1832.] 
ISLAND OF SUMATRA. 
217 
CHAPTER XIIL 
Sumatra — Effects of the Potomac's visit illustrated by facts — Piratical practice's of 
the Natives previous to that event, and their good conduct since — Their former 
frequent attempts and failures proved by their own confessions, and the testimony 
of Shipmasters — Their triumphant boasting respecting the Friendship, and threats 
of future aggressions — Effect of that event on our eastern commerce — Revival 
of that commerce after the attack on Quallah-Battoo — Anecdote of Mahommed 
Bundah — His visit to the Potomac — Respect and admiration of the American 
character — Hints to Government on the protection of our commerce. 
Before we take a final leave of Sumatra, it may be well to 
pause a moment and to inquire, what will be the effect of the 
Potomac's visit to the pepper coast, and whether it will tend to 
the security of our commercial interests, and to the personal 
safety of our countrymen, in their future intercourse with the 
natives of that place. These are momentous inquiries, and they 
not only deserve to be treated with the greatest attention, care, and 
frankness, but also to be illustrated by every fact that can throw a 
single ray of light upon a subject of such paramount importance. 
We are now ready to meet these questions promptly and fairly ; 
for up to the present' moment -we have reason to believe that the 
minds of no inconsiderable portion of the American people, who 
take an interest in such matters, have been misled with regard to 
the true merits of the case and the inevitable result of this highly 
important enterprise. We are now prepared to determine the 
point, and to prove by the strongest testimony of which the case 
is susceptible, that the Potomac's visit to the western coast of Su- 
matra has resulted decidedly and unequivocally in the complete 
attainment of the objects contemplated by our government ; and 
that the enterprise was not only wisely conceived, and faithfully 
and ably executed, but that any deviation from the course actually 
pursued, must have been followed by an almost inconceivable 
train of evils. The time has arrived when we can speak know- 
ingly on the subject. 
While in the Pacific Ocean, we fell in with a vessel which had 
visited Quallah-Battoo after the departure of the Potomac. Since 
