CHAPTER XL 



CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 

 1842. 



After leaving Singapore, I determined to pass through the Straits 

 of Rhio, a route which I deemed the shortest and best for vessels bound 

 through the Straits of Sunda. We had light winds and rain-squalls 

 at the entrance of the strait; but towards the afternoon we were 

 favoured with the northeast breeze, which carried us rapidly onward. 

 At night I anchored, wishing to examine more particularly the charts 

 extant, and to make what corrections I might deem necessary. 



The next morning at daylight we again resumed our route, but in 

 consequence of fog were obliged to anchor off the Dutch factory at 

 Rhio, where a fort is established. This was first occupied in 1824, 

 after the cession of Malacca. 



The island contains but few inhabitants, and those few are not 

 inclined to come under the Dutch authority. From all I could learn, 

 there is very little inducement for a vessel to resort here for trade. The 

 island is considered extremely unhealthy for foreigners during several 

 months of the year. 



When the weather cleared off, we again passed down the strait, 

 and on our arrival off the southern point of the islands, we steered 

 for the east point of Lintin, which island we passed on the 28th, on 

 our way to the Straits of Banca. 



On the morning of the 1st of March, we approached the northern 

 entrance of the Straits of Banca, and got a view of these low and 

 uninteresting coasts. 



The same afternoon, we fell in with a barque, under Dutch colours, 

 which refused to answer our hail as we passed ; we immediately 

 wore ship, and fired a shot; upon which they let fly all their hal- 

 yards and sheets. A boat was sent on board with an officer, who dis- 



