Appendix I
Letter from Raffles to Lieutenant-Colonel James Young from Penang, 12 January 1819 (referenced on p. 49).
Letter 27
Raffles to Young
12 January 1819
Penang 12th Jany 1818 [1819]
My dear Sir,
I wrote you a few words by a small Brig which left this some days ago – if you were able to make out what I intended to say, you will have perceived that I do not quite draw with this Government – They are vehemently opposed to all my proceedings – My Mission to Acheen on one side & to Rhio on the other, is not inaptly compared by Colonel Bannerman to cutting off his right hand & his left and the result is nothing but the most determined obstruction – but I shall steadily persevere in the service I may have to perform say & do what they will – The Council is divided in itself and the minority has the public voice unanimously in its favour.
There is still a hope of doing something and even of effecting the grand object to the Eastward – I yet think the Coast is clear but before I venture upon it I am desirous of a little examination & enquiry – I shall not on any account involve myself with the Dutch, and so far do I think the plans I have in view practicable without Collision with them that I shall not hesitate if I can carry them into effect, to go in person to Batavia to communicate the result – &ca
You know something of Acheen affairs from Johnson – The Ex-King’s cause254 has since been in some degree strengthened by the offer of the Dutch who consider him as the legitimate Monarch – I shall however keep my mind unbias’d except by information which I receive & not made up till we investigate the affair on the Spot –
May I beg of you to impress on Adam255 & in such other quarters as you may think useful, the importance of not listening to the exaggerated Reports & representations that may be made, but to leave me free to act unencumbered by further restriction – I feel the full weight of the responsibility on my shoulders – I shall be cautious & I hope prudent – but I will not lose the main object in one Mission if attainable by fair & proper means, nor in the other allow the National honor to be sacrificed nor any Individual to complain of manifest injustice.
Sincerly Yrs
T S Raffles
Letters will reach me here under cover to Carnegy Hse for the next two or three months.
Col. Young
Two Letters from Raffles to the Marquess of Hastings from Bengkulu, 23 October 182o and 15 May 1821 (referenced on p. 132).
Letter 28
Raffles to Hastings
23 October 1820
Bencoolen 23d October 1820
My Lord,
It is with much pain I have to report to your Lordship the death of Captain Robert Hull of the 10th Bengal Native Infantry256 occasioned by the excessive fatigue and exposure he underwent while in pursuit of the Peshwa and at the Siege of Chandah,257 from which he never recovered. – He died on the 21st Instant.
Considering the claims which this sacrifice may have established & your Lordship’s kind disposition towards his Brother Lieut John Hull of the same Corps,258 as intimated to me by Mr Ricketts259 and Mr Adam,260 I hope I do not intrude too much on your indulgence in soliciting your Lordship’s patronage in his favor for the Staff appointment that will be vacated by an older Brother.
The appointments to which I allude are I believe those of Barrack and Post Master at Hussingabad.
I have the honor to remain with the highest respect
Your Lordship’s
most faithful and
obedient humble servant
T S Raffles
His Excellency
The Marquess of Hastings
&c &c &c
Letter 29
Raffles to Hastings
15 May 1821
Bencoolen 15th. May 1821
My Lord,
I take the liberty of presenting to your Lordship the First Volume of the proceedings of our Agricultural Society, a few copies of which have been printed for the convenience of the Members and for circulation among those interested in the fate of the Settlement.261
As our exertions have hitherto been attended with so much success we are encouraged to persevere, and I have every reason to anticipate that the results of the ensuing year will be equally satisfactory with the past.
I have the honor to remain with the highest respect and consideration,
Your Lordship’s
Most obedient & very
Faithful humble servt
T S Raffles
His Excellency
The Marquess of Hastings
&c &c &c
Letter from Raffles to John Tayler from Singapore, 9 June 1819262 (referenced on p. 88).
Letter 30
Raffles to Tayler
9 June 1819
Private
Singapore 9th. June 1819
My dear Sir,
You will I am sure be happy to hear that the Settlement I had the satisfaction to form in this very centrical and commanding Station has had every success, and that our Port is already crowded with shipping from all the Native Ports in the Archipelago – We only require confidence in the permanency of our tenure to rise rapidly into importance – My proceedings have met the unreserved approbation of Lord Hastings and although I have had much to contend with from the narrow views of the Penang Government there is little reason for apprehension provided we can manage the Dutch –
I have not yet seen or heard any thing from Mc.Quoid,263 but I have heard of him and that he is doing well – the consignments to his charge having turned out better than first expected – It is said he has taken a House at Batavia but whether a permanent residence or otherwise I know not – When he took this step he could not have heard of our Establishment at this place where I think he should immediately turn his attention – I would recommend his establishing himself here forthwith & before I quit the place I will secure for him all the accommodation he will require – I am not very sanguine in any prospects of support the Dutch may hold out, & am inclined still to think English property at Batavia very insecure – As I hope however to leave this in a few days for Bencoolen and shall communicate with Batavia I shall have a better opportunity of stating my sentiments after communication with McQuoid himself264 –
I have experienced a good deal of opposition & unfair Treatment from Colonel Bannerman, whose views will no doubt be opposed to mine – I conclude he will be anxious to secure the Succession of the Govt of Pinang to his Son in Law Phillips265 who I am told has applied for it – but I hope the point is already settled in my favour – at all events I rely on the strenuous exertions of my friends to secure the Succession for me266 – Every public Interest is best consulted by such an arrangement – and personally I certainly have stronger Claims than can be set up by the other party – unless it is to be considered as an heir loom in the Colonel’s family –
I have not received more than one Letter from you since I left England – & that of a very distant date –
Lady Raffles unites in Kindest regards to Mrs Tayler & I remain
My dear Sir
Always yrs sincerely
T S Raffles
John Tayler Esqr
&c &c &c
Four Letters from Raffles to the Marquess of Lansdowne267 (referenced on pp. 121–123).
Letter 31
Raffles to Lansdowne
15 April 1820
Bencoolen 15th. April 1820 –
My Lord,
I avail myself of the first opportunity which has offered, to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s Letter of June last giving cover to Lord Carnarvon’s268 note on the subject of Sumatran plants – and I am extremely happy that it is in my power to pay immediate attention to his wishes – I forward to him by the present opportunity some of the most splendid flowers of our forests, several of which will I believe be quite new in England – I have taken the liberty of writing to his Lordship direct, and I will only add my request that you will again assure him of the real satisfaction I shall feel if my humble exertions can in any way tend to improve his Collection or afford him gratification.
We abound in the richest productions and altho’ much has not been yet done in bringing them into practical use, no time has been lost and no effort spared to obtain an account of them and ascertain their real value and importance – Pending the discussions which are taking place in Europe on political questions I am devoting a considerable portion of my time to the pursuits of Natural History[,] in Zoology as well as Botany and I trust the result will prove that our labour has not been in vain – I have the pleasure to forward by the present opportunity a descriptive Catalogue of the Mammalia contained in my Collection,269 a large portion of which was recently forwarded to Sir Joseph Banks270 – and I trust it is needless to observe that if there is any thing in these regions which may interest your Lordship or your friends, nothing will afford me more real pleasure than to be honored with your Commands and to attend to your wishes –
I feel much flattered by your Lordship’s kind notice of my exertions in the interior of Sumatra – they were well intended, and at one time promised very satisfactory results but the check which I have received from the Ministry and the occupation of Padang by the Dutch271 has thrown a damp over all the fair prospects which I had once indulged for the improvement and civilization of this noble Island –
Not having met with that support for the extension of our influence in Sumatra which I had calculated upon, my attention has been for some time turned in another direction and your Lordship will doubtless have heard of the important position I have been fortunate enough to establish at Singapure[,] the ancient Maritime Capital of the Malays – The rapid rise of this important Station during the year that it has been in our possession is perhaps without its parallel – When I hoisted the British flag the population scarecely amounted to 200 souls, in three months the number was not less than 3,000, and it now exceeds 10,000[,] principally Chinese – No less than 173 sail of vessels of different descriptions, principally Native, arrived & sailed in the course of the first two months, and it already has become a Commercial Port of importance – I consider myself extremely fortunate in the selection and in not having had to complain of any one of the almost invariable difficulties attending the establishment of new Settlements – I have however, as your Lordship must be aware, had other & more serious difficulties to encounter, but as I have been successful I shall not complain of them – I allude particularly to the opposition of the Dutch & more immediately to that of the Govt of Pinang which I am ashamed to say, to secure a local and personal interest, united all its efforts with those of the Dutch to drive me from this ground – I have however maintained it till now, and every object contemplated from what could be done in this Country has been more than attained – the establishment has more than equalled my anticipations and its effects have been more marked and sudden than I could have contemplated tho’ not more so than I wished.
From the intimate knowledge which I possessed of the Dutch Character in these seas and the peculiar situation in which the Archipelago was left by the Convention,272 it was impossible for me not to foresee nearly all that has happened unless our Ministry interfered – While in England I did my utmost to persuade the public Authorities of the necessity of some interference and the importance of its being immediate, and I thought I had succeeded in making an impression – the Instructions given to me were to watch the motions of the Dutch and other European Powers generally273 but certainly I did not obtain any authority for attacking them – I was a little disappointed at the loose manner in which so important a question was attempted to be shuffled off, but still I thought them sufficient and did not hesitate to declare my intention to act upon them – What unaccountable weakness can have induced Ministers to disavow me in the manner they have done is yet to be explained – I can make every allowance for the peculiar circumstances under which they may have been placed with regard to the Dutch, and also for the desire of Lord Castlereagh that the question respecting the transfer of Java might not be agitated, but yet they need not have gone quite so far as to sacrifice me and truth to the Dutch and policy – It is of course my intention to demand explanation and I have already taken measures for the transmission of a formal defence of my conduct against the unmerited & unhandsome attack of my Lord Bathurst in answer to your Lordship’s Speech – Until however all questions are settled with the Dutch I am not anxious to intrude any matter of a personal nature and I therefore defer forwarding these Papers until we hear what has been the final decision in Europe – It is somewhat remarkable that in this case the East India Company have pursued more consistency and character than the Government –
I have long since succeeded in convincing the highest authority in the Country that the spirit of aggrandizement evinced by the Dutch and their manifest endeavors to establish absolute supremacy in the Eastern Seas rendered it indispensable for us to adopt precautions with a view to avert the injury and degradation which awaited us –
Our views in these Seas have ever been confined to the security of our own commerce combined with the freedom of other Nations and altho’ we had the means while in possession of Java of aggrandizing ourselves, we restored to the Dutch their noble colonies without having taken one step towards step towards the encrease of our power – This may have been very magnanimous, but of the policy much cannot be said, since we find the first acts of the new Dutch Authorities to be the reduction to Vassalage of the States which we had treated as independent and to impose Treaties on those States, the main object of which was to exclude our Commerce from their Ports –
My object was therefore to warn our Government that measures might be taken in time, and I am happy to add that there is now but one conviction in this Country on the subject – namely “that the Dutch Authorities in India have been actuated by a spirit of Ambition, by views of boundless aggrandizement and especially by a desire to obtain the power of monopolizing the Commerce of the Eastern Archipelago and of excluding us from those advantages which we have always enjoyed and which we only wish to share in common with the other Nations of the Earth” – these are words which have been used by high official Authority and are of course communicated in the confidence of private intercourse, but they are so impressive of the real state of the case that I should have found it difficult to find others which would have better conveyed my own Sentiments –
Every thing hinged upon Singapore, and that point obtained, as negative has been put to all further pretensions at exclusion on the part of the Dutch; and all we hope is, that the Ministry at home may act in the same spirit and complete in Europe what has been so successfully began in this Country.
The Dutch have been most deservedly driven out of Palembang and have hitherto failed in all attempts to establish themselves notwithstanding their last expedition consisted of upwards 3,000 men274 – The particulars of this affair will have reached your Lordship through the Public Prints and I lately sent the Duke of Somerset a newspaper which appeared to me to contain a pretty correct narrative of these transactions – I cannot however refrain from quoting for your information the concluding Paragraph of the Sultan’s appeal to me on the subject – He expresses himself as follows after detailing the particulars of the retreat of the Dutch[:] “I however place the utmost reliance on your care and regard Sir, for the people with black Skins as well as for their black skinned Sovereign, for it is to the British alone that all Nations of Blacks all over the World have to look for protection and support and all the late Commotion and unhappy consequences in Palembang are solely to be attribute to the Dutch refusing to abide by and follow up the arrangements introduced by the English, and to the People of Palembang’s decided preference of them to those substituted by the Dutch –”
Your Lordship will observe that these expressions are from the old Sultan, whom I had deposed and against whom my efforts were made275 – and it is not a little satisfactory to find that he should still have so high a respect for us – He has regained the Throne and perhaps deserves to maintain it for the noble struggle he is making for the independence of his Country – I am sorry however to say that the unfortunate Prince with whom our Treaty was made and from whom we obtained the Cession of Banca,276 is still a close Prisoner in the Mountains of Java, removed from all communication with his family and Country – surely this is not to last for ever & something must be done to obtain his person from the Dutch – He has been so unfortunate that I imagine he cares but little for the honours of a Throne, but some handsome provision ought to be made for him & at any rate he ought to be placed under our protection – This is a point which merits Parliamentary enquiry and your Lordship would do an essential service to the cause of humanity and the honour & character of Great Britain, by demanding his safe delivery into our hands – It is now nearly two years that he has been a Prisoner – his followers and adherents all look to me, even his Rival the present Sultan advocates his cause, and the whole Malayan Race are anxiously awaiting the result of the deliberations in Europe, to know who is the strongest, the English or the Dutch, and the decision whether our boasted philanthropy and justice is to be depended upon, or reckoned as specious as our policy –
In consequence of the Dutch having been driven out of Palembang, Banca has become nearly independent of their authority & they have only one Station left on the Island. At Rhio their conduct has been much of the same stamp as at Palembang and accounts have lately been received of their having also been driven out of that Port – At Sambas & Pontiana on Borneo, they have been openly insulted without the power of resisting it, and as new troubles are breaking out at Macassar and Celebes, there seems a fair chance of their being obliged to retreat within their undisputed Territories of Java and the Moluccas beyond which in justice to us they ought never to have stept –
They of course attribute the whole of their misfortunes to me, perhaps very justly – My interference at Palembang was the first check they received, but the establishment of Singapore gave the final blow – And in order to profit by our present advantage it is essential that we should decide upon some settled policy for the future – Nothing can well exceed our past folly but I can hardly suppose the experience of another Century to be wanting to prove to us where our true interest lies – after contending with the Dutch for nearly a Century for superiority in Java, we were driven out of Bantam and content to establish ourselves at Bencoolen[,] a place possessing no one advantage political or commercial277 – Another Century has since elapsed and we find ourselves again driven out of Java – but profiting by our experience, we have selected a spot, Singapore, of all others the most advantageous both for Political & Commercial purposes – but even this will be useless to us unless we pursue some steady and consistent line of policy for its management.
In the enclosed Paper which is the Copy of a Memorandum I some time since delivered to Lord Hastings,278 your Lordship will perceive what my ideas on the subject are – The Paper is of course confidential but I have reason to believe the plan suggested is fully concurred in by the highest authority in this Country –
If our object in the Eastern Seas & in China is Commerce and Commerce alone, I am not aware of any plan so easy of adoption or so unobjectionable as that of making our Stations free Ports – in a political point of view it will have the effect of preventing and deterring other European Nations from settling on the neighbouring Coasts – for our Continental possessions will enable us to do that without considering it as a loss which no other Nation could do except at a dead loss, in consequence of the great distance of their power – this is particularly applicable to the French[,] Russians & Americans – We can not only afford to maintain our Eastern Stations without levying duties at them, but by doing so we improve the general Trade and consequent prosperity of our Continental possessions – No other Nation could afford to maintain such Stations without levying duties –
In a few years, if the System on which I have commenced, is followed up, the whole of the Eastern Archipelago will be clothed from Great Britain, and I see no reason why Ava[,] Siam[,] Cochin China and even a large portion of China may not follow the example – but I fear I have intruded too long on your Lordship’s time already, and I will be satisfied by referring you to the Paper I have enclosed for all further particulars –
While recently in Bengal I took the liberty of enclosing to your Lordship a Plan for the establishment of a College at Singapore279 – This Plan united with a Port free of duties and vexations, will I am convinced have far more effect in raising our Character and improving our Interests than any other that could be adopted –
Should your Lordship continue to feel an interest in the Affairs of this quarter of the World, I shall always feel myself honoured in the opportunity of communicating every information within my reach –
I request to offer my best respects to Lady Lansdowne,280 and with every assurance of respect and esteem to remain
Your Lordship’s
Faithful and very
obedient & humble St
T S Raffles
The Marquess of Lansdowne
&c &c &c
Letter 32
Raffles to Lansdowne
19 January 1821
Bencoolen 19th. January 1821
My Lord,
I have been much flattered by the interest you have kindly taken in my humble efforts to improve our political and Commercial influence in this quarter, that I am induced to hope you will spare a few moments to run over the enclosed Papers which are intended to form part of the 1st. Volume of our Agricultural Proceedings281 – The Papers themselves are not written with much attention to style but they may serve to convey to you in as few words as practicable, a tolerably correct idea of the nature of our Establishments in the vicinity of Bencoolen, the System which has heretofore prevailed, and the principles on which alone any beneficial change can be calculated – I beg to draw your particular attention to the Paper entitled 1st. Report of the Agricultural Society as containing a just & fair narrative of the course of measures which have tended to retard the progress of this hitherto very unprofitable Settlement282 – I am now pushing our agricultural industry in every direction and am happy to say that in one year I have quadrupled the grain produce of the Country and that if my measures are only followed up by permission to Europeans from England to colonize and settle, even this wretched Establishment will soon rival the richest portions of the West Indies – British Capital and British industry are alone wanting to the prosperity of the place283 –
Bencoolen however, altho’ my chief residence, forms at present but a very inconsiderable portion of my jurisdiction – Singapore which instead of a minor Station has turned out on experiment to be the most important in the Eastern Seas, naturally engages my chief attention – and I am happy to say our Establishment there has succeeded beyond all possibility of calculation – In point of Commercial importance it already rivals Batavia, and its whole charge scarcely exceeds £10,000 a year, ten times which amount might be collected were I to allow of the Collection of even moderate duties – but I am so satisfied that all our more Eastern Settlements should be in the strictest sense of the word free Ports that I will not admit of even the shadow or supposition of a Custom House restriction or duty – The fate of Singapore however now rests with abler heads and no doubt in better hands than mine, and we must trust to the wisdom[,] foresight and energy of H M. Ministers to retain for us what to the Dutch is of no value but to us is invaluable indeed –
Another portion of my domain and which has not yet attracted much attention is our Settlements on the North West Coast of Sumatra to the Northward of Padang – All questions with the Dutch being as far as concerns our interference in this Country at an end, my attention has been principally devoted during the last year to the development and improvement of our more certain and permanent, because undisputed, possessions and in this quarter the Islands which lie off Sumatra and almost in sight of it have particularly attracted my notice – One of these, Pulo Nias, in sight of Tappanooly was known to be inhabited, to have a considerable export of Slaves and to be in some degree cultivated – but this was all – neither the extent of the population, the State of Civilization or cultivation had been enquired into, and Europeans knew very little more than that such an Island and such a people existed –
Various enquiries soon induced me to think very highly of this Island and the result of two Missions enabled me at once to appreciate its importance and to take measures for securing it from the grasp of the Dutch whose Emissaries were known to be in the neighbourhood – and I have now the satisfaction to state that all the Chiefs and People have in the most formal and solemn manner entered into a Treaty acknowledging the Sovereignty of Great Britain, abolishing the Slave Trade and giving us the universal Supremacy over the Island284 – The population is certainly not less than 230,000 and the Island throughout is one complete Sheet of the richest Cultivation imaginable – it affords a large grain export, and is in almost every respect the reverse of what we find on the opposite Coast of Sumatra – I cannot perhaps give your Lordship a better idea of the Country and People than by quoting a few Passages from an official Report of the Gentlemen who were deputed to examine the Country –
“Its superficies may be estimated at nearly 1500 square miles. The surface of the Country is for the most part uneven rising into Hills of no considerable elevation and plentifully watered with streams in every direction – The soil is of unequalled fertility, having in general a basis of lime which appears to be of coral origin – Not only the alluvial flats but the sides of the Hills up to their very summits, present a sheet of cultivation the richest than can be imagined – There is not a vestige of primaeval forest in any part which we visited, the whole has disappeared before the force of industry – The villages are always situated on the very pinnacles of the Hills, yet they are always embosomed in Cocoa Nut and fruit Trees of the great luxuriance, while the land beneath them is devoted to Rice, Sweet Potatoes and other Articles of Supply[.]”
“We have little hesitation from the result of (these) enquiries in estimating the total population of the island at not less than 230,000 souls which compared to the surface gives 153 to the Square Mile. This may give some idea of the flourishing state of the Country and we feel confident that it will be found to fall short rather than exceed the reality[.]”
“The Nias People are highly valued for their industry[,] ingenuity and fidelity – Our whole intercourse with them has given us a most favourable impression of their Native Character and of their Capabilities of improvement – Notwithstanding the disadvantages of a secluded situation, the absence of all instruction and example, and the insecurity arising from a state of internal division, they have drawn forth by their industry the resources of their fertile Country to a greater degree than has yet been effected by any of their Neighbours on the Coast of Sumatra – The extent of their grain export would alone be sufficient evidence of their industry but the same spirit pervades their whole economy – Their Towns and Villages tho’ placed on elevated situations with a view to defence, are clear and neat; the ascent is facilitated by a long stair or causeway regularly built of Stone, and shaded by a Row of fruit Trees on each side, and the principal street itself is often paved in a manner than would do credit to European skill – Their Houses are built of wood in the most substantial manner raised upon strong posts, and their interior is arranged with a neatness not devoid of elegance – Attached to every Village are two enclosed Baths built of Stone, appropriated to the different sexes; any trespass by a man on that belonging to the females subjects the offender to a heavy fine – In the manufacture of their arms[,] clothing and gold ornaments (of which they wear a great many) they display great ingenuity and considerable taste – In their persons they are a handsome athletic race; their warlike habits and perhaps the nature of their Country give them an activity & vigour of frame unusual to the Inhabitants of tropical climates – They are not addicted to any practice of intoxication or gambling – Their address is frank and open; they are keen in their Commercial dealings, fond of gain, but scrupulously exact in the fulfilment of their engagements.”
“All the evils arising from the imperfection of their Civil Code have been aggravated and encreased by the odious traffic in Slaves &c.”
I will only add that the estimated number of slaves annually exported from Nias has not fallen short of 1500 souls – that the Chiefs have unanimously and unreservedly entered into engagements to abolish it in toto, and that the British Flag having now been hoisted, the Island & its Inhabitants may be considered as an integral part of the British Dominion.
I have not time at the present moment to enter fully as I could wish on this important acquisition – but as these People appear never to have had any communication or Instruction either from Europeans[,] Hindus or Mahometans and are perhaps as original a race of beings as have at any time been found in so advanced a Stage of civilization, I hope I may bespeak the weight of your influence with the philanthropic and serious part of our Country to further the objects I have in view – perhaps there never was a more interesting field opened for the philosopher than the contemplation of the present state of these people, or for the Philanthropist and Christian Missionary for active and beneficial exertion –
I purpose at an early period communicating many particulars respecting Neas to my esteemed friend Mr. Wilberforce285 with a request that he will make such fact public as may appear to be of sufficient interest.
I have to apologize to your Lordship for this hasty and incomplete Sketch of my present objects, and throw myself on your liberality and kindness for an excuse – May I beg that you will present my best respects to Lady Lansdowne and Believe me My Lord
With the highest respect &
Esteem,
Your Lordship’s
very faithful and
Obed humble St.
T S Raffles
In consequence of the restoration of Padang to the Dutch, and my having been prohibited from extending British influence in Sumatra, the Dutch are about to occupy Menangcabau and to build a fort on the ruins of the ancient Capital – and I think it will soon appear that when once the resources of Sumatra are disclosed, it will be found a more important and valuable possession than even Java itself – The Dutch unfortunately have the most valuable and fertile Provinces and if we do not very soon change our System we may expect to lose all influence whatever – We are now confined to what may be called the back Settlements and the only population worth noticing not yet under Dutch Sway are the People of Neas, and the Battas[,] a Nation of Cannibals, but respecting whom the European World is as much in the dark as they were regarding the Natives of Neas – I of course do not include Acheen – where we have very good Agreements on Paper – but nothing further – Were the Dutch excluded from Sumatra I would undertake in three years that it should more than rival Java and afford provision for not less than 50 to 100,000 Englishmen – but I fear there is no chance of my being put to the test –
The Marquess of Lansdowne
&c &c &c
Letter 33
Raffles to Lansdowne
1 March 1822
Bencoolen 1st. March 1822
My Lord
Long continued illness and a series of domestic afflictions have hitherto prevented my acknowledging the receipt of your Lordship’s kind letter forwarding the Report of the Lords on Eastern Trade286 –
The spirit with which the Enquiry appears to have been entered into & the general tenor of the evidence brought forward have proved a great support to my proceedings, and I have now the advantage of advancing an object which is admitted by the Legislature to be important and essential to the Commerce of the Nation – Our interests in the Eastern Seas have hitherto suffered principally from the indifference of our Government, and their entire ignorance of their value and importance –
I could have wished that the evidence adduced had been more specific – it would have relieved the question from that general and speculative character which has exposed it to attack by steady & plain men – and I think that even among the Records of the India House much more detailed information might have been found – It is impossible not to concur with Mr Charles Grant in nearly all that he says,287 and I am most happy to find that whatever may be his opinion regarding China, he admits the advantage and importance of a free Trade and permanent British Establishment in the Archipelago –
I have much satisfaction in reporting that my Settlement of Singapore still continues to advance, steadily but yet rapidly – The certainty of its permanent retention by us is alone wanting to ensure its prosperity – From the enclosed Abstract of Tonnage288 your Lordship will be able to judge of the extent and nature of the Trade that is carried on – hitherto it has been merely a Port for Barter and Exchange, and Merchandize has not been stored on the Island to any extent, but as Capital accumulates and Mercantile Establishments are formed, Store Houses will be built & the Trade of course encrease in proportion to the additional facilities that will be afforded –
It is my intention to go round to Singapore in the course of a few months in order to make such general arrangements as will admit of the expansion and rise of the Settlement without endangering the principle on which it is established – There is so great an inclination in our Indian Government to drive a revenue that the greatest precaution is necessary to prevent the levying of duties – and the establishment of vexatious Regulations – My health has suffered so much, and as I shall have little to do in India after the full establishment of Singapore, I look to the possibility of my returning to England in all next year – I have applied for a Successor – and I sincerely hope that the final arrangements for the future management of Singapore may be delayed till I arrive[.]
Our intercourse with Siam continues not only uninterrupted but is rapidly encreasing – We sent a Kind of Embassy there lately with the view of ascertaining the State of the Country and to pave the way for further direct communication – The gentleman deputed was a Merchant of Singapore289 and united this object with a Commercial Speculation – he was very well received & the King has returned a very complimentary Letter to the Resident of Singapore – and as far as Commercial intercourse is concerned, it appears that while we respect their Port Regulations and do not interfere with politics we shall always be welcome Visitors – These Port Regulation are annoying & harassing to Shipping but are only what might be expected from a weak and jealous Government determined not to place their Capital or the dignity of the State within the risk of insult or injury from foreign Visitors – At the period of this visit no less than 200 large Junks sailed from the Siam River for Singapore and other parts of the Archipelago, and it would appear that the Siamese still maintain a direct intercourse with Japan[,] a considerable part of the cargo obtained by our Commercial Ambassador being composed of Japan Copper &c –
The riches of Siam are great – its agriculture is extensive and its population dense – It is to the Countries of the Archipelago to the Northward of the Equator what Java is to those which lie to the South – the principal Granary – and it furnishes both Rice and Salt to greater extent and at lower prices than Java. Ivory[,] Gold and Sugar are at present the principal Exports for the European Market – for China it furnishes many important supplies; and in return Opium[,] Piece Goods and Europe[,] Chinese & Indian manufactures are demanded – The extent to which the British manufactures can be eventually introduced can only at present be conjectural, but if we refer to the general introduction of our Cottons which has taken place in Java and elsewhere where they have been advantageously received, it may be fair to infer that as our intercourse encreases Siam may afford a Mart for at least an equal quantity to that now sold in Java and its Dependencies – The progress may be slow at first – and it will of course be gradual, but the result eventually if we avoid political quarrels and harassing interference & intermeddling may I think be considered as certain.
I do not however calculate so much from any direct Trade with Siam by British Ships, as from what must naturally result at our Station of Singapore which is rapidly becoming the grand Port of exchange for Siamese Goods – Such are the natural and obstinate jealousies and prejudices of the Siamese (in common with the Chinese & other States of the kind) that they will never be able to give all the latitude and security to our Ships frequenting their Port which our Merchants will require – the Governmt. being bad and the public officers corrupt[,] the latter will of course encrease in their exactions and extortions until we have all the inconveniences and uncertainties which now prevail in China from similar causes and effects –
It is a remarkable fact that the produce of Siam can even now be purchased at a lower rate at Singapore than at Siam itself – In the article of Sugar there is a difference of one Dollar in seven in favour of Singapore – This arises from the article being conveyed thither in Native Vessels who export without the duties and vexations which the foreign Trader is liable to, and who eagerly flock to a free and independent Port where they may carry on their speculations without controul or annoyance –
The article which I still consider as most capable of extension is Cotton Manufactures – We now regularly import into China upwards of 20,000 Tons annually of Raw Cotton the produce of the British Territories in India – Why should we thus be encouraging the industry and manufactures of China at the expense of our own – surely our Manufacturers can make the same descriptions of Cloth from the same material, and our machinery is of little use if it does not undersell the manual labour of the Countries we trade with.
I am too weak at the present moment to go further into the subject but I hope at no distant period to have the honor of addressing your Lordship more at length – In the mean time I beg you will consider that no exertions of mine will be wanting to place within your Lordship’s reach every essential information which it may be interesting to you to receive. I am already engaged in collecting the details for a practical and very ample Report on the Commerce of these Seas290 –
Mr Crawfurd has been deputed to visit Siam[,] Cochin China &c291 – At the former place he will find no difficulty in establishing such Commercial Relations as shall protect us against rival European interests & more we don[’]t require & ought not to demand – The King has long assured me that as far as Commerce went he would always meet our wishes – but he dreads political interference – With regard to Cochin China, I fear that Country is so dismembered by internecine commotions that much advantageous commercial intercourse cannot at present be expected – a Knowledge however of the actual State of the Country, and a Survey of the numerous harbours &c will doubtless be important.
By the present opportunity we send home upwards of 100 Tons of the finer spices – Nutmegs – Mace & Cloves – the produce of Bencoolen,292 and the Planters are anxious to contract for the supply of Great Britain in future years – this will effectually destroy the Dutch Monopoly[.]
With my best respects to Lady Lansdowne I have the honor to remain
your Lordship’s
Most obliged &
Faithful humble [St]
T S Raffles
The Marquess of Lansdowne
&c &c &c
Letter 34
Raffles to Lansdowne
20 January 1823
Singapore the 20th. Janry 1823
My Lord,
In February last I took the liberty of forwarding to your Lordship an Abstract Statement of the Trade of Singapore during the two first years and a half of its establishment, and I have now much satisfaction in transmitting a more detailed and authentic account of this Trade during the past year 1822, from which you will perceive that the improvement has been nearly in a geometrical ratio and that the Station is rapidly rising in value and importance.
The Expences of the Settlement have in no year exceeded £10,000 – and we have already a local Revenue to nearly that amount without any Tax whatever on the Trade. Land which was the other day covered with primeval forest or in a state of Swamp has already a high value and a few lots conveniently situated for Mercantile Establishments sold lately for upwards of 50,000 Dollars –
The contrast between the rising interests of this place and the heavy and burdensome establishment of Bencoolen is peculiarly striking – The one has only been established for four years and under circumstances of every possible political disadvantage – The other has been established for upwards of a Century and has always been aided by the Company’s Capital, and the disbursements of a regular establishment – The annual expences of Singapore are less than the monthly charges of Bencoolen, while the Capital turned in Trade is in nearly the same proportion in favor of the former –
With the view of establishing a landed interest as far as the anticolonial principles of the Court of Directors will admit, I have open’d a Register for all land bought into Cultivation and provided for the Magistracy from the body of European Residents293 – These Regulations with a declaration of the entire freedom of the Port, will I trust furnish a solid groundwork on which successors my proceed –
It may be satisfactory to your Lordship to know that I have been able to establish a Press in the English[,] Malay and Chinese Characters and that it is already in some activity – As a first specimen which will stand in need of your indulgence I have the honor to enclose Copies of the several Regulations above alluded to.294
It is a most consolatory reflection that since the establishment of Singapore under the British Flag not a single case of Piracy has happened in its vicinity; notwithstanding these Straits were previously considered as more dangerous than any other part of the Eastern Seas – all descriptions of People have found better employment in the pursuits of Commerce or Agriculture, and piracy seems to be abandoned as disreputable and comparatively unprofitable.295
Singapore still continues under all the disadvantages of uncertainty as to its retention, and ungenerous rivalry almost amounting to hostility on the part of the Dutch who will not allow a Vessel to clear out for the Port, and subject all goods brought from thence to a duty of 16 pr Cent beyond what they would be liable to from other Ports – If under these circumstances its rise is so rapid and at the same time steady, we may be permitted to look forward and with more enlarged views whenever it is freed from these political difficulties – It is generally expected that the new Governor General296 will bring out the decision of the home authorities, and in this case, if it is favorable, the confidence established will be sufficient to enable us to cope with all commercial rivalry on the part of our Neighbours –
In lately examining the Accounts of the Spanish Settlement of Manilla, I was much surprised to find that the Trade of that long established possession, having a population of two millions and a half and a large European Establishment and Native Army, scarcely exceeds that already enjoyed by Singapore – I may here mention that late accounts from Manilla report the detection of a very formidable Conspiracy to overthrow the present Government – 15 officers of Rank had been arrested with the principal Magistrate of the City; and the independent Spirit of the South Americans would appear to have found its way to this quarter –
I have the honor to remain with the highest respect and esteem,
Your Lordship’s
Most obliged and
Faithful humble St
T. S. Raffles
The Marquess of Lansdowne
&c &c