The Raja of Saráwak; An account of Sir James Brooke, K.C.B., LL.D., given chiefly through letters and journals Volume 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 edition. Excerpt: ...the Moon," had been joint commanders of the piratical expedition which by Brooke's influence was prevented from ascending Sarawak river; but, notwithstanding this thwarting of his plans, "the Sun" was amiably disposed towards the Englishman. The latter describes him as being " as fine a young man as the eye could wish to rest upon--straight, elegantly yet strongly made, with a chest and neck and head set on them which might serve Apollo, legs far better than his of Belvedere, and a countenance mild and intelligent." "I became very good friends," he adds, "with both Sun and Moon, and gave them a great deal of good advice about piracy, which of course was thrown away." (Journal.) " Suntah Cottage, February 4th.--I am here on my first visit to my farm at this place. The cottage is situated at the junction of the Suntah stream with the left-hand river. The latter is highly picturesque the whole way from Ledah Tannah, with high banks, clear water, occasional rocks, and a varied and abundant vegetation; and at Santah are all these characters, and the landscape one of sylvan beauty. The small stream of Santah, however, is yet more beautiful in my eyes, rushing along its pebbly bed, and overarched with melancholy boughs that admit the tropical sun only in nickering rays. The scene resembles the Dargle in County Wicklow, but is far more luxuriant in foliage. Santah Cottage stands on a slight eminence on the river's edge, and the farm as yet presents only about three acres covered with brushwood and huge trees felled, but numerous fruit-trees, durien and landseh, have been spared. A second cottage, to be called Fairy Knoll, is in progress, and there is to be the diamond mine. The Santah river is famous for its diamonds. The workers seem jealous and...