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BIRMAH. 181
jects into the sea as a bastion. The town continues
to run in an angle from the pagoda for at least a
mile, terminating at the house of the maywoon, close
to a stockade which extends up the hill. The rear of
the town and works was protected by a thick jungle
and large trees. The enemy suffered the British to
reconnoitre without molestation. On the next day
(the 30th), after a heavy cannonade during the night,
the British troops stormed the rock on which the bat-
tery was placed ;
it was bravely carried, and the re-
maining works were soon cleared. The enemy fled at
the approach of our troops, rushing into the water and
the jungle by hundreds, under a destructive fire. The
town was found deserted, all the property having
been carefully carried off. A considerable number of
prisoners, however, were taken, together with 116
pieces of cannon, mostly wall-pieces. The capture of
Martaban was followed by the voluntary submission
of Tenasserim, and the town and province of Yeah ;
Tavoy and Mergui had previously surrendered ;
* and
thus, the whole Birman coast, from Rangoon east-
ward, was reduced to British authority.
The coast of Tenasserim originally formed part of
the dominions of Siam, but was ceded in 1793 to
Birmah. Mergui is situated about six miles up the
Tenasserim river, in lat. 19 12' N., long. 98 24' E.
This river, like all others in this part, has a bar, but
vessels of moderate size can cross it, and the port is
said to be very commodious : the largest ships can
anchor in the roads. The English had a factory here
in 1687, and were much esteemed. A number of
Mohammedans are settled here, and some Romish
* An expedition sailed from Rangoon on the 20th August,
under Lieut.-col.
valuable ports.
Miles, which soon gained possession of these