with such effect that several of the enemy's guns were split or dismounted, and at the third broadside the Burmese authorities left the town. At three o'clock the troops landed without opposition; the town was deserted by the inhabitants; and at four the British colours were flying on the Burman flag-staff.
So far all went smoothly; but it was now found that nearly everything which the town contained had been removed into the surrounding jungle, or carried up the river; and that nothing in the shape of supplies could be found for the troops, nor a single boat, waggon, horse, or head of cattle. The expedition, in the confident hope of finding everything necessary at Rangoon, had been sent with a scanty supply of provisions, and very inadequately provided with proper equipments for advancing either by land or water. In addition to these difficulties others existed, seriously affecting the efficiency of the force, and threatening the success of the expedition. With a tropical sun above, thick jungle around, and swamp beneath the feet, these sources of pestilence were aided by frequent deluges of rain. The health of the men, therefore, rapidly declined, and fever and dysentery began fearfully to thin their ranks. Everything in and about Rangoon was in ruins, except the lofty Shoodagon pagoda, which was the key of the British position: there was no passing the swamps and inundated paddy-fields, or the thick jungle beyond them, which was intersected only by a few narrow footpaths; and behind this screen the unseen enemy plied their work, raising their levies, and gradually collecting them, so as to form a cordon round our cantonments.
Reinforcements and supplies of warlike stores being thus provided, Thakia Woonghee, one of the chief Ministers of State, was despatched to take the chief command, with distinct orders from his master to attack the British, and drive them at once into the sea; and the bustle of preparation which marked the concluding days of the month of May showed that he was about to make
