706 An account of some of the Petty States, $c. [Nov. 



ed to know distinctly if we considered him our debtor for the things I had given, 

 as he feared it might be brought against his children or grand-children ; which 

 is by no means a groundless fear amongst themselves, for I saw on my first visit 

 to Zimmay a little child who had been seized and sold by a creditor for a debt 

 contracted by his grandfather for a gong. I assured him his fears were perfectly 

 groundless, and explained what was usual in other countries. He wished me to 

 remain tomorrow, on the chance of his getting a horse to return for the presents. 

 As we have the greatest difficulty in getting — in fact cannot get — rice, and should 

 we be caught by the rains on this side of the eastern hills, we shall be obliged to 

 halt without provisions till they are passable, I intimated my positive inten- 

 tion to start with the moon-light early in the morning to save the elephants 

 crossing the hills in the heat of the day. 



" 17th. Last night at 11 o'clock the old Shan came out according to his 

 promise, bringing a letter for the Commissioner written on two shabby leaves of 

 an old Burman black book, and a little pony, for which my servant had been 

 bargaining in the course of the day ; its price was about forty-five rupees. I 

 believe a man from Maulamyne who was robbed and is now seeking justice here, 

 was the writer of the letter ; and as they have no written character of their own, 

 it was written in Burmese." 



Dr. R. quitted Daung Talwee this day, and arrived at Maulamyne on 

 the 10th May, having returned through Mein-loon-gyee by the route 

 already described. He thus suras up the result of his last mission : — 



" I need not descant upon the great importance of opening a market with the 

 frontiers of China for British goods by means of the caravans of Chinese traders. 

 It is probable that on the first visit of these people to Maulamyne their numbers 

 will be few, but when once aware of the safety and freedom from all vexations and 

 exactions with which their visits will be attended, and of the extensive market 

 existing for their goods, 1 think there can be no doubt we shall see them here 

 in future years in great numbers. I learnt from the people, and also from other 

 quarters during my travels, that no difficulty would exist in our traders visiting 

 the frontier towns of China. The Chinese asserted there were no guards and 

 no restrictions in their towns, and a person of some rank at Labon pressed me to 

 accompany him next year on a trading expedition in that direction. I cannot 

 but think this subject is worthy the consideration of Government ; and should 

 any thing of the kind be deemed advisable, I should be most happy to offer my 

 services. 



" An extensive opening for our inland trade has been made by securing the 

 good-will towards us of the Red Kayens, and it is possible that the intercourse 

 with these people now commenced may lead eventually towards their civilization, 

 and that our influence with them may hereafter be successfully exerted in putting 

 an end to their system of kidnapping and selling their neighbours which now 

 forms their, I may say, sole occupation. I learnt that from three to four hun- 

 dred unfortunate beings are annually caught by these people, and sold by them 

 into perpetual slavery. I met many of them on my journey, — some just pur- 

 chased, others on their way to be sold. 



" The kind feeling of our north-eastern Shan neighbours towards us, have 

 been increased by my late visit. The mixture of firmness and conciliation which 



