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BIRMAH, 51
considerable loss, and were obliged to retreat, as the
despatch expresses it, dispirited and ungovernable.
On returning to the attack, on the 9th of October,
with a reinforcement of European troops, the town
was found evacuated and in flames. After a series of
actions, more or less obstinate, Martaban, Tavoy, and
Tenasserim were at length reduced by the British
arms, and the whole Birman possessions eastward of
Pegu fell before the superiority of European tactics.
In Mergui, there were found 143 pieces of ordnance ;
in Martaban, 1 16 pieces. Not in one point only, but
throughout the border of this extensive dominion, the
Birmans had provided formidable means of defence.
But it was in the central provinces, and on Ava's
mighty river, the Irrawaddy, that the most effective
preparations were made for the important struggle.
In the beginning of December, the Maha Bundoola
descended the river, from Prome, with an army of
60,000 men. A series of attacks and combats now
commenced, which manifested a spirit and courage
the most determined on the part of the Birmans, and
a knowledge and skill in the Maha Bundoola, which
extorted the praise of Sir A. Campbell. Their attacks
upon the British line continued for six days. The
left wing of their army, when defeated with great
loss, merely retreated on their right, and the struggle
was renewed, till this division also was routed, with
the loss of 5000 men, and their ordnance and chattahs
(honorary standards). Still undismayed, they rallied
the remnant of this great army, and entrenched
themselves within five miles of their original position,
at the village of Corkain, to the number of about 20
or "
25,000 men, with a judgement," says the
despatch of the brigadier-general, " which would do
credit to the best-instructed engineers of the most