EXPEDITION" TO MOLUCCA. ISLANDS. 73 



loss to the public service than those little allowances ; which would 

 not only gratify their pride as well as palate, but keep up that 

 efficient vigour necessary on their arrival at their destined scene of 

 action, for supposing onty five in a hundred to suffer by the saving, 

 exclusive of the idea of humanity, that of economy will make it 

 evidently appear that it is cheaper to employ one hundred stout 

 healthy well fed men, than one hundred and five supported on 

 this curtailed allowance, five of whom are sure to become unser- 

 viceable thereby. 



Off' Carimon Island. 



13th. — As if t the winds were determined to oppose us, the mo- 

 ment yesterday we resolved on returning, it chopped about, and 

 was still against us, so that our progress back promises to be as 

 tedious as when coming. 



14th. — Having come to an anchor off the little Carimon island, 

 the Admiral despatched the Hobart and prow to Malacca, with or- 

 ders for the Centurion and Sioift to join us. I wrote to Captain 

 Parr an account of the information which caused our return, and 

 the Admiral's intention to proceed by the Straits of Banca, to clear 

 it of any enemy that may be there. 



15th. — A large ship appeared coming from the Eastward, which 

 proved to be the Phoenix, Captain Hay, from Manila, the same that 

 was sometime ago guilty of piracy nut far from hence, in having 

 plundered and burned a Dutch snow and plundered a vessel under 

 Arab colours. The Admiral sent for him, but as he shewed rather 

 an inclination to prosecute his voyage, the Resistance was sent in 

 chase. 



16th. — The Seapoys and pioneers were landed at a very good 

 watering place on the great Carimon Island, to refresh themselves, 

 while the Transports Avere well washed and cleaned, which, from 

 being so crowded, could not be done while they were on board, 

 and was therefore necessary to their health and comfort. We also 

 changed our place and anchored near to the watering place. 



17th. — This day joined us from Malacca, the Centurion, Hobart and 

 Swift. They inform us of the loss of the Shah-Munshj of Bombay, 

 from China, on the rocks of Pedra Branca on the 8th instant ; the 



