Our readers generally are aware that Mr. B. has been designated to labor among the Singphos. They constitute one of the largest and most powerful tribes in Upper A'sám, extending far eastward toward China, and south-eastwardly along the Irawadi towards Burmah. By some they are said to be of the same race with the Kakhyens and Karens. (See pp. 270 and 298, last vol.) In proceeding from Sadiya to their villages, it was necessary to descend the Brahmaputra, two or three days, to the mouth of the Búri Dihing, which rises to the south-east of Sadiyá, among the Singpho hills. March 6, 1838. Having commended myself and family to the care of a kind Providence, I started, in company with C. A. Bruce, Esq., on a short tour into the Singpho country. My object will be, to make what observations I can upon the character, language, and condition of this numerous and long-neglected people. I take also the outlines of some elementary books which I have prepared, in order to satisfy myself more fully as to the language now actually spoken by them. The morning was rendered very unpleasant by tremendous showers of rain, that fell .without cessation. At seven o'clock we pushed from the shore, and soon reached Siquár, a. small village of A'samese and Khamtis, on the north bank of the river. My heart is oppressed with an almost insupportable burden, and my tears flow afresh, as I pass the lonely spot where my dear brother closed his earthly career. Why could not the dearest wish of his heart have been granted? How happy should we have been in commencing this tour together! But he is gone, and I am left to undertake alone, what we have so often unitedly contemplated. At three o'clock, P. M., passed the mouth of the Dibáng. A large island is at its mouth. Soon after, we passed the mouth of the Dihing. These rivers flow from the A'bor hills, which rise to a lofty height, and render the scenery truly interesting. Passed several rivers this afternoon; the most important of which are the Lali, and Gile, on mountains. At sunset, lay to at Hangthe north bank, flowing from the A'bor man's Point, so called from its being the spot where four Singphos were hanged a few years since. They were executed for the murder of a company of native merchants, who were proceeding to Calcutta with a large sum of money, elephant's teeth, &c. They stopped here for the night, and were treacherously murdered by these Singphos; who were afterwards executed upon the spot where their crime was committed. We have pitched our tent, taken our hastily prepared meal, and bowed around the throne of mercy, to seek Divine protection. A large fire blazes at the door of our tent, around which the shivering boatmen are gathered, to shield themselves from the chilling north-wester, that rages without. Enjoyed unusual satisfaction in commending myself and family to the care of God, and in begging his direction in these introductory efforts for the spiritual welfare of this perishing people. 7. During the night, experienced a most furious north-wester; was awaked by the tent ropes, sticks, and sand, fly ing into my face, and nearly suffocat- | in pieces, is wicked; that the contrary ing me. The tent went to the mercy of the winds, while the boatmen were laboring to keep the boats from being sunk by the violence of the waves. No material injury, however, was sustained. At eight started again, and soon reached the Buri Suti, a branch leading to several villages, and uniting again with the Brahmaputra. It affords a convenient passage for boats during the mighty swell of the river in the rains. It has been a pleasant day, and we are to-night moored near the Diburú mukh.* 8. Rose refreshed, and started at eight, with a fine sun. Passed several boats proceeding to Sadiya. Were obliged to lie to, at nine, P. M., on account of the high wind. At worship, sang the beautiful and affecting hymn, "Lovest thou me?" A fine, cloudless evening. Entrance of the Búri Dihing—Miris ; their religious faith. 9. Started early; soon met a dâk boat, which afforded an opportunity of sending letters back to Sadiyá. At eleven, entered the Búri Dihing. It is a fine stream for the navigation of small boats, and on either side, except where small patches have been cultivated, is covered with dense wood jungle. In the rains, large boats can ascend to a considerable distance. Soon came to a Cosari village, on the south bank of the river, extending a considerable distance. It is in agitation to make it the military head quarters of A'sám; if so, it will become a place of considerable importance. The chiefs showed us every attention. is right. I told them that their sacred books were not true; that another book was true, which told us that the hearts of all men are bad-that Jesus alone could save them-that he had given his own body to be cut, and bruised, and slain, to save them. I told them that we felt very sorry for them, because they could not read this good book; and that I had left my father and mother, and friends, and come over the great waters, to teach them and their children. They said it was very well, and that they were poor and ignorant because they had no books. They are a mild and inoffensive tribe. The only barrier to missionary operations among them, seems to be their love of a wandering life. Yet they might undoubtedly, under proper influence, be gathered into companies and instructed. 10. Arose early, and passed a long way up the river. The eye meets almost continually with small clearings, where the poppy is cultivated. The people sell much of their opium, but are realizing the sad effects of its free use among themselves. Stopped at night near a small Miri village, and gave the men orders to rest the following day, it being the Sabbath. 11. Sabbath. Was awakened by the matin song of the jungle birds. The sun had arisen in his strength and majesty, while scarce a cloud darkened the broad blue expanse over our heads. The boatmen appeared in their best, probably from respect to us. All was as quiet and peaceful as on any Sabbath at home. Lay to for the night at a Miri village. At half past 10, A. M., met for worThe people were very kind, and brought ship under the tent. Read "Paley on us a fine supply of wood. Several of the Sabbatical Institutions," also, on "Prayhead men visited us; and finding that er, in imitation of Christ." It was a they understood A'samese, I conversed happy, cheering thought, that we were with them upon religious subjects. worshipping with many Christians, in They told me that they had no priests this and our own country, and that our of their own, but listened to the A'sám- heavenly Father would bless us as reaese priests. They believed that there dily in this lonely jungle, as in the conis but one God, who made all things.gregation of the saints. The day has They said that when they go to hunt, been one of some enjoyment, though I or sow their seed, they pray to him, deeply feel the loss of Christian soand he gives them success; that if they ciety. do wickedly, they shall fall into hell, but if they do right they shall go to heaven. Upon my inquiring about their ideas of right and wrong, they said, that not to obey God, not to praise him to steal, and to cut one another * Mouth of the Diburú river. Cosaris-A'sámese and Dewanio villages. Cosaris came, bringing a present, to 12. Early this morning a party of make their salam, and see the white faces, which is to them no small novelty. They are the remnants of a once considerable tribe, once speaking a language distinct from the A'samese. This company had lost their native language, and could only speak A'sámese. They are a noble looking tribe, and make valuable servants. 13. The river is very circuitous. Came to Moduskol, an A'sámese village, on the north bank. 14. At 10 o'clock came to a small Miri village. At 12 arrived at Siyanga mukh, (mouth,) where is a small tea plantation. It is the first high spot of ground I have seen for days. Here is a fine situation for a small village. Near by is a Dewanio village. The loneliness that I have felt during the voyage, is now in part dissipated by the great number of people continually passing up and down, in the traffic of salt, procured at Jaipur. At 2 o'clock came to Pandiwara, an A'sámese village. Country around fertile and pleasant. At 4 reached Tinglai mukh. Tipling-Fakirs-Jaipur. versation with the head men of the village, was again told that the Singphos have no name for the Supreme Being; that they have no priests; that they burn buffaloes, hogs, &c., to nats; but that all understand the Khamti or Burman name for God. This place is by land only three days from Sadiyá, and a half day from Jaipur. Oh that the blessed gospel may be speedily introduced among this people! While I was reflecting upon their condition, and that I was the first person that had ever visited them, to tell them of Jesus, I felt an unusual strength of desire to make known to them something of the love breathed for thin the gospel. But, alas! I can as yet only stammer a few sentences to them. May God give his own truth success! At 12 o'clock reached Bagh Mora, a village recently settled on the east side of the river. Here are about fifteen persons called fakirs. They speak Singpho, Khamtí, and some A'samese. They say that after three days' journey 15. Met Mr. Bruce's return-boats, eastward, are large villages of their affording me an opportunity of sending own people. They exhibited much letters to Sadiya. The river now flows industry. At looms, quite superior to in a straiter channel, and the scenery any I have before seen in this country, is becoming more and more beautiful. the women were weaving a beautiful At 3 o'clock reached Tipling, a constriped cotton cloth, much resembling siderable village of Dewanios and Sing- gingham, while the men were cultiphos. A military force formerly occu-vating the fields, or cutting away the pied the ground. We found a comfort-jungle. I hardly know whether to class able retreat for the night in the bunga- them with the Singphos or Khamtis.* low left vacant by the commanding officer. This is a land of plenty ducks 1 anna, or about 3 cents each; hogs, goats, cows and buffaloes abound. Yet it is often a most difficult thing to induce the inhabitants to part with them for any price. Here I had an opportunity of testing the correctness of some of the words in my Singpho vocabulary. Found them more nearly correct than I had expected. If what I have seen of these villagers be a specimen of the Dewanios as a body, they are rather an interesting people. They will be of essential use to me in acquiring the Singpho, as they understand this and the A'samese, and are extensively scattered over the country, so that their services are at all times available. 16. Rose early and took a ramble about the village. It is quite large, although it has only been settled three years. They inform me the land is at times overflowed. Here is a fine place for a Singpho school. Building materials are plenty, except grass, which must be brought from Jaipur. In con At 2 o'clock came to another Dewa nio village. At 6 reached Jaipur. We were met by Capt. Hannay, who gave us a warm welcome. The place is yet new. The bank is high, and affords plenty of room for a large station. The new houses give it a pleasant aspect, and when the lines are built, it will appear well. Reasons for locating at Jaipur-Nágás. 17. Through Capt. Hannay's kindness have obtained a man to give me Singpho, as spoken on the Burman side. Find but little difference in this man's Singpho and what I have writ ten. Have had a long conversation with Capt. H. concerning the Singphos. He does not think them a promising They are now in an irritable state. people for missionary effort, at present. They do not look to us as superiors. They are very treacherous and revengeful. He thinks it safer stopping at this place than at Ningru, on that account. *Capt. Hannay says they are Shyans. He speaks of the Nágás. They regardly of the Nágás, on religious subjects. us as superior to themselves, and in- Yet they are an interesting people. cline to books. They almost univer- They have a name for the Deity, and a sally speak A'samese, so that, although hope of happiness, and fear of misery their language has many dialects, by after death. employing the A'samese, they can at once be learning divine truth. 18. Sabbath. By desire of the company, I conducted public worship. We sang and prayed, after which I addressed the little company from Col. 3: 4, with some satisfaction. 19. Spent part of the day in writing letters for Sadiyá, and the remainder in writing Singpho. Have the assistance of Capt. H.'s Singpho and an intelligent Khamti, who understands Singpho and A'samese. Hope to succeed in reducing the language to something of a system. 20. A cold day, with considerable rain. Towards evening heard that the Nága chief, sent for by Capt. Hannay, had arrived. He will stop with me a few days, and I must endeavor to prepare a Nágá spelling-book for the schools, which we hope ere long to establish. Feel happy and thankful that so good an opportunity is opened before me for acquiring the languages, and thus preparing to do good. 21. Received a visit from the Nágá chief. He brought a large train with him, of all ages. They appear to be an interesting people. I received from them a present of salt, manufactured from springs in their native hills. Very busy all day in studying Singpho and Nágá. 22. Received a visit from a large party of Nágás, among whom were three chiefs. They behaved with great civility, and were delighted with our watches and Mrs. H.'s piano. 25. Enjoyed much satisfaction in presenting to my little assembly to-day, the wisdom of choosing the service of God rather than the pleasures of the world. Have been here now nine days, and on the whole feel much inclined to the attempt of making this immediately a missionary station. 26. Received of Mr. Bruce a donation of 100 Rs. for the Nágá SpellingBook. At 10 o'clock left Jaipur, in company with Mr. Bruce, for Ningru. Capt. H. and lady exhibited the deepest interest in the establishment of a station here for religious instruction. All the friends here have manifested the kindness and affection of brethren and sisters. At 11, came to a small stream, on the south bank, leading to a village of the Namsáng Nágás, who are famous for the manufacture of salt. Much of the salt they manufacture is actually superior to specimens that I have seen from the salt springs of New-York. Here the river winds its way around the bases of several high hills, while the Nágá mountains rise in the rear, rendering the scenery quite interesting. The country is rich in coal, minerals, plants and gums, and the soil is excellent. At 12, came to an island that I called Weaver's Isle, from the tradition that, several years ago, a company of weavers settled here, and were changed into stone. Some pretend to point out the posts of the houses they inhabited. It is a beautiful and romantic spot. 23. With much difficulty succeed- 27. About 2, P. M. reached Iagando, ed in detaining the Nágá chiefs, until a Singpho village. It has twelve large 2, P. M., in giving me Nágá sentences. newly-built houses, and about thirty The language appears to be more full men. The head man, Iagando, is an and complete than the Singpho. Have interesting native, about twenty-five concluded to start on Monday for Nin-years of age. He manifested quite an gru, another important Singpho village, lying on this river, two days distant. 24. Feel quite indisposed this morning, from sitting up late last night. But by doing so, I hope that I have properly corrected the Nágá vocabulary. I often think of the laborious Whitfield, who exclaimed, as he was on his way to the field to preach his last sermon, worn down with fatigue, "Lord, I am weary in thy service, but not of thy service." Oh that I may so labor and so feel! It is most affecting to see the ignorance of this people, and especial interest, on his part, to learn our books, but could not be persuaded to send any lads from his village to Sadiyá for instruction. The scenery here is most beautiful. Before us rolls a noble river; a little farther on, rise the lofty Nágá hills; and still farther back, are seen three or four different ranges, stretching their rugged summits to the clouds. These Nágás are daily seen on the plains, exchanging their salt for rice, &c., as they do not cultivate the land, but live entirely upon the profits of their numerous salt springs. 26. Called Iagando to correct some sentences I have been preparing in Singpho. I find but little difficulty in acquiring the conversational part of the Singpho, but find it extremely difficult to express, in intelligible terms, the doctrines of the bible. Heard that a priest was residing in a village near, who could speak and write the Burman, Khamti, Singpho, and A'sámese. I went to his house, hoping that I should be able to get Singpho religious terms, through the A'samese. The images and heathenish representations about the house, forcibly reminded me of man's deep depravity and pitiable ignorance without the gospel. On entering, found a crowd of people sauntering about, and bowing now and then to the images. The image of Gaudama was conspicuous among the rest, and the priest told me he was the chief god. Finding that the priests did not understand A'samese, I read what few sentences of the Catechism I had prepared in Singpho, which I was happy to find they understood. The reading of it called forth many remarks and enquiries, some of which I was able to answer, and others I could not on account of my scanty knowledge of the language. He requested me to give him a little paper, which I did, receiving in return one of their large Khamti sacred books. After leaving this village, a half hour's walk brought us to the new station. The soil is excellent, and its situation for a settlement good, as the banks are thirty or forty feet from the water, and never overflowed. It commands a fine view of the Nágá mountains. Here are found several large piles of brick, the trees growing on the top of which show that they have lain here many years. They are large, of a superior quality, and must have been made by those who understood well the art. Singpho station, and one that has the most direct intercourse with the great Húkong valley, of any in this region. The chief of the village met us at the ghaut, and gave us an apparently warm reception. He is an elderly man, of a commanding and dignified appearance. The English are rather suspicious of his fidelity, especially as he carries on an intimate intercourse with the great Singpho nation eastward. While at his house, a company from Húkong entered. They had performed the journey on foot, in seven days, but with diligence it may be accomplished in six. Horses may be used a portion of the route. I found the man very indifferent about educating his sons, or the children of his village. In the evening, asked him the meaning of several Singpho words, and commenced reading my portion of the Singpho catechism. He listened a few moments, and pronounced it very good Singpho, but soon appeared very uneasy, and gruffly asked, "who had been teaching the Sahib Singpho, and why he had done so?" "Let it fall into the water and be destroyed," said he; and, rising abruptly, made his salam, and went to his house. No white person has ever before learned their language, and he was evidently disturbed that any one had been teaching me. Khakú Singphos-Their idolatry, and views of a future state. 30. In company with Mr. Bruce, left Ningru for Kajudu, a Singpho village, fifteen miles northward. Soon after starting, a violent rain commenced, attended with thunder and lightning. The road lay through the densest forest I have seen in India. The lofty machí rises often to the height of 80 and 100 cubits, perfectly straight, and destitute of branches to the very top. They are of a large circumference, and may well be termed the kings of the forest. After walking a long way, came to a road thrown up to the height of thirty feet. It runs due east and west, and connects the Diburú and Dibáng rivers. It is a work of immense labor, and is another proof that the country was once populated by a numerous and enterprising people. The road is now grown up with most beautiful bamboos. At 3, P. M. 29. This evening, left the new sta-reached Kujudu, wet and weary. The tion, and came to Ningru, a distance of only two miles. This is a large It is very strange that no knowledge or tradition of their history exists in the memory of the oldest persons in the vicinity. They did not know of their existence until the jungle was cut away from the place where they lie. Raised roads, running in every direction, and now overgrown with jungle, show that this was once a thickly populated country. Ningru-Route to Húkong valley in Burmah. sun shone out, and after changing our clothes and taking refreshment, found |