entrenched and were stockading; they had also thrown a ditch and breastwork between them and the river, to protect their boats, which were ranged underneath. During the progress of the reconnoitring party along their line of defence, the enemy opened a battery of sixteen guns, from 4 to 6-pounders, upon the steam-vessel; but the width of the river being at least 1,500 yards, their shot fell short.
The force displayed by the Burmese was estimated at between 16,000 and 20,000 men, who appeared to be all armed with muskets ; and twenty golden chattahs were counted. They had also a small force on the right bank, with jingals, opposite to the right of their line, as it faced the river. On the return of the party, the gun-boats, under Captain Alexander, cannonaded the enemy’s line, to make them develope their whole force; and it was then ascertained, that they had an advanced party across the nullah, already mentioned, thrown on the road leading to Prome, and employed in stockading some pagodas which overlook it. This party were working likewise on a breast-work on the side of the hill, which would also command the road: three golden chattahs were visible with the latter force.
On the 6th September, exactly a month after the date of Sir Archibald Campbell’s letter to the Court of Ava, a war-boat, under a flag of truce, presented itself at the British advanced post on the river, having on board two Burman deputies and ten or twelve followers. Upon being conducted to head-quarters, and all seated, Sir Archibald Campbell asked to what circumstance he owed the honor of their visit? The leader of the deputation then delivered a letter in great form, and said, that he was acquainted with its contents, and instructed to communicate verbally many good words on the benefit that would accrue to both countries on the restoration of peace, which they understood the British were anxious for. Sir Archibald replied, that they were rightly informed, as the desire of his government was to be on terms of peace and cordiality with all its neighbours, and he made no doubt, if the feeling was mutual, that that most desirable event would soon be brought about. They then declared that such was their moss earnest desire.
