nour; and I have myself derived the greatest assistance from the zeal and exertions of the Modiliar of Batticolo, not only whilst in command of that district, but during the whole of my march to and from Candy.

I would take the liberty to recommend as the best line of policy, that our officers, whilst, having the fate of Constantine De Sáa and his army in their recollection, they guard against reposing too blind a confidence in the Modiliars, should carefully conceal from them the doubts which may be entertained of their fidelity, and treat them on all occasions with respect; these people being extremely sensible to slights, and particularly in the presence of their countrymen.

Coolies.

I think it right here to call the attention of the officer to the situation of a class of men, essential to all our military operations in India, without whose aid indeed we can

not make the smallest movement.' I mean the Coolies. Besides the humanity due to them as fellow creatures, policy requires that this class of men should be treated with attention and kindness. Hitherto I am sorry to say that they have met with too little consideration in all our military operations.

It will be proper, on the line of march, to allow time to the Coolies, who are not provided with Talipot leaves, and even to encourage them, to construct huts, or wigwams, with branches and leaves. By this means, their healths might be in a great measure preserved, and, what is of no less importance, they would be more reconciled to the service,

It is also essential that the commander of the troops should superintend the payment of the Coolies in person, or by an European officer; as, when the payment is left to their native chiefs, they are frequently defrauded, even to half the amount of their pay, and the odium thrown on the commanding officer.

In issuing or explaining orders either to the common Coolies, or their Chiefs, we cannot be too explicit. Many of the interpreters understand English but imperfectly; and when they do not comprehend the order, rather than confess their ignorance by asking for an explanation, they will interpret it according to their own notions of what is Instances of blunders daily occur from this source. Similar mistakes may also arise from Europeans over-rating their own knowledge of the native languages.

meant.

Attention and kindness to the natives, and the exercise of justice towards them, will secure their confidence and affection, which must prove of great advantage to the officers acting with them individually, and to the country at large.

Whilst we are lords of the coast, and every person bows to our will, these considerations are of the less importance. But if it should be our fate to contend for our Eastern possessions, against a powerful, active,

and intriguing European enemy, it is then we shall derive advantages from the confidence and attachment of the natives.

APPENDIX.

CORPORAL BARNSLEY'S DEPOSITION,

AS REFERRED TO, PAGE 32;

Made June 27, 1803, before Captain Madge and Captain Pierce, of the 19th Regiment, and Assistant Surgeon Gillespie, of the Malay Regiment.

"THAT on the 23d June, a little before day-light, the Candians commenced an attack on the hill guard in rear of the palace, on which was a 3-pounder, and took it. That soon after a strong body of the enemy, headed by a Malay chief, made a charge on the eastern barrier, to endeavour to take a gun which was there; they were opposed by Lieutenant Blakeney, at the head of a few men of the 19th, who himself fell in the conflict. That an incessant fire was kept up until two o'clock in the day, when, as the enemy was endeavouring to break in at. the rear of the palace, Major Davie hung