Visit of Captain Elliott.--Mr. Brooke sails for Borneo
Proper.--Arrival.--Visited by leading men.--Condition of
the country.--Reception by the Sultan.--Objects in view.--The
different chiefs, and communications with them.--The Sultan and
his Pangerans.--Objects of the visit accomplished.--Return to
Sarawak.--Ceremonies of the cession.--Sail for Singapore.
After Mr. Brooke's return from his expedition against the Singe
Dyak chief Parembam, he was visited by his friend Captain Elliott,
of the Madras engineers, whose acquaintance I had the pleasure of
subsequently making at Singapore. He is, as Mr. Brooke describes him,
"a man of science and education, and the best of good fellows." During
his stay at Sarawak, he established his observatory, and all its
apparatus; and a shed (now converted into a goat-house) will always
retain the appellation of "the Observatory." Mr. Brooke and Captain
Elliott appear to have made some very amusing and agreeable excursions
up the different rivers, an account of which is given in the journal;
but I shall pass it over, as I am anxious to follow my friend through
with his government up to the time of my meeting him at Singapore.
"_Thursday, July 14th._--We were to have started on this most lucky
day at ten o'clock, but what with innumerable preparations and delays,
it was near six before the rajah was ready to dismiss the procession;
and my alarm became considerable that, Friday (an unlucky day) having
commenced by the native reckoning, we should again be postponed till
Sunday. However, by making six o'clock five, and keeping back the
watches to suit our purpose, our departure was achieved. The state
spears and swords were brought forth. The letters for the sultan, in
their brass tray covered with embroidered cloth, were duly mounted,
with the greatest reverence, on the head of Bandar Sumsu; and nothing
remained but to take leave. The rajah addressed a few words to his
brothers, requesting them to tell the sultan that his heart was always
with him; that he could never separate from him, whether far or near;
and that he was, and always had been, true to his son. Budrudeen then
rose, and approaching the rajah, seated himself close to him, bending
his head to the ground over his hand, which he had grasped. The rajah
hastily withdrew his hand, and clasping him round, embraced, kissing
his neck. Both were greatly agitated and both wept, and I could have
wept for company, for it was no display of state ceremony, but genuine
feeling. It is seldom, very seldom, they show their feelings; and the
effect was the more touching from being unexpected; beside, it is a
part of our nature (one's better nature) to feel when we see others
feel. Pangeran Marsale followed; both brothers likewise parted with
Muda Mahammed in the same way, and they certainly rose in my opinion
from this token of affection toward each other. My adieus followed; we
all rose; the rajah accompanied us to the wharf; and as we embarked,
I could see the tears slowly steal from his eyes. I could not help
taking his hand, and bidding him be of good cheer; he smiled in a
friendly manner, pressed my hand, and I stepped into my boat. Our gongs
struck up; the barge, decorated with flags and streamers, was towed
slowly along against the flood-tide; the guns fired from the wharf,
from the Chinese houses, and from our fort, and we passed along in
all the pomp and pride of _Sarawak state_. It was dusk when we got
down to the first reach, and there we brought up to wait for the ebb."
I shall omit that part of my friend's journal containing his remarks
and observations along the coast between Sarawak and the entrance of
the Borneo river. On the 21st July his narration continues thus:
"I must now leave geography, and turn to politics. On casting anchor
we acted on a plan previously formed, and sent off the gig, with Seriff
Hussein and Nakoda Ahmed, to the city, to intimate my arrival, and that
of the rajah's brothers, with letters from Muda Hassim. I trusted to
their dread of and curiosity about the English expedition to insure
my reception; but I gave particular directions, in case the sultan
asked about me, that my ambassadors were to say I was here; that I had
been corresponding about the English coming; that I was not a man in
authority, or belonging to the East India Company; and that they were
sure I should not land unless he invited me to come and see him. To
show eagerness would have raised suspicion; backwardness excites the
contrary feeling, and a desire to entertain some intercourse.
"_July 22d._--At the unconscionable hour of 2 A.M., a mob of Pangerans
came on board, in number not fewer than fifty, and with a multitude
of followers. They awoke us out of our first sleep, and crowded the
vessel above and below, so that we could scarce find room to make
our toilet in public, while the heat was suffocating us. However,
we did manage it, and sat talking till daylight. Our visitors were
chiefly relations or adherents of Muda Hassim, and some of the first
men in the country. Pangeran Budrudeen and Pangeran Marsale were in
their glory, and happy; and it was evident at once that our affairs
were likely to succeed to our heart's content. All were anxious and
eager in inquiries about Muda Hassim, and wishing his return. The
sultan, Pangeran Usop, Pangeran Mumin, and others declared, 'Borneo
could never be well till he came back.' In short, it was clear that
the country was in distress and difficulty from within: trade ruined,
piracy abounding, the mouth of the river unsafe, their forts insulted
by the pirates, the communication with their dependencies cut off,
food dear, and the tobacco, which comes from the northward, not to
be had. Everything conspires to forward Muda Hassim's views and mine;
and during this conversation, it was evident they were looking to me
as a friend.
"At daylight a boat from the sultan arrived to carry up the letters;
but Budrudeen and his brother resolved to proceed first, in order to
make sure of an honorable reception for the chop. At 7 o'clock there
was a stir. I saw them over the side with delight, and gave them a
salute with pleasure. Breakfast done, I was too happy to lie down,
and slept till past midday, having then only to wait for Budrudeen's
return.
"_23d._--Budrudeen came at 3 P.M., bringing with him good news
of the most favorable reception from all parties, all wishing for
reconciliation and the return of Muda Hassim. To-morrow, boats are
to come for the letters, which are to be conveyed in state. The
day following I am to go up, and am likewise to be received in all
honorable form.
"_24th._--At 7 A.M. the state-boat, a shabby concern, decorated with
yellow flags, arrived, and at eight the letters were borne away under
a salute. Thus we had a second time the satisfaction of getting rid
of the mob at an early hour.
"_25th._--At 9 1/2 A.M. I started with Williamson in the gig, with
the long-boat in company, carrying the presents. On approaching the
town, before the ebb had run long, it appeared to be a very Venice of
hovels, a river Cybele rising from the water. For those who like it,
the locality is not ill chosen. The hills recede from the river, and
form an amphitheatre; and several other rivers or streams flowing in,
cause a muddy deposit, on which the houses are built. At high water
they are surrounded; at low water stand on a sheet of mud. On nearing
it, we were encompassed by boats which preceded and followed us,
and we passed the floating market, where women, wearing immense hats
of palm-leaves, sell all sorts of edibles, balanced in their little
canoes, now giving a paddle, now making a bargain, and dropping down
with the tide, and again regaining their place when the bargain is
finished. The first impression of the town is miserable. The houses
are crowded and numerous, and even the palace does not present a
more captivating aspect, for, though large, it is as incommodious
as the worst. Our presentation was exactly similar to that of
our first meeting with Muda Hassim at Sarawak, only the crowd was
much greater. We had been seated but a few minutes when Pangeran
Usop arrived, and directly afterward the sultan. He gave us tea,
leaf-cigars, and sirih, and, in short, showed us every attention;
and what was best of all did not keep us very long. Our apartment
was partitioned off from the public hall, a dark-looking place,
but furnished with a table brought by us, and three rickety chairs,
beside matresses and plenty of mats. We were kept up nearly all night,
which, after the fatigues of the day, was hard upon us.
"Further observation confirmed us in the opinion that the town
itself is miserable, and its locality on the mud fitted only for
frogs or natives; but there is a level dry plain above the entrance
of the Kiangi river, admirably suited for a European settlement; and
across the Kiangi is swelling ground, where the residents might find
delightful spots for their country-houses. The greatest annoyance to
a stranger is the noisome smell of the mud when uncovered; and all
plated or silver articles, even in the course of one night, get black
and discolored. The inhabitants I shall estimate moderately at 10,000,
and the Kadien population are numerous amid the hills.
"_27th._--Our objects in coming to Borneo were threefold. Firstly,
to effect a reconciliation between the sultan and Muda Hassim;
secondly, to gain the sultan's approval and signature to my holding
Sarawak; and thirdly, to release the Kleeses [Hindoostanees] of the
shipwrecked vessels, the Sultana and Lord Melbourne. The first object
was gained at once, as the sultan seemed really overjoyed at being good
friends with his uncle; and Pangeran Usop, from whom we anticipated
difficulty, stepped forward directly to aid us while Pangeran Mumin
was not averse. I will not now stop to sketch the characters of these
worthies, as I shall hereafter have a better knowledge of them; but I
may remark, _en passant_, that it was evident, even to my inexperience,
that no two of them were on good terms, and all probably united in
a feeling that Muda Hassim's return would be a personal as well as
public advantage. The other principal Pangerans, namely, Tizudeen (the
sultan's natural brother), Kurmaindar (the father of the country),
Bahar (the rajah's brother-in-law), Tizudeen second (the rajah's
natural brother), were all for Muda Hassim; and the population, as
far as I could learn, decidedly desirous of his being restored to them.
"Each day I had several interviews with the sultan, in his surow
or private room; and he assured me of his fondness for Muda Hassim,
his wish to have him near him again, and the great benefit it would
be. Moreover, he was pleased to express great personal regard for me;
and every five minutes I had to swear 'eternal friendship,' while he,
clasping my hand, kept repeating, 'amigo _suya_,' 'amigo _suya_,'
meaning, _my_ friend, _my_ friend. At the same time he professed great
readiness to give me Sarawak--inquired the amount of revenue--seemed
satisfied, and said, 'I wish you to be there; I do not wish any
body else; you are my amigo, and it is nobody's business but mine;
the country is mine, and if I please to give you all, I can.' His
majesty is very proud of displaying his very small smattering of
Spanish or Portuguese; and almost all the higher people having
acquired a few words, shows there must have been a communication at
no very distant date. I was also warned not to care for any of the
other Pangerans,--not, indeed, to have anything to say to them.
"With this advice I took the liberty to dispense; and sent to Pangerans
Mumin and Usop to intimate my wish to visit them. The former pleaded
that his house was unfit to receive me; but the latter immediately
sent a most polite message, that any time, either by day or night,
he should be happy to see me; and accordingly I went. The house _and
style_ are the best in Borneo. I was politely and kindly greeted;
and I soon found that I was with a man of sense and quickness. There
was a little diplomacy at first on his part; but as I proceeded direct
to my object, he at once laid it aside. In fact, candor is the basis
of our right influence with the natives; and as I desired to make
Pangeran Usop my friend, I went candidly to work, and immediately
told him all that I had already told the sultan. The amount of my
conversation was as follows: The first topic being the anticipated
visit of the English, 'Were the English coming?' 'Was Mr. Bonham
coming?' were the first questions; and 'With what intent?' I replied,
that the English were certainly coming, but with no evil intentions;
that it was true they were offended by the ill usage the captain and
people of the Sultana had met with; yet that I had endeavored to put
it in the best light, and had urged that a friendly communication
for the future was better than a retrospect which might give rise to
unpleasant feelings: I was sure that the English desired a friendly
intercourse; and I hoped, though I could not say, that they would
look to the future, and not to the past. I had, I added, no authority;
but my friendship for the sultan induced me to inform him what I had
heard abroad. When Mr. Bonham came, he would be able to tell them
all; but I could say now that I thought he would demand a treaty
between Singapore and Borneo for the mutual protection of trade,
and the care of individuals of each nation who were shipwrecked or
otherwise sought protection at either place.
"On the whole, it is certain that the feelings of Borneo are decidedly
friendly, and equally certain that the persons of influence will
receive us in their warmest manner, and grant us every thing, if we
resort only to measures of conciliation. It never can be too often
repeated, that conciliation is the only policy with Malays, and
particularly the Borneons, who have very vague and confused ideas
of our power. A harsh truth, a peremptory demand, they have never
heard in their lives, and they will not hear it for the first time
and remain friendly; for all who have the least acquaintance with the
native character know their acute sense of false shame. To demand,
therefore, of the chief here to acknowledge our superiority would,
I am sure, be met with a haughty refusal. In a few years, if we
proceed mildly to establish a beneficial influence, they will fall
into our views without reserve; for, as I have often before stated,
their government is in the last stage of destruction and decay.
"The reconciliation of Muda Hassim was soon complete; and as to
the Kleeses of the Lord Melbourne, twenty in number, they were at
once surrendered to me, with a request that I would forward them to
Singapore as quickly as I could. The boat of the Lord Melbourne was
likewise given to me. I had some scruples about three Kleeses of the
Sultana, who had been sold at Malludu Bay, bought there by an Arab
seriff, and brought here. By all their laws and customs they were his
slaves, purchased at a distance, and, as I had no right to claim them
(supposing even that to be just), and was resolved not to leave them
in captivity, I paid a fair price for them at the rate of twenty-five
dollars per man. I regret to add, there is one other man not in the
place; and one is gone to Tutorga--about a day's journey hence.
"_28th._--I may here draw a brief sketch of the principal personages of
this most primitive court, beginning with its worthy head, the sultan.
"The sultan is a man past fifty years of age, short and puffy
in person, with a countenance which expresses very obviously the
imbecility of his mind. His right hand is garnished with an extra
diminutive thumb, the natural member being crooked and distorted. His
mind, indexed by his face, seems to be a chaos of confusion; without
acuteness, without dignity, and without good sense. He can neither
read nor write; is guided by the last speaker; and his advisers, as
might be expected, are of the lower order, and mischievous from their
ignorance and their greediness. He is always talking, and generally
joking; and the most serious subjects never meet with five minutes'
consecutive attention. The favorable side of his character is, that he
is good-tempered and good-natured; by no means cruel; and, in a certain
way, generous, though rapacious to a high degree. His rapacity, indeed,
is carried to such an excess as to astonish a European, and is evinced
in a thousand mean ways. The presents I made him were unquestionably
handsome; but he was not content without begging from me the share
I had reserved for the other Pangerans; and afterward, through
Mr. Williamson, solicited more trifles, such as sugar, penknives,
and the like. To crown all, he was incessantly asking what was left
in the vessel; and when told the truth,--that I was stripped as bare
as a tree in winter,--he frequently returned to the charge. In the
middle of the night, when our boat came up with some gifts for him,
he slipped out his royal person, that he might see what packages there
were. I must say, however, that this was not intended for me to know;
and, personally, he did not behave very ill toward me, only dunning
me occasionally. In regard to the Sarawak revenue, he was eager in his
inquiries; and was very ready, on the strength of his thousand dollars,
and my generosity, to give me a list of things which amounted to 10,000
dollars in value. I may note one other feature which marks the man. He
requested, as the greatest favor,--he urged, with the earnestness of
a child,--that I would send back the schooner before the month Ramban
(Ramadan of the Turks); remarking, 'What shall I do during the fast
without soft sugar and dates?' What effect the exaggerated promises of
Mr. de Souza must have had on such a temper, may readily be imagined;
and what the evil influence of such a prince on the country, needs
not be stated; for, like other fools, he is difficult to guide where
the object is right, and facile whenever it promises any immediate
advantage. I will only add, that during my intercourse of six days,
he has given me the impression that he is not in his right mind; and,
at any rate, that flattery and bad counsel have deprived him of the
little wit he might probably originally have possessed.
"Of Pangeran Mumin, the De Gadong and the sultan's son-in-law, I
know little; and he is, in secret, a most determined opposer of mine;
but I believe he, as well as most, is desirous of being good friends
with the English, and will readily listen to any overtures which
promise increase of trade. He seemed to me a shrewd, cunning man,
fit for a Nakoda.
"Pangeran Usop is a man of middle age, short, active, and intelligent,
and, I may add, ambitious. Pangeran Muda Hassim will throw himself into
the arms of the English, from his partiality, and from the hope of a
better order of things, and the eventual succession to the throne,
to which he stands next,--the present sultan having no legitimate
children.
"Two of my objects were thus achieved at once; and the Kleeses
(twenty-three) were, much to their satisfaction, dispatched to the
vessel in the Melbourne's gig. My own affair of Sarawak meets with some
opposition from Mumin, who is decidedly friendly to Macota. The sultan,
however, is steady to me, gabbles daily and hourly of his intentions;
and Pangeran Usop likewise pushes on my suit with his influence,
at the same time giving me this one piece of good advice, viz. that
Muda Hassim must be induced to return to Borneo, for that two persons
(Muda Hassim and myself) cannot govern together; and he added, 'If
Muda Hassim returns, you will have a fine trade at Sarawak; but while
he is there, no native prahus will visit the place.' This is true: I
have no fear of ultimate success in my suit; but delay is formidable,
and I have already intimated that I propose making my _conge_ on the
2d of August.
"_30th._--I have little more to add about Borneo, save my plaint
against our dungeon, though the said dungeon be honorably situated
behind the throne, and within the royal apartments. Just below
the town are several rills of the finest water; and the natives
report that they issue from a small but deep lake at a very short
distance. Beneath one of these spouts we each evening took a most
delicious bath in water as cold as it is limpid. I am no great bustler
at any time; but since being here, I have purposely abstained from
all manifestation of curiosity, and never desired or requested to see
much; it rouses suspicion, and suspicion rouses distrust, and distrust
draws the kris. On the contrary, by being backward at first, you become
subsequently a sort of domesticated animal, and privileged to use your
eyes and limbs. Most Europeans do themselves great injury by searching
the mountains and the waters, breaking the rocks, shooting the birds,
and gathering the plants. The natives can never believe they would take
so much trouble without being well paid by the value of the treasures
found, or employed by the East India Company to espy their land,
in order that the said company might seize it at their convenience.
"_31st._--A conclave of Pangerans, when it was finally resolved to
grant the country of Sarawak to me as rajah or governor.
"_August 1st, 1842._--An important day in my history, and I hope one
which will be marked with a white stone in the annals of Sarawak. The
letters to Muda Hassim being finished and signed, the contract giving
me the government of Sarawak came under discussion, and was likewise
completed by ten at night, signed, sealed, and witnessed. Thus I
have gained every object for which I came to Borneo; and to-morrow,
God willing, I take my leave.
"The miserable state of Borneo I have already mentioned; and it is now
a saying of the Balagnini pirates, that 'it is difficult to catch fish,
but easy to catch Borneons.' Externally and internally they are equally
wretched, and torn by factions; yet, on the whole, I am not inclined to
judge harshly of the poorer order of them. They are a good-tempered,
very hospitable, and unwarlike people, the victims of their rajahs;
the oppressed, but not the oppressors. In this character, however,
I do not reckon the Pangerans and their followers. It is from these
latter that Europeans take their estimate of the people generally,
and consequently truly account them, from that standard, to be a
wretched sample of humanity--mean, thievish, arrogant, insolent, and
ready for any wickedness. The Pangerans themselves are only a step
better: but even here I must make a little allowance; for I believe
their crimes arise more from their poverty and impunity than from
any inherent viciousness.
"_3d._--The Pangerans Budrudeen and Marsale, and a host more, came
on board this night, and kept us up as usual.
"_4th._--Another mob arrived the middle of last night. I retreated
from them, being far from well, and got some sleep. At 2 P.M. the
letters came on board; were received with honors; and as soon as we
could rid ourselves of our troublesome visitors, we dropped outside
Tanjong Sapo, and sailed the following day.
"The Kleeses sold at Malludu were brought from Ambun, and reported
to the authorities that a European woman was detained there. I made
particular inquires of the Borneon Pangerans, and they said they had
always understood that such was the case. Unhappy lady, if she be
a lady! Is it a compassionate part to release her after many years
of captivity?
"_14th._--Anchored off the Morotaba, having had nothing but calms,
light winds, and squalls.
"_15th._--Got part of the way up the river, and at 8 P.M. dropped our
anchor; and in about an hour later two boats started for Sarawak. The
night was moonlight, with a cold breeze; and, after a pleasant pull,
we arrived, and created as much sensation as we could desire. But it
was better, and I was gratified with the intelligence that everything
had gone on well during our absence. At break of day I went, fagged,
to bed. So ended our mission to Borneo.
"On the evening of the 18th the sultan's letters were produced in all
the state which could possibly be attained. On their arrival they were
received and brought up amid large wax torches, and the person who
was to read them was stationed on a raised platform; standing below
him was the rajah, with a saber in his hand; in front of the rajah
was his brother, Pangeran Jaffer, with a tremendous kempilan drawn;
and around were the other brothers and myself, all standing--the rest
of the company being seated. The letters were then read, the last one
appointing me to hold the government of Sarawak. After this the rajah
descended, and said aloud, 'If any one present disowns or contests
the sultan's appointment, let him now declare.' All were silent. He
next turned to the Patingis, and asked them; they were obedient to
the will of the sultan. Then came the other Pangerans--'Is there any
Pangeran or any young rajah that contests the question? Pangeran
Der Macota, what do you say?' Macota expressed his willingness to
obey. One or two other obnoxious Pangerans who had always opposed
themselves to me were each in turn challenged, and forced to promise
obedience. The rajah then waved his sword, and with a loud voice
exclaimed, 'Whoever he is that disobeys the sultan's mandate now
received, I will separate his skull;' at the moment some ten of his
brothers jumped from the verandah, and, drawing their long krisses,
began to flourish and dance about, thrusting close to Macota, striking
the pillar above his head, pointing their weapons at his breast. This
_amusement_, the violence of motion, the freedom from restraint, this
explosion of a long pent-up animosity, roused all their passions;
and had Macota, through an excess of fear or an excess of bravery,
started up, he would have been slain, and other blood would have
been spilt. But he was quiet, with his face pale and subdued, and,
as shortly as decency would permit after the riot had subsided, took
his leave. This scene is a custom with them; the only exception to
which was, that it was pointed so directly at Macota. I was glad,
at any rate, that all had gone off without bloodshed.
"_22d._--I found that though matters had been quiet during my absence,
repeated efforts had been made to disturb the country. First, it was
positively stated and industriously circulated that I was certain
to be killed in Borneo; and next a report was propagated that 6000
Chinese were on their march from Sambas, with evil intentions. These
rumors did not serve any object, and my return has set them at rest;
but I regretted to hear that the Singe Dyaks had, contrary to my
positive prohibition, killed a Dyak of Sanpro.
"Other affairs are prosperous. Macota is to be sent out of the country,
and the rajah himself talks of returning to Borneo; and both these
events will please me greatly.
"_January 1st, 1843._--Another year passed and gone; a year, with all
its anxieties, its troubles, its dangers, upon which I can look back
with satisfaction--a year in which I have been usefully employed in
doing good to others.
"Since I last wrote, the Dyaks have been quiet, settled, and improving;
the Chinese advancing toward prosperity; and the Sarawak people,
wonderfully contented and industrious, relieved from oppression,
and fields of labor allowed them.
"Justice I have executed with an unflinching hand; and the amount of
crime is certainly small--the petty swindling very great.
"The month of January was a dreary month. A sick man in the house, and
very little medicine; and what was worse, the Royalist did not make her
appearance. Yet both these troubles disappeared nearly together; for
M'Kenzie got well, and the schooner, bringing with her Dr. Treacher,
arrived. She had been detained undergoing some necessary repairs. The
accession of a medical man is particularly valuable.
"I have nothing to say about the country, except that I have given
Pangeran Macota orders to leave, which he is obeying in as far as
preparing his boat; and I hope that in six weeks we shall be rid of
his cunning and diabolically intriguing presence.
"The Rajah Muda Hassim, his brothers, and the tag-rag following,
I also hope soon to be rid of; for although they behave far better
than they did at first, it is an evil to have wheel within wheel;
and these young rajahs of course expect, and are accustomed to,
a license which I will not allow.
"Budrudeen is an exception--a striking and wonderful instance of the
force of good sense over evil education.
"The rest of the people go on well; the time revolves quietly; and
the Dyaks, as well as the Malays and Chinese, enjoy the inestimable
blessing of peace and security. At intervals a cloud threatens
the serenity of our political atmosphere; but it speedily blows
over. However, all is well and safe; and so safe that I have resolved
to proceed in person to Singapore.
"My motives for going are various; but I hope to do good, to excite
interest, and make friends; and I can find no season like the present
for my absence. It is now two years since I left Singapore, 'the
boundary of civilization.' I have been out of the civilized world,
living in a demi-civilized state, peaceably, innocently, and usefully.
"_Feb. 8th._--After ten days' delay at the mouth of the river,
got out."