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A History of Sarawak
under its
Two White Rajahs
1839-1908
PREFACE
As I have been requested to write a preface to The Historyof Sarawak under its Two White Rajahs, one of whom Ihave the honour to be, I must, first of all, assert that Ihave had nothing to do with the composition or writing ofthe book, and I do not profess to be a writer, otherwisethan in a very ordinary sense, having left school at the ageof twelve to enter the Navy.
In that service I remained for ten years, when I obtainedmy lieutenancy, and then received two years' leave, whichthe Admiralty were glad to grant at that time (about 1852),as they thought naval officers were of a type likely to beof service in the development of the colonies and theimprovement of native states. I then went to Sarawak tojoin my uncle, the first Rajah, with and under whom Iremained, and consequently had to retire from the Navy;but I will admit that my ten years' service gave me what Iprobably could not have gained from any other profession—theadvantages of having been taught to obey my seniors,and of having been disciplined; and I very firmly adhereto the rule that no one can make a successful commanderunless he has learnt to obey. It further taught me thoseseafaring qualities, which have been so useful ever since, ofviiibeing able