Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-09-22
From Ae Mt,o. York Gazette, Sept. 10.

peFS W thC %otn vi hpih3 "hASh w
mentioned in our last. They contain
the official accounts Of the capture OF
Arracan, from which it appears that the
affair was conducted by the South East
ern Division of the army under Briga-
dier General Morrison, c. d. The
preparations for the attack commenced
on the oath March, and if we may Judge
from the official reports, were conduct
ed with great energy and spirit up to
the time Of the capture. Many difficult
ties were encountered, owing to the en-
envy having chosen such an excellent
position, being situated on Peninsula,
protected by a broad river, whose fords
were only passable at nearly low water,
and whose banks were not only steep,
but were covered with sharp stakes
The final attack was made at night, and
the enemy's stockade was gained with
out single man being killed, and with
only few slightly wounded. The
Burmese troops amounted to about TO-
600 men, under Atown Mungza, and
were nearly annihilated-the report
stating that it was more than probable
that not 1000 would reach Ava, and
not even then but by the permission OF
the Governor General. Little or no.
thing of value was found in Arracan,
and it was supposed that they had eth
er secreted or carried off their valua-
bles.
ltappears, however, that the British
arms were not. successful in every in
stance, as the papers contain unfavor-
able accounts from Rangoon. The di-
vision under Sir Archibald Campbell
reached Sarave on the Irawuddy (ll2
miles distant from Rangoon) on the
Sd March, and eight days march from
Prone, whittier he was destined, with
out losing a man. Itwas the intention
of the commander of the forces to halt
at this place, until he could commune
cate with Brigadier General Cotton,
of whose operations subsequent TO the
capture Of Palang, no accounts had
been received at Head Quarters down
to the 4th of March.
The following account Of the defeat
of Brigadier General Cotton is given
in the Calcutta Government Gazette Of
April a.
"Brigadier General Cotton attacked
the enemy's position at Donabew OH
the 9Th inst. at Pagoda, which was
carried with loss to the enemy Of 400
killed, wounded and prisoners. The
second stockade, distant from the fort
500 yards, was then cannonaded and
attacked. This attempt proved un-
successful, and the Brigadier General
finding that his force was not strong
enough to carry the main stockade,
even had he taken the second) and be-
ing exposed to heavy fire, judged it
prudent to embark the troops, and drop
down four miles below Donabew until
reinforced. Our loss was heavy on
the occasion, amounting TO 100 killed
and wounded, including in the former
Captains Rose and Cannon, of H. Nj.
89th."
A subsequent account from Rangoon
of The 30th March states, that General
Cotton had been repeatedly attacked in
the position TO which he retreated after
the affair % Donabew. The enemy's
war boats had become formidable, and
it was not deemed prudent 20 trust the
steam vessel too near them, as her cap.
ture or destruction would be severely
felt. Donabew is said to be the strong.
est hold in the Burman empire, being
circumvallated with three intrenched
stockades, and in the approach to it
there were TWO others.
The letter which gives the foregoing
particulars of the attacks on General
Cotton, adds, "By some mistake the
main army under Sir Archibald passed
Donabew 40 or so miles, before they
were aware of it, and the enemy be-
tween himself and the Brigadier; but
on his finding he did not join hin, he
has fallen back to his assistance, where
report says he has arrived, and we are
now waiting the result. Some say a
grand attempt is meditated by bonn
harding it with the whole Of the heavy
guns and mortars; others say he will
attempt it by sacking."
The attack on the Donabew was ex-
pected to be very obstinate. The Eng
lish soldiers were very eager to attack
them, and would take few prisoners, as
the barbarians, as they are called, had
dug up the English who had been kill
ed, and having mutilated the bodies,
fixed them on RATS and set them adrift
among the English vessels.
Bassein was taken possession of on
the 4th of March, without opposition;
the Burmans driving away the popula.
ton, and retiring after setting fire 10
the town and destroying five ships
which they had there.
A letter from the District of Par
neah, dated March 90, says, "Our Indi-
go prospects are far from promising,
owing to the refractory state fthe Ry.
ofc which ra,da,e - IL.