90 
APPENDIX. 
modes of warfare, which would fatigue and destroy a 
British army. 
Q. Did you hear what was thought at Court when news 
arrived of the capture of Rangoon ?— A. It was consi¬ 
dered a mere marauding incursion, similar to that which 
the Siamese frequently made on the province of Marta¬ 
ban—an example quoted at the time. The King fre- 
quentty expressed his anxiety for the speedy march of 
his troops, lest the English who had landed at Rangoon 
should escape. 
Q. Who were the persons about the Court that most 
frequently expressed, in your hearing, a desire for war 
with the British Government in India?— A. The Prince 
of Sarawadi, brother to the King, a favourite, and the 
person next to him in rank ; the Princess of Taongdwen, 
the eldest sister of the King, and on that account unmar¬ 
ried, according to immemorial usage; a person of great 
intelligence, and perfectly well acquainted with the feel¬ 
ings of the Court; and the Seah Wonghee, the King’s tutor, 
and amongst the courtiers next in influence to the Queen’s 
brother. 
Q. Can you recollect any particulars of conversations 
held with any of the individuals now mentioned, on the 
subject of war with the English ?— A. I have frequently 
heard the Prince of Sarawadi expatiate for half an hour 
together upon this subject. His language used to be to 
the following purport. I render the expressions from the 
Burman as nearly as I can recollect them. 64 The English 
are the inhabitants of a small and remote island. What 
business have they to come in ships from so great a distance 
to dethrone kings, and take possession of countries they 
have no right to ? They contrive to conquer and govern 
the black strangers with caste (Hindus) who have puny 
