laws, and customs of the Malays, to dis¬ 
charge the trust reposed in him. He was 
also well known, and much respected by 
the principle men in the neighbouring 
countries, which he had Jong frequented 
atf a Merchant; and what, at that period, 
was of still greater consequence, he pos¬ 
sessed much personal influence with the 
King of Queddah. 
i , . 
A small detachment was formed in Cal¬ 
cutta, and placed under the general con¬ 
trol of Mr. Light, who sailed from Bengal 
in July, and arrived at Pulo Penang early 
in August, 1786. At this period, the 
Island was so entirely covered with large 
lofty trees, that some time was required 
to clear a spot, on which a Tent could 
he pitched and a Flagstaff erected. This 
being done, the Island wa 3 taken pos¬ 
session of, with the usual forms, and the 
British Colours hoisted on the 12th of Au- 
!*■ ^ £ 
