1824	The Burmese War	420

NINE years had nearly elapsed, and Great Britain, her colonies and dependencies had remained in the enjoyment of peace ; but, in the beginning of the year 1824, the governor-general of India, in council, decided upon attacking the territory of the Burmese, in consequence of their having committed on the south-east frontier of the possessions of the East India Company, several unprovoked aggressions. In detailing the operations in Ava, during the Burmese War, it is our intention to confine ourselves as much as possible to those actions in which the naval forces were mostly employed, giving a slight sketch of the military movements, as far as is requisite to elucidate the subject.

At this period Commodore Charles Grant, C.B., in the Liffey of 50 guns, was the senior officer in India, and, on being informed of the determination to resort to war, a part of the squadron under his command was placed at the disposition of the governor-general, for the purpose of affording every assistance in its power. The Larne sloop, under the command of Captain Frederick Marryat, having under his orders the Sophie brig, Captain George Frederick Ryves, was desired to proceed to the river Hooghly, and to place himself under the directions of the supreme government.

The command of the military department was intrusted to Sir Archibald Campbell, K.C.B.; a division of troops was embarked at Calcutta under Brigadier Michael M'Creagh, C.B., and another division at Madras under Brigadier-general William Macbean. On the 8th of April, Sir Archibald Campbell embarked with his staff on board the Larne and made sail for the appointed rendezvous of the Madras division at Port Cornwallis;

^ back to top ^