44 MEMOIR OF 



rived on the 3d of June, to the no small astonish 

 ment of the colonists, who were not inclined to be- 

 lieve it possible we could have thought of such a 

 journey." 



The party having thus returned in safety to Ben- 

 coolen, the attention of Sir Stamford was occupied for 

 a month in the concerns of the Company; but he con- 

 templated other excursions, and, in July 1818, com- 

 menced his inquiries regarding the ancient Malayan 

 city, Menangkabu, celebrated for the richness of its 

 ores and mineral productions. He embarked for 

 Padang, accompanied as formerly by Lady Raffles, 

 having upon the journey also the company and as- 

 sistance of Dr Horsfield. The journal of this expe- 

 dition, written at the time of its execution, and sent 

 home to his friends, is extremely interesting, but, 

 from its length, would occupy too much space here ; 

 we have therefore only selected some parts of it. 



The difficulties of the way were much dwelt on by 

 the natives. Sir Stamford was, however, determined 

 to make the attempt, though the information of his 

 advanced party was rather confirmatory of danger. 

 "This party, consisting of about two hundred coolies, 

 fifty military as an escort, and all our personal ser- 

 vants, left Padongon the afternoon of the 14th June, 

 by beat of drum, forming a most ridiculous cavalcade, 

 the interest heightened by the quixotic appearance 

 of my friend Dr Horsfield, who was borne along on 

 the shoulders of four of the party, in order that, in 

 preceding us, he might gain time for botanizing. 



