1826	Appendix to the Burmese War	463

immediately carried. Some of the troops then re-embarked, crossed the river, and took possession of the opposite stockade.

Our loss, although severe, is not so great as might have been expected from the nature of the ground we had to go over, and the sharp and severe fire kept up by the enemy until the scaling ladders were placed. The loss on the part of the enemy was but small, in consequence of the vicinity of the jungle, into which they escaped the moment our men entered their works.

Of the conduct of the troops, I cannot speak in too high praise, although it will be impossible for me to particularize the officers who so gallantly led their men to the assault, as they are too numerous; many of them assisted in carrying the ladders to the walls.

It is with regret I have to report that Mr. Maw, R.N., your acting aide-de-camp, was severely wounded at the early part of the day, whilst he and Captain John Campbell, H. M. 38th regiment, your (second) aide-de-camp, who was a volunteer on the occasion, were cheering on some of the seamen who accompanied us.

I have further to report, that the enemy, previous to their flight, threw some guns into a wet ditch that surrounded the fortifications. We found but two small ones, which were brought away. All the houses in both stockades were destroyed by fire, and a part of the palisade pulled down, before the return of the detachment to camp.

---------------------------------

No. 7

See page 426.

The gallantry of the officers employed in this expedition, viz., Lieutenant Fraser, Mr. Atherton, and Messrs. Duffill, Winsor, and J. H. Norcock, deserves the highest encomiums. I am sorry that our list of killed and wounded is so heavy, but it will be accounted for when I state, that in these attacks the Lascars, who man the other boats, will not pull into the fire unless they are led by the officers and men of H.M. sloop the Larne. The conduct of Mr. Maw, midshipman of the Liffey, has, during the whole period of his service here, been a series of gallantry. I have great pleasure in transmitting a letter from Sir Archibald Campbell, relative to his conduct, and adding my testimony to that of the commander-in-chief.

I regret, says Sir Archibald, the severe wound received by Mr. Maw. Of this young man's gallantry of conduct and merit I cannot speak too highly : he has repeatedly distinguished himself by the most conspicuous and forward bravery.

---------------------------------

No. 8

See page 428

Sir Archibald Campbell will take an early opportunity of communicating to Captain Marryat, R.N., how gratified he was by his prompt support at the point assailed, and the gallant pursuit of the

^ back to top ^