73 



A VISIT TO THE INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO. 



of the southernmost island of the Phillippine group, and 

 its popn!^ltjt>n h reinforced hy convicts sent from Maiiilk* 

 It is sitimt'Cd near the great Lanun Bay, the inhabitants 

 of wMch are the fiercest and most warlike of all these 

 islanders, and are celehrated for their piratical propen- 

 sities. There h no part of the gre^it Eastern ArchipeJitgo, 

 as far even as the Malacca Straits, that has not, at some 

 time or another, suffered from these freebooters;. 

 Samhoaugan has a strong fort ; the gim-boata arc very 

 efficieiit, and keep this part of the So!oo sea in tolerable 

 order. Our tender, having arrived before u^ had aht^ady 

 exchanged civilities with the authorities, aiid prepEired 

 them for our visit. 



The town is extensive, and is, with the exception of 

 the reaidoncea of the official built in the native fashion. 



We much enjoyed a few days in tiiis comparatively 

 civilised place. Owing to the clever management, aa 

 well as the good taste, of the Governor, Don Cayetano de 

 Figueroaj Colonel of engineers, a very sociable system 

 of society prevailed, uniting all classes,^ — the proud Sjiaaish 

 dames not refusing to meet in the same ball-room the 

 pretty half-caste girU, wlio during the tnornuigs ivere 

 engaged in washing tbc officei-s' clothes, or retailing eggs 

 aod poultry in the market. 



The hospitality of the Governor provided for tjs, at his 

 own residence early every morning, first a cup of 

 excellent chocolate ; and after our light breakfast horses 

 being in reailiness, he would kintUy accompany us m 



