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, Me'ia-co-shimahs, Luzon, 

 Mindoro, Mindanao, Sooloo, Borneo, Celebes, and Ter- 

 nate ; whence, after a sharp encounter with the Illanon 

 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 



