On the 6th in the morning, finding the enemy still persisting in his attacks on Kemmendine, Captain Chads sent the mortar-vessel up there, which rendered the post very essential service, and relieved the garrison considerably. The war-boats still continued in sight in great numbers, but at a respectful distance.
On the same day. Sir Archibald Campbell had the pleasure of observing that Maha Bandoola had brought up the scattered remnant of his defeated left, to strengthen his right and centre, and continued day and night employed in carrying on his approaches in front of the Shwe-da-gon pagoda. This he was allowed to do with but little molestation, as it was rightly imagined that “he would take system for timidity.” On the morning of the 7th, he had his whole force posted in the immediate front of the British army – his first line entrenched so close, that the men in their barracks could distinctly hear the bravadoes of the Burmese soldiers. Upwards of thirty fire-rafts and large boats, all lashed together, and reaching nearly across the river, were brought down against the shipping; but, although the Sophie was touched by one of them, they were productive of no mischief.
The time had now arrived to undeceive the enemy in their sanguine but ill-founded hopes. Sir Archibald Campbell made his arrangements, and at 11-30 a.m., every thing was in readiness to assault their trenches. A short but heavy cannonade ensued, and at noon the British columns moved forward to their respective points of attack. They were saluted, after a momentary pause, by a very spirited fire, in spite of which they advanced to the works, and quickly put their defenders to the route. The Burmese left many dead behind them, and their main force was completely dispersed. On receiving this information. Captain Chads sent every disposable man from the Arachne, under Mr. James B. Manley, acting master, with twenty sepoys, in the steam-vessel, up to Captain Ryves, to endeavour to intercept their boats and cut off their retreat; they had, however, already deserted the neighbourhood of Kemmendine.
