tion for the construction of fire-rafts, by the judicious employment of which the enemy contemplated the destruction of our shipping. To this post the Burmese seemed to attach the greatest importance, and their stockades, three in number, were so constructed as to afford mutual support, presenting difficulties apparently not to be overcome without a great sacrifice of lives. “I therefore resolved,” says Sir A. Campbell, “to try the effect of shelling, and consulted with Captain Marryat upon the employment of such armed vessels as he might select to breach, in the event of our mortar practice not succeeding. The shells were thrown at too great distance to produce the desired effect, and the swampy state of the country would not admit of any advance. The armed vessels, viz. the Satellite, Teignmouth, Thetis, and Jessey, the whole under the command of Lieutenant Fraser, of H.M.S. Larne, now took their stations according to a disposition made by Captain Marryat, and opened a fire which soon silenced that of fourteen pieces of artillery, besides swivels and musketry from the stockades, and in one hour the pre-concerted signal of ‘breach practicable’ was displayed at the main-mast-head. The troops, as previously arranged, entered their boats on the signal being hoisted. The assault was made in the best order and handsomest style: * * * * the enemy kept up a sharp, but ill directed fire, while the troops were landing, but, as usual, fled on our making a lodgment in the place; * * * * the second stockade was carried in the same style; the third was evacuated by the enemy. * * * * To the officers and men of the breaching vessels every praise is due; and I much regret that severe indisposition prevented Captain Marryat from being present to witness the result of his arrangement[1].”
On the 11th July, Captain Marryat wrote to the senior officer on the East India station as follows:–
