and communications with the Malays,” would never have been entertained[1].
The population of Sincapore, previous to its occupation by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Feb. 29, 1819, did not amount to more than 200 souls; but in less than two years from that date it exceeded 10,000. During this short period, not less than 2889 vessels are stated to have entered the port, of which 383 were owned and commanded by Europeans, and 2506 by natives. Their united tonnage exceeded 200,000. The value of its commerce in the first two years was estimated at five millions of dollars. In the year 1822, it had augmented to 8,568,171 dollars; and in 1823, to 13,268,397 dollars. The natives of all the neighbouring states resorted to it in abundance with goods or bullion, and many of them have erected large warehouses on the island, together with suitable habitations for themselves.
The advantages to be obtained by establishing a settlement at Dilha, are set forth in a letter from Captain Evans to one of his Majesty’s late ministers, dated June 24, 1 824, of which the following is an extract:
“In the year 1807, I recommended to the English government, to form a settlement to the east of Malacca, in order to have a place for the Malays to trade, when Malacca and the Dutch Islands were given up; for I observed the situation was such, that it would be impossible for the prows to pass through the Straits to Prince of Wales’s Island. I was aware at the time of the terms on which we held Malacca and all the Dutch Islands, and therefore, thought it highly necessary to form a port to the eastward, and also another port cast of the Straits of Seylere. I mentioned Dilha on the island of Timor. In consequence of the hatred and revengeful disposition of the Dutch, the poor Malays, when Malacca and the islands were given up, would not be able to trade: now things are changed relative to Malacca. Sincapore is allowed to be a good place for China ships to stop at, going and returning; and in time of war, a small fort in the straits of Drion, would secure the straits of Malacca from enemy’s cruisers. Sincapore, however, will only be of service to a few Malay prows from the west roast of Borneo and the straits of Drion; and these may be prevented by the Dutch cruizers. Not a Malay will be able to pass from the straits of Macassar to Sincapore; – this is well known to the Dutch government.
