PASSAGES. 



93 



view of sighting the Mangsee Islands, and passing through that chan- 

 nel, as there are fewer concealed banks than on the north side of the 

 strait. 



In consequence of the monsoons not prevailing in the Sooloo Sea 

 with the same regularity as in the China Seas, there is much greater 

 opportunity of advancing against their directions. They are inter- 

 rupted by the highlands, lying both to the east and west, which 

 bound this sea. In the months of June and July, fresh gales occur, 

 while in August and September, the winds are usually from the 

 south, sometimes blowing strong. In the months of December and 

 January north winds prevail. The usual direction of the wind is, 

 however, from the same quarter as the monsoon is, though much less 

 strong, the weather being more or less of the same character. 



In the Ilydrographical Atlas will be found correct charts of the 

 Sea of Sooloo and its three entrances, viz., the Straits of Mindoro on 

 the north, Basilan on the south, and Balabac on the west ; also of the 

 Island of Sooloo, and Harbor of Soung : these are derived from the 

 best surveys by the Spanish, as well as our own observations ; and I 

 think those parts that we were not able particularly to examine may 

 be relied upon. 



The impression that these islands are infested by pirates is but too 

 well founded. They are, in fact, seldom visited, so great is the dread 

 of an attack by these freebooters. It is surprising that they have 

 been permitted so long to set at defiance the laws of nations and civi- 

 lization ; but the time is not far distant, perhaps has arrived, when 

 our own country and the European governments will interpose the 

 strong arm of power, and render this sea entirely free from appre- 

 hension and danger, by compelling these lawless hordes to seek occu- 

 pations less destructive to the lives and property of others. Were it 

 not for the great fear all navigators have of falling into the power of 

 pirates, by pursuing this route, it would have been long since much 

 frequented ; being, without doubt, the best, when it is desired to 

 make a voyage up or down the China Seas, against either monsoon. 

 From what I have seen and experienced, and the information pro- 

 cured from reliable sources, I am quite confident it will be deemed so 

 hereafter. 



Vessels leaving Singapore, or the islands of Sumatra and Java, for 

 the northern ports of China, can save much time by passing through 

 the Straits of Balabac. Although the winds may prove unfavorable, 



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