SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO AND THE EASTERN AECHIPELAGO.

SKETCH OF RAJAH BROOKE.

Sir James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, has proved himself to be, not only a benefactor to his country, but also to a large number of the human race. He went out as a cadet to India, where he distinguished himself in the Burmese war, and being wounded there, he returned home. A warm admirer of Sir Stamford Raffles, by whose enlightened efforts the flourishing city of Singapore was established, and British commerce much increased in the Eastern Archipelago, he took a voyage there to form a personal acquaintance with those interesting islands. He found the people groaning under oppression, piracy unchecked, and commerce undeveloped. He here secretly resolved to devote his life to remedying these evils. On his return, home he purchased a yacht, the 'Royalist,' of 142 tons, and with care and kindness, for three years, he trained a crew zealously ready to follow his fortunes.

She was armed with six six-pounders, a number of swivels, and small arms of all sorts. She anchored off Borneo, on the 1st of August, 1839, and on the 15th reached Sarawak. Here Mr. Brooke visited the Rajah Muda Hassim, who was engaged in a war with some rebellious subjects in the interior. The Rajah asked his aid to put down the rebellion, but he refused, and devoted his time to making himself acquainted with the character of the natives, and the productions of the country,—after which, he went back to Singapore. Borneo is a vast island lying under the equator. The interior is but little known, nor were even the coasts at that time. The aboriginal inhabitants are called Dyaks, but large numbers of Malays are settled on the coast and along the banks of the rivers. The Emperor of Borneo, as he is called, is merely a chief, claiming power over the northern portion of the island. On Mr. Brooke's return, he found the rebellion still going on, and, in the hopes of bringing about a cessation of hostilities, he acceded to Muda Hassim's request, and joining the Rajah's army with some of his crew, and a gun from the 'Royalist,' the rebels were soon compelled to sue for pardon. In return for this assistance, the government of Sarawak was conferred on Mr. Brooke. His first step was to proceed to Singapore, where he purchased the 'Swift,' schooner of 90 tons, and loading her with a suitable cargo, he returned to Sarawak with his two vessels, in April, 1851. In consequence, however, of the intrigues of a chief called Macota, it was some time before he became completely invested with the powers of government. The moment he became governor, 24th September, 1841, he set himself actively to work to reform abuses, to improve the cultivation of the country, and to secure peace and happiness to the people. A great variety of tribes inhabit the country, who were constantly making predatory attacks on each other for the purpose of taking the heads of their enemies, while the shores were infested with piratical fleets, who robbed and murdered wherever they roved. Numbers of British and other merchant vessels had fallen into their power. Having arranged the internal affairs of his government, Mr. Brooke turned all his efforts to put a stop to these nefarious practices. Having secured the approval of the Sultan of Borneo-Proper to his holding Sarawak, and at the same time obtained the release of the Hindostan crews of two English ships, he went back to Singapore, for the purpose of asking the aid of some ship-of-war to put down piracy. The 'Dido,' the Hon. Captain Keppel, was accordingly sent to assist him in carrying out his object. The Dyaks of Saribas and Sakarran, were the first pointed out, by Rajah Muda Hassini, as determined pirates, living entirely by plunder, more especially of vessels trading between Borneo and Singapore. Before, however, we give an account of the expedition against them, we have to mention some of the exploits of the 'Dido' and her boats.

CAPTURE OF PIRATICAL PRAHUS BY BOATS OF 'DIDO,' UNDER LIEUT. HORTON,

May 13th, 1842.

As soon as the 'Dido' arrived off Sarawak, Mr. Brooke went on board one of his boats, and proceeded with a few others, all under the command of Lieut. (now Captain) Horton, in search of a fleet of Illanun pirates whom he had heard of as being in the neighbourhood. They soon came on a fleet of prahus, which made off at their approach. The next morning, however, the pinnace having grounded, Lieut. Horton and Mr. Brooke proceeded in one of the cutters to reconnoitre. As they neared the south-west point, they were met by six prahus, beating their tom-toms as they advanced. Lieut. Horton judiciously turned to rejoin the other boats; and the pinnace having floated, he formed his little squadron into line abreast, cleared for action, and prepared to meet his formidable-looking antagonists. Mr. Brooke, however, believing them not to be Illanuns, raised a flag-of-truce on his spy-glass, but a discharge of small arms was the only reply he received.

The pirates then detached their three smallest vessels in shore to command a cross-fire, and to cut off the retreat of the 'Dido's' boats, and the rest advanced, their shot cutting through the rigging, and splashing in the water all around. It was an anxious moment for the 'Dido's' little party. Not a word was spoken. The only gun of the pinnace was loaded with grape and canister, and kept pointed at the largest prahu. The men waited with their muskets in hand for permission to fire, but it was not until within pistol-range, that Lieut. Horton poured into the enemy his well-prepared dose. After exchanging shots for a few minutes longer, the largest cried for quarter, but the other five keeping up a fire to the last, made for the shore chased by the two cutters. The prize proved to be a prahu mounting three brass guns, with a crew of thirty-six men. Ten of them were killed, and eleven (four of them mortally) wounded. The crews of the three smaller prahus escaped on shore with those only slightly hurt. Captain Keppel gave orders that the wounds of the rest should be dressed by Mr. Simpson, the assistant-surgeon, and the prisoners were afterwards set at liberty. Lieut. Wilmot Horton and Mr. W. L. Partridge, mate, who commanded the pinnace, were promoted for their gallantry on this occasion.

ATTACK ON THE JOLLY BACHELOR.

The 'Emily' schooner-yacht, belonging to Mr. Whitehead, of Singapore, being expected from thence, Captain Keppel sent a boat lent by Mr. Brooke, called the 'Jolly Bachelor,' fitted with a brass six-pounder long gun, and with a volunteer crew of a mate, two midshipmen, six marines, and twelve seamen, and a fortnight's provisions, under the command of the Second Lieut. Mr. Hunt, to cruise off Cape Datu. Mr. Douglas, who spoke the Malayan language, volunteered his services. After being out five days, all hands being overcome with fatigue, they had dropped an anchor close to some rocks, and had fallen asleep. Just as the moon was about to rise, Lieut. Hunt happening to awake, observed a savage brandishing a kris, and performing his war-dance on the little deck, delighted at the ease, as he supposed, with which he had got possession of a fine trading-boat. The lieutenant's face, unsurmounted by a turban, gave the first intimation to the savage of his mistake. He on this plunged overboard, and before Lieut. Hunt knew whether or not he was dreaming, or could rouse up his crew, a discharge from three or four guns, and the rattle of the various missiles with which they were loaded, convinced him there was no mistake. As the men were lying down, no one was hurt; but on jumping on their legs, they found themselves pressed by two large war-prahus, one on each bow. To return the fire, cut the cable, man the oars, and back astern, was the work of a moment. The men fought as British seamen always do: the deadly aim of the marines prevented the pirates from reloading their guns. The Illanun prahus are built with strong bulwarks or barricades, grape-shot proof across the fore part of the boat, through which ports are formed for working the guns. When these bulwarks were cut away by round-shot from the 'Jolly Bachelor,' the musketry, grape, and canister told with fearful effect. In the mean time the prahus had been pressing forward to board, while the 'Jolly Bachelor' backed astern; but as soon as this service was achieved, the men dropped their oars, and seizing their muskets, dashed on: the work was sharp but short, and the slaughter great. While one pirate-boat was sinking, and an effort was being made to secure her, the other effected her escape by rounding the point of rocks, where a third and larger prahu, hitherto unseen, came to her assistance, and putting fresh hands on board, and taking her in tow, succeeded in getting off, although chased by the 'Jolly Bachelor.' The other being set on fire, blew up and sunk. The captured boat, when boarded, presented a dreadful sight, filled with the mangled forms of the dead and dying.

ATTACK ON SAREBUS PIRATES BY BOATS OF H.M.S. 'DIDO.'

The 'Dido,' after leaving Sarawak, proceeded to the island of Burong, which was appointed as the place of rendezvous. The force selected for the expedition consisted of the 'Dido's' pinnace, two cutters, and a gig, with the 'Jolly Bachelor,' carrying a long six-pounder brass gun, and 30 of the 'Dido's' men. Several chiefs sent their fleets, so that the native force was considerable, and it caused no little trouble to keep them in order. The command of the expedition was given to Lieut. Wilmot Horton, and in the pinnace with him were Mr. W. L. Partridge, mate; Dr. Simpson, assistant-surgeon; and Mr. Hallowes, midshipman; with 14 seamen and 5 marines. In the first cutter was Mr. D'Aeth and Mr. Douglas, from Sarawak, and Mr. Collins, the boatswain; and in the second cutter, Mr. Elliot, the master, and Mr. Jenkins, midshipman. The 'Jolly Bachelor' was commanded by Lieut. Tottenham, and Mr. Combes, midshipman, with Mr. Brooke's medical friend, Dr. Treacher, and an amateur gentleman, Mr. Ruppel, from Sarawak. The force from the 'Dido' consisted of about 80 officers and men. Capt. Keppel, with his accustomed gallantry, accompanied the boats in his gig, in which Mr. Brooke also embarked. Lieut. E. Gunnell, in the second gig, had the difficult duty assigned to him of preserving order among the extensive fleet of native boats. A variety of motives had brought together this curious assemblage of Europeans, Malays, and Dyaks. The British wish was to put down piracy; the Malays came for plunder; the Dyaks to revenge themselves for the atrocities committed by the Sarebus and Sakarran pirates. On the 9th June, 1843, the expedition had got 30 miles up the river, and Captain Keppel laughingly says, as he pulled along the line of his tiny fleet, he felt as proud as Sir William Parker could when leading 75 British ships up the Teang-se-Keang River into the heart of the Celestial Empire.

Captain Keppel being ahead, soon afterwards fell in with a couple of boats evidently belonging to some pirates which had been chased the previous day. He fired his rifle, when the crews took to flight and escaped among the jungle. At a place called Boling, they met with a dangerous obstacle, called a bore. It is caused by the tide coming in with a tremendous rush, as if an immense wave of the sea had suddenly rolled up the stream. Then finding itself confined on either side, it extends across like a high bank of water, curling and breaking as it goes, and from the frightful velocity with which it passes up, it carries all before it. In certain bends of the river the bore does not break across, and it was therefore the aim of the boats to gain these spots between the times of its activity.

Just below Boling, the river branches off to the right and left; that to the left leading to a nest of pirates at Pakoo, who are in communication with those of Paddi, the place first to be attacked. A vessel, called a 'Tope,' laden with provisions and ammunition, had been brought up thus far, and she was here left, with a strong body to guard her. The advancing force now consisted of the 'Dido's' boats, the three Datus from Sarawak, and some Sow Dyaks eager for heads and plunder. On the 11th, as they passed rapidly up the stream, the beating of gongs and the loud yelling warned them that they were approaching their enemies. A sudden turn in the river brought them in front of a steep hill, which rose from the bank. As they hove in sight, several hundred savages rose up, and gave one of their war-yells. "It was the first," says Captain Keppel, "I ever heard. No report from musketry or ordnance could ever make a man's heart feel so small as mine did at that horrid yell. I had no time to think, but took a shot at them with my double-barrel as they rushed down the steep, while we were hurried past." As the large boat came up she gave them a dose from her heavy gun. A barrier of stakes was now encountered, but the gig pushed through, and found herself in the presence of three formidable-looking forts, which immediately opened a heavy fire on her. Luckily their guns were elevated for the range of the barrier, a few grape shot only splashing the water round her. The boat was drifting fast towards the enemy. The banks of the river were covered with warriors, who yelled and rushed down to secure her. With some difficulty the long gig was got round, and, Rajah Brooke steering, she was paddled up against the stream. During this time Captain Keppel and his coxswain kept up a fire on the embrasures, to prevent the enemy reloading before the pinnace could bring her twelve-pound carronade to bear. Unfortunately she fell athwart the barrier, and had three men wounded while thus placed. With the aid, however, of some of the native auxiliaries, the ratan-lashings which secured the heads of the stakes were cut, and the first cutter got through. The other boats then followed and kept up a destructive fire on the fort. Mr. D'Aeth, who was the first to land, jumped on shore with his crew at the foot of the hill, on the top of which the nearest fort stood, and at once rushed for the summit. This mode of warfare—this dashing at once in the very face of their fort—was so novel and incomprehensible to the enemy, that they fled panic-struck into the jungle, and the leading men of the British could scarcely get even a snap shot at them. That evening the country was illuminated for miles by the burning of the capital, Paddi, and the adjacent villages. The guns in the forts were also taken, and the stockades burnt. The banks of the river were here so narrow, that it was necessary to keep vigilantly on the alert, as a spear even could easily be thrown across, though for the greater part of the night the burning houses made it light as day. In the evening Drs. Simpson and Treacher amputated the arm of the captain of the forecastle on board the 'Dido.' In the morning a fleet of prahus came sweeping towards them, and were only discovered to be friends just in time to save them from a deadly discharge from the six-pounder.

In the evening a party under Lieut. Horton, who was accompanied by Rajah Brooke, was sent up the left stream. Capt. Keppel was at supper on board the 'Jolly Bachelor' when the sound of the pinnace's twelve-pounder carronade broke through the stillness of the night. This was responded to by one of those simultaneous war-yells apparently from every part of the country. Captain Keppel, on this jumping into his gig, pulled off to the aid of his friends. From the winding of the stream, the yells appeared to come from every direction, sometimes ahead, sometimes astern. Proceeding thus for nearly two hours, a sudden and quick discharge of musketry warned him that he was approaching the scene of action.

He kept his rifle ready for use on his knee, and to give an idea that he was bringing up a strong reinforcement, he ordered the bugler he had with him to strike up "Rory O'More." This was immediately responded to by three British cheers, followed, however, by a death-like silence, which made him suppose that the enemy were between him and his friends.

Seeing some human forms before him, he hailed, and receiving no answer, fired, supposing them to be Dyaks, when to his horror, Lieut. Horton exclaimed, "We are here, Sir." Providentially no one was hurt. The sound of the current had prevented his hail being heard. The party had taken up a very clever position on the top of a bank from which the jungle had been cleared for about thirty yards, and which rose perpendicularly from a little bay just big enough to hold the boats. Here Lieut. Gunnell was posted with seven royal marines as a rear-guard. This was an important position, and one of danger, as the jungle itself was alive with the enemy; and although spears were hurled from it continually during the night, no shot was thrown away unless the figure of the pirate could be distinctly seen. The rain fell heavily, the men wore their great coats to keep their pieces dry. Often during the long night a musket was raised to the shoulder, and lowered as the enemy flitted by. These in the boats below stood facing the opposite hank of the river, with their arms in their hands. It appears that the enemy had come down in great force to attack the boats from that side; and as the river was there very shallow, and the bottom hard, they could, by wading not more than knee-deep, have approached to within five or six yards of them:—but in the first attack they had lost a good many men, and it is supposed that their repeated advances during the night were more to recover their dead and wounded, than to make any attack on the compact little force of British, whose deadly aims and rapid firing had told with such effect, and who certainly were, one and all, prepared to sell their lives as dearly as possible. For some object they had begun felling some large trees, and their torches showing their position, Mr. Partridge kept up a hot fire on them from the pinnace, and a signal rocket fired among them made them take to flight. Two natives and one marine of the British party were wounded; and the latter poor fellow, a gallant young officer named Jenkins, already distinguished in the Chinese war, volunteered to convey in the second gig, with four boys only, down to the 'Jolly Bachelor.' He performed this duty, and was again up with the party before daylight. At dawn the pirates began assembling in some force, but as the boats advanced up the river towards a spot where they had left their wives and children, they sent in a flag-of-truce. Several chiefs soon appeared, and the result of the conference was, that they undertook to abandon piracy if their lives were spared. This was agreed to, and they have strictly adhered to their promises.

The expedition now advanced towards Rembas, and early in the morning came up with a succession of formidable barriers very difficult to cut through. About a mile below the town, 700 Linga Dyaks were landed, under command of Sheriff Jaffer and his fine-spirited son. Captain Keppel managed in his light gig to get through the barriers, and as the other boat came up, he opened a fire on the stockade, which was full of men, this, with the war-yell cries from Sheriff Jaffer's party, threw them into the greatest confusion, and made them fly on all sides. On this the crews landed, and took possession of Rembas, which was found to be the largest town they had yet seen. As a severe lesson to the pirates, the place was given up to the native allies to plunder, and was afterwards completely destroyed.

The kind-hearted and talented Dr. Simpson having slipped overboard while suffering from fever, caught a cold, which soon ended his days. The 'Dido,' soon after this, sailed for Singapore and China.

ATTACK ON THE SAKARRAN PIRATES,

August 7th, 1844.

[An extract from a characteristic letter of Rajah Brooke to Captain Keppel will best introduce the following subject:]—

Sarawak, 26th May, 1844.

"There is plenty to do here, and the sooner you can come the better for all of us, especially for your poor friends the Dyaks. Bring with you as much force as you can to attack Sakarran. The case stands thus: Sheriff Sahib, quite frightened at Sadong since last year, enraged likewise at his loss of power and his incapability of doing mischief, collected all the Sakarran Dyaks, and was joined by many of the Dyaks of Sarebus, and some Balows. He likewise had a good many Malays, and bullied every one in his vicinity. This force met at the entrance of the Sadong Delta, and committed depredations. They were not less than 200 Dyak boats, and some 15 or 20 armed Malay prahus, besides others. Sheriff Sahib, with this force, has started to-day for Sakarran, and I was not strong enough, with my eight native boats, to attack him.

"It is his intention, on his arrival there, to fortify the place and await our attack, and in the mean time to send out his Dyaks along the coast and inland to such places as they dare venture to attack."

The 'Harlequin,' Captain Hastings, was in the neighbourhood of this fleet, but her First-lieut., H. Chads, having been severely wounded, and several of his men killed just before in a severe affair off Acheen Head, her gallant Commander judged it imprudent to attack them, with the few boats he possessed.

Since the 'Dido's' last visit to Sarawak, Her Majesty's ship 'Samarang,' Captain Sir Edward Belcher, had come there, and grounding on a long shelf of rocks at the top of high water, and with the ebb-tide rolled off, filling with the succeeding flood. She was nearly a fortnight in this position, when, by the skill and almost unparalleled exertions of her captain, officers, and crew, she was hove off, and again made ready for sea.

Monday, 5th August, 1844.—The expedition left Sarawak. It consisted of Her Majesty's steamer 'Phlegethon,' the boats of Her Majesty's ship 'Dido,' boats belonging to Rajah Brooke, and a fleet of prahus, under the Pangeran Budrudeen, the brother of the late Rajah.

Having entered the river Batang Lupar, which, for some way up, is from three to four miles wide, they proceeded, on Wednesday the 7th, towards Patusen, the place to be attacked, it being the stronghold of Sheriff Sahib. The difficulty was now to keep back the native allies, who were eager for heads and plunder.

Weighing at 11, they advanced with a strong tide in sight of the fortifications of Patusen, which were not to be despised. The boats of the 'Dido' and 'Phlegethon' having formed alongside the latter vessel, were directed to pull inshore, and attack the forts in succession. However, Mr. Wade, the gallant First-lieutenant of the 'Dido', who had the command, was the first to break the line, and to pull directly in face of the largest fort. His example was followed by the others, and dividing, each boat pulled for the fort which appeared to the officer in command to be the one most likely to make a good fight. The forts were the first to open fire on both steamer and boats, which was quickly and smartly returned. From the defective state of the detonating priming-tubes, the guns from the 'Phlegethon' would not go off; so the boats had all the glory to themselves.

They never once checked in their advance; but the moment they touched the shore, the crews rushed up, entering the forts at the embrasures, while the pirates fled by the rear.

In this sharp and short affair, a fine young man, John Ellis, captain of the main-top, in the 'Dido,' was killed—cut in two by a cannon-shot, while in the act of ramming home a cartridge in the bow-gun of the 'Jolly Bachelor.' This, and two others badly wounded, were the only casualties.

The killed and wounded, on the part of the pirates, must have been very severe. There were found, in and about the forts, 64 brass guns of different sizes, besides many of iron, which were spiked and thrown into the river.

The Sarawak followers, both Malays and Dyaks, behaved with the greatest gallantry, dashing bravely in under the fire of the forts. The town, which was very extensive, after being given up to them to plunder, was set on fire, and made a magnificent blaze.

After the men had dined, another fort higher up the river was taken, in which Sheriff Sahib resided, and where a large amount of his plunder was captured.

During the day the habitations of 5,000 pirates had been burnt to the ground, four strong forts destroyed, together with several hundred boats; upwards of 60 brass cannon captured, and about a fourth that number of iron spiked and thrown into the river, besides vast quantities of other arms and ammunition; and the powerful Sheriff Sahib, the great pirate patron of the last 20 years, ruined past recovery, and driven to hide his diminished head in the jungle.

The 8th and 9th were passed in burning and destroying the rest of the straggling town, and a variety of smaller boats.

On the 10th, the stronghold of Macota, another pirate chief, was destroyed; but he had fled into the mountains.

Captain Keppel now divided his force, to attack, at the same time, various forts, situated up several rivers running into the main stream. One party under Lieut. Turnour, with Mr. Combes, in the 'Jolly Bachelor,' and a division of native boats, went up the Undop; another, under Mr. D'Aeth, up the Lupar; while Mr. Wade, accompanied by Mr. Brooke, ascended the Sakarran.

Lieut. Turnour, with Mr. Combes, made a very spirited attack on a stockade situated on the summit of a steep hill, while Mr. Allen, the master, performed a similar service on the opposite side of the river.

Having again collected his whole force, Captain Keppel proceeded up the river Sakarran, 20 miles from the mouth of which was situated the fortified town of Seriff Muller. When, as they knew by the noises they heard that they were close to the town, they found a strong barrier built across the river. A little in advance of it was a farm-house, which, for the night, Captain Keppel occupied with a party of 50 volunteers, consisting of Messrs. Steward, Williamson, and Combes, a corporal and four marines, his gig's crew, and some Malay and Dyak followers.

At daylight they were joined by Lieutenant Wade and Mr. Brooke; and soon after 8 o'clock, the barrier being cut through, the town was entered, plundered, and burnt.

Having ascertained that the pirates had retreated to a Dyak village, situated on the top of a hill some 25 miles higher up the Undop, at daylight on the 13th, Captain Keppel, with the lighter boats, went in pursuit. On this day Lieut. Wade, jealous of the advanced position of the lighter boats, obtained a place in Captain Keppel's gig. Overcoming a variety of difficulties through rain and darkness, they at last anchored for the night. On the 14th they pushed on, and hearing of two landing-places leading to the village, proceeded in search of one immediately under it. Several boats were destroyed in their progress, and they had some sharp encounters with others on which they unexpectedly came. Sheriff Muller was nearly taken; and his war-prahu, full of plunder, was captured. Not finding the looked-for landing-place, Captain Keppel and Lieut. Wade disembarked at a clear green spot, to breakfast, and await the arrival of the other boats. While the crew were busily employed in cooking, Captain Keppel and Lieut. Wade fancied they heard the suppressed voices of many people. Taking their guns, and creeping into the jungle, they soon came in sight of a mass of boats concealed in a snug little inlet, the entrance to which had escaped their notice. These were filled with piratical Dyaks and Malays, and on shore, at various points, were placed armed sentinels.

Not noticing Captain Keppel's caution, Mr. Wade dashed on, discharged his gun, and called on their men to follow. The astonished enemy instantly fled, and the British, nine in number only, headed by Lieut. Wade, followed towards the Dyak village on the summit of the hill. During the heat of the pursuit, although too anxious to advance to await the arrival of his men, finding a poor, terrified Malay girl who, by her imploring look, touched his heart, he stopped to conceal her in a place of security. Then, he once again cheered on his men in the pursuit. Entering a small encampment of the enemy, Lieut. Wade's party drew up to re-form and load, and then, seeing the arrival of the other boats at the landing-place, again rushed on in pursuit. Before arriving at the foot of the steep ascent, on the summit of which the Dyak village stood, they had to cross a small open space of about 60 yards, exposed to the fire from the village, as well as from the surrounding jungle. Before crossing the plain, Captain Keppel again cautioned Mr. Wade to await the arrival of his men, of whom he was far in advance. Immediately afterwards two rifle shots struck him, and falling mortally wounded, at his captain's feet, he died instantly. Captain Keppel remained with the body of his lamented and gallant lieutenant till his men came up, and, giving it in charge to some of them, the village was carried without further check or accident. As it was by a shot from it poor Wade had been killed, it was instantly destroyed. Throughout the expedition there was a friendly rivalry between the crews of the 'Phlegethon' and 'Dido's' boats, and one of the officers of the former wounded, with a pistol, the man who had killed poor Wade.

In the fort, among other plunder, were found some English writing-desks, and on the brass plate of one was engraved the name of "Mr. Willson." That evening, the village and piratical boats being destroyed, the expedition returned down the river, and, with the deep regret of all hands, by whom he was universally beloved, the body of Lieut. Wade was committed to the deep.

Returning to the steamer on the 15th, Captain Keppel waited till the 17th, to rest his men. During the time their native friends were much molested by the hostile Dyaks concealed in the jungle. On the 17th, the expedition started up the Sakarran. It consisted of the 'Dido's' pinnace, two cutters and gig, the 'Jolly Bachelor,' and the 'Phlegethon's' first and second cutters and gig, with a division of light native boats under old Patingi Ali, with whom Mr. Stewart embarked, while 30 native boats followed as a reserve.

We do not dwell on the difficulties of the navigation, and the heavy rains they experienced, or the wild beauty of the scenery.

A war-boat was taken, and a party of Dyaks surprised on the 18th. On the 19th, at nine o'clock, Captain Keppel having stopped to breakfast with Mr. Brooke and Mr. Jenkins in the second cutter, he gave permission to Patingi Ali to advance cautiously with his light division, with positive orders to fall back on the appearance of an enemy. After the pinnace and second gig had passed up a quarter of an hour, the report of a few musket-shots told Captain Keppel that the pirates had been fallen in with. Pushing on, the firing from the British boats, and the war-yells of some thousand Dyaks, showed him that an engagement had commenced. Dreadful was the scene of confusion which met his view. About twenty boats were jammed together, forming one confused mass—some bottom up; the bows or sterns of others only visible, mixed up pell-mell with huge rafts, amongst which were nearly all the advanced squadron. Headless trunks, as well as heads without bodies, were lying about in all directions; parties were engaged hand-to-hand, spearing and krissing each other; others were striving to swim for their lives; entangled in the common mêlée were the British advanced boats; while on both banks thousands of Dyaks were rushing down to join in the slaughter, hurling their spears and stones on the boats below.

Fortunately one of the rafts which composed this floating bridge caught in the stump of a tree and broke the line. It simultaneously occurred to Capt. Keppel and Mr. Brooke, that, by dashing through in the gig, they might draw off the attention of the enemy to themselves. The effect was as they desired. Mr. Brooke steered about mid-channel, while Captain Keppel, with his never-failing rifles, having his coxswain to load, picked off the leaders from among the savage mass, on which he kept up a rapid fire. Mr. Allen, in the second gig, quickly coming up, opened upon them from a Congreve rocket-tube such a destructive fire, as caused them to retire behind the temporary barriers where they were concealed before they attacked Patingi Ali; and from whence they continued to hurl their spears and other missiles. Many employed the sumpitan (a tube from which poisoned darts are shot); but though many of the British were wounded, no fatal results ensued, owing to the expeditious manner in which the wounded parts were excised by Mr. Beith, the assistant-surgeon, afterwards any poison that might remain being sucked out by one of the comrades of the wounded men.

The greatest loss was owing to the Patingi and the gallant Mr. Stewart's imprudence. When leading, six large war-prahus, carrying 100 each, bore down on his boat, and out of a crew of 17, one only escaped to tell the tale of his destruction. When last seen, Mr. Stewart and the Patingi were in the act (their own boats sinking) of boarding the enemy, and they were of course overpowered and killed. On the side of the British 29 others lost their lives, and 56 were wounded.

A few miles further up was the town and capital of Karangan, which place, the pirates having fled from it, was completely destroyed without opposition.

On the 22nd, the expedition returned to Patusen, where they were reinforced by the boats of the 'Samarang,' under Sir Edward Belcher, who having heard of their loss, had come up 120 miles in about 30 hours. Mr. D'Aeth, on coming alongside the 'Phlegethon,' was capsized and nearly drowned, and shortly after Mr. Brooke, hearing a cry of distress, shoved off in his Singapore Sampan, and picked up three half-drowned Dyaks who alone escaped out of 11, their boat being capsized by a bore.

On the 24th, the expedition again reached Sarawak.

MEMOIR OF LIEUTENANT WADE.*

"Lieutenant Charles Francis Wade, whose melancholy death is recorded in these pages, was the third son of the Rev. Thomas Wade, of the county of Tipperary, and from an early period of life displayed a strong predilection for that profession in which Providence ordained that he should pass a short yet honourable career. His family did not encourage this disposition, having no interest to ensure its successful enterprise; but the youth, when in London, having casually heard that the late Earl of Huntingdon was about to proceed to the West Indies, in command of H.M.S. 'Valorous,' immediately waited upon his lordship, and volunteered his services. Though he had no previous acquaintance, nor introduction, the frankness of his manners, and the good sense he exhibited at the boyish age of 14, so won upon the noble Earl, that he at once became his patron and friend, and he was appointed to the 'Valorous,' and sailed in her on her destination. On her being ordered home, he was transferred to the 'Barham,' flag-ship on the West India station, and, by his good conduct, strongly recommended himself to her commander, the Honourable Elphinstone Fleming, to whom, as well as to Lord Huntingdon, he expressed his grateful attachment through life. At a later time, whilst he was serving as mate on board H.M.S. 'Ocean,' at Sheerness, it was suggested to him by several of his naval friends, that he might distinguish himself by joining the British Legion, in Spain; he accordingly accepted the rank of Captain of Artillery in the British Legion, under Colonel Colquhoun, R.A. In 1837, he returned from this employment, after two years' gallant devotion to it, and memorialized the Government for promotion in the navy as a reward for his services. In this he respectfully represented his meritorious actions in common with the navy at sea, and the marines, and other forces in the field; with both of which he had fought in several very sharp engagements; in honour of which he had received the Spanish crosses of St. Ferdinand and Isabella Catolica, and a gold medal for commanding the guns which breached the walls of the town of Irun, through which a party of troops entered, and under so heavy a fire, that he had two-thirds of his gun-detachment killed and wounded. In short, his conduct throughout was of the most gallant description, though a slight wound was the only mark he bore of having fought in almost every affair between the Legion and the Carlists during the period of his stay. His preceding eight years in the West Indies; his having been afloat from 1824 to 1835; and his having passed his examination for a Lieutenant in 1830, with a high character from every officer under whom he had served, were truly urged as a farther title to the favour he solicited. Lord Minto, then First Lord of the Admiralty, consequently appointed him to the 'Rhadamanthus,' in the Mediterranean; and in the June following, at the coronation of Her Majesty, he obtained his commission as Lieutenant. In 1840, he joined H.M.S. 'Curaçoa,' in the Pacific; and here an incident occurred which may serve to show the intrepid and chivalrous temper which formed so distinguished a feature in his character. Cruising not far from the Southern Tropic, and a few leagues from the meridian of the island that became the refuge of the descendants of Christian and his comrades, another island was seen, which was thought to be a discovery. The nature of the shore and the sea that broke against it forbade any attempt at landing from a boat, but access to a swimmer seemed possible; and it being considered desirable that the new-found territory should be examined and possession of it taken, Lieutenant Wade volunteered to perform this service, and to swim on shore with the union jack secured to him. He succeeded in landing, explored the island sufficiently to ascertain that it had neither inhabitants nor shipwrecked mariners upon it, and that it had already been visited by a British ship-of-war. He then returned safely on board; but the consequences of the adventure were serious, for it was followed by a severe attack of rheumatic fever, occasioned by having remained so long in wet clothes; and finding there was no hope of regaining his health at sea, he quitted his ship with regret at San Elas, and returned through Mexico, to England.

"In December 1842, hardly recovered from the effects of the disease, but determined to deserve and to obtain promotion, he was appointed First-lieutenant of the 'Samarang,' then fitting for the survey of the Indian Seas. In March 1844 he joined, for a short time, H.M.S. 'Driver;' and on the 5th June following was appointed First of the 'Dido.'

"It is not easy to express in adequate language, says one who knew him intimately, the qualities by which poor Wade was distinguished, and how much he was beloved by all his acquaintance. Brave and enterprising, yet gentle, affectionate, and considerate of others; firm in principle, and exact in the performance of every duty, but unpretending, generous, and loyal: there seemed to be united in him all the properties which, joined to skill in his profession, would have ensured to him an eminent place in the brilliant annals of his service. But he was of those who fall in the front, and who die too soon for their own glory.

To his family and intimate friends his amiable, generous, and affectionate manners endear his memory; and although they must mourn his loss, yet they have the consolation of knowing that his whole conduct was influenced by a sincere Christian spirit, and that he was not less willing to devote his life to the service of his country than to manifest in his whole conduct the exalted principles by which he was ever influenced.

MEMOIR OF MR. GEORGE STEWARD.

The late George Steward, who fell in August 1844, whilst fighting as a volunteer in the expedition against the pirates of Borneo, commanded by Captain Keppel, was the youngest of seven children of the late Timothy Steward, Esq., of Yarmouth. Having shown an early predilection for the sea, a midshipman's berth was procured for him in the maritime service of the Hon. East India Company, in which he rose with as much rapidity as its regulations would admit; but unfortunately for him, precisely at the period when he became eligible for, and had secured, the command of a first-class ship, the Act of Parliament was passed which abolished the mercantile privileges, and consequently extinguished the maritime service of the Hon. East India Company, whose officers thereupon retired on pensions. Not being disposed to continue at sea as a private adventurer, Mr. Steward remained unemployed for several years; but in 1842 his adventurous and daring spirit led him to embrace the proposition of his friend and brother-officer, Mr. Henry Wise, now connected with the East India and China trade, to undertake the charge of a commercial expedition to the infant settlement established at Sarawak under the auspices of Mr. Brooke. In the month of March 1843 he left England in the 'Ariel,' a smart fast-sailing brig, purchased, fitted out, and armed by himself and Mr. Wise, in pursuance of the mercantile operation referred to, and for the additional security of Mr. Brooke. The vessel arrived at Singapore in the following July. Here Mr. Steward was informed that the Borneo seas were swarming with pirates; and the master of the brig having left her at that port, Mr. Steward assumed the command. On his arrival at Sarawak, he received from Mr. Brooke a welcome, the cordiality of which was enhanced by their recognising each other as schoolfellows. Of the enterprise, intelligence, liberal mind, and friendly disposition of Mr. Brooke, Mr. Steward has, in his correspondence, spoken with the utmost warmth, and to him he was at all times indebted for much valuable assistance and counsel. At Sarawak Mr. Steward remained until he unfortunately joined the expedition against the pirates, in which his life was sacrificed.

DESTRUCTION OF MALLUDU,

August 19th, 1815.

In consequence of the atrocities committed by Sheriff Houseman, it became necessary to destroy his stronghold in Malludu Bay; and to effect that object Captain Talbot, with the 'Vixen,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Pluto,' accompanied by the boats of 'Agincourt,' 'Dædalus,' 'Vestal,' 'Cruiser,' and 'Wolverine,' then composing the squadron off Borneo, proceeded to that place, which they reached on the 18th.

The Bay of Malludu has high-wooded banks on either side till in the bight, where the land is flat and covered with mangroves. Here the water is shallow, and there are several rivers, one of which is that of Malludu. The enemy, from 500 to 1,000 in number, were posted in two forts, mounting 11 or 12 heavy guns, and protected by a strong and well-contrived boom. Before the fight commenced Sheriff Houseman sent a flag-of-truce, and asked for Mr. Brooke. On being informed that he was not present, he invited Captain Talbot to meet him, and offered to admit two gigs to be hauled over the boom. This offer being declined, the enemy instantly opened their fire. They fought well, and stood manfully to their guns, the fight being protracted for 50 minutes. The boom had first to be cut away before the boats could advance. While working, axe in hand, to clear it, the gallant Gibbard of the 'Wolverine' fell mortally wounded. The boats all the time were under a very heavy fire; but at length advancing, they carried the place with a loss of 6 killed, 2 mortally wounded, and 15 severely wounded. The loss of the enemy was proportionably great. In the evening a detachment of 10 boats and fresh officers and men quitted the 'Vixen' to complete the destruction of the forts. Numerous proofs of the piracies of the Sheriff now came to light. The boom was ingeniously fastened with the chain-cable of a vessel of 300 or 400 tons; other chains were found in the town; as also a ship's long-boat, two ships' bells, one ornamented with grapes and vine-leaves, and marked "Wilhelm Ludwig, Bremen," and every other description of ships' furniture. Some piratical Illanun and Balagnini boats were burned; 24 brass guns captured; the iron ones, stated to have been got out of a ship, spiked and destroyed. Thus Malludu ceased to exist, and Sheriff Houseman's power received a fall, from which it could never recover.

Leonard Gibbard made his first trip to sea under charge of Captain Keppel in 1834, when he commanded the 'Guilders' in the Mediterranean; and at that early age promised, what he afterwards proved himself to be, a gallant officer and thorough seaman. He was a general favourite wherever he went.

In this action Sheriff Houseman was wounded dangerously, and it was supposed died soon afterwards in the jungle to which he had escaped.

The following is a detail of the naval force employed in the attack on, and destruction of, Malludu, under the command of Captain Charles Talbot, H.M.S. 'Vestal,' with his official letter:—

Her Majesty's ship 'Agincourt's' gig, Captain Lyster; Mr. Creswell, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 5 seamen. Gun-boat (launch), Lieut. Lowther; Mr. Whipple, assistant surgeon; Mr. Burnaby, midshipman; Mr. Barton, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. Gun-boat (barge), Lieut. Paynter; Mr. May, mate; Mr. Patrick, assistant surgeon; 1 petty officer and 14 seamen. Pinnace, with rockets, Mr. Reeve, mate; 3 petty officers and 18 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Simcoe, midshipman; 11 seamen. Gun-boat, manned from 'Agincourt' and Hon. East India Company's steam-vessel 'Nemesis,' with 1st Company small-armed men. First cutter, Lieut. Reid; Mr. Hathorn, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 10 seamen. Gun-boat (second cutter), Mr. Young, mate; 1 petty officer and 10 seamen. Gunboat, with 'Agincourt's' field-piece men.

'Pluto's' cutter, Lieut. Heard; 2 petty officers and 15 men.

Her Majesty's ship 'Vestal's' barge, Lieut. Moritt, senior lieutenant. Gun-boat, Mr. Pym, second master; 1 petty officer and 13 seamen. Pinnace, Lieut. Pasco; Mr. Ward, assistant surgeon; Mr. Sanders, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 13 men.

Her Majesty's ship 'Vestal's' gun-boat (cutter), Mr. Durbin, mate; 11 seamen. Gig, Mr. Eccles, clerk; 5 seamen.

Her Majesty's ship 'Dædalus'' gun-boat (launch), Mr. Wilkinson, second master; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. Barge, Lieut. Randolph, senior lieutenant; Mr. Huxham, midshipman; 2 petty officers and 17 seamen. Pinnace, Mr. Nolloth, mate; Mr. Balcomb, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Protheroe, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 8 seamen.

Her Majesty's steam-vessel 'Vixen's' gun-boat (pinnace), Lieut. Wilcox, senior lieutenant; Mr. Dent, mate; 1 petty officer and 15 men. First cutter, Mr. W. Sainsbury, midshipman; 9 seamen. Second cutter, Lieut. Benham; 11 seamen.

Her Majesty sloop 'Cruiser's' gun-boat (pinnace), Lieut. Rodney, senior lieutenant; Mr. Cotter, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12 men. Gig, Commander Fanshawe; 1 petty officer and 4 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Tuke, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 8 seamen.

Her Majesty's sloop 'Wolverine's' pinnace, Lieut. Hillier, senior lieutenant; Mr. Johnson, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12 seamen. Gig, Commander Clifford; 1 petty officer and 4 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Gibbard, mate; 1 petty officer and 4 men.

ROYAL MARINES EMPLOYED.

Captain Hawkins, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' Lieut. Hambly, H.M.S. 'Dædalus;' Lieut. Dyer, H.M.S. 'Vestal;' Lieut. Kennedy, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' Lieut. Mansell, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' 8 sergeants, 8 corporals, 3 fifers, 178 privates.

Total number of seamen, 344; marines, 202.

"Her Majesty's Steam-vessel 'Vixen,' Malludu Bay, August 20, 1845.

"Sir,

"I have to report the proceedings of the expedition you did me the honour to place under my command.

"Your Excellency's flag having been flying on board the 'Vixen,' you are aware of its progress to the anchorage at the head of the Malludu Bay; I commence, therefore, the details from that period:—

"The force, consisting of 530 seamen and marines (the details of which I annex), conveyed in 24 boats, of which 9 were gun-boats, left the 'Vixen' at 3 o'clock P.M. on the 18th inst., and, after some little difficulty in hitting on the channel, was anchored off the mouth of the Songybuyes a little after sunset. Here we were joined by a boat from the 'Pluto,' carrying the 'Agincourt's' field-piece. The tide serving, about 11 A.M. we weighed, and, passing the bar, anchored within it. At daylight on the 19th we proceeded up the river in two divisions. After advancing about two miles, I was informed by the Brunè pilots that we were nearing the town. I, therefore, went ahead with Captain Lyster to reconnoitre. On coming to an abrupt turn in the river, about three miles higher, we found ourselves suddenly in front of the position, which consisted of two stockaded forts, of eight and three guns each, commanding the reach. About 200 yards below the forts was a boom across the river, apparently well constructed. The forts appeared to us to stand on a tongue of land, from which we were separated by the river, which at that point divided into two branches, and the pilots declared such to be the case; the one turning to the right, we observed, was still further defended by a floating battery. There appeared, therefore, to be no means of carrying the position but by forcing the boom.

"On rejoining the force, arrangements were made for the gun-boats to advance to the boom, to cover the party appointed to cut through it, the remainder of the force to hold itself in readiness to act when ordered. We had approached the boom to within 100 yards, when a flag-of-truce was observed to be coming towards us. Conceiving the object of the enemy was merely to gain time, I sent back a message, that unless Sheriff Houseman came to me in half an hour, I should open fire. This being conveyed to the fort, the flag returned with an offer to admit me with two boats, that I might visit the Sheriff. I declined, and the flag retired. The moment it was clear of the line of fire, the three-gun battery opened, and the cannonade became general on both sides.

"The boom was composed of three large-sized trees, each supporting a chain-cable, equal to 10 or 12 inches, firmly bolted and secured around the trunk of a tree on each bank. A cut in the right bank allowed a canoe to pass, but was impassable to any of our boats. One hour nearly elapsed before we could in any way remove the obstacle, during which time the fire of the enemy was well sustained, all the guns being laid for the boom. I need hardly mention it was briskly returned from our side, both from guns and small-arms; and some rockets, well thrown by a party which had been landed on the right bank, appeared to produce considerable effect.

"As soon as the passage was open for the smaller boats they passed through rapidly, and embarked the marines from the large boats across the boom: ultimately the whole force passed through. The enemy immediately quitted their defences, and fled in every direction. The marines and small-arm men having cleared the town, the former were formed as a covering party, and parties of seamen were pushed up both banks of the river, but met with no opposition; at the same time preparations were made for spiking the guns and destroying the stockades and town; in a short time these were completed and the whole in flames, as well as three large prahus and several smaller ones.

"Being anxious to save the tide, and conceiving that the object contemplated by your Excellency was accomplished, I ordered the force to be re-embarked, and proceeded down the river to the 'Vixen.' When your Excellency considers the strength of the enemy's position, and the obvious state of preparation in which we found him, you will be prepared to learn that the service has not been performed without considerable loss. I regret very much to state it at six killed and 15 wounded. The loss on the part of the enemy was unquestionably very great, but the surrounding jungle afforded the enemy the means of carrying off their dead, according to their custom in these cases; nevertheless, some of those left on the field we recognised as persons of considerable influence.

"Whilst I record my admiration of the gallantry and steadiness of the whole force under a galling fire, sustained for a long period, I must particularly mention Captain Lyster, who directed his attention to the boom, and by whose personal exertions that obstacle was overcome.

"Mr. Gibbard, mate of Her Majesty's ship 'Wolverine,' was, I grieve to say, mortally wounded by an early shot whilst gallantly working at the boom with an axe.

"I beg leave to point out to your Excellency the conduct of Mr. Williamson, Malay interpreter to Mr. Brooke; he was with me during the attack, and was exposed to the whole of the fire.

"I have the honour, &c., (Signed) "CHARLES TALBOT.

"His Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, C.B., Commander-in-Chief."

In a political point of view, the destruction of Malludu may appear of little consequence, but it was of considerable importance, as a severe blow struck to piracy in the Eastern Seas, and as affording a wholesome lesson to other pirate chiefs of the fate awaiting them should they persevere in their malpractices. The battle was also a very desperate and hard-fought one; and had not the British, with determined gallantry, forced their way through the boom in front of the fort they would have been compelled to make a disastrous retreat. As all fought with equal bravery, I have thought it best to give a list of those engaged in the attack. Captain Talbot, too, had a narrow escape; for had he accepted the pirates' invitation to pass within the boom, there can be no doubt that he and all with him would have been destroyed.

CAPTURE OF BRUNÈ,

July 8th, 1846.

The principal chiefs of Borneo, among them the brothers of the Sultan himself, who were supposed to be favourable to Rajah Brooke and the English, and opposed to piracy, were all cruelly murdered early in the year 1846. Information of this event having reached the Admiral and Rajah Brooke, they were convinced that no terms could be kept with the Sultan.

Sir Thomas Cochrane, the Commander-in-Chief, accordingly ordered the very considerable squadron which was now collected on the coast, to rendezvous off the mouth of the river of Borneo, for the purpose of attacking the chief city, Brunè. Mr. Elliot, the master of the 'Agincourt,' having sounded the bar, and discovered sufficient water, the Admiral determined to take the flag-ship over it. Accordingly at day-light on the 6th July, the signal was made to weigh and to proceed into the Borneo river. The wind was light and directly out. The 'Agincourt' was taken in tow by the 'Spiteful,' the 'Phlegethon' going ahead to show the soundings, and by 8 A.M. the flag-ship was anchored within Moarra Island. On the 7th, at an early hour, the Captains of the squadron received the plan and details of the operations to be undertaken against the city of Brunè, should the Sultan act hostilely against the steamers going up the river. Seven gun-boats, manned by 100 seamen, were placed under the command of Captain Mundy. The Admiral having shifted his flag to the 'Spiteful,' she proceeded up the river with the 'Hazard' and 'Royalist' in tow. The 'Spiteful,' lightened of every spare article on board, was forced through the mud across 100 yards, with two feet less water than she drew. The 'Royalist' followed, but the 'Hazard' stuck fast.

At 4 A.M., July 8th, Captains Johnstone and Mundy embarked in the 'Phlegethon,' with a detachment of marines under Captain Hawkins; the rocket field-piece party and howitzers, under Lieutenant Paynter, assisted by Lieutenant Heath, with the seamen and small-arm men, accompanied by the gun-boats of the squadron. On joining the Commander-in-Chief, he gave them their final orders. Captain Mundy was to lead up the river in the 'Phlegethon' to the city, taking the gun-boats in tow, and to prepare for action. The rocket and field-piece party also remained in the Company's steamer, and the following arrangements were made under the direction of Lieutenant Paynter:—

The rocket-tubes, 24 and 12-pounders, six in number, were fixed on the bridge connecting the paddle-boxes, and the howitzers and field-pieces forward, ready to act on either bow. All the marines and small-arm men were on board the 'Spiteful' and 'Royalist,' the latter being in tow of the steam frigate. The whole number of bayonets was 600, viz., marines, 200; 'Agincourt's' seamen, 186; 'Iris's' seamen, 64; 'Hazard's' seamen, 50; 'Ringdove's', 40; 'Spiteful's,' 40; 'Royalist's,' 20. The boats to land the party were the 'Spiteful's' paddle-box boats, which held 130 marines; 'Agincourt's' pinnace and two cutters; 'Iris,' two cutters; 'Ringdove,' one cutter; 'Hazard,' one cutter; 'Phlegethon,' four cutters. At half-past nine the signal was made to proceed. On turning an angle of the river four batteries were seen, two of which were directly ahead, in a raking position. They now found the river staked across, and as they were sounding their way through the piles, the enemy's fire opened at a distance of 1,000 yards. The shot, round and grape, passed between the masts of the 'Phlegethon,' and beyond the 'Spiteful,' without striking. The former instantly returned the compliment with rockets and the pivot-guns; the Javanese, under an able officer, Mr. Ross, behaving admirably. After a quarter of an hour's cannonade, Captain Mundy shoved off in the gun-boats, Lieutenant Patey being ordered to pull for the shore and to storm the batteries. They were erected on a precipice nearly 100 feet in height from the brink of the river, and the pathway leading to them was almost perpendicular; so true, however, had been the fire from the steamer and gun-boats, that the resolution of the enemy failed them, and the gallant crews met with little opposition in forcing their way through the embrasures. In capturing the flag, a skirmish took place between the leading party of the British and the rear-guard of the enemy, as they escaped into the jungle. The iron-guns were spiked and the magazines, &c., destroyed, while three brass guns of great beauty were carried off.

The steamer then taking the 'Royalist' and gun-boats in tow, passed two other batteries, and anchored half-a-mile below the city, when all hands went to dinner.

At half-past one the expedition was again in motion, an ebb-tide of three knots rendering their advance very slow. As the 'Phlegethon' opened out round the point, the city battery and the hill-forts (the three together mounting 18 guns) commenced firing. The first 32-pound shot passed through the paddle-box, breaking part of the wheel, and entering the galley amidship killed the cook. This was followed by showers of grape and canister, so well directed, that in five minutes another man was killed and several wounded; the 'Phlegethon's' return fire, however, destroyed the enemy's aim, and she pushed on without further loss. Captain Mundy again shoved off in the gun-boats to attack the batteries at close quarters, but the steamer's fire had been so hot that the enemy fled before they could be reached. Nine grape-shot had entered the iron side of the 'Phlegethon,' below the water-line, and had she not been divided into compartments, she would inevitably have sunk. As soon as the 'Spiteful' and 'Royalist' had taken up their berths abreast of the large battery, à-fleur-d'eau, the marines were landed and marched to occupy the heights above the Sultan's palace, the batteries on which had been silenced and captured by the rocket and field-piece party under Lieut. Paynter.

The Admiral, observing that the batteries in the rear were again manned, sent Captain Mundy with the gun-boats down the river to destroy them. This he partially did in five hours; but from their great strength, it would have taken days to do so effectually. Thirty-nine pieces of cannon, mostly of large calibre, and 19 of them brass, fell into the hands of the British. The Sultan, his boasted army, and all the inhabitants had fled; not a native was to be found in the capital, and a place which for 500 years had been under Mahomedan rule, now fell into the hands of a Christian power.

PURSUIT OF THE SULTAN OF BRUNÈ.

Mr. Brooke having heard that the Sultan, with a bodyguard of 500 men, had retreated to the village of Damaun, a strong port about 30 miles from the capital, an expedition was formed to follow him. Sir Thomas Cochrane gave the command of it to Captain Mundy, who was accompanied by Mr. Brooke.

The force consisted of 160 marines, under Capt. Hawkins; 300 seamen with eight lieutenants, and a proportionate number of junior officers. Lieutenant Vansittart acted as Captain Mundy's aid-de-camp, and Lieutenant Newland, First of the 'Spiteful,' afterwards joined them with a few small-arm men from that vessel, making altogether a body of nearly 500 men.

They were to proceed as far as possible in boats; three cutters-full under Lieutenant Heath, being kept ahead to clear a passage up the narrow stream. After seven hours of tracking, hauling almost in the dark from the overhanging jungle, and with the heat most oppressive, they effected a landing. They advanced under heavy rain and through thick mud and swamps, but after destroying some newly-erected forts, they were finally compelled to retrace their steps. The weather however clearing, though continuing very sultry, the expedition again advanced. On the way they fell in with a large house, in which were found some shields, arms, and other property belonging to the Sultan, which showed that he had lately occupied the spot. The natives now observing that no injury was done to private property, joined them and offered their services as guides.

On reaching a river, Captain Mundy called for volunteers to swim it, to aid in forming a bridge. Immediately one of the carpenter's crew of the 'Iris,' William Burchet, leapt in with his heavy axe, and succeeded in crossing. Another large building was fallen in with, containing a magazine of powder, cartridges, and a brass-swivel gun. This house was found to belong to the Sultan, and that he had but a few hours before quitted it. It was therefore set fire to and destroyed.

The Sultan and his followers still evading pursuit among the almost impenetrable jungle, the expedition returned to the city of Brunè, some twenty of the officers and men suffering slightly from fever brought on by exposure to the damp and heat they had encountered in their march.

The inhabitants clearly understanding the object of the British, now returned with confidence to the city, and they appeared fully to appreciate the philanthropic motives which had saved it from destruction.

CAPTURE OF PIRATE PRAHUS, AND DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE STRONGHOLDS.

On the 31st, as the 'Phlegethon,' with other vessels in company, was cruising off the Tampassuk river, a large prahu was seen pulling towards it, and which Mr. Brooke recognised as a war-boat of the Illanuns. The steamer soon got between her and the shore, and three boats sent after her brought her to.

She was 60 feet long, fitted for 60 oars, with regular boarding-nettings, and was armed with one long twelve-pounder and two brass six-pound swivels. She had on board a coffin, in which was found the body of a chief lately killed in action. A Spaniard on board the 'Phlegethon,' and who had been rescued from slavery at Brunè, recognized one of the crew as the man who had murdered the master of the Spanish vessel to which he belonged, and had made him prisoner. Soon afterwards, two Spaniards came forward from among the crew and declared that they had been taken off the Manilla coast, and had since been compelled to labour as slaves on board the pirate. When the chief saw that his character was known, he and his people leaped overboard and endeavoured to reach the shore, but they were brought back and handcuffed.

The town of Pandassan had long been celebrated as a notorious haunt of the Illanun pirates. The town of Tampassuk also had the same character. The latter was destroyed, with all the prahus found near it by Captain M'Quhae, of the 'Dædalus,' and a force of 250 seamen and marines. The expedition against Pandassan was placed under command of Captain Mundy.

The force consisted of 40 marines, and 150 men, exclusive of the 'Javanese' crew under Mr. Ross. Lieuts. Heath and Norcock commanded the division of seamen, and Lieut. Alexander the marines. The position of this pirate stronghold was most beautiful, and the soil around it fertile in the extreme. As the British advanced, the enemy retreated, skirmishing with the advanced guard, and they had several men killed and wounded. The town and all the war-prahus were at once destroyed. The pirates taken by the 'Phlegethon,' were transferred to the 'Ringdove,' for passage to Manilla, where they were to be given up to the Spanish Government for trial. The Spanish Captains went with them to act as witnesses against them on their trial.

On August 3rd, in the afternoon, three large prahus were observed from Her Majesty's ship 'Iris,' standing alongshore under a press of sail. The signal was accordingly made for the 'Ringdove' and 'Royalist' to chase.

The 'Royalist' having got within range of the prahus, and her Commander, Lieut. Reid, finding it impracticable to take her nearer to the reef, lowered his gigs, and sent them away under the orders of Mr. Quin (mate) and Mr. Ray (midshipman). The prahus having separated, pulled at once for the shore, upon which Mr. Ray was directed to push quickly towards the beach, and to endeavour to cut off the largest one in her attempt to escape to the northward, whilst Mr. Quin gave chase to the other two, which were retreating in an opposite direction. One of the latter managed to get so close to the surf before she was overtaken, that the crews jumped overboard, and swam to the shore, when she was immediately captured and destroyed, and Mr. Quin then observing that an engagement was going on between the other prahu and the small gig, pulled in that direction to her assistance. Mr. Ray, in the mean time, had come up rapidly with the large prahu, which, on observing that only one small boat was approaching, faced about, and opened a fire of musketry, and then endeavoured to board the gig. This, however, was prevented by Mr. Ray, who manœuvering judiciously, kept within long range of the pirates, waiting for support, but at the same time maintained so good a fire, that many of those desperate men were killed; others jumped overboard, and swimming to the gig, clung with one hand to the gunwale, and with invincible courage attacked the crews with their knives. Mr. Quin came up as this sharp affair terminated; and when the large prahu was taken possession of, ten men were found dead on board; and out of her crew of forty, only a few managed to get on shore. It was at this time dark; the boats were only a few hundred yards from the beach, which was lined with hundreds of natives watching the conflict. The prahu was afterwards destroyed, and the gigs returned on board the 'Royalist,' the third vessel effecting her escape under cover of night. Mr. Ray was complimented by the Admiral for his judgment and mode of attack in this gallant affair, and Lieut. Reid for the judicious management of his vessel. Mr. Quin has since received his promotion.

DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE MADE BY A PIRATE CREW.

While H.M.S. 'Ringdove,' Commander Sir William Hoste, Bart., was cruising off the island of Balambangan, he chased three suspicious-looking prahus, till the brig had shoaled her water to her own draught. He then lowered his boats, and despatched them in pursuit, under Lieut. Norcock. That officer having boarded them, shortly after they had run on shore, and were deserted by their crews, found them to be laden with rice and other products of the country—while they had no guns or arms of any sort below. Imagining, therefore, that they were trading-vessels, he returned towards the 'Ringdove,' upon which the crews immediately regained the prahus, and were again making off from the shore, when a second order from Sir William Hoste, despatched by another boat, directed Lieut. Norcock to bring one of the prahus to the brig, in order that the Commander might himself judge of her character.

One of the prahus was accordingly taken possession of. and brought alongside the 'Ringdove,' the crew willingly rowing it themselves. During the long pull, they appeared perfectly satisfied with the excursion, and chatted good-humouredly, through the interpreter, with the marines and seamen. As a precaution, however, a guard, of three marines and several seamen, was placed over them. At first, while being made fast alongside the brig, they remained perfectly quiet. Suddenly, however, without the slightest previous warning, the pirates, (for such they were, they having skilfully concealed their arms,) arose, and flew simultaneously with their krisses upon the seamen and marines, when before they could defend themselves, one marine was killed, and two marines and a seaman severely wounded, they being indeed the only English on board the prahu at the time. She was, it must be understood, under the quarter, and touching the counter of the brig. The chief of the pirates, it is said, himself killed the marine placed sentry over them, with his kriss, and as the unfortunate man fell into the hold of the prahu, he seized his musket and fired it at the officers standing at the gangway. Another desperado lunging his spear through the after-port of the 'Ringdove,' mortally wounded the master, who was standing near. The pirates then cut the hawser adrift, and seizing their paddles, made off for the shore.

As it was at this time nearly dark, their desperate manœuvre might have succeeded, had not the boats of the brig been quickly manned and sent in chase. The prahu was overtaken and boarded in less than ten minutes, upon which, the crew retreated below, and with their long spears through the bamboo flooring, made a desperate defence, and finally, refusing all quarter, they were slain to a man, and the prahu was sunk by the gun of the pinnace.

CONCLUDING REMARKS ON BORNEO.

The accounts I have above given will sufficiently show the nature of the work the British squadron on the coast of Borneo is called on to perform, and the character of the people with whom it has to contend, as also the difficulties our gallant officers and men have to encounter, and triumphing over them, the benefit they have secured, both to the native inhabitants and to Great Britain herself. When Mr. Brooke first went to Borneo, he found the country desolated by internal wars, the strong remorselessly preying on the weak in every direction, and, though possessing a soil abounding in the most valuable natural productions, and capable of yielding, under cultivation, an almost unlimited supply of the fruits of the earth, yet, without any domestic or foreign commerce. Within a few years, by his enlightened exertions, he has, in a great degree, put a stop to piracy, by aid of the naval force placed at his disposal, he has induced the native tribes to live at peace with each other, and to attend to agriculture, and he has opened up an increasing commercial intercourse through all parts of the country. There breathes not a truer patriot or a more honest single-minded man than James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak. He has since received the honour of knighthood; but such a man honours those who bestow honours on him—by accepting them. Whatever may be said to the contrary, we may be well assured that the British squadron on the coast of Borneo has not only supported the cause of humanity, but has advanced, in no small degree, the material interests of Great Britain.