SIR THOMAS STAMFORD RAFFLES. 31 



love for Java, and desire for the welfare of the na- 

 tives, were points which assumed an interest of no 

 ordinary kind. He accordingly remained until the 

 arrival of Mr Tindal, introduced him to Buitenzorg, 

 to his own officers and staff, and to the most worthy 

 inhabitants in the island ; doing every thing in his 

 power to render the situation of his successor agree- 

 able, and to bend his views to the importance of the 

 prosperity and improvement of the natives. Ha- 

 ving done this, he resigned his office, and retired to 

 the house of Mr Cronsent with whom he remained 

 until his embarkation. 



When it became known that Mr Raffles had de- 

 cided upon returning to England, the liveliest de- 

 monstrations of regret were exhibited by the popu- 

 lation, both European and native. Addresses were 

 presented, accompanied with substantial presents, 

 and a sincerity in their grief was shewn, which told 

 plainly that it was the language of their hearts. A 

 passage to England was engaged in the ship Ganges, 

 Captain Travers ; and, says his biographer, u On the 

 morning of Mr Raffles' embarkation, the roads of 

 Batavia were filled with boats, crowded with peo- 

 ple of various nations, all anxious to pay the last 

 tribute of respect within their power to one for 

 whom they entertained the most lively affection. 

 On reaching the vessel, he found the decks filled 

 with offerings of every description fruit, flowers, 

 poultry, whatever they thought would promote his 

 comfort on the voyage. It is impossible to describe 



