APPENDIX. 
125 
Q. Have you ever heard that the King of Ava, since 
the commencement of the war, sent an embassy to China, 
craving assistance against the English ?—A. I have heard 
some say that a mission was sent, and others that it was 
not: I know nothing certain on this subject. 
Q. Are you aware whether the Burman Government 
experienced much difficulty latterly in recruiting its ar¬ 
mies ?— A. Yes, the utmost difficulty. It was almost im¬ 
possible to assemble five hundred or one thousand men, 
and when they were got together, they were rogues and 
vagabonds, picked up about the streets of Ava. The King 
heard that the English paid their troops monthly, and 
considered that this was the reason why they fought so 
well. Latterly a bounty of one hundred and one hundred 
and fifty ticals was given, but few troops obtained. The 
soldiers purchased fine cloths, eat opium and ganja, but at 
the first sight of the European troops ran off. 
Q. What is your opinion of the Burmans as a people ?— 
A . They are stupid and uncivilized: among the courtiers 
there is not to be found one man of common under¬ 
standing. 
Q. Were you imprisoned by the Burman Government 
during your residence in Ava ?— A. Yes. 
Q. Who was imprisoned along with you ?— A. Five 
Persians, a Turk, a Jew of Constantinople, and four Na¬ 
tives of Hindustan. 
Q. Why were you and your companions imprisoned ?— 
A. For the purpose of extorting money from us, because 
it was stated we were subjects of the British Government. 
Q. What reason had they for considering you a British 
subject ?— A. They said I had a fair skin and a red beard, 
and therefore must be related to the English. 
Q. How long were you in confinement?— A. Eight days. 
Q. What treatment did you receive when in prison ?— 
