Page 190 - Early English Adventurers in the Middle East_Neat

190 EARLY ENGLISH ADVENTURERS IN THE EAST

yet it is entitled to a high place amongst the list of humble
heroes who in various parts of the world and in differing
situations have at one time or another “ kept the flag fly­
ing.” Until he was entrusted with the command of this
expedition he does not appear to have occupied any very
responsible position, but Jourdain doubtless knew his
worth and selected him especially for those strong qualities
which he displayed so conspicuously in this adventure,
the details of which we have now to relate.
The instructions given to Courthope directed him, after
a call at Macassar, to proceed to Poolo Roon, an island
near Poolo Ai, where he was to make inquiry as to the rela­
tions between the Dutch and the natives, and if possible
to induce the latter to ratify under their hands and seals
a formal surrender of all or part of such island as was at
their disposal. A similar course was to be adopted in the
cases of Lonthor and Rosengyn, but he was to take no
action in regard to Poolo Ai beyond notifying the Dutch
of the English claim to the island. He was further in­
structed to land ordnance on Poolo Roon, if the natives
should request him to do so. Finally, he was specially
cautioned as to his behaviour towards the islanders who
were described as “ peevish, perverse, diffident and per­
fidious, apt to take disgust on small occasions, and being
moved are more cumbersome than wasps.”
On arrival off Poolo Roon early in 1617 Courthope pro­
ceeded at once to make his commission effective. The
native authorities cordially responded to his request to
agree to a transfer of the island. They did this in the
approved fashion “ with earth and a young nutmeg tree
and with writings drawn and confirmed under the hand
of the principal gentry and seal or chop of the country.”

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