The Express.
London, England, 1852-08-21 00:00:00

command of Major Cotton. and I have the honour to re.
quest you may be pleased to lay Commander T,ri,t0..4
report of proceedings before the Governor-Generd.
I enclose a list of killed and wounded in the naval force.
I have. &e

V. It. LAM/lEla, Commodore.
Commander Tarleton, It N. to Commodore I..nbert,
R.N. Commanding the Naval Fortes al Rangoon.
Her Majesty's Ship Fox, Rangoon, June s,
Sir,-1 have the honour VI inform you that, in mor.ukauei
of your orders, 1 proeteded,on the Molllllllg of the :ird
with the boats expreased below,• to the Els! India
pany' steamer Plahmetlion, which vessel having ena,,,ked
013 men, Bengal Native Infantry Ride compane, st,tioir
Cotton commanding detachment; 100 nava, hvr
linth Regiment, Captain Os inshy ; 30 men, S'o.pi r• and
i Miners of the Madras division, Lieutenant "id,,ek,„t.sh;
Lieutenant Mayne, lAavistant Engineer; I;gl,t,e Liter,
interpreter to the Lieutenant-Utneral e. mivanding the
forces, also accompanied us.

We proceeded up the Pegu river, as far as the illooo of
Peinkeeng, which we reached a before 8 p.m. it being
then high water. The stream ).,seemingnum,
and shallow at this point, J. did not deem it prudent to
amend it further, and tho'refore arranged with Major Colt%
fur proceeding with 11,:e detachment in the hoots, out the
next 'food tide, wh' ch I looked for about 2 a.m., but the
ebb tan for 0I :lours, so that we could not leave the
steamer hi for., 4.30 a.m. on the 4th. At l'einkeong, Captain
Latter obt..ned information that a large number of Peewit
had plat themselves under the direction of one of their
couni-eymen named Idotingta ; that they liail assembled
00 the right bank of the river, where the day previous they
aad keen engaged with a body of men under Moungyawik,
the Berman Governor of l'egu. Ily the villagers' account,
the latter had been worsted, and bail retir, d in the three-
tiou of Z.ingauain. situated on the riser hank, mirnediettly
opposite regu. When within about five mils of this place,
the chief, Moungta, came off to the boats. and confirmed
the reports which had been previously received; his force,
coasisting of about 1,1100 men (imperfectly armed), lined
the right bank of the river, and advanced with the boats.
From his communication with Meunata, Captain Latter
was satisfied that the enemy's chief strength lay on the
right blink. Major Cotton therefore decided on landing
his detachment on that side, while I proceeded with the
boats (as soon as the men were disembarked), ti co-operate
on his right flank. The river at this pima is not more
than sixty yards wide ; the present village of l'egu stands
on the left bank, which is steep and muddy below high
*
water mark. About a quarter of a mile, in the rear of the
houses, there is a broad ditch, the ledtom of which,
at this season, is a swamp ; it runs along the west face
of the old wall of l'egu, for the distance of two or
three miles ; the wall has been originally built of brick. and
the top (which may be 20 feet above the bottom of the
ditch), is now covered with jungle. The village of Zan-
gauairs., ma I before mentioned, stands imin,liately opposite;
it poaecases a small pagoda, and is surrounded by a low
growth of jungle.

I had proceeded a short distance in the boats, when a
I sharp fire of musketry was opened upon us from the Peeps
side. Feeling the disadvantage we labour d under by Ia ing
1 underneath the enemy's fire, with no effectual means of re-
turning it, I at once landed with the boats' crews of her Ma-
i esty's ship Fox, and was shortly after joined by Capt. Neblett
and boats' crews of the l'hleeetlion, (as lielow),t in all
about 60 men. The Burmese fired upon us as we advanced,
but were driven from point to point, until completely broken,
one party retreating by the river's aide to the northward,
and the other within the old wall before mentioned. Oar
object being attained, I was retiring he close order to the
boats, when a fire of gi agate and mu•ke try was opened upon us
from the wall ; deeming it unwise to permit the Burmese
to suppose we had retr eted from torn, I instantly en-
gaged a native guide to show us the causeway through the
ditch, and then advanced to the aquck. Wo halted a few
accords to gain breath, under shelter of an old how." ; then
rushed in over the causeway, and through a breach to the
right of the gateway. On getting over the wall, we found
ourselves among some fine trees, free from underwood;
behind these the enemy stood with great resolution, until
they were (in many instances), driven out by the
bayonet ; the defect in their firing was here very
observable, as their shot, :in most cases, struck the
branches above our beads. We pushed them through totho
plain beyond, when they broke and flesh, leaving many dead;
their number engaged might probably have been lOU MO,
and they also had a reserve of about 200 more (commanded by
officers on horseback), beyond the reach of musketry. The
whole party retired within the Great Pagoda, about a mile
and a half to the eastward. lam glad to say that th;s ser-
vice was performed with only one casualty on our side, one
man having received a severe sword•cut to a personal en-
counter.

Information was now brought me that oar boats had
been attacked by another party of the enemy from the
southward ; I accerdingly hastened down to their relief,
and happily found them safe. Mr. M'Murda, mate of her
Majesty's ship Fox, who hail been left with a few men in
charge, reported that a very heavy tire had been opened
upon them, to which he had endeavoured to reply with the
pinnace's gun and small arm party, but the water was too
ow to do this with effect, and haling one man killed,
and two wounded, he joiliciowily removed the remainder
to the right bank, sending an application to Major Cotton
for support. A party of rifles returning fortunately met
, the messenger, and coming on with all speed, took up a po-
sition en the river side, from which they kept up SO true
and incessant a fire across the water that the enemy were
compelled to abandon their attempt, and, on our approach,
to retreat. Major Cotton, having overcome all opposi-
tion on the opposite side, now crossed over with his detach-
, meat.

On a consultation with him, it was determined to wait
until three p.m. before we should advance to attack the
Great Yagoda, the men being absolutely in need of repels
after so much fatigue under a burning sun. The rifle com-
pany of the 67th was, therefore, bivouacked in the wood
within the wall, her Majesty's 80th Regiment on 'he river
face, and the seamen returned to their boots. At 2 p.m.
the alarm bugle was sounded, and on my loading I disco-
vered that the Burmese had issued from the pagoda in con-
siderable strength, with the evidect intention of attacking
us. The troops lost not a moment in getting under arms,
and the Kamen. (see detail below) came on shore.
The enemy fall hack on our advance, a movement he ap-
peared to have so little expected that many of his men were
unable to regain their position in time to defend it, and
those who did were so taken by surprise that their lire was
ineffectual, and their four guns, which pointed down the
steps leading up to the gateway, were fund loaded by her
Majesty's 80th, who gallantly led the assault ; and this natu-
rally strong place was happily carried without a casualty on
our side.

I returned with the seamen to the boats, as soon as the
pagoda was in our possession ; embarked the detschrsent
at noon 30th; on the Gth reached the steamer, at Fein-
keong, at 6 p.m. ; she weighed on her return at S 4.M.; on
the 7th, at noon, she took the ground, and, as the tide was
ebbing, and there was no possibility of her moving (or
several hours, I ordered the Fox's boats to take the came
with the camp followers in tow ; I prised them in the gig,
and arrived on board her Majesty's ship Fox at 3 a.m. on
the Bth.

I haye the honour to enclose the following li.t of
casualties .—Her Majesty's chip Fox.-3 seamen wounded.
East India Company's steamer 4.211110 a
killed.

beg leave to add that the conduct of both officers ma
men under my orders have been most t zemplary, and t 4
represent to you the valuable assistance and eo•operstton I
received on all occasions from Cupt.tin "fallen, commander
of the East India Company's steamer Phlegethon.—Your,
de., 1. W. TAILLETOX.
List of Men, belonging to the Novel Forces, killed sad
wounded during the action at Pegs', on the ith June, WI
—Her Majesty's ship Fox Andrew Walker, A. 8.,
wounded severely ; incised wound of right should, r, from
a sword cut. Henry Ingram, ordinary. wounded slightly;
superficial wound of the right shoulder, from a musket
ball. John Taylor, A. 8., wounded ‘lightly . grarc of the
right leg, from a musket ball. E.,st India Commis
steamer rhlegethon : James Shields, killed.

• Het Moja*ty'n thin Pos.—Launch. Mr. M'Murdo. mate
Loon% mldasiptrian ; emir, 15 mat —Pumice. Mr. Copland, mew;
Mr. Hudson, midahipman ; it,., 15 men. Mr. Cotten;
crew, 6 min.—Cutters. Mr. Alexander, Mr. Lisboa; mew, 9 are
dab. —Mr. Morgan, usistant-ouritrou, her Majnity.• Our Kn.—
ESA India Company's ateamer Miami/Fur. Mr. IWdins ; crew. or
tams, in paddle.bos beats.—.l large came, tilted bur the inoveyanct
the e imp followers.
+:3laat India Company's steamer Th!eie that. Two cutters.
Memo. T. M. Mille, 3rd omeer ; C. C. Perrnoakro, was' .ral.D.
mew, 22 men.
3 liar Majeaty's ship Pos.—Officer., Mr. M`Munlo, matc. W.
Hudson and Mr. LUC., Midahipmen ; 34 men.
East India Cucupany'a steamer Phlegetbus.—Captsin Nebleu 22
wino.

DURUM.: AGRICULTURAL Se tIITv. —SI
LAND, Tut t• its',Ay AS-mm.o:4.—T he eleventh anneal
meeting of the Durham County Agrie•ultural Snell tr. has
been held in this town the last two days. Vest. rdsy after-
noon there was a trial of reaping madlines in a ti.ld Wove-
ins to Mr. Joseph Dunn, near 16.1.. t. Baths. M
mouth, in the presence of Mr. George Hudson. M P the
Mayor of Sunderland, Colonel Beeksorth, and a number
of agricultutista. There were five entries of martini,
M'Cormick's ; Iluseey'a, improved by Crosskill et Bev. rley
lluseey'a, improved by Palmer of Stockton. and Russel ••
improved by Rttrick of Bishopweannouth. Some rain had
fallen during the night; the crop of corn was heavy. and
good deal laid by the wet. The eepehilities of the sr
chines were well tested, and the opinion of all present Ivo
in favour of M'Connick'a, to which the prize of lift was
accordingly given. Mr. Hudson, who watched the °per*•
lions of the machine with great interest, rare Mr. M'Cor-
mirk an order for one of his machines. Ott Will*
nesday evening the council dinner was held '
the Crown and Sceptre Hotel. After which the eempasf
adjourned to the Atheneum, where an interesting diem&
MO on the rotation of crops was introduced h Protemv
J. F. W. Johnstone, of Durham University. It wv kept
up with much spirit by the farmers resent. io,lsy tbs
show of stock and implements was p
in the Grange Pea.
lying outside Ilishopweartnoath. The *how of implemests
and horses was very good, of cattle and sheep not so good.
There was an excellent show of poultry. In the same pork
there, was an extensive horticultural exhibition on behalf
of the Sunderland Infirmary. There sere two military
bands present, and a large attendunee of visitors It Mtk
the agricultural and horticultural exhibitions. The Sir*
dinner of the eaciety will be held in the Athenmum the
evening. Mr. George Hudson, M.l'. in the chair. Mr
John Palmer, of Stockton; Mr. Arthur Ettrick, of Sandel-
-1 land; Messrs. Gibson and Richardson, of Newc.e.tle; Mr.
I Geo. Liddell, of Sherburn ; Messrs. C. and W. 1:o I...rdssh
of Sunderland ; Messrs. to doer, of lloughtond...
land the Marquis of Londonderry were the successful cow
I petitare for agricultural implements.