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436 CHAPTER XXV.

Settlement of the conquered Countries – Old Disputes with the Burmese – Aggressions of that People on our Territories – Declaration of War – Expedition to the Burman Empire – Capture of Rangoon – Desertion of that City by its Inhabitants – Sickness and Difficulties of the Troops – Warlike Preparations of the Burmese – Successful Attack on their Stockades by the English – Defeat of the Burmese at Kemmendine – Capture of Ten Stockades in one Day – Night Attack by the Enemy on the Shoodagon Pagoda repelled – Failure of the Enemy's Attack by Fire-rafts – Rangoon set on Fire by Incendiaries – Defeat of the Enemy at Kokeen – Advance of the British towards Prome – Failure of our first Attack on Donobew – Capture of that formidable Stockade.

The Anglo-Indian Army having returned to its respective presidencies soon after the termination of the Mahratta War, the British Government applied itself seriously to produce, for the first time for many centuries, something like order and regularity in the conquered provinces; a sacred task which was ably performed, to the great relief of the unhappy people who had so long been the victims of tyranny and oppression. Accustomed to the extremities of military violence, the inhabitants of the country, on the English first entering it, betrayed feelings of doubt and alarm. These were by some mistaken for dislike to our supremacy; but they arose only out of fear of insult or outrage, and they were speedily removed by the strict discipline preserved by our troops, whether stationary or marching. In a very short time, wherever troops or individuals moved, they were received with cordiality, as the friends and protectors of the people. To organise the country, honourable and intelligent British officers were sent into every part of it. The result has been fortunate beyond anticipation. These agents within their respective circles have not only, by their direct intercourse with all classes, established great