Object of the Voyage.--Sail for Timor.--Arrive at the Portuguese Settlement of Dilli.--Poverty of the Inhabitants.--Mean Reception.--Agriculture much neglected.--Slave Trade.--Symptoms of Distrust on the Part of the Portuguese.--Discontented state of their Native Subjects.--Departure for the Island of Wetta. I was permitted by the Government to remain a considerable time at Amboyna, as the greater part of the brig's crew were forced to enter the hospital, while the vessel herself was in want of considerable repair. The fine climate of this agreeable island, coupled with the attendance of a skilful physician (M. Zengacker), soon restored my brave crew to their former health and vigour, and the fresh air of Batu Gadja, the residence of the much-respected governor, M.P. Merkus, with the kind hospitality of its owner, soon caused me to forget the fatigues and hardships I had undergone. When my health was sufficiently restored to permit me to resume active duties, I made preparations for a voyage to the Arru, Tenimber, and the other islands lying between Great Timor and New Guinea, the conduct of which had been entrusted to me by an order of the Government. These islands were formerly possessions of our old East India Company, who had created small forts on many of them, the better to secure to themselves the entire trade in spices. Well known events connected with the state, which undermined the monopoly of the East India Company, caused these islands to decrease in importance, until at length the communication with them ceased, and had continued so for a long series of years. During the period in which the English had possession of the Moluccas these islands were disregarded, so that their inhabitants were scarcely aware that they had changed masters, and still continued to view themselves as subjects of the Dutch, hoisting their flag on all festive occasions. It is also a well-known fact, that at our factory in Japan (thanks to the firm conduct of the chief, H. Doeff), our flag was never hauled down; while the Dutch, therefore, ceased to exist as a nation, our colours continued flying, and our authority acknowledged in several of the remote possessions acquired by the courage and enterprize of our forefathers. I trust we may again be actuated by the desire, not to conquer new countries, but to maintain and increase our power in those bequeathed to us by our ancestors.