SEPT. 1770 RELIGION AND ADMINISTRATION 353 



township of Seba, where we were. What sort of Christians 

 they are I cannot say, as they have neither clergymen nor 

 church among them ; the Company have, however, certainly 

 been at the expense of printing versions of the New Testa- 

 ment, catechisms, etc. etc., in this and several other languages, 

 and actually keep a half-bred Dutchman, whose name is 

 Frederick Craig, in their service, who is paid by them for 

 instructing the youth of the island in reading, writing, and 

 the principles of the Christian religion. Dr. Solander was 

 at his house, and saw not only the Testaments and 

 catechisms before mentioned, but also the copy-books of the 

 scholars. 



The island is divided into five principalities, each of which 

 has its respective radja or king ; what his power may be we 

 had no opportunity of learning. In outward appearance 

 he had but little recognition shown to him, yet every kind 

 of business seemed to centre in him and his chief councillor, 

 so that in reality he seemed to be more regarded in essentials 

 than in showy useless ceremonies. The reigning Eadja, while 

 we were there, was called Madocho Lomi Djara, he was 

 about thirty-five, the fattest man we saw upon the whole 

 island, and the only one upon whose body grew any quantity 

 of hair, a circumstance very unusual among Indians. He 

 appeared of a heavy, dull disposition, and I believe was 

 governed almost entirely by a very sensible old man called 

 Mannudjame, who was beloved by the whole principality. 

 Both these were distinguished from the rest of the natives 

 by their dress, which was always a night-gown, generally of 

 coarse chintz ; once, indeed, the Eadja received us in form 

 in one of Black Prince's stuff, which I suppose may be 

 looked upon as more grave and proper to inspire respect. 

 If any differences arise between the people, they are settled 

 by the Eadja and his councillors without the least delay or 

 appeal, and, says Mr. Lange, always with the strictest 

 justice. So excellent is the disposition of these people that 

 if any dispute arise between any two of them, they never, 

 if it is of consequence, more than barely mention it to 

 each other, never allowing themselves to reason upon it lest 



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