[Letter from Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles to Lord Lansdowne], 1820 April 15. 1820.

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[Letter from Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles to Lord Lansdowne], 1820 April 15. 1820.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/499218763

Raffles relates his doubts about Sumatra, and the remarkable success of Singapore only a year after the foundation of the settlement: "I feel much flattered by your Lordship's kind notice of my exertions in the interior of Sumatra. They were well intended, and at one time promised very satisfactory results but the check which I have received from the Ministry and the occupation of Padang by the Dutch has thrown a damp over all the fair prospects which I had once indulged for the improvement and civilization of this noble Island ... your Lordship will doubtless have heard of the important position I have been fortunate enough to establish at Singapure the ancient Maritime Capital of the Malays - The rapid rise of this important Station during the year that it has been in our possession is perhaps without its parallel ... and it already has become a Commercial Port of importance". Raffles also discusses the ongoing problems with the Dutch and his frustration with the authorities back home: " ... the whole Malayan race are anxiously awaiting the result of the deliberations in Europe, to know who is the strongest, the English or the Dutch ... ". He concludes by putting forward the advantages of "making our Stations free Ports"--Singapore in particular should have "a Port free of Duties and vexations."

[17] p. on 5 folded leaves ; 25 x 20 cm.

Broken Bow Public Library

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SNAC Resource ID: 7615814

Broken Bow Public Library

Related Entities

There are 2 Entities related to this resource.

Lansdowne, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess, 1780-1863

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6rw1ct9 (person)

British politician and Irish peer. From the description of Autograph letter signed : to an unidentified recipient, undated. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 593760516 ...

Raffles, Thomas Stamford, Sir, 1781-1826

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6ht2nnw (person)

This letter, written by Raffles from Bencoolen, is to The Marquess of Lansdowne. Lansdowne was a key supporter for the abolition of slavery and for free trade within the House of Lords. These inclinations contributed to Lansdowne's support for Raffles' efforts to increase British influence in South East Asia. From the description of [Letter from Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles to Lord Lansdowne], 1820 April 15. 1820. (Broken Bow Public Library). WorldCat record id: 499218763 Fro...