Détails
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CollectionSouth & Southeast Asian Collection
N° d'objetS1970-0052-004-0
TitreManuscript, Double-sided
CréateurCharles Dyce
Description“and seconds of its latitude and longitude; such may be found in any modern book of Geography, but one cannot help being stuck with its very centrical, in fact its almost Tollbar like situation with regard to China_lying as it does nearly half way and in the direct line of vessels to and from India, it has been for many years the rendezvous and news-box of that beautiful class of vessels, the Opium Clippers, whose mothions as they appeared and as suddenly were off again were watched till lately with no little eagerness by the lieges on shore, few whom perhaps were interested in their cargoes, but all in the expectation of their bringing overland or Indian news_ Nowadays however, they come and go creating no more notice than that of any ordinary sailing vessel._ Steam has usurped their places as letter carriers and will it is to be feared soon do so as to Cargo if the Peninsular and Oriental company carry out their proposed direct steamers from Bombay and Calcutta_
The appearance of Singapore on entering the Roads especiall6y by way of the Straits of Malacca is extremely pleasing and gives a very favourable impression to the beholder._ An air of cheerfulness pervades the scene so foreign to almost all towns on the continent of India, that there are a few perhaps who have not experienced a greater or lesser extent as the impression may strike him, those pleasurable emotions produced by the sudden burst in a foreign land of a picture unexpectedly English looking_ The sketch facing the Title page gives a general view of the Town and Island as seen after rounding St Johns._
The second sketch is nearly the view which meets the eye after anchoring, but it is taken from a good deal more to the northward, a locality well known to most seafaring men visiting the port_ It is the Dock of Singapore or at least all that is for one viz a small bight formed by a neck of land, and behind which ships requiring repair are subjected to the clumsy and often dangerous operation of being hove down_ Negotiations were sometime ago an foot for the formation of dry Docks at “Pulo Brani” a small Island adjoining “Blakan Mati” or FlagstaffIsland in new Harbor, and surveys procured Estimates formed in short everything was got ready but the one thing needful, the money and until some spirited individuals on the other side of the capr come forward it is to be feared that there is neither Capital nor Enterprise enough in the Straits for it._ The locality chosen for the Docks leaving out the question its real qualifications for the end in view is one of great beauty and is attempted to be shown in sketch No. 3_ the small village in the centre of the picture, is that of the Malay Rajah a pensioner of Government_ The power of the Rajah or (as he is better known) the Tumungong among the Malays of the surrounding country, and of late years his exertions to assist Govt in the suppression of Piracy have been most praiseworthy so much so that the court of Directors forwarded about six month ago a very handsome sword to be presented to him- this was done by the Governor with as much pomp &” (Sketches in the Straits, Nineteenth - century watercolours and manuscript of Singapore, Malacca, Penang and Batavia by Charles Dyce, Page 88)
“ceremony as could be got up, and it is believed created a most favorable impression on the minds of the malay population of the Straits generally
The Government Hill on which stands the residence of the Governor is beautiful situated overlooking the town and Harbour_ it commands, altho’ not above one hundred and fifty or two hundred feet in height, a most beautiful and varied prospect, and the difference of climate even at this slight elevation is very perceptible_ the grounds about the Hill are tastefully laid out and it seems a pity that such elegant approaches should lead only to a wooden and thatched bungalow of the plainest description_ The house is almost as old as the settlemeny and requires the greatest care and constant repait to make it at all habitable_ A direct refusal was mabe by the court of Directors to the application of the previous Governor for a new one which was not in accordance with their usually liberal conduct since they exact a monthly rent for its occupation_
Immediately under the Hill in the second sketch is the institution_ Free School established by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1824_ it was built by subscription in which Government were liberal donors and is now supported through the same means._It is at this time in a more flourishing condition through the exertions of the Governor and his Lady who have since their arrival in the settlement, shown a very great interest in this as well as all other institutions on the Island._ The Patrons and friends of the School have a most serious difficulty to contend with in propagating education among the native population, and that is, the apathy of the Malays and the carelessness or indifference of the Chinese_ The first named won’t be taught on any terms, so that it is impossible to ascertain whether any real abilities are hidden under their simple and stupid exterior and the latter cannot be got to attend with any approach to regularity_ The Malays are very backward in civilization, are a most simple gullible race, and are constantly the dupes of cunning Chinese & Indians.
The view of the Harbour and part of the town from GovtHill is given in the fourth sketch and conveys a tolerable idea of the extent and denseness of the town, which is as closely built as any in Europe._ On a clear day the scene is extremely picturesque and varied_ the Roadstead crowded with vessels of all sorts and descriptions, Junks in their season, quaint looking Bugis Peoas with their towering Poops, rakish Malacca topes black hulled and lateen rigged and bamboo yards, stately men of war with crowds of merchant men from the smart lightly rigged Yankee to the clumsy and heavily sparred Arab, and occasionally three or four of those antediluvian Benbow looking craft which his Majesty of Cochin_China annually sends to the straits withcargoes of Sugar and copper, while thousands of boats of all descriptions & sizes in their various employments constantly on the move & the exceedingly variet of Flags, make the whole scene seldom to be surpassed_ No fewer than the colours of Nineteen different Nation have been counted flying on vessels in the Roads at one time.
Lieu de créationSingapore
Date 1816 - 1853
Catégorie d'objetManuscript
MatérielWatercolour & ink on paper
Dimensions
H: 75.3 cm
L: 60.6 cm
L: 60.6 cm
