the name of several Asiatic islands, in the Indian ocean, the principal of which only, it is said, is inhabited. It is denominated PULO-Condore, an island about 13 miles long and three broad, which was visited by Lord Macartney on his way to China. It has convenient anchoring places during either monsoon. Here his lordship's squadron came to anchor on the 17th of May. The bay is formed by four small islands approaching so near to each other, as to exhibit the appearance of meeting together in different points. They all seem to be the rude fragments of primitive mountains, which have been detached from the great continent in the lapse of ages. Condore lies in 8° 40' North Lat, and 105° 55' E. Long.

The English at one period had a settlement here, but being driven from it by some Malay soldiers in their pay, probably for some unjustifiable treatment, no Europeans, it is said, have resided in it ever since. When a party went on shore from Lord Macartney's squadron, they were welcomed by the natives with much urbanity of manners, and conducted to the house of their chief. Their dress consisted chiefly of blue cotton garments hanging loosely about them; and their flat faces and noses seemed to denote that they were descended from the Chinese. A missionary being of the party, could not understand their language as they spoke it; but as soon as committed to writing it was perfectly intelligible to him. This led to the conclusion, that the inhabitants of Pulo-Condore were originally Cashin Chinese, who fled from their own country in consequence of their attachment to one of its sovereigns who had been dethroned by a number of his own subjects.

Here the squadron was to purchase provisions, and the people promised to have the proposed quantity in readiness, if possible, at the appointed time. Next morning, a party of pleasure went from the Hindostan to a small island near Pulo-Condore; but being apprehensive of an approaching storm, they made towards the ship with all convenient speed. The weather again becoming favourable, they let off for the island again, and were astonished, on their arrival, to find it wholly abandoned.

In the principal cabin a letter was found, written in the Chinese language, expressing their terror at the arrival of such great ships and powerful persons; not being able to satisfy their demands as to cattle and other provisions, the poor inhabitants of Pulo-Condore having scarcely any to supply, they therefore fled to preserve their lives; declared themselves to be few in number, and very poor, but honest; and concluded with requesting the great people to have pity on them, as they had left their all behind, and earnestly implored them not to burn their cabins.

The generous English left them an intimation that they called merely for refreshment on fair and equitable terms, without harbouring against them any evil designs. They claimed a connection to a civilized nation, actuated by principles of humanity, by which they were prohibited from plundering or doing injury to others, who might have the misfortune to be fewer or weaker than themselves. No doubt the poor terrified inhabitants would be agreeably surprised to find, on their return, not only that all their tents were in perfect safety, but that nothing was either disturbed or removed, and a small present left to their chief in the principal dwelling.