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piratical row-boats. I regret having to report that none were taken. I have, however, obtained some valuable information, which will materially assist me in my future

searches.

10. I have sent the "Midge" to Singapore to complete with coal and provisions; during which time I shall remain in Penang waters.

1. The two wounded officers have been invalided, and will return to England við Suez Canal, per Holt's steamer, on the 6th.

I inclose a duplicate of the letter of proceedings received from Commander Grant, relative to the attack made upon his boats in the Laroot River, in which Sub-Lieutenants W. R. Creswell, and A. Lindesay were so dangerously wounded, as stated in my telegram of the 17th ultimo; and in remarking thereon, I would state, that the conduct of those officers is deserving of the greatest praise. After they were wounded, rather than allow the boats' crew to notice the seriousness of their case, they gallantly assisted in defending their boat until they were compelled to drop.

I have, &c. (Signed)

The Secretary of the Admiralty.

H. B. WOOLLCOMBE, Captain and Senior Officer, Malacco Straits.

P.S.-Captain Speedy, late, Superintendent of Police at Penang, arrived here a few days ago, from India, bringing with him 110 Seiks, for service in Laroot. It is rumoured that 280 more are daily expected. These men are intended for the service of the Orang Rajah Mantri.

Sir,

No. 62.

Colonial Office to Admiralty.

Downing Street, January 6, 1874.

IN returning to you the inclosures of your letter of the 24th December last, I am directed to request that you will express to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the Earl of Kimberley's thanks, and state to them that His Lordship has read with much satisfaction the account given of the energetic and successful measures taken by the naval forces for the punishment of the Laroot pirates.

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hope that he may see no difficulty in authorising me to insert them or some equivalent expression. Of course the stronger they are the better. Lord Kimberley, during our interview before alluded to, was good enough to take an interest in our scheme, as likely to conduce to the benefit of Salangore, and the Malayan Peninsula in general; and without committing his Lordship to more than an opinion, the public would attach great importance to it, as showing that we were not endeavouring to bring out an unknown project, but on the contrary, one that has had the consideration of the Colonial Office.

Mr. Read writes me, under date November 27 and December 4, that he has had interviews with Sir Andrew Clarke, who was aware of our concession. They entered fully into details, and Sir Andrew promised that he would do what was necessary to promote his plans, thinking that it would send much to settle the country.

Mr. Read reports that the state of Salengore is now quiet; the rebels in the hands of Tunku Dia Oodin; and prosperity was returning.

Mr. Read was able to give Sir Andrew Clarke much information as to the state of native petitios in the Peninsula. In conclusion, Sir, I hope you will pardon me for saying that it would be a great favour if I might have a reply to this as early as convenient in order to bring out our prospectus.

(Telegraphic.)

(Signed)

'Inclosure 1 in No. 63.

From W. H. Read.

I beg, &c.

BEYMOUR CLARKE.

Singapore, December 19, 1873.

DAVIDSON leaves to-morrow for Salangore with Government letter to Sultan;

ratification undoubted.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

R. H. MEADE.

No. 63.

Sir,

Seymour Clarke, Esq., to Colonial Office.

Walthamstow, January 7, 1874.

SINCE my recent interviews with you on the subject of working tin mines in Balabgore, and the reception of myself and colleagues by Lord Kimberley, considerable progress has been made in our project. We have so far arranged matters as to have our prospectus ready for issue so soon as one or two points shall be settled.

“It is relative to these that I venture again to trouble you.

I telegraphed to Singapore to ask Mr. Read to procure the confirmation of the Viceroy's concession by the Sultan of Salangore. I enclose copy of the telegram received in reply.

The confirmation may, therefore, be expected so soon as Mr. Davidson returns to Singapore. It will be seen that Mr. Davidson carries with him an official letter from the Governor of the Straits Settlements to the Sultan.

There seems to be no doubt, both from this telegram, and from letters from Mr. Read, prior to the 19th December, as to this approval of this concession by the Chief of the State.

The second point I have to submit to you, Sir, is the desirableness of showing in our prospectus, that Lord Kimberley is aware of our project and wishes it success.

I

a copy of our draft prospectus, and have added at the foot of the first page a few words to that effect, and ask the favour of your submitting them to his Lordship; and I express a

• Noj 61.

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