plantations around our garden, but all beyond was wild uncultivated jungle. At a short distance, a dark forest upreared its stately trees, where the plaintive cry of the Wou-wou might be heard, and where the lively squirrel and a hundred other interesting animals gamboled among the branches. " A pleasant spring was near our house, Capsicums and Pine-apples grew abundantly in our garden, and close under our dining-room windows was a magnificent spe cimen of the Cassia grandis. The glories of 'Cockpit Hall' are now, however, departed; the progress of improvement has been fatal to its picturesque character, and the total aspect of the grounds in its vicinity has been changed. During the whole period of our deten tion at Sarawak, the conduct of Mr. Brooke was kind in the extreme. We were ever welcome at his hospitable board, his visits were frequent to the house occupied by the Lieutenants, and on numerous occasions he enhvened ' Cockpit Hall ' by bis presence, ingratiating himself with all by the winning kindness of his manner, and I am sure every individual will unite with me in acknowledg- * Leaves of Nipa Palm. 1843] DEPARTURE FROM SARAWAK. 55 ing the great pleasure they derived from the society of this truly great and good man." On the 19th of August, the 'Diana' steamer, belong ing to the Honourable East India Company, which had been despatched by Mr. Church, the Resident Councillor at Singapore, joined us, and on the morning of the 20th, having embarked Mr. Brooke, and his interpreter, Mr. Williams, our number being increased by the ' Royalist ', Mr. Brooke's yacht, and ' Ariel ' brig, belonging to Mr. Stewart, lately arrived from England with stores for the settlement, she towed us down the river ; we very soon found, however, that the power of the ' Diana ' was in adequate to the work, and about 9 o'clock she entangled us in the trees on the right bank. Just at this moment we were joined by Capt. Seymour, of H.M. Brig 'Wanderer ', and, in the confusion occasioned by this accident, the hawser catching his gig threw the coxswain overboard ; fortunately he was saved. After disengaging the ship, the ' Diana ' again took us in tow, but a second time put us upon a bank near the junction where we had to await tide. Shortly we espied flags, exhibiting above the man grove trees, the number of H.M. Steamer ' Vixen ', and we soon had the pleasure of adding Capt. Giffard to the list of our supporters. Upon the rising tide, this power ful vessel took both 'Samarang' and 'Harlequin' in tow, and rapidly carried us to the river's mouth, where we found the ' Wanderer ' awaiting our arrival. Mis fortunes still inclined to attend the ' Samarang' ; although the ' Vixen ', drawing fifteen feet, preceded us towing, and the ' Harlequin ', drawing the same water, followed in our wake; still they escaped, whilst the ' Samarang ' 56 NAVIGATION DANGEROUS. [1843 struck on a rock on which we eventually found but twelve feet ; she jumped over it but not without experi encing a sensible concussion. Arrived at length in the open sea, the ' Wanderer ' and ' Diana ' were despatched to Singapore, and accompanied by the ' Harlequin ', ' Vixen ', ' Royalist ', and ' Ariel ', we proceeded on our passage for Borneo Proper. As the charts of the coasts of Borneo could not be relied on, it became necessary to advance with caution. Light airs would not permit the sailing vessels to make much way, I therefore placed myself on board the ' Vixen ' by day, and visited the prominent features of the land, in order to fix their positions. During these operations, nothing worthy of note occurred until the 28th, when having sighted Labuan, situated about fifteen miles to the northward of the entrance of the river of Borneo Proper, the ' Vixen ' was sent a-head in order to secure our anchoring after dark, by showing a hght at the anchorage, or warning us by signal of any danger lying in our course. Owing to the currents driving us to the northward, and Great Roos- socan Island intervening, she became eclipsed, and her signals were not perceived by us. After passing over some uneven ground, having as little water as four fathoms, and perceiving breakers between us and the island, I deemed it prudent to drop our anchor in thirteen fathoms, which we afterwards found ' Harlequin ' had done after the first cast of shoal water. At day light, a large rock was exposed, about ten feet above water, and close under the cabin windows ! The breeze favouring our escape out of this dilemma, we weighed, and towed by 'Vixen ', anphored off the Island of Moarra, 1843] PALACE OF BORNEO. 57 just within the entrance of the river, where we found Mr. Brooke's yacht, the ' Royalist ', as well as the ' Ariel ', belonging to Mr. Stewart, had preceded us. Leaving the vessels at anchor, we proceeded in our boats, accom panied by Mr. Brooke, Captains Hastings and Giffard, to the city of Borneo, to pay our respects to the Sultan, as well as to obtain information respecting the coal, and the different sites at which it might be found. Mr. Williams, Mr. Brooke's interpreter, started in advance, and on our arrival we found arrangements already made at the palace for our reception. The Palace of Borneo, as well as the entire city, is constructed on piles driven into the mud on the sides of the river ; on these is placed the main platform, which is of substantial beams, crossing these piles about sixteen feet above low-water mark, leaving not more than two feet water at the outer posts. On this stage the palace is erected, consisting of a wooden pitched frame-work, thatched with the leaves of the Nipa palm (JVypa fruticans), which do not inflame ; the flooring formed of the split outer rind of the prickly or Nibon palm {Areca tigil- laria), leaving interstices of a quarter of an inch, through which the river effluvia ascends pretty strongly at low water, when the ebb leaves the mud bare. The large audience hall is matted, decerated by hang ings of coloured cottons, and at the furthest extremity is a throne or kind of highly gilded and painted bedstead, devoted to His Highness the Sultan. Our party being European, chairs were provided, and having been duly ushered in by the prime minister, Pangeran Usop, we 58 VISIT TO THE SULTAN. [1843 were seated on either side of His Highness, who was not only surrounded by his guards, which fined both sides, but out of extreme compliment, I suppose, two very suspicious looking characters were posted behind my chair, with rusty blunderbusses pointed towards my head. I perceived, however, that they were not in fighting order ; being without flints or priming, I was not much alarmed by them. The business of explaining the object of our visit having been duly executed by Mr. Brooke and his interpreter, and the ceremonial comphments passed, we were invited to a repast, in a neat little de tached chamber where it had been prepared for us, with chairs and table in the European style. The repast con sisted of curries and other dishes of fowls, rice, vegetables, &c, served up in very fair style ; but however good the mulligatawny or currie soup in the centre vessel might have proved, there was a certain want of taste in the selection of the utensil, which, although like a tureen, it had a cover, excited a hearty laugh, and certainly des troyed any inclination to partake of its contents. The Sultan, who is a nephew of the Rajah Muda Hassim, appears to be about forty years of age, very heavy and timid, whilst a degree of stupidity or idiotcy is strongly exhibited in his features ; he has also a defor mity in the right hand, in having two thumbs. He did not join us either in the room, or at table, but deputed his Pangeran Usop to do the honours. In relation to the capital of Borneo, Mr. Adams, our Assistant-Surgeon, makes the following observations : — " Brunai is truly a city built upon the waters, and SitTtart of .Borneo I*?'fmcr e "byB.BBve'BTorliers 1843] CITY OF BRUNAI. 59 although it does not offer a very apt similitude to Venice, yet reminds one somewhat of that ' glorious city in the sea ', for at Brunai — " ' No trace of men, no footsteps to and fro Lead to her gates.' " The gondola is represented by the rude canoe, and the marble palaces by a mass of houses built on piles. Persons entering its watery streets, may see the platforms on either side thronged with swarms of swarthy beings half naked, dirty, and exceedingly lazy. The city ap peared to be very populous, but at the period of our visit the small-pox was raging with fearful fatality. Mr. Tradescant Lay, who visited Brunai in the ' Himalch ', estimates the number of souls at twenty-two thousand five hundred ; and further states, that the chiefs affirmed to him that they were originally a colony formed by a migration from Johore in Malacca. One of the most amusing features of the place is the floating bazaar, com posed of many hundred boats, which commence in small numbers at one end of the city, increasing gradually as they proceed ; and, finally, exhibit a dense mass of enor mous conical hats entirely concealing the female traders, who thus protected from the sun, dispose of their small wares. The circulating medium consists of flat square pieces of iron, as heavy and cumbrous as the money with which Lycurgus supplied the Spartans. " The appearance of Brunai as seen from the summit of the Kianggi mountains is very novel and curious, par ticularly at high-water, when there is no communication with the dense mass of houses in the middle of the river 60 SEARCH FOR COAL. [1843 except by boats. At low water numerous mud banks appear, on which are also great numbers of rush-roofed houses ; many dwellings, moreover, are situated on the firm banks of the river." Having completed our business with the authorities, we moved on to Pulo Chermin and Areng,* to examine the coal, and ascertain how far it could be worked at the surface without going to the expense of unwatering the beds. Either by the misinterpretation of former visitors, or too great a desire to set forth the riches of this part of Borneo, these strips of coal have been much over-rated. I was informed, that by great exertion, the Honourable East India Company's steamer ' Diana ' obtained two tons from Pulo Chermin for trial. On my arrival I was promised thirty tons for H.M.S. ' Vixen ', in which vessel I proposed to test its quality, having in some measure detained her to accompany me for this express purpose ; with all our exertion, however, not more than thirty pounds of good coal could be collected, without clearing away to a depth of six feet, rubble, below high- water mark, and all the native labourers that could be collected would not have procured one day's consumption for that vessel in less than a week. This coal, although of good quahty in the small strips in which it occurs, is merely an indi cation of what may be found underlying, and that cannot be worked (if prudent to do so) without the assistance of pumps or steam machinery. The cost of procuring it from the natives, which I imagine would be from sources of which we are at present ignorant, (probably up the river near the city) would be near thirty-four dollars per ton, * The Malay name for coal. 1843] PART WITH MR. BROOKE. 61 even for surface rubble long exposed to the sun, and the authorities have imbibed such a notion of its value and importance, that the first price paid (even for trial) would be assumed as its future standard. Under these circum stances we merely employed our crew to collect specimens of the coal with its attendant strata of sandstone, &c, from the Islands of Chermin and Areng, and returned to our vessel. As the small-pox was now raging at Borneo, any further delay in the neighbourhood would have been not only dangerous, but impolitic, on account of the quaran tine to which we should have been subjected on our arri val at Manila ; we were detained, however, a short time to cut fire-wood sufficient to enable us to pursue our voyage with the 'Vixen ', having been greatly disappointed in our expectations of procuring a supply of coal. The services of the ' Harlequin ' being no longer re quired, that vessel was directed to land Mr. Brooke at Sarawak, and proceed with the despatches to Singapore, and on the 4th of Sept. after experiencing the great value of Mr. Brooke's services in our present expedition, as well as in the co-operation of my good friend Capt. Hastings, we parted for our different destinations. Before taking leave of Borneo, I must be permitted to repeat my acknowledgement of the public as well as private obligations we were under to our worthy and hospitable friend Mr. Brooke. From the moment our disaster became known to him, his Yacht, stores, house, and table, were pressed upon us, and during the tedious and harrassing interval which occurred, between the time of our immersion and the departure of the ' Sama- 62 ARRIVAL AT HONG-KONG. [1843 rang ' from Sarawak, his kindness and attention to every individual under my command was most unremitting. On the 4th of Sept. the ' Samarang ', towed by the 'Vixen', left Borneo Proper, but at noon on the 5th, having cast off our tow-line, being then barely in sight of Labuan, ' Vixen ' signalled five fathoms, and for one hour both vessels were picking their way, steering to avoid the rocks, clearly visible beneath us, and in one or two in stances finding as little as three fathoms. Having cleared these dangers, we shaped our course through the Palawan Channel, and arrived without further incident in the neighbourhood of Manila on the 9th, when, in pursuance of the instructions from the Admiral, the ' Vixen ' was despatched into that port in order to obtain stores for the squadron, as well as coal sufficient to enable her to reach Hong-Kong. Passing the Lema Islands, the ' Samarang ' entered that port on the 14th ; here we found the Corn- wallis, Capt. P. Richards, bearing the flag of Sir S. W. Parker, G.C.B; ' Agincourt ', Capt. Bruce, flag of Sir T. Cockrane ; ' Castor ', Capt. Graham. Steps were im mediately taken by the Admiral to make good our de fects and complete us for sea, and as the report of the ' Samarang's ' recovery from her disaster in the Sarawak River was deemed by him to be satisfactory, the custo mary inquiry by Court Martial was dispensed with, and a memorandum was communicated to the captain and crew, thanking them for their conduct on the occasion. On the 28th of October, the Admiral visited Macao, in H.M. S. ' Spiteful', followed by the ' Samarang' on the 30th, in order to obtain the meridian distance from that spot. The improvements made at Hong-Kong since our first 1843] IMPROVED CONDITION. 63 visit to that station are almost incredible. We landed from the ' Sulphur ' to take possession of this island, and commenced the operations of the survey in March 1841. At that period, its northern face was blank, the site of the town was not even fixed upon ; now, after a period of little more than two years, an imposing city, still in the course of extension, occupies a frontage, of above a mile in extent, and the buildings, erected and habitable, are of the first order, both as regards comfort and mag nificence. The sickness so much dreaded, and which seemed at one period almost to paralyse advancement, has ceased, and the busy hum of the artificer, as well as of active commerce, has succeeded to the barren and gloomy solitude which had reigned previously. All this sudden advancement, and in the vicinity of a country which is ac counted to be among the earliest civilized regions of the earth, was the work of a handful of British adventurers, and unaided by any great comparative outlay on the part of their Government ; well may they be styled the ' Mer chant Princes of the land.' The following remarks on this New Settlement of ours are by Mr. Adams : — " Hong-Kong has been said to be void of interest in living forms, and some have declared that its vallies have the silence of the grave ; but in looking towards the Bay a dense mass of Tanka boats is seen, which, with other Chinese crafts, added to the crowded shipping of every nation, afford proofs of the most active state of com merce and civilization. Turning to the land, the patient and labourious Chinese may be seen toiling at their daily avocations, children gamboling in the roads, Sepoys, 64 PHYSICAL AND NATURAL OBJECTS. [1843 Bengalese and European soldiers, in their varied and gaudy dresses, and here and there some tiny-footed damsel, toddling awkardly along, followed by her swarthy page, or elderly Duenna, bearing a huge umbrella. In our rambles over the mountains the steep ascent is cheered at every step by some scarce plant or sparkling insect. Showy Orchideous and Composite flowering-plants, huge Carices, and singular Graminea, uprear their fragile forms, and, on every side, the Ferns, Grasses, and Lichens, are particularly beautiful, though of small dimensions. Huge Grylli spring up from among the brushwood, and Cater pillars spin odd-shaped cocoons among the stunted trees ; Ants are busy in their granaries and citadels, Lizards glide among the prickly Aloe leaves and painted Butterflies spread their gorgeous wings on every barren spot. The fish-market of Victoria, when the boats that swarm among the islands have just discharged their cargoes, offers a rich ichthyological treat to the naturalist. Bril liant Mullet, fresh, and leaping on the boards, strange looking Balistes, in their coats-of-mail, curiously formed Pleuronectes of various shapes, and marked with red, brown, and grey ; enormous Perch, with glittering sil very scales, hugh mis-shapen Skates, and the fins of mon strous Sharks; gigantic Eels, and Chsetodons, with bright-banded sides; Gudgeons, and Sturgeons, Rays and Diodons, and the snake-like Gymnothorax, with its pointed mouth and elongated jaws ; while numerous tubs are placed around filled with living fish, including Pali- nuri red and green, and Crabs of the most fantastic forms ; Frogs tied up in animated bundles may also be seen in prodigious numbers." 65 CHAPTER III. BASHEE AND MEIA-CO-SHIMAH ISLANDS. Macao — General features — Camoens' Cave — Sail for the Bashee Group of Islands — Batan — Natural History and Eesources of that island — Visit the Meia-co-shimah Group — Arrive at Pa-tchung-san — Eeception by the Mandarins — Exploring Excursion — Interesting co-operation of the Natives — Integrity, kindness of disposition, and general habits — Laborious mode of dressing the hair — Clean liness and domestic comfort — Temples and Groves for worship — Oblations — Mode of sepulture — Want of mechanical skill — Success in agriculture — Chiefs entertained on board the ' Samarang' — Port Haddington — Ty-pin-san Group — Mr. Adams' account of the MeiVcO-shimahs — Eeturn to Hong-Kong — Sail for Manila — Cour tesy of the General Alcade — Scenery and general features — Pass the islands of Cabras, Luban, and Panagatan — Arrive at Mindanao — Anchor off the town of Samboanga — Cordial reception from the Governor, Colonel Pigueroa — False alarm — Shooting excursion into the interior — Departure for the Island of Sooloo. We now steered our course for Macao, where I had the pleasure of meeting, at the table of Mr. Alex. Matheson, Rear Admiral Cecil, commanding the French Squadron in these seas, as well as Captain Roy, formerly of the Madagascar Frigate, wrecked on the Bombay shoal, off the coast of Palawan, in 1840, and with whom I became 66 macao. [1843 acquainted on my first visit to Singapore in the ' Sulphur'; the latter had now arrived in the ' Cleopatra ', and after exchanging frigates with Admiral Cecil, would return to France. " Both Hong-Kong ", says Mr. Adams, " and Singa pore offer great variety of costume to the notice of the traveller, but no place in the course of our wanderings, amused me so much as the strange and populous city of Macao ; particularly on account of the endless succession of oriental figures that are there continually passing before the eye. For example, the intelligent Parsee with high-crowned cap and snowy robes, contrasts with the sable garments and odd-shaped hat of the demure and sanctified Catholic Priest ; the swarthy son of Portugal, with haughty step, and dark flashing eye, with the Brah min, mild, observant, and serene ; the wealthy British Merchant, with the influential Mandarin ; the respectable monied Armenian, in his picturesque and splendid dress, with the French officer and English sailor ; while Portu guese damsels, gliding along to mass, with lustrous expressive eyes, and drapery thrown gracefully over the head and shoulders, complete the attractive picture. In every quarter of the city, swarms of narrowed-eyed Chinese, cute, cunning, and industrious, eager to barter, greedy for gain, are importunate, impudent, but always good- natured. Some of these worthies, may be seen sitting in groups, in the middle of the squares, quietly pursuing their various occupations. Here may be seen the grave empiric, busily engaged in gently beating or tapping the head or breast of a patient, afflicted perhaps with some grievous malady ; and there, you will notice the operations 1843] camoens' cave. 67 of the barber, who removes the wiskers, and shaves the head, the ears, the nostrils, and even the eyelids. "Passing through Macao, I visited Camoens' Cave, the burial place of the immortal Portuguese poet, author of the 'Lusiad'. It is situated in a beautiful garden, belonging to Madame Pereira, not very far from the city of Macao, and close to the European burial-ground. The so-called cave is a rude, picturesque archway, formed of two enormous blocks of stone, with another large rock placed upon them, and elegantly shaded with splendid showy trees, which wave their feathery branches over the entire mass — fit resting place for a poet's "mortal coil". On the summit of the roof-block, they have placed a small hexagonal summer-house, chiefly remarkable for the ridiculous number of silly signatures of unknown visitors, who ignorantly deface and mar whatever is curious, hallowed, or beautiful. Most of these debasing autographs are English ; the only one, worth noticing, was by some inspired Portuguese, who had written, in the devotion of his heart, " Luis Camoens te adoro ! " a sentence, however trite, singular for its affecting simpli city. In the solitude and retirement of this garden, and in the midst of the rocks that now form his grave, the immortal minstrel is said to have delighted to wander, and "chew the cud of sweet and bitter* fancy". The verses, with the composition of which his tender soul beguiled the tedium of his lengthened banishment, now serve to decorate the marble of his tomb. The poet's bust surmounts the pedestal, and shows a head, at once benevolent and animated. Many a pilgrimage is made to this hallowed spot, and the effective scenery of the f 2 68 SAIL FOR THE BASHEE GROUP. [-1843 ornamental gardens that surround his tomb, tends mate rially to increase the soothing influence of the feelings that arise when visions of the past, and the dreamy fancies of a poet's life, crowd around. • A good effect is wrought upon the man who breathes a genuine sigh in memory of the great, Whether the object of bis regret has poured forth the melody of his nature in streams of living verse, or has given to his country laws, or liberty, art or science." Our observations at Macao being complete, and having finally taken leave of our Commander-in-Chief, Sir W. Parker, now about to quit this station, we took our de parture on the 2nd of November, with the intention of making the shortest passage to the Meia-co-shimah group of the charts, against the S.W. monsoon ; fully aware that this would prove a most unpleasant service, and that great caution would be necessary in carrying canvas, in order to preserve the efficiency of our Chronometers, so that the operations depending upon them should not be entirely frustrated. After a tedious beat along the coast of China, in order to clear the Lema islands, we stretched off easterly, and on the 11th of November sighted Sabtan, one of the Bashee or Batanes group ; all these islands are termed 'Bashees' on the existing charts. On the morning follow ing, we beat up between Ibugos and Sabtan, and an chored in fifteen fathoms. During the time employed in beating up, several canoes came towards us, and often sufficiently near to communicate, but as often a sudden panic seemed to inspire them, and they betook themselves to the island of Sabtan. On anchoring I landed imme- 1843] ISLAND OF BATAN. 69 diately at Ibugos, on what is termed " Bashee Island " of the charts, and succeeded in obtaining sufficient data for securing its position. As strong gales prevailed out side, we then commenced the survey of the immediate neighbourhood, and had completed the western sides of these islands, when a letter from the Alcade and Commandant at San Domingo, induced me to shift my position to that bay, in the Island of Batan. On reaching the bay of San Domingo, I found the Spanish colours flying ; the remains of two forts ; and was shortly waited on by the Alferez or Ensign, and Corporal of the guard, in their proper costume, with many apologies for the non-appearance of the Captain or Alcade Mayor. On my visit to the Casa Real I was received with much warmth by the Alcade, and offered every facility in sup plies of bullocks, vegetables, &c. ; every demonstration of assistance was also personally afforded by the Alcade, Padres, and natives, with a view to forward our opera tions. Having remained a few days at San Domingo, I moved the ship to the bay of San Vicente on the western side of Batan, completing the survey of these four islands, as well as securing several points on Ibayat and Round Island, to the northward, in anticipation of their completion at a future period. The bay, or barely anchorage, of San Vicente, erro neously termed Ivana in the chart, is merely the landing- place for the Pueblo of Ivana, which is situated on the S.W. angle of the island, and about one mile from San Vicente, where only a few huts remain. The group of Batanes subject to this Alcade consists 70 THE CAS A REAL. [1843 of the following, commencing at the northernmost, or north Bashee of the charts — Siayan, Mabudis, Ibayat (orange Id.); Diogo (high Id.); Dequey (Goat Id.); Ibugos (Bashee Id.); Subtan, or Seminanga, Batanes, Calayan, and Babuyan, and the rock Crista Gallo, of the Babuyanes group, frequently visible in moderate weather. The Alcade resides at San Do mingo, Batanes, supported by a military force, consisting of an Alferez or Ensign, Serjeant, Corporal, and twenty- seven Privates. The Casa Real, or residence of the Alcade in San Do mingo, is situated in Latitude 20° 27' 26" N. Longitude 121° 57' 0" E. Variation 0° 23' 0" W. The Island of Batan has three convents, with Padres; one at each of the three principal Pueblos, viz : San Mi guel, on the N.W. extreme bay, San Carlos in the centre, and Ivana, on the south-west ; the present principal re sides at Ivana. The natives, who are a cheerful and remarkably well- built race, much resembhng the Dyaks, do not generally understand Spanish, but speak a language resembhng Ilocos, or that of the province of Cayagan, on the northern part of Luzon, but peculiar to this group ; even the Alcade is compelled to refer to the assistance of the Padre in his communication with them. Both men, as well as women, are well featured, with remarkably agreeable counte nances; but mistaking us for freebooters on our first arrival, were not easily induced to approach. The Islands of Batan and Sabtan are mountainous, 1843] BASHEE LIQUOR. 71 with many broad cultivated spots ; the highest peak, ap parently an old volcano, is about 5,000 feet above the level of the sea, thickly covered with trees; the for mer is, however, the richer in soil, and produces abun dantly yams, sweet potatoes and its varieties, maize, onions, garlic, rice, grain, &c. ; indeed the only want appears to be variety of seed. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and poultry are abundant; deer are found on Sabtan and Ibugos, as well as quail on all of the islands. Wood is reasonable and plentiful, as well as water ; but this latter necessary is difficult to procure, as the rivers are barred by reefs, which prevent boats from approaching or rafting off in sufficient quantities for ships of war ; this, however, would soon be remedied if the visits of vessels rendered it advantageous, and I have already im pressed on the authorities the necessity of some arrange ment to meet this most important desideratum. Speaking of this group of islands Mr. Adams observes : "The Bashee or Bachi Islands, were so called by Dampier, from the name of an intoxicating liquor, which is much drank there.* This Bashee is a thick yellow fluid, of a subacid taste, between that of cyder and toddy, and is not very potent in its effects. " The Indians inhabiting these islands are most pro bably an old branch of some Malay colony, from Luconia. They retain the practise of masticating the areca nut, and betel leaf, though the lower orders do not smear the latter with lime, like the Malay, or add gambier, like the Chinese. They are moreover passionately fond of tobacco. * Millet-Mureau in ' Perouse's Voyage ' p. 483. 72 VEGETATION AND SCENERY. [1843 Their ordinary dress is a cloth about the waist, and a perineal band hke that of the Dyaks of Borneo. They have pleasing features, and are by no means similar in disposition to the indolent and vindictive races of Malasia. Their houses are rudely built of grass and canes, and display but little taste or comfort in the internal decoration. In their villages, the sheds for the goat and pig, are hardly to be distinguished from the dwellings they use themselves. They clear the ground by firing the grass ; eradicating the stubble afterwards with wooden pegs. " In Batan, there is some very beautiful scenery, more especially in the interior of the island. The mountain peaks are verdant to their summits, and in the gullies that groove the hills, run numerous water-courses. The fertile glens are rich with varied stores of useful vege tables, mingled with wild flowers. Patches of highly cultivated ground planted with yams, batatas, and sugar cane, interspersed with groves of plantains, bread-fruit, and cocoa-nuts, extend in every direction; and on the naked acclivities of some hill-sides clusters of Or- chideous plants, and wild raspberries are met with in abundance. " Add to this, dense grassy brakes, where the Landrail hides ; sunny glades where ' The butterfly is basking in the paths, His radiant wings unfolded'; green shady thickets, where beautiful Snails* are feeding * Helix speciosa, Jay, and three varieties of a species believed to be new. 1843] DEER-HUNT AT IBUGOS. 73 on the lily leaves ; quiet pools, where the white Heron sits disconsolate on a stone ; and marshy swamps, where the long-billed Snipe is busily engaged probing the yield ing soil for worms. " At Ibugos, an excursion was planned to hunt deer ; we started at daylight, with fourteen marines, intending to beat the ground regularly from one end of the island to the other. Deer, of small size, were numerous, but somewhat shy, and difficult to follow on account of the long rank grass. Troops of wild cattle were also seen grazing in various parts of the island ; our leader, Lieu tenant Heard, succeeded in procuring a buck, which was not secured until after considerable resistance." Having received much civility from the Alcade and Padres, we quitted Batan on the 27th of November, under a promise to return, and with a fair breeze from S.W. started afresh for the Meia-co-shimahs. On this northerly course we gradually fell off to N.N.E., but found we had made the Island of Samasana instead of Botel Tobago ; we then worked along the eastern side of Formosa, and stretched off for the Meia-co-shimah group. On the 30th of November we sighted Hummock and Sand Islands, and passing close under the "southern reefs of the latter, stood on in the hope of reaching Ty-pin-san, or at least of sighting Ykima of the charts ; but not finding it in the position assigned, and bad weather preventing our getting to windward, I made up my mind to seek the nearest shelter, and commence operations., We then succeeded in reaching the S.W. angle of Pa-tchung-san of the natives, where nothing but reefs presented them selves. The customary good fortune of Exploring Ves- 74 MEIA-CO-SHIMAH GROUP. [1843 sels, however, attended us, and we soon discovered a gap in the reef into which the ' Samarang ' was warped, and before sunset, securely moored ; although with not more than room to swing. Vessels should not venture near these islands after dark, until their dangers have been more closely examined, and charts published. From the western limit of Hummock Island to the eastern range of the Ty-pin-san breakers, the space is dangerous. Independent of the many reefs which connect the islands, the constant strong winds, with haze and rain during the N.E. monsoon, render the approach at that season very hazardous except on a clear day. On the morning after our arrival I landed, accompanied by our Chinese Interpreter, Aseng, formerly a boy of Mr. Morrison's, who both spoke and wrote the court language, and was met by one of the Mandarins and his attendants, at a hut hastily constructed on the beach. All were evidently alarmed, but after a short conference with our Interpreter (by written communication in the Chinese court dialect), the object of our visit was soon understood, and confidence established. In a short time I succeeded in effecting an arrangement permitting four Officers and myself to survey the Islands, by land ; un dertaking upon my part to prohibit any of our crewirom entering their villages, or penetrating into the interior, and that their operations should be strictly confined to the sea limits. On the 6th of December, attended by Lieut. Baugh, Messrs. Richards, M'cDougal, Adams, Assistant Surgeon, and the Chinese Interpreter, we commenced our exami nation of the territory of Pa-tchung-san. The official QITAND - TUND - TSZE (C]ics lev field ) JVaUvc of Ta -tckwng-stm Arthur Adams - ie\ a "by SoBva 3rulK«ra 1843] EXCURSION AT PA-TCHUNG-SAN. 75 interpreter of the island and several minor officers, attended by numerous coolies, swelled our party to at least fifty persons. A little spice of independence, or rather desire to inconvenience the inhabitants as little as possible, induced us to commence our adventure as pedestrians, but the second and following days found us mounted on small sturdy ponies. At sunset the first evening we advanced about five miles, and took up our quarters for the night in a Joss House, or religious temple, which had been prepared for us ; our companions, or rather conductor, on this excursion, having begun by this time to enter into the spirit of our operations, and ' understand our wishes. The Chief or Interpreter, Kien Anchee, a red-capped Mandarin from Loo-Choo, proved to be a very intelligent, polished, as well as energetic character, and certainly exerted himself in every way not only to facilitate our movements, but also to secure our comfort. He was seconded by another, Shanghai, who from the knowledge he exhibited of the hydrographic features of the islands, and his constant exertions in for warding my surveying duties, received the appellation of Beaufort; others obtained names adapted according to their manifestations of ability, not omitting, however, " Chesterfield ", the secretary to the Embassy. The moment we were housed, the conducting authority, Kien Anchee, despatched letters, as well as written orders, to the surrounding outposts, to report, as we conceived, that all was safe. During our examination of Pa-tchung- san, which occupied us twenty-one days, the routine ob served daily was similar; we generally mounted our horses after breakfast, or about 8 a.m., and by sunset 76 MEIA-CO-SHIMAH PEOPLE. [1843 had reached some station to dine and sleep, prepared in readiness for us ; and upon our expressing a wish to send to the ship, a swift messenger was instantly despatched, and returned with wonderful celerity, considering that he was not unfrequently commissioned to bring bottles or other articles requiring to be conveyed with care. The natives, or persons inhabiting the Meia-co-shimahs, may be divided into three or more classes : — first, the Mandarins, who understand the Chinese written charac ters, and have either been educated at Loo-Choo, or sent from thence charged with authority ; secondly, those who are, probably, the first-class natives of these islands, enjoying the second rank, and who appear to have received some education, inasmuch as they write the Loo-Choo characters, and in some instances understand Chinese; thirdly, those who possess sufficient property to entitle them to separate themselves from the working classes or slaves ; of which class I assume the coolies to be. In the Pa-tchung-san group we were given to under stand that they had five yellow- and one red-capped Man darins, deputed from Tah-Lieu-Quiew, or great Lew- Kew, who remain about five or more years; but at Ty-pin-san they appeared to be in greater proportion. The two western islands of Pa-tchung-san and Koo- kien-san, including the adjoining low islets, appear to be under the government of a superior Mandarin, with five of similar rank, as a council ; these are aided by numerous chiefs, or men of property having the control over the lower castes of labourers, &c, of which the bulk of the population consists, confined to quadrangular hamlets as if they either feared aggression or considered I Bfl\' of' Pa -toil it it a -.?(ttt Ar^iir Aims, del atone V Reeve Br< 1843] HABITS AND MANNERS. 77 it necessary to keep them within command, a disposition sufficiently obvious in a penal settlement. The upper classes are readily distinguished by their deportment, the superior texture of their dress, their attention to the hair, as well as by a more intellectual expression of counte nance, with a very urbane and polished manner. Occa sionally one can detect amongst the lower castes the elon gated and peculiar eye of the Chinese, leading to the probability of some admixture of that race rather than one of Korean or Tartar origin. The same observations apply equally to the people of Ty-pin-san, although on that island we found a much larger population for its extent of cultivation, and a greater number of Mandarins; there were also traces of warlike habits, such as the pos session of a battery, and less restriction upon the inter change of goods. The people of these Islands are not only independent of each other, but either pretend to be, in great measure, ignorant of the other's affairs ; and it was not without some pressing that I persuaded the chief of Pa-tchung- san to communicate to the authorities of Ty-pin-san the nature of my visit, and our peaceable observance of their habits and customs. As far as we had opportunities of noticing (and we lived in contact, although not amongst them, for six weeks), their moral excellence was conspi cuous, and formed an agreeable contrast with the piratical disposition of the Malays ; crime seemed indeed to be a thing of rare occurrence among them. They might have been frequently tempted to rob us of articles valuable to them, though of insignificant value to us ; but whenever such happened to be thrown away, or left behind by us, 78 MORAL INTEGRITY AND DISPOSITION. [1843 they were brought in with unusual ceremony and much apparent concern on the part of the chief; on one or two occasions when by some negligence, parts of our instru ments were mislaid, even upon the summits of mountains, we did not fail to remark the distress of mind exhibited in their countenance, through their anxiety to restore them. Such manifestations of integrity prove that they have a sound perception of the principles of right and wrong ; even the coolies employed in transporting our effects were characterized by these remarkable traits, and in an insulated tract so far removed from the seat of civilization, it could not but excite the most agreeable reciprocity of feeling. In general manners I incline to think these islanders differ from their friends of the Loo-Choo district, being much more resolute and active, and not unsparing even in their methods of coercion, substituting often the bam boo for the fan. This rendered them in my opinion far more interesting than their monotonous neighbours, the Loo-Chooans ; they exhibited a greater disposition to be friendly, and many excited a degree of attachment that was not broken at parting, nor, as far as the eye witnesseth, without emotion. I cannot leave this remote people without testifying still further to their amiability of disposition one towards the other ; they seldom quarrel, or even betray feelings of resentment, the use of fire-arms or of any offensive weapon is unknown among them. All crimes of any enormity are submitted to trial at Loo-Choo, and we were given to understand, as well as our interpreter could explain it, that the culprits were sent in the monsoon junks to be 1843] SEVERITY OF THEIR LAWS. 79 tried, and if guilty executed at Loo-Choo, but that death was not inflicted by their own authority at the islands ; all bad characters were sent to labour at the off-lying low islands, where produce is probably scarce, labour heavier, and water difficult to obtain. Their laws must however be stringent, as the most abject p"ermission and endurance of punishment, though we saw nothing beyond that inflicted by a stroke of bamboo, appeared to be submitted to cheerfully, and to have a powerful effect on the bystanders. That their decisions in special cases extend to the penalty of death, we had evidence, in the case of two parties found guilty of adultery, whose skeletons in the same coffin were shown to us ; the law awarding in such case the horrible impalement of both the offending parties together, by a stake passed between the two lower ribs. From the information obtained by our Chinese inter preter, who was admitted into some of the private dwel ling houses, as well as from our own observations, in the houses vacated for our habitation, it appeared that the women of the better classes occupy an apartment distinct from the ordinary sitting room of the family ; that they wear the ' eschaw ', or robe, and the oosisashee, already described, the hair being loosely secured in a larger knot, without the head being shaved, as in the male portion of the community ; and that their feet are permitted to enjoy their natural freedom of growth, subject only to the slip per and stocking, made after the fashion of the Chinese. I had an opportunity of noticing one dressed female arranging her house, and a little girl, very neatly attired, brought by her papa to see the Barbarians ; both were 80 PECULIARITIES OF DRESS. [1843 pleasing, even pretty, but the females mostly seen during our tour of the island were of the lowest order, ill- looking, dirty, and bare-legged. Amongst the males the mode of dressing the hair, which is generally performed by a youthful valet, appears not only to engross much time, but also to require some dexterity to arrive at the pink of fashion ; after manipu lating with an oleaginous matter, their long black hair is worked up evenly on all sides towards the crown of the head, where the operator, confining it with one hand, continues to pass turns of silk band between the hand and head, straining every hair to its root, and apparently causing some little moisture to flow from the eyes ; it is then tied, and he proceeds to comb out the remainder, and, doubling it back over two fingers, expands the remainder of the tail over the ligature on the crown, and passing the kamesashee and oosesashee through the under part of the tied hair, confines the top-knot securely. It is an elaborate process, and exhibits a considerable degree of neatness and cleanliness. The moustache, as well as the hair on the chin, is suffered to grow to its natural length ; but all the hair and whisker to the tip of the chin is closely shaved. Throughout the Islands, the construction of their villages appeared to be nearly similar, the houses being arranged within the squares or parallelograms, intersected by narrow lanes or streets, bounded by stone walls. Each house appears to stand separate, with a neat and picturesque garden of shrubs and shady trees ; they are constructed of massive wooden frame-work, and slightly raised above the earth, having a very sharp-pitched 1843.] RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 81 thatched roof. The sides, as well as internal divisions, are of moveable sliding pannels, which can be opened at pleasure ; and the floors are covered with neat mats, of prescribed dimensions, formed of rice straw, generally of three inches in depth, each mat being intended to serve as a bed. Cleanliness was predominant throughout, and they invariably put off their shoes on entering their dwelling, to prevent anything being soiled. It was evi dent that amongst the better classes, or in the houses devoted to our occupation, very great attention was be stowed upon their domestic comforts ; in each of these we noticed, in the principal room, a species of family altar surmounted by the customary board, containing a representation of some favourite, but, to us, incompre hensible deity, as well as choice moral maxims ; nothing, however, was to be seen that could lay claim to the desig nation of furniture. Their Temples, or Groves for Worship, are generally situated in some thickly planted wood near the sea shore; no images were observed; a few tablets, with some moral maxims and the names of their favourite deities inscribed, and some jars, containing flowers or green leaves, formed the extent of their religious service. The place was held sacred, neatly swept, and had in variably a symbolic figure, approximating to one of the Chinese characters, as a gateway; on one occasion, it appeared at the head of one of the tablets. Regarding their mode of sepulture, they sometimes bury their dead in caverns hewn out of the sides of the rocks, in natural caves or holes near the sea, the apertures being carefully closed, in wooden coffins ; and, not un- 82 WANT OF MECHANICAL SKILL. [1843 frequently, in simple cerements only. The better classes erect stone tombs, surmounted by piles of loose stones, and, in one instance, at Pa-tchung-san, we noticed a very extensive plastered mausoleum. In most cases they appear to select the more picturesque and secluded spots, overshadowed by trees. Oblations, much in the style of the Chinese, particularly of flowers and water in the Clam shell, are offered at the tombs, for the solace and refreshment of the departed on their weary pilgrimage. In examining these tombs, or disturbing their contents, I was at first particularly cautious, but I soon found that they were not so sensitive on this point as the Chinese ; and as the elevations of their tombs offered, in many instances, good stations for surveying, I found that they did not hesitate an instant in making apertures to receive the marks, which, indeed, they generally erected for us. Of their mechanical abilities but very little can be adduced, indeed they appear to be far behind the most ignorant of the eastern islanders in this respect ; not withstanding they are known to be in possession of the customary Chinese tools, they do not exhibit, excepting in fitting their houses, any skill beyond that of providing shelter. They weave a very coarse kind of cloth for home purposes, with frame and shuttle, and manufacture very indifferent nets and fishing gear. They do not make the most of the advantages afforded by their proximity to the sea ; their canoes are of wretched construction, and, excepting a few stragglers occasionally noticed at low tides in quest of Mollusca, they never appeared to follow fishing as an occupation; sustaining themselves almost entirely by agricultural industry. 1843] AGRICULTURAL PURSUITS. 83 Their chief object of cultivation is the cotton-plant, although a considerable portion of arable or productive land is devoted to the Batata and large Radish; the low marshy grounds are principally arranged in Paddy fields, on which they expend much pains and labour; the Yam, Sugar-cane, and a kind of Wheat, are found amongst them, but not common. The soil is turned up by a plough of very simple construction, worked by a single bullock; and this, with hoes and trowels, sum up the amount of their agricultural implements, whilst the pestal and mortar are in ordinary use, for pounding rice. The sides of the mountains and uncultivated grounds are covered with a high rank weedy grass, serving as food for their black cattle, of which they have a tolerable abundance, and, like the people of Loo-Choo, were not disposed to part with them. They have a numerous race of rough but sure-footed ponies, which we found of great service, particularly in ascending the mountains. The people of these islands affected an ignorance of having at any period been visited by another nation, not withstanding we have decided proof of the wreck of the ' Providence ', Capt. Broughton, in the year 1796, upon the Island of Y-ki-ma, on the northern coast of Ty-pin-san, and of the assistance rendered by them in constructing a vessel in which they reached China. I closely questioned men of seventy years of age, but no recollection could be adduced, either of the wreck, or of the residence of the crew amongst them. One circumstance, however, is remarkable; notwithstanding their apparent ignorance of navigation, we found a stone on the most elevated g2 84 REMAINS OF A BATTERY. [1843. mount on Y-ki-ma, and near the spot where the disaster of the ' Providence ' must have occurred, having the points of the compass cut upon it. It was a column or pedestal of stone, on a mount used as a look-out, or lounging place for smoking; a similar stone was also noticed upon one of the highest islands of the northern coast of Koo-kien-san, elevated about 1,500 feet above the level of the sea ; in both cases the direction of the Mag netic Meridian, tested by theodolite, was found to be correct. We entertained the chiefs of both groups of islands on board the ' Samarang', and amused them on shore by the exhibition of the magic lanthorn ; it did not, however, create much surprise amongst them : at Pa-tchung-san the chiefs expressed a wish to see the guns fired, but even this did not elicit particular astonishment. They had probably occasion, at some distant period, to think of defence ; as at Ty-pin-san, near their largest town, I ob served walls which only required the presence of guns to constitute a battery, and was furnished with a loop-holed screen in front to serve the use of archers or matchlocks. These works might have been constructed either as a defence against ths Chinese or Ladrone pirates, which formerly infested these seas, or they may have furnished a stronghold to the pirates themselves. The houses in the immediate vicinity were also of stone, roofed with tiles, and the road for a considerable distance well paved ; but this was the only spot, on any of these islands, which exhibited any marks of strength. The inhabitants were not disposed to prevent our entry, but, on the con trary, offered the walled position, on which a staff and MUND IfcUwe/ of ?« - t<>ltun J.r ., iel tunoty f-.ee- e Brother 1844.] PORT HADDINGTON. 85 colours were exhibited, as our resting place for the night. The Islands of Pa-tchung-san and Koo-kien-san afford several commodious harbours, and are, with good charts, perfectly safe of approach. One, on the Kee-chee side of Pa-tchung-san, which we named Port Haddington, in compliment to the first Lord of the Admiralty, would shelter a large fleet, but it abounds with coral patches, rising suddenly from ten or fifteen fathoms almost to the surface. In clear weather, all those having as little as five fathoms over them, are clearly discernible, and of course easily avoided. Except on the northern side of Koo-kien-san and that just spoken of, watering would be found very difficult, as the reefs extend a great distance from the mouths of the streams, which are of frequent occurrence. I must except, however, Seymour Bay, on the S.W. angle of Koo-kien-san, where we spent the first of the year 1844. There a fine stream enters the sea in deep water, and a vessel might be moored suffi ciently close to lead the hoses from Hearle's pumps into her, without the intervention of boats and casks. ThePa-tchung-san group consists often distinct islands, of which five only are at all mountainous ; the remainder are flat, like the Coral islands of the Pacific, and similarly belted with reefs, such as in this instance connect the ten islands into a distinct group. Besides these, Hum mock Island, a high uninhabited mass of rocks, is near the coast, and to the W.N.W., the Island of Y-na-koo, with its lofty peak and table base, offering further in terest for an examination at some future day. Y-na-koo-is probably the Koumi of the old charts. 86 TY-PIN-SAN GROUP. [1844. On the 1 8th of January, 1 844, we quitted our anchorage in Port Haddington, and steered to pass to the northward of the two low coral islets situated off the N.E. extremity of Pa-tchung-san, but suddenly finding ourselves in seven fathoms water, with a heavy swell setting from the north ward, tacked and ran between them, upon recollecting that our friend, "the Hydrographer", had so advised. During the latter period of our examination of the northern extremity of Pa-tchung-san, we obtained sight of these islands, and upon getting angles to them from one of my positions, I had informed our intelligent friend alluded to, that I should call there on my passage towards Ty- pin-san. At that moment he was surrounded by many spies, and probably afraid of making any communication without the sanction of Kien- Anchee, he therefore watched for an opportunity the ensuing day, and motioning me to follow him behind the house whilst the others were deeply engaged, drew out these two islands upon the sandy walk with his staff, and with a motion full of meaning, formed a line between them to signify that such should be our course ; this done, he immediately defaced his outlines and pretended to be in search of something in the sand. We thought at a late period that the fact of his affording this, and other similar in* formation, had been discovered, as his spirits were less buoyant. These islands I suspect to be Ta-la-mah and Yer-rah-boo, names given by the natives of Ty-pin-san to islands reported to be visible from the summit of Koo-ree-mah, on that bearing. The Islands of the Ty-pin-san group are Ty-pin-san, Koo-ree-mah, Y-drah-boo, Y-ki-mah, and Oo-ga-mee. S HUNG - H0 0 Xti/tyr ff Tv-pnt -stilt. (Win I ft- Di-vm) Arthur Ailjin;. ,'lel. ,!,„ V,,l!0.Y,Hv„tlL. 1844.] MEIA-CO-SHIMAH PEOPLE. 87 The S.W. angle of Typinsan is situated in Lat. 24° 44' N. Long. 125° 14' E. var. 1° 23' W* The anchorage of Ty-pin-san is in a hollow, formed by the junction of Ty- pin-san and Koo-ree-mah reefs ; two other dangerous out lying reefs lie half a mile off the southern end of the latter island. The anchorage is rocky with sandy patches be tween, and is not secure in any season. Ty-pin-san should not be approached at all on its northern side, the reefs ex tending beyond the clear radius of vision from the summit of Y-ki-mah ; on the southern side, the reef extends about one mile from the land, and vessels, during northerly breezes, might lie to, under its lee until morning, the drain of current is southerly. As yet, safe anchorage has not been found in the vicinity of Ty-pin-san or its islets. " In describing the principal features which seem to mark the character of the people of this hitherto unknown, or rather unvisited group, termed Meia-co-shimahs by the authorities, it will be immediately apparent how very near they approximate, in general, to the inhabitants of Loo-Choo, so well detailed by M'c Leod and Basil Hall in the Voyages of H.M.S. 'Alceste' and 'Lyra'. Like those mild and inoffensive islanders, their physical appearance much resembles that of the Koreans and Japanese ; their dress also consists of a similar loose robe, of varied pattern, having large wide sleeves,* and which is secured about the waist by a long sash. Like them, also, they strain back their long black hair, which is secured in an elegant top-knot, through which they pass their ornamental hair pins, or kamesashee and oosisashee ; the former bearing an ornamental head evidently copied from * For corrected Latitudes and Longitudes vide Appendix. 88 YEARLY TRIBUTE. [1844. a small hexapetaloid flower, a species of Xyris noticed on their island ; the latter is a slender instrument with a spatulate extremity, serving various purposes, from ear- pick and nail-cleaner, -to even that of chop-stick. These ornaments are of gold or silver, according to the rank of the wearer. With the females, only the latter is worn, and instead of the narrow spatulate form, it resembles a long mustard spoon, with a slightly curved point. On state occasions the grandees wear red, yellow, or blue caps, of office, and in pursuance of the customs of the Chinese, their women are strictly secluded. The chiefs are sent from Loo-Choo, or as pronounced by them Tah-Lieu-Kieu or great Loo-Choo ; and we believe this to be a penal settlement from those islands. The yearly tribute payable to the Emperor of Loo-Choo, is forwarded by two junks quitting Pa-tchung-san and Ty-pin-san with the favourable monsoon, and return ing with a cargo of material for clothing, cooking utensils, crockery, tea, pipes, and other necessaries conducive to the happiness and comfort of these poor islanders. This tri bute is but of trifling value, and consists of Rice, Batatas or sweet Potatoe,and Tobacco ; and is probably received more as a mark of submission than for its intrinsic worth, as by their own estimate, the return cargo (the gift of Govern ment) far exceeds in value any thing which they could send. Although they pretend to be ignorant of the use of money, as a medium of interchange amongst the is lands, the chiefs are well aware of the value of the silver dollar. Their general disposition, however, is averse to receiving any thing as remuneration from strangers, and it was not without considerable difficulty that we even- 7>vAw TJw - A'fH/f ¦ St/llt/iv/tt /-ji/rti/tt't It' /t't//./tott-l ('ft/ft. llnnhllUJ A-ltcV.. i;iii<. 1844.J APATHY OF DISPOSITION. 89 tually succeeded in pressing them to accept of cloth and flannel in return for the supplies with which they had liberally furnished us during our journey round the island. ' " It would be an easy task to designate this people as a set of tea-drinking old women, imbecile and apathetic ; void of energy and enterprise, living in contentment on a group of islands the value and facilities of which they are almost entirely ignorant, and of whose posi tion and resources they are unable to take advantage. But on contrasting them with the insidious, fawning, and deceitful Chinese ; or the savage and vindictive, blood thirsty Malays, I cannot but fancy their character amiable, and their condition one to be envied. "Their food is extremely simple, consisting chiefly of the Batata, Rice, and other vegetables, varied with the produce of the deep, including molluscous animals, such as the Cuttle Fish {Sepia), the large Clam {Tridacna gigas) and others. In their adaptation of the shells, which abound in this region, for various household and other uses, they display considerable ingenuity ; two in stances in particular excited my attention, and are worthy of notice. The first was in the use of a valve of the large Clam shell just spoken of, for the purpose of swinging the gates to their inclosures ; they place it under the heel of the the main post, in the middle of which it revolves upon its point with ease, and its upper end being confined to the standard by a neat ring or grommet of rattan, serves for the hinge ; it works very smoothly. The second instance was the construction of a tea-kettle out of the well-known Trumpet shell, Triton variegatus, the operculum forming 90 POLISHED MANNERS. [1844. the lid, the canal the spout, and a wooden hook, let in upon the principal of the letois for lifting stones, forms the handle. This rude vessel was adopted several times for our convenience, and answered its purpose admirably. They appear to indulge constantly in smoking tobacco, and seem as passionately fond of tea as their continental friends the Chinese ; that which they had in use was, however, of a wretched quahty, and afforded us the opportunity of gratifying them with some of a superior kind. Sweet wine was also found to be acceptable ; I believe it was given to their wives, for we never observed that they drank it, though I urged it upon them as a medicine. Of the mysteries of the healing art they appear to be profoundly ignorant, trusting almost, if not altogether, to nature, in the progress of their maladies. " They appear to be acquainted with the potter's art, as tiles of various shapes and sizes were observed about their villages ; and in the moulding of their large water- jars and cooking utensils, they evidently evince consi derable ingenuity. Some of their vessels, used for con taining their ' saki ' or Sam-shoo, assume even a classic elegance of form, as represented in the accompanying figure. " Exclusive of the Mandarins, there would appear to be two distinct castes in the island, the one being rich, intelligent, and altogether superior to the people they govern and control, which is expressed by the more intellectual expression of their features, their more erect bearing, and urbane afid polished manners. Their mode of salutation is graceful in the extreme, consisting of a low bending of the body and inclination of the head. Bridle Tcv - tc7uaig - scuv Wooden Stirrup Mem co-sjttniot 1844.] SCENE AT TY-PIN-SAN. 91 This better class seem to be held in great respect by the inferior, who are ill-clad, and of a flatter cast of features, their physiognomy more resembhng the lower orders of the Chinese, while the former assimilate rather to the Mantchouan Tartars. " I remember, on one occasion, being much amused at our reception by a large assemblage of the natives of Ty-pin-san ; as we approached their village, three Man darins received us standing, and, bowing low, prevailed on us to be seated on their mats, offering us at the same time their pipes, with hospitable empressement. Many hundreds of the natives then crowded on the hills over looking their large and populous village, all stationary and solemn, with eager curiosity depicted in their fea tures. As soon as our magic tripod was erected, and the mysterious theodolite removed from its case, the impatience of the crowd was with difficulty restrained ; such, however, is the in-born sense of good-breeding of these poor people, that they did not press and jostle each other, much less incommode the surveyors, but, on the contrary, formed a large semi-circle around us, those nearer sitting or kneeling down, and others in the back ground standingin regular rows. Our horses were carefully attended to, and small pages held umbrellas over our heads to screen us from the sun. The observations having been completed, we remounted and proceeded to the village, followed by the multitude all scampering in the same direction, and, wearing long robes or gowns, and being all bare-headed, the whole scene made a novel and some what ludicrous impression. "Perhaps the following short sketches of character 92 SKETCHES OF CHARACTER. [1844. may serve, not only to amuse the reader, but also to give some idea of the amount of intellectual and moral energy to be found among these interesting islanders : — " There was an old man, a native of Pa-tchung-san, hale and active, of the name of ' Mung ', with a quick and piercing restless grey eye, a venerable beard depending to his breast, and moustachios to match, a man evidently of high authority amongst them, who was especially jealous of our movements ; if we strayed from the party it was he who spurred on his httle wiry horse in pursuit. He very soon earned for himself the appropriate soubri quet of " The Spy "; and yet the old fellow was fond of a joke, and would sing as he journeyed on his way, and excite you to a race across the sands. I have seen the old man, however, frequently assume a stern look and fierce demeanour, when the lower orders showed them selves refractory or insolent ; then his ire would get the better of his dignity, and, seizing a stick, he would be labour them unmercifully. ' Kien- Anchee ', a magnate of the highest rank, who accompanied us as guide and interpreter round Pa-tchung-san, ever showed himself a perfect gentleman and a most intelligent host, explaining everything in a clear and impressive manner, and evincing considerable knowledge and acumen. Open in his manner, he yet had an eye of speculative discernment, and a brow expressive of judgment and discrimination. Joyous in his temperament, he seemed to inspire all with cheerfulness and confidence, leading us on, in the most gratifying manner, from village to village in the circuit of the island. Possessed of a varied and extensive know ledge of the geography and topography of these islands, Grandee/ of Tr-pin -sa// Artkui Al,ms,lA. 1844.] THE 'beaufort' of the island. 93 his maps and sketches were of great use. ' Shang Hai\ sumamed the ' Beaufort ', on account of the interest he invariably took in our surveying operations, was a man about forty, with a fine, good-humoured, expressive coun tenance, and an exceedingly bright and anxious eye. Of an eager and somewhat sanguine temperament, he wanted the self-control and placid demeanour of his brother magnates. Impetuous in his motions, he per formed his multifarious functions with energy, giving his orders and seeing them obeyed in person; punishing, with his own arm, any infringement of civility, or any neglect of the comforts of the pale-skinned foreigners, and acting as a willing guide in every excursion. Inqui sitive and fond of our society, he passed much time in our company, acquired many words of our language, and proved himself a very usefnl and important sort of per sonage. In process of time he adopted also some of our vices, loved sweet wine, begged for sugar, and did not altogether eschew rum. Through his means, batatas, onions, fowls, radishes, and turnips were always forth coming edibles in our encampment; our horses were good, and our coolies obliging and civil. " The better classes are great writers, composing many long letters, and filling large scrolls of their Chinese paper with singular hieroglyphic, Japanese characters, a dialect of Japanese being the vernacular tongue of the islands. It is a highly interesting sight to witness a solemn conclave of these decent and respectable people, seated in a semi-circle on their mats, assembled together in anxious conference with grave and earnest faces, intent looks, and placid demeanour, with their small metal 94 DWELLINGS AND JOSS-HOUSES. [1844. pipes and huge clam shells for braziers and spittoons, debating among themselves some knotty point of interest or policy. "Their dwellings are surrounded with stone walls, moss-grown, or covered with creeping plants, and nume rous shady trees springing up from among the houses. These latter are of wood and cane, neatly thatched, and constructed with very considerable pretensions to domestic comfort. They are of one story, and the floors, a little elevated from the ground, are covered with well- made mats. We rested several nights in the temples of this people, for though suspicious of strangers and jea lously inclined on other points, they scrupled not to offer us even the sacred vessels of the shrine for vulgar uses, and seemed ignorant of such a crime as sacrilege. Our profanity, in using these Joss-Houses as dining rooms and dormitories, was entirely the result of their own free will and invitation. In every village, near the temple, are small stone mausolea, where the edicts of the Emperor they bow to are carefully consumed with fire, ' in order that the precious relics may not be desecrated by strewing the common ground. " The soil of these islands is arable, and troops of half- wild horses scamper over the grassy plains, whilstherds of large black oxen browse on the hill sides. They plough their Batata fields with a single ox, rudely and superficially, cultivate a few paddy fields, weave a kind of cloth with a frame and shuttle, and manufacture seines and other fishing gear. "The variety and beauty of the vegetation clothing the sides of the mountains of Pa-tchung-san, and its 1844.] PLACES OF SEPULTURE, 95 neighbour Koo-kien-san, is very striking. The hght glaucous foliage of a species of Spondias, mingled with the leaves of the Pandanus and broad fronds of the Palmyra Palm, varied with masses of the dark green Cycas, and here and there the feathery sprays of elegant Acacias, with large-flowered Hibisci, Convolvuli, Chmbing plants and Creepers, interspersed with broad patches of Norwegian Pines, rising from beds of tall grass and gigantic reeds, formed together a scene of singular bota nical interest. " For places of sepulture, they most frequently select the more picturesque and beautiful spots in the island, in sunny glades, or shady dells, or by the side of some tall tree. Often the tombs are single, but more frequently they are placed in groups. They are mostly long, low domes, surrounded by rude walls of old and moss-grown stones, arched over, and terminating in a loose pile ; in front there is a small recess, before which are placed two tiles or tablets to record the name and virtues of the deceased. Oblations, in the form of flowers and vessels of water, are offered at the tombs, and, among other curious items to assist the departed on their pilgrimage, I have even seen an old umbrella carefully deposited by the side of the grave. They likewise bury their dead in caves and caverns near the sea, conveying the body to the spot in covered hand-barrows; and, carefully closing up the entrance, they place the memorials of the dead man on tiles against the rock. " With reference to their modes of religious belief I am unable to offer anything of a satisfactory nature, but am of opinion that they are perfect idolaters. Their 96 IDOLATROUS PRACTICES. [1844. temples, in many instances, were adorned with moral maxims, and sometimes with an image of the god of China, and, on one occasion, I made a copy of a very gorgeous painting of some hideous deity, between a man and a bull. This ox-god of the Meia-co-shimahs cannot fail to bring to the recollection of many of my readers the celebrated Apis of the Egyptians, the most important of those deities which spring out of the fetish-worship, that so peculiarly distinguished the religious system of those remarkable people. The outline of this painting is gold, and the horns are yellow. Herodotus has recorded the existence of. a sacred heifer-mummy, cased in gold ; and the golden calf, which seduced the Israelites from their allegiance to the God of their fathers, is an off-shoot from the same superstition. " Of the diseases noticed, the most prominent were those arising chiefly from personal neglect. Of these, opthalmia, in rather a severe form, attacks the eyes, frequently producing total loss of vision ; many of them, moreover, are blear-eyed, from the tarsi being the part affected. From the same cause, exanthematous erup tions, particularly scabies, psoriasis, acne, impetigo, and lepra, attack their surface; whilst a species of large plague boil sometimes breaks out in the neck, groin, and axilla, leaving very troublespme ulcers. Elephan tiasis, in its several stages, is frequently developed. In the wintry months they suffer from influenza and catarrhal affections, and during the summer the small pox occasionally commits terrible ravages. Very few cases of malformation came under my notice, and still fewer of any congenital deformity of the limbs ; in one case o 1844.] LEAVE TY-PIN-SAN. 97 I performed the operation of dividing the hamstring tendons for contraction of the lower extremity, with a favourable result." On the 4th of February, much to our regret, we quitted Ty-pin-san, when it was satisfactory to notice that the people expressed themselves pleased with our visit and were equally anxious for our return ; our feelings were not, however, so much interested here as at the Pa-tchung-san group. It was my intention to have sighted Y-na-koo, and, if practicable, to have landed for the purpose of obtaining astronomical data for fixing its position ; for this object we revisited the northern coast line of Koo-kien-san, and procured sand from one of its bays. The morning was beautifully fine, but before noon we were visited by thick rainy weather, and com pelled to relinquish any further acquaintance, for the present, with these dangerous shores. Our course was now shaped for Batan, in order to re-connect the meri dians of both groups with Hong-Kong. On the morning of the 7th of February, 1844, we dropped anchor in the Bay of San Domingo, Batan, and were fortunate enough to secure our astronomical obser vations without delay. Our crew had been some time on short allowance of bread, and we now had an opportunity of indulging them with pigs and yams, galore, being cheap as well as excellent ; several fine bullocks were also killed and embarked, and a stock of vegetables laid in. The Batan islands produce everything needful, not only in abundance, but also of the finest quality. For the benefit of future visitors, I obtained from the Alcalde the H 98 VALUE OF STOCK AT BATAN. [1844. Mowing stipulated prices, at which supphes may be obtained, the dollar being valued at 4s. 4» fWMAW MISTRIiVT . H.M.S. SiMAHiBO. CaptSiiE.Bclrher.C.B. 1S45. iJfatvitiifi - — r^nfock' S'u/7t\ "' Kajrcaig Utong \Jteavi/t/iffow (\ '" uimir^Ivdt'''ja"^ Sa^ai Sketch Buluugau to Brunai . V^^X ftal'cUucai, 223 CHAPTER VII. EASTEBN COAST OE BOENEO. Eiver Bulungan — Ceremonial visit — Exchange of salutes — Inter view with the Sultan — Sagai tribes — Friendship of their Chief — Belease of the Lascars — Treaty with the Sultan of Bulungan — Quit Bulungan, and return to Gunung Taboor — Complete terms of friendly agreement with Sultan — Offer of the Island of Maratua — Quit the position off Premier Beef — Examine the Island of Maratua — Escape of ' Samarang ' from a most dan gerous extremity — Approach the Coast — Anchor to avoid danger — Beauty of Corallines observed beneath us — Enter the Beefs and find a safe anchorage within — Ligitan Group — Conflict of one of the boats with an Blanon Pirate — Prahu burned — Curious instru ment found on board her for capturing slaves — Arrival at Sooloo — Meet French Squadron — Exchange civilities with Mons. Lagrene and Admiral Cecile — Friendly relations with Sultan of Sooloo — February Magnetic Term-Day — Kindness of Datoo Danielle. After many difficulties, arising from groping our way through sand-banks, &o, we reached the mouth of the SSbanoon about nine, and anchored for the night. At dawn on the 3rd of January, 1845, we moved forward, the river wide and uninteresting, the banks being fringed with either Mangrove or Nipa. It is a curious fact, and one well worthy the attention of those who navigate these parts, that the deep water in all the rivers which we have visited in Borneo, is always to be found on that side where the Nipa palm abounds ; shoals being almost the constant attendant of the Mangrove. 224 THE RIVER BULUNGAN. [1845. Having advanced fifteen miles within this archipelago, we arrived at another branch of the Bulungan, called the Oomara, which is here open to the sea, and the water of which, still fresh, clearly proved that some very extensive river, or lake, must feed these numerous mouths of the Bulungan. Pursuing our coarse up the Oomara, about two in the afternoon we descried a canoe, and sent one of our fleetest boats with the interpreter to bring her to us. The people in the canoe were much alarmed, and dis posed to resist, but upon their recognising our inter preter Tuan Hadji, as a friend, they were soon upon good terms : they belonged, and were bound, to Curan, but having been several days absent from Bulungan, could not furnish us with any intelligence. Shortly after dark, however, fights were noticed on the river above us, and Tuan Hadji had now an opportunity of showing his address. Giving orders to his own people in the prahu to play a particular tune on the gongs and drums, &c, he advanced in the bow of my gig, singing a song or hymn,which,he observed, would soon be answered. He was successful, and not long afterwards we were visited by several canoes, in one of which was a principal chief, whom he requested to despatch a swift canoe to Bulun gan to desire them " not to be afraid, that we were on a friendly visit"; for we learned that they were much frightened, and were sending away their women and children and dismantling their houses, in fact, preparing for either war or retreat, and any panic might entirely frustrate the recovery of the Lascars. We anchored for the night, and at dawn moved for ward. The river now became more interesting, although , 1845.] THE SAGAI TRIBE. 225 not exhibiting the picturesque lake scenery of the Curan district ; large patches of cleared land, and the huts of the Sagai people {Idaan or Sagai of this region) were scattered along the banks, and many of the natives, now no longer influenced by fear, kept pace in their canoes abreast of our boats : in some cases, where they contained men of importance, and known to Tuan Hadji, who was now in my boat, they were permitted to come on board and chat with him. About 10 o'clock, some of the Sagai canoes, containing Chiefs dressed in the most fantastic manner, and standing, or slightly stooping, in their paddling action, began to thicken and form our escort; their curiosity being evidently much excited, whilst some of the principal betrayed great anxiety to get on board of our boats. This, however, could not be allowed, as our men were already sufficiently fatigued without being further impeded by the additional strain of towing their canoes. At noon we anchored to dine, and dress in white, and shortly after moved on for Bulungan. Some of my readers may smile at the idea of our dressing just at the moment that we might be expected to become engaged ; but such points of eti quette, coolly and formally carried out, serve to reduce a force into a proper condition of discipline; a well- dressed orderly body of men adds, moreover,* very mate rially to semblance of power, exhibiting a degree of cool ness and determination ; and further, without orders being issued, intimates to them, in terms generally understood, that action may be looked for. It will now be seen that I had not adopted these measures inconsiderately. We were shortly met by a canoe containing some of o. 226 VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER. [1845. the state officers, one of whom, the Laksimana, or Lord High Admiral, the brother, I believe, of the Sultan, came on board, and was very civil, until, on our reaching the lower end of the town, he imperiously ordered us " to anchor immediately." As I began to notice some httle confusion this was not attended to ; a dispatch boat then came off from the shore with a similar order, which we also disregarded. By this opportunity I sent a message to the Sultan, informing him " that as my visit was to him, I should anchor in the most convenient spot for that purpose." Considerable alarm prevailed, until ranging up within twenty yards of the muzzles of his guns, which had no protection of any kind, we dropped our anchors. These guns, about ten in number (two heavy iron ship guns, and the remainder brass Leilas *), were loosely mounted on the bank, and any attempt either to fire or re-load them, would have entailed death from our mus ketry. The Prime Minister, an Arab priest, a fine com manding person, about sixty years of age, came off to arrange about the salutes, which they would willingly have foregone, but having been informed by the envoy from the Sultan of Gunung Taboor, of the etiquette ob served there, their pride could not submit to less. It was arranged that they should, as a token of friendship, salute Her Majesty's flag with twenty-one guns, which should be duly returned from the boats. My reason for insisting upon the previous salute from them, was the doubt of their returning a similar number of guns, and * A Leila varies from a one to a twenty-four pounder ; they are longer in proportion than other guns, and are bell-mouthed. 1845.] RECEPTION BY THE SULTAN. 227 thus giving cause for further discussion, perhaps at the twentieth discharge. We now witnessed the absurdity of all this parade of their guns, not one of them was loaded ! and it was some time before they could collect their amunition, part of which was obtained from the Bugis merchants, residing at the extreme end of the town ; one reason, perhaps, for their wishing us to anchor off that position. They had, moreover, but one rammer, and having no cartridges made, were compelled to raise the guns in their arms at an elevation of thirty or forty degrees, to put the powder in. Of shot they had none; musketry none, but of sumpitans with poisoned arrows, with Sagais expert in their use, an abundance. It occupied exactly twenty-five minutes to fire twenty-one guns ; it was returned by one of our barges, without a failure of a tube, in two and a half minutes, followed by a congreve rocket, which lost itself at full range in the mountain opposite to the town ; very much to the astonishment of the Sagais, who natu rally enough termed the rocket a fire sumpitan, or as named by our Malay friends at Sarawak and Borneo, a sumpitan api. These ceremonies completed, we landed, and proceeded to the palace, but not attended with any of the state ob served at Gunung Taboor. The reception room here, which was in the palace of the Sultan, was, although large, and exhibiting more state in its trappings, dismal and dark ; it was furnished with an imposing throne, surrounded by steps, and hung with heavy crimson curtains, behind which we frequently detected the bright inquisitive eyes and white foreheads of the ladies of the court. Seats q 2 228 FRIENDSHIP ESTABLISHED. [1845. were prepared as at Gunung Taboor, upon the open area, one chest, covered with what might have been intended for a table-cover, of a yellow ground, with scarlet patterns, being devoted to myself and the Sultan, who received me with as much warmth as I judged to be in his constitution. He is a heavy, rather corpulent and indolent person, about fifty-five years of age, of mild demeanour, and exhibited his disposition to be on good terms by hooking our thumbs and holding them up in public, professing himself my firm friend. As this was a repetition of the scene at Gunung Taboor, I suspect it to be a state ceremony, implying to his sub jects friendly alliance ; I had no doubt of his being favourably disposed towards us, but whilst retaining my hand in his I detected a certain nervous trembling, which suggested to me that he had not the vigour requisite for command, and that my measures must be guided ac cordingly. Upon opening the business relative to the Lascars, this weakness, upon his part, was manifestly beginning to operate, and after urging the unexpected nature of my demand, he requested a few minutes deliberation with his chiefs before he could give a decided answer. He then observed, but evidently by dictation from a scowling chief near him whose tout ensemble was anything but prepos- ' sessing, " that some of the Lascars could be produced in two days, possibly less, but that the production of two who were three days' journey in the interior, could not be promised under a detention of less than six days." As I suspected some intention on the part of the ministers, to tire or elude our patience by this six days delay, and I ,1845.] RELEASE OF LASCARS SETTLED. 229 had fortunately still enough provision to last us for ten days longer, I was quite prepared for them, and very coolly told them " that having come thus far for these people, I determined to remain until they were all pro duced" ; I reminded them at the same time that my detention would entail on them the expense of supporting our men, and accompanied this intelligence with a hint, that Fowls, Bullocks, or wild Hogs would be esteemed useful for that purpose. This had a most decided effect, and produced an en gagement to deliver up ten of the Lascars in two days, and the remaining two in six days. These affairs being arranged, one of the houses overlooking the river, and vacated during this panic, was allotted to me, and the Sultan apparently much relieved, took leave with great empressement, promising to interest the Sagais in procuring us supplies of wild Hogs, which, as a Mahommedan, his own people could not interfere with. In his endeavours to explain his feelings he observed, " that our friendship was like his two fingers, joined together at the hand, that he was father, and myself his son." Provisions of all kinds we found ridiculously dear, and as our Gunung Taboor friends had not brought with them sufficient rice, we had to purchase it for them from the Bugis traders, at the rate of half a dollar per gallon. I had an excellent opportunity of looking narrowly into the character of this Sagai tribe. • They are a much finer and larger built race than the Dyaks of Sarawak, or the Kadyans or Dusuns of northern Borneo; their skin is fairer and softer, with eyes occasionally blue ; the hair is lighter, and in one particular individual whom I noticed 230 COSTUME OF THE SAGAIS. [1845. at Gunung Taboor, a fine athletic and jovial character, the blue eye, sandy hair and freckled complexion, reminded me much of our Scottish Highlanders. They are very fond of ornament, and in most cases seem to regard them as shielding some part of the frame from injury in battle, they are therefore useful as well as orna mental. Of these, the ear-rings occupy a prominent feature; they are large rings of white metal, apparently lead or tin, generally four through the lobe in each ear, being about an inch and a half in diameter, and about Aths in thickness. The upper part of the ear is also perforated, and a tiger's tooth passed through it, hangs down to cover the rings. They explained that by turning two rings up above the ear and toggling, or keying, it with the Tiger's tooth, it would resist the blow of a parang, and save loss of fife. The head-dress is usually composed of monkey skin, capped by a brazen ridge with about three inches side projections, forming altogether a picturesque helmet, surmounted by feathers of the Argus Pheasant, Toucan, or other birds. The fighting dress is composed of a quilted scarlet jacket occasionally trimmed with yellow tape. The loins are pro tected by a thickly matted tail-piece which corresponds to the skirts of a fashionable coat, and serve to protect that region from the arrows of the sumpitan ; add to this the shield, sumpitan, and parang, and you have, with the athletic form within, the Sagai or Idaan of this region, estimated to amount in number, on the banks of the Bulungan, to sixty thousand men. The parang of Eastern Borneo differs very materially from the kris ; it is very slender at the handle, which is ?«w.a«fliian; feH«m Tithn^^ Ot-a/iff Scu/fit Drak 1845.] SAGAI CHIEF. 231 formed of deer bone, and very neatly carved, the blade runs broad and thick at its point, to which, in giving a blow, it carries its whole weight, it is slightly hollowed on one side, and bevelled like a chisel on the opposite, by which it becomes useful in felling trees or obstacles in the way of advance, it seldom exceeds two feet in length. The scab bard, which is of red wood, is very tastefully carved, and has a small knife attached to it, similar to the Scottish knife and fork. With the chief of this tribe, an intelligent, although compact little fellow, very similar to our friend Meta, of the Serambo Dyaks, I established a friendship, which lasted during the whole period of our stay ; he frequented my house daily, apparently from no other motive than that arising out of a certain degree of attachment, as he did not appear either to desire or covet anything we possessed, whilst his anxiety to procure wild Hogs for our men, as 'well as Eowls for our mess, always afforded sufficient proof of his disinterestedness. On one occasion having to complain to him of a theft com mitted by some of his people, he exhibited great firmness on the subject, gave his orders, and those orders were effectual. I observed that our having witnessed any crime committed by his people pained him much; it depressed his spirits for the day ; he went home earlier that evening, and his return the day following was, on the other hand, as much delayed. It is by these traits that we can properly estimate the character of these peo ple ; they reminded me more of the original characters of Tahiti, on Cook's visit, where each man selected his Taio, or friend, and devoted himself to him. He gave me much interesting information relative to 232 OVERLAND MAIL. [1845. their communications with the interior, and even volun teered to convey a letter for me to the city of Brunai. I immediately caused one to be written by Tuan Hadji, assisted by our interpreter, and on presenting it to be forwarded, he asked for a piece of white cloth to put round the head of his messenger, informing me that it would reach the Rajah Muda Hassim, to whom it was directed, in ten days. Within was a note to Mr. Brooke, in English. I inquired if he would take me; his reply, with a very animated expression of counten ance, was, " yes, if you will put a white cloth round your head, I will do the same, and with this symbol of peace we can pass through all the tribes safely ; I will answer for your life with mine !" This post, he informed me, "can go from Gunung Taboor also, but. the Sultan of Gunung Taboor is not so friendly to the Sagais ; too much powder and guns for their habits." The more I saw of these interesting people about Borneo, the more am I inclined to coincide with Mr. Brooke, that they required but gentle treatment, and encouragement, to be come our most useful commercial allies. Here they could turn out the Bugis Malay race whenever they felt disposed, but the people of Bulungan are not war like ; their town is not stockaded, nor have they anything resembling a battery. Their guns, which in these countries are merely reckoned as plate with us, may be brought out upon state occasions for rejoicing, or perhaps as in our case, for defence, but otherwise they are con cealed in their houses. Their external commerce is so very trifling that they are frequently distressed for Rice, and of this we ourselves had proof; it is brought here 1845.] FRIENDLY DISPOSITION OF THE SAGAIS. 233 from Celebes and the Kotai river, by the Bugis traders who obtain the Sagai gold, said to be the purest in Borneo, in exchange. I observed that they pronounce the name of the Cott river as Kotai, and causing the Tuan Hadji, a well educated man, to write it, he articu lated it clearly, Ko-tai. All the available lands, which are very extensive below Bulungan, are under cultivation, but as the surrounding Sagais are frequently distressed, it bears out their assertion as to the immense population of this region. Wishing to test their disposition towards us, at the moment that we advanced on the town, I enquired of my Sagai friend " how would you have acted had our boats opened fire," he replied, very naively, " then, I would have resisted you, now, I know you, and your power, I perceive that it would have been very foolish. And now we know what the English are, none of my people will ever fight against them." This was followed by locking my forefinger energetically with his, and holding it up to illustrate the league of friend ship. It is not to be imagined that this scene occurred with a ferocious looking, heavy built, savage, " or wild man of the mountains," as the Idaan race are termed ; the actor in this ceremony was a light but strongly knit, beautifully modelled individual, about five feet seven in height, rather silent, with a mild speaking eye, exciting our admiration and good feelings more by his quiet win ning demeanour and cordial pressure of the hand, than by any declaration of attachment. We could only con verse with him, first through a Malay interpreter, and then through Tuan Hadji in the Sagai tongue ; still his eye might be detected following every word and gesture, and 234 SAGAI MAP OF THE COUNTRY. [1845. when the reply through our interpreter came to English, holding his hand up at times to signify that he under stood sufficient to perceive that his meaning was mis represented. His intelligence in explaining, by bits of grass and leaves, the route by which my letter would reach Borneo; up the river by canoe, up one side of the mountain, crossing the Idaan pass, through hostile tribes, &c, and down the other on foot, re-taking a tributary stream by canoe, and at last reach the main river of Brunai, was a masterpiece of savage ingenuity ; and when he saw it traced upon paper in accordance with his de scription, he was delighted with the transcript, asking for it, as well as for a supply of paper and pencils to make similar sketches. Nothing would have afforded me greater pleasure than to have undertaken this overland journey, had I been unshackled : but this was impossible. We had now penetrated further into the interior of Borneo, and under more friendly auspices, than any European who has been in this region, and the question often occurred to me, — what might have been the result of poor Murray's expedition, had he selected either the Pantai or Bulungan instead of the Kotai ? The trading advantages here are more important than upon any other part of Borneo, and at Bulungan, particularly, the Sagais, the richest of the Idaan tribes, are brought immediately into contact with the traders, instead of, that bar to every improvement in this country, the intervention of the Malay, or more wily Bugis of Celebes. The people of these two rivers are extremely anxious to induce Englishmen to settle amongst them, offering ground to build houses upon, gratuitously ; protection in 1845.J DELIVERY OF TEN LASCARS. 235 person, property, and freedom of religion, with the sole trade, and to secure cargoes for any vessels which I would send with papers bearing my seal. With respect to trading up this river, I am afraid that until the mouth of the Sabanoon is more closely examined, vessels drawing above ten feet would find difficulty in getting over the, bar, but once within any of the mouths, there is sufficient water for a frigate. It would be easy to transfer goods, by prahus, from hence to Gunung Taboor, where the principal trade would flow, and where we have proof that the ' Samarang ' could safely enter and depart, and by care, and lightening, could even be taken up to the city of Gunung Taboor. On the evening of the second day, ten Lascars were sent in, several ill, and very weak. It is almost needless to say that they were delighted at this unexpected release, but it grieved me much to learn that so much duplicity had been practised, and that they were all in the town, and neighbourhood, at the time of our arrival ; however, the Sultan appeared to be really pleased when he had it in his power to release them, and I believe that the cause of delay arose principally from the reason, that the Malay masters to whom they had been assigned, were, not able to arrange about their missing clothes and effects. Some difficulties were now interposed on*account of the two Lascars still missing, but upon my reply that " come they must," and that any delay beyond the time stipu lated, would be fatal to some fat Bullocks grazing near us, as well as to the various fowl preserves ; and further, that a tribute of Rice for the Lascars, would be exacted from the Bugis traders, they began to be more anxious for our 236 OUIT BULUNGAN. 1845.] departure. The people in Tuan Hadji's prahu had also exhibited symptoms of insubordination, declaring that they must return for food ; and, eventually, started without further permission. I was perfectly satisfied that this was another attempt of the ill-favoured chief to try to retain these two Lascars, for on the fourth day they were sent in, having been near enough in the first instance to have been delivered over with the others. I determined, therefore, that no presents should be given to these chiefs. The Sultan now became anxious for my departure, in deed the flight of Tuan Hadji had rendered him uneasy, fearing, perhaps, the enmity of the Sultan of Gunung Taboor. I offered him tea, sugar, and other articles which I knew he was anxious to obtain, if he would send a canoe with us to the ship ; but his anxiety " that I should carry off the Lascars, lest any of them should escape, and involve him in further trouble," overpowered every other feeling. Having executed a treaty with the Sultan, similar to that completed at Gunung Taboor, in which he invites the friendship and alliance of Great Britain, and engages in future to behave with kindnes to her subjects ; and having fully impressed both the chiefs, as well as himself, with the conviction, that Great Britain would severely punish the repetition of any such conduct as that which they had lately exhibited towards the Lascars, and that nothing excused them on the present occasion but their ignorance of our laws, I took my leave of him and my friend the Sagai chief, to each of whom I made various useful presents, and about 3 o'clock, p.m., on the 10th of January, 1845, quitted Bulungan. 1845.] TREATY. 237 The following is a copy of the Treaty with the Sultan of Gunung Taboor, of which that with the Sultan of Bulungan is identical. " The Sultan of Gunung Taboor is anxious to enter into friendly relations with Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, and is willing to execute a formal Treaty of Friendship and Commerce whenever Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain will send any duly authorized person. " The Sultan op Gunung Taboor engages, that the subjects of the Queen of Great Britain shall always meet with friendship and pro tection within his dominions. " On the part of the Queen of Great Britain, Sir Edward Belcher, commanding Her Majesty's Ship ' Samarang ', engages, that similar friendship and protection will be accorded to the subjects of the Sultan of Gunung Taboor, should they visit any of the Ports belonging to Great Britain. " (Signed.) Sultan MAHARAJAH DINDA, Gunung Taboor. IBUNO MAEAHOM. Sultan HADJI KUNING, Gunung Taboor. EDWAED BELCHEB. Captain of Her Majesty's Ship, 'Samarang.' " About 10 o'clock on the morning of the 11th we reached the Sabanoon mouth of the Bulungan, and as it was requisite that its position should be determined, I selected a huge tree which had been driven down by the floods, and became partly embedded in the mud, for this purpose. We had frequently heard the Lascars speak of the oysters which they had been sent in search of at the River's mouth, but never could understand how they were procured, supposing them to be, as we had generally observed them, firmly attached to the rocks. As the 238 EXTENSIVE OYSTER BANKS. [1845. tide bared the shoals which surrounded us, I sent to ex amine what I imagined to be rocky ledges, when, to my surprise, they proved to be literally banks of large loose oysters, with the hinge planted, and their mouths upwards, rather unpleasant to the feet of those not provided with shoes. Aided by iron levers we soon made an opening into this living pavement, and getting some of the larger boats alongside the reef, they were, in a very few minutes, laden with as many oysters as they could conveniently carry. About 6 o'clock, we quitted the river, and without being able to discover any deeper channel in our outward route, reached the ' Samarang ' about sunset. On the morning following, the ship was shifted to a convenient and well sheltered position within Karang Uj'ong (or point of the reef), on which the remains of the ' Premier ' lay, and leaving a party for surveying and ex amining the wreck, we proceeded on the morning of the 13th with our boat force (within the reefs) to Gunung Taboor, in order to make our final arrangements with the Sultan, and to receive his letter for Sooloo, protesting against the conduct of Si Dawut. We reached Gunung Taboor on the evening of the 15th, where we found the Sultan very anxious about our return. The chart designates the river and outer coast-line generally, as Curan. Curan is the territory, and the part of the river, indicated by that name, is about midway, where a large branch leads northerly. The river above this branch is the Brraou, (pronounced Brow, as one syllable) and the people inhabiting its banks are specially termed Orang Brraou, or the Brow people. 1845.] THE RAJAH MUDA. 239 The Sultan's name is Maharajah Dinda, and he is also called Si Atap,* but he dislikes being addressed by this latter name. The Rajah Muda, who has established himself, in defiance of the Sultan's authority, at Sambi liong, and assumed the title of Sultan Muda, (or young Sultan,) is a cousin of Si Atap, but, as before noticed, having quarrelled about the Europeans, has been closely shut up in his fortress, and will probably be destroyed ; I used all my efforts to induce the Sultan to permit me to visit him and effect a reconciliation, but he would not hear of it. He denounced him " as an artful undermining serpent, who had been using every effort to embroil him with the surrounding powers, as well as the Dutch autho rities, and that he never could be safe until, his removal, and that after such a breach of faith he would not be respected by his people." He asserted that the Rajah Muda enticed the Europeans over to him under false promises of aiding their removal, but that he wrote at the same time to Kotai, asking what his uncle, the Sultan of that place, wished done with them. That for himself, at the first moment after their return from the wreck of the ' Premier ' he had suggested their going to Sooloo with Si Dawut, but they declined going by that vessel, as it appeared their pride recoiled against their being associated with the Lascars. That" in return for his civility, by affording them fowls and rice for their own use, and treating them as equals, he had not received even thanks ; and that finding their conduct disagreeable to his people, they had been put on board of a prahu and taken proper care of; finally, after making him * Atap signifies a covering, roof, thatch, &c. 240 STATEMENT OF THE SULTAN. [1845. sundry presents, including the desk before alluded to, that everything had been demanded back before the de parture of the Dutch vessel, therefore he has not in any way been recompensed even for the maintenance of these people, nor has he required it. His statement charges the master of the vessel with conduct, which is, to say the least of it, very nearly allied to giving up the Lascars as slaves, by denying all know ledge of them as his people, and using the terms " Do what you please with them, sell them "; of drunkeness, falsehood, and gross language between him and his crew. Much allowance, too, may be made, for the feeling of Malay versus English, but I regret to say, that upon a close examination of the evidence taken at Manila, compared with the story told here, as well as the character given by the twelve Lascars, recovered from Bulungan, of their treatment at the time of their being wrecked, that there is strong presumptive, if not conclusive, evidence, that the charge of the Sultan is correct, and the whole story narrated to me by Tuan Hadji, in my cabin, during the passage from Pantai to Bulungan corroborated every part of the assertion of the Sultan. The Lascars in their account assert " that the Captain ran away with the boats during the night, leaving them to famish on an uninhabited island." The four unfortunate Lascars who trusted their lives on the raft, have not since been heard of. The rapid tides which set to the S.E., added to the powerful streams entering the sea about this region, must have driven them to sea, and if saved by any of the Illation pirates, which scour this coast, they will probably be sold at Kotai, the nearpst and surest mart to prevent 1845.] HIS FRIENDLY DISPOSITION. 241 discovery. The act of the master of the ' Premier,' of setting fire to his vessel, was highly injudicious and un warrantable. It was, in the first place, a beacon to attract the pirates of this region ; in the second, he was bound to save the property as far as he was able ; had he not acted as he did, the masts, sails, &c, would have been saved, and the Sultan of Gunung Taboor would have been satisfied with reasonable salvage; or, if de manded, would even have restored the whole. Upon these subjects he has now written instructions, drawn up as an agreement between us, and distressed foreigners will, I am satisfied, find as friendly reception, and as just dealing with the Sultan of Gunung Taboor, as they have any right to expect from more civilized nations. The Sultan informed me that by his Treaty with the Dutch Authorities at Benjarmassin, he had already en gaged to assist all Europeans, and that under the spirit of that agreement, he was willing to render the master of the ' Premier ' every assistance, and would have saved the entire property in the vessel, but that the act of his firing the ship " divided his power ", and he could not be answerable for what the people of Bulungan did; when the vessel and her stores became " as fish ", every one took what he could catch. He was still willing to deliver up any article belonging to the ' Premier ', which could be traced within his town ; he, however, placed himself entirely in my hands, consented that my wishes should be law, and that if I would instruct him (give him a writing) how to act in future, he would most willingly adhere to it. Jn proof of his anxiety to befriend the English, the 242 SEALING OF THE TREATY. [1845. Sultan offers to give them a separate place within his town to live in, to protect them, to give them a prefer ence in trade, and as a further exhibition of his sincerity to open trading connexions, he gave me a letter* under his official seal, containing the list of goods which he would engage as certain cargo, to any vessel which I would send in the May following ; he further volunteered to cede to Great Britain any of the outer islands which might be adapted for a settlement, and which I promised to examine, particularly Maratua, after quitting the river. During these proceedings, it became necessary to attach my seal to the Treaties ; they are not in the habit of using wax, and were much pleased with the sharp impression produced by it. He inquired very earnestly whether he could obtain a seal exactly similar to mine, adding, " that will be more lasting than writing, no one can alter the meaning ; any letter I send with it will be immediately understood, and any which you may send will instantly be attended to by my people, who cannot read, and the persons bringing it will be assured of the kindest reception." Fortunately, I possessed a duplicate, and this, together with some wax and a supply of sta tionery, were forwarded to him. The Sultan having expressed a wish that I would procure him two seals similar to his own, but with his titles in Roman charac ters as well as Malay, I promised, on reaching China, to comply with his wishes. Two of these were duly ex ecuted, one in Malay, the other in English characters, * This letter was delivered to Mr. Wyndham, and I have the satis faction of learning from him that the vessel he sent was very hand somely received, and that great anxiety was expressed for his personal visit. 1845.] si diwut. 243 the inscription being similar to that subscribed to the Treaty, and with a handsome rose-wood desk and other presents, forwarded by Mr. Wyndham. Having obtained a document from the Sultan of Gu nung Taboor, addressed to the Sultan of Sooloo, denying in toto having, directly or indirectly, warranted Si-Dawut in demanding ransom for the six Lascars sent in the prahu to Sooloo ; but on the contrary, asserting that he had sent them free to that Port, in order to their reaching their own country, which Si Diwut had informed him could be effected through the agency of Mr. Wyndham. I was preparing to take my leave when a new case pre sented itself in a native of Manila, who had been cap tured by the Balligfiini pirates, sold at Sooloo, and escaped hither. Having contracted a friendship with one of the Lascars, and being anxious to return to his native country, he had been advised to ask for my intercession. The Sultan immediately summoned him, and to convince me that he was sincere in his professions, relative to slavery, told him, in my presence, that if he thought he would be happier in his own country, he had his free consent to return ; but having married a Malay woman, a slave of the Prime Minister, that it was requisite that he should leave something to support his wife and child. The Manila man offered to transmit ninety dollars as soon as he could earn it, and would engage himself on the public works in that city until this was completed. I in formed the Sultan that I had no power to engage for any question relating to the Spanish Government, and that the arrangement could only rest upon the man's promise. But he immediately replied, " I shall be per- r 2 244 THE PRIME MINISTER. [1845. fectly satisfied if you will only mention to the Governor of Manila, that you heard him promise to remit the sum as soon as he could earn it." The manner of performing this act, added to his confidence in what he thought honour would compel the Governor to do, made a much stronger impression on my mind than could otherwise have been conveyed, of the fine feelings which generally actuated this young man. I think him quite equal, if not superior, to our favourite Budduruddin, at Sarawak (now at Brunai). The Prime Minister is also a very superior person. He does not chew betel, but preserves his teeth, of a pure white, and his frequent and last expressions to me, with a gentle pressure of the hand, were, " I wish to be an Englishman, when you come here again, bring me Enghsh clothes, and I will be dressed as one." His son, is also a prepossessing young man, about twenty years of age, very sedate and stately, at the same time very good-natured, and the handsomest Malay I have seen. All the Chiefs of Gunung Taboor eclipse those of Bulungan, indeed, I" know not of a single friendship formed at the latter place, excepting with the Sultan and Sagai Chief. At my last private interview with the Sultan, at which he would only admit Tuan Hadji and our interpreter to be present, he conveyed into my hand, suddenly closing it with great mystery, what they term here the " Snake Stone." This is a polished globe of quartz, about the size of a musket ball, which he described as of infinite value, an " heir loom ;" and reported to have been extracted from the head of an enchanted snake. At first, I suspected it to be a Bezoar, but, on inspection, found it 1845.] PREMIER REEF. 245 to be merely quartz, the grinding and polishing of which, to a globular form, must have required some art. Tuan Hadji had at his last interview earnestly solicited a letter from me, which would enable him to pass on the sea without molestation. He holds the position of Chief Captain, or Admiral, and being anxious to become " a great navigator," purposes visiting Singapore the ensuing season, when he expects to induce the Malays of that place to open a direct trade with the Curan district, or the Tanah besar (great country), as they term this archipelago. He appears to be possessed of considerable knowledge of the geography of the eastern part of Borneo, and coasts of Celebes, Sooloo, and Bisayas, as far as Luzon. He informed me, that immediately behind the Bulungan range there is a very extensive lake, which is connected with the sea by many different rivers. It is probable that the Sabanoon, and all these rivers, which we found fresh nearly at their embouchures, are fed from this reservoir. He was very assiduous in explaining to me the different inaccuracies which he noticed upon our charts, furnishing me with a mental sketch of all the Islands, Points, Rivers, &c, be tween Bulungan and Point Kanioongan of the charts. This latter point, he states to be Tanjong Manaaliak, and that Kanioongan besar (great) and kichi (little), are islands. On the 15th we parted from our friends "at Gunung Taboor, and on the 19th reached the ship off Premier Reef. Upon a review of our proceedings at this place, I feel great satisfaction in having effected the entire object of my visit without recourse to violent measures ; it was considered by many that the rescue of the people of colour, and who would probably be carried far into the interior, . 246 policy. [1845. was almost a hopeless pursuit, and that nothing less than summary punishment on the people and the destruction of their town, hitherto suspected of being little better than a pirate retreat, would follow. I am, however, in clined to think that our countrymen have been better treated than they would have been upon any other part of uncivilized Borneo. After the burning and abandon ment of the vessel by the master, I cannot but consider that the property saved from her belonged, by the custom of the country, to the power upon whose territory she became a wreck ; at all events, remained in their keeping untfl formally demanded by competent authority. We found that the powers, into whose hands our people fell, fed them, took care of them, and exacted no harder labour than was requisite to earn their subsistence, and moreover, when demanded, readily giving them up, re fusing to make any charges, even for their sustenance. To have made these powers feel, even if they deserved punishment, that Great Britain is not too anxious to revenge an act, which however open it might have been to our animadversion, appeared in accordance with their customs, is one great point gained towards their viewing us with respect, as well as kindly feeling, even to wish for, and court, our alliance. I firmly beheve that they now entertain a greater dread of the force we could bring against them, than if we had destroyed their towns; no such power has been exhibited, but I have reason to know that they have magnified it in imagination to such an extent, that any distressed British subjects will in future meet with a home, instead of that revenge which harsher measures would have inevitably entailed. 1845.] ISLAND OF MARATUA. 247 On the 20th we quitted our reef-bound nook, and beat to the eastward, intending to examine the Island of Maratua, which had been painted in very glowing colours by Tuan Hadji. We found the currents pressing so strong to the southward that we were unable to hold our own, and it was not until the 22nd, and then by dint of very close attention, that we effected our object, and ran down its eastern side ; but no sufficient opening in the reef warranted my pushing the ship in, although I could clearly perceive by the deep blue tint of the sea that there was sufficient water within. I had also despatched a boat round the western and southern end of the Island, which on rejoining, did not, from the report furnished by her, afford hope of a harbour, and consequently no plea for further detention. Severe illness had also deprived me of power for further exertion, and giving orders for hoisting in all our boats, we shaped a course to seaward, expecting to be well clear of the land before midnight. Before that hour the breeze failed, and at daylight, I was informed not only that it was nearly calm, but also that the ship was drifting rapidly upon an extensive reef. We had little time for reflec tion, the boats were hoisted out, and all efforts made to tow her clear. Directions were issued to attach four four-inch whale lines to one of the kedges, and to unite the hemp and chain stream cables, and bend them to the stream anchor. Shortly after I reached the deck, we obtained soundings in 146 fathoms, and orders were given to let go the kedge. This fouled, and the stream was then ordered to be let go ; it held, leaving us with 114 fathoms under the stern, and within thirty fathoms 248 DANGEROUS POSITION. [1845. of the reef ! Our only chance now was to aWait the sea breeze, but this did not visit us until nearly two o'clock, during which interval we were in a state of dreadful sus pense, as in the event of blowing from its old direction nothing but certain wreck awaited us, and from the very small quantity of water which remained on board, it is probable that we should have experienced the greatest distress. Fortunately the kedge, or the hawser attached, had fouled sufficiently amongst the rocks to serve the purpose as a spring for canting us, and having already brought a fair strain on it, we watched most anxiously for the coming sea breeze. About 1. 45, when a light air sprung up, sail was madej the cable and hawser cut in succession, and once more she glided on in safety, but it was not until the 26th, after a most tedious and harassing beaty that we recovered our ground and weathered Maratua ; and by getting in with the Borneon shore, cleared this overpowering current, which had so long held us embayed, with reefs under our lee, as far as could be seen to the eastward, from our mast-heads. It was, indeed, fortunate that we made the mistake we did on first sighting Maratua, on the 25th, as the pilot most certainly intended to have taken us to the eastward of Maratua, which would have entailed certain loss. The safe channel in approaching the Pantai is by the western sides of Maratua and Kakuban, and round the eastern end of Sangalaki, hauling up westerly until the mouth of the river bears W.N.W., when that course will carry you in. The ' Samarang ' drew sixteen feet, and nothing going in or coming out, brought her up on that line. 1845.] CORAL REEF. 249 The bottom is very oozy (creamy mud). No vessel should attempt to enter the shallows until daylight, and if caught to the southward of Sangalaki, or Samasama, after sunset, should anchor with the kedge, the moment she gets less than twenty fathoms, until daylight, as there are reefs lying off the southern edges of all the islands, as well as the northern coast-line, which would- be clearly discernible with a morning sun. This unexpected distress for water, reduced us to two pints per man, and rendered it imperative that we should seek some spot upon the coast where it could be replenished. Maratua, as well as Derawan, were pointed out as islands on which it could be procured, but we had already seen enough of them ; we therefore pushed in for the coast to the southward of Si Amcel. On the morning of the 29th we found ourselves completely surrounded by reefs on the north-west and south, and had proof of being so hemmed in, by feeling the coral beneath us. Fortunately, we had sufficient breeze to clear us without having re course to anchors, and noticing a gap to the westward we stood towards it, hoping 'that it might lead up to the land. We were not mistaken, although compelled to anchor to await the examination by the boats, as well as for winds to carry us forward. During this delay, we had a magnificent view of the submarine coralline gardens over which we were floating, animated by the graceful gambols of the beautifully painted Chcetodon, and other varieties of fish, which were most abundant. Many attempts were made to entrap them, but they were cunning enough to elude any baits which we could offer. 250 CONFLICT WITH A PIRATE. [1845. As misfortunes not unfrequently turn to our advantage, so it was in the present instance ; by this delay we dis covered the only access to the main, which offered on this coast ; as had we not touched the ground I should most certainly have stood to seaward, and thus missed this opening. As we neared the land, I noticed a prahu moving along shore, and despatched Lieut. Roberton in one of the cutters to obtain information as to anchorage, as well as where water could be obtained. This perhaps was a solitary instance in which I omitted the order " to arm complete," she left her gun behind. About noon, Lieut. Roberton came up with the prahu and requested, through his interpreter, to learn where fresh water could be pro cured, as well as to pilot the ship to safe anchorage. At first they appeared to be inchned to meet his wishes, but evil counsel prevailed, and supposing our boats too weak to resent insult, they pointed a brass gun they had on board at the cutter, and assumed an attitude of defiance, calling out in Malay, " fire, do not be afraid, fire ! " and suiting the action to the order, they kept whirling the lighted match in the air, to render its action more cer tain. Lieut. Roberton behaved with great coolness, desi ring the interpreter to inform them "that they were friends lately from Bulungan, and not to be afraid, that he had no desire to injure them, and merely asked for information." With Malays, as well as with all uncivilized nations, passive measures are always interpreted as weak ness. Deeming our cutter too insignificant to resent insult with their supposed superiority of the brass gun, and continuing to point it towards the boat, with the match frequently near the vent, repeating their exclamation, " do 1845.] FEAST OF OYSTERS. 251 not fear them, fire ! fire!" Lieut. Roberton deemed it impe rative to put a stop to these insults, and to prevent the death of some of his crew. Pulling therefore sharply across their hne of direction, he desired his men to lay in their oars and prepare their muskets. The Malays discharged their gun thrice without effect, but the musketry from the cutter soon taught them their inferiority. Grounding the prahu they fled over the reefs to the jungle, where they concealed themselves, carrying their wounded with them. Lieut. Roberton being unable to get the prahu afloat, in order to bring her out, took from her the brass gun, and other articles denoting her piratical complexion, and set fire to her. Her equipment was evidently Illanon, and from information obtained the same evening, we learned that she probably belonged to a reputed pirate den at Tooncoo, situated about thirty miles to the northward of our posi tion, and had in fact committed an act of piracy upon one of our allies, not many hours previous to her des truction, as will be noticed presently. The channel between the reefs having been declared safe, we ran in with a fine sea-breeze, and obtained very snug anchorage in ten fathoms, within a convenient distance from the shore, where we had the further good fortune to discover a small rill of tolerably pure water ; this by judi cious management in clearing its source inland, was found sufficient to keep two boats employed watering. The remainder were employed in the examination of the coast, and outer dangers, as well as ascertaining the possibility of getting to sea by a more direct or wider channel. We found, very large, and most delicious oysters in abundance, and they were much enjoyed ; but 252 curious weapon. [1845. whether owing to previous severe illness, or to some poisonous quality in those which I had eaten, I was attacked with an illness similar to that resulting from poison, which affected me most severely. The evening after we anchored in this position, the prahu which accom panied us from Sooloo rejoined her crew, expressing most unequivocal joy at finding themselves again under our protection; and for this they had certainly great cause to be thankful ; for the Nakoda informed me, he had been plundered of all his Rice, as well as water, by the very prahu which had been destroyed by Lieut. Roberton. He was anxious to ascertain what implements had been found on board of her, and upon seeing them, his attention instantly fixed on an instrument, which we had mistaken for " grains," or a " fish-gig," an article used for spearing fish, but which we were now informed was for taking men! This instrument is bifurcate, with a sufficient spread between the points, which are barbed internally, to include the neck of a man; the weapon is thrown with almost unerring aim, so as to secure the victim by the neck, and jerking it back with a sharp motion, fixes him within the barbs, setting all opposition at defiance. Immediately they had examined this weapon, they observed, " then those in the prahu were Orang Lanoon jahat (bad Llanon men), belonging to Tooncoo." On the 2nd February, having failed in finding any other channel than that by which we had entered, we hoisted the prahu of our ally on board, very much to the dehght of her crew, and by stationing one of our boats on the shoalest position, reached the offing in safety, but not 1845.] adverse currents. 253 without being compelled to run ten miles to the south ward, to clear the outer group of Islands. We now began to derive assistance from our Sooloo pilot, who, in addition to much general information afforded, re garding this part of the coast, acquainted us with the names of the islets which we had just surveyed, and which proved to be the inner group belonging to Si- Ameel. The position upon which our observations were made, a small sand island within one mile of the Bornea shore, was determined to be in Lat. 4° 19' 6" N., Long. 118° 33' 16" E., Var. 0° 45' 3" E. Being too unwell to endure the harassing duty of working up in shore, we stood to the eastward, and on our western tack did not reach more than two miles to windward in three days. I therefore determined to make a longer stretch easterly, and found that the cur rent was not only weaker, but slightly in our favour, enabling us to reach Si-misa, on the eastern side of Sooloo, on the morning of the 8th. I would not advance this, however, as any guide to navigation, for I am well aware that the currents among these islands are irregular, and that the tides, when the sea breezes act in concert with them, would lead a casual observer to anticipate a northerly, instead of southerly, set, which latter would invariably prevail during calms. We had* a proof of the uncertainty of these currents previous to reaching Si- misa, having experienced a strong northerly current, attended with heavy overfalls, instead of the southerly set anticipated. On the night of the 8th we were, however, forced by a strong southerly set on the shores of Si-misa, and compelled to anchor in ten fathoms, 254 FRENCH NEGOCIATION FOR BASILAN. [1845- close to the reefs, with a velocity of current of three knots. Near midnight, a different current compelled us to weigh, to avoid being forced on a spit which then be came astern of us, the current forcing us towards the Sooloo shore, but not northerly ; about dawn, on the 9th, however, we again experienced the northerly set, and on passing Bi-ti-nan, the eastern island off Sooloo, although going at the rate of eight and a half knots, found it entirely destroy our steerage, giving a shower bath to the master on the bowsprit end. This ceased imme diately after rounding this island, and we shaped our course for the anchorage at Sooloo, where we were secured by 3 o'clock, p.m. Here we found the French squadron, composed of the ' Cleopatra ', sixty, Rear- Admiral Cecile, having on board Monsieur Lagrene, the Ambassador to China ; corvette, ' Victorieuse ', and steamer, ' Archimede.' Officers from each vessel waited upon me, offering the customary civilities, and shortly after, I paid my respects to the Admiral and Ambassador. Their visit here, which I contemplated before quitting, related to the melancholy affair which had taken place at Basilan. The Admiral wished the interference of the Sultan, but although his mediation might, in the first instance, without calling upon the Spaniards, have proved important, and saved money, still he had no power, and, moreover, declared, " that the people resident there, although nominally tribu tary to Sooloo, were Illafions, and set him at defiance." This declaration induced the French to assume the people of Basilan to be Pirates, and upon the plea of ridding that island of these people, and forming a French 1845.] DECLARATION OF THE SULTAN. 255 establishment there, endeavoured to persuade the Sultan to sell the island. This was for some time rejected, but conditions were finally agreed upon, which were communi cated to me by the Sultan. The terms were nearly to the following effect : that the French should, upon payment of one hundred thousand dollars, govern Basilan for one hundred years, but the Sultan declined attaching his seal until confirmed by the French Government. As the possession of Basilan, by the French, would cause a dis cussion with Spain, which also lays claim to the island, and would, further, create a jealousy amongst other nations ; this treaty has not been recognised by France. By the information which I obtained from Admiral Cecile, they appear to have suffered greatly in their rencontre with the pirates of Basilan. It appears that the channel of the river was barred and staked, and that they were reduced to the necessity of carrying the boats over these obstructions. The enemy had laid their guns ac curately for this point, as well as others to enfilade any such attempt, hence, the attacking party were much cut up before they could advance to the conflict, which the enemy evaded by retreating to the jungle. Madame Lagrene accompanied her husband in the ' Cleopatra ', and during our stay in port I experienced many civilities from the Admiral and party, on board that ship, they also did me the honour to become my guests on board the ' Samarang ', it was not, therefore, without some feeling of regret that we parted, the French squadron preceding us on the 22nd for Singapore and Batavia. This visit of the French had delayed my affairs with the Sultan, but we now commenced on a more intimate 256 FINAL ARRANGEMENTS. [1845. footing, as his fear of the French had induced him to look more narrowly into his relations with Great Britain, in order to discover some pretext by which he might claim his right to refer the discussion, relative to Basilan, to his Old Ally, as he was pleased to acknowledge us. His ob servation to me was, " We owe all to Great Britain, the cession of Balambangan, part of Borneo, and Toolyan, on this Island, are not to be taken as precedents by any other nation ; the British are our natural allies ; they brought our ancestor, the Sultan Alimudin, from Manila, where he was a prisoner, and replaced him on his throne and pos sessions, and no concession, even to ourselves and all we have, can be too great for such obligations." A special meeting of all the Chiefs was summoned to decide upon the letter sent by the Sultan of Gunung Taboor, which I delivered under the customary ceremonies. The letter was prefaced by certain religious perorations, invok ing punishment if he stated anything untrue, and then proceeded to declare, the denial on the part of the Sultan of Gunung Taboor, to any permission, directly or indi rectly, given to Si-Dawut, the Nakoda of the prahu, to demand any ransom for the six Lascars. That they were sent by him to the Sultan, in order to find their passage to their proper country, through Mr. Wyndham ; that he was still a debtor to Si-Dawut to the amount of one hundred and eighty dollars, for certain goods left behind, which were to be paid for in fish and shell on the return of the Nakoda, the following season. At any other period, vengeance would probably have fallen upon the head of Si-Dawut, and have compromised some of the Datoos, his supporters ; the Nakoda, too, evidently felt himself in 1845.] RANSOM ABOLISHED. 257 a very awkward situation, although strongly asserting his innocence, in which no one, however, believed. Fully aware that I had gained my object, as well as the satisfaction of having afforded them a wholesome. warning that all such transactions will, in future, be narrowly inquired into, and punished ; and further, being unwilhng to disturb the warm feelings which appeared at present to be entertained towards our country, I inti mated to the Sultan, that with respect to Si-Dawut, I con sidered the loss of six hundred dollars ample punishment ; and as the British Government would never permit such a subject as ransom to be named, I expected the formal release of all demands on account of these Lascars. The Sultan immediately declared them free, and further engaged to secure the repayment of the six hundred dollars, in goods, by Si-Dawut, or the Sultan of Gunung Taboor, with whom he would hold further communica tion, until he ascertained the truth, when Si-Dawut, if guilty, will probably pay for his misdeeds. Having thus fully completed the object of our mis sion, and the monthly magnetic term day having arrived, we began to look around for some convenient spot where these observations might be satisfactorily made. Under the present excited state of the populace, it was not considered either safe, or politic, to efect tents, and land armed men to protect us from the visits of those who might be inclined to be troublesome, or disposed to approach too near with their iron implements of war ; it was therefore proposed by my kind friend Datoo Danielle, (and with the permission of the Sultan) that I should make these observations within his grounds, which were enclosed 258 TERM DAY. [1845. by a very substantial stockade, and where a convenient shed, detached from his private residence, afforded us much greater convenience than could be obtained within the restricted limits of our magnetic tents. The house of Datoo Danielle is situated upon a rising ground, about half a mile inland from the northern limit of the town, and but for the occurrence of occasional disturbances, which render it necessary for each chief of a clan to make his establishment a fortress, would be termed a neat farm. He is surrounded by bis relatives at very short distances from his house, forming together, the superior class, or aristocracy of the island. Here we experienced not only the utmost kindness and attention from our excellent host and his connections, but were freed from the visits of impertinent curiosity. Some of the inland or mountain chiefs, noted for their total disregard of all restraint, paid me a visit at the house of the Datoo, and expressed themselves much attached to their old allies the Enghsh. They exhibited great anxiety to view our instruments, but evinced some little restlessness when they found that a compliance with their wish would be attended by disarming ; such an operation being deemed nearly tantamount to disgrace. The character and weight of Datoo Danielle was, however, deemed sufficient gua rantee against any loss of caste, and they wrere much delighted by the beauty of the instruments ; more parti cularly by Fox's dipping needle, placed beyond the limits of influencing the more delicate magnetometers. Of the uses of this instrument they appeared to com prehend more than I had given them credit for, although I have remarked, as a general feature amongst the better educated Malays, as well as Chinese, that they understood 1845.J DATOO DANIELLE. 259 more of the properties of the magnet than many educated Europeans. I expected to excite their surprise by the reversal of the poles of the Dipping Needle, and I was assisted by my very intelligent friend Mr. Wyndham, as interpreter ; but the better informed of Datoo Danielle's family, gave me to believe that they understood it per fectly. Indeed I was told that the younger brother, Udin, was an ingenious mechanic, and could take a watch to pieces, and clean or repair it. He attached himself par ticularly to the observing position during the whole period, and seemed to take great delight in the inter change of Enghsh and Malayan terms, explaining the differences or additions of Bisayan which renders the Soog* language almost distinct. To Datoo Danielle we were indebted, not only for the flattering hospitality during our temporary occupation of his grounds, but through his exertions were enabled to purchase the best cattle at reasonable prices, in addition to several pet animals, which at this, and our previous visit, he, as well as his mother, had been kind enough to send as presents. His fine figure, mild countenance, as well as manly inde pendent bearing, obtained for him a most marked dis tinction amongst his own community. He was evidently considered by the Sultan and his wily Prime Minister, {Datoo Muluk) as a man neither to be despised nor trifled with. With us, he was an especial favourite, and I am sure that no one could wish greater prosperity to the Sooloo nation than the elevation of this chief to the government, either as Sultan, or Prime Minister. He is warmly opposed to the piratical dispositions of some of his * Soog is the language of the Sooloo Group. s 2 260 slaves. [1845. brother chiefs, as well as to the system of slavery which is its foundation, although he could not help expressing some chagrin at losing one of his lads, which escaped to the 'Samarang' and claimed our protection, as a subject of Spain captured by the pirates. During our stay here many had sought protection on board the French squadron, as well as the ' Samarang ', and were thus rescued from slavery. One, a relative of the deceased wife of Mr. Wyndham, a lady of Ilo-Ilo, on the southern coast of Panay, was still a captive, but beyond the reach of even Mr. Wyndham's interest. I was informed " that he might be fortunate enough to reach the ' Samarang ' " but the moment the chiefs were aware (on the application for the release of the first that reached our decks,) that having once set foot on board of a ship of war, they could not be released, the others were more sharply looked after, and marched into the interior until after our departure. From two of these refugees, lately captured by the Moros, (Balligninis and IUanons), taken to Ballignini, and subsequently sold at Sooloo, I learned that the pirate den at Ballignini, might be destroyed very easily, by making the attack during the interval of their cruizes, which would happen between the months May and October. That previous to quitting the strong hold, upon this service, their guns and valuable property are buried, and the entire establishment left to the care of their old men, cripples, and women, the entrance being so staked as to prevent any, but a person in possession of their secret, from gaining entrance during this interval ; but that any of the lads at Sooloo, lately captured, would prove sufficiently expert to lead a boat force in without the chance of resistance. These liberated slaves would 1845.] ATTEMPT TO POISON THE WATER. 261 thus become valuable, as pilots, to the Spanish authorities at Manila, who were, as I understood, on the point of sending a frigate, accompanied by a powerful flotilla of Faluas, which would assemble at Samboangan. During the sojourn of the French squadron at Sooloo, the disaffected people of the suburbs, or interior, or pos sibly those who had sustained the loss of slaves, by es caping to the ships of war, made several attempts to poison the springs at which the boats were procuring water. It was evidently intended to injure the French, as on the arrival of one of our boats, early in the morning, one of the natives immediately prevented their making use of the water, until he had cleared the spring by dig ging down with his hands, and throwing out from be neath the stones and sand overlying, about a dozen of the fruit of the Gomuti {Borassus gomutus) which, although it might not produce death, would cause great pain and vomiting. The infusion, in its powerful state, as exa mined by us, produced great itching of the skin, and when taken into the mouth, was excessively acrid, pro ducing instantly a stinging and prickling sensation on the fauces and glands of the throat. The French were disposed to take the matter up warmly, but it was utterly impossible to attach the act to any particular individual, and probably was solely to be attributed to "the mountain Chiefs. This same fruit is used generally both at Sooloo, as well as Borneo, to poison fish. After the water is impregnated with the infusion, they become intox icated, swim in circles near the surface, and are then easily speared or netted. The Tephrosia toxicaria, and other plants are used for the same purpose, for account of which see Appendix. 262 CHAPTER VIII. ILLANON PIEATES AND SOOLOO TEBEITOBY. History of the Illanon pirates — Established in a spacious lagoon with a Chief of their own — Ingenious ways of escape — Their mode of construction — The Illanon vessels — Bange of piratical incursions — Mode of eluding the Spanish forces — The Ballignini pirates — Court of Sooloo — Notes from Oriental Bepertory of Dalrymple — Sooloo group of Islands — Toolyan — Tawee-Tawee — Bangene — Palawan — Tiroon — Biver Barow — Sicatack — Siboccoo — Maratua Spanish account of the origin of the friendship between the British and Sultan of Sooloo and occupation of Balambangan by the English — Instructions upon these matters from Madrid— Pro ceeding of Governor of Samboangan — English attacked and ex pelled from Balambangan — Summary of the English privileges on northern coast of Borneo — Dalrymples's account of the Sooloo independency. The following particulars relative to the history of the pirates infesting these seas, and known under the names of Illation, or Lanoon, and Ballignini pirates, has been drawn up from information obtained from Officers com manding the Spanish gun boats, and employed for then- suppression, and particularly from conversations with my 1845.J HISTORY OF THE ILLANONS. 263 friend Captain Villavicentio, Commandant of the Arsenal of Cavite, and to whom I am indebted for much valuable information, relative to the whole of the coasts within the Mindoro and Sooloo Archipelago, as well as for great per sonal kindness and attention experienced during our visit to Manila. Captain Villavicentio received his promotion about the year 1838, for his gallantry displayed during his employment in the suppression of piracy amongst the southern Philippine Group. The Illanons, commonly termed by the Spaniards Lanoons, and los Moros, are a distinct race, inhabiting the great Bay of Illanon, on the southern part of Ma- geendanao, or Mindanao, having for its capital the city of Mindanao, where the Sultan resides, and where, even in the pirates' nest, Europeans and other traders meet with hospitable reception and protection ! The shores of this immense bay, the eastern arm of which forms a pen insula with a very narrow neck, is closely wooded with Mangroves, running out, in most instances, into six or nine feet water, and affording sudden shelter, or conceal ment, to vessels drawing about six feet water. These trees, springing from roots which firmly support their main trunks, at a height of seven or eight feet above the flow of high water, cover the swampy ground which intervenes between them and a spacious Lagoon. It is this Lagoon which is the stronghold of the Lanoon pirates, and gives to them the appellation of " Los Hlanos de la Laguna " ; where, it is highly probable, they submit to their own pirate Chief, and who, acknowledging the supremacy of the Sultan of Mindanao, shields the latter from blame by this semblance of independence ; it is well known, how- 264 INGENIOUS WAYS OF ESCAPE. [1845. ever, that any matters referred to the Sultan of Mindanao, respecting the acts of the Lanoons, especially upon ques tions of ransom, are speedily and effectually arranged by the Sultan. But to return to La Laguna; throughout the vast range of the bay connected with this Lagoon, the Illanons have constructed numerous substantial escapes, being ways of timber, which permit of their hauling their vessels into the Lagoon upon any sudden emergency, and so amazingly expert are they in this manoeuvre, that when in hot chase, my informants have pressed them close, and considered their escape impossible, they have seen them dash suddenly into one of these escapes, and before their faluas (or launches) could reach the spot of entry, they had been hauled out of sight, and upon presenting themselves at the opening, were saluted by a discharge of round and grape, from heavy brass guns placed in battery, and so far within this dangerous jungle, that attack was impossible. It is a well known fact, also, that the whole line of the bay is rigidly watched by vigias, or small look-out houses, built in lofty trees, and imme diately on the alarm being given, ropes are instantly led to the point of entry, and the home population in ready- ness to aid in hauling them through the mangroves, as well as to defend them from further attack. The method of constructing these escapes is very simple ; strong mangrove- trees are driven at opposite angles, obliquely, into the mud, and their upper ends securely lashed to the growing, standing, mangrove trees, forming a V-shaped bed at an angle of one hundred and twenty degrees. These trees being stripped of their bark, are kept very 1845.] CONSTRUCTION OF VESSELS. 265 smooth, and when wet, spontaneously exude a kind of mucilage, which renders them very slippery. The outer entrance of this angular bed is carried into deep water, and at so gradual an inclination, that the original impetus given by the oars, forces them at once " high and dry," and by the ropes then attached, they are instantly drawn by their allies into the interior, at a rate, probably, equal to that at which they were impelled by oars. The vessels of the Illanons are very sharp, of great beam, and exceed ninety feet in length; they are furnished with double tiers of oars, and the largest generally carry about one hundred rowers, who are slaves, and not expected to fight unless hard pressed. The "fightingmen", (or chiefs) as they are termed, amounting to thirty or forty, occupy the upper platform, and use the guns as well as small Leilas or swivels. The whole of the main interior, occupy ing about two-thirds of the beam, and three-fifths of the length of the vessel, is fitted as a cabin ; it extends from one-fifth from forward, to one-fifth from aft, and at the bow, is solidly built out to the whole beam of the vessel, with hard wood baulks of timber, calculated to withstand a six-pounder shot : a very small embrasure admits the muzzle of the long gun, which varies from the six, to a twenty-four pounder, generally of brass ; independent of numerous swivels, of various calibre, mounted in solid uprights, secured about the sides and upperworks of the vessel. Above the cabin is the fighting deck, upon which their heroes are placed, and upon any chance of action, they dress themselves in scarlet, and are equipped very much in the style of the armour furnished for the stage property of our theatres, varying from steel plate to ring 266 arms. [1845. chain, or mail shirt. Their personal arms are generally the kris and spear, but they have also a huge sword, well known as the " Lanoon sword ", which has a handle suffi ciently large to be wielded with two hands. In place of a mast they have sheers, capable of being raised or depressed suddenly, upon which a huge mat sail is hoisted. The fitting of these sheers is as follows : — on the fore part of the fighting deck is a small pair of bitts, each bitt- head being placed about three feet on each side of the centre line ; through the head of these bitts a piece runs, windlass fashion, its outer ends being rounded, which pass through the lower ends of the sheers in holes, this arrangement completes a triangle, having this windlass base of six feet. The heads of the sheers are joined by a solid piece of wood, perforated as a sheave hole for the halliards, by which the sail is hoisted ; a third spar is attached, which, taken aft as a prop, instantly turns this mast, upon its wind lass motion, to its vertical, and, almost, as by magic, we find the sail expanded or reduced instantaneously. The slaves who have escaped from these pirates assert, that within the Lagoon they have extensive building establishments, and the means of repelling any attack which may be made upon them. The old prahus are used instead of houses, and in them they have their wives, families, or treasure, in readiness for removal to any part of the Lagoon, upon any sudden emergency. In this respect they assimilate to the Tartar race, in the Tanka boats of China ; an isolated and distinct commu nity, subject alone to the rule of their Admirals, under whom they proceed to sea in divisions, and which divi- / eaclc Sldeld . 3- ScMurd of K,„„,,,r,„t Z.SJuaditi.t/ Stmrd , lUafwcn. # Kunpdtm /Uatwon 2a. Ifilej synifrini/ tin numlir cf ltiltttu B^ove.'BaiKMa t Ebdvu. Tilt ai mtf. 1845.] piratical incursions. 267 sions occasionally unite for special purposes, amounting at times to as many as four hundred sail. The limit of their cruizes are not confined to the neigh bourhood of the Sooloo or Mindoro Archipelago^ they have been traced entirely round the islands of New Guinea, on the east ; throughout the straits, and con tinuous to Java and its southern side ; along the coast of Sumatra, and as far up the Bay of Bengal as Rangoon ; throughout the Malay Peninsula and islands adjacent, and along the entire range of the Philippines. Their attacks are not confined to small vessels, for we have in stances as late as 1843, of their molesting the Dutch cruizers, off Java. They, however, generally act with great caution in their approach to square-rigged vessels, and can readily distinguish the difference between merchant men and vessels of war, by the colour of their canvas. Along the entire coasts of the Philippines, they attack villages, and carry off boys and girls for slaves, and in some instances do not hesitate in kidnapping a Padre, for whom they demand heavy ransom, (as upon a late affair they obtained upwards of one thousand dollars.) Upon one occasion, they ventured as far into the Bay of Manila as Cavite, and captured two boys who were in a fishing boat. They had also, in this bay, within the Corregidorj where there is a Gun-boat establishment, a very severe action with this force, commanded, I be lieve, by a Lieutenant Elliot, an Englishman in the service of Spain. The result of this encounter was the crippling of the Spanish force, so severely, that only the Commander himself, although wounded, remained to serve his gun, and was not displeased to notice the 268 SPANISH FORCES. [1845. enemy draw off; had they attempted to close with him, he had no further means of resistance. They also made a very determined attack upon one of the villages in a bay on the eastern side of Luban, and took many captives. They are particularly careful, in their habits of plunder, not to incommode themselves with any but articles of value, seeking gold, silver, arms, or ammuni tion, and cautiously avoiding any objects which may be recognized so as to bring them under the fang of the law ; and it is to this extraordinary cunning, that, although frequently captured by the Spaniards, it is difficult to attach to them any tangible fact of piratical complexion. At Samboanga, the Spaniards have a large force of faluas, commanded generally by one of their most expert officers, and promotion usually follows success. It is seldom, however, that they are fortunate either in coming up with, or in capturing, these Illations, who, by the measures before alluded to, not only elude pursuit, but also compel them to haul off in discomforture upon reaching their ambuscade. • Upon finding themselves too closely watched at the mouth of the Bay of Illafia, they have been known to drag their vessels over the isthmus, and get to sea by the north eastern coast of Mindanao, and maintaining the ruse by keeping up sufficient excitement to amuse the Spanish force, collected in the Bay of Ulafia, commit, without restraint, the most bare-faced acts of piracy upon the shores of the Philippines, thus left exposed by the assemblage of the Spanish force to the southward. These are the famed Illanons ; but we have another notorious station in sight of Sooloo, upon the Island of 1845.] BALLIGNINI PIRATES. 269 Ballignini, or Bangene of the charts, which may be con sidered a branch of the Illanons. Their island affords them, at present, as much security as La Laguna does at Mindanao. It is not approachable within distance of attack, by reason of the reefs which environ it, and there is not anchorage near the edge of the reef. It is a Lagoon Island, and the entrance is so narrow that it is staked precisely similar to the ways alluded to at Illanon, only admitting one vessel at a time, and that by preserv ing her keel exactly in the centre ; consequently, the Spanish faluas cannot enter, and if they did, they would be met by batteries within, mounting above one hundred guns, all laid with great precision to this very point of entrance. There are seasons (probably May or June) when they quit the Lagoon to join their allies on their extended cruizes, when only the females, old men and cripples, are left to defend their property ; and I was informed that two faluas entered the Lagoon on one of these occasions, by surprise, but hesitated to follow up the advantage, by retiring, without any act of hostility on either side. These Balligfiinis are considered to be under the jurisdic tion of Mindanao ; they have numerous haunts throughout the islets of the Sooloo Archipelago, and particularly at Malozo, and other harbours, upon the* Island of Basi lan, from which they attack the Spanish possessions near Samboangan. We noticed several prowling off that island when on our passage to Sooloo, The connexion is carried on complete to the eastern side of Borneo, and may reckon upon Tambisan, Maludu Bay, Tampassook, Borneo Proper, and the off lying islands of Banguey and 270 TRADE WITH SINGAPORE. [1845. Balabac, on the north, and the whole eastern coasts southerly, as far as Benjarmassim. These, although I have heard strong assertion to the contrary, I know, from sound information, as well as personal experience, to be connected hy family ties, and although petty wars have occurred amongst them, still, upon any great question, they will unite, and act, under any great Illanon Chief. They have been traced along the whole coast of Borneo, into the Archipelago off the Malay peninsula, and I am credibly informed (indeed I had it from a Chief, whom I believe to be a Pirate leader) that they trade to Singa pore, leaving their war boats at the Natunas, or Anambas. The Spaniards, and, I believe, the British Government, also, still labour under the impression, that the Sultan of Sooloo has power over, and acts in concert with, all these pirates. I have taken very great pains to arrive at the proof of any such fact, and my conviction is, that he has not the power. He is too weak to oppose the interest of some of his Datoos, or leading Chiefs, who exhibit much greater interest in the success of the pirates ; they partici pate in theprofits, are receivers of, and traffic in the plunder, and will afford them every assistance in their power. But this applies only to a particular set, at the head of which is, probably, the present Prime Minister, Datoo Muluk, as arrant a rogue as any in Sooloo ; he and the opium smokers are the supporters of piracy. The other party, headed by Datoo Dacola, Datoo Danielle, and their con nexion, are as anxious for its suppression. I have reason to know, from my communications with the Spanish Authorities, with the Sultan of Sooloo, and Datoo Danielle, assisted by Mr. Wyndham, the resident at 1845.] COURT OF SOOLOO. 271 Sooloo, and confidant of the parties, that the Sultan has no real power, and in the case of the appeal of the French Admiral, for his active interference at Basilan, he declared, distinctly, " that he was not responsible for any acts of aggression committed within his territory by persons who were, not only, not subject to him, but whom it was quite out of his power to control, being natives of Mindanao." The Sultan of Sooloo was deemed the virtual Sovereign, and exercised entire control over all the northern and eastern coasts of Borneo, comprised between Pulo Tiga, near Brunai, and Cape Kanioongan, near the river Kotai ; as well as throughout the Sooloo Seas, including Banguey, Balambangan, Balabac and Palawan, in so far as relates to the Malay population. Of this sovereignty, Balambangan, and that part of the coast of Borneo, comprised between Pulo Gaya and the eastern head of Muludu Bay, was ceded to Great Britain about the year 1763, at the period when the Enghsh forces took Manila, and finding the Sultan Alimudin a prisoner there, restored him to his throne and possessions. Gratitude, for this benefit con- ierred, induced him to adopt England as his firm Ally, and in proof of his sincerity, and by the consent of his Chiefs, perfected the Treaty of Alliance by the above cession. The following notes, relating more particularly to this connexion with Borneo, are collected from the ' Oriental Repertory ', by Dalrymple, and are extracted as far as they are borne out by our own observations. " The limits of the Sooloo Sovereignty," as given by Dalrymple, ; " are to the eastward and northward, the Philipines; westward, Borneo-Proper; and southward, Idanea, or the inland of Borneo. 1845.] CLIMATE. 273 The climate of Sooloo, although so near the Equator, enjoys a much more even and cooler temperature than that of Mindanao. The nights, in particular, are sensibly cool, and although the island abounds in water, mos quitoes are not troublesome. The range of the thermo meter during our different visits was between eighty and eighty-four ; highest, eighty-seven ; Samboanga, eighty to eighty-eight. Upon the authority of Dalrymple, as well as that of the present resident, Mr. Wyndham, and the living Datoos, it appears that these islands are seldom, if ever, visited by gales, although strong winds and heavy falls of rain are not uncommon, something of the nature of hur ricane, or possibly an earthquake, seems to be on tradi tion, and is mentioned by Dalrymple. Elephants formerly existed, but in consequence of the destruction they caused amongst plantations, they have been exterminated. This has also been the case with Unsang, in Eastern Borneo, where they were once sup posed to be numerous. As they are not now known in a wild state in Borneo, it is highly probable that they were originally imported in their tame state, as presents* to the rulers, otherwise their entire destruction by the very small portion of Malays inhabiting merely the coast line of the island is highly improbable. Deer abound in the mountains, but as their flesh is not much valued by the natives, they are seldom disturbed, and as they could not be induced to bring them to market, it is possible that they are averse to their destruction. Of the off-lying islands, Toolyan, said to have been * This conjecture is confirmed by Dalrymple. T 274 TOOLYAN. [1845. presented to Dalrymple, by the Sultan Alimudin, is situ ated in the North-eastern Bay, and is described by the former as follows : — " Toolyan is high land. The hills form an amphitheatre with a large valley in the middle, to which two or three brooks between the hills form a passage, particularly on the south partj where there is a large plain between the Peak Hill and the Green Ridge covered with woods ; the island is not, at present, inhabited, but formerly it was, and had then many cattle, cocoa-nut, and other fruit- trees, which were destroyed by the Spaniards in their last expedition against Sooloo. "The woods are not in general large towards the shore ; they are of various kinds, and many of them good timber. The Alexandrian Laurel is common enough, and by much the largest I have seen, one of them, growing on the shore, being above two fathoms in circumference. There are several Poot trees on the island ; the leaves are dark green, pretty large, and high ribbed. The Dammer is in general as white as milk, and has the consistency, .and somewhat of the smell, of turpentine, it seems to ooze entirely from the bark. " The shore is, in some places, so steep, that a large ship may careen by it, but the island is but ill supplied with water. The bay is very commodious, and secure for a few ships." None of the other islands immediately connected with Sooloo, appear to be deserving of particular notice. Ta- wee-Taioee is termed a small, low, woody island, belonging to the Sooloo Group, but the Tawee-TaWee Group, situ ated on the east of Unsang, is described as a group con- 1845.] TAWEE-TAWEE GROUP. 275 taining fifty-six islands, and rocks ; they are described only upon report. He observes :¦ — " In the interior of Tawee-Tawee, there is a lake, named Landn Toong-ang, with an island in the middle, which in one place approaches so near the main that the roots of a large tree there (probably the Ficus Indicus) hangs over the island, and affords a passage to fugitive slaves, who have fixed themselves on the island. The lake is full of crocodiles. " There is another lake on the island of more conse quence, it is named Doongon, and was for some time the residence of Sultan Badarodin, (from thence commonly called Sultan Doongon) two rivers fall into the lake, and the coast between them is steep, rocky cliffs, the lake is fresh at low water, and has eight fathoms. The river leading from it to the sea, has five, six, and seven fathoms. But on the bar, which is of black sand, only one and three-quarters at low water, and about four at the height of the springs. Towsan Doolangdoolang adjacent to Doon gon, has very many pearl oysters. " The chain of islands on the south east of Tawee- Tawee are all low, with an infinite number of shoals between them and Tawee-Taioee, through which the channels have six, seven, and eight fathoms, but are extremely intricate, and so narrow that the Chinese junks used, in some places, to be pushed on with poles. These gutts are the most valuable Pearl fishery, as accessible at all times, and fish of various kinds are amazingly plentiful, and of great size. The Island of Tawee-Tawee has but few people, but abounds with excellent timber." The natives of Sooloo, which composed the crew of the 276 BANGENE. [1845. prahu which accompanied us to Curan, describe these people as being of the worst description of pirates, seldom affording quarter, and feared by all the surrounding islands. They allow that they possess excellent harbours, but the musquitoes are a perfect plague. " The Sunken Island, Apo Lamboo, (Sooloo Group,) within the memory of man, was above water, but is now, where shoalest, four fathom under the surface. It had a Lake three fathoms deep in the middle, without any entrance through the bank of sand which surrounded it, and was covered with trees. A hard storm overwhelmed the island, the trees, which are all dead, being still visible under water." Bangene. — The residence of the present Balligfiini Pirates has not been described, as, in the period at which Dalrymple wrote, it is probable that what are now termed piratical actions, were merely considered as the lawful pursuits of that race, and confined to vessels and people of their own colour and neighbourhood, with occasional skirmishes with the Spaniards, with whom we find them at war. No such concealment, as that now required, was then necessary; they found a welcome reception at Sooloo, and were doubtless deemed the naval heroes of that Archipelago. The name of our friend Budduruddin, of Sarawak, but latterly of Borneo, has been spelt in various ways, some times, Bedruddin, Badruddin, and Buddur-uddin, the latter being, I believe, the most aristocratic. But as he was the issue of one of the Sooloo Princesses, and we find the Sultan residing (temporarily, perhaps,) in Tamee- Tawee, called Badarodin, this latter, if correctly given by 1845.] ISLAND OF PALAWAN. 277 Dalrymple, (which is not the case, as many of the Malay terms are now written,) is probably the true source from whence it is derived. With respect to the Island of Palawan, which Dal rymple claims as part of the Sooloo territory, he ob serves : — " Although the greatest part of Palawan be under the Sooloo dominion, yet I cannot enter into a minute de scription. The country, in general, is described to be plain and flat to the bottom of the hills, and no country in this quarter, abounds more in valuable productions. The Canes are esteemed the finest in the world, Cowries are very plentiful, Wax, Tortoise Shell, Baat, or Sea-slug, {Beche de Mer,) &c, are in abundance. Most of the Idaan live on the east side, for which reason it is best frequented, but as there are few Bajows (Sea Gipsies) the utmost benefit is not derived from the innumerable banks there. There has lately been found the Tenjoo, which is the gum or resin of a very large tree, it much resembles amber (Tenjoo is little different from gum copal) and forty or fifty picul may be had of it yearly. There is much Ebony and Laka, and it is said there are hot springs, and mines of gold. The best side is chiefly inhabited by a savage people, who seldom frequent the coast. " The Sooloo dominions, on Borneo, are distinguished into four districts ; Tiroon, Mangeedara,, Maloodoo, and Keeney Balloo, or Pappal. The~rrrst extends from Kan- . neoongan to Sibocoo, which is the last river of Tiroon. Mang-eedara, extends from Sibocoo northward to Towsan Ditypn. Malloodoo comprehends the north end of the island and Pappal, the districts adjacent to Borneo 278 tiroon. [1845. Proper. However, the limits of each are not very de finite. Besides these districts on the main, there are many islands adjacent to almost every part of it, which I propose to mention in succession to the district they are nearest." Those parts of the Sooloo dominions, which are situated easterly of Sampanmangio, the island situated off the western horn of the Great Bay of Maludu, I shall extract as belonging to that part of Borneo lately visited by us; but those westerly of that island will be reserved until called for by our subsequent examination of Northern Borneo. " Tiroon. — The coast is all low mangrovy land, the mountains very distant in shore, are inhabited by Idaan ; all the country is covered with the Sago trees, which, being the chief sustenance of the natives, they plant in great numbers every year, to prevent any deficiency, as they are long in growing. The rivers are many, very large, and navigable. The produce of the country is chiefly Sago, and Birds' nests, both of which are in great perfection and abundance; it also yields Wax, Canes, Rattans, Mats, Honey, and some parts of it Gold, Goolega, and Baat, or Sea Slug ; and it is affirmed there is great plenty of Saltpetre, and many Capis. " The first river of Tiroon is Tapeandurian or Tape- durian, chiefly remarkable for the bad disposition of its inhabitants. The next, is a small river named Samontay, and to the northward of it Dumaring, which is a consi derable place. A little further is Talisyan, to the north ward whereof is a point with a hill towards the shore. There are several banks along the coast, where they col lect Baat. 1845.] RIVER BAR0W. 279 " The next river is a very large one, sometimes called Barow, and sometimes Curan, from different places near it; the first is an independent state, in alliance with Sooloo, the other is subject to Sooloo. The river has three fathoms at the mouth, but there are several shoals which require a pilot." This river has been already noticed. It is the Pantai, one of the branches, or properly the main stream, which takes the name of Brraou, and gives its name to people of the district, the city being Gunung Taboor, before described. It is only in the state of Curan, and the state, at present, as in Dalrymple's time, in alliance with Sooloo. The river has eight and ten fathoms at its mouth, but for ten miles seaward, not more than three fathoms at high water. Probably the last eighty years have rendered it a fathom less, not having now more than two fathoms at low water. " There is a considerable trade in Cocoa-nuts carried on from Tuallee, or Celebes, to Barow, which they call Barong ; according to their accounts, the river is very deep within, and the country yields much Bird's nests, and other valuable commodities. But, although the Sooloos agree in the magnitude of the river, they deny that their country is of much consequence with respect to its produce. This river is in the bottpm of a deep bay, the land running from thence to the eastward, termi nating in a point of red land, called on account of its peculiar colour, Tanna Mera, (Red land,) off which are many islands. The northern part of this point is called Sabannoong, from whence the land runs as much to the westward to a large river named Baroongan or Booloongan, 280 sicatack. [1845. which is a considerable place, formerly under Passir, and besides the common produce of Tiroon, yields much gold ; a very rich mine having been lately discovered. It also yields earth oil." Dalrymple was misinformed here, the first river, the Sabanon, is one of the mouths of the Bulungan, and the information as to the value of its produce is nearly con tradicted by the " much gold " to be obtained there. The rivers of the Curan and Bulungan districts are probably the richest in Borneo, and in the latter, sixty thousand Sagais are said to be located on its main branch, near the city of Bulungan. But to proceed with Dalrymple, he observes, without recording any of the other mouths of the Bulungan, which are fed by a great inland lake. " Adjacent to this is Sicatack, or Lalawang, it is re presented to be a fine bay, into which the small river of Tolangang falls on the south side, and that of Mantabuling on the north. The productions of this place are one hundred picul Black Birds' Nests, besides a httle White, and the other Tiroon commodities. " There are many islands close to this part of the coast, where the river of Leeleedong disembogues itself into the sea; one of these, named Tarakkan, yields twenty or thirty jars of earth oil per annum. This river is capable of receiving the largest ships, and is very populous,* it is sometimes named Leo and Leedong, from different places situated on it ; inland it produces much rice, which they sell, living on Sago, as on other parts of Tiroon. * (Bantilan) 10,000 people, twenty-five picul Birds's Nests, Wax, Sago, and Boory Mats. 1845 ] SIBOCOO RIVER. 281 " There is adjacent to this place, another red Land, called also Tanna Mera. Sambacoong, which, according to the Sultan's account, yields above twenty piculs of bird's nests. It is also a large river though less than Leo, but it has some shoals at the entrance, and several islands divided by creeks, and covered by Nipa trees. The outermost of the islands, which terminates in a sharp point, is named Pedadda, it forms, on the south Sibocoo Bay, in which the river disembogues. " Sibocoo Biver is larger than Sambacoong, but is said to have some shoals at the entrance. The current is very rapid, so that the tide never runs up, the flood only slackening the stream. All these rivers are very deep within. Off this river's mouth are situated two pretty large islands, named Samangkarroo or Samakadoo, and Leebattick, the last is high, and yields much Dammer. " Sibocoo has more than thirty towns inland ; produces forty piculs of birds' nests,* according to Alimudin, fifty piculs by Bantilans account, 100 piculs Wax, Canes, Rattans, very fine Sago, Honey, Boory Mats, and 1,000 people." The folowing islands belong to Curan district, and are situated immediately off the point of Tanna Mera. The only one deserving of notice is Maratua, which the natives declare to abound in valuable woods, and to be one of their most valuable fisheries. Dalrymple describes it as follows : — " The Maratua Islands are six in number, Maratua, * Each picul of birds' nests is reckoned^ in the present day at between 500?. and 550Z. sterling. 282 MARATUA. [1845. Kakabban, Sangalakee, Seemamak, Dalawan or Darawan, Pulo Panjang and Baboo-Baboo. " Maratua is reckoned moderately high, without hills, and has some wells of fresh water, made by the Sooloos, who go thither to collect Sea Slugs, which are in great plenty on the banks near it ; it produces also great plenty of the Coolit Sawang or Clove Bark, there being scarce any other trees on it ; there are also very curious Coral lines found there, plenty of Keema and some Teepy." No notice appears to be taken of the Ligitan group, but he passes on immediately to the district of Mangee dara, as follows : — " The district of Mang-eedara is the most eastern of Borneo, extending itself towards the Sooloo Archipelago in a long narrow Point, called Unsang. This district produces Birds' nests, Wax, Lacka-wood, Dammer, and plenty of fine Gold, which is soft like wax; the most remarkable place for this is Talassam within Geeong, but the river disembogues into the North Sea, between 2am- beesan and Sandakan. " The first river in Mangeedara is Tawao, opposite to the island Seebattick, to the eastward of this is a Point with a high land, named Pallass, at which place are many cattle. The land from thence to Geeong Bay is divided by creeks into several islands, the southernmost and largest is called Cooly Babang, the northernmost, Tanna Baloo, the southern point of it is named Tanjong Timban Matta. " The south coast of Unsang, from hence to the eastern extremity of Borneo, has many bays and rivers. These comprise the Bay of Salooroong ; Babatoo a small river, 1845.J EASTERN LIMIT OF BORNEO. 283 where there are cattle ; Malaboong, a river adjacent to it ; Tooncoo, the next, and Leebait the last. Unsang termi nates eastward by the Bluff Points, and on the northern rounding lies Tambeesan, which forms a harbour between it and the main, having about four fathoms. The country in the neighbourhood produces the Alexandrian Laurel, or Palo Maria of the Spaniards, much esteemed for masts. The north coast of Unsang has many bays, but none which afford shelter in northerly winds. There are on this coast many large rivers, thirty in number, from Tambeesan to Sandakan, all (except Maroak) branches of the Kinabatangan river, which comes from the Lake of Keeney Balloo." These are the principal points and rivers mentioned by Dalrymple, and these copious extracts are given of the coast not visited by us, as a guide for those who may chance to visit those regions without being able to obtain access to the works of this persevering and intelligent navigator, the want of which I much felt. Where we have come into actual contact with the places which he has described from the reports of others, and when we consider that some errors may be attributable to the in tervention of the Malay language, they have been found to be tolerably accurate. But it would be well to cau tion those intending to navigate the eastern limit of Borneo, that numerous dangers are reported to exist southward of Maratua, which have no place upon the charts. They were all distinctly pointed out and named by Tuan Hadji, the pilot of those regions. Having now adverted to the authority of Dalrymple, as to the state of the Sooloo Sovereignty in 1763, 1 will add 284 OCCUPATION OF SOOLOO. [1845. a few observations taken from a recent Spanish work on the Philippines, 'History of Manila' 1842. As the following extracts are translated from a lan guage in which some of the idiomatic phrases are very peculiarly expressed, and can only be properly under stood in the original, I have merely to offer to my readers the general meaning of the matter made use of as relates to the islands of Sooloo and Balambangan, placed in comparison with the extract from Dalrymple, both bearing on the relations of Great Britain with Sooloo. Speaking of the attack of the English forces, under Admiral Drake and General Draper, in 1753, the writer goes on to observe : — " The King of Sooloo, who was defending a position with the people of his tribe, delivered himself up a prisoner. The English fortified it and maintained it until the peace. " We have already seen that Alimudin shewed himself inclined towards the Spaniards in this affair of the war with the English, probably because he perceived some booty or prize fall into the hands of Great Britain which he coveted himself. " The Commander of the British Expedition on with drawing his forces from Manila, offered him his protec tion, which he accepted, embarking with the Enghsh Admiral, who sailed from Manila, with part of his squadron and troops, which had been disembarked. "The Admiral arrived at Sooloo, and having been de tained some time there, succeeded in obtaining from Bantilan, the Sultan, the cession of the Island of Balam bangan to the English East India Company, believing that having once gained a footing there, he could easily 1845.] INSTRUCTIONS FROM MADRID. 285 extend his command over the whole Sooloo Archipelago. At that time the English did not possess Singapore, Penang, or Malacca, and spared no means to establish themselves near China. On the arrival of Alimudin at Sooloo, he confirmed to them the cession of Balambangan. Shortly afterwards they endeavoured to transfer their forces to Tandun Dalaga, in the Island, and near the capital of Sooloo, but this they were unable to effect. " TheGovernor of Zamboanga, Don Raimundo Esparto! , endeavoured to fathom the intentions of the English. Accordingly, in conformity with instructions already received from Madrid, relative to this subject, he directed Anda to leave Manila with an Expedition consisting of a galley and two Schooners, well armed and manned, and commanded by Lieut. Col. Don Juan Canceli. His in structions were to direct his course between the Mosquito Islands, apparently with the object of pursuing the Illanon pirates, especially those of the Island of Cagayan (Cag ayan Sooloo), in the neighbourhood of Balambangan, and then, under pretext of watering, or bad weather, to enter the same harbour, manifest surprise at finding the Enghsh in the dominions of His Christain Majesty, and send an official letter to the Governor, requesting him to retire immediately, and likewise acquaint him, that he would instantly, inform the Governor of Manila of this affair. " He was then to visit Sooloo, and deliver his dispatches to the Sultan ; he further received instructions respecting the stipulations he was to make with him, in the event of his finding him disposed to expel the English from the 286 PLOT OF GOVERNOR ESPANOL. [1845. estabhshment, and whether he required our assistance to effect this object. He had especial orders not to make use of arms, even should he find himself possessed of superior force. This order, which deprived him of the power of -acquiring laurels, added to the old enmity which existed between him and the Governor of Zamboanga, and were, without doubt, the cause which induced this vile man (in whom Anda had great confidence) to lay open his natural tur bulent, envious, and domineering character. As every thing was to be executed in conformity with the plan conceived and contrived by the Governor, Don Raimondo Espanol, Canceli did everything in his power to mar the project. On quitting Zamboanga, by a plot contrived between himself and Aviles, an Officer equally perfidious, the supply of fresh water on board was found to be exhausted ; under this pretence, instead of proceeding first to Balam bangan, they presented themselves at Sooloo, before Espanol had informed the Sultan of that island, as previ ously agreed, of the sailing of the Expedition, its objects, and his intended arrival there. He so manoeuvred as to alarm the whole population, and caused them to to put themselves on the defensive. Finally, he despatched a boat to seek for water, as if he had arrived at a desert island, and wrote by this opportunity to a Chinese resident there with whom he was acquainted, to send him him twelve Princesses of that country, for himself and his Officers, and that he in return, would remit him, as payment, a good fat hog. 1845.] FAILURE. 287 He knew, of course, that this letter would reach the hands of the Sultan and Datoos. He then attempted to land, but as they would not per mit him he threatened to fire on them, and would have done so had he not been restrained by the Officers of the Expedition. He returned to Zamboanga without having been at Balambangan, or without having delivered his dispatches to the Sultan of Sooloo ; which caused great disgust to tho Governor Espanol ; he likewise meddled much with his conduct, received official complaints against and cen sured him : in a word, insinuated at this critical moment, into this fortress, so near to the English at Balambangan, disorder, anarchy and sedition. Various letters passed between them, in one of which Espanol requested assistance to restrain his garrison, and insubordinate convicts ; Canceli replied, that the only assistance which he could send him, was one mistress out of three which he possessed, of different colours. This soldier (who was an Italian), on his arrival after- terwards at Manila, without permission, solicited orders to attack Sooloo in order to revenge the insults he had received, and instead of meeting the punishment which he richly merited, merely received slight censure from the Governor, D. Simon de Anda, and took* command as Colonel of the King's Regiment, which appointment had become vacant during his absence. This is the same person whom Basco soon afterwards sent to New Spain under arrest. Espanol recovered the despatches and sent them by two of his Officers in apanco or boat to Sooloo, writmg particularly to the Sultan and Datoos, and using 288 TWO FACTIONS. [1845. every argument in his power to redeem the evil impres sion resulting from the conduct of Canceli. At that period there were two factions amongst the chiefs of Sooloo ; one party for the Spaniards, the other for the English. The latter were bought by their presents ; the others were composed of those who possessed more independence and amor patrice; they knew that the vicinity of the English would in the end prove their inevitable ruin ; and, on the other hand, that they had nothing to fear from the Spaniards. In this party were Israel and his father. Alimudin, on account of age, had abdicated his throne in favour of his son, who, when a child, had been at Manila with his father, had been educated in the college of San Jose with the Jesuits, and spoke Spanish. The Sultan was much pleased on reading the letters of his friend, the Governor of Zam boanga, notwithstanding that the Datoos in the Enghsh interest answered them in rather an angry manner. This is literally their letter. " This is the answer which we the Datoos, illustrious councillors of the kingdom of Sooloo, give to Don Raimundo Espanol. As regards the letter, which the two Ambassadors delivered, we must say, that we our selves act with honour, and do not require any foreigners to direct our concerns, because we are not quite children at the breast (' Ninos de teta'). Above all things, we pray, that the Being who occupies heaven and earth, and governs the wills of the living, may preserve you many years." The English invited and admitted the people of Sooloo to Balambangan, but punished them when they committed 1845.] DATOO TENTENG. 289 their customary cheating tricks, in a severe manner, placing the heads of the greatest princes in the stocks. In the letter which the chief Tenteng wrote to Espanol, after his banishment, he complained of the Sultan having been termed in his presence a lying, prating person, " a sweet potatoe root ",* and added, " what would you have done had you witnessed such treatment of the king of Spain ? " This Datoo, Tenteng, was one of those who exerted himself most to show the necessity of expelling the English from that position, but could effect nothing, as the Council was divided among themselves. Finally, in consequence of having himself been placed in the stocks, he joined another chief, who was his cousin, named Dacula, in the island of Banguey, contiguous to Balambangan, together with some Illanos and slaves of his own, in all about 300. These, with merely the hope of booty, decided on attacking the English. The diffi culty which Tenteng and his companions experienced was the mode of transporting their party across to Balam bangan, in order to surprise the English. The latter, when they first established themselves, possessed a force amounting to 400 men, composed of Europeans and Sepoys, but the bad climate had reduced them by degrees to seventy -five infantry, and twenty -eight artillery, who now accustomed to the country feared nothing, and cared little for the Moros. " At that period, Balambangan was garrisoned by that number of troops, without including the Governor, Com mander of the troops, and Officers, a Commissary, and Commander of the Fort. They had a lofty and respect- * T raiz de camote. U 290 SURPRISE OF THE ENGLISH. [1845. able battery, whose guns all pointed seaward, having the rear cleared to the forests. On the lower part was a battery with guns, &c, en bar bet, having a covered way, which formed the street to the Governor's house, the storehouse, and other quarters, the extremes of which were closed with a gate and portcullis. " Tenteng and his people knew that it would be easy to attack the battery from the forest in rear, where his people could unite and hide themselves, and thus they took advantage of this want of care of the English, who had neglected to defend that side, not dreaming of attack from a point from whence they did not expect an enemy. In the meantime, those at Banguey exerted themselves, transporting the people across the sea to the woods of Balambangan, and without being discovered by the Eng lish; the natives had only three small boats, each of which would scarcely convey seven persons, but these boats, after many trips, succeeded in transporting all the people to Balambangan, disembarking them on the oppo site side of the island, where the English were established, and in this manner they approached silently, concealing themselves in the wood immediately behind the Fort. "The English little dreamed of what was about to happen, and the officers slept profoundly, having enjoyed themselves at a fete given the day and night preceding, in celebration of the Governor's birth-day. "At dawn on the 5th of March, 1775, they formed in three divisions, attacked and burned simultaneously the Governor's house, fort, and barracks ; shouts and shrieks on both sides were dreadful, those who died from wounds, as well as those who conquered, seemed to unite in fearful 1845.] DEFEAT AND BOOTY. 291 din to celebrate this easy conquest. At that period there were in the port two brigs, two pontoons, unladen, and a large bark belonging to the English; the Governor always had a small boat in readiness at the gate of his house ; he, with six men, escaped to one of these brigs ; those that were armed with guns opened a brisk can nonade towards the land. The Chief, Dacula, who had made himself master of the fort, returned this fire, and, by a chance shot, cut away the only cable of one of the brigs, which was anchored nearest the land, the sea breeze driving her on shore. The crew jumped overboard, some were drowned, and a few gained the other brig, where they met the Governor. A flag of truce was hoisted, but he did not succeed in saving any of those remaining on shore, therefore, making sail, he quitted the smoking ruins of this position, over which he now ceased to have command. " Tenteng captured forty-five cannon, two hundred and eight cwt. of powder, two hundred and fifty muskets, twenty-two thousand shot, a great deal of iron, lead, tin, and gold in bars, more than fourteen-thousand dollars (Spanish) in coined silver, a large quantity of muslins, and other kinds of merchandize, the whole valued at one million Spanish dollars. " The Datoos, after this act, fearing the vengeance of the English, declared Tenteng unworthy of the privileges of a Sooloo Chief, and banished him the kingdom, with all his followers. " The Sultan wrote to the Governor of Zamboanga, informing him that neither he nor any of the Datoos took part in this unlawful affair, and begged him to send him u 2 292 ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION OF TENTENG. [1845. some books on the right of nations, to enable him to answer the charges that might be brought against him by the English.* In another letter he re-claimed protec tion and assistance, in virtue of the Treaty celebrated in 1737, and begged a remittance of arms, ammunition, and his little squadron. Don Raimundo Espanol answered, that he could in no way assist him, either with arms or troops, but as to the books he would do so willingly, though, at that moment, he did not know if any such were in his possession. " On the 23rd of March, Tenteng arrived at Sooloo with his brig and rich trophies. These were such con vincing proofs in his favour, that he was immediately admitted. He delivered up all the munitions of war to the Sultan, with two thousand dollars as homage, and desired to divide the booty with all the Datoos, as if they had taken part in the enterprize. Enthusiasm reached its height ; they not only annulled the proscription, but, if they had known the title, would have declared him ' Most High and Eminent Servitor of his Country.' " With this supply of guns and ammunition, they now believed themselves independent of the assistance ar alli ance of the Spanish, and thought they could face any English force which might appear. " On the 6th of July, an English ship-of-war arrived to reclaim Balambangan, and the effects robbed from that establishment. She remained five days. The Sultan communicated this to the Governor of Zamboanga, Bayot, telling him, ' that the Captain, on hearing the firm answer of the Council, seemed greatly vexed and * Be it remembered that he had studied with the Jesuits. 1845.] OUR PRIVILEGES IN BORNEO. 293 astonished.' The same Chief, Tenteng, attempted to do at Zamboanga as he had done at Balambangan, but a slave, named Reyes, disclosed the project to Bayot, and by this means frustrated his design, and he was unable to surprize the garrison. His designs being thwarted, he crossed to the Island of Zebu, where he committed a number of piracies." As all this narrative relates particularly to our former privileges on the northern coast of Borneo, and our inde pendent right to maintain our territories in that region, either increased by new Treaties, or continuing those which were executed of old, I think that my readers will excuse the digression from the main points of our own immediate voyage, particularly as the Sultan of Sooloo, has been pleased to admit England as " her old and staunch Ally." Indeed, it is probable that by the very act of forgiveness, mentioned by this Spanish writer (not evidently a friend of England), they became by gratitude more distinctly connected. The object of the work in question has evidently been directed to the assertion of the Spanish claim on the entire Sooloo Ter ritory, including our undoubted position on Balambangan. I am, therefore, tempted to add a few further extracts from Dalrymple, who, in concluding his ' Essay on Sooloo,' observes : — " The chief object of this Essay is to evince the Sooloo Independency, to which these historical anecdotes are only an introduction ; and for this reason it has been thought expedient to make a separation of the ancient and modern history; refering to the former all incidents which 294 SPANISH CLAIMS. [1845. occurred before 1734; when the present Sultan suc ceeded to the throne : and to the last, all the circum stances which I have been able to collect of the late tran sactions, whether regarding the Spaniards or others." " As the proof, deduced from original papers, will plainly evince the modern independence, it will excuse a discussion of the ancient Spanish pretensions in that quarter." * " The present Sultan has promised the author a detail of all the circumstances since his first accession ; parti cularly regarding the Spaniards, whose protection he claimed, and by whom he was afterwards put in irons ! The Marquis of Bnsenada's letter plainly confutes the Spanish allegation in defence of their conduct, ' that the Sultan was detected in illicit correspondence and double dealing.' Were the proofs much clearer than they are, the most they could make of it would be, 'the biter bit.' As it is evident, from that letter, the Spanish plan was formed before the Sultan had given any ground for their perfidy; although they were fairly outwitted, if not outbullied, by the Sooloos ; for it is obvious that the Spaniards suffered more by the expences of the expedition and the disgrace it did them, than the Sooloos, by any mischief from the Spaniards ; and from a full knowledge of both, the author is convinced that the reduction and maintaining Sooloo, under the Spanish yoak, is beyond the power of the Philippine Government. "The reduction of the Moorish States has been a favourite object with the Manila politics, ever since the Vide ' Eull and clear proof, the Spaniards can have no claim to Balambangan.' 8vo. 1774. 1845.] ANECDOTE OF SOOLOO. 295 Spanish establishment there ; but it has always been much easier effected in speculation than practice ; for many years past the Spaniards have been losing ground ; and perhaps arming the Indians is the only method of freeing the Spanish Islands from the invasion of the Moors. However, this is not a step consistent with Spanish caution, and, perhaps, too dangerous ever to be attempted. This subject will particularly occur here after, and the author means to be very particular on this head, as it may be extremely useful, in case we pursue an interest in this quarter. "To Sooloo, (which as well as the Phihpinas was anciently under the dominion of Borneo) then an ob scure place, a Bajow from Jehore retired with a beautiful daughter, whom the Jehore Sultan wanted to place among his mistresses. The fame of this beauty drew many of the Eastern Princes to Sooloo, and amongst the rest, one from Java, who won the Prize ; executing the penalties enjoined by the father ; which were, to introduce Elephants, spotted Deer, &c, the Javan making a voyage to Siam for that purpose. He continued at Sooloo until his death, which happened soon after, leaving his beautiful widow ¦. sometime after, a Serif, driven hither by stress of weather, was compelled by the Natives to an agreeable penance, in the enjoyment of Beauty and a Crown ; and from this descendant of Mahomet the present Sultan is sprung." — Dalrymple, 1792. *s* The Italics are Dalrymple's. 296 CHAPTER IX. BATAN, HOA-PIN-SAN AND LOO-CHOO. Take leave of Sooloo — Cagayanes Group — The Natives — Camden Shoal — Loss of Jib-boom in a Squall off Point Calivite — Arrive at Manila — Eeturn to Hong-Kong — Examine Defences of Canton —Leave for Batan — Excursion to Ibayat, accompanied by the Dominican Padres — Difficulty of landing — Explore Interior — Embarcation hazardous — Island of Samasana — Slight shock of Earthquake — Sail for T-nah-koo — Beneficial results of the trans portation of Plants — Visit Hoa-pin-san — Attack of Mosquitoes — Tia-usu — Geological features — Proceed to Loo-Choo — Anchor in the roads of Napa Kiang — Loo Chooans visit to the Ship — Droll curiosity of one individual in taking its dimensions — Find Erench Priest and his Servant. On the 24th of February I paid my final visit of cere mony to the Sultan and chiefs of Sooloo, and at this visit I endeavoured to impress upon them the great pleasure I anticipated in being able to communicate to the British Government the very decided proofs of friendship which they exhibited in the case of the Lascars ; the disavowal of anything approaching to ransom, and of other releases of British subjects at the request of Mr. Wyndham, pre vious to my visits to his territories. To that gentleman 1845.] TAKE LEAVE OE SOOLOO. 297 himself, I feel the Government are particularly in debted for his great personal sacrifices ; indeed, I wish most sincerely that he may recover the sum of six hundred dollars for which he made himself liable, on account of the Lascars. Independent of this, his entire time was engrossed during our detention, and his mercantile pursuits much damaged by the prosecution against Si-Dawut, to whom he had made extensive advances. To myself, personally, I feel that his ser vices were most kind and disinterested, and at my night conferences with the Sultan and Chiefs, divested of ceremony (and also of jackets), without his powerful assistance and interpretation, my objects, which, as it was impossible to have conversed about them in public meetings, could not have been explained, and therefore would not have been achieved. Numerous friendly questions relating to their general conduct; the altered state of affairs in Borneo ; the deter mination of European Powers to suppress piracy, as well as slavery; and the punishment which had already ensued, and would certainly fall upon those who continued such practices, aided or abetted the actors, or even admitted them into their ports, were all gravely discussed ; and I feel persuaded that more moral good was effected amongst the leading powers by this mode of argument, than would have been by more violent measures, what ever force might attend them. On the 25th of February, we bid farewell to our Sooloo friends, and experiencing very light airs had not pro gressed further than the island of Salleolookit, on the morning of the 27th : and as the result of our Magnetic 298 OBSERVATIONS AT SALLEOLOOKIT. [1845. observations at Samboangan gave the dip of the Mag netic Needle northerly, and those at Sooloo nearly an equal quantity southerly, it was highly important that we should take advantage of every available spot of terra firma included within those positions, to determine, ap proximately at least, the Zero curve. Independent of this, our friends in the French squadron had informed us, that they doubted the correctness of the Longitude of the Duo Bolod Islets, which they considered to be about fifteen miles in error. This position on Salleolookit offered the means of approximating this point very satis factorily, as the bearings were very httle to the eastward of south. Our observations place this rock in Lat. 6° 40' 52" N. Long. 121° 24' 30" E. Dip. 0° 17' 30" Var. 0° 17' 20" E., and by the bearings and assumed Longitude of Sooloo, we found no reasons to suspect it to be out in relative position. On the 28th we succeeded in crossing the stream which sets strongly through the Straits of Basilan, and fetched in with the land about twenty miles to the north ward of Calderas, when by making short tacks along the western coast of Mindanao we succeeded in making better progress. On the 28th March, we stood off to seek the Caga yanes Group, about which we had received very con flicting accounts, and about nine, a.m., of the following day effected a landing on a small rocky islet, situated in the channel between the two largest islands. A rapid survey was made during our short detention of six hours, by which we discovered that neither the Charts nor the sailing directions, by Horsburgh, afford any correct in- 1845.] CAGAYANES GROUP. 299 formation regarding this group. Three more islets and very extensive reefs, extending as far as the eye could reach from our most elevated station, which was about 100 feet above the level of the sea, will have to be added to thosebefore known. The islets are situated upon the out lines of the northern reef, the most distant about ten miles, but as they would become a subject for further enquiry, no further delay was incurred. During my detention at our observing position, we were visited by a boat from the Pueblo, where we noticed a white-washed fort and church, as well as a pretty large village ; we had not time to examine it, but one of the authorities deputed to make enquiries about us, and who endeavoured to make himself understood in a jargon composed of bad Spanish, Malay and Bisayan, assured me, that everything which I enquired for (consisting principally of Bullocks, Vege tables and Fowls,) could be procured at the Pueblo, and from the general tenor of the enquiries made by him, I was led to infer that Whale ships frequently touch here for water and refreshments. The object of our visit, particularly as none of our people visited the Pueblo, was a matter of deep mystery to them, as they could hardly be brought to imagine that so many human beings could be induced to broil themselves for six hours under a tropical sun for pastime. The bays or creeks, situated in the interior of the extensive sound, formed by the two greater islands, are very picturesque and retired, and have, at their entrance or chord of the bay, a depth of not less than three and a half or four fathoms. 300 THE NATIVES. [1845. If the entrance to this sound from the northward should be found clear from danger, or even accessible by dint of pilotage, this group would form a most important naval position, commanding the entire range of these seas, and be a most convenient spot for relief or recruit to cruizing, or disabled, vessels. The cottages which he scattered in the little nooks or bays, did not present, as viewed from the boats, either a neat or cleanly appearance but the race composing the crew of the boat which visited us, probably Bisayans, were clean-limbed, light coloured, and vigorous ; very respectful and courteous in manners, inheriting the politeness of the Spaniard and superior Malay : a combination resulting, probably, from Malayan fathers, and Spanish mestizo mothers. The rock upon which our observations were made, is situated in Lat. 9° 35' 30" N., and Long. 121° 15' 30" E., Var. 0° 45' 3" E. Dip. 7° 37' 0". Horsburgh in his notice of this group, p. 573, makes some remarks upon the depth within this Sound, although he passes at six leagues ! The interior soundings obtained by us, varied from four to fifteen fathoms (some few casts much deeper) in the great Sound, and at its northern outlet, where I hoped to find a channel of suffi cient depth to admit the ' Samarang ', I could not find more than twelve feet. On quitting this group I had intended working along the western shores of Panay, or as generally termed by those navigating these seas, " the Antique Coast' ', and passing to the eastward of Semi rara and Mindoro, take that channel for Manila. This is considered the most certain course, and is adopted by all the small traders employed about the Philippines, 1845.] THE CAMDEN SHOAL. 301 in consequence, as they assert, of strong north-easterly winds prevailing on the east of Mindoro, when calms and light airs are experienced on its western side. But the breeze leading me off shore in a line for one of the reported shoals, I could not forego the opportunity of searching for it, and if possible seeming its position. We did not succeed, and as I subsequently found that it was termed " Camden shoal "; I suspect, therefore, that it was only an erroneous position for the Panagatan shoal, on which we know that the ' Camden ' was wrecked. On reaching the northern extremity of Panay, we found by our sea reckoning that the three islets of Moralisan, Balbatan and Napula, were situated much more to the eastward than where they are placed upon the recent Spanish Charts, and on sighting Quiniluban, the southernmost of the Cuyos Islands, I observed that the second island in sight, then bearing S.W., when Quiniluban bore W.S.W., was not placed on the Chart furnished by the Admiralty ; but on the private set of Spanish Charts furnished by my friend Capt. Salomon, I noticed that they were nearer the truth, although not correct. Having also on my passage up these seas, in December last, noticed the appearance of rocks and islets to the westward of the Cuyos, which are not placed upon the Charts, I am disposed to think that the entire Cuyos Group, indeed, all southerly of Capt. Ross's Survey, ter minating I believe about the southern limit of the Apo Bank, and Eastern Calamianes, are very much in error, and render the passage eastward of Palawan unsafe, until further surveys have been effected in that region. A favourable leading wind, enabling us to make 302 SQUALL OFF POINT CALIVITE. [1845. northing at the rate of ten knots an hour, decided me on giving up the passage eastward of Mindoro ; before mid night we had reached the southern limit of the Apo Bank; and passing between it and Mindoro found ourselves a little before dawn on the morning of the 10th, off Point Calivite, the north-western extreme of Mindoro. Here we experienced a very sudden squall, from one of the ravines under this very high land, which taking us under all possible canvas snapped off our jib boom short at the cap, without affecting the royal masts, or giving the ship any great careen. This happening nearly at the moment that it became requisite to haul sharp up to beat through the passage between it and Luban, I was afraid that the loss of such an important spar would cripple our progress, until we could replace it by another ; this, however, was very speedily effected. About ten o'clock we lost the second under nearly a similar squall, but this was apparently a defective stick, and as we were now reduced to the spare mizen topmast, it took some time to adapt this for a jib boom. Very much to our asto nishment we found the ship cared httle for its loss, staying freely , and going nearly ten knots, close hauled, notwithstanding the absence of this most important spar and its canvas. About three, p.m., we cleared the islands, and with a leading wind reached the entrance of Manila Bay, at ten, p.m., and at noon on the 20th, reached our anchorage off the city. Referring to my extracts from the Spanish work upon the Philippines and Sooloo, it will be remembered that the author advanced pretensions to great part of the islands composing the Sooloo Archipelago, but as they 1845.] RETURN TO HONG-KONG. 303 consider that their influence extends more particularly to the island of Basilan, immediately in connexion with Mindanao, the intelligence brought by us caused a very considerable sensation. As it frequently occurs in argu ments of this nature, that partizans, in their eagerness, forget their principal object, one of the strongest advo cates in favour of the Spanish claims, forgetting his object in proving the Spanish authority, observed : " but we can even prove the fact of tribute having been received from Basilan by the Sultan of Sooloo, within the last five years, that is, of birds' nests and Pearl shell"! During our detention, refitting, the French frigate, ' Sabine ', arrived from Basilan, when we were informed that the French force had been engaged two days against the town at Malozo, which they had destroyed, suffering on the part of the French, a loss of three men killed and several wounded. On the 20th of March we took our departure for Hong-Kong, and on the 22nd, about five miles to the southward of Port Calaan, on the Island of Luzon, grounded upon a coral ledge, which we found outside of us, on the off shore tack ; showing the Charts off this river to be defective, but as it was almost calm, and without swell, no damage was sustained, although -we were some what puzzled to find our way out of the dilemma. On the 28th, we reached the Batanes Group, and remained a day at San Domingo for observations and stock, and with a fine breeze from thence reached Hong-Kong on the 1st of April, where we found H.M. Ships ' Castor ' and 'Iris'. Gapt. Graham of the former, being left 304 DEFENCES OF CANTON. [1845. senior Officer during the absence of Sir Thomas Cochrane at Singapore, Trincomalee, &c, &c. Nothing important transpired during our refit. On the 28th I made an excursion Up the river to Canton in a chopboat, attended by my gig, in order to examine nar rowly the state of the defences and difficulties to be encountered, should it be found necessary to carry vessels of war up to Canton. The result of this examination showed me, that although the Chinese had used great efforts to raise obstructions to the navigation, that nature, assisted by a little naval energy, which can generally be found when required, would not render our advance im possible; and as to the fortifications, I could plainly perceive that we had not taught the Chinese any of that art, as positions could generally be taken up where their batteries would be powerless, and this nowhere more conspicuous than upon our old friends the Wangtong Islands. Returning by " Blenheim Channel," I found that they had been more successful in blocking the river on that line, and that our native vessel was for some time delayed by the rocks which had been placed there. Nevertheless I am confident that these could easily be removed, and leave even a deeper channel than we had before, if required. But should our forces again be called into requisition on any of these waters, I trust the boats of the squadron will be found fully equal to any service of this nature which may required. Indeed, I cannot see of what use anything beyond our smallest steamers were in this river, beyond housing the crews of the acting force. On the 9th of May, we quitted Hong-Kong, in company with H.M.S. " Castor ', parting company off the Lema 1845.] LEAVE FOR BATAN. 305 Islands, she for a cruize in that neighbourhood, for exer cise, and ourselves for Batan, Meia-co-shimas, Loo-Choo, Korean Islands, &c. On the 14th, we passed close to the Pratas Bank, the weather fine, with light winds, but rather hazy. At noon, just as we were about to send the crew to dinner, we found ourselves embayed by the shoals which had not been distinguished by the man on the look out at the mast-head. We fortunately tacked, and cleared these difficulties, which, at night, would have proved of dangerous importance, although a course very wide of these dangers might have been adopted, had it not been our object to make this close examination by day. One thing, of which we were not before aware, was discovered; viz., that the line bounding the Pratas dangers is not circular, but, as far as we could observe, runs in bays formed by projecting points of the reef. After clearing these dangers, our course was directed for Batan, with the view of completing some unfinished parts of that group, which the present condition of the weather seemed to favour, or even, failing in this, to complete our stock, and obtain a more eligible departure for verifying the Longitude of the Meia-co-shimas. We reached our anchorage at St. Domingo on the 7th of May, and on mentioning my intention of attempting a landing on the Island of Ibayat (considered almost inac cessible) the Dominican Padres of the convents volun teered not only to accompany us, and afford their valuable aid, as interpreters, but also their almost absolute power in procuring the services of the native population of that island, who, although termed Indios Christianas, are very little removed from Los Bravos (wild Indians), or those 306 ISLAND OF IBAYAT. [1845. who have not yet been admitted as members of the church. As landing is at all times hazardous, and can only be achieved by the aid of a body of men prepared for this service, the Padres had sent forward notice of their intended visit by one of their boats ; the ship quitted San Domingo on the afternoon of the 22th, and favoured by light airs, and a smooth sea we effected our landing at the western side of the island, about five, p.m. Even under these very favourable circumstances, it was far from agreeable, charged as we were with the care of valuable instruments ; free and unshackled by such cares, and in pursuit of pleasure or adventure, it is probable that I should have thought little beyond the cold bath which momentarily appeared to threaten. Immediately our baggage, &c, was landed, it was shouldered by the natives in attendance, and we now commenced the ascent of the cliff, (a perpendicular height of ninety feet) by the aid of zig-zag paths and very indifferent ladders ; fifty feet more, of rather steep work brought us to the sum mit of the outline, putting our lungs to the proof. The exterior of the Island, as viewed from the sea, is dismally uninteresting, presenting a blank barren outline, defying disembarkation to any but those acquainted with the locality, and defensible against any attacking force ; and moreover, without anchorage. Great was our sur prise, then, on entering, what may be termed the crust of the island, at beholding a highly cultivated and gently undulating surface at a slightly lower level than its coast line, and in many spots exhibiting patches of good timber trees. After a pleasant walk of about two miles, we reached the Pueblo of San Rafael, where we took up our 1845.] EXPLORE INTERIOR. 307 quarters at the house devoted to the Padres, which had been already cleansed for our reception, and where our good friends Padres Remigio and Tomas, used every exertion to render us comfortable. As the uncer tainty of embarking became an important consideration, and I have often experienced that the delay of one un handy individual has risked the lives of all, I determined on reducing our number to the minimum requisite for conducting the service on which we were engaged. It consisted of Mr. M' Dougall, my amanuensis, coxswain, two seamen, and the optician. The ship had orders to re main 'off and on ' under canvas, and in addition to sound ing, had instructions to light beacons at points, already fixed upon. We were hardly housed when bad weather came on, and during our stay we had reason to think, as we had no " chimney pots or tiles " over our heads, and knew that the good ship ' Samarang ' had plenty of sea- room, that we were quite as happy on shore ; although at times, when rain confined us within doors, reduced to the necessity of going to school to the Padres, who strove hard to instruct us in the language of Ibayat. This visit of the Padres was connected with their pas toral duties, and had not at this period, I believe, been performed for several years. Those who visited Batan in their boats were in communication with the Padres, and were consequently accustomed to pursue their religious exercises ; but the women were seldom included in these excursions, consequently those inclined to marry could not put off the ceremony, to the almost sine die visit of the pastor, for whom, not having seen, they probably cared but little. The routine duties of worship had been per- x2 308 PASTORAL DUTIES OF THE PADRES. [1845. formed by persons brought up in the convents of Batan and duly deputed by the superior authority to act here ; but their province did not exceed the repetition of prayers, consequently the duties of our friends, regis tering; baptizing, catechizing, and marrying, throughout five Pueblos, formed no light occupation. The marriage arrangements seemed even to puzzle the Padres ; there were numerous candidates awaiting their arrival, some to be married according to the rites of the church ; some who had not thought this ceremony of sufficient importance to delay their union, but now wished to come under the wing of the church ; others, whom the acting ministers, or Captains of the Pueblos, suggested as likely to follow their own inclina tions after the departure of the Padres, were persuaded to be united, in anticipation, in order to secure them under church discipline. The assemblage of these parties and the pairing off, sometimes a husband missing, at others the wife, boys of sixteen to women of twenty-six, and vice versa, with many other irregularities, or inequalities, apparent to civilized life, rendered the scene ludicrous in the extreme, and I am fully satisfied that three-fourths of the parties concerned, understood as little of the ceremony as the natives of the South Seas before the visits of the missionaries. During our detention on this island, we visited the Pueblos San Rafael, Santa Rosa, and Santa Lusia. The two highest elevations on the islands are Santa Rosa, on the north, and Mount Riposet, on the south, the latter of which became my principal position, in sight of Batan and Dequey. The houses are constructed similar to 1845.] HABITS OF THE PEOPLE. 309 those on Batan, with very strong timber frame work, put together with great skill, much in the style of ship building, and thatched with fine grass, resembling rush, but very strong. The population of each Pueblo is esti mated at 400 souls, which will give about 1,600 .for the whole island. The people appear to be of a peculiarly mild disposition, lighter coloured, better formed, although less civilized, than those of Batan, and from the difficulty of following any maritime vocation, are completely de voted to agricultural pursuits. Notwithstanding the unpromising exterior of this island, it is infinitely more fertile, as regards its produce, than Batan ; the latter has, however, a richer volcanic soil, better adapted for garden than agricultural produce, although many fruits are abundant here which fail in Batan, particularly Limes and Pine Apples. This may result from the perfect shelter of this basin-formed island. The rocks and cliffs even to their summit, on the western side of Ibayat, are coralline limestone, apparently upheaved : on the eastern side generally of black basalt. The only two elevations are of a red steatitic clay, with occcasional streaks of a whitish substance, like baked pipe-clay, or porcelain. Their exports to Batan consist principally of maize, fowls, and timber, the latter generally of hard woods and ebony, for anchors. As money is not current with them, our payments were in calico (provided for such purposes, before leaving England), a yard of this substance proving far more attractive than a dollar at Batan. Their services were very freely and cheerfully rendered, and many ex pressed the hope of meeting us again, during our visits to Batan, where they promised to bring objects of 310 EMBARKATION DIFFICULT. [1845. natural history, for which we had made inquiry, and which our short visit precluded obtaining at present. We now found that quitting the island was not such an easy matter, and our patience was severely tested, it being necessary to transfer instruments backwards and forwards as often as opportunities for embarking seemed to offer. Even when attempted it was hazardous ; but trusting to the skill of my own well-tried crew, added to the supe riority of our pet cutter, it was achieved without damage to instruments ; although with rather more of the cold bath than suited the constitution of some of our party, having to pull some distance in their wet clothes, exposed to a glaring sun before we regained the ship. After being forced by the currents past the north end of Ibayat, we bore up for Batan, and reached our anchorage on the 28th, completed observations, stock, &c, and again quitted on the 29th, coasting the eastern sides of Ibayat, Siayan, &c. The following morning we found ourselves close off Yami or the northernmost of the Batanes Group, and were fortunate enough to effect a landing on a detached islet, and obtain its position. This enabled us to efface from the chart the islets termed North Bashees, which have no existence in the position assigned to them, nor in the visual radius from the mast-head position of the 'Samarang', 108 feet above the level of. the sea. The channel between the two northernmost islands is safe, and carries soundings, but too deep for anchorage, as well as the bottom being rocky. The position of the islet lying off the south extremity of Yami, is in Lat. 21° 5' N. Long. 121° 54' E. Our next object was to search for Ladd's rock laid 1845.] ISLAND OF SAMASANA. 311 down to the southward of Botel Tobago, but although our reckoning placed us near enough to observe any breaker, the placidity of the sea rendered this impossible as twelve feet water on it is assigned by Capt. Ross, the latest authority. Passing to the eastward of Botel Tobago, we found ourselves on the morning of the 3rd of June near the Island of Samasana. This being a doubtful position, a landing was effected, and a cursory survey of its southern features completed. We found a very snug little village concealed within the bamboo hedge skirting the sea, and a population probably amounting (after the Chinese habit of reckoning, ten souls to one house) to 150. Two small junks were on the beach, which they informed us belonged, as well as themselves, to Tai-wan, the general term for Formosa in these regions. The island appeared to be under cultiva tion, chiefly Rice, and the village valley laid out in gar dens, producing Maize, Cucumbers, Cabbage, and custo mary Chinese produce. As the sun at this season was rather beyond the limits of observation by sextant, we were reduced to remain on shore to obtain the Latitude by the stars. About six, p.m., just as we were -all com fortably seated upon the apex of a small hillock, discus sing the dinner sent on shore to us, our nerves were somewhat disturbed by the sudden shock of an earth quake ; the sensation to myself, seated upon a keg, was as if the hillock was about to burst at its apex, and disperse our comestibles in radii from the centre. The state of our appetites, after fasting since 8 o'clock, a.m., soon, however, enabled us to resume operations, the shock having failed either to disarrange our table, or disturb the crust of the wine. At the same instant the ' Samarang ' having got 312 SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE. [1845. into troubled water (heavy overfalls) to the westward, records, " 6. 45, ship touched the ground", but no bot tom with fifty fathoms; and it is, I believe, at this moment firmly adhered to by the unbelieving, that she did touch, but did not stop or receive any damage. Having completed our operations here, making the position of the N.W. end of the island in Lat. 22° 38' 20" N. Long. 121° 26' E., we embarked at 8. 30, the following morning, and shaping our course for the Meia- co-shimas, on the 6th of June, reached the Island of Kumi of the charts, Y-nah-koo of the natives. Provisioning one of the cutters for seven days, the master was despatched in her to land, erect stations, and make the necessary prepa rations for the survey of this island ; but the immediate object in view was to prepare the inhabitants for my visit, and to find out the best position for landing, in order that the delay arising from explanation, &c , might not frustrate the measurement of the meridian distance within the shortest interval. Passing on in the ship we reached Port Haddington on the 8th, about two, a.m. Our friends were not, however, so soon at the beach as we had anticipated, and after the chief had made his appearance, and resumed his customary familiarity, I thought that I could discern something not exactly like a want of cordiality, but rather a fear of some influence which prevented the exhibition of that natural feeling of friendship so freely exhibited at our last visit. Having completed water, we quitted on the 9 th and on the fol lowing evening landed at Y-nah-koo, where we found that the authorities had behaved very civilly to the master and his party, and appeared to be fully prepared to further our wishes in the examination of the island : 1845.] ISLAND OF Y-NAH-KOO. 313 of which intention they had already received notice from Pa-tchung-san. The day following was chiefly devoted to preparatory arrangements, Astronomical observations, measuring Bases, &c. ; and as no convenient anchorage was found, the ' Samarang ' was compelled to continue under canvas, depriving some of those wishing to stretch their legs of the opportunity of mounting the hills. At an early hour the following morning, reinforced by some of the civilians from the ship, and amply provided with horses by the authorities, we commenced our examination of the island ; the master having also received instructions to endeavour to complete the circuit in the opposite direction, by the west and south-east. Although this was strictly a survey ing expedition, yet being all fairly mounted, and the delays at the stations affording time to look about us, we enjoyed ourselves amazingly, ascending gradually until our advanced position, where we interlaced with the signals of the master below, afforded us a complete view of the island, at an elevation of 700 feet above the sea. Y-nah-koo has four villages, one on the west, one on the south, and two on the north, one of which is inland, in a basin-shaped valley. The principal town and Port is Pseu-bang-yah in the north, in which we noticed several junks of about fifty tons riding ; but ? the entrance from the sea is so very narrow and shallow, that ingress and egress can only be effected at Spring tides, and very smooth water. We noticed the operation of getting one to sea. The inhabitants are a still poorer description of people to those on Pa-tchung-san, and as the island is not so fertile, we did not notice the same 314 TRANSPORTATION OF PLANTS. [1845- luxuriance of growth in the vegetables which they pre sented to us. Cattle, Horses, and Goats appear to be pretty abundant, which the greater extent of grazing would tend to favour. From the condition of these people, their natural timidity of strangers, difficulty of landing, &c, it is not an island calculated to afford refreshments or supphes to any visitors. On the contrary, I was so much im pressed with this fact that I took care to accept nothing from them but vegetables, and left them various seeds, potatoes, and tops of Pine Apples, in the hope of im proving their gardens. During our intercourse with all of the islands in these seas, from Singapore, northerly, it has been an object with me to introduce from one place to another all the most useful trees and vegetables, making the Island of Batan our chief depository ; and we have the satisfaction of knowing, that in the latter island all the objects introduced have flourished beyond our most sanguine expectations. It is to be hoped that at some future day this may be found to be successful also at Samasana. One case occurs to me where this habit has not been productive of the intended benefit. It is perhaps travelling a little out of my present limits, but as a fact bearing on the introduction of trees, &c, is not unworthy of record : Capt. Bligh originally intro duced the Orange and Guava trees at Point Venus, Tahiti, both have produced finer fruit than in the places from whence they were transported, the latter is now deemed a pest ; it overpowers everything, destroys vege tation near it, injures the cattle, and is there considered the promoter of dysentery. A law had been passed PA-POO-HOO IfcttisW of Koo -kt/'tt -s, Artlvui Adams , clel . stone "byB-aava Brothers 1845.] pine firs. 315 previous to 1839, requiring the destruction of this tree. It must have increased prodigiously between 1825 and 1839, as I recollect but one tree at the former date bearing fruit, not exceeding a billiard ball. In 1840 they exceeded the size of a cricket ball, and were in great profusion, the entire underwood of Point Venus being composed of this tree. The composition of Y-nah-koo differs from its nearest neighbours, Koo-kien-san and Pa-tchung-san, being chiefly of coralline limestone, its highest peak attaining the elevation of 770 feet. All the ranges are capped with trees and brush-wood, but excepting the Pine Fir, which contains a great portion of resin, rendering it specifically heavier than water, none attain any size. The position of the northern beach to the west of the town of Pseu- bang-yah, is in Lat. 24° 25' 58" N. Long. 122° 55' 53" E. During the interval employed in the examination of the island the ship discovered a bank of soundings to the north-eastward of the town ; it is apparently a coral ledge, but affords tolerable anchorage in fine weather. Quitting Y-nah-koo, which is conspicuous from the sea by the peculiar sharpness of its single peak, we returned to Port Haddington, to rate, and sailing the same evening, shaped our course in search of the group Hoa- pin-san of the charts ; although not known by this name by our Pa-tchung-san pilots. Indeed, we found that the names assigned in this region have been too hastily admitted, as may be remarked in Meia-co-shimah and Y-nah-koo, for Madjicosima and Kumi. On the morning following we were sufficiently near to 316 ATTACK OF MOSQUITOES. [1845. Hoa-pin-san to secure a landing for the meridian dis tance, but here as in other positions near the Northern Tropic, the sun at this period being nearly vertical at noon compelled us to have recourse to star observations for Latitude. Towards sunset the ship found anchorage on a bank to the eastward of Pinnacle Island, and thus prevented her being drifted beyond our sight before the morning. Had such an event occurred, it would have placed us in rather an awkward dilemma, as the strong eastern currents, attended with very light airs, would have prevented her recovering her ground, and our eatables were already reduced to a low ebb, although most delicious water abounded. Every luxury they say has its evil, and not long after sunset we had reason to repent of the proximity of this same luxury. Scarcely had we com menced with the stars than the mosquitoes attracted by our lamps, attacked us in the most merciless manner. A determined action, with these pests, was vigorously maintained for nearly half an hour, at the expiration of which period, the exclamation of my assistant and boat's crew, added to some very piquante hints, that we had enough to satisfy any opponent as to the actual Latitude of the position (differing merely two seconds north and south), induced me to withdraw my forces to the salt water, leaving the instruments until the more powerful sun dis persed our enemies. Hauling off to an anchorage about 100 yards from our position, we obtained a release from further punishment, and enjoyed tolerable repose. Having embarked our instruments in the morning, and obtained another station on the Pinnacle Island, we rejoined the ship. 1845.] TIA-USU AND PINNACLE ISLANDS. 317 On the 16th, we endeavoured to obtain observations on Tia-usu ; a landing was effected, but the absence of sun prevented our obtaining satisfactory observations, and bad weather coming on hastened our departure. This group, comprehending Hoa-pin-san, Pinnacle Rocks, and Tia-usu, form a triangle, of which the hypothenuse, or distance between Hoa-pin-san and Tia-usu, extends about fourteen miles, and that between Hoa-pin-san and the Southern Pinnacle, about two miles. Within this space lie several reefs ; and although a safe channel exists between Hoa-pin-san and Pinnacle Islands, it ought not, (by reason of the strength of the tides destroying steerage) to be attempted if it can be avoided. This is also very de ceitful, as the slight deviation of course which would change the current from the weather to the lee bow, would also most materially change the rate of sailing particularly under the variables which prevail here, and from the reliance on what would be deemed a commanding breeze, the vessel would be suddenly found unmanageable. To those em ployed on these critical examinations, and who are daily if not hourly, subject to these nervous predicaments, these facts are keenly felt, as the lives of all are constantly in their keeping, and it is on quitting the ship at such moments that the Commander feels the responsibility he incurs, and which for the due execution of his peeuliar duties it is requisite for him to transfer into the hands of his Lieu tenant. Fortunately I felt that to no one could I entrust this charge with more satisfaction than to my zealous sup porter Lieut. Anderson. But with the command I could not give him the breeze which had accompanied us, and I had the mortification to see him baffled all day, without 318 HOA-PIN-SAN. [1845. being able to examine any of the space alluded to, and barely to save his distance on a casual bank discovered, as before-mentioned, at sunset ; once driven easterly in this region, it would be impolitic in us to lose time bythe attempt to recover it. The extreme height of Hoa-pin-san was found to be 1181 feet, the island apparently cut away vertically at this elevation, on the southern side, in a W.N.W. direction, the remaining portion sloping to the eastward, where the inclination furnished copious rills of excellent water. There were no traces of inhabitants or visitors ; indeed, the .soil was insufficient for the maintenance of half a dozen individuals. The composition of this island is trap, including masses of Basaltic Hornblende, Amygdaloid, &c, but the incli nation of the upper strata, as viewed from the ship, exhi bited lines of stratification deeply inclined to the N.E., facilitating the flow of water to the beach on that side. That this supply is not casual, is proved by the existence of fresh-water fish, found in most of the natural cisterns, which are connected almost to the sea, and abounding in weeds, which shelter them. Traces of the wreck of Chinese or Japanese junks were noticed. The position of the south-east angle of this island was found to be in Latitude 25° 47' 7" N., and Longitude 123 26' E. Pinnacle Group is connected by a reef and bank of soundings with Hoa-pin-san, allowing a channel of about twelve fathoms between it and Channel Rock ; it presents the appearance of an upheaved, and subsequently ruptured, mass of compact grey columnar Basalt, rising suddenly into needle-shaped pinnacles, which are apparently ready for disintegration by the first disturbing cause, either 1845.] GEOLOGY OF TIA-USU. 319 gales of wind or earthquake. On the summits of some of the flat rocks, long grass, similar to that usually noticed on rocks frequented by sea birds, was found, but no shrubs or trees. The rocks were everywhere whitened by the dung of marine birds, comprising the Booby, {Pelicanus Sula,) Frigate Bird, (Pelicanus Aquilus,) and various Tern, {Sterna), the noise from which, intended to frighten us from their eggs, was almost deafening. Tia-usu appears to be composed of huge boulders of a greenish porphyritic stone, probably a Basalt, cemented by coralline and amygdaloidal matter, the upper surface being loose plates of greyish Basalt, occasionally cemented by the same amygdaloidal mortar. Some distressed beings had evidently visited this island, not Europeans, as their temporary beds were constructed of materials which belonged to canoes, palmetto thatch, &c. They had probably selected this cave as furnishing water by per colation from above, and were probably sustained by the bodies and eggs of the sea-birds which abound in the brush wood. In addition to the sea-birds noticed on Pinnacle Island, we found here the gigantic Petrel in all its stages. At the first discovery of the young in its unfledged state, I had some idea that I had been fortu nate enough to hit upon a specimen of the long-extinct Dodo, but on proceeding further, I found the parent to differ materially from both that and the Solitaire. The capping of this island, from about sixty feet to its sum mit, which is about six hundred feet above the level, is covered with a loose brushwood, but no trees of any size. We now sought Raleigh Rock, situated to the eastward, but were equally unfortunate in the want of 320 DEPART FOR LOO-CHOO. [1845. sun, and the weather continuing still to threaten, did not warrant further detention, particularly as it was my intention to revisit them on my southern route. I found landing practicable, and remained on the reef, upon which it rises, as long as any hope remained, either of seeing- the sun, or obtaining the bearing of Tia-usu from it, but a heavy squall put an end to any further exercise of patience. Raleigh Rock rises abruptly from the reef to a height computed at ninety feet perpendicular on all sides, and covering an area of probably sixty feet, in diameter,. appearing in the distance, as a junk under sail. As we found it upon the computed bearing as given in the charts, from Tia-usu, its position cannot be much, if at all, in error. Giving up for the present any further delay in this uninhabited and not very interesting region, we pushed on for Loo-Choo, with no small degree of anxiety on my part, from having reckoned upon gaining some insight into northern politics, and upon making them acquainted with the probability of our coming into contact with those whom I knewT they now considered their lords and masters. On the 19th we anchored in the roads of Napa Kiang, and were immediately visited by the Officers of State; &c, requesting, in their set form, to be made acquainted with the object of our visit, and what supplies we stood in need of. The reply, " water and the sun ", seemed in no way to disconcert them ; they were evidently aware of the object of our visit, and did not appear to be quite so well satisfied when apprized of our intention of sailing either the next, or at latest, the following day. Presents of one bullock, two hogs, three goats, and 1845.] THE JAPANESE. 321 vegetables, followed this visit, and the next morning I landed nearly opposite to the town, in order to ob tain our Observations. Here we were visited by some of the minor Mandarins or Secretaries, evidently deputed emissaries, and much interesting matter was communi cated through my Chinese interpreter, who informed me that our visit had been for some time expected, that they had received full reports of our proceedings at the Meia- co-shimas, and that they knew us to be people who did not offend their prejudices, or wantonly enter their towns. Upon mentioning the chances of my communi cating with the Japanese, they were silent, but some scraps were written, and hastily destroyed the instant my inter preter read them, which implied that we might succeed, but beware of being entrapped. To use the expression of my Chinese interpreter, it would stand nearly thus : — " He say Japan man very cunning ; suppose he see you strong, he very civil ; suppose he catch you too civil, he take you head. He give plenty to eat, but no let you walkee on shore." To my enquiry, if they had any idea of our visit, " they thought — yes!' Our communications were interrupted by the visit of a French priest, who came to pay his respects and ascertain if we either brought him letters, or could afford him any intelligence of the movements of the French squadron in this direction. He acquainted me that he had been left behind by one of the French frigates, about sixteen months since, under the pretence of learning their lan guage, and teaching them French ; and that they were not then aware that he was a priest from Macao. Since this discovery had been made they had restricted him in 322 INCIDENT WITH A FRENCH PRIEST. [1845. his liberty of rambling, confined him within the walls of his garden (where Basil Hall was similarly confined), and that upon several occasions they had forcibly carried him home when he straggled. I found that I had now a difficult game to play ; the Frenchman desired me to impress them with the probable vengeance such treat ment might evoke upon the return of the frigate, which he hourly expected ; and the poor Loo-Chooans besought me in the most touching manner to carry him off; sup posing that as we had punished the Chinese we were masters of the world. A middle course was adopted, in which they were warned, as the Frenchman wished, of the impohcy of affording any ground for French interference which might eventually risk the transfer of this island. On the other hand they were told, that if the priest wished to proceed to Macao, on my return from the north, (at which period, tired of his confinement, he might give up all hope of the visit of any of the French squadron for the season), that I would willingly afford him a passage in the ' Samarang ', but I thought for the interests of all- parties, that they should continue to treat him with the most marked civility. The ship was visited by numbers of the inhabitants, but not to the extent that I remember in the ' Blossom ', in 1 827. The customary form of measuring the ship was also gone through here, but I understood with rather less precision than formerly. " Among the visitors," relates our second master, Mr. Richards, " was a singular indi vidual, who brought on board with him a rope, composed of twisted hay, for taking the dimensions of the ship, he 1845.] quit loo-choo. 323 measured every part, and the gravity with which he adjusted his spectacles, and conducted his operations, amused us exceedingly. He seemed rather puzzled where to begin, but this important point determined, he proceeded to call out the measurements most lustily to his amanuensis who was in readiness with ink and paper." Having completed the object of our visit and obtained a distinct permission to make surveys of this group, on our return, influenced doubtless by anxiety to secure such a chance of taking away their visitor, we quitted Loo-Choo on the 21st of June. y2 224 CHAPTER X. QUELPAET, AND THE KOEEAN ISLANDS. Island of Quelpart — Landing at first opposed by the Eishermen — Observations effected on shore, by appointing Sentinels to inter cept the curiosity of the Natives — Symptoms of hostility — Sur prised at midnight by a body of the inhabitants with torches — Disperse quietly to their homes — Watch-fires on the Great Island — Visit of the Chief to the Ship, accompanied by most discordant music — Dress and Manners — Visit to a superior Chief on the Great Island — His curiosity to understand the object of our Ex pedition — Punishment of an Offender — Make the Tour of the Island — Proffers of hospitality from a young Chief — Arrange ments for making a formal visit to the Examiner — March to the City — Misunderstanding and return to the beach — Proceed to the Southern Islands, and are visited by an intelligent Civilian Chief — General remarks on Quelpart and the Quelpartians — De parture for the Archipelago of Korea — Survey estuaries — Eeatures of the Country — Habits of the People — Eeturn to Quelpart — Sail for Japan. As the summer Solstice had now arrived, when very heavy gales are expected in these seas, I was exceedingly anxious to get into some of the northern ports of the Korea before its effect might disturb the efficiency of our Chronometers. On the evening of the 23rd of June, we sighted the Island of Gotto, situated at the south-western 1845.] ARRIVAL AT QUELPART. 325 extremity of the Japanese Group. Here we met the anti cipated gale, but by dint of carrying canvas, crawled under the lee of Gotto, which we rounded about seven on the following morning, experiencing a very heavy squall as we opened the land westerly. That night as the gale moderated, we increased our canvas and fetched over to the Island of Quelpart, under the protection of which we continued beating, until we got its northern island under our lee. At daylight we bore up, and about 6 o'clock an chored off the southern bay of this island, which here forms a channel with the great island, about two miles in width. The current set strongly through to the southward. As soon as our sails were furled and boats equipped, preparations were made for landing the tents and instru ments ; upon which a body of fishermen, natives of. a small village on the near slope of a hill, assembled to receive us, and motioned to land at what they considered a more eligible spot. Being inattentive to their wishes, one of them deliberately placed his shoulder to the stem of my gig and pushed her off, the others at the same time waving either to depart or land more to the left, which was clear of rocks. Our Chinese interpreter was unable to make them comprehend, and probably mistaking his attempt to parley for indecision, I thought it better to put the matter beyond further doubt; direeting the men, therefore, to pull in, I leaped on shore, with a musket, followed by my crew, with their arms, and took posses sion of the mound. They instantly perceived that we were not to be trifled with, and a better understanding was soon established between us. One of the elders, who appeared to understand Chinese characters, was in- 326 CURIOSITY OF THE PEOPLE. [1845. formed in writing of the object of our visit, which as explained by our interpreter, " to catch a small piece of sun, and measure the land," was probably equally unin telligible. It is very probable, however, that our myste rious dealings with the sun had a much stronger effect in preventing any further opposition, for we soon found them disposed to be friendly and assist our people in bringing water, erecting the tents, &c. On the arrival of the barges for orders, they were very anxious to in spect them, and on noticing the brass six-pounders in them observed, that they had much larger guns in the great island. We several times endeavoured to ascertain the name of the island on which they were, but could gain nothing beyond O-tcheou-san, which I well knew was merely their term for the land. As visitors increased they began to be more inquisitive, and so troublesome, that I was at length compelled to post sentries to keep off those who had not permission to approach; the parties, moreover, with which we were now in contact, were so filthy in their manners and persons, that it became a matter of necessity to keep them aloof. With some their curiosity, or impertinence, carried them so far beyond the bounds of decorum, that they were very soon taught that the white-faced foreigner was able to punish their presumption, even without the assistance of wea pons. As some doubts were entertained of the amicable disposition of these people, who quitted us rather sulkily and as if by signal, due care was observed shortly before sunset, in doubling our guard at the tents, by the crew of one of the cutters, whilst the further force of the barges moored in the bay, made it sufficient to have repelled any attack. 1845.J MIDNIGHT SURPRISE. 327 Shortly after midnight, however, whilst taking a nap, during a cloudy interval, which prevented my observing the stars, I was awakened by cries and yellings in our rear, followed very shortly by the natives rushing towards us, each brandishing a torch. These sudden alarms afford excitement and excellent practice to Officers and men, and in no point more so than as a trial of their coolness and forbearance. Both barges were ready for action on the instant ; eighteen loaded muskets, with bayonets fixed, awaited the approach of the enemy, and close as they were, not a mistake occurred. Many were "eager for the fray", but it was not our province to commence hostilities, nor do I think at this moment that the natives came down upon us with any warlike intention, for I afterwards found that an inferior Officer and his party from the great island landed about that time, and probably conceived it to be his duty to inspect us, and show his people that he entertained no fear. It was rather a hazardous experiment, as the mistake or want of nerve of one man might have sacrificed a dozen ; it is also possible that these villagers might have deemed us weak enough to be frightened by their display of torches; their surprise to find so many muskets pointed towards them caused the greater body, however, to retire with more precipitation than they advanced. A few of the band advanced in a friendly manner, and among them the chief alluded to, but the nature of his errand did not transpire, as we could only communicate by the Chinese written characters, and darkness did not at all favour his trusting himself in our hands. They very shortly dispersed to their homes, leaving us to take 328 WATCH-FIRES. [1845. care of the stars ; and it is highly probable that to this early lesson, teaching them that we were ever on the alert to any interruptions inimical to our duties, rendered our subsequent transactions with them more easy. We found that a vigilant look-out was also maintained on their part on the summits of all their high hills, where guards in little square forts were always to be observed moving about, and at stated hours, near sunset, and during the night, signal fires were passed along the posts, in succession, commencing from that nearest to the ship or boats. By day, this was effected by smoke, which was very cleverly, as well as prettily performed, by throwing wet chopped straw, and sometimes paddy husks into the fire, producing instantaneously a dense white column, afterwards used, in imitation, by ourselves for surveying signals. Some of the Officers thought that they could distinguish symbols in the form of the lights, but these I did not perceive, and when we consider that their telescopes are of the most miserable description, and that with ours, of the very best quality, that it was but a conjecture, and the distance also between the objects in question being, at least, three miles, I think there is no ground for that inference. Preparations were now made for carrying on the survey of the island by the ship and boats, in the event of any difficulty arising on the part of the authorities ; my in structions strictly prohibiting any measure of this nature being effected by force or against their consent. On the 30th of June it was intimated that one of the Quelpart Generals would visit the ship. Every preparation being made for his proper reception, shortly before noon three 1845.] VISIT OF A GENERAL CHIEF. 329 large boats were noticed coming from the main island, but as both wind and tide pressed them southerly, they made but slow progress. The largest boat, which bore the Chief and his party, consisting of his suite and band, the latter producing the most discordant sounds that were ever emitted under the name of music, from brass tubes, at length reached the ship, and the General stepped upon our quarter deck, where he was duly received by the Officers and guard, and saluted with three guns, the customary compliment to a Chinese of similar rank. He was a light built, but compact man, about 5ft. 6in., of rather handsome features, inclined to Grecian, with rather sharp forehead, small eyes, but intelli gent, and with feet very small in proportion to his size. His hair appeared to be dressed much in the fashion of the people of Loo-Choo, but in place of the Cameesashee and Oosisashee pins, it was confined by a delicate net work bag, composed of brown silk. The hat, which is a light fabric, and most beautiful piece of workmanship, is composed of the fine outer fibres of the bamboo, dyed black, and woven into a gauze, like our finest wire-work.* The rim is about two feet in diameter ; the cone rises to nine inches, having a diameter at the truncated vertex of three inches, where it is slightly convex, and has one or more peacock's feathers attached in a kind of swivel, * The hat is also furnished with a fine covering composed of very fibrous paper, so well glazed, at the same time so flexible, that it was generally mistaken for oil silk. This is prepared both by the people of Loo-Choo, as well as the Chinese, by a solution of the gelatinous sea-weed, Agal Agal (one of the ALgse), which will be noticed hereafter. 330 DRESS OF THE CHIEF. [1845. forming a graceful head-dress, and one not unbecoming a military character. Beneath this hat our chief was decorated by two necklaces or collars, one composed of large ultramarine-blue balls, apparently of porcelain, the centre being about nine-tenths of an inch in diameter, diminishing in size towards the extremities. The other fastened behind the left ear and crossing the breast, but this was composed of long tubular pieces, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, by two inches in length, tapering at the extremes, and apparently amber, having a dark coloured red bead between each. In his hand he carried a wand of office, of a dark black wood, with a black silk braid, plaited about six inches inwards, from the greater, and terminating in fringes. These consti tuted his official marks, or baton, of rank and office. His personal dress consisted of a fine loose shirt of grass cloth, trowsers and stockings in one, of a species of nankeen, and leathern boots of very neat workmanship, in the loose Wellington style, the upper part being of a black velvet ; a loose tunic, of open texture, approaching to coarse grass cloth or muslin, having the cuffs lined and turned up with scarlet silk, confined by a broad sash of blue at the waist, completed the house dress. But in the costume of state now before us, there was superadded a military cloak or scarf, descending from each shoulder in folds behind and before, turned up at the cuffs with red silk, representing two very useful sleeves. The atten dants were dressed similar to the people of Loo-Choo, some with boots, others with sandals, constructed very neatly of straw; and those of military habits performing the duties of Sergeants, Provost-Martials, or personal guard, 1845.] CURIOSITY AND ENTERTAINMENT. 331 wore a kind of gaiter, protecting the leg from the knee to the ankle. Our guest appeared to be quite at his ease, and on going round the ship, paid the most minute attention to every object likely to interest a warlike people. The size of the guns, weight of the shot, chain-cables and cook ing apparatus in the galley chiefly attracted his attention. If I should venture to select any particular object which appeared to make an impression of power, it certainly was the chain-cable ; he recurred to it several times, and observed, to use the interpreter's words, " he say must have strong man do that work." His merriment was very much excited at our sheep, goats, fowls, &c. ; " he say all got proper house "; but in descending to the lower deck, its comfort, arrangement of the seamens' messes, &c, a sight of admiration at any time, even to our own countrymen, perfectly astonished him. He trembled, I even suspect, to find another world, and more men lower down, and wished to return to the cabin, where he was greatly delighted with the performance of a musical box. After partaking of sweetmeats and wines, &c, he ac quainted me that a greater General than himself, the Commander of the forces, expected me to visit him at the great island ; we therefore proceeded thither with our boat force in state, taking every Officer who could be spared. Having landed in a very convenient spot, sheltered by two reefs, we were conducted to the presence of the Chief, ' under a very miserable military tent, which would not even shelter us from the sun, where we found him seated within a space, enclosed on three sides by a folding screen, so contrived as to form (by additional pieces) small 332 INTERVIEW WITH SUPERIOR CHIEF. [1845. chambers behind him. He received me sitting, when to put an end to any forms of etiquette which might be in contemplation, and in order to arrive at that point of equality upon which all our measures were to be con ducted, I planted myself sans ceremonie on the mat near him, and shook him by the hand, in true Enghsh style, a compliment which I observed somewhat to discompose him, although his assumed gravity quickly vanished. The customary formal questions were then put. From whence do you come ? What do you want ? When do you go, and where ? To these interrogatories I made a general reply : — " that my Queen had sent me to visit foreign countries, in order to correct the charts by which our vessels might navigate in safety, and that it was important we should obtain a knowledge of the hidden dangers surrounding their island, in order that none should be wrecked upon its shores ; that to effect this in a proper manner, it was necessary to observe the sun and stars, and make other measurements from the various hills about the island ; but that we had no wish to enter their towns or interfere with their people, and I therefore hoped that he would give them strict injunctions not to interfere with any marks which we might erect, and that our operations would not disturb the harmony which ought to exist between all nations ; that our object was for the benefit of mankind in general, and that he must not consider me as the servant solely of my Sovereign, but as that of all nations ; that immediately our opera tions were completed, we should proceed to Korea, and endeavour to see the ruling power there, and then call at Japan for* refreshments on our return to China.'' 1845.] OBTAIN SUPPLIES BY EXCHANGE. 333 He appeared to comprehend these matters clearly, issued his orders in compliance Avith my wishes ; and expressed himself very anxious to see the map of the world, to un derstand the very great distance which the Queen of Great Britain had sent one of her great war-ships to work for their benefit, which he remarked, showed a very kind disposition. This map I promised to give him when we met again at the great city, where he had arranged that I was to be introduced to the Examiner, the de facto Governor of the island. As to Korea, he considered that we should not be able to meet any great men, but very many soldiers, and very brave ("large hearts"), cautioning me at the same time, not to allow myself to be entrapped by them. Everything having been satisfactorily arranged between us, sweetmeats and sake (or Sam-schoo) were introduced, and the customary curiosity about the texture of our clothing, uniforms, &c, was indulged in. Anxious to procure Bullocks and vegetables for my ship's company, I had taken the precaution of bringing with me samples of the different supphes of cloth, flannel, cotton, &c, as a means of exchange, and enquired if such could be ob tained. This point being also satisfactorily arranged, we were preparing to take our leave, when I found that an inquisitive member of the rabble which pressed upon us, almost beyond the controul of their police, had been carrying his curiosity to an impertinent excess upon one of the Officers, who in his indignation had repelled him more roughly than he anticipated. This circumstance, however, soon proved that they possessed the power to punish an offender when necessary. Without any forms 334 PUNISHMENT OF AN OFFENDER. [1845. of enquiry, or drum-head court martial, the delinquent was pointed out by the Provost, suddenly seized and brought before the police magistrate, by four sturdy fellows, and he was then made to kneel uncapped, with his hair untied, or, as a seaman would term it, ' adrift '; this condition of the hair serving with the Chinese and other tailed nations, as an important hold on refractory characters. His crime, as I supposed, having been recited to him by the head policeman, or Provost, the magistrate bowed towards him, which being construed into passing sentence, he was, with very great rapidity, bared from the waist to the knees and forcibly thrown on his face ; being confined in this position by the four policemen, a fifth now appeared, a distinct official, prepared to carry out the sentence. The instrument used for this purpose may be compared to a huge bat, or Harlequin's wand in shape, but longer, wider, and heavier, with a long handle; it appeared to be of ash, and bent freely like the wand alluded to. The operator placing himself in a convenient position, and measuring his distance from the culprit so as to inflict his blow with the knees almost bent to the ground, swung this instrument over his head, and brought it down flat over the back part of the hams, a little above the knee joint, with a force apparently suffi cient to break the limb, but for the flexibility of the instrument. I interceded to prevent the repetition of such torture, but at least a dozen of these terrific blows were inflicted before my wishes could be explained and acted upon. It appeared to me to be a most severe punishment, yet the instant the culprit was released he nimbly tucked 1845.] CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE ISLAND. 335 up his garments and fled, possibly accustomed to this mode of castigation. Taking leave of the Chiefs, we returned to the ' Sama rang ', and on the day following commenced our tour of the island, the ship accompanying us within short signal distances, and anchoring at night. During our progress we were very strictly escorted by the military guards, which maintained a respectable distance inland, probably to preserve order, and prevent our free communication with the natives ; wherever we reached their batteries or military stations, there was a great display of banners, spears, &c, but no communication. The several districts of the island appeared to be under the control of independent chiefs, or magistrates, and according to their disposition did we find our opera tions facilitated or retarded. About the third day of our progress, it was found convenient to sleep in the boats, in a very well sheltered and retired little bay, about one quarter of a mile from one of their towns. The chief personage, a young man about five-and-twenty, and of very prepossessing manners, came down to visit me at the station, examined the instruments, and issued very decided orders in our favour. When he understood that it was my intention to sleep in the boat, he endeavoured to persuade me to accept the use of his»house, and to render me the more independent, offered to vacate it, and allow my own people to guard it. Aware of the general craftiness of these people, and suspecting that they would be glad to make one of us a prisoner, I still felt so much confidence in the genuine feeling of this chief, 336 INVITATION TO LAND. [1845. that, had it been consistent with my duty, I should have gladly taken advantage of this opportunity of seeing more into their habits, &c. ; but considering that on these occasions, the leader of such expeditions should "in his own person and place", set the example of endurance, and not accept a luxury which his officers could not enjoy, I declined the invitation . Another impor tant consideration which occurred to me, was, that if I had been either willingly or unwillingly detained, either by design or mistaken hospitality, the zeal of the Officer left in command of the boats, might have led to some untoward misunderstanding. As the fishermen had dis turbed our marks, and were not friendly, there were many of our party who were not inclined to give our new acquaintance credit for the integrity of his inten tions ; they were, of course, on the alert, and suspicion, heightened by the exhibition of some flashes of fire works during the night, put us on the qui vive, or under arms, and somewhat troubled our rest. On the morning following, we found the people well- disposed ; and moving onwards to the next station, I was again favoured with a visit from our friend, the young chief, inviting me to breakfast, but finding that I still declined the honor, he caused a small basket, or canteen to be put into the boat, containing what evidently had been pre pared in case of my declining his invitation, and motioned me to take them with me. The contents were fish, vege tables, pickles, rice, and Sake, in white metal and porcelain vessels, the latter certainly of some value to them. Even this did not satisfy the suspicions of some of our gentry. However, about noon, at a station, a little inland, and 1845.] INVITATION FROM THE EXAMINER. 337 about five miles in advance, and apparently beyond the limits of his district, we found that he had followed us in one of their unwieldly boats, and mounting to our station, set all the people at ease about our penetrating so far into the interior. My friend now acquainted me that the Examiner had sent me a present of Bullocks, which were on their passage from the city, and intimated a wish that I would go there with all convenient despatch to visit that personage, and that he would be there to receive me. Returning him his canteen and vessels, and exacting a promise that he would visit the ship on her an choring, we parted, and, about 4 o'clock that evening, met the boats containing the Bullocks, which had been sent off to the ship to be embarked. The ship anchored about a mile from the landing-place, and early the ensuing- morning, a special invitation was forwarded to a ceremonial breakfast, and introduction to the Examiner in the city, which was accepted ; and as the chiefs thought the ship too far off to visit, she was moved as close to the shore as safety admitted, her fore-foot having at one time touched a rock, which ought not to have been under us. Selecting a party, including marines and blue jackets, of thirty men, under arms, as a guard, and accompanied by about six officers, we landed at the beach, in front of the city, where several thousand people, including troops, with their ban ners, were drawn up to receive us. My friend was not amongst the officials, and considerable shuffling and evasion appeared to mark the conduct of the military chiefs. At length mats were brought, and the chiefs and myself being seated, some little communication took place about horses, the number of attendants, &c, all of 238 CITY OF QUELPART. [1845. which appeared to have been satisfactorily arranged, and the horses led out in readiness to mount. Still some un seen difficulty seemed to cause a restlessness amongst the chiefs, whilst messengers were repeatedly passing between them and the city. I shall therefore take advantage of this pause, and describe the outer parts of the capital of Quelpart. The space on which the city stands, is in a broad valley, situated about the centre of the northern coast line, having a conspicuous flat eminence on its eastern side, and a small river, or copious stream, on the west. The country immediately surrounding it on all sides, being peculiarly barren. The city wall, on the face exposed to the sea, occupies a line of about 500 yards, containing seven bastions, apparently with embrasures throughout ; but no guns were noticed, excepting in these bastions, and from their report, when saluting, of no importance. The depth of the walls, which form a parallellogram, is about 200 yards. The main gates, which are inland, and sea ward, are in recesses formed by two of the bastions, with apparently one additional gate on the eastern angle. The height of the walls is about twenty-five feet, and from their structure here, as well as in other parts of the island, I am induced to beheve are of European design. They are unlike the works of China or Loo-Choo, and manifestly convey the impression of a knowledge of the art of defence. Their present condition and appearance, added to the slovenly manner of repairs, where attempted, tend to confirm the opinion, that they were designed by a more warlike people, and that the present race have neither the tact for keeping them in a condition for 1845.] ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENTERING. 339 action, nor are possessed of the ordnance for rendering them respectable. Their force, therefore, could only be reckoned as to numbers in hand to hand conflict. Matters being now arranged, I was informed, after a delay of, at least, an hour, that they were prepared for our reception. The officers mounting their horses, which, fortunately, I had insisted upon their providing, and the force shouldering arms, we proceeded to the eastern gate, which we found closed, whilst the batteries above were crowded with people. Under any other circumstances this alteration of arrangement in avoiding the great sea gate, and refusal of admission here, would have touched my pride, and induced me to return to the ship, but I had an object in view of more importance : I wished to enter their town, and make the friendship of their chief, an object, possibly, as related to future communication with Korea, of national importance ; moreover I conceived that these disagreeable arrangements might result from the vacillating conduct of some timorous official. It was now intimated to me that the Examiner desired to pay me the greatest compliment which he could offer, and that he wished me to enter in state by the great city gate, on the land side, the officials having been deputed to arrange this ceremony. I directed them to lead, and conducting us by a circuit of about a mile and a half, we at length reached the avenue which led to the land gate. If this scheme was concocted in order to entrap us, it was well managed, had they possessed the courage to carry it out. To speak the truth, 1 had already made up my mind to stand the brunt of my act, and had taken into consideration the position of the 340 PERILOUS SITUATION. [1845. town, as under the point blank range of the guns of the ' Samarang ' . The boats also armed with four field-pieces, and congreve-rockets, were at the beach, within sixty yards of the walls, with thousands to fall under a few discharges; and last, not least, the handful of picked men under my immediate command ; I could not imagine, therefore, that these people could be such idiots as to provoke hostilities. The avenue in front which led to the main gate, was scarcely more than ten feet wide, not affording room for more than four men abreast, and two for active operations. Their troops lined this road, with spears on our left, and forty- eight matchlocks, with lighted matches, on our right. The projecting bastions, which formed a very deep recess to the gate, were frowning over our heads, at a height of above thirty-five feet, thronged with people, and requiring merely a handful of pebbles to exterminate us. In the face of this we advanced to the gate. A parley was held and a messenger arrived, refusing to admit so large an armed force into the city, " it was against their laws." They were then informed that these matters had been already arranged, and that I declined further parley. The period had now arrived when it became necessary to exhibit to them the contempt which we entertained for their Forces. ' Assuming the command by the order of " Silence ", I reversed my little band, having half of the marines in front, at the charge, the Officers in the centre, and the remainder in rear ; and giving the order to "Ad vance ", we steadily cleared our way past the matchlocks and " stone range " of the walls, and then forming square on the nearest commanding ground, gently captured a stray General, and gave him to understand that the safety 1845.] RETURN TO THE BEACH. 341 of his head depended very much upon his piloting us safe ; these arrangements completed, we advanced very leisurely along the western walls, until we reached the beach. To show how completely some of our party entered into the spirit of this little affair, I overheard a discussion which took place among the marines, whilst resting in square. One, calculating the odds, observed, " Well, there were enough of them to have smothered us "; the other coolly replying, " Nonsense, they were not more than two hun dred to one jolly " ! We had yet about 200 yards to tra verse, and here we found the ground kept by a regiment oiflailmen, stationed six feet asunder, so as to admit of the free use of their weapon. The handle of this dangerous weapon was about three feet in length, with an arm of eighteen inches, jointed in iron, and studded three inches from the extremity by nine studs, or nails, similar to those used in portcullis gates, &c. A single blowfrom this weapon would probably indent a musket, and render it useless ; against cutlasses it might become superior; and to unarmed men, terrific. Between these lines we continued our march, and reached the position, covered by our boats, in safety. Here I summoned one of their chiefs, and informed him, by a written communication, that I was ashamed of their conduct, and that I could no longer consider them entitled to respect. This produced a fresh invitation. "The breakfast was prepared, the chiefs awaited me, and the sea gate was open, to enter upon my own terms." To have accepted their hospitality under these circumstances would, I considered, have lowered the character of the Flag ; I therefore caused the interpreter to commit the following to paper, and forwarded it to the Examiner : 342 INDECISION OF THE CHIEFS. [1845. " I regretted that either bad advice, or pusillanimity, on the part of the Chiefs of Quelpart should have marred the pleasure which I had anticipated, of paying my respects to the Examiner, to whom, personally and indi vidually, I felt under great obligation. That notwith standing all that had occurred, and as a proof that no such indecision would be found upon our part, I should be happy to receive the Examiner, his Chiefs and at tendants, to any number, on board the 'Samarang', where they might be assured of a reception befitting their rank, and I should wait until 3 o'clock for their reply." In a short time they acknowledged " that they had lost face " (were disgraced), and further communication being out of the question, I retired to the ship, and quitted the anchorage. I felt great disappointment at the non appearance of my friend of the two previous days, who had not exhibited himself in any capacity ; and as all the chiefs of the neighbouring districts were, probably, pre sent, it frequently occurred to me that he was either a near connexion of the Examiner's, or had been ordered to remain aloof. That he was a first-class Mandarin, or Chief, we knew, from his hat and feathers, as well as from his own people, who showed him greater marks of respect, although unattended by Officers, than any authority I had hitherto met. It was evident that there existed a party hostile to us on the island, and I am inclined to suspect that it was military. The day previous to our visit to the city, on passing a fortified town at the sea shore, a gun was fired, in the direction of my gig, the shot dropping short. As this might have been intended for a compliment, 1845.] EXCHANGE SHOTS. 343 and the shot (as I have seen even in a British battery) accidental, I did not notice it further than by signalling one of the barges to close, and pulled directly in for the spot from whence the gun had been fired. A second discharge, which passed the ball quite close enough to our heads to put the intention beyond doubt, induced me to return them the compliment, from the six pounder in the barge, tiro por tiro (shot for shot), as the Spanish have it ; and this put an end to their amusement. We found, after quitting the city, that a similar feeling prevailed at one of our stations about ten miles to the westward ; the report of this tranasction, by Mr. Richards, the second master, in command of one of the cutters, was to the following effect. He had been despatched in advance to exhibit a signal upon the extreme point in view, and as the period of his arrival was about the time that his people should breakfast, he landed one of the men to stand by the signal, whilst he anchored off and allowed the crew to get their meal. Shortly after, the natives came down in great numbers, and endeavoured to force the man in charge of the signal, over the cliff into the sea ; not being able to effect a landing in time to prevent this act, Mr. Richards fired a musket over their heads, to intimidate them ; this they derided, and using brands, which they probably brought from their watch- fires, endeavoured to burn him out, by setting fire to his clothes. Further delay was impossible, and the dis charge of the brass gun and some muskets, served to disperse them, wounding, as he suspected, one of the most forward in this outrage. On my arrival at the station they had retired, and this proved the last attempt 344 A MORE FRIENDLY POSITION. [1845. to annoy us, or our marks. As to the act of firing on them, Mr. Richards was aware that upon a former occa sion of the people destroying our marks, the chiefs de sired " that we would fire the guns on them, as they had already sufficient warning." Nothing further transpired until we reached the southern side of the island, where, being short of fuel, I intended to complete from one of the small uninhabited islands ; within which a convenient, if not secure, anchorage seemed to offer. A small, flat island within, also presenting a most convenient opportu nity for completing our water, I determined upon making it one of our principal stations, particularly as I noticed an extensive walled town immediately within us, where numerous banners were displayed. We had not occupied our position long, before we received a visit from the chiefs, who professed themselves anxious to be on friendly terms, and brought with them presents of sweetmeats, cakes, sake, fans, writing paper, as well as drawing, envelopes, and the protrait of the Em peror of Tcheousan (or Korea). Amongst this party was another young chief, also a civilian, who very soon con tracted a friendship, and promised to use his exertions to obtain for me one of their state hats. After a great deal of communication, carried on by the intervention of our Chinese interpreter, in writing, he consented to visit the ship, in the company of one of my officers, the observations at that moment not permitting me to quit my post. On his return, I found that he had been very sea-sick, pro bably from having taken wine, but had previously been shown every object of interest, and appeared to be highly delighted. He very soon recovered his composure, and 1845.] PRESENTS OF SEEDS. 345 from the various questions which he put, and his enquiry after a map of the world, a telescope, &c, proved that he was a well-educated, and very intelligent person. Having intimated that he was aware that the map had before been requested for the Examiner, and that he should be happy to be the medium of conveying it to him, I lost no time in obtaining it from the ship, pro mising him the telescope upon our final meeting at the eastern island, where he had arranged to meet, and bring the hat and other objects of interest. I left with him a few seeds of various Melons, Cucumbers, Orange, Shad dock, Chinese Plum, Pumpkin, Mustard, Cress, and Lettuce. This produced a further solicitation from him, which seemed to imply that he undersood something of Pharmacy. He produced specimens of the Strychnos or St. Ignatius bean, which he informed me he had obtained from China, through Korea, and that he knew that it was brought to China by an European vessel. I en deavoured to ascertain how he had obtained this fact, and taxed him with having visited China himself. This he denied, but admitted having been at one of the chief cities of Korea, visited by the junks from China as well as Japan. He was unwilling, or fearful, to afford me any information respecting this latter place, but he most distinctly combatted any idea of their being either de pendent or subject to any control but that of Korea. I despatched a messenger to the ship for some of the beans of the Strychnos, which had been presented to me by the Padres of Batan, and begged him to accept them, in the hope of obtaining further information, but the approach of evening, and the presence of others, who seemed to act 346 OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA. [1845. as spies, put an end to our conference. They seemed to be very much surprised at the facility with which our Chinese interpreter expressed himself in the court dialect of China, and particularly at his assisting us, probably termed here, as in China, barbarians. They were so far, or pretended to be, ignorant of our transactions with the Celestial Empire, that they doubted the assertion of the interpreter, that England did not pay tribute to China ; and when informed of their submission and payment of six millions of dollars, as ransom at Canton, and further discomfiture, and payment of twenty-four millions, at Nankin, they termed him a very bad man, to tell such untruths of his country. Another gross insult, similar to that noticed at our first visit, occurred here, but on this occasion, I not only allowed justice to take its course, but insisted on the instant re moval of the offender from the island. On the 14th of July we completed our tour, resuming our old position off the eastern island, which, as we were unable to obtain any native name either for it, or any of the other islets, or promontories, I have thought fit to designate as Beaufort Island, after our worthy chief, at the head of the Hydrographic department. I am not aware that any European has before landed on, or surveyed, this island, although from its represen tation on the charts of former navigators, it is roughly, but incorrectly, exhibited. Throughout its extent it has but one safe anchorage, and that happens to be on the spot where, with our customary good fortune, we first dropped anchor. The second temporary roadstead, from whence a vessel would be compelled to seek an offing, at 1845.] hooper's and barlow islands. 347 the first symptoms of a north-westerly breeze, is off the city first visited. The third affords shelter from the north, by the east, to N.W., and offers an escape to lee ward, if requisite ; this is on the western extreme, and within its outer islet, which was named Eden Island. A fourth temporary, but dangerous, anchorage is off Hooper's Island, near the southern city, but this is open from west to south-east, and is too confined to admit of beating out, should wind and sea come in suddenly. Water appears to abound on the southern side of the island, but only in the case of Hooper's Island could it be procured easily. On Barlow Island, the south-western most of the group, it is easily obtained, but there is not safe and convenient anchorage near it. At the north city it may also be found. We endeavoured to procure wood by purchase, from the authorities, but it was doled out in such small portions, that it did not repay the trouble of sending for it. Nevertheless it is abundant in the mountains, and on two of the off-lying islets, to be pro cured by slight labour. The general appearance of the islands, as viewed from the sea, is inviting. There is a pleasing variety of hill and dale, and on the northern and eastern surfaces much cleared land, cultivation rising probably to the level of 2,000 feet. Above this, all appears to be buried in thick forests of Pines, and other northern trees, even to the highest peak of the island, which, from our computations, from various stations, reaches the height of 6,544 feet. This was named Mount Auckland. Towards the northern and eastern parts, some of the cones, which reach eleva tions of from 500 to 800 feet, are so very smooth and 348 PRODUCTIONS AND IMPLEMETS. [1845. circular, that, with their little batteries, or watch-towers, on the summit, exhibiting some tiny banners, appear almost be the work of art. This, probably, results from their method of cultivating the sides, as all the furrows appear to be made horizontally, which, in process of time, by the constant falling down of the ridges, would effect such a regular outline. The productions of the island do not appear to be at all equal to the wants of the population, and are in very small variety ; Rice, Wheat, Barley, sweet Potatoe, large Russian Radish, Maize, and small garden produce, com prise all that we noticed, either in the grounds under cultivation, or amongst the people. This does not ap pear the result of any deficiency in land fit for cultivation, but rather in the very poor nature of the soil. Of their agricultural implements we can afford but little informa tion, as our knowledge of these matters is completely confined to the fields bordering the coast. Hoes and spades, after the Chinese fashion, were the only hand implements; a species of plough of very rude con struction, was also noticed, but its perfect inefficiency for the purpose intended, renders it unworthy of description. I endeavoured on one or two occasions, to excite their attention by the offer of useful seeds, which I always carried in my canteen for this purpose, but, with the ex ception of my second friend at Hooper's Island, no one appeared to attach any value to them. With respect to the materials for clothing, they appear to depend chiefly on home manufacture, whilst all articles of superior quality are imported from Korea. In the construction of their houses their mode is similar 1845.J SUPERIOR CLASSES. 349 to that of the people of Loo-Choo ; those within cities being covered with red tiles, and otherwise ornamented, but they affirm that these tiles are brought from the continent. The houses of the lower orders are thatched, and very nearly resemble those of the Meia-co-shima ; the sides are occasionally built of stone, they are in a similar manner surrounded by stone walls about six feet in height, completely concealing all within ; but in this poor region, where soil is possibly in some measure dependent on climate, very few trees or even shrubs are to be noticed. The people themselves appear to be composed of several races; the superior class is entirely distinct, of the small Tartar mould, and very beautifully formed. Al though active, and from their general dress, liable to constant exposure, they still exhibit great effeminacy when at ease, being invariably attended by a species of page, carrying boots, slippers, fan, &c. ; but these again are far more effeminate than their masters ; pale, slovenly, and disgusting, with loose wavy hair, creating almost a doubt as to their sex. These are invariably the military chiefs and their attendants. The second. class Officers are robust powerful men, ranging between the height of five feet seven and nine. Their dress is coarse, and their manners in character with their subordinate situations. The soldiers are of the Tartar feature and build, sturdy compact men, of broader features, and probably averaging five feet six to eight. Their dress consists of the simple blueish coarse grass-cloth tunic, confined at the waist with very loose unbleached trowsers, reaching to the knee, and straw sandals, the hat is generally of a dirty brown felt. The civilians are of a superior 350 LOWER CLASSES. [1845. conformation to the military chiefs, of whom they take precedence, and are of the same class as those of similar rank in Loo-Choo. Probably from less exposure, their complexions are clearer, but their features are more elon gated ; they are of a larger mould and approach nearer to the European, attaining the height of five feet eight to ten. All the lower classes are nearly similar, being fishermen ; they are a very sturdy well-knit race, but do not attain any great height. They are powerful, lifting much heavier weights than our people, who on their part, beat them in activity. Of their women none were noticed but those belonging to the labouring class, excepting an occasional inquisitive portion of face, which merely enabled one to assert that they appear fair. Those of the labouring class were only noticed when taken by surprise, and they certainly had no cause for their extraordinary alarm and rapid flight. They are small, very short legged, parti cularly from the knee to the heel, with an apparent tendency to heaviness about the feet and ankles, and withal dis gusting. Their manners, excluding the superior class, differ from any nation with whom I have held communi cation : they are filthy in person and habit. Their fishing vessels are very few, and of the most mi serable construction ; many rafts were noticed, and from these facts I suspect that fishing is barely permitted to those licensed to pursue this vocation. It is highly probable that Quelpart, occupies the position of one of the penal settlements of Korea, and the information from my friend at the south city, would tend to confirm this opinion ; viewing it in this light, we must not feel surprised at the gross manners complained of, and it will readily account 1845.] KOREAN ARCHIPELAGO. 351 for the variety in the races of beings, which were found assembled. This will further account for the low state of cultivation, as no individual would take that interest in improving a soil, upon which his descendants would possess no interest, and from which he would possibly be removed at the expiration of his term of banishment. The position in the Sandy Bay of Beaufort Island was determined to be in Lat. 33° 29' 40" N., Long. 126° 53' 5" E., Var. 2° 30' 33" W. The geological features of the islands are decidedly volcanic, the entire southern side being either close grained grey, or greenish basalt, or a scoriaceous tufa. The appearance of the highest peak, when free from clouds, appeared to be the lip of a small crater, but from the abundance of trees, nearly to the crater edge, long since dormant. On the 15th we took a temporary leave of our friends at Quelpart, and steered a northerly course on our now bond fide voyage of discovery, into the Korean Archipelago. We had, indeed, charts of this region, but they were of as much use as one of the Antarctic Regions, would be to show where icebergs might be looked for. One comfort we retained, and no doubt many of my readers will smile when I state that we continued to feel the bottom with the lead-fine. This is, however, an important relief to one navigating a sea so studded with reefs, islets, and islands, as that of Korea. Our object at present was like that of the dove from the ark, to seek the first dry, or secure spot, on which to fix our first position, and this at 8 o'clock the following morning, was obtained on an isolated reef, affording us, in addition to innumerable distant islets, the command of a very interesting group, distant about three miles; some of its islets, crowned 352 THE KOREANS. [1845. with sharp peaks, rising to the height of two thousand feet. Having completed our work upon this reef, from which we and our instruments were nearly swept away by a sudden wave, we quitted, about 3 o'clock and proceeded to the examination of this new group. It was found to be composed of three islands, two large and one small, deeply indented and forming a most complete harbour within, as well as a very snug bay without. The ship was anchored in the outer bay, and the day following devoted to the survey of the island. The natives, which occupied four distinct and exclusive villages were civil, and conducted one of my assistants to the summit of the highest peak. The necessity for expedition did not afford us time to observe more of these people than that their occupation seemed to be solely fishing, and that they had a tolerable fleet of well-found substantial boats. There did not appear to be any military persons amongst them, the elder of the village, generally well marked by age and silver hair, appearing as the sole authority ; they were all clad in home-spun grass cloth, but of very poor material. In com pliment to the Secretary of the Admiralty, the harbour formed by this group received the name of Port Hamilton. Quitting this position we made another stretch northerly, and with our customary good fortune discovered another small group, amongst hundreds of islands in sight, offering very complete shelter to the ship, and our term-day being at handit proved amost desirable spotfor making our Magnetic Observations. Here the ship was secured, and leaving the Officer in command to make the necessary clearance of its summit, erect a large cone for a signal, and prepare our tents, we started with the boat-force to explore the terra incognita, within ten miles to the northward of us, which we 1845.] ABSENCE OF FRESH-WATER RIVERS. 353 conjectured to be the main land of Korea, and where I little doubted of meeting with some Magistrate, or other Authority, with whom I might communicate. After four days exploration we found ourselves almost as much bewildered as when we commenced our labours, and notwithstanding that we had ascended what we considered its Rivers, for many miles, and, with the utmost anxiety, had repeatedly drank enough salt water, to satisfy our selves that no fresh stream entered into their composition, we returned to the ship to complete our term-day, and make one more effort where a final chance yet remained. That also proved unsatisfactory, and from the explorations made, I have every reason to conclude, as well as from the various information picked up from the elders of the villages with whom we communicated, that we were still merely upon the outer islands of the Archipelago ; as in reply to the direct question put by the interpreter, they informed me, — that I could not reach the residence of any principle Mandarin in less than twelve days, and they were conversant with the general rapidity of our move ments. They, moreover, intimated, that I should not until then, meet with troops, or guns of brass, similar to those they observed, and examined, in our boats. The moun tainous district throughout presented a most barren and bleak appearance. Rugged precipitous peaks composed occasionally of Granite, and at times of light-grey Basalt, embellished but rarely with trees, or even vegetation beyond the grey lichens, afforded from their very deso lation, when brought into contrast with the few green islets beneath, an interesting scenery. One of my principal stations, elevated about one thousand feet above the sea, 354 BOTANICAL FEATURES. [1845. and from its architectural features termed " Abbey Peak " formed an exception. From the summit of a steep mount covered with a luxuriant vegetation on the north and south, but abruptly cut off from the vertex on the west, the entire cliff was composed of slender Basaltic columns, and by some freak or convulsion of nature, so displaced as to assume the most fantastic, as well as picturesque forms, occasionally enlivened by what I at first mistook for moss, or ivy, but which upon closer examination, proved to be that most beautiful production, allied to the Lycopodium lepidophyllum, or stone plant, so common in the vicinity of San Bias, on the western coast of Mexico. Nor were flowers wanting to adorn this interesting little spot. The Tiger-lily abounded and bloomed in great perfection, as well as Heath-bells, Orchis, Fox-glove, &c. As nature seemed to offer but very scanty means of subsistence on land, beyond the artificial collections of earth, forming the gardens to their little stone-built cabins, their resources if not obtained from places inland, were from the sea ; but from the specimens of nets and boats which we noticed, they were very far behind other nations in this pursuit. English hooks of various sizes, knives, scissors, and needles, were offered to them, but either from fear of their supe riors, or ignorance of their true value, they were declined. On one or two occasions they produced their Sake*, in compliment, and I returned it by sweet wine, which they appeared to esteem, but most carefully brought back the bottle, supposing it to be of value. They were surprised to observe it thrown into the sea, and on recovery it was soon conveyed as a treasure to the Chief, or his nearest friend. In all their transactions with us, I noticed an * Sometimes spelt ' zakki ' by the Dutch. 1845.] NAMES APPLIED TO LAND. 355 irresolution, a fluctuation between violent opposition to our landing in the first instance, and after this act had been consummated, an equal disposition to friendship, clouded by the fear of displeasure from some unseen source. In all our enquiries, here, as well as at Quelpart, the terms applied to the land were, invariably, T-cho-san or O-tcheou-san, and this was confirmed by enquiry, made through the interpreter. As the harbour of Tcho- san, so named by Broughton, should be somewhere in the neighbourhood examined by us, it is highly probable that he was misled, in a similar manner, by their reply to his enquiry for the name of the land* In the same manner it is very probable that Tanna, in the New Hebrides, ob tained its name, as the natives did not recognize that name at the period of our visit in the ' Sulphur ', in 1840. Tanah is the Malay name for land, and it is probable that the Malays, which traversed all the coasts of New Guinea, as well as the off-lying islands, extended their excursions even to the Feejees, many of their words evincing a great affinity to that language. Our boats had penetrated within estuaries which would easily have accommodated the 'Samarang', as high as 34° 40' N., and at their extreme points the channels appeared still open as far as the eye could reach, without the slightest traces of civilization, beyond the few fishermen at the beach; our provisions had now, however, become so far reduced as to render departure necessary, and we, therefore, shaped our course for Quel part, where we had yet to obtain final observations. * Tsyo-syon and Tyo-oo-seyn are the Japanese names for Korea, which favours this observation. 356 FRUITLESS OPPOSITION. [1845. An island not before noticed, invited the delay of a few hours, and measures were taken for making the sur vey. As it was distant from Quelpart, as well as from the Korean mass, I had not dreamed of opposition, but the master, on landing, in a deep bay on its northern side, was opposed by the fishermen, who made attempts to snatch the muskets from his crew. As they were met with firm ness, they fell back, and the Chiefs coming over to my gig, which had then landed on the other side of the bay, everything was soon satisfactorily arranged through our interpreter. . These little skirmishes are rather hazardous ; a little more violence on either side might have caused the loss of life, and upon no feasible ground, both par ties fancying themselves in the execution of what they deemed to be their duty. So far had the feeling changed, that the master ascended the mountain above them (about 1,200 feet), and after taking up other stations returned to his boat; the crowd remaining about me amusing themselves very happily. Before leaving, they brought their Sake bottle, which, after tasting, we returned the compliment with sweet wine, and took our leave. I was not a little gratified to find on my return to Quelpart, that every minute mark which we had left, was still standing, and one which had been beaten down by the rain or cattle, replaced, and the white-washed stones adjusted, as nearly as possible, to their former posi tions. I mention these little facts in order to show that there were parties who were not unfriendly to us. A petty Mandarin from the great island waited on me, and informed me, that the Chief was in expectation of a visit on the other side of the channel, but our duties ?l. 4*. coloured; 11. 17*. plain. This is a separate issue of the Cryptogamic portion of the Antarctic Botany, for the convenience of those Naturalists whose interest is more particularly directed to that branch of the science. ...i PUBLISHED BY REEVE, BENHAM, AND REEVE. 15. TRAVELS IN THE INTERIOR OF BRAZIL, prin cipally through the Northern Provinces and the Gold and Diamond Districts, during the years 1836-1841. By George Gardner, F.L.S., Superintendent of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Ceylon. Just published, in one thick volume octavo, with a Map of the Author's Route, and Yiew of the Organ Mountains, price 18*. cloth. " When camping out on the mountain-top or in the wilderness ; roughing it in his long journeys through the interior ; observing the very singular mode of life there presented to his notice ; describing the curious characters that fell under his observation, or giving an account of more tangible things, as the nature of the diseases, the arts or substitute for arts of the people, and the natural productions of the country — these Travels in the Interior of Brazil are full of attraction. The book, like the country it describes, is full of new matter." — Spectator. 16. THE ESCULENT FUNGUSES OF ENGLAND. A treatise on their Classical History, Uses, Characters, De velopment, Structure, Nutritious Properties, Mode of Cooking, Preserving, &c, by Charles D. Badham, M.D. in one vol. super royal 8vo. 21s., coloured plates. "There is no reason why we should eschew frogs and relish turtle; still less is there for our eating one or two of the numerous edible Funguses which our island produces and condemning all the rest. To draw attention to this fact and to supply an accurate account with a correct delineation of the esculent species of this family in Great Britain are the objects of the book before us ; such a work was a desideratum in this country. The majority of those which grow in our meadows and on the decaying wood of our orchards and forests are unfit for food, — and the value of Dr. Badham's book consists in the fact that it enables us to distinguish from these such as may be eaten with impunity." — Athenceum. 17. CONCHOLOGIA SYSTEMATICA, or Complete System of Conchology, in which the Lepades and Mollusca are described and classified according to their natural organi zation and habits, illustrated with 300 plates of upwards of 1,500 figures of Shells; by Lovell Reeve, F.L.S. In two quarto volumes, cloth, price 10^. coloured, 61. plain. " The text is both interesting and instructive ; many of the plates have appeared before in Mr. Sowerby's works, but from the great expense of collecting them, and the miscellaneous manner of their publication, many persons will no doubt gladly avail themselves of this select and classified portion, which also contains many original WORKS ON NATURAL SCIENCE. 18. THE CONCHOLQGIST'S NOMENCLATOR, or Cata logue of recent species of Shells, with their authorities, synonymes, and references to works where figured or de scribed, by Agnes Catlow, assisted by Lovell Reeve, F.L.S. In sheets for labels, 20*. Cloth, 21*. Half- bound in calf, cloth sides, interleaved with blank pages for remarks, 25*. A Catalogue of three hundred and twenty closely printed pages, serving as a Register of all the known species. 19. THE PLANETARY AND STELLAR UNIVERSE. By R. J. Mann. In one vol. 8vo. with 50 lithographed I astronomical Diagrams, and Map of the Circumpolar Con- > stellations; price 5*. cloth. ; " Such is a brief abstract of the discoveries of Newton ; and we may add that they i are clearly explained and elegantly illustrated in ' The Planetary and Stellar Universe,' 5 to which we refer snch of our readers as may be desirous of becoming more fully l acquainted with them." — The Westminster and Foreign Quarterly Review. 20. THOUHGTS ON A PEBBLE, or a First Lesson in Geo logy, by Gideon A. Mantell, Esq., L.L.D., F.R.S., &c, Author of ' Thoughts on Animalcules/ Seventh edition, with eleven additional illustrations, price 3*., gilt edges. " This elegant little book, primer-like in size, and illustrated by exquisite plates and wood engravings, serves to convey some of the grandest truths in geology in the simplest guise. Its snowy paper, excellent type, and beautiful illustrations recommend it to the eye of taste, and it cannot be perused without pleasure and profit." — American Journal of Science. 21. ILLUSTRATIONS of the WISDOM and BENEVO LENCE of the DEITY, as manifested in nature. By H. Edwards, L.L.D. Price 2*. 6d. cloth. " A little excursion in the track of Paley and the broad road of the Bridgewater Treatise. Animals, Atmosphere, Organic Matter, Light and Electricity are the natural elements out of which the author deduces his pious lessons, leading to a First Cause in wonder, admiration and worship." — -Literary Gazette. >