NARRATIVE OF THE WAR BETWEEN THE PADREES AND THE BATAVIAN GOVERNMENT. (Translated from the Batavian Courants.) Soon after the return of the settlements on the west coast of Sumatra to the Netherlands' jurisdiction in 1819, several complaints were preferred by the Chiefs of Padang against a part of the inhabitants, who were known to be religious enthusiasts, for oppressing their more peaceable neighbours under the pretext of converting them to their faith. These complaints were so pressing, that some of the Chiefs of Menangkabao were deputed to the Resident at Padang, with whom they entered into a treaty, by which their lands were transferred to the Netherlands' Government, on condition of being protected from their turbulent neighbours the Padrees. The occupation of some of these districts naturally followed the treaty, but the Chiefs of the Padrees yet remained unsubdued. On the contrary, the resistance they made was such as to render it necessary to send a military force against one of their campongs (Sacle Ayer), in the neighbourhood of the Netherlands' settlement of Samawang, and on the 30th April 1821 they were accordingly driven out of Sacle Ayer, but not without considerable difficulty. Since that time the Padang territories have been in a disturbed state; and on the 30th September of the same year (1821), the Padrees had even the audacity to attack Samawang, but they were repulsed with loss. This circumstance, as well as the treaty entered into with the Menangkabao Chiefs, made it necessary to consider the best means of subduing the refractory Padrees; and it was consequently resolved upon to augment the military force at Padang, in order to compel the Padrees, either by negociation or force, to submit to the Netherlands' Government, or other wise to quit the territory altogether. The chief command of this force devolved on Lieut. Col. Raaff, who, arriving at Padang in December 1821, immediately proceeded with his troops to the upper provinces ; and as the Chiefs of the Padrees would not listen to the proposals made to them, hostilities commenced forthwith in February 1822, when the Padrees were frequently defeated. In the commencement of March the enemy had collected to the number of about 20,000 men in the district of Samawang. The regular troops, under the command of the Lieutenant Colonel amounted to about 500 men, to which were added 13,000 Malays, with their tributary chiefs. The result of the engagements in those days was, that the Padrees were driven from all their posts, and the occupation by our troops of Pagger-Oodong and Menangkabao. The first is of some importance, as having been once the capital of the kingdom of Menangkabao. Towangko Passaman, the commanderin-chief of the Padrees, was present at all the actions, and shut himself up in a fortification (Linto). New attempts to enter into negociations having proved fruitless, the Lieutenant Colonel resolved to proceed against Linto; but the smallness of his European force, as well as other difficulties, induced him to alter his resolution after having made a few attempts, and to direct his attention in the mean time to the providing and strengthening of the conquered places, as well as to the proper regulations for their internal government, with the consent of the Resident of Padang and the native chiefs who were with him. In the mean time the Commandant of the expedition communicated his measures to Batavia, with a request for reinforcements and a supply of ammunition, which arrived at Sumatra in July, while Lieut. Col. Raaff had withstood several attacks made on him without effect. This reinforcement enabled him once more to act on the offensive, and more places were taken without any resistance being offered; among others, Rotta Lawas, the inhabitants of which effectually disarmed themselves and requested to be taken into submission, which was readily granted. It appeared that before making an attempt on Linto, it would be necessary to secure the districts of Agam and the fifty kottas (in the former is situated the the result of which, however, we regret to find, has not answered our expectations, which were founded on the skill and exemplary conduct of the officers, as well as upon the courage and steadiness of the Benting Kapao, from which a strong defence was expected). On the 14th July a detachment officered by Lieut. de Siezer, Capt. Goffinet, Capt. Brusse, and Capt. (now Major) Laemlin, conquered the following places: Basso, Loodang, Panampoona, Rotta Baroo, and Laboo Agam; in this affair Capt. Goffinet was wounded with a lance, from the effect of which this brave officer is since dead. On the 15th the attack was made on Kapao, and the spirits of the officers and men were such as to have excited the liveliest hope of success, had it not been damped by the flight of the Malays, who were to carry the necessaries for choking up the ditch adjoining the fortification, by which they entirely deprived the party of the means of storming the place, and without being able to render them any assistance, exposed them to a galling fire from the enemy, which killed a few and wounded many; among the former is Lieut. Vander Veen, of infantry, and in the latter Capt. Brupe, and Lieuts. Van Liebensteyn and Teissier. The troops were then withdrawn, and the retreat, although attended with difficulty, was effected in good order, without meeting any farther opposition from the enemy. In the present state of affairs the Commandant deemed it proper to stop all further proceedings without an augmentation to his force, and at his request 400 men, among whom were 150 Europeans and 50 artillery-men, were sent. Military stores were sent from hence in September last to Padang, with H.M.'s frigate the Melampus, Capt. De Man, and the corvette Swallow; Capt. Lt. Schroyesteyn was also sent thither to act in concert with the Commandant of the expedition where their services might be required. In the same month several of our posts were attacked, but our troops were not dislodged. Fresh attempts were made at negociation, and as the rainy season had set in, which would obstruct all further military operations, the Lieutenant Colonel returned to Pagger-Oodong. We had brought up the accounts from Padang thus far, when fresh despatches were received, extending to the commencement of this month, giving a detail of the operations against the enemy subsequently to the arrival of the reinforcement, men. On the 13th April, Lieut. Col. Raaff made a movement towards the borders of Linto, and on the same day disposed of his infantry and the greatest part of his artillery, according to his own plan. Subsequently, two howitzers were, by way of experiment, fired on the enemy's works, but which, although done with the greatest precision, had not the desired effect. On the following morning (the 14th) the whole of the field-pieces were placed in order, and a general attack was made on the enemy's positions; but which also, notwithstanding the brave manner in which the officers repeatedly led on to the assault, and the most bold efforts on the part of the men, could not be overpowered. All operations were now suspended, with a view of taking measures for a second attack on the following day; but the rain falling incessantly during the night, made it impossible to carry them into effect. Our positions were, however, retained. In the mean time the Commandant made the necessary inquiries as to the passes leading to the enemy's fortifications, and by the information he received, it appeared impossible to take them on the mountain Mara Palam without (even if success should attend the undertaking) making such a sacrifice as would materially weaken his force, and thereby render it impracticable to penetrate into the district of Linto, and to bring the same under subjection. The climbing of this mountain, especially in the centre, was found to be attended with more difficulty than can be well expressed; on account of its steep pathway two men abreast of each other could scarcely pass, and the troops became soon fatigued. The trenches of the enemy were not to be approached without being exposed to the innumerable balls, stones, and lances which they were throwing from their covered position. To these means of defence, to which nature itself materially contributed, was to be added the ingenious method of stopping the water, which the enemy would cause to run off from their trenches whenever our troops approached to them, and roll down trees and stones which were fastened with rattans and rope, and could be opened whenever occasion required; in fact, the whole of the approaches were blocked up with ranjoos (sharpened bamboos for fixing in the earth) which created considerable delay. To these difficulties were to be added the following that of the country behind the mountain path being but little known; the return of the Malay auxiliaries, who had set out with the best spirits; the howitzers not having the desired effect; also that some of the guns were become defective; and, that the troops having sustained the enemy's fire from the 13th, were now fatigued and exposed to heavy rains with out having touched any warm victuals. - The Lieutenant Colonel resolved accordingly, after consulting with Major Lacurlin and Capt. Heiligens, commanding the artillery, to try by a different route to enter Linto, in which the Resident of Padang concurred. His own resolution was to join the Commandant, some of the native chiefs having declared to him that they deemed it impracticable to gain possession of the mountain path in the present way. On the morning of the 17th the movement towards the rear was resolved upon. The right wing was covered and led on by Major Laemlin, assisted by Lieut. Van Karnebeck, of His Majesty's frigate Melampus, and the left wing was commanded by Lieut. Col. Raaff in person. Scarcely had Lieut. Van Karnebeck been dispatched with instructions to Major Laemlin for bringing up the artillery in the rear, when the enemy made a sally on the left wing, which caused the troops to retreat, and placed the four pieces of ordnance in danger of being taken: but the Lieutenant Colonel, accompanied by Lieut. M. Vangeen, of artillery, acting as Adjutant, with renewed vigour proceeded in regaining possession of the ground, which they retained until the artillery had been carried backward. right wing, made an attack on ours with much more violence than they had done before on the left, and after having three times been successively repulsed, they succeeded (when there was a scarcity of ammunition) in capturing the four pieces of artillery attached to our right wing. In this affair Lieut. Van Panhuys lost his life, and Lieuts. Van Karnebeck and Schryleer were wounded. The troops then retreated from the mountain, and reached Tanjong (behind the river Scillo) at evening, and Paggar Oadchong on the following morning; during that time nothing of importance occurred in the districts of Tanjong Alam and Goonong. Of the sick and wounded the greatest care was taken, under the humane direction of Dr. Schillet, Surgeon of His Ma. jesty's frigate Melampus, assisted by Dr. Quartero, of the 18th regt. of infantry, who had accompanied the expedition. The total number of wounded and killed from the 13th to the 17th April were 21 killed and 137 wounded, including 2 officers in the former and 10 in the latter. The Lieut.-Colonel Commandant bore testimony to the general good conduct of the troops, declaring that in steadiness and bravery they had fully answered the expec tation he had previously formed of them. Besides the officers already mentioned, the following have particularly distinguished themselves: Lieutenants G. F. Kluppel and A. Helwig, of the artillery, and J. W. Verherst, P. F. Cromer, and C. F. Kley, of infantry. It was subsequently resolved to desist for the present from hostilities, and to await further instructions from Batavia; but in the mean time to watch the move.. ments of the Padrees, and to retain the conquered districts in the kingdom of Menangkabao. The districts are of some importance, as being populous, and the inhabitants (especially the chiefs). from their antipathy to the Padrees, and being well disposed and attached to the Netherlands' Government, and further because Of the twenty-one persons that made the products thereof, by opening a comthe sally, three were killed and seven munication with Padang, could with faciwounded; among the latter was Lieut. lity be exported thence, as well as render Vangeen, who received a severe wound a profitable source of trade for the lowin his right arm. lands of Padang. This was one of the The enemy being kept in awe on their objects of the war, and another was that of extending the territories of Go vernment, both which have been fully accomplished by the meritorious exertions of Lieut. Col. Raaff, at the head of his troops, as well as by negociations with the natives. We deem it incumbent on us (and it is with much satisfaction we are enabled to do so) to give every praise to this brave officer, as having in his own person set an example of steady perseve rance and courage to his men in the most critical circumstances. By a dispatch received from the Resident of Padang, dated 10th May, we are further informed that the Padrees in the north had made a movement in the latter end of April, towards Priaman, and actually made their appearance at Pakkandangan, but were driven back by the Malays, assisted by the Captain Lieutenant of the corvette Swallow, who had sent his men on shore for that purpose. His Majesty's frigate Melampus had also been dispatched to Priaman, but on account of the anchorage there being unsafe had returned to Padang, after having supplied the Swallow with the required necessaries. Our troops having now arrived from the upper provinces, caused the Padrees to desert all their posts, so that the districts of Priaman, as well as Toojoo-kotta, are now enjoying tranquillity. Priaman would, under existing circumstances, continue to be occupied by Capt. Lieut. Schroyesteyn until a military force could be sent thither to take proper charge. of the same. The Resident embraces this opportunity of particularly noticing the good conduct of Capt. De Man, of his Majesty's frigate Melampus, and Capt. Lieut. Schroyesteyn, of the corvette Swallow, for their indefatigable exertions in assisting the Military Commandant, as well as the Resident, whenever their services were required. ON THE FRONTIERS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND CHINA. (From Notes collected during a Journey in Siberia in 1816, by M. KLAPROTH.Translated and abridged.) THE Connexions between Russia and China originated about the beginning of the seventeenth century, and were formed during the time that the former of these powers subjugated the countries situated south and east of the lake Baikal. The Mandchoux were then too much engaged in completing their conquest of China, and keeping that empire in subjection, to find time to oppose themselves to the aggrandizement of Russia on their northern frontiers. Soon after, their attention was engaged by the troubles in Mongolia, caused by the enter prizing Galdan of the Euleuts, and which were only brought to a close by the death of that chieftain, under the great emperor Khang-hi, in 1697. In the mean time, however, the Mandchoux had begun resisting the Russians on the river Amur, and these hostilities continued for a long period, till Count Golownin concluded, in the year 1689, a convention between the two powers, by which the boundaries of the two empires were provisionally fixed. During the troubles among the Mongols, several small tribes of the hordes of Tousietan-Khan and Tsetsen-Khan, had emigrated to the countries south and east of the Baikal. Here they wandered between the Selengga, Ouda, Khilok, Tchikoi, Dzida, Onon and Ingoda, where their numbers were daily increased by individuals and families, who, weary of the war, or separated from their hordes, sought and found a refuge under Russian dominion against their ancient oppressors; by paying a tribute to that power, and acknowledging themselves its subjects. The chiefs of these small tribes were confirmed in their dignities by imperial diplomas, and enjoyed special protection. However, like all other Mongol tribes, they professed the Buddha or Lama religion; and, there fore, during the annual or mensual feast, passed in crowds over the Chinese frontiers, in order to pay their devotions at the Ourga,* or the residence of the Mongol Khoutou Khtou. Their children visited the religious schools that were established on both sides of the border, and their priesthood on both sides kept up a close connexion between them; which, creating disputes, thefts, and various other inconveniencies, compelled both governments, at length, to prohibit their subjects from passing the border. For some time, however, relations of friendship between Russia and China had existed, and Russian merchants carried on a very active trade at the Mongol Ourga and Pekin. At the request of the Emperor Khang-hi, Peter I. sent to this monarch, in 1715, the English surgeon Thomas Garwin, accompanied by the Lieutenant Laurence Lange. The latter, on his return, informed his master of the abuses created by the too easy connexion of the border tribes. Peter sent, therefore, in 1719, an ambassador to China, in the person of Capt. Imailow, who, in conjunction with Lieut. Lange, succeeded in engaging the Chinese Government to take the most efficacious means for checking these evils, and preserving the trade and friendly relations between the two states. Lange remained at Pekin as the Russian agent, in order to protect the commerce of this nation. The bad conduct of the Russian merchants, However, which their Government seemed unable to prevent, at last, in 1722, produced an order from the Chinese Emperor, dismissing them from the fair at the Ourga, and prohibiting their caravans from going to Pekin. At this period Khang-hi also died, and his successor, Young tchin, pe All these proper names being derived from French authors, the ou should always be read as 00.-Translator. remptorily insisted upon the frontier line being fixed. Lange had returned with the last caravan, and the commerce between the two empires was entirely destroyed. The cabinet of St. Petersburg, anxious to come to a final settlement of all the matters in dispute, dispatched, in 1726, an embassy to China, at the head of which stood the Illyrian Count Sawa Wladislawitchi in the character of plenipotentiary. This embassy was well received at Pekin; and it was finally determined that a congress should be held on the borders, for the purpose of adjusting the mutual line of demarcation, and establishing the trade on a firm footing. This congress was composed on one side of the Count and his counsellors, and on the other, of three great officers of state of the Chinese empire; to whom were added, on their arrival on the borders, the Mongol prince Tsereng Wang, adjutant general of the Chinese empire, and related by marriage to the reigning house. The congress met in 1727, near the rivulet Boro or Boura, which falls into the Selengga. It is about fifty wersts from Kiakhta, and at that time marked the boundary. The negociations began between the persons appointed as arbitrators on both sides. They were Mongols of distinction, and elders of tribes. The Chinese went so far in their pretensions, as to demand all the country south of the Baikal, Count Sawa, however, by his firmness, made them at last give up the greater part of their demands; and the troublesome labour of fixing a line of demarcation between the two largest empires in the world, was terminated in the most friendly manner. A preliminary convention, dated 10th August 1727 (o, st.), was concluded, by which the frontier was generally fixed in the following manner. The border line to the east was to be formed by the chain. of mountains of Khingan (Hinkhan Alin in d'Anville's atlas), which, from the sea of Okhotsk, as far as the small |