1824	The Burmese War	429

this last vessel had been brought by the recommendation of Captain Marryat, and was of the greatest use during this harassing warfare. Brigadier-general Hugh Fraser commanded the land forces. The expedition moved up the river on the 21st of September and returned to Rangoon on the 27th, having not only succeeded in their enterprise, but surveyed the river until it narrowed to 60 yards in breadth. Captain Chads's letter to Captain Coe gives an interesting account of the fatigues experienced on the expedition, and states that the naval casualty amounted to only four seamen of the Arachne wounded. *

It was now that sickness began to spread itself around; the incessant rains contributed much to increase the epidemic malady which during this month is so prevalent in India. The hospitals were crowded, and, although every precaution was taken which prudence and foresight could suggest, yet the fever increased, and the patients, after suffering from the most overpowering exhaustion, generally died. Major Snodgrass mentions, that at this time it became necessary to remove the convalescent to Mergui and Tavoy, before mentioned as having been captured by the English, and there the change of climate contributed much to re-establish the army in efficiency. Floating hospitals were established at the mouth of the Rangoon river, and by the beginning of the month of October a very beneficial change had occurred in both the naval and military departments.

The enemy occupied a stockaded position near Annauben, and likewise held possession of the pagoda of Keykloo ; these situations are about 14 miles distant from Rangoon. It was judged necessary to dislodge them, whilst another detachment, under Major Thomas Evans, was despatched to Than-ta-bain to make a simultaneous attack upon that strong position, which was 30 miles distant from Rangoon. The best reference to the active part taken by the navy is to be found in Major Evans's † letter to the commander-in-chief; whilst the latter, in speaking of the meritorious exertions of the officers and seamen, pays the highest compliment to Captain Chads. The naval officers who were fortunate enough to participate in this expedition against Than-ta-bain were Lieutenants William Burdett Dobson, Augustus Henry Kellet, and George Goldfinch ; Mr. Lett, master's mate, Messrs. James Ward Tomlinson, Archibald Reed, George Winson, Charles Mitchell, and Robert Murray, admiralty midshipmen. ‡ Captain Chads speaks highly of Lieutenants Kellet, Goldfinch, and Dobson, and gives great credit to Mr. Winson of the Sophie, who had on this and on almost every occasion charge of the steam-boat. §

Lieutenant-colonel Smith who commanded the force sent

* Appendix, No. 11. † Ibid., No. 12. ‡ Marshall. § Appendix, No. 13.

^ back to top ^