(M764) A number of letters concern the canals of the country. Thus we read:(819) “To Sin-iddinam say, thus saith Ḥammurabi: Summon the people who hold fields on the side of the Damanu canal, that they may scour the Damanu canal. Within this present month let them finish scouring the Damanu canal.” Here we are introduced to the duty which lay upon riparians to keep the canals running alongside their land in order. This was part of the _ilku_, or customary obligation. It lay with the governor to enforce it. In another letter(820) the king complains that a canal which had been partly cleared had not been cleared as far as Erech, and so the boats could not enter that city. Here Sin-iddinam was ordered to do the work with the men at his disposal and complete it in three days. After that he was to go on with the work he had already been ordered to do. In another fragmentary letter the king orders the clearing away of the water-plants which had obstructed the course of the Euphrates between Ur and Larsa. One is reminded of the _sudd_ on the Nile.(821) (M765) The case of bribery is referred to in a way that leaves it rather doubtful whether a theft may not be meant. The meaning of the word rendered “bribe” by King is unknown, and his identification of _tâtu_ with _da’tu_ is not certain. But at any rate the wrong was brought under the cognizance of Ḥammurabi, and he writes:(822) To Sin-iddinam say, thus saith Ḥammurabi: Shumma-ilu-lâ-ilu saith thus, so saith he, “In Dûr-gurgurri bribery has taken place. The people who took the bribe and the witnesses who know the affair are here.” Thus he saith. Now I will send this same Shumma-ilu-lâ-ilu, a _DU-GAB_ and a ... to thee. When this letter is seen inquire into the matter. If there is bribery, take the money, or what was given as a bribe, seal it up and send to my presence. The people that received the bribe, and the witnesses who know the case, whom Shumma-ilu-lâ-ilu will disclose, send to me. (M766) A case of oppression by a governor is complained of, and redressed by the king. He writes:(823) To Sin-iddinam say, thus saith Ḥammurabi: Lalu, the _kadurru_, hath informed me thus, saith he, “Ani-ellati, the governor _rabiânu_, has laid claim to [alienated] the field which I have held since ... and [taken] the corn of the field.” Thus he hath informed me. The tablet can be seen in the palace. Lalu holds two _GAN_ of land. Why has Ani-ellati, the governor, laid claim to Lalu’s field? Inquire into the matter. If Ani-ellati has lent on mortgage to Lalu, the _kadurru_, grant him his debt and lay the blame on Ani-ellati, who lent on pledge.