A'sa'm. JOURNAL OF MR. BRONSON. 21. Started early, and about noon reached the salt market at the foot of the mountain. Leaving all my baggage behind, I gained the top of the At pages 218, 219, of last volume, will be mountain about four o'clock, P. M. On found extracts from letters of Mr. Bronson, in my arrival I found the people unaware which mention is made of a visit to the Nam of my approach. They had not preSang Naga Hills, at the distance of about a pared any place for my reception, and day's journey from Jaipur. The peculiar, and I feared that I had come among them in some respects interesting character of the in an inauspicious time. I soon had people of that country, has induced the attempting the rude assault of one of the need of wisdom and patience in meetto establish a mission among them, and from present indications we are encouraged to hope that the enterprise will prove successful. In his journal, Mr. B. gives an account of a Second tour to the Naga Hills-The journey-His reception. chiefs, who appeared to be in a perfect rage; ordering my interpreter "never to say again that I was not in league with the Company, and one of them; for my color, dress, language, and customs, were the same; that I sent letters, and received them; that I ate, slept and lived with them." Nothing was said in reply, and I managed soon to turn the conversation upon subjects Dec. 20, 1839. Having completed two or three elementary books, and made suitable preparations, I set out on a second tour to the Nám Sáng Ná-more pleasing. In the course of the gas; hoping to be able to communicate to them some of the truths of the gospel. I shall make an attempt to collect a few lads into school, and to translate a few select portions of scrip ture. Their former hospitality and good feeling leads me to hope that they will receive instruction, and embrace the truth. Yet the facts, that they have no books, and that they are known to proserve the customs of their fathers with the greatest tenacity,-render the experiment far less encouraging than it otherwise would be, and make me feel inexpressibly anxious about my present undertaking. I sent off my attendants and baggage at an early hour, hoping, if possible, to reach the mountain top before the Sabbath. Had a prosperous journey this day, and slept on the banks of the beautiful Nám Sáng river, interview, however, I told him that he knew me to be the friend of the Nágas, and that I came among them solely to benefit them. I appealed to those present, and asked, "Do not all the people call me their friend?" To this nearly every voice responded “Yes,”— and the enraged chief soon left, apparently rather chagrined. In this man I have uniformly found a violent opposer. He often says to the people, "Who wants religion from a foreigner, and who will alter the customs of their fathers to receive books?" Weary, sick, and almost discouraged, I retired to an oft frequented bower, where-shut out from every human eye-I felt a sweet pleasure in committing myself,-my absent family, and the interests of this little mission, to Him who can still the rage of the heathen, and can bring light out of darkness. Returning, I threw myself down on the floor to rest; when my old friend Tengasi Dekhá came in, bringing milk, potatoes, &c., and best of all-an approving smile. Soon after, several of my former friends came in, bringing whatever they thought I would relish—and manifesting the greatest pleasure at my arrival. I felt rebuked before God, for my distrust, and resolved to go forward in His strength, however dark and adverse present appearances might be. 22. Sabbath. My baggage not having arrived last evening, I had no conveniences for the night. Rolling myself up, however, in my over-coat, with a block of wood for my pillow, I slept as well as though I had reposed on a bed of down. The building of a house-Books presented. At break of day hearing a great tumult, I went out and found almost the whole village engaged in preparations to build me a house. I requested my interpreter to inform the chief, that I was highly gratified to find him so ready to assist me, and that I very much needed a house to make me comfortable ;-but it was the Lord's day, and I could not build on that day, and that I wished to see him early the next morning. This was received much better than I expected. They left off work without any disaffection; -one or two saying, however, that "the work would be theirs-and the sin also-and as I was in great want of a house, they had undertaken it so early." I endeavored to observe the day, but was much disturbed by the noisy multitude about me. arose and left me, to consult together Beautiful Scenery-Suspicions of the They selected a delightful spot on a lofty cliff, overlooking a large extent of country. On two sides are deep vales sinking below you, almost as far as the eye can reach. Before you, in the distant view, roll the majestic Brahmaputra, and the beautiful Dihing; while you can catch faint glimpses of Jaipur, and the vicinity of Bórháth, and Jorhath on the west. On the east, in a much nearer view, rises a lofty chain of mountain peaks, which is the height of land between this and the Burmese, Singpho, and Chinese territories; while on the lower peaks, numerous Nága villages are to be seen, at small distances, the light of whose fires, and the echo of whose rude music, enliven many a lone and dreary night. It was truly pleasing to think of devoting this beautiful eminence to the service of God. Oh, that God would dispose the hearts of this people to do His will. 24. The people have been engaged on the house to-day. The frame is up, and one side covered. It is very rough, and rude. The covering is of leaves. There appears to be a good feeling towards me, but an indifference to books, and perhaps a prejudice. I am often told that the people are afraid of my intentions, and believe that I have some secret object to accomplish in regard to their country. Again, it is said, that if one learns, all will do so, and if I have no object but to teach them, they are much pleased. One thing is very encouraging,-they never hesitate to teach me their language. 25. Had a call from whose 23. Received an early visit from Bor Kumbou, as I requested. He came with a number of the head men of the place. I told him I had much satisfaction in presenting him the two first books ever printed in the Naga language; that it could now no longer be said that the Nágas had no books and I had come among them this time, with the firm belief that they would take as much pains and pleasure in learning to read them, as I had in pre-inquiries led me to suspect they were paring them. premeditating an attack upon some neighboring villages, which have lately ceased to pay tribute to them. I was careful to maintain the greatest indifference on the subject. The object of their visit might have been to see if I would direct at all in such matters. is very difficult to know how to manage in all cases, with so rude, suspicious, and ignorant a people. He asked to hear them read, to which I consented. They all appeared pleased, and on my assuring them of my friendship they replied that they believed my words, and would assist me. I then referred to my want of a house, and proposed to them the plan of a small bungalow,-promising to pay them for building me one. They | It for the sick. Superstition of the natives-Invocations | moved into my own house, where I may once more enjoy the sweets of retirement, and secret intercourse with heaven; and if there are yet some discomforts, I can rejoice in bearing them, knowing that it is for the accomplishment of the best of enterprises. I might say much of the kindness I receive from this people; in many cases my wants are actually anticipated. In fact, I am in this respect, very much like a pastor at home, who is daily receiving some testimonial of good will and affection from his pa 26. I have been painfully amused this evening by hearing the relatives of a sick person calling upon their imaginary divinities to restore health. A long joint of a bamboo was half filled with small round stones. The person performing the ceremony put his mouth into this hollow tube, and walking several times around the house, exclaimed, “ O deu, deu deu, Káro Kúro,” (i. e.) “O divinity," (or Nat,) "come, come." The stones are then shaken together, and the exclamation 29. Sunday. Spent most of the repeated; after which an entreaty is made to the soul of the sick person, day in retirement. Read and explainwhich is supposed to have been car-ed the catechism to several who callried, or to have wandered away,-as follows: "Return to thy habitation! rishioners. ed. This evening read and commented on the parable of "the sower and the seed" to my own attendants. Retrospect of the year—Encouragements. It is night-thou wilt get harm, Or lose thy way—it is night; return, return." Jan. 1, 1840. Another year is gone. After these invocations, the inhabi- Its events, its privileges, and opportutants of the house never eat, nor sleep, nities for doing good,-whether imnor speak, until the sun is seen break-proved, or misimproved, demand my ing forth from the lofty mountain tops serious consideration. in the east, lest they should frighten away the messengers, whose coming they so earnestly implored. Visit from the chief-Inquiries. 27. Received a visit from Bor Kumbou and several of his attendants, with whom I had a long and familiar talk upon the value of religion, and useful books; urged him to encourage the most promising youths to learn to read. He acceded to what I said, and replied that a few had a mind to read, but did not wish to commence until all their associates were favorably inclined. By this conversation I have great hopes that they will slowly overcome their prejudices, and become a reading people. Toward evening a party called, on a friendly visit, and asked about many of the customs of my native land; in what manner the marriage ceremony was performed whether we had more than one wife, &c. This gave me an opportunity of explaining the sins of polygamy, and adultery, and to speak of the laws of God and man upon these subjects. But alas! how powerless is truth even, when counteracted by the force of bad example. Removal to his new house-Kindness of the people. 28. In closing up the duties of another week, I have great occasion for praise and thanksgiving. I have re It is just one year to-day, since I first sent a messenger to the chiefs of this people, to ask permission to come up among them, to learn their language and to impart to them a knowledge of the true God. It is with sincere gratitude that I would this day acknowledge the goodness of God in sparing me to complete that tour, to prepare the first books in their lana second guage, and to commence tour. This day finds me in my own house, with many comforts, and with encouragements that exceed my most sanguine expectations. Friends and donors have appeared-and the voice of every providence says, go forward. Funeral ceremonies. 4. This is a day of sorrow and mourning, on account of the death of The lad died one of the chief's sons. yesterday afternoon. The chief women repaired immediately to the house, and their wailings and lamentations have rent the air ever since. The scene reminded me of the words of the prophet, "Call now for the mourning women." As they wail they occasionally tear their hair, smite their breasts, and rend their clothes. Today a small stand about four feet high has been built of bamboos, in a place where they deposit their dead, and a little before sundown several hundred people of all ages and ranks, walked in procession to the house, and follow- | better, his present state of feeling ed the body to the place of deposit, will be removed. wailing as they went. I followed on as near as was prudent, to observe the ceremony, and to show them that I also felt an interest in the bereavement. They soon reached the bamboo stand, on which they bound the body. They then drew cloths about it, above and below, so as to form a small enclosure. All his property was thrown under the sang (or stand.) Here the body will decay in the open air. A number of females came around and planted flowers and seeds near the spot, bewailing as follows: "O friend, where art thou? Where hast thou gone? Why hast thou left us? Thou wert handsome and brave, While I was busy, a fine young lad came up, and asked if I would teach him to read? My heart was filled with joy at the proposal,-and he agreed to come daily. He has learned several of his letters to-day, and I hope this is the beginning of a school. This lad's name is Rumjang. He is a relative of the present chief. and we loved thee. Hadst thou re mained, what might we not have hoped for, from thee!" Difficulties to be overcome. 16. Received a letter from the missionary brethren at Jaipur, approving of my plan to remove with my family to the Hills. I feel grateful that How far I ought now to venture forthe way is so far open before me. ward, is with me a question. On the one hand there is the difliculty of removing my family over so steep and dangerous passes-the trouble and expense of getting supplies-the impos 5. Sunday. Read and explained the parable of" the rich man and Lazarus," also of "the prodigal son." The exercise called forth a good many ob-sibility of going down to the plains jections, and inquiries. Sickness of his teacher-Superstitions. 7. Having been giving medicine to my Nága teacher, I arose early and went to see him. On reaching the house, I found a basket bound fast in the entrance, a signal that forbids all communication with other persons. On requesting to see him, I was told "apien," (i. e.) unlawful. I therefore had only to return, without rendering him any assistance. These people, in this way, inflict severe penalties upon themselves. After calling over the names of their departed ancestors one by one, they vow not to eat or hold intercourse with others for a certain number of days. In this man's case it has been four days, and yet he gets no better. Some superstitious old people here, who are also afraid of changing old customs, have intimated that his sickness and soreness of eyes, are a chastisement of the nats, for his having several of my books in his possession, and on account of his being so favora ble to my plans. He has therefore invoked the spirits of each of his departed friends,-sent all his books to my house-and is apparently disinclined to give any attention to them, or to assist me as formerly. He never expresses any such thing, however, to me, and as he continues to receive medicines, I trust when his health is during three months in the rainy season, (owing to the rise of the intervening streams,) and the uncertainty of obtaining a considerable number of scholars. On the other hand, I should not forget that the cause is of God, and that "the path of duty is always the path of safety." Four promising young men are now learning to read, several more are inclined to do so, and the probability is, that in the event of a removal, I might not only collect a respectable school,-but get much of the language, and prepare several portions of the scripture. The use of the elephant-A successful experiment. Sent off one of the assistants early this morning, to meet an elephant loaded with rice-sent by our kind friend C. A. Bruce, Esq. Heretofore no beasts of burden have been brought over these rugged peaks. On the next day, being desirous of ascertaining whether an elephant might not be advantageously employed in conveying provisions and heavy articles up to the mission house, I started early with a few men to lighten the load, and ordered the mahout to make the experiment. A little af ter noon, I had the pleasure of seeing all safe before my bungalow without injury to the animal. I feel much gratified at the success of the experi ment, as the use of this valuable ani mal will very much lessen the expense | and as the country about them is im of a mission family residing here. Besides it offers a convenient mode of removing to and from the plains. Conversation with the chief. proving, they are slowly rising also,— and cannot long remain without some form of religion. Indeed, there are a few already who secretly incline to the Brahmin faith-have taken A'samese wives, and if there is any attempt at throwing off savage habits, they will adopt the equally degrading ones of the A'samese. But the mass of the people are unfettered by the tyrant chain. We have fallen upon them in the very crisis which, (may God grant it!) is calculated to give them a decided preference for the Christian religion. They ridicule the worship of idols as well as most of the ceremonial parts of the Brahmin aud Hindú superstitions. They are also an inquisitive people, independent in their views and feelings, and may we not hope that such a people, when brought to understand the system of truth, will heartily embrace it? In the evening the young chief came into the school, and introduced the subject of my having requested an audience with the chiefs and the people. This gave me a favorable opportunity to explain again the objects of the mission. I told him my business did not relate to the political affairs of his country or to the possession of its wealth; that I was simply a religious teacher, that I had relinquished all in my native land, and had come to them, because I believed they would be miserable unless they were taught the true God, and the way to heaven. I asked him who among all the grey headed of his village, could tell me what would follow after death? Which of them could tell how to escape hell, and obtain heaven? He replied, no In a letter which accompanied the foregoing one." I then told him, I had been journal, and dated April 1, Mr. Bronson acwith them for some time-had pre-knowledges the following very liberal donapared three books in their language, and I now wished to know what he and his people would do. If they were pleased with my living among them and would agree to teach me their language, and to send fifty or sixty scholars to the school, I would not mention the trouble and expense, but would at once bring up my family to spend the rainy season. He smiled, and replied that, "by degrees all things should be as I desired." 66 Return to Jaipur-Prospects of the mission-The Nagas without caste, without religion. 24. Having received information of the ill health of my family, I am obliged to hasten homeward as fast as possible. I regret leaving just now, as the few scholars I have, begin to manifest some interest in learning to read, and the young chief is evidently endeavoring to encourage others to attend. But I shall leave the assistant to attend to the school, and to avoid all appearance of retiring from the field. 25. Started very early and reached Jaipur about sunset. Found my family better, though still feeble. In reviewing the present tour among the Nágas, I see much that should encourage us to effort. It will be remembered that they have no caste, no religion, of any form, so far as we can learn ; tions, by gentlemen connected with the Hon. East India Company's service, chiefly in aid of schools among the Nám Sáng Nágas, viz: 1838. 66 500 March. By C. A. Bruce, Esq., Co.'s rupees, 100 1839. March. By Lieut. Sturt, March. By Lieut. Brodie, By Capt. S. F. Hannay, a second Mr. Bronson adds: 240 50 200 I should state that Capt. Jenkins has signified his intention of devoting his next annual donation to the aid of the Nága mission, which will make an addition to the above of 500 rupees. The Board will be gratified to know that in this time of its pecuniary embarrassment, the Nága mission will have been nearly supported this year (1839) by these unexpected and liberal donations. I have been thus particular to mention them here, that the Board may know of the deep interest felt in this mission by those who manage the political affairs of this country, and also, to show some of the reasons which induced me to remove to the Hills, at so early a period of our operations. |