| Summary |
Description: Travel diary and notebook from 1840-1842, possibly by Sinibaldo de Mas y Sanz, describing various ports between Manila and Cádiz, Spain, via the isthmus of Suez, accompanied by a history of the East India Company, and notes on the status of trade in Batavia (Java), and Singapore. The Dutch port of Batavia has now been replaced as the commercial centre of the East Indies by the English colony of Singapore, because of its open port and free trade policy, which have created enormous prosperity and great commercial benefits for both the colony and the mother country. The first 28 pages describe a voyage aboard the steamship "Berenice" from Manila to Alexandria, Egypt, via Singapore, Bombay, and the isthmus of Suez between 1-23 Feb 1841. The author includes notes on accommodations, both in port and on the ship; important sights to visit; fellow passengers; duration of the different segments of the trip; routes; and ticket prices. In Alexandria, the author discusses various routes to Spain and England, via Malta, Gibraltar, and Cádiz. He includes an itinerary and outlines of expenses for a traveller sailing from Manila on 3 Dec 1841, and arriving in Cádiz on 26 Mar 1842, a trip which lasts 3 months, 24 days, and costs $772.39. In addition, there is a copy of a royal order, dated 15 Nov 1842 in Madrid, which reprimands the intendant of the Philippines, Luis Urrejola, for abusing his authority by initiating changes in the organisation and administration of the royal treasury of the islands without the approval of the Crown. The order nullifies all reforms made by Urrejola and his department heads, who are to be held personally responsible for any damages incurred. Furthermore, all offices are to be restored to their former status of 31 Dec 1840, with all positions to be filled by previous occupants at their former salaries. |
