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 flying." 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 relations 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 instructed 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 perfidious, apt to take disgust on small occasions, and being moved are more cumbersome than wasps."
On arrival off Poolo Roon early in 1617 Courthope proceeded 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."
