1824	The Burmese War	433

destroyed their works. A party of the enemy having approached the Shwe-da-gon pagoda, were driven back by two companies of the 38th, under Captain Hugh Piper and Captain Christopher Wilson, while two companies of the same regiment were equally successful the following morning, in dislodging the enemy from a very strong position near the north gate of the pagoda.

On the night of the 1st of December, Kemmendine was again attacked, and at daylight the enemy commenced a regular attempt upon that place ; in vain they approached this stockade, they were repulsed again and again. Our men wearied with the incessant fatigue, as darkness closed upon them, sought their wonted repose. Short was the time allowed them ; the enemy, recruited by fresh troops, now made the most desperate effort; the flames of the fire-rafts illumined the scene ; far and wide appeared the devastating enemy, whilst the roar of the cannon, and the roll of the musketry, conveyed to the ears of those near the pagoda, the tidings of this fresh and vigorous assault.

On the river the navy gallantly enacted their duty. The flaming rafts were towed clear of the vessels, and the war-boats which were ready to avail themselves of the confusion, retired without daring to attack. The gallant defenders of the fort were equally successful against their assailants, who were beaten back ; and Major Gates added to his well-earned fame, by his intrepid and successful resistance. In endeavouring to give a proper description of the attacks which followed, we feel convinced that all our exertions would only appear a kind of shadow to those given so ably, so faithfully, and so graphically by Marshall ; we therefore borrow from him the following account, admitting our obligation to that officer, and gladly bearing testimony to his patent research, and the excellent manner in which he has compiled his history.

" Things were in this state when Captain Chads returned from Pegu, at 8 a.m., on the 2d of December. He immediately sent the Arachne's pinnace up, under Lieutenant Kellett and Mr. Valentine Pickey, admiralty midshipman, to gain information and reconnoitre; and shortly after, three row-boats, under Mr. William Coyde, midshipman, with a party of seamen to fight their guns. This assistance was most timely, the garrison being pressed in every direction; from which critical situation, Lieutenant Kellett's highly judicious and determined gallant conduct immediately relieved them, by clearing both their flanks of the enemy, by showers of grape-shot. This service performed by the pinnace, with a single carronade, in the face of hundreds of the enemy's boats, was the admiration of the whole garrison; and Major Yates expressed himself to Captain Chads in terms the most gratifying, ' for the able assistance Lieutenant Kellett had afforded him.' "

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