Batavia would not approve of our ships being allowed to remain at Amboyna. Yet the Baron very well knew that, in the preceding year, two small English vessels, fitted out at Bombay for the Pelew Islands, had been received without the least difficulty. They had first put in at Bourou; but, finding no provisions there, had been permitted to ship some at Amboyna; and those vessels were far from having so good a title as we had to such indulgence. But, perhaps, the appearance of foreign vessels in that road, for two years successively, made it necessary for the Governor to take every precaution, in order to save his responsibility. He received us very favourably; but we were unhappy that he appeared in his ceremonial dress on our account; for he was oppressed with heat, under a very heavy coat of black velvet. Such garments are extremely incommodious near the Line, but the Dutch Governors wear them, as a prerogative annexed to their station.
Some refreshment was offered to us. I wished for nothing but water, and I poured out that which appeared the most limpid; but its saltish taste made me think that the domestics had, by mistake, brought me some medicinal water. It was in fact Seltzer-water, which the Dutch here usually drink as an agreeable potation; and it costs
them
