A Dutch garrison in these islands, although giving rise to an increased government expenditure, would contribute greatly to extend the trade of the Moluccas, and at the same time effect a humane object; for, owing to the want of Dutch protection, the inhabitants of the Tenimber Islands will be led to follow the example set them by their rapacious visitors. Their desire to be governed by representatives of our Government, is as great as that of the natives of the other islands, and they would willingly afford them the necessary maintenance and shelter. I could not discover precisely at what period the Christian religion obtained in these islands; but from having found some old Bibles among them, coupled with other circumstances, I was convinced that it had existed at some earlier period. I did not meet with an idol in any of their villages. When saying their prayers they look up towards heaven, in acknowledgment of a Supreme Being; but, as is usual among uncivilized people, their religious ideas are coupled with the wildest superstition. They are by no means averse to our religion, but, on the contrary, express their willingness to adopt it. The firm resistance they have made to the endeavours of the Mohammedan priests to convert them is very praise-worthy, these never meeting with the least success in their exertions. The people of Tenimber could never, I think, be prevailed on to abstain from pork and spirituous liquors, and it is possible that this is one of the reasons for their aversion to Islamism. It soon came to my knowledge, that some serious differences had occurred between some of the villages on Vordate, which had already caused an appeal to arms. This spread general dejection among the natives, as it entirely put a stop to the trepang fishery, the chief source of their prosperity. I used my utmost endeavours to induce some of the natives to visit Timor-laut, in order to apprise the natives of my arrival, and, if possible, to free the two English youths who had been saved from the brig, the loss of which I have previously mentioned, but without success. It appeared that they were at war with the people of Timor-laut, and considered their force too small to afford hope of success: this reason appeared to me so conclusive, that I could not urge them farther. To proceed directly thither in person would not only be acting against my instructions, but the smallness of the force at my disposal rendered such a proceeding very unadvisable. Neither could the boats attached to the brig, be of the least service in such an expedition.