1831.] 
PLAN OF OPERATIONS. 
97 
A heavy sea, Avith strong currents, and unfavourable winds, did 
not permit the Potomac to double the cape until the fourteenth; 
when, on the afternoon of that day, the wind, which had been 
blowing fresh from the south-southwest, requiring double-reefed 
topsails, veered to the west, and afforded a pleasant run for the 
distance of one hundred and fifty miles. This respite from ele- 
mental opposition, however, was of short duration, as the wind 
soon hauled round to the southward and eastward, so that but little 
headway was made for the space of eight or nine days. 
The time had now arrived when it was necessary to make pro- 
visions for the attack, if hostilities should be found necessary on 
reaching the coast of Sumatra. Dispositions were therefore made 
of a portion of the crew, by forming them into divisions of sixty, 
each to be placed under the immediate command of one of the 
several heutenants detailed to accompany the expedition on shore. 
The marines were to act under their own officers. 
The object of equipping so large a force was, to be prepared 
for a vigorous attack, if such loere found necessary; but more 
especially to be able to effect the object of the disembarcation, 
by surrounding the forts, and preventing the escape of the prin- 
cipal rajahs, who had notoriously been the instigators and prin- 
cipal actors in the capture of the Friendship, and the murder of 
her crew. This seemed to be the only plan that promised the 
least hopes of success, by which the rajahs could be brought to 
punishment, if not compelled to make indemnification for the loss 
sustained by the Friendship. 
Other plans were thought of, but they seemed liable to many 
and serious objections. By means of threats or promises, a por- 
tion of the pirated property might possibly be recovered, but 
would this give any security for the future ? Would the Malays 
be deterred from committing like abuses, when they saw that the 
only punishment which followed their depredations, was that of 
yielding a moiety of the property plundered ? The object of a 
just war, or hostility, is to avenge or prevent injury ; to punish the 
offender, with the view of providing for our fiiture safety; to ob- 
tain justice by force, when it cannot be attained by other and 
milder means. The sword drawn in a good cause, and used only 
for the pm-poses of self-preservation, may itself become an in- 
strument of humanity. 
