With reference to the above-mentioned islands, the fifth article of my instructions contained the following passage:--"And further, you will inquire as to what remains exist of the forts erected by the East India Company on the islands, especially on those of Arru, Tenimber, and Kessa, noting down with correctness the particulars you may obtain concerning them, subjoining your own observations on their positions, and other points." A second object of my expedition was: "to kindle and renew friendly relations with the natives, and to invite them to visit Banda for the purpose of trading, this being an object of importance to the islanders themselves, since they would there obtain the goods they might require in exchange for their produce, on more advantageous terms than from the traders who have hitherto supplied them." By my instructions I was also requested, not only to note down answers to the points of inquiry contained in them, but also to embody in a report any observations I might make on subjects of importance to the Government, that the information concerning these possessions might be as full as possible. M. Dielwaart, a gentleman in the employ of the Government, accompanied me for the purpose of assisting in the examination; and M. Kam, a clergyman, was also attached to the expedition, his object being to promote the interests of Christianity, and to arrange all matters connected with church affairs and public instruction. An interpreter for the Malayan language, and another acquainted with the dialect spoken by the mountaineers, were furnished to me, together with a guard of seven soldiers. On the 26th of May we sailed from Amboyna, and soon cleared the bay--this being sometimes attended with much difficulty--when we steered to the southward towards the town of Dilli, on the north-west coast of Timor. Having to contend against squalls and contrary winds, we did not reach the roads of Dilli until the 2nd of June. On arriving outside the reefs which shelter the roads, we hove-to, and were boarded by a Portuguese naval officer, who acted as harbour-master, and conducted us into the inner roads by a narrow channel to the westward of the town, which forms the only entrance. A ship may come to an anchor outside the reefs, but the water is very deep, and she would be quite unsheltered.