stipulated in the treaty of Melloone; to offer the immediate release of all the prisoners then at Ava, and the payment, in seven days time, of six lacs of rupees, as part of the indemnification money demanded; and to promise the delivery of nineteen lacs more (the remainder of the first instalment) on the return of the invaders to Prome. He was also instructed to solicit, that the army should not approach nearer to the capital than Pagahm-mew. Dr. Sandford, now set wholly at liberty, was allowed to accompany the envoy, and arrived in camp with him, at sunset on the following day.
Captain Chads, from his official situation, was requested by Sir Archibald Campbell to attend the ensuing conference, when it was unanimously resolved, that not less than twenty-five lacs of rupees, on the spot, should be accepted, and that the advance of the army should be continued until the ratification of the treaty, the prisoners, and the money, were brought to head-quarters. On the morning of the 14th, Dr. Price took his leave of the Commissioners, stating the certainty of his coming back in a day or two, accompanied by some of the Burman ministers, for the purpose of making a final and satisfactory settlement; adding, that, as an ambassador, he had only done his duty in endeavouring to prevail upon them to accept of the smaller sum. In the British camp and flotilla, it was generally considered and hoped, that the advance of the combined force, which was resumed on the 16th, would conduct it to the Burman capital.
Previous to the departure of the flotilla from Pagahm-mew, Captain Chads was under the necessity of despatching a gunboat, commanded by Lieutenant Rouband, to Rangoon, with Messrs. Hall, Wyke, and Coyde; Mr. Michael Nugent, assistant-surgeon; and eight seamen, all extremely ill. On the 17th Feb. he anchored, in the Diana, off Keeozie, and was there joined by Dr. Price with six war-boats, containing six lacs of rupees, and having on board Dr. Judson, (the other American missionary, sent from Ava as a mediator); twenty Burmans of rank; Lieutenant Richard Bennett, of H.M. Royal regiment; Mr. Henry Gouger, a British merchant; and
