thing buoyant could float up from below, and be more easily laid hold of.

This

The ship continued burning during the whole of the night; and the flames, which were seen through the openings of the trees, shed a melancholy glare around, and excited the most mournful ideas. night also all hands were suddenly under arms again, from a marine firing his musquet at what he very properly considered a suspicious character near his post, who appeared advancing upon him, and refused to answer after being repeatedly hailed. We found out at daylight that the branch of a tree, half-cut through the day before, had given way, under one of a race of large baboons, which we found about this time disputed the possession of the island with us. At the well, where there generally was kept a good fire at night, on account of the mosquitoes, the sentries had more than once been alarmed by these gentlemen shewing their black faces from behind the trees. They became so extremely troublesome to some ducks we had saved from the

wreck, (seizing and carrying them up the trees, and letting them fall down again when alarmed,) that on several occasions they left their little yard, and came up among the people, when the monkeys got among them, thus instinctively preferring the society of man for protection.

On Sunday morning, (23d,) the boats were sent to the still-smoking wreck, and some flour, a few cases of wine, and a cask of beer, had floated up. This last Godsend was announced just at the conclusion of divine service, which was this morning held in the mess-tent, and a pint was ordered to be immediately served out to each man, which called forth three cheers *. This seems to be the only style in which a British seaman can give vent to the warmer feelings of his heart. It is his mode of

* Some decorously righteous man, observing to the chaplain that he had never seen such a scene in England as the congregation cheering at the church-door, the latter replied, with proper liberality, (and tolerable good humour,)" perhaps you never saw a thirsty English audience dismissed with the promise of a pint of beer a-piece."

thanksgiving for benefits received; and it equally serves him to honour his friend, to defy his enemy, or to proclaim victory. This day we continued improving our fence, and clearing away a glacis immediately around it, that we might see and have fair play with these barbarians, should they approach. They had retired behind a little islet, (called Pulo Chalacca, or Misfortune's Isle,) about two miles from us, and seemed waiting there for reinforcements; for some of their party had made sail towards Billiton.

Monday morning, (24th,) the boats, as yesterday, went to the wreck, and returned with some casks of flour, only partially damaged; a few cases of wine, and about forty boarding-pikes, with eighteen musquets, were also laid hold of. With the loose powder secured out of the great guns in the first instance, Mr. Holman, the gunner, had been actively employed, forming musquetcartridges; and by melting down some pewter basins and jugs, with a small quantity of lead, lately obtained from the wreck, balls were cast in clay moulds, increasing

not a little our confidence and security. Our daily allowance from the well hitherto had increased to a quart of water each; and on this day a second was completed near the foot of the hill, in another direction, which not only supplied water in greater plenty, but of a clearer quality; and we could now, without restriction, indulge in the luxury of a long drink, not caring even to excite thirst, in order to enjoy that luxury in higher perfection.

On Tuesday, (25th,) the boats made. their usual trip; some more cases of wine, and a few boarding-pikes were obtained, both excellent articles in their way, in the hands of men who are inclined to entertain either their friends or their foes. On shore we were employed completing the paths to the wells, and felling trees which intercepted our view of the sea.

Wednesday, (26th,) at day-light, two of the pirate proas, with each a canoe astern, were discovered prowling close in with the cove where our boats were moored. Lieutenant Hay, (a straight-forward sort of fellow,) who had the guard that night at

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the boats, and of course slept in them, im, mediately dashed at them with the barge, cutter, and gig. On perceiving this, they cut adrift their canoes, and made all sail chased by our boats; they rather distanced the cutter and gig, but the barge gained upon them. On closing, the Malays evinced every sign of defiance, placing themselves in the most threatening attitudes, and firing their swivels at the barge. This was returned by Mr. Hay with the only musket he had in the boat; and, as they closed nearer, the Malays commenced throwing their javelins and darts, several falling into the barge, but without wounding any of the men. Soon after they were grappled by our fellows, when three of them having been shot, and a fourth knocked down with the butt end of the musket, five more jumped overboard and drowned themselves, (evidently disdaining quarter,) and two were taken prisoners, one of whom was severely wounded. This close style of fighting is termed by seamen man-handling an enemy.

The Malays had taken some measure to