thirty-five other prisoners[1]. On the 18th, the missionaries and war-boats returned to the capital, after making an ineffectual attempt to induce Sir Archibald Campbell and his colleagues, then at Yebbang, to receive the money they had brought, and to wait ten days longer for the payment of the remainder. On the 22d, they again made their appearance at Yandaboo, only forty-five miles from the capital, bringing with them twenty-five lacs in gold and silver bullion, and an assurance that two ministers of state would speedily follow, in order to ratify the treaty. Captain Chads was now officially requested to act as one of the Commissioners for the affairs of Ava and Pegu. On the 25th, he issued the following general memorandum to the officers and men under his command:–
“I feel the highest gratification in announcing to the flotilla, that the unwearied exertions, gallantry, and zeal of the officers and every individual composing it, have been crowned by an honorable peace; and on resigning the command of it, I beg to express my unfeigned thankfulness for the alacrity and cheerfulness with which this arduous service has been performed, and the personal attention which I have at all times experienced will ever be remembered by me with most pleasing and grateful feelings. The flotilla is now to be at the disposal of Major Jackson, Deputy-Quarter-Master-General, and the officers will report to him.”
In a letter of the same date, addressed to Sir Archibald Campbell, Captain Chads strongly recommended Lieutenant George Laughton, of the Bombay marine, to the favorable notice of the Supreme Government; “his conduct and ability on all occasions, from the very commencement of the war, having met with the constant approbation of his superiors, and the esteem of all others.” Among the officers of the flotilla, at this period, was Lieutenant Keele, who, although in an admiral’s barge, with extra rowers, and notwithstanding every exertion and the greatest perseverance, had been no less than twenty-four days on his passage from Rangoon to Yandaboo – so great are the difficulties of ascending the Irrawaddy.
- ↑ A narrative of the captivity of Lieutenant (now Captain) Bennett, was published in the United Service Journal, Nos. vi. vii ix. and xii.
