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Rh CHAPTER XXVI.

Exertions of the Burmese to retrieve their Losses – Successful Operations of our Army and Navy – The whole advance upon Prome – Attempt to retard their Progress by Negotiation – The Anglo-Indian Army takes possession of Prome – Devastation of the Country by the Burmese – Return of the Inhabitants to Prome – Their Confidence in the British – Fruitless Negotiations – Hostilities resumed – Failure of an Attack on the Enemy – Combined Naval and Military Victory at Napadee – The British advance on Melloon – Dreadful State of the Country – False Treaty signed by the Burmese Commanders – The British attack and carry the Stockade of Melloon – Final Defeat and Dispersion of the Burmese Army at Pagahm-mew – Submission of the King of Ava – Treaty of Peace.

The overweening confidence of the Burmese Court, which was at the very highest point when the war commenced, had been for some time rapidly declining, and almost the last spark of pride and presumption was extinguished by the fall of Donobew and the death of Bundoola. It was confessed openly at Ava, and in the very face of the "fortunate Lord of the White Elephants," that the Burmese were inferior to our European troops, and could not withstand them; and that to break the lines of the British, or to arrest their advance in action, was an utter impossibility. A new chief was, however, invited to Court, and, with great reluctance on his part, honoured with the command of the forces, while every nerve was strained to recruit the army and to restore its former self-confidence: it was at the same time resolved to amuse the English commanders, and delay their approach, by pretending a readiness to treat with them.

Meanwhile other successes had crowned our arms. Major Sale, with a small detachment, had entered the Irawaddi by another of its mouths, cleared and destroyed several stockades, and captured the town of Bassein.