1825	The Burmese War	449

communication with the land column, which had been increased by the junction of Brigadier M'Creagh, on the 12th of April, at Surrawah, the whole force having again crossed the Irrawaddi. On the 24th the columns arrived in the neighbourhood of Prome, and, as the enemy did not wait to be attacked, but retired without any resistance on the approach of the English, the place was taken possession of the day following, although the different stockades mounted 100 guns, and were in excellent condition to withstand an attack. With Bandoola's death all the energy, or bravery, of the enemy seems to have vanished, and the British columns marched through a hostile country unmolested; but, as the rainy season was now about to commence, the army went into cantonments, and as far as the land column was concerned, there was a total cession of hostilities.

Major Sale's division, during the advance of the two former columns upon Prome, proceeded to attack Bassein, accompanied by the Larne, Captain Frederick Marryat, and the Mercury, Lieutenant Drummond Anderson. On the 24th of February the division arrived off the entrance of the Bassein river. It appears that on the 26th, as the ships advanced up the river, they were fired at from two stockades, which the enemy deserted directly the fire was opened upon them in return. On the 3d of March the ships arrived and anchored within three miles of Bassein, having experienced much trouble in warping up the narrow part of the river, and from the vessels constantly grounding. Bassein was at this time a heap of ruins, having been destroyed by the Burman chief, who had fled from the first stockade near the entrance of the river. Major Sale advanced about 130 miles towards Lamina without opposition; finding the place deserted, be returned on the 23d to Bassein, it being useless to attempt a pursuit of his flying enemies. The casualties in this expedition amounted to two wounded. Sickness and fatigue, however, decreased the ranks in a trifling degree.

Captain Marryat having dropped down the river to Naputtah, proceeded thence with a small body of men against Thingang. The enemy, however, declined all hostilities, and Captain Marryat's terms were accepted, by which 150 Naputtah men were released, and provided with canoes to return to their homes. The arms, &c., were surrendered, and the Wongee of the town, a chief invested with a gold chattah, was delivered up as a prisoner.

Lieutenant Fraser, on the 30th, was despatched to Pumkayi. The same terms were offered and accepted as at Thingang. The whole coast from Negrais to Bassein, being now in possession of the English, was ultimately added to the conquered provinces, and " the enemy were deprived of all maritime possessions from Cape Negrais to Tenasserim." *

* Marshall.

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