KHAMTI TO INDIA 



gilded as in India. Flags bearing Buddhist subjects and Thai' 

 inscriptions hung from the ceiling, but we saw nothing unusual, 

 artistic, or finely sculptured as in Laos. Some tablets of black 

 wood served as boards, which were written on with a white 

 substance obtained from the bamboo, and the bonze showed me 

 a letter of recommendation from an Englishman, Mr. Gray, in 

 case the priest should wish to go to India. 



In the course of the day following our audience we received 

 another visit from the king's son and his adviser. This time 

 they smiled upon us, and brought some tubes of bamboo filled 

 with molasses. The minister became sufficiently confidential to 

 produce the subjoined paper for our inspection. It was in English, 

 and ran thus : — 



"This is a certificate that Hoe Daung, nephew of the Lak- 

 houm Saubroa of Pamkouti Khamti, came to Bhamo to pav 

 homage and respect in February '92. He was accompanied by 

 the Amdogyi of Lakhoum, named Baraugnan, as representing the 

 Lakhoum Saubroa. The Amdogyi and Hoe Daung were at 

 Mandalay and Rangoon. Xo promises were made them, save 

 that with regard to the claim set forth by Sankpakhou, the Lak- 

 houm Saubroa, to be chief Saubroa of Khamti/ such claim 

 should be the subject of inquiry and further consideration. By 

 this prompt visit, bearing the homage and presents of the Saubroa, 

 his nephew (in the place of the said Saubroa) has recognised 

 the supremacy of the Government, and has expressed his desire 

 to be a loyal subject, and this will be taken into account in future 

 dealings with him. His ierri/ory now forms part of the district 



' This is ambiguous : the claim has been made in the course of a past visit . . . 

 query: an inquiry will be made in the course of our visit (future)?— AUTHOR. 



