Chapter XI (3)

When the Dutch arrived, to cover appearances, a new prime minister was appointed. The commander requested assistance from the _Susúnan_, who pointed out to him the apparent state of affairs, and induced him to believe that he was himself in danger from the attack of _Surapáti_. Under this impression, Tak made his arrangements; and the Dutch troops appeared on the front _alun alun_ at eight o'clock in the morning, when they were immediately attacked by _Surapáti_. After four hours of hard fighting, _Surapáti_ was repulsed; but reinforcements being sent by _Pangéran Púgar_, and by the whole population of the city, the Dutch were completely destroyed. Tak, at his last extremity, ordered out from the fort two hundred soldiers remaining there; but as they could not join their companions, they were immediately surrounded and cut up. Of the two thousand men, eleven hundred and eighty-three lost their lives; and among them Tak, who was mortally wounded in the neck by the celebrated _pusáka_ spear of _Pangéran Púgar_. The weapon was found blunted at the point by the chain jacket which Tak is said to have worn on the occasion.

The _Susúnan_ now directed the _Ráden Adipáti_ and _Surapáti_ to take refuge in the province of _Pasúruan_, and assume the habit of devotees; while to the _Adipátis_ of _Madúra_ and _Surabáya_ orders were given to follow them at a certain distance, burning the villages and laying waste the country, as if in pursuit of an enemy. When _Surapáti_ reached _Pasúruan_, he took the name of _Adipáti Wíra Nagára_.

The few Dutch who had survived made their escape to the fort of _Japára_, which was then more extensive than that at _Semárang_.

After this the _Susúnan_ wrote to the commanding officer at _Japára_, informing him that Tak, with all the party, had been killed by the _Ráden Adipáti_ and _Surapáti_, who had also attacked him, but that they had at last driven them to the eastward, by the force he had collected under the _Adipátis_ of _Madúra_ and _Surabáya_. He also informed him that he had elected a new prime minister, in lieu of the one who had espoused the cause of _Surapáti_. The _Susúnan_, fearing lest this story might not be believed, and that he might be suspected of having assisted _Surapáti_, sent with this letter five _píkuls_ of birds' nests, forty oxen, and other articles of value, which he entrusted to the care of a _priái gándok_ (a messenger of distinction) named _Jága Rága_, with instructions to mark well the thoughts of the commander or officer who was the chief of _Japára_, and if he shewed the least suspicion of the part the _Susúnan_ had taken, mainly to deny it, and firmly to insist that the _Susúnan_ was true-hearted to the Hollanders. He moreover promised to his ambassador, that if he succeeded in averting the anger of the Dutch, he would reward him on his return.

This messenger accordingly proceeded to _Japára_, when the chief officer, after reading the letter, said he had heard the _Susúnan_ was of one heart with _Surapáti_; to which _Jága Rága_ replied, that what he had heard was false, and that perhaps the story might have originated in the part taken by the _Ráden Adipáti_, whose attachment to _Surapáti_ was well known. He then referred to the circumstance of the country's being laid waste by _Surapáti_ on his flight to the eastward, in proof of his enmity. The commander heard this explanation with patience, and after receiving the presents, with which he was much pleased, returned for answer to the _Susúnan_, that he had first heard that he was favourable to _Surapáti_, but was now convinced, from the explanation afforded, that these reports were unfounded, and that he was satisfied of the lasting attachment of his highness to the Dutch. He then thanked him for his present, and in return sent one thousand ducatoons, with an assortment of velvets and cloth. The messenger having thus succeeded, was raised to the rank and station of _Tumúng'gung_ of _Japára_, by the name and title of _Kiái Tumúng'gung Márta Púra_.

The next indignity offered to the Dutch was by this man, who laid hold of a half cast Dutch soldier at _Japára_, and insisted upon his sitting on the ground on his hams and dancing the _tandák_, after the fashion of the Javans, for his amusement. The Dutch, highly incensed, demanded the immediate release of the man; but the _Tumúng'gung_ refusing, an application was sent to the _Susúnan_, requesting that _Márta Púra_ might be put to death. The _Susúnan_ immediately sent for _Pangéran Púgar_ and his minister, and desired them to communicate with _Márta Púra_, and if they found he had the courage to oppose the Dutch to give him assistance under hand, or to promote his success by some stratagem, in the same manner as he had done to _Surapáti_; but if not, to let him be sacrificed, as a punishment for his cowardice. He then replied to the commodore, saying, that he had sent his own people to arrest _Márta Púra_, and to deliver him to the commander, who might act with his person as he thought proper. When the minister arrived at _Japára_ it was agreed that _Márta Púra_ should be invited into the Dutch fort, and there apprehended early next morning; but in the meantime the agents of the _Susúnan_ had a secret interview with the chief, who declared himself ready to oppose the Dutch, and it was determined that their pretending to seize him should be a signal for all to join and _amók_ the Hollanders: but in the morning the heart of _Márta Púra_ failed him. He twice refused to quit his retreat, and when at last he came into the presence of the party, he appeared trembling and pale, and his knees tottered under him, so that he was scarcely able to stand. They then gave him a chair to sit down upon, and plied him with wine. An officer having taken his _kris_ from behind him, he rose from his chair and attempted to escape, but was bayoneted by a soldier on his way. The agents of the _Susúnan_, enraged to see him so thoroughly frightened, gave him no assistance, but ordered the dogs to devour his carcase. When the _Susúnan_ heard of the cowardly conduct of _Márta Púra_ he ordered that it should be publicly prohibited, on pain of his severest punishment, to harbour or afford assistance to his relations or children.

Afterwards the former _Tumúng'gung_ of _Japára_, _Sécha Nagára_, was replaced, and a communication was, through him, made to the Dutch, intimating the willingness of the _Susúnan_ to co-operate against the _Surapáti_, in consequence of which orders were given for the Dutch troops to proceed from Batavia. When the _Susúnan_ had thus drawn the Dutch into a second attack upon this chieftain, he is represented "as being most delighted at the prospect which it afforded, that on the present occasion more of the Dutch troops might be sacrificed, in the same manner as in the recent affair at _Kérta Súra_."

The _Adipáti_ of _Surabáya_ and _Madúra_ were immediately dispatched to _Pasúruan_ to meet the Dutch, but having waited some time in vain for the arrival, a mock battle took place with _Surapáti_, when it was arranged that the _Kérta Súra_ troops should take to flight, burning and laying waste the country as they retreated. A regular communication appears to have been kept up during the whole time between _Surapáti_ and the _Susúnan_, who allowed him quietly to possess himself of the adjoining districts of _Málang_ and _Mádion_. The _Ráden Adipáti Aúrang Kasúma_ died about this time.

The Dutch troops now arrived in the eastern districts, and the commandant of _Japára_ applied for the assistance of the _Susúnan_; but the latter, alleging that his chiefs had been recently beaten and obliged to retreat from _Pasúruan_, urged delay, on the plea of waiting a more favourable opportunity of attack.

In the meantime family feuds disturbed the peace of the _kráton_. The hereditary prince, _Pangéran Adipáti Amángku Nagára_, had married the daughter of his cousin, _Pangéran Púgar_, but after the expiration of the forty days he disregarded her, and she returned to her father's protection. One of the most distinguished characters at the court was the son of the prime minister. The hereditary prince, jealous of the universal admiration which he enjoyed, determined to lower him by the infliction of the greatest disgrace which could be endured. Naturally of a fiery disposition, he became excessively enraged at an accident which occurred to him while hunting in the forest of _Ránda Wahána_, and which occasioned a lameness in his legs. As soon as he returned home he sent for this youth, whom he immediately ordered to be bound and severely flogged with a rattan: he then directed him to be tied to a tree abounding with ants, which soon covered his body; a favourite mode of inflicting cruel punishment. There the young man suffered dreadfully, but his tortures were not at an end: he was afterwards flogged till he nearly expired, and then sent to the house of his father, the prime minister, who, although much enraged, was obliged to suppress his resentment. Determined afterwards to revenge himself, he seduced the wife of the _Pangéran Adipáti_, who had returned to her father's house, as above stated. The connection was discovered, and all parties were put to death.

The _Susúnan_ becoming now dangerously ill, from an affection of the spleen which he had contracted at the time of the massacre of the Dutch under Tak, called into his presence his eldest son, the _Pangéran Adipáti_, his brother, _Pangéran Púgar_, and his two firm adherents, the _Adipátis_ of _Madúra_ and _Surabáya_, and thus addressed them: "The time which is allotted to me in this world has nearly expired; but before I depart let me impress upon you all the necessity and advantage of your mutually supporting each other. If you hold together, then will the sovereignty of Java become pure and strong. The _Adipátis_ of _Madúra_ and _Surabáya_ will be as the surface of the _támpa_ (or sifter) on which rice is cleansed from the husk; the _Pangéran Púgar_ as the _wángku_ (or rim of the sifter); and the _Pangéran Adipáti_ will be as the one who sifts or fans the rice. When the _Pangéran Adipáti_ ascends the throne, let him attach himself to the other three, by which means he will cleanse and strengthen his government, even as the rice is cleansed from the husk in the _támpa_. Let him study the writings _Níti Prája_, _Níti Sastrá_, _Srúti_, _Asta Bráta_ and _Jáya Lángkara_; to abandon his vicious habits, never to ill use his wives, and to be kind and constant to his present wife (another daughter of the _Pangéran Púgar_.)"

In a short time the _Susúnan_ died. The _Pangéran Adipáti_, who was destined to succeed him, excited much disapprobation and disgust by his ungrateful neglect of the customary rites due to the body of the deceased, and his indecent eagerness to ascend the throne before it was even vacated. The practice of the country required him to wash and purify the corpse with his own hands; but he left the task to the women, while he shut all the gates of the _kráton_ and seated himself in front on the _setíngel_. The deceased was buried at _Megíri_, and his widow, _Rátu Kanchána_, attended the procession, distributing money as she past along, to the amount of one thousand dollars and more.

As soon as the body was removed the _Pangéran Adipáti_ assembled all his chiefs, and addressed them to the following effect: "All ye who are present bear witness, that the _Pangéran Adipáti Amángku Nagára_ has succeeded to the sovereignty of his late father, _Susúnan Mangkúrat_, and as ye acknowledged and respected the father, now do the same to the son;" to which they all ejaculated assent. To this _Ráden Subráta_, who wished to shew his attachment to the young prince by raising him in the eyes of the people, added, "the sovereignty descends to you by the will of the Almighty; it has not been assumed by yourself;" but no one answered. All the chiefs present, however, approached the prince and kissed his feet, in proof of their acknowledgment of his authority. The new _Susúnan_ then declared _Rátu Kanchána_ his queen, and nominated the principal officers of state: and as soon as he returned to the _dálam_ addressed three letters, one to the Governor General of Batavia, one to the commandant at _Japára_, and one to the commandant at _Semárang_, informing them of his having assumed the sovereignty in succession to his ancestors. He likewise entrusted a letter for Batavia, and another for the Governor General, to the care of Captain Knol at _Semárang_.

On first granting their support to the deceased prince, the Dutch required that he should enter into a bond, dated 10th October 1677, confirming the treaty of the 25th February preceding, and acknowledging a debt to the Dutch of thirty thousand dollars, together with three thousand _kóyans_ of rice, as a security for which he was required to mortgage to the Dutch all the sea-ports from the river _Kráwang_ to the eastern extremity of the island. The whole revenues of these places, including in particular all the rice deliverable to the state, were also to be received by the Dutch in diminution of this debt.

At the same time, also, the _Susúnan_ was called upon to execute a deed of cession, confirming the act of the 28th February preceding, and setting forth that his father, having already verbally expressed an intention to make over to the Dutch his rights on the kingdom of _Jákatra_ (or land lying between the river of _Untúng Jáwa_ and _Kráwang_ and the northern and southern sea-coasts), the said grant was further confirmed, and the whole of the province of _Jákatra_ ceded accordingly, the inhabitants who wished to remain being ordered to acknowledge the Dutch as their lawful sovereign, but all being at liberty to place themselves under the _Susúnan_ and to leave the Dutch territory, till the expiration of twelve months after the publication of this act.

By this deed of cession, the _Susúnan_ also ceded to the Dutch, in acknowledgment of the services rendered by Admiral Speelman against the rebels, the country between the _Kráwang_ and _Pamanúkan_ rivers, in a straight line to the South Sea, with all the immunities and privileges attached to it.

This document further prohibited the importation of cloths and opium by any one except the Dutch, and contained the appointment of _Adipáti Mandaráka_ to be chief of _Tegal_ and the western, and _Aria Urawán_ to be chief of _Jápara_ and the eastern sea coast.

On the 15th January 1678, a charter was procured from the _Susúnan_, placing the sugar trade of _Japára_ entirely in the hands of the Dutch. A grant was made them of the management of the town and jurisdiction of _Sámrang_ and the village of _Kaligwái_, that is to say, the right of appointing governors of their own at those places, without the least interference on the part of the _Susúnan_; on condition, however, that the revenues should be duly accounted for and paid to his highness's officers by those of the Dutch. But as his highness was still in debt to the Dutch, those revenues were provisionally taken in diminution of the debt.

In Bantam the Dutch had made various treaties with the princes.

On the 17th April 1684 a contract was signed with the sultan of Bantam, by which it was stipulated, among other articles, that the contract of the 10th July 1659 should be renewed and confirmed; that the sultan should give no kind of assistance to the enemies of the Dutch, and undertake nothing hostile against their allies, particularly the _Susúnan_ and the prince of _Chéribon_; that the _Táng'ran_ river, from its mouth to its origin, and from thence a line drawn from south until it meets the South Sea, should be the boundaries fixed upon between the Dutch jurisdiction and the Bantam country, it being understood that the whole of the _Táng'ran_ or _Untong Jáwa_ river, with its mouths, should be the property of the Dutch, together with six hundred rods of land to the northward from fort _Bábakan_ to the sea, with liberty to erect such _pággars_, or forts, on the western banks of the river, as should be deemed necessary for purposes of safety; the inhabitants of the Bantam side to be permitted to fish in the river, and to appropriate its waters to the purposes of cultivation, but no vessels to be allowed to enter the river from the sea without Company's passes; that the claims of the Dutch on the government of Bantam should be reduced to twelve thousand rix dollars, or one-eighth of its original amount; that his highness should give up all claims to the principality of _Chéribon_; that the fourth article of the contract of 1659 should remain in force, and consequently that no ground or factory rent should be paid by the Dutch, but that the sultan should give as much ground gratis, as the purposes of the factory might require; that his highness should conclude no contracts with other powers contrary to the present treaty.

On the same day, however, a bond was executed by the Sultan, in favor of the Dutch, for the payment of the expenses incurred in assisting his highness against the rebel sultan, and his friend the British resident, who it is stated in this document would have received the punishment due to his conduct but for the interference of the Dutch, to whose protection he was indebted for the moderation with which his highness had restricted his punishment to a final removal from Bantam. This obligation states the sultan's debt to be six hundred thousand rix-dollars, which he promises to pay either in specie or pepper, or by remission of duties; and he also grants therein to the Dutch the sole trade in pepper and cloths, in the countries of _Bantam_, _Lampung_, and _Silebar_.

On the 28th April 1684, a deed was executed, by which the sultan of Bantam's debt of six hundred thousand rix-dollars was remitted, on condition that the Company should enjoy the privileges mentioned in the bond of the 17th instant; but whenever the above privileges were violated on the sultan's part, the Dutch held themselves justified in requiring payment of the debt in question.

On the 15th February 1686, an agreement was entered into with the sultan of Bantam, by which, among other stipulations, the Dutch engaged to assist the sultan against his rebellious subjects, with men, ammunition, and vessels, on condition that he would pay the expense; it being stipulated that they should not leave their factory during the night; that they should not be permitted to walk outside the town without the sultan's and the Resident's permission; that they should not enter the houses of the natives, much less stay there during the night; that they should not take away any articles in the bazars without duly paying for the same; that they should not enter any gardens or premises without permission from the proprietors; that they should not enter any temples without previous leave; that they should not detain any females in their houses, nor stop them in the streets; on meeting the sultan in the streets, that they should shew his highness the accustomed honours; that they should not stop whenever the sultan or sultana bathed in the river, but pass without looking at their highnesses; that they should not interfere with the disputes and judicial proceedings of the natives. By the eighteenth article it was mutually agreed, that offenders, of either party, should be punished according to their respective laws, and each by his own nation; and that the whole of the black and white pepper produced at Bantam should be sold to the Dutch at a fixed price.

On the 4th December 1687, on the occasion of the accession to the throne of a new sultan of Bantam, an act of renovation of all former treaties was passed, together with a renewal of the bond for six hundred thousand dollars, and of the deed remitting the same, on condition that the privileges heretofore specified were granted to the Dutch at Bantam.

On the 3d March 1691, on occasion of the elevation to the throne of another sultan, an act of renewal was passed of the contracts concluded at different periods between the Dutch and the sultans of Bantam.

On the 6th January 1681 an agreement was signed with the three chiefs of _Chéribon_, setting forth the gratitude of those princes for the signal services rendered them by the Dutch, and their determination to follow the Dutch Company's advice under all circumstances, and to assist the Dutch government whenever their aid might be required, on condition that they should, in like manner, be assisted by the Dutch in cases of emergency, each party bearing the expense of all armaments undertaken for his benefit. The three princes promised to live upon good terms with the _Susúnan_.

In the event of one of the three princes, or other persons, committing any acts prohibited by the present articles, or derogatory to his highness the _Susúnan_, it was agreed, that such conduct should be punished with the utmost severity.

The other stipulations of importance were, that no fortifications should be erected by the princes without the consent of the Governor-General, who should have leave to build a factory at _Chéribon_, and to cause all species of merchandize to be imported _duty free_. That all pepper growing in the kingdom of _Chéribon_ should be disposed of to the Dutch at the bazaar price; that the trade in sugar and rice should be free to all, upon payment of an export duty of two per cent. to the princes; that vessels belonging to powers at war with the Dutch should not be permitted to enter the ports of _Chéribon_, but be dealt with as enemies.

On the 7th September 1680, another contract was entered into with the princes of _Chéribon_, by which all former differences were declared to be forgotten, and _Panambáhan_, _Chéribon_, and sultan _Anom_, promised to respect and honour their elder brother, sultan _Sépu_, as the first-born of their _Panambáhan Kiái Gíri Láyah_. Sultan _Sépu_ promised, on the other hand, not to slight his brothers in any way, but on the contrary to treat them, on every occasion, with the deference due to their rank. It was agreed, that there shall be one place only for holding tournaments, where the royal brothers would appear every Saturday in their state dresses, attended by their _mántris_, and that, to prevent disputes, they should be seated to the right and left of sultan _Sépu_, and all the _mántris_ below; but that, should indisposition prevent one of them from attending the tournament, they should send due notice thereof on the Saturday morning. At the tournament the sultan only had the right to speak; but sultan _Sépú_ not being present, that right was to devolve on the second, and in his absence on the third chief. In the event of all the princes being prevented from attending, the eldest sons of sultan _Sepu_ and _Anom_ should make their appearance, and the command devolve on the _Pangéran_. That in consequence of frequent disputes having arisen among the princes, with reference to the appointment and super-cession of prime minister, the right of nominating to that office was vested exclusively in the governor-general of Batavia. That in the event of any difference occurring between the princes, which they could not adjust themselves, the resident of _Chéribon_ should be requested to act as arbitrator on the part of the Dutch. That should one of the princes refuse to comply with this article, the other brothers should on no account molest him, but simply report the matter to the Batavian government, through their ambassadors. The dissenting prince should, however, in that case, voluntarily place himself in the resident's custody, who should not be permitted to convey him out of _Chéribon_.

Mr. Middlekoop mentions, that during the reign of this prince, the principality of _Madúra_ was conferred by the _Susúnan_ on _Chákra Diníngrat_; but the inhabitants of _Súmenap_ being discontented with this choice, they informed the _Susúnan_ that they would rather die than submit to that authority; upon which the _Susúnan_ thought proper to divide that country into two parts, giving to _Chákra Diníngrat_ the western district, and the eastern, or _Súmenap_ district, to _Mas Yáng Wúlan_, who took the name of _Yúdha Nagára_. In the year 1683, the whole island of _Madúra_ revolted, and became subject to the Dutch government.

But to return to _Pangéran Adipáti Amángku Nagára_, usually called _Mangkúrat Más_. The authority of this prince seems to have been attacked almost immediately after his accession to the throne; for _Ráden Súria Kasúma_, a son of the _Pangéran Púgar_, having accompanied the procession which attended the body of the late _Susúnan_ to the grave, persuaded many of the party to declare him sovereign of Java, under the title of _Súnun Panatagáma_. The _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_ no sooner heard of this, than he became highly enraged with his uncle, the _Pangéran Púgar_, and sent back to him his daughter, the queen _Ratu Kanchána_. He afterwards ordered the _Pangéran_ with his wives and children into his presence, and commanding them to be seized, publicly exposed them on the _alun alun_, in a pen or railing made for that purpose, which the Javans call _betek_. _Ráden Suria_ was apprehended.

On the one hundredth day after the death of the late _Susúnan_, the wives of the chiefs being assembled to prepare a customary feast, intended "to give a blessing to the journey of the deceased," the _Susúnan_ conceived a passion for _Ayu Pakúwati_, the wife of the _Adipáti_ of _Madúra_, and availed himself of his power over her to gratify it. She, however, soon made her escape, and reported the particulars to her husband, who in revenge concurred with the _Adipáti_ of _Semárang_, in urging the _Pangeran Púgar_ to assume the sovereignty. "So large a party," said these chiefs, "being in favour of your pretensions, you can never be condemned for assuming the government; for as with men who drink a bottle of wine, if there are few of them they must necessarily become intoxicated, but if there are many, truly it is nothing at all."

Being assured by the _Adipáti_ of _Semárang_, that the Dutch were not cordial friends of the present _Susúnan_, the _Pangéran_ was at last prevailed upon to escape with his family and a chosen band to _Semárang_, where the Dutch received him, and conditionally proclaimed him sovereign of Java.

As soon as the _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_ was informed of the departure of the _Pangéran_, he applied to the commissioners at _Semárang_ to have him delivered up; but received for reply an intimation, that he was under the protection of the Dutch, and that if the _Susúnan_ wanted him he must come for him himself. Enraged at this evasion, he ordered that _Ráden Súria Kasúma_, the son of the _Pangéran_, should immediately be put to death. The young prince was accordingly brought into his presence for the purpose, when a great eruption suddenly took place from _Merápi_, the mountain emitting a sound louder than thunder, and flame which enlightened all _Kérta Súra_. The _Susúnan_, thinking that his end was approaching, sent the young king back into confinement, when the sounds immediately ceased, and the mountain emitted no more flame. The _Susúnan_ conceiving all danger at an end, once more ordered the execution of the prince, but a more violent eruption than the first instantly rent the mountain asunder. The alarm of the _Susúnan_ was increased, and considering this was a _gáro-gáro_, or sign, that the prince was favoured by the Almighty, he altered his intentions, received his intended victim into favour, and appointed him a _Pangéran_, under the title of _Pangéran Ang'ebái Saléring Péken_, with an assignment of one thousand _cháchas_ of land.

He appointed the _Adipáti_ of _Madúra_, under the name of _Panambáhan Chakra Níngrat_, chief over all the coast districts, from _Brébes_ to _Banyuwángi_, and the _Tumúng'gung_ of _Surábaya_, under the name of _Adipáti Jaeng Rána_, to be his _Páteh_. To the _Tumúng'gung_ of _Semárang_ he also gave the title of _Adipáti Súra Adimang'gála_.

Immediately after his accession he had written to the Dutch government; but it appears that the letter was not forwarded from _Semárang_ to Batavia until after the _Pangérang Púgar_ had taken part against him. According to the Dutch accounts, the ambassadors of both parties arrived nearly at the same time at Batavia, were admitted to audience the next day, and were received, not like ambassadors, but rather as messengers.

The objections urged by the Dutch to the acknowledgment of the _Susúnan_ were the following:--1st. Because he was a great tyrant, and well known to have instigated his father to a rupture with the Dutch, and to have himself menaced hostilities against them, as soon as he should have mounted the throne. 2d. Because his embassy did not consist of princes of his family, and the prime minister, as usual, but of two common regents only. 3d. Because the letter which communicated his father's death, and announced his own accession, although it contained a request for protection against his enemies, did not apply for their sanction or confirmation, nor declare his readiness to renew the contracts, to acknowledge the debts, and to fulfil the engagements formerly stipulated, though he ought to have known that this was the basis upon which alone the Dutch could have recognized his title as sovereign of Java. 4th. Because letters had been intercepted, in which he invited the prince of _Madúra_ to join him against the Dutch, calling them his mortal enemies, whom he intended to expel from the island of Java.

These combined circumstances induced the Dutch government not to acknowledge him as successor to his father, although they, with a view to gain time until the arrival of a fleet expected from Holland with a reinforcement of troops, wrote to him, merely declining to receive his ambassadors as such, and requiring him to send others, whose family connections and rank might entitle them to more consideration, and with whom they might treat.

After it was arranged that _Pangéran Púgar_ should become sovereign, the three chief Dutch authorities then at _Semárang_ waited upon him, to inform him thereof, at the same time requiring that, in return for the assistance intended to be afforded him, he should, on assuming the authority, cede to the Dutch the provinces of _Demák_, _Japára_, and _Tégal_, in compensation for the expenses they might incur on his account. _Pangéran Púgar_ feeling no inclination to comply with these conditions, though anxious to avoid a rupture with the Dutch, proposed, instead of a cession of territory, that he should become generally responsible for all the expenses of the war; "for," said he, "if it is through the assistance of the Dutch that I am placed upon the throne, of course it would not be becoming in me to refuse them any thing they require: but with respect to this request, is it not better that, at present, we attend to what is necessary to secure the throne, and afterwards talk of minor matters? I am willing to pay all the expenses which it may occasion to the Dutch." With this the commissioners were satisfied; and the troops having arrived from Europe, it was resolved, on the 18th of March, 1704, to place _Pangéran Púgar_ upon the throne, and to maintain him on it.

The Dutch ships and troops having reached _Semárang_ in April, and the part they intended to take being now for the first time manifest to _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_, he dispatched three messengers to the Dutch representative at _Semárang_, with the sum of seventy thousand dollars in specie, and authority to renew former contracts, and comply with every requisition which the Dutch might make, provided they would acknowledge his succession to the throne; but these messengers had only reached _Tínker_ when they fell in with the Dutch troops, and were obliged to secure their safety by flight, leaving the money behind.

The _Pangéran Púgar_ was publicly installed by the Dutch at _Semárang_[273] on the 19th of June.

The districts of _Demák_, _Grobógan_, _Siséla_, and all the lands beyond _Semárang_ as far as _Un'gárang_, were immediately taken possession of by the Dutch, and the troops of the _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_, which had moved towards _Semárang_, were forced to retreat on _Kerta Súra_.

Before the departure of the _Pangéran_, the Dutch had again pressed him to cede the provinces of _Semárang_, _Tégal_, and _Japára_, but by the advice of the _Panumbáhan_ of _Madúra_ and his principal chiefs, he still refused compliance, and they were not able to obtain any decided promise from him, beyond reimbursement for the expenses of the war. When they were arrived, however, at _Ung'árang_, the prince happening to be alone, unattended by any of the _Bopáti_, the Dutch commander seized the opportunity which he had been so long watching for, to assure him how truly and sincerely the Dutch were inclined to assist him, not only on the present occasion, but hereafter, whenever he might require their aid. "The Dutch," added he, "are in great want of rice, and request your highness will have the kindness to grant them a thousand _koyans_ (two thousand tons) a year without payment."

The _Pangéran_ made no reply: he wished for time to think upon it; but the chiefs of the Dutch came up to him, and returned him many thanks and compliments for his having thus, as they said, agreed to their request. The prince, though he wished to say he had not given his promise, yet felt ashamed, after the thanks and compliments he had received, to express what he thought. He therefore bowed his head and was silent. They then entreated him to draw out his assent in writing, and to affix his seal to it, as a proof of his voluntary surrender of the present. With this he complied.

The paper was no sooner obtained, than the Dutch officers again returned their thanks. They then withdrew, and the troops being under arms, a salute was fired on the occasion. When this circumstance came to the ears of the _Adipáti_ of _Semárang_, he hastened to the _Pangéran_, and thus addressed him, "Be not offended, my prince, if I presume to open your eyes to the proceedings of these Hollanders, who are so rapacious in their demands. They had already consulted with me on the subject of this rice, and they knew the opinion of your advisers to be against it, they therefore watched for their opportunity to find you alone. I little thought you would have taken upon yourself to act thus, without consulting your chiefs. I imagined the Dutch were satisfied with the answer I had given them, and would not have thought of going to you about it." The _Susúnan_ gave him in return the history of the grant, and promised faithfully that, if ever they made another request of the kind, he would send for his advisers immediately.

Before the Dutch moved towards the interior, they contrived to bribe _Jága Diníngrat_, the chief who commanded the _Kérta-súra_ troops, and with his assistance possessed themselves without difficulty of the fortified stations of _Pedak-páyang_, _Ung'árang_, and _Selatíga_. The main force of the _Kérta-súra_ troops, consisting of about forty thousand men, was encamped in a strong position, not far from the latter place. After making considerable resistance, they were obliged to retreat in confusion, and the combined army prosecuting its march towards the capital, carried _Asem_ by assault, and reached _Kérta-súra_ shortly after _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_ had quitted it. All the chiefs who remained submitted to the new authority, and were received under its protection, with the exception of the son of _Pangéran Púgar_, who was strangled. _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_, called also _Susúnan Pínchang_, on account of his lameness, was at this time about thirty-four years of age. His reign was short, but remarkable for severity and cruelty.

_Pangéran Púgar_ was fifty-six years of age when he ascended the throne. He had seven legitimate children, _Pangéran Matáran_, _Ang'ebái Léreng Páser_ (who had remained with the deposed _Susúnan_), _Jága Rága_, _Mángku Nagára_, _Mángku Búmi_ (who was declared hereditary prince, and succeeded his father), _Blítar_, and _Tepa Séna_.

The title assumed by _Pangéran Púgar_, with the concurrence of the Dutch, was _Susuhúnan Pakabúana Senapáti Ingalága Abdul Ráchman Panatagáma_, which may be rendered "The saint who is the nail of the empire, the chief commander in war, the slave of God, and propagator of the true faith."

An occurrence which took place shortly after the assumption of the government by this prince is noticed by the Javan writers, and argued highly in favour of the justice and impartiality of this prince.

The wife of _Mérta Yúdha_, writer to the _Susúnan_, and nephew of the _Adipáti_ of _Semárang_, presented herself before him, alleging that her life was endangered by the cruel treatment of her husband, and imploring that she might be divorced from him, or protected against his ill usage. The _Susúnan_ inquiring into the particulars, ascertained from the testimony of the woman herself, that she was attached to _Pangéran Adipáti_, the son of the _Susúnan_, who had frequently visited at her house in the absence of her husband, and that the severities she had suffered were the consequence of the rage which a discovery of that fact had occasioned. He called upon the _Pangéran Adipáti_ to say if it was correct; and the prince, being ashamed to tell a falsehood, acknowledged the fact: wherefore his father reproved him in the strongest terms, and cautioned him not to be guilty of a like transgression a second time. Then calling for _Mérta Yúdha_, he thus addressed him: "_Mérta Yúdha_, your wife has come to me requesting my interference to procure her a divorce from you, or that I should prohibit you from again ill-treating her in the same severe manner you have before done, on account of her attachment to my son, the _Pangéran Adipáti_." To which _Mérta Yúdha_ replied, "Respecting this affair, allow me to explain. She committed an offence towards me, and she now comes to you to complain of me, saying I had beaten her until she was nearly dead. That I did beat her is true, but that I did so until she was nearly dead is utterly false. I beat her when I was enraged; but, as my anger subsided, I quickly became kind to her again; and yet she has the audacity to request a divorce. This completes three offences; in the first place, she committed the fault; in the second, she has told a falsehood; and in the third, she has requested a divorce. These points I submit to the justice of your majesty." The _Susúnan_ then reflected that as the _Pangéran Adipáti's_ conduct had been the cause of this woman's offence, it would not be just to punish her, without also punishing his son; and being disinclined to be severe with him on account of his youth, he felt at a loss how to decide with justice. At length, seeing but one way to get rid of the difficulty, he thus addressed _Mérta Yúdha_: "Enough, _Mérta Yúdha_; the fault rests with my son the _Pangéran Adipáti_, and your wife cannot be condemned to punishment, unless my son be also condemned. Now I have not the power to condemn my son, on account of his youth; therefore, I publicly request your pardon for my son's offence. If you wish to be divorced, the permission is granted, and I will provide you with another wife. You want her immediately--it is well;--but I have no women at present except my own, none but the _Rátu_ and my own daughters. Make your choice, and whichever you prefer of them, I will present to you in marriage. Place your confidence in what I say, and believe that I say no more than what I will do."

_Mérta Yúdha_, struck with astonishment, knew not how to reply. At last, after bowing his head several times to the ground, he declared that he was overcome by this act of magnanimity; that he forgave the young prince from his heart, and would willingly receive his wife back again, and treat her with kindness. The _Susúnan_ then dismissed the parties, giving them advice as to their future conduct, and presenting them with a sum of money and several rich presents. _Mérta Yúdha_ and his wife, say the Javan writers, afterwards lived most happily together, and never ceased to praise the justice and magnanimity of the prince.

In the spring of 1705, the Dutch government again sent a force to _Semárang_, which was joined by seven thousand Madurese, under the command of _Panambáhan Chákra Diníngrat_.

At this time _Surapáti_, who, after his first arrival at _Matárem_, had offered to surrender, again made an application to the Dutch for protection, and offered to send six thousand auxiliaries, promising at the same time to conduct himself as a faithful subject; but his offer was rejected.

On the 5th October, 1705, a contract was entered into by the new sovereign with the Dutch, by which, 1st, the contracts of the 24th September, 1640, and 20th October, 1677, and all privileges and immunities granted by _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_ to Messrs. Speelman and Cooper, were confirmed. 2d. His highness ceded to the Dutch the district of _Gebáng_ as situated within the following boundaries; viz. "From the mouth of the _Dónan_, on the southern shore, in a westerly direction along its banks as far as _Pasúruan_, where there is an inland lake; thence along the north-eastern sea-shore to the mouth of the river _Che-brom_, and further on along the north-eastern side of an accessible swamp to _Che-satia_, near the village _Madúra_, thence in a north-easterly direction over the mountains of _Dáyu-luhur_ to mount _Sumána_ or _Subáng_, and then south-east over the mountains of _Bonkok_, where a northerly direction is taken, and continued to the river _Losári_, and further on along the banks of that river to its mouth on the northern coast of the island." 3d. The _Susúnan_ acknowledged _Chéribon_ as an independent state, in consequence of that country having, in 1680, been saved by the Dutch from the ravages of a banditti. 4th. The _Susúnan_ resigned to the protection of the Dutch the countries of _Súmenap_ and _Pamakásan_, stated to have been forced on them during the reign of _Susúnan Tegál-arom_, by the chief _Yúdha Nagára_. 5th. The _Susúnan_ renewed and confirmed the cession of _Semárang_ and _Kaligawé_, as stated in the transfer of 15th January, 1678. He further ceded to the Dutch the ports of _Torbáyá_ and _Gumúlak_, on condition that the tolls continued to be collected for his own benefit, as at _Sámárang_. The Dutch, on the other hand, agreed to restore about fifty villages which belonged to _Demák_ and _Kaligáwe_.

It was agreed that the tolls on goods imported into, or exported from, the _Susúnan's_ dominions by the Dutch, should be levied according to the above-mentioned contract of 25th February, 1677, and that the _Susúnan_ should in future require a duty of three instead of two per cent. from individuals trading with Dutch passes, it being left to his highness to fix the duties to be levied on goods belonging to persons who were not furnished with licences from the Dutch. 7th. The Dutch obtained liberty to establish factories in every part of the _Susúnan's_ dominions, for which sufficient lots of vacant ground were to be given them, to answer every purpose of safety and convenience, and also to establish yards for building vessels. The Javan chiefs were bound to supply the Dutch at all times, payment being made for the same, with timber, labourers, &c. but they were to pay no capitation, and only to be considered as Company's subjects, as long as they should be employed by the Company. 8th. His highness promised to supply the Dutch with as much rice as should be required, at the market price, the Dutch being also at liberty to purchase that article from his highness's subjects, who were also allowed to export rice to Batavia, and all countries at peace with the Dutch. 9th. Pursuant to the contract of 1677, the _Susúnan_ agreed to continue to shut his ports against _Makásars_, _Búgis_, _Maláyus_, _Bálians_, and other foreigners, except such as should obtain the permission of the Dutch. 10th. It was agreed that the Dutch, and all persons authorized by them, should continue to enjoy the exclusive privilege of importing and selling opium and clothes, as granted to them by _Susúnan Mangkúrat_, on the 20th October, 1677: that the native chiefs should carefully prevent all encroachments on this monopoly, and that all seizures of prohibited goods made by them and by the Company's servants, should be for the profit of his highness, to whose discretion it was left to remunerate the officers making the seizure. 11th. That all seizures made at sea by the Company's cruizers should be for the sole benefit of the captors, although afterwards brought into his highness's ports. 12th. The _Susúnan's_ subjects were to be prohibited from trading otherwise than with Company's passes, and their trade eastward was restricted to _Bálí_ and _Lómbok_, northward to Borneo and _Banjarmásin_, and westward to _Bantám_, _Lámpung_, _Jámbi_, _Indragíri_, _Johór_ and _Malácca_. They were prohibited from visiting the eastern governments, or _Búton_, _Tímor_, _Bíma_, &c., on pain of confiscation of vessels, cargo, &c. It was declared, that whenever his highness should be desirous of sending vessels to these quarters on his own account, the Dutch should attend to his wishes, as far as might be consistent with their regulations. 13th. The balance remaining due to the Dutch of the debts of his highness, adverted to in the contracts of 25th February and 15th October, 1677, was remitted, together with the sum to be paid to Captain Jonker for the delivery of the rebel _Trúna Jáya_, and all other claims of the Dutch on his highness, for expenses incurred in re-establishing him on the throne, &c. on the express condition that this contract should be faithfully observed; otherwise the said claims and pretensions to retain their former validity. In consideration of this important remission, his highness promised to supply the Company during twenty-five years, commencing in 1706, with eight hundred lasts of good rice annually, deliverable at Batavia by his highness's own vessels. An article was afterwards added to this treaty, by which it was stipulated, that no other European nation than the Dutch should ever be permitted to trade or build factories on Java.

On the 11th October, 1705[274], a further agreement was entered into by his highness, by which he promised to bear the expense of keeping a detachment of two hundred men of the Dutch troops at _Kérta-súra_, for his highness's protection and security, amounting to thirteen hundred Spanish dollars per month.

On the 12th July, 1706, a treaty for determining the boundaries between the territories of the _Susúnan_ and those of the Dutch was entered into.

The deposed prince, _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_, after flying from his capital, proceeded to the eastern districts, and joining _Surapáti_, reduced the eastern provinces under their authority, and appeared confident of success, being possessed of immense treasures in specie and jewels, which he had carried off with him.

In 1706, however, the army of _Surapáti_ was defeated by the allied Dutch and Javan forces, and _Kedíri_ was taken. Subsequently, the large combined army of _Mangkúrat Mas_ and _Surapáti_ was put to the rout and dispersed. _Surapáti_ shortly after died in the mountains of _Bángil_, according to some accounts, of the effect of his wounds. He was succeeded in office by his son, _Pangáting_, who took the name of _Adipáti Wíra Nagára_, and being allied by marriage to the chiefs of _Kedíri_, _Balambáng'an_, and _Grésik_, brought many of the eastern districts again to acknowledge the authority of _Mangkúrat Mas_. Additional forces were, in consequence, sent from Batavia by the Dutch, which arrived at _Semárang_ in 1707, and immediately proceeded, first to _Kérta-súra_, and then to the eastward. Falling in with the enemy of _Mádion_, they put him to flight, and continued their march to _Surabáya_, where the disturbances which had broken out on the island of _Madúra_ obliged them to halt.

On the death of the native chief of _Madúra_ his eldest natural son, _Sástra Nagára_, had declared himself his successor, and placed troops round the island to oppose the landing of his uncle, _Ráden Súria Nagára_, who had been appointed to the succession by the Dutch. The Dutch, however, found means to satisfy both parties, by conferring the separate charge of _Sámpang_ on _Sástra Nagára_.

At _Súmenap_ they met with greater difficulty. The native chief, _Nága Sidérma_, had been stabbed by his secretary: the secretary was afterwards killed by the slave of the chief. A tumult was thus excited, and the Dutch commanding officer having given offence to the principal inhabitants they proceeded with a large proportion of the population to the northern part of the island. The Dutch at length succeeded in establishing the infant son of the deceased as chief of _Súmenap_, with the title of _Ráden Tumúng'gung Príng'ga Kasúma_, under the guardianship of his mother, _Rátu Sidáyu_. With these proceedings the campaign closed for that year[275].

In the following year, 1708, the Dutch sent further reinforcements to the eastward, and preparations were making for opening the campaign, when the fugitive _Susúnan_, hearing of the arrival of the Dutch at _Surabáya_, sent ambassadors to their representative (Knol,) soliciting his pardon, and an assignment of some lands, independent of any other authority than that of the Dutch government. No sooner had he been promised this than he came to _Surabáya_, where he was received on the 17th July by Knol, who delivered to him a letter of pardon written in the Dutch and Javan languages, promising to him the independent possession of a district as a principality, subordinate only to the Dutch government. But, alas! these concessions were soon found to be nothing more than a stratagem to get possession of the prince's person. The unfortunate _Susúnan_, unsuspicious of the treachery, was quietly embarked at _Surabáya_ on the 24th August, and with his three sons, his wife, concubines, and attendants, conveyed to Batavia.

The Dutch accounts relate, that as soon as the prince arrived at Batavia, the commissioners, who had received him on board and accompanied him to the castle, demanded that he should deliver up his _kris_ before being admitted to an audience, which he refused to do. When, however, introduced to the high regency, who had been especially assembled for his reception, he prostrated himself at the feet of the governor-general, surrendered his _kris_, and implored the fulfilment of the conditions on which he surrendered. The governor-general replied, that Mr. Knol had not been authorized either to grant him a pardon or to make promises, yet that government would take the matter into consideration: his _krís_ was then returned to him. He was lodged in the castle as a prisoner of war, and soon afterwards transported to Ceylon.

The account of this transaction by the Javan writers is as follows:

"The _Susúnan Mangkúrat Mas_ and the _Adipáti Wíra Nagára_ (son of _Surapáti_) had not been long at _Málang_ before they were attacked by _Pangéran Blítar_, and forced to seek safety in the forests with only a few followers. There they suffered severely from disease; and most of them dying, the rest removed to the land of _Blítar_, whence the _Susúnan_ sent a letter to the chief Dutch authority at _Surabáya_, asking him why the Dutch had thus assisted the _Pangéran Púgar_ against him, and deprived him of the sceptre which had descended to him from his ancestors, adding that he was himself equally the friend of the Dutch, that he had never harboured a thought injurious to them, and that if they still believed that he had been guilty of a fault against them, it would be well if they would point it out that he might exert his utmost to make amends: for this they might fully depend on him; 'therefore,' said he, 'let the Dutch place confidence in me, let them consider my youth, and that it is yet but a short time that I have been a sovereign.' To this the Dutch authority replied, 'If the _Susúnan_ wishes to act thus, and his intentions are good, let him come to _Surabáya_.' _Susúnan Mangkúrat_ then requested, that if the Dutch would not again place him on the throne, they would assign him a province, in which he and his family might reside in peace. A promise being given to that effect he immediately proceeded to _Surabáya_, where he was received with all honours and the customary salutes, and afterwards entertained with the Dutch officers in the _Passangráhan_ of the _Adipáti_ of _Surabáya_. The Dutch authority at last said to him, with the utmost kindness and softness of speech, 'If the _Susúnan_ has no objection, I am anxious that we should go to _Semárang_ to see the commissary; from thence the _Susúnan_ can at once proceed to _Kérta-súra_, and request the Dutch again to acknowledge him as sovereign of Java.' The _Susúnan_ immediately assented to this arrangement. He was then, with his family and followers, embarked on board a ship; but instead of being conveyed to _Semárang_, he was taken to Batavia, and afterwards banished to Ceylon."