SIR THOMAS STAMFORD RAFFLES. 
21 
ous Raffles, in preference to many who were thought 
at least to have possessed more interest. In 1805 
the Directors determined upon sending out an esta- 
blishment to Penang ; and Mr Ramsay, then secre- 
tary, having observed his talents for diplomacy, his 
application, and his quickness, recommended him to 
the office of assistant secretary. In September fol- 
lowing Mr Raffles first set foot in the East, the 
theatre in which his acquirements and industry were 
to be shown forth. During ihe voyage out he had 
nearly mastered the Malayan language; and, from ihe 
illness of the secretary, he was at once obliged to en- 
ter upon all the duties and difficulties of his office, a 
task of great responsibility, hut which he executed 
to the satisfaction of his employers. 
The great exertions and application necessary to 
carry on the duties of the government, with the 
effects of the climate on a constitution not yet 
inured to it, were too much for Mr Raffles, and ho 
was thrown into had health, and an illness so seri- 
ous, that relaxation and change of air to Malacca 
were recommended. Hence his anxiety to benefit 
the government brought him back almost before he 
was able to undergo faiigue. Me made the voyage 
in the long boat of an Imliaman, and again readied 
Penang in time to send off despatches, and to for- 
ward many objects which could scarcely have been 
accomplished without him. 
While at Malacca he first saw and mixed with 
the varied population of the Eastern Archipelago, 
