Voyage of the United States Frigate Potomac

Particulars of the Seizure of the Ship Friendship by the Malays, and the Massacre

of part of her Crew-Retaking of the Ship, and her Return to Salem-The Po-
tomac's hospitable Reception at the Cape of Good Hope-Interchange of Civili-

ties-Proceeds on her Cruise-Plan of Operations-St. Paul's Island-Arrival

on the Coast of Sumatra-Dangerous Navigation

The Potomac, disguised as a Merchantman, anchors off Quallah-Battoo-A recon-

noitring party of Americans deterred from landing by the hostile movements of

the Malays-But little hopes of obtaining Indemnification by peaceable measures——

Preparations for Enforcing our just demands-Humane Instructions of the Com-

modore-Landing of the Crew, with strict orders not to commence Hostilities,

unless attacked by the Malays-The latter fire on the Americans, who imme-

diately advance to the Attack, and storm and dismantle all the Forts but one-

The Victorious Party return on board-Loss in the Attack-Funeral Service for

the Slain-Official Documents
104

CHAPTER VIII.

Bombardment of Tuca de Lama-The Malays ask a Truce-Aiarm of the inhab-

itants of Soo-soo-The friendly Rajah, Po Adam, relieves their apprehensions--

Embassy of submission from the Malays of Quallah-Battoo-The Commodore's

admonition to them, interpreted by Po Adam-The Potomac anchors at Soo-soo

to procure water-Precautions against a surprise-Po Adam's friendship for the

Americans, and consequent losses-His character, dress, and personal appear-

ance-His allegiance to the King of Acheen-Outrage of the king's brother-Po

Adam's retaliation-His wives-Astonishment of the Malays on inspecting the

force of the Potomac-Interchange of presents-Ceremony of killing a buf-

falo

CHAPTER IX.

121

Sumatra, the Ophir of Solomon-Described by Marco Polo-Visited by the Arabs

-Discovered by the Portuguese-Size and location-Face of the country-

Mountains, rivers, lakes, &c.-Climate and temperature--Monsoons and other

winds-Soil, minerals, metals, organic remains, &c.-Volcanoes and earthquakes

-Origin of the inhabitants-Several distinct races—)
- Description of their persons,

dress, and ornaments-Effects of climate on character-Illustrated by the Esqui-

maux, the Laplander, and the Arab―The useful arts in Sumatra-Villages, houses,

furniture, and food-Productions of the animal kingdom-Manner of cultivating

pepper, trees, spices, gums, &c.
. 132

CHAPTER X.

The Malays of Sumatra-Difficulty of delineating their Character-Their Language,

Poetry, &c.-Five different Languages spoken in Sumatra-Malay duplicity-

Effects of their intercourse with Foreigners-Conscious Inferiority-Erroneous

Policy formerly exercised towards them-Favourable Traits in their Character-

The Rejangs-Their Laws, Customs, and Political Regulations-Their judicial

Proceedings-Manner of taking an Oath-Rights of Inheritance, &c.-Their

secret Hoards-Security for Debts-Punishment for Theft and Murder-Court-

ship, Marriage, and Divorces-Cock-fighting-Use of the Betele-nut-Tobacco

-Early Maturity of Females-Funeral Obsequies-Religious and superstitious

Notions The Lampoons-Their Hospitality

CHAPTER XI.

157

Sumatra The Kingdom of Menangcabow-Its former Power and Splendour-

Curious Proclamation of the Sultan-Arts and Manufactures of the People-

Fire-arins and Gunpowder-The Battas; their Religion, Character, Manners,

Customs-The Kingdom of Acheen-Description of the Inhabitants, Govern-

ment, Religion, &c.-Severity of their Punishments-Cruel Sport of the Quallah-

Battooans-Dress and Character of the Achenese--Their Oratory-Revival of

Trade after the late War-Imbecility of the Government-The Rajah of Trumon

-Islands on the Coast-Pulo Nyas Parents sell their Children for Slaves-The

Pogies-Islands and Inhabitants of Egano-Winds and Currents--Surveys and

Charts, by Captains Endicott. and Gillis

CHAPTER XII.

173

Early voyages to Sumatra-Portuguese establishments at Acheen and Pasay-

Naval power of Atheen-Portuguese defeated-The English well received at

Acheen-The Dutch suspected-The French neglected-Rivalry and hostilities

between the English and Dutch-English and French-The English at Padang-

Americans visit the East-Commercial enterprise of Salem-Carnes's voyage to

Sumatra-Loss of his vessel in returning-Sails in the Rajah-His successful

voyage-Consequent curiosity and excitement-Unsuccessful attempt at compe-

tition-Interesting extracts from the Records of the Salem East India Marine

Society Ship Friendship, Williams-Fanny, Smith-John, Barton-Three

Friends, Stewart-Her accident in the Strait of Bally-Active, Nicholas-

Recovery, Dana-and the Putnam-Tribute to the Commercial enterprise of

Salem
196

CHAPTER XIII.

Sumatra Effects of the Potomac's visit illustrated by facts-Piratical practices of

the Natives previous to that event, and their good conduct since-Their former

frequent attempts and failures proved by their own confessions, and the testimony

of Shipmasters-Their triumphant boasting respecting the Friendship, and threats

of future aggressions-Effect of that event on our Eastern Commerce-Revival

of that Commerce after the attack on Quallah-Battoo-Anecdote of Mahommed

Bundah-His visit to the Potomac-Respect and admiration of the American

character-Hints to Government on the protection of our Commerce

CHAPTER XIV

217

Passage to the Straits of Sunda-Centennial Anniversary of Washington's Birthday

-Patriotic Reflections-Enter the Strait-Prince's Island--Java Head-Flat

Point-Keyser's Bay-Lampoon Bay-Rajah Bassa Peak-Hog Point-Mew

OF THE

UNITED STATES FRIGATE POTOMAC,

UNDER THE COMMAND OF

COMMODORE JOHN DOWNES,

DURING THE

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE GLOBE,

IN THE

YEARS 1831, 1832, 1833, AND 1834;

INCLUDING A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE ENGAGEMENT AT QUALLAH-BATTOO,

ON THE COAST OF SUMATRA; WITH ALL THE OFFICIAL DOCU

MENTS RELATING TO THE SAME.

BY J. N. REYNOLDS.

"NAVAL POWER IS NATIONAL GLORY."

ILLUSTRATED BY SEVERAL ENGRAVINGS.

NEW-YORK:

PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS,
NO. 82 CLIFF-STREET,

AND SOLD BY THE PRINCIPAL BOOKSELLERS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

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Voyage of the United States Frigate Potomac: Under the Command of Commodore ...