AMHERST, a seaport-town of Eastern India, situate in a district of the same name, in the province of Tenasserim, at the mouth of the Salween or Martaban River. It was founded by the English in 1826, on the restoration of the town of Martaban to the Burmese, and named in compliment to the governor-general of India, who projected its erection. The proclamation inviting the natives to people the town was well adapted to the character and capacities of those
Amberst whom it addressed. "The inhabitants of the towns and villages who wish to come shall be free from molestation, extortion, and oppression. They shall be free to worship as usual, temples, monasteries, priests, and holy men. The people shall go and come, buy and sell, do and live as they please, conforming to the laws. In regard to slavery, since all men, common people or chiefs, are by nature equal, there shall be under the English government no slaves. Whoever desires to come to the new town, may come from all parts and live happy; and those who do not wish to remain may go where they please without hinderance." Batteries erected on the heights protect both town and harbour. The latter is spacious and secure, with a depth of three fathoms at low tides; but it is difficult of access, especially during the south-west monsoon. Teak forests abound in the neighbourhood, and the timber they furnish forms a principal article of export. Distance east from Rangoon 100 miles; from Moulmein south 30 miles. Lat. 16. 4. N. Long. 97. 40. E. (E. T.)