Note 136 — Chapter XVIII

The following paragraph appeared in one of the Calcutta journals, and was copied into most of the India papers:—“A passenger who came round from Batavia has favoured us with the following intelligence relative to the Dutch squadron, &c. In Batavia roads there were—one line-of-battle ship, mounting sixty guns; three large frigates; four brigs and smaller vessels of war, all well armed and manned. In the canal there were—twenty gun-boats, mounting two long brass guns each. All the troops were marching in from the interior, and the fortifications were placed in a complete state of defence. A large frigate was lying at Sourabaya, well manned and armed. If the Dutch should determine on making reprisals, a few days’ sail would take them to Lintin, where they might seize British property to an immense amount.”

A very kind hint! deserving the thanks of the Dutch Government; for the capture would have been easy, the loss of British property great, being without a vessel of war to protect them. This is the way British affairs are conducted in the east.