Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/27

Correspondence from Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Phayre. Letters numbered 1-11 with index.

Letters from Major H Hopkinson, the Officiating Commissioner of Pegu [Burma] between 1857- 1858 are filed with the Private Secretary's Correspondence (Mss Eur F699/1/2/2 various files, items no. 1791, 2119, 2240, 2320, 2330, 2421, 2663, 2739, 2948, 2966, 3074). Also copy of letter to the Officiating Commissioner of Pegu (Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/98 Private Secretary's Correspondence no. 2636a).

1. Letter from Major A P Phayre, Rangoon, 4 Apr 1856. Thanks Lord Canning for his letter and for permission to write privately to the Governor General. Phayre has just returned from visiting a recommended site for a port on the Bassein river, about 15 miles above Dalhousie. The Committee has recommended that no change should be made, and the report is sent officially. Sends a copy of an electric telegraph message (annexed). Has no further information, has given general directions for four Companies of Native Infantry to be marched into the interior, and for rewards to be offered for the capture of the ringleaders. He himself is leaving for Prome. Paper annexed: copy of telegraphic message, Prome, 30 Mar, Captain Ardagh wishes Major Phayre to know that some ex-officials of Burma have entered British territory and are up in arms. There have been some casualties. Ardagh has sent for a company of Native Infantry from Thayet Myo.

2. Letter from Major A P Phayre, 26 Apr 1856. Sends copies of letters from Mr Spears, who is correspondent at the Court of Ava. The only news of importance is that in Spears' letter of 12 Apr he reports that the Burmese Minister has despatched a letter to the United States Secretary of State, to be conveyed by the Reverend Mr Kincaid, an American Baptist missionary. Phayre has seen Kincaid at Prome, he says the letter is merely one of friendship. Kincaid leaves for Rangoon, Calcutta, and England. Mr Kincaid also brought several messages from the King of Ava to Phayre, asking if Lord Canning wished a Burmese Envoy to be sent, and asking Phayre to his capital in a private, or quiet way. The only possible advantage the King can expect from communication with France or America is a seaport, which he desires above all else. The disturbance near Prome is over. From Prome. Annexed: Four copies of letters from Thomas Spears, Amarapoora, to Major Phayre. 1. 9 Mar, Spears replies to Phayre's inquiry about rhubarb, believes it can be supplied in quantity for little cost, but the expense of transit is high. D'Orgoni left about a week before 9 Mar. He is not one of the Envoys, merely attached to the Mission to show the way. The Nakan is the head envoy, and an Amatdawyae the second. Mr Jordan of Rangoon is to furnish them with money. Messrs. Kincaid and Dawson were at the Palace on 6 Mar, the King was pleased with the large maps they gave him. Her Majesty sounded them on the propriety of sending an embassy to the United States, but their answers were not very encouraging. 500 men have been sent to quell some disturbance among the Shans; an unpopular service among the Burmans as nearly half such an expedition usually falls victim to fever. The Woongyee has left for the Shoay Setdaw Pagoda, but will probably return before a month is up. There are still some earthquake shocks, but no further damage has been done. Reports two fires, one at the Custom House, and one which burnt down more than 1,800 houses. Only one man died. Everything is quiet. Paddy is beginning to rise in price. Grain and wheat are to be sent to Rangoon to be sold on the king's behalf. 2. 24 Mar, Spears thanks Phayre for two letters, and the report on the China rhubarb sent in 1855, which he has shown to F Abbona. Hopes the other sample sent on to Calcutta will be better. Spears never saw the Governor General's letter, so did not know whether it required an immediate answer or not. Has mentioned it to the Magway Woongyee, and had believed that an answer had been sent. He has now told the King that an answer was expected, and it is being prepared, The Magway Woongyee has not yet returned. Mokertiah Minas Haloon Woon has been ordered to come up with him, Spears thinks the former will lose his office as the King does not like the way he has been using the Custom House revenues. The Woondouk, one of the Envoys, will probably be made Maloon Woon and Mokertiah may recover his old post of Kola Woon. Mong Po is in Amarapoora, Spears sees him every day. Moung Goung Gyee, the Sarawaddy robber, is also in Amarapoora, but does not appear at the Palace. Moung Myettoon lives in Ava. The King has praised the conduct of a British officer on the Munipoor Frontier for the prompt way in which he listened to the King's officials' complaints of some raids into Burmese territory from Pegu. Spears could not tell the King the officer's name. The King has a petition from Mr Blaye, ex- Secretary of the General, now in the Yoe country. His party, prospecting for gold with little success, are all sick with jungle fever, he asks to be recalled for the present. Mr Owen has petitioned from Calcutta, having bought an iron steamer for the King and obtained permission from Lord Canning to bring her up the river to Amarapoora. Messrs Kincaid and Dawson are still at Amarapoora, and the King still speaks of sending a present to the President of the United States. 3. 8 Apr, Mr Spears reports the return of the Magway Woongyee, whom he will consult about the reply to the Governor General's letter, which has been drafted but not sent. Spears has heard from Captain Ardagh, who believes the dacoities on the Border are connected with Mong Shoung Bae. The King is displeased with the way his officers have been conducting affairs on the Frontier, and has sent the Woondouk to take charge of Maloon and Meeaday. Peter Camaretta goes with him. Mr Blaye has returned, he did not go as far as the Yae country. Believes that if his shafts could have been made deeper, he would have found as rich gold as any in Australia. But for lack to a windsail to ventilate the pit, he could not go deeper than 35 to 45 cubits. Blaye has offered the King his services to work the mines, in return for 20% of the gold found, the King paying all expenses; or alternatively for 50% of the gold, Blaye paying the expenses. The greatest lack is water. The country is said to be very mountainous, interspersed with deep gullies, covered with forest. It is thinly inhabited, the villages being many miles apart, and seldom containing more than 8 or 10 houses. Some of the inhabitants have elephantiasis. All kinds of wild animals abound. Mr Blaye thinks the mountains may be about 6,000 feet high. To date 20 lacs of Viss Earth Oil have been sold by the King, none has yet been delivered. The price of rice has remained the same. Part of the grain crop is being shipped to Rangoon by Messrs Jordan and Company's Agent. Has had a request from the Commissariat at Thayet Myo asking for wheat, he will refer them to Jordan and Company at Rangoon. The Magway Woongyee is unwell. 4. 12 Apr, Mr Spears reports the departure of Messrs Kincaid and Dawson. Mr Kincaid is the bearer of a letter from the Moongyees to the Ministers in the United States, is said to have been paid 5,000 Rupees expenses by the King. They have all received handsome presents. The letter is said to be non-political. Kincaid is to bring with him from America a small rail-road with engines and cars, and also an electric telegraph. The Yamae then Woon Mong Bwa has lost his situation, which Spears regrets, because he has always kept his district very quiet. Names his successor. The Woondouk is preparing to leave for Maloon. It is the second day of the Burmese New Year, and the whole population is employed in throwing water at one another.

3. Letter from Major Phayre, near Rangoon, 30 Jul 1856. Is returning from Bassein. He replies that one of the four European Regiments now in Pegu may be withdrawn without danger, probably that stationed in Moulmein. Two regiments should be permanently on the Frontier, and Rangoon should be held by Europeans at present for the political effect. Comments in detail. Does not think any of the native troops should be withdrawn. The employment of Burmese in the three Police Corps has succeeded very well, but the Pegu Light Infantry is a failure. The Light Infantry are recruited from all parts and serve in different parts; this is the cause of the failure in Phayre's view. The Police serve in their own districts. Unless Malays can be persuaded to join the service, recommends the disbandment of the Pegu Light Infantry. The population of Pegu is very small, but there has been a great increase in cultivation. Is about to submit a proposal officially about the colonization of Pegu. Does not wish to interfere too much in colonisation. Approves of General Bell's plan to bring over the families of native soldiers doing duty, which will make the soldiers more contented, and may lead to some settling in Pegu. Is about to send a proposition on the introduction of Chinese labourers at Dalhousie.

4. Letter from Major Phayre, Rangoon River, 30 Jul 1856. Replies to Cannning's letter of 16 Jul. Does not think any good would result from the Commissioner visiting Amarapoora, unless there is trouble over the Karen Nee country. Is concerned that Canning is dissatisfied with the Public Works Department in Pegu. Major Glasford does his work well, Phayre's only criticism of him is that he does not travel around sufficiently. Many of the officers have not had charge of stations previously, and they find difficulty in obtaining establishments. Has no explanation to offer as to why the budgets were not prepared

5. Letter from Major Phayre, Rangoon, 31 Jan 1858. Reports the arrival of Captain Beauchamp Seymour. As long as the King of Ava maintains extra armed men in his capital, his intentions must be suspect. Phayre proposes sending Captain Seymour to the Frontier. The arrival of Seymour and the 69th Foot has been most opportune. Will obey Lord Canning's directions should the King wish to send an Embassy to England. Sends copy of his last letter from Mr Spears. The Dacoity Spears mentions was a very serious attack on the Pegu Light Infantry near the Frontier. Phayre is doing all he can to diminish the risk of fire in Rangoon, by enforcing the rule that houses must have tile roofs and not thatch. The last harvest has been very prosperous. Paper annexed: copy of a letter from Thomas Spears, Mandalay, 16 Jan, to Hopkinson. The news of the rout of the Gwalior Force and the defeat of the rebels by the Commander in Chief at Lucknow will have a very good effect. The Chittagong and Dacca affair is rather unfortunate, but it is to be hoped that the mutineers will be caught before they can do much harm. The Dacoity is a serious affair; Spears has told the authorities at Mandalay about it, and they have promised to make enquiries. It is not known from which side of the Frontier the dacoits came. Suggests that the elephant which was carried away as part of the plunder could be traced. News of a white elephant being discovered in the jungle at Toung-dwen-gyee near the Frontier has led to a small party being sent there. The China caravans have not yet arrived. Is glad to hear that Major Phayre is well enough to return to India; the King of Ava likes Phayre very much and is always happy to hear from him.

6. Letter from Major Phayre, Prome, 14 Mar 1859. Reports disturbances on the Frontier caused by marauders coming from the Burmese territory. Lately the Burmese authorities have worked hard to prevent such forays. About 2 months earlier a notorious bandit assembled a band to attack Pegu, reportedly with the support of the King I s brother. However the King called him to the capital, and when he seemed unwilling to obey, had him shot. Since then all has been quiet. Sends copies of the 2 latest letters from Mr Spears. The Count de Sercey mentioned came to Rangoon in the French steamer which was sent to meet D'Orgoni, who has not yet appeared. Phayre has had lately several invitations from the King of Burma to visit him at the capital in a private and friendly manner. Asks if Canning has any objections to his going. He would be able to keep the Burmese to their professed intentions regarding attacks on the Frontier, and should be able to learn what D'Orgoni was doing. Endorsed: has been circulated. Papers annexed: Two letters from Thomas Spears, Mandalay, to Major Phayre. 1. 22 Feb, Spears reports receipt of one of Phayre's letters to the Magway Woongee, giving the names of the dacoits on the Frontier and the villages they belong to. The Catholic priest and French Count arrived about 15 Feb and are to see the King on 22 Feb. The Count appears to be a quiet inoffensive gentleman, who does little, and seldom leaves his house. He is living with Father Abbano. The King's eldest son has married the Prince's eldest daughter. For the last 6 months there has been no rain at all. Reclaimed land will add to the next rice crop. There is no news of importance from China, it looks as if there will be few or no caravans from there this year. 2. 3 Mar, Spears reports that orders have been sent for the arrest of all the dacoits named in Phayre's letter. Reports that Moug Young Zee has been shot for refusing to return on the King's orders. Count de Sercey returns to France in a few days, accompanied by one of the Catholic priests, and three Burmese youths whom the Prince wishes to be taught engineering. Spears believes the Count has been sent to find out the King's feelings towards the British, and to see if the country agrees with the description given by D'Orgoni. He has seen- the King twice, and is said to have told him that the British and French were closely allied for the present. The Kalawoon goes to Rangoon to look after D'Orgoni's party, and supply them with boats for their passage of the river. It is rather curious that although D'Orgoni's steamer arrived in Rangoon some time ago, no letters have been received from him since he left the steamer and it is being guessed that he has not been able to get a passport. Koontha a tsubwa, whose territory is near the ruby mines, refuses to come to Mandalay, or to send tribute, so an expedition is being organized against him; but it will not be easy to catch him, formerly he retired into the mountains and forest when hard-pressed and returned when the royal troops withdrew. He has taken the oath of allegiance to the present King, and promised good behaviour.

7. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Phayre, Rangoon, 1 Sep 1859. Reports that he has made arrangements for going to the Burmese capital on 1 Oct. He will be careful not to give any official character to his visit, and to avoid the appearance of any wish to raise again the question of a Treaty.

8. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Phayre, Henzada, 19 Oct 1860. Regrets that because of his absence on duty, he did not meet Colonel Balfour in Rangoon. Is sorry he missed the opportunity of having a conference with Balfour and General Bell on the Military establishments of Pegu. On his return to Rangoon hopes to arrange with General Bell the number of native troops that should be kept. Already three regiments of Madras Native Infantry have been withdrawn, and Phayre has no doubt that further reductions can be made without danger. Since Phayre returned to Pegu he has reduced three companies of Police and one more will be reduced shortly, so that expenditure has already been reduced considerably, and the way cleared for the new Police.

9. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Phayre, Rangoon, 7 Nov 1860. Is expecting Colonel Bruce and Lieutenant Duncan and will do everything possible to begin the new Police system. Believes that with the new system the Province will be able to pay its own (Police) expenses in 2 years more. The Income Tax is progressing smoothly, hopes Lord Canning will agree to his request of an addition to the Capitation Tax and exemption of those liable to the Tax on trades and professions. Paper annexed: memorandum on the ex-King of Delhi. The King and his family are in every respect as regards their wants, comforts, and occupations, as well cared for as possible. They live in a wooden bungalow such as is generally used by European officers. The ex-King spends most of his time on the verandah, watching the passers-by through blinds. The eldest son has his wife with him. He and his brother go every morning to the house of Captain Davies, where they are taught English by a Non-commissioned Officer. They naturally ask for more freedom, which they might gradually be allowed. The younger of the sons has with permission written to a young woman to whom he was betrothed in Delhi, asking her to join him. Phayre does not know how to improve the lot of the two women of the family: the ex-King's wife and the elder son's wife. There is nothing in the present status of the prisoners which excites any sympathy in any class of the population, they are known to be well treated. The Burmese seem hardly aware of their presence. On their first arrival, the Mahomedan merchants, especially those called Moguls from the Persian Gulf, appeared to be interested, but this feeling has died away. Does not think any alterations should be made, except perhaps that the two sons might be allowed to take walks morning and evening, attended so as to prevent conversation with the inhabitants. Endorsed: copy made by order 14 Nov 1860.

10. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Phayre, Rangoon, 30 May 1861. Replies that Dr Williams, attached to the 68th Light Infantry in Pegu, would be a very useful person to place at the Burmese capital for a time, with the intention of opening a trade through Burma to the Chinese territory. Williams has already been up to the capital, and is quiet, and would remain there unostentatiously as Phayre's correspondent. Suggests he be allowed 500 Rupees. The Police arrangements have now been made in most of the Province. Phayre has not the least apprehension because of the reductions in the military force: but the Policy may be found rather weak. Hopes Lord Canning will visit Pegu.

11. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Phayre, Rangoon, 14 Jul 1861. Reports a large increase in the revenue of Pegu for 1860/61. Thinks the time may have come for abolishing the duties on the Frontier, sends a memorandum on the subject. If trade could be opened with Chinese territory, Phayre feels sure that Pegu's imports by sea would be greatly increased; but does not think China can be reached through Pegu except by Bamo. Paper annexed: Memorandum on Custom duties at the Northern frontier of Pegu. Endorsed: Copy made for circulation 11 Dec 1861.