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ever on the watch for capable and resolute men who could 

 further his plans for the extension of Dutch supremacy in the 

 East, had recognised Abel's great qualities. This is plain 

 from the important enterprises with which lie was constantly 

 entrusted. So little did his failure to capture the junk affect 

 his standing, that within three or four months after the inflic- 

 tion of the fine the Governor-General offered him the conduct 

 of an important mission, in which not only his resolution but 

 his diplomatic skill would be put to proof. Amongst other 

 countries in which the Dutch had early established themselves 

 was the great island of Sumatra. They had soon elbowed out 

 the Portuguese, and now had factories at Acheen, Djambi, 

 and other places. The most important of these was at 

 Palembang (not far from the coasts of Java.) This post 

 commanded the pepper trade of the south of the island. The 

 powerful Sultan of Palembang had long been on most 

 friendly terms with the Dutch, but through the machinations 

 of a Chinese named Bencki, who had fled from Batavia in 

 debt to the Company, and had managed to ingratiate himself 

 with the Sultan, these relations were seriously imperilled. The 

 differences and misunderstandings which had arisen now 

 threatened to end in war. It, was with the view of bringing 

 the Sultan to a better mind that Tasman was despatched to 

 Palembang with a fleet of four vessels. He left Batavia on 

 23rd April, 1642, and two or three days later the little squadron 

 cast anchor in the mouth of the river on which the Sultan's 

 capital was situated. Here, by way of preliminary, Abel 

 Jansz took possession of some junks loaded with pepper, and 

 havinc transferred their cargoes to his own vessels, he sailed 

 up the river to Palembang. His instructions were to do his 

 best to arrange matters by friendly means before having 

 recourse to hostile measures. He therefore sought an interview 

 with the Sultan. To the surprise of the Dutch, the audience 

 was not only granted, but the ambassador met with a most 

 friendly reception. Abel showed himself a skilful diplomatist. 

 He disabused the Sultan's mind of the prejudices instilled by 

 • the Chinaman, and dwelt on the good disposition of the 

 government at Batavia. He showed the importance, not only 

 to the Company but also to the kingdom of Palembang, 

 of the maintenance of the trade and of the amicable relations 

 hitherto existing. Finally he urged, in forcible terms, the 

 mischief that would ensue from a war between the two 

 hitherto friendly powers. It is perhaps doubtful whether the 

 diplomatist's words would have been as convincing if they had 

 not been supported by the tangible argument of a squadron 

 of ships, commanded by a man who clearly was not to be 

 trifled with. But, however that may be, the Sultan was 



