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The marine portion of the expeditionary army in the Rangoon

has stolen a march upon its own commander : sent to reconnoitre, it has temporarily occupied Prome, and won a victory over a land force. It is strange that a subordinate should be so much in ad- vance of his chief; but we want materials for judging of the policy • to which the venerable General commanding has adhered.

Assurances are sent home that annexation is not intended—ex-

cept by the poor people of P who ardently desire to be con- quered and annexed. The British reluctance and the Native

de-

sire are not unprecediellesi Infrian• history; and it haw often happened, curiously ealFugb, that the Natives have hatitheir way in spite of the British. •

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