ettlement being in a high
state of prosperity and progressive improvement. If he lands on
the side next the town he beholds the pathway in front of the
merchants' 'godowns' or warehouses cumbered with packages, and
if he glances inside one of the 'godowns' he will see it filled
with packages and bales of goods from all parts of the world.
If he goes among the native shops he finds them filled with
clamorous Klings (natives of the Coromandel Coast of India) and
Chinese, all busily engaged in driving bargains. Passing on, he
comes to where, near the jail, the swamp is being filled up and
covered with shops, which are seen in every stage of progress,
some with the foundations newly laid, and others nearly
completed. If he wishes to leave the town he crosses the
Singapore River by a new bridge, which was built two years ago.
The scene now undergoes a change: in place of the narrow and
crooked streets the stranger finds himself amongst rows of neat
villas, each standing in its own enclosure. The Governor's
residence is to the left upon a small hill commanding a fine
view of the town and harbour. The flag-staff is also placed
there, and at all hours of the day may be seen covered with
flags, announcing the approach of ships from every quarter of
the globe. If he should go into the country, the many thriving
plantations of spices and other tropical productions (amongst
which are to be noted one or two sugar estates) present an
equally pleasing sight, and give promise of a long continuance
to the well-being of the settlement."

In this year, 1842, or it may perhaps have been in the previous year,
Mr. J. T. Thompson came to Singapore in the capacity of Government
Surveyor; whereupon the Government called upon all holders and occupiers
of land to point out to him their boundaries, preparatory to the issue
of proper leases. Under his direction there was a systematic survey made
of all allotments upon the island; and intelligent Indian convicts were
provided him to act as his survey party, being preferred for that duty
over freemen to be obtained in the town. These convicts formed the
nucleus of a regular native staff for this department of the Government;
and, indeed, up to the time of the abolition of the jail they continued
to be employed as chainmen and survey assistants.

When Mr. Thompson visited Malacca, to inquire into the