A Lady's Second Journey round the World

Front matter

A LADY'S SECOND JOURNEY ROUND THE WORLD: FROM LONDON TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, BORNEO, JAVA, SUMATRA, CELEBES, CERAM, THE MOLUCCAS, ETC CALIFORNIA, PANAMA, PERU, ECUADOR, AND THE UNITED STATES. BY IDA PF.EIIFER, AUTHORESS OF " THE LADY'S JOURNEY ROUND THE WORLD," " TRAVELS IN ICELAND, SCANDINAVIA, THE HOLY LAND," ETC. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS. 1855. [Tlie Author of this work reserves the right of translation.'] London : Printed by Spottiswoode and Co., New-street-Square. Bebtcntcii, WITH THE MOST PROFOUND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, TO THE DUTCH AND THE DUTCH GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES OE INDIA, UT THE AUTHORESS.

Preface

. I know it is the common fate of dedications and prefaces not to be read; but I cannot possibly make public this journal of my wanderings without addressing a few words to those through whose help it has been called into existence — namely, the Dutch residents, and especially the governmental authorities of Dutch India. When I first left my native country nothing was farther from my thoughts than making a Second Journey round the World. The sum that my small property enabled me to devote to travelling expenses was very small, and, even when increased by a grant of 150/. from the Austrian Government, was still inadequate to such an extensive journey. A VI

PREFACE.

. I went to London with the intention of embarking for Australia; but I was obliged to renounce this intention, for just before my journey to England the discovery of the great gold-fields of that country had occurred, emigrants were rushing thither from every part of the world, and the cost of living there rising to a height beyond all calculation. I scarcely knew then which way to direct my steps ; but fortunately for myself I decided for Dutch India, where I was so kindly re ceived and so effectually supported by the officers of government, from the highest to the lowest, that I was enabled to carry my plans into execution better than in any other country in the world ; and I must regard them as virtually the authors of my Second Journey. But my obligations are not merely to the official persons ; many private individuals also, and, amongst others, my German countrymen, contributed valuable assistance, in presenting me with a ticket for the voyage by steamer

PREFACE.

. VII from Batavia to Sumatra and back ; and the Directors of the two Steam Boat Companies, Messrs. Frees and Van der Vrese, subsequently offered me free passages by any of their boats. I have no other way of expressing my grati tude to these gentlemen than begging them to accept the dedication of this work, and the assurance that I am, and shall ever be, pro foundly sensible of their kindness. To the Americans, also, I am deeply in debted for many kind attentions, and for free passages in their ships and magnificent steam ers. In no country, Dutch India alone ex cepted, did I receive from the inhabitants more marks of distinction than from the citi zens of the United States ; and from the bottom of my heart I thank them. THE AUTHORESS. Pdjje 1 82 CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.