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APPENDIX. 
protected from the sun ; but, in consequence of the intense heat, watering 
ship was found very laborious. Fresh beef and vegetables were daily 
served out to the crew, who also indulged freely in fruits. The severe 
exertions of the crew during the attack on shore, after a long period of 
rest, want of mental excitement, and change in diet and climate, produced 
a material change in the health of the crew. In one month our sick-list 
of three swelled to fifty-seven. Fifty-two cases of complaints of the 
bowels, and twelve cases of bilious fever, were reported within a month. 
The Malays are healthy and robust when compared with their Asiatic and 
Javanese neighbours ; are very temperate in their living, use little animal 
food, and, like all Mahommedans, bathe frequently. They are afflicted 
with goitre ; which cannot be attributed to the use of snow-water, as 
there is no snow on the island. I met with many who had recently suf- 
fered much from smallpox. 
16th February, sailed for the Island of Java, where we arrived in eigh- 
teen days. In crossing the equator the thermometer stood at 85°. On 
the 25th of February there were thirty on the sick-hst, which was made 
up of cases of diarrhoea ; no new cases having occurred since leaving port, 
and the woimded were all doing well. 
On our arrival in the Straits of Sunda, a change was made in the rations 
of the crew by Commodore Downes, which contributed materially to the 
preservation of the health of the ship's company. Portions of the beef, 
pork, and beans, which constitute the daily rations, were discontinued, 
and rice and curry served out in lieu of them ; and the spirituous ration 
was divided into three portions — one of which was given in the morning, 
one at noon, and the remainder in the evening. All hands were ordered 
to wear flannel, and were inspected daily by the officers, to ascertain that 
the order was complied with. The Potomac arrived at Bantam Bay on 
the 6th of March, and remained there twelve days, during which time the 
ship was wooded and watered. The latitude was 6° south, and the 
average temperature during our stay was 82°, with regular land and sea- 
breezes and frequent showers. The average number on the sick-report was 
■twenty-nine ; of which fifteen had diarrhoea and dysentery, and four fever. 
On the 19th March arrived at Batavia, and. anchored four miles from 
the shore ; this port having been more fatal to navigators than any 
other on the globe — Dutch and Enghsh vessels having been laid up for 
want of hands to man them. It was here that Dr. J. Johnson met with 
that malignant fever which committed such dreadful ravages in the Eng- 
lish squadron in. 1806. We were consequently not without the most 
dreadful forebodings, and enforced every precaution and mode of preven- 
tion that had heretofore been found useful. Awnings were spread over 
the ship day and night ; native Javanese boats' crews were employed to 
do the necessary boat-duty of the ship, and our men carefully protected, 
from the sun, and all unnecessary duty avoided. 
Those officers who went on shore spent as little time as possible in the 
city ; going directly to the country, where a purer atmosphere prevails ; 
and the most rigid temperance was strictly enjoined. 
From Dr. Johnson's valuable work on tropical climates we received 
many useful hints on prevention, and after the occurrence of disease were 
able at once to strike upon a course of treatment, the result of which we 
