The failure of the attempt to colonize Melville Island was predicted by Captain Evans, in a letter addressed to the same Right Hon. Gentleman, of which the following is an extract:
“I am sorry to find that a settlement is about to be formed on Melville Island, in Carpentaria Bay:– you may depend it will not succeed, and ihe expense will be great. It will not answer any one purpose:– the Malays will not be able to go there to trade, it is too far for them – during the S.E. winds it will be impossible for them to go, and the N.W. winds will prevent them from returning. Sir Thomas Raffles could not have known much about the place, when he recommended it for such a purpose.”
In another letter, dated Aug. 24, 1824, Captain Evans says:
“The monsoons are different to what you find iu the China seas and bay of Bengal. You have strong S. E. winds when the S.W. winds prevail in the bay, and N.W. winds when the N.E. monsoons blow in the China seas and bay. It would take the Malays a whole monsoon to make a voyage to Port Essington, even should they escape the Dutch; and slavery would be their portion if taken.
“The port of Dilha may be reached in one night, (at least the east end of Timor) from any one of the Spice Islands; every week or ten days in each monsoon a voyage may be made, and that without any danger from the Dutch. The Malays have active minds, are fond of trade, and when treated kindly are much attached to you.”
Captain Evans married Isabella, daughter of George Nesbitt, of Woodhill, co. Donegal, Esq. and sister to Major Nesbitt, who commanded the militia of that county, his Colonel being absent, at the time when the French effected a landing in Bantry Bay. By that amiable and accomplished lady, he has one son living.
Agents.– Messrs. Evans and Eyton.
THOMAS FOLLIOIT BAUGH, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1810.]
Was made a Lieutenant in Nov. 1793; and promoted to the rank of Commander, April 29, 1802. We subsequently find him holding an appointment in the Irish Sea Fencible service, and afterwards commanding the Clio brig, on the Baltic station, where he captured a Danish privateer of 6 guns, Sept. 21, 1808. His post commission bears date Oct. 21, 1810.
Agents.– Messrs. Stilwell.
