478 



THE MALAYS. 



[1831. 



stillness prevailed, which was only interrupted by the sounds of our 

 horses' feet, and an occasional remark from some one of the party. 

 All, however, seemed more inclined to silent contemplation than to 

 sprightly converse, until we had reached the level plain, and caught a 

 glimpse of the declining sun, then about sinking beyond the western 

 waters. Then we all found a use for our tongues. The doctor led 

 the way to his elegant country-seat, which was beautifully situated on 

 a plain that extended to the waters of the harbour, about a mile and a 

 half from the town. At eight, P. M., we reached the doctor's villa, 

 where a number of ladies were waiting our return with the most anx- 

 ious suspense. The evening of course passed very agreeably, with 

 the exception Gf our parting regrets, as we were to sail on the follow- 

 ing day, and bid a long adieu to Singapore, " a garden in the East." 



January 24th. — Having lightened the Antarctic, by selling a part 

 of her cargo, and taking tortoise-shell for the proceeds, we again got 

 under way, on Monday, the 24th, at three, P. M., and steered for the 

 Strait of Rio, with a fine breeze from north-east, and fair weather. A 

 few of our particular friends accompanied us for several miles, to 

 enjoy the pleasure of a sail. Among them were a Mr. Armstrong, 

 an English merchant of the first standing at Singapore, and the sons 

 of Dr. Almador, two young gentlemen of great merit, who were also 

 engaged in mercantile pursuits. 



At four, P. M., our Singapore friends took their leave ; and after 

 wishing us a pleasant passage to our beloved native country, departed for 

 their delightful island. We continued on a south-eastern course, until 7, 

 P. M., when we came to anchor in the Strait of Rio, within half a 

 mile of its eastern shore, in seven fathoms of water, sand and coral 

 bottom. At four, A. M., we again got under way, cleared the strait, 

 and steered for the Strait of Gosper, which we entered at eleven, P. M. 



January 2Qth. — On Wednesday the 26th, at four, A. M., we 

 passed through the Strait of Gosper, and found ourselves in the 

 Java sea. We now shaped our course for the Strait of Sunda, which 

 separates Sumatra from Java, with a moderate breeze from north- 

 north-east, and squally. On Friday, the 28th, we arrived at the east 

 entrance of the strait ; and it being nearly calm, I ordered the boat to 

 be lowered and manned, for the purpose of sending it on shore at 

 North Island. Before she reached the shore, however, we made a 

 signal for her return, as we perceived by our glasses some very sus- 

 picious movements among the natives, who appeared to be lurking 

 about in ambush. 



1 landed at this place for water several times, while I was 

 engaged in the Canton trade ; and never saw any indications of a 

 hostile disposition among the natives, until on this occasion. I have 

 since learned, however, from good authority, that an English boat's 

 crew had been cut off at the same place, and in the same year. I 

 would therefore advise ship-masters not to touch here for water, as it 

 can be obtained at the small town of Tanger, on the south side of the 

 strait, at very short notice, and moderate price ; where the anchorage 

 also is equally good and safe with that of North Island. Besides this, 

 the ship's boats and crew will be under the protection of a regular 



