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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f7de845 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53670 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53670) diff --git a/old/53670-8.txt b/old/53670-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 76ab337..0000000 --- a/old/53670-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5416 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of Assam, by John Butler - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: A Sketch of Assam - With some account of the Hill Tribes - -Author: John Butler - -Release Date: December 5, 2016 [EBook #53670] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SKETCH OF ASSAM *** - - - - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (The digitized holdings of the Staatsbibliothek -zu Berlin are all interested parties worldwide free of -charge for non-commercial use available.) - - - - - - - - - A - SKETCH OF ASSAM: - WITH - SOME ACCOUNT OF THE - HILL TRIBES. - - - BY AN OFFICER - IN THE HON. EAST INDIA COMPANY'S - BENGAL NATIVE INFANTRY - IN CIVIL EMPLOY. - - With Illustrations from Sketches by the Author. - - - LONDON: - SMITH, ELDER AND CO., 65, CORNHILL. - - 1847. - - - - - - - -PREFACE. - - -To those accustomed only to the comforts of civilized life, or to the -traveller who is indifferent to the beauties of scenery, the monotony, -silence, and loneliness of the vast forests of Assam, will present -few features of attraction; but as the country offers a wide field of -discovery, and so many interesting enquiries remain to be prosecuted -in regard to the numerous wild tribes by which it is inhabited, -it is hoped that the present brief outline of the condition of the -people will not prove altogether uninteresting. - -The chief object of the following pages is to make Assam better known, -to remove some prejudices which exist against it, and preserve the -memory of many remarkable scenes. The narrative of the principal -events has been compiled from official documents, with the knowledge -of Government; but the Author has expressed his own unbiassed opinions -on many interesting subjects with which he became acquainted during -a residence of some years in the Province. Much more might have been -described, but the few authenticated facts now put forth will probably -suffice, from their novelty and interest, to amuse the reader until -greater leisure and further experience enable the Author to present -a more comprehensive work. - - - - - - - - TO - - MY FATHER, - - WHOSE EARLY TUITION, URBANITY, LEARNING, AND EXAMPLE, ENCOURAGED ME - AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF LIFE TO RELY ON MY OWN EXERTIONS, - - THESE WANDERINGS AND REFLECTIONS IN A WILD, UNCIVILIZED, FOREIGN LAND, - - Are Dedicated - - WITH THE GREATEST VENERATION, - - BY HIS - - AFFECTIONATE SON. - - - - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - Garrow warrior to face Title. - Map of Assam to face page 1 - View of Gowahatty 5 - Omanund Island 6 - Queen silkworm, &c. 14 - Vampire, or fox bat, &c. 18 - Leaf insects 19 - Assamese plough 26 - Buffalo heads to face page 27 - Buffalo shooting 28 - Assamese harrow 37 - Singphoo bow and arrows, and helmet to face page 59 - Abor cane helmets 112 - Mishmee dog-skin caps 117 - Assamese gentleman, and Meree woman to face page 134 - Nagas 149 - Angamee Naga warrior 159 - Naga mode of disposing of the dead 163 - Booteah servant 189 - Booteah Rajahs 195 - Kuppah Choor Akhas 207 - Dufflahs 213 - - - - - - - -CONTENTS. - - -CHAPTER I. - - Appointed second in command of the Assam Light Infantry--Journey - to Assam, Goalparah, and Gowahatty--Trip to Seebsaugur in a - canoe--Boats and dangers--Seebsaugur and Saikwah described--The - tribes--An Assam cottage--Unwelcome intruder--Climate of Assam - page 1 - - -CHAPTER II. - - Travels and residence in North-Western Assam--Description - of Burpetah in the rains--Vampire, or fox bats--Leaf - insect--Seclusion of villages in the jungles--Country - abounds with wild animals--Number of deaths, and damage done - to crops--Native mode of killing a tiger--Conflagrations of - jungles--Danger therefrom to travellers--Cultivation of high and - low lands--Number of crops--Primitive mode of husbandry--Irrigation - by cacharies--Country inundated--Population and condition of the - people--Law on slavery 16 - - -CHAPTER III. - - Forests and grass jungle--Tigers, elephants, buffaloes, - rhinosceroses, pigs and deer--Field sports by Europeans--Native - practice of destroying animals with poisoned arrows--Effects of - poison--Wild elephants caught with a noose in Assam--Secured - in a Kheddah or enclosure at Chittagong--Net revenue of - Assam--Disbursements--Industry--Opium--Slavery--Conclusion 27 - - -ACCOUNT OF ASSAMESE TRIBES. - - The Khamtees: their subjection of Suddeah and Saikwah--Their defeat - and expulsion--Re-establishment of their authority at Suddeah and - Saikwah--Intrigues and disaffection to the British Government in - 1820--Captain Charlton placed in charge of the Khamtee chiefs at - Suddeah and Saikwah, 1834-35--Attempts of the Khamtees in 1837-38 - to subvert British authority--Their insurrection in 1839, and - attack on the post at Suddeah and repulse--Death of Lieutenant - White--Expulsion of the Khamtees from Assam--Their submission - and pardon--Character and habits of the Khamtees 39 - - The Singphoos: their country, population, chiefs and clans--Their - dislike of British powers--Their subjection in 1826--Terms - of treaty--Feud between two rival chieftains--Submission - and subsequent flight of the Duffa Gaum--Disaffection of - Tengapanee Singphoos--Tour of the political agent--Fresh - disturbances--Character of the country and people--Their religion, - customs, and condition--Capabilities for commerce--Government - experiment in the woollen trade--Boundary of Assamese and Burmese - territories 59 - - Muttucks: their origin and religion--Severely persecuted by Seba - Sing--Revolt under Luckme Sing--Get possession of the capital, - and make Luckme Sing and all his court prisoners--Ramakant Bor - Deka ascends the throne--Re-action in favour of Luckme Sing, who - is restored--Barbarous punishment inflicted on Ramakant Bor Deka, - his brother, and father--General massacre of the Muttuck chiefs - and their followers--Rebellion of the Moa Mareyas--Expulsion - of Rajah Goureenath, who solicits the assistance of the British - Government--Captain Welsh sent with one or two battalions--Replaces - Goureenath on the throne--Rajah Kumalepur invades Muttuck, but - unable to obtain permanent possession--British Government annexes - the whole of Muttuck to the district of Luckimpoor--Husbandry the - chief occupation of the Muttucks--Tea plant indigenous--Exertions - of Major Jenkins in promoting its cultivation 91 - - The Bor Abors, Abors, and Merees: their localities and - origin--Ornaments of the women--Martial spirit of the - Abors--Destitute of beards--Ignorant of reading or writing--Void - of delicacy and cleanliness in their habits--Little known of the - Abor country--Failure of Lieutenant Wilcox to ascend the Dehong - river 110 - - The Mishmees: divided into distinct clans--Their - characteristics--Attire and ornaments of the women--Mishmees - unrestricted in the number of wives--Inordinately fond of - smoking--Very superstitious--Mode of settling disputes--Cane - bridges--Feud between the Tain and Mezhoo Mishmees--Trade between - the Lamas and Mishmees--Articles of barter and of produce--Names - and number of followers of the chiefs 115 - - The Dooaneahs: their origin--Nature of the country--Expert - pioneers, but not of martial spirit--Strongly addicted to the - use of opium 126 - - The Assamese: conquered and subjected to vassalage - by the Ahooms--Mode of government--System of - collecting the revenue--Conquered by the British in - 1825--New system of taxation introduced--Abundance of - gold--Gold washing--Natural products--Diet, clothing, - &c.--Dwellings--Marriage--Betrothment--Marriage - feast and presents--Breach of promise--Servitude for - wives--Divorce--Slavery--Distribution of salt--Slavery--Ahoom - dynasty--List of the last kings of Assam--Cruel punishments 127 - - The Nagas: their general features and characteristics--Missionary - efforts by the American Baptists--Naga Government--Treatment of - strangers--Omens--Husbandry--Salt wells--Mode of warfare--Ceremony - of tattooing--Mode of revenge--Naga customs--Funeral - ceremonies--List of the Naga tribe 149 - - The Garrows: the tallest and most powerful of all the hill - tribes--Savage custom on the death of their relatives-- - Description of the Garrow women--Culture of cotton--climate 179 - - The Cosseahs: an athletic race, but indolent--Murder of - Lieuts. Beddingfield and Burlton--Chief product, potatoes 182 - - The Booteahs: extent of the Bootan hills--Population--Captain - Pemberton's description of the Booteahs--Exactions and - mal-practices of the Bootan rulers--Weapons 185 - - The Sath Booteah Rajahs of Kooreahparah Dooar in Durrung: the - mountains where located--Kalling and Booree Goorma Dooars-- - Tyranny of the Booteahs towards the Dooars--Kalling Dooar - annexed to Assam--Kooreahparah Dooar--Exactions of the Sath - Rajahs--Advantages of British Government 191 - - The Char Dooar, or Sheergawn and Rooprae Booteah Sath Rajahs: - names of the principal chiefs--Yearly amount of black mail - levied by them--Murder of Moodhoo Sykeah 199 - - The Thebingeah Booteahs: quarrel between them and the Rooprae - Booteahs of Char Dooar--At the present day not numerous, but - peaceable and inoffensive--Sum allowed them by the British - Government in lieu of black mail 202 - - The Huzaree Khawa Akhas: reside in the mountains north of - Burgong--Formerly very powerful, but now acknowledge the - supremacy of Taggee, a Kuppah Choor Akha Chief 204 - - The Kuppah Choor Akhas: always looked upon by their neighbours as - a ferocious band of banditti--Depredations by Rajah Taggee--His - incarceration by the British, and subsequent liberation--Resorts - to his former lawless practices--Massacre of the Goorkha - Sipahees--Taggee, in 1842, voluntarily surrenders to the British, - who again liberate him on his swearing allegiance--He is pensioned - with four other chiefs 206 - - The Dufflahs: divided into innumerable clans--Very uncivilized, - and formerly very troublesome--In 1836-37, consent to forego - their depredations on receiving a fixed sum from the British - Government--List of Dufflah chiefs, and the amount of pension - paid to them 212 - - - - - - - - A SKETCH OF ASSAM. - - -CHAPTER I. - - Appointed second in command of the Assam Light Infantry.--Journey - to Assam, Goalparah, and Gowahatty.--Trip to Seebsaugur in a - Canoe.--Boats and Dangers.--Seebsaugur and Saikwah described.--The - Tribes.--An Assam Cottage.--Unwelcome Intruder.--Climate of Assam. - - -In November, 1840, being then on duty at Mynpooree in Upper India, -with my regiment, in which I filled the office of Interpreter and -Quarter-Master, I had the honour of receiving from the Governor-General -of India the appointment of second in command to the Assam Light -Infantry. Regimental duty amongst our earliest military companions has -its charms, but there is not an officer in the East India Company's -service, be his attachment to his comrades and the sepoys under him -ever so strong, who does not hail with joy the day that gives him -comparative freedom, especially when that freedom is accompanied -by the proud emotions ever attendant upon the possession of higher -command. Accordingly I was much elated at the distinction that had -been conferred on me; nor were my pleasurable sensations diminished by -the circumstance of the future scenes of my service lying in a country -that I had already once visited, and regarding which I felt an uncommon -degree of interest. Bidding my friends farewell, therefore, I quitted -Mynpooree, marched to Futtyghur, and thence embarking in a native boat -upon the Ganges, proceeded to Dacca by the ordinary route, reaching -the station in the latter end of December 1840. At Dacca, engaging new -and more commodious boats, I again set out on my journey to Assam, and -entered the Burrampooter river near the military station of Jumalpore, -and arrived at Goalparah, the entrance to Assam, in nineteen days. - -The military station of Goalparah is situated on the left bank of -the Burrampooter, on the summit of an oblong hill three hundred feet -high, commanding one of the most magnificent views of the Bootan -and Himalaya Mountains, partially covered with snow, that can well -be imagined. There are (or were at the time of which I write) three -bungalows (ground floor cottages) on the small space of table land -on the hill, occupied by the officers attached to the district. From -its elevation, many are disposed to claim for the hill the enviable -title of "the Sanitarium of Assam," but however just its pretension to -salubrity may be, the same degree of credit cannot be extended beyond -this isolated spot. Many parts of the division are so inimical to life, -that the mortality both of Europeans and natives, equals, if it does -not exceed, that in any district in Assam. The noxious exhalations from -the Garrow hills and woods seem more deadly than the climate of the -Northern Dooars, of which few persons resident there can long resist -the depressing effects. Unless endowed with great stamina, life is here -frequently extinguished by jungle fever in the course of a few days. - -The town of Goalparah, consisting of about seven thousand -inhabitants, is built wholly of mats, grass, bamboos, and reeds, -at the foot of the hills, and as the adjoining country is a low, -swampy level, interspersed with slight elevations, it is subject to -annual inundations. The chief traders are Kyahs, merchants from the -western parts of India; and at no place in Assam is there a more -extensive and lucrative trade carried on in cloths of English and -Indian manufacture; rice, mustard-seed, cotton from the Garrow hills, -manjeet, and other articles. - -A three months' residence at the station of Goalparah in 1837, -rendered a prolonged stay unnecessary on the present visit. An -absence of three years had produced few changes in the condition -of the people or the appearance of the buildings, excepting in the -house I formerly occupied, which had been suffered to become a heap of -ruins. One vestige of the débris, however, gratified my self-love. A -little glass window-frame, made with my own hands, still survived the -destruction of time and the elements, and vividly recalled to memory -the difficulty I had overcome in endeavouring to admit light into my -little dwelling. Such a luxury as window glass being unknown at the -remote station, I had purchased some of the small looking-glasses which -always abound in the Indian bazaars, and, removing the quicksilver, -converted them into window panes. - -Leaving Goalparah, six days were occupied in reaching Gowahatty -by water. In Gowahatty, the metropolis of Assam, I perceived a vast -change; many buildings of brick had been erected and the foundation of -a church laid; numerous native shops evinced increasing prosperity, -and much had been accomplished towards rendering the station more -salubrious by the removal of jungle and the construction of many -beautiful roads. The best and largest bungalows at Gowahatty are -all on the banks of the Burrampooter, and the view of the river, -the islands, temples, and verdant foliage of the trees forms perhaps -one of the most picturesque scenes to be met with in India. - -The native town of Gowahatty is built entirely of bamboos, reeds, -and grass. To the south an extensive marsh almost surrounds the whole -station, and the contiguity of many old tanks, choked with jungle, -coupled with the vicinity of the hills on every quarter except the -north, renders this town, in spite of the improvements already alluded -to, one of the most insalubrious in Assam. In the cold season, from -the 1st of November to the 1st of February, the fogs at Gowahatty are -extremely dense and heavy, and last frequently until ten or eleven -o'clock in the day; but it is generally admitted that this state -of the atmosphere is by no means unfavourable to health. The rainy -months of June, July, August, and September, are here always trying -to Europeans, as the moist heat has a much more depressing influence -than the rains of the Western Provinces of India. - -Nearly two months having been passed in boats on the river, from -Futtyghur to Gowahatty, I became anxious to reach the end of my journey -by a more expeditious mode than that of tracking up against the stream -a few miles every day. I accordingly quitted my budgerow and embarked -in a canoe formed of a single tree hollowed out. It was forty-eight -feet long, and three feet wide, ten feet of the length being covered -in with a small mat roof, as an apology for a cabin. In this I felt -by no means uncomfortable, though I had only a little more room than -served to enable me to lie down at full length. - -The solitariness of my position, only enlivened by the song of eighteen -merry paddlers, pulling from morning till night, at the rate of forty -or fifty miles a day, against a rapid stream, was perhaps the worst -part of the story. The scenery, if not positively devoid of picturesque -beauty, wearied me from its monotonous character. Sand-banks, woods, -and hills, unvaried by the residence of man, or the slightest token of -civilization, constituted its leading features. Occasionally a boat -might be encountered, but, excepting from the rude salutation of the -wild crew, the screaming of wild fowl, and the loud crash of falling -banks, prostrating lofty trees in the bosom of the river, not a sound -was heard to relieve the pervading solitude. But, altogether, the -velocity of the trip, with the désagrément of limited accommodation, -was a good exchange for the comforts of a budgerow, and the tediousness -of its pace. - -Passing the healthy and pretty stations of Tezpore and Bishnath, -I arrived at the mouth of the little stream Dikhoo, in nine days, -and, mounting an elephant, rode through a dense tree and grass jungle -to Seebsaugur, distant twelve miles from the Burrampooter. It was a -bitterly raw, cold, wet day; but a blazing fire on the floor in the -snug reed and grass cottage of an acquaintance, soon erased from my -memory the inconvenience of the previous ten days' exposure. - -In the rains, the Burrampooter river resembles a sea, extending for -many miles over the country. In the dry season it will be found in many -places more than a mile wide. The current in Upper Assam, above Dibroo -Ghur, is much more rapid than the Ganges river, and far more dangerous; -from the river being strewed with immense trees, which are whirled down -the stream with awful impetuosity, threatening instant destruction -to the boat so unfortunate as to come in contact with them. For this -reason, the canoes of the country being more manageable, and even if -filled with water, too buoyant to sink, much less risk is incurred by -travelling in them than in the comfortable budgerow, or large native -boat of Western India, roofed with straw. The canoe has also another -advantage, in case of a storm, as it can in a few minutes be dragged -on shore and remain in perfect safety till the toofan has passed -over. The confinement, however, and constant reclining posture are -almost unbearable in the hot weather; and there is a painful sense of -insecurity from the streams and rivers in many parts of Assam swarming -with crocodiles. Natives, when bathing, are not unfrequently seized -by crocodiles, and I have heard that one of these amphibious monsters -has been known to seize a paddler unsuspiciously sleeping in the front -part of the boat: which is not improbable, as the sides of a canoe -are only six inches or a foot above the water. Such occurrences, -however, are too rare to justify the fears that are entertained; -but their rarity, considering the great numbers of crocodiles -on the banks, is nevertheless a marvel. In the Chawlkhawa river, -opposite Burpetah, I have seen basking in the sun on the sand banks, -as many as ten crocodiles at a time; and upon one occasion, a heap -of one hundred crocodile's eggs, each about the size of a turkey's -egg, were discovered on a sand bank, and brought to me; I found on -blowing them, that they all contained a perfectly formed crocodile, -about two inches long, which would have crept forth after a few days' -farther exposure to the sun. - -The flesh of the crocodile is like that of fish, emitting the same -odour, and partaking of the flavour of the coarsest of the finny -tribe. After skinning a small crocodile caught by a fisherman -in his net, one of my native servants made a curry of the flesh, -which is consumed by some low caste men in Assam, as well as in -Western India. The eggs of crocodiles and river turtle are esteemed -delicacies. Upon the merits of the flesh of the turtle I need not -expatiate. I have frequently endeavoured to shoot the crocodile, but -if they be not almost invulnerable, they contrive to elude capture; -for when wounded they manage to get into the river, and either escape -to recover, or die out of sight. It never was my fortune to kill and -secure more than one, which was upwards of twelve feet in length. He -was mortally stricken with one ball. - -The station of Seebsaugur merits little notice. It is a low, flat -country, subject to inundations. There are several large artificial -tanks, and one or two fine old Hindoo temples, in and about the -station. The fort of Rungpore, built of brick on the opposite side of -the Dikhoo stream, is quite in ruins; and of the old city of Rungpore, -not a hut is now in existence: all the inhabitants being now apparently -located at Seebsaugur, which, from having become the residence of -the civil officers in charge of the district, will in a few years, -in all probability, be a populous, thriving town. After a few days' -residence at Seebsaugur, I again set out in a small boat on the -Burrampooter; passing the new station of Dibroo Ghur, the residence -of the Political Agent of Upper Assam, and other gentlemen connected -with the manufacture of tea, I ascended the dangerous rapid formed by a -ridge of stones extending almost across the river, a little below the -junction of the two rivers, Dihong and Dibong, with the Burrampooter, -and in seven days from Seebsaugur, arrived at the end of my journey, -Saikwah. Here I assumed the command of three hundred men, and two -six-pounders. - -The site of Saikwah, the north-eastern frontier military post -in Upper Assam, is on the south bank of the Burrampooter; on low -ground, intersected by numerous streams and surrounded with dense -high tree-jungle, having the Bisnacorie and the Saikwah streams on -the west and east, and the Burrampooter on the north. For the comfort -of the troops, a space of about one thousand square yards has been -cleared of jungle. In the vicinity of, or a few miles distant from -Saikwah, there are some small villages inhabited by tribes denominated -Dooaneahs, Moolooks, Kesungs, Jillys, Mishmees, and Meerees who, -from their wild habits, prefer the jungles to the plains. They grow a -scanty supply of rice, kullie (a species of vetch) and Indian corn; -the whole of which is generally consumed in a few months, leaving -them to depend for the remainder of the year on leaves of the forest -kutchoos (a kind of arrow-root) and wild yams. Saikwah was selected -as a military post in 1839, immediately after the station of Suddeah -on the opposite or north bank had been surprised and burnt by the -neighbouring tribes. It is eighty miles distant from the Patkoe -mountains, separating Assam from Burmah; but it is by no means so -desirable a station for the health of the troops as the deserted -post of Suddeah, in an open plain of six miles in extent. The object, -however, of the change of locality, was to enable the Light Infantry -to afford protection to the tea-gardens in Muttuck from the sudden -aggressions of the numerous wild, fierce, border tribes. In this -respect it has answered; hitherto, few depredations having been -committed, though insurrections have been frequent. - -The trade of Saikwah consists of ivory, wax, and a little cotton; -the amount of ivory sold in the bazaar, the shopkeepers informed -me, averaged annually about six hundred pounds. A more desolate -place than Saikwah can scarcely be imagined. It is surrounded by -fierce and treacherous tribes, who occupy a most impenetrable tree -and grass jungle, and whose endeavours are perpetually directed -to the annihilation of the troops. At first, the hourly patrol's -grand rounds and alarms allowed me little rest or ease, but the -alertness of the troops in getting under arms at night to repel any -meditated attack, soon obliterated from my mind all apprehension of -surprise. The Assam Light Infantry wish for nothing better than an -opportunity of contending with the Singphoos, or indeed with any of -their treacherous neighbours (whom they hold in the utmost contempt) -in a fair battle in the open country; but in the jungles they find -it almost impossible to come in contact with their foes. - -A few days after my arrival at Saikwah sufficed to plaster my -mat-and-grass cottage with mud, and with the assistance of the -Sipahees, a chimney for a fire-place was soon constructed, with bricks -and mortar obtained from old buildings at Suddeah; then putting -in a glass window, I was enabled, in comfort and solitariness, to -pursue my usual vocations in all weathers. In this secluded retreat, -every incident, however trifling in itself, acquired an importance -which induced me to note it in my tablets. On one occasion, about -eight o'clock at night, sitting by a snug fireside, my attention was -arrested by the approach of an unwelcome visitor making his way in -at the door. Taking up a candle to ascertain who or what was forcing -ingress to my dwelling, I beheld a python, or boa-constrictor, about -six feet long, steadily advancing towards me. In my defenceless -position it may be imagined that safety depended on immediate -flight; and the monster thus speedily gained entire possession of -my habitation. It was, however, for a few minutes only, that he was -permitted to remain the undisturbed occupant of the abode; for my -servants quickly despatched the intruder with a few blows inflicted -with long poles. An apothecary, who had long been attached to the -Assam Light Infantry, assured me that pythons, or boa-constrictors, -were very numerous in our vicinity, and of an immense size, some not -being less than fifteen or eighteen feet in length. I had evidence -of the truth of the statement; a skin, fifteen feet long, being -subsequently brought me by the natives. I caused it to be tanned and -sent to England. Small serpents were often met with. On one occasion -the apothecary brought me two boa-constrictors of about four feet long, -which he had found on a table curled up amongst some bottles in the -same room where his children were sleeping. In all probability the -lives of the infants were saved by the musquitto curtains preventing -access to the bed. Boa-constrictors are exceedingly fond of rats, -and on this occasion they had evidently been in search of their prey. - -As my cottage had not the usual white cloth ceiling suspended, -insects, snakes, and vermin frequently descended from the roof into -the rooms; but by keeping the house free of baggage and well swept, -contact with them was avoided. The reader will suppose an Assam -mat-hut to be a dreary kind of residence; but I can assure him, the -logwood fire on a hearth one foot high, in the centre of the room, -with a small window cut high in the wall for the escape of the smoke, -is by no means devoid of cheerfulness. - -The general characteristic of the climate of Upper Assam is excessive -moisture. Rains fall heavily and frequently in March, April, and -May, and continue to the middle of October; and from this time till -February the atmosphere is cool and pleasant. As the bordering hills -of Assam, both on the north and south, are peopled by a variety of -tribes differing from one another in aspect, language, and customs, -I have, in later pages, briefly depicted each class; mingling personal -description with a narrative of as much of their respective histories -as circumstances have put it in my power to offer. - - -TABLE. - -Showing the number of days required for a Budgerow to proceed from -Calcutta to Suddeah, or Saikwah in Upper Assam, from October till -1st June:-- - - - No. of days. - - From Calcutta to Dacca 12 - From Dacca to Goalparah 19 - From Goalparah to Gowahatty 6 - From Gowahatty to Tezpore 6 - From Tezpore to Bishnath 3 - From Bishnath to the mouth of the Dikho river, 12 miles - distant from Seebsaugur 6 - From Dikhoo Mookh river to Dibroolghur 7 - From Dibroolghur to Suddeah or Saikwah 6 - -- - Total days 65 - - - -Excepting with a westerly wind during the rains, the navigation of the -Burrampooter river is tedious, uncertain, and dangerous, from falling -banks, floating trees, a rapid current, and no tracking ground: the -jungle extending to the edge of the river. In Assam a canoe is the -safest and most speedy mode of travelling. - - - - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - Travels and Residence in North-Western Assam.--Description - of Burpetah in the Rains.--Vampire, or Fox Bats.--Leaf - Insect.--Seclusion of Villages in the Jungles.--Country - abounds with Wild Animals.--Number of Deaths, and Damage done - to Crops.--Native mode of killing a Tiger.--Conflagrations - of Jungles.--Danger therefrom to Travellers.--Cultivation - of high and low lands.--Number of Crops.--Primitive - Mode of Husbandry.--Irrigation by Cacharies.--Country - Inundated.--Population and Condition of the People.--Law on - Slavery. - - -For the more speedy and effective administration of justice among the -people residing in the north-west quarter of the district of Kamroop, -and for the promotion of trade, the Governor-General's Agent directed -the establishment of an out-post for an assistant at Burpetah, on -the Chawl Khawa river, and I was selected to proceed for eight months -upon this duty. - -The population of Burpetah is estimated at about three thousand souls; -their huts are built without any regularity on high artificial mounds -of earth, in the centre of gardens of betel nut and plantain trees, -clumps of bamboos, cane and grass jungle, mango and other large trees, -under the shade of which, impervious to the sun, roads or channels -intersect the town in every direction. In the rainy season, these -channels, owing to the inundation of the country, are filled with water -many feet in depth. Every house, consequently, is provided with one -or more canoes, in which the inhabitants visit each other's isolated -positions; and the cattle are brought upon the little eminences at -night, and housed oftentimes under the same roof with the family, -if not in the same room. Daily may the cattle be seen swimming -across these street-streams in search of a dry spot of land on which -to graze. In this manner, for four months of each year--June, July, -August, and September--are the people surrounded by floods; but, as if -endowed with amphibious natures, they seem equally happy in or out of -the water, and pass their time on board their boats in trading with -other villages throughout Assam. When at home, they amuse themselves -during the rainy season in collecting the wood which floats down the -rivers, from the destruction of their banks alluded to in the foregoing -chapter; and in the sport of catching wild buffaloes, deer, and pigs, -which are now seen in great numbers swimming across the rivers from -the low inundated grounds to reach more elevated spots on which to -subsist: the animals in their passage, being overtaken by canoes, -are captured with the aid of ropes and spears, with little difficulty. - -At Burpetah there is a very long building supported by wooden posts -carved with emblems of Hindoo Deities, with a grass roof and mat -walls. It is called a shuster, alias temple; and is a religious -endowment, where the vedas or holy books of the Hindoos are chanted, -and offerings in kind and cash received. A grant of rent-free land, -given by the Assam king Sebsunker, in 1657 A.S. or 1735 A.D. is -attached to the temple, and a number of disciples, with two chief -priests or pontiffs, manage the affairs of the establishment. - -On the trees at Burpetah, great numbers of the Vampire or Fox-bats are -to be seen hanging by their claws with their heads downwards. They -are offensive looking objects, having a body eleven inches long, -and each wing twenty-two inches in length. I have never heard a -native assert that they suck the blood of cattle when sleeping, and -if it were the case, such a circumstance would certainly be quickly -verified; it may therefore justly be inferred, that this is a popular -error. It is said that the food of the fox-bat consists entirely of -jungle fruits; their flesh is esteemed a delicacy by many natives, -and I have frequently shot them to gratify the appetites of my own -servants. There is a strange superstition amongst the natives, that -the bones of the fox-bat, worn as an amulet or charm, will cure any -limb or part of the body affected with pain. - -One of the most curious members of the animal (query, vegetable?) world -in Assam is the Leaf insect--so called from its very close resemblance -in form, colour, and general structure (even to the fibre), to the leaf -of the tree which it inhabits. In fact, until the insect moves, it is -difficult to distinguish it from the leaf itself. The annexed drawing -will convey an idea of this singular freak of nature; many attempts at -transmitting a perfect specimen to Europe have been frustrated by the -perishable character of the insect. Spirits are entirely inefficacious -as preservatives, and camphor destroys the colour of the animal. - -In perambulating the district, I was particularly struck with the -immense extent of high grass jungle between the Burrampooter river and -the foot of the Bootan mountains. I frequently traversed a distance -of eight and ten miles through a dense grass jungle twenty feet high, -without meeting with a solitary hut or any cultivation; but suddenly, -a village and an open cultivated space of a few hundred acres would -burst upon the view and vary the monotony of the scene. This would -be followed by a dreary waste extending to the next village, often -five or six miles distant; while a solitary foot-path, forming the -only communication between the small communities thus isolated, -clearly showed that for many months in the year little intercourse, -except by water, is kept up between them. - -The country is infested with wild animals, and the footpaths are -dangerous at all times. Some slight idea may be formed of the danger -to human life from the denizens of the jungle, when I state that -in the western quarter of the district of Kamroop alone, in the -short period of six months, the police reports included twenty men -killed by wild elephants and buffaloes. The damage done to the rice -crops yearly by wild elephants and buffaloes is very considerable; -and although Government bestows a reward of two rupees eight annas, -or five shillings, for every buffalo destroyed, and five rupees -or ten shillings for every tiger's head, such is the apathy and -indifference of the natives to their own interests and preservation, -that they seldom exert themselves to earn the gratuity, until repeated -aggressions become unbearable. When wild elephants pull down their -huts, or a tiger, from previous success, becomes emboldened to enter -their little dwellings and carry off their cattle, then the village -community will turn out in a body; surrounding with nets the tiger's -lair,--a small patch of jungle in the vicinity of the village,--and -shouting and yelling, they drive the intruder into the nets, where -he falls an easy victim to the spears and bludgeons of the enraged -and injured populace. - -In January, February, March, and April, the whole country adjoining -Burpetah presents a spectacle seldom seen elsewhere: the natives set -fire to the jungle to clear the land for cultivation, and to open the -thoroughfares between the different villages, and the awful roar and -rapidity with which the flames spread cannot be conceived. A space -of many miles of grass jungle, twenty feet high, is cleared in a -few hours; and the black ashes scattered over the face of the earth -after such recent verdure, form one of the most gloomy and desolate -landscapes that can well be imagined. But so rapid is vegetation in -Assam, that a few days suffice to alter the scene: the jungle speedily -shoots up with greater strength than ever, and at the approach of -the heavy rains in June, it again attains a height of many feet. On -more occasions than one, though mounted on an elephant, I have had the -greatest difficulty to out-flank a fierce roaring fire, rapidly moving -with the wind, in a long line over the country. The elephant, of all -animals, is the most fearful of fire; and on hearing the approach -of the element he instantly takes to flight; but the rapidity with -which the flames spread renders escape most hazardous, especially -if the wind is high and right aft. The best plan to adopt if a fire -breaks out to windward, is to circle round the nearest flank with all -expedition, gaining the space burnt by the advancing flames. On foot, -escape would be almost impossible; the jungle being impenetrable except -by a narrow footpath, and this being frequently overgrown with grass, -if no open spot be near at hand, inevitable destruction must be the -fate of any unfortunate traveller to leeward of a fire. - -In Assam, excepting the fields close to the villages, the best land -is never manured. One crop of planted winter d'han or rice is cut in -November or December, every year, from generation to generation. This -land is never allowed to lie fallow; abundant rain being all that -is requisite to ensure plentiful crops: the richness of the soil -seems inexhaustible. - -The low lands liable to inundation are never manured; the jungle is -burnt down, and for three successive years two crops are annually -realized from it. In February, mustard seed is gathered in: a source -of great profit to the cultivator; and in June the spring rice, sown -broad-cast, is reaped. After the land has been thus impoverished, it -is allowed to remain fallow for three years; and fresh jungle land -is burnt and prepared in the same primitive way, and with the most -simple implements of husbandry. In other parts of Assam extensive -tracts of land are beautifully cultivated, and pretty villages are -numerously studded over the country; but, although lakes and streams -are everywhere to be met with, no attempt is made by the Assamese -tribes, excepting the Cacharries, to irrigate the land, and thus -render the crops more certain and productive. - -The Cacharries who reside at the foot of the hills are the most -useful and industrious, as well as the most athletic men in Assam, -and allowed to be the best cultivators. They irrigate their lands to -a great extent from hill streams, and consequently raise far better -crops than their neighbours. During the months of June, July, August, -and September, a great portion of Assam is inundated, and boats leaving -the innumerable streams and large rivers, paddle over the country in -every direction; indeed, in many places, particularly at Burpetah, -boats form the only means by which any communication can be kept -up. To facilitate intercourse during the dry season, roads have been -constructed, and bullock-carts introduced, similar to the hackerys -in use in the Western Provinces of India, for the conveyance of the -produce of the lands to the best markets; but the Assamese are so -wedded to their old customs, and attached to the use of slaves and -bondsmen in every capacity--as servants, porters, and cultivators, -that it has been found no easy matter to induce them to adopt a new -system, however obvious its advantages. - -A new era, however, is approaching: a law has been promulgated, -abolishing slavery in India, and as the people become more enlightened -by education and intercourse with Europeans, they will relax their -adherence to old and absurd usages and prejudices. In the district -of Kamroop above twenty thousand slaves and bondsmen may obtain -manumission by simply asking for it; and as there is no doubt they will -do so, we may anticipate, from the acquisition of freedom, a total -alteration of the habits and feelings of the Assamese. Large wastes -of land will be brought under cultivation, and thousands of families -made independent and comfortable. Assam has now been subjected to -British rule for a period of nearly twenty years, and the people have -enjoyed the fruits of their labours in peace and security: a condition -of things to which they were strangers under their own chieftains. - -The population of Assam is assumed to be about 800,000 souls; but as no -correct census has been taken, the accuracy of the estimate cannot be -determined. It may be presumed, however, that the population does not -increase to any great extent, for a state of slavery and bondage has -never been favourable to the due multiplication of the human species. - -The proprietors of slaves and bondsmen consist of the most -respectable men in Assam, and of course are strenuous supporters -of the continuation of the lucrative and nefarious traffic in their -fellow-creatures. To deprive them of their proprietary right to their -slaves it has been urged would be unjust, and offensive to their -usages; and, following the example of the West India proprietors, they -contend that the slaves being their lawful property as much as houses, -grain, or cattle, compensation should be made by Government for the -release of every man from bondage. The Indian Government, however, -has adopted a different course. It has published a regulation that -forbids the officers of all courts from allowing forcible possession -of the person or services of a slave, or his property. In future, -therefore, slave-holders will not be able to compel their slaves -to obey their orders, and as this law becomes gradually enforced, -slavery will be practically abolished; a new order of men will arise, -stimulated to more vigorous exertions by the conviction that they -will reap the benefit of their labours, and extended cultivation and -a freer exchange of commodities will infallibly ensue. - - - - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - Forests and Grass Jungle--Tigers, Elephants, Buffaloes, - Rhinosceroses, Pigs and Deer--Field Sports by Europeans--Native - practice of destroying animals with poisoned arrows--Effects of - poison--Wild Elephants caught with a noose in Assam--Secured - in a Kheddah or Enclosure at Chittagong--Net Revenue of - Assam--Disbursements--Industry--Opium--Slavery--Conclusion. - - -The enormous extent of forest, and high, dense grass jungle in Assam, -exceeds perhaps that of any other country of the same area; and, -as a consequence, the herds of wild elephants, buffaloes, deer, -rhinosceroses, and tigers, are innumerable. Almost every military -officer in civil employ in Assam, having constantly to roam about -the country, becomes, if not from choice, at least in self-defence, -a keen and skilful sportsman. Herds of one hundred buffaloes each -are frequently met with; and though I have known twenty buffaloes -shot in one day's diversion, they are so prolific, and the season of -four months for sport is so short, that no actual progress appears -to be made in the diminution of their numbers. On some occasions, -when a buffalo is wounded and unable to escape into high jungle, he -furiously charges the elephant on which the sportsman is mounted in -a howdah, and often gores the elephant, or injures the feet or legs -of the driver seated on the animal's neck, before he can be stopped -in his career; for it frequently takes ten or twelve balls to destroy -a buffalo, unless an early shot inflicts a vital wound. The elephant, -if well trained, on being charged by a buffalo, merely turns round and -presents his stern to the repeated blows of the infuriated monster: -screaming out, however, in the utmost fright until the buffalo is shot -or scared off by the firing; but a timid or badly trained elephant, -on being charged instantly seeks safety in flight, to the imminent -peril of the sportsman, should any trees happen to come in contact -with the howdah. Buffaloes, however, that have been long undisturbed, -generally stand still, and with fierce looks and raised horns receive -the first few shots in utter astonishment, and then seek shelter -in the high jungles with the utmost speed. Rhinosceroses are very -numerous in many parts of Assam, and are to be found in very high -grass jungle, near inaccessible miry swamps, which preclude pursuit, -and having thick skins, they are not easily shot. Elephants dread the -charge of a rhinosceros as much as that of a tiger, and the grunting -noise of the former animal not unfrequently scares even a well-trained -elephant from the field. If the rhinosceros succeeds in overtaking the -elephant, he bites large pieces of flesh from the elephant's sides or -legs, and with the horn on the nose not unfrequently inflicts fearful -wounds. Rhinosceroses are tamed in a few months, and may be seen at -Gowahatty grazing on the plains as harmless as cows, attended by a -single man. When tamed in Assam they may be bought of the natives for -100 or 150 rupees (10l. or 15l.); many have been sent to Calcutta, -and sold for 500 rupees, or 50l.; but the expense of boat hire to the -metropolis, provender, and servants' wages, with the risk attendant on -the journey to so distant a market, renders the speculation anything -but profitable. - -Deer shooting is a fine, healthy, exhilarating exercise for those who -are not partial to the dangerous and exciting scenes common to tiger, -rhinosceros, and buffalo shooting. It is a mistake, however, to suppose -it tame, easy sport. Deer shooting requires much practice: a steady -foot and arm in a howdah, and a quick sight are indispensable, if you -would shoot either pigs or deer while bounding rapidly over the plain. - -A most deadly poison is extracted from a kind of root denominated -Mishmee Bih (or poison) brought from the Mishmee country, on the -north-east quarter of Assam. With this the natives in Upper Assam -generally cover the tips of their arrows, and destroy elephants for -the sake of the ivory tusks. So powerful, so deadly is the effect of -the poison, that the slightest scratch or puncture of an arrow smeared -with it proves fatal: if not instantaneously, at all events in a few -hours after an elephant has been stricken. Deer and buffaloes are also -killed in the same manner. Immediately the animal falls, the wounded -part is cut out, and the flesh is then eaten by the natives, without -apprehension of any ill effects arising from the inoculation of the -body by the poison: at least I have never heard of a single instance -of a person losing his life from having eaten of the flesh of animals -killed by poisoned arrows, common as is the practice of partaking of -such food. Safety appears to be secured by excising the wounded part. - -Of all field sports in Assam, that of catching wild elephants with -the noose is the most exciting and dangerous. On a herd of wild -elephants being discovered, four tame elephants, called Koonkies, -with two men on each elephant--one sitting on the neck, and called a -Phundaet, from having to throw the noose, and the other seated on the -back, with a club, to urge the elephant into full speed--proceed to -join the herd; which generally at first sight of the tame elephants, -takes to immediate flight. A good sized wild elephant, however, being -quickly selected from the herd by the riders, by common consent, is -pursued till fairly run down, when the Phundaet throws over the wild -elephant's head a large rope noose, one end of which is attached to the -body of the tame elephant on which he is mounted, and the wild animal -is instantly pulled up and rendered helpless. The other three tame -elephants now joining, another noose is thrown over the wild elephant's -head on the other side; the ropes on both sides being extended to a -distance of ten paces. The entangled brute is then triumphantly led -off between the two tame elephants to a place of security, where, -his legs being bound with ropes to a large post in front and rear, -he is kept on low diet until he becomes tractable,--a state to which -he submits himself in an incredibly short space of time. The female -elephants may, in two months, be driven alone anywhere; but the male -elephants take four, six, and sometimes twelve months before they can -be trusted to walk alone, unhampered with ropes. When a male elephant, -with tusks, becomes entangled with the noose round his neck--which -noose, by the way, has a knot to prevent strangulation--the animal -frequently rushes down with the utmost ferocity on the tame elephants, -and with his tusks gores them in a most frightful manner. In such a -case it becomes necessary to quickly bind his legs with large ropes, -and no further resistance is then of any avail. The individuals -who throw the noose over the wild elephant's head are oftentimes -in the most imminent danger, but their agility in shifting their -position to any part of the body of the tame elephant, enables them to -elude injury. The tractability and sagacity of the tame elephant in -making every effort to secure the wild elephant by putting the ropes -round his legs, is very remarkable. Indeed, so cunning are the tame -elephants,--so intuitive is their apprehension of their duty--that -there is little difficulty in capturing the wild elephant. - -It is calculated that not less than five hundred elephants are yearly -caught in Assam and sent to Western India for sale. At Chittagong, -in the south-eastern quarter of Bengal, the mode of catching wild -elephants is very different from that adopted in Assam. Herds of -fifty elephants are there surrounded by two or three hundred men, -the jungle is filled, and a regular barricade of trees, with a trench, -formed; the elephants are thus unable to break loose; tame elephants -are then sent into the enclosure, which is called a Keddah, and the -wild elephants are quickly secured with ropes. - -The formation of these enclosures is a work of great labour and -considerable expense; but the Government are amply repaid by -the sale of about one hundred elephants annually, caught in this -manner. Chittagong elephants are considered very superior to those -caught in Assam, the former being stout, strong, short-legged beasts, -and the latter lanky and weak; but whether the prejudice be just, -may be doubted, as there are many noble elephants in Assam that -would prove most serviceable in any part of India, and the prices -they would fetch amply repay any charge incurred by Government for -an elephant-hunting establishment in Assam. - -The annual sum expended for the support of civil and military -establishments in Assam cannot, I suspect (for I have no documents -to refer to), be less than 700,000 rupees, 70,000l. And the net -revenue derived from six districts exhibited in the following table -[1] is rupees 611,268 9 7, showing that the disbursements exceed the -receipts. This is to be regretted, for disinterested individuals -conclude that Assam might be made a source of profit instead of -expense to the Government, without the smallest possible risk of the -peace of the north-eastern frontier of India not being maintained in -security. But were it otherwise, the sum yearly expended in excess of -the net revenue for the management of Assam, it must be borne in mind, -is not thrown away, for Assam forms the best frontier protection for -Bengal that could be desired; and if troops were not located in that -province, a force would be required on the north eastern frontier, -involving much heavier expense than the Local Corps of Assam. Every -endeavour, therefore, to promote the advancement and civilization -of the people of Assam must be hailed as a favourable omen of future -prosperity. - -The utter want of an industrious, enterprising spirit, and the -general degeneracy of the Assamese people, are greatly promoted by -the prevalent use of opium; they would rather consent to be deprived -of food than their accustomed dose of this deleterious drug, and so -emaciated and weakened have many become from indulging in its use, -that they are unequal to any great exertion, either mental or bodily, -until the usual stimulating dose has been imbibed. Government have -established no regulations against the growth of opium in Assam, -neither do they derive any greater revenue from its cultivation -than is yielded them by other lands. It cannot be doubted that, if -a heavy tax were levied on every acre of land producing opium, and -a high duty imposed on its sale, it would be beyond the means of the -people to purchase and consume such quantities of the drug, as is now -the practice of men, women, and even children. The consequence would -be that in a few years many would be weaned from their predilection -for the pernicious opiate, which at present is esteemed a sovereign -remedy for every evil in life. Notwithstanding the degraded state of -the Assamese population, we may yet regard Assam as a rising country; -the price of all commodities, as well as the wages of labour, having -been greatly enhanced under the British rule. - -In concluding these brief notes on Assam, justice, gratitude, and -esteem, require that the personage holding the exalted dignity of the -Governor-General's agent in Assam, Major Francis Jenkins, should be -presented to the notice of the reader. It is to him the English public -are largely indebted for forming the grand scheme of supplying his -native country with tea from Assam. It is to his able and persevering -exertions, during a ten years' sojourn, that the affairs of Assam, -both in a political and financial view, have been retrieved from -almost inextricable disorder. Before Major Jenkins arrived, very few -officers were allowed to conduct the political duties of the province; -and these gentlemen being, moreover, overwhelmed with other business, -improvements could not be contemplated: the current routine of fiscal -and criminal duties was all that two or three individuals could be -expected to superintend. This state of affairs was remedied by Major -Jenkins, who pointed out to Government the indisputable advantages that -would accrue from a more liberal policy being pursued in aiding him -with a greater number of European assistants. His representations were -acceded to; the revenue has consequently increased, and the people, -as far as their vices will permit, have thriven in peace, security, and -comfort. The British Government has relieved Assam from the barbarous -mutilations, cruel impalements, and other outrages against humanity -which its inhabitants were subject to under their ancient rulers; and -distress, anarchy, or discontent amongst our own subjects in Assam is -unknown. A few petty aggressions of savage hill tribes occasionally -occur, demanding constant vigilance and prompt suppression, but with -this exception, peace and plenty prevail throughout the valley; and -when the day arrives for Major Jenkins's departure from Assam to his -native land, that liberal, benevolent, and highly-gifted man will be -much regretted by his European assistants, and by the native population -of the province, all of whom look up to him as a protector and friend. - - -STATISTICS OF ASSAM. - -+-------+-----------+----------------------------------------------+ -| | |Governor General's Agent North East | -| | |Frontier. Military Officer. | -| | | +------------------------------------------+ -| | | |Deputy Commr. of Assam. Military Officer. | -| | | | +--------------------------------------+ -| | | | |Principal Assistants to the Governor | -| | | | |General's Agent. Military Officers. | -| | | | | +----------------------------------+ -| | | | | |Junior Assistants to the | -| | | | | |Governor General's Agent. | -| | | | | |Military Officers. | -| | | | | | +------------------------------+ -|No. of | Names of | | | | |Sub-Assistants to the | -|Dis- | Districts | | | | |Governor General's Agent. | -|tricts.| in Assam. | | | | |Uncovenanted Officers. | -| | | | | | | +--------------------------| -| | | | | | | |Native Sudder Ameens or | -| | | | | | | |Judges to try cases not | -| | | | | | | |exceeding 1000 rupees. | -| | | | | | | | +----------------------+ -| | | | | | | | |Native Moonsiffs or | -| | | | | | | | |Judges to try cases | -| | | | | | | | |under 300 rs. | -| | | | | | | | | +------------------+ -| | | | | | | | | |Net Revenue | -| | | | | | | | | |of each District | -| | | | | | | | | |in Assam. | -+-------+-----------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+------------------+ -| | | | | | | | | | Co's. | -| | | | | | | | | |Rupees. Ans. Pice.| -| 1 | Kamroop |...|...| 1| 1| 1| 1| 6| 252991 3 6 | -| 2 | Durrung |...|...| 1| 1| 1| 1| 3| 142299 1 0 | -| 3 | Nowgong |...|...| 1|...| 2| 1| 1| 103925 2 5 | -| 4 | Seebsaugur|...|...| 1|...| 2| 1| 2| 70135 10 5 | -| 5 |{Luckimpoor|...|...| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 14131 12 0 | -| |{Muttuck |...|...|...|...|...|...|...| 16950 0 0 | -| 6 | Goalparah |...|...| 1|...| 1| 1| 1| 10835 12 3 | -+-------+-----------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+------------------+ -| 6 | | 1| 1| 6| 3| 8| 6| 14| 611268 9 7 | -+-------+-----------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+------------------+ - - - - - - - -SOME ACCOUNT OF THE ASSAMESE TRIBES. - - Observations on the Khamtees--Surprise and - Conflagration of the Station of Suddeah by the - Khamtees, in January 1839--Singphoos--Muttucks--State - of Assam Tea Company--Bor Abors--Abors and - Merees--Mishmees--Dooaneahs--Assamese--Nagas--American Baptist - Missionaries in Assam--Garrows--Their present and eventual - condition--Cosseahs--Traits of the people of Bootan--Attachment - of the Bootan Dooars in Assam by the British Government--Defeat - of the Booteahs, in 1836--Sath Booteah Rajahs of Kooreahparah - Dooar, in Durrung--Thebingeah Booteah Rajahs--Sath Rajahs of - Char Dooar--Hazaree Khawa Akhas--Kuppah Choor Akhas--Meechees, - and Dufflahs of Now Dooar. - - - - - -KHAMTEES. - -In the reign of Rajeswur Sing, Rajah of Assam, about 1751 A.D., on -the north-eastern frontier of Assam, the Khamtees, it is traditionally -reported, emigrated from a range of mountains bordering on the sources -of the Irawaddy river to the valley of Assam, and settled a small -colony of fifteen houses in the vicinity of the Tengapanee river. But -between the years 1780 and 1794 A.D., Goureenath Sing, the reigning -Rajah of Assam, was compelled to abandon Upper Assam after repeated -battles with the rebellious Moamareahs of Muttuck, and in the anarchy -that prevailed throughout the country, the Khamtees were emboldened to -take up a more advanced position. For that purpose, being joined by -another band of 400 Khamtees with some few muskets, they fearlessly -located themselves at Suddeah; and, though nominally subordinate to -the Assam Government, they arrogantly exercised considerable power -over the people of the Suddeah and Saikwah districts: which were -exceedingly populous at that period, and had been placed under the -direct authority of an Assamese nobleman, styled Suddeah Khawa, an -Ahoom by birth. Not content with this usurpation, they proceeded to -reduce the whole of the Assamese population to the utmost verge of -degradation; considering them as slaves, only worthy to be spared -so long as they continued obedient to the will, and were useful to -their masters in cultivating the land, and contributing to their -comforts. In the height of their success, promoted by the weakness of -the Assam Government, the Khamtees commenced kidnapping the Merees, -and other inhabitants settled in the neighbourhood of the Dehong -and Debong rivers, whom the Abors looked on as their dependants and -slaves, entitled to their special protection. This treatment being less -endurable than that of the Abors, towards whom a friendly feeling had -been created by long intercourse, the Merees were induced to implore -the protection of the latter to save them from being cruelly taken -away from their homes to serve as slaves amongst a strange tribe. The -Abors, on their side, perceiving that they were about to lose the -greater portion of their slaves by the aggressions of a formidable -foe, lost no time in preparing for war; and descending from their -mountain fastnesses to the plains bordering on the Dehong river, -a furious battle was fought between them, and, it is said, two or -three hundred Khamtees. The contest terminated in the Khamtees being -defeated and dispersed with great slaughter, upwards of one hundred -men being left on the field of battle. This trial of strength and -courage with their warlike neighbours, rendered the Khamtees ever -afterwards more circumspect in their demeanour towards the Abors, -and the people subject to them. - -During the reign of Kumleswur Sing Rajah, from 1794 to 1809, -frequent battles were fought between the royal troops and Khamtees, -and generally to the discomfiture of the latter. In fact so disastrous -to the Khamtees were the results, that the whole tribe was dispersed; -many were detained prisoners, and the remainder were compelled to quit -Suddeah and return to the country whence they had issued. In 1810, -Chunderkant Rajah ascended the throne, and in the commencement of his -reign the Khamtees endeavoured to regain their lost position. Joining -the Singphoos at Suddeah, they attacked one of the forts situated at -the foot of the northern hills above Suddeah, commanded by Bihitea -Burrah and Kooch Burrah, and were successful in a night assault, having -destroyed the fortress by fire and massacred 150 soldiers. They were, -however, speedily repulsed by the Assam troops, and the whole clan -was thenceforth expelled the province. - -In 1816-17, Chunderkant Rajah was treacherously invited by the -Borax Gohain to visit Jorehath, where he was formally deposed, and -ignominiously treated: having one of his ears slit, which disqualified -him for regal dignities; and Poorunder Sing, the great grandson of -Rajeswur Sing Rajah, was duly installed in his seat. This arrangement, -however, was of short duration, for in 1818 a Burmese army of 30,000 -men invaded Assam and replaced Chunderkant on his throne. The ex-Rajah, -Poorunder Sing, on this sudden and unlooked for change of affairs, -prudently retired to Chilmary, in Bengal, - -Under the Burmese Government, the Assamese at Suddeah were placed -under a Khamtee Gohain, or chief; and when the province was conquered -in 1824-25, Captain Neufville sanctioned the innovation, bestowing -on a Khamtee chief the title of Suddeah Khawa. But the rights of -the Assam régime had devolved on the British Government, with whom -it rested to revert to the former rule wherever it might be deemed -expedient: and that without any injustice to the Khamtees, as they -had no claim whatever to the title in question. The assumption of the -title of Suddeah Khawah, by the Khamtees is variously described. It is -currently believed that Chunderkant Rajah--feeling himself insecure -on the throne whilst he had to contend with the Boora Gohain and the -ex-Rajah Poorunder Sing--invited the Khamtees to return to Suddeah, and -bestowed on one of the Khamtee chiefs the title of Suddeah Khawa; in -order, by this arrangement, to secure, through their means, a retreat -for himself, if unfortunate at a future day. But in 1820 A.D., the -Burphokun having been murdered, with the connivance, it was supposed, -of Rajah Chunderkant, the Burmese became his enemies, and returned -and dethroned him, shortly afterwards, placing on the throne Jugesur -Sing, who was the last prince of the Assam dynasty. In this interval -of anarchy, the Khamtees had re-established their influence and -power to such an extent as to overawe almost the whole of the tribes -of the frontier; and their authority at Suddeah was paramount. The -Assamese, though greatly reduced in numbers by oppression and deaths, -and from being carried off and sold into slavery by the Singphoos and -Burmese, were all now permanently under the control of the Khamtees; -but on the submission of the latter to the British Government, a -settlement was made with them, leaving the internal management of -the tribes to their own chiefs, who were exempt from taxation, but -under the obligation of performing military service to the state when -required. Revenue, however, was to be paid for the Assamese subjects -under their management, and cases of murder, wounding, arson, and -petty thefts above fifty rupees were disposed of by British officers. - -The military population of the Suddeah district, on the north bank of -the Burrampooter, was estimated at this period to be--Assamese, 691, -Khamtees, 428, men capable of bearing arms: multiply these numbers by -three, for old men, women, and children, we shall reach a census of -4476 souls. On the south bank, in the district of Saikwah, according to -the same calculation, there were,--Assamese, 616, Khamtees, 248, which, -with old men, women, and children, amounted in all to 3456 persons; -thus making the united population on the north and south banks of the -Burrampooter, in the districts of Suddeah and Saikwah, 7,932 persons. - -In the year 1829, notwithstanding the Khamtees were bound by treaty -to pay allegiance to the British Government, such was the intriguing -character of the Khamtee Suddeah Khawa Gohain, that the strongest -ground existed for believing him to be engaged in a traitorous -combination against us. He was the first person who invited the Burmese -into the country, and having a relative residing at Ava, he maintained -not only with that court, but throughout the frontier, a general -correspondence. In the absence of a European military officer, or -Political Agent at Suddeah, a native manager or Suznatee, was generally -the channel of all communications between the chiefs and the British -Government. But in the years 1834-35, Captain Charlton was placed in -charge of the Khamtee chiefs, and the Suddeah and Saikwah districts; -and by the measures he adopted to check the traffic in slaves, and -protect the Assam population from the oppressive exactions of the -Khamtees, he created the utmost dissatisfaction among the latter, -and caused them to be highly incensed. Moreover, in December 1834, -instructions were issued requiring a census of the population to -be taken; with the view of levying a capitation tax, to be renewed -every five years, in lieu of military service to the state. When -this innovation was proposed, it was urged that the state of society -among these tribes was such, that the materials for direct taxation -were not available; that the introduction of our rule would cause -too violent a shock to the habits and usages of the rude people; and -that the result, in all probability, would be a harassing rebellion, -which would retard the progress of improvement. Concurring in these -views, the Government deemed it unsafe fully to enforce the plan -of assessment. The Assamese residing within the Suddeah territory -were taxed at the rate of one rupee per head; but the Khamtee tribes -were exempted from this imposition, on condition of their performing -military service as they had hitherto done under the Assamese and -British Governments. - -Notwithstanding this concession, however, an insubordinate spirit was -immediately manifested by the tribes, and it thus became necessary -to deprive them of the muskets given them by Captain Neufville, -and to depose the Khamtee Suddeah Khawa Gohain. The loss of this -title and usurped sovereignty over the Assamese was grievously -felt by the Khamtees, and from that period their estrangement -from the British Government may fairly be dated. About this time, -also, the Khamtee Suddeah Khawa Gohain was arraigned on a charge of -slave-dealing,--an unfortunate occurrence, which rendered the Khamtee -chiefs still more indisposed to our rule. Serious apprehensions -were thenceforth entertained of an open revolt, and combination -with our enemies. Nevertheless, not to appear distrustful of their -intentions, they were invited to accompany Lieut. Charlton, in the -rainy season of 1835, in the expedition against the Duffa Gaum's force -at the stockade of Gackwah; in storming which place the Runowa, the -Tow Gohain of Derack (who was wounded in the neck), and the Captain -Gohain accompanied him, and were said to have behaved bravely, and been -present when Lieut. Charlton was wounded. It was confidently asserted, -however, that though these chiefs did accompany Lieut. Charlton when -he took the advanced stockade or guard-house, there were not more than -five or six men in it, who ran away immediately; and it is probable -that the Khamtee chiefs were aware of there being so few men, as they -afterwards completely abandoned Lieut. Charlton when he so gallantly -attacked the large stockade. Indeed, from the whole of their conduct -subsequently, there is every reason to conclude that they were in -league with the enemy, for they made no attempt to obstruct his -retreat, and said openly that they could not be expected to fight -now that a census was taking of their subjects for the purpose of -assessing them; and that they got no presents as was formerly the -custom. In the cold season of 1835, the Political Agent led another -expedition against the Duffa Gaum, and accepted the voluntary offer of -the Khamtee chiefs to accompany him: not in a well-grounded belief in -the sincerity of the proposal, but as a matter of policy, with the -view of rendering the Duffa Gaum doubtful of their intentions; and -thinking it safer to keep an eye upon them, whilst close at hand, -rather than to leave them in the rear. In these operations, all -previous suspicions of their disaffection were completely confirmed, -for in no one instance did the principal chiefs afford any support, -and they even took care not to place their contingents within fire -on the first day. Subsequently, when placed on the line of the Duffa -Gaum's retreat, they made no effort to obstruct it, otherwise the -chief would have been captured; and there is every reason to believe -that the negotiation was entirely defeated through their efforts, -in concert with others. - -The difficulty, however, of substantiating matters of this kind in -this frontier, amongst these wild tribes, is exceedingly great, for a -great deal of correspondence on such subjects is carried on by symbols -and tokens: such as pieces of buffalo flesh, short swords, muskets, -ball, powder, &c.; but at the very time the Khamtees were posted to -cut off the Duffa Gaum's retreat, one of their chiefs deserted to -him, and doubtless gave the intelligence the enemy stood in need of; -and it is currently reported that they fired on the British troops, -with whom they were co-operating, more than on the enemy. It is even -believed that the Khamtees were aware of the Duffa Gaum's irruption -from the first, and promoted it, with the view of finding us occupation -on the frontier, and thereby preventing the realization of our plans -for assessing them, as they were firmly impressed with the belief that -it was our intention to reduce them to a level with the Assamese. It -is true that they offered to pay taxes at one rupee per head, on -condition of being exempted from military service, but that they were -sincere in this offer was not credited: had the measure been enforced, -they would probably have resisted it, or moved out of our territory. - -In the beginning of 1837, a marked spirit of disaffection existed -amongst the Khamtee chiefs, and it was generally understood that -they had combined with the Abors and Mishmees to subvert our power; -and they had probably encouraged the Abors to attack us, in the -hope of making themselves of consequence and thereby recovering -their former power over the Assamese. Or it might have been with a -view of preventing the extension of taxation to themselves, which, -notwithstanding our promises to the contrary, they expected would -be enforced when necessary or convenient. In the latter end of -1837, the Khamtees made an inroad on the Mishmees, averring that -the Mishmees had taken away their slaves some years ago; but there -is no record of the existence of any real pretext for violence. On -the contrary, it appears that the Khamtees sold the subjects of the -British Government to the Mishmees. The real motive for the incursion -is supposed to have been that the Runoah and Tawah Gohains intended -proceeding to a particular spot in the Mishmee hills, with the view -of expelling a portion of that tribe and of ultimately withdrawing -themselves from the authority of the British Government, to which -they had evinced no cordial feeling of attachment. In fact, both in -1835 and 1837 it was recommended to the Government that the Khamtees -should be located elsewhere than at Suddeah, in order that unpleasant -collisions might be avoided, and our peaceable Assamese subjects be -induced more cheerfully to submit to taxation. - -The only incident that transpired worthy of notice in 1838 was that, -without any permission, the Khamtees commenced preparing some lands -for cultivation about a day's journey from Suddeah; alleging as their -reason the scarcity of good land at Suddeah. This plea was, however, -untenable: the real cause was that the paucity of the population at -Suddeah had rendered it necessary for the Government officers to make -requisitions for coolies to work on the roads, although considerably -higher wages had been paid than in other parts of the country, and -the dread of these requisitions had induced the Khamtees to think -of removing. - -Thus passed the years 1836, 37 and 38: rumours of an insurrection -being about to break out were occasionally prevalent, but it was -supposed that the Khamtees had too much good sense to league with -other lawless and disaffected tribes and hazard a rebellion, unless -supported by a large Burmese army. In the following year, however, -the deceitful calm was suddenly disturbed. About half past 2 o'clock -on the morning of the 28th January, 1839, the clouds that had long -been gathering, burst on the doomed post of Suddeah. The Khamtees, -including a few Moolooks and Singphoos and others, in number about -six hundred fighting men, divided into four parties--impressed with -their own importance and strength, and perhaps stimulated to greater -daring by opium--insidiously set fire to the houses of the officers -and huts of the soldiers and camp followers, at different points; -at the same time furiously attacking with short swords, spears, -&c., the stockade and Assam Light Infantry in their lines, and the -quarters of the artillery. Notwithstanding that the attack was totally -unlooked for, and the greatest confusion prevailed from the extensive -conflagration and uproar throughout the station--the Sipahees being -surrounded by their wives and families, and knowing that the enemy -cut up men, women, and children, indiscriminately--the panic was -of short duration. Discipline soon came into play; a few men got -together, headed by their officers, and retook the stockade in fifteen -minutes. The enemy then confined their remaining exertions to cutting -up a few helpless individuals in the bazaar; but after a few rounds -of grape and round shot from a carronade and a six-pounder which had -been fired, at the commencement of the attack, they fled from the -cantonment of Suddeah in three bodies, leaving behind them twenty-one -men killed on the spot. The loss of killed and wounded on our side, -including men, women, and children, amounted to eighty persons. The -political agent, Lieutenant-Colonel White, who had only arrived at -Suddeah a few days before the attack, placing too much confidence -in the illusive permanence of Khamtee allegiance, did not deem it -necessary to have for his protection a guard of Sipahees at his house; -and on this eventful night he had left his bungalow on the first alarm, -and was proceeding by the nearest route to the lines, when he was met -by a party of the enemy, who instantly attacked him. He fell, pierced -with nine spear wounds. It is a matter of great regret that this -officer should have lost his life from the want of proper precaution, -for, had a guard been placed at his house, there is little doubt but -that he would have fought his way in safety to the troops in the lines, -as other officers did. Being a benevolent, brave, talented officer, -his death was deeply lamented by the corps; more particularly as he was -the only European who met an untimely end on this memorable morning. - -The Khamtees, it is reported, had long endeavoured to persuade the -Singphoos to join them in their intended outbreak and massacre of our -troops, and some had assented to share in the promised plunder of the -district; but whether they hesitated from fear of the consequences, -or that the Khamtees anticipated the day of attack from a sanguine -expectation of accomplishing their design through their own prowess, -unassisted by other tribes, we had no means of ascertaining: further -than that the Singphoos, excepting a few in the neighbourhood of -Suddeah, on this occasion showed their foresight and prudence in not -being implicated in the reckless rebellion. But as the Singphoos, -immediately after the Suddeah catastrophe, attacked and burnt several -villages in the Saikwah district, it is evident they were prepared -to take advantage of the surprise of the post had our troops been -defeated or annihilated. - -The Moolooks engaged in this conspiracy were well affected to -the British Government, and at first refused to join the Khamtees -in attacking our troops; but the Moolook Gaum, or chief, having -been instantly barbarously murdered by the Khamtees for declining -to act against us, his little band was intimidated and compelled -reluctantly to follow the dreaded Khamtee leaders. A few Mishmees, -who were also at this time on a visit to Suddeah for trading purposes, -were unfortunately induced to join in the treacherous affray, and many -that were fighting for their lives were slain by the troops. Some of -the Suddeah Assamese population were likewise implicated, and punished -by the law with the severity their temerity and ingratitude deserved: -for they had received no provocation, neither had they any grievances -to resent or redress. - -In a few months the Khamtee tribe (excepting the Khamtees of Palangpan, -who were not implicated) were driven by the Assam Light Infantry beyond -the frontier; and the Assam valley was, for the third time within a -century, freed from the presence of this inimical tribe. Shortly after -the return of the troops from this expedition, however, the Khamtees -again located themselves at the foot of the Mishmee hills, close to a -pass leading into the Burkhamtee country. In 1843, the Runoah Gohain -and Tow Gohain, chief actors in the dire disaster of 1839, being -dead, their sons and many Khamtees, sent in a petition for pardon, -and for permission to return and place themselves under the protection -of the British Government. Their prayer was generously acceded to, -and a treaty was at once drawn up offering them free pardon for the -past rebellion: on condition of their coming down with their wives and -families and locating themselves at Choonpoorah, a short distance above -Suddeah, where they should be permitted to cultivate the land rent free -for five years. They were further bound to abstain from the trafficking -in slaves, and to arrange all petty disputes amongst themselves; -but all heinous offences, murder, gang robbery, serious wounding and -thefts, were to be settled by the political agent. Finally, after -ten years they were to abide by any other arrangement the British -Government might deem expedient. Previous to this settlement, and -shortly after the insurrection of 1839, a small body of Khamtees were -sent down to the district of Luckimpore, and by their own industry -cleared and brought into a beautiful state of cultivation a fine tract -of country. They, however, live most secludedly from their neighbours, -retaining their own habits and customs; and it is to be feared that a -long period of time will elapse before they amalgamate or assimilate -themselves with the Assamese population. Eventually, should the whole -body of this discontented, restless, intriguing tribe return to their -allegiance under the British Government, their past history would -not warrant the most sanguine mind to expect from them, permanently, -either a cheerful submission to our rule or a readiness to pay revenue, -without an exhibition of force. Neither can we confidently anticipate -that they will adopt peaceable, agricultural, industrious habits in the -present generation; being addicted to opium and habitual indolence, -and preferring the precarious gain derivable from bartering ivory, -gold, and impure silver, to the drudgery of regular industry. But it -is impossible to calculate on the benefits and changes that might be -effected in their feelings and character, could they be prevailed on -to have their children educated in our schools; and this scheme for -their amelioration has long been contemplated. - -In stature the Khamtees are middle sized, in countenance resembling the -Chinese more than any other tribe on the frontier, and possessing the -same kind of complexion: perhaps a shade darker. They are an active, -intelligent, shrewd, warlike looking race of men, but there is a -sinister expression, mixed with a peculiar severity, pervading their -countenances, that leaves anything but a favourable impression of the -benevolence of their dispositions. Vindictive and cruel natures would -infallibly be imputed to them by the physiognomist, and experience -has shown that this would prove a just estimate of their general -character. The chiefs of this tribe are fond of mechanical employments, -and with rude instruments most ingeniously work up iron and silver -into a variety of forms for arms, ornaments, and pipes. With a little -European instruction they would probably become skilful workmen -in this art. Their wearing apparel consists of a simple dhotee or -sheet folded round the waist and falling below the knee; this, with -a dyed blue cotton jacket extending below the waist and well fitted -to the body, gives them a smart, tidy appearance. Their long hair -is bound up in a high knot on the crown of the head, and sometimes -a white cotton cloth is used as a turban. The principal food of the -Khamtees consists of rice and vegetables; but meat, when procurable, -is never refused. They also enjoy spirituous liquors; and their creed, -Boodhism, seems to have imbued them with few prejudices debarring -them from the unrestrained indulgence of their natural inclinations. - - - - - -SINGPHOOS. - - "'Tis ours by craft and by surprise to gain:-- - 'Tis theirs to meet in arms and battle on the plain." - - Prior. - - -The Singphoo tribes occupy the country between the twenty-eighth -and twenty-ninth degrees of north latitude, bounded on the north by -the Burrampooter, on the east by the Mishmee mountains, on the south -by the Patkoe range, and on the west by the space from the mouth of -the Now Dehing river, debouching into the Burrampooter in a direct -line to Ningroo, terminating at the foot of the hills south of the -Boree Dehing river. Half of this tract, of about 1,400 square miles, -may be considered hilly, and the remainder undulating. The soil -is rich and fertile, and abundant crops of rice are easily raised -both on the high and low lands. Sugar-cane grows luxuriantly; tea is -likewise found, and every part of the country is intersected by fine -clear streams. The most productive corn tracts are the valleys of the -Teerap, Namroop, Boree Dehing, Now Dehing, Mudhoopanee, Tengapanee, -and Kurempanee. Almost the whole of this country, at the present time, -may be said to be one immense forest, but about sixty years ago, -or previous to the arrival and settlement of the Singphoos within -the Assam frontier, it was considered, from the great extent of -cultivation, a fertile, salubrious region. The Singphoo population -was estimated in 1838 at about 6000 persons; but in the absence -of a regular census, we can form no accurate estimate of their real -numbers. At the present day their communities are very small: probably -6000 persons would not be found scattered over the whole frontier north -of the Patkoe range. In the vicinity of the Tengapanee, the following -Singphoo chiefs reside:--Niphoonnong, Tangsangtau, Jowbongsang, Nidong, -Koonkie, Phoop, Oompheedor, Luttora, Ong, Keemingdoo, Niyang, Lajee, -Mannong, Nakinchong, Nisah, Koomiyunglah, Ninayong, Jooloo, Nisah -Doboon, Jowna, Wakhut. On the Now Dehing; Komonjong, Wakhut, Soanjang, -Kamchowjow. On the Mudhoo and Jengloo-Panee; Luthaon-Jowbong, Simaen, -Moolan, Jowken, Nisam, Phoinchee, Seerolasein, Mokhoh, Nidhen Lekhala, -Nizen Chowkhen. On the Boree Dhing; Kinglong, Chamsong, Ningroola, -Beesa, Lakhoom, Noobrong, Lajong, Seong, Bathamgam, Moongong, Jowkeem. - -Each of the different Singphoo tribes is governed by a chief, -designated a Gaum, whose authority over his clan is nearly despotic, -and entirely independent of the other chiefs. The general body of clans -seldom combine, except for purposes of plunder. Occasionally, however, -some chiefs, endowed with superior energy, acquire influence over the -rest; and this would appear to have been the case with the Beesa Gaum, -when the late Mr. Scott, agent to the Governor-General, entered into a -treaty with the Singphoo chiefs. At that time the Beesa Gaum was the -most intelligent and influential of the chieftains, and was publicly -recognised as the agent through whom the sentiments of the British -Government should be made known to the different tribes. In other -respects he had no controlling authority, and was regarded by his -brother chieftains as merely their equal. On the invasion of Assam -by the Burmese, the Singphoos joined the force, and partook of their -plunder; in fact, they had no alternative: their only option was to -plunder others or to be plundered. - -Prior to the conquest of Assam by the British power, the Singphoo -tribes had been accustomed to make annual incursions into the -province, for the purpose of obtaining slaves and plunder; but on -the establishment of a British force at Suddeah, this practice was -effectually restrained. From this circumstance arose their dislike -to our power, which readily disposes them to listen to any adventurer -who holds out to them the prospect of driving us out of the country; -for with the reckless and short-sighted policy of barbarians, they -never calculate the consequences of a revolt, but think that if -the British troops were defeated, and our influence annihilated, -all their desires would be accomplished. - -The Burmese having been driven from the province, in 1824-25, by our -troops, and the Singphoos completely subdued, it became necessary to -adopt measures for the establishment of our future intercourse with -the latter; and for this purpose, on the 3rd of May, 1826, a treaty -was entered into with them, granting them terms they had no reason -to expect. The following is a copy of the compact: - -"Whereas we, the Singphoo chiefs named Bam, Komjoy, Meejong, Jow, -Chowkhen, Jowrah, Chow, Chumun, Neenjun, Tangrang, Chowbal, Chumta, -Chowrah, Chowdoo, Chowkam, Koomring, &c., are under the subjection of -the British Government. We execute this agreement to Mr. David Scott, -the agent to the Governor General, and hereby engage to adhere to the -following terms, viz: 1st. Assam being under the sway of the British -Government, we and our dependent Singphoos, who were subjects of the -Assam state, acknowledge subjection to that Government. We agree not to -side with the Burmese, or any other king, nor to commit any aggressions -whatever; but we will obey the orders of the British Government. - -"2dly. Whenever a British force may march to Assam, to protect it -from foreign aggression, we will supply that force with grain, &c.; -make and repair roads for it, and execute any order that may be issued -to us; and we shall, on our doing so, be protected by that force. - -"3rd. If we abide by the terms of this agreement, no tribute shall -be paid by us; but if any Assam Paicks, of their own accord, reside -in our villages, the tax on such Paicks shall be paid to the British -Government. - -"4th. We will set at large, or cause to be liberated any Assam people -whom we may have seized, and they shall have the option to reside -wherever they please. - -"5th. If any of the Singphoos rob any of the Assam people residing -in our country, we will apprehend the former, and surrender him to -the British Government; but if we fail to do so, we will make good -the loss thus sustained by the latter. - -"6th. We will govern and protect the Singphoos under us, as heretofore, -and adjust their differences; and if any boundary dispute occur -amongst us, we will not take up arms without the knowledge of the -British Government. - -"7th. We will adhere to the terms of this agreement, and never depart -from them. This agreement shall be binding upon our brothers, sons, -nephews and relatives in such way as the Agent to the Governor-General -may deem proper. We have executed this agreement in the presence of -many. Written at Suddeah, 5th May, 1826, A.D." - -The Singphoo country remained undisturbed until the year 1830, when -the invasion of Wakim Koomjoon, from the province of Hookong, on -the Burmese side, took place, and was promptly repelled by Captain -Neufville. On this occasion, the Luttora and Tengapanee Singphoos -took part with the invader, and the Beesa Gaum with the British -authorities. The assistance of the Beesa Gaum does not appear to -have been of a very active nature, but his conduct was nevertheless -approved by the Political Agent, and rewarded by Government. He was, -however, shortly afterwards dismissed from the situation of Sunzatee, -and Zalim Sing, a Soobadar of the Assam Light Infantry, who had greatly -distinguished himself under Captain Neufville, was appointed to the -office. Bijee Nath Sing, a Soobadar of the Assam Light Infantry, -succeeded him in 1839. - -In 1835, the attack of the Duffa Gaum upon the Beesa took place. This -compelled the British Government to interfere for his protection, -and to avenge the massacre of its subjects; but although the attacking -party came from Hookong, the contest was in reality between the Khakoo -Singphoos, under the Luttoora chief (who espoused the Duffa's cause), -and the Now Dehing and Booree Dehing Singphoos, on the side of the -Beesa; for the Duffa only brought fifty muskets with him and one -hundred followers, the remainder of his force being collected within -the British boundary. - -The feud between the two rival chieftains, the Duffa and the -Beesa, arose in 1823 A.D., two years before the assumption of the -sovereignty of Assam by the British Government. A Singphoo chief of -rank, named Likhee Khandoo, who had lately come over from Hookong, -had proposed to the Beesa Gaum that the Singphoos, in conjunction, -should attack the Bursenaputty, or chief of the Muttucks. The -Beesa chief replied that he would willingly join provided the Duffa -Gaum was of the party; the latter was applied to, but refused to -engage in the enterprise; nevertheless the attack was made by the -Singphoos, but was repulsed with severe loss to them, the Muttucks -having received secret information which enabled them to prepare to -receive the assailants. The prior intelligence of the attack which the -Bursenaputty had received, was ascribed, whether justly or unjustly, -to the Duffa chief's agency. Accordingly, in a spirit of revenge, the -remaining Singphoos attacked his house, wounded his wife (who died -from the effects of her wounds), and killed some of his people. It -is not certain that the Beesa chief was present at this outrage, -but as the party went from his house, there can be little doubt -of his connivance at the transaction. After this the Duffa chief -withdrew into the district of Hookong, under Burmese control; and -although repeatedly invited by the British authorities to return and -resume his territory, he never could be prevailed on to do so. Nor -did he ever make application to obtain redress for the injuries he -had sustained from the Beesa chief prior to the conquest of Assam by -the British Government, and it was evidently never his intention to -apply. Indeed, it would have been incompatible with Singphoo notions -of honour that a chieftain should have obtained redress in this manner -without retaliating upon his enemy. With this latter view, ever since -his retreat from Assam, he had been gradually labouring to extend his -influence amongst the Singphoos, across both the Burmese and Assam -sides of the boundary line; and possessing the advantage of birth, -superior connections, and a reputation for liberality, he at length -succeeded in establishing an ascendancy paramount to that of the Beesa -chief: which had latterly declined, owing to his connection with the -British Government. The Beesa chief, and those dependent upon him, -had been compelled to give up the Assamese who returned from slavery -in Burmah--a measure extremely repugnant to the Singphoos, dependant -as they were upon the Assamese for the means of subsistence. - -Matters stood in this position up to July 1835, when the Duffa Gaum, -having obtained decided influence, planned an expedition into the -Beesa's territory, and appearing there unexpectedly, surprised and -plundered his village, murdered his wife, his son's wife, and ninety -of his people: thus retaliating in a far greater degree the injury he -had sustained. On hearing of this outrage, Lieutenant Charlton ordered -out a company, and instructed the Soobadar to inform the Duffa Gaum -that he must forthwith quit the Assam boundary, and that, on reaching -the frontier, any complaint he had to prefer against the Beesa chief -would be promptly attended to. The Duffa chief refusing to comply -with the mandate, Lieutenant Charlton was obliged to employ force -against him; but the troops under Lieutenant Charlton's command being -insufficient for the purpose, three months afterwards (in November -1835) the political agent in person moved to his assistance with two -hundred and fifty men of the Assam Light Infantry. - -The Duffa Gaum, anticipating an attack, had taken up a strong -position in the stockades on the Menaboom hills. Prior to resorting -to hostilities, every exertion was made to induce the chief to come -to terms, and a three days' truce was granted for this purpose. The -Khamtee chiefs and the Bursenaputtee of Muttuck, who accompanied the -political agent as auxiliaries on this occasion, were required to -escort the Duffa Gaum to the camp of the Political Agent as a security -that his person would be respected, and that he would be permitted to -return unmolested should no satisfactory result follow the meeting. The -Duffa Gaum, however, being still apprehensive of treachery, could -not be prevailed upon to attend the conference, until the Political -Agent consented to meet him at a spot one hundred and fifty yards -distant from his fort, with an escort of only a havildar and twelve -soldiers. The escort having been scrupulously counted, the chief at -last came out with a similar number of armed followers. His demeanour -was most abject: he and his whole escort sunk down upon their knees, -and taking a handful of the earth, he kissed it and said that the -Company was Lord and Master thereof. He then proceeded to speak of -the injuries he had sustained from the Beesa Gaum. In reply, he was -told that he had no reason to complain of the British Government, as -he had never represented the conduct of the Beesa chief to any of the -functionaries, and that it could not be expected that the Government -should take cognizance of acts which had occurred in 1823, prior to -its assumption of the sovereignty of Assam. The injuries which the -British Government had sustained from him were then recapitulated: -the murder of its subjects, the plunder of their property, and the -Duffa Gaum's stubborn persistence in retaining his position in the -face of repeated injunctions that he should withdraw from the territory -within the Assam boundary. It was further brought to his recollection -that the British Government had repeatedly offered him repossession -of his territory, provided he came in a peaceable manner, but that it -was incompatible with its dignity to allow him to attempt to extort by -force that which had been given spontaneously. He was then required, -First, to make good, by an annual instalment in money, elephants' -teeth, or gold dust, the loss of 8000 rupees that our merchants had -sustained by his treacherous attack on Beesa: furnishing security, -or a hostage, for the fulfilment of his engagement; and, Secondly, to -dismiss the auxiliary Singphoos whom he had brought from the Burmese -territory: and as a security for their not returning he was to give -up their arms. The Duffa Gaum agreed to both these propositions, -apparently in the most joyful manner, and promised faithfully to come -in the following morning; but the next day he sent a letter into camp -referring entirely to his ancient dispute with the Beesa chief, and -making no allusion whatever to the terms proposed to him. Upon this, -the British force took up a position within five hundred yards of his -stockade; but the Duffa Gaum's agent immediately came out and said, -that if the Political Agent would advance alone to a place within -one hundred and fifty yards of the fort, the chief would come out and -accompany him to camp. The Political Agent complied with the request, -remained at the appointed spot half an hour at considerable personal -risk, and called upon the Duffa Gaum to fulfil to his promise. The -answer given was, that the Duffa Gaum had no confidence in the -sincerity of the Political Agent, as Wakutchangnang had sent him a -flint, powder and ball, the evening before: which was equivalent to an -intimation that his intentions were warlike whilst proposing peace. The -Agent urged in the strongest manner that no such message had been sent; -but finding the Duffa Gaum immovable, hostilities were reluctantly -resorted to. A signal was given to the battery, and the fire commenced; -the stockade was carried, and the Duffa chief fled beyond the frontier. - -Not the slightest doubt was entertained of the individual desire of -the Duffa chief for peace; but the Khamtee chiefs, being irritated -by certain proposed innovations in 1834--such as taking a census and -taxing them--were the first, it is believed, to call in the Duffa -chief, with a view of exciting troubles and obstructing the maturity -of our plans; and thus was the negotiation marred. - -In the year 1838 public tranquillity was again disturbed by a feud -between the Peshee and Let chiefs, which compelled the British -Government to interfere and punish the former: who, contrary to -his agreement, persisted in attacking the latter. The Luttora chief -likewise violated his compact, by giving aid to the Peshee chief, -and was driven from the Company's territory. - -Though the Tengapanee Singphoos did not arrive in time to join in -a body with the Khamtee chiefs, in the attack made on the post of -Suddeah in January 1839, their disaffection was apparent in their -unprovoked attack upon, and plunder of, the villages in the Saikwah -district, when they carried off many Dooaneahs. In consequence of this -outrage, a detachment of troops visited in November 1839, the principal -villages of Inshaw, Dobom, Inban, Luttora, Koomkie, and Tang Sang Tang; -situated at the foot of the Mishmee hills, between the Kerempanee -north, and Mena Boom hills south, in the vicinity of the Tengapanee, -which takes its rise in the Mena Boom hills south. On this occasion the -whole of the chiefs were assembled, and the heinousness of their late -conduct explained: fines were imposed in proportion to their means, -and their submission and pledges required to an extent never before -obtained, besides the restitution of most of the Dooaneahs carried -away from Saikwah. The confederacy between the Singphoos and Kamtees -was broken up, and the expulsion of the Deerack Tawah Gohain effected, -with the loss of his village and a quantity of grain. - -In November 1841, considerable alarm pervaded the north-east -frontier, owing to a report that the Tippum Rajah, aided by the -Burmese and Singphoos from both sides of the border, meditated an -incursion into Assam. To remove this impression, a tour was made -by the Political Agent with a company of the Assam Light Infantry, -a body of Golundaz, and two three pounders carried on elephants, -through the greater portion of the Singphoo territory. The route -pursued was from Saikwah up the Burrampooter river to the Tengapanee; -and on passing the villages of Kinglong, Dohing Koomkee, the principal -chiefs, Neesaka of Jusha, Ong of Luttora, Labing of Dobom, Tang Sang -Tang, Koomong of Koomkee, and Samnong, son of the Wakhet chief, paid -their respects. From thence the party proceeded up the bed of the -Tengapanee, by the site of the former village of Luttora, on to Naing -and Meerappanee, and commenced the ascent over the Mena Boom hills: -a most trying undertaking for elephants, as they had to travel along -a narrow ridge in some places only a few paces wide, and entirely -composed of loose stones; the sides frequently presenting dangerous -precipices. It was in descending this ridge that the laden elephants -encountered the greatest difficulty; yet they managed to get down -without the necessity of dismounting the guns, and reached Beesa and -Ningroo in perfect safety. The Singphoos thus learned the folly of -trusting to their stockades in their fastnesses, when guns could be -brought against them by moderate exertion and ingenuity. It was hoped -that this tour would also tend to repress the feuds so constantly -arising amongst themselves; seeing that justice could be administered -even in retreats the most secluded and difficult of access. But this -expectation was not realized; for in the year 1842 the Tippum Rajah -(brother of Jegessur Sing, the last rajah of Assam, said to be now -governor of Hookong and Mogong) sent the Beesa chief six pounds of -needles, half of which were broken, to be distributed by him amongst -the Singphoos: a token or signal of alliance and preparation for -war. This intimation was followed up in January 1843 by an attack -on a party consisting of one Jemadar, one Havildar, one Naick, and -twenty Sipahees located in a small stockade at Beesa. Some previous -altercation had occurred between the Jemadar and the Beesa chief -regarding the repair of the stockade, which not having been effected, -the Jemadar had contemptuously called the Beesa chief an old cow, and -in return vengeance was vowed in intelligible terms. After holding out -for some days, three Sipahees being killed and three wounded in the -defence, the Jemadar was unfortunately induced to surrender himself -and party prisoners of war; the treacherous Singphoos having assured -him that the posts of Ningroo and Koojoo had fallen into their hands, -and our troops been totally defeated. Trusting to their mercy and -honour, he caused his men to cease firing; and oaths were freely -taken in support of promises of good and honourable treatment; but -the instant the Singphoos gained admittance into the stockade, the -Jemadar and the whole party were disarmed and bound. The next morning -the Jemadar and Havildar were led out by the Singphoos and tied up to -a tree, and fired at; after this they were hewn to pieces with a short -sword, on the same spot where one of the Singphoos had been shot by -the Jemadar when in possession of the stockade. Nine of the Sipahees -were sold into slavery, some to Hookong and Burkhamtee. Thus signally -did the Singphoos gratify their revenge, at the commencement of the -irruption or attempt to break through the line of outposts and lay -waste the whole country. - -Their second and third attacks on the Koojoo and Ningroo stockades, -defended by European officers, were completely frustrated. The Koojoo -stockade was besieged for some days, but a sally being made on the -enemy whilst the Singphoos were at dinner, they were defeated and -fled in the utmost consternation. The Ningroo stockade was likewise -at night suddenly attacked and taken by surprise, but after a short, -sharp struggle, in which several lives were lost, the Singphoos left -the stockade in greater haste than they entered it. - -The Tippum Rajah's sister was married to the late king of Ava, and -she is supposed to be in favour with the present king. It may be -owing to her influence that the Tippum Rajah is reported to be now -Governor of Hookong, to take advantage of any opportunity to invade -Assam. Scarcely a year passes without some such reports being spread -throughout the province, and there is great reason to believe that -the Singphoo insurrection of 1843 was raised at the suggestion, or at -least through the connivance of the Rajah; as many Burmese or Shans -under his jurisdiction crossed the frontier and joined the insurgents -in the hope of plundering the province. Had success attended their -first attempts, it cannot be doubted but that many more would have -soon followed their example, in the speedy removal of slaves and -property from Assam. But the real origin of the insurrection was -the occupation of the Koojoo tea garden and other tea tracts. The -constant desertion of the Dooaneah slaves and dependants, who are -the people chiefly employed in cultivation under the Singphoos, -besides the advance of civilization consequent on the establishment -of a considerable village at Jeypore with European residents, was the -source of much heart-burning. The occupation of Muttuck, formerly -under native management, must also have proved distasteful to a -savage people possessing a wild country and delighting in extensive -hunting-grounds. These circumstances, aggravated by frequent quarrels -with the Sipahees at Ningroo, the unauthorized apprehension of two Let -Singphoos by the Jemadar, and a desire of revenge for the execution, -many years ago, of Ningroola Gaum's kinsman, certainly contributed -to produce the insurrection of 1843. - -Viewing the nature of our connection with the Singphoos generally, it -must be acknowledged that the balance of advantage had been decidedly -in their favour; for while we have been called upon to fight their -battles, little or no assistance has, comparatively, been afforded us -by them. Being a rude, treacherous people, little faith can be placed -in them; neither can we expect they will be influenced or bound by -any treaties not in accordance with their own views: in fact they have -in no respect fulfilled their obligations to the British Government. - -The Singphoo country is eminently unfavourable to the operations of -regular troops, owing to its mountainous character, unrelieved by -plains or table lands, the want of roads, the extreme scarcity of -provisions, the absence of local means of transport, and above all -the unhealthiness of the climate. The Government is likewise put to -a great expense without commensurate benefit, for in such a rude and -barbarous state of society revenue cannot be collected without the -employment of military force; and this is not always adequate to -the success of hostile operations, because of its paucity and the -advantage afforded to the natives by the natural defences of the -country: of which they are not slow to avail themselves. - -In reviewing the different tribes of Assam, it may not be out of -place to offer a brief sketch of one or two of the chieftains. - -Wakut-chang-nang is the son of a Singphoo chief who submitted to -Captain Neufville in 1825, and received a present of a gun and other -articles from him, which he requited by firing upon the captain a day -or two afterwards. The ball missed Captain Neufville and went through -Lieutenant Kerr's hat without doing him any injury. Subsequent to this, -Wakut-chang-nang absconded to Hookong within the Burmese boundary, -and only returned in 1835 to the Assam territory. During his sojourn -within the Hookong territory he is stated to have committed several -murders; and with the money accumulated by crime and robbery, he has -been enabled to marry the Beesa Gaum's daughter. From his having -been the principal agent in breaking off the negotiation with the -Duffa chief, and consequently the cause of the subsequent bloodshed, -he was imprisoned during 1836-37 at Bishnath. He is now residing at -Beesa, and is considered, as heretofore, an intriguing, dangerous -character. The Beesa Gaum, having been implicated in the rebellion -of 1843, is now a state prisoner for life; he is nearly blind, -and his career may be said to have closed, as it is not probable he -will survive many years. He was supposed to be a man of good sense -and to possess considerable information regarding border politics, -but of no enlarged capacity or superior energy of character, and -totally incapable of forming those comprehensive designs which have -been attributed to him. He is not of a warlike character. Most of -his battles have been fought by others: for a Singphoo chief is not -expected to head his troops in action. Nevertheless his disposition -is sanguinary, and it is said his career has been marked by blood and -treachery in a greater degree than usual, even amongst the Singphoos. - -The Shan is the written character used by the Singphoos, and their -language is distinct from any of the neighbouring tribes: they -write on leaves and a peculiar kind of paper. As yet no European -has sufficiently studied the language to appreciate justly the -Singphoo literature, or to prepare elementary works for the -guidance of others. Nor are we aware of there being any written -works in the language either historical or theological. As civil -members of society they are anything but good subjects, from their -excessive laziness, immoderate addiction to opium, and general -uncertainty of character. They are so indolent and improvident, -that notwithstanding they have the most fertile soil in Assam, -which yields fruit with little labour, and might be made to produce -an abundant crop--notwithstanding, too, their freedom from taxation, -grain is always so extravagantly dear, that during several months in -the year the people are reduced to subsist on yams and other roots -found in the jungles. Almost the whole of the field work is performed -by the women and slaves, while the men delight in lounging about the -villages, and basking in the sun, when not engaged in hunting or war. - -The religion of the Singphoos appears to be a mixture of all the -various idolatries and superstitions of the natives with whom they -have intercourse. They seem to have no fixed principles common to the -whole tribe. Their ostensible worship is that of Guduma, whose temples -and priests are to be found in all their principal villages. They -are also in the habit of deifying any Singphoos who may chance to -be killed in action during a foray upon some other tribe or village, -and of sacrificing to them as to their penates. On emergencies, such -as famine, pestilence, or danger, they make offerings to the "Ning -Deota," God of the Elements, called also "Ningschees;" sacrificing -buffaloes, hogs, and cocks. The skulls of the buffaloes so offered -are afterwards hung up in their houses as mementos of their own piety. - -Their funeral ceremonies are simple. The poorer classes burn or bury -the body, according to the previously expressed wish of the deceased, -and invariably make to the deity an offering of a pig, fowl, or -fish, through their Deodhies or priests. On the death of a chief, -numerous ceremonies are performed: the body is detained until all -the friends of the deceased can be assembled, when buffaloes, pigs, -and deer are sacrificed, a grand feast is given, and spirituous -liquor distributed to the company. The corpse is then committed to -the earth, the priest chants a prayer for the deceased, a clay tomb -is raised over the remains, and the grave is encircled with a bamboo -fence. Sacrifices are always offered up on the death of every Singphoo, -according to the means of the surviving relatives; no matter whether -death be caused by accident or war, or in the course of nature. - -Polygamy, without restriction, prevails among the Singphoos, and they -make no distinction between the children born of Singphoo women and -those born of foreign or Assamese women. They reject with horror -the idea of infanticide, under any shape or pretext. Marriage is -only forbidden with a mother or sister: they may marry stepmothers, -brothers' widows, or any other relative. In the marriage ceremony the -bridegroom has to present the parents of the bride with a Khamtee Dhao, -or short sword, a velvet jacket, a silk Dhota, and a slave; the rich -give gold and silver, buffaloes, and as many slaves as the wealth -of the bridegroom will permit. The bridegroom has also to furnish a -marriage feast to the friends and relations of the bride; and after -the Deodhies or priests have performed a certain religious ceremony, -the bride is delivered over to the bridegroom, and the jewels, &c., -which are on her person, are returned to her parents. - -If a man commits adultery, he is obliged to pay damages according to -the demand of the injured husband, in slaves, buffaloes, dhoties, -swords, money, or beads; and if he cannot pay the damages, he pays -the penalty of his crime in confinement. No damages are demanded for -the violation of an unmarried woman or virgin; but in the event of -her being found pregnant, the ravisher has to give the parents three -slaves and one buffalo, and the issue is claimed by the man. It is -optional with himself to marry his victim, or not. Theft is punished -by exacting from the thief double the value of the property stolen. - -The Singphoos entertain strange ideas of honour and revenge. Compatibly -with their customs and rude notions of religion, a Singphoo chief -could not ever abandon, without dishonour, the application of the -lex talionis to one who had murdered his relative; although, from -circumstances of policy, or deficiency of means, he might postpone -the gratification of his vengeance to an indefinite period. A mistaken -feeling of religion, combined with private affection for the deceased, -fully accounts for this perverted state of mind. The Singphoos imagine -that the soul of the murdered individual will torment them until his -manes are appeased by the death of one of his enemies; and further, -that the anger of their deity would be roused should an opportunity of -retaliation be neglected. Nor is the retribution to be limited to the -actual perpetrator of the homicide. If death be occasioned by violence -committed, or supposed to be committed by any one, the relations are -never appeased until they have murdered one of the family to which -the murderer belonged. An innocent person is thus often murdered, -who is quite ignorant of the injury committed by his tribe or family. - -The houses of the Singphoos are generally nothing but long sheds, -roofed in with grass or bamboo leaves, and the walls composed of split -bamboo. The floor of the dwelling part is raised about four feet from -the ground; and the entrance forms an extensive porch, in which are -congregated pigs, fowls, household and agricultural implements, and -where women may generally be seen pounding rice. These buildings are -sometimes one hundred feet long, and divided into compartments allotted -to several families. Occasionally immense houses may be seen, which -are occupied by powerful chiefs; the timbers of these buildings being -of such enormous size and length as to render it a matter of surprise -that they could have been erected by mere manual labour. At the -burning of the Ningrang chief's house, when the village was surprised -by our troops in 1843, the officers remarked that the posts were of -prodigious diameter and length; and it was regretted that war rendered -it necessary to destroy such a magnificent residence. The mansion -was entered by a flight of several steps leading up to the floor, -and was divided into numerous rooms by partitions of split bamboo. - -The Singphoos have nothing approaching to what we call government: each -chief is independent, collecting no revenue, nor directing in person -any force, although he may influence the movements of others. The -Singphoos are of a tawny complexion, and a cunning expression, -with long bodies and short legs. They are implacable, cruel, and -treacherous; stealing upon and murdering with the short sword at -night those who have offended or injured them; and are ever ready to -coalesce for a foray, if there is a prospect of success. Casualties -that occur from the contentions of one tribe with another, murders -resulting from private jealousy, the difficulty of procuring food, and -exposure to the inclemency of the weather, help to keep the population -scanty all over the north-east frontier. In fact, the great cause of -the thinness of the population is the want of food, arising from the -absence of productive industry. The unsettled and lawless state of -society among the Burmese and Singphoos appears likewise to operate in -retarding the extension of trade; and this evil cannot be rectified -until these tribes are brought more completely under subjection to -the British Government. That once effected, a mart might be formed -at our extreme boundary; though the scantiness of the population in -these regions would probably for some time prevent the establishment -of a very brisk trade. - -Hookoom is distant from Suddeah about 200 miles; a miserable, desolate, -backward country intervening: in fact, almost an entire jungle -throughout. At Moonkoom there would be a larger field for commerce, -as water communication by the Irawaddy is facile. Broad cloths, &c., -could probably be conveyed thither cheaper, viâ Rangoon, than from -the Burrampooter. The same obstacles exist to opening a trade between -Assam and the provinces of Yunan, owing to the greater proximity of -Yunan to the Burmese empire. By all accounts a considerable trade -is carried on between the two countries, viâ Bamow: a Burmese town -within twenty miles of the confines of Yunan; and from the facility -of transport which the Irawaddy affords, we may infer that British -goods could be supplied at a cheaper rate, and with greater safety, -from Rangoon or from Moulmein through the Sangha, than could be -effected from Assam. The poverty of the people on this part of our -frontier is such that scarcely any one can afford to buy woollens, -excepting the chiefs, and even those persons generally receive them -as presents from the officers of Government. It would therefore be -desirable to send up articles of less value. The articles chiefly in -demand are salt, cloths, tobacco, opium, knives, needles, cups and -saucers, basons and plates. - -In 1828, by way of experiment, and to test the possibility of reviving -trade, a Government investment of woollen goods to the amount of 4000 -rupees, was sent up to Suddeah; but it actually took eight years before -the whole stock was sold off, and it would not then, probably, have -been disposed of, had not the price been reduced thirty per cent. below -prime cost. It was sold during the first and second years of its -appearance in the market, at prime cost; afterwards at a reduction of -ten, twenty, and thirty per cent. Since then, a trade, such as it is, -has been established at Suddeah by native merchants, at considerable -risk; for the Government will not undertake to give compensation -for any losses the traders may sustain, either from sudden attacks, -or in their transactions with these wild tribes. Notwithstanding the -apparently hopeless prospect of any immediate commercial intercourse -taking place between Assam and any portion of western China, there -can be no doubt that as civilization advances, the intervening tracts -will be traversed, and a lucrative trade may then connect districts -now separated by dense forests. - -It remains only to mention that, some difference of opinion existing -as to the boundary line between Assam and the Burmese territory, -it was deemed expedient to define the limits of both countries -by a special mission to the disputed point; and for this purpose, -in 1837, Dr. Bayfield was deputed to proceed from Ava and join the -Burmese Governor of Mogaum, and in the presence of Major White, -Political Agent of Upper Assam, to settle the question. Major White, -accompanied by Dr. Griffiths, Captain Hannay, and Lieut. Bigge, and -the neighbouring native chiefs, with ninety followers, accordingly -set out from Namroop Pathar, on the 19th February; and on the 25th of -the same month they reached Yaoung Sang Nullah, on the north face of -the Patkoe boundary, or range, where the Burmese governor had agreed -that the conference should take place. - -In this dreary wilderness of hills and jungle, the impossibility of -obtaining an adequate supply of provisions for ninety persons (the -commissariat being carried from the plains of Assam) presented an -insuperable obstacle to the prolonged stay of the party with Major -White. Having therefore waited till the 5th March, daily expecting -the arrival of the Burmese Governor and Dr. Bayfield; and the whole -of their provisions being consumed, with the exception of a bare -sufficiency for the wants of the party on their return, the Major was -constrained to retrace his steps to Suddeah. Captain Hannay, however, -pushed on unencumbered, in company with Dr. Griffiths (deputed for -scientific purposes to Ava), hoping to meet the Burmese Governor and -accomplish the object of the mission: which he did. - -On the 9th March, Captain Hannay and Dr. Bayfield pointed out to the -Burmese Governor of Mogaum the boundary line on the summit of the -Patkoe Mountains, and read to him an extract of the treaty between the -Rajahs of Mogaum and Assam, establishing the boundary in 1323, A.S., -or 1402, A.D. The purport of this extract was that, in the year 1145, -A.S., equivalent to 1224 of the Christian era, Sookhapah, the founder -of the Ahoom Dynasty, having taken his departure from Moonkhoom, -invaded Assam; and, taking possession of the country on the other side -of the Patkoe range, he established Khanjang, or Nunyangpanee, as the -boundary: appointing the Bor Gohain to the government of the district, -and directing that the customary tribute should be remitted to him -in Assam. This settlement continued until the year 1323, equivalent -to 1402, A.D., during the reign of Soodangpha, the eighth Rajah of -the Ahoon dynasty; when a brother of his, named Towsoolie, having -quarrelled with him, went to Moonkhoom and instigated the Rajah to -invade Assam. The attack being, however, repulsed, an accommodation -afterwards took place between the two Rajahs, and the Patkoe range of -hills was established as the boundary. On this occasion a stone image -was put up to indicate the limits; and both the Rajahs, dipping their -hands in the water, vowed personal friendship, and swore reciprocally -to respect each other's territory. This compact remained unviolated for -a period of 400 years up to the period when the Burmese invaded Assam. - - - - - -MUTTUCKS. - -The Muttucks were originally a rude tribe settled in a district called -Mooran or Muttuck, who prior to the Ahoom invasion of 1224, A.D., had -learned the doctrines of the Hindoo religion from two Gosains named -respectively Madho Deo, and Sunkur Deo. The Gosains were followers of -Krishen, and their doctrine particularly differed from that of the -other Hindoos of Assam, in their refusing to worship the images of -Doorga. The appellation of Moa Mureyas arose from its being the name -of the place where a Shuster was founded, and from which the doctrines -of the Muttucks emanated. They were allowed to exercise their religion -unmolested, until the reign of Seba Sing, between 1714 and 1744, A.D.; -when, animated by a spirit of sectarian zeal, the Queen, Phoolsuree, -inflicted a sore wound upon their religious feelings by compelling them -to worship the images of Doorga, and to put the distinguishing marks -of the followers of that deity on their foreheads. But persecution, -as usual, failed in checking this sectarian spirit; and the numbers -of the Muttucks having greatly increased in the reign of Luckmi Sing, -1769, A.D., they revolted from his authority. The immediate cause -of the first insurrection is attributable to two circumstances,--a -bigoted religious persecution, and a haughty, inconsiderate, oppressive -demeanour towards the Muttuck chiefs, and their adherents. - -Soon after the succession of Luckmi Sing to the throne of his brother, -Rajeswur Sing, Rajhan Mooran, a Muttuck chief, was commissioned to -procure a thousand elephants for Luckmi Sing, who was a great admirer -of these animals. The chief obeyed, and from time to time he presented -many elephants to the king. On one occasion, having been unusually -fortunate in capturing two hundred and fifty elephants, he took them -to the capital to show them to his Majesty; but as it was customary to -apprize the Bor Borowa of his intended visit, that the circumstance -might be previously announced to the King, he was proceeding to the -residence of that functionary, when he met the Bor Borowa's son going -on business to the King. Unfortunately he was persuaded to accompany -the young man, unmindful of the indiscretion of deviating from the -established rules of respect and courtesy to the Bor Borowa. - -On Rajhan's arrival at the palace, the King ordered his servants to -prepare to attend him during the inspection of the elephants. The Bor -Borowa being obliged to be present on all such occasions, and hearing -that Rajhan Mooran had ventured to approach the Rajah without the usual -formality of an introduction, determined to wreak his vengeance on the -insolent Muttuck. Luckmi Sing inspected the elephants, and was highly -pleased with Rajhan Mooran's promptitude and assiduity in the execution -of his orders. He warmly expressed his royal approbation of the conduct -of the chief, and, handsomely rewarding him, retired to the palace. - -The Bor Borowa now took the opportunity of sending for Rajhan Mooran -to learn his reasons for not having apprized him of his arrival before -he had sought an interview with the king. The excuse pleaded by Rajhan -Mooran was unheeded; the Bor Borowa was implacable, and directed the -infliction of a severe corporal punishment with the cane. So strictly -was this order executed, that Rajhan Mooran was cast into the road -in a lifeless state. Here he was recognised by his countrymen, and -conveyed away; and with good treatment, but not without difficulty, -he recovered. - -The undeserved insult and chastisement he had received from the Bor -Borowa, however, rankled deeply in his breast; and he lost no time, -when able to move, in proceeding to the Muttuck Gosain Ushtobhoj, [2] -to claim his intercession in obtaining redress for the insufferable -dishonour he had been subjected to. - -The Moa Mureya Gosain Ushtobhoj, commiserating the ill-treatment Rajhan -Mooran had met with, resolved, a short time afterwards, on visiting the -Rajah to obtain reparation. He accordingly set out with his Bhukuts, -or religious disciples, and meeting the Rajah's fleet on the river, -he paid his respects to the Rajah, contrary to the wishes of the Bor -Borowa Keerteerchund, Prime Minister. This conduct greatly incensed the -Bor Borowa, who immediately sent for the Gosain and treated him with -great harshness and abuse, for the temerity he had evinced in presuming -to visit the Rajah without being announced by himself. The Bhukuts who -had accompanied him to the interview were likewise ill-treated. This -indignity highly offended the Gosain, and he determined to take an -early opportunity of retaliating the outrage. With this view, he -took measures for ascertaining the number of disciples and adherents -he might rely on, and found, to his satisfaction, that the census -returned one hundred thousand persons. - -The feelings of the Muttucks being now exasperated to the highest -degree by the degradations and insults to which they were subjected by -the Assam nobles; the present appeared to them a fitting opportunity to -rise and avenge their wrongs. The Bor Deka, son of the Muttuck Gosain, -having long entertained ambitious views, encouraged Rajhan Mooran to -assemble all the Muttuck chiefs and followers willing to co-operate -with them; expressing his belief that with their united forces, -success would attend their efforts. In the mean time he remained -quiet, the better to conceal his designs, and commenced building -a large mound near Jorehath, on which he intimated his intention -to found a Shuster, to be denominated the Bor Bhatee. Each man who -was willing to join in the insurrection was enjoined to bring in one -hand a lump of earth and in the other a reed. By this device the Bor -Deka's designs passed unobserved, and a multitude of followers were -ascertained to be ripe for the approaching contest. - -Mohun Bor Jona Gohain, eldest brother of Luckmi Sing, being marked -with the smallpox, and a slit in the ear, was, by the Assamese -customs, disqualified from ascending the throne. Notwithstanding -this, however, with a view of concealing their real designs, the -Muttucks proposed to the prince to join the insurrectionary force; -promising to place him on the throne in the event of the success of -the insurrection. Tempted by the promise, the prince joined the rebels, -who immediately marched towards the capital at Rungpore, on the banks -of the Dikho river. Luckme Sing having been informed of the movement, -ordered the Assam chiefs to proceed and punish the insolent Muttucks, -and bring him the ringleaders of the insurrection. The rival forces -met near the Thowra Dole Temple, on the banks of the Dehing river, and -after a slight skirmish, in which their commander, the Doabyah Phokun, -was killed, the Assamese were defeated, and fled. Bhectorial Phokun -then succeeded to the command, and perceiving that Mohun Bor Jona -Gohain, the elder brother of the reigning king was at the head of the -rebel force, not only refused to oppose the prince and the invaders, -but went and paid homage to the Gosain. The Muttucks, thus meeting -with no opposition, marched in and took possession of the capital; -and with such promptitude that Rajah Luckme Sing and all his court were -taken prisoners. Luckme Sing was then incarcerated and harshly treated: -food scarcely sufficient for his subsistence being allowed him. The Bor -Borowa Keerteerchund was seized and put to death, with all his family, -relations, and friends; and many nobles also shared the same fate. - -Ramakant Bor Deka now took possession of the throne, and Rajhan -Mooran became Bor Borowa; while the prince, Bor Jona Gohain, who thus -traitorously acted against his family and country, was put off with -the plea that he was incapacitated to reign as king by reason of the -personal mutilation already adverted to. - -A few months after this, a reaction took place. The Assamese hearing -of the indignities their king had suffered, and that Chunder Deka, -a younger brother of the Bor Deka, had actually struck the king three -blows with a cane for sitting in his presence when he visited him in -his confinement, they determined on expelling the Muttucks from their -country, either by force or stratagem. Numerous chiefs and others -readily entered into the spirit of the conspiracy. A grand fete was to -be given at the Bihoo festival in March 1769-70 A.D.; Rajhan Mooran and -the Muttuck chiefs were to be invited; and the Assamese were to attend -with arms concealed under their dress. Mogolee Jiekee Muneeporee, -[3] Queen both of Rajeswar Sing and Luckme Sing, whom Rajhan Mooran -had taken unto himself, was to preside and be the principal agent in -the accomplishment of the project. She was to persuade Rajhan Mooran -to accompany her to the dance, and when there, she was, if possible by -some subterfuge, to obtain possession of his sword, which he constantly -wore; and if his attention could be attracted to the dance she was to -cut him down, which would be the signal for the Assamese to fall upon -and slaughter the Muttucks. This diabolical plot, from the unanimity -and secresy of the conspirators, was executed with the most perfect -success. The Queen, who had obtained considerable influence over -Rajhan Mooran, without difficulty induced him to place his sword in -her hand, that he might, as she said, more easily arrange his dress, -which she had artfully managed somewhat to displace. While in the act -of stooping down, the Queen dexterously stepped behind him, and with -one blow on the hinder part of the thigh completely disabled him. The -conspirators, anxiously expecting the signal, instantly came up and -put an end to his existence. The Assamese then fell on the remaining -unarmed Muttucks, and a dreadful massacre ensued. - -The conspirators, having successfully carried through their plot -against Rajhan Mooran and the principal Muttuck chief, proceeded -to the residence of the Bor Deka Ramakant, the usurper; his father, -brothers, women, and children, were, with all the principal parties, -captured; but Ramakant, on hearing of the death of Rajhan Mooran, -had made his escape from the capital. He was, however, seized near -Bet-barree and brought back to pay the forfeit of his ambition and -rebellion. Luckme Sing was immediately released from imprisonment -and again placed on his throne. The first order issued by the king -after his restoration, was for the extermination of the Muttucks. The -usurper Ramakant Bor Deka, and his brother Chunder Deka, as well as -the Muttuck Gosain their father, were tied to the legs of fierce, -newly caught elephants, and ignominiously dragged round the city, -assailed with mud and filth and every kind of indignity that an -infuriated, relentless mob, intoxicated with triumph, could inflict; -and to close the scene they suffered the cruel and disgraceful death -of impalement. The Muttuck chiefs and their followers were everywhere -hunted down like wild beasts, and put to death: neither men, women, -nor children were spared. In fact, such was the animosity of the -Assamese against the Muttucks, for the time, that they seemed bereft -of all feelings of mercy or compassion. Vast numbers of the Muttucks -died of hunger in the jungles, and an incalculable number perished -by the sword of the insatiate populace. - -Luckme Sing, being now under no farther apprehensions for the safety -of himself or throne, richly rewarded the actors in the late tragedy -with rank and wealth: and thus terminated the first rebellion of -the Muttucks. - -In 1784 the Moa Mareyas again rebelled, and having expelled the Rajah -Goureenath they proceeded to place two others upon the Guddee, or -throne, one named Bhurt Sing as Rajah of Rungpore or Upper Assam, the -other Surbamend (the father of Malebar Bursenaputtee, who died in 1839) -as Rajah of Mooran or Muttuck. Both these chiefs marked their rule -by establishing a mint, and some of their coins are to be met with at -the present day. Being driven from Upper Assam, the Rajah Goureenath -solicited the aid of the British Government; and his request being -acceded to, Captain Welsh was sent with one or two battalions, in 1794, -A.D. Having taken Rungpore, Goureenath was replaced on the Guddee; -but Captain Welsh did not penetrate into the Muttuck country. The -next Rajah, Kumalepur, raised two corps of Hindoostanees, armed and -disciplined in the English fashion, and ordered them to undertake the -conquest of Muttuck; but although successful in some degree, they -were unable to obtain permanent possession, owing to the harassing -mode of warfare pursued by the Bursenaputtee, who retired to his -fastnesses. However, the struggle was at length terminated by his -agreeing to pay an annual tribute in the shape of elephants, Moongah -silk, &c. It is asserted by the Assamese at Rungpore and Jorehath that, -at this period, the Bursenaputtee agreed to pay a tribute of 10,000 -rupees; but that chief positively denied this to the Political Agent, -and it is believed there is no record in existence of such a sum, or -even part of it, being paid: though the acknowledgment of the Rajah -of Assam is undeniable. As regards the Muttucks, the statements of -the people connected with the late Court of Assam, and the followers -of Doorga throughout the province, ought to be received with a great -deal of caution; for both classes are animated by a bitter spirit -of hatred, occasioned by the twofold conquest and plunder of their -capital; and the temporary triumph of a rival sectarian party still -rankles in their minds. - -It is difficult to ascertain what was the precise status of the -Bursenaputtee in the distracted reigns of Chunderkant and Poorunder -Sing. It is said that the usual tribute was paid, but this is denied by -the other party; we presume, therefore, that in these weak and divided -times the Muttucks were nearly independent. When the Burmese invaded -the country, the Bursenaputtee, at their requisition, afforded them -supplies in labour and provisions, but no aid in troops or money; -and they, therefore, made no attempt to seize his possessions. On -the conquest of Assam by the British Government, the Bursenaputtee -acknowledged its supremacy, and bound himself to obey its orders; -he further engaged to supply three hundred soldiers in time of war, -no tribute having been demanded of him. The interior management of his -territory was left in his own hands, excepting as regarded cases of -murder and other capital offences, which were to be made over for -trial to the Agent of the Governor-General or Political Agent in -Upper Assam. This arrangement had evidently in view the impressing -a rude people with a greater regard for human life, which the more -rigid investigation and sanctity of British forms of justice might be -expected to create. This state of things subsisted until January 1835, -when, under the instructions of the Agent to the Governor-General, -the obligation to supply troops was commuted into an annual payment -of 1800 rupees. No census has been taken of the population, but from -the best information it is estimated at sixty thousand or seventy -thousand persons. It yields a revenue of 20,000 rupees per annum. - -In his personal manners the late Bursenaputtee Malebur was plain and -straightforward, and accustomed to think and act for himself. In his -political character, his fidelity was much doubted a few years back, -but he was always found ready to answer every call; as evinced in -the expedition against the Duffa Guam in 1835, and the Singphoo -Luttora chief in 1838, which proved that he was faithful to his -engagement. But his communications with British officers were not -always carried on in the smoothest manner. Accustomed to act as an -independent chief for forty or fifty years, and his territory being -unoccupied by troops, either Burmese or British, he was naturally -independent and blunt in his manners; which bearing, combining with -the testiness of age and dislike of innovation natural to that period -of life, occasionally gave rise to improprieties of expression and -seeming acts of disobedience. He departed this life in January 1839, -leaving ten sons, five daughters, and three widows; and, pending the -final orders of Government, Muttuck was placed under Bhageerut Majoo -Gohain, the second son of the late chief: the Bor Gohain, or eldest -son, having waved his claim of birth in compliance with the wishes -of his father. - -On the 4th of August 1839, the Political Agent was directed to confer -on the Majoo Gohain the title of Bursenaputtee, and the management -of Lower Muttuck, on his agreeing to the conditions offered for his -acceptance. These were based on the settlement entered into with his -late father, but a new census was required to determine the amount of -tribute to be paid. These terms also withheld Upper Muttuck, until -an amicable understanding could be come to between the chiefs of -that part of the country; who, with their spiritual head, the Tiphook -Muhunt, were averse to the rule of the family of the late chief. This -party being only 1000, or 1500, out of a population of 60,000, it -seemed hard to sever them from the jurisdiction of the Bursenaputtee, -without any specific acts of oppression having been committed by the -late chief or his family. The real objection rested on religious -grounds: they are the disciples of a Gosain or priest professing -different religious tenets from those of the Bursenaputtee's family; -consequently they preferred a ruler of their own persuasion, although -they had not experienced any persecution from the late Bursenaputtee. - -In November 1839, the Political Agent arrived at Rungagora, the capital -of Muttuck, and having assembled the principal members of the late -chief's family, and head men of the district, made known to them the -resolution of Government. The Majoo Gohain Bhagerut and his brothers, -finding that Upper Muttuck was not at once to be included in the -settlement, peremptorily refused to accept of the management of the -country; the whole of Muttuck was therefore annexed to the district -of Luckimpoor, and pensions in money and land, to the amount of 7637 -rupees per annum, were granted for the support of the members of the -late chief's family. - -Thus terminated the independence of the Muttucks, a rude, fanatical, -stiff-necked people. Accustomed to a very slight assessment, tendered -to their chief in the shape of presents for settling their disputes, -and exercising a considerable share in their own government, it was -feared they would not readily submit to the heavier rate of taxation -for the purposes of good government under British rule; but these -apprehensions, it seems, were unfounded, since, for the last four -years, no resort to force has been found necessary to compel taxation, -or to further any other measures for their general welfare. - -Husbandry is the chief occupation of the Muttucks; and their district -possessing a fine fertile soil and abounding in extensive rice plains, -intersected by large tracts of tree and grass jungle, expectations -are entertained that, in the course of time, this country will prove a -prosperous and valuable acquisition; if improvements are not impeded by -the inroads of border tribes. Two corps of local Assam Light Infantry, -and a company of local Artillery are ever vigilantly occupied in -promptly suppressing combinations or insurrections raised with a view -to the acquisition of plunder and slaves from our subjects; and there -is, therefore, little fear of any organized obstruction to improvement. - -The tea plant is indigenous in Muttuck, and the Assam Tea Company -have cultivated many gardens, greatly to the benefit of Upper Assam; -and if the company steadily prosecute the speculation, thousands of -labourers will, in the course of time, resort thither for employment, -and become permanent settlers. Tea, it is believed, may be grown -in sufficient quantity to supply the English market, and afford a -handsome remuneration to the speculators. An inconsiderate expenditure -of capital placed the Assam Tea Company in great jeopardy, and at -one time it was feared the scheme would be abandoned. The number of -managers and assistants appointed by the Assam Company to carry on -their affairs, and superintend their tea gardens on large salaries, -was quite unnecessary: one or two experienced European superintendents -to direct the native establishment would have answered every purpose. A -vast number of Coolies (or labourers) were induced to proceed to Upper -Assam, on high wages, to cultivate the gardens; but bad arrangements -having been made to supply them with proper wholesome food, many were -seized with sickness. On their arrival at the tea-plantations, in the -midst of high and dense tree jungle, numbers absconded, and others met -an untimely end. The rice served out to the Coolies from the Assam -Tea Company's store rooms, was so bad as not to be fit to be given -to elephants, much less to human beings. The loss of these labourers, -who had been conveyed to Upper Assam at a great expense, deprived the -company of the means of cultivating so great an extent of country as -would otherwise have been ensured; for the scanty population of Upper -Assam offered no means of replacing the deficiency of hands. Another -importation of labourers seems desirable, to facilitate and accomplish -an undertaking formed under most auspicious circumstances. Nor was -the improvidence of the Company in respect to labourers the only -instance of their mismanagement. Although the Company must have -known that they had no real use or necessity for a steamer, a huge -vessel was nevertheless purchased, and frequently sent up and down -the Burrampooter river from Calcutta; carrying little else than a -few thousand rupees for the payment of their establishment in Upper -Assam, which might have been transmitted through native bankers, -and have saved the Company a most lavish and unprofitable expenditure -of capital. - -It is generally understood that too little attention had been paid -to the advice of Major Jenkins, the Governor-General's Agent; or -more vigilant supervision, better economy, and greater success might -not unreasonably have been expected. The cultivation of tea in Assam, -with a view of supplying the English market, was, it must be admitted, -first contemplated by Major Jenkins; and for his exertions in having -been the main cause of the Assam plant being proved to be the genuine -tea of China, the Agricultural Society of Calcutta presented him with -a gold medal; but the Assam tea was first discovered by Mr. Bruce in -1826, A.D. - -The tea of Assam is now becoming better known in the English market, -and its quality more generally appreciated; and as the chief -difficulties have been surmounted, every well-wisher of England -and India must hope the directors will, in future, pursue a more -scrutinizing and economical course: extending the cultivation of tea, -and thereby, while enhancing the profits derivable from the concern, -contribute to render England independent of China as far as tea is -concerned. If Assam tea can be grown equal to the produce of China, -there is little doubt but that, at the rate of one and sixpence the -pound, a remunerating profit will accrue to the Company: a handsome, -but not a too ample compensation for an enterprise involving such -highly important considerations. - - - - - -BOR ABORS, ABORS [4] AND MEREES. - -The first of these three classes reside on the loftiest and most -remote mountains north of the valley of Assam. The second class -on a lower range, and the third at the foot of, or on the plains -immediately leading up to, the hills. Several parties of Abors visited -me frequently at Saikwah to barter a few fowls, eggs, ginger, chillies, -yams, &c., for salt, and other necessaries of life. They appear to -be descendants of the Tartar race; and are large, uncouth, athletic, -fierce-looking, dirty fellows. The hair of the women is cut short, -like that of the men: in a circle round the crown of the head it is two -inches long, but the hair in front and behind, below the upper circle, -is only about half an inch long. The ears of the men and women are -perforated, the aperture, one inch in diameter, being distended by a -piece of wood, worn as an ornament; and the necks of the Abor women are -loaded with innumerable glass bead necklaces of all colours. Their arms -are likewise adorned, from the wrist to the elbow with brass rings; -the legs are exposed from the knee downwards, the calf of the leg -being bandaged with cane rings to the ankle. The Abors are feared and -respected by all the neighbouring tribes for their martial spirit; -nevertheless they are in great dread of the highland or Bor Abors, -who are said to be as brave as they are savage. Like all the hill -tribes of Assam, the Abors are void of beards: invariably plucking -them, and leaving only scanty moustaches. They can neither read -nor write, and their language sounds extremely harsh. The dress of -the Abor chiefs consists of Thibetian woollen cloaks, and a simple -piece of cotton cloth, about a foot square, which is passed between -the legs and suspended by a string round the waist: but not so -effectually as to screen their persons from exposure every time they -sit down. Of delicacy, however, the Abors are as void as they are of -cleanliness. They wear three kinds of helmets, one of plain cane, -and others trimmed with an edging of bear's skin, or covered with -a thick yellow skin of a species of deer. A more formidable looking -covering for the head could scarcely be worn. - -In December, 1835, an Abor chief, with two hundred followers, -descended from the hills, and begged permission to locate on the -Dehing, within a day's journey of Suddeah. The Political Agent -asked the chief whether he was aware that the land in that quarter -was within the Company's jurisdiction, and that settlers necessarily -became subject to our police administration? He replied he was aware of -that, and would readily give up any of his people guilty of criminal -offences, but demurred to the introduction of our police officers for -the apprehension of offenders. He was then asked whether he and his -people would agree to pay taxes? His answer was that they had never -been accustomed to do so, and could not submit to it. - -From various reports, the Abors are deemed a very rude, barbarous -people, but of open manners and warlike habits; their bluntness of -expression is more manly and pleasing than the base servility and -sycophancy of the Assamese. As they have been accustomed to levy -contributions from the inhabitants of Seesee, and other districts in -Assam, they would be dangerous neighbours, if located in the immediate -vicinity of the Suddeah people. - -Not acceding to the terms on which we were disposed to acquiesce -in their application, the Abors returned to their hills. Scarcity -of the means of subsistence was, it is supposed, the cause of their -visit; and they evidently meditated replacing the Merees, who formerly -laboured for the Abors on the Dehong quarter, but have since emigrated -to Upper and Lower Assam, to escape the exactions of that tribe. - -It appears that the Abors are not allowed to emigrate to Assam; -for in 1844 two young men having eloped with two damsels to Saikwah, -and the latter claiming protection from the British authorities, an -inquiry was made as to the cause of their deserting their own country; -when one freely confessed that her father had given her in marriage -to an old man, but preferring a young Abor, she had determined on -living with him in the Company's territory and disobeying her father's -commands. The other stated that she had been given in marriage to a -young man, who died, and she was retained for his younger brother, -a mere boy; but not being disposed to wait until he had reached -the age of puberty, she had fallen in love with an Abor youth, and -trusted they might be permitted to pass their days in peace in the -forests adjoining Saikwah. If their prayer was not granted, the girls -affirmed, in the most earnest manner, that they should be tortured and -sold to another tribe; while their young husbands would be cast into -the Dehong river with their hands bound, to suffer death by drowning. - -To the present day, little is known of the Abor country, Europeans -never having been permitted to penetrate any very great distance into -the interior. The eminent astronomer and adventurous traveller, -Lieutenant Wilcox, in 1827, endeavoured to ascend the Dehong -river, with the view of proving that this stream was the celebrated -Sampoo river; but after a few days' journey he met with insuperable -difficulties, from the rapidity of the current, the closeness of -the country, and the absolute prohibition of the Abors against -his proceeding farther. Since that period, no strenuous endeavours -have been made to acquire further information regarding these rude -barbarians. The Merees speak the Abor language, and a friendly -intercourse exists between the tribes; though the Merees have ceased -to bear the yoke of slavery or be subordinate to the Abors. Their -chief occupation is husbandry, and they are generally considered a -quiet and tolerably industrious race. - - - - - -MISHMEES. - -The Mishmee tribe reside in the hills on the north-east extremity of -the valley of Assam. They are divided into several distinct clans. The -Dibong Mishmees are called Chool Kutta or Crop-haired, and the others -are known by the appellation of Tains and Mezhoos. They are a very -wild, roaming race of people, constantly engaged in petty wars amongst -themselves and their neighbours, the Abors and Singphoos, when the -most remorseless reprisals and massacres are committed. They have -no written language, and appear to belong to the Tartar race. They -are of diminutive stature, but stout, active, and hardy; very dirty -in their persons, and little encumbered with clothing. The chiefs -wear the coarse red coloured woollens of Thibet, and the dress of the -lower orders is extremely scanty. The women, however, are more decently -attired; wearing a striped or coloured petticoat, or cloth folded round -the waist, extending to the knees, and a kind of jacket or bodice, -with a profusion of necklaces of several pounds weight, composed of -porcelain, glass, and pieces of cornelian. The hair is bound up in -a knot on the crown of the head, with a thin band of silver passing -round the forehead. The lobe of the ears is hideously distended to -an inch in diameter, to admit of the silver ear-ring being inserted: -this mutilation of the ear evidently having been gradually effected -from early youth. The Mishmees are not restricted in their number of -wives; each man taking as many as he can afford to support. A curious -custom is said to prevail as a preventive to the constant bickerings -and jealousies natural to this system; each wife either has a separate -house or store room, or she lives with her relations. - -The Mishmees, women and children, as well as men, are inordinately -fond of smoking; and use a roughly-made Singphoo bamboo pipe, or a -brass China-made bowl, with a bamboo tube. A bag made of monkey's -skin is suspended from a belt for the express purpose of carrying -the tobacco pipe, flint and steel, with a leather case containing -tinder. The men wear a long, straight sword, of China manufacture, -ornamented with a tuft of coloured hair; and a lance, manufactured -by themselves, is constantly carried. They also use the cross-bow and -poisoned arrows. Their head dresses are composed of dog skin, fastened -under the chin by strings. Like all savages, they are superstitious; -invoking an unknown spirit supposed to reside in the inaccessible -mountains or dense forests; and on being afflicted by famine, sickness, -or other misfortunes, they invariably sacrifice fowls and pigs, that -the evil may be removed, and the wrath of the invisible spirit appeased -by their offerings and submission. We are led to believe that the -authority of the chiefs, though respected, is not absolute: they are -obliged to abide by the decisions of the people, duly assembled for the -purpose of settling disputes and arranging the amount of amercements -to be imposed for offences committed. For all heinous crimes remission -is said to be procurable by the liquidation of a fine; but adultery, -if the husband be not privy to the offence, is punished by death, -which is inflicted by the people purposely assembled for the trial. - -The Mishmees, like the Abors, are most skilful in the construction -of cane bridges; which they throw across rivers of eighty yards -breadth. Three large cane ropes are sufficient to pass a person over in -safety; but the transit, to any but a Mishmee, would be impracticable: -for few would hazard the risk of falling into a rapid river below, -or of being suspended midway on these ropes, unable to retire or -advance. Accidents, however, rarely occur, and the Mishmees cross -over their rivers in this manner without difficulty or apprehension. - -In the year 1836, it was said that the Mezhoo and Tain, or Digaroo -Mishmees had a serious quarrel about a marriage: for though at enmity -often times with each other, and speaking a different dialect, they -have not been debarred from intermarrying. Blows having been exchanged, -the Mezhoo chief Rooling determined on speedily overcoming his enemies -by an overwhelming force, and for this purpose he invited the Lamas -to come to his assistance; which they did, and entered the Mishmee -country with a force of seventy men, armed with matchlocks. The Tain -Mishmees were totally defeated by the Lamas and Mezhoo Mishmees, -and lost about twenty men. After this success, the Lamas returned to -their own country about September 1836, and from that day we have had -no similar invasion of this portion of Assam in favour of the Mezhoo -Mishmees. No precise information is obtainable as to where these -hostile operations occurred; but the conflict evidently took place -several days' journey in advance of the villages visited by Lieutenant -Wilcox in 1826-27, and by Dr. Griffiths in 1836-37. However, such was -the heart-burning or feud between the Tains and the Mezhoos in 1836-37, -that the late Dr. Griffiths, in his visit to the Mishmee country, could -not by promises or bribes induce the Tains to furnish him with guides, -even to the nearest village of the Mezhoos, or there can be little -doubt that he would have succeeded in making good his way into the -Lama country. In justification of their conduct, the Tains remarked, -"If we give you guides, who is to protect us from the vengeance of -the Mezhoos when you are gone? and who is to insure us from a second -invasion of the Lamas?" - -The Mishmee tribes were formerly obedient to the Assam Governors, -the Suddeah Khawa Gohains: if they were not totally dependent, they -at least gave small presents as tokens of submission, and attended -to the orders of the Khamtees and Singphoos. In 1835, for example, -the Duffa Gaum received considerable assistance from gangs of Mishmees -sent down to erect his stockades. If under any pretence, therefore, the -Thibetians, being a branch of the Chinese empire, should be permitted -to establish their supremacy over the hill tribes in allegiance to -the British Government in this quarter of the valley, our interests -would be affected; but in the present rude state of society in this -region there is little to be apprehended on this score. An immense, -desolate, almost impassable tract, intervenes, so as to render -ingress or egress from Assam to Thibet impracticable, excepting at -certain seasons of the year. Traversing such a country, when the -route follows the course of rivers, must naturally be difficult in -the extreme. The hills are invariably characterized by excessive -steepness, and as the greater portion of the route winds round them -at some height above their bases, marching is excessively fatiguing, -difficult, and dangerous. In many places a false step would be attended -with fatal consequences: precipices must be crossed at a height of -a hundred feet above the foaming bed of a river, the only support -of the traveller being derived from the roots and stumps of trees -and shrubs, and the angular character of the face of the rock. The -paths are of the very worst description; always excessively narrow -and overgrown by jungle in all directions. In very steep places the -descent is often assisted by hanging canes, which afford good support, -but no attempt is ever made to clear the paths of any obstruction: -in fact, the natives seem to think the more difficult they are, -the greater is their security against foreign invasions. - -Notwithstanding these impediments to a free intercourse, some little -trade, it is supposed, is carried on between the Mishmees and Lamas; -the Mishmees exchanging their Bih (poison), Gathewan (an odoriferous -root), Manjeet (madder), and Teetah (a bitter root, greatly esteemed -for its medicinal qualities) for Lama cattle, brass pipes, gongs, -and copper vessels; and if a friendly feeling of confidence could be -established between the people of the plains of Assam and the Lamas, -it is impossible to calculate to what extent the commerce between -the two nations might attain. Once every year in the cold weather, -that is between November and March, the Mishmees visit Suddeah for -the purpose of bartering the only export produce of their country: -namely, bih, teetah, manjeet, gathewan, gongs, brass pipes, and copper -vessels; in exchange for which they invariably take, in preference -to English merchandize, cows, buffaloes, and a quantity of small, -coloured beads. Their cultivation is scanty: apparently not sufficient -to supply their wants, and is, moreover, carried on in a very rude -way. The ground selected as most favourable for cultivation lies -on the slopes of hills, or on the more level patches occasionally -bordering rivers. Some villages produce a good sort of hill rice, but -their chief cultivation is ghoom dhan (or Indian corn), konee dhan, -and two or three other inferior grains. The villages situated at low -elevations produce excellent yams and aloos of several kinds. They -are not acquainted with wheat, barley, &c., nor have they taken -the trouble to grow potatoes, but that esculent is obtainable at -Suddeah in great abundance. Of opium, a small quantity is cultivated, -chiefly for sale to the Singphoos; though many of the natives are great -opium-eaters. A small quantity of inferior cotton is also cultivated -for the manufacture of their own clothing, and tobacco is in great -request among them; they are likewise very fond of spirituous liquors. - -We have no authentic data whereby to judge of the amount of the -population, but from the following rough census of the followers of -a few chiefs, it would not appear to be extensive. - - - +--------+------------------------+-------------------+ - |No. of | Names of the different | No. of followers. | - |Chiefs. | Chiefs. | | - +--------+------------------------+-------------------+ - | 1 | Jengsha | 50 | - | 2 | Japan | 80 | - | 3 | Deeling and Yeu | 80 | - | 4 | Galooms | 80 | - | 5 | Khoshas | 100 | - | 6 | Primsong | 70 | - +--------+------------------------+-------------------+ - | | | 460 | - +--------+------------------------+-------------------+ - - -The number of villages among which the above population is distributed, -is seven; but there are two other villages, Muresas and Roolings, -close to Khoshas. By far the greater number of villages appear to -be located near the banks of the Lohit; one only has been observed -on the Lung. The villages of Jengsha, Japan, Deeling, and Yeu, -consist of several houses each; neither, however, exceeding ten -in number. Ghalooms, Khoshas, and Primsong, consist each of a -single house, capable of containing from eighty to one hundred and -sixty persons. These comprehensive residences are divided by bamboo -partitions into twenty or more rooms, all opening into a passage, in -which the skulls of animals killed during the possessors' lifetime are -duly arranged. The houses are all built on raised platforms, and the -roofs are formed of the leaf of the arrow-root plant, or the leaves of -cane, which are found in great abundance in all the forests. Khosha's -house is one hundred and sixty feet in length; each room possessing -a fire hearth; but as there are no chimneys, or any outlet for the -smoke, excepting the door, a Mishmee dwelling is scarcely endurable. - -Of Mishmee habits and customs little is known; feuds and -misunderstandings having hitherto obstructed a freedom of intercourse -indispensable to the acquirement of correct information. Several -European officers have visited the Mishmee country for a few days, -and have been desirous of proceeding by this route over the mountains -north into the Lama country, or Thibet; to ascertain whether the -celebrated Sampoo river flows into the Burrampooter from this quarter, -or debouches into the Dehong, below Suddeah, or takes its course, as -has been surmised, through China. This interesting inquiry, however, -has not yet been solved; though little or no doubt appears to exist -that the Sampoo joins the Burrampooter at one of these points. The -British Government have hitherto, from prudential motives, abstained -from giving offence to or exciting the jealousy of the Chinese, -by permitting any of our officers to attempt to enter Thibet from -the extreme north-eastern quarter of the valley of Assam. This is a -sacrifice of geographical knowledge to policy; for there can be no -question that a scientific traveller would obtain much information -respecting the character of the country, and bring us acquainted with -a people at present unknown to the civilized world. - - - - - -DOOANEAHS. - -The Dooaneahs are descendants of Burmese or Singphoo fathers, -from Assamese women, captured in predatory irruptions and kept as -slaves. Assamese males, also carried off into slavery, are, from -the loss of caste by their connection with the Singphoos, and the -adoption of Singphoo habits, denominated Dooaneahs. They are a very -hardy race, and inhabit the densest jungles; cultivating scarcely -sufficient rice and opium for their maintenance, and subsisting, when -their stock of grain is expended, on yams, kutchoos, and other roots of -the forests. Without the aid of the Dooaneahs, no military detachment -could move to many parts of the frontier, for none are so expert as -pioneers. With the Dhao, or Singphoo short sword, they will cut a -footpath through the densest jungles in the most expeditious manner, -thus enabling our troops to move almost in any direction. They are not -endowed with a martial spirit, and it is said they will not stand the -fire of musketry; but if properly trained and disciplined, their fears -might be surmounted. Their addiction, however, to opium is so great, -that no permanent reliance could ever be placed in them as soldiers, -in any emergency; and being utterly despised by their former masters, -the Singphoos (from whose thraldom they have only lately escaped) -it would seem inexpedient to place them in situations of trust, -where the possibility of betrayal or defeat could be anticipated. The -loss of their services as slaves, in cultivating the land, is deeply -felt by the Singphoos; but these latter have not yet known the full -extent of their inconvenience. In course of time few Dooaneah slaves -will remain attached to the Singphoos; who must consequently either -resort to manual labour themselves, or starve, or leave the province: -which, by the way, would be the greatest boon we could desire, for -the safety and improvement of our peaceable subjects. - - - - - -ASSAMESE. - -The province of Assam was invaded about 1224 A.D., by a band of Ahoom -or Shan adventurers; who conquered the country, parcelled out its -territory, and subjected the population to a vassalage approximating to -that in force under the feudal system of Europe. By this arrangement -the whole body of cultivators were divided into different portions, -called Khels, varying from one thousand to five thousand cultivators -each. They were governed by officers of various grades: those called -Borahs, possessing authority over twenty ghoots or sixty paicks; -Sykeahs, over one hundred ghoots or three hundred paicks; and Huzarees, -over one thousand; with one superior officer denominated a Kheldar, -who was generally a nobleman, or person connected with the royal -family. But in recent times this arrangement has been modified, -and Borahs, Sykeahs, and Hazarees have exercised authority over a -much smaller number of persons. The Kheldars collected the revenue -and exercised jurisdiction in petty criminal offences. Owing to the -backward state of society in Assam, and its almost utter destitution -of commerce and manufactures, the revenue was seldom paid in money, -but mostly in personal labour: all public buildings, roads, bridges, -&c., were constructed out of the funds of labour at the command -of the Government; and the services of all public functionaries, -clerical, medical, military, and judicial, were paid in the same -manner. To facilitate this arrangement, the community were divided -into threes, (or in some parts of Assam fours) each division being -called a ghote; and if one of the three served the state throughout -the year, the other two were excused the payment of money, revenue, -or produce. From artisans and manufacturers, who were subjected to -a higher taxation than other classes, money was taken occasionally; -but more frequently the tax was levied in produce. - -Under the Ahoom Government the monopoly of office was at first confined -to the Ahooms, or original conquerors of the soil; but in the reign -of Rodroo Sing, 1695, A.D., when the Assamese natives of the soil -had become proselytes to the Hindoo religion, they were admitted to a -share in the public employ. When the British Government conquered the -country in 1825, this system of revenue, founded upon personal labour, -was still in existence; but a money rate of taxation under the form -of a poll-tax was introduced as far as circumstances would allow, -the rates being fixed with reference to the customs of the ancient -government. The two poorahs of land allowed to each cultivator were -deemed equivalent to two English acres: the land could not be taken -from him as long as he paid his revenue, but it was nevertheless -considered the property of the state and could not be disposed of -by the tenant. Almost the whole of the land in Assam is now taxed -according to its quality, at so much per poorah or acre, but in some -places any quantity of land may be cultivated by paying a certain sum -per plough. The poll tax is likewise collected where the population -is unsettled and scanty. - -The religious wants of the people were provided for by the Assam rulers -apportioning a certain number of paicks or cultivators to each Shuster -or temple, for the support of which one-half of their revenue was -assigned: the other half was appropriated by Government. Independently -of this, grants of land were made to various religious persons, under -the title of Debootur (service of the Gods), Dhurmooter (religious -purposes), and Bramooter, for the support of the Brahmins (or priests); -and a remission of half the usual rate of taxation was allowed when -the claims of the parties were fairly established. - -Assam is noted for the abundance of gold found in many of its rivers; -and as the manner of acquiring it by washing the sands may not -be generally known, and is a subject of considerable importance, -a description may not be uninteresting to the reader. In the first -place, the gold washer, taught by experience, chooses a favourable -site; a wooden trough, six feet long by one and a half broad and two -inches and a half deep, is then placed on pegs driven into the sand: -one end of the trough being raised to throw it into an inclined or -sloping position. This effected, a shifting bamboo sieve, made to -fit the trough, is placed upon it; two men with baskets then strew a -plentiful coat of sand and gravel from the river on the sieve, through -which the gold washer quickly washes the sand by pouring water on it, -and shaking the sieve to hasten the descent of the water into the -trough. By this means the heavier particles sink and the lighter are -carried off by the stream, that continues to flow from the square or -upper end of the trough to the circular end, from which it escapes -by an aperture purposely bored. The coarse gravel on the sieve is -frequently removed, and a fresh supply is continually heaped up, -until the sand in the bottom of the trough containing the gold is -about an inch thick. The sieve is then removed, and placed at one -end of the trough, and a quantity of water being poured through -the sieve, it falls on the sand like a shower of rain, till all -the light particles are carried off by the stream flowing down the -trough. By this process the heavier particles only remain, and these -are gold dust and iron. The gold dust being now distinctly visible, -is subjected to a further washing, and then dexterously floated on -to leaves; after which it is transferred to a glazed earthen vessel, -and again washed with the hand. The gold washer now daubs his hands -with lime, and having applied some quicksilver and water, again washes -the sand with his hands, which causes a scum to rise on the surface; -this being cleared off, after repeated washings, the gold is found -adhering to the quicksilver, when it is taken from shell to shell -till every particle of sand is removed. The quicksilver and gold dust -are then placed in a shell on a charcoal fire, and with the aid of -a bamboo blow-pipe the ore is speedily melted; a little water being -then applied, the gold is separated and forms a ball at the bottom -of the shell. It is considered a good return if three persons at one -trough can obtain four annas weight of gold (worth three rupees) in -twelve days: giving the labourer one anna four pice per diem. At one -time there was a numerous body of gold washers employed in collecting -gold from many of the rivers in Upper and Central Assam; and the rivers -were, in some instances, let by Government to persons wishing to enjoy -the sole monopoly of bringing gold into the market. The profit on the -gold dust must have been very considerable, seeing that it realized -from twelve to fifteen rupees per tolah, and was produced in large -quantities. But, like many other monopolies, this was found open to -abuse: the people were oppressed for the benefit of the manufacturers, -and the Government deemed it expedient to discontinue it as a source -of revenue; thus leaving one of the most valuable products of the -province neglected. Gold, in consequence, is becoming scarce; and we -hope, therefore, that the evil will work its own cure, by stimulating -the gold washers to resume their ancient lucrative vocation. - -In many parts of the province, coal of a good quality, is found; and -indeed the soil of Assam generally may be considered extremely rich: it -abounds in valuable products, such as rice, sugar-cane, moongah silk, -pepper, mustard-seed, and cotton. But the bounty of nature is marred -by the indolence and apathy of man: the cultivator seldom looks beyond -his immediate wants, and makes no attempt to improve his condition. In -fact, in agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing industry, this -country may be considered at least a century behind Bengal; and there -seems little prospect of improvement, excepting by the introduction of -a more active and industrious people, who might stimulate the natives -to increased exertions. An inveterate indulgence in the use of opium -by the population at large, is the curse of the country: depressing -the industry and withering the physical energies of the people, -by limiting their desires to the gratification of the wants of the day. - -The greater portion of the Assamese are Hindoos; but they are very -lax in their observance of the rites of the Hindoo religion, and in -the few ceremonies which they do perform, deviate considerably from -the strict tenets enjoined by that creed. In their domestic habits -they are simple in the extreme; their poverty and ignorance limiting -their desires within the narrowest compass. A slight cotton covering -thrown over the shoulders, and a dhoti or sheet tied round the waist, -reaching to the knees, forms the chief clothing of the poor: shoes -are never worn. A little oil, rice, vegetables (such as greens and -chillies), seasoned with the smallest quantity of salt, and sometimes -a few small fish, compose the humble fare of the poor peasant. These -necessaries are procurable for about three shillings per mensem, -and as the wages of a day labourer or coolie are from one and a half -to two annas per diem, or about two rupees per mensem, he has still -one shilling to spare. - -This spare diet has, of course, its influence upon the stature and -bulk of the Assamese; who are, consequently, slender, effeminate, and -indolent. Their complexion is not uniform; numbers being very fair, -and as many excessively dark. Their morals are exceedingly depraved, -and their manners servile and contemptible. Nor are the women one -whit superior to the men; and although they are far from possessing -attractive persons, they are utter slaves to the worst licentiousness. - -The dwellings of the Assamese are of the meanest description -imaginable: there are no stone or brick houses [5] in the country; -a simple hut, ten feet by twenty, divided into a couple of rooms -for sleeping and sitting in, or not uncommonly one solitary room, -form the only accommodation a man, wife, and family possess. The hut -is about ten feet high, with a grass roof, and the walls are made -of reeds plastered outside, and sometimes inside also, with mud and -cow-dung. A small platform of bamboos, two feet high, serves as a -bedstead; and a seetulpattee, or grass mat, constitutes the amount -of bedding, without any other covering than the clothes that are worn -during the day. Many Assamese, however, prefer the bare ground, with a -simple mat as a bed. The earth floor is daily plastered with mud and -cow-dung: the cow being held sacred amongst the Hindoos, its ordure -has, it is considered, the peculiar property of not only cleansing, -but purifying their habitations. Its use certainly gives their huts -a tidy appearance, and worms and insects are not so troublesome as -they would otherwise be. - -These frail buildings require yearly repairs, but the peasants -are put to no expense for them, except in bringing posts, reeds, -and grass from the jungle. Assamese families of respectability and -wealth live in larger houses of the same character of architecture; -but instead of one hut, they erect several close together, in the -form of a square, each hut opening into the quadrangular court-yard, -which is entered by a portico or receiving room for visitors. - -In the estimation of the Assamese, marriage is one of the most -important duties of life; not only for the additional comfort, -assistance, and respectability it confers on the man, but because he -considers he has not fulfilled the divine will if he has failed to take -unto himself a wife--and sometimes a plurality of wives. Polygamy is -prevalent throughout the province, and is only limited in extent by the -means of each man to provide for the support of his wives. If a man -marries only one or two wives, he probably has on his establishment -three or four concubines; and his life is therefore embittered and -harassed by perpetual family quarrels. It is the custom in Assam for -parents to make early arrangements for the marriage of their sons; -and having selected the daughter of any particular family of the -same caste, a regular agreement is entered into for the amount of -the dower to be paid to the parents of the girl, even when she is -but a mere child. The first ceremony of betrothing the girl is called -Tamul pankatta, or partaking of the betel nut and leaf of the betel -vine; which takes place when the damsel may be about four years of -age. The parents of the youth proceed to the house of the family with -whom they wish to form a matrimonial alliance, make their proposal, -and produce a present of the following articles:-- - - - Rs. Ans. Pice. - - Betel nut and betel leaf 1 0 0 - Two bhars (or baskets) of milk 0 8 0 - Fish 0 4 0 - Treacle 0 4 0 - Plantains 0 4 0 - Chura (parched rice) 0 4 0 - ----------- - Total rupees 2 8 0 - - -If the above present be accepted, then, to all intents and purposes, -the agreement is ratified between the parties, and is considered as -solemnly and legally binding as are the parchment instruments which -regulate these contracts in England. The next ceremony performed in -furtherance of the union of the young people is called Nowae toolun -(or attaining the period of puberty), when the girl being about ten -or eleven years of age, the youth's parents proceed to her house -again with another present composed of the following articles:-- - - - R. Ans. Pice. - -Oil 1 0 0 -Red vermilion, for the distinguishing mark of the - tutelary deity on the forehead 0 2 0 -Betel nut and betel leaf 0 4 0 -Pitter goorie (rice flour) 0 4 0 -Akho rice parched in the husk, (dhan) 0 4 0 - ------------ - Total rupees 1 14 0 - - -About six months or a year after this offering, the third ceremony -takes place, and is called "Kharoo munee puredheen" (or putting -the bracelets and necklaces on the bride). The expense incurred on -these occasions corresponds with the means of the bridegroom and -his parents. To show the nature of the presents made, we subjoin the -following list:-- - - - Rs. Ans. Pice. - - Bracelets 20 0 0 - Ear-rings 12 0 0 - Necklaces of several strings, of - various sizes and colours 5 0 0 - Madulee, a silver charm ornament - suspended from the neck 1 8 0 - Four silver finger-rings, 4 annas each 1 0 0 - One piece of Mongah silk cloth, - five cubits long 1 8 0 - Betel nut and betel leaf 2 0 0 - Twelve bhars (or baskets) of treacle, - rice, curds, pittagoorie kutcha - (ground rice) chandagoorie puckah - (baked rice flour): each basket valued - at four annas each 3 0 0 - ------------ - Total rupees 46 0 0 - - -The fourth and last ceremony is Shadee (or marriage), when a great -feast is given at the damsel's house by her parents to the friends -of both families. The presents consist of:-- - - - Rs. Ans. Pice. - - Fish, rice, diel, oil, salt, greens, - and chillies 3 0 0 - Betel nut and betel leaf 1 0 0 - One piece of Moongah silk 1 8 0 - One Burkopper cotton cloth, for the - girl's father or brother 1 0 0 - Gao dhun, dower or price of the girl, - paid to her parents in ready cash 9 0 0 - ------------ - Total rupees 15 8 0 - - -The bridegroom is kept awake all night by feasting, dancing, -and singing; and in the morning, all having broken their fast, -the bridegroom accompanies his bride to his own dwelling in a -regular procession. Drums, cymbals, and gongs take the lead; the -bride follows either in a palkee, or mounted on a pony; or, if very -poor, she walks in the midst of her female acquaintances, covered -from head to foot with a white cotton cloth or veil thrown loosely -over her; and the bridegroom and his friends bring up the rear. On -arrival at the bridegroom's house, his friends partake of a repast, -and return to their homes in the course of the afternoon. The young -couple then take up their abode, generally in a newly erected house -adjoining their parents' dwelling. The whole expense of the marriage -conducted on this scale amounts to sixty-five rupees fourteen annas; -but only the better orders disburse such a sum. If the parties are -in very affluent circumstances, however, many hundreds of rupees are -expended. The poorer class, from inability to incur further outlay, -are not unfrequently married at the second ceremony of Nowae toolun -for four or five rupees, including every expense. - -Should the parents of the girl, contrary to the marriage contract or -betrothment, give their daughter to another person, it is incumbent -on them to refund the value of the presents they may have received -on different occasions for a number of years previously. Yet in few -countries, probably, will the number of violated contracts or promises -of marriages be found to exceed those of Assam. The litigation and -ill-will consequent on these ill-advised agreements is incalculable, -and the complaints under this head in the civil courts are innumerable. - -There is a remarkable similarity between one of the customs in Assam -and that practised by the Patriarchs of old. Jacob served Laban as a -servant or bondsman many years to obtain in marriage Leah and Rachel, -who were sisters; and he was not allowed to marry the younger before -the elder. So in Assam a man may marry two sisters, but he must -marry the elder before the younger. It is not uncommon, when a man -is poverty stricken, to engage to live and work for several years -for the father of the girl he wishes to marry. He is then called a -Chapunea, a kind of bondsman, and is entitled to receive bhat kupper, -food and clothing, but no wages; and at the expiration of the period -of servitude, if the girl does not dislike him, the marriage takes -place. The man is looked on in the family as a khanu damad (or -son-in-law), and is treated kindly. If the girl's father be very -wealthy, and he has no sons, he will sometimes select, from some -equally respectable family, a husband for his daughter, and bring -him up in his own house. The youth so selected is likewise called a -Chapunea, and inherits the whole of his father-in-law's property. If -a woman's husband dies, though she may be only eighteen or twenty -years of age, she can never marry again. She is considered a Baree, -or widow for life; but very few women--if any--so circumstanced lead a -life of celibacy: they prefer submitting to be selected as companions, -and are then contemptuously designated batuloo (refuse or offal). And -this condition of existence among the lower orders is almost as common -as marriage; for the becoming a man's Dhemuna stree (alias mistress -or companion) involves no expense for bhar bhete (marriage present) -or gaodhun (dower), and is therefore more convenient. The offspring -of this connection inherit all the rights of legitimate issue, and -are not the less respected in society; there is, therefore, no bar to -the loose and immoral habits so prevalent among the poorer classes in -Assam. The indulgence of these is further facilitated by the ease with -which the marriage-tie may be dissevered. No reference is necessary to -either the temporal or ecclesiastical courts: dissolution is simply -effected by the husband, if displeased with his wife or doubtful of -her fidelity. On these occasions he merely assembles his friends, -and in their presence addresses his wife in these words:--"Henceforth -I look on you as my mother and sister;" and tearing a betel leaf into -two pieces the marriage is dissolved, and the man and woman are free to -select fresh partners. The divorce is equally complete if the husband -distributes a little salt to each member of the assembly of friends, -making the same speech to the wife. The Cacharies, a simple-minded, -honest, and industrious tribe of Assamese, cut off a branch of the -kuddum tree before a select body of friends, when the husband declares -he has divorced his wife, and the ceremony is completed. - -The funeral obsequies of the Assamese are performed agreeably -to Hindoo usages. The body is burnt as soon as possible after -death. Jogees, Weavers, and Cacharies bury their dead in the same -manner as Moossulmans. A curious practice prevails amongst the -Assamese of giving salt to their friends assembled to bear witness -to many of the common occurrences of life. If a man adopts a son, -he distributes salt to his friends in token of a person having been -appointed to succeed to his property. If he buys a piece of land or -purchases a slave, or if a dispute is settled by arbitrators, salt is -in like manner distributed amongst a few friends who testify to the -fairness of the transaction; and amongst themselves these agreements -or settlements are as binding as laws could make them. - -When an Assamese has been excommunicated by the priests for any civil -offence, the expiation of his crime and his restoration to society -are effected by the payment of a fine, called chundrayen, amounting to -four rupees: dhurmdund (twelve annas), feeding the Punchayet or jury, -(one rupee) at most about six rupees. If the offender be very poor, -one rupee ten annas will suffice to pay for "purachit" (absolution); -which is granted by the priest. - -By the ancient Assam laws, slavery existed in a variety of forms. All -born of a free slave by a free father, as well as those of pure -slave parentage, were considered slaves. Free women married to slaves -became, with their offspring, slaves. The king had the power to grant -to his nobles and spiritual advisers portions of the free population -as slaves, which the owner could dispose of in any manner he thought -proper: they were designated Bohoteahs. Prisoners of war were often -granted to individuals as slaves; and criminals who had a sentence of -death passed upon them had it commuted to slavery, and were assigned -to certain masters. The free people were at liberty to mortgage -themselves for debts; remaining in bondage for a number of years or -until the sum borrowed was paid off; and as the debtor was seldom in -a situation to liquidate his obligation, he continued a slave to his -creditor for the remainder of his life. In each district the value -of slaves varied considerably. - - - +---------+----------+----------+----------+----------+ - |Name of | Value of | Value of | Value of | Value of | - |District.| Men. | Boys. | Women. | Girls. | - +---------+----------+----------+----------+----------+ - | | Rs. | Rs. Rs. | Rs. | Rs. Rs. | - | | | | | | - |Kamroop | 40 | 15 to 20 | 20 | 12 to 20 | - | | | | | | - |Durrung | 20 | 10 to 15 | 15 | 8 to 12 | - | | | | | | - |Nowgong | 20 | 10 to 15 | 15 | 8 to 12 | - +---------+----------+----------+----------+----------+ - - -The above is the estimated value of good castes, such as Kuletahs, -Kewuts, Kooches. The price of the lower castes, denominated Joges, -Doomes, Cachares, Boreahs, and Burahees, was one-third less. - -In the present brief review of Assam it would be foreign to our object -to attempt to describe the events of each reign; we confine ourselves, -therefore, to a short list of the last kings of Assam. (See opposite -page.) - -The downfall of the Ahoom kings of Assam may be attributed to their -becoming proselytes to the Hindoo religion in the reign of Jeydhoj -Singh, A.D. 1654; to the religious persecutions of the Muttucks in -the reign of Seeb Singh; to family dissensions and disputes, and the -cruel treatment of Mohun Burjona Gohain. Rodur Singh left five sons, -Seb Singh, Prumutta Singh, Mohun Burjona Gohain, - - - LIST OF THE LAST KINGS OF ASSAM. - -1681, A.D., Gudhadhur Singh. ------------------------------------------+ -1695, ,, Bodur Singh. | -1714, ,, Seeb Singh. | -1744, ,, Prumutta Singh. | -1751, ,, Rajeswur Singh. ----------------------+ | -1769, ,, Luckme Singh. | | -1780, ,, Gowree Nath Singh. +---------+----------+ +-------+-------+ -1795, ,, Kumuleswur Singh. |Rutneswur Soro junna| |Lechae Namropea| -1810, ,, Chunderkant Singh. |Gohain. | |Rajah. | -1817, ,, Poorunder Singh. +---------+----------+ +------+--------+ -1818, ,, Chunderkant Singh reinstated | | - on the throne by the Burmese. +-------+------+ +------+------+ -1821, ,, Jogessur Singh placed on the |Byey Bur Juona| |Acodh Gohain.| - throne by the Burmese. |Gohain. | +------+------+ -1824-25 ,, Assam conquered by the +-------+------+ | - British troops, and the Burmese | +-----+----+ - army expelled the province. +-------+------+ |Kudumdigla| -1833 ,, Poorunder Singh made Rajah |Beignath Singh| |Gohain. | - of Upper Assam, April +-------+------+ +----+-----+ - 12th, 1833, and deposed by the British | | - Government, Aug. 1835, A.D. +-------+-------+ +----------------+ - |Poorunder Singh| | | - +-------+-------+ +--------+-------+ +------+-----+ - | |Kumuleswur Singh| |Chunder Kant| - +-------+------+ +----------------+ +----+-------+ - |Kumeswur Singh| | - +--------------+ +-------+-------+ - |Ghun Seam Singh| - +---------------+ - - -Rajeswur Singh, and Luckme Singh. The third son, Mohun Burjona -Gohain, being marked with the small-pox, was incapacitated to -reign; and his younger brother, Rajeswur Singh, superseded him. By -the evil machinations of the Bor Borowa, Rajeswur Singh was led to -believe his brother, Mohun Burjona Gohain, was plotting against his -government; and for the effectual suppression of this conspiracy, -his brother was expelled the capital in the most ignominious manner, -his ears having been slit and one of his eyes plucked out. It was, -doubtless, as we have already remarked, from this severity that the -prince Mohun Burjona Gohain, in the succeeding reign of his younger -brother, Luckme Singh, was induced to rebel against his sovereign, -and to join the Muttucks, hoping thereby to avenge his wrongs and -gain the throne; but though temporary success attended the Muttuck -insurrection, the Prince failed in realizing his ambitious projects, -and hastened the extinction of the power of the Ahoom dynasty. - -In no part of the world, perhaps, have such sanguinary customs and laws -prevailed as in Assam, under the Ahoom kings. Many of their punishments -were revolting to humanity. Criminals were whipped, put in the pillory, -impaled; their limbs amputated, the nose, ears, and lips mutilated; -the hair was torn out by the roots, eyes were plucked out of the -sockets, and sometimes offenders were ground between wooden rollers, -sawn asunder, or tortured with red-hot irons. A variety of other -cruelties were practised with a relentlessness that but too vividly -marked the barbarity of the rulers of those days, and rendered it a -matter of sincere congratulation that a merciful providence shortened -the period of their sovereignty, and placed the country in the hands -of the British Government, in 1824-25. - - - - - -NAGAS. - -The south-eastern hills of Assam are the abode of many tribes of -Nagas. They are a very uncivilized race, with dark complexions, -athletic sinewy frames, hideously wild and ugly visages: their faces -and bodies being tattooed in a most frightful manner by pricking -the juice of the bela nut into the skin in a variety of fantastic -figures. They are reckless of human life; treacherously murdering -their neighbours often without provocation, or at best for a trivial -cause of offence. The greater number of the Nagas are supposed to -be in a very destitute state, living almost without clothing of any -kind. Their poverty renders them remarkably free from any prejudices -in respect of diet: they will eat cows, dogs, cats, vermin, and even -reptiles, and are very fond of intoxicating liquors. - -Amongst a people so thoroughly primitive, and so independent of -religious prepossessions, we might reasonably expect missionary -zeal would be most successful; for the last eight years, however, -two or three American Baptist missionaries have in vain endeavoured -to awake in them a sense of the saving virtues of Christianity. For a -considerable period the residence of the missionaries was at Suddeah; -where their labours, I believe, were unattended by any conversions -either of Assamese or Singphoos. On the station being deserted by the -troops for Saikwah, in 1839, the missionaries turned their attention -more particularly towards the Nagas; they took up their residence on -the Boree Dehing river, at Jeypore, established a school, and were -indefatigable in endeavouring to gain some correct knowledge of the -savage tribes in their vicinity. A few years' experience here proved -the futility of their plans. Instead of wandering amongst the savage -tribes scattered over an immense extent of country, in unhealthy, -dense jungles, it would have been prudent and politic to have afforded -instruction in the first instance to the populous villages in the -plains. One or more natives have been baptized at Jeypore, agreeably to -the rites of the Baptist persuasion, by immersion in the Boree Dehing -river, and this is the sum total of the missionary success. This has, -it is understood, induced them to change their abode to Seebsauger and -Nowgong, where they seem to think there is a greater chance of their -succeeding. The missionaries have a printing press, and many elementary -books of instruction in Assamese and English have been printed by them -for the use of the natives. Their exemplary conduct and exertions -merit the utmost commendation, and it is to be deplored that their -well-intentioned labours should not be crowned by felicitous results. - -To this day little is known either of the country inhabited by -the Nagas, or of their habits and customs. Several officers have -penetrated a considerable distance into the hills occupied by the -Nagas; but always with marked and necessary caution, attended by a -military guard. Greater intercourse between the highland Nagas and the -people of the plains were much to be wished; but it is doubtful if -any advantage would accrue to the British Government from extending -its sway southward, over immense tracts of unprofitable wastes or -dense jungles thinly inhabited. - - - - -Naga Government. - -Under the ancient Assam Government some of the tribes may have been -more dependent upon the Government than they are now, but the Naga -territory was never considered an integral portion of the sovereignty -of Assam. It is customary with the Naga tribe to offer trifling -presents to the British authorities, as a mark of submission, and -something is given in return, in token of amicable feeling; but the -Nagas have never been considered subject to our regular jurisdiction, -and nothing in the shape of an assessment has ever been imposed -upon them. - -It is very difficult to arrive at anything like a correct understanding -of the nature of the feuds between neighbouring tribes; for the Nagas -have no written language, and their dialects vary considerably in -different parts of the country. No general government exists over the -whole tribe: they are divided into innumerable clans, independent -of each other, and possessing no power beyond the limits of their -respective territories. Each tribe seems ever jealous of its neighbour; -and cruel hostilities, ending in the most tragical manner--even -to the extermination of a tribe and the total destruction of its -cattle, stores, and property--are often the result of their mutual -animosity. The form of the Naga government is democratical; each clan -seems to be ruled by a president and two subordinates or deputies, who -form the executive. The president is called Khonbao, and the deputies -Sundekae and Khonsae: the one prime minister, and the latter a chief -over twenty houses. The chief magistrate or arbitrator, the Khonbao, -decides all disputes of a civil or criminal nature, and it is optional -with him either to direct or enforce his orders with his own sword; -but in all this he is merely the organ or agent of the people, for the -decisions are the results of the consultations of the whole Raj, or -populace, who discuss all matters of importance in the open Moorung, -or hall of justice, to be found in every Naga village. The Khonbao, -Sundekae, and Khonsae, on these occasions, summon all the community -to attend and assist with their counsel in disposing of any affairs -of moment: such as a war to be undertaken against a foe, or in -furtherance of revenge; or the punishment of crimes committed by any -of the members of the tribe in opposition to their established polity. - -The dignity of Khonbao is hereditary: the eldest son of the incumbent -invariably succeeding to the title and authority. No junior brother -can assume the rank, under any pretensions founded on greater ability, -personal appearance, or reputation of valour. In the event of the -Khonbao leaving no progeny, his wife succeeds to his title and -authority; and the deputy Khonbao, Sundekae and Khonsae in council -enforce her commands, and report everything to her connected with -the welfare of the community. - -No hospitality is shown to a stranger visiting the Naga country, unless -he visits the Khonbao in the first instance: he is unable, even under -the greatest distress, to obtain shelter or provision elsewhere. On the -arrival of an embassy it is conducted to the residence of the Khonbao, -who gives audience immediately, and returns a reply by the messengers -on his own responsibility, if the object of the visit is of no great -importance. But, on the other hand, should the embassy be for the -purpose of obtaining redress of wrongs committed by the clan of the -Khonbao, the embassy is retained and entertained hospitably till the -Sundekae, Khonsae, and principal elders of the people can be assembled -in the moorung; when the grievance is stated and inquiries made, -each member stating openly and candidly his opinion on the matter -at issue. The Khonbao propounds what is, in his opinion, expedient -and best for the public good; but if there appears any irregularity, -the people express their disapprobation to the Khonbao, and he is -constrained to abide by the will of the community, to give orders to -the embassy, and allow its departure to the place whence it came. In -this manner all affairs and discussions are regulated amongst the -Nagas. Any attempt to travel through their country, unaccompanied -by a person acquainted with the roads, villages, and Naga language, -would be the height of folly; as the traveller would not be supplied -with water, food, or fire, neither would any shelter be afforded him, -and his life would be in imminent danger. - - - - -Omens. - -The superstition of the Nagas is strikingly exhibited in the great -attention paid by them to all signs of good and evil, before they -attempt the execution of any project: whether it be to prepare the -land to receive the seed, to proceed on hunting or fishing excursions, -or to enter upon any war expedition. On these occasions the Khonbao, -Sundekae, and Khonsae, assemble the people, and a grand consultation -is held between the chief ruler and the elders of the village, -in order to divine the most auspicious moment, and to ascertain -whether the affair under consideration will turn out favourably or -otherwise. To aid the deliberation, new-laid eggs are procured, which -they address in these terms:--"Oh eggs, you are enjoined to speak -the truth and not to mislead us by false representations." The eggs -are then perforated and roasted on a fire, and the yolk is minutely -examined: if it appears entire, the omen is considered good; if broken, -the reverse, and auspicious for their enemies. In this conclusion the -senate are likewise confirmed by a peculiar appearance of the white of -the egg. Another simple mode of divining the propriety or expediency of -carrying out certain plans is by burning the Bujjal bamboo. Should it -crackle and fall out of the fire on the left side, it is a good omen; -should it fly out on the right, the event is accepted as a warning -of failure and disaster. By these simple and strange proceedings are -the acts of these people guided. - - - - -Husbandry. - -In their agricultural operations, the implements of the Nagas are -simple and rude in the extreme; but bullocks and buffaloes are used -as in Assam. At the commencement of the season, the Khonbao having -assembled the people after the usual ceremonies of consulting the -omens, the land is apportioned out to each clan, the jungle is cleared, -and sowing commences. Konee dhan, a small grain, and Indian corn, -or goom dhan, is sown in January and gathered in about June, when -the Behoo is celebrated with great festivities; resembling the old -English custom of harvest-home. After the goom dhan and konee dhan -is cut, ahoo dhan is sown; and after this crop, kuchoos, a kind of -root resembling the arrow root, are planted; so that in the course -of the year three crops are raised from the same land. This is done -for three successive years; when, the land being impoverished, new -land is broken up for the same period, until the usual time of fallow -admits of the old land being again resumed. Yet, with all the means of -avoiding famine, blessed with a fertile soil and a wonderful rapidity -of vegetation, so improvident are these savages, that in a few months -the whole produce of the land is consumed, and they are compelled to -subsist on roots and leaves of the forests till the return of harvest. - - - - -Salt Wells. - -In different parts of the Naga territory many salt wells exist, and -being worked by some of the tribes an immense quantity of salt is -produced. This is sold or bartered to the people of Assam for rice, -and by this means, doubtless, the miseries attendant on a scanty -supply of food are greatly lessened. We have no means of judging -of the extent of the salt trade between the Assamese and Nagas, -but the commerce might doubtless be increased by greater vigilance, -to the mutual advantage of both parties. - - - - -Preparations for War. - -When the Nagas purpose taking vengeance on a neighbouring tribe, -the Khonbao assembles the elders of the village; and, in accordance -with established customs, the omens being consulted and proving -propitious, a plan to cut up their enemies by surprise is decided -on. Each man provides himself with a spear, sword, bamboo choong, -a hollow joint of the bamboo filled with water, and a small basket -of rice; and, the party being formed, set out in the day towards the -frontier of the enemy who is to be attacked. At night they cross -over and occupy a favourable position in ambush, surrounding the -enemy's village. There they take their repast, and when the cock first -crows on the following morning, they rush, with great shouting, into -the village, and cut up every body they meet with; sparing neither -old infirm men, nor helpless women, nor children: even the cows, -pigs, and poultry of the foe are slaughtered. Sometimes the victors -remain on the spot two or three days, but generally return to their -own village on the same day; taking with them the heads, hands, -and feet of those they have massacred: these they parade about from -house to house, accompanied with drums and gongs, throwing liquor and -rice on the heads, and uttering all manner of incantations: saying, -"Call your father, mother, and relations to come here and join you -in eating rice and drinking spirits, when we will kill them with the -same sword." They then sing, dance, and perform all manner of anticks; -pierce and mangle the heads of their enemies, and again with curses -enjoin them to summon their whole race to suffer the same ignominious -treatment. In the massacre, one of the Nagas may have, perhaps, -particularly distinguished himself by evincing great ferocity in -cutting off more heads than any of his party; which circumstance he -fails not to bring to the notice of his assembled friends. Stalking -out before them he challenges them to mark his deeds, and with many -songs of boisterous mirth and audacious boasting, he drags the heads -of his enemies about in the most contemptuous manner, proclaiming -his own triumph somewhat after this fashion:-- - -"In the world I am the most powerful and courageous; there is none -equal to me. I am the greatest of all men. No one" (pointing to the -skulls of his enemies) "can perform such deeds. Like to the clouds that -thunder and hurl down fire-balls into the water to the destruction of -the fish,--like to the tiger who leaps out to seize the deer,--like to -the hawk who pounces down on the chickens and carries them off, do I -cut up every one, and carry off their heads; and with these weapons" -(dashing them together, to produce a clashing noise) "I have killed -such and such persons: yes, I have killed them. You know my name. The -greatest beast of the forest, the elephant, I first destroy, and after -that all other animals too insignificant to mention. Such a hero am I, -there is no one equal to me," &c. &c. - -The same scene is enacted for three or four successive days; when -the heads being hacked and sufficiently danced about to satiate Naga -revenge, they are suspended from the branches of Nahor trees. After -this, the ceremony of tattooing the body is performed, and a most -severe operation it is. The burnt ashes of a pot are pricked into the -skin with the thorns of the cane: a great quantity of blood exudes, -and the body swells to a great size. Being previously thrown into -a state of stupid intoxication, the patient is left to welter in the -dirt and blood for three days, unconscious of his condition. After this -operation, the young sprouts of the Bhat-teeta tree being well pounded, -are smeared over the wounds, and in the course of twenty-five days -the patient is able to resume his avocations; upon which a number of -pigs and fowls are killed, and a great feast is given; the heads of -the enemies being brought down from the trees and strewed out upon -a platform before the populace in the court, or Raj Moorung. For a -whole month from the day of the massacre, the Nagas daily sing the -war song quoted above, and dance and manifest the greatest excitement -and delight. - -All villages are not entitled to the honour of retaining the heads -of their enemies; they must be kept in the village of the Khonbao. - -In some Naga villages it is the custom, for a man who has committed -murder in cutting off the head of a foreigner, to be joined by ten or a -dozen Nagas in submitting to the operation of tattooing; which in such -cases is an indispensable ceremony. The tattooing is pricked round the -calves of the legs in ten or twelve rings or circles interspersed with -dots; the thighs, the breast, the neck, the fingers, the back of the -hand, the arms, the forehead, and nose, the vicinity of the eyes and -the ears being similarly decorated. The poorest Naga peasant deems -it an honour to have his body thus embellished with stripes, figures, -and dots; and the omission of the ceremony would entail on him eternal -disgrace and censure. Indeed, the tattooing determines the character -and consequence of the individual; for by certain marks on one arm -it is apparent that he has killed a man; when both arms and body -are scarred he is known to have murdered two individuals; and when -the face and eye-sockets are indelibly impressed with the tattoo, -he stands proclaimed the assassin of three of his fellow-creatures, -and is thenceforth esteemed a valiant warrior. - -On the question being once put to the Nagas whether they would like -to become the subjects of the Company, they promptly replied,--"No: we -could not then cut off the heads of men and attain renown as warriors, -bearing the honourable marks of our valour on our bodies and faces." - -If a Naga happens to be suddenly surprised, and cut off by the -inhabitants of a neighbouring village, his corpse is quickly taken -up by his friends and placed on a platform in the jungles near -the road. At the expiration of three or four days they perform some -ceremonies, and wait till a favourable opportunity occurs for avenging -his death. The purpose is never relinquished, though its execution -may unavoidably be tardy: by day and night they lie in ambush in the -jungle, or on the plains near the roads, till they can pounce upon -some unwary individual of the enemy. His murder is then communicated -to his friends in a singular way. Forty or fifty Nagas, armed with -wooden clubs, strike a large hollow piece of wood called a tomkhong, -from which a loud, terrific sound proceeds, which gives token to the -enemy that one of their tribe has died in acquittance of the debt -of revenge. To such an extent does this vindictive spirit prevail, -that the Nagas will wait for two or three generations devising plans -for decapitating a member of a tribe who has murdered one of their -clan; and when the opportunity of vengeance offers, they are sure to -take advantage of it, regardless of the personal innocence of the man -whom they select as the victim of their fury. The death of the victim -is hailed with dance and song, and the liveliest demonstrations of -joy: even the old men, women, and children seem in raptures at the -announcement of the joyful tidings that their tribe has succeeded in -taking revenge. - - - - -Naga Customs from Childhood until Marriage. - -Ten days after the birth of a child the hair of the infant is shorn -off, and the parents perform several ceremonies, inviting all their -friends to a grand feast, on which occasion the child is named. On -proceeding to field work the mother ties the child to her back, and -whilst at work the infant is placed on the ground. When the child is -about a year old it is left at home in the village, and the parents -pursue their avocations unattended by their little charge. At the -age of five or six years, some of the Nagas wear a lungtee (a small -piece of cloth) round the waist. On attaining the age of nine or ten -years the boy is called a Moorungea, and from that time no longer -resides with his parents, but, with all the youths of the village, -takes up his abode at the Moorung, a large building set apart for -this especial purpose. The parents, however, still continue to -provide him with food, and he is obedient to their will, assisting -them in cultivating their fields. He carries a sword and spear, -and wears the Naga habiliments. At fifteen or sixteen years of age -he begins to be dissatisfied with his existence in the Moorung, and -makes arrangements for taking a wife; generally selecting a cousin, -the daughter of his mother's brother. On these occasions the parents -collect as much rice and liquor, and as many cows and buffaloes, as -their means will admit. The girls all live together, like the boys, -in a separate Moorung or house allotted for them; sometimes they -reside in a house in which a corpse is kept, probably from the greater -sanctity such an inmate would confer on their habitation. The youth is -not restricted from visiting the damsel of his choice, and he adopts -a well understood stratagem to ascertain her sentiments regarding -himself. Whilst he is talking to her companion, he carelessly puts down -his pipe, and narrowly watches her actions. If the damsel entertains -any regard for him she instantly takes up his pipe and smokes it; -from that moment the youth is satisfied of his conquest, and hastens -to communicate the result to his parents, who arrange matters with -the girl's relatives. Presents of ornaments are sent for the girl, -which she immediately wears; and an offering of liquor and tumbool -pan (or betel nut leaf) to chew, being accepted by her parents, -the marriage is decided on. After this, cows, buffaloes, rice, and -liquor are forwarded to the house of the intended bride, and all her -relations and friends are invited to a grand feast. An old Deodhunee -(or priestess) accompanies the youth to the party with a basket of -ginger, and the youth then addresses the chosen damsel, thus:--"This -day I take you to be my wife. I will not desert you, neither will I -take another; eat this ginger in pledge thereof--henceforth we are -husband and wife." The woman on this eats a bit of the ginger, and -then the youth sits down; whereupon the girl, in the same strain, -taking up a piece of ginger, says--"I am your wife, and you are -my husband, and I will obey you as such. I will not take another -husband, for we are husband and wife; in token of which you will -eat this ginger." The marriage ceremony being thus concluded, the -youth, after partaking of the feast, returns home to his parents, -and in the evening his wife joins him with baskets of food for her -husband's parents and his brothers' wives. She thenceforth resides -with her husband. From that day the husband ceases to abide at the -Moorung, and after the lapse of two or three days, according to the -village roll, takes his tour of guard duty at the Moorung. From the -day of his marriage he commences the preparation of a separate house, -upon the completion of which, in a few months, he quits the parental -roof. Some Nagas will, however, continue to cultivate the land, -and share the produce of their labour with those of their parents; -but on the birth of a child the families separate. - -Amongst the Nagas, marriage is contracted with near relatives, such as -cousins, in preference to other women. A widow, having no children, -cannot marry a stranger, but must marry her late husband's brother; -and if he happens to be a mere boy, she will still live with him -as his wife; nor can the boy take another damsel: he must marry his -brother's widow. The custom is one of great antiquity, and apparently -cannot be infringed. If the widow has one or two children she cannot -marry again, but must remain in her own house. No Naga marries more -than one wife, and if she dies he is at liberty to marry again. - -The crimes of adultery and seduction are treated with the utmost -severity: the offenders are brought before the Khonbao and the people -assembled to investigate the offence; on proof of which, the Khonbao, -or his Ticklah, decapitates the man in a conspicuous part of the -road, between two or three villages; or he is tied with cane cords -to a tree and there crucified. In some clans it is the practice to -deprive both the seducer and seduced of their lives; in others, the -former is placed in a basket, his hands and feet tied together, and he -is rolled many times from the summit of a hill until life be extinct. - - - - -Funeral Ceremonies. - -The Nagas consider sudden death as particularly unfortunate: even if -a person dies after one or two months' sickness, the period is still -deemed too short to be lucky; and his corpse is instantly removed -and placed in the jungles on a platform four or five feet high, -where it is left to decay. For three or four days after a death, -the relatives do not leave the village; neither do other villagers -resort to the village in which death has occurred during the same -period. If a person dies who has been afflicted with a long illness, -a platform is raised within his house, and the corpse being folded in -clothes is placed thereon. By night and day the corpse is watched with -great care, and as soon as it begins to decompose, large quantities of -spirituous liquor are thrown over it; and whatever the deceased was -in the habit of eating and drinking in his lifetime (such as rice, -vegetables, and liquor) is placed once a month on the ground before -the body. The virtues of the deceased are frequently rehearsed; -the heirs and relatives throw themselves on the earth, and make -great lamentations for many months after the death has occurred. At -the expiration of the period of mourning, a great feast of liquor, -rice, buffaloes' and cows' flesh is prepared by the survivors; and -an immense number of people, armed with their swords and spears, -and dressed in the most fantastical garb, as if preparing for a war -expedition, are assembled to partake of it. They commence the festival -by repeating the name of the deceased, singing many kinds of songs, -dancing and cursing the deity or spirit in these words: "If to-day we -could see you, we would with these swords and spears kill you. Yes, -we would eat your flesh! yes, we would drink your blood! yes, we -would burn your bones in the fire! You have slain our relative. Where -have you fled to? Why did you kill our friend? Show yourself now, -and we shall see what your strength is. Come quickly,--to-day, and we -shall see you with our eyes, and with our swords cut you in pieces, -and eat you raw. Let us see how sharp your sword is, and with it we -will kill you. Look at our spears, see how sharp they are: with them -we will spear you. Whither now art thou fled? Than thou, spirit, who -destroyest our friends in our absence, we have no greater enemy. Where -are you now?--whither hast thou fled?" - -With these and similar speeches and songs, they clash their swords and -weapons together, dance, and eat and drink throughout the night. On the -following day the corpse is folded up in a cloth and placed on a new -platform four or five feet high; and the whole of his weapons, swords, -spears, panjees choonga (hollow bamboo joint, for holding water), -rice-dish,--in fact everything used by the deceased in his lifetime, -is now arranged round his bier, which is held sacred: no one would -dare to touch a single thing thus consecrated. After this ceremony is -concluded, the whole of the party disperse to their respective homes. - -On the death of the Namsungea Khonbao, who, it is said, was one hundred -and twenty years of age, his corpse was removed in December 1843, -and according to an ancient custom, a tusk elephant was purchased from -the Muttuck Bur Gohain, and killed, with three hundred buffaloes and -pigs; when the Nagas enjoyed a magnificent feast. The usual practice -of reviling the deity, while singing and dancing, was kept up with -uncommon fervor, and the bacchanalian scene has perhaps seldom been -exceeded. The heads of the slaughtered animals were suspended round -the platform within a large enclosure, and the corpse was strewed -over with an abundant supply of all kinds of forest flowers. - -Theft is held in great abhorrence amongst the Nagas, and is -consequently so rare that they leave everything exposed in the open -fields. If any person is detected in committing the offence no mercy -is shown: the Khonbao pronounces sentence of decapitation without a -moment's hesitation. The Nagas are remarkable for simplicity, candour, -and integrity; even the comparatively small vice of lying, to which the -natives of British India are so seriously and universally addicted, -is unknown among them, and will probably continue so until they have -been corrupted by their more enlightened neighbours, the Assamese, -or by the advance of civilization, refined arts, and manners. The -Nagas have no names for the days of the week, and know not their -own ages. Summer and winter are the only divisions of the year they -recognise, distinguishing them as dry and wet seasons of six months' -each. Time is counted by the moon, or by the number of crops they can -recollect reaping. They believe in a God or Spirit called Rungkuttuck -Rung, who created the earth and all things, but they have no hope of -future rewards, nor any fear of punishment hereafter; neither do they -believe in a future state of existence. - -For the above information we are indebted to Bhog Chund, who is the -son of a West Countryman of the Khetree caste, by an Assamese mother, -and having lived many years amongst the Nagas, is thoroughly acquainted -with them. He is now a resident and industrious cultivator in the -plains. He reads and writes Assamese, and is a most straightforward -character. He would be an invaluable companion and guide in travelling -through the Naga territory. - -I do not vouch for the correctness of the list of the Naga tribe -inserted in a later page, but in the absence of more authentic -details, it may be deemed worthy of consideration. The present account -of the tribes is confined to the Nagas of Upper Assam; but it is -supposed that very similar customs and habits prevail amongst those -of central Assam. The Nagas bordering immediately on the plains are, -for the most part, amicably disposed towards the British Government; -and those on the Patkoe range have shown a desire for our protection -against the marauding Singphoos. The Nagas residing on the hills most -remote from the valley are said to be fine, stout, athletic men, -of fair complexions; and unencumbered with the smallest strip of -covering in the shape of clothing for any part of the body. - -In 1842-43, the Namsangea, Bordoareah, and Borkhoormah Nagas invited -a party of the Khetree to visit them as friends, but when they got -them into their power they treacherously massacred twenty-four -persons. Thageng, one of the Khetree party, being only wounded, -fled and communicated the catastrophe to his tribe, who at the -sight of his wounds prepared for revenge; and in a short time they -were successful against the Nagas. The Khetrees, being ignorant of -the Assamese language, were unable to pass through the territory of -their enemies to report their grievances to the British authorities -at Jeypoor. They accordingly went to Tomkhoomana, and lying in ambush, -surprised and cut off the heads of twelve men of the Borkhoormah tribe, -in revenge for the murdered of their own tribe. Upon this the civil -authorities proceeded to the village of the Khetrees to endeavour -to put a stop to these atrocious assassinations, but unfortunately -the Namsangea and Bordoareah Nagas, contrary to strict injunctions, -persisted in following in the wake of the British embassy of peace. The -Khetrees perceiving the advance of their enemies, placed in the road a -small basket of ginger kuchoos and a spear, as a token of submission -to the British Government, but loudly protested from the summit of -their hills against a visit being made to their village; dreading, -as they did, the vengeance of the Namsangea and Bordoareah Nagas. The -interpreter, Bhog Chund, who accompanied the party, entreated the -Khetrees to remain quiet in their village, and to listen to terms of -peace; but they indignantly rejected the offer, and threw down stones, -and discharged a volley of spears, upon the advancing embassy. This -being returned by a few rounds of musketry in self-defence, the -Khetrees fled from their village to the neighbouring inaccessible -hill fastnesses. The Namsangea and Bordoareah Nagas perceiving this, -instantly rushed into the deserted village, slaughtered all the cows, -pigs, and fowls, and burnt every house to the ground. After this -untoward event a retreat was necessary, for the Khetrees came upon the -party, throwing down stones and spears from their hills. A Sepahee -having loitered in the rear, was speared to death, and his head and -hands cut off and triumphantly stuck up on bamboos: the head in the -village of Najoo, and the hands in Khoekting. After some difficulty -the little detachment was extricated from its perilous position, -and retreated in safety. Shortly after this lamentable affair, -a larger military detachment was sent out; but to the present time -an amicable settlement has been impracticable. Almost immediately -after the last expedition, the Khetrees cut off the heads of eight -men of the village of Bulatin; from which we may infer that their -animosity continues unappeased, and that there is little hope of these -savages being speedily brought to a sense of the advantages attending -a reconciliation. Our intercession might be effectual for a time; -but it is more than probable that it would be incompatible with a -Naga's sense of honour to forego his greatest delight--revenge. - -From the figured statement obtained from native authority, it would -appear that there are one hundred and four Naga villages in Upper -Assam, containing eleven thousand and ninety-five houses, with a -population of forty-eight thousand five hundred and eighty-eight -persons; but this estimate is probably erroneous. We shall perhaps be -nearer the truth, if, assuming the number of houses to be correctly -stated, we allow three persons for every dwelling: this gives a census -of thirty-three thousand two hundred and eighty-five souls--a closer -approximation to the apparent population. - - -LIST OF THE NAGA TRIBE. - ----------+------------------+-------+--------+------------------ -No. of |Names of Villages.|No. of |No. of | Remarks. -Villages.| |Houses.|Persons.| ----------+------------------+-------+--------+------------------ - 1 | Bur Dovar | 250 | 1000 | - 2 | Namsang | 160 | 520 | - 3 | Kea Mae | 140 | 500 | - 4 | Poolung | 120 | 420 | Three villages of - 5 | Panee Dooar | 160 | 520 | this name - 6 | Choongpon | 140 | 500 | - 7 | Khamgin | 120 | 420 | - 8 | Kokil | 100 | 400 | - 9 | Gophcha | 70 | 280 | - 10 | Topee | 50 | 200 | - 11 | Hungkal | 80 | 320 | - 12 | Dadum | 250 | 1000 | - 13 | Nerung | 200 | 800 | - 14 | Bako | 300 | 1200 | - 15 | Kekhyah | 200 | 800 | - 16 | Nahoah | 180 | 720 | - 17 | Nahoo | 220 | 880 | - 18 | Khoncha | 50 | 200 | - 19 | Lootong | 50 | 200 | - 20 | Kotong | 70 | 280 | - 21 | Nokphan | 80 | 167 | - 22 | Choupcha | 120 | 480 | - 23 | Choupnon | 180 | 567 | - 24 | Runow | 200 | 800 | - 25 | Rucha | 60 | 140 | - 26 | Changnee | 220 | 880 | - 27 | Changeha | 160 | 567 | - 28 | Pokum | 80 | 167 | - 29 | Loknean | 80 | 167 | - 30 | Changnoege | 360 | 1340 | - 31 | Changcha | 120 | 480 | - 32 | Mangnoe | 120 | 480 | - 33 | Mangcha | 60 | 167 | - 34 | Picktoo | 80 | 320 | - 35 | Pickta | 55 | 220 | - 36 | Nakma | 70 | 200 | - 37 | Moolong | 90 | 263 | - 38 | Bhetur Namsang | 120 | 480 | Entirely naked - 39 | Now Gawn | 160 | 540 | - 40 | Kangchang | 100 | 415 | - 41 | Dekahnoe Moong | 140 | 520 | - 42 | Borachaemoong | 150 | 540 | - 43 | Chamcha | 60 | 180 | - 44 | Achuringea | 70 | 220 | - 45 | Toormoong | 120 | 480 | - 46 | Jamee | 100 | 400 | - 47 | Moloo Thopea | 500 | 4000 | - 48 | Akhoea | 270 | 2020 | - 49 | Pocho | 120 | 480 | - 50 | Bor Langee | 150 | 550 | - 51 | Soro Langee | 100 | 400 | - 52 | Bhuga Langee | 120 | 480 | - 53 | Chenajow | 150 | 560 | - 54 | Boora Gaea | 150 | 550 | - 55 | Bur Dorea | 150 | 540 | - 56 | Kula Barea | 200 | 800 | - 57 | Soroo Durea1 | 20 | 470 | ----------+------------------+-------+--------+------------------ - - -Nagas east of the Namsang River subject to the Political Agent, -Upper Assam. - ----------+------------------+-------+--------+------------------ -No. of |Names of Villages.|No. of |No. of | Remarks. -Villages.| |Houses.|Persons.| ----------+------------------+-------+--------+------------------ - 1 | Khetree Gawn | 110 | 440 | - 2 | Khena | 80 | 180 | - 3 | Bottin | 60 | 120 | - 4 | Namcha | 70 | 140 | - 5 | Mooktong | 90 | 240 | - 6 | Hakhoom | 80 | 280 | - 7 | Konagaun | 150 | 550 | - 8 | Khatung | 40 | 190 | - 9 | Jankung | 60 | 420 | - 10 | Ken Noean | 50 | 200 | - 11 | Naktung | 60 | 240 | - 12 | Lalrung | 60 | 240 | - 13 | Koonum | 80 | 330 | - 14 | Kootung | 70 | 340 | - 15 | Mooaloo | 120 | 480 | - 16 | Moacha | 80 | 320 | - 17 | Tejhon | 80 | 280 | - 18 | Chomjoo | 90 | 320 | - 19 | Somcha | 60 | 240 | - 20 | Kambao | 100 | 400 | - 21 | Langchang | 100 | 400 | - 22 | Sooroomungchang | 60 | 240 | - 23 | Noanangchang | 50 | 200 | - 24 | Tikhak | 50 | 200 | - 25 | Gudie | 60 | 240 | - 26 | Manbao | 110 | 440 | - 27 | Eahung | 110 | 400 | - 28 | Mookkhoop | 110 | 400 | - 29 | Mookpe | 120 | 480 | - 30 | Mookcha | 90 | 360 | - 31 | Loongke | 100 | 400 | - 32 | Namnie | 220 | 880 | On or near the - 33 | Namcha | 130 | 520 | Patkoe range. - 34 | Keme, No. 1 | 120 | 440 | ditto. - 35 | Keme, No. 2 | 120 | 480 | ditto. - 36 | Kintoonie | 100 | 400 | ditto. - 37 | Mookrung | 120 | 480 | - 38 | Joopee | 50 | 200 | - 39 | Doedam | 70 | 280 | - 40 | Noakhoorma | 50 | 200 | - 41 | Chobang | 50 | 200 | - 42 | Chilim | 40 | 160 | - 43 | Bachowuk | 50 | 200 | - 44 | Moung | 60 | 240 | - 45 | Hadoot | 80 | 260 | - 46 | Kaeah | 90 | 300 | - 47 | Kaejou | 110 | 440 | - +-------+--------+ - Total | 3,000 | 15,398 | - Total of Statement No. 1 | 8,095 | 33,190 | - +-------+--------+ - Grand Total |11,095 | 48,588 | - +-------+--------+ - - - - - -GARROWS. - -Of all the hill tribes bordering on the Assam valley, north or south, -the Garrows near Goalparah, though not lofty in stature, are endowed -with the most powerful herculean frames. The expression of their -countenances is savage, and their complexion exceedingly black. In -conversation they are loud, and remarkable for asperity. Passing -through Lookee Dooar to the Jeypore stockade, at the foot of the Garrow -hills, I met with many Garrows who reside on the low hills bordering -Assam, and learned that they were frequently in great danger from the -highland Garrows; who, feeling secure in their mountain fastnesses, -made occasional incursions into the territory of the former, and -committed acts of violence upon the British subjects located in -the plains. - -A savage custom exists amongst the Garrows, of commemorating the death -of their relatives by massacring our inoffensive subjects whenever -they can do so with impunity; whether in open day, in ambush, or -by a sudden night attack in overwhelming numbers. In this respect -they resemble other tribes of which we have already treated. At -their festive meetings it is said the Garrows are guilty of great -excesses in imbibing spirituous liquors. A dried excavated gourd, -which does duty for a bottle, and holds about one quart and a half, is -filled with an intoxicating liquor distilled from rice: this, at their -jovial parties, is presented to each person, whose nose being seized, -the gourd is applied to the mouth till the individual is perfectly -satiated, or falls prostrate in a fit of intoxication. After this, -the toper is immersed in a pool of water, or the river, that the -temperature of the body may be cooled. In the choice of food few -things come amiss to a Garrow palate. For example, a dog fed with -rice and then roasted alive, is esteemed one of the most exquisite -dainties. Every description of meat is consumed, even when perfectly -putrid. Singularly enough, however, milk is considered unwholesome, -and is never drank. - -The Garrow women are remarkably coarse and ugly, with very dark -complexions. They wear scarcely any articles of cloth covering, but, -in common with most savages, they are particularly fond of showy -ornaments. Their necks are adorned with a profusion of coloured -glass beads; and if the lobe of the ear can only be distended to -the shoulders by the weight of ear-rings, they consider that they -have succeeded in rendering themselves peculiarly attractive. The -Garrows to this day are independent of our rule, and are, therefore, -free from any tax on their cultivation. - -An immense quantity of cotton is grown on their hills. This, until -1843, was subject to a tax paid by the purchaser to Government, -at the market, where the Garrows bring down their cotton for sale; -but, owing to the mal-practices of the native collectors appointed to -receive the customs, little profit accrued to Government after the -expenses of the establishment had been paid. For the encouragement -of trade and a freer intercourse with our people, the customs have -lately been entirely abolished; but it is supposed that a plan -for the assessment of the whole of the Garrow cultivation will, -if possible, shortly be adopted. The climate of the Garrow hills, -however, offers a serious obstacle to this measure; for, according -to our present information, no European constitution could endure a -lengthened residence amongst them; and without the constant presence -of a British officer, armed with authority to arrange their affairs, -neither the advancement of civilization, nor the realization of a -revenue sufficient to defray the expense of retaining and settling the -country, could be accomplished. It is supposed that a lac of rupees, -or ten thousand pounds sterling, might annually be raised from the -land; but our knowledge of the country and the resources of the people -is so limited, that this estimate cannot be relied on. Moreover, -from the known aversion of the Garrows to any sort of taxation, -the undertaking can only be rendered successful by the presence of a -large body of British troops; to whom the sword, spear, and poisoned -arrows of the savages could offer but little effectual resistance. - - - - - -COSSEAHS. - -This tribe, although near neighbours of the Garrows, are unlike them in -personal appearance. They are an athletic race, but by no means fond of -more occupation than will suffice to give them a bare subsistence. This -gained, their lives are passed in fishing, bird catching, and hunting, -merely by way of pastime. Like all savages, they are untrustworthy. - -In the year 1829 at Nuncklow, Lieutenants Beddingfield and Burlton -were, by the Cosseah Rajah's order, barbarously massacred. A regular -war ensued; consequent on which Rajah Teeruth Singh was deprived of -the district of Bur Dooar, and the Rajah of Pantam having joined -the Cosseahs, his district was also sequestrated. At this period, -no protecting force being at hand, the Garrows joined the Cosseahs -and invaded the districts of Bur Dooar and Pantam, accompanied by the -people, who were compelled to join the insurrection. The movement, -however, was quickly suppressed by military detachments. Since then -the Cosseahs have been vigilantly watched by the Sylhet Light Infantry, -stationed at Chirrapoonjie. - -In the Cosseah hills a large supply of potatoes is annually raised -and sold in the Gowahatty market, realizing to the Cosseahs no -inconsiderable profit. The effect of this traffic being to promote a -more frequent intercourse with the people of the plains, it is hoped -that in course of time the Cosseahs may learn the value of peaceable -commercial pursuits, and become a prosperous and civilized race. - - - - - -BOOTEAHS. - -The hills of Bootan, about two hundred and twenty miles long by -ninety broad, form the northern boundary of Assam. The population of -the country, including the Dooars, is assumed at 145,200 souls, the -Bootan hills 79,200, and the Dooars or low lands at 66,000; but this -calculation, made by the late Captain Pemberton, has been proved to -be greatly in excess of the truth, as regards the population of the -Dooars. In 1842 a census was taken of five Dooars: namely, Ghurkola, -Banska, Chapagorie, Chapakhamar, and Bijnee, in the Kamroop district; -when it appeared there were about 10,000 inhabitants, and the net -revenue of the tracts amounted to 17,544 rupees 7 ans. 4 pice, -or 1,754l. 8s. 11d. It may, therefore, justly be inferred that -the population of the whole of the Dooars would not exceed 40,000 -souls. Captain Pemberton, the British Envoy deputed to Bootan in 1838, -describes the Booteah to be "in disposition naturally excellent; -he possesses an equanimity of temper almost bordering on apathy, -and he is seldom sufficiently roused to give vent to his feelings in -any exclamations of pleasure or surprise; on the other hand, they are -indolent to an extreme degree, totally wanting in energy, illiterate, -immoral, and victims of the most unqualified superstition. The -punishment of the most heinous offences may be evaded by the payment -of a fine, which for murder varies from eighty to two hundred Deba -rupees, or 40 to 100 Company's rupees, or from 4l. to 10l." - -Polyandry, or plurality of husbands, prevails throughout Thibet -and the northern parts of Bootan; and on the death of the head of a -family his property becomes escheated to the Deba or Dhurma Rajahs, -without the slightest reference to the distress entailed on the -afflicted survivors. "The highest officers of state in Bootan are -shameless beggars, liars of the first magnitude, whose most solemnly -pledged words are violated without the slightest hesitation; who enter -into engagements which they have not the most distant intention of -fulfilling; who play the bully and sycophant with equal readiness, and -are apparently totally void of gratitude, exhibiting in their conduct -a rare compound of official pride and presumption with the low cunning -of needy mediocrity; and yet preserving, at the same time, a mild -deportment, and speaking generally in a remarkably low tone of voice." - -Amongst the officers of the Deba or Dhurma Rajahs of Bootan, not one -appears to have been entitled to the confidence of the Envoy. The -habits of all classes are most disgustingly filthy, and in the mode of -preparing their food little attention is paid to cleanliness, and still -less to the quality of the meat they consume. On festive occasions they -imbibe large draughts of the liquor called chong, which is procured by -fermentation from rice. "The diet of the great body of the people is -restricted to the refuse of wretched crops of unripe wheat and barley, -and their food consists generally of cakes made from these grains very -imperfectly ground; but the food of the Government officers and priests -consists of the flesh of goats, swine, cattle, and rice, imported -from the Dooars." The Dooars are large tracts of country leading up to -the passes into the Bootan mountains. In January, 1842, they were all -appropriated by our Government as a permanent measure; in consequence -of the non-payment of tribute by the Booteahs, their "repeated acts -of aggression in the murder and seizure of British subjects, and -likewise for assisting to organize bands of robbers and sharing in the -profits of their plunder." Whether the Bootan hills will furnish a -sufficient support for their scanty population seems problematical; -and if pressed by hunger it is not improbable the Booteahs will -rush down and ravage the fertile plains of Assam. The measure was, -however, indispensably necessary to prevent the frequent recurrence of -oppression and systematic plunder of the people located at the foot -of the Bootan mountains. The extensive territory denominated Dooars -has always belonged to the Assam kings, and the Booteahs invariably -paid tribute for the same. Their exactions and malpractices having -imposed on the Government the necessity of depriving the Booteahs of -a charge they were unworthy of retaining, this cannot be viewed as -a harsh proceeding: it was most reluctantly adopted, and only when -it became evident that the finest land in Assam had been converted -into a desolate waste, overgrown with jungle and nearly depopulated, -owing to the arbitrary severity of the Bootan rulers. - -In December, 1842, a friendly meeting took place at Banska Dooar -between the highest officers of the Bootan Government and the -Governor-General's Agent. The Booteahs were attended by about two -hundred followers; and during their few days' stay their complaints -were fully entertained, and will probably be satisfied by the grant -of a small annual sum as compensation for the loss they have sustained -in the annexation of the Dooars to Assam. - -During the interview the Booteahs were plentifully supplied with -swine, the most acceptable gifts that can be offered to a Booteah; -and an officer who was present on the occasion assured me that -the incessant squeaking of the pigs, when roasting alive by these -heartless barbarians, was most distressing, and the sight of the -culinary process excessively disgusting. As soon as the animals had -been partially roasted they were cut up, and, without any further -preparation, re-toasted and speedily consumed. - -The Booteah is a large, athletic man, of a dark complexion, with -an unpleasant, heavy, but cunning countenance. Compared with other -hill tribes in their neighbourhood, they are deficient in spirit and -bravery. For example, in March 1836, A.D., a party of seventy-five -Assam Sebundy Sipahees proceeded against six hundred Booteahs, who -were posted in five masses, with a few men extended between each, -at Soobunkatta, in Banska Dooar. When the Dewangerie Rajah was -requested to retire with his troops; they answered the requisition -with shouts of defiance and a simultaneous advance. Lieut. Matthews, -perceiving the critical situation in which his little band was placed, -instantly advanced to the contest, and, firing a volley and then -gallantly charging with the bayonet, caused the immediate dispersion -of the whole force, leaving on the field twenty-five killed and fifty -wounded. The Dewangerie Rajah himself was closely pursued, and only -escaped through the swiftness of the elephant on which he was mounted; -his tent, baggage, robes of state, and standards, fell into the hands -of the victorious Sebundies. - -This trial of strength with our disciplined troops has taught the -Booteahs to pay more respect to our power; and they are not likely to -have recourse to arms again, unless greatly distressed for provisions, -or urged by vain arrogance to imagine that a show of resistance may -conduce to our resigning the Dooars to their rule. - - - - - -SATH BOOTEAH RAJAHS OF KOOREAHPARAH DOOAH, IN DURRUNG. - -Having given a brief outline of the Booteahs of Banska Dooar in -Kamroop, we propose now to detail a few authenticated facts and -incidents connected with the remaining tribes noted above; who are -located in the northern mountains between the Bur Nuddee west and -the Kochoojan east, bordering on the Luckimpore district, north of -the Burrampooter river. - -And first commencing from the Bur Nuddee west, we find the Kalling and -Booree Goorma Dooars belonged, for eight months in the year, to the -Booteahs subject to the Tongso Pilo, under the Deba and Dhurma Rajahs -of Bootan; during which time they levied upon the people contributions, -or black mail, in the shape of rice, Erea cloths, and cattle. During -the remaining portion of the year, from the 15th of June to the 15th of -October, the people of the Dooars reverted to the jurisdiction of the -British Government; and for the protection granted to them they paid an -annual revenue, at a certain rate per plough. A hearth tax was likewise -realized. But this double rule was attended with the most disastrous -results. No man under the tyrannical Booteah Government dared evince -signs of affluence, or even of comfort: the people were compelled, -for their self-preservation, to dress in the miserable garb of the -lowest Hindoo peasantry; for the mere suspicion of a person being -possessed of any wealth, entailed on him the strictest espionage, -and not unfrequently the seizure of the whole of his property. Not -satisfied with this, if the slightest idea were entertained that there -was money or other valuable property concealed (for it is the custom of -the Assamese to bury their wealth underground), torture was resorted -to without the slightest compunction, until the unfortunate sufferer -confessed to having a hoard, and surrendered the little savings of -a whole life to his merciless persecutors. - -Such was the condition of the inhabitants of the Dooars till 1838: -hundreds annually retreated to the Pergunnahs (districts) of Assam -under British rule, to enjoy the fruit of their labours in peace and -safety. The beautiful, fertile Dooars were then rapidly reverting -to a barren wilderness: fearful exactions and cruel oppressions -rendering the existence of the few remaining communities precarious and -unendurable; until an unlooked for incident occurred to deliver the -people from the thraldom of their demi-savage rulers. Gumbhur Wuzeer -having long been suspected by the Booteahs of disaffection towards -them, and of possessing great wealth, the Tongso Pilo of Bootan, -through the Soobah Rajah, gave orders for his destruction; and in -December, 1838, he was barbarously murdered. The whole of his property, -amounting to 50,000 rupees, was confiscated, and his wives, children, -and adherents, in all twelve persons, were carried away into the hills. - -This outrage justly aroused the British Government to redress the -grievances of a long oppressed people. The Dooar was immediately -attached to Assam; and the Booteahs have never, to this day, sought -pecuniary compensation for the loss of their territory. The son of -the late Gumbheer Wuzeer was permitted to return to Assam in 1844, -and resume the fiscal charge of his father's villages; and ere long, -probably, the Booteahs of this tract will see the folly of their past -conduct, and be glad to accept such compensation as the Government -may be disposed to make them for the privation of their power to -levy black mail from the people. The annual tribute realized from -Kalling Dooar previous to its annexation, amounted to 390 rupees, -and was collected in the following articles:-- - - - Rupees. - - 5 ponies valued at 60 rupees each 300 - 5 tolas weight of gold, at 12 rupees per tola 60 - 4 pods of musk, at 3 rupees each 12 - 4 cows' tails, at 1 rupee 4 - 4 blankets at 3 rupees each 12 - 4 daggers, at 8 annas each 2 - --- - Total rs. 390 - - -From Booree Gooma Dooar the tribute of 232 rs. 10 ans. 8 pice was -also paid in kind, viz:-- - - - Rupees. - - 3 ponies, at 6 rupees each 180 - 3 tolas of gold 36 - 2 pods of musk 6 - 2 cows' tails 2 - 2 blankets 6 - 2 daggers 1 - Bags 1 - - -At the present day the net revenue of Kalling Dooar amounts to 2080 -rs. 0 ans. 4 pice, with a population of 1634 persons. Booree Gooma -Dooar is estimated to contain 7785 souls, with a net revenue of 5348 -rs. 5 ans. 3 pice. - -Proceeding eastwards from Booree Gooma Dooar, the next Dooar, called -Kooreahparah, is under the Sath Booteah Rajahs of Naregooma, subject -to the Towung Rajah, who is a tributary of the Deba and Dhurma Rajahs -of Lassah. - -The country of Towung being in Kumpa or Thibet, quite distinct from -Bootan, south of the Sampoo river, it appears that a portion of the -Thibet territory, or more properly the Chinese and British frontiers, -are actually in immediate contact in the Kooreahparah Dooar, about -twenty miles from the Burrampooter river. This Dooar, as we have said, -was governed by these chiefs eight months in every year. During this -period, the seven Rajahs paid periodical visits to the Dooar, and let -loose many hundreds of their followers to range throughout the Dooars, -and quarter themselves gratuitously upon the people: changing from -house to house until they had consumed all the food the poor Ryots had -to give them. The Sath Rajahs had usually a caravan of large herds of -ponies, mules, &c., as far as Umerathal, one march from Oodalgorie. On -their arrival there, the inhabitants of the Dooar were compelled to -take care of the cattle, and be in constant attendance on the Rajahs, -furnishing them with supplies of rice, cloths, spirits, pigs, &c.; -and at the approach of the hot months, the ponies, mules, and donkeys -were laden with the whole of the collections levied from the people -of the Dooar, and the chiefs retreated to the mountains at Nareegooma. - -Such was the annual visitation to which the people were subjected the -moment the four months of British rule expired. A gradual decrease of -the population of the Dooar was the natural result of this tyranny; but -the grasping oppression of the Booteahs underwent no diminution. They -made no remission on account of the decay of the population: the same -amount of collections was still drawn from the remaining Ryots. The -country became overgrown with jungle, and the malaria of these plains -was so injurious to the constitutions of Bengalees or Europeans, that -the tract could not be visited with impunity for above a few weeks -in the year. The fevers were most fatal, and life was frequently -extinguished in four or five days. Thieves, highway robbers, and -murderers here sought and found a safe asylum under the shadow of -Booteah rule, by administering to the rapacity of the chiefs. They -surrendered a portion of their ill-gotten wealth in the shape of -fines for the protection given them, in opposition to treaties and -the laws of civilized nations. - -Such was the state of affairs, when, to the unspeakable delight of -the inhabitants, the Dooar was attached by the British Government in -1839. A police thannah was established at Oodalgorie, British law was -enforced, marauders and disturbers of society were quickly suppressed, -and at the present day a prosperous population has again sprung up; -only too thankful that they can enjoy the produce of the land in -peace and safety, under a powerful Government capable of protecting -them from the aggressions and exactions of the wild mountaineers. The -contributions taken in kind from each house by the Booteahs consisted -of five pieces of Moonjah silk, sar cloth, one piece of Erea cloth, -one gumcha or handkerchief, Moonjah thread, and metal bracelets, -worth altogether about one rupee and a half. Such, at least, was -the estimate made by the late Mr. David Scott, the Agent to the -Governor-General. But there can be no doubt that the Booteahs were -in the habit of exacting as much as possible from the most wealthy in -the Dooar, though from the poorest peasant they might have collected -their black mail upon some settled principle. In this manner the sum -annually collected would vary; but we have reason to believe that 5,499 -rs. 15 ans. was the average sum levied on the Ryots in the shape of -contributions in kind, and 411 rs. 13 ans. in black mail or ready cash. - -The Booteahs, it is affirmed, yearly brought down presents of -various articles, such as salt, blankets, &c., which they gave to -the Ryots. These presents were valued at 966 rs. 15 ans., which being -deducted from the supposed amount of the value of the contributions -above noticed, the Sath Rajahs, it would appear, received 4944 rs. 13 -ans. Upon this data, in 1844, a permanent settlement was made with -these chiefs. They agreed to resign all claim or title to collect -black mail in the said Dooar for the future, on condition of receiving -5000 rs. from the British Government as compensation for the sacrifice -they made. The tribute paid in kind from this Dooar, previous to its -attachment in 1839, amounted to 397 rs. 8 ans., namely:-- - - - Rs. Ans. - - 4 ponies at 60 rs. each 240 0 - 5 pucka tolahs of gold 60 0 - 4 kucha tolahs 40 0 - 3 pods of musk 9 0 - Cows' tails 3 0 - 9 blankets 27 0 - Bags 2 8 - 3 red striped Erea cloths 3 0 - Honey 3 12 - Contingencies for the care of the ponies 7 8 - - -The principal persons who subscribed to the treaty of February, 1844, -at Tezpore, were Sanjiee, chief of the Sath Rajahs, Sering, Tangjing, -Changdundoo, and two Bramee agents from the Towung Rajah. The latter -had no credentials empowering them to execute any deed or to agree -to any particular terms; but, as the Towung Rajah had never deigned -to reply to the communications hitherto made to him, the apparent -informality was deemed of no consequence; and, from the very liberal -terms proposed, no difficulty was experienced in effecting so desirable -a settlement. - -The population of the Dooar is estimated to be 22,577 persons, and -the net revenue 12,455 rs. 7 ans. - - - - - -CHAR DOOAR, OR SHEERGAWN AND ROOPRAE BOOTEAH SATH RAJAHS. - -The appellation of Sath Rajahs, or Seven Chiefs, appears to be commonly -in vogue amongst the Booteahs; but we have yet to learn the origin of -its adoption, as the number of chiefs, both in the Kooreahparah and -Char Dooars, is by no means confined to seven. The Sath Rajahs of the -Char Dooar levied black mail from the people precisely in the same -manner as their brethren in the Kooreahparah Dooar. The principal -chiefs are the Durjee Rajah Tangpoor, Jyphoo, Dakpah, Sankandoo -Sangjaa of Roopre, Chang Wangdundoo, son of the late Rajah Tangjung -of Sheergawn. They reside at Sheergawn and Rooprae, about three days' -journey from Dymara pass, by which they descend into Char Dooar. They -are quite distinct from the Booteahs of Kooreahparah Dooar, and do -not admit that they are subordinate to the Towung Rajah. - -These chiefs, until 1839, yearly realised 2526 rs. 7 ans. black mail, -exclusive of 416 rs. 8 ans. which was deducted for collecting the -contributions from the Ryots in the shape of food, clothing, &c.; but -in April, 1839, Moodhoo Sykeah, the Patyhery of Ooorung, having been -barbarously murdered by some Booteahs of the above-named clan, they -were from that date a proscribed tribe, and prevented from deriving -any benefit from the Dooar in collecting black mail. Refusing to give -up the murderers, all access to the Dooars was strictly denied them, -and they were justly regarded as unworthy of any consideration. They -frequently denied having any authority over the murderers, pleaded -the hardship of the whole body being made to suffer for the faults -of a few individuals, and expressed their extreme regret at having -incurred the displeasure of the British Government. - -Moodhoo Sykeah's fate is supposed to have arisen from his attachment -to the British Government, and the energy displayed by him in causing -the land to be measured, to effect a regular assessment thereof, -in lieu of a plough and capitation tax. Such an arrangement was -particularly repugnant to the Booteahs, as they imagined it would -interfere with the Ryots paying them their black mail; they therefore -took vengeance on the promoters of this measure, and Moodhoo Sykeah -was cruelly cut to pieces in his own house by Booteahs partaking of -his hospitality. Gumbheer Wuzeer had been similarly treated the year -before, under suspicion of too great an attachment to the British -Government, and a desire to carry out their views. In 1844 the chiefs -were permitted to visit Tezpore, and in consideration of the contrition -evinced by them, and the uncertainty as to whether the murderers were -still in existence, and really belonged to that tribe, Government was -pleased to overlook the past, and again to receive them into favour. In -lieu of all right or title to collect black mail, compensation to -the amount of 1740 rupees per annum was settled upon them. - - - - - -THEBINGEAH BOOTEAHS. - -Of all the tribes of Booteahs inhabiting the interior or most northern -mountains, the Thebingeahs appear to be the most easterly. About forty -years ago a quarrel arose between them and the Rooprae Booteahs of -Char Dooar, regarding the right to collect contributions or black mail -from certain Bohoteahs, or slaves. Being defeated, the Thebingeahs were -for eleven years denied all access to the plains by their unrelenting -foes. Previous to this feud, the former had the right to collect the -whole of the Booteah dues from Majbat; but after this, their black -mail was appropriated by their opponents. - -Having, about twenty-nine years ago, partially made up matters -with their enemies, the Rooprae Booteahs, the Thebingeahs again -visited Assam, and have since that time made collections in Majbat in -conjunction with them. Formerly, as they aver, they were the channel -through which the Char Dooar Booteahs sent tribute to Towung. Before -the quarrel, their route to Assam lay through the Char Dooar Booteahs' -country; but since then it has been abandoned, and they now enter by -that of Kooreahparah Dooar. At the present day their numbers are very -small, and they appear to be a peaceable, inoffensive race. - -The town of Tibbung is stated to be sixteen days' journey from the -plains of Assam. For the first twelve days the route lies through the -country belonging to the Kooreahparah Booteahs. The next march brings -the Thebingeah Booteahs to their own frontier village of Sangtie. The -Thebingeahs are tributary to the Towung Rajah, who is subordinate -to the Deba and Dhurma Rajahs of Lassah. In speaking of Lassah, they -make the distance from their country much greater than there is reason -to believe it to be. They aver that in going to Lassah they cross a -great river (probably the Sampoo) which is the Lohit or Burrampooter, -that traverses the whole valley of Assam. Towung is said to be twenty -days' journey from Tibbung, in a westerly direction. From the little -information we have hitherto been able to gather, it is evident -the Thebingeah Booteahs were once a powerful tribe; but feuds and -exterminating wars with other neighbouring tribes have reduced them -to an insignificant state. The British Government generously bestows -on this clan 141 rs. 13 ans. 6 pice per annum, in lieu of the black -mail they formerly extorted from the Ryots of the village of Majbat -in Char Dooar. - - - - - -HUZAREE KHAWA AKHAS. - -These tribes reside eastward of the Rooprae and Sheergawn Booteahs, -in the mountains north of Burgong, called the Jumara Guyah hills, -distant from Burgong, viâ the Dymarahhat or market, about six difficult -marches. The whole of the Akha tribe is reported to consist of two -hundred families; the Kuppah Choor Akhas, of sixty or seventy families; -and the Meeches (who are also, like the Kuppah Choor Akhas, a tribe of -Akhas residing far in the interior, north of the whole) are estimated -at three or four hundred families. The whole are armed with bows and -arrows, and long swords, but they have no fire-arms of any kind. The -Huzaree Khawa Akhas were formerly the most formidable of the two clans, -but through the energy and daring of Kuppah Choor Akha chief, Taggee, -they have been obliged to acknowledge him supreme. His will at the -present day may be said to be paramount; for though his contemporary -chiefs profess to look on him as their friend and equal they fear -to incur his resentment, and submit to his dictation with concealed -feelings of dissatisfaction. - -Previous to the massacre of a detachment of the 1st Assam Light -Infantry at Baleeparah, the Huzaree Khawa Akhas had always collected -Pocha or black mail to the yearly amount of 175 rupees; but after the -above catastrophe they were looked on as outlaws, and were denied all -intercourse with the people of the plains. In February, 1844, however, -the following chiefs of this tribe were summoned to Tezpore, and an -annual sum of 148 rupees was settled upon them; on the condition of -their abstaining from committing further depredations on our subjects -or joining with other disaffected tribes:-- - - - Rs. - - Nizam Rajah 60 - Changja 32 - Changtoang 32 - Kebelon 24 - --- - Rs. 148 - - - - - -KUPPAH CHOOR AKHAS. - -From all the information obtainable regarding this tribe, they appear -to have been always looked upon by their neighbours, the Booteahs and -Dufflahs, as a ferocious band of Dacoits or banditti, living entirely -upon plunder, and never scrupling to shed blood for the successful -prosecution of any unprovoked aggressions, whether on the Booteahs, -Dufflahs, or British subjects. In this light the late Mr. David Scott, -Agent to the Governor-General, on his first visit to the Char Dooar, -regarded this clan. Considering that they had no right or title to -collect pocha, or black mail, he verbally directed that they should be -treated as enemies, and not allowed to enter the British territory: -if they attempted it, the guards were to fire upon them. This was -absolutely necessary; as the Taggee Rajah, just prior to our conquest -of Assam, and during the Burmese government, had frequently committed -serious depredations on the people; and on one occasion he ransacked -several villages, and attacked the estate of Pond Borowa of Char Dooar, -who was barbarously murdered with twenty-five of his followers. In -1829, the Taggee Rajah and his Kuppah Choor Akhas had a quarrel with -the Akhas of Somgsong Rajah. Many lives were lost in the prosecution -of this feud, and the Taggee Rajah was at last obliged to take refuge -at Burgong, in Char Dooar. Brijnath Hazaree had the courage instantly -to apprehend him at Gorahgong; and, putting him in irons, sent him -down to Mr. D. Scott, then at Gowahatty. Here he was incarcerated -in the common gaol for four years; at the expiration of which period -(in 1832-33) Mr. Robertson, the then Agent to the Governor-General, -directed his release and allowed him to return to his native hills, in -the hope that this act of clemency would secure his future fidelity -and attachment to the British Government. But Mr. Robertson was -deceived. No sooner did this child of the forest and the mountain -find himself again at liberty, than, regardless of his engagements, -he immediately collected together a few of his old followers, and, by -the mere influence of his savage character, he soon rendered himself -independent of the Towung Rajah, and took tribute from the Rooprae and -Sheergawn Booteahs. He then resorted to his former lawless practices -of rapine and destruction; declaring that, now he was released from -the Gowahatty gaol, he would not rest until he had sacrificed every -man who had aided in apprehending him. Such was the terror his name -inspired, that the slightest report of his approach alarmed the -inhabitants of the plains, and they deserted their villages in the -utmost consternation. It was well known that no quarter was given -or mercy shown by the freebooter: men, women, and children were -indiscriminately butchered; neither life nor property was respected; -and safety was only attainable by timely flight. - -At one time it was the practice in Assam to locate small bodies of -troops in stockades along the frontier, north and south of the valley -at the foot of the hills; or in the immediate vicinity of hostile -tribes, so as to overawe them and prevent predatory incursions into -our plains for the capture of slaves and plunder. These posts, being -far distant from the support of the head quarters of the respective -regiments, and away from the immediate control of European officers, -discipline and vigilance were perhaps too little regarded; and the -consequence was, that detachments were not unfrequently surprised and -massacred in the most savage manner. In 1835, there was a stockade -at Baleeparah in Char Dooar, garrisoned by one havildar, one naick, -and six sipahees of the 1st Assam Light Infantry. About 10 o'clock -A.M. of the 3rd of February of the same year, the Kuppah Choor and -Akha chiefs, Taggee, Nizam, and Somgsong, accompanied by a few daring -followers, proceeded to the stockade: the havildar, unsuspicious -of any treachery, went outside to converse with the Taggee Rajah, -and told him that he must not enter the stockade. After a short -conversation the Taggee Rajah--as a signal understood by the Akhas, -drew his sword and inflicted a wound on the havildar's left leg. Nazim -Rajah then cut down the Naick with his own hand, and the whole of -the Akhas instantly rushed on the havildar, entered the stockade, -and murdered every person they could seize; slaughtering in all -sixteen persons: the havildar, naick and four sipahees, and the -wives and families of the Goorkha sipahees. Two sipahees of the guard -happened to be bathing in a tank close by at the time of the attack, -and saved their lives by running into the jungles. After the massacre, -the Taggee Rajah set fire to all the houses inside the stockade, and -retired with his followers to the fastnesses in the neighbouring hills. - -Intelligence of this disaster reaching the civil authorities, a -proclamation was immediately issued, offering a reward of five hundred -rupees to any person who would bring the Taggee Rajah, dead or alive, -and two hundred rupees for any information that would lead to his -apprehension. This proclamation, however, was in 1837-38 modified by -the express order of the Honourable Court of Directors, who intimated -that the proceeding was most exceptionable, and that rewards should -only be given for the apprehension of offenders, and not for slaying -them. From that day until 1842, the whole tribe of Akhas and Kuppah -Choor Akhas were treated as outlaws. Our outposts were strengthened, -and all British subjects prohibited from furnishing them with grain -or any other necessaries of life. - -In 1842, the Taggee Rajah, of his own free will, came down from the -hills and surrendered himself to the British Government. The excuse -pleaded by him for the massacre of the guard was the tyranny and -insolence of the sipahees towards his tribe; but it does not appear -that the sipahees had any quarrel with the Akhas or Kuppah Choor Akhas, -and it is therefore reasonable to conclude that the latter destroyed -the guard because they were posted there to prevent depredations on -the plains. Notwithstanding the crimes committed by the Taggee Rajah, -Government directed his release, on his swearing future allegiance on -his own behalf and that of his tribe. This was a matter of necessity: -there were no means at hand of summarily punishing the outrage that -had been committed, and the influence of the Rajah was requisite -to curb the future irregularities of his people. As an inducement -to him to restrain a rapacious banditti from future aggressions, -a pension of twenty rupees per mensem was bestowed upon him for -life. The Taggee Rajah, it might have been supposed, returned to -his native hills somewhat appeased and gratified; but here again the -British authorities were erroneous in their calculations. Incapable of -comprehending our motives, and distrustful of our purposes, the Rajah, -for two years, never resorted to the station of Tezpore to receive -his pension. In 1844, however, an interview with himself and other -chiefs took place, and an amicable and satisfactory arrangement was -made. The Taggee Rajah received his pension of 240 rupees per annum -granted in 1842; Nechoo received 24 rupees; Sankhandoo, 32 rupees; -Seerkoolee, 32 rupees; Sorsoo, 32 rupees: in all five chiefs, their -pensions amounting to 360 rupees per annum. - -Thus terminated a desultory, harassing war of twenty years with -one of the most restless tribes on the frontier. The manner in -which the forbearance of these savages has been purchased will, -we are persuaded, not be misconstrued into fear or weakness, but be -productive of future peace and security and a freer intercourse with -the people of the plains. - - - - - -DUFFLAHS. - -The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable petty clans, and reside -in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They are a very uncivilized -race of beings, and formerly were extremely troublesome: committing -atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people of the plains, and -extorting a large amount of black mail in kind annually. To enumerate -the several petty robberies, disturbances, and murders committed at -different times by these wild mountaineers, would, at the present day, -be neither interesting nor profitable: it will suffice to remark that -the people are all disunited, living under independent chiefs with -separate interests, and have never leagued together in large bodies to -ravage the plains for plunder or the capture of slaves. No union seems -to prevail amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; -their irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small -scale. Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the -sanguinary feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, -manners, customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and -that little of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said -of our information respecting the Akha tribes. - -In 1836-37, an agreement was entered into with the Dufflahs to forego -their extortions on receiving from the British Government a fixed sum -in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who cannot live in the -plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt agricultural habits; and -considerable numbers have deserted their hills and located themselves -in the plains, paying revenue for the land they cultivate at the -same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of industry, we are led -to hope that in the course of time others will follow their example, -and descend from their hills to enjoy the protection of the British -Government; when their condition will be greatly ameliorated. - -In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and eighty Dufflah -chiefs, belonging to twelve distinct clans, who receive 1,020 -rupees per annum in lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from -the Ryots. In the Now Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts -of country leading into the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight -Dufflah chiefs, who receive compensation or a pension from Government -of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand -total for both Dooars of 2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only -to notice the amount supposed to have been collected as black mail by -the Dufflahs from the people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836-37, -when a pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this -objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were -nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, -from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from -the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each house:-- - - - Rs. Ans. Pice. - - 1 seer of salt, valued at 0 4 0 - 5 seers of rice 0 1 0 - Ready cash 0 1 0 - ----------- - 0 6 0 - - -and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, a Moonga, -or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued at three annas was taken -instead. On their return to the hills, another cess or contribution, -amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each village or community, -fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether they had decreased -or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced nor augmented -their demand. The articles taken from each village consisted on this -occasion generally of-- - - - Rs. Ans. Pice. - - 1 Erea cloth, valued at 3 0 0 - 1 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief 0 4 0 - 1 cow 2 8 0 - Cash, as a present 1 0 0 - Rice, 1 bhar 0 4 0 - 1 duck 0 2 0 - 1 seer of salt 0 4 0 - 1 seer of oil 0 4 0 - ----------- - 7 10 0 - - -Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were four villages -(Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited by Cacharees, -who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men bestowed -originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or service. This -caste or tribe the Dufflahs especially considered as their slaves, -from whom they claimed the right to collect two-thirds of the produce -of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from the British Government -two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was taken from him as revenue, -or capitation tax; being two rupees less than that paid by the -Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees granted in his favour, -was to enable him to meet the demands of the Dufflahs against him, -in addition to the following amount of black mail, viz:-- - - - Rs. Ans. Pice. - - 1 Erea small cloth 1 0 0 - 1 Moonga gumcha 0 4 0 - 1 chunam (or lime box) 0 8 0 - 1 kuttaree, or knife 0 2 0 - 1 jappee hat or umbrella 0 4 0 - 1 bhar of rice 0 4 0 - 1 duck 0 2 0 - 1 seer of salt 0 4 0 - 1 seer of oil 0 4 0 - ----------- - 3 0 0 - - -From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the Dufflahs -five rupees each in produce; while the free population was assessed -at the rate of about eight rupees per village of twenty houses, which -would average about six annas four pice per house. From the free and -slave population united, as far as we have means for determining, -the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole Dooar, -amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the Dufflahs -have gained by the money substituted for black mail. - -In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not certain that this -system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming proselytes to the -Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; and being unable -to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous hill tribes -both on the north and south frontiers of the valley--a space of 400 -miles, accessible by innumerable passes--they readily permitted the -tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions of land -called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the Ahoom -Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. Intestine -commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign aggression -was restrained from accomplishing. - - -CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS. - ---------+--------+----------------------------------+---------------- -No. of | No. | | -Chiefs | of | | Amount of -in each | Khels | Name of Khel or Clan. | Pension. -Khel or | or | | -Clan. | Clans. | | ---------+--------+----------------------------------+---------------- - | | | Rs. Ans. Pice. - 23 | 1 | Phering Ooela | 97 8 5 - 20 | 2 | Oopur Takoolea | 108 5 2 - 21 | 3 | Nam Takoolea | 196 14 1 - 21 | 4 | Rapo Oolea | 76 11 4 - 46 | 5 | Paee Olea | 234 12 2 - 7 | 6 | Oopur Taolea | 17 1 11 - 2 | 7 | Nam Taolea | 3 10 7 - 3 | 8 | Chana Oolea | 23 6 7 - 37 | 9 | Oopur Tabungolea | 106 2 9 - | 10 | Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, | - | | Deka and Bur Gaum extinct | 4 8 4 - ,, | 11 | Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of | - | | Kuchla Barru, extinct | 0 8 3 - ,, | 12 | Names of chiefs unknown, extinct | 150 0 0 ---------+ | +---------------- -180 | | Total |1020 0 0 ---------+--------+----------------------------------+---------------- - - -DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR. - ---------+-------------+--------+------------------------+---------------- -No. of | Name of | No. of | Name of Chiefs | Amount of -Dooars. | Dooars. | Chiefs | | Pension ---------+-------------+--------+------------------------+---------------- - | | | | Rs. Ans. Pice. - 1 | Bihalee | | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Tamoo Gaum | - | | 2 | Tetae | - | | 3 | Ruma | - | | 4 | Nerbow | - | | 5 | Tumes | - | | 6 | Emakolee Gaumnee | - | | 7 | Hollee Gaum | - | | 8 | Hathemorea Huraporah | 58 9 7 - 2 | Gong | | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Bhoot Gaum | - | | 2 | Ruma and Gamoo | - | | 3 | Akho Chalee Gaumnee | - | | 4 | Changdur Gaum | - | | 5 | Rao | - | | 6 | Nizboo and Burkmal | - | | 7 | Rungoa and his son } | 82 2 8 - | | | Byragee } | - 3 | Bagmara | | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Gopee Gaum | - | | 2 | Papoong and Kadoo | - | | 3 | Sedae Gaum | - | | 4 | Teeta Gaum | - | | 5 | Lalloo | - | | 6 | Kowa | - | | 7 | Baboo | - | | 8 | Madoo and Paree | 29 5 11 - 4 | Sakhoo Mata | | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Deka Gaum, Bogle, | - | | | and Rumgka | - | | 2 | Chale Gaema, Gotoa | - | | | Gaum | - | | 3 | Kena Gaum | 262 8 5 - 5 | Chooteah | | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Babung Gaum | - | | 2 | Bengala Gaum | - | | 3 | Bengakoe Gaum | - | | 4 | Chengolee Gaum | - | | 5 | Hanoo Gaum | - | | 6 | Tadung Gaum | - | | 7 | Hanoo Gaum | - | | 8 | Peroo Gaum | - | | 9 | Durpur Gaum | - | | 10 | Taggee for Talee | - | | 11 | Teloa Gaum | - | | 12 | Tamar | - | | 13 | Durrung | 234 0 3 - 6 | Kuchlahbaree| | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Phedula, Bhedo } | - | | | Jey, Nizae Bulae } | - | | | Jey Gaums } | - | | 2 | Ladoom | - | | 3 | Onee | - | | 4 | Rungoma | - | | 5 | Tajur | 66 1 3 - 7 | Chandhur | | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Jeyram Gaum | - | | 2 | Ketula Haree | - | | 3 | Bogee Gaum | - | | 4 | Hetoo Gaumnee | 137 12 8 - 8 | Gurea Dooar.| 1 | Beroo Gaum, Seram | - | | | Nirboo Keah Gaum | - | | 2 | Dhunae Darkeh | 46 11 10 - 9 | Bakula | | | - | Dooar. | 1 | Neema Gaum | - | | 2 | Gobind Gaum | - | | 3 | Peroo Gaum | - | | 4 | Tama, Jagura, Nerum | - | | | Lekejoo Luchoo, | - | | | Begora, Oozeer, | - | | | and others | - | | 5 | Chengalee and others | - | | 6 | Khakung Gaum | - | | 7 | Halee | - | | 8 | Chedar | 606 5 1 - | | | Total paid to Now | - | | | Dooar, Dufflah | - | | | Chiefs |1523 9 8 - | | | Total paid to Char | - | | | Dooar Dufflah | - | | | Chiefs |1020 0 0 - | +--------+ +---------------- - | | 58 | Total |2543 9 8 - | +--------+ +---------------- - - - - - - - -NOTES - - -[1] Page 38. - -[2] The name of the Moa Mareya Muttuck Gosain is Nahor; he is called -Ushtobhoj, the eight handed priest, or an incarnation of the Deity: -a title which he assumed in order to receive greater adoration from -the people. He established his claim to the title by a device or -deception. Making three men stand behind him, from under a covering -they presented their hands in front of his body, and these, with -his own, made his credulous disciples believe he really had eight -hands. Having also some defect in his legs, he was known by the -appellation of the Lame Moa Mareya Priest Nahor. - -[3] This princess was the daughter of the Munepore Rajah; she was -first married to Rajeswur Sing, and afterwards to his brother, Luckme -Sing. The Muneepories are called Mogolies, and a tank, temple and -an estate is to this day called the Mogolie Princess's Pokhuree and -Khat. In the Assam annals, she is called Koorung Neyune. - -[4] Abor is derived from the Assamese word boree, friendly; aboree, -unfriendly. Thus we understand the term Abor Nagas, Abor Dufflahs, -independent or hostile tribes; and this designation seems common to -all rude tribes in Assam. - -[5] In many parts of Assam there are many fine temples and old forts -built of stone and bricks; but, the art of making such firm and durable -bricks as were used in former days seems now to be entirely lost. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of Assam, by John Butler - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SKETCH OF ASSAM *** - -***** This file should be named 53670-8.txt or 53670-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/6/7/53670/ - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (The digitized holdings of the Staatsbibliothek -zu Berlin are all interested parties worldwide free of -charge for non-commercial use available.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: A Sketch of Assam - With some account of the Hill Tribes - -Author: John Butler - -Release Date: December 5, 2016 [EBook #53670] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SKETCH OF ASSAM *** - - - - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (The digitized holdings of the Staatsbibliothek -zu Berlin are all interested parties worldwide free of -charge for non-commercial use available.) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="front"> -<div class="div1 cover"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e116width"><img src="images/new-cover.jpg" alt= -"Newly Designed Front Cover." width="480" height="720"></div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 frontispiece"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e124width" id="frontispiece"><img src= -"images/frontispiece.jpg" alt="GARROW WARRIOR." width="461" height= -"720"> -<p class="figureHead">GARROW WARRIOR.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65 -Cornhill.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 titlepage"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e137width"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt= -"Original Title Page." width="450" height="720"></div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="titlePage"> -<div class="docTitle"> -<div class="mainTitle">A<br> -SKETCH OF ASSAM:</div> -<div class="subTitle">WITH<br> -SOME ACCOUNT OF THE<br> -HILL TRIBES.</div> -</div> -<div class="byline">BY AN OFFICER<br> -IN THE HON. EAST INDIA COMPANY’S BENGAL NATIVE INFANTRY IN CIVIL -EMPLOY.<br> -With Illustrations from Sketches by the Author.</div> -<div class="docImprint">LONDON:<br> -SMITH, ELDER AND CO., 65, CORNHILL.<br> -<span class="docDate">1847.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="div1 imprint"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd24e169">London.<br> -Printed by <span class="sc">Stewart</span> and <span class= -"sc">Murray</span>, Old Bailey. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd24e179" -href="#xd24e179" name="xd24e179">v</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 preface"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">PREFACE.</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">To those accustomed only to the comforts of -civilized life, or to the traveller who is indifferent to the beauties -of scenery, the monotony, silence, and loneliness of the vast forests -of Assam, will present few features of attraction; but as the country -offers a wide field of discovery, and so many interesting enquiries -remain to be prosecuted in regard to the numerous wild tribes by which -it is inhabited, it is hoped that the present brief outline of the -condition of the people will not prove altogether uninteresting.</p> -<p class="par">The chief object of the following pages is to make Assam -better known, to remove some prejudices which exist against it, and -preserve the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd24e187" href="#xd24e187" -name="xd24e187">vi</a>]</span>memory of many remarkable scenes. The -narrative of the principal events has been compiled from official -documents, with the knowledge of Government; but the Author has -expressed his own unbiassed opinions on many interesting subjects with -which he became acquainted during a residence of some years in the -Province. Much more might have been described, but the few -authenticated facts now put forth will probably suffice, from their -novelty and interest, to amuse the reader until greater leisure and -further experience enable the Author to present a more comprehensive -work.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 dedication"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd24e191">TO</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">MY FATHER,</p> -<p class="par xd24e191">WHOSE EARLY TUITION, URBANITY, LEARNING, AND -EXAMPLE, ENCOURAGED ME AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF LIFE TO RELY ON MY OWN -EXERTIONS,</p> -<p class="par xd24e191">THESE WANDERINGS AND REFLECTIONS IN A WILD, -UNCIVILIZED, FOREIGN LAND,</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">Are Dedicated</p> -<p class="par xd24e191">WITH THE GREATEST VENERATION,</p> -<p class="par xd24e191">BY HIS</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">AFFECTIONATE SON. <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd24e207" href="#xd24e207" name="xd24e207">iii</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 contents"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> -<table class="tocList"> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#frontispiece">Garrow -warrior</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum"><i>to face Title</i>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#map">Map of -Assam</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum"><i>to face page</i> 1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p005">View of -Gowahatty</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">5</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p006">Omanund -Island</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p014">Queen silkworm, -&c.</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">14</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p018">Vampire, or fox -bat, &c.</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">18</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p019">Leaf -insects</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">19</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p026">Assamese -plough</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">26</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p027">Buffalo -heads</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum"><i>to face page</i> 27</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p028">Buffalo -shooting</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">28</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p037">Assamese -harrow</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">37</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p059">Singphoo bow and -arrows, and helmet</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum"><i>to face page</i> 59</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p112">Abor cane -helmets</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">112</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p117">Mishmee dog-skin -caps</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">117</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p134">Assamese gentleman, -and Meree woman</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum"><i>to face page</i> 134</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p149">Nagas</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">149</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p159">Angamee Naga -warrior</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">159</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p163">Naga mode of -disposing of the dead</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">163</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p189">Booteah -servant</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">189</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p195">Booteah -Rajahs</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">195</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p207">Kuppah Choor -Akhas</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">207</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#p213">Dufflahs</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">213</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd24e376" href="#xd24e376" name= -"xd24e376">v</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="toc" class="div1 contents"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first tocChapter"><a href="#ch1" id="xd24e381" name= -"xd24e381">CHAPTER I.</a></p> -<p class="par tocArgument">Appointed second in command of the Assam -Light Infantry—Journey to Assam, Goalparah, and -Gowahatty—Trip to Seebsaugur in a canoe—Boats and -dangers<a id="xd24e386" name="xd24e386"></a>—Seebsaugur and -Saikwah described—The tribes—An Assam -cottage—Unwelcome intruder—Climate of Assam - <span class="tocPageNum">page -1</span></p> -<p class="par tocChapter"><a href="#ch2" id="xd24e392" name= -"xd24e392">CHAPTER II.</a></p> -<p class="par tocArgument">Travels and residence in North-Western -Assam—Description of Burpetah in the rains—Vampire, or fox -bats—Leaf insect—Seclusion of villages in the -jungles—Country abounds with wild animals—Number of deaths, -and damage done to crops—Native mode of killing a -tiger—Conflagrations of jungles—Danger therefrom to -travellers—Cultivation of high and low lands—Number of -crops—Primitive mode of husbandry—Irrigation by -cacharies—Country inundated—Population and condition of the -people—Law on slavery -<span class="tocPageNum">16</span></p> -<p class="par tocChapter"><a href="#ch3" id="xd24e401" name= -"xd24e401">CHAPTER III.</a></p> -<p class="par tocArgument">Forests and grass jungle—Tigers, -elephants, buffaloes, rhinosceroses, pigs and deer—Field sports -by Europeans—Native practice of destroying animals with poisoned -arrows—Effects of poison—Wild elephants caught with a noose -in Assam—Secured in a Kheddah or enclosure at -Chittagong—Net revenue of -Assam—Disbursements—Industry—Opium—Slavery—Conclusion - <span class="tocPageNum">27</span> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd24e409" href="#xd24e409" name= -"xd24e409">vi</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par tocChapter"><a href="#account" id="xd24e411" name= -"xd24e411">ACCOUNT OF ASSAMESE TRIBES.</a></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#khamtees" id= -"xd24e416" name="xd24e416">The Khamtees</a></span>: their subjection of -Suddeah and Saikwah—Their defeat and -expulsion—Re-establishment of their authority at Suddeah and -Saikwah—Intrigues and disaffection to the British Government in -1820—Captain Charlton placed in charge of the Khamtee chiefs at -Suddeah and Saikwah, 1834–35—Attempts of the Khamtees in -1837–38 to subvert British authority—Their insurrection in -1839, and attack on the post at Suddeah and repulse—Death of -Lieutenant White—Expulsion of the Khamtees from Assam—Their -submission and pardon—Character and habits of the Khamtees - <span class= -"tocPageNum">39</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#singphoos" id= -"xd24e424" name="xd24e424">The Singphoos</a></span>: their country, -population, chiefs and clans—Their dislike of British -powers—Their subjection in 1826—Terms of treaty—Feud -between two rival chieftains—Submission and subsequent flight of -the Duffa Gaum—Disaffection of Tengapanee Singphoos—Tour of -the political agent—Fresh disturbances—Character of the -country and people—Their religion, customs, and -condition—Capabilities for commerce—Government experiment -in the woollen trade—Boundary of Assamese and Burmese territories - <span class= -"tocPageNum">59</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#muttucks" id= -"xd24e432" name="xd24e432">Muttucks</a></span>: their origin and -religion—Severely persecuted by Seba Sing—Revolt under -Luckme Sing—Get possession of the capital, and make Luckme Sing -and all his court prisoners—Ramakant Bor Deka ascends the -throne—Re-action in favour of Luckme Sing, who is -restored—Barbarous punishment inflicted on Ramakant Bor Deka, his -brother, and father—General massacre of the Muttuck chiefs and -their followers—Rebellion of the Moa Mareyas—Expulsion of -Rajah Goureenath, who solicits the assistance of the British -Government—Captain Welsh sent with one or two -battalions—Replaces Goureenath on the throne—Rajah -Kumalepur invades Muttuck, but unable to obtain permanent -possession—British Government annexes the whole of Muttuck to the -district of Luckimpoor—Husbandry the chief occupation of the -Muttucks—Tea plant indigenous—Exertions of Major Jenkins in -promoting its cultivation -<span class="tocPageNum">91</span> <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd24e438" href="#xd24e438" name="xd24e438">vii</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#borabors" id= -"xd24e442" name="xd24e442">The Bor Abors, Abors, and Merees</a></span>: -their localities and origin—Ornaments of the women—Martial -spirit of the Abors—Destitute of beards—Ignorant of reading -or writing—Void of delicacy and cleanliness in their -habits—Little known of the Abor country—Failure of -Lieutenant Wilcox to ascend the Dehong river - <span class= -"tocPageNum">110</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#mishmees" id= -"xd24e450" name="xd24e450">The Mishmees</a></span>: divided into -distinct clans—Their characteristics—Attire and ornaments -of the women—Mishmees unrestricted in the number of -wives—Inordinately fond of smoking—Very -superstitious—Mode of settling disputes—Cane -bridges—Feud between the Tain and Mezhoo Mishmees—Trade -between the Lamas and Mishmees—Articles of barter and of -produce—Names and number of followers of the chiefs - <span class= -"tocPageNum">115</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#dooaneahs" id= -"xd24e458" name="xd24e458">The Dooaneahs</a></span>: their -origin—Nature of the country—Expert pioneers, but not of -martial spirit—Strongly addicted to the use of opium - <span class= -"tocPageNum">126</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#assamese" id= -"xd24e466" name="xd24e466">The Assamese</a></span>: conquered and -subjected to vassalage by the Ahooms—Mode of <span class="corr" -id="xd24e469" title="Source: goverment">government</span>—System -of collecting the revenue—Conquered by the British in -1825—New system of taxation introduced—Abundance of -gold—Gold washing—Natural products—Diet, clothing, -&c.—Dwellings—Marriage—Betrothment—Marriage -feast and presents—Breach of promise—Servitude for -wives—Divorce—Slavery—Distribution of -salt—Slavery—Ahoom dynasty—List of the last kings of -Assam—Cruel punishments -<span class="tocPageNum">127</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#nagas" id= -"xd24e477" name="xd24e477">The Nagas</a></span>: their general features -and characteristics—Missionary efforts by the American -Baptists—Naga Government—Treatment of -strangers—Omens—Husbandry—Salt wells—Mode of -warfare—Ceremony of tattooing—Mode of revenge—Naga -customs—Funeral ceremonies—List of the Naga tribe - <span class= -"tocPageNum">149</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#garrows" id= -"xd24e485" name="xd24e485">The Garrows</a></span>: the tallest and most -powerful of all the hill tribes—Savage custom on the death of -their relatives—Description of the Garrow women—Culture of -cotton—climate <span class= -"tocPageNum">179</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#cosseahs" id= -"xd24e493" name="xd24e493">The Cosseahs</a></span>: <span class="corr" -id="xd24e496" title="Source: An">an</span> athletic race, but -indolent—Murder of Lieuts. Beddingfield and Burlton—Chief -product, potatoes <span class= -"tocPageNum">182</span> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd24e502" href= -"#xd24e502" name="xd24e502">viii</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#booteahs" id= -"xd24e505" name="xd24e505">The Booteahs</a></span>: <span class="corr" -id="xd24e508" title="Source: —"></span>extent of the Bootan -hills—Population—Captain Pemberton’s description of -the Booteahs—Exactions and mal-practices of the Bootan -rulers—Weapons <span class= -"tocPageNum">185</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#sathbooteah" id= -"xd24e516" name="xd24e516">The Sath Booteah Rajahs of Kooreahparah -Dooar in Durrung</a></span>: the mountains where located—Kalling -and Booree Goorma Dooars—Tyranny of the Booteahs towards the -Dooars—Kalling Dooar annexed to Assam—Kooreahparah -Dooar—Exactions of the Sath Rajahs—Advantages of British -Government <span class= -"tocPageNum">191</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#chardooar" id= -"xd24e524" name="xd24e524">The Char Dooar, or Sheergawn and Rooprae -Booteah Sath Rajahs</a></span>: names of the principal -chiefs—Yearly amount of black mail levied by them—Murder of -Moodhoo Sykeah <span class= -"tocPageNum">199</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#thebingeah" id= -"xd24e532" name="xd24e532">The Thebingeah Booteahs</a></span>: quarrel -between them and the Rooprae Booteahs of Char Dooar—At the -present day not numerous, but peaceable and inoffensive—Sum -allowed them by the British Government in lieu of black mail - <span class= -"tocPageNum">202</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#huzaree" id= -"xd24e541" name="xd24e541">The Huzaree Khawa Akhas</a></span>: reside -in the mountains north of Burgong—Formerly very powerful, but now -acknowledge the supremacy of Taggee, a Kuppah Choor Akha Chief - <span class= -"tocPageNum">204</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#kuppah" id= -"xd24e549" name="xd24e549">The Kuppah Choor Akhas</a></span>: always -looked upon by their neighbours as a ferocious band of -banditti—Depredations by Rajah Taggee—His incarceration by -the British, and subsequent liberation—Resorts to his former -lawless practices—Massacre of the Goorkha Sipahees—Taggee, -in 1842, voluntarily surrenders to the British, who again liberate him -on his swearing allegiance—He is pensioned with four other chiefs - <span class= -"tocPageNum">206</span></p> -<p class="par tocArgument"><span class="sc"><a href="#dufflahs" id= -"xd24e557" name="xd24e557">The Dufflahs</a></span>: <span class="corr" -id="xd24e560" title="Source: Divided">divided</span> into innumerable -clans—Very uncivilized, and formerly very troublesome—In -1836–37, consent to forego their depredations on receiving a -fixed sum from the British Government—List of Dufflah chiefs, and -the amount of pension paid to them -<span class="tocPageNum">212</span> <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd24e566" href="#xd24e566" name="xd24e566">ix</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 map"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e569width" id="map"><a href= -"images/maph.jpg"><img src="images/map.jpg" alt="General MAP OF ASSAM." -width="720" height="434"></a> -<p class="figureHead">General MAP <span class="sc">OF</span> ASSAM.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>SCALE 16 MILES TO 1 INCH.</i></p> -<p class="par"><i>Smith, Elder & C<sup>o</sup>., Litho: 65, -Cornhill, London.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb1" href="#pb1" name= -"pb1">1</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="body"> -<div id="ch1" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e381">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="super">A<br> -SKETCH OF ASSAM.</h2> -<h2 class="main">CHAPTER I.</h2> -<div class="argument"> -<p class="par first">Appointed second in command of the Assam Light -Infantry.—Journey to Assam, Goalparah, and Gowahatty.—Trip -to Seebsaugur in a Canoe.—Boats and Dangers.—Seebsaugur and -Saikwah described.—The Tribes.—An Assam -Cottage.—Unwelcome Intruder.—Climate of Assam.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In November, 1840, being then on duty at Mynpooree -in Upper India, with my regiment, in which I filled the office of -Interpreter and Quarter-Master, I had the honour of receiving from the -Governor-General of India the appointment of second in command to the -Assam Light Infantry. Regimental duty amongst our earliest military -companions has its charms, but there is not an officer in the East -India Company’s service, be his attachment to his comrades and -the sepoys under him ever so strong, who does not hail with joy the day -that gives him comparative <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb2" href= -"#pb2" name="pb2">2</a>]</span>freedom, especially when that freedom is -accompanied by the proud emotions ever attendant upon the possession of -higher command. Accordingly I was much elated at the distinction that -had been conferred on me; nor were my pleasurable sensations diminished -by the circumstance of the future scenes of my service lying in a -country that I had already once visited, and regarding which I felt an -uncommon degree of interest. Bidding my friends farewell, therefore, I -quitted Mynpooree, marched to Futtyghur, and thence embarking in a -native boat upon the Ganges, proceeded to Dacca by the ordinary route, -reaching the station in the latter end of December 1840. At Dacca, -engaging new and more commodious boats, I again set out on my journey -to Assam, and entered the Burrampooter river near the military station -of Jumalpore, and arrived at Goalparah, the entrance to Assam, in -nineteen days.</p> -<p class="par">The military station of Goalparah is situated on the -left bank of the Burrampooter, on the summit of an oblong hill three -hundred feet high, commanding one of the most magnificent views of the -Bootan and Himalaya Mountains, partially covered with snow, that can -well be imagined. There are (or were at the time of which I write) -three bungalows <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb3" href="#pb3" name= -"pb3">3</a>]</span>(ground floor cottages) on the small space of table -land on the hill, occupied by the officers attached to the district. -From its elevation, many are disposed to claim for the hill the -enviable title of “the Sanitarium of Assam,” but however -just its pretension to salubrity may be, the same degree of credit -cannot be extended beyond this isolated spot. Many parts of the -division are so inimical to life, that the mortality both of Europeans -and natives, equals, if it does not exceed, that in any district in -Assam. The noxious exhalations from the Garrow hills and woods seem -more deadly than the climate of the Northern Dooars, of which few -persons resident there can long resist the depressing effects. Unless -endowed with great stamina, life is here frequently extinguished by -jungle fever in the course of a few days.</p> -<p class="par">The town of Goalparah, consisting of about seven -thousand inhabitants, is built wholly of mats, grass, bamboos, and -reeds, at the foot of the hills, and as the adjoining country is a low, -swampy level, interspersed with slight elevations, it is subject to -annual inundations. The chief traders are Kyahs, merchants from the -western parts of India; and at no place in Assam is there a more -extensive and lucrative trade carried on in cloths of English and -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb4" href="#pb4" name= -"pb4">4</a>]</span>Indian manufacture; rice, mustard-seed, cotton from -the Garrow hills, manjeet, and other articles.</p> -<p class="par">A three months’ residence at the station of -Goalparah in 1837, rendered a prolonged stay unnecessary on the present -visit. An absence of three years had produced few changes in the -condition of the people or the appearance of the buildings, excepting -in the house I formerly occupied, which had been suffered to become a -heap of ruins. One vestige of the <i>débris</i>, however, -gratified my self-love. A little glass window-frame, made with my own -hands, still survived the destruction of time and the elements, and -vividly recalled to memory the difficulty I had overcome in -endeavouring to admit light into my little dwelling. Such a luxury as -window glass being unknown at the remote station, I had purchased some -of the small looking-glasses which always abound in the Indian bazaars, -and, removing the quicksilver, converted them into window panes.</p> -<p class="par">Leaving Goalparah, six days were occupied in reaching -Gowahatty by water. In Gowahatty, the metropolis of Assam, I perceived -a vast change; many buildings of brick had been erected and the -foundation of a church laid; numerous native shops evinced increasing -prosperity, and much had been accomplished towards rendering the -station more <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb5" href="#pb5" name= -"pb5">5</a>]</span>salubrious by the removal of jungle and the -construction of many beautiful roads. The best and largest bungalows at -Gowahatty are all on the banks of the Burrampooter, and the view of the -river, the islands, temples, and verdant foliage of the trees forms -perhaps one of the most picturesque scenes to be met with in India.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e620width" id="p005"><img src="images/p005.jpg" -alt="GOWAHATTY." width="720" height="473"> -<p class="figureHead">GOWAHATTY.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The native town of Gowahatty is built entirely of -bamboos, reeds, and grass. To the south an extensive marsh almost -surrounds the whole station, and the contiguity of many old tanks, -choked with jungle, coupled with the vicinity of the hills on every -quarter except the north, renders this town, in spite of the -improvements already alluded to, one of the most insalubrious in Assam. -In the cold season, from the 1st of November to the 1st of February, -the fogs at Gowahatty are extremely dense and heavy, and last -frequently until ten or eleven o’clock in the day; but it is -generally admitted that this state of the atmosphere is by no means -unfavourable to health. The rainy months of June, July, August, and -September, are here always trying to Europeans, as the moist heat has a -much more depressing influence than the rains of the Western Provinces -of India.</p> -<p class="par">Nearly two months having been passed in boats -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb6" href="#pb6" name= -"pb6">6</a>]</span>on the river, from Futtyghur to Gowahatty, I became -anxious to reach the end of my journey by a more expeditious mode than -that of tracking up against the stream a few miles every day. I -accordingly quitted my budgerow and embarked in a canoe formed of a -single tree hollowed out. It was forty-eight feet long, and three feet -wide, ten feet of the length being covered in with a small mat roof, as -an apology for a cabin. In this I felt by no means uncomfortable, -though I had only a little more room than served to enable me to lie -down at full length.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e638width" id="p006"><img src="images/p006.jpg" -alt="OMANUND ISLAND OPPOSITE GOWAHATTY" width="720" height="448"> -<p class="figureHead">OMANUND ISLAND OPPOSITE GOWAHATTY</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The solitariness of my position, only enlivened by the -song of eighteen merry paddlers, pulling from morning till night, at -the rate of forty or fifty miles a day, against a rapid stream, was -perhaps the worst part of the story. The scenery, if not positively -devoid of picturesque beauty, wearied me from its monotonous character. -Sand-banks, woods, and hills, unvaried by the residence of man, or the -slightest token of civilization, constituted its leading features. -Occasionally a boat might be encountered, but, excepting from the rude -salutation of the wild crew, the screaming of wild fowl, and the loud -crash of falling banks, prostrating lofty trees in the bosom of the -river, not a sound was heard to relieve the <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb7" href="#pb7" name="pb7">7</a>]</span>pervading -solitude. But, altogether, the velocity of the trip, with the -<i>désagrément</i> of limited accommodation, was a good -exchange for the comforts of a budgerow, and the tediousness of its -pace.</p> -<p class="par">Passing the healthy and pretty stations of Tezpore and -Bishnath, I arrived at the mouth of the little stream Dikhoo, in nine -days, and, mounting an elephant, rode through a dense tree and grass -jungle to Seebsaugur, distant twelve miles from the Burrampooter. It -was a bitterly raw, cold, wet day; but a blazing fire on the floor in -the snug reed and grass cottage of an acquaintance, soon erased from my -memory the inconvenience of the previous ten days’ exposure.</p> -<p class="par">In the rains, the Burrampooter river resembles a sea, -extending for many miles over the country. In the dry season it will be -found in many places more than a mile wide. The current in Upper Assam, -above Dibroo Ghur, is much more rapid than the Ganges river, and far -more dangerous; from the river being strewed with immense trees, which -are whirled down the stream with awful impetuosity, threatening instant -destruction to the boat so unfortunate as to come in contact with them. -For this reason, the canoes of the country being more manageable, and -even if filled with water, too <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb8" href= -"#pb8" name="pb8">8</a>]</span>buoyant to sink, much less risk is -incurred by travelling in them than in the comfortable budgerow, or -large native boat of Western India, roofed with straw. The canoe has -also another advantage, in case of a storm, as it can in a few minutes -be dragged on shore and remain in perfect safety till the <i>toofan</i> -has passed over. The confinement, however, and constant reclining -posture are almost unbearable in the hot weather; and there is a -painful sense of insecurity from the streams and rivers in many parts -of Assam swarming with crocodiles. Natives, when bathing, are not -unfrequently seized by crocodiles, and I have heard that one of these -amphibious monsters has been known to seize a paddler unsuspiciously -sleeping in the front part of the boat: which is not improbable, as the -sides of a canoe are only six inches or a foot above the water. Such -occurrences, however, are too rare to justify the fears that are -entertained; but their rarity, considering the great numbers of -crocodiles on the banks, is nevertheless a marvel. In the Chawlkhawa -river, opposite Burpetah, I have seen basking in the sun on the sand -banks, as many as ten crocodiles at a time; and upon one occasion, a -heap of one hundred crocodile’s eggs, each about the size of a -turkey’s egg, were discovered on a sand bank, and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb9" href="#pb9" name="pb9">9</a>]</span>brought to -me; I found on blowing them, that they all contained a perfectly formed -crocodile, about two inches long, which would have crept forth after a -few days’ farther exposure to the sun.</p> -<p class="par">The flesh of the crocodile is like that of fish, -emitting the same odour, and partaking of the flavour of the coarsest -of the finny tribe. After skinning a small crocodile caught by a -fisherman in his net, one of my native servants made a curry of the -flesh, which is consumed by some low caste men in Assam, as well as in -Western India. The eggs of crocodiles and river turtle are esteemed -delicacies. Upon the merits of the flesh of the turtle I need not -expatiate. I have frequently endeavoured to shoot the crocodile, but if -they be not almost invulnerable, they contrive to elude capture; for -when wounded they manage to get into the river, and either escape to -recover, or die out of sight. It never was my fortune to kill and -secure more than one, which was upwards of twelve feet in length. He -was mortally stricken with one ball.</p> -<p class="par">The station of Seebsaugur merits little notice. It is a -low, flat country, subject to inundations. There are several large -artificial tanks, and one or two fine old Hindoo temples, in and about -the station. The fort of Rungpore, built of brick on <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb10" href="#pb10" name="pb10">10</a>]</span>the -opposite side of the Dikhoo stream, is quite in ruins; and of the old -city of Rungpore, not a hut is now in existence: all the inhabitants -being now apparently located at Seebsaugur, which, from having become -the residence of the civil officers in charge of the district, will in -a few years, in all probability, be a populous, thriving town. After a -few days’ residence at Seebsaugur, I again set out in a small -boat on the Burrampooter; passing the new station of Dibroo Ghur, the -residence of the Political Agent of Upper Assam, and other gentlemen -connected with the manufacture of tea, I ascended the dangerous rapid -formed by a ridge of stones extending almost across the river, a little -below the junction of the two rivers, Dihong and Dibong, with the -Burrampooter, and in seven days from Seebsaugur, arrived at the end of -my journey, Saikwah. Here I assumed the command of three hundred men, -and two six-pounders.</p> -<p class="par">The site of Saikwah, the north-eastern frontier military -post in Upper Assam, is on the south bank of the Burrampooter; on low -ground, intersected by numerous streams and surrounded with dense high -tree-jungle, having the Bisnacorie and the Saikwah streams on the west -and east, and the Burrampooter on the north. For the comfort of -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb11" href="#pb11" name= -"pb11">11</a>]</span>the troops, a space of about one thousand square -yards has been cleared of jungle. In the vicinity of, or a few miles -distant from Saikwah, there are some small villages inhabited by tribes -denominated Dooaneahs, Moolooks, Kesungs, Jillys, Mishmees, and Meerees -who, from their wild habits, prefer the jungles to the plains. They -grow a scanty supply of rice, kullie (a species of vetch) and Indian -corn; the whole of which is generally consumed in a few months, leaving -them to depend for the remainder of the year on leaves of the forest -kutchoos (a kind of arrow-root) and wild yams. Saikwah was selected as -a military post in 1839, immediately after the station of Suddeah on -the opposite or north bank had been surprised and burnt by the -neighbouring tribes. It is eighty miles distant from the Patkoe -mountains, separating Assam from Burmah; but it is by no means so -desirable a station for the health of the troops as the deserted post -of Suddeah, in an open plain of six miles in extent. The object, -however, of the change of locality, was to enable the Light Infantry to -afford protection to the tea-gardens in Muttuck from the sudden -aggressions of the numerous wild, fierce, border tribes. In this -respect it has answered; hitherto, few depredations having been -committed, though insurrections have been frequent. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb12" href="#pb12" name="pb12">12</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The trade of Saikwah consists of ivory, wax, and a -little cotton; the amount of ivory sold in the bazaar, the shopkeepers -informed me, averaged annually about six hundred pounds. A more -desolate place than Saikwah can scarcely be imagined. It is surrounded -by fierce and treacherous tribes, who occupy a most impenetrable tree -and grass jungle, and whose endeavours are perpetually directed to the -annihilation of the troops. At first, the hourly patrol’s grand -rounds and alarms allowed me little rest or ease, but the alertness of -the troops in getting under arms at night to repel any meditated -attack, soon obliterated from my mind all apprehension of surprise. The -Assam Light Infantry wish for nothing better than an opportunity of -contending with the Singphoos, or indeed with any of their treacherous -neighbours (whom they hold in the utmost contempt) in a fair battle in -the open country; but in the jungles they find it almost impossible to -come in contact with their foes.</p> -<p class="par">A few days after my arrival at Saikwah sufficed to -plaster my mat-and-grass cottage with mud, and with the assistance of -the Sipahees, a chimney for a fire-place was soon constructed, with -bricks and mortar obtained from old buildings at Suddeah; then putting -in a glass window, I was enabled, in comfort <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb13" href="#pb13" name="pb13">13</a>]</span>and -solitariness, to pursue my usual vocations in all weathers. In this -secluded retreat, every incident, however trifling in itself, acquired -an importance which induced me to note it in my tablets. On one -occasion, about eight o’clock at night, sitting by a snug -fireside, my attention was arrested by the approach of an unwelcome -visitor making his way in at the door. Taking up a candle to ascertain -who or what was forcing ingress to my dwelling, I beheld a python, or -boa-constrictor, about six feet long, steadily advancing towards me. In -my defenceless position it may be imagined that safety depended on -immediate flight; and the monster thus speedily gained entire -possession of my habitation. It was, however, for a few minutes only, -that he was permitted to remain the undisturbed occupant of the abode; -for my servants quickly despatched the intruder with a few blows -inflicted with long poles. An apothecary, who had long been attached to -the Assam Light Infantry, assured me that pythons, or boa-constrictors, -were very numerous in our vicinity, and of an immense size, some not -being less than fifteen or eighteen feet in length. I had evidence of -the truth of the statement; a skin, fifteen feet long, being -subsequently brought me by the natives. I caused it to be tanned -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb14" href="#pb14" name= -"pb14">14</a>]</span>and sent to England. Small serpents were often met -with. On one occasion the apothecary brought me two boa-constrictors of -about four feet long, which he had found on a table curled up amongst -some bottles in the same room where his children were sleeping. In all -probability the lives of the infants were saved by the musquitto -curtains preventing access to the bed. Boa-constrictors are exceedingly -fond of rats, and on this occasion they had evidently been in search of -their prey.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e689width" id="p014"><img src="images/p014.jpg" -alt= -"1. MANGOE FLY. 2. QUEEN (OR ARRINDY) SILKWORM OF ASSAM. 3. LONG HORNED BEETLE." -width="482" height="720"> -<p class="figureHead">1. MANGOE FLY.<br> -2. QUEEN (OR ARRINDY) SILKWORM OF ASSAM.<br> -3. LONG HORNED BEETLE.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">As my cottage had not the usual white cloth ceiling -suspended, insects, snakes, and vermin frequently descended from the -roof into the rooms; but by keeping the house free of baggage and well -swept, contact with them was avoided. The reader will suppose an Assam -mat-hut to be a dreary kind of residence; but I can assure him, the -logwood fire on a hearth one foot high, in the centre of the room, with -a small window cut high in the wall for the escape of the smoke, is by -no means devoid of cheerfulness.</p> -<div class="par">The general characteristic of the climate of Upper -Assam is excessive moisture. Rains fall heavily and frequently in -March, April, and May, and continue to the middle of October; and from -this time till February the atmosphere is cool and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb15" href="#pb15" name= -"pb15">15</a>]</span>pleasant. As the bordering hills of Assam, both on -the north and south, are peopled by a variety of tribes differing from -one another in aspect, language, and customs, I have, in later pages, -briefly depicted each class; mingling personal description with a -narrative of as much of their respective histories as circumstances -have put it in my power to offer. -<div class="blockquote"> -<p class="par first">TABLE.</p> -<p class="par">Showing the number of days required for a Budgerow to -proceed from Calcutta to Suddeah, or Saikwah in Upper Assam, from -October till 1st June:—</p> -<div class="par"> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">No. of -days.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">From Calcutta to Dacca</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">12</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>From</td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -Dacca to Goalparah</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">19</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>From</td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -Goalparah to Gowahatty</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>From</td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -Gowahatty to Tezpore</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>From</td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -Tezpore to Bishnath</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">3</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>From</td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -Bishnath to the mouth of the Dikho river, 12 miles distant from -Seebsaugur</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>From</td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -Dikhoo Mookh river to Dibroolghur</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">7</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>From</td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -Dibroolghur to Suddeah or Saikwah</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e780 cellLeft cellBottom">Total days</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">65</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -</div> -<p class="par">Excepting with a westerly wind during the rains, the -navigation of the Burrampooter river is tedious, uncertain, and -dangerous, from falling banks, floating trees, a rapid current, and no -tracking ground: the jungle extending to the edge of the river. In -Assam a canoe is the safest and most speedy mode of travelling.</p> -</div> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb16" href="#pb16" name= -"pb16">16</a>]</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch2" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e392">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">CHAPTER II.</h2> -<div class="argument"> -<p class="par first">Travels and Residence in North-Western -Assam.—Description of Burpetah in the Rains.—Vampire, or -Fox Bats.—Leaf Insect.—Seclusion of Villages in the -Jungles.—Country abounds with Wild Animals.—Number of -Deaths, and Damage done to Crops.—Native mode of killing a -Tiger.—Conflagrations of Jungles.—Danger therefrom to -Travellers.—Cultivation of high and low lands.—Number of -Crops.—Primitive Mode of Husbandry.—Irrigation by -Cacharies.—Country Inundated.—Population and Condition of -the People.—Law on Slavery.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">For the more speedy and effective administration -of justice among the people residing in the north-west quarter of the -district of Kamroop, and for the promotion of trade, the -Governor-General’s Agent directed the establishment of an -out-post for an assistant at Burpetah, on the Chawl Khawa river, and I -was selected to proceed for eight months upon this duty.</p> -<p class="par">The population of Burpetah is estimated at about three -thousand souls; their huts are built without any regularity on high -artificial mounds of earth, in the centre of gardens of betel nut and -plantain <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb17" href="#pb17" name= -"pb17">17</a>]</span>trees, clumps of bamboos, cane and grass jungle, -mango and other large trees, under the shade of which, impervious to -the sun, roads or channels intersect the town in every direction. In -the rainy season, these channels, owing to the inundation of the -country, are filled with water many feet in depth. Every house, -consequently, is provided with one or more canoes, in which the -inhabitants visit each other’s isolated positions; and the cattle -are brought upon the little eminences at night, and housed oftentimes -under the same roof with the family, if not in the same room. Daily may -the cattle be seen swimming across these street-streams in search of a -dry spot of land on which to graze. In this manner, for four months of -each year—June, July, August, and September—are the people -surrounded by floods; but, as if endowed with amphibious natures, they -seem equally happy in or out of the water, and pass their time on board -their boats in trading with other villages throughout Assam. When at -home, they amuse themselves during the rainy season in collecting the -wood which floats down the rivers, from the destruction of their banks -alluded to in the foregoing chapter; and in the sport of catching wild -buffaloes, deer, and pigs, which are now seen in great numbers swimming -across the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb18" href="#pb18" name= -"pb18">18</a>]</span>rivers from the low inundated grounds to reach -more elevated spots on which to subsist: the animals in their passage, -being overtaken by canoes, are captured with the aid of ropes and -spears, with little difficulty.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e804width" id="p018"><img src="images/p018.jpg" -alt= -"1. VAMPIRE OR FOX BAT. 2. TIGER BEETLE OF ASSAM. 3. HERCULES BEETLE OF Do." -width="720" height="440"> -<p class="figureHead">1. VAMPIRE OR FOX BAT.<br> -2. TIGER BEETLE OF ASSAM.<br> -3. HERCULES BEETLE OF D<sup>o</sup>.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>W. Wing del<sup>t</sup>.</i></p> -<p class="par"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">At Burpetah there is a very long building supported by -wooden posts carved with emblems of Hindoo Deities, with a grass roof -and mat walls. It is called a shuster, alias temple; and is a religious -endowment, where the vedas or holy books of the Hindoos are chanted, -and offerings in kind and cash received. A grant of rent-free land, -given by the Assam king Sebsunker, in 1657 <span class="sc">A.S.</span> -or 1735 <span class="sc">A.D.</span> is attached to the temple, and a -number of disciples, with two chief priests or pontiffs, manage the -affairs of the establishment.</p> -<p class="par">On the trees at Burpetah, great numbers of the Vampire -or Fox-bats are to be seen hanging by their claws with their heads -downwards. They are offensive looking objects, having a body eleven -inches long, and each wing twenty-two inches in length. I have never -heard a native assert that they suck the blood of cattle when sleeping, -and if it were the case, such a circumstance would certainly be quickly -verified; it may therefore justly be inferred, that this is a popular -error. It is said that the food of the fox-bat consists entirely of -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb19" href="#pb19" name= -"pb19">19</a>]</span>jungle fruits; their flesh is esteemed a delicacy -by many natives, and I have frequently shot them to gratify the -appetites of my own servants. There is a strange superstition amongst -the natives, that the bones of the fox-bat, worn as an amulet or charm, -will cure any limb or part of the body affected with pain.</p> -<p class="par">One of the most curious members of the animal (query, -vegetable?) world in Assam is the Leaf insect—so called from its -very close resemblance in form, colour, and general structure (even to -the fibre), to the leaf of the tree which it inhabits. In fact, until -the insect moves, it is difficult to distinguish it from the leaf -itself. The annexed drawing will convey an idea of this singular freak -of nature; many attempts at transmitting a perfect specimen to Europe -have been frustrated by the perishable character of the insect. Spirits -are entirely inefficacious as preservatives, and camphor destroys the -colour of the animal.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e843width" id="p019"><img src="images/p019.jpg" -alt= -"1 & 2. LEAF INSECT OF ASSAM (MALE & FEMALE). 3. SAIKNAH CATERPILLAR (BUTTERFLY)." -width="446" height="720"> -<p class="figureHead">1 & 2. LEAF INSECT OF ASSAM (MALE & -FEMALE).<br> -3. SAIKNAH CATERPILLAR (BUTTERFLY).</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">In perambulating the district, I was particularly struck -with the immense extent of high grass jungle between the Burrampooter -river and the foot of the Bootan mountains. I frequently traversed a -distance of eight and ten miles through a dense grass jungle twenty -feet high, without meeting with a solitary hut or any cultivation; but -suddenly, a village <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb20" href="#pb20" -name="pb20">20</a>]</span>and an open cultivated space of a few hundred -acres would burst upon the view and vary the monotony of the scene. -This would be followed by a dreary waste extending to the next village, -often five or six miles distant; while a solitary foot-path, forming -the only communication between the small communities thus isolated, -clearly showed that for many months in the year little intercourse, -except by water, is kept up between them.</p> -<p class="par">The country is infested with wild animals, and the -footpaths are dangerous at all times. Some slight idea may be formed of -the danger to human life from the denizens of the jungle, when I state -that in the western quarter of the district of Kamroop alone, in the -short period of six months, the police reports included twenty men -killed by wild elephants and buffaloes. The damage done to the rice -crops yearly by wild elephants and buffaloes is very considerable; and -although Government bestows a reward of two rupees eight annas, or five -shillings, for every buffalo destroyed, and five rupees or ten -shillings for every tiger’s head, such is the apathy and -indifference of the natives to their own interests and preservation, -that they seldom exert themselves to earn the gratuity, until repeated -aggressions become unbearable. When wild elephants pull down -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb21" href="#pb21" name= -"pb21">21</a>]</span>their huts, or a tiger, from previous success, -becomes emboldened to enter their little dwellings and carry off their -cattle, then the village community will turn out in a body; surrounding -with nets the tiger’s lair,—a small patch of jungle in the -vicinity of the village,—and shouting and yelling, they drive the -intruder into the nets, where he falls an easy victim to the spears and -bludgeons of the enraged and injured populace.</p> -<p class="par">In January, February, March, and April, the whole -country adjoining Burpetah presents a spectacle seldom seen elsewhere: -the natives set fire to the jungle to clear the land for cultivation, -and to open the thoroughfares between the different villages, and the -awful roar and rapidity with which the flames spread cannot be -conceived. A space of many miles of grass jungle, twenty feet high, is -cleared in a few hours; and the black ashes scattered over the face of -the earth after such recent verdure, form one of the most gloomy and -desolate landscapes that can well be imagined. But so rapid is -vegetation in Assam, that a few days suffice to alter the scene: the -jungle speedily shoots up with greater strength than ever, and at the -approach of the heavy rains in June, it again attains a height of many -feet. On more occasions than one, though mounted <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb22" href="#pb22" name="pb22">22</a>]</span>on an -elephant, I have had the greatest difficulty to out-flank a fierce -roaring fire, rapidly moving with the wind, in a long line over the -country. The elephant, of all animals, is the most fearful of fire; and -on hearing the approach of the element he instantly takes to flight; -but the rapidity with which the flames spread renders escape most -hazardous, especially if the wind is high and <i>right aft</i>. The -best plan to adopt if a fire breaks out to windward, is to circle round -the nearest flank with all expedition, gaining the space burnt by the -advancing flames. On foot, escape would be almost impossible; the -jungle being impenetrable except by a narrow footpath, and this being -frequently overgrown with grass, if no open spot be near at hand, -inevitable destruction must be the fate of any unfortunate traveller to -leeward of a fire.</p> -<p class="par">In Assam, excepting the fields close to the villages, -the best land is never manured. One crop of planted winter -<i>d’han</i> or rice is cut in November or December, every year, -from generation to generation. This land is never allowed to lie -fallow; abundant rain being all that is requisite to ensure plentiful -crops: the richness of the soil seems inexhaustible.</p> -<p class="par">The low lands liable to inundation are never manured; -the jungle is burnt down, and for three <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb23" href="#pb23" name="pb23">23</a>]</span>successive years two -crops are annually realized from it. In February, mustard seed is -gathered in: a source of great profit to the cultivator; and in June -the spring rice, sown broad-cast, is reaped. After the land has been -thus impoverished, it is allowed to remain fallow for three years; and -fresh jungle land is burnt and prepared in the same primitive way, and -with the most simple implements of husbandry. In other parts of Assam -extensive tracts of land are beautifully cultivated, and pretty -villages are numerously studded over the country; but, although lakes -and streams are everywhere to be met with, no attempt is made by the -Assamese tribes, excepting the Cacharries, to irrigate the land, and -thus render the crops more certain and productive.</p> -<p class="par">The Cacharries who reside at the foot of the hills are -the most useful and industrious, as well as the most athletic men in -Assam, and allowed to be the best cultivators. They irrigate their -lands to a great extent from hill streams, and consequently raise far -better crops than their neighbours. During the months of June, July, -August, and September, a great portion of Assam is inundated, and boats -leaving the innumerable streams and large rivers, paddle over the -country in every direction; indeed, in many places, particularly at -Burpetah, boats form <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb24" href="#pb24" -name="pb24">24</a>]</span>the only means by which any communication can -be kept up. To facilitate intercourse during the dry season, roads have -been constructed, and bullock-carts introduced, similar to the hackerys -in use in the Western Provinces of India, for the conveyance of the -produce of the lands to the best markets; but the Assamese are so -wedded to their old customs, and attached to the use of slaves and -bondsmen in every capacity—as servants, porters, and cultivators, -that it has been found no easy matter to induce them to adopt a new -system, however obvious its advantages.</p> -<p class="par">A new era, however, is approaching: a law has been -promulgated, abolishing slavery in India, and as the people become more -enlightened by education and intercourse with Europeans, they will -relax their adherence to old and absurd usages and prejudices. In the -district of Kamroop above twenty thousand slaves and bondsmen may -obtain manumission by simply asking for it; and as there is no doubt -they will do so, we may anticipate, from the acquisition of freedom, a -total alteration of the habits and feelings of the Assamese. Large -wastes of land will be brought under cultivation, and thousands of -families made independent and comfortable. Assam has now been subjected -to British rule for a <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb25" href="#pb25" -name="pb25">25</a>]</span>period of nearly twenty years, and the people -have enjoyed the fruits of their labours in peace and security: a -condition of things to which they were strangers under their own -chieftains.</p> -<p class="par">The population of Assam is assumed to be about 800,000 -souls; but as no correct census has been taken, the accuracy of the -estimate cannot be determined. It may be presumed, however, that the -population does not increase to any great extent, for a state of -slavery and bondage has never been favourable to the due multiplication -of the human species.</p> -<p class="par">The proprietors of slaves and bondsmen consist of the -most respectable men in Assam, and of course are strenuous supporters -of the continuation of the lucrative and nefarious traffic in their -fellow-creatures. To deprive them of their proprietary right to their -slaves it has been urged would be unjust, and offensive to their -usages; and, following the example of the West India proprietors, they -contend that the slaves being their lawful property as much as houses, -grain, or cattle, compensation should be made by Government for the -release of every man from bondage. The Indian Government, however, has -adopted a different course. It has published a regulation that forbids -the officers of all courts from <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb26" -href="#pb26" name="pb26">26</a>]</span>allowing forcible possession of -the person or services of a slave, or his property. In future, -therefore, slave-holders will not be able to compel their slaves to -obey their orders, and as this law becomes gradually enforced, slavery -will be practically abolished; a new order of men will arise, -stimulated to more vigorous exertions by the conviction that they will -reap the benefit of their labours, and extended cultivation and a freer -exchange of commodities will infallibly ensue.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e895width" id="p026"><img src="images/p026.jpg" -alt="Assamese Plough and Implement for Levelling Ploughed Land." width= -"501" height="522"> -<p class="figureHead">Assamese Plough and Implement for Levelling -Ploughed Land.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb27" href="#pb27" name= -"pb27">27</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch3" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e401">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">CHAPTER III.</h2> -<div class="argument"> -<p class="par first">Forests and Grass Jungle—Tigers, Elephants, -Buffaloes, Rhinosceroses, Pigs and Deer—Field Sports by -Europeans—Native practice of destroying animals with poisoned -arrows—Effects of poison—Wild Elephants caught with a noose -in Assam—Secured in a Kheddah or Enclosure at -Chittagong—Net Revenue of -Assam—Disbursements—Industry—Opium—Slavery—Conclusion.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The enormous extent of forest, and high, dense -grass jungle in Assam, exceeds perhaps that of any other country of the -same area; and, as a consequence, the herds of wild elephants, -buffaloes, deer, rhinosceroses, and tigers, are innumerable. Almost -every military officer in civil employ in Assam, having constantly to -roam about the country, becomes, if not from choice, at least in -self-defence, a keen and skilful sportsman. Herds of one hundred -buffaloes each are frequently met with; and though I have known twenty -buffaloes shot in one day’s diversion, they are so prolific, and -the season of four months for sport is so short, that no actual -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb28" href="#pb28" name= -"pb28">28</a>]</span>progress appears to be made in the diminution of -their numbers. On some occasions, when a buffalo is wounded and unable -to escape into high jungle, he furiously charges the elephant on which -the sportsman is mounted in a howdah, and often gores the elephant, or -injures the feet or legs of the driver seated on the animal’s -neck, before he can be stopped in his career; for it frequently takes -ten or twelve balls to destroy a buffalo, unless an early shot inflicts -a vital wound. The elephant, if well trained, on being charged by a -buffalo, merely turns round and presents his stern to the repeated -blows of the infuriated monster: screaming out, however, in the utmost -fright until the buffalo is shot or scared off by the firing; but a -timid or badly trained elephant, on being charged instantly seeks -safety in flight, to the imminent peril of the sportsman, should any -trees happen to come in contact with the howdah. Buffaloes, however, -that have been long undisturbed, generally stand still, and with fierce -looks and raised horns receive the first few shots in utter -astonishment, and then seek shelter in the high jungles with the utmost -speed. Rhinosceroses are very numerous in many parts of Assam, and are -to be found in very high grass jungle, near inaccessible miry swamps, -which preclude <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb29" href="#pb29" name= -"pb29">29</a>]</span>pursuit, and having thick skins, they are not -easily shot. Elephants dread the charge of a rhinosceros as much as -that of a tiger, and the grunting noise of the former animal not -unfrequently scares even a well-trained elephant from the field. If the -rhinosceros succeeds in overtaking the elephant, he bites large pieces -of flesh from the elephant’s sides or legs, and with the horn on -the nose not unfrequently inflicts fearful wounds. Rhinosceroses are -tamed in a few months, and may be seen at Gowahatty grazing on the -plains as harmless as cows, attended by a single man. When tamed in -Assam they may be bought of the natives for 100 or 150 rupees -(10<i>l.</i> or 15<i>l.</i>); many have been sent to Calcutta, and sold -for 500 rupees, or 50<i>l.</i>; but the expense of boat hire to the -metropolis, provender, and servants’ wages, with the risk -attendant on the journey to so distant a market, renders the -speculation anything but profitable.</p> -<p class="par">Deer shooting is a fine, healthy, exhilarating exercise -for those who are not partial to the dangerous and exciting scenes -common to tiger, rhinosceros, and buffalo shooting. It is a mistake, -however, to suppose it tame, easy sport. Deer shooting requires much -practice: a steady foot and arm in a howdah, and a quick sight are -indispensable, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb30" href="#pb30" name= -"pb30">30</a>]</span>if you would shoot either pigs or deer while -bounding rapidly over the plain.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e926width" id="p027"><img src="images/p027.jpg" -alt="BUFFALO HEADS IN ASSAM." width="720" height="512"> -<p class="figureHead">BUFFALO HEADS IN ASSAM.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>W. Wing lith.</i></p> -<p class="par"><i>AAAA. Round the outside of the Horns & across the -forehead 12 F.<sup>t</sup> 2 Inches. B to B In direct line 6 -F.<sup>t</sup> 8½ Inches. C to C. 2 Feet 4 Inches.</i></p> -<p class="par"><i>D to D Circumference of Right Horn. 1 Foot 8½ -Inches. E to E. Circumference of Left Horn: 1 Foot 8 Inches. Across the -Forehead 11 Inches.</i></p> -<p class="par"><i>The Horns do not correspond in length & -shape.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">A most deadly poison is extracted from a kind of root -denominated Mishmee Bih (or poison) brought from the Mishmee country, -on the north-east quarter of Assam. With this the natives in Upper -Assam generally cover the tips of their arrows, and destroy elephants -for the sake of the ivory tusks. So powerful, so deadly is the effect -of the poison, that the slightest scratch or puncture of an arrow -smeared with it proves fatal: if not instantaneously, at all events in -a few hours after an elephant has been stricken. Deer and buffaloes are -also killed in the same manner. Immediately the animal falls, the -wounded part is cut out, and the flesh is then eaten by the natives, -without apprehension of any ill effects arising from the inoculation of -the body by the poison: at least I have never heard of a single -instance of a person losing his life from having eaten of the flesh of -animals killed by poisoned arrows, common as is the practice of -partaking of such food. Safety appears to be secured by excising the -wounded part.</p> -<p class="par">Of all field sports in Assam, that of catching wild -elephants with the noose is the most exciting and dangerous. On a herd -of wild elephants being <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb31" href= -"#pb31" name="pb31">31</a>]</span>discovered, four tame elephants, -called <i>Koonkies</i>, with two men on each elephant—one sitting -on the neck, and called a <i>Phundaet</i>, from having to throw the -noose, and the other seated on the back, with a club, to urge the -elephant into full speed—proceed to join the herd; which -generally at first sight of the tame elephants, takes to immediate -flight. A good sized wild elephant, however, being quickly selected -from the herd by the riders, by common consent, is pursued till fairly -run down, when the <i>Phundaet</i> throws over the wild -elephant’s head a large rope noose, one end of which is attached -to the body of the tame elephant on which he is mounted, and the wild -animal is instantly pulled up and rendered helpless. The other three -tame elephants now joining, another noose is thrown over the wild -elephant’s head on the other side; the ropes on both sides being -extended to a distance of ten paces. The entangled brute is then -triumphantly led off between the two tame elephants to a place of -security, where, his legs being bound with ropes to a large post in -front and rear, he is kept on low diet until he becomes -tractable,—a state to which he submits himself in an incredibly -short space of time. The female elephants may, in two months, be driven -alone anywhere; but the male elephants take four, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb32" href="#pb32" name="pb32">32</a>]</span>six, and -sometimes twelve months before they can be trusted to walk alone, -unhampered with ropes. When a male elephant, with tusks, becomes -entangled with the noose round his neck—which noose, by the way, -has a knot to prevent strangulation—the animal frequently rushes -down with the utmost ferocity on the tame elephants, and with his tusks -gores them in a most frightful manner. In such a case it becomes -necessary to quickly bind his legs with large ropes, and no further -resistance is then of any avail. The individuals who throw the noose -over the wild elephant’s head are oftentimes in the most imminent -danger, but their agility in shifting their position to any part of the -body of the tame elephant, enables them to elude injury. The -tractability and sagacity of the tame elephant in making every effort -to secure the wild elephant by putting the ropes round his legs, is -very remarkable. Indeed, so cunning are the tame elephants,—so -intuitive is their apprehension of their duty—that there is -little difficulty in capturing the wild elephant.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e969width" id="p028"><img src="images/p028.jpg" -alt="BUFALO SHOOTING IN ASSAM." width="720" height="495"> -<p class="figureHead">BUFALO SHOOTING IN ASSAM.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">It is calculated that not less than five hundred -elephants are yearly caught in Assam and sent to Western India for -sale. At Chittagong, in the south-eastern quarter of Bengal, the mode -of catching <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb33" href="#pb33" name= -"pb33">33</a>]</span>wild elephants is very different from that adopted -in Assam. Herds of fifty elephants are there surrounded by two or three -hundred men, the jungle is filled, and a regular barricade of trees, -with a trench, formed; the elephants are thus unable to break loose; -tame elephants are then sent into the enclosure, which is called a -Keddah, and the wild elephants are quickly secured with ropes.</p> -<p class="par">The formation of these enclosures is a work of great -labour and considerable expense; but the Government are amply repaid by -the sale of about one hundred elephants annually, caught in this -manner. Chittagong elephants are considered very superior to those -caught in Assam, the former being stout, strong, short-legged beasts, -and the latter lanky and weak; but whether the prejudice be just, may -be doubted, as there are many noble elephants in Assam that would prove -most serviceable in any part of India, and the prices they would fetch -amply repay any charge incurred by Government for an elephant-hunting -establishment in Assam.</p> -<p class="par">The annual sum expended for the support of civil and -military establishments in Assam cannot, I suspect (for I have no -documents to refer to), be less than 700,000 rupees, 70,000<i>l.</i> -And the net revenue derived from six districts exhibited in the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb34" href="#pb34" name= -"pb34">34</a>]</span>following table<a class="noteref" id="xd24e992src" -href="#xd24e992" name="xd24e992src">1</a> is rupees 611,268 9 7, -showing that the disbursements exceed the receipts. This is to be -regretted, for disinterested individuals conclude that Assam might be -made a source of profit instead of expense to the Government, without -the smallest possible risk of the peace of the north-eastern frontier -of India not being maintained in security. But were it otherwise, the -sum yearly expended in excess of the net revenue for the management of -Assam, it must be borne in mind, is not thrown away, for Assam forms -the best frontier protection for Bengal that could be desired; and if -troops were not located in that province, a force would be required on -the north eastern frontier, involving much heavier expense than the -Local Corps of Assam. Every endeavour, therefore, to promote the -advancement and civilization of the people of Assam must be hailed as a -favourable omen of future prosperity.</p> -<p class="par">The utter want of an industrious, enterprising spirit, -and the general degeneracy of the Assamese people, are greatly promoted -by the prevalent use of opium; they would rather consent to be deprived -of food than their accustomed dose of this deleterious drug, and so -emaciated and weakened have <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb35" href= -"#pb35" name="pb35">35</a>]</span>many become from indulging in its -use, that they are unequal to any great exertion, either mental or -bodily, until the usual stimulating dose has been imbibed. Government -have established no regulations against the growth of opium in Assam, -neither do they derive any greater revenue from its cultivation than is -yielded them by other lands. It cannot be doubted that, if a heavy tax -were levied on every acre of land producing opium, and a high duty -imposed on its sale, it would be beyond the means of the people to -purchase and consume such quantities of the drug, as is now the -practice of men, women, and even children. The consequence would be -that in a few years many would be weaned from their predilection for -the pernicious opiate, which at present is esteemed a sovereign remedy -for every evil in life. Notwithstanding the degraded state of the -Assamese population, we may yet regard Assam as a rising country; the -price of all commodities, as well as the wages of labour, having been -greatly enhanced under the British rule.</p> -<p class="par">In concluding these brief notes on Assam, justice, -gratitude, and esteem, require that the personage holding the exalted -dignity of the Governor-General’s agent in Assam, Major Francis -Jenkins, should be presented to the notice of the reader. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb36" href="#pb36" name="pb36">36</a>]</span>It is to -him the English public are largely indebted for forming the grand -scheme of supplying his native country with tea from Assam. It is to -his able and persevering exertions, during a ten years’ sojourn, -that the affairs of Assam, both in a political and financial view, have -been retrieved from almost inextricable disorder. Before Major Jenkins -arrived, very few officers were allowed to conduct the political duties -of the province; and these gentlemen being, moreover, overwhelmed with -other business, improvements could not be contemplated: the current -routine of fiscal and criminal duties was all that two or three -individuals could be expected to superintend. This state of affairs was -remedied by Major Jenkins, who pointed out to Government the -indisputable advantages that would accrue from a more liberal policy -being pursued in aiding him with a greater number of European -assistants. His representations were acceded to; the revenue has -consequently increased, and the people, as far as their vices will -permit, have thriven in peace, security, and comfort. The British -Government has relieved Assam from the barbarous mutilations, cruel -impalements, and other outrages against humanity which its inhabitants -were subject to under their ancient rulers; and distress, anarchy, or -discontent <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb37" href="#pb37" name= -"pb37">37</a>]</span>amongst our own subjects in Assam is unknown. A -few petty aggressions of savage hill tribes occasionally occur, -demanding constant vigilance and prompt suppression, but with this -exception, peace and plenty prevail throughout the valley; and when the -day arrives for Major Jenkins’s departure from Assam to his -native land, that liberal, benevolent, and highly-gifted man will be -much regretted by his European assistants, and by the native population -of the province, all of whom look up to him as a protector and -friend.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e1010width" id="p037"><img src="images/p037.jpg" -alt="Harrow for thinning and cleaning Paddy." width="507" height="240"> -<p class="figureHead">Harrow for thinning and cleaning Paddy.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb38" href="#pb38" name= -"pb38">38</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">STATISTICS OF ASSAM.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table" id="assamstatistics"> -<table class="verticalBorderInside xd24e1018"> -<thead> -<tr class="label"> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop">No. of -Districts.</td> -<td colspan="2" class="xd24e1033 cellHeadTop">Names of Districts in -Assam.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Governor General’s -Agent North East Frontier. Military Officer.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Deputy Commr. of Assam. -Military Officer.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Principal Assistants to the -Governor General’s Agent. Military Officers.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Junior Assistants to the -Governor General’s Agent. Military Officers.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Sub-Assistants to the -Governor General’s Agent. Uncovenanted <span class="corr" id= -"xd24e1048" title="Source: Offi.">Officers.</span></td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Native Sudder Ameens or -Judges to try cases not exceeding 1000 rupees.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Native Moonsiffs or Judges -to try cases under 300 rs.</td> -<td colspan="3" class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop"> -Net Revenue of each District in Assam.</td> -</tr> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadLeft cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td colspan="2" class="cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Co’s. Rupees.</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellHeadRight cellHeadBottom">Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">1</td> -<td colspan="2">Kamroop</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">6</td> -<td class="xd24e718">252991</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">3</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">2</td> -<td colspan="2">Durrung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718">142299</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">1</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">3</td> -<td colspan="2">Nowgong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">103925</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">2</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">5</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">4</td> -<td colspan="2">Seebsaugur</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70135</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">10</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">5</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="2" class="xd24e1180 xd24e718 cellLeft">5</td> -<td rowspan="2" class="xd24e1182"><img src="images/lbrace2.png" alt="" -width="12" height="40"></td> -<td class="xd24e1184 xd24e718">Luckimpoor</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">14131</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">12</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e1184 xd24e718">Muttuck</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e718">16950</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">0</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718 cellLeft">6</td> -<td colspan="2" class="xd24e1230">Goalparah</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">...</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e718">10835</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e1031">12</td> -<td class="xd24e1230 xd24e1031 cellRight">3</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft cellBottom">6</td> -<td colspan="2" class="cellBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">6</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">6</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">14</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">611268</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellBottom">9</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight cellBottom">7</td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb39" href="#pb39" name= -"pb39">39</a>]</span></p> -</div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<hr class="fnsep"> -<div class="footnote-body"> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd24e992" href="#xd24e992src" name="xd24e992">1</a></span> Page -<a href="#assamstatistics" class="pageref">38</a>. <a class= -"fnarrow" href="#xd24e992src">↑</a></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="account" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e411">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">SOME ACCOUNT<br> -OF<br> -THE ASSAMESE TRIBES.</h2> -<div class="argument"> -<p class="par first">Observations on the Khamtees—Surprise and -Conflagration of the Station of Suddeah by the Khamtees, in January -1839—Singphoos—Muttucks—State of Assam Tea -Company—Bor Abors—Abors and -Merees—Mishmees—Dooaneahs—Assamese—Nagas—American -Baptist Missionaries in Assam—Garrows—Their present and -eventual condition—Cosseahs—Traits of the people of -Bootan—Attachment of the Bootan Dooars in Assam by the British -Government—Defeat of the Booteahs, in 1836—Sath Booteah -Rajahs of Kooreahparah Dooar, in Durrung—Thebingeah Booteah -Rajahs—Sath Rajahs of Char Dooar—Hazaree Khawa -Akhas—Kuppah Choor Akhas—Meechees, and Dufflahs of Now -Dooar.</p> -</div> -<div id="khamtees" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e416">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">KHAMTEES.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the reign of Rajeswur Sing, Rajah of Assam, -about 1751 <span class="sc">A.D.</span>, on the north-eastern frontier -of Assam, the Khamtees, it is traditionally reported, emigrated from a -range of mountains bordering on the sources of the Irawaddy river to -the valley of Assam, and settled a small colony of <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb40" href="#pb40" name="pb40">40</a>]</span>fifteen -houses in the vicinity of the Tengapanee river. But between the years -1780 and 1794 <span class="sc">A.D.</span>, Goureenath Sing, the -reigning Rajah of Assam, was compelled to abandon Upper Assam after -repeated battles with the rebellious Moamareahs of Muttuck, and in the -anarchy that prevailed throughout the country, the Khamtees were -emboldened to take up a more advanced position. For that purpose, being -joined by another band of 400 Khamtees with some few muskets, they -fearlessly located themselves at Suddeah; and, though nominally -subordinate to the Assam Government, they arrogantly exercised -considerable power over the people of the Suddeah and Saikwah -districts: which were exceedingly populous at that period, and had been -placed under the direct authority of an Assamese nobleman, styled -Suddeah Khawa, an Ahoom by birth. Not content with this usurpation, -they proceeded to reduce the whole of the Assamese population to the -utmost verge of degradation; considering them as slaves, only worthy to -be spared so long as they continued obedient to the will, and were -useful to their masters in cultivating the land, and contributing to -their comforts. In the height of their success, promoted by the -weakness of the Assam Government, the Khamtees commenced kidnapping the -Merees, and other inhabitants <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb41" href= -"#pb41" name="pb41">41</a>]</span>settled in the neighbourhood of the -Dehong and Debong rivers, whom the Abors looked on as their dependants -and slaves, entitled to their special protection. This treatment being -less endurable than that of the Abors, towards whom a friendly feeling -had been created by long intercourse, the Merees were induced to -implore the protection of the latter to save them from being cruelly -taken away from their homes to serve as slaves amongst a strange tribe. -The Abors, on their side, perceiving that they were about to lose the -greater portion of their slaves by the aggressions of a formidable foe, -lost no time in preparing for war; and descending from their mountain -fastnesses to the plains bordering on the Dehong river, a furious -battle was fought between them, and, it is said, two or three hundred -Khamtees. The contest terminated in the Khamtees being defeated and -dispersed with great slaughter, upwards of one hundred men being left -on the field of battle. This trial of strength and courage with their -warlike neighbours, rendered the Khamtees ever afterwards more -circumspect in their demeanour towards the Abors, and the people -subject to them.</p> -<p class="par">During the reign of Kumleswur Sing Rajah, from 1794 to -1809, frequent battles were fought <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb42" -href="#pb42" name="pb42">42</a>]</span>between the royal troops and -Khamtees, and generally to the discomfiture of the latter. In fact so -disastrous to the Khamtees were the results, that the whole tribe was -dispersed; many were detained prisoners, and the remainder were -compelled to quit Suddeah and return to the country whence they had -issued. In 1810, Chunderkant Rajah ascended the throne, and in the -commencement of his reign the Khamtees endeavoured to regain their lost -position. Joining the Singphoos at Suddeah, they attacked one of the -forts situated at the foot of the northern hills above Suddeah, -commanded by Bihitea Burrah and Kooch Burrah, and were successful in a -night assault, having destroyed the fortress by fire and massacred 150 -soldiers. They were, however, speedily repulsed by the Assam troops, -and the whole clan was thenceforth expelled the province.</p> -<p class="par">In 1816–17, Chunderkant Rajah was treacherously -invited by the Borax Gohain to visit Jorehath, where he was formally -deposed, and ignominiously treated: having one of his ears slit, which -disqualified him for regal dignities; and Poorunder Sing, the great -grandson of Rajeswur Sing Rajah, was duly installed in his seat. This -arrangement, however, was of short duration, for in 1818 a Burmese army -of 30,000 men invaded Assam and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb43" -href="#pb43" name="pb43">43</a>]</span>replaced Chunderkant on his -throne. The ex-Rajah, Poorunder Sing, on this sudden and unlooked for -change of affairs, prudently retired to Chilmary, in Bengal,</p> -<p class="par">Under the Burmese Government, the Assamese at Suddeah -were placed under a Khamtee Gohain, or chief; and when the province was -conquered in 1824–25, Captain Neufville sanctioned the -innovation, bestowing on a Khamtee chief the title of Suddeah Khawa. -But the rights of the Assam <i>régime</i> had devolved on the -British Government, with whom it rested to revert to the former rule -wherever it might be deemed expedient: and that without any injustice -to the Khamtees, as they had no claim whatever to the title in -question. The assumption of the title of Suddeah Khawah, by the -Khamtees is variously described. It is currently believed that -Chunderkant Rajah—feeling himself insecure on the throne whilst -he had to contend with the Boora Gohain and the ex-Rajah Poorunder -Sing—invited the Khamtees to return to Suddeah, and bestowed on -one of the Khamtee chiefs the title of Suddeah Khawa; in order, by this -arrangement, to secure, through their means, a retreat for himself, if -unfortunate at a future day. But in 1820 <span class="sc">A.D.</span>, -the Burphokun having been murdered, with the connivance, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb44" href="#pb44" name="pb44">44</a>]</span>it was -supposed, of Rajah Chunderkant, the Burmese became his enemies, and -returned and dethroned him, shortly afterwards, placing on the throne -Jugesur Sing, who was the last prince of the Assam dynasty. In this -interval of anarchy, the Khamtees had re-established their influence -and power to such an extent as to overawe almost the whole of the -tribes of the frontier; and their authority at Suddeah was paramount. -The Assamese, though greatly reduced in numbers by oppression and -deaths, and from being carried off and sold into slavery by the -Singphoos and Burmese, were all now permanently under the control of -the Khamtees; but on the submission of the latter to the British -Government, a settlement was made with them, leaving the internal -management of the tribes to their own chiefs, who were exempt from -taxation, but under the obligation of performing military service to -the state when required. Revenue, however, was to be paid for the -Assamese subjects under their management, and cases of murder, -wounding, arson, and petty thefts above fifty rupees were disposed of -by British officers.</p> -<p class="par">The military population of the Suddeah district, on the -north bank of the Burrampooter, was estimated at this period to -be—Assamese, 691, Khamtees, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb45" -href="#pb45" name="pb45">45</a>]</span>428, men capable of bearing -arms: multiply these numbers by three, for old men, women, and -children, we shall reach a census of 4476 souls. On the south bank, in -the district of Saikwah, according to the same calculation, there -were,—Assamese, 616, Khamtees, 248, which, with old men, women, -and children, amounted in all to 3456 persons; thus making the united -population on the north and south banks of the Burrampooter, in the -districts of Suddeah and Saikwah, 7,932 persons.</p> -<p class="par">In the year 1829, notwithstanding the Khamtees were -bound by treaty to pay allegiance to the British Government, such was -the intriguing character of the Khamtee Suddeah Khawa Gohain, that the -strongest ground existed for believing him to be engaged in a -traitorous combination against us. He was the first person who invited -the Burmese into the country, and having a relative residing at Ava, he -maintained not only with that court, but throughout the frontier, a -general correspondence. In the absence of a European military officer, -or Political Agent at Suddeah, a native manager or Suznatee, was -generally the channel of all communications between the chiefs and the -British Government. But in the years 1834–35, Captain Charlton -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb46" href="#pb46" name= -"pb46">46</a>]</span>was placed in charge of the Khamtee chiefs, and -the Suddeah and Saikwah districts; and by the measures he adopted to -check the traffic in slaves, and protect the Assam population from the -oppressive exactions of the Khamtees, he created the utmost -dissatisfaction among the latter, and caused them to be highly -incensed. Moreover, in December 1834, instructions were issued -requiring a census of the population to be taken; with the view of -levying a capitation tax, to be renewed every five years, in lieu of -military service to the state. When this innovation was proposed, it -was urged that the state of society among these tribes was such, that -the materials for direct taxation were not available; that the -introduction of our rule would cause too violent a shock to the habits -and usages of the rude people; and that the result, in all probability, -would be a harassing rebellion, which would retard the progress of -improvement. Concurring in these views, the Government deemed it unsafe -fully to enforce the plan of assessment. The Assamese residing within -the Suddeah territory were taxed at the rate of one rupee per head; but -the Khamtee tribes were exempted from this imposition, on condition of -their performing military service as they <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb47" href="#pb47" name="pb47">47</a>]</span>had hitherto done under -the Assamese and British Governments.</p> -<p class="par">Notwithstanding this concession, however, an -insubordinate spirit was immediately manifested by the tribes, and it -thus became necessary to deprive them of the muskets given them by -Captain Neufville, and to depose the Khamtee Suddeah Khawa Gohain. The -loss of this title and usurped sovereignty over the Assamese was -grievously felt by the Khamtees, and from that period their -estrangement from the British Government may fairly be dated. About -this time, also, the Khamtee Suddeah Khawa Gohain was arraigned on a -charge of slave-dealing,—an unfortunate occurrence, which -rendered the Khamtee chiefs still more indisposed to our rule. Serious -apprehensions were thenceforth entertained of an open revolt, and -combination with our enemies. Nevertheless, not to appear distrustful -of their intentions, they were invited to accompany Lieut. Charlton, in -the rainy season of 1835, in the expedition against the Duffa -Gaum’s force at the stockade of Gackwah; in storming which place -the Runowa, the Tow Gohain of Derack (who was wounded in the neck), and -the Captain Gohain accompanied him, and were said to have behaved -bravely, and been present when Lieut. Charlton was wounded. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb48" href="#pb48" name= -"pb48">48</a>]</span>It was confidently asserted, however, that though -these chiefs did accompany Lieut. Charlton when he took the advanced -stockade or guard-house, there were not more than five or six men in -it, who ran away immediately; and it is probable that the Khamtee -chiefs were aware of there being so few men, as they afterwards -completely abandoned Lieut. Charlton when he so gallantly attacked the -large stockade. Indeed, from the whole of their conduct subsequently, -there is every reason to conclude that they were in league with the -enemy, for they made no attempt to obstruct his retreat, and said -openly that they could not be expected to fight now that a census was -taking of their subjects for the purpose of assessing them; and that -they got no presents as was formerly the custom. In the cold season of -1835, the Political Agent led another expedition against the Duffa -Gaum, and accepted the voluntary offer of the Khamtee chiefs to -accompany him: not in a well-grounded belief in the sincerity of the -proposal, but as a matter of policy, with the view of rendering the -Duffa Gaum doubtful of their intentions; and thinking it safer to keep -an eye upon them, whilst close at hand, rather than to leave them in -the rear. In these operations, all previous suspicions of their -disaffection were completely confirmed, for in no <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb49" href="#pb49" name="pb49">49</a>]</span>one -instance did the principal chiefs afford any support, and they even -took care not to place their contingents within fire on the first day. -Subsequently, when placed on the line of the Duffa Gaum’s -retreat, they made no effort to obstruct it, otherwise the chief would -have been captured; and there is every reason to believe that the -<span class="corr" id="xd24e1344" title= -"Source: negociation">negotiation</span> was entirely defeated through -their efforts, in concert with others.</p> -<p class="par">The difficulty, however, of substantiating matters of -this kind in this frontier, amongst these wild tribes, is exceedingly -great, for a great deal of correspondence on such subjects is carried -on by symbols and tokens: such as pieces of buffalo flesh, short -swords, muskets, ball, powder, &c.; but at the very time the -Khamtees were posted to cut off the Duffa Gaum’s retreat, one of -their chiefs deserted to him, and doubtless gave the intelligence the -enemy stood in need of; and it is currently reported that they fired on -the British troops, with whom they were co-operating, more than on the -enemy. It is even believed that the Khamtees were aware of the Duffa -Gaum’s irruption from the first, and promoted it, with the view -of finding us occupation on the frontier, and thereby preventing the -realization of our plans for assessing them, as <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb50" href="#pb50" name="pb50">50</a>]</span>they -were firmly impressed with the belief that it was our intention to -reduce them to a level with the Assamese. It is true that they offered -to pay taxes at one rupee per head, on condition of being exempted from -military service, but that they were sincere in this offer was not -credited: had the measure been enforced, they would probably have -resisted it, or moved out of our territory.</p> -<p class="par">In the beginning of 1837, a marked spirit of -disaffection existed amongst the Khamtee chiefs, and it was generally -understood that they had combined with the Abors and Mishmees to -subvert our power; and they had probably encouraged the Abors to attack -us, in the hope of making themselves of consequence and thereby -recovering their former power over the Assamese. Or it might have been -with a view of preventing the extension of taxation to themselves, -which, notwithstanding our promises to the contrary, they expected -would be enforced when necessary or convenient. In the latter end of -1837, the Khamtees made an inroad on the Mishmees, averring that the -Mishmees had taken away their slaves some years ago; but there is no -record of the existence of any real pretext for violence. On the -contrary, it appears that the Khamtees sold the subjects of the British -Government <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb51" href="#pb51" name= -"pb51">51</a>]</span>to the Mishmees. The real motive for the incursion -is supposed to have been that the Runoah and Tawah Gohains intended -proceeding to a particular spot in the Mishmee hills, with the view of -expelling a portion of that tribe and of ultimately withdrawing -themselves from the authority of the British Government, to which they -had evinced no cordial feeling of attachment. In fact, both in 1835 and -1837 it was recommended to the Government that the Khamtees should be -located elsewhere than at Suddeah, in order that unpleasant collisions -might be avoided, and our peaceable Assamese subjects be induced more -cheerfully to submit to taxation.</p> -<p class="par">The only incident that transpired worthy of notice in -1838 was that, without any permission, the Khamtees commenced preparing -some lands for cultivation about a day’s journey from Suddeah; -alleging as their reason the scarcity of good land at Suddeah. This -plea was, however, untenable: the real cause was that the paucity of -the population at Suddeah had rendered it necessary for the Government -officers to make requisitions for coolies to work on the roads, -although considerably higher wages had been paid than in other parts of -the country, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb52" href="#pb52" name= -"pb52">52</a>]</span>and the dread of these requisitions had induced -the Khamtees to think of removing.</p> -<p class="par">Thus passed the years 1836, 37 and 38: rumours of an -insurrection being about to break out were occasionally prevalent, but -it was supposed that the Khamtees had too much good sense to league -with other lawless and disaffected tribes and hazard a rebellion, -unless supported by a large Burmese army. In the following year, -however, the deceitful calm was suddenly disturbed. About half past 2 -o’clock on the morning of the 28th January, 1839, the clouds that -had long been gathering, burst on the doomed post of Suddeah. The -Khamtees, including a few Moolooks and Singphoos and others, in number -about six hundred fighting men, divided into four -parties—impressed with their own importance and strength, and -perhaps stimulated to greater daring by opium—insidiously set -fire to the houses of the officers and huts of the soldiers and camp -followers, at different points; at the same time furiously attacking -with short swords, spears, &c., the stockade and Assam Light -Infantry in their lines, and the quarters of the artillery. -Notwithstanding that the attack was totally unlooked for, and the -greatest confusion prevailed from the extensive conflagration and -uproar throughout the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb53" href="#pb53" -name="pb53">53</a>]</span>station—the Sipahees being surrounded -by their wives and families, and knowing that the enemy cut up men, -women, and children, indiscriminately—the panic was of short -duration. Discipline soon came into play; a few men got together, -headed by their officers, and retook the stockade in fifteen minutes. -The enemy then confined their remaining exertions to cutting up a few -helpless individuals in the bazaar; but after a few rounds of grape and -round shot from a carronade and a six-pounder which had been fired, at -the commencement of the attack, they fled from the cantonment of -Suddeah in three bodies, leaving behind them twenty-one men killed on -the spot. The loss of killed and wounded on our side, including men, -women, and children, amounted to eighty persons. The political agent, -Lieutenant-Colonel White, who had only arrived at Suddeah a few days -before the attack, placing too much confidence in the illusive -permanence of Khamtee allegiance, did not deem it necessary to have for -his protection a guard of Sipahees at his house; and on this eventful -night he had left his bungalow on the first alarm, and was proceeding -by the nearest route to the lines, when he was met by a party of the -enemy, who instantly attacked him. He fell, pierced with nine spear -wounds. It is a matter <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb54" href="#pb54" -name="pb54">54</a>]</span>of great regret that this officer should have -lost his life from the want of proper precaution, for, had a guard been -placed at his house, there is little doubt but that he would have -fought his way in safety to the troops in the lines, as other officers -did. Being a benevolent, brave, talented officer, his death was deeply -lamented by the corps; more particularly as he was the only European -who met an untimely end on this memorable morning.</p> -<p class="par">The Khamtees, it is reported, had long endeavoured to -persuade the Singphoos to join them in their intended outbreak and -massacre of our troops, and some had assented to share in the promised -plunder of the district; but whether they hesitated from fear of the -consequences, or that the Khamtees anticipated the day of attack from a -sanguine expectation of accomplishing their design through their own -prowess, unassisted by other tribes, we had no means of ascertaining: -further than that the Singphoos, excepting a few in the neighbourhood -of Suddeah, on this occasion showed their foresight and prudence in not -being implicated in the reckless rebellion. But as the Singphoos, -immediately after the Suddeah catastrophe, attacked and burnt several -villages in the Saikwah district, it is evident they were prepared to -take advantage of the surprise <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb55" -href="#pb55" name="pb55">55</a>]</span>of the post had our troops been -defeated or annihilated.</p> -<p class="par">The Moolooks engaged in this conspiracy were well -affected to the British Government, and at first refused to join the -Khamtees in attacking our troops; but the Moolook Gaum, or chief, -having been instantly barbarously murdered by the Khamtees for -declining to act against us, his little band was intimidated and -compelled reluctantly to follow the dreaded Khamtee leaders. A few -Mishmees, who were also at this time on a visit to Suddeah for trading -purposes, were unfortunately induced to join in the treacherous affray, -and many that were fighting for their lives were slain by the troops. -Some of the Suddeah Assamese population were likewise implicated, and -punished by the law with the severity their temerity and ingratitude -deserved: for they had received no provocation, neither had they any -grievances to resent or redress.</p> -<p class="par">In a few months the Khamtee tribe (excepting the -Khamtees of Palangpan, who were not implicated) were driven by the -Assam Light Infantry beyond the frontier; and the Assam valley was, for -the third time within a century, freed from the presence of this -inimical tribe. Shortly after the return of the troops from this -expedition, however, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb56" href="#pb56" -name="pb56">56</a>]</span>the Khamtees again located themselves at the -foot of the Mishmee hills, close to a pass leading into the Burkhamtee -country. In 1843, the Runoah Gohain and Tow Gohain, chief actors in the -dire disaster of 1839, being dead, their sons and many Khamtees, sent -in a petition for pardon, and for permission to return and place -themselves under the protection of the British Government. Their prayer -was generously acceded to, and a treaty was at once drawn up offering -them free pardon for the past rebellion: on condition of their coming -down with their wives and families and locating themselves at -Choonpoorah, a short distance above Suddeah, where they should be -permitted to cultivate the land rent free for five years. They were -further bound to abstain from the trafficking in slaves, and to arrange -all petty disputes amongst themselves; but all heinous offences, -murder, gang robbery, serious wounding and thefts, were to be settled -by the political agent. Finally, after ten years they were to abide by -any other arrangement the British Government might deem expedient. -Previous to this settlement, and shortly after the insurrection of -1839, a small body of Khamtees were sent down to the district of -Luckimpore, and by their own industry cleared and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb57" href="#pb57" name="pb57">57</a>]</span>brought -into a beautiful state of cultivation a fine tract of country. They, -however, live most secludedly from their neighbours, retaining their -own habits and customs; and it is to be feared that a long period of -time will elapse before they amalgamate or assimilate themselves with -the Assamese population. Eventually, should the whole body of this -discontented, restless, intriguing tribe return to their allegiance -under the British Government, their past history would not warrant the -most sanguine mind to expect from them, permanently, either a cheerful -submission to our rule or a readiness to pay revenue, without an -exhibition of force. Neither can we confidently anticipate that they -will adopt peaceable, agricultural, industrious habits in the present -generation; being addicted to opium and habitual indolence, and -preferring the precarious gain derivable from bartering ivory, gold, -and impure silver, to the drudgery of regular industry. But it is -impossible to calculate on the benefits and changes that might be -effected in their feelings and character, could they be prevailed on to -have their children educated in our schools; and this scheme for their -amelioration has long been contemplated.</p> -<p class="par">In stature the Khamtees are middle sized, in countenance -resembling the Chinese more than any <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb58" href="#pb58" name="pb58">58</a>]</span>other tribe on the -frontier, and possessing the same kind of complexion: perhaps a shade -darker. They are an active, intelligent, shrewd, warlike looking race -of men, but there is a sinister expression, mixed with a peculiar -severity, pervading their countenances, that leaves anything but a -favourable impression of the benevolence of their dispositions. -Vindictive and cruel natures would infallibly be imputed to them by the -physiognomist, and experience has shown that this would prove a just -estimate of their general character. The chiefs of this tribe are fond -of mechanical employments, and with rude instruments most ingeniously -work up iron and silver into a variety of forms for arms, ornaments, -and pipes. With a little European instruction they would probably -become skilful workmen in this art. Their wearing apparel consists of a -simple dhotee or sheet folded round the waist and falling below the -knee; this, with a dyed blue cotton jacket extending below the waist -and well fitted to the body, gives them a smart, tidy appearance. Their -long hair is bound up in a high knot on the crown of the head, and -sometimes a white cotton cloth is used as a turban. The principal food -of the Khamtees consists of rice and vegetables; but meat, when -procurable, is never refused. They also enjoy <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb59" href="#pb59" name= -"pb59">59</a>]</span>spirituous liquors; and their creed, Boodhism, -seems to have imbued them with few prejudices debarring them from the -unrestrained indulgence of their natural inclinations.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="singphoos" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#xd24e424">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">SINGPHOOS.</h3> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“’Tis ours by craft and by surprise to -gain:—</p> -<p class="line">’Tis theirs to meet in arms and battle on the -plain.”</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd24e1392"><span class="sc">Prior.</span></p> -<p class="par">The Singphoo tribes occupy the country between the -twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth degrees of north latitude, bounded on -the north by the Burrampooter, on the east by the Mishmee mountains, on -the south by the Patkoe range, and on the west by the space from the -mouth of the Now Dehing river, debouching into the Burrampooter in a -direct line to Ningroo, terminating at the foot of the hills south of -the Boree Dehing river. Half of this tract, of about 1,400 square -miles, may be considered hilly, and the remainder undulating. The soil -is rich and fertile, and abundant crops of rice are easily raised both -on the high and low lands. Sugar-cane grows luxuriantly; <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb60" href="#pb60" name="pb60">60</a>]</span>tea is -likewise found, and every part of the country is intersected by fine -clear streams. The most productive corn tracts are the valleys of the -Teerap, Namroop, Boree Dehing, Now Dehing, Mudhoopanee, Tengapanee, and -Kurempanee. Almost the whole of this country, at the present time, may -be said to be one immense forest, but about sixty years ago, or -previous to the arrival and settlement of the Singphoos within the -Assam frontier, it was considered, from the great extent of -cultivation, a fertile, salubrious region. The Singphoo population was -estimated in 1838 at about 6000 persons; but in the absence of a -regular census, we can form no accurate estimate of their real numbers. -At the present day their communities are very small: probably 6000 -persons would not be found scattered over the whole frontier north of -the Patkoe range. In the vicinity of the Tengapanee, the following -Singphoo chiefs reside:—Niphoonnong, Tangsangtau, Jowbongsang, -Nidong, Koonkie, Phoop, Oompheedor, Luttora, Ong, Keemingdoo, Niyang, -Lajee, Mannong, Nakinchong, Nisah, Koomiyunglah, Ninayong, Jooloo, -Nisah Doboon, Jowna, Wakhut. On the Now Dehing; Komonjong, Wakhut, -Soanjang, Kamchowjow. On the Mudhoo and Jengloo-Panee; Luthaon-Jowbong, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb61" href="#pb61" name= -"pb61">61</a>]</span>Simaen, Moolan, Jowken, Nisam, Phoinchee, -Seerolasein, Mokhoh, Nidhen Lekhala, Nizen Chowkhen. On the Boree -Dhing; Kinglong, Chamsong, Ningroola, Beesa, Lakhoom, Noobrong, Lajong, -Seong, Bathamgam, Moongong, Jowkeem.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e1403width" id="p059"><img src="images/p059.jpg" -alt="SINGPHOO HAT, HELMET, CROSS-BOW, QUIVER, AND ARROWS." width="454" -height="720"> -<p class="figureHead">SINGPHOO HAT, HELMET, CROSS-BOW, QUIVER, AND -ARROWS.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>To face page 59.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">Each of the different Singphoo tribes is governed by a -chief, designated a Gaum, whose authority over his clan is nearly -despotic, and entirely independent of the other chiefs. The general -body of clans seldom combine, except for purposes of plunder. -Occasionally, however, some chiefs, endowed with superior energy, -acquire influence over the rest; and this would appear to have been the -case with the Beesa Gaum, when the late Mr. Scott, agent to the -Governor-General, entered into a treaty with the Singphoo chiefs. At -that time the Beesa Gaum was the most intelligent and influential of -the chieftains, and was publicly recognised as the agent through whom -the sentiments of the British Government should be made known to the -different tribes. In other respects he had no controlling authority, -and was regarded by his brother chieftains as merely their equal. On -the invasion of Assam by the Burmese, the Singphoos joined the force, -and partook of their plunder; in <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb62" -href="#pb62" name="pb62">62</a>]</span>fact, they had no alternative: -their only option was to plunder others or to be plundered.</p> -<p class="par">Prior to the conquest of Assam by the British power, the -Singphoo tribes had been accustomed to make annual incursions into the -province, for the purpose of obtaining slaves and plunder; but on the -establishment of a British force at Suddeah, this practice was -effectually restrained. From this circumstance arose their dislike to -our power, which readily disposes them to listen to any adventurer who -holds out to them the prospect of driving us out of the country; for -with the reckless and short-sighted policy of barbarians, they never -calculate the consequences of a revolt, but think that if the British -troops were defeated, and our influence annihilated, all their desires -would be accomplished.</p> -<p class="par">The Burmese having been driven from the province, in -1824–25, by our troops, and the Singphoos completely subdued, it -became necessary to adopt measures for the establishment of our future -intercourse with the latter; and for this purpose, on the 3rd of May, -1826, a treaty was entered into with them, granting them terms they had -no reason to expect. The following is a copy of the compact:</p> -<p class="par">“Whereas we, the Singphoo chiefs named Bam, -Komjoy, Meejong, Jow, Chowkhen, Jowrah, Chow, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb63" href="#pb63" name="pb63">63</a>]</span>Chumun, -Neenjun, Tangrang, Chowbal, Chumta, Chowrah, Chowdoo, Chowkam, -Koomring, &c., are under the subjection of the British Government. -We execute this agreement to Mr. David Scott, the agent to the Governor -General, and hereby engage to adhere to the following terms, viz: 1st. -Assam being under the sway of the British Government, we and our -dependent Singphoos, who were subjects of the Assam state, acknowledge -subjection to that Government. We agree not to side with the Burmese, -or any other king, nor to commit any aggressions whatever; but we will -obey the orders of the British Government.</p> -<p class="par">“2dly. Whenever a British force may march to -Assam, to protect it from foreign aggression, we will supply that force -with grain, &c.; make and repair roads for it, and execute any -order that may be issued to us; and we shall, on our doing so, be -protected by that force.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd24e1425" title= -"Not in source">“</span>3rd. If we abide by the terms of this -agreement, no tribute shall be paid by us; but if any Assam Paicks, of -their own accord, reside in our villages, the tax on such Paicks shall -be paid to the British Government.</p> -<p class="par">“4th. We will set at large, or cause to be -liberated any Assam people whom we may have <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb64" href="#pb64" name="pb64">64</a>]</span>seized, -and they shall have the option to reside wherever they please.</p> -<p class="par">“5th. If any of the Singphoos rob any of the Assam -people residing in our country, we will apprehend the former, and -surrender him to the British Government; but if we fail to do so, we -will make good the loss thus sustained by the latter.</p> -<p class="par">“6th. We will govern and protect the Singphoos -under us, as heretofore, and adjust their differences; and if any -boundary dispute occur amongst us, we will not take up arms without the -knowledge of the British Government.</p> -<p class="par">“7th. We will adhere to the terms of this -agreement, and never depart from them. This agreement shall be binding -upon our brothers, sons, nephews and relatives in such way as the Agent -to the Governor-General may deem proper. We have executed this -agreement in the presence of many. Written at Suddeah, 5th May, 1826, -<span class="sc">A.D.</span>”</p> -<p class="par">The Singphoo country remained undisturbed until the year -1830, when the invasion of Wakim Koomjoon, from the province of -Hookong, on the Burmese side, took place, and was promptly repelled by -Captain Neufville. On this occasion, the Luttora and Tengapanee -Singphoos took part with the invader, and the Beesa Gaum with the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb65" href="#pb65" name= -"pb65">65</a>]</span>British authorities. The assistance of the Beesa -Gaum does not appear to have been of a very active nature, but his -conduct was nevertheless approved by the Political Agent, and rewarded -by Government. He was, however, shortly afterwards dismissed from the -situation of Sunzatee, and Zalim Sing, a Soobadar of the Assam Light -Infantry, who had greatly distinguished himself under Captain -Neufville, was appointed to the office. Bijee Nath Sing, a Soobadar of -the Assam Light Infantry, succeeded him in 1839.</p> -<p class="par">In 1835, the attack of the Duffa Gaum upon the Beesa -took place. This compelled the British Government to interfere for his -protection, and to avenge the massacre of its subjects; but although -the attacking party came from Hookong, the contest was in reality -between the Khakoo Singphoos, under the Luttoora chief (who espoused -the Duffa’s cause), and the Now Dehing and Booree Dehing -Singphoos, on the side of the Beesa; for the Duffa only brought fifty -muskets with him and one hundred followers, the remainder of his force -being collected within the British boundary.</p> -<p class="par">The feud between the two rival chieftains, the Duffa and -the Beesa, arose in 1823 <span class="sc">A.D.</span>, two years before -the assumption of the sovereignty of Assam <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb66" href="#pb66" name="pb66">66</a>]</span>by the -British Government. A Singphoo chief of rank, named Likhee Khandoo, who -had lately come over from Hookong, had proposed to the Beesa Gaum that -the Singphoos, in conjunction, should attack the Bursenaputty, or chief -of the Muttucks. The Beesa chief replied that he would willingly join -provided the Duffa Gaum was of the party; the latter was applied to, -but refused to engage in the enterprise; nevertheless the attack was -made by the Singphoos, but was repulsed with severe loss to them, the -Muttucks having received secret information which enabled them to -prepare to receive the assailants. The prior intelligence of the attack -which the Bursenaputty had received, was ascribed, whether justly or -unjustly, to the Duffa chief’s agency. Accordingly, in a spirit -of revenge, the remaining Singphoos attacked his house, wounded his -wife (who died from the effects of her wounds), and killed some of his -people. It is not certain that the Beesa chief was present at this -outrage, but as the party went from his house, there can be little -doubt of his connivance at the transaction. After this the Duffa chief -withdrew into the district of Hookong, under Burmese control; and -although repeatedly invited by the British authorities to return and -resume his territory, he never could be prevailed on <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb67" href="#pb67" name="pb67">67</a>]</span>to do -so. Nor did he ever make application to obtain redress for the injuries -he had sustained from the Beesa chief prior to the conquest of Assam by -the British Government, and it was evidently never his intention to -apply. Indeed, it would have been incompatible with Singphoo notions of -honour that a chieftain should have obtained redress in this manner -without retaliating upon his enemy. With this latter view, ever since -his retreat from Assam, he had been gradually labouring to extend his -influence amongst the Singphoos, across both the Burmese and Assam -sides of the boundary line; and possessing the advantage of birth, -superior connections, and a reputation for liberality, he at length -succeeded in establishing an ascendancy paramount to that of the Beesa -chief: which had latterly declined, owing to his connection with the -British Government. The Beesa chief, and those dependent upon him, had -been compelled to give up the Assamese who returned from slavery in -Burmah—a measure extremely repugnant to the Singphoos, dependant -as they were upon the Assamese for the means of subsistence.</p> -<p class="par">Matters stood in this position up to July 1835, when the -Duffa Gaum, having obtained decided influence, planned an expedition -into the Beesa’s <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb68" href="#pb68" -name="pb68">68</a>]</span>territory, and appearing there unexpectedly, -surprised and plundered his village, murdered his wife, his son’s -wife, and ninety of his people: thus retaliating in a far greater -degree the injury he had sustained. On hearing of this outrage, -Lieutenant Charlton ordered out a company, and instructed the Soobadar -to inform the Duffa Gaum that he must forthwith quit the Assam -boundary, and that, on reaching the frontier, any complaint he had to -prefer against the Beesa chief would be promptly attended to. The Duffa -chief refusing to comply with the mandate, Lieutenant Charlton was -obliged to employ force against him; but the troops under Lieutenant -Charlton’s command being insufficient for the purpose, three -months afterwards (in November 1835) the political agent in person -moved to his assistance with two hundred and fifty men of the Assam -Light Infantry.</p> -<p class="par">The Duffa Gaum, anticipating an attack, had taken up a -strong position in the stockades on the Menaboom hills. Prior to -resorting to hostilities, every exertion was made to induce the chief -to come to terms, and a three days’ truce was granted for this -purpose. The Khamtee chiefs and the Bursenaputtee of Muttuck, who -accompanied the political agent as auxiliaries on this occasion, were -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb69" href="#pb69" name= -"pb69">69</a>]</span>required to escort the Duffa Gaum to the camp of -the Political Agent as a security that his person would be respected, -and that he would be permitted to return unmolested should no -satisfactory result follow the meeting. The Duffa Gaum, however, being -still apprehensive of treachery, could not be prevailed upon to attend -the conference, until the Political Agent consented to meet him at a -spot one hundred and fifty yards distant from his fort, with an escort -of only a havildar and twelve soldiers. The escort having been -scrupulously counted, the chief at last came out with a similar number -of armed followers. His demeanour was most abject: he and his whole -escort sunk down upon their knees, and taking a handful of the earth, -he kissed it and said that the Company was Lord and Master thereof. He -then proceeded to speak of the injuries he had sustained from the Beesa -Gaum. In reply, he was told that he had no reason to complain of the -British Government, as he had never represented the conduct of the -Beesa chief to any of the functionaries, and that it could not be -expected that the Government should take cognizance of acts which had -occurred in 1823, prior to its assumption of the sovereignty of Assam. -The injuries which the British Government had sustained from him were -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb70" href="#pb70" name= -"pb70">70</a>]</span>then recapitulated: the murder of its subjects, -the plunder of their property, and the Duffa Gaum’s stubborn -persistence in retaining his position in the face of repeated -injunctions that he should withdraw from the territory within the Assam -boundary. It was further brought to his recollection that the British -Government had repeatedly offered him repossession of his territory, -provided he came in a peaceable manner, but that it was incompatible -with its dignity to allow him to attempt to extort by force that which -had been given spontaneously. He was then required, First, to make -good, by an annual instalment in money, elephants’ teeth, or gold -dust, the loss of 8000 rupees that our merchants had sustained by his -treacherous attack on Beesa: furnishing security, or a hostage, for the -fulfilment of his engagement; and, Secondly, to dismiss the auxiliary -Singphoos whom he had brought from the Burmese territory: and as a -security for their not returning he was to give up their arms. The -Duffa Gaum agreed to both these propositions, apparently in the most -joyful manner, and promised faithfully to come in the following -morning; but the next day he sent a letter into camp referring entirely -to his ancient dispute with the Beesa chief, and making no allusion -whatever to the terms proposed to him. <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb71" href="#pb71" name="pb71">71</a>]</span>Upon this, the British -force took up a position within five hundred yards of his stockade; but -the Duffa Gaum’s agent immediately came out and said, that if the -Political Agent would advance alone to a place within one hundred and -fifty yards of the fort, the chief would come out and accompany him to -camp. The Political Agent complied with the request, remained at the -appointed spot half an hour at considerable personal risk, and called -upon the Duffa Gaum to fulfil to his promise. The answer given was, -that the Duffa Gaum had no confidence in the sincerity of the Political -Agent, as Wakutchangnang had sent him a flint, powder and ball, the -evening before: which was equivalent to an intimation that his -intentions were warlike whilst proposing peace. The Agent urged in the -strongest manner that no such message had been sent; but finding the -Duffa Gaum immovable, hostilities were reluctantly resorted to. A -signal was given to the battery, and the fire commenced; the stockade -was carried, and the Duffa chief fled beyond the frontier.</p> -<p class="par">Not the slightest doubt was entertained of the -individual desire of the Duffa chief for peace; but the Khamtee chiefs, -being irritated by certain proposed innovations in 1834—such as -taking a census <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb72" href="#pb72" name= -"pb72">72</a>]</span>and taxing them—were the first, it is -believed, to call in the Duffa chief, with a view of exciting troubles -and obstructing the maturity of our plans; and thus was the negotiation -marred.</p> -<p class="par">In the year 1838 public tranquillity was again disturbed -by a feud between the Peshee and Let chiefs, which compelled the -British Government to interfere and punish the former: who, contrary to -his agreement, persisted in attacking the latter. The Luttora chief -likewise violated his compact, by giving aid to the Peshee chief, and -was driven from the Company’s territory.</p> -<p class="par">Though the Tengapanee Singphoos did not arrive in time -to join in a body with the Khamtee chiefs, in the attack made on the -post of Suddeah in January 1839, their disaffection was apparent in -their unprovoked attack upon, and plunder of, the villages in the -Saikwah district, when they carried off many Dooaneahs. In consequence -of this outrage, a detachment of troops visited in November 1839, the -principal villages of Inshaw, Dobom, Inban, Luttora, Koomkie, and Tang -Sang Tang; situated at the foot of the Mishmee hills, between the -Kerempanee north, and Mena Boom hills south, in the vicinity of the -Tengapanee, which takes its rise in the Mena Boom hills south. On this -occasion the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb73" href="#pb73" name= -"pb73">73</a>]</span>whole of the chiefs were assembled, and the -heinousness of their late conduct explained: fines were imposed in -proportion to their means, and their submission and pledges required to -an extent never before obtained, besides the restitution of most of the -Dooaneahs carried away from Saikwah. The confederacy between the -Singphoos and Kamtees was broken up, and the expulsion of the Deerack -Tawah Gohain effected, with the loss of his village and a quantity of -grain.</p> -<p class="par">In November 1841, considerable alarm pervaded the -north-east frontier, owing to a report that the Tippum Rajah, aided by -the Burmese and Singphoos from both sides of the border, meditated an -incursion into Assam. To remove this impression, a tour was made by the -Political Agent with a company of the Assam Light Infantry, a body of -Golundaz, and two three pounders carried on elephants, through the -greater portion of the Singphoo territory. The route pursued was from -Saikwah up the Burrampooter river to the Tengapanee; and on passing the -villages of Kinglong, Dohing Koomkee, the principal chiefs, Neesaka of -Jusha, Ong of Luttora, Labing of Dobom, Tang Sang Tang, Koomong of -Koomkee, and Samnong, son of the Wakhet chief, paid their respects. -From thence <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb74" href="#pb74" name= -"pb74">74</a>]</span>the party proceeded up the bed of the Tengapanee, -by the site of the former village of Luttora, on to Naing and -Meerappanee, and commenced the ascent over the Mena Boom hills: a most -trying undertaking for elephants, as they had to travel along a narrow -ridge in some places only a few paces wide, and entirely composed of -loose stones; the sides frequently presenting dangerous precipices. It -was in descending this ridge that the laden elephants encountered the -greatest difficulty; yet they managed to get down without the necessity -of dismounting the guns, and reached Beesa and Ningroo in perfect -safety. The Singphoos thus learned the folly of trusting to their -stockades in their fastnesses, when guns could be brought against them -by moderate exertion and ingenuity. It was hoped that this tour would -also tend to repress the feuds so constantly arising amongst -themselves; seeing that justice could be administered even in retreats -the most secluded and difficult of access. But this expectation was not -realized; for in the year 1842 the Tippum Rajah (brother of Jegessur -Sing, the last rajah of Assam, said to be now governor of Hookong and -Mogong) sent the Beesa chief six pounds of needles, half of which were -broken, to be distributed by him amongst the Singphoos: a <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb75" href="#pb75" name="pb75">75</a>]</span>token or -signal of alliance and preparation for war. This intimation was -followed up in January 1843 by an attack on a party consisting of one -Jemadar, one Havildar, one Naick, and twenty Sipahees located in a -small stockade at Beesa. Some previous altercation had occurred between -the Jemadar and the Beesa chief regarding the repair of the stockade, -which not having been effected, the Jemadar had contemptuously called -the Beesa chief an old cow, and in return vengeance was vowed in -intelligible terms. After holding out for some days, three Sipahees -being killed and three wounded in the defence, the Jemadar was -unfortunately induced to surrender himself and party prisoners of war; -the treacherous Singphoos having assured him that the posts of Ningroo -and Koojoo had fallen into their hands, and our troops been totally -defeated. Trusting to their mercy and honour, he caused his men to -cease firing; and oaths were freely taken in support of promises of -good and honourable treatment; but the instant the Singphoos gained -admittance into the stockade, the Jemadar and the whole party were -disarmed and bound. The next morning the Jemadar and Havildar were led -out by the Singphoos and tied up to a tree, and fired at; after this -they were hewn to pieces with a short sword, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb76" href="#pb76" name="pb76">76</a>]</span>on the -same spot where one of the Singphoos had been shot by the Jemadar when -in possession of the stockade. Nine of the Sipahees were sold into -slavery, some to Hookong and Burkhamtee. Thus signally did the -Singphoos gratify their revenge, at the commencement of the irruption -or attempt to break through the line of outposts and lay waste the -whole country.</p> -<p class="par">Their second and third attacks on the Koojoo and Ningroo -stockades, defended by European officers, were completely frustrated. -The Koojoo stockade was besieged for some days, but a sally being made -on the enemy whilst the Singphoos were at dinner, they were defeated -and fled in the utmost consternation. The Ningroo stockade was likewise -at night suddenly attacked and taken by surprise, but after a short, -sharp struggle, in which several lives were lost, the Singphoos left -the stockade in greater haste than they entered it.</p> -<p class="par">The Tippum Rajah’s sister was married to the late -king of Ava, and she is supposed to be in favour with the present king. -It may be owing to her influence that the Tippum Rajah is reported to -be now Governor of Hookong, to take advantage of any opportunity to -invade Assam. Scarcely a year passes without some such reports being -spread <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb77" href="#pb77" name= -"pb77">77</a>]</span>throughout the province, and there is great reason -to believe that the Singphoo insurrection of 1843 was raised at the -suggestion, or at least through the connivance of the Rajah; as many -Burmese or Shans under his jurisdiction crossed the frontier and joined -the insurgents in the hope of plundering the province. Had success -attended their first attempts, it cannot be doubted but that many more -would have soon followed their example, in the speedy removal of slaves -and property from Assam. But the real origin of the insurrection was -the occupation of the Koojoo tea garden and other tea tracts. The -constant desertion of the Dooaneah slaves and dependants, who are the -people chiefly employed in cultivation under the Singphoos, besides the -advance of civilization consequent on the establishment of a -considerable village at Jeypore with European residents, was the source -of much heart-burning. The occupation of Muttuck, formerly under native -management, must also have proved distasteful to a savage people -possessing a wild country and delighting in extensive hunting-grounds. -These circumstances, aggravated by frequent quarrels with the Sipahees -at Ningroo, the unauthorized apprehension of two Let Singphoos by the -Jemadar, and a desire of revenge for the execution, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb78" href="#pb78" name="pb78">78</a>]</span>many -years ago, of Ningroola Gaum’s kinsman, certainly contributed to -produce the insurrection of 1843.</p> -<p class="par">Viewing the nature of our connection with the Singphoos -generally, it must be acknowledged that the balance of advantage had -been decidedly in their favour; for while we have been called upon to -fight their battles, little or no assistance has, comparatively, been -afforded us by them. Being a rude, treacherous people, little faith can -be placed in them; neither can we expect they will be influenced or -bound by any treaties not in accordance with their own views: in fact -they have in no respect fulfilled their obligations to the British -Government.</p> -<p class="par">The Singphoo country is eminently unfavourable to the -operations of regular troops, owing to its mountainous character, -unrelieved by plains or table lands, the want of roads, the extreme -scarcity of provisions, the absence of local means of transport, and -above all the unhealthiness of the climate. The Government is likewise -put to a great expense without commensurate benefit, for in such a rude -and barbarous state of society revenue cannot be collected without the -employment of military force; and this is not always adequate to -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb79" href="#pb79" name= -"pb79">79</a>]</span>the success of hostile operations, because of its -paucity and the advantage afforded to the natives by the natural -defences of the country: of which they are not slow to avail -themselves.</p> -<p class="par">In reviewing the different tribes of Assam, it may not -be out of place to offer a brief sketch of one or two of the -chieftains.</p> -<p class="par">Wakut-chang-nang is the son of a Singphoo chief who -submitted to Captain Neufville in 1825, and received a present of a gun -and other articles from him, which he requited by firing upon the -captain a day or two afterwards. The ball missed Captain Neufville and -went through Lieutenant Kerr’s hat without doing him any injury. -Subsequent to this, Wakut-chang-nang absconded to Hookong within the -Burmese boundary, and only returned in 1835 to the Assam territory. -During his sojourn within the Hookong territory he is stated to have -committed several murders; and with the money accumulated by crime and -robbery, he has been enabled to marry the Beesa Gaum’s daughter. -From his having been the principal agent in breaking off the -negotiation with the Duffa chief, and consequently the cause of the -subsequent bloodshed, he was imprisoned during 1836–37 at -Bishnath. He is now residing at Beesa, and is considered, as -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb80" href="#pb80" name= -"pb80">80</a>]</span>heretofore, an intriguing, dangerous character. -The Beesa Gaum, having been implicated in the rebellion of 1843, is now -a state prisoner for life; he is nearly blind, and his career may be -said to have closed, as it is not probable he will survive many years. -He was supposed to be a man of good sense and to possess considerable -information regarding border politics, but of no enlarged capacity or -superior energy of character, and totally incapable of forming those -comprehensive designs which have been attributed to him. He is not of a -warlike character. Most of his battles have been fought by others: for -a Singphoo chief is not expected to head his troops in action. -Nevertheless his disposition is sanguinary, and it is said his career -has been marked by blood and treachery in a greater degree than usual, -even amongst the Singphoos.</p> -<p class="par">The Shan is the written character used by the Singphoos, -and their language is distinct from any of the neighbouring tribes: -they write on leaves and a peculiar kind of paper. As yet no European -has sufficiently studied the language to appreciate justly the Singphoo -literature, or to prepare elementary works for the guidance of others. -Nor are we aware of there being any written works in the language -either historical or theological. As <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb81" href="#pb81" name="pb81">81</a>]</span>civil members of society -they are anything but good subjects, from their excessive laziness, -immoderate addiction to opium, and general uncertainty of character. -They are so indolent and improvident, that notwithstanding they have -the most fertile soil in Assam, which yields fruit with little labour, -and might be made to produce an abundant crop—notwithstanding, -too, their freedom from taxation, grain is always so extravagantly -dear, that during several months in the year the people are reduced to -subsist on yams and other roots found in the jungles. Almost the whole -of the field work is performed by the women and slaves, while the men -delight in lounging about the villages, and basking in the sun, when -not engaged in hunting or war.</p> -<p class="par">The religion of the Singphoos appears to be a mixture of -all the various idolatries and superstitions of the natives with whom -they have intercourse. They seem to have no fixed principles common to -the whole tribe. Their ostensible worship is that of Guduma, whose -temples and priests are to be found in all their principal villages. -They are also in the habit of deifying any Singphoos who may chance to -be killed in action during a foray upon some other tribe or village, -and of sacrificing to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb82" href="#pb82" -name="pb82">82</a>]</span>them as to their penates. On emergencies, -such as famine, pestilence, or danger, they make offerings to the -“Ning Deota,” God of the Elements, called also -“Ningschees;” sacrificing buffaloes, hogs, and cocks. The -skulls of the buffaloes so offered are afterwards hung up in their -houses as mementos of their own piety.</p> -<p class="par">Their funeral ceremonies are simple. The poorer classes -burn or bury the body, according to the previously expressed wish of -the deceased, and invariably make to the deity an offering of a pig, -fowl, or fish, through their Deodhies or priests. On the death of a -chief, numerous ceremonies are performed: the body is detained until -all the friends of the deceased can be assembled, when buffaloes, pigs, -and deer are sacrificed, a grand feast is given, and spirituous liquor -distributed to the company. The corpse is then committed to the earth, -the priest chants a prayer for the deceased, a clay tomb is raised over -the remains, and the grave is encircled with a bamboo fence. Sacrifices -are always offered up on the death of every Singphoo, according to the -means of the surviving relatives; no matter whether death be caused by -accident or war, or in the course of nature.</p> -<p class="par">Polygamy, without restriction, prevails among the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb83" href="#pb83" name= -"pb83">83</a>]</span>Singphoos, and they make no distinction between -the children born of Singphoo women and those born of foreign or -Assamese women. They reject with horror the idea of infanticide, under -any shape or pretext. Marriage is only forbidden with a mother or -sister: they may marry stepmothers, brothers’ widows, or any -other relative. In the marriage ceremony the bridegroom has to present -the parents of the bride with a Khamtee Dhao, or short sword, a velvet -jacket, a silk Dhota, and a slave; the rich give gold and silver, -buffaloes, and as many slaves as the wealth of the bridegroom will -permit. The bridegroom has also to furnish a marriage feast to the -friends and relations of the bride; and after the Deodhies or priests -have performed a certain religious ceremony, the bride is delivered -over to the bridegroom, and the jewels, &c., which are on her -person, are returned to her parents.</p> -<p class="par">If a man commits adultery, he is obliged to pay damages -according to the demand of the injured husband, in slaves, buffaloes, -dhoties, swords, money, or beads; and if he cannot pay the damages, he -pays the penalty of his crime in confinement. No damages are demanded -for the violation of an unmarried woman or virgin; <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb84" href="#pb84" name="pb84">84</a>]</span>but in -the event of her being found pregnant, the ravisher has to give the -parents three slaves and one buffalo, and the issue is claimed by the -man. It is optional with himself to marry his victim, or not. Theft is -punished by exacting from the thief double the value of the property -stolen.</p> -<p class="par">The Singphoos entertain strange ideas of honour and -revenge. Compatibly with their customs and rude notions of religion, a -Singphoo chief could not ever abandon, without dishonour, the -application of the <i>lex talionis</i> to one who had murdered his -relative; although, from circumstances of policy, or deficiency of -means, he might postpone the gratification of his vengeance to an -indefinite period. A mistaken feeling of religion, combined with -private affection for the deceased, fully accounts for this perverted -state of mind. The Singphoos imagine that the soul of the murdered -individual will torment them until his manes are appeased by the death -of one of his enemies; and further, that the anger of their deity would -be roused should an opportunity of retaliation be neglected. Nor is the -retribution to be limited to the actual perpetrator of the homicide. If -death be occasioned by violence committed, or supposed to be committed -by any one, the relations are never appeased until they have murdered -one <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb85" href="#pb85" name= -"pb85">85</a>]</span>of the family to which the murderer belonged. An -innocent person is thus often murdered, who is quite ignorant of the -injury committed by his tribe or family.</p> -<p class="par">The houses of the Singphoos are generally nothing but -long sheds, roofed in with grass or bamboo leaves, and the walls -composed of split bamboo. The floor of the dwelling part is raised -about four feet from the ground; and the entrance forms an extensive -porch, in which are congregated pigs, fowls, household and agricultural -implements, and where women may generally be seen pounding rice. These -buildings are sometimes one hundred feet long, and divided into -compartments allotted to several families. Occasionally immense houses -may be seen, which are occupied by powerful chiefs; the timbers of -these buildings being of such enormous size and length as to render it -a matter of surprise that they could have been erected by mere manual -labour. At the burning of the Ningrang chief’s house, when the -village was surprised by our troops in 1843, the officers remarked that -the posts were of prodigious diameter and length; and it was regretted -that war rendered it necessary to destroy such a magnificent residence. -The mansion was entered by a flight of several steps leading up to the -floor, and was divided into numerous rooms by partitions of split -bamboo. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb86" href="#pb86" name= -"pb86">86</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The Singphoos have nothing approaching to what we call -government: each chief is independent, collecting no revenue, nor -directing in person any force, although he may influence the movements -of others. The Singphoos are of a tawny complexion, and a cunning -expression, with long bodies and short legs. They are implacable, -cruel, and treacherous; stealing upon and murdering with the short -sword at night those who have offended or injured them; and are ever -ready to coalesce for a foray, if there is a prospect of success. -Casualties that occur from the contentions of one tribe with another, -murders resulting from private jealousy, the difficulty of procuring -food, and exposure to the inclemency of the weather, help to keep the -population scanty all over the north-east frontier. In fact, the great -cause of the thinness of the population is the want of food, arising -from the absence of productive industry. The unsettled and lawless -state of society among the Burmese and Singphoos appears likewise to -operate in retarding the extension of trade; and this evil cannot be -rectified until these tribes are brought more completely under -subjection to the British Government. That once effected, a mart might -be formed at our extreme boundary; though the scantiness of the -population <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb87" href="#pb87" name= -"pb87">87</a>]</span>in these regions would probably for some time -prevent the establishment of a very brisk trade.</p> -<p class="par">Hookoom is distant from Suddeah about 200 miles; a -miserable, desolate, backward country intervening: in fact, almost an -entire jungle throughout. At Moonkoom there would be a larger field for -commerce, as water communication by the Irawaddy is facile. Broad -cloths, &c., could probably be conveyed thither cheaper, viâ -Rangoon, than from the Burrampooter. The same obstacles exist to -opening a trade between Assam and the provinces of Yunan, owing to the -greater proximity of Yunan to the Burmese empire. By all accounts a -considerable trade is carried on between the two countries, viâ -Bamow: a Burmese town within twenty miles of the confines of Yunan; and -from the facility of transport which the Irawaddy affords, we may infer -that British goods could be supplied at a cheaper rate, and with -greater safety, from Rangoon or from Moulmein through the Sangha, than -could be effected from Assam. The poverty of the people on this part of -our frontier is such that scarcely any one can afford to buy woollens, -excepting the chiefs, and even those persons generally receive them as -presents from the officers of Government. It would therefore be -desirable to send up articles of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb88" -href="#pb88" name="pb88">88</a>]</span>less value. The articles chiefly -in demand are salt, cloths, tobacco, opium, knives, needles, cups and -saucers, basons and plates.</p> -<p class="par">In 1828, by way of experiment, and to test the -possibility of reviving trade, a Government investment of woollen goods -to the amount of 4000 rupees, was sent up to Suddeah; but it actually -took eight years before the whole stock was sold off, and it would not -then, probably, have been disposed of, had not the price been reduced -thirty per cent. below prime cost. It was sold during the first and -second years of its appearance in the market, at prime cost; afterwards -at a reduction of ten, twenty, and thirty per cent. Since then, a -trade, such as it is, has been established at Suddeah by native -merchants, at considerable risk; for the Government will not undertake -to give compensation for any losses the traders may sustain, either -from sudden attacks, or in their transactions with these wild tribes. -Notwithstanding the apparently hopeless prospect of any immediate -commercial intercourse taking place between Assam and any portion of -western China, there can be no doubt that as civilization advances, the -intervening tracts will be traversed, and a lucrative trade may then -connect districts now separated by dense forests. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb89" href="#pb89" name="pb89">89</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">It remains only to mention that, some difference of -opinion existing as to the boundary line between Assam and the Burmese -territory, it was deemed expedient to define the limits of both -countries by a special mission to the disputed point; and for this -purpose, in 1837, Dr. Bayfield was deputed to proceed from Ava and join -the Burmese Governor of Mogaum, and in the presence of Major White, -Political Agent of Upper Assam, to settle the question. Major White, -accompanied by Dr. Griffiths, Captain Hannay, and Lieut. Bigge, and the -neighbouring native chiefs, with ninety followers, accordingly set out -from Namroop Pathar, on the 19th February; and on the 25th of the same -month they reached Yaoung Sang Nullah, on the north face of the Patkoe -boundary, or range, where the Burmese governor had agreed that the -conference should take place.</p> -<p class="par">In this dreary wilderness of hills and jungle, the -impossibility of obtaining an adequate supply of provisions for ninety -persons (the commissariat being carried from the plains of Assam) -presented an insuperable obstacle to the prolonged stay of the party -with Major White. Having therefore waited till the 5th March, daily -expecting the arrival of the Burmese Governor and Dr. Bayfield; and the -whole of their <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb90" href="#pb90" name= -"pb90">90</a>]</span>provisions being consumed, with the exception of a -bare sufficiency for the wants of the party on their return, the Major -was constrained to retrace his steps to Suddeah. Captain Hannay, -however, pushed on unencumbered, in company with Dr. Griffiths (deputed -for scientific purposes to Ava), hoping to meet the Burmese Governor -and accomplish the object of the mission: which he did.</p> -<p class="par">On the 9th March, Captain Hannay and Dr. Bayfield -pointed out to the Burmese Governor of Mogaum the boundary line on the -summit of the Patkoe Mountains, and read to him an extract of the -treaty between the Rajahs of Mogaum and Assam, establishing the -boundary in 1323, <span class="sc">A.S.</span>, or 1402, <span class= -"sc">A.D.</span> The purport of this extract was that, in the year -1145, <span class="sc">A.S.</span>, equivalent to 1224 of the Christian -era, Sookhapah, the founder of the Ahoom Dynasty, having taken his -departure from Moonkhoom, invaded Assam; and, taking possession of the -country on the other side of the Patkoe range, he established Khanjang, -or Nunyangpanee, as the boundary: appointing the Bor Gohain to the -government of the district, and directing that the customary tribute -should be remitted to him in Assam. This settlement continued until the -year 1323, equivalent to 1402, <span class="sc">A.D.</span>, during the -reign of Soodangpha, the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb91" href= -"#pb91" name="pb91">91</a>]</span>eighth Rajah of the Ahoon dynasty; -when a brother of his, named Towsoolie, having quarrelled with him, -went to Moonkhoom and instigated the Rajah to invade Assam. The attack -being, however, repulsed, an accommodation afterwards took place -between the two Rajahs, and the Patkoe range of hills was established -as the boundary. On this occasion a stone image was put up to indicate -the limits; and both the Rajahs, dipping their hands in the water, -vowed personal friendship, and swore reciprocally to respect each -other’s territory. This compact remained unviolated for a period -of 400 years up to the period when the Burmese invaded Assam.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="muttucks" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e432">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">MUTTUCKS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Muttucks were originally a rude tribe settled -in a district called Mooran or Muttuck, who prior to the Ahoom invasion -of 1224, <span class="sc">A.D.</span>, had learned the doctrines of the -Hindoo religion from two Gosains named respectively Madho Deo, and -Sunkur Deo. The Gosains were followers of Krishen, and their doctrine -particularly differed from that of the other <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb92" href="#pb92" name="pb92">92</a>]</span>Hindoos -of Assam, in their refusing to worship the images of Doorga. The -appellation of Moa Mureyas arose from its being the name of the place -where a Shuster was founded, and from which the doctrines of the -Muttucks emanated. They were allowed to exercise their religion -unmolested, until the reign of Seba Sing, between 1714 and 1744, -<span class="sc">A.D.</span>; when, animated by a spirit of sectarian -zeal, the Queen, Phoolsuree, inflicted a sore wound upon their -religious feelings by compelling them to worship the images of Doorga, -and to put the distinguishing marks of the followers of that deity on -their foreheads. But persecution, as usual, failed in checking this -sectarian spirit; and the numbers of the Muttucks having greatly -increased in the reign of Luckmi Sing, 1769, <span class= -"sc">A.D.</span>, they revolted from his authority. The immediate cause -of the first insurrection is attributable to two circumstances,—a -bigoted religious persecution, and a haughty, inconsiderate, oppressive -demeanour towards the Muttuck chiefs, and their adherents.</p> -<p class="par">Soon after the succession of Luckmi Sing to the throne -of his brother, Rajeswur Sing, Rajhan Mooran, a Muttuck chief, was -commissioned to procure a thousand elephants for Luckmi Sing, who was a -great admirer of these animals. The chief <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb93" href="#pb93" name="pb93">93</a>]</span>obeyed, and from time to -time he presented many elephants to the king. On one occasion, having -been unusually fortunate in capturing two hundred and fifty elephants, -he took them to the capital to show them to his Majesty; but as it was -customary to apprize the Bor Borowa of his intended visit, that the -circumstance might be previously announced to the King, he was -proceeding to the residence of that functionary, when he met the Bor -Borowa’s son going on business to the King. Unfortunately he was -persuaded to accompany the young man, unmindful of the indiscretion of -deviating from the established rules of respect and courtesy to the Bor -Borowa.</p> -<p class="par">On Rajhan’s arrival at the palace, the King -ordered his servants to prepare to attend him during the inspection of -the elephants. The Bor Borowa being obliged to be present on all such -occasions, and hearing that Rajhan Mooran had ventured to approach the -Rajah without the usual formality of an introduction, determined to -wreak his vengeance on the insolent Muttuck. Luckmi Sing inspected the -elephants, and was highly pleased with Rajhan Mooran’s -promptitude and assiduity in the execution of his orders. He warmly -expressed his royal approbation of the conduct of the chief, and, -handsomely rewarding him, retired to the palace. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb94" href="#pb94" name="pb94">94</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The Bor Borowa now took the opportunity of sending for -Rajhan Mooran to learn his reasons for not having apprized him of his -arrival before he had sought an interview with the king. The excuse -pleaded by Rajhan Mooran was unheeded; the Bor Borowa was implacable, -and directed the infliction of a severe corporal punishment with the -cane. So strictly was this order executed, that Rajhan Mooran was cast -into the road in a lifeless state. Here he was recognised by his -countrymen, and conveyed away; and with good treatment, but not without -difficulty, he recovered.</p> -<p class="par">The undeserved insult and chastisement he had received -from the Bor Borowa, however, rankled deeply in his breast; and he lost -no time, when able to move, in proceeding to the Muttuck Gosain -Ushtobhoj,<a class="noteref" id="xd24e1597src" href="#xd24e1597" name= -"xd24e1597src">1</a> to claim his intercession in obtaining redress for -the insufferable dishonour he had been subjected to. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb95" href="#pb95" name="pb95">95</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The Moa Mureya Gosain Ushtobhoj, commiserating the -ill-treatment Rajhan Mooran had met with, resolved, a short time -afterwards, on visiting the Rajah to obtain reparation. He accordingly -set out with his Bhukuts, or religious disciples, and meeting the -Rajah’s fleet on the river, he paid his respects to the Rajah, -contrary to the wishes of the Bor Borowa Keerteerchund, Prime Minister. -This conduct greatly incensed the Bor Borowa, who immediately sent for -the Gosain and treated him with great harshness and abuse, for the -temerity he had evinced in presuming to visit the Rajah without being -announced by himself. The Bhukuts who had accompanied him to the -interview were likewise ill-treated<span class="corr" id="xd24e1603" -title="Not in source">.</span> This indignity highly offended the -Gosain, and he determined to take an early opportunity of retaliating -the outrage. With this view, he took measures for ascertaining the -number of disciples and adherents he might rely on, and found, to his -satisfaction, that the census returned one hundred thousand -persons.</p> -<p class="par">The feelings of the Muttucks being now exasperated to -the highest degree by the degradations and insults to which they were -subjected by the Assam nobles; the present appeared to them a fitting -opportunity to rise and avenge their wrongs. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb96" href="#pb96" name="pb96">96</a>]</span>The Bor -Deka, son of the Muttuck Gosain, having long entertained ambitious -views, encouraged Rajhan Mooran to assemble all the Muttuck chiefs and -followers willing to co-operate with them; expressing his belief that -with their united forces, success would attend their efforts. In the -mean time he remained quiet, the better to conceal his designs, and -commenced building a large mound near Jorehath, on which he intimated -his intention to found a Shuster, to be denominated the Bor Bhatee. -Each man who was willing to join in the insurrection was enjoined to -bring in one hand a lump of earth and in the other a reed. By this -device the Bor Deka’s designs passed unobserved, and a multitude -of followers were ascertained to be ripe for the approaching -contest.</p> -<p class="par">Mohun Bor Jona Gohain, eldest brother of Luckmi Sing, -being marked with the smallpox, and a slit in the ear, was, by the -Assamese customs, disqualified from ascending the throne. -Notwithstanding this, however, with a view of concealing their real -designs, the Muttucks proposed to the prince to join the -insurrectionary force; promising to place him on the throne in the -event of the success of the insurrection. Tempted by the promise, the -prince joined the rebels, who immediately marched <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb97" href="#pb97" name="pb97">97</a>]</span>towards -the capital at Rungpore, on the banks of the Dikho river. Luckme Sing -having been informed of the movement, ordered the Assam chiefs to -proceed and punish the insolent Muttucks, and bring him the ringleaders -of the insurrection. The rival forces met near the Thowra Dole Temple, -on the banks of the Dehing river, and after a slight skirmish, in which -their commander, the Doabyah Phokun, was killed, the Assamese were -defeated, and fled. Bhectorial Phokun then succeeded to the command, -and perceiving that Mohun Bor Jona Gohain, the elder brother of the -reigning king was at the head of the rebel force, not only refused to -oppose the prince and the invaders, but went and paid homage to the -Gosain. The Muttucks, thus meeting with no opposition, marched in and -took possession of the capital; and with such promptitude that Rajah -Luckme Sing and all his court were taken prisoners. Luckme Sing was -then incarcerated and harshly treated: food scarcely sufficient for his -subsistence being allowed him. The Bor Borowa Keerteerchund was seized -and put to death, with all his family, relations, and friends; and many -nobles also shared the same fate.</p> -<p class="par">Ramakant Bor Deka now took possession of the throne, and -Rajhan Mooran became Bor <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb98" href= -"#pb98" name="pb98">98</a>]</span>Borowa; while the prince, Bor Jona -Gohain, who thus traitorously acted against his family and country, was -put off with the plea that he was incapacitated to reign as king by -reason of the personal mutilation already adverted to.</p> -<p class="par">A few months after this, a reaction took place. The -Assamese hearing of the indignities their king had suffered, and that -Chunder Deka, a younger brother of the Bor Deka, had actually struck -the king three blows with a cane for sitting in his presence when he -visited him in his confinement, they determined on expelling the -Muttucks from their country, either by force or stratagem. Numerous -chiefs and others readily entered into the spirit of the conspiracy. A -grand fete was to be given at the Bihoo festival in March 1769–70 -<span class="sc">A.D.</span>; Rajhan Mooran and the Muttuck chiefs were -to be invited; and the Assamese were to attend with arms concealed -under their dress. Mogolee Jiekee Muneeporee,<a class="noteref" id= -"xd24e1623src" href="#xd24e1623" name="xd24e1623src">2</a> Queen both -of Rajeswar Sing and Luckme Sing, whom Rajhan Mooran had taken unto -himself, was to preside and be the principal agent <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb99" href="#pb99" name="pb99">99</a>]</span>in the -accomplishment of the project. She was to persuade Rajhan Mooran to -accompany her to the dance, and when there, she was, if possible by -some subterfuge, to obtain possession of his sword, which he constantly -wore; and if his attention could be attracted to the dance she was to -cut him down, which would be the signal for the Assamese to fall upon -and slaughter the Muttucks. This diabolical plot, from the unanimity -and secresy of the conspirators, was executed with the most perfect -success. The Queen, who had obtained considerable influence over Rajhan -Mooran, without difficulty induced him to place his sword in her hand, -that he might, as she said, more easily arrange his dress, which she -had artfully managed somewhat to displace. While in the act of stooping -down, the Queen dexterously stepped behind him, and with one blow on -the hinder part of the thigh completely disabled him. The conspirators, -anxiously expecting the signal, instantly came up and put an end to his -existence. The Assamese then fell on the remaining unarmed Muttucks, -and a dreadful massacre ensued.</p> -<p class="par">The conspirators, having successfully carried through -their plot against Rajhan Mooran and the principal Muttuck chief, -proceeded to the residence <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb100" href= -"#pb100" name="pb100">100</a>]</span>of the Bor Deka Ramakant, the -usurper; his father, brothers, women, and children, were, with all the -principal parties, captured; but Ramakant, on hearing of the death of -Rajhan Mooran, had made his escape from the capital. He was, however, -seized near Bet-barree and brought back to pay the forfeit of his -ambition and rebellion. Luckme Sing was immediately released from -imprisonment and again placed on his throne. The first order issued by -the king after his restoration, was for the extermination of the -Muttucks. The usurper Ramakant Bor Deka, and his brother Chunder Deka, -as well as the Muttuck Gosain their father, were tied to the legs of -fierce, newly caught elephants, and ignominiously dragged round the -city, assailed with mud and filth and every kind of indignity that an -infuriated, relentless mob, intoxicated with triumph, could inflict; -and to close the scene they suffered the cruel and disgraceful death of -impalement. The Muttuck chiefs and their followers were everywhere -hunted down like wild beasts, and put to death: neither men, women, nor -children were spared. In fact, such was the animosity of the Assamese -against the Muttucks, for the time, that they seemed bereft of all -feelings of mercy or compassion. Vast numbers of the Muttucks -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb101" href="#pb101" name= -"pb101">101</a>]</span>died of hunger in the jungles, and an -incalculable number perished by the sword of the insatiate -populace.</p> -<p class="par">Luckme Sing, being now under no farther apprehensions -for the safety of himself or throne, richly rewarded the actors in the -late tragedy with rank and wealth: and thus terminated the first -rebellion of the Muttucks.</p> -<p class="par">In 1784 the Moa Mareyas again rebelled, and having -expelled the Rajah Goureenath they proceeded to place two others upon -the Guddee, or throne, one named Bhurt Sing as Rajah of Rungpore or -Upper Assam, the other Surbamend (the father of Malebar Bursenaputtee, -who died in 1839) as Rajah of Mooran or Muttuck. Both these chiefs -marked their rule by establishing a mint, and some of their coins are -to be met with at the present day. Being driven from Upper Assam, the -Rajah Goureenath solicited the aid of the British Government; and his -request being acceded to, Captain Welsh was sent with one or two -battalions, in 1794, <span class="sc">A.D.</span> Having taken -Rungpore, Goureenath was replaced on the Guddee; but Captain Welsh did -not penetrate into the Muttuck country. The next Rajah, Kumalepur, -raised two corps of Hindoostanees, armed and disciplined in the English -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb102" href="#pb102" name= -"pb102">102</a>]</span>fashion, and ordered them to undertake the -conquest of Muttuck; but although successful in some degree, they were -unable to obtain permanent possession, owing to the harassing mode of -warfare pursued by the Bursenaputtee, who retired to his fastnesses. -However, the struggle was at length terminated by his agreeing to pay -an annual tribute in the shape of elephants, Moongah silk, &c. It -is asserted by the Assamese at Rungpore and Jorehath that, at this -period, the Bursenaputtee agreed to pay a tribute of 10,000 rupees; but -that chief positively denied this to the Political Agent, and it is -believed there is no record in existence of such a sum, or even part of -it, being paid: though the acknowledgment of the Rajah of Assam is -undeniable. As regards the Muttucks, the statements of the people -connected with the late Court of Assam, and the followers of Doorga -throughout the province, ought to be received with a great deal of -caution; for both classes are animated by a bitter spirit of hatred, -occasioned by the twofold conquest and plunder of their capital; and -the temporary triumph of a rival sectarian party still rankles in their -minds.</p> -<p class="par">It is difficult to ascertain what was the precise status -of the Bursenaputtee in the distracted reigns <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb103" href="#pb103" name="pb103">103</a>]</span>of -Chunderkant and Poorunder Sing. It is said that the usual tribute was -paid, but this is denied by the other party; we presume, therefore, -that in these weak and divided times the Muttucks were nearly -independent. When the Burmese invaded the country, the Bursenaputtee, -at their requisition, afforded them supplies in labour and provisions, -but no aid in troops or money; and they, therefore, made no attempt to -seize his possessions. On the conquest of Assam by the British -Government, the Bursenaputtee acknowledged its supremacy, and bound -himself to obey its orders; he further engaged to supply three hundred -soldiers in time of war, no tribute having been demanded of him. The -interior management of his territory was left in his own hands, -excepting as regarded cases of murder and other capital offences, which -were to be made over for trial to the Agent of the Governor-General or -Political Agent in Upper Assam. This arrangement had evidently in view -the impressing a rude people with a greater regard for human life, -which the more rigid investigation and sanctity of British forms of -justice might be expected to create. This state of things subsisted -until January 1835, when, under the instructions of the Agent to the -Governor-General, the obligation to supply troops <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb104" href="#pb104" name="pb104">104</a>]</span>was -commuted into an annual payment of 1800 rupees. No census has been -taken of the population, but from the best information it is estimated -at sixty thousand or seventy thousand persons. It yields a revenue of -20,000 rupees per annum.</p> -<p class="par">In his personal manners the late Bursenaputtee Malebur -was plain and straightforward, and accustomed to think and act for -himself. In his political character, his fidelity was much doubted a -few years back, but he was always found ready to answer every call; as -evinced in the expedition against the Duffa Guam in 1835, and the -Singphoo Luttora chief in 1838, which proved that he was faithful to -his engagement. But his communications with British officers were not -always carried on in the smoothest manner. Accustomed to act as an -independent chief for forty or fifty years, and his territory being -unoccupied by troops, either Burmese or British, he was naturally -independent and blunt in his manners; which bearing, combining with the -testiness of age and dislike of innovation natural to that period of -life, occasionally gave rise to improprieties of expression and seeming -acts of disobedience. He departed this life in January 1839, leaving -ten sons, five daughters, and three widows; and, pending the final -orders of Government, Muttuck <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb105" -href="#pb105" name="pb105">105</a>]</span>was placed under Bhageerut -Majoo Gohain, the second son of the late chief: the Bor Gohain, or -eldest son, having waved his claim of birth in compliance with the -wishes of his father.</p> -<p class="par">On the 4th of August 1839, the Political Agent was -directed to confer on the Majoo Gohain the title of Bursenaputtee, and -the management of Lower Muttuck, on his agreeing to the conditions -offered for his acceptance. These were based on the settlement entered -into with his late father, but a new census was required to determine -the amount of tribute to be paid. These terms also withheld Upper -Muttuck, until an amicable understanding could be come to between the -chiefs of that part of the country; who, with their spiritual head, the -Tiphook Muhunt, were averse to the rule of the family of the late -chief. This party being only 1000, or 1500, out of a population of -60,000, it seemed hard to sever them from the jurisdiction of the -Bursenaputtee, without any specific acts of oppression having been -committed by the late chief or his family. The real objection rested on -religious grounds: they are the disciples of a Gosain or priest -professing different religious tenets from those of the -Bursenaputtee’s family; consequently they preferred a ruler of -their own persuasion, although they had not experienced <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb106" href="#pb106" name="pb106">106</a>]</span>any -persecution from the late Bursenaputtee.</p> -<p class="par">In November 1839, the Political Agent arrived at -Rungagora, the capital of Muttuck, and having assembled the principal -members of the late chief’s family, and head men of the district, -made known to them the resolution of Government. The Majoo Gohain -Bhagerut and his brothers, finding that Upper Muttuck was not at once -to be included in the settlement, peremptorily refused to accept of the -management of the country; the whole of Muttuck was therefore annexed -to the district of Luckimpoor, and pensions in money and land, to the -amount of 7637 rupees per annum, were granted for the support of the -members of the late chief’s family.</p> -<p class="par">Thus terminated the independence of the Muttucks, a -rude, fanatical, stiff-necked people. Accustomed to a very slight -assessment, tendered to their chief in the shape of presents for -settling their disputes, and exercising a considerable share in their -own government, it was feared they would not readily submit to the -heavier rate of taxation for the purposes of good government under -British rule; but these apprehensions, it seems, were unfounded, since, -for the last four years, no resort to force has been found necessary to -compel taxation, or to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb107" href= -"#pb107" name="pb107">107</a>]</span>further any other measures for -their general welfare.</p> -<p class="par">Husbandry is the chief occupation of the Muttucks; and -their district possessing a fine fertile soil and abounding in -extensive rice plains, intersected by large tracts of tree and grass -jungle, expectations are entertained that, in the course of time, this -country will prove a prosperous and valuable acquisition; if -improvements are not impeded by the inroads of border tribes. Two corps -of local Assam Light Infantry, and a company of local Artillery are -ever vigilantly occupied in promptly suppressing combinations or -insurrections raised with a view to the acquisition of plunder and -slaves from our subjects; and there is, therefore, little fear of any -organized obstruction to improvement.</p> -<p class="par">The tea plant is indigenous in Muttuck, and the Assam -Tea Company have cultivated many gardens, greatly to the benefit of -Upper Assam; and if the company steadily prosecute the speculation, -thousands of labourers will, in the course of time, resort thither for -employment, and become permanent settlers. Tea, it is believed, may be -grown in sufficient quantity to supply the English market, and afford a -handsome remuneration to the speculators. An inconsiderate expenditure -of capital placed the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb108" href= -"#pb108" name="pb108">108</a>]</span>Assam Tea Company in great -jeopardy, and at one time it was feared the scheme would be abandoned. -The number of managers and assistants appointed by the Assam Company to -carry on their affairs, and superintend their tea gardens on large -salaries, was quite unnecessary: one or two experienced European -superintendents to direct the native establishment would have answered -every purpose. A vast number of Coolies (or labourers) were induced to -proceed to Upper Assam, on high wages, to cultivate the gardens; but -bad arrangements having been made to supply them with proper wholesome -food, many were seized with sickness. On their arrival at the -tea-plantations, in the midst of high and dense tree jungle, numbers -absconded, and others met an untimely end. The rice served out to the -Coolies from the Assam Tea Company’s store rooms, was so bad as -not to be fit to be given to elephants, much less to human beings. The -loss of these labourers, who had been conveyed to Upper Assam at a -great expense, deprived the company of the means of cultivating so -great an extent of country as would otherwise have been ensured; for -the scanty population of Upper Assam offered no means of replacing the -deficiency of hands. Another importation of labourers seems desirable, -to facilitate <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb109" href="#pb109" name= -"pb109">109</a>]</span>and accomplish an undertaking formed under most -auspicious circumstances. Nor was the improvidence of the Company in -respect to labourers the only instance of their mismanagement. Although -the Company must have known that they had no real use or necessity for -a steamer, a huge vessel was nevertheless purchased, and frequently -sent up and down the Burrampooter river from Calcutta; carrying little -else than a few thousand rupees for the payment of their establishment -in Upper Assam, which might have been transmitted through native -bankers, and have saved the Company a most lavish and unprofitable -expenditure of capital.</p> -<p class="par">It is generally understood that too little attention had -been paid to the advice of Major Jenkins, the Governor-General’s -Agent; or more vigilant supervision, better economy, and greater -success might not unreasonably have been expected. The -<i>cultivation</i> of tea in Assam, with a view of supplying the -English market, was, it must be admitted, first contemplated by Major -Jenkins; and for his exertions in having been the main cause of the -Assam plant being proved to be the genuine tea of China, the -Agricultural Society of Calcutta presented him with a gold medal; but -the Assam tea was first <i>discovered</i> by Mr. Bruce in 1826, -<span class="sc">A.D<span class="corr" id="xd24e1682" title= -"Not in source">.</span></span> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb110" -href="#pb110" name="pb110">110</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The tea of Assam is now becoming better known in the -English market, and its quality more generally appreciated; and as the -chief difficulties have been surmounted, every well-wisher of England -and India must hope the directors will, in future, pursue a more -scrutinizing and economical course: extending the cultivation of tea, -and thereby, while enhancing the profits derivable from the concern, -contribute to render England independent of China as far as tea is -concerned. If Assam tea can be grown equal to the produce of China, -there is little doubt but that, at the rate of one and sixpence the -pound, a remunerating profit will accrue to the Company: a handsome, -but not a too ample compensation for an enterprise involving such -highly important considerations.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="borabors" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e442">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">BOR ABORS, ABORS<a class="noteref" id="xd24e1692src" -href="#xd24e1692" name="xd24e1692src">3</a> AND MEREES.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The first of these three classes reside on the -loftiest and most remote mountains north of the valley of Assam. The -second class on a lower range, and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb111" -href="#pb111" name="pb111">111</a>]</span>the third at the foot of, or -on the plains immediately leading up to, the hills. Several parties of -Abors visited me frequently at Saikwah to barter a few fowls, eggs, -ginger, chillies, yams, &c., for salt, and other necessaries of -life. They appear to be descendants of the Tartar race; and are large, -uncouth, athletic, fierce-looking, dirty fellows. The hair of the women -is cut short, like that of the men: in a circle round the crown of the -head it is two inches long, but the hair in front and behind, below the -upper circle, is only about half an inch long. The ears of the men and -women are perforated, the aperture, one inch in diameter, being -distended by a piece of wood, worn as an ornament; and the necks of the -Abor women are loaded with innumerable glass bead necklaces of all -colours. Their arms are likewise adorned, from the wrist to the elbow -with brass rings; the legs are exposed from the knee downwards, the -calf of the leg being bandaged with cane rings to the ankle. The Abors -are feared and respected by all the neighbouring tribes for their -martial spirit; nevertheless they are in great dread of the highland or -Bor Abors, who are said to be as brave as they are savage. Like all the -hill tribes of Assam, the Abors are void of beards: invariably plucking -them, and leaving only scanty moustaches. <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb112" href="#pb112" name="pb112">112</a>]</span>They can neither read -nor write, and their language sounds extremely harsh. The dress of the -Abor chiefs consists of Thibetian woollen cloaks, and a simple piece of -cotton cloth, about a foot square, which is passed between the legs and -suspended by a string round the waist: but not so effectually as to -screen their persons from exposure every time they sit down. Of -delicacy, however, the Abors are as void as they are of cleanliness. -They wear three kinds of helmets, one of plain cane, and others trimmed -with an edging of bear’s skin, or covered with a thick yellow -skin of a species of deer. A more formidable looking covering for the -head could scarcely be worn.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e1708width" id="p112"><img src="images/p112.jpg" -alt="Abor Cane Helmets." width="502" height="180"> -<p class="figureHead">Abor Cane Helmets.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">In December, 1835, an Abor chief, with two hundred -followers, descended from the hills, and begged permission to locate on -the Dehing, within a day’s journey of Suddeah. The Political -Agent asked the chief whether he was aware that the land in that -quarter was within the Company’s jurisdiction, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb113" href="#pb113" name="pb113">113</a>]</span>and -that settlers necessarily became subject to our police administration? -He replied he was aware of that, and would readily give up any of his -people guilty of criminal offences, but demurred to the introduction of -our police officers for the apprehension of offenders. He was then -asked whether he and his people would agree to pay taxes? His answer -was that they had never been accustomed to do so, and could not submit -to it.</p> -<p class="par">From various reports, the Abors are deemed a very rude, -barbarous people, but of open manners and warlike habits; their -bluntness of expression is more manly and pleasing than the base -servility and sycophancy of the Assamese. As they have been accustomed -to levy contributions from the inhabitants of Seesee, and other -districts in Assam, they would be dangerous neighbours, if located in -the immediate vicinity of the Suddeah people.</p> -<p class="par">Not acceding to the terms on which we were disposed to -acquiesce in their application, the Abors returned to their hills. -Scarcity of the means of subsistence was, it is supposed, the cause of -their visit; and they evidently meditated replacing the Merees, who -formerly laboured for the Abors on the Dehong quarter, but have since -emigrated to Upper and Lower Assam, to escape the exactions of that -tribe. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb114" href="#pb114" name= -"pb114">114</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">It appears that the Abors are not allowed to emigrate to -Assam; for in 1844 two young men having eloped with two damsels to -Saikwah, and the latter claiming protection from the British -authorities, an inquiry was made as to the cause of their deserting -their own country; when one freely confessed that her father had given -her in marriage to an old man, but preferring a young Abor, she had -determined on living with him in the Company’s territory and -disobeying her father’s commands. The other stated that she had -been given in marriage to a young man, who died, and she was retained -for his younger brother, a mere boy; but not being disposed to wait -until he had reached the age of puberty, she had fallen in love with an -Abor youth, and trusted they might be permitted to pass their days in -peace in the forests adjoining Saikwah. If their prayer was not -granted, the girls affirmed, in the most earnest manner, that they -should be tortured and sold to another tribe; while their young -husbands would be cast into the Dehong river with their hands bound, to -suffer death by drowning.</p> -<p class="par">To the present day, little is known of the Abor country, -Europeans never having been permitted to penetrate any very great -distance into the interior. The eminent astronomer and adventurous -traveller, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb115" href="#pb115" name= -"pb115">115</a>]</span>Lieutenant Wilcox, in 1827, endeavoured to -ascend the Dehong river, with the view of proving that this stream was -the celebrated Sampoo river; but after a few days’ journey he met -with insuperable difficulties, from the rapidity of the current, the -closeness of the country, and the absolute prohibition of the Abors -against his proceeding farther. Since that period, no strenuous -endeavours have been made to acquire further information regarding -these rude barbarians. The Merees speak the Abor language, and a -friendly intercourse exists between the tribes; though the Merees have -ceased to bear the yoke of slavery or be subordinate to the Abors. -Their chief occupation is husbandry, and they are generally considered -a quiet and tolerably industrious race.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="mishmees" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e450">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">MISHMEES.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Mishmee tribe reside in the hills on the -north-east extremity of the valley of Assam. They are divided into -several distinct clans. The Dibong Mishmees are called Chool Kutta or -Crop-haired, and the others are known by the appellation of Tains and -Mezhoos. They are a very wild, roaming <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb116" href="#pb116" name="pb116">116</a>]</span>race of people, -constantly engaged in petty wars amongst themselves and their -neighbours, the Abors and Singphoos, when the most remorseless -reprisals and massacres are committed. They have no written language, -and appear to belong to the Tartar race. They are of diminutive -stature, but stout, active, and hardy; very dirty in their persons, and -little encumbered with clothing. The chiefs wear the coarse red -coloured woollens of Thibet, and the dress of the lower orders is -extremely scanty. The women, however, are more decently attired; -wearing a striped or coloured petticoat, or cloth folded round the -waist, extending to the knees, and a kind of jacket or bodice, with a -profusion of necklaces of several pounds weight, composed of porcelain, -glass, and pieces of cornelian. The hair is bound up in a knot on the -crown of the head, with a thin band of silver passing round the -forehead. The lobe of the ears is hideously distended to an inch in -diameter, to admit of the silver ear-ring being inserted: this -mutilation of the ear evidently having been gradually effected from -early youth. The Mishmees are not restricted in their number of wives; -each man taking as many as he can afford to support. A curious custom -is said to prevail as a preventive to the constant bickerings and -jealousies natural to this <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb117" href= -"#pb117" name="pb117">117</a>]</span>system; each wife either has a -separate house or store room, or she lives with her relations.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e1737width" id="p117"><img src="images/p117.jpg" -alt="Mishmee Dog-skin Caps." width="503" height="183"> -<p class="figureHead">Mishmee Dog-skin Caps.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The Mishmees, women and children, as well as men, are -inordinately fond of smoking; and use a roughly-made Singphoo bamboo -pipe, or a brass China-made bowl, with a bamboo tube. A bag made of -monkey’s skin is suspended from a belt for the express purpose of -carrying the tobacco pipe, flint and steel, with a leather case -containing tinder. The men wear a long, straight sword, of China -manufacture, ornamented with a tuft of coloured hair; and a lance, -manufactured by themselves, is constantly carried. They also use the -cross-bow and poisoned arrows. Their head dresses are composed of dog -skin, fastened under the chin by strings. Like all savages, they are -superstitious; invoking an unknown spirit supposed to reside in the -inaccessible mountains or dense forests; and on being afflicted -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb118" href="#pb118" name= -"pb118">118</a>]</span>by famine, sickness, or other misfortunes, they -invariably sacrifice fowls and pigs, that the evil may be removed, and -the wrath of the invisible spirit appeased by their offerings and -submission. We are led to believe that the authority of the chiefs, -though respected, is not absolute: they are obliged to abide by the -decisions of the people, duly assembled for the purpose of settling -disputes and arranging the amount of amercements to be imposed for -offences committed. For all heinous crimes remission is said to be -procurable by the liquidation of a fine; but adultery, if the husband -be not privy to the offence, is punished by death, which is inflicted -by the people purposely assembled for the trial.</p> -<p class="par">The Mishmees, like the Abors, are most skilful in the -construction of cane bridges; which they throw across rivers of eighty -yards breadth. Three large cane ropes are sufficient to pass a person -over in safety; but the transit, to any but a Mishmee, would be -impracticable: for few would hazard the risk of falling into a rapid -river below, or of being suspended midway on these ropes, unable to -retire or advance. Accidents, however, rarely occur, and the Mishmees -cross over their rivers in this manner without difficulty or -apprehension.</p> -<p class="par">In the year 1836, it was said that the Mezhoo -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb119" href="#pb119" name= -"pb119">119</a>]</span>and Tain, or Digaroo Mishmees had a serious -quarrel about a marriage: for though at enmity often times with each -other, and speaking a different dialect, they have not been debarred -from intermarrying. Blows having been exchanged, the Mezhoo chief -Rooling determined on speedily overcoming his enemies by an -overwhelming force, and for this purpose he invited the Lamas to come -to his assistance; which they did, and entered the Mishmee country with -a force of seventy men, armed with matchlocks. The Tain Mishmees were -totally defeated by the Lamas and Mezhoo Mishmees, and lost about -twenty men. After this success, the Lamas returned to their own country -about September 1836, and from that day we have had no similar invasion -of this portion of Assam in favour of the Mezhoo Mishmees. No precise -information is obtainable as to where these hostile operations -occurred; but the conflict evidently took place several days’ -journey in advance of the villages visited by Lieutenant Wilcox in -1826–27, and by Dr. Griffiths in 1836–37. However, such was -the heart-burning or feud between the Tains and the Mezhoos in -1836–37, that the late Dr. Griffiths, in his visit to the Mishmee -country, could not by promises or bribes induce the Tains to furnish -him <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb120" href="#pb120" name= -"pb120">120</a>]</span>with guides, even to the nearest village of the -Mezhoos, or there can be little doubt that he would have succeeded in -making good his way into the Lama country. In justification of their -conduct, the Tains remarked, “If we give you guides, who is to -protect us from the vengeance of the Mezhoos when you are gone? and who -is to insure us from a second invasion of the Lamas?”</p> -<p class="par">The Mishmee tribes were formerly obedient to the Assam -Governors, the Suddeah Khawa Gohains: if they were not totally -dependent, they at least gave small presents as tokens of submission, -and attended to the orders of the Khamtees and Singphoos. In 1835, for -example, the Duffa Gaum received considerable assistance from gangs of -Mishmees sent down to erect his stockades. If under any pretence, -therefore, the Thibetians, being a branch of the Chinese empire, should -be permitted to establish their supremacy over the hill tribes in -allegiance to the British Government in this quarter of the valley, our -interests would be affected; but in the present rude state of society -in this region there is little to be apprehended on this score. An -immense, desolate, almost impassable tract, intervenes, so as to render -ingress or egress from Assam to Thibet impracticable, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb121" href="#pb121" name= -"pb121">121</a>]</span>excepting at certain seasons of the year. -Traversing such a country, when the route follows the course of rivers, -must naturally be difficult in the extreme. The hills are invariably -characterized by excessive steepness, and as the greater portion of the -route winds round them at some height above their bases, marching is -excessively fatiguing, difficult, and dangerous. In many places a false -step would be attended with fatal consequences: precipices must be -crossed at a height of a hundred feet above the foaming bed of a river, -the only support of the traveller being derived from the roots and -stumps of trees and shrubs, and the angular character of the face of -the rock. The paths are of the very worst description; always -excessively narrow and overgrown by jungle in all directions. In very -steep places the descent is often assisted by hanging canes, which -afford good support, but no attempt is ever made to clear the paths of -any obstruction: in fact, the natives seem to think the more difficult -they are, the greater is their security against foreign invasions.</p> -<p class="par">Notwithstanding these impediments to a free intercourse, -some little trade, it is supposed, is carried on between the Mishmees -and Lamas; the Mishmees exchanging their Bih (poison), Gathewan (an -odoriferous <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb122" href="#pb122" name= -"pb122">122</a>]</span>root), Manjeet (madder), and Teetah (a bitter -root, greatly esteemed for its medicinal qualities) for Lama cattle, -brass pipes, gongs, and copper vessels; and if a friendly feeling of -confidence could be established between the people of the plains of -Assam and the Lamas, it is impossible to calculate to what extent the -commerce between the two nations might attain. Once every year in the -cold weather, that is between November and March, the Mishmees visit -Suddeah for the purpose of bartering the only export produce of their -country: namely, bih, teetah, manjeet, gathewan, gongs, brass pipes, -and copper vessels; in exchange for which they invariably take, in -preference to English merchandize, cows, buffaloes, and a quantity of -small, coloured beads. Their cultivation is scanty: apparently not -sufficient to supply their wants, and is, moreover, carried on in a -very rude way. The ground selected as most favourable for cultivation -lies on the slopes of hills, or on the more level patches occasionally -bordering rivers. Some villages produce a good sort of hill rice, but -their chief cultivation is ghoom dhan (or Indian corn), konee dhan, and -two or three other inferior grains. The villages situated at low -elevations produce excellent yams and aloos of several kinds. They are -not acquainted with wheat, barley, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb123" -href="#pb123" name="pb123">123</a>]</span>&c., nor have they taken -the trouble to grow potatoes, but that esculent is obtainable at -Suddeah in great abundance. Of opium, a small quantity is cultivated, -chiefly for sale to the Singphoos; though many of the natives are great -opium-eaters. A small quantity of inferior cotton is also cultivated -for the manufacture of their own clothing, and tobacco is in great -request among them; they are likewise very fond of spirituous -liquors.</p> -<p class="par">We have no authentic data whereby to judge of the amount -of the population, but from the following rough census of the followers -of a few chiefs, it would not appear to be extensive.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="borderOutside"> -<thead> -<tr class="label"> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">No. of -Chiefs.</td> -<td class="cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Names of the different -Chiefs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">No. of -followers.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">1</td> -<td>Jengsha</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">50</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">2</td> -<td>Japan</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">80</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">3</td> -<td>Deeling and Yeu</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">80</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">4</td> -<td>Galooms</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">80</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">5</td> -<td>Khoshas</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">100</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft cellBottom">6</td> -<td class="cellBottom">Primsong</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom">70</td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb124" href="#pb124" name= -"pb124">124</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The number of villages among which the above population -is distributed, is seven; but there are two other villages, Muresas and -Roolings, close to Khoshas. By far the greater number of villages -appear to be located near the banks of the Lohit; one only has been -observed on the Lung. The villages of Jengsha, Japan, Deeling, and Yeu, -consist of several houses each; neither, however, exceeding ten in -number. Ghalooms, Khoshas, and Primsong, consist each of a single -house, capable of containing from eighty to one hundred and sixty -persons. These comprehensive residences are divided by bamboo -partitions into twenty or more rooms, all opening into a passage, in -which the skulls of animals killed during the possessors’ -lifetime are duly arranged. The houses are all built on raised -platforms, and the roofs are formed of the leaf of the arrow-root -plant, or the leaves of cane, which are found in great abundance in all -the forests. Khosha’s house is one hundred and sixty feet in -length; each room possessing a fire hearth; but as there are no -chimneys, or any outlet for the smoke, excepting the door, a Mishmee -dwelling is scarcely endurable.</p> -<p class="par">Of Mishmee habits and customs little is known; feuds and -misunderstandings having hitherto obstructed a freedom of intercourse -indispensable to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb125" href="#pb125" -name="pb125">125</a>]</span>the acquirement of correct information. -Several European officers have visited the Mishmee country for a few -days, and have been desirous of proceeding by this route over the -mountains north into the Lama country, or Thibet; to ascertain whether -the celebrated Sampoo river flows into the Burrampooter from this -quarter, or debouches into the Dehong, below Suddeah, or takes its -course, as has been surmised, through China. This interesting inquiry, -however, has not yet been solved; though little or no doubt appears to -exist that the Sampoo joins the Burrampooter at one of these points. -The British Government have hitherto, from prudential motives, -abstained from giving offence to or exciting the jealousy of the -Chinese, by permitting any of our officers to attempt to enter Thibet -from the extreme north-eastern quarter of the valley of Assam. This is -a sacrifice of geographical knowledge to policy; for there can be no -question that a scientific traveller would obtain much information -respecting the character of the country, and bring us acquainted with a -people at present unknown to the civilized world. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb126" href="#pb126" name="pb126">126</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="dooaneahs" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#xd24e458">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">DOOANEAHS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Dooaneahs are descendants of Burmese or -Singphoo fathers, from Assamese women, captured in predatory irruptions -and kept as slaves. Assamese males, also carried off into slavery, are, -from the loss of caste by their connection with the Singphoos, and the -adoption of Singphoo habits, denominated Dooaneahs. They are a very -hardy race, and inhabit the densest jungles; cultivating scarcely -sufficient rice and opium for their maintenance, and subsisting, when -their stock of grain is expended, on yams, kutchoos, and other roots of -the forests. Without the aid of the Dooaneahs, no military detachment -could move to many parts of the frontier, for none are so expert as -pioneers. With the Dhao, or Singphoo short sword, they will cut a -footpath through the densest jungles in the most expeditious manner, -thus enabling our troops to move almost in any direction. They are not -endowed with a martial spirit, and it is said they will not stand the -fire of musketry; but if properly trained and disciplined, their fears -might be surmounted. Their addiction, however, to opium is so great, -that no permanent reliance could ever be placed <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb127" href="#pb127" name="pb127">127</a>]</span>in -them as soldiers, in any emergency; and being utterly despised by their -former masters, the Singphoos (from whose thraldom they have only -lately escaped) it would seem inexpedient to place them in situations -of trust, where the possibility of betrayal or defeat could be -anticipated. The loss of their services as slaves, in cultivating the -land, is deeply felt by the Singphoos; but these latter have not yet -known the full extent of their inconvenience. In course of time few -Dooaneah slaves will remain attached to the Singphoos; who must -consequently either resort to manual labour themselves, or starve, or -leave the province: which, by the way, would be the greatest boon we -could desire, for the safety and improvement of our peaceable -subjects.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="assamese" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e466">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">ASSAMESE.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The province of Assam was invaded about 1224 -<span class="sc">A.D.</span>, by a band of Ahoom or Shan adventurers; -who conquered the country, parcelled out its territory, and subjected -the population to a vassalage approximating to that in force under the -feudal system of Europe. By this arrangement the whole body of -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb128" href="#pb128" name= -"pb128">128</a>]</span>cultivators were divided into different -portions, called Khels, varying from one thousand to five thousand -cultivators each. They were governed by officers of various grades: -those called Borahs, possessing authority over twenty ghoots or sixty -paicks; Sykeahs, over one hundred ghoots or three hundred paicks; and -Huzarees, over one thousand; with one superior officer denominated a -Kheldar, who was generally a nobleman, or person connected with the -royal family. But in recent times this arrangement has been modified, -and Borahs, Sykeahs, and Hazarees have exercised authority over a much -smaller number of persons. The Kheldars collected the revenue and -exercised jurisdiction in petty criminal offences. Owing to the -backward state of society in Assam, and its almost utter destitution of -commerce and manufactures, the revenue was seldom paid in money, but -mostly in personal labour: all public buildings, roads, bridges, -&c., were constructed out of the funds of labour at the command of -the Government; and the services of all public functionaries, clerical, -medical, military, and judicial, were paid in the same manner. To -facilitate this arrangement, the community were divided into threes, -(or in some parts of Assam fours) each division being called a ghote; -and if one of the three served the state throughout the year, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb129" href="#pb129" name= -"pb129">129</a>]</span>the other two were excused the payment of money, -revenue, or produce. From <span class="corr" id="xd24e1848" title= -"Source: artizans">artisans</span> and manufacturers, who were -subjected to a higher taxation than other classes, money was taken -occasionally; but more frequently the tax was levied in produce.</p> -<p class="par">Under the Ahoom Government the monopoly of office was at -first confined to the Ahooms, or original conquerors of the soil; but -in the reign of Rodroo Sing, 1695, <span class="sc">A.D.</span>, when -the Assamese natives of the soil had become proselytes to the Hindoo -religion, they were admitted to a share in the public employ. When the -British Government conquered the country in 1825, this system of -revenue, founded upon personal labour, was still in existence; but a -money rate of taxation under the form of a poll-tax was introduced as -far as circumstances would allow, the rates being fixed with reference -to the customs of the ancient government. The two poorahs of land -allowed to each cultivator were deemed equivalent to two English acres: -the land could not be taken from him as long as he paid his revenue, -but it was nevertheless considered the property of the state and could -not be disposed of by the tenant. Almost the whole of the land in Assam -is now taxed according to its quality, at so much per poorah or acre, -but in some places any <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb130" href= -"#pb130" name="pb130">130</a>]</span>quantity of land may be cultivated -by paying a certain sum per plough. The poll tax is likewise collected -where the population is unsettled and scanty.</p> -<p class="par">The religious wants of the people were provided for by -the Assam rulers apportioning a certain number of paicks or cultivators -to each Shuster or temple, for the support of which one-half of their -revenue was assigned: the other half was appropriated by Government. -Independently of this, grants of land were made to various religious -persons, under the title of Debootur (service of the Gods), Dhurmooter -(religious purposes), and Bramooter, for the support of the Brahmins -(or priests); and a remission of half the usual rate of taxation was -allowed when the claims of the parties were fairly established.</p> -<p class="par">Assam is noted for the abundance of gold found in many -of its rivers; and as the manner of acquiring it by washing the sands -may not be generally known, and is a subject of considerable -importance, a description may not be uninteresting to the reader. In -the first place, the gold washer, taught by experience, chooses a -favourable site; a wooden trough, six feet long by one and a half broad -and two inches and a half deep, is then placed on pegs driven into the -sand: one end of the trough being raised to <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb131" href="#pb131" name= -"pb131">131</a>]</span>throw it into an inclined or sloping position. -This effected, a shifting bamboo sieve, made to fit the trough, is -placed upon it; two men with baskets then strew a plentiful coat of -sand and gravel from the river on the sieve, through which the gold -washer quickly washes the sand by pouring water on it, and shaking the -sieve to hasten the descent of the water into the trough. By this means -the heavier particles sink and the lighter are carried off by the -stream, that continues to flow from the square or upper end of the -trough to the circular end, from which it escapes by an aperture -purposely bored. The coarse gravel on the sieve is frequently removed, -and a fresh supply is continually heaped up, until the sand in the -bottom of the trough containing the gold is about an inch thick. The -sieve is then removed, and placed at one end of the trough, and a -quantity of water being poured through the sieve, it falls on the sand -like a shower of rain, till all the light particles are carried off by -the stream flowing down the trough. By this process the heavier -particles only remain, and these are gold dust and iron. The gold dust -being now distinctly visible, is subjected to a further washing, and -then dexterously floated on to leaves; after which it is transferred to -a glazed <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb132" href="#pb132" name= -"pb132">132</a>]</span>earthen vessel, and again washed with the hand. -The gold washer now daubs his hands with lime, and having applied some -quicksilver and water, again washes the sand with his hands, which -causes a scum to rise on the surface; this being cleared off, after -repeated washings, the gold is found adhering to the quicksilver, when -it is taken from shell to shell till every particle of sand is removed. -The quicksilver and gold dust are then placed in a shell on a charcoal -fire, and with the aid of a bamboo blow-pipe the ore is speedily -melted; a little water being then applied, the gold is separated and -forms a ball at the bottom of the shell. It is considered a good return -if three persons at one trough can obtain four annas weight of gold -(worth three rupees) in twelve days: giving the labourer one anna four -pice per diem. At one time there was a numerous body of gold washers -employed in collecting gold from many of the rivers in Upper and -Central Assam; and the rivers were, in some instances, let by -Government to persons wishing to enjoy the sole monopoly of bringing -gold into the market. The profit on the gold dust must have been very -considerable, seeing that it realized from twelve to fifteen rupees per -tolah, and was produced in large quantities. But, like many other -monopolies, this <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb133" href="#pb133" -name="pb133">133</a>]</span>was found open to abuse: the people were -oppressed for the benefit of the manufacturers, and the Government -deemed it expedient to discontinue it as a source of revenue; thus -leaving one of the most valuable products of the province neglected. -Gold, in consequence, is becoming scarce; and we hope, therefore, that -the evil will work its own cure, by stimulating the gold washers to -resume their ancient lucrative vocation.</p> -<p class="par">In many parts of the province, coal of a good quality, -is found; and indeed the soil of Assam generally may be considered -extremely rich: it abounds in valuable products, such as rice, -sugar-cane, moongah silk, pepper, mustard-seed, and cotton. But the -bounty of nature is marred by the indolence and apathy of man: the -cultivator seldom looks beyond his immediate wants, and makes no -attempt to improve his condition. In fact, in agricultural, commercial, -and manufacturing industry, this country may be considered at least a -century behind Bengal; and there seems little prospect of improvement, -excepting by the introduction of a more active and industrious people, -who might stimulate the natives to increased exertions. An inveterate -indulgence in the use of opium by the population at large, is the curse -of the country: <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb134" href="#pb134" -name="pb134">134</a>]</span>depressing the industry and withering the -physical energies of the people, by limiting their desires to the -gratification of the wants of the day.</p> -<p class="par">The greater portion of the Assamese are Hindoos; but -they are very lax in their observance of the rites of the Hindoo -religion, and in the few ceremonies which they do perform, deviate -considerably from the strict tenets enjoined by that creed. In their -domestic habits they are simple in the extreme; their poverty and -ignorance limiting their desires within the narrowest compass. A slight -cotton covering thrown over the shoulders, and a dhoti or sheet tied -round the waist, reaching to the knees, forms the chief clothing of the -poor: shoes are never worn. A little oil, rice, vegetables (such as -greens and chillies), seasoned with the smallest quantity of salt, and -sometimes a few small fish, compose the humble fare of the poor -peasant. These necessaries are procurable for about three shillings per -mensem, and as the wages of a day labourer or coolie are from one and a -half to two annas per diem, or about two rupees per mensem, he has -still one shilling to spare<span class="corr" id="xd24e1874" title= -"Source: ..">.</span></p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e1878width" id="p134"><img src="images/p134.jpg" -alt="AN ASSAMESE GENTLEMAN. A MEREE WOMAN." width="443" height="720"> -<p class="figureHead">AN ASSAMESE GENTLEMAN. A MEREE WOMAN.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">This spare diet has, of course, its influence upon the -stature and bulk of the Assamese; who are, consequently, slender, -effeminate, and indolent. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb135" href= -"#pb135" name="pb135">135</a>]</span>Their complexion is not uniform; -numbers being very fair, and as many excessively dark. Their morals are -exceedingly depraved, and their manners servile and contemptible. Nor -are the women one whit superior to the men; and although they are far -from possessing attractive persons, they are utter slaves to the worst -licentiousness.</p> -<p class="par">The dwellings of the Assamese are of the meanest -description imaginable: there are no stone or brick houses<a class= -"noteref" id="xd24e1894src" href="#xd24e1894" name="xd24e1894src">4</a> -in the country; a simple hut, ten feet by twenty, divided into a couple -of rooms for sleeping and sitting in, or not uncommonly one solitary -room, form the only accommodation a man, wife, and family possess. The -hut is about ten feet high, with a grass roof, and the walls are made -of reeds plastered outside, and sometimes inside also, with mud and -cow-dung. A small platform of bamboos, two feet high, serves as a -bedstead; and a seetulpattee, or grass mat, constitutes the amount of -bedding, without any other covering than the clothes that are worn -during the day. Many Assamese, however, prefer the bare ground, with a -simple mat as a bed. The earth floor is daily plastered with -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb136" href="#pb136" name= -"pb136">136</a>]</span>mud and cow-dung: the cow being held sacred -amongst the Hindoos, its ordure has, it is considered, the peculiar -property of not only cleansing, but purifying their habitations. Its -use certainly gives their huts a tidy appearance, and worms and insects -are not so troublesome as they would otherwise be.</p> -<p class="par">These frail buildings require yearly repairs, but the -peasants are put to no expense for them, except in bringing posts, -reeds, and grass from the jungle. Assamese families of respectability -and wealth live in larger houses of the same character of architecture; -but instead of one hut, they erect several close together, in the form -of a square, each hut opening into the quadrangular court-yard, which -is entered by a portico or receiving room for visitors.</p> -<p class="par">In the estimation of the Assamese, marriage is one of -the most important duties of life; not only for the additional comfort, -assistance, and respectability it confers on the man, but because he -considers he has not fulfilled the divine will if he has failed to take -unto himself a wife—and sometimes a plurality of wives. Polygamy -is prevalent throughout the province, and is only limited in extent by -the means of each man to provide for the support of his wives. If a man -marries only one or two <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb137" href= -"#pb137" name="pb137">137</a>]</span>wives, he probably has on his -establishment three or four concubines; and his life is therefore -embittered and harassed by perpetual family quarrels. It is the custom -in Assam for parents to make early arrangements for the marriage of -their sons; and having selected the daughter of any particular family -of the same caste, a regular agreement is entered into for the amount -of the dower to be paid to the parents of the girl, even when she is -but a mere child. The first ceremony of betrothing the girl is called -Tamul pankatta, or partaking of the betel nut and leaf of the betel -vine; which takes place when the damsel may be about four years of age. -The parents of the youth proceed to the house of the family with whom -they wish to form a matrimonial alliance, make their proposal, and -produce a present of the following articles:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e1907"> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Betel nut and betel leaf</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Two bhars (or baskets) of milk</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Fish</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Treacle</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Plantains</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Chura (parched rice)</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e780 cellLeft cellBottom">Total rupees</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">2</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">8</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb138" href="#pb138" name= -"pb138">138</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">If the above present be accepted, then, to all intents -and purposes, the agreement is ratified between the parties, and is -considered as solemnly and legally binding as are the parchment -instruments which regulate these contracts in England. The next -ceremony performed in furtherance of the union of the young people is -called Nowae toolun (or attaining the period of puberty), when the girl -being about ten or eleven years of age, the youth’s parents -proceed to her house again with another present composed of the -following articles:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e1907"> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">R.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Oil</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Red vermilion, for the distinguishing mark of the -tutelary deity on the forehead</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Betel nut and betel leaf</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Pitter goorie (rice flour)</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Akho rice parched in the husk, (dhan)</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e780 cellLeft cellBottom">Total rupees</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">1</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">14</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">About six months or a year after this offering, the -third ceremony takes place, and is called “Kharoo munee -puredheen” (or putting the bracelets and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb139" href="#pb139" name= -"pb139">139</a>]</span>necklaces on the bride). The expense incurred on -these occasions corresponds with the means of the bridegroom and his -parents. To show the nature of the presents made, we subjoin the -following list:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e1907"> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Bracelets</td> -<td class="xd24e718">20</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Ear-rings</td> -<td class="xd24e718">12</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Necklaces of several strings, of various sizes and -colours</td> -<td class="xd24e718">5</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Madulee, a silver charm ornament suspended from -the neck</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Four silver finger-rings, 4 annas each</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">One piece of Mongah silk cloth, five cubits -long</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Betel nut and betel leaf</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Twelve bhars (or baskets) of treacle, rice, curds, -pittagoorie kutcha (ground rice) chandagoorie puckah (baked rice -flour): each basket valued at four annas each</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e780 cellLeft cellBottom">Total rupees</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">46</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">0</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The fourth and last ceremony is Shadee (or marriage), -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb140" href="#pb140" name= -"pb140">140</a>]</span>when a great feast is given at the -damsel’s house by her parents to the friends of both families. -The presents consist of:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e1907"> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Fish, rice, diel, oil, salt, greens, and -chillies</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Betel nut and betel leaf</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">One piece of Moongah silk</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">One Burkopper cotton cloth, for the girl’s -father or brother</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Gao dhun, dower or price of the girl, paid to her -parents in ready cash</td> -<td class="xd24e718">9</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e780 cellLeft cellBottom">Total rupees</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">15</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">8</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The bridegroom is kept awake all night by feasting, -dancing, and singing; and in the morning, all having broken their fast, -the bridegroom accompanies his bride to his own dwelling in a regular -procession. Drums, cymbals, and gongs take the lead; the bride follows -either in a palkee, or mounted on a pony; or, if very poor, she walks -in the midst of her female acquaintances, covered from head to foot -with a white cotton cloth or veil thrown loosely over her; and the -bridegroom and his friends bring up the rear. On arrival at the -bridegroom’s house, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb141" href= -"#pb141" name="pb141">141</a>]</span>his friends partake of a repast, -and return to their homes in the course of the afternoon. The young -couple then take up their abode, generally in a newly erected house -adjoining their parents’ dwelling. The whole expense of the -marriage conducted on this scale amounts to sixty-five rupees fourteen -annas; but only the better orders disburse such a sum. If the parties -are in very affluent circumstances, however, many hundreds of rupees -are expended. The poorer class, from inability to incur further outlay, -are not unfrequently married at the second ceremony of Nowae toolun for -four or five rupees, including every expense.</p> -<p class="par">Should the parents of the girl, contrary to the marriage -contract or betrothment, give their daughter to another person, it is -incumbent on them to refund the value of the presents they may have -received on different occasions for a number of years previously. Yet -in few countries, probably, will the number of violated contracts or -promises of marriages be found to exceed those of Assam. The litigation -and ill-will consequent on these ill-advised agreements is -incalculable, and the complaints under this head in the civil courts -are innumerable.</p> -<p class="par">There is a remarkable similarity between one of the -customs in Assam and that practised by <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb142" href="#pb142" name="pb142">142</a>]</span>the Patriarchs of -old. Jacob served Laban as a servant or bondsman many years to obtain -in marriage Leah and Rachel, who were sisters; and he was not allowed -to marry the younger before the elder. So in Assam a man may marry two -sisters, but he must marry the elder before the younger. It is not -uncommon, when a man is poverty stricken, to engage to live and work -for several years for the father of the girl he wishes to marry. He is -then called a Chapunea, a kind of bondsman, and is entitled to receive -bhat kupper, food and clothing, but no wages; and at the expiration of -the period of servitude, if the girl does not dislike him, the marriage -takes place. The man is looked on in the family as a khanu damad (or -son-in-law), and is treated kindly. If the girl’s father be very -wealthy, and he has no sons, he will sometimes select, from some -equally respectable family, a husband for his daughter, and bring him -up in his own house. The youth so selected is likewise called a -Chapunea, and inherits the whole of his father-in-law’s property. -If a woman’s husband dies, though she may be only eighteen or -twenty years of age, she can never marry again. She is considered a -Baree, or widow for life; but very few women—if any—so -circumstanced lead a life of celibacy: they prefer submitting -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb143" href="#pb143" name= -"pb143">143</a>]</span>to be selected as companions, and are then -contemptuously designated batuloo (refuse or offal). And this condition -of existence among the lower orders is almost as common as marriage; -for the becoming a man’s Dhemuna stree (alias mistress or -companion) involves no expense for bhar bhete (marriage present) or -gaodhun (dower), and is therefore more convenient. The offspring of -this connection inherit all the rights of legitimate issue, and are not -the less respected in society; there is, therefore, no bar to the loose -and immoral habits so prevalent among the poorer classes in Assam. The -indulgence of these is further facilitated by the ease with which the -marriage-tie may be dissevered. No reference is necessary to either the -temporal or ecclesiastical courts: dissolution is simply effected by -the husband, if displeased with his wife or doubtful of her fidelity. -On these occasions he merely assembles his friends, and in their -presence addresses his wife in these words:—“Henceforth I -look on you as my mother and sister;” and tearing a betel leaf -into two pieces the marriage is dissolved, and the man and woman are -free to select fresh partners. The divorce is equally complete if the -husband distributes a little salt to each member of the assembly of -friends, making the same speech to the <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb144" href="#pb144" name="pb144">144</a>]</span>wife. The Cacharies, -a simple-minded, honest, and industrious tribe of Assamese, cut off a -branch of the kuddum tree before a select body of friends, when the -husband declares he has divorced his wife, and the ceremony is -completed.</p> -<p class="par">The funeral obsequies of the Assamese are performed -agreeably to Hindoo usages. The body is burnt as soon as possible after -death. Jogees, Weavers, and Cacharies bury their dead in the same -manner as Moossulmans. A curious practice prevails amongst the Assamese -of giving salt to their friends assembled to bear witness to many of -the common occurrences of life. If a man adopts a son, he distributes -salt to his friends in token of a person having been appointed to -succeed to his property. If he buys a piece of land or purchases a -slave, or if a dispute is settled by arbitrators, salt is in like -manner distributed amongst a few friends who testify to the fairness of -the transaction; and amongst themselves these agreements or settlements -are as binding as laws could make them.</p> -<p class="par">When an Assamese has been excommunicated by the priests -for any civil offence, the expiation of his crime and his restoration -to society are effected by the payment of a fine, called chundrayen, -amounting to four rupees: dhurmdund (twelve annas), <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb145" href="#pb145" name= -"pb145">145</a>]</span>feeding the Punchayet or jury, (one rupee) at -most about six rupees. If the offender be very poor, one rupee ten -annas will suffice to pay for “purachit” (absolution); -which is granted by the priest.</p> -<p class="par">By the ancient Assam laws, slavery existed in a variety -of forms. All born of a free slave by a free father, as well as those -of pure slave parentage, were considered slaves. Free women married to -slaves became, with their offspring, slaves. The king had the power to -grant to his nobles and spiritual advisers portions of the free -population as slaves, which the owner could dispose of in any manner he -thought proper: they were designated Bohoteahs. Prisoners of war were -often granted to individuals as slaves; and criminals who had a -sentence of death passed upon them had it commuted to slavery, and were -assigned to certain masters. The free people were at liberty to -mortgage themselves for debts; remaining in bondage for a number of -years or until the sum borrowed was paid off; and as the debtor was -seldom in a situation to liquidate his obligation, he continued a slave -to his creditor for the remainder of his life. In each district the -value of slaves varied considerably. <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb146" href="#pb146" name="pb146">146</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="borderOutside"> -<thead> -<tr class="label"> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop">Name of District.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Value of Men.</td> -<td colspan="3" class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Value of -Boys.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop">Value of Women.</td> -<td colspan="3" class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop"> -Value of Girls.</td> -</tr> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Kamroop</td> -<td class="xd24e718">40</td> -<td class="xd24e718">15</td> -<td class="xd24e2265">to</td> -<td class="xd24e718">20</td> -<td class="xd24e718">20</td> -<td class="xd24e718">12</td> -<td class="xd24e2265">to</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">20</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Durrung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">20</td> -<td class="xd24e718">10</td> -<td class="xd24e2265">to</td> -<td class="xd24e718">15</td> -<td class="xd24e718">15</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e2265">to</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">12</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom">Nowgong</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">20</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">10</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellBottom">to</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">15</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">15</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">8</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellBottom">to</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom">12</td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The above is the estimated value of good castes, such as -Kuletahs, Kewuts, Kooches. The price of the lower castes, denominated -Joges, Doomes, Cachares, Boreahs, and Burahees, was one-third less.</p> -<p class="par">In the present brief review of Assam it would be foreign -to our object to attempt to describe the events of each reign; we -confine ourselves, therefore, to a short list of the last kings of -Assam. (See opposite page.)</p> -<p class="par">The downfall of the Ahoom kings of Assam may be -attributed to their becoming proselytes to the Hindoo religion in the -reign of Jeydhoj Singh, A.D. 1654; to the religious persecutions of the -Muttucks in the reign of Seeb Singh; to family dissensions and -disputes, and the cruel treatment of Mohun Burjona Gohain. Rodur Singh -left five sons, Seb Singh, Prumutta Singh, Mohun Burjona Gohain, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb147" href="#pb147" name= -"pb147">147</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par xd24e191">LIST OF THE LAST KINGS OF ASSAM.</p> -<div class="par"> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellTop">1681,</td> -<td class="cellTop"><span class="sc">A.D.</span>,</td> -<td class="cellTop">Gudhadhur Singh.</td> -<td rowspan="14" class="cellRight cellTop cellBottom"><img src= -"images/p147.png" alt="" width="630" height="428"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1695,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Bodur Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1714,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Seeb Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1744,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Prumutta Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1751,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Rajeswur Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1769,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Luckme Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1780,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Gowree Nath Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1795,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Kumuleswur Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1810,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Chunderkant Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1817,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Poorunder Singh.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1818,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Chunderkant Singh reinstated on the throne by the Burmese.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1821,</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Jogessur Singh placed on the throne by the Burmese.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1824–25</td> -<td> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td>Assam conquered by the British troops, and the Burmese army -expelled the province.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom">1833</td> -<td class="cellBottom"> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td><span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr class="d"> -<td>,,</td> -</tr> -</table> -<table class="ditto"> -<tr class="s"> -<td>,</td> -</tr> -</table> -</td> -<td class="cellBottom">Poorunder Singh made Rajah of Upper Assam, April -12th, 1833, and deposed by the British Government, Aug. 1835, -<span class="sc">A.D.</span></td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb148" href="#pb148" name= -"pb148">148</a>]</span></div> -<p class="par">Rajeswur Singh, and Luckme Singh. The third son, Mohun -Burjona Gohain, being marked with the small-pox, was incapacitated to -reign; and his younger brother, Rajeswur Singh, superseded him. By the -evil machinations of the Bor Borowa, Rajeswur Singh was led to believe -his brother, Mohun Burjona Gohain, was plotting against his government; -and for the effectual suppression of this conspiracy, his brother was -expelled the capital in the most ignominious manner, his ears having -been slit and one of his eyes plucked out. It was, doubtless, as we -have already remarked, from this severity that the prince Mohun Burjona -Gohain, in the succeeding reign of his younger brother, Luckme Singh, -was induced to rebel against his sovereign, and to join the Muttucks, -hoping thereby to avenge his wrongs and gain the throne; but though -temporary success attended the Muttuck insurrection, the Prince failed -in realizing his ambitious projects, and hastened the extinction of the -power of the Ahoom dynasty.</p> -<p class="par">In no part of the world, perhaps, have such sanguinary -customs and laws prevailed as in Assam, under the Ahoom kings. Many of -their punishments were revolting to humanity. Criminals were whipped, -put in the pillory, impaled; their limbs <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb149" href="#pb149" name="pb149">149</a>]</span>amputated, the nose, -ears, and lips mutilated; the hair was torn out by the roots, eyes were -plucked out of the sockets, and sometimes offenders were ground between -wooden rollers, sawn asunder, or tortured with red-hot irons. A variety -of other cruelties were practised with a relentlessness that but too -vividly marked the barbarity of the rulers of those days, and rendered -it a matter of sincere congratulation that a merciful providence -shortened the period of their sovereignty, and placed the country in -the hands of the British Government, in 1824–25.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="nagas" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e477">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">NAGAS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The south-eastern hills of Assam are the abode of -many tribes of Nagas. They are a very uncivilized race, with dark -complexions, athletic sinewy frames, hideously wild and ugly visages: -their faces and bodies being <span class="corr" id="xd24e2541" title= -"Source: tattoed">tattooed</span> in a most frightful manner by -pricking the juice of the bela nut into the skin in a variety of -fantastic figures. They are reckless of human life; treacherously -murdering their neighbours often without provocation, or at best for a -trivial <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb150" href="#pb150" name= -"pb150">150</a>]</span>cause of offence. The greater number of the -Nagas are supposed to be in a very destitute state, living almost -without clothing of any kind. Their poverty renders them remarkably -free from any prejudices in respect of diet: they will eat cows, dogs, -cats, vermin, and even reptiles, and are very fond of intoxicating -liquors.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e2547width" id="p149"><img src="images/p149.jpg" -alt="NAGAS." width="464" height="720"> -<p class="figureHead">NAGAS.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London, Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">Amongst a people so thoroughly primitive, and so -independent of religious prepossessions, we might reasonably expect -missionary zeal would be most successful; for the last eight years, -however, two or three American Baptist missionaries have in vain -endeavoured to awake in them a sense of the saving virtues of -Christianity. For a considerable period the residence of the -missionaries was at Suddeah; where their labours, I believe, were -unattended by any conversions either of Assamese or Singphoos. On the -station being deserted by the troops for Saikwah, in 1839, the -missionaries turned their attention more particularly towards the -Nagas; they took up their residence on the Boree Dehing river, at -Jeypore, established a school, and were indefatigable in endeavouring -to gain some correct knowledge of the savage tribes in their vicinity. -A few years’ experience here proved the futility of their plans. -Instead of wandering amongst the savage tribes <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb151" href="#pb151" name= -"pb151">151</a>]</span>scattered over an immense extent of country, in -unhealthy, dense jungles, it would have been prudent and politic to -have afforded instruction in the first instance to the populous -villages in the plains. One or more natives have been baptized at -Jeypore, agreeably to the rites of the Baptist persuasion, by immersion -in the Boree Dehing river, and this is the sum total of the missionary -success. This has, it is understood, induced them to change their abode -to Seebsauger and Nowgong, where they seem to think there is a greater -chance of their succeeding. The missionaries have a printing press, and -many elementary books of instruction in Assamese and English have been -printed by them for the use of the natives. Their exemplary conduct and -exertions merit the utmost commendation, and it is to be deplored that -their well-intentioned labours should not be crowned by felicitous -results.</p> -<p class="par">To this day little is known either of the country -inhabited by the Nagas, or of their habits and customs. Several -officers have penetrated a considerable distance into the hills -occupied by the Nagas; but always with marked and necessary caution, -attended by a military guard. Greater intercourse between the highland -Nagas and the people of the plains were much to be wished; but it is -doubtful if any <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb152" href="#pb152" -name="pb152">152</a>]</span>advantage would accrue to the British -Government from extending its sway southward, over immense tracts of -unprofitable wastes or dense jungles thinly inhabited.</p> -<div class="div3 section"> -<div class="divHead"> -<h4 class="main"><span class="sc">Naga Government.</span></h4> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Under the ancient Assam Government some of the -tribes may have been more dependent upon the Government than they are -now, but the Naga territory was never considered an integral portion of -the sovereignty of Assam. It is customary with the Naga tribe to offer -trifling presents to the British authorities, as a mark of submission, -and something is given in return, in token of amicable feeling; but the -Nagas have never been considered subject to our regular jurisdiction, -and nothing in the shape of an assessment has ever been imposed upon -them.</p> -<p class="par">It is very difficult to arrive at anything like a -correct understanding of the nature of the feuds between neighbouring -tribes; for the Nagas have no written language, and their dialects vary -considerably in different parts of the country. No general government -exists over the whole tribe: they are divided into innumerable clans, -independent of each other, and possessing no power beyond the limits of -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb153" href="#pb153" name= -"pb153">153</a>]</span>their respective territories. Each tribe seems -ever jealous of its neighbour; and cruel hostilities, ending in the -most tragical manner—even to the extermination of a tribe and the -total destruction of its cattle, stores, and property—are often -the result of their mutual animosity. The form of the Naga government -is democratical; each clan seems to be ruled by a president and two -subordinates or deputies, who form the executive. The president is -called Khonbao, and the deputies Sundekae and Khonsae: the one prime -minister, and the latter a chief over twenty houses. The chief -magistrate or arbitrator, the Khonbao, decides all disputes of a civil -or criminal nature, and it is optional with him either to direct or -enforce his orders with his own sword; but in all this he is merely the -organ or agent of the people, for the decisions are the results of the -consultations of the whole Raj, or populace, who discuss all matters of -importance in the open Moorung, or hall of justice, to be found in -every Naga village. The Khonbao, Sundekae, and Khonsae, on these -occasions, summon all the community to attend and assist with their -counsel in disposing of any affairs of moment: such as a war to be -undertaken against a foe, or in furtherance of revenge; or the -punishment of crimes committed by <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb154" -href="#pb154" name="pb154">154</a>]</span>any of the members of the -tribe in opposition to their established polity.</p> -<p class="par">The dignity of Khonbao is hereditary: the eldest son of -the incumbent invariably succeeding to the title and authority. No -junior brother can assume the rank, under any pretensions founded on -greater ability, personal appearance, or reputation of valour. In the -event of the Khonbao leaving no progeny, his wife succeeds to his title -and authority; and the deputy Khonbao, Sundekae and Khonsae in council -enforce her commands, and report everything to her connected with the -welfare of the community.</p> -<p class="par">No hospitality is shown to a stranger visiting the Naga -country, unless he visits the Khonbao in the first instance: he is -unable, even under the greatest distress, to obtain shelter or -provision elsewhere. On the arrival of an embassy it is conducted to -the residence of the Khonbao, who gives audience immediately, and -returns a reply by the messengers on his own responsibility, if the -object of the visit is of no great importance. But, on the other hand, -should the embassy be for the purpose of obtaining redress of wrongs -committed by the clan of the Khonbao, the embassy is retained and -entertained hospitably till the Sundekae, Khonsae, and principal -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb155" href="#pb155" name= -"pb155">155</a>]</span>elders of the people can be assembled in the -moorung; when the grievance is stated and inquiries made, each member -stating openly and candidly his opinion on the matter at issue. The -Khonbao propounds what is, in his opinion, expedient and best for the -public good; but if there appears any irregularity, the people express -their disapprobation to the Khonbao, and he is constrained to abide by -the will of the community, to give orders to the embassy, and allow its -departure to the place whence it came. In this manner all affairs and -discussions are regulated amongst the Nagas. Any attempt to travel -through their country, unaccompanied by a person acquainted with the -roads, villages, and Naga language, would be the height of folly; as -the traveller would not be supplied with water, food, or fire, neither -would any shelter be afforded him, and his life would be in imminent -danger.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div3 section"> -<div class="divHead"> -<h4 class="main"><span class="sc">Omens.</span></h4> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The superstition of the Nagas is strikingly -exhibited in the great attention paid by them to all signs of good and -evil, before they attempt the execution of any project: whether it be -to prepare the land to receive the seed, to proceed on hunting or -fishing excursions, or to enter upon any war <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb156" href="#pb156" name= -"pb156">156</a>]</span>expedition. On these occasions the Khonbao, -Sundekae, and Khonsae, assemble the people, and a grand consultation is -held between the chief ruler and the elders of the village, in order to -divine the most auspicious moment, and to ascertain whether the affair -under consideration will turn out favourably or otherwise. To aid the -deliberation, new-laid eggs are procured, which they address in these -terms:—“Oh eggs, you are enjoined to speak the truth and -not to mislead us by false representations.” The eggs are then -perforated and roasted on a fire, and the yolk is minutely examined: if -it appears entire, the omen is considered good; if broken, the reverse, -and auspicious for their enemies. In this conclusion the senate are -likewise confirmed by a peculiar appearance of the white of the egg. -Another simple mode of divining the propriety or expediency of carrying -out certain plans is by burning the Bujjal bamboo. Should it crackle -and fall out of the fire on the left side, it is a good omen; should it -fly out on the right, the event is accepted as a warning of failure and -disaster. By these simple and strange proceedings are the acts of these -people guided. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb157" href="#pb157" name= -"pb157">157</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div3 section"> -<div class="divHead"> -<h4 class="main"><span class="sc">Husbandry.</span></h4> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In their agricultural operations, the implements -of the Nagas are simple and rude in the extreme; but bullocks and -buffaloes are used as in Assam. At the commencement of the season, the -Khonbao having assembled the people after the usual ceremonies of -consulting the omens, the land is apportioned out to each clan, the -jungle is cleared, and sowing commences. Konee dhan, a small grain, and -Indian corn, or goom dhan, is sown in January and gathered in about -June, when the Behoo is celebrated with great festivities; resembling -the old English custom of harvest-home. After the goom dhan and konee -dhan is cut, ahoo dhan is sown; and after this crop, kuchoos, a kind of -root resembling the arrow root, are planted; so that in the course of -the year three crops are raised from the same land. This is done for -three successive years; when, the land being impoverished, new land is -broken up for the same period, until the usual time of fallow admits of -the old land being again resumed. Yet, with all the means of avoiding -famine, blessed with a fertile soil and a wonderful rapidity of -vegetation, so improvident <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb158" href= -"#pb158" name="pb158">158</a>]</span>are these savages, that in a few -months the whole produce of the land is consumed, and they are -compelled to subsist on roots and leaves of the forests till the return -of harvest.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div3 section"> -<div class="divHead"> -<h4 class="main"><span class="sc">Salt Wells.</span></h4> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In different parts of the Naga territory many salt -wells exist, and being worked by some of the tribes an immense quantity -of salt is produced. This is sold or bartered to the people of Assam -for rice, and by this means, doubtless, the miseries attendant on a -scanty supply of food are greatly lessened. We have no means of judging -of the extent of the salt trade between the Assamese and Nagas, but the -commerce might doubtless be increased by greater vigilance, to the -mutual advantage of both parties.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div3 section"> -<div class="divHead"> -<h4 class="main"><span class="sc">Preparations for War.</span></h4> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">When the Nagas purpose taking vengeance on a -neighbouring tribe, the Khonbao assembles the elders of the village; -and, in accordance with established customs, the omens being consulted -and proving propitious, a plan to cut up their enemies by surprise is -decided on. Each man provides himself with a spear, sword, bamboo -choong, a <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb159" href="#pb159" name= -"pb159">159</a>]</span>hollow joint of the bamboo filled with water, -and a small basket of rice; and, the party being formed, set out in the -day towards the frontier of the enemy who is to be attacked. At night -they cross over and occupy a favourable position in ambush, surrounding -the enemy’s village. There they take their repast, and when the -cock first crows on the following morning, they rush, with great -shouting, into the village, and cut up every body they meet with; -sparing neither old infirm men, nor helpless women, nor children: even -the cows, pigs, and poultry of the foe are slaughtered. Sometimes the -victors remain on the spot two or three days, but generally return to -their own village on the same day; taking with them the heads, hands, -and feet of those they have massacred: these they parade about from -house to house, accompanied with drums and gongs, throwing liquor and -rice on the heads, and uttering all manner of incantations: saying, -“Call your father, mother, and relations to come here and join -you in eating rice and drinking spirits, when we will kill them with -the same sword.” They then sing, dance, and perform all manner of -anticks; pierce and mangle the heads of their enemies, and again with -curses enjoin them to summon their whole race to suffer the same -ignominious treatment. In the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb160" -href="#pb160" name="pb160">160</a>]</span>massacre, one of the Nagas -may have, perhaps, particularly distinguished himself by evincing great -ferocity in cutting off more heads than any of his party; which -circumstance he fails not to bring to the notice of his assembled -friends. Stalking out before them he challenges them to mark his deeds, -and with many songs of boisterous mirth and audacious boasting, he -drags the heads of his enemies about in the most contemptuous manner, -proclaiming his own triumph somewhat after this fashion:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e2617width" id="p159"><img src="images/p159.jpg" -alt="ANGAMEE NAGA WARRIOR." width="459" height="720"> -<p class="figureHead">ANGAMEE NAGA WARRIOR.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup> 65, -Cornhill.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">“In the world I am the most powerful and -courageous; there is none equal to me. I am the greatest of all men. No -one” (pointing to the skulls of his enemies) “can perform -such deeds. Like to the clouds that thunder and hurl down fire-balls -into the water to the destruction of the fish,—like to the tiger -who leaps out to seize the deer,—like to the hawk who pounces -down on the chickens and carries them off, do I cut up every one, and -carry off their heads; and with these weapons” (dashing them -together, to produce a clashing noise) “I have killed such and -such persons: yes, I have killed them. You know my name. The greatest -beast of the forest, the elephant, I first destroy, and after that all -other animals too insignificant <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb161" -href="#pb161" name="pb161">161</a>]</span>to mention. Such a hero am I, -there is no one equal to me,” &c. &c.</p> -<p class="par">The same scene is enacted for three or four successive -days; when the heads being hacked and sufficiently danced about to -satiate Naga revenge, they are suspended from the branches of Nahor -trees. After this, the ceremony of tattooing the body is performed, and -a most severe operation it is. The burnt ashes of a pot are pricked -into the skin with the thorns of the cane: a great quantity of blood -exudes, and the body swells to a great size. Being previously thrown -into a state of stupid intoxication, the patient is left to welter in -the dirt and blood for three days, unconscious of his condition. After -this operation, the young sprouts of the Bhat-teeta tree being well -pounded, are smeared over the wounds, and in the course of twenty-five -days the patient is able to resume his avocations; upon which a number -of pigs and fowls are killed, and a great feast is given; the heads of -the enemies being brought down from the trees and strewed out upon a -platform before the populace in the court, or Raj Moorung. For a whole -month from the day of the massacre, the Nagas daily sing the war song -quoted above, and dance and manifest the greatest excitement and -delight. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb162" href="#pb162" name= -"pb162">162</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">All villages are not entitled to the honour of retaining -the heads of their enemies; they must be kept in the village of the -Khonbao.</p> -<p class="par">In some Naga villages it is the custom, for a man who -has committed murder in cutting off the head of a foreigner, to be -joined by ten or a dozen Nagas in submitting to the operation of -tattooing; which in such cases is an indispensable ceremony. The -tattooing is pricked round the calves of the legs in ten or twelve -rings or circles interspersed with dots; the thighs, the breast, the -neck, the fingers, the back of the hand, the arms, the forehead, and -nose, the vicinity of the eyes and the ears being similarly decorated. -The poorest Naga peasant deems it an honour to have his body thus -embellished with stripes, figures, and dots; and the omission of the -ceremony would entail on him eternal disgrace and censure. Indeed, the -tattooing determines the character and consequence of the individual; -for by certain marks on one arm it is apparent that he has killed a -man; when both arms and body are scarred he is known to have murdered -two individuals; and when the face and eye-sockets are indelibly -impressed with the tattoo, he stands proclaimed the assassin of three -of his fellow-creatures, and is thenceforth esteemed a valiant warrior. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb163" href="#pb163" name= -"pb163">163</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">On the question being once put to the Nagas whether they -would like to become the subjects of the Company, they promptly -replied,—“No: we could not then cut off the heads of men -and attain renown as warriors, bearing the honourable marks of our -valour on our bodies and faces.”</p> -<p class="par">If a Naga happens to be suddenly surprised, and cut off -by the inhabitants of a neighbouring village, his corpse is quickly -taken up by his friends and placed on a platform in the jungles near -the road. At the expiration of three or four days they perform some -ceremonies, and wait till a favourable opportunity occurs for avenging -his death. The purpose is never relinquished, though its execution may -unavoidably be tardy: by day and night they lie in ambush in the -jungle, or on the plains near the roads, till they can pounce upon some -unwary individual of the enemy. His murder is then communicated to his -friends in a singular way. Forty or fifty Nagas, armed with wooden -clubs, strike a large hollow piece of wood called a tomkhong, from -which a loud, terrific sound proceeds, which gives token to the enemy -that one of their tribe has died in acquittance of the debt of revenge. -To such an extent does this vindictive spirit prevail, that the Nagas -will wait for two or three generations devising <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb164" href="#pb164" name= -"pb164">164</a>]</span>plans for decapitating a member of a tribe who -has murdered one of their clan; and when the opportunity of vengeance -offers, they are sure to take advantage of it, regardless of the -personal innocence of the man whom they select as the victim of their -fury. The death of the victim is hailed with dance and song, and the -liveliest demonstrations of joy: even the old men, women, and children -seem in raptures at the announcement of the joyful tidings that their -tribe has succeeded in taking revenge.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div3 section"> -<div class="divHead"> -<h4 class="main"><span class="sc">Naga Customs from Childhood until -Marriage.</span></h4> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Ten days after the birth of a child the hair of -the infant is shorn off, and the parents perform several ceremonies, -inviting all their friends to a grand feast, on which occasion the -child is named. On proceeding to field work the mother ties the child -to her back, and whilst at work the infant is placed on the ground. -When the child is about a year old it is left at home in the village, -and the parents pursue their avocations unattended by their little -charge. At the age of five or six years, some of the Nagas wear a -lungtee (a small piece of cloth) round the waist. On attaining the age -of nine or ten years the boy is called a Moorungea, and from -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb165" href="#pb165" name= -"pb165">165</a>]</span>that time no longer resides with his parents, -but, with all the youths of the village, takes up his abode at the -Moorung, a large building set apart for this especial purpose. The -parents, however, still continue to provide him with food, and he is -obedient to their will, assisting them in cultivating their fields. He -carries a sword and spear, and wears the Naga habiliments. At fifteen -or sixteen years of age he begins to be dissatisfied with his existence -in the Moorung, and makes arrangements for taking a wife; generally -selecting a cousin, the daughter of his mother’s brother. On -these occasions the parents collect as much rice and liquor, and as -many cows and buffaloes, as their means will admit. The girls all live -together, like the boys, in a separate Moorung or house allotted for -them; sometimes they reside in a house in which a corpse is kept, -probably from the greater sanctity such an inmate would confer on their -habitation. The youth is not restricted from visiting the damsel of his -choice, and he adopts a well understood stratagem to ascertain her -sentiments regarding himself. Whilst he is talking to her companion, he -carelessly puts down his pipe, and narrowly watches her actions. If the -damsel entertains any regard for him she instantly takes up his pipe -and smokes it; from that moment the <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb166" href="#pb166" name="pb166">166</a>]</span>youth is satisfied of -his conquest, and hastens to communicate the result to his parents, who -arrange matters with the girl’s relatives. Presents of ornaments -are sent for the girl, which she immediately wears; and an offering of -liquor and tumbool pan (or betel nut leaf) to chew, being accepted by -her parents, the marriage is decided on. After this, cows, buffaloes, -rice, and liquor are forwarded to the house of the intended bride, and -all her relations and friends are invited to a grand feast. An old -Deodhunee (or priestess) accompanies the youth to the party with a -basket of ginger, and the youth then addresses the chosen damsel, -thus:—“This day I take you to be my wife. I will not desert -you, neither will I take another; eat this ginger in pledge -thereof—henceforth we are husband and wife.” The woman on -this eats a bit of the ginger, and then the youth sits down; whereupon -the girl, in the same strain, taking up a piece of ginger, -says—“I am your wife, and you are my husband, and I will -obey you as such. I will not take another husband, for we are husband -and wife; in token of which you will eat this ginger.” The -marriage ceremony being thus concluded, the youth, after partaking of -the feast, returns home to his parents, and in the evening his wife -joins him with <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb167" href="#pb167" name= -"pb167">167</a>]</span>baskets of food for her husband’s parents -and his brothers’ wives. She thenceforth resides with her -husband. From that day the husband ceases to abide at the Moorung, and -after the lapse of two or three days, according to the village roll, -takes his tour of guard duty at the Moorung. From the day of his -marriage he commences the preparation of a separate house, upon the -completion of which, in a few months, he quits the parental roof. Some -Nagas will, however, continue to cultivate the land, and share the -produce of their labour with those of their parents; but on the birth -of a child the families separate.</p> -<p class="par">Amongst the Nagas, marriage is contracted with near -relatives, such as cousins, in preference to other women. A widow, -having no children, cannot marry a stranger, but must marry her late -husband’s brother; and if he happens to be a mere boy, she will -still live with him as his wife; nor can the boy take another damsel: -he <i>must</i> marry his brother’s widow. The custom is one of -great antiquity, and apparently cannot be infringed. If the widow has -one or two children she cannot marry again, but must remain in her own -house. No Naga marries more than one wife, and if she dies he is at -liberty to marry again.</p> -<p class="par">The crimes of adultery and seduction are treated -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb168" href="#pb168" name= -"pb168">168</a>]</span>with the utmost severity: the offenders are -brought before the Khonbao and the people assembled to investigate the -offence; on proof of which, the Khonbao, or his Ticklah, decapitates -the man in a conspicuous part of the road, between two or three -villages; or he is tied with cane cords to a tree and there crucified. -In some clans it is the practice to deprive both the seducer and -seduced of their lives; in others, the former is placed in a basket, -his hands and feet tied together, and he is rolled many times from the -summit of a hill until life be extinct.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div3 section"> -<div class="divHead"> -<h4 class="main"><span class="sc">Funeral Ceremonies.</span></h4> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Nagas consider sudden death as particularly -unfortunate: even if a person dies after one or two months’ -sickness, the period is still deemed too short to be lucky; and his -corpse is instantly removed and placed in the jungles on a platform -four or five feet high, where it is left to decay. For three or four -days after a death, the relatives do not leave the village; neither do -other villagers resort to the village in which death has occurred -during the same period. If a person dies who has been afflicted with a -long illness, a platform is raised within his house, and the corpse -being folded in clothes is placed thereon. By night and day the corpse -is watched with great care, and as soon as it begins to decompose, -large <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb169" href="#pb169" name= -"pb169">169</a>]</span>quantities of spirituous liquor are thrown over -it; and whatever the deceased was in the habit of eating and drinking -in his lifetime (such as rice, vegetables, and liquor) is placed once a -month on the ground before the body. The virtues of the deceased are -frequently rehearsed; the heirs and relatives throw themselves on the -earth, and make great lamentations for many months after the death has -occurred. At the expiration of the period of mourning, a great feast of -liquor, rice, buffaloes’ and cows’ flesh is prepared by the -survivors; and an immense number of people, armed with their swords and -spears, and dressed in the most fantastical garb, as if preparing for a -war expedition, are assembled to partake of it. They commence the -festival by repeating the name of the deceased, singing many kinds of -songs, dancing and cursing the deity or spirit in these words: -“If to-day we could see you, we would with these swords and -spears kill you. Yes, we would eat your flesh! yes, we would drink your -blood! yes, we would burn your bones in the fire! You have slain our -relative. Where have you fled to? Why did you kill our friend? Show -yourself now, and we shall see what your strength is. Come -quickly,—to-day, and we shall see you with our eyes, and with our -swords cut you in pieces, and eat you raw. Let us see <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb170" href="#pb170" name="pb170">170</a>]</span>how -sharp your sword is, and with it we will kill you. Look at our spears, -see how sharp they are: with them we will spear you. Whither now art -thou fled? Than thou, spirit, who destroyest our friends in our -absence, we have no greater enemy. Where are you now?—whither -hast thou fled?”</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e2678width" id="p163"><img src="images/p163.jpg" -alt="NAGA MODE OF DISPOSING OF THE DEAD ON A BIER OR PLATFORM." width= -"720" height="467"> -<p class="figureHead">NAGA MODE OF DISPOSING OF THE DEAD ON A BIER OR -PLATFORM.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">With these and similar speeches and songs, they clash -their swords and weapons together, dance, and eat and drink throughout -the night. On the following day the corpse is folded up in a cloth and -placed on a new platform four or five feet high; and the whole of his -weapons, swords, spears, panjees choonga (hollow bamboo joint, for -holding water), rice-dish,—in fact everything used by the -deceased in his lifetime, is now arranged round his bier, which is held -sacred: no one would dare to touch a single thing thus consecrated. -After this ceremony is concluded, the whole of the party disperse to -their respective homes.</p> -<p class="par">On the death of the Namsungea Khonbao, who, it is said, -was one hundred and twenty years of age, his corpse was removed in -December 1843, and according to an ancient custom, a tusk elephant was -purchased from the Muttuck Bur Gohain, and killed, with three hundred -buffaloes and pigs; when the Nagas enjoyed a magnificent feast. The -usual <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb171" href="#pb171" name= -"pb171">171</a>]</span>practice of reviling the deity, while singing -and dancing, was kept up with uncommon fervor, and the bacchanalian -scene has perhaps seldom been exceeded. The heads of the slaughtered -animals were suspended round the platform within a large enclosure, and -the corpse was strewed over with an abundant supply of all kinds of -forest flowers.</p> -<p class="par">Theft is held in great abhorrence amongst the Nagas, and -is consequently so rare that they leave everything exposed in the open -fields. If any person is detected in committing the offence no mercy is -shown: the Khonbao pronounces sentence of decapitation without a -moment’s hesitation. The Nagas are remarkable for simplicity, -candour, and integrity; even the comparatively small vice of lying, to -which the natives of British India are so seriously and universally -addicted, is unknown among them, and will probably continue so until -they have been corrupted by their more enlightened neighbours, the -Assamese, or by the advance of civilization, refined arts, and manners. -The Nagas have no names for the days of the week, and know not their -own ages. Summer and winter are the only divisions of the year they -recognise, distinguishing them as dry and wet seasons of six -months’ each. Time is counted by the moon, or by the <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb172" href="#pb172" name= -"pb172">172</a>]</span>number of crops they can recollect reaping. They -believe in a God or Spirit called Rungkuttuck Rung, who created the -earth and all things, but they have no hope of future rewards, nor any -fear of punishment hereafter; neither do they believe in a future state -of existence.</p> -<p class="par">For the above information we are indebted to Bhog Chund, -who is the son of a West Countryman of the Khetree caste, by an -Assamese mother, and having lived many years amongst the Nagas, is -thoroughly acquainted with them. He is now a resident and industrious -cultivator in the plains. He reads and writes Assamese, and is a most -straightforward character. He would be an invaluable companion and -guide in travelling through the Naga territory.</p> -<p class="par">I do not vouch for the correctness of the list of the -Naga tribe inserted in a later page, but in the absence of more -authentic details, it may be deemed worthy of consideration. The -present account of the tribes is confined to the Nagas of Upper Assam; -but it is supposed that very similar customs and habits prevail amongst -those of central Assam. The Nagas bordering immediately on the plains -are, for the most part, amicably disposed towards the British -Government; and those on the Patkoe range have shown <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb173" href="#pb173" name="pb173">173</a>]</span>a -desire for our protection against the marauding Singphoos. The Nagas -residing on the hills most remote from the valley are said to be fine, -stout, athletic men, of fair complexions; and unencumbered with the -smallest strip of covering in the shape of clothing for any part of the -body.</p> -<p class="par">In 1842–43, the Namsangea, Bordoareah, and -Borkhoormah Nagas invited a party of the Khetree to visit them as -friends, but when they got them into their power they treacherously -massacred twenty-four persons. Thageng, one of the Khetree party, being -only wounded, fled and communicated the catastrophe to his tribe, who -at the sight of his wounds prepared for revenge; and in a short time -they were successful against the Nagas. The Khetrees, being ignorant of -the Assamese language, were unable to pass through the territory of -their enemies to report their grievances to the British authorities at -Jeypoor. They accordingly went to Tomkhoomana, and lying in ambush, -surprised and cut off the heads of twelve men of the Borkhoormah tribe, -in revenge for the murdered of their own tribe. Upon this the civil -authorities proceeded to the village of the Khetrees to endeavour to -put a stop to these atrocious assassinations, but unfortunately the -Namsangea and Bordoareah Nagas, contrary to strict <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb174" href="#pb174" name= -"pb174">174</a>]</span>injunctions, persisted in following in the wake -of the British embassy of peace. The Khetrees perceiving the advance of -their enemies, placed in the road a small basket of ginger kuchoos and -a spear, as a token of submission to the British Government, but loudly -protested from the summit of their hills against a visit being made to -their village; dreading, as they did, the vengeance of the Namsangea -and Bordoareah Nagas. The interpreter, Bhog Chund, who accompanied the -party, entreated the Khetrees to remain quiet in their village, and to -listen to terms of peace; but they indignantly rejected the offer, and -threw down stones, and discharged a volley of spears, upon the -advancing embassy. This being returned by a few rounds of musketry in -self-defence, the Khetrees fled from their village to the neighbouring -inaccessible hill fastnesses. The Namsangea and Bordoareah Nagas -perceiving this, instantly rushed into the deserted village, -slaughtered all the cows, pigs, and fowls, and burnt every house to the -ground. After this untoward event a retreat was necessary, for the -Khetrees came upon the party, throwing down stones and spears from -their hills. A Sepahee having loitered in the rear, was speared to -death, and his head and hands cut off and triumphantly stuck up on -bamboos: the head in the village of Najoo, and the hands in Khoekting. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb175" href="#pb175" name= -"pb175">175</a>]</span>After some difficulty the little detachment was -extricated from its perilous position, and retreated in safety. Shortly -after this lamentable affair, a larger military detachment was sent -out; but to the present time an amicable settlement has been -impracticable. Almost immediately after the last expedition, the -Khetrees cut off the heads of eight men of the village of Bulatin; from -which we may infer that their animosity continues unappeased, and that -there is little hope of these savages being speedily brought to a sense -of the advantages attending a reconciliation. Our intercession might be -effectual for a time; but it is more than probable that it would be -incompatible with a Naga’s sense of honour to forego his greatest -delight—revenge.</p> -<p class="par">From the figured statement obtained from native -authority, it would appear that there are one hundred and four Naga -villages in Upper Assam, containing eleven thousand and ninety-five -houses, with a population of forty-eight thousand five hundred and -eighty-eight persons; but this estimate is probably erroneous. We shall -perhaps be nearer the truth, if, assuming the number of houses to be -correctly stated, we allow three persons for every dwelling: this gives -a census of thirty-three thousand two hundred and eighty-five -souls—a closer approximation to the apparent population. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb176" href="#pb176" name= -"pb176">176</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">LIST OF THE NAGA TRIBE.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="verticalBorderInside xd24e1018"> -<thead> -<tr class="label"> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -No. of Villages.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Names of -Villages.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">No. of -Houses.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">No. of -Persons.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Remarks.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">1</td> -<td>Bur Dovar</td> -<td class="xd24e718">250</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1000</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">2</td> -<td>Namsang</td> -<td class="xd24e718">160</td> -<td class="xd24e718">520</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">3</td> -<td>Kea Mae</td> -<td class="xd24e718">140</td> -<td class="xd24e718">500</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">4</td> -<td>Poolung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">420</td> -<td class="cellRight">Three villages of</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">5</td> -<td>Panee Dooar</td> -<td class="xd24e718">160</td> -<td class="xd24e718">520</td> -<td class="cellRight">this name</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">6</td> -<td>Choongpon</td> -<td class="xd24e718">140</td> -<td class="xd24e718">500</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">7</td> -<td>Khamgin</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">420</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">8</td> -<td>Kokil</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">9</td> -<td>Gophcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70</td> -<td class="xd24e718">280</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">10</td> -<td>Topee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">11</td> -<td>Hungkal</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">320</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">12</td> -<td>Dadum</td> -<td class="xd24e718">250</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1000</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">13</td> -<td>Nerung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="xd24e718">800</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">14</td> -<td>Bako</td> -<td class="xd24e718">300</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">15</td> -<td>Kekhyah</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="xd24e718">800</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">16</td> -<td>Nahoah</td> -<td class="xd24e718">180</td> -<td class="xd24e718">720</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">17</td> -<td>Nahoo</td> -<td class="xd24e718">220</td> -<td class="xd24e718">880</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">18</td> -<td>Khoncha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">19</td> -<td>Lootong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">20</td> -<td>Kotong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70</td> -<td class="xd24e718">280</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">21</td> -<td>Nokphan</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">167</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">22</td> -<td>Choupcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">23</td> -<td>Choupnon</td> -<td class="xd24e718">180</td> -<td class="xd24e718">567</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">24</td> -<td>Runow</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="xd24e718">800</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">25</td> -<td>Rucha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">140</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">26</td> -<td>Changnee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">220</td> -<td class="xd24e718">880</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">27</td> -<td>Changeha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">160</td> -<td class="xd24e718">567</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">28</td> -<td>Pokum</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">167</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">29</td> -<td>Loknean</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">167</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">30</td> -<td>Changnoege</td> -<td class="xd24e718">360</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1340</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">31</td> -<td>Changcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">32</td> -<td>Mangnoe</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">33</td> -<td>Mangcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">167</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">34</td> -<td>Picktoo</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">320</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">35</td> -<td>Pickta</td> -<td class="xd24e718">55</td> -<td class="xd24e718">220</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">36</td> -<td>Nakma</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">37</td> -<td>Moolong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">90</td> -<td class="xd24e718">263</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">38</td> -<td>Bhetur Namsang</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight">Entirely naked</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">39</td> -<td>Now Gawn</td> -<td class="xd24e718">160</td> -<td class="xd24e718">540</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">40</td> -<td>Kangchang</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">415</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">41</td> -<td>Dekahnoe Moong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">140</td> -<td class="xd24e718">520</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">42</td> -<td>Borachaemoong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">150</td> -<td class="xd24e718">540</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">43</td> -<td>Chamcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">180</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">44</td> -<td>Achuringea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70</td> -<td class="xd24e718">220</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">45</td> -<td>Toormoong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">46</td> -<td>Jamee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb177" href= -"#pb177" name="pb177">177</a>]</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">47</td> -<td>Moloo Thopea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">500</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4000</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">48</td> -<td>Akhoea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">270</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2020</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">49</td> -<td>Pocho</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">50</td> -<td>Bor Langee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">150</td> -<td class="xd24e718">550</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">51</td> -<td>Soro Langee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">52</td> -<td>Bhuga Langee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">53</td> -<td>Chenajow</td> -<td class="xd24e718">150</td> -<td class="xd24e718">560</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">54</td> -<td>Boora Gaea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">150</td> -<td class="xd24e718">550</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">55</td> -<td>Bur Dorea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">150</td> -<td class="xd24e718">540</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">56</td> -<td>Kula Barea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="xd24e718">800</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft cellBottom">57</td> -<td class="cellBottom">Soroo Durea1</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">20</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">470</td> -<td class="cellRight cellBottom"></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><span class="sc">Nagas east of the Namsang River subject -to the Political Agent, Upper Assam.</span></p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="verticalBorderInside xd24e1018"> -<thead> -<tr class="label"> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -No. of Villages.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Names of -Villages.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">No. of -Houses.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">No. of -Persons.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Remarks.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">1</td> -<td>Khetree Gawn</td> -<td class="xd24e718">110</td> -<td class="xd24e718">440</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">2</td> -<td>Khena</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">180</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">3</td> -<td>Bottin</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">4</td> -<td>Namcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70</td> -<td class="xd24e718">140</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">5</td> -<td>Mooktong</td> -<td class="xd24e718">90</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">6</td> -<td>Hakhoom</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">280</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">7</td> -<td>Konagaun</td> -<td class="xd24e718">150</td> -<td class="xd24e718">550</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">8</td> -<td>Khatung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">40</td> -<td class="xd24e718">190</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">9</td> -<td>Jankung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">420</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">10</td> -<td>Ken Noean</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">11</td> -<td>Naktung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">12</td> -<td>Lalrung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">13</td> -<td>Koonum</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">330</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">14</td> -<td>Kootung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70</td> -<td class="xd24e718">340</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">15</td> -<td>Mooaloo</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">16</td> -<td>Moacha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">320</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">17</td> -<td>Tejhon</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">280</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">18</td> -<td>Chomjoo</td> -<td class="xd24e718">90</td> -<td class="xd24e718">320</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">19</td> -<td>Somcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">20</td> -<td>Kambao</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">21</td> -<td>Langchang</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb178" href= -"#pb178" name="pb178">178</a>]</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">22</td> -<td>Sooroomungchang</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">23</td> -<td>Noanangchang</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">24</td> -<td>Tikhak</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">25</td> -<td>Gudie</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">26</td> -<td>Manbao</td> -<td class="xd24e718">110</td> -<td class="xd24e718">440</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">27</td> -<td>Eahung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">110</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">28</td> -<td>Mookkhoop</td> -<td class="xd24e718">110</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">29</td> -<td>Mookpe</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">30</td> -<td>Mookcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">90</td> -<td class="xd24e718">360</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">31</td> -<td>Loongke</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">32</td> -<td>Namnie</td> -<td class="xd24e718">220</td> -<td class="xd24e718">880</td> -<td class="cellRight">On or near the</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">33</td> -<td>Namcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">130</td> -<td class="xd24e718">520</td> -<td class="cellRight">Patkoe range.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">34</td> -<td>Keme, No. 1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">440</td> -<td class="cellRight">ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">35</td> -<td>Keme, No. 2</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight">ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">36</td> -<td>Kintoonie</td> -<td class="xd24e718">100</td> -<td class="xd24e718">400</td> -<td class="cellRight">ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">37</td> -<td>Mookrung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">120</td> -<td class="xd24e718">480</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">38</td> -<td>Joopee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">39</td> -<td>Doedam</td> -<td class="xd24e718">70</td> -<td class="xd24e718">280</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">40</td> -<td>Noakhoorma</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">41</td> -<td>Chobang</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">42</td> -<td>Chilim</td> -<td class="xd24e718">40</td> -<td class="xd24e718">160</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">43</td> -<td>Bachowuk</td> -<td class="xd24e718">50</td> -<td class="xd24e718">200</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">44</td> -<td>Moung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">45</td> -<td>Hadoot</td> -<td class="xd24e718">80</td> -<td class="xd24e718">260</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">46</td> -<td>Kaeah</td> -<td class="xd24e718">90</td> -<td class="xd24e718">300</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e718 cellLeft">47</td> -<td>Kaejou</td> -<td class="xd24e718">110</td> -<td class="xd24e718">440</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="2" class="xd24e718 cellLeft">Total</td> -<td class="xd24e718"><span class="sum">3,000</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718"><span class="sum">15,398</span></td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="2" class="xd24e718 cellLeft">Total of Statement No. 1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8,095</td> -<td class="xd24e718">33,190</td> -<td class="cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="2" class="xd24e718 cellLeft cellBottom">Grand Total</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">11,095</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">48,588</span></td> -<td class="cellRight cellBottom"></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb179" href="#pb179" name= -"pb179">179</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="garrows" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e485">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">GARROWS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Of all the hill tribes bordering on the Assam -valley, north or south, the Garrows near Goalparah, though not lofty in -stature, are endowed with the most powerful herculean frames. The -expression of their countenances is savage, and their complexion -exceedingly black. In conversation they are loud, and remarkable for -asperity. Passing through Lookee Dooar to the Jeypore stockade, at the -foot of the Garrow hills, I met with many Garrows who reside on the low -hills bordering Assam, and learned that they were frequently in great -danger from the highland Garrows; who, feeling secure in their mountain -fastnesses, made occasional incursions into the territory of the -former, and committed acts of violence upon the British subjects -located in the plains.</p> -<p class="par">A savage custom exists amongst the Garrows, of -commemorating the death of their relatives by massacring our -inoffensive subjects whenever they can do so with impunity; whether in -open day, in ambush, or by a sudden night attack in overwhelming -numbers. In this respect they resemble other tribes of which we have -already treated. At their festive meetings it is said the Garrows are -guilty of great <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb180" href="#pb180" -name="pb180">180</a>]</span>excesses in imbibing spirituous liquors. A -dried excavated gourd, which does duty for a bottle, and holds about -one quart and a half, is filled with an intoxicating liquor distilled -from rice: this, at their jovial parties, is presented to each person, -whose nose being seized, the gourd is applied to the mouth till the -individual is perfectly satiated, or falls prostrate in a fit of -intoxication. After this, the toper is immersed in a pool of water, or -the river, that the temperature of the body may be cooled. In the -choice of food few things come amiss to a Garrow palate. For example, a -dog fed with rice and then roasted alive, is esteemed one of the most -exquisite dainties. Every description of meat is consumed, even when -perfectly putrid. Singularly enough, however, milk is considered -unwholesome, and is never drank.</p> -<p class="par">The Garrow women are remarkably coarse and ugly, with -very dark complexions. They wear scarcely any articles of cloth -covering, but, in common with most savages, they are particularly fond -of showy ornaments. Their necks are adorned with a profusion of -coloured glass beads; and if the lobe of the ear can only be distended -to the shoulders by the weight of ear-rings, they consider that they -have succeeded in rendering themselves peculiarly attractive. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb181" href="#pb181" name= -"pb181">181</a>]</span>The Garrows to this day are independent of our -rule, and are, therefore, free from any tax on their cultivation.</p> -<p class="par">An immense quantity of cotton is grown on their hills. -This, until 1843, was subject to a tax paid by the purchaser to -Government, at the market, where the Garrows bring down their cotton -for sale; but, owing to the mal-practices of the native collectors -appointed to receive the customs, little profit accrued to Government -after the expenses of the establishment had been paid. For the -encouragement of trade and a freer intercourse with our people, the -customs have lately been entirely abolished; but it is supposed that a -plan for the assessment of the whole of the Garrow cultivation will, if -possible, shortly be adopted. The climate of the Garrow hills, however, -offers a serious obstacle to this measure; for, according to our -present information, no European constitution could endure a lengthened -residence amongst them; and without the constant presence of a British -officer, armed with authority to arrange their affairs, neither the -advancement of civilization, nor the realization of a revenue -sufficient to defray the expense of retaining and settling the country, -could be accomplished. It is supposed that a lac of rupees, or ten -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb182" href="#pb182" name= -"pb182">182</a>]</span>thousand pounds sterling, might annually be -raised from the land; but our knowledge of the country and the -resources of the people is so limited, that this estimate cannot be -relied on. Moreover, from the known aversion of the Garrows to any sort -of taxation, the undertaking can only be rendered successful by the -presence of a large body of British troops; to whom the sword, spear, -and poisoned arrows of the savages could offer but little effectual -resistance.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e3855width"><img src="images/p182.jpg" alt= -"Garrow Bow and Arrows." width="513" height="189"> -<p class="figureHead">Garrow Bow and Arrows.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="cosseahs" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e493">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">COSSEAHS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">This tribe, although near neighbours of the -Garrows, are unlike them in personal appearance. They are an athletic -race, but by no means fond of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb183" -href="#pb183" name="pb183">183</a>]</span>more occupation than will -suffice to give them a bare subsistence. This gained, their lives are -passed in fishing, bird catching, and hunting, merely by way of -pastime. Like all savages, they are untrustworthy.</p> -<p class="par">In the year 1829 at Nuncklow, Lieutenants Beddingfield -and Burlton were, by the Cosseah Rajah’s order, barbarously -massacred. A regular war ensued; consequent on which Rajah Teeruth -Singh was deprived of the district of Bur Dooar, and the Rajah of -Pantam having joined the Cosseahs, his district was also sequestrated. -At this period, no protecting force being at hand, the Garrows joined -the Cosseahs and invaded the districts of Bur Dooar and Pantam, -accompanied by the people, who were compelled to join the insurrection. -The movement, however, was quickly suppressed by military detachments. -Since then the Cosseahs have been vigilantly watched by the Sylhet -Light Infantry, stationed at Chirrapoonjie.</p> -<p class="par">In the Cosseah hills a large supply of potatoes is -annually raised and sold in the Gowahatty market, realizing to the -Cosseahs no inconsiderable profit. The effect of this traffic being to -promote a more frequent intercourse with the people of the plains, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb184" href="#pb184" name= -"pb184">184</a>]</span>it is hoped that in course of time the Cosseahs -may learn the value of peaceable commercial pursuits, and become a -prosperous and civilized race.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e3874width"><img src="images/p184.jpg" alt= -"Singphoo, Cosseah, and Garrow swords." width="575" height="501"> -<p class="figureHead">Singphoo, Cosseah, and Garrow swords.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb185" href="#pb185" name= -"pb185">185</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="booteahs" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e505">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">BOOTEAHS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The hills of Bootan, about two hundred and twenty -miles long by ninety broad, form the northern boundary of Assam. The -population of the country, including the Dooars, is assumed at 145,200 -souls, the Bootan hills 79,200, and the Dooars or low lands at 66,000; -but this calculation, made by the late Captain Pemberton, has been -proved to be greatly in excess of the truth, as regards the population -of the Dooars. In 1842 a census was taken of five Dooars: namely, -Ghurkola, Banska, Chapagorie, Chapakhamar, and Bijnee, in the Kamroop -district; when it appeared there were about 10,000 inhabitants, and the -net revenue of the tracts amounted to 17,544 rupees 7 ans. 4 pice, or -1,754<i>l.</i> 8<i>s.</i> 11<i>d.</i> It may, therefore, justly be -inferred that the population of the whole of the Dooars would not -exceed 40,000 souls. Captain Pemberton, the British Envoy deputed to -Bootan in 1838, describes the Booteah to be “in disposition -naturally excellent; he possesses an equanimity of temper almost -bordering on apathy, and he is seldom sufficiently roused to give vent -to his feelings in any exclamations of pleasure or surprise; on the -other hand, they are indolent to an extreme degree, totally -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb186" href="#pb186" name= -"pb186">186</a>]</span>wanting in energy, illiterate, immoral, and -victims of the most unqualified superstition. The punishment of the -most heinous offences may be evaded by the payment of a fine, which for -murder varies from eighty to two hundred Deba rupees, or 40 to 100 -Company’s rupees, or from 4<i>l.</i> to 10<i>l.</i>”</p> -<p class="par">Polyandry, or plurality of husbands, prevails throughout -Thibet and the northern parts of Bootan; and on the death of the head -of a family his property becomes escheated to the Deba or Dhurma -Rajahs, without the slightest reference to the distress entailed on the -afflicted survivors. “The highest officers of state in Bootan are -shameless beggars, liars of the first magnitude, whose most solemnly -pledged words are violated without the slightest hesitation; who enter -into engagements which they have not the most distant intention of -fulfilling; who play the bully and sycophant with equal readiness, and -are apparently totally void of gratitude, exhibiting in their conduct a -rare compound of official pride and presumption with the low cunning of -needy mediocrity; and yet preserving, at the same time, a mild -deportment, and speaking generally in a remarkably low tone of -voice.”</p> -<p class="par">Amongst the officers of the Deba or Dhurma Rajahs of -Bootan, not one appears to have been <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb187" href="#pb187" name="pb187">187</a>]</span>entitled to the -confidence of the Envoy. The habits of all classes are most -disgustingly filthy, and in the mode of preparing their food little -attention is paid to cleanliness, and still less to the quality of the -meat they consume. On festive occasions they imbibe large draughts of -the liquor called chong, which is procured by fermentation from rice. -“The diet of the great body of the people is restricted to the -refuse of wretched crops of unripe wheat and barley, and their food -consists generally of cakes made from these grains very imperfectly -ground; but the food of the Government officers and priests consists of -the flesh of goats, swine, cattle, and rice, imported from the -Dooars.” The Dooars are large tracts of country leading up to the -passes into the Bootan mountains. In January, 1842, they were all -appropriated by our Government as a permanent measure; in consequence -of the non-payment of tribute by the Booteahs, their “repeated -acts of aggression in the murder and seizure of British subjects, and -likewise for assisting to organize bands of robbers and sharing in the -profits of their plunder.” Whether the Bootan hills will furnish -a sufficient support for their scanty population seems problematical; -and if pressed by hunger it is not improbable the Booteahs will rush -down and ravage the fertile plains of Assam. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb188" href="#pb188" name="pb188">188</a>]</span>The -measure was, however, indispensably necessary to prevent the frequent -recurrence of oppression and systematic plunder of the people located -at the foot of the Bootan mountains. The extensive territory -denominated Dooars has always belonged to the Assam kings, and the -Booteahs invariably paid tribute for the same. Their exactions and -malpractices having imposed on the Government the necessity of -depriving the Booteahs of a charge they were unworthy of retaining, -this cannot be viewed as a harsh proceeding: it was most reluctantly -adopted, and only when it became evident that the finest land in Assam -had been converted into a desolate waste, overgrown with jungle and -nearly depopulated, owing to the arbitrary severity of the Bootan -rulers.</p> -<p class="par">In December, 1842, a friendly meeting took place at -Banska Dooar between the highest officers of the Bootan Government and -the Governor-General’s Agent. The Booteahs were attended by about -two hundred followers; and during their few days’ stay their -complaints were fully entertained, and will probably be satisfied by -the grant of a small annual sum as compensation for the loss they have -sustained in the annexation of the Dooars to Assam.</p> -<p class="par">During the interview the Booteahs were plentifully -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb189" href="#pb189" name= -"pb189">189</a>]</span>supplied with swine, the most acceptable gifts -that can be offered to a Booteah; and an officer who was present on the -occasion assured me that the incessant squeaking of the pigs, when -roasting alive by these heartless barbarians, was most distressing, and -the sight of the culinary process excessively disgusting. As soon as -the animals had been partially roasted they were cut up, and, without -any further preparation, re-toasted and speedily consumed.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e3917width" id="p189"><img src="images/p189.jpg" -alt="A BOOTEAH SERVANT." width="508" height="720"> -<p class="figureHead">A BOOTEAH SERVANT.</p> -<p class="par first"><i>London Smith Elder & C<sup>o</sup> 65, -Cornhill<span class="corr" id="xd24e3926" title= -"Not in source">.</span></i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The Booteah is a large, athletic man, of a dark -complexion, with an unpleasant, heavy, but cunning countenance. -Compared with other hill tribes in their neighbourhood, they are -deficient in spirit and bravery. For example, in March 1836, -<span class="sc">A.D.</span>, a party of seventy-five Assam Sebundy -Sipahees proceeded against six hundred Booteahs, who were posted in -five masses, with a few men extended between each, at Soobunkatta, in -Banska Dooar. When the Dewangerie Rajah was requested to retire with -his troops; they answered the requisition with shouts of defiance and a -simultaneous advance. Lieut. Matthews, perceiving the critical -situation in which his little band was placed, instantly advanced to -the contest, and, firing a volley and then gallantly charging with the -bayonet, caused the immediate dispersion of the whole force, leaving on -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb190" href="#pb190" name= -"pb190">190</a>]</span>the field twenty-five killed and fifty wounded. -The Dewangerie Rajah himself was closely pursued, and only escaped -through the swiftness of the elephant on which he was mounted; his -tent, baggage, robes of state, and standards, fell into the hands of -the victorious Sebundies.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e3937width"><img src="images/p190.jpg" alt= -"Booteah Weapons." width="518" height="458"> -<p class="figureHead">Booteah Weapons.</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">This trial of strength with our disciplined troops has -taught the Booteahs to pay more respect to our power; and they are not -likely to have recourse to arms again, unless greatly distressed for -provisions, or urged by vain arrogance to imagine that a show of -resistance may conduce to our resigning the Dooars to their -rule<span class="corr" id="xd24e3943" title="Not in source">.</span> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb191" href="#pb191" name= -"pb191">191</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="sathbooteah" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#xd24e516">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">SATH BOOTEAH RAJAHS OF KOOREAHPARAH DOOAH, IN -DURRUNG.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Having given a brief outline of the Booteahs of -Banska Dooar in Kamroop, we propose now to detail a few authenticated -facts and incidents connected with the remaining tribes noted above; -who are located in the northern mountains between the Bur Nuddee west -and the Kochoojan east, bordering on the Luckimpore district, north of -the Burrampooter river.</p> -<p class="par">And first commencing from the Bur Nuddee west, we find -the Kalling and Booree Goorma Dooars belonged, for eight months in the -year, to the Booteahs subject to the Tongso Pilo, under the Deba and -Dhurma Rajahs of Bootan; during which time they levied upon the people -contributions, or black mail, in the shape of rice, Erea cloths, and -cattle. During the remaining portion of the year, from the 15th of June -to the 15th of October, the people of the Dooars reverted to the -jurisdiction of the British Government; and for the protection granted -to them they paid an annual revenue, at a certain rate per plough. A -hearth tax was likewise realized. But this double rule was attended -with the most disastrous results. No man under the tyrannical -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb192" href="#pb192" name= -"pb192">192</a>]</span>Booteah Government dared evince signs of -affluence, or even of comfort: the people were compelled, for their -self-preservation, to dress in the miserable garb of the lowest Hindoo -peasantry; for the mere suspicion of a person being possessed of any -wealth, entailed on him the strictest espionage, and not unfrequently -the seizure of the whole of his property. Not satisfied with this, if -the slightest idea were entertained that there was money or other -valuable property concealed (for it is the custom of the Assamese to -bury their wealth underground), torture was resorted to without the -slightest compunction, until the unfortunate sufferer confessed to -having a hoard, and surrendered the little savings of a whole life to -his merciless persecutors.</p> -<p class="par">Such was the condition of the inhabitants of the Dooars -till 1838: hundreds annually retreated to the Pergunnahs (districts) of -Assam under British rule, to enjoy the fruit of their labours in peace -and safety. The beautiful, fertile Dooars were then rapidly reverting -to a barren wilderness: fearful exactions and cruel oppressions -rendering the existence of the few remaining communities precarious and -unendurable; until an unlooked for incident occurred to deliver the -people from the thraldom of their demi-savage rulers. Gumbhur -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb193" href="#pb193" name= -"pb193">193</a>]</span>Wuzeer having long been suspected by the -Booteahs of disaffection towards them, and of possessing great wealth, -the Tongso Pilo of Bootan, through the Soobah Rajah, gave orders for -his destruction; and in December, 1838, he was barbarously murdered. -The whole of his property, amounting to 50,000 rupees, was confiscated, -and his wives, children, and adherents, in all twelve persons, were -carried away into the hills.</p> -<p class="par">This outrage justly aroused the British Government to -redress the grievances of a long oppressed people. The Dooar was -immediately attached to Assam; and the Booteahs have never, to this -day, sought pecuniary compensation for the loss of their territory. The -son of the late Gumbheer Wuzeer was permitted to return to Assam in -1844, and resume the fiscal charge of his father’s villages; and -ere long, probably, the Booteahs of this tract will see the folly of -their past conduct, and be glad to accept such compensation as the -Government may be disposed to make them for the privation of their -power to levy black mail from the people. The annual tribute realized -from Kalling Dooar previous to its annexation, amounted to 390 rupees, -and was collected in the following articles:— <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb194" href="#pb194" name="pb194">194</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Rupees.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">5 ponies valued at 60 rupees each</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">300</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">5 tolas weight of gold, at 12 rupees per tola</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">60</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">4 pods of musk, at 3 rupees each</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">12</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">4 cows’ tails, at 1 rupee</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">4</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">4 blankets at 3 rupees each</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">12</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">4 daggers, at 8 annas each</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">2</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e780 cellLeft cellBottom">Total rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">390</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">From Booree Gooma Dooar the tribute of 232 rs. 10 ans. 8 -pice was also paid in kind, viz:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Rupees.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">3 ponies, at 6 rupees each</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">180</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">3 tolas of gold</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">36</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">2 pods of musk</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">2 cows’ tails</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">2</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">2 blankets</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">2 daggers</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom">Bags</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom">1</td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">At the present day the net revenue of Kalling Dooar -amounts to 2080 rs. 0 ans. 4 pice, with a population of 1634 persons. -Booree Gooma Dooar is estimated to contain 7785 souls, with a net -revenue of 5348 rs. 5 ans. 3 pice.</p> -<p class="par">Proceeding eastwards from Booree Gooma Dooar, the next -Dooar, called Kooreahparah, is under the <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb195" href="#pb195" name="pb195">195</a>]</span>Sath Booteah Rajahs -of Naregooma, subject to the Towung Rajah, who is a tributary of the -Deba and Dhurma Rajahs of Lassah.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e4062width" id="p195"><img src="images/p195.jpg" -alt="" width="513" height="720"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e4064"> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellLeft cellTop">CHERINGTANJING.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellRight cellTop">GELAE.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellLeft cellBottom">Booteah Rajah.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellRight cellBottom">Booteah Rajah.</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>London: Smith, Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill<span class="corr" id="xd24e4084" title= -"Not in source">.</span></i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The country of Towung being in Kumpa or Thibet, quite -distinct from Bootan, south of the Sampoo river, it appears that a -portion of the Thibet territory, or more properly the Chinese and -British frontiers, are actually in immediate contact in the -Kooreahparah Dooar, about twenty miles from the Burrampooter river. -This Dooar, as we have said, was governed by these chiefs eight months -in every year. During this period, the seven Rajahs paid periodical -visits to the Dooar, and let loose many hundreds of their followers to -range throughout the Dooars, and quarter themselves gratuitously upon -the people: changing from house to house until they had consumed all -the food the poor Ryots had to give them. The Sath Rajahs had usually a -caravan of large herds of ponies, mules, &c., as far as Umerathal, -one march from Oodalgorie. On their arrival there, the inhabitants of -the Dooar were compelled to take care of the cattle, and be in constant -attendance on the Rajahs, furnishing them with supplies of rice, -cloths, spirits, pigs, &c.; and at the approach of the hot months, -the ponies, mules, and donkeys were laden with the whole of the -collections <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb196" href="#pb196" name= -"pb196">196</a>]</span>levied from the people of the Dooar, and the -chiefs retreated to the mountains at Nareegooma.</p> -<p class="par">Such was the annual visitation to which the people were -subjected the moment the four months of British rule expired. A gradual -decrease of the population of the Dooar was the natural result of this -tyranny; but the grasping oppression of the Booteahs underwent no -diminution. They made no remission on account of the decay of the -population: the same amount of collections was still drawn from the -remaining Ryots. The country became overgrown with jungle, and the -malaria of these plains was so injurious to the constitutions of -Bengalees or Europeans, that the tract could not be visited with -impunity for above a few weeks in the year. The fevers were most fatal, -and life was frequently extinguished in four or five days. Thieves, -highway robbers, and murderers here sought and found a safe asylum -under the shadow of Booteah rule, by administering to the rapacity of -the chiefs. They surrendered a portion of their ill-gotten wealth in -the shape of fines for the protection given them, in opposition to -treaties and the laws of civilized nations.</p> -<p class="par">Such was the state of affairs, when, to the unspeakable -delight of the inhabitants, the Dooar was <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb197" href="#pb197" name="pb197">197</a>]</span>attached by the -British Government in 1839. A police thannah was established at -Oodalgorie, British law was enforced, marauders and disturbers of -society were quickly suppressed, and at the present day a prosperous -population has again sprung up; only too thankful that they can enjoy -the produce of the land in peace and safety, under a powerful -Government capable of protecting them from the aggressions and -exactions of the wild mountaineers. The contributions taken in kind -from each house by the Booteahs consisted of five pieces of Moonjah -silk, sar cloth, one piece of Erea cloth, one gumcha or handkerchief, -Moonjah thread, and metal bracelets, worth altogether about one rupee -and a half. Such, at least, was the estimate made by the late Mr. David -Scott, the Agent to the Governor-General. But there can be no doubt -that the Booteahs were in the habit of exacting as much as possible -from the most wealthy in the Dooar, though from the poorest peasant -they might have collected their black mail upon some settled principle. -In this manner the sum annually collected would vary; but we have -reason to believe that 5,499 rs. 15 ans. was the average sum levied on -the Ryots in the shape of contributions in kind, and 411 rs. 13 ans. in -black mail or ready cash. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb198" href= -"#pb198" name="pb198">198</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The Booteahs, it is affirmed, yearly brought down -presents of various articles, such as salt, blankets, &c., which -they gave to the Ryots. These presents were valued at 966 rs. 15 ans., -which being deducted from the supposed amount of the value of the -contributions above noticed, the Sath Rajahs, it would appear, received -4944 rs. 13 ans. Upon this data, in 1844, a permanent settlement was -made with these chiefs. They agreed to resign all claim or title to -collect black mail in the said Dooar for the future, on condition of -receiving 5000 rs. from the British Government as compensation for the -sacrifice they made. The tribute paid in kind from this Dooar, previous -to its attachment in 1839, amounted to <span class="corr" id= -"xd24e4101" title="Source: 397rs.">397 rs.</span> 8 ans., -namely:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">4 ponies at 60 rs. each</td> -<td class="xd24e718">240</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">5 pucka tolahs of gold</td> -<td class="xd24e718">60</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">4 kucha tolahs</td> -<td class="xd24e718">40</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">3 pods of musk</td> -<td class="xd24e718">9</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Cows’ tails</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">9 blankets</td> -<td class="xd24e718">27</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Bags</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">8</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">3 red striped Erea cloths</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Honey</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">12</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom">Contingencies for the care of the -ponies</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom">7</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom">8</td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb199" href="#pb199" name= -"pb199">199</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The principal persons who subscribed to the treaty of -February, 1844, at Tezpore, were Sanjiee, chief of the Sath Rajahs, -Sering, Tangjing, Changdundoo, and two Bramee agents from the Towung -Rajah. The latter had no credentials empowering them to execute any -deed or to agree to any particular terms; but, as the Towung Rajah had -never deigned to reply to the communications hitherto made to him, the -apparent informality was deemed of no consequence; and, from the very -liberal terms proposed, no difficulty was experienced in effecting so -desirable a settlement.</p> -<p class="par">The population of the Dooar is estimated to be 22,577 -persons, and the net revenue 12,455 rs. 7 ans.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="chardooar" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#xd24e524">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">CHAR DOOAR, OR SHEERGAWN AND ROOPRAE BOOTEAH SATH -RAJAHS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The appellation of Sath Rajahs, or Seven Chiefs, -appears to be commonly in vogue amongst the Booteahs; but we have yet -to learn the origin of its adoption, as the number of chiefs, both in -the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb200" href="#pb200" name= -"pb200">200</a>]</span>Kooreahparah and Char Dooars, is by no means -confined to seven. The Sath Rajahs of the Char Dooar levied black mail -from the people precisely in the same manner as their brethren in the -Kooreahparah Dooar. The principal chiefs are the Durjee Rajah Tangpoor, -Jyphoo, Dakpah, Sankandoo Sangjaa of Roopre, Chang Wangdundoo, son of -the late Rajah Tangjung of Sheergawn. They reside at Sheergawn and -Rooprae, about three days’ journey from Dymara pass, by which -they descend into Char Dooar. They are quite distinct from the Booteahs -of Kooreahparah Dooar, and do not admit that they are subordinate to -the Towung Rajah.</p> -<p class="par">These chiefs, until 1839, yearly realised 2526 rs. 7 -ans. black mail, exclusive of 416 rs. 8 ans. which was deducted for -collecting the contributions from the Ryots in the shape of food, -clothing, &c.; but in April, 1839, Moodhoo Sykeah, the Patyhery of -Ooorung, having been barbarously murdered by some Booteahs of the -above-named clan, they were from that date a proscribed tribe, and -prevented from deriving any benefit from the Dooar in collecting black -mail. Refusing to give up the murderers, all access to the Dooars was -strictly denied them, and they were justly regarded as unworthy of any -consideration. They frequently denied having any <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb201" href="#pb201" name= -"pb201">201</a>]</span>authority over the murderers, pleaded the -hardship of the whole body being made to suffer for the faults of a few -individuals, and expressed their extreme regret at having incurred the -displeasure of the British Government.</p> -<p class="par">Moodhoo Sykeah’s fate is supposed to have arisen -from his attachment to the British Government, and the energy displayed -by him in causing the land to be measured, to effect a regular -assessment thereof, in lieu of a plough and capitation tax. Such an -arrangement was particularly repugnant to the Booteahs, as they -imagined it would interfere with the Ryots paying them their black -mail; they therefore took vengeance on the promoters of this measure, -and Moodhoo Sykeah was cruelly cut to pieces in his own house by -Booteahs partaking of his hospitality. Gumbheer Wuzeer had been -similarly treated the year before, under suspicion of too great an -attachment to the British Government, and a desire to carry out their -views. In 1844 the chiefs were permitted to visit Tezpore, and in -consideration of the contrition evinced by them, and the uncertainty as -to whether the murderers were still in existence, and really belonged -to that tribe, Government was pleased to overlook the past, and again -to receive them into favour. In lieu of all right or <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb202" href="#pb202" name= -"pb202">202</a>]</span>title to collect black mail, compensation to the -amount of 1740 rupees per annum was settled upon them.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="thebingeah" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#xd24e532">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">THEBINGEAH BOOTEAHS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Of all the tribes of Booteahs inhabiting the -interior or most northern mountains, the Thebingeahs appear to be the -most easterly. About forty years ago a quarrel arose between them and -the Rooprae Booteahs of Char Dooar, regarding the right to collect -contributions or black mail from certain Bohoteahs, or slaves. Being -defeated, the Thebingeahs were for eleven years denied all access to -the plains by their unrelenting foes. Previous to this feud, the former -had the right to collect the whole of the Booteah dues from Majbat; but -after this, their black mail was appropriated by their opponents.</p> -<p class="par">Having, about twenty-nine years ago, partially made up -matters with their enemies, the Rooprae Booteahs, the Thebingeahs again -visited Assam, and have since that time made collections in Majbat in -conjunction with them. Formerly, as they aver, they were the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb203" href="#pb203" name= -"pb203">203</a>]</span>channel through which the Char Dooar Booteahs -sent tribute to Towung. Before the quarrel, their route to Assam lay -through the Char Dooar Booteahs’ country; but since then it has -been abandoned, and they now enter by that of Kooreahparah Dooar. At -the present day their numbers are very small, and they appear to be a -peaceable, inoffensive race.</p> -<p class="par">The town of Tibbung is stated to be sixteen days’ -journey from the plains of Assam. For the first twelve days the route -lies through the country belonging to the Kooreahparah Booteahs. The -next march brings the Thebingeah Booteahs to their own frontier village -of Sangtie. The Thebingeahs are tributary to the Towung Rajah, who is -subordinate to the Deba and Dhurma Rajahs of Lassah. In speaking of -Lassah, they make the distance from their country much greater than -there is reason to believe it to be. They aver that in going to Lassah -they cross a great river (probably the Sampoo) which is the Lohit or -Burrampooter, that traverses the whole valley of Assam. Towung is said -to be twenty days’ journey from Tibbung, in a westerly direction. -From the little information we have hitherto been able to gather, it is -evident the Thebingeah Booteahs were once a powerful tribe; but feuds -and exterminating wars with other neighbouring <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb204" href="#pb204" name= -"pb204">204</a>]</span>tribes have reduced them to an insignificant -state. The British Government generously bestows on this clan 141 rs. -13 ans. 6 pice per annum, in lieu of the black mail they formerly -extorted from the Ryots of the village of Majbat in Char Dooar.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="huzaree" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e541">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">HUZAREE KHAWA AKHAS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">These tribes reside eastward of the Rooprae and -Sheergawn Booteahs, in the mountains north of Burgong, called the -Jumara Guyah hills, distant from Burgong, viâ the Dymarahhat or -market, about six difficult marches. The whole of the Akha tribe is -reported to consist of two hundred families; the Kuppah Choor Akhas, of -sixty or seventy families; and the Meeches (who are also, like the -Kuppah Choor Akhas, a tribe of Akhas residing far in the interior, -north of the whole) are estimated at three or four hundred families. -The whole are armed with bows and arrows, and long swords, but they -have no fire-arms of any kind. The Huzaree Khawa Akhas were formerly -the most formidable of the two clans, but through the energy and daring -of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb205" href="#pb205" name= -"pb205">205</a>]</span>Kuppah Choor Akha chief, Taggee, they have been -obliged to acknowledge him supreme. His will at the present day may be -said to be paramount; for though his contemporary chiefs profess to -look on him as their friend and equal they fear to incur his -resentment, and submit to his dictation with concealed feelings of -dissatisfaction.</p> -<p class="par">Previous to the massacre of a detachment of the 1st -Assam Light Infantry at Baleeparah, the Huzaree Khawa Akhas had always -collected Pocha or black mail to the yearly amount of 175 rupees; but -after the above catastrophe they were looked on as outlaws, and were -denied all intercourse with the people of the plains. In February, -1844, however, the following chiefs of this tribe were summoned to -Tezpore, and an annual sum of 148 rupees was settled upon them; on the -condition of their abstaining from committing further depredations on -our subjects or joining with other disaffected tribes:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Nizam Rajah</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">60</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Changja</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">32</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Changtoang</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">32</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Kebelon</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">24</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e780 cellLeft cellBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">148</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb206" href="#pb206" name= -"pb206">206</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="kuppah" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e549">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">KUPPAH CHOOR AKHAS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">From all the information obtainable regarding this -tribe, they appear to have been always looked upon by their neighbours, -the Booteahs and Dufflahs, as a ferocious band of Dacoits or banditti, -living entirely upon plunder, and never scrupling to shed blood for the -successful prosecution of any unprovoked aggressions, whether on the -Booteahs, Dufflahs, or British subjects. In this light the late Mr. -David Scott, Agent to the Governor-General, on his first visit to the -Char Dooar, regarded this clan. Considering that they had no right or -title to collect pocha, or black mail, he verbally directed that they -should be treated as enemies, and not allowed to enter the British -territory: if they attempted it, the guards were to fire upon them. -This was absolutely necessary; as the Taggee Rajah, just prior to our -conquest of Assam, and during the Burmese government, had frequently -committed serious depredations on the people; and on one occasion he -ransacked several villages, and attacked the estate of Pond Borowa of -Char Dooar, who was barbarously murdered with twenty-five of his -followers. In 1829, the Taggee Rajah and his <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb207" href="#pb207" name= -"pb207">207</a>]</span>Kuppah Choor Akhas had a quarrel with the Akhas -of Somgsong Rajah. Many lives were lost in the prosecution of this -feud, and the Taggee Rajah was at last obliged to take refuge at -Burgong, in Char Dooar. Brijnath Hazaree had the courage instantly to -apprehend him at Gorahgong; and, putting him in irons, sent him down to -Mr. D. Scott, then at Gowahatty. Here he was incarcerated in the common -gaol for four years; at the expiration of which period (in -1832–33) Mr. Robertson, the then Agent to the Governor-General, -directed his release and allowed him to return to his native hills, in -the hope that this act of clemency would secure his future fidelity and -attachment to the British Government. But Mr. Robertson was deceived. -No sooner did this child of the forest and the mountain find himself -again at liberty, than, regardless of his engagements, he immediately -collected together a few of his old followers, and, by the mere -influence of his savage character, he soon rendered himself independent -of the Towung Rajah, and took tribute from the Rooprae and Sheergawn -Booteahs. He then resorted to his former lawless practices of rapine -and destruction; declaring that, now he was released from the Gowahatty -gaol, he would not rest until he had sacrificed every man who had aided -in apprehending <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb208" href="#pb208" -name="pb208">208</a>]</span>him. Such was the terror his name inspired, -that the slightest report of his approach alarmed the inhabitants of -the plains, and they deserted their villages in the utmost -consternation. It was well known that no quarter was given or mercy -shown by the freebooter: men, women, and children were indiscriminately -butchered; neither life nor property was respected; and safety was only -attainable by timely flight.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e4276width" id="p207"><img src="images/p207.jpg" -alt="" width="516" height="720"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e4064"> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellLeft cellTop">CHEEGEE KUPPACHOR AKHA.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellRight cellTop">KUPPACHOR AKHA.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellLeft cellBottom">Brother of the Tagee -Rajah.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellRight cellBottom">Tagee Rajah<span class= -"corr" id="xd24e4291" title="Not in source">.</span></td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>London: Smith, Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">At one time it was the practice in Assam to locate small -bodies of troops in stockades along the frontier, north and south of -the valley at the foot of the hills; or in the immediate vicinity of -hostile tribes, so as to overawe them and prevent predatory incursions -into our plains for the capture of slaves and plunder. These posts, -being far distant from the support of the head quarters of the -respective regiments, and away from the immediate control of European -officers, discipline and vigilance were perhaps too little regarded; -and the consequence was, that detachments were not unfrequently -surprised and massacred in the most savage manner. In 1835, there was a -stockade at Baleeparah in Char Dooar, garrisoned by one havildar, one -naick, and six sipahees of the 1st Assam Light Infantry. About 10 -o’clock <span class="sc">A.M.</span> of the 3rd of <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb209" href="#pb209" name= -"pb209">209</a>]</span>February of the same year, the Kuppah Choor and -Akha chiefs, Taggee, Nizam, and Somgsong, accompanied by a few daring -followers, proceeded to the stockade: the havildar, unsuspicious of any -treachery, went outside to converse with the Taggee Rajah, and told him -that he must not enter the stockade. After a short conversation the -Taggee Rajah—as a signal understood by the Akhas, drew his sword -and inflicted a wound on the havildar’s left leg. Nazim Rajah -then cut down the Naick with his own hand, and the whole of the Akhas -instantly rushed on the havildar, entered the stockade, and murdered -every person they could seize; slaughtering in all sixteen persons: the -havildar, naick and four sipahees, and the wives and families of the -Goorkha sipahees. Two sipahees of the guard happened to be bathing in a -tank close by at the time of the attack, and saved their lives by -running into the jungles. After the massacre, the Taggee Rajah set fire -to all the houses inside the stockade, and retired with his followers -to the fastnesses in the neighbouring hills.</p> -<p class="par">Intelligence of this disaster reaching the civil -authorities, a proclamation was immediately issued, offering a reward -of five hundred rupees to any person who would bring the Taggee Rajah, -dead or <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb210" href="#pb210" name= -"pb210">210</a>]</span>alive, and two hundred rupees for any -information that would lead to his apprehension. This proclamation, -however, was in 1837–38 modified by the express order of the -Honourable Court of Directors, who intimated that the proceeding was -most exceptionable, and that rewards should only be given for the -apprehension of offenders, and not for slaying them. From that day -until 1842, the whole tribe of Akhas and Kuppah Choor Akhas were -treated as outlaws. Our outposts were strengthened, and all British -subjects prohibited from furnishing them with grain or any other -necessaries of life.</p> -<p class="par">In 1842, the Taggee Rajah, of his own free will, came -down from the hills and surrendered himself to the British Government. -The excuse pleaded by him for the massacre of the guard was the tyranny -and insolence of the sipahees towards his tribe; but it does not appear -that the sipahees had any quarrel with the Akhas or Kuppah Choor Akhas, -and it is therefore reasonable to conclude that the latter destroyed -the guard because they were posted there to prevent depredations on the -plains. Notwithstanding the crimes committed by the Taggee Rajah, -Government directed his release, on his swearing future allegiance on -his own behalf <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb211" href="#pb211" name= -"pb211">211</a>]</span>and that of his tribe. This was a matter of -necessity: there were no means at hand of summarily punishing the -outrage that had been committed, and the influence of the Rajah was -requisite to curb the future irregularities of his people. As an -inducement to him to restrain a rapacious banditti from future -aggressions, a pension of twenty rupees per mensem was bestowed upon -him for life. The Taggee Rajah, it might have been supposed, returned -to his native hills somewhat appeased and gratified; but here again the -British authorities were erroneous in their calculations. Incapable of -comprehending our motives, and distrustful of our purposes, the Rajah, -for two years, never resorted to the station of Tezpore to receive his -pension. In 1844, however, an interview with himself and other chiefs -took place, and an amicable and satisfactory arrangement was made. The -Taggee Rajah received his pension of 240 rupees per annum granted in -1842; Nechoo received 24 rupees; Sankhandoo, 32 rupees; Seerkoolee, 32 -rupees; Sorsoo, 32 rupees: in all five chiefs, their pensions amounting -to 360 rupees per annum.</p> -<p class="par">Thus terminated a desultory, harassing war of twenty -years with one of the most restless tribes on the frontier. The manner -in which the forbearance <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb212" href= -"#pb212" name="pb212">212</a>]</span>of these savages has been -purchased will, we are persuaded, not be misconstrued into fear or -weakness, but be productive of future peace and security and a freer -intercourse with the people of the plains.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="dufflahs" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd24e557">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">DUFFLAHS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable -petty clans, and reside in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They -are a very uncivilized race of beings, and formerly were extremely -troublesome: committing atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people -of the plains, and extorting a large amount of black mail in kind -annually. To enumerate the several petty robberies, disturbances, and -murders committed at different times by these wild mountaineers, would, -at the present day, be neither interesting nor profitable: it will -suffice to remark that the people are all disunited, living under -independent chiefs with separate interests, and have never leagued -together in large bodies to ravage the plains for plunder or the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb213" href="#pb213" name= -"pb213">213</a>]</span>capture of slaves. No union seems to prevail -amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; their -irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small scale. -Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the sanguinary -feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, manners, -customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and that little -of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said of our -information respecting the Akha tribes.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd24e4328width" id="p213"><img src="images/p213.jpg" -alt="" width="720" height="448"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e4064"> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellLeft cellTop cellBottom">A DUFFLAH.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellTop cellBottom">A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S -WIDOW.</td> -<td class="xd24e2265 cellRight cellTop cellBottom">A DUFFLAH -CHIEF.</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>London: Smith, Elder & C<sup>o</sup>. 65, -Cornhill.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">In 1836–37, an agreement was entered into with the -Dufflahs to forego their extortions on receiving from the British -Government a fixed sum in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who -cannot live in the plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt -agricultural habits; and considerable numbers have deserted their hills -and located themselves in the plains, paying revenue for the land they -cultivate at the same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of -industry, we are led to hope that in the course of time others will -follow their example, and descend from their hills to enjoy the -protection of the British Government; when their condition will be -greatly ameliorated.</p> -<p class="par">In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and -eighty Dufflah chiefs, belonging to twelve distinct <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb214" href="#pb214" name= -"pb214">214</a>]</span>clans, who receive 1,020 rupees per annum in -lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from the Ryots. In the Now -Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts of country leading into -the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight Dufflah chiefs, who receive -compensation or a pension from Government of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. -annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand total for both Dooars of -2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only to notice the amount -supposed to have been collected as black mail by the Dufflahs from the -people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836–37, when a -pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this -objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were -nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, -from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from -the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each -house:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 seer of salt, valued at</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">5 seers of rice</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Ready cash</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">0</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">6</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, a -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb215" href="#pb215" name= -"pb215">215</a>]</span>Moonga, or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued -at three annas was taken instead. On their return to the hills, another -cess or contribution, amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each -village or community, fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether -they had decreased or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced -nor augmented their demand. The articles taken from each village -consisted on this occasion generally of—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 Erea cloth, valued at</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 cow</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Cash, as a present</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Rice, 1 bhar</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 duck</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 seer of salt</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 seer of oil</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">7</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">10</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were -four villages (Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited -by Cacharees, who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men -bestowed originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or -service. This caste or tribe the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb216" -href="#pb216" name="pb216">216</a>]</span>Dufflahs especially -considered as their slaves, from whom they claimed the right to collect -two-thirds of the produce of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from -the British Government two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was -taken from him as revenue, or capitation tax; being two rupees less -than that paid by the Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees -granted in his favour, was to enable him to meet the demands of the -Dufflahs against him, in addition to the following amount of black -mail, viz:—</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<thead> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop cellHeadBottom"> -Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 Erea small cloth</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 Moonga gumcha</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 chunam (or lime box)</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 kuttaree, or knife</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 jappee hat or umbrella</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 bhar of rice</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 duck</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 seer of salt</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">1 seer of oil</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">3</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">0</span></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the -Dufflahs five rupees each in produce; while the free population was -assessed at the rate of about <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb217" -href="#pb217" name="pb217">217</a>]</span>eight rupees per village of -twenty houses, which would average about six annas four pice per house. -From the free and slave population united, as far as we have means for -determining, the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole -Dooar, amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the -Dufflahs have gained by the money substituted for black mail.</p> -<p class="par">In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not -certain that this system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming -proselytes to the Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; -and being unable to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous -hill tribes both on the north and south frontiers of the valley—a -space of 400 miles, accessible by innumerable passes—they readily -permitted the tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions -of land called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the -Ahoom Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. -Intestine commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign -aggression was restrained from accomplishing. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb218" href="#pb218" name="pb218">218</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="verticalBorderInside xd24e1018"> -<thead> -<tr class="label"> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e4632 cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop">No. of Chiefs -in each Khel or Clan.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e4632 cellHeadTop">No. of Khels or Clans.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadTop">Name of Khel or Clan.</td> -<td colspan="3" class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop"> -Amount of Pension.</td> -</tr> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellHeadLeft cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellHeadRight cellHeadBottom">Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">23</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Phering Ooela</td> -<td class="xd24e718">97</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">8</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">5</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">20</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Oopur Takoolea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">108</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">5</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">2</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">21</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Nam Takoolea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">196</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">14</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">21</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Rapo Oolea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">76</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">11</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">4</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">46</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">5</td> -<td>Paee Olea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">234</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">12</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">2</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">7</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">6</td> -<td>Oopur Taolea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">17</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">1</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">11</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">2</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">7</td> -<td>Nam Taolea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">10</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">7</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">3</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">8</td> -<td>Chana Oolea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">23</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">6</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">7</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">37</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">9</td> -<td>Oopur Tabungolea</td> -<td class="xd24e718">106</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">2</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">9</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft"></td> -<td class="xd24e4632">10</td> -<td>Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, Deka and Bur Gaum extinct</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">8</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">4</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft"></td> -<td class="xd24e4632">11</td> -<td>Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of Kuchla Barru, extinct</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">8</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">3</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft"></td> -<td class="xd24e4632">12</td> -<td>Names of chiefs unknown, extinct</td> -<td class="xd24e718">150</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">0</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">180</span></td> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e780 cellBottom">Total</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">1020</span></td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellBottom"><span class="sum">0</span></td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">0</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="verticalBorderInside xd24e1018"> -<thead> -<tr class="label"> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e4632 cellHeadLeft cellHeadTop">No. of -Dooars.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadTop">Name of Dooars.</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 xd24e4632 cellHeadTop">No. of Chiefs</td> -<td class="xd24e1033 cellHeadTop">Name of Chiefs</td> -<td colspan="3" class="xd24e1033 xd24e718 cellHeadRight cellHeadTop"> -Amount of Pension</td> -</tr> -<tr class="unit"> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellHeadLeft cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="cellHeadBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellHeadBottom">Rs.</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellHeadBottom">Ans.</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellHeadRight cellHeadBottom">Pice.</td> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td rowspan="8" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">1</td> -<td rowspan="8">Bihalee Dooar.</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Tamoo Gaum</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="7" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Tetae</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Ruma</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Nerbow</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">5</td> -<td>Tumes</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">6</td> -<td>Emakolee Gaumnee</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">7</td> -<td>Hollee Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">8</td> -<td>Hathemorea Huraporah</td> -<td class="xd24e718">58</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">9</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">7 <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb219" -href="#pb219" name="pb219">219</a>]</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="7" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">2</td> -<td rowspan="7">Gong Dooar.</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Bhoot Gaum</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="6" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Ruma and Gamoo</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Akho Chalee Gaumnee</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Changdur Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">5</td> -<td>Rao</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">6</td> -<td>Nizboo and Burkmal</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">7</td> -<td>Rungoa and his son Byragee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">82</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">2</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">8</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="8" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">3</td> -<td rowspan="8">Bagmara Dooar<span class="corr" id="xd24e4973" title= -"Not in source">.</span></td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Gopee Gaum</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="7" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Papoong and Kadoo</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Sedae Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Teeta Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">5</td> -<td>Lalloo</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">6</td> -<td>Kowa</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">7</td> -<td>Baboo</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">8</td> -<td>Madoo and Paree</td> -<td class="xd24e718">29</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">5</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">11</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="3" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">4</td> -<td rowspan="3">Sakhoo Mata Dooar.</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Deka Gaum, Bogle, and Rumgka</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="2" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Chale Gaema, Gotoa Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Kena Gaum</td> -<td class="xd24e718">262</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">8</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">5</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="13" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">5</td> -<td rowspan="13">Chooteah Dooar.</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Babung Gaum</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="12" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Bengala Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Bengakoe Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Chengolee Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">5</td> -<td>Hanoo Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">6</td> -<td>Tadung Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">7</td> -<td>Hanoo Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">8</td> -<td>Peroo Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">9</td> -<td>Durpur Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">10</td> -<td>Taggee for Talee</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">11</td> -<td>Teloa Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">12</td> -<td>Tamar</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">13</td> -<td>Durrung</td> -<td class="xd24e718">234</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">0</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">3</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="5" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">6</td> -<td rowspan="5">Kuchlahbaree Dooar.</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Phedula, Bhedo Jey, Nizae Bulae Jey Gaums</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="4" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Ladoom<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb220" href="#pb220" name= -"pb220">220</a>]</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Onee</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Rungoma</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">5</td> -<td>Tajur</td> -<td class="xd24e718">66</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">1</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">3</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="4" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">7</td> -<td rowspan="4">Chandhur Dooar.</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Jeyram Gaum</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="3" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Ketula Haree</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Bogee Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Hetoo Gaumnee</td> -<td class="xd24e718">137</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">12</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">8</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="2" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">8</td> -<td rowspan="2">Gurea Dooar<span class="corr" id="xd24e5200" title= -"Not in source">.</span></td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Beroo Gaum, Seram Nirboo Keah Gaum</td> -<td colspan="3" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Dhunae Darkeh</td> -<td class="xd24e718">46</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">11</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">10</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan="8" class="xd24e4632 cellLeft">9</td> -<td rowspan="8">Bakula Dooar.</td> -<td class="xd24e4632">1</td> -<td>Neema Gaum</td> -<td colspan="3" rowspan="7" class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">2</td> -<td>Gobind Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">3</td> -<td>Peroo Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">4</td> -<td>Tama, Jagura, Nerum Lekejoo Luchoo, Begora, Oozeer, and others</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">5</td> -<td>Chengalee and others</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">6</td> -<td>Khakung Gaum</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">7</td> -<td>Halee</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632">8</td> -<td>Chedar</td> -<td class="xd24e718">606</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">5</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft"></td> -<td></td> -<td class="xd24e4632"></td> -<td>Total paid to Now Dooar, Dufflah Chiefs</td> -<td class="xd24e718"><span class="sum">1523</span></td> -<td class="xd24e1031"><span class="sum">9</span></td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight"><span class="sum">8</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft"></td> -<td></td> -<td class="xd24e4632"></td> -<td>Total paid to Char Dooar Dufflah Chiefs</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1020</td> -<td class="xd24e1031">0</td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellLeft cellBottom"></td> -<td class="cellBottom"></td> -<td class="xd24e4632 cellBottom">58</td> -<td class="xd24e780 cellBottom">Total</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellBottom"><span class="sum">2543</span></td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellBottom"><span class="sum">9</span></td> -<td class="xd24e1031 cellRight cellBottom"><span class= -"sum">8</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par xd24e5317">London: Printed by <i>Stewart</i> and -<i>Murray</i>, Old Bailey.</p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<hr class="fnsep"> -<div class="footnote-body"> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd24e1597" href="#xd24e1597src" name="xd24e1597">1</a></span> The name -of the Moa Mareya Muttuck Gosain is Nahor; he is called Ushtobhoj, the -eight handed priest, or an incarnation of the Deity: a title which he -assumed in order to receive greater adoration from the people. He -established his claim to the title by a device or deception. Making -three men stand behind him, from under a covering they presented their -hands in front of his body, and these, with his own, made his credulous -disciples believe he really had eight hands. Having also some defect in -his legs, he was known by the appellation of the Lame Moa Mareya Priest -Nahor. <a class="fnarrow" href="#xd24e1597src">↑</a></p> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd24e1623" href="#xd24e1623src" name="xd24e1623">2</a></span> This -princess was the daughter of the Munepore Rajah; she was first married -to Rajeswur Sing, and afterwards to his brother, Luckme Sing. The -Muneepories are called Mogolies, and a tank, temple and an estate is to -this day called the Mogolie Princess’s Pokhuree and Khat. In the -Assam annals, she is called Koorung Neyune. <a class="fnarrow" -href="#xd24e1623src">↑</a></p> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd24e1692" href="#xd24e1692src" name="xd24e1692">3</a></span> Abor is -derived from the Assamese word <i>boree</i>, friendly; <i>aboree</i>, -unfriendly. Thus we understand the term Abor Nagas, Abor Dufflahs, -independent or hostile tribes; and this designation seems common to all -rude tribes in Assam. <a class="fnarrow" href= -"#xd24e1692src">↑</a></p> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd24e1894" href="#xd24e1894src" name="xd24e1894">4</a></span> In many -parts of Assam there are many fine temples and old forts built of stone -and bricks; but, the art of making such firm and durable bricks as were -used in former days seems now to be entirely lost. <a class= -"fnarrow" href="#xd24e1894src">↑</a></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="back"> -<div class="div1 ads"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd24e5328">A</p> -<p class="par xd24e5330">CATALOGUE</p> -<p class="par xd24e5328">OF</p> -<p class="par xd24e5330">Books,</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">IN</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">VARIOUS BRANCHES OF LITERATURE;</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">IN THE PRESS, OR RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY</p> -<p class="par xd24e5328">SMITH, ELDER AND CO.,</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">65, CORNHILL, LONDON.</p> -<p class="par xd24e191">AGENTS: CUMMING & FERGUSON, <span class= -"sc">Dublin</span>; BELL & BRADFUTE, <span class= -"sc">Edinburgh</span>; D. ROBERTSON, <span class="sc">Glasgow</span>; -W. GRAPEL, <span class="sc">Liverpool</span>.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 ads"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">CONTENTS.</h2> -<table class="tocList"> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adinpress">WORKS IN THE -PRESS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adjustpublished">WORKS -JUST PUBLISHED</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">2</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adjames">MR. -JAMES’S WORKS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href= -"#admiscellaneous">MISCELLANEOUS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">9</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adscientific">SCIENTIFIC -WORKS ILLUSTRATED</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">13</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#addavy">SIR HUMPHRY -DAVY’S WORKS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">17</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adbrown">WORKS BY CAPTAIN -THOMAS BROWN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">18</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adoriental">ORIENTAL AND -COLONIAL</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">19</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adreligious">RELIGIOUS -AND EDUCATIONAL</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">22</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adtayler">WORKS BY THE -REV. C. B. TAYLER</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">24</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adpoetry">POETRY</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">28</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href= -"#adembellished">EMBELLISHED WORKS AND PRINTS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">30</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#adforblind">BOOKS FOR THE -BLIND</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">32</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 ads"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd24e1392"><i>January, 1847.</i></p> -<p class="par xd24e5328">CATALOGUE</p> -<p class="par xd24e193">OF</p> -<p class="par xd24e5328">SMITH, ELDER AND CO.’S PUBLICATIONS.</p> -<div id="adinpress" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">WORKS IN THE PRESS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adAuthor">THE REV. DR. CROLY.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE PATRIARCHS—THE PROPHETS—THE -APOSTLES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Their characters and influence on the ages -in which they lived, considered in connection with the Christian -dispensation. To form a series of three separate and independent -volumes. The first, treating of the <span class="sc">Patriarchs</span>, -is in preparation.</p> -<p class="par adAuthor">NEW WORK BY THE AUTHOR OF “THE -NOVITIATE.”</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE JESUIT IN THE FAMILY.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">Andrew -Steinmetz</span>, Author of “The Novitiate; or, a Year among the -English Jesuits,” 1 vol. post 8vo.</p> -<p class="par adAvailability">(<i>nearly ready.</i>)</p> -<p class="par adAuthor">AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A NEGRO SLAVE.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF ZAMBA,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">An African Negro Chief. Written by -himself. 1 vol. post 8vo.</p> -<p class="par adAvailability">(<i>nearly ready.</i>)</p> -<p class="par adAuthor">MR. G. P. R. JAMES.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE CASTLE OF EHRENSTEIN,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Romance, by <span class="sc">G. P. R. -James</span>, Esq., 3 vols. post 8vo.</p> -<p class="par adAvailability">(<i>just ready</i>.)</p> -<p class="par adAuthor">MR. LEIGH HUNT.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">MEN, WOMEN, AND BOOKS:</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">A Collection of -Essays</span>, by <span class="sc">Leigh Hunt</span>, 2 vols. post -8vo.</p> -<p class="par adAvailability">(<i>very shortly.</i>)</p> -<p class="par adAuthor">NEW NOVEL.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">A WHIM AND ITS CONSEQUENCES,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">3 vols. post 8vo.</p> -<p class="par adAvailability">(<i>just ready.</i>)</p> -<p class="par adAuthor">SIR JOHN HERSCHEL’S</p> -<p class="par adTitle">OBSERVATIONS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Made during a recent residence at the -<span class="sc">Cape of Good Hope</span>. In one volume, royal 4to. -Illustrated by numerous Plates. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb224" -href="#pb224" name="pb224">1</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adjustpublished" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">SAVAGE LIFE AND SCENES IN AUSTRALIA AND -NEW ZEALAND.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Being an Artist’s impressions of -Countries and People at the Antipodes. By <span class="sc">George -French Angas</span>, Esq. In two vols. post 8vo., with numerous -Illustrations.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“These are two volumes of good artistical -description, with much of finer staple than the title-page promises. -Mr. Angas observed nature in the Southern hemisphere with a -painter’s eye, and has thrown much poetical feeling into his -impressions of it.”—<i>Morning Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“He has not the bias or coarseness of -many who have gone out to the antipodes; he has a better taste, in some -sense a more cultivated mind, and is lifted above the atmosphere of -Colonial partizanship.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Already favourably known to the public, -both as an artist and an author, Mr. Angas has fully confirmed every -expectancy by his new publication. Generally speaking, we might say it -was artistical and descriptive, picturesque and poetical, did we not -fear that these epithets might mislead the reader into an impression -that it was not at the same time <i>curious in actual observation and -faithful in details</i>.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Mr. Angas has produced a very -interesting work, and illustrated it with sketches which do much credit -to his ability in his profession.”—<i>The -Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“After a careful reading of these two -volumes, we pronounce them, without any hesitation, to afford on the -whole the most faithful pictures of savage life in Australia and New -Zealand yet published.”—<i>Weekly Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adAuthor">LEIGH HUNT’S SELECTIONS FROM THE ENGLISH -POETS,</p> -<p class="par">EXEMPLIFYING</p> -<p class="par adTitle">I. IMAGINATION AND FANCY.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">II. WIT AND HUMOUR.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Each volume is complete in itself, and -preceded by an Essay illustrative of the qualities respectively -exemplified in the selections; the best passages are marked and -commented upon by Mr. <span class="sc">Leigh Hunt</span>, who also -characterizes each author. Bound in cloth, with gilt edges, price 10s. -6d. each.</p> -<p class="par"><i>Opinions of the Press, on</i> <span class="sc">Wit -and Humour</span>.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“The design of this delightful series -extends beyond a collection of elegant extracts, while it combines the -best features of such collections. The two volumes already published -are precisely the books one would wish to carry for companionship on a -journey, or to have at hand when tired of work, or at a loss what to do -for want of it. They are selections of some of the best things some of -our best authors have said, accompanied with short but delicate -expositions and enforcements of their beauties. They are truly most -genial, agreeable, and social books.”—<i>Examiner.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is really a delightful volume, -forming a proper complement and companion to its predecessor on -‘Imagination and Fancy.’ Each of them gives us the best -passages of the best writers, in their respective kinds, illustrated by -one who will himself leave no mean remembrance to posterity, in the -spirit of genial criticism, informed by a delicate faculty of -discrimination. What more could literary epicures -desire?”—<i>Morning Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“If we were to choose the subject and the -author of a fireside book for the long winter evenings, we should -certainly call some such volume as this into existence. The reader will -look for exquisite things in this book, and he will find a great deal -more than he looks for in the prodigal resources opened up in its -pages. It is the very essence of the sunniest qualities from English -poets.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“There is something genial in the very -title of this volume; and it does not belie its title. ‘Wit and -Humour,’ forms a pendant to ‘Imagination and Fancy,’ -by the same author. A like design is embodied in both works. The book -is at once exhilarating and suggestive: it may charm frivolous minds -into wisdom, and austere ones into -mirth.”—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A NARRATIVE OF THE RECOVERY OF H. M. S. -GORGON.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">(<span class="sc">Charles Hotham</span>, -Esq., Captain), Stranded in the Bay of Monte Video, May 10, 1844. By -<span class="sc">Astley Cooper Key</span>, Commander, R.N., (late -Lieut, of H. M. S. Gorgon). 1 vol. 8vo. with numerous Plates. Price -7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb225" href= -"#pb225" name="pb225">1*</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">“MODERN PAINTERS.”</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">Volume the First.</span> -By <span class="sc">A Graduate of Oxford</span>. A New Edition, revised -by the Author, being the <span class="sc">Third</span>. In imperial -8vo., uniform with Vol. II.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">SECOND VOLUME OF “MODERN -PAINTERS.”</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Treating of the <span class= -"sc">Imaginative</span> and <span class="sc">Theoretic -Faculties</span>. By a <span class="sc">Graduate of Oxford</span>. In -one volume, imperial 8vo., price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“We are prepared emphatically to declare, -that this work is the most valuable contribution towards a proper view -of painting, its purpose and means, that has come within our -knowledge.”—<i>Foreign Quarterly Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“A work distinguished by an enlightened -style of criticism, new to English readers, and by the profound -observation of nature displayed by the author.”—<i>Dublin -University Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is the production of a highly -gifted mind, one who has evidently bestowed time and labour to obtain a -practical knowledge of the fine arts, and who writes eloquently, -feelingly, and fearlessly.”—<i>Polytechnic Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“It has seldom been our lot to take up a -work more admirably conceived and written than this beautiful and -elaborate essay. To a perfect idea of the scope of the inquiry, and a -mastery of all the technicalities required for its due treatment, the -Graduate unites considerable metaphysical power, extent of -philosophical and scientific knowledge, a clear and manly style of -expression, and no inconsiderable command of humour and -satire.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“The Oxford Graduate is a bold -revolutionist in art.... A very Luther in art-criticism.... He has -asserted and established the claims of Landscape painting to a much -higher rank than it hitherto enjoyed.... The second volume of this -remarkable work rises above the first. Indeed, we question if any but a -high order of mind will embrace the full grandeur of its design, or -follow the masterly analysis by which its propositions are -elucidated.”—<i>English Gentleman.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“The author now comes forward with -additional force, and, we must hope, with still higher effect, on the -public taste.... He directs his attention in the present volume from -the individual artists to the art -itself.”—<i>Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par adAuthor">MR. JAMES’S NEW ROMANCE.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">HEIDELBERG:</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">A Romance.</span> By -<span class="sc">G. P. R. James</span>, Esq. 3 vols. post 8vo., -1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adAuthor">NEW VOLUMES OF MR JAMES’S WORKS -ILLUSTRATED.</p> -<p class="par">Vol. 11, containing</p> -<p class="par adTitle"><b>THE KING’S HIGHWAY</b>, Medium 8vo. -price 8<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">Was published on the 12th instant.</p> -<p class="par">Vol. 12,</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE GENTLEMAN OF THE OLD SCHOOL,</p> -<p class="par">Will appear on the 1st April.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><b>CLINICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE DISEASES -OF INDIA:</b> As Exhibited in the <span class="sc">Medical History of a -body of European Soldiers</span>, for a Series of Years from their -Arrival in that Country. By <span class="sc">William Geddes</span>, -M.D., Member of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh, and the Medical -and Physical Society of Calcutta, and late Surgeon of the Madras -European Regiment. In one vol., 8vo. Price 16<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“A more elaborate display of medical -statistics has rarely been given to the public. As a vast amount of -facts the book is really, we believe, -unrivalled.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“It is hardly possible to conceive a more -complete medical history than the one furnished by Dr. Geddes. He has -conferred an inestimable benefit upon medical science; and no -practitioner who regards either his interest or his duty can be without -the book.”—<i>Indian News.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“To the medical officers in India, and -especially to those about to proceed thither, this will be found a -valuable book of reference, and well merits to be included in the list -of works with which officers are required to provide themselves on -joining the service.”—<i>British and Foreign Medical -Review.</i> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb226" href="#pb226" name= -"pb226">2*</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">ENGLAND’S COLONIAL EMPIRE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">An <span class="sc">Historical, -Political</span>, and <span class="sc">Statistical Account</span> of -the <span class="sc">British Empire</span>, its <span class= -"sc">Colonies</span> and <span class="sc">Dependencies</span>. By -<span class="sc">Charles Pridham</span>, Esq., B.A., Member of the -Royal Geographical Society, &c.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="sc">Volume I.</span>—Comprising</p> -<p class="par">THE MAURITIUS AND ITS DEPENDENCIES.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“The first volume of a work intended to -completely exhibit England’s Colonial Empire. The author is Mr. -Pridham, who, in a modest preface, apologizes for having at so early an -age undertaken so gigantic a task. The first volume, however, shows no -lack of either ability, research, or knowledge. It is occupied with an -excellent account of the Mauritius, divided into four parts: the first -part gives its history from its discovery by the Portuguese to the -present time; the second describes its inhabitants, and their -institutions and states; the third its physical features and natural -productions; and the fourth its industry, commerce, and government. -Ample information is given on all these heads, and regarding the extent -of the author’s design, and the evidence he gives of the -requisite qualification to carry it out satisfactorily, we make no -doubt that his work will be a valuable addition to the history and -geography of our colonial empire. The present volume is complete in -itself.”—<i>Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is the first volume of what -promises to be an important national work. The instalment now before us -is brimful of valuable and interesting information, making up by far -the most complete account of Mauritius which has yet been given to the -world. The author has the qualifications necessary to the due -fulfilment of the task which he has set himself. He is patient and -painstaking, accurate and impartial.<span class="corr" id="xd24e5820" -title="Not in source">”</span>—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is the first volume of a series, -which we hope to see completed in the spirit with which the task has -been undertaken. As a whole, we are bound to say that the book is a -standard one, and that ‘England’s Colonial Empire’ -has met with a chronicler of zeal, industry, and -ability.”—<i>Colonial Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“There is no other such description of -the Mauritius extant. The author has not only consulted the best, and -perhaps all the authorities, but he has added information of his own, -apparently gathered on the spot.”—<i>Economist.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE INDIAN MEAL BOOK:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Comprising the beat American Receipts for -the various Preparations of that excellent Article. By <span class= -"sc">Eliza Leslie</span>, of Philadelphia; Author of “American -Domestic Cookery;” “The House Book;” -“Seventy-five Receipts;” “French Cookery,” -&c. &c. Second edition. Foolscap 8vo. sewed in a wrapper, price -4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Next to the corn itself, we cannot -conceive a more acceptable present to the poor of any neighbourhood, -either individually or in parochial libraries, than Miss Leslie’s -work. It is very simple, and embraces recipes for every purpose to -which maize is put in the United Slates, and therefore cannot but add -to the comfort of the too limited table of the labouring -man.”—<i>Indian News.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“As the Indian Meal is probably destined -to take its place among our standard ‘Bread Stuffs.’ Miss -Leslie’s book will be welcomed as a necessary supplement to the -usual English instructors in the everywhere important mystery of -Cookery.”—<i>Colonial Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This little volume contains about sixty -receipts for different preparations of Indian Meal, and all of which -may be found useful in the threatened dearth. Maize, or Indian Corn, is -now admitted to be the best and <i>most available</i> substitute for -the potato.”—<i>Economist.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE HISTORY OF CHARLEMAGNE,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With a <span class="sc">Sketch of the -State and History of France</span>, from the Fall of the Roman Empire -to the Rise of the Carlovingian Dynasty. By <span class="sc">G. P. R. -James</span>, Esq. A new edition, in demy 8vo., price 12<i>s.</i> -cloth. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb227" href="#pb227" name= -"pb227">3</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE CHURCH AND DISSENT.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">GLENDEARG COTTAGE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">A Tale Concerning Church -Principles.</span> By <span class="sc">Miss Christmas</span>. With a -Preface by the Rev. <span class="sc">Henry Christmas</span>, M.A., -F.R.S., F.S.A. One vol. fcap. 8vo., price 3<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“A tale as pleasing in its unstudied -simplicity as in the correct views which it displays of the principles -of the Church.”—<i>British Churchman.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">REV. H. MACKENZIE’S COMMENTARY.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">COMMENTARY ON THE HOLY GOSPELS,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Arranged according to the <span class= -"sc">Table of Lessons for Daily Service</span>; designed for Family -Reading. By the Rev. <span class="sc">Henry Mackenzie</span>, M.A., of -Pembroke College, Oxford; Incumbent of Great Yarmouth. To be completed -in Four Quarterly Parts, price 1<i>s.</i> 3<i>d.</i> each. Part I. -appeared on April 1st. Part II. on 1st July.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">LIFE IN NORTH WALES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">LLEWELYN’S HEIR;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, <span class="sc">North Wales</span>; -its <span class="sc">Manners</span>, <span class="sc">Customs</span>, -and <span class="sc">Superstitions</span> during the last Century, -illustrated by a Story founded on Facts. In 3 vols. post 8vo., price -1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“It is a real work, with more material -and original knowledge than half the manufactured novels that appear in -these days.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“We can most cordially recommend it as a -series of Sketches of North Wales well worthy of perusal; so various -and so curious as to be as welcome to the library of the antiquary and -portfolio of the artist as to the leisure hour of the novel -reader.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">SCOTTISH LYRICS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE STRATHMORE MELODIST:</p> -<p class="par">Being a <span class="sc">Collection of Original Poems -and Songs</span>. By <span class="sc">John Niven</span>. Fcap. 8vo., -price 3<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">MANAGEMENT OF RAILWAYS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE RATIONALE OF RAILWAY -ADMINISTRATION.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With a view to the greatest possible -amount of <span class="sc">Accommodation</span>, <span class= -"sc">Cheapness</span>, and <span class="sc">Safety</span>. By -<span class="sc">Thornton Hunt</span>. In 8vo., price 2<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is the best pamphlet on Railways -that we have seen for a long time: informing but not heavy; -business-like, suggestive; logical in the analysis; neat in the -arrangement; tersely, yet pleasantly -written.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">RAILWAY SPECULATION.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE LIABILITIES INCURRED BY THE -PROJECTORS, MANAGERS, & SHAREHOLDERS OF RAILWAY</p> -<p class="par adDescription">And other <span class="sc">Joint Stock -Companies Considered</span>; and also the Rights and Liabilities -arising upon Transfers of Shares. Written expressly for -Non-Professional use. By <span class="sc">George Henry Lewis</span>, of -the Middle Temple, Esq. Third Edition, in post 8vo., price 1<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> sewed.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Projectors, and provisional and managing -committee-men will find matter of startling interest in Mr. -Lewis’s sensible little tract. It contains also some curious -intimation of the responsibility incurred by the sale of Letters of -Allotment, and Banker’s receipts before the issue of scrip, and -of scrip itself before the company is completely registered. It is, in -short, a very useful and timely -publication.”—<i>Examiner.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb228" href="#pb228" name="pb228">4</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE JESUITS IN ENGLAND.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE NOVITIATE:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, <span class="sc">A Year among the -English Jesuits</span>: a Personal Narrative. With an Essay on the -Constitutions, the Confessional Morality, and History of the Jesuits. -By <span class="sc">Andrew Steinmetz</span>. In one vol. post 8vo. -price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is a remarkable book—a -revealer of secrets, and full of materials for thought.... It is -written with every appearance of strict and honourable truthfulness. It -describes, with a welcome minuteness, the daily, nightly, hourly -occupations of the Jesuit Novitiates at Stonyhurst, their religious -exercises and manners, in private and together; and depicts, with -considerable acuteness and power, the conflicts of an intelligent, -susceptible, honest-purposed spirit, while passing through such a -process. If our readers should be disposed to possess themselves of -this volume, it will be their own fault if the reading of it be -profitless.”—<i>British Quarterly Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is as singular a book of its kind -as has appeared since Blanco White’s ‘Letters of -Doblado,’ with the advantage of dealing with the Jesuits in -England instead of Popery in Spain. * * * It will be found a very -curious work.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“If it be desirable to know what is that -mode of training by which the Jesuit system prepares its novices for -their duties, this is the book to inform us, for it is a chronicle of -actual experience.... The work of Mr. Steinmetz is throughout marked by -great fairness, ... he neither conceals nor exaggerates: a spirit of -candour pervades the whole narrative.... Could we know the experience -of other novices, we should find that all have undergone, with more or -less of intensity, the process so vividly described in this volume.... -It is written in an extremely animated style. The author’s -thoughts are original, and the passages relating to his personal -history and feelings are agreeably introduced, and add to the interest -of his narrative. It is a sufficient proof of his accuracy that, though -the Jesuits have many pens in this country, not one has been hardy -enough to impugn a sentence of his -statements.”—<i>Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Mr. Steinmetz writes a most singular and -interesting account of the Jesuit seminary, and his way of life -there.... He seems to be a perfectly honest and credible informer, and -his testimony may serve to enlighten many a young devotional aspirant -who is meditating ‘submission’ to Rome, and the chain and -scourge systems. There is nothing in the least resembling invective in -the volume.”—<i>Morning Chronicle<span class="corr" id= -"xd24e6068" title="Not in source">.</span></i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“At a time when Jesuitism seems to be -rising once more, any work on this subject comes very opportunely. How -the writer became a member of this mysterious body gives a key to the -character of the man himself and the spirit of his book.... This -narrative is well written, and as interesting as we -expected.”—<i>Weekly Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“An unvarnished account of the -Jesuits’ College at Stonyhurst, its discipline and routine of -observances and customs,—of these we have the most minute -details, and the whole is a faithful picture of a remarkable condition -of life.... From this curious book you may form some idea of the -Jesuits and their course of proceeding.”—<i>Literary -Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is a curious volume, of no little -interest and eloquence, written by a scholar and an -enthusiast.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par">“There is internal evidence that this is a genuine -narrative, and a very singular one it is; full of very curious and -striking matter.... The ‘Essay on the Constitutions, Confessional -Morality, and History of the Jesuits,’ will amply reward the task -of perusal.”—<i>Globe.</i></p> -<p class="par">“The work has all the interest of a romance, and -yet we do not believe that any portion of it is fictitious.... The -author writes well, and evinces a strong and disciplined mind. The -picture he draws of Jesuitism is a fearful one. The reader will find -abundant matter for grave consideration in this most singular and -striking volume.”—<i>John Bull.</i></p> -<p class="par">“A more remarkable work it has seldom been our -fortune to peruse. We hear and read much of the Quietism and Passive -obedience inculcated amongst the Jesuit body; but here we become -personal spectators of these principles in action.... Mr. Steinmetz -appears to be a most remarkable character. He may be received as an -unbiassed witness.... We repeat it, Mr. Steinmetz’s book is most -valuable; earnest and truthful in its tone, and extremely interesting -in its detail.”—<i>New Quarterly Review.</i></p> -<p class="par">“The volume presents a true and valuable picture -of Jesuit education in England, and on that ground every Protestant -will find the volume worthy of an attentive -perusal.”—<i>British Churchman.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb229" href="#pb229" name="pb229">6</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">FIRST SERIES OF TALES OF THE COLONIES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">TALES OF THE COLONIES; OR, THE ADVENTURES -OF AN EMIGRANT.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">Charles -Rowcroft</span>, Esq., a late Colonial Magistrate. The Fourth Edition. -In foolscap 8vo., price 6<i>s.</i> cloth.—This work was -originally published in 3 vols. post 8vo. at 1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i>, in which size two large editions have been sold.</p> -<p class="par">“‘Tales of the Colonies’ is an able -and interesting book. The author has the first great requisite in -fiction—a knowledge of the life he undertakes to describe; and -his matter is solid and real.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This is a <i>book</i>, as distinguished from one -of the bundles of waste paper in three divisions, calling themselves -‘novels.’”—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -<p class="par">“The narration has a deep and exciting interest. -No mere romance, no mere fiction, however skilfully imagined or -powerfully executed, can surpass it. The work to which it bears the -nearest similitude is Robinson Crusoe, and it is scarcely, if at all -inferior to that extraordinary history.”—<i>John -Bull.</i></p> -<p class="par">“Since the time of Robinson Crusoe, literature has -produced nothing like these ‘Tales of the -Colonies.’”—<i>Metropolitan Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par">”... Romantic literature does not supply instances -of wonderful escape more marvellous.... The book is manifestly a -mixture of fact and fiction, yet it gives, we have every reason to -believe, a true picture of a settler’s life in that country; and -is thickly interspersed with genuine and useful -information.”—<i>Chambers’s Edinburgh -Journal.</i></p> -<p class="par">“The contents of the first volume surpass in -interest many of the novels of Sir Walter -Scott.”—<i>Westminster Review.</i></p> -<p class="par">“An exceedingly lively and interesting narrative, -which affords a more striking view of the habits of emigrant colonial -life than all the regular treatises, statistical returns, and even -exploratory tours which we have read.... It combines the fidelity of -truth with the spirit of a romance, and has altogether so much of De -Foe in its character and composition, that whilst we run we learn, and, -led along by the variety of the incidents, become real ideal settlers -in Van Diemen’s Land.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">SECOND SERIES OF TALES OF THE COLONIES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE BUSHRANGER OF VAN DIEMEN’S -LAND.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">C. Rowcroft</span>, -Esq., Author of “Tales of the Colonies.” In 3 vols. post -8vo. price 1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par">“These volumes have the same qualities that gained -so much popularity for the Author’s previous work ‘Tales of -the Colonies.’ No one has depicted colonial life, as manifested -in the settlements of Australia, with so much vigour and truth as Mr -Rowcroft. He rather seems to be a narrator of actual occurrences than -an inventor of imaginary ones. His characters, his manners, and his -scenes are all real. He has been compared to De Foe, and the comparison -is just.”—<i>Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par">“These volumes form a second series of -‘Tales of the Colonies,’ and the pages are marked by the -same vigorous and graphic pen which procured such celebrity for the -first series. The interest, generally well sustained throughout, is -occasionally of the most absorbing and thrilling kind. Altogether, -there is a freshness about these volumes which brings them out in -strong contrast to the vapid productions with which the press is -teeming.”—<i>Globe.</i></p> -<p class="par">“The story contains all the merits of the -‘Tales or the Colonies’ as regards style; being simple and -<i>Crusoite</i>, if we might use the term, in its narrative. Mr. -Rowcroft possesses invention to an extraordinary degree, in the manner -in which he manages the escapes of the bushranger,—and he -produces, by the simplest incidents, most interesting -scenes;—pictures of nature and of a society totally different -from anything to be found elsewhere.”—<i>Weekly -Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">FANNY THE LITTLE MILLINER; OR, THE RICH AND THE -POOR.</p> -<p class="par">By <span class="sc">Charles Rowcroft</span>, Esq. In one -vol. 8vo., handsomely bound in cloth gilt, with Plates, price -14<i>s.</i>—The twelve parts may be had separately, price -1<i>s.</i> each, sewed. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb230" href= -"#pb230" name="pb230">6</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adjames" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">MR. JAMES’S RECENT NOVELS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE STEP-MOTHER.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">G. P. R. James</span>, -Esq. In 3 vols. post 8vo., price 1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i>—<i>Just published.</i></p> -<p class="par"><i>Lately published by the same Author</i>,</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><b>ARRAH NEIL; OR, TIMES OF OLD.</b> Three -vols. post 8vo., price 1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription"><b>THE SMUGGLER</b>, a Novel. Three vols., -price 1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">NEW & ILLUSTRATED EDITION OF MR. -JAMES’S WORKS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE WORKS OF G. P. R. JAMES, ESQ.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Now publishing in Quarterly Volumes, -medium 8vo. cloth, with engraved Frontispieces, each volume containing -a complete novel, price 8<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription">This handsome series of Mr. James’s -Works has been carefully revised by the Author; and is “got up in -that superior style, and agreeable size of type, which renders it fit -for every age and every library.”</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft cellTop">Contents:</td> -<td class="cellTop">—Vol.</td> -<td class="cellTop">1.</td> -<td class="cellRight cellTop"><span class="sc">The Gipsy.</span></td> -<td class="cellDoubleUp"></td> -<td class="cellLeft"></td> -<td>—</td> -<td>5.</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="sc">Philip Augustus.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"></td> -<td>—</td> -<td>2.</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="sc">Mary of Burgundy.</span></td> -<td class="cellDoubleUp"></td> -<td class="cellLeft"></td> -<td>—</td> -<td>6.</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="sc">Henry of Guise.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"></td> -<td>—</td> -<td>3.</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="sc">The Huguenots.</span></td> -<td class="cellDoubleUp"></td> -<td class="cellLeft"></td> -<td>—</td> -<td>7.</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="sc">Morley Ernstein.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft"></td> -<td>—</td> -<td>4.</td> -<td class="cellRight"><span class="sc">One in a Thousand.</span></td> -<td class="cellDoubleUp"></td> -<td class="cellLeft cellBottom"></td> -<td class="cellBottom">—</td> -<td class="cellBottom">8.</td> -<td class="cellRight cellBottom"><span class="sc">The -Robber.</span></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par adDescription">Vol. 9, containing <span class= -"sc">Darnley</span>; or, <span class="sc">The Field of Cloth of -Gold</span>, on the 1st of July.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Vol. 10, containing <span class="sc">Corse -de Leon</span>, on the 1st of October.</p> -<p class="par">“Messrs. Smith, Elder and Co., of Cornhill, have -just published the first volume of a New Edition of the Works of this -gentleman, which has the advantage of the latest revisions and -corrections of the author. The writings of James are so well known to -the readers of fiction, that it is unnecessary to call their attention -to them, or to say anything which previous criticism may have left -unsaid. The present edition is well got up, the type is clear, sharp, -and legible, and the size of the volume convenient for the reader, and -appropriate for the shelves of a bookcase. The book, as it is, will -form a pleasing addition to the collections of readers of modern -literature, of the class to which it -belongs.”—<i>Times.</i></p> -<p class="par">“We are glad to see our prognostication respecting -the New Edition of Mr. James’s Works, more than fulfilled by the -rapid absorption of a very large first edition, and a second in the -course of speedy disappearance. This is as it should be, with a writer -whose vraisemblance is always so perfect; and even what he invents so -like truth, that we can never fancy we are reading fiction: nor, -indeed, are we, in the historical portions of his -publications,—and these form the far greater -division,—which are all drawn from diligent research, deep study, -and elaborate comparison.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par">“Mr. James is a pure and pleasing writer, and we -are glad to see that his Works are now to be thrown into a handy, -handsome, and accessible shape.”—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This is a most admirable edition of the Works of -this popular author, convenient in size, and handsome in appearance. -It, moreover, possesses the advantage of being revised and corrected by -the author,—no small recommendations, since, the generality of -Mr. James’s Works being connected with history, a careful perusal -of his productions increases their value, and renders them a source of -amusement, through the medium of -instruction.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par">“We are glad to perceive that such volumes are -being published at a price which will place them within the reach of -the middle classes, and we shall find, as the result of this movement, -that tradesmen and others will furnish their book-shelves with good and -select works, instead of subscribing to circulating libraries. We learn -it is the publishers’ intention to continue the volumes until all -the author’s works are republished in this -style.”—<i>Plymouth Herald.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb231" href="#pb231" name="pb231">7</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">LEIGH HUNT’S SELECTIONS OF POETRY.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">IMAGINATION AND FANCY;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, <span class="sc">Selections</span> -from the <span class="sc">English Poets</span>, illustrative of those -First Requisites of their Art, with Markings of the best Passages, -Critical Notices of the Writers, and an Essay in Answer to the -Question, “<span class="sc">What is Poetry?</span>” By -<span class="sc">Leigh Hunt</span>. Third Edition. In post 8vo. price -10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> handsomely bound in a new kind of cloth, gilt; -or 9<i>s.</i> boards.</p> -<p class="par">“This volume is handsomely printed, and -beautifully bound in a new style of exquisite delicacy and richness. In -external beauty ‘Imagination and Fancy’ equals any -gift-books that have appeared; and it will form a more enduring -memorial than any other volume that might he selected as a gift for the -coming season.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This is a Christmas gift, worth half a dozen of -the Annuals put together, and at half the cost of one of them. We have -often wished for such a book, and in our aspiration, the name of Leigh -Hunt has ever presented itself as that of the man above all others -qualified to do justice to so charming a -subject.”—<i>Morning Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par">“The volume is, we trust, the precursor of many -more, which will complete and do justice to the plan. The series so -completed would be the best ‘elegant extracts’ in the -language.”—<i>Examiner.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This is a charming volume, both externally and -internally it is most attractive.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par">“It is a book that every one who has a taste must -have, and every one who has not <i>should</i> have in order to acquire -one.”—<i>Jerrold’s Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This book is tastefully got up, and we should -think better of the house where we saw a well read copy of it lying -about.”—<i>Tait’s Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par">“These illustrations of ‘Imagination and -Fancy’ are distinguished by great critical sagacity, and a -remarkable appreciation of those -qualities.”—<i>Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This elegant volume contains the most exquisite -passages of the best English Poets, selected and commented upon by -Leigh Hunt, and for this task there is, in our opinion, no author -living so well qualified.”—<i>Indian News.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription">⁂ The Second Volume of this series, -“<b>WIT AND HUMOUR</b>,” is in the press, uniform with -“Imagination and Fancy.”</p> -<p class="par adTitle">MRS. ELLIS’S MORAL FICTIONS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">PICTURES OF PRIVATE LIFE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">Mrs. Ellis</span>, -Author of the “Women of England,” &c. &c. &c. -Each Volume is complete in itself, and may be purchased separately. In -3 vols, fcap. 8vo. beautifully illustrated, price 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> -each, in a handsome and uniform cloth binding, or 10<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> morocco. Contents:—</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Vol. I. “<span class= -"sc">Observations on Fictitious Narrative</span>,” -“<span class="sc">The Hall and the Cottage</span>,” -“<span class="sc">Ellen Eskdale</span>,” -“<span class="sc">The Curate’s Widow</span>,” and -“<span class="sc">Marriage as it May Be</span>.”</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Vol. II. “<span class= -"sc">Misanthropy</span>,” and “<span class="sc">The Pains -of Pleasing</span>.”</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Vol. III. “<span class= -"sc">Pretension</span>; or, the <span class="sc">Fallacies of Female -Education</span>.”</p> -<p class="par">“I could give abundant evidence, gratuitously -offered to the writer, that these simple stories were not sent forth to -the world without some degree of adaptation to its wants and its -condition.”—<i>Author’s Introduction.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">WAR WITH THE SIKHS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THE PUNJAUB:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Being a brief account of the Country of -the Sikhs, its Extent, History, Commerce, productions, Government, -Manufactures, Laws, Religion, &c. By <span class="sc">Lieut-Col. -Steinbach</span>, late of the Lahore Service. A new edition, revised, -with additions, including an account of the recent events in the -Punjaub. In post 8vo. price 5<i>s.</i> cloth, with Map. The Map may be -had separately, price 1<i>s.</i> coloured, and 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> in -case.</p> -<p class="par">“There is much in formation in this volume, -condensed into brief space, about a people to whom late occurrences -have given a common interest.”—<i>Examiner.</i> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb232" href="#pb232" name= -"pb232">8</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE HAND-BOOK OF USEFUL AND ORNAMENTAL -AMUSEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Including Artificial Flower-Making, -Engraving, Etching, Painting in all its styles, Modelling, Carving in -Wood, Ivory, and Shell; also Fancy Work of every Description. By a -<span class="sc">Lady</span>. In one vol. post 8vo., handsomely bound -in cloth gilt, with Plates, price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par">“A prettier and more useful present could scarcely -be selected for an ingenious young lady.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par">“Any lady desirous of filling up her leisure hours -by following the occupations described will be able to do so without -the aid of any other instruction.”—<i>Weekly -Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE DUTIES OF JUDGE ADVOCATES,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Compiled from <span class="sc">Her -Majesty’s</span> and the <span class="sc">Hon. East India -Company’s Military Regulations</span>, and from the Works of -various Writers on Military Law. By Captain <span class="sc">R. M. -Hughes</span>, 12th Regiment Bombay Army; Deputy Judge-Advocate -General, Scinde Field Force. In one vol. post 8vo., price 7<i>s.</i> -cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“Captain Hughes’s little volume on this -important subject will well supply the absence of that full and -particular information which officers suddenly appointed to act as -‘Deputy Judge Advocates’ must have felt the want of, even -though tolerably well versed in military -law.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par">“A professional <i>vade-mecum</i>, relating to -most important duties, and executed in the ablest manner. We consider -this, the only complete separate treatise on the subject, to be one of -great value, and deserving the study of every British -officer.”—<i>Lit. Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This book is a digest as well as a compilation, -and may be emphatically called ‘The Hand-Book of Military -Justice.’”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par">“We recommend the work to every British -officer.”—<i>Army and Navy Register.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE NOTE-BOOK OF A NATURALIST.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">E. P. Thompson</span>. -Post 8vo., price 9<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“The author of this modestly-styled -‘Note-Book’ not only possesses and communicates scientific -intelligence, but he has travelled far and near, and from very infancy -been devoted to natural history.... We rely on the quotations to -support our opinion of the very agreeable and various character of this -volume.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par">“In all that relates to original observation the -‘Note-Book of a Naturalist’ is agreeable, interesting, and -fresh.... The more original and numerous passages may vie with the -observations of Jesse. In fact, there is a considerable resemblance -between the two authors. Anecdote is substantially the character of the -better part.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">FINANCE AND COLONIES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">Publius</span>. In -royal 8vo., price 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">PRYINGS OF A POSTMAN.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">In one vol. post 8vo., price 7<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb233" href="#pb233" name= -"pb233">9</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE LIGHT OF MENTAL SCIENCE;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Being an <span class="sc">Essay</span> on -<span class="sc">Moral Training</span>. By Mrs. <span class= -"sc">Loudon</span>, Authoress of “First Love,” -“Dilemmas of Pride,” &c. &c. In one vol. fcap. -8vo., price 3<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“One of the most philosophical books we have seen -for a long time.”—<i>Observer.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By a <span class="sc">Member of the -Imperial Guards</span>. In 12mo., price 5<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This tale has a strange <i>personal</i> history. -It purports to be the autobiography of an Italian soldier, who fought -under the banners of the French Republic; and who, later in life, when -become a teacher, told his story to an English traveller, his pupil, -who has here set it down.”—<i>Tait’s -Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">COMMENTARY ON THE HINDU SYSTEM OF MEDICINE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">T. A. Wise</span>, -M.D., Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, and of the Royal Medical -and Chirurgical Society, Corresponding Member of the Zoological Society -of London, and of the Philomathic Society of Paris; Bengal Medical -Service. In one vol. 8vo., price 12<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="admiscellaneous" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">MISCELLANEOUS.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">A NEW SPIRIT OF THE AGE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Containing Critical Essays, and -Biographical Sketches of Literary and other Eminent Characters of the -Present Time. Edited by <span class="sc">R. H. Horne</span>, Esq., -Author of “Orion,” “Gregory the Seventh,” -&c. &c. These volumes are illustrated with Engravings on steel, -from new and original Portraits of <span class="sc">Dickens</span>, -<span class="sc">Tennyson</span>, <span class="sc">Carlyle</span>, -<span class="sc">Wordsworth</span>, <span class="sc">Talfourd</span>, -<span class="sc">Browning</span>, <span class="sc">Southwood -Smith</span>, and Miss <span class="sc">Martineau</span>. Second -Edition, Revised by the Editor, with “Introductory -Comments.” In 2 vols. post 8vo., price 24<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“In the biographical sketches, the Editor has -carefully excluded all disagreeable personalities and all unwarrantable -anecdotes. The criticisms are entirely upon abstract grounds. He may be -often wrong, but it is with a clear -conscience.”—<i>Editor’s Preface.</i></p> -<p class="par">“We have two volumes of clever and subtile -dissertation on the merits of almost every living writer of any -pretension, written in a very animated and pleasant style. The author -will at least gain the praise of versatility of talent, and of a quick -and generous appreciation of contemporary merit, as well as (what his -publisher will think quite as much to the purpose) have the -satisfaction of having produced a book that people will be inclined, as -the phrase is, ‘to run after.’”—<i>Morning -Herald</i>, March 25, 1844.</p> -<p class="par">“As we have said before, Mr. Horne’s -admirations appear to us to be well placed and his sympathies generous -and noble.”—<i>Morning Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">OUR ACTRESSES;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, GLANCES AT STAGE FAVOURITES, -<span class="sc">Past</span> and <span class="sc">Present</span>. By -Mrs. <span class="sc">C. Baron Wilson</span>, Authoress of the -“Life of the Duchess of St. Albans,” “Memoirs of Monk -Lewis,” &c. &c. In 2 vols. post 8vo., illustrated with -numerous Engravings on Steel, from new and original Portraits, price -24<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“Handsome volumes, adorned with several portraits, -and the biographies are full of amusing -anecdotes.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par">“So attractive are the stage and its denizens that -considerable amusement will derived from the perusal of these -pages.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb234" href="#pb234" name="pb234">10</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES: TALES, SKETCHES, AND -CHARACTERS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With <span class="sc">Beauties of the -Modern Drama</span>, in Four Specimens. By <span class="sc">John -Poole</span>, Esq., Author of “Paul Pry,” &c. &c. -In one vol. post 8vo. price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth, with a -Portrait of the Author.</p> -<p class="par">“A capital book for the -season.”—<i>Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">CROSBY PLACE,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Described in a <span class= -"sc">Lecture</span> on its <span class="sc">Antiquities</span> and -<span class="sc">Reminiscences</span>, delivered in the Great Hall, on -the Evening of Friday, August 5th, 1842. By the Rev. <span class= -"sc">Charles Mackenzie</span>, A.M., Vicar of St. Helen’s, -Bishopsgate, and Head Master of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, -St. Olave’s, Southwark. Price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> bound in -cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE HOME BOOK; OR, YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER’S -ASSISTANT.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Forming a Complete System of <span class= -"sc">Domestic Economy</span>, and Household Accounts. With Estimates of -Expenditure, &c. &c., in every Department of Housekeeping. -Founded on Forty-five years personal experience. By a <span class= -"sc">Lady</span>. 12mo., price 5<i>s.</i> boards.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE HOME ACCOUNT-BOOK; OR, HOUSEKEEPER’S -REGISTER OF FAMILY EXPENSES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Arranged upon the improved system -recommended in “The Home Book;” and exhibiting the Weekly, -Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Expenditure for every article of -Domestic consumption. For the use of either large or small Families. By -the <span class="sc">Author</span> of “<span class="sc">The Home -Book</span>.” Post 4to., half bound, price 4<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par">“These two useful little volumes form the most -complete system of Domestic Management for the guidance of the young -Housekeeper that has ever appeared. Of the Home Book we cannot speak -too highly.”—<i>Gentleman’s Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par">“Incomparably the best arranged work of its class -that we have seen.”—<i>La Belle Assemblée.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE WINE-MERCHANT’S MANUAL.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">A Treatise</span> on the -<span class="sc">Fining</span>, <span class="sc">Preparation</span> of -<span class="sc">Fining</span>, and <span class="sc">General -Management</span> of <span class="sc">Wines</span>, being the result of -Forty years’ Practical Experience in the treatment of the -different wines consumed in this country. By <span class="sc">T. -Smeed</span>. Foolscap 8vo., price 4<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“The very useful production of a long-experienced -and practical man; well worth the attention of the wine-merchant and -cooper.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF THE WOOLLEN -TRADE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">From the earliest Records to the present -Period, comprising the Woollen and Worsted Manufactures, and the -Natural and Commercial History of Sheep, with the various Breeds and -Modes of Management in different Countries. By <span class="sc">James -Bischoff</span>, Esq. In two large volumes, 8vo., illustrated with -Plates, price 1<i>l.</i> 6<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“Mr. Bischoff’s work will be found valuable -to all persons interested in the -subject.”—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -<p class="par">“Mr. Bischoff has in these volumes collected a -vast mass of curious and valuable information, acceptable to readers of -varied tastes, even though quite unconnected with manufactures and -trade. We recommend every reader to peruse attentively this meritorious -compilation.—We finally recommend these volumes of Mr. -Bischoff’s to the careful consideration of all those interested -in the subjects of which they treat.”—<i>Times.</i> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb235" href="#pb235" name= -"pb235">11</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF THE IRON TRADE</p> -<p class="par adDescription">THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, from the earliest -Records to the present Time. With an Appendix, containing Official -Tables, and other public Documents. By <span class="sc">Harry -Scrivenor</span>, Esq., Blaenavon. In one vol. demy 8vo., price -15<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“Mr. Scrivenor’s History is written with -elaborate research and anxious care, and goes into and exhausts the -entire subject; it contains numerous facts full of interest to common -readers.”—<i>Tait’s Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE BRITISH MERCHANT’S ASSISTANT.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Containing:—Part I. Tables of Simple -Interest at 3, 3–1/2, 4, 4–1/2, and 5 per cent.—Part -II. Tables showing the Interest on Exchequer Bills at -1–1/2<i>d.</i>, 1–3/4<i>d.</i>, 2<i>d.</i>, -2–1/4<i>d.</i>, 2–1/2<i>d.</i>, 3<i>d.</i>, -3–1/4<i>d.</i>, and 3–1/2<i>d.</i> per cent. per -diem.—Part III. Tables for Ascertaining the Value of every -description of English and Foreign Stock. Also the Amount of Brokerage, -Commission, Freight, Marine, and other Insurance, at every rate per -cent., &c. &c. &c. By <span class="sc">G. Green</span>. -Royal 8vo., price 1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth. Each of the -above Three Parts is sold separately.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ASSURANCES UPON LIVES,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Familiar Explanation of the <span class= -"sc">Nature</span>, <span class="sc">Advantages</span>, and -<span class="sc">Importance</span> arising therefrom, and the various -Purposes to which they may be usefully applied: including also a -particular Account of the routine required for Effecting a Policy; and -of the different systems of Life Assurance now in use, the Principles, -Terms, and Tables of Seventy London Assurance Offices, &c. By -<span class="sc">Lewis Pocock</span>, F.S.A. In post 8vo., price -7<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“There are no technicalities in Mr. Pocock’s -work to prevent its being useful to all; and those, therefore, who are -likely to have recourse to Life Insurance will do wisely in consulting -this familiar explanation of its nature and -advantages.”—<i>Globe.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">AN INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSES AND MODES OF THE -WEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, <span class="sc">The Principles of -Trade and Speculation Explained.</span> By <span class="sc">Thomas -Corbet</span>, Esq. Post 8vo., price 6<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“Mr. Corbet deserves our best thanks for laying -down so clearly and methodically his ideas on a subject of such vast -importance.”—<i>New Monthly Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">OUTLINES OF NAVAL ROUTINE;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Being a Concise and Complete Manual in -Fitting, Re-fitting, Quartering, Stationing, Making and Shortening -Sail, Heaving down, Rigging Shears, and, in short, performing all the -ordinary duties of a Man-of-War, according to the best practice. By -Lieutenant <span class="sc">Alexander D. Fordyce</span>, R.N. In royal -8vo., price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> boards.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ESSAY ON THE LIFE AND INSTITUTIONS OF OFFA, KING -OF MERCIA,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A. D. 755–794. By the Rev. -<span class="sc">Henry Mackenzie</span>, M.A. In 8vo., price 3<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> in cloth, gilt leaves.</p> -<p class="par">“A very scholarly composition, displaying much -research and information respecting the Anglo-Saxon -institutions.”—<i>Spectator.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb236" href="#pb236" name="pb236">12</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE OBLIGATIONS OF LITERATURE TO THE MOTHERS OF -ENGLAND.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">Prize Essay</span>, 1840. -By <span class="sc">Caroline A. Halsted</span>. In one vol. post 8vo., -price 5<i>s.</i> neatly bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par">“The object of the writer has been to show the -services rendered by the mothers of England to religion and the state, -and to science and learning generally; and the examples adduced display -considerable knowledge and research, and are always happily selected -and placed in the most attractive point of -view.”—<i>Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE LIFE OF MARGARET BEAUFORT,</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">Countess of Richmond and -Derby</span>, and Mother of King Henry the Seventh, Foundress of -Christ’s and of St. John’s College, Oxford; Being the -Historical Memoir for which the Honorary Premium was awarded by the -Directors of the Gresham Commemoration, Crosby Hall. By <span class= -"sc">Caroline A. Halsted</span>, Author of “Investigation,” -&c. In one vol. demy 8vo., with a Portrait, price 12<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This work cannot fail of success. The subject is -deeply interesting, and has been hitherto almost unexplored. The style -is chaste and correct, and it has high claims to popularity wide and -permanent. On many topics the authoress has accumulated some valuable -historical details from sources which have not hitherto been consulted, -and has thus compiled a work which, if not entitled to rank amongst the -‘curiosities of literature,’ is at least one of the most -interesting and instructive books of the -season.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE LAST OF THE PLANTAGENETS:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">An Historical Narrative, illustrating some -of the Public Events and Domestic and Ecclesiastical Manners of the -Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries. Third Edition. In one vol. fcap. -8vo., price 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth boards.</p> -<p class="par">“This is a work that must make its way into a -permanent place in our literature. The quaintness of its language, the -touching simplicity of its descriptions and dialogues, and the -reverential spirit of love which breathes through it, will insure it a -welcome reception amongst all readers of refined taste and -discernment.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">ANGLO-SAXON LITERATURE.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ANALECTA ANGLO-SAXONICA.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">A Selection</span>, in -<span class="sc">Prose</span> and <span class="sc">Verse</span> from -<span class="sc">Anglo-Saxon Authors</span> of various Ages; with a -<span class="sc">Glossary</span>. By <span class="sc">Benjamin -Thorpe</span>, F.S.A. A New Edition, corrected and revised. Post 8vo., -price 12<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE ANGLO-SAXON VERSION OF THE STORY OF -APPOLLONIUS OF TYRE,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Upon which is founded the Play of -“<span class="sc">Pericles</span>,” attributed to -Shakspeare; from a MS. in the Library of Christ Church College, -Cambridge. With a Literal Translation, &c. By <span class= -"sc">Benjamin Thorpe</span>, F.S.A. Post 8vo., price 6<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A GRAMMAR OF THE ANGLO-SAXON TONGUE,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With a <span class="sc">Praxis</span>. By -<span class="sc">Erasmus Rask</span>, Professor of Literary History in, -and Librarian to, the University of Copenhagen, &c. &c. A New -Edition, enlarged and improved by the Author. Translated from the -Danish, by <span class="sc">B. Thorpe</span>, Honorary Member of the -Icelandic Literary Society of Copenhagen. 8vo., price 12<i>s.</i> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb237" href="#pb237" name= -"pb237">13</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adscientific" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">Scientific Works Illustrated.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">UNDER THE AUSPICES OF H. M. GOVERNMENT, AND OF THE -HON. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">FAUNA ANTIQUA SIVALENSIS,</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">The Fossil Zoology of the -Sewalik Hills</span>, in the North of India. By <span class="sc">Hugh -Falconer</span>, M.D., F.R<span class="corr" id="xd24e7203" title= -"Source: ">.</span>S., F.L.S., F.G.S., Member of the Asiatic Society of -Bengal, and of the Royal Asiatic Society of the Bengal Medical Service, -and late Superintendent of the H.E.I.C. Botanic Garden at Saharunpoor: -and <span class="sc">Proby T. Cautley</span>, F.G.S., Major in the -Bengal Artillery, Member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, &c. -Edited by <span class="sc">Hugh Falconer</span>.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><i>Plan of Publication.</i>—The work -will appear in about Twelve Parts, to be published at intervals of four -months; each Part containing from Twelve to Fifteen folio Plates. The -descriptive Letterpress will be printed in royal octavo. Price of each -Part, one Guinea.—Part I. contains <span class= -"sc">Proboscidea</span>.—Parts II. and III., containing the -continuation of <span class="sc">Proboscidea</span>, will be published -shortly. Prospectuses of the Work may be obtained of the -Publishers.</p> -<p class="par">“A work of immense labour and research.... Nothing -has ever appeared in lithography in this country at all comparable to -these plates; and as regards the representations of minute osseous -texture, by Mr. Ford, they are perhaps the most perfect that have yet -been produced in any country.... The work has commenced with the -Elephant group, in which the authors say ‘is most signally -displayed the numerical richness of forms which characterises the -Fossil Fauna of India;’ and the first chapter relates to the -Proboscidea—Elephant and Mastodon. The authors have not -restricted themselves to a description of the Sewalik Fossil forms, but -they propose to trace the affinities, and institute an arrangement of -all the well-determined species in the family. They give a brief -historical sketch of the leading opinions which have been entertained -by palæontologists respecting the relations of the Mastodon and -Elephant to each other, and of the successive steps in the discovery of -new forms which have led to the modifications of these opinions. They -state that the results to which they themselves have been conducted, -lead them to differ on certain points from the opinions most commonly -entertained at the present day, respecting the fossil species of -Elephant and Mastodon.”—<i>Address of the President of the -Geological Society of London</i>, 20th Feb. 1846.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">RESEARCHES, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL.</p> -<p class="par">By <span class="sc">John Davy</span>, M.D., F.R.SS., L. -& E., &c. The principal subjects treated of are—Animal -Electricity—Animal Heat—the Temperature of different -Animals—Pneumothorax in connexion with the Absorption of Gases by -Serous and Mucous Membranes—the properties of the Blood in Health -and disease—the Properties of different Animal Textures—the -Putrefactive Process—the Preservation of Anatomical -Preparations—the Effects of the Poison of certain -Serpents—the Structure of the Heart of Batrachian Animals, -&c. &c. In 2 vols. 8vo., price 30<i>s.</i> bound in cloth, -illustrated by numerous Engravings.</p> -<p class="par">“The subjects treated by the author are extremely -numerous and interesting; several new facts in the physiology of -animals are brought forward, and some curious and instructive -experiments are explained and illustrated with remarkable -felicity.”—<i>Monthly Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par">“This work is written with a clearness and -simplicity which renders its scientific details readily -comprehensible.”—<i>Herald.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb238" href="#pb238" name="pb238">14</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par"><span class="sc">Works recently Published and in -progress under this authority of the Lords Commissioners of the -Admiralty.</span></p> -<p class="par">⁂ <i>In order to secure to science the full -advantage of Discoveries in Natural History, the Lords Commissioners of -Her Majesty’s Treasury have been pleased to make a liberal grant -of money towards defraying part of the expenses of the following -important publications. They have, in consequence, been undertaken on a -scale worthy of the high patronage thus received, and are offered to -the public at a much lower price than would otherwise have been -possible.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">I.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. SULPHUR,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Under the Command of Captain <span class= -"sc">Sir Edward Belcher</span>, R.N., C.B., F.R.G.S., &c. Edited -and Superintended by <span class="sc">Richard Brinsley Hinds</span>, -Esq., Surgeon R.N., attached to the Expedition.—The extensive and -protracted voyage of Her Majesty’s Ship “Sulphur,” -having been productive of many new and valuable additions to Natural -History, a number of which are of considerable scientific interest, it -has been determined to publish them in a collected form, with -illustrations of such as are hitherto new or unfigured. The collection -has been assembled from a variety of countries, embraced within the -limits of a voyage prosecuted along the shores of North and South -America, among the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and in the -circumnavigation of the globe. In many of these, no doubt, the industry -and research of previous navigators may have left no very prominent -objects unobserved, yet in others there will for some time remain -abundant scope for the Naturalist. Among the countries visited by the -“Sulphur,” and which in the present state of science are -invested with more particular interest, may be mentioned the -Californias, Columbia River, the North-west coast of America, the -Feejee Group (a portion of the Friendly Islands), New Zealand, New -Ireland, New Guinea, China, and Madagascar. Published in Royal Quarto -Parts, price 10<i>s.</i> each, with beautifully coloured Plates.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">This Work is now -Complete</span>, and may be had in sewed Parts, price 5<i>l.</i>, or in -half-russia, or cloth binding, at a small addition to the -price.—Parts I. and II. contain <span class="sc">Mammalia</span>, -by <span class="sc">J. E. Gray</span>, Esq., F.R.S.—Parts III. -and IV. <span class="sc">Birds</span>, by <span class="sc">J. -Gould</span>, Esq., F.L.S.—Parts V., IX., and X. <span class= -"sc">Fish</span>, by <span class="sc">J. Richardson</span>, M.D., -F.R.S.—Parts VI., VII., and VIII. <span class="sc">Shells</span>, -by <span class="sc">R. B. Hinds</span>, Esq.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">II.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE BOTANY OF THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. SULPHUR,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Under the Command of Captain Sir -<span class="sc">Edward Belcher</span>, R.N., C.B., F.R.G.S., &c, -during the years 1836–42. Edited and Superintended by -<span class="sc">Richard Brinsley Hinds</span>, Esq., Surgeon, R.N., -attached to the Expedition. The Botanical Descriptions by <span class= -"sc">George Bentham</span>, Esq.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">This Work is now -Complete</span>, and may be had in six sewed Parts, price 3<i>l.</i>, -or in half-russia, or cloth binding, at a small addition to the price. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb239" href="#pb239" name= -"pb239">17</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="addavy" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">THE ONLY COMPLETE AND UNIFORM EDITION OF THE WORKS -OF SIR HUMPHRY DAVY.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE LIFE AND COLLECTED WORKS OF SIR HUMPHRY -DAVY, BART.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Foreign Associate of the Institute of -France, &c. Edited by his Brother, <span class="sc">John -Davy</span>, M.D., F.R.S. Now complete in 9 vols. post 8vo., price -10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, in cloth binding. Each volume is complete -in itself, and is sold separately.</p> -<p class="par">CONTENTS:</p> -<p class="par">Vol. I.—The Life of Sir H. Davy, with a -Portrait.</p> -<p class="par">“This biography is admirably written—correct -details, full of instruction, and amusing -throughout.”—<i>London Review.</i></p> -<p class="par">Vol. II.—The Whole of Sir H. Davy’s Early -Miscellaneous Papers,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">From 1799 to 1805; with an <span class= -"sc">Introductory Lecture</span>, and Outlines of <span class= -"sc">Lectures on Chemistry</span> delivered in 1802 and 1804.</p> -<p class="par">Vol. III.—Researches on Nitrous Oxide,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">And the <span class= -"sc">Combination</span> of <span class="sc">Oxygen</span> and -<span class="sc">Azote</span>; and on the <span class= -"sc">Respiration</span> of <span class="sc">Nitrous Oxide</span> and -other Gases.</p> -<p class="par">Vol. IV.—Elements of Chemical Philosophy.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With twelve Plates of Chemical -Apparatus.</p> -<p class="par">Vols. V. & VI.—Bakerian Lectures.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">And other Papers in <span class= -"sc">Philosophical Transactions</span>, and <span class= -"sc">Journal</span> of the <span class="sc">Royal Institution</span>. -With numerous engravings.</p> -<p class="par">Vols. VII. & VIII.—Elements of Agricultural -Chemistry.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">Discourses</span> -delivered before the <span class="sc">Royal Society</span>, -<span class="sc">Miscellaneous Lectures</span>, and Extracts from -Lectures. With many Plates.</p> -<p class="par">Vol. IX.—Salmonia, and Consolation in Travel.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">⁂ This new and uniform edition of -the <span class="sc">Writings</span> of <span class="sc">Sir Humphry -Davy</span> embraces the <span class="sc">whole of his Works</span> -during the space of thirty years (1799 to 1829), a period memorable in -the History of Chemistry, and made so, in no small degree, by his own -discoveries. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb240" href="#pb240" name= -"pb240">18</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adbrown" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">ILLUSTRATED WORKS ON NATURAL HISTORY BY CAPTAIN -THOMAS BROWN.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE RECENT CONCHOLOGY OF GREAT -BRITAIN AND IRELAND.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With the Description and Localities of all -the Species,—Marine, Land, and Fresh Water. Drawn and Coloured -from Nature, by Captain <span class="sc">Thomas Brown</span>, F.L.S., -M.W.S., M.K.S., Member of the Manchester Geological Society. In one -vol. royal 4to., illustrated with fifty-nine beautifully coloured -Plates, price 63<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE FOSSIL CONCHOLOGY OF GREAT -BRITAIN AND IRELAND.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By Captain <span class="sc">Thomas -Brown</span>, F.L.S. To be completed in about Thirty Numbers, each -containing four Plates. Royal 4to<span class="corr" id="xd24e7446" -title="Not in source">.</span>, price 3<i>s.</i> coloured, and -2<i>s.</i> plain. Twenty-eight Numbers have appeared, and the work will -soon be completed.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE GENERA OF BIRDS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Embracing their Generic Characters, with -Sketches of their Habits. By Captain <span class="sc">Thomas -Brown</span>, F.L.S. Now publishing in Numbers, royal 4to., each -containing four Plates, price 3<i>s.</i> coloured.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE ELEMENTS OF FOSSIL CONCHOLOGY;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">According to the Arrangement of Lamark; -with the newly-established Genera of other Authors. By Captain -<span class="sc">Thomas Brown</span>, F.L.S. With twelve Plates, fcap. -8vo., price 5<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ALPHABETICAL LIST OF THE SHELLS OF GREAT BRITAIN -AND IRELAND;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Embracing the Nomenclature of <span class= -"sc">Lamarck</span>, <span class="sc">Gray</span>, <span class= -"sc">Turton</span>, and <span class="sc">Brown</span>, for the purpose -of effecting exchanges and naming collections. On a sheet, price -1<i>s.</i> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb241" href="#pb241" name= -"pb241">19</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adoriental" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">Oriental and Colonial.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">NEW ZEALAND AND ITS ABORIGINES:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Being an Account of the Aborigines, Trade, -and Resources of the Colony; and the advantages it now presents as a -field for Emigration and the investment of Capital. By <span class= -"sc">William Brown</span>, lately a member of the Legislative Council -of New Zealand. Post 8vo., price 8<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“A very intelligent and useful -book.”—<i>Times.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">AN ACCOUNT OF THE SETTLEMENTS OF THE NEW ZEALAND -COMPANY,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">From Personal Observations during a -residence there. By the Hon. <span class="sc">Henry William -Petre</span>. In demy 8vo., with a Map and Plates. Fifth Edition. Price -3<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is a valuable contribution to our -sources of information respecting New Zealand, and the best proof of -the Author’s very favourable opinion of the country, is his -making immediate arrangements to return there as a Colonist.”</p> -<p class="par adTitle">NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AND NEW SOUTH -WALES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Record of recent Travels in these -Colonies, with especial reference to Emigration, and the advantageous -employment of Labour and Capital. By <span class="sc">R. G. -Jameson</span>, Esq. Post 8vo., price 8<i>s.</i> cloth, with Maps and -Plates.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Mr. Jameson is an intelligent and -unprejudiced observer, and has made good use of his -faculties.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With Remarks on the Present State and -Future Prospects of New South Wales, and Practical Advice to Emigrants -of various classes; to which is added a Summary of the Route home, by -India, Egypt, &c. By <span class="sc">Charles John Baker</span>, -Esq. Post 8vo., price 8<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">CALIFORNIA: A HISTORY OF UPPER AND LOWER -CALIFORNIA,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">From their first Discovery to the present -Time; comprising an Account of the Climate, Soil, Natural Productions, -Agriculture, Commerce, &c. A full view of the Missionary -Establishments, and Condition of the Free and domesticated Indians. -With an Appendix, relating to Steam Navigation in the Pacific. -Illustrated with a new Map, Plans of the Harbours, and numerous -Engravings. By <span class="sc">Alexander Forbes</span>, Esq. 8vo., -price 14<i>s.</i> cloth. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb242" href= -"#pb242" name="pb242">20</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A SKETCH OF NEW SOUTH WALES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">J. O. Balfour</span>, -Esq., for Six Years a Settler in the Bathurst District. Post 8vo., -price 6<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“To emigrants to the quarter of which it -treats it must be a valuable guide.”—<i>Literary -Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">SUGGESTIONS FOR A GENERAL PLAN OF RAPID -COMMUNICATION BY STEAM NAVIGATION AND RAILWAYS,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">And Applying it to the Shortening the Time -of Communication between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. By -<span class="sc">Edward McGeachy</span>, Esq., Crown Surveyor, Jamaica. -With 2 maps, 8vo. price 3<i>s.</i> bds.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">CHINA OPENED;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, a Display of the Topography, History, -Customs, Manners, Arts, Manufactures, Commerce, Literature, Religion, -Jurisprudence, &c., of the <span class="sc">Chinese Empire</span>. -By the Rev. <span class="sc">Charles Gutzlaff</span>. Revised by the -Rev. <span class="sc">Andrew Reed</span>, D.D. In 2 vols., post 8vo., -price 24<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“We obtain from these volumes more -information of a practical kind than from any other publication; a -closer view of the Domestic life of the Chinese—of the public -institutions—the manufactures—natural resources—and -literature. The work in fact is full of information, gathered with -diligence, and fairly leaves the English reader without any excuse for -ignorance on the subject.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is by far the most interesting, -complete, and valuable account of the Chinese Empire that has yet been -published.”—<i>Sun.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A HISTORY OF THE CHINESE EMPIRE, ANCIENT AND -MODERN.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Comprising a Retrospect of the Foreign -Intercourse and Trade with China. Illustrated by a new and Corrected -Map of the Empire. By the Rev. <span class="sc">Charles -Gutzlaff</span>. In 2 vols. demy 8vo. bds., price 28<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“We cordially recommend this exceedingly -interesting account of this very interesting -country.”—<i>London Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Mr. Gutzlaff has evidently combined -industry with talent in producing this work, which far exceeds in -information, research, and apparent veracity, anything we have before -seen concerning this curious and singular -nation.”—<i>London News.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">HAND-BOOK FOR INDIA AND EGYPT:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Comprising Travels from Calcutta, through -India, to the Himalaya Mountains, and a Voyage down the Sutlege and -Indus Rivers; a Visit to the City of Hyderabad, in Scinde; and a -Journey to England by the Red Sea and Mediterranean: with Descriptions -of the Three Presidencies of India; and the fullest details for parties -proceeding to any part of India, either by the Overland Route, or by -the way of the Cape of Good Hope. By <span class="sc">George -Parbury</span>, Esq., M.R.A.S. Second Edition, one vol. post 8vo., with -an entirely new Map, price 12<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">⁂ The press, both of Great Britain and -India, have combined in eulogizing the value of this work, but it may -only here be needful to quote the following remarks from the editorial -columns of the <i>Standard</i> of the 10th of April, -1843:—“We have elsewhere copied from Mr. Parbury’s -Hand-Book to India and Egypt, an interesting account of the City of -Hyderabad. Let us, in acknowledgment of the means afforded to us to -inform and gratify our readers, say of Mr. Parbury’s work, as we -may with truth, that it is the best Topographical Guide to the -countries to which it refers we have ever seen, a most interesting -book, independently of its topographical utility, and an almost -indispensable key to the late transactions in Central Asia.” -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb243" href="#pb243" name= -"pb243">21</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE MODERN HISTORY AND CONDITION OF EGYPT.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Its <span class="sc">Climate</span>, -<span class="sc">Diseases</span>, and <span class= -"sc">Capabilities</span>; exhibited in a Personal Narrative of Travels -in that Country, with an Account of the Proceedings of Mahommed Ali -Pascha, from 1801 to 1843, interspersed with Illustrations of Scripture -History, the Fulfilment of Prophecy, and the Progress of Civilization -in the East. By <span class="sc">W. Holt Yates</span>, M.D., &c. In -two thick volumes, demy 8vo., with numerous Illustrations, price -34<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“He fulfils his historic vocation by an -ample resume of the more prominent incidents which have distinguished -the fortunes of the Pascha, upon whose policy of general monopoly his -strictures are severe enough, and acquits himself creditably from his -spirited and highly coloured sketches of the abundant objects to which -he draws attention.”—<i>Morning Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE INVALID’S GUIDE TO MADEIRA.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With a Description of Teneriffe, Lisbon, -Cintra, and Mafra; and a Vocabulary of the Portuguese and English -Languages. By <span class="sc">William White Cooper</span>, M.R.C.S., -Surgeon to the Hon. Artillery Company. In one vol. fcap. 8vo., price -4<i>s.</i> cloth gilt.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“There has recently been published a -small work by Mr. Cooper, which may be consulted with -advantage.”—<span class="sc">Sir James Clark</span> <i>on -Climate.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE IONIAN ISLANDS AND -MALTA;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With some <span class="sc">Remarks</span> -on <span class="sc">Constantinople</span> and <span class= -"sc">Turkey</span>; and on the system of Quarantine, as at present -conducted. By <span class="sc">John Davy</span>, M.D., F.R.SS., L. -& E., Inspector-General of Army Hospitals, L. R. In 2 vols. demy -8vo., price 32<i>s.</i> cloth, with a large Map by Arrowsmith, and -illustrated with Plates.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Dr. Davy’s work deserves to be -bought as well as perused, so carefully, completely and expensively has -it been got up. We hope that the consciousness of having discharged -such an important duty will not be the only result of his long labour, -but that the work will prove as remunerative as it ought to -be.”—<i>Westminster Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“There probably is not another work in -our language in which so ample and substantially useful an account is -given of the Ionian Islands as is here to be found. There can be little -doubt that to these volumes will be assigned an honourable place -amongst the recognised master-works of the class to which they -belong.”—<i>Morning Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE NATURE AND PROPERTIES OF THE SUGAR CANE;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With Practical Directions for the -Improvement of its Culture, and the Manufacture of its Products. To -which is added an additional Chapter on the <span class= -"sc">Manufacture of Sugar from Beet-root</span>. By <span class= -"sc">George Richardson Porter</span>, F.R.S., Corresponding Member of -the Institute of France. New Edition, demy 8vo., price 12<i>s.</i> -cloth, revised throughout, with many additions and corrections by the -Author, and illustrated with Plates.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE HON. E. I. C. FIRST -MADRAS EUROPEAN REGIMENT.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Containing an Account of the Establishment -of Independent Companies in 1645, their formation into a Regiment in -1748, and its subsequent Services to 1842. By <span class="sc">A Staff -Officer</span>. In one vol. demy 8vo., with illustrations, price -18<i>s.</i> cloth. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb244" href="#pb244" -name="pb244">22</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE ANGLO-INDIAN AND COLONIAL ALMANACK.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">And <span class="sc">Civil</span>, -<span class="sc">Military</span>, and <span class="sc">Commercial -Directory</span> for 1846. In post 8vo., price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> in -ornamental wrapper.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">The <span class="sc">Home -Department</span> of the Almanack comprises—I. <span class= -"sc">Civil</span> and <span class="sc">Ecclesiastical</span>; including -the Government offices and the India House; together with the forms of -procedure, and educational studies, requisite for obtaining Civil -Appointments, and all matters connected with those appointments, from -the commencing salary to the retiring allowance.—II. <span class= -"sc">Military</span> and <span class="sc">Marine</span>; including -information of a similar kind respecting these services, and the Home -Establishment of the East India Company.—III. <span class= -"sc">Commercial</span>; containing Lists of Merchants, Agents, -Associations, &c, throughout the United Kingdom; likewise, the -trades connected with India and the Colonies; and Tariff of Indian and -Colonial produce.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">The <span class="sc">East Indian and -Colonial Department</span> embraces—I. <span class= -"sc">Civil</span>. The Government Lists of Bengal, Madras, Bombay, -Ceylon, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, and the Cape of -Good Hope; Lists of Civil Servants and their appointments, and of -Judicial Establishments, with a detailed account of the Benefit -Funds.—II. <span class="sc">Military</span>. Staff and Field -Officers; Distribution of the Army, including the Royal troops; -Ecclesiastical Establishment; and all Benefit Funds.—III. -<span class="sc">Commercial</span>. List of Mercantile Firms, Banks, -Insurance Companies, Public Institutions, &c., in India and the -Colonies; with the respective Tariffs, and Tables of Money, Weights, -Measures, &c., and other miscellaneous information.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adreligious" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">Religious and Educational.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">THE PARENT’S CABINET OF AMUSEMENT -AND INSTRUCTION.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A valuable and instructive Present for the -Young. Each volume of this useful and instructive little work comprises -a variety of information on different subjects:—Natural History, -Biography, Travels, &c.; Tales, original and selected; and animated -Conversations on the objects that daily surround young people. The -various tales and subjects are illustrated with Woodcuts. Each volume -is complete in itself, and may be purchased separately. In six neatly -bound vols., price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Every parent at all interested in his -children must have felt the difficulty of providing suitable reading -for them in their hours of amusement. This little work presents these -advantages in a considerable degree, as it contains just that -description of reading which will be beneficial to young -children.”—<i>Quarterly Journal of Education.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">LITTLE STORIES FROM THE PARLOUR -PRINTING-PRESS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By the Author of “<span class= -"sc">The Parent’s Cabinet</span>.” Royal 18mo., price -2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> neatly bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“A very nice little book for children. -The author has evidently been familiar with children, and brought -himself to understand their feelings. No child’s book that we -have ever seen has been so admirably levelled at their capacities as -this admirably written little book.”—<i>Weekly -Chronicle.</i> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb245" href="#pb245" name= -"pb245">23</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">INVESTIGATION; OR, TRAVELS IN THE BOUDOIR.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">Caroline A. -Halsted</span>, Author of “The Life of Margaret Beaufort,” -&c. &c. Fcap. 8vo., with highly-finished Plates, 4<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is an elegantly-written and highly -instructive work for young people, in which a general knowledge of -various interesting topics, connected with every-day life, is presented -to the youthful mind in an attractive and amusing form.”</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE PROGRESS OF CREATION,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Considered with reference to the -<span class="sc">Present Condition of the Earth</span>. An interesting -and useful work for young people. By <span class="sc">Mary -Roberts</span>, Author of “Annals of My Village,” &c. -&c. In fcap. 8vo., beautifully illustrated, price 4<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“We have seldom met with a work, in which -instruction and entertainment are more happily -blended.”—<i>Times.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This beautiful volume forms an -instructive collection of striking facts, interspersed with amiable -reflections.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE JUVENILE MISCELLANY OF AMUSEMENT AND -INSTRUCTION.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Illustrated by numerous Plates and -Woodcuts. Fcap. 8vo., price 6<i>s.</i> neatly bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Filled with amusement and instruction as -its title indicates.”—<i>Court Journal.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">TRAVELS OF MINNA AND GODFREY IN MANY LANDS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">From the Journals of the -Author.—<span class="sc">Holland</span>, one vol. fcap., with -Plates, price 7<i>s.</i> cloth.—The <span class= -"sc">Rhine</span>, <span class="sc">Nassau</span>, and <span class= -"sc">Baden</span>, with Plates, price 7<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">LETTERS FROM A MOTHER TO HER DAUGHTER,</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">At</span>, or -<span class="sc">Going to School</span>. Pointing out her Duties -towards her Maker, her Governess, her Schoolfellows, and herself. By -Mrs. <span class="sc">J. A. Sargant</span>. Sixth Edition, royal 18mo., -price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> handsomely bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE CHRISTIAN’S SUNDAY COMPANION.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Being Reflections, in Prose and Verse, on -the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel; and Proper Lessons for each Sunday; -with a view to the immediate connexion. By Mrs. <span class="sc">J. A. -Sargant</span>. In one vol. post 8vo., price 8<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“We cordially recommend this volume as an -acceptable present to be made to the heads of families, and also an -admirable school book to be read on Sunday morning to scholars before -proceeding to the Temple of God.”—<i>Church and State -Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“The whole production is eminently fitted -to elevate the tone of religious feeling, to strengthen in the minds -not only of the rising generation, but also of the older friends to our -venerable ecclesiastical institution, sentiments of firm and fervent -attachment to the pure faith and reformed worship established in this -Protestant country, and for these reasons especially we recommend it to -the perusal of our readers.”—<i>Norfolk Chronicle.</i> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb246" href="#pb246" name= -"pb246">23</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adtayler" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">WORKS BY THE REV. CHARLES B. TAYLER, M.A.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Author of “<span class="sc">May you Like -It</span>,” &c. &c.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">I.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">RECORDS OF A GOOD MAN’S LIFE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Seventh Edition, in one vol. small 8vo., -price 7<i>s.</i> neatly bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“We most earnestly recommend this work to -the perusal of all those who desire instruction blended with amusement. -A spirit of true piety breathes through every page; and whilst the -innocent recreation of the reader is amply consulted, his motives to -virtue and morality receive an additional -stimulus.”—<i>Monthly Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">II.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">MONTAGUE; OR, IS THIS RELIGION?</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">A Page from the Book of -the World.</span> New Edition, in fcap. 8vo., Illustrated, price -6<i>s.</i> cloth, and 9<i>s.</i> morocco extra.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“To Christian parents we recommend the -work, as admirably adapted to remind them of their important duties, -and their awful responsibility; and to our young readers, as affording -them much excellent advice and example, and displaying in the most -lively colours the high rewards of filial -obedience.”—<i>Christian Monitor.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">III.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">A VOLUME OF SERMONS</p> -<p class="par adDescription">On the <span class="sc">Doctrines</span> -and <span class="sc">Duties</span> of <span class= -"sc">Christianity</span>. Second Edition demy 12mo., price 5<i>s.</i> -boards.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Well meriting a high rank among the -pious labours of the ministry, is this simple but admirable volume; -directed to instruct and improve even the most ignorant; while it -reflects lustre on the Christian motives of its amiable author, it at -the same time does honour to his talents.”—<i>Literary -Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">IV.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">LEGENDS AND RECORDS, CHIEFLY HISTORICAL.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Contents:—Lucy—Lorenzo; or, a -Vision of Conscience—The Lady Lisle—Fulgentius and -Meta—Anne of Cleves; or, Katharine Howard—George the -Third—The Lady Russell—Guyon of Marseilles—The Earl -of Strafford—Donna Francesca—Joan of Kent—The Lady -Anne Carr—The Son and Heir—Leonora. In post 8vo., -beautifully Illustrated, price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> elegantly -bound.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“A more fitting present for Christmas -could not well be thought of; the costliness of its attire sinks into -nothing when compared with the internal elevation of its -purpose.”—<i>Morning Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">V.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE CHILD OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Price 2<i>s.</i> neatly half bound.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“These are truly Christian Parents’ -Books, and happy would it be for the rising generation if their -instructors and tutors would put these admirable works of Mr. Tayler -into the hands of the young, while their tender minds are yet open to -receive the good impressions which they are also calculated to -convey.”—<i>Christian Monitor.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb247" href="#pb247" name="pb247">25</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">SOCIAL EVILS AND THEIR REMEDY.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Series of Narratives. The First Number, -entitled “<span class="sc">The Mechanic</span>,” was -pronounced to be “One of the most useful and interesting -publications that had issued from the press.”</p> -<p class="par adDescription">The following are the Contents of the -different Numbers, price 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each:—II. -“The Lady and the Lady’s Maid.”—III. “The -Pastor of Dronfells.”—IV. “The Labourer and his -Wife.”—V. “The Country Town.”—VI. -“Live and Let Live; or, the Manchester Weavers.”—VII. -“The Soldier.”—VIII. “The Leaside Farm.” -Every two consecutive Numbers form a Volume, which may be procured, -neatly bound, price 4<i>s.</i> each.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“The design of Mr. Taylor is -praiseworthy; his object being to counteract, by a series of tales -illustrative of the power and necessity of religion in the daily and -hourly concerns of life, ‘the confusion of error with truth in -<span class="sc">Miss Martineau’s Entertaining -Stories</span>.’”—<i>Christian Remembrancer.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE RECTORY OF VALEHEAD;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, <span class="sc">The Edifice of a Holy -Home</span>. By the Rev. <span class="sc">Robert Wilson Evans</span>, -B.D., Vicar of Heversham. Twelfth Edition, with an illustrative Plate, -price 6<i>s.</i> neatly bound in cloth; or 9<i>s.</i> elegantly bound -in morocco.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Universally and cordially do we -recommend this delightful volume. We believe no person could read this -work and not be the better for its pious and touching lessons. It is a -page taken from the book of life, and eloquent with all the instruction -of an excellent pattern: it is a commentary on the affectionate -warning, ‘Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.’ -We have not for some time seen a work we could so deservedly praise, or -so conscientiously recommend.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE LIFE-BOOK OF A LABOURER.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">Practical Lessons for -Instruction and Guidance.</span> By <span class="sc">A Working -Clergyman</span>, Author of the “Bishop’s Daughter,” -&c. &c. In one vol. 8vo., price 7<i>s.</i> neatly bound.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“We never in all our experience met with -a more interesting work, and one breathing more fully and firmly the -very essence of Christian philanthropy and national patriotism, and -that too in the most simple and unambitious language, as if the writer -were not aware of his power of influencing all the better feelings of -the human heart.”—<i>Literary Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This volume reminds us forcibly of that -most delightful of all biographies, ‘The Doctor,’ to which -indeed it is little if at all -inferior.”—<i>Britannia.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“It is the pious offering of one who -maybe deemed a proper follower in the footsteps of that good man, Legh -Richmond.”—<i>Argus.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF MAN;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">In which <span class="sc">Religion</span> -and <span class="sc">Superstition</span> are traced from their -source.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">D. Morison</span>. The -Second Edition, enlarged, fcap. 8vo. price 6<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“The intention of this book is not less -admirable than the manner in which it is written. It is most -instructive, and the tone of its contents is in the highest degree -pious, without the least tinge of puritanism. The information it gives -on the most difficult points of biblical reading render it a valuable -book to all who desire true knowledge.”—<i>Age.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Curious, industrious, and learned, and -well worthy the attention of the public.”—<i>Literary -Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“The plan of this book was both extensive -and important—embracing an inquiry into the nature of Revelation, -and its influence on the opinions and customs of mankind;” * * * -“the writer uses <i>Scripture</i> as an interpreter,” and -“sticks to the literal text of the six -days.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE FAMILY SANCTUARY;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Form of Domestic Devotion for every -Sabbath in the Year: containing the Collect of the Day; a Portion of -Scripture; an Original Prayer or Sermon; and the Benediction. Second -Edition. One vol. 8vo., price 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> half bound in -cloth. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb248" href="#pb248" name= -"pb248">26</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">MORTAL LIFE; AND THE STATE OF THE SOUL AFTER -DEATH;</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">Conformable to Divine -Revelation.</span> By <span class="sc">Alexander Copland</span>, Esq., -Author of “The Existence of Other Worlds,” &c. In one -thick vol. 8vo., price 15<i>s.</i> bound.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“The work will afford in perusal, to all -sorrowing relations, the consolation and diversion of mind of the most -congenial kind. It neither leads the thoughts to dwell painfully on one -idea—that of loss—nor does it altogether withdraw the mind -from its contemplation: an effort still more painful. The study of a -work like this, on the contrary, while it gradually weans grief from -its melancholy occupation, supplies it with the sweetest and most -cheerful of all balm—the happy certainly of re-union, not after -the lapse of vast ages of time, but of the instant term of mortal -existence.”—Theological Review.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">SCRIPTURAL STUDIES:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Comprising—The <span class= -"sc">Creation</span>—The <span class="sc">Christian -Scheme</span>—The <span class="sc">Inner Sense</span>. By the -Rev. <span class="sc">William Hill Tucker</span>, M.A., Fellow of -King’s College, Cambridge. In one thick vol. demy 8vo., price -10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> neatly bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is not a work for ordinary readers. -The author thinks for himself; and so writes that his readers must -think too, or they will not be able to understand him.—To the -sacred volume, as a revelation from God, he pays uniform and entire -deference—and the thoughtful and prayerful reader will soon find -that he has not the thinkings of a commonplace mind before -him.”—<i>Methodist Magazine.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">In a Course of Lectures. By the Rev. -<span class="sc">Charles Mackenzie</span>, A.M., Vicar of St. -Helen’s, Bishopsgate, and Head Master of Queen Elizabeth’s -Grammar School, St. Olave’s, Southwark. In one vol. post 8vo., -price 8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> neatly bound in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Although the author is able and earnest, -he is not bigoted or intolerant.”—<i>Literary -Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“It is but an octavo, yet within its -conveniently compendious pages it contains a review carefully taken of -the progress of the Church of Christ, through all the perils of -persecution, dissent, and heresy, by which it has been tried as in a -furnace, up to its confirmed establishment in this country at the epoch -of 1688.”—<i>Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE CHURCH AND DISSENT,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Considered in their Practical Influence on -Individuals, Society, the Nation, and Religion. By <span class= -"sc">Edward Osler</span>, Esq. In fcap. 8vo., price 6<i>s.</i> -bound.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“It would be impossible to find, in the -whole range of our literature, a work so admirably suited to the -present times as this invaluable little volume. The searching test to -which the respective systems have been submitted is so complete and -convincing, that the work ought to be studied by every Dissenter and -Churchman in the Kingdom, particularly at the present religious -crisis.”—<i>Christian Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">CHURCH AND KING:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Comprising—I. <span class="sc">The -Church and Dissent, considered in their Practical Influence</span>; -showing the Connexion of Constitutional Monarchy with the Church, and -the identity of the Voluntary Principle with Democracy.—II. -<span class="sc">The Church Established on the Bible</span>; or, the -Doctrines and Discipline of the Church shown in the Order and Connexion -of the Yearly Services appointed from the Scriptures.—III. -<span class="sc">The Catechism Explained and Illustrated.</span> In -Connexion with these appointed Services.—IV. <span class= -"sc">Psalms and Hymns on the Services and Rites of the Church.</span> -By <span class="sc">Edward Osler</span>, Esq. In one vol. royal 8vo., -price 4<i>s.</i> cloth boards. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb249" -href="#pb249" name="pb249">27</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A DISSENTING MINISTER.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">The Sixth Edition. Price 4<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Our own observation has shown us the -truth of the statement put forth in this well-written exposure of the -tyranny to which the greater portion of Dissenting Ministers are -compelled to submit, and the evils which the destruction of the -Established Church would bring upon religion.”—<i>Court -Journal.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“We warmly recommend this most excellent -work to public notice.”—<i>British Mag.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This volume is one which strikes us as -being likely to make a considerable stir in the religious, high-church, -and dissenting world.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Their mode of education at the -<i>Dissenting Colleges</i>, as they are pompously styled, is admirably -shown up.”—<i>Edinburgh Evening Post.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE IDEAL OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Sketch. By the Rev. <span class="sc">R. -Montgomery</span>, M.A., Author of “Luther,” “The -Gospel before the Age,” &c. &c. 8vo., price 2<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> sewed.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">CAPITAL PUNISHMENTS UNSANCTIONED BY THE -GOSPEL,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">And <span class="sc">Unnecessary in a -Christian State</span>. A Letter to the Rev. Sir <span class="sc">John -Page Wood</span>, Bart., B.C.L. By the Rev. <span class="sc">Henry -Christmas</span>, M.A., F.R.S., F.S.A., late of St. John’s -College. 8vo., price 1<i>s.</i> stitched.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE ENGLISH MASTER;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, <span class="sc">Student’s Guide -to Reasoning and Composition</span>. Exhibiting an Analytical View of -the English Language, of the Human Mind, and of the Principles of fine -Writing. By <span class="sc">William Banks</span>, Private Teacher of -Composition, Intellectual Philosophy, &c. Second Edition, post -8vo., price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> boards.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“We have examined with care and pleasure -this valuable treatise of Mr. Banks, and strenuously recommend the -volume as one of all others most fit to put into the hands of every -English student.”—<i>Weekly Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A NEW SPELLING-BOOK OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Containing all the Monosyllables; a -copious Selection of Polysyllables, carefully arranged and accented; -Progressive Lessons, chiefly from the Holy Scriptures; a List of Words -of various Meanings; a short Bible Catechism; Questions on Scripture -History; and School Prayers. By <span class="sc">J. S. Moore</span>, -Master of the Brewers’ Company’s School. 12mo., price -1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> bound.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ARITHMETIC UNVEILED:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Being a Series of Tables and Rules, -whereby most of the calculations in business may be either mentally -performed, or so abridged as to save half the time usually employed. To -which are annexed a Multiplication Table extending to 200 times 200, -and Tables of Interest on an improved plan. The whole adapted to the -use of both the first merchant and the most humble trader. By -<span class="sc">James McDowall</span>, Accountant. In demy 12mo., -price 5<i>s.</i> bound in cloth. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb250" -href="#pb250" name="pb250">28</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE GRAMMARIAN;</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Or, <span class="sc">The English Writer -and Speaker’s Assistant</span>: comprising <span class= -"sc">Shall</span> and <span class="sc">Will</span> made easy to -Foreigners, with instances of their Misuse on the Part of the Natives -of England. Also <span class="sc">Scotticisms</span>, designed to -correct Improprieties of Speech and Writing. By <span class="sc">James -Beattie</span>, LL.D. 24mo., price 2<i>s.</i> cloth boards.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">A SYSTEM OF ARITHMETIC,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">With the <span class="sc">Principles of -Logarithms</span>. Compiled for Merchant Taylors’ School. By -<span class="sc">Richard Frederick Clarke</span>, Teacher. Third -Edition, demy 12mo., price 3<i>s.</i> bound.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“The great object attained in this -excellent work is a most judicious abridgment of the labour of teaching -and learning every branch of Arithmetic, by rendering the Rules and -Explanations so very simple and intelligible, that the study becomes a -pleasure, instead of a task, to the youthful pupil.”</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adpoetry" class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">Poetry.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">RHYMES AND RECOLLECTIONS OF A HAND-LOOM -WEAVER.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">William Thom</span>, -of Invernry, Aberdeenshire. The Second Edition, with Additions. In post -8vo., price 5<i>s.</i> with a Portrait.</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“An’ syne whan nichts grew cauld and -lang</p> -<p class="line">Ae while he sicht—ae while he -sang.”—<i>Old Ballad.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par first adReview">“The Rhymes are to be read with -interest, and not without admiration.”—<i>Examiner.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Let every good man and woman think of -the author: from this book he looks for some consolation, and we trust -it will bring him still more effectual protection from other -sources.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE COTTAR’S SUNDAY, AND OTHER POEMS,</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. By -<span class="sc">Peter Still</span>. In fcap. 8vo., price 3<i>s.</i> -cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE PALACE OF FANTASY; OR, THE BARD’S -IMAGERY.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">With other Poems.</span> -By <span class="sc">J. S. Hardy</span>, Author of “Hours of -Thought; or, Poetic Musings.” In fcap. 8vo., price 3<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“There is much of the pure gold of poetry -in this handsome little volume.”—<i>Macclesfield -Chronicle.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“The principal poem in this little -volume, written in the Spenserian Stanza and diction, contains many -pleasing passages.... Much talent is evinced by the -author.”—<i>Oxford Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This poem contains many passages which -one would read again after the first perusal—a remark which -cannot be made of much of the poetry which is published. Some of the -miscellaneous poems are very sweet, reminding one of Cowper’s -smaller poems.”—<i>Herts County Press.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“The ‘Palace of Fantasy’ is -of a higher character than the generality of poems: the spirit of -poetry is perceptible throughout, and the work has a healthy tone and -purpose.”—<i>Cheltenham Journal.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This little volume is one of -considerable merit. The principal poem contains many beautiful -passages, original and striking, which cannot fail to -please.”—<i>Plymouth Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“Mr. Hardy has produced a poem which, had -it appeared during the last century, would have secured for him a sure -place among the British Poets.”—<i>Derbyshire Chron.</i> -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb251" href="#pb251" name= -"pb251">29</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A METRICAL VERSION OF THE SONG OF SOLOMON,</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">And Other Poems</span>. -By a <span class="sc">Late Graduate of Oxford</span>. In fcap. 8vo., -price 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">KING RENE’S DAUGHTER.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Lyrical Drama. From the Danish of -<span class="sc">Henrik Hertz</span>. By <span class="sc">Jane Francis -Chapman</span>, Translator of “Waldemar,” and “King -Eric and the Outlaw.” In fcap. 8vo., price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> -cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">LAYS OF THE SEA, AND OTHER POEMS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">Personne</span>. In -fcap. 8vo., price 6<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">ISLAFORD, AND OTHER POEMS.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Book for Winter Evenings and Summer -Moods. By <span class="sc">George Murray</span>. In fcap. 8vo., price -4<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">GRISELDA:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Dramatic Poem. Translated from the -German of <span class="sc">Frederick Halm</span>. By Q. E. D. Royal -18mo., price 4<i>s.</i> cloth gilt.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“An elegant translation of an elegant -German poem.”—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“In conclusion we would strongly -recommend ‘Griselda’ to our readers; assuring them that, in -our opinion, they will not easily meet with anything so deserving of -popularity, either from the purity of the style, the interest of the -story, the fidelity of the translation, the easy flow of the rhyme, or -the elegance of the language.”—<i>Foreign and Colonial -Quarterly Review.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE COLUMBIAD:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Comprising Geographical Sketches, and a -Narrative of Nautical Adventures in the Eastern Seas, including the -perils of a storm, and providential escape from shipwreck: with -Meditations on a Future State. By <span class="sc">Archibald Tucker -Ritchie</span>, Esq. In demy 8vo., price 10<i>s.</i> handsomely bound -in cloth.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Under this title the author has given a -poetical narrative of his voyage in the Indian Ocean, somewhat in the -manner of ‘Falconer’s Shipwreck.’ ... The most -remarkable passage is that where he announces a new attempt to explain -the phenomena of Geology in connexion with the first chapter of -Genesis.... We would recommend the perusal of this poem, which contains -some pretty passages both to interest and instruct the -reader.”—<i>Edinburgh Weekly Journal.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“This is an interesting poem.... In so -far as it is descriptive, it is a painting from Nature, and a narrative -of real life. The author can say, ‘All which I saw, and part of -which I was.’ If to landsmen the poem is interesting, it must be -peculiarly so to those ‘whose march is on the deep.’ ... -The author is evidently a person of right principles, of a kind and -pious heart, and of a generous and polished mind.... He has a higher -object than merely giving pleasure; he seeks to benefit his -readers.”—<i>Scottish Guardian.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">DAYS IN THE EAST:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Poem in Two Cantos. Descriptive of -Scenery in India, the Departure from Home, the Voyage and subsequent -Career of an Officer in the East India Company’s Army. By -<span class="sc">James Henry Burke</span>, Esq., of Marble Hill, -Lieutenant Bombay Engineers, Member of the Bombay Branch of Royal -Asiatic Society. In demy 8vo., price 6<i>s.</i> bound.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“The Stanzas of Mr. Burke bespeak at once -high feeling, a vigorous cultivated intelligence, and a delicate poetic -taste.”—<i>Morning Herald.</i></p> -<p class="par adReview">“The execution is even, finished, and -good.”—<i>Weekly Chronicle.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb252" href="#pb252" name="pb252">30</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adembellished" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">Embellished Works and Prints.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">ILLUSTRATIONS TO “ADVENTURE IN NEW -ZEALAND.”</p> -<p class="par adDescription">By <span class="sc">Edward Jerningham -Wakefield</span>, Esq. Lithographed from Original Drawings taken on the -spot, by Mrs. <span class="sc">Wicksteed</span>, Miss <span class= -"sc">King</span>, Mrs. <span class="sc">Fox</span>, Mr. <span class= -"sc">John Saxton</span>, Mr. <span class="sc">Charles Heaphy</span>, -Mr. <span class="sc">S. C. Brees</span>, and Captain <span class= -"sc">W. Mein Smith</span>, R. N. One volume folio, with fifteen Plates, -including Views of Port Nicholson, Wellington, Nelson, Petre, New -Plymouth, and other Settlements; with Portraits of Native Chiefs, and -their Dwellings; and Drawings of Trees and Plants. Price 3<i>l.</i> -3<i>s.</i> plain; 4<i>l.</i> 14<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> coloured.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Drawn with great skill, and exceedingly -well lithographed; their great value consists in their giving correct -representations of the scenes and objects they -depict.”—<i>Atlas.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">A GENERAL VIEW OF THE FALLS OF NIAGARA.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Etched in the best manner, on Copper. By -<span class="sc">F. C. Lewis</span>, Esq., Engraver to the Queen. From -a Drawing made on the spot, by Captain <span class="sc">James -Graham</span>, of H. M. 70th Regiment. On an extended scale of -forty-three by nineteen inches. Price, India Proofs, 2<i>l.</i> -2<i>s.</i>; Plain Prints, 15<i>s.</i>; beautifully coloured as -Drawings, 21<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription">The view embraces the two Falls, including -Goat Island and the country on both banks of the river; and presents a -faithful and complete picture of this majestic scene.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE ORIENTAL PORTFOLIO:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Series of splendid Illustrations of the -Scenery, Antiquities, Architecture, Manners, Costumes, &c. of the -East. From original Sketches in the collections of Lord William -Bentinck, K.C.B., Captain R. M. Grindlay, Lady Wilmot Horton, Sir Henry -Willock, K.L.S., Thomas Bacon, Esq., James Baillie Fraser, Esq., and -other travellers. The Literary Department of the Work by <span class= -"sc">Horace H. Wilson</span>, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., &c. &c. The -series is now completed, comprising eleven beautifully finished Plates, -tinted in imitation of Drawings. Price 2<i>l.</i> 2<i>s.</i> elegantly -bound in large folio.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">The object of this undertaking is to -supply what has long been felt to be a desideratum; namely, Graphic -Illustrations of the Scenery, Antiquities, Architecture, Manners, -Costumes, &c. of the East, which, as the theatre of so many -brilliant military achievements, and such extensive commercial -enterprise, is daily increasing in interest with the British public. -The Drawings for the work are made by the first Artists in the Kingdom, -from the Original Sketches taken on the spot.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">THE BYRON GALLERY:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Series of thirty-six Historical -Embellishments, illustrating the Poetical Works of <span class= -"sc">Lord Byron</span>; beautifully engraved from Original Drawings and -Paintings by Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A., H. Howard, R.A., A. E. -Chalon, R.A., J. Stothard, R.A., R. Westall, R.A., and other eminent -Artists: adapted, by their size and excellence, to bind up with and -embellish every edition published in England of <span class="sc">Lord -Byron’s Works</span>, and also the various sizes and editions -published in France, Germany, and America. Price 21<i>s.</i> elegantly -bound, forming a splendid ornament for the drawing-room table.</p> -<p class="par adReview">“Adequately to describe the delicate -beauty of these splendid plates does not appear to he within the power -of language. There is not an admirer of the works of the departed noble -poet who can feel satisfied that he has a perfect edition of them, -unless the ‘Byron Gallery’ be attached to it. There is no -instance in which excellence in poetry and the arts are so admirably -combined.”—<i>Imperial Magazine.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb253" href="#pb253" name="pb253">31</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">STANFIELD’S COAST SCENERY:</p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Series of Picturesque Views in the -British Channel and on the Coast of France. From Original Drawings, -taken expressly for the work, by <span class="sc">Clarkson -Stanfield</span>, Esq., R.A. Second edition. Forty plates engraved in -line, in the most finished style, with descriptive letterpress. One -volume 8vo., handsomely bound in cloth, gilt edges. Price -21<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription"><b>ARIEL.</b> Designed by <span class= -"sc">E. T. Parris</span>, finely engraved in line by <span class= -"sc">F. Bacon</span>. Proofs 15<i>s.</i>, prints 10<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription"><b>THE SMUGGLER’S ESCAPE.</b> -Painted by <span class="sc">H. W. Harvey.</span> Engraved by -<span class="sc">C. Rosenberg</span>. Plain 5<i>s.</i>, coloured -10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription">A Marine picture, representing the chase -of a smuggling lugger by a Frigate, taken from a scene in Mr. -James’s Novel “The Smuggler.”</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><b>VIEW OF MELBOURNE, PORT PHILLIP.</b> -Painted by <span class="sc">W. F. Liardet</span>. Engraved by -<span class="sc">J. W. Lowry</span>. With Index-plate, price -10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription">In this View every public and private -building of importance is represented with minute accuracy, and -referred to by name in the Index-plate; the foreground being animated -by characteristic groups of natives, &c. The plate is published -under the auspices of the Superintendent and principal residents of -Melbourne.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><b>VIEWS IN CALCUTTA.</b> By <span class= -"sc">James B. Fraser</span>, Esq. Engraved in Aquatint, and beautifully -coloured from nature. Price 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription">These Views embrace the principal edifices -of Calcutta, and represent the streets, squares, promenades, and -suburbs of this splendid city, filled with the motley groups of -Europeans and Natives; the river and shipping being also shown under -atmospheric effects characteristic of the climate and country.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">VIEWS OF SETTLEMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND:—</p> -<p class="par">VIEW OF WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND. Plain 3<i>s.</i>, -coloured 5<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par">VIEW OF LAMBTON HARBOUR, NEW ZEALAND. Plain 3<i>s.</i>, -coloured 5<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par">VIEW OF NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND. Plain 3<i>s.</i>, -coloured 5<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par">VIEW OF MOUNT EGMONT, NEW ZEALAND. Plain 3<i>s.</i>, -coloured 5<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par adDescription">These Views are faithful representations -of the features of those parts of the coast of New Zealand selected as -sites of the Company’s principal settlements. They were taken by -Mr. Charles Heaphy, Draughtsman to the New Zealand Company, and exhibit -the appearance of the country under the influence of colonization; -showing the first habitations of the settlers, and the dawnings of -commerce and civilization on a savage state. They are executed in -tinted Lithography by Mr. Allom.</p> -<p class="par">VIEWS OF ALL THE PRINCIPAL TOWNS IN SCOTLAND. Each, -coloured, 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par adTitle">PORTRAITS OF EMINENT AUTHORS AND ACTRESSES.</p> -<p class="par adDescription"><span class="sc">Portraits</span> of the -following eminent <span class="sc">Authors</span> and <span class= -"sc">Actresses</span>, engraved in line from Original Drawings, of a -size suitable for Illustration, may be had at 1<i>s.</i> each, prints; -and 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, India proofs.</p> -<table class="splitlisttable"> -<tr> -<td> -<ul> -<li><span class="sc">Thomas Carlyle</span>, Esq.</li> -<li><span class="sc">Charles Dickens</span>, Esq.</li> -<li><span class="sc">William Wordsworth</span>, Esq.</li> -<li><span class="sc">Alfred Tennyson</span>, Esq.</li> -<li><span class="sc">Robert Browning</span>, Esq.</li> -<li><span class="sc">Miss Harriet Martineau.</span></li> -</ul> -</td> -<td> -<ul> -<li><span class="sc">Miss O’Neil.</span></li> -<li><span class="sc">Miss Brunton.</span></li> -<li><span class="sc">Miss Foote.</span></li> -<li><span class="sc">Madame Vestris.</span></li> -<li><span class="sc">Miss Ellen Tree.</span></li> -<li><span class="sc">Miss Helen Faucit.</span></li> -</ul> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par adTitle">ILLUSTRATIONS OF FRIENDSHIP’S -OFFERING.</p> -<p class="par">A few Proof Impressions of the varied and beautiful -designs illustrative of the several volumes of this elegant Annual, -particularly suited for ornamenting Albums and Scrap-books, may be had -separately.</p> -<p class="par adDescription">Price, India proofs, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> -each; plain prints 1<i>s.</i> each. <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb254" href="#pb254" name="pb254">32</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par adTitle">MAPS AND CHARTS:—</p> -<p class="par">A NEW MAP OF THE PUNJAUB. Coloured 1<i>s.</i>; in case -1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par">ARROWSMITH’S MAP OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. In -sheets, coloured, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>; in case, coloured, 2<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par">ARROWSMITH’S MAP OF NEW ZEALAND. In sheets, -coloured, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>; in case, coloured, 2<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class="par">CHART OF COOK’S STRAITS, NEW ZEALAND. By -<span class="sc">Charles Heaphy</span>, Esq. Price 8<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par">HEIGHTS OF ALL THE MOUNTAINS IN THE WORLD. Plain -1<i>s.</i>, coloured 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class="par">PARBURY’S MAP OF OVERLAND ROUTE TO INDIA. In case -8<i>s.</i>, in sheets, 6<i>s.</i></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="adforblind" class="div2 section"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">BOOKS FOR THE USE OF THE BLIND.</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Printed with a very distinct Raised Roman Letter, -adapted to their Touch.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="table"> -<table class="xd24e9021"> -<tr> -<td colspan="6" class="cellLeft cellRight cellTop">The <span class= -"sc">Holy Bible</span>, in 15 vols. 4to. bound.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="6" class="cellLeft cellRight">Any volume -separately:—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft"></td> -<td class="xd24e718">£</td> -<td class="xd24e718"><i>s.</i></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight"><i>d.</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">Vol.</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1.</td> -<td>Genesis</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">9</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2.</td> -<td>Exodus and Leviticus</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">13</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3.</td> -<td>Numbers</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">9</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4.</td> -<td>Deuteronomy</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">7</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">5.</td> -<td>Joshua, Judges, and Ruth</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">10</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">6.</td> -<td>Samuel</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">11</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">7.</td> -<td>Kings</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">11</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8.</td> -<td>Chronicles</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">11</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">9.</td> -<td>Job, Ezra, and Nehemiah</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">9</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">10.</td> -<td>Psalms</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">13</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">11.</td> -<td>Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Esther</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">8</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">12.</td> -<td>Isaiah</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">10</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">13.</td> -<td>Jeremiah and Lamentations</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">11</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">14.</td> -<td>Ezekiel</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">10</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="cellLeft">—</td> -<td class="xd24e718">15.</td> -<td>Daniel, to the end</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">11</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">The <span class="sc">New -Testament</span>, complete, 4 vols. bound</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">The Four Gospels, -separately:—</td> -<td class="xd24e718"></td> -<td class="xd24e718"></td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Matthew</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">5</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Mark</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Luke</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">5</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">John</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">4</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">The Acts of the Apostles</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">5</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">The Epistles to the Ephesians and -Galatians</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">3</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">The Church of England Catechism</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Church of Scotland Shorter -Catechism</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Selections from Eminent Authors</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">1</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Selections of Sacred Poetry, with -Tunes</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Arithmetical Boards</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">10</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Map of England and Wales</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Ruth and James</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Report and Statement of Education</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">Specimens of Printing Type</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="cellLeft">First and Second Book of Lessons</td> -<td class="xd24e718">0</td> -<td class="xd24e718">2</td> -<td class="xd24e718 cellRight">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td 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class="sc">Murray</span>, Old Bailey.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first adTitle">THE CALCUTTA REVIEW.</p> -<p class="par adTitle">(PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, AND RECEIVED REGULARLY BY -THE OVERLAND MAIL.)</p> -<p class="par"><i>Nos. 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You may copy it, give -it away or re-use it under the terms of the <a class="seclink xd24e43" -title="External link" href="https://www.gutenberg.org/license" rel= -"license">Project Gutenberg License</a> included with this eBook or -online at <a class="seclink xd24e43" title="External link" href= -"https://www.gutenberg.org/" rel="home">www.gutenberg.org</a>.</p> -<p class="par">This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at <a class="exlink xd24e43" title="External link" -href="http://www.pgdp.net/">www.pgdp.net</a>.</p> -<p class="par">Prepared from scans made available by the -Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Copy <a class="exlink xd24e43" title= -"External link" href= -"http://resolver.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/SBB000003ED00000000">1</a>).</p> -<h3 class="main">Metadata</h3> -<table class="colophonMetadata"> -<tr> -<td><b>Title:</b></td> -<td>A Sketch of Assam: With Some Account of the Hill Tribes</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Author:</b></td> -<td>John Butler</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Language:</b></td> -<td>English</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Original publisher:</b></td> -<td>Smith, Elder and Co.</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Original publication place:</b></td> -<td>London</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Original publication date:</b></td> -<td>1847</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><b>Keywords:</b></td> -<td>Assam</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td>Assam (India)</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td>Ethnology</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td>India</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td>Social life and customs</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3>Catalog entries</h3> -<table class="catalogEntries"> -<tr> -<td>Related Library of Congress catalog page:</td> -<td><a href="https://lccn.loc.gov/2001561850" class= -"seclink">2001561850</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td>Related Open Library catalog page (for source):</td> -<td><a href="https://openlibrary.org/books/OL3549800M" class= -"seclink">OL3549800M</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td>Related Open Library catalog page (for work):</td> -<td><a href="https://openlibrary.org/works/OL5949620W" class= -"seclink">OL5949620W</a></td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3 class="main">Encoding</h3> -<p class="par first">Not all illustrations were placed correctly in the -copy digitized. They have been moved closer to their position according -to the List of Illustrations in this book. The illustrations have been -digitally cleaned-up. Binding artifacts and stains have been -removed.</p> -<h3 class="main">Revision History</h3> -<ul> -<li>2016-04-17 Started.</li> -</ul> -<h3 class="main">External References</h3> -<p>This Project Gutenberg eBook contains external references. These -links may not work for you.</p> -<h3 class="main">Corrections</h3> -<p>The following corrections have been applied to the text:</p> -<table class="correctiontable" summary= -"Overview of corrections applied to the text."> -<tr> -<th>Page</th> -<th>Source</th> -<th>Correction</th> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e386">v</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">.</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Deleted</i>]</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e469">vii</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">goverment</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">government</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e496">vii</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">An</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">an</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e508">viii</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">—</td> -<td class="width40 bottom"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e560">viii</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Divided</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">divided</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e1048">38</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Offi.</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Officers.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e1344">49</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">negociation</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">negotiation</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e1425">63</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">“</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e1603">95</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd24e1682">109</a>, <a class="pageref" href= -"#xd24e3926">189</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd24e3943">190</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd24e4084">195</a>, <a class="pageref" href= -"#xd24e4291">208</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd24e4973">219</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd24e5200">220</a>, <a class="pageref" href= -"#xd24e6068">4</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd24e7446">18</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e1848">129</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">artizans</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">artisans</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e1874">134</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">..</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e2541">149</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">tattoed</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">tattooed</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e4101">198</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">397rs.</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">397 rs.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e5820">2*</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd24e7203">13</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom"></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">.</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of Assam, by John Butler - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SKETCH OF ASSAM *** - -***** This file should be named 53670-h.htm or 53670-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/6/7/53670/ - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (The digitized holdings of the Staatsbibliothek -zu Berlin are all interested parties worldwide free of -charge for non-commercial use available.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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