When on 9 August 1783 the East Indiaman ANTELOPE, under command of Capt. Henry Wilson a fast sailing dispatch vessel of the East India Company underway from Macao from which she sailed on 20 July 1783 on a surveying voyage was lost on the western reef of one of the Pelew Islands (now Palau Islands), the crew of 51 persons including 16 Chinese saved themselves to a nearby island, which she named Oroolong (Ulong)
The wreck of the ANTELOPE did not break up quickly, so the crew was able by constructing a raft and using the ships boats to ferry much needed provision, arms, stores and working tools on shore.
One day after landing they met some natives which came to them in two canoes, one of this men was from Malay, and by good luck Capt. Wilson had a man from Macao on board who could speak the same language.
A friendly relationship with the natives began. The natives high ranking Chief Abba Thulle agreed that the shipwrecked men could stay on the island and were allowed to use the trees on the island to build a small ship. It was agreed that in return of the hospitality the British would help him to subduing rival islands villagers, who where causing problems for Abba Thulle.
With a few British men with firearms and the Chief forces the problems were quickly solved after firing a few well aimed shots, without any loss on the side of the British men, a few of the Chief’s men were killed.
Captain Wilson in overseeing the construction of the small vessel did not take part in the struggle. Not any tonnage or dimension exists of the vessel. Het is given as a sloop or schooner in sources.
Chief Abba Thulle visited the men on Oroolong regular, supplying the men with food, and when the vessel was ready for launching, she was named OROOLONG.
Chief Abba Thulle himself a good craftsman, was under the impression of the British skills in building a ship, and he asked Capt. Wilson of his second son Lee Boo could travel with them and learn all the things they were doing in the Western world.
09 November the OROOLONG was launched, and on the 12th November 1783 the OROOLONG sailed from Pelew.
The passage to Macao took 18 days, and Lee Boo, first seasick and maybe homesick, recovered quickly and was feeling very well on board, he was given a sailors outfit for the colder November weather.
From Macao Capt. Wilson set sail to Canton, most probably he had heard that there was an East Indiamen ready for sailing.
At Canton he sold the OROOLONG for 700 Dollars and boarded the East Indiaman MORSE, with Lee Boo.
From Canton the MORSE under command of Capt. Joseph Elliot sailed to England, where she arrived on 14 July 1784 in Portsmouth.
After arrival Lee Boo was given accommodation by Capt. Wilson in Rotherhithe as one of the family, at that time he was 20 years, and his interest and anxiety to learn everything was overwhelming.
Mid December of 1784 it was discovered that Lee Boo had the smallpox, Captain Wilson called the doctor but at that time not much could be done on this illness.
27 December Lee Boo died and was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s.
The fate of the OROOLONG is unknown.
On Palau 1983 20c sg 40 and 1984 40c sg 56
Source: http://www.stmaryrotherhithe.org/prince-lee-boo.php http://www.mspong.org/percy/shipwreck.htm