58 EXPEDITION TO MOLUCCA ISLANDS. 



southern passage, in which we had rather more water than on the 

 flat to the Northward, hut the channel is more intricate, though 

 perfectly safe with a leading wind. 



25tli. — Fell in with four China ships hound for Bengal and 

 Bombay. By one of the latter we sent despatches to be landed 

 at Anjango. We steered South after clearing the shoal, which 

 extends to near Saddle Island, and the 26th made Pulo Jarra. 

 We then steered South-East, and the next day, 27th, made the Sam- 

 belans or Nine Islands. Two more China ships passed us. 28th, 

 very light airs, but fine weather; this evening made the Aroas, and 

 anchored for the night. 



29th. — ■ Steering due East from the Aroas, we sailed with a fine 

 breeze through the Sand Heads to Parcelar Hill, from whence the 

 course to Malacca, South-East is without danger, Point Eachar- 

 do, half way. being a very safe mark. All these islands and points 

 are like so many mile-stones or guide posts for this little voyage. 



Malacca. 



30th. — Our wind very faint and the tide against us for a great 

 part of this day : we did not anchor in Malacca road until 5 o'clock 

 in the evening. Immediately went on shore with the despatches 

 from the Admiral intimating his intention to dissolve the Dutch 

 Government. 



December 1st. — Went on board this morning to attend the Ad- 

 miral, as Mr. Coupekus told me last night that the Council intend- 

 ed sending a deputation this day on board to compliment His 

 Excellency. Shortly after, two members of the Dutch Council and 

 an Interpreter came on board, when the business proved a mere 

 compliment of congratulation on his arrival and nothing more. 



The Admiral soon after went on shore, and was received by the 

 Governor, Mr. Copperps, Major Brown and all the Officers of the 

 Garrison. He was conducted to the Government House, whence 

 after a short stay we went to the house inhabited by Major Brown. 

 Some other houses the Admiral looked at, but they all appeared too 

 hot and confined, and at last he resolved on going into Captain 

 Xewco^ie's house on North- West side of the town just outside the 

 Tranquera bridge. Mr. Couperis never once having offered the 



