vi 
CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER VI. 
Particulars of the Seizure of the Ship Friendship by the Malays, and the Massacre 
of part of her Crew — Retaking of the Ship, and her Return to Salem— The Po- 
tomac's hospitable Reception at the Cape of Good Hope — Interchange of Civili- 
ties — Proceeds on her Cruise — Plan of Operations — St. Paul's Island — Arrival 
on the Coast of Sumatra — Dangerous Navigation ..... 88 
CHAPTER VH. 
The Potomac, disguised as a Merchantman, anchors off Quallah-Battoo — recon- 
noitring party of Americans deterred from landing by the hostile movements of 
the Malays — But little hopes of obtaining Indemnification by peaceable measures — 
Preparations for Enforcing our just demands — IJumane Instructions of the Com- 
modore — Landing of the Crew, with strict orders not to commence Hostilities, 
unless attacked by the Malays — The latter fire on the Americans, who imme- 
diately advance to the Attack, and storm and dismantle all the Forts but one — 
The Victorious Party return on board — Loss in the Attack — Funeral Service for 
the Slain — Official Documents . ■ . . . . . . . 104 
CHAPTER Vni. 
Bombardment of Tuca de Lama — The Malays ask a Truce — Alarm of the inhab- 
itants of Soo-soo — The friendly Rajah, Po Adam, relieves their apprehensions — 
Embassy of submission from the Malays of Quallah-Battoo — The Commodore's 
admonition to them, interpreted by Po Adam — The Potomac anchors at Soo-soo 
to procure water — Precautions against a surprise — Po Adam's friendship for the 
Americans, and conse<juent losses — His character, dress, and personal appear- 
ance — His allegiance to the King of Acheen — Ouirage of the king's brother — Po 
Adam's retaliation — His wives — Astonishment of the Malays on inspecting the 
force of the Potomac — Intercharige of presents — Ceremony of killing a buf- 
falo .121 
CHAPTER IX. 
Sumatra, the Ophir of Solomon — Described by Marco Polo — Visited by the Arabs 
— ^Discovered by the Portuguese — Size and location — Face of the country — 
Mountains, rivers, lakes, &c. — Climate and temperature — Monsoons and other 
winds — Soil, minerals, metals, organic remains, &c. — Volcanoes and earthquakes 
— Origin of the inhabitants — Several distinct races — Description of their persons, 
dress, and ornaments— Effects of climate on character — Illustrated by the Esqui- 
maux, the Laplander, and the Arab — The useful arts in Sumatra — Villages, houses, 
furniture, and food — Productions of the animal kingdom — Manner of cultivating 
pepper, trees, spices, gums, &c. . . . . . . . . 133 
CHAPTER X. 
The Malays of Sumatra — Difficulty of delineating their Character — Their Language, 
Poetry, &c. — Five different Languages spoken in Sumatra — Malay duplicity — 
Effects of their intercourse with Foreigners — Conscious Inferiority — Erroneous 
Policy formerly exercised towards them — Favourable Traits in their Character — 
