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to punishment if they are registered out of this port, as I have every reason to believe they

are.

In the absence of the Marine Inspector on the sick list and the marine police that are allowed being almost constantly employed in superintending the landing and embarking of gunpowder, it is impossible for me to keep as vigilant a watch on the barbour as at present necessary during these constant rows.

There has been almost a hundred tons of gunpowder imported from England in the bark "Alice" within the last few days, and is at present stored in the magazine.

I have, &c.

(Signed) T. A. FOX, Acting Harbour-Master.

The Hon. the Acting Lieutenant-Governor,

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Singapore and other ports for the purchase of arms which have been taken from those places direct to Laroot.

(Signed) R. G. JEREMIAH,

4

Before me,

Master of steamer "Fair Malacca.”

(Signed) T. A. Fox, Marine Magistrate.

December 13, 1872.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

C.O.

Reference

· 882

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

2 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE. LONDON

Prince of Wales Island.

Inclosure 5 in No. 25.

STATEMENT of R. G. Jeremiah, master of the steam-ship “Fair Malacca" sworn

states:-

Yesterday morning I weighed anchor on board the steamship "Fair Malacca," and proceeded in command of that vessel to Laroot. I arrived off the bar of that river at 2:30 P.; whilst there I observed eleven junks under sail coming towards me from the south-east. I observed through my glass that these Junks were full of armed men, as I then entered the river they were only about a mile and a half distant from the vessel.

with the object of landing the passengers I had on board, numbering fifty-three, but the five junks (arined) which were guarding the river, and belonging to Ah Quee, prevented my passing them, as the town called Balang, where the Rajah resides, had been taken that morning at 11 A.M. by Ho Gee Siew's men.

I then turned the steamer round and returned down the river and cleared the mouth the first time at 4 P.M., when I saw the cleven junks, about a mile distant, guarding the entrance of the river. They were all anchored in line. I then returned and anchored near the five junks in the river. During the time I was at anchor the Rajah's gun-boat called the "Indra Bayoo" steamed out, and when passing the eleven junks they fired at her and she returned the fire. There being lots of smoke, I am unable to state if the steamer was sunk or not, but I never saw her afterwards. I am informed that the eleven juoks belong to Ho Gee Siew's society. I asked the five junks to give me assistance for passing out. They said they would do so at 8 o'clock; but after remaining at anchor until midnight, and finding there was no chance of the junks rendering me any assistance, I weighed anchor at 2 P.M. on the 13th, being high water at that time, and steaming full- power, I proceeded towards the junks. As soon as I got near the eleven juuks they all opened fire on the steamer, hitting the vessel in about 35 places, wounding a Chinese passenger in the head. I was unable to fire more than three guns, as I was going at full speed. After passing the junks about half an hour I sighted two more junks at the outer end of the channel near the fishing stakes; these also fired on me about forty or fifty times without hitting the steamer. 1 then returned to Penang with all despatch. I met the Rajah's steamer the "Batara Bayou Sree" near No. 9 buoy this morning at 8 A.M.; after informing the master of that vessel of what had taken place, she returned with me to Penang, where we anchored about 10 A.M.

The five junks which I stated were anchored in the river, and belonging to Ab Quee's Society, are drawing all their expenses from the Rajah. The eleven junks which I saw yesterday morning were coming I believe from a river about 5 miles south of the Laroot river, which is named Trong. "The Rajabs of that place are named Kulop Oondoat and Allang, and from the appearance of the shot which remain on board the steamer, these junks must have been armed partly with Lalas.

These Rajahs are cousins to the Rajah of Laroot, and are in favour of Ho Ghee Siew's Society; and from information I received from a fishing-boat off Laroot, I believe these junks are vessels which are regular traders on the coast, having the appearance of wood- boats and coasting junks, and have been fitted out by the Rajahs at Trong against the Rajah of Laroot. These young men being anxious to take the life of the Rajah of Laroot, I believe the reason of the hatred of these young men against the Rajah formerly arose through the Rajah of Laroot not paying them their tribute money of 200 dollars each per month. I have never passed any junks with large numbers of Chinese on board, or have 1 scen any armed junks before this trip; and all the men who have proceeded to Laroot have done so overland. I have heard that money was subscribed here and sent to

Sir,

Office of the Superintendent of Police, Penang,

December 14, 1872.

I HAVE the honour to report that the steamer "Fair Malacca returned from Laroot yesterday morning. The Captain reports that the Rajah's steamer "Indara Bayon" was attacked by some junks on the 12th instant off the Laroot river while on her way to Penang, and has not since been heard of. The "Fair Malacca" was fired into by 9 or 10 junks while passing down the river. About 30 or 40 shot holes are visible in her sides, &c. 1 have examined several of the crew, and their statements are in accordance with the report made by the Captain.

I have sent for the Rajah's agent, and will bring him before you as soon as he arrives.

I have, &c.

(Signed) T. C. S. SPEEDY,

Superintendent of Police, Penang.

Inclosure 6 in No. 25.

THE Superintendent of Police is requested to inform me as speedily as possible regarding the state of matters in Laroot and on its coast according to the latest reports. Report to be made below.

G. W. R. CAMPBELL.

December 16, 1872.

(Signed)

I have the honour to report that some Chinese arrived yesterday from Laroot. Their statement is to the following effect :-

A party of Ho Ghee Siew's men attacked Permatang on the morning of the 12th instant, and succeeded in obtaining possession of the town at 11 A.M. on 12 instant, which they burnt.

The junk "Kim Hoat," flying the British flag, trading between Penang and Laroot, was attacked by eight junks while she was descending the river on 18th instant, and after a sharp engagement was taken, the crew, except such as jumped overboard, were killed. One of the former, named Ah Lok, swam ashore, and made his way through the jungle to the sea coast, and arrived at Penang yesterday. He states that his junk having but five muskets and a couple of 3-pounders on board could do little against the enemy; no native vessel can ascend or descend the river.

The eight juuks were flying the Gehuni flag.

If this be true, there is danger that the rivalry between the leading secret societies may spread to Penang.

+

December 16, 1872.

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(Signed)

T. C. S. SPEEDY, Superintendent of Police, Penang.

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