The enemy, before commencing the assault on the city, laid waste the surrounding country. They were certain of finding means of subsistance on the land they had recently seized, and, their policy of destruction was in order to compel the submission of the Siamese through famine. One of their parties extended its ravages up to the city gates. Bangkok, a fortress which had been defended, was destroyed, and the gardens laid waste. A college established by the Missionaries in the vicinity was razed to the ground, and, after this attack, they retreated hurriedly to join the main part of the army and their departure caused a momentary suspension of hostilities. At this juncture, two English ships arrived. The captain presented the King with an Arab horse, a lion, and some valuable merchandise. The captain whose name was Pauni, had on several occasions proved himself a brave man. The King who had more confidence in his courage and his ability than in his cowardly and effeminate followers begged him to take charge of the defence of the city. But the Englishman, convinced that a craven race would prove but poor seconds, declined the honour of the post and the example of the Dutch, who had retired, strengthened his decision not to accept it. The Dutch would not have abandoned their compound in which they had stored much valuable property, had they believed that the Siamese were capable of assisting in the common defence. The captain was uncertain how to act, when suddenly he found himself the object of an attack by the Burmese, who having captured Bangkok were preparing to bombard him. The brave Englishman, too weak to offer a defence and too high spirited to surrender, wisely decided to tow his ships to the spot which the Burmese were attempting to fortify. His artillery fire destroyed their position and scattered death broadcast in their ranks. The Englishmen protected by their guns were able to bid defiance to the Burmese attack. Their pride was wounded by remaining quiet on ship-board, and, eager to punish their assailants, they made several sorties, and their well planned attacks on the undisciplined foe, caused wholesale slaughter.