Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalof788019181919roya).pdf/102

 was carried on as if it where intended to place the future security of the settlement in surrounding it with a desert. The fruit-trees, venerable by their age, that surround a Malay village, are the protecting deities of the place, and are regarded with reverence and respect; Their destruction is looked upon as little less than sacrilege; Yet the axe was laid to their roots, and what ever could shelter or protection was levelled with the ground, and the whole population of the suspected villages turned loose upon the country.

To retain this in the memory of the people a handsome monument was erected by the natives to the order of the Government, in honor of Parr.

It serves now as an ornament to the town, and a very suitable shelter to President Watts tombstone, the original site of this stone is now unknown. It leans against the inner wall, a massive granite slab, artistically inscribed as follows:


 * Richard Watts Esq.


 * Sometime of Council for the Rt. Honble Compas Affairs in Fort St. George.

And in the year 1699 came over Deputy Governor of this Place.

And in about three years after made by Commission from the Company the first President of this Coast.


 * In which station he departed this life December 17, 1705.


 * And in the 44 year of his age.

This stands in the junction of three roads, some little distance south of the town, and at the end of the Pasar Baroe Road.

A slate tablet bears the following inscription:— Underneath this obelisk are interedinterred [sic] the Remains of Capt. Robert Hamilton.

Who died on the 15th Dec., 1793. At the age of 38 years.

In command of the troops and second member of the Government.

The numbers are those recorded in the Government register and plan, only those of English or early origin are mentioned int this record: All have monuments.