REPORT ON THE ISLAND OF BANKA. 
317 
With the exception of Tubuali, where a stockade had hastily been 
constructed, all the rivers along* the western and southern coast, es¬ 
pecially those of Banko-kutto, Selan, and Kappu afforded shelter and 
security to the Lanons, their numbers rapidly increased and at last 
they ventured an attack on Koba, the nearest settlement on the 
eastern coast which they overpowered and plundered. They now 
extended their range further to the north *, commanding the out¬ 
lets of the rivers Koba, Huron and Pangkul, they ascended with 
small prahus in the interior, attacked the important and extensive 
native settlement at Paku and repeated the outrages committed at 
Tubuali. According to the accounts which I received in the near¬ 
est remaining Settlement of Pangkal-penang and Tirak several hun¬ 
dred families were carried off in captivity, hut by far the greatest 
number perished in the woods from fatigue and want; they fled to 
the northern districts (of Pangkal-penang, Tirak Depa, Marawang 
and Sungie Liat) where they found a precarious shelter. The De¬ 
patty of Paku perished in the attack ; his nominal successors are 
now established at Tirak. 
Encouraged by the success of the Lanons, the Rayads, their as¬ 
sociates abovementioned, of a disposition equally cruel and rapacious 
but less vigorous or enterprising, now ventured to participate in the 
spoils of Banka. They were at this period conducted by Panglima 
Raman a notorious pirate, whose history and career are involved 
with the affairs of Banka, and who is celebrated as much for his ex¬ 
ploits on shore as for his successful interception of those vessels 
from Plemb&ng that occasionally attempted to bring relief to the 
starving inhabitants. 
Panglima Raman is a native of Linga. His father, a private trader 
from Bugis, was married to a daughter of one of the principal Ra¬ 
yads of that place. As a child he was noticed by the prince (at this 
time the Raja Muda) on account of his appearance and sprightli¬ 
ness, and employed as one of the followers of state. As he grew up, 
the disposition of his maternal ancestors developed itself, and was 
strongly encouraged by the prince. He finally became chief of the 
Rayads of Linga. As such he first conducted the piracies on the 
