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. 



" The Governor of Zamboanga, Don Raimundo Espanol, 

 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 

 English 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 



