point,” says Major Snodgrass, “that the land column alone might have gained, perhaps, with trifling loss, had not its future subsistence been dependent on the flotilla, and the free and open navigation of the Irrawaddy.” In the course of the 7th, “by the exertions of the boats of His Majesty’s navy, under Lieutenant Smith, of the Alligator, sent on by Captain Alexander to superintend the passage of the river[1],” the advanced guard, consisting of two European regiments, was crossed over to Sarrawah; and by the 12th, the whole of the land column was again on the left bank of the Irrawaddy, where it was joined by the reserve corps, under Brigadier M‘Creagh, who brought with him a supply of elephants and cattle, which proved a most timely aid to the commissariat department.
The passage by water from Donoobew to Prome was excessively tedious and fatiguing, owing to calms and the strength of the current; the flotilla, however, maintained a communication with Sir Archibald Campbell; and on the 19th Captain Alexander sent him an elderly man, the bearer of a pacific communication from the chiefs of the Burman army. “An answer was returned, expressive of the readiness of the Supreme Government to conclude a peace, and that upon the arrival of the combined force at Prome, every opportunity and facility in opening negociations would be afforded[2].”
On the 24th, Sir Archibald arrived with the head of his column in the neighbourhood of Shudaung-mew, formerly the frontier fortress of the kingdom of Pegu, and concerted measures with Captain Alexander for attacking Prome on the following day. The enemy, however, did not await his advance, but retired during the night, apparently in the greatest confusion. Next morning, the place was occupied without the necessity of firing a shot. It proved to be a position of great strength, from its natural defences of high kills, each crowned with a strong pagoda, and fortified to the
