130 
VOYAGE 
OF THE POTOMAC, 
[Febraary, 
strengthened, and will continue to be useful to our countrymen 
trading on that part of the pepper coast- 
Through his agency, buffaloes, the only species of cattle they 
rear, were procured, together with yegetables,— such as pumpkins, 
yams, and sweet-potatoes, in sufficient quantities for the whole 
crew ; fowls were also procured for about eight cents apiece. 
All these were embarked from Soo-soo, the watering-place ; 
besides, sampans were constantly going and coming, loaded with 
fowls, cocoanuts, pumpkins, squashes, sugarcane, and every 
variety of tropical fruit. 
It is difficult to describe the apparent astonishment of these 
people on first passing over the ship's sides on board ; every thing 
was new to them, and on a scale of which they had no previous 
adequate conception. They were permitted to roam at will over 
all parts of the vessel ; but the tremendous batteries seemed to 
be the objects of their greatest wonderment, and on them they 
fixed their eyes with unwavering attention ; and well might they 
be astonished, for here they saw within a small compass a mighty 
engine of destruction, before which all the armed proas, schooners, 
and brigs of the whole coast and Acheen, might be scattered as 
the dry sand before the fierce Echnepliia. 
At this time the brig Olive, of Boston, arrived, seeking a cargo 
of pepper, which, to Po A dam, was very exhilarating news, as she 
had with her for sale guns, ammunition, and long knives. He ac- 
knowledged the probability that serious allegations might be 
brought against him after the departure of the Potomac, and felt 
the necessity of being prepared to meet them. Of the same ves- 
sel he purchased a quantity of opium. 
But Po Adam, besides being a rajah, had been considered a 
priest. At his request the commodore consented that the buffalOBs 
furnished for the vessel might be slaughtered on shore, in order 
that the poor of his dependants should avail themselves of the 
offal, which would not be used if the animal were dressed on 
board. 
When the boats went on shore at daylight in the morning for 
water, a buffalo was found, tied to a cocoanut-tree, and Adam in 
attendance, ready to perform the part of executioner. 
The animal was so restive and wild, that the Malays were afraid 
to approach it. The officer in charge growing weary of the de- 
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