104 
VOVAGE OP THE POTOMAC. 
[February, 
CHAPTER Vll. 
rue Potomac, disguised as a Merchantman, anchors off Quallah-Battoo — A 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 — Humane 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. 
In order that the Malays might not comprehend the real designs 
and character of the Potomac, the stump topgallant masts were 
got up, the maindeck guns run in and ranged fore and aft, the 
half ports shut in, and the white streak so altered as to show only 
ten ports on a side. The frigate was thus made to assume the 
appearance of a merchant ship of great burden and capacity, like 
many of the East India traders. When all was prepared, the 
commodore, on the fifth of February, stood in, and came to 
anchor about five miles from the land. 
From a manuscript chart, which had previously been taken by 
Captain Endicott, a tolerably correct idea could be formed of the 
local situations of the forts. The commodore, however, deemed » 
it important that still more accurate information should be pro- 
cured, if practicable, of their true positions ; at least, that those 
intended to lead the several divisions should, previous to their 
landing with the forces which were intended for the settlement of 
accounts with these people, be fully aware of what they had to 
encounter, in effecting this object. 
Voluntary justice on the part of the Malays, for the piratical 
act of which we complained, was not to be looked for, and was en- 
tirely out of the question. It was the act of a whole community, 
with at least the connivance of their rulers the rajahs. The 
only plan, therefore, that promised success in compelling them 
to do us justice, was that of securing the persons of some of 
