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The Expedition to Borneo of HMS DIDO for the Suppression of Piracy: with extracts from the Journal of James Brooke, esq. of Sarawak, Volume 2
The Expedition to Borneo of HMS DIDO for the Suppression of Piracy: with extracts from the Journal of James Brooke, esq. of Sarawak, Volume 2

The Expedition to Borneo of HMS DIDO for the Suppression of Piracy: with extracts from the Journal of James Brooke, esq. of Sarawak, Volume 2

Author (1809 - 1904)
Date1866
Object number00019989
NameBook
MediumInk on paper, gilt, cloth covered boards
DimensionsOverall: 230 x 155 x 28 mm, 0.7 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA book by Captain Henry Keppel R.N. tiled 'The Expedition to Borneo of HMS DIDO for the Suppression of Piracy: with extracts from the journal of James Brooke, esq. of Sarawak, Volume 2.' This book outlines HMS DIDO's efforts to suppress piracy in the Malacca Straits near Borneo under the orders of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker. In 1843 Keppel met James Brooke who was based in Sarāwak and would go on to be known as the White Raja.HistoryIn December 1837 Henry Keppel took command of HMS DIDO based at the East Indies and China Station under Vice Admiral Sir William Parker. DIDO was sent to take part in the First Opium War and subsequently in to Borneo where pirates were causing disruptions to trade. It was here that Keppel encountered James Brooke on whose writings much of Keppel's book is based. In the introduction of the book Keppel states; "The visit of her majesty’s ship DIDO to Borneo, and her services against the pirates, occupy comparatively so small a portion of this volume, that some excuse may be necessary for its leading title. It was only by undertaking to make the account of them part of the narrative, that I could prevail upon my friend Mr. Brooke to intrust me with his Journal for any public object; and when I looked at his novel and important position as a ruler in Borneo, and was aware how much of European curiosity was attached to it, I felt it impossible not to consent to an arrangement which should enable me to trace the remarkable career through which he had reached that elevation. I hope, therefore, to be considered as having conquered my own disinclination to be the relater of events in which I was concerned, in order to overcome the scruples which he entertained against being the author of the autobiographical sketch, embracing so singular a portion of his life, which I have extracted from the rough notes confided to me. That his diffidence in this respect was groundless will, I trust, be apparent from these [vi] pages, however indifferently I may have executed my unusual task, during a long homeward sea-voyage; and, from the growing interest which has arisen throughout the country for intelligence on the subject of Borneo and the adjacent archipelago, I venture also to indulge the belief that the general information will be deemed no unfit adjunct to the story of personal adventure."SignificanceHenry Keppel had a long and illustrious life in the Royal Navy and towards the end of his career was Admiral of the Fleet and First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp to the Queen in 1878.