Chapter XI: Part 11

All being ready, the boats, as before mentioned in line abreast, pulled in towards the stockade, where the best place for landing appeared to exist, keeping up all the time a continued fire of spherical, grape, and canister shot. As the boats touched the shore, they received a discharge directly in their faces, of some 1,500 muskets, but, notwithstanding this, they undauntedly landed, and forming on the beach, after some severe fighting they forced their way into the stockade, driving out the enemy, who fled into the thick bush close to the rear of it. Among those who landed and charged with Captain Lyster were Mr. Walling and Mr. Spruole, surgeons of the 'Penelope,' and who afterwards exposed themselves equally in their attendance on the wounded under fire. Scarcely had the blacks retreated than Lieut. Corbett rushed ahead, and spiked all the guns in the fort.

This object being accomplished, Captain Lyster issued orders for the re-embarkation of the party, but scarcely had he done so, when it was discovered that the enemy having made a desperate rush at the 1st life-boat, had succeeded in getting hold of her, and were tracking her along the beach towards the spot where the guns were posted which had first opened on the 'Teazer.' On seeing this, the British, headed by their gallant leader, Captain Lyster, hurried down to the shore for the purpose of retaking her, but some delay occurred in consequence of having to divide her crew of 60 men among the other boats, which somewhat crowded them. The enemy, on seeing this, rushed back from their concealment in the woods, by swarms, and poured in a destructive crushing fire on the boats, at pistol range. On this occasion, a gallant young officer, Mr. F. B. Fletcher, midshipman, in command of the second cutter, and who had charge of the boats while on shore, was shot through the head and killed. Several officers and men had before been wounded on shore, among whom was Lieut. Williams of the Marine Artillery, who, though hit in three places, had continued at the head of his men till they returned to the boats. Commander Hillyar was also wounded, and very many of the men were killed. Among the latter was James Webb, gunner's mate, belonging to the first life-boat. When he saw that she was likely to fall into the hands of the blacks, he made a desperate attempt to spike her guns, but while thus engaged, he was cut down by the enemy and mortally wounded. While Commander Hillyar was arranging the boats, so that they might keep up their fire as they retreated to the 'Teazer,' some of the Kroomen on board Mr. Beecroft's 'Victoria,' let go her anchor, and there she lay exposed entirely to the fire of the blacks. On seeing this Captain Lyster pulled back to her to learn what was the matter--"What has occurred now?" he asked of Mr. Blight, the boatswain. "The Kroomen let go the anchor without orders," he replied. "Then slip your cable and get out of this," exclaimed Captain Lyster. "It's a chain-cable, clenched to the bottom, and we can't unshackle it," replied Mr. Blight. On hearing this disheartening intelligence, Captain Lyster jumped on board to see what assistance he could render. Just then, Lieut. Corbett staggered up towards the stern, exclaiming, "I have done it, and am alive!" In truth, he had cut the chain-cable with a cold chisel, and in so doing, while leaning over the bows of the boat, had received five different wounds, which, with the addition of a severe one received on shore, rendered him almost helpless. His right arm was hanging to his side, but he still with his left worked away, and assisted in getting the 'Victoria' off to the 'Teazer.' While Captain Lyster was leaving the 'Victoria' to get into his own boat, he was shot in the back with a musket-ball. On account of the hot fire to which they were still exposed, and the number of men already killed and wounded, he judged that he should not be justified in attempting to recover the life-boat on that occasion. Leaving her, therefore, on the beach, the party returned to the 'Teazer.' The people who had at first got possession of the life-boat had afterwards abandoned her, but they now returned, and some 40 or 50 got into her, intending to carry her off. Seeing this, Mr. Balfour, acting-mate, assisted by Mr. Dewar, gunner, pulling back to the shore in the first cutter, threw a rocket towards her, and so well directed was it, that it entered her magazine, and blew it up. As soon as the party got back to the 'Teazer' (having now pretty well silenced the fire of the enemy), they set to work to get all the provisions out of her, and then having thrown overboard all her coals, with the exception of 10 tons, they contrived to shore her up, to await the rising of the tide. At length their exertions were crowned with success, and at sunset they succeeded in heaving her off. Then getting up the steam, they anchored out of gun-shot for the night.

On this unfortunate occasion there were no less than 13 men killed belonging to H.M.S. 'Penelope,' besides Mr. Fletcher and Mr. H. M. Gillham, master's assistant, who afterwards died of his wounds; while Captain Lyster, Commander Hillyar, Lieut. Corbett, and First-lieut. of Marines, J. W. C. Williams, were wounded severely, together with 57 men of the 'Penelope,' and 2 of the 'Teazer,' most of them also very severely wounded. Crowded together in so small a vessel during the night, the poor fellows suffered severely, though the medical officers of the expedition, Mr. R. Carpenter, senior surgeon, Mr. Walling, assistant-surgeon of 'Penelope,' Dr. Barclay, acting-surgeon, and Dr. Sproule, assistant-surgeon, exerted themselves to their very utmost in the performance of their duty on the wounded. During the day they had never flinched from exposing their own lives, as, in the midst of the fire, they stepped from boat to boat to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded and dying.

Soon after 7 o'clock in the morning, the 'Teazer' was got under weigh, and finding the right channel, steamed up towards the 'Bloodhound,' with the squadron of boats in her company. As soon as she was seen from the 'Bloodhound,' Captain Jones ordered that the guns of the 'Bloodhound's' gun-boats, should open a deliberate flanking fire on the west part of the enemy's defences, and he then sent a boat under Mr. Bullen, his clerk, who was acting as his aid-de-camp, to point out to Captain Lyster the position in which he wished the 'Teazer' to be anchored. At 8.10 the 'Teazer' having anchored, Captain Jones pulled on board her, to consult further with Captain Lyster on their plan of proceeding. The rocket-boats were then ordered to take up a position to the northward of the 'Bloodhound.' This was quickly done, and Lieut. Marshall threw some rockets with beautiful effect, setting fire to several houses, among which, to the satisfaction of all, was that of the Prime Minister Tappis. When this was seen, a hearty and spontaneous cheer ran through the whole squadron for the crew of the rocket-boat who had thus punished the chief instigator of the former attack on the British boats. After this, the rocket-boat shifted her position ahead of the 'Teazer,' and a general but deliberate fire was opened from the whole force. At 10:45 Lieut. Marshall threw a rocket which struck the battery below Tappis's house, and at the same time a shot from the 'Teazer' capsized the gun. The firing became still more rapid--an awful explosion ensued--a magazine of the enemy's had blown up, and from this moment the fate of Lagos was decided, house after house caught fire, and the whole town was shortly in a general blaze.

At half-past 10 A.M:., Commander Coote was seen coming up the river with the boats of the 'Volcano,' and at a quarter before 2 Commander Gardner, with the boats of the 'Waterwitch,' joined the expedition. At a quarter before 3, Commander Coote was despatched with the gun-boats of the squadron, and accompanied by the rocket-boat, to attack Kosoko's house, with directions, however, to fire only a few rounds, Captain Jones being unwilling further to destroy the town, which, it was very evident, must soon fall into the possession of the British and their allies. The boats being recalled, the firing ceased, and a summons was sent to Kosoko, by a friendly chief, belonging to the Island of Eschalli, with a flag-of-truce, urging him to capitulate. He was allowed till Monday morning to consider the proposals of the British Commander. All acts of hostility were to cease till then.

The following day was Sunday, and Captain Jones determined to make it a day of rest, provided the enemy showed no signs of hostility. "He felt it" (as he observes) "as a national question that they should duly observe the Sabbath." Every preparation, however, was made for the final assault, which it was intended should take place on the following day, should Kosoko still reject the proffered terms. During the whole of the day canoes from the north-east side of Lagos were observed crossing to the island of Echalli, loaded with furniture and household goods, but they were not stopped, though a jolly-boat might have hindered them, as Captain Jones considered it a matter of no consequence on which side of the river the property of the inhabitants remained, especially that of persons flying for their lives. He also wished to show the people that the British had not come to plunder, but that their sole object was to stop the slave-trade. At 3:45 it was ascertained that Kosoko and his followers had abandoned the town, and fled into the woods. The women and children had been sent away some days before, and it now appeared that Akitoye and 2,000 had absconded during the night in 50 or 60 canoes. Captain Jones therefore sent his aid-de-camp, Mr. Bullen, with the interpreter, Richard, to the chiefs of the auxiliary forces, desiring them to close with the canoes, and to escort the rightful King Akitoye to his house, and to instal him in office, preferring that those who had remained faithful to him in adversity should have the satisfaction of acting as his bodyguard in the hour of success. Akitoye, therefore, and the blacks, who had accompanied him from Abbeokuta, crossed the river, and took possession of those buildings which had escaped destruction. Fortunately a creek and swamp, running some two hundred yards inland from the river, had checked the flames, and saved the eastern part of the town. The only portion of the British forces landed was a small body, under Commander Coote, who went on shore to spike guns.

The next morning he, with Commander Gardner and the boats of the 'Sampson' and 'Penelope,' were employed in a similar way. They returned in the afternoon, having by extraordinary exertions embarked or destroyed 52 pieces of ordnance.

On examining the town, desolate as it now appeared, considerable cleverness was perceptible in the cunning methods devised for entrapping assailants into ambush. In fact the place in every respect was far stronger than was supposed, even when this second attack was planned. Every officer and man engaged in it deserves the greatest credit for their zeal, courage, and perseverance. There can be no doubt that its capture struck one of the severest blows the slave-trade has ever experienced; and that thus, though we must deplore the sad loss of so many valuable lives, and the amount of suffering experienced by the wounded, yet we must feel that these exertions and sufferings have not been thrown away, but have much advanced the cause of religion and civilization in Africa, and will aid in wiping away the darkest stain which exists on the present history of the world.

Besides the killed and wounded already mentioned, Lieut. Thomas Saumarez, of the 'Sampson,' was severely wounded, and Mr. Thomas Richards, midshipman, was killed, shot through the brain, while ten men belonging to the same ship were wounded.

Captain Jones in his despatch especially mentions Capt. Lyster and Commander Hillyar, neither of whom, though severely wounded, would return on board till they had seen the success of their exertions. He speaks also in high terms of Lieutenants Marshall, Rich, Corbett, and Saumarez; of Mr. J. Cook, gunner of 'Sampson;' of Charles Blofield, boatswain's mate, who commanded the pinnace when there remained no officer to put into her; of George Tule, gunner of Royal Marine Artillery, who served a 24in. howitzer in the first life-boat with admirable precision; of Mr. Donelly, the surgeon of the 'Sampson,' who nearly lost his life in coming to the assistance of the wounded; of Mr. Hacking, purser; and of Mr. Robert H. Bullen, who acted as his secretary and aid-de-camp, and "than whom," he observes, "no Lieutenant could have done better."

It is to be hoped that Akitoye will not forget the lesson he may have learned at Abbeokuta, and that thus Lagos may be from henceforth as well known for its advancement in Christianity and civilization as it has hitherto been for its slave-dealing and wickedness.

[1] "He is one of those men always where he is wanted," says Captain Jones, in his despatch to the Admiral.

THE WAR WITH BURMAH,

1851.

CAUSES OF THE WAR.

Although the war with Burmah must be considered rather as a military than a naval war, yet as our ships and steamers have been actively engaged in it from the commencement, and our navy have taken a prominent part in the operations even on shore, we are bound to devote a portion of our work to the description of its progress.

The Burmese empire is situated on the north-east portion of India, embracing most of those regions known as India beyond the Ganges. In the years 1824 and 1825, a campaign was undertaken by the British Government against the Burmese, known as the Burmese War, when the provinces of Arracan, Martaban, Tavoy, and Tenasserim were ceded to us.

The Burmese Empire is about 600 miles long, and 300 in width. Its capitals are Ava and Ameerapura.

Its principal port is Rangoon, a very flourishing place, situated about 36 miles from the sea, on the right or north bank of a branch of the Irrawaddy. On account of its facilities for trade, many English merchants had settled there. Towards the middle of the year 1851 numerous complaints had reached the supreme Government of Calcutta of the oppressive tyranny of the Governor of Rangoon, directed, it appeared, chiefly against British subjects residing at or trading to Rangoon.

The more immediate cause of British interference was the conduct of the Governor towards Captains Shippard and Lewis, the latter especially, he had placed in irons, insulted, heavily fined, and otherwise ill-treated. These proceedings were in direct violation of the Ninth Article of the Treaty of Tandaboo, which enacts "that the King of Ava will abolish all exaction upon British ships or vessels in Burman ports that are not required from Burmese ships or vessels in British ports; nor shall ships or vessels, the property of British subjects, whether European or Indian, entering the Rangoon river or other Burman ports, be required to land their guns, or unship their rudders, or do any other act not required of Burmese ships or vessels in British ports."

The Government, in consequence, resolved to demand reparation for the infraction of the treaty, and despatched accordingly, on the 18th November, 1851, H.M.S. 'Fox,' flag-ship of Commodore Lambert, Commander Tarleton, and the H.C. steamer 'Tenasserim,' from Calcutta, which were joined at Maulmain by the H.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' and H.M.S. 'Serpent,' when the squadron proceeded at once to Rangoon, off which they moored on the 25th of the same month. On the next day, Commodore Lambert received a message from the Governor, ordering him to remove his vessels further down the stream: to this the Commodore replied, "That Her Majesty's ships were in the habit of choosing the position that best suited themselves." No further communication took place with the shore during the day. This excited the surprise of the Commodore, and accordingly early the next morning, he despatched Captain Latter to ascertain the reason. Captain Latter, of the 67th Native Infantry, had come in a political capacity, in consequence of his perfect knowledge of the Burmese language. He returned with the Rev. Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Birrell, who stated that the Governor had threatened to behead any European who should communicate with the squadron. Notwithstanding this, several residents came off to explain their grievances to the Commodore. He had before written a despatch to the Governor, demanding a letter of apology, and 10,000 rupees as damages for the injuries received by British subjects; but from the representations he had now received, he considered this not sufficient, and he therefore wrote another, stating why he had come, but that from the gravity of the complaints made to him, he must refer the matter to the Governor-General of India in Council, and await his further instructions.

This letter was sent by a deputation, consisting of Captain Tarleton, Commander of H.M.S. 'Fox;' Captain Latter, Lieut. Elliot, and Mr. Southey, as secretary. They were received by a guard, with sufficient state, but when they arrived at the outer gate of the Governor's palace, an attempt was made to compel them to dismount. As this is considered a token of inferiority in the East, Commander Tarleton boldly refused to do so, and riding to the foot of the stairs, was ushered at once into a handsomely decorated hall of audience, filled with a number of chiefs in rich dresses, and gaudily accoutred soldiers. Here the officers were desired to seat themselves, and wait the Governor's arrival, but this Commander Tarleton refused to do, and standing with the Commodore's letter in his hand, demanded that the Governor should at once be informed of his arrival, that he might perform his duty and depart. In ten minutes the Governor appeared, very plainly dressed, and smoking a cigar, though surrounded by several officers in magnificent costume, with gold chains round their necks. Commander Tarleton instantly walked up to him, accompanied by Captain Latter, and after the last mentioned had in a few words introduced the subject they had come on, he took the Commodore's letter which Commander Tarleton handed him, and first reading it aloud in English, translated it in a clear and decisive tone into Burmese. The boldness of the British officers very much astonished the Governor and the chiefs, and still more astonished were they when refusing all their proffered civilities, the deputation returned at once on board.

The following day the Deputy-Governor paid the Commodore a visit, and stated that it would require five weeks to receive an answer from the court of Ava. As might have been expected, the Burmese used every stratagem to hoodwink the British, and to procrastinate matters till they were prepared for resistance.

The Emperor's letter arrived, and was delivered with great pomp, on the 1st of January, 1852, and at first it was hoped that affairs might be peaceably arranged. On the 4th a new Governor arrived, but on the 6th it was found that he intended to carry out the system of his predecessor with greater rigour. One of his first acts was to order Mr. Birrell to lower a flag-staff erected in his garden, under pretence that it was used to carry on a secret communication with the squadron. The Commodore, still anxious to give no cause of complaint, desired him to comply with the order; but as afterwards the Viceroy (as the new Governor was called) refused to receive a deputation, consisting of Capt. Fishbourne, of H.M.S. 'Hermes,' Capt. Latter, and other officers sent by the Commodore, after he had actually agreed to do so, the Commodore sent a circular into the city, stating that all further pacific relations were impossible, and warning all foreigners to quit the place, and advising them to put themselves under the protection of the British flag, promising them at the same time every assistance in his power.

Two hours only could be allowed to them to take advantage of this offer, during which time the 'Proserpine' steamer ran close into the wharf, and eight or ten boats from the other ships pulled on shore to receive the fugitives. While the foreigners, consisting of natives of British India, Armenians, Portuguese, and others, besides English, came crowding down, in vain endeavouring to induce the natives to aid them in embarking their property, bands of Burmese officers and soldiers moved among them, threatening with severe punishment any who should venture to assist them. Of course but little property could, under these circumstances, be saved, and some 60 persons, who returned at night to attempt the rescue of more, were seized and thrown into prison by the Burmese. The morning following these events all the merchantmen were either anchored on the opposite side of the river, or were towed by the steamer out to sea.

The Burmese, seeing that the British were in earnest, once more tried to avert the coming storm for a time. The Commodore, even yet anxious to prevent bloodshed, undertook to postpone operations till the following evening, in order to allow the Viceroy time to tender the apology he demanded. Instead of an apology, however, at 8 P.M. a message arrived from the Viceroy to the effect that if the British ships attempted to pass the stockades erected on the banks of the river, they would be fired on. Information was received that nearly 5,000 troops were assembled near the stockades, and during Wednesday night and the following day, numerous war-boats, each containing from 50 to 80 men, were discovered coming down the river. At the same time several vessels full of armed men arrived at the general rendezvous from the Pegu River.

COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.

Saturday morning warlike operations were at length commenced. The 'Hermes' steamer first towed the 'Fox' frigate to within 400 yards of the stockade, where she anchored to protect the merchantmen as they passed by to be out of fire. In the mean time the 'Hermes' went in search of a large Burmese war-vessel, with which she soon returned as her prize in tow. As the two vessels-of-war neared the stockades, first a single gun, and then others, in quick succession, accompanied by volleys of musketry, opened on them, while the war-boats were seen stealing out of the river, as if about to attack. As soon as they got within range, the 'Fox' opened her fire on them, sinking and destroying all but a few which escaped by a timely retreat, while the 'Hermes,' steaming slowly down the front of the stockade, poured in a terrific fire along the whole line of the enemy's position. After an interval of a few minutes, the Burmese, still undaunted, again opened their fire on the ships. In return, the 'Fox' and 'Phlegethon' poured in an iron shower, which tore their works to pieces, and effectually silenced their batteries. Some guns from the opposite bank now began to play on the fleet, but the 'Hermes,' steaming towards them, opened a tremendous fire, which she kept up till not a Burmese was to be seen, and the works they had there thrown up were entirely destroyed. The work was thus speedily and effectually accomplished; all opposition had been crushed, the enemy's batteries were destroyed, and their fleet of war-boats dispersed. The squadron now took up a position at the mouth of the Rangoon river, the Commodore declaring the rivers of Rangoon, the Bassein, and the Salween, above Maulmain, to be in a state of blockade.

Meantime the H.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' after landing the hostages from Rangoon at Maulmain, was ordered to proceed to Calcutta with despatches for the Commodore.

On her arrival on the 17th of January, the most extraordinary excitement was aroused at the intelligence of these events, and the Governor-General being absent, the Supreme Council instantly resolved to equip a force to carry on hostilities against Burmah; while reinforcements were despatched with unusual promptitude, to strengthen the forts guarding the passes leading from the Burmese territory. On the evening of the 18th of January, a company of artillery, fully equipped, commanded by Major Reid, and a wing of the 18th Royal Irish, under the command of Colonel Reynolds, embarked on board the steamers, which sailed the next morning for Maulmain.

The despatches of the Governor-General, who was 800 miles away, were not ready till the 28th, when the 'Fire Queen' steamer carried them to Rangoon. She reached the mouth of the river on the 30th, when, taking the 'Fox' frigate in tow, she proceeded towards the town. On passing the stockade a hot fire was opened on the two vessels, which killed a seaman of the 'Fox.' She returned it with two broadsides, and on arriving off Rangoon, came to an anchor. Here the Commodore sent Capt. Latter, under a flag-of-truce with a letter from the Governor-General to the King, and one from himself. The only answer he received was, that the Viceroy would hold no further communication with the Government unless the Commodore was removed. As this was an equivalent to a declaration of war, the British prepared actively for hostilities. Every effort also was made by the Burmese to place Rangoon in a state of defence. The inhabitants were drawn out, and the fortifications repaired and strengthened. Two new forts were erected, each mounting a large number of guns, and strong stockades were placed in commanding positions.

Although the season was far advanced, the Governor-General resolved not to delay operations till another year. Each Presidency was called on to furnish a contingent. Bombay sent a powerful squadron to join the fleet before Rangoon, and Madras afforded a brigade efficient in every arm. Every man in the service, from, the highest to the lowest, exerted himself to the utmost.

A sketch of the scene of the opening operations we are about to describe may be useful to our readers. On the right bank of the Salween river, which flows into the Gulf of Martaban, stands the walled town and stockade of Martaban; while, placed on a promontory, between the Gyeen and Attaran rivers, and facing the north of the Salween, is the city and cantonment of Maulmain. On the western shore of the Gulf is the Delta of the Irrawaddy, and up one of its branches, and about 90 miles from Maulmain, is the town of Rangoon. It is situated on the right bank of the river, which is called after it; and on the front, facing the Gulf, is a massively-built pagoda, which serves as a fortification to the town.

Affairs were in the state we have described, when, on the 1st of April, Her Majesty's steamer 'Rattler' arrived from Penang, at the mouth of the Rangoon river, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Austen, C.B., when Commodore Lambert, who had till now been conducting the naval affairs, was compelled to act as second in command.

CAPTURE OF MARTABAN.

General Godwin arrived on the 3rd, and at once despatched the steamer 'Proserpine,' under the command of Captain Brooking, with Captain Latter on board, to Rangoon, to learn if any reply had been received from Ava to the Governor-General's letter, demanding compensation for the outrages committed at that place. As the 'Proserpine' went up, the Burmese fired at her from the stockades; nor was Captain Latter able to hold any communication whatever with them. On his return, Captain Brooking resolved to inflict a severe punishment on the enemy, and ranging up along side the stockade which had fired at him, he poured in a broadside, which fired a magazine and totally destroyed the works. Coming further down, he attacked a second stockade, which had fired at him on his upward voyage. She then proceeded on to Maulmain to embark troops for the proposed attack on Martaban.

Early on the morning of the 5th of April, General Godwin and Admiral Elliot proceeded in the 'Proserpine' to reconnoitre the defences of Martaban. The plan of attack being arranged, the 'Rattler' ran close in, rapidly firing broadside after broadside; the 'Hermes' and 'Salamander' zealously following her example. Unfortunately the 'Hermes' grounded about 600 yards from the shore. The enemy for some time returned the fire with much spirit; but at length when their guns were silenced, the troops were landed from the steamer-tenders to storm the defences. The leading column was headed by the brave Captain Gillespie, of the 18th Royal Irish, who was the first, sword in hand, to spring on the wall. After some opposition, the enemy fled in every direction. The walls and defences exhibited the terrific effect of the broadsides the steamer had poured in on them. Martaban was thus taken, with the loss of only eight men wounded.

CAPTURE OF RANGOON.

The fleet prepared to attack Rangoon consisted of the following ships:--

H.M. frigate 'Fox,' Commodore Lambert, 298 men, 40 guns; H.M. steamer; 'Rattler,' Commander Mellersh, 130 men, 11 guns; H.M. steamer 'Hermes,' Commander Fishbourne, 120 men, 6 guns; H.M. steamer 'Salamander,' Commander Ellman, 135 men, 6 guns; H.M. sloop 'Serpent,' Commander Luard, 125 men, 16 guns, and a gun-boat; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Feroze,' Captain Lynch, 230 men, 7 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Mozuffer,' Captain Hewitt, 230 men, 7 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Zenobia,' Captain Ball, 200 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Sesostris,' Commander Campbell, 135 men, 4 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Medusa,' Commander Frazer, 60 men, 5 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Berenice,' Commander Nisbett, 97 men, 1 gun; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Tenasserim,' Commander Dicey, 80 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Pluto,' Commander Burback, 86 men, 7 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Phlegethon,' Commander Neblett, 86 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' Commander Brooking, 86 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Enterprise,' Commander Fryer, 70 men, 2 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Fire Queen,' Commander Boon, 70 men, 2 guns.

Making twelve steamers belonging to the H.E.I. Company, besides Her Majesty's ships of war. On board of these were 5,767 troops of all arms. This fine fleet was the largest and most effective that had ever been collected in the Indian seas. On the 10th the squadron proceeded up the river, and anchored in the evening, a short distance below Rangoon. The next day, Easter Sunday, was spent in reconnoitering and selecting the point of attack. The Admiral selected a position just above the great centre shore, and beyond the range of the Burmese guns, which he considered would be favourable for attacking and destroying the numerous stockades on the river. Early in the morning, the tide favouring, the 'Feroze,' 'Mozuffer,' and 'Sesostris' leading the van, were the first to receive and return the enemy's fire. Each vessel, as the depth of water admitted, took up a position between the stockades. At ten A.M. a tremendous explosion of a magazine, which destroyed a stockade mounting nine 18-pounders, showed the effect the British fire had produced. Taking advantage of the confusion and dismay created by this event, the 'Fox' ranged close in-shore, pouring in tremendous broadsides, which crushed and destroyed the stockades, while her boats landed a party of seamen and marines, and a company of the 18th Royal Irish, who together making a gallant rush, drove back the Burmese, and stormed, carried, and destroyed two powerful stockades on the Dalla side. While the 'Fox' was engaged in the manner described, H.M.S. 'Serpent,' and the H.E.I.C. steamer 'Phlegethon,' proceeded higher up the river for the purpose of capturing the Burmese war-boats, and of preventing the enemy from floating down any fire-ships, or otherwise annoying the fleet from that quarter. The place they were ordered to attack was the strong position of Remmendine; and most thoroughly did Commander Luard and Captain Neblett perform the duty assigned to them. Passing along the whole front of the enemy's stockades, the ships poured in their broadsides, receiving a hot fire in return, which however did little damage. Then anchoring opposite Remmendine, they effectually blockaded the war-boats, and next sending their own boats on shore, they stormed and carried a strong and important stockade, an officer and seven men being wounded in the attack.

While the 'Serpent' and 'Phlegethon' were thus actively engaged, the 'Rattler' and 'Tenasserim' passing slowly along the line of stockades, poured in a destructive fire from their heavy guns, completely silencing them and dispersing the enemy. As soon as this was done their boats were sent on shore, and the stockades were set on fire and totally destroyed. It was now evening, but after the sun had set and far into the night, the cannonade from the ships continued; and along the whole shore, from Rangoon to Remmendine, far up the river, the lurid glare of the burning stockades was seen illuming the darkness, while now and then the curved track of the shells showed where still some of the enemy were making a stand. During the day the British loss was trifling; but Captain Armstrong, of H.M. 57th, was killed by a round shot on board the 'Sesostris.' The following day, the 12th, the troops landed, and some of the stockades were taken by storm, when several brave and valuable officers lost their lives. During the 13th every effort was made to bring forward the heavy guns and ammunition from the ships, when Lieut. Dorville, of H.M.S. 'Fox,' with a division of seamen under him, particularly distinguished himself by his exertions.

On the morning of the 14th the grand attack was made; the great Pagoda was stormed, and after some desperate fighting, Rangoon fell into the hands of the British. During these operations, which it is out of our province to describe, the fleet were usefully employed in throwing shot and shell into the town, and among the ranks of the enemy whenever opportunity occurred, creating an important diversion as they were preparing to encounter the British advancing columns. The following small naval brigade was the most actively employed:--'Rattler, Senior Lieut. J. W. Dorville, commanding; Mr. T. S. Gooch, mate (second in command); Mr. O. J. Llewellyn, acting assistant-surgeon; 30 able seamen, 10 lent from 'Hastings.' 'Hermes,' Mr. E. A. Tweeddale, mate; and 40 seamen. 'Salamander,' Mr. W. H. Nurse, acting mate; and 30 seamen.

CAPTURE OF BASSEIN,

19th May.

The next operation in which any of the navy were engaged was the attack on the city of Bassein, up the river of the same name. On the 17th of May, General Godwin and Commodore Lambert, with 400 men of H.M. 51st Regiment, 300 men of the 9th M.N.I., 60 sappers and miners, the royal marines, some seamen of H.M.S. 'Fox,' and a few artillerymen, embarked at Rangoon on board the steamers 'Tenasserim,' 'Sesostris,' and Moozuffer.' They forthwith proceeded to the Bassein river, which, after being joined by the 'Pluto,' they ascended on the 19th. On the afternoon of the same day the squadron anchored abreast of Bassein without a single accident. There were large stockades on both sides of the river. The troops were landed without loss of time. The pagoda was first carried, and after that a strong mud fort was attacked. Here the Burmese defended themselves with great obstinacy. At length a detachment of H.M. 51st, accompanied by Lieut. Rice, R.N., Lieut. Ford, with the sappers and miners, and Lieut. Ansley, with a detachment of the 9th M.N.I., the whole under the command of Major Errington, gallantly stormed and took it. On the opposite bank of the river a stockade was carried by a party commanded by Captain Campbell, of the 'Sesostris.' In about 50 minutes the British fought their way in, and drove the Burmese out with great slaughter. The British loss was 3 men killed; 7 officers and 24 men wounded. Among the officers wounded were Lieut. G. Rice, R.N., severely, and Lieut. J. Elliot, R. M., slightly.

MARTABAN ATTACKED BY THE BURMESE,

26th May.

The next event of importance in the war was an attack, on the 26th of May, on Martaban by a Burmese force of upwards of a thousand men. They were, however, gallantly beaten back by the 49th Madras N.I. in garrison, then under the command of Major Hall. The British loss was 1 sepoy killed and 13 wounded.

CAPTURE OF PEGU,

June 4th, 1852.

An attack on Pegu being next resolved on, an expedition, consisting of 230 troops, who were embarked on board the 'Phlegethon,' and the boats of that vessel and H.M.S. 'Fox,' under the command of Captain Tarleton, left Rangoon on the 3rd of June, and proceeded up the river. The troops were under the command of Major Cotton, and accompanied by Captain Latter. A friendly chief, named Moungta, accompanied the boats along the bank of the river. The naval force consisted of H.M.S. 'Fox's' launch: Mr. M'Murdo, mate; Mr. Lucas, midshipman; crew, 15 men. Pinnace: Mr. Copeland, mate; Mr. Hudson, midshipman; crew, 15. Gig: Mr. Cottam; crew, 6 men. Cutters: Mr. Alexander and Mr. Lisboa; crew, 9 men each; Mr. Morgan, assistant-surgeon, H.M.S. 'Fox.' E.I. Company's steamer 'Moozuffer:' Mr. Harding; crew, native, in paddle-box boats. A large canoe, fitted for the conveyance of the camp followers. E.I. Company's steamer 'Phlegethon'--Two cutters: Messrs. T. M. Hulke, third officer, and C. C. Sevenoakes, midshipman; crew, 22 men.

As the boats advanced, a sharp fire of musketry was opened on them from the Pegu side. On this Captain Tarleton, seeing the disadvantage under which they laboured from being beneath the enemy's fire, with no effectual means of returning it, landed with the boats' crews of H.M.S. 'Fox,' and was shortly after joined by Captain Neblett and the boats' crews of the 'Phlegethon'--in all about 50 men. Mean time Mr. M'Murdo, mate, was left in charge of the boats. As Captain Tarleton and his party advanced, the Burmese fired on them, but were driven from point to point until completely broken; one party retreating by the river's side to the northward, and the other within the old wall of the city. Their object being attained, they were retiring in close order to the boats, when a fire of gingals and musketry was opened on them from the walls. Deeming it unwise to allow the Burmese to suppose they were retreating, Captain Tarleton led his party to the attack, having found a native guide to show them the causeway through the ditch. Having halted a few seconds to gain breath, they rushed in over the causeway, and through a breach to the right of the gateway. On getting over the wall, after a stout defence, the enemy fled, and ultimately retired within the Great Pagoda. Mean time the boats had been attacked, but were bravely defended by Mr. M'Murdo, who succeeded in getting them to the other side of the river, Major Cotton having sent a detachment to their support. After the troops and seamen had rested for some time, the Burmese were observed issuing from the Pagoda in considerable strength, with the evident intention of attacking them. The troops lost not a moment in getting under arms, and the seamen forthwith came on shore. The British instantly advanced; and before the Burmese could recover from their surprise at a movement so little expected, the place was carried without another casualty. H.M.S. 'Fox' had three seamen wounded, and the 'Phlegethon' one seaman killed.

The force, after destroying the fortifications, returned to Rangoon on the 5th.

EXPEDITION UP THE IRRAWADDY, UNDER. CAPT. TARLETON,
R.N., AND CAPTURE OF PROME,

9th July.

It being important to ascertain the number and position of the enemy posted on the banks of the Irrawaddy, Commodore Lambert directed Captain Tarleton to take under his orders H.M.S. 'Medusa,' and the Company's steamers 'Proserpine,' 'Phlegethon,' 'Pluto,' and 'Mahanuddy,' and to proceed up the river for the purpose of obtaining that information. Accordingly, on the 6th of July, the vessels proceeded up the Irrawaddy in performance of these orders. At a place called Konnoughee, 25 miles below Prome, a large body of armed men were observed collected on the banks; and on a shell being fired among them, they opened a vigorous fire from six guns and from a large number of musketry. An officer, Mr. Hunter, mate, Indian Navy, and a seaman of the 'Medusa,' were wounded by the fire. At a short distance from Prome the river divides into two streams, the left, or western, being the deepest, and the only navigable branch at any season but the rainy one. At sunset the expedition anchored off Meaoung. At daylight, on the 8th, it again weighed, and proceeded till within sight of an extensive fortification, crowning the end of a ridge of hills 300 feet high, terminating abruptly at the town of Akouktoung, which completely commands the river. Here the position being strongly fortified, a Burmese army of about 10,000 men had been assembled, under General Bundoola, to guard the passage to Prome and the capital. Captain Tarleton, having been warned of the resistance he would meet, and hearing from the native pilots that at that season the eastern stream was navigable, determined to try it. Instead, therefore, of keeping on, to the disappointment of the enemy, who had begun to fire on him, he turned off through the eastern channel, and was quickly beyond their reach, having had not less than two fathoms water in the channel. Here he learned that a small steamer, belonging to the king of Ava, had only left the day before; and he accordingly despatched the 'Proserpine,' under Mr. Brooking, to overtake her. He also discovered that the whole Burmese army was concentrated at the place he had just passed, and that, by thus getting in their rear, they would meet with no opposition whatever. Mr. Brooking was unable to come up with the king's steamer. By steaming through the night, the rest of the squadron came off Prome by daylight of the morning of the 9th. At the south end of the town, near the water's edge, four heavy guns were seen, but no armed men, nor were any troops whatever observed in the place.

Captain Tarleton accordingly anchored the 'Medusa' abreast of the spot, and soon hove them off. The iron guns were disabled and sunk in deep water, and the brass ones were taken on board. When the other vessels joined their crews with the boats' crews of the 'Fox,' heartily entering on the work, every gun in Prome, 23 in number, was brought off. In the afternoon the 'Medusa' ascended the river 10 miles higher; but Captain Tarleton felt himself bound by his orders to return. His feelings may be supposed when he thus found himself at Prome, within four days' steaming of Ava, with a certain knowledge that there was nothing to oppose him, and with a broad deep river, easy of navigation, before him. Had he had with him one regiment and half a battery of guns, there is every reason to believe he might have taken the capital, so totally unprepared were the Burmese for any advance in the rains. However, he was, of course, compelled to obey the orders he had received. After remaining there for 24 hours, the place was evacuated, and the flotilla returned. On reaching the main stream, the army of Bundoola was observed in motion, crossing the river evidently with the intention of following the steamers. They, in consequence, opened with shot and shell upon the confused masses on shore and on the boats, spreading havoc and dismay among them. Between 40 and 50 boats were captured and destroyed. The general's state-barge, several large war-canoes, a standard, two gold umbrellas, and other spoil, fell into the hands of the British. The whole trip occupied only nine days. In its progress the expedition received the most convincing proofs that the population of Burmah are adverse to the war, and anxious to come under the British rule. Looking at the expedition by itself, it was as gallant and dashing an undertaking as has occurred during the war.

First-lieutenant John Elliot, R.M., H.M.S. 'Fox,' was wounded severely; and Mr. F. Morgan, assistant-surgeon, slightly, as was also G. Cook, boy.

SECOND CAPTURE AND OCCUPATION OF PROME.

A move on Prome being resolved on, a body of troops were embarked on board the steamers, and Commodore Lambert hoisted his broad pennant on board the 'Fire Queen,' to proceed up the Irrawaddy. The commissariat, ordnance, and engineers' stores, and about 1,000 followers attached to the regiments, were conveyed in the steamers, large Burmese cargo-boats, five small schooners, and a barque. The cargo-boats, manned by Burmese crews, advanced in three divisions, under convoy of the barges and pinnaces of H.M.S. 'Fox,' 'Winchester,' and 'Hastings.' The barque and schooner were towed by the steamers.

The squadron, calling at Henzadah on the way, came off Prome on the 9th of October. As soon as the ships neared the city, the enemy opened fire with a couple of guns and musketry, which was returned by the steamers as they proceeded into the bay. Then the squadron anchored abreast of the town in a convenient position for landing the troops. The enemy continuing to keep up a fire after the vessels had anchored, the boats of the squadron were sent under the command of Capt. Loch, C.B., of H.M.S. 'Winchester,' to throw in a few shells and canister-shot among them. This had the effect of silencing the fire for a time, although they still kept up a spirited attack on the boats, by which two seamen were wounded. They then brought down a gun abreast of the 'Fire Queen,' but had fired only one shot when it was dismounted by the fire from the steamers, which effectually cleared a landing-place. Some of the troops were landed that night and the remainder the following morning, when, with a party of 50 seamen under Commander Rice, the British attacked the city, and drove the enemy before them as they advanced. Prome was thus occupied with a loss of four wounded in the squadron. The Commodore, in his despatch, speaks highly of the services of Capt. Loch, Commanders Shadwell and Rice, of H.M.S. 'Sphinx' and 'Hastings,' and of Commander Campbell, of the Indian Navy.

CAPTURE OF PEGU,

Nov. 21st, 1852.

The inhabitants of Pegu, who were friendly to the English, held their town but a very short time after its former capture from the Burmese, when the forces of that power again occupied it. General Godwin, hearing that the Burmese were strengthening the place, and fearing that they might become troublesome, resolved again to take it and to garrison it with an English force. Accordingly, on the 18th of November, about 1,100 troops, under the orders of Brigadier M'Neil, of the Madras Army, were embarked at Rangoon on board the Hon. Company's steamers 'Mahanuddy,' 'Nerbudda,' 'Damooda,' and 'Lord William Bentinck.' The naval arrangements were under the orders of Commander Charles D. A. Shadwell, R.N. Weighing at daylight of the 19th, they reached the neighbourhood of Pegu on the evening of the 20th, when General Godwin, who accompanied the expedition, with Commander Shadwell, proceeded up the river to reconnoitre. The ancient city of Pegu is of a quadrangular form; the ruined walls or ramparts are still clearly defined, and are surrounded on all sides by a moat, much choked with mud and rubbish, its sides being about a mile and three-quarters in length; the pagoda, which forms the key of the position, lying in the north-east division of the space enclosed by the ruined ramparts. The enemy, amounting to about 4,000 men, were strongly posted in the south-east angle of the walls, and also along the river front of their position it was strongly stockaded.

Owing to a thick fog which prevailed in the morning, the British were able to land without being observed by the enemy. Commander B. Seymour, R.N., accompanied General Godwin as a volunteer, and was present with him throughout the operations of the day. Commander Rowley Lambert, of H.M.S. 'Fox,' superintended the landing of the guns, and afterwards directed the fire of the gun-boats on the enemy's position, from which he succeeded ultimately in dislodging them. About seven the advance commenced, the enemy opening a sharp fire on the troops as they moved along the ramparts. After a short halt, to refresh, the troops formed under cover of a wood, and, charging gallantly across the moat, entered the defences of the Burmese, who retreated to the pagoda. From the commencement of the affair, the 'Lord William Bentinck' and the gun-boats had kept up a hot fire of shell and canister on the enemy. A little before one the columns were finally formed for the assault.

On approaching the pagoda, some Burmese were seen stealthily watching the movements of the advancing columns. On this, the troops made a rush, the enemy fired a volley and fled, and the British entering the pagoda, Pegu was won. The military lost 6 killed and 31 wounded: but the naval arm escaped without any casualty, though exposed to a hot fire. Lieutenants Mason and Glover, and Mr. Pocock, mate, commanding boats, acquitted themselves well. Mr. J. F. Johnson, assistant-surgeon to H.M.S. 'Sphinx,' most assiduously attended to the wounded, most of whom were brought on board the 'Lord William Bentinck,' while Messrs. Digney, Porter, Berwick, and Simpson, commanding the Company's steamers, showed great perseverance and energy by the way they pushed their vessels up the river.

The boats employed were as follows:--

H.M.S. 'Fox,' Commander Rowley Lambert.--Pinnace, Lieut. Mason; Mr. Dunlop, midshipman; 15 men. Barge, Mr. C. Pocock, mate; Mr. Lucas, midshipman; 13 men. Gig, Mr. Dawes, midshipman; 6 men. Gun-boat, Mr. A. Villiers, midshipman; 6 men.

H.M.S. 'Sphinx,' Commander Charles D. A. Shadwell.--1, paddle-box boat, Lieut. J. H. Glover; 15 men. 2, paddle-box boat, M. A. Murphy, master's-assistant, 15 men, conveying 30 sappers each; the first towed by the H.C. steam-packet 'Nerbudda,' and the second by the H.C. sloop-of-war 'Damooda.' Cutter, Mr. A. Webb, midshipman; 9 men. Gig, Mr. W. E. Cookson, midshipman; 5 men; Mr. J. F. Johnson, assistant-surgeon. A garrison of 430 men being left at Pegu, the rest of the expedition returned to Rangoon.

OPERATIONS ON THE IRRAWADDY.

The principal towns of the province being in the hands of the British, it became important to clear the intermediate country of the enemy, especially the banks of the rivers, where they were of much annoyance to the provision-boats. In this service the naval forces were constantly and very actively employed. Several of the expeditions were under the command of the lamented Capt. Granville Loch, who displayed in them the same zeal and daring courage for which he had already made himself conspicuous.

On the 1st of November Capt. Loch embarked on board the Company's steamer 'Medusa,' from Prome, with Brigadier Sir John Cheape, and the light company of the Royal Irish, 80 strong, accompanied by the following flotilla of boats, and proceeded down the river to destroy some stockades, and to make a reconnaissance about a mile and a half below Prome, at a place called the White Pagoda:--

'Winchester's' Boats.--Gig, Commander E. B. Seymour, volunteer; Mr. Gregory, naval cadet; 5 seamen, 3 marines. Barge, Lieut. Hillyar; Mr. Round, mate; Mr. Slade, assistant-surgeon; 15 men. Pinnace, Lieut. Pearse; Mr. Bond, mate; 13 men.

'Sesostris's' Boats.--Pinnace, Lieut. Lewis; Mr. Capel, midshipman; Dr. Walsh, assistant-surgeon; 14 men, 11 marine artillerymen. 1st cutter, Lieut. Windus; 11 men. 2nd cutter, Mr. Duval, mate; 11 men.

'Medusa's' Cutter.--Mr. Harris, midshipman; 10 men, 6 marine artillerymen. Total force landed, 74.

Capt. Loch, leaving the boats, anchored off the White Pagoda, where he observed some stockades in course of erection, went down the river to give some orders to Capt. Niblett, of the 'Enterprise,' and then returning, landed the troops and naval brigade. Advancing, they drove in the enemy's skirmishers, and having sufficiently observed the country, they then destroyed the stockades, and re-embarked with one man only wounded belonging to the 'Medusa.'

On the 4th of November Captain Loch led another expedition against the heights of Akoutou, defended by 350 or 400 men, and 5 guns.

His total force consisted of 82 men:--

'Winchester's' Boats.--Gig, Commander E. B. Seymour, volunteer; Mr. Gregory, naval-cadet; 4 men, 3 marines. Barge, Lieut. Hillyar; Mr. Round, mate; Mr. Slade, assistant-surgeon; 15 men. Pinnace, Lieut. Pearse; Mr. Bond, mate; 13 men.

H.C. steam-frigate 'Sesostris.'--Lieut. Lewis; Mr. Duval, mate; 22 seamen, 8 marine artillerymen.

H.C.S. 'Medusa.'--Mr. Brazier, mate; Mr. Harris, midshipman; 15 seamen, 12 artillerymen.

While this force was landing, they were covered by an admirably well-directed fire from the 'Medusa,' Lieut. Fraser commanding.

Ascending a narrow pathway, they learned from a wounded Burmese that the troops were before them; so on they went, till at last they were met by a partial fire. A rapid charge--in which Lieut. Lewis, First of the 'Sesostris,' led his seamen and marines in gallant style, as did Mr. Brazier, mate of the 'Medusa'--put the enemy to flight. The guns were found loaded and primed. The guns being thrown over the cliffs, the party returned, having thus again opened the river to Prome.

On the 9th Capt. Loch returned to Akoutou, for the purpose of bursting the guns which had been thrown over the cliffs.

On the 11th another expedition embarked, under Captain Loch, to destroy the forts opposite Upper Prome. Commander Seymour again volunteered, and the boats of the 'Mahanuddy,' 'Sesostris,' 'Winchester,' 'Medusa,' and 'Fervaz' were engaged. The stockades were of vast strength, and contained five guns, a gingal, and a quantity of ammunition. The enemy fled as the British force appeared.

ATTACKS ON MYA TOON, THE ROBBER CHIEFTAIN.