Page:Malay Annals.pdf/7

 since the establishment of Mahometanism, should have been annexed; but the premature and lamented death of Dr. Leyden will account for its appearing in its present imperfect state.

The public attention has latterly been so much directed to these islands, and the recent occupation of Java by the British authorities, has thrown so much light on the nature and resources of the Malayan Archipelago, and on the extent, character, and pursuits of its inhabitants, that it is not necessary in this place to enter upon any detailed account of either.

From the period at which Europeans first visited these islands, their civil history may be summed up in few words; it is included in that of their commerce. The extensive trade of these islands had long collected at certain natural and advantageous emporia; of these Bautain, Achau, Malacca, and Macasser, were the principal. The valour of Portugal broke the power of the native states, and left them exposed to the more selfish policy of their successors. The Dutch had no sooner established their capital at Batavia, than, not satisfied with