1845.] Tour over a part of the Naga Hills. 829 



pay the fine in money, and presenting a buffalo in lieu, begged he 

 might be released from annual payment. 



I am of opinion that the fine can be realized, but it might be neces- 

 sary to use force to effect this ; and as the expence attending the 

 employment of troops, would far exceed the value of any thing to be 

 realized, Government may deem it advisable to remit further payment. 

 Before the time this fine was imposed, there had been frequent incur- 

 sions on the plains by the Nagas in this direction, but for the last 

 three years nothing of the kind has occurred ; and though no absolute 

 confidence can be placed on such vile people as the Nagas, I have very 

 great hopes that they will keep from disturbing the peace on the plains. 



There are three modes of dealing with the fine. 1 st — To realize it ; 

 using force, if necessary. 2d — To let it remain in force, realizing it if 

 possible without force — and, 3rdly, to remit it altogether ; and I should 

 wish to be favored with the views of Government as to which of these 

 courses should be followed. Should Government be pleased to remit the 

 fine, it might be done on the ground of subsequent good behaviour, and 

 the ready compliance with the request made for a passage for the Seema 

 Nagas. 



On the morning of the 29th we proceeded to Naugta ; there had been 

 rain in the night, and the road was very slippery in consequence ; it 

 passes through the village of Namsang, and from thence by a rapid 

 and steep descent to the Diko. After winding up the left bank of this 

 river for a short distance, we entered a narrow, stony nullah, called 

 Hoodaee Jan, up which we went for about a mile and a half, and 

 then had a very fatiguing ascent all the way to Nangta. This, for a 

 Naga village, is a very small one, and is one of the few met with, that 

 have no defences. The Tangsa and other tribes are reported to have 

 destroyed it many years ago, since which the bulk of the former inha- 

 bitants have settled in other villages ; those who remain appear to have 

 thrown themselves entirely on the mercy of their more powerful neigh- 

 bours, and they apparently enjoy a security for life and property beyond 

 that of any other tribe. 



Before leaving Namsang, I had an interview with the Tubloong 

 Rajah, who had arrived late on the preceding evening. On reference 

 to my letter No. 7, of the 9th of April 1842, para. 5th, you will observe, 

 that I met this Chief on my former tour. Our communication on the 



