e
Sambas Chinese. The Malays erect a simple and quicker-constructed
protection by a few double uprights, filled in between with timber
laid lengthwise and supported by the uprights. Directly they are under
cover, they begin to form the ranjows or sudas, which are formidable
to naked feet, and stick them about their position. Above our station
was a hill which entirely commanded both it and the river; to the top
of which I mounted, and obtained an excellent view of the country
around, including the enemies' forts and the town of Siniawan. A
company of military might finish the war in a few hours, as these
defences are most paltry, the strongest being the fort of Balidah,
against which our _formidable_ assault was to be leveled. It was
situated at the water's edge, on a slight eminence on the right bank
of the river; and a large house with a thatched roof and a lookout
house on the summit; a few swivels and a gun or two were in it, and
around it a breastwork of wood--judging from a distance, about six
or seven feet high. The other defences were more insignificant even
than this; and the enemies' artillery amounted, by account, to three
six-pounders and numerous swivels; from 350 to 500 men, about half
of whom were armed with muskets, while the rest carried swords and
spears. They were scattered in many forts, and had a town to defend,
all of which increased their weakness. Their principal arm, however,
consisted in the ranjows, which were stated to be stuck in every
direction. These ranjows are made of bamboo, pointed fine and stuck
in the ground; and there are beside, holes about three feet deep,
filled with these spikes, and afterward lightly covered, which are
called patobong. Another obstacle consists of a spring formed by
bending back a stiff cane with a sharp bamboo attached to it, which,
fastened by a slight twine, flies forcibly against any object passing
through the bush and brushing against it: they resemble the mole-traps
of England. The Borneons have a great dread of these various snares;
and the way they deal with them is by sending out parties of Dyaks
during the night to clear the paths from such dangers.

"Though I have stated the insignificant nature of the enemies' lines,
it must not be supposed I imagined them at all inferior to our own
resources. Our grand army consisted of 200 Chinese, excellent workmen,
but of whose qualities as soldiers I can say nothing. They were,
however, a stout, muscular set o