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Duplicate of Letter from Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles to Lord Lansdowne

出版	1820
URL	http://books.google.com.hk/books?id=e5nRSAAACAAJ&hl=&source=gbs_api

註釋Raffles relates his doubts about Sumatra, and the remarkable success of Singapore only a year after the foundation of the settlement: "I feel myself much flattered by your Lordship's kind notice of my exertions in the interior of Sumatra. They were well intended, and at one time promised very satisfactory results but the check which I have received from the Ministry and the occupation of Padang by the Dutch has thrown a damp over all the fair prospects which I had once indulged for the improvement and civilization of this noble Island ... your Lordship will doubtless have heard of the important position I have been fortunate enough to establish at Singapure the ancient Maritime Capital of the Malays - The rapid rise of this important Station during the year that it has been in our possession is perhaps without its parallel ... and it already has become a Commercial Port of importance". Raffles also discusses the ongoing problems with the Dutch and his frustration with the authorities back home: " ... the whole Malayan race are anxiously awaiting the result of the deliberations in Europe, to know who is the strongest, the English or the Dutch ... ". He concludes by putting forward the advantages of "making our Stations free Ports"--Singapore in particular should have "a Port free of Duties and vexations."