I believe that they have trading stations at Jambi and Siak." A fortnight later the brig anchored off the coast of Singapore.
During the voyage, Harry had had many conversations with the Malayan interpreter.

The latter told him that the chief who had written might not be in a position to carry out his offer.

Not only were the small Malay states frequently engaged in wars with each other, but there were constant internal insurrections and struggles, the various petty chiefs frequently endeavouring to set up as independent powers.

At the present time the tumangong, or chief justice, had obtained possession of the island of Singapore, and the adjacent district of the mainland; while other chiefs had also thrown off their allegiance to the Rajah of Johore, who himself had usurped the power from the former reigning family.
"If," he said, "you want only to obtain a place for trade, the tumangong is no doubt the person from whom you must obtain it; but if you wanted the whole island, you would have to treat not only with him but with the rajah as, in case the latter should defeat and overthrow the tumangong, he certainly would not recognize the cession of the island to you." "Is there a good port ?" "No; but it is not needed.

They do not have hurricanes, here, as they do in the Bay of Bengal and in the China Seas, and indeed among the islands; so vessels can anchor off the coast, in safety, at all times of the year." "What is the island like ?" "It is covered with forest and jungle," the Malay replied.