S O O L O O. 
359 
of this vessel, great exposure was necessary to effect this survey, I 
found both officers and men cheerful and willing. The parties were 
organized, — the first to proceed to the north, towards Balabac Island, 
to survey the intermediate shoals and reefs, under Lieutenant Emmons 
and Mr. Totten; the second to the south, under Lieutenants Perry 
and Budd ; and Mr. Hammersly for the survey of the shoals of 
Balambangan and Banguey, and their reefs. The examination of 
the Mangsee Islands, and the reefs adjacent, with the astronomical 
and magnetic observations, &c., devolved on myself and those who 
remained on board the ship. 
The weather was watched with anxiety, and turned out disagree¬ 
able, heavy showers and strong winds prevailing; notwithstanding, 
the boats were despatched, after being as well protected against it as 
possible. We flattered ourselves that these extensive reefs would 
produce a fine harvest of shells; but, although every exertion was 
made in the search, w T e did not add as many to our collections as we 
anticipated. Some land-shells, how T ever, were found that we little 
expected to meet with, for many of the trees were covered with them, 
and on cutting them down, large quantities were easily obtained. Mr. 
Peale shot several birds, among which was a Nicobar pigeon; some 
interesting plants and corals were also added. On the island a large 
quantity of drift-wood was found, which w r ith 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 shipwrecked vessel. 
They w r ere 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. 
