Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 682: January 20, 1877.Various
Science
Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 682: January 20, 1877.
Various
Periodicals
The mission started from Bhamo early in February, and progressed as
far as the bases of the Kakhyen Hills without interruption. But here
indications appeared of dangers in advance. It was reported that the
savage Kakhyens were determined to oppose the mission. Mr Margary,
however, laid little stress on these rumours. Had he not passed safely
through the Kakhyen territory alone but a fortnight previously? Why
should there be any more danger now? He proposed, therefore, to Colonel
Browne that he should go on in advance, and prepare the way for the
mission's further progress. To this Colonel Browne consented; and Mr
Margary started, having as escort a few Burmese muleteers, in addition
to his private servants who had accompanied him from Shanghae.
Mr Margary reached Manwyne in safety, and sent back word to Colonel
Browne that all was so far secure, and that the mission might advance;
which it did as far as Seray, the first frontier town in Burmah. Here
it was observed that the Seray chief and all his soldiers were armed;
a suspicious circumstance. More reports of a threatening nature also
reached the mission. And no further news came from Mr Margary at
Manwyne. On the morning of the 22d the camp was attacked by a large
armed force, and it was with great difficulty that the mission managed
to make good its retreat back into Burmah. But for the fidelity of the
Burmese guard, who, besides resisting all attempts at bribery, fought
bravely in defence of the mission, it is probable that Colonel Browne
and his party would all have lost their lives. Just previously to the
attack upon the mission, letters reached Colonel Browne from Manwyne
announcing that Mr Margary had been treacherously and cruelly murdered;
news which filled the party with deep sorrow. During their brief
acquaintance with him, all had learned to esteem Mr Margary as an old
and dear friend.
The manner of Mr Margary's murder is not certainly known. There are
two reports of it: one that he was attacked while riding out to visit
a hot spring in the vicinity of Manwyne; and another that he was set
upon at a dinner, given professedly in his honour by one of the local
dignitaries. It may be expected that when the report of Mr Grosvenor's
recent inquiries into the circumstances of Mr Margary's murder is
published, it may throw light upon this point, as well as upon that
as to who must be charged with the crime, a question which, while we
write, remains also in doubt.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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