ce of the Burmese works, and exposed to the
concentrated fire of the enemy. They were divided into four
brigades; the first of which--consisting of the 13th and 38th
Regiments, under Lieutenant Colonel Sale--were to land below the
stockade, and to attack its south-western angle; while the other
three brigades were to land above it, to carry some outworks there,
and to attack the northern face.

A strong northerly wind, and the violent current, prevented the
assaults being made simultaneously. The first brigade was carried
too far across and, as it passed the stockade, was exposed to the
fire of the guns and musketry of the river defences; while the
three other brigades were unable, for some time, to reach their
intended landing places. Colonel Sale was among those wounded by
the Burmese fire but, directly the first brigade reached the shore,
they formed up under the partial cover of a shelving bank and, led
by Lieutenant Colonel Frith, moved forward to the assault in
admirable order. When within a short distance there was a forward
rush, in spite of the storm of shot. The ladder party gained the
foot of the stockade and, placing the ladders, climbed up, and
leapt down among the surging crowd of the enemy. Others followed
and, soon, a firm footing was obtained in the works. Then the men
of the two regiments--whose total strength did not exceed five
hundred--advanced steadily, drove before them some 10,000 armed
men, and expelled them from the works that the Burmese had deemed
impregnable.

While this was going on, the other three brigades had landed above
the stockade and, now falling upon the enemy as they poured out
from their works, completed their defeat. All the stockades were
carried, and the whole of the artillery and stores fell into our
possession.

Four days later, the army again began its advance. They were met by
four Englishmen, who had been taken prisoners; and an American, who
had also been held in confinement. These had been sent to assure
the English general that the king was in earnest in his desire for
peace. It was but too evident, however, that no confidence could be
placed in Burmese negotiations; and it was, moreover, known that
another army was being assembled, in the greatest haste, to bar the
advance.

On the 14th of February the British reached Pakang-Yay, having
passed Sembeughewn on the opposite shore. This was the point where
the road from Aracan reached the Irrawaddy, and it had been