1832.] 
BANTAM BAY. 
251 
of the gatherer, while the borders of the beach were Hned and 
fringed with bamboos and shrubbery to the water's edge,' 
On the following morning, which was Thursday, the eighth, some 
of our boats visited a couple of islands to look for curious shells, 
in which pursuit they were quite successful, bringing off with 
them a large and well-assorted collection. During the whole 
day the frigate was only visited from the shore by one canoe, 
which only brought off a few fish of an indifferent quality. The 
natives seemed to feel, and they certainly evinced, but little cu- 
riosity on account of the Potomac's first appearance on their 
coast ; but rather seemed disposed to keep aloof from holding 
any intercourse with their strange visiters. 
The town of Bantam, which was formerly the capital of the 
kingdom and the seat of royalty, is situated on the bank of a 
small river which empties into the bay. The English and Danes 
had factories here until 1682, when they were expelled by the 
Dutch, who deposed the native monarch, erected two forts to 
defend it against any subsequent intruder, and soon monopolized 
the entire traffic of the country. It was then populous and flour- 
ishing — it is now a poor place, and its commerce is transferred to 
Batavia. It is in latitude 6° 20' south, longitude 105° 26' east. 
An officer of the frigate was sent next day to wait on the 
rajah, and to inquire if a supply of wood and water could be fur- 
nished for the ship. The chief not only willingly acceded to this 
request, but treated the messenger and his companions with great 
politeness, and even kindness. On the same day the boats were 
hoisted out, and this service was commenced under the charge of 
proper officers. Wood of a good quality and in great abundance 
was easily procured on the beach, and the carpenters were all set 
to work at cutting it up, ready for passing it on board ; while 
another party was successfully occupied in procuring water from 
some of the numerous little streams which came tumbling down 
the sides of the hills to the water's edge, rendering the operation 
convenient and easy by the application of a hose. While this 
was going on, the officers embraced every opportunity to extend ' 
their perambulations, and observe whatever was interesting, for 
some distance in the interior. 
From fifty to one hundred yards from the beach, the soil was 
thickly covered with underbrush and trees of various kinds. Be- 
