a town in the Burmese territory, formerly included within the possessions of the sovereign of Ava, but now belonging to the British. It is the chief place of a district of the same name, and forms part of the province or kingdom (for such it once was) of Pegu, recently incorporated by the British Government with the dominions under its administration. Bassein is seated on one of the channels by which the great river Irawaddy finds its way to the sea; which from its divergence down to the town, is called Bassein River, and subsequently the Negrals. In the first war with Burmah (carried on under the government of Lord Amherst), this place was taken without opposition; the governor having abandoned the town and burnt it on the approach of the British force. In 1852 its capture was again sought and was obtained, but not without a struggle. On the 17th May in that year, a military force of between 700 and 800 men, with some seamen of one of H. M. ships, embarked on board several steamers at Rangoon, and proceeded up the river to Bassein, abreast of which place the squadron anchored on the 19th. The assailants were landed forthwith; a pagoda was immediately carried; a strong mud fort was then gallantly stormed, and a stockade on the opposite side of the river was simultaneously attacked with success. The loss of the British was not great; that of the enemy was believed to be considerable.

The port of Bassein is stated to have a greater depth of water than that of Rangoon; but it is not considered to be so advantageously situated for trade; and intercourse with the northern portion of the Burmese territories by water can be maintained during only part of the year. Lat. 16.45. Long. 94.50.