Sir R. H. Schomburgk, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Bangkok, to Colonel Orfeur P I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter of the 27th of June per "Gironde." You will recollect that, some months since, you drew my attention to the fact that the ex-Sultan of Linga was residing at Bangkok; I sought then an interview with the Phraklang, or Minister of Foreign Affairs, who declared that he was merely a visitor, and that the king had no intention to entrust to him the charge of any of the Malay Provinces. The ex-Sultan called a few days after this at the consulate, and confirmed the * * Phraklang had given to me. The Kalahome or Prime Minister is Inspector of the Malay Peninsula. He was at that time on his journey to Singapore, Queda, &c. The king's steamer, the "Enemy Chaser" (not the "Conqueror "), left with a number of other Siamese vessels forCambodia, where it was said disturbances had broken out. The ex-Sultan was a passenger on board of that steamer, and quietness having been restored, the Siamese fleet returned to the bar of the Menam; from thence the ex-Sultan proceeded per" Enemy Chaser" to Tringanu. As soon as I received your letter of the 27th last month, I addressed myself forthwith to the Kalahome, and requested an interview. He forestalled me, and called at my residence. I drew his attention to the subject, how impolit cly his Government acted by sending a person of the unruly character the ex-Sultan of Linga was said to possess to Tringanu, where disturbances were known to have existed, and would probably arise again. on his appearance, to the detriment of the inhabitants and our commerce. The Kalahome pleaded ignorance that the ex-Sultan was distasteful to us; he thought it were only the Dutch that complained against him. I observed to his Excellency that, during his absence, I had had an interview with the Phraklang on the subject, with the nature of which he pretended to be ignorant. However, as regards the present affairs, he explained that, in sending the ex-Sultan of Linga to Tringanu in a Siamese vessel of war, nothing but a simple compliment was intended, and that he neither is now, nor is he intended to be, appointed to any official position in the Malay Peninsular States dependent on Siam. That he goes only to Tringanu for the purpose of residing with his mother, who is the sister of the Rajah of that place. His Excellency further declared, that the Siamese Government do not purpose making any alteration in the Government of the Malay States near the British territories without consulting the representative of Her Majesty's Government at Siam. I could do no otherwise but declare myself satisfied with the explanation given by the Kalahome, warning him of the consequence should the ex-Sultan of Linga endeavour to create a party for the overthrow of his uncle, the present Sultan of Tringanu. I showed to the Kalahome a copy of the Singapore " Free Press," containing remarks on this subject, and a copy of the treaty concluded between Johore and Pahang, which he said he would place before the king. If the commerce of the Malay Peninsula is of interest to British merchants, one of Her Majesty's men-of-war ought to show herself, from time to time, along that coast and in the Gulf of Siam, where piracy is frequently committed. Since the visit of Her Majesty's ship the "Esk" in January 1860, no British man-of-war has been seen in Siam. Sir R. H. Schomburgk, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Bangkok, to Colonel Orfeur SINCE I had the honour of addressing you on the 9th of July, Her Majesty's steamer Beagle," Captain Hay, arrived here last Saturday. Their Majesties the first and the second king gave audiences to Captain Hay and his officers, and we waited likewise on the ministers. 2. I took opportunity during our audience of the first king to turn the conversation upon the affairs in Tringanu. His Majesty had already been informed that the "Beagle" had touched at Tringanu, and gave us to understand that the Siamese Government do not interfere with the succession in the Malay States unless it be disputed, when the King of Siam as Suzerain elects the rajah. His Majesty declared that the ex-Sultan of Linga is not sent to Tringanu as successor to the present rajah; he went there because his mother lives there. He will not be permitted to interfere with the good order of the State, and should he factiously endeavour to oust the present rajah, he will be put down by a Siamese army, but if, after the present rajah dies, the people wish to elect Sultan Mahomet, his Majesty would not interfere. 3. It seems that the ex-rajah has known to ingratiate himself with the king, and it is amongst other things related that he has presented his handsome sister to the royal harem, where she domineers. 4. The king paid great attention to Captain Hay and his officers, and, I believe, they are pleased with their visit to Bangkok. * Letter, dated 26 July, No. 103. 5. The good effect of the appearance of one of Her Majesty's ships occasionally must not be overlooked, and the "Beagle" coming up the river aud anchoring opposite the consulate increased much the apprehensions of the king and his ministers before the object of her visit was known. Colonel Orfeur Cavenagh, Governor of Prince of Wales Island, Singapore, and Malacca, to the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department,-(No. 103, dated 26 July 1862). Sir, IN continuation of my Despatch, No. 100, dated the 24th instant, I have the honour to enclose for submission to His Excellency the Governor General in Council, a translation of a communication just received from the Bandaharah of Pahang, from which it will be perceived that the presence of the ex-Sultan of Linga in the Peninsula has already caused an uneasy feeling in that State. 2. Should Inchi Wan Ahmet attempt to create any disturbance in Pahang, I should of course again consider it my duty to adopt measures for ensuring his expulsion from the country. 3. I purpose furnishing Sir Robert Schomburgk with a copy of the Bandaharah's letter, and at the same time informing him that the matter has been referred for the orders of his Excellency in Council. Enclosure. Bandaharah of Pahang to the Honourable Colonel Orfeur Cavenagh, Governor of the After compliments, WE beg to thank our friend's favour in sending us back in safety to our country, and we are now ready to move into the interior of the country, because we wish to put the Chinamen in proper order to work the gold, and to settle the petty quarrels with the Rawas; at the same time news has been received that the Sultan of Linga has arrived in Kalantan_with a Siamese war steamer, and from thence proceeded to Tringanu, taking with him Inchi Wan Ahmet, with eight large and small prahus, and that they have landed at Tringanu, and that Inchi Wan Ahmet will be desired by the Sultan of Linga to attack Pahang from Soongy Doongon; now Soongy Doongon is under the charge of the Sultan of Tringanu, and we heard that the Sultan of Linga wishes to remain in Tringanu; moreover, we hope that our friend will take this into consideration, that the Sultan of Linga came with the Siamese war steamer, and brought Wan Ahmet with him, and what will become of us if two or three rajahs assist Wan Ahmet to destroy our position? and how could we exist with all our subjects getting into much trouble? There is no other but only our friend who can assist us, and we hope that he may desire the British steamer with our friend's letter to the Sultan of Tringanu, that he will not allow persons under his charge to attack others; we think of course that he will respect the name of the British Government, for that we hope that our friend will watch the rajahs of this coast; we have nothing to send to our friend but only best respects. Colonel H. M. Durand, c.B., Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department, to the Governor of the Straits Settlements,-(No. 809, dated 30 August 1862). Honourable Sir, I HAVE received and laid before the Governor General in Council your two despatches of the dates and numbers noted in the margin*, and, in reply, I am directed to inform you that His Excellency in Council has learnt with regret the despatch to Tringanu of the ex-Sultan of Linga and of Inchi Wan Ahmet by the Siamese Government. I am desired to add that, in thus acting, the King of Siam has incurred a grave responsibility, and that His Excellency in Council cannot but view with displeasure a course not only wanting in courtesy to the British Government, but threatening to disturb that peace and good order which it is the object of the British Government to maintain throughout the Malayan Peninsula. 2. The intention expressed in paragraph 2 of your letter of the 26th July is approved by the Governor General in Council. Colonel Colonel Orfeur Cavenagh, Governor of Prince of Wales Island, Singapore and Malacca, to the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department, -(No. 124, dated 18 September 1862.) Sir, IN continuation of my Despatches, Nos. 100 and 103, dated 24th and 26th July 1862, I have the honour to enclose, for submission to his Excellency the Governor General in Council, copies of the letters* noted in the margin, on the subject of the continued residence of the ex-Sultan of Linga in Tringanu, and the attack which, apparently at his instigation, has been made upon the neighbouring State of Pahang to the serious detriment of our trade with that country, the supply of tin, for which advances have been made by British subjects, and for which at present there is a great demand, having in a great measure failed, owing to the unwillingness of the Chinese miners to re-open the mines so long as there is a probability of their suffering from the depredations of the band of marauders under Inchi Wan Ahmed, who, on the receipt of the last reports, was in the vicinity of the mining district. As, consequent on the representation made by Sir Robert Schomburgk, the Court of Bangkok has, as will be perceived from the annexures to his letter, issued instructions for the return of the ex-Sultan to Siam, I am in hopes that my strong remonstrance addressed to the Sultan of Tringanu may have the effect of inducing that chief to withdraw his support from Inchi Wan Ahmed, in which case I have little doubt that, aided by the Tumongong of Johore, under the provisions of the recent treaty, the Bandaharah will ere long expel all intruders, and restore to Pahang the peace and quietness so essential to the interests of his own people and to the advancement of our commerce in that quarter. Enclosures. Sir Robert H. Schomburgk, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Bangkok, to his Honor Colonel I HAVE the honour to forward, for your information, copiest of further correspondence with the Siamese Government, on the subject of your Honor's Despatch of the 28th of July last. Sir Robert H. Schomburgk, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Bangkok, to his Excellency I ENCLOSE, for your Excellency's information, a Despatch, and its enclosures, addressed to me by his Honor the Governor of the Straits Settlements, relating to the ex-Sultan of Linga. Your Excellency will perceive that the residence of Sultan Mahomed at Tringanu is causing great uneasiness in the Malay Peninsula, and is a source of anxiety to the Government of the Straits Settlements of Great Britain. I beg your Excellency to urge your Government to take measures that there may arise from this no interruption of the friendly relations between Great Britain and Siam. I have addressed his Majesty the first King on this subject, and I enclose the letter, begging your Excellency to deliver it. TRANSLATION of a Letter from Chow Phya Phraklang, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Sir Robert H. Schomburgk, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Bangkok,-(dated 23 August 1862.) I HAD the honour of receiving your letter referring to the ex-Sultan of Linga, and enclosing me copies of the letters of Colonel Cavenagh, Governor of Singapore, Malacca and Penang, of the Bandahara of Pahang to the Tumongong of Johore, and of the Rajah of Tringanu to the Governor of Singapore. The various subjects contained in those letters I had the honour of conveying to his Majesty the King of Siam, and of informing his Excellency Chow Phya Sri Suriwongs, who has authority over the Malayan Provinces of Siam. His * 1. Letter from Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Siam, dated 26 August 1862, with annexures. 2. Letter from Bandaharah of Pahang, dated 19 August 1862. 3. Letter to Bandaharah of Pahang, No. 348, dated 2 September 1862. 4. Letter to Sultan of Tringanu, No. 349, dated 2 September 1862. 5. Letter to Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Siam, No. 352, dated 5 September 1862. + Consul Schomburgh to Chow Phya Phraklang. Chow Phya Phraklang to Sir Robert Schomburgk, with four sub-enclosures. His Majesty, in consultation with the ministers of state, requested me to give you the following explanations: Formerly Chay Deng Mahomed, servant of Sultan Mahomet, came to Bangkok and stated that Sultan Mahomet, nephew to the Rajah of Tringanu, succeeded his father as Sultan of Linga for many years, and the Dutch had deposed him; he was therefore necessitated to live temporarily in Rhio in Singapore, and afterwards in Pahang, where he remained three years. Sultan Mahomet wished to visit Bangkok to pay his respects to, and make the acquaintance of, his Majesty the King of Sam. His Majesty graciously remarked that Sultan Mahomet was the nephew of the Rajah of Tringanu, which country was tributary to Siam, and if Sultan Mahomet desired to visit Bangkok, he might come. When the Singora vessels went to Tringanu, Sultan Mahomet took a passage in one of them, arrived in Bangkok, and had a royal audience, at which he informed his Majesty that the Dutch had sent him away from his home and country, and he gave an account of all his hardships and privations. His Majesty, considering Sultan Mahomet was the nephew of the Rajah of Tringanu, and was formerly a Malay chief, and obliged to leave his country to wander about several places until he came to Bangkok, had great pity on him, and ordered that a residence should be prepared for him, and food and money provided him, considering him as of the same dignity as the chiefs of the tributary States of Siam when they visit Bangkok. On the 27th July 1861, before the arrival of Sultan Mahomet, you wrote me, saying the Governor of Singapore had informed you that there was a rumour that the Sianese Government proposed to degrade the present Rajah of Tringanu, and appoint his son-in-law in his place, and you requested information on the subject. I replied to the above in a letter, to which I beg to refer you. In March last, after the arrival of Sultan Mahomet in Bangkok, Mr. Loudon, the Dutch ambassador, came here to exchange the ratifications of the treaty. His Excellency Chow Phya Sri Suriwongs made inquiries of Mr. Loudon, in presence of Sultan Mahomet: Mr. Loudon informed his Excellency that Sultan Mahomet was Governor of Linga, and did not attend to the business of the country, but was continually travelling out of his country. The Dutch Government remonstrated with him several times, but he would not listen; they therefore deposed him, but that, whenever Sultan Mahomet would consent to return to the Dutch territories, they would allow him to reside in Batavia, and would provide and support him in a position as ex-Sultan of a Malayan country. On asking Sultan Mahomet if he desired so, he would not consent. In May last the Governor of Singora sent a letter here, stating the Rajah of Tringanu had written him that the mother of Sultan Mahomet had arrived from Pahang, and was residing in Tringanu; she was longing to see Sultan Mahomet, and wished him to return. Sultan Mahomet begged leave to go, saying that he desired to live with his mother in Tringanu. When the steamer "Illustrious Conqueror" was starting on Government business for Lagore and Singora, Sultan Mahomet was therefore sent in her, with orders to forward him as far as Tringanu. Sultan Mahomet, when he arrived here, came from Tringanu; he was therefore allowed to go back to that place, considering that there was nothing improper in doing so. Sultan Mahomet resided in Bangkok several months; you never informed me that he had been in any way involved with the English at any time. When he left this I did not inform you, seeing that Sultan Mahomet was not a Siamese or a British subject, but was only a person without a home, travelling about and living in different places according to his pleasure; and I, not perceiving that it would be of importance to you, did not inform you at the time. The Siamese Government endeavour to preserve the existing friendship faithfully, and never thought of encouraging or empowering Sultan Mahomet to do anything wrong. His Excellency Chow Phya Sri Suriwongs has sent copies of the letters sent with Sultan Mahomet to the Rajah of Tringanu, and of the letter received from the Rajah of Tringanu, with the prepared answers to the same, in all four copies, translated into English for your consideration. TRANSLATION of a Letter from Chow Phya Argga, Maha Sena Dhipate Abhay Birey Parakrom Bahu Samuha Phra Kralahome, to Phya Bijay Bhubendr Narendr Bhaety Sri, Sultan Mahomet, Ratni Rajpatendr Surindr Rawinangsa Phya Tringanu,-(dated Bangkok, 11 June 1862.) SULTAN MAHOMET arrived in Bangkok in September 1861, when he was conducted to an audience of his Majesty the King of Siam. What his Majesty remarked and thought at the time is mentioned in the letter sent with Urang Kayan before this. A house was provided for Sultan Mahomet and his family to live in comfortably; food was also provided for him regularly since his arrival; and his Majesty bestowed on him at one time 400 ticals, and at another time 2,000 dollars, to purchase whatever articles he was in need of. His Majesty was pleased to say, whenever Sultan Mahomet wished to take leave and go back, his Majesty would send a vessel with him. Sultan Mahomet replied that he was very happy in Bangkok, and did not then intend to take leave. On On the 14th May last, Sultan Mahomet wrote a letter, stating that he had been away from his mother for a long time, and begged leave to return to Tringanu, and also requested a letter to Phya Tringanu. This was represented to his Majesty the King of Siam, who replied that Sultan Mahomet was a Malay chief and accustomed to govern; was once in a dignified position, and was obliged to leave his country and wander about in other places. His Majesty pitied him much, and intended to have done something for him; but as yet there had been no reason. Now Sultan Mahomet begs to take leave to return to his mother in Tringanu, because Phya Tringanu is a near relation of his, and would provide for him confortably. His Majesty then made several gifts to Sultan Mahomet and family. Should the steamer "Illustrious Conqueror" arrive at Tringanu, let Phya Tringanu receive Sultan Mahomet, and provide a place for him and his family to live in comfortably, and must not allow any one to molest or oppress him. Let Phya Tringanu order Sri Towan Kromakan (subordinate officer of Government) to provide fuel and water. Written in Siamese and in Malay for the steamer "Illustrious Conqueror" without delay. TRANSLATION of a Letter of Phya Bijay Bhubendr Narendr Bhaety Sri, Sultan Mahomet, Ratni Rajpatendr Surindr Rawinangsa Phya Tringanu, to Chow Phya Argya, Maha Sena Dhipate Abhay Birey Parakrom Bahu Samuha Phra Kalahome,-(dated Tringanu, 12 July 1862.) PHYA TRINGANU sends information that Hluang Sri Maha Racha Chow Krom Apacham, together with the captain and officers of the steamer "Illustrious Conqueror," that conveyed Sultan Mahomet by order of his Majesty the King of Sian, arrived safely at Tringanu on the 7th July, at 9 p.m. Phya Tringanu received the Despatch of the Kalahome (seal) and Sultan Mahomet with much pleasure, and understands from the said Despatch that Sultan Mahomet had an audience of his Majesty, and was comfortably provided for until he left, when his Majesty graciously bestowed on him and his family several royal gifts; also that his Majesty had great compassion on him, and wished to have done something for him, but there had been no reason to do so, and that Sultan Mahomet took his leave to go and live with his mother in Tringanu. In the Despatch it also states, let Phya Tringanu receive Sultan Mahomet, and provide a place for him and his relatives to live in comfortably, and not to allow any one to annoy or oppress him, and let Phya Tringanu control him, Phya Tringanu has heard these instructions, and will act in accordance with them with great pleasure; for heretofore Phya Tringanu provided for Sultan Mahomet, and will continue to do still, as requested. Sultan Mahomet before, until the present time, has received good advice and instruction from his mother and Phya Tringanu; but Sultan Mahomet would not listen to them, and was very stubborn. Phya.Tringanu was at a loss what to do with him. If Sultan Mahomet wishes to do anything improper, Phya Tringanu will never consent to it, which Phya Tringanu trusts will meet with the approbation of his Majesty the King of Siam and of the Sumuha Phra Kalahome. TRANSLATION of a Letter of Chow Phya Argga, Maha Sena Dhipate Abhay Birey Parakrom Bahu Samuha Phra Kalahome, to Phya Bijay Bhubendr Narendr Bhaety Sri, Sultan Mahomet, Ratni Rajpatendr Surindr Rawinangsa Phya Tringanu,-(dated Bangkok, 11 August 1862.) HLUANG SRI MAHA RACHA CHOW KROM APACHAM brought the letter of Phya Tringanu to Bangkok on the 29th of July last, the contents of which state, the screw steamer "Illustrious Conqueror" had conveyed Sultan Mahomet to Tringanu on the 7th July last, and that Phya Tringanu would take care of Sultan Mahomet as formerly, and that heretofore, as well as at present, Phya Tringanu and the mother of Sultan Mahomet have instructed and advised him to no purpose, he being so stubborn that Phya Tringanu could not advise him anything; but should Sultan Mahomet think of doing anything improper, Phya Tringanu will not allow him, and that it is the great desire of Phya Tringanu to find increasing favours from his Majesty the King of Siam. The various subjects contained in Phya Tringanu's letter are fully understood. I therefore represented to his Majesty the King of Siam the suitable portions of Phya Tringanu's letter, and conducted Urang Kayan to an audience of his Majesty, who was pleased to inquire after the welfare of Phya Tringanu and of his relatives. Urang Kayan informed his Majesty that Phya Tringanu and his family and relatives were well. His Majesty then remarked that Sultan Mahomet had gone to live in Tringanu; Phya Tringanu had provided a house for him and his mother; but Phya Tringanu was rather provoked that Sultan Mahomet was a person who would not take any advice, and Phya Tringanu would prevent his doing anything wrong, at which his Majesty was pleased. Sultan Mahomet came and resided in Bangkok for several months; from his manners and speech he appears to be a thoughtless person, and fond of amusements, at which his Majesty was rather apprehensive, saying, that now Sultan Mahomet had gone to Tringanu, he will probably (considering himself as having been a chief) not pay due respect to Phya Tringanu and his family, and will thereby be the cause of quarrels; and also he may think that, as Pahang once belonged to Linga, and its chiefs and officers 541. |