find, surrounded by natives who have not the
slightest energy of mind or body, a people so active, so laborious, and
so enterprising as the Burmahs. The English seamen are particularly
partial to them, and declared they were "the best set of chaps they had
ever fallen in with." They admitted the Burmahs to their messes, and
were sworn friends. I forgot to say, that when the chiefs sent in their
submissions, at first, among other presents, they sent _slaves_, usually
females, which was rather awkward. But not wishing to affront them, I
begged that the slaves sent might be children, and not grown up, as we
had no accommodation for them. The consequence was, that I had quite a
young family when I left the river, which I distributed at Rangoon and
the presidencies on my return. For if they were only bond-slaves, which
I suppose they were, it was a kindness to have them educated and taken
care _of_. We lost one little fellow, that was a great favourite with
the men; he was about three years old, and could speak English. He had
been christened by the sailors Billy Bamboo, and was quite as amusing as
the monkey. The poor little fellow died very suddenly, and was much
regretted by all on board.

I certainly do think that we may eventually find the Burmahs to be the
most powerful enemy that we shall have to contend with in India; and, at
the same time, I cannot help giving my opinion as to the ridiculous fear
we entertain of the Russians ever interfering with us in that quarter.
That the extension of the Russian empire has been a favourite object
through many of her dynasties, is true: but it is so no longer: they
have discovered that already their empire is too extensive; and hardly a
year passes but they have outbreaks and insurrections to quell in
quarters so remote that they are scarcely heard of here. That Russia
might _possibly_ lead an army through our Indian possessions, I admit;
but that she never could hold them if she did do so, is equally certain;
the conquest would be useless to her, after having been obtained at an
enormous sacrifice. The fact is, the Russians (with the exception of
the Emperor Paul) never had any intention of the kind, and _never will
attempt it_: but they have discovered how very alive we are to the
possibility, and how very jealous and anxious we are on the subject, and
it is possible that they have made demonstrations in that direction to
alarm us; but I think myself, that the great o