The Expedition to Borneo of H.M.S. Dido | Page 7

from
Singapore. When I contrast my state of health at my arrival with what it
now is, I may well be thankful for the improvement. Every kindness
and hospitality has been shown me.
"On Saturday at noon we got under weigh with a light breeze, and
stood down the Strait on our way to Borneo.
"28th.--In the morning we were well out in the China Sea, running six
knots per hour, N. 3/4 E. Lines of discolored water were seen about us,
and about 11 A.M. we entered a field some two miles long and 400
yards wide. The consistence of this dirty mass was that of pea-soup,

which it likewise resembled in color; and I doubt not the white water of
the China Sea (vide Nautical Magazine) is referable to this appearance
seen in the night, as may the report of rocks, &c. The Malays on board
called it 'sara,' and declared it to come from the rivers. On examination
it appeared, when magnified, somewhat like a grain of barley or corn.
The particles were extremely minute, soft, and, when rubbed between
the fingers, emitted a strong smell like paint-oil; a potent odor arose
while passing through the thick patch.
"It may not be superfluous to recount here the preparations I have made
for this trip to Borneo, or my intentions when I get there. Borneo
Proper, once the seat of piracy, which few vessels could approach with
safety, is now under the sway of the Rajah Muda Hassim. The character
given this rajah by many persons who know and have traded with him
is good, and he is spoken of as generous and humane, and greatly
inclined to the English. These reasons have induced me to abandon my
intention of proceeding direct to Malludu Bay, and during the season of
the southwest monsoon to confine myself principally to the northwest
coast. Muda Hassim being at present reported to be at Sarawak, I
propose, after taking a running sketch of the coast from Tanjong Api, to
enter the river of that name, and proceed as far as the town.
"I believe I have availed myself of every means within my reach to
render my visit agreeable to the rajah. I carry with me many presents
which are reported to be to his liking; gaudy silks of Surat, scarlet cloth,
stamped velvet, gunpowder, &c., beside a large quantity of
confectionery and sweets, such as preserved ginger, jams, dates, syrups,
and to wind up all, a huge box of China toys for his children! I have
likewise taken coarse nankeen to the amount of 100l. value, as the best
circulating medium in the country. Beside the above mentioned
preparations, I carry letters from the government of Singapore, to state,
as far as can be done, the objects of my voyage, and to caution the rajah
to take every care of my safety and that of my men. The Board of
Commerce have at the same time entrusted me with a letter and present
to him, to thank him for his humanity to the crew of an English vessel
wrecked on this coast. The story, as I had it from the parties
shipwrecked, is highly creditable to his humanity. The vessel, called

the Napoleon, was wrecked on the bar of Sarawak river in the northeast
monsoon. The people were saved with difficulty, and remained in the
jungle, where they were after a time discovered by some Malays. Muda
Hassim, on receiving intelligence of this, sent down and brought them
to his town, collected all that he could recover from the wreck, clothed
them handsomely, and fed them well for several months, and, on an
opportunity arriving, sent them back to Singapore free of expense.
"At the same time, however, that I have prepared to meet the natives as
friends, I have not neglected to strengthen my crew, in case I should
find them hostile. Eight stout men of the Ourang Laut, or men of the
sea (Malays), have been added to the force. They are an athletic race,
cheerful and willing; and though not seaman in our sense of the term,
yet well calculated for this expedition. They pull a good oar, and are
invaluable in saving the Europeans the exposure consequent to
wooding and watering. They possess, likewise, the knowledge of the
jungle and its resources, and two of them have before been to Sarawak
and along the coast. Beside these, a young gentleman named
Williamson accompanies me as interpreter; and I have fortunately met
with a medical gentleman, Mr. Westermann, a Dane, who is surgeon
for this voyage, Mr. Williams having left me at Singapore. With these
arrangements I look without apprehension to the power of the Malays;
and without relaxing in measures of the strictest vigilance, I shall never
sleep less