DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4651#0400
IN THE BUKMHAN EMPIRE.
387
people down to my boat to conduct Mr. Keys to
his house. I had prepared a letter for the oc-
casion with which Mr. Keys immediately went.
He was received with tolerable decency, and the
inew whoon patiently listened to the contents of
my letter, and his comments on it. He excused
his apparent want of attention to my interests, by
stating his fears of exciting jealousy amongst his
countrymen, of his having sinister motives for his
connexion with us; he acknowledged the perfidy
of his countrymen in the most explicit manner,
averring that there was no faith to be put in their
words. He added, that he was perfectly aware
of the British power, but dared not avow his sen-
timents, as it might endanger his life. He knew
they had powerful fleets and armies, disciplined,
and ready for action at a moment's warning; and
that his majesty could not raise 5,000 men with-
out great delay and trouble : and when raised,
and arms given them, they knew not how to use
them, the greatest part, perhaps, not having seen
a musket in their lives. What made this language
the more extraordinary was, his using it before a
great many Bnrmhan auditors; finally, however,
he solemnly promised Mr. Keys that he would
communicate my sentiments to his majesty, and
give me a final answer in two days. When Mr.
Keys informed him of the message I had received
from the enga's whoon, he was, or pretended to
387
people down to my boat to conduct Mr. Keys to
his house. I had prepared a letter for the oc-
casion with which Mr. Keys immediately went.
He was received with tolerable decency, and the
inew whoon patiently listened to the contents of
my letter, and his comments on it. He excused
his apparent want of attention to my interests, by
stating his fears of exciting jealousy amongst his
countrymen, of his having sinister motives for his
connexion with us; he acknowledged the perfidy
of his countrymen in the most explicit manner,
averring that there was no faith to be put in their
words. He added, that he was perfectly aware
of the British power, but dared not avow his sen-
timents, as it might endanger his life. He knew
they had powerful fleets and armies, disciplined,
and ready for action at a moment's warning; and
that his majesty could not raise 5,000 men with-
out great delay and trouble : and when raised,
and arms given them, they knew not how to use
them, the greatest part, perhaps, not having seen
a musket in their lives. What made this language
the more extraordinary was, his using it before a
great many Bnrmhan auditors; finally, however,
he solemnly promised Mr. Keys that he would
communicate my sentiments to his majesty, and
give me a final answer in two days. When Mr.
Keys informed him of the message I had received
from the enga's whoon, he was, or pretended to