1825	The Burmese War	454

added to it by the sanguinary leaders of these unhappy men. Several gibbets were found erected about the stockades, each bearing the mouldering remains of three or four crucified victims, thus cruelly put to death, for perhaps no greater crime than that of wandering from their post in search of food, or, at the very worst, for having followed the example of their chiefs in flying from their enemies. "

A part of Sir James Brisbane's letter to the admiralty, in which he mentions the gallant services of all under his command, and records the death of Captain Dawson, of the Arachne, will be found in the Appendix, No. 16. The command of the Arachne now devolved on Lieutenant Andrew Baird, of the Boadicea.

Victory followed victory in all directions. Brigadier-general Cotton was equally successful against Sudda-woon, who occupied the high banks on the west bank of the river. The flotilla, under Sir James Brisbane, again lent its powerful aid, and is highly spoken of by the brigadier-general in his report to the commander-in-chief, and it is gratifying to find that on every occasion the different services lent to each other the most efficient aid and cordial co-operation.

No time was lost by Sir Archibald Campbell. The panic-stricken enemy fled before him ; the English advanced in two divisions as before, whilst a small force, under Brigadier Richard Armstrong, was embarked to act in co-operation with the naval forces under Sir James Brisbane. A line of communication having been established between Sir Archibald Campbell and the flotilla, the whole advanced. Both services had numerous obstacles to oppose, and both overcame all difficulties : the boats were kedged or tracked up the river in many places, owing to the rapidity of the stream, which rendered the former modes perhaps less fatiguing than eternally toiling at the oars. At Meong a junction with Brigadier-general Cotton's division with the flotilla had been arranged, but it was useless. No enemy remained to be opposed ; every work, however strong, was abandoned. It appears, from Major Snodrass's description, that a few resolute and well-trained men might have kept back the whole invading force. The river, in some places, is described as being so narrowed by shoals that the boats must pass, and did pass, within 200 yards of the banks, and the natural advantages, which had been increased by art, if properly defended, might have effectually stopped all progress towards the capital. On the 17th the united force came within sight of Meaday. It was evacuated by the enemy. Captain Chads was sent forward to reconnoitre, and although the enemy made sufficient resistance to kill two men and wound two others during the reconnaissance, they fled at the approach of the advanced guard.

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