840 Tour over that part of the Naga Hills [No. 167. 



cases, the parties complained against are our dependents, and we have 

 a clear right to their submission. 



These are the only cases in which it seems to me to be absolutely 

 necessary that interference by force should take place. But in the event 

 of a Boree complaining against an Abor tribe, every means might be 

 taken — either through the Boree Chiefs, on whom they are dependent ; 

 or if not so dependent, through any Boree tribe which may be on 

 friendly terms with them — to induce the Abor tribe to come down, and 

 submit their dispute to adjustment. If this cannot be accomplished, 

 I am of opinion, that interference should not take place ; for I believe 

 that in almost every case of the kind, the Boree tribe could point out 

 means by which the Abors might be got down, and that it is for 

 objects of their own, that they do not do so. Before leaving this part 

 of the subject, I would beg to mention again, what I stated in the 7th 

 paragraph of my letter of the 15th September 1841, that I believed 

 the Assam Government had found it more convenient to conciliate 

 the Nagas by presents, than to overawe them by coercion; and I am 

 still of opinion that the Political Officer, who has charge of the rela- 

 tions with these tribes, should have power to dispense presents liberally. 



I may here state, that the following applications have been made to 

 me, since I returned to Seebsagur. 



The Chief of Boora Hymoong, came in on the 9th of March, and 

 reported that his village had been burnt and plundered by the Nagas of 

 Losiatua, Booragaon, and Loougliooug; these were summoned through 

 their Kutokies, but objected to come to the plains so late in the season. 

 It turned out, however, that the matter had been much exaggerated, 

 and that the affair originated in some claims of certain Nagas who had 

 left Boora Hymoong, and settled in Booragaon. The Chief of Boora 

 Hymoong afterwards acknowledged, that the Loougliooug Nagas had re- 

 turned what they took away ; and I hope that after the rains, the matter 

 will be adjusted with the other parties. 



On the same date, the Loongjang Chief complained, that two women 

 of his village had been cut up in their fields by the Moongjing Nagas. 

 The Kutokies were directed to summon the Chiefs of Moongjing, who 

 also objected to come down to the plains at that season, and nothing 

 further can be done till November or December next. 



