1830 .] 
and of their recent Settlement. 
297 
settlement of these islands ; to survey and explore the several islets and the port, 
and, in short, to make himself acquainted with every particular, for the information 
of the Netherlands Indian government. On the 3d November he visited Mr. 
Ross’ settlement, at New Selma, where he made minute enquiries as to the stores, 
the oil press, &c. and took sketches of the house and landing place. A few 
days after Mr. Ross, who was absent at that time, having arrived in charge of 
the ship Joanna Maria Wilhelmina, which belonged to his brother— and under- 
standing the commissioner wished to see him, went on board the Blora. There 
a conversation was carried on through the medium of the Captain, who un- 
derstood English — of the general bearings of which, the following may give 
some idea. 
Com. It has been reported that you have hoisted the British flag here. 
Mr. R. If so — what then ? 
Com. Oh, I don’t know, only we wished to ascertain the fact. 
Mr. R. Well then, those who so reported may make the most of it. I do not 
conceive that if I, a British subject, hoisted the British flag over my own house, 
that there was any thing criminal in it, or calling for the notice of any foreign 
government. Do you consider that the Netherlands government mean to take 
possession of these isles ? 
Com. I do not know, but I imagine they will ; intimating their intention to 
the British government. "What do you think may be made of these isles ? 
Mr, R. A tolerable estate for a private person, after they have been cleared, 
and machinery constructed for manufacturing the produce. 
Com. What do you think of our government sending a hundred or so of 
convicts to clear these isles ? 
Mr. R. I thi.-k it will be equivalent to driving us off. 
Com. Have you any objections to recognise the Dutch government ? 
Mr. R. As an individual I should have no objection to any legitimate govern- 
ment. As a British born subject, however, I have no power to transfer ray 
allegiance to any foreign sovereign. 
Com. The Dutch government is doubtless entitled to these isles on account of 
their proximity to its territories. 
Mr. R. It is rather a large proximity ; but be that as it may, I am not aware that 
proxim ity is an inviolable rule of decision in such cases. I do not however deem my- 
self competent to enter into the question. It is one for the discussion of govern- 
ment, not of a private individual like myself. My views in forming this settlement 
are already published by Horsburgh. I think they deserve the encouragement of all 
who have commercial interests in the Indian Seas. I am here with my family set- 
tled on a previously unsettled and unoccupied ground, and I expect that whatever 
government may exercise the supremacy over it, I shall by it he fairly it not 
kindly used. 
Com. Oh no doubt. The best thing our government could do, would he to 
appoint you Resident here. 
Mr. 11. Doubtless’ whatever government assumes the supremacy over us, will 
consult its own pleasure in its official appointments. 
Com. You can of course inform us particularly about the people Mr. Hare has 
brought here, how he uses them, and on what footing they are with him. 
Mr. R. I have had little or no communication with Mr. Hare for a considerable 
period. We are noton very friendly terms, and I do not wish to mingle myself 
with any questions of the kind relating to his affairs. # ... 
Com. Oil I have no doubt of your stating what you know in a spirit of fairness 
for all that. . ,. 
Mr. R. Excuse me. I must altogether decline entering upon the subject. 
The Commissioner after this adverted to reports which he asserted were gi ui.ra > 
current, that Mr. Hare and Mr. Ross intended engaging in the smuggling trade to 
Java and the other islands. Mr. Ross easily convinced him of the absurdity of such a 
rumour, as far he was himself concerned. Even if he had the means, not to say t ic 
will, of engaging in such a trade, he showed that he must be worse than mail to 
attempt it, as he could never possibly hope for the countenance ot the rl 18 1 
Government, if once engaged in such illegal proceedings. I he Commissioner a 
mitted the justice of this observation, and after some other conversation on lndifter- 
ent subjects, they separated. Mynheer Van der Jalit, before leaving the place, 
requested Mr. Ross to give him, iu writing, all that he had stated to him, but tins 
Mr. Ross declined doiDg, and the Commissioner a few days alter sailed tui Ba- 
tavia. 
