314 On the Government and History of [June, 



Such are the principal circumstances leading to the expedition in 

 August, 1831, its failure, and the subsequent successful operations in 

 1832. 



Tabu fell on the 15th June, 1832, Abdul Say ad having barely time 

 to carry off his family and his Kabesaran. The chest in which these 

 relics were deposited fell into the hands of the troops. The Panghulu 

 fled first to Condongin Rumbowe, thence to Miko, and finally to Passir, 

 in Sriminanti. Here he left his family, and has been wandering 

 about the interior for some time past. After the evacuation of Tabu, 

 he paid several pious visits to the tombs of his ancestors, who there 

 lie buried ; he has since returned to Sriminanti, where he lives in indi- 

 gence, and would probably come in on terms and deliver himself up 

 to Government. 



His private property and lands have been confiscated. 

 The Ampat Stiku fled to Sabang, but finally separated and sought 

 asylum in the neighbouring states. The two Mantris, Melana Hakim 

 and Gompor, who principally instigated their chief to rebellion, are at 

 Miko, (since returned.) 



Mr. Ibetson visited Naning in the ensuing October, and created 

 15 Panghulus over the different Mukims, or parishes, into which the 

 country is divided, and thereby abolished the ancient power of the 

 Panghulu and Ampat Suku. 



The office of these newly elected chiefs is to preserve peace and quiet 

 in their respective Mukims ; to examine into and decide matters of little 

 importance. Cases of a heavy nature are to be referred invariably to 

 Government, and not as formerly to the Ampat Suku, or heads of tribes, 

 whose authority is now at an end. 



They are to assist in the collection of the revenue, and apprehension 

 of criminals ; and are constituted as authorized channels of communica- 

 tion between the Government and the peasantry. 



They derive no further emolument from their office, than part of 

 their own lands, and produce being exempt from duty : this is also en- 

 joyed by the four priests of each mosque. 



On the 27th of October, 1832, Government took the judicious step 

 of placing Naning and its new system of internal administi-ation, 

 under the superintendence of Mr. Westerhout, a gentleman not 

 only eminently qualified for the task by his perfect knowledge of the 

 Malay character and capabilities, but on account of his extensive in- 

 fluence with the principal persons of the district and neighbouring 

 independent states. 



The terms under which Mr. Westerhout undertook the settlement 

 of the country are principally as follows : that he shall have the whole 



