We who have signed below, Moung Tsaw, Kyah Yoe, Shoay Att Hpaw, these three having heard the statement of the American master, a rich man’s agent from a distant country who wishes to have and possess the Nyan Zone [sacred elephant] Toung Taloung, which we now own, from the estate of Htan Yoe Ban, who is dead. We having sworn him [the agent] before God, and under the holy tree on the hill, he promises he will take him [elephant] straight to his master, to love and protect him from all misery. If not, he knows he cannot escape the evil abode. We have got from American master 30,000 gold rupees [about $200,000] to repair our gods, images, and monasteries. We write and give this document under our own free will and to sign. MOUNG TSAW. KYAH YOE. SHOAY ATT HPAW. MOUNG H. PAY, _District Elder_. A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY. In the year 1245, month of Ta Sung Mong, fifth increase at Mandalay, I, Moung Thee, minister of royal elephants, hereby certify that the elephant named Toung Taloung is the species of white sacred elephant, and possesses the qualifications and attributes of such. By order of HPOUNGDAW GYEE HPAYAH, _King and Lord of all White Elephants, Moung Thee_. (Signed) W. MALLING, _Translator_.