Raffles lands at Singapore and the Treaty of Singapore

Background. Raffles, appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen in 1818, sought to secure British presence in the Riau area. He favored Singapura due to its strategic location along the Strait of Singapore. Johor no longer had control of the area, so contact was made with the Temenggong Abdul Rahman, who was found with 400 to 500 residents in Singapore in January 1819, including Chinese Teochews who had opened gambier plantations at Mount Stamford before British arrival.

Political Context. The political situation in Johor was complex, with the Bugis faction supporting a different successor. To circumvent Dutch influence, Raffles recognized Hussein Shah as the rightful ruler of Johor. Hussein Shah, who claimed sovereignty over territories from Lingga to Mount Muar, was smuggled to Singapura to facilitate negotiations, allowing the British to establish a trading post in exchange for recognition and stipends.

Treaty Terms. The Treaty of Singapore, signed on 6 February 1819, allowed the British East India Company to open a trading post. In return, Hussein Shah and Temenggong Abdul Rahman received annual stipends of 5,000 and 3,000 Spanish dollars respectively. The agreement ensured free passage of ships through the Strait of Singapore and established a small military presence alongside the trading post.