rade was also carried on from thence
with India and the remotest regions of the world. Similar pleasing
features were unfolded in the Society Islands and the Sandwich Isles; in
the former of these Christianity was established. In New Zealand, also,
there was a marked improvement in the manners of the natives: they began
to eat potatoes, which they derived from trafficking with New South
Wales, instead of human flesh. These improvements were the elements of a
new order of things, to be developed fully in the lapse of time.

EAST INDIA AFFAIRS.

During this year a serious war broke out between the East India Company
and the Burmese sovereign. For some years a misunderstanding had existed
between the two powers, arising from a mutual claim to the countries of
Chittagong and Dacca, Moorshedabad and Cassimbazar. These, the Burmese
monarch said, did not belong to India; and on several occasions he had
demanded them of the company, threatening to destroy their country if
the revenues were not given up. It was the Rajah of Ramere who actually
laid claim to them; but he could do nothing without the aid of
the Burmese king; and the latter took up his quarrel. Under the
administration of Lord Teignmouth and Lord Hastings various petty
encounters with the Burmese troops had been sustained, as well as
with other predatory hordes of India. The contest between the British
government and the Burmese empire did not actually commence till
the present year. The Burmese forces had advanced for the purpose of
restoring the deposed Rajah of Cachar, who had sought refuge in the
Burmese dominions, and whose successor was supported by the British. For
this and other acts committed by the Burmese sovereign, it was resolved
to chastise him. Early in this year orders were given for equipping a
force of about six thousand men at the presidencies of Forts William
and St. George; and the two divisions were directed to assemble at Port
Cornwallis, in the Great Andaman island, whence the combined forces
were to proceed to attack Rangoon, the principal seaport in the Burmese
territories. The command was given to Major-general Sir Archibald
Campbell; and the total number of troops under him was 8,071, about half
being British. The expedition put to sea on the 5th of May, at Calcutta;
and a part of the force was detached, under General McCreagh, against
the island of Cheduba, and another, under Major Wahab, against Negrais.
The rest of the fleet sa