A Sketch of Assam: With some account of the Hill Tribes — John Shaqi
A Sketch of Assam: With some account of the Hill TribesButler, John, Major
History
A Sketch of Assam: With some account of the Hill Tribes
Butler, John, Major
Assam (India) -- Description and travel; Assam (India) -- Social life and customs; Ethnology -- India -- Assam
In concluding these brief notes on Assam, justice, gratitude, and
esteem, require that the personage holding the exalted dignity of the
Governor-General's agent in Assam, Major Francis Jenkins, should be
presented to the notice of the reader. It is to him the English public
are largely indebted for forming the grand scheme of supplying his
native country with tea from Assam. It is to his able and persevering
exertions, during a ten years' sojourn, that the affairs of Assam,
both in a political and financial view, have been retrieved from
almost inextricable disorder. Before Major Jenkins arrived, very few
officers were allowed to conduct the political duties of the province;
and these gentlemen being, moreover, overwhelmed with other business,
improvements could not be contemplated: the current routine of fiscal
and criminal duties was all that two or three individuals could be
expected to superintend. This state of affairs was remedied by Major
Jenkins, who pointed out to Government the indisputable advantages that
would accrue from a more liberal policy being pursued in aiding him
with a greater number of European assistants. His representations were
acceded to; the revenue has consequently increased, and the people,
as far as their vices will permit, have thriven in peace, security, and
comfort. The British Government has relieved Assam from the barbarous
mutilations, cruel impalements, and other outrages against humanity
which its inhabitants were subject to under their ancient rulers; and
distress, anarchy, or discontent amongst our own subjects in Assam is
unknown. A few petty aggressions of savage hill tribes occasionally
occur, demanding constant vigilance and prompt suppression, but with
this exception, peace and plenty prevail throughout the valley; and
when the day arrives for Major Jenkins's departure from Assam to his
native land, that liberal, benevolent, and highly-gifted man will be
much regretted by his European assistants, and by the native population
of the province, all of whom look up to him as a protector and friend.
STATISTICS OF ASSAM.
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