o make him a
present in return for his civility the day before. But before we handed
the present to him, we stated our intention of dropping down the river
to reduce the two gold chatta chiefs who still held out; and that, as we
did not exactly know where their towns were situated, we wished for some
of his people to go with me. To this first proposition, after some
hesitation, he consented. We then pointed out that our men were not
accustomed to work in the sun, and were often ill; that, as we were now
friends, we wished him to allow me some of his boats to assist the ship
in the river. To this also he consented. In fine, we brought forward
our last proposition, which was, that he should supply us with six or
eight war-boats, well manned, and that we would pay the men and officers
at the same rate per day as we paid our own men; stating the sum we
would give, and that, if he was really sincere in his friendship and
goodwill, we expected not to be refused. Now, among the Burmahs who
were with him, there were many whose relations were detained to join the
army; a consultation ensued; the chief was pressed by his own people,
and, at last, gave his consent. We then presented him with the piece of
plate, upon which his eyes had constantly been turned, and he went away,
promising us that the men and boats should be alongside by daylight the
next morning.

This chief adhered to his promise, and we weighed anchor the next day,
and made sail down with the war-boats, and three or four
despatch-canoes, pulled by four or five men. These little canoes, when
put to their speed, dashed through the water at such a rate, that they
threw off from each bow one continued little fan-shaped _jet-d'eau_,
which had a very beautiful appearance, the sunbeams forming them into
rainbows. As for our Burmah force, they were at one time pulling
against the vessel sailing; at others, hanging on, and the people
climbing about the rigging, and ascending the masthead of the vessel;
but they soon all congregated to the stand of muskets, for that was the
great object of attraction. In the afternoon we had ball practice with
the small arms; and the Burmahs were, much to their delight, permitted
to fire. It is surprising how exact they were in their aims,
considering the little practice they must have had. Bad as all the
muskets are which are served out to the ships of war, I really believe
that there was not a Burmah who would not have laid dow