Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalof283018951897roya).pdf/24

 In 1779, we come across Captain LIGHT in one of these voyages; more than one reference being made to him in the Journal of Dr. KOENIG, the Danish Botanist, during that year. He met Captain LIGHT trading at Junk Ceylon in May, and at Malacca in November, 1779; and he refers to him in terms that show there was friendship between them, and that the Botanist found him an enlightened and sympathetic companion. It is curious that this MS. also contains for the first time a tolerably full mention of Penang and of the deep-water approaches in the North channel, which justified its selection by Captain LIGHT seven years later.

In 1780-1, a scheme had at last been matured for settling Junk Ceylon, through private subscription but with the consent of the Governor-General in Council (then WARREN HASTINGS). There is in the British Museum a Paper which bears on this scheme, being a description of Junk Ceylon transmitted by Captain LIGHT to Lord CORNWALLIS in his letter of 18th June, 1787. The wars with the French and Dutch in 1781-3 delayed its execution, and shortly after Captain LIGHT decided on the superior merits of Penang harbour. He was at first for settling at one and the same time in both places; but when the friendly ruler of Junk Ceylon died in December, 1785, it was finally resolved by the Governor-General to make the experiment at Penang alone, which the young Raja of Kedah had offered to cede for $6,000 a year.

In June, 1786, Captain LIGHT left Calcutta with Sir J. MACPHERSON'S authority to act. He was given 100 Native "new-raised Marines" and 30 Native Lascars, as well as 15 Artillerymen (European) and 5 Officers to support him in his undertaking to carry out the settlement of Penang. He first proceeded to Kedah. There he completed his negotiations, and provisioned his party. Sailing thence with three vessels on the evening of the 14th July, 1786, he anchored off Pulau Tikus the following day. The first two days he stayed on board, and was busy surveying the harbour and testing the