This group of islands is known among the natives by the name of Pulo Ceram, (though each has a separate name), from the inhabitants being either descendants of the people of Great Ceram, or fugitives from that island, and following the Ceramese laws and customs. The inhabitants of this range of islands are all Mohammedans, and bear much resemblance in every particular to the professors of the same religion at Amboyna, and the other Molucca Islands. Kilwari is a small sandy island, overspread with houses, lying to the west-north-west of Ceram-Laut, to which it is joined by a sand-bank. The inhabitants are under the rule of the Raja of Kilwari, and the Commandant Kaltaay, the subjects of the latter forming a small portion only of the population residing on the west side of the island. The two villages are separated from each other by a stone wall, six feet high, and two in thickness, a similar defence surrounding the island. The houses, which are usually raised three or four feet from the ground, have a very poor and neglected appearance, but those of natives of consequence are enclosed by a substantial stone wall. Coral reefs extend for a considerable distance from the island, rendering it difficult of approach to ships. The village appeared to me to be within reach of our guns, and should it be necessary to attack them, it would be possible to approach within musket-shot. The best landing-place, on such an occasion, would be a bay on the north side of the island; but boats could easily pass over the reefs. The place could easily be taken by a single square-rigged vessel, and some small craft. It is owing only to their defenceless position that the natives, who are naturally turbulent and rapacious, show any respect for the commands of our Government. Being aware of the mildness of our rule, they often take advantage of it, and enter into the smuggling trade in nutmegs and cloves, which they exchange for gunpowder and arms, as will be seen hereafter. We had not long been at anchor when the Raja of Kilwari, with all his chiefs, came on board with much solemnity to pay his respects, at the same time testifying his joy at the kindness of the Government in offering to be the mediator between the contending parties. He expressed his willingness to abide by my decision, and to cease hostilities against Keffing, should I command it.