James Edward Alexander's description of the warboats of the king of Burma in November 1825

When James Edward Alexander served in Burma, he made in November 1825 the following valuable notes dealing with so-called warboats belonging to the king of Burma.

P. 20: "The main arm of his Majesty of the Golden Feet is his marine establishment, consisting of war-boats: every rua, of village, on the banks of the river, is compelled to furnish a certain number. The common length of these boats (which in the native language are called tee-lee) is fifty or sixty feet. They are rowed or paddled by thirty or forty men, their weapons placed at their side; they carry also a few soldiers, with a piece of ordnance mounted on the prow, which is made sharp, for the purpose of running down and staving smaller craft. Our man-of-war boats could never get near them: the steam-boat alone tired out the rowers, and when she came up with them they jumped overboard."

Source

James Edward Alexander. Travels from India to England; comprehending a visit to the Burman Empire, and a journey through Persia, Asia minor, European Turkey. &c. in the years 1825-1826. London, 1827.