Melloon, from the British Position

This aquatint was made from plate 9 of 'Views in the Burman Empire' by Captain James Kershaw. The first Anglo-Burmese war was nearing its end when Kershaw sketched this view. The Burmese considered Melun an impregnable position, and used it as a place to regroup and recover while holding peace negotiations with the British.

Kershaw wrote: "The conferences for this purpose were held in the native boat which is represented as moored alone mid-way in the river on the left of the Plate." On 19 January 1826, the period for the armistice having elapsed, Sir Archibald Campbell led his troops to attack the Burmese. Kershaw continued: "The troops destined for this service moved down to the boats, and while crossing to the assault, a heavy fire was kept up from our batteries erected near the tree in the background ... A correct and animated description of this scene and period has been fully given by Capt. Trant in his 'Two Years in Ava'."