22 
MEMOIR OF 
heard the dialects, and became interested in their 
origin ; and to this singularity and variety may be at- 
trib 'ted the first desire to investigate the history and 
antiquities of this people. In these pursuits lie was as- 
sisted by the researches which now occupied Mr 
Marsden, whose constant application upon the occur- 
rence of difficulties, and innumerable queries, forced 
and kept up the interest of a subject to which he 
was already deeply attached. It was at Malacca, 
also, where he first gained the acquaintance and 
friendship of Dr Leyden. 
About this period the affairs of the East were in 
considerable confusion. The conquest of Java was 
contemplated, and there was little time to be spared 
for the pursuits of literature, researches into the an- 
tiquities of the country, or into its natural history. 
The stolen moments which could be spared, were, 
however, all devotetl to these studies, and the very 
information which was to be acquired in forwarding 
the objects of the government, increased his know- 
ledge, ami laid the basis for many of his after disco- 
veries As, however, we wish to avoid the details 
of hit political career, we shall pass over the period 
until the capture of Java ; suffice it to say, that he 
exhibited as much perseverance and presence of mind 
in the diplomatist and soldier, as he had before in 
the more peaceful researches of antiquities and lite- 
rature. 
The capture of Java was terminated in 1811, and 
by all, much of the merit of planning and conduct- 
