The services of the flank companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH being no longer required, they were relieved by the Ceylon corps, and marched to Badula, where, in garrison orders, dated the 19th of November, the following order appeared:--“Colonel McDonell performs a pleasing duty in bearing his public testimony of his entire approbation of the good conduct and patience, which, (under so many trying difficulties,) have distinguished the detachment of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment. He requests Captain Creagh will be pleased to convey to the officers and men, his unqualified thanks for their services, &c., &c.” From Badula the two flank companies, reduced to five officers, two serjeants, two drummers, and sixty-six rank and file, commenced their march on the 20th of November; the periodical rains had set in, and the rivers were so full and rapid, that much difficulty was experienced. On arriving at Kataboa, Captain Ritchie’s detachment was found nearly annihilated. At this place an elephant was procured, to convey the stores and men across the rivers; and the march was continued to Chinna Kandy, where the military establishment was found in a state of ruin. Lieutenant Robinson had left the post sick,--the three serjeants had died,--the defences were destroyed by the wild elephants,--the building containing the provisions was washed away by the rains, and the few surviving men were unable to move: with much difficulty a small supply was recovered from the wreck, for the use of the detachment. From these statements, some idea may be formed of the vicissitudes of actual service, the casualties of climate, the privations and sufferings which chequer the career of those who embrace the military profession, and the sacrifice of valuable life by which colonial possessions are acquired and retained, and many national benefits obtained and preserved[11]. After a march of ten days, exposed to almost incessant rain, the flank companies arrived at Mandoor, where they halted forty-eight hours to recover, and afterwards sailed down the lake to Batticoloe, from whence they were directed to march, through a low flat country almost covered with water, to Trincomalee, instead of proceeding thither by sea, as had been expected.