Philip Dundas

Philip Dundas, newly-appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Penang, arrived at the newly-created Presidency of the British East India Company, between the 18th and the 24th of September, 1805, together with his Council and the subordinate officials, including his Deputy Secretary, Stamford Raffles, who would form his new government.

The status of Penang (comprising Prince of Wales' Island and Province Wellesley) at this time, was such that it was on an equal footing with with the three great Presidencies in India — Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. Dundas was Governor of Prince of Wales Isle (Penang) from 1805 to 1807.

He created a red-light district so that he could control disease without having to discourage business. On board a ship, at the Bay of Bengal, he died just two years after he arrived, [The Wedderburn Book: A History of the Wedderburns in the Counties of Berwick, and Forfar By Alexander Dundas Ogilvy Wedderburn Published by Printed for private circulation, 1898; Item notes: v.1; p. 293] ill health from unsanitary conditions taking him, and was buried in Penang in April, 1807. Gentleman's Magazine of 1807 reported, "At Penang, in Prince of Wales' Island, John-Hope Oliphant, esq, first in council; at which time the governor, Philip Dundas, esq., was so seriously indisposed as to be incapable of attending his duty, and died on-board the Belliqueux man of war, on April 8. [The Gentleman's Magazine Published by s.n, 1807; Item notes: v.77 pt.2 1807; p. 1075] He was buried in Penang.

1807, April

April 4th. Mr. W. C. Clubley, appointed deputy secretary. Government Orders. Fort Cornwallis April 10. The whole of the troops at the presidency to parade this afternoon, at half past four o'clock, in front of the Government-house, to attend the remains of the honourable Philip Dundas, late Governor &c., &c., &c., of this island, to the place of interment, with all military honours due to his high rank and station. Lieutenant-colonel Basset to command. Three rounds of light cartridges per man to be served to the 20th regiment, which corps only is to fire over the grave, on account of the narrowness of the ground. Forty-five minute guns, corresponding with the years of age of the deceased, to be held in readiness to be fired during the funeral procession, and to be commenced by signal from the Government-house. The Bengal artillery to furnish the carrying party. The garrison colours to be hoisted at half mast at sun-rise, and continue until sun-set. (signed) JOHN DRUMMOND, Town Major. April 13. A salute of 19 guns to be fired, on H. S. Pearson Esq. taking his seat as governor of this island. Also a salute of 11 guns on W. E. Phillips, Esq. taking his seat as member of council. By order of the honourable the governor and council. (signed) Thomas Raffles, Secretary to government. [The Asiatic Annual Register, Or, A View of the History of Hindustan, and of the Politics, Commerce and Literature of Asia: Or, A View of the History of Hindustan, and of the Politics, Commerce and Literature of Asia By Lawrence Dundas Campbell, E. Samuel Published by s.n., 1811; Item notes: v.10 1808]

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