I am looking for info on one specific event, a U.S. Navy ship's arrival in Manila harbor in 1865 or 1866. It is how the navy learned an American had been installed as the "Rajah of Ambong and Marudu" to start a colony on north coast of Borneo. I read about this some years ago but can't find the source now. As I remember it, a ship of the new Asiatic Squadron went to Manila to fix or replace a broken water condenser. On arrival the commander was confronted by Spanish imperial officials, civilian and military, asking if the U.S. meant to annex the Philippines. I already have info about the colony-to-be and people involved.in it. Would like to know the date, ship involved and circumstances of its arrival at Manila and the encounter with Spanish officialdom. Annual reports of the secretary of the navy list ports called on by Asiatic Squadron but no details of this event. National Archives records of naval operating forces (NARA Record Group 313.2.1, Records of the Asiatic Squadron) don't go back that far according to the summary posted online. Old writings about different events aroiund that time cite "Asiatic Squadron Letters" but I don't know where those are housed or how to access them. Squadron commander was Rear-Admiral Henry H. Bell. Ships included the Hartford (flagship), Monocacy, Wachusett, Palos and Ashuelot overlapping with Wyoming, Iroquois, Yorktown, maybe others. Sultan of Brunei who gave the commission and lease for an American colony was Abdul Momim. American consul to Borneo was Charles Lee Moses. The American rajah was Joseph W. Torrey. Any help you can give greatly appreciated.
