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LIBRARY
OF THE
University of California.
O^'is
BUILDERS OF
GREATER BRITAIN
Edited by H. F. WILSON, M.A.
Barrisier-at-Law
Late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge
Legal Assistant at the Colonial Office
DEDICATED BY SPECIAL
PERMISSION TO HER
MAJESTY THE QUEEN
BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
1. SIR WALTER RALEGH ; the British Dominion of
the West. By Martin A. S. Hume.
2. SIR THOMAS MAITLAND ; the Mastery of the
Mediterranean. By Walter Frewen Lord.
3. JOHN AND SEBASTIAN CABOT; the Discovery of
North America. By C. Raymond Beazley, M.A.
4. EDWARD GIBBON WAKEFIELD ; the Coloni-
zation of South Australia and New Zealand. By
R. Garnett, C.B., LL.D.
5. LORD CLIVE; the Foundation of British Rule in
India. By Sir A. J. Arbuthnot, K.C.S.L, CLE.
6. ADMIRAL PHILLIP ; the Founding of New South
Wales. By Louis Becke and Walter Jeffery.
7. RAJAH BROOKE ; the EngUshman as Ruler of an
Eastern State. By Sir Spenser St John, G. C. M. G.
8. SIR STAMFORD RAFFLES ; England in the Far
East. By the Editor.
Builders
of
Greater Britain
RAJAH BROOKE
/V-'-Of THE
RAJAH BROOKE
THE ENGLISHMAN AS RULER OF AN
EASTERN STATE
BY
Sir SPENSER ST JOHN, G.C.M.G,
AUTHOR OF
' HAYTI ; OR, THE BLACK REPUBLIC,'
'LIFE IN THE FORESTS OF THE FAR EAST,'
ETC.
.;.;:; ^i^
V OF /
LONDON
T. FISHER UNWIN
PATERNOSTER SQUARE
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Copyright by T. Fisher Unwin, 1897, for Great Britain and
the United States of America
A'j^t^j'xj.;
OF
PREFACE
I HAVE undertaken to write the life of the old
Rajah, Sir James Brooke, my first and only
chief, as one of the Builders of Greater Britain.
In his case the expression must be used in its
widest sense, as, in fact, he added but an in-
appreciable fragment to the Empire, whilst at
the same time he was the cause of large
territories being included within our sphere of
influence. And if his advice had been followed,
we should not now be troubled with the restless
ambition of France in the Hindu - Chinese
regions, as his policy was to secure, by well
defined treaties, the independence of those
Asiatic States, subject, however, to the beneficent
influence of England as the Paramount Power,
an influence to be used for the good of the
governed. Sir James thoroughly understood
that Eastern princes and chiefs are at first only
175440
xii PREFACE
influenced by fear ; the fear of the consequences
which might follow the neglect of the counsels
of the protecting State.
The plan which the Rajah endeavoured to
persuade the English Government to adopt
was to make treaties with all the independent
princes of the Eastern Archipelago, including
those States whose shores are washed by the
China Sea, as Siam, Cambodia and Annam, by
which they could cede no territory to any
foreign power without the previous consent of
England, and to establish at the capitals of the
larger States well-chosen diplomatic agents, to
encourage the native rulers not only to improve
the internal condition of their countries, but to
inculcate justice in their treatment of foreigners,
and thus avoid complications with other powers.
Sir James Brooke first attempted to carry out
this enlightened policy by concluding treaties
with the Sultans of Borneo and Sulu, to secure
these States from extinction ; the latter treaty
was not ratified, however, owing to the timidity
of a naval officer, foolishly influenced by a
clever Spanish Consul in Singapore, who took
advantage of the absence of the Rajah. In
the forties and fifties the expansion of Great
PREFACE xiii
Britain, as is well known, was looked upon
with genuine alarm by many of our leading
statesmen.
Sir James Brooke, however, was not destined
to see the fufilment of his ideas, as a ministry
came into power in 1853 which cared nothing
for the Further East, and in the hope of con-
solidating their majority in Parliament sacrificed
their noble officer to appease the clamour raised
by Joseph Hume and his followers, who, like
other zealots, pursued their objects regardless
of all the evidence which could be brought
to refute their unfounded accusations. Joseph
Hume may be called a libeller by profession,
who began his career by making his fortune in
the East India Company's service in a very few
years — a remarkable achievement ; and who
afterwards, when in Parliament, brought himself
into notoriety by attacking first Sir Thomas
Maitland, secondly Lord Torrington, and
ultimately Sir James Brooke, whose shoe
latchets he was unworthy to unloose.
Sir James had thus but a short career as an
English official. He was named Confidential
Agent in 1845, Commissioner and Consul-
General in 1846, Governor of Labuan in
xiv PREFACE
1847, and his return to England in 1851
practically closed his active political connection
with England, though he did not resign all his
offices until 1854.
But the Rajah did not thus conclude his own
career ; he returned to Sarawak and devoted all
his energies to the development of his adopted
country, and of the neighbouring districts. I
shall have to relate what extraordinary vicissi-
tudes of fortune he had to encounter, and
how after many years of conflict he emerged
triumphant, to leave to his successor, Sir Charles
Brooke, a small kingdom, well organised as far
as Sarawak was concerned, with strongly estab-
lished positions reaching to Bintulu, which have
but increased in influence and in power to
further the^. well-being of the natives of every
race and class ; and to prove to all who care to
interest themselves in the subject, what a gain
to humanity has resulted from the old Rajah
having had the courage and the forethought
to found his rule in a wild country, whose
inhabitants, with few exceptions, were till then
inimical to Europeans, and mostly tainted by
piracy. But he argued truly that these people
knew very imperfectly what Englishmen were.
PREFACE XV
and he determined to show them that some, at
all events, were worthy of their confidence, and
could devote themselves without reserve to their
welfare.
The peculiarity of the Rajah's system was to
treat the natives, as far as possible, as equals ;
not only equals before the law, but in society.
All his followers endeavoured to imitate their
chief, and succeeded in a greater or less degree,
thus producing a state of good feeling in the
country which was probably found nowhere else
in the East, except in Perak, one of the Protected
States in the Malay Peninsula, into which one
of his most able assistants introduced his method
of government. I am told that this good feel-
ing, if not the old friendly intimacy between
native and European, still exists to a consider-
able degree throughout the possessions of the
present Rajah, which is highly honourable to
him and to his officers.
I have not attempted to re-write my account
of the Chinese Insurrection (see Chapter VI.).
I wrote it when all the events were fresh
in my mind, and no subsequent information
has rendered it necessary to make any changes.
It was a most interesting and important inci-
xvi PREFACE
dent in the Rajah's career, and it fixed for
ever in the minds of his countrymen how
wise and beneficent must have been his rule
of the Malays and Dyaks, that they should
have stood by him as they did when
he appeared before them as a defeated
fugitive.
How far-seeing were the Rajah's views and
plans is proved by the fact that his successor
has found it unnecessary to change any phase
of his policy, whether political or commercial,
whether financial, agricultural or judicial ; with
the growth of the country in population and
wealth all has been of course considerably aug-
mented, but the lines on which this great
advance has been made were laid by the first
Rajah, and that this honour is due to him
no one should deny.
As there was but one Nelson, so there has
been but one Sir James Brooke. How admirable
was the simplicity of his character ! So kind
and gentle was he in manner, that the poorest,
most down-trodden native would approach him
without fear, confident that his story would be
heard with benevolent attention, and that any
wrong would, if possible, be righted. And as
PREFACE xvli
for the purity of his private life, he was a
bright example to all those around him.
It may be thought that I have exaggerated
the grandeur of the Rajah's personality, and the
great benefits he conferred on the natives, and
that I have been influenced in my views by
the warm friendship which existed between
us. If there be any who hold this opinion, I
would refer them to Mr Alfred Wallace's
work. The Malay Archipelago, in which, after
dwelling in a most appreciative manner on
the Rajah's rule in Sarawak, he adds these
eloquent words, ' Since these lines were
written his noble spirit has passed away. But
though by those who knew him not he may
be sneered at as an enthusiastic adventurer, or
abused as a hard-hearted despot, the universal
testimony of everyone who came in contact
with him in his adopted country, whether
European, Malay or Dyak, will be that Rajah
Brooke was a great, a wise and a good ruler,
a true and faithful friend, a man to be admired
for his talents, respected for his honesty and
courage, and loved for his genuine hospitality,
his kindness of disposition and his tenderness
of heart.'
xviii PREFACE
The portrait of Rajah Brooke facing the
title page, is taken from the picture by Sir
Francis Grant, which is one of his best
works. It is a most speaking likeness, and
I have left it in my will to the Trustees of
the National Portrait Gallery, if they will
accept it.
SPENSER ST JOHN.
4 Chesteh Street, S.W.
Note.—l would wish to add a few words to explain
why, in the course of this Life of Rajah Brooke, I
have not dwelt on the controversy which raged for
some years about the character of the Seribas and
Sakarang Dyaks. The only person who, to a late
period, held to his view that these tribes were not
piratical was Mr Gladstone ; but after reading my
first Life of Rajah Brooke^ in which I defended the
policy of my old chief with all the vigour I could
command, I received the following note from him,
which rendered unnecessary any further discussion
of the subject : —
February 25, 1880.
My dear Sir, — I thank you very much for sending
me your Life of Sir fames Brooke^ which I shall be
anxious to examine with care. I have myself written
words about Sir James Brooke which may serve to show
PREFACE xix
that the difference between us is not so wide as might
be supposed, and I fully admit that what I have questioned
in his acts has been accepted by his legitimate superiors,
the Government and the Parliament. — I remain, yours
faithfully, W. E. Gladstone.
His Excellency Spenser St John.
It is as well that I should publish another letter,
to show that Mr Gladstone bore me no ill-will on
account of the vigorous way I had attacked him
whilst defending the policy of my old chief. I had
applied to Lord Granville to be sent out as Special
Envoy to renew relations with the Republic of Mexico,
and the following is his Lordship's reply : —
Foreign Office, May 28, 1883.
My dear Sir Spenser, — Many thanks for your note.
I have availed myself of your offer, mentioning if to
Gladstone, who highly approved (notwithstanding the hafd
blows you once dealt him), and I have submitted your name
to the Queen, who, I feel sure, will sanction the step. —
Yours sincerely, Granville.
It is pleasant to place on record this generosity of
feeling in one of our greatest statesmen, whose career
has now been closed.
CONTENTS
PAGE
Preface, ....... xi
CHAPTER I
Brooke's Ancestors and Family — His Early Life — Ap-
pointed Ensign in the Madras Native Infantry —
Campaign in Burmah — Is wounded and leaves the
Service — Makes Two Voyages to China — Death of
His Father — Cruise in the Yacht * Royalist,' . i
CHAPTER II
Expedition to Borneo — First Visit to Sarawak — Voyage
TO Celebes — Second Visit to Sarawak — Joins Muda
Hassim's Army — Brooke's Account of the Progress of
the Civil War — It is ended under the Influence of
His active Interference — He Saves the Lives of the
Rebel Chiefs, . . . . • .11
CHAPTER III
Third Visit to Sarawak — Makota intrigues against
Brooke — Visit of the Steamer * Diana' — He is
granted the Government of Sarawak — His Palace —
Captain Kf.ppel of H.M.S. *Dido' visits Sarawak —
Expedition against the Seribas Pirates — Visit of Sir
Edward Belcher — Rajah Brooke's Increased Influence
— Visit to the Straits Settlements — Is wounded in
Sumatra — The 'Dido' returns to Sarawak — Further
Operations — Negotiations with British Government
— Captain Bethune and Mr Wise arrive in Sarawak, 43
xxi
xxii CONTENTS
CHAPTER IV
PAGE
Sir Thomas Cochrane in Brunei — Attack on Sherif
OSMAN MUDA HaSSIM IN PoWER LiNGIRE's ATTEMPT
TO TAKE Rajah Brooke's Head — Massacre of Muda
Hassim and Budrudin — The Admiral proceeds to
Brunei — Treaty with Brunei — Action with Pirate
Squadron — Rajah Brooke in England — Is Knighted on
His Return to the East — Visits the Sulu Islands —
Expedition against Seribas Pirates, . . .71
CHAPTER V
Attacks on the Rajah's Policy — Visits to Labuan, Singa-
pore AND Penang — Mission to Siam — The Rajah's Return
to England — Dinner to Him in London — His Remark-
able Speech — Lord Aberdeen's Government appoints a
Hostile Commission — The Rajah's Return to Sarawak
— Commission at Singapore — Its Findings, . . 103
CHAPTER VI
The Chinese surprise the Town of Kuching — The Rajah
AND His Officers escape — The Chinese proclaim Them-
selves Supreme Rulers — They are attacked by the
Malays — Arrival of the * Sir James Brooke' — The
Chinese, driven from Kuching, abandon the Interior
AND retreat to SaMBAS DISARMED BY THE DuTCH, . I4I
CHAPTER VII
Events in the Sago Rivers — The Rajah proceeds to England
— Cordial Reception — First Paralytic Stroke — Buys
BuRRATOR — Troubles in Sarawak — Loyalty of the
Population — The Rajah returns to Borneo- — Settles
MuKA Affairs with Sultan — Installs Captain Brooke
AS Heir Apparent — Again leaves for England —
CONTENTS xxiii
PAGE
Sarawak recognised by England — Life at Burrator —
Second and Third Attacks of Paralysis — His Death
AND Will, . . . . . . .177
CHAPTER VIII
Present Condition of Sarawak — Rajah an Irresponsible
Ruler — Sarawak Council — General Council — Resi-
dents and Tribunals — Employment of Natives —
Agriculture — Trade Returns — The Gold Reefs — Coal
Deposits — Varied Population — Impolitic Seizure of
Limbang — Missions — Extraordinary Panics — Revenui;
— Administration of Justice — Civil Service — Alli-
gators — Satisfactory State of Sarawak, . . 203
CHAPTER IX
Present Condition of North Borneo — Lovely Country —
Good Harbours on West Coast — Formation of North
Borneo Company — Principal Settlements — Tele-
graphic Lines — The Railway from Padas — Population
— Tobacco Cultivation — Gold — The Public Service —
The Police of North Borneo — Methods of Raising
Revenue — Receipts and Expenditure — Trade Returns
— Exports — Interference with Traders — A Great
Future for North Borneo, .... 232
APPENDIX
Mr Brooke's Memorandum on His proposed Expedition to
Borneo, Written in 1838, Reprinted from Vol. I. of
*The Private Letters of Sir James Brooke, K.C.B.,
Rajah of Sarawak.' Edited by J. C.Templer, Barrister-
at-Law (Bentley, 1853), . . . .259
Index, ........ 291
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Portrait of Sir James Brooke, after the Picturf,
BY Sir Francis Grant, P.R.A., in the possession
of thf. Author, ..... Frontispkce
Map of Sarawak and its Dependencif.s at the closk
of Sir James Brooke's Government, . . To face page 49
Map of Borneo and part of the Eastern Archi-
pelago, shewing British Territories, British
Protectorates and Federated Malay States, . To face page 96
OF THE
: UNIVERSITY 1
V OF /
Rajah Brooke
CHAPTER I
Brooke's ancestors and family — his early life
^APPOINTED ensign IN THE MADRAS NATIVE
INFANTRY CAMPAIGN IN BURMAH IS WOUNDED
AND LEAVES THE SERVICE MAKES TWO VOYAGES
TO CHINA DEATH OF HIS FATHER CRUISE IN
THE YACHT ^ ROYALIST '
James Brooke was the second son of Mr Thomas
Brooke of the Honourable East India Company's
Bengal Civil Service, and of Anna Maria Stuart,
his wife. Their family consisted of two sons and
four daughters. One of the latter, Emma, married
the Rev. E. C. Johnson, Vicar of White Lacking-
ton ; another, Margaret, married the Rev. Anthony
Savage ; the eldest son, Henry, died unmarried after
a short career in the Indian army.
Mr Thomas Brooke was the seventh in descent
from Sir Thomas Vyner, who, as Lord Mayor of
London, entertained Oliver Cromwell in the Guild-
hall in 1654 ; whilst his only son, Sir Robert Vyner,
2 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
who had taken the opposite side in those civil con-
tests, received Charles II. in the city six years
later. On the death of Sir Robert's only son
George the baronetcy became exthict, and the
family estate of Eastbury, in Essex, reverted to
the two daughters of Sir Thomas Vyner, from one
of whom, Edith, the Brooke family is derived, as
one of her descendants married a Captain Brooke,
who was Rajah Brooke's great-grandfather.^
Mr Thomas Brooke, though not distinguished
by remarkable talent, was a straightforward, honest
civilian, and his wife was a most lovable woman,
who gained the affections of all those with whom
she was brought into contact. She always enjoyed
the most perfect confidence of her distinguished
son. To her are addressed some of his finest
letters, in which he pours forth his generous ideas
for the promotion of the welfare of the people
whom he had been called upon to govern.
James Brooke was born on the 29th of April
1803 at Secrore, the European suburb of Benares,
and he remained in India until he was twelve
years old, when he was sent to England to the
care of Mrs Brooke, his paternal grandmother, who
had established herself in Reigate. He shortly after-
wards went to Norwich Grammar School, at that
time under Dr Valpy, but he remained there only
* These details are taken from Miss Jacob's Life of the Rajah of
Sarawak, Vol. I., page i.
RAJAH BROOKE 3
a couple of years, as, after the freedom of his life
in India, discipline was irksome to him, and he ran
away home to his grandmother. I never heard him
say much about the master, but he loved and was
beloved by many of his schoolfellows, and showed
even then, by his influence over the boys, that he
was a born leader of men.
About this time his parents returned from India
and settled at Combe Grove, near Bath, where
they collected their children around them. A
private tutor was engaged to educate young Brooke,
but it could have been only for a comparatively
short time, as in 18 19 he received his ensign's
commission in the 6th Madras Native Infantry, and
soon started for India. He was promoted to his
lieutenancy in 1821, and in the following year
was made a Sub-Assistant Commissary-General, a
post for which, as he used to say, he was emin-
ently unfitted.
When the war with Burmah broke out in 1824
Brooke found himself thoroughly in his element.
As the English army advanced into Assam the
general in command found himself much hampered
in his movements by the want of cavalry. Brooke
partly relieved him of this difficulty ; his offer to
raise a body of horsemen was accepted. By the
orders of the general he called for recruits, who could
ride, from the different regiments, and soon had
under him an efficient body of men, who under-
4 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
took scouting duties. He found it difficult to keep
them in hand, for the moment they saw an enemy
they would charge, and then scatter in every
direction where they thought a Burmese might be
concealed.
During an action in January 1825 he performed
very efficient service with his irregular cavalry,
charging wherever any body of Burmese collected.
He received the thanks of the general, and his
conduct was mentioned in despatches as 'most
conspicuous.' Two days later occurred an instance
of what is almost unknown in our army. A com-
pany of native troops had been ordered to attack a
stockade manned by Burmese ; the English officer
in command advanced until, on turning a clump of
trees, he came well under firei; then, losing his
nerve, he bolted into the jungle. Brooke arrived
at that moment, saw the infantry wavering, threw
himself from his horse, assumed the command, and
thus encouraged they charged the stockade, but
Brooke literally ' foremost, fighting fell.' Seeing their
leader fall, the men were again about to retreat,
when Colonel Richards, advancing with reinforce-
ments, restored the fight, and in a few minutes
the place was taken, though with heavy loss. No
attempts were ever made to turn these strong
stockades, and thus the army suffered severely and
to no purpose.
I have often heard Sir James Brooke tell the
RAJAH BROOKE 5
story. He had been sent out to reconnoitre ;
found the enemy strongly posted, and suspecting
an ambuscade, galloped back to warn his superior
officer, but too late, as firing had already com-
menced, and the infantry, without a leader, were
confused. He placed himself at their head, but as
he charged he felt a thud, and fell, losing all con-
sciousness. After the action was over, his colonel,
who had seen him fall, inquired about young
Brooke, and was told that he was dead ; but
examining the fallen officer himself, found him
still alive and had him removed to hospital. A
slug had lodged in his lungs, and for months he
lay between life and death. It was not, in fact,
until August that he was strong enough to be
removed, and then only in a canoe. He was
paddled down a branch of the Bramapootra, rarely
suffering from pain, but gazing pensively at the
fast-running stream and the fine jungle that lined
its banks ; in after life it seemed to him as a dream.
On the Medical Board at Calcutta reporting that
a change of climate was necessary, he was given a
long furlough. He returned to England and joined
his family at Bath. The voyage did him some good,
but the wound continued very troublesome, and
at times it appeared as if he could not recover.
After the slug had been extracted, however, he
gradually got better, so that in July 1829 ^^ was
enabled to embark on board the Company's ship
6 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Cam Brae; but fate was against his again joining
the Indian army. This vessel was wrecked, and
when, in the following March, he sailed for the
East on board the Huntley Castle^ she was so
delayed by bad weather, that when she called in
at Madras Brooke found that he could not join
his regiment before the legal expiration of his
leave. He consequently resigned the service and
proceeded in the Huntley Castle to China.
Brooke never cared much for the East India
Company's service, and as he had formed friendships
on board the Huntley Castle he preferred continuing in
her to remaining idle in India awaiting the Directors'
decision, which, even if favourable, could scarely arrive
before twelve months had expired. The decision was
favourable ; but as young Brooke had in the meantime
left Madras the matter dropped. The Indiaman first
touched at the Island of Penang, one of the Straits
Settlements, and here Brooke had an opportunity of
seeing what lovely islands there were in the Further
East. It is not necessary to dwell on this voyage, as
nothing of importance occurred during it ; but his stay
in China made a deep impression on Brooke's mind.
He saw how the Chinese ill-treated and bullied our
countrymen, and how the East India Company sub-
mitted to every insult in order not to imperil their trade.
After the usual stay in the Canton River, the
Huntley Castle returned to England, and Brooke
found himself at home with no employment whatever.
RAJAH BROOKE 7
He formed many projects ; the favourite one, which
he had discussed with the officers of the Huntley Castle^
was to purchase a ship, load her with suitable goods,
and sail for China or the adjacent markets. But as
none of the friends had any capital, Brooke confided
their views to his father, and naturally met with the
objection that his son was not a trader and never
could become one. However, in the end, the young
fellow prevailed. The brig Findlay was bought, laden
with goods, and with his partner, Kennedy, formerly of
the Huntley Castle^ and his friend, Harry Wright, also of
the same vessel, he set sail for the Further East. This
voyage was not destined to be a success. Brooke
wished to introduce on board the easy discipline of a
yacht, whilst Kennedy, who was captain, went to
the other extreme and would insist upon the severe
discipline of the navy, without its safeguards. Differ-
ences soon arose, and as they found trade by interlopers
was not encouraged, Brooke went to see Mr Jardine, of
the firm of Messrs Jardine, Matheson & Company, and
laid the case before him. The shrewd man of business
could not but smile at the idea of this elegant yovmg
soldier managing a trading speculation. He, however,
agreed to buy vessel and cargo, and told the partners
they had better leave the matter in his hands. No
objection was raised, and Mr Jardine so judiciously
invested in silks the amount he had arranged to pay,
that in the end comparatively little loss accrued, none
of which was allowed by Brooke to fall on Kennedy.
8 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
On his return to England Brooke wearied of
continued leisure, and although he yachted about the
Southern Coast and the Channel Islands, he longed
for some sphere of action which could bring his great
abilities into play. The death of his father, in
December 1835, gave him complete independence.
The fortune left was sufficient to provide for his
wife, and to give to each of his children ^^30,000.
Brooke now decided to carry out the plan he had
formed since his first voyage to China, which was to
buy a small vessel and start on a voyage of discovery.
But this time there were to be no partners and no
trade ; he intended to be complete master in his own
ship. He ultimately fixed his choice on the Royalist^
a schooner yacht of about 142 tons burden. He was
delighted with his purchase, and soon tried her
qualifications by starting in the autumn of 1836 for
a cruise in the Mediterranean. There he visited
most of the principal cities, including Constantinople,
which in after years afforded him a constant subject of
conversation with the Malays, who interested them-
selves in every detail of his visit. ' Roum ' to them is
still the great city where dwells the head of the
Mohammedan religion.^ Among those who accom-
panied him on this cruise was his nephew, John Brooke
^ When I first went to live in Brunei, the Sultan of Borneo's capital,
there was living there an old haji who was visiting Egypt at the time
of Buonaparte's invasion, and who remembered well the Battle of the
Nile and the subsequent expulsion of the French by the English.
RAJAH BROOKE 9
Johnson, afterwards known as Captain Brooke, and also
John Templer, who was then and for many years after-
wards one of his warm friends and enthusiastic admirers.
Though determined to make a voyage of discovery
in the Eastern Archipelago, Brooke was not able to
leave England till December 1838. He employed all
his spare time in studying the subject, finding out
what was already known, and drawing attention to
his plans by a memoir he wrote on Borneo and
the neighbouring islands, summaries of which were
published in the Atherneum and in the journal o'i the
Geographical Society. He felt a great admiration for
Sir Stamford Raffles, and ardently desired to carry out his
views in dealing with the peoples of the Further East.
How well Brooke sums up the feelings which
prompted him to undertake what was in every respect
a perilous enterprise ! * Could I carry my vessel to
places where the keel of European ship never before
ploughed the waters ; could I plant my foot where
white man's foot had never before been ; could I gaze
upon scenes which educated eyes had never looked on,
see man in the rudest state of nature, I should be
content without looking to further rewards.'
It is difficult, even under the most favourable
circumstances, to convey to the mind of a reader an
exact portrait of the man whose deeds you desire to
chronicle ; but as I lived for nearly twenty years with
James Brooke, I feel I know him well in all his
strength and his weakness. Let me try to describe
lo BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
him. He stood about five feet ten inches in height ;
he had an open, handsome countenance ; an active,
supple frame ; a daring courage that no danger could
daunt ; a sweet, affectionate disposition v^^hich endeared
him to all who knew him well. Those whom he
attended in sickness could never forget his almost
womanly tenderness, and those who attended him, his
courageous endurance. His power of attaching both
friends and followers was unrivalled, and this extended
to nearly every native with whom he came in contact.
His few failings were his too great frankness, his
readiness to believe that men were what they professed
to be, or should have been, and (for a short time in
latter years) that the unsophisticated lower classes
were more to be trusted and relied on than those
above them in birth and education. His only weak-
nesses were, in truth, such as arose from his great
goodness of heart and his confiding nature.
No painter ever succeeded better in conveying a
man's self into a portrait than Sir Francis Grant in
his picture of Sir James Brooke. I have it now before
me, and all I have said of his appearance may be seen
at a glance. Although thirty years have passed since
we lost him, he remains as much enshrined as ever in
the hearts of his few surviving friends.
This brief preliminary chapter ended, I will now
describe Brooke's voyage to Borneo, and the events
which succeeded that remarkable undertaking.
CHAPTER II
EXPEDITION TO BORNEO FIRST VISIT TO SARAWAK
VOYAGE TO CELEBES SECOND VISIT TO SARAWAK
JOINS MUDA HASSIm's ARMY BROOKE's AC-
COUNT OF THE PROGRESS OF THE CIVIL WAR
IT IS ENDED UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF HIS
ACTIVE INTERFERENCE HE SAVES THE LIVES OF
THE REBEL CHIEFS
Brooke sailed from Devonport on December i6,
1838, in the Royalist^ belonging to the Royal Yacht
Squadron, which, in foreign ports, admitted her to the
same privileges as a ship of war, and enabled her to carry
a white ensign. As the Royalist is still an historic
character in the Eastern Archipelago, I must let the
owner describe her as she was in 1838. 'She sails
fast ; is conveniently fitted up ; is armed with six
six-pounders, and a number of swords and small arms
of all sorts; carries four boats and provisions for four
months. Her principal defect is being too sharp in
the floor. She is a good sea boat, and as well calculated
for the service as could be desired. Most of the
hands have been with me for three years, and the
rest are highly recommended.'
12 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Whilst the Royalist is speeding on prosperously
towards Singapore, and calling at Rio Janeiro and
the Cape, let me sum up in a few words the object
of the voyage.
The memorandum ^ which Brooke drew up on the
then state of the Indian Archipelago (1838), shows
how carefully he had studied the whole subject. He
first expounds the policy which England should
follow if she wished to recover the position which
she wantonly threw away after the peace of 1815 ;
he then explains what he proposed to do for the
furtherance of our knowledge of Borneo and the
other great islands to the East. Circumstances,
however, as he anticipated might be the case, made
him change the direction of his first local voyage.
The Royalist arrived in Singapore in May 1839,
and remained at that port till the end of July, refitting
and preparing for future work. There Brooke re-
ceived news which induced him to give up for the
present the proposed voyage to Marudu Bay, the
northernmost district of Borneo, and visit Sarawak
instead. Rajah Muda Hassim, uncle to the Sultan
of Brunei, was then residing there, and being of a
kindly disposition, had taken care of the crew of a
shipwrecked English vessel, and sent the men in
safety to Singapore. This unlooked-for conduct on
the part of a Malay chief roused the interest of the
Singapore merchants, and Brooke was requested to
^ See Appendix.
RAJAH BROOKE 13
call in at Sarawak and deliver to the Malay prince a
letter and presents from the Chamber of Commerce.
This was a fortunate diversion of his voyage, as
at that time Marudu was governed by a notorious
pirate chief. The bay was a rendezvous for some of
the most daring marauders in the Archipelago, and
nothing could have been done there to further our
knowledge of the interior.
All being ready, and the crew strengthened by
eight Singapore Malay seamen,^ athletic fellows, capital
at the oar, and to save the white men the work of
wooding and watering, the Royalist sailed for Borneo
on the 27th of July, and in five days was anchored
off* the coast of Sambas. All the charts were found
to be wrong, so that every care had to be taken
whilst working up the coast. A running survey
was made, and on the nth August Brooke found
himself at the mouth of the Sarawak river.
When Brooke first arrived in Borneo, the Sultan
Omar Ali claimed all the coast from the capital to
Tanjong Datu, whilst further south was Sambas,
under the influence of the Dutch ; but the rule of
Omar Ali was little more than nominal, as each chief
in the different districts exercised almost unlimited
power, and paid little or no tribute to the central
Government.
At the time of Brooke's first visit to Saraw^ak the
' I knew one of them, Subu, the favourite of every foreigner in
Sarawak.
14 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Malays of the country had broken out into revolt against
the oppressive rule of Pangeran Makota, Governor of
the district, and fearing that they might call in the aid of
the Sambas Malays, and thus place the country under
the control of the Dutch, the Sultan sent down
Rajah Muda Hassim, his uncle and heir-presumptive,
to endeavour to stifle the rebellion ; but three years
had passed, and he had done nothing. He could
prevent the rebels from communicating with the sea,
but he was powerless in the interior.
On hearing of the arrival of the Royalist at the
mouth of the river, Muda Hassim despatched a deputa-
tion to welcome the stranger and invite him to the
capital — rather a grand name for a small village.
Brooke soon got his vessel under weigh, and proceeded
up the Sarawak, and after one slight mishap, anchored
the next day opposite the rajah's house, and saluted
his flag with twenty-one guns.
Muda Hassim received Brooke in state, and the
interview is thus described : ' The rajah was seated
in his hall of audience, which, outside, is nothing but
a large shed, erected on piles, but within decorated
with taste. Chairs were arranged on either side of
the ruler, who occupied the head seat. Our party
were placed on one hand, and on the other sat his
brother Mahommed, and Makota and some other of
the principal chiefs, whilst immediately behind him
his twelve younger brothers were seated. The dress
of Muda Hassim was simple, but of rich material, and
RAJAH BROOKE 15
most of the principal men were well, and even superbly
dressed. His countenance is plain, but intelligent and
highly pleasing, and his manners perfectly easy. His
reception was kind, and, I am given to understand,
highly flattering. We sat, however, trammelled by
the formalities of state, and our conversation did not
extend beyond kind inquiries and professions of friend-
ship.' Brooke's next interview was more informal,
and closer relations were established, which encouraged
him to send his interpreter, Mr Williamson, to ask
permission to visit the Dyaks. This was readily
granted, but before commencing his explorations,
he received a private visit from Pangeran Makota.
He was probably the most intelligent Malay whom
we ever met in Borneo, frank and open in manner,
but looked upon as the most cunning of the rajah's
advisers. He was much puzzled, as were indeed all
the nobles, as to the true object of Brooke's visit to
Borneo, and confident in his power, determined to
find it out. And though Brooke had in reality no
object but geographical discovery, he could not con-
vince his guest of that fact, who scented some deep
intrigue under the guise of a harmless visit.
Brooke now took advantage of the rajah's permission
to explore some of the neighbouring rivers, and he was
shown first the fine agricultural district of Samarahan,
but only met Malays. His next visit was to the
Dyak tribe of Sibuyows, who lived on the river
Lundu, which discharged its waters not many miles
i6 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
from Cape Datu, the southern boundary of Borneo
proper.
From Tanjong Datu, as far as the river Rejang,
the interior populations are called Dyaks — Land or
Sea Dyaks — the former, a quiet, agricultural people,
living in the far interior, plundered and oppressed by
the Malays ; they are to be found in Saravs^ak, Sama-
rahan and Sadong. The Sea Dyaks vv^ere much more
numerous, and though under the influence of the
Malays and Arab adventurers, were too powerful ever
to be ill-treated. They occupied the districts of Seribas
and Batang Lupar, and those on the left bank of the
Rejang, with a few scattered villages in other parts,
such as this Sibuyow tribe on the Lundu.
The chief of this branch of the Sea Dyaks, the
Orang Kaya Tumangong, was always a great
favourite of the English officers in Sarawak. His
was the first tribe that Brooke visited, and he then
formed a high opinion of the brave man and his
gallant sons, who were faithful unto death, and who
were always the foremost when any fighting was on
hand.
The village they occupied was, in fact, but one huge
house, nearly six hundred feet in length, and the inner
half divided into fifty separate residences for the fifty
families that constituted the tribe. The front half of
this long building was an open space, whicli was used
by the inhabitants during the day for every species of
work, and at night was occupied by the widowers,
RAJAH BROOKE 17
bachelors and boys as their bedroom. The Sea
Dyaks are much cleaner than the Land Dyaks, and
the girls of Sakarang, for instance, looked as well
washed as any of their sisters in May Fair.
The distinction of Land and Sea Dyaks was due
to the fact that the former never ventured near the
salt water, whilst the latter boldly pushed out to sea
in their light bangkongs or war boats, and cruised
along at least two thousand miles of coast. When the
Royalist first arrived in Sarawak the majority of the
Sea Dyaks were piratically inclined. This practice
arose in all probability from their inter-tribal wars —
the Seribas against the Lingas and Sibuyows — and from
their custom of seeking heads — almost a religious
observance. When a party of young men went out to
search for the means of marrying, and had failed to
secure the heads of enemies, we can easily imagine
their not being too particular about killing any weaker
party they might meet, even if they were not enemies,
and, finding it met with no retaliation, continuing the
practice. In this they were encouraged by the Malay
chiefs who lived among them, and who obtained, on
easy terms, the women and children captives who fell
into the hands of the Dyak raiders. Although the
Linga and Sibuyow branches of the Sea Dyaks hunted
for heads, they were the heads of their enemies, whilst
the Seribas, and, in a lesser degree, the Sea Dyaks of
the Sakarang and the Rejang spared no one they
could overcome.
B
1 8 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Brooke's next visit was to the river Sadong, to the
north-east of Sarav^^ak, and there he met Sherif Sahib,
a great encourager of piracy of every kind. Some-
times he received the Lanuns,^ the boldest marauders
who ever invested the Far Eastern seas, bought their
captives and supplied them with food, whilst at others
he would aid the Seribas and Sakarangs in their forays
on the almost defenceless tribes of the interior, or
share their plunder acquired on the coasts of the
Dutch possessions.
Finding that the rebellion in the interior of the
Sarawak would prevent him from visiting it,
Brooke decided to return to Singapore. After a
friendly parting with Muda Hassim, whose last
words were, 'Do not forget me,' the Royalist fell
down the river. The night before Brooke had
settled to sail he was joined by a small Sarawak
boat with a dozen men, who were to pilot him out ;
but about midnight shouts were heard from the shore
of ' Dyak ! Dyak ' ! In an instant a blue light was
burnt on board the yacht and a gun fired, and then
there came a dead silence. Brooke sprang into a
boat and pushed oiF to the Malay prahu, to find
half the crew wounded. It seemed that a cruising
party of Seribas Dyaks had no doubt seen the fire
lighted on the shore, and had noiselessly floated up
with the flood tide and attacked the Malays, not
' The Lanuns came from the great island of Mindanau, in the Southern
Philippines, which was a nominal possession of Spain, and cruised in
well-armed vessels.
RAJAH BROOKE 19
observing in the dark night the Royalist at anchor.
This occurrence showed how necessary it was to be
on one's guard at all times.
The news brought by Brooke was well received in
Singapore, as it opened up a new country to British
commerce, and prevented the Dutch gaining a foot-
ing there, with their vexatious trade regulations,
which practically debarred native vessels from visit-
ing British ports.
As the Rajah Muda Hassim had assured his English
visitor that the rebellion in the interior of Sarawak
would collapse before the next fine season, he decided
to pass the interval in visiting Celebes, a most attrac-
tive island, then but imperfectly known.
No part of Brooke's journals is more interesting
than the account of his experiences in Bugis land.
They are, however, simple travels, without many
personal incidents to be noted ; but here, as elsewhere,
he acquired the same ascendency over the natives,
and the memory of his visit remained impressed on
the minds of the Bugis rulers, who followed his
advice in regulating their kingdoms, and especially
listened to his counsels when he pointed out the
danger of entering into armed conflict with their
Dutch neighbours.
The following observations extracted from Brooke's
journals are remarkable : ' I must mention the
effect of European domination in the Archi-
pelago. The first voyagers from the West found
20 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
the natives rich and powerful, with strong estab-
lished governments and a thriving trade. The
rapacious European has reduced them to their
present position. Their governments have been
broken up, the old states decomposed by treachery,
bribery and intrigue, their possessions snatched from
them under flimsy pretences, their trade restricted,
their vices encouraged, their virtues repressed, and
their energies paralysed or rendered desperate, till
there is every reason to fear the gradual extinction
of the Malay. Let these considerations, fairly re-
flected on and enlarged, be presented to the candid
and liberal mind, and I think that, however strong
the present prepossessions, they will shake the belief
in the advantages to be gained by European ascend-
ency, as it has heretofore been conducted, and will
convince the most sceptical of the miseries immedi-
ately and prospectively flowing from European rule
as generally constituted.'
The above observations naturally apply to the
Dutch and Spanish systems, which at that time
alone had sway in the Archipelago, as England,
with its small trading depots, did not actively inter-
fere with the native princes. Yet it must be con-
fessed that Borneo proper, which had generally escaped
interference from their European neighbours, fell from
a position fairly important to the most degraded state,
entirely owing to the incapacity of its native rulers
and not to outside influences.
RAJAH BROOKE 21
The visits to Sarawak and Celebes tended to con-
firm Brooke's convictions that, if England w^ould
but act on a settled plan and on a sufficient scale,
she could still save and develop the independent
native states, w^ithout any necessity of occupying
them.
In the year 1776 the Sultan of Sulu ceded to
England all his possessions in the north of Borneo,
and the East India Company formed a small settle-
ment on the Island of Balambangan ; this being
on a very inefficient scale, w^as easily surprised by
pirates and destroyed. Later on another attempt w^as
made by the Company to establish themselves on
the island, but it was soon abandoned.
Brooke, after carefully studying the subject, came to
the same conclusion as Sir Stamford Raffles and Colonel
Farquhar had done before him, that it was a mistake
to take small islands ; but that, on the contrary, this
country should establish a settlement on the mainland
of Borneo. As all the independent states of the Archi-
pelago are filled with a maritime population, islands
are not so safe from attack as the mainland, where
the interior population is rarely warlike. He recom-
mended that England should take possession of
Marudu Bay, establish herself strongly there, be
constantly supported by the navy, and from thence
the Governor, with diplomatic powers, could visit
all the independent chiefs and make such treaties
with them as would prevent their being absorbed by
22 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
other European States. His policy was of the most
liberal kind ; he would have sought no exclusive trade
privileges, but he would have preserved their political
independence. He would have established in the
more important states carefully - selected English
agents, to encourage the chiefs in useful reforms
and to prevent restrictions on commerce. On the
mainland he would not have instantly established
English rule, except in a well-chosen, central spot,
and there he would have awaited the invitation of
the chiefs to send an English officer to aid them in
governing.
Had this great plan been executed on a suitable
scale Brooke's name would have been enshrined
among the greatest builders of the British Empire.
It is not too late even now ; but where shall we
find another Brooke to carry it out ? North Borneo
is at present under the protection of Great Britain,
but it is owned and administered by a Chartered
Company, and in these days cannot, under such
conditions, hold the same position as a Crown
colony.
The time seems propitious. The Spaniards have
lost their hold over the Philippines, and Sulu and the
great island of Mindanau will soon be free from their
depressing influence ; even the Dutch are acting on
a more enlightened system, which would be en-
couraged, if England took an active interest in the
Archipelago. The North Borneo Company would
RAJAH BROOKE 23
scarcely refuse a proposal to place the country under
our direct rule, and with another Sir Hugh Low
it might be made a valuable possession, and would
gradually dominate the whole of the Archipelago.
The Philippines will now be governed by one of
the most progressive nations in the world, and the
effect of their rule will be far-reaching. It would
appear to be advisable that Great Britain should
simultaneously take over North Borneo, as the condi-
tions heretofore existing have so completely changed.
From Celebes Brooke returned to Singapore to
refit. His plans were to visit Borneo again, then
proceed to Manila, and so home by Cape Horn. He
arrived at our settlement in May, left it again in
August, and reached Sarawak on the 29th, to find
himself cordially received by Muda Hassim. The
war was not over, nor was the end of it in sight.
A few half-starved Dyaks had deserted the Sarawak
Malays, and come into the Bornean camp to be fed ;
but the route to Sambas was still open, and it was
suspected that supplies were furnished by the Sultan
of Sambas, who coveted the territory.
After considerable discussion and consideration,
Brooke thought he would visit the headquarters of
the army which was supposed to be besieging the
enemy ; but he found it seven miles below the
principal hostile fort. The spot was called Ledah
Tanah, or the tongue of land, where the two
branches of the river meet. It was the site of the
24 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
old capital, and even when I was there some ten
years later the iron-wood posts of the houses still
existed, untouched by time, though over sixty years
in use. As Brooke expected, Makota, at the head
of the army, was doing nothing, and as he rejected
the advice of his white visitor, and seemed determined
not to advance nearer to the enemy, Brooke returned
to Sarawak, and even announced his departure, as
the North-East monsoon was coming on, and he did
not wish to face it on his voyage to Manila. How-
ever, Muda Hassim appeared to feel his departure so
acutely, that his heart smote him, and he agreed to
visit the army once more, particularly as the Land
Dyaks were now really leaving the rebels and joining
the Bornean forces. He therefore returned to the
camp, and by his energy compelled Makota to act.
The stockade at Ledah Tanah was pulled down and
moved to within a mile of the enemy's chief fort,
Balidah, and gradually stockade after stockade was
built, until the most commanding one was erected
within three hundred yards of the hostile fort. Brooke
sent to the yacht for two six-pounders and a sufficient
supply of ammunition, and, with the aid of his men,
soon battered down the weak defences of the enemy,
and then proposed an assault. But this bold advice
was looked upon as insanity, and though promises to
advance were freely given, when it came to action
they all hung back. At length, wearied with this pro-
crastination, Brooke, in spite of the entreaties of all
RAJAH BROOKE 25
the native chiefs, embarked his guns and returned to
the Royalist^ and sent word to the rajah that his
stay was utterly useless ; but when Muda Hassim
heard the decision, ' his deep regret was so visible
that even all the self-command of the native could
not disguise it. He begged, he entreated me to
stay, and offered me the country, its government
and its trade, if I would only stop and not desert
him.'
Though Brooke could not accept the grant then,
as it would have been extracted from the rajah's deep
distress, he agreed to return to the army ; and once
more the guns were embarked in the boats, and every
man who could be spared from the Royalist accompanied
Brooke to the front. There he met Budrudin, Muda
Hassim's favourite brother, with whom he soon con-
tracted a friendship which ended only with the Malay
prince's life. He was brave, frank and intelligent ;
he quickly appreciated the noble character of the
white leader of men, and ever after he fully trusted
him.
The episodes of the closing campaign of this civil
war were so amusing, that although the story has been
published several times, I cannot refrain from repeat-
ing it again in the words of the English chief. ^
'On the lOth December we reached the fleet and
disembarked our guns, taking up our residence in
a house, or rather shed, close to the water. The
' Voyage of the Dido, Vol. I., page 172, et icq.
26 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
rajah's brother, Pangeran Budrudin, was with the
army, and I found him ready and willing to urge
upon the other indolent pangerans the proposals I
made for vigorous hostilities. We found the grand
army in a state of torpor, eating, drinking and walking
up to the forts and back again daily ; but having built
these imposing structures, and their appearance not
driving the enemy away, they were at a loss what
to do next, or how to proceed. On my arrival, I
once more insisted on mounting the guns in our
old forts, and assaulting Balidah under their fire.
Makota's timidity and vacillation were too apparent ;
but in consequence of Budrudin's overawing presence
he was obliged, from shame, to yield his assent. The
order for the attack was fixed as follows : our party
of ten (leaving six to serve the guns) were to be
headed by myself. Budrudin, Makota, Subtu and
all the lesser chiefs were to lead their followers,
from sixty to eighty in number, by the same route,
whilst fifty or more Chinese, under their captain, were
to assault by another path to their left. Makota was
to make the paths as near as possible to Balidah, with
his Dyaks, who were to extract the sudas and fill up
the holes. The guns having been mounted, and their
range ascertained the previous evening, wc ascended
to the fort about eight a.m., and at ten opened our fire
and kept it up for an hour. The effect was severe.
Every shot told upon their thin defences of wood,
which fell in many places so as to leave storming
RAJAH BROOKE 27
breaches. Part of the roof was cut away and tumbled
down, and the shower of grape and canister rattled so
as to prevent their returning our fire, except from
a stray rifle. At mid-day the forces reached the
fort, and it was then discovered that Makota had
neglected to make any road because it rained the
night before ! It was evident that the rebels had
gained information of our intentions as they had
erected a fringe of bamboo along their defences on
the very spot we had agreed to mount. Makota
fancied the want of a road would delay the attack ;
but I well knew that delay was equivalent to failure,
and so it was at once agreed that we should advance
without any path. The poor man's cunning and
resources were now nearly at an end. He could not
refuse to accompany us, but his courage could not
be brought to the point, and pale and embarrassed
he retired. Everything was ready — Budrudin, the
Capitan China and myself, at the head of our men —
when he once more appeared, and raised a subtle
point of etiquette, which answered his purpose. He
represented to Budrudin that the Malays were unani-
mously of opinion that the rajah's brother could
not expose himself in an assault ; that the dread of
the rajah's indignation far exceeded their dread of
death ; and in case any accident happened to him,
his brother's fury would fall on them. Budrudin
was angry, I was angry too, and the doctor most
angry of all ; but anger was unavailing. It was clear
28 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
they did not intend to do anything in earnest ; and
after much discussion, in which Budrudin insisted if
I went he should likewise go, and the Malays insisted
that if he went they would not go, it was resolved
that we should serve the guns, whilst Abong Mia
and the Chinese, not under the captain, should
proceed to the assault. But its fate was sealed, and
Makota had gained his object ; for neither he nor
Subtu thought of exposing themselves to a single
shot. Our artillery opened and was beautifully
served. The hostile forces attempted to advance, but
our fire completely subdued them, as only three rifles
answered us, by one of which a seaman was wounded
in the hand, but not seriously. Two-thirds of the way
the storming party proceeded without the hostile army
being aware of their advance, and they might have
reached the very foot of the hill without being dis-
covered, had not Abong Mia, from excess of piety
and rashness, began most loudly to say his prayers.
The three rifles began then to play on them. One
Chinaman was killed, the whole halted, the prayers
were more vehement than ever, and after squatting
under cover of the jungle for some time they all
returned. It was only what I expected, but I was
greatly annoyed by their cowardice and treachery —
treachery to their own cause. One lesson, however,
I learnt, and that was, that had I assaulted with our
small party, we should assuredly have been victimised.
The very evening of the failure the rajah came
RAJAH BROOKE 29
up the river. I would not see him, and only heard
that the chiefs got severely reprimanded ; but the
effects of reprimand are lost where cowardice is
stronger than shame. Inactivity followed, two or
three useless forts were built, and Budrudin, much
to my regret and to the detriment of the cause,
was recalled.
' Amongst the straggling arrivals I may mention
Pangeran Dallam, with a number of men, consisting
of the Orang Bintulu, Meri, Muka and Kayan Dyaks
from the interior. Our house, or, as it originally stood,
our shed, deserves a brief record. It was about twenty
feet long, with a loose floor of reeds and an attap or
palm-leaf roof. It served us for some time, but the
attempts at theft obliged us to fence it in and
divide it into apartments — one at the end served for
Middleton, Williamson and myself. Adjoining it was
the storeroom and hospital, and the other extreme
belonged to the seamen. Our improvements kept
pace with our necessities. Theft induced us to shut
in our house at the sides, and the unevenness of the
reeds suggested the advantage of laying a floor of the
bark of trees over them, which, with mats over all,
rendered our domicile far from uncomfortable. Our
forts gradually extended to the back of the enemy's
town, on a ridge of swelling ground, whilst they
kept pace with us on the same side of the river on
the low ground. The inactivity of our troops had
long become a by-word amongst us. It was, indeed.
30 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
truly vexatious, but it was in vain to urge them
on, in vain to offer assistance, in vain to propose
a joint attack, or even to seek support at their hands ;
promises v^ere to be had in plenty, but performances
never.
* At length our leaders resolved on building a fort
at Sekundis, thus outflanking the enemy and gain-
ing the command of the upper course of the river.
The post was certainly an important one, and in
consequence they set about it with the happy in-
diff^erence which characterises their proceedings.
Pangeran Illudin (the most active amongst them)
had the building of the fort, assisted by the Orang
Kaya Tumangong of Lundu. Makota, Subtu and
others w^ere at the next fort, and by chance I was
there likewise ; for it seemed to be little apprehended
that any interruption would take place, as the Chinese
and the greater part of the Malays had been left in
the boats. When the fort commenced, however, the
enemy crossed the river and divided into two bodies,
the one keeping in check the party at Pangeran
Gapoor's fort, whilst the other made an attack on
the works. The ground was not unfavourable for
their purpose, for Pangeran Gapoor's fort was
separated from Sekundis by a belt of thick wood
which reached down to the river's edge. Sekundis
itself, however, stood on clear ground, as did Gapoor's
fort. I was with Makota at the latter when the
enemy approached through the jungle. The two
RAJAH BROOKE 31
parties were within easy speaking distance, challeng-
ing and threatening each other, but the thickness of
the jungle prevented our seeing or penetrating to
them. When this body had advanced, the real
attack commenced on Sekundis with a fire of
musketry, and I was about to proceed to the scene,
but was detained by Makota, who assured me there
were plenty of men, and that it was nothing at all.
As the musketry became thicker, I had my doubts
when a Dyak came running through the jungle, and
with gestures of impatience and anxiety begged me
to assist the party attacked. He had been sent by
my old friend the Tumangong of Lundu, to say
they could not hold the post unless supported. In
spite of Makota*s remonstrances, I struck into the
jungle, winded through the narrow path, and, after
crossing an ugly stream, emerged on the clear ground.
The sight was a pretty one. To the right was the un-
finished stockade, defended by the Tumangong ; to the
left, at the edge of the forest, about twelve or fifteen
of our party, commanded by Illudin, whilst the
enemy were stretched along between the points, and
kept up a sharp-shooting from the hollow ground on
the bank of the river. They fired and loaded and
fired, and had gradually advanced on the stockade,
as the ammunition of our party failed ; and as we
emerged from the jungle, they were within twenty
or five-and-twenty yards of the defence. A glance
immediately showed me the advantage of our position.
32 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
and I charged with my Englishmen across the padi
field, and the instant we appeared on the ridge above
the river, in the hollows of which the rebels were
seeking protection, their rout was complete. They
scampered off in every direction, whilst the Dyaks
and Malays pushed them into the river. Our victory
was decisive and bloodless ; the scene was changed in
an instant, and the defeated foe lost arms and ammuni-
tion either on the field of battle or in the river, and our
exulting conquerors set no bounds to their triumph.
' I cannot omit to mention the name of Si Tundu,
a Lanun, the only native who charged with us.
His appearance and dress were most striking, the
latter being entirely of red, bound round the waist,
arms, forehead, etc., with gold ornaments, and in
his hand his formidable Bajuk sword. He danced,
or rather galloped, across the field close to me, and,
mixing with the enemy, was about to despatch a
haji, or priest, who was prostrate before him, when
one of our people interposed, and saved him by
stating that he was a companion of our own. The
Lundu Dyaks were very thankful for our support,
our praises were loudly sung, and the stockade was
concluded. After the rout, Makota, Subtu and Abong
Mia arrived on the field ; the last, with forty followers,
had ventured half way before the firing ceased, but
the detachment, under a paltry subterfuge, halted so
as not to be in time. The enemy might have had
fifty men at the attack. The defending party con-
RAJAH BROOKE 33
sisted of about the same number, but the Dyaks
had very few muskets. I had a dozen Englishmen,
Subu, one of our Singapore boatmen, and Si Tundu.
Sekundis was a great point gained, as it hindered the
enemy from ascending the river and seeking supplies.
'Makota, Subtu and the whole tribe arrived as
soon as their safety from danger allowed, and none
were louder in their own praise, but, nevertheless,
their countenances evinced some sense of shame,
which they endeavoured to disguise by the use of
their tongues. The Chinese came really to afford
assistance, but too late. We remained until the
stockade of Sekundis was finished, while the enemy
kept up a wasteful fire from the opposite side of the
river, which did no harm.
' The next great object was to follow up the advan-
tage by crossing the stream, but day after day some
fresh excuse brought on fresh delay, and Makota
built a new fort and made a new road within a
hundred yards of our old position. I cannot detail
further our proceedings for many days, which con-
sisted, on my part, in efforts to get something done,
and on the others, a close adherence to the old system
of promising everything and doing nothing. The
Chinese, like the Malays, refused to act ; but on their
part it was not fear, but disinclination. By degrees,
however, the preparations for the new fort were com-
plete, and I had gradually gained over a party of the
natives to my views ; and, indeed, amongst the Malays,
34 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
the bravest of them had joined themselves to us, and
what was better, we had Datu Pangerang and
thirteen Illanuns, and the Capitan China allowed
me to take his men whenever I wanted them.
My weight and consequence was increased, and
I rarely moved now without a long train of
followers. The next step, whilst crossing the river
was uncertain, was to take my guns up to Gapoor's
fort, which was about six or seven hundred yards
from the town, and half the distance from a rebel
fort on the river's bank.
' Panglima Rajah, the day after our guns were in
battery, took it into his head to build a fort on the
river's side, close to the town in front, and between
two of the enemy's forts. It was a bold undertaking
for the old man after six weeks of uninterrupted
repose. At night, the wood being prepared, the
party moved down, and worked so silently that they
were not discovered till their defence was nearly
finished, when the enemy commenced a general firing
from all their forts, returned by a similar firing from
all ours, none of the parties being quite clear what
they were firing at or about, and the hottest from
either party being equally harmless. We were at the
time about going to bed in our habitation, but ex-
pecting some reverse I set off to the stockade where
our guns were placed, and opened a fire upon the
town and the stockade near us, till the enemy's fire
gradually slackened and died away. We then re-
RAJAH BROOKE 35
turned, and in the morning were greeted with the
pleasing news that they had burned and deserted five
of their forts, and left us sole occupants of the left
bank of the river. The same day, going through the
jungle to see one of these deserted forts, we came
upon a party of the enemy, and had a brief skirmish
with them before they took to flight. Nothing can
be more unpleasant to a European than this bush-
fighting, where he scarce sees a foe, whilst he is well
aware that their eyesight is far superior to his own.
To proceed with this narrative, I may say that four
or five forts were built on the edge of the river
opposite the enemy's town, and distant not above
fifty or sixty yards. Here our guns were removed, and
a fresh battery formed ready for a bombardment, and
fire-balls essayed to ignite the houses.
' At this time Sherif JafFer, from Linga, arrived with
about seventy men, Malays and Dyaks of Balow.
The river Linga, being situated close to Seribas, and
incessant hostilities being waged between the two
places, he and his followers were both more active
and warlike than the Borneans ; but their warfare
consists of closing hand to hand with spear and
sword. They scarcely understood the proper use
of firearms, and were of little use in attacking
stockades. As a negotiator, however, the Sherif bore
a distinguished part ; and on his arrival a parley
ensued, much against Makota's will, and some
meetings took place between Jaffer and a brother
36 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Sherif at Siniawan, named Moksain. After ten days'
delay nothing came of it, though the enemy betrayed
great desire to yield. This negotiation being at an
end, we had a day's bombardment, and a fresh treaty
brought about thus : Makota being absent in Sarawak,
I received a message from Sherif JaiFer and Pangeran
Subtu to say that they wished to meet me ; and on
my consenting they stated that Sherif JafFer felt
confident the war might be brought to an end,
though alone he dared not treat with the rebels ; but,
in case I felt inclined to join him, we could bring it
to a favourable conclusion. I replied that our habits
of treating were very unlike their own, as we allowed
no delays to interpose ; but that I would unite with
him for one interview, and if that interview was
favourable we might meet the chiefs at once and
settle it, or put an end to all further treating.
Pangeran Subtu was delighted with the proposition,
urged its great advantages, and the meeting, by my
desire, was fixed for that very night, the place
Pangeran Illudin's fort at Sekundis. The evening
arrived, and at dark we were at the appointed place
and a message was despatched for Sherif Moksain.
In the meantime, however, came a man from Pange-
ran Subtu to beg us to hold no intercourse ; that the
rebels were false, meant to deceive us, and if they
did come we had better make them prisoners. Sherif
JafFer, after arguing the point some time, rose to
depart, remarking that with such proceedings he
RAJAH BROOKE 37
would not consent to treat. I urged him to stay,
but finding him bent on going I ordered my gig
(which had some time before been brought overland)
to be put into the water — my intention being to
proceed to the enemy's kampong and hear what they
had to say. I added that it was folly to leave undone
what we had agreed to do in the morning because
Pangeran Subtu changed his mind ; that I had come
to treat, and treat I would. I would not go away
now without giving the enemy a fair hearing. For
the good of all parties I would do it — and if the
Sherif liked to join me, as we proposed before, and
wait for Sherif Moksain, good ; if not, I would go in
the boat to the kampong. My Europeans, on being
ordered, jumped up, ran out and brought the boat
to the water's edge and in a few minutes oars, rudder
and rowlocks were in her. My companions, seeing
this, came to terms, and we waited for Sherif Moksain,
during which, however, I overheard a whispering
conversation from Subtu's messenger, proposing to
seize him, and my temper was ruffled to such a
degree, that I drew out a pistol, and told him I would
shoot him dead if he dared to seize, or talk of seizing,
any man who trusted himself from the enemy to meet
me. The scoundrel slunk off, and we were no more
troubled with him. This past, Sherif Moksain arrived,
and was introduced into our fortress alone — alone
and unarmed in an enemy's stockade, manned with
two hundred men. His bearing was firm ; he ad-
38 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
vanced with ease and took his seat, and during the
interview the only sign of uneasiness was the quick
glance of his eye from side to side. The object he
aimed at was to gain my guarantee that the lives of
all the rebels should be spared, but this I had not in
my power to grant. He returned to his kampong,
and came again towards morning, when it was agreed
that Sherif JafFer and myself should meet the Patingis
and the Tumangong, and arrange terms with them.
By the time our conference was over the day broke,
and we descended to our boats to have a little rest.
*- On the 20th December we met the chiefs on the
river, and they expressed themselves ready to yield,
without conditions, to the rajah, if I would promise
that they should not be put to death. My reply
was that I could give no such promise ; but if they
surrendered, it must be for life or death, according to
the rajah's pleasure, and all I could do was to use
my influence to save their lives. To this they
assented after a while ; but then there arose the more
difficult question, how they were to be protected
until the rajah's orders arrived. They dreaded both
Chinese and Malays, especially the former, who had
just cause for angry feelings, and who, it was feared,
would make an attack on them directly their sur-
render had taken from them their means of defence.
The Malays would not assail them in a body, but
would individually plunder them, and give occasion
for disputes and bloodshed. Their apprehensions were
RAJAH BROOKE 39
almost sufficient to break ofF the hitherto favourable
negotiations, had I not proposed to them myself to
undertake their defence, and to become responsible
for their safety until the orders of their sovereign
arrived. On my pledging myself to this they yielded
up their strong fort of Balidah, the key of their
position. I immediately made it known to our own
party that no boats were to ascend or descend the
river, and that any person attacking or pillaging the
rebels were my enemies, and that I should fire upon
them without hesitation.
' Both Chinese and Malays agreed to the propriety of
the measure, and gave me the strongest assurances of
restraining their respective followers ; the former with
good faith, the latter with the intention of involving
matters, if possible, to the destruction of the rebels.
By the evening we were in possession of Balidah, and
certainly found it a formidable fortress, situated on a
steep mound, with dense defences of wood, triple deep,
and surrounded by two enclosures, thickly studded on
the outside with ranjaus. The effect of our fire had
shaken it completely, now much to our discomfort,
for the walls were tottering and the roof as leaky as a
sieve. On the 20th December, then, the war closed.
The very next day, contrary to stipulation, the Malay
pangerans tried to ascend the river, and when stopped
began to expostulate. After preventing many, the
attempt was made by Subtu and Pangeran Hassim
in three large boats, boldly pulling towards us.
40 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Three hails did not check them, and they came on,
in spite of a blank cartridge and a wide ball to turn
them back. But I was resolved, and when a dozen
musket balls whistled over and fell close around them,
they took to an ignominious flight. I subsequently
upbraided them for this breach of promise, and Makota
loudly declared they had been greatly to blame, but I
discovered that he himself had set them on.
* I may now briefly conclude these details. I ordered
the rebels to burn all their stockades, which they did
at once, and deliver up the greater part of their arms,
and I proceeded to the rajah to request from him their
lives. Those who know the Malay character will
appreciate the difficulty of the attempt to stand be-
tween the monarch and his victims. I only succeeded
when, at the end of a long debate — I soliciting, he
denying — I rose to bid him farewell, as it was my
intention to sail directly, since, after all my exertions
in his cause he would not grant me the lives of the
people, I could only consider that his friendship for
me was at an end. On this he yielded. I must own
that during the discussion he had much the best of it ;
for he urged that they had forfeited their lives by the
law, as a necessary sacrifice to the future peace of the
country ; and argued that in a similar case in my own
native land no leniency would be shown. On the
contrary, my reasoning, though personal, was, on the
whole, the best for the rajah and the people. I
explained my extreme reluctance to have the blood
RAJAH BROOKE 41
of conquered foes shed ; the shame I should experience
in being a party, however involuntarily, to their exe-
cution, and the general advantage of a merciful line of
policy. At the same time I told him that their lives
were forfeited, their crimes had been of a heinous
and unpardonable nature, and that it was only from so
humane a man as himself, one with so kind a heart,
that I could ask for their pardon ; but, I added, he
well knew that it was only my previous knowledge of
his benevolent disposition, and the great friendship I
felt for him, which had induced me to take any part
in the struggle. Other stronger reasons might have
been brought forward, which I forbore to employ,
as being repugnant to his princely pride, viz., that
severity in this case would arm many against him,
raise powerful enemies in Borneo proper, as well as
here, and greatly impede the future right government
of the country. However, having gained my point, I
was satisfied.
' Having fulfilled this engagement, and being, more-
over, with many of my Europeans, attacked with ague,
I left the scene with all the dignity of complete suc-
cess. Subsequently the rebels were ordered to deliver
up all their arms, ammunition and property ; and last,
the wives and children of the principal people were
demanded as hostages and obtained. The women and
children were treated with kindness and preserved
from injury or wrong. Siniawan thus dwindled
away. The poorer men stole off in canoes, and were
42 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
scattered about, most of them coming to Kuching.
The better class pulled down the houses, abandoned
the town and lived in boats for a month when,
alarmed by the delay in settling terms and impelled
by hunger, they also fled — Patingi Gapoor, it was said,
to Sambas, and Patingi Ali and the Tumangong
amongst the Dyaks. After a time it was supposed
they would return and receive their wives and
children. The army gradually dispersed to seek
food, and the Chinese were left in possession of the
once renowned Siniawan, the ruin of which they
completed by burning all that remained and erecting
a village for themselves in the immediate neighbour-
hood. Sherif Jaffer and many others departed to their
respective homes, and the pinching of famine succeeded
to the horrors of war. Fruit, being in season, helped
to support the wretched people, and the near approach
of the rice harvest kept up their spirits.'
Thus ended the great civil war, which is so re-
nowned in local history. The three chiefs mentioned
— Patingi Gapoor, Patingi Ali and the Tumangong —
with their sons and relatives, will appear again as some
of the principal actors in the history of Sarawak. All
except Patingi Gapoor remained faithful to the end,
or are still among the main supports of the present
Government. I knew them all, with the exception of
Patingi Ali, who was killed whilst gallantly heading
an attack on the Sakarang pirates during Captain
Keppel's expedition in 1844.
CHAPTER III
THIRD VISIT TO SARAWAK MAKOTA INTRIGUES
AGAINST BROOKE VISIT OF THE STEAMER
' DIANA ' HE IS GRANTED THE GOVERNMENT
OF SARAWAK HIS PALACE CAPTAIN KEPPEL
OF H.M.S. ' DIDO ' VISITS SARAWAK EXPEDI-
TION AGAINST THE SERIBAS PIRATES VISIT OF
SIR EDWARD BELCHER RAJAH BROOKE's IN-
CREASED INFLUENCE VISIT TO THE STRAITS
SETTLEMENTS IS WOUNDED IN SUMATRA THE
' DIDO ' RETURNS TO SARAWAK FURTHER OPER-
ATIONS — NEGOTIATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERN-
MENT CAPTAIN BETHUNE AND MR WISE ARRIVE
IN SARAWAK
Peace being again restored to the country, Brooke
was enabled to study the position. Muda Hassim
occasionally mentioned his intention of rewarding his
English ally for his great services by giving him the
government of Sarawak ; but nothing came of it, as
when the document for submission to the Sultan was
duly prepared it proved to be nothing but ' permission
to trade.' However unsatisfactory this might be,
43
44 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Brooke accepted it for the moment, and it was agreed
that he should proceed to Singapore, load a schooner
with merchandise, and return to open up the resources
of the place. In the meantime the rajah was to
build a house for his friend, and prepare a shipload of
antimony ore as a return cargo for the schooner.
While in Singapore Brooke wrote to his mother
f concerning his plans, and he now added, * I really
/ have excellent hopes that this eflPort of mine will suc-
J^ cced ; and while it ameliorates the condition of the
i unhappy natives, and tends to the promotion of the
/ highest philanthropy, it will secure to me some better
\ means of carrying through these grand objects. I call
i them grand objects, for they are so, when we reflect
/ that civilisation, commerce and religion may through
f them be spread over so vast an island as Borneo.
] They are so grand, that self is quite lost when I con-
f sider them ; and even the failure would be so much
/ better than the non-attempt, that I could willingly
j sacrifice myself as nearly as the barest prudence will
\ permit.'
Many, perhaps, could write such words, but Brooke
really felt them, and fully intended to carry out his
views, whatever obstacles might stand in his way ;
and they were many, for on his return to Sarawak in
the Royalist^ with the schooner Swift laden with goods
for the market, he found no house built and no cargo
of antimony ready. A house in Sarawak could be
built in ten days or a fortnight, as the materials are all
RAJAH BROOKE 45
found in the jungle and the natives are expert at the
work.
The antimony was procurable, but, as Brooke after-
wards found, it was the product of forced labour,
almost always unpaid. One cannot but smile at
Brooke's first attempt at trade. Without sending up
to see whether the antimony was ready, he accepted
Muda Hassim's word, and then handed over to him the
whole of the cargo of the Swift. What might have
been expected followed. No sooner had the Malay
rajah secured the goods than the most profound
apathy was shown as to the return cargo. The same
system was followed with regard to the government
of the country ; every attempt to discuss it was evaded,
and I believe that Makota did his best to persuade
Muda Hassim that the Englishman was but a bird of
passage, who would soon get tired of waiting, and
would sail away without the return cargo, and drop
all thoughts of governing the country.
Pangeran Makota, who had been Brooke's enemy
throughout all these proceedings, was now ready to
act. He knew that the Land Dyaks in the interior, as
well as the Malays of Siniawan whom the Englishman
had aided to subdue, now looked to him as their pro-
tector ; he therefore determined to destroy his prestige.
He invited the Seribas Sea Dyaks and Malays to come
to Sarawak ; they came in a hundred bangkongs, or
long war boats, with at least three thousand men, with
the ostensible object of attacking a tribe living near
46 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
the Sambas frontier, who had not been submissive
enough to Bornean exactions ; but every violent act
they committed w^ould have been overlooked if they
only gave a sufficient percentage of their captives to
the nobles. Already these w^ild devils had received
the rajah's permission to proceed up the river ; the
Land Dyaks, the Malays, the Chinese w^ere full of fear,
as all are treated as enemies by the Seribas w^hen out
on the w^arpath. As soon as Brooke received notice
of w^hat Muda Hassim, instigated by Makota, had
done, he retired to the Royalist and prepared both his
vessels for action. The Malay rulers, hearing hovi^
angry he w^as, and uncertain w^hat steps he might
take, recalled the expedition, w^hich returned, furious
at being baulked of their prey, and would have liked
to have tried conclusions with the English ships, but
found them too well on their guard.
This very act which Makota expected would lower
the Englishman's prestige, naturally greatly enhanced
it, as it was soon known, even into the far interior, that
the white stranger had but to say the word and this
fearful scourge had been stayed.
Another event soon followed which greatly raised
Brooke's influence among the natives. He received
notice that an English vessel had been wrecked on
the north coast of Borneo, and that the crew were
detained as hostages by the Sultan of Borneo for the
payment of a ransom. He now sent the Royalist to
try and release them, whilst he despatched the Swift
RAJAH BROOKE 47
to Singapore for provisions, and remained with three
companions in his new house in Sarawak. Could
anything better prove his cool courage ? The Royalist
failed in its mission, but almost immediately after its
return, an East India Company's steamer came up the
river to inquire as to its success, and finding the captive
crew still at Brunei, proceeded there and quickly
effected their release. The appearance of the Diana
twice in the river had its effect on the population,
as it was probably the first steamer they had ever
seen,
Makota had been greatly disappointed that his
intrigues had failed to force the white strangers to quit
the country, but his fertile invention now thought of
more sure and criminal means. 'Why not poison
them ? ' He tried, but failed ; his confederates con-
fessed, and then Brooke resolved to act. Either
Makota or himself must fall. By a judicious display
of force, quite justified under the circumstances, he
freed the rajah from the baneful influence of Makota,
who from that time forward ceased to act as chief
adviser, and regained his former ascendency. Muda
Hassim immediately carried out his original promise,
and in a formal document handed over the govern-
ment of the district of Sarawak to Brooke. The news
was received with rejoicing by the Land Dyaks, the
Sarawak Malays and the Chinese, but with some
misgivings by the rascally followers of the Bornean
rajahs. This event took place in September 1841.
48 BUILDERS OF GREATER BRITAIN
Brooke's first act was to request Muda Hassim to
return to their families the women and children who
had been given as hostages after the close of the
civil war. He succeeded in most cases, but as the
younger brothers of Muda Hassim had honoured with
their notice some of the unmarried girls, he was
forced to leave ten of them in the harems of the
rajahs.
Being now Governor of Sarawak, he determined to
effect some reforms. One of the greatest difficulties
he encountered was the introduction of impartial
justice ; to teach the various classes that all were
equal before the law. He opened a court, at which
he himself provided, aided moreover, by some of the
rajah's brothers and the chiefs of the Siniawan
Malays, and dispensed justice according to the native
laws, which in most cases are milder than those
of European countries. When absent himself his
chief officer acted for him. As long as these laws
were only applied to Dyaks, Chinese or inferior
Malays, there was no resistance, but when the
privileged class and their unscrupulous followers were
touched, there arose some murmurings.
Brooke saw at once that to ensure stability to his
rule he must govern the people through, and with the
aid of, the chiefs to whom they were accustomed.
He therefore proposed to Muda Hassim to restore to
their former positions the men who had been at the
head of the late rebellion, and who certainly had been
