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being shelled to the north of " Engghar." I burnt the village, consisting of about 15 houses, occupying it, my right flank being protected by detached parties; an iron gun was found in one of the houses at " Engghar " which was forwarded to head quarters.

3. Agreeably to instructions received from the Brigadier-General I bivouacked for the night in the village, being unmolested by the enemy, and at 6.80 a.m.-on the 5th I started for the village of "Prek," in an easterly direction, leaving 50 rank and file under Capt. Mercer at "Engghar." The path wound along " paddie " fields through an open country, our scouts and flanking parties could discover no signs of the enemy until arriving at the point marked in accompanying sketch, about one mile from Engghar, when fire of about 12 musket shots was suddenly opened on our leading and rear files almost simultaneously. The path approaches close to and winds round a densely wooded hill. The fire of the enemy was fortunately ineffectual, and a party of the men under Capt. Barnett, who during the day was most forward and active, charged into the jungle and ascended the hill, the enemy retiring in such haste as to leave their lances behind them, three of which were captured. On turning the hill the village of "Prek" was visible, and as the ground was open I advanced the force in skirmishing order with parties detached to both flanks of village; the approach to the village was palisaded and obstructed with felled trees. A few shots were fired by the enemy, which were replied to by our skirmishers, who pressed on through the village under Captain Barnett and Lieutenant and Adjutant Churchill, and swept through the country beyond for about half a mile. About 15 houses were burned in "Prek," amongst the number the houses of " Sri Lela Puduka ” and of " Kader," a Malay leader, who was killed on the 6th at Kota Lama. I estimate the number of the Malays opposed to us as under 20. I regret to say I have no reason to suppose that any of them fell, as, owing to the thickness of the undergrowth and density of the forest and their rapid retreat, it was difficult to see them. The preparations for the defence of "Prek "had probably, from the appearance of the felled trees, been made about a week ago. No attempt had been made to remove property from the houses, all of which was burned, as I did not think it advisable to permit any plunder- ing. A smelting furnace and apparatus was destroyed in one of the houses.

4. "Prek" is distant from Engghar about two miles, I arrived there at 7.25 8.m., and was back at Engghar at 9.30 a,m,; on the return march some 10 houses, pointed out by Mr. Maxwell, were burnt.

As there was 5. Capt. Mercer had been patrolling, but saw no trace of the enemy. nothing further to do on the left bank, and to avoid the risk of the men being fired at in the jungle on the return march, I crossed the force over in two boats, and at 12 noon started for Qualla Kangsa, arriving at about 3 p.m.

I am indebted to Lieut. North, R.E., for the sketch, who, together with Lieut. Hare, R.E., assisted ine greatly by taking charge of parties of Goorkhas.

I have, &c. (Signed) ROWLEY SALE HILL,

Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding lat Goorkhas Light Infantry.

Colonel E. B. Hay,

No. 59.

1st Goorkhas Light Infantry,

GOVERNOR SIR W. P. D. JERVOIS, K.C.M.G., C.B., to the EARL OF CARNARVON, (Received April 10, 1876.)

(Telegraphic.)

7th April. Received report of attack on Sungie Ujong police by body of Malays, Think nothing serious, but are taking precautionary measures.

No. 54.

GOVERNOR SIR W. F. D. JERVOIS, K.C.M.G., C.B., to the EARL OF CARNARVON, (Received April 11, 1876.)

Paraphrase of Telegram.

7th April. Want of information as to future policy to be adopted by H.M. Government towards Native States is disadvantageous,

No. 55.

GOVERNOR SIR W. P. D. JERVOIS, K.C.M.G., C.B., to the EARL OF CARNARVON. (Received April 19, 1876.) (Telegraphic.)

Singapore.

13th April. Have just been to Lukut to see Resident about affairs in States, whence attack made on Sunjie Ujong last December; attack on police reported, telegram sevonth, only made by band of marauders, and no loss sustained, but one detachment police retired to Malacca without waiting to be attacked. I have found it necessary to place a detachment of troops in Sri Menanti and other in Jumpole, and I am sending a British agent there.

My proposal is to take these States under the protection of Great Britain, and place a well disposed chief in authority, whom the people will recognise as Malay Captain.

Peace and order will be maintained by this Chief with the support of a British

Agent.

I must issue a proclamation in order to give effect to this plan, and I seek your approval for doing so.

If it is adopted there is no ground, in my judgment, for apprehension. In the contrary case there may be difficulties.

No. 56.

THE EARL OF CARNARVON to GOVERNOR SIR W. F. D. JERVOIS,

K.C.M.G., C.B. PARAPHRASE of Telegram,

April 20, 1876. In reply to your telegram of 19th, instructions as to future policy in Native States will very shortly be sent, and pending the consideration by H.M. Government of your proposal you should take no action whatever.

SIB,

No. 57.

ADMIRALTY to COLONIAL OFFICE.

Admiralty, April 20, 1876. WITH reference to previous correspondence, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, extracts from a letter dated 2nd ultimo, `which has been received from the Commander-in-Chief on the China station, relative to the intended reinstitution of the blockade of the Malay coast if the murderers of Mr. Birch are not delivered up.

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.

I am, &c.

(Signed) VERNON LUSHINGTON.

EXTRACTS from a LETTER from the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF in China, dated March 2, 1876. From the Straits of Malacca I learn that the last detachment of seamen landed

as a naval brigade, viz., from the "Philomel," has returned to their ship. She will be sent back to her station, where she is much wanted, as soon as I can despatch a vessel from Hong Kong to relieve her. Her services cannot be dispensed with until relieved, as Sir W. Jervois intends to reinstitute the blockade of the coast if the murderers of Mr. Birch are not discovered and handed over,

Sultan Abdullah has been informed that he must exercise his authority as Sultan of Perak to secure them, as it is known that, with the exception of Maharajah Lela, they have never left the neighbourhood of Passir Lals. The Chiefs of Bota, Lamboh, and Pulo Tiga have declared themselves faithful to Abdullah, and pledged themselves to uss all endeavours to secure the perpetrators of the murder,

G 4

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

CO. 882

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO