CIIAPTEK VI. 



THE ITLTASSEKS AND CERAM. 



The arrival of the mail here, at Amboina, causes 

 a general rejoicing. Indeed, it is the only thing there 

 is to break the dull monotony of a residence in this 

 enervating climate, unless, as happened this month, 

 there is an earthquake, which affords a grand oppor- 

 tunity for the old residents to describe to all new- 

 comers the fearful shocks they have experienced, and 

 this they invariably do with that peculiar kind of 

 semi-boasting with which a veteran fights over his 

 battles in the presence of raw recruits.^ The last 

 earthquake, which everybody witnessed, is referred 

 to very much as we at home speak of some violent 

 gale that has swept along the coast. Those who 

 would be weather-wise in our land here discuss 

 the various directions from which the different 

 shocks came — upon which there seems a considerable 

 variance of opinion, but I notice that generally each 

 company agrees with the highest dignitaiy present. 

 This was a fortunate mail for me It brought me 

 letters from home, and many American papers from 

 our consul at Batavia, who never failed to send me 

 the latest news all the time I was in any part of the 

 aj'chipelago. Before the next mail my letters were 



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