Page 73 - High_Court_Of_Sikkim_Museum_ebook_Final_2024

or not. It should also be seen if the disputed cannot be settled by diplomacy
before going to war. Care should also be taken that by going to war no loss
be sustained by your Government. Whatever the cause of dispute, letters and
messengers between the contending parties should on no account be
stopped, and messengers should be properly treated. Any one coming with
overtures of peace should be well received.
(b) Should two or more enemies combine against you, no means should be left
untried to separate them, and if possible to bring one over to your side, but
false oaths should not be resorted to, nor the using of God’s name.
(c) The lie of the ground should be well examined to see how the roads run, and
whether your position is strong.
(d) If it is necessary, other methods having failed, to go to war, you should all
combine, and being of one mind should attack. See that there are no sick,
lazy, or timid in the ranks, but only those who fear not death. See that your
own soldiers obey the law, and all should obey the orders of the General.
Experienced men should only be sent, and not those who look after their own
interest only.

The army should be divided into three divisions under the command of
different officers. The General and his staff should be trusted men who can guide
the army: they should do their work thoroughly. Your horses, tents, and arms should
be kept in good order. A doctor, diviner, astrologer, and lama should be
appointed.

The tents should be properly arranged that first day, and this arrangement
adhered to so as to prevent confusion. On moving, the fires should first be put out,
the wounded should be cared for, and in crossing rivers order should be kept, and
those behind should not push forward. Things found should be returned without
asking a reward, and should not be concealed or kept. Thieves are not to be
flogged, but only to have their hands tied behind them, but they may be fined.
Should any one kill another by mistake, he must pay the funeral expenses. Should
any combine and kill another, they must pay twice the fine laid down by law. Any
disputed loot must be drawn for by lots between the contending parties.
The General should appoint sentries, who must look to the water-supply and
see they become not easily frightened. They should allow no stranger to enter the
camp armed, but should be careful not to kill any messenger. If a sentry kills a
messenger coming to make peace, he shall be sent to his home to disgrace on
some old, useless horse with broken harness.

No. 2. — FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEING DEFEATED AND CANNOT FIGHT

When a fort is surrounded, those in the fort should remain quiet and should
show no fear. They should not fire off their arms uselessly and with no hope of hitting
the enemy. The well within the fort should be most carefully preserved. Those within
the fort should not be allowed to communicate with the enemy for fear of

58