120 
BOOTAN. 
burn, and the priming, in an open pan, take fire, in the manage- 
blent of the sword and shield they are sufficiently dexterous, and 
undoubtedly most excellent archers. 
They have wall-pieces, to which indeed the calibre of some of their 
matchlocks is scarcely inferior; but they have no cannon. Other 
instruments of war were mentioned to me; one in particular, with 
which they heave huge stones in the attack of strong castles ; and a 
sort of arrow, loaded with combustible matter, for the purpose of setting 
fire to buildings; but neither of these came under my observation. 
The Zempi, it was reported, on Monday the 30th of June, had 
moved to invest Punukka; but the numerous reinforcements thrown 
into it, and the natural strength of its position, entirely removed all 
apprehension for its safety. The conjecture, that Wandipora 3 Zoom- 
poon was with the rebels, was verified to me by a Vakeel b , who was 
coming to me from Raja Mocum Narrain 0 , and fell in with them on 
the road. They carried him with them, and detained him in the eastern 
village. The Zoompoon arrived the day after they had taken these 
posts; but when they were preparing to abandon them, they left the 
unfortunate Vakeel,'a woeful evidence of their profound respect for 
property, by stripping him to the skin; yet he was Heartily glad to 
escape with life on any terms. 
Various reports were spread of the destination of the rebels; among 
a The commandant or keeper of the castle of Wandipore. 
h Agent or ambassador. 
• The Raja of Bijnee, a district situated at the foot of the mountains to the south¬ 
ward of Bootan. 
