The exactions of the Dutch government upon the natives have increased rather than diminished, in spite of all the lessons they have received; and the present system, if left unaltered, will eventually cause the loss of Java, if not the whole of their settlements in the eastern islands. At the present time much discontent prevails at Macassar and other places, which, together with the attempts at aggrandizement in Sumatra, where a severer opposition is experienced than could ever have been expected, throws enough upon their hands in this part of the world; and when the news arrived of the late rupture in Holland, it was fully expected by the Javanese that the English would take the island; and the arrival in the roads of a British man-of-war (the Curaçoa) was almost hailed by them as a confirmation of the fact. The government trembled for Java when the news of war in Europe arrived; and the appearance of our men-of-war, the Magicienne, Wolf, &c. did not tend to allay their apprehensions. The Dutch vessels were sent off to Sourabaya, and remained there under the protection of the sloops of war, Helden and Amphitrite; so there was hardly a single Dutch vessel remaining in Batavia roads, the English and American flags almost alone waving. The government were engaged in erecting two turf batteries on the banks a short distance down the river, and planted cannon upon them, and mercantile affairs were almost suspended. It was expected that an embargo would have been laid by the Dutch on our ships in Batavia roads; but an order issued on this subject had reference only to their own vessels. The Calcutta and other papers were at this time filled with false and absurd statements relating to the Dutch force at Batavia, and seemed most eager to point out, even in the event of hostilities, in what manner they could most easily invade British property.[136] In consequence of the present unsettled state of Holland, freights were difficult to be procured, although a large quantity of produce remained for shipment; but the owners were afraid to ship until news of a more settled state of European affairs arrived. Flour was scarce, and maintained a high price at Batavia. Malay boatmen are employed for ships’ boats in preference to the crew of the vessels, as the boat has to be tracked up the river, by which the Europeans would suffer much exposure to the sun. The natives, thus employed, are also spies of the custom-house, and are ever on the watch, when unsuspected, and ready to convey information of any attempt to evade the duties.