Edward Moor

Hindu Infanticide, an Account of the Measures Adopted for Suppressing the Practice Edward Moor

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1811 edition. Excerpt: ... feet higher than the mast--they sail well and are fine vessels in fair weather and smooth water--many of thern are of more than 150 tons burthen. The Grab is distinguished from other vessels by having, instead of bows, a projecting prow--they are decked, and have either two or three masLs, and are rigged in the European manner with topmasts, yards, shrouds, backstays, &c.--Each of the Raja's vessels of all these descriptions carries eight or ten small carriage guns, and about a hundred men. Their general rendezvous is Pigeon Island. On leaving port each pirate lascar, as we are accustomed to call native seamen, receives two rupees--the commander, or serang, eight--and on their return they get corn, according to their success, and three or four rupees, and more, corresponding to their rank and good fortune. Their cruize seldom exceeds fifteen days. All prize is the property of the Raja, who is at the whole expense of the outfit.--The vessels taken are seldom retained, unless indeed peculiarly adapted to the service.--The cargo becomes the Raja's property, and the vessel is released to bring another. d Being very elevated it is poetically styled Pavangher, the residence of Pavan, the Hindu regent of the winds. See him and his history in the Hindu Pantheon. Panel/a, may perhaps have the same origin--Pan, an abbreviation of Pavan. E. M. They sail without any written commission; and with instructions, it is understood, to take all vessels that they can master, except those having English colours and passes.--Sometimes, however, they are regardless of the English protection, which they thus contrive to evade--one Pirate boat boards the intended prey, and demands her pass; and while some persons pretend to read it, others pick a quarrel with...