of the Malay Peninsula. He says that the Dutch,
in Java, greatly interfere with his trade; as all vessels trading
in the East are bound to touch at Batavia, on their way to Europe,
and consequently very few of them visit the Peninsula, as to do so
would greatly lengthen their voyage to Batavia. He asks that we
should make a settlement at the end of the Peninsula, so that our
ships may trade with him; and would be willing to place us in
possession of an island, two or three miles from the extreme
southern portion of his dominions.

"There can be no doubt that the position would be an extremely
valuable one; lying, as it does, on our trade route to the East.
But it is also certain that a settlement of that kind would be
viewed with extreme jealousy by the Dutch; whose possessions, in
Java and other islands, render them practically masters of the
whole Malay Archipelago.

"Certainly, at present, our hands are much too full here to permit
of our engaging in any enterprise of this kind but, at the same
time, it is desirable that we should obtain some reliable
information as to the situation there, the power of this rajah, and
the advantages that the island offers in the way of ports, the
salubrity of its climate, and other similar particulars. Its
possession would certainly be desirable, not only as a centre for
future trade with Bankok and the East, but as a port from which our
vessels of war might suppress the piracy that prevails all along
the Malay coast, and in the neighbouring island of Sumatra. Such
information may be extremely useful in the future, and when our
power in this country is consolidated.

"But this is not the sole object of your mission. You will proceed,
either before or after your visit to this rajah, as we will
determine, to Batavia; bearing a despatch from me to the Dutch
governor, narrating a number of acts of piracy that have taken
place among the islands, and requesting that, as they are the
paramount power in that district, they will take steps, both for
their own sake and ours, to suppress piracy; and offering, on our
part, that two or three of our ships of war shall, if they think it
desirable, aid them in the punishment of the Malays. You will be
accompanied by an interpreter.

"There are several Malay traders established here; and some of
them, no doubt, speak Hindustani fluently. I will have enquiries
made among them, and will also procure you a Dutch interpreter.

"I do not propose t