Redoubts were therefore thrown up, pagodas and other buildings were fortified; and two complete lines of works constructed, from the great pagoda to the city, one facing east and the other west.
The post at Kemmendine was strengthened, and was supported by H.M.
sloop Sophie, a company's cruiser, and a strong division of gunboats.

The retention of this post was of great importance, as it barred the river approach to Rangoon, and prevented the enemy sending down a huge fleet of war galleys and fire rafts to attack the town, and set fire to the merchant shipping lying off it.
In the last week of November, smoke was seen to rise from many points in the forest.

Many fugitives came in from their villages, and reported that Bandoola's army were all on their way down the river; and by the end of the month some sixty thousand men, with a large train of artillery and a body of cavalry, were assembled round our position.

Of this force, thirty thousand were armed with muskets.

They had with them, too, a great number of jingals.