Letter from Sir James Brooke, from Sarawak, about local politics chiefly concerning Serekei (Sarikei) and Singe, 8-28 May 1856

Item

MSS. Pac. s. 90 Vol. 2a, fols. 63-78

Held at the Weston Library

With:

references to Byng, Harvey, and Helms
a reminder about the purchase of muskets, as well as a chessboard
Fox's return from Lundu
harshness of the Dutch administration
comments on Harry Nicholetts's work as police magistrate, and a description of 'young Cruickshank'
the 'settlement with Government' about which John Brooke Brooke had written
the future of the [Borneo] Company
instructions to raise a loan of £4,000 (the interest to be paid from the royalties on coal or antimony) for the purchase of opium on more favourable terms
advice to John Brooke Brooke not to stint himself while in England
the need to acquire a steamer, for political influence and security of trade
increase in revenue resulting from the advent of the Borneo Company
instructions about the steamer's crew
advice about John Brooke Brooke's marrying, and his own prejudice against 'monied wives'
the breaking off of John Brooke Brooke's sister Emma's engagement
criticism of Lord Grey's proposition, and the position of a Consul General
the arrival of the Jolly Bachelor with news of a satisfactory settlement of the jurisdiction question
formation of the Borneo Company and its future role
possible purchase of a gun boat
his own happiness at having surmounted his difficulties.