Rade et Ville de Sincapour.

Rare French lithograph of Singapore made from sketches while the Astrolabe and Zellee, under the command of Dumont D’Urville (1790-1842) anchored at Singapore for six days from 27th June 1839. This view from the west side of Government Hill, overlooks the Singapore River and gives a clear view of Jackson’s Bridge which leads to Boustead’s godown on the south bank. At the mouth of the Singapore River on the same side is a group of low buildings which represent Fort Fullerton, built in 1830 to guard the river. Behind the group of figures in ‘oriental’ clothes in the left foreground is the north bank of the river on which can be seen the Court House (with the turret). The remainder of this bank was kept clear apart from the two-storey Master Attendant’s Office, Port Office and small shed used to store coal. The one clearly defined structure amongst the roofs of Chinatown is the prison for local convicts on the far right. Behind Chinatown is Telok Ayer basin with ships at anchor in the harbour. References Teo, Chong &amp Oh P.80, Ill. Plate 15, p.36 Suen p.93, ill. p.93