1845.] lying between the Diko and Dyang river. 835 



above, is otherwise than true ; every exertion has been made by myself 

 and my assistants to find out the individuals concerned, and a reward 

 has been offered, under your authority. These Cacharees, however, are 

 the most obstinate people possible, and it is but too probable, the guilty 

 parties will not be discovered. Should it be found impossible to bring 

 any of the parties to justice, I would ask permission to make some 

 suitable present to the family of the deceased, to the extent of Rs. 100 

 or 150, when communicating to them the result of the enquiry. The 

 matter is still under investigation. 



On the 14th February we moved in the direction of Mikilaee. We 

 started at 7-30 a. m. and kept winding down the Sohopanee till 2 p. m. 

 when we again encamped on that stream. About an hour after leaving 

 our former encampment, we came upon a small piece of rice cultivation, 

 called Baka Pathar. I was informed that many Assamese ryots took 

 refuge here, to avoid the exactions and oppressions they were subject to, 

 in the late rule of Rajah Poorunder Sing ; a few still remain, but they 

 complain of the incessant demands made on them by the Nagas, and it 

 seems probable that in a short time they will return to the plains. 



On the 15th we continued our course along the Sohopanee, crossing 

 and re-crossing it continually. After leaving it, we came upon frequent 

 swamps, over which some frail bridges were thrown. On losing the 

 swamps, we began to rise rapidly, and in about an hour reached the 

 Mikilaee. The whole distance occupied about four hours ; we passed 

 on, and reached Mohom in little more than half an hour ; immediately 

 under it we found an excellent spot to encamp upon, with good clear 

 water on every side. 



Mikilaee is a very large and strongly stockaded village, and being 



See para. 49th. high and openly situated, it commands a good view of 

 the country round about. This village has a feud with the Soomtiya 

 Nagas, which will be presently alluded to. 



We were obliged to halt for two days at Mohom to get up supplies. 

 While here, I had interviews with the Chiefs of Mikilaee, Akook and 

 Mohom, and after the usual interchange of presents, they gave in their 

 engagements. Mohom is a small village, with no defences. 



On the 18th we started at 7-30 a. m. for Lakotee, which we reached 

 at 10 a. m. At 8-15 we reached Akook, a long straggling village, and 

 passed out of it at 8-35. The road is pretty good, for the most part 



