Indian Antiquary Vol 32

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 48

42
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
(JANUARY, 1903.
Its communication with Bengal in particular is not so rapid and certain, as could be wished, considering that it is, from thence alone that a large Fleet of Ships of War can be supplied with the great Articles of Provisions and Stores, that is to say those for Sea consumption.
Its position pretty deep in the Straits of Malacca, renders it liable to Calms in the South West Monsoon, so that Ships often find it difficult or tedious to approach or leave it.
From the constant serenity of the Weather, in the Straits of Malacca and the safeness of the Coasts, and from the Refreshments and assistance to be obtained by Alliances easily made with the Malay Princes, an Enemies Fleet has considerable Advantage and receives encouragement to project attacks on the Island, not to mention that, if the Enemy happened to be the Dutch, it is too near the Chief Seat of their Force and Power, and unless it be kept always in strength it might be liable to insult, at the breaking out of the War, before it could be reinforced.
From its situation, near the Equator, the climate, probably, as is the case in general, is too hot, and relaxing to admit of the Speedy recovery of European constitutions affected by long sickness; and all cases of Dysentery in particular have been found obstinate there.
Andamans Advantages. I shall now however proceed to estimate the advantages and disadvantages of the Andamans.
It has an excellent Harbour, well supplied with water and wood and possesses a Soil that with perseverance will doubtless, be productive, of all the Fruits Vegetables and Grain common to India, and probably in very high perfection. Its situation is Central, for a quick communication to all the Mossessions of the Company, and, from its Vicinity to the seat of the National Government in India, it admits of the quickest communication of advices, also of the transportation of troops and Stores as well as of the innumerable Succours derivable from the Soil and Riches of Bengal throughout the course of the year, its communication being nearly alike expeditious in both Monsoons.
It stands unrivalled in its position, as a Naval Arsenal, in the facility of Communication with Aracan and Pegu, affording the so much prized Teak Timber for Ship Building, which unfortunately is the principal Article that the Government of Ava will admit of being exported; bat if the present attempts of Government to render the intercourse unrestrained, so as to admit of the Exportation of Articles of Provisions, Cattle and live Stock of all kinds that these Courtries abound in, should succeed it would prove a great benefit to the Settlement in its infant state.
It derives some advantages in defence from the tempestuousness of its Climate, and the dangers of its Coast in discouraging the attempts of an Enemy, who can have no Ports in its vicinity where they can procure the least assistance or refreshment or from alliances, Advantages that Prince of Wales, and none other of the Companys Settlements possesses.
These are all the benefits that occur to me as belonging to the position of the Andamans and some of them when the matter is considered, on a great scale are certainly important, I should be happy more if the disadvantages did not outweigh them; they appear to me as follows.
The Climate has been described, from its excessive moisture, during so great a part of the year, although it may prove sufficiently healthy to those inured to it, would probably be not so to strangers, and particularly to the Crews of Ships of War, worn out by long Service, and in such Cases, generally visited by the Scurvy and Dysentary, to which a moist atmosphere is obnoxious,
The Weather is for the greatest part of the year very tempestuous and irregular, the Islands during the South West Monsoon being generally enveloped and obscured by obstructed Clouds, and on the Coasts there have been found so many dangerous Coral Shoals, many of which may be yet discovered, that it must always be approached with much caution, especially by Ships disabled in their rigging as might be the case after an Action in the Sonth West Monsoon. It is to be feared therefore that accidents would frequently happen, and here the barbarity of the natives must be