382 s o o l o o. 



bar pigeon; some interesting plants and corals were also added. On 

 the island a large quantity of drift-wood was found, which with that 

 which is growing affords ample supplies of fuel for ships. No fresh 

 water is to be had, except by digging, the island being but a few feet 

 above high-water mark. 



Although the time was somewhat unfavourable, Lieutenant Em- 

 mons and party executed their orders within the time designated, and 

 met with no other obstructions than the inclemency of the weather. 

 This was not, however, the case with Lieutenant Perry, who, near 

 a small beach on the island of Balambangan, encountered some 

 Sooloos, who were disposed to attack him. The natives, no doubt, 

 were under the impression that the boats were from some ship- 

 wrecked vessel. They were all well armed, and apparently prepared 

 to take advantage of the party if possible ; but, by the prudence and 

 forbearance of this officer, collision was avoided, and his party saved 

 from an attack. 



The island of Balambangan was, through the instrumentality of 

 Mr. Dalrymple, as heretofore stated, obtained from the Sooloos for a 

 settlement and place of deposit, by the East India Company, who 

 took possession of it in 1773. Its situation off the northern end of 

 Borneo, near the fertile district of that island, its central position, and 

 its two fine ports, offered great advantages for commerce, and for 

 its becoming a great entrepot for the riches of this archipelago. 

 Troops, and stores of all kinds, were sent from India; numbers of 

 Chinese and Malays were induced to settle ; and Mr. Herbert, one of 

 the council of Bencoolen, was appointed governor. It had been sup- 

 posed to be a healthy place, as the island was elevated, and therefore 

 probably free from malaria; but in 1775 the native troops from India 

 became much reduced from sickness, and the post consequently much 

 weakened. This, with the absence of the cruisers from the harbour, 

 afforded a favourable opportunity" for its capture ; and the wealth that 

 it was supposed to contain created an inducement that proved too 

 great for the hordes of marauding pirates to resist. Choosing their 

 time, they rushed upon the sentries, put them to death, took possession 

 of the guns, and turned them against the garrison, only a few of whom 

 made their escape on board of a small vessel. The booty in goods and 

 valuables was said to have been very large, amounting to nearly four 

 hundred thousand pounds sterling. 



Although Borneo offers many inducements to commercial enter- 

 prise, the policy of the Dutch Company has shut themselves out, as 



