Expedition to Borneo (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1846. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. Appearance of the country. Progress of the rebel war. Character of the Sow and Singe Dyaks. Their belief in augury. Ruinous effects of protracted warfare. Cowardice and boasting of the Malays. Council of war. Refuse to attack the enemy"s forts. Rebels propose to treat. The Malays oppose. Set out to attack the rebels, but frustrated by our allies. Assailed by the rebels. Put them to flight. Treat with them. They surrender. Intercede with the Rajah for their lives. Renewed treachery of the Malays. "26th. -- I must here pause in my account of this extraordinary and novel contest, briefly to describe the general appearance of the country. "It is one delightful to look upon, combining all the requisites of the picturesque, viz. wood, water, mountain, cliff, and a foreground gently undulating, partially cultivated, and of the richest soil. The mountain of Sarambo, about 3000 feet in height, is the principal feature in the scene, situated at a short distance from the left bank of the river. The remainder of the ground slopes gradually; and the town of Siniawan, likewise on the left bank, is close to the water, and at the foot of the eminence called Gunga Kumiel. "The advance of the party last night was, as 1()0 THE WAR. I have said, disguised by firing, drumming, and shouting from the fleet and forts; and, in the deep stillness of the fine night, the booming of the guns, the clamour of the gongs, and the outcries raised from time to time, came on our ears like the spirit of discord breaking loose on a fair and peaceful paradise. About one o'clock the noises died away, and I enjoyed as quiet a slumber till daylight as though pillowed on a bed of down in the heart of Old England. About six I visited the three forts. The Chinese, Malays, and Dyaks w...