| John Tulloch Nash

“ It is needless to describe the rage and indignation that prevailed in the camp, when it was discovered that every man in the expedition had been fooled and duped to hunt for rebels who had already crossed the Kose, and fled during that night when those loud and protracted shouts were heard in the jungles; and so, it will suffice to say, this jungly melodrama, in the end, confirmed the suspicions that had rested on our “allies” as to their having been “charmed” by the plundered treasure of the mutineers, and thus — shall I say it? ”

“ Even we ourselves, while looking on at some Nipalese sacrificing animals to their gods, could hardly believe our eyes when we saw the head of a buffalo severed from the neck by a single stroke from this truly formidable weapon. ”

“ In the first place, then, it is permissible to say that real Gūrkhas are rarce aves out of Nipal, and a race by themselves; so much so indeed that if they should ever have occasion to leave their country, it is never for any length of time. True, the Government of India has several so-called Gūrkha regiments in its service; but the men of those regiments, though excellent soldiers, are not Gūrkhas, but belong to the numerous tribes of the Himalaya, and not to the Khas or real Gūrkha race. ”

“ But they shun as much as possible mercantile pursuits; for, according to their social ideas of trade, a trader holds a peculiar position, in so much that should he become rich he is called a knave, if he continues poor he is deemed a fool! ”

“ In fact, to reveal their sentiments in this matter clearly, they regard all traders as no better than plausible rogues! They are blessed with what in common phraseology would be termed “iron constitutions,” rarely, if ever, seem sick or sorry, have no experience of medicine, and, as a matter of fact, it would be impossible to find a healthier race in Asia, or discover a more pre-eminently jovial set of fellows than they are. ”

“ They are eminently cheerful, good-tempered, free from prejudice to Europeans; and, though short-statured, are a thickset, broad-shouldered, and large-limbed race of men, with features rarely prepossessing. ”

“ Their predominant vices are licentiousness, avarice, cruelty, and treachery; their virtues hardihood, patience of fatigue, patriotism, and love of liberty. Their affection for Mammon is as intensely ardent as that of their Hindu neighbours. ”