ABSTRACT
Nov. 1663 (vol. ii. pp. 127-132), "The Island [Sumatra] is divided into several kingdoms, the most powerful among them being Achin, on which depend the towns and kingdoms of Pedir, Pacem, Daia, Barros, Passaman, Ticou, Priaman, Padang, and even the kingdoms of Queda and Perach on the other side of the water .... A Queen was Regent: while we were in that country. It was said that she wanted to marry a Dutchman, but the Governor of Batavia would not consent to it. ••• Their buildings, Pa~odas and houses are raised on wooden piles and built of light matenals .••• The capital city ... is built in the Indian fashion and situated by a pleasant river, in a plain, a league and a half from the sea. The air there appears to be better and more temperate than it is on the Southern side of the Island."
