1832.] 
ISLAND OF SUMATRA. 
189 
by a sand-bar, which is shifted by the heavy northwest gales that 
frequently occur on this coast during the stormy monsoon. The 
water of this river is not good, but vessels can be supplied with 
excellent water from wells in the village. The imports to this 
place are similar to those of other ports on the coast, consisting 
of opium, cloths, muskets, powder, and slaves, principally females, 
which are brought from Pulo Nyas, and sold for concubines. 
The Rajah of Troumon is the only one on the coast that 
carries on trade to any distance. He owns two or three brigs, 
which are navigated by Englishmen, or half-caste ; and perform 
voyages to Madras and other places. He sometimes declares 
war against the other rajahs, and has a great desire to enlarge his 
territories and increase his power. 
The Achenese appear to be very inimical to the Dutch, and 
manifest much jealousy of that nation ; probably from a fear that 
they may, at some future period, attempt to colonize among them. 
The Dutch trade to this coast is very limited ; and at least two thirds 
or three fourths of the whole is in our hands. The natives very 
readily distinguish between people of different nations ; and the 
conduct and deportment of Americans towards them is always a 
subject of high commendation ; and they are ever ready with ex- 
pressions of kindness, friendship, and good feehng for us. That 
they are prompted to this, in most instances, by motives of interest, 
there can be no doubt ; and this species of flattery has been fre- 
quently employed to allay any suspicions which we might enter- 
tain in our intercourse with them, to enable them the more readily 
to accompUsh any base or sinister purpose they may have in view. 
It is difhcult to ascertain the real state of feeling of a people so 
wholly rude and treacherous. 
Such diseases as are incident to other portions of the east are 
also found to prevail here ; such as bilious fever, ague and fever, 
diarrhoea, cholera, spotted and scaly leprosy, &c. These people 
are likewise subject to a peculiar cutaneous disease, much re- 
sembling the itch in appearance, attended with a constant irritation 
of the skin. This is said to be produced by unwholesome diet, 
such as salted fish in an almost putrid state, and other things 
equally repugnant to a delicate stomach. 
It is common to see among them the most loatHsome-looking 
objects, covered with offensive ulcers and incurable sores Some 
