Raffles comments on the ongoing progress of Singapore: "I have much satisfaction in reporting that my Settlement of Singapore still continues to advance, steadily but yet rapidly - The certainty of its permanent retention by us is alone wanting to ensure its' prosperity ... hitherto it has been merely a Port for Barter and Exchanges, and Merchandise has not been stored on the Island to any extent, but as Capital accumulates and Mercantile Establishments are formed, Store Houses will be built & the Trade of course increase in proportion to the additional facilities that will be afforded. It is my intention to go round to Singapore in the course of a few Months in order to make such general arrangements as will admit of the expansion and rise of the Settlement without endangering the principle on which it is established ... ". He also mentions communications between Singapore and Siam: "Our intercourse with Siam continues not only uninterrupted but is rapidly increasing - We sent a Kind of Embassy there lately with the view of ascertaining the State of the Country and to pave the way for further direct communication - the gentleman deputed was a Merchant of Singapore and united this object with a Commercial Speculation - he was very well received & the King has returned a very complimentary Letter to the Resident of Singapore - and as far as Commercial intercourse is concerned, it appears that while we respect their Port Regulations and do not interfere with politics we shall always be welcome Visitors. These Port Regulations are annoying & harassing to Shipping but are only what might be expected ... At the period of this visit no less than 200 large Junks sailed from the Siam River for Singapore and other parts of the Archipelago ... ". Raffles concludes with mentioning Sumatra: " ... we send home upwards of 100 tons of the finer spices - Nutmeg, Mace and Cloves - the produce of Bencoolen, and the Planters are anxious to contract for the supply of Great Britain in future years. This will effectually destroy the Dutch Monopoly."
