DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4651#0061
IN THE BURMHAN EMPIRE.
51
we have unfortunately left in the rear with the
merchant-boats ; for which the chekoy and mew-
jerry have received a severe reprimand, with strict
injunctions to bring him up without delay j they
accordingly have despatched a small boat for him.
The excuse for my detention at this inhospitable
spot, is, that it is necessary first for the viceroy
to present a petition to his majesty, to announce
my arrival, and request permission for my landing;
and that it is uncertain when a favourable oppor-
tunity may occur, under the present circumstances
of his devout abstraction, to present this petition.
I have further learnt, however, that no house has
as yet been prepared for me: the shabunder
Jhansey gave this as a private reason to Pedro,
the interpreter. The truth is, that this is altogether
an intended slight, meant to impress the grosser
multitude with ideas of the superiority of their
own government over all others; and makes part
of a premeditated plan of insult, which will re-
quire all my address and patience to baffle or
overcome: however arduous the task, I trust I
shall yet awaken them from their dream, and am
fully prepared for the contest. I sent back the
interpreter immediately to acquaint the viceroy of
my situation, and my wish to send the Governor-
General's letters to him; and also to inform him,
that he would find a Burmhan translation enclosed
in the letter I forwarded from Rangoon. I wanted
e2
51
we have unfortunately left in the rear with the
merchant-boats ; for which the chekoy and mew-
jerry have received a severe reprimand, with strict
injunctions to bring him up without delay j they
accordingly have despatched a small boat for him.
The excuse for my detention at this inhospitable
spot, is, that it is necessary first for the viceroy
to present a petition to his majesty, to announce
my arrival, and request permission for my landing;
and that it is uncertain when a favourable oppor-
tunity may occur, under the present circumstances
of his devout abstraction, to present this petition.
I have further learnt, however, that no house has
as yet been prepared for me: the shabunder
Jhansey gave this as a private reason to Pedro,
the interpreter. The truth is, that this is altogether
an intended slight, meant to impress the grosser
multitude with ideas of the superiority of their
own government over all others; and makes part
of a premeditated plan of insult, which will re-
quire all my address and patience to baffle or
overcome: however arduous the task, I trust I
shall yet awaken them from their dream, and am
fully prepared for the contest. I sent back the
interpreter immediately to acquaint the viceroy of
my situation, and my wish to send the Governor-
General's letters to him; and also to inform him,
that he would find a Burmhan translation enclosed
in the letter I forwarded from Rangoon. I wanted
e2