An Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet - Prajna Quest

120 BOOTAN.burn, and the priming, in an open pan, take fire. In the managementof the sword and shield they are sufficiently dexterous, andundoubtedly most excellent archers.Tiiey have wall-pieces, to which indeed the calibre of some of theirmatchlocks is scarcely inferior; but they have no cannon. Otherinstruments of war were mentioned to me ; one in particular, withwliich they heave huge stones in the attack of strong castles ; and asort of arrow, loaded with combustible matter, for the purpose of settingfire to buildings ; but neither of these came under my observation.The Zempi, it was reported, on Monday the 30th of June, hadmoved to invest Punukka ; but the numerous reinforcements throwninto it, and the natural strength of its position, entirely removed allapprehension for its safety. The conjecture, that Wandipora* Zoompoonwas with the rebels, was verified to me by a Vakeel'', who wascoming to me from Raja Mocum Narrain*^, and fell in with them onthe road.They carried him with them, and detained him in the easternvillage. The Zoompoon arrived the day after they had taken theseposts ; but when they were preparing to abandon them, they left theunfortunate Vakeel, a woeful evidence of their profound respect forproperty, by stripping him to the skin ;yet he was heartily glad toescape with lifeon any terms.Various reports were spread of the destination of the rebels;among• The commandant or keeper of the castle of Wandipore.• Agent or ambassador.• The Raja of Bijnee, a district situated at the foot of the mountains to the southwardof Bootan.