CANARA. 
457 
the summons, came back immediately, they understood what it 
was to be princes, but had no idea of British courts of judicature, 
and accordingly became indignant when these attempted to con- 
troul them. Had the servants of the India Company acted with 
firmness, united with gentleness, tranquillity might have been pre- 
served ; but some of these gentlemen seem to have thought only of 
making rapid fortunes, whilst others gave way to all the violence 
of their passions, and acted unjustifiably towards the Nairns. The 
Cottiote Rajah at length broke into open rebellion, in consequence 
of one of his chief servants having been seized and flogged before 
-his face; having before had several disputes with the Govern- 
ment, respecting the payment of a tribute for Wynaad. 
The Bombay Government now determined on an arrangement, 
which ought to have been originally proposed to the Rajahs, to give 
them handsome pensions, but no civil power. This was carried 
into effect with all of them, except the chief of Cottiote, who still 
continues in open rebellion, and defies the British power. Colonel 
Stevenson chased him from jungle to jungle with such celerity, 
that he frequently reached the spot where he had just taken his 
miserable meal; but without any final success. The Rajah keeps 
the whole country in alarm, and even extends his incursions to the 
vicinity of Tellicherry, which he lately entered, and burnt several 
houses. His cause is by no means unpopular, for two of his nephews, 
who had been taken prisoners, not only escaped from Cannanore, 
where they were confined, but induced their guard of sepoys to 
desert with them. The loss which the Company have sustained 
in officers and men, during this insignificant warfare, has probably 
been greater than in the war with Tippoo ; and I doubt whether 
VOL. I, 3 N 
