; but from the locality of its
situation, it is convenient for their other islands. They had the
monopoly of the sandlewood trade, which is used in all temples, mosques,
and places of worship in the East, every Chinese having a sprig of it
burning day and night near their household-gods.

The exclusive trade of sandlewood was valuable and convenient to the
Dutch; but, from the vast extent of territory lately acquired in India,
we have plenty of that commodity without going to the Dutch market. Close
to the Dutch town is a Chinese town and temple. They have a governor of
their own nation, but pay large tribute to the Dutch. Notwithstanding
their trade is under very severe restrictions, they soon make rich; and,
as soon as they become independent, return to their own country. For
European and India goods the natives barter their produce, and sell their
prisoners of war, who are carried to Batavia as slaves, and the natives
of Java sent from Batavia to this place in return. As they hold their
tenure more from policy than strength, it would be impolitic to irritate
them, by exposing their countrymen, subjugated to the lash of slavery and
oppression.

An instance of this soul-couping business fell under our inspection while
here. One of the petty princes, in settling his account with a merchant
of this place, was some dollars short of cash. He just stepped to the
door, and casting his eye on an elderly man who was near him, he laid
hold of him; and, with the assistance of some of his myrmidons, gave him
up as a slave, and so settled his account. We felt more interested in the
fate of this poor wretch, on account of his having been a prince himself,
but never before saw the face of his oppressor. He went passenger in the
ship with us to Batavia.

It was a pleasing and flattering sight to an Englishman, at this remotest
corner of the globe, to see that Wedgewood's stoneware, and Birmingham
goods, had found their way into the shops of Coupang.

During our five weeks stay here, the Governor, Mynheer Vanion, by every
act of politeness and attention endeavoured to make us spend our time
agreeably. We were sumptuously regaled at his table every day, and the
evening was spent with cards and concerts. I could dwell with pleasure
for an age in praise of this honest Dutchman; it is the tribute of a
grateful heart, and his due. This is the third time he has had an
opportunity of extending his hospitality to shipwrecked Englishmen.