Christianity, the seeds of which had been sown by the Dutch during their occupation of the islands, also began to spread among the inhabitants, and the native Amboynese teachers, who established themselves in some of the chief villages, were encouraged rather than molested by the Bughis and Chinese traders, these perceiving that their interests would be promoted by any advance the natives might make in civilization. The Bughis, unlike the Malayan and Ceramese Mohammedans, care little about making proselytes; neither do the Chinese feel much inclination to obtain converts to their half atheistical creed, which they themselves seem disposed to ridicule.
The founding of Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles, in the year 1819, forms an important era in the history of the Indian Archipelago. The liberality of the institutions adopted there gave an impulse to commerce and civilization throughout the Eastern Seas, and even the most distant and barbarous tribes have not been excluded from participation in the general improvement. Among the first to avail themselves of this new state of affairs, were the enterprising Bughis tribes of Celebes, who flocked to Singapore by thousands, delighted at the favourable opportunity offered them for disposing of their produce to Europeans and Chinese merchants, without being subjected to extortionate imposts, or the annoyances of custom-house officers, which had hitherto checked their enterprize.
The islands in the eastern part of the Archipelago were, however, too distant from this emporium for the natives to partake of the benefits it offered, in an equal degree with those of the countries more adjacent. The greater portion of the produce afforded by the Arru and neighbouring islands, was collected and brought by the Bughis to Celebes, where it was re-shipped for Singapore; at least twelve months being required to send the goods to market and receive the returns.
It was chiefly to establish an intercourse with the natives of these parts, by presenting to them a more convenient mart for their produce, that a British settlement was formed on Melville Island, near the coast of Australia, in 1824, by Captain, now, Sir J.J. Gordon Bremer, and if this, and the settlement subsequently formed at Raffles Bay, proved unsuccessful, it is more to be attributed to our want of information concerning these islands than to any other cause. Two small vessels successively were sent among them by the authorities of Melville Island, neither of which returned. It will be seen by M. Kolff's narrative, that, unhappily, both these vessels directed their course to parts previously unvisited by foreigners, and that the natives, unable to resist the temptation of acquiring more valuable property than they had ever before contemplated, attacked and plundered them, killing the greater portion of their crews. Had they visited the parts of these islands which were frequented by the traders, they might have done so with comparative safety, as the natives there would have been too well aware of the value of commerce to risk the danger of putting a stop to it by an action likely to draw upon them the vengeance of a powerful people.
From M. Kolff's voyage having been undertaken so soon after our occupation of Melville Island, there is some reason to believe, that the formation of that settlement had considerable influence in inducing the Dutch Government suddenly to take a deep interest in the islands adjacent to it, which had been almost totally neglected for half a century previously. Whether this voyage was beneficial or otherwise to the British interest in that quarter the reader will be able to judge from the work itself, but, at all events, we have to thank M. Kolff for information which cannot but be valuable, now that we are about to found another settlement in that part of the world; H.M. ships Alligator and Britomart, again under the command of Sir Gordon Bremer, being on their voyage to the northern coast of Australia for the purpose. The arrangement of the work for publication has afforded the Translator occupation and amusement during a long voyage, and he trusts it may be the means of conveying useful information concerning a simple and industrious people, occupying a number of richly productive islands, in the immediate vicinity of a continent which may be considered a vast British colony, and with whom his countrymen may open an intercourse likely to prove advantageous to both parties.
H.M. Ship Alligator,
Sydney.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Si quelque habitans de Banda avaient acquis des richesses, ils ne les avaient nullement à l'industrie agricole, mais à la contrabande et au commerce avec les îles d'Arauw (Arru), ou ils envoyaeint des embarcations dirigées par les esclaves qu'on leur avait procurés pour l'entretien des pares (spice plantations). Quelques individus ont fait de cette manière une immense fortune.—Count de Hogendorp's "Coup-d'œil sur l'Isle de Java," p. 333.
CONTENTS.
| [CHAPTER I.] | |
| EXPEDITIONS IN THE MOLUCCA AND JAVA SEAS. | |
| PAGE | |
| Outward Voyage.—Tristan D'Acunha.—English Settlement.—Expeditionin the Molucca Seas.—Voyage toPalembang and Banka.—Fidelity of Javanese Seamen.—Expeditionto Macassar.—Particulars concerning theMacassar War. | [1] |
| [CHAPTER II.] | |
| TIMOR. | |
| Object of the Voyage.—Sail for Timor.—Arrive at thePortuguese Settlement of Dilli.—Poverty of the Inhabitants.—MeanReception.—Agriculture much neglected.—SlaveTrade.—Symptoms of Distrust on the Part ofthe Portuguese.—Discontented state of their NativeSubjects.—Departure for the Island of Wetta. | [29] |
| [CHAPTER III.] | |
| THE SERWATTY ISLANDS. | |
| Arrival at the Island of Wetta.—Productions.—Trade.—Interviewwith the natives.—Destruction of the chiefvillage.—Depart for Kissa.—The Christian inhabitants.—Thefort Vallenhoven.—Friendly reception by thenatives.—Beauty of the landscape.—State of agriculture.—Attachmentof the people to the Dutch government.—Generalassemblage of the people.—Performance of divineservice.—Native hospitalities.—Order, neatness and industryof the people of Kissa. | [40] |
| [CHAPTER IV.] | |
| LETTE. | |
| Arrival at the Island of Lette.—Anchoring Place.—Seriesof Disasters.—Character of the Inhabitants.—The Mountaineers.—Differencesamong the Islanders.—Good Effectsof our Mediation.—Respect entertained by the Nativestowards the Dutch Government. | [57] |
| [CHAPTER V.] | |
| MOA AND ROMA. | |
| Boat Expedition to the Island of Moa.—Good Inclinationof the Inhabitants.—The Block-house.—The DuifFamily.—Character of the People.—Respect entertainedby the Heathen towards the Christian Inhabitants.—Stateof Civilization and Public Instruction.—Kind Hospitalityof the Natives.—Their Feelings of Attachment and Confidencetowards the Dutch Government.—Departure forthe Island of Roma. | [70] |
| [CHAPTER VI.] | |
| DAMMA. | |
| Arrival at the Island of Damma.—Description of the Countryand Inhabitants.—Warm Springs.—Retrograde Movementsof the Natives in point of Civilization.—TheirAttachment to the Religion and Manners of the Dutch.—Productionsof the Soil.—Dangerous Channel along theCoast.—The Columba Globicera.—Wild Nutmeg Trees.—GeneralMeeting of the Chiefs.—Transactions of M. Kam. | [91] |
| [CHAPTER VII.] | |
| LAKOR. | |
| Description of the Island Lakor.—Coral Banks.—Shynessof the Inhabitants.—Productions.—Singular Expedition.—ChildishLitigiousness and obstinate Implacability.—NativeHospitality.—Customs and Dress of the People. | [107] |
| [CHAPTER VIII.] | |
| LUAN. | |
| Arrival at the Island Luan.—Dangerous Passage.—OurReception by the People.—Commerce and Fisheries.—TheChristians of Luan.—Their Customs and Dispositions.—Hospitalityand Good Nature of the Inhabitants.—HazardousSituation on leaving the Island. | [117] |
| [CHAPTER IX.] | |
| BABA. | |
| Voyage towards Banda.—Remarks on the Islands Sermatta,Teon and Nila.—Arrival at Banda.—Humanity of anOrang-Kaya.—Description of the Island Baba.—GreatFear and Distrust of the Inhabitants.—Their Mannersand Customs.—The Island Wetang.—Cause of the Distrustof the Natives.—Murderous and plundering Propensitiesof the People of Aluta.—Disturbances betweenthe Inhabitants of Tepan and Aluta. | [129] |
| [CHAPTER X.] | |
| THE ARRU ISLANDS. | |
| Daai Island.—Singular Change in the Colour of the Sea.—Festivitieson Board.—The Arru Islands.—Descriptionof these remarkable Regions.—Customs of the Arafuras.—TotalAbsence of Religion.—Proofs of the Mildness oftheir Form of Government.—Singular Treatment of theirDead. | [149] |
| [CHAPTER XI.] | |
| THE ARRU ISLANDS. | |
| Trade of the Arru Islands.—Chief Productions.—Trepang.—TheIsland Vorkay.—The Pearl Fishery.—The Arafurasof Kobroor and Kobiwatu.—Duryella, the capitalof Wama.—The Schoolmaster.—Homage paid by theNatives to M. Kam. | [171] |
| [CHAPTER XII.] | |
| THE ARRU ISLANDS. | |
| Gathering of the People at Wokan.—Religious Exercisesof the People.—Their singular Mode of Dress.—TheChurch.—The Fort.—State of Christianity on Wokan.—Dobbo,an important Trading Place.—Commercial Advantagesthat may be gained there.—Valuable Fishery.—ThePilandok.—Ludicrous alarm of the Arafuras. | [187] |
| [CHAPTER XIII.] | |
| THE ARRU ISLANDS.—THE TENIMBER ISLANDS. | |
| Arrival at the Island Wadia.—Particulars concerning theIsland and its Inhabitants.—Dispute between them andthe Orang Tua of Fannabel.—Sad Result of their Contentions.—Departurefrom the Arru Islands.—Arrival atthe Tenimber Group.—Vordate.—Ignorance and Perplexityof the Pilot.—Singular Customs.—Violent Conductof the People of Timor-Laut.—The Inhabitants ofWatidal and their Chiefs. | [206] |
| [CHAPTER XIV.] | |
| THE TENIMBER ISLANDS. | |
| Visit to Watidal.—Respect shown to the Dutch Flag.—TheEnglish supposed by the Natives to be Orang-gunung,or Mountaineers.—The Prosperity of the Peopleinseparable from the Rule of the Dutch over these Countries.—Tracesof the Christian Religion having formerlyobtained here.—Departure from Larrat to Vordate.—Allurementsof the latter Island.—The Inhabitants of theTenimber Islands.—Their Manners and Customs.—Modeof Warfare.—Striking Proofs of their Attachment to theDutch Government. | [232] |
| [CHAPTER XV.] | |
| THE TENIMBER ISLANDS. | |
| The Village Chiefs of Sebeano.—Ludicrous Mistake.—Warbetween Romian and Ewena.—The insignificantCause which gave rise to it.—Successful Attempts atReconciliation.—Contribution towards giving a Knowledgeof their Character.—State of the Country.—Productionsand Commerce.—The Author visits Larrat.—UncivilReception at Kalioba.—Departure for Watidal.—Meetingon the North-west Point of Timor Laut.—Departurefor Serra. | [249] |
| [CHAPTER XVI.] | |
| THE TENIMBER ISLANDS. | |
| Departure for the Island Maling.—Laboba Island.—ProductiveFishery.—Heavy Dew on the Island Wau.—Arrivalat the Village of Maktia.—Occurrences there.—Oneof the Crew severely wounded.—Return towardsVordate.—Return of the Envoys to Serra.—Want ofWater.—Poisonous Beans.—Death of the wounded Man.—Returnto the Brig.—Arrival of the Chiefs of Serra.—Transactionsat Vordate.—Departure from the TenimberIslands.—Arrival at Amboyna. | [268] |
| [CHAPTER XVII.] | |
| THE CERAM-LAUT AND GORAM ISLANDS. | |
| Preparations for a Voyage to New Guinea.—Departurefrom Amboyna.—Banda.—Arrival at Kilwari.—Ghissa.—Characterof the Inhabitants.—Visit from the Chiefsof Kilwari and Keffing.—Their Wars.—Force of theIslanders.—The Ceram Laut Islands.—Their Vessels.—Commerce.—ExclusiveRight assumed by the Inhabitantsover the Coast of New Guinea.—Smuggling Tradeof the English.—Papuan Pirates devour their Prisoners.—Slaves.—Saleof Children by their Parents. | [284] |
| [CHAPTER XVIII.] | |
| GORAM AND THE ARRU ISLANDS. | |
| The Keffing Islands.—Dwellings of the Chiefs.—Pass theGoram Islands.—Description of the same.—Acquaintanceof the Natives with the Coast of New Guinea.—TheProducts of these Islands of vital Importance to Banda.—SmallPortion of the Trade enjoyed by our Settlements.—Coin.—Costumeof the Inhabitants.—Equipment ofPaduakan.—Snake-Eaters.—The Fishery.—Arrival ofthe Brig at Wadia.—Number of trading Prahus at Dobbo.—Adjustmentof Disputes.—Christian Teachers onthe Arru Islands.—Their Poverty.—Visit Wokan.—Appointmentof an Upper Orang Kaya, and other Transactionson the Arru Islands. | [302] |
| [CHAPTER XIX.] | |
| NEW GUINEA. | |
| Voyage towards the St. Bartholomeus River.—Encountera Multitude of Whales.—Discover a Sand-bank.—NauticalRemarks.—Difficulty in approaching the Land.—Sharks.—Crocodiles.—Discovera River.—The Authorascends it.—Remarkable Behaviour of the Natives.—TheirWild State.—Unable to land.—Arrival at an uninhabitedBay on the Island of Lakahia.—Visit from some of theChiefs. | [317] |
| [CHAPTER XX.] | |
| NEW GUINEA. | |
| Armed Boats sent on Shore.—Treacherous Attack of theNatives.—A Soldier killed.—Cowardly Conduct of theOfficers in Charge of the Watering-Party.—The Authorpersonally visits the Bay.—Causes of the Barbarism ofthe Natives of New Guinea.—Faithless and arbitraryConduct of the Ceramese.—Profitable Nature of theTrade.—Departure from New Guinea. | [332] |
| [CHAPTER XXI.] | |
| THE KI AND TENIMBER ISLANDS. | |
| The Ki Islands.—Character of the People.—Arrive at Vordate.—ImprovedCondition of the Natives.—CeramesePirates.—The English Captives at Luora.—The Authordeparts for Serra in the Boats.—Meet with a Prahu-tope.—Honestyof the Natives in their Dealings.—Arrival atSerra.—Native Warfare.—Ceremonies attending thePeace-making.—Return towards Vordate.—Turtles andtheir Eggs.—Wild Cattle.—Arrival on Board the Brig.—SingularCustoms with regard to Trade.—Demand forGold Coin.—Departure from the Tenimber Islands.—Arrivalat Amboyna.—Approval of our Proceedings bythe Government.—Conclusion. | [344] |