130
I shall be glad also if my friend will come here as early as convenient and consult with mẹ, - and the great officers of the British Government, whom we expect soon to arrive, as to the best means of punishing the murderers of Mr. Birch and several other British subjects, and restoring quiet to the country. The body of the late Resident has not been found up to this day and I am told the Resident's boat and property in it have been sent up to Sultan Ismail.
Sub-Enclosure 5. in Enclosure 1.
RETURN of killed and wounded at Passir Sala.
Hon. J. W. Birch
killed
killed
killed
killed
Arshad (interpreter)
Hit Sersing, Sepoy
Din Laroot, boatman
WOUNDED.
Doolah, boatman
severely
severely
Chet Singh, corporal Sepoy
severely
slightly
Mahomed, boatman
slightly
Mya Singh, Sepoy
slightly
Karet Singh, Sepoy
Mahomed, boatman
131
Mr. Swettenham had unfortunately left, to return by the river a few hours previously; fowing to the rapidity of the current, the boats should have reached Pasir Sala by the following day, I have sent detectives, both Chinese and Malay, to inquire into the matter, and to obtain if possible the remains of these unfortunate officers.
I have a guard in the Brapit Pass, and have stopped all communication with Perak except with my permission.
I regret to state the reports received daily from Perak all indicate enmity and a feeling of hostility towards the British.
The population generally both Chinese and Malays in Larut are all quiet.
Offers have been tendered by several of the headmen of as many fighting men as I might require, but this I have declined having sufficient for Larut.
I have, &c. (Signed)
T. C. S. SPEEDY, Assistant Queen's Commissioner, Larut.
Sub-Enclosure 1. to Enclosure 3.
Report of Sergeant Dzan, Gunong Pondok, to Captain Speedy, Assistant Queen's Commissioner, Laroot.
We received infomation on the 6th November 1875, from a Malay named Hamad of Sayong, who said that about 12 days ago Datu Rajah Lelah (Mah. Lelah) had collected about 30 men, and had gone down to Ayer Mati (Perak), because Mr. J. W. Birch had seized a man named Aboobakr. Hamad did not know who went with Data Raja Lelah. I then made further inquiries, and Hamad said the Datu Bajah Lelah did not return until this day, and that what has been done he did not know. This is what I was informed.
SERGEANT DREN.
(Signed)
Nov. 6, 1875.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
ཀ ། ། ། ། །
Reference :-
C.O.
882
3 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH NOT TO
Enclosure 2. in No. 101.
From Mr. Swettenham to SULTAN ABDULLAH.
After compliments.
I inform my friend that I am obliged to him for having come down to Bandar Bahru to assist the officers of the British Government who are here. I now think that my friend, his Chiefs and men may all move a little lower down the river, for if there are many Malays here we cannot know friends from enemies; it is on this account that I beg my friend and his men may go a little lower down.
I also beg my friend to get me about 12 boats, with men to pole them, as soon as possible, and to send them to Bandar Babru to-morrow.
Written on the 5th November 1875.
Sub-Enclosure 2. to Enclosure 3.
REPORT of SERGEANT DEEN, Gunong Pondok, to CAPTAIN SPEEDY, Assistant Queen's Commissioner, Larut.
We arrived at Campong Boaya on November 7th, where we met a Malay named Kulop Riso, who told us that the Datu Rajah Lela (Mabarajah Lela) had murdered Mr. Swettenham at Passir Salah. Fifteen of Mr. Swettenham's men were killed. It is
two days now since the action took place. This is all what we were informed!
Nov. 7, 1875.
(Signed)
SERGRANT DREN.
Enclosure 3. in No. 99.
From CAPTAIN SPEEDY, Assistant Queen's Commissioner, Larut, to H.E. Sm WILLIAM JERVOIS, Governor.
Larut, November 9, 1875.
SI,
I HAVE the honour to forward for the information of your Excellency copies of two reports, dated respectively 6th and 7th instant, received by me from the sergeant of police at Gunong Pondok on the 8th and 9th instant respectively.
The first report states that a Chief of Perak named Rajah Lela having felt extremely aggrieved at an order issued by the late Mr. Birch, to disarm his son Aboobakr, bad gone down the river in great anger, on or about the 25th ultimo, with 30 men, to Sungei Mati which place is close to the Perak Residency.
In the second report, that of 7th instant, Sergeant Deen states that he was told by one Kalop Rias that Mr. Swettenham had been murdered by the Rajah Lela at Passir Sala on the 5th instant. I regret to state that I have every reason to believe that the report is but too true. My inspector Din Mahomed reached Qualia Kanges, where I sent him with a party of men immediately on hearing of Mr. Birch's death, to warn and guard Mr. Swettenham, at 2 pm. on 4th instant, but on his arrival he found that
}
Enclosure 4. in No. 99.
EXTRACT from private LETTER from MAJOR DUNLOP, R.A., to His Excellency Sm William Jervom, Governor, Straits Settlements. "THE jungle close to the barracks is being cleared, and if necessary we can easily hold the place, so long as our communication with Baturabit can be kept open. Of this I can conceive no difficulty so long as we have the four steam launches and two gun vessels in the river. The new steam gig proved very satisfactory, and I am convinced that others of the same class will be absolutely necessary to re-open the communication by river with Qualla Kangsa.
"I have been unable to obtain any information of the state of matters in Ulu Perak, "Captain Bruce and Mr. Swettenham came in on the 10th bringing your Excellency's very welcome letter of yesterday's date. I feel convinced your Excellency has decided wisely in maintaining possession of Bandar Bahru; and I have no doubt with the assistance promised we shall ere long be able to give a good account of our misguided enemies in Ula."
November 9, 1875.
R 1