and liberal intercourse between Birma and the country which he represented. He was anxious, also, to make himself practically and usefully acquainted with the situation, extent, produce, climate, and other statistical details of the kingdom he was visiting, as well as with the manners and customs of its inhabitants. In all this he appears to have succeeded to an extent beyond that of any traveller who either preceded or has followed him. From the moment of his landing at Rangoon, during his stay there, during his voyage up the magnificent Irrawaddy, during his protracted residence at Amerapoora, and, in short, upon every occasion, ardently and unremittingly he employed himself for the benefit of his countrymen in extending his knowledge of this remarkable people. Such being the important and comprehensive nature of Colonel Symes' work, it would probably appear superfluous to have added any thing to it, were it not recollected that upwards of thirty years have elapsed since he wrote. In that period no change of any consequence has taken place in the national character and habits of the Birmese-for. Eastern nations in general are not much given to change-and his descriptions, both of persons and places, are as true at the present day-and will continue so for many years to come--as they were at the moment of his committing them to paper. But, in the interim, events have happened, and proceedings have been instituted by the Birmese, which have deeply interested and affected this country, and which are still fresh in the recollection of every one. Not to have touched upon these would have been an unpardonable omission. To the Account of the Embassy, therefore, a short, but it is hoped satisfactory, narrative of the late military and political operations in the Birmese Empire has been added. To this narrative it has been the Editor's object to subjoin as much informa→ tion, in a popular and graphic shape, as he can collect from various sources, and which Colonel Symes may have overlooked, regarding the literature, religion, jurisprudence, publie character, and domestic habits of the people. That the Birmans are not undeserving the attention which this country seems now disposed to give them, is abundantly evident, both from our having found them such formidable antagonists in war, and from our knowledge of their importance as auxiliaries and commercial neighbours in time of peace. Some of the most experienced officers of the British army have borne testimony to the progress made by the Birmese in the art of war-having had various opportunities of seeing them take up and maintain their positions "with a judgment," in the language of Sir Archibald Campbell, "which would do credit to the best instructed engineers of the most civilized and warlike nations." That they are also every year becoming more proficient in the various arts of peace, and fast rising in the scale of Oriental dynasties, is equally undoubted; and, to borrow the words of Colonel Symes, "as they are not shackled by any prejudices of casts, restricted to hereditary occupations, or forbidden from participating with strangers in every social bond, their future advancement will, in all probability, be rapid."" At present," he continues, "so far from being in a state of intellectual darkness, although they have not explored the depths of science, nor reached to excellence in the fine arts, they yet have an undeniable claim to the character of a civilized and well-instructed people. Their laws are wise, and pregnant with sound morality; their police is better regulated than in most European countries; their natural disposition is friendly and hospitable to strangers; and their manners rather expressive of manly candour than courteous dissimulation. The grada-. tions of rank, and the respect due to station, are maintained with a scrupulosity which never relaxes. A knowledge of letters is so widely diffused, that there are no mechanics, few of the peasantry, or even the common watermen (usually the most illiterate class) who cannot read and write in the vulgar tongue. All these things considered, it is impossible to avoid coming to our author's conclusion-that "the Birmans bid fair to be a prosperous, wealthy, and enlightened people. It is unnecessary, we conceive, to extend these introductory remarks to any greater length. The following pages will speak for themselves; and, in the nature of the information they convey, will be found, we should hope, to afford at least an adequate recompense for the labour of perusing them. HENRY G. BELL. June 1827. CONTENTS OF VOL. I. Divisions of Birman Empire-Arracan-Ava-Pe- gue and Siam-Conquest of Ava by the King of Pegue-Origin of Alompra-his Ambition-his Success Victories over the Peguers-Injudicious Policy of the French and English Residents-The Articles of Commercial Intercourse signed between the English and the Birmese-Revolt of the Pe- guers Quelled.by. Alompra-British Settlement at Negrais-Massacre of the English-War be- Succession of Namdogee Praw to the Throne-Un- successful Rebellion of Shembuan and Nuttoon -Mission of Captain Alves from Madras to the Birman Empire-His Interview with the King- Settlement of the English at Persaim-Death of 68 |