As we ran past the bungalows and small villages on the southern shore, the inhabitants showed great alacrity in displaying pieces of white cloth; we ourselves keeping a white flag constantly flying, to show our peaceable intention and desire to communicate with them. [Sidenote: Dec. 20.] Having stood out for the melancholy purpose of committing to the deep the body of a marine, named Allan Cameron, another victim to Labuan fever, we came to an anchor on the south-west side, off the principal village of Cagayan Sulu. We here encountered none of the menacing style of rogues on the eastern side; the people were willing to exchange cattle, poultry, and vegetables for our articles of barter. Red and white cotton were the most attractive, while empty bottles and midshipmen’s anchor buttons fetched their full value. [Sidenote: Dec. 22.] Weighed and stood towards Mambahennan, a small island to the southward, intending to come to for the night; but finding no anchorage, and the sea being now comparatively clear of shoals, we stood to the eastward, came to under the lee of an island, a sandy point. [Sidenote: Dec. 23.] About noon made some islands. Chart too incorrect to make out what they are. Found anchorage under the lee of one of them. [Sidenote: Dec. 24.] Invalids improving but slowly. Our clergyman, Hannan, very far from well; symptoms of breakdown of brain. Also the return of his delusion that the Queen was coming to Labuan to put things to rights. [Sidenote: Dec. 25.] Not the merriest Christmas I ever passed. Ship’s company landed in evening to amuse themselves in the jungle with their muskets. No accidents occurred. Passengers dined with me. Poor Rajah still ill, also his nephew, Brooke Brooke, the A.D.C. [Sidenote: Sulu, Dec. 27.] It was late when we came to an anchor. A good sprinkling on the sea of fishing and trading boats, of picturesque build and rig, gave to this place a pleasing appearance of life and animation, such as we had not before witnessed. The ship had been seen from the high land long before, and we were not surprised by the appearance of some bustle taking place in the town: lights were moving about all night. We imagined, and afterwards found it to be the case, that they were removing their valuables, with their women and children, to the mountains, as a precaution in case our visit was hostile. We had looked forward with much interest to our visit to Sulu, and were not, on the whole, disappointed--though perhaps it may be considered rather curious than interesting. The English ensign was flying over a house, which we knew at once must be that of Mr. Windham. An officer was sent to communicate and obtain information.