70 EXPEDITION TO MOLUCCA ISLANDS. 



of a trade open to all, upon certain fixed duties, which perhaps 

 may be more profitable in the end, than the monopoly. 



January 3rd, 1796. — The order issued some days ago for the 

 embarkation of the troops, was necessarily changed on the Admiral 

 resolving to leave behind the Centurion, for the defence of the 

 Straits and Settlement of Malacca, as we have lately heard frequent 

 reports of the French and Dutch Cruizers being out. From this and 

 the great increase of stores and baggage, all the ships are very 

 much crowded. 



4th. — Mr. Couperus having had orders to prepare himself to go 

 to Madras on this day on board the Swallow, as he had a large 

 family, and vessel of his own, which has hitherto passed for a brig 

 belonging to the King of Cochin, commanded by a French officer, 

 he requested permission to proceed in her ; and having reported 

 himself ready and obtained his passport from the Admiral, he em- 

 barked accordingly. 



From Malacca Eastward. 



5th. — The troops and stores being all on board the respective 

 ships, instructions were drawn out for the guidance of Captain 

 Parr, on which he was directed to build a temporary hospital. 

 The sick of the Dutch soldiers were placed under the care of Dr. 

 Harris's Assistant, and the Pioneers left at Malacca and public 

 artificers put under charge of Lieutenant Farquhar, also the work 

 on Bocca China ordered to be discontinued. 



6th. — Embarked this morning with the Admiral, being now pro- 

 vided with such interpreters and guides as I could procure. 



Sailed from the Eoad of Malacca about 12 o'clock, having closed 

 the des23atches for Madras per Swallow, passed the Water Islands 

 with a light air, but the tide towards night making against us we 

 brought to near Mount Formosa. 



7th. — Weighed anchor this morning, the wind rather against us, 

 but with the aid of the tide we passed Pulo Pisang and anchored 

 near Pulo Cocup in sight of the Carrimons. The 8th, taking advan- 

 tage of the tides, for the winds were by no means favorable, we 

 got on to near One-tree Island, when we anchored. This is a very 

 dangerous shoal and reef, extending full three miles in nearly an 



