RELEASE OF THE NISERO'S CREW.

Kumara Times, Issue 2563, 21 November 1884, Page 3

RELEASE OF THE NISERO'S CREW.

Files of the Penang Gazette and States Chronicle give the full details of the release of the crew of the British ship Nisero, after their imprisonment for eleven months by Ihe Rajah of Tenom, Sumatra. The release was effected by the Hon. W. E. Maxwell, of the Straits Settlement, who vi?ited Sumatra for the purpose, being taken down by H.M.S. Pegasus. The Dutch Governor of Acheen accompanied the expedition on board the Netherlands man-of-war Bromo. An agent of 'the Rajah met, Mr Maxwell on the coast, and long negotiations ensned. Mr Maxwell had to inform the Rajah—who remained inland—that his -quarrel with the Dutch was no justification for the detention of the shipwrecked crew of a British vessel. On the one hand he threatened instant war if the crew were not given over; and on the other he offered 40,000 rupees (£4000) which the English and Dutch agreed to pay—if the crew were at once released- The negotiations had to be pressed with caution, for the crew were known to be utterly defenceless, and would probably have been massacred when the first gun was fired. This consideration tied Mr Maxwell's hands, and more than once his ultimatum had to be waived. The rnjah gave way with reluctance. First he liberated one man, then five, and finally he came himself to the coast, with a stron« escort and surrendered the others, receiving the cash in person also. Eighteen survivors were rescued, seven of the crew having succumbed to the haiuships they endured in captivity. There was great rejoicing at Penang when the Pegasus returned with the crew, and it was found that active English interference had been successful where Dutch efforts continually failed. Some of the men were almost literally naked when rescued, but their wants were supplied on the instant on board the man-of-war. They were also well looked after at Penang, and the Governor arranged to send them to England by the first steamer. They were to be entertained at " tiffin," and a public ball was to be given by the white population to do honour to the British Commissioner.