Observations at Persaim [Bassein, Burma] and in the Journey to Ava and Back in 1755

SOAS Bulletin of Burma Research, Vol. 3, No. 1, Spring 2005, ISSN 1479-8484

Editorial Note:

The following materials from Captain George Baker's diaries and other records
and notes were originally published in Alexander Dalrymple's Oriental Repertory
in 1808. Baker has left numerous other reports, many found in the Records of Fort
St. George for the period. These latter materials will be published in later editions
of the SBBR. Baker's account is especially useful for being one of the few first-
hand accounts written by a European, of Alaunghpaya, the founder of the
Konbaung Dynasty.

M.W.C.

Observations at Persaim and in the Journey to Ava and Back

in 1755 1

Captain George Baker

Persiam 1755; Some Account of the Country Affairs this Year

The Peguers having possessed Prone, for some Years past, made several
successful Campaigns into the heart of the Buraghmah Dominions, even to the
taking, sacking, and burning of Ava, their Capital, in April 1752; they seemed then
to be arrived at the summit of their Glory, for ever after they pursued their
Conquests with less success, having been totally defeated near that place in April
1754, which obliged them to retire into their own Dominions, leaving a Garrison in
Prone, which was soon after well fortifyed, after their manner, by the direction of
Ponna Delia: That being done, He left it in September and returned to Pegu, where
the Captive King of Ava was put to death on the 13th October following. This so
incensed the Buraghmahns in Prone (who were by much the most numerous Party
there) that they conspired against the other Party in the Town, and at an appointed

1 Original footnote: The names of Places are differently spelt; I therefore follow the MS. As the
varieties may tend to explain the true pronunciation; and shall at the end give a Table of those
Varities. A.D.

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time, in the beginning of November, put them to the Sword; and took the
Government of the Place into their own hands. The Season of the year now
permitting, they began to make Preparations of each side, one to retake, and the
other to defend, this important Post of Prone; and accordingly Ponna Delia left
PEGU, for that Place, the 16th November; but, making little success in his
Enterprize, was re-inforced by a strong Party, in the beginning of January, 1755,
which altogether made up a numerous Army.

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The Buraghmahns, having received Notice of their Sovereign's Death, immediately
joined the New Kmg of Momchabue, who had now usurped the Government near
AVA, to whose Assistance several of the neighbouring Nations sent Parties of Men,
who were commanded by him, whom I now call the Buraghmah King. He lost no
time to come to the relief of Prone; for, by the best intelligence I get, he was there
as soon as the party dispatched last to Ponna Delia's Assistance, and, having a free
Entrance, he reinforced it very considerably.

The River, fronting this Place, leads somewhat near North and South, and
as the Town stands on the East side of it, the Peguers pitched their Camp on the
West, something, below the Place; which the Buraghmah King observing, pitched
his Camp also below the Town, almost right opposite the Peguers, for some days
together there passed frequent flight skirmishes between their boats.

On the 9th of February, at Night, the Buraghmahns marched a little down,
and crossed the River, unknown to, and unexpected by, the Peguers, and tell on
them at Daylight, with such fury, as slaughtered great numbers, and routed the
others: The Generals themselves escaped with the greatest hazard. This Defeat
which had so dispersed their Troops, and was indeed compleat, made the Pegu
Generals apprehend themselves unsafe, even in that Neighbourhood, for they
immediately took their rout to Khoughn-Zeak, where they staid only to destroy the
Country, and took the whole People with them to Sanyangon, (a Place about two
days journey above Syrian) where they made a stand with the Army. This Affair
had very extraordinary Effects on the whole People of both Kingdoms: The
Buraghmahns were so animated, that they talked of pursuing their Conquests, and
making a push for Syrian: The Peguers, on the other hand, were struck with a
panick that made them apprehend they might. At least the Government here, and
all that Faction, was strangely intimidated; but at nothing so much as of a set of
men (Buraghmahns) who had been gathering together for some Months past, at
Rhoughkhoughn; and who would not disperse themselves, notwithstanding they
had frequent remonstrances from the King of Pegu, Rajah, &c. though they always
took care to return palliative Answers to them. This Fear of theirs proved well
grounded, for the Prince here, having sent Spies, they returned the 16th February,
reporting that they had heard a Letter read, which came from the Buraghmah King,
to the Chief there, telling him that if he would make head against, and reduce this
Place, He should have (under the King) the whole District as His Province: On this
they called a General Council, and gave out as the Result of it, that they would
transport their Families to Dalla, In order to be rid of that incumbrance, and so to
be the better able to defend the Town with the Men: This, for the day, was
generally believed to be the resolution taken, but on the 17th in the morning it was
found the Prince, had left the Place; which, being done in so secret a manner, made
People suspect some eminent danger, and put them into very great confusion: The
Peguers thought the Buraghmahns might have conspired against them; and some

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Buraghmahns thought the Peguers might have laid a scheme to massacre them; part
of each Faction feared and hoped respectively, that the Government had received
intelligence, that the Buraghmah Troops were immediately at hand; Thus the Town
being in an uproar; and none knowing justly what they feared; nor any steady hand
to calm them, some ran to the Woods, but most to their Boats, Women big-bellied
and those with Children at their breast, as also the Aged, of both sexes, were forced
to exert themselves for their Lives sake, on this Occasion, though they could not
determinately say what it was they had at that instant to fear.

By Noon there was not perhaps 20 Souls left in the Place, these set fire to
several parts of the Town, and copsumed great quantities of Grain; the Town being
at last entirely evacuated, there appeared seven of the Buraghmah Boats in sight, at
9 in the morning the 23d, which gave chace to a single Pegu Boat down the River,
and having taken her, returned and landed here, they came to our house, and staid
about, an hour, where I entertained them as I used to do the other Party: I desired
them not to molest this Place, as it was on the Honourable Company's Ground, they
declared they would not, nor did in the least; and in every other respect behaved
humanely and decently, they were about 250 Men, well armed in their way, and
people of good appearance ; having left us, they set fire to the Town about Noon,
which they entirely demolished, with a great part of the wooden Walls, and set out
again for Rhoughkhougn at 4 o'clock that Evening.

From the time that the Buraghmahns demolished the Town, to the 2d
March, there frequently came Pegu Boats for, and went with, Paddy; at least those
that could get it, for it was become now very scarce. And again on this day the 2d
March there arrived 4 Buraghmah Boats with about 30 Men, only to see how things
stood, at a time when there happened to be no Peguers here; they went away again
about 1 1 in the morning, but had not been gone an hour, when the late Second of
this Place, arrived with 12 or 15 Boats, and about 200 Men, and being every day
after joined by more, he got together by the 5th about 400 Men, in order to settle
here again and oppose the Buraghmahns; but that day in the morning, between 10
and 11, there arrived in sight 21 Bilraghmah Boats, the Peguers, who were then
mostly on shoar, repaired to theirs, and drew out in the middle of the River, as it
were to receive their Enemy; whose number they then plainly saw to consist, as I
said before, of 21 Boats, and they having but 12, immediately took to flight, and
were pursued by the others, who passed down out of sight, and, in about 2 hours
after, returned again with 5 Pegu Boats, of those prepared to fight, and 3 or 4 other
small ones laden with Grain, &c. which I did not first reckon in the number, so that
there was but 5 Boats escaped in all: 2 However there was none of the People taken,
killed or wounded, as they quitted their Boats and ran into the Woods.

2 Original footnote: The number was said to be 12 or 15, and the number taken 5, so that the number
of escaping must be more than 5; unless there is some mistake in the whole. A. D.

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The Buraghmahns, staid some time in the Town, and set out again about 4
that evening. The 12th there arrived again 6 Boats, who came then only to see how
things stood; and if it might be safe for those, of whom I shall speak by and by, to
come down; they returned again that evening, and, the next morning came back
with 19 Boats more, in all 25, in which were two Armenians, two Moors, and two
Buraghmahns, Embassadors to Mr. Brooks, from (Momlabue) the Buraghmah
King, whom they left at Lundsey; He, having made himself Master of the whole
Buraghmah Dominions, has been declared and acknowledged King of all parts in
it; from Him these Men brought a Letter to Mr. Brooks, desiring his Friendship,
&c. and promising in return that nothing should be wanting in which he could
oblige him; the Copy of which I sent that Evening to Negrais; and, as they did not
think it prudent to go themselves, they went up the River again that evening, to
wait there 'till an Answer might be had to the Letter, I sent; which being expected
in four days, they promised to return in that period, which they accordingly did,
and the Schooner from Negrais arrived the same evening, with Orders for me to
accompany them thither on her; we set out accordingly the 19th in the morning,
and arrived at Negrais at 8 PM the 22d. The Embassadors had their Audience the
23d; but their Business being not compleated, nor determinate Answers given, till
the 26th, it was 6 that evening before we set out again for Persaim, and 1 o'clock in
the morning the 30th before we arrived there; where we found then about 1800
Peguers, in about 60 fighting Boats, which, as we were then informed, had on the
26th past taken all the Buraghmah Boats (being about 20) which waited for the
return of the Embassadors. These Peguers insisted much on having the
Embassadors surrendered to them, but this I absolutely refused, and as there
remained no practicable method of conducting them up in safety, we determined to
carry them back to Negrais; and, as I thought it absolutely necessary, for their
safety, to go with them there, we set out the 31st in the evening accordingly, and at
6 PM on the 3d April arrived there. The 4th, the Embassadors went ashoar, and
staid to wait some favourable opportunity) whereby to return to their Master: which
it appears was attempted some two or three days after. The 9th at 4 in the Evening I
set out again on the Schooner for Persaim, where I arrived on the morning of the
12th. The number of Troops here at this juncture not exceeding 500, a part of them
having deserted, though it appears not 'till they had made some Incursions in the
Country above, and brought off good quantities of Grain, Buffaloes, some boats,
&c. The 16th they received intelligence, that Chowbrah had been attacked by the
Buraghmahns in his Camp at Sinyangon, this gave them here much concern (or the
Event, and made them readily suspect, what at last they were confirmed in, viz. that
he might be defeated, and accordingly they received that Account the 21st in the
Afternoon: and, having made preparations for that purpose, they all set out for
Syrian that night, and were followed, the next day, by those which were sent up the
Country to ravage it; so that on the 23d in the morning there was not a single

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Peguer left here, being mostly retired to Syrian, where they had received
information the Buraghmahns intended to push their conquests, and 'tis whispered
that in order to it, they are arrived in the neighbourhood of Dagon.

The 2d of May a Party of Buraghmahns from Khoukkhoughn, consisting of
about 1000 Men, in 40 Boats, arrived here, (commanded by the same Man who
was defeated at this Place the 26th March) who informed us that the Buraghmahns
had attacked the Peguers in their Works, at Sinyangong and Panlang, and routed
them thence; and that the King of the Buraghmahns, with the body of his Army,
was now encamped at Dagon. The 3d in the morning these 40 Boats set out again,
down the River, in quest of what Peguers lay hid in the sundry Rivers and Creeks,
between this and Dagon; and, if succeeding, to disperse them, with a resolution to
go thither that way.

The 8th in the morning these 40 Boats, with 9 more, returned, having
attacked the Peguers, on the 5th instant, in some of the Rivers, near the Sea side;
and, as they say, defeated and taken from them 8 Boats, 7 small Guns, 8 Muskets,
10 Viss of Powder, killed many Men, and taken two Prisoners.

The 11th instant the Fleet set out again for Koukkhoughn, and the same
time arrived Advices here, that a party of Buraghmahns, who had been dispatched
to reduce the Kerianers in Metra River, had accordingly effected it.

The 20th arrived here about 20 Families in as many Boats, mostly
Buraghmahns, who had abandoned the Peguers, and came to take protection of the
Buraghmahns, and for that purpose set out the same evening for Lower Conjong.
Soon after which, about 9 PM, arrived here a small Party of Peguers, through the
Woods, about 14 or 16 in number, they passed by our House, in such haste, that we
had only time to ask them who they were? where the body of their People was?
and what number they consisted of? to which they only answered they were
Peguers, their Party was below, and that they consisted of about 500. Then asking
if the Buraghmahns were here? and, being resolved negatively, set out
immediately.

The 25th arrived 5 Buraghmah Boats from Khoukkhoughn, and from that
to the 28th about 35 more, which made the number amount to 40 righting Boats,
and were manned with about 800 effective Men, besides these, a Party of theirs
came by land of about 200 Men, and the same day arrived at their Camp, part of
those 20 Families, which I have already said arrived here on the 20th instant, and
set out again the same day for Conjong, who happening to be intercepted, the day
after, by two Pegu fighting Boats, were many of them cut off, others taken, and
those which came to the Camp escaped.

The 2d June, in the evening, 35 of the Boats went down the River (the
others being dispatched on the look out) in order to meet the Honourable
Company's Schooner, on board of which were expected to be the remaining two
Embassadors, who had hitherto waited an opportunity to come hither; and the 3d,

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at 9 PM, they returned again with the Schooner, and the two Embassadors, on
board her, as expected, and, on the 5th, these two Embassadors set out for the King
at Dagon, with the Chief of Negrais his Letter.

The 7th arrived here those Buraghmahns (being about 16 Families) which
had since the Desertion of this Town, taken shelter at Negrais; they now entered
into the Party, and protection of their own Faction; and were received without
further molestation, than being each Family cessed 3 Tickle. From this time
forward the General suffered several of his Troops, those with their Boats as well
as others, to retire to their Homes; (perhaps on some pecuniary consideration made
him) to follow their necessary vocations, as preparing for Tillage, &c. insomuch
that on the 17th there remained but 7 fighting Boats, with which he that morning
went down the River, as he said, in quest of the Enemy: But it is probable he did
not go with that intention, since it is evident he did not go into that Quarter where
he well knew they lay, viz. about Pooloo; for on the 20th two stout Pegu Boats,
well manned, arrived here, and burnt the Buraghmah Houses, then set out again
immediately).

On the 24th there arrived from the Buraghmah King, at Dagon, two
Embassadors (one of them being one of those which came to Mr. Brooke from the
King in April last) designed for Negrais, to the Chief there, with a Present of two
Horses, 100 Viss of Wax, 100 Viss of Teeth, and a Ring; they were escorted with
about 20 fighting Boats, well equipped and manned, with about 600 Men. The 28 th
arrived here the Party consisting of 7 Boats, which left this the 17th instant, but
brought with them no tokens of having distressed the Peguers: Their Chief now put
himself under Orders of him who commands the Party from Dagon, and is now
Chief of all ranks of the Faction in this Quarter.

This Chief sent his Orders into all parts of this Neighbourhood, commanding
the Seggees of the Villages, each to bring in his Quota of Men and Grain; which
being accordingly done, they made themselves ready for an Expedition, and set
out, with about 50 Boats, in quest of the Peguers, on the 5th July, but first of all to
escort the Embassadors, as far down the River, as they should think past any
danger from the Enemy.

The 6th in the evening we received News that the King, (as we have hitherto
called him) late at Dagon, had set out thence, some fifteen days since, to go into the
Ava Dominions, to oppose the late Buraghmah King's Son, who, it appears, has
invaded the Kingdom in that Quarter, from the side of Siam, and contends for the
Crown, of his late Father.

Journal of a Joint Embassy to the King of the Buraghmahns

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Having received Orders, from the Chief of Negrais, to accompany the King
of the Buraghmahns two Embassadors to their Prince, Lieut. John North and
myself set out, from Negrais, in company with them, the 17th July, as Embassadors
from the Honourable Company, being provided by Henry Brooke, Esq. with a
Present for that Prince ; consisting of 4 Pieces of Iron Cannon, one a 12, the other
three 9 pounders; 80 Shot and 4 Chests of Powder, together with some few things
of less value; having Orders from the said Henry Brooke, Esq. for the concluding a
Treaty of Friendship and Alliance., between that Prince and our Honourable
Masters.

Arriving at Persaim, the 19th, and having prepared our Boats, in the best
manner we could, proceeded on our Passage again the 21st in the Afternoon.

On the 23d arrived at the Quala of Coanjong, where my Colleague, Lieut.
John North, was seized with an Aguish fit, which terminated in a continued Fever.

The 24th at 6 in the evening left this Place again and at 5 in the Afternoon
on the 25th reached Koukkoun Creek, which we left again.

The 26th at 7 in the morning; and on the 27th, at 3 in the afternoon, arrived
at Lameanah, where we continued 'till the 29th in the morning; and at 4 o'clock the
same evening reached Bowchagang, where we were confirmed in the Truth of a
Report, which we had heard some days before, viz. That the French and Peguers
together, had both with Shipping and on shoar, attacked the Buraghmahns at
Dagon, and that they had made themselves Masters of the English, and other
Vessels there, and plyed all their Cannon on the Buraghmah Camp, in so much that
there then remained a probability of their being routed thence: This we thought a
material affair, though it was not yet decided, and therefore forwarded a Letter to
the Chief of Negrais, with the most circumstantial Account of it that we could
procure. Now my Colleague's Fever began to intermit, having reduced him to a
state of great weakness.

The 30th, in morning, left Bowchagang, and lay the following Night at
Tombay, which we left again.

The 31st, at 2 in the Afternoon, and at about the same time of day, on
Friday, the ist August, got out into the Great River, leading from Ava, which, had
the King been at Dagon, we should have gone thereby; But now the Buraghmah
Gentlemen, acknowledged themselves convinced that he was gone up, of which
they hitherto pretended to doubt; we urged to them the necessity of our making all
possible dispatch, which they promised to do, to the utmost of their power.

The 3d, at Sunset, we arrived at Lundsey, where we staid for the Boat, that
carried the Guns, to get a Mast and Sail, the being the thing that so greatly prolongs
our Passage.

At 10 in the forenoon, of the 6th, we left Lundsey, and having passed
Saladan (a Place remarkable for the great quantities of Timber it produces) and
three or four places of less note, arrived the 9th, in the evening, at Front: having

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left the Boat which the Guns, something behind us. in order to procure a more
commodious Boat for Mr. North, against the might come, he being not yet
perfectly recovered, and attributed it chiefly, to the inconveniencies he suffered in
that we now were.

The Weather proving remarkably calm, and the Freshes exceeding strong,
it was the 11th ere the Boat with the Guns arrived; and, that no time might be lost,
we prevailed on her to set out again the next day. Having now sufficiently
experienced how tedious it was to go up this River, at this Season, and particularly
informed ourselves (from such People as probably could have no Interest in
misguiding us) in how long a time we might perform the residue of our Passage;
received such an Account, as by no means left us any reason to think we could
return to Negrais, in Season tor a Vessel to be dispatched thence to the Coast, and
be able to return again before the NE Monsoon: On this we again remonstrated, to
the Head-Man of the Boats of our Fleet, and the Governor of Prone, together with
the two Embassadors, how great a disappointment to His Majesty, should be please
to sign the Treaty, if we could not return to Negrais, in season for a Vessel to be
sent to the Coast, and return from thence again before the NE Monsoon; to which
they unanimously answered, we should be forwarded, with all possible dispatch;
but, notwithstanding this, we foresaw how unlikely it was, we should arrive at
Negrais again, time enough for this purpose, and therefore wrote to Mr. Brooke,
advising him of the improbability of it; and at the same time informing him that the
Buraghmahns, had not only made a Sally out of their Works, and defeated the
Besiegers, but also compelled the Vessels to withdraw from thence; and how much
the People in general were irritated against Capt. Swaine, "whose conduct," said
they, "argued him (and consequently You) our Enemy."

Being well assured of overtaking the Boat with the Guns, staid here for the
benefit of Mr. North's health (who was now seized by a Flux) 'till the 14th, and
then set out in the Afternoon.

The 17th touched at Camma, and set out again immediately after.

The 19th, at Meachagang, met the Gentralissimo of the King's whole
Troops, with about So Boats, and 4000 Men bound to Dagoon; to re-inforce and
take the Command of the Army there; to whom on, consideration of the situation of
our Affairs at Dagon and Syrian, we had, when we first heard of his coming down,
resolved, when we should meet him, to procure an interview, and make him some
Present, in order to mitigate, and cool, his resentment against our Shipping, in that
Quarter; Mr. North being ill, I paid him my Compliments in his own Boat, and at
the same time presented him with sundry things, to about 100 Rupees value; and
after a little Conversation, in which he shewed great hopes of taking Syrian, and
destroying the French Vessels, I took my leave, and we each proceeded on our
respective Voyages. The 23d arrived at Mellone, where we stayed about an hour,
and set out again. The 24th, at night, reached Yaynangong, or Earth-oil town,

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where we staid the night, and set out the 25th, in the morning; and on the 27th,
about 2 o'Clock in the afternoon, arrived at Youngoue, where having procured a
House we carried my Colleague on shoar, who was, now reduced to a state of such
weakness, as not to be able to walk, or even stand; and his distemper, still raging,
indicated the approach of Death, which accordingly happened the 30th, at Vi past 9
in the morning; and he was interred the same evening, with all the Decency that the
Circumstances of Place, and Necessaries, would admit of; the Ceremony being
performed, I again remonstrated to the Embassadors, &c. the necessity I
apprehended there was, of our making more dispatch than what we had yet done; to
which they answered as they did before that all possible haste should be made; and
indeed it must be confessed, that there could scarcely be any other method used to
forward the Boat with, the Guns, (as she was full manned with Oars and provided
with a very large Sail) except that of having People ready (for her Crew was
changed at almost every Town) at each stage to go on board her, as soon as she
should arrive at it, which I proposed to them, and in order to it, they generally sent
a light Boat a-head, to get the People ready against she came; but I think it was not
so well executed, as to afford all the advantage that might be expected from it. The
31st. at Sunrise, we set out from Youngoue, and after having touched at several
small Places, of some 30, others 40 or 50 Houses, it was the 8th September, before
we arrived at the late Seat of the Empire, AVA, which is now governed, under the
King, by his Brother-in-law; on whom I waited, and was kindly received; at least in
such manner as is, in this Country, generally esteemed so. The 9th at Sunrise we set
out for Khounmeon, a Town, on the Bank of the River, where the King always
lands, or embarks, going on, or coming from, any Expedition; and on the 12th, at
about 3 in the afternoon, arrived there, when the Governor immediately dispatched
notice thereof to the King. On the 13th, I waited on this Governor, by whom too I
was kindly received; He told me, he had advised his Majesty of our Arrival, and
expected an Answer that day; and, as I understood after, came accordingly to call
the Head Man of the Party,' which came with us, and the Buraghmah Embassador,
(the Armenian having no Orders to come, durst not repair to Court 'till he was
called) the others set out on the 14 th , in order, perhaps, to report the Event of their
Embassy. On the 15th the Buraghmah Embassador returned to Khounmeon again,
with Orders to accompany us back to the King, and on the 16th in the forenoon set
out, and, after having laid by considerably in the way, reached the Town about
Sunset, and was lodged, by the King's Appointment, in a House, prepared for the
purpose, just without the middle East Gate. When the Buraghmah Embassador
waited on the King, to acquaint him of our arrival, and soon after his Secretary
came, by his Order, to take an Inventory of our Present; which being done, he
returned with it directly to him. On the 17th, in the morning, I was given to
understand, that he intended to admit me to a Publick Audience, in the evening;
and, for that purpose (having disposed of every thing to the best advantage for the

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displaying the grandeur of his State) I set out at 4 o'clock, accompanied by 10 or 12
of his Officers, the 4 Chests of Powder, some Shot, 2 Musquets, 2 Brass Carbines,
1 Gilt Looking Glass, 2 Bags of red Earth, and 6 Bottles of Lavender Water, being
carried, with the Governor's Letter, on a piece of clean Muslin, in procession
before us; and entering the Gate, passed through two ranks of Elephants and
Horses, promiscuously disposed of, and interspersed with Crouds of People,
(perhaps the major part of the inhabitants of the Town) until we came to a Street
leading to the Palace- Yard, where were disposed of in rows, about 200 Pieces of
Brass Patareroes, and Cannon, and having advanced near the Yard Gate, where we
could view the King on his Throne, began our Compliments (Which were
performed on the Knees, bowing the Head three times low down; this was repeated
three separate times, from the Place, where it was first begun, to the Palace Steps.
It must be confessed it was an extraordinary Ceremony, as I had it in my power to
have refused, at least not voluntarily to have submitted to the performance of it. but
what would have been the Consequence? I conceive the preventing an amicable
Interview, breaking off the Treafy, and confirming them in the Opinion which they,
either real, or pretendedly, entertained, since our Ships firing on them, of our being
in a Combination with the Peguers, against them. But it may be objected perhaps,
that The Honourable Company's Dignity is not to be prostituted after such manner,
on any Condition: I answer, the Custom of this Country is well known, that some
such Ceremony has been always paid, and they that would reform the manners of a
Jealous Prince, or bigotted People, need much force or eloquence; I was master of
neither. Moreover I was possessed of no Instructions on that Head, and I could not
Justify myself to those who had an Authority to examine me. for interrupting that
friendship and good understanding which we might expect to ensue from this
journey, on a punctilio, which in a little time, by prudent management, I believe,
may in a great measure be got over), from whence to the Palace. Steps, we were
conducted by about 20 Musqueteers, headed by a Drum, In this part of the Walk,
were seated at little distances on each side, several Bands of various, sorts of
Musick, and Women Dancers, unto the Steps ascending the Presence Room, where
I entered in the midst of a Croud of Officers, in their Court Dress, the King's two
Eldest Sons, being seated on Carpets, one on each side the foot of his Throne
where their Father sat in State. Having paid him my Compliments, he looked at me
for some time, and at length said, How does your King do? I answered, he was well
when we had the last accounts from Europe. How old is he? seventy-two Years. Is
he at Peace with his neighbouring Princes? Yes, and has been since the last War
with our old Enemy the French, which is now about 6 Years. Having paused some
time, at length says he, Your Ships that were at Dagon with Mr. Whitehall, I
treated with kindness, and supplied them with what they wanted, and at my leaving
that Place, to come here to keep our fast, desired him that, in case it should be
required in my absence, on an emergency, to assist my People; or at least not to

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join the Peguers against them; which though he promised to observe, yet was the
first that fired on them; I answered, I was heartily grieved at his being guilty of so
rash, and imprudent an Action; and that I was sure His Majesty himself could not
be more offended at him than Mr. Brooke would be for it; However hoped, that, on
due examination, it would in the event appear clearly to His Majesty, that, it was
either the force of the Peguers, or the fraud and device of our inveterate Enemies,
the French, which had compelled, or seduced him to it; But says he, had not Mr.
Brooke any hand in this; was it not by his Counsel? I gave him all the assurances to
the contrary, that I thought would be most likely to convince him, and concluded
that head, with averring, that I was sure no other Human Affair could give him so
great uneasiness, as the News of this would do. He then ordered the Letter to be
read, to which he gave a calm attention 'till coming to these Words,

"As you will, by this means, obtain an Alliance and Friendship with so great a
Power as the Honourable East India Company, who can send you such Assistance
as will support Your Majesty's Throne, against all future Rebellions, Domestick
feuds, and foreign Enemies."

At which he affected a very hearty laugh, (and his Officers in attendance, like
true Courtiers, joined in the Chorus) said, have I asked? or, do I want any
Assistance to reduce my Enemies to subjection? let none conceive such an
opinion? have I not, in three Years time, extended my Conquest three Months
journey on every Quarter, without the help of Cannon or Muskets? Nay, I have
with Bludgeons only, opposed and defeated these Peguers, who destroyed the
Capital of this Kingdom; and took the Prince prisoner; and, a Month hence, I intend
to go, with a great force, in person to Dagoon, where I have an Army now lying;
when I will advance to the Walls of Pegu; blocade, and starve them out of it, which
is the last Town I have now to take, to compleat my Conquest; and then I will go in
quest of Bourno, Then the Secretary proceeding on to these Words, "these
Gentlemen may be Witnesses to Your Majesty's placing your Signet to the
Contract on your Part, &c."

[H]e again affected the same mirth (and was too again joined by his
Courteous attendance) saying, What Madman Wrote that (alluding to the
Buraghmah who translated the Letter, for he thought, or pretended to think, it
strange, that one of his own Subjects should think, -in which he supposed the
Translator to agree with the Writer of the Original — that he who had recovered
most of all the Ancient Dominions, should want assistance to take the Last Throne,
as he called it)? the Letter being gone through, he says, Captain, see this Sword, it
is now three Years, since it has been constantly exercised in chastising my
Enemies; it is indeed almost blunt with use, but it shall be continued to the same,

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'till they are utterly dispersed; don't talk of Assistance, I require none, the Peguers I
cart wipe away as thus (Drawing the Palm of one Hand over the other).

I told him I was convinced of his potency, but hoped at the same time our
voluntary Offer would not be taken in bad part. He answers, See these Arms and
this Thigh (drawing the sleeves of his Vesture over his Shoulders, and tucking the
lower part up to his Crutch) adds, amongst 1000 you won't see my match. I myself
can crush 100 such as the King of PEGU. I protest, and GOD knows the truth of my
assertion, that State is a burthen to me, 'tis a confinement which I endure only on
account of the necessity there is for it, towards the support of Government. I have
carryed my Arms to the confines of CHINA ; the King of which Country has sent me
a rich Present of curious things, (several of which he shewed me,) on the other
quarter, I have reduced to my subjection the major part of the Kingdom of CASSAY,
whose Heir I have taken captive, see there he sits behind you: I have also some of
the Princesses in my Court, they sit yonder (then says he to them) come forth, on
which they passed before us; 3 I have upwards of 100 near Relations, amongst the
rest an own Brother, there he sits, (pointing to him) and 9 children, two of them
Men grown, there they are: they have behaved well in the late War, the third a
Youth, here he is, the rest are but young. To all which I gave the most suitable, or
what I conceived would be the most agreeable Answers, (for I thought that was the
Avenue to his heart) admiring the success of his Arms, telling him it was the
immediate hand of Providence; and declared his Presents from CHINA, rich and
curious; hoping my Honourable Masters would have the opportunity of presenting
to him some of the Produce of Europe, in their kinds equal to, if not surpassing,
them; when it should be known to them, what sorts would be most acceptable to
His Majesty, and hoped that his Royal Progeny would, to the end of all time,
perpetuate the memory of their unparalleled Predecessor. After some time he
asked me where the other Letter was, meaning the Articles, I answered him here,
He asked me, in what Language they were, I told him, English, he then desired me
to get them translated into Buraghmah and bring them to him the next day; on
which he gave the Signal for our withdrawing, which we did accordingly, going
through the same Ceremony as I did at my Entrance.

The 18th translated the heads of the Articles into Buraghmah, in order to
have presented them to the King, but he being not disposed to receive them that
day, desired they might be sent by Gregory (The Armenian Ambassador, which
came with us, he was often employed afterwards by the King in bringing Messages
to me, and was the Man who always introduced me to him, and which brought
Apologies from Him, or perhaps either forged, or new formed, them himself, as

3 Original footnote: Capt. Baker informed me, the Prince was about 21, and a Princess 17, who were
as Hostages for the Fidelity of Cassay; They were fairer than the fairest of the Peguers, but not
perfectly white. Her Feaures were very fine; a long face, and an air of grandeur in her appearance. A.
D. 1759.

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they were generally in exceeding kind terms, when His Majesty desired to be
excused from granting me an Audience, at my request, on account of his
Indisposition. I was ever dubious of the uprightness of this Man, yet deemed it
imprudent to discover my distrust, and though it impossible to break with him, at
this time, to advantage; as he had so much the King's ear; But our most dangerous
Enemy was Zachary, an Armenian by Nation, and an Accomplice and Intimate of
his, of whom I shall say more hereafter), the next; which was accordingly done,
being the 19th, and causing them to be read to him, said, what they want three
Places, and will give me in lieu thereof an Annual Curiosity; and pray what is this
Curiosity to be? Go ask the Captain, Gregory came accordingly and desired to
know, what it was designed to be, or whether I could assure any particular thing. I
told him the Honourable Company had expressed themselves in that manner, only
because the King might have the opportunity of making known to them, what
would, in the Product of EUROPE, be most acceptable to him. Gregory returned
immediately with this my Answer, and the King sent word again by him in return,
that Muskets and Guns were what he made choice of, could I assure his Present
should consist at that: I returned for answer, that he might depend, it should.

The same night, though late, he sent Gregory back again with this
Message, viz. that as he intended to begin the Siege of Pegu, some six Weeks
hence, he chose rather to have a good Supply of Arms now, than an Annual
Present, of them, and that he would grant the Negrais and Persaim to the
Honourable Company, with a Place at Dagon, where he intended to build a Town
himself (for he was determined to destroy Syrian, and suffer no body to inhabit
there) if I would assure him he should be immediately supplied with 1000 Muskets,
and 20 Pieces of Cannon. Thus ended all that passed material on the 19th, and on
the 20th, in the morning, I returned for Answer by Gregory again, that 1000
Musket? was a quantity that I could not assure, however, that if His Majesty would
please to sign these Articles, I would warrant that on my return to Negrais he
should be supplied on the spot with 75 Muskets and six Pieces of Cannon, and that
a Vessel should be sent to the Coast, to return again as soon as possible with 14
Pieces of Cannon, and 525 Muskets more; that being the utmost I could assure;
however, I would use all my interest and Endeavours with Mr. Brooke, that the
number of Muskets should be made 1000; and though I could not affirm it should
be so, yet from the great respect I knew Mr. Brooke to have for His Majesty, and
the strict attachment to the Buraghmah Interest in general, I had great hopes, I
should be able to prevail on him to grant the full of His Majesty's request.

[Baker's note] 4

4 This has been pulled up from Baker's notes.
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Here, it must be confessed, I took a very extraordinary step, but the Case
appeared to me desperate; and, as I apprehended, must have had a suitable remedy;
for this Armenian Zachary, of whom I spoke . . . had now arrived Some two days
since, he was one of the first of the Strangers who deserted Syrian, and came over
to the King's Party at Dagon, where, he accidentally met this other Armenian,
Gregory; who was the only Stranger then in the Buraghmah Camp; and who having
followed the King in all his fortunes, since he was first attacked by the Peguers,
after the destruction of Ava (of which he was then an Inhabitant) had gained much
of his Esteem and Confidence; and making him to believe that he was intimately
acquainted with the Manners and Interest of the English, French, and other
Strangers; and that Zachary was Master of the two first, and several other
Languages, the King employed them in bringing, what Strangers they could, over
to his faction, in which they succeeded so well, that they, by that means, jointly
engrossed His Majesty's favour; and whosoever came, whether by their instigation
or not, they made a merit of it; as was the case with all the Vessels which came to
Dagon, particularly Bourno.

I having before had some acquaintance with this Zachary was well
convinced from my Conversation with him, to what Interest, respecting the French
and English he inclined; and being confirmed in it by a careful Examination of his
Behaviour while, at Dagon, from .sundry, Strangers, and even the Buraghmahns
themselves; found he had but too, much influenced the minds of the Kings and
People, of the grandeur and strength of the French Nation; but, since, the Shipping
attacking Dagon, he had entertained some fear of the King's resentment, for what
he had said in favour of them, but he found means to remove that, by declaring it a
mad trick of Bourno's, and that he would certainly be punished for it at
Pondicherry. He moreover insinuated to the King, that he would undertake to
reconcile the Affair, and make the French his friends, if His Majesty would send
him, on that Embassy, to their President on, the Coast; and, I am well informed,
that the King for a long lime designed it, and am not sure that he has yet dropt that
Resolution entirely. Here methinks I foresee it will be said, how easy was it to
convince the King of our sincerity, and the deceit of the French, particularly Since
Bourno came over to them, and engaged to stay by them at Dagon, afterwards
deserted them, and came again and fought against them; this indeed one would
think were enough to convince them, but these Armenians (our Enemies) have
taught them to say, did not, the English come to us, promised the King to stay by
us, and we expected their help accordingly till the French and Peguers, attacked us,
then, say they, when they, if they, had been friends, should have shewed
themselves so, Suffered the Enemy to come upon us, without opposition; nay,
though we esteem them as friends in our bosom, were the first that fired on us; and
when they could not effect, what they intended, eloped with the rest; pray which
shall we esteem our greatest Enemy? Notwithstanding this, perhaps, the King and

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People, in general, believe the whole of that Affair to be a device of the French and
Peguers; though they don't care to acknowledge it to us: However it has afforded a
sufficient handle for this Frenchified Armenian, and he has not omitted to make the
best use of it: Therefore finding the King wavering in his opinion; whether to send
him to the French or not, I concluded something must be done to prevent it; for I
make no doubt, when they know rightly the circumstances of Affairs, they would,
if they could with the least shadow of Justice or Honour, have abandoned the
Peguers; and nothing was more likely in my opinion to do it, than coming
something near the King's terms, especially as they were such as would not have
proved more disadvantageous to the Honourable Company, than the presenting him
annually with any tolerable Curiosity, which was their own Proposition, and more
particularly so, as they were by this exempt from the obligation of assisting him
against ait his Enemies, and this I do believe had its intended effect, for the next
day when the Armenian waited on His Majesty he returned to the house, (for we
live and eat together) something chagrined, and told me the King had been desiring
him to go to Pondicherry with a Message for him, but that he had excused himself,
and to be out of the way of further temptation he would leave the Place the next
day, which he accordingly did; this, as I was afterwards informed, was actually the
contrary of what had happened, so that 1 presume the making the King this Offer,
was the principal thing which rendered the Armenian's Scheme abortive, though, as
he never after Spoke of that affair, I was cautious not to urge it much, and only
once after mentioned it; being loth to give any Assurance, for any particular thing,
when the only reason which could justify me in doing of it, seemed to be for a time
effectually answered; and indeed, whether that were sufficient to have vindicated
me in it, or not, my Superiors can only judge of, to whose better knowledge, and
impartiality, I appeal, for their approbation or reproof, in this unwarranted affair.

He [the king] then sent back word for us to wait on him on the Morrow,
viz. 21st, and I went to the Palace Gate for that purpose, but he sent out an
Apology, and desired that our Attendance might be postponed 'till the next day.

On the 22d accordingly, I waited on Him, at about 4 o'Clock in the
Afternoon, when he happened to be busy with his Court, about other business; and
therefore sat near an hour before he accosted me, which was again with the Story
of the Shipping; how ill they (our English) had requited his favours, I answered
him in such manner as at length he confessed, he believed Mr. Whitehill not guilty,
but Swaine he affirmed to be resolved in a scheme with Bourno. However says he,
you see my Army repulsed them, notwithstanding their force and treachery, but
how can we trust you again? however, I am willing to try how far you will prove
truely my friends, and therefore we will now live, as heretofore, in amity, and you
may have a Place as customary of Persaim, and Dagon, (for we intend to destroy
Syrian) but says he, with what Intention did you come to Negrais? and without
staying for the Answer, went on again with Encomiums on himself, and success;

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and ran on with a Narrative, of all his Actions, insomuch that I had not the
opportunity to say any thing, but signifying my approbation of what he said; at
length he concluded, with saying : now we shall see how far you will be our
friends, and I will deal accordingly with The Company, then I told him if he would
please to grant their Request, I would assure he would be supplied with the Arms,
&c. I had before warranted; on that Condition, he said, I have granted them
Negrais, and a Place at Persaim, and Dagon, but come again to-morrow morning.

The 23d in the morning I was desired to defer my attendance 'till the
evening, between 4 and 5 o'clock, then I accordingly waited on Him, and having
sat a little while, he called the Secretary and dictated to him Mr. Brooke's Letter,
which was in our hearing; but I finding he tolerated The Honourable Company
with liberty for Factories at Persaim and Dagon only, without any mention of
Negrais, and all this without any form of security: I desired His Majesty, that he
would please to make a Grant of that to them also, as Ships of Burthen could not be
brought up to Persaim to repair; and because that it was particularly useful as a
Harbour, which The Honourable Company often wanted to shelter their Ships, as it
was at one Season of the Year dangerous lying on the Coast.

Why you are there, are you not? But I thought you had wanted to come all
to Persaim.

[Baker's note:] To this I could give no determinate Answer; and, in several other
respects, found the want of Particular Instructions, for had I known where The
Honourable Company would have cosen to have had their Factory, when Persaim
had been refused, I believe I might have had a Verbal Grant of it, for whenever that
shall be asked again, as it must be if they chuse it, at any other Place than near
Persaim, it will be esteemed by the King as another favour granted; and whosoever
shall be hereafter deputed by You to treat with the King, will, I am persuaded, need
Particular Instructions on almost every Head that can happen; of the Conclusion of
his Business will in all appearance be put off 'till the next time, &c. &c. that being
a hole which they never fail to creep out at. Though after all it must be confessed,
the manner of your Proceedings with them is rather begging a favour, than coming
to terms with them, on one equal footing; and therefore I believe the success of the
whole affair depends upon the manner, and other Circumstances, of the next
Embassy.

[King continues] However I don't tell you not to stay there, but let me see
The Company's generosity, and then They shall see mine; we are yet but Strangers,
this is the first time you have ever seen my face, I don't yet well know your
Intention of staying there, for what instance have I had of your sincerity, I treated
your Ships at Dagon, with singular kindness, and they proved traitorous to me after
it; let me see how The Company will behave this time, let them show their

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generosity, and mine shall not be wanting. I don't care if they bring all Madras to
Negrais, if they behave kindly now; for this is the only time by which I shall judge
of their friendship. Then he gave the signal to withdraw, and come again in the
morning.

The 24th in the morning I Went to the Palace Gate, to have waited on him,
but was told he desired I would come in the evening, I went in the evening
accordingly, but was told he was indisposed, and would have me come the next day
(His Indisposition was excessive grief for a favourite Concubine, who then lay
dangerously ill).

I went accordingly, viz. the 25th in the afternoon, but he being (as I was
told) greatly indisposed; I was desired to come to the Rounday, the next day, where
the Governor's Letter should be delivered to me by the King's Council, unless I had
any particular desire to take my Leave of His Majesty in person, I 'told them, I was
entirely devoted to the King's Pleasure, with respect to that: I then was given to
understand the same night, that he would admit me to an Audience the next
morning.

The 26th, I kept a person at the Palace the whole day, to know when it
should be the King's Pleasure to admit me; but at night was told, as heretofore, that
His Majesty's Indisposition had so much increased, that he could not grant an
Audience, and therefore desired me to come again in the morning; hoping he might
be better then, I went accordingly about 10 o'clock in the morning, on the 27th to
the Inner Rounday, from whence a Messenger informed His Majesty of my
coining, who returned for an Answer in Writing, don't take it amiss Captain, that I
cannot grant you an Interview, my Indisposition will not admit of it (At this time
his favourite lay at the Point of Death, and expired about two hours after. She was
Daughter to a petty Prince, whose Dominions lay about 15 days Journey to the
Northward of Momchabue, and whom the King has subdued; and taken this
Princess Captive); I have therefore sent, by my first Minister, The Company's
Letter, and ordered him to give you a Horse, return again with dispatch and meet
me at Dagon, or in the way thither, then The Company shall not want what they
would have; I have Elephant's Teeth, Wax, &c. &c. ready for them, this being read,
and interpreted to me, the Minister delivered me the King's Letter, and ordered the
Horse to be sent to my House, I then answered the King's Apology and said, I am
far from thinking ill of His Majesty tor not granting me an Audience of Leave, at
such Conjuncture; I am on the contrary heartily grieved for his Indisposition, and
hoped his recovery would be speedy; for which I should not cease to pray; then
paying my Compliments, took my leave and withdrew to my House, where I made
ready tor setting out the next morning.

Sunday, 28th September, at 4 in the morning set out for Khounmeon,
where arrived at 10 the same forenoon, and employed the residue of the day in
preparing for our Departure.

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The 29th, at 5 in the forenoon, left, Khounmeon, and on the 30th, at 10
AM, arrived at Ava, where we staid 24 hours to get Rice, &c. and then on the 1st
of October, at 10 AM, left that Place, and at Midnight, (for we went night and
day) between the 2d and 3d, arrived at Pegang Youngue; Where, on the morning
following, we were informed that there had a Boat passed that Place, two days
before, with a Letter for us, on which I immediately dispatched a Man to Ava by
Land, that being the shortest way, to order her back here, where I resolved to
stay 'till her Return; expecting at the same time she might get information in her
Passage, that we were come down, and that on that News she would immediately
return hither; but it happened that she received no certain account of our being
come down 'till she arrived at Ava; (Where she met the messenger I sent from
Youngue).

It was the 10th, in the morning, before she arrived, when, finding the Letter
to import no reason for our returning to the King, as at first was doubtful, we left
that Place immediately.

On the 14th, in the evening, arrived at Front.

On the 16th, in the morning, set out from thence again; and

On the 17th, in the evening, arrived at Lundsey.

The 18th left Lundsey.

On the 19 th , entered the mouth of the Negraise River; and
On the 20 th , arrived at Khoukkoun.
The 23d left Khoukkoun.

The 24 th arrived at Cowjoeng Quainla, where continued for an Escort of
Buraghmah Boats 'till the 27 th , and then left that Place,

The 29 th , arrived at Persaim, where staid about an hour, and set out again,
and on the 30 th , arrived at Negrais.

This is an Extract and true Account of our Passage to Momchabue, my
transactions with the King there, in every respect (some Repetitions respecting his
success in the Wars only excepted, of which he seemed to think he could hardly
say enough) and Return from thence. As Witness my hand-George Baker.

A Short Character of the King of the Buraghmahns

It being but ten Days that I resided at Momchabue, and either on account of His
Majesty's real Affliction, or pretended Illness, had no very frequent access at
Court; and not being able to speak the Language well, it can't be supposed that I
can give a very full, or general Description of this Prince, or his Policy : However I
will say a few words, such as has come to my knowledge, of his Rise, Wars,
Person, and Government, and that as followeth.

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At the reduction of Ava by the Peguers, 5 and the taking the then King
Captive, he was a Seggee, (i. e. the Head of a Village) over about 300 families,
inhabiting a little Spot, where his Capital now stands, called Momchabue, Soon
after the Rajah 6 had made himself Master of Ava, he sent an Officer, with about
100 Men, to neighbouring Villages, to administer the Oaths of Allegiance, and
amongst the rest to Momchabue; When they were, told by the Seggee (now King)
that he was not prepared for the performance of that Ceremony, after a manner that
he could wish, to honour those with who were to administer it; and therefore
begged they would please to make their tour to the neighbouring Villages first, and,
by their return, he would make provision for the performance of it, suitable to the
occasion: The Pegu Officer went his Rounds accordingly, and returning to
Momchabue was kindly received by his Host, who was to be sworn the next day;
but, pursuant to a premeditated Resolution, the Peguers were all set on, and
massacred, in the night.

The news of the Peguers being cut off, at length reached the Rajah's ears at
Ava, who sent a Party of about 1000 Men to chastise the Aggressors but he, in the
Interim, had taken all necessary precautions for his Defence, got a good party of
men together, and made himself a little Tenable Inclosure, in which he defended
himself against this party of Peguers, and at length, in a skirmish, slaughtered many
and dispersed the rest.

The Rainy Season being now commenced, he was attacked no more this
Year, as the Rajah returned to Pegu, leaving a Garrison only in Ava. The Seggee,
or as the People began now to call him, by the Grace of GOD the Great Man, began
to be famous, and the fugitive Prince, the King of Ava's Son, who had quitted that
Place before it was taken, about this time, took shelter under his Protection; on
which all the neighbouring Country, united with them, and amongst the rest the
Quois, who had been a sore thorn in the King of Ava's side during his Wars with
the Peguers.

The fair Weather Season being now commenced again, the Peguers began
their Campaign, and brought a great Body of Troops against Momchabue, and (not
to descend to particulars) were again defeated, and retired to Ava. About this time,
the Prince, Son of the Captive King, absconded from Momchabuw, on suspicion of
their having some treacherous design on his Person, and retired into the Siam
Dominions; soon after, the same season, the Buraghmahns attacked Ava, and made
themselves masters of it, and not long after that again, the Great Man, as I now call

5 Orginal footnote: Captain Baker informed me the King of Ava put to death in October 1753, was the
35 in a direct Line of that Family, in a period of 375 Years, which goes back A.D. 1378. Another Line
before this, for time immemorial. I am doubtful if this year, on which he was put to death, was 1753,
or 1754. A.D.

6 Original footnote: Apporazah, Brother to the King of Pegu, commonly, though erroneously, called
Upper Rajah. A. D.

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him, massacred all the Quois, that were then at Momchabut, being about 700,
alledging that they had laid a scheme, to have effected the same thing on them; he,
having now no rival in his neighbourhood, and being possessed of a good posse of
Troops, extended his conquest on every Quarter, and to the Southward as far as
near Youngeoe.

This was the State of his Affairs, when in November 1754, on the Peguers
having put the King of the Buraghmahns to death, the Buraghmahns, in Prone,
massacred all the Pegu Officers, Soldiers, and common People of that Nation, then
there, and as there was no Pegu Garrisons above that Town; they dispatched a
Messenger to Momchabue, to beg the Great Man to come to their assistance;
assuring him of their readiness to receive him as their Sovereign, on which he
made as speedy preparations as possible, and after having sent a Body of Troops,
under one of his principal Officers, into the Siam Dominions, to oppose the lineal
Heir to the Crown, and Quois, both of which were now his Enemies, he departed
for Prone; where he arrived very seasonably for the relief of that Place, it being
then closely besieged by the Peguers, which siege however he found means to
raise, after having killed and taken many of their troops, and caused the rest to
retire down, within two days journey of Syrian, at a place called Panlang or
Sinyangong.

Being thus successful in the Wars, he began now to take a Prince-like-state
on him, and to receive the Compliments, and Courtesies usually paid to
Sovereigns, in this Country; (which before he absolutely refused, saying, GOD
would send the People a Prince, he for his part was only as an Introduction to a
Revolution.)

Having now made himself master of this important Place, where he got
many Boats, and had abundance of People flock to him, he resolved to push his
Conquest, and accordingly attacked the Peguers again, at Panlang, which he carried
by storm, and those which escaped of that Party retiring to Syrian, he followed
them to Dagon, where he pitched his Camp, and here (as there had indeed many
before) abundance of Buraghmahns, which were hitherto with the Peguers,
deserted them, and came to him; here he continued 'till some time in June, 1755,
when rinding it necessary to provide himself with more fighting Boats, and to
collect the People together, many of which yet lay about in by-places where they,
and their Families, had hid themselves during the Troubles; he resolved to go in
person, and giveth the necessary Orders for it; and having appointed about 15,000
Men to maintain the Post at Dagon, set out accordingly; and as he passed by every
Place, gave orders, for them respectively, to call in the former Inhabitants, and
obliged them to build a number of fighting Boats, in proportion to the number of
the People; many of which I saw in my way down, and all of which will probably
be ready by the time he returns to Dagon, which he purposed to do in November,
with, as he said, 1000 Boats and 100,000 Men, but by the best Information 1 can

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SOAS BULLETIN OF BURMA RESEARCH

get, his Boats will not exceed 500, nor his Troops, both by Land and Water, not
above 30 or 40 thousand, which perhaps with the Army now at Dagon, may make
the whole Body about 50,000.

Thus is the rise of the present King, of the Buraghmahns, (for he is now
generally allowed as such, all Officers taking their Oaths of Allegiance to him; and
none now durst put him in mind of his having said, GOD would appoint another
King) he is about 45 Years of Age, about 5 feet 11 inches high, of a hale
Constitution, and sturdy, though clean, make, and of a Complexion, full as dark as
the generality of Buraghmahns, his Visage somewhat long, though not thin, nor
prominent, and coarse features, a little pitted with the Small Pox, his aspect
somewhat grave, when serious; and, when seated in his Throne, I thought he
supported Majesty with a tolerable, grace; his Temper (if I have made right
inferences from my Conversations with the People, for though he were a fiend
from the lower Regions, his Subjects through fear, as a Conqueror, would extol his
Virtues) is hasty; and disposition, severe, or rather cruel: I don't remember to have
heard any instance of his Justice, (though he himself administers it in almost every
case) that deserves to be more remembered for its impartiality than severity, though
the former never fails to meet with Encomiums from them about him; for he
always causes, and often sees, all corporal, or capital, Punishments to be executed,
to the utmost rigour of the Sentence, which generally argues rather a barbarous
than humane disposition.

As to his Courage, his actions have often proved it undaunted, and
resolute; which, with that strictness of discipline he keeps in his Army, has won
him his Crown; he has 9 Legitimate Children by one Wife, the three first Sons, the
Eldest married, and is about 22 Years of Age, the second about 19 and is married
also; He has also abundant Relations and Dependants, which he generally employs
in Posts of trust, or consequence, and so many of the principal Men of the Country
have lent a hand to his Cause, and are now become interested in it, that it he
happens to compleat his conquest of the Peguers this Season, as (putting by the
Assistance the French may render them) has certainly much probability in it, 7 it
will in all human appearance, be more than the fugitive Prince can do, to retrieve
his Right, until some unforseen contingencies may come to pass, or the hearts of
the People, which is often seen to change, shall happen to be united, in a
disposition to favour his Restoration.

[Table of ] Varities in spelling of Names in the MSS ofCapt. Baker:

The names in his Map, being written in his own Hand, are placed first.

7 Original footnote: The City of Pegu was taken in the end of May or beginning of June, 1757. A. D.
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OBSERVATIONS AT PERSAIM

122

Monchabue
Kounmewa
Chagang
Youngeoe

Momchabue

Khounmeon, Khounmewn q? R instead of K
Chaggang, Chajganj

Youngoue, Pegang-Youngue, Poganj-Younjwe, Pigang-

Youngue

Salleemue

Raynangome

Camma

Sallemew

Raynangong

Cammah

Khounzeak

Prygee

Pryggee

In Ava, Mellone, Meachagang, Prone, Saladan, Lundsey, (called also
Yaoungmeoe) Persaim, and Negrais, there is no variety of spelling; the following
Places are not in his Map.

Conjong, called also Coanjong and Cowjoeng Quainia; Khoukkhoughn,
called also Koukkhoughn, Khoukkoun, and Koukkoun; Capt. Baker's K and R are
so much alike, that it is difficult to distinguish the one from the other, and I suspect
the Place named Rhoughgkkhoughn, P. 135, and 136 [in the original] is the same
as this; Lameanah, Bowchagang, and Tombay; these are on Persaim River: Dagon
or Dagoon, Syrian or Syriam; Yaynangong, Sinyangon, or Sanyangon; called also
Panlang, Pooloo, Metra River, Pegue (for Pegu). A.D.

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