Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p1.djvu/437

 The deputies next asked if Sir Archibald would, in return to their being sent to him, allow two British officers to visit their commander-in-chief; adding, that such a measure would be received as an esteemed mark of his confidence in them, and a pledge of his government wishing to return to terms of peace: Sir Archibald answered, that he would, with the greatest pleasure and confidence, comply with their request; or, if it would be more acceptable, that he would meet their Prince and his party at any central place that might be pointed out betwixt the two armies. They, however, preferred the former. “I therefore,” says Sir Archibald Campbell, “selected for that complimentary mission, Lieutenant-Colonel Tidy, my Deputy-Adjutant-General; and Captain Alexander, who was present at the conference, proposed Lieutenant Smith, of H.M.S. Alligator, to accompany him – two officers of conciliating manners, and much firmness of character. They were accompanied, at my special request, by the Armenian merchant Mr. Sarkies Manook, as interpreter, a man well known and respected at the court of Ava, and one who has been of much service to me, since the opening of the last campaign.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Tidy and his naval colleague were met, when within about five miles of Meaday, by six war-boats, each carrying a chief of 500 men, with bands of music and singers. On arriving at a jetty, built expressly for their accommodation, several chiefs of a much higher rank came into their boat, and at one time they counted ten with golden chattahs, six of whom carried golden swords and drinking cups. On landing, they were conducted, by two chiefs still higher in rank, and followed by the others, with much ceremony, through a guard of about 2,000 musketeers, to a commodious house, built the same day, for their reception.

On the morning of the 11th, the British envoys were visited by the late governors of Prome and Sarrawaddy, who complimented them in the name of the Kee-Wongee, second in command of the Burman forces, and assured them of his anxiety to conclude a pacific treaty; but requested them not to urge immediate negociation, as it would be necessary to receive instructions from Prince Memia-boo, whose 