'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎255] (274/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAYY.
255
was aware that the creek near Akouk-toung might be made
impassable; and even by the Burmese, when, by the large force
in the neighbourhood, such means were at their command. I
therefore decided on an immediate return, with a view to pre
vent their having time to complete their preparations. I re
joined the vessels off Prome at daylight on the 10th, and com
menced the descent of the river."
The city, which was now evacuated, had been in the pos
session of the British for twenty-four hours, the Governor,
Moungwine, having fled at their approach. At ten a.m. the
squadron arrived at the entrance of ^Akouk-toung Creek, and
when about half way through, observed several large boats,
crowded with armed men. They succeeded, before our guns
could be brought to bear upon them, in reaching the opposite
bank, from which they opened a straggling fire of musketry,
but were silenced by the guns of the flotilla. The steamers
now turned round and ascended the creek again, dispersing the
enemy wherever he was to be seen, and, having brought away
five brass guns on field-piece carriages that were still in the
boats, burnt the General's state barge and a number of war
boats, with a large quantity of arms and ammunition. They
then continued the descent of the river, and were joined in the
afternoon by the 4 Pluto.' It was found that the enemy had
evacuated his trenches at Koun-oung; and, at sunset, the
flotilla was anchored off Moniew, where it was employed in
provisioning and preparing for further service.
Commander Tarleton says in his despatch of the 11th of
July:—"I should be doing injustice to every officer and man
in the little force (consisting of the 4 Medusa,' 4 Phlegethon/
'Proserpine,' 'Mahanuddy,' and three boats of the 'Fox,' and
twenty Marines, the officer commanding whom, I regret to say,
is severely wounded) if I failed to represent to you the zeal and
attention that has been shown on the service by all; without it,
I have no hesitation in saying that it could not have been
brought to a successful issue." Among the casualties of the
7th of July, were:—H.M.S. 4 Fox'—Mr. John Elliot, First-
Lieutenant Royal Marines, wounded severely; Mr. Frederick
Morgan, Assistant-Surgeon, wounded slightly. Hon. Com
pany's steamer 6 Medusa'—Mr. T. Rose Hunter, Mate, I.N.,
dangerously wounded in the right arm, which was amputated,
compelling him to proceed to England ; Mr. E. Brazier, Mate,
I.N., slightly wounded. On the 9th and 10th of July, there
were destroyed and sunk nineteen guns and nine brought
away. The Expedition was admirably conducted, and great
credit was due to all concerned. Towards the end of August,
Commander Tarleton was relieved of the command of the
Irrawaddy flotilla by Commander (now Admiral Sir Charles)