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The Bramble brings an account from Koepang respecting the cutter Paul Jones, which left Swan River for China with a cargo of sandal wood, recently discovered there. Her cargo sold advantageously there, and she left on the 14th July with tea and China goods, having on board Mr. Bathe, master, Mr. Grunsell, acting mate, Mr. A. Molton, supercargo, Henry Grey and John Parr, seamen. Through stress of weather they were compelled to request the assistance of the English whaler Rover to tow her into Amboyna, where she refitted. Captain Bathe left the vessel at this port, when she was taken charge of by the supercargo, who proceeded with her to Koepang, to endeavour to procure a sailing master. At this place they took on board as passengers Mr. Middlecoat, his servant (a Malay boy), and two Malay seamen, and left again for Swan River on the 8th October. On the morning of the 14th October, the Malays rose on the Europeans, who were asleep at the time, and murdered the acting master Mr. Molton, Mr. Middlecoat, Mr. Grunsell, wounding also Parr, one of the seamen. Not understanding navigation, the two seamen were spared, with orders to steer for the nearest land. On the 22nd October they fell in with a Dutch schooner, which refused them any assistance without they would proceed to her port of destination. November 10th, she fell in with the London whaler Brothers, by which she was taken in tow and conveyed to Koepang. The two British seamen and the Malays were taken into custody for the murders, the former were discharged as soon as their evidence had been taken, but the Malays were detained. The following letter was addressed by His Excellency the Dutch Resident at Koepang, to Lieutenant Yule : Translation Timor, Koepang According to your request of this day, I have the honour to furnish you with answers to the questions you have put to me concerning the cutter Paul Jones, which had been run away with and brought in here. 1. The Paul Jones arrived last at Koepang, on the 13th of this month. 2. She was conducted here by the English whaling barque Brothers. 3. Commanded by F. L. Locke. 4. The Paul Jones had sailed from Koepang, on the 8th of October, 1848. 5. Bound for Swan River. 5. Sailing under the English flag 7. The names of the owners are William Willcock and John Bathe. 8. The passenger was named Middlecoat. 9. The crew consisted of:- The cargo consisted of 128 chests of tea, and earthenware. 11. The affairs of the Paul Jones were turned over to the management and decision of the court of justice of Sourabaya ; the vessel and cargo in the mean time have been taken under the protection of the Government of Koepang. 12. The crew were also sent to the court of Justice to stand their trial. 13. Information concerning the occurrences which befel the Paul Jones was forwarded by the Resident only to the Government of Java, and to the court of justice. I hope that the above answers to your questions will prove satisfactory, to which I herewith add that as far as known to me, the captain, Moulton, the mate, Roderick McLennon, and the passenger, (Middlecoat) were murdered on the sixth night after their departure from Koepang. The Resident of Timor, To the Lieutenant Commandant of H.B.M. schooner Bramble, in the road of Koepang, SG & SGTL ; Vol 4 ; Page 65. ^ back to top ^ |