been watched and
welcomed.

Presently some heavy columns of the enemy issued from the forest,
on the other side of the river; and marched across the plain to
Dalla, which faced Rangoon. They moved with great regularity and
order, led by their chiefs on horseback, their gilded umbrellas
glittering in the rays of the sun. On reaching the bank of the
river opposite Rangoon, they began entrenching themselves and
throwing up stockades and batteries; with the evident intention of
opening fire on the shipping. Soon afterwards large bodies of men
issued from the forest facing the pagoda and, marching along a
slight ridge, that extended from that point to the creek below
Rangoon, took up their position there, and began entrenching
themselves all along the line. Thus the British position was now
completely surrounded; there was, however, no doubt that the main
body of the enemy was still facing the pagoda.

"We must see what they are doing," the general said. "This is too
important a point for us to allow them to erect a strongly
fortified position, close at hand."

Accordingly, Tollemache was sent down with an order to the 18th
Madras Infantry--supported by a detachment of the 13th Regiment,
under Major Sale--to advance against the enemy in the jungle. The
movements of this force were eagerly watched from the terrace of
the pagoda. At a rapid pace they crossed the intervening ground,
and a rattle of musketry broke out from the jungle as they
approached. The British made no response; but charged, with a
cheer, and were soon lost to sight in the trees. Their regular
volleys could be heard, at short intervals, above the scattered
rattle of the Burmese musketeers; and their cheers frequently rose,
loud and triumphant. In half an hour the red line emerged again
from the jungle, having destroyed the stockades the Burmese had
erected; captured several guns, a quantity of muskets, and
entrenching tools thrown away by the Burmese; and killed a large
number of the enemy.

During the day the enemy made repeated efforts to send fire rafts
down the river from above Kemmendine. These rafts were constructed
of bamboos, upon which were placed great numbers of earthenware
pots, filled with petroleum. These rafts were skilfully
constructed, and made in sections so that, when they drifted
against an anchor chain, they would divide--those on each side
swinging round, so as to envelop the ship on both sides with fire.

The sailors from the