1824	The Burmese War	422

continues in this direction about 60 miles, when it inclines to the south-west for about 100 miles until it passes Pagahm-mew, when it again runs nearly south 250 miles to Kewdowa, a town 70 miles to the southward of Prome ; here the river branches off, the eastern arm running into the river Parnian, on which Rangoon stands, the western communicating with the Kindowa or Anowkiang, one branch of which becomes the Bassein or Negrais river. The town of Bassein stands mid-distance between Negrais point and Kendowa, the whole distance being between 150 and 160 miles ; whilst Rangoon stands in the direction above-named from Kendowa, and distant about 80 miles. It will be seen hereafter, how well and ably Sir Archibald Campbell's views and plans were acted upon ; that the junction of his forces on the Irrawaddi by the route of Bassein was effected nearly at the same time that the main body under his own command reached the point assigned. It is perhaps necessary to state, that, in consequence of the direction of the river, almost all operations were carried on near its banks, and that, as the army advanced, the boats or flotilla were always within communication, each supporting the other, and sharing the difficulties and dangers. The attacks were always made in conjunction, and we believe, throughout the whole war, there was not one place assaulted, attacked, or taken, at which assault, attack, or capture, the flotilla were not present. Indeed, from the nature of the country, there being no roads, and only narrow footpaths through the woods and jungles, it would have required immense labour to render them applicable to military purposes, and to carry on the war inland ; besides which obstacles, the army were unprovided with land carriages, and not half supplied even with water conveyances; and here, again, it was by no means probable that the Burmese could be induced to render any assistance, they being principally in the pay of the court of Ava, to which and to the golden-footed monarch, as their king is titled, they pay the most submissive obedience. We think it right to mention this, as any one perusing Major Snodgrass's book would be inclined to view the operations of the naval department as very secondary indeed to their gallant brethren in arms, who, we are quite certain, do not begrudge the laurels justly won by the indefatigable exertions and unremitting toil of his Majesty's and the Honourable the East India Company's navy.

The Liffey, preceded by the Larne, until she grounded on a bank at noon, led the fleet up the Rangoon or Parnian river on the 11th of May, and anchored abreast of the town, opposite a battery of 14 guns ; the river about this part is calculated to be about 700 yards wide, the town being situated nearly 28 miles from the sea : its defences are described as being " an enclosure of palisades or stockades, ten or twelve feet high, strengthened internally by embankments of earth, and protected externally,

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