234 Circumstances which distinguish 
severe combats ensued ; and it was not till after a considerable 
loss of men on both sides that the insurgents were completely 
subdued. Such is the nature of the country, full of thick woods, 
narrow passes, and rivers, that our troops often wanted a proper 
opportunity to act, and were frequently attacked before the re- 
bels were perceived, or even suspected to be near them. 
It may not be improper here to observe, that although in this 
and another commotion which happened two years after, our 
troops were ultimately successful, yet much inconvenience and 
danger might eventually be incurred from a general revolt among 
the Cinglese. The preventives against it are, however, no less 
obvious than certain. A mild and equitable government, with a 
strict administration of justice, cannot fail to conciliate the 
minds of these people, who have already been trained to sub- 
mission and an unbounded reverence for Europeans. As a sure 
precaution, however, against all contingencies, every effort should 
be made to clear the woods and improve the roads, so as to 
enable troops with ease and without risque to watch over the 
security of our plantations. It was suspected that these unusual 
commotions among the Cinglese might be connected with a 
more extensive plan concerted among the natives for the asser- 
tion of their independence ; and a strict enquiry was instituted 
by our government to find out whether the King of Candy had 
any share in exciting the rebellion. It could not however be 
ascertained that he had any connexion with it, or had given 
them the slightest encouragement. 
The warlike habits of the Candians make them naturally look 
with contempt on the Cinglese, who are almost entirely unac- 
quainted with the management of arms, having no occasion to use 
them except in procuring game for the tables of the Europeans, 
9 
