The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 76
My Last Voyage
My Last Voyage
was from Java to Celebes, a large island of the Archipelago under Dutch rule, but little known to the world in general, although it is of great extent, exceedingly fertile, and possesses most picturesque and beautiful scenery. Macassar, at the south-west end of the island, is the seat of Government, but a considerable portion of the country is still held by native chiefs. I was bound through the Strait between Borneo and Celebes to the Bay page 24 of Menado, in the northern part of the island, where the shore is so steep and the water so deep that it is quite necessary to be very close before casting anchor. As we were running into the bay with a strong sea breeze, which soon became a gale, it was very difficult after dark to find the right place to anchor at near the fort; but a light was shown for my guidance, and, after much anxiety, we brought up within a cable's length of the shore. Most of the country in this part of Celebes is elevated, about 2000 feet above the sea, which renders the climate compara-tively cool and pleasant. Whilst our cargo of cocoa was being prepared for shipment, I resided on shore with the only English merchant at Menado, and also made