14B 



A VISIT TO THE INDIAN ARCHIPRLAfia 



fipon fof tlie benefit of the mercantile world that 

 improvable field for commercial enterprise, I have 

 noticeri in a precetling chapter how this hope has been 

 frustrated by the jealousy of Spain. 



On his way back from Soloo, Sir James Brooke touched 

 at Labuan and arranged sundry matters there, reaching 

 Sarawak again about the end of May, 1849. From this 

 time be was actively engaged in preparations for encoiin- 

 tering the Serebas and Sakarran pirates ; and at length, 

 on the 24th July, he had the satisfaction of leaving 

 Sfljawak with such a combined European and Native 

 force, as was certain to give a good aceonnt of any fleet 

 of the uiaraudei-si that migbt be met with. 



The Mtrnfide^' had been expected to arrive in time to 

 share the work cut out ; but as she did not appear, it was 

 determined to proceed with the available strength col- 

 lected ; and there could have been no misgiving about 

 success in the breast of any one who witnessed the 

 enthusiaBm of the parting moment, and heard the cheers 

 with ^hich the picturesque banks of tlie Sarawak river 

 echoed as the flotilla got under weigh. 



The following comprised the European portion of the 

 force : — 



H.M.S. Rof/ulut, commanded by Lieutenant Everest. 



H,E.1.C, steamer, Nemesh, Commander J . Wallace. 



Three boats of the H.M.B, Alhuirou, \ — 

 Commander Farquhar, in command. Pinnace, Lieutenant 

 Brick well. Cutter, Lieutenant Wihushurst, 



