cent and guilty, were
exterminated. Notwithstanding this, however, thousands rushed in soon
after to supply their places! It was apprehended that this occurrence
would excite the indignation of the Emperor of China, and, perhaps,
induce him to stop their trade with his country; but when they sent
deputies to apologise, their fears were shown to be groundless by his
truly paternal reply,--to the effect that he was little solicitous for
the fate of unworthy subjects, who, in the pursuit of lucre, had quitted
their country, and abandoned the tombs of their ancestors!

Notwithstanding the unhealthiness of the climate, and the impediments
thrown in the way of commerce by the unwise restrictions of the Dutch,
the Roads of Batavia are always full of the flags of all nations,
attracted by the profit merchants are still able to make. As Batavia
is, or rather was, before Singapore was established, the sole depot for
the spices of the Moluccas and the productions of the island of Java,
consisting of rice, coffee, sugar, arrack, and pepper, ships were coming
continually from every part of India, Africa, and even Europe; and as
they were not allowed to take away coin, they were compelled to fill up
with some or other of the above-mentioned productions. The trade,
indeed, was one almost exclusively of barter.

Bengal sent drugs, patnas, blue cloths, different kinds of stuffs, and
opium; which were exchanged for rice, sugar, coffee, tea, spices,
arrack, a small quantity of silks, and china-ware. The kings of Achen
and Natal, in the island of Sumatra, sent camphor--the best which is
known--benzoin, birds'-nests, calin, and elephants' teeth; and in return
took opium, rice, patnas, and frocks, which were made at Java, Macassar,
and the Moluccas. The princes of the Isle of Borneo sent gold dust,
diamonds, and birds'-nests; and took opium, rice, patnas, frocks,
gunpowder, and small guns, as they said, to defend themselves against
pirates, but, in reality, for their own use as pirates.

The Americans brought kerseymeres, cloths, hats, gold-wire,
silver-galloon, stationery, wine, beer, Seltzer water, provisions, and
piastres; in exchange for spices, sugar, arrack, tea, coffee, rice,
rushes, and Chinese silk and porcelain. The Muscat ships brought
piastres and gum-arabic; those from the Isle of France, wine, olive-oil,
vinegar, hams, cheese, soap, common trinkets, and ebony.

From the Cape of Good Hope were received kitchen-garden s