by John Marshall

“ It was not till the 8th of March, that the army commenced its retrograde movement on Rangoon, at which place Captain Samuel Thornton, of the Slaney sloop of war, had been left by Captain Chads to carry on the naval duties. A sufficient number of boats were provided by the Burmese to convey thither the greatest part of the European troops, escorted by the men-of-war boats, under the command of Captain Studdert. The remainder of the British accompanied the native troops by land as far as Prome. ”

“ Among the officers of the flotilla, at this period, was Lieutenant Keele, who, although in an admiral’s barge, with extra rowers, and notwithstanding every exertion and the greatest perseverance, had been no less than twenty-four days on his passage from Rangoon to Yandaboo – so great are the difficulties of ascending the Irrawaddy. ”

“ In the British camp and flotilla, it was generally considered and hoped, that the advance of the combined force, which was resumed on the 16th, would conduct it to the Burman capital.
Previous to the departure of the flotilla from Pagahm-mew, Captain Chads was under the necessity of despatching a gunboat, commanded by Lieutenant Rouband, to Rangoon, with Messrs. Hall, Wyke, and Coyde; Mr. Michael Nugent, assistant-surgeon; and eight seamen, all extremely ill. ”

“ Captain Chads, from his official situation, was requested by Sir Archibald Campbell to attend the ensuing conference, when it was unanimously resolved, that not less than twenty-five lacs of rupees, on the spot, should be accepted, and that the advance of the army should be continued until the ratification of the treaty, the prisoners, and the money, were brought to head-quarters. ”

“ During this period, the troops intended for the assault were embarking in the boats of H.M. ships, and part of the armed flotilla, at a point above the British encampment, under the superintendence and direction of Captain Chads. About 1 p.m., the desired impression having been produced by the cannonade, and every thing reported ready. Sir Archibald directed the above brigade, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Sale, to drop down the river, and assault the main face of the enemy’s position, near its south-eastern angle ”

“ They left behind them many killed and wounded; hundreds jumping into the river, to escape their assailants, perished in the water; and, with the exception of from 2000 to 3000 men, the whole host dispersed upon the spot. ”