The town is built, like most Malay places, partly on land and partly in the sea; the former part was strongly stockaded and flanked with batteries mounting heavy guns. The Sultan, under the influence and counsel of the Rajah of Sarawak, had become opposed to piracy and anxious for its suppression. That portion of the town which is not within the stockades is built in regular Malay fashion, on piles. The houses run in rows or streets; and outside them is a platform about six feet wide. These rows of birdcage-looking buildings extend into the sea for half a mile, over a shoal which is nearly dry at low water. The population are principally fishermen and Chinese traders. [Sidenote: Dec. 28.] Mr. Windham’s house was built on one of these rickety platforms, and at low water it was necessary for us, who wore shoes and stockings, to be carried from the boat and deposited on his accommodation-ladder, where a kind welcome awaited us. We found him dressed in Malay costume, and from long residence among them he had assumed much of the appearance and manner of a native. He willingly undertook the task of communicating with the Sultan, and arranging an audience for Sir James Brooke. The usual salutes were exchanged. Mr. Windham informed us that a short time previously, when he was absent attending the pearl-fishing at the Ceroo Islands, two Dutch men-of-war had arrived at Sulu, who, after visiting and exchanging the usual salutes, suddenly attacked the town; this accounted for the panic on the night of our arrival. The Dutchmen, having fired on the town for some time, landed and burnt a few houses, paying Mr. Windham the compliment of making particular inquiries for his, which they destroyed, together with much valuable property. He took us a short walk, I fancy about as far as he dared himself venture, into the interior. What we saw of the country was highly cultivated, consisting, with intervals of jungle, of pasture-grounds and gardens, and an abundance of cattle. Our appearance excited much curiosity with the natives, and many questions were asked, but the presence and explanation of Mr. Windham satisfied them. Before commencing our watering, it was necessary to make certain arrangements, as a French squadron under Admiral Cecille had been much molested during that operation a short time previously, and an attempt had been made to poison the springs; all necessary precautions, therefore, were taken on our part. The _Jolly Bachelor_ was first placed a few yards from the watering-place, which her howitzers completely covered. Our people were charged to avoid offending the natives in any way during their casual intercourse. Under these auspices our watering progressed quickly and well. It was not considered prudent to venture into the interior on shooting excursions, but we heard that there were partridges and quail, wild ducks, snipe, and teal. Monkeys, doves, and pigeons we saw. The beef we found particularly good.