ppearance; one, the chief of Naputah, the town which we had passed,
which did not fire at us from the stockades, and two others down at
another large arm of the river, who had many men detained for the
service of the army if required, and who were still at open defiance.
All these three were gold chatta chiefs, that is, permitted to have a
gold umbrella carried over their heads when they appeared in public.

After waiting a certain time for these people to send in their
submission, we sent word down to the chief of Naputah, that we should
visit him the next day, threatening him with the consequences of not
complying with our request. Accordingly we weighed in the Larne, and
dropped down the river till we were abreast of the town and stockade,
which was about thirty miles distant from Bassein. Our broadside was
ready; but as we were about to fire, we perceived that boats were
manning, and in about five minutes the chief of Naputah, in his own
war-boat, accompanied by about twelve others, and a great many canoes,
pulled off from the shore and came alongside. He made his submission,
with the usual accompaniments, and we were soon very good friends. We
gave him a beautiful little brass gun, which ornamented our poop, and he
went away very well pleased. We here had an opportunity of witnessing
the dexterity with which they handle their boats. They really appeared
to be alive, they darted through the water with such rapidity. Many of
the Burmahs remained on board, examining every part of the vessel and
her equipment; and soon they were on the best of terms with the seamen
and the few troops which I had on board to assist us, for we were very
short manned. We had gained intelligence that there were some guns sunk
in a creek, about three miles from Bassein, and we had despatched a boat
to look for them, having the assurance of a chief who was at Bassein
that the people were peaceable and well-disposed. By some mistake, the
boat went up the wrong creek, and pulled many miles into the country,
without finding the spot pointed out by marks given. At night they were
at the mercy of the Burmahs, who came to them to know what they
required. The Burmahs told them that they had mistaken the creek, but
were very kind to them, giving them a good supper, and passing the night
among them, playing their marionettes. The next day they showed them
their way, and when they came to the guns, the Burmahs dived, and made
ropes fast, an