Houses and pagodas alike had been turned into quarters for the troops, and had been invaluable during the wet season.
The terrace of the great pagoda was occupied by the 89th Regiment and the Madras Artillery.

This was the most advanced position, and was the key of the defence.

Leaving his horse in charge of his syce, at the foot of the pagoda hill, Stanley went up to the terrace and soon entered into conversation with some of the British officers; who at once recognized him as having been, that morning, put in orders as the general's aide-de-camp.

As he was unknown to everyone, and no ship had come in for some days, there was naturally much curiosity felt as to who the stranger was who had been appointed to a commission, and to the coveted post of aide-de-camp, in one day.
After chatting for two or three minutes, they conducted Stanley to the colonel's quarters, a small building at the foot of the pagoda.
"This is Mr.Brooke, Colonel, the gentleman who was gazetted to us, this morning." "I am glad to see you, Mr.Brooke; but I should be more glad, still, if you had been coming to join, for we have lost several officers from sickness, and there are others unfit for duty.

When did you arrive ?" "I arrived only yesterday morning, sir.