VOYAGE TO SENEGAL. 
tides ; and when these fail, they use the oar or are towed. The 
banks of this river are very agreeable, as they are to the right 
lined with hills that are covered with large trees, while the left 
contains extensive and beautiful meadows. 
The village of Bintan, which is the ordinary residence of the- 
emperor of Foigny, was formerly of more importance than it is 
at present ; it is situated to the right of the river, on the declivity 
of a hill, and covered wdth fine trees, which protect it from the 
sun. Almost all its houses are built in the Portuguese style. The 
French have a factory in it, as have the linglish ; and both 
parties live in an amicable manner under the protection of the 
emperor. When, however, any difficulties arise between them^ 
this prince never fails to assist the side that is the weakest. 
The population of the Portuguese at Bintan is considerable ; 
they live at their ease ; their houses are large, good, and well- 
furnished, and they have a decent church. The Negro inhabitants 
of this part are the Felups ; they speak a language peculiar to 
themselves, and are idolaters. Those who live up the country 
or at a distance from the Europeans, are almost savages : they 
îiunt other Negroes that pass through their territories ; but they 
respect the W hites, and make it a rule never to offer them the 
slightest insult. Those of Bintan or its environs who are occu- 
pied in commerce, are gentle, frank, and civilized ; they like 
strangers, are always ready to render them service, and are 
candid and honest in their commercial dealings. 
About seven leagues from Bintan is the village of Gereges. 
The French and English formerly had factories here, but they 
are now abandoned i the Portuguese have, however, established 
themselves in this village in great numbers. The country is in-, 
tersected by a number of little rivers; and journeys as well as 
commerce are here performed by water. The king of this little 
state resides about a quarter of a league from Gereges; his houses, 
and those of his women, officers, and slaves, form a large village, 
which is built without order or regularity on a level soil well 
covered with trees. The houses are surrounded by several pali- 
sades formed of large piles, ten or twelve feet high, and each 
door is, according to custom, very low and narrow. 
The subjects of this prince are reputed bra\e, and adroit in 
the use of arms. The li^nglisli have more than once experienced 
the effects of their skill, particularly on an occasion which 1 shall 
describe. They had some misunderstanding with the alquier of 
Gereges and the officers of die king. The English complained 
to the prince and asserted, that as he had not done them justice, 
they would do it to themselves. With this view they armed and 
manned the largest vessel which had entered the river, and seemed 
hy their prepavations as if they intended to land and ravage the 
