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Extracts from the Irrawaddy Magazine
Oct. 1931. Issue No. 17. - The Insurrection of 1866
Copies of correspondence to the above and directed to be printed by the House of Commons 4th April 1867
The reigning Sovereign at the time was King Mindon.
Copies of correspondence to the above and directed to be printed by the House of Commons 4th April 1867
The reigning Sovereign at the time was King Mindon.
The Insurrection of 1866 1/9
Service Message:-
From: Col. Phayre, Rangoon
To: Secretary to Government Foreign Dept., Simla
Date: 8th August 1866
Precedence:
On the 2nd instant an outbreak occurred in Mandalay. The King of Burmah’s brother is killed. Several men of rank also; the King apparently helpless, but it may be in his interest. No fear for British subjects or interests but if necessary I will go to the frontier to be ready to do what circumstances may require.
Copy of a letter
From: Capt. E.B. Sladen, Agent to the Chief Commissioner at Mandalay
To: Col. A.B. Phayre, C.B.,Chief Commissioner British Burma & Agent to the Governor General:
Date: 5th August 1866, 8 p.m.
There is a chance of my being able to send off a few lines. Thank God we are all safe. There has been a fearful revolution; Crown Prince and three of King’s sons murdered, together with several officials including Myadaung, Mengyee, Laung Shwe Mengyee (not dead yet,) Kenwoon, etc. The King escaped from San-Nan-Daw on foot, with two or three principal Queens, to the city Palace. I was in the San-Nan-Daw talking to the King when the first burst was made into the Palace by the rebels or revolutionists, headed by the two Princes Myengoon and Mentha and Myengoodaing Mentha (brothers.) The Soopiah Queen rushed in to where the King was talking to me and drew him away. The noise and confusion became terribly perplexing; the King’s men were taken entirely by surprise. The few near me managed to get a few arms; we shut the doors of the portion of the Palace where we were but after the lapse of about ten minutes the rebels with drawn swords broke open the door and came rushing upon us. There was a general flight. Williams was with me; we followed in the flight and after scaling or almost vaulting over a high partition we found ourselves amongst a host of drunken, frenzied devils, brandishing their dahs and coming at us; we were entirely at their mercy and our very helplessness and something which cannot be accounted for, stayed the attack. We were threatened and dahs held over us several times; one of the brutes who more than once seemed to be on the point of despatching us was carrying in his hand the Crown Prince’s head. We were at the time in the Mya-Nan or front portion of the Palace which was occupied by about 50 rebels. The rebel Menthas escaped the same night on Capt. Reilly’s steamer, after looting all they could.
From: Col. Phayre, Rangoon
To: Secretary to Government Foreign Dept., Simla
Date: 8th August 1866
Precedence:
On the 2nd instant an outbreak occurred in Mandalay. The King of Burmah’s brother is killed. Several men of rank also; the King apparently helpless, but it may be in his interest. No fear for British subjects or interests but if necessary I will go to the frontier to be ready to do what circumstances may require.
Copy of a letter
From: Capt. E.B. Sladen, Agent to the Chief Commissioner at Mandalay
To: Col. A.B. Phayre, C.B.,Chief Commissioner British Burma & Agent to the Governor General:
Date: 5th August 1866, 8 p.m.
There is a chance of my being able to send off a few lines. Thank God we are all safe. There has been a fearful revolution; Crown Prince and three of King’s sons murdered, together with several officials including Myadaung, Mengyee, Laung Shwe Mengyee (not dead yet,) Kenwoon, etc. The King escaped from San-Nan-Daw on foot, with two or three principal Queens, to the city Palace. I was in the San-Nan-Daw talking to the King when the first burst was made into the Palace by the rebels or revolutionists, headed by the two Princes Myengoon and Mentha and Myengoodaing Mentha (brothers.) The Soopiah Queen rushed in to where the King was talking to me and drew him away. The noise and confusion became terribly perplexing; the King’s men were taken entirely by surprise. The few near me managed to get a few arms; we shut the doors of the portion of the Palace where we were but after the lapse of about ten minutes the rebels with drawn swords broke open the door and came rushing upon us. There was a general flight. Williams was with me; we followed in the flight and after scaling or almost vaulting over a high partition we found ourselves amongst a host of drunken, frenzied devils, brandishing their dahs and coming at us; we were entirely at their mercy and our very helplessness and something which cannot be accounted for, stayed the attack. We were threatened and dahs held over us several times; one of the brutes who more than once seemed to be on the point of despatching us was carrying in his hand the Crown Prince’s head. We were at the time in the Mya-Nan or front portion of the Palace which was occupied by about 50 rebels. The rebel Menthas escaped the same night on Capt. Reilly’s steamer, after looting all they could.
The Insurrection of 1866 2/9
The present state of affairs is most serious. The King is in his Palace in the city and exertions are being made to bring about order; all is pretty quiet but it is only the lull before the storm. The Padyne Mentha (Prince’s eldest son) has escaped with Thonzay Mentha. The former has been offered the Heir Apparentship but will not come in. The city gates are shut. I have seen the King today; he was calm and spoke well. Mandalay is deserted; the Amhoodans in numbers are reported to have fled with their arms.
It is impossible to predict what will next take place, but there will be anarchy and disorganisation for a long time. No Kallah has been hurt or robbed. My compound and home have been a rallying point and protection to hundreds. I have detained the“Nerbudda” which had left here but was recalled from Seggine. There is very little chance of this ever reaching you; all boats will be stopped and searched. I will not trust my other correspondence; not a boat is to be had which will leave for Rangoon; most of the boats have cleared off and keep out of the way. A private boat is said to be going which will take, or try and take, this as far as Thayetmyo. I will not add more.
7th August:
The boat I am sending is about to start. I have given the man formal papers of my own, they are worth more at present than anyone else’s I believe.
Yesterday the Prince’s Palace was completely burnt down and another fire took place in the South portion of the city; this is a bad sign. The Mengyee has sent me a guard of 20 men.
All apply to come to me for protection, Burmese and Kullahs alike: yesterday even the Myawon sent and asked me to allow his female kind to sleep here. It is reported that the Hpoongyees and others sent by the King yesterday to the Padye Mentha have returned to say the Prince will not come in. This is very likely, I think. The King wants me to lend him the “Nerbudda” steamer. I shall see him today. I think I have got back one of my ponies and shall probably find the others.
8th August:
I went to the King yesterday. Williams (Agent for the I.F.C.) had been sent for before me and asked for the “Nerbudda.” He said that he had given her over to me. The King asked me to give her up. I replied that if he would guarantee the safety of European residents I would willingly restore the steamer to the same source from which I had received it.
It is impossible to predict what will next take place, but there will be anarchy and disorganisation for a long time. No Kallah has been hurt or robbed. My compound and home have been a rallying point and protection to hundreds. I have detained the“Nerbudda” which had left here but was recalled from Seggine. There is very little chance of this ever reaching you; all boats will be stopped and searched. I will not trust my other correspondence; not a boat is to be had which will leave for Rangoon; most of the boats have cleared off and keep out of the way. A private boat is said to be going which will take, or try and take, this as far as Thayetmyo. I will not add more.
7th August:
The boat I am sending is about to start. I have given the man formal papers of my own, they are worth more at present than anyone else’s I believe.
Yesterday the Prince’s Palace was completely burnt down and another fire took place in the South portion of the city; this is a bad sign. The Mengyee has sent me a guard of 20 men.
All apply to come to me for protection, Burmese and Kullahs alike: yesterday even the Myawon sent and asked me to allow his female kind to sleep here. It is reported that the Hpoongyees and others sent by the King yesterday to the Padye Mentha have returned to say the Prince will not come in. This is very likely, I think. The King wants me to lend him the “Nerbudda” steamer. I shall see him today. I think I have got back one of my ponies and shall probably find the others.
8th August:
I went to the King yesterday. Williams (Agent for the I.F.C.) had been sent for before me and asked for the “Nerbudda.” He said that he had given her over to me. The King asked me to give her up. I replied that if he would guarantee the safety of European residents I would willingly restore the steamer to the same source from which I had received it.
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The King would give no guarantee, but said the streamer was wanted for the good of his country generally, at a time of great need. He offered the same protection to all foreigners as to all of his subjects.
He was so urgent that I could not refuse, but pointed out the special circumstances under which I had detained the vessel and made it as clear to him as I could that he would be responsible if he took the steamer; that those circumstances were kept in view. He asserted generally and I agreed to deliver back the steamer to the Agent, Dr. Williams. We were then directed to settle matters with the Mengyees. No settlement could be come to. Williams held out on pecuniary grounds. The Pakhan Mengyee said that my preliminary condition with the King, viz., the protection of the lives and property of foreigners, could not be guaranteed; so that after three hours fruitless negotiations the streamer was not given up.
But later the same afternoon Mr Camaratta, Mr Gallisteen and a Sayey Doungyee came to me house and said that the King had ordered that the steamer was to be taken possession of, whether I delivered it up or not. Men and guns were sent to be put on board in haste. I agreed to deliver over without resistance, but under compulsion on receiving direct from the King a written aminedan stating the reasons for the seizure. Late in the evening the King’s men, about 20, went on board and took quiet possession, the Captain and crew remaining on board but subject to the direction, for all purposes of navigation, of a Burmese official of the rank of Bo-men. This act of the King has rather complicated the position of foreigners in their relation to the Burmese Government and the insurgent party. The King said that the steamer was merely wanted to cruise about and carry troops backward and forwards, but I fear she may be used offensively, in which case, however much the facts may be to the contrary, shall appear to be in favour of the King’s Government.
I am anxious on this account as well as because matters are becoming more serious here daily. The Padyne Mentha is reported to be very strong and is marching towards the Capital from Shoay Bo. Most of his father’s men are with him and will listen to no proposals short of an offer of the crown.
Two other Menthas are still out and have collected separate forces. Incendiary fires are of frequent occurrence, I am warned on all sides to be prepared for the worst; not that either party would injure us under authority, but because the lawless bands which spring up on these insurrectionary occasions are in general uncontrollable. Almost everyone that could has come to me for protection, or sent his property. The Myawon came himself after midnight last night and said I ought at once to remove. He was sent, I think, for that purpose. The steamer is gone, and I am in a fix. I have acted throughout for the best.
The confusion is general, can hardly find a moment in which to write. The King’s man who always comes to me thinks the
He was so urgent that I could not refuse, but pointed out the special circumstances under which I had detained the vessel and made it as clear to him as I could that he would be responsible if he took the steamer; that those circumstances were kept in view. He asserted generally and I agreed to deliver back the steamer to the Agent, Dr. Williams. We were then directed to settle matters with the Mengyees. No settlement could be come to. Williams held out on pecuniary grounds. The Pakhan Mengyee said that my preliminary condition with the King, viz., the protection of the lives and property of foreigners, could not be guaranteed; so that after three hours fruitless negotiations the streamer was not given up.
But later the same afternoon Mr Camaratta, Mr Gallisteen and a Sayey Doungyee came to me house and said that the King had ordered that the steamer was to be taken possession of, whether I delivered it up or not. Men and guns were sent to be put on board in haste. I agreed to deliver over without resistance, but under compulsion on receiving direct from the King a written aminedan stating the reasons for the seizure. Late in the evening the King’s men, about 20, went on board and took quiet possession, the Captain and crew remaining on board but subject to the direction, for all purposes of navigation, of a Burmese official of the rank of Bo-men. This act of the King has rather complicated the position of foreigners in their relation to the Burmese Government and the insurgent party. The King said that the steamer was merely wanted to cruise about and carry troops backward and forwards, but I fear she may be used offensively, in which case, however much the facts may be to the contrary, shall appear to be in favour of the King’s Government.
I am anxious on this account as well as because matters are becoming more serious here daily. The Padyne Mentha is reported to be very strong and is marching towards the Capital from Shoay Bo. Most of his father’s men are with him and will listen to no proposals short of an offer of the crown.
Two other Menthas are still out and have collected separate forces. Incendiary fires are of frequent occurrence, I am warned on all sides to be prepared for the worst; not that either party would injure us under authority, but because the lawless bands which spring up on these insurrectionary occasions are in general uncontrollable. Almost everyone that could has come to me for protection, or sent his property. The Myawon came himself after midnight last night and said I ought at once to remove. He was sent, I think, for that purpose. The steamer is gone, and I am in a fix. I have acted throughout for the best.
The confusion is general, can hardly find a moment in which to write. The King’s man who always comes to me thinks the
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King will abdicate and tells me I ought to be out of the way till affairs have settled down; even if the Padyne Mentha succeeds, the Thonzay and Nyaungyan Menthas will be troublesome for a time. No news as yet of the Myeengoon Mentha who commenced the mischief. How long will it be, too, before the Shans come into the field? I have a pass from the Mengyees to send a boat; I hope it will go at once. We are all well. I will write again as soon as I can. No dak from Rangoon.
Copy of a letter
From: Capt. E.B. Sladen
To: Col. A.P. Phayre
Date: 11th Aug. 1866. From steamer “Nerbudda”
We shall be at Thayetmyo this morning. I tried to despatch letters from Mandalay but found it impossible. My letters already written give you information up to day of leaving Mandalay. The immediate cause which made me determine to leave was that the King, after seizing the Nerbudda had, contrary to promise, used her offensively against the Princes’ troops and killed a number of those who were crossing in boats a few miles north of Mandalay. On the steamer’s return after this exploit and after learning what had occurred, I consulted with most of the European residents and it was unanimously agreed upon, as our only means of escape, to take possession of the steamer as soon as possible. We effected this the same evening without any trouble. Before going on board notice was given that the steamer would leave the same day and I informed all within reach that they were at liberty to come on board if so inclined. The consequence is that most of the European and Armenian residents, with their families, are with me, including Fr. Abbona, Mrs D’Avera, Dr. Williams, etc. etc. There are a few who remained behind but who had the opportunity of coming had they availed themselves of it. But, apart from the fact of the King’s having seized the steamer, there were many reasons which I consider justify my leaving Mandalay for a time. I was advised to do so even by Burmese officials; I was of no use there and whichever party became finally ascendant affairs must remain unsettled for many months. The Padyne Mentha was about to make an immediate attack.
Four other Menthas were out and were each collecting forces. The King’s people were ready to desert him. The city had commenced to be fired and looting was going on. The opportunity occurring of being able to get away with the families of the numerous residents who crowded my house and compound from the first day of the insurrection was one which I thought it well to avail myself of, as it was not likely to happen again for a long time. All along the river, as we came down, parties of armed men are to be seen moving about in various directions and each probably espousing a separate cause. The prime insurrectionist, the Myeengoon Mentha, is in great force at Magway and has got the steamer “Yaynan Sekia” there; he has taken Mentha (sic) and holds the country from Magway to our frontier.
Copy of a letter
From: Capt. E.B. Sladen
To: Col. A.P. Phayre
Date: 11th Aug. 1866. From steamer “Nerbudda”
We shall be at Thayetmyo this morning. I tried to despatch letters from Mandalay but found it impossible. My letters already written give you information up to day of leaving Mandalay. The immediate cause which made me determine to leave was that the King, after seizing the Nerbudda had, contrary to promise, used her offensively against the Princes’ troops and killed a number of those who were crossing in boats a few miles north of Mandalay. On the steamer’s return after this exploit and after learning what had occurred, I consulted with most of the European residents and it was unanimously agreed upon, as our only means of escape, to take possession of the steamer as soon as possible. We effected this the same evening without any trouble. Before going on board notice was given that the steamer would leave the same day and I informed all within reach that they were at liberty to come on board if so inclined. The consequence is that most of the European and Armenian residents, with their families, are with me, including Fr. Abbona, Mrs D’Avera, Dr. Williams, etc. etc. There are a few who remained behind but who had the opportunity of coming had they availed themselves of it. But, apart from the fact of the King’s having seized the steamer, there were many reasons which I consider justify my leaving Mandalay for a time. I was advised to do so even by Burmese officials; I was of no use there and whichever party became finally ascendant affairs must remain unsettled for many months. The Padyne Mentha was about to make an immediate attack.
Four other Menthas were out and were each collecting forces. The King’s people were ready to desert him. The city had commenced to be fired and looting was going on. The opportunity occurring of being able to get away with the families of the numerous residents who crowded my house and compound from the first day of the insurrection was one which I thought it well to avail myself of, as it was not likely to happen again for a long time. All along the river, as we came down, parties of armed men are to be seen moving about in various directions and each probably espousing a separate cause. The prime insurrectionist, the Myeengoon Mentha, is in great force at Magway and has got the steamer “Yaynan Sekia” there; he has taken Mentha (sic) and holds the country from Magway to our frontier.
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When we passed Magway yesterday he sent a boat towards us with only a lascar crew. He would not allow Capt. Reilly to accompany the boat, but Reilly was well and apparently well treated. The Mentha had given out that he wished the English to join him and go up and conquer the country; that if they would not join him he would proceed himself singlehanded. Of course he will not succeed, though he seems a plucky, determined fellow with some idea of organisation, but thoroughly unscrupulous. He got a quantity of treasure at Mentha.
I give up the steamer as soon as we reach Thayetmyo and I do not know what Dr. Williams intends doing with her. I shall telegraph to you for orders and be ready to go back, if you think it advisable, with my family.
The night we left Mandalay a large fire was burning there and the next morning heavy clouds of smoke, seen from a great distance, seemed to say that the work of destruction had commenced. I have not up to the present been able to write any official reports or letter but they will be sent in due course. We are very crowded on board and there is not any chance of getting a quiet moment for letter writing. I have left everything I possessed in Mandalay, with the exception of a few clothes and other articles which could be saved at a moment’s notice.
Thayetmyo, 10 a.m. 11th Aug.
We arrived here this morning. I have telegraphed to you for orders. This place is safe as regards the Myengoon Mentha, I think. He has written to you, I hear, and sent for the King’s two remaining steamers. The Myeengoon Prince will probably expect all who pass up to swear themselves as his subjects, but he is very well inclined towards Kullahs and has ordered that they or their boats and property passing up or down are not to be molested. I do not see what we can do beyond watching events. I am prepared to return, now that all the families are in safety and report all that occurs, besides keeping open communication with the frontier. If this is decided upon a steamer with a strong escort would be required, otherwise it may be the most prudent course to await events and see whether and in what way, the country becomes settled or still further disorganised.
I have given over the steamer to Williams and am not sure when he intends despatching her to Rangoon. Lonsdale has got a despatch boat and I am sure to send this off at once. Camaratta sent all his valuables on board but did not come himself. Major Halsted is left behind and two Americans, though I gave them timely notice of my intended departure. I will not write more just now.
I give up the steamer as soon as we reach Thayetmyo and I do not know what Dr. Williams intends doing with her. I shall telegraph to you for orders and be ready to go back, if you think it advisable, with my family.
The night we left Mandalay a large fire was burning there and the next morning heavy clouds of smoke, seen from a great distance, seemed to say that the work of destruction had commenced. I have not up to the present been able to write any official reports or letter but they will be sent in due course. We are very crowded on board and there is not any chance of getting a quiet moment for letter writing. I have left everything I possessed in Mandalay, with the exception of a few clothes and other articles which could be saved at a moment’s notice.
Thayetmyo, 10 a.m. 11th Aug.
We arrived here this morning. I have telegraphed to you for orders. This place is safe as regards the Myengoon Mentha, I think. He has written to you, I hear, and sent for the King’s two remaining steamers. The Myeengoon Prince will probably expect all who pass up to swear themselves as his subjects, but he is very well inclined towards Kullahs and has ordered that they or their boats and property passing up or down are not to be molested. I do not see what we can do beyond watching events. I am prepared to return, now that all the families are in safety and report all that occurs, besides keeping open communication with the frontier. If this is decided upon a steamer with a strong escort would be required, otherwise it may be the most prudent course to await events and see whether and in what way, the country becomes settled or still further disorganised.
I have given over the steamer to Williams and am not sure when he intends despatching her to Rangoon. Lonsdale has got a despatch boat and I am sure to send this off at once. Camaratta sent all his valuables on board but did not come himself. Major Halsted is left behind and two Americans, though I gave them timely notice of my intended departure. I will not write more just now.
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P.S. I forgot to say that on the day of the insurrection the rebel Menthas, after looting all the San-Nan-Daw and killing all whom they came across, followed the King to the city Palace, to which they have laid siege. They were in the outer enclosure and fired guns to break open the inner gate; they had possession of all the approaches to the Palace and only left after midnight, when driven out by the Prince’s troops.
Capt. Reilly came to me about 2 a.m. and said that the rebel Mentha had sent a man to say he intended coming on board, Capt. Reilly asked my advice. I said that, unless under compulsion or under immediate fear of his life, he would be wrong to take the Prince on board. The Prince, so far as I can learn, went on board with 200 or 300 armed men and resistance on Capt.Reilly’s part would have been altogether ineffectual. The Mentha then wrote to me from the steamer and ordered me to discharge the cargo from the “Nerbudda” and send her down to him.
Extracts from letters
From: Capt. E.B. Sladen, Rangoon
To: Capt. C. P. Hildebrand, Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, Brit. Burmah
Date: 22nd Aug. 1866.
I have the honour to report generally upon the late revolution at Mandalay. I propose to lay before The Chief Commissioner a detailed statement of the principal circumstances themselves and the various contingencies arising there from, the several causes which influenced my determination to leave the Capital and by undertaking a heavy responsibility myself afford the only means of protection then at hand to many whose lives at the time were felt to be more or less in very imminent danger.
At about noon on the 2nd inst. the Myeengyoon Mentha and his brother the Myeengyoondaing Mentha (both sons of the King) entered the summer Palace with about 30 well armed followers. Immediately on coming within the Palace enclosures swords were drawn and a rush made into the Hlot (High Court) in which the Woongyees and other high officials with the Crown Prince as President were holding council. The Myadoung and Laung Shoay Mengyees were immediately attacked and cut down; the Pakhan Mengyee escaped by climbing over a partition which led into the inner enclosure of the Palace. The Crown Prince escaped out of the Hlot and was making his way to the outer gate of the Palace when he was met by a party of the revolutionists, cut down and instantly killed. The orders given by the rebel Mentha at this time were that all Burmese who wore white turbans and were dressed in the long official white jacket were to be promiscuously attacked and murdered.
Capt. Reilly came to me about 2 a.m. and said that the rebel Mentha had sent a man to say he intended coming on board, Capt. Reilly asked my advice. I said that, unless under compulsion or under immediate fear of his life, he would be wrong to take the Prince on board. The Prince, so far as I can learn, went on board with 200 or 300 armed men and resistance on Capt.Reilly’s part would have been altogether ineffectual. The Mentha then wrote to me from the steamer and ordered me to discharge the cargo from the “Nerbudda” and send her down to him.
Extracts from letters
From: Capt. E.B. Sladen, Rangoon
To: Capt. C. P. Hildebrand, Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, Brit. Burmah
Date: 22nd Aug. 1866.
I have the honour to report generally upon the late revolution at Mandalay. I propose to lay before The Chief Commissioner a detailed statement of the principal circumstances themselves and the various contingencies arising there from, the several causes which influenced my determination to leave the Capital and by undertaking a heavy responsibility myself afford the only means of protection then at hand to many whose lives at the time were felt to be more or less in very imminent danger.
At about noon on the 2nd inst. the Myeengyoon Mentha and his brother the Myeengyoondaing Mentha (both sons of the King) entered the summer Palace with about 30 well armed followers. Immediately on coming within the Palace enclosures swords were drawn and a rush made into the Hlot (High Court) in which the Woongyees and other high officials with the Crown Prince as President were holding council. The Myadoung and Laung Shoay Mengyees were immediately attacked and cut down; the Pakhan Mengyee escaped by climbing over a partition which led into the inner enclosure of the Palace. The Crown Prince escaped out of the Hlot and was making his way to the outer gate of the Palace when he was met by a party of the revolutionists, cut down and instantly killed. The orders given by the rebel Mentha at this time were that all Burmese who wore white turbans and were dressed in the long official white jacket were to be promiscuously attacked and murdered.
The Insurrection of 1866 7/9
The slaughter in and about the Hlot was the work of a moment. So great was the panic and consternation occasioned by the bold and sudden ferocity of the attack that before any resistance could be made, or even the inner gates of the Palace closed, the rebel Princes and their party, joined by this time by those within the Palace who were in the plot, rushed into the inner enclosure of the Palace by the grand eastern entrance and in a few moments penetrated the Palace itself.
I happened to be on duty myself at the Palace and was talking to the King at the very time the rush was made into the Palace building. I was roused to a sense of some impending danger by hearing a sound as if of many men running in haste over the boarded floor of the Palace. At the same time one of the principal Queens (the Myauk Namadaw) ran towards the King from an inner apartment in violent haste ad cried out, in evident distress and excitement, to the King to get up and follow her as rebel Princes had entered the Palace. The King got up at once and disappeared inside; he is reported to have remained in the summer Palace only a very few minutes, when he left on foot with two or three of the principal Queens and only a few followers and proceeded direct to the larger Palace within the city walls. The rebel Princes had by this time obtained full possession of the Palace, which was more or less given up to plunder; but learning that the King had escaped they withdrew their men and went in pursuit to the city Palace, which they reached only a few minutes after the King had arrived there himself. Some of the King’s troops had now rallied about him, the gates of the large Palace were closed and an attack upon the Palace itself was commenced by the rebel party which lasted till after midnight.
I will now relate as briefly as I can some of my own experiences on this eventful day. When the King got up and left the apartment in which I had been conversing with him, I remained with only a few Burmese officials who had been present at the conference. Dr. Williams was also present and had been taken by me before the King to arrange matters of business, which will be reported in a separate communication. Our position was a very critical one, parties of rebels were penetrating different portions of the Palace and after the lapse of a few minutes a rush was made by rebels, carrying drawn swords, up a stair case and over a portion of the wall adjoining the apartment in which we were stationed. The King’s officials fled and climbed over a high wall or partition on the opposite side to that over which the rebels were effecting an entrance. I followed them accompanied by Dr. Williams and after climbing the partition and dropping down the other side of it we found ourselves in the Myanam, or large entrance hall and vestibule of the Palace running north and south along the whole front of the Palace and facing the large eastern gates. This place was filled with armed rebels who ran towards us sword in hand crying out; “Cut them down.” Most of the men carried a naked sword in each hand; many of them were stupefied and frenzied with drink and excitement; one of them who came up and held his sword over us in the act and attitude of
I happened to be on duty myself at the Palace and was talking to the King at the very time the rush was made into the Palace building. I was roused to a sense of some impending danger by hearing a sound as if of many men running in haste over the boarded floor of the Palace. At the same time one of the principal Queens (the Myauk Namadaw) ran towards the King from an inner apartment in violent haste ad cried out, in evident distress and excitement, to the King to get up and follow her as rebel Princes had entered the Palace. The King got up at once and disappeared inside; he is reported to have remained in the summer Palace only a very few minutes, when he left on foot with two or three of the principal Queens and only a few followers and proceeded direct to the larger Palace within the city walls. The rebel Princes had by this time obtained full possession of the Palace, which was more or less given up to plunder; but learning that the King had escaped they withdrew their men and went in pursuit to the city Palace, which they reached only a few minutes after the King had arrived there himself. Some of the King’s troops had now rallied about him, the gates of the large Palace were closed and an attack upon the Palace itself was commenced by the rebel party which lasted till after midnight.
I will now relate as briefly as I can some of my own experiences on this eventful day. When the King got up and left the apartment in which I had been conversing with him, I remained with only a few Burmese officials who had been present at the conference. Dr. Williams was also present and had been taken by me before the King to arrange matters of business, which will be reported in a separate communication. Our position was a very critical one, parties of rebels were penetrating different portions of the Palace and after the lapse of a few minutes a rush was made by rebels, carrying drawn swords, up a stair case and over a portion of the wall adjoining the apartment in which we were stationed. The King’s officials fled and climbed over a high wall or partition on the opposite side to that over which the rebels were effecting an entrance. I followed them accompanied by Dr. Williams and after climbing the partition and dropping down the other side of it we found ourselves in the Myanam, or large entrance hall and vestibule of the Palace running north and south along the whole front of the Palace and facing the large eastern gates. This place was filled with armed rebels who ran towards us sword in hand crying out; “Cut them down.” Most of the men carried a naked sword in each hand; many of them were stupefied and frenzied with drink and excitement; one of them who came up and held his sword over us in the act and attitude of
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delivering his stroke carried in his left hand the gory head of the Crown Prince, who had just been murdered.
Still we remained unharmed; an unaccountable power stay the hands of those who, having already tasted deeply of blood, may fairly be said in their mad excitement to have been far beyond the control of either reason or thought. The men near us danced about with threats, those at a distance brandished their swords in defiance and altogether the escape from immediate death seemed indefinitely remote.
We remained perfectly quiet and the cry of “Cut them down” was now changed to “Be quiet or die.” The man who carried the gory head was the chief of the party and was styled “Bo Min.” An order was given to fire upon a Burman outside who made an attempt to cross the open area in front of the Myanan in which we were. Muskets were levelled. At some personal risk to myself I got up from where I was and called the chief by his title: “Bo Min.” He was evidently pleased at hearing me recognise his assumed honours and answered me civilly. I said: “Do not fire, it will alarm those inside.” “Very well” he replied “but who are you?” “I am and Englishman, give me a sword or musket or something to fight and defend myself with.” “Are you” he asked “on the side of Koden Myat Payah (the excellent lord)?” “Certainly I am.” “That’s right, I am glad of it.”
It is needless to remark that during this conversation I was fully under the impression that the “Bo Min” and his party were fighting on the side of the King. We remained in this situation as close prisoners for nearly half an hour and could only move at the risk of our lives. At the end of this time a number of troops (said to be the Crown Prince’s men) effected an entrance into the Palace by the eastern gate and approached the Myanan in which we were prisoners under the rebel party. But my surprise was great when I saw that the Prince’s troops who had just entered and the rebel troops who were already in the Myanan, instead of opposing each other seemed to coalesce and arrive at an understanding to be mutually forebearing. One of the Prince’s officers recognised me and said we might leave the Palace as soon as we could. On descending from the Myanan we were joined by a Mr Calogreedy and a Mr Marcar Abraham, who had been prisoners in another portion of the palace and were now making their escape. Mr Calogreedy, at the first rush of the rebel party into the Palace, was standing near the inner gateway; he was rescued, whilst in the act of being cut down, by the rebel Myeengoon Mentha himself, who gave orders at the time that foreign residents were not to be injured.
On reaching the Hlot we discovered the dead body of the Crown Prince, lying on the road entirely uncared for and much mutilated by sword cuts. The head had been cut off and carried away. Just outside the outer Palace gates were the bodies of three of the King’s sons, including that of the Melloon Menths, the King’s eldest son, a Prince of much promise.
Still we remained unharmed; an unaccountable power stay the hands of those who, having already tasted deeply of blood, may fairly be said in their mad excitement to have been far beyond the control of either reason or thought. The men near us danced about with threats, those at a distance brandished their swords in defiance and altogether the escape from immediate death seemed indefinitely remote.
We remained perfectly quiet and the cry of “Cut them down” was now changed to “Be quiet or die.” The man who carried the gory head was the chief of the party and was styled “Bo Min.” An order was given to fire upon a Burman outside who made an attempt to cross the open area in front of the Myanan in which we were. Muskets were levelled. At some personal risk to myself I got up from where I was and called the chief by his title: “Bo Min.” He was evidently pleased at hearing me recognise his assumed honours and answered me civilly. I said: “Do not fire, it will alarm those inside.” “Very well” he replied “but who are you?” “I am and Englishman, give me a sword or musket or something to fight and defend myself with.” “Are you” he asked “on the side of Koden Myat Payah (the excellent lord)?” “Certainly I am.” “That’s right, I am glad of it.”
It is needless to remark that during this conversation I was fully under the impression that the “Bo Min” and his party were fighting on the side of the King. We remained in this situation as close prisoners for nearly half an hour and could only move at the risk of our lives. At the end of this time a number of troops (said to be the Crown Prince’s men) effected an entrance into the Palace by the eastern gate and approached the Myanan in which we were prisoners under the rebel party. But my surprise was great when I saw that the Prince’s troops who had just entered and the rebel troops who were already in the Myanan, instead of opposing each other seemed to coalesce and arrive at an understanding to be mutually forebearing. One of the Prince’s officers recognised me and said we might leave the Palace as soon as we could. On descending from the Myanan we were joined by a Mr Calogreedy and a Mr Marcar Abraham, who had been prisoners in another portion of the palace and were now making their escape. Mr Calogreedy, at the first rush of the rebel party into the Palace, was standing near the inner gateway; he was rescued, whilst in the act of being cut down, by the rebel Myeengoon Mentha himself, who gave orders at the time that foreign residents were not to be injured.
On reaching the Hlot we discovered the dead body of the Crown Prince, lying on the road entirely uncared for and much mutilated by sword cuts. The head had been cut off and carried away. Just outside the outer Palace gates were the bodies of three of the King’s sons, including that of the Melloon Menths, the King’s eldest son, a Prince of much promise.
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The scene of slaughter on all sides was a reality hardly to be realised at the time from the sudden and almost mysterious manner in which all had occurred. We left the Palace in the midst of armed troops whom it was difficult to recognise as being friend or foe, in fact the troops themselves at the time, in the confusion and uncertainty they were in as to the nature or results of the morning’s operations, hardly knew what they were to do, or whose cause was to be espoused.
Our ponies, which had been left outside the Palace gates on our arrival had been forcible seized and ridden off by some of the rebel party, so we were obliged to proceed on foot, mixed up with the rabble of troops above described. We were not molested in any way and reached our respective homes with safety.
The King was besieged in his city Palace by the rebel Princes’ party from midday on the 2nd August until about 3 a.m. on the morning of the 3rd when a strong detachment of the late Crown Prince’s troops succeeded in driving the rebels out of the Palace altogether.
The rebel Princes with about 200 followers proceeded to the river and took forcible possession of the King’s steamer “Yenan Sekia,” which was at the time moored to the bank. Capt. Reilly in command of the steamer hadbeen previously warned by a messenger sent by the Myeengon Mentha that the steamer was required, and that he was to be in readiness, under pain of immediate death, to receive the Prince and his followers and steam away with them from Mandalay. Capt. Reilly came to my house at about 2 a.m. to consult me as to what course he should pursue. I told him that his duty appeared to me to be to remain in command of his steamer and to take no part with the Prince, either in the shape of negotiation or co-operation unless under a state of compulsion which immediately threatened his life. Capt. Reilly returned to his steamer, which was afterwards taken possession of as above described.
Early in the morning of the 3rd instant a letter was brought to me by Capt. Bacon, commanding the steamer “Nerbudda” which he said had been given to him for delivery by Capt. Reilly. The letter bore my address in English, but is contents were in Burmese and conveyed a written order to me from the rebel Myeengoon Prince to unload the “Nerbudda” and send her down to him as soon as possible.
The Myeengoon Prince had proclaimed on board the steamer “Yaynan Sekia” previous to leaving Mandalay, that he was proceeding to Rangoon with the express purpose of handing over Upper Burmah to Col. Phayre as representing the British Government.
To be continued....
Our ponies, which had been left outside the Palace gates on our arrival had been forcible seized and ridden off by some of the rebel party, so we were obliged to proceed on foot, mixed up with the rabble of troops above described. We were not molested in any way and reached our respective homes with safety.
The King was besieged in his city Palace by the rebel Princes’ party from midday on the 2nd August until about 3 a.m. on the morning of the 3rd when a strong detachment of the late Crown Prince’s troops succeeded in driving the rebels out of the Palace altogether.
The rebel Princes with about 200 followers proceeded to the river and took forcible possession of the King’s steamer “Yenan Sekia,” which was at the time moored to the bank. Capt. Reilly in command of the steamer hadbeen previously warned by a messenger sent by the Myeengon Mentha that the steamer was required, and that he was to be in readiness, under pain of immediate death, to receive the Prince and his followers and steam away with them from Mandalay. Capt. Reilly came to my house at about 2 a.m. to consult me as to what course he should pursue. I told him that his duty appeared to me to be to remain in command of his steamer and to take no part with the Prince, either in the shape of negotiation or co-operation unless under a state of compulsion which immediately threatened his life. Capt. Reilly returned to his steamer, which was afterwards taken possession of as above described.
Early in the morning of the 3rd instant a letter was brought to me by Capt. Bacon, commanding the steamer “Nerbudda” which he said had been given to him for delivery by Capt. Reilly. The letter bore my address in English, but is contents were in Burmese and conveyed a written order to me from the rebel Myeengoon Prince to unload the “Nerbudda” and send her down to him as soon as possible.
The Myeengoon Prince had proclaimed on board the steamer “Yaynan Sekia” previous to leaving Mandalay, that he was proceeding to Rangoon with the express purpose of handing over Upper Burmah to Col. Phayre as representing the British Government.
To be continued....