China, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, in the Years 1853-56 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1857 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. JAVA. On approaching nearer the coast we were very soon surrounded by Javanese boats or praws, with large lateen sails, and containing provisions of all descriptions, including poultry, pigs, turtle, yams, sweet potatoes, and tropical fruits of all descriptions, amongst which splendid pine apples weighing several pounds, were about two-pence each, and equally fine shaddocks at the same price. Curry powder, and preserved tamarinds appeared also favourite articles of barter. Many of the owners of these boats were disputing for the situation of comprador, or commissarygeneral, to supply the vessel with all the provisions she required, by contract, at the port of Anger, and exhibiting the different certificates they had, or pretended to have received from masters of vessels they had served in a similar capacity. The Javanese are small in stature, but muscular in form, supple and active in their movements, and of a light copper colour. Their countenances forbidding and sinister in their expression, generally betray the stamp of every evil passion, amongst which desperation and treachery are predominant, nor do their characters, by all accounts, belie their appearance. They are kept, however, under such complete subjection, and are treated with such rigorous authority by the Dutch government, that they are afraid of too often displaying their natural characteristics. We shortly came to anchor within a mile of the shore, opposite the small town and fort of Anger, with the southern shore of the Island of Sumatra in full view in the distance, and forming the strait. On landing to pay our respects to the governor, and receive and post letters by the Overland Mail, which embraces Batavia only ninety miles from this place; I was much struck by the beauty of...