unable to force the gate of the stockade; and a brigade of the Madras division below the town, under the direction of Brigadier-General Macbean: the 38th and this brigade being ordered to push round by the rear and enter the town, should they find an opportunity of so doing.
“These measures in progress, the Burmese again returned to their battery, and commenced firing, which was again silenced by a broadside from the Liffey; and the signal being made for the troops to land in the order already stated, which they did in the most regular and soldier-like style, in less than 20 minutes, I had the satisfaction of seeing the British flag flying in the town[1], without the troops having had occasion to discharge a single musket, and without my having occasion to regret the loss of one individual, killed or wounded, on our side.
“The news of our arrival in the river having reached Rangoon the preceding night, and our rapid progress up in the morning being marked by an occasional shot in answer to the fire from the chokies, together with the preparations of the Burman authorities for defence, threw the inhabitants into such a state of consternation as to cause a general flight in every direction towards the jungles; so much so, that out of a large population, I do not think 100 men were found in the town on our taking possession of it. * * * * *
“The captured ordnance far exceeds in number any thing we supposed the country to possess, although, generally speaking, of a bad description[2]. * * * * *
“It would be presumption in me to speak in terms of praise of an officer so well known as Commodore Grant; but it is my duty to inform you, that the cordial co-operation I have received, and continue to receive from him, calls for my warmest acknowledgment.”
After having thus placed Sir Archibald Campbell and his army in possession of Rangoon, Commodore Grant sent a detachment of boats up the river to seek for and destroy fire--
- ↑ It was hoisted, we believe, by Lieutenant Samuel Thornton, of the Liffey.
- ↑ Total, mounted and dismounted, 70 long guns, 18 carronades, 3 swivels, and 9 jingals; 1257 round shot, and 2400 pounds of gunpowder. N.B. The jingal is a long matchlock, which moves on a pivot, and carries about a 1/2-pound ball. The Burmese generally load it up to the muzzle with pieces of lead, iron, &c. Being put through the wall of a stockade, or directly along a road, it is fired at troops advancing, and frequently does great execution.
