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156 BIRMAH.
labour must have been bestowed upon it. "Indeed,
both in materials and workmanship," adds General
Sir A. Campbell in his despatch, "it surpasses any
thing we have hitherto seen in this country."* The
place was, nevertheless, evacuated by night on the
advance of the British troops apparently in confusion,
as above 100 pieces of artillery were found in the
works, and extensive granaries well filled with corn.
Either by accident or through design, the town was on
fire when our troops entered it; one whole quarter was
reduced to ashes, and much grain destroyed, before it
could be got under.f
About five miles from Prome, in a southerly direc-
tion, there are remains of a still more ancient city,
called by Col. Symes Yaettee, by Capt. Cox written
Therai-Kittra, which, some centuries ago, was the
capital of a dynasty of Peguan kings. A level road,
* Col. Symes mentions the ruins of an ancient fort at the upper
end of the
"
city, a small pentagon built of brick, which, from its
situation, must have been very strong. The modern fort," he
adds, " is nothing more than a palisadoed enclosure, with earth
thrown up behind it. '
But this was thirty years ago. These
stockades have been found no contemptible defence.
t From subsequent accounts, it would seem to have been intentionally
set on
"
fire. It has been proved to me beyond a doubt,"
writes Sir A. Campbell, " that strong reinforcements and thirty
pieces of cannon were within a short march of Prome, when I took
possession of it. These troops have now very generally dispersed.
Prince Sarawuddy is retiring direct upon the capital, with the
remnant of his people. Desolation marks his track, and the
merest cottage does not escape the incendiary's torch. Prompt and
decisive measures alone saved Prome from the general conflagration,
and its inhabitants from a wretched fate The inhabitants
are coming in in great numbers, and even chiefs of towns and vil-
lages are now suing for passes of protection. They appear highly
delighted at being relieved from a state of oppressive tyranny, that
either compelled them to take up arms in a hopeless cause, or
drove them into the jungles, with their families, to lead a life of
wretchedness." Asiat. Journal, vol. xx. p. 684.