Map to illustrate the Siamese question.

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"Malays got possession of the Island (Junk Ceylon) and the Laksa" mana of Kedah maintained an absolute authority, treating the
"Siamese as slaves, until an accident inspired the Islanders with the
"idea of liberating themselves, which they performed in one night.
"The Laksam na constantly regretted the loss of this island, and
"offered me 1,000 men, when it was proposed by Mr. HASTIaNGS to
" establish a Settlement there." It is far from probable, that the
King of Kedah would have been allowed to reap the advantages of
so lucrative a trade, or to have laid claim to such extensive authority, if he had, in these days, been absolutely dependent on Siam.
But let us now turn our attention to the extremely difficult
and unpleasant situation in which Captain LIGHT found himself,
who, there can be no doubt, promised more than he was permitted
by the superior and controlling authorities to perform. In his letter, dated 18th June, 1717, he says:" I have supplied the King of
"Kedah with twenty chests of opium, at the price of 250 Spanish
"dollars per chest, which I do not expect he will pay until the Conm"pany have come to some settlement with him." In truth, Mr. LIGHT
felt his own honour at stake; he had engaged for more than he could
fulfil, and he was glad to pacify the King in any way he could.
This is a humiliating confession he is obliged to make: "I do
"not expect he will pay for it until the Company have come to some
" settlement with him." What settlement? If, as we are told, the
island was a free grant, why should Mr. LiGHT insist upon our
obligation to come to a settlement, unless he felt that he had given
a solemn pledge?
The island was taken possession of on the 12th August, 178(,
and we do not find the positive decision of the Governor-General
against affording protection, till January, 1787, when the sentiments
of the Supreme Government on that head are communicated to Mr.
LIGHT: " With respect to protecting the King of Kedah against
"the Siamese, the Governor-General in Council has already decided
" against any measures that may involve the Company in military
" operations against any of the Eastern Princes. It follows of course
" that any acts or promises which may be construed into an
" obligation to defend the King of Kedah are to be avoided. If,
" however, Mr. LIGHT can employ the countenance or influence of
"the Company for the security of the King of Kedah, consistently
" with these rules, the Governor-General in Council has no objection
"to his adopting the measure, strictly guarding against any acts or
"declarations, that may involve the honour, credit, or troops of the
" Company."
We shall now see that the communication of such sentiments
and determination, was productive of the greatest embarrassment
to the Superintendent, and what a hazardous game Mr. LIGHT had
to play, in consequence of his inability to support the King of