I i--ViX^
'"^■^^^^-.^'ff^"-^'
GIFT OF
HORACE W„ CARPENTER
HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF SIAM
AND
OF THE REVOLUTIONS THAT
HAVE CAUSED THE OVER-
J 3 ^ THROW OF THE EMPIRE,
^ UP TO A. D. 1770.
Compiled by M. Turpin from manuscripts
received from M. the Bishop of Tabraca
Vicar Apostolic of Siam and from other
Missionaries in the Kingdom.
Published Originally at
Paris A. D. 1771.
Translated from the original French by
B. 0. CARTWRIGHT, b.a.
EXHIBITIONER KING'S COLLEGE (CAMB).
Bangkok 1908.
Printed under the auspices of the
Committee of the Vajiranana
National Library.
BANGKOK:
Printed at the "American Presby. Mission Press."
1908.
OPY ADDED JJ^<^ I I
>RIG«NALT0BE T"^
[ETAINHO
41994
r\p.
^^mAUMA
CONTENTS.
Page.
Translator's Preface ... ... iv.
Chapter I.
The First Kings of Siam ... ... 1
Chapter II.
The Keign of Chao Narai ... ... 31
Chapter III.
The Kevolt of the Macassars ... 53
Chapter IV.
The Eevolution that brought about the
downfall of Faulcon and the French ... 65
Chapter V.
The Breach between the French and the
Usurper ... ... ... 89
Chapter VI.
The Persecution of the Christians after
the departure of Des Farges ... 99
Chapter VII.
Events leading up to the Revolution of
,-^1760 ... ... ... 109
Chapter VIII.
The Revolution of 1760 ... ... 115
Chapter IX.
The Revolution of 1767 ... 137
Chapter X.
The Misfortunes of the Europeans after
the Revolution ... ... 169
Chapter XI.
After the Revolution of 1767 ... 176
Chapter XII.
Advantages that might accrue from com-
mercial neighbouring relations with
Siam and the Kingdoms ... ... 185
Chapter XIII.
Tonkin ... ... ... 220
S15365)
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
Turpin's History of Siam, published at
Paris in the year 1771 consists of two volumes,
the first of which deals merely with the natural
History of Siam. —
The present book is a translation of the
second volume only, and is of considerable in-
terest owing to the fact that it is the only
extant European work dealing with the events
leading up to and succeeding the fall of the old
capital, Ayuthia. —
We have no accounts of the compiler M.
Turpin himself and therefore are unable to give
any account of his life or position.—
The present volume falls into the following
parts : —
a. A short resume of the early history of
Siam. Few names are given, and the accounts
are somewhat vague. Chapter 1.
h. An account of the reign of Phra Nara i
and his immediate successors Chapter 2-6.
This portion has been compiled from the earlier
accounts of Forbin and La Loubere ; but Tach-
ard's remarks are not treated as serious history.
c. A short chapter (Chapter 7) giving a
somewhat vague account of the period inter-
vening between the above and the next. —
d. The events leadinj^ up to the fall of
Ayuthia.
V.
A description of the Burmese attack on
the capital and of the early years of the reign
of Phya Tak (Chapter 8-11.) This forms the
part of greatest interest.
e. A description of the Kingdoms border-
ing on Siam (Chapter 1^-13).
Taken on the whole, the book gives a very
fair and impartial account, but as the bulk of
the information was derived from the Catholic
Missionaries, a somewhat biassed view is taken
of the religion of the countries treated of. —
The original has been carefully followed in
the translation ; here and there a few sentences
have been omitted for the reason that such sen-
tences are merely remarks of a moralizing
nature on the part of M. Turpin himself, and
have no connection whatever with the relation
of the historical events. —
B. 0. CARTWRIGHT.
Bangkok:
November, 1908.
History of Siam.
CHAFTZSR 1.
The First Kings ob^ Siam.
Eastern despotism, which casts a bli^^ht
on the soul and quenches public spirit, is the
primary cause of all revolutions by which the
people seek to ameliorate their condition by
the overthrow of their tyrants.
Every State in which there is One against
All, has a defective constitution, which causes
it to pass in succession from greatness to humi-
liation, from strength to weakness, and which,
in its suicidal policy, awaits but a foreign inva-
sion which will restore to the People, the
enjoyment of their Eights.
The unstable and tottering thrones of
Asia at last crumble away, and the ambitious,
arrogating to themselves the privileges of at-
tempting all things, are overwhelmed by their
fall, and, reduce the weak to violate everything
in their despair.
The right of the strong is that of a foot-
pad who plunders unarmed travellers, and who,
having enjoyed a period of immunity, dies
under the axe of the headsman. The Ruler
who has the greater share in the benefits of
the Law does not recognise his advantages,
and when unwilling to extend them prefers
to see himself surrounded by trembling slaves
2 ' llisiofy of Siam.
w}io;miiririur'i*n secret, and only await a leader to
become rebels. The crude legislation of" Siam
has been the cause of all the public ills of the
nation. It knows neither the extent of autho-
rity nor the limits of obedience. This nation,
indifferent regarding- the choice of its masters,
has received fetters from the hands of ambi-
tious men who spurned the nation while
coercing it. Invariably unfortunate, the people
have no hope save in a future revolution, which
will enslave them to a new tyrant insolently be-
decked with the imposing title of '^ Deliverer".
What can be the motive that prompts a
despot to retain the privilege of laying violent
hands on the liberty and welfare of his sub-
jects ? A despot who replaces natural rights
by arbitrary power ! He passes away like a
torrent which leaves but the remembrance of
its devastation behind it. The Kings of Siam,
invisible to their subjects made themselves
known merely by acts of authority. Thus
they could never instil those tender feelings
wiiich are inspired by the presence of a King
who is both Father and Citizen.
I will not attempt to lift the veil ^^•hich
conceals the beginnings of this Kingdom.
This people has never known the art of print-
ing which alone enshrines the virtues and
shortcomings of those who preside over the
public destinies. Their historical records are
founded only on vulgar fables, or on tradition
sanctioned by priestly imposture, which gives
credence rather to the marvellous than to the
simple truth. The Siamese were unknown to
us until the discovery of the Indies by the
Portuguese, and it is from that period that we
ought to reckon their history.
History of Siam. 3
Their first King, according to their vague
records began to reign in B.C. 1444. He had
forty successors up to the King who was reign-
ing in A.D., 1546. All these Kings were of
different families, who were in turn driven from
the throne which the}/' had seized, because,
having become despots, they were punished
for the abuse of their power.
The proud and jealous spirits of a limited
dependency ought, in the degradation to which
they have been reduced, to console themselves
with the hope that their degradation is but
transitory, and that their posterity shall be de-
livered from the chains which have weighed
them down. Rarely does tyranny transmit
the fruits of its crimes to its descendants.
History has not given us the name of the
King who reigned in 1550 ad., although the
chief events of his reign have been chronicled.
It was in this reii>n that the Kintj^dom of Siam
was laid waste by the incursions of several
neighbouring nations who carried fire and sword
throughout the towns and the country side.
Thirty thousand innocent victims were sacri-
liced to their ruthless vengeance, and this
swarm of warriors seemed to ])refer to lay
waste the crops and to destroy the towns
rather than to conquer and govern them.
The King of Siam, alarmed at their pro-
gress, arose at the murmurings of his people.
He raised a large army. All those capable of
bearing arms were summoned to the flag and
those who were so cowardly as to excuse them-
selves from fighting for their country, were
threatened with the punishment of being burnt
alive. Foreigners were bound by this law.
4 History of Siam.
At that time there were 130 Portuguese in the
Kingdom, of whom 120 were obliged to take
up arms. The King believed himself to be in-
vincible, when he saw this handful of Euro-
peans whom he regarded as so many heroes
at his disposal.
A powerful army of 400,000 men inclu-
ding 70,000 non Siamese took the field with
the King at the head. The army was further
reinforced on the way by 100,000 men and
4000 elephants. We must regard these num-
bers as a gross exaggeration. It is true that
the temperate nature of Eastern races renders
the question of the food-supply an easy matter
for the largest armies ; but how could so great
an army have been collected together in a
country which boasts but few inhabitants.
However we will set forth the facts as they
have been handed down to us, and we can only
question them by the light of their probability.
The army, under the command of four
leaders (of whom two were Turks and the
other two Portuguese) advanced to put a stop
to the devastation of the country side. As
soon as the armies confronted each other, the
enemy commenced a furious attack on the
Siamese rear, which would have been destroyed,
had not the Kino- altered Iiis tactics. The new
disposition of his forces gave liim the advan-
tage, and helped by the Portuguese who fought
side by side, he was enabled to rally his
troops. A general action was then commenced
in which his elephants and artillery scattered
death and destruction in the opposing ranks of
the enemy, who retired under the cover of
darkness leaving 130,000 dead on the battle
field This battle cost the Siamese 50,000 men,
History of Siam. 5
and flushed with victory, a force of 400,000
Siamese invaded the Kingdom of Quibem
which was governed by a Queen who had
favoured the enemy. The towns which they
conquered were looted and the inhabitants,
always the victims of the quarrels of rulers,
were put to the sword. The capital would
have suffered the same fate, had not the Queen,
putting aside her natural hauteur, submitted to
the conqueror and to the conditions of peace
which were imposed. This princess, cognizant
of her weakness, consented to pay an annual
tribute of 60,000 Portuguese ducats, and, her
nine year old son paid homage as a vassal to
the conqueror who carried him off to Siam to
grace his triumph.
The victorious monarch did not enjoy his
glory for long ; his days of prosperity were
changed to days of mourning. The Queen, in
his absence, had indulged in a criminal liaison
with palpable results. The fear of being
punished for her adultery led her to commit
another crime, and, to secure her position, she
administered poison to her husband in a cup of
milk. The King remained alive for five days,
during which time he engaged in affairs of
State.
Benefits were conferred upon the Portu-
guese allies ; their nation was declared exempt
from taxation of every description for a period
of three years, and their priests were permitted
to preach the gospel in every part of the King-
dom. His son was proclaimed King, and the
joy of seeing his successor in power rendered
him indifferent to the pangs of death. As soon
as the monarch was dead the chief officers of
State handed over the reins of government to
6 History of Siam.
the Queen of whose misdeeds they were un-
aware. Her liaisons which could no longer be
kept secret, revealed her unchastity, but hard-
ened to crime and with a conscience untouched
by remorse, she acted her part with perfect
calmness, and, to make matters worse, she
openly lived with her guilty paramour. After
this act which was the cause of a certain
amount of dissatisfaction, but did not create
any actual rebellion, she determined to elevate
her lover to the throne, and to dispose of the
young King by the same method employed in
the case of his father. The disaffection both of
the nobility and of the common people, checked
her in her career of crime, and the national
outcry was favourable to her designs. She
pretended to fear that attempts would be made
against her son's life, whereas in reality slie
was his sole enemy ; and, to frustrate such
attempts, she desired to have a body-guard to
protect his august head from the wicked plots
of which she said she had had information.
She was granted 12,000 foot soldiers and
500 mounted men for his safe keeping.
It was an innovation, that there should be
a permanent guard in a State which hitherto,
had called up soldiers only in time of external
danger, but, it is the means usually employed
in all ages to intimidate the lives and liberties
of citizens who support their oppressors. No
sooner had she found herself in power, but she
used it to wreak vengeance on all those who
had opposed her, or, who had grumbled at her
ill-regulated life. The most distinguished
citizens were the first victims. Two of the
leading nobles perished by torture on frivolous
charges. This Princess, headstrong in her
History of Siam. 7
lov^es and hatreds, imagined that the could re-
tain her position by force, but the shedding of
so much blood was a seed from which new
opposition to her tyrannical rule sprang up.
The confiscation of the property of those inno-
cent victims enabled her to maintain a certain
number of partisans, but those whose friendship
it was expedient to purchase gave their alle-
giance only on condition of being supplied
with whatever appealed to their greed. She
soon found out that instead of friends, she had
but traitors pledged to serve their own in-
terests. It was then that she ].laced her para-
mour on the throne and declared him to be her
consort, considering that a man, rather than a
woman who had given so many examples of the
frailty of her sex, would be more capable of
overawing the disaffected.
The young King, a mere puppet on the
throne, was deposed by his hard-hearted
mother, and the fatal draught which she per-
sonally administered to him anticipated the
vengeance which was about to overtake her ;
but she did not enjoy the fruits of her crime
for long. At the moment of self congratula-
tion on having acquired an ascendency over
her subjects, she found by experience that crime
engenders nothing but enmity.
The nobles, emboldened by their hatred,
and encouraged by the King of Carnbaye,
made a conspiracy to deliver the kingdom from
a creature who could not even satiate herself
with the blood of her victims. They invited
her and her consort to a feast at which both
were slain. The throne which they had dis-
graced was taken by a brother of the late king's
father, who, during these tumultuous times had
8 History of Siam.
passed his life in the seclusion of a monastery.
This new king, during his retirement, had be-
come morose and savage and he neglected the
importance of making himself beloved. His
barbarous policy had made him believe that
obedience depended on fear, and that punishment
was a better instrument of government than
clemency. The debauchery into which he
plunged could not soften his natural harshness^
and, from voluptuous surroundings, he dictated
bloodthirsty commands which filled the state
with trouble and discontent. His unfitness
aroused the ambition of a powerful neighbour.
The king of Burma saw that the conquest of the
kingdom would be no difficult matter. This
nation has had so great an influence on the
fortunes of Siam that it cannot be passed over
without a few remarks.
People are apt to confuse the kingdoms of
Pegu, Ava and of Burma because they are now
under the rule of the same king. This country
united and open has mountains on its frontiers
only. The air is pure and the soi] produces all
kinds of corn and fruits. The plains and forests
abound with game, elephants, buffaloes, goats
deer, and poultry is fine and plentiful. There are
mines of iron and lead, which metals are used as
a medium of barter, and it is this country that
produces the finest rubies and the best sapphires.
The diamonds which are very small are found
only in the crops of fowls and especially of
pheasants. The right of selling diamonds is a
monopoly of a single family, and it is a grave
offence to dig the ground in hopes of finding
them.
Burmese
1.
The natives of the country differ from the
aese their conquerors both in dress and in
History of Siam. 9
appearance. The Peguans although somewhat
stout, are well made and have regular features.
Their complexion is of an olive tint. They
wear no beard, but carefully pull it out as they
consider it to be troublesome growth. Their
teeth are naturally white, but they blacken
them so that they may have no resemblance to
those of a dog. The women who are lighter in
colour than the men, are small with plump
cheeks and well proportioned limbs. Generally
speaking, they are gentle in their way, but
very voluptuous. Lewd and licentious, they
have quite abandoned all sense of shame. When
they appear in public they wear a piece of white
cotton stuff draped round their heads which
bear no further ornamentation than their raven
tresses. The rest of the body is practically
naked, they wear but a piece of thin cloth at
the waist which allows that to be seen which
modesty prefers to hide. This scanty attire
was not introduced by reasons of sensuality ; it
is said that it was the work of a sagacious Queen
in order to attract the men who in their
transports of passion were addicted to unnatural
desires.
The dress of the Burmese is ditterent.
They wear a robe of transparent muslin through
which the skin tattoed with charcoal
dust, can be seen. This ornamentation which is
peculiar to them distinguishes them from the
Peguans. Their feasts are loathsome and dis-
gusting, as soon as the viands are produced
hunger is satisfied. They flavour everything
they eat with rotten fish which they use as a
substitute for oil or butter just as Europeans
use garlic, a plant whose odour is no less
unpleasant.
10 History of Siam:
Having no corn, they supply its lack by
cakes of rice. Their usual beverage is pure
water or a liquid of agreeable flavour whic]i
they extract from a certain species of tree.
Whoever takes a wife is obliged to purchase
her like other cattle, and if disgust foUow^s
possession, the husband has a means of disposing
of her. The woman has the same privilege, by the
repayment of her purchase price. The rights
of hospitality allow fathers to prostitute their
daughters to their guests, w^ho take a woman
on hire in the same way as they would a house.
The majority of persons whose business takes
them to Pegu contract temporary alliances of
this nature which have nothing of the stigma of
concubinage. The Law has provided for such
inconveniences as might arise. The King is the
heir of all his subjects, but when there are
children he has a third share only.
The purity of the air makes up for the lack
of medical skill. When anyone falls sick they
set a table on which a choice repast is spread,
to propitiate the demon, that they consider has
been the author of the illnesses that afflict man-
kind.
The ceremony is conducted by some ve-
nerable impostor to whom they give the title
of the father of the demon, and although the
state of the invalid ought to induce a feeling of
sympathy, the whole house resounds with music
and song in order to assuage the wrath of the
evil minded being.
Gold, silver, rubies and musk are the chief
articles of export, and, under the general term
^' rubies '' topazes, sapphires, amethysts and
other precious stones should be included.
Europeans give in exchange beaver-hats, and
History of Siam. 11
the j^old and silver brocaded ribbons with
which the nobles adorn their heads. All trade
is carried on by court officials who hold them-
selves responsible for payment and if they are
convicted of breach of trust, the creditor is
allowed by law to seize their wdves, children
and slaves and to expose them to the glare of
the sun at his door.
The Peguans, like all Indian peoples grant
the existence of a creator god, whom the people
have the exclusive privilege of worshipping.
There are lesser deities to whom the people
pray in time of need, and the Devil is one of
their chief objects of adoration. At early dawn
the people are to be seen carrying some rice
for his delectation in order that he may be
gracious to them during the day time ; others
throw titbits over their shoulders for him
during meal times. This puerile religion is based
upon ghost worship. They grant an eternal
succession of worlds each of w^hich has a
special deity as its ruler. The doctrine of
transmigration has many adherents who believe
that souls having passed through the bodies of
birds, beasts and fishes, are cast into a place of
punishment which they leave to enter a para-
dise of pleasure where everything awakes and
appeals to the senses, and finally that after
several transmigrations they will be united
with the Supreme Being of whose happiness
they will be partakers. They have great res-
pect for monkeys and envy the blessed fate of
those who are eaten by crocodiles.
On ceremonial occasions, the assembled
people hire women and hermaphrodites who
perform dances in honour of the gods of the
Earth. The dancers bestir themselves so vio-
12 History of Siam.
lently that they fall down in a swoon. It is
after this fit that they prophesy the future
which has been revealed to them by their gods.
The Priests vowed to celibacy, set a good
example of abstemiousness to the populace.
They eat but once a day and sobriety is their
most prominent virtue. When the soil of the
district to which they are assigned is insuffi-
cient to furnish to their needs, they send out
young novices in search of alms and the credu-
lous mob encourages idleness by liberal dona-
tions. The poorest citizens are always those
who waste their property in pious offerings.
Their morals are simple and it is by their stu-
died mortifications that they impose on the
populace whose ideal of the Sublime is the
Extraordinary and the Peculiar.
They live far from the haunts of men, in
the depths of forests in a sort of cage built in
the upper parts of trees, so as to escape the
dangers of wild beasts. The obscurity of their
lives increases the veneration of superstitious
folk who from the earliest times have believed
that the deity prefers the silence of the forests
or the fearsome solitude of a mountain peak.
There are certain days on which they exhort
the people to practise virtue. Simple as their
preaching is they never argue on knotty points
of doctrine. They believe that every leligion
is acceptable to God and that the observance of
the laws of nature will always be worthy of a
heavenly reward.
The nobility is noticeable in many ways.
Though being in great honour, it nevertheless
presents an example of the most abject servility
and trembles before a despot who can either
raise or degrade it. It consents to cringe in
History of Siam. 13
the most servile manner, but often it awakes
from its slumber and cuts off* the hand that
strikes it. A proud race is always ready to
take up arms for libertly and for the enjoy-
ment of its rights. Thus it is the noble or the
servile inclinations of his subjects, that a wise
King ought to study so that he can extend or
limit his authority.
The King never appears in public without
great pomp and ceremony. Everything inspires
a respect which would seem to exclude devo-
tion. Seated on a car drawn by 16 horses,
he never travels unless preceded by either the
army or a crowd of nobles. Four of his
favourites in gorgeous apparel are seated with
him in this car. His ordinary progress is more
magnificent than a Romam triumph. Although
the Law, or rather custom only grants him a
single wife, he has the right to keep 300 con-
cubines.
The arms used by the Peguans in warfare
consist of the lance, sword, and shield, their
firearms, finer than those of Europe yield no-
thing to them in point of excellence. Their
arsenals are equipped with many pieces of artil-
lery which are however of not much practical
use owing to the lack of skill on the part of
their gunners. Although they possess har-
bours and an abundance of good timber, they
do not build fleets as they have neither car-
penters nor experienced sailors. The forces of
the Kingdom are strong. The armies more
numerous than those of Darius, are usually
composed of from 100,000 to 1,500,000 men
who receive pay from the King.
In time of w^ar he supplies them with arms
and accoutrements and in time of peace, he
14 History of Siam.
grants lands and towns to the nobility for their
support. This number of troops is without doubt
an exaggeration, but it becomes more easy of
comprehension if the natural frugality of the
Peguans be taken into account. They require
but a littla salt and water to season the roots
and lierb3 which they find on the inarch. The
most loathsome creatures, cats, rats and the
humblest reptiles excite their appetite and their
fertile country furnishes them with an abund-
ant supply of all that m necessary to life.
This kingdom, founded by a fisherman
about 1,100 yeai's ago ^^as governed by here-
ditary Kings until 1589 a.J). About that period
it was conquc", ■ i by th*^ Burmese who prior to
this had been confine ' to a narrow strip of terri-
tory but they foundov^. an Empire extending some
800 miles from North to South and 250 miles
from East to West.
These people, though of a warlike disposi-
tion had been obliged to yield to the numerical
superiority of the Peguans. The Peguan con-
querors had exacted a toll of 80000 Burmese to
be employed on various works of public utility.
Such toilsome slavery provoked their proud
spirit, and unwilling to see themselves work-
ing in the mines, formed a genera] scheme for
tlieir deliverance.
The Monarch was accustomed to go in
company with all his train to visit the works,
and to reward industry and to punish idleness.
The Burmese captives took this opportunity
to compass his assassination, and, having rob-
bed the Queen and the concubines of their
valuables fled to their own land with a great
booty. The successor of the murdered Prince
was unable to avenge his death. The nobles
History of Siam, 15
fomented discords in the state from motives of
self-aggrandizement, and passed directly from
slavery to independence. They declared for the
rivals of their master by whom they had been
reduced to servitude.
Mandara, King of Burma took advantage
of their internal dissensions to attempt the
conquest of Pegu. He invaded the Kingdom
at the head of an army of 1,000,000 men and
5,000 elephants. His fleet was commanded by
Cayero, a daring Portuguese adventurer who
had 1,000 of his compatriots under him. The
Peguans were unable to oppose a barrier to
the swarms of the invaders.
Mandara, conqueror of Pegu then turned
his arms against the vassal states of the
Empire which he had just conquered. Marta-
ban, the capital of a Kingdom of the same
name was taken, but the brilliancy of the
action was tarnished by acts of cruelty.
Mandara had promised to spare the lives of the
King and his wife and children who were
ordered to spend the rest of their days in
exile ; but the savage conqueror was faithless
to his word. The captured Queen was conduct-
ed to his pavilion together with her two sons
and forty young girls who charmed all by their
beauty and still more so by their misfortunes.
Priests recited prayers to appease the wrath of
lieaven. The King her husband at last ap-
peared, mounted on an elephant and dressed
in })ack velvet. He had a rope round his neck
and seemed to be more concerned at the mis-
fortunes of his family than with his own.
The next day the Queen and her children
with the ladies of the court were led to a
mound in the midst of the soldiery who forget-
16 History of Siam.
ting their natural savagery, appeared to be
moved by pity.
The Princess and her children were suspend-
ed by the feet to gallows destined for criminals
of the deepest dye. The unfortunate King
was allowed to survive his family for a few
days to brood over the sadness of their fate.
He was afterwards hung in a similar fashion
and a stone being tied round his neck he was
cast into the sea together with fifty of his chief
officials who had committed no crime further
than their devotion to King and country.
This gross act of barbarity aroused the indign-
ation of all the Burmans, and a revolt was
imminent had it not been crushed by the diplo-
macy of the conqueror who held out the pros-
pect of unlimited plunder. The capital was
given over to pillage, a hundred million gold
pieces were taken from the public treasury and
distributed to the army. Everything that did
not excite the greed of the conquerors was
given over to the flames. Seventeen hundred
temples and 140,000 houses were destroyed
60,000 of the inhabitants perished by fire and
sword. The survivors of their country's down-
fall were condemned to drag out the rest of
their days in slavery. The neighbouring
Kings, jealous of Mandara's rapid success
leagued themselves together to check his vict-
orious progress. In great alarm he strength-
ened his out-posts and put himself at the head
of 900,000 men. The rapidity of his move-
ments anticipated the designs of his foes to
whom he gave no time to collect their scatter-
ed forces. He laid siege to Prome the capital
of a Kingdom of the same name which at that
time was governed by a Queen acting as regent
History of Siam. 17
for her son aged 13 years. A stubborn defence
was offered and the Princess's spirit so ani-
mated the courage of the troops, that the
efforts of the besieging force would have been
rendered futile, had it not been for traitors
who opened the gates. As soon as the Bur-
mans had proved victorious, the King ordered
that the bodies of 2,000 children who had been
killed in the general carnage should be dis-
membered and given to the elephants. The
Queen, in a state of nudity, was given over to
lust of the brutal soldiery, after which, execu-
tioners armed with whips, tore her in pieces.
When, amid fearful tortures, she had breathed
her last they tied her corpse to that of the
Kinof her son and cast them into the water.
It is said that Mandara indulged in this cruel
excess, because of his hatred towards, her
father the King of Ava, who had refused
her in marriage. Three hundred of the
chief officials of the State were impaled
and their corpses had no burial other than in
the water.
The King of Ava, learning of the tragic
end of his daughter, raised a large army, the
command of which he entrusted to his son^
who had no thoughts but those of vengeance
for the death of his beloved sister. Mandara
sent a force of 200,000 men to oppose his pro-
gress under the command of his foster-brother,
a leader of proved courage and ability. The
Burmans made a furious onslaught on the rear
guard of the foe. The battle was hard fought,
but the victory was gained by the Burmans
who lost 115,000 men, although the army of
the Prince of Ava numbered about 30,000 men
of whom at least [800 deserted to the conqueror.
18 History of Siam.
Mandara, who knew both how to conquer
and how to turn his victories to account,
sought enemies everywhere in order to increase
the number of his vassals. No sooner was he in-
formed of the troubled condition of Siam than
he made preparations to annex so rich a prey,
but before making a start, he wished to con-
sult with his subjects, not so much as for
taking their advice as for assuring himself of
their support. The scheme, which, if success-
ful would open a way to China, met with
universal approbation, Martaban was the rally-
ing point of his army v/hich consisted of
800,000 infantry 40,000 cavalry, 5,000 elep-
hants, and 1,000 pieces of artillery drawn by
buffaloes and rhinoceros. The commissariat
and the baggage was carried by oxen. This
brave, but undisciplined array was far more
suitable for a ma? auding expedition than for
one of conquest. A force of ten thousand
Europeans skilled in military tactics could have
easily dispersed this motley rabble, which had
to deal with a people quite as undisciplined,
and less brave than themselves.
The chief strength of the Burmans consis-
ted in a force of 2,000 brave Portuguese com-
manded by one Diego Suarez, who, by favour
of the King, had been raised to one of the
chief dignitaries of the State. We must re-
mark that in this century the Portuguese
scattered over the Indies sold their lives to the
service of any King who would pay them well
enough. These adventurous heroes decided the
issue of wars by their bravery, and the Monarch
who had the greatest number in his pay,
marched confidently to victory.
The first blow fell on the fortified post of
History of Siam, 19
Taparan whose garrison of 6,000 Siamese
were put to the sword. This slaughter was
insufficient to satisfy the fury of the pitiless
conqueror who was so cruel as to sacrifice
women and children to the memory of the
soldiers killed in the operations.
After this carnage, he determined to make
himself master of the capital, and without halt-
ing at unimportant places, which might have
weakened his army, he advanced directly on the
royal city, headed by a force of 60,000
pioneers who levelled the difficult tracks
through a country covered with forests.
The Siamese, having^ no sound knowledsre
of the methods of attack and defence, remained
apathetic whilst a numerous army surrounded
their ramparts. Terrified, and unskilled in
combat, they put their whole trust in their
lofty walls which they regarded as being im-
pregnable to attack. At last they were roused
from their lethargy by the sounds of an onset.
The love of life, rather than that of liberty
aroused their courage and they offered a stub-
born resistance to the foe who were repulsed
with great loss. The besieging force adopted
new tactics, which though deadly were not suc-
cessful, Suarez, seeing the repulse of the
soldiers and that the elephants were terrified by
the tire, thought is best to beat a retreat. But
the King inflexible in his resolution to capture
the city, ordered a fresh assault in the course of
which he displayed the greatest bravery, but
was wounded by an arrow which confined him
to his bed for the space of a week. His wound
relaxed the vigour of the siege operations.
During the time of inaction he caused wooden
towers 65 feet high, mounted on 25 iron wheels
20 History of Siam.
and filled with combustible materials to be built..
These engines, which demonstrated his skill in
mechanics were intended for use against the
ramparts. A dark and stormy night was chosen
for the attempt and the glare of the lightning
and the rumble of the thunder added to the
terror they were to inspire. It was in the
midst of this blinding storm that the towers
were run up to the walls.
The Siamese putting aside their wonted
timidity, sustained the attack with great bravery .
They set fire to the engines which became fatal
to their owners. So stout a resistance only
served to increase the courage of the Burmans,
but while the King was consulting with Suarez
on the best course that should be adopted, news
was brought that the Peguans had risen in re-
volt to gain the rights of their ancient inde-
pendence. He raised the siege and instead of
attempting the conquest of new territory, he
considered it more prudent to take measures
for the protection of his own Kingdom.
Having put down the rebellion, he made
fresh preparations against Siam, but was assas-
sinated by a gang of conspirators who could not
conceal the fact that they had had everything
to fear from his vengeance,
Chaumagrin, the foster brother of the
murdered King, and tojwhose instrumentality the
late victories were due, succeeded to the
throne. He adopted the warlike policy of his
predecessor without delay. This Burman would
have held a high position amongst heroes if he
had had chroniclers to immortalize his deeds
which, as it is, have only come down to us by
vague tradition. It is said that his mighty
army of 1,600,000 men overwhelmed the neigh-
History of Siam, 21
bouring Kingdoms that he extended his con-
quests to China and Tartary and that he was
-sovereign ruler of 24 Kingdoms.
The possession of a white elephant of which
the King of Siam was very fond was the pre-
text for a sanguinary war between the rival
monarchs. The King of Burma oifered large
sums of money for the animal which was con-
sidered to be remarkably intelligent ; but, on
being, refused resolved to capture it by force. In
reality the sight of two nations in mortal combat
for the possession of an elephant is no more to
be marvelled at, than the spectacle of' European
rulers causing the slaughter of thousands of
men for the possession of some useless fortress.
The Burmans invaded Siam with a large
force, and laid siege to the capital where they
expected to meet a long and stubborn resistance.
In order to spare the lives of his soldiers,
the leader bribed certain traitors who
rendered him master of a town by purchase
rather than by conquest. The King of Siam
became the vassal of Burma. The Queen and
her children were exiled to Pegu from which
event the rulers of Pegu have taken the title of
'' Prince of the white elephant " since one of
these creatures had been the occasion of a war
leading to such glorious results.
After the death of the conqueror his son
named Prunginiko succeeded to the throne.
His first act was to demand the tribute which
the King of Siam had agreed to pay. But the
latter said, that he acknowledged no master.
On this refusal, the Burmans sent a punitive
expedition, under the command of a subordin-
ate officer, to take vengeance on the faithless-
ness of his vassal.
22 History of Siam.
The Siamese Monarch, terrified by this in-
vasion, gave him to understand that if theiKing
had come in person, there would have been no
difficulty in rendering his dues, but that under
the circumstance he was unable to comply with-
out compromising his dignity in receiving
orders from a subordinate. The haughty Bur-
man replied that his vassal Kings as well as the
meanest slaves were expected to obey his be-
hests.
The Siamese army commanded by the son
of the King, (who was known as the Black
Prince to distinguish him from his brother)
took the field and gained a brilliant victory,
Prunginiko annoyed, rather than dispirited,
raised an army of 1,700,000 men vmder the
leadership of his eldest son, who self confident
in numerical superiority assumed the title of
King of Siam. The reports of his march caused
general consternation, but the Black Prince,
calm amid the stress, did not lose hope of disper-
sing them. His soldiers fired by his example,
were eager for the fray. A battle was fought
on which the fate of the Empire hung in the
balance. With equal ferocity, the two leaders
mounted on elephants sought each other out
and careless of danger, engaged in single com-
bat, appearing to fear death less than the
shame of being vanquished by a hated rival.
At last the Burmese Prince fell in the dust and
died with every symptom of rage and despair.
His soldiers, panic stricken, turned and fled and
and the Siamese harassed them in the rear for a
month as they pursued them like wild beasts^
and, slaughtered them without mercy. After a
glorious reign, the Black Prince who succeed-
ed his father left the Kingdom in a settled con-
History of Siam. 23
dition to his brother the White Prince who had
no skill in the art of government. This new
King, a prey to greed and suspicion, allowed
himself to be ruled by one of the chief nobles at
the Court who in order to render the King more
odious, encouraged his vices and follies. This
faithless favourite with a large retinue
of slaves including 280 Japanese, plot-
ted to gain possession of the throne. The King
enfeebled by debauchery was in danger of
death, but his son, the heir-apparent, was an
obstacle to the ambitious ideas of the favourite.
The King misled by the representations of his
favourite pronounced sentence of death on his
innocent son, but the successor to the throne
avenged the crime by the death of the favourite
to whom it was due. The blood of the guilty
was the cause of new troubles. The slaves of
the ambitious favourite and especially his Japan-
ese retainers took upon themselves to avenge
the death of their master. These bandits,
nurtured on crime and rebellion, obliged the
King to deliver over to them four of the chief
nobles whom they massacred without pity. Their
fury extended even to the King who was
obliged to sign in his own blood the conditions
which they had the audacity to impose. They
furthermore demanded that the chief priests
should be given up to them as hostages for the
promises they had extorted.
This first attempt was followed by the sack
of the town and after having despoiled the
citizens, they took their departure unmolested
with a great booty. The tyranny of the late
King had prepared the way for all these out-
rages. Whoever calls in foreign defensive as-
sistance is no more than an oppressor who has
24 History of Siam.
more trust in the mercenaries he pays, than in
the subjects he plunders, but he has the sad
experience that his paid defenders often turn
out to be only traitors. All countries in whose
armies foreigners have predominated have
onl}^ had transitory periods of prosperity, for
the reason that those who have brought about
their success, have also been the cause of their
downfall.
The neighbouring tribes wishing to profit
by the troubles in the Kingdom, made an in-
vasion. Their army came within three day's
march of the capital, but peace had then been
restored as the Japanese had taken their
departure. The King of Siam collected his
troops, and struck such terror into them that
they retreated precipitately without risking the
issue of a battle.
This Prince, with the assistance of the
Portuguese, recaptured several provinces which
had previously been seized by the Kings of Ava
and Pegu, and, full of gratitude towards his
brave auxiliaries, he offered the Port of Marta-
ban to the King of Portugal as a base for his
fleet. The ambassadors who made this offer
to the V^iceroy of Goa returned loaded with gifts.
They were accompanied by a Dominican friar
to whom the negociation was entrusted They
were received with every mark of distinction
and'concluded a treat}^ the terms of which were
extremely advantageous to the Portuguese.
This first success was the cause of a new em-
bassy in 1621 which assisted the progress of the
Faith. Some Franciscans were demanded by
the King to preach the Gospel in his realm.
He built them a church at his own expense and
wished to make them wealthy, to which latter
History of Siam. 25
proposal they turned a deaf ear. Their disin-
terested motives of which the country furnish-
ed so few examples, increased the admiration
which their other virtues had evoked.
This Prince was a curious mixture of
strength and weakness, of vice and of virtue.
Brave to the point of foolhardiness, he was
cruel and savage, and the cowardly and timorous
side of his character sacrificed both innocent
and guilty to his suspicions. An absolute des-
pot, he was not over-scrupulous in financial
transactions. He was tyrannical, but not
miserly. Having a strict eye for justice he
cast robbers and dacoits to crocodiles and
to tigers and even found a savage pleasure in
attending such functions. Ingenious in his
methods of reprisal, he imprisoned a vassal
King, who had made a rebellion, in a cage and
gave him no other food than the flesh which he
caused him to tear from his own body. He
took dehght in the torture of his subjects ; he
himself cut off the legs of seven of the Court
ladies as a punishment for walking too quickly;
and performed the same operation on three
others who had been too slow to obey his orders.
Thus it was an equally heinous offence to walk
either to too fast or too slowly. His brutality
was extended even to birds and animals. He
caused the head of a horse to be struck off be-
cause the animal had been disobedient, and the
same fate overtook a tiger which had spared
the life of a criminal that it ought to have
devoured.
This crowned monster of iniquity, died in
his bed with all the complacency of a benevo-
lent monarch. Perhaps the horror inspired by
his crimes was modified by his brilliant talent s
26 History oj Siam.
and the other virtues he possessed. Faithful
to his promises and lavish of rewards for ser-
vices rendered, Hberal and magnificent, he had
many supporters who having become his
accomplices guaranteed his immunity from
revenge for his crimes.
He entrusted a large sum of money to a
Portuguese to purchase certain articles from
Malacca. This madman gambled away the
money and then had the hardihood 1o return
to Siam where he expected to meet with severe
punishment. The King welcomed him gracious-
ly and said. '' I think more highly of your
confidence in my mercy than of all the rare
articles that you ought to have brought me."
Like all tyrants, this prince had a favourite
who introduced five or six hundred Japanese,
disguised as merchants, into the Kingdom
as tools for his own agijrandisement. As
soon as the King had closed his eyes ; he
made use of them to ensure possession
of the crown. But the son of the late King
rallied his forces and snatched the sceptre from
the hand of the usurper. He was more fortu-
nate in recovering it than in retaining it as he
was shortly afterw^ards assassinated.
He left the throne to his younger brother
who conceived a violent dislike to the Japanese
as he considered them a dangerous gang,
watching for an opportunity to take bis life.
Many of these Japanese were killed and the rest
were compelled to leave the country. Peace
having been restored, it w^as imperilled by the
murder of the King's brother who had been
suspected of aspirations to supreme power. A
prince of the blood taking advantage of the
feeling inspired by this crime, proclaimed him-
History of Siam. 27
self King. This new usurper, under pretence
of safeguarding the interests of the state
maintained an armed force in time of peace, and
this force was more vexatious to the citizens, than
it was dangerous to foreign foes. However by
keeping up a standing army he was able to dis-
pose of the partisans of the legitimate heir to
the throne. The Dutch to whom he gave trad-
ing facilities were his most zealous upholders.
It has been presumed that this usurper
was the celebrated Ghao Fasa Thong whom
some maintain was of royal birth, but to whom
others assign a lowly origin. For a long time
he had held the office of Chacri or Chancellor
during the tenure of which he deceived his
master, oppressed the people, and made use of
his ill gotten gains to consolidate his position.
His wealth was lavished on his fellow conspira-
tors. As soon as he was on the throne, he de-
sired to marry the daughter of his predecessor,
but the princess unwilling to bedeck herself
with the spoils of his brothers who were the
proper heirs to the throne, looked upon this
criminal union with disgust. The tyr-dut en-
raged at their love for their sister ordered them
to execution.
Having disposed of his rivals, he showed
all the ferocity of his nature. The death of
his daughter furnished an excuse for his harsh
policy of removing all those who might have
checked him in the path of crime. Having
celebrated her funeral rites with the utmost
pomp; he himself gathered up her ashes, and on
seeing a morsel of flesh uneonsumed by the tire,
made up his mind that his daughter had been
poisoned. Mad in his suspicions, he had all
the women who had been in attendance on the
28 History of Siam,
poisoned Princess, put under guard, and tried to
extort by torture an avowal from them of an
imaginary crime. The whole court was a scene
of punishments. Even so large a number of
victims could not appear the cruelty of the
tyrant. All the nobles of the Kingdom were
summoned before him, and he caused trenches
to be dug and filled wnth glowing charcoal so
as to put them to the ordeal by fire. They be-
gan by scraping the soles of their feet with a
sharp piece of iron and then made them pass
over the burning matter. Those whose feet
were injured by the fire were held to be guilty.
This tyrant, a cunning inventor of punish-
ments, devised new methods. Some victims were
crushed under the feet of elephants, others,
buried up to the shoulders, begged for death
which alone could terminate their suflferings.
It was a heinous offence to give them the least
assistance or to hasten their death. He em-
ploj^ed fearsome tortures. The bodies of victims
were squeezed so tightly by cloths that the
<jloth appeared to be part and parcel of the body
of the sufferer. Some were pierced with needles
of various shapes and then were cut in half,
the upper portion being placed on a copper plate
so as to stop the bleeding and to prolong
the agony.
Three thousand persons were sacrified to
the barbarity of the tyrant, who under the
pretext of avenging the death of his daughter,
found a means of removing the enemies of his
usurped power.
There still remained other important vic-
iiims namely the two sons and the daughter of
the late King As he could only revile them
for their misfortune and degradation, he
History of Siam, 29
brought a false charge against the eldest
daughter whom he accused of having given an
exhibition of unholy glee at the cremation of
the Princess. She was condemned to the or-
deal by fire together with all the ladies of her
suite and the pain extorted from her the avowal
of a crime of which she was innocent. The
executioner at once received the order to cut oflT
a piece of her flesh and to make her eat it.
When she was offered this disgusting repast,
she cried out. '' Vile tyrant ! you can rend my
body, but remember that my spirit is not
under your command. You will observe that
the fixity of my purpose renders me superior ta
your tortures. Learn also that your crimes will
not go unpunished and that my blood shall be a
seed from which shall arise the avengers of my
family and country."
At this, the tyrant highly enraged, order-
ed her to be cut in pieces and to be cast into
the river. The brother of the Princess who at
that time was twenty years of age met with th&
same fate. He had previously pretended to be
insane but as soon as he was mounted on the
scaffold, he made it known that it was the love
of life that had caused him to act in a coward-
ly manner. The beauty of his countenace
which his sad postion rendered more touching,^
caused tears to come into the eyes of the most
hardened. When he saw the executioner ap-
proaching, he cursed the author of his misfor-
tune *' Although innocent," he said, " I am
about to suffer the death of the guilty. The
tyrant wishes that I should die, and I shall not
demean myself to beg his clemency, a virtue
of which he is quite ignorant. I prefer to arouse
the feelings of the people and to encourage
30 History of Siam.
them to thoughts of vengeance." This usurper,
who was notorious only for his cruelties, died
after a reign of 30 years. He left a son whom
the devotion of the people called to the throne,
but he was supplanted by his uncle who based
his claim to the throne on the custom which
placed the crown on the head of the late King
to the exclusion of his children.
The young Prince cleverly dissembled his
resentment and waited for a favourable oppor-
tunity to show it. His uncle, a man of un-
bridled passions, wished to take his sister as a
concubine. The opposition which her brother
made to the match caused his uncle to resolv^e
in his death, which he only escaped by flight.
The Portugese sympathised with him and in
hopes of his protection offered him their help
to reclaim his brother's heritage. This prince,
supported by 1000 of these brave Europeans
forced his way into the palace, of which he
made himself master before any one suspected
his designs. The usurper hoping to flee in dis-
guise mixed with a crowd of slaves, but a
Portuguese seeing him escape, seized him and
stabbed him to the heart with a dagger. The
Prince punished only those who had been con-
cerned in the tyrant's misdemeanours and his
liberal policy secured him many adherents.
CHAPTISR XI.
The Reign of Chao Narai.
The death of the usurper opened the way to
his riephew^s possession of the throne. It was
in this reign that the barriers whicli han divided
Europe from the Kingdom of Siam were broken
dow^n. The welcome that Chao Narai extended
to foreigners, (Jrew them from all parts of the
world in the hopes of gaining wealth which in
reality did not exist or which at least had been
much exaggerated by the reports of untrust-
worthj^ travellers. This Prince, endowed by
nature with all the qualifications necessary for
kingship would have been the creator of this
nation, had not the intractable nature of his
subjects been opposed to all the good he wished
to do for them. They however invariably pre-
ferred the old customs to useful innovations.
Abuses founded on prejudice and custom are
rarely capable of being reformed. Chao,
desirous of glory, and carried away by his
energetic nature did not, like other Kings of the
Indies, seclude himself in the gloom of a harem,
there to grow weak in debauch and to forget
his duties. His throne shaken by the turbulence
of the nobles needed a firm hand to keep it
secure. His first victories were those over his
subjects, and all premonitory symptoms of in-
ternal dissensions were promptly repressed by
the death ol* the rebels. Though naturally of
a kindly disposition yet severe in his methods
of government, he clearly understood that it
was always necessary to be ready for all
32 History of Siam.
emergencies when dealing with a people who
were ready to renounce their allegiance if not
intimidated by fear. A chief priest, proud of
his authority took upon himself} the onus of
reading him a lecture. He dared to tell the
King that the whole nation was grumbling in
secret at his great severity. The Prince listen-
ed to what he had to say without appearing to
be annoyed by his indiscretion. Some days
later in order to make him see the folly of his
remarks, the King sent a monkey ( an animal
which is intensely disliked bj^ the Siamese ) to
the priest and told him to take' great care of it
and to let it play about without hindrance.
The Priest suffered great inconvenience
from his guest who upset all the furniture,
broke the crockery and bit all the servants.
At last, exasperated by the animal's tricks he
implored the King to relieve him of its presence.
" Well " said the Prince, " Can you not put up
with the petty annoyances of an animal for
two days ; and yet you wish that I should en-
dure, for the rest of my life, the insults of a
people one thousand times worse mannered
than all the monkeys in the forests ! Learn
then, that even if I punish wickeness still more
will I reward virtue and merit." Having
crushed the rebellion, he put himself at the
head of his army and his first expedition was
crowned by a brilliant victory. The Peguans
had invaded the outlying portion of the King-
dom and had committed great havoc. These
people, so often the conquerors of Siam, found
by bitter experience that they could not always
be invincible, and after sustaining a disastrous
defeat hurriedy retreated with their shattered
forces to their own territories.
History of Siam. 38
Whilst thus engaged in the repulse of foreign
foes, storms were brewing in the heart of his
Kinw]ooi. This Prince, too enhcrhtened to
give himself up to superstitious idolatry, soared
above popular prejudice. The priests feared
that they would fall in pubhc estimation
and that the people, following the example of so
popular a ruler, would forsake the altars of their
gods. They thought that they might prevent
their loss of p rjstige by the murder of the King.
The zeal for the interests of heaven urged them
to the crime of attempting his life and misled by
sanctimonious piety they chose for their fell
deed, a feast day on which the King entered the
temple, more as a censor, than a partaker in their
vulgar rites. The success of this sacrilegious
plot seemed assured, owing to the fact that the
royal body-guard was not allow^ed to enter the
temple precincts. A fortunate chance averted
ihe danger, Twx) officials, sent to examine the
preparations for the ceremony, perceived that
the temple w^as filled with a mob of priests, all
of whom w^ere armed wutli sw^ords and daggers
concealed under their robes. These w^arlike
preparations w^ere considered suspicious. On
hearing the news, the King surrounded the
temple with soldiers w^ho cut down the guilty
priests without mercy. This just punishment
was regarded as an act of sacrilege by the
populace wdio are apt to confound the cause of
Ood with the crimes of His ministers. The
priests, to whose interest it was to decry him,
proclaimed him to be a bloodstained Ruler w^ho
cared naught for God and man. Such was cause
of the hatred that this King felt for the priests.
It was under these favourable circumstm-
ces that three French bishops came to Siam to
34 History of Siam,
plant the standard of their faith. Their en-
lightened character contrasted strongly with
that of the idolatrous priests, sunk in the
depths of ignorance and in the mire of
debauchery.
In order to slight the priests, the King
made as though to favour Christianity. The
prelates established a Seminary on a piece of
land given to them by the King. The aim of
this institution was to educate the young, and
to enable them to learn the languages of their
neic;:hbours all of vrhorn had establishments in
the capital known as ' camps,' that of the
French being known as the camp of St. Joseph.
The King built them a church at his own
expense. This generosity seemed to indicate
his leanings towards Christianity, but in reality
he was indifferent to all religions and above all
took delight in showing his contempt for the
idolatrous priests whom he loved to humiliate.
The Mahomedans shared his favours with the
Christains and if he had been obliged to make
choice of a religion, it is most probable that he
would have declared for the Koran. A Prince
surrounded by concubines would naturally vote
for a religion which authorises his predilec-
tions. The logic of the Court furnished over-
whelming arguments which silenced the voice
of reason. The executive was entrusted to a
foreigner, who, brought up in the bosom of
Christianity, favoured its progress. This man
was equally celebrated for his rise and fall ; he
has played too important a part on the world's
stage for us to omit a sketch of him.
Constantine Faulcon, a Greek by national-
ity, was born in 1650 in the island of Cephalonia.
Father Tachard assures us that his father was
History of Siam. 35
a noble Venetian who was the governor of the
island, and that his mother was a daughter of
one of the leading families. This Jesuit, whose
works must be read with a great deal of dis-
trust, created titles to do honour to those of his
friends and protectors to whom good birth had
been denied.
The name of Faulcon does not occur among
those of the noble families of Venice, and Forbin,
better informed and less of a flatterer, says that
he was the son of an innkeeper in a small
village known as La Custode in the island of
Cephalonia, at which place Faulcon received
an education commensurate with his abilities.
Nature revenged herself on the caprice of For-
tune and his high spirit was evident as he grew
up, and his pride could not stand a locality where
everything recalled his lowly origin.
At the age of twelve he took ship for
England and did not delay in making hiinself
known for his commercial abilities. His lively
imagination knew how to place everything in a
favourable light. His ready speech and in-
teresting conversation bore witness to his birth
in that happy land which in former tinies pro-
duced the teachers of the nations. He was
sought after by the greatest people at Court,
and his intelligence fertile, though uncultivated
gave him ready access to the most refined
courtiers and the wisest of the learned. Mr.
White, a rich English merchant recognised his
talents, and seeing the advantage that might
accrue from his society, took him on a voyage
to the Indies where his skill justified his pre-
conceived ideas.
Having passed through his English service,
he found himself possessed of sufficient means
36 History of Siam.
to be indeDendent, and started trading for
himself. His efforts were not crowned with
euccess. Twice he embarked, and twice was
bis ship wrecked near the mouth of the Menam.
These mishaps did not damp his commercial
ardour. He embarked on a third venture, but
was again wrecked on the coast of Malabar.
He was barely able to save himself from the
fury of the elements and managed to recover
but 2000 crowns, as the sole relics of his for-
tune.
Overcome by exhaustion, he fell asleep on
the lonely and unknown shore. His disordered
imagination gave him a vision of a beautiful
and majestic female who, casting tender
glances at him, told him to return to Siam where
he would meet with better fortune. This dream
which he afterwards regarded as a sign from
heaven led him to seek means to carry out tlie
project. Thus, smarting from his recent mis-
fortunes, it was from a idle dream, that this
man whose talents have been so belauded, took
his directions which indeed led him to power.
Many unfortunate persons have been led to
their doom by following such untrustworthy
guides.
Next day, as he was walking along the
shore regarding the devouring element that
had swallowed up his fortune, he was met by a
man in a most wretched plight. It w^as a
Siamese ambassador, who, returning from
Persia, had been shipwrecked on the same coast.
This personage, having lost all his property
thought that he had only been saved from the
waves to die on the shore. He was agreeably
surprised to meet a sympathetic fellow creature
in a similar situation. The account of each
History of Siam, 37
other's mishaps cemented a friendship such as
is rarely known between those on whom fortune
is wont to smile. Faulcon, wealthy com-
pared w^ith his destitute friend, used his remain-
ing w^ealth to purchase food, clothing and a
boat in which they sailed to Siam together,
Faulcon found a home in the seminary where
he lived on the bounty of the archbishop of
Beryta.
The ambassador touched by Faulcon's
kindness sang his praises to the Barcalon who
desired to see his benefactor. Faulcon
captivated the minister by the brilliancy of his
talents. The trust he inspired rendered him a
necessity to the Barcalon who, a foe to hard
work, preferred pleasure to business. He found
the burden of the administration could well be
borne by a subordinate whose well-directed
operations redounded both to the credit of the
Monarch and of himself. Faulcon was chosen
to accompany an embassy to a neighbouring
kingdom where he kept up appearances with-
out causing unnecessary expense. The Mores
insatiable in their avarice wasted the public
money as they were in charge of the state's fin-
ances. Faulcon repressed their greed. This
parsimony rendered him dear to the King, who,
after the death of the chief minister appointed
him as his successor, but the Greek was wise
enough to refuse the position as he saw that, he
a foreigner, would incur the hatred of the Nobles
who invariably aspired to offices without en-
deavouring to render themselves worthy of their
trust. But if he had no shoAv of power, he
had all the reality. He was careful to hide
behind the machine of which he pulled the
strings, and, minister without the title and
38 History of Siam.
decorations, he presided as an invisible yet
guiding spirit over public affairs.
A Malay who had received the appointment
of Barcalon endeavoured to undermine his
influence, but the falsity of his charges having
been proved, was punished by loss of his office.
Nations have spoken diiferently concerning this
singular personage. These who take his lowly
origin into account assume him to have been
the possessor of superior attainments by which
he surmounted the obstacles which hinder the
progress of ordinary people.
The French priests supported by his
generosity and possibly misled by imposing
externals have depicted him in the most glow-
ing colours. Tachard, loud .in his praise
has represented him as having a nobility of
character, a facile mind and polished manners,
very rare qualities to be found in a sailor v^^ho
had passed his life on shipboard in the company
of wild, uncouth, seafaring men.
He has also supplied him with natural
eloquence and persuasiveness, but the proofs
which this Jesuit has brought forward are so
open to doubt, that it is fairly apparent that
Tachard himself v/as the author of all the
elegant productions which he assigns to
Faulcon. The other European nations jealous
doubtless of his preference for the French or
the Portuguese Catholics, have taken pleasure
in vilifying his character. They have painted
him with all the vices to which both ancient and
modern Greeks are addicted. Perfidious and
cringing, concealing the symptons of frenzied
ambition under the cloak of moderation, polite
in manner and haughty in character, he did
not trouble to disguise bis vices in his dealings
History of Siam. 39
with a people accustomed to servile obedience.
Implacable in revenge, he skilfully laid the
onus of the punishment of his enemies upon
the king. Everyone agrees that he was
possessed of certain virtues which never became
obscured throughout his life. A sincere despiser
of wealth, he made use of riches only for the
purpose of personal aggrandisemeut. His
incorruptible nature was never suspected of
receivin^y bribes in the administration of justice.
Eager for the honours from which his birth
seemed to have excluded him, he was all the
more anxious to secure them. Faithful to his
master, the only reward of his service that he
claimed, was the privilege of maritime com-
merce, which furnished him with the money
necessary for liis expenses. It seems that he
was a true Catholic, since free to make choice
of a religion, he deserted the Anglican faith
which would have been less of a hindrance to
his desires.
He was a man of medium stature, with
bright penetrating eyes. Although having an
intelligent expression, there were traces of
gloom in his character, indicative of a con-
scier)ce smitten by remorse.
Such was the condition of the court of
Siam when the question of an alliance with
France was considered. A new treaty, the
motives of which could not be clearly under-
stood, drew the attention of those interested in
politics.
Those who were jealous of Faulcon de-
clared that he had invited the French, only for
the purpose of furtherance of his schemes and
to place him on the throne that was the sum-
mit of his ambition. It is quite possible that
40 History of Siam.
feeling himself exposed to the envy of the^
court, he might have wished to have raised
some barrier against the designs of his foes and
that in protecting the French, he was actuated
by regard for his personal safety rather than
by that of his master's prestige.
Whatever his ideas may have been on
that point there is no doubt that he was
fully alive to the advantages which would
accrue to the kingdom from commerce. Other-
wise the Dutch, the masters of the Malay Pen-
insula, would have been the arbiters of the fate
of the Indies the kings of which needed an
alliance to counterbalance the power of these
formidable republicans. Their dangerous
proximity was the lure the minister made use
of to bring the king round to his ideas.
The Bishops, newly arrived in Siam gave
such glowing accounts of Louis XIV. that the
Siamese monarch was greatly flattered by the
prospect of obtaining so illustrious an ally. A
pompous announcement of the list of presents
sent was made, but fearing lest these gifts might
be seized by the Dutch who at this time were at
war with France, it had been decided to leave
them at Bantam, This delay might have been
fatal in a court ruled by avarice, and it was to
be feared that over-zealous courtiers, jealous of
the favour in which the prelates were held,
took every opportunity of doing them harm by
declaring that they were secretly plotting to
possess themselves of these presents. The
king anxious to receive these gifts was per-
suaded that he would receive them in due
course ; but hardly had the vessel set sail, than
the Dutch caring naught for the King of Siam
seized the presents as a prize of war. The
History of Siam, 41
Court of Siam broke out in threats at this
audacious act ; but the Dutch, too powerful to
fear any act of reprisal, foresaw a rupture from
which nothing was to be gained. So in order
to depreciate the high ideal the Siamese had of
Louis XIV., they craftily restored all the gifts of
small woi'th, but retained those which were
valuable so as to belittle the offering of the
King of France.
The King of Siam, hearing of this act of
bad faith was only the more eager to hasten the
projected alliance, and, to ensure its consum-
mation, he pretended to have decided leanings
towards Christianity. The Buddhist temples
were closed and those who disobeyed this order
were severely punished. The King was pleased
to hear the Bishops discourse on Christianity.
His gifts helped to embellish the Seminary. He
caused a gilt throne to be carried there, the
maonificence of which seemed to indicate the
respect for the doctrines there promulgated.
On the cessation of hostilities between the
Dutch and the French, ambassadors were
chosen to bear a reply to the French monarch.
The King built a church at his own expense.
This edifice still remains and the memory of its
founder made it to respected by the persecutors
of the followers of Christ. The people, free to
select a religion, would have ranged themselves
under the banner of the Gospel, if the chief
minister had not secretly disobeyed the order of
his master.
The first ambassadors had many obstacles
to overcome. The Court, impatient at receiving-
no tidings, sent two other high officials accom-
panied by M. M. Vachet and Pascal two en-
lightened missionaries to be their guides in a
42 History of Siam.
land where the manners and customs would be
unfamiliar.
It was at the beginning of January 1684
that they set sail on board an English vessel,
together with six young Siamese who were to
be instructed in European arts and sciences.
They arrived in London after voyage of six
months and thence took forship Calais. It was
then that M. Vachet resigned the position of
chief of the embassy in order that the Siamese
officials might enjoy the dignities of the post.
M. de Seignelay, before making the news
public, wished to learn verbally the reason for
the embassy. IvI. Vachet told him that the fame
of Louis XIV, had penetrated to the extreme
Orient and that the King of Siam hoping to
form an alliance, offered him, if his efforts were
successful, a position in a state where a Freuch
company might establish a trading station to
extend commercial operations to China and all
parts of the Indies.
The minister, having previously been mis-
led by false reports, appeared to doubt the
truth of this recital. *' Be careful,"' he said,
'^ in speaking of this embassy we know very
well that it has not been sent 'cy the King of
Siam and that Louis XIV. fears that his dignity
would be compromised if he were to send an
embassy to him." M. Vachet had no difficulty in
surmounting this obstacle. Louis XIV., who was
better informed on the matter, summoned him
to his presence and entered into the details of
the affair. He appointed a day for the
audience of the ambassadors to whom the min-
isters lent their equipages and retainers.
They v/ent to Versailles, where their pre-
sence aroused the interest of the whole Court.
History of Siam. 43
Their dress was rich and elegant, they wore
white pointed head-dresses ornamented with a
ring of gold three inches in width. The spect-
acle was interesting from its novelty.
They were conducted with great ceremony
to the Royal Presence. On the appearance of
His Majesty they prostrated themselves with
their faces to the ground, having the hands
above the head, in the same posture as they
were wont to adopt towards their own King.
M. Vachet acted as interpreter and the King
replied '' Tell these officials that We shall have
great pleasure in doing what our brother the
King of Siam desires."
Afterwards they dined with the King and
the luxury of the table appointments, made a
great impression on men naturally accustomed
to frugality. They were conducted over the
park where the fountains which were playing
seemed to them to be an exhibition of
magical power. Having satisfied their curiosity,
they were invited to magnificent banquet. The
King's brother was their host at a splendid enter-
tainm«nt at St. Cloud at which the choice vin-
tages excited their appetites. The objejits-of-
art in the Prince's apartments attracted their
attention and many Frenchmen were astonish-
ed to find such good taste and appreciation in
strangers coming from so distant a country. The
Prince of Conde, who inherited the inborn
courtesy of the heirs of his house, invited them
to Chanti]]y. The most distinguished per-
sons vied with each other in the magnificence of
their receptions and during a stay of more than
two months in France, they appeared of more
account than their master.
On their return to Siam, they rendered ac
44 History of Siam.
count of their negociations and the King pleased
with their success and the honours they had re-
ceived, called M. Vachet to renew to him the
assurance of his protection. He addressed him
in these words which sounded strange from the
mouth of an idolatrous prince.
'' Father Vachet, do not pride yourself on
the success of your voyage, it is not you that
have etfected such great things, it is the God
of Heaven and Earth to whom all praise be due."
These negociations were the fruit of Faul-
con's intrigues and above all of the zeal of the
missionaries for the glory of their religion and
of their King.
The French merchants w^ho foresaw new
openings for commerce were also greatly inter-
ested in the scheme. Louis XIV. had resolved
to send out Jesuit mathematicians to China,
w^here their observations might perfect the
knowledge of geography and navigation. He
seized the occasion of the visit of the Siamese
ambassadors to carry out his design. The
Chevalier de Chaumont was appointed ambassa-
dor to Siam with the Abbe de Choisy as his
co-adjutor with instructions to reside in the
Indies until the King of Siam had been con-
verted to Christianity and to work in conjimc-
tion with the missionaries to further the great
work.
The Abbe who was a most agreeable per-
sonage, was bent more on pleasure, than on the
giving of instruction but it is not by amenities
of character that apostleship is successful.
The Clievalier de Chaumout cast anchor in
the Gulf of Siam on September 27th 1687 after
a voj^age of six months duration. He was ac-
companied by M. M. Ceberet and La Loubere the
History of Siam. 45
chiefs of the deputation, five missionaries and
fourteen Jesuits. Father Taehard who liad no
rank other than that of a mathematician was
the life and soul of the part}^ of whicli he alone
imaojined he pulled the strings. The stress he?
lays on the smallest details of the negociations
ought at once to make his position suspected.
The French were received with every ujark of
distinction The King of Siam, laying aside
the hauteur of an Asiatic monarch became
quite familiar. It was then that the ambas-
sadors become apostles and begged the King to
become a Christian.
Their efforts were redoubled on receiving
the news that an ambassador had just arrived
from Persia to convert the King to Islam. The
Missionaries in their zeal and desire to gain so
illustrious a convert, overstepped the limits of
his favour. 'J'he Clievalier de Chaumoiit under
instructions from them and from Faulcon
( who though animated by the same zeal had
yet other motives) never ceased pointing out
to the King on every possible occasion, that
it was the ardent wish of Loius XIV that he
should embiace Christianity.
Narai, wearied by his importunitj^, asked
what had led the King of France to believe
that he had wished to become a Christian.
The following was the King's reply from
the memory of those who were present and who
were desirous of his conversion, Faulcon himself
acted as interpreter.
a I legret that the King of France sets me
so difficult a choice. I should be rash to em-
brace a religion of which I know nothing. I
wish for no other judge than this wise and
virtuous prince. A sudden change might cause
46 History of Siam.
a revolution and I do not intend to forsake
liCThtl}^ a religion received and practised with-
out interruption in my kingdom for the last
2229 years. Besides this I am greatly surprised
at the eagerness witli which this King upliolds
the cause of heaven, it seems that God himself
takes no interest whatever in the matter, and
that He has left the mode of Vv'orship which is
due to Him to our own discretion. For C!.>uld
not this true God who has created heaven and
eartli and all t!ie dwellers therein and has en-
dued them with diverse characters, in granting
souls and bodies to mankind, have inspired man-
kind with similar ideas on the religion they
ought to follow, and hav.- indicated to them the
mode of worship most agreeable to Him and to
have submitted all nations to a uniform law.
As He has not done so we ought to conclude
that He has not wished it to be so. This order-
ed unity of worship depends entirely upon a
divine Providence that could have introduced
it into the world just as easily as the diversity
of sects that are established It i.s then natural
to believe that tlie True God takes as much
pleasure in being worshipped in different ways
as by being glorified by a vast number of
creatures who praise Him after one fashion.
Would the diversified beauty which w^e so
admire in the phj^sical, be less admirable
in the ethical world or less worthy of the
Divine Wisdom? Whatever may happen, since
God is the absolute ruler and dii'ector of the
world I resign myself and my kingdom entire-
ly to His good providence and with all my heart
I trust that His eternal wisdom will so order
them according to His good pleasure."
These brilliant sophisms showed that the
History of Siam. 47
Prince had no ojreat leanings towards Christian-
ity. The Abbe de Choisy was quite capable of
understandinor their hollowness but, convinced
that the lo^ic of Kings is hard to refute,
became tired of his apostleship owing to the
small hope he held ot" success.
The French were none the less well re-
ceived, and in virtue of a secret treaty, Mergui
and Bangkok were handed over to the soldiery
to whom the King extended a welcome. These
towns w^ere reckoned as two of the ramparts of
the country the one on the Bay of Ben2fal and
the other on the Gulf of Siam. Des Farges was
appointed governor and commander in chief of
the French soldiery.
These foreigners transferred to the King-
dom of Siam, were regarded as its defenders.
Twenty-four of them were selected to act as a
bod^^guard to the prime minister, and the King
himself never appeared in public without a
French escort. One of these men was raised to
the rank of colonel of the guards and others-
were placed in command of Siamese regiments
in order to instruct them in military discipline.
The soldier who fell ill was sent to Louvo-
where he received better attention than he
would have in his own home. These privileges-
were extended to all Christians who enjoyed
full rights of citizenship. The French Jesuits
w^ere allowed to preach the Gospel in all parts
of the Kingdom. The King appointed many
of them to Buddhist temples under the pre-
text of their having to learn Siamese, but in
reality to observe their procedure as the priests
were neither suited for, nor willing to act
as spies. The minister laid the foundations
of a college for the education of the
48 History of Siam.
yourijyer member of the nobility under tha
name of College of Constantiiie. M. the
Chevalier de Chaumont havinor brought tlie
negociations to a conclusion departed from
Siam at the end of 1688. He was accompanied
by three Siamese Ambassadors equally distin-
ouished by birth and ability and who were in
charge of some rich gifts for the Kiiig of France.
The object of this mission was to demand
that engineers should be sent to instruct the
Siamese in the art of fortification and in the
methods of attack and defence of positions. They
were also empoweied to request a body of
troops to perfect the Siamese in military
evolutions.
The French officers and soldiers who re-
mained in Siam abused the consideration they
had enjo3-ed. Convinced of their superiority
in power and knowledge, they were rash enough
to presume upon it, and instead of laying them-
selves out to please, desired to be thought much
of. With impudent mockery they condemned
every thing that differed from their own cus-
toms. The people and nobles at first suffered
the pride of their insolent guests in silence.
The Bishops and clergy alone were not ex-
posed to the popular dislike. Keeping within
the seminary and devoting their time to labour,
they were neither vain nor ambitious, they
were known by the services they rendered to
the public and above all to the unfortunate.
The Jesuits, animated without doubt by
the same motives had other means to attain
their end ; and it was b}^ the brilliancy of
their accomplishments that they endeavoured
to enjoy the public confidence.
Surgeons, physicians, astronomers and
History of Siam, 49
mathematicians, they beheld men of all stations
in life coming to ask their advice and to fol-
low their teaching.
But while making converts, they multiplied
enemies. The more they displayed the superior-
ity of their talents the more were they sus-
pected of dangerous designs. It was incredible
that such learned men should expose themselves
to such fatigue and danger for the mere pur-
pose of dressing wounds free of charge, and u
to teach how to calculate eclipses or the perio-
dicity of comets. They were both ad-
mired and hated, and the Siamese were told that
it was merely by this display of secular learn-
ing that they had succeeded in having a power-
ful following in Japan. In such manner they
decried the zeal of these religious persons pure
in their motives, but perhaps too ostentatious
in their methods.
Many of the Siamese, .^ctached to their
own habits and customs were alarmed at seeing
so many foreign priests and soldiers introduced
into the Kingdom. They could not but perceive
that this policy was a forecast of an approach-
ing change in the lawa and religion of the
country. Faulcon, the author of these innova-
tions, became the object of public execration. A
zealous, but indiscreet Malay informed the
King that the minister, the accomplice of the
French, had conspired against him and the state.
The Monarch having been forewarned of this
tale would not deign to listen to the proofs he
had to offer and instead of receiving the rewards
that he thought would be his due, was condem-
ned to be devoured by tigers.
The Prince of Johore, a vassal of the King n
of Siam, wrote to the King to induce him to
50 History of Siam.
expel these foreigners from his Kingdom ;
alleging that the French after having
been received as allies would soon attempt
to become masters. This prince with
the connivance of the Dutch, offered his troops
to help in the liberation of the Kingdom from
these new oppressors. His advice was rejected
in anger, and the envoys would have been be-
headed had not Faulcon been wise enough to
check an act of violence which mio-ht have led
to disastrous results.
A few remarks should be made here on
this embassy which was a brilliant, rather than
a useful achievement.
The French clergy who had been the
primary occasion of the embassy had only the
interests of Christianity at stake, but the poli-
tical party regarded it as an advancement of
the prestige of the King of France, who, in his
turn, surrounded by flatterers, was misled by
their counsels,
Father Tachard, ready to grasp anything
that would advance the interests of either his
master or his sect, thought that the conquest of
Siam was reserved for his own society.
He was seconded by Pere de la Chaise, who
removed all the opposition on the part of the
ministers to this expensive and useless alliance.
The Chevalier de Chaumont and the Abb^
de Choisy had had but a very superficial idea
of the Siamese nation. They had been present
at banquets and hunting parties and the Koyal
Treasures had been displayed to their view.
They had been conducted round the temples
where they had been told that the colossal im-
ages therein were of solid gold, whereas in reality
they were only of plaster skilfully gilt. The
History of Siam. 51
ambassadors, dazzled by what they saw, deceiv-
ed the Court of France in their turn.
Count Forbin, the head of the navy and a
thorough Spartan, had observed all this parade
in a philosophic spirit. This brave soldier
who preferred the roar of cannon, to any
more sensuous form of music, perceived that
the French were being blinded by a bogus mag-
nificence. The simple account he has given of
this journey is a complete refutation of the
meretricious lies of Tachard and Choisy.
His insight into the wretched state of the
country was keen, and Faulcon, fearing lest he
should discredit the reports that the ambas-
sadors were about to carry to the French Court,
asked the Chevalier de Chaumont that Forbin
should be appointed Admiral of the fleet. The
Count was obliged to obey the orders of the
ambassador and was duly appointed Admiral
and Commander-in-chief of the land and sea
forces of the Kingdom of Siam. This grandilo-
quent title gave him opportunities of investigat-
ing the true state of the country the miserj^ and
weakness of which he soon discovered. Some
days after he had an audience with the King
whom he found surrounded by officials seated on
wicker-work mats. A single lamp illuminated
the hall and whoever wished to read, pulled out
a yellow wax taper from his pocket, lit it, and
then extinguished it with great economy
when he had finished with it.
One day the mean and miserly Monarch
asked the Count '' Well Admiral, do you not
find great pleasure in your appointment at
Court ?" Forbin was obliged to answer
that he considered himself highly favoured to
be in his service. This plain-spoken sailor
52 History of Siam.
ground his teeth as he uttered this polite lie.
The severity with which the slightest faults
were punished made him squeamish. Those who
did not speak sufficiently had their mouths slit
from ear to ear and those who spoke too much
had the mouths sewed up. Petty offenders were
burnt in the arm or lacerated in the thic^h, For-
bin was surprised to see that the highest officials
were exposed to such shameful treatment, from
which even the King's brothers themselves were
not exempt. He feared for his personal safety^
but was reassured by Faulcon who employed
every artifice to retain him in the service. He
was not over-satisfied with the allowance made
for his pay and accomodation which was quite
out of proportion to his grandiloquent title.
He was given thirty six slaves to wait on
him, and two elephants. His house was small
and poorly furnished. He was presented with
twelve plates two large silver cups, four dozen
table napkins and a daily allowance of two of
yellow wax tapers.
Such were the emoluments of Count
Forbin, Admiral and Commander-in-chief of
the forces of the Kingdom of Siam. This mean
equipage can give some idea of what an Asiatic
monarch considered to be luxury.
It seems that Fortune, in retaining Count
Forbin in the service of a nation incapable of
profiting by his example, had foreseen that the
chance would be given him of acting as the
country's defender, as happened in the Macassar
revolt which broke out two years later and of
which the circumstances shall now be related.
CHAPTER III.
The Eevolt of the Macassars. ()
A people to whom the Kingdom of Siam
had given refuge in their misfortunes, were the
cause of an event that shook it to its founda-
tions. The King of Macassar, a district in the
island of Celebes, had been dethroned by the
Dutch. One of his sons, escaping from the
vengeance of the conquerors, had sought asylum
in Siam. The King of Siam, attracted by the
rank of the unfortunate prince, granted him
land on which houses were built for him and
his followers who had accompanied his flight.
This locality which still retains its name of
^ The field of the Macassars ' was situated adja-
cent to that assigned to the Malays who
were also a Mahommedan people.
The benefits showered on the fugitive Prince
only made him ungrateful, and when he ought
to have sacrificed everything for his benefactor,
he made an attempt on his life, in order to place
the King's younger brother on the throne. The
conspiracy was discovered and the author of it
deserved severe punishment, but Narai over-
looked the offence and magnanimously pardon-
ed him. Daen (this was the name of the treacher-
ous Prince) emboldened by impunity, considered
himself more powerful than the Prince to whom
he was so much indebted.
Base characters regard clemency as a sign
of weakness, not as a virtue. Humiliated by
an unmerited pardon, he rendered himself still
more unworthy by entering into a new conspir-
acy. As he needed fellow-conspirators for the
54 History of Siam.
execution of his evil designs, he corrupted by-
means of specious promises, the three Princes of
Champa, who, like himself had sought refuge in
Siam, after the death of their father to escape
from the machinations of their brother, who
having succeeded to the throne, would have in
accordance with Mahommedan usage, laid vio-
lent hands on possible rivals.
These Princes conspired w^ith the Prince of
Macassar to open a road to the throne. Their
plot was, at first, to place the crown on the
head of the youngest of the King's brothers
and to reign in the name of the crowned phan-
tom. They were resolved to compass his de-
struction after having elevated him to the
throne and to substitute one of themselves by
vote. It seemed that the interests of their re-
ligion justified the conspiracy in their sight.
They intended to offer to Christians and
Mahomedans alike, the alternatives of death or
the Koran.
One of these three Princes occupied a high
position at Court. He was the youngest, and
the others placed him at the head of the con-
spiracy. He was of an age at which ignorance
of the risk he ran, might lead him into crime
without his perceiving the fatal results. He
followed the counsels of a bold Malay who had
nothing to lose and who was ready for any de-
sperate deed. It was necessary to enlist the
sympathy of heaven for their cause so as to in-
spire their followers with that fanatical enthusi-
asm which regards the present life as a mere
prelude to eternal felicity.
They received great assistance from the
impostures of a Mahomedan priest who inform-
ed the Malay and Macassar encampments that
History of Siam, 55
a sign of evil omen had appeared in the sky and
that their nation was threatened by a grave
disaster. For the space of three months he
published these dreadful tales. Fanatical mad-
ness is contagious, and an imposter who misuses
the name of the Deity can soon reckon on a
numerous following.
With the exception of three hundred
Malays, everyone eagerly drank in his words.
When the plot was ripe, the three ringleaders
sought means to win over these three hundred
to their side, as the success of the plot largely
depended on their co-operation. They decided
that on the appointed day, they would summon
them to their meeting and that they, seeing
their compatriots armed for the common cause,
would no longer hesitate to throw in their lot
with them. It was resolved to break open the
prisons and to liberate the captives to augment
their forces. As their financial resources were
limited, they signified their intention of looting
the palace and the treasury in the hope of
encouraging the bravery of their fellow-conspir-
ators by the prospect of a rich booty.
On the appointed day, before striking the
first blow, the two Princes wrote to their
brother, who was holding office in Louvo, to
advise him to put as great a distance as he
could between himself and the Court. He re-
ceived the letter at nightfall and the messen-
ger disappeared without waiting for an answer.
The hasty departure of the messenger aroused
the prince's suspicions and guessing that the
letter contained some important secret inform-
ation, gave it unopened to Faulcon, who alarm-
ed at the news of the rising, hurried oflf to in-
form the Kincr. Three thousand men were sent
56 History of Siam.
to defend the palace. The guards stationed near
Louvo prevented the outbreak of the revolt by
their vigilance. Forbin was sent to Bangkok
to attend to the defence of that important port.
The conspirators ignorant of the discovery
of their plot, assembled to carry out their de-
signs. When the three hundred Malays, whom
the conspirators had been endeavouring to win
over, had discovored the nature of the plot, they
became highly indignant and protested that far
from wishing to betray the King their benefact-
or, they were ready to shed their blood in his
defence.
Their fidelit}^ brought back many to a pro-
per sense of their position. The Mahomedan
priest trembled for his life and saw no better
way out of his difficult position than by reveal-
ing the secrets of those whom he had deceived.
The princes no longer doubted that they were
discovered, especially when they learnt that the
palace was defended by three thousand men
and that armed guards were keeping watch on
the ramparts.
They returned home without striking a
blow. The King, although he could have pun-
ished them very severely, showed his clemency
and pardoned them.
The Malay leader, who had been the arch-
plotter deserted the camp of the Princes whom
he had so seriously compromised. He divulged
all the secrets and sources of the plot and avowed
that he had only served with the Princes in
order to be able to disclose the matter to the
King.
Faulcon was sent to interview the rebels
and to induce them to return to their allegiance.
He pardoned all those who came and acknow-
History of Siam. 57
ledged their faults. The Malays who had re-
belled simply because they had been prevailed
upon by the others, gave testimony of their re-
pentance and obedience in future. But the
Macassars, who were unprincipled scoundrels,
showed a ferocious courage that feared death
less than the shame of submission. Their
Prince was frequently ordered to appear before
the King's tribunal, not to be judged, but mere-
ly to acknowledge his guilt and to reveal the
names of his fellow-conspirators. He excused
himself on various pretexts and alleged
that although he was not guilty, yet he
could not endure the shame of having to
justify his actions. If he had anything to
reproach himself with, it was the fact that
he was unable to reveal the names of those
who had entrusted him with their secrets, but
that his dignity would have been compromised
had he condescended to play the part of a spy
and informer, and furthermore that far from
wishing to betray the King to whom he owed
so much, he was incapable of traducing the very
least of his friends. The King who could not
subdue his pride by kindness, found that he was
obliged to resort to force. But the Macassars too
hardy to blench at the approach of death, gave
him to understand that the most formidable
enemies are those who are prepared to die.
Hearing of their resistance, the King of
Macassar sent slaves and money to the re-
bellious princes to ensure them a means of sub-
sistance.
A Malay captain, one of the ringleaders
of the revolt, thought that he could take advan-
tage of the ship which had brought these gifts
to Bangkok, to find a home in some other land.
58 History of Siam.
But the Chevalier de Forbin by means of a
warrant he had received for his arrest, prevented
his escape. He had asked for, and obtained a
passport to leave the Kingdom, but on his ar-
rival at the chain stretched as a barrier across
the river, Forbin sent an order that he should
land and give an account of the members of his
suite.
The Captain, perceiving the threatened
danger, replied that he would only submit to
the governor's order on condition of his being
accompanied by all his suite bearing arms.
After some deliberation he was allowed to
land with an escort of eight soldiers armed with
daggers. These daggers are formidable weapons
as they are usually poisoned The possession
of one of these daggers is a mark of honourable
distinction among the Macassars, and the sur-
render of it to an enemy is considered to be the
greatest disgrace, and whoever draws his weapon
and does not succeed in killing his adversary is
held to be dishonoured in the sight of the
nation. The captain, apprehensive of danger,
fearlessly disembarked from his ship and made
it known to his companions that it was his
determination to plunge his dagger into the
breast of the first man that attempted to dis-
arm him. On his arrival at the fort he was
ordered to send for the rest of his suite who
remained in the ship. He was obliged to yield
as the hall was filled with soldiery. An oflScer
commanded him in the King^s name, to surren-
der his dagger, but instead of obeying, the Malay
stabbed him to the heart. Two Siamese
soldiers tried to seize him, but they met with
the same fate as their officer, and a fourth man
succumbed to his blows. Then in a frenzy of
History of Siam, 59
rage he and his companions rushed on the
soldiers who were armed with pikes, and forced
their way through in defiance of death. They
sprang upon a bastion, but the musketry fire
compelled them to leap into the fosse. Some,
even were able to make a stand against the
guards posted to stop their flight, but, sorely
wounded, they received the fatal strokes they
had desired to deal. When the captain lay
dying in the dust, a French officer advanced to
seize his dagger, but instead of grasping it by
the handle, he only managed to get the scabbard
The Macassar, recalled to action b}^ the fear of
losing his weapon, snatched it and ripped up his
adversary and exhausted by the eflTort, died
together with him. By this stubborn resistance
Forbin was assured that the survivors would sell
their lives dearly. He turned out the gari-ison
which numbered four hundred. There were
only thirty-two Macassars and they were reduced
to desperation. These savages, more like wild
beasts than men, wished to dictate terms rather
than to mdke them. The}^ demanded the body
of their captain and threatened to punish the
French if they refused to give it up. When
they perceived that Forbin was making pre-
parations to attack them, they made ready
for a vigorous defence. They twisted strips of
cloth round their arms and shoulders to serve
as shields. An English captain, underrating the
strength of these fanatics, told the general that
he would go forth and bring them back in
chains. He advanced, but soon fell a victim
to his daring. The Macassars fell upon him
and stabbed both him and his followers through
and through with their daggers. The garrison
on seeing this rash venture, were panic-
60 History of Siam,
stricken and broke their ranks. Forbin made
vain efforts to rally them and ran a great risk
of losing his own life. If the Macassars had
but known how to take advantage of the terror
they had inspired, they could have rendered
themselves masters of the fort. But as they
were more desirous of the blood of their
enemies than of dictating terms; they massacred
without mercy all the soldiers, women and
children who fell into their hands. Having glutted
their thirst for vengeance, they dispersed into
the jungle where they suffered greatly from
hunger and the attacks of leeches and mos-
quitoes. They were hunted like wild beasts,
and in spite of their desperate condition, they
had the courage to face death with their
weapons in readiness. They appeared merely
to regret the fact of death in cases where they
could not take the lives of their adversaries.
Those who were taken alive, begged for
death, and tired of life, they merely desired the
same fate as their companions whom they did
not wish to survive.
The Prince of the Macassars, to w^hom the
fate of his companions should have been a
warning, ought to have yielded himself to the
mercy of the King ; but he still persisted in
his refusal to appear at Court.
A force of 6000 men under the command
of Faulcon w^as sent to force his submission.
This body of troops ought to have been more
than sufficient to crush a handful of undisci-
plined men, but the Macassars are the bravest and
most determined of the Eastern races. Ener-
getic and fearless in danger, they despise
luxurious habits that sap vitality and extin-
guish all sparks of courage.
History of Siam, 61
On hearing the trumpets sounding the
attack, they maddened themselves with drugs
and in a bUnd frenzy of passion fell upon the
foe. Faulcon, who relied on strategy more
than on numerical superiority, embarked in a
ship with an Englishman the captain of a war-
vessel stationed at the bar of the river. He
was accompanied by a missionary and several
Europeans who were more reliable than the
Siamese who trembled at the mere mention of
the name of the enemy.
The captain of the guard at, the head of
fourteen slaves, made an advance in the direction
of Uie Macassar camp, without taking pre-
cautions to cover his retreat. A Macassar with
thirty men springing from an ambush fell upon
them and slew the captain and seven of the
slaves. The remainder of the party fled in the
darkness. At the same time the English cap-
tain of the war vessel made an attack on the
extreme point of the camp. Their musketry
fire riddled the Macassar huts and caused the
inmates to beat a hasty retreat. The captain,
followed by a dozen Englishmen and a French
officer pursued them. The Macassars turned at
bay and then with a haughty defiance, advanced,
armed with their daggers, determined neither
to ask nor to give quarter. The English cap-
tain fell dead on the scene of the combat, hi&
companions fled in terror, and the French
officer had to swim for his life.
The Macassars deserted their ruined camp
and endeavoured to reach the Portuguese
quarter in order to make a furious attack on
the Christians. Faulcon seeing their plan, made
arrangements to circumvent it ; and, followed
by eight Frenchmen, two Siamese and one
62 History of Siam.
Japanese, unwisely made a frontal attack. He
advanced, but the enemy had formed up in two
parties to cut off his retreat Maddened by
their druojs, they fell upon his little band like
hun(i^ry ti^jers upon their prey and Faulcon
seeing that he was in danger of being over-
whelmed by numbers, beat a hurried retreat
after losing half of his men.
It was evident that the attack must be
made more warily and that it was useless to
imagine that mere force of numbers would be
sufficient to crush them. Faulcon rallied his
whole army and fell upon the foe who fought
with the courage born of despair. At length
the Macassars, overwhelmed by numbers,
retired, some to their huts and others behind
hedges of bamboos. Twenty two of their
number took refuge in a temple and resolved
to bury themselves in its ruins. The huts were
fired, but the Macassars did not emerge from
them until, they were nearly burnt. Then to
cut short the agony, they rushed forward
sword in hand on the pikes of their foes and
fought till they died pierced through and
through. The Macassar Prince, wounded by a
ball in the shoulder, perceived Faulcon, the man
whom he considered to be his most dangerous
enemy. The thirst of revenge lent him strength,
and mar. with rage, he advanced on his hated
rival, but as he was in the act of striking with
his javelin ; he was shot by a French soldier.
Those who had taken refuge in the temple,
surrendered without striking a blow. Thirty
three more who had been severely wounded were
taken prisoners. One of the sons of the Prince,
a boy of 12 years of age, implored the mercy of
the conqueror. He was shown his father's
History of Siam. 63
corpse. '^ Alas," he exclaimed " he was the
cauee of our country's miseries, but I feel his
loss none the less keenly."
A few remarks on these curious people
might be made here. It is quite a novelty to
find in an enervating climate, such an ex-
ample of ferocity. The Macassars have no
knowledge of fire-arms and they regard them as
detrimental to personal prowess, because
they render modes of attack by bodily strength
of no avail. Besides this type of weapon hind-
ers the user from tasting the fruits of vengeance
and leaves him ignorant of the number of the
slain. On the other hand, this dislike for fire
arms may be due to the fact that they do not
know how to use them, as they would have to
surrender their superiority in the art of hurling
lances and assegais. They show the greatest
skill in the use of the sword and dagger, and they
employ long blow pipes from which they shoot
arrows tipped with a poisoned fish-bone. Who-
ever is struck by one of these deadly missiles has
not more than three hours to live.
Forbin cites an example of their intrepidity.
One of these fanatics was making a rush at him
and he stopped him by a spear thrust in the
abdomen, but the Macassar, although mortally
wounded was still anxious to have his revenue.
He continued to press forward on the spear, so
as to reach Forbin, who, stepping backwards,
still holding him off by the spear with which
he had impaled him ; gave time for others to
come to his assistance, and slay the Macassar.
Especially when they were subjected to
tortures they evinced the greatest firmness
of demeanour.
Amongst the prisoners were found four
64 History of Siam.
soldiers who had deserted, and these men were
selected to serve as an example of severity. At
first they were tortm^ed. Splinters were thrust
under their nails, after which their fingers were
crushed. They were then burnt in the arm and
their heads were compressed between two
boards. They suffered all these torments with-
out a murmur. A missionary thought that, ex-
hausted by torture, they would be easy subjects
for conversion and approached to lead them to
Jesus Christ, but the victims deaf to their en-
treaties gave no sign save those of pride in the
fact they knew how to die. After having been
tortured in every possible way, they were tied
up to a post with their hands and feet bound in
order to be devoured by a hungry tiger that
merely sniffed at them. The executioners goad-
ed on the tiger until it at last devoured its
prey. One of the prisoners watched it eat his
own foot without making any effort to with-
draw it. Another hearing the crunching of his
own bones, uttered no sound. A third, while
the animal stood licking the blood which was
running down his face did not even care to
glance round. The King of Siam spared the
lives of the two sons of the Macassar Prince.
They were sent to Louvo under the charge of a
Christian, from Constantinople, who had entered
the Siamese service, and, later, they went to
France where they served in the navy. Faulcon
had the bodies of all the rebels found armed
decapitated and exposed the heads in the then
deserted encampment. The English and French
who had shared the dangers and who had been
instrumental in his success were loaded with
honours and presents.
CHAPTER IV.
The Ee volution that brought about the
DOWNFALL OF FaULCON AND THE FRENCH.
Whilst Faulcon was doing his best to en-
sure the prosperity of the state, the nobles,
jealous of his power and influence were humil-
iated by having to be subservient to a foreigner.
The priests discredited, and without the enjoy-
ment of Court favour, saw to their sorrow a
minister, who despised their religion and set an
-example to the nation of forsaking their
^odsand superstitions .The common people, blind
to common sense, and ready to follow any
leader as foolish as themselves, espoused the
-cause of the priests who, to promote the cause
•of Heaven, sowed dissensions broadcast. Kings
ought to have learnt by experience that when a
people is discontented, an ambitious man is all
that is required to make it rebellious. A single
man suffices to instil into dull minds the fact
that union is strength, and to cause them to
pass from the ignominy of slavery to the desire
for freedom.
The Siamese people, who were murmuring
in secret, only awaited a leader to break out in
Tevolt. Men of all conditions yearned for a
-deliverer and any ambitious personage had a
•chance of assuming this imposing title.
An official by name Pitracha, took advan-
tage of the popular discontent as a basis on
which to rear the fabric of his fortune. At
tirst he sheltered his aims under the cloak of
religion; and a hypocritical zealot in religious
matters, he gained the confidence of the priests
66 History of Siam.
and people, who regarded him aa the protector
of their temples and of their ancestral form of
worship. This imposter in disguise took the
surest means to stir up the Mres of rebellion, as
the mob invariably supports those who take up
arms on behalf of their religion.
Some say that Pitracha was born to be
galley-slave rather than to succeed to a throne,
but I can affirm that, from reliable information
received, that he was of the blood royal and
even first cousin to the reigning King. His
mother who had been nurse to the King had
two children, Pitracha who has been mentioned,
and a daughter. Both these children had been
brought up in the Palace and had been the play-
mates of the King in his youth. First impres-
sions are the most durable, and the King had
always a kindly feeling for the playfellow of
his youth, whom he afterwards advanced to the
highest official position in the Kingdom. The
daughter who was comely and pleasing withal,
was admitted to the harem and became the
favourite wife. Unfortunately she conceived a
guilty passion for the King's brother and as
there were too many spies about for the liaison
to be kept secret for long, the faithless wife was
condemned to be devoured by tigers.
Pitracha dissembled his resentment so as
not to lose favour; and the King, charmed with
the apathy he exhibited, ordered him to chastise
the offending prince with a rattan.
Pitracha carried out his instructions with
such effect that the Prince dragged out a
wretched existence ; as the punishment had
caused severe injuries.
The other brother of the Kinor had been
implicated in the Macassar plot, and this fact
History of Siam. 67
added to his natural vicious habits debarred
him from any possibility of obtaining the throne.
Tlie fact of the King being in poor health,
and of his having no heirs was favourable to
ambitious designs.
Pitracha though small in stature was high
spirited. His physiognomy was interesting; his
glittering eyes seemed to pierce the inmost
depths of one's thoughts and although 56 years
of age, he still had the strength of youth. His
natural eloquence won the hearts of all. Popular
amongst his subordinates, and haughty towards
his rivals, he adopted even with the King, the
tone of a censor animated by the public welfare.
His frankness was a clever artitice by which he
might reproach the King with his faults or those
of his ministers, whom he rendered odious, by
acting the part of the zealous citizen. Although,
he managed to conceal his criminal designs, his
more indiscreet followers embittered the people
by the announcement that the minister
( Faulcon ) in calling in the French soldiery
was sclieming to place the sceptre in their
hands, and to raise Christianity on the ruins of
the faith of their forefathers.
The alarm of the nation was strengthened
by the fact that Bangkok and Mergui had been
handed over to the French and the same fact
gave colour to their statements.
Pitracha, calm in the midst of the general
turmoil, pretended to deplore the evils for which
in reality he was responsible. He had a rival for
the King's favour, and he considered it wise to
help his rival's claims so that he might the more
readily be able to compass his downfall.
There was a favourite at Court named
Monpit aged twenty -two years whom the King
68 History of Siam,
had ]oa(ied with honours. The licence that
both he and his relatives enjoyed, gave credit to
the rumour that he was the offspring of a
secret amour between the King and a concubine;
and that he had been chosen as heir to the
throne. The eyes of all were fixed on this
rising star which w^as confidently expected to
preside one day over the destinies of the nation.
His inexperience rendered him an easy
prey ; and the favour he enjoyed rendered him
unsuspicious.
Pitracha, accustomed to Court life, w^here a
kiss is the usual prelude to treachery, found in
him a suitable tool for the accomplishment of
his designs. He pointed out to him, that as he
had been adopted by the King as his son, he
had only one step to take to become his succes-
sor ; biat that he ought to act with boldness so
as not to render the promises of fortune
worthless.
Monpit dazzled by visions of powder, sur-
rendered his wil] entirely to the counsels of an
enemy in the guise of a patron. He begged
Pitracha to act as his father and promised to
share the thrvone w^ith him.
The Court w^as ruled by three men, all of
whom were actuated by different motives.
The moribund King had but a shadow of
that powder of which the favourites possessed
the reality. The hearts of all the nation beat
for Pitracha, w^ho artfully appeared to despise
the power which in secret he coveted. His
devotion to the priests had enlisted them in his
cause, and ther^ are no more zealous partisans
than those who imagine they perceive in an
ambitious hypocrij:,e, a defender of their temples
and rites.
History of Siam. 69
His desions could not escape the notice of
Faulcon who was sutficiently clear sighted to see
their aim, but was too weak to circumvent
them. Full of contidence in the French, he con-
sidered that he could oppose them as a rampart
against the assaults of enemies.
He had been informed that Pitracha had
counterfeited the seals of state so as to be able
to issue orders favourable to his schemes. His
emissaries, spread throughout the provinces^
were raising forces under pretext of guarding
against imaginary dangers. Pitracha, despair-
ing of ingratiating himself with Faulcon,
sought means to undo him by pandering to his
self esteem, by means of the encomiums that
the office holder invariably imagines are his due.
" It is unfortunate for you and for the State," he
said, " that being a foreigner, you are not eli-
gible for the throne, as otherwise you would rule
as King, an Empire that you administer to-day
in your official capacity."'
''The King, who is well aware of the incapa-
city of his brothers would always have a scruple
against giving us such masters. If by some
unlucky chance, they came into power, they
would use it against the favourites and officials
whom they hate as the authors of the punish-
ments they have had to bear. Believe me, let us
anticipate their revenge and as soon as the King
is dead, let us take possession of the palace. I
would see that you were conducted to Bangkok
by my friends and there you could bid defiance
to any who might wish to supplant you. Mon-
pit is working in your interests and in mine.
Our safety is dependant on our union, but for
my own part I have resolved to bury myself in
solitude and to consecrate the rest of my life to
70 History of Siam.
the worship of our gods whom it is quite im-
possible to serve amid the stress of state
affairs." Faulcon did not believe a single word
of this, and was convinced that ambitious men
have no disinterested friends. He replied that
he intended to remain faithful to the service of
his master, and that he considered it treason-
able to form any league; and assured those who
looked for his co-operation that he would only
act on behalf of the King's interests.
He resisted the temptation of revealing the
matter to the King and besides the fear
of aggravating the illness of the Royal
patient caused him to dissemble. He had
no convincing proofs to bring against the
guilty parties and he might have exposed him-
fielf to the risk of punishment inflicted for
slander. The King would have with difficulty
given credence to his recital, and his deluded
heart would have justified hie favourites. Had
Pitracha been exposed, the plots would only
have come to a head, and as no precautionary
measures had been taken, it was necessary to
dissemble.
It is politic to ignore crime that cannot be
punished. Faulcon, in order to retain his prestige
in sight of the people, let it bo understood that
it was he who had been the cause of Pitracha's
advancement ; and in favouring his cause so as
to the more easily bring about his dov/nfall
determined that the dying King should hand
over the regency of the Kingdom to him. Pit-
racha made great protestations of gratitude in
order to be afterwards ungrateful for his suc-
cess. He played his part so well that the
Greek, who considered himself a past-master in
the art of plumbing the depths of a man's
History of Siam. 71
■character, believed that he had no more zealous
partisan, especially since his advice was always
followed in the councils of state. As the keep-
er of the King's conscience, he was exposed to
the danger of causing the happiness of the few
and of arousing the hostility of the many.
Every case heard before his tribunal increased
the number of his enemies, because those who
gained the day were never grateful to justice,
while the losers imputed their defeat to the
corruption of the judges.
The new regent had no more eloquent
panegyrist than the man whom he wished to
destroy, and the King delighted in listening to
the praises which the minister showered on his
secret enemy. The King charged them to con-
tinue to work harmoniously together as the
public welfare depended on their concord. He
made them embrace each other as a pledge of
eternal affection, but the favours of courtiers are
but as snares for the credulous, who are in-
fluenced by externals only.
Faulcon's friends who were more clear
sighted warned him of the approaching storm,
but he was blinded by his uninterrupted succes-
ses ; and prosperity unmixed with reverses had
made him forget that Fortune is apt to desert
her favourites. Accustomed to being in auth-
ority he never considered for one moment that
his credit might fail ; and a fortunate office-
holder invariably believes himself to be a neces-
sity to his employers.
M. de Metellopolis, with more foresight,
pointed out the gulf yawning under him, but
Faulcon treated him with the scorn which is the
reward of dreamers who offer visions for realit-
ies. A Jesuit was hounded with ignominy
72 History of Siam.
from his prescence for having had the boldness
to give him some advice, and he was indiscreet
or ill-natured enough to reveal to the other
officials the sources from which he had obtain-
ed his information.
At last his eyes were opened to the dangers,
but it was too late to find a remedy. The King
suifering from dropsy, was sinking rapidly. As
he could now no longer hide the approach of
Death ; he nominated Monpit as his successor.
His friends and relations filled all the im-
portant offices, and troops had been raised ta
support his candidature. Faulcon, ever devoted
to the interests of his master, acted on his be-
half, but Pitracha condemned his action in no-
measured terms. He proclaimed that it was
his determination to place the crown on the
head of the King's brother whom he would set
up as an imposing phantom so as in reality to
secure the power for himself. Pitracha was the
wire-puller of this macheviellian policy and to
attract the Princes to the court, pretended that
the King their brother wished to nominate one
of them as his successor.
They hesitated for a long time before yield-
ing to his pressing solicitations. The youngest,
braver or perhaps more ambitious than the rest,
presented himself at the court with the Princess
whom he had just married. They were given a
magnificent reception. All the nobles hastened
to render homage, but Monpit and Faulcon
alone held aloof. The eldest of the Princes on
his arrival shortly afterwards, refused to receive
either Monpit or Faulcon when they asked for
an audience.
As soon as the regent had all those who
might cross his path in his power, he resolved
History of Siam. 7S
to wait patiently for the death of the King and
then to be proclaimed as his successor.
But having been informed by his spies that
an armed force, was advancing to support the
claims of Monpit, he resolved to hasten the con-
summation of his crimes. Monpit, who for
several days had been watching by the bedside
of the dying King ; Avas called out of the room
and stabbed to death by the emissaries of
Pitracha, regardless of the outcries of the
King who implored them to spare his son.
At last, Faulcon who had been lulled to a
sense of false security, realised the condition of
aflairs. He could only cure the evil, by strik-
ing at the root, namely by arresting Pitracha,
and thus secure the loyalty of the disaffected; but
he was powerless, as he himself was surrounded
by enemies in a court where Royal favour and
the fact of his being a foreigner had drawn
upon him the hatred of all. There was only one
resource left, and that w^as the assistance of
the French soldiery. He instructed them to
assemble under arms at Louvo and told them
that their presence was necessary to the mutual
interests of the allied monarchs. The rapidity
with which Des Farges took action showed that
he was ready to do everything for the benefac-
tor of his nation.
He set out with 100 picked men of his
garrison and this little band was sufficient to
overawe thousands of the Siamese. The
general passed through the capital before pro-
ceeding to Louvo, but at this point timid-
ity prevented his further advance. The
report that the King was dead had been dis-
seminated by the rebels, who wished to sound
the popular feeling, and everything pointed to a
74 History of Siam.
generally disturbed state of affairs. Des Farges
went to the Seminary and thought it would be
wise to hold a consultation with those who
lived there.
The protection that the missionaries had
enjoyed caused him to regard their abode as an
inviolable sanctuary, and the confidence he
reposed in them, invited him to follow the
wisdom of their experience.
The Missionaries, deceived by the popular
rumours, told him that he would be running
useless risks, that the roads were lined with
ambuscades ready to annihilate all the French.
The general, unmoved by these tales dic-
tated without doubt by the desire they had
for his safety, appeared to wish to persevere in
his design of going to the rescue of the King
and his minister.
He was all the more anxious to do so as he
foresaw that the downfall of Faulcon would
mean his own ruin, and, that shut up without
hope of succour in a town ill -fortified and badly
provisioned, he would be obliged to submit to
any humiliating condition they might impose
upon him.
Not however wishing to precipitate matters,
he sen'^ one of his officers to Louvo to find out
how matters really stood. Whilst he lingered
at the capital, a secret rumour aroused the in-
habitants against him. It was reported that
the object of the French forces in going to
Louvo was the pillage of the public treasury,
and that they intended to dispose of
the throne as they pleased. In order to
reassure the inhabitants the general
thought it more prudent to withdraw his little
army whose presence had caused such alarm. He
History of Siam. 75
retired a distance of two leagues from the town,
and was met by his envoy who gave him an ac-
count of the events at Court. Whether this officer
had been misled by his own fears or that he
was convinced that there w^as imminent danger,
his recital so alarmed Des Farges that he be-
lieved the reports he had heard on his arrival
in the capital. So, instead of marching to
glory, his only idea w^as that of retreat ; he was
no longer a warrior ready to encounter danger
that his friend might be saved.
Des Farges, follow^ed the advice of his
timorous companions and returned to Bangkok;
but, before his departure, w^rote to Faulcon to
justify his retreat. He informed him that, as
it was reported that the King had died, he
thought it would be rash to w^ithdraw^ his troo])S
from a position on which their safety depended,
and that he might be punished if he were to en-
danger the lives of the soldiers under his com-
mand without sufficient reason, and that finally
he offered him and his family sheltei' in a place
that the French had resolved to defend to the
last.
The friends of the fallen minister slander-
ed the Bishop of Metellopolis and the mission-
aries. They blamed them for the disgrace of
the French retreat. The cliief authors of this
calumny were those who wore obliged to refute
it. Jealous of the esteem in which this prelate
was held and because he was not ambitious,
they strove to decry tlie missionaries, so as
to gain all the consideration they enjoN'ed, and
to raise themselves on their ruin. But the
defence of the prelate was an easy matter.
Ought he to have concealed a danger which w^as
imminent.? Had the troops been cut to pieces,
76 History of Siam.
with what horror would not Europe have learnt
tliat a Frencli Bishop, misled by overconfidence,
had kept silence about what ou^ht to have been
revealed. Would he not have been rij^htly con-
sidered the author of a massacre of his fellow-
citizens ? Duty obho'ed him to reveal the rea-
sons of his fear. It was for the command ei- to
reject or to follow his advice. But it is certain
that had he marched to Louvo he would have
failed in the first of his duties, namely to re-
main on guard at his post.
Faulcon left to the mercy of his enemies,,
complained bitterly that the French had desert-
ed him, and on hearing^ the news, exclaimed.
'' Alas they do uot consider that they themslves
will be involved in my downfall," and turning
to his retinue, asked them to follow him to the
church saying " I was wrong to trust to human
aid, I wait for God only. There is His House,
He alone cari suffice to protect and defend me."
He positively refused to accept the com-
mander's offer of shelter, as it would have justi-
fied the slanderous reports that he had handed
over the place to foreigners so as to arrange for
a place of safety in time of danger.
Instead of flight, he preferred to reveal
part of the danger which threatened the State
to the King. The remedy lay in the choice of
a successor who could subdue the disaffected.
The Prince proclaimed his daughter as Queen
and allowed her to select whichever of her
uncles she might prefer as her husband.
So feeble a measure was not sufficient ta
remove the cause of the disaffection rife every-
where. Factions increased, and the ringleaders
were only waiting a favo\irable opportunity ta
break out in c»pen revolution. The policy per-
History of Siam, 77
sued by the conspirators towards Faulcon,
lulled him to a sense of false security. He still
perceived the danger, but he thought it had
been relegated to the future. He sought the
King and said " Sire, the time for repining
and speech is over. We must act, and that
silently."
" Decisive measures must be taken against
the impending evils, and a half hearted poJicN'
will only favour the progress of their de-
signs. If Pitracha be arrested, the conspiracy
will come to naught. Remember that the great-
est secrecy is absolutely necessary to the suc-
cess of this enterprise, and, to be ^uccessful, we
must dissemble our feelings." The King under-
stood the importance of this advice, but weak-
ened by illness w^as unable to keep the matter
secret, and he could not resist the temptation
of breaking out into threats and reproaches.
Pitracha's suspicions were aroused and he anti-
cipated matters. He assembltMl his retainers
and pointed out the serious natnre of the situa-
tion. Without delay they mnrched on the
Palace and possessed themselves of the King.
Faulcon, alarmed at this sudden turn of events,
would not follow the advice of his friends who
<lesired him to remain at home to await the up-
shot of affairs. His impohtic attachment to the
King was the cause of his downfall, and believ-
ing that inaction w^ould be detrimental to the
favours he enjoyed, foUow^ed the promptings of
courage and duty.
He went to the Palace accompanied by
Beauchamp, Fretteville, Vaudrille, Laise and
the Chevalier des Farges, all of whom were
French officers. He w^as followed by two Portu-
guese and sixteen Englishmen who were in his
78 History of Siam.
pay as guards. He took liis departure and said
to his wife " Farewell for ever, luadame. The
King is a prisoner, and I am going to die at his
Feet'''
His zeal and courage buoyed him up in the
hope that with this little ban(i, he could force
his wa\- to the roon) of his master, but no soon-
er had he entered the outer courtyard of the
palace, than Pitracha at tiie head of a Siamese
force arrested hiu) on the charoe of hio:h
treason.
His first thouLiht was to defend himself
but on seeing that his guards had basely
deserted him, saw that re-dsta:ice was useless.
The French officers however justified the con-
fidence he had in their courage, and alone, they
thought they could scatter the armed mob, but
FaUlcon exhorted them to give up their swords
and they were led off to tlie common prison
under pretext of rescuing them from the fury
of the crowd.
Pitracha, now absolute master of the King's
fate le!t him the empty title of King with the
shadow Of power, and to render the fact of his
usurpation less objectionable, merely took the
title of chief minister of State.
All submitted to him. The priests whom
he had deceived by his hypocrisy, belauded him
as the defender of their faith. The othcials re-
garded him as the liberator of tliir country from
the oppression of the foreigner. The populace,
were foolish enough to iraagiuv^ that a change
of masters, would be the pi'elude to a happier
condition of existance.
The usurper, now assured of the support
of the whole nation, saw that the French were
the sole obstacles in his path. To him they
History of Siam, 79'
seeiDed invincible, as tliey possessed the two-
stroiiorest positions in the Kingdom. He sent
for M. de Metailopolis, who fearing punishment
for havintr advised Des Fai'^es, excused his at-
tendance on the ground of ill-health.
M. dc Lionne, Bishop of Rosalie, however
acted as his substitute. Pitraclia insolei^tly
addressed hiui in these words.
*' It is with the greatest disgust tb.at I
learn that the Frencli troops who come to Siam
to serve the King, refuse to obey his comiuaiids.
I order you to write to their commander to en-
force their obedience. Should he v>ersist in his
contumacious behavior you shall suffer for it.
I will give your Seminary and Church over to-
pillage, all the French shall be blown from the
cannon's mouth, and every Christian shali be
put to death."
M. de Rosalie rephed that although lie had
no authoritv over the French commander, he
would endeavour to arrange matters that Desk
Farges should come to Louvo in person. This
offer was accepted, and the prelate acconijianied
by two officials who had been members of the
embassy to France, set out for Bangkok.
Des Farges, on learning the nature of the
mission at first was uncertain as to how he
should act. At last he decided to set out and to
follow M. de Rosalie and the two officials with
one of his sons, the other being detained as a
prisoner in Bangkok.
Pitracha haughtil}^ reproached him with
his refusal to bring up the troops that the King
impatiently demanded. He threatened to eniploy
force if his demands were not complied with
and informed him that ten positions as strong
as Bangkok would be but feeble ramparts
80 History of Siam,
aojainst the venojeance he premeditated.
Des Farges replied with the f^reatest
moderation to these threats and having waited
till Pitracha had exhausted the exuberence of
his verbosity, said '' The King my master sent
me here in command of troops at the bidding
of the King of Siam his ally only, but since these
troops cause trouble, kindly order that ships
may be furnished us or grant us permission to
equip the same. The speed with which we shall
hasten our depar-ture, shall leave no douV)t of
the good will of the King my master." This
proposal w^as rejected and Pitracha sharply
ordered him to write to his lieutenant to bring
up the troops.
The commander replied that as he w^as not
at his post, he no longer ho^A the authority, and
that tlie only way to ensure the obedience of the
garrison would be to allow him to return to Bang-
kok. He promised to do his utmost to persuade
them to obey his wishes, and in addition, offered
to give his children as hostages for his word.
Pitracha gave his consent. But on the return
of Des Farges to the fort, the officers and
soldiers swore they w^ould leave it only to re-
turn to their native land. Pitracha, hearing of
their determination advanced with an army.
The French evacuated the fort they had occupied
opposite to Bangkok, and the Siamese taking
possession of it commenced hostilities.
De Bruant and Beauregard, wdio w^ere in com-
mand at Mergni, fearing that they w^ould short-
1\^ be attacked made ready for a vigorous
defence They w^ere not about to fight for mere
glory, a more powerful incentive fired their
hearts. It was a case of life and death itself.
'The Siamese ordered them to capitulate, but
History of Siam. 81
were repulsed with severe loss, and, the con-
querors liaving seized one of their vessels as
well as an English ship then in harbour, em-
barked and set sail for Pondicherry where they
landed without further mishap.
The French, shut up in Bangkok were a
source of annoyance to the usurper who was
sure that M. de Metallopolis would have had
more influence over them than M. de Rosalie,
He ordered the former to be conducted to
Bangkok by an escort of '' Tattoed Arms "
who are the bailiffs and minions of the Jaw.
The servants of the prelate were the victims of
innumerable insults from these officials who
are as cowardly as they are insolent. They
were pilloried, bound, and half strangled and
exposed almost naked to the burning rays of
the sun, to the importunities of insects, and to
the extremes of hunger and thirst. The Bishop
and M. Basset a missionary were equally tar-
gets for their witticisms. The bulk of their
clothes were taken away and even their hats.
This was but the commencement of the cruelties
practised then in the fort opposite to Bangkok.
The officer in charge exposed them on a bastion
in range of the French artillery which did not
cease fire until the victims had been recognised.
The stubborn resistance of the French
modified the hostile disposition of the Siamese.
Pitracha who on the death of the King had
succeeded to the throne, thought he ought to
get rid of guests too warlike not to be a subject
of dread. He resolved that they should take
ship for Pondicherry on condition that the
Bishop and the Missionaries would engage on
peril of their lives that the ships and sailors with
which they would be furnished, should be
82 History of Siam.
returned. While the new King was negociating
with the French, his heart, a prey to the
anxieties and suspicions which are the first
punishments that crime brings in its train,
thirsted for the blood of his enemies.
Faulcon who formerly been an object of
fear to him was singled out for his first act of
vengeance. • As soon as the tyrant had him in
is power, he caused him to be led in triumph on
the walls of the palace.
This favourite of fortune, now fallen into
the deepest disgrace, was cast into a filthy
dungeon to which admission was refused to
everyone. Some say that the head of Monpit
was fastened to his neck as a punishment for
his complicity. In addition the soles of his feet
were burnt, and his head was placed in a vice
in order to make him acknowledge crimes he
had never committed. This man, formerly the
centre of an admiring throng was now guarded
in a narrow prison by barbarous gaolers who
kept at a distance those who might have pro-
cured some respite for him.
His wife however discovered the place of
his confinement and she obtained permission to
supply him with a few necessaries.
The usurper, who still retained a trace of
humanity had restored to her son whom the
soldiers had carried off ; but this was
only a passing favour, the natural ferocity of
the tyrant softened but for a moment.
She was suspected of having concealed
immense wealth, and that was quite sufficient
cause for her to be treated as a criminal. Her
weapons, documents and even her clothes
were taken away ; a guard was posted in front
of her house and a sentry at the door of her
History of Siam. 83
room. The brutal soldiers who watched all
her actions caused her to complain bitterly.
■'' Well " she remarked '' What have I done to
be thus treated like a felon." But ashamed of
her weakness she rose superior to fear and
misfortune. She had need of all her fortitude
and contempt for earthly possessions. Two
days afterwards an armed force 'seized the
furniture, money and jewels which the palace
contained, Unmindful of the loss of so much
property she cried out. '^ At last God alone
remains for us and no one can take Him from us."
The insatiable spoilers suspected that sha
had hidden the bulk of her wealth and their
pitiless leader threatened her with death. He
ordered two executioners to come forward and
at a signal, they struck her on the arms without
regard for the weakness of her sex. Her grand-
father and son witnessed her sufferings and
showed their sympathy by cries and tears.
All the servants who had chosen to share their
sorrows were punished for showing their
sympathetic attitude.
The wretched family knelt at the feet of
the official, who, enraged at not being able to
find a new victim, ordered the executioners to
redouble their blows. '' Alas " cried the
wretched woman covered with blood, " have
mercy on me or at least take me away that my
relations see not my sufferings."
These words coming from a woman aged
twenty-two years who was both beautiful and
of a noble disposition made not the slightest
impression on the official. He ordered her to
be taken away together with her son and her
slaves and only set her grandfather free on ac-
count of his age and infirmities.
84 History of Siam,
For a long time no one knew where sh&
had been imprisoned. A missionary, passing
by the palace stables saw her aunt who had
been confined with her. With difficulty he ob-
tained permission to see her for a moment.
He found her in a dismal dungeon, stretched on
a mat with her unhappy and innocent son by her
side whose lamentations seemed to reproach
her for having brought him into the world to
suffer.
This woman, brought up in luxury and
splendour, bore her hard fate as if she had been
born to it. She displayed that serenity of
mind which is a sure indication of a calm and
pure soul and she appeared more at peace in her
gloomy prison than she had been amid the
gaieties of the palace.
For some time they respected the life of
Faulcon since he was under the protection of
the King of France and they feared to incur
the vengeance of the French troops. But the
usurper on seeing how little interest the French
took in their old protector, considered that now
was a chance to get rid with impunity of an
enemy who though even in irons appeared
formidable. Sentence of death was pronounced
against him on the charge of high treason, a
crime on which those in authority are wont to
arraign fallen ministers. He was punished
for having introduced foreigners, whom he
wished to use as a means of self aggrandisement
and for the furtherance of his ambitious designs
in the kingdom. At dusk he was taken from
his prison and went by elephant to a forest
near Louvo to receive the fatal stroke. It
seems that his barbarous enemj^ had chosen
the silent forest for the execution ground as if
History of Siam. 85
he wished to bury the horror of his unjust
revenge in eternal silence.
Faulcon's countenence was pale, but this
was caused rather by the sufferings he had
undergone in prison than the fear of the death
which was about to end them. His glance was
fixed and he uttered no groan or complaint ;
he seemed lost in communion with the God he
was so shortly to meet.
Having arrived at the spot where he was
io meet his doom, he saw the son of the tyrant
who was in charge of the execution. He turn-
ed towards him, not to implore mercy but to
ask for time to make his peace with the Judge
before Whom he was so soon to appear.
The soldiers seemed distresed to see one
before whom the people and the nobility but so
recently had bowed down, now brought to so
pitiable a condition. Having finished his
prayer, he protested that he was innocent, but
that in dying guiltless, he had at least the
consolation of being able to expiate, by a painful
death, the weaknesses and follies of alife devoted
to the pursuit of fruitless ambition.
He added that during the whole course of
his tenure of office, the only motives by which
his policy had been directed, were the glory of
the true God, the service of his King, and the
interests of the State.
After this protest he spoke a second time
to the young official in these words, rendered
more pathetic by their eloquent grief rather than
by any devices of art.
''I am about to die. Remember that even if
I am guilty, I leave a wife and child who are in-
nocent. For them I ask neither rank nor wealth,
but at least let them enjoy freedom and life."
86 History of Siam,
Having said these words he remained silent
and at a signal, the executioner cut him down
with a blow of his sword.
He fell with a sigh, the last he ever uttered.
So died at the age of forty one years, a man
who had risen from the petty details of a
counting house to the most prominent position
in a great Empire,
His skill in politics justified his master'^
choice and he would have been numbered
among the greatest public men of his day had
his end been as brilliant as his beginning.
If his sagacity had been led astray it is not
certain whether that he feared that, being a
stranger, his most disinterested actions would
have been objects of suspicion. Cautious and
circumspect as he was he did not fully grasp
the situation of present affairs, as his mind
dwelt more upon eventualities. His virtues
were marred by several faults ; passionate and
easily moved to anger, he would lose in one
day, the fruits of the work of several years.
A man of great ambition, he showed all the
pettiness of vain -glory.
The magnificence in which he lived was a
almost an insult to the poverty-stricken nation
whom it was thought he had plundered. The
produce of every province appeared at his table
and four hundred slaves hastened to serve him,
to obey the wishes of his guests and to make
parade of his opulence. Generous to a fault,
he spent upwards of 100,000 crowns on gifts
during the space of 3 years. His policy be-
trayed by the wishes of the moment, blinded
him to the fact that bounties of this kind are
more apt to give rise to suspicion than to cause
happiness. After his conversion to the Roman
History of Siam. 87
faith he submitted to all its dogmas and
practiced all its precepts and although a public
man, he believed he could not dispense with the
obligations binding on private individuals.
His wife, still languishing in prison, forgot
her own sufferings in lamenting the demise of
her husband. '' Well " she exclaimed '' Why-
is he dead ? What was his crime that he should
have been treated like a felon." An official, a
relative of Pitracha's who was standing near
her whispered that his crimes had been the
favour he had enjoyed, and his natural abilities.
Shortly after this, she and her son were
condemned to the humiliation of slavery and she
was set free that she might perform her duties.
The death of the King and his brothers had
happened prior to the execution of Faulcon.
It was rumoured by some that the King had
been poisoned, while others averred that the
weariness of captivity was the cause of his
death.
Pitracha, who held the fate of his master
in his hands, and seeing that the King was on
the point of death, thought it politic to
compass the destruction of the King's brothers
who might have put difficulties in the way of
his succession.
He caused them to be put into velvet bags
and handed them over to the executioners who
beat them to death with clubs of sandalwood.
This method of death which had no disgrace
attached to it, was reserved for Princes of the
blood-royal.
The King shortly followed his brothers to
the grave. This Prince, who had been so ardent
a partisan of the French, has been depicted by
them in glowing colours.
88 History of Siam,
Though naturally of a warlike disposition,
but a true friend of his people, he preferred to
adopt a policy of pacification rather than to
follow his inclinations which would have
caused public misfortunes.
Thoujj^h keepinj^^ his high spirit under
control, he was none the less formidable to
his neighbours who preferred to have him
for an ally rather than for an enemy. As a
monarch who took deep interest in all affairs
of State, he allowed himself but little leisure ;
and his sole relaxation was the chase, the usual
pastime of active persons and sometimes also
of those weighed down by anxieties.
He showed an appreciation of science and
art, several foreigners had been called in to be
his instructors and had the soil been good, the
harvest would have been fruitful.
He left a daughter aged twenty eight years
who had been proclaimed Queen during her
father's lifetime, she had her own territories
and officers and soldiers who were subject to
her <'nly.
Every day she gave audience to the wives of
the officials, and seated on a throne she received
the homage of these women who crouching on
the ground with bent heads adopted the same
posture as did their husbands when in presence
of the King.
She was severe, ahnost ferocious and seemed
made rather to rule wild beasts than to govern
men.
CHAPTSR V-
The breach between the French and
THE Usurper.
The revolution was managed so adroitly,
that there were no perceptible changes in public
affairs. The palace was the scene of some dis-
turbance, but outside, everything was peaceful.
Pitracha who had succeeded quietly to the
throne went to the capital where he was pro-
claimed King amid the shouts of the multitude.
The chief offices of state were held by men of his
faction and scorning the baseness of revenge,
as soon as there appeared nothing more to fear
from their actions, he promoted all those of
whom he had previously cause to complain. The
people were relieved and his alms to the needy
won the hearts of all. He married the daugh-
ter of the late King, At first this Princess was
averse to the union, but fired by ambition, she
preferred life rather than the death which would
have been her portion in event of a refusal.
The negociations with the French had
been brought to a successful termination and
it was agreed that ships and sailors should be
provided to convey them to Pondicherry, and, as
a guarantee of good faith the King sent his two
sons who had been at court up to that time to
the French commander. All the officers who
had been arrested at Louvo, were released and
from them the details ■ were forthcoming
of the humiliations that they and the Christians
c>f different nationalities had suffered. The
Seminary had been give over to pillage ; the
Christian virgins became the prey of the
licentious soldiery, the most favoured of them
90 History of Siam.
however being reserved for the harems. The
missionary priests were put in the pillory whence
they gave an example to their flock of how to
suffer in silence.
While preparations were being made for
the departure of the French ; their open-hearted
generosity very nearly caused an awkward
complication of affairs. Madame Faulcon too
weak to endure the hardships of slavery, asked
the Bishop of Metellopolis to gain the interest of
the French commander on her behalf, and to
make arrangements that she might take her
departure on board one of their ships. The
Bishop spoke greatly in her favour, but Des
Farges, with more diplomacy than gratitude
replied that he was obliged to wait until the
Siamese had supplied him with everything
needful for the voyage and that when all was
ready, he would consider her request. She,
however, had grave reasons for hastening her
departure and every moment of delay was vital.
The son of of the King, worn out by
debauchery, had conceived a violent passion
for her. She would have considered herself
guilty of the death of her husband had she
shared the couch of his murderer. To gain
her consent, in vain did he point out that by
this act alone she could regain her position and
rescue her son from the vengeance of his
enemies. The brave woman replied. ^' Are
you unaware who I was and how I have lived.
My religion forbids so sinful a marriage. I
loved my husband with all my soul, and, faithful
to' his memory, my heart is closed against any
new passion. My son is dear to me and I ought
to live for his sake, but I refuse to buy life at
such a price as you offer."
History of Siam. 91
The young Prince, whose passions knew
no restraint thought he would be able to con-
quer her proud spirit by the most tempting pro-
mises. But he met with so stubborn a resis-
tance, that he showed his affection in a tyran-
nical fashion. She was carried off" to the palace
where she had no defence other than her tears
and outcries.
The Prince, fearing that this abduction
would reveal the secret of his debauched
life to his father, already annoyed at his disorder-
ly conduct, determined to send her back, saying,
that as she still persisted in her resistance,
there was nothing left for her but to die with
her son. She took no notice of these threats,
she preferred to die in innocence than to live
in guilt. Her grandfather aged 88 who was a
descendant of the famous martyrs of Japan,
upheld her resolution.
A slighted affection, often becomes cruel.
The Prince in order to frighten her, caused her
to be arraigned on a charge of embezzlement.
She was summoned before a tribunal and the
judge although convinced of her innocence
ordered her to receive 100 strokes with the rod.
She was delivered to her merciless executioners
who seeing her faint under the punishment;
only administered one half of w^hat had been
ordered. Her relations were also punished, she
had to endure the agonising spectacle of be-
holding two of her uncles, two aunts and her
eldest brother undergoing tortures before her
eyes. Her grandfather would have suffered
likewise, had not mercy been shown to him on
account of his infirmities.
While this courageous woman seemed to
have nothing but sorrow as her portion for the
92 History of Siam,
future, Sainte Marie, a young French officer
offered to escort her in safety to Bangkok.
She was too unhappy to Hsten to prudent
advice. She embarked with her son in secret
on a vessel belonging to this officer, determined
to risk all if she could but escape from her
persecutors.
Her arrival at the fort was a signal for
general rejoicing but the commander alone
showed his disapproval, and had the pusillani-
mity to wish that she should be sacrificed,
rather tlian that a drop of French blood should
be spilt in her defence. " Alas " she exclaimed,
*' is Faulcon's widow, the sole person who will
have failed to find sanctuary under the flag
of France."
The King, on hearing of her escape, was
convinced that she had carried off a quantity of
valuables with her. He at once sent two officials
to bring her back, and, in case of a refusal, to
recommence hostilities,
As soon as the report of her arrival had
spread, the French were seized with a burning
desire to fight to the death for her sake. The
tears of the unfortunate widow, the youth
of her son, and the memory of her husband
who had been the protector of the French
interests were telling points in her favour. The
officers and soldiers were unanimous, and all
declared that they would rather face death than
the shame of having betrayed the cause of a
a distressed woman who had thrown herself on
their protection.
Des Farges, unshakable in his resolution to
send her back to Siam, made arrangements with
M. de Metellopolis whose outspokeness and skill
well fitted him for the negociation of such deli-
History of Siam. 93
cate business. The Bishop had need of all his
urbanity to break such distressing news to her.
He found that she was firmly resolved not to
return to Siam on any account short of actual
force. She waited for several days, her mind
waverintr between hope and fear until one day
a French officer came to inform her that she
must make her preparations for her departure.
There was nothing for it but to obey, and
she solemnly protested against the violence
which snatched her from the protection of the
French flag. The official who had been sent to
bring her back came to conduct her to the river
side where a vessel was lying in readiness. She
w^as accompanied by her son, by one w^oman and
a missionary whose zeal sustained her drooping
courage. Her distress became the more acute
the further she went fromt he spot from whence
she had been thrust forth, abandoned by the
French whom she still could only re-
gard as friends. The sight of Siam rendered
her grief more poignant ; for there lay the scene
of the punishment of her husband and there
that she expected to undergo new tortures and
to be parted for ever from her son, the tsole prop
of her existance,
Her lot was happier than she had hoped.
The son of the King, rebuffed by her scorn, no
longer desired her, or what is more likely was
too much afraid of his father to give rise to
fresh scenes of violence and scandal. She
was appointed to the Royal Kitchens. In the
opinion of the Siamese, this is an honourable
post and by no means a humiliation. She had
two thousand women under her orders, as
palace servants. She was entrusted with the
care of the gold and silver plate, of the King's
94 History of Siam,
wardrobe and of all the fruits served at table.
Her Jack of self interest made her despise the valu-
able perquisites of her office and, very different to
her predecessors, handed over a considerable
sum every year to the royal treasury. The
King of Siam, surrounded by corrupt and rapa-
cious officials M^as astonished to see such honesty,
and often said that only Christians could carry
the scorn of wealth to such a pitch.
Although she was not so unhappy as she
had anticipated, she suffered considerably from
the fact that her son had been taken away from
her. For a long time she feared that his
education had been entrusted to the idolatrous
priests, but she was much relieved to hear that
he w^as being brought up at the Seminary in
chauge of the Bishop and the French mis-
sionaries.
Her son afterwards obtained a captaincy
in the Siamese navy, on the Coromandel coast.
In 1749, he was entrusted with a mission to M.
Dupleix who at that time was Governor-Gen-
eral of the French possessions in the East
Indies.
The governor, a man of sound abilities
though not brilliant, remembered that he had to
deal with the son of one who had been a friend
to his nation. He considered that it was his duty
to give him substantial proofs of the gratitude
the French owed him, by granting him exemp-
tion from all taxes levied on foreigners.
He sent him back, satisfied with the suc-
cess of his mission and gave him many valuable
gifts. The name of Dupleix will ever be graven
on our annals devoted to citizens who have
benefited their country.
Faulcon, on his return to Siam was favour-
History of Siam. 95
ably received. Having inherited his father's
abilities he might have risen to a high position.
But lavish as his father had been, he desired
wealth merely for the purpose of making pre-
sents to Princes and Kings. His bounties,
which ensured his favour at Court, exhausted his
resources He died in poverty in 1754, leaving
his wife a son and several daughters in absolute
want, One of his daughters married a Dutch
shipmaster, who was ruined by the loss of his
vessel few years afterwards.
She soon lost her husband and when the
Siamese were led in captivity to Pegu, she was
married again to a Portuguese half-caste by
nan)e Jeanchi, a captain of Burmese regiment,
He will be spoken of later.
The other daughters did not long survive
their father. There remains only a son named
John Faulcon, married to a Portuguese in Siam.
The Burmese took him prisoner, but evading
the vigilence of his guards, escaped to Siam
with his wife where they lived in obscurity.
Sucli were the posterity of the celebrated
Constantine Faulcon who, of humble origin,
raised himself to the steps of the throne.
The obstacle, to the conclusion of the nego-
ciations with the French which had been caused
by the flight of Madame Faulcon, was removed
by her return. Both parties were equally
anxious to come to an agreement. The French
were desirous of leaving a land wliere they
would only encounter fruitlesss and inglorious
perils. The Siamese could not but be uneasy
while they still retained guests, of whose heroic
valour they had had such an experience. I
cannot refrain from citing two examples of the
intrepid courage of these brave men.
96 History of Siam.
Saint Cri, a French captain was sailing
downstream in a boat, tlie Indian crew of
which were all drunk and incapable, and he
had oidy two Ij^uropeans with him who were
ready for any emergercy.
The Siamese, seeing his defenceless
condition made prepar-ations to board his vessel.
One of the two Europeans became terrified
and swam off' to parley with tliem, but he was
taken prisoner and loaded with chains. Saint
Cri, too vveak to offer any resistance, feared
lest he siiould fall into the hands of these
savages. Death appeared to be a preferable
alternative to slavery and brave to desperation
as he had but one soldier with him, put his
powder and handgrenades on the bridge. He
calmly waited till a large number of Siamese
had boarded his ship, and then, fired his
powder and blew his enemies into the air.
The ship, damaged by the explosion, ran
aground.
The Siamese, thinking that all the powder
had been used up, imagined that it would be an
easy matter to seize the vessel. But Saint Cri
gave them cause to repent their rashness. He
He fired some bags of powder that he had kept
in reserve and although he himself was among
the slain, this explosion was more deadly than
the first. His companion, sword in hand gained
the shore. The savages fell upon him, and^
overwhelmed by numbers, he perished, but
not before he had slain five of his assailants.
Another case bore witness to the inflexible
purpose of the French commander, whose two
sons had been retained as hostages in the
capital. The King made them write to their
father saying, that if the garrison were not
History of Siam. • 97
brought to Louvo, they would be put to death.
The commander, although devoted to his
<jhildren, remembered his duties to the state.
He replied " My children I feel as mucli for
y^our sad condition as you do yourselves, I
would willingh- lay down my life in order to
save yours. I cannot but urt^e you to follow my
example and to be faithful to duty. If you
perish remember that you are dying for yodr
Ood, 3/our King, and your c )untry and be sure
that youi- deaths will not be unpunished."
Sucli heroic conduct hnd made the name
of Frenchmen to be feared, and caused the
Siamese to hasten their departure. They were
supplied with three frigates, and to ensure that
the ships should be returned, the Bishop of
Metallopolis, the chief of the French trading
company, and the two sons of the commander
were given over as hostages. The troops
marched out of the fortress on the iirst of
November 1688, taking with them two officials
as sureties for the King's word. During the
night they sailed down to the mouth of the
river.
The French commander invited the
officials who had come with the French hostages
to a great feast. After the meal the Siamese
hostages were asked for, but Des Farges said
that he would not return them until the four
vessels bearing the baggage, three officers and
fourteen soldiers, hove in sight. The officials,
learning of this refusal hastened to inform the
Barcalon.
This official was highly incensed at the
breach of faith on the part of the French. He
summoned M. de Metallopolis and said '^ These
careless officials will be severely punished for
98 History of Siam,
having released the French hostages before re-
ceiving our own. You and I will both be
involved in the trouble. You will be considered
as the accomplice of the French treachery and I
shall be punished for having confided the
matter to untrustworthy persons. Let us find
some way of escape from the danger common to
us both."
The bishop, who had not been informed of
the plans of Des Farges, neither dared to lay
the blame on him, nor to find excuses.
They agreed that if one of the hostages
were given up, the Siamese would deliver over
a third part of what they were retaining and
that the remainder would set out for the mouth
of the river whenever the last of the officials
should have set sail.
Des Farges released one official on the
spot, but as he had given the first example of
bad faith, the Siamese considered that they
were at libertj^ to break their word also, and,
instead of sending down the ships, demanded
with threats, that the other two hostages
should be restored.
M. de Metallopolis wrote a pathetic letter
to the commander, pointing out how his line of
action would cause the ruin of the French and
of the growing Church. The inflexible resolu-
tion of Des Farges could not be shaken and
after having waited five days for the fulfilment
of the BaTcalon's promises, he set sail for Malacca
en route for Pondicherry taking with him the
hostages who were of no possible use to him.
CHAPTSU VZ.
The persecution of the Christians after
THE DEPARTURE OF DeS FARGES.
After the departure of the French, the
Christians were left without defenders. The
Siamese highly enraged at the loss of their
hostages, stirred up a sanguinary persecution,
and the Bishop of Metallopolis was the first to
suffer. He was taken off his ship and dragged
in the mire with every possible insultj exposed
for a long time to the heat of the sun and to
the torments of insects. Some pulled him by
the beard, others spat in his face, and those
who could not get near enough to strike, threw
mud at him.
The Barcalon, witness of all these outrages
from which he could have protected him, seemed
to have no pity.
M. du liar, a French officer, shared the same
fate. Both were loaded with fetters, put
on board a boat and taken across the riven
On the bank they found the bodies of their un-
happy companions hacked to pieces. The poor
bishop, old and infirm and exhausted by what
he had undergone could not bear to look at
this painful spectacle.
He fainted and fell half dying into the
mud, from which he was with difficulty extricat-
ed. He passed all the day and night in his
wet and muddy clothes.
A spark of the respect which could not be
denied to his virtues, softened the hearts of his
persecutors. The Siamese took him to Bangkok
and shut him up in a hut next door to the house
100 History of S'iwm,
of a Christian woman by whose kindly minis-
trations he was restored to consciousness. As
soon as he was able to stand the fatigues of
the journey he was taken to the capitaL He
was placed under a guard of cruel and rapacious
men, who in order to extort money from him,
exceeded even the severe orders of their master.
The other Frenchmen were cast into the
common jail, a place reeking with disease and
filth, where with the idea of death constantly
before their minds, they ceased to dread its
approach.
The bi'utal soldiery made a raid on the
college and carried off the priests, the students
and the servants. They respected neither the
innocence of youth nor the intirmities of age.
All were marched ofl' to prison and handed over
to a harsh gaoler who regarded it as an act of
merit to make them suffer hunger and to expose
them to the inclemency of the weather. Seven
of the French died under this treatment. The
Missionaries, more accustomed to a hard life,
held out longer, but nine of them died a few
,days after they had been set at liberty.
Painful sights were to be seen in every
street of the capital. French priests and officers,
almost nude, pale and haggard, dragged them-
selves along begging scraps of food which were
cast at them with scorn, and in spite of their
weakness they were forced to carry baskets of
filth on their shoulders amid the jeers and coarse
jests of a villainous mob.
The Mahomedans seemed to lay aside their
natural antipathy to Christians. They took
pity on their hard fate. They even took such
ap interest in the matter that they drew up a
petition saying that it was against tha laws of
History of Sia?n\ 101
nations to treat prisoners of war witVi such
harshness but it was in vain. Their leader,
who was an official of the highest rank, feared
that this petition, if presented, would cause laim
to lose favour at court. He treated two mis-
sionaries who had been handed over to him, with
the greatest sev^erity. They were condemned to
the most painful and degradings tasks Some
English officers, seeing these aged priests stag-
gering under the weight of their baskets boldly
announced, that il this harsh treatment were
not put a stop to, they would show no mercy to
any officials they might meet. They did not
content themselves by the mere utterance of
empty threats. They lent a considerable sum
to these unfortunate men.
The missionaries consider it is their duty
to say that wherever they have met Englishmen,
they have experienced their natural generosity.
The wretched plight of the prisoners, touched
the hearts of their oppressors, and their fate
was made less hard.
They were allowed to beg for one hour
daily. Sympathisers bestowed alms on them
which were appropriated by the felons chained
with them. Those who had had the good for-
tune to have escaped persecution by flight, wan-
dered from hut to hut.
A Tonquinese Christian gave shelter to
several of them in his house in spite of the
edicts to the contrary.
The Portuguese Jesuits who had avoided
persecution by secret means ; made use of their
freedom to help their unfortunate co-reHgionists
M. Pomard a missionary who had cured the
King of a dangerous disease, had not been
involved in the general trouble, and it was he
1C2 , . History of Siam.
who especially attended to the needs of his
brethren. The mere mention of the word
foreigner or the slightest sign of pity was
sufficient to arouse the hatred and fury of the
populace. An Armenian who had carried food
to the prisoners was put in chains and was
afterwards murdered by the fanatical priests
who imagined that their god would be pleased
with assassination. Two Portuguese, after having
suffered cruel tortures were condemned to cut
grass for the elephants. Their wives and
mothers-in law were reduced to slavery.
A nun, who had come from Manilla was
dragged ignominously along the street with a
crucifix fastened under her feet so that she could
be reproached with having trampled her God
under foot.
Several slaves cared naught for the tortures,
and remained steadfast in their faith. The
Tonkinese and Cochin-chinese, in the camp of
St. Josephiwere secure against pillage; but some
were condemned to the galleys and others to
work in the stables of the elepliants. Their
wives and children were employed on the public
works, and no mercy was shown to the Siamese
Christians.
There is no need to enter into further
details of this persecution, as it would be a mere
repetition of scenes of horror and barbarity.
The Portuguse, calm amid the storm, were
highly delighted at the fate of the French. Their
jealously blinded their eyes to pity, and they
were so indiscreet as to openly show their feel-
ings. They thought now that as their rivals
were out of the field, they would be able to gain
the commercial advantages previously held by
the French.
History of Siam, 103
The King of Cochin China looked upon
this persecution as a crime against humanity It
had been reported to him, that the French were
turbulent disturbers of the public peace, who
haviiiof caused endless confusion in Siam were
about to make trouble in his State. The clear
sighted ruler perceived that this was a tissue of
lies and even sent ambassadors to Siam to pro-
test against the persecution. But as their ob-
ject had been previously found out, they were
sent back without an audience. The Prince
of Cochin China, a proud and warlike individual
would have revenged this outrage had his plans
not been anticipated by death.
^he hatred against the Christians w^as on
the wane, but when news was brought that Des
Farges with 5 vessels had landed at Jonsalam, it
was considered that he was merely waiting for
reinforcements to take vengeance for the insults
offered to his nation. Popular imagination
pictured him as an angry conqueror, who w^as
about to visit their towns and possessions with
fire and sw^ord.
The prisoners were put under more
rigorous surveillance and their lot became more
pitiable.
But the fears were allayed next day by a
letter from the French commander, who de-
clared that his intentions were peaceable.
Having explained the reasons for not giving up
the hostages, he declared that he preferred to
surrender his rights, rather than to break the
alliance between two powerful Kings and so he
sent back the hostages with a promise to return
the ships which had been supplied to him in
good condition, He announced at the same
time, the approaching arrival of the head of the
104 History of Siam.
French tradinor station to settle the accounts
and to repay loans advanced in cases where the
value of the merchandise which had been taken
from the warehouse was not enout^h to pay
the out-standing debts.
The Bishop was released from his fetters
on the same day as the letters were received,
and was taken to Court. He was made to
walk through the town barefooted, hatless and
in rags. The missionaries also appeared loaded
with fetters.
The presiding official proudly announced
that if the French Commander made the
slightest sign of hostilities, all the Christians
would be blown from the cannon's mouth in
revenge for his breach of good faith. M. de
Metellopolis was commanded to write to the
commander. He obeyed promptly and although
the King and his ministers appeared satisfied
with the missive, they substituted another for it
and sealed it w^ithout allowing him to read it.
The prisoners were sent back to their work^
pending the receipt of a reply ; they were
confined in more spacious quarters, and ex-
perienced less discomfort.
Des Farges, anxious to set sail, sent back
the last of the hostages who was very pleased
at the kindly treatment he had received. It
was thought that by this means, the prisoners
would be able to gain their liberty, but only
the Bishop was released. The others suffering
from the hardships of so lengthy a con-
finement petitioned for death or libertj^ This
announcement produced its expected result.
They were relieved of their bonds and the har^h
treatment was somewhat relaxed. The court
proclaimed that it was unlawful to jeer or to
History of Siam. 105
make lampoons on foreio^ners, and those who
interfered with their religion were to be punished
severely.
This first exhibition of clemency aroused
hopes of a spee<ly release, but the Dutch
fearing to see the French restored to favour,^
spread a report that France was sending out a
punitive expedition against the Kingdom. The
trick was successful ; tlie prisoners were again
put in chains and had no other consolation than
to sing h3anns. Ivl. Paumard. a Missionary who
was trusted at Court said that the reportvS
spread by jealous enemies were nothing but
absolute falsehoods and the court, which res-
pected his outspokeness, believed him.
The prisoners were transferred to a
neighbouring island whose climate was as
fatal as had been the putrid stench of the
prison,
Manj- died in consequence, and the sur-
vivors passed days of continual sufFeriiig.
While they were suffering without hope
of relief Father Tachard landed at Mergui at
the end of 1690 and before entering fnrther
into the country informed the Barcalon that
he was the bearer of a letter fron\ Louis XIV
and that he had been entrusted with negoci-
ations for the renewal of the alliance between
the two crowns; and that he could not, without
compromising his position, ask for an audience
without previous assurance of the nature of
his reception. Two Siamese officials who had
come from France went in advance to the
Court where they made a great display of
the magnificence of the French King and of
the honours that had been conferred on them
even after it was known that his forces had
106 History of Siam.
been obliged to evacuate the fortified posts
of Mergui and Banj^kok.
The vanity of the Siamese was immensly
tickled by the fact that a Kino^, whose power
had humbled the pride of Holland, the only
country dreaded in the Indies, had sought
alliance with them.
The first result of this embassy was the
restitution of the Seminary, which by the
energy of the Bishop of Metellopolis was soon
restored
An Armenian lent him a large sum which
M. Deslandes, the head of the French trading
station at Surat had the generosity to repay.
The zeal of the missionaries had become
more active under the stress of persecution and
they did their utmost to minister to the needs
of the sufferers. The prelate, frightened by the
despair which had caused them to beg for death,
offered to stand surety for them to the King.
The respect inspired by his virtues granted
his wish and on the faith of his promise, the
others obtained their freedom.
The Seminary was over-crowded with 113
people, who were destitute of both food and
clothing. The prolate deprived himself of the
necessaries of life so as to relieve their more
pressing wants. No one knew how he managed
to do what he did, but generosity is never
exhausted by gifts. The King himself was
astonished at his never-failing charity and wish-
ing to help, contributed 500 crowns.
It was by the bishop's exertions that many
Christians condemned to slavery regained their
liberty. Others held by officials as debt slaves
could not satisfy the greed of their masters, and
languished in chains until 1695.
History of Siam, 107
The persecution which had crowned so
many martyrs had also been productive of
many apostates. The Siamese cruel in the
invention of tortures, are too cowardly and too
weak to bear them; and their example is another
proof that cruelty is a vice that accompanies
a pusillanimous character. History records
events only that we may profit by them and on
readinor the account of this revolution, it is im-
portant to disentangle causes.
Faulcon, whose position was always uncer-
tain and unstable in a country where liis con-
dition of foreigner exposed him to envy and
hatred, thought he could have kept his position
by calling in the help of the Europeans agdnst
the Siamese, who although indebted to him
were none the less his enemies. He had no
ambition to mount the throne as his foes have
reported. Contented with the second place, it
would have been madness on his part to have
formed the idea of taking the first. The French
eagerly seized the chance of extending their
power and commerce, and, dazzled by the mag-
nitude of his promises, they were foolish enougJi
to believe that they were to be the leading
power in the Indies.
Faulcon made religion serve his ambitious
policy. Those who were really interested in
the triumph of the Faith, were led astray by
the hope of converting the King to Christianity.
But the French oflScers less zealous and more
far-sighted, were well aware that the project
was but a snare set b}^ the minister to appeal
to their credulous simplicity.
Forbin, when questioned by Louis XIV
replied that the King of Siam had not the
slightest idea of forsaking the faith of his fore
108 History of Siam.
fathers and added that in the first audience
given to the ambassadors, Chaumont made a
long speech on the beauties of Christianity and
that Faulcon who acted as interpreter never said
one word about it to his master; and that in pri-
vate audiences the ambassador had always laid
great stress on religion, but that the interpreter
had invariably proved faithless. The Bishop of
Metellopolis who had been present and who
understood the Siamese language could have
divulged the matter, but he feared the wrath of
a minister who knew how to punish as well as
how to reward.
Father Tachard was one of the ringleaders
of this expensive expedition. Doubtless, his
zeal misled him in his blind trust of the cunn-
ing minister whose secretary he was, and Forbin
states definitely that he has seen several docu-
ments signed by the King and lower down.
*' Tachard " So while this Father was lording it
in the councils of State, the bishops and priests
were preaching among humble dwellings where
they were more sure of finding converts than
they were in the royal palace. This revolution
could easily have been foreseen. The predilec-
tion of the King for the French was a passing
caprice rather than a decided liking. Their
position could only have been secure during the
life of the King, who, in leaving his throne to
his successor rarely transmits his likes and dis-
likes. The appearance of the French on the
scene was brillant but the favour in which
they were held was unstable, even as they were.
It is a fate which they experience every
where, Fortune smiles on them at first, they
seem made for the conquest of all hearts ; and
they end by being disliked.
CMAFTZSR VIX.
Events leading up to the Revolution
OF 1760.
At the end of the last century, the Kingdom
of Siam was in a flourishing condition as far as
internal affairs were concerned, and was res-
pected by outside nations.
The help that Louis XIV had condescended
to render, had assured its prosperity, and might
have sufficed to correct its constitutional vices ;
but what ought to have given it a new brilliancy
was the cause of its misfortune and its over-
throw. The Siamese were ignorant of the value
of a benefit which would have ensured their
safety.
The pusillanimous prince feared to accept
the services of 500 men who had been sent to
defend him. They were regarded as ambitious
persons who although under the title of friends
had only come to be their tyrants. The Bud-
dhist priests stirred up sedition against their
noble defenders, and placed an ambitious man on
the throne who had dazzled them by an aifectat-
ion of zeal for their rites.
Pitracha, seated on a throne defiled with
the blood of the royal famil}^ combined in him-
self all the talents of great men with all the
vices of the vilest scoundrels. As soon as he
had compelled the French to leave the Kingdom,
he found nothing else at which to take offence.
Whilst surrounded by his satellites, and enjoying
the fruit of his crimes, a Peguan priest, who gave
himself out to be the elder of the two brothers
110 History of Siam,
of the late King fomented a new rebellion. He
had been a prisoner in Ayuthia for a lonor time,
and during his incarceration had been informed
of the state of the court. This imposter
painted his story in glowing colours and
ten thousand Siamese rallied to his standard.
It was easier for him to delude individuals
than to cater for an army, but the fanaticism
he inspired caused his followers to close their
eyes to the magnitude of the peril and all
appeared ready to tight!or to die for their leader.
The son of the King having determined to
tai<e a pleasure trip to a spot at some distance
from the capital, proceeded thither with a mag-
nificent retinue. The Peguan priest determined
to lay an ambuscade in a forest through which
the royal party would be obliged to pass.
His plan was to massacre him and all his
suite, to march on the unsuspecting city, and to
make away with the King and all the Royal
family.
The plot which had been kept a profound
secret would have been quite successful had not
the innate suspicions of the children of tlie
tyrant enlightened the prince as to the danger
which threatened him
He saw the armtd mob and at once per-
ceived that he was about to be attacked and so
instead of defending himself, he fled promptly,
leaving a rich booty, the collection of which
prevented pursuit by the conspirators. When
they had satisfied their cupidity they marched
on the capital which they had hoped to find
defenceless. Pitracha however having heard
of the danger into which his son had nearly
fallen, at once sent out a force of 12000 men to
disperse the rabble.
History of Siam. Ill
The rebel priest at first was of good cheer
but he led forces without courage or discipline
as everything was to be feared and nothing
could be hoped for. His little army panic-
stricken melted away without stricking a blow
Only 300 prisoners were taken and not more
than 300 perished by the sword.
The Priest pretender wandered in the woods
for several days with a young man w^ho had
remained faithful. He was found sleeping
under a tree and was taken to Ayuthia where,
chained to a post, he was exposed for several
days to the contumely of the mob, and afterwards-
he was disembowelled and while still breathing
saw his own entrails being devoured by dogs.
It seems that Pitracha did not enjoy the
the throne for long, as his son succeeded in
1700. The first year of his reign was marked by
a scandalous marriage with his father's widow
who gave her hand but not her heart.
This Princess had an extraordinary career
she was successively the wife of the father, the
son and the grandson.
This victim of passion never reciprocated
the love w-hich she inspired in others and to
separate herself from a husband whom she
detested, retired to a convent where she died
in 1715.
The new King, a prey to superstition and'
debaucher}^ surrendered himself entirely to the
idolatrous priests, who, by their austerities, en-
gaged to expiate his faults. Following his
example, everyone built temples. Trade and
manufactures languished and the populace given
up to fantastic ceremonies no longer gave thought
to the question of the defences of the State. The
false gods had many worshippers and the State
112 History of Siam.
had no soldiers available for defence. Fortune
favoured the kingdom as the neighbouring
Kings were all engaged in war against each
other and having too much on their hands at
home, had no time to think of foreign
aggression.
It was in this reit^n that the kino^dom was
visited by the scourge of famine. A long period
of drought had converted the fertile soil into a
barren dust. The rice, which is the staple food
stuff, was soon exhausted ; fish became scarce
and poisonous. The water of the River natur-
ally clear and limpid, suddenly became green
and turbid.
A sort of green scum covered the surface
of the great river and the fish were either dead
or dying. The King feared that the polluted
water would only increase the sickness in the
land and lorbade its use for drinkino^ or wash-
ing purposes.
This prohibition caused discontent among
the populace, for whom water is a most neces-
sary article.
The revolt was ready to break out, when
the court appealed to popular superstitions to
avert the calamity. The priests said that a god
known as Pra In had appeared near one of the
city gates and had declared that the change of
the water was one of his blessings and had be-
come a panacea for the ills they suffered. At
this news, the whole populace, passed from
despair to hope, every one ran to the river to
wash and to anoint themselves with scum that
had appeared so deadly a moment before. At
last after 15, days the phenomenon passed
alway. Abundant rains caused the water to
overflow the country and to fertilise the ground.
History of Siam. 113
The reign of this Prince, Hke that of his
successors, offers nothing worthy of record.
His son, who succeeded him, is only known
by the defeats he sustained.
His army 50,000 strong and his fleet
carrying 20000 fighting men, invaded Cambodia,
at that time torn with internal dissensions.
This army would have been victorious if
its leader had been more skilful. But the
King of Siam, enervated by harem life, had en-
trusted tlie command to his first minister, a
man of peace, and without skill in warfare.
The Minister who well knew the direction
in which his talents lay, had no wish to
take the command, but the King who
thought he could make no mistake in the choice
of his agents, was certain that one who knew
how to govern an Empire would also know how
to conquer.
The King of Cambodia, too weak to offer
resistance to the invading hosts, ordered all
his subjects who lived on the frontiers to retire
with their belongings to the capital and to
burn everything that they could not carry
away. The fields were laid waste, fifty leagues
of territory were changed into sterile deserts
that could hardly sustain animal life.
The King declared himself a vassal of the
King of Cochin China in order to obtain a force
of 15,000 men for land defence and 3000 for ser-
vice on the galleys for the defence of the coast.
The Siamese army, full of confidence in the sup-
OTority of numbers, and still more proud to find
that no foe dare dispute their passage, rashly
penetrated into the country but the further
they advanced, the nearer they approached to
their fate. Famine, more cruel than the sword
114 History of Siam.
ravaged their camp. The devastated fields^
gave neither fruits for man nor forage for
beast.
They were obliged to slaughter their bag-
gage animals in order to provide themselves with
meat.
The soldiers, unaccustomed to a flesh diet,
were attacked by fever and dysentry and more
than half of their number died.
The leader who had forseen the catastrophe,.
but had been unable to prevent it, retired with
the remainder of his army and was harassed
in the rear by his enemies without respite.
The Siamese fleet four times larger than
that of the enemies met with no better fate.
Their small vessels fired the town of Pontema&
200 tons of ivory were destroyed by the flames.
The Cochin Chinese profited by the absence of
these vessels to attack the transports anchored
four miles from the town, 'i'he Siamese vessels
aground in the river, which was extremely low
could render no assistance, and fearing that
famine would be as detrimental to the fleet as
it had been to the army, set sail for their own
country.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Revolution of 1760.
Before narrating the events of the
revolution which, in 1760, threw the Kingdom of
Siam into confusion, we ought to give a summary
of the succession to the throne.
The heir of Pitracha had several sons and
as he was displeased with the eldest, he
nominated the second as heir to the throne.
This man showed that he was really worthy of
the crown by his refusal to accept the succes-
sion to the detriment of his elder brother. He
only made one condition and that was in case
the elder were to predecease him, the succession
should devolve on himself. This condition was
accepted. The elder received the heritage of
his father and the younger was declared Crown
Prince, that is to say heir-presumptive to the
throne.
The new King had several children and
misled by parental aftection, showed none of
that generous nature of which his brother had
given so noble an example.
Faithless to his promises he nominated his
eldest son who had entered the priesthood, as
his successor. The young Prince a respecter
of promises made, had no wish to be a party to
the perjury committed by his father. He
preferred the simplicity of the monastery to the
splendour of the Court, which he could only
enjoy by desecrating the memory of his father.
The King seeing him persist in his refusal
appointed in 1733 his second son to be his
llt> History of Siam.
successor and died shortly afterwards of a
cancer in the throat.
The brother of the dead King was known
as the Crown Prince, and the Siamese were ac-
customed to look upon him as their future ruler.
Five thousand soldiers whom he kept in his
palace, were ready to devote their lives in sup-
port of his rights.
His nephew relying on his father's will, had
collected a force of 40,000 men in the Royal
palace so as to overawe his rival. He had been
careful to win the four chief officials of the
State over to his side and having charge of the
Treasury, it w^as a simple matter to purchase
adherents. All the common people were in the
power of the officials who all hoped to extend
their authority over a young and inexperienced
ruler, who would be obliged to put the burden
of state affairs on their shoulders.
The union of the nobility under the flag of
the young Prince, seemed to indicate that his
cause would be successful, but in reality it was
the cause of his downfall, owing to internal
jealousies as to who should be leader. The
higher officials thought that the Barcalon,
misusing his almost unlimited power, wished to
use them as tools for his personal aggrandise-
ment.
They appeared to fear that after having
been sufficiently powerful to hold the Crown
Prince in subjection, he w^ould yield to the
temptation of taking the crown for himself.
It seemed more fit that they should obey
their old masters rather than to see themselves
reduced to ask favours of an equal, and thus all
plotted secretly to destroy their work.
War broke out between the two rival
History of Siam. 117
Princes. The disturbance was ago-ravated by
the party feeling of the mob. Shots were ex-
changed between the two palaces. The
frightened inhabitants awaited death in their
houses and the whole town would have been
reduced to a heap of ruins had the gunners been
good marksmen.
The Barcalon, full of confidence, resolved
to risk a decisive engagement, having the lesser
palace as its objective.
A hand to hand conflict occurred, and the
Crown Prince's forces were routed and pursued
to his own palace wall. The conquerors took
counsel as to practicability of carrying the palace
by storm. The Barcalon and his friends voted
for the proposition, but one of the chief leaders
said that as it was nearly dark, it would be
better to defer the attack till the next day
alleging that by so doing fewer lives would be
endangered than if a night attack were to be
attempted.
His advice was taken and the assault was
deferred. The Crown Prince, being informed
by spies of all that passed in the camp of the
enemy, took advantage of the sense of security
inspired by an initial success and convinced
that the advantage lies with the attacking
force, made a sortie against the forces near the
foot of the palace walls. The darkness
increased the fear inspired by this attack.
The besieged, taken by surprise and being
defenceless, allowed themselves to be slaughtered
like brute beasts. Others took flight, and casting
away their weapons, were pursued to the walls of
the grand palace. The King sent reinforcements
to act as a barrier against the host ready to de-
vour him. The lawless and rebellious soldiery
118 History of Siam,
renounced their allegiance and instead of obeying
his orders deserted to his uncle.
Seeinoj that he was betrayed and deserted
by his adherents, he put all his trust in the
Malays whom he employed, and having encour-
aged them with magnificent gifts and by hopes
of great rewards, they left the palace with
proud and haughty expressions which seemed
to bear witness to their zeal and to be an earn-
est of victory. But hardly had these mercen-
aries left the palace behind when they gave an
example of the greatest infidelity, or of mean-
ness of character.
These strangers, loaded with gifts, deserted
the flag of their benefactor. Some retired to
their own country to enjoy the fruits of their
treason, and, others baser still, enrolled themsel-
ves under the banner of those against whom
they had promised to fight.
The Barcalon and the Chakkri, standing
on the high walls of the palace, were the sad
witnesses of the desertion. Fearing for their
safety they disappeared on the pretext of
going to issue some orders. The other officers,
not seeing them return, scattered to find some
refuge where they would be secure against the
anger of the conqueror
The King remained alone with his two
brothers awaiting his end. The elder brother
retired into his monastery, where he deplored
the disturbed state of affairs of which he was
neither the author, nor an accessary. The other
two, forsaken by their mercenar}^ followers,
escaped with some servants in a boat and man-
aged to carry off a large sum Crf money as well.
As soon as the Crown Prince had been in-
formed that the Royal palace had been abandon-
History of Siam. 119
•ed, he ordered his men to take possession. Sev-
eral princes of the Royal family had shut them-
selves up in the palace as in some sanctuary.
They were loaded with chains and were made to
suffer all manner of tortures invented by the cun-
ning of revenge and after all their property had
been confiscated, they had no hope left but
death.
This civil war caused considerable blood-
shed, but more perished by the sw^ord of the njxe-
cutioner than on the battlefield.
The new King, on his accession to the
throne, gav^e an example of the greatest clemency
which dulled the remembrance that the slaughter
of his subjects had been the cause of his success.
He offered the crown to the eldest of his
nephews, but in vain.
This latter, a religious prince, resolved to
die in the priesthood, as he ultimately did. The
King was sure that his position was insecure as
long as the two fugitive princes were not in
his power. The old officials wandered about
the kingdom and stirred up civil strife.
The Chakkri and the Barcalon had the
temerity to appear in the capital, dressed as
priests. They thought to escape punishment
by appearing in a dress that was respected.
The King, in order not to commit any out-
rage against the priesthood, arranged that they
should be arrested by the Chief priest. They
appeared before a tribunal where they were sub-
jected to a searching cross-examination. Their
cunning replies were unanswerable.
They pleaded that they had been carrying
out the King's orders and that they had been
pledged to serve him absolutely.
By this excuse they were enabled to
120 History of Siam.
escape, the terrible punishment which had been
prepared for them.
It had been determined that they should be
hung up with hooks by the chin until they ex-
pired. The idea was that their punishment should
resemble the fate of fishes, as being keen anglers
they had caused the death of many fish, a
heinous offence to the Siamese who have
scruples against fishing.
As the judges found no evidence on
which to convict them, the ^ King sought
other methods by which he might undo them.
He took counsel with the ministers and the
legal luminaries of the kingdom, who, after
examining the charges on which they had been
arraigned, replied, that far from being culpable
they were worthy of the highest rewards. The
verdict was remarkable, coming from the mc^uth
of judges who trembled under the sceptre of a
despot, a single word from whom could degrade
or destroy them.
The despot himself announced that
'' A citizen is not guilty in carrying out the
orders of his superiors."
He ordered that the accused should be
instantly released, and as if wishing to honour
their fidelity, he appointed them to the control
of the two chief temples in the city where they
hoped to lead a peaceful existence in the obs-
curity which is the only protection of a citizen
against the violence of arbitrary power.
But hardly were they installed in their re-
treat, when, towards midnight, five or six Malays
came to demand them in the King's name. They
guessed that sentence of death had just been
passed on them. The Barcalon, indifferent to
his fate, showed that life no longer appealed to
History of Siam, 121
him and far from being terrified, reproached
the Chakkri for his weakness and cowardice.
He told him that he must bow to the in-
evitable. When they were outside the temple,
they were stripped of their priestly robes and
were given a loin-cloth. The Barcalon beheld
the instruments of death without betraying the
slightest emotion and presented his breast to
the dagger of the executioner and died, pierced
by a single stroke. The Chakkri, on the contrary,
tried to defend himself, and received many
wounds before he was finally disposed of.
Their bodies were taken away and impaled
and exhibited to the public eye as an example of
the vengeance of the King.
The two princes who had escaped, were a
continual source of trouble. For a long time
they managed to evade their pursuers ; and
means were taken to prevent them from escaping
to some neighbouring country where they might
have been able to stir up a rebellion. They re-
mained hidden in a rice field, and were soon
deserted by all their servants except one who
remained faithful.
This faithful attendant used to go to forage
for them. They passed a month in this way
exposed to the weather ; a prey to their
needs and to fear.
At last the servant was recognised in a
public place where he was wont to make pur-
chases for his unhappy masters. Several persons
identified him as having escaped with them, and
that as he had been their companion in flighty
he ought to know their hiding place. The
secret was wrested from him by torture.
The Princes were captured and confined
in the palace dungeons. From that moment
122 History of Siam.
knew that death would soon he their portion
and that their uncle would never pardon them
as they were the sons of his enemy. They were
put to the question, and in their answers they
showed more firmness than would have been
expected from their youth. Sentence had pre-
ceded trial and hence they were unanimously
condemned to death.
The younger had designed some dresses
for a theatrical performance which he had
desired to be performed. He asked that, before
his death, he might be allowed to see them.
This showed that he was childish, or, rather
frivolous. The Queen, in vain begged that their
request might be granted. The King replied
that they had been born with desires that would
one day be fatal to the State. These Princes
w^hose fate should have excited compassion
were not regretted in the least. It was
generally known that their tastes were depraved.
It was not by their death that the Crown Prince
really became King. He gave his whole heart
to his nephew, who had refused the crown that
the Siamese had wished to offer him.
The King's prediliction excited the jealousy
of his eldest son who made a plot to
assasinate their cousin, and a day was arranged
for the execution of this wicked design.
The Prince had gone to pray his respects
to the King and was attended by his cousins
who by certain gestures gave him an inkling
of the plot against his life. He became frightened
and fell at the King's feet who being informed
of the plot, made enquiries into the truth of it.
The second and third of his sons were convicted
of being the authors of the barbarous idea.
This father, horror stricken, summoned them
History of Siam. 123
fore him and pronounced such dreadful punish-
ments against them that, in order to clear them-
selves, they protested that their elder brother
had led them into crime. The father was deeply
grieved on learning that his dearest son had been
the most guilty. He summoned him to his pre-
sence and made him lie on the ground to receive
his punishment. The Priest-prince, witness of
the terrible scene, of which he was the innocent
author, thought of what the consequence might
be, of a punishment inflicted on one who might
one day be his master. He prostrated himself
on the body of the guilty and cried out. ''Father,
order that I receive the beating rather than
your son". The King was a father and was soon
turned from his purpose by his feelings. His
wrath merely found vent in threats against his
guilty son, who, to become reconciled with the
priest-prince, entered the same monastary ; but
in the shadows of his retreat he enjoyed all the
sweets of power. The chief officers of state and
the people continued to regard him as the heir-
presumptive to the crown. As it happened, he
left the priesthood in 1740 and his father de-
clared him his successor. Henceforth he lived
in the palace which was appointed for Crown
princes, but was quite unworthy of his father's
choice. His vices drew upon him the hatred of
his father in 1756. He was accused by his
bastard brother of having defiled his father's
bed, and was summarily sentenced to imprison-
ment for life. There remained but two
legitimate sons to the King whom he had had
by the late Queen.
The elder had sunk into the lowest depths
of debauchery, which was sufficient reason
against his succession to the throne, so much
124 History of Siam.
the more so as he was afflicted with a loath-
some disease. The younger was preferred to
him, he was called Chaoual Padou, that is to
say, Lord of the Temple. This prince, brought
up from his earliest years among the priests was
permeated with the poison of error. A zealous
champion of the foolish religion of his country,
he was beloved by the nation who saw their
superstitions ennobled by so illustrious an
example. A stickler for justice, he punished
fraud and theft with severity. His good quali-
ties were universally recognised by all from
the Crown Prince downwards. His marriage
which occurred shortly after his accession, was
regarded as a token of the prosperity of the
State. His father bent by age died in 1748
aged 80 years. Chaoual Padou was soon re-
cognised by all the officials of the State.
Some of his bastard brothers attempted to
stir up civil strife, but they did not escape
punishment. They were cast into prison where
they died of neglect. Peace reigned in the
Kingdom after their death, and the people gave
him no cause for anxiety.
But his brother whom he rashly had recall-
ed to court favour, was a cause of scandal. He
bitterly criticised the government and behaved
as a ruler, rather than as a subject and to lighten
the disgrace of his degradation, he managed to
place himself at the right hand of the King too
modest and too weak to punish him.
At last the King being no longer able to
tolerate his imperious behaviour, resolved to
abdicate a crown the burden of which had
become insupportable, and to retire to the
seclusion of monastic life. For a second time
he donned the robes of a priest and shut him-
History of Siam. 125
self up with about a thousand idolatrous priests
whom he endeavoured to surpass in pseudo-
science and in the art of fortelling the future.
He sought a secret means by which to render
himself invisible and immortal by the use of
mercury of which he took so larjje a dose that
all his teeth fell out. Devoting his whole time to
futile researches, he became quite indifferent
to affairs of State and had no other relaxation
than to pore over lying records and to extract
therefrom stories fit merely for the credulity of
fools.
While he was living in seclusion in his
country, the enemy carried fear and destruction
to the gates of the capital.
The King, who knew nothing of statecraft
or of war, was powerless to avert the storm. The
Princes and nobles went in a body to the temple
of Chaouai Padou and begged him to take up
the reins of the stricken Empire. He acceded to
their washes and his brother, laying aside his pride
as there was no time for concealing his weakness
and incapacity, handed over the sceptre that he
could wield no longer and invited him to re-
ascend the throne. He yielded to the pressure
brought to bear on him from so many quarters
and sacrified his own inclinations for a quiet life.
But before entering into the details of the
revolution w^e ought to give some account of
the strength and situation of the people who
were to be their adversaries.
In 1754 the Burmese, the inhabitants of
the kingdom of Ava had been in subjection to
the Peguans for five years. They had seen the
death of their King, their Queen and the maj-
ority of the Royal family. The memory of their
past misfortunes and the present reality of their
126 History of Siam.
servitude, and degradation caused them to yearn
for a deliverer. They did not seek one among
those enervated by the luxury of court life or
those who in the pride of their usurped titles
measured their capabilities by their ambition.
Their eyes were turned to one of their fel-
low-countrymen Manlong by name, a gardener
by profession who though physically compelled
to labour of a humble description, had the
bravery and heart of a hero. With one voice
all united in begging him to accept the crown
so as to free them from the yoke of their tyrants.
''Yes" replied this extraordinary man ! I agree
to become your King, but first of all I wish to
find out whether you aro worthy of having such
a leader as I ! I command you to go and cut off
the heads of all those petty oppressors whom
the Feguans have set over you.,'
All answered, " If that is all you want us
to do, you shall be obeyed speedily ,' and forth-
with they departed to slay all the military and
judicial officers whom their tyrants had placed
in authority over them. Soon they returned to
their hero, their hands streaming with the gore
of their oppressors and proclaimed him King
without a dissentient voice.
The new King distributed arms to his sub-
jects. He taught them toi ride and to shoot as
lie himself was a good horseman and a dead shot.
His musketeers were ordered to fire on any one
who had the cowardice to retreat either in siege
operations or in actual battle. This new discip-
line was rigorously observed. The Burmese
became invincible and dominated Pegu. A
Peguan commander who had retreated with his
army into a forest, on learning that the Burm-
ese army had returned to Ava, took advantage
History of Siam, 1.2!7
of their absence to recapture Siriam, a seaport
town of Pe^u. He captured a ship which he at
once fitted out and departed early in 1759 for
Pondicherry on the Coromandel coast.
At the same time he wrote to the governor
of the French stations in the East Indies to
whom he sent valuable gifts in the hope of ob-
taining guns and military stores.
The ship was unable to reach the Coroman-
del coast ; contrary winds rendered it necessary
to anchor at Mergui a seaport of Siam. The Bur-
mese army returned to Siriam three days after the
departure of the ship. The King, who was in com-
mand wished to give an example of severity to
the people. The town was utterly sacked and at
the mere sound of their approach the Peguans
and their leader fled to the forests.
The Governor of Tavoy, a Peguan city
close at hand had established himself as an in-
dependent ruler. The Burmese King advanced
to Martaban, a town close to Tavoy, and de-
manded the governor to surrender. The
governor w^as too weak to offer any resistance
and therefore complied. But his submission
availed him nothing, for as soon as the King
arrived, his head was cut off. It was here, that the
King hearing about the richness of Siam con-
ceived the idea of attempting its conquest, but
wishing to have a valid excuse for his greed, he
demanded that they should restore the ship that
had been seized at Siriam from whence it had
been brought to Mergui. The Siamese court
having been informed that the ship was bound
for Pondicherry ordered that the ship should
continue the voyage in order to maintain the
friendly relations existing between the Siamese
court and the French stations.
128 History of Siam.
This refusal was the cause of a war in
which many lives were lost,
The Burmese King, having seized all the
shipping and wealth of the country, made Tavoy
his headquarters. He sent out an expedition of
30 vessels to reduce and burn the town of
Mergui and to take similar action against
Tenasserim, the chief town of a province of the
same name.
At the approach of the fleet, the inhabitants
of Mergui fled and the town, previously so full
of inhabitants, was left deserted.
M. M. Andrien and Lefebvre, Freoch mis-
sionaries, seeing before them a prospect of dan-
ger and useless suflering, embarked with their
converts in two ships of which one was a French
vessel and the other was the very ship to which
the King of Ava laid claim. The fugitive in-
habitants, after aimless wanderings sought
refuge in the forests and in desert islands.
The King of Ava, surprised at the fear
inspired by his name and forces, was quite sure
that the conquest of Siam would be an easy
matter. The fact of a whole province having
been subdued by his little fleet, gave him to hope
that there would be no obstacle to the success
of his united forces. He visited Tavoy in person,
being the place at which the different sections
of his army had been ordf^red to assemble. As
soon as the !:5iamese court had been informed
that the Burmese had invaded the country, the
Barcalon sent to the Bishop of Tabraca ordering
that Christians should be called upon for military
service. The Bishop replied that he would
willingly send all those whom he believed
were physically able to defend their King and
country. He summoned his converts at once
History of Siam, 129
pointed out the danger by which the country
was threatened, and exhorted them by the sacred
ties of King and fatherland. The flock,
obedient to the voice of the shepherd, remember-
ed that the God of Peace whom they served
was Hkewise the God of Battles. More than
one hundred took up arms for the common
defence. This levy, though so small, in
numbers was sufficient to give examples of
courage to the others.
The Priest King who had just come to the
throne was without resources to carry on
a successful struggle against so warlike a foe. He
knew the weakness of his subjects only too
well not to put his trust in them.
His arsenals were well furnished with arms
and ammunition, but he lacked men to make
good use of them. He commanded a timid and
undisciplined mob, equally incapable of attack or
defence, who had been pressed into service to meet
the urgency of the situation, and who trembled at
the sound of firearms. A fair-sized army of this
character had been collected but was of no
use against an enemy.
These miserable cowards threw down their
arms on the approach of the Burmese, and,
conquered without striking a blow, fled to the
capital which was thus overcrowded with use-
less mouths. The Christians acted in quite a
different manner and behaved heroically to a
man. The King seeing their bravery, entrust-
ed to them the guardianship of the palace and
the city walls, but they were too few to present
an unbroken front to the swarms of the enemy
who were overrunning the country. They had
left their homes defenceless, and, placing duty
before the safety of their own possessions, they
130 History of Siam.
had left them to the greed of an enemy to
whom plunder was the main object.
The hour of the downfall of Siam was not
yet come. The Burmese King was but three days
much from the capital when he was attacked by
a fatal illness. Thinking less of his sickness
than of the obstacle that had checked his victor-
ious progress, he summoned certain Europeans
serving in his army to his bedside. He asked
them in what time they could gain possession
of the city. They replied that it could be done
in three days, " Go quickly " answered the
King, ^' and make this rich conquest and if
fortune does not bear out your valour come
back to me at once."
The army started. All the outlying
v^illages were burnt, and even the suburbs of
the capital were included in the devastated
area. The Christian quarter alone was res-
pected, as the Burmese warned of their valour,
had not the courage to attack men so freed
from earthty ties that they feared not death.
Some of the Christians, who had not followed
the example of flight set by the others, shot
two of the enemy from the seminary, and this
bi'ave defence was the salvation of all. The
terrified Burmese had no longer any desire to
attack them. The Dutch quarter was reduced
to ashes and only the warehouse known to
contain valuable merchandise was spared.
While the town was threatened, the
outlying districts were ravaged with fire and
sword, and the inhabitants, loaded with fetters,
were led into captivity. The children too weak
to share their sufferings were the unhappy witnes-
ses of tortures inflicted on their parents. Several
children were put to the torture to make them
History of Siam. 131
reveal the hiding places of their parents' wealth.
On information extorted by violence these piti-
less creatures massacred unfortunate individuals
without mercy who could only reproach them-
selves with not being rich enough to satisfy the
greed of their executioners. The chief priests
w^ho were suspected of having concealed vast
wealth, were repeatedly roasted on gridirons
until they had confessed where their treasures
were hidden.
Women were bound above the ankles so
tightly that the cords cut into the flesh. Their
inexorable tormentors made them answer ques-
tions by striking them with the flat of a sword,
and even the cries and lamentations of the child-
ren whom they compelled to witness their
cruelties could awake no compasionin their stony
hearts.
The men received still harsher treatment.
Their ankles were bound in the same way i s
those of the women, and, to add to their miseries
their arms were tied behind their backs so that
the elbows touched. It seemed in their wretch-
ed plight that their bowels were about to gush
out. So severe were the agonies caused in the
joints, that the victims swooned in many cases.
While these sad scenes were being enacted
in the Provinces, the capital of Siam was at-
tacked with vigour. But the enemy, after
several futile assaults, were obliged to give up
their task ; and, taking advantage of the dark-
ness to conceal the shame of their retreat,
made the same signals as before ; in order that
the Siamese might still believe they remained near
the walls. The news of the death of Burmese
monarch caused them to renounce the hopes
of conquest. The youngest of his sons was
132 History of Siam.
proclaimed King. He needed the army to
strengthen his authority and to put down mal-
contents. The troops were ordered to evacuate
Siam and never was a retreat more hurridly
beaten.
The Siamese, free from the yoke of foreign
oppression, reoccupied their former possessions.
Having suffered by experience, they ought to
have taken steps to prevent a fresh invasion.
The Dutch, established in the kingdom, could
have provided them with artillerymen as there
were many stationed at Batavia in the island of
Java. But the Siamese unmindful of danger,
and arrogant though cowardly, considered that it
would be derogatory to their dignity to implore
the help of a foreign nation to teach them
lessons.
The high opinion which this nation held
of itself, gave rise to the idea that the native
christians would form an impregnable barrier
against foreign invasion.
The examples of bravery they had fthown,
caused them to be regarded as so many heroes
to whom the common defence might be en-
trusted.
The French church was called the Church
of Victory, and in gratitude for services render-
ed, presents were given of suitable garments to
the Bishop, the priests and the converts. All the
Christians who had assisted in the defence of
their country received a gift of money and
eight of them who had shown the greatest
bravery in face of the dangers undergone, were
promoted to the highest positions in the army.
The Siamese had no less confidence in
their wisdom than they had had in their bravery.
They were consulted as to what measures
History of Siam. 133
should be taken for national defence. These
men full of zeal, showed that if they knew how
to fight for their country, still more did they
know how to advance the cause of their God.
They pointed out that, as during the war
the temples had afforded shelter to the Burmese,
they were of opinion it would be advantageous
to destroy all the temples round the town, so
much the more so, that in case of a new inva-
sion it would be impossible to preserve them,
The elder brother of the King agreed with
this proposition but the other Princes and all
the priests regarded it as an act of sacrilege.
The King joined the latter party as his
inclinations were all in the direction of his
former station in life and even in the brilliancy
of court functions, sighed in secret for the soli-
tude of the temples.
A zealot for the religion of his country he
showed that he was jealous of the praises
showered upon the Bishop of Tabraca, who, was
regarded as a heavenly messenger sent to re-
form their morals. The respect given to the
worshipper and minister of a foreign God ap-
peared to the Monarch to be a slight on the
national religion.
He commanded that European titles only
should be used as honorable appellations in his
his case, and to suppress all Siamese words by
which respect and greatness were indicated.
The order |was by no means universally
obeyed. The nobility and the people never
ceased showing forth their regard for the Bishop
and continued to load him with titles which he
preferred to deserve rather than to receive.
This enmity engendered by jealousy would
not have been productive of evil results as the
134 History of Siam.
Prince was weak rather than evil-minded. It
seemed that peace would continue, but soon the
State was plunged into a new commotion. The
King pronounced sentence of death against a
favourite of his brother's who was suspected of
having carried on treasonable correspondence
with the enemy. This decree was regarded as an
abuse of his authority. The people demanded
that account should be rendered of the blood
shed on slight grounds of suspicion. A general
discontent made the King re-enter the priest-
hood, and he appeared to abdicate the throne
with more pleasure than he had ascended it. His
elder brother became King, and the position
wichh he thus occupied, showed up his vices and
follies to the full light of day.
In May 1762 the Prince resigned the crown
in favour of the priesthood. A great number of
Siamese followed his example. The State was
burdened with an excess of useless citizens who
kept aloof from those they ought to have ser-
ved. Sorcery and magic were the principal
topics of conversation, everyone had formulae
for the compounding of love philters for immoral
purposes, and the secret of rendering the per-
son invisible for the purpose of robbery and
assassination without fear of punishment, was
the universal object of research.
The priests who had become more haughty
since the King had entered their order, demand-
ed that they should receive divine honours.
The ignorant populace wasted their substance
in their support, and kept them in idleness.
These holy ministers, naturally poor, found
abundant means of livelihood in the folly of the
vulgar, an inexhaustible ever ready source of
supplies for the use of impostors.
History of Siam, 135
Not even was their moral character an
object of respect. They frequently gave rise
to many scandalous scenes and, immune from
punishment, they would not even cast a veil
over the filthy pleasures to which they were
addicted By greed and cunning they obtained
possession of everything that could not be ap-
propriated by force.
The reigning King gave precedent for
these irregularities by his example.
Unbridled in his lusts, and shameless in
his actions he had no other rule of conduct
than his own sweet wdll; and in the intoxication
of his brutal passions, had the folly to marry
his father's sister openly. The nobility too feeble
and too cowardly to attempt to reform the
abuses, preferred to follow the example of the
tyrant rather than to fall as victims.
The officials, brutalised by the debauchery
into which they had sunk to please their
master, knew neither how to foresee nor to fear
coming troubles.
Their security was founded on the report
that the Burmese King, a warlike and restless
Prince, had been dethroned on his return to
Ava, and that his elder brother was content to
govern his own people and had no ambition for
foreign aggression.
A peaceful regime seemed necessary to
him to ensure his rule over a turbulent race,
and his efforts were directed towards the main-
tenance of peace and to the civilization of his
people. He was highly indignant with those
who had advised his father to attempt the
invasion of Siam, that had cost the nation
so many valuable lives, more precious than all
the spoil they had carried off.
136 History of Siam,
Such peaceable tendencies promised a spell
of unbroken peace to the neighbouring King-
doms, but the appointed hour struck for
the punishment of a people sunk in slumber
and debauchery. The peace-lovdng King died
suddenly, and his successor a man of great
ambition and, feeling too cramped in his own
territories, was the rod by which God struck the
Siamese.
CHAPTER IX.
The Revolution of 1767.
The new Burmese monarch desired no-
thing better than warfare and conquests. Too
proud to conceal his feelings, he boasted that
he had promised his dying father to crusli the
the cowardly nation that merely waited for
a conqueror to reduce it to bondage. Several
high officials supported his ambitious projects.
His first victories were gained over his
intractable and rebellious subjects. As soon
as they had been subjugated, he sent one of his
generals in command of five thousand picked
troops to effect the capture of Tavoy, whose
governor, although a Burman, had made him-
self independent in 1761.
This rebel, not feeling that he alone would
be able to maintain his position with his own
troops, sought an alliance with the English who
supplied him with all manner of arms and am-
munition. At same time a vessel from the
Coromandel coast, and laden with rich presents
for Pegu, was obliged to drop anchor at Tavoy.
The idea of a rich booty won over the govern-
or who resolved to appropriate so valuable a
cargo in order to purchase an alliance with
Siam, who, alone could have supported him in
his encroachments.
Having taken possession of these valuable
spoils unjustlj^, he sent them to the King of
Siam and besought his assistance. The ministers
took counsel together as to whether the recep-
tion of this embassy would be compromising
to the dignity of the King, and for some time
138 History of Siam.
were uncertain whether good or evil would
result if the conditions were accepted.
They thought the wisest course to pur-
sure was to ask the opinion of the Bishop
of Tabraca and the Missionaries, who having
no personal interest in the matter ought
to be able to give good advice. They replied
that to protect a rebel was contrary to all
equity and policy. They added that Tavoy
had always been a Burmese dependency and that
in assisting an ambitious man who had usurped
the power, they would become accessories in the
rebellion and would expose the Kingdom to the
vengeance of a powerful neighbour, who had
nothing to lose by defeat and everything to
gain by victory. The ministers were satisfied
with this answer and asked that it should be
given in writing feeling sure that the authority
of the Bishop and the missionaries backed up by
their wisdom and character would have great
weight with the King.
The document was drawn up, and the
ministers presented it to the step-brother of the
King, who was hankering after the rich presents
of the rebellious governor. He made a great
show of indignation against those who by their
scruples would have deprived him of the objects
of his greed. He tore up the document which
indicated the line of action on which depended
the peace and prosperity of the State.
The intrigues of the favourites were success-
ful and the ambassadors were honourably receiv-
ed and listened to graciously. Urgent commands
were sent to the governor of Tenasserim to fit
out an expedition for the relief of Tavoy, but
nothing came of the project. The governor of
this town became the object of public execration;
History of Siam, 139
the bloodshed of the leading citizens was the
means by which he had wished to consolidate his
growing power, and his new subjects became his
enemies. Attempts were made on his life in
1762, and as punishments were multiplied, the
more unpopular he became.
The Burmese general had arrived at Marta-
ban with his army. From this town he wrote
to the governor ordering him to offer no resist-
ance, He uttered dire threats against the in-
habitants who refused to help him.
The people of Tavoy seeing an army ready
to beseige their town, declared that they had
determined to render homage to their legitimate
ruler. The usurper surrounded by both foreign
and domestic enemies, weak in his defences and
threatened by invasion, had no other resource
left but flight.
He equipped a vessel for his escape, but
the people by whom he was hated, suspected
his plan and fired his ship either from motives
of revenge, or to prevent him from carrying off
his wealth.
He was so unwise as to show himself is
public and found out that despots cease to be
respected when their power is gone.
His subjects, who before had been trembling
slaves, planned to slay him at the city gate. The
womeji, always more excited by popular frenzy
vied with each other for the honour of striking
the first blow. They were highly delighted to
see as a suppliant before them, one who formerly
had exacted unquestioning obedience.
The rebel, after many adventures sought
sanctuary at Mergui, to which place he was fol-
lowed by his relatives and a few supporters
who had either the nobility of character to wish
140 History of Siam,
to share his misfortunes, or perhaps so guilty
that they feared the harshness of an angry
judge.
His fleet of sixty galleys by no means re-
assured the inhabitants who were not anxious to
shelter an outlaw pursued by a victorious army
Panic was general, some fled to the forests, and
others to desert islands fearing death by starva-
tion less than to have to appear before a wrath-
ful conqueror.
The governor feared that those who had
given him shelter would not respect the rights
of hospitality for long. He only begged a small
force with which to go and retake the town that
he had evacuated on the strength of a false re-
port. He considered that the letter from
the Burmese General had been sent by an ad-
vanced body of troops whom he would keep up
even in time of peace. He then began to doubt
whether the document had been genuine and
suspected that it had been the work of some dis-
affected persons who had concocted it to give
him a false alarm, and to make him take his
departure. He was so convinced that his idea
was correct that he persuaded himself that his
subjects were his only enemies. Thus a victim
of his blind faith he went to give himself up to
a ruler whom he had offended.
This rumour was taken as credible by so
many that the captains of the ships at Mergui,
who had been alarmed by the first news of
the Burmese advance, believed they were in per-
fect safety. Trade that had been interrupted
for some time was renewed. The fugitives return-
ed to their houses, and the town that had been
deserted for eight days, resumed its normal
aspect. The Christians had been very anxious
History of Siam. 141
to embark for the Coromandel coast and only
one availed himself of the offer of a Portu-
guese captain who sailed on January 8th, 1765,
but the rest very soon saw that they had been
misled by a false sense of security.
On the 10th of January, a confused noise as
of a shouting multitude was heard in the even-
ing by the river side. The sounds gave rise to
the idea that the enemy were approaching and
that the first alarms had been only too well
founded. In fact the enemy were only three or
four leagues from the city and a pilot had seen
ten of their ships. A short period of calm suc-
ceeded this alarm. The pilot on being question-
ed replied that he had seen nothing whereupon
everybody returned home quietly.
The missionaries were in a calmer frame of
mind, because they had seen that quiet reigned
on board the ships anchored in midstream, and
were sure that the noise that had been reported
was only a product of panic stricken imagination.
But at four o'clock in the morning fifty gun
shots were heard which left no longer room for
doubt that the Burmese had arrived.
The startled inhabitants perceived that
death or speedy captivity would be their por-
tion. The captains of the trading ships cut
their cables at once, and fearing to fall into the
power of a savage foe, allowed their ships to
drift with the stream without heeding the dan-
ger of shipwreck to which the inequalities of
the river bed rendered then liable.
The Christians who remembered the hor-
rors of the late war shuddered with dread at the
thoughts of these savage creatures steeped in the
gore of old men and of children butchered on
the still smoking bodies of their mothers. All
142 History of Siam.
fled to their boats and endeavoured to escape
from certain death.
The Burmese made their attack and
found no resistance. The love of life had driven
away all thoughts of defence.
The pillars of fire that were rising on all
sides made the inhabitants judge that their
country was but a wood-pile being devoured by
the flames. M. M. Andrien and Alari both came
down to the church and were soon followed by
a crowd of Christians. These two missionaries
exhorted them to make a generous sacrifice of
their lives and promised to set them an example
of how to meet death. The fire which was
devouring the neigiibouring houses was about
to attack the church. M. Alari thought of run-
ning away and begged the others to look to their
safety. He took some money for his needs and
buried the rest at the foot of a tree, in the hope
of finding it again after the fire had burnt out.
He saw that the enemies had gained possession
of the gates. Then to save himself from the
impending danger, he told a young servant who
could speak Burmese to inform the soldiers at
the gates that neither he nor his companions
would offer any resistance. The Burman was
satisfied with this message and with some money
which was given to him he put down his spear,
but he asked for and was given a shabby hat
which had aroused his cupidity.
But the soldiers who came up shortly after-
wards were not so moderate in their demands,
for they pulled oflf all his clothes.
In vain they were informed that nakedness
was shameful. He spoke to the Burmese but
they would not listen to him. The same soldiers
greedy for more valuable booty entered the
History of Siam, 143
house to seize what they could. They broke
open the chest containing the sacred vessels
which they defiled with their impious hands.
The missionaries, robbed and almost naked were
dragged to the harbour and put on board a ship.
As the water was rough they were made to cross
long stretch of ground covered with mud and
they would have been buried in the mire if they
had not been helped by two native servants
who had still remained faithful.
Hardly had they embarked when they re-
ceived the order to return. As soon as they had
arrived at the general's tent they were placed
on the ground, and were beaten with rods
to make them put down their legs. This they had
not done, as they were unaware of the etiquette
of the Burmese towards their superiors. The
general surrounded by his savage myrmidons
commanded them in threatening tones to go w^ith
the other Christians to seize ithose ships which
had not cut their cables. M, Alari who was also
ordered to convey a letter to the captains, re-
plied that his sacred office forbade him to take up
arms and above all to shed human blood. Many
of the bystanders testified to the truth of his
statements and his excuse was accepted ; but
although they had escaped this danger they
were reserved for more terrible misfortunes.
Attendants armed with lances conducted
them to the bank of the river where they were
obliged to witness the greatest scandals and the
filthiest abominations. They were exposed in
the middle of the public market, with their feet
in the mud from daybreak till noon. Their hats
which alone could have protected them from the
burning rays of the sun had been stolen. They
expected death any moment but awaited its
144 History of Siam,
approach fearlessly. A lively faith upheld them
and they only noticed the misfortunes of other
Christians who like themselves had fallen into
captivity.
The general encamped by the shore, made
careful enquiries in order to discover the place
or any information as to where they had buried
their wealth and the secret was discovered by
torture.
M. Andrien was denounced as a wealthy
man, and acting on the information received, the
general went to the church with Gaspard, the
honest servant of the virtuous missionary. Both
prayers and threats were employed to make him
reveal the spot where his master had hidden his
wealth. The young man naively answered,
'^ that as his master was a priest to whom
earthly possessions were valueless, he had
never possessed anything besides what the
Burmese had carried off.'
The greedy Burman unsatisfied with this
answer, condemned him to the torture. His
feet were thurst into a brazier of glowing char-
coal in hopes that the torment of fire would
make him reveal a secret that the insolence of
authority had failed to do.
Gaspard, who had withstood their promises,
showed that he cared naught for tortures. The
barbarian was highly annoyed at such contuma-
cious behaviour, whereas he ought to have ad-
mired the heroism displayed. He drew his
sword and was about to cut off his head. The
young man 17 years old was quite impervious to
fear, he had not the slightest intention of beg-
ging for his life, he merely asked for a few
moments in which to commend his soul to God
•'Lst me say a prayer" he said, ''and after which
History of Siam. 145
you may do as you please with me." His re-
quest was granted and after a short interval
spent in prayer, he cried out " strike."
The general, amazed to see such heroic
conduct in the case of one so young, was seized
with a sudden admiration. He thought that a
man who had given so striking a proof of fidelity
to his masters, ought to join his retinue, and
he was treated more as a favourite than as a
slave. If we draw a comparison between the
atrocities perpetrated by this nation in the war
of 1760 and their conduct in this latter conflict,
we can perceive that they had lost something of
their former savagery. In the former struggle,
children had participated in the tortures of their
parents, but on this occasion they were merely
mournful spectators. But even this blessed
change which commenced to become apparent
in the manners and customs of the Burmese was
still too weak to disguise their pristine charact-
eristics, especially in cases in which they had
given themselves up to the lust of avarice. The
following notices will assure the reader on these
points.
When the Burmese King undertakes a
war, he retains onl}^ the parents of the con
quered as slaves, and he generously hahds
over the children to the generals and other sub-
ordinate officers, It follows from this method
of sharing the spoils, that children are often
separated for ever from their parents. Here is
a touching example of the unhappiness of such
innocent victims.
A child six years of age, having
been left in a boat, cried ceaselessly
for his parents from whom he had just
been separated, His streaming eyes were
146 History of Siam.
fixed in the direction of the spot where they had
last been seen. After two days he saw on the
bank one of his aunts to whom he was much
attached. This woman, grieved at the loss of
her nephew, followed the boat to console her-
self with a sight which could only make her
grief more intense. The child, for whom the
sight of his aunt was only a new torture, cried
and stretched out his arms and called to
her to help him, and at last flung himself in the
river to go and rejoin her. The Burmese, un-
touched by this victory of nature, saved the child
only to m^ke him feel the loss of his liberty
more keenly. A tender heart had restored him
to hia relatives, but the brutal captain thrust
him ir^to the hold of the vessel so as to run no
further risk of losing him.
The Burmese are desirous of great wealth,
and, although by nature a warlike race, it is
rather the lust of pillage than the mere idea of
glory that incites them to risk their persons.
War is but a trade, according to their way of
thinking, and he who returns with the richest
spoils receives the greatest honour from his
country. 'Those who fall into their power have
every thing to fear if they are unable to satisfy
their greed, and it is quite certain that avarice is
the mainspring of their cruelty. A poor
Christian, who was believed to be possessed of
great wealth, was put to the torture to make
him reveal the hiding place of his non-existent
riches ; but no amount of suffering could extort
a \\^ord from him. The angry Burman in the
presence of his wife and dying mother drew
his sword to cut off his head. Fright-
ened at the near approach of death, ho
begged for a respite, in the vain hope
History of Siam, 147
of discovering some means whereby the greed
of his savage master might be satisfied. He was
unable to fulfil his promises, and, to punish his
failure, he was bound hand and foot and cast
into the river.
His mother at the point of death, sum-
moned up all her strength and looked at the sur-
face of the water fated to be the tomb of her
son, and, just as he was sinking, she grabbed him
by the hair and saved his life.
A shipmaster by name Kolland was highly
respected at Mergui where he carried on a con-
siderable amount of trade. For a long time he
was uncertain as to whichiparty he should favour.
When he saw that the Burmese had gained
possession of the town, he thought it expedient
to set sail, but as his vessel was out of repair, it
appeared that this course would be too
dangerous. He retired with some of the mem*
bers of his family to the hut of some Christians
who had showed hospitality towards him, but he
WHS shortly afterwards discovered and robbed
of ail his possessions. Unfortunately for him,
he was found with arms in his possession. On
being questioned as to their use, he replied, that,
at the first rumour of the Burmese arrival at
Mergui he had thought that a force of Malays
a people well known in the Indies for their
piratical tendencies, was about to make an at-
tack, and that having at once resolved upon
flight, he had taken up weapons with which to
defend himself against tigers which were numer-
ous in the forests. The shipmaster and his
companions had no longer any fear for their
life or their liberty.
The enemy were graciously pleased to give
them back some garments and a fair supply of
148 History of Siam.
provender, more than they had expected from
conquerors already pressed by famine.
To the Burmese, any attempt at self-de-
fence is a heinous offence, and whoever has lift-
ed his hand against them need not hope for any
mercy. Thus instead of respecting the bravery
of afoeman, they show pity only on the polt-
roon who grovels before them.
A Moorish ship, in setting sail had fired
several guns at their vessels. Four sailors who
had not had time to embark were ruthlessly
slaughtered in revenge for the deed of their com-
panions. Their cruel fate caused much anxiety
among the Christians. Several had been con-
victed of bearing arms, and there was no doubt
that sentence of death would be shortly pro-
nounced against them. The executioner was
awaiting the signal to give the fatal blow. In
this moment of suspense, a venerable old man
advanced crawling on hands and knees and pro-
strating himself before the general, informed
him that the condemned missionaries were well
known for their bounty and their zeal for the
relief of those in trouble, and that far from hav-
ing taken up arms with hostile intent, their re-
ligion forbade their use even for purposes of
self-defence. All those present appeared moved,
and took their part with the general, who at last
relented. The sentence of death was revoked.
The Christians and Mahomedans who would
have been slaughtered together, were sentenced
to transportation to Pegu to swell the ranks of
the royal' slaves.
An unforseen occurrence was the cause of
great rejoicings on the part of the Christians.
At this period these unhappy people, expecting
no human aid, had given themselves up to God
History of Siam, 149
alone. They saw a young Portuo^uese half-caste
who had just arrived from Pegu, come on board
their vessel. He offered to be their liberator
on condition that they would follow him to
Pegu to minister to the Christians who had no
pastors in that country. This young man
Jeanchi by name, was a native of Macao in China.
He had been carried off as a slave from Mergui
by the Burmese in 1760, and had been taken to
Pegu where by his industry he had found a
means of gaining his freedom. His abilities
were well known and well rewarded.
He afterwards married the granddaughter
of Constantine Faulcon and was besides a zeal-
ous Christian. The missionaries welcomed their
deliverer as a messenger from heaven. He
claimed them as ministers of his religion and the
general released them on those grounds without
further delay. Owing to the fact that his dut-
ies frequently called him to distant ports, he
sent them back in charge of a Burmese captain
of milder disposition than the rest. The captain
who had his own affairs to attend to, forgot to
supply them with food. In the evening, Jeanchi
sent them a little rice which they shared with
the other destitute Christians. He endeavour-
ed to muster all the scattered Christians togeth-
er and lodged them in houses that had been
spared by the fire. Sometimes he found young
children whom he restored to their sorrowing
parents. Sometimes he gave back a wife to her
husband, and when he could not succeed by
artifice he cast himself down before the leaders
to beg for their release with great eloquence.
*' Kill me, he would say to them and let me no
longer be the witness of their misfortunes which
I myself feel so deeply." His prayers were
150 History of Siam,
heard as he was regarded as a national hero.
His skill had directed the operations of the war
and his courage had contributed to their success.
But in spite of his importunities, and the esteem
in which he was held, he was unable to obtain the
Christian virgins whom the barbarians wished to
retain for the gratification of their brutal lust.
It was pitiable to hear the groans of these pure
unsullied doves, who sighed for the deliverance
that none could afford them. The married women
were more fortunate, as they were protected by
the scruples which these savages hold regarding
the san^ctity of the marriage-tie. These scruples
acted as a check on their unbridled lust, and it
was quite sufficient for a man to claim a woman
as his wife to prevent an attack on her modesty.
Several virgins declared they were married
women and by this harmless fib they were en-
abled to avoid the brutish embraces of the
men whom they considered as executioners
rather than as lovers.
The ships that had been obliged to beat a
hurried retreat had abandoned part of theix
cargoes on the bank. Tlie missionaries and the
other Christians were obliged to put these goods
on board other vessels ; all were forced to this
work without exception. The master found
himself working beside his slave. Several old
and respectable ladies walked along, staggering
under heavy burdens that taxed their strength,
and frequently whips were used to stimulate
their exertions.
The Burmese were too eager for plunder to
be satisfied with the conquest of Mergui. One
of their generals set out with the greater part of
the army against Tenasserim, the capital of a
province of the same name.
History of Siam. 151
This town although strongly fortified did
not appear to a sufficient defence against the
Burmese rabble, who reached the foot of the
walls without meeting any resistance. The
gates were wide open and the territied inhabit-
ants had fled to the forests to avoid a danger
that they were unwilling to face. Fear had ex-
aggerated the number of the foemen, and the
governor had been the first to desert his post.
They were conquered by terror rather than , by
the arms and the valour of their enemies. The
Burmese filled their ships with loot and having
seized everything of value, fired the town
•and returned in triumph to Mergui. Jeanchi, who
was anxious for the safety of the missionaries
made them embark with their converts. The
voyage was only of six days' duration and al-
though they were well-cared for, they had to suffer
in various other ways. They were continually
threatened with death if the least thing were to
be missing from the plunder on their arrival.
Twenty soldiers armed w^ith spears and daggers
watched all their actions and they were forbidden
to get ahead of the war- vessels that were acting
as their escort to the harbour.
They were welcomed on their arrival by
two Peg^uan Christians who showed great
pleasure at meeting them. They were escorted
by a ship belonging to a rich and powerful
Mahomedan who did his utmost to protect those
in trouble.
He informed them that their master had
given him permission to take them on board his
own ship where they would be in safety. After
this comforting information, they set out to meet
the generous Mahomedan, by nameMamasadech,
who evinced the greatest sj^mpathy for their
152 History of Siam.
sorry plight, and promised to rescue the
Christian girls from the arms of their ravishers.
As a result, next day an edict was issued for-
bidding the Burmese ot* all classes to insult
any Christian.
The liberal Mahomedan spared no expense
on behalf of the Christians. He gave them much
g6od advice and showed the greatest sj^mpathy
towards those in misfortune. The missionaries
assured of his good faith, breathed again. But
at the moment of their new-found security they
were summoned before the commander, who
showing them the vases and sacred vessels that
had been seized, told them to point out which
were their property. Having been satisfied on
this point, he enquired how much money had
been taken from them. This cunning question
caused M. Andrien much embarrassment, who
feared to injure his despoilers and those whose
venpfeance he had to fear. He answered, that as
his knowledge of the language of the country
was scanty, he was unable to explain.
This reply aroused the suspicion that he had
some money concealed. The general ordered
that the torture should be applied. There was
a cauldron of molten lead close at hand into
which the hands of those from whom they desired
to extort confessions were plunged. He was led
up to the glowing metal and a soldier seized his
hand, which he held out over the cauldron
awaiting a signal to plunge it in. M. Andrien
turned towards his judge with a calm expression
and protested that he had concealed nothing^
and, at the same instant, Mamasadech hearing of
what was happening, ran up to save him from
the impending danger. His companion under-
went the same examination, but his fate was
History of Siam. 153
very different. He was unaware that to con-
ceal money was a heinous offence among the
Burmese. He had given some to Captain Jeanchi
for the redemption of Christians from death and
slavery and had reserved a moderate sum for
the relief of his brethern. These facts caused
his embarrassment when subjected to the exami-
nation that he feared.
He had been brought up in a school where
mental reservation and equivocal replies were
regarded as being contrary to the simple
truth. He warned Jeanchi that he would
be expected to answer, and that he did not in-
tend to disgrace himself by uttering falsehoods.
Jeanchi w^as well aware of the consequences
of an avowal that would be equally fatal to them
both, and in order to forestall them, gave back
the property together with the agreement that
all his expenses would be paid, and, a few days
after, stirred up a persecution caused by weakness
rather than by hatred against his friends. He
had been accused of having taken money from a
Christian virgin who had laid information before
the Viceroy. He feared that the evidence of M.
Alari would only make his case worse and so
thought he could best clear himself by declaring
to the Viceroy that he had just restored the
money to the missionary by whom it had been
entrusted to him.
The Burman was wrath, and summoned the
missionaries before him. They appeared desti-
tute of all human succour. They had no know-
ledge of the language necessary for the proof of
their innocence and had no interpreter other
than their betrayer, who fearing to appear in
league with them, was able to twist their replies
to his own advantage. Their fears were justi-
154 History of Siam.
fied by the result. Their defence was badly put,
and the Viceroy, in an access of rage, as he had
not understood the case, condemned them to
death.
Their arms were bound with cords and they
were dragged a short distance and prostrated
before the seat of the Viceroy. Their fetters
were taken off and they thought that they were
about to be set at liberty. But suddenly they
were surrounded by armed men, who, spear in
hand, awaited the signal for their death. Their
calmness seemed to bid defiance to their execu-
tioners.
A savage soldier thrust his lance several
times near the breast of M. Alari and said, ^"Say
where your money is hidden or I will stab you."
The saintly man quietly replied that he
had none. His companion, when questioned
made the same answer. The Viceroy fearing
lest the secret of their treasure should be buried
withthem in the tomb, attempted to wring it
from'them by torture. At the word of command,
a soldier seized a cudgel about seven or eight
feet long and thick in proportion.
The missionaries lying face downwards on
the ground were expecting death any moment.
A stalwart ruffian approached and laid on several
blows with the cudgel with his utmost
strength.
Their bodies were streaming with blood
and they were left for several hours on the
spot exposed to the burning rays of the sun
which rendered their wounds more painful.
The irritation caused by insects eating their flesh
and sucking their blood caused new torments,
and they were surrounded by armed execution-
ers ready to put an end to their existence.
History of Siam. 155
The Viceroy was astonished at their forti-
tude, and was convinced that men who held
earthly y)ossessions of so little value could not
be attracted by the desire of wealth. He
made a sign to the interpreter who had treated
them so badly and had them raised from the
ground. They partook of some food that the
other Christians had prepared for them, and, for
.a long time endured the most acute sufferings.
Jeanchi overcame with shame was unable
to conceal the state of his feelings.
The missionaries were convinced that he
was repenting of what he had done, and exhorted
the Christians not to reproach him. He con-
tinued to reside with the flock whose shepherds
he hiid wished to destroy. The Missionaries
were transferred to a filthy hovel exposed to
the inclemency of the weather. The night-
dews and the bad food hindered the recovery
of their strength.
Mamasadech, alw^ays kind-hearted, and a
philanthropist before everything, offered them
the use of his ship that was anchored a few
leagues distant. Here their health was restor-
ed and they had the pleasure of seeing the
arrival of the Christians who found a haven
on the waters, free from the unpleasant condi-
tions they had fled from on land. A few days
after they set sail for Rangoon, the seaport of
the Kingdom of Ava.
The Burii\^se army engaged in pillage,
rather than in conquest, made awa}^ with the
property of the conquered. When they had
taken all that was to be had, they sought a
new prey. The leader in the flush of his
initial successes was sure of easy victories.
He marched against Ayuthia, as he considered
156 History of Siam,
that if the capital fell, the other towns would
submit without much difficulty.
The route lay across vast forests and over
steep mountains. All these obstacles had been
foreseen and provided for. The provinces
situated to the north west of the capital were
laid waste and the inhabitants through fear of
death or slavery fled to the forests, where they
had to contend aj^ainst wild beasts for their ex-
istence. The burning towns and villages threw
the capital into a state of panic. The Siamese
threatened with utter ruin, massed their forces
and marched in fear against an enemy of whose
courage they had had experienc so many times,
They ventured on a battle, and fought with
greater courage than they were wont to exhibit.
A crushing defeat was inflicted on them which
left the whole country at the mercy of the in-
vader.
The country side, ravaged by fire, had noth-
ing to show better than barren cinders, and
the impending famine was a prospect as terrible
as the sword of the barbarians.
While the victorious army spread desola-
tion on every side, a fresh horde of barbarians
overran the country. The Burmese, meeting
with no resistance, occupied the province as con-
querors and everywhere left traces of their
ravages. They built a town at the junction of
two rivers and named it Michong. This position
was intended to act as a base of operations in
case of defeat.
During these troublous times, the King
of Siam, shut up in his harem, made light of his
people's woes. The news that the enemy had
evacuated Tennasserim and Mergui had given
rise to the belief that the danger had passed.
History of Siam. 157
and that the State would require no defenders.
At last the Burmese appeared before the city-
gates, and there was hardly a ghost of an army
to oppose them. At the tumult caused hy the
entrance of bands of peasants seeking refuge in
the royal city, the King was awakened from his
state of lethargy. The refugees were obliged
to assist in the repair of the fortifications of the
town. Mounds forty feet higli were built for
artillery of position. The Christians refused to
assist in this work, as they were certain
that these mounds would crumble by their own
weight.
The Bishop of Tabraca who had foreseen
the danger and who could have escaped it. con-
sidered that the town was a post to which he
had been assigned, and which he could not de-
sert without betraying his trust. But although
fearless of personal danger, he considered that
it was his duty to take steps for the safety of
the young people confided to his care. Thirty
young pupils were sent to M. M. Kcherve and
Artaud who took this little band into the east-
ern part of Siam, whence it was easy to retreat
further in case of necessity. It was lucky for
them that they had been able to eflfect a speedy
departure, for, a few days later, orders were
issued forbidding any one from leaving the city.
The enemy, before commencing the assault
on the city, laid waste the surrounding country.
They were certain of finding means of subsist-
ance on the land they had recently seized, and,
their policy of destruction was in order to com-
pel the submission of the Siamese through
famine. One of their parties extended
its ravages up to the city gates. Bangkok, a
fortress which had been defended, was destroy-
158 History of Siam,
ed, and the trardens laid waste. A collei^e
established by the Missionaries in the vicinity
was razed to the ground, and, after this attack,
they retreated hurriedly to join the main part of
the army and their departure caused a
momentary suspension of hostilities.
At this juncture, two English ships arrived.
The captain presented the King with an Arab
horse, a lion^ and some vahiable merchandise.
The captain whose name was Pauni, had on
several occasions proved himself a brave man.
The King who had more confidence in his
courage and big ability than in his cowardly
and effeminate followers begged him to take
charge of the defence of the city
But the Englishman, convinced that a
craven race would prove but poor seconds, dec-
lined the honour of the post and the example
of the Dutch, who had retired, strengthened his
decision not to accept it.
The Dutch would not have abandoned
their compound iu which they had stored much
valuable property, had they believed that the
Siamese were capable of assisting in the com-
mon defence.
The captain was uncertain how to act,
when suddenly he found himself the object of
an attack by the Burmese, who having captured
Bangkok were preparing to bombard him.
The brave Englishman, too w^eak to offer
a defence and too high spirited to surrender,
wisely decided to tow^ his ships to the spot
which the Burmese were attempting to fortify.
His artillery fire destroyed their position and
scattered death broadcast in their ranks. The
EngUshmen protected by their guns were able
to bid defiance to the Burmese attack. Their
History of Siam, 159
pride was wounded by remaining quiet on
ship-board, and, eager to punish their assailants^
they made several sorties, and their well
planned attacks on the undisciplined foe, caused
wholesale slaughter.
Pauni, compelled by necessity, agreed to
take charge of the defence of the capital on
condition that the requisite arms and ammuni-
tion for attack and defence w^ere forthcomino^.
This was agreed to, and the Siamese, a,s a pledge
of his good faith, stipulated that he should
deposit his cargo in the public arsenal. This
condition was galling to him, but he was
obliged to agree to it. He delivered thirty
eight bales of valuable merchandize and placed
the rest on different ships. Having made ar-
rangements with the officials, he returned to
his ship where he made preparations that justi-
fied the trust reposed in him. He devised
attacks, all of which were deadly to the foe
their fortifications were scarcely completed,
when they were demolished, and every day saw
the defeat or repulse of the enemy. In order to
follow up his advantages, he wrote to the Siam-
ese authorities demanding arms and ammuni-
tion as his supply was running short,, but he
was refused.
The Siamese feared lest he should
become too powerful ; or that they might be
ruled by a foreigner. The ministers
replied that the enemy were about to
make an assault on the other side of the
town and that they needed all their available
artillery to repel it.
The Englisman, annoyed by this act of
faithlessness, determined to have no further
dealings with a nation that neither knew how
160 History of Siam.
to fight nor to furnish one who was then friend
with the wherewithal to protect them. But
before setting sail be issued a manifesto against
the King of Siam giving his reasons for deserting
his post. He seized six Chinese ships of
which one belonged to the King. The five
other vessels coming to trade with Siam,
were stopped in the gulf, and were considerably
surprised to find themselves despoiled of their
goods. The Englishman, in return for what he
had taken, gave the captains bills of exchange
drawn on the King of Siam to the value of the
thirty eight bales of goods that he had de-
posited. Having thus taken his security and
passed proudly before his foes who instead of
being downcast at his retirement, were highly
delighted to behold the departure of a rival who
alone could hinder their success.
The Burmese, on his departure, again took
the offensive and as they had merely feeble
adversaries to consider, destroyed everything
they could find. The temples were burnt and
the lead found there was made into bullets. The
enemy, for a considerable time master of the
countryside, had issued strict orders that no
cultivation was to be carried on. But the fer-
tility of the soil caused an abundant crop that
was not due to agricultural labours. The
grains of rice fallen from the hands of the reap-
ers of the previous year grew and came to
maturity. This unexpected blessing was a
great consolation for the people threatened with
famine. But this, which should have been to
their advantage, was considerably the reverse.
The inhabitants went out to gather the rice,
but were surprised by the Burmese, who led
them captive to their camp.
History of Siam, 161
While the Burmese, scattered over all the
provinces, were carrying on a war against men
and nature, the King and his superstitious
ministers put all their trust in their magicians.
The officers and soldiers followed their example
and consulted them as to how they might rend-
er themselves invisible in order to attack the
enemy unawares, and the hope of learning a
secret so favourable to their cowardly nature,
prevented them from going out to fight before
it had been revealed to them.
The delusion was so powerful that even ex-
perience was unable to convince them of the
futility of such schemes.
The leaders, on a par with the subordinates
as regards valour, appeared to have taken up
arms against their fellow citizens only. They rob-
bed them of their money and food with the excuse
that they were required for use of the military
to whom they distributed the least valuable
part of their spoil, but this bounty was merely
to cloak their own extortions. Whilst the more
w^ealthy citizens were being ruined, the vigilance
of the missionaries foresaw the destitution of the
Christians, but their liberality, extended without
exception to all creeds, exhausted their supplies.
The Burmese intercepted all their convoys and,
they themselves were in danger of famine owing
to the excess of their ravages. The forces sent
against them w^ere invariably dispersed and
frequently returned without striking a blow.
A Siamese Prince who had been exiled to
Ceylon, was deeply moved at the misfortunes of
his country. He forget the fact that he was an
offender. He was powerful enough to raise an
army whose services he offered to those who had
driven him forth.
162 History of Siam.
The Siamese court, too proud to accept
assistance from an exile, rejected his offer with
scorn, and instead of considering him as a de-
fender of their country, they sent expeditions
against him with varying success.
This course was higly unwise as it caused
dissension in the army just at the time when
the Burmese ranks were being augmented by
numerous Siamese deserters.
In the month of March the Burmese army
had advanced to within two leagues of the town.
The progress of the army was arrested by the
death of the commander from quins}^ It was
considered expedient to conceal the fact of his
death from the soldiery, but the news leaked
out owing to dissensions among the chiefs w^ho
all were ambitious of command.
But soon reunited by the prospect of loot,
they advanced to plunder the richest and most
celebrated temple near the city.
They were in hopes of finding the base of
the image which was of solid gold, but the King
of Siam had taken the precaution of having this
object of popular worship removed to the palace.
The Burmese, incensed on finding that
their booty had been carried off, revenged
themselves by pulling down the temple and con-
structing a building devoted to profane uses on
the site. The other pagodas in the vicinity of
the town were not spared. They were built of
brick and surrounded by ditches which seemed
to protect them against the assaults of the
enemy. The Christian churches were construct-
ed merely of planks and stakes which acted as
fuel to the flames. But in spite of their de-
fenceless condition, they were held by the vigi-
lance and courage of their defenders, and
History of Siam, 168
ihe enemy were unable to set foot in them until
after the Chinese and Siamese had experienced
several defeats.
On September 7th, 1766, the enemy seized
a strong position about a quarter of a league
distant from the town, and from this point a
park of artillery commanded the shore and
thus rendered them masters of the river.
The danger became more imminent and
the Christians whose heroic valour had been
proved in the former revolution became the
last resource.
The defence of the bastions was entrusted
to them and they were supplied with thirty
pieces of artillery and ammunition for the same.
Six thousand Chinese were appointed to defend
the Dutch compound and large temple in the
immediate neighbourhood, and, as a special
favour they were presented with the sum of
ten thousand livres.
Among the Christians were eighty soldiers
available for the defence of various posts ex-
posed to the assaults of the enemy.
This brave array had had no military train-
ing whatever, and, gun and sword in hand, they
would have been objects of laughter to a
European soldier.
But in spite of their awkwardness, they
formed the flower of the Siamese army. The
first few days were occupied in skirmishes,
shortly afterwards but the enemy united their
forces and seized five large temples which became
so many fortresses from whence they bombarded
the outposts and especially the Church of St.
Joseph, the roof of which was riddled without
causing any casualties.
On the 8th of December it was reported
164 History of Siam.
that the Burmese were preparing for a fresh as-
sault. The Christians made sorties from the
church and at the sound of drums and trumpets
engaged the enemy to the discomfiture of the
latter as they were conquered by fear rather than
by arms. This initial victory inspired them to
take the offensive. They made an attack on
some Burmese entrenched in a pagoda and re-
turned with an elephant as a trophy of their
victory.
The Portuguese, at a distance of about two
leagues from the dwelling of the Bishop of
Tabraca, gave also signal proof of their courage.
They sabred a crowd of Burmese who had at-
tempted to storm their college. The Burmese,
driven back in confusion, retired full of admir-
ation for the handful of Christians whom they
feared considerably more than the 50,000
Siamese who had neither the daring to make an
attack nor the courage to follow up their retreat.
Although the Christians showed greater
personal valour than the rest, their lack of
military training caused the loss of the French
quarter. The pickets were sound asleep when
the Burmese fired the upper part of the building
w^here the Bishop lived. The Christians crowded
into the church for shelter and the shrieks of the
women and children gave indications of danger
more terrible in the darkness.
A Christian who had become separated
from his friends was massacred on the spot.
The others made a stubborn defence, and al-
though they had been taken by surprise, they
appeared to be invincible. The enemy, repulsed
on all sides, made an attack on the Dutch quarter.
The reputation of the bravery exhibited by the
Dutch had attracted many Siamese and Chinese
History of Siam. 165
to their quarter, thinking that they would be safe
there. All assisted in the common defence. Tliey
built walls of the remains of the destroj^ed
pyramids. The Chinese found a quantity of
money there but the Christians received only
some pieces of lead as their share.
The Siamese authorities had abused their
power by the confiscation of quantities of rice
Avhich had been seized to ensure themselves against
the threatened famine, and, owing to their
thought for the evils of the future, were a prey
to the evils of the present. Food was unob-
tainable at any price, and the poor people awaited
death to put an end to their sufferings. An
epidemic more deadly still caused fresh ravages.
The streets and public places were strewn with
corpses, which were devoured by ravenous
pariahs, as the fear of contagion had prevented
their burial. This scourge came only to
an end with the ruin of the country. The
sentinels let themselves down from the walls by
ropes and preferred to risk falling into the
hands of the enemy than to await a lingering
death in the midst of suffering.
The Burmese turned their arms against the
Dutch compound, which was defended by the
Portuguese and Chinese. The attack was fierce
and the defence, stubborn. But finally the com-
pound was taken and reduced to ashes after an
eight days' siege marked by many casualties. The
church was respected for two or three days and
the missionaries were able to collect together
their property.
This show of moderation was merely a
trick to force the surrender of the Bisliop and
his flock. The Burmese leader was unwilling
to shed blood to no purpose. He assured him
166 History of Siwm.
that if he would surrender, all his property
would be respected and that only the weapons
would be taken.
Negociations were started, and the Bishop
went in person to the Burmese leader's hut.
He was received with every mark of honour and
the general was lavish in promises which how-
ever were not confirmed by any documents. He
added that it was his intention that night to
fire the Christian quarter as a warning to
them to seek refuge elsewhere. He assigned a
temple to the Bishop for a dwelling place and
guards were given for his safe keeping. Noth-
ing could be done but to submit to these con-
ditions as it was impossible to obtain any better
terms.
It was lucky that these conditions were ac-
cepted. The general carried out his threat
and the whole of the Christian quarter was re-
duced to ashes together with the church.
The soldiers entered the seminary, and
violating their oaths, plundered everything that
they had promised to respect.
The missionaries and their converts were car-
ried ofi" to the hostile camp. A Prince of the old
family of the King of Ava was the commander
of the camp to which they were assigned, and
he had the generosity to supply them with
victuals. A large number of female Christians
were stationed near them so as to escape the
insults of the soldiery. Advantage was taken
of the absence of their importunate guardians
to marry the girls to the young Christians as it
was necessary to save these virgins from the
lust of the brutal soldiery who, as I have said
previously, respected the marriage tie. The Bishop
suspected of possessing great wealth, as he had •
History of Siam, 167
distributed alms with no niggard hand, was
sent to the lofty tower occupied by the general
where under the pretext of rendering him
honour they thought they would be able to
discover the place where he had concealed his
treasures. The other Christians were tortured
and robbed of their money and the more money
a man had, the more he was suspected of having
concealed. The state of poverty to which they
were thus reduced rendered their faith all the
more lively, and, despoiled of their earthly pos-
sessions their only hope lay in a heavenly
reward.
The town, ready to fall into the hands of the
Burmese, would have been buried under its
ruins had not a parley been arranged in order to
treat with the besiegers, already with torches in
their hands. The Burmese proud of their
superiority replied that they demanded uncon-
ditional surrender and that they were determin-
ed to take advantage of the rights of the con-
querors.
These harsh terms were rejected and
hostilities recommenced.
On the 28th April 1767 the town was
captured by assault. The treasures of the
palace and the temples were nothing but heaps
of ruins and ashes. The images of the gods
were melted down and rage deprived the barbar-
ian conquerors of the spoils that had aroused
their greed. To avenge this loss, the Burmese
visited their heavy displeasure upon the towns
folk. The}^ burnt the soles of their feet in Order
to make them reveal where they had concealed
their wealth, and raped their weeping daughters
before their very eyes.
The priests suspected of having concealed
168 History of Siam,
much wealth were pierced through and through
with arrows and spears and several were beaten
to death with heavy clubs.
The country side as well as the temples
were strewn with corpses, and the river was
choked with the bodies of the dead, the stench
of which attracted swarms of flies causing much
annoyance to the retreating army. The chief
officers of state and the royal favourites were
loaded with chains and condemned to slavery
in the galleys. The King, witness of the un-
happy fate of his court endeavoured to escape,
but he was recognised and slain at the gates of
the palace.
The Priest King, torn from the silence of his
retreat, was taken prisoner together with all the
Royal family, and, all, through fear of torture
confessed that they had much wealth concealed.
When the greed of the invaders was satisfied
and the country was full of dead and dying, the
the victorious army set out for Pegu. The King
of Siam w^as taken with them. The Bishop of
Tabraca was included in the national disaster
and was transported on shipboard. The
detachment in charge of him was commanded
by a man who was by no means a barbarian.
His valour gained for him the governorship
of Tavoy, a position of trust which justified the
discernment oi:' his master.
CHAPTER X.
The Misfortunes of the Europeans
after the revolution.
Perceiving that the country was laid
waste, the houses pulled down, the Royal
family led into captivity, and the people
scattered abroad, husbands separated from
their wives and parents from the children ;
the Europeans, accustomed to regard ' their
rulers as protectors, were plunged into a state
of fear.
But the Siamese, who from time immem-
orial have crouched under the rod of tyranny
and have toiled on behalf of merciless extortion-
ers, were pleased in that by a change of masters
they might meet a deliverer.
They had no regrets at leaving a land
where bonds had been their portion and as they
had never tasted the sweets of liberty, were less
sensitive to the humiliation of slaver}^
Unpatriotic citizens as they were, the
sight of theiy erstwhile insolent tyrant, now
condemned to slavery quite made up for their
own degradation.
The Christians on the other hand are ac-
customed to live in countries under the pro-
tection of the law. The scourge of war makes
no alteration in their fate, and the harshest of
conquerors can only keep his self respect while
respecting the rights of nations. He can never
deprive individuals of their freedom and if a
conqueror appropriate their private possessions
he is to be considered merely as a bandit.
The Bishop who had been well treated on
170 History of Siam.
shipboard, had been able to maintain by his
virtuous example, the ascendency that moral
worth invariably exercises over the most cor-
rupt natures. He beheld sixty three Christians
pass before him whom the Burmese had press-
ed into their service. Many of them perished
from the toils of the voyage and the survivors
were marshalled under the banner of the con-
queror. The remainder of the converts were
entrusted to the care of M. Core a
French priest. They were obliged to set out
on April 25th without having been able to col-
lect the necessary articles for a long voyage.
The party consisted of three hundred, excluding
children. Women were ruthlessly torn from
their husbands whose troubles they had shared.
They were given an inadequate supply of
rice, and their inhuman captors preferred to
destroy food for which they had no use rather
than to overload their slave galleys.
A Chinese priest frightened at the dangers
to which the newly wedded brides were exposed,
separated himself from M. Core's party in the
hope of finding a Chinese vessel. But hardly
had he started out when he was attacked by a
gang of Burmese bandits and those who tried
to defend themselves were slain promptly. He
endeavoured to take shelter in the depths of
the forests with four of his disciples but they
were pursued and robbed. They were obliged to
wander without a guide in the trackless jungle
that offered no sustenance, and were forced to
eat grass like the beasts of the field. Afterwards
they were found by a Christian who offered his
services as a guide.
The Burmese captain, who was in charge of
the French, sent an interpreter with an armed
History of Siam. 171
force to compel them to rejoin, and above all,
to bring back the newly married women. They
were carried off with violence. This deputy
was by no means so gentle as his superior, and
in executing the order he had received, he
exceeded his powers
Hardly had they marched a league, when
a gang of Siamese dacoits appeared on the bank
of the river and captured his spoils.
When the leader of the gang recognised his
daughter, he wept and embraced her, and asked
by what turn of fortune she had appeared in so
sorry a plight. The daughter explained that she
had become a Christian and gave the reasons for
her marriage. The recital of their woes spurred
on the dacoits and falling upon the Burmese,
they cut off their heads.
They wished to retain the women, but all
refused the assistance that would have delivered
them from slavery and preferred to share the
horrible fate of their husbands, rather than to
break the sacred marriage bond. The father,
unable to dissuade his daughter from her purpose,
gave her a supply of food for herself and her
friends, and all went to join M. Core at a spot
lower down the river.
After the meeting the zealous missionary,
fearing to see them exposed to such dangers,
conducted them towards the sea which was only
a few days' march further on. For the space
of a month this colony lived upon shell-fish,
leaves and roots, and waited in the hope that a
ship might appear to take them to Kancac» on
the Cochin Chinese coast.
A Chinese junk appeared in the offing
but the niggardly captain, hearing that they had
no money, refused to give them a passage. At
172 History of Siam.
last on June 7th, they saw a small Chinese
derelict tioating clown the river. The ebb of
the tide w^as drawing the boat out to sea,
but at last it ran aground on the bank just at
the spot where the Christians were assembled.
This unlooked-for assistance was of no use
to them. They had neither sails nor tackle, nor
provisions. But they were able to turn the greed
of the Chinaman, who had refused to give them a
passage, to their advantage. Seeing the vessel
which they had just obtained, he suggested that
they should hand it over to him and that he on
his part would conduct them to their destination.
Fifty three accepted this condition but the rest
decided to remain and hardly had their friends
set sail, when a dissension broke out among
them and the party broke up. It was known
that afterwards they all perished of hunger and
privation,
After a perilous voj^age, the ship reached
Kancao on the the 28th of June, whence some-
time later the Christians journe^yed to Cambodia,
where they were cordially received by the
Cochin-Chinese.
The Bishop, who still remained on his ship
was impatient for the moment of departure to
meet his flock of whose fate he was ignorant The
Portuguese, who up to that time had remained
with him, were ordered to go on ahead and to
march with the van of the army. They had
much to suffer from the insolent behaviour of
the Burmese, and, rendered desperate by insults
resolved to turn against their oppressors. They
seized some weapons, and, under cover of the
darkness, slew every Burman they could lay
hands on. After this massacre they captured an
elephant and some horses wherewith they hoped
History of Siam. 173
to rejoin their friends, but a deep river lay bet-
ween. Several were able to gain the opposite
bank, some were drowned but the majority wait-
ed for the fate they expected to overtake them.
Several Burmese, who had escaped from the
Portuguese, brought the news of the massacre
to the camp.
The commander, justly enraged, ordered that
all the Portuguese should be arrested, as he con-
sidered that all the Christians had had a share
in the plot. Suspicion would have been follow-
ed by revenge, had not the pilot Jeanchi taken
steps to restore calm. He explained to the com-
mander that the massacre had been due to the
insolence of the soldiery towards the women
who had been instrumental in furnisliing the
Portuguese with arms that the other
Christians all considered him as their protector,
and that the French especially were desirous of
opening up trading stations under his jurisdic-
diction. The commander was mollified by these
explanations, and to show there was no ill feel-
ing, sent the Bishop a supply of provisions and
even gave him ten baskets of rice in excess of
the usual dole which served as the sustenance
for several Portuguese women who were too
weak to follow with the army.
The 6th of June, was fixed for the departure
of the rest of the forces. The Burmese before
embarking destroyed the town of Michong that
they had previously built.
They arrived in port on the 16th of June,
and continued their journey by land, and, as they
were obliged to wait for the artillery, they con-
structed huts of the materials of their now use-
less vessels. After a halt of eight days the
march was begun.
174 History of Siam.
The Bishop, although in bad health, had to
follow on horse-back. The journey, through a
country destitute of houses or inhabitants, was
extremely arduous. The route lay across
forest clad mountains, and through miry
valleys interspersed with ponds and streams,
which latter, on account of their sinuons
course, had to be crossed several times
by fords where shallow, but in places where the
waters were deep, they were obliged to cross on
bridges made of a couple of bamboos.
The beasts of burden died on the way and
the progress of the army was thus considerably
delayed, owing to the lack of transport available
for the commissariat and baggage.
At last Tavoy was reached where famine
caused them new suffering. A basket of rice,
the usual monthly rations for one man was sold
for 25 or 30 piastres. The aborigines were seen
to devour corpses. The bishop gave his
pastoral ring to an Armenian who had generous-
ly provided for the Christians.
Everything seemed hopeless and all waited
for certain death, when an English ship laden
with rice appeared in the Tavoy river followed
a few days later by two others of larger size
and laden with a similar cargo.
The bishop went on board the ship and
was received by the English captain with all the
characteristic open-heartedness of his nation.
The Captain, Rivers by name invited him to
remain on his ship and the bishop consented
only on condition that all who had accompanied
him should be included in the invitation.
While the ship remained in harbour they
had no further anxieties, and the generous Eng-
lishman provided for all their requirements
History of Siam. 175
until October 26th when he set sail.
The French bishop was weary of captivity
so much the more so as he met with no results
of his zeal. He made use of a Malabar convert
who stood highly in the governor's favour and by
his good offices obtained permission to embark
for the Coromandel Coast with three pupils and
a Chinese servant on a French ship named the
' Hector.' Owing to the calms, the voyage
was slow, but on his arrival at Pondicherry he
learned that a Malay potentate had become a
vassal of the King of Burma, hoping to obtain
the necessary assistance to keep certain
territories spared by fire and war.
The bishop decided to return to France to
seek a remedy for such ills. M. Lau and all the
members of the council who took a keen interest
in the progress of the faith in the Indies gave
him a passage on a ship which arrived at 1' Orient
on October 30th 1769.
Since his return he has retired into the
seminary for Foreigh Missions where busied with
the losses sustained by the faith, he implores
assistance to reassemble his scattered flock.
His demandp are supported by Religion and
Policy and we think that the success of his en-
terprise will be assured under more favourable
auspicies.
CKAPTISR XI.
After the Revolution of 1767.
After the departure of the Burmese army
from the kingdom they had just conquered, the
Siamese who had been scattered and had been
wandering in the forests returned to their
capital.
Stirred by thoughts of revenge for what
they had suffered, they made ravages every
I where. Every Burman that they could discov^er
/ was slain. But the biood of their oppressors
was of no avail as a remedy against the famine
^ with which the country was smitten.
^- The price of rice liad risen to such an ex-
tent that it had ceased to become a marketable
commodity. Wild roots and bamboo shoots
were the staple articles of diet, and many were
attacked by a peculiar disease. The sufferers
lost their memory and power of speech, and be-
came mad with lucid intervals, which augmented
the horror of their condition. Necessity that
knows no law obliged them to \dolate all
conventions.
They took up arms against their gods
whom they accused of having betrayed them.
The pagodas were plundered and the images
destroyed in order to get at the silver inside
them. These acts of sacrilege gav^e them com-
mand of that was useless wealth as they could
not purchase anything with it. Five earthern-
ware jars full of gold and silver were taken from
one temple alone. The roof of one of the most
History of Siam. Ill
temples supplied gold, sufficient to fill three
boats.
The superstitious Siamese made loud out-
cries at the scandal of the theft which brought
into circulation all the gold and silver that the
Burmese their conquerors had taken away. It is
not astonishing^ that so much wealth was forth-
coming ; since devout persons, inconsequence of
their belief in transmigration, had buried their
treasures in the images of their gods, trusting to
discover it in a future state of existence.
The Siamese, although united by desire of
revenge, were split into factions for the leader-
ship.
The eyes of the nation were fixed upon
Phya Tak, a Siamese officer, born of a Chinese
mother. A politician and a warrior, he paved
his way to power by affecting its disdain. He
was elected to the leadership by the unanimous
voice of the whole nation. At first he
took the unpretentious title of ' Defender
of the Nation, ' and, disguising his am-
bitions under the cloak of moderation, he
wished to appear merely as a citizen in order to
be King in reality.
Having attained to the supreme power, it
was his policy to contract alliances, as he was
sure that the hearts of the nation were apt to
pass rapidly from love to hatred. He had learn-
ed by experience that the priests, in the abuse
of their power over the unlettered mob, were
wont to foment sedition and to influence popu-
lar feeling. He conceived a violent dislike to
them which he took no pains to conceal, and
considered that the respect they enjoyed was a
slight on his authority. He therefore wished for
the extermination of these individuals who, poor
178 History of Siam,
by profession, enjoyed the fruits of the labour
of others without doing anything in return.
A high-priest who was greatly revered, was
accused of incontinence. Phya Tak summoned
him before his tribunal and condemned him to
trial by fire. The soles of his feet were burned
by the glowing charcoal, and that was sufficient
proof of his guilt. He would have been sen-
tenced to death had not powerful friends ob-
tained his pardon on the grounds that his death
would cause a scandal, and that if their servants
were done away with the gods would lose their
prestige.
Phya Tak raised all those who had been
his partisans to the highest positions in the
State.
A foe to the Burmese, he inflicted severe
punishment on those who favoured them and
who stirred up rebellions in the kingdom.
In 1769 he showed his generous spirit to-
wards his countrymen. The drought had
caused a great famine, one of the usual events
a war brings in its train. Work was suspended
and the farmers could do but little.
Destructive rodents had devoured the rice
as soon as it had reached maturity, seeds had
been destroyed in the earth. They were unable
to procure the '' ignam " a species of truffle or
potatoe of such size that a single one is suffi-
cient for one man. Swarms of insects, attracted
by the corpses, darkened the air and waged a
ceaseless war against the living.
Under these unhappy conditions Phya Tak
showed his generous spirit. The needy were
destitute no longer. The public treasury was
opened for the relief. In return for cash,
foreigners supplied them with the products that
History of Siam, 179
the soil of the country had refused. The Usurper
justified his claims by his benevolence. Abuses
were reformed, the safety of property and per-
sons was restored, but the greatest severity was
shown to malefactors. Legal enactments at which
no one complained were substituted for the
arbitrary power that sooner or later is the cause
of rebellions. By the assurance of public peace he
was able to consolidate his position and no one
who shared in the general prosperity could lay
claim to the throne.
At the end of 1768 a bastard Prince who
had been exiled to Ceylon, reassembled his sup-
porters and set up his authority in various parts
of the country. Phya Tak led an expedition
against him and gained a brilliant victory.
The Prince fell into the hands of the conqueror
w^ho ordered his execution as, a punishment
for having proved the weaker party.
In the same year he led an army against
Porcelon and Ligor, two towns which had not
fallen under the Burmese rule. The governors
of these towns, taking advantage of the troubled
state of the country, had set themselves up as
independent rulers. Thus it was that the Em-
pire, delivered from a foreign yoke was harassed
by domestic tyrants who attempted to destroy
all that the enemy had spared; in fact the whole
kingdom was in a state of turmoil.
It is not known whether the expedition was
successful. It was reported but not confirmed
that the two towns were captured.
At the first news of the Siamese re-
volt the King of Burma sent orders to the
governor of Tavoy to overrun the country again,
and to press the inhabitants of the town into
his army to effect the entire ruin of the country.
180 History of Siam.
These people, outwardly subservient, had
disguised their hatred against their recent op-
pressors. The general took only a few Burmese
with him as he had put his trust in the Siamese
whom he imagined were reliable. He soon
found out his mistake, for, on sending them
against the town of Beancham which they cap-
tured, they closed the gates against him and
swore they had taken up arms only to use them
against their oppressors. They opened fire
upon those who had regarded them as comrades
in arms.
The general, betrayed by his untrustworthy
allies, if it is possible to apply this appellation to
the avengers of their country's wrongs, found
himself surrounded by enemies.
The very countryside turned against him
and refused to supply his wants as the Burmese
had destroyed all the fruit trees. The beasts of
burden, finding no fodder in the plains, had
strayed to find pasturage elsewhere.
At length the army was reduced to rations
sufficient for three days only. It would have
been folly rather than heroism to advance further.
The general considered that his duty lay in the
preservation of the lives of those i committed to
his care. A retreat was made, which was by
no means a disgrace, as it was caused by dire
necessity.
On his arrival at Tavoy he informed his
master that his expedition had been a failure
owing to the defection of his troops.
The King of Ava, smarting under the
humiliation of defeat in a land that had been
the scene of his truimphs, determined on tak-
ing vengeance with the utmost severity. But
while preparations were being made for another
History of Siam, 181
expedition that he had intended to lead in per-
son, his plans were altered owing to complica-
tions with China which had arisen as follows.
After the Burmese had laid waste the king-
doms of Pegu, Siam and Aracan, they had in-
vaded Laos and Cassaye, fthe latter being part
of Bengal), rather as dacoits than as conquerors.
They changed these happy and populous lands
into arid deserts and gloried in the spoliation of
what might have been preserved. The ease
with which their early conquests had been
effected had caused them to turn their arms
against China, which offered a richer prey to
their greed. They had no grounds for hostilit-
ies whatever, but those whose creed is 'Might
makes Right,' are always ready to trangress
all laws to obtain their desires. The Burmese
declared war on the Chinese on the pretext of
taking vengeance on a small nation whom they
called barbarians and who were less powerful
than they. This obscure race was perfectly
contented to live as best it might in the for-
ests that lay between Ava and China. This
savage tribe whose sole asset was its inde-
pendence, seemed never, owing to the fact
of its poverty, to have been a prize for the
ambition of a conqueror.
The Kings of Ava had always stood as
its protectors and in return exacted a
small tribute. But the Cassians, poor and
proud, seeing all the neighbouring kingdoms
agitated by home and foreign wars, wished to
dispense with having to pay a tribute which was
more humiliating than burdensome as it was an
indication of their dependent position. In 1749
they had declared that they no longer needed
protection, that their forest, were their ramparts
182 History of Siam,
and that their courage had taught them daring
to fear nothing. For some time they en-
joyed their independence, but when the King-
dom of Ava regained its pristine glories, they
found that the Burmese harassed them without
intermission, and their lands, that hardly gave
them a bare means of livelihood, were laid waste
by repeated frays. To escape the domination
of Burma, they besought help from their neigh-
bour, the Emperor of China, who alone could
protect them, and to whom their defence was a
matter of importance as they formed the only
barrier between his territories and the barbarians.
While the hosts of the Burmese were over-
running the Kingdom of Siam, another swarm
of these savages was let loose in the Chinese
provinces. They captured several important
positions without meeting any serious opposition
and the inhabitants were put to the sword. It
is not a matter for surprise that their conquests
were so readily accomplished. The Chinese
are wont to conquer their neighbours by diplo-
macy rather than by the force of arms. They
make use of their superior skill to subdue them
by artful promises. The art of war is yet in
its infancy among the Chinese who are cunning
diplomats, but cowardly soldiers. They are
skilful in the art of smelting metals and have
plenty of artillery, but they are hopelessly ig-
norant of its proper use in warfare. Their chief
weapons are but swords, lances and arrows, and
their knowledge of military tactics is lamentably
weak.
The Burmese captured a vast booty. They
disposed of the wealth of a country whose in-
habitants are renowned for their ability in agri-
culture and commerce.
History of Siam. 183
Their manufactures and products have at-
tracted the trade of all nations. The natural
fertility of the soil of the country has been
greatly increased by the toil of the cultivators.
The mountains, which in most countries of
ihe world appear to be barren, produce abund-
ant harvests in this favoured land.. The Bur-
mese invasion was a cause of other troubles to
the country. Many of the Chinese adopted the
customs of the barbarians and became bri-
gands. The roads were infested with thieves
and murderers both of home and foreign origin
who fearlessly plundered unwary travellers.
At the reports of these disasters, the
governor of Canton raised a force for the deli-
verance of the country from so terrible a
scourge. But on receipt of the news of his
march, the Burmese returned home to dispose
of their plunder and to seek for reinforce-
ments.
Shortly after this, the Chinese gained a
slight success near the river, but the victory
was followed by a crushing defeat, their land
force was cut to pieces and 100,000 men were
taken prisoners to Ava whence they were
.apportioned to hard labour in the various pro-
vinces. The Chinese force must have been
very considerable, as the bulk of the men fled.
It is surprising that the Viceroy of a single
province could have raised so large a host, but
it is no longer a matter of wonder when we
remember that the country has a higher birth-
rate than any other, and that perhaps the
Chinese are the only nation where a system of
absolute government is not an obstacle to the
increase of the population.
The defeat of the Chinese was easy to
184 History of Siam.
repair ; the Emperor assembled an army of
500,000 men who were to overrun the country
of their foes. The King of Ava, too weak to
oppose any resistance, mustered all the available
troops from every province to the capital.
The inhabitants of the lands bordering on
Chinese territory abandoned their possessions
and the country became a desert, laid waste by
its inhabitants who wished to deprive the
enemy of all means of sustenance. In the
beginning of 1769 we had no reliable informa-
tion of the movements of the enemy who were
unable to march on Ava owing to fatigue
and scarcity, and we have only had news up to
October of this year 1771.
CHAFTHK ILXl.
Advantages that might accrue from Com-
mercial Relations with Siam and the
Neighbouring Kingdoms.
There is no doubt that, owing to
the ill-luck experienced by the French in Siam
at the end of the last century, no new trading
stations have been formed is that country.
The ministers have invariably turned deaf ears
to the suggestions of the missionaries, and con-
sider that their business consists more in the
saving of souls than in dabbling with commerce
and politics.
But if we bear in mind the advantages that
Europeans of other nationalities have obtained,
we must acknowledge that the French allowed
themselves to be rebulfed by the initial obstacles,
and that they took no notice of sources of
wealth which did not present themselves on the
spot.
The King of Siam had granted permis-
sion to the French to open a trading station ;
the French merchants were held in high esti-
mation and were more favoured than those of
other nations. Two cities had been ceded with-
out reservation to Louis XIV. in return for the
military help sent for the defence of the king-
dom. The revolution that occurred during
Faulcon's tenure of office obliged the French to
leave a country to which they had been sum-
moned as its defenders, and from that time on-
wards, but few French vessels entered the
ports of Siam.
186 History of Siam.
Formerly the Council of Pondicherry had
sent several ships to Siam in the course of each
year and one vessel had always been bound for
the port of Mergui alone. They were exempt
from ordinary taxation and the French mis-
sionaries, who were respected for their rectitude,
were the only foreign judges who were able to
give a decision in cases between Europeans and
Siamese.
The English had been for more than a
century in Siam without any trading station or
representative. Some of them carried on cer-
tain profitable amount of trade.
The Dutch had gained the commercial
supremacy. Their factory was the finest and
most beautiful building in the kingdom and
they enjoyed many privileges of great value.
/ The King of Siam, by a policy detrimental
' to his interests, but as a boon to his subjects,
reserves the monopoly of foreign trade. Thus
trade is not in a flourishing condition as the in-
terested despot fixes the price of merchandise
at his ow^n sweet will.
Since the last revolution the system of
government has been entirely changed, and to-
day it would be an easy matter for the ' French
to regain their commercial supremacy by the
establishment of a trading station at Mergui as
in former times, or at some spot near the
capital. The station could be protected by a
fortress as was formerly the case at Bangkok
the foundations i nd ruins of which remain to
this day.
A wide and deep river forms a defence to
the approaches and it would only be a matter of
12 leagues from the sea. The French could re-
build this fortress for the following reasons, (1)
History of Siam. 187
Compensation is due for the losses suffered in
1680. (2) The site had been granted to them
without reservation. (3) The Siamese Govern-
ment is still in debt to the India Company, and
lastly owing to the fact that a weak minded
nation, who tremble at the sight of an armed
Frenchman, could easily be imposed upon.
Since the retreat of the Burmese, the king-
dom of Siam has been governed by several petty
chieftains who are at perpetual strife with each
other. Bangkok and Mergui have their rulers.
The French minister might make arrangements
with one of these usurpers, who might feel
flattered to be under French protection, and, in
return might well grant a piece of land on
which to build a fortress for the protection of
commerce.
Such a fortified trading station would be
handy as a port of call for Pondicherry in con-
nection with commerce with China.
The country produces all sorts of building
materials, brick-clay, cement, and shell-lime.
All the neighbouring nations would crowd to
the new mart, many wandering Christian families,
homeless since the Burmese invasion, would take
refuge there, and the Chinese who equip vessels
at a cheap rate, would send at least forty ships
per annum. They would hasten to bring their
merchandise in the hope of a brisk trade. The
India Company would be spared the expenses
that are incurred in having to seek trade-
openings further afield, and that absorb so
much of its profits.
The Mahomedan descendants of the Arabs,
Moguls, and Persians have had commercial re-
lations with the capital for a considerable time,
and to renew them, they are only waiting for a
188 History of Siam.
establishment of a depot by which trade may be
expedited. The foundations would be easy to lay
and by the re-establishment of the college that the
French missionaries had formerly in the king-
dom and which enjoyed the highest respect, the
success of the former project could be ensured.
The old King when he was informed that
Christianity inculcates obedience to rulers, had
always extended a cordial welcome to the mis
sionaries.
These men had not left their country- to seek
their fortunes. Their disinterestedness was favour-
able to the Company who trusted them, but not
as paid agents for their share of the profits, nor
for whatever they could appropriate. It would
be of great advantage that a well ordered society
should be established in this foreign country so
as to become familiarised with the manners, cus-
toms, vices and virtues of those with whom they
dwell. The knowledge of the principal Eastern
languages is also an important matter so that
the French merchants need not be at the mercy
of untrustworthy interpreters. The natural
history of this country tells us of the productions
that are of commercial value, and even if such
productions as agate, diamonds, pearls, perfumes
dye-stuffs and scented woods, which are known to
be found in the country, could not be discover-
ed in paying quantities ; great advantages
could be gained by the trade with the neigh-
bouring nations for which this kingdom is, geo-
graphically speaking, the meeting place.
A short sketch should be given of the
peoples of the Indo-Chinese peninsula in order
to lead to the better understanding of the ad-
vantages that would accrue from the establish-
ment of trading stations as above mentioned.
History of Siam. 189
The northern part of the peninsula includes 1
nine kingdonas, viz., Asem, Tipra, Aracan, Pegu,
Ava, Laos, Siam, Cambodia, and Cochin-
China.
The Kingdom of Asem is almost unknown
owing to its situation lying beyond the usual
routes favoured by travellers and to reach it, a
considerable detour is necessary,
It is one of the richest countries of Asia
and has no need of any of the produce of its
neighbours to whom it supplies a large quantity
of metals. In this country are mines of goJd
silver, lead and iron.
As the inhabitants are free from taxation,
the King holds the monopoly of the mineral
products, and, mindful of the well-being of his
subjects, employs slave-labour only in the mines.
This is the only country in Asia, where human-
ity is not crushed by the weight of despotic
power.
A creature differing somewhat from our
ordinary silkworm produces silk from which a
glossy fabric of inferior quality is produced.
Gum-lac is the most valuable product of the
country and is of the finest quality produced in
the East. There are two varieties. The red is
used as a dye-stuff, as a varnish for articles
of furniture and for wax. Silver is the currency
of the country.
The inhabitants are of sturdy build, but the
women and are somewhat snub-nosed. Both
sexes are practically naked, and cover their pri-
vate parts only. They wear blue caps trimmed
with pig's teeth. Their bracelets, which display a
certain amount of taste, are made of coral,
yellow amber, and sometimes of tortoise shell or
sea shells. Poverty, tyranny and oppression
190 History of Siam,
are unknown. Every man is master of his own
property and has several wives, each of whom
has her appointed household duties Althouo-h
four-footed animals are plentiful, dog's flesh
is the favourite dish. They grow many variet-
ies of vines and the grape is used for the prepar-
ation of brandy only. They extract salt from
the green scum of stagnant pools and they ob-
tain it also from the leaves of a tree known as
Adam's fig tree. The leaves are burnt and an in-
tensely sahne residue is obtained from the ashes.
They have a secret process of extraction by boil-
ing and straining the mother liquor through a
linen fabric. They manufacture gun-powder of the
finest quality and Eastern peoples ascribe the
glory of the invention of this agent of destruc-
tion to them, but what is more extraordinary
this country has been engaged in no war for 500
years. The secret has passed to the Peguans.
who in turn handed on to the Chinese, w^ho pose
as the inventors, as doubtless they were the first
nation to employ it in warfare.
The kingdom of Tipra produces nothing
that excites the curiosity of the traveller or the
greed of the merchant. A gold mine is situated
in the country, but the metal is of rather poor
quality, and is exchanged for silver in China.
There is also plenty of silk, but of very coarse
quality and is used for common purposes only.
The inhabitants are addicted to intoxicating
liquors. Instead of figures, they calculate with
pebbles that have the appearance of small agates.
They rarely journey from their owm country
and have no commercial relations with other
nations who know^ them by name only.
The kingdom of Aracan has so extended a coast
line that it seems to invite all commercial
History of Siam. 191
nations to trade. The climate is good, plague
and other infectious diseases are unknown. The
rich and fertile plains produce all the necessar-
ies of life. Many tribes live in the pleasant
valleys v^hich afford pasturage to all sorts of
wild and domestic animals. Horses are rarely
seen. Horned buffaloes are employed for
agricultural operations. Their anger is
aroused at the sight of red. They let those
whom they wish to gpttack pass quietly by and
then gore them from behind with their mur-
derous horns. These animals, intractable, by
nature are obedient only to the native in charge of
them, and gather around him at the sound of the
horn by which he calls them.
The winter, so to speak, as it is the rainy
and stormy season, begins in April and finishes
in October. There is no other season but sum-
mer during which abundant crops of beans^
grain and fruits are produced; but neither wheat
nor rye can be grown. The capital gives a
good idea of this kingdom. It is several leagues
in extent, its population is equal to that of
the largest towns in Europe, and it contains 600
temples. The magnificence of the King's palace
shows that gold is plentiful. The Hall of Gold
is thus named as it is covered with
the precious metal from roof to floor. A hund-
red ingots of gold each weighing 40 pounds are
fixed to the throne, which itself is of massy gold.
There are in addition seven golden images of
the size of an ordinary man. They are hollow
inside, but the metal is two inches thick.
They are of immense value owing to the emer-
alds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds which are
set in the forehead, arms and girdles of these
vain images. In this hall there may be seen a
192 History of Siam.
square stand made entirely of gold upon which
is a golden cabinet inlaid with precious
stones. The King owns two rubies, each as
long as the little hnger, and at one end of the
size of a hen's egg. These rubies have been the
cause of desperate conflicts between the neigh-
bouring Kings owing to the superstition attach-
ed to these stones that the possessor will be
arbiter of the fate of the others. The King wears
them on the day of his coronation only. The
people, contented with the products of their land,
cannot understand why men risk their lives in
the pursuit of wealth. They take up arms for
war only, and never for trade, which is carried on
solely by foreigners from all parts of the world.
The Mahommedans, especially, carry on a
great trade in elephants which they export to
the Coromandel Coast, to Golconda and to Persia
from whence they import fabrics, silks and
spices.
I The most plentiful articles of commerce of
the country are timber, lead, tin and ivory. It
is worth wliile to make a few remarks on the
. manners and customs of a nation with which
commercial relations could well be established.
The Aracanese have broad and flat foreheads
which results from a peculiarity of taste rather
than from a freak of nature, as the work of
nature is marred by the application of a leaden
plate to the infant's forehead.
Their nostrils are large and open and the
lobes of their ears are so long that they nearly
reach down to their shoulders. Their
dress consists of a cotton shirt that covers the
arms, chest and abdomen. They wear, in addi-
tion, a long trailing garment, and so many
other articles of attire that when they are fully
History of Siam. 193
dressed tliey look more like rolls of waddino-
than men. Their hair is piled on the back of their
heads in the fashion of the Dutchwonn'n.
Tlie women have no other head gear than their
coiflure which is kept in place by clasps, and this
style of hairdressing is very effective. Their
dishes are not appetising to European ideas.
They eat rats, mice, snakes and all sorts ol hum-
ble creatures. They are also fond of fish, — the
staler, the better. Their principal beverage is
pure water or a liquor extracted from the trunk
of a certain species oF palm tree. Female chastity
commands no respect whatever. Hu?- bands pre-
fer to risk becoming the father.s of otiier peoples
children rather than to take a virgin to wife.
As a rule the Dutch sailors are paid well for
their services in this matter.
The King, shut up in his palace, passes a
lazy life with the Queen and Ins concubines.
Every year each of the twelve provincial
governors selects a dozen girls of the same ao'e
in liis district, and exposes them to the ardent
rays of the sun in order to induce perspiration.
They are then wiped dry witli pieces of
fine li;i en which are sent to the Court so that
the odour may indicate those who are most
worthy to enter the harem. Those who are re-
fused admittance become concubines of the
courtiers who receive them as a pledge of royal
favour. It is said that the King's body guard
consists of concubines who receive a certain
amount of military training.
The King takes the following pompous
title.
"Emperor of Aracan, possessor of the
White Elephant and of the Two Rubies, Lawful
heir of Pegu and Burma, Lord of Twelve pro-
194 History of Siam.
vinces of Bengal, Disposer of Kings who place
their heads beneath the soles of his feet."
The liberal arts are utterly ignored if one
can judge by the scanty progress therein made.
Medicine, especially, is only a fraud founded on
superstition. The priests known as ''Raulins"
are summoned to the bedsides of ihe sick. They
breathe over them and mutter mysterious in-
cantations. A sacrifice of fowls, pigs or fat
beasts is offered to the god of the four winds.
This sacrifice must be repeated four times to
prevent the death of the patient. The Raulins,
however, devour the sacrifices offered to their
gods.
In severe illness their fertile knavery pre-
scribes a strange remedy by which the Raulins
gain no small advantage. The wife, children or
the relations of the patient bedeck an altar on
which is placed an image, and place it in a well
furnished room wherein are assembled the
priests and relatives as for a grand banquet.
The Master of the Ceremonies dances and hops
about until he is exhausted. A rope is then
fastened to the ceiling and the performer supports
himself by it and jumps liigher and higher until
he falls down in a swoon whic'n is consi-
dered to be a divine trance. Everyone pre-
tends to be envious of his good luck, as they are
sure he is enjoying a tete a tete with his god.
The priests, who solemnlj^ preside at this fan-
tastic ceremony, anoint the sick man with oil
and perfumes, and, if he happens to die they
neyer blame themselves. They say that his
death is a blessing from the gods who have
taken him from this vale of tears to the man-
sions of the blest.
Their gross superstitions are seen to best
History of Siam. 195
advantage in their funeral rites. Whilst the
priests are chanting prayers and burning in-
cense, the friends and relatives of the deceased
thump copper vessels in order to scare away
black cats, for if by ill luck one of these animals
were to touch the corpse, the soul ot the de-
•ceased would be exiled from the heavenly abode
where it would have its fill of pleasures of all
«orts and would be reincarnated in mortal
shape.
There is a certain sect of priests who be-
lieve that they share in the power of the gods.
They are summoned to a grand banquet by the
relatives of the deceased, and if they refuse the
invitation, it is a sign that the soul of the dead
man has been cast into the nethermost hell.
Hired mourners are engaged to make a loud
outcry. The dead whose relatives have not
been able to honour with a funeral pyre, are
exposed at the water's edge, and are carried
away by the stream. Sometimes the corpses
are devoured by birds of prey, which latter hav-
ing always plenty of available foodstuff increase
and multiply and even attack buffaloes and oxen.
Sometimes they hasten the death of their
friends and relations when they are seem to be
suffering from the pains of old age or from some
incurable malady. This action, which is a
crime among civilized nations, is regarded by
them as an act ot piety, as they say that it is
-cruel to let those for whom happiness is wait-
ing in Heaven, suffer here on earth. These
peoples are sunk in the lowest depths of idol-
atry. Their temples are built in pyramidical
shape and contain a large assortment of idols.
They have gods of the house whose images they
brand on their arms and shoulders with a hot
196 History of Siam.
iron. The barking of dogs, the bellowings of
bulls, the howls of wild beasts, the songs of
birds are considered as omens of coming events
which the priests interpret to their own advan-
age. They celebrate a feast of the dead at
which their fanaticism is pushed to its cruellest
limits. One of their idols is dragged on a heavy
car and is accompanied by Priests dressed in
white. The fanatical devotees cast themselves
under the wheels, and their blood is held to be-
a most pleasing offering to the god. Others are
fastened by iron hooks to the car and, covered
with blood, they are placed in a temple where
they become objects of public worship. It is a
matter of congratulation to all those on whose
garments a drop of their blood falls. These
holy madmen are worshipped as martyrs.
There are three grades of priests. The head
priest, who lives in the island of Munay, has con-
trol of public worship. His commands are very
rarely infringed. The respect he inspires almost
approaches to adoration. The King, absolute as
he is, never disputes the precedence of the head-
priest on ceremonial occasions and never covers
himself before him. All the priests are vowed to
perpetual celibacy, and should one of them break
his vows of chastity, he is at once disgraced and
expelled from the priesthood. Although they all
obey the same head priest, they do not conform
to a universal rule of life. Some live in their own
houses at their own expense and are not a
burden on society. Remote from the stresses
of the world and despising mundane joys, they
are unnoticed by the public and make their
dwelling among the rocks or in deep forests or
in deserts. When they are obliged to appear
in public, they are of humble mien and
History of Siam. 197
^ith eyes downcast, but this show of modesty-
is but a clever method of attracting attention.
Other, more happy and sociable, live in fine
palaces in the idle enjoyment of the multifarious
gifts that the King and the Princes proffer to
them in profusion in order to gain the favour of
Heaven.
The education of the young is entrusted to
these idolatrous priests, as if men whose sole
functions seem to be prayer and ascetism, could
have the necessary abilities for the upbring-
ing of magistrates, warriors, artists or statesmen.
There are hermits as well, a variety of wild
men whose sanctity is in proportion to their ec-
centricities. They, like the priests are divided
into classes, and all renounce the pleasures of
life.
Although Europeans have had considerable
intercourse with the Kingdom of Ava, it is
really a country about which very little is
known. The majority of those who have given
descriptions of this land have been either
soldiers or traders, whose aims have been the
acquistion of wealth rather than the desire to make
accurate observations. All travellers agree that
the fertile soil produces an abundance of rice
and fruits, and that mines of lead, copper and sil-
ver exist, but that the natives have not sufficient
skill to work them. In Ava, the capital of the
kingdom, there is a considerable trade in musk,
and in rubies and sapphires of the finest quality.
The natives are quite successful in working
these mines. Trade would flourish if public
peace so necessary to industrial occupations, were
not so frequently disturbed by various revolu-
tions.
The form of Government is despotic. The
198 History of Siam.
Kiag who should be merely the administrator
of the law has usurped the rights of making,
and breaking the law at his own pleasure.
Each province has its deputy at the Court
under whose protection it resides* This deli-
gate has the right of representing the needs of
his fellow^ citizens and as the King is alw^aj^s v^^ell
posted in state affairs, oppressors are speedily
brought to justice and punished. The follow-
are the titles assumed by the King.
'^ King of Kings who should be obeyed by
everyone. Friend and Relation of the gods of Hea-
ven and Earth, who from their regard for him
preserve the animals and govern the seasons.
Brother of the Sun, Cousin of the Moon and
of the Stars. Absolute Master of the ebb and
flow of the Tides. King of the White Elephant
and of the Twenty Four Umbrellas. The arro-
gance of the Monarch is such that on rising from
table, he orders that a trumpet be sounded to
announce the fact to the other Kings of the
earth that they have his permission to take
their repast. Foreign ambassadors as well as
his own subjects must prostrate themselves
before him and even the elephants are trained
to crouch down when he passes.
The military forces do not draw their pay
from the public treasury. Each provincial
governor has certain lands in his province^
the produce of which is devoted to the support
of the soldiery in time of peace, and in war
time he supplies them with arms, food, and
clothing. Officers are distinguished from the
rank and file by the magnificence of their pipes
which have certain joints to indicate the rank.
The Kingdom of Jangoma is situated on
the north of Siam. It is not easy to define its
History of Siam, 199
boundaries accurately as they have changed
owing to revolutions and political events. The
country is governed by the priests whose
power should be limited by law since the inha-
bitants style themselves "free-men," a title
which servile and degraded races ought not to
assume. Few details are known of the
country and its inhabitants and we can only
draw our conclusions from certain Chinese
accounts and Siamese traditions. The following
is all that is at present known to us on this
matter.
The inhabitants are a well-built and
vigorous race. Owing to the heat of the sun
they wear scanty raiment consisting of a thin
loin cloth. They go bareheaded and have
never used shoes. The women are as volup-
tuous as the Peguans, but are much more hand-
some and are greatly in demand for the harems
of pleasure loving Kings. Although the soil
produces every necessary and even some
luxuries of life, corn cannot be cultivated.
But instead of bread, rice cakes form the
staple article of diet. Besides necessaries of
life the country produces musk, pepper, silk,
gold, silver, copper and gums. It is true that
certain travellers say that the bulk of these
products come from China. But it would be
less costly for a company established in Siam
to procure them from Jangoma, rather than
from the remotest East, and more so as this
nation having had no commercial relations is
unaware of the advantages of its geographical
position.
We have ver^^ little information about the
customs of the country, but it is known that
the devil plays an important part in the
200 History of Siam.
beliefs of the inhabitants. Tlie sick promise
him sacrificial offerings and if he condescends
to restore them to health they celebrate their
recovery by a great feast to which all their
friends and relations bring gifts of fruits to
propitiate the evil spirit v^hom they look upon
as the author ol:* all diseases.
They are quite sure that the devil has no
ear for music, as it is by instrumental efforts
that they endeavour to drive hiin out of the
house. The same motive, doubtless prompts
them to summon priests to chant round the
bedside of the sick man, who encouraged by their
dismal voices expects a speedy relief from his
pains. Death, which is a cause of mourning
to men of other races of the earth, is for
this nation a festal and delightful event.
There seems to be a total lack of regret for the
departed or at least they skilfully disguise
their feelings in the matter. The corpse is
borne on a reed litter by sixteen men to the
place of cremation. The friends and relations,
preceded by a band, follow in the procession.
Quantities of presents are offered to tlie idolatrous
priests who like birds of prey, live on the spoils of
the dead. When the corpse has been cremated
the funeral party returns to the house anrl the
next two days are spent in feasting and dan-
cing. After this, the widow bedecked w^ith the
trappings of woe proceeds to the cremation
ground. All groan loudly and weep as they
pick up the bones left by the flames. As a
sign of mourning they merely get their hair cut.
/ Laos, which signifies thousands of ele-
phants, derives its name from the numbers of
these animals living in the forests of that
1 country.
History of Siam, % 201
The climate is so mild and the air so pure
that we are told that men of a hundred and
even a hundred and twenty years still
retain the full powers of their manhood. The
bounties of nature are manifest in the plains
and valleys and even the hilly districts. The
watercourses which receive the mountain tor-
rents, distribute the water evenly over the land
and there are neither marshes nor stagnant
ponds. The eastern bank of the river is the
more fertile, the animals on this side are
larger and finer, and the trees are more lofty.
Here is grown the best rice of the East. The
ground on which it has been sown, becomes
covered with a sort of foam after the harvest
and the heat of the sun converts it into
solid salt.
Benzoin and lacquer of the best quality are
found in the countrj^, and from the latter
Spanish wax is made.
Although ivory of superior quality is
abundant, they consider rhinoceros horn to be
of more value, as it is supposed to have the
property of rendering the possessors lucky. The
people of the upper classes as they happen to
become more prosperous, discard the horn they
possess so as to buy another which is reputed
to be more efficacious and none of their valu-
ables is guarded with greater care.
The flowers that stud the plains nourish
swarms of bees which supply honey and wax.
Tin, lead and iron mines are an important asset
to the country. Gold and silver are found in the
rivers whence it is extracted by means of
iron nets.
Musk, which is one of the chief articles of
commerce, is not a product of this country, but
202 s History of Siam,
a composition of ambergris and the secretion of a
species of cat, which gives ofFan agreeable perfume
is used instead. In the forests are plenty of wild
animals, but cultivation is carried on by the
help of buffaloes and oxen. The rivers teem
with fish, some so large that two men can
hardly carry one. The poor live on salt fish
and rice. Although there is no salt water in
the country, they find splendid rubies, Doubtless
the foam that covers the fields after the rice
harvest supplies the lack of salt for the forma-
tion of this precious stone in the bosom of
the earth.
The Chinese carried on a considerable
trade with Laos before the Tartar invasion.
They brought velvets, silks, stuffs, carpets,
horse-hair, cottons, gold, silver and porcelain
which they bartered for ivory, opium and drugs^
In the province of Laos from whence the
kingdom takes its name, there is a deep mine
whence rubies and emeralds are extracted. The
King possesses an emerald of the size of an
ordinary orange.
Commercial relations, if established in this
country, would be assuredly fruitful for the reason
that the Laosians are the most upright and
honest people in the Indo-Chinese peninsula.
Not that they desire to possess every curious
article of foreign origin they may see, but they
prefer to be importunate in their demands for it
rather than to attempt to gain possession of it by
violence. The greatest praise that can be bestowed
upon them is to remark on their fidelity to their
pledged word. Robbery and murder are rarely
heard of on the main routes, as the townships
and villages are held responsible for any insults
offered to travellers in the vicinity.
History of Siam, 203
Their virtues are not unmixed with vices.
By nature incorrioible idlers, they work only
when absolutely obliged to, Arduous toil disgusts
them, and destitute of perseverence, they cannot
fix their attention for long on a single object
and never examine anything more than superfi-
cially. Unbridled in their desires for the opposite
sex, they seem to live merely for reproduction.
Sorcery and magic are the sources of many
crimes and superstitions, but it is a weakness
of the oriental mind never to undertake any
important matter before having consulted and
paid highly for the services of their duly quali-
fied humbugs. The purity of the air tends to
make the people long lived, and although the
country is not very large, an army of 500,000
fighting men could easily be raised and it w<;uld
not be difficult to raise a large force of centen-
arians, all healthy and vigorous. The inha-
bitants are less temperate than in other Eastern
countries. They take four meals a day, Rice,
fish and buffalo meat form their staple articles
of diet. They rarely eat veal, beef or poultry.
Birds are roasted with their feathers which
impart a disagreeable taste to the flesli.
As a rule the magistrates and the higher
officials do not take more than one wife, but
this moderation is due to motives of economy.
They wish to give the impression that they are
80 busy with state affairs that they have no
time to give to their own pleasures.
However they keep large numbers of con-
cubines which make up for the fact of their
only keeping one wife. Marriage is a life-
institution, but divorce is so common that mar-
riage appears to be but a passing fancy. When
a woman is convicted of adultery the husband
204 History of Siam.
can inflict whatever punishment he thinks fit.
Funerals are occasions of festivity rather
than of mourning. The priests are well paid
and are magnificently entertained. They con-
tribute tears and funeral diro^es and point out
the road to the heavenly mansions to the spirit
of the deceased. In the grave are placed offer-
ings of money. It is to be presumed that the
priests, as owners of the graves put the wealth
buried by ignorance into circulation again. It
shouJd be noticed that the trade of this country
has suffered from the various revolutions. In
former times its products were taken to Siam,
but since the Burmese invasion, they have
been diverted to Pegu. The hatred inspired
by the continuous state of hostility between
these two nations has driven trade to Cambodia
where the Laosians find a ready market for
their gums, lacquer and other articles.
This ignorant nation boasts that it taught
the Siamese the art of writing on palm leaves ;
the language, and the characters are similar,
but the Laosians cannot pronounce the letters
E. and L. It is said that is the olden time, their
mode of worship was unmixed with supersti-
tious beliefs. They had no temples but
worshipped a Creator god who ruled the world,
and who could only be pleased by the practice
of virtue and not by sacrifice and ceremony.
They believe that after the lapse of a certain
number of centuries, the universe will be
renewed. This idea of a Periodical Great Year
has been adopted by nearly all the nations of
old time.
Commercial intercourse with the Chinese
has altered these simple beliefs.
They had priests who became legislators
History of Siam. 205
and who, in or<ler to avoid the risk of having^
their arguments refuted, produced books writ-
ten in foreit^n characters. As their teachings
were not understood, they appeared to be
highly mysterious and w^ere greatly respected,
and it was no difficult matter for these cunnino-
impostors to attribute a divine origin to their
doctrinal hypotheses. Tlieir learned men are
divided into three classes. Some teach liow
the universe and the gods have been created,
but they base their arguments on fables and
not on facts. Others who are styled ' the en-
lightened ' reconcile all embarrassing questions
and contradictory statements.
The new doctrine proclaims the eternity of
Heaven and sixteen worlds, and that, in the
highest of them, the lucky inhabitants taste of
perpetual felicity unmixed with sorrow. These
worlds are liable to destruction and renewal
and they reckon 18,000 years since the renew-
al of the actual earth. They grant the exist-
ence of a hell, but the priests never mention
the torments prepared for the wicked, lest they
should intimidate the feeble minded. Poly-
gamy is the reward hoped for in the next world
by the righteous, but as this doctrine is some-
what distasteful to the women, they are told
that those who lead a godly life will be
changed into men. The same reward is pro-
mised to all those who bestow their wealth on
relii^ious objects, by the assurance that the
donor will have as many women as could be
purchased by the treasure they have laid up in
heaven.
The priests, sworn to celibacy, console
themselves with the belief that after death they
will have the power to create a number of
206 History of Siam.
women with whom they may do as they please.
They practise chastity during their lifetime
with the sole idea of satiating their vicious
desii-es in the next world, and that which is
regarded as a virtue in Heaven is considered to
be a vice on earth. Their monasteries are
schools of debauchery or are tille<] with men
of the lowest class. Puffed up with the dig-
nity of their office they compel such a respect
that the chief of the nation himself can
refuse to gi-ant it at his peril only.
Their cells are separate and that of the
abbot is magnificently appointed. Gold and
silk and articles of luxury are eveiywhere
apparent. Seated on a dazzling throne the
abbot receives the worship of his underlings
and of the devout public.
I siiall not enter into details of fheir mode
of life as I shouhl then be obliged to repeat
what 1 have already remarked about the
priests, but I ought to mention certain customs
wdiich seem to justify the opinion of those who
maintain that Christianity in its early forms
was established among these people.
On the fourteenth day of every month
they are obliged to assemble to make a public
confession of their sins. A humble avowal is
sufficient to gain absolution, and as the penan-
ces are not painful, backsliders are frequent.
They frequenty employ hoty water of which
they always keep a supply handy. They con-
sider that it is a highly efficacious remedy
against the severest diseases.
The priests, in fact, consider it as an article of
of trade, and barter it for valuable liquors. The
altars are adorned with flowers, and illuminated
by torches. They also make use of rosaries,
History of Siam. 207
the beads of which are often of diamonds or rubies
to assist the ignorance of those who are unable
to read their prayers and hymns. They observe
an Easter and a Jubilee. During those solemn
occasions, all work is forbidden, and in conse-
quence this time of rest in giv^en up to de-
bauchery. The preachers mount on pulpits
whence they announce rules of conduct of a
fairly pure and stringent nature, which however
are broken by most people. The rich purchase
indulgences, but the greedy priests only grant
them for a limited period, and on expiration of the
term, a new permit to trangress the laws must
be purchased. Only the very poor need de-
spair of tlie attainment of eternal felicity. The
wealthy expend vast sums on these impostors
who in return agree to expiate their peccadilloes.
The hermit priests live in dark caverns, in
the midst of the forests, where in solitary retire-
ment a large colony grows up around them in
proof of their libidinous habits, It must not
however be inferred that there are not some
melancholy individuals who disgusted with life,
bury themselves in these subterranean abodes
and give themselves up to prayer and contem-
plation. A life of asceticism is by no means
wearisome in tropical climates, where lazhiess is
regarded as a variety of annihilation. 'I'heir
occult reseaches have undoubtedly resulted in
the discovery of certain tricks by which they
impose on popular credulity. All of their
mystic rites seem to have been modelled on or
derived from the doctrines of Pythagoras
or of the Priests of Egypt. Magic was the
foundation, of these doctrines, and traces of
such practice are visible in the writings of Apu-
lius, lamblichus and Porphery.
208 History of Siam.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is known
to few travellers, who having made a short visit
there have given us very vague accounts. It is
to be hoped that the Missionaries who have
planted colonies there will give us information
as to the possible advantages to be thence de-
rived. Their scrupulous accuracy pays greater
attention to that which is useful to us rather
than to embellishments.
It is known that this country, protected by
a mountain range, is watered by the great river
that traverses the country. Its equatorial situ-
ation must of necessity give it a torrid climate,
and in order to avoid the burning heat only the
banks of rivers (U- lakes are inhabited. Travel-
lers have much to sutler from the attacks of
insects.
This country, one of the most fertile of the
Indies produces corn, rich harvests of rice,
vegetables of fine quality, and oil which C( >m-
mands a high price. Seafarers of all national-
ities have landed to take in supplies. Besides
these important products, sugar and indigo of
good quality are produced, which form lead-
ing native industries. The country is well
wooded and fruit trees are plentiful. Sapan,
sandal and other rare Vv^oods occur in the forests.
All sorts of drugs, opium and camphor are
abundantly produced. An extremely transparent
variety of crystal is found in the rocks. This
happy land produces amethysts, rubies, topazes,
chrysolites, agates, bloodstones and other preci-
ous stones. Raw silk and ivory are very cheap.
An ox weighing 500 lbs costs only a crown, and
160 lbs of rice can be bought for eight sols.
Everyone is allowed to hunt elephants, and
tigers and lions are found in the forests as well
History of Siam, 209
as most of the wild beasts which appear to
flourish only in the African deserts.
The coast line 140 leagues in extent has
only five or six safe anchorages for vessels. The
most noteworthy port is opposite to the Siam-
ese coast and has a great trade in lac, gums and
ivory. The harbour of Pontameas would attract
a great number of foreign ships but its trade
has greatly fallen off since it was demolished in
1717 by tbe Siamese. The other harbours are
but little known, The sea lying between this
kingdom and that of Siam is dotted by numer-
ous islets which render navigation dangerous.
The two largest, although fertile, have been laid
waste because the pirates who infest these seas
have seized the results of the work and industry
of the inhabitants. It would be an easy matter
to set up an advantageous trading-station in
Quadrol island where there are many natural
sandy harbours. There is as well a group of
eight islands having a good anchorage ; Pulo-
condor is the only inhabited member of the
group. This island is called the island of
Orleans by the French and is about three leagues
long and one and a half wide.
The harbour is commodious and the an-
chorage easy. The sea abounds with many
species of fish, and turtles, the shells and oil of
the latter being valuable articles of trade. It
is a land of monkeys and lizards some of which
are ugly and covered with scales. Their bite is
fatal, Others have claws and their tails, seven
or eight feet long, are triangular in shape. They
are good to eat. Flying squirrels and rats hav-
ing ears shaped like those of human beings are to
be seen. Most of the trees are balsamic, one
species yielding gum has the bark and leaves
210 History of Siam,
like that of a chestnut tree. Oil is extracted
by making an incision in the trunk and apply-
ing heat. There are many wild fruit trees
bearing appetising looking fruits, but of in-
siped taste and frequently poisonous. A bota-
nist could make a fine collection of plants and
flowers unknown in other climates.
There is only one village inhabited by
about 400 persons ; frequently it is deserted as
the inhabitants take up their abode in spots
where they can satisfy their needs. The Cochin
Chinese send the Christians to this island. It
was captured by the English who set up a
trading post in 1702. The governor had
hired Macassar mercenaries and had promised
to terminate their engagement after three
years. He did not keep to his agreement
and be kept them to strengthen the growing
colony. This breach of trust ought to
have made him wary, but he forgot that his
example might cause his betraj^al. As a result
these savages, who although being rigid observers
of treaties, thought they had a right to exact
vengeance, and all the English were massacred
the same night.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is inhabited by
Portuguese, Japanese, Cochin-Chinese and
Malays of whom some are passing traders, but
others have become residents. The Portuguese
have no priests and their religion is a mixture
of idolatry and Christianity. They are in re-
ceipt of a small subsidy from the King, which
together with the spoils of the chase forms their
means of livelihood. The men are well built, and
the women are distinctly handsome, but their
lack of modesty counterbalances all the advan-
tages they might otherwise derive from their
History of Siam, 211
personal appearance. These people never risk
the perils of the sea in order to gain wealth,,
but they see the ships of all nations coming to
their harbours for the purchase of the natural
products of the land which are plentiful. They
dig a fair quantity of gold and manufacture fabrics
of as good quality as those of Holland. Their
skill in embroidery is well known. The Dutch
used to have a trading station and they had
estimated that by the export of black lacquer,
deer-skins, oxen and buffaloes to Japan, a
profit of from 40 p^r cent to 70 per cent could
be gained. But they met with opposition from
the Portuguese who were jealous of their pros-
perity, and, on account of the various revolutions
which have disturbed the peace of the kingdom,
they have been obliged to forego all the advan-
tages that they had hoped to gain. For these
reasons, the different European nations have
had no desire to form trading stations in these
parts.
The religion is somewhat similar to
that of Siam. They grant the existence of
several heavenly abodes for the souls of the
departed. In some of these heavens they ar&
regaled with the finest liquors and the most
delicious viands, and the senses are stimulated
by all manner of delights. Women always young
and beautiful, reciprocate the passion they
inspire.
There is another heaven specially reserved
for the solitary priests who have lived apar^
from the world. Their felicity consists in f^
utter absence of sensation, a sort of annihil?
which is considered the height of bliss b^
folks. The gods abide in the highest
and the privileged persons who im^'
212 History of Siam,
virtues partake of their happiness. They also
grant the existence of thirteen hells to which
evil-doers are consigned according to the
heinousness of their offences.
The priesthood contains many members
and is divided into several classes, of which the
first takes precedence even of the King himself.
The second class consider themselves as his
equals, and as the general belief is that they
share the perfection of the deity, a profound
respect in paid to them although the majority
of them are of the lowliest origin. Their chief
is known as the King of the priests and in cer-
tain districts he has supreme authority.
There are two ranks of nobility. The
governors of towns and provinces, the ministers
and judges are drawn from the first rank and
are distinguished by a golden betelnut box.
The nobles of the second rank have silver boxes.
The King is absolute, He can dispose of
the goods of his subjects or rather slaves as he
pleases. Children have no right of inheritance
and whatever the King condescends to leave
them is regarded as a personal favour.
Although this Kingdom is of large extent it can
scarcely put an army of 30,000 men in the field.
This petty king is as proud and luxurious as the
greatest rulers of Asia and it is this idea of
imaginary greatness that frequently renders him
insolent towards foreigners.
The country of Champa has a short coast-line
with many commodious bays and harbours.
Travellers have never penetrated the interior.
No other town is known but Feneri, which used
to be the royal residence before the country fell
under the rule of the Cochin-Chinese, who, flying
from Tartar tyranny were welcomed by the
History of Siam. 213
people whose rulers they have become. Their
weapons are muskets, pikes and sabres in the
use of which they show great skill. They are
gentle and affable especially to foreigners. They
show great respect for law from the King down
to the lowest of his subjects. Their code is
severe and the slightest faults do not fail to be
punished. The people are not allowed to pos-
sess silver, and an3^one convicted of its posses- •
sion is severely punished. Gold is an article of
trade and copper coin is the only currency.
All callings are sold at a price and the consider-
ation they enjoy is proportionate to the price.
Whoever has sunk his fortune in the purchase
of an office soon recovers his losses by means of
exactions which are not punished, so as not to
intimidate those who may wish to become office-
holders. Liberty of worship is enjoined by the
laws but most of the people are either Mahom-
medans or followers of Confucius; there are also
idolators, some of whom worship reptiles and
the lowest animals, while others regard the sun
and moon as the creative powers.
The Mahomedans of this country do not
observe the Koran strictly. They eat pork and
are so hospitable that they have no shame in
prostituting their wives to their guests. They
howevers make an exception in the case of the
principal wife whom they cannot repudiate un-
less she has been convicted of adulter)^.
The Chinese come annually to trade in tea,
porcelain, silk and various commodities which
they barter for scented woods and for gold
which is of finer quality than the gold found in
China.
No country has had greater commercial
intercourse with Siam than Cochin-China, a
214 [History of Siwm.
name signifying Western China given to it by
the Portuguese in contradistinction to China
proper. The country is easy of access, the
harbours are numerous and commodious and
a depth of 80 fathoms is common in the bays.
The country is densely populated and there are
many towns and cities. Its fertility is due to
the periodical inundations which leave a fine
alluvial deposit on their retreat, and the heat of
the sun brings the vegetable products to matur-
ity early and imparts a fine flavour. There is
a certain species of tree grown here known as
the ' indestructible ' as the timber never rots
either in water or in the earth. It is used for
ship's anchors. The mountains where this tree
flourishes also produces various kinds of scented
woods and all manner of flowers and perfumes.
In this country are quarries of marble of various
kinds and numerous gold mines. The inhabitants
have learnt the art of smelting metals from the
Chinese but they have not divulged the secret
to them of casting iron into cannon and mortars.
On the mountains are many rhinoceros of a
larger size than any others in the Indies.
Trade with the interior is considerable, mer-
chants resort to the fairs at which all kinds of
merchandize is offered for sale. The silk pro-
duced in this land is not of the first quality, but
it is so plentiful that it is used for making ropes
and sails. The land tortoises furnish oil. A
considerable trade is carried on in pepper, sugar,
honey and w^ax. The Chinese and the Japanese
have the commercial supremacy. These
foreigners are not subject to the laws of the
country, they are magistrates who adjudicate
all commercial disputes that arise between the
traders of their nations. The impressions of the
History of Siam. 915
Cochin-Chinese given to us by travellers are
partly unfavourable, and partly favourable. The
Dutch who have suffered ill usage at their hands
accuse them of faithlessness to their promises,
of arrogance in their demeanour, and of
treachery. Others who have been well received
by them praise their kindliness towards
foreigners, their commercial rectitude and above
all their respect for the duties of hospitality.
In spite of these conflicting opinions, all modern
travellers concur in the view that their manners
are as simple as their customs. Their gentle-
ness of character saves them from acts of
violence that in an instant ruin the impressions
derived from years of exemplary conduct.
Their diet is simple, the sole articles being
rice, fish and vegetables. Their usual beverage
is a kind of tea that differs from the Chinese
variety. They mingle sugar derived from a cer-
tain tree with their drinking water which thus
acquirers a pleasant taste and odour. They
have a few wines, but prefer strong liquors
to wine which they nevertheless use in modera-
tion at marriages and other solemn festivals,
which are the only occasions of excess. Although
dependent on neighbouring nations, they allow
their hair to grow long as a sign of their freedom.
Their grandees keep up splendid establishments
and wear robes embroidered w^ith pearls which
they prefer to diamonds. The women are veiled,
but uncover their faces in salutation. Their
medical men are dressed in black and wear a
mitre shaped headdress. They trim neither their
beard nor their nails as a sign that they are less
desirous to please than to instruct. They
knew that respectability is well assured by the
adaptation of strange habits.
216 History qf Siam,
Their houses have no other ornamentations
than paintings and gilded sculptures. Marriage
ceremonies, funeral rites and festivals are similar
to those of the Chinese from whom they are
descended, but in this, their new country, they
have extinguished the torch of the liberal arts
which illumined the land of their origin. It is
not that they are without seats of learning, but
such as they have are schools of error in which
under the pretext of studying astronomy, they
devote themselves to all the lies of astrology in
order to seek for revelations of the future. They
predict eclipses without being able to calculate
their exact time, extent and duration and, re-
garding them as omens of serious evil, employ
thousands of weird methods to counteract their
supposed malign influence.
The King and all the chief officers of state
as well as the learned, follow the doctrines of
Confucius, which they have received from their
ancestors. They have neither temples nor
priests, but all pay deep respect to the great god
Tien. The common people, plunged in the depths
of the darkest idolatry, give themselves up to the
most vulgar superstitions. They have bonzes who
are divided into several classes. Some of them
live on the produce of the land and waters as-
signed to them ; others, subservient to a chief,
live on the alms of the people ; amore certain
source than the hard won produce of the ground.
If we can judge by the filthy state of their
temples, most of which are in ruins, it seems
that the priests and their devotees are
the only persons who are attached to
their religion. The foreign missionaries
have made great conquests for the faith
in these parts and it merely needs a greater
History of Siam. 217
number of workers to gather in an abundant
harvest.
Those who believe in metempsychosis are
loth to kill either the most dangerous animals,
or the vilest insects, but by a strange contra-
diction as is usual in erroneous doctrines, they
sacrifice swine to their gods and to the spirits of
the departed. They believe that souls which
do not pass into other corporeal forms are
changed into demons, fairies or goblins. Thus
it is that the fear inspired by these malign
creatures gives credence to thousands of fables.
The law is no respecter of persons. The
King a severe and upright judge passes sen-
tence on the guilty, but his representatives in the
provinces are more lenient, as they are amena-
ble to bribery. A woman convicted of adultery
is trampled to death by an elephant. A first
act of theft is punished by the loss of a finger,
the second by the loss of an ear, and the third
by death. This graduated system of punish-
ment should be a lesson to those nations gene-
rally whose laws inflict the same penalty on
one, who by a passing weakness has com-
mitted some crime, or on another who is a hand-
ened criminal. False witness is punished
according to the nature of the charge brought.
When the King pronounces sentence he is
mounted on a fine elephant and petitioners
may only approach within eighty paces oi the
royal presence.
This Prince is wealthy for the reason that
many of his neighbours pay a high price for
his protection. He derives a considerable re-
venue from the elephants, wax, and ivory
produced in his country ; the tribute paid in
scented woods and gold dust by his va isa
218 History of Siam.
forms another source of income. Besides the
tribute exacted from the vassal states, there is
a general poll-tax, and every man from the age
of 18 to 60 has to pa,y about fifteen livres.
This tax is less derogatory than the
forced labour of eight months to which every
slave or subject is liable. The grandees are
obliged to offer valuable gifts on certain days of
the year to the King, and these would exhaust
their resources if it were not for the gifts which
they in return extort from their inferiors to re-
place the losses caused by these forced benevol-
ences.
At the death of each land-owner, the King
takes possession of the landed property and
leaves only the money and personal effects of
the deceased to the heirs. The tariff dues on
foreign merchandise are still another source of
revenue.
The Government of the Kingdom of
Cochin-China is purely military. The weapons
of the country are muskets, bows and daggers.
Drill is performed in silence. The leader directs
all the evolutions by motions of his baton, and
if he makes a mistake he is reduced to the ranks.
The Court is an example of Asiatic pomp. 'J'he
first dignities of the state are conferred on
eunuchs, as it is supposed that as they are un-
-able to beget cliildren, they will be all the less
avaricious.
This policy has not succeeeded in Europe,
w^here experience has shown that celibate min-
isters have accumulated vast wealth. The heir-
presumptive to the throne has command of the
navy, and of his private body guard of 5,000
men. The younger son is commander-in-chief
of the army. He has also a body guard of 2,000
History of Siam. 219
men. A standing army is maintained as a pro-
tection against rebellions.
Crimes against the King's person are cruelly
punished. The guilty partj^ is tied up to a post
and each soldier cuts off a piece of his flesh until
nothing but the skeleton remains. The sev^erity
of the code in force proves that the nation is
prone to crime. The law endeavours to deter
crime by the threats of severe punishment.
The soldiers are clad in satin and the uniforms
of the officers are of velvet and silver.
There are military schools in which child-
ren are trained at the public expense. The spirit
of emulation is fostered by rewards which
pander to the growing mind. They receive
silk dresses and other accoutrements that
flatter their vanity. Those who take no advant-
age from their lessons are dressed in linen.
Christianity has made great progress in
this land, but has had much to fight against.
The ignorance of the idolatrous priests, and the
foolish nature of their doctrines, have beeri
favourable to the progress of Missionary enter-
prise.
CHAPTER XIII.
Tonkin.
The intercourse between Siam and Tonkin
requires special notice. The exact extent of
Tonkin is not known accurately, but all
travellers agree that it is a more densely-
populated country than France, and some ima-
gine that it is of equal extent.
Although situated in the tropics, it enjoys
a cHmate of perpetual spring, and the air which
by rights should be burning hot is cooled by
the South and North winds which blow
alternately for 6 months each in the
year. The rainy season begins in April
and lasts until August. At this season
the leafy trees have their branches weighed
down by masses of fruit, the country-
side luxiurates in vegetation and promises a
rich harvest of rice. There is neither corn nor
grapes, but nature supplies their lack by other
products. It is true that at times the land is
stricken with sterility. The floods destroy the
young crops and the drought changes the fer-
tile earth into arid dust.
A range of inaccessible mountains seems
to act as a line of defence against foreign inva-
sion. These mountains are clothed with forests
containing many fruit trees and inhabited by
tigers, deer, and elephants. The interior of
the country is occupied by rising ground. The
plains are watered by numerous rivers and
canals form cheap and facile means of communi-
Dation. Although the country has so many
History of Siam. 221
products of commercial value, the inhabitants
give all their attention to fishing.
Kankaois the chief town, and aiany travel-
lers have compared it favourably with the most
populous cities of Asia. There are no impos-
ing edifices with the exception of the royal
palace and the arsenal, in other respects it is a
confused collection of wooden huts. The foreign
trading establishments are the only brick build-
ings. The ruins of an ancient palace, destroyed
during the civil wars, are still visible and the
relics point to the pristine glories of the city.
The arsenal is a building that would command
admiration in Europe. It is furnished with
artillery, ammunition and all kinds of warlike
stores.
Here the physicist would be struck by the
phenomenon of the tides, as the sea ebbs
and flows only once in the 24 hours and is only
appreciable at the first and last quarters of the
moon.
The products are similar to those of other
countries of the Indies, but the fruits are finer
and more delicious than those of any other
Asiatic country. The oranges are large and
luscious, but the use of the citron is unsafe as
it supplies the mordant used in the dyeing of
cotton.
Cultivated fruits include sweet potatoes
yams, bananas, mangos, limes, cocoanuts and
pineapples. The elephants are the largest and
most active of those found in Asia. Temper-
ance is a national virtue and their staple
articles of diet are merely rice, vegetables,
roots, and salt fish. They observe festivals at
which game of all sorts is eaten and especially
at weddings and funerals they indulge in all
222 History of Siam.
manner of good cheer. They devour horseflesh
buttalo and goat meat, dogs, rabbits, rats, frogs,
shell fish and all kinds of fish. For dessert
they have the most excellent fruits, the odour
and colour and taste of which are pleasing to
all the senses. Cleanliness is noticeable in all
their dishes. The tables and crocker}^ as well
as they themselves are perfumed. In formal
feasts the guests keep profound silence, and
speech before the conclusion of the repast
would be considered impolite. This restraint
during their meals might be attributed to their
voracious appetites. Their usual beverage is a
kind of tea with which on festal occasions they
mingle arrack. They manufacture strong drink
from rice and other vegetables.
The Tonkinese have flat oval faces. Their
teeth, naturally white, are blackened so as to
avoid the reproach that they resemble those of
dogs or elephants. Though of a swarthy com-
plexion they are fairer than the other inhabit-
ants of the Indies. They have long thick black
hair. They are active and cunning and seem
adapted by nature to be an accomplished race ;
but idleness, the vice of the climate is a check
to industry and renders them poverty stricken.
Their insensate passion for gambling reduces
the wealthiest to beggary. Having lost all
their money, jewels and other possessions, they
will wager their wives and children and even
their horses to which they are greatly attached.
The dress of the Tonkinese consists of a long
robe reaching to the heels. The grandees are
dressed in silk or English cloth. The populace
and soldiery wear robes of cotton stuff reaching
to the knees. Fishermen and workmen, who
are obliged to spend their time out of doors,
History of Siam, 223
wear hats made of straw or leaves. The King
is the only person permitted by law to wear
shoes. The common people go bare-foot but
this is no discomfort in a land where the soil
is sandy. This custom is in vogue in Ab^^s-
sinior and in all warm countries and only fore-
igners find that it is distasteful. They however
wear sandals as do the officials and the learned
men affect the same fashion. The latter allow
their nails to grow long as a sign of their rank.
Men and women used to be obliged to wear
their hair bound up, as a mark of their vassal-
age, during the time when this kingdom was a
dependent state of China, but at the present time
they wear it loose over their shoulders. The
nation has borrowed its arts, science and eti-
quette from the Chinese. Their language
which is monosyllabic, greatly resembles Chi-
nese, and inflexions of the voice determine the
signification of the syllables. The Tonkinese
have many guttural and dental consonants
which are very difficult to be pronounced by
foreigners. Their writing is in vertical columns,
they make use of similar writing imple-
ments to those of China and they use silk or
the bark of trees instead of paper. They have
no taste whatever for art and science. It is
true they have poets and musicians who are
fairly successful in imaginative works. They
have also made a certain amount of progress in
morality for which they have adapted the
maxims in the books of Confucius. They have
teachers for all branches of accomplishments but
no school for scientific knowledge, and they
have only a very slight acquaintance with ma-
thematics.
The healing art is very imperfectly un-
224 History of Siam.
derstood in Tonkin, experience is their only
guide, and the doctors combine their profession
with those of surgeon and apothecary. Their
medical books on the preparation of drugs are
most vague in their principles. Cupping glas-
ses and caustics are used in obstinate cases
only. The usual medicaments are made from
gums, roots and herbs They cure fever, erup-
tions, jaundice and small-pox by dieting and
infusions. Certain diseases are attributed to
fogs and exhalations. Astrology bars the way
to medical progress, certain days are supposed
to be unlucky, and on these days the patient is
allowed to suffer rather than that medicines
should be administered. Their skill in the arts
is shown by their articles of lacquer ware,
porcelain, and in the smelting of metals.
The rivers and canals by which the country
is intersected are favourable to internal trade.
Each town has its fairs and markets to which
many foreigners are attracted. But there is
very little maritime commerce, for the reason
that their ships are too small to brave the dan-
gers of the stormy seas. Foreign imports are
saltpetre, sulphur, cloth, all sorts of woollen
goods, spices, lead and guns. Foreign currency
only is used and no race is more skilful in the art
of money changing, as they are able to
appreciate or depreciate the exchange values at
their pleasure.
Trade would be in a flourishing con-
dition if the Tonkinese were as active
as they are industrious, but, sunk into
the slough of idleness, they divide their
time between sleeping and eating. When
they are not actually eating, they smoke, dance
or sing. By a cowardly policy, the government
History of Siam, 225
puts obstacles in the way of industry, the vas-
sal States of the Empire are excluded
from any participation in sources of wealth.
The rapacity of the tax-gathers is an
effectual check to competition, as people
are not anxious to spend their energies
on work, the fruit of which is reaped
by others. The Tonkinese by nature a suspi-
cious and distrustful race are somewhat chary
of the overtures of foreigners and being too
fearful of danger are unable to gain any advan-
tage. The legislative code of Tonkin has been
borrowed from China, and tlie administration of
the law is in the hands of corrupt persons who
sacrifice the innocent poor to the guilty rich.
Each provincial governor is judge in his own
province. Polygamy is the rule all over Ton-
kin and no woman can boast of the title "wife."
The bonds of these unions or rather of this concu-
binage, are easily broken. I'he man gives the
woman a writing of divorcement which restores
the woman to all her rights. The woman cannot
obtain divorce no matter whether she have just
grounds or no, and if she is convicted of adultery
she is condemne<l to be trampled to death by ele-
phants. Her paramour dies by another form of
torture. The eldest son, after his father's death,
receives the whole of the estate and the paternal
authority on condition that he provides for his
brothers until they are married. The daughters
have no share in the heritage, Other laws are
similar to those in force in other countries of
the Indo-Chinese peninsula. Their love of dis-
play is noticeable in their marriage feasts. Act-
ors of both sexes perform dances to the accom-
paniment of a big drum, and the performance
is followed by a concert given by hired musi-
226 History of Siam.
cians. Few ceremonies take place without a
show of cock-fighting on which considerable
wagers are laid. Girls are married at the age of
sixteen and seventeen years, and parental con-
sent is required to make the union legitimate.
The brides see their husbands on their wedding
day for the first time and priests are excluded
from the ceremony and the festivities.
Their funeral rites are the works of
superstition, astrologers are appointed to indicate
the place of burial and the corpse is kept for
several months until some favourable omen in-
dicates a suitable spot. During this delay the
relatives of the deceased offer the usual food to
the corpse as if it were still alive. It is kept in
a room illuminated by torches. Incense and
gilt paper on wdiich are })ainted figures of
various animals are burnt in its honour and the
relatives pay it a daily visit and prostrate them-
selves with e\ery appearance of woe,
Those who accompany the funeral proces-
sion are dressed in coarse garments and walk
barefoot. They sup))ort themselves wdth sticks
and their slow tottering step is a sign of their
grief.
The nearest relative throws himself on the
ground at intervals and the corpse-bearers tread
him under foot. The corpse is dressed in rich
attire and, as a safeguard against poverty in the
next world, a piece of gold and some pearls are
placed in its mouth On certain da3's in the year
offerings of food and incense are made at the
tomb that the dead may not lack support.
Although man}^ festivals are celebrated, it
seems that they are all due to religious influences.
The most noteworthy is the feast of tombs,
which is celebrated on the anniversary of the
History of Siam. 227
death of* the persons in question and bountiful
feasts are off'ered to theui. The King and the
nobility celebrate their birthdays with great
pomp, and their marriage days with dances, con-
certs, and theatrical performances. At a cer-
tain festival, the King followed by all his court,
blesses the produce of the soil. He drives the
plough and makes several furrows as a tribute
to agriculture. There is another ceremony at
which exorcisms are made to rid the land of evil
spirits. New year's dajris an occasion of great
rejoicings. Booths are set up where men and
women perform dramatic pieces and sing to the
accompaniment of the orchestra. Everybody
appears to be mad with joy and no business is
transacted. All work is at a standstill, the
halls of justice are closed and the seal of state
is put away in its case. Criminals have no fear of*
punishment during the feast. The license which
reigns supreme during this season exposes the
women to outrage and they never appear unless
with an ample guard.
The Monarch has but a semblance of real
power, the commander-in-chief is the real ruler
and it is the latter whom the Europeans regard
as King. He has a large body-guard and is at-
tended by a corps of 300 elephants, whereas the
actual king, buried in the obscurity of his palace
with his wife and children, is served by faithless
menials who act as spies on his movements. It
is surprising that the commander-in-chief allows
the existence of this phantom ruler, but the
Tonkin ese have such veneration for the master
that it would be a dangerous matter to attempt
to supersede him.
The commander-in-chief has usually a force
oi 150,000 infantry and from 10,000 to 20,000
228 History of Siam.
cavalry under his orders. Kecruits are eager
to join the colours, but at the sight of
the enemy their courage evaporates and, as
bravery is not one of their characteristics, they
are more ready to dig entrenchments than to
niake sorties therefrom. The commander has
no great confidence in his men, at least if we can
form an opinion from a letter written to the com-
mander of the Dutch forces in the Indies.
''I have," he remarks, '^ 300,000 infantry
10,000 cavalry, 2,000 elephants, 30,000 musket-
eers and 1,000 pieces of artillery at my disposal,
I beg you to send 200 men and 3 ships to assist
me." After such a pompous display of the num-
bers under his command, one cannot fail to draw
the logical conclusion.
The majority of the military positions of
trust are confided to eunuchs, enervated by the
luxury of court life. Ability is not the road to
success, although the posts are not obtainable by
bribery, all of them are put up for sale to the
highest bidder, because in a kingdom of vast
extent in which the eye of the ruler is unable to
penetrate the remotest parts, the grandees are al-
ways the sharers of intrigue and never of the
worth that hides itself in the shade.
The whole strength of their united navy
w^ould be unable to hold its own against one of
our warships.
Their men-of-war are flat vessels about 70
feet long, and 10 amidships and can be used for
coast defence only. The soldiers who are the
rowers are directed in their movements by the
sound of a drum.
The soldiery, scattered over the kingdom,
is supposed to protect the roads, but often by
attacks on travellers, abuses the trust of the
History of Siam. 229
governors to whom it is subordinated. In time of
peace the soldiers are armed with clubs which
are formidable weapons in their hands and they
break the legs or thighs of those who resist or
try to run away.
All civil disputes are summarily disposed of
by the magistrates. The offender is obliged to
offer meat and drink to the other party in the
suit so that their differences may be forgotten
over the feast. The creditor i.^: absolute master
of his insolvent debtors whom he can treat with
every indignity. Criminals are punished in pro-
portion to their crimes. Theft is not punished by
death, but by the loss of a limb or of some part of
the body. Murderers are condemned to death
by decapitation. They are led to the scene of
the crime or to their house as a place of execution.
If there are several criminals, there are several
executioners who on a given signal decapitate
their victims simultaneously. The Tonkinesc
are the least cruel people of the Indies in the
punishment of guilty persons. By law life
may be bought at a price, and only the poor
actually suffer the extreme penalty.
Although the eunuchs are objects of po-
pular scorn, they have considerable power, and
as their misfortune smooths the path to hon-
ours, it is often the case that self mutilation is
practised by ambitious men of advanced age
without fearing the pain and sequelae of the
operation. Their surgeons perform the opera-
tion skilfully, and they have a method by which
many accidents are avoided. The patient is
thrown into a deep sleep which lessens the
shock of the operation, and experience has
shown that the torpid state induced, is a pro-
tection against fever and inflammation which so
230 History of Siam,
often occurs after such operations.
At the age of 18 years every man is sub-
ject to a poll-tax in proportion to his wealth.
The magistrates, soldiers, and learned men how-
ever are exempt and it is the poor man that bears
the brunt of the taxation as is usual in most
countries. The taxes are collected after the har-
vest and the inhabitants of the remotest parts of
the kingdom are forced to bring a certain quan-
tity of fodder for the King's elephants and horses
to the store houses in the capital. Every man is
in addition obliged to work for six months
on public works for which he receives food
but no salary. So great is the degrada-
tion of human nature in these climates that
the inhabitants, less privileged than animals,
seem only to exist on the earth for the purpose
of watering it with the sweat of their brows.
The grandees and the learned follow the
doctrines of Confucius, but its precepts are too
simple to be adopted by the common people
who can only behold the workings of a deity in
the marvellous. The principal belief is that of
Fo which is divided into various sects, the most
widespread of which was founded by a China
man named Lauro who is revered as one of the
greatest wonder-workers of the East. His fol-
lowers give out that his mother carried him in
her womb for 70 years without having lost her
virginit3^ He boasted of his intimacy with
spirits who revealed the secrets of the future
to him. The priests, brought up in ignorance
and superstition, attract the minds of the popu-
lace by their fables and wonders. They live in
extreme poverty as they have none of the gran-
dees for their disciples, and the bounty of
the common people is their only source of
History of Siam. 2^1
revenue. A certain number of priests boast
they can cure the most stubborn forms of
disease by means of charms. When sum-
moned to the patient they make their ap-
pearance in a most extraordinary manner in
order to render the performance more impos-
inoj. They make their exorcisms to the accom-
paniment of drums, and trumpets. They
jump about in the sick room until the fate
of the patient is decided either for death or hfe
and whenever the result proves the useless
nature of their performance, they have plenty of
excuses ready for their non-success.
In Tonkin the gospel-harvest has been
more fruitful than in any other oi" the lands of
the Indies. The scorn of the great for the idolat^
rous priests has contributed to the success of the
Missionaries, who have more than 200,000 con-
erts in this kingdom of whom more than 15,000
are under the charge of a French Missionary re-
centl}^ elevated to the rank of Bishop of Aga-
thopolis and who is assisted in his duties by
three Frencli priests and four Chinese converts^
I must here recapitulate the causes that
ought to be favourable to the success of this
undertaking. The aim of the Seminaries of the
Foreign Missions is the establishment of a clerical
order in all countries of the world. Sacred
histor}' tells us that the Apostles and their suc-
cessors ordained priests among all nations that
they converted. People are always more ready
to give credence to their fellow citizens who
are well known to them rather than to foreign-
ers whose motives are often to them question-
able. The native priests know the language
better, are better preachers, make themsel-
ves better understood and are more readily list-
232 History of Siam.
eiied to in the explanation of the mysteries of reli-
gion. Knowing the manners and customs of the
country they are acquainted with the best me-
thods of conibatino: the natural inclinations of
the people and know how to gain their confi-
dence. All the local superstitions are well known
to them, and it is easy for them to point out their
absurdity and falsity. With all these advantages
they can tight against error and triumph over
ungodliness. The hierarchical order established
by the seminary, can alone inculcate a per-
fect type of Christianity that will have no
further need for foreign intervention on its
behalf.
Besides these general reasons there are
particulars reasons for the Indies. The toils and
dangers incurred in penetrating those distant
lands, the study of the Indian languages so
difficult to learn and to pronounce, the cli-
mate often deadly and always unpleasant to
foreigners, and the expenses of travelling, ren-
der the Indies inaccessible to most of the priests
and members of religious societies who are
zealous of making conquests for Jesus Christ.
The incessant wars that lay waste all the
countries of the Indies do not allow the
missionaries to go from one country to ano-
ther when needed to do so by the church.
Princes and people cannot understand their
dogmas and worship. The idolatrous priests
cannot behold their gods trampled underfoot
without becoming enraged against men whom
they consider impious and sacriligous. It is
in these times of stress that the flock has
the greatest need of its pastor. Besides
this in this Indies the foreign priests can
render no services to those who groan under
History of Siam. 233
the sword of persecution. As soon as they
appear, their complexions and facial charact-
eristics betray them and as soon as they are
recognised, they are haled off to durance
vile.
These eastern lands are of such wide
extent and so densely peopled that all the
priests and members of the religious societies
of Europe would hardly be sufficient to ins-
truct such vast multitudes.
For these reasons the sovereign Pontiff
has decided to appoint Vicars-apostolic in
order to form a national clergy for which the
interests of Religion and Politics demand the
lasting prosperity.
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