COP Y.
Sub-Enclosure No. 2 to Enclosure 1 in Despatch No. 452
of the 10th. October, 1902.)
My Dear James,
C.O.
46388
King's ColleREC?
Bangkok, September 10. NO 02
51
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You will be grieved to hear that I have got into very serious trouble in K... and that ydsterlay I received a cheque for 3 months' salary in advance and passage money. The circumstances are these. On Sunday, September 7th., Phillips got typhoid fever. The next day he was informed by the Heal-boy that the boys were in the habit of going to the women's quarters and talking to the washerwomen,· while we were at dinner. I heard about this and determined to make a raid. I went there on Thursday evening about 9 P... and found five boys in a bed-room one under a bed and another inside the mosquito curtain. The women tried to put me off at first by saying the door was locked. I caned four boys on the hand very severely. Thieb refused to be caned, so I gave him two or three blows over the back
the fifth with the cane. Hinc illae lacrimas. I am now informed that caning over the back is peculiarly obnoxious to the Siamese unpardonable
in fact absolutely and that I did not give the boys a chance of explaining why they were there. They were only waiting to talk to the cook about some food !! Phya fisut Phya Wut and Danrong all refused to see me about the matter. I sent iny my own account of the affair, which was not believed though I could have produced several witnesses of every statement. They said there was no rule that boys should not go into women's bedrooms etc., etc.. They have cabled for Cartar. He will be a bit sick at having a month of his holiday cut off only man who can set matters right in a crisis. Well, I am writing but I am the to you in case you know of any billet or can give me any advice about obtaining one. How about Queen's College ? The only idea I have at present is to return to Sagland and then try for a post in South Africa but I am afraid it is rather a mythical prospect. I expect to be leaving Bangkok about the beginning of October. I shall stay at Raffles, Singapore until I get a boat on. Supposing there was a temporary vacancy in Hongkong. If you cable "come" I shall know what is means but of course I am aware this is only one chance in a thousand. I applied to be transferred to the Normal College. Wills has left and Trayes was very keen to have me, but Phya Tisoot is very much against me.
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(Sa.) R.. B.. O.. Bird.
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