EXPEDITION TO MOLUCCA rSIANDS. 61 



day the pleasure to obtain very satisfactory information relative to 

 the situation, strength and disposition of the Natives of Amborna, 

 from which I have great hopes the task of reducing it, if necessary, 

 will not prove very arduous. 



The arrangement being somewhat out of the regular line of 

 roster, has occasioned a good deal of discontent and representa- 

 tions from the officers left behind, but lias not caused any change 

 in the orders. 



17th. — By an English ship arrived from China, we learn that 

 there were no French ships at Batavia on the 1st of November, as 

 three Portuguese ships left it on that date and arrived at Macao 

 December 3rd. These Portuguese may account for the white flags 

 that we have frequent reports of as French in that quarter. 



19th. — The Suffolk, Centurion and Hobart arrived this morning 

 from Pulo Penang. By them we learn the news of an action iu the 

 Mediterranean, in which we were decidedly victorious : that a 

 successful descent has been made on the coast of Prance ; that the 

 Bill for Relief of the Army in India was at last before Parliamenl ; 

 and several other pieces of intelligence. 



21st. — The Arniston. Indiaman. was this day despatched on her 

 voyage to China. 



25th. — Chiefly engaged in completing the survey of Malacca. 

 The Prize Agents employed in taking accounts of all the public 

 effects. Major Brown having resigned the Government of Malacca, 

 and Major Vigors having preferred going on the expedition. Captain 

 Pake, next in seniority, was put in orders for the Government of 

 Malacca. Lieutenant Heitland was also ordered for the expedi- 

 tion. 



SOtli. — As it appeared to the Admiral that we were scarce in 

 tonnage, the Armenia, Captain Sands, of 300 tons, was this day 

 taken up at four Pagodas a lion per month for six weeks certain. 



31st. — Several of the seamen being in a very sickly state were sent 

 on shore under the charge of Doctor Harris's Assistant here, as 

 being unfit for immediate service, but as there was a great want of 

 wholesome accommodation for them. I made, by the Admiral's order. 

 a plan of a temporary hospital for the sick of the Navy, the execu- 

 tion of which I left to Lieutenant Farquhae. Notwithstanding that 

 his town is surrounded on the land side with impenetrable jungles 



