Torres Straits-Death of a Sailor at Sea-Bay of Batavia-Mr. Medhurst, Missionary in Java--Chinese in Batavia-Malays-Hospital— Visit to the Dutch Governor of Java-Appearance of the CountryVillage of Baitenzorg-Premises and Hospitality of the GovernorPicture of Buonaparte-Christian Village-Journey to Samarang— A Javanese Prince-Suspension and Floating Bridges-Volcanic Mountains-Tiger-traps-Cemeteries-Marvellous Story--Revellers -Method of frightening Birds from Rice-fields-Buffaloes--Mr. Brockener, Baptist Missionary--Chinese Temple and Priests--Visit to Solo A Grandee.
June 29. THIS day we have completed the intricate and dangerous part of the navigation of Torres Straits, winding between New Holland and New Guinea on the north. record the date of this event, on our voyage, because we feel that we have been continually delivered from hindrances and difficulties, seen and unseen, in the way, which might have proved destructive to the vessel or fatal to ourselves, under circumstances less favorable than those which, by order of a gracious Providence, have made our four days' passage (coming to anchor every evening) about a hundred and fifty miles in length, among sunken rocks, coral islands, shoals and reefs, delightful by day and secure by night. This was the more remarkable, as there were two other ships (the Hercules and the Asia) in company with ours, and no damage has been suffered by either, nor any delay occasioned, except in a single instance, when the Asia ran aground, but was got off in the course of half an hour. We are now