SIR THOMAS STAMFORD RAFFLES. 21 



cms Raffles, in preference to many who were thought 

 at least to have possessed more interest. In 1805 

 the Directors determined upon sending out an esta- 

 blishment to Penang ; and Mr Ramsay, then secre- 

 tary, having observed his talents for diplomacy, his 

 application, and his quickness, recommended him to 

 the office of assistant secretary. In September fol- 

 lowing Mr Raffles first set foot in the East, the 

 theatre in which his acquirements and industry were 

 to be shown forth. During the voyage out he had 

 nearly mastered the Malayan language; and, from the 

 .llness of the secretary, he was at once obliged to en- 

 ter upon all the duties and difficulties of his office, a 

 task of great responsibility, but which he executed 

 to the satisfaction of his employers. 



The great exertions and application necessary to 

 carry on the duties of the government, with the 

 effects of the climate on a constitution not yet 

 inured to it, were too much for Mr Raffles, and he 

 was thrown into bad health, and an illness so seri- 

 ous, that relaxation and change of air to Malacca 

 were recommended. Hence his anxiety to benefit 

 the government brought him back almost before he 

 was able to undergo fatigue. He made the voyage 

 in the long boat of an Indiaman, and again reached 

 Penang in time to send off despatches, and to for- 

 ward many objects which could scarcely* have been 

 accomplished without him. 



While at Malacca he first saw and mixed with 

 the varied population of the Eastern Archipelago, 



