Sketches, Civil and Military, of the Island of Java ... Second edition, with additions

Front matter

SKETCHES, CIVIL AND MILITARY, OF THE ISLAND OF JAVA AND :.(■ ITS IMMEDIATE DEPENDENCIES: COMPRISINO INTERESTING DETAILS OP Batatta, AND AUTHENTIC PARTICULARS Of THE CELEBRATED POISON-TREE. Illustrated with a Map of Jata, Plan of Batayia, and Chart of the Strait of Madura, from actual Survey. SECOND EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS. LONDON: FrUNTEO FOR J. J. STOCKDALE, 41, PALL-MALL. 1812. Printed by S. Goskili, Liule Queen Street, London.

ADVERTISEMENT.

TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE surrender of the Island of Java and its dependencies having now taken place, and created such a demand for this humble compilation as seemed to just's y the Publisher in bringing forward a new edition of it ; he has annexed a Chart of the Strait of Madura, which is intended to be placed opposite page 39 1; and has added another Chapter, for which he is almost wholly indebted to Mr. Barrow's elegant and interesting " Voyage to Cochin China." 23d January, 1812, TO JAMES AMOS, ESQ. ST. HELEN'S PLACE. MY DEAR SIR, I hope I shall neither offend you byprefixing your name to the following pages, nor by stating the motives, beyond those ofa private and personal nature, which influ enced my selection of it on this occasion. The disposition which you evinced, at an unusually early period of life, to render yourself extensively useful to society, and in which disposition you sostrenuously per severe, would, of itself, justify my choice, and, 1 trust, be sufficient ground to induce your acceptance of this public testimony, from a consciousness that, not being unwor- DEDICATION.

Preface

. 1 he following work owes its origin to the ex pedition, under that brave and experienced soldier Sir Samuel Auchmuty *, against the last set tlement remaining in the hands of an European power hostile to Great Britain. The subject, in itself interesting, is rendered much more so by the probability of the many neAv sources of en terprise, which will now be opened to the view of that liberal, extensive, and spirited commerce, which has so highly contributed to enable this kingdom to present itself an insurmountable bar rier to the atrocious schemes of that enemy of the human race, Napoleon Buonaparte. - * A biographical memoir and portrait of this gentleman is contained in '« Notes on the Vice-Royalty of La Plata," ?jx. which also includes an account of his military operations in South America. A

PREFACE.

. The portion comprised in the first three Books, is selected from the Voyages of John Splinter Stavorinus,, rear-admiral in the service of the States General ; into which is incor porated the substance of the notes of his well informed English translator, Mr. Wilcocke, with occasional reference to the early labours of the celebrated Valentyn, Sir George Staunton's Ac count of the Embassy to China, &c. &c. Although the plan of comprising each separate account in one Book subjects the reader to some repetition ; yet, as it is calculated to do more justice to the respective travellers, the editor hopes it will not be imputed to him as a fault. The remaining part of the Avork acquires much value, as the actual observation of an intelligent traA'eller, C. . F. Tombe *, an officer of engineers, and general in the French service, whose information is most recent, and in a great measure entirely new. From the same source is derived the first actual survey of the island of Java and its im- * Voyage aux I tides Orientales, edited by Sonnini.

PREFACE.

. IX mediate dependencies, which has been made public in this country, or indeed in Europe, and the plan of the line of defence of Batavia ; with the addition of the city, to the plan, and some necessary details to the interior of the map, principally from Valentyn's book ; for the loan of which, and the ready access afforded to the invaluable stores contained in the museum and library of the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, Bart, the editor must, in common Avith every votary of literature and science, acknoAvledge his warmest obligations. The authorities for the other additions are in every case duly quoted. The particulars of the celebrated poison-tree will, he cannot doubt, be considered highly important. In a space of time, perhaps unprecedentedly short, the editor has translated, selected, and compiled, the subsequent " Sketches," and, to avoAv " the head and front of his offending," he has been guilty of making a book, which he ven tures to hope will be found, to contain amusement, interest, and information. The effort, at a X

PREFACE.

. any rate, is not very ambitious; and, although it cannot entitle him to literary reputation, he trusts that its avowed production on the spur of the moment, will shelter him from the severity of that criticism, which has often shown itself indulgent to his lowly endeavours. He has little, indeed, to apprehend from the huge Levia than of criticism, The Edinburgh Review *, which, singular as it may appear, has studiously avoided, except in one instance -jf, noticing any works of which he is the publisher, although some of them are the productions of the first characters of the time : — personal offence he can scarcely have given to these mighty arbiters of public taste, not having individual knowledge of any one of them. * It would be more consistent with that grammatical accu racy on which these critics occasionally love to descant, to substitute the word Essayist for that of Review; but, even waving this objection, how can the general title of Review be fairly assumed by a work which does not notice, foreign lite rature included, in the course of its whole yearly series, as -many English books as issue from the London press alone in one quarter of tbe time ? f Mr. Petrie's Statement of Facts relative to the Disturb ances in India,

PREFACE.

. Whatever may be the fate of the present per formance, he feels confident that, as rather an uncommon exertion of industry in his own call ing, it will attach no blemish to his humble name. No. 4i, Pall Mall. A4 DIRECTIONS FOR THE BINDER. Map of Java, from actual Survey - - - to face the Title Plan of Batavia, and its Line of Defence, from the Antigol to the Ancka Rivfl- - - - • - Page 971. CONTENTS.

Book I. Chapter

I. Situation of Java. — Straits of Sunda. — Prince's Island. — Dwan in den Weg. — Bay of Anjer. — Claim of the Dutch East India Company to the Sovereignty of the Straits of Sunda. — Bay of Bantam. — Road of Batavia.— Kingdom of Bantamtributary to the Company. — Speech on the Appointment of a Successor to the Throne. — Empire of Jaccatra.— Cheribon. — The Soesoehoenam, or Emperor of Java. — The Sultan. — Principality of Madura. — Political Conduct of the Company towards the native Princes Page 17

Chapter II

Climate of Java. — Land and Sea Winds.— Monsoons. — Thunder-storms. — Rivers. — Productions. — Pepper. — Rice. — Sugar. — Coffee. — Cotton-yarn. — Salt. — Indigo, — Timber. FrtfKs — Vast Variety of them. — The Natives.— Their Character. — Dress. — Customs. —Dwellings. — Food.— Diversions.— Religion. — Physicians. — Agriculture 31

Chapter III

Batavia. — The River of Jaccatra — Water-fort.— Bar at the Mouth of the River. — The Castle. — Buildings in and near it. — Walls of the City. — Gates. — Admiralty-wharf.— Quarter for Workmen. —Churches. — Houses. — Chinese Houses, CONTENTS. XIV — Massacre of the Chinese. — Assessment on Rents. — Bank of Batavia. — Suburbs Chinese Qampon. — Character of the Chinese. — Their Appearance. — Dress. — Religion.— Temples. — Divination. — Tombs.— Environs of Batavia. — Roads. — Streets Page 55

Chapter IV

Government of Batavia. — Council of India. — Governor-General. — Director- General. — Counsellors of India. — Council of Justice. — Board of Scheepens. — Punishments. — Impalement. — Mucks. — Orphan-Chamber. — Opium-Company. — Chief of the Marine.— Commandant and Upper Comptroller of Equipment.— -Vice-Commandant. — Military.— Militia.—- Ranks and Precedency. — Sumptuary Laws. •—Clergy. — Coins.— Weights. — Measures ■ . 78

Chapter V

European Mode of Living at Batavia. — Women.— -Their early Marriages. — Complexion.— Temper. — Manners.— Education of Children.— Bathing.— Excessive Jealousy of the Indian Ladies. — Cruelty to their female Slaves. — Short Widowhoods. — Dress. — Diversions. —Carriages. — Norimons. — Carts drawn by Buffaloes. — Management of the Company's Trade. — Senior Merchants of the Castle. — Warehoasekeepers. — Commissaries at the Warehouses.— -Exportation of Gold and Silver to India. — Decay of Batavia by Increase of private Trade. — Province of Jaccatra.— -Imports at Batavia. —Islands of Onrust — De Kuiper— Purmerend — Edam. 107

Chapter VI

Causes of the Unhealthiness of Batavia. — Mud-banks.— Morasses. — Familiarity of the Inhabitants with Disease and Death..— Want of Circulation in the Canals.— Deserted and untenanted Houses. — Depreciation in the Value of H6uses. 1 — Other Causes, originating in Europe, applied to explain the great Mortality at Batavia.— Periods wlien the Number C0NTENT3. XV of Deaths successively increased. — Register of Deaths in Hospitals, &c. — Comparative Statement of the Number of Men lost by the Company every Year Page taS

Chapter VII

, General Review of the Decline in the Company's Affairs. — Recapitulation of the Receipts and Expenditure of each Settlement. — General Statement, &c. — Reflections on the decayed State of the Company. — Receipts and Expenditure. 146

Book II. Chapter

I. Navigation from Batavia to Samarang. — Government of Samarang. — Dissension between the Soesoehoenam and Manko Boeni. — The latter supported by the Company. — The Empire of Java parcelled out. — The Sea-coast ceded to the Company—They make themselves Masters of Balambouang. — Soera Carta, the Capital of the Soesoehoenam. — D'Jokje Carta, that of the Sultan. — Residencies of Oelopampang — Sourabaya— Grisse — Samanap — Rembang — Joana — Japara — Samarang — Pacalonga — Tagal. — Residents at the Courts of the two Javanese Emperors. — Establishment, Revenues, &c. of this Government 153

CHAPTER II.

Combats of wild Beasts and Criminals. — The Company appoint Successors to the Princes of Java — Likewise Prime Ministers. — Tommagongs, or native Regents. — Prices paid for the Rice. — Account of the Depatti of Samarang. — Entertainment at the Governor's House. — River of Samarang. — Tides. — -'Fortifications. — Chinese Temple. — Warehouses and Workshops. — Guardhouse. — Government House.— CONTENTS* Suburbs. — Garrison. — View of Fisher's Island. — Account of Japara. — The Fort, House of the Resident, &c. — Old Japara. — Ancient Javanese Tombs.— Old Moorish Temple. — Character of tbe present Resident Page 1X8

CHAPTER III.

Mandelique Island. — Account of Joana River. — Inland Navigation to Samarang. — The Town. — Chinese Campong — Fort. — House of the Resident. — Character, &c. of the present Resident. — His Emoluments. — Celebration of the New Year. — Account of the Tommagongs, or native Regents.— Of the 1'attis, or Sub-regents — Entertainment at the House of one of the Tommagongs. — Lubok Island. — Madura, 180

Book III. Chapter

I. Situation of Java. — Face of the Country. — The North Coasf. —The South Coast less known. — Weather. — Rivers. — Soil. — Agriculture. — Productions.— Upland and lowland Rice. — Pepper — Quantities furnished to the Company. — Sugar —Chiefly encouraged and manufactured in Jaccatra. — Number of Sugar-mills. — Their estimated annual Income.— Sugar-works, and Method of making Sugar. — Different Qualities of it. — Coffee — Quantities and Prices of it.— Cotton. — Quantities and Prices of Cotton-yarn. — Salt — An Article of Trade to Sumatra. — Timber. — Large Forests. — Indigo — Quantities aud Prices. — Other Articles. — Minerals J Q J ... JO,!

CHAPTER II.

Division of J.i va.— General Population. — Bantam. — Boundaries. — Government. — Population. — Dependencies. — CONTENTS. Country of Lampoon. — The Company's Establishment at Bantam. — Expenses. — Islands in the Straits of Sunda, &c— - Peculiar Unhealthiness of Bantam.— -Jaccatra, and its Prean? , ger Lands. — Boundaries. — Population. — Administration. — Rivers. — The Mookervaart. — Canals and Drains cut by the Dutch. — Productions. — Cheribon.' — Boundaries. — Popula tion. — Productions. — Establishment. — Expenses and Profits, •—Empire of the Soesoehoenam. — Former Extent and Grandeur. — Present reduced Situation. — Dominions of the Sultan — Island of Madura. — Titles of the reigning Soesoe hoenam, and Sultan. — Political Relations of the Company with these Princes. Page 208

CHAPTER III.

Importance of Java to the Dutch East India Company.—? Reflections on the Conduct of the Company towards th« native Princes — and thtir Javanese Subjects.— Necessity of Reform in these Points 230

CHAPTER IV.

Character of the Javanese. — Their Indolence, not merely the Result of Climate, but also of the arbitrary Government. — Industry of the Chinese. — Food of the Javanese. — Their Dwellings.— Household Conveniences. — Usual Period of Life. — Peculiar Disease. — Religion. — Mosques. — Mausoleum near Cheribon. — Customs of the Javanese. — Laws respecting Inheritance. — Their Appearance, Dress, &c. 335

CHAPTER V.

Batavia. — Its Situation. — Harbour. — Canals. — Walls. — •Castle. Houses, &c. — Inhabitants. — Revenues and Charges, &c. — Character of the Inhabitants. — Mode of Living. — Marriages. —Slaves. — Gaming. ..,.,,...,....... .. . .... , ... \ f J CONTENTS.

Book IV. Chapter

I. Batavia.— Its Situation— Government— Commerce.— General Observations ©n colonial Produce. — Relations with Ja-. pan Page 359

CHAPTER II.

Defence of Batavia.— Banks. — Troops — Population. — Walks. Unhealthiness Productions 270

CHAPTER III.

The Chinese. — Ceremonies at their Feast of the Dead. — Peculiarities.— -Industry. — Domestic Virtues 386

CHAPTER IV.

Environs of Batavia. — Welte-Freden. — Tanabang. — Mester- Cornelis.— ■ -Isles of Cambusa and Onrus. — Description of Tijelenking — Its false Bay.— Sacred Trees. — Tombs of the Kramates Vegetable Poisons. — Bohon-upas, or Antiars, &c. — Their Antidote — Andira. 3.99

CHAPTER V.

Assassination of the King of Bantam. — Coronation of his Successor.— Sketch of the Kingdom. — Views of the Dutch on the Lampons Country.— Factories of the Islands of Borneo, Timor, and Bymon 347

CHAPTER VI.

Palankang. — Balembouang. — Bagnouwangie Bay. — Indian Prince and Dutch Commandant. . . . , 356

CHAPTER VII.

Catapang. — Caravan into the Interior of Java. — Desert of Balembouang. — Panaroukan. — Principalities of Besouki, Ban- CONTENTS ,ger, Passourouang and Bangell. — Reception by Javan Princes Page 364

Chapter VIII

Opasses. — Surabaye.— Environs. — Gressec. — Entertainments by the Tomogon 38:

Chapter IX

Sidaijo. — Strait of Madura. — Rembang. — Japara. — Javanna. — Samarang — Its Line of Defence. — Tagal,— Tcheribon. 1768—1771.

Book I. Chapter

I. Situation ef Java. — Straits of Sunda. — Prince's Island. — Dwars in den IVeg. — Bay of Anjer. — ■ Claim of the Dutch East India Company to the Sovereignty of the Straits qf Sunda. — Bay of Bantam. — Road of Batavia. — Kingdom of Bantam — tributary to the Company. — Speech on the Appointment of a Successor to the Throne. — Empire of Jaccatra. — Cheribon.- — The Soesoehoenam, or Emperor of Java. — The Sultan. — Principality of Madura. — Political Conduct of the Company towards the native Princes. 1 he island of Java, which is one of the largest of those constituting the great Oriental Archi pelago, is situated between 65 and 90 south lati tude, and extends from 1200 to 1310 east longi- B tude from Teneriffe, being one hundred and sixty-five Dutch miles in length. It lies nearly in the direction of east and west ; to the south and west its shores are washed by the southern Indian Ocean ; to the north-west lies the island of Sumatra ; to the north, Borneo ; to the north-east, Celebes ; and to the east, that of Bali : from which last it is separated by a nar roAv passage, called the Straits of Bali.

The arm of the sea which runs betAveen Java and Sumatra, is known by the appellation of the Straits of Sunda. The length of this chan nel is, on the Sumatra side, taken from the Flat Point, to Varkens, or Hog Point, fifteen German miles ; and, on the Java side, from the first point, or Java Head, to the point of Ban tam, full twenty. In the mouth of the strait lies Prince's Island, about a league and a half from the coast of Java, and full six leagues from Sumatra. Prince's Island is low, and only about four leagues in circumference. It has, however, two hills, one at its east end, and the other a little more to the south, which make it visible at a moderate distance, especially the hill which lies at the east end, and which is accordingly, by navigators, called the High Hill ; the English call it the Pike.

At its s. av. side is a stone reef, which, according to the charts, extends a league andsa half out to sea, and is dangerous for ships going through the passage between this island and Java. The island is covered with trees, and affords an agreeable prospect to the passing seamen : it is inhabited by Javanese, who sub sist by fishing. By the situation of Prince's Island, at the en trance of the Straits of Sunda, are formed two passages ; the one, running between Prince's Island and Java, has been called the Behouden, or Secured Passage, and is made use of, for the most part, by those ships which have to pass the straits during the south east monsoon, in order that, sailing close in with the shore of Java, they may soon get Avithin anchoringdeptih, and not &>* in danger of being driven out to sea again, by the currents, which at that time of the year set strongly out of the straits to the westward.

The other passage, which is called by seamen Het Groote Gat, or the Great Channel, some times serves also as an entrance to the straits during the south-east monsoon ; but it is Avith the greatest difficulty, and after a continued struggling with the south-easterly winds, and the currents, that this can be effected ; and not unfrequently five or six weeks are spent in working up a distance, which, in the west monsoon, is often sailed over io twice as many hours. B % NotAvithstanding the difficulty of entering tbe straits on this side, Avhen these contrary winds and currents are in force, almost all the ships which fall to leeward, upon the west coast of Sumatra, as Avell as those Avhich come from the west of India, are obliged to pass through this channel, as it is scarcely possible to reach the windAvard shore of Java, in the teeth of the south-east monsoon ; and they therefore cannot generally avail themselves of the other passage.

The entrance of the straits, on this side, affords an uncommonly pleasing prospect, near the Sumatran shore. First, the Flat Point, Avhich is Ioav, and covered Avith trees, and behind it the majestic mountains of Sumatra, rising with a gradual ascent to the clouds ; a little more foc- Avard, the Keizers, or Emperor's Island., lifts its high and spiry summit ; farthep on, the islands Kraketau, Slybzee, and Pulo Bicie, or the Iron Island, show their mountains covered with evergreens. The opposite coast of Java is not inferior to this, and improves continually in appearance, affording at the 'same time good anchorage, which is not to be met with on the Sumatra side. The numerous groves of cocoanut-palms, and the rice-fields in the back-ground, give the most pleasing ideas of the fertility of its soil.

Twelve or thirteen leagues from Prince's Island, in the most narroAV part of the strait, and oppo site to Varkens, or Hog Point of Sumatra, lies an island, which, on account of its situation, exactly in the middle of the channel, has, with great propriety, obtained the name of DAvars in den Weg, Thwart the Way, or Middle Isle. It is low, and of little extent, with some small reefs, which stretch out from it here and there. Like all the islands in these seas, it is covered with Avood, and is believed to be uninhabited. A strong current ahvays runs through the pas sages on either side this island, setting, Avith the prevailing easterly or westerly winds, either to the north-east or to the south-Avest, although it sometimes happens, that the current runs con trary to the direction of the wind, for ,a short time.

Between Dwars in den Weg and the coast of Java, and farther on to the point of Bantam, there appears to be a settled current, independently of the wind. Ships passing out through the Straits of Sunda, often anchor in the bay of Anjer, in order to take in their last supply of fresh Avater, from a rivulet which runs from the mountains into the sea, at this place, close to a little grove of cocoa nut-trees. There is likeAvise a JaA'anese village, which is under the jurisdiction of the king of Bantam, and Avhich has erroneously been rec koned, by some travellers, among the large cities 8 of Java, though it has nothing which can be construed into a town. Not far from this is an islet or rock, entirely overgrown with brushAvood ; it is called the Brabandsch-hoedje ; and a little farther to the north, a similar one, called the Toppers hoedje * : this last is steep and bold, having fifty fathom depth close to it.

The Dutch East India Company claim an ab solute sovereignty over the Straits of Sunda, and this is acknowledged by all the other pOAvers. The Company require the salute, and have the right of interdicting this passage to all other na tions, though they prudently do not enforce such right. The right is maintained as proceeding from the circumstance, that the land on both sides of the straits is tributary to the Company; viz. the kingdom of Bantam on the Java shore, and on the other side the land of Lampon, with that which lies farther AvestAvard, being con quered provinces belonging to Bantam. There is a resolution, on this subject, of the council of India, and articles are included in the secret orders which are given to the Company's ships bound to the west of India, respecting the salute to be required of the ships of other nations ; hut * i hey ait called the Cap and Button by English navigators.

OF JAVA. 23 which order is not to be opened, unless they chance to meet with such. From Anjer to the point of Bantam, the coun try appears, in general, with high mountains in land, and a foreland more level. From this point, Avhich is the northernmost extremity of Java, the land declines to the south-east, and makes a deep bay ; and in the farthest part of the bight is situated the city of Bantam. From the point of Pontang, which forms the eastern extremity of the bay of Bantam, as that just mentioned does the western, the land is every where very low ; yet there are high mountains inland, among which the Blue Mountain towers above the rest. Although this mountain lies at a great distance, towards the south side of the island, and south-east from Batavia, yet it is seen before Bantam. It Avas formerly, as is related, a volcano ; but nothing of this kind is at present perceivable.

The navigation from this place to the road of Batavia affords the most agreeable prospects, by the numerous small islands, covered with per petual verdure, and which are strewed, as it were, along the sea. The anchoring-ground is every where very good ; but there are many rocks, from ten to eighteen feet under Avater, and which sometimes occasion much damage to the vessels which do not carefully avoid them. The b Batavian government, however, have caused buoys to be placed upon them, moored by heavy anchors; and upon some of them beacons~--re erected; bot when these are washed away by the currents, the navigator must avoid the rocks by taking the bearings of the several islands. The road of Batavia is justly esteemed one of the best in the world, as Avell wish regard to the anchoring-ground, which consists of a soft clay, as ta the safety it affords the ships whicb anchor in it, and to the number which it can contain.

Although the road is open from the n.av. to e.n.e. and east, yet ships lie as secure and quiet as if they were landlocked, on account of the numerous islands Avhich lie on that side, and break the force of the waves. Ships are never obliged to moor stem and stern here ; and the current Avhich runs within the islands is not 6trong, but without them it is very violent. In the road, nearest to the toAvn, lies a guard ship, commonly called the admiral-ship, with an ensign at the top, from Avhich, both in the day and in the night, such signals are made to the other ships in the road, as the commanding of ficer thinks requisite. For several years past it bas been regulated, that one of the captains of the ships in the road should keep guard on board this ship, in order that, in case of acci dent, by fire or otherAvise, some one may be always at band, to give the. necessary directions, as the other capts i ... ul (Le vessels generally pass the night in-the city.

On such occasions a signal is made from the admiral-ship, to give information, in order that the necessary assistance be immediately sent from the shore. Before saying any thing of Batavia, it will not be improper ro relate how far the power of the East India Company extends over the whole island of Java, which is divided into four em pires, or kingdoms, either Avholly or in part subject to the dominion of the Company. The first, to begin from the west, is the king.. dom of Bantam ; this is governed by its own kings, with full poAver of life and death over their subjects ; yet they are tributary to the Company, paying a yearly acknoAvledgment of a hundred bhars of pepper, or 37,500 pounds weight; besides which, a strict engagement is entered into by the king, not to sell either pepper, or any produce of his country, to other nations.

It must all he delivered to the Company, for a certain stipulated price ; and this does not solely regard the pepper produced in his domi nions in Java, but likeAvise all which is grown in his other territories, his conquered provinces, situated in the great island of Borneo, and in Sumatra, which likewise yield much pepper ; and the Company have accordingly residencies established, in the first, at Banjermassing, and in the last, at Lampon Toulabouwa, which serve, in the same way as Fort Speelwyk at Bantam, to enforce the fulfilment of the treaties, and to prevent a contraband trade. The king of Bantam is also deprived of the power of appointing his own successor, and the Company nominate one of the royal family to succeed him, as latterly took place in the year 1767.

The speech made, on that occasion, by Mr. Ossenberg, ordinary counsellor of India, who was deputed thither from Batavia, to represent the united Dutch East India Company, as lord paramount, from its peculiarity, is well worthy of being inserted literally in this place, translated out of the Malay, the language in which it was delivered. '• His excellency the governor-general, and the honourable the council of India, having thought fit and resolved to appoint me commissary ple nipotentiary to the court of Bantam, in order, at the request of the king, to propose and appoint his majesty's eldest son Pangorang (prince) Gusti, hereditary prince, and successor to the empire of Bantam ; and this desirable period being now arrived, in consequence, I, the com missary aforesaid, in the name and behalf of the general East India Company of the Netherlands, appoint the said pangorang, to be pangorang ratoo, or hereditary prince, and heir to the crown and the whole empire of Bantam, by the title of Abdul Mofagir Mohamed Ali Joudeen.

" The commissary expects, that the said pan gorang ratoo will, at all times, consider this his important promotion, as a peculiar favour, and a great benefit conferred upon him by the honour able Company ; being adopted from this moment, as rhe grandson of the East India Com pany of the Netherlands ; and that he will henceforth, on all occasions, and in all times, behave with integrity and gratitude towards them, obeying the commands of the honourable Company, and of the king his father, during his whole life." After the appointment, this harangue was again read, by order of the commissary, in the Malay language* in the presence of the king his father, of all the grandees of his court, and a number of the Company's servants, who had come from Batavia, and belonged to the retinue of the commissary; and the ceremony concluded Avith playing of gomgoms, and other demonstrations of joy.

The second empire in Java is that of Jacca tra, which is bounded, to the east, by that of Cheribon, and to the west, by the kingdom of Bantam. Jaccatra was formerly governed by its OAvn kings ; but the last of these having been subdued by the arms of the Company iu the year 1619, they have ever since possessed it, bythe right of conquest, as sovereigns. It is under the immediate government of the governor-general and council of India, and all the Javanese of Jaccatra are therefore born the Company's subjects. Before this revolution, Jaccatra was the capital of the empire ; but Batavia, which isbuilt very near the former, is now the chief place. The third empire is that of Cheribon. This is under the dominion of three different princes, Avho are independent of the Company, and sovereigns in their respective districts.