410 Roree in Khypoor. [No. 113. 



is imprisoned for a breach of the law, the Mookhee not unfrequently 

 becomes his surety, or furnishes security in a sum of money for his ap- 

 pearing to answer the charges. The Mookhee also investigates debts 

 and pecuniary transactions between Bunneahs, and adjudicates between 

 them. 



The readiness with which shopkeepers disposed of their goods to our 

 troops at Sukhur and realized payment, the absence of imposts and the 

 security afforded them against oppression, induced numbers to pass 

 from Roree to the west bank of the Indus. Settlers came from all parts 

 of Khyrpoor, Shikarpoor, and Larkhanu. They were principally 

 bunneahs, cloth-merchants and confectioners, and there rose up in a 

 short time, an extensive, bustling, and populous bazar which excited the 

 wonder of the Sindees, who, familiar only with the sight of towns in 

 decay and a decreasing population, flocked from distant parts to visit 

 a market where a few short months before there was nothing but a 

 Golgotha and a wilderness. I counted upwards of one hundred shops 

 in the bazar six months after the arrival of our troops. The readiness 

 with which the people drew to Sukhur was the more remarkable because 

 they entertained considerable doubts if we should occupy Sind perma- 

 nently, and felt reluctant to incur expense in erecting even temporary 

 sheds to receive their goods, ft might have taught Meer Roostum, if 

 he had sense to profit by the lesson, how much could be accomplished 

 in a short period under a just system, towards restoring the prosperity 

 of a town, which enjoyed in time past, a high reputation for wealth 

 and magnificence. There is little doubt if the British continue at Sukhur 

 and the Prince persists in levying the present exorbitant duties and 

 taxes on merchandise in transitu that Sukhur will encrease rapidly in 

 importance and become the great emporium of the commerce of the 

 Indus for which its situation admirably fits it. The merchants and 

 bankers of Shikarpoor, Khyrpoor, and Roree who bury their wealth 

 from the fear of robbers, will find a secure asylum within its walls, 

 and those towns, being deprived of the chief source of their prosperity 

 will share the fate of Thatta and fall away gradually in importance. 



There are eight descriptions of officers and servants employed by 

 government in the revenue, police, and customs, and paid once in six 

 months. The officers and dependents of the Prince's household usually 

 receive jaegeers and assignments of land in lieu of money. 



