Battle of Malun
| Battle of Malun | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part of Gurkha War | ||
| Date: | 19 January 1826 | |
| Location: | Melun, Burma | |
| Presidency: | Madras | |
| Co-ordinates: | 20.238615°N 93.394331°E | |
| Result: | British victory | |
| Combatants | ||
| East India Company | Burmese | |
| Commanders | ||
| Brig Gen Sir Archibald Campbell | ||
| Strength | ||
| Casualties | ||
Autumn 1825 – Spring 1826
On September 17, an armistice was concluded for one month. In the course of the summer General Joseph Morrison had conquered the province of Arakan; in the north the Burmese were expelled from Assam; and the British had made some progress in Cachar, though their advance was finally impeded by the thick forests and jungle.
The armistice having expired on November 3, 1825 the army of Ava, amounting to 60,000 men, advanced in three divisions against the British position at Prome, which was defended by 3,000 Europeans and 2,000 native troops. But the British still triumphed, and after several actions, in which the Burmese were the assailants and were partially successful, Campbell, on December 1, attacked the different divisions of their army, and successively drove them from all their positions, and dispersed them in every direction. The Burmese retired on Malun , along the course of the Irrawaddy, where they occupied, with 10,000 or 12,000 men, a series of strongly fortified heights and a formidable stockade. On December 26, they sent a flag of truce to the British camp; and negotiations having commenced, peace was proposed to them on the following conditions:
The cession of Arakan, together with the provinces of Mergui, Tavoy and Ye. The renunciation by the Burmese sovereign of all claims upon Assam and the contiguous petty states. The British East India Company to be paid a crore of rupees as an indemnity for the expenses of the war. Residents from each court of the Company to be allowed, with an escort of fifty men. British ships should no longer be obliged to unship their rudders and land their guns as formerly in the Burmese ports. This treaty was agreed to and signed, but the ratification of the King was still wanting; and it was soon apparent that the Burmese had no intention to sign it, but were preparing to renew the contest. Accordingly, Campbell attacked and carried the enemy's position at Malun on January 19, 1826. Another offer of peace was here made by the Burmese, but it was found to be insincere; and the fugitive army made at the ancient city of Pagan a final stand in defence of the capital. They were attacked and overthrown on February 9; and the invading force being now within four days' march of Ava.
Dr Price, an American missionary, who with other Europeans had been thrown into prison when the war commenced, was sent to the British camp with the treaty (known as the Treaty of Yandaboo, signed on February 24, 1826) ratified, the prisoners of war released, and an instalment of 25 lakhs of rupees. The war was thus brought to a successful termination, and the British army evacuated the country.
Fact-Archive.com - Action at Malun