44 
MEMOIR OP 
rived on the 3d of June, to the no small astonish 
ment of the colonists, who were-not inclined to be- 
lieve it possible we could have thought of such a 
journey.” 
The party having thus returned in safety to Ben- 
coolen, the attention of Sir Stamford was occupied for 
a month in the concerns of the Company; but he con- 
templated other excursions, and, in July 1818, com- 
menced his inquiries regarding the ancient Malayan 
city, Menangkabu, celebrated for the richness of its 
ores and mineral productions. He embarked for 
Padang, accompanied as formerly by Lady Raffles, 
having upon the journey also the company and as- 
sistance of Dr Horsfield. The journal of this expe- 
dition, written at the time of its execution, and sent 
home to his friends, is extremely interesting, but, 
from its length, would occupy too much space here ; 
we have therefore only selected some parts of it. 
The difficulties of the way were much dwelt on by 
the natives. Sir Stamford was, however, determined 
to make the attempt, though the information of his 
advanced party was rather confirmatory of danger. 
“This party, consisting of about two hundred coolies, 
fifty military as an escort, and all our personal ser- 
vants, left Padongon the afternoon of the 14th June, 
by beat of drum, forming a most ridiculous cavalcade, 
the interest heightened by the quixotic appearance 
of my friend Dr Horsfield, who was borne along on 
the shoulders of four of the party, in order that, in 
preceding us, he might gain time for botarli^ing. 
