Voyages of the Dutch brig of war Dourga

by D. H. Kolff

I observed a strong partiality for a military life among the young men, and there can be no doubt that, if well disciplined, they would prove excellent auxiliary troops for the Government.

Having confirmed the appointment of several chiefs, and fulfilled my duties in every particular, I took a friendly leave of the Orang Kayas and the people, who brought on board a quantity of provisions and fruit as presents, and firing some guns as a last farewell to these good-hearted islanders, we shaped our course for the adjacent island of Lette.

FOOTNOTES:

[8] These two native titles, the first of which signifies literally "rich man," and the other "old man," or "elder," are the usual designations of the chiefs among the Moluccan and the neighbouring island. When these have become Christians, they usually adopt European names, as Dirk-Cobus (Diderik-Jacobus), the chief mentioned in the text, had done.

[9] This group is named in our charts the Serwatty Islands, probably a native corruption of the Dutch term "Zuid-wester" (south-western). As this name has long been recognized, we have continued it here to avoid confusion.—Trans.

[10] These insects, which abound all over India, are very mischievous, sometimes eating through and destroying a chest and its contents in a single night. To prevent this the chests are usually provided with feet, which are placed in small cups of water, the ants having great dread of this element. On the other hand, these insects do good service by destroying the carcases of dead animals, and thus preventing them from polluting the atmosphere.

[11] These staves of office were canes with silver or golden knobs, on which were engraven the arms of the East India Company and the name of the chief to whom they were delivered, together with an appropriate inscription.

CHAPTER IV.

LETTE.

Arrival at the Island of Lette.—Anchoring Place.—Series of Disasters.—Character of the Inhabitants.—The Mountaineers.—Differences among the Islanders.—Good Effects of our Mediation.—Respect entertained by the Natives towards the Dutch Government.