pedition was despatched against those places, consisting of details of H.M. 89th regiment and the 7th Madras native infantry, the whole of the Honorable Company’s cruisers, three gun-vessels, two row-boats, three Malay proas, and six transports, the whole under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Miles, C.B., assisted by Captain Hardy, of the Teignmouth. This force sailed from Rangoon on the 20th August, and reached the mouth of the river leading to Tavoy on the 1st September. A conspiracy amongst the garrison facilitated the capture of the place; the second in command making the governor and his family prisoners, delivered them to the British; and the town was occupied without opposition.
At Mergui, whither the armament next proceeded, and where it arrived on the 6th October, a more effective resistance was offered: a heavy fire was opened from the batteries of the town, but returned by the cruisers with such effect, as to silence it in about an hour. The troops then landed, and after wading through miry ground between the river and a strong stockade, which defended the town, being exposed to a brisk fire from the enemy, they advanced to the stockade, and escaladed in the most gallant style. The Burman warriors fled, and the town, when first taken, was deserted by the inhabitants, who, however, soon returned, and shewed themselves perfectly indifferent to the change of authorities.
Leaving part of the Madras troops to garrison Mergui, and some of the flotilla for their protection, Lieutenant-Colonel Miles returned with the remainder of his force to Rangoon, In time to take a part in the more important operations about to occur. The capture of Mergui was effected with the loss of only six private soldiers killed, one missing, and two officers and 22 men wounded.
On the 2nd September, in compliance with a request from Sir Archibald Campbell, that he would take the necessary steps to dislodge the enemy from the stockades upon the Dalla creek, which they had re-occupied. Captain Marryat proceeded thither for that purpose, accompanied by two mor-
