Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-01-07
FROM CALCUTTA.

Z
BELL dated at Rangoon on the 1th, in which he
relates the operations of the army for the precc-
ding month. We extract from il some of the
most important parts.
SINCE had the honour of addressing YOU on
the 18th ult. we have had several partial affairs
WIN tae enemy, except in one instance, invari-
ably Sought for on our part, and all ending in
the same brilliant manner, that has hitherto
marked the gallant and intrepid conduct of the
troops under my command. About the end of
last month, it was stated to me BY some prison.
crs OF war, and corroborated by few Rangoon
people, who had escaped from the Jungle, that
the Burmese Chief had received positive orders
from court to make general attack upon our
line, and drive us ut once out OF the countrv.-
Every movement OF the enemy plainly indicated
that something was intended: large bodies of
troops were for two successive DAYS, seen cross
ing The river above Kcmundine, from the DIAL
lab to the Rangoon side, aud felt the more in
chned TO give credit TO the report from being
well aware, that had any such order been re-
oeived by the Burman General, certain disgrace,
or even dccapitation would be the inevitable
consequence ofhiS dsobeyng it. On the morn
ing of the first instant, every doubt Oh the sub
Ject was removed.
The letter goes on TO give a partcula ac-
count of an attack made by the Burmese troops,
SAID to amount TO $4,000 men, which was re-
pulsed with ease, and the enemy dispersed On
the I'd of July party of the enemy entered the
town of Dallah, attacked the British troops and
killed an officer, Capt Isaack. The despatch
proceeds:
Ninle the enemy abstained from converting
their town to the purpose of annoying US, | also
respected and afforded il every protection, al
though uninhabitod by one individual; but when
they thought proper to make ii mighty scene
OF savage warfare, RACED it to the ground.
Numerous renlorcemcnts daily Joined the
enemy's army in our front, thing much 10 be
desired, as tending to increase the distress and
discomfort already prevailing in their lines, and
having observed disposition TO recross part Of
their force To the Dailah side of the river, de-
tcrmlned on the 9th inst. to make as general an
attack as the very woody and inundated state of
the country would possibly admit of For that
purpose formed tile force to be employed into
two columns of attack; one proceeding by land
under the command OF that excellent and indie
fatigablc officer, Brgadicr General NIBean, for
tire purpose of surrounding the enemy on the
land side, While with the other proceeded b\
water to attack their Stockade position, along.
the Banks of the River in front
These operations were entirely successful, and
the result is thus stated in the despatch.
Ten Stockades were thus taken from the enc
my IN ono day. and upwards Of (300) eight hum
drci o! his best troops We're left dead on the
s'round:-23 pieces OF Artillery, 40 Swivels and
800 muszrts were also captured, loss of no
small Importance, VIXEN fire arms arc SO scarce
Three oftiIe cnrm,'5 chiefs whose names are
not yet known, were fonnd among the dead
The Chief destruction Of inc enemy was by the
land column.
OS- loss has been comparatively small
rank and ii!c killed; captain aud So rank and
HE wounded BOS. Duty .4efU.
Jult
we are concerned to learn that the pirates
have again made their appearance in our neigh
bonrhood. The schr. Little Macpuecn on her
voyage from Singapore 10 Batavia, Tell in with a
piratical prahu off the second point in the straits
OF Banca. The strength Of large prahu, well
armed and pulling about 60 oars was so much
superior 10 any resistance wnt II small vessel
oil not more than re tons with few hands could
offer, that seeking safely in eight, presented the
only means for escape. The pirate Immediate
~ gave chase and making fast up with the schr
whIlc close hauled, they were obliged to bear
away before the wind and return TO Singapore
The schr. IN returning, encountered a strong
band OF pirates at anchor in the Straits of Dry
an. She unfortunately got aground upon n
reef, IN endeavouring to avoid them, which be-
ing observed by the pirates the whole squadron
immediately weighed anchor and prepared for
attack, making no doubt sure their prize. now
T..
6 in number, with considerable difficulty sue
ceededin getting her aaoat before the pirates
had got within gun shot, and being luckily favor
ed with Il strong monsoon, size soon rot beyond
the reach OF tic prahus, who continued the pur-
suit TO a considerable distance. Captain Thorn
ton of the schr. informs us chat the number oil
prahus which were seen together was not less
tiian %, all of these apparently we'll armed and
manned. The flag shown by the chief of them
was of dark red color with black border
The court met tins morning pursuant TO no
tlce, but in consequence of the illness of Sir 4,
Butler, and the general sickness which prevent
ed tic attendance of the witnesses subpenaeC
in the several causcs, was again adjourned unit
Monday next. 1t was mentioned in the cour
III the course Of conversation ON tue subject that
not less than seyen-tontlIs of the native popula
tiCn arc afflicted with the prevailing epiIcnic
AMI HAT three hundred of the persons EMPLOYED
in the Mint, are unable to attend to their duties
MIR. Dawson, the Commander of the Samuel
has brought with him this voyage black native
woman, With q child two years old. She had
been taken by the American ship General Gates
from Kangaroo Island, ami LETT on the South
Cape Of Ncw-Icaland, with gang Of sealers
After these men had been there some short time
ahoardoftlIa sayagcs came upon them, and near.
ly nlassacred all tho party. The poor native
with her little one, took shelter under a rock
tili the New Icaanjcrs left the spot. For eight
months the mother and Child lived without fire
GA birds and seal They arc vet on board the
Samuel, and were in good health when rescued
by Mr. Dawson from danger.
1t appears by statements on The subject from au-
thentic sources Of ulospatou, that the commissions
crs appointed by Tive gdYcrnmcu to explore ie line
of water communication between the Potomac nd
and Ohin rvers cnnelnnlntcd AZ dir -.,..,1 l.. ...