commanders.
61
With the governor himself I had no difficulty, for the more we lived together, the more reason he had to be convinced that he was not deceived as to what had taken place at Java; but I soon found the case was far different with those who had not the same opportunities of investigation. The public mind was in a state of great ferment; weeks had now elapsed since my arrival, and no vessel had appeared from any quarter bearing the confirmation of the capture of Java, and the overthrow of their empire in these seas, which were looked upon as equally chimerical as the destruction of one of the great powers of Europe. I had a Malay slave who was much attached to me; this man brought me frequently reports of what passed in the companies at Coupang. They had already more than suspected the distressed and sickly state of our force, and exclaimed loudly against the pusillanimity of the governor, in lending a credulous ear to the improbable story I had told him; my trusty servant also told me of a report that was prevalent, that a conspiracy was entered into by the governor, the principal inhabitants, and the four native rajahs in the vicinity; who, on a pre-concerted signal, were to join their forces, make myself prisoner, and re-hoist the Dutch flag. I was the more inclined to give credit to this story, as my house had been nightly beset by parties of the natives and slaves, who bad repeatedly disturbed me by their war cries; but the activity and alertness of my guard prevented any thing unpleasant happening. It now appeared to me that matters were drawing to a crisis, and that some decided measure must be taken immediately; accordingly, I went on board my ship next morning without making my intention known, and ordered the commanding officer to bring her as close to the town as the depth of water would permit, and to have all clear for action. I next proceeded with my boat’s crew, properly armed, with the intention of making myself master of the person of the governor, as a hostage and security for the good conduct of the citizens. I chose mid-day as the season for the enterprise, as in the tropics it is the season of tranquillity and repose. I entered the inner harbour, which led to the very door of the governor’s house: no alarm was given; not a soul was stirring: I entered the inner apartment with my trusty crew, who planted themselves at the door: the governor soon appeared, alarmed and agitated. I explained to him the report which had reached my cars, of a conspiracy against us, and that he was supposed to be implicated. He was excessively distressed, called on every thing sacred to witness his perfect innocence, but admitted, that for several days past ho had not been perfectly satisfied with the behaviour of some individuals, who had made very improper proposals to him. In reply, I stated to him my extreme dissatisfaction at the want of confidence of the colonists, who appeared to have mistaken my hitherto mild manner of treating them, for a want of force and authority. It was now necessary to undeceive them. At this moment a gun was fired from the Hesper, which was the signal to me that she had taken her allotted station, a-breast of the town.
