The capture of Martaban and Rangoon is creditable to the
British commanders and the soldiers and sailors they lead. The Burmese, however, appear to have improved materially in military skill and efficiency since the last war. Martaban—an outpost run up to keep watch on our settlement at Moulmein—fell an easy prey; but there was hard fighting at Rangoon, and had not the native defences been turned instead of being assaulted in front, the result might have been less fortunate. The Bur- mese have shown a want of readiness in altering their defen- sive arrangements to meet an unforeseen emergency; but it is clear that their resources are considerable, and there are no signs of their being dispirited under their first defeat. Of course they are no match for the British ; but if they can only procrastinate their defence, as cholera has already appeared among our troops, and as unwounded officers are recorded to have perished on the battle-field by coups-de-soleil, the elements will fight for them. It would seem the wisest policy to push on to the interior ; though even with such a course it is uncertain whether any of the peopled districts will not be found equally unhealthy.
