DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.25989#0179
TOCHATEEGAON.
f63
superior order of men, whom the British could
not withstand in battle, both on account of per-
sonal courage, skill in stratagem, and the prac-
tice of desultory modes of warfare, which would
fatigue and destroy a British Army.
' The landing of the English at Rangoon
was considered a mere marauding incursion,
similar to that which the Siamese frequently
make on the province of Martaban, an example
quoted at the time. The King frequently ex-
pressed his anxiety for the speedy march of his
troops, lest the English who had landed at
Rangoon should escape.
' The Prince of Sarawaddi, brother to the
King, a favourite, and tire person next to
him in rank ; the Princess of Taong-duen, the
eldest sister of the King, and on that account
unmarried, according to immemorial usage, a
person of great intelligence; and the Seah
Woonghee, the King's tutor, frequently express-
ed a desire for war with the British Govern-
ment in India. I have frequently heard the
Prince of Sarawaddi expatiate for half an hour
together upon this subject. His language used
be to the following purport:—The English are
the inhabitants of a small and remote Island.
What business have they to come in ships from
so great a distance to dethrone Kings and take
possession of countries they have no right to.
f63
superior order of men, whom the British could
not withstand in battle, both on account of per-
sonal courage, skill in stratagem, and the prac-
tice of desultory modes of warfare, which would
fatigue and destroy a British Army.
' The landing of the English at Rangoon
was considered a mere marauding incursion,
similar to that which the Siamese frequently
make on the province of Martaban, an example
quoted at the time. The King frequently ex-
pressed his anxiety for the speedy march of his
troops, lest the English who had landed at
Rangoon should escape.
' The Prince of Sarawaddi, brother to the
King, a favourite, and tire person next to
him in rank ; the Princess of Taong-duen, the
eldest sister of the King, and on that account
unmarried, according to immemorial usage, a
person of great intelligence; and the Seah
Woonghee, the King's tutor, frequently express-
ed a desire for war with the British Govern-
ment in India. I have frequently heard the
Prince of Sarawaddi expatiate for half an hour
together upon this subject. His language used
be to the following purport:—The English are
the inhabitants of a small and remote Island.
What business have they to come in ships from
so great a distance to dethrone Kings and take
possession of countries they have no right to.