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Title: Blue Jackets
or, Chips of the old block
Author: William Henry Giles Kingston
Release date: August 30, 2026 [eBook #79475]
Language: English
Original publication: London: Grant and Griffith, 1854
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/79475
Credits: Al Haines
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLUE JACKETS ***
BLUE JACKETS;
OR,
CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK
A NARRATIVE OF
The Gallant Exploits of British Seamen,
AND OF
THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN THE NAVAL SERVICE,
DURING THE REIGN OF
HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY
QUEEN VICTORIA.
BY
W. H. G. KINGSTON, ESQ.
AUTHOR OF
"PETER THE WHALER," "MARK SEAWORTH," "MANCO, THE PERUVIAN CHIEF," ETC,
LONDON:
GRANT AND GRIFFITH,
(SUCCESSORS TO NEWBERY AND HARRIS,)
CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.
1854.
LONDON: PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET.
PREFACE.
The following pages will be found to contain accounts of a
considerable number of the gallant actions performed by naval men
since Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria came to the throne,
rather than a complete naval history of her reign.
My chief object, when designing the work, was to show that the
present Navy of Great Britain has, in no respects, degenerated from
that of olden times, great and glorious as it was--that when
opportunities have occurred, the Blue Jackets of to-day, both
officers and men, have been found ready as ever to perform their
duty--to dare and to do as was dared and done of yore; that, in
truth, they are worthy scions of the ancient race--
TRUE CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK.
The following accounts will, I think, also tend to prove that the
British Navy is not kept up for mere pomp and parade, or for
supporting in idleness any class of the community; but that whenever
hard blows have been exchanged, it has given and taken a fair share
of them--that it has been ever actively employed in protecting
British Colonies and British Commerce in all parts of the world--that
through its means disputes have been settled, which could in no other
way have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion, and might have
plunged the nation in war--that it has ever been found engaged on the
side of justice and humanity--that not only has it, on numberless
occasions, preserved the lives and property of British subjects, but
also the existence of thousands of human beings of all nations and
creeds, and of every degree of civilization, who would, without its
aid, have been doomed to destruction--that, by its exertions, British
trade to China, South America, and many other parts of the world, has
been immeasurably increased--that with much suffering and sacrifice
of life it has, in the most pestiferous of climates, greatly
decreased, and in some places suppressed, the nefarious
slave-trade--that for the benefit of science and navigation, it has
explored the most distant regions, penetrating to the icy poles as
well as up the rivers of Africa--that it has surveyed a wide extent
of coast, visited constantly by merchantmen, though, to their great
peril, often before imperfectly known--that it has made the British
name loved and respected in all lands--and that without a single
exception, under circumstances the most difficult and trials the most
appalling, it has ever been found willing and ready nobly to do its
duty.
Feeling sensibly the importance of a work of a character like the
present, I can scarcely do it adequate justice; and this arises from
no want of zeal on my part, but from the difficulty of collecting
from Naval men full accounts of the gallant deeds they have
performed, their modesty often preventing them from giving their
narratives with the desirable completeness. For this reason I have
probably never heard of many brave acts performed by seamen; and it
will therefore be my pride, when accounts of them reach me, to
chronicle them in another edition of this book.
I have for years past proposed to write this work, and opinions have
often been expressed that I should not find matter sufficient to fill
a volume if I confined myself to the events of Queen Victoria's
reign; I, on the contrary, was sure that if I attempted to embrace a
period before it, I should, from want of space, be unable to do
adequate justice to a large portion of them.
The list of the various exploits I have chronicled will show that I
did not form my opinion without sufficient grounds;[1] I have
therefore described only those events which have occurred since Her
Majesty came to the throne. I have chronicled deeds of daring
performed by British seamen, as well by those in the Merchant Service
as in the Royal Navy. I have mentioned all acts of gallantry which
have come to my knowledge. I consider the jumping overboard in a
raging sea, in a hot tide-way, or in a place where sharks are known
to abound, to be as noble an act as engaging in a fight with any
enemy of superior force: I deem those hardy men who have braved the
piercing cold and unknown dangers of the Polar Sea in search of their
missing countrymen, Sir John Franklin and his brave companions, as
much deserving of all the praise I can bestow as the conquerors of
Acre or the captors of Canton.
True bravery may be discovered and discipline may be conspicuous in
the darkest night during the horrors of the storm--on the sinking
wreck--on the barren sands of a desert island--on the unmanageable
raft, amid sickness and famine, with a lowering and uncertain future
ahead; or they may shine with lustre among a crew ice-bound for long
years, with hope deferred, on the snow-clad shores of the Polar Sea.
Accounts have often before been published of the courage and
discipline displayed by British seamen in the hour of trial and
danger, of bloody battles fought, of victories gained; but the
gallant actors have in many instances passed from the world, or
already belong to another generation. They form the brave OLD BLOCK
of which it is the pride of the present race of British seamen to
acknowledge themselves the worthy CHIPS: therefore I call my book--
"CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK."
My satisfaction will be great indeed to find that it is read and
approved of by all ranks of the naval service, especially if it tends
to encourage that brave and noble spirit in the rising generation
which has ever been the support and protection of our beloved country
in times of trial and danger. Those times may return; and sure I am
that Britain may rely that the same spirit will be found to burn as
brightly as of yore in the bosom of her ocean sons, and will again,
with Heaven's aid, restore her to a state of peace and prosperity.
But it is time to begin the work. I shall commence with an account
of some of the principal naval occurrences which have taken place
since the year 1837, when Her Majesty ascended the throne.
The first event worthy of mention is the capture of Aden, at the
mouth of the Red Sea, in January 1839; that, accordingly, though of
much less interest and importance than many others, must stand first
on my list. I propose to describe the causes which led to the
occurrences I narrate; the scenery of the coasts, and character of
the people engaged; and to give, when possible, sketches of the
services of the officers employed, and any anecdotes of them and of
their men which I can collect. Indeed, my aim is to make the book
interesting and instructive to all classes of readers, as well as to
tell them of the gallant deeds of our brave countrymen, many of whom,
unable to speak for themselves, are engaged at this present moment,
at the risk of life and health, in far-distant regions, in advocating
the cause of humanity, and in supporting the honour and interest of
Great Britain.
Before I conclude my Preface, I must beg my readers, especially the
younger ones, to watch, as they proceed with the narrative, the
career of those whose names are mentioned. Many who appear as
distinguishing themselves as midshipmen, mates, or young lieutenants,
on the coast of Syria and in China, will be found rising, by their
gallantry and talents, to the higher ranks of the profession, still
continuing in the same noble course in which they commenced--some of
them as leaders in expeditions and exploits, which, increasing the
glory of their country, must make them honoured and admired while
Great Britain has a history in which their deeds can be chronicled.
It would be invidious to particularize individuals; and it is with
much regret that I feel that, from the very nature of the work, I
have been unable to render equal justice to all. I fully believe
that very many gallant actions have not even been mentioned. My aim,
it must be remembered, has been not so much to chronicle all the
noble deeds achieved during the reign of our Gracious Sovereign, as
to prove, by as many examples as I could collect, that her Navy has
not been idle or useless during her reign, and that her officers and
seamen are as bold and brave--as loyal and true--as were those of
yore--that, as I before have said, her "BLUE JACKETS are true CHIPS
OF THE OLD BLOCK."
[1] I am much indebted to the kindness of Mr. Barrow for allowing me
to look over the Naval Records in the Admiralty; and, in case any
doubt should arise as to the originality of the design of my work, he
will, I am sure, gladly bear witness that my visits there for the
object of collecting materials preceded by several months the
appearance of a littler book written by one of the clerks in his
office, and bearing the very title which I then mentioned it was my
intention to prefix to mine as a second title. I am bound, in
justice to myself, to mention the circumstance; though as the events
related were of past times, and often before written, I have no
reason to complain of any injury inflicted on me.
CONTENTS.
CAPTURE OF ADEN, Jan. 19, 1839
THE WAR IN SYRIA, 1840
Causes of the War
Operations of the British Fleet before the commencement of
hostilities
Bombardment of Beyrout
Captain Martin's attack on the Castle of D'Jebel
Skirmish on the Kelbson (Dog River)
Capture of Sidon
Battle of Boharsof
Capture of Caiffa by Captain Collier, Sept. 17
Capture of Tyre, Sept. 24
Attack on Tortosa, Sept. 25.
Bombardment and capture of Acre, Nov. 3
WAR IN CHINA
Narrative of events which led to the War
Commencement of the War. Action between H.M.S. 'Volage'
and 'Hyacinth,' and a Squadron of Chinese War-junks,
Nov. 3, 1839
Arrival of British Squadron and Transports
Proceedings of H.M.S. 'Blonde' off Amoy, July 3, 1840
Capture of Chusan
Captain Smith defeats Chinese at the Macao Barrier, Aug. 19, 1840
Capture of the Bogue Forts, Chuenpee and Tycocktow, Jan. 7, 1841
Capture of Chuenpee
Capture of Tycocktow
Destruction of War-junks in Anson's Bay, Jan. 7, 1841
Boca Tigris Forts taken by Sir Gordon Bremer, Feb. 26
Description of Anunghoy and Wantong
Destruction of War-junks in Whampoa Reach, Feb. 27
Capture of Masked Battery by Lieut. Symonds, R.N., Commander
Belcher, H.M.S. 'Sulphur,' commanding, March 1
Further advance of Squadron, and Capture of Howqua's Fort,
March 5
Capture of Macao Fort, March 13
Broadway Passage from Macao to Whampoa forced, March 14
Capture of Forts of Canton and Chinese Flotilla, March 18, 1841
Chinese attempt to destroy British Ships with Fire Rafts,
May 21, 1841
Capture of Canton, May 23 to 30
Dashing Exploit in Boats under Captain Belcher
Capture of Amoy, Aug. 26
Recapture of Chusan
Exploits of the 'Nemesis'
Capture of Chinghae, Oct. 10, 1841
Occupation of Ningpo, Oct. 12
Capture of Chapoo
Capture of Woosung and Shanghai
Capture of Chin-Keang-Foo, and Entry of Sir H. Pottinger into
Nankin; with concluding Remarks; July 21, 1842
Gallantry of Mr. H. F. M'Killop, Midshipman of H.M.S. 'Belleisle,'
June, 1842
Courage of Mr. Turner, Mate of H.M.S. 'Serpent,' Aug., 1842
Seaman's Life saved by Lieut. R. C. Whyte, Jan., 1844
Lieuts. Caldwell and Vansittart, R.N., Hong Kong, Dec., 1843
The Life of the Hon. Frederick William Walpole saved by
Mr. R. Dew, Mate of H.M.S. 'Collingwood,' at Callao, Aug. 20,
1844
CAPTURE OF THE CARTHAGENIAN FLEET, by Lieut. De
Courcy, Feb., 1841
SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO AND THE EASTERN ARCHIPELAGO
Sketch of Rajah Brooke
Capture of Piratical Prahus by Boats of 'Dido,' under Lieut.
Horton, May 13, 1842
Attack on the 'Jolly Bachelor'
Attack on Sarebus Pirates by Boats of H.M.S. 'Dido'
Attack on the Sakarran Pirates, Aug. 7, 1844
Memoir of Lieut. Wade
Memoir of Mr. George Steward
Destruction of Malludu, Aug. 19, 1845
Royal Marines employed
Capture of Brunè, July 8, 1846
Pursuit of the Sultan of Brunè
Capture of Pirate Prahus, and Destruction of Pirate Strongholds
Desperate attempt to escape made by a Pirate Crew
Concluding Remarks on Borneo
EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER, under Captain W. D. TROTTER, 1841
Objects of the Expedition
Commencement of the Voyage
Ships enter the Niger
Expedition compelled to return
Second attempt to ascend the Niger
WARFARE ON THE RIVERS LA PLATA AND PARANA
Battle of the Parana, Nov. 20, 1845
Destruction of the 'Chacabuco'
Engagements with the Batteries of San Lorenzo
Gallant Exploit of Lieut. Mackinnon with his Rocket Battery
against the Forts of San Lorenzo
EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE, under Captain James
Ross and Captain Crozier, between the years 1839 and 1843 218
'Erebus'
'Terror'
First year
Second year
Third year
WAR IN NEW ZEALAND, from 1845 to 1847
ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S. 'NEMESIS,' 'COLUMBINE'S'
BOAT, AND BORNEO PIRATES, May 30, 1847
EXPEDITION TO SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA, under Captain G. G. Loch, R.N.
Capture of Fort Serapaqui, Feb. 21, 1848
RECAPTURE OF THE BRIG 'THREE SISTERS' FROM THE RIFF PIRATES,
by H.M.S. 'Polyphemus,' Commander J. M'Cleverty, 1848
ACTION WITH THE RIFF PIRATES, by H.M. Steam Frigate
'JANUS,' Commander Powell, 1841 251
DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE FLEET, by Commander Farquhar, July, 1849
THE DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS, Dec. 26, 1851
Description of Lagos
First Expedition to Lagos, and Attack on the 'Bloodhound' and
Boats of the Squadron by the Followers of Kosoko
Second Attack on and Destruction of Lagos, Dec. 26, 1851
THE WAR WITH BURMAH, 1851
Causes of the War
Commencement of Hostilities
Capture of Martaban
Capture of Rangoon
Capture of Bassein, May 19
Martaban Attacked by the Burmese, May 26
Capture of Pegu, June 4, 1852
Expedition up the Irrawaddy, under Captain Tarleton, R.N., and
Capture of Prome, July 9
Second Capture and Occupation of Prome
Capture of Pegu, Nov. 21, 1852
Operations on the Irrawaddy
Attacks on Mya Toon, the Robber Chieftain
Career of the late Captain Loch, R.N.
SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS.--LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN
Heroism of Lieut. Christopher, and Presence of Mind of James Miles
Devoted Heroism and Courage of Messrs. Smith and Palmes, of
H.M.S. 'Seringapatam,' 1838
A Second Act of Gallantry recorded of Mr. W. R. Smith
Account of Rescue of Boat's Crew of H.M.S. 'Wolverine,' by
Lieut. Arthur Burrard Kingston, R.N., Jan. 16, 1840;
also, of his Saving the Life of a Boy of H.M.S. 'Saracen,'
March 13, 1840
Boy's Life saved by Lieut. A. B. Kingston
Captain Tucker's Certificate of Lieut. A. B. Kingston's conduct
Rescue of Crew of 'Minerva' by Mr. Slater, Second Master of
H.M. Mail-packet 'Widgeon,' off Calais, March 10, 1842
Mr. Henry Shea, Assistant Surgeon, R.N., Mediterranean, July, 1837
Lieut. F. H. Stevens, R.N., Mediterranean, Aug., 1837
Lieut. John Stephens, R.N., Lisbon, Dec., 1837
William Jennings, Coast-guard Boatman, Nov., 1838
Henry Johnson, Seaman, England, June, 1839
Instance of Courage and Humanity
Arthur Hassett, Boatman, Coast-guard, Cove of Cork, Oct., 1839
Commander Aldridge, R.N., Vasika Bay, Oct., 1839
Mr. Richards, R.N., off Brighton, June, 1842
Abraham Hart Youngs, Chief Boatman of Fishergate Station,
Jan., 1843
James Doran, Seaman, Jan., 1843
Mr. Thomas Davis, Mate, R.N., and Joseph Braithwaite, Seaman, R.N.,
Bantry Bay, Jan., 1844
Mr. W. C. Geary, Mate, R.N., Gulf of Egeria, Aug., 1844
Lieut. F. P. Warren, R.N., in Madras Roads, June, 1845
Lieut. William E. Fisher, R.N., Cove of Cork, Nov., 1845
Lieut. Henry W. Hire, R.N., Mediterranean, Dec., 1845
Commander Wooldridge and Mr. Birtwhistle, Mate, R.N., Sheerness,
June, 1845
Lieut. Newman, R.N., and Boat's Crew, Coast-guard, Dungeness,
Jan., 1846
Mr. F. S. Gibson, R.N., Grand Bassa, Africa, Jan., 1846
Lieut. Tatham, R.N., Chatham, April, 1846
Commander J. W. Finch, R.N., Portsmouth, July, 1846
Mr. Charles E. H. Farrant, Master's Assistant, R.N., Valparaiso,
Sept., 1848
Lieut. Sherard Osborne, R.N., Portsmouth, Sept., 1848
Henry Laughrin, Boatswain's Mate, H.M.S. 'Calliope,' Rio de
Janeiro, Nov., 1848
John Huggins, Quarter-master of H.M.S. 'Scourge,' Trinidad,
&c., Feb., 1849
Commander J. W. Tarleton, R.N., Genoa, March, 1849
Commander Oliver Jones, R.N., Cove of Cork and Halifax Harbour,
March, 1849
Lieut. C. S. Stanhope, R.N., H.M.S. 'Asia,' at Sea, Aug., 1850
Mr. T. H. Julian, Second Master, R.N., Plymouth, July, 1851
Lieut. Saumarez, R.N., H.M.S. 'Volcano,' off Sierra Leone,
Africa, March, 1851
Charles Loxton, Sailmaker's Mate, H.M.S, 'Rolla,' Dover,
Aug., 1851
Mr. Skead, Second Master, and Mr. Lambe, Midshipman, R.N.,
of H.M.S, 'Trafalgar,' off Malta, 1852
Mr. Ward, Boatswain, E.N., H.M.S. 'Gladiator,' Africa, 1851
Commander Alan H. Gardner, H.M.S. 'Waterwitch,' Africa, 1851
Lieut. Pyne, R.N., H.M.S. 'Prince Regent,' Lisbon, Dec., 1851
Mr. Sullivan, Midshipman of H.M.S. 'Megæra,' at Sea, 1852
Commander Tarleton, H.M.S. 'Fox,' Rangoon, 1852
ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS IN VARIOUS
PARTS OF THE WORLD
Attack on Tamatave, Madagascar, 1845
Lieut. F. J. D'Aguilar defeats an attempt to Retake a Prize
captured by H.M.S. 'Grecian,' Brazil, 1848
Destruction of a Chinese Pirate Fleet by H.M.S. 'Columbine'
and 'Fury,' and Steamer 'Canton,' China, 1849
Destruction of Pirates by H.M.S. 'Medea,' China, March, 1850
Commander Hay destroys Pirate Fleet, China, Oct., 1850
Destruction of a Slave Establishment in the Mozambique Channel,
by H.M.S. 'Castor' and 'Dee,' Mozambique, 1850
Capture of the Brazilian Steam-brig 'Paquete da Santos,' late
'Providencia' by H.M.S. 'Rifleman,' Lieut. Commander
Crofton, Brazil, 1850
Capture of four noted Slavers by H.M.S. 'Cormorant,' Commander
Herbert Schomberg, on the Coast of Brazil, America, 1850
Capture of the 'Venus' Slaver, off the Havannah, by H.M.S.
'Vestal,' Captain Hamilton, 1852
Capture of the 'Polka' Slaver by H.M.S. 'Sharpshooter,'
Lieut.-Commander Bailey, on the Coast of Brazil
THE AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE
Nature of the Service
Description of Slave Barracoons
Description of an Empty Slaver
Description of a Slaver with Cargo on board
Chases and Captures of Slavers by H.M.S. 'Bonetta,' on the
African Coast
Slave-schooner run down
Brazilian Slave-brig Captured
Brazilian Slaver Destroyed
Slave-schooner Captured
Capture of the 'Catherine' Slaver by H.M.S. 'Dolphin,' Captain
R. H. Dundas, 1839
Capture of Brazilian Slaver 'Firmé' by the Boats of H.M.S.
'Dolphin,' Lieut. Littlehales, Acting-Commander; under
the command of Mr. Augustus Charles Murray, Mate, and
Mr. John F. Rees, Second Master, 1841
Voyage of the 'Dores,' a Slaver, captured by H.M.S. 'Dolphin,'
from Accra to Sierra Leone, under command of Lieut. Augustus
C. Murray, from Aug. 12, 1840, to Jan. 5, 1841
Capture of the 'Josephine' Slaver, Africa
Capture of an Armed Slaver by a Four-oared Gig. under command
of Mr. Tottenham, Mate, 1844
Lieut. Lodwick's (in the 'Growler's' Pinnace) gallant Attack on
a Slaver, 1845
Capture of the 'Felicidade' and 'Echo' Slavers by H.M.S. 'Wasp,'
and Recapture of 'Felicidade' by H.M.S. 'Star,' 1845
Capture of a Slaver by H.M.S. 'Pantaloon,' Africa, 1845
Lieut. Mansfield and Prize Crew--Defence of the 'Romeo Primero,'
against an Attempt at Recapture, Africa, 1847
Rescue of Slaves in the River Pongos by Commander H. Dunlop,
H.M.S. 'Alert,' Africa, 1849
Capture of a Slaver by H.M.S. 'Phœnix,' Commander Wodehouse,
Africa, 1850
Capture of the Slaver 'Anne D. Richardson' by H.M. Steam-frigate
'Pluto,' Commander Joliffe, 1850
Encounter with Black Pirates, Africa, 1850
Skirmish on the Congo River, Africa, 1852
Attack on Medina, Sierra Leone River, by H.M.S. 'Teazer,'
Lieut. Rich, and 'Linnet's' Boats, Africa, 1853
Capture of Slavers in the Rio Pongos by the Boats of H.M.S.
'Linnet,' Commander H. Need
Destruction of Barracoons by Commander J. Strange, Africa, 1851
Memoir of Captain William Tucker, R.N., 1842
Loss of H.M.S. 'Avenger'
Memoir of Captain Napier
Wreck of a Man-of-war's Boat, China, 1841
Wreck of a Boat of H.M.S. 'Ganges'--Death of Lieut. Breen,
Mediterranean, 1850
NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS
Appointment of Officers
'Erebus'
'Terror'
'Enterprise,' 540 tons
'Investigator, 480 tons
'Resolute'
'Assistance'
'Pioneer' (Screw-steamer)
'Intrepid' (Screw-steamer)
BLUE JACKETS;
OR,
CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK.
CAPTURE OF ADEN,
19th January 1839.
At the entrance of the Red Sea, on the coast of Asia, and the
southernmost point of Arabia Felix, is situated the town of Aden. It
lies eastward of the Straits of Babel Mandel, and immediately
opposite the coast of Berbera, in Africa, from which it is divided by
the Sea of Aden.
Cape Aden is a high, rocky promontory, consisting of several peaks,
the most elevated of which is 1,776 feet above the level of the sea.
They have ruined forts and watch-towers on their summits, which give
them the appearance of turrets. From a distance this lofty headland
looks like an island, and its position is in a degree similar to that
of Gibraltar, being connected with the mainland by a piece of low
ground, which in some places is a swamp. Its aspect is grand and
picturesque, though extremely barren and wild, and utterly destitute
of vegetation.
The town lies on the east side of this cape, about five miles from
the landing-place and anchorage, and is situated in a sort of
amphitheatre, surrounded on three sides by lofty hills, and open to
the sea on the fourth. To the west of the promontory is a fine bay
with a sandy beach, where good water is to be procured.
On the western side is a range of rocks extending out nearly as far
south as the Hill of Aden itself. The tops of these are singularly
broken, and rise into Gothic spires in several parts. Two of them
have got the name of the Ass's Ears. At a short distance from the
Rock of Aden is a small island, formerly covered with fortifications
like the hill-forts in India. Strong fortifications defend the
anchorage, and command the entrance of the bay, which is quite
land-locked. The road to the town follows the sea-shore for about
two miles, with high crags on one side, and rocks rising out of the
water on the other. An ascent then leads to an aperture in the
hills, called the Pass, which is narrow and winding, and enclosed on
either side by rocks; and at length the town is approached by a steep
declivity.
The commanding position of Aden rendered it a place of great
importance when the chief communication between Europe and India was
by the way of the Red Sea, before the discovery of the passage round
the Cape.
For centuries the Red Sea passage was neglected, till lately resumed
under the name of the Overland Route. During the reign of
Constantine, Aden was an opulent city, and formed one of the great
emporia of the commerce of the East. As a trading port it possesses
great advantages over Mocha, as its harbours may be entered or
quitted at any period of the year: the coffee districts are nearer to
it than to Mocha; many large towns in Yemen are within an easy
journey of it; the mountains to the north produce gum, frankincense,
and coffee; and drugs, gums, perfumes, spices, honey, and wax are
collected in the neighbourhood.
As, also, it is directly north of Berbera, vessels, during the
north-east monsoon, can reach it with the produce of Africa in 24
hours, and return with equal speed, with English and Indian
manufactures. British goods can thus be introduced into Africa in
exchange for coffee, gums, myrrh, hides, elephants' teeth, gold dust,
ostrich feathers, &c.
Arabs form the largest number of the population of Aden; though Jews,
Banians from Cutch, and Soomalies, natives of Berbera, who are
Mahometans, are found among them.
Aden, after remaining for many centuries in the power of the Arabs,
was, in 1539, seized by the Turks, under Sulimaun Pasha.
The Portuguese, in 1513, were twice defeated in attempts to capture
it, at which time the fortifications were of considerable strength.
As the power of the Turks declined, the Arabs threw off their yoke,
and placed it under the ride of a native prince, under the title of
the Sultan of Aden.
It had by this time sadly declined; its trade had departed, the
number of its inhabitants had diminished, and its chief buildings
were little better than heaps of ruins, though some of its
fortifications were still formidable.
Successive Sultans of Aden had been very friendly with the English.
In 1838 Aden was given up to the British Government by treaty, by the
then Sultan. Captain Haines, of the Indian Navy, was sent there as
political agent, to see the articles of the treaty faithfully carried
out. The Sultan, however, had in the meantime changed his mind, and
refused to fulfil his agreement.
Now, we have seen that the possession of the place was very important
to the political and commercial interests of Great Britain, and it
therefore became necessary to compel the Arab chief to keep to the
terms of the treaty he had entered into.
To effect this object, Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland, who was
at that time Commander-in-Chief on the East India Station, despatched
from the squadron Her Majesty's ships 'Volage,' Captain H. Smith, who
commanded the expedition, and the 'Cruiser,' accompanied by the
'Coote' corvette, and the 'Mahe' schooner, of the Indian Navy, while
a body of troops were sent in transports under the command of Major
Baillie.
The 'Volage' anchored on the 16th of January, and the same evening
Captain Smith received a letter from Captain Haines, the political
agent, informing him that all negotiation on his part had failed, and
that hostilities must forthwith commence. On this he communicated
with Major Baillie, the commander of the troops, and they resolved to
lose no time in attacking the place. The town was defended by about
1,000 Arabs, armed with matchlocks, and 24 brass and iron guns placed
in various batteries, some of the guns being mounted on a strong
tower in the island of Seerah, and others in a lower battery, while a
brass 68-pounder commanded the chief landing-place.
From the attitude assumed by the Sultan and his Arab followers, they
appeared resolved to defend the town with determined courage and
resolution, and to give occasion for some severe fighting before
they, were likely to yield.
The 17th was spent in drawing up the plan of the attack, and in
making the necessary preparations, and Captain Haines having come
off, and acting as pilot, the 'Volage' weighed with the rest of the
squadron to proceed to the front of the town, the 'Cruiser' towing a
mortar-boat.
On standing in towards the island of Seerah, a fire was opened on the
'Volage' with musketry and several large guns, when she fired in
return for a short time, but the 'Coote' corvette and transports not
having come up, she hauled off and anchored for the night.
On the morning of the 19th, the whole force having arrived, Captain
Smith made the signal to prepare to attack, and the troops to be held
in readiness for landing in two divisions. At half-past nine
o'clock, the 'Volage' anchored with a spring on her bower cable, in
four fathoms water, at about 300 yards distance from the lower
battery on the island of Seerah; at the same time the 'Mahe' took up
her position to the southward of the island. On standing in, the
enemy opened a fire of great guns and musketry on the ships, but from
the 'Volage' being laid so close to the shore, the guns on the height
were rendered useless, their shot passing over her. At ten o'clock,
the 'Cruiser' anchored, and by her fire destroyed the flank of the
battery. During this period a heavy firing was kept up from the
shore, but in a short time two of the guns in the lower battery were
dismounted, and most of the people were driven from the remainder,
they however took shelter behind the ruins of the battery, and kept
up an incessant fire of musketry on the ships, and although the lower
battery was almost knocked to pieces, the assailants had great
difficulty in dislodging them.
At this period Captain Smith directed the fire to be opened on the
round towers and batteries on the heights, which were filled with men
armed with matchlocks, and in the course of one hour, this tower
which was eighty feet high, and strongly built, was a mass of ruins.
At eleven o'clock the 'Coote' anchored, with the second division of
the troops, to the southward of the island, and opened her fire upon
the town. The fire not having yet ceased from the tower battery, the
'Mahe' schooner was directed to proceed to the end of it, and
endeavour to drive out the men from behind it by musketry. This
service was performed by her commander, Lieutenant Daniels, in a most
gallant manner; but during the action, Mr. Nesbitt, a midshipman on
board, was severely wounded.
The firing having now almost totally ceased, Captain Smith gave
directions for the boats of both divisions to land. Lieutenant
Dobree, who had charge of the first division, Mr. Rundle, mate, and a
quarter-master of the 'Volage' were the first on shore, and made for
the brass 68-pounder, which had several times been fired at the ship.
On their way, a matchlock was discharged at the quarter-master by a
man behind the gun. The Arab was immediately cut down by him, and
the first British flag was planted by Mr. Rundle. So completely were
the enemy driven from all points (with the exception of the island)
by the fire of the ships, that the whole of the troops landed with
the loss only of two men killed and three wounded.
A partial firing was still kept up from the island, when Captain
Smith directed Lieutenant Dobree, who had just returned, and two
mates, with a party of seamen, and Lieutenant Ayles, with the
marines, amounting altogether to fifty, to land and take possession
of it. This was gallantly accomplished, the party ascending the
height, spiking and dismounting the guns, taking the flag which had
been flying from the tower, and making prisoners of 139 armed Arabs,
who were conducted from the island to the mainland by the party, and
given over into the charge of Major Osborne.
While the military were attempting to disarm the prisoners, they made
a sudden and most formidable resistance with their daggers: and
before they were overcome, several men were lost on both sides. All
opposition having at length ceased, Aden was taken possession of by
the British forces. Mr. Nesbitt was the only person hurt on board
the squadron, and of the military, sixteen were killed and wounded.
The Arabs appeared to have had more confidence in their matchlocks
than in their great guns, which they served badly and fired
irregularly. Had it not been, however, for the total destruction of
their defences by the squadron, the troops would probably not have
accomplished their landing without a very severe loss. Of the
defenders, a great proportion were killed and wounded. Twenty-five
dead bodies were found on the island of Seerah alone, several in the
town, and twenty-five were lying wounded in the Mosque, among whom
was the Sultan's nephew, who defended the island. Thirty-three brass
and iron guns of various sizes were captured, and a large quantity of
ammunition and matchlocks. Among the guns were three large brass
Turkish pieces, which, at the desire of the victors, were sent to be
presented to Her Majesty, as the first warlike trophy taken during
her reign. Several attempts have since been made by the Arabs to
regain Aden, but without success; though, in consequence of their
hostility, the garrison are compelled to be ever vigilant, and the
English cannot, without great risk, visit the interior of the country.
The 'Volage' having performed this duty, returned to the East Indies,
and we hear of her soon afterwards in the China seas, engaged in a
severe action with a squadron of Chinese war-junks; an account of
which will be given when we come to narrate the war in China.
THE WAR IN SYRIA, 1840.
CAUSES OF THE WAR.
In order to explain the cause of the war in Syria, it is necessary to
give a short sketch of the political relations of the Turkish empire
and the Pachalic of Egypt, as also of the reasons which induced the
great European powers to interfere in the affairs of the East. The
Sultan of Turkey claimed to hold sway over the whole of Syria and
Egypt, and appointed Pachas to govern them in his name. One of the
most remarkable men of his day was Mehemet Ali. From a low origin,
having become a soldier, he raised himself by his talents and
intrigues to a high command in the army of the Sultan, and
afterwards, being sent to Egypt, he deposed the Pacha of that
province and slipped into his shoes. Though much in advance of his
countrymen, he was unscrupulous as to the means he used to strengthen
his power. Finding the Mamelukes, who had much assisted him in
obtaining his Pachalic, very troublesome, he invited them, to the
number of nearly five hundred, to a feast in the citadel of Cairo,
where he had them all massacred with the exception of one chief, who
leaped his horse over a high wall and escaped.
The Turkish empire has for many years been gradually decaying, and
Russia, Austria, France, and England, it is supposed, look with
longing eyes each to obtain a portion of it when it finally falls to
pieces; but as each of these great powers are jealous that one should
possess a bit of more value than the rest, they are all interested in
maintaining what is called the integrity of the Ottoman Empire.
Russia especially has resolved to make herself mistress of
Constantinople, and waits only a plausible excuse for sending an army
to take possession of that city; the other powers, therefore, though
they have no objection to prevent Turkey from ever regaining
sufficient strength to do harm, will not allow her, if they can help
it, to be so weakened that she may fall an unresisting victim into
the hands of Russia, or, on the other hand, be conquered by any of
the tribes to the south. Now, Mehemet All having consolidated his
power in Egypt, and made himself perfectly independent of the Ottoman
empire, began to consider the possibility of rising a step higher,
and mounting the throne of the Caliphs. To effect this object, which
was doubtless his aim, he assembled a large army, which he
disciplined under European officers, and at the head of it placed his
son Ibrahim Pacha, and sent him into Syria.
The Porte, from its weakness, had allowed many of the Pachas in Syria
to become almost independent of it; and, therefore, hoping that they
and Mehemet Ali would weaken each other's power by the contest, did
not at first complain of Ibrahim's advance into the country: when,
however, he had made himself master of St. Jean d'Acre and other
places, the Turks assembled an army to oppose him. This army he
speedily drove before him, and a still larger one having been
collected, he finally defeated and dispersed it at the battle of
Koniyeh, where the Grand Vizier himself was taken prisoner. Had
Ibrahim at once advanced, he might have captured Constantinople; but
he delayed till the Russians, called in by the Sultan for his
protection, had reached the Bosphorus, and with them he had no wish
to try the fortune of war; he, therefore, entered into a treaty, by
which, in addition to Egypt, he and his father obtained the
government of the whole of Syria and the Pachalic of Adana. Instead,
however, of ruling the new provinces he had obtained, wisely and
well, Mehemet Ali taxed the people to the very utmost, and made them
hate his rule as much as they had done that of the Turks. Several
revolts consequently took place, and the Sultan likewise, who had
never ceased to long for the recovery of Syria, at length sent an
army to drive out the Egyptians. At this juncture of affairs,
England, France, and Austria thought it for their interests to
interfere. Had the Turks been defeated, as would probably otherwise
have again been the case, Constantinople would have been occupied by
the Russians, to prevent it falling into the hands of Mehemet Ali,
and the Russians, having once grasped the rich jewel they so
naturally covet, would never have consented to give it up.
The Ottoman forces continued to advance till they were met by the
Egyptians near Nezib, on the 24th of June, when, after a sanguinary
contest of four hours, the former were completely routed, 6,000 men
being killed or wounded, and 10,000 left in the hands of Ibrahim.
The Sultan Mahmoud the Second died on the 1st of July, without
hearing of this disaster, and was succeeded by his son Abdul Medjid,
a youth of seventeen.
To add to the difficulties of the Turks, their fleet, under the
command of the Capudan Pacha, who had been sent to the Dardanelles,
sailed for Alexandria, and joined that of the Egyptians.
The excuse the Capudan Pacha made for his desertion was, that he had
no confidence in Kosrew Pacha, the new Grand Vizier, and that he
believed he had murdered the Sultan.
There can be no doubt that the French had secretly encouraged Mehemet
Ali in his aggressive proceedings, and in consequence of this, the
other four powers, England, Prussia, Austria, and Russia, entered
into an agreement without consulting France, to put a stop to his
career of conquest, and to compel him to withdraw his army into
Egypt; Russia, on her part, undertaking not to send an armed force to
Constantinople. The following ultimatum was offered to him. He was
to have the hereditary sovereignty of Egypt, and the possession of
the Pachalic of St. Jean d'Acre for life. If within ten days from
the notification of these terms the Pacha should not accept them, the
Sultan was to offer him Egypt alone, and if he still persisted in
refusing, the four Powers were to compel him by force to assent to
the proposed settlement.
In spite of the threats held out, Mehemet Ali refused to accede to
the proposed terms, and made every preparation in his power for
resistance. In consequence the four Powers resolved that the ports
of Syria and Egypt should be declared to be in a state of blockade,
and a large British fleet, under the command of Admiral Stopford,
with some Austrian and Turkish ships, were sent to enforce it.
OPERATIONS OF THE BRITISH FLEET BEFORE THE
COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.
We at length come to the more legitimate part of our narrative, the
naval occurrences of the war; and yet, without the preceding sketch
of the circumstances which led to it, the object would be perfectly
incomprehensible. As soon as it was settled that work was to be
done, the Admiralty ordered Captain Charles Napier, of the
'Powerful,'[1] to hoist a broad blue pennant, and to take under his
command the 'Ganges,' 'Thunderer,' 'Edinburgh,' 'Castor,' and
'Gorgon.' At this time it was expected that, at any moment, a war
with France might break out, and the officers of the British squadron
were cautioned to be on their guard against surprise. It was,
altogether, the most exciting period as far as the British fleet in
the Mediterranean was concerned, since the last war. It will not be
necessary to describe minutely the movements of the various ships
till the commencement of hostilities. In addition to the English and
Austrian squadrons, the Porte had managed to fit out a small fleet,
through the exertions of Captain Walker, of the British Navy (now Sir
Baldwin Walker), and he was placed in command of it with the rank of
Admiral. A fleet of transports was also got ready, on board which
embarked 5,373 troops under the orders of Selim Pacha, who was
directed to co-operate with the British forces. Commodore Napier
employed the time while negotiations were going on, in examining
Beyrout and various other places on the coast of Syria, which, it was
probable, would be the future scene of operations.
The consuls of the four powers, at Alexandria, having presented the
ultimatum of their Governments to Mehemet Ali, requiring his final
decision in twenty days, he replied, that the territories he had won
with the sword he would defend with the sword, and that he should
give them the same answer if they came again at the end of the time
they mentioned. This he did not fail to do; so they hauled down
their flags, and took their departure. The first act of hostility on
the part of the British was the detention of some Egyptian ships
loaded with provisions and warlike stores for the army in Syria, and
also of an Egyptian frigate, bound to Scanderoon, with stores. Sir
Robert Stopford was, meantime, blockading the port of Alexandria with
three ships of the line, a frigate, and two steamers of the English
fleet, and two Austrian frigates, and a schooner.
Our narrative of active operations must commence on the 12th of
August, when Commodore Napier's squadron anchored off Beyrout. This
was during the twenty days allowed to Mehemet Ali to accept or refuse
the treaty of the 15th July. Beyrout is a small town, surrounded by
a wall surmounted with ruinous turrets, and mounting but few guns.
The arms, ammunition, and provisions were stored in two weak castles.
About a mile and a half from the town, on a point of land, stands the
quarantine establishment, surrounded by a high wall, and here was
encamped a body of 4,000 Turkish troops, who, it was understood, were
anxious to return to their allegiance to the Sultan. There was a
second camp, a little removed from the first, and at a still greater
distance up the country, were quartered the Egyptian and Albanian
troops.
The Commodore having drawn up a proclamation, calling on the Syrians
to return to their allegiance to the Sultan, sent it on shore to the
Turkish camp, by Lieutenant Fitz-James--a service of considerable
danger. He, however, succeeded in delivering copies of the
proclamation to some of the officers, and in returning in safety to
his ship; but it is doubtful whether they were ever read to the
troops--at all events, no attention was paid them.
On the 14th the squadron weighed, and stood close into the town, the
'Powerful' anchoring within 300 yards of one castle; the 'Edinburgh,'
about the same distance from another; the 'Ganges,' close into the
bay, with her broadside bearing between the two camps, so as to
command the Turkish camp to the south; the 'Thunderer' off the point,
and the 'Castor' in the bay round it. Captain Reynolds, of the
'Ganges,' was ordered to prevent, if possible, the Turkish troops
from returning, but not to fire till it became absolutely necessary;
while none of the other ships were to commence hostilities without a
signal from the Commodore.
Captain Napier's object in this demonstration was to induce the
Egyptians to restore their arms to the mountaineers of Lebanon, and
to protect the Turkish troops. Neither object was accomplished; and
the Turkish troops were marched out at night from the quarantine
station, by a gate which had not been observed.
Commodore Napier, having shifted his pennant to the 'Gorgon' steamer,
examined the Syrian coast, to select a good landing-place, then ran
over to Cyprus to communicate with Admiral Walker, and returning,
reconnoitred St. Jean d'Acre and Tyre, and went back to Beyrout.
At this time Suliman Pacha, the chief of the Egyptian forces,
occupied Beyrout with about 15,000 men. Ibrahim and Osman were at
Balbeck with 10,000 more; the garrison of Sidon consisted of 3,000;
that stationed in Tripoli and its neighbourhood of 5,000; while the
rest of the Egyptian army, numbering some 40,000 to 50,000, were
scattered through various parts of Syria.
On the 9th of September, the 'Princess Charlotte' arrived off Beyrout
with the flag of Sir Robert Stopford, and on the same day the
Austrian squadron, under Admiral Bandeira, and the Turkish fleet and
transports under Admiral Walker, arrived. Admiral Stopford was
Commander-in-Chief of the land as well as the sea forces of the
Allies; and in consequence of the illness of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir
Charles Smith, who had arrived in the 'Pique,' to take the direction
of the military affairs, the Admiral placed the command of the troops
under Sir Charles Napier, who has on many occasions shown himself as
well able to defeat his enemies on shore as at sea. Preparations
were immediately made for bombarding and taking the town and fortress
of Beyrout.
[1] When Captain Napier was fitting out the 'Powerful' at Portsmouth,
he had the following characteristic announcement placarded on the
walls:--
"Wanted active seamen for the 'Powerful'--CAPTAIN NAPIER.
"The 'Powerful' is a fine ship, and in the event of a war will not
fail to take her own part."
The 'Powerful' was not long in shipping a fine crew.
BOMBARDMENT OF BEYROUT.
The British force at this time consisted of the following ships:--The
'Princess Charlotte,' 110 flag-ship; 'Powerful,' 84, Commodore
Napier; 'Ganges,' 84; 'Bellerophon,' 80; 'Thunderer,' 84; 'Benbow,'
74; 'Edinburgh,' 76; 'Revenge,' 76; 'Hastings,' 74; 'Castor,' 36;
'Pique,' 36; 'Carysfort,' 26; 'Zebra,' 16; and four steamers.
The Turkish squadron under Admiral Walker consisted of one
line-of-battle ship, three 50-gun frigates, two corvettes, and one
brig. There were also two Austrian frigates and one corvette.
On the evening of the 9th, the Turkish troops and marines were moved
into the steam-boats, which the following morning proceeded off
Beyrout Point to draw the enemy's troops in that direction. At 10
the 'Powerful,' 'Pique,' 'Castor,' 'Carysfort,' 'Daphne,' and 'Wasp,'
with Admiral Walker in a Turkish line-of-battle ship, a frigate, and
corvette, weighed and stood towards D'Jounie. While the 'Castor' and
one steamer anchored off Nahr-el-Kelb, and landed a Turkish battalion
to keep the Egyptians in check, the rest of the squadron anchored off
D'Jounie, where the whole of the troops under the judicious
arrangements of Admiral Walker and Captain Reynolds were landed by
four o'clock. The heights were forthwith occupied by the troops; and
the Commodore's head-quarters were established in a Maronite chapel,
which had a gun placed in it, and was otherwise fortified. A couple
of companies of marines, under Captain Childs, were sent to reinforce
the Turks at Nahr-el-Kelb, and a battalion was posted in the village
of Zug, about a league distant from the camp. Beyond them, a couple
of battalions of Turks occupied a strong position, having their left
flank protected by an impassable gorge. After the troops were
landed, the ships and steamers took up positions to protect the
flanks of the camp, should it be attacked. Admiral Stopford, with
the 'Princess Charlotte,' 'Bellerophon,' 'Ganges,' 'Thunderer,'
'Edinburgh,' 'Hastings,' 'Benbow,' and the Austrian squadron,
remained at Beyrout, which, though they cannonaded it for several
days, still held out. The 'Zebra' and the Austrian frigate
'Guerriera' covered the bridge near the quarantine ground, and the
'Revenge' was stationed in the bay between it and the Dog River to
harass the enemy, and give timely notice at head-quarters should they
advance. The first day the inhabitants who had been driven into the
mountains came in slowly for arms; but the few who did so accepted
them eagerly and returned to the mountains to drive away the Emir
Bechir's troops and open the mountain passes. This being done the
sheiks and their mountaineer followers crowded in numbers under the
standard of the Sultan.
The Commodore having entrenched his position, pushed forward his
troops, and himself led an expedition a considerable distance to
reconnoitre the position of the Egyptian General Osman at Merouba.
While the cannonading was going on at Beyrout, the Indian Mail
arrived; and Suliman Pacha, the Governor, to show his courtesy and
forbearance, hoisted a flag of truce, and delivered the mail, with a
polite message, assuring the British that all letters to and from
India should be carefully forwarded.
The Admiral, not to be outdone in politeness, sent a package of wine
to the Pacha, rightly conjecturing that it would not prove an
unwelcome present.
On the 2nd of October, an Egyptian gunner, who had deserted, came on
board the 'Hastings,' at Beyrout, and gave information that a train
had been laid along the bridge to the eastern castle, where a large
quantity of powder was concealed; and he undertook to guide a party
to cut the train and seize the powder.
Commander Worth at once offered to perform this dangerous service,
and numbers volunteered to follow him. He embarked in one of the
boats of the 'Hastings,' protected by the launch and pinnace of the
'Edinburgh,' and covered by the fire of the ships. Dashing on, in
the face of a heavy fire of musketry, he landed on the bridge, cut
off the train, and then forced his way into the castle, over the
walls of which he threw some 60 or 70 barrels of powder, and
succeeded in bringing off 31 barrels more.
Unfortunately, in this service, Mr. Luscomb, a midshipman of the
'Hastings,' was killed; the Egyptian, and two seamen of the
'Hastings,' and one of the 'Edinburgh,' were wounded.
CAPTAIN MARTIN'S ATTACK ON THE CASTLE OF D'JEBEL.
A strong body of Albanian troops being posted in the Castle of
D'Jebel, Captain Martin was despatched in the 'Carysfort,' with the
'Dido,' and 'Cyclops,' having on board 220 marines and 150 armed
mountaineers to turn them out.
The 'Carysfort' anchored at noon, having the 'Dido' ahead and the
'Cyclops' astern, with springs on their cables, within musket-shot of
D'Jebel. Immediately afterwards a number of mountaineers came down
to the beach, and were brought off in the boats.
As soon as the marines were prepared for landing, and their
commanding officer had reconnoitred the place of disembarkation, the
ships opened their fire on the castle, which was returned by
musket-shots.
After the fire had been continued for an hour, the marines, commanded
by Captain Robinson, accompanied by a large party of armed
mountaineers, pushed off from the 'Cyclops,' and formed on the beach
to the south of the town, their landing being covered by the ships,
which again opened on the castle. Captain Austin superintended the
landing of the marines, and accompanied them as they advanced to
attack the castle. The fire from the ships and the launch's
carronades having cleared the gardens in front of the castle, the
signal was made to push on. The marines on this advanced with their
invariable gallantry to the assault; but when they got within thirty
yards of the towers, a destructive fire was opened on them from a
crenelled outwork, having a deep ditch in front, which was completely
masked from the fire of the ships. In vain Captain Robinson and the
other officers looked for some part of the castle wall which might
prove practicable. No gate was accessible, and nothing but the
muzzles of the enemy's muskets were visible through the loop-holes.
The marines were falling on every side without a prospect of success.
Most unwillingly, therefore, Captain Robinson drew them off, they
retiring steadily, and in good order. It being found that the place
could not be taken unless the tower was levelled, the ships again
commenced firing at it, but the immense solidity of the building
prevented any impression being made on the walls. At half-past 5
o'clock, therefore, the marines embarked, and the firing ceased. The
party were retiring when it was discovered that an English flag,
which had been planted on a garden wall by the pilot of the 'Cyclops'
as a signal to the ships, had been accidentally left there.
To allow it to fall into the hands of the enemy would be a disgrace
which could not be borne, yet to recover it would be a work of great
danger. However, volunteers were not wanting to attempt its
recovery; and Lieutenant Grenfell, and Macdonald, a seaman of the
'Cyclops,' undertook to bring it off.
Without delay they set off on their hazardous expedition. Their
progress was watched with the most intense anxiety from the decks of
the ships. They reached the garden-wall--they seized the flag-staff,
and, hauling down the flag, they hastened with their prize to the
shore.
Loud cheers from all the ships greeted them as they returned on board
uninjured and successful.
A party of the mountaineers were established in the town at night,
and the next morning it was discovered that the Albanians had
evacuated the castle, leaving behind them three wounded men, one of
whom died soon after he was made prisoner.
The loss of the British in front of the castle walls was very severe,
and as follows:--
'Benbow,' 2 marines killed, 4 wounded severely. 'Hastings,' 2
marines killed, 7 wounded severely; Lieut. C. W. Adair, slightly, 3
marines slightly. 'Castor,' 1 marine wounded severely. 'Zebra' 1
marine killed. 'Cyclops,' Lieut. George Giffard wounded severely, 1
marine wounded severely. Total killed, 5. Total wounded, 18.
The frigates, and other smaller ships and steamers, were chiefly
employed, during the operations, in landing arms and supplying them
to the mountaineers, who wished to support the government of the
Sultan.
On the 11th of September, the English and Austrian Admirals of the
fleet off Beyrout, sent a joint note to Suliman Pacha the Governor,
desiring him to withdraw his troops from the town and thus put a stop
to further effusion of blood. A verbal answer, however, only was
returned, to the effect that the Pacha was holding a council of war,
and would send a reply the next morning. As this was evidently an
evasion to gain time, the bombardment was renewed with shot and shell
till the 16th, when the Egyptians retired from the town.
Great care was taken on every occasion, throughout the war, to fire
at the castles and strongholds, and to do as little injury as
possible to the towns and non-combatants.
SKIRMISH ON THE KELBSON (DOG RIVER).
The Egyptians had taken up a strong position on the left of the
Kelbson (or Dog River), and as it became necessary to dislodge them,
Commodore Napier marched out of cantonments on the 24th, to effect
that object. He had with him four Turkish battalions under Selim
Pacha, the 2nd battalion of Royal Marines under Captain Fegan, and an
Austrian rocket detachment under Alfiere di Vasielli Baldisiretto.
The ground on either side of the Kelbson is very high and
precipitous, and would afford its defenders very great advantages
over an attacking party. To counteract this, a Turkish battalion
descended unobserved near the entrance of the gorge, through which
the Dog River runs, and gained the heights on the opposite side; the
marines and Austrian rocket detachment crossed higher up, crowned the
heights, and advanced on the enemy's position about two leagues off.
The Turkish battalion remained in position to cover the right in the
event of Suliman Pacha advancing from Beyrout to disturb their
operations.
The enemy then took up a new position on the heights of Ornochojonen,
in consequence of observing the advance of three Turkish battalions
to attack them.
The Turks advanced with great gallantry, General Jochmus, the chief
of the staff, accompanied by the Commodore's aid-de-camp, Lieutenant
Bradley, of the 'Powerful,' put himself at the head of the
skirmishers, and showed a gallant example, which was admirably
followed by Selim Pacha, at the head of a battalion well supported by
the people of the country.
The enemy's skirmishers were speedily driven in, and their main body,
consisting of some 700 men, fired two volleys and retired in great
confusion; the Turks following them up with so much vigour that
between 400 and 500 prisoners were made and the rest dispersed.
Lieutenant Bradley, from the way in which he particularly exposed
himself in front of the skirmishers, was highly spoken of in the
despatch. In this operation, which opened the whole of the Kata
district, and enabled a number of mountaineers to obtain arms, none
of the British were killed or wounded. The next day the Commodore
recrossed the river to his former position, and made preparations for
an attack on Sidon.
CAPTURE OF SIDON.
As the possession of Sidon was considered of much importance to the
Sultan's cause, from giving confidence to his subjects, and as its
loss would be embarrassing to the measures of Ibrahim Pacha, an
attack was resolved on, in case the Governor should refuse to
surrender it. The command of the expedition was given to Commodore
Napier, who, with characteristic confidence, undertook to perform the
work and to be back again off Beyrout within three days.
At midnight, on the 25th of September, the Commodore left Beyrout
with the 'Gorgon' and 'Cyclops,' his broad pennant flying on board
the 'Gorgon.' A battalion of 500 marines under Captain Morrison, and
a Turkish one of similar strength, had been embarked on board the two
ships, which immediately proceeded to Sidon. At daylight next
morning, the castles of Sidon appeared above the horizon, and at the
same time the 'Thunderer,' Captain Berkeley; the Austrian frigate
'Guerriera,' commanded by the Archduke Frederick; a Turkish corvette,
and the 'Wasp,' joined, as also the 'Stromboli,' from England, with
284 marines under Captain Wylock.
At 11 o'clock the town was summoned to surrender, but as no answer
was given by the Egyptians, preparations were made to attack.
The following were the ships employed on the
expedition:--'Thunderer,' Captain M. E. E. Berkeley; 'Guerriera,'
Austrian frigate; 'Gorgon,' Captain Henderson; 'Cyclops,' Captain
Austin; 'Wasp,' Commander Mansel; 'Hydra,' Commander Robinson;
'Stromboli,' Commander Williams; 'Gul Sefide,' Turkish corvette.
The Egyptian garrison consisted of nearly a thousand men, under the
command of Ibrahim Pacha. His family had previously been embarked on
board a French steamer, to be out of harm's way.
The wind being light, the 'Cyclops' towed the 'Thunderer' to her
position, previously fixed by Captain Berkeley. The 'Stromboli'
towed the Austrian frigate 'Guerriera' and the Turkish corvette,
which were placed by Captain Berkeley abreast of the town. The
'Wasp' and 'Stromboli' anchored more to the southward to flank it.
The 'Gorgon,' 'Cyclops,' and 'Hydra,' which joined from Tyre with
Walker Bey, up their positions to the northward, close to the castle.
All preparations being made, the Turkish battalion was put into the
boats and rendezvoused round the 'Cyclops,' ready to land. The
'Gorgon' then commenced the engagement by firing a few shot and
shells at the castle and barracks, and shortly after the whole
squadron opened their broadsides for the purpose of driving the
troops from the houses and the entrenchments they had thrown up to
prevent a landing. At the same time the Egyptians commenced firing
from their great guns and small arms at the ships. The cannonade
having lasted for half an hour, it being supposed that the enemy
would have been driven from their entrenchments, the ships were
ordered to cease firing; and Captain Austin, on that, landed the
Turkish battalion at the castle, which is joined to the town by a
narrow causeway. In effecting this, he was obstinately opposed, and
several of his followers were killed and wounded. As it was found
that the enemy still remained in their entrenchments, the ships again
opened their fire, and battered down the houses in front of the town.
The 'Wasp' was anchored abreast of a strong castle, and Commander
Mansel was directed to seize the first favourable moment for throwing
the detachment of marines brought out by the 'Stromboli' and the
Austrian marines into it. After taking it, they were ordered to work
their way to the upper castle, which commands the town. Commander
Mansel performed this work in the face of a hot fire, with great
judgment and gallantry. It was on this occasion that Lieutenant
Hoskin, of the marines, a promising young officer, who had only just
arrived in the 'Stromboli,' from England, was killed. Several
marines also were killed and wounded.
The Commodore now saw that the moment for storming the town had
arrived. The first battalion of marines was landed by Captain
Henderson, of the 'Gorgon,' on the beach to the northward of the
town, where they formed and advanced to the walls. The Turkish
battalion, headed by Walker Bey and Captain Austin, pushed along the
causeway and entered the town. Captain Napier put himself at the
head of the British marines, and broke into the barracks; and as soon
as Captain Henderson and another party had lodged themselves in a
house above the barracks, he marched the battalion above the line
wall of the upper gate, broke it open, and seized the castle.
Numberless acts of gallantry were displayed. Among others, there was
a complete race from the spot where they landed, between Mr. James
Hunt, a midshipman of the 'Stromboli,' and Signor Dominica Chinca, a
midshipman of the Austrian frigate 'Guerriera,' who should first
plant their colours on the walls of the town. All now appearing
quiet in the town, the Commodore left a guard in the castle, and
descended into it. He led his party through several streets arched
over, where occasional skirmishing took place with several parties of
Egyptian troops. These were, however, easily driven back, till they
finally took refuge in a vaulted barrack, where upwards of a thousand
men were found concealed, prepared for a sortie should circumstances
have favoured it. As it was, they were too glad to lay down their
arms. No town was ever taken where less blood was unnecessarily
spilt, or disorders more speedily put a stop to. This was owing
chiefly to the exertions of Captain Berkeley, assisted by the
Archduke and the Captains of the squadron, as also to the good
conduct of the British marines, the Austrians, and the Turks.
Commander Mansel was highly spoken of, as were also Captains
Henderson and Austin, Commanders Robinson and Williams, and Captains
Morrison and Wylock, of the Marines. Mr. Cumming, a mate of the
'Cyclops,' particularly distinguished himself by his gallantry, as
did Messrs. M'Guire and Price, mates of long standing, who were both
severely wounded.
Not one of the garrison, 3,000 in number, escaped. Commodore Napier
speaks of the patience with which the wounded Egyptians, who were
found in various parts of the town, bore their sufferings. A black
man was found in a corner, with his leg broken, but though he was
evidently in great pain, he did not utter a murmur, and on a shutter
being brought, refusing assistance, he placed himself on it, holding
his wounded leg in his hands, and in this way was carried to the
hospital. Leaving a battalion of Turks in the town, and a squadron
before it, under Captain Berkeley, the Commodore returned to D'Jounie
Bay that same afternoon, after an absence of only forty-eight hours.
The following graphic sketch of the gallant old Commodore at Sidon
appeared in the 'Malta Times,' from which I quote--
"Charlie Napier, when talking with the Admiral on Friday last, the
25th September, observed that Sidon was not yet in our possession,
and said to him, 'If you like I will go down and take it, and be back
again in eight-and-forty hours.' He started, and was as good as his
word. He had the 'Thunderer,' 'Cyclops,' 'Gorgon,' and 'Hydra,' with
800 Turks and 500 marines. On their way he fell in with the
'Stromboli,' from England, with a detachment of 200 marines: these he
took with him, and after firing shot and shells at the town for a
couple of hours, he made a breach, and landed at the head of his men.
The struggle was a sharp one; but after destroying a great number of
the enemy, who would neither give nor receive quarter, they at last
killed the Egyptian commander, who died game. With two marines'
bayonets at his breast, he refused quarter, and resisted--so they
fired, and he died, when his troops, to the amount of 500, threw down
their arms: 1,500 were afterwards taken, and the whole 2,000 have
been brought round to the fleet at D'Jounie; I believe they will be
sent to Cyprus. Napier was most daring. On the tops of the houses
he made his way, waving his hat on the point of his sword, and
cheering on his men. Our loss amounted to 15 marines killed and
wounded--2 mates badly wounded, Motley and Shears, of the 'Wasp;' and
a mate of the 'Revenge,' with five seamen, one since dead; and one of
the 'Thunderer's' launchers killed. A marine officer who had only
that morning arrived in the 'Stromboli' was killed in the breach; his
name is Hoskin, and he has been serving on the coast of Spain. I
hear another has been wounded.
"The 'Castor' and 'Pique' took Tyre."
BATTLE OF BOHARSOF.
Our business is, properly speaking, only with affairs afloat, but we
do not preclude ourselves from describing any display of gallantry by
naval men on shore. We therefore give a slight sketch of the last of
Commodore Napier's actions on shore before he delivered up the
command of the Turkish army to Colonel Sir Charles Smith, who was now
sufficiently recovered to assume it.
On the 15th of October, the Commodore was at breakfast in the convent
of Ornagacuan, on Lebanon, with the Egyptian army strongly posted
before him, when news was brought him that the 'Emir Bechir' had
arrived, and that Ibrahim Pacha was expecting strong reinforcements.
This decided him to attack the enemy forthwith. He and the officers
with him, among whom, were Lieutenants Bradley and Duncan, Mr. Pearn,
master of the 'Powerful,' and Lieut.-Col. Hodges, her Majesty's
Consul-General in Syria, instantly threw themselves on horseback, and
galloped to the advanced posts. The gallant Napier amusingly
describes the novelty of the occurrence of a British Commodore
standing on the top of Mount Lebanon, commanding a Turkish army, and
preparing to fight a battle which would decide the fate of Syria.
The enemy were strongly posted on lofty eminences, among rugged and
almost inaccessible rocks; but the Turks and mountaineers, led on by
their own and the British officers, gallantly stormed their position,
and put them to the rout. They fled, leaving their baggage,
ammunition, and provisions: night terminating the pursuit. Ibrahim
Pacha escaped with a few men; 600 or 700 prisoners were taken, and
the rest dispersed. In consequence of this victory, Beyrout was
abandoned, and the Turks took possession of it.
In one month the Commodore succeeded with his small army of marines
and Turks in freeing nearly the whole of Lebanon, in taking 5,000
prisoners, and in gaining over to the standard of the Sultan nearly
5,000 deserters. After this battle he went on board the 'Powerful,'
though he was not long idle before the attack on Acre was decided on.
CAPTURE OF CAIFFA BY CAPTAIN COLLIER,
17th September.
As it was necessary to take possession of Caiffa, Captain Collier, of
H.M.S. 'Castor,' with the 'Pique' and Ottoman frigate 'Dewan,' were
sent to accomplish that work. The squadron appeared off the place on
the evening of the 16th September, and the following morning a boat
was despatched with an officer of the Turkish frigate, accompanied by
Lieutenant Shadwell, in one of the 'Castor's' boats, both bearing
flags of truce, to demand the surrender of the place to the Sublime
Porte. The flag was refused, and peremptorily warned off. The ships
took up their berths, Lieutenant Wellesley, of the 'Castor,' ably
assisting in placing the Ottoman frigate, and the 'Castor'
commencing, the ships opened their fire on the batteries. These were
manned and ready for defence, with 500 men in the town, but such was
the effect of the first few broadsides, that the troops abandoned
their posts, and fled from the town, leaving their arms, knapsacks,
&c., in all directions behind them. The Ottoman flag was soon
planted on the ramparts by Lieutenant Patey, accompanied by
Lieutenant Winthrop; Messrs. Connelly and Boyd, mates; Mr. Hunt,
midshipman; and Mr. Cole, second master. They were immediately
joined by Lieutenants Carey and Macdougall, and a party of seamen and
marines from the 'Pique,' and the whole party proceeded to spike and
destroy the eight guns on the ramparts, by knocking off the trunnions
and burning their carriages. A quantity of arms, stores, and
munitions of war were found in the magazines, all of which were
either destroyed or brought off.
The following morning the 'Castor' and 'Pique' opened their fire on a
castle in the rear of the town, and drove out its garrison; and a
party of seamen and marines afterwards landing, destroyed its guns
and shook its walls to their foundation. The officers employed in
this service were Lieutenants Varlo, Moubray, and Hamley, of the
marines; Lieutenant Wellesley; Messrs. Cockburn and Gibbard, mates;
Mr. Foley, midshipman; and Mr. Ramage, clerk--under the command of
Lieutenant Patey. While spiking one of the guns, which had been left
loaded, Lieutenant Macdougall, of the 'Pique,' and Mr. Grill,
carpenter, were severely wounded. Lieutenant Galway, who accompanied
the boats of the 'Pique' both days; Messrs. Morris and Heath, mates;
Messrs. Hawkins, Kenly, and Bridge, midshipmen; and Mr. Partridge,
volunteer of the first class--were highly spoken of; and Lieutenant
Patey, Senior Lieutenant of the 'Castor,' and Mr. Cockburn, Senior
Mate, were recommended for promotion for their officer-like, cool,
and steady conduct employed on shore.
CAPTURE OF TYRE,
24th September.
The 'Castor' and 'Pique' arrived off Tyre on the 24th September, and
took up their positions about noon. The Ottoman frigate, from calms
and light winds, did not come up in time. The town was summoned by
an officer with a flag of truce to surrender to the Sultan, which the
civil authorities agreed to do; but as 500 Egyptian troops still kept
possession, Captain Collier warned the inhabitants to quit the town,
as it was his intention to dislodge the soldiers. Having allowed the
inhabitants a sufficient time to retire a fire was opened by both
ships, at the distance of about five hundred yards, which soon
compelled the troops to fly. At daylight the following morning Capt.
Boxer, having gallantly landed and reconnoitred to prevent surprise,
the marines of the two frigates, with a few small-arm men under the
command of Lieutenant Patey, Senior Lieutenant of the 'Castor,'
landed and took possession of the town. Two guns were found mounted
on the works, the trunnions of which were knocked off; also a vast
quantity of grain in the public stores, and some munitions of war,
which latter were brought off. During these operations the seamen
under Captain Boxer and Lieutenant Carey, Senior Lieutenant of the
'Pique,' were arduously employed in the gun-boats day and night,
watching 1,500 of the enemy's troops, in levelling sand-banks ten
feet high, to cover the approach to the town, and in loading vessels
with grain after its capture. Not a man was hurt during the whole
affair.
ATTACK ON TORTOSA,
25th September.
Captain Houston Stewart, commanding H.M.S. 'Benbow,' while watering
off the island of Ruad, in company with the 'Carysfort' and 'Zebra,'
was informed that a large quantity of provisions were stored in the
town of Tortosa, from whence the enemy's troops in the neighbourhood
received their supplies. Several deserters had come off; and all
agreed that if the proyisions were destroyed the troops must shift
their quarters, and thus leave open the communication with the
mountains, whose inhabitants were anxious for arms. The British were
informed that the chief store-houses were situated close to the sea;
that a breach might be made in the outer wall, and immediate access
obtained to them; also that there were no troops in the town, but
that the Egyptians were about to remove the provisions.
On this Captain Stewart ordered the 'Carysfort' and 'Zebra' to anchor
within five hundred yards of the town, and some large bags of powder,
with boxes and fusees, were prepared for blowing up the storehouses.
The space from the margin of the sea to the spot it was intended to
breach does not exceed sixteen yards, and as only a few loopholes
could be perceived commanding that space, it was supposed that even
should a fire be opened on the men, their advance from the boats
would be too rapid to allow of its being effective, and that, once
within the breach, they would easily make good their way.
At fifteen minutes past one P.M. the 'Carysfort' and 'Zebra'
commenced an admirably well-directed fire, and very soon opened a
large well-built-up archway in front of them, and which now showed a
considerable space within. The boats, which had rendezvoused on
board the 'Carysfort,' on this shoved off. Lieutenant Charlewood,
being prepared with the necessary means for blowing up stores,
buildings, &c., accompanied by Mr. Turner, gunner of the 'Benbow,'
with eight steady men as pioneers, embarked in the cutter, while a
portion of the marines serving on board the 'Benbow,' with those of
the 'Zebra,' and twenty seamen of the 'Benbow,' under Lieutenants
Maitland, R.N., and Harrison, R.M., immediately followed. It was
arranged that all the boats (after disembarkation) should lie off,
prepared to cover the landing-party with their guns and small-arms,
and to re-embark them. The beach under the town appeared so smooth
and deep that no one entertained a doubt that the heavy boats would
be able to reach it, but as they went in, a ledge of rocks or an
ancient building was found to extend itself across the bay at some
distance from the shore, with such deep water inside that no man
could land and keep his ammunition dry, while only the light boats,
of which there were but two, could pass over it. Thus the marines in
the launch, barge, and two pinnaces were unable to land. Lieut.
Charlewood, in the cutter, with the pioneers, powder, and three
deserters as guides, landed at once, and proceeding towards the
breach, had nearly reached it before a shot was fired; but the moment
the large boats touched the rocks they became exposed to a
destructive fire from every minute loophole and crevice, and even
from the holes which the cannon-shot had just made. Lieutenant
Maitland had succeeded in getting about fourteen of his men landed
with himself by another turn of the same cutter, and worked his way
up to the breach. As soon as the firing began, the guides fled to
the boats. Lieutenant Charlewood, proceeding with his pioneers,
broke open several stores, and at length reached one filled with rice
and another with corn, when he ran back to urge Lieutenant Maitland
to bring more hands up. During his absence his men had hewn open
another door, when, to their surprise, they found it entered upon a
place filled with infantry soldiers, and a struggle ensued. Two
soldiers were killed by the seamen; but having nothing but axes, they
were obliged to give way: Mr. Charlewood's return, however, checked
the enemy, and they did not venture to follow him.
Captain Stewart, fearing that something was wrong, and seeing
Lieutenant Maitland still in the breach, hastened towards him in his
gig, and hailing him, learned that as his ammunition was expended,
and much of that of the marines was wet, there was no longer any
prospect of success; he, therefore, ordered the party to retire, and
all got off, Lieutenant Charlewood even bringing his exploding
apparatus away.
Mr. J. C. Dalrymple Hay, midshipman of the 'Benbow,' who commanded
the first cutter, with his boat's crew, who were much exposed, gained
great credit for the spirited way in which they pulled backwards and
forwards under fire, as did also Mr. W. H. Stewart, who commanded the
jolly-boat of the 'Carysfort,' the only other light boat employed.
It was afterwards found that, on that morning before daylight, 200
infantry and 100 dismounted cavalry had entered the town, who were
opposed to the mere handful of British, who were able to land, though
the latter were much aided by the precision of the fire from the
ships during the whole of the attack.
The following is a list of the boats and officers employed, and the
men killed and wounded in the affair:--
'Benbow's' launch.--Mr. William King Hall, mate; Lieut. Harrison,
R.M. Killed, 4 marines, 1 seaman. Wounded, 4 marines, 2 seamen.
Barge.--Mr. G. F. Day, mate. Wounded, 4 seamen.
1st Gig.--Hon. A. Cochrane, volunteer 1st Class.
Pinnace.--Mr. A. G. West, midshipman. Wounded, 1 seaman.
1st Cutter--Mr. J. C. D. Hay, midshipman. Killed, 1 seaman.
Wounded, 2 seamen.
Landing party.--Mr. F. H. Stanfell, mate; Mr. J. P. Ross, midshipman.
Wounded, 1 seaman.
'Carysfort's' pinnace.--Lieut. Stephens; Hon. -- Douglas, midshipman.
None killed or wounded.
Barge.--Mr. Gennys, mate; Mr. Loney, second master.
Jolly-boat.--Mr. W. Houston Stewart, midshipman.
'Zebra's' pinnace.--Mr. J. Simpson, mate. Wounded, 3 marines.
'Benbow.'--Killed, 2 seamen, 3 royal marines. Wounded, 9 seamen, 3
royal marines, severely. Wounded, 1 seaman, 1 marine, slightly.
'Zebra.'--Wounded, 2 seamen, 1 marine, slightly. Total killed, 5;
total wounded, 17.
It is always melancholy to contemplate a heavy loss like the above
without any result: but such must constantly occur in the course of
warfare; and on the other hand we must remember that some of the most
brilliant and important exploits are performed with little or no
loss: nor must we refuse our meed of praise to those brave men who
are exposed to equal dangers in affairs which appear to be of little
consequence to the nation at large.
We must now turn to the final event of the war in Syria.
BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF ACRE,
3rd November, 1840.
The defence of Acre, by the bravery and exertions of Sir S. Smith,
and the gallant officers and crew of the 'Tigre' and 'Theseus,' which
compelled Napoleon to raise the siege, after being before it two
months, is well known. Had Napoleon succeeded in capturing Acre, in
all probability, the Grand Prince of Lebanon would have declared for
him, and enabled him to take possession of Syria. In December, 1837,
Ibrahim Pacha invested Acre by sea and land, and took it after a
siege of six months. Mehemet Ali had begun to strengthen it still
further; but its newly-designed fortifications were not complete when
the allied squadron appeared off it on the 2nd November, 1840.
It having been determined, therefore, on the 29th September, by Sir
Robert Stopford and Sir Charles Smith, that the siege of Acre should
be undertaken, Omar Bey was ordered to advance from Sidon, with 2,000
Turks, upon Tyre, and then to occupy the White Mountains to the
northward of Acre; while 3,000 men, under the immediate command of
Selim Pacha, and small detachments of Royal Artillery and Sappers,
under Major Higgins, of the former corps, and Lieutenant Aldrich,
Royal Engineers, embarked on board the squadron.
On the 26th of October, the Turkish Admiral sent in a flag of truce,
summoning Acre to surrender; but it was not received; and the
garrison threatened to fire on the boat which brought it.
Captain Edward Boxer, of the 'Pique,' and Captain Codrington, of the
'Talbot,' had been surveying the coast for some days, and buoying
several shoals which were not known, thus enabling the ships to go in
without risk of getting on shore. Owing to light winds and calms,
the squadron did not get into action till 2 p.m. on the 3rd November.
The following ships were engaged in the bombardment and capture of
Acre:--
'Princess Charlotte,' 104 (flag-ship of Admiral Sir Robert Stopford,
Commander-in-Chief), Captain Fanshawe; 'Powerful,' 84 (broad
pennant), Commodore Napier; 'Thunderer,' 84, Captain Berkeley;
'Bellerophon,' 80, Captain Austin; 'Revenge,' 76, Captain Waldegrave;
'Benbow,' 72, Captain Stewart; 'Edinburgh,' 72, Captain Henderson;
'Castor,' (frigate), 36, Captain Collier; 'Pique' (frigate), 36,
Captain Boxer; 'Carysfort' (frigate), 26 (heavy 32 H. S.), Captain
Martin; 'Talbot' (frigate), 26 (carron. 32 H. S.), Captain
Codrington; 'Hazard' (sloop) 18, Commander Hon. C. Elliott; 'Wasp'
(brig), 16, Commander Mansel; 'Gorgon' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4,
Captain Henderson; 'Phœnix' (steam-frigate), 2 and 2, Commander E.
Stopford; 'Stromboli' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Commander W.
Williams; 'Vesuvius' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Commander Henderson;
Turkish Flag-ship, 84, Rear-Admiral Walker; small cutter, captured,
8; Austrian Flag-ship, 60, Admiral Bandeira; Austrian frigate, 46,
His Royal Highness Archduke Frederick; corvette, 20.
Acre presents two sides to the sea, one facing to the west and the
other to the south; and this made it necessary for the squadron to
attack in two divisions.
Commodore Napier led the way in the 'Powerful,' to the northward,
closely followed by the 'Princess Charlotte,' 'Thunderer,'
'Bellerophon,' and 'Pique;' while Captain Collier, of the 'Castor,'
commanded on the south, with the 'Benbow,' 'Edinburgh,' 'Carysfort,'
'Talbot,' 'Wasp,' and 'Hazard.'
Sir Robert Stopford, accompanied by Sir Charles Smith, embarked on
board the 'Phœnix' to superintend the attack, though his flag was
still flying on board the 'Princess Charlotte.'
The 'Powerful,' followed by the other ships, having got round the
shoal, bore up and ran along shore towards the north angle.
As they drew near the fortress, the colours were hoisted from two
flag-staffs, one on the citadel, and the other lower down. The bow
guns of the 'Powerful' were now fired to prevent the Egyptians from
pointing with correctness. In a few minutes she passed the circular
redoubt, where only three or four guns were mounted, and then
anchored abreast of the sea wall, defended by forty guns, in six and
a half fathom water, and at about 700 yards distance from it. The
wind was on the land; the weather was uncertain; and, as they were
not sure of their soundings further in, had they been obliged to
swing and veer, they might have tailed on shore. The other ships, as
they came up, anchored in succession astern of the 'Powerful.'
At the same time the southern division, led with great judgment and
gallantry by Captain Collier, were fast approaching their position.
As soon as they were within range the Egyptians opened their fire on
them, though the shot passed considerably over the ships.
As the ships successively anchored, they opened a tremendous fire on
the batteries; and so well were the shot directed that it would have
been almost impossible for any human beings to have stood their
ground. The Egyptians, consequently, were soon thrown into
confusion, many of them endeavouring to make their escape as they
best could. Five guns only, placed in a flanking battery, were well
served, and never missed; but they were fortunately pointed too high,
and did damage only to the spars and rigging of the 'Powerful.' The
main-top-mast and mizen-topsail-yard of that ship were shot through,
and her rigging was much cut, though only two shot struck her hull,
without doing much damage. The ships astern of her suffered much in
their rigging. The 'Princess Charlotte' had one man killed; and the
'Thunderer' had her quarter-gallery shot away.
Captain Waldegrave, in the 'Revenge,' had been ordered to keep under
weigh as a reserve, but Commodore Napier now signalled the 'Revenge'
to take up a position a-head of him, to attack a heavy battery of
five guns. This Captain Waldegrave did in gallant style, in place of
the 'Thunderer,' which was ordered by the Admiral to do so, but had
got so jammed between the 'Princess Charlotte' and 'Bellerophon' that
she could not weigh without fouling one of them.
While these proceedings were taking place on the west face, Captain
Collier's squadron were engaging the batteries with admirable spirit
on the south, supported by the Austrians under Admiral Bandeira.
Admiral Walker, also, much distinguished himself. He ran inside all
the squadron and took up a warm berth abreast of a new and very
strong work. The steamers outside, the 'Gorgon,' 'Vesuvius,'
'Phœnix,' and 'Stromboli,' were not idle, as they kept up a hot
fire of shot and shell--some of their shells doing much execution.
After the ships had hotly engaged the batteries for nearly two hours,
the grand magazine blew up with a most tremendous explosion, whether
caused by a shell or by accident it is difficult to say. A large
number of the garrison were blown up, and many probably were buried
alive in the ruins or in the casements. The five guns before
mentioned, notwithstanding this catastrophe, kept up their fire with
great spirit to the last. About sunset the signal was made to
discontinue the engagement, but the Commodore kept the fire up some
time after dusk, lest the enemy should be tempted to reman their
guns. The Flag-Lieutenant then brought the orders to withdraw. The
'Revenge' slipped her stern anchor, and made sail without difficulty;
the 'Princess Charlotte' picked up both her anchors and made sail,
but casting the wrong way, nearly got on shore. She was, however,
conducted in the most seamanlike-manner, and not a word was heard on
board her. The 'Powerful' was towed out by the 'Gorgon.' The
'Thunderer' and 'Bellerophon' remained in their position. The
southern squadron also remained at anchor, and this probably induced
the governor to abandon the town, which he did about midnight, with
the greater part of the garrison.
In the middle of the night a small boat brought off the information
that the Egyptian troops were leaving the town, and in consequence,
at daylight 300 Turks and a party of Austrian marines landed and took
unopposed possession of the place. The havoc caused by the guns of
the squadron on the walls and houses was very great, though,
notwithstanding the hot and long-continued fire they had been exposed
to, the ships escaped with little damage, and the amount of
casualties was very small, being 14 English and 41 Turks killed and
42 wounded.
An entire battalion, which had been formed near the magazine, ready
to resist any attempts to storm, were destroyed. The appearance of
the dead and wounded, as they lay scattered about the town, was very
dreadful, but they seemed to excite but little sympathy in the
breasts of the Turks. Every living creature within the area of
60,000 square yards round the magazine had ceased to exist, the loss
of life being computed from 1,200 to 2,000 persons; certainly two
entire regiments were annihilated, with 50 donkies, 30 camels, 12
cows, and some horses.
This was the first occasion on which the advantages of steam had been
fully proved in battle, by the rapidity with which the steamers took
up their positions, and the assistance they rendered to the other
ships, as also by the destruction caused through the shells thrown
from them.
On the 4th another explosion took place, by which a marine was killed
and Captain Collier had his leg fractured.
The garrison being placed in a state of order, was left under the
command of Sir Charles Smith, with 3,000 Turkish troops, and 250
marines under Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, with the protection of the
'Pique' and 'Stromboli.'
Return of killed and wounded in the squadron under the orders of
Admiral the Hon. Sir Robert Stopford, Commander-in-Chief, in the
attack of the fortifications of St. Jean d'Acre, 3rd November, 1840:--
'Princess Charlotte.'--Killed, 1 seaman.
'Powerful.'--Wounded, 1 seaman, severely; 2 seamen and 1 marine,
slightly
'Bellerophon.'--None killed or wounded.
'Revenge.'--Killed, 1 seaman, 1 drummer of marines. Wounded, 3
seamen, severely; 1 marine, slightly.
'Thunderer.'--None killed or wounded.
'Castor.'--Killed, 4 seamen. Wounded, 1 seaman 2 marines, severely;
3 seamen 1 marine, slightly.
'Edinburgh.'--Killed, 2 seamen, 1 drummer, 1 marine. Wounded
slightly, Commander F. D. Hastings, Mr. John Davies, master, Mr.
Joseph Plimsoll, assistant-surgeon, Mr. Henry Boys, midshipman, 1
seaman, 1 boy, 1 marine.
'Benbow.'--None killed or wounded.
'Pique.'--None killed or wounded.
'Carysfort.'--None killed or wounded.
'Talbot.'--Wounded severely, Lieutenant G. B. Le Mesurier, who died
from his wounds; Mr. Henry Haswell, mate, slightly, 1 seaman severely.
'Gorgon.'--None killed or wounded.
'Wasp.'--Wounded, 5 seamen, 1 marine, severely,
'Stromboli.'--None killed or wounded.
'Phœnix.'--None killed or wounded.
'Vesuvius.'--None killed or wounded.
'Hazard.'--Wounded, 1 marine, 1 boy, slightly.
Turkish Flag-ship, Rear-Admiral Walker.--Four killed, 3 wounded.
'Medea,' Austrian Flag-ship, Rear-Admiral Bandeira.--One killed, 4
wounded.
'Guerriera,' Austrian frigate.---One killed, 2 wounded.
Total killed, 18; total wounded, 41.
Nearly 2,000 Egyptians were killed by the explosion of the magazine,
and 300 on the ramparts, wounded unknown; 3,000 prisoners were taken.
The booty captured was as follows:--
On the walls of Acre 121 mounted guns and 42 not mounted; 20 mortars.
In store and ready, 97 boxes field-pieces and 97 mortars; arms,
ammunition, shot, shells, stores of all kinds, military chest,
hospital stores; specie, supposed to be 5,000_l._ value.
The results of the capture of Acre were very important. The Egyptian
garrison of Caiffa and Jaffa forthwith evacuated those places, and
endeavoured to fight their way through Palestine into Egypt. The
Mutualis and Naplous insurgents, however, cut many of them off, and
those who escaped retreated to Acre and surrendered as prisoners of
war. The army of Ibrahim Pacha, which at the commencement of
September amounted to 75,000 men, had dwindled to 20,000. The Syrian
tribes declared for the Sultan, and the garrison and inhabitants of
Jerusalem also returned to their allegiance. On the fall of Acre,
Commodore Napier was sent to Alexandria, where he made a convention
with Mehemet Ali, in which the Pacha agreed to order his son Ibrahim
to evacuate Syria, and to restore the Turkish fleet as soon as he
received official notification that the Sultan would grant him the
hereditary government of Egypt, the Commodore, on his part,
undertaking that hostilities should be suspended against Alexandria
or any other part of Egypt, and that the Egyptian array under Ibrahim
Pacha should have an unmolested passage through Syria.[1] These
terms were not, however, ratified, and it was not till the 11th of
January, 1841, that, by a fresh treaty, Mehemet Ali gave up the whole
Turkish fleet, which sailed for Marmorice under Admiral Walker; and
soon after the Sultan sent a firman according to the Pacha the
hereditary possession of Egypt, without any interference on the part
of the Porte, while a yearly tribute of 2,000,000_l._ was to be paid
to the Sultan, besides about 2,000,000_l._ more of arrears.
Thus terminated the part taken by the British in the affairs of
Turkey and Egypt.
[1] In a private letter, dated November 21, from an officer of the
squadron, he says:--
"The Commodore joined this morning. We were all cock-a-hoop
expecting a brush with the batteries; but our expectations soon fell
to the ground on hearing that he remains here only a short time, and
then proceeds to Malta. The ships manned rigging and cheered him on
passing, the band playing 'Charlie is my Darling,' with which 'Old
Charlie' was much pleased. The 'Powerful' had the warmest berth at
Acre; but strange to tell, she was hulled only twice, one shot in the
cut-water, and one hitting the main bits on the quarter-deck; three
men were slightly wounded from one of their own guns."
WAR IN CHINA.
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS WHICH LED TO THE WAR.
A glance at the map of Asia will show us China occupying a large
portion of its south-eastern shores.
Towards the north, at some distance from the coast of the Yellow Sea,
is situated Pekin, the capital, the residence of the Emperor. South
of it is found the city of Nanking, on the banks of the mighty river
Yangtse-Keang, second in size only to the Amazon and Mississippi.
Some distance again south of the mouth of this river, and off the
large city of Ningpo, is situated the island of Chusan, while on the
southernmost part of the country, on the river of the same name, is
the celebrated commercial city of Canton. The river of Canton is
navigable up to the city for large ships, but there are numerous
bars, and a succession of forts to be passed. As Canton was the only
Chinese port allowed for foreign commerce, a crowd of merchants from
all the provinces collected there, and the warehouses contained the
most valuable productions and manufactures of the country. The city
consists of three towns divided by high walls: the streets are
narrow, paved with small round stones in the middle, and flagged at
the sides. A large portion of the population exists on the water in
boats. The British and other foreign merchants have factories where
they reside, and where their property is stored.[1] The lower orders
of Chinese are supposed to have come originally from India, but they
were conquered by the Tartars, by whom they are now governed, and
from whom all the upper orders are descended. The population of
China amounts to 260,000,000 souls. They are the most industrious
people of the East, but though they had reached a high state of
civilization two thousand years ago, they have probably made but
little progress since that time. Their chief characteristic is to
adhere to all that is established, and to reject all that is new.
Though they have great guns, they still use a firearm, similar to the
ancient matchlock, fired from a stand, called a jingal, as well as
bows and arrows and shields; and their war junks, though of great
size, are very unwieldy and unfit for sea.
The Chinese are ruled by an Emperor, who is absolute, and their
government is most despotic. They were taught to consider themselves
superior to all the world, and to look upon foreigners with the
utmost contempt, fit only to be the slaves of their Emperor. For
many years the English, as did all other European nations, submitted
to every description of indignity they chose to inflict for the sake
of the benefits derived from a commercial intercourse with them. The
chief officers of Government are called Mandarins. They rank in
classes--those of the first class being Ministers of State, Rulers of
Provinces, Generals and Admirals, while captains of ships and
governors of towns rank also as mandarins of lower grade. The most
important product and export of China is tea, which is shipped from
Canton, a certain number of Chinese merchants enjoying a monopoly of
the trade, and transacting all business with the foreign merchants.
The chief article of import which more particularly demands our
notice is opium. The three chief places in India where the poppy
grows, are Malwa, Patna, and Benares. The opium trade with China has
existed since 1780, from which time till the year 1834 the East India
Company enjoyed a monopoly of it, but by a bill introduced by Lord
Glenelg (then Mr. Grant) in 1833, the trade was thrown open; and
three officials were appointed at Canton to superintend it. The East
India Company were also debarred from trading. It is supposed that
throwing open the trade very much increased smuggling; at all events
the Chinese Government now turned their attention to the subject, and
the importation of opium was forbidden under severe penalties, the
pretext being that the drug was highly injurious to the habits and
morals of the people. The real, or at all events the chief, reason
was, that as silver alone was given in exchange for opium, they were
afraid that the country would be drained of that precious metal, and
probably also those in authority who were accustomed to receive
bribes for allowing its admission, found that it entered the country
by other channels from which they gained no benefit. Be that as it
may, the court at Pekin seemed resolved, in 1839, to put a stop to
it, and appointed a High Commissioner, Lin, to proceed to Canton for
that purpose. To prove that he was in earnest, he ordered a Chinese
opium smuggler to be strangled, and then shut up the British
merchants in their factory, and demanded the delivery of all the
opium on board the ships in the river. At the same time the British
flag was fired on, British ships were violently detained, and a
Chinaman having been accidentally killed by a British seaman, the
life of a British subject was demanded in return.
In short it became evident that all commercial intercourse would soon
be put a stop to, and that probably much British property would be
destroyed, and the lives of British subjects sacrificed, unless some
strong measures were instantly taken by the British Government to
bring the Chinese to order. Captain Elliot, R.N., who was at that
time Chief Superintendent of Trade, acted on the occasion with the
greatest promptitude, courage, and decision.
He sent home despatches with an account of the state of affairs,
declared himself and the British merchants forcibly detained, and
demanded a delivery of the opium from the merchants for her Majesty's
government, and then gave it up to the Chinese authorities. By these
proceedings, he gained time, and enabled all the teas ready to be
shipped to be got off, as their non-reception in England would have
caused a serious defalcation in the revenue. It must be understood
that the war in China was undertaken not to compel the people to
receive a pernicious drug like opium, but to punish the Government
for the numerous injuries and insults they had offered to the
English, and by teaching them to respect our power, to induce them to
trade with us on fair and equal terms, and to treat us in future as
one civilized people should treat another; also to demand reparation
of grievances, and payment for the property of British subjects
destroyed at Canton, to obtain a guarantee against similar
occurrences in future; and, what was of the greatest importance, to
open up the trade at the different ports along the coast.
With these objects to be accomplished, a large squadron, with a
number of transports containing a considerable body of troops, were
despatched in 1840 by the Governor-General of India to the China seas.
The following were among many other causes the British had of
complaint against the Chinese, and for which the latter refused any
compensation or redress:--
The general insolent behaviour of all officials, both towards British
authorities and merchants.
The breaking open Lord Napier's luggage. Driving away his native
servants. Firing on Her Majesty's ships 'Imogene' and 'Andromache.'
Closing the communication for purposes of commerce to the English
between Canton and Whampoa.
Firing on a British boat from the Forts of the Boca Tigris.
Seizing the property of British merchants. Imprisoning British
merchants.
Claiming the life of a British subject, on account of a Chinaman
having been killed accidentally by an Englishman. The attack on a
British boat, and murder of her crew by Chinese.
[1] Situated on an island at the entrance of the Bay of Canton is
Macao, a town and settlement of the Portuguese. It was given to them
by the Chinese Emperor in 1586, in return for assistance they
afforded him against the pirates who infested the coast. About ten
miles below Canton is the port of Whampoa.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR. ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S.
'VOLAGE' AND 'HYACINTH,' AND A SQUADRON OF
CHINESE WAR-JUNKS,
November 3rd, 1859.
Her Majesty's ships 'Volage,' Captain H. Smith, and 'Hyacinth,'
Captain Warren, were lying in the mouth of the Canton river, when
information was sent by Captain Elliot, the Superintendent of Trade,
to Captain Smith, that a large fleet of war-junks, under the command
of Admiral Kwan, was assembled near Chuenpee, for the purpose
probably of attempting the destruction of the British merchant
shipping off Hong Kong. The intention of the Chinese was evident
from the erection of batteries overlooking the shipping of Hong Kong,
the assemblage of war-junks in the neighbouring bay, and the
encampment of numerous bodies of troops at the back of the boundary
wall at Macao; in addition to which, High Commissioner Lin and the
Governor had issued proclamations, threatening the seizure of the
Superintendent and all British subjects. Captain Elliot went on
board the 'Volage' on the 28th of October, when both ships got under
weigh, but, owing to light winds, did not reach the Bogue till the
2nd November, when they anchored in front of an imposing force of
war-junks and fire-vessels. Here a letter was sent on board the
Admiral's junk to the Commissioners by Lieutenant Hamilton,
accompanied by Mr. Morrison, the Chinese Interpreter, demanding the
intentions of the Chinese. These gentlemen were well received, and a
request forwarded by them for the ships to move further down, and
they were informed that a reply would be sent the next day. No
reply, however, came, and on the 3rd, at 9:30 A.M., Captain Smith
perceiving the war-junks and fire-vessels, 29 in number, getting
under weigh and bearing down upon him, the 'Volage' and 'Hyacinth'
immediately weighed anchor and stood towards them under easy sail.
On this the Chinese flotilla anchored in a line about a mile from
them. Captain Smith now sent the interpreter for a reply to his
communication, when his own letter to the High Commissioner was
returned to him. After this want of courtesy, as it was evident the
Chinese had sent this imposing force out for the purpose of
intimidation, Captain Smith considered, for the honour of the British
flag and the safety of the merchant vessels, it was necessary to
compel them to return to their former anchorage, lest they might slip
by him at night and carry their menaces into execution.
He accordingly at noon gave the signal to engage, and the British
ships, then lying-to at the extreme end of the Chinese line, bore
away in close order, having the wind on the starboard beam. In this
way, under easy sail, they ran down the Chinese line, pouring in a
destructive fire. The ships, having the wind abeam, were able to run
up again from the other extremity of the line, with their larboard
broadsides bearing on the enemy. The Chinese, undaunted at first by
the tremendous fire to which they were exposed, answered it with
spirit, and their Admiral Kwang behaved with much courage. His
war-junk was evidently better manned and armed than the rest of the
fleet, and relying on this, he weighed or cut his cable, and bore
down in handsome style to engage the British ships. His junk carried
twelve guns, which he fought with much skill and courage; in less,
however, than three-quarters of an hour, the shots from the British
ships had told with terrible effect on him and the rest of his fleet.
One blew up, three sunk, several were shattered and deserted by their
crews, and the remainder retired in the greatest confusion, that of
the Admiral, evidently in a sinking state, to the anchorage above the
battery. The 'Volage' escaped without any injury; but the
'Hyacinth,' which was for some time surrounded by the junks, had one
man slightly wounded, and got her main-yard much damaged.
Captain Smith having effected his object, the return of the war-junks
above the fort, and not wishing to cause any unnecessary bloodshed,
at one, P.M., made the signal to terminate the action, and returned
that night to Macao. He there embarked a number of British residents
who had gone there while negotiations were pending, and proceeded to
Hong Kong, leaving the 'Hyacinth' at Macao.
It afterwards appeared, that from the British ships retiring without
inflicting further punishment on the Chinese, Admiral Kwan, on his
return to Canton, boasted that he had gained a great victory, and was
in consequence covered with rewards and honours, while it encouraged
his countrymen to persevere in the contest. Captain Smith acted
perfectly right; but it is another of many examples of the difficulty
of dealing with barbarians, and the danger often of treating them
with leniency and forbearance until they have completely succumbed.
All trade with the English was now prohibited, though American
vessels brought down teas from Canton to the ships lying outside the
Boca Tigris, and carried back goods in return.
ARRIVAL OF BRITISH SQUADRON AND TRANSPORTS.
Soon after the event we have just described, the Chinese authorities
at Canton sent a boat-load of poisoned tea, packed in small parcels,
to be sold to the English seamen; but the boat falling into the hands
of Chinese pirates, her cargo was sold by them to their countrymen,
many of whom died in consequence. About this time a proclamation was
issued, offering 20,000 Spanish dollars to any one who would capture
an English 80-gun ship; and for taking alive a foreign mandarin or
captain 5,000 dollars, and so on for other officers in proportion to
their rank, while a third of the sum was to be paid for killing them.
The Chinese were making preparations at this period for future
operations in the Canton river; troops were exercised, fire-ships
were prepared, and guns collected. Lin also got up a sham fight at
the Bogue, dressing some of the troops in red clothes, who were
soundly beaten, to teach the Celestials to conquer the barbarian
English. The Chinese had also purchased a large English
merchant-ship, intending to turn her into a man-of-war, and had built
some odd little craft in imitation of English schooners.
On the 24th of March the 'Druid' frigate, commanded by Lord John
Churchill, arrived off Macao, and thence proceeded to Tongkoo Roads.
The expedition having reached Singapore, and waited there till the
30th of May for Admiral the Hon. G. Elliot., who was expected from
the Cape of Good Hope, began to assemble in Macao Roads towards the
end of June. It consisted of the following ships and 27 transports,
having on board the 18th, 26th and 49th European Regiments, 37th
Madras infantry, a body of Bengal volunteers, and a corps of Madras
sappers and miners. The troops, who numbered about 4,000 men, were
under the command of Colonel Oglander. On his death he was succeeded
by Colonel Burrel.
_British squadron employed on the coast of China_.--'Melville,' 74
(flag-ship), Rear-Admiral the Hon. George Elliot, C.B., Captain the
Hon. B. S. Dundas; 'Wellesley,' 74 (bearing the broad pennant of
Commodore Sir J. G. Gordon Bremer, C.B.), Captain Thomas Maitland;
'Blenheim,' 74, Sir H. S. Fleming Senhouse, K.C.B.; 'Druid,' 44,
Captain H. Smith;[1] 'Blonde,' 44, Captain F. Bourchier; 'Conway,'
28, Captain C. D. Bethune; 'Volage,' 28, Captain George Elliot;
'Alligator,' 28, Captain H. Kuper; 'Larne,' Captain J. P. Blake;
'Hyacinth,' 20, Captain W. Warren; 'Modeste,' 20, Captain H. Eyres;
'Pylades,' 20, Commander T. V. Anson; 'Nimrod,' 20, Commander C. A.
Barlow; 'Cruiser,' 18, Commander H. W. Giffard; 'Columbine,' 18,
Commander T. J. Clarke; 'Algerine,' 10, Lieut.-Commander T. S. Mason;
'Rattlesnake' (troop-ship), Master Commander Brodie; Hon. East India
Company's armed steamers 'Queen,' Commander Warden; 'Madagascar,'
Commander Dicey; 'Atalanta,' Commander Rogers; 'Enterprise,'
Commander West.
The Admiral not having arrived, the fleet was under the command of
Sir Gordon Bremer. While at Singapore, Captain Maitland had drilled
350 seamen of the 'Wellesley' as light-infantry troops and brought
them into an admirable state of efficiency. Instead of at once
passing the Boca Tigris and attacking Canton, part of the fleet was
ordered to proceed north, along the east coast, while the remainder
blockaded the mouth of the Canton River.
[1] Lord John Churchill dying, Captain Smith was appointed to the
'Druid,' and G. Elliot succeeded him in the 'Volage.'
PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. 'BLONDE' OFF AMOY,
July 3rd, 1840.
The 'Blonde,' Captain T. Bourchier, arrived off Amoy on the 2nd July,
for the purpose of opening communications with the authorities of the
place. An officer having been sent on shore with Mr. Thorn, the
interpreter attached to the ship, was received with abusive and
opprobrious language by the Chinese, and ordered to return. As the
day dawned on the 3rd, the Chinese were observed making preparations
to attack the ship. An encampment was formed on the beach, batteries
were being thrown up, and large armed junks had come out of the inner
harbour, while smaller ones were being filled with troops and placed
close to the ship. Unwilling to cause a rupture if it could be
avoided, Captain Bourchier got his ship under weigh as soon as the
sea-breeze set in, and running within 400 yards of the shore,
anchored with springs on his cable off an angle of a casement
battery, at the mouth of the inner harbour, so as to command it and
the junks at the same time. A boat was again sent on shore with a
flag of truce, when she was treacherously fired into. On this, the
flag of truce on board the 'Blonde' was hauled down, and she returned
the fire. Her first broadside dismounted the greater part of the
guns in the eastern battery, and the second silenced both, putting to
flight the troops formed in the neighbourhood. The fire of the
'Blonde' was then directed exclusively at the fort and armed junks.
The former was soon reduced to a heap of ruins, and all the latter,
with the exception of one, managed to make their escape up the
harbour. The only one which remained had been abandoned by her crew,
and an officer was forthwith sent on board, who hove her guns
overboard and set her on fire.
During the affair the neighbouring hills were covered with
spectators, who seemed scarcely to comprehend what was going on. The
war-junks had taken refuge among a fleet of trading-vessels which
crowded the inner harbour, and Captain Bourchier, unwilling to punish
the innocent as well as the guilty, refrained from pursuing them.
Not a man on board the 'Blonde' was injured, though she had inflicted
a severe chastisement on the Chinese, numbers of whose bodies strewed
the beach. Having performed this necessary though painful duty,
Captain Bourchier proceeded on his voyage.
CAPTURE OF CHUSAN.
It being considered important that possession should be taken of an
island on the eastern coast, to facilitate the blockade of the great
river Tang-tze, the chief artery of China--an object Captain Elliot
had strongly advised--Chusan, opposite to the city of Ningpo, was the
island fixed on.
Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer, with his broad pennant flying on board
the 'Wellesley,' having established the blockade of the Canton River,
left Macao Roads on the 24th of June, accompanied by Her Majesty's
schooner 'Young Hebe' and four transports, and being joined on the
way by the 'Atalanta' and 'Queen' steamers, reached the anchorage
under the Buffalo's Nose, on the 1st July, where the squadron under
Captain Bethune, of Her Majesty's ship 'Conway,' as Senior Captain,
had before assembled.
The fleet consisted of the 'Wellesley,' 'Conway,' 'Alligator,'
'Cruiser,' 'Algerine,' 'Rattlesnake,' and 'Young Hebe;' and
'Atalanta' and 'Queen,' steamers.
The next day the fleet proceeded to an anchorage off Chusan, when
Captain Bethune, accompanied by the Master of the 'Wellesley,' in the
'Atalanta' steam-sloop, reconnoitred the harbour, and sounded the
passage up it.
The next day, the 4th, the 'Wellesley,' towed by the 'Atalanta,' and
followed by the whole fleet, proceeded up the harbour; and when the
flood made, the 'Wellesley' anchored abreast of the town of Ting-hai;
12 Chinese war-junks following from the lower anchorage.
On her passage the 'Wellesley' took on board two fishermen to act as
pilots. The simple fellows had no idea that she was a ship-of-war,
and told the crew that their mandarins would treat them with
kindness, and allow them to trade a little. On being informed that
the English were going to drive away the mandarins, and take
possession--raising their hands, with a look of horror, they
exclaimed, "You cannot! you cannot."
The appearance of the harbour of Chusan is very picturesque; and both
the shore and the heights near the sea seemed to be thickly
inhabited. The suburbs extend some way along the water's edge, with
a wharf in front of them, near which were moored a large number of
trading-craft.
As the British fleet entered the harbour, eleven war-junks bore down
upon them, but put about and retired as they sailed on, ultimately
forming a line in front of the trading-junks, as if to protect the
shore from being invaded.
On the right was a rugged hill 200 feet high, with a joss-house on
the summit, where some 800 men were posted, with six guns; while some
30 guns were placed along the wharfs; and on the left was a small
Martello tower, mounting eight more.
About 600 troops occupied this space, who, aided by a large number of
the inhabitants, were busily employed in fortifying the ramparts.
The 'Conway' and 'Alligator,' as they came in, took up positions in
front and flank of the hill with the joss-house on the summit.
The Commodore entertained hopes that the overwhelming force of the
British would induce the Chinese to yield without striking a blow.
He accordingly sent a summons to the Chinese Vice-Admiral, who was
present in his junk, by Commander John Vernon Fletcher, of the
'Wellesley,' and Lord Viscount Jocelyn, attended by the Rev. Mr.
Gutzlaff, the interpreter, demanding the surrender of the town and
island within six hours.
The war-junks, which carry about 50 men each, are easily
distinguished by their flaunting streamers, red-muzzled guns, and
painted poops; that of the Admiral was known by its more numerous
pennons, and three tigers' heads painted on the high stern. Captain
Fletcher's party were received with perfect civility; and tea was
handed to them. In half an hour, the Admiral, an old man, arrived;
and, after some conversation, agreed to go on board the flagship. On
reaching the 'Wellesley,' and the objects of the expedition being
explained to him and his officers, he complained of the hardship that
the people of that district should be made answerable by the English
for wrongs they had received at Canton. "We see your strength," he
observed, "and know that opposition will be madness, but we must
perform our duty, though we fall in so doing." The Commodore on
this, earnestly entreated them to spare an immense effusion of blood
by yielding at once, and gave them till the following morning to
consider the matter.
Their last words, before quitting the ship, were, "If you do not hear
from us before sunrise, the consequences be upon our own heads." We
quote partly, from Viscount Jocelyn's very interesting account of the
affair. During the night, by the light of thousands of painted
lanterns, one of which is carried by every Chinese who moves about
after dark, crowds were perceived throwing up embankments, and
placing gingalls and fresh guns in position, while the sound of
gongs, and other warlike demonstrations, showed that the people were
resolved not to yield without fighting. "The merchant junks were
faintly seen through the shades of darkness, heaving up their heavy
anchors, and stealing silently through the fleet, laden half-way up
their masts, with goods and merchandize; and crowded with women and
children. These were allowed to pass, although in their cargoes many
a captain might have made his fortune."
As the morning of the 5th dawned, the quays and shore appeared lined
with troops in considerable force, while, from the mastheads, numbers
were seen on the plain between the suburbs and the city walls. The
war-junks were hauled on shore, in line, with their rudders unhung,
and, in addition to the guns before mentioned, presented 34 guns and
45 large gingalls.
At 8 A.M., the signal was hoisted to prepare for action; but the
Commodore, anxious to save life, did not give the order to engage.
The flood-tide, at noon, brought the mass of the transports in; and
the Commodore, hoping that, when the Chinese saw the troops preparing
to land in full force, they would negotiate, still waited till 2
P.M., before he began the attack. The troops then left the
transports, in the boats of the squadron, and took up their position
in two lines, in rear of the men-of-war, to land under cover of their
fire. At the same time a shot was fired from the 'Wellesley,' at the
Round Tower, falling, as was intended, at the foot of it, without
doing the slightest injury. This shot was instantly answered by the
whole line of the Chinese defence, and was returned with terrible
effect by the squadron; and the crashing of timber, falling houses,
and groans of men resounded from the shore.
The cannonade lasted but from seven to eight minutes; though a few
shots were heard from the junks, which were unhurt. When the smoke
cleared away, a mass of ruin appeared; and on the place lately alive
with men, a few wounded only were seen, among whom was the brave old
Admiral, borne from his ship by a faithful few, with the loss of his
leg, from a round shot.
The troops had fled, four junks were knocked to pieces, and the
battery on the Custom-house wharf was destroyed. Before the last
shot was fired the right wing of the 18th Royal Irish regiment, under
the command of Major Adams, and the Royal Marines of the squadron,
under the command of Captain Ellis, of the 'Wellesley,' forming the
advance, landed, and were immediately followed by detachments of Her
Majesty's 26th and 49th regiments of the Madras artillery, and
sappers and miners, and the Bengal volunteer corps, and the remainder
of the troops: and at 50 minutes past 2 P.M., the British flag
floated on the first military position in the Chinese empire
conquered by Her Majesty's forces. On the troops reaching the summit
of the Temple hill, they discovered an inner town, on the ramparts of
which appeared numerous banners, and crowds of soldiers beating their
tom-toms and gongs, and beckoning the English to the attack, while
they opened a fire from their wall-pieces which did no damage
whatever. The Commodore and Brigadier Burrell, fearing from this the
dreadful necessity of a breach and escalade, resolved not to attack
the place till the following day. Fortunately for the cause of
humanity, after a few shells had been fired into it, the Chinese
troops evacuated the place during the night, and, with many of the
inhabitants, fled into the country. The civil magistrate, with some
of his officers, were killed, and the governor of the town drowned
himself in despair.
By the fire of the ships, the Commodore expresses his thankfulness,
in his despatch, that 25 persons only were killed, all fighting men.
The old Admiral died in a few days at Ningpo, after honours had been
heaped on him for his bravery. Though the ships of the squadron were
frequently struck, no damage of the slightest consequence was done to
them, and one man of the 'Conway' only was wounded.
The Commodore speaks of the zeal and activity of Capts. Bethune,
Maitland, and Kuper, of Her Majesty's ships 'Conway,' 'Wellesley,'
and 'Alligator;' Commanders Giffard and Fletcher, of the 'Cruiser'
and 'Wellesley;' Lieut. Mason, of Her Majesty's brig 'Algerine;' Mr.
Brodie, R.N., commanding Her Majesty's troop ship 'Rattlesnake;' and
Mr. C. E. Hodgkinson, mate, R.N., commanding Her Majesty's schooner
'Young Hebe;' of the Commanders and officers of the Honourable East
India Company's steam vessels of war, 'Atalanta' and 'Queen,' as also
of every officer, seaman and marine in the squadron--remarks that the
Royal Marines under Captain Ellis maintained the high character of
their corps for steadiness and soldier-like good conduct--and he
thanks Viscount Jocelyn for his readiness on all occasions, and
expresses his satisfaction at the zeal, intelligence, and
perseverance of the masters of the transports, and the regularity of
their conduct throughout.
Chusan being thus easily gained, was held till the 24th of February
in the following year, when it was evacuated that the troops and
ships employed in its defence might take a part in the hostilities at
that time more formally commenced against China. On the 7th of July,
Admiral Elliot arrived at Chusan. On the 10th, a blockade of the
China coast was established from Ningpo to the mouth of the Keang
river. Captain Elliot, however, was employed for some time, though
to little effect, in negotiating with the Chinese, and for this
purpose entered in a steamer the river Peiho, which flows past
Peking. A conference was held on shore, August 30th, below the town
of Tientsing, between Captain Elliot and Keshen, the grand
Commissioner, who superseded Lin. This town is at the head of the
Great Canal of China, and the chief communication for trade with the
north, and at its mouth was a large fleet of junks, so that had the
Chinese turned restive, in a few hours the British squadron, by
burning the town and fleet, might have struck a blow which would have
speedily brought them to terms. Keshen showed himself a good
diplomatist by obtaining time, which the Chinese employed in
increasing their fortifications. The squadron sailed north, and
visited the great wall of China, which was seen extending for a
considerable distance along a plain, and terminating in a
strongly-fortified town close to the sea. On the passage the boats
of the 'Pylades' corvette, Captain Anson, were on the point of
boarding three junks, when as they ranged along side one of them,
upwards of a hundred men who had been concealed started up and
commenced firing and hurling spears and stinkpots upon the crews.
The British shoved off to a short distance, with two men killed and
five wounded, and poured in some well-directed volleys which killed
half the pirates; the remainder jumping overboard, and making for the
shore, though many were drowned on their way. The other two pirates
effected their escape.
During this time the 'Conway,' Captain Bethune, surveyed sixty miles
of the course of the Yeang-se-Keang river, up which a line-of-battle
ship might sail. During the survey, Mr. Harvey, a young midshipman
of great promise, was sent on shore with a party to obtain cattle and
vegetables, when they were set on by a body of natives. In the fray
one seaman was killed, and Mr. Harvey was so dangerously wounded,
that he died on the return of his ship to Chusan.
The 'Algerine,' 10 guns, Lieut.-Commander Mason, on passing the town
of Chapoo, a place of great trade with Japan, was fired on from a
strong fort, mounting a large number of guns. He immediately ranged
up under the batteries which he engaged for three hours, during which
time the Chinese kept up a heavy fire, and he had almost expended his
ammunition before he silenced them. A mandarin on the ramparts
showed much courage, by freely exposing himself, and directing his
soldiers, while the shot from the brig was falling round him in all
directions.
The soldiers, kept without employment in Chusan, suffered much by the
poisonous exhalations from the paddy-fields, from the effects of
which numbers died, while the seamen of the 'Melville,' which was
hove down, having got part of her keel torn away, perfectly kept
their health for the six weeks she was under repair. It was a
favourite exploit of the Chinese to kidnap the English; and Captain
Anstruther, an officer of Madras artillery, was thus carried off
while taking a survey within a mile of the encampment at Chusan. The
crew of the 'Kite' wrecked on the coast, and Mrs. Noble, the
captain's wife, were also captured, but they were all ultimately set
at liberty on Chusan being given up to the Chinese.
We now bid farewell to Chusan, and have to describe another important
exploit performed by Captain Smith.
CAPTAIN SMITH DEFEATS CHINESE AT THE MACAO BARRIER,
August 19th, 1840.
A Mr. Staunton having been carried away from Macao, as Captain
Anstruther had been from Chusan, Captain Smith, senior officer on the
station, sent to demand his release from the mandarin commanding the
Chinese force at the barriers at Macao. This barrier is composed of
a wall and ditch, with parapets, and had been recently strengthened.
It runs across the isthmus joining Macao to the mainland, and beyond
it the Portuguese have no jurisdiction. The mandarin, in reply,
agreed to go to Canton to bring back Mr. Staunton, but instead,
returned with 800 fresh troops. This, in addition to rumours he had
heard, convinced Captain Smith that an attack was intended probably
on Macao itself. Taking, therefore, the 'Larne' and 'Hyacinth,' with
the 'Enterprise' steamer, and 'Louisa' cutter, he ran as close up to
the barrier as the depth of water would allow, and opened a warm fire
upon the whole of the Chinese works and barracks, which was well
returned. In about an hour, the fire of the enemy being almost
silenced, a gun was landed on the beach, which effectually raked
their position, while a body of marines, under Lieut. Maxwell, with
some small-arm men from the 'Druid,' under Lieut. Goldsmith, and
about two companies of Bengal volunteers, under Captain Shee, 380 men
in all, disembarked and drove the Chinese with much loss from every
one of their positions. The guns were spiked, and the whole of the
troops fled, nor did they ever again occupy the barrier. Two junks
were sunk, and the rest allowed to escape round the opposite point,
and the barracks and the other buildings were burned. The British
having four men only wounded, re-embarked, and the ships returned the
same evening to their former anchorage in Macao Roads. This
well-timed and important piece of service of Captain Smith's was the
last hostile movement of the British during the year 1840. On 6th
November, a truce was announced by Admiral Elliot, and on the 29th,
he resigned his command from extreme ill health, and returned to
England, leaving Sir Gordon Bremer as Commander-in-Chief.
CAPTURE OF THE BOGUE FORTS, CHUENPEE AND TYCOCKTOW,
January 7th, 1841.
The British naval force now consisted of 'Wellesley,' 78, Captain
Maitland, (bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer);
'Blenheim,' 74, Sir W. Le Fleming Senhouse; 'Melville,' 74, Hon. E.
S. Dundas; 'Calliope,' Captain Herbert; 'Samarang,' 28, Captain
Scott; 'Druid,' 44, Captain Smith: 'Sulphur' (surveying ship),
Commander Belcher; 'Larne,' 18, Commander Blake; 'Hyacinth,' 18,
Commander Warren; 'Modeste,' 18, Commander Eyres; 'Columbine,' 18,
Commander Clarke; 'Starling,' Lieut. H. Kellett. Steamers, 'Queen,'
'Nemesis,' 'Madagascar,' and 'Enterprize.'
While negotiations were in progress, an edict was issued by the
Emperor, ordering that all English ships and Englishmen should be
destroyed, whenever encountered in or near China; and, as the Chinese
were strengthening their forts, and collecting troops in all
directions, it was evident they intended to try the fortune of war.
It was, therefore, determined that an attack should be made on Canton
itself, previous to which, it was necessary to capture the forts at
the entrance and on the banks of the river. For this purpose
scaling-ladders of bamboo, and a landing-stage for disembarking the
troops, were constructed, and all preparations were speedily made.
The entrance of the Canton River is called the Boca Tigris (the
Tiger's Mouth), and on the shores on either side, for a considerable
distance, are constructed a line of forts, which were believed by the
Chinese to be impregnable; and from their appearance outside, they
had been looked upon, even by foreigners, as of great strength. They
are known by the name of the Bogue Forts. On first entering the
river, two extensive stone forts are seen, one on each side; that on
the right or eastern side, with two conical eminences towering above
it, at the extremity of a promontory, is called Chuenpee; while on
the left or west side of the river, here three miles wide, on a
smaller promontory, called Tycocktow, is a line of strong batteries
faced with granite, close to the shore. These were the forts now to
be attacked by the squadron under Sir Gordon Bremer. We will first
give an account of
THE CAPTURE OF CHUENPEE.
At eight o'clock on the morning of the 7th of January, the Royal
Marines of the squadron under the command of Major Ellis, the
detachments of the 26th and 49th Regiments, and the 37th Madras
Native Infantry and Bengal Volunteers, were landed about two miles
below Chuenpee, accompanied by a detachment of Royal Artillery, with
one 24-pound howitzer, and two 6-pound field-guns, together with a
division of the seamen belonging to the 'Wellesley,' 'Blenheim,' and
'Melville,' in all about 1,400, under the command of Major Pratt of
the 26th Cameronians. The difficult task of landing and embarking
the troops was duly managed by Lieut. Symonds of H.M.S. 'Wellesley.'
The leading troops were the Royal Marines and the Royal Artillery,
the guns being dragged along by the blue jackets, under Lieut.
Wilson, of H.M.S. 'Blenheim.' The road lay through a winding valley
for nearly two miles, until a transverse ridge was reached, whence
the whole of the Chinese works could be viewed. They consisted of a
strongly-entrenched camp, flanked by small field-batteries, and
connected with the hill fort above by a high breastwork. The object
of the Chinese was evidently to protect the rear of the fort, which
was the key of the position. While the guns of the Royal Artillery
fired from the ridge, the Marines crossing the shoulder of the hills,
drove the Chinese from it, and then descending into the valley
beyond, came upon a second encampment with a small field battery,
which was soon cleared.
The eastern division of the squadron for the attack of Chuenpee,
placed under Captain Herbert, consisted of 'Calliope,' 'Larne,'
'Hyacinth,' and steamers 'Queen,' and 'Nemesis.' Commander Belcher,
of the 'Sulphur' (surveying vessel), had lately arrived on the
station, and the 'Queen' and 'Nemesis' were placed in position by him
for throwing shells into the upper fort, and soon made an impression.
The rest of the ships attacked the lower fort on the sea face, the
'Samarang,' leading her division in gallant style direct for the
centre of the battery, and anchoring within half a cable's length of
the walls, followed by the 'Modeste,' 'Druid,' and 'Columbine,' and
in less than an hour silenced the guns, although a number of troops
remained within the walls. By 10 o'clock the troops had carried the
entrenchments with their field-batteries. Major Pratt himself, and
two or three marines, were in possession of the upper fort, on which
they had hoisted the British colours. The lower fort was speedily
surrounded and stormed, by the entrance as well as by the wall, by a
party of Royal Marines, and the Union Jack displayed on the ramparts.
Eleven large war-junks were anchored in shoal water in Anson's Bay,
to the eastward of the position, and as soon as the Marines were seen
to enter the upper battery, Commander Belcher leading, accompanied by
Lieut. Kellett, in the 'Nemesis,' Captain Hall with the boats of the
'Calliope,' under her First Lieut. Watson, pushed on for the junks,
firing with grape and canister into Lower Chuenpee on the way. The
'Nemesis,' drawing not more than five and a half or six feet, enabled
her to get close up to the junks before opening fire, when several
well-directed guns put them completely into confusion. The first
rocket forced its way into the magazine of the ship next the Admiral,
which blew up with a terrific explosion. The boats then moved on and
set fire to the junks in the lower part of the river. Some of them,
however, retreating under canvas, kept up a very spirited fire on the
chasing boats, gallantly led by Lieut. Watson of the 'Calliope.' Two
ran on shore and were destroyed, the rest escaped. Some of the junks
were hung round with large nets, with which the Chinese proposed to
catch the British as they came alongside. They took the idea from
seeing boarding nettings in English ships, without knowing their use.
Old Admiral Kwan lost the red button of his cap, the emblem of his
rank, but it was found and restored to him by Commander Belcher. It
was reported that the brave old man sought his death at the hands of
his foe, but was borne off by his attendants. Captain Hall speaks of
the able assistance he received on this and many other occasions,
from Mr. Crouch, a gunnery mate of the 'Wellesley,' who was permitted
to serve on board the 'Nemesis.' Besides the Chinese who were shot
by the troops as they advanced, a large number, not aware that
quarter would be granted them, threw themselves from the battlements,
or were drowned in attempting to swim away. The Commander of the
fort was killed at the head of his men, and his son, determined not
to survive, threw himself into the sea and perished. Many were
burned by their clothes catching fire from their matches, aided by
their pouches filled with powder. Though the larger proportion
endeavoured to fly, many fought bravely to the last. The guns of all
the forts were destroyed, the magazines blown up, and the barracks
and houses burnt.
CAPTURE OF TYCOCKTOW.
While the affair we have just described was going on on the east side
of the river, Captain Scott, in the 'Samarang,' gallantly led his
division against Tycocktow on the west side, which commenced its fire
at about 20 minutes past 10 o'clock, but he did not reply till 10
minutes afterwards, when he had anchored abreast of it, about 200
yards off, as near as the depth of water would allow the ship to
approach. The 'Modeste,' 'Druid,' and 'Columbine' anchored in
succession, and in a few minutes so destructive and well directed was
the fire of the ships, that with the exception of one or two
occasionally, all the guns of the enemy were silenced. At 20 minutes
after 11, a practicable breach having been made in the southern end
of the fort, the boats were manned and armed, and proceeded to storm
it. Lieutenant Bower, First Lieutenant of the 'Samarang,'
immediately landed, supported by the boats of the 'Modeste,' while
those of the 'Druid' and 'Columbine,' under the command of Lieutenant
Goldsmith, senior of the 'Druid,' proceeded to the north end.
The Chinese attempted to defend the breach, and Lieutenant Bower was
severely wounded by a sabre-cut on the knee, but they were speedily
driven back by the gallant and determined rush onwards of the seamen;
and so appalled were the Chinese, that they made a hasty retreat over
the hill wall, leaving the British masters of the fort. Mr. Luard,
on this occasion, behaved most gallantly in the breach.
From the number of wounded lying in every direction the loss of the
enemy must have been very severe. Their wounded having been carried
away clear of the fort, the whole of the buildings and magazines were
blown up, and the guns, amounting to 25 longs of different calibre,
were spiked, the trunnions knocked off, a shot wrapped round with wet
canvas driven hard home in each, were then thrown into the sea, their
carriages being burnt.
DESTRUCTION OF WAR JUNKS IN ANSON'S BAY,*
January 7th, 1841.
* Particulars from "The Nemesis in China."
The day on which the forts of Chuenpee and Tycocktow were captured,
the 'Nemesis' took a most distinguished part in the total destruction
of the Chinese squadron of war-junks, under the command of Admiral
Kwan., which completed the discomfiture of the Chinese by sea and by
land. Some of the boats of the 'Calliope,' 'Hyacinth,' 'Larne,'
'Sulphur,' and 'Starling' co-operated with her in the action, in
which Lieutenants Watson and Harrison, and other officers of the
'Calliope' and 'Larne' deservedly won their laurels.
At the bottom of Anson's Bay was the entrance of a small river,
unknown until now, having a small island at its mouth, somewhat on
the Chuenpee side. Within this, and in a measure protected by a
sand-bar, which ran out from it, lay the Chinese fleet of about 15
war-junks, moored in a good position in shallow water, so as to
prevent the near approach of the British ships. Directions had been
given to Captain Herbert, of the 'Calliope,' to make arrangements for
the attack of these war-junks as soon as the defences on Chuenpee
should have fallen; the moment, therefore, that it was perceived on
board the 'Nemesis,' as she ran up towards the lower battery, and
poured in her grape and canister, that the upper fort had fallen, so
that the lower one would not longer hold out, she hastened, without a
moment's delay, to the attack of the enemy's squadron. Full steam
was set on, without waiting to see what other measures might be taken
elsewhere to effect the object. In her anxiety to secure the post of
honour, the 'Nemesis' rounded the point of Chuenpee a little too
close, and struck rather heavily upon a rocky reef running out some
distance from it, but upon which it was thought that there was still
water enough to enable her to float safely. She did indeed pass over
it, but not without striking; but her iron frame did not hang upon it
as a wooden one would probably have done, and she proceeded, without
even stopping her engines. The force of the blow, however, was
considerable enough to break the outer paddle-ring of one of her
wheels, together with two of the long arms attached to it, and would
probably have more seriously damaged a wooden vessel. About this
time, Captain Belcher, of the 'Sulphur,' joined her, with two of his
ship's boats, anxious to partake of the honour of the affair. A few
of the 'Sulphur's' seamen also came on board. As she pushed along,
she was also reinforced by Lieutenant Kellett, of the 'Starling,' who
brought his gig or whaleboat, and subsequently did good service by
occasionally pointing the foremost gun of the 'Nemesis,' at his own
request, with great precision.
On approaching the position in which the Chinese junks were drawn up,
it was perceived to be well chosen, with scarcely more than five feet
water round the vessels, so that, in fact, they could not be attacked
in front except by boats; however, the 'Nemesis,' having the great
advantage of drawing less than six feet water, was able to approach
near enough to bring her two 32-pounder pivot-guns to bear within
good range. Just at this moment, also a large boat or pinnace of the
'Larne,' under the command of Lieutenant Harrison, was observed
making its way round the outside of the little island, with a view to
cut off the junks in the rear; a bold manœuvre, which, as on many
similar occasions during the war, took the Chinese by surprise, and
struck them with a wholesome terror, even before they came to close
quarters. The first Congreve rocket fired from the 'Nemesis' was
seen to enter the large junk against which it was directed, near the
Admiral, and almost the instant afterwards it blew up, with a
terrific explosion, launching into eternity every soul on board, and
pouring forth its blaze like the mighty rush of fire from a volcano.
There was a momentary pause in the contest, both sides seeming
appalled by the sudden catastrophe. The rocket had penetrated into
the magazine of the junk, or had ignited some of the loose powder so
often scattered carelessly about the decks by the Chinese gunners.
They naturally felt that the same fate might readily befall any of
the other junks; and after some discharges of round shot had been
thrown into the nearest junks (four of them were afterwards found
lodged in the Admiral's junk), their crews were observed endeavouring
to escape on shore, some on the little island and others upon
Chuanpee; while, at the same time, the cables of the junks were cut
away by those remaining on board, in order that they might drift on
shore, and enable the rest to escape.
The Chinese hauled down their colours on board their junks at about
half-past 11 o'clock, but continued firing afterwards. At about 12
o'clock the boats of the 'Nemesis,' in company with the others which
were present, put off to board the junks. Only two of the smaller
ones succeeded in getting away up a small branch of the river, while
two more escaped, for the moment, up another principal branch to a
large town, but were subsequently captured. Some of the junks
drifted on shore; and as there could be no use in saving them, they
were all successively set on fire, by order of Captain Belcher, and
ultimately blew up. Altogether, 11 junks were destroyed on the spot.
Scarcely had this duty been completed by the different boats engaged,
when the 'Nemesis' hastened on up the river, and at the distance of
about three miles came upon a large town, where she found two
war-junks moored close to the shore, but abandoned by their crews.
The consternation of the people was extreme, and they were running
away from the town in all directions. The tide was now beginning to
fall; and as the water was not deep, and the bar would soon become
impassable, and the day was already far advanced, it was thought
better to return, without exploring the river higher up. Taking the
two junks in tow, the 'Nemesis' again descended the river; but one of
the junks, getting aground on the bar at the entrance, was obliged to
be left behind, while the other was taken safely down; and soon after
5 P.M. the 'Nemesis' joined the squadron off Chuenpee, and received
the thanks of the Commodore for the services she had rendered during
the day. She had received no important damage, the paddle-box only
having been injured by a well-directed shot from one of the junks.
The burning of the junks was a service attended with some danger to
those employed in it, for the guns on board, many of them being still
loaded, went off as soon as the fire reached them, threatening to do
serious damage to the 'Nemesis' as she passed near. On the following
day the principal part of the guns were recovered, altogether upwards
of 80 in number, of which 8 or 10 were handsome brass Portuguese
guns, 6, 9, and 12 pounders.
In the two affairs, 2 military officers and 28 soldiers and 1 naval
officer and 8 seamen were wounded; 173 guns were captured.
The following day, as the fleet were about to attack the fort of
Anunghoy, a little boat, with a flag of truce from Admiral Kwan, came
off, in which were the somewhat curious envoys, an old man and a
woman, bearing proposals for a cessation of hostilities.
Captain Elliot, ever anxious to save life, entered at once into terms
with Commissioner Keshen. They were to the effect that the island of
Hong Kong, situated off the peninsula of Cowloon, within the island
of Lama, should be ceded to the British, and that in return the forts
of Chuenpee and Tycocktow should be given up; and that on Captain
Anstruther, Mrs. Noble, &c., being set at liberty, Chusan should be
evacuated. Formal possession was accordingly taken of Hong Kong on
the 26th of January, and the 'Columbine' was sent to Chusan to
withdraw the troops and ship them.
The Emperor, however, rejecting the conditions agreed to by Keshen,
who had been superseded, hostilities were once more resumed against
China on the 23rd February. The troops and ships left at liberty by
the evacuation of Chusan were moved south, and preparations were made
to capture the remaining forts on the river Canton, an account of
which events we will now give.
BOCA TIGRIS FORTS TAKEN BY SIR GORDON BREMER,
February 23th.
The 'Nemesis' waited at the Boca Tigris till the night of the 18th
for an answer from the Chinese Commissioner; and as she was about to
return to the squadron, her boat, which had been sent up the river,
was fired on from North Wantong. Accounts of the warlike
preparations of the Chinese were also received, and a proclamation
appeared, offering 50,000 dollars for the heads of Sir Gordon Bremer
or Captain Elliot. The Commodore, in consequence, seeing that peace
could no longer he preserved, instantly detached the light division
under Captain Herbert, of the 'Calliope,' who was accompanied by
Captain Elliot, to prevent the Chinese from making further
preparations, while he, returning to Hong Kong, brought up the
line-of-battle ships, and 'Queen' and 'Madagascar' steamers, followed
by the 'Druid,' 'Jupiter,' and transports.
Captain Herbert proceeded on the 22nd on board the 'Nemesis,' with
some boats of the squadron, up a channel at the back of Anunghoy. On
the way the expedition found a line of strong stakes and rafts
carried directly across the channel; and while the boats were engaged
in clearing away the obstruction, a masked battery of 20 guns opened
on them. This was quickly silenced, and the enemy fled, leaving 30
dead; their colours were taken by Lieut. Bower, senior lieutenant of
the 'Samarang;' the guns were destroyed, and the magazines burnt.
DESCRIPTION OF ANUNGHOY AND WANTONG.
Partly surrounding the old fort of Anunghoy, and in advance of it to
high-water mark, was a new and well-built battery of granite, forming
a segment of about two-thirds of a circle. On it were mounted 42
guns, some of them of immense weight and large calibre; several
strong entrenchments extended to the southward of this battery, and
the ridges of the hills were crowned with guns, up to a camp
calculated for about 1,200 men. At the north side was a straight
work of modern erection, mounting 60 heavy guns. About 150 yards of
rocky beach intervenes between the end of this battery and the
northern circular battery, on which 40 guns were mounted. All the
works were protected in the rear by a high wall extending up to the
hill, on which were steps or platforms for firing musketry, and in
the interior were magazines, barracks, &c.
On the east end of the island of North Wantong is a battery, with a
double tier of guns defending the passage on that side, and also
partly flanking a number of rafts constructed of large masses of
timber moored across the river (about twelve feet apart), with two
anchors each, connected by and supporting four parts of a chain
cable, the ends of which were secured under masonry works, one on the
South Wantong, and the other on Anunghoy. On the western end of
North Wantong was a strong battery of 40 guns, flanked by a
field-work of 17 guns, indeed the whole island was one continued
battery. On the extreme western side of the channel was a battery of
22 heavy guns, and a field-work of 17 protecting an entrenched camp
containing 1,500 or 2,000 men. South Wantong was not occupied by the
Chinese, and therefore, as it was an excellent position, a party of
the British landed on the night of the 25th, and threw up a work
mounting two 8-inch iron, and one 24-pounder brass howitzer,
notwithstanding a heavy fire which was kept up on them by the Chinese
during the greater part of the time they were at work. At day-break
of the 26th, Captain Knowles, Royal Artillery, opened this battery
with admirable effect, throwing shells and rockets into North
Wantong, and occasionally into Anunghoy, which fire the Chinese
returned with considerable spirit from an opposite battery.
At eleven o'clock a breeze springing up, the signal was made, and the
fleet stood in. Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, of the
'Blenheim,' 74, with the 'Melville,' 74, and 'Queen' steamer, and
four rocket-boats, proceeded to attack Anunghoy, while the
'Wellesley,' 'Calliope,' 'Samarang,' 'Druid,' 'Herald,' 'Alligator,'
and 'Modeste,' were opposed to the batteries on the south,
south-west, and north-west of Wantong, and the forts on the western
side of the channel.
The 'Madagascar' and 'Nemesis' steamers were employed in landing the
troops.
The hill of Anunghoy was crowned with Chinese troops, and their guns
began firing as the ships approached, though still beyond range. The
'Blenheim' leading, and followed by the 'Melville,' slowly glided on
without returning a shot till they took up their positions opposite
the great battery, when they opened their broadsides with terrific
effect, while the 'Queen' and rocket-boats did their full share in
the work of destruction. In a short time the batteries being
silenced, Sir Le Fleming Senhouse perceiving that the enemy were
shaken, landed at the head of the marines and blue-jackets on the
southern battery, and speedily drove them, in succession from that
and the two other batteries. During the heat of the action, one of
the boats of the 'Melville' got adrift, and was being carried by the
tide close under the batteries. Commander Sullivan, supernumerary
commander on board, perceiving this, instantly jumped into his gig,
and pulled off to recover the boat, in doing which, he was exposed to
the close fire of the batteries, but he fortunately escaped unhurt,
and brought the boat back safely to the ship.
In less than an hour the other division had silenced the batteries on
Wantong, and the troops and marines having landed in a few minutes,
were masters of the island without any loss, 1,300 Chinese
surrendering themselves prisoners.
Thus, by one o'clock, the British colours were flying on the whole
chain of those celebrated works.
The British had five men wounded slightly in the whole force. The
main top-mast and fore-yard of the 'Blenheim' were shot through, one
32-pounder gun rendered unserviceable, several shot in the hull, and
the rigging much cut up. The 'Melville' had her main top-mast
wounded, and rigging considerably injured. The 'Calliope' was struck
in several places, and the other ships had merely a few ropes cut.
The Chinese loss was computed at 500, in killed and wounded, and 339
guns were taken. Many of the Chinese officers bravely met their
death, and even courted it. Among others was the gallant old Admiral
Kwan, who fell by a bayonet wound in the breast as he attempted to
defend the gate of Anunghoy, refusing even when summoned to
surrender. His body was recognized and claimed by his family the
following day, when a salute of minute-guns was fired to his honour
by the 'Blenheim.'
About four o'clock a party of the 'Wellesley's' marines, under Lieut.
Maitland, in her boats, with the boats of the 'Nemesis,' under
Captain Hall and Lieut. Pedder, were sent across to capture a fort
called Little Tycocktow. The Chinese fired on them, and then fled in
disorder, the guns were spiked, the magazines, &c. set fire to, and
their encampment blazing up, threw a lurid glare over the scene of
slaughter and confusion of the day.
DESTRUCTION OF WAR-JUNKS IN WHAMPOA REACH,
27th February.
On the morning of the 27th, the light squadron, consisting of
'Calliope,' 'Herald,' 'Alligator,' 'Sulphur,' 'Modeste,'
'Madagascar,' and 'Nemesis,' steamers, under Captain Herbert, were
sent up the river to destroy any fortifications they might meet with.
Piloted by Captain Elliot, who, from constantly going up and down,
had a perfect knowledge of the shoals, they effected the passage
without difficulty, passing Tiger Island and the second bar, and
reaching the first bar at noon. From this position the enemy were
observed strongly fortified on the left bank of the river close to
Whampoa Roads. A large mud fort mounted on the river front
forty-seven guns, on the left flank, three, and a field-work four.
Extending across the river was a line of rafts secured to sunken
junks, on the other side of which appeared 40 large junks and an old
East Indiaman called the 'Cambridge,' of 900 tons, armed with
thirty-four guns, and which carried an Admiral's flag at the main.
On approaching within three miles, Captain Herbert, accompanied by
Captain Elliot and Commander Belcher, proceeded with the steamers to
reconnoitre, and endeavour to find out a clear passage. On
advancing, a heavy fire was opened on the steamers, which was
immediately returned with great effect. The ships were now brought
up, the 'Sulphur' leading, and immediately, from a well-chosen
position, they opened a heavy fire on the junks, the 'Cambridge,' and
the batteries. In about an hour the fires of their batteries and
fleet were nearly silenced, when the marines and small-arm men were
landed, and stormed the works, driving before them upwards of 2,000
of the Chinese troops, and killing nearly 300. In about half an hour
after landing, all the defences were carried, though in some places
the Chinese behaved with unusual bravery and obstinacy, the officers
showing much courage, one particularly, discharging four arrows at
Mr. Hall, before he was shot by a marine. In the mean time, the
boats of the 'Calliope,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Modeste,' were sent to
attack the 'Cambridge,' but as she was protected by the rafts, they
could not approach her. Lieut. Watson, First of the 'Calliope,'
however, having gallantly succeeded in dragging one of the boats
across the rafts, launched her on the other side. Meantime the
seamen had kept up a hot fire on a body of Chinese collected on the
deck of the 'Cambridge.' As soon as the boat was in the water, she
took on board Lieut. Watson, Mr. Brown, master of the 'Calliope,' Mr.
Hall and Mr. Galbraith of the 'Nemesis' and Mr. St. Leger, with nine
or ten men, and pulled away for the 'Cambridge.' So confused were
the Chinese, that as the boarding party climbed up on the port side,
they jumped overboard on the other, and many were drowned in
attempting to swim on shore. Mr. St. Leger, mate of the 'Calliope,'
had the honour of hauling down the Admiral's flag. A number of dead
and wounded were found on her decks, a proof of the good practice of
the ships. The Chinese had put her in good order for action,
fire-buckets were placed in readiness on her decks, and everything
was clean and well arranged. As she was an old ship she was devoted
to destruction; and the wounded being carried on shore, and every
part searched to ascertain that no Chinese remained concealed on
board, at five o'clock she was set on fire. In a little more than an
hour, the flames reaching the magazine, she blew up with a terrific
explosion, the sound of which must have reached the walls of Canton,
and struck terror into the hearts of the inhabitants. The junks,
meantime, had escaped up the river, and the rafts prevented the ships
from pursuing them.
Lieut. Stransham, commanding Royal Marines of 'Calliope,' directed
and arranged the marines of the squadron, supported by Lieut. C. C.
Hewett, R.M. of 'Herald,' and Lieut. Hayes Marriott, R.M. of
'Alligator,' and used his best endeavours to repress the destruction
of life after resistance had ceased.
In the whole affair one seamen was killed, and six seamen and two
marines were wounded. The great raft across the river, which had
cost the Chinese a large sum of money extracted from the Hong
merchants, was with much labour cleared away on the following day,
and a passage was thus opened for the squadron to proceed up to
Whampoa. As soon as intelligence of this affair reached Sir Gordon
Bremer, he set off to join the advanced squadron, taking with him the
marines of the 'Wellesley,' and a hundred seamen under Captain
Maitland. The marines of the 'Blenheim,' 'Melville,' and 'Druid,'
followed with a number of boats well armed.
The 'Queen' steamer also towed up the 'Eagle' transport, and the
'Madagascar' towed up the 'Sophia' transport.
CAPTURE OF MASKED BATTERY BY LIEUT. SYMONDS, R.N.,
COMMANDER BELCHER, H.M.S. 'SULPHUR,' COMMANDING,
March 1st.
The 'Nemesis' having been sent to explore a branch of the Canton
River, called the Jurak, a large body of Chinese were observed
collecting near a fort named Howqua's Folly, and it was also
discovered that a line of stakes was driven across the stream. The
Commodore despatched the 'Sulphur,' Commander Belcher, with three
boats of the 'Wellesley,' under the command of Lieutenant Symonds,
the First-lieutenant of that ship, on the following morning, to
proceed with the examination.
On rounding a point on the right bank, they came in front of a low
battery of 25 guns, masked by thick branches of trees, which opened a
heavy fire on them. Lieutenant Symonds instantly ordered the boats
to pull towards the shore, and gallantly dashing into the battery,
drove the enemy before him and killed several of their number.
The 'Sulphur' anchored, and a few shot from her compelled a body of
the enemy who had taken shelter in some thick underwood in the
vicinity to fly. The guns were destroyed, and the magazine and other
consumable materials were set on fire. The number of troops, who
were of the chosen Tartars, was about 250, and their loss was from 15
to 20 killed. The British lost one seaman of the 'Wellesley' killed,
and the boats were repeatedly struck by grape-shot.
FURTHER ADVANCE OF SQUADRON, AND CAPTURE OF
HOWQUA'S FORT,
March 5th.
As soon as a cursory survey of the river was made, the 'Herald,'
'Alligator,' 'Modeste,' and 'Eagle,' and 'Sophia' transports were
pushed forward within gun-shot of Howqua's fort, and thus, for the
first time, were British ships seen from the walls of Canton.
On the 2nd of March, the 'Cruiser' arrived, having on board
Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, who took command of the land forces.
About this time, the 'Pylades,' 'Blonde,' 'Conway,' and 'Nimrod,'
with transports conveying troops from Chusan, arrived in the Canton
River, much increasing the British force.
Howqua's fort, on the right bank of the river, had a large number of
guns mounted on it, and it was further protected by stakes with junks
sunk between them, and a strong raft placed across the stream. The
most conspicuous object on it was a joss-house projecting into the
stream. On the 5th, Sir Hugh Gough, leading the marines and a
detachment of the 20th, landed at the joss-house, to attack it, while
the ships weighed and dropped up with the tide. On the approach of
the first ship, the enemy fired all their guns and fled across the
rafts and in boats.
The British colours were then hoisted.
At noon, the Kwang-Chow-Foo or Prefect of Canton, accompanied by the
Hong merchants, came down entreating for a cessation of hostilities,
and saying, that as Keshen was degraded, and no one had arrived to
supply his place, there was no government authority to treat for
peace. On this, Sir Hugh Gough and Sir G. Bremer, at the request of
Capt. Elliot, agreed not to advance further; but, in a short time
information was received that the Chinese were more busy than ever
constructing fire-rafts, in raising fortifications, and in carrying
their valuables out of the city, while the people were prohibited
from taking supplies to the squadron.
While such was the state of things, two affairs took place which we
must recount.
CAPTURE OF MACAO FORT,
March 13th.
The Macao fort is situated about 10 miles from the anchorage of
Whampoa, up a narrow and intricate channel, which ends in the
broadway or Macao passage from Canton. This was the last remaining
fort protecting the approaches to the city of Canton. As by its
capture, the British would obtain the command of the river both above
and below the city, while the citizens would have to depend on their
mercy for their daily food, the 'Modeste,' 'Starling,' 'Sulphur,' and
'Madagascar,' with the boats of the squadron, under Captain Herbert,
were despatched by the Commodore to take it. The Chinese were
devoting the whole of their attention to strengthening this important
post, and had rendered it one of the strongest which had been
encountered. They had also constructed rafts across the river on
both sides of the fort, strengthened by piles and sunken junks, and
flanked by a sand-battery mounting eight guns.
The 'Sulphur' was unable to get up the narrow passage. The
'Modeste,' Commander Eyres, was brought to an excellent position
within 600 yards of the fort, towed by the 'Madagascar,' which was
cleverly piloted by Lieutenant Collinson. Captain Kuper, and
Commanders Barlow, Giffard, Anson, and Clarke, volunteered their
services, and gave much assistance throughout the affair. The boats
were under the directions of Captain Bethune, and the marines were
commanded by Lieutenant Stransham, assisted by Lieutenants Hewitt,
Marriott, and Polkinghorne, who acquitted themselves with the
customary gallantry of their corps. The 'Modeste' and 'Madagascar'
steamers, with the boats of the squadron, commenced the attack about
5 P.M.; the Chinese keeping up a well-directed and animated fire till
the English were under the walls, and in the act of storming, when
they gave way and fled in all directions; the whole of their works
being thus carried in about half an hour. Their loss was not known.
The casualties of the British were--three wounded.
Captain Herbert speaks in commendation of Mr. Dicey, commander of the
'Madagascar,' and Lieut. Fowlis, of the Madras artillery.
BROADWAY PASSAGE FROM MACAO TO WHAMPOA FORCED,
March 14th.
The Chinese firmly believed that the inner passage from Macao to
Whampoa was perfectly impenetrable to foreigners. To assist in
humbling their pride, Captain Elliot wished to have it forced; and
Captain Scott, senior officer in Macao Roads, agreeing with him, made
preparation for carrying it into effect.
At three A.M. on the 13th, Captain Scott, taking with him the
small-arm men and marines of the 'Samarang,' went on board the
'Nemesis,' which, towing the 'Samarang's' pinnace, mounting two
twelve-pound carronades, cutter, six-oared gig, four-oared gig, and
the 'Atalanta's' pinnace, mounting two twelve-pound howitzers, got
under weigh from Macao Roads, and proceeded over the flats between
Twee-lieu-shaw and Toi-koke-tow Islands, on the Broadway River.
At eight A.M. they came in sight of Macao fort, and the steamer
having taken up an infilading position, where not a gun of the enemy
could bear upon her, opened her fire, while the boats proceeded to
the attack. On their approach the Chinese abandoned the place.
Thirteen guns were found mounted, which were completely destroyed,
the buildings set fire to, and a train laid to the magazine, which
exploded before the boats returned to the 'Nemesis.'
On reaching Point How-Hoak-Tow, the river is divided into two
channels--that to the right takes a sudden sharp turn, and becomes
very narrow. Here was discovered the lately constructed
field-battery of Tai-yat-kok, strongly posted on rising ground on the
left bank of the river, surrounded by overflowed paddy-fields, which
infiladed the whole line of the reach leading to it. As the steamer
appeared round the point, the enemy opened an animated fire upon her,
which was smartly kept up. It was most effectually returned by the
two guns from the 'Nemesis,' which vessel threw her shot, shells, and
rockets, admirably directed by Mr. Edward Crouch, gunnery mate of the
'Wellesley,' whose firing Captain Scott describes as perfect rifle
practice. The boats advanced under the slight cover of the bank; but
before a landing could be effected on their flanks, the enemy
abandoned the guns, when the attacking party, passing in single files
by a narrow pathway, took possession of the work. The boats, after
destroying a military depot and chop-house on the opposite side of
the river, returned on board. Ascending a little way, nine war-junks
were caught sight of, to which chase was given. Just afterwards a
fort, called Houchung, was seen on the left side, from which strong
stakes had been driven across the river. The junks headed towards
the stakes, and the last had passed through, and the opening was
again closed before the boats got up. The enemy then set an example
of hostility, by firing from the fort and junks now under sail, which
was replied to by the 'Nemesis' with good effect. Meantime the boats
opened a passage through the stakes, one division dashing on to
attack the fort, and the other, gallantly led by Lieut. Bower,
against the junks. The first party, by wading the ditch and entering
the embrasures, secured the fort. The crews of the war-junks, on
seeing the fall of the fort, became so panic-struck on the approach
of the boats, that seven got on shore, the people jumping overboard
as they grounded--two junks only escaping. In passing on to cut them
off, Lieut. Bower was fired on by another fort, called Tie-shu-kok,
which he immediately attacked and took. During this time Mr. Hall
got the 'Nemesis' through the stakes, and after the fort and junks
were burnt, the two other junks were again chased: 21 guns were
destroyed in the forts, and 28 in the junks. At half-past three the
large trading town of Heong-shan was reached, built on either side of
the river. The houses and streets were crowded with people, looking
on at the steamer, and hundreds of trading-junks and other crafts
were packed close together along the quays, and full of people. The
steamer passed on without injuring any one, the inhabitants appearing
to be most peaceably disposed, nor in any way afraid. This state of
feeling had arisen from the efforts of Captain Elliot, and Mr.
Morrison and Mr. Thorn, the interpreters, who had taken every means
in their power to convince the people that the British were making
war on the government and the soldiers, and not on them. Several
mandarin boats, however, fled; but very soon one of the war-junks was
run on shore, her crew, who jumped overboard, finding that they could
not escape the steamer. She was at once boarded and blown up.
Directly afterwards another masked battery at Sheongchap was
discovered, stormed, and destroyed, by the boats' crews of the
'Samarang.' It now being six o'clock, the channel very narrow, and
the water shallow, the 'Nemesis' anchored for the night.
At daylight on the morning of the 14th, the steamer weighed and
proceeded through a channel not broader than her own length,
grounding occasionally, and at 7.50 reached the village and fort of
Hong-how. The latter fired, was stormed, the troops fled, and it was
blown up. After the crews had toiled incessantly for four hours,
aided by the natives, who willingly offered their services, a strong
line of stakes was removed, and the 'Nemesis' proceeded, taking only
one fort during the day, and anchored at six P.M. for the night.
Continuing her course at daylight, the 'Nemesis' reached the large
village of Tamchow, where a number of soldiers appeared, who were
dispersed; and afterwards she reached the town of Tsenei, near which
were three abandoned forts, and where she destroyed the custom-house,
as well as a man-of-war junk, mounting seven guns, which the crew
abandoned at her approach. At four P.M. the 'Nemesis,' after passing
some very beautiful country, reached Whampoa, having destroyed, in
conjunction with the boats, five forts, one battery, two military
stations, and nine war-junks, in which were 115 guns and 8 gingals.
During the whole expedition three seamen of the 'Samarang' only were
slightly wounded. Captain Scott speaks in high terms of Mr. Hall,
R.N., commanding the 'Nemesis;' of Lieut. William Pedder, R.N., her
chief officer; of Mr. Crouch, gunnery mate; and of Captain Larkins,
late of the Hon. East India Company's service, who acted as a
volunteer; also of Lieut. Bowyer, First of 'Samarang;' Lieut.
Maitland; Acting Lieut. Lysaught; and Lieut. Gordon, of the marines;
as well as Messrs. Noble, Parkhurst, Luard, Armitage, mates; Mr.
Tucker, second master; and Dr. Mackay, assistant surgeon.
By the expedition the Chinese learned that the British could pass
through their inner waters, notwithstanding any impediment they might
be able to throw in their way.
CAPTURE OF FORTS OF CANTON AND CHINESE FLOTILLA,
March 18th, 1841.
While the advanced squadron were at anchor off Whampoa, Captain
Elliot despatched the 'Nemesis' with a letter, to be delivered at the
first convenient spot to the Chinese authorities. Captains Herbert,
Bourchier, and Bethune, and other officers, were on board. With a
flag-of-truce flying, she approached a fort, called the Birds-nest
Fort, off which was a large flotilla of junks, while a line of rafts
crossed the river. Captain Bethune, having undertaken to deliver the
letter, pushed off in a boat with a white flag flying, when a shower
of grape-shot was discharged at her from the fort. The 'Nemesis'
fired in return, but did not destroy the fort, Captain Herbert being
anxious to consult with Captain Elliot before carrying hostilities
further. The Chinese, in consequence, boasted that they had driven
away "a devil ship," and the Commandant received a peacock feather as
a reward for his courage.
The result of Captain Herbert's consultation with Captain Elliot was
that he resolved instantly to punish the Chinese for the insult
offered to the British flag by taking Canton itself. Preparations
were accordingly made. The vessels employed were 'Modeste,'
Commander Eyres; 'Algerine,' Lieut. Mason; 'Starling,' Lieut.
Kellett; 'Herald', Captain Nias (later in the day); 'Hebe' and
'Louisa,' tenders, Mr. Quin and Mr. Carmichael; steamer, 'Nemesis,'
Mr. Hall, R.N.; 'Madagascar,' Mr. Dicey. There was also a flotilla
of nearly 40 boats, under command of Captain Bourchier, assisted by
Captain Bethune. They were in four divisions, three under the
immediate orders of Commanders Barlow and Clarke, and of Lieut.
Coulson of the 'Blonde,' and a fourth jointly of Commanders Warren
and Belcher, who were on board the 'Hyacinth,' which, with much
perseverance, was got through the intricate passes of the river. The
latter force was placed at the southern entrance of the river
communicating with the main stream at Patee, to meet any retrograde
movement of the numerous flotilla that had taken part in the
aggression on the 16th. Upwards of 50 naval officers embarked in the
boats to take a share in the work of the day. A number of smugglers,
it was said, had been promised their pardon for assisting the
Government, and their boats were found drawn up across the mouth of
the Macao passage. The Chinese had also equipped a number of
gun-boats after European models, so that it was expected the British
flotilla would have ample employment. About noon the 'Nemesis,'
'Modeste,' and 'Madagascar,' having bombarded the Birds-nest Fort and
another beyond it, which were taken possession of by their boats'
crews, moved on to the attack of Canton. In the mean time the
'Starling' and 'Algerine' forced a way through the rafts, followed by
the 'Hebe' and 'Louisa,' which, with part of Captain Bourchier's
flotilla, attacked and captured a strong sand-bag battery, and put to
flight a number of war-junks and armed boats. A strong fort opposite
the city was next silenced, and afterwards taken by Commander Belcher
and Lieut. Pedder.
The 'Nemesis' then pursued a large flotilla up the river; and
Commanders Belcher and Warren, with their division of boats, having
got through the Patee Creek, came suddenly on them, and destroyed a
large number.
Meantime the 'Modeste' was placed within 300 yards in front of the
principal battery, flanked by the guns of the 'Madagascar' and
'Nemesis.' After they had engaged the batteries for about an hour,
the flotilla, with the marines under Captain Bourchier, was brought
up in admirable order, and, upon the signal being given, stormed and
completed the capture of the enemy's works, notwithstanding a most
determined resistance on the part of the Tartar troops. Captain
Bourchier was employed in keeping the boats' crews together to
repress any outbreak of the population; and he observing a number of
burning junks drifting down on the suburbs of Canton, which would
inevitably have set fire to the city, by the most energetic exertions
of his officers and men they were towed away from the spot.
By much labour the 'Herald,' Captain Nias, was got over the flats
later in the day, and by her more imposing appearance contributed to
bring the Chinese to reason. The Commodore also arrived in his gig
in time to see the British colours hoisted on the flagstaff of the
factory by Commander Belcher, they having been just before waved from
one of the windows by Mr. Hall as a sign that the place was in
possession of the British. The rest of the day was employed in
destroying several junks, which had escaped in different directions,
and in taking possession of several forts. In two or three
instances, after all opposition had ceased, bodies of soldiers rushed
out and attacked the English, but were quickly driven among the
narrow lanes, where it was thought imprudent to follow them. Thus
the second city of China fell into the hands of the British, with the
loss only of seven men wounded. Among them was Lieut. Stransham, of
the Marines, who was much burnt by the explosion of a magazine, but
refused to quit his post. The Chinese lost 400 men in killed and
wounded, and 123 guns were captured. As soon as the forts were
taken, Captain Elliot hoisted a flag-of-truce, and entered into an
agreement with the Chinese High Commissioner for the suspension of
hostilities, and for opening the trade to the British.
It is foreign to our plan to discuss the advantage of the
proceedings; but at all events it is another proof of Captain
Elliot's anxiety to prevent the unnecessary effusion of blood, and to
convince the Chinese that the sole object of the British was to bring
their Government to reason, and to induce them to trade on just and
equal terms, and to behave according to the customs of civilized
nations.
Trade was, therefore, again opened, and went on for some time with
great activity; but doubts and suspicions soon arose, and in a few
weeks it became necessary to repeat the lesson before given. In the
mean time Sir Gordon Bremer sailed for Calcutta to report the state
of affairs.
CHINESE ATTEMPT TO DESTROY BRITISH SHIPS WITH FIRE RAFTS,
May 21st, 1841.
Notwithstanding the truce, the Chinese were endeavouring to rebuild
their fortifications, three Tartar Generals arrived at Canton with
orders to exterminate the British, and junks were fitting out and
fire-rafts were forming to carry their plans into effect; indeed it
became certain that some plan of treachery was in contemplation. On
this, Captain Elliot, and a party of marines with him, withdrew from
the British Factory, followed by all British subjects, and the flag
of England was again lowered at Canton.
An advanced squadron under Captain Herbert was lying off Canton,
consisting of the 'Modeste,' 'Pylades,' 'Nemesis,' 'Louisa,' and
'Aurora,' and a little lower down were the 'Herald' and 'Calliope.'
The evening of the 21st was very gloomy and the night unusually dark.
Every one was impressed with a feeling that something was about to
happen. Double sentries were placed onboard the ships, the men were
ordered to lie down equipped ready for service, the officers
themselves in their cloaks on deck, and the 'Nemesis' kept her fires
lighted, so that her steam might be got up in a few minutes. The
'Modeste,' being a little in advance, one of her sentries observed
several large dark-looking masses dropping down with the stream. On
his hailing, they were immediately set on fire by the Chinese on
board, and the flames bursting forth, pointed out the danger to the
other vessels. In nine minutes the 'Nemesis' had her steam up, and
was running towards the fire-rafts, to assist the boats of the
squadron engaged in towing them away. Fortunately the plans of the
Chinese were disconcerted by this premature discovery. Out of a
hundred not more than a dozen were ignited and sent against the
ships, and numbers of these drifted on shore, some of which set the
suburbs of the city on fire. While the burning rafts were drifting
about, lighting up the ships and the town and the troops on shore
with their Tartar officers encouraging them to fight, their own crews
were endeavouring to make their escape from the blazing machines.
These rafts were formed of boats chained together, so that, drifting
down with the stream, they might hang across the bows of a ship, and
would with much difficulty have been cleared had they once got there.
Meantime the Chinese batteries opened on the squadron, which did not
fail to return their fire with much effect, while the small-arm men
picked off the people on the fire-rafts. The Chinese brought down a
gun and planted it within good range of the 'Louisa' and 'Aurora,'
and might have blown them out of the water had not their crews, by
veering and hauling on their cables, baulked the Chinese gunners, and
they thus escaped with little damage. In the morning the Shameen
battery was taken, and 43 war-junks and 32 fire-rafts were destroyed,
besides which, a desirable landing-place was discovered, by which the
troops might disembark, and advance towards the heights of Canton.
During these operations Mr. Hall performed a gallant act, which
probably saved the lives of Captains Elliot and Herbert, and all
standing near. A Congreve rocket had been placed in a tube, and
ignited when it hung within it, instead of flying out. In another
moment it would have burst, scattering destruction around, when Mr.
Hall thrust his arm into the tube and forced it out from behind. The
rush of fire, however, severely burnt his hand, and caused him much
suffering. It was long indeed before he recovered the use of his
hand. We mention it as a worthy act of presence of mind and courage.
While the advanced squadron was attacked with fire-rafts off Canton,
a similar attempt was made on the same night, to destroy the
'Alligator,' Captain Kuper, anchored off Howqua's Folly. The rafts
were floating up with the flood-tide, from a point not expected, when
they were discovered. The 'Alligator' was anchored in a confined
position, with a line of Nankin junks and stakes astern, so that she
could not slip; but by steering the ship some of them were avoided;
while her First Lieutenant, Stewart, and Messrs. Woolcombe and Baker,
mates, by their activity in the boats, towed the others clear. Some
passed within ten yards of the bows, while a number of Chinese were
collected on shore, probably to destroy any of the crew escaping from
the ship, had she been burnt.
Three nights afterwards the 'Wellesley,' anchored at the Bogue, was
attacked by 20 fire-vessels, chained in twos and threes, with
gunpowder and a variety of combustibles on board. A large number of
her crew and officers were absent with the advanced squadron, under
Captain Maitland, and it was not without great exertion that
Commander Fletcher, having only three boats left behind, was able to
tow them clear of the ship.
CAPTURE OF CANTON,
May 23rd to 30th.
In consequence of the hostile proceedings we have described of the
Chinese, Sir Hugh Gough, in conjunction with Sir Le Fleming Senhouse
and Captain Elliot, Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, resolved forthwith
to attack Canton. An expedition to Amoy, which had been in
contemplation, was consequently given up. One of the first steps
taken was to secure a sufficient number of boats to land the troops
at once, and this object was speedily effected by Commanders Belcher,
of the 'Sulphur,' and Barlow, of the 'Nimrod,' an ample supply of
boats of all shapes, rigs, and sizes, being collected. The 24th was
fixed on for the attack, as it was the birthday of Her Majesty. On
the 23rd Sir Le Fleming Senhouse and Sir Hugh Gough, having made a
reconnoissance, everything was ready. The British force consisted of
the following ships and vessels:--'Wellesley,' at Boca Tigris, sent
up her marines and 100 seamen. Macao first division, 'Blenheim,'
'Blonde,' 'Sulphur,' 'Hyacinth,' 'Nimrod,' 'Modeste,' 'Pylades,'
'Cruiser, 'Columbine,' 'Algerine,' 'Starling,' and 'Atalanta,' and
'Nemesis' steamers.
In the Whampoa division, under Captain Herbert, were 'Calliope,'
'Conway,' 'Herald,' 'Alligator.' In the above ships and vessels
were, including officers, seamen, and marines, about 3,200 men; of
whom, about 1,000, including marines, landed to serve with the army.
The land force under Sir Hugh Gough, numbered about 2,223.
The troops were embarked in two columns. The right column under the
command of Major Pratt, was ordered to hold the factories, and was
taken up by the 'Atalanta' steamer. The left, which comprised the
main body of the army, and which was directed to carry the heights
above the city, was divided into four brigades. It was embarked in
the strange collection of native craft collected by Commander
Belcher. This primitive-looking fleet of transports, towed by the
'Nemesis,' reached the landing-place of T-sing-poo about dark,
without having experienced the slightest obstruction on the way from
the Chinese. Commander Belcher had already got the 'Sulphur' there,
and had taken possession of a number of temples for the accommodation
of the troops.
This landing-place of T-sing-poo is on the banks of a creek which
circles round the west of the city, and is so situated that the
troops could march up directly to the heights it was intended they
should occupy above the city.
The city and its suburbs occupy the entire space between the hills
and the river. The city is surrounded by a high wall about six miles
in circumference, and is again divided by a wall into two unequal
parts called the old and new town, of which the latter is the
smallest. The suburbs are as extensive as the city itself, and on
the south extend to the water's edge. In the west corner are
situated the foreign factories. The walls extend to the brow of the
hills, and indeed there is a hill of some height within them. Four
strong forts, mounting altogether 42 guns, and a great number of
gingals and wall-pieces, crowned the heights above the city.
Opposite the city was the naval arsenal: to the east the French fort,
and to the west, opposite the factories, the Dutch fort.
Considerably to the west, at the bend of the river, is the Shameen
fort.
We must now describe the proceedings of the attacking force. The
land force was commanded by Sir Hugh Gough in person, and he was
accompanied by Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, to whom Commander Belcher
acted as aid-de-camp. The naval brigade, consisting of 430 officers
and men, was directed to act with the troops. It was under the
orders of Captain Bourchier, and was divided into two battalions
commanded by Captain Maitland and Commander Barlow. The troops
advanced towards the heights over very difficult and broken ground,
up which they had to drag their guns with much labour; the heat also
was excessive, and many suffered from it. As the troops advanced,
the Chinese receded before them, though the forts kept up a spirited
fire on their columns; but without a moment's delay they were stormed
by the troops and seamen, and then in little more than half an hour
after the advance had been sounded, the British flag waved on all the
heights which overlooked the city. While the troops were attacking
the forts assigned to them, the blue-jackets carried the two western
batteries, called by the Chinese the fortresses of Perpetual Bliss
and Everlasting Security. They were much exposed, in their advance;
and unfortunately Lieutenant Fox and Mr. Kendal, mate, both of the
'Nlmrod,' each lost a leg, the former of whom died the same evening
under amputation. Several seamen were also wounded. An intrenched
camp outside the north-east gate was next attacked and carried in
gallant style.
While these affairs were taking place on the height, the Chinese in
great force attacked the joss-house at the landing-place, where a
small body only of troops had been stationed to protect the stores,
guns, &c. The moment the attack was perceived, the 'Nemesis' and
'Starling' opened their fire, under cover of which, Mr. Hall, from
the 'Nemesis,' and Mr. Gross, from the 'Sulphur,' landed with a party
of officers and seamen, and boldly attacked the Chinese in front.
The blue-jackets quickly drove them back into the town with the loss
of three field-pieces and 30 men killed, while several houses under
which they had attempted to rally were set on fire.
While these affairs were taking place on shore, the advanced squadron
before the river front of the city, were not idle.
We will first describe the operations of Commander Warren's division.
The 'Hyacinth' and 'Nimrod' first attacked the Shameen battery, in
order to cover the landing of the 26th regiment from the 'Atalanta'
at the factories, while the 'Modeste,' 'Cruiser,' and 'Columbine,'
took up a position to bombard the Dutch Folly fort, and to enfilade
the line of batteries lately thrown up in front of the city, to the
eastward of that fort.
As soon as the ships had taken up their position, the Chinese set
three fire-vessels adrift; but though a strong tide brought them
rapidly down towards the fleet, the boats, by pushing off instantly,
were able to tow them clear of the ships and to carry them on shore,
when they set fire to the suburbs. The factories being deserted, the
troops were landed without obstruction. That service being
accomplished, the 'Algerine,' Lieutenant Mason, proceeded to attack a
fort to the eastward; which instantly opening a hot fire on the brig,
the boats of the 'Hyacinth,' under Lieut. Stewart and Mr. Barclay,
mate, with the 'Modeste's,' Mr. Fitzgerald, mate; 'Cruiser's,'
Lieutenant Haskell, and Mr. Drake, mate; 'Pylades',' Lieutenant Hay,
and 'Columbine's,' Lieutenants Hamilton and Helpman, and Mr. Mills,
mate, were sent to her support. They at once pushed for the shore
under a heavy fire from 11 guns, musketry, and gingals, and stormed
the fort, which the Chinese defended with much gallantry. Mr.
Fitzgerald fell mortally wounded, and several seamen were killed and
wounded, but the fort was captured and all the guns spiked.
Lieutenant Moorshead, First of the 'Hyacinth,' whose gallantry was
highly praised by Commander Warren, was wounded in a personal
engagement with a mandarin. Mr. Dolby, mate, and Mr. Higgs, second
master of the 'Algerine,' also behaved with great courage and
steadiness.
Captain Herbert, accompanied by Captain Bethune, meantime, was
proceeding up the river with the boats and marines of the 'Calliope,'
'Conway,' and 'Herald,' when, on passing the French fort, they were
assailed by so hot a fire, one shot passing through Captain Herbert's
boat, that they were compelled to remain under cover till dark. At 2
A.M., by a preconcerted signal with Captain Bethune, who had one
division of the boats, they pulled up together to the arsenal, which
they attacked and carried. The next morning Captain Eyres, by great
exertions, got the 'Modeste' over the bar, and no other vessel being
able to join her, with the exception of the 'Algerine,' the
'Atalanta' having grounded, Captain Herbert fitted three of the
captured junks with shell-guns, and placed them under the command of
Lieuts. Haskell and Hay, seniors of the 'Cruiser' and 'Pylades.'
This force opened a hot fire on the French fort, which the enemy
returned with some courage, but being speedily silenced, and a few
well-directed broadsides clearing the beach, the signal was given to
advance. On this, Captain Bethune landed with the storming party,
and the fort was carried in the most gallant style. The whole line
of defence, extending about two miles from the factory, which, with
the exception of the French fort, had lately been constructed in the
strongest manner, was destroyed, and a free communication was opened
with the ships at Napier's fort.
Twenty-four large war-junks were captured in the arsenal, and the
same number of row-boats of large size, besides a quantity of timber,
gun-carriages, and stores, while 64 guns were destroyed.
Captain Herbert speaks highly of Captain Bethune, Commanders Warren,
Giffard, and Eyres; Lieuts. Mason, Shute, Haskell, Hay, Watson,
Beadon, Coryton, Collinson, Morshead, Hayes, and Hamilton, and of Mr.
Dolling, mate, and Mr. Brown, master; also of Lieut. Hayes, Bombay
marine, and Lieut. Somerville, Adjutant of transports; of Lieuts.
Urquhart and Marriott, Royal Marines. Major Pratt offered his
services, and Lieut. Grabbot, of the Madras Artillery, threw his
shells from one of the junks with great effect.
Thus in the course of three days, every portion of the fortifications
of Canton fell into the power of the British, including its entire
line-of-water frontage and its numerous out-works. On the land side
every preparation was made by Sir Hugh Gough and Sir Le Fleming
Senhouse to storm the city, which held an immense army of Tartar
troops, when flags-of-truce were waved from the walls, and it
appeared that the Tartar generals, who had come to exterminate the
British, were now alongside the ships-of-war, humbly suing for peace,
and offering immense sums for the ransom of the city. Six millions
of dollars were ultimately accepted, and sent on board the
ships-of-war. While the terms of the arrangement were still
unconcluded, large bodies of irregular troops and armed peasantry
continued to threaten the British forces, and a regiment of Sepoys
having been sent to disperse some of the bands, a company, during a
tremendous storm which took place, lost its way. It was feared that
it had been cut off by the Chinese, when, immediately Sir Hugh Gough
ordered up two companies of Marines, who, being still fresh, marched
quickly in search of the missing party. A few shots were heard in
the distance, when the brave Sepoys were seen, drawn up in a square,
where they had stood all night, pecked at by whole hosts of Chinese.
The gallant marines fired a couple of volleys, and giving a loud
hurra, charged the celestials, who fled in all directions before
them. The Sepoys were now brought back in triumph, but one officer
and several men were wounded, and one was killed. On the 31st of May
part of the ransom was paid, 18,000 Tartars marched out of Canton;
and on the 1st of June the British troops re-embarked at Tsingpoo,
under the superintendence of Captains Bourchier and Maitland, and
were towed down by the 'Nemesis' to their respective ships. The
whole squadron then got under weigh, and returned to Hong Kong. Many
officers and men suffered much from the fatigues they had undergone;
and the seeds of disease were then sown, which, in a short time,
carried numbers to their graves. The navy had to deplore the loss of
Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, who, in a few days, sunk under the mental
and bodily exertion to which he had been exposed. He was buried,
according to his will, at Macao.
DASHING EXPLOIT IN BOATS UNDER CAPTAIN BELCHER.
I give the following account in Sir Edward Belcher's own words:--
"The Commodore, and Captain Elliot, accompanied by Captain Herbert
and myself, proceeded in the 'Nemesis' to examine Fatee Creek, from
the position of the 'Hyacinth.' It was found impossible to push the
'Hyacinth' higher, nor was there room for the 'Nemesis.' It was
therefore decided, that I should take the command of a division of
boats through this creek. This division, consisting of the boats
belonging to the 'Sulphur,' 'Hyacinth,' 'Calliope,' 'Cruiser,' and
'Pylades,' supported by my worthy friend Captain Warren, moved
forwards about eleven. Attaching our tow-ropes to one of the large
passage-boats, we compelled her to tow us a considerable distance, so
as to avoid being noticed by the Chinese. At the point where the
creek turned off to Patshan, there was scarcely room for our oars,
and here a three-gun battery had been prepared for its defence, but
we found it deserted, and the guns withdrawn.
"Having cast off from the junk, we had scarcely entered the narrow
pass, when we descried a boat making off. It was fortunate for our
party, as his range of sweeps required as much room as ours; and his
advance cleared the way for us in full cry after him. How he
contrived to pass, or whether the vessels were thrust out purposely,
I know not but frequently we had not room for our oars; and for this
reason he distanced us. At length the Broadway, near the city,
opened, with Canton ahead. The action had commenced below, the
vessels had passed the bridge, and the 'fast boats' were flying in
all directions. Warren and myself had entirely distanced our
divisions; one huge fellow we chased for a long time within pistol
shot, yet he gained on us, and we were reluctantly compelled to
relinquish him, to make sure of the others, now well within our grasp.
"The reports of the carronades of our boats soon told where they
were, and having rejoined, the lighter boats were left in charge of
the captured fast boats; and we then moved forward. The crowd of
vessels falling constantly in our way, as well as myriads of sampans,
&c., greatly obstructed our progress, and as we neared Canton, our
vessels, not aware of our manœuvre, and mistaking us for the
enemy, were dropping their shot freely amongst us.
"As we sighted the Shameen Fort, it opened on the steamers advancing.
We were then completely under cover of the houses, and landed,
expecting to drive them out by musketry; but found a deep and wide
ditch between us, as well as a blank wall. The boats with guns were
therefore brought up side by side to the piles in front, and five
carronades, at thirty yards, played into their embrasures with grape,
where they could not depress their guns. Joining Captain Warren in
his gig, we landed, but before we could reach the gates, the enemy
had fled. Having captured the fort, and the boats of the main
division dropping in, I quitted, and joined the 'Nemesis' (leaving
Captain Warren to move on to capture the Dutch Folly), and was towed
by her towards Bogue Port, and there, having hauled down its colours,
and left a party destroying the guns, I returned to the 'Nemesis,'
and was joined by Mr. Morrison, secretary to the Plenipotentiary. At
the request of Captain Elliot, I landed, and rehoisted the British
colours on the Factory. Whilst thus engaged, a party of soldiers
rushed out of the Hoppo-office, and had nearly succeeded in cutting
off part of my boats' crew. But, being reinforced by one of our
divisions, we pursued them up the Hog-lane, and drove them back with
some loss.
"On my return to the 'Nemesis,' Captain Elliot requested me to take
him to Howqua's house, or where his tea-boats are laden. Having
seated himself in the bow of one of the vessels, he despatched a
comprador to say he wished to speak with Howqua. The Mandarin,
however, would not come; he was probably too much frightened, and
afraid of involving himself; but he sent down some tea,[1] which was
rather acceptable. Captain Elliot then sent, requesting him to tell
the Quang-chow-foo 'that he wished an interview the day following.'
"We then returned to the 'Madagascar' steamer, where I found the
Commodore. Some of the Chinese having fired on our boats (from the
Custom-house), they were punished instanter by their carronades
sweeping the lanes, and the 'Madagascar' also threw in several
well-directed shells. Captain Warren and his division captured the
Dutch Folly, as well as five of Lin's gun-boats, most grotesquely
painted with dolphins, dragons, &c. One of these having grounded, I
was despatched to burn her, which having completed, I proceeded below
Dutch Folly, where I found four fast boats, and a sand-battery
mounting five guns, very neatly masked with them as bags--the guns
truly breeched with matting. These were all destroyed. The arsenal,
and ten new war-junks, were left untouched. The fast boats taken by
our division amounted in all to fourteen. Five junks, with very
valuable cargoes, estimated at two and a half millions, were not
meddled with, and the force was employed, during the latter part of
the day, in saving Howqua's tea stores from the flames, the war-junks
which had been fired having drifted on them."
[1] _Bona fide_, in this case, a mixture of gunpowder, not Howqua's
mixture.
CAPTURE OF AMOY,
August 26th.
No sooner was Hong Kong taken possession of by the English than its
population began to increase with the greatest rapidity, and in a few
months the large town of Victoria sprung up, and has since become the
centre of British commerce in that part of the world. In June, Sir
Gordon Bremer returned from Calcutta, and was appointed joint
Plenipotentiary with Captain Elliot; but on the 9th of August, both
were superseded by Sir Henry Pottinger, who came as sole
Plenipotentiary and chief superintendent of trade in China.
Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, by whom all subsequent naval
operations were conducted, came at the same time.
A new system was now introduced: Sir Henry Pottinger refused to
receive the Prefect of Canton, and let it be known that the British
would no longer be cajoled by the Chinese. As the enemy did not
choose to sue for peace, the squadron was forthwith prepared with
great energy for an attack on Amoy. The orders issued by Sir William
Parker, for the guidance of the fleet, were very excellent, and much
attention was devoted to the arrangement of the transport service,
which was placed under the most efficient regulations, indeed great
credit is due to the masters and officers of the troop and store
ships for their good conduct and attention to their duties throughout
the war. On the 21st of August, at daylight, nine days only after
the arrival of the Admiral, the fleet being ready for sea, got under
weigh. It was formed in three divisions. The centre was commanded
by Captain Herbert, of the 'Blenheim,' assisted by Commander Clarke,
of the 'Columbine;' the starboard division by Captain Bourchier, of
the 'Blonde,' assisted by Commander Giffard, of the 'Cruiser;' and
the first division by Captain Smith, of the 'Druid,' assisted by
Commander Anson, of the 'Pylades.'
Among other orders, it was directed that a boat should be kept in
constant readiness on board each transport to tow the ships clear of
each other in the event of calms.
The fleet destined for the proposed attack on Amoy consisted of the
following ships:--'Wellesley,' flag-ship, 72, Captain Thomas
Maitland; 'Blenheim,' 72, Captain Thomas Herbert; 'Blonde,' 44,
Captain Thomas Bourchier; 'Druid,' 44, Captain Henry Smith, C.B.;
'Modeste,' 18, Captain Henry Eyres; 'Cruiser,' 16, Commander H. W.
Giffard; 'Pylades,' 18, Commander T. V. Anson; 'Columbine,' 16,
Commander Thomas J. Clarke; 'Bentinck,' 10, Lieut. Richard Collinson;
'Algerine,' 10, Lieut. T. H. Mason; 'Rattlesnake,' troop ship, Master
James Sprent. Steam-vessels: Hon. East India Company--'Sesostris,'
4, Acting Commander Ormsby; 'Phlegethon,' 4, Lieut. M'Cleverty, R.N;
'Nemesis,' 2, Master W. H. Hall, R.N.; 'Queen,' 2, Acting Master W.
Warden, R.N.
Added to the fleet there were 21 hired transports and store-ships,
many of not less than a thousand tons.
Captain Nias remained in the neighbourhood of the Canton river as
senior officer, in command of a squadron of five vessels-of-war.
Amoy stands on the south-western corner of an island of the same
name, situated in a large bay on the China coast, scarcely 300 miles
north of Hong Kong. The small island of Kolingsoo, separated by a
narrow passage from Amoy, completely commands the harbour, as well as
the town and suburbs. The harbour is very fine; and several rivers,
which debouche into the bay, afford easy communication with the
interior of the country. The inhabitants, also, being possessed of
an enterprising and mercantile spirit, it is a place of very
considerable commerce. It was, therefore, considered that the
capture of so flourishing a place would be seriously felt by the
Chinese Government.
Several islands, on which numerous forts had been erected, stretch
across the bay; and on Amoy itself were a succession of batteries,
one of which, commanding the harbour, was a mile in length, and
mounted 96 guns. Every neighbouring height and point was also
strongly fortified. On several occasions the authorities, confident
in their strength, had treated the British flag in a hostile and
insolent manner, which well merited the punishment now preparing for
them. The weather proving favourable, the fleet had a good passage
up, well maintaining their order of sailing, and without the
occurrence of any accident of importance. Before sunset, on the
evening of the 25th, it arrived off the islands at the entrance of
Amoy Bay. A few shot were discharged at the ships as they passed
between the fortified islands; but no mischief was done. It was then
beginning to blow hard; but, favoured by a fair wind and a bright
moonlight, piloted by Captain Bourchier, of the 'Blonde,' the fleet
entered the bay, and anchored in security for the night. A strong
wind during the night prevented any boats from leaving the ships to
sound or make observations; but as soon as daylight appeared, the
Admiral, accompanied by Sir Hugh Gough and Sir Harry Pottinger,
embarked in the 'Phlegethon' to reconnoitre the Chinese positions.
As, in consequence of the advanced period of the monsoon and the
farther operations which were proposed, it was of the utmost
importance that as little time as possible should be employed before
Amoy, it was determined that a simultaneous attack should be
immediately made by the squadron on the batteries within the barrier
wall, and on the island of Golong-soo, and that the troops should be
landed inside the barrier as soon as practicable to take the
batteries in the rear. For this purpose the 'Wellesley' and
'Blenheim' were directed to anchor opposite the strongest batteries
on Amoy, and as near the entrance of the harbour as possible, leaving
the 'Cruiser,' 'Pylades,' 'Columbine,' and 'Algerine' to engage the
extreme point of the line, and cover the landing of the troops,
flanked by the heavy guns of the 'Queen' and 'Sesostris'
steam-vessels, the 'Phlegethon' and 'Nemesis' being appointed to
receive the troops, and tow in the boats for landing them. Captain
Bourchier, of the 'Blonde,' was directed to attack the island of
Golong-soo, where it was supposed the water was shoaler. He had
under him the 'Druid' and 'Modeste,' with a body of marines commanded
by Captain Ellis, and a detachment of the 26th Regiment commanded by
Major Johnstone. While these arrangements were being made, a
messenger from the shore came off, under a flag-of-truce, requesting
to know the object of the squadron in coming to the port. He was
informed, in reply, that it was come to require that the demands made
by Captain Elliot at Tientsin should be complied with; and if not
done readily, they should be enforced. A white flag was to be
displayed if these terms were agreed to; and if not, hostilities were
to be commenced forthwith. Anxious to prevent bloodshed, the British
commanders waited for the appearance of the white flag; but the
infatuated Chinese, notwithstanding the lessons they had received,
trusting to their numerous guns and batteries, refused to display it,
and the signal to engage was accordingly given.
The morning had been very hot and sultry; but about a quarter past
one a steady and favourable breeze having set in, the squadron
weighed and proceeded to their stations. The 'Sesostris,' being the
most advanced, received a heavy fire before any return was made. She
was soon joined by the 'Queen,' and both vessels commenced action
with good effect. The 'Wellesley' and 'Blenheim,' after ranging
along the line of works on Amoy under a smart fire, were anchored by
the stern about half-past 2 P.M., admirably placed by Captains
Maitland and Herbert in 10 fathoms water, within 400 yards of the
principal battery, precisely in the position allotted to them, while
the 'Cruiser,' 'Pylades,' 'Columbine,' and 'Algerine' took their
stations with equal judgment. The 'Blonde,' 'Druid,' and 'Modeste'
reached their positions opposite the batteries on Goolong-soo a few
minutes earlier; but owing to the shallowness of the water, their
Captains found much difficulty in placing them satisfactorily. To
effect this it was necessary to carry them into little more than
their own draught, which, however, without hesitation, was done in a
very spirited manner.
The 'Bentinck' had been appointed to sound the channel ahead of the
'Wellesley,' as she ran in. This Lieutenant Collinson very
spiritedly performed, and then gallantly anchored his brig within the
entrance of the harbour. Here she was joined by the 'Sesostris,'
which was placed by Captain Ormsby in a very judicious position for
relieving her and the other ships from a flanking fire. The action
now became general, and the Chinese for some time worked their guns
with much spirit, the roar from the artillery of both parties
reverberating among the surrounding heights with a deafening effect;
but though the Chinese fought with far more courage and stubbornness
than usual, they could not withstand the excellent gun-practice of
the squadron. In about an hour and a half their fire slackened, and
preparations were made for landing the troops, to drive the enemy out
of their fortifications. The three principal batteries on
Goolong-soo being silenced, Captain Ellis, with 170 marines and a
small detachment of the 26th regiment, under Major Johnstone, landed
on that island, and taking possession of the heights, speedily
cleared the batteries. Meantime, as the 'Phlegethon' was running up
towards the barrier wall, Lieutenant M'Cleverty despatched a party
under Lieutenant Crawford, who had volunteered his services, to
capture a small outwork upon a hill near the beach. He and his
followers, charging the enemy, drove them speedily from their
entrenchments, and, while three hearty cheers echoed from the decks
of the steamers as they passed, hoisted the British flag for the
first time that day on the Chinese works. The 'Modeste' and Blonde'
had meantime weighed and stood into the inner harbour. After
silencing the town batteries, they anchored completely inside and
abreast of the city. Here they took possession of 26 war-junks, with
128 guns on board, in a state of preparation for sea, but deserted by
their crews.
About the same time, under the direction of Captain Giffard, of the
'Cruiser,' the first division of the troops were landed, and, headed
by Sir Hugh Gough, escaladed and took possession of the works at the
barrier wall.
The 'Wellesley' and 'Blenheim,' having nearly demolished the
batteries opposed to them, a party of seamen and marines were landed
from them, under Commander Fletcher, with Acting-Lieutenant
Carmichael, Lieutenant White, R.M., Lord A. Beauclerck, S. S. L.
Crofton and L. G. Halstead, mates, and Mr. T. F. Jackson, midshipman
of the 'Wellesley,' and Captain Whitcomb, R.M., E. C. Kevern, and F.
A. St. Leger, mates of the 'Blenheim.' The Chinese, who had taken
shelter in an adjoining building, were, after discharging their
matchlocks, soon put to flight, and possession was taken of their
works.
The 'Phlegethon' and 'Nemesis' were employed in carrying up the
troops and in towing a number of boats, with the sappers and miners,
&c. They then kept up a heavy fire, to cover their landing. As soon
as this was accomplished, Mr. Hall with Mr. Gully pushed off from the
'Nemesis' in the pinnace, and joined the advanced guard of the 18th,
under Major Tomlinson, who were advancing towards the castellated
wall of the fortress. The 18th rushed for the lower end of the wall,
while the party from the 'Nemesis' made for a spot some way higher
up, which appeared more accessible; as, however, they were without
scaling-ladders, the men, to get over the wall, lifted each other up
on their backs, and in this way Mr. Hall mounted first on the top of
the wall, and waved the British flag, which he always carried with
him. Then, leaping down into the body of the fort, followed only by
two of his men, who had as yet got in, he was met by a young Chinese
officer and a considerable body of Chinese, who faced about to
encounter him. A hand-to-hand combat now took place between him and
the mandarin, but the latter was soon wounded and disarmed, his cap
and button and sword being taken from him. Seeing this, and the
small number of British opposed to them, the Chinese made a desperate
rush to rescue their chief, and Mr. Hall, with one of his men
severely wounded, had some difficulty in fighting his way back to his
party. Fortunately the troops had by this time forced their way into
the fort, with the party from the 'Wellesley' and 'Blenheim,' and the
Chinese took to flight in every direction. By five o'clock all the
outer defences of Amoy were in possession of the British, but the
Chinese still held the town itself; the troops, therefore, bivouacked
on the heights overlooking it, of which, led by Sir Hugh Gough, they
had made themselves masters. The next morning, after a careful
reconnoissance, the 18th regiment scaled the walls without
opposition, and then forced open the gates from the inside. It was
now found that the place had been deserted by the authorities, and
was in the hands of a rabble, who were plundering in every direction,
and it was with no little difficulty that the General could restore
order, so afraid were the respectable inhabitants that, in aiding
him, they should be accused of siding with the conquerors. To the
credit of the British troops, notwithstanding the quantity of
property left unprotected, instances of pilfering by them were few,
if any. About 60 only of the Chinese were killed, among whom were
several mandarins. Every care was taken of their wounded by the
victors. Of the British very few were hurt. The strength of the
surface of the chief battery was so great, it being composed of hewn
granite, faced outside with earth, that, notwithstanding the heavy
firing of two line-of-battle ships against it, very little impression
was made.
On the 30th a party of seamen and marines from the 'Wellesley,'
'Blenheim,' and 'Druid,' under Commander Fletcher, were embarked in
the 'Nemesis' and several boats, and proceeded to destroy all the
forts and guns in the neighbourhood of the city. A garrison was also
placed in the island of Goolongsoo, and Captain Smith, in the
'Druid,' with the 'Pylades' and 'Algerine,' was left for their
support, while the squadron, as soon as a favourable wind sprung up,
proceeded to Chusan. The island has ever since remained in
possession of the British.
RECAPTURE OF CHUSAN.
The weather becoming calm and fine on the afternoon of the 4th of
September, the signal was made on board the flag-ship for the
embarkation of the troops. Much to their credit, on being paraded,
it was found that not a single instance of drunkenness or misconduct
had occurred, notwithstanding temptations of every description during
eight days of harassing duty. The whole force was embarked by
half-past six, under the direction of Commander Giffard, and conveyed
out by the steamers to their respective transports without a single
person being left behind. On the following morning the squadron
sailed for Ningpo, which place it was intended next to attack. On
their voyage north the fleet had fair though light winds till the
13th, when the north-east monsoon setting in strong against them,
with thick weather, many of the transports became separated. By much
perseverance, and by taking advantage of the tides in-shore, which
the regularity of the soundings enabled the ships to approach, they
were nearly all again collected by the 24th, near Chusan. The
boisterous state of the weather, however, preventing the ships from
approaching the exposed position of Chinghae, a strong place at the
mouth of the Tahea River, and which it was necessary to take before
proceeding up that river to Ningpo, it was determined first to occupy
the island of Chusan. Preparations were immediately made to effect
that object. Since its abandonment by the British, the Chinese had
considerably increased the fortifications of the island. Owing to
the rapidity of the tides in the different channels leading to Chusan
harbour, it was found difficult to place the ships in the positions
required, and it was therefore resolved to land the troops, seamen,
and marines, to the westward of the sea defences, so as to take them
in reverse. On a steep hill, a short way beyond the spot where it
was proposed to disembark the troops, a large body of Chinese were
seen posted in a strongly-fortified encampment with a stone-work,
where however no guns were yet mounted, intended to guard the point.
Captain Eyres was therefore detached with the 'Modeste,' 'Columbine,'
and 'Nemesis,' to prevent the Chinese occupying the battery; which
duty they effectually performed, the guns of the 'Nemesis' making a
considerable breach in the walls of the fortified encampment. The
'Blonde,' 'Modeste,' 'Jupiter,' and 'Queen' were next employed in
covering a party of the Royal Artillery, under Captain Knowles, who
was engaged in erecting a battery against the Joss-house Hill.
It was not, however, till the 1st of October, that the troops in two
columns were landed with a party of marines and seamen, and, under
Sir Hugh Gough, proceeded to attack Tinghae, the capital of the
island; the walls were quickly escaladed, and by two o'clock the
British colours were flying in every direction. The fire from the
ships and steam-vessels conveying the troops did much execution; and
so great was its precision that, at a distance of 700 yards, two or
three individuals fell by single cannon shot, one of them in the very
act of waving a Chinese banner.
At the storming of the Pagoda Hills, the Chinese fought with great
individual bravery; the spear and the bayonet frequently crossed, and
many of the Tartar officers were killed in hand-to-hand combats. A
great number fell as they were retreating along a narrow causeway
from the city.
The loss of the British was 1 officer (Lieut. Duell), and 1 rank and
file killed, and 27 wounded.
The Chinese forces, scattering in every direction, escaped into the
interior of the island, and notwithstanding many attempts to capture
them, and to prevent their getting over to the mainland, few, if any,
were found. They, however, managed so adroitly, that they contrived
to kidnap many private soldiers and camp followers who ventured alone
at any distance from the walls of Tinghae. A small garrison only was
left in Chusan, while the rest of the naval and military forces
proceeded to the attack of Chinghae and Ningpoo.
EXPLOITS OF THE 'NEMESIS.'
The little 'Nemesis' deserves a chapter to herself. She was
fortunate in having a Commander whose zeal and courage never allowed
him to let an opportunity pass by which he could distinguish himself,
or advance the cause in which he was engaged. He also is happy in
possessing a biographer, whose sincere regard and admiration enables
him to describe in glowing colours the gallant deeds he performed
while in command of that vessel in the China seas. We give one of
the exploits of the 'Nemesis' almost in Mr. Bernard's own words.*
* "Narrative of the Voyages and Services of the 'Nemesis,'" by W. D.
Bernard, Esq. H. Colburn.--We strongly recommend the book to all who
wish to obtain a full description of the War in China.
On her voyage from Amoy to Chusan, having been separated from the
fleet in consequence of thick and squally weather, and having lost
her fore top-mast and fore gallant-mast, she came to an anchor under
a small island about thirty-five miles from Sheipoo, and between
fifty and sixty from the Buffalo's Nose.
On the 16th of Sept., Mr. Hall landed on the island with a party of
men to look for wood, which was much needed for fuel, and also for
refreshments for the crew, and took the opportunity to ascend a high
hill for the sake of observing the neighbouring country. The haze
cleared off sufficiently to enable him to discover the entrance to an
extensive harbour. He thought he could make out something like
batteries or field-works at the entrance. The opportunity for
earning some further distinction for his beloved 'Nemesis' was too
tempting to be neglected. It was also probable that a good supply of
fuel would be found near the town; a consideration never to be lost
sight of for a steamer. The state of the weather, which still
continued very unsettled, and prevented the ship from putting to sea,
encouraged him to undertake the enterprise he contemplated.
Soon after daylight on the 17th, a large junk hove in sight, which
was boarded in the hope of gaining some information, but was not
otherwise molested. Nothing important was elicited. The 'Nemesis,'
however, stood in for the entrance of the harbour, which was very
narrow, but fortunately she soon fell in with a fishing-boat, with
several fishermen in her. They were at once brought to, and made to
understand that one of them must come on board and pilot the vessel
into the harbour; and he was promised ten dollars if he took her in
without any accident; but if she touched ground, it was hinted to
him, that he would immediately be run up to the yard-arm, to atone
either for his treachery or his misfortune, whichever it might be.
At first the poor fellow was in a dreadful state of alarm, but after
being made more clearly to understand the conditions, he gradually
recovered his self-possession. The tide swept into the narrow
entrance of the harbour so rapidly, that the 'Nemesis' was fairly
carried through the passage before the two small field-works intended
to protect it could bring a single gun to bear upon her; but the
Chinese were seen running down from their little encampment above to
man the guns.
At the bottom of the harbour, the town now came in view, with a
number of trading-junks moored in close lines on one side of it,
while on the other there was a small fort which appeared to have been
strengthened recently, but was left almost unprotected in the rear.
About five or six hundred men were drawn up on a rising ground behind
the fort, so that it was evident the Chinese were prepared for
defence. The 'Nemesis' immediately ran in towards the fort, and took
up a flanking position, anchoring by the stern between it and the
town, so as to bring her guns to bear with the greatest advantage
without exposing herself to the direct fire of the fort. Shot,
shell, and canister were now poured in, and the fort was soon
silenced; but at the same time troops could be seen descending from
the hill behind, and bringing with them heavy gingals mounted on
triangular stands, as if they intended to oppose a landing.
A few discharges of grape-shot, however, killed many of them, and
threw them into great disorder, on which Captain Hall landed at the
head of all the men who could be spared from the ship, and took
possession of the fort, the Chinese flying before them; two brass and
two iron guns were destroyed in the fort, the temporary sheds,
buildings, were set on fire, and water was poured into the magazine
to destroy the powder. It was not thought necessary to follow the
Chinese, who had retreated to the hill again, or to attempt to enter
the town itself, from which no good result could be expected, as the
retreat of so small a party to the boats might in the mean time have
been cut off, or, at all events, attended with some loss.
As soon as the whole party had returned on board, boats were sent
out, manned and armed, to search for fuel, and also to attempt to
capture three large war-junks, which had been seen on the way up the
harbour. All the trading-junks were left unmolested, but several
well-filled wood-junks were soon picked out, and in a short time no
less than seven boat-loads of excellent wood were obtained, amounting
in all to about 70 tons. Much labour was required to bring off so
large a quantity, and to stow it away expeditiously; nevertheless,
during this operation, one of the war-junks was captured (the crew
having deserted her), and as soon as she was towed clear of the town
and shipping, so as not to cause any unnecessary damage, she was set
on fire in the middle of the harbour, and shortly blew up. Two guns,
and a quantity of gingals, matchlocks, swords, &c., were destroyed in
her. By eleven o'clock the wooding party had finished their labours,
and as a fresh body of troops appeared to be collecting near the
town, the steamer again ran in, and poured a shower of grape and
canister into the midst of them, which made them instantly disperse.
It was now mid-day, and officers and men were thoroughly fatigued
with their exertions since daylight; the steamer was therefore moved
to the upper end of the harbour, while the men were quietly piped to
dinner. The day's work, however, was not yet finished, and about two
o'clock the cutters were sent away, manned and armed, under Mr.
Galbraith, to destroy the other two war-junks which had been seen in
the morning, one of which was found to mount 14 guns, and contained a
large quantity of powder, with numerous warlike implements of various
kinds. One of them was towed out into the middle of the harbour, and
set on fire; the other blew up close in shore, where she was aground.
Some of the common Chinese labourers ran down to the shore to
endeavour to extinguish the fire on board the junk, but they were
instantly driven off by a few round-shot. Throughout the day the
hills which surrounded the harbour were covered with people, who
crowded out of the town, and from all the neighbouring villages, to
witness the exploits of the "devil-ship," the rapidity of whose
movements, the precision of her fire, and the volumes of smoke and
steam which issued from her, seeming to awaken feelings of awe and
mute astonishment even more than fear; and on seeing the destruction
of the war-junks, while the merchant-junks remained uninjured, they
appeared satisfied that no mischief was threatened against the
unarmed inhabitants, so long as they did not interfere.
The day was now far advanced, and it only remained to capture the two
forts or field-works upon the island, just within the mouth of the
harbour. A shot or two had previously been fired at them in the
course of the morning, but it was now determined to take possession
of them and destroy the works. A few shells and rockets were
discharged into them from the steamer, as she neared them, and the
boats then put off, manned and armed. The Chinese had only just
abandoned them. The two field-works were very near each other, and
were found to mount nine guns, which were spiked, their carriages
destroyed, and the tents of the soldiers were set on fire. About
five o'clock the 'Nemesis' again made her way out of the harbour
without any accident, and without having suffered any casualty among
the men throughout the whole day's arduous work, in which Mr. Freeze
(mate, R.N.), the chief officer, and Mr. Galbraith, the second, bore
a conspicuous part. Good service had been rendered, not only by the
destruction of the enemy's works and vessels, and by obtaining so
large a supply of the much-needed fuel, but by the moral impression
which was created among the people, both of our power and of our
forbearance. The poor Chinese fisherman, who had acted as pilot,
was, of course, liberated as soon as the harbour was cleared; and he
appeared no less astonished than overjoyed when the promised ten
dollars were counted out into his hands.
CAPTURE OF CHINGHAE,
October 10th, 1841.
As winter was rapidly approaching, it was important to secure
winter-quarters for the troops, and Chinghae was therefore fixed on
as commanding the approach to Ningpo. The continued occupation of so
important a place was likely, it was supposed, to have a good moral
effect on the Chinese Government, and might facilitate future
negotiations. Chinghae is a small town, standing at the base of a
high hill, on a point of land joined to the main by an isthmus, and
commands the entrance of the Tahea or Ningpo River, on the left or
north bank, 12 or 15 miles up which is situated the large city of
Ningpo. On the summit of the hill, which is 250 feet high, is a
large temple or joss-house, connected with other buildings by
loopholed walls, and forming a sort of citadel. It is encircled by a
strong wall, with very substantial iron-plated gates at the east and
west ends. The north and south sides of the height are exceedingly
steep; the former accessible only from the sea by a narrow winding
path from the rocks at its base, the south side and eastern end being
nearly precipitous. At the east end of the citadel, outside its
wall, 21 guns were mounted in three batteries of masonry and
sandbags, to defend the entrance of the river. The only
communication between the citadel and the city is on the west side,
by a steep but regular causeway to a barrier-gate at the bottom of
the hill, where a wooden bridge over a wet ditch connects it with the
isthmus and the gates of the city, the whole of which are covered
with iron plates and strongly secured. The space on the isthmus,
between the citadel hill and the city wall, is filled up towards the
sea with a battery of five guns, having a row of strong piles driven
into a little beach in front of it, to prevent a descent in that
quarter; and on the river side of the isthmus are two batteries,
adjoining the suburbs, and mounting 22 and 19 guns for flanking the
entrance: 28 guns of different sizes, and numberless gingals, were
also planted on the city walls, principally towards the sea. The
town is enclosed by a wall 37 feet in thickness, and 22 feet high,
with an embrasured parapet of 4 feet high, and it is nearly 2 miles
in circumference.
The main body of the Chinese forces were posted on the right bank of
the river in fortified encampments, on very commanding and steep
hills, field-works and entrenchments being thrown up in every
advantageous position, with 23 guns and innumerable gingals mounted
in them to impede the advance of the troops. The principal
landing-place on this side is within a considerable creek, close to
the south entrance of the river, and across the creek were driven
rows of piles. Four batteries, mounting 31 guns, were also newly
constructed on this side of the river to flank the entrance; and
about half a mile above its mouth, a similar obstruction of larger
piles was carried completely across, space only being left for one
junk to pass at a time.
On the 7th the wind having veered to a point favourable for carrying
the ships up to Chinghae, they were moved to the anchorage of
'Just-in-the-Way,' and on the 9th they reached the anchorage off the
town itself. They consisted of the 'Wellesley,' 'Blenheim,'
'Blonde,' 'Modeste,' 'Cruiser,' 'Columbine,' 'Bentinck,' 'Jupiter,'
'Rattlesnake,' 'Sesostris,' 'Phlegethon,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Queen.'
At an early hour on the morning of the 10th, the troops proceeded in
the 'Queen,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Phlegethon,' steamers, and the boats of
the transports, to the points of debarkation, in two columns. One,
the main body, 2,000 strong, under the immediate command of the
General, disembarked a short distance beyond the creek; the other,
500 strong, landed at the entrance of the creek, under cover of the
brigs 'Cruiser,' 'Columbine,' and 'Bentinck,' which, directed by
Commander Giffard, took up very judicious positions. A few shot from
them cleared the shore of about 300 Chinese troops, collected to
oppose the landing of the British; and by half-past nine every man
was safe on shore. The 'Wellesley,' 'Blenheim,' 'Blonde,' and
'Modeste' opened a heavy cannonade on the citadel and eastern part of
the city walls; and the 'Sesostris,' 'Queen,' and 'Phlegethon,' after
landing the troops, and towing up the ships to their stations,
commenced throwing their shells into the citadel. The 'Nemesis'
joined in the attack on the north side, and remained in readiness to
cover the landing of the seamen and marines. The citadel hill cannot
be approached for attack by large ships, except on the north side,
and there the water is so shallow that it is only in very calm
weather they can be safely carried sufficiently near to fire with
effect. The day was all that the invaders could desire, and the
'Wellesley' having been towed by the 'Sesostris' into an excellent
position, her anchor was dropped about a quarter before nine o'clock
in 4 fathoms, about 1,300 yards from the citadel and town walls. As
the water ebbed she settled imperceptibly into a bottom of soft mud,
and was as steady as a land battery. The 'Blenheim,' 'Blonde,' and
'Modeste,' favoured by a light breeze, took their stations under
sail, and every ship was placed as close as possible; the 'Blenheim'
and 'Modeste' touching the bottom at low water. As the troops on the
right bank of the river moved forward, the sloops, under Commander
Giffard, approached the entrance of the harbour; while the steamers,
which were for a considerable time under a heavy fire from the river
batteries, did much execution with their guns. About eleven o'clock
the British colours were planted by the troops in one of the
batteries on the opposite shore, and within a few minutes the others
on that side were all carried, the Chinese on the heights flying in
every direction. At a quarter past eleven the wall of the citadel
was breached by the fire from the ships, when the battalion of seamen
and marines, with the detachment of artillery and sappers, under the
command of Captain Herbert, were immediately landed, and the force
gallantly advanced to the assault. An explosion at this time took
place in a battery, near the citadel gate, and the garrison fled
without waiting to close it. The citadel was therefore entered, and
the union jack displayed on the walls. Here another explosion
occurred. Captain Herbert having secured the posts, quickly
re-formed his men, and advanced towards the city, where the Chinese
in considerable force still occupied the walls, as well as the two
batteries beneath the hills on the river side, against which the
British had already turned some of the guns taken on the right bank.
A few volleys of musketry speedily dislodged them from both
positions, and the battalion of seamen and marines pushed on in
excellent order to attack the city. The wall, which was 26 feet
high, was escaladed in two places, and in a short time, the Chinese
troops having escaped through the western gates, complete possession
was taken of Chinghae. During the escalade, a third explosion took
place, by which a seaman of the 'Blenheim' was killed. The seamen
immediately returned on board their ships, which as the tide rose
were moved into secure berths. Captain Herbert remained with the
marines in charge of the town until the evening, when Sir H. Gough
arrived, and a considerable portion of the troops were conveyed
across the river in the 'Phlegethon,' to garrison it. The city and
Joss-house Hill were defended by about 3,000 regular Tartar troops,
of whom about 150 were killed.
Ninety iron and sixty-seven brass guns were taken. Admiral Parker,
in his Despatch, mentions Captains Herbert, Bourchier, Maitland, and
Eyres; Major Ellis, of the Marines; and his Flag-Lieut. Charles
Tennant.
Return of officers who landed with the right column under the command
of Captain Herbert, Captain Bourchier commanding the battalion of
seamen:--
Landed with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd companies seamen battalion.
'Wellesley,' Lieuts. Symonds, Maitland, and Carmichael; Messrs. King,
Halstead, and Crouch, mates; Messrs. Birtwhistle, Butler, and
Jackson, midshipmen; Mr. Smith, Assistant-Surgeon.
Landed with the 4th, 5th, and 6th companies seamen battalion.
'Blenheim,' Lieutenants Hawkins and Matthews; Messrs. St. Leger and
Norman, mates; Mr. Dowell, midshipman; Mr. Adair, volunteer, 1st
class; Mr. Scott, volunteer, A.D.C.; Mr. Thomas, assistant-surgeon.
Landed with 7th company, seamen battalion. 'Blonde,' Lieutenant Sir
T. Nicholson; Messrs. Walker and Holland, mates; Mr. Lambert,
midshipman; Messrs. Lion and Coke, midshipmen, A.D.C.
Landed with subdivision 8th company. 'Modeste,' Lieut. Birch; Mr.
Pearse, mate; Major Ellis, commanding battalion of Royal Marines.
Captain Whitcombe; Lieuts. White, Ushur, Whiting, Hewet, Farmer,
Polkinghorne; Mr. Tweedale, assistant-surgeon of 'Blenheim;' Mr.
Stanley, assistant-surgeon of 'Blonde.' Landed 276 Royal Marines.
Artillery, Lieut. the Hon. F. Spencer, 23rd R.A., and two 5½-inch
mortars, and 9 and 12-pound rockets; Lieut. Molesworth, 12th Madras
Artillery; Captain Cotton and Lieut. Johnston with 30 Madras sappers.
Officers in charge of boats.--'Wellesley,' Lieut. Lord Wm. Compton,
and Lord A. Beauclerk, mate in the launch; Mr. Crofton, mate in the
pinnace; Mr. Kennedy, mate in the barge; Mr. Niblett, 2nd master in
the cutter.
'Blenheim,' Mr. Kevern, mate in the launch; Mr. Denny, mate in the
barge; Mr. Konniclas (Greek), in the pinnace; Mr. Pascoe, 2nd master
in the gun-boat; Mr. Swinburn, midshipman, in the 1st cutter; Mr.
Gell, midshipman, in the 2nd cutter; Mr. Bencroft, volunteer, 1st
class, in the jolly-boat.
'Blonde,' Lieut. Daly, in the launch; Mr. Hamilton, midshipman, in
the pinnace; Mr. Anderson, mate, in the gun-boat.
'Modeste,' Mr. Crofton, mate, in the pinnace.
OCCUPATION OF NINGPO,
October 12th.
Two days after the capture of Chinghae, the Admiral having
reconnoitred the river as far as the city of Ningpo, the Tartar
troops and many of the inhabitants were seen making their escape from
it. In order, therefore, to prevent it falling into the hands of the
rabble, he at once returned and ordered up the squadron. A large
portion of the troops were on board the 'Nemesis' and 'Phlegethon.'
They reached Ningpo about 2 P.M., and anchored within a few feet of
the floating-bridge, which connects the city at the east end gate
with the suburbs across the river. The men were disembarked with
great ease by stages from the bows of the vessels, the battalion of
seamen and marines under Captain Herbert, landing at the same time in
the suburbs on the city side, a short distance below them.
The gates of the city were all found secured and barricaded, though
not the slightest opposition was offered, and an entrance being
effected, the British marched quietly in. The mandarins and troops
had all left the city, the latter, since their defeat at Chinghae,
having refused to fight. Numbers of the inhabitants crowded the
banks of the river as spectators, and others assisted voluntarily to
remove the barricades at the city gates. By three o'clock the little
army, consisting of nearly 800 men, was drawn up on the ramparts of
the important city of Ningpo, the band of the 18th Royal Irish
playing the national anthem of "God save the Queen." Never was there
so bloodless or more satisfactory a victory. Order was at once
restored, and the Chinese were assured of the protection of the
British. Unfortunately a ransom was afterwards demanded, and a tax
of 10 per cent. on the estimated value of property was levied to pay
it; which, although it was not raised, was the cause of much ill
feeling on the part of the people. The troops having remained in
Ningpo about two months, an expedition was undertaken to dislodge a
Chinese force reported to be posted in the town of Tuyow. On the
27th of December the three steamers 'Nemesis,' 'Sesostris,' and
'Phlegethon,' with a number of boats in tow, and 700 troops,
including seamen and marines, proceeded up the north-western branch
of the river, on which Tuyow is situated. Sir William Parker and Sir
Hugh Gough were on board the 'Nemesis.' Having dispersed a party of
Chinese soldiers on the way, the troops landed near the town, and
took possession of a hill overlooking it, on which a joss-house is
situated. Here they took up their quarters for the night. The next
morning, which was bitterly cold, the ground being covered with snow,
preparations were made for escalading the town. Just then some of
the inhabitants came out and stated that the troops had been
withdrawn. This, however, proved to be a ruse, their intention
having been to let the English enter, and then, while off their
guard, the Chinese soldiers were to return and cut them to pieces.
Fortunately the 'Nemesis' was sent with a squadron of boats higher up
to meet the troops, when, from her masthead, a large Chinese force
was discovered outside the walls. She, and the 'Phlegethon,' which
had followed her, opened their fire on them, and the British troops,
forcing their way through the town, put them to flight, and followed
them for several miles, killing several of them in the pursuit, and
taking others prisoners. The town of Tsekee, about four miles from
the river, was visited the next day, but found undefended, and the
troops then returned to Ningpo. The remainder of the year 1841
passed away without any naval event in China worthy of notice. On
the 5th of March the 'Clio,' Captain Troubridge, arrived with the
mails, and with the announcement of the promotions in consequence of
the capture of Canton, and the exploits in the Canton river.
On the 7th of March, Captain Collinson, with Lieutenant Bates, who
had gone in the 'Nemesis' to reconnoitre an island called Tai-shan,
to the north of Chusan, where it was reported the Chinese were
fitting out an expedition of fire-boats, had, in company with Mr.
Hall, Mr. Freeze, mate, R.N., and other officers of that ship, a
spirited brush with the enemy. On first landing, not expecting to
encounter any armed men, they were nearly surrounded and cut off.
They, however, with great gallantry fought their way back to the
boats. They then again landed with a larger party, mustering in all
66; and encountered a force of some five or six hundred Chinese
troops just landed from their transports. These they charged, and
putting them to flight, killed a mandarin and 50 men, took eight
prisoners, and captured their military chest; and after burning the
transports and some of the houses which had sheltered the soldiers,
returned on board.
The effect of the victory was to save Chusan from further molestation.
On the evening of the 9th, a desperate and well-planned attempt was
made by the Chinese to recapture Ningpo, and though the British had
been forewarned, they were very nearly taken by surprise, from having
often before received similar reports of intended attacks, which had
proved unfounded. The 'Columbine,' 'Modeste,' 'Queen,' and
'Sesostris,' were anchored off the city, and the first alarm was
given by the Chinese firing two guns at them which they had brought
down to the banks of the river for that purpose. Fire-rafts were
also sent against them, which were not without difficulty towed clear
of the 'Sesostris' by her own boats and those of the other ships.
The ships then opened their fire on the suburbs to impede the advance
of the Chinese.
The approach of the enemy had been made so cautiously that they had
actually succeeded in scaling the walls; and had not Sir Hugh Gough
admirably disposed his troops so as to concentrate them at the point
of danger, the loss to the British might have been very considerable.
The Chinese fought with great bravery, but were at length repulsed
and driven along a narrow street of the suburbs, with dreadful
slaughter.
Their force was supposed to exceed 5,000 men, and their loss 500 or
600.
In the morning, the boats of the squadron were sent up the river in
search of fire-rafts, and those of the 'Columbine,' under Captain
Morshead, discovered and destroyed 37 fire-vessels. Near Tsekee,
many more junks full of combustibles were discovered and destroyed.
Chinghae was attacked at about the same time, but the Chinese were
driven back by a force under Colonel Schoedde and Captain Daubeny.
On the morning of the 10th, 10 fire-vessels were sent against the
ships-of-war and transports off the town, but the boats of the
'Blonde,' under Commander Goldsmith, and of the 'Hyacinth,' under
Lieut. Dolling, immediately pulled towards them, and towed them on
shore, where they exploded.
Sir Hugh Gough had been informed that a strong body of Chinese were
entrenched on the Segoan hills, at the back of Tsekee, under the
command of three of their best generals. On the morning of the 15th
of March, an expedition of about 1,000 men, including seamen and
marines, was embarked on board the 'Nemesis,' 'Phlegethon,' and
'Queen,' to attack them.
The naval brigade was commanded by Captain Bourchier, of the
'Blonde,' assisted by Captain P. Richards.
The troops having landed and marched towards the city, the
'Phlegethon,' 'Nemesis,' and two boats of the 'Cornwallis' and
'Blonde,' were sent higher up the river to harass the Chinese army in
their retreat. 14 fire-rafts, five gun-boats, and a considerable
amount of warlike stores, were destroyed on the way.
It is out of our province to describe the movements of the military.
The Chinese were found posted in great force on two hills on the
other side of the town. While the General with his troops, attacked
one of the heights, the naval brigade, led by Captains Bourchier and
Richards, and Commander Watson, the Admiral taking an active part,
rushed up the other hill, across a paddy-field on the Chinese right.
They were boldly met by the enemy; and two officers of marines, two
of the naval battalion, and 11 men were wounded, and three men were
killed. Lieutenant Fitzjames and Mr. Jackson, of the 'Cornwallis,'
poured in some rockets with great precision into the enemy's
position, they firing in return with gingals and matchlocks. A
valley separated the two hills into which the enemy was driven, large
numbers being killed and many destroying themselves. As they fled,
the 'Nemesis' and 'Phlegethon' opened their fire on them and
completed the rout.
The expedition returned, after this well-conducted and brilliant
affair, to Ningpo. The British force was now augmented by more
troops, as also by some ships-of-war, namely, H.M.S. 'Vixen,' from
England, and the H.E.I.C. steamers 'Tenasserim,' 'Auckland,'
'Ariadne,' 'Medusa,' and 'Hoogly,' from Bombay, well armed and
adapted to river navigation.
A well-concerted attempt was again made by the Chinese to destroy the
British shipping off Chusan, by fire-rafts, but information was
received in time, and preparations made to receive them.
The steamers and the boats of the squadron were constantly employed
in searching for them, and upwards of a hundred were thus destroyed.
A movement on Chapoo, an important city on the great river Yangtzee,
being determined on, the troops at Ningpo were re-embarked, and that
place was evacuated on the 7th of May.
CAPTURE OF CHAPOO.
On the 13th, the troops having been conveyed on board the transports
by the 'Queen,' 'Sesostris,' and 'Phlegethon,' they, with the
'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' 'Modeste,' 'Columbine,' 'Starling,'
'Algerine,' 'Plover,' and 'Jupiter' troop-ship, got under weigh for
Chapoo.
Chapoo is built along the edge of the sea, at the mouth of the river,
with a line of heights above it strongly fortified. Some islands
lying off it shelter the landing-place. Commanders Kellett and
Collinson and Mr. Hall were employed during the night of the 16th in
sounding, to enable the 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' 'Modeste,' and other
ships to take up advantageous positions before the enemy's works, and
to cover the landing of the troops. At daylight on the 17th the
whole fleet stood in; but having anchored, owing to want of wind,
during the morning, they did not take up their allotted positions
till the evening. The transports anchored near the islands, where
the troops were to land under cover of the 'Starling,' 'Columbine,'
'Plover,' and 'Algerine.' The 'Cornwallis' and 'Blonde' were placed
against the small batteries on the hill side next the suburbs, on the
summit of which was a fortified temple; and the 'Modeste' took up a
position to attack the works in front, nearer the suburbs. The
'Nemesis' and 'Queen' and 'Phlegethon' were to land the troops; and
the 'Sesostris' anchored in-shore, was to shell the Chinese as they
retreated before the advance of the British.
At daylight next morning the three steamers, with the boats of the
squadron under Commander Charles Richards, landed the troops, when
Sir Hugh Gough led the left column along the crest of the heights,
driving the enemy before him. The Admiral, who never shrank from
danger or fatigue, either ashore or afloat, landed with the battalion
of seamen and marines under Captain Bourchier. The right flank of
the Chinese was soon turned, and their principal works were carried
before they had time to spring some mines which they had prepared.
As they fled before the British, the 'Sesostris' fired some shells in
on them with deadly effect. A considerable body of Tartars, however,
threw themselves into a large building, which they defended with the
most desperate bravery, and numbers of the British fell before it.
Among others was Colonel Tomlinson, of the 18th, who, with a few of
his own men and of the 49th, attempted to enter it. Many others were
wounded. Mr. Hall, of the 'Nemesis,' Lieut. Fitzjames, and some
other officers and men, made several gallant attempts to force their
way in, and to set the building on fire, but were compelled to
retire. Captain Pearse at length fixed a powder-bag to the wall; but
this had little effect in bringing it down. Another, fastened more
securely, at length blew up a considerable portion, when many of the
defenders were destroyed, and it was with much difficulty that the
men of the 18th were prevented from shooting down the rest in revenge
for the loss of their gallant Colonel. About 50, however, were made
prisoners. In the mean time the walls of the city had been scaled,
and the enemy dispersed, many of them taking the direction of
Hang-chow-foo. A considerable number of the mandarins and Tartar
soldiers cut their own throats when they found the day was lost, and
others were prevented from committing a like folly by the
interposition of the British.
The loss of the English was greater on this than on any previous
occasion throughout the war. The Chinese wounded, however, received
every possible attention and kindness from the British medical
officers; and it is gratifying to know that this conduct was fully
appreciated, the Mandarin Elepoo, Governor of Chapoo, having shortly
afterwards addressed a letter to the Admiral and General to thank
them for their humanity. A more substantial acknowledgment was
afterwards made by the manner in which the Chinese treated those of
the British force who fell into their hands; previous to which those
who had been made prisoners experienced every species of cruelty, and
had often been tortured to death.
By the orders of Sir Hugh Gough, before the British left Chapoo all
the Chinese prisoners were set at liberty, each of them receiving a
present of three dollars. The British had already taught the Chinese
to fear them; and the effect of this humane conduct was to teach them
to respect them. The Chinese, in return, restored all the prisoners
they had kidnapped, giving to the whites 30 and to the natives of
India 15 dollars each. The Government also began to show a strong
inclination to come to terms.
CAPTURE OF WOOSUNG AND SHANGHAI.
Ships engaged at Woosung, 16th June, 1843:--'Cornwallis,' 72, Captain
P. Richards; 'Blonde,' 42, Captain E. Bourchier; 'North Star,' 26,
Captain Sir E. Home, Bart.; 'Modeste,' 18, Commander R. B. Watson;
'Columbine,' 16, Commander William H. Morshead; 'Clio,' 16, Commander
E. N. Troubridge; 'Algerine,' 10, Lieut. William Maitland.
Honourable E.I.C. steamers:--'Sesostris,' Commander Ormsby, I.N;
'Nemesis,' Lieut. W. H. Hall, R.N.; 'Phlegethon,' Lieut. J. J.
M'Cleverty, R.N.; 'Pluto,' Lieut. John Tudor, R.N.; 'Tenasserim,'
Master Commanding P. Wall; 'Medusa,' Lieut. H. Hewitt, I.N.
The 27th of May, and the following day, were employed in embarking
the troops, when the fleet sailed and anchored on the 29th, in a safe
sound forty miles to the eastward of Chapoo, discovered by Captains
Kellett and Collinson. Some days were spent in examining the
entrance to the Yangtze river. On the 5th, they stood up towards it,
and anchored a little to the eastward of the mouth on the 8th.
Captain Watson, in the 'Modeste,' was then sent with the 'Nemesis'
and 'Pluto' examine the river Woosung, and to interrupt the
communications. The Woosung river empties itself into the Yangtze,
about twenty-five miles up its southern branch. The town of Woosung,
which was now fortified with one hundred and seventy-five guns, and
garrisoned with the choicest Tartar troops, stands on the mouth of
the river of that name. Whenever an opportunity presented itself for
performing any spirited piece of work, Mr. Hall, the Commander of the
'Nemesis,' never lost it. The night of the 11th of June was very
dark, and it occurred to him that he might take advantage of it to
reconnoitre the batteries. His ship was anchored close in shore, but
in consequence of a strong tide he was unable to communicate with his
superior officer, Captain Watson, as the 'Modeste' lay much further
off. Ordering therefore his cutter away, he sounded the channel
leading to Woosung, and then pulled under the very batteries
themselves. Screened by the darkness and the noise of the wind and
surf, he landed on the beach and crept up to the walls, when looking
through the embrasures, he saw one of the mandarines going his rounds
with two soldiers, one of whom carried a large paper lantern. He was
strongly tempted to call up his boat's crew, and to carry off the
officer and his attendants, but fortunately prudence restrained him,
as there would have been no good object attained by so doing.
Contenting himself, therefore, with the work he had already
performed, he returned on board. The 'Clio,' 'Bentinck,' 'Starling,'
and two transports had been stationed as beacons to mark the channel,
and on the 13th, the Admiral, with the 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,'
'Columbine,' 'Jupiter,' 'Phlegethon,' 'Tenasserim,' 'Medusa,' and
twelve transports, reached the mouth of the Woosung river, there
about a mile wide. The batteries extend for about three miles along
the banks, and opposite them is another strong and high fort built of
brick. Two miles in the rear of the town is the large town of
Paonshan.
The Admiral having surveyed the river in the little 'Medusa,' fixed
the morning of the 16th to make the projected attack. All the ships
were towed into their stations by the steamers lashed alongside them,
with the exception of the 'Algerine,' which stood in under sail.
The 'Blonde' and 'Cornwallis' led in towards the batteries, towed by
the 'Tenasserim' and 'Sesostris,' and received the fire of the
Chinese, which was opened with much spirit, without returning a shot
until they had anchored by the stern in excellent positions. The
'Modeste,' under Captain Watson, towed by the 'Nemesis,' then led the
light squadron towards the creek above the village, to oppose a
strong battery of ten brass guns, receiving a well-directed fire from
the whole line of batteries. The men on board the 'Nemesis' were
ordered to lie down at quarters till she had placed the 'Modeste' in
a good position. Further up the river fourteen war-junks appeared,
and four paddle-wheel vessels, intended to imitate steamers. The
'Nemesis' was sent to attack them, but as soon as they felt the
effects of her fire, their crews ceased working their guns, and their
Admiral set the example of running away. Just then the 'North Star,'
Sir Everard Home, was observed off the mouth of the river, having
just arrived in time to partake in the action to the great
satisfaction of her officers and crew. The 'Tenasserim' was sent to
tow her up, when she was placed ahead of the 'Blonde.' The 'Nemesis'
having got on shore while pursuing the junks, Mr. Galbraith was sent
away in command of her boats to capture and destroy them, in which
work Lieut. M'Cleverty, in the 'Phlegethon,' was likewise employed.
The 'Modeste' had been made fast to a jetty, in which position she
soon silenced the fort with her guns and small arms. The pinnace,
under Mr. Birch, was sent on shore to take possession of the fort and
to spike the guns, when he had some skirmishing with the rear-guard
of the Chinese; and at the same time the 'Columbine' and 'Pluto'
coming lip, poured in their fire on the retreating columns.
The 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' and 'Pluto,' having been for some time
hotly engaged with the batteries, compelled them to slacken their
fire, on seeing which, Captain Watson landed with the marines and
small-arm men of the 'Modeste,' 'Columbine,' and 'Clio,' within the
creek, for the purpose of turning the enemy's flank, and of cutting
off their retreat. A strong body of Chinese were now discovered
lying down under cover of the embankment. On this, forming his men,
he gallantly made a dash at them, across several wooden bridges over
the ditch, and was received with a heavy fire of matchlocks and
gingals. As he advanced they retreated slowly and steadily, planting
their gingals in the only path by which they could be approached.
Ten of his men being wounded, and his party being slightly scattered,
he drew them up to reform them outside the embankment, when the
Chinese, rushing out, brandished their spears, and threw a volley of
hand-grenades towards them, though happily over their heads. On
Captain Bourchier perceiving that Captain Watson was hotly engaged
with vastly superior numbers, he landed with a party from the
'Blonde' to his aid. Just then Captain Watson and his followers made
a dash at the Chinese, but so firmly did they stand their ground that
the spear and bayonet were again for a moment crossed, though the
enemy were forced to retreat behind some houses, where they, however,
quickly rallied.
At this juncture, Captains Peter Richards and Sir Everard Home,
accompanied by the Admiral, had got on shore with the marines and
some seamen of their ships, who, being formed, speedily drove the
enemy out of the whole line of batteries. A small party, under
Lieutenant Maitland, had landed from the 'Algerine,' and before aid
could be sent, it had suffered somewhat from the overwhelming force
he had boldly ventured to attack.
Captain Ormsby, in the 'Sesostris,' had, during these events, been
engaged with the battery on the east side of the river, which having
silenced, he landed with the small-arm men from his ship and the
'Tenasserim,' and took possession of it.
In consequence of most of the steamers having taken the ground, the
troops could not be landed till the engagement was over; as soon,
however, as they could be put on shore, Sir Hugh Gough led them in
the direction of Paoushan, towards which town a considerable portion
of the Chinese army had fled. Major-General Schoedde took possession
of the town without opposition, the Chinese, it was found having
passed on towards Soochow-foo. The Chinese lost about 200 men, and
250 guns were captured. The loss of the British consisted of one
officer, Lieutenant Hewitt, and one seaman killed, and three
officers, Mr. Purvis, midshipman of the 'Blonde,' and Mr. A. J.
Smith, mate, and Mr. Roberts, master of the 'Sesostris,' and 15
seamen, together with one corporal, and five royal marines, and one
Bombay artilleryman wounded, many very severely.
The next day H.M.S. 'Dido,' the Hon. Captain Keppel, and some
reinforcements of troops arrived. On the 19th several batteries on
the river having been destroyed, the steamers conveyed up one portion
of the troops, while another marched by land towards the important
city of Shanghai. It was entered without opposition, and order
within its gates was soon re-established, the respectable portion of
the inhabitants treating the conquerors as friends rather than
enemies: 171 guns were captured in it. It was found to be full of
stores, and a place of great commercial importance. The river, for
30 miles above the city, was surveyed by the steamers. The next day
Sir Henry Pottinger arrived from Hong Kong to receive any overtures
for peace which might be made by the Chinese.
CAPTURE OF CHIN-KEANG-FOO, AND ENTRY OF SIR H.
POTTINGER INTO NANKIN; WITH CONCLUDING REMARKS,
July 21st, 1842.
We at length come to the last and crowning victory of the British in
China.
Considerable reinforcements having arrived, it was at length resolved
to advance on Nankin itself, the ancient capital of the empire, as
the most certain way of bringing the Chinese to terms. To reach that
city the Admiral had determined to conduct his fleet, consisting of
nearly 80 sail, including two line-of-battle ships, up the great
river Yangtze, into the very heart of the empire, 200 miles from the
sea.
Commanders Kellett and Collins on were, in the first place, sent up
in the 'Phlegethon,' to sound the river, and to buoy the channel for
the advance of the squadron, accompanied by the masters of the ships
of war. Few or no impediments were discovered, but water for the
largest ships was found right up to Nankin. The river Yang-tze is
one of the largest in the world, and is supposed to take its rise in
the farthest mountains of Thibet, traversing the whole empire, and to
be navigable the entire distance.
It redounds much to the credit of the naval service that a fleet of
nearly 80 sail was carried up to the walls of Nankin and brought
safely back. This was owing to the Admiral's excellent arrangements
and clear orders, to the alacrity paid by the commanders to signals,
and to having boats ready for any emergency.
On the 6th of July the fleet, consisting of the following ships, got
under weigh:--
The advanced squadron was formed of the 'Starling,' 6, Commander
Kellett, and 'Plover,' 6, Commander Collinson, surveying vessels;
'Modeste,' 18, Commander E. B. Watson: 'Clio,' 16, Commander T.
Troubridge; 'Columbine,' 16, Commander Morshead; 'Childers,' 16,
Commander Halstead; H.C. steamer 'Phlegethon,' Lieut. M'Cleverty,
R.N.; H.C. steamer 'Pluto,' Lieut. Tudor, I.N.; H.C. steamer
'Medusa,' Lieut. Hewitt, R.N; H.C. 'Nemesis,' Commander Hall, R.N.;
H.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' Commander J. J. Hough, R.N.; H.M.S.
'Cornwallis,' 72, Captain Richards, flag-ship of Vice-Admiral Sir
William Parker, O.C.B.
_First Division_.--H.M.S. 'Calliope,' 26, Captain A. S. Kuper, C.B.;
H.M. armed steamer 'Vixen,' Commander H. Boyes; 'Marion' transport,
with Lieut.-General Sir H. Gough and staff; seven transports, with
Sappers and Miners, followers, &c.
_Second Division_.--H.M.S. 'Blonde,' 42, Captain T. Bourchier, C.B.;
H.C. steamer 'Auckland,' Commander Ethersey, I.N.; ten transports,
conveying Artillery Brigade and horses, &c.
_Third Division_.--H.M. troop-ship 'Belleisle,' Captain T. Kingcomb,
having on board Major-General Lord Saltoun and H.M. 98th Regiment;
H.M. troop-ship 'Jupiter,' Master Commanding G. Hoffmeister, with
H.M. 26th Regiment; nine transports, conveying Bengal Volunteers,
with flank companies 41st M.N.I.
_Fourth Division_.--H.M.S. 'Endymion,' 44, Captain the Hon. T. W.
Grey; H.C. steamer 'Sesostris,' Commander H. A. Ormsby, I.N.; 13
transports, conveying H.M. 55th Regiment, with the 2nd and 6th
Regiments M.N.I., and the Madras Rifle Company.
_Fifth Division_.--H.M.S. 'Dido,' 20, Captain the Hon. H. Keppel;
H.C. steamer 'Tenasserim,' Master Commanding P. Wall; H.M. troop-ship
'Apollo,' Commander Frederick, with H.M. 49th Regiment; H.M.
troop-ship 'Rattlesnake,' Master Commanding James Sprent, with H.M.
18th Regiment; eight transports, conveying the remainder of the 18th
and 49th Regiments, together with the 14th M.N.I.
This imposing fleet passed up the river without any opposition, the
Chinese having even withdrawn their guns from most of the towns on
its banks to escape the injury they expected would be inflicted had
they made any hostile demonstration. At Seshan, however, about 15
miles below Chin-Keang-foo, some batteries at the foot of a hill,
mounting some 20 guns, opened their fire on the 'Pluto' and
'Nemesis,' as those vessels were surveying in advance; and on the
following day, having fired on the 'Modeste,' she very speedily drove
out their garrisons, and destroyed them completely.
On the 16th the naval and military Commanders-in-Chief went up the
river in the 'Vixen,' followed by the 'Medusa,' to reconnoitre the
approaches to Chin-Keang-foo. They approached the entrance of the
Imperial Canal, which passes close to the city walls. It is one of
the greatest works in China for facilitating the internal water
communication through the country. As no soldiers were seen on the
walls, and no other preparations for defence were visible, it was
hoped that no resistance would be offered, and that thus any effusion
of blood would be spared. When, however, some of the officers landed
on Golden Island, which is opposite the mouth of the Great Canal, and
climbed to the top of the Pagoda, which is in the centre of the
island, they discovered three large encampments on the slope of the
hills to the south-west of the city, which showed that the Chinese
had a large army ready to defend the city if they would venture to
employ it. The British land force consisted of about 7,000 men of
all arms. It had been determined that none of the ships-of-war
should be engaged in the attack. The 'Auckland' was therefore the
only vessel which fired into the city when employed in covering the
landing of the troops. On the evening of the 20th all preparations
were completed for the attack, which was to take place at daylight
the next day. A body of seamen and marines, however, under Captain
Peter Richards, took an active part in the engagement, accompanied by
Sir William Parker, who forced his way with the General through the
gates of the city. Lord Saltoun's brigade was the first on shore,
and gallantly attacking the Chinese, encamped outside the walls, soon
drove them over the hills. General Schoedde's brigade, however, was
received by a hot fire of guns, gingals, and matchlocks, and in
consequence he gave orders for immediately escalading the walls. The
Tartars fought with the most determined bravery, often in
hand-to-hand combats, and several of the British officers and men
were wounded. The walls were soon scaled; and as the troops scoured
them to the right and left, they fell in with Sir Hugh and Sir
William, who had forced their way in at the gate, while Captains
Peter Richards and Watson, with the seamen and marines, had scaled
the walls in another direction. Still in the interior of the city
the Tartars held every house and street where they could hope to make
a stand, determined to sell their lives dearly; and often, when
driven back by superior force, they, with perfect deliberation, put
an end to their own lives, and frequently those of their wives and
children. While these events were taking place, another of a more
naval character was enacting elsewhere. The 'Blonde' was anchored
off the mouth of the Grand Canal, and her boats had been employed in
the morning in landing the artillery brigade. At 10 o'clock they
were ordered away to carry some of the artillery, with two howitzers,
up the canal, to create a diversion in favour of the troops. They
were under the command of Lieut. Crouch, of the 'Blonde,' who had
with him Messrs. Lambert, Jenkins, and Lyons, midshipmen. The barge,
cutter, and flat were a little in advance, when, coming suddenly in
sight of the west gate of the city, they were assailed by a heavy
fire of gingals and matchlocks from the whole line of the city wall,
running parallel with the canal. As the wall was nearly 40 feet
high, the gun in the barge could not be elevated sufficiently to do
service, and the fire of the musketry was ineffectual. Lieut. Crouch
and Mr. Lyons, midshipman, 2 artillery officers, 16 seamen, and 8
artillerymen were wounded. As it would have been madness to have
remained longer than necessary exposed to such a fire, the men leaped
from the boats, which they abandoned, and took shelter under cover of
some houses in the suburbs. The crews of the launch and pinnace,
however, which were some way astern, remained under cover of some
buildings, and escaped without loss. Lieut. Crouch's party now saw
that their only chance of escape was to join the latter, though to do
so they would have to pass across a wide space, exposed to the fire
from the walls. They succeeded, however, in doing this without loss,
and in getting on board the two boats: the whole party returned down
the canal to the 'Cornwallis,' when they reported what had happened
to Captain Richards. They were compelled to leave some of the
wounded behind, and it is satisfactory to report that they were
kindly treated by the Chinese--a strong proof of the advantage of the
example set by the British.
As soon as Captain Richards was informed of the circumstances which
had occurred, he landed with 200 marines, at the entrance of the
Canal, where he was joined by 300 men of the 6th Madras native
infantry, under Captain Maclean.
This body then made their way through the suburbs, to escalade the
city walls. At the same time the boats of the 'Cornwallis,' under
Lieut. Stoddart, with those of the 'Blonde,' pulled up the Canal,
with orders to bring off the boats and guns which had been left
behind, and to endeavour to check the fire of the Chinese, while
Captain Richards' party were engaged in escalading the walls. As
soon as Captain Richards landed, he was joined by Captain Watson and
Mr. Forster, master of the 'Modeste,' with a boat's crew, and a small
body of seamen of that ship. A quantity of rubbish was found near
the walls, on which the ladders were planted by Captains Peter
Richards and Watson, when, in face of a strong body of Tartars, who
opened a tremendous fire on them, they began the hazardous ascent.
Captain Richards escaped unhurt; but Captain Watson was wounded, as
was Lieut. Baker, of the Madras Artillery: and a marine who, with
them, was one of the first on the walls, was killed. At this
juncture Lieut. Fitzjames brought up some rockets and lodged one in a
guard-house, which, catching fire, threw the enemy into such
consternation that they gave way, followed by Captain Richards, who,
at the head of his men, had jumped down into an open space between
two gateways. It was just then that the gate was blown open by
powder-bags; and Sir William Parker, with the third brigade, under
General Bartley, accompanied by Sir Hugh Gough, dashed over its
ruins. Several officers and a large number of men suffered from the
effects of the hot sun. The naval brigade having, in consequence,
rested for some time in a guard-house, on hearing some firing again
sallied out, when they were met by a sudden fire from a body of
Tartars, drawn up across a street, behind a small gateway. Here
Lieut. Fitzjames was wounded, as were several of the men. The
British, however, uttering a loud cheer, attacked the Tartars with
such fury that they were soon driven back, and put to flight, when
numbers fell by their own hands. The city was speedily in entire
possession of the British, when every means was taken to spare life,
to prevent plunder, and to restore order. We must not omit to speak
of the gallantry of several naval officers mentioned by Sir Hugh
Gough. Having heard that the canal was fordable, he had sent Major
Gough to ascertain the fact, accompanied by Captain Loch, R.N., who
acted as an amateur throughout the campaign, as the General's extra
aid-de-camp, and Lieut. Hodgson, of the 'Cornwallis,' as also by
Lieut. Heatley. Instantly rushing down the bank, the four officers
plunged into the canal, and swam across, thus proving the
impracticability of fording it. The city was now completely in the
power of the British; but in consequence of the bad drainage, and the
number of dead bodies left in the houses, the cholera broke out, and
raged with fearful violence among the troops, even though they were
removed to an encampment outside the walls. The number of Tartars
who destroyed themselves and families was very great; while much
damage was committed by the Chinese plunderers, who flocked in from
the country, and pillaged in every direction; yet, although the place
had been taken by assault, none of the British troops were allowed to
plunder or to commit violence of any description.
The total loss of the British forces at the capture of Chin-keang-foo
was:--
Killed.--3 officers, 2 Serjeants, and 29 rank and file.
Wounded.--14 officers, 1 warrant-officer, 4 serjeants, and 87 rank
and file of the military arm.
In the naval battalion 1 officer of marines, and 2 privates were
killed, and 2 privates wounded; and 4 officers, and 15 seamen wounded.
While this affair was taking place, the 'Dido,' 'Childers,' 'Blonde,'
'Modeste,' 'Proserpine,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Queen,' were employed in
blockading the mouths of the Grand Canal above the city, where they
detained a vast number of trading junks. They also were engaged in
obtaining fresh provisions for the fleet, which were strictly paid
for. The officers had indeed established friendly relations with the
authorities of some of the neighbouring towns; and it is worthy of
remark, that they were actually enjoying the hospitality of some of
them while the attack on Chin-keang-foo was taking place.
These triumphant successes of the British had at length brought the
Emperor to reason, and when the fleet and the troops were brought in
reality before the walls of Nankin, he no longer concealed his
anxiety to sue for peace. The capture of the trading junks had also
struck a heavy blow at the commerce of the country, the worse effects
of which he was eager to avert. General Schoedde's brigade, with a
few other troops were left to occupy the heights round
Chin-keang-foo, while the expedition proceeded on to Nankin.
It was not, however, till the 4th of August that, in consequence of
the prevalence of contrary winds, the fleet could stem the current of
the Tang-tse-keang, when the transports with Lord Saltoun's brigade,
were able to proceed.
The 'Queen,' having Sir Henry Pottinger on board, towed up the
'Marion,' head-quarter ship, and on the 5th anchored off Nankin. The
'Cornwallis' had got up on the previous day, but the entire fleet did
not reach the anchorage till the 9th. The walls of the city surround
an immense space, containing within them a separate Tartar city.
Perhaps not more than an eighth part is covered with houses.
The British force consisted of 4,500 effective men, besides the
marines and seamen of the ships. It was thought necessary to make a
demonstration to bring the Chinese more speedily to terms.
The 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' and heavy steamers, were accordingly
placed in position, the first within 1,000 paces of the Ifung gate,
with her broadside bearing on a sort of demi-bastion, which it was
proposed to breach; the 'Blonde,' so as to take the defence of that
bastion in flank; and the steamers so as to destroy the parapet of
the wall on either side the point to be breached.
General Bartley's brigade was to enter at this point, while Lord
Saltoun's was to attack the opposite gate. Fortunately these
demonstrations had their due effect on the Chinese.
The true state of affairs was represented to the Emperor, and on the
20th of August, his Commissioner came on board the 'Cornwallis,' with
authority to treat for peace. On the 24th, the visit was returned by
Sir Henry Pottinger, Sir Hugh Gough, Sir William Parker, and upwards
of a hundred officers.
On the 29th, the treaty of peace for which the British had been for
so long contending was happily signed on board the 'Cornwallis' by
Sir Henry Pottinger, on the part of Great Britain, and by Ke-ying,
Elepoo, and New-Kien, on the part of the Emperor of China.
The following were the most important provisions of the treaty:--
1st. The establishment of lasting peace and friendship between the
two empires.
2nd. China was to pay 21,000,000 dollars in the course of the
present and three succeeding years, to defray the expenses of the war.
3rd. The ports of Canton, Amoy, Too-choo-foo, Ningpo, and Shang-hae,
were to be thrown open to British merchants. Consular officers were
to be appointed to reside at them; and regular and just tariffs of
import and export, as well as inland transit duties, were to be
established and published.
4th. The island of Hong Kong was ceded in perpetuity, to Her
Britannic Majesty, Her heirs, and successors.
5th. All subjects of Her Britannic Majesty, whether natives of
Europe or India, imprisoned in any part of the Chinese empire, were
to be unconditionally released.
6th. An Act of full and entire amnesty was to be published by the
emperor, under his imperial sign-manual, and sent to all Chinese
subjects, on account of their having held service under the British
Government or its officers.
7th. Correspondence was to be conducted on terms of perfect equality
between the officers of both Governments.
8th. On the Emperor's assent being received to this treaty, and on
the payment of the first 6,000,000 dollars, Her Britannic Majesty's
forces were to retire from Nankin and the Grand Canal, and also from
their position at Chin-hae; but the islands of Chusan and Ku-lang-sin
were to be held until the money payment and the arrangements for
opening the ports were completed.
We give the above articles of the treaty to show the moderation of
the terms dictated by the conquerors, and to prove that the only
object the British had in carrying on the war, was the establishment
of a lasting peace and a permanent commercial intercourse with the
Chinese.
It has been the custom somewhat to disparage the war in China, and to
speak of the Chinese as contemptible and cowardly in the extreme.
Their mode of fighting was certainly different to that of the
British; but we have shown that they are possessed of as much
perseverance and personal bravery as can be exhibited by any people
in the world; and that with more science and practical experience,
they would indeed have been formidable enemies.
The war was thus ended. The troops returned to India, and the ships
were dispersed over various parts of the world. We shall have to
record the exploits of several of them, named in this account, in our
future pages.
Late events have shown that the consequences of this war have been
far more serious than was at first supposed. By it, a tremendous
blow was struck at the despotic power of the Emperor, and his
subjects were taught to despise the man who was compelled to succumb
before a people whom he had contemptuously designated as barbarians.
The Chinese were also taught to respect the British, and to discover
their own deficiences, which, acute and quicksighted as they are,
they have made many efforts to remedy. A powerful party was soon
after organized, which has within the two last years obtained power
sufficient to threaten the overthrow of the Tartar rule, and which
proposes the re-establishment of a native monarchy, the reformation
of government, the improvement of science and education, and the
purification of religion. If the liberal party succeed, as there is
every probability it will, we may hope to see not only China opened
to the commerce of the world, but the blessings of civilization, and
Christianity itself, diffused throughout that fertile and
wealth-producing land.
If such prove to be the results of the war in China, we have no cause
to repine at the cost.
While the British fleet remained in the China Seas, several gallant
acts, well worthy of record, were performed by some of the officers
of the ships. I possess notes of a few of them, which I give, though
I am well aware that many other traits of courage were exhibited
(independent of the gallantry all displayed in action) of which I
have no accounts.
GALLANTRY OF MR. H. F. M'KILLOP, MIDSHIPMAN OF
H.M.S. 'BELLEISLE,'
June, 1842.
"AT daylight, on the 15th of June, 1842, when H.M.S. 'Belleisle,'
Captain Kingcome, was at anchor in one of the passages to the
entrance of Chusan, in the China Sea, when there was a strong tide
running, Mr. H. F. M'Killop, midshipman, was heard to cry, 'A man
overboard!--I'll jump after him.' The quarter-master said, 'You had
better not, sir; there is a very strong tide running.' The reply
was, 'I will--the man can't swim.' He instantly plunged overboard,
and, to the satisfaction of all, he was seen to lay hold of the man,
whom he kept afloat for a considerable period, until the boat had
been lowered, and sent to pick them both up."
COURAGE OF MR. TURNER, MATE OF H.M.S. 'SERPENT,'
August, 1842.
"On the 8th of August, 1842, the pinnace, belonging to H.M.S.
'Serpent,' was caught in a gale of wind, in Chimmo Bay, China. At
midnight, a heavy squall caused a junk she was riding by to drive,
forcing the pinnace so suddenly ahead that, in her heavy pitching,
she foundered. In a moment, seven men were struggling for their
lives, five of whom were saved by the extraordinary exertions of Mr.
Turner (mate), who, in his praiseworthy efforts, was nearly jammed
between two junks, and was only just hauled up in time, but not
before he had seen two of his best men hauled up before him."
SEAMAN'S LIFE SAVED BY LIEUTENANT R. C. WHYTE,
January, 1844.
"On the 15th of January, 1844, at which time H.M.S. 'Pelican' was
lying in the Ningpo River, on the north-eastern coast of China, a
seaman, named Joseph White, while working in the main-rigging, missed
his hold, and fell overboard. Lieut. Robert C. Whyte, senior of that
ship, in the most gallant manner, instantly jumped after him, with
his clothes on; and, although the man had sunk twice, and was
actually swept by the rapidity of the tide under the bow of a large
Chinese boat, succeeded in saving him. It was the greatest chance
that Lieut. Whyte's life was not sacrificed in this his gallant
attempt. From the well-known rapid tide, and dangerous undertow in
the large rivers of China, particularly the Ningpo, it had always
been supposed that any person falling overboard would inevitably have
been drowned; and so strong was this opinion on board, which was well
known to Lieut. Whyte at the time, that the ship's company had always
refrained from bathing during the fine seasons.
"This was the second time in which Lieut. Whyte succeeded in saving
this seaman's life, and the third man he had saved within a very few
months."
LIEUTS. CALDWELL AND VANSITTART, R.N., HONG KONG,
December, 1843.
"On the 13th of December, 1843, as the men of H.M.S. 'Agincourt,' at
Hong Kong, were exercising aloft, one of them unfortunately lost his
hold, and fell from the main-yard arm: striking against the rigging,
he bounded with frightful force from the spare topsail-yard, and fell
insensible into the sea. Lieuts. Caldwell and Vansittart instantly
dashed overboard after him; the former officer was, however, from his
position, unable to make way against the tide, and to reach the
sinking man. Happily, Mr. Vansittart was nearer to him, and with
almost superhuman exertions (being burdened with the whole of his
uniform), saved the poor fellow's life, supporting him for a
considerable time, until a boat could be lowered. This gallant
action endeared the young officers to every man on board."
THE LIFE OF THE HON. FREDERICK WILLIAM WALPOLE
SAVED BY MR. R. DEW, MATE OF H.M.S. 'COLLINGWOOD,'
AT CALLAO,
August 20th, 1844.
Her Majesty's ship 'Collingwood,' Captain R. Smart, was lying off the
port of Callao, in China, on the 20th of August, 1844. There were at
the time two mates on board, Mr. Roderick Dew and the Hon. Frederick
William Walpole. The latter officer had, it appears, in the
afternoon gone on board a cutter-yacht belonging to a gentleman at
Callao. As night came on there was a fresh breeze blowing, which
knocked up a short chopping sea. It was also very dark, so that
objects at any distance from the ship could scarcely be discerned.
The officer of the first watch on that night was Lieutenant Richard
R. Quin, and the mate of the watch was Mr. R. Dew. In those seas the
currents run very rapidly, and where the ship lay there was a very
strong tide. Just as the quarter-masters had gone below to call the
officers of the middle watch, it being then close upon 12 o'clock,
the look-out man forward reported a boat ahead under sail. The
Lieutenant of the watch, on going to the gangway, observed a small
cutter on the starboard bow, which, as well as he could make out,
through the obscurity, appeared to be hove-to. He judged, from the
position of the cutter, that she wished to communicate with the ship,
but it was impossible to see what was taking place on board her.
Shortly afterwards a dark object was observed on the water on the
starboard bow approaching the ship, but it did not look like a boat.
When it was at the distance of 70 or 80 yards, it was hailed by the
sentry. An answer was returned, but too indistinctly for the
officers aft to understand what was said. The sentry, however, on
the forecastle seems to have made out the answer, for he instantly
sung out the startling cry of "A man overboard!" No boats were down
at the time, and in that hot tideway in another minute the drowning
man would have been swept past the ship, and carried, in all
probability, out to sea, where he must have perished. Mr. Dew was
forward; whether or not he knew who was the person in peril of his
life, I cannot say, probably any human being would equally have
claimed his aid; but without a moment's hesitation, he jumped
fearlessly overboard, and swam to the assistance of the man he
supposed was drowning. He struck out bravely, but could not at first
succeed in the object for which he was aiming. Meantime the order
for lowering a boat was given, but long before she was got into the
water, the figure of a human being was discerned close to the ship.
The sentry again hailed, when a voice, which was recognised as that
of Mr. Walpole's, answered with a cry for help. Mr. Dew cheered him
up, by letting him know that he was coming to his assistance, and
very soon after he got up to him, and found him clinging to a small
boat, full of water, and as he was encumbered with a heavy pea-coat,
holding on with the greatest difficulty. Mr. Dew, who was lightly
clad and fresh, enabled him to guide the swamped boat up to the ship,
near which the current was of itself carrying her. As they passed
near the gangway a coil of rope was hove to them, which they getting
hold of, the boat was hauled alongside, and Mr. Walpole and his
gallant preserver, Mr. Dew, were brought safely upon deck. Mr.
Walpole then gave an account of the accident which had befallen him.
He had shoved off from the cutter in her dingy, which was very soon
swamped, and as the tide would not allow him to regain her, he was
being carried rapidly to destruction, and would, he gratefully
asserted, have inevitably perished, had it not been for the heroic
conduct of Mr. Dew, who, under Providence, was thus the means of
preserving his life.
CAPTURE OF THE CARTHAGENIAN FLEET,
BY LIEUT. DE COURCY,
February, 1841.
Among the numerous states which have arisen from the fragments of the
Spanish empire in South America is that of Carthagena on the northern
coast, and on the eastern shore at the entrance of the Gulf of
Darien. The inhabitants, like those of all the other states of
Spanish origin on that continent, have continually been quarrelling
among each other, and one party has always been found ready to set up
a Dictator, President, or Governor in opposition to the man who
happens to be in power. It appears that the British brig 'Jane and
Sarah,' in company with a sloop called the 'Little William,' were
lying at Sapote, a harbour of Carthagena, when, on the 6th of
February, 1841, some Carthagenian ships-of-war, under the orders of
General Carmona, attacked the two vessels and plundered them, to a
large amount, of goods and specie. A Colonel Gregg and other
passengers, together with their crews, were taken on shore and
imprisoned. We are not aware of what crime Colonel Gregg and the
other persons were accused. They found means, however, to
communicate their condition to the British Consul resident at
Carthagena, who immediately interested himself on their behalf, and
applied to the government for their release. His intercession was
perfectly unsuccessful. As soon, therefore, as he was able, he sent
off a despatch to Lieutenant De Courcy, commanding Her Majesty's brig
'Charybdis,' stationed on the coast to protect British interests, and
which was fortunately then in the neighbourhood. Immediately on
receiving the communication, Lieutenant De Courcy came off the port
of Carthagena, and despatched a boat, with an officer, bearing a
letter to the Commodore of the squadron, then at anchor inside,
demanding the release of Colonel Gregg and the other British subjects.
The Carthagenian squadron consisted of a corvette, a brig, and three
schooners-of-war. When the officer got on board the corvette, he
found the Commodore, who treated him with great insolence, observing,
that as the letter was not written in Spanish, he could not
understand it, and therefore could not receive it, treating the
threatened interference with the greatest contempt. The unfortunate
Colonel Gregg, it appears, was shot immediately after the application
for his release had been made, so that, probably, the Commodore was
acting under the orders of the Government, who were little aware of
the punishment they were about to draw down on the head of the
Commander of their ships. As soon as the British officer had
returned on board the 'Charybdis,' and reported these circumstances,
Lieut. De Courcy determined to compel attention to his
communications. The 'Charybdis' was rated as a 6-gun brig, but she
carried only one long gun amidships, and two carronades, and her full
complement of officers and men was but 55. Nothing daunted, however,
he boldly entered the port, and was passing up to an anchorage, when,
without any provocation, he was fired into by the corvette, the
Commodore's vessel, and the forestay of the 'Charybdis' was shot
away. This was an insult not for an instant to be borne, and, in
spite of the small size of his vessel, and the apparently
overwhelming force opposed to him, he immediately took up a position,
and opened his fire on the corvette. His officers and crew
enthusiastically seconded him, and working their guns with a will, so
rapidly was their fire delivered, and so well was it directed, that
in a short time, the corvette hauled down her colours and
surrendered, when, on taking possession of her, it was found that the
Commodore and 25 of his men had been killed. In the mean time, a
brig-of-war had been coming down to the assistance of the corvette,
followed by three schooners, and scarcely had the first been disposed
of, when she came into action. Unexhausted by their exertions, the
gallant crew of the 'Charybdis' fought their guns as before, and, in
five minutes after they had been brought to bear on the brig, she
sank, and in a short time, the schooners, after exchanging a few
shots, also surrendered. Thus, in the course of less than an hour,
the whole of the Carthagenian squadron was captured and
destroyed,--the victor remaining at anchor in their port, with his
prizes, to await the decision of the Admiral on the station as to
their disposal. Although, probably, the vessels of the enemy were
neither well-found nor well-manned, still, their force was so
immensely superior to that of the British brig, that we must allow,
that not a more spirited or gallant action has been performed since
Her Majesty came to the throne than that of Lieut. De Courcy's
capture of the Carthagenian fleet. He, in consequence, at once
received his promotion to the rank of Commander.
SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO AND
THE EASTERN AECHIPELAGO.
SKETCH OF RAJAH BROOKE.
Sir James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, has proved himself to be, not
only a benefactor to his country, but also to a large number of the
human race. He went out as a cadet to India, where he distinguished
himself in the Burmese war, and being wounded there, he returned
home. A warm admirer of Sir Stamford Raffles, by whose enlightened
efforts the flourishing city of Singapore was established, and
British commerce much increased in the Eastern Archipelago, he took a
voyage there to form a personal acquaintance with those interesting
islands. He found the people groaning under oppression, piracy
unchecked, and commerce undeveloped. He here secretly resolved to
devote his life to remedying these evils. On his return, home he
purchased a yacht, the 'Royalist,' of 142 tons, and with care and
kindness, for three years, he trained a crew zealously ready to
follow his fortunes.
She was armed with six six-pounders, a number of swivels, and small
arms of all sorts. She anchored off Borneo, on the 1st of August,
1839, and on the 15th reached Sarawak. Here Mr. Brooke visited the
Rajah Muda Hassim, who was engaged in a war with some rebellious
subjects in the interior. The Rajah asked his aid to put down the
rebellion, but he refused, and devoted his time to making himself
acquainted with the character of the natives, and the productions of
the country,--after which, he went back to Singapore. Borneo is a
vast island lying under the equator. The interior is but little
known, nor were even the coasts at that time. The aboriginal
inhabitants are called Dyaks, but large numbers of Malays are settled
on the coast and along the banks of the rivers. The Emperor of
Borneo, as he is called, is merely a chief, claiming power over the
northern portion of the island. On Mr. Brooke's return, he found the
rebellion still going on, and, in the hopes of bringing about a
cessation of hostilities, he acceded to Muda Hassim's request, and
joining the Rajah's army with some of his crew, and a gun from the
'Royalist,' the rebels were soon compelled to sue for pardon. In
return for this assistance, the government of Sarawak was conferred
on Mr. Brooke. His first step was to proceed to Singapore, where he
purchased the 'Swift,' schooner of 90 tons, and loading her with a
suitable cargo, he returned to Sarawak with his two vessels, in
April, 1851. In consequence, however, of the intrigues of a chief
called Macota, it was some time before he became completely invested
with the powers of government. The moment he became governor, 24th
September, 1841, he set himself actively to work to reform abuses, to
improve the cultivation of the country, and to secure peace and
happiness to the people. A great variety of tribes inhabit the
country, who were constantly making predatory attacks on each other
for the purpose of taking the heads of their enemies, while the
shores were infested with piratical fleets, who robbed and murdered
wherever they roved. Numbers of British and other merchant vessels
had fallen into their power. Having arranged the internal affairs of
his government, Mr. Brooke turned all his efforts to put a stop to
these nefarious practices. Having secured the approval of the Sultan
of Borneo-Proper to his holding Sarawak, and at the same time
obtained the release of the Hindostan crews of two English ships, he
went back to Singapore, for the purpose of asking the aid of some
ship-of-war to put down piracy. The 'Dido,' the Hon. Captain Keppel,
was accordingly sent to assist him in carrying out his object. The
Dyaks of Saribas and Sakarran, were the first pointed out, by Rajah
Muda Hassini, as determined pirates, living entirely by plunder, more
especially of vessels trading between Borneo and Singapore. Before,
however, we give an account of the expedition against them, we have
to mention some of the exploits of the 'Dido' and her boats.
CAPTURE OF PIRATICAL PRAHUS BY BOATS OF 'DIDO,'
UNDER LIEUT. HORTON,
May 13th, 1842.
As soon as the 'Dido' arrived off Sarawak, Mr. Brooke went on board
one of his boats, and proceeded with a few others, all under the
command of Lieut. (now Captain) Horton, in search of a fleet of
Illanun pirates whom he had heard of as being in the neighbourhood.
They soon came on a fleet of prahus, which made off at their
approach. The next morning, however, the pinnace having grounded,
Lieut. Horton and Mr. Brooke proceeded in one of the cutters to
reconnoitre. As they neared the south-west point, they were met by
six prahus, beating their tom-toms as they advanced. Lieut. Horton
judiciously turned to rejoin the other boats; and the pinnace having
floated, he formed his little squadron into line abreast, cleared for
action, and prepared to meet his formidable-looking antagonists. Mr.
Brooke, however, believing them not to be Illanuns, raised a
flag-of-truce on his spy-glass, but a discharge of small arms was the
only reply he received.
The pirates then detached their three smallest vessels in shore to
command a cross-fire, and to cut off the retreat of the 'Dido's'
boats, and the rest advanced, their shot cutting through the rigging,
and splashing in the water all around. It was an anxious moment for
the 'Dido's' little party. Not a word was spoken. The only gun of
the pinnace was loaded with grape and canister, and kept pointed at
the largest prahu. The men waited with their muskets in hand for
permission to fire, but it was not until within pistol-range, that
Lieut. Horton poured into the enemy his well-prepared dose. After
exchanging shots for a few minutes longer, the largest cried for
quarter, but the other five keeping up a fire to the last, made for
the shore chased by the two cutters. The prize proved to be a prahu
mounting three brass guns, with a crew of thirty-six men. Ten of
them were killed, and eleven (four of them mortally) wounded. The
crews of the three smaller prahus escaped on shore with those only
slightly hurt. Captain Keppel gave orders that the wounds of the
rest should be dressed by Mr. Simpson, the assistant-surgeon, and the
prisoners were afterwards set at liberty. Lieut. Wilmot Horton and
Mr. W. L. Partridge, mate, who commanded the pinnace, were promoted
for their gallantry on this occasion.
ATTACK ON THE JOLLY BACHELOR.
The 'Emily' schooner-yacht, belonging to Mr. Whitehead, of Singapore,
being expected from thence, Captain Keppel sent a boat lent by Mr.
Brooke, called the 'Jolly Bachelor,' fitted with a brass six-pounder
long gun, and with a volunteer crew of a mate, two midshipmen, six
marines, and twelve seamen, and a fortnight's provisions, under the
command of the Second Lieut. Mr. Hunt, to cruise off Cape Datu. Mr.
Douglas, who spoke the Malayan language, volunteered his services.
After being out five days, all hands being overcome with fatigue,
they had dropped an anchor close to some rocks, and had fallen
asleep. Just as the moon was about to rise, Lieut. Hunt happening to
awake, observed a savage brandishing a kris, and performing his
war-dance on the little deck, delighted at the ease, as he supposed,
with which he had got possession of a fine trading-boat. The
lieutenant's face, unsurmounted by a turban, gave the first
intimation to the savage of his mistake. He on this plunged
overboard, and before Lieut. Hunt knew whether or not he was
dreaming, or could rouse up his crew, a discharge from three or four
guns, and the rattle of the various missiles with which they were
loaded, convinced him there was no mistake. As the men were lying
down, no one was hurt; but on jumping on their legs, they found
themselves pressed by two large war-prahus, one on each bow. To
return the fire, cut the cable, man the oars, and back astern, was
the work of a moment. The men fought as British seamen always do:
the deadly aim of the marines prevented the pirates from reloading
their guns. The Illanun prahus are built with strong bulwarks or
barricades, grape-shot proof across the fore part of the boat,
through which ports are formed for working the guns. When these
bulwarks were cut away by round-shot from the 'Jolly Bachelor,' the
musketry, grape, and canister told with fearful effect. In the mean
time the prahus had been pressing forward to board, while the 'Jolly
Bachelor' backed astern; but as soon as this service was achieved,
the men dropped their oars, and seizing their muskets, dashed on: the
work was sharp but short, and the slaughter great. While one
pirate-boat was sinking, and an effort was being made to secure her,
the other effected her escape by rounding the point of rocks, where a
third and larger prahu, hitherto unseen, came to her assistance, and
putting fresh hands on board, and taking her in tow, succeeded in
getting off, although chased by the 'Jolly Bachelor.' The other
being set on fire, blew up and sunk. The captured boat, when
boarded, presented a dreadful sight, filled with the mangled forms of
the dead and dying.
ATTACK ON SAREBUS PIRATES BY BOATS OF H.M.S. 'DIDO.'
The 'Dido,' after leaving Sarawak, proceeded to the island of Burong,
which was appointed as the place of rendezvous. The force selected
for the expedition consisted of the 'Dido's' pinnace, two cutters,
and a gig, with the 'Jolly Bachelor,' carrying a long six-pounder
brass gun, and 30 of the 'Dido's' men. Several chiefs sent their
fleets, so that the native force was considerable, and it caused no
little trouble to keep them in order. The command of the expedition
was given to Lieut. Wilmot Horton, and in the pinnace with him were
Mr. W. L. Partridge, mate; Dr. Simpson, assistant-surgeon; and Mr.
Hallowes, midshipman; with 14 seamen and 5 marines. In the first
cutter was Mr. D'Aeth and Mr. Douglas, from Sarawak, and Mr. Collins,
the boatswain; and in the second cutter, Mr. Elliot, the master, and
Mr. Jenkins, midshipman. The 'Jolly Bachelor' was commanded by
Lieut. Tottenham, and Mr. Combes, midshipman, with Mr. Brooke's
medical friend, Dr. Treacher, and an amateur gentleman, Mr. Ruppel,
from Sarawak. The force from the 'Dido' consisted of about 80
officers and men. Capt. Keppel, with his accustomed gallantry,
accompanied the boats in his gig, in which Mr. Brooke also embarked.
Lieut. E. Gunnell, in the second gig, had the difficult duty assigned
to him of preserving order among the extensive fleet of native boats.
A variety of motives had brought together this curious assemblage of
Europeans, Malays, and Dyaks. The British wish was to put down
piracy; the Malays came for plunder; the Dyaks to revenge themselves
for the atrocities committed by the Sarebus and Sakarran pirates. On
the 9th June, 1843, the expedition had got 30 miles up the river, and
Captain Keppel laughingly says, as he pulled along the line of his
tiny fleet, he felt as proud as Sir William Parker could when leading
75 British ships up the Teang-se-Keang River into the heart of the
Celestial Empire.
Captain Keppel being ahead, soon afterwards fell in with a couple of
boats evidently belonging to some pirates which had been chased the
previous day. He fired his rifle, when the crews took to flight and
escaped among the jungle. At a place called Boling, they met with a
dangerous obstacle, called a bore. It is caused by the tide coming
in with a tremendous rush, as if an immense wave of the sea had
suddenly rolled up the stream. Then finding itself confined on
either side, it extends across like a high bank of water, curling and
breaking as it goes, and from the frightful velocity with which it
passes up, it carries all before it. In certain bends of the river
the bore does not break across, and it was therefore the aim of the
boats to gain these spots between the times of its activity.
Just below Boling, the river branches off to the right and left; that
to the left leading to a nest of pirates at Pakoo, who are in
communication with those of Paddi, the place first to be attacked. A
vessel, called a 'Tope,' laden with provisions and ammunition, had
been brought up thus far, and she was here left, with a strong body
to guard her. The advancing force now consisted of the 'Dido's'
boats, the three Datus from Sarawak, and some Sow Dyaks eager for
heads and plunder. On the 11th, as they passed rapidly up the
stream, the beating of gongs and the loud yelling warned them that
they were approaching their enemies. A sudden turn in the river
brought them in front of a steep hill, which rose from the bank. As
they hove in sight, several hundred savages rose up, and gave one of
their war-yells. "It was the first," says Captain Keppel, "I ever
heard. No report from musketry or ordnance could ever make a man's
heart feel so small as mine did at that horrid yell. I had no time
to think, but took a shot at them with my double-barrel as they
rushed down the steep, while we were hurried past." As the large
boat came up she gave them a dose from her heavy gun. A barrier of
stakes was now encountered, but the gig pushed through, and found
herself in the presence of three formidable-looking forts, which
immediately opened a heavy fire on her. Luckily their guns were
elevated for the range of the barrier, a few grape shot only
splashing the water round her. The boat was drifting fast towards
the enemy. The banks of the river were covered with warriors, who
yelled and rushed down to secure her. With some difficulty the long
gig was got round, and, Rajah Brooke steering, she was paddled up
against the stream. During this time Captain Keppel and his coxswain
kept up a fire on the embrasures, to prevent the enemy reloading
before the pinnace could bring her twelve-pound carronade to bear.
Unfortunately she fell athwart the barrier, and had three men wounded
while thus placed. With the aid, however, of some of the native
auxiliaries, the ratan-lashings which secured the heads of the stakes
were cut, and the first cutter got through. The other boats then
followed and kept up a destructive fire on the fort. Mr. D'Aeth, who
was the first to land, jumped on shore with his crew at the foot of
the hill, on the top of which the nearest fort stood, and at once
rushed for the summit. This mode of warfare--this dashing at once in
the very face of their fort--was so novel and incomprehensible to the
enemy, that they fled panic-struck into the jungle, and the leading
men of the British could scarcely get even a snap shot at them. That
evening the country was illuminated for miles by the burning of the
capital, Paddi, and the adjacent villages. The guns in the forts
were also taken, and the stockades burnt. The banks of the river
were here so narrow, that it was necessary to keep vigilantly on the
alert, as a spear even could easily be thrown across, though for the
greater part of the night the burning houses made it light as day.
In the evening Drs. Simpson and Treacher amputated the arm of the
captain of the forecastle on board the 'Dido.' In the morning a
fleet of prahus came sweeping towards them, and were only discovered
to be friends just in time to save them from a deadly discharge from
the six-pounder.
In the evening a party under Lieut. Horton, who was accompanied by
Rajah Brooke, was sent up the left stream. Capt. Keppel was at
supper on board the 'Jolly Bachelor' when the sound of the pinnace's
twelve-pounder carronade broke through the stillness of the night.
This was responded to by one of those simultaneous war-yells
apparently from every part of the country. Captain Keppel, on this
jumping into his gig, pulled off to the aid of his friends. From the
winding of the stream, the yells appeared to come from every
direction, sometimes ahead, sometimes astern. Proceeding thus for
nearly two hours, a sudden and quick discharge of musketry warned him
that he was approaching the scene of action.
He kept his rifle ready for use on his knee, and to give an idea that
he was bringing up a strong reinforcement, he ordered the bugler he
had with him to strike up "Rory O'More." This was immediately
responded to by three British cheers, followed, however, by a
death-like silence, which made him suppose that the enemy were
between him and his friends.
Seeing some human forms before him, he hailed, and receiving no
answer, fired, supposing them to be Dyaks, when to his horror, Lieut.
Horton exclaimed, "We are here, Sir." Providentially no one was
hurt. The sound of the current had prevented his hail being heard.
The party had taken up a very clever position on the top of a bank
from which the jungle had been cleared for about thirty yards, and
which rose perpendicularly from a little bay just big enough to hold
the boats. Here Lieut. Gunnell was posted with seven royal marines
as a rear-guard. This was an important position, and one of danger,
as the jungle itself was alive with the enemy; and although spears
were hurled from it continually during the night, no shot was thrown
away unless the figure of the pirate could be distinctly seen. The
rain fell heavily, the men wore their great coats to keep their
pieces dry. Often during the long night a musket was raised to the
shoulder, and lowered as the enemy flitted by. These in the boats
below stood facing the opposite hank of the river, with their arms in
their hands. It appears that the enemy had come down in great force
to attack the boats from that side; and as the river was there very
shallow, and the bottom hard, they could, by wading not more than
knee-deep, have approached to within five or six yards of them:--but
in the first attack they had lost a good many men, and it is supposed
that their repeated advances during the night were more to recover
their dead and wounded, than to make any attack on the compact little
force of British, whose deadly aims and rapid firing had told with
such effect, and who certainly were, one and all, prepared to sell
their lives as dearly as possible. For some object they had begun
felling some large trees, and their torches showing their position,
Mr. Partridge kept up a hot fire on them from the pinnace, and a
signal rocket fired among them made them take to flight. Two natives
and one marine of the British party were wounded; and the latter poor
fellow, a gallant young officer named Jenkins, already distinguished
in the Chinese war, volunteered to convey in the second gig, with
four boys only, down to the 'Jolly Bachelor.' He performed this
duty, and was again up with the party before daylight. At dawn the
pirates began assembling in some force, but as the boats advanced up
the river towards a spot where they had left their wives and
children, they sent in a flag-of-truce. Several chiefs soon
appeared, and the result of the conference was, that they undertook
to abandon piracy if their lives were spared. This was agreed to,
and they have strictly adhered to their promises.
The expedition now advanced towards Rembas, and early in the morning
came up with a succession of formidable barriers very difficult to
cut through. About a mile below the town, 700 Linga Dyaks were
landed, under command of Sheriff Jaffer and his fine-spirited son.
Captain Keppel managed in his light gig to get through the barriers,
and as the other boat came up, he opened a fire on the stockade,
which was full of men, this, with the war-yell cries from Sheriff
Jaffer's party, threw them into the greatest confusion, and made them
fly on all sides. On this the crews landed, and took possession of
Rembas, which was found to be the largest town they had yet seen. As
a severe lesson to the pirates, the place was given up to the native
allies to plunder, and was afterwards completely destroyed.
The kind-hearted and talented Dr. Simpson having slipped overboard
while suffering from fever, caught a cold, which soon ended his days.
The 'Dido,' soon after this, sailed for Singapore and China.
ATTACK ON THE SAKARRAN PIRATES,
August 7th, 1844.
[An extract from a characteristic letter of Rajah Brooke to Captain
Keppel will best introduce the following subject:]--
Sarawak, 26th May, 1844.
"There is plenty to do here, and the sooner you can come the better
for all of us, especially for your poor friends the Dyaks. Bring
with you as much force as you can to attack Sakarran. The case
stands thus: Sheriff Sahib, quite frightened at Sadong since last
year, enraged likewise at his loss of power and his incapability of
doing mischief, collected all the Sakarran Dyaks, and was joined by
many of the Dyaks of Sarebus, and some Balows. He likewise had a
good many Malays, and bullied every one in his vicinity. This force
met at the entrance of the Sadong Delta, and committed depredations.
They were not less than 200 Dyak boats, and some 15 or 20 armed Malay
prahus, besides others. Sheriff Sahib, with this force, has started
to-day for Sakarran, and I was not strong enough, with my eight
native boats, to attack him.
"It is his intention, on his arrival there, to fortify the place and
await our attack, and in the mean time to send out his Dyaks along
the coast and inland to such places as they dare venture to attack."
The 'Harlequin,' Captain Hastings, was in the neighbourhood of this
fleet, but her First-lieut., H. Chads, having been severely wounded,
and several of his men killed just before in a severe affair off
Acheen Head, her gallant Commander judged it imprudent to attack
them, with the few boats he possessed.
Since the 'Dido's' last visit to Sarawak, Her Majesty's ship
'Samarang,' Captain Sir Edward Belcher, had come there, and grounding
on a long shelf of rocks at the top of high water, and with the
ebb-tide rolled off, filling with the succeeding flood. She was
nearly a fortnight in this position, when, by the skill and almost
unparalleled exertions of her captain, officers, and crew, she was
hove off, and again made ready for sea.
Monday, 5th August, 1844.--The expedition left Sarawak. It consisted
of Her Majesty's steamer 'Phlegethon,' the boats of Her Majesty's
ship 'Dido,' boats belonging to Rajah Brooke, and a fleet of prahus,
under the Pangeran Budrudeen, the brother of the late Rajah.
Having entered the river Batang Lupar, which, for some way up, is
from three to four miles wide, they proceeded, on Wednesday the 7th,
towards Patusen, the place to be attacked, it being the stronghold of
Sheriff Sahib. The difficulty was now to keep back the native
allies, who were eager for heads and plunder.
Weighing at 11, they advanced with a strong tide in sight of the
fortifications of Patusen, which were not to be despised. The boats
of the 'Dido' and 'Phlegethon' having formed alongside the latter
vessel, were directed to pull inshore, and attack the forts in
succession. However, Mr. Wade, the gallant First-lieutenant of the
'Dido', who had the command, was the first to break the line, and to
pull directly in face of the largest fort. His example was followed
by the others, and dividing, each boat pulled for the fort which
appeared to the officer in command to be the one most likely to make
a good fight. The forts were the first to open fire on both steamer
and boats, which was quickly and smartly returned. From the
defective state of the detonating priming-tubes, the guns from the
'Phlegethon' would not go off; so the boats had all the glory to
themselves.
They never once checked in their advance; but the moment they touched
the shore, the crews rushed up, entering the forts at the embrasures,
while the pirates fled by the rear.
In this sharp and short affair, a fine young man, John Ellis, captain
of the main-top, in the 'Dido,' was killed--cut in two by a
cannon-shot, while in the act of ramming home a cartridge in the
bow-gun of the 'Jolly Bachelor.' This, and two others badly wounded,
were the only casualties.
The killed and wounded, on the part of the pirates, must have been
very severe. There were found, in and about the forts, 64 brass guns
of different sizes, besides many of iron, which were spiked and
thrown into the river.
The Sarawak followers, both Malays and Dyaks, behaved with the
greatest gallantry, dashing bravely in under the fire of the forts.
The town, which was very extensive, after being given up to them to
plunder, was set on fire, and made a magnificent blaze.
After the men had dined, another fort higher up the river was taken,
in which Sheriff Sahib resided, and where a large amount of his
plunder was captured.
During the day the habitations of 5,000 pirates had been burnt to the
ground, four strong forts destroyed, together with several hundred
boats; upwards of 60 brass cannon captured, and about a fourth that
number of iron spiked and thrown into the river, besides vast
quantities of other arms and ammunition; and the powerful Sheriff
Sahib, the great pirate patron of the last 20 years, ruined past
recovery, and driven to hide his diminished head in the jungle.
The 8th and 9th were passed in burning and destroying the rest of the
straggling town, and a variety of smaller boats.
On the 10th, the stronghold of Macota, another pirate chief, was
destroyed; but he had fled into the mountains.
Captain Keppel now divided his force, to attack, at the same time,
various forts, situated up several rivers running into the main
stream. One party under Lieut. Turnour, with Mr. Combes, in the
'Jolly Bachelor,' and a division of native boats, went up the Undop;
another, under Mr. D'Aeth, up the Lupar; while Mr. Wade, accompanied
by Mr. Brooke, ascended the Sakarran.
Lieut. Turnour, with Mr. Combes, made a very spirited attack on a
stockade situated on the summit of a steep hill, while Mr. Allen, the
master, performed a similar service on the opposite side of the river.
Having again collected his whole force, Captain Keppel proceeded up
the river Sakarran, 20 miles from the mouth of which was situated the
fortified town of Seriff Muller. When, as they knew by the noises
they heard that they were close to the town, they found a strong
barrier built across the river. A little in advance of it was a
farm-house, which, for the night, Captain Keppel occupied with a
party of 50 volunteers, consisting of Messrs. Steward, Williamson,
and Combes, a corporal and four marines, his gig's crew, and some
Malay and Dyak followers.
At daylight they were joined by Lieutenant Wade and Mr. Brooke; and
soon after 8 o'clock, the barrier being cut through, the town was
entered, plundered, and burnt.
Having ascertained that the pirates had retreated to a Dyak village,
situated on the top of a hill some 25 miles higher up the Undop, at
daylight on the 13th, Captain Keppel, with the lighter boats, went in
pursuit. On this day Lieut. Wade, jealous of the advanced position
of the lighter boats, obtained a place in Captain Keppel's gig.
Overcoming a variety of difficulties through rain and darkness, they
at last anchored for the night. On the 14th they pushed on, and
hearing of two landing-places leading to the village, proceeded in
search of one immediately under it. Several boats were destroyed in
their progress, and they had some sharp encounters with others on
which they unexpectedly came. Sheriff Muller was nearly taken; and
his war-prahu, full of plunder, was captured. Not finding the
looked-for landing-place, Captain Keppel and Lieut. Wade disembarked
at a clear green spot, to breakfast, and await the arrival of the
other boats. While the crew were busily employed in cooking, Captain
Keppel and Lieut. Wade fancied they heard the suppressed voices of
many people. Taking their guns, and creeping into the jungle, they
soon came in sight of a mass of boats concealed in a snug little
inlet, the entrance to which had escaped their notice. These were
filled with piratical Dyaks and Malays, and on shore, at various
points, were placed armed sentinels.
Not noticing Captain Keppel's caution, Mr. Wade dashed on, discharged
his gun, and called on their men to follow. The astonished enemy
instantly fled, and the British, nine in number only, headed by
Lieut. Wade, followed towards the Dyak village on the summit of the
hill. During the heat of the pursuit, although too anxious to
advance to await the arrival of his men, finding a poor, terrified
Malay girl who, by her imploring look, touched his heart, he stopped
to conceal her in a place of security. Then, he once again cheered
on his men in the pursuit. Entering a small encampment of the enemy,
Lieut. Wade's party drew up to re-form and load, and then, seeing the
arrival of the other boats at the landing-place, again rushed on in
pursuit. Before arriving at the foot of the steep ascent, on the
summit of which the Dyak village stood, they had to cross a small
open space of about 60 yards, exposed to the fire from the village,
as well as from the surrounding jungle. Before crossing the plain,
Captain Keppel again cautioned Mr. Wade to await the arrival of his
men, of whom he was far in advance. Immediately afterwards two rifle
shots struck him, and falling mortally wounded, at his captain's
feet, he died instantly. Captain Keppel remained with the body of
his lamented and gallant lieutenant till his men came up, and, giving
it in charge to some of them, the village was carried without further
check or accident. As it was by a shot from it poor Wade had been
killed, it was instantly destroyed. Throughout the expedition there
was a friendly rivalry between the crews of the 'Phlegethon' and
'Dido's' boats, and one of the officers of the former wounded, with a
pistol, the man who had killed poor Wade.
In the fort, among other plunder, were found some English
writing-desks, and on the brass plate of one was engraved the name of
"Mr. Willson." That evening, the village and piratical boats being
destroyed, the expedition returned down the river, and, with the deep
regret of all hands, by whom he was universally beloved, the body of
Lieut. Wade was committed to the deep.
Returning to the steamer on the 15th, Captain Keppel waited till the
17th, to rest his men. During the time their native friends were
much molested by the hostile Dyaks concealed in the jungle. On the
17th, the expedition started up the Sakarran. It consisted of the
'Dido's' pinnace, two cutters and gig, the 'Jolly Bachelor,' and the
'Phlegethon's' first and second cutters and gig, with a division of
light native boats under old Patingi Ali, with whom Mr. Stewart
embarked, while 30 native boats followed as a reserve.
We do not dwell on the difficulties of the navigation, and the heavy
rains they experienced, or the wild beauty of the scenery.
A war-boat was taken, and a party of Dyaks surprised on the 18th. On
the 19th, at nine o'clock, Captain Keppel having stopped to breakfast
with Mr. Brooke and Mr. Jenkins in the second cutter, he gave
permission to Patingi Ali to advance cautiously with his light
division, with positive orders to fall back on the appearance of an
enemy. After the pinnace and second gig had passed up a quarter of
an hour, the report of a few musket-shots told Captain Keppel that
the pirates had been fallen in with. Pushing on, the firing from the
British boats, and the war-yells of some thousand Dyaks, showed him
that an engagement had commenced. Dreadful was the scene of
confusion which met his view. About twenty boats were jammed
together, forming one confused mass--some bottom up; the bows or
sterns of others only visible, mixed up pell-mell with huge rafts,
amongst which were nearly all the advanced squadron. Headless
trunks, as well as heads without bodies, were lying about in all
directions; parties were engaged hand-to-hand, spearing and krissing
each other; others were striving to swim for their lives; entangled
in the common _mêlée_ were the British advanced boats; while on both
banks thousands of Dyaks were rushing down to join in the slaughter,
hurling their spears and stones on the boats below.
Fortunately one of the rafts which composed this floating bridge
caught in the stump of a tree and broke the line. It simultaneously
occurred to Capt. Keppel and Mr. Brooke, that, by dashing through in
the gig, they might draw off the attention of the enemy to
themselves. The effect was as they desired. Mr. Brooke steered
about mid-channel, while Captain Keppel, with his never-failing
rifles, having his coxswain to load, picked off the leaders from
among the savage mass, on which he kept up a rapid fire. Mr. Allen,
in the second gig, quickly coming up, opened upon them from a
Congreve rocket-tube such a destructive fire, as caused them to
retire behind the temporary barriers where they were concealed before
they attacked Patingi Ali; and from whence they continued to hurl
their spears and other missiles. Many employed the sumpitan (a tube
from which poisoned darts are shot); but though many of the British
were wounded, no fatal results ensued, owing to the expeditious
manner in which the wounded parts were excised by Mr. Beith, the
assistant-surgeon, afterwards any poison that might remain being
sucked out by one of the comrades of the wounded men.
The greatest loss was owing to the Patingi and the gallant Mr.
Stewart's imprudence. When leading, six large war-prahus, carrying
100 each, bore down on his boat, and out of a crew of 17, one only
escaped to tell the tale of his destruction. When last seen, Mr.
Stewart and the Patingi were in the act (their own boats sinking) of
boarding the enemy, and they were of course overpowered and killed.
On the side of the British 29 others lost their lives, and 56 were
wounded.
A few miles further up was the town and capital of Karangan, which
place, the pirates having fled from it, was completely destroyed
without opposition.
On the 22nd, the expedition returned to Patusen, where they were
reinforced by the boats of the 'Samarang,' under Sir Edward Belcher,
who having heard of their loss, had come up 120 miles in about 30
hours. Mr. D'Aeth, on coming alongside the 'Phlegethon,' was
capsized and nearly drowned, and shortly after Mr. Brooke, hearing a
cry of distress, shoved off in his Singapore Sampan, and picked up
three half-drowned Dyaks who alone escaped out of 11, their boat
being capsized by a bore.
On the 24th, the expedition again reached Sarawak.
MEMOIR OF LIEUTENANT WADE.*
* From Keppel's 'Borneo.'
"Lieutenant Charles Francis Wade, whose melancholy death is recorded
in these pages, was the third son of the Rev. Thomas Wade, of the
county of Tipperary, and from an early period of life displayed a
strong predilection for that profession in which Providence ordained
that he should pass a short yet honourable career. His family did
not encourage this disposition, having no interest to ensure its
successful enterprise; but the youth, when in London, having casually
heard that the late Earl of Huntingdon was about to proceed to the
West Indies, in command of H.M.S. 'Valorous,' immediately waited upon
his lordship, and volunteered his services. Though he had no
previous acquaintance, nor introduction, the frankness of his
manners, and the good sense he exhibited at the boyish age of 14, so
won upon the noble Earl, that he at once became his patron and
friend, and he was appointed to the 'Valorous,' and sailed in her on
her destination. On her being ordered home, he was transferred to
the 'Barham,' flag-ship on the West India station, and, by his good
conduct, strongly recommended himself to her commander, the
Honourable Elphinstone Fleming, to whom, as well as to Lord
Huntingdon, he expressed his grateful attachment through life. At a
later time, whilst he was serving as mate on board H.M.S. 'Ocean,' at
Sheerness, it was suggested to him by several of his naval friends,
that he might distinguish himself by joining the British Legion, in
Spain; he accordingly accepted the rank of Captain of Artillery in
the British Legion, under Colonel Colquhoun, R.A. In 1837, he
returned from this employment, after two years' gallant devotion to
it, and memorialized the Government for promotion in the navy as a
reward for his services. In this he respectfully represented his
meritorious actions in common with the navy at sea, and the marines,
and other forces in the field; with both of which he had fought in
several very sharp engagements; in honour of which he had received
the Spanish crosses of St. Ferdinand and Isabella Catolica, and a
gold medal for commanding the guns which breached the walls of the
town of Irun, through which a party of troops entered, and under so
heavy a fire, that he had two-thirds of his gun-detachment killed and
wounded. In short, his conduct throughout was of the most gallant
description, though a slight wound was the only mark he bore of
having fought in almost every affair between the Legion and the
Carlists during the period of his stay. His preceding eight years in
the West Indies; his having been afloat from 1824 to 1835; and his
having passed his examination for a Lieutenant in 1830, with a high
character from every officer under whom he had served, were truly
urged as a farther title to the favour he solicited. Lord Minto,
then First Lord of the Admiralty, consequently appointed him to the
'Rhadamanthus,' in the Mediterranean; and in the June following, at
the coronation of Her Majesty, he obtained his commission as
Lieutenant. In 1840, he joined H.M.S. 'Curaçoa,' in the Pacific; and
here an incident occurred which may serve to show the intrepid and
chivalrous temper which formed so distinguished a feature in his
character. Cruising not far from the Southern Tropic, and a few
leagues from the meridian of the island that became the refuge of the
descendants of Christian and his comrades, another island was seen,
which was thought to be a discovery. The nature of the shore and the
sea that broke against it forbade any attempt at landing from a boat,
but access to a swimmer seemed possible; and it being considered
desirable that the new-found territory should be examined and
possession of it taken, Lieutenant Wade volunteered to perform this
service, and to swim on shore with the union jack secured to him. He
succeeded in landing, explored the island sufficiently to ascertain
that it had neither inhabitants nor shipwrecked mariners upon it, and
that it had already been visited by a British ship-of-war. He then
returned safely on board; but the consequences of the adventure were
serious, for it was followed by a severe attack of rheumatic fever,
occasioned by having remained so long in wet clothes; and finding
there was no hope of regaining his health at sea, he quitted his ship
with regret at San Elas, and returned through Mexico, to England.
"In December 1842, hardly recovered from the effects of the disease,
but determined to deserve and to obtain promotion, he was appointed
First-lieutenant of the 'Samarang,' then fitting for the survey of
the Indian Seas. In March 1844 he joined, for a short time, H.M.S.
'Driver;' and on the 5th June following was appointed First of the
'Dido.'
"It is not easy to express in adequate language, says one who knew
him intimately, the qualities by which poor Wade was distinguished,
and how much he was beloved by all his acquaintance. Brave and
enterprising, yet gentle, affectionate, and considerate of others;
firm in principle, and exact in the performance of every duty, but
unpretending, generous, and loyal: there seemed to be united in him
all the properties which, joined to skill in his profession, would
have ensured to him an eminent place in the brilliant annals of his
service. But he was of those who fall in the front, and who die too
soon for their own glory.
To his family and intimate friends his amiable, generous, and
affectionate manners endear his memory; and although they must mourn
his loss, yet they have the consolation of knowing that his whole
conduct was influenced by a sincere Christian spirit, and that he was
not less willing to devote his life to the service of his country
than to manifest in his whole conduct the exalted principles by which
he was ever influenced.
MEMOIR OF MR. GEORGE STEWARD.
The late George Steward, who fell in August 1844, whilst fighting as
a volunteer in the expedition against the pirates of Borneo,
commanded by Captain Keppel, was the youngest of seven children of
the late Timothy Steward, Esq., of Yarmouth. Having shown an early
predilection for the sea, a midshipman's berth was procured for him
in the maritime service of the Hon. East India Company, in which he
rose with as much rapidity as its regulations would admit; but
unfortunately for him, precisely at the period when he became
eligible for, and had secured, the command of a first-class ship, the
Act of Parliament was passed which abolished the mercantile
privileges, and consequently extinguished the maritime service of the
Hon. East India Company, whose officers thereupon retired on
pensions. Not being disposed to continue at sea as a private
adventurer, Mr. Steward remained unemployed for several years; but in
1842 his adventurous and daring spirit led him to embrace the
proposition of his friend and brother-officer, Mr. Henry Wise, now
connected with the East India and China trade, to undertake the
charge of a commercial expedition to the infant settlement
established at Sarawak under the auspices of Mr. Brooke. In the
month of March 1843 he left England in the 'Ariel,' a smart
fast-sailing brig, purchased, fitted out, and armed by himself and
Mr. Wise, in pursuance of the mercantile operation referred to, and
for the additional security of Mr. Brooke. The vessel arrived at
Singapore in the following July. Here Mr. Steward was informed that
the Borneo seas were swarming with pirates; and the master of the
brig having left her at that port, Mr. Steward assumed the command.
On his arrival at Sarawak, he received from Mr. Brooke a welcome, the
cordiality of which was enhanced by their recognising each other as
schoolfellows. Of the enterprise, intelligence, liberal mind, and
friendly disposition of Mr. Brooke, Mr. Steward has, in his
correspondence, spoken with the utmost warmth, and to him he was at
all times indebted for much valuable assistance and counsel. At
Sarawak Mr. Steward remained until he unfortunately joined the
expedition against the pirates, in which his life was sacrificed.
DESTRUCTION OF MALLUDU,
August 19th, 1815.
In consequence of the atrocities committed by Sheriff Houseman, it
became necessary to destroy his stronghold in Malludu Bay; and to
effect that object Captain Talbot, with the 'Vixen,' 'Nemesis,' and
'Pluto,' accompanied by the boats of 'Agincourt,' 'Dædalus,'
'Vestal,' 'Cruiser,' and 'Wolverine,' then composing the squadron off
Borneo, proceeded to that place, which they reached on the 18th.
The Bay of Malludu has high-wooded banks on either side till in the
bight, where the land is flat and covered with mangroves. Here the
water is shallow, and there are several rivers, one of which is that
of Malludu. The enemy, from 500 to 1,000 in number, were posted in
two forts, mounting 11 or 12 heavy guns, and protected by a strong
and well-contrived boom. Before the fight commenced Sheriff Houseman
sent a flag-of-truce, and asked for Mr. Brooke. On being informed
that he was not present, he invited Captain Talbot to meet him, and
offered to admit two gigs to be hauled over the boom. This offer
being declined, the enemy instantly opened their fire. They fought
well, and stood manfully to their guns, the fight being protracted
for 50 minutes. The boom had first to be cut away before the boats
could advance. While working, axe in hand, to clear it, the gallant
Gibbard of the 'Wolverine' fell mortally wounded. The boats all the
time were under a very heavy fire; but at length advancing, they
carried the place with a loss of 6 killed, 2 mortally wounded, and 15
severely wounded. The loss of the enemy was proportionably great.
In the evening a detachment of 10 boats and fresh officers and men
quitted the 'Vixen' to complete the destruction of the forts.
Numerous proofs of the piracies of the Sheriff now came to light.
The boom was ingeniously fastened with the chain-cable of a vessel of
300 or 400 tons; other chains were found in the town; as also a
ship's long-boat, two ships' bells, one ornamented with grapes and
vine-leaves, and marked "Wilhelm Ludwig, Bremen," and every other
description of ships' furniture. Some piratical Illanun and
Balagnini boats were burned; 24 brass guns captured; the iron ones,
stated to have been got out of a ship, spiked and destroyed. Thus
Malludu ceased to exist, and Sheriff Houseman's power received a
fall, from which it could never recover.
Leonard Gibbard made his first trip to sea under charge of Captain
Keppel in 1834, when he commanded the 'Guilders' in the
Mediterranean; and at that early age promised, what he afterwards
proved himself to be, a gallant officer and thorough seaman. He was
a general favourite wherever he went.
In this action Sheriff Houseman was wounded dangerously, and it was
supposed died soon afterwards in the jungle to which he had escaped.
The following is a detail of the naval force employed in the attack
on, and destruction of, Malludu, under the command of Captain Charles
Talbot, H.M.S. 'Vestal,' with his official letter:--
Her Majesty's ship 'Agincourt's' gig, Captain Lyster; Mr. Creswell,
midshipman; 1 petty officer and 5 seamen. Gun-boat (launch), Lieut.
Lowther; Mr. Whipple, assistant surgeon; Mr. Burnaby, midshipman; Mr.
Barton, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. Gun-boat (barge),
Lieut. Paynter; Mr. May, mate; Mr. Patrick, assistant surgeon; 1
petty officer and 14 seamen. Pinnace, with rockets, Mr. Reeve, mate;
3 petty officers and 18 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Simcoe, midshipman; 11
seamen. Gun-boat, manned from 'Agincourt' and Hon. East India
Company's steam-vessel 'Nemesis,' with 1st Company small-armed men.
First cutter, Lieut. Reid; Mr. Hathorn, midshipman; 1 petty officer
and 10 seamen. Gun-boat (second cutter), Mr. Young, mate; 1 petty
officer and 10 seamen. Gunboat, with 'Agincourt's' field-piece men.
'Pluto's' cutter, Lieut. Heard; 2 petty officers and 15 men.
Her Majesty's ship 'Vestal's' barge, Lieut. Moritt, senior
lieutenant. Gun-boat, Mr. Pym, second master; 1 petty officer and 13
seamen. Pinnace, Lieut. Pasco; Mr. Ward, assistant surgeon; Mr.
Sanders, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 13 men.
Her Majesty's ship 'Vestal's' gun-boat (cutter), Mr. Durbin, mate; 11
seamen. Gig, Mr. Eccles, clerk; 5 seamen.
Her Majesty's ship 'Dædalus'' gun-boat (launch), Mr. Wilkinson,
second master; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. Barge, Lieut.
Randolph, senior lieutenant; Mr. Huxham, midshipman; 2 petty officers
and 17 seamen. Pinnace, Mr. Nolloth, mate; Mr. Balcomb, midshipman;
1 petty officer and 12 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Protheroe, midshipman; 1
petty officer and 8 seamen.
Her Majesty's steam-vessel 'Vixen's' gun-boat (pinnace), Lieut.
Wilcox, senior lieutenant; Mr. Dent, mate; 1 petty officer and 15
men. First cutter, Mr. W. Sainsbury, midshipman; 9 seamen. Second
cutter, Lieut. Benham; 11 seamen.
Her Majesty sloop 'Cruiser's' gun-boat (pinnace), Lieut. Rodney,
senior lieutenant; Mr. Cotter, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12
men. Gig, Commander Fanshawe; 1 petty officer and 4 seamen. Cutter,
Mr. Tuke, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 8 seamen.
Her Majesty's sloop 'Wolverine's' pinnace, Lieut. Hillier, senior
lieutenant; Mr. Johnson, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12 seamen.
Gig, Commander Clifford; 1 petty officer and 4 seamen. Cutter, Mr.
Gibbard, mate; 1 petty officer and 4 men.
ROYAL MARINES EMPLOYED.
Captain Hawkins, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' Lieut. Hambly, H.M.S. 'Dædalus;'
Lieut. Dyer, H.M.S. 'Vestal;' Lieut. Kennedy, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;'
Lieut. Mansell, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' 8 sergeants, 8 corporals, 3
fifers, 178 privates.
Total number of seamen, 344; marines, 202.
"Her Majesty's Steam-vessel 'Vixen,'
Malludu Bay, August 20, 1845.
"Sir,
"I have to report the proceedings of the expedition you did me the
honour to place under my command.
"Your Excellency's flag having been flying on board the 'Vixen,' you
are aware of its progress to the anchorage at the head of the Malludu
Bay; I commence, therefore, the details from that period:--
"The force, consisting of 530 seamen and marines (the details of
which I annex), conveyed in 24 boats, of which 9 were gun-boats, left
the 'Vixen' at 3 o'clock P.M. on the 18th inst., and, after some
little difficulty in hitting on the channel, was anchored off the
mouth of the Songybuyes a little after sunset. Here we were joined
by a boat from the 'Pluto,' carrying the 'Agincourt's' field-piece.
The tide serving, about 11 A.M. we weighed, and, passing the bar,
anchored within it. At daylight on the 19th we proceeded up the
river in two divisions. After advancing about two miles, I was
informed by the Brunè pilots that we were nearing the town. I,
therefore, went ahead with Captain Lyster to reconnoitre. On coming
to an abrupt turn in the river, about three miles higher, we found
ourselves suddenly in front of the position, which consisted of two
stockaded forts, of eight and three guns each, commanding the reach.
About 200 yards below the forts was a boom across the river,
apparently well constructed. The forts appeared to us to stand on a
tongue of land, from which we were separated by the river, which at
that point divided into two branches, and the pilots declared such to
be the case; the one turning to the right, we observed, was still
further defended by a floating battery. There appeared, therefore,
to be no means of carrying the position but by forcing the boom.
"On rejoining the force, arrangements were made for the gun-boats to
advance to the boom, to cover the party appointed to cut through it,
the remainder of the force to hold itself in readiness to act when
ordered. We had approached the boom to within 100 yards, when a
flag-of-truce was observed to be coming towards us. Conceiving the
object of the enemy was merely to gain time, I sent back a message,
that unless Sheriff Houseman came to me in half an hour, I should
open fire. This being conveyed to the fort, the flag returned with
an offer to admit me with two boats, that I might visit the Sheriff.
I declined, and the flag retired. The moment it was clear of the
line of fire, the three-gun battery opened, and the cannonade became
general on both sides.
"The boom was composed of three large-sized trees, each supporting a
chain-cable, equal to 10 or 12 inches, firmly bolted and secured
around the trunk of a tree on each bank. A cut in the right bank
allowed a canoe to pass, but was impassable to any of our boats. One
hour nearly elapsed before we could in any way remove the obstacle,
during which time the fire of the enemy was well sustained, all the
guns being laid for the boom. I need hardly mention it was briskly
returned from our side, both from guns and small-arms; and some
rockets, well thrown by a party which had been landed on the right
bank, appeared to produce considerable effect.
"As soon as the passage was open for the smaller boats they passed
through rapidly, and embarked the marines from the large boats across
the boom: ultimately the whole force passed through. The enemy
immediately quitted their defences, and fled in every direction. The
marines and small-arm men having cleared the town, the former were
formed as a covering party, and parties of seamen were pushed up both
banks of the river, but met with no opposition; at the same time
preparations were made for spiking the guns and destroying the
stockades and town; in a short time these were completed and the
whole in flames, as well as three large prahus and several smaller
ones.
"Being anxious to save the tide, and conceiving that the object
contemplated by your Excellency was accomplished, I ordered the force
to be re-embarked, and proceeded down the river to the 'Vixen.' When
your Excellency considers the strength of the enemy's position, and
the obvious state of preparation in which we found him, you will be
prepared to learn that the service has not been performed without
considerable loss. I regret very much to state it at six killed and
15 wounded. The loss on the part of the enemy was unquestionably
very great, but the surrounding jungle afforded the enemy the means
of carrying off their dead, according to their custom in these cases;
nevertheless, some of those left on the field we recognised as
persons of considerable influence.
"Whilst I record my admiration of the gallantry and steadiness of the
whole force under a galling fire, sustained for a long period, I must
particularly mention Captain Lyster, who directed his attention to
the boom, and by whose personal exertions that obstacle was overcome.
"Mr. Gibbard, mate of Her Majesty's ship 'Wolverine,' was, I grieve
to say, mortally wounded by an early shot whilst gallantly working at
the boom with an axe.
"I beg leave to point out to your Excellency the conduct of Mr.
Williamson, Malay interpreter to Mr. Brooke; he was with me during
the attack, and was exposed to the whole of the fire.
"I have the honour, &c.,
(Signed) "CHARLES TALBOT.
"His Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, C.B.,
Commander-in-Chief."
In a political point of view, the destruction of Malludu may appear
of little consequence, but it was of considerable importance, as a
severe blow struck to piracy in the Eastern Seas, and as affording a
wholesome lesson to other pirate chiefs of the fate awaiting them
should they persevere in their malpractices. The battle was also a
very desperate and hard-fought one; and had not the British, with
determined gallantry, forced their way through the boom in front of
the fort they would have been compelled to make a disastrous retreat.
As all fought with equal bravery, I have thought it best to give a
list of those engaged in the attack. Captain Talbot, too, had a
narrow escape; for had he accepted the pirates' invitation to pass
within the boom, there can be no doubt that he and all with him would
have been destroyed.
CAPTURE OF BRUNÈ,
July 8th, 1846.
The principal chiefs of Borneo, among them the brothers of the Sultan
himself, who were supposed to be favourable to Rajah Brooke and the
English, and opposed to piracy, were all cruelly murdered early in
the year 1846. Information of this event having reached the Admiral
and Rajah Brooke, they were convinced that no terms could be kept
with the Sultan.
Sir Thomas Cochrane, the Commander-in-Chief, accordingly ordered the
very considerable squadron which was now collected on the coast, to
rendezvous off the mouth of the river of Borneo, for the purpose of
attacking the chief city, Brunè. Mr. Elliot, the master of the
'Agincourt,' having sounded the bar, and discovered sufficient water,
the Admiral determined to take the flag-ship over it. Accordingly at
day-light on the 6th July, the signal was made to weigh and to
proceed into the Borneo river. The wind was light and directly out.
The 'Agincourt' was taken in tow by the 'Spiteful,' the 'Phlegethon'
going ahead to show the soundings, and by 8 A.M. the flag-ship was
anchored within Moarra Island. On the 7th, at an early hour, the
Captains of the squadron received the plan and details of the
operations to be undertaken against the city of Brunè, should the
Sultan act hostilely against the steamers going up the river. Seven
gun-boats, manned by 100 seamen, were placed under the command of
Captain Mundy. The Admiral having shifted his flag to the
'Spiteful,' she proceeded up the river with the 'Hazard' and
'Royalist' in tow. The 'Spiteful,' lightened of every spare article
on board, was forced through the mud across 100 yards, with two feet
less water than she drew. The 'Royalist' followed, but the 'Hazard'
stuck fast.
At 4 A.M., July 8th, Captains Johnstone and Mundy embarked in the
'Phlegethon,' with a detachment of marines under Captain Hawkins; the
rocket field-piece party and howitzers, under Lieutenant Paynter,
assisted by Lieutenant Heath, with the seamen and small-arm men,
accompanied by the gun-boats of the squadron. On joining the
Commander-in-Chief, he gave them their final orders. Captain Mundy
was to lead up the river in the 'Phlegethon' to the city, taking the
gun-boats in tow, and to prepare for action. The rocket and
field-piece party also remained in the Company's steamer, and the
following arrangements were made under the direction of Lieutenant
Paynter:--
The rocket-tubes, 24 and 12-pounders, six in number, were fixed on
the bridge connecting the paddle-boxes, and the howitzers and
field-pieces forward, ready to act on either bow. All the marines
and small-arm men were on board the 'Spiteful' and 'Royalist,' the
latter being in tow of the steam frigate. The whole number of
bayonets was 600, viz., marines, 200; 'Agincourt's' seamen, 186;
'Iris's' seamen, 64; 'Hazard's' seamen, 50; 'Ringdove's', 40;
'Spiteful's,' 40; 'Royalist's,' 20. The boats to land the party were
the 'Spiteful's' paddle-box boats, which held 130 marines;
'Agincourt's' pinnace and two cutters; 'Iris,' two cutters;
'Ringdove,' one cutter; 'Hazard,' one cutter; 'Phlegethon,' four
cutters. At half-past nine the signal was made to proceed. On
turning an angle of the river four batteries were seen, two of which
were directly ahead, in a raking position. They now found the river
staked across, and as they were sounding their way through the piles,
the enemy's fire opened at a distance of 1,000 yards. The shot,
round and grape, passed between the masts of the 'Phlegethon,' and
beyond the 'Spiteful,' without striking. The former instantly
returned the compliment with rockets and the pivot-guns; the
Javanese, under an able officer, Mr. Ross, behaving admirably. After
a quarter of an hour's cannonade, Captain Mundy shoved off in the
gun-boats, Lieutenant Patey being ordered to pull for the shore and
to storm the batteries. They were erected on a precipice nearly 100
feet in height from the brink of the river, and the pathway leading
to them was almost perpendicular; so true, however, had been the fire
from the steamer and gun-boats, that the resolution of the enemy
failed them, and the gallant crews met with little opposition in
forcing their way through the embrasures. In capturing the flag, a
skirmish took place between the leading party of the British and the
rear-guard of the enemy, as they escaped into the jungle. The
iron-guns were spiked and the magazines, &c., destroyed, while three
brass guns of great beauty were carried off.
The steamer then taking the 'Royalist' and gun-boats in tow, passed
two other batteries, and anchored half-a-mile below the city, when
all hands went to dinner.
At half-past one the expedition was again in motion, an ebb-tide of
three knots rendering their advance very slow. As the 'Phlegethon'
opened out round the point, the city battery and the hill-forts (the
three together mounting 18 guns) commenced firing. The first
32-pound shot passed through the paddle-box, breaking part of the
wheel, and entering the galley amidship killed the cook. This was
followed by showers of grape and canister, so well directed, that in
five minutes another man was killed and several wounded; the
'Phlegethon's' return fire, however, destroyed the enemy's aim, and
she pushed on without further loss. Captain Mundy again shoved off
in the gun-boats to attack the batteries at close quarters, but the
steamer's fire had been so hot that the enemy fled before they could
be reached. Nine grape-shot had entered the iron side of the
'Phlegethon,' below the water-line, and had she not been divided into
compartments, she would inevitably have sunk. As soon as the
'Spiteful' and 'Royalist' had taken up their berths abreast of the
large battery, _à-fleur-d'eau_, the marines were landed and marched
to occupy the heights above the Sultan's palace, the batteries on
which had been silenced and captured by the rocket and field-piece
party under Lieut. Paynter.
The Admiral, observing that the batteries in the rear were again
manned, sent Captain Mundy with the gun-boats down the river to
destroy them. This he partially did in five hours; but from their
great strength, it would have taken days to do so effectually.
Thirty-nine pieces of cannon, mostly of large calibre, and 19 of them
brass, fell into the hands of the British. The Sultan, his boasted
army, and all the inhabitants had fled; not a native was to be found
in the capital, and a place which for 500 years had been under
Mahomedan rule, now fell into the hands of a Christian power.
PURSUIT OF THE SULTAN OF BRUNÈ.
Mr. Brooke having heard that the Sultan, with a bodyguard of 500 men,
had retreated to the village of Damaun, a strong port about 30 miles
from the capital, an expedition was formed to follow him. Sir Thomas
Cochrane gave the command of it to Captain Mundy, who was accompanied
by Mr. Brooke.
The force consisted of 160 marines, under Capt. Hawkins; 300 seamen
with eight lieutenants, and a proportionate number of junior
officers. Lieutenant Vansittart acted as Captain Mundy's
aid-de-camp, and Lieutenant Newland, First of the 'Spiteful,'
afterwards joined them with a few small-arm men from that vessel,
making altogether a body of nearly 500 men.
They were to proceed as far as possible in boats; three cutters-full
under Lieutenant Heath, being kept ahead to clear a passage up the
narrow stream. After seven hours of tracking, hauling almost in the
dark from the overhanging jungle, and with the heat most oppressive,
they effected a landing. They advanced under heavy rain and through
thick mud and swamps, but after destroying some newly-erected forts,
they were finally compelled to retrace their steps. The weather
however clearing, though continuing very sultry, the expedition again
advanced. On the way they fell in with a large house, in which were
found some shields, arms, and other property belonging to the Sultan,
which showed that he had lately occupied the spot. The natives now
observing that no injury was done to private property, joined them
and offered their services as guides.
On reaching a river, Captain Mundy called for volunteers to swim it,
to aid in forming a bridge. Immediately one of the carpenter's crew
of the 'Iris,' William Burchet, leapt in with his heavy axe, and
succeeded in crossing. Another large building was fallen in with,
containing a magazine of powder, cartridges, and a brass-swivel gun.
This house was found to belong to the Sultan, and that he had but a
few hours before quitted it. It was therefore set fire to and
destroyed.
The Sultan and his followers still evading pursuit among the almost
impenetrable jungle, the expedition returned to the city of Brunè,
some twenty of the officers and men suffering slightly from fever
brought on by exposure to the damp and heat they had encountered in
their march.
The inhabitants clearly understanding the object of the British, now
returned with confidence to the city, and they appeared fully to
appreciate the philanthropic motives which had saved it from
destruction.
CAPTURE OF PIRATE PRAHUS, AND DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE
STRONGHOLDS.
On the 31st, as the 'Phlegethon,' with other vessels in company, was
cruising off the Tampassuk river, a large prahu was seen pulling
towards it, and which Mr. Brooke recognised as a war-boat of the
Illanuns. The steamer soon got between her and the shore, and three
boats sent after her brought her to.
She was 60 feet long, fitted for 60 oars, with regular
boarding-nettings, and was armed with one long twelve-pounder and two
brass six-pound swivels. She had on board a coffin, in which was
found the body of a chief lately killed in action. A Spaniard on
board the 'Phlegethon,' and who had been rescued from slavery at
Brunè, recognized one of the crew as the man who had murdered the
master of the Spanish vessel to which he belonged, and had made him
prisoner. Soon afterwards, two Spaniards came forward from among the
crew and declared that they had been taken off the Manilla coast, and
had since been compelled to labour as slaves on board the pirate.
When the chief saw that his character was known, he and his people
leaped overboard and endeavoured to reach the shore, but they were
brought back and handcuffed.
The town of Pandassan had long been celebrated as a notorious haunt
of the Illanun pirates. The town of Tampassuk also had the same
character. The latter was destroyed, with all the prahus found near
it by Captain M'Quhae, of the 'Dædalus,' and a force of 250 seamen
and marines. The expedition against Pandassan was placed under
command of Captain Mundy.
The force consisted of 40 marines, and 150 men, exclusive of the
'Javanese' crew under Mr. Ross. Lieuts. Heath and Norcock commanded
the division of seamen, and Lieut. Alexander the marines. The
position of this pirate stronghold was most beautiful, and the soil
around it fertile in the extreme. As the British advanced, the enemy
retreated, skirmishing with the advanced guard, and they had several
men killed and wounded. The town and all the war-prahus were at once
destroyed. The pirates taken by the 'Phlegethon,' were transferred
to the 'Ringdove,' for passage to Manilla, where they were to be
given up to the Spanish Government for trial. The Spanish Captains
went with them to act as witnesses against them on their trial.
On August 3rd, in the afternoon, three large prahus were observed
from Her Majesty's ship 'Iris,' standing alongshore under a press of
sail. The signal was accordingly made for the 'Ringdove' and
'Royalist' to chase.
The 'Royalist' having got within range of the prahus, and her
Commander, Lieut. Reid, finding it impracticable to take her nearer
to the reef, lowered his gigs, and sent them away under the orders of
Mr. Quin (mate) and Mr. Ray (midshipman). The prahus having
separated, pulled at once for the shore, upon which Mr. Ray was
directed to push quickly towards the beach, and to endeavour to cut
off the largest one in her attempt to escape to the northward, whilst
Mr. Quin gave chase to the other two, which were retreating in an
opposite direction. One of the latter managed to get so close to the
surf before she was overtaken, that the crews jumped overboard, and
swam to the shore, when she was immediately captured and destroyed,
and Mr. Quin then observing that an engagement was going on between
the other prahu and the small gig, pulled in that direction to her
assistance. Mr. Ray, in the mean time, had come up rapidly with the
large prahu, which, on observing that only one small boat was
approaching, faced about, and opened a fire of musketry, and then
endeavoured to board the gig. This, however, was prevented by Mr.
Ray, who manœuvering judiciously, kept within long range of the
pirates, waiting for support, but at the same time maintained so good
a fire, that many of those desperate men were killed; others jumped
overboard, and swimming to the gig, clung with one hand to the
gunwale, and with invincible courage attacked the crews with their
knives. Mr. Quin came up as this sharp affair terminated; and when
the large prahu was taken possession of, ten men were found dead on
board; and out of her crew of forty, only a few managed to get on
shore. It was at this time dark; the boats were only a few hundred
yards from the beach, which was lined with hundreds of natives
watching the conflict. The prahu was afterwards destroyed, and the
gigs returned on board the 'Royalist,' the third vessel effecting her
escape under cover of night. Mr. Ray was complimented by the Admiral
for his judgment and mode of attack in this gallant affair, and
Lieut. Reid for the judicious management of his vessel. Mr. Quin has
since received his promotion.
DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE MADE BY A PIRATE CREW.
While H.M.S. 'Ringdove,' Commander Sir William Hoste, Bart., was
cruising off the island of Balambangan, he chased three
suspicious-looking prahus, till the brig had shoaled her water to her
own draught. He then lowered his boats, and despatched them in
pursuit, under Lieut. Norcock. That officer having boarded them,
shortly after they had run on shore, and were deserted by their
crews, found them to be laden with rice and other products of the
country--while they had no guns or arms of any sort below.
Imagining, therefore, that they were trading-vessels, he returned
towards the 'Ringdove,' upon which the crews immediately regained the
prahus, and were again making off from the shore, when a second order
from Sir William Hoste, despatched by another boat, directed Lieut.
Norcock to bring one of the prahus to the brig, in order that the
Commander might himself judge of her character.
One of the prahus was accordingly taken possession of. and brought
alongside the 'Ringdove,' the crew willingly rowing it themselves.
During the long pull, they appeared perfectly satisfied with the
excursion, and chatted good-humouredly, through the interpreter, with
the marines and seamen. As a precaution, however, a guard, of three
marines and several seamen, was placed over them. At first, while
being made fast alongside the brig, they remained perfectly quiet.
Suddenly, however, without the slightest previous warning, the
pirates, (for such they were, they having skilfully concealed their
arms,) arose, and flew simultaneously with their krisses upon the
seamen and marines, when before they could defend themselves, one
marine was killed, and two marines and a seaman severely wounded,
they being indeed the only English on board the prahu at the time.
She was, it must be understood, under the quarter, and touching the
counter of the brig. The chief of the pirates, it is said, himself
killed the marine placed sentry over them, with his kriss, and as the
unfortunate man fell into the hold of the prahu, he seized his musket
and fired it at the officers standing at the gangway. Another
desperado lunging his spear through the after-port of the 'Ringdove,'
mortally wounded the master, who was standing near. The pirates then
cut the hawser adrift, and seizing their paddles, made off for the
shore.
As it was at this time nearly dark, their desperate manœuvre might
have succeeded, had not the boats of the brig been quickly manned and
sent in chase. The prahu was overtaken and boarded in less than ten
minutes, upon which, the crew retreated below, and with their long
spears through the bamboo flooring, made a desperate defence, and
finally, refusing all quarter, they were slain to a man, and the
prahu was sunk by the gun of the pinnace.
CONCLUDING REMARKS ON BORNEO.
The accounts I have above given will sufficiently show the nature of
the work the British squadron on the coast of Borneo is called on to
perform, and the character of the people with whom it has to contend,
as also the difficulties our gallant officers and men have to
encounter, and triumphing over them, the benefit they have secured,
both to the native inhabitants and to Great Britain herself. When
Mr. Brooke first went to Borneo, he found the country desolated by
internal wars, the strong remorselessly preying on the weak in every
direction, and, though possessing a soil abounding in the most
valuable natural productions, and capable of yielding, under
cultivation, an almost unlimited supply of the fruits of the earth,
yet, without any domestic or foreign commerce. Within a few years,
by his enlightened exertions, he has, in a great degree, put a stop
to piracy, by aid of the naval force placed at his disposal, he has
induced the native tribes to live at peace with each other, and to
attend to agriculture, and he has opened up an increasing commercial
intercourse through all parts of the country. There breathes not a
truer patriot or a more honest single-minded man than James Brooke,
Rajah of Sarawak. He has since received the honour of knighthood;
but such a man honours those who bestow honours on him--by accepting
them. Whatever may be said to the contrary, we may be well assured
that the British squadron on the coast of Borneo has not only
supported the cause of humanity, but has advanced, in no small
degree, the material interests of Great Britain.
EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER,
UNDER CAPTAIN W. D. TROTTER, 1841.
OBJECTS OF THE EXPEDITION.
The civilized nations of the world have from the earliest ages
possessed but a very imperfect knowledge of the interior of Africa.
Numerous attempts have been made to penetrate into the mysteries of
that unknown region, but they have, one after the other, failed,
either from the treachery of the natives, or the still more deadly
effects of the climate. The discovery of the Niger by Mungo Park, in
1796, opened a new track to adventurers, which many were not slow in
following. The most enterprising of these were the brothers Lander,
who, reaching the banks of the great river at Bussah, a town upwards
of 600 miles from the mouth, descended the stream in a frail canoe to
the ocean. In consequence of the reports of the quantity of ivory
they had seen, an expedition was fitted out in Liverpool, under Mr.
Laird, now well known as an enterprising explorer, for the purpose of
commencing a trade in it. Lieut. W. Allen was directed by the
Admiralty to accompany this expedition for the purpose of surveying
the river. As a mercantile speculation, the expedition was a
failure, as a very little ivory was found; but much information was
obtained, which afterwards proved useful. But a still nobler object
than the extension of commerce animated the originators of the
expedition, an account of which we are about to narrate. This was
the suppression of the slave trade. In spite of all England had
done, the unremitting efforts of her Government, the treasure she had
expended, and the lives of her gallant seamen which had been
sacrificed, that nefarious traffic still flourished. Among the
warmest advocates of the rights of the Africans was Sir Fowell
Buxton, by whose means chiefly a society was formed, of which His
Royal Highness Prince Albert was president, entitled "A Society for
the Extinction of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of
Africa." The means for effecting this object, proposed by Sir F.
Buxton, was the employment of her own resources, by impeding the
slave trade, establishing legitimate commerce, promoting and teaching
agriculture, and imparting religious and moral instruction. To carry
them into execution, the Society induced the Government to send out
three steamers, with directions to establish trading posts and
agricultural stations at convenient spots on the banks of the Niger.
The three vessels 'Albert,' 'Wilberforce,' and 'Soudan,' were built
for the express purpose by Mr. Laird, of Liverpool. The two first
were 139 feet 4 inches in length on deck; 27 feet breadth of beam; 11
feet depth of hold; 6 feet draught of water, fully laden; and 457
tons measurement. The 'Soudan' drew only 4 feet 6 inches; was in
tonnage, 249; in length, 113 feet 4 inches; breadth of beam, 22 feet;
and depth of hold, 8 feet 8 inches. They were fitted with
ventilating machines, and every improvement which science has
contributed was employed in their structure and fitting up. The
command was given to Captain Henry Dundas Trotter, R.N., and he had
under him Commanders William Allen and Bird Allen. These three
officers, to whom was added Mr. William Cook, well known for his
humane exertions in saving the lives of the crew and passengers of
the 'Kent' East Indiaman, burnt at sea, were appointed by the Queen
to act as her Commissioners, to for, treaties with the native chiefs
for the suppression of the internal slave trade, and for the
establishment of lawful commerce. Every means that science could
devise was employed for the preservation of the health of the crews.
The two larger vessels were armed with one long brass twelve-pounder,
two brass twelve-pounder howitzers, and four brass one-pounder
swivels, besides musketoons and small arms. The 'Soudan' had one
howitzer and two swivels of similar calibre. They had lofty masts,
and were square-rigged forward and schooner aft; but though excellent
sea-boats from being flat-bottomed, when hauled on a wind they made
much leeway.
The following is a list of the officers employed in the expedition:--
H.M. steam-vessel 'Albert'--H. D. Trotter, captain; E. G. Fishbourne,
lieutenant; *D. H. Stenhouse, lieutenant and assistant-surveyor; *G.
B. Harvey, master; Theodore Muller, chaplain; J. O. M'William, M.D.,
surgeon; *James Woodhouse, assistant-surgeon; F. D. Nightengale,
assistant-surgeon (in 'Amelia'); William Bowden, purser; *William C.
Willie, mate; James H. Fairholme, mate (served in 'Amelia'); E. T.
Saunders, second-master; W. E. Bush, clerk; *W. H. Willmett, clerk;
Richard Mouat, assistant-clerk; William Merriman, gunner; John
Langley, engineer 1st class; *Albion Lodge, ditto, 2nd class; James
Brown, ditto, ditto; William Stanger, M.D.; with a crew of 25 white
men, 13 coloured, 8 marines, and 4 sappers and miners.
H.M. steam-vessel 'Wilberforce'--William Allen, commander; James N.
Strange, lieutenant; Henry C. Harston, lieutenant (served in
'Amelia'); William Forster, master; Morris Pritchett, M.D., surgeon;
J. E. H. Thomson, assistant-surgeon; John Stirling,
assistant-surgeon; *Cyrus Wakeham, purser; Henry C. Toby, mate; W. H.
T. Green, second-master and assistant-surveyor; *J. H E. Webb,
clerk; William Johnston, engineer 1st class; Joseph Graystock, ditto
2nd class; George Garritte, ditto 3rd class. Civilians:--William
Cook, commissioner; J. E. Terry, chief clerk to commissioner; William
Simpson, clerk to ditto; Rev. J. E. Schon, missionary; *Dr. E. B.
Vogel, botanist; C. G. Rocher, miner and geologist; Lewis Frazer,
naturalist; Alfred Carr, superintendent of model farm; John Ansell,
collector of plants; crew of 23 white men, 7 coloured, 9 marines, and
4 sappers and miners.
H.M. steam-vessel 'Soudan'--*Bird Allen, commander; William Ellis,
lieutenant; John Belam, master; *W. B. Marshall, surgeon; *H. C.
Collman, assistant-surgeon; W. H. Webb, mate; F. W. Sidney, mate;
*Nicholas Waters, clerk; *William Kingdon, assistant-clerk and
schoolmaster; G. V. Gustaffson, engineer 1st class; William Johnson,
ditto 2nd class; crew of 15 white men, 4 coloured, and 4 marines.
Of the crews 27 died from the river fever, and of the remainder of
the white men the greater number caught it, though the coloured men
all escaped.
* Those marked with an asterisk died from the river fever.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE VOYAGE.
On the 12th of May, 1841, the three vessels left Plymouth; the
line-of-battle-ships anchored in the Sound, manning their rigging and
cheering them as they passed by. After touching at Madeira, St.
Vincent, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and other places on the coast,
they reached Cape Coast Castle on the 24th of July. At Sierra Leone,
a schooner, a condemned slaver, was purchased; she was called the
'Amelia,' and the command of her was given to Mr. Harston. Here also
a hundred negroes, chiefly Krumen, were taken on board to assist in
working the vessels and save the white men from exposure to the sun
and heavy rains. Their head-man was named "Jack Andrews," and he had
under him "Jack Fryingpan," "King George," "Jack Sprat," "Prince
Albert," "Bottle of Beer," and "Tom Tea-kettle," with a number of
other similar cognomens. Already fever had broken out, and two had
died from its effects.
The 'Wilberforce' had a narrow escape in running between Cape Palmas
and Cape Three Points. Being short of wood, she was standing on
under canvass, with a very light air, during a dark night, when it
was discovered that a strong current was setting her on shore. In
the centre of the bay there is a twisting channel, of vast depth,
called the "Bottomless Pit." In the early and middle part of the
night no bottom was found by the lead. This must have been when they
were crossing the pit. At 3 A.M. fortunately they struck soundings
in 37 fathom. At 4.40 it decreased to 18 fathom, and five minutes
afterwards to 10 fathom, when they anchored, and as they did so the
roar of the breakers gave them fearful warning of their proximity to
the coast. The land being here very low and covered with underwood,
and the sand of the beach being of a light colour, it would not have
been seen had not the decrease of the soundings caused them to look
out for it. At daylight they found themselves close to breakers,
about half a mile from the shore, with a very heavy surf all along
the beach. Having got up the steam, they made a good offing, and
passed Cape Three Points, when they arrived off a place called Bobsum
Accra. Here a heavy surf gave little prospect of their being able to
procure wood. A boat was, however, sent to try to communicate with
the natives; and Mr. Toby, mate, volunteered for the service, which
was one of considerable danger. He succeeded in landing; but in
attempting to come off again, the boat was swamped and upset, and all
hands were thrown by the surf on the beach. Happily the natives were
of a friendly tribe, and rendered them every assistance. Had a
similar event occurred off the Bottomless Pit, where the natives are
hostile, they would have probably been put to death.
At Cape Coast Castle the Governor, Mr. M'Lean, afforded the
expedition every assistance. Here Mr. Marshall, surgeon, and Mr.
Webb, mate of the 'Soudan,' volunteered to proceed overland to the
confluence of the Niger and Chadda; but as their services in their
ships could not be spared, their gallant offer was not accepted.
Proceeding to Accra, they left it on the 4th of August to their
rendezvous off the mouth of the Niger; and, on their passage there,
encountered some heavy weather. On Friday, the 13th of August, the
'Albert' and 'Soudan,' having completed their preparations, weighed
at daylight, and, under the pilotage of Lieut. Levinge, commanding
H.M.S. 'Buzzard,' one of the squadron on the coast, he having
previously examined it, steamed over the bar in safety, though a
considerable surf was running. The 'Wilberforce,' having more goods
and furniture to take for the model farm, was not ready till the 15th.
SHIPS ENTER THE NIGER.
The moment that the ships entered was one of deep and breathless
expectation, both on account of the difficulty of the passage, but
more especially as it was the first step on that path so full of
novelty and interest, yet, as all knew, so fraught with danger; but
their zeal made them, overlook the peril, and three hearty cheers
announced the safe accomplishment of the exploit. The next day
another death, that of Bach, the instrument-maker, occurred from
fever. Having accompanied the expedition up some way, Lieut.
Levinge, commanding H.M.S. 'Buzzard,' took his departure, bearing
letters from many, alas! the last their friends at home were destined
to receive from them. Difficulties of various sorts beset the
explorers on their passage up the river, though the natives generally
showed a friendly disposition. Besides the enervating and deadly
effects of the climate, the vessels frequently took the ground, and
much labour was required to get them off. They had a strong current
to contend with; and they also suffered from a new species of pest in
the shape of snakes, many of them venomous, which climbed on board
and stowed themselves away in all corners. Crocodiles also were seen
in numbers floating down the river. On the 2nd of September they
reached the city of Iddah, governed by a powerful chief, with the
title of Attah, with whom a treaty was formed for the suppression of
the slave-trade and of human sacrifices, and from whom also a tract
of country was purchased for the establishment of a model-farm.
About the 12th of September the stores, &c., for the model-farm were
landed. In disembarking some heavy ironwork, the paddle-box boat of
the 'Wilberforce' got adrift, and, owing to the strength of the
current, filled and sunk in a deep part of the river, whence she
could not be recovered. This was a very severe loss.
We now come to the most melancholy part of our story. Dr. Thomson
thus writes on the 17th September:--"For the last three days the
fever had been progressing rapidly in all the vessels, and in the
little 'Soudan' only six persons were able to move about, and these
showed evident proofs by depression of spirits and lassitude--that
the dreadful climate was too surely doing its work. Lieut. Ellis,
Mr. Marshall, Mr. Waters, and several of her crew, were still in a
most dangerous state. On board the 'Albert,' Mr. Nightingale, the
assistant surgeon, was at the point of death; and several in the
'Wilberforce' in almost as hopeless a state. The scenes at night
were most agonizing. Nothing but muttering delirium, or suppressed
groans were heard on every side on board the vessels, affording a sad
contrast to the placid character of the river and its surrounding
scenery. Nearly every person, even the unattacked, complained of the
enervating feeling of the climate. One day Mr. Collman, the acting
assistant-surgeon, was desired by Commander Bird Allen to go on board
the 'Amelia' tender as medical officer. He burst into tears; and, on
being asked the reason, he replied, it was from involuntary weakness,
produced by the climate. It also appeared afterwards that he had,
during a little repose snatched from his duties, been disheartened by
a feverish dream of his home and family."
On the 18th of September the number of sick had increased to 60, and
death had done fearful execution among them. Captain Trotter at
first proposed sending the sick to enjoy the pure air at the summit
of Mount Patteh; but ultimately decided on despatching them to the
sea in the 'Soudan,' under command of Lieut. Fishbourne. A
consultation of the Commissioners was held, at which Captain W. Allen
and Mr. Cook earnestly recommended that the whole expedition should
return to the sea on account of the malaria, which would assuredly
ascend from the low grounds, as the falling waters, after the
cessation of the rains, left them exposed to the heat of the sun.
Captain Trotter and Commander Bird Allen, supported by the medical
opinion of Dr. M'William, were of opinion that, by ascending higher
up the river, a more healthy climate would be reached. They were
also powerfully influenced by their earnest desire to carry out the
object of the expedition; and undaunted by the dangers and
difficulties before them, these brave men determined to proceed.
All the sick among the crews were informed that they might return to
the sea in the 'Soudan,' but the greater number replied that they
would stick to their ships to the last. The number of fever cases
increasing on board the 'Wilberforce,' Commander William Allen, with
a moral courage not inferior to that of his brother officers, from
his former experience of the river, urged Captain Trotter to allow
him also to carry his ship back to the sea. This request could not
be refused, and accordingly, on the 20th, the two vessels separated,
the 'Albert' to proceed up the river, and the 'Wilberforce, with
nearly all sick on board, to return to the coast. Of all the
officers who left England in the gun-room of the 'Albert,' but two
only, Drs. M'William and Stanger remained, while the numbers of her
crew also were sadly diminished; still, with unflinching courage,
they continued their progress. In a very few days Commander Bird
Allen and Lieut. Stenhouse were taken ill, and one of the engineers
and a seaman were placed on the sick-list; to them were added shortly
Mr. Fairholme and Mr. Webb, mates. On anchoring off Muye, which is
in the territory of the Attah of Iddah, a canoe belonging to the
chief came off with three slaves on board, a boy and two women. It
was found that they had been purchased after the signature of the
treaty. A trial being held, Captain Trotter instantly released them,
and having clothed them properly, they were conveyed in safety to
Fernando Po, where the lad was apprenticed to a carpenter, and the
women placed under proper care, all showing the greatest gratitude
for the treatment they had received.
On the 27th, John Fuge, an able seaman, died, and on the following
day, soon after the ship anchored at Egga, the remaining engineer was
taken ill, while several of the patients were in a very low condition.
A tornado came on, and was welcomed by all on board. George Syme,
quarter-master, was added to the number of the dead in the evening.
As the ship went on her course, her numbers slowly and hourly
thinning, still her work of Christian love proceeded. At Egga the
women unhesitatingly brought their children on board to be
vaccinated. Today "James Macaulay, one of the Nufi interpreters
engaged at Sierra Leone accidentally met with his sister in the
streets of Egga. This man had been enslaved and sold 20 years
before, when he was sent down to the coast. Her object in coming on
board was to see if Captain Trotter could intercede with the Filatahs
in her behalf, as they had lately carried off two of her children to
Sokatu." Alas, that an undertaking which might have proved a
blessing to thousands of the helpless sons of Africa should, by the
inscrutable designs of Providence, have been denied success! All we
can feel is, that He who rules all things has appointed some other
means to accomplish it, which He will show us at the chosen season;
or, rather let us believe, that it is a work by which he will try the
sincerity of the Christian and philanthropist warrior. He shows us
clearly the difficulties to be overcome, and says, "For my sake rise
and conquer them."
EXPEDITION COMPELLED TO RETURN.
"On the 3rd of October," writes the undaunted Dr. M'William, "our
hopes of penetrating further into the interior received a finishing
blow. Our arduous, enterprising, and kind chief, who was complaining
yesterday, has now unmistakable symptoms of fever. Commander Bird
Allen lies in a very critical state, and upwards of 20 others of our
companions are completely prostrated; in short, of the whites at all
fit for duty there remain only one seaman, the serjeant, and one
private of marines; John Huxley, sick attendant; John Duncan,
master-at-arms; Mr. Willie, mate; Dr. Stanger, and myself. Mr.
Willie, I fear, is not altogether well. How unfortunate is this! To
be arrested, as it were, at the very threshold of this fine country,
where the mountain ranges--tabular, rounded, and of all forms--seen
afar, rising majestically on the clear horizon, invite us with all
the interest and attraction that belong to unknown regions.
"Those only who were with Captain Trotter from first to last in the
expedition, and had an opportunity of observing with what unceasing
zeal, what untiring energy, he devoted himself to its grand objects,
can form an idea of the painful sacrifice stern necessity compelled
him to make when he issued the order to turn the vessel's head
downwards, and relinquished designs which his benevolent mind had so
long and so ardently cherished."
On the 5th communications were opened with the King of Buddah, to
interest him in stopping the slave-trade. On the 6th Mr. Willie was
too ill to take any charge on deck, so Dr. Stanger undertook to work
the engines, with some assistance from Mr. Brown, the only engineer
able to move; while Dr. M'William attended to the navigation of the
ship, in addition to his duties with the sick. Captain B. Allen and
Lieut. Stenhouse were both dangerously ill. Several times the vessel
touched the ground, but got off without injury. Our narrative is
melancholy, but it is instructive. It affords a fine example of the
undaunted and persevering spirit which animates the bosoms of both
officers and seamen in the navy.
On the 8th of October Dr. M'William writes, "Last night, about twelve
o'clock, while snatching a few minutes' sleep on one of the gun-room
lockers, I was awoke by a splash in the water, followed by a loud
scream. Hushing on deck, I found, to my horror, that Mr. Wilmett,
one of the sick officers, who had been delirious for some days, had
contrived, notwithstanding that he was watched by two black men, to
push back the slide of his cabin-window and to jump overboard. While
the boat was being lowered, William Guy, a Gambia man, and Tom
Osmond, a Kruman, leaped into the river and swam after him. Every
one who could manage to crawl was instantly on deck. It was
pitch-dark, and the cries of the poor fellow becoming more and more
feeble as he was being carried rapidly down the river by the force of
the current, broke dismally the dead silence of the night, and filled
us all with the most fearful anticipations as to his fate. No one
moved or spoke; the attention of everyone was kept painfully on the
rack as the hollow sound of the oars in the rullocks, gradually
becoming more distinct, denoted that the boat was returning. At
length, after being kept in a state of torturing anxiety for 20
minutes, we again began to breathe freely when she came alongside
with our shipmate, whom we had all but given up for lost. The
Africans, guided by Willmett's cries, had followed him close, but did
not come up with him until they were a mile below the ship. They
contrived to hold him on until the boat dropped down and picked them
up." We are glad to say, that the two brave Africans received the
diploma and honorary silver medallion from the Royal Humane Society
of London.
The following day another sufferer from fever, Mr. Lodge, the second
engineer, in a fit of delirium, unfortunately succeeded in evading
the observation of the sick attendants and the officers near him,
and, jumping overboard, was drowned. In this manner, day after day,
the numbers of the hapless crew continuing to thin, the vessel
descended the stream under the anxious guidance of the two medical
officers. On reaching the model-farm, all the Europeans were found
suffering from sickness on board the 'Amelia,' and even Mr. Carr was
ill on shore. Captain Trotter, therefore, took all the whites on
board the 'Albert,' leaving the 'Amelia' and the farm in charge of
some intelligent negroes. On sailed the death ship! How she was
found we shall have to recount.
We left the 'Wilberforce' on the 21st September, about to part
company from the 'Albert,' and to follow the plague-stricken 'Soudan'
down the river. Captain William Allen being very unwell, Lieut.
Strange took charge of the navigation of the 'Wilberforce,' which he
conducted with great skill, and the vessel rapidly descended the
river. Among other difficulties the Krumen had to contend with was,
obtaining wood sufficiently dry to burn in the stoves, and sometimes
it was so green that it would hardly get up the steam.
How different were the feelings of the crew on their return through
the narrow and winding reaches to those they experienced on their way
up. Then the elasticity of health and hope gave to the scenery a
colouring of exceeding loveliness. The very silence and solitude had
a soothing influence, which invited to meditation and pleasing
anticipations for the future. Now it was the stillness of death,
broken only by the strokes and echoes of the paddle-wheels, and the
melancholy song of the leadsmen, which seemed the knell and dirge of
their dying comrades. The palm-trees, before so graceful in their
drooping leaves, were now gigantic hearse-like plumes.
At length, on the 25th, they anchored just inside Cape Nun, where
they might enjoy the advantage of the sea-breeze; but on the
following day, Sunday, poor Mr. Cyrus Wakeham breathed his last, and
of the whole ship's company fourteen only were able to attend divine
service, performed in the captain's cabin.
On the 30th, on their way to Fernando Po, Mr. Green, the second
master, and a stoker, were taken ill, and they had now only one
officer, Lieut. Strange, and one engineer, doing duty. The little
'Soudan' was there found in even a worse condition. It had been
Captain Trotter's desire, that as soon as she had landed the sick on
board, she should return to his assistance. On leaving the
confluence on the 19th September, she had on board sixteen cases of
fever from the 'Albert,' and six from the 'Wilberforce,' making with
her own crew on the lists upwards of forty cases. Lieut. Fishbourne
had charge of her, and Assistant-Surgeon Stirling was sent on board
to assist Mr. Thomson. At this time nearly all the white men, and
even some of the coloured West Indians, were laid down with fever,
leaving only Mr. Sidney and four men able to do duty. Of this number
fortunately two were stokers, and had some little knowledge of the
management of the engines. Every place on deck and below was crowded
with sick, either worn out and exhausted by the continuance of fever,
or in the more active and excited stages.
In the commander's cabin were two officers, Lieut. Ellis and Mr.
Marshall; in the gun-room, Lieut. Harston and Mr. Waters, clerk in
charge; forward were two engineers in their cabins, and Mr. Belam,
master, in the small midshipmen's berth; while the foremost
compartment and decks were hung over with the cots and hammocks of
the sufferers the latter under proper awnings, but so thickly stowed,
that when administering remedies and food, it was necessary to pass
or step from one over the other. On the 20th, the only remaining
executive officer, Mr. Sidney, a quarter-master, and a marine, were
added to the sick-list, so that all the duty of the ship fell on
Lieut. Fishbourne. On the 21st Mr. Marshall, the acting surgeon,
died, and Mr. Waters and Lewis Wolfe soon after followed him. Lieut.
Strange was now put in command of the 'Soudan,' with orders to get
her ready for sea as soon as possible, in order to proceed to the
assistance of Captain Trotter. Fortunately a small merchant steamer,
the 'Ethiope,' commanded by Mr. Beecroft, an old veteran of the
coast, came in, and was engaged to proceed in search of the 'Albert.'
On the 9th of October, the 'Wilberforce' put to sea, bound for
Ascension, more like a wreck than a ship-of-war, with her coals yet
not stowed away below. Her only officer was Commander W. Allen, and
an engineer lent from the 'Pluto,' assisted by one of the remaining
stokers, who was fortunately able to work the engine; and there were
only two seamen, and a very few marines or idlers, able to do duty.
The 'Pluto,' however, kept them company. Death had not yet deserted
them, and Serjeant Cuthberton, of the Marines, expired on the 12th.
At the island of Annobone they spent a week, and most of the crew
recovered sufficiently to do duty. Lieut. Fishbourne and Mr. Bowden
were now sent back in the 'Pluto' to rejoin the 'Albert,' as, should
they succeed in falling in with her, Captain Trotter would find their
services of use.
The 'Soudan' meantime, under command of Lieut. Strange, sailed on the
9th for the river Nun. Having but one person on board who understood
the engine--a stoker from the 'Pluto'--and his knowledge being
superficial, the machinery often came to a sudden stand-still, and
against a head-sea and wind the vessel made but slow progress.
On the 13th there was a long delay on account of some derangement of
the engine; however, after the loss of some hours, it was put in
order, and on the morning of the 16th the 'Soudan was just going over
the bar into the Nun, when the 'Ethiope' and 'Albert' were perceived
coming out. It was a lovely morning, and the scenery about the river
looked very beautiful, affording a sad contrast to the dingy and
deserted look of the 'Albert,'
Many were, of course, the painful surmises as to the fate of those on
board. On approaching, however, the melancholy truth was soon told.
The fever had been doing its direst work; several were dead, many
dying, and of all the officers, but two, Drs. M'William and Stanger,
were able to move about. The former presented himself, and waved his
hand; and one emaciated figure was seen to be raised up for a second.
This was Captain Trotter, who, in his anxiety to look at the 'Soudan'
again, had been lifted out of his cot. Little more than two months
had elapsed since the 'Albert' entered that river with an
enterprising crew, full of life and buoyant with bright hopes of
accomplishing the objects in which all had so ardently engaged, and
now, alas! how changed those brave and gallant spirits!--many in
their graves, others dying, and all suffering from disease! If any
of the few who afterwards called in question the enduring courage of
those employed in the expedition had been there, such a picture might
have repressed their unfeeling expressions.
Those two brave medical officers, Drs. M'William and Stanger, were
almost worn out when the 'Albert' was met with by Captain Beecroft,
to whose prompt and noble conduct their preservation was, under
Providence, owing. The 'Albert' reached Clarence Cove, Fernando Po,
in safety; but, alas! here several more of her officers died. The
first was Mr. Willie, mate. The fever had seized him when all the
other executive officers were sick; and feeling how much depended on
his exertions, he continued at his duty in spite of the remonstrances
of his medical friends, and it was only when strength and reason
forsook him that he yielded. On the 25th, to the deep regret of all,
died the brave and persevering Commander Bird Allen; and on the 28th
Lieut. David Hope Stenhouse breathed his last. Many other brave men
followed them to their graves.
Captain Trotter continued much debilitated, while anxiety for all the
past distressing events preyed on his mind. Yet he never lost sight
of those intrusted to his care: his own sufferings seemed to be
altogether forgotten in his anxiety for the welfare of the
expedition, and in the hope of yet being able to carry out the great
design of its originators. The medical officers, however, were of
opinion that on his return to England depended the preservation of
his life. Accordingly, on the 22nd he embarked in the 'Warree'
schooner, to the great regret of all he left behind.
SECOND ATTEMPT TO ASCEND THE NIGER.
Information having been received by Commander William Allen, now the
senior officer of the expedition, that Mr. Carr had been murdered by
the natives on ascending the river, and that the people at the
model-farm were in danger of an attack, he resolved to proceed at
once to the Nun.
Several officers on board the 'Wilberforce' volunteered to renew
their services up the river, and thus again to undergo all the
dangers they had lately escaped. Accordingly Lieut. Ellis was
appointed to command the 'Soudan,' and under him were Lieut. Webb,
Messrs. Sidney and Fairholme, mates, and J. B. H. Thomson, surgeon.
She had been left at Fernando Po, where, after much labour, she was
got ready for sea. Just, however, as the expedition was about to
sail, H.M. steamer 'Driver' arrived on her way to China; and though
she brought no despatches to guide Captain Allen, a newspaper she had
on board contained a speech of Lord Stanley's, in which he remarked
that it was not the intention of Her Majesty's Government to renew
the exploration of the river on account of the risk to the white men.
Captain Allen, therefore, determined to await instructions from
England before he commenced the ascent of the river. Meantime the
'Wilberforce' and 'Soudan' were employed in surveying the coast, in
visiting places for the purpose of inducing the chiefs to suppress
the slave-trade, in endeavouring to win their affections, and in
encouraging commerce. All Captain Allen's plans were formed, and his
officers and crews had resolved cheerfully to undergo the terrific
dangers they had before escaped in the execution of their duty, when,
on the 24th June, H.M. steamer 'Kite,' Lieut. Gooch, arrived with
despatches, stopping all further proceedings. Captain Allen was,
however, directed to send one of the steamers, with a black crew, and
only the number of white officers absolutely necessary to navigate
her, to bring away the people and property from the model-farm. For
this service the following officers at once bravely
volunteered:--Lieut. W. H. Webb; Mr. J. H. E. Webb, clerk, Mr.
Hensman, acting assistant-surgeon; Mr. J. Waddington. boatswain; Mr.
Henry Davey, carpenter; Messrs. W. Johnston, Cross, and H. Collins,
engineers. Mr. Webb selected 40 of the best Krumen to follow him,
and among them was Captain Allen's faithful Jack Smoke.
On Sunday, the 26th, the captain performed divine service for his
crew, and his officers dined with him afterwards; and on the 2nd
July, having embarked in the 'Kite,' he saw the 'Wilberforce' over
the bar, when she was lost to sight in a storm of rain. The
remaining officers and crews who had composed the expedition then
sailed in the 'Kite' for England.
Arrangements were made that a ship-of-war should be off the Nun, to
afford any assistance to the 'Wilberforce' which she might require.
The difficulties of the navigation were considerable, and as the
'Wilberforce' ascended the river she grounded several times, and was
not got off without much labour. The most serious accident happened
on the 12th of July, when she struck on a reef, which penetrated into
the boatswain's storeroom. It was found necessary to send for the
'Amelia,' which had been left at the model farm, that some of the
stores might be removed to her. After several days' labour, the
damage was repaired, and she proceeded towards the confluence.
Sickness, however, now began to show itself, Mr. Davey, carpenter,
and Mr. Johnstone, chief-engineer, were first attacked, and Mr.
Cameron, the second-engineer, was next taken ill, so that Mr.
Collins, at last, alone remained to work the engines.
On reaching the model-farm, Lieut. Webb found that about twenty acres
had been got into cultivation, and twelve mud huts and part of the
model-farm-house had been erected. The settlers had, however,
behaved far from well.
Mr. Hensman, acting assistant-surgeon, offered to remain six months
to govern the settlement; but, Lieut. Webb, feeling that little
permanent advantage would be derived from continuing the model-farm
for so short a time longer, resolved to remove the people and their
property, and to abandon it. This was accordingly done. On the way
down, an attempt was made by a black chief, King Obi, to entrap
Lieut. Webb, while visiting the shore. This was providentially
frustrated by his courage and presence of mind. Some blacks had come
on board, to lull suspicion, at the time, and these being captured,
from their confessions there remained little doubt that Mr. Carr had
been murdered on his way up, for the sake of the clothes and other
property he had with him. On the 17th May, the 'Wilberforce' happily
crossed the bar of the Nun, and proceeded to Fernando Po. All the
whites were suffering from fever, and two fell victims to it--Mr. J.
H. Webb, clerk in charge, a most enterprising young officer, and Mr.
Waddington, boatswain, a noble specimen of a British seaman--active,
daring, and good-natured. The 'Wilberforce,' in consequence of the
injuries she had received, proceeded at once to England, and arrived
at Plymouth, 17th November, 1842.
The conduct of Lieut. Webb, whose proceedings had been marked with so
much energy, courage, and zeal, was approved of both by the Admiralty
and the Foreign Office, and will probably not be overlooked in future
service.
Thus terminated an expedition, which, had not the most deadly of
climates opposed itself to it, must, from the determination and the
zeal of all concerned, have been fully successful.
WARFARE ON THE RIVERS LA PLATA AND PARANA.
BATTLE OF THE PARANA,
November 20th, 1845.
On the eastern shores of South America, and to the south of the
Brazils, will be found the mouth of the mighty river La Plata, with
the city of Monte Video on the northern shore, and Buenos Ayres some
way up on the southern. At the time to which we are about to refer,
Juan Manuel de Rosas had, in the confusion which was created after
the Declaration of Independence, by the South American states, worked
his way up to power in that of La Plata. With a devoted army of
gauchos, the wild horsemen of the Pampas, he took possession of
Buenos Ayres, and afterwards assisted the butcher Orribe, in his
attempt to make himself master of Monte Video, the capital of the
Banda Oriental.[1]
Now, by an old treaty, the English, and French Governments had
guaranteed the integrity of the Banda Oriental, and, accordingly,
Rosas was ordered by these governments to withdraw his troops from
the territory. As he did not do so, his squadron, assisting at the
siege of Monto Video, was taken from him, and a blockade of the
territory over which he held sway was proclaimed about the middle of
1845.
The province of Corrientes, which had revolted from him, and was
under the government of General Maderiaga, and the independent
province of Paraguay, had combined to overthrow the power of Rosas.
He, in return, to harass and annoy them, had closed the outlets of
their rivers, so as to put an effectual stop to all their foreign
commerce.
An English and French squadron were off Monte Video, when this state
of things having continued for some time, it was resolved to open up
the channel of commerce, by sending an expedition to force the Parana.
Rear-Admiral Inglefield was Commander-in-Chief, with his flag on
board the 'Vernon.' The French squadron was commanded by Admiral
Lainé. The command of the English force was given to Captain Charles
Hotham, of Her Majesty's steam-frigate 'Gorgon,' and he had under
him, 'Firebrand,' steam-frigate, Captain J. Hope; 'Philomel,'
surveying-brig, Commander B. J. Sulivan; 'Comus,' 18 guns,
Acting-Commander E. A. Inglefield; 'Dolphin,' brigantine, Lieut. R.
Levinge; 'Fanny,' tender, Lieut. A. C. Key.
The French force was under Capt. Trèhouhart, of the 'San Martin,' 10
guns, with the steamer, 'Fulton,' 2 guns; 'Expeditive,' 16 guns;
'Pandour,' 10; and 'Procida,' 4 guns.
Strong gales prevented the squadron meeting at the appointed
rendezvous, off the Guassu (one of the mouths of the Parana), so soon
as was expected, and consequently they did not begin to ascend till
the 8th of November. On the 18th the expedition arrived within three
miles of the defences General Rosas had caused to be thrown up on the
right bank of the Parana at Punta Obligado, to oppose their progress.
This spot was about 30 miles below the river San Nicholas, and 100
from the mouth of the river.
At daylight the following morning the two Captains reconnoitred the
position of the enemy, and soon discovered that great military skill
had been evinced, both in the ground chosen and the plan of defence
pursued. Four batteries had been erected; two on heights 60 feet
from the water-line, and two in the intervening valley, the whole
mounting 22 pieces of ordnance, 32, 28, 24, 18, and 12 pounders, and,
with the exception of a small open space, were backed by thick woods;
three heavy chains, supported by 24 vessels, were extended across
from the mainland to the island; astern of these lay 10 fire-vessels,
and the west end of the chains was defended by an Argentine
schooner-of-war, carrying six guns. The river at this point is 800
yards wide, and the current runs three miles an hour.
Captains Hotham and Trèhouhart also gained information from various
sources that 3,500 men (cavalry, infantry, and artillery) were
collected, so that it was evident that the enemy had resolved to make
a determined resistance, and that there would be an abundance of work
to be performed.
The two Captains, having completed their reconnaissance, agreed on
their plan of attack. It was as follows:--The ships were to form in
two divisions; the north, under the direction of Capt. Trèhouhart, to
be composed of the 'San Martin,' Capt. Trèhouhart; 'Comus,'
Acting-commander Inglefield; 'Pandour,' Lieut. Du Paie; 'Dolphin,'
Lieut. E. Levinge.
The south division was placed under the command of Commander Sulivan,
and composed of the 'Philomel,' Commander Sulivan; 'Expeditive,'
Lieut. Miniac; 'Fanny' (hired armed), Lieut. Key; 'Procida,' Lieut.
Maria de la Pinzêre. These divisions were to anchor on the north and
south shores at a distance of 700 yards from No. 1 Battery.
The steamers 'Gorgon,' Capt. C. Hotham; 'Fulton,' Lieut. Mazeres; and
'Firebrand,' Capt. J. Hope, were to anchor at a distance of 1,500
yards from the farthest battery. The morning of the 20th broke dark
and foggy, but about 8 A.M. the weather cleared, and a southerly
breeze sprang up. At a quarter to nine the southern division
weighed, and with a light breeze stood towards the batteries,
followed shortly afterwards by the 'San Martin' and 'Comus.' The
'Dolphin' and 'Pandour' had previously anchored on the north shore.
Two of the 'Dolphin's' crew, R. Rowe, gunner's mate, and W. Ross,
caulker's mate, though severely wounded, refused to leave their
quarters till the day was won.
At about ten minutes before ten the batteries commenced the action by
opening a heavy fire on the 'Philomel' and the southern division,
which Commander Sulivan speedily returned with interest. On this
occasion the gallant Lieut. Doyle, of the 'Philomel,' had his arm
shot away, and for some time his life was despaired of; but,
notwithstanding the agony of his wound, he still showed his interest
in the progress of the action. On this the 'Dolphin' weighed, to
support the ships in action, but as some of her sails were shot away
before she could reach her appointed station, the current drove her
astern, and compelled her to anchor; Lieut. Levinge, however,
contrived to place her in a position where her guns did good
execution; she, however, was unavoidably exposed all the time to a
tremendous shower of shot, shell, grape, and rockets, which came
flying over her. During it several of her people were wounded, and
Mr. G. Andrews, clerk in charge, was unhappily killed, while
assisting the surgeon in his duties to the wounded.
The remaining ships of the north division were gallantly led into
action by the brave Capt. Trèhouhart, whose brig succeeded in
reaching her appointed station. A terrific cannonade was now taking
place, increasing as the ships, one after the other, got into action.
It had, however, unfortunately the effect of making the wind fall
light, and in consequence, the ships of the northern division having
to contend with a current running three miles an hour, were compelled
to anchor two cables short of the stations assigned to them. About
this time the Spaniards cast loose the fire-vessels, chained two and
two together, and as they came drifting down rapidly towards the
squadron, the steamers kept moving about, to tow them clear, should
they drift against any of the ships. Fortunately they did no harm,
but till they had drifted past, the steamers could neither anchor nor
open their fire. At about ten minutes to eleven the action became
general, and the effect of the admirable gunnery practice, both of
the English and French crews, was soon evident by the unsteadiness
with which the enemy continued their fire; no men could, however,
have fought more bravely than they did. No sooner had the fire from
the British ships swept one set of men from their guns than they were
replaced by others, compelled, if not determined of their own accord,
to fight to the last. Their cavalry also hovered round the wood, and
drove back those who attempted, as some did, to quit their guns. The
action had continued with unmitigated fury on both sides, when, at
half-past 12, the 'Argentine' schooner 'Republicano,' which guarded
the chains laid across the river, blew up. On this Capt. J. Hope
gallantly volunteered to pull up in his boat and cut the chain, so as
to allow some of the squadron to pass up above the batteries.
Instantly manning his boat, he pulled away to perform this hazardous
exploit. He succeeded in cutting the chain without any casualty, and
a passage being thus cleared, the 'Fulton' passed up the river and
flanked the batteries. She was speedily followed by the 'Firebrand'
and 'Gorgon.' The fire of the batteries had before this told most
fearfully on the 'San Martin' and 'Dolphin.' The cable, indeed, of
the French ship having been shot away, she dropped astern, with
upwards of 100 shot-holes through her sides, and a number of her
people killed and wounded. The 'Expeditive' and 'Comus' were now
ordered to place themselves within musket-shot of the batteries, in
order to assist the flanking fire of the steamers. This they did
forthwith in a most dashing way, under a hot fire, by which the brave
and gallant officer Lieut. C. Brickdale was killed. At length the
fire from the batteries began to slacken, some of the guns being
dismounted, and the gunners driven from the others; and at 4 P.M., an
occasional shot only being fired, Capt. Hotham made the signal for
the boats of the squadron, manned and armed, to rendezvous alongside
the 'Gorgon' and 'Firebrand,' sending at the same time to the French
commander, to propose that the remaining part of their plan, which
was that they should land and storm the batteries, should be carried,
into immediate execution. The officer who bore the message found
Capt. Trèhouhart occupied in moving the French squadron close in to
cover the landing; trusting, therefore, to the covering fire of the
French ships, and knowing that Capt. Trèhouhart would follow with his
division of seamen, Capt. Hotham landed with 180 blue-jackets and 145
marines, when, giving three hearty British cheers, they formed on the
beach preparatory to making a rush up the hill. Commander Sulivan,
who had under him the skirmishing party and light company of seamen,
led the way up the hill, the rest quickly followed, and, as they
reached the crest, they were received by a smart fire of musketry;
the enemy were, however, quickly driven back before the bayonets of
the marines, under the command of Capt. F. Hurdle, R.M., while, at
the same time, the light company of seamen, under Lieut. A. C. Key,
made a dash at the wood, which it was most important to possess, and
carrying it in a few minutes, took possession of it. Shortly after
this the French brigade landed, and the enemy taking to flight in all
directions, little more remained to be done beyond spiking the guns
and destroying the batteries. Captain Hope, after cutting the chain
across the river, landed with Captain Hotham, and acted as his
aid-de-camp throughout the day. So also did Lieut. J. E. W.
Lawrence, of the Marine Artillery, who had exerted himself very much
in drilling a brigade of seamen till they had become most efficient
light troops, and capable, as Captain Hotham states, of resisting
cavalry.
The French commander, Trèhouhart, behaved in the most gallant manner
throughout the action, his brig being exposed all the time to a very
hot fire, by which he lost many of his crew. The casualties of the
French were, 17 killed, and 60 wounded.
The British casualties were as follows:--
Lieut. C. Brickdale, H.M. sloop 'Comus,' killed; Mr. G. Andrews,
clerk in charge H.M. brigantine 'Dolphin,' killed; Lieut. C. Doyle,
H.M.S. 'Philomel,' very severely wounded--lost arm; Mr. R. Warren,
second-master of ditto; Mr. J. Gallagher, assistant-surgeon of ditto;
Mr. T. Ellstob, assistant-clerk of ditto--all slightly wounded.
Lieut. A. C. Key, 'Fanny,' tender, slightly wounded; 'Gorgon,' one
seaman, one marine, one boy, slightly wounded; 'Firebrand,' one
seaman killed, one seaman severely wounded; 'Philomel,' one seaman
killed, two seamen, one boy very severely wounded, and two seamen
slightly wounded; 'Comus,' one boy killed, two seamen slightly
wounded; 'Dolphin,' three seamen and one boy killed, six seamen
severely wounded, two seamen slightly wounded. Total, 9 killed, 24
wounded.
When we consider the small size of the vessels employed, and the
light weight of their metal brought up to oppose immensely strong
stone batteries, with heavy guns posted on the summit of
perpendicular cliffs, this action may take rank as one of the most
gallant on record.
In consequence of it, Captain C. Hotham was made a Commander of the
Order of the Bath, Commander B. J. Sulivan was posted, and Lieuts.
Inglefield, Levinge, Doyle, and Key, were made commanders; R. Howe,
gunner's mate, was made a gunner; and W. Ross, caulker's mate, was
made a warrant officer; both of whom, though severely wounded, had
refused to quit their quarters till the battle was over.
Two ships of war being left to prevent the enemy offering any
obstruction to the navigation of the Parana, the squadron proceeded
to convoy a fleet of merchantmen up the river.
[1] The following extract from a letter, written by an officer of the
squadron, will more clearly explain the state of affairs:--
"It is somewhat difficult to describe correctly the precise causes of
the fratricidical war which for so long devastated those liberated
Spanish Provinces of South America, the Argentine and Oriental
Republics. It would be even still more difficult to state what were
the aims of the combatants; for when questioned themselves on the
subject, each man had a specific cause of complaint, and a specific
remedy for the evils they wished to cure. The different causes of
this wretched condition may be resolved into one--the misgovernment
of the mother-country, which causing them to throw off their
allegiance to her, left them without a recognized ruler; the bad
education, or rather the entire want of it, the result of which has
been a general moral and and political profligacy, discord, and
confusion. On looking at the map of South America, the magnificent
river of Parana will be seen running a course of many hundred miles
nearly north and south before it falls into the river Plate, and has
on the east side the provinces of Paraguay, Entre Rios, and Banda
Oriental; and on the west and south those of Santa Fe and Buenos
Ayres, comprised under the general name of La Plata. These provinces
the Buenosarian President, General Rosas, wished to unite in one
Confederation with himself, nominally as President, but doubtlessly
as Dictator or Emperor. The party opposing him called themselves
Unitarios, professing to wish to unite all of them into one state;
and for this slight difference of opinion, they for many years were
employed to the utmost of their power in knocking each other on the
head. The Buenosarian forces having blockaded Monte Video, and shut
up or captured some French merchantmen, the French sent a squadron to
take satisfaction, and to open up the commerce of the Plate. The
English soon followed their example, but Rosas boldly set their power
at defiance: the combined squadron, however, were always successful
in their operations, and fought their way with convoys of merchantmen
many hundreds of miles up the river Parana. In England, when
speaking of a river, one thinks of such respectable little streams as
the Thames or the Rhine, but we must remember that everything in
America is on a gigantic scale: estates are measured by square
leagues instead of by acres: herds of cattle and horses are counted
by thousands; trees are upwards of a hundred feet high; and rivers
are many miles broad and thousands in length. This will enable us to
understand the possibility of making a trip of three or four hundred
miles up a river, such as the Parana.
DESTRUCTION OF THE 'CHACABUCO.'
Information having been conveyed to the two captains, that a
war-schooner, the 'Chacabuco,' and two gun-boats, belonging to
General Rosas, were at anchor in the Arroyo del Paebon, Captain
Hotham directed the 'Firebrand,' in company with the French vessel
the 'Fulton,' to go in search of them, and to destroy them.
Accordingly, on the 24th November, the 'Firebrand,' taking the
'Fulton' in tow, proceeded on that service. On arriving at the mouth
of the Paebon, Captain Hope discovered that there was not water
sufficient to enable his ship to get up it. Taking, therefore, three
boats and fifty men, he started in pursuit of the schooner, which he
found had gone up the river. On his way up he learned, from an
intelligent native, that the whole force of the enemy collected to
protect the schooner, amounted to no less than 250 men, and that
below where she lay, a strong iron chain was drawn across the river;
so that he could not hope to take her by surprise. This was very
vexatious, but as he would have risked the destruction of all his
people, without anything like an adequate benefit to be gained, he
very wisely returned.
At his request, however, Captain Hotham again despatched him by
another channel to intercept the schooner, should she venture to
attempt escaping by it.
This she did before long, and the 'Firebrand' would soon have caught
her, had not the windings of the river enabled the people on her
decks to descry the approach of the English vessel, at a considerable
distance. The Spaniards soon saw that if they kept to the main
stream the 'Firebrand' would overtake them, they accordingly
commenced hauling the 'Chacabuco' up a narrow and shallow creek, by
means of warps, manual labour, and horses. Captain Hope still
pursued her as long as there was water to float the 'Firebrand;' but
after a chase of sixty miles, she grounded. Captain Hope had now
driven the schooner into a net, and was about to send his boats away
to bring her out, when the enemy, convinced that they had no prospect
of saving her, set fire to her, and blew her up. After this little
affair, the squadron re-assembled at Punta de las Pedras. During the
night of the 2nd, the enemy brought down four field-pieces, and
opened a fire on them, but without doing any injury. On the 3rd, the
squadron, on their passage up the Parana, passed the strong point of
the Rosario, where they expected to meet with much opposition; but,
instead of troops, a number of country people, women and children,
were collected on the beach, to see the ships pass, and not an armed
man was visible. Rosas, not yet knowing exactly what stuff British
seamen are made of, contemplated the possibility, perhaps, of
catching them all in his net, and of preventing them ever returning.
Or, it is possible, that the lesson he had just received at Obligado
made him unwilling again to interfere with them. However, as we
shall see, he did attempt to stop them on their way down, whether or
not he then thought of so doing. As the convoy proceeded up the
river, the enemy took every opportunity of annoying them with their
flying artillery, and as they possessed an unlimited supply of
horses, this they were able to do whenever the channel of the river
approached the shores of the Argentine Republic.
The most formidable position, however, on the whole river, was the
cliffs, or barrancas, as they are called, of San Lorenzo. They run
for several miles along the banks of the river, and are nearly
perpendicular, with a perfectly level surface on their summit, along
which artillery can travel without any impediment whatever. It is
thus evident that flying artillery could be run to the edge of the
cliff, and, after firing at the passing vessels, could again retire,
without a chance of a shot in return, from the ships' guns.
To add to the difficulties of the passage, a strong current is always
running down, so that sailing-vessels require a fresh breeze, and
steamers have to put on all their power to go ahead.
ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE BATTERIES OF SAN LORENZO.
After the squadron and convoy had passed up, which they did without
the loss of a single vessel or man, Rosas set to work to fortify the
cliffs of San Lorenzo. This he did in the most effectual way in his
power, by throwing up large works of earth, and in collecting guns
from every direction, and also in training his men to the use of
them. He had plenty of time to effect these objects, as the squadron
was detained some time at Corrientes, while the merchantmen were
disposing of their cargoes, and collecting fresh ones to to take back
in return. May 1846, indeed, had arrived, before the different
vessels of the convoy had settled all their affairs, and, to the
number of 110, were ready to descend the river.
In the mean time a constant communication had been kept up with the
Admiral at Monte Video by the men-of-war, which had on each occasion
to run the gauntlet of the batteries, and, in some instances, with
severe loss: their commanders at the same time affording a noble
display of gallantry in obeying the orders they had received.
Commander Sulivan, among others, made himself very conspicuous by the
accurate knowledge he possessed of the river, which enabled him to
pilot the ships up without risk.
The 'Philomel' having been despatched from Corrientes to Monte Video,
as she approached the batteries of San Lorenzo, Commander Sulivan
made preparations to pass them. Knowing that he could pass under the
cliffs, he judged it best to hug them as closely as possible, lest
any guns should already be mounted. Having made a barricade of
hammocks and bags for the helmsman, he sent all hands below to be out
of harm's way; he himself only and his first-lieutenant remaining on
deck to con the brig. Slowly and silently the little vessel drew
near the point of danger. A light and favourable air filled her
sails, and almost grazing the perpendicular cliff, she glided slowly
by. When the brig was close under the first battery, the enemy
opened their fire at her, but so near was she to the cliffs, that
they could not sufficiently depress their guns to touch her decks:
their lowest shot going through the boom mainsail, four or five feet
above the hammock-netting. They continued their ineffectual fire
till the gallant little 'Philomel' was quite clear and out of range.
H.M. steamer 'Lizard,' H. M. Tylden, lieutenant, commanding, which
was sent up the Parana on the 21st of April, was not so fortunate in
escaping without damage. When about six miles from San Lorenzo,
Lieut. Tylden observed that large batteries had been erected on a
commanding point, and that the adjacent coast was lined with
artillery and field-pieces. As the 'Lizard' approached the
batteries, Lieut. Tylden ordered three ensigns to be hoisted, as a
signal to the enemy that he intended to fight as long as his ship
floated. At half-past eleven A.M., the northern batteries opened a
heavy fire, and, on approaching nearer, the other batteries and
artillery commenced a quick and well-directed fire also, which was
returned by the 'Lizard' with rockets and her forecastle gun, until
the rocket-stand was shot away, and the gun could no longer be
elevated sufficiently to bear on the enemy. When the gallant
commander found that the heavy shot, grape, and musketry were
riddling his vessel from stem, to stern, he ordered the officers and
men to go below, with the exception of those absolutely required on
deck, in the hopes that they might thus escape injury. Scarcely,
however, had they gone below, when two shot entered the gun-room, one
of which killed Mr. Barnes, clerk in charge, and the other Mr. Webb,
master's assistant. Two seamen also were killed, and Mr. Miller,
assistant-surgeon, and three men were wounded. As the wind and
current were against her, and there was a great deal of water in the
hold, she made but slow progress, and it was not till 25 minutes past
one P.M. that she got out of fire. She received 7 shot between wind
and water, besides 9 cannon, 14 grape, and 41 musket balls, in the
hull and bulwarks, and 7 cannon and grape in the funnel and
steam-pipe; while her boats, mainmast, and rigging were shot through
and through by cannon.
H.M. steamer 'Harpy,' E. H. B. Proctor, lieutenant, commanding, went
up the river under similar circumstances on the 11th May. As she
passed the forts of San Lorenzo, a galling fire of musketry,
field-pieces, and other guns was opened on her within sixty yards.
The fire was kept up on her for upwards of an hour; and as she passed
slowly up the stream, she was followed by field-pieces and a large
body of troops, who, remaining concealed, lined the banks, keeping up
a constant fire of musketry. About ten minutes before she got clear
of gun-shot range, her gallant commander was hit in the fleshy part
of the right arm by a round shot. He immediately fell, and was
carried below, when Mr. Bruce, mate, took charge of the ship; while
Mr. Ward, second master, in the most cool and steady way,
notwithstanding the tremendous fire to which she was exposed,
attended to her steering. No other person on board the 'Harpy' was
hit; but she was greatly cut up about the rigging, and received many
musket balls and grape in her hull, funnel, topsails, and boats.
H.M. steam-sloop 'Alecto,' Commander F. W. Austen, had previously
early in April gone up, towing three heavily-laden schooners against
a current of three knots and a head wind. On approaching a place
called Tonelero, a number of workmen were seen throwing up batteries,
clearly for the purpose of annoying the convoy on their way down.
Opening her fire on them, she soon put them to flight. She came up
to the batteries on the morning of the 6th, with a strong wind and
current against her, and the heavy schooners in tow. She had been
accompanied all the way by a squadron of cavalry, who kept pace with
her in an easy walk, halting every now and then. At two her crew
went to quarters; and at forty minutes past two, having before fired
a few shot, her three guns and rockets were got into full play. This
was answered by the lower guns on the batteries with round shot,
until she reached the narrowest part; when the enemy opened with
round shot and grape together. Their guns were raking her at this
time from head to stern, in such a way that none of her guns could be
brought to bear in return. In this state she remained for twenty
minutes, scarcely going a-head, and receiving the fire of seven
eighteen-pounders, several of which were pointed down on her decks.
During this time she fired away in return at the enemy, who appeared
abreast of her, every round of grape and canister on board, and was
then reduced to round shot. For a few minutes also she exchanged
with them a sharp fire of musketry. She then went gradually a-head,
and as the river widened, and the current decreased in strength, she
drew out of shot, having been an hour and fifteen minutes under fire.
Captain Austen, her commander, was the only person hurt, a spent
grape-shot having struck him a severe blow on the thigh. Commander
Mackinnon, then a lieutenant, who has written a most amusing account
of the affair, says, "that in going into action the men appeared to
take it as a matter of course; but as the plot thickened, and they
warmed at the work, they tossed the long guns about like playthings,
and indeed managed them in an admirable manner." This he attributes
to the system taught on board the 'Excellent.' The crews of the
Monte Vidian schooners were in a dreadful fright all the time,
expecting to be sent to the bottom. On sounding the well on board
the 'Alecto,' a considerable quantity of water was found in the hold.
When search was made, a shot-hole was discovered forward between wind
and water. This was speedily plugged. Just as she came in sight of
the convoy, after her long and tedious voyage, she got on shore, and
remained for some days before she was again floated off.
GALLANT EXPLOIT OF LIEUT. MACKINNON WITH HIS ROCKET
BATTERY AGAINST THE FORTS OF SAN LORENZO.
Santa Fe is situated on the east bank of the river. It is a place of
some size, built partly at the foot, and partly on the side of a
lofty hill, surrounded by _corrales_, where thousands of cattle are
slaughtered, their hides and the tallow being shipped from the port,
while vast flocks of vultures, carrion-crows, and other birds of
prey, hover over them to consume the refuse beef which there are not
human mouths sufficient to eat. As may be supposed, it is far from
an agreeable place. The greater part of the English and French
men-of-war were lying at Baxadar de Santa Fe, which was the appointed
rendezvous of the merchantmen. Here the greater number having
effected their object, collected towards the middle of May. The
difficulty was now to get the convoy safely back past the batteries
of San Lorenzo. Sir Charles Hotham had gone up to settle some
diplomatic affairs with the Government of Corrientes, and on the 16th
of May he returned in the 'Alecto.'
A plan had occurred to Lieut. Mackinnon of that ship by which the
passage of the convoy might be facilitated; and having proposed it to
Sir Charles Hotham, he, after a short consideration of its
possibility, expressed his willingness to have it carried out,
provided the ground was found as suitable as supposed.
Lieut. Mackinnon stated, "That opposite to the heavy part of the
batteries of San Lorenzo he had observed an island covered with long
reeds, grass, and small trees, but completely commanded by the guns
of the battery. He proposed, the night before the convoy was to
fight their way down, to take on shore a certain number of Congreve
rockets, to land them at the back of the island, and to place them
all ready in the course for being erected immediately. This, if
properly prepared, could be effected in a few minutes; then to dig by
the side of each rocket a hole, large enough to contain the men
working them, and to throw the earth up as a kind of barricade before
it. At the signal given by the Commander-in-Chief, when all the
enemy's batteries were fully manned, waiting for the convoy, to
commence a tremendous fire, which, being totally unexpected on their
part, would be proportionably effective and destructive. The chances
were that they would return this fire, which the prepared holes would
render harmless; and if the rocket-stands or tubes were hit--a very
difficult object--poles and instruments would be at hand to repair
them immediately. Besides, when the vessels were passing, the
chances were that, from the heights of the cliffs, the rockets would
strike the enemy over the mast-heads of the ships, thus causing a
double-banked fire of great force."
Sir Charles Hotham, having consulted Captain Hope and Captain
Trèhouhart, who highly approved of the plan, provided the ground when
reconnoitred was found as suitable as expected. The execution of it
was intrusted to Lieut. Mackinnon, of the 'Alecto,' with Lieut.
Barnard, of the 'Firebrand,' as his second. For several days the
preparations were going on; and on the 25th of May, all being ready,
the convoy and men-of-war, with the exception of the British steamer,
dropped down the river, and anchored about five miles above the
batteries of San Lorenzo.
At length, on the night of the 1st of June, Sir Charles Hotham and
the French Captain, with some other officers, reconnoitred the
locality. Besides the island we have spoken of, there were several
others of nearly the same size, and at the same distance from the
western shore: to the eastward of them again was an immense
archipelago of low swampy islands, covered with brushwood, extending
in that direction six or eight miles between them and the main shore
of Entre Rios. There was just sufficient light for the reconnoitring
party to see their way as they steered through the intricate passages
to the east of the large islands. With muffled oars and in dead
silence they pulled on till they reached the island they wished to
examine, and as they shoved the boat's bow into the mud, a loud
rustling was heard in the brushwood, and a wild beast of some sort,
which they took for a tiger, rushed towards them. They dared not
fire, of course, and without allowing a moment's hesitation to
interfere with the service they were upon, proceeded to land
according to seniority. As the first officers leaped on shore, sword
in hand, the supposed tiger, with a loud snort, jumped into the
river, proving to be a harmless carpincho, or water-hog, peculiar to
the large rivers of South America.
They now advanced cautiously, among the reeds and brushwood, across
the island, when to their great satisfaction they found that the
river itself had performed the very work required, by throwing up,
when swelled by the rains, an embankment many feet high along the
entire length of the island, so as completely to screen them from the
enemy's batteries--a work, indeed, which many hundred men could not
so well have executed in a week: behind this the land rising, there
was consequently a large natural trench; here the rockets might be
placed in comparative safety; the only difficulty would be to get the
men into the trench, and to retire safely after the ammunition was
expended, and to avoid any suspicion on the enemy's part of the
proximity of such a foe. They then returned to the ship, and
completed the necessary preparations. The next night the
rocket-party, in the 'Alecto's' paddle-box boat, took their departure
under the command of Lieut. Mackinnon. He was accompanied by his
second in command, Lieut. Barnard, of the Marine Artillery, by Mr.
Hamm, the boatswain of the 'Alecto,' and Mr. Baker, the pilot, with
12 artillerymen and 11 seamen. Silent as the grave, they pulled
behind the islands, and without accident reached the appointed spot.
They first set to work to get the rocket-stands and rockets up to the
embankment; and very fatiguing work it was to the men, for they had
to carry them through a swamp, into which they sank up to their
knees, and then a considerable distance over rough and uneven ground,
among thick reeds and brushwood. A glass of grog, with some pork and
biscuits, set them to rights again; and without delay they planted
the rocket-stands, pointing them, so that the rockets might just
clear the top of the batteries. Fortunately, a few yards beyond the
little bay, where the boat had been lying all night, a large
willow-tree had fallen into the river, the exact length of the boat,
and beyond that was a point of land running out likewise; between
these the boat was swung. Branches of willow were stuck in all round
and inside the boat, which most effectually concealed her; so much
so, that when Lieut. Baker arrived the next night at the spot, he was
observed standing up in the stern-sheets of the gig, looking
wistfully towards the sandy beach, and seeing nothing of the boat,
though the starboard bow-oar of the gig splashed the water in Lieut.
Mackinnon's face. The latter officer whistled; upon which Lieut.
Baker pulled in and began conversing. All this time Lieut. Mackinnon
was standing with one leg on the gunnel of the boat and the other on
land, the boat's gunnel being flush with it; it had, therefore,
something the appearance of standing sidewise half into a tree, and
so completely deceived Lieut. Baker, that he exclaimed, "But where on
earth have you put the boat to?" The low laugh from the men who were
hid under a tarpaulin revealed where she was. When they were moving
about in daylight they were obliged to crouch down like a herd of
kangaroos, creeping behind the bushes and among the long grass, so as
not to be seen by the enemy, to whom the whole island was then
exposed to view. Had the Spaniards found out that they were there,
of course they would have sent boats across to attack them, and would
have fired on them from the forts; and though no doubt the
blue-jackets would have made a good fight of it with their rockets,
the plan for preserving the fleet must have failed entirely. The
first day all hands were roused from their sleep in the boat, and
mustered at 2 P.M.; their arms being examined, they were ordered to
remain at the boat in readiness for any emergency, while the officers
and two artillerymen relieved the look-out at the battery.
Twenty-eight embrasures, with heavy guns in them, were counted in the
enemy's forts; and so close were the party, that, with
pocket-telescopes, they could clearly distinguish the faces of the
people, and observed General Moncellia, the brother-in-law of Rosas,
drive up in his carriage with four horses, and, dismounting, inspect
the troops and guns. Little did he suspect the foe he had near him.
Having remained some time, the officers crawled back to the boats to
take some rest; but they were far too anxious to sleep long; and the
next night was passed, as before, in paying constant visits to the
rocket-battery. Once they were nearly discovered, from one of the
men incautiously exposing himself. As Lieut. Mackinnon was watching
the battery, he observed the sentry suddenly stop and eye the spot
narrowly. "Hold fast," he whispered to the man; "Don't move, as you
value your life." The man obeyed, and to the Lieutenant's infinite
relief, he at last saw the sentry move on. Daybreak of the 4th came
at length; the wind blew fair down the stream, and every one was on
the tiptoe of expectation, listening for the signal of the two guns,
the preconcerted signal of the fleet being about to sail, It was a
time of the greatest anxiety, for any moment, if discovered, the 28
pieces of ordnance might have commenced playing on them, and blown
them all to atoms; but fortunately the eyes of the enemy were turned
up the stream, towards the point from whence the fleet was expected
to appear. Slowly the hours seemed to pass, till at length, at 9
A.M. the welcome sound of the two guns came booming along the water,
and immediately the men proceeded from the boat to the rocket-stands,
creeping along like a band of North American Indians on a war
expedition to surprise a sleeping foe. A long pole, with the British
flag made fast to it, had been prepared, on the elevation of which
the first discharge of rockets was to take place. The squadron of
men-of-war and merchantmen now approached, the 'Gorgon,' 'Fulton,'
and 'Alecto' leading. Majestically they glided on till they came
within range of the batteries, at which they commenced firing their
shells with admirable precision. The long and anxious moment at
length arrived for the discharge of the rockets. Lieut. Mackinnon
waved his cap aloft; at this signal Lieut. Bernard planted the
British flag under the nose of the enemy, and, taking off his cap,
made them a low bow; up went a flight of rockets; two of them flew
into the very centre of the most crowded part of the batteries,
completely clearing them of their defenders, two went over their
heads, and two stuck in the cliffs beneath them. The elevation of
the four stands, which were wrongly pointed, being rectified, they
were once more charged, and as soon as the enemy had returned to
their guns, and were looking along the sights to take aim at the
steamers, Lieut. Mackinnon, jumping up on the embankment, thoughtless
of how he was exposing himself, sung out, "Pepper, lads! pepper,
lads! pepper, pepper, pepper!" and pepper away the men did with a
vengeance. The crash was tremendous; the enemy with dismay deserted
their guns, and terrific must have been the slaughter among them, for
in one minute 40 rockets, admirably directed, were poured in among
them; to add to their confusion, a rocket had penetrated an
ammunition-cart, which, blowing up with a prodigious sound, filled
the air with smoke. At the same time, the dry grass about the seamen
catching fire, they were surrounded by so dense an atmosphere that it
was impossible for some moments to see what was going forward; the
wind, however, soon blowing aside the murky veil, the fleet of
merchantmen were seen passing quickly down, while the steamers took
up their position directly under the batteries. On this up went
another shower of rockets, which continued without cessation, filling
the air with long delicate threads of smoke, under which the vessels
passed in safety, the effect being most beautiful. These events
occupied some time, and as soon as the stern-most ships of the
squadron were well out of range of shot, the 'Gorgon' hoisted the
signal for their return. The enemy's guns, as soon as they had no
floating opponents directly in front, directed their fire at the
island, and misled by the flagstaff, peppered away at that, to the
great delight of the rocket-party, who were safe behind the bank;
however, the enemy discovered their mistake, and turned their guns in
the proper direction of the rocket-battery. The shot was harmless,
as it either stuck in the bank or passed over the men's heads like
cricket-balls. Now and then a single rocket was sent into some of
the enemy's embrasures, which accelerated a return of shot. When the
little 'Dolphin' came down, leading the convoy, at the order, "Cover
the 'Dolphin,'" another volley and running fire burst forth,
accompanied with loud cheers for the gallant little vessel, which
passed down with slight damage. Preparations were made for
decamping, and, as a last salute, the flag-staff was waved in the
face of the enemy, which appeared to annoy them much, as a heavy fire
was drawn towards the retreating party; but as they spread out wide
apart, the shot passed through without touching a single man or
article belonging to them. The boat was soon reached, the willows
cast off, and all hands got on board, when, "Out oars!" was the word,
and away they pulled down the stream to join the fleet.
So effectual had been the fire of the rockets that not a man in the
squadron was hurt by the enemy; three of the merchantmen, by keeping
too much over to the east, got on shore on the end of the large
island to the south of the one where the rockets had been fired. Two
of them were got off, the other was burnt, and the fleet, with flying
colours, proceeded on their voyage down to Colombo and Monte Video.
After these events the British and French squadron relieved Monte
Video from an attack made on it by some of the allies of Rosas, and
for some time their marines and seamen occupied it, and assisted in
placing it in a better position of defence.
Since then Rosas has been compelled to fly the country; but though
the commerce of those magnificent regions has increased and extended
in consequence of the operations we have described, peace and
tranquillity are still very far from being established in the country.
EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE,
UNDER CAPTAIN JAMES ROSS AND CAPTAIN CROZIER,
Between the Years 1839 and 1843.
It had long been considered very desirable by scientific men that,
for the advancement of science, especially with regard to magnetic
phenomena, and also for that of geographical knowledge, that an
expedition under experienced officers should be sent to visit the
southern regions of the globe. With these and other objects in view,
the Admiralty commissioned the 'Erebus' and 'Terror' in the year
1839, and gave the command of the first to Captain James Ross, and of
the latter to Commander Francis Rawdon Crozier as second in command
of the expedition. The ships were equipped on the most liberal
scale, with every arrangement for the health and comfort of the
officers and crews which science and experience could suggest. The
'Erebus' was a bomb of 370 tons, of strong build and capacious hold.
The 'Terror' was of 340 tons, and had been strengthened for the
Arctic seas on the detention of so many British whaleships in
Baffin's Bay in 1836, and had been employed in the subsequent summer
under Sir George Back on his attempt to reach Repulse Bay. From the
numerous applicants from the gallant and brave officers in the Navy,
the following were selected for the interesting, though arduous,
service contemplated:--
EREBUS.
Captain James Clark Ross, Lieut. Edward Joseph Bird, Lieut. John
Sibbald, Lieut. James E. L. Wood, Master Charles T. Tucker, Surgeon
Robert M'Cormick, Purser Thomas R. Hallet, Mates Alexander J. Smith,
Henry Oakley, and Joseph Dayman, Assistant-surgeon Joseph D. Hooker,
Second Master Henry B. Yule.
TERROR.
Commander Francis R. M. Crozier, Lieut. Archibald M'Murdo, Lieut.
Charles G. Phillips, Lieut. Joseph W. Kay, Master Pownall P. Cotter
(acting), Surgeon John Robertson; Clerk in charge, George H. Mowbray;
Mates Peter A. Scott, Thomas E. L. Moore, and William Molloy,
Assistant-surgeon David Lyall, Second Master John E. Davis.
The complement of each ship amounted in all to 54 persons.
With crews in high health and spirits, the two ships sailed from the
Thames on the 29th September 1839; and having encountered a heavy
gale in the Channel, when they behaved very well, they touched at
Madeira and other places, and reached St. Helena the last day of
January 1840. The voyage was undertaken for certain scientific
objects, and these, by the talent and perseverance of the officers,
were fully attained; but in our account we shall dwell chiefly on the
difficulties and dangers encountered and overcome in the attainment
of those objects.
Having established a permanent magnetic observatory at St. Helena,
and landed the officers and instruments connected with it, the
expedition sailed on the 9th of February for the Cape of Good Hope,
which was reached on the 17th of March, various magnetic observations
and experiments on the temperature and gravity of the sea being made
by the way. After establishing a magnetic observatory at the Cape,
they sailed again from Simon's Bay on the 6th of April, encountering
a succession of violent squalls and thunder-storms, during which the
two ships lost sight of each other. They met again at Kerguelen
Island, which, when discovered in 1772 by M. Kerguelen, a lieutenant
of the French navy, was conjectured to form part of the great
southern continent, which the philosophers of that time considered
must exist to maintain the balance of our earth, till Captain
Fourneaux dispelled the illusion by crossing the meridian of the
island, 50 miles to the southward. The expedition entered Christmas
Harbour at the north of the island on the 15th of May, and, having
sedulously continued the system of magnetic observations,
particularly on the 29th, the day previously fixed for simultaneous
observations in various parts of the world, sailed again on the 20th
of July, having the whole of the time experienced a gale of wind,
with storms of rain and snow. The tempestuous weather allowed but a
scanty survey of the island, in which extensive beds of coal were
discovered, which may at some future time be found serviceable for
steam navigation. After meeting with continued gales and hurricanes,
the expedition reached Van Diemen's Land on the 26th of August, and,
with the co-operation of Sir J. Franklin, then governor established
the magnetic observatory at Hobart Town.[1]
Captain Ross, becoming here acquainted with the result of the French
expedition to the southern seas under Captain D'Urville, and of that
of the United States under Lieut. C. Wilkes, determined to alter his
route from that previously agreed on, according to the discretionary
power left him, and, avoiding the track of former navigators, to take
a more easterly meridian on which to penetrate to the southward, and,
if possible, to reach the magnetic pole.
[1] At a subsequent period this observatory was for seven years under
the charge of Lieut. Alexander J. Smith, who, as mate, and afterwards
lieutenant of the 'Erebus,' was noted throughout the expedition for
his zeal, activity, and scientific knowledge, and has seen a long
course of active service, including an expedition to the Arctic Seas.
FIRST YEAR.
The expedition sailed from Hobart Town on the 12th of November 1840,
and proceeded to the Auckland Islands, where a series of magnetic
observations was made on the Term-day, November 28th; and, having
surveyed the island, they continued their course to Campbell Island.
From thence Captain Ross proposed to steer due south; and leaving the
island on the 17th of December, the first icebergs were seen on the
27th in lat. 60° 20' S. Differing from those of the Arctic Seas,
they were of unform shape, large and solid, with tabular summits and
perpendicular cliffs, against which the waves dashed with great
violence; and a heavy swell prevailing during the night amongst the
loose pieces of ice with which they were interspersed, rendered the
situation of the ships one of great anxiety.
On the 31st a strong ice-blink in the sky indicated the proximity of
the pack, the edge of which they reached, crossing the Antarctic
circle on New-year's Day, 1841.
This pack, which they met with in a lower latitude than they
expected, was a belt of loose ice and bergs 200 miles in width,
hitherto considered impenetrable, and which certainly presented a
most formidable obstacle to any further progress in that direction.
A strong breeze and high sea prevented the attempt being made till
the 5th, when, selecting the most favourable point, the 'Erebus'
forced her way through the dense edge of the pack, closely followed
by the 'Terror,' into some small holes of water connected by narrow
lanes. The masses of ice amongst which they now pursued their course
were of a less formidable character than they had been led to expect,
and they continued to advance slowly, sustaining violent shocks,
which would have proved destructive to ships less prepared to
withstand them, and at times forced to heave-to till the ice should
open before them. Thick fogs and constant snow-showers frequently
impeded their course, though whenever the weather cleared, they were
encouraged by seeing a strong water-sky to the south-east, and,
favoured by a strong northerly breeze, they found themselves again in
clear water, having accomplished the passage through the pack without
any injury. They now steered as due south as the wind admitted for
the magnetic pole, supposed to be situated about 76° south latitude.
As the ships advanced, however, a strong "land blink" was perceived
on the horizon; and at daybreak on the 11th, lat. 70° 47' S., and
long. 172° 36' E., land was seen directly ahead, apparently of great
height, and must have been a hundred miles distant when first seen.
It rose in lofty peaks, covered with snow, mountainous ranges
extending to the right and left as far as the eye could reach. The
highest of these peaks was named Mount Sabine, and measured nearly
10,000 feet, and was supposed to be 30 miles from the coast. Towards
evening they neared the coast, which was lined with a heavy pack; but
a strong wind on the shore, and a high sea beating heavily on the
pack-edge, rendered landing impracticable. Standing, therefore, to
the south-east, so as to get to leeward of a projecting point,
several small islands were discovered, under shelter of which it was
hoped to effect a landing. It was a beautifully clear evening, and
they here had a good view of two magnificent ranges of mountains,
whose lofty peaks, rising to the height of 7,000 or 8,000 feet above
the sea, were perfectly covered with eternal snow. The glaciers from
the intervening valleys projected several miles into the sea,
terminating in lofty perpendicular cliffs, and the dark rocks, which
in some places broke through the icy covering, indicated the volcanic
origin of the land. The range of mountains extending to the
north-west was called by Captain Ross Admiralty Range, the most
conspicuous points being distinguished by the names of the various
Lords Commissioners. The weather calming the next morning, they
succeeded in approaching the islands, when Captain Ross and Captain
Crozier, with some of their officers, landed on one, though with
difficulty, on account of the projecting ice and heavy surf, and took
possession of the newly-discovered land in the name of Queen
Victoria, naming it Possession Island. This land, the most southern
yet discovered, though nearly reached by the Russian Bellinghausen,
20 years before, presented an insuperable obstacle to their attaining
the magnetic pole in that direction: it was, therefore, determined to
follow the south-coast line, and thence take a more westerly course.
They made but little progress, owing to the baffling winds, thick
fogs, and snow-storms; and on the 15th were in sight of the
magnificent chain of mountains stretching away to the south, whose
sharply-pointed snowy summits, varying from 12,000 to 14,000 feet in
height, were named after the most eminent members of the Royal
Society and British Association. This day Captain Ross suddenly
perceived an island, which had not been in view a short time before,
above 100 feet high, the whole of one side perfectly free from snow.
Calling the attention of some of his officers to it, one of them
remarked that a large berg, before observed, had disappeared, or
rather turned over unperceived by them, and thus presented a new
surface, covered with earth and stones, exactly resembling an island.
On the 19th, a favourable breeze springing up, all sail was crowded
on the ships, and they made some way to the south, passing between
the mainland and an island, which was named Coulman Island. Though
again baffled by head-winds, adverse currents, and masses of ice, on
the 27th they reached an island in lat. 76° 8' S., long. 168° 12' E.,
on which Captain Ross and some officers landed, though with such
danger that he forbade any more attempting to leave the boat, and
taking formal possession of it, named it Franklin Island, in
compliment to Sir J. Franklin. This island, like the former, is
composed of igneous rocks, with ice-cliffs to the south and west.
Standing to the south, the ships came in sight of some high land,
which proved to be a volcano, 12,400 feet high, in full activity,
which received the name of Mount Erebus; an extinct volcano to the
east being named Mount Terror. They were now in lat. 76° 6' S.,
long. 168° 11' E., without any appearance of being able to approach
the magnetic pole on account of the land ice. On nearing the land, a
low white line was perceived, extending from its eastern point as far
as the eye could discern to the eastward, which proved to be a
perpendicular cliff, 150 to 200 feet above the level of the sea, with
an even face to the sea perfectly flat and level at the top, beyond
which the summits of a range of mountains only could be discerned,
extending to 79° S. lat. Any further advance in that direction being
checked by this barrier, Captain Ross altered his course to the east,
hoping it might lead further southward. The whole coast from the
extreme western point presented a similar vertical cliff, 200 or 300
feet high: not the smallest fissure could be discovered, and the
intensely-bright sky beyond indicated the great extent it reached to
the south. Having explored this barrier for 300 miles, though heavy
snow-storms frequently hid it from their sight, on the 9th they
reached lat. 78°. A heavy pack of ice now prevented their further
progress, and the narrow lane of comparatively clear water through
which they had hitherto found their way was now completely covered
with rapidly-forming ice, indicating the approach of winter, and
threatening to hem them in between the pack and the barrier.
Retracing their course, by means of a strong breeze, the ships forced
their way through the young ice, though much impeded by thick fogs,
which often rendered it difficult for them to keep together. The
cold was much more severe than in the North Seas: though the middle
of the antarctic summer, the thermometer did not rise above 14° at
noon. In the afternoon of the 11th of February, while running before
a favourable breeze, they found themselves surrounded by the main
pack on all sides, except to windward, having during the thick
weather run down into a deep bight of it. The ships were instantly
hauled to the wind, and with the greatest difficulty extricated from
their dangerous situation before the wind increased to a violent
gale; and under a close-reefed main-top-sail, and storm stay-sails
they, before midnight, barely weathered a great number of very large
bergs clustered together under their lee, and probably aground, one
nearly four miles long, though not more than 150 feet high. For some
hours all on board were in a state of great anxiety, not knowing how
far west this chain of bergs might extend, the thick-falling snow
preventing their seeing to any distance ahead; the waves, as they
broke over the ships, froze as they fell on the decks and rigging,
and covered their clothes with a thick coating of ice. In the
afternoon of the 13th the storm began to abate, and they found
themselves in a more open sea.
Captain Ross now being convinced of the necessity of relinquishing
any attempt to penetrate to the eastward that season, they bore away
to the west and north, passing Franklin Island on the 15th, and Mount
Erebus on the 16th, and approached the coast in the hope of finding a
refuge for the winter, so as to visit the volcano and penetrate to
the Magnetic Pole in the following spring. A low point of land, with
a small islet off it, seemed to promise a shelter; but on
endeavouring to struggle through the ice towards this spot, it was
found utterly impossible to reach it, the whole space of 15 or 16
miles between it and the ships being now a solid mass of ice.
Captain Ross and Commander Crozier came therefore to the
determination of relinquishing the attempt, and naming the land they
had discovered and traced from the 70th to the 76th degree of
latitude after Her Most Gracious Majesty, they commenced retracing
their way to the eastward; a most laborious work, as the ice had
become so thick as to prevent the ships sailing through it, and yet
was not strong enough to bear the weight of a party of men to cut a
passage with saws. The boats being hauled out on each bow, the ice
was broken up by rolling them; and in this manner it took sometimes
an hour to advance a few yards, and it was not till the following
morning that they regained the clear water and bore away to the
northward.
Another attempt was made to land further to the north, which proved
equally unsuccessful, and they steered away to the north, towards a
chain of islands discovered by Balleny, and soon came to the main
pack, along the edge of which they continued their course, meeting
with alternate gales and calms, with snow storms, and frequently
beset by the ice. On March 2nd and the following days land was in
sight, supposed to be that seen by Balleny; and on the 4th they
recrossed the Antarctic Circle. On the 7th, during a strong breeze,
the ships became involved in an immense chain of bergs, so closely
packed as to show no opening through which to pass, the waves
breaking violently against them, and dashing huge masses of ice
against the precipitous faces of the bergs, from which they were
thrown in a multitude of fragments. For eight hours they had been
drifting towards what appeared inevitable destruction, the high waves
and deep rolling of the ships rendering towing with the boats
impossible, and no human effort could be made to avoid the doom which
seemed to await them. When within half a mile of the range of bergs,
where they could hear the roar of the surf and the crashing of the
ice, most providentially a gentle favouring breeze came on, which
before dark removed them from all danger. During their progress to
the north-west, they frequently saw the Aurora Australis, which was
sometimes brilliant enough to light them in the absence of the moon.
They now steered for Van Diemen's Land, where they arrived on the 6th
of April, after an absence of five months, and were warmly welcomed
by Sir John Franklin. Though they had not succeeded in reaching the
Magnetic Pole, it was very satisfactory to have approached it some
hundred miles nearer than any preceding navigators; and it was a
source of great thankfulness that every individual had been permitted
to return from this hazardous expedition in health and safety.
SECOND YEAR.
On the 7th of July, 1841, the ships having been refitted, though very
little repair was found requisite, the expedition again left Hobart
Town to resume their task, and proceeded to Sydney and to New
Zealand, in order to extend the magnetic observations, and make
meteorological and other philosophical experiments.
On the 23rd of November they left the Bay of Islands, steering
towards Chatham Island. On the 25th they crossed the 180th degree,
and having, by sailing to the eastward, gained twelve hours, it
became necessary, on entering upon west longitude, to have two days
following of the same date, in order that their time might correspond
with that of England by the time they reached it, so as to lose the
time they were gaining as they sailed to the eastward. They had,
therefore, two Thursdays and two twenty-fifths of November in
succession.
On December 16th, the first icebergs were seen in lat. 58° 36' S.;
long. 146° 43' W.
Captain Ross now changed his course to due south, selecting this
meridian in the hope of discovering land, and wishing to approach the
great barrier by a route as widely different as possible from their
former one.
On the 18th they reached the main pack, much further to the north
than the year before, and at once ran into it, but finding it
heaviest to the south, they were obliged to steer in a westerly
direction, turning southward whenever an opportunity occurred.
On the 25th they were in lat. 66° S., long. 156° 14' W., closely
beset in the pack, and with a thick fog, in spite of which they spent
a very cheerful Christmas. Drifting about in a small hole of water,
they made the ships fast to a piece of ice, placed between them to
prevent a collision, a plan which was repeatedly practised during
their progress through the pack. They made but little way south, and
again crossed the Antarctic Circle on New Year's Day. As usual, a
complete suit of warm clothing was presented to the crews. They had
now advanced 250 miles through the pack without seeing any prospect
of its termination, boring through the ice at a very slow rate,
encouraged by the appearance of a dark water-sky to the west.
On the 17th a heavy swell came on, with a thick fog, followed on the
19th by a terrific gale, and the sea quickly rising to a fearful
height, and breaking over the loftiest bergs, the ships were unable
any longer to hold their ground, but were driven into the heavy pack
under their lee. Soon after midnight they were involved in an ocean
of rolling fragments of ice, as hard as rocks, which were dashed
against them by the waves with such violence that the masts quivered
as if they would fall at every successive blow, and it seemed
scarcely probable the ships could hold together against the
tremendous shocks they received. The rudder of the 'Erebus' was soon
so shattered as to be useless, and that of the 'Terror' completely
destroyed. Throughout the 28 hours during which they were in such
awful jeopardy the coolness, steady obedience, and untiring exertions
of each individual were every way worthy of British seamen. Each man
secured his hold, waiting the issue with resignation to the will of
Him who alone could preserve them in safety through such extreme
danger. At midnight the snow which had been falling thickly for some
hours cleared away, the wind shifted to the westward, and the swell
began to subside. On the 21st, the weather becoming calmer, they
drove the ships into the thickest of the pack for shelter, while the
rudders were repaired. In spite of the thumping they had received,
both ships were found to be nearly as tight as they were before the
gale, showing the admirable manner in which they had been fortified,
and partly to be attributed to the holds being so stowed as to form a
solid mass throughout.
The 23rd was Sunday, and in the course of reading the usual church
service in the morning, a practice which during the whole expedition
was scarcely if ever interrupted, the congregation failed not to
offer up their heartfelt thanksgivings to God for their late
wonderful preservation. The ships continued beset in the pack for
many days, often in great danger from the heavy swell, sometimes
making a few miles southward, then driven back with the pack to the
north.
At length, on the 2nd of February, they broke through the heavy ice
and foam which formed its edge, and reached the open sea, in lat. 67°
29' S., and long. 159° 01' W., after being involved in the pack for
fifty-six days. This was only ten days earlier than they had been
compelled to abandon further operations the year before, but they
continued beating along the pack edge which trended to the west, till
the 13th, when they were able to stand south, in a tolerably clear
sea. Here they met with fogs, and the cold was intense; and on the
19th an ice-blink was seen, indicating the proximity of the great
barrier, which was seen on the 23rd, on which they steered east,
hoping to turn its eastern extremity, and thus reach a higher
southern latitude. They were, however, stopped by the newly-formed
ice, and the next day the main pack was in sight, closely approaching
the barrier. The setting in of the winter now rendered it necessary
to abandon further researches, and to seek a more temperate climate;
and having had the satisfaction of tracing the barrier 130 miles more
to the east than the preceding year, Captain Ross resolved to take
the shortest course for the Falkland Islands, steering north to seek
for some opening in the pack.
On the 5th of March, after passing a chain of stupendous bergs, and
meeting with stormy weather, they recrossed the Antarctic Circle,
celebrating the event with much rejoicing. On the 12th, during a
strong breeze, they came upon a chain of bergs, and during the night,
a large one, previously concealed by the thickly-falling snow, was
suddenly seen directly ahead of the 'Erebus.' At the moment of
trying to weather it, the 'Terror' was seen running down upon her,
and as it was impossible for her to clear both the bergs, and the
'Erebus,' a frightful collision ensued. The bowsprit and other spars
of the 'Erebus' were carried away, and the ships entangled by their
rigging, and dashing against each other with fearful violence, were
falling down upon the weather-face of the lofty berg under their lee.
Providentially they separated before drifting down amongst the
foaming breakers, and the 'Terror' passed on and cleared the end of
the berg in safety. The 'Erebus' was left completely disabled, and
so close to the berg that the waves as they dashed against it threw
their spray over her. It was three-quarters of an hour before she
could be extricated from this awful situation, when another huge berg
was seen directly astern of her; she passed, however, in safety
through the narrow channel between these two perpendicular walls of
ice, and reached the smooth water to leeward. Having repaired the
damages sustained, they continued northwards, meeting with a storm
which lasted forty hours; and on the 6th of April, after being out of
sight of land for 136 days, they reached the Falkland Islands, where
Captain Ross proposed to pass the winter to repair the ships, and be
in readiness to make a third attempt to penetrate to the south at the
proper season.
On their arrival they learnt with great satisfaction that Commander
Crozier, Lieut. Bird, Mr. Smith, mate, and Mr. Mowbray, clerk in
charge of the 'Terror,' had received their well-earned promotion on
the day Captain Ross's Report of their first season's operations
reached the Admiralty.
The ships were hove up and repaired, and by the end of July were
again ready for sea, but the magnetic observations could not be
concluded till the end of August. On the 8th of September, the
expedition left Port Louis for the purpose of making observations in
the vicinity of Cape Horn, to be compared with those made during
their absence at the temporary magnetic observatory, which was placed
under the charge of Lieut. Sibbald. They as usual encountered severe
storms in their passage to Cape Horn, which they saw on 19th, and
passing it, the ships entered St. Martin's Cove the next day. The
observatories were erected, and the observations commenced on the
29th, and after making many interesting researches into the natural
productions of the country, they sailed again on the 7th of November
for the Falkland Islands, where all preparations were made for
resuming their researches in the South.
THIRD YEAR.
The expedition sailed from Port Louis for their third visit to the
Antarctic regions, on the 17th of December, 1842, every one rejoicing
in the prospect of resuming the important business of the voyage.
Captain Ross selected the meridian of 55° W., in which he expected to
meet with a continuation of Louis Philippe's Land, hoping, by
following the coast-line to the south-eastward, keeping between the
land and the pack, to survey its shores and to attain a high
latitude; determining, in case of meeting with any insuparable
obstacle, to relinquish that attempt, and endeavour to follow the
track by which Weddell reached the latitude of 74° 15' S., three
degrees further than any preceding navigator, where, from his
account, there was every reason to expect a clear sea, in which to
extend the limits of his daring researches.
On the morning of the 24th, in latitude 61°, while about fifty miles
north-east of Clarence Island, one of the South Shetland group, the
first iceberg was seen, and a gale of wind came on; but the next day,
though surrounded by many icebergs, they contrived, under shelter of
Clarence Island, to pass a cheerful Christmas, with the aid of a fine
fat ox from the Falkland Islands, which had been presented by the
Governor to each ship, for this occasion. In the afternoon a solid
pack was seen, from S.S.W. to E. They beat along its edge, but did
not venture into it, though it appeared tolerably open, and continued
amongst loose ice and bergs, rapidly thawing from the high state of
temperature, which rendered it dangerous to approach them. On the
28th, land was discovered, in the form of two projecting headlands;
and a round-topped mountain covered with snow, and at a great
distance to the north, another promontory was seen, supposed to be
the "Point des Français," of Admiral D'Urville. A quantity of
grounded bergs prevented their approaching the coast nearer than two
or three miles; they could, therefore, only examine it as they passed
along. A great number of large whales were met with, so tame that
they would hardly get out of the way of the ships. Many small islets
were seen off the land, the whirlpools amongst which were found very
troublesome; and on the 30th the pack was found so close they could
scarcely pass between it and the land. On the 1st of January, 1843,
they were in lat. 64° 14' S., long. 55° 54' W., near a small island
perfectly free from snow, rising in a rocky peak 2,760 feet above the
sea, which was named Cockburn Island, on which the ice having
partially drifted away, Captain Ross and Captain Crozier landed, on
the 6th, and took formal possession of it. On this island 19 species
of plants were found, _mosses_, _algæ_, and _lichens_, the last
vestiges of vegetation in this high southern latitude. The island
appeared to be of volcanic origin, as well as the land, which
presented a range of lofty mountains covered with snow, with
perpendicular icy cliffs towards the sea. The deep gulf in which the
ships then were was forty miles across, and received the name of the
Gulf of the Erebus and the Terror. They continued to struggle
through the ice, without making any important advance, frequently
beset by the pack, and stationary for days together, till the 1st of
February, when it became necessary to extricate the ships, and
endeavour to penetrate to the south. They reached clear water on the
4th, after being involved in the pack for nearly six weeks, but the
best of the season was passed; fogs and east winds prevailed, and
they found a dense pack in the latitude where Weddell had found a
clear sea. They entered the Antarctic Circle on the 1st of March,
and stood to the S.W., persevering for some time in the attempt to
penetrate further south, but the ice was too strong for them, and
they were in great danger from a violent gale, which lasted three
days, accompanied by snow-storms, while they were surrounded by
icebergs. Through this danger they were, however, providentially
preserved; and on the 8th, after reaching the 70th degree of
latitude, they began retracing their course northward, and recrossed
the Antarctic Circle for the last time on the 11th.
They now steered for the Cape of Good Hope, which they reached on the
4th of April, having returned in safety, without one individual in
either of the ships on the sick list. Having refitted the ships and
refreshed the crews, and repeated the magnetic observations, the
expedition left the Cape the end of April, touching at St. Helena and
Ascension, for the purpose of making magnetic experiments, and
verifying their instruments, and proceeded to Rio de Janeiro for the
same purpose. Having completed these duties, they sailed for
England, and anchored in safety off Folkstone, on the 4th of
September.
The acquisitions to natural history, geology, geography, but above
all, towards the elucidation of the grand mystery of terrestrial
magnetism, raise this voyage to a pre-eminent rank among the greatest
achievements of British courage, intelligence, and enterprise.
WAR IN NEW ZEALAND,
From 1845 to 1847.
The subject of the war in New Zealand is so painful that we would
have avoided touching on it could we have done so with propriety. It
is painful, because it was unnecessary; because our opponents are now
living in amity with us, improving in civilization, and
fellow-subjects of our gracious Sovereign; and also because many
gallant officers and men fell during its continuance. Yet, as the
naval service was employed, we cannot omit it altogether. New
Zealand is divided into two large islands, with a small one to the
south. The northern island is extensively populated with a warlike,
intelligent, yet hitherto savage race. The country is very
mountainous, thickly wooded, with many rapid rivers, and the coast is
broken with deep indentations. The temperature of the air, though
hot in summer, is bracing at other times of the year. A number of
British subjects having settled there, whalers and others, with a few
missionaries, and some having purchased land from the natives,
Captain Hobson, R.N., was sent out first with the title of consul,
and afterwards with that of governor, when, in 1840, the islands were
taken possession of by the English Government. He concluded a treaty
with 512 chiefs, natives of the Bay of Islands, and others, at
Waitangi, by which the sovereignty of the islands was ceded to Queen
Victoria. He, dying, was succeeded by Captain FitzRoy. The military
force in the island consisted of a company or so of infantry, to keep
in order a lawless white population, and some 50,000 proud,
sanguinary, and suspicious natives, well armed, and conscious of
their strength. The immediate causes of the war were disputes about
land claims. As the value of lands rose, tribes, who had sold large
tracts for a few blankets and muskets to greedy white speculators,
were anxious to regain them.
In the northern part of the island existed a cunning and bold
warrior, called Heki, who had once been a servant at the missionary
station at Pahia; but though a Christian in name, the spirit of the
gospel had never entered into his heart. Having married the daughter
of a celebrated chief, called Hongi, he became a chief himself.
After maltreating the settlers in his neighbourhood, he took it into
his head to cut down the flag-staff at Russel, known by the native
name of Kororarika. A small force, accompanied by Governor FitzRoy
in person, on board H.M.S. 'Hazard,' warned the better-disposed
natives not again to commit a similar outrage.
However, Heki was not to be deterred by fear from mischief; and on
the 10th of March he again attacked and took Kororarika by surprise.
Fortified blockhouses and entrenchments were bravely defended for
some time by a small body of military stationed there, and by the
officers and crew of H.M.S. 'Hazard.' She lost six men killed and
eight wounded. Captain Robertson was so much hurt that his life was
despaired of. The detachment of the 96th lost four men killed and
five wounded. The place was then for a time abandoned.
This unexpected success of Heki emboldened him to undertake further
warlike proceedings, and to threaten even Auckland itself. Just then
H.M.S. 'North Star,' Captain Sir Everard Home, arrived on the
station. An attack on Heki, in his own pah, was resolved on; and
accordingly all the force which could be mustered was marched against
him, consisting of the small-armed seamen, marines, and military, in
all about 400 men. The pah was found to be of such immense strength,
that it seemed impossible to capture it without guns, and those the
attacking party had not. However, as Lieut. Egerton, of H.M.S.
'North Star,' had under him a rocket-party, he took up a position
from whence rockets could be thrown, and fired 12 into the fort; but
as the roofs of the huts were covered with flax-leaf, they did not
catch fire. A sortie was then made by Kawiti, a brother chieftain of
Heki's, to attack the flank of the British, and many on both sides
lost their lives. The attack being repulsed, the British force was
withdrawn, as the fort was found perfectly impregnable without a
battering-train. Fresh troops arriving in New Zealand, a second
attack was resolved on, under the command of Colonel Despard.
Owing to bad weather, the force did not begin to march till the 23rd
of June. A battery of four guns (6-pounders) was then opened, but
did little execution. On the 30th of June the seamen of H.M.S.
'Hazard' brought up from their ship a 32-lb. gun a distance of 15
miles, and soon had it posted on a hill near the pah. The next day
it was opened with considerable effect; but yet no breach was made.
The enemy on this made a sortie, but were repulsed; and then the
colonel ordered an assault. The troops and seamen rushed in, led by
their officers with their accustomed bravery; but it was impossible
to get through the stockades, Numbers fell in the vain attempt. Of
the officers, the gallant Lieut. Philpotts of H.M.S. 'Hazard,'
Captain Grant of the 56th Regiment, and Lieut. Beattie were killed,
and many other officers and men were wounded. Preparations were
accordingly made to retire, when, on the morning of the 10th, it was
found that Heki and his followers had evacuated the pah, and retired
into the woods.
Directly after this old Kawiti commenced the formation of a pah of
greater strength than any yet known, which he called Kua-peka-peka,
or the Bat's-nest. Its site was selected with great care on the
ridge of a hill, of which it occupied the whole breadth, the ground
falling perpendicularly from its two sides. Originally it had been a
rectangular parallelogram, 130 yards long by 100 yards wide; but
under the direction of one who evidently knew his business, it soon
assumed the character of a regular fortress. A large ravelin was
thrown out on the east, and bastions formed on the north and south.
The angles on the western face were protected by bastions of smaller
size. The outer fortifications consisted of a palisade, formed of
trees from 15 to 18 feet high, and from 14 inches to 3 feet in
diameter, bound together with withes, a tree at intervals rising
slightly above the ground, so as to form a loop-hole for those
within. Across these upright timbers ran two horizontal beams, one 3
feet and the other 9 feet from the ground. They were lashed to each
limb of the stockade, and gave strength and continuity to the whole.
Further back, and at the distance of 3 feet, was another palisade, of
the same character. Beyond this was a ditch, which answered, when
the heavy guns began to play, as a covered way for the besieged. The
earth had been thrown up on the inside, and, in addition to the other
defences, formed a rampart 8 feet high. Within, the huts were placed
irregularly, many of them being also surrounded with palisades, but
nearly all were undermined. Over the pit dug below were laid two
layers of trees, and these were carefully covered with earth. Upon
this substratum was placed the floor of the hut, so that the
inhabitants had, in case of necessity, a bomb-proof retreat. There
were two guns at the pah, a 12-pounder and a 3-pounder. Several
wells had been dug inside, and one within 10 yards of the outer
defences. The place was scantily supplied with potatoes and
fern-root. Altogether, standing on the verge of a precipitous
ravine, amid forest and mountain, where nature assumed her wildest
aspect, with its bastions and sallyports, and the constant coming and
going of its rude soldiery, the scene presented was worthy the pencil
of Salvator Rosa.
When Kawiti's proceedings were known, the commandant, with a superior
force to any yet employed, advanced from Kororarika to attack the
fort. He had with him detachments of the 58th and 99th Regiments,
amounting to 27 officers and 750 men; of marines, 3 officers and 79
men; and of small-armed seamen, 10 officers and 211 seamen, besides
artillery officers and men, and two 32-pounders and other guns.
After a long march, and considerable difficulty in getting up the
guns, the place was regularly approached by trenches. While they
were in progress, small parties of Maories might be seen daily going
out to reconnoitre. Plunging singly into the forest, they glided
from tree to tree with noiseless steps, carefully peeping round the
stems before they moved forward, and listening with bent head to
every sound. Skirmishes would occasionally take place, and be
carried on with great vivacity for about an hour. The advanced
batteries of the British being completed, notice was brought that
some of the Christian natives were performing the church service at
the rear of the fort. This was on the 11th of January 1846. The
assault was instantly ordered; and, with comparatively small loss of
life, the place was taken. The naval branch of the service lost 9
men killed and 1 midshipman, and 17 men wounded. Old Kawiti made his
escape, and was received afterwards on board H.M.S. 'Driver,' when he
gave in his allegiance to the Queen of England.
During the storming of the pah, one of the 'Castor's' sailors, named
Sargeant, climbed to the top of the stockade, and commenced loading
away and firing at every one of the enemy that he could see; and when
ordered by Colonel Wynyard to come down, he coolly replied, "Oh, no,
your honour; here's the place to see 'em. Come up here!" It was
afterwards found that his cap had been shot off, his coat shot
through in four places, and the palisade on which he sat was riddled
through and through; but the man himself was never touched.
The northern part of the island being quieted, the Governor was able
to turn his attention to the south, where two powerful chiefs, Te
Rauperaha and Rangehaieta, were committing havoc in every direction.
After some fighting, a combined naval and military force was put on
board H.M.S. 'Driver,' for the purpose of attacking the rebels as she
moved down the coast, and taking the veteran chief in his lair. The
latter object was at length accomplished. On the 23rd July, 1846,
Major Lurt, of the 29th, with Captain Stanley, of H.M.S. 'Calliope,'
and a party of about 130 seamen and marines, landed before daylight,
with such perfection and order, that the stockade of Taupo was
surrounded and entered before the inmates caught the alarm. A party
of seamen seized the chief, Te Rauperaha in his bed, and in spite of
all opposition, carried him off to the 'Calliope' without any
casualty.
Rangihaieta was soon afterwards attacked in his stronghold; but,
driven from it, he retreated from post to post, closely followed by
the British force, and watched by the 'Calliope' whenever he
approached the coast. After this he remained quiet, and never again
appeared in arms. Several chiefs in the Wanganui district, however,
were still disposed to try the fortune of war, and several skirmishes
with them took place; but as, however, the British military and naval
forces were now rapidly increasing, the elder chieftains began to
perceive that the war was a losing game with them. Accordingly they
were glad to accept of peace, and by the consummate tact of Sir
George Grey, they have all since given in their allegiance to the
British Government.
ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S. 'NEMESIS,' 'COLUMBINE'S'
BOAT, AND BORNEO PIRATES,
30th May, 1847.
A severe, though brilliant action, took place on the 30th May, 1847,
between the H.E.I.C. steamer 'Nemesis' and a number of piratical
prahus. Early in the morning the steamer, with Mr. Brooke and
Captain Grey on board, and having in tow a cutter of H.M.S.
'Columbine,' left the town of Brunè to cross over to the new British
port of Labuan. Information was received on the way down the river
that some fishermen had been chased at daylight, and on rounding the
point of the island of Moarra, the look-out of the 'Nemesis' descried
a fleet of Balanini or Sulo pirates in full chase of a trading prahu
in the offing. Immediately the steamer appeared, the pirates,
quitting the chase, pulled in shore to the westward, and at the same
time cut away the small boats they had in tow, whilst the steamer,
pursuing at full power, lost much ground by having to round the
extensive shoal which stretches from Moarra Point (Ujong Sapo) to the
islet of Pilong Pilongau. The Balinini were first descried at
half-past 9 o'clock A.M., and about mid-day, finding the steamer
gaining upon them, came to an anchor. At 1 o'clock P.M., the pirate
fleet was plainly made out from the 'Nemesis.' Eleven large prahus,
anchored in line, at a distance of 10 yards one from another, along a
sandy beach, with their heads to sea, their sterns (fast by
stern-warps ashore) in the surf, with a hawser passing along from
boat to boat. The bows of the prahus were protected by ampilans,
formed of musket-proof planks; they appeared well armed, crowded with
men, and in this formidable position awaited the approach of the
steamer.
At 1.30, the pirates opened fire on the steamer, and the action
commenced in earnest, at a distance of about 200 yards, the steamer
being in two fathoms' water, and rolling heavily in a ground-swell.
For two hours a heavy fire was kept up from the 'Nemesis,' and the
fire from the pirates being nearly silenced, and their prahus
evidently greatly damaged, Captain Grey, with three cutters (one
belonging to H.M.S. 'Columbine,' and two to the 'Nemesis'), resolved
to make a dash at the left of the pirates' position, whilst the
steamer poured in grape and canister upon the centre and right, to
prevent their rendering aid to their comrades. On the advance of the
boats, the pirates, casting loose the hawser which attached the
prahus together, pulled away to the eastward in a crippled state,
leaving two prahus in possession of the boats, and numbers of men on
the beach or jungle. The 'Nemesis' pursued to the eastward, and one
after another, drove six of the flying enemy ashore, all of which
were for the time abandoned by their crews, but could not be taken
possession of, owing to the small number of British boats in the
action. In the meantime, whilst Captain Grey was securing the two
prizes already mentioned to the westward, and the 'Nemesis' in full
pursuit of the last three prahus to the eastward, five out of the six
deserted boats were remanned, and, with a resolution praiseworthy in
a better cause, bore down to the attack of the three small cutters.
Captain Wallage, commander of the 'Nemesis,' perceiving this
manœuvre, and convinced that these prahus must at all events
escape to the westward, returned in that direction, while the sixth
deserted prahu being remanned, and favoured by a breeze, crowded all
sail to the eastward after her three consorts, and thus the four
escaped. The five pirate prahus, now advancing boldly towards the
three cutters, perceiving the retrograde movement of the 'Nemesis,'
made every effort to escape to the westward, and a severe action took
place between the sternmost prahu and the boats, the enemy defending
himself with the utmost resolution, and inflicting a severe loss on
the British. Whilst Captain Grey was engaged in the capture of this
large prahu, the 'Nemesis' pursued the four to the westward, two of
which were captured, while the remaining two escaped in the darkness
in a completely shattered state, after having been several times
deserted and as often remanned. Thus concluded this successful
action with a pirate force consisting of 11 prahus, two of the
largest size, four somewhat smaller, with crews of fully 50 men each,
and five with a complement of 35 to 40 hands. The force of the
pirates, at a moderate computation, must be reckoned at 500 men,
exclusive of captives, and these, on the testimony of some rescued
Chinese, were above 100 persons. The loss on the side of the pirates
was estimated at 80 or 100 killed, and about double that number
wounded. One man was killed in the British force, and seven wounded;
two mortally and the rest severely. Ten brass guns, varying in size
from nine-pounders to "lelas," and five iron guns (three to
six-pounders) were captured. Between 200 and 300 of the pirates took
refuge in the jungle, whence they were hunted out by the Sultan's
people. Five prahus were taken, and the escape of the rest is to be
attributed to the small number of British boats engaged, as at one
time eight prahus were lying on the beach abandoned by their crews;
and had the British boats been sufficient to have secured them, the
other three would have been overtaken by the 'Nemesis.' From the
statement of some of the liberated captives, it appears that the
pirates had visited the southern coasts of Borneo, the Straits of
Banka, Sinkess, the Anambas, the Natunas, and the north-west coast of
Borneo, ransacking trading-boats and villages, and taking prisoners
men, women, and children. One Chinese, who was too ill to work, was
hung up and cut to pieces. During the action with the 'Nemesis,' the
captives were compelled to sit on the decks of the prahus, by which
some lost their lives; others swam ashore with the pirates, and were
attacked at first by the Kadyan Dyaks, who, however, on ascertaining
which were the captives, conducted them to Brunè to the Sultan, by
whom they were kindly treated. About 40 pirates were brought in
alive, and the captives were desired by the Sultan to take their
revenge. This they declined, saying, "God is great, and will punish
the wicked."
EXPEDITION TO SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA,
UNDER CAPTAIN G. G. LOCH, R.N.
CAPTURE OF FORT SERAPAQUI,
February 21st, 1848.
The State of Nicaragua will be found towards the southern portion of
that narrow neck of land which joins the two mighty continents of
North and South America. A variety of outrages and insults having
been offered to British subjects, two individuals especially having
been carried off from San Juan by Colonel Salas of the Nicaraguan
army, Mr. Walker, Her Majesty's Consul-General and Agent, stationed
at Bluefields, sent to Admiral Austen, the Commander-in-Chief on the
West India Station, requesting the support and protection of some
ships-of-war for British interests in that part of the world.
In consequence of this request, the Admiral despatched H.M.S.
'Alarm,' Captain Granville G. Loch, and H.M.S. 'Vixen,' Commander
Ryder, to Bluefields. They reached that place on the 5th of
February, when Mr. Walker particularly requesting to be allowed to
accompany the expedition Captain Loch proposed at once to lead
against the Nicaraguans, he embarked with them, and they again sailed
on the 7th for San Juan de Nicaragua, accompanied by a boat belonging
to Mr. Walker. They reached the mouth of the river the following
day, where the ships came to an anchor. The nearest Nicaraguan
settlement was at Serapaqui, about thirty miles up the river, but
which, from the strength of the current and various rapids, is
generally a four days' journey by boats. It was understood that
Colonel Salas was stationed at this fort with a considerable body of
troops. Nothing daunted by this, by the known strength of the fort,
and the difficulty of approaching it, on account of the rapidity of
the current of the river which there flows by it, Captain Loch
resolved to insist on Colonel Salas making all the reparation in his
power, or, in the event of his refusal, to compel him to do so by
force.
The fort of Serapaqui was situated on a point projecting into the
river very abruptly, to the height of fifty feet. It was protected
in the rear by a dense forest, and in the front by an abattis formed
of large trees felled, with their heads and branches reaching into
the river. The defences of the fort consisted of six angular
stockaded entrenchments, formed of very tough timber, eight feet high
and four feet thick, one side of each stockade looking across the
river, and the other down the reach. The principal stockade
commanded the only landing-place, on which also a gun was at the time
mounted. The fort was only to be approached by heading a rapid
current of nearly five knots an hour, in order to pass the fort and
descend towards the landing-place, which was above the stockaded
batteries, and excessively steep and narrow. The fort is situated at
the head of a straight reach about a mile and a half long, the banks
on either side affording an almost impenetrable shelter to a
concealed foe.
As soon as the ships anchored, the expedition, consisting of 260
officers and men, left their sides in twelve boats--consisting of the
ships' launches, the 'Vixen's' paddle-box boats, the gigs, Mr.
Walker's boat, a spare pinnace, commanded by Lieut. Johnston of
H.M.S. 'Alarm,' and the ship's barges.
The representations as to the strength of the current were found to
be in no way exaggerated, but with a gallantry, zeal, and
perseverance never surpassed, Captain Loch and his brave followers
pulled on hour after hour against the stream. Often they had to pass
over downfalls and rapids, when it was only by the greatest exertions
the heavy boats could in any way be forced along, and in this service
Lieut. Scott, First of the 'Vixen,' showed the most praiseworthy zeal
and gallantry. At night they rested, but at an early hour again each
morning they recommenced their exertions, and at length, after a most
fatiguing pull of 72 hours, they anchored a short distance below the
fort. Here a most melancholy accident occurred, which threw a gloom
over the whole band.--A friend of Mr. Walker's had accompanied him in
his boat, and in the night, by some chance, he slipped overboard, and
was swept down the stream by the rapid current. Mr. Walker heard his
despairing cry for help, and regardless of the risk he ran, he leaped
overboard in the boiling waters, in the vain hope of saving him. He,
too, was at once whirled away by the current, and carried far away,
before, by any possibility, assistance could be afforded him: both
gentlemen thus unhappily losing their lives. Early on the morning of
the 12th of February, the expedition got under weigh, and proceeded
up towards the fort. Captain Loch and Commander Ryder went on ahead
in their gigs, in order to communicate with Colonel Salas, and to
state the object of Her Majesty's forces being in the river. No
sooner, however, were they seen from the fort than they were fired at
by two guns, and directly afterwards, by musketry from both sides of
the river. As this act effectually prevented any peaceable
arrangements, Captain Loch immediately ordered up the boats for the
purpose of storming the fort. The two gigs then took the lead,
followed pretty closely by some of the lighter-pulling boats,
consisting of a spare pinnace, commanded by Lieut. Johnston, H.M.S.
'Alarm,' containing some of the 38th Regiment, the 'Alarm's' barge,
commanded by Lieut. Ridge and First-lieut. Boyle of the Royal
Marines, with a part of his detachment, and the 'Vixen's' port
paddle-box boat, with the head-quarters of the detachment of that
regiment, commanded by Captain Smith. On they went, pulling against
the rapid current, which, as they advanced, grew still stronger, and
exposed all the time to a hot fire of musketry from men concealed
behind both banks of the river, so that there was little use even in
attempting to return it. From this severe fire several men were
wounded, and one officer very severely--Mr. H. Turner,
midshipman--and two killed. The boats were also almost riddled with
shot, and nearly half the oars were broken; and it seems surprising,
considering also their crowded state, with the millstream rate of the
current, that a greater number of casualties did not occur. In this
exposed position, often appearing to be quite stationary, they had to
pull one hour and forty minutes before they were enabled to pass the
batteries sufficiently high to drop down to the landing-place
previously mentioned.
By this time nearly all the boats were up, and Captain Loch gave the
order to land, he himself leading the way, accompanied by
First-lieut. Boyle and the Royal Marines of his ship, who, with his
detachment, acted as his guard, and showed an example of gallantry
which his men were not slow to follow. Captain Smith, commanding the
detachment of H.M. 38th Regiment, was near him on landing, and
Commander Ryder, at the head of his division, was close to him, while
Lieuts. Johnston and Ridge, of the 'Alarm,' led on their men in
gallant style. The boats' crews uttered a truly British cheer, as
they leaped on shore and gallantly charged the enemy. The
Nicaraguans withstood them for some time, but the cutlass and pistol
soon did their work, and in ten minutes they had taken to flight, and
the British flag was hoisted on the fort. One of the first on shore
was a seaman of the 'Vixen' (Denis Burke, stoker), who quickly fought
his way up to the enemy's colours, and captured them. As the enemy
fled, the British pursued them into the thick woods, but after they
had been chased for about thirty minutes, Captain Loch considering
that they had been sufficiently punished, ordered the recall to be
sounded. They then destroyed the stockades, spiked the guns, broke
the trunnions, and threw them, together with all the muskets and
ammunition left behind, into the river. The force was next embarked,
when the whole of the defences were set on fire. Owing to the
density of the cover into which the enemy retreated, it was difficult
to ascertain their loss--but twenty were found dead, and probably
twice that number were wounded. The enemy's force had consisted of
about 200 soldiers, besides some boatmen pressed by Colonel Salas
into his service. Two officers were taken prisoners, who were sent
on board the ships, and seven men were captured, who were distributed
among the boats, to act as pilots in their perilous descent of the
river. This, however, was fortunately accomplished without any
accident. Captain Loch, besides the officers already mentioned,
speaks in his despatch of Mr. Martin, purser of the 'Alarm,' who
accompanied him in his gig, and was of the greatest value and
assistance; of Mr. Collins, purser of the 'Vixen,' who was a
volunteer in the head-quarter port paddle-box boat; the Hon. H. A.
Moreton, mate of the 'Alarm,' who commanded the pinnace; Mr. Tyler,
mate of the same ship; Mr. N. C. B. Turner, midshipman of 'Vixen,'
who was badly wounded; and Mr. F. A. Dewdney, midshipman, also of
'Vixen.' The British loss consisted of two men killed and one
officer and twelve men wounded.
From the dangers to which the party were exposed, and the
difficulties they overcame, this affair may well be considered as one
of the most gallant among those we have to record.
RECAPTURE OF THE BRIG "THREE SISTERS"
FROM THE RIFF PIRATES,
BY H.M.S. 'POLYPHEMUS,' COMMANDER J. M'CLEVERTY,
1848.
The empire of Morocco, occupying the north-west corner of the African
coast, and lying between the 28th and 36th degrees of north latitude,
is divided into the kingdoms of Suse, Morocco, and Fey, which again
are subdivided into provinces. The inhabitants of the province of
Riff, bordering on the Mediterranean, have always been notorious
pirates, and are supposed to have destroyed many merchant vessels
which have not been heard of after approaching that coast. They are
a singularly fine race of men, well formed, active, and powerful, and
prove somewhat untractable subjects of the empire. The circumstances
which led to the gallant affair now to be recorded are as follows:--
On the 31st October, 1848, the merchant brig 'Three Sisters,' left
Gibraltar with a cargo of gunpowder and bale goods for Malta. She
was becalmed on the second day off Cape Tres-Forcas, and while in
this helpless condition several boats were observed pulling towards
her from the shore, each boat pulling from ten to fourteen oars, with
extra hands standing in midships with their long muskets, all ready
for action; and large guns on their gunwales. Soon comprehending
their intentions, and that there was no hope of defending his ship,
the master ordered his crew into their boat, and boldly put out to
open sea, as the only chance of preserving their lives. The pirates
fired a volley at the retreating crew, none of whom were touched; and
for about ten minutes one of the boats chased them, the rest
remaining abreast of the ship firing at her from a distance, and
eventually towing her into a bay ten or twelve miles to the westward
of Cape Tres-Forcas. Making towards the Spanish coast, the boat was
picked up by the brig 'Dawn,' and the intelligence conveyed without
delay to the owners at Gibraltar. They immediately communicated it
to Commander James M'Cleverty, of H.M. steam sloop 'Polyphemus,'
requesting him to take such steps as he thought necessary. The same
evening the 'Polyphemus' started to the Riff coast, and at daylight
ran into Al Khoyamich Bay, and coasted from thence close to the shore
towards Cape Tres Forcas, for the purpose of discovering the brig,
should she have been taken to the westward. At eleven A.M., on the
8th of November, on opening the Point of Calla Tramontana, she was
discovered anchored close to the shore, in a small bay, partly
surrounded by an amphitheatre of precipices, high rocks, and ravines,
all of which places were crowded with men, armed with long muskets,
evidently for the purpose of protecting the brig, which lay
considerably within musket-shot range.
Their boats, seven in number, were hauled upon the beach, and in the
mouths of caverns, with a strong party of armed men, lying under
cover for the protection of part of the cargo, which they had landed.
Their whole force appeared to consist of at least 500 men. As the
'Polyphemus' neared the brig, a fire of musketry was opened upon her
from all points, which she returned with grape, canister and
musketry, sending the pirates flying about in all directions to take
up more secure positions. Having dislodged them from, the beach,
Lieut. Alan H. Gardner volunteered to take the cutter, with a hawser,
and weigh the brig's anchor, so as to take her in tow. Just at this
time a fire was opened from a gun, supposed to be a 6 or 9-pounder,
and as the stern of the steamer was unavoidably towards the nearest
point of low rocks, and therefore she could make no return, the
pirates were encouraged to approach quite close, and open a
well-directed fire of musketry, which unfortunately severely wounded
Lieut. Edward Wasey, and slightly two seamen on board the ship; and
one seaman severely in the cutter. Nevertheless Lieut. Gardner
performed his mission gallantly, and having taken the brig in tow,
the 'Polyphemus' steamed to sea. Captain M'Cleverty refrained from
landing to burn the boats, as from the secure position taken up by so
large a body of well-armed men, it would inevitably have been
attended with great loss of life to the British, and they had already
been rendered unserviceable by the fire of the steamer's great guns.
ACTION WITH THE RIFF PIRATES,
BY H.M.S. FRIGATE 'JANUS,' COMMANDER POWELL,
1851.
The Moorish pirates soon forgot the severe lesson they had received
from the fire of the 'Polyphemus,' and continued their depredations.
Amongst other vessels captured in 1851, were the schooner 'Emelia,'
and the brigantine 'Violet.' The latter had carried away her
fore-top-mast, and as it was blowing fresh, she stretched across to
get under shelter of the Riff coast. When within 15 miles of it, she
was becalmed about one o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, 5th
October. Four boats then rowed towards them with about 150 men: when
about 300 yards off, they lay to on their oars to ascertain whether
the brig was armed, and being satisfied on this point, they towed up
alongside, two boats on the port and two on the starboard side, and
hailed to ask whether the brig were French or English, at the same
time commencing so hot a fire that the crew could not get aft to
hoist the ensign.
The master was badly wounded, and a seaman shot dead; and, after
searching the vessel, the pirates gave the crew charge of her, to
take her into the land. Seven more boats came out to meet them, all
well armed, and a scuffle ensued amongst the pirates, as to who
should take possession, which ended in one man out of each boat
coming on board, and the rest taking the vessel in tow. After three
days and three nights, they reached a bay where the crew were ordered
to let go the anchor, and furl sails. They were then sold to a chief
Shereef Alhadary, who came on board, and who treated them with
humanity, and would have sent them back to their vessel had not his
people threatened to shoot them. The master died of his wounds, and
the owner of the brig also.
The four surviving seamen were marched to the chief's house. In the
mean time rumours of the capture of the two vessels had reached
Gibraltar, and H.M.'s steam frigate 'Janus,' Commander Powell,
started from Gibraltar on the 17th October, and reached the Riff
coast on the 18th. She found the 'Emelia' a wreck on the beach,
stripped by the Moors, and after totally destroying the piratical
boats with shot and shell, set out for Cape Tres-Forcas. There she
found the ribs of the 'Violet,' and prepared immediately to attack
the pirate fleet; but the overwhelming numbers of the pirates
compelled the British to re-embark and return to their ship, which
during the contest had been firing shot and shell. Commander Powell
was severely though not dangerously wounded, and seven men were also
wounded, four of them dangerously. Through the intervention of
H.B.M.'s Consul at Tangiers, Mr. H. Drummond Hay, the survivors of
the 'Violet' were at length liberated, and embarked on board H.M.'s
ship 'Dragon,' to be conveyed to Gibraltar on the 10th January.
DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE FLEET,
BY COMMANDER FARQUHAR,
July, 1849.
The efforts of Sir James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, to establish a
peaceable and commercial community on the coasts of Borneo, had been
greatly impeded by the sanguinary onslaughts of bands of pirates, who
massacred or led into captivity all who came in their way, burning
their ships and villages, and committing the most horrible
barbarities.
The season when those worst of barbarians, the pirates of the Indian
seas, commence their operations having arrived, and their fleets
being known to be at sea, an expedition was prepared to chastise
them. The force consisted of Her Majesty's brigs 'Albatross' and
'Royalist,' H.E.I.C. steamer 'Nemesis,' and the steam-tender 'Ranee,'
under the orders of Commander Farquhar. To these was joined a native
flotilla under Rajah Brooke. The force took up a position across the
mouth of the Sarebas River, the inhabitants of which district were
known to have been marked out for massacre. In this position they
remained until the evening of the 30th, when tidings were brought
that the pirates had attacked Palo, and after threatening destruction
to the inhabitants unless they supplied them with salt, had gone to a
river named Si Maring, where they were then lying. On the evening of
the 31st, the 'Ular,' one of the scout-boats, arrived with the
intelligence that the pirate fleet was advancing in full force. In
about 15 minutes all were in motion to meet them, the 'Nemesis'
proceeding seaward to command them, and prevent their escape to sea.
As soon as she was descried by the pirates, they made at once for the
Kaluka River, where their progress was intercepted by the native
boats, and those commanded by Lieutenants Welmshurst and Everest.
The pirates then, as a dernier resort, made a dash to reach their own
river, when they came in immediate contact with the men-of-war boats,
and the action became general. It was now dark, and the great danger
was that of firing into each other, or into the native allies. The
pass-word selected was "Rajah," and the Malays screamed this out at
the top of their voices when they thought any of the Europeans were
near them. Commander Farquhar, who directed the operations, was in
the midst of the _mêlée_, giving orders, and exhorting the crews of
the various boats to be careful and not to fire into each other. Two
large prahus were seen by the Commander escaping seaward, and the
steam-tender was ordered to chase; the nearest one, having barely
escaped one of her six-pounder rockets, made for the river, and met a
pirate's doom. The 'Nemesis,' which had been dealing death and
destruction to all around her, ran her down, and the scene which took
place, as her crew, above 60 in number, came in contact with the
paddle-wheels, was fearful. A large Congreve rocket from, the little
steamer entered the prahu that had continued out to sea, and rendered
her destruction complete. A signal was now made to close.
A rapid running fire was kept up along the margin of the bay, which,
having gradually subsided at half-past 12 on the morning of the 1st
July, Commander Farquhar ordered the boats of the various vessels in
tow; and having sent the 'Ranee' with despatches to Sir James Brooke,
then in some part of the Kaluka River, commenced the ascent of the
Sarebas, to prevent the escape of the pirates by the Rembas branch.
At daylight the bay was one mass of wreck; shields, spears, and
portions of destroyed prahus extended as far as the eye could reach,
whilst on the sandy spit which extends a considerable distance
seaward, on the left bank of the Sarebas, were upwards of 70 prahus,
which the natives were busy clearing of all valuables and destroying.
The punishment inflicted on these fierce barbarians was most
complete. Of 120 prahus which are said to have started on the
expedition, and all of which were in the bay on the preceding
evening, more than 80 were destroyed, and the loss of life on their
side must have been immense--scarcely under 1,200 men. On the part
of the British, saving a few slight casualties, all were unscathed.
No more convincing proof of the inhuman disposition of the pirates
need be cited than the fact, that the bodies of women were found on
the beach decapitated and gashed from the shoulder to the foot.
These are supposed to have been captives taken by the pirates in the
expedition from which they were returning. The force having
rejoined, sailed up the river, and destroyed a piratical town, some
villages and war-prahus; they then passed up the Rejang River, and
severely chastised the natives, who were known to be addicted to
piracy. Some prisoners were secured, among whom was a child
apparently of European origin. In other districts hostages were
taken for the future peaceable demeanour of the inhabitants. It was
hoped that this severe example would check their piratical habits
effectually, and give an opportunity to the nascent civilization of
those regions to develop itself. Nevertheless the occurrence gave
rise to severe animadversions at home, and it was represented in some
quarters as an unjustifiable massacre, dictated by motives personal
to Sir James Brooke.
THE DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS,
December 26th, 1851.
DESCRIPTION OF LAGOS.
The town of Lagos, built at the mouth of the River Ogun, which
debouches in the Bight of Benin, is a healthy place, and well
situated for trade. It is the seaport also of Abbeokuta, a town of
considerable dimensions, 60 miles inland from it, and which it is
hoped will become a very important place now that Lagos is open for
legal commerce. The River Ogun is navigable for vessels for some
burden as high as Abbeokuta, but it was formerly entirely closed by
the people of Lagos to all trade except that in slaves. Abbeokuta is
in the Toruba country, a most fertile tract, far larger than England,
and it is about 150 miles from Abomey, the capital of Dahomey, while
Lagos is on the other side of it. Clapperton, who passed through the
country in 1825, describes it as rich and fertile, well supplied with
native manufactures, and free from the curse of the slave-trade, the
people living happily in perfect peace and security. Shortly
afterwards, however, it was ravaged by slave-trade wars, and the
peace and prosperity he witnessed was succeeded by the most frightful
atrocities and devastation. Within the last 30 years not a single
house stood at Abbeokuta; the natural strength of its situation,
however, pointed it out as a place of refuge from the curse that was
desolating the country, and the remnant of the population of no less
than 130 towns assembled together for mutual security. Abbeokuta now
contains at least 50,000 inhabitants.
Since 1839 the gradual diminution of the slave-trade effected by the
British squadron had favoured the progress of agriculture, and
secured another interval of rest and peace for the country; when, in
1840, a movement commenced, which appears to be providentially
directed to exercise a powerful influence over the destinies of
Africa.
A very large number of the Toruba tribe, who during the wars spoken
of had been shipped as slaves at Lagos, were captured by English
cruizers, and liberated in Sierra Leone, where they imbibed the
habits of civilized life, while their hearts still yearned towards
their native land.
In 1840, fifteen of the Toruba people were deputed by the rest to
visit their country, in order to obtain information relative to its
state. They landed at Lagos, where they were treated with great
cruelty by the slave-dealers. They were robbed of their property,
and some lives were lost. The remainder escaped into the interior,
and reached Abbeokuta, which, to their surprise, they found had
sprung up on a spot where no habitation had existed formerly. They
then embarked at Badagry, and returned to Sierra Leone, carrying with
them the intelligence that the country was comparatively safe, and
that they had been most kindly received by the inhabitants. In 1841
a number of these people, clubbing together, returned to their native
country, and others following, 3,000 British subjects are now settled
in Abbeokuta, and others at Badagry, the only available seaport to it
while Lagos prevented the navigation of the Ogan.
In 1845 the Church Missionary Society formed an establishment at
Abbeokuta, under the title of the Toruba Mission, with a branch at
Badagry, and far distant from British protection, six or seven
missionaries are now devoting their lives to the great work
Providence has opened to them in the heart of Africa.
The Rev. Samuel Crowther, one of the mission, is himself a native of
the Toruba country. In a midnight attack upon his town, when quite a
child, he was carried off as a slave. The vessel he was shipped in
was captured by a British cruiser, and after being liberated at
Sierre Leone, he was educated at the Church Missionary school. He
then became a schoolmaster; and, after several years' trial, he was
sent to England for ordination, and then proceeded to his native land
to Christianize his fellow-countrymen. One of the first persons he
met was his own mother, and she was his first convert. Thus by the
wonderful dispensation of Providence, slaves torn from their homes
and their country have traversed 1,500 miles by sea, to return
Christian and civilized men, and to spread these blessings over the
land of their birth.
Now as the power of the king of Dahomey depends on the success of his
slave wars, which have been the source of his wealth, the influence
Abbeokuta was spreading adverse to the slave-trade was too important
to be longer neglected, and he therefore, with a great army, suddenly
appeared before its walls in March, 1851. The attack, however, was
expected, and the Dahoman army was utterly defeated.
This event was followed by an attack on Badagry by the chief of
Lagos, when an Englishman and a Krooman were killed, and a large
amount of English property destroyed. Since his defeat the king of
Dahomey had been preparing for the destruction of Abbeokuta, in which
he was to be aided by the chief of Lagos. The people of Lagos had
long been trained to arms in their habitual slave wars, and they
possessed at least 5,000 muskets and 60 pieces of cannon.
From these facts, added to which they had 100 armed canoes, we may
estimate the enormous power of mischief possessed by Lagos over the
comparatively defenceless country around. It therefore, for the
cause of humanity, became very important that a check should be given
to the proceeding of the chief of Lagos. Indeed, as a nest of piracy
and plunder, the destruction of Lagos was a duty owing by civilized
nations to themselves. Indeed, the treatment of the liberated
Africans in 1840, the destruction of English life and property at
Badagry, and the constant buying and selling of the people of Sierra
Leone, and other outrages, loudly called for redress. Indeed, common
justice to the heroic devotion of British officers and men at Lagos
requires that the great importance of this enterprise should be fully
understood by the people of England, who have so long demanded the
suppression of the slave-trade, and who will not fail to appreciate
the gallant struggle which has struck the death-blow to the last
remnant of the crime over 2,500 miles of coast.
The more immediate cause of the attack on Lagos appears to have been
in consequence of an application made for assistance by Akitoye, the
lawful chief of Lagos, to Mr. Beecroft, the British Consul for the
Bights of Benin, residing at Fernando Po.
Akitoye, the younger of two brothers, had, by his father's will,
succeeded as king of Lagos. The elder Kosoko had been, for
misbehaviour, banished. After the death of the old king, Akitoye
recalled Kosoko, and took him into favour; but Kosoko, bribing the
army, usurped the government and drove Akitoye to take refuge at
Badagry. On this Kosoko prepared to attack Badagry, and had he been
successful would doubtlessly, as he intended, have attacked Abbeokuta
also, and given a blow to the advance of Christianity and
civilization in Africa, from which it would have taken her long to
recover. On this account Mr. Beecroft felt it his duty to apply to
the senior officer on the coast for a force to destroy Lagos, his
movements being hurried by hearing that the king of Dahomey had sent
1,000 picked troops for its support.
FIRST EXPEDITION TO LAGOS, AND ATTACK ON THE
'BLOODHOUND' AND BOATS OF THE SQUADRON BY THE
FOLLOWERS OF KOSOKO.
After Akitoye had escaped to Badagry, when he was in danger of being
pursued by his brother, he applied to Mr. Beecroft for British
protection, if not for assistance to restore him to his government.
The Commodore, on receiving Mr. Beecroft's report, and believing that
Kosoko would not venture to offer any annoyance, despatched the
'Bloodhound,' with a few boats in tow, to accompany Mr. Beecroft,
with a flag-of-truce up the river Ogan to Lagos, the seat of his
government. Mr. Beecroft was directed to represent to Kosoko that he
came as a messenger of peace to advise and negotiate with him, but in
no way to commit any act of hostility. Indeed the strength of the
squadron of boats was totally inadequate for any such purpose.
Kosoko, however, somewhat naturally, did not comprehend this system
of proceeding. Seeing a steamer and eighteen armed boats coming up
towards his town, he disregarded the flag-of-truce, and became firmly
impressed with the idea that they had hostile intentions. Instantly
collecting his war-canoes, a very considerable and formidable fleet
was got together to retard the advance of the supposed enemy, while
the barracoons at the side of the river and every available spot was
lined with his troops, well armed with muskets, and possessed of no
small number of great guns. As the 'Bloodhound' and boats,
therefore, advanced up the river, in spite of the flag-of-truce, they
encountered a severe fire from the concealed batteries along the
whole line of the shore. Still steadily on they went, returning the
fire with interest from their own guns till they got abreast of the
town. A desperate and gallant dash was then made for the shore.
Some of the stockades were carried, the enemy driven back, and the
town entered and fired; but again the negroes rallied and came down
in overwhelming numbers on the British. It was soon evident that
their force was inadequate to hold the place: two officers were
already killed and several men wounded. Unwillingly, therefore, they
were compelled to retreat, and gaining their boats, pulled out of
gun-shot, and anchored till the following morning. They then left
the river, well assured that the treachery of Kosoko would speedily
be punished.
SECOND ATTACK ON AND DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS,
December 26th, 1851.
The first expedition against Lagos having failed solely from want of
sufficient force to keep possession of the town, Commodore Bruce
resolved, as soon as he could collect a sufficient number of vessels,
to send one of ample strength and thoroughly organized, which should
not fail to drive the slave-dealing chief, Kosoko, from his
stronghold.
The British squadron which, towards the end of December, the
commodore had assembled off Lagos, consisted of H.M.S. 'Penelope,'
46, flag-ship of Commodore Bruce, Captain H. Lyster; H.M.S.
'Sampson,' 68, Captain Lewis T. Jones; H.M.S. 'Waterwitch,' 8,
Commander A. Gardner; H.M.S. 'Volcano,' 5, Commander Coote; H.M.S.
'Harlequin,' Commander 'Wilmot; H.M.S. 'Bloodhound,' Lieut. Patey,
tender to 'Sampson;' H.M.S. 'Teazer,' 2, Lieut. Leckie, tender to
'Penelope;' H.M.S. 'Sealark,' 8, Commander Edward J. Southeby. The
smaller of these vessels were able to cross the bar of the river,
while the rest furnished an ample supply of boats for the expedition.
The command was given to Captain Lewis T. Jones, of the 'Sampson,'
with Captain Henry Lyster, of the 'Penelope,' as his second, both
volunteers on the occasion. They were accompanied by Commander
Hillyar, of the 'Penelope,' and Lieut. Saumarez, of the 'Sampson.'
An iron boat with rockets, belonging to Mr. Beecroft, which was also
sent, was commanded by Lieut. John Corbett, and two paddle-box boats,
by Lieutenants Edward Marshall and F. D. Rich. Everything being
ready by the 23rd of December, Captain L. T. Jones anchored the
'Sampson' at the back of the surf, in the most advantageous position
for throwing shells occasionally across the lagoon into the town. He
then crossed the bar of the Ogan with the boats of the 'Sampson' and
some of the other vessels, preceded by the 'Bloodhound,' and anchored
off Point Bruce for the night. On the morning of the 24th, on
landing on the shore some way from the town, he found Mr. Beecroft
with the ex-king, Akitoye, who had arrived just before, bringing with
him from Badagry and Abbeokuta some 500 men; while others, who came
in through the course of the day, made their numbers amount in all to
640. Having mustered and inspected these troops, Captain Jones
distributed to them, as a mark of recognition, a white neck-tie, with
which they seemed much pleased. He likewise ordered that they should
be supplied with three days' bread from the 'Bloodhound.'
At 2 P.M. the 'Bloodhound' weighed, and crossed to the opposite side
of the river, where the boats of the 'Sampson,' under the orders of
Lieut. Thomas Saumarez, were sent to launch all the canoes at the
slave-station on the left bank worth bringing off. At 3 Lieut.
Saumarez returned, having in a very short time launched seven large
and two small canoes--a most desirable acquisition for the conveyance
of the auxiliary forces. The landing party was covered by the guns
of the 'Bloodhound,' firing to the right and left, and over the heads
of the men, to check the advance of an armed force seen from the
mast-head approaching. This service accomplished, the 'Bloodhound'
dropped up the stream with the tide, for the purpose of gaining a
knowledge of the navigation of the river, and of examining the lines
of defence. The line of sea-defence extended from the south point of
the island of Lagos to the north point, along the west point, a
distance of nearly two miles; and in parts where the water was
sufficiently deep for boats to land, stakes, in double rows, were
driven in 6-feet water; and along the whole of this distance an
embankment and ditch for the protection of infantry, and at chosen
points exceedingly strong stockades, made from stout cocoa-nut trees,
were erected for guns, the guns being laid for the difficult points
of the passage. Twenty-five guns were found to be so placed. As the
'Bloodhound' ascended the river, three guns from the south end of the
island opened on her, the fire being very well directed, but faulty
in elevation. As her commander now knew the channel, he was able to
return under steam. At 3.30 P.M., she, according to agreement,
accompanying the boats of the 'Penelope,' was seen crossing the bar;
and at 5 the 'Bloodhound' and 'Teazer' anchored near together, out of
range of the enemy's shot. Captain Lyster, then on board the
'Bloodhound,' arranged with Captain Jones the plan of attack. They
decided that the auxiliaries should keep on the right bank of the
river, proceeding up as the steam-vessels advanced; then that the
steamers and boats should pass the line of defences as quickly as
possible; and then, keeping round the north of the island, should at
that point make the grand attack. It was there that the king Kosoko
and the slave-dealers resided; and it was considered right that they
should be the first to receive punishment. The day was now too far
advanced to commence the attack; and the following day, the 25th,
being Christmas-day, it was resolved that it should be spent as
quietly as possible, and be a day of rest. This it was, except that
the enemy wasted a vast quantity of ammunition by firing their guns
at the squadron, which was far beyond their range.
At dawn of day on the 26th the 'Bloodhound' weighed, accompanied by
the 'Sampson's' boats in two divisions, the one preceding, the other
following, and proceeded up the river. The 'Teazer' came directly
after her, with the boats of the 'Penelope' arranged in the same
order, and accompanied by Mr. Beecroft's iron boat 'Victor,' fitted
for rockets. As soon as the vessels got within range, the enemy
opened a fire of great guns and musketry from the whole line of the
embankment, which was filled with men; but so well sheltered were
they, that the muzzles of their muskets only were visible. This fire
was returned by the steamers with their great guns only, and though
with very beautiful precision, yet with very little apparent effect;
indeed, from the soft nature of the green wood of which the stockades
were composed, the shot could not do them much injury, while the guns
themselves, being retired, could not be seen. At 7.20 A.M. the
'Bloodhound' and her division of boats had passed the north-west
point, and in trying to get round the north point, grounded in 8
feet. The black pilot, John Johns, was in no respect to blame for
this, as the channel had filled up since he was there last. Mr.
Beecroft, who was on board with his interpreter Richards, had also
been assisting in piloting the steamer. She had hitherto carried
three fathom all the way up; but now, on sounding, it was found
impossible to get further. Anchors were, therefore, immediately laid
out to heave her off. During this time a very beautiful and
deliberate fire was kept up from her 18-pounder, directed by Mr.
Barry, the gunner, and from her 12-pounder howitzer by Lieut.
M'Arthur, R.M.A., with shrapnel and common shells, by which means the
enemy's great guns abreast of her were silenced. Nothing, however,
could put an end to the perpetual showers of musketry which the
blacks kept discharging at the vessel. The greater part of the
balls, however, fell short; but every now and then one or two would
fall on board, and hit the men slightly. As they were of necessity
very much exposed, very few escaped a slight touch. Meantime the
'Teazer,' in following the 'Bloodhound,' had also grounded at a
considerable distance from her, so that the two vessels could afford
no support to each other. While the 'Bloodhound' remained on shore,
the division of boats under Captain Jones continued to throw shot and
shell as any movement was observed on shore, and to check the
operations of the enemy, who had succeeded in bringing a gun under
shelter to bear, the shot at each discharge coming nearer and nearer,
though the gun itself could not be seen. At 10 A.M. Captain Jones
despatched Lieut. T. Saumarez in command of the 'Sampson's'
gun-boats, viz., first and second life-boats and pinnace, round the
north-east point, to ascertain the strength and position of the guns
on that side the island. As they neared the stockades, a fire from
four guns in a strong position was immediately opened on them. This
fire was returned from the life-boats and pinnace by the 24 and
12-pound howitzers with such good effect as to have upset and turned
out of its carriage one of these guns.
The object of ascertaining the position of the guns on the north-east
side being attained, the boats were recalled, as it became requisite
to reserve the ammunition and shells for the grand assault, when the
other division under Captain Lyster should have joined.
As the fire from gingals, petrals, and muskets continued from the
ditch and embankment abreast of the ship, and as the enemy were
observed trying to bring their guns into position, at 2.30 Lieut.
Thomas Saumarez, with the boats of the 'Sampson,' accompanied by
Lieut. E. M'Arthur, R.M.A., in command of the marine artillery, was
despatched to attempt a landing and to spike the guns. They did all
that men could do; but it was found impossible to make their way
through the showers of musketry opened against them. Mr. Richards, a
gallant young midshipman, was mortally wounded, and 10 men severely
wounded; while so hot was the fire, that there seemed every prospect
of the whole party being cut off. Still they bravely persevered.
While undaunted efforts were being made to get on shore, Mr. William
J. Stivey,[1] carpenter of the 'Sampson,' setting a noble example,
which others followed, leaped on shore, and, axe in hand, hewed
manfully away at the stakes to make a passage for the boats to go
through them. All, however, was in vain; their numbers were thinning
rapidly, and at length Lieut. Saumarez himself, being hit in three
places, reluctantly, but very properly, gave the signal for return.
The remainder of the day was spent in throwing shot and shell, as
circumstances required, so as to prevent any guns being moved against
the steamer. The nearest shot passed about 10 yards astern of her.
We must now return to the 'Teazer,' and the operations connected with
her. As soon as she grounded, Captain Lyster ordered the anchor to
be run out immediately, and kept up a steady fire from the ship and
boats. At half-past 8 the water seemed to rise, and all the
exertions of her own crew, and the crews of the boats accompanying
her, failed to get her off, up to this time her 32-pounder bore on
the enemy's battery, and kept it in check, but it was not long before
two guns were brought to a stockade, about a point on her quarter,
and in a position which none of the 'Teazer's' guns could reach.
These guns were admirably served, and it soon became evident that
they would destroy the vessel before the tide rose again. Under
these circumstances but one of two courses remained, either to blow
up the 'Teazer,' to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy,
should the expedition have ultimately failed, or to land and destroy
the guns annoying her. As may be supposed, Captain Lyster, supported
by Commander Hillyar and the other officers with him, were not very
long in deciding on the course to be pursued. Not a doubt existed on
the minds of any of them of the success of the proposed plan, but all
were aware of the great loss of life they would too probably suffer
in carrying it into execution. The following boats were at once
formed in line abreast, ready for the attack:--
1, gig, Captain Lyster, Mr. Wroughton, midshipman; 2, whaleboat,
Commander Hillyar, Mr. Park, midshipman; 3, 1st lifeboat, Lieut. P.
Marshall, Mr. Puddicombe, midshipman; 4, 2nd lifeboat, Lieut. E. D.
Rich, Mr. E. Brown, naval cadet, Mr. Wilson, carpenter; 5, Victoria
(rocket-boat), Lieut. J. Corbett, Mr. Gillham, master's assistant,
Mr. B. F. B. Clark, master's assistant, Mr. James Blight, boatswain;
6, pinnace, Mr. H. Hathorn, mate; 7, 1st cutter, Mr. S. B. Balfour,
acting mate. Mr. H. A. Dewar, gunner; 8, 2nd cutter, Mr. F. R.
Fletcher, midshipman.
All being ready, the boats, as before mentioned in line abreast,
pulled in towards the stockade, where the best place for landing
appeared to exist, keeping up all the time a continued fire of
spherical, grape, and canister shot. As the boats touched the shore,
they received a discharge directly in their faces, of some 1,500
muskets, but, notwithstanding this, they undauntedly landed, and
forming on the beach, after some severe fighting they forced their
way into the stockade, driving out the enemy, who fled into the thick
bush close to the rear of it. Among those who landed and charged
with Captain Lyster were Mr. Walling and Mr. Spruole, surgeons of the
'Penelope,' and who afterwards exposed themselves equally in their
attendance on the wounded under fire. Scarcely had the blacks
retreated than Lieut. Corbett rushed ahead, and spiked all the guns
in the fort.
This object being accomplished, Captain Lyster issued orders for the
re-embarkation of the party, but scarcely had he done so, when it was
discovered that the enemy having made a desperate rush at the 1st
life-boat, had succeeded in getting hold of her, and were tracking
her along the beach towards the spot where the guns were posted which
had first opened on the 'Teazer.' On seeing this, the British,
headed by their gallant leader, Captain Lyster, hurried down to the
shore for the purpose of retaking her, but some delay occurred in
consequence of having to divide her crew of 60 men among the other
boats, which somewhat crowded them. The enemy, on seeing this,
rushed back from their concealment in the woods, by swarms, and
poured in a destructive crushing fire on the boats, at pistol range.
On this occasion, a gallant young officer, Mr. F. B. Fletcher,
midshipman, in command of the second cutter, and who had charge of
the boats while on shore, was shot through the head and killed.
Several officers and men had before been wounded on shore, among whom
was Lieut. Williams of the Marine Artillery, who, though hit in three
places, had continued at the head of his men till they returned to
the boats. Commander Hillyar was also wounded, and very many of the
men were killed. Among the latter was James Webb, gunner's mate,
belonging to the first life-boat. When he saw that she was likely to
fall into the hands of the blacks, he made a desperate attempt to
spike her guns, but while thus engaged, he was cut down by the enemy
and mortally wounded. While Commander Hillyar was arranging the
boats, so that they might keep up their fire as they retreated to the
'Teazer,' some of the Kroomen on board Mr. Beecroft's 'Victoria,' let
go her anchor, and there she lay exposed entirely to the fire of the
blacks. On seeing this Captain Lyster pulled back to her to learn
what was the matter--"What has occurred now?" he asked of Mr. Blight,
the boatswain. "The Kroomen let go the anchor without orders," he
replied. "Then slip your cable and get out of this," exclaimed
Captain Lyster. "It's a chain-cable, clenched to the bottom, and we
can't unshackle it," replied Mr. Blight. On hearing this
disheartening intelligence, Captain Lyster jumped on board to see
what assistance he could render. Just then, Lieut. Corbett staggered
up towards the stern, exclaiming, "I have done it, and am alive!" In
truth, he had cut the chain-cable with a cold chisel, and in so
doing, while leaning over the bows of the boat, had received five
different wounds, which, with the addition of a severe one received
on shore, rendered him almost helpless. His right arm was hanging to
his side, but he still with his left worked away, and assisted in
getting the 'Victoria' off to the 'Teazer.' While Captain Lyster was
leaving the 'Victoria' to get into his own boat, he was shot in the
back with a musket-ball. On account of the hot fire to which they
were still exposed, and the number of men already killed and wounded,
he judged that he should not be justified in attempting to recover
the life-boat on that occasion. Leaving her, therefore, on the
beach, the party returned to the 'Teazer.' The people who had at
first got possession of the life-boat had afterwards abandoned her,
but they now returned, and some 40 or 50 got into her, intending to
carry her off. Seeing this, Mr. Balfour, acting-mate, assisted by
Mr. Dewar, gunner, pulling back to the shore in the first cutter,
threw a rocket towards her, and so well directed was it, that it
entered her magazine, and blew it up. As soon as the party got back
to the 'Teazer' (having now pretty well silenced the fire of the
enemy), they set to work to get all the provisions out of her, and
then having thrown overboard all her coals, with the exception of 10
tons, they contrived to shore her up, to await the rising of the
tide. At length their exertions were crowned with success, and at
sunset they succeeded in heaving her off. Then getting up the steam,
they anchored out of gun-shot for the night.
On this unfortunate occasion there were no less than 13 men killed
belonging to H.M.S. 'Penelope,' besides Mr. Fletcher and Mr. H. M.
Gillham, master's assistant, who afterwards died of his wounds; while
Captain Lyster, Commander Hillyar, Lieut. Corbett, and First-lieut.
of Marines, J. W. C. Williams, were wounded severely, together with
57 men of the 'Penelope,' and 2 of the 'Teazer,' most of them also
very severely wounded. Crowded together in so small a vessel during
the night, the poor fellows suffered severely, though the medical
officers of the expedition, Mr. R. Carpenter, senior surgeon, Mr.
Walling, assistant-surgeon of 'Penelope,' Dr. Barclay,
acting-surgeon, and Dr. Sproule, assistant-surgeon, exerted
themselves to their very utmost in the performance of their duty on
the wounded. During the day they had never flinched from exposing
their own lives, as, in the midst of the fire, they stepped from boat
to boat to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded and dying.
Soon after 7 o'clock in the morning, the 'Teazer' was got under
weigh, and finding the right channel, steamed up towards the
'Bloodhound,' with the squadron of boats in her company. As soon as
she was seen from the 'Bloodhound,' Captain Jones ordered that the
guns of the 'Bloodhound's' gun-boats, should open a deliberate
flanking fire on the west part of the enemy's defences, and he then
sent a boat under Mr. Bullen, his clerk, who was acting as his
aid-de-camp, to point out to Captain Lyster the position in which he
wished the 'Teazer' to be anchored. At 8.10 the 'Teazer' having
anchored, Captain Jones pulled on board her, to consult further with
Captain Lyster on their plan of proceeding. The rocket-boats were
then ordered to take up a position to the northward of the
'Bloodhound.' This was quickly done, and Lieut. Marshall threw some
rockets with beautiful effect, setting fire to several houses, among
which, to the satisfaction of all, was that of the Prime Minister
Tappis. When this was seen, a hearty and spontaneous cheer ran
through the whole squadron for the crew of the rocket-boat who had
thus punished the chief instigator of the former attack on the
British boats. After this, the rocket-boat shifted her position
ahead of the 'Teazer,' and a general but deliberate fire was opened
from the whole force. At 10:45 Lieut. Marshall threw a rocket which
struck the battery below Tappis's house, and at the same time a shot
from the 'Teazer' capsized the gun. The firing became still more
rapid--an awful explosion ensued--a magazine of the enemy's had blown
up, and from this moment the fate of Lagos was decided, house after
house caught fire, and the whole town was shortly in a general blaze.
At half-past 10 A.M:., Commander Coote was seen coming up the river
with the boats of the 'Volcano,' and at a quarter before 2 Commander
Gardner, with the boats of the 'Waterwitch,' joined the expedition.
At a quarter before 3, Commander Coote was despatched with the
gun-boats of the squadron, and accompanied by the rocket-boat, to
attack Kosoko's house, with directions, however, to fire only a few
rounds, Captain Jones being unwilling further to destroy the town,
which, it was very evident, must soon fall into the possession of the
British and their allies. The boats being recalled, the firing
ceased, and a summons was sent to Kosoko, by a friendly chief,
belonging to the Island of Eschalli, with a flag-of-truce, urging him
to capitulate. He was allowed till Monday morning to consider the
proposals of the British Commander. All acts of hostility were to
cease till then.
The following day was Sunday, and Captain Jones determined to make it
a day of rest, provided the enemy showed no signs of hostility. "He
felt it" (as he observes) "as a national question that they should
duly observe the Sabbath." Every preparation, however, was made for
the final assault, which it was intended should take place on the
following day, should Kosoko still reject the proffered terms.
During the whole of the day canoes from the north-east side of Lagos
were observed crossing to the island of Echalli, loaded with
furniture and household goods, but they were not stopped, though a
jolly-boat might have hindered them, as Captain Jones considered it a
matter of no consequence on which side of the river the property of
the inhabitants remained, especially that of persons flying for their
lives. He also wished to show the people that the British had not
come to plunder, but that their sole object was to stop the
slave-trade. At 3:45 it was ascertained that Kosoko and his
followers had abandoned the town, and fled into the woods. The women
and children had been sent away some days before, and it now appeared
that Akitoye and 2,000 had absconded during the night in 50 or 60
canoes. Captain Jones therefore sent his aid-de-camp, Mr. Bullen,
with the interpreter, Richard, to the chiefs of the auxiliary forces,
desiring them to close with the canoes, and to escort the rightful
King Akitoye to his house, and to instal him in office, preferring
that those who had remained faithful to him in adversity should have
the satisfaction of acting as his bodyguard in the hour of success.
Akitoye, therefore, and the blacks, who had accompanied him from
Abbeokuta, crossed the river, and took possession of those buildings
which had escaped destruction. Fortunately a creek and swamp,
running some two hundred yards inland from the river, had checked the
flames, and saved the eastern part of the town. The only portion of
the British forces landed was a small body, under Commander Coote,
who went on shore to spike guns.
The next morning he, with Commander Gardner and the boats of the
'Sampson' and 'Penelope,' were employed in a similar way. They
returned in the afternoon, having by extraordinary exertions embarked
or destroyed 52 pieces of ordnance.
On examining the town, desolate as it now appeared, considerable
cleverness was perceptible in the cunning methods devised for
entrapping assailants into ambush. In fact the place in every
respect was far stronger than was supposed, even when this second
attack was planned. Every officer and man engaged in it deserves the
greatest credit for their zeal, courage, and perseverance. There can
be no doubt that its capture struck one of the severest blows the
slave-trade has ever experienced; and that thus, though we must
deplore the sad loss of so many valuable lives, and the amount of
suffering experienced by the wounded, yet we must feel that these
exertions and sufferings have not been thrown away, but have much
advanced the cause of religion and civilization in Africa, and will
aid in wiping away the darkest stain which exists on the present
history of the world.
Besides the killed and wounded already mentioned, Lieut. Thomas
Saumarez, of the 'Sampson,' was severely wounded, and Mr. Thomas
Richards, midshipman, was killed, shot through the brain, while ten
men belonging to the same ship were wounded.
Captain Jones in his despatch especially mentions Capt. Lyster and
Commander Hillyar, neither of whom, though severely wounded, would
return on board till they had seen the success of their exertions.
He speaks also in high terms of Lieutenants Marshall, Rich, Corbett,
and Saumarez; of Mr. J. Cook, gunner of 'Sampson;' of Charles
Blofield, boatswain's mate, who commanded the pinnace when there
remained no officer to put into her; of George Tule, gunner of Royal
Marine Artillery, who served a 24in. howitzer in the first life-boat
with admirable precision; of Mr. Donelly, the surgeon of the
'Sampson,' who nearly lost his life in coming to the assistance of
the wounded; of Mr. Hacking, purser; and of Mr. Robert H. Bullen, who
acted as his secretary and aid-de-camp, and "than whom," he observes,
"no Lieutenant could have done better."
It is to be hoped that Akitoye will not forget the lesson he may have
learned at Abbeokuta, and that thus Lagos may be from henceforth as
well known for its advancement in Christianity and civilization as it
has hitherto been for its slave-dealing and wickedness.
[1] "He is one of those men always where he is wanted," says Captain
Jones, in his despatch to the Admiral.
THE WAR WITH BURMAH,
1851.
CAUSES OF THE WAR.
Although the war with Burmah must be considered rather as a military
than a naval war, yet as our ships and steamers have been actively
engaged in it from the commencement, and our navy have taken a
prominent part in the operations even on shore, we are bound to
devote a portion of our work to the description of its progress.
The Burmese empire is situated on the north-east portion of India,
embracing most of those regions known as India beyond the Ganges. In
the years 1824 and 1825, a campaign was undertaken by the British
Government against the Burmese, known as the Burmese War, when the
provinces of Arracan, Martaban, Tavoy, and Tenasserim were ceded to
us.
The Burmese Empire is about 600 miles long, and 300 in width. Its
capitals are Ava and Ameerapura.
Its principal port is Rangoon, a very flourishing place, situated
about 36 miles from the sea, on the right or north bank of a branch
of the Irrawaddy. On account of its facilities for trade, many
English merchants had settled there. Towards the middle of the year
1851 numerous complaints had reached the supreme Government of
Calcutta of the oppressive tyranny of the Governor of Rangoon,
directed, it appeared, chiefly against British subjects residing at
or trading to Rangoon.
The more immediate cause of British interference was the conduct of
the Governor towards Captains Shippard and Lewis, the latter
especially, he had placed in irons, insulted, heavily fined, and
otherwise ill-treated. These proceedings were in direct violation of
the Ninth Article of the Treaty of Tandaboo, which enacts "that the
King of Ava will abolish all exaction upon British ships or vessels
in Burman ports that are not required from Burmese ships or vessels
in British ports; nor shall ships or vessels, the property of British
subjects, whether European or Indian, entering the Rangoon river or
other Burman ports, be required to land their guns, or unship their
rudders, or do any other act not required of Burmese ships or vessels
in British ports."
The Government, in consequence, resolved to demand reparation for the
infraction of the treaty, and despatched accordingly, on the 18th
November, 1851, H.M.S. 'Fox,' flag-ship of Commodore Lambert,
Commander Tarleton, and the H.C. steamer 'Tenasserim,' from Calcutta,
which were joined at Maulmain by the H.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' and
H.M.S. 'Serpent,' when the squadron proceeded at once to Rangoon, off
which they moored on the 25th of the same month. On the next day,
Commodore Lambert received a message from the Governor, ordering him
to remove his vessels further down the stream: to this the Commodore
replied, "That Her Majesty's ships were in the habit of choosing the
position that best suited themselves." No further communication took
place with the shore during the day. This excited the surprise of
the Commodore, and accordingly early the next morning, he despatched
Captain Latter to ascertain the reason. Captain Latter, of the 67th
Native Infantry, had come in a political capacity, in consequence of
his perfect knowledge of the Burmese language. He returned with the
Rev. Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Birrell, who stated that the Governor had
threatened to behead any European who should communicate with the
squadron. Notwithstanding this, several residents came off to
explain their grievances to the Commodore. He had before written a
despatch to the Governor, demanding a letter of apology, and 10,000
rupees as damages for the injuries received by British subjects; but
from the representations he had now received, he considered this not
sufficient, and he therefore wrote another, stating why he had come,
but that from the gravity of the complaints made to him, he must
refer the matter to the Governor-General of India in Council, and
await his further instructions.
This letter was sent by a deputation, consisting of Captain Tarleton,
Commander of H.M.S. 'Fox;' Captain Latter, Lieut. Elliot, and Mr.
Southey, as secretary. They were received by a guard, with
sufficient state, but when they arrived at the outer gate of the
Governor's palace, an attempt was made to compel them to dismount.
As this is considered a token of inferiority in the East, Commander
Tarleton boldly refused to do so, and riding to the foot of the
stairs, was ushered at once into a handsomely decorated hall of
audience, filled with a number of chiefs in rich dresses, and gaudily
accoutred soldiers. Here the officers were desired to seat
themselves, and wait the Governor's arrival, but this Commander
Tarleton refused to do, and standing with the Commodore's letter in
his hand, demanded that the Governor should at once be informed of
his arrival, that he might perform his duty and depart. In ten
minutes the Governor appeared, very plainly dressed, and smoking a
cigar, though surrounded by several officers in magnificent costume,
with gold chains round their necks. Commander Tarleton instantly
walked up to him, accompanied by Captain Latter, and after the last
mentioned had in a few words introduced the subject they had come on,
he took the Commodore's letter which Commander Tarleton handed him,
and first reading it aloud in English, translated it in a clear and
decisive tone into Burmese. The boldness of the British officers
very much astonished the Governor and the chiefs, and still more
astonished were they when refusing all their proffered civilities,
the deputation returned at once on board.
The following day the Deputy-Governor paid the Commodore a visit, and
stated that it would require five weeks to receive an answer from the
court of Ava. As might have been expected, the Burmese used every
stratagem to hoodwink the British, and to procrastinate matters till
they were prepared for resistance.
The Emperor's letter arrived, and was delivered with great pomp, on
the 1st of January, 1852, and at first it was hoped that affairs
might be peaceably arranged. On the 4th a new Governor arrived, but
on the 6th it was found that he intended to carry out the system of
his predecessor with greater rigour. One of his first acts was to
order Mr. Birrell to lower a flag-staff erected in his garden, under
pretence that it was used to carry on a secret communication with the
squadron. The Commodore, still anxious to give no cause of
complaint, desired him to comply with the order; but as afterwards
the Viceroy (as the new Governor was called) refused to receive a
deputation, consisting of Capt. Fishbourne, of H.M.S. 'Hermes,' Capt.
Latter, and other officers sent by the Commodore, after he had
actually agreed to do so, the Commodore sent a circular into the
city, stating that all further pacific relations were impossible, and
warning all foreigners to quit the place, and advising them to put
themselves under the protection of the British flag, promising them
at the same time every assistance in his power.
Two hours only could be allowed to them to take advantage of this
offer, during which time the 'Proserpine' steamer ran close into the
wharf, and eight or ten boats from the other ships pulled on shore to
receive the fugitives. While the foreigners, consisting of natives
of British India, Armenians, Portuguese, and others, besides English,
came crowding down, in vain endeavouring to induce the natives to aid
them in embarking their property, bands of Burmese officers and
soldiers moved among them, threatening with severe punishment any who
should venture to assist them. Of course but little property could,
under these circumstances, be saved, and some 60 persons, who
returned at night to attempt the rescue of more, were seized and
thrown into prison by the Burmese. The morning following these
events all the merchantmen were either anchored on the opposite side
of the river, or were towed by the steamer out to sea.
The Burmese, seeing that the British were in earnest, once more tried
to avert the coming storm for a time. The Commodore, even yet
anxious to prevent bloodshed, undertook to postpone operations till
the following evening, in order to allow the Viceroy time to tender
the apology he demanded. Instead of an apology, however, at 8 P.M. a
message arrived from the Viceroy to the effect that if the British
ships attempted to pass the stockades erected on the banks of the
river, they would be fired on. Information was received that nearly
5,000 troops were assembled near the stockades, and during Wednesday
night and the following day, numerous war-boats, each containing from
50 to 80 men, were discovered coming down the river. At the same
time several vessels full of armed men arrived at the general
rendezvous from the Pegu River.
COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.
Saturday morning warlike operations were at length commenced. The
'Hermes' steamer first towed the 'Fox' frigate to within 400 yards of
the stockade, where she anchored to protect the merchantmen as they
passed by to be out of fire. In the mean time the 'Hermes' went in
search of a large Burmese war-vessel, with which she soon returned as
her prize in tow. As the two vessels-of-war neared the stockades,
first a single gun, and then others, in quick succession, accompanied
by volleys of musketry, opened on them, while the war-boats were seen
stealing out of the river, as if about to attack. As soon as they
got within range, the 'Fox' opened her fire on them, sinking and
destroying all but a few which escaped by a timely retreat, while the
'Hermes,' steaming slowly down the front of the stockade, poured in a
terrific fire along the whole line of the enemy's position. After an
interval of a few minutes, the Burmese, still undaunted, again opened
their fire on the ships. In return, the 'Fox' and 'Phlegethon'
poured in an iron shower, which tore their works to pieces, and
effectually silenced their batteries. Some guns from the opposite
bank now began to play on the fleet, but the 'Hermes,' steaming
towards them, opened a tremendous fire, which she kept up till not a
Burmese was to be seen, and the works they had there thrown up were
entirely destroyed. The work was thus speedily and effectually
accomplished; all opposition had been crushed, the enemy's batteries
were destroyed, and their fleet of war-boats dispersed. The squadron
now took up a position at the mouth of the Rangoon river, the
Commodore declaring the rivers of Rangoon, the Bassein, and the
Salween, above Maulmain, to be in a state of blockade.
Meantime the H.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' after landing the hostages
from Rangoon at Maulmain, was ordered to proceed to Calcutta with
despatches for the Commodore.
On her arrival on the 17th of January, the most extraordinary
excitement was aroused at the intelligence of these events, and the
Governor-General being absent, the Supreme Council instantly resolved
to equip a force to carry on hostilities against Burmah; while
reinforcements were despatched with unusual promptitude, to
strengthen the forts guarding the passes leading from the Burmese
territory. On the evening of the 18th of January, a company of
artillery, fully equipped, commanded by Major Reid, and a wing of the
18th Royal Irish, under the command of Colonel Reynolds, embarked on
board the steamers, which sailed the next morning for Maulmain.
The despatches of the Governor-General, who was 800 miles away, were
not ready till the 28th, when the 'Fire Queen' steamer carried them
to Rangoon. She reached the mouth of the river on the 30th, when,
taking the 'Fox' frigate in tow, she proceeded towards the town. On
passing the stockade a hot fire was opened on the two vessels, which
killed a seaman of the 'Fox.' She returned it with two broadsides,
and on arriving off Rangoon, came to an anchor. Here the Commodore
sent Capt. Latter, under a flag-of-truce with a letter from the
Governor-General to the King, and one from himself. The only answer
he received was, that the Viceroy would hold no further communication
with the Government unless the Commodore was removed. As this was an
equivalent to a declaration of war, the British prepared actively for
hostilities. Every effort also was made by the Burmese to place
Rangoon in a state of defence. The inhabitants were drawn out, and
the fortifications repaired and strengthened. Two new forts were
erected, each mounting a large number of guns, and strong stockades
were placed in commanding positions.
Although the season was far advanced, the Governor-General resolved
not to delay operations till another year. Each Presidency was
called on to furnish a contingent. Bombay sent a powerful squadron
to join the fleet before Rangoon, and Madras afforded a brigade
efficient in every arm. Every man in the service, from, the highest
to the lowest, exerted himself to the utmost.
A sketch of the scene of the opening operations we are about to
describe may be useful to our readers. On the right bank of the
Salween river, which flows into the Gulf of Martaban, stands the
walled town and stockade of Martaban; while, placed on a promontory,
between the Gyeen and Attaran rivers, and facing the north of the
Salween, is the city and cantonment of Maulmain. On the western
shore of the Gulf is the Delta of the Irrawaddy, and up one of its
branches, and about 90 miles from Maulmain, is the town of Rangoon.
It is situated on the right bank of the river, which is called after
it; and on the front, facing the Gulf, is a massively-built pagoda,
which serves as a fortification to the town.
Affairs were in the state we have described, when, on the 1st of
April, Her Majesty's steamer 'Rattler' arrived from Penang, at the
mouth of the Rangoon river, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Austen,
C.B., when Commodore Lambert, who had till now been conducting the
naval affairs, was compelled to act as second in command.
CAPTURE OF MARTABAN.
General Godwin arrived on the 3rd, and at once despatched the steamer
'Proserpine,' under the command of Captain Brooking, with Captain
Latter on board, to Rangoon, to learn if any reply had been received
from Ava to the Governor-General's letter, demanding compensation for
the outrages committed at that place. As the 'Proserpine' went up,
the Burmese fired at her from the stockades; nor was Captain Latter
able to hold any communication whatever with them. On his return,
Captain Brooking resolved to inflict a severe punishment on the
enemy, and ranging up along side the stockade which had fired at him,
he poured in a broadside, which fired a magazine and totally
destroyed the works. Coming further down, he attacked a second
stockade, which had fired at him on his upward voyage. She then
proceeded on to Maulmain to embark troops for the proposed attack on
Martaban.
Early on the morning of the 5th of April, General Godwin and Admiral
Elliot proceeded in the 'Proserpine' to reconnoitre the defences of
Martaban. The plan of attack being arranged, the 'Rattler' ran close
in, rapidly firing broadside after broadside; the 'Hermes' and
'Salamander' zealously following her example. Unfortunately the
'Hermes' grounded about 600 yards from the shore. The enemy for some
time returned the fire with much spirit; but at length when their
guns were silenced, the troops were landed from the steamer-tenders
to storm the defences. The leading column was headed by the brave
Captain Gillespie, of the 18th Royal Irish, who was the first, sword
in hand, to spring on the wall. After some opposition, the enemy
fled in every direction. The walls and defences exhibited the
terrific effect of the broadsides the steamer had poured in on them.
Martaban was thus taken, with the loss of only eight men wounded.
CAPTURE OF RANGOON.
The fleet prepared to attack Rangoon consisted of the following
ships:--
H.M. frigate 'Fox,' Commodore Lambert, 298 men, 40 guns; H.M.
steamer; 'Rattler,' Commander Mellersh, 130 men, 11 guns; H.M.
steamer 'Hermes,' Commander Fishbourne, 120 men, 6 guns; H.M. steamer
'Salamander,' Commander Ellman, 135 men, 6 guns; H.M. sloop
'Serpent,' Commander Luard, 125 men, 16 guns, and a gun-boat;
H.E.I.C. steamer 'Feroze,' Captain Lynch, 230 men, 7 guns; H.E.I.C.
steamer 'Mozuffer,' Captain Hewitt, 230 men, 7 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Zenobia,' Captain Ball, 200 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Sesostris,' Commander Campbell, 135 men, 4 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Medusa,' Commander Frazer, 60 men, 5 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Berenice,' Commander Nisbett, 97 men, 1 gun; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Tenasserim,' Commander Dicey, 80 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Pluto,' Commander Burback, 86 men, 7 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Phlegethon,' Commander Neblett, 86 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Proserpine,' Commander Brooking, 86 men, 6 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer
'Enterprise,' Commander Fryer, 70 men, 2 guns; H.E.I.C. steamer 'Fire
Queen,' Commander Boon, 70 men, 2 guns.
Making twelve steamers belonging to the H.E.I. Company, besides Her
Majesty's ships of war. On board of these were 5,767 troops of all
arms. This fine fleet was the largest and most effective that had
ever been collected in the Indian seas. On the 10th the squadron
proceeded up the river, and anchored in the evening, a short distance
below Rangoon. The next day, Easter Sunday, was spent in
reconnoitering and selecting the point of attack. The Admiral
selected a position just above the great centre shore, and beyond the
range of the Burmese guns, which he considered would be favourable
for attacking and destroying the numerous stockades on the river.
Early in the morning, the tide favouring, the 'Feroze,' 'Mozuffer,'
and 'Sesostris' leading the van, were the first to receive and return
the enemy's fire. Each vessel, as the depth of water admitted, took
up a position between the stockades. At ten A.M. a tremendous
explosion of a magazine, which destroyed a stockade mounting nine
18-pounders, showed the effect the British fire had produced. Taking
advantage of the confusion and dismay created by this event, the
'Fox' ranged close in-shore, pouring in tremendous broadsides, which
crushed and destroyed the stockades, while her boats landed a party
of seamen and marines, and a company of the 18th Royal Irish, who
together making a gallant rush, drove back the Burmese, and stormed,
carried, and destroyed two powerful stockades on the Dalla side.
While the 'Fox' was engaged in the manner described, H.M.S.
'Serpent,' and the H.E.I.C. steamer 'Phlegethon,' proceeded higher up
the river for the purpose of capturing the Burmese war-boats, and of
preventing the enemy from floating down any fire-ships, or otherwise
annoying the fleet from that quarter. The place they were ordered to
attack was the strong position of Remmendine; and most thoroughly did
Commander Luard and Captain Neblett perform the duty assigned to
them. Passing along the whole front of the enemy's stockades, the
ships poured in their broadsides, receiving a hot fire in return,
which however did little damage. Then anchoring opposite Remmendine,
they effectually blockaded the war-boats, and next sending their own
boats on shore, they stormed and carried a strong and important
stockade, an officer and seven men being wounded in the attack.
While the 'Serpent' and 'Phlegethon' were thus actively engaged, the
'Rattler' and 'Tenasserim' passing slowly along the line of
stockades, poured in a destructive fire from their heavy guns,
completely silencing them and dispersing the enemy. As soon as this
was done their boats were sent on shore, and the stockades were set
on fire and totally destroyed. It was now evening, but after the sun
had set and far into the night, the cannonade from the ships
continued; and along the whole shore, from Rangoon to Remmendine, far
up the river, the lurid glare of the burning stockades was seen
illuming the darkness, while now and then the curved track of the
shells showed where still some of the enemy were making a stand.
During the day the British loss was trifling; but Captain Armstrong,
of H.M. 57th, was killed by a round shot on board the 'Sesostris.'
The following day, the 12th, the troops landed, and some of the
stockades were taken by storm, when several brave and valuable
officers lost their lives. During the 13th every effort was made to
bring forward the heavy guns and ammunition from the ships, when
Lieut. Dorville, of H.M.S. 'Fox,' with a division of seamen under
him, particularly distinguished himself by his exertions.
On the morning of the 14th the grand attack was made; the great
Pagoda was stormed, and after some desperate fighting, Rangoon fell
into the hands of the British. During these operations, which it is
out of our province to describe, the fleet were usefully employed in
throwing shot and shell into the town, and among the ranks of the
enemy whenever opportunity occurred, creating an important diversion
as they were preparing to encounter the British advancing columns.
The following small naval brigade was the most actively
employed:--'Rattler, Senior Lieut. J. W. Dorville, commanding; Mr. T.
S. Gooch, mate (second in command); Mr. O. J. Llewellyn, acting
assistant-surgeon; 30 able seamen, 10 lent from 'Hastings.'
'Hermes,' Mr. E. A. Tweeddale, mate; and 40 seamen. 'Salamander,'
Mr. W. H. Nurse, acting mate; and 30 seamen.
CAPTURE OF BASSEIN,
19th May.
The next operation in which any of the navy were engaged was the
attack on the city of Bassein, up the river of the same name. On the
17th of May, General Godwin and Commodore Lambert, with 400 men of
H.M. 51st Regiment, 300 men of the 9th M.N.I., 60 sappers and miners,
the royal marines, some seamen of H.M.S. 'Fox,' and a few
artillerymen, embarked at Rangoon on board the steamers 'Tenasserim,'
'Sesostris,' and Moozuffer.' They forthwith proceeded to the
Bassein river, which, after being joined by the 'Pluto,' they
ascended on the 19th. On the afternoon of the same day the squadron
anchored abreast of Bassein without a single accident. There were
large stockades on both sides of the river. The troops were landed
without loss of time. The pagoda was first carried, and after that a
strong mud fort was attacked. Here the Burmese defended themselves
with great obstinacy. At length a detachment of H.M. 51st,
accompanied by Lieut. Rice, R.N., Lieut. Ford, with the sappers and
miners, and Lieut. Ansley, with a detachment of the 9th M.N.I., the
whole under the command of Major Errington, gallantly stormed and
took it. On the opposite bank of the river a stockade was carried by
a party commanded by Captain Campbell, of the 'Sesostris.' In about
50 minutes the British fought their way in, and drove the Burmese out
with great slaughter. The British loss was 3 men killed; 7 officers
and 24 men wounded. Among the officers wounded were Lieut. G. Rice,
R.N., severely, and Lieut. J. Elliot, R. M., slightly.
MARTABAN ATTACKED BY THE BURMESE,
26th May.
The next event of importance in the war was an attack, on the 26th of
May, on Martaban by a Burmese force of upwards of a thousand men.
They were, however, gallantly beaten back by the 49th Madras N.I. in
garrison, then under the command of Major Hall. The British loss was
1 sepoy killed and 13 wounded.
CAPTURE OF PEGU,
June 4th, 1852.
An attack on Pegu being next resolved on, an expedition, consisting
of 230 troops, who were embarked on board the 'Phlegethon,' and the
boats of that vessel and H.M.S. 'Fox,' under the command of Captain
Tarleton, left Rangoon on the 3rd of June, and proceeded up the
river. The troops were under the command of Major Cotton, and
accompanied by Captain Latter. A friendly chief, named Moungta,
accompanied the boats along the bank of the river. The naval force
consisted of H.M.S. 'Fox's' launch: Mr. M'Murdo, mate; Mr. Lucas,
midshipman; crew, 15 men. Pinnace: Mr. Copeland, mate; Mr. Hudson,
midshipman; crew, 15. Gig: Mr. Cottam; crew, 6 men. Cutters: Mr.
Alexander and Mr. Lisboa; crew, 9 men each; Mr. Morgan,
assistant-surgeon, H.M.S. 'Fox.' E.I. Company's steamer 'Moozuffer:'
Mr. Harding; crew, native, in paddle-box boats. A large canoe,
fitted for the conveyance of the camp followers. E.I. Company's
steamer 'Phlegethon'--Two cutters: Messrs. T. M. Hulke, third
officer, and C. C. Sevenoakes, midshipman; crew, 22 men.
As the boats advanced, a sharp fire of musketry was opened on them
from the Pegu side. On this Captain Tarleton, seeing the
disadvantage under which they laboured from being beneath the enemy's
fire, with no effectual means of returning it, landed with the boats'
crews of H.M.S. 'Fox,' and was shortly after joined by Captain
Neblett and the boats' crews of the 'Phlegethon'--in all about 50
men. Mean time Mr. M'Murdo, mate, was left in charge of the boats.
As Captain Tarleton and his party advanced, the Burmese fired on
them, but were driven from point to point until completely broken;
one party retreating by the river's side to the northward, and the
other within the old wall of the city. Their object being attained,
they were retiring in close order to the boats, when a fire of
gingals and musketry was opened on them from the walls. Deeming it
unwise to allow the Burmese to suppose they were retreating, Captain
Tarleton led his party to the attack, having found a native guide to
show them the causeway through the ditch. Having halted a few
seconds to gain breath, they rushed in over the causeway, and through
a breach to the right of the gateway. On getting over the wall,
after a stout defence, the enemy fled, and ultimately retired within
the Great Pagoda. Mean time the boats had been attacked, but were
bravely defended by Mr. M'Murdo, who succeeded in getting them to the
other side of the river, Major Cotton having sent a detachment to
their support. After the troops and seamen had rested for some time,
the Burmese were observed issuing from the Pagoda in considerable
strength, with the evident intention of attacking them. The troops
lost not a moment in getting under arms, and the seamen forthwith
came on shore. The British instantly advanced; and before the
Burmese could recover from their surprise at a movement so little
expected, the place was carried without another casualty. H.M.S.
'Fox' had three seamen wounded, and the 'Phlegethon' one seaman
killed.
The force, after destroying the fortifications, returned to Rangoon
on the 5th.
EXPEDITION UP THE IRRAWADDY, UNDER. CAPT. TARLETON,
R.N., AND CAPTURE OF PROME,
9th July.
It being important to ascertain the number and position of the enemy
posted on the banks of the Irrawaddy, Commodore Lambert directed
Captain Tarleton to take under his orders H.M.S. 'Medusa,' and the
Company's steamers 'Proserpine,' 'Phlegethon,' 'Pluto,' and
'Mahanuddy,' and to proceed up the river for the purpose of obtaining
that information. Accordingly, on the 6th of July, the vessels
proceeded up the Irrawaddy in performance of these orders. At a
place called Konnoughee, 25 miles below Prome, a large body of armed
men were observed collected on the banks; and on a shell being fired
among them, they opened a vigorous fire from six guns and from a
large number of musketry. An officer, Mr. Hunter, mate, Indian Navy,
and a seaman of the 'Medusa,' were wounded by the fire. At a short
distance from Prome the river divides into two streams, the left, or
western, being the deepest, and the only navigable branch at any
season but the rainy one. At sunset the expedition anchored off
Meaoung. At daylight, on the 8th, it again weighed, and proceeded
till within sight of an extensive fortification, crowning the end of
a ridge of hills 300 feet high, terminating abruptly at the town of
Akouktoung, which completely commands the river. Here the position
being strongly fortified, a Burmese army of about 10,000 men had been
assembled, under General Bundoola, to guard the passage to Prome and
the capital. Captain Tarleton, having been warned of the resistance
he would meet, and hearing from the native pilots that at that season
the eastern stream was navigable, determined to try it. Instead,
therefore, of keeping on, to the disappointment of the enemy, who had
begun to fire on him, he turned off through the eastern channel, and
was quickly beyond their reach, having had not less than two fathoms
water in the channel. Here he learned that a small steamer,
belonging to the king of Ava, had only left the day before; and he
accordingly despatched the 'Proserpine,' under Mr. Brooking, to
overtake her. He also discovered that the whole Burmese army was
concentrated at the place he had just passed, and that, by thus
getting in their rear, they would meet with no opposition whatever.
Mr. Brooking was unable to come up with the king's steamer. By
steaming through the night, the rest of the squadron came off Prome
by daylight of the morning of the 9th. At the south end of the town,
near the water's edge, four heavy guns were seen, but no armed men,
nor were any troops whatever observed in the place.
Captain Tarleton accordingly anchored the 'Medusa' abreast of the
spot, and soon hove them off. The iron guns were disabled and sunk
in deep water, and the brass ones were taken on board. When the
other vessels joined their crews with the boats' crews of the 'Fox,'
heartily entering on the work, every gun in Prome, 23 in number, was
brought off. In the afternoon the 'Medusa' ascended the river 10
miles higher; but Captain Tarleton felt himself bound by his orders
to return. His feelings may be supposed when he thus found himself
at Prome, within four days' steaming of Ava, with a certain knowledge
that there was nothing to oppose him, and with a broad deep river,
easy of navigation, before him. Had he had with him one regiment and
half a battery of guns, there is every reason to believe he might
have taken the capital, so totally unprepared were the Burmese for
any advance in the rains. However, he was, of course, compelled to
obey the orders he had received. After remaining there for 24 hours,
the place was evacuated, and the flotilla returned. On reaching the
main stream, the army of Bundoola was observed in motion, crossing
the river evidently with the intention of following the steamers.
They, in consequence, opened with shot and shell upon the confused
masses on shore and on the boats, spreading havoc and dismay among
them. Between 40 and 50 boats were captured and destroyed. The
general's state-barge, several large war-canoes, a standard, two gold
umbrellas, and other spoil, fell into the hands of the British. The
whole trip occupied only nine days. In its progress the expedition
received the most convincing proofs that the population of Burmah are
adverse to the war, and anxious to come under the British rule.
Looking at the expedition by itself, it was as gallant and dashing an
undertaking as has occurred during the war.
First-lieutenant John Elliot, R.M., H.M.S. 'Fox,' was wounded
severely; and Mr. F. Morgan, assistant-surgeon, slightly, as was also
G. Cook, boy.
SECOND CAPTURE AND OCCUPATION OF PROME.
A move on Prome being resolved on, a body of troops were embarked on
board the steamers, and Commodore Lambert hoisted his broad pennant
on board the 'Fire Queen,' to proceed up the Irrawaddy. The
commissariat, ordnance, and engineers' stores, and about 1,000
followers attached to the regiments, were conveyed in the steamers,
large Burmese cargo-boats, five small schooners, and a barque. The
cargo-boats, manned by Burmese crews, advanced in three divisions,
under convoy of the barges and pinnaces of H.M.S. 'Fox,'
'Winchester,' and 'Hastings.' The barque and schooner were towed by
the steamers.
The squadron, calling at Henzadah on the way, came off Prome on the
9th of October. As soon as the ships neared the city, the enemy
opened fire with a couple of guns and musketry, which was returned by
the steamers as they proceeded into the bay. Then the squadron
anchored abreast of the town in a convenient position for landing the
troops. The enemy continuing to keep up a fire after the vessels had
anchored, the boats of the squadron were sent under the command of
Capt. Loch, C.B., of H.M.S. 'Winchester,' to throw in a few shells
and canister-shot among them. This had the effect of silencing the
fire for a time, although they still kept up a spirited attack on the
boats, by which two seamen were wounded. They then brought down a
gun abreast of the 'Fire Queen,' but had fired only one shot when it
was dismounted by the fire from the steamers, which effectually
cleared a landing-place. Some of the troops were landed that night
and the remainder the following morning, when, with a party of 50
seamen under Commander Rice, the British attacked the city, and drove
the enemy before them as they advanced. Prome was thus occupied with
a loss of four wounded in the squadron. The Commodore, in his
despatch, speaks highly of the services of Capt. Loch, Commanders
Shadwell and Rice, of H.M.S. 'Sphinx' and 'Hastings,' and of
Commander Campbell, of the Indian Navy.
CAPTURE OF PEGU,
Nov. 21st, 1852.
The inhabitants of Pegu, who were friendly to the English, held their
town but a very short time after its former capture from the Burmese,
when the forces of that power again occupied it. General Godwin,
hearing that the Burmese were strengthening the place, and fearing
that they might become troublesome, resolved again to take it and to
garrison it with an English force. Accordingly, on the 18th of
November, about 1,100 troops, under the orders of Brigadier M'Neil,
of the Madras Army, were embarked at Rangoon on board the Hon.
Company's steamers 'Mahanuddy,' 'Nerbudda,' 'Damooda,' and 'Lord
William Bentinck.' The naval arrangements were under the orders of
Commander Charles D. A. Shadwell, R.N. Weighing at daylight of the
19th, they reached the neighbourhood of Pegu on the evening of the
20th, when General Godwin, who accompanied the expedition, with
Commander Shadwell, proceeded up the river to reconnoitre. The
ancient city of Pegu is of a quadrangular form; the ruined walls or
ramparts are still clearly defined, and are surrounded on all sides
by a moat, much choked with mud and rubbish, its sides being about a
mile and three-quarters in length; the pagoda, which forms the key of
the position, lying in the north-east division of the space enclosed
by the ruined ramparts. The enemy, amounting to about 4,000 men,
were strongly posted in the south-east angle of the walls, and also
along the river front of their position it was strongly stockaded.
Owing to a thick fog which prevailed in the morning, the British were
able to land without being observed by the enemy. Commander B.
Seymour, R.N., accompanied General Godwin as a volunteer, and was
present with him throughout the operations of the day. Commander
Rowley Lambert, of H.M.S. 'Fox,' superintended the landing of the
guns, and afterwards directed the fire of the gun-boats on the
enemy's position, from which he succeeded ultimately in dislodging
them. About seven the advance commenced, the enemy opening a sharp
fire on the troops as they moved along the ramparts. After a short
halt, to refresh, the troops formed under cover of a wood, and,
charging gallantly across the moat, entered the defences of the
Burmese, who retreated to the pagoda. From the commencement of the
affair, the 'Lord William Bentinck' and the gun-boats had kept up a
hot fire of shell and canister on the enemy. A little before one the
columns were finally formed for the assault.
On approaching the pagoda, some Burmese were seen stealthily watching
the movements of the advancing columns. On this, the troops made a
rush, the enemy fired a volley and fled, and the British entering the
pagoda, Pegu was won. The military lost 6 killed and 31 wounded: but
the naval arm escaped without any casualty, though exposed to a hot
fire. Lieutenants Mason and Glover, and Mr. Pocock, mate, commanding
boats, acquitted themselves well. Mr. J. F. Johnson,
assistant-surgeon to H.M.S. 'Sphinx,' most assiduously attended to
the wounded, most of whom were brought on board the 'Lord William
Bentinck,' while Messrs. Digney, Porter, Berwick, and Simpson,
commanding the Company's steamers, showed great perseverance and
energy by the way they pushed their vessels up the river.
The boats employed were as follows:--
H.M.S. 'Fox,' Commander Rowley Lambert.--Pinnace, Lieut. Mason; Mr.
Dunlop, midshipman; 15 men. Barge, Mr. C. Pocock, mate; Mr. Lucas,
midshipman; 13 men. Gig, Mr. Dawes, midshipman; 6 men. Gun-boat,
Mr. A. Villiers, midshipman; 6 men.
H.M.S. 'Sphinx,' Commander Charles D. A. Shadwell.--1, paddle-box
boat, Lieut. J. H. Glover; 15 men. 2, paddle-box boat, M. A. Murphy,
master's-assistant, 15 men, conveying 30 sappers each; the first
towed by the H.C. steam-packet 'Nerbudda,' and the second by the H.C.
sloop-of-war 'Damooda.' Cutter, Mr. A. Webb, midshipman; 9 men.
Gig, Mr. W. E. Cookson, midshipman; 5 men; Mr. J. F. Johnson,
assistant-surgeon. A garrison of 430 men being left at Pegu, the
rest of the expedition returned to Rangoon.
OPERATIONS ON THE IRRAWADDY.
The principal towns of the province being in the hands of the
British, it became important to clear the intermediate country of the
enemy, especially the banks of the rivers, where they were of much
annoyance to the provision-boats. In this service the naval forces
were constantly and very actively employed. Several of the
expeditions were under the command of the lamented Capt. Granville
Loch, who displayed in them the same zeal and daring courage for
which he had already made himself conspicuous.
On the 1st of November Capt. Loch embarked on board the Company's
steamer 'Medusa,' from Prome, with Brigadier Sir John Cheape, and the
light company of the Royal Irish, 80 strong, accompanied by the
following flotilla of boats, and proceeded down the river to destroy
some stockades, and to make a reconnaissance about a mile and a half
below Prome, at a place called the White Pagoda:--
'Winchester's' Boats.--Gig, Commander E. B. Seymour, volunteer; Mr.
Gregory, naval cadet; 5 seamen, 3 marines. Barge, Lieut. Hillyar;
Mr. Round, mate; Mr. Slade, assistant-surgeon; 15 men. Pinnace,
Lieut. Pearse; Mr. Bond, mate; 13 men.
'Sesostris's' Boats.--Pinnace, Lieut. Lewis; Mr. Capel, midshipman;
Dr. Walsh, assistant-surgeon; 14 men, 11 marine artillerymen. 1st
cutter, Lieut. Windus; 11 men. 2nd cutter, Mr. Duval, mate; 11 men.
'Medusa's' Cutter.--Mr. Harris, midshipman; 10 men, 6 marine
artillerymen. Total force landed, 74.
Capt. Loch, leaving the boats, anchored off the White Pagoda, where
he observed some stockades in course of erection, went down the river
to give some orders to Capt. Niblett, of the 'Enterprise,' and then
returning, landed the troops and naval brigade. Advancing, they
drove in the enemy's skirmishers, and having sufficiently observed
the country, they then destroyed the stockades, and re-embarked with
one man only wounded belonging to the 'Medusa.'
On the 4th of November Captain Loch led another expedition against
the heights of Akoutou, defended by 350 or 400 men, and 5 guns.
His total force consisted of 82 men:--
'Winchester's' Boats.--Gig, Commander E. B. Seymour, volunteer; Mr.
Gregory, naval-cadet; 4 men, 3 marines. Barge, Lieut. Hillyar; Mr.
Round, mate; Mr. Slade, assistant-surgeon; 15 men. Pinnace, Lieut.
Pearse; Mr. Bond, mate; 13 men.
H.C. steam-frigate 'Sesostris.'--Lieut. Lewis; Mr. Duval, mate; 22
seamen, 8 marine artillerymen.
H.C.S. 'Medusa.'--Mr. Brazier, mate; Mr. Harris, midshipman; 15
seamen, 12 artillerymen.
While this force was landing, they were covered by an admirably
well-directed fire from the 'Medusa,' Lieut. Fraser commanding.
Ascending a narrow pathway, they learned from a wounded Burmese that
the troops were before them; so on they went, till at last they were
met by a partial fire. A rapid charge--in which Lieut. Lewis, First
of the 'Sesostris,' led his seamen and marines in gallant style, as
did Mr. Brazier, mate of the 'Medusa'--put the enemy to flight. The
guns were found loaded and primed. The guns being thrown over the
cliffs, the party returned, having thus again opened the river to
Prome.
On the 9th Capt. Loch returned to Akoutou, for the purpose of
bursting the guns which had been thrown over the cliffs.
On the 11th another expedition embarked, under Captain Loch, to
destroy the forts opposite Upper Prome. Commander Seymour again
volunteered, and the boats of the 'Mahanuddy,' 'Sesostris,'
'Winchester,' 'Medusa,' and 'Fervaz' were engaged. The stockades
were of vast strength, and contained five guns, a gingal, and a
quantity of ammunition. The enemy fled as the British force appeared.
ATTACKS ON MYA TOON, THE ROBBER CHIEFTAIN.
The rapidity and success of the first movements of the British in
Burmah paralyzed the Burmese authorities; but their subsequent
inactivity again gave heart to the Government at Ava, and encouraged
the idea that it was possible to drive them back to the sea.
In consequence of the absence of all local government, robbers sprang
up in every direction, and being allowed to organize themselves,
devastated and almost ruined the country. Among the most noted of
these robber chieftains was Mya Toon. He burned down Donabew,
Zaloon, and many other villages. His stronghold was about 25 miles
inland from Rangoon. A small force only of British, under Major
Hill, being left in the pagoda of Pegu, was threatened by a
considerable body of Burmese. They cut off a boat with ammunition;
and a small squadron of man-of-war's boats, with 150 marines and 200
English troops, were afterwards compelled to retreat. This force of
Burmese was afterwards dispersed by a strong body of British troops,
but Mya Toon still held out in his stronghold, his followers daily
increasing. In consequence of the depredations he was committing,
Brigadier Dickenson, the commandant at Rangoon, and Commodore
Lambert, resolved to send a combined naval and military force to
dislodge him. The military force consisted of 300 men of the 67th
regiment, Bengal N.L, who, together with a body of marines and
blue-jackets from H.M.'s ships 'Fox,' 'Winchester,' and 'Sphinx,'
were placed under the command of Captain Granville Loch. There were
185 seamen, 62 marines, and 25 officers, but of these 42 seamen and 5
officers were left in charge of the boats. This force was conveyed
from Rangoon to Donabew on the 2nd July, in the 'Phlegethon' and
ship's boats. They landed at Donabew without opposition, and having
procured some natives to act as guides, and to aid in drawing the two
3-pound field-guns belonging to the 'Phlegethon,' they proceeded to
march on the following day towards the position the enemy were
supposed to occupy.
The whole of the 3rd of February they marched along a pathway, which
lay through a jungle of forest trees and brushwood. Encamping in a
deserted valley, about 15 miles from Donabew, they were disturbed
occasionally by the distant shots and noises of the enemy. Early on
the following morning, the column moved on about five miles further
along the same path, until it abruptly terminated on the side of a
broad nullah or creek, the opposite side of which was high enough to
command the approach, and the whole well entrenched, and armed after
the manner of the native fortifications of Burmah. The road at this
point had been narrowed by an abattis of sharp-pointed bamboos, which
rendered it impossible to deploy the whole strength of the column;
indeed, the advance guard, consisting of seamen and marines, marched
with difficulty two or three abreast, and the field-guns were in the
rear. At this moment a heavy and murderous fire was opened by the
enemy upon the British troops, the Burmese being wholly concealed by
breastworks, and the British, on the contrary, entirely exposed.
Almost every man who approached the edge of that fatal creek was
mowed down. Lieut. Kennedy, of the 'Fox,' and Captain Price, of the
67th Bengal Infantry, were killed on the spot. Captain Loch, with
the daring which had always distinguished him, led on his gallant
followers to the attack. For ten minutes he seemed, to use the
expression of one of his companions? "to bear a charmed life," for
he stood unhurt in the midst of that terrible fire. Twice he made an
unsuccessful attempt to lead his men across the nullah, to storm the
fort hand to hand, but each time he was driven back. As he again
rallied the seamen and marines for a third attack, a ball fired by a
man in a tree struck him on the left side, on his watch, and with
such force that it drove the watch itself into his body. He
instantly felt that he was mortally wounded, but had still strength
and self-possession to fall back about 15 paces to the rear.
The command of the naval force, which had hitherto sustained the
brunt of the action, devolved by the death and wounds of the senior
officers on Commander Lambert, the son of the Commodore. Twice with
his brave companions he made determined but vain attempts to get
across to the enemy, when many more lives were lost. He himself
received four balls through his clothes, though he fortunately
escaped unhurt; but a large proportion of officers and men were
already wounded. It therefore became absolutely necessary to
provide, without delay, for the retreat of the party by the only road
left open to them, the one by which they had advanced; the jungle
being impervious in every other direction. The fire of the enemy was
still very severe, and each instant more of the British were falling.
Most of the native dhooly-bearers and guides had cowardly and
treacherously decamped, and it was therefore necessary to employ
every man in carrying the wounded. As, under these circumstances, it
was impossible to carry off the guns, they were spiked, and the
carriages destroyed. The party were compelled even to leave their
dead on the field. The enemy kept up a distant fire, but never
ventured to approach within fighting distance of the rear, which was
manfully covered by the Grenadier company of the 67th.
For twelve hours of a most fatiguing march did the dejected and
mourning party retreat towards Donabew, displaying in adversity the
same courage, discipline, and goodwill they had so often exhibited in
success. Lieuts. Glover and Bushnell, and also Messrs. Hinde and
Wilson, mates, though themselves painfully suffering from their own
wounds, successfully exerted themselves in keeping up the spirit of
their men, who, under a burning sun, without water, had to carry the
heavy burden of their wounded for nearly twenty-four miles.
Commander Lambert speaks of the gallantry of Lieut. Horatio Nelson,
and the assistance he received from him under the trying
circumstances in which they were placed, as also from all the
officers and men in the expedition.
The name of Horatio Nelson alone would excite our interest. May he
ever prove, as he appears to have done on this occasion, "a true chip
of the old block." At Donabew, the seamen and marines embarked in
their boats, and the troops were conveyed in the 'Phlegethon' to
Rangoon. The gallant Captain Loch was removed to the 'Phlegethon,'
where he expired on the morning of the 6th of February, about 40
hours after he had received his wound. He was buried near the Great
Pagoda, at Rangoon, amid the general grief of all who served under
him, or knew him. "It would be impossible," says Commodore Lambert,
"to find a more gallant or intelligent officer, or one more devoted
to his profession, which, by his untimely death, has lost one of its
brightest ornaments.
In this lamentable affair, the 67th lost 5 men killed and 18 wounded,
and the seamen and marines had 7 killed and 52 wounded, in a force of
143 men, 60 marines, and 20 officers.
The officers killed were Captain Loch and Lieut. C. B. D. Kennedy, of
H.M.S. 'Fox;' Captain Price, of the 67th Regiment; and George Mills,
corporal of marines. Wounded, Lieut. J. H. Bushnell, Mr. H. A.
Hinde, mate; Mr. W. C. F. Wilson, mate of H.M.S. 'Winchester;' and
Lieut. J. H. Glover, of H.M.S. 'Sphinx.'
The disastrous consequences of this expedition arose entirely from an
over-confidence in the leaders of the party, in the too common fault
of the British of despising their enemies, and in a want of proper
precautions to ascertain the nature of the position to be attacked,
and the force guarding it. We have few other naval events to recount
during the war. Our old friend the 'Nemesis' was employed in some
active affairs in the Bassein river, under Commander Rennie, I.N.,
senior officer commanding there, in which her first officer, Mr. A.
Baker, distinguished himself. After, however, the advance of General
Steel, and the annexation of Pegu, no naval operations of any
importance were undertaken. The robber chieftain, with his little
army, for such he commanded, was afterwards dislodged by a strong
force, which left Prome under Sir John Cheape, and then not without
great difficulty and some warm fighting, in which Lieut. Cockburn, of
the 18th Royal Irish, Lieut. Taylor and Ensign Boileau were killed,
and many other officers wounded.
Sir John Cheape speaks in his despatches of the effective aid given
by the naval force in this expedition, and expresses his thanks to
Commodore Lambert, to Captain Tarleton, and all the officers and men
employed. Commodore Lambert has been engaged in the arrangements of
the treaty, which we trust will, by this time, have brought this most
unsatisfactory war to a conclusion. We have no doubt that, ere long,
there will be ample work to be done by the Chips of the Old Block.
CAREER OF THE LATE CAPTAIN LOCH, R.N.
Granville Loch, one of the most gallant officers who ever adorned
H.M.'s Navy, was born in 1813; entered the service as a volunteer in
1824, for ten years remaining constantly at sea, till, in 1834, he
obtained his lieutenant's commission. When Admiral Fleming, under
whom he had served as flag-lieutenant, retired, he became commander;
and, perceiving at once that steam was becoming all-important, he
betook himself to Glasgow to study the science and practice of that
arm in the great factory of Mr. Napier, the steam-engine
manufacturer. With an energy unusual even in his profession, he
resolved to acquaint himself with its minutest details, worked
himself, for a time, as a stoker, and took charge of the engine in
the boats which plied between Glasgow and Liverpool. He received
from Mr. Napier a certificate of ability, and was immediately
appointed to command the 'Vesuvius,' then in the Mediterranean. He
was soon afterwards posted, being one of the youngest post-captains
in the service, and was appointed to the South American station. On
arriving at Rio Janeiro he found his ship in the Pacific. He had
important despatches for the admiral, no vessels were likely to start
for a considerable period, so he resolved on one of the most
astounding feats on record, one which utterly eclipses even the
journey of Sir F. Head. He actually rode across the South American
continent, and after a series of adventures, out of which any other
man would have made at least three volumes, he joined his vessel. On
his return home, finding no chance of immediate employment, he
volunteered for the expedition to China, where both Sir Wm. Parker
and Lord Gough availed themselves of his services. On the conclusion
of peace, he visited Calcutta, and travelled homewards through
Southern India. In 1846 he was appointed to the 'Alarm,' on the West
India station, where he was entrusted with the settlement of the
Mosquito question, and sailed up the St. Juan de Nicaragua, took a
fort at the end of his voyage, and was the first to navigate a river
so filled with rapids as to be deemed impassable, in the face of an
enemy. For these services he was made a C.B., and what, probably,
gratified him still more, received from Sir Robert Peel and Lord
Palmerston the highest compliments in the House of Commons. He then
remained on shore till appointed to the 'Winchester,' by the Duke of
Northumberland, a peer directly opposed to the politics of his
family; and the remainder of his life-history is that of the Burmese
war.
SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS.
LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN.
HEROISM OF LIEUT. CHRISTOPHER, AND PRESENCE OF MIND
OF JAMES MILES.
The following account was given me verbally, some time ago, by
Captain Castle, R.N.; but as I made a note of it at the time, and
have the report of the Royal Humane Society to refer to, I can answer
for its correctness in all particulars. The conduct of Lieut.
Christopher and the boat's crew who volunteered, at the great risk of
their own lives, to attempt the preservation of the life of a
fellow-creature, was very noble; but I confess I was struck at the
time with the extraordinary presence of mind and coolness displayed,
under the most trying of all circumstances, by the hero of my tale.
I shall give the story in Captain Castle's own words, as nearly as I
can recollect them, and I feel very sure he will vouch for its
general correctness:--
"In the year 1837 I commanded H.M.S. 'Pylades,' on the East India
station. We were on our return home, by the way of the Cape of Good
Hope, when, on the 8th of May of that year, we were off Cape
L'Agullus. It was blowing a heavy gale of wind, with a tremendous
sea running, such a sea as one rarely meets with anywhere but off the
Cape; when, just at nightfall, as we were taking another reef in the
topsails, a fine young seaman, a mizen-topman, James Miles by name,
fell from the mizen-topsail-yard, and away he went overboard. In his
descent he came across the chain-span of the weather-quarter davits,
and with such force that he actually broke it. I could scarcely have
supposed that he would have escaped being killed in his fall, but as
the ship flew away from him, he was seen rising on the crest of a
foaming wave, apparently unhurt. The life-buoy was let go as soon as
possible, but by that time the ship had already got a considerable
distance from him, and should he be able to reach it, even then I
felt that the prospect of saving him was small indeed, as I had no
hope, should we find him, of being able to pick him out of that
troubled sea; and I could scarcely expect that even a boat could swim
to go to his rescue, should I determine to lower one. I was very
doubtful as to what was my duty. I might, by allowing a boat to be
lowered, sacrifice the lives of the officer and crew who would, I was
very certain, at all events volunteer to man her. It was a moment of
intense anxiety. I instantly, however, wore the ship round, and
while we stood towards the spot, as far as we could guess, where the
poor fellow had fallen, the thoughts I have mentioned passed through
my mind. The sad loss of the gallant Lieut. Gore and a whole boat's
crew, a short time before, about the same locality, was present to my
thoughts. To add to the chances of our not finding the man, it was
now growing rapidly dusk. As we reached the spot, every eye on board
was straining through the gloom to discern the object of our search,
but neither Miles nor the life-buoy were to be seen. Still, I could
not bring myself to leave him to one of the most dreadful of fates.
He was a good swimmer, and those who knew him best asserted that he
would swim to the last. For my part, I almost hoped that the poor
fellow had been stunned, and would thus have sunk at once, and been
saved the agony of despair he must be feeling were he still alive.
Of one thing I felt sure, from the course we had steered, that we
were close to the spot where he had fallen. Anxiously we
waited--minute after minute passed by--still no sound was heard; not
a speck could be seen to indicate his position. At last half an hour
had passed by. The strongest man alive could not support himself in
such a sea as this for so long, I feared. Miles must long before
this have sunk, unless he could have got hold of the life-buoy, and
of that I had no hope. I looked at my watch by the light of the
binnacle-lamp. 'It is hopeless,' I thought, 'we must give the poor
fellow up.' When I had come to this melancholy resolve, I issued the
orders for wearing ship, in somewhat a louder voice than usual, as
under the circumstances was natural, to stifle my own feelings. Just
then I thought I heard a human voice borne down along the gale--I
listened, it was, I feared, but the effect of imagination, yet I
waited a moment; again the voice struck my ear, and this time several
of the ship's company heard it. 'There he is. Sir! There he is
away to windward,' exclaimed several voices; and then in return they
uttered a loud hearty cheer to keep up the spirits of the poor
fellow. Now came the most trying moment; I must decide whether I
would allow a boat to be lowered. 'If I refuse,' I felt, 'my crew
will say that I am careless of their lives. It is not their nature
to calculate the risk they themselves must run.' At once, Mr.
Christopher, one of my lieutenants, nobly volunteered to make the
attempt, and numbers of the crew came forward anxious to accompany
him. At last, anxiety to save a drowning man prevailed over
prudence, and I sanctioned the attempt.
"The boat, with Mr. Christopher and a picked crew, was lowered, not
without great difficulty, and, sad to say, with the loss of one of
the brave fellows. He was the bowman, and as he stood up with, his
boat-hook in his hand to shove off, the boat gave a terrific pitch
and sent him over the bow. He must have struck his head against the
side of the ship, for he went down instantly and was no more seen.
Thus, in the endeavour to save the life of one man, another was
already sent to his long account. With sad forebodings for the fate
of the rest of the gallant fellows, I saw the boat leave the ship's
side. Away she pulled into the darkness where she was no longer
visible, and a heavy pull I know she must have of it in that terrible
sea, even if she escaped destruction. It was one of the most trying
times of my life. We waited in anxious suspense for the return of
the boat, the minutes, seeming like hours, passed slowly by, and she
did not appear. I began at length to dread that my fears would be
realized, and that we should not again see her, when after half an
hour had elapsed after she had left the ship's side on the mission of
mercy, a cheer from her gallant crew announced her approach with the
success of their bold enterprise. My anxiety was not, however,
entirely relieved till the falls were hooked on, and she and all her
crew were hoisted on board, with the rescued man Miles. To my
surprise I found that he was perfectly naked. As he came up the
side, also, he required not the slightest assistance, but dived
below, at once to dry himself and to get out of the cold. I
instantly ordered him to his hammock, and, with the doctor's
permission, sent him a stiff glass of grog. I resolved also to
relieve him from duty, believing that his nervous system would have
received a shock from which it would take long to recover. After I
had put the ship once more on her course, being anxious to hear the
particulars of his escape, as soon as I heard that he was safely
stowed away between the blankets, I went below to see him. His voice
was as strong as ever; his pulse beat as regularly, and his nerves
seemed as strong as usual. After pointing out to him how grateful he
should feel to our Almighty Father for his preservation from an early
and dreadful death, I begged him to tell me how he had contrived to
keep himself so long afloat. He replied to me in the following
words:--'Why, Sir, you see as soon as I came up again, after I had
first struck the water, I looked out for the ship, and getting sight
of her running away from me, I remembered how it happened I was
there, and knew there would be no use swimming after her or singing
out. Then, Sir, I felt very certain you would not let me drown
without an attempt to pick me up, and that there were plenty of fine
fellows on board who would be anxious to man a boat to come to my
assistance, if you thought a boat could swim. Then thinks I to
myself, a man can die but once, and if its my turn to-day, why
there's no help for it. Yet I didn't think all the time that I was
likely to lose the number of my mess, do ye see, Sir. The next
thought that came to me was, if I am to drown, it's as well to drown
without clothes as with them, and if I get them off why there's a
better chance of my keeping afloat till a boat can be lowered to pick
me up; so I kicked off my shoes, and then I got off my jacket, and
then waiting till I could get hold of the two legs at once, I drew
off my trousers in a moment. My shirt was soon off me, but I took
care to roll up the tails so as not to get them over my face. As I
rose on the top of a sea, I caught sight of the ship as you wore her
round, and that gave me courage, for I felt I was not to be deserted;
indeed, I had no fear of that. Then I knew that there would be no
use swimming, so all I did was to throw myself on my back and float
till you came up to me. I thought the time was somewhat long, I own.
When the ship got back, I saw her hove-to away down to leeward, but I
did not like to sing out for fear of tiring myself, and thought you
would not hear me; and I fancied also that a boat would at once have
been lowered to come and look for me. Well, Sir, I waited, thinking
the time was very long, and hearing no sound, yet still I could see
the ship hove-to, and you may be sure I did not take my eyes from off
her; when at last I heard your voice give the order to wear ship
again. Then thinks I to myself, 'Now or never's the time to sing
out.' And raising myself as high as I could out of the water, I sang
out at the top of my voice. There was a silence on board, but no
answer, and I did begin to feel that there was a chance of being lost
after all. 'Never give in, though,' thinks I; so I sung out again as
loud you may be sure as I could sing. This time the answering cheers
of my shipmates gave me fresh spirits; but still I knew full well
that I wasn't safe on board yet. If I had wanted to swim there was
too much sea on to make any way, so I kept floating on my back as
before, just keeping an eye to leeward to see if a boat was coming to
pick me up. Well, Sir, when the boat did come at last, with Mr.
Christopher and the rest in her, I felt quite strong and hearty, and
was well able to help myself on board. I now can scarcely fancy I
was so long in the water.' I was much struck with the extraordinary
coolness of Miles. He afterwards had another escape, which was owing
less to his own self-possession, though he took it as coolly as the
first. On our passage home the ship was running with a lightish
breeze, and almost calm sea, across the Bay of Biscay, when Miles was
sent on the fore-top gallant-yard. By some carelessness he fell
completely over the yard, and those aloft expected to see him dashed
to pieces on the forecastle. Instead of that the foresail at that
moment swelled out with a sudden breeze, and striking the bulge of
the sail, he was sent forward clear of the bows and hove into the
water. A rope was towing overboard. He caught hold of it, and
hauling himself on board, was again aloft within a couple minutes
attending to his duty, which had so suddenly been interrupted. On
his arrival in England, Lieut. Christopher received the Honorary
Silver Medal from the Royal Humane Society for his gallant conduct on
the occasion of saving Miles's life."
DEVOTED HEROISM AND COURAGE OF MESSRS. SMITH AND
PALMES OF H.M.S. 'SERINGAPATAM.'
1838.
H.M.S. 'Seringapatam,' Captain Leith, was lying off the island of
Antigua in August 1838, when, on Sunday, the 26th of that month,
eight of her officers, three of whom were youngsters, and all
belonging to the midshipmen's berth, with a gentleman a resident in
the island, and two seamen, started away from the ship in the pinnace
on a cruize. Their intention was to go down to Falmouth Bay,
situated about two miles to leeward of English Harbour, where the
ship was, and to beat back. The afternoon was very fine, and
everything seemed to promise them a pleasant excursion. Having spent
a short time in Falmouth Harbour, they hauled their wind, and made
three or four tacks on their way back to the ship. The boat,
however, made little or nothing to windward, in consequence of the
wind being very light. Forgetful of the sudden squalls which visit
those latitudes, the merry party of young officers seemed to have
kept but a bad look-out to windward; for while standing-in on the
starboard tack, the boat was taken by a sudden squall. The helm was
put down; but the boat not coming up to the wind so as to lift the
sails, she was capsized under every stitch of canvas. She, however,
went over so gradually, that all hands had time to creep to windward,
and seat themselves on the gunwale. The sails prevented her from
turning bottom up, and at the same time protected them, in some
measure, from the breaking of the sea. What seems very extraordinary
is, that not one of the party, officers or seamen, had a knife in his
pocket, so that they had no means of cutting away the rigging and
righting the boat. As soon as they had settled themselves on the
side of the boat, they had time to look about them, and to consider
their perilous position. They were fully two miles from the shore,
whence it was scarcely possible any one should have observed the
accident, and they were an equal distance or more from the ship; thus
the current might carry them far away before any one could come to
their assistance. A sea might get up and wash them off the wreck, or
sharks might attack and devour them, for the boat's gunwale was only
six inches awash. Not a sail was in sight, and all felt convinced
that if some unforeseen assistance did not come to their aid they
must perish. Despair was well-nigh taking possession of the bosoms
of all the party. Silent and melancholy, they sat on the wreck
meditating on their fate. All were young. Life, with all its
fancied charms and anticipated pleasure had a few short moments
previously been before them; and now, death, in all its
terrors--slow, lingering, and agonizing--stared them in the face.
One only of the whole party was a good swimmer, Mr. W. R. Smith, and
he was a very bold and strong one. He looked at the shore; two miles
was a long distance to swim, with a full consciousness, too, that
those waters swarm with those terrific monsters of the deep, the
seaman's just dread--the hideous shark. "Well," said Smith at last,
looking wistfully at the distant shore, "I feel I ought to try, as it
is the only chance of saving all hands; and I think I could have
managed it if I had had but a companion; but it's a long way to go
alone through the silent water." "If that is your only reason,
Smith, why I will try and keep you company," said Palmes, another
midshipman, who had hitherto sat silent, nor complaining like some of
the rest. "I am not much of a swimmer, and I don't feel as if I
could ever get to shore. However, it's a good cause, and I'll do my
best." Thus it was speedily settled, for there was no time to be
lost. The two noble adventurers having bid farewell to their
shipmates, whom Palmes, at all events, never expected to see again,
threw off their jackets and shoes, and struck away together from the
wreck. The prayers of those they left behind followed them, for the
safety of all depended on their success. Smith swam steadily and
strongly, and Palmes made amends for his want of strength and skill
by his courage and spirit. Still, before they got half way to the
shore, the courage of one of them was to be sorely tried. As Smith
swam along he felt his legs strike against something, and, looking
down into the clear water, he saw, to his horror, two enormous sharks
swimming past him. As yet they had not noticed him; and fortunately
was it for both of the brave fellows that they had kept on their
trousers and socks, for had the monsters seen the white flesh of
their naked feet they would to a certainty have fixed on them as
their prey. With admirable presence of mind, Smith kept this
dreadful fact to himself, lest the knowledge of it should still
further unnerve his companion, who already was almost exhausted by
his exertions. At this time they were still full a mile from the
shore, which, to their anxious eyes, appeared still further off.
"Smith, my dear fellow," exclaimed Palmes, "I can swim no further.
Do you push on, and leave me to my fate." "Not I, my lad," answered
Smith. "Cheer up, man; we'll yet do well. Here, rest on me for a
time; but don't cease striking out." Suiting the action to the word,
he came alongside and supported his companion; but he did not tell
him why he urged him to keep striking out. Again they struck out
together, and Palmes seemed somewhat recovered; but once more his
strength forsook him, and he fancied himself incapable of proceeding.
Still Smith did not lose courage; but he saw the necessity of keeping
their limbs moving, lest the dreadful sharks should be tempted to lay
hold of them. Palmes had fully as much moral courage as his
companion, but he was his inferior in physical strength; yet feeling
that not only his own life and that of Smith, but that of the nine
fellow-creatures remaining on the wreck, depended on their reaching
the shore, nerved him to further exertions.
Those only who have swam for their lives when the arms have begun to
ache, the knees refuse to bend, and the breath grows short, can tell
the feelings of the two gallant young men, but more especially those
of the brave Palmes. Spurred on by Smith each time that he grew
faint and weary, he nerved himself for fresh exertions. At last, as
they strained their eyes ahead, the shore seemed to come nearer and
nearer. They could distinguish the sandy beach and the green herbage
beyond. On a sudden, before even he expected it, Smith felt his foot
touch the shore. With a joyful exclamation of thankfulness, he
grasped Palmes by the hand, and aided him to wade on to the dry land.
No sooner had they emerged from the water, than, overcome with
fatigue, poor Palmes sank down on the beach, where he lay for some
time unable to move. We fain would believe, nay, we are certain,
that they both offered up in their hearts a silent thanksgiving to
the Great Being who had thus mercifully preserved them from the
perils of the deep. But the gallant Smith, while rejoicing in his
own preservation and that of his friend, did not forget the comrades
he had left floating on the wreck. As soon as he had recovered
sufficient strength to move, he hurried off to the nearest habitation
to give information of the accident, and to procure a boat to go to
their assistance. Already much time had been lost. It was half-past
4 when the accident occurred, and they had been two hours in reaching
the shore, so that darkness was now rapidly approaching, which, of
course, would increase the difficulty of finding the wreck. The
instant Palmes found he could move, he also got up and went in search
of a boat. He procured one, with a crew to man it, while Smith took
charge of another, and they instantly started in search of their
shipmates. Meantime information of the sad accident had been
conveyed on board the 'Seringapatam.' The kind heart of the captain
was much grieved when he heard of it, for he could not but fear that
the remainder of the party had perished. From him downwards to the
smallest boy in the ship, everybody was most painfully anxious about
them. He instantly despatched boats in all directions to search for
the missing party. All sorts of reports were flying about on board;
and as sharks were known to abound, it was feared by the seamen that
they might have destroyed their young shipmates. The night also
became very bad; the wind rose, and threatened to increase; the sea
got up with it, thick clouds collected, and the white-topped waves
added to the gloominess of the night, while the rain came down in
torrents, and the lightning burst forth in sharp and vivid flashes,
increasing the dangers to be apprehended. The boats of the
'Seringapatam' took different directions, each officer commanding
shaping the course he thought most likely to bring him up to the
wreck. Some of the searching boats went in a wrong direction
altogether, being misled by a pilot as to the direction the current
took. Hour after hour passed by, and no sign of the wreck was
perceived; and both those on board and many of those in the boats
began to despair of success. As they looked out through the darkness
they fancied they could hear the voices of their shipmates at a
distance imploring aid, or that they saw their figures in the boat
amid the surrounding gloom. We shall, however, follow the
'Seringapatam's' barge, commanded by her gunner. He knew the set of
the current; and as soon as he shoved off from the ship's side, he
ran directly down to leeward along the coast, at the distance he
understood the boat had been capsized; he being thus better able to
calculate the direction in which she would have drifted. His purpose
was then to beat back again; thus entirely covering the ground where
the wreck must be. On his way down he fell in with the shore-boat,
commanded by Mr. Smith, who, at once approving of his plan, joined
him in the search. By their calculations the boat would have drifted
some five or six miles to leeward, and would be drawn rather off
shore. They were right; and about the very place where they
expected, she was discerned still floating as Smith had left her.
With anxious hearts they pulled up to her. Five only of the nine
were seen still clinging to her. The other four had too probably
given themselves up in despair. The crew of the barge cheered, and
were answered with a faint hail from those they had come to save,
already almost sinking from exhaustion. "Where are the rest?"
exclaimed Smith, as he saw their diminished numbers. "Only a short
distance in-shore of us," was the answer. "They have not left the
wreck five minutes." "Alas! but in those five minutes the poor
fellows may have sunk fathoms down, or been grasped by the jaws of
the hungry sharks," thought Smith, as he instantly pulled away in the
direction indicated.
His four shipmates were found not far apart, each of them lashed to
an oar, and striking out as well as they could for the shore, but
strange to say, only one of them could swim at all.
It was then past 9 o'clock, making nearly five hours that the poor
fellows had held on to the boat, with all the horrors of death
staring them in the face, for, of course, they were not aware that
Smith and Palmes had reached the shore, and, indeed, had began to
fear that they were already numbered with the dead. Their pleasure,
and, we believe, their gratitude, was increased, when they discovered
that both had escaped, and had been the means under Providence of
preserving their lives.
Their sufferings had been very great--when the storm came on, they
expected every moment to be washed from the wreck, and to add to
their horrors, a shark had been, for most of the time, lying between
the masts of the pinnace, his fiery eyes glaring up at them, and
watching them, as about soon to become his prey. Had it not, indeed,
been for Smith's coolness and skill as a swimmer, and for the
generous daring of Palmes, in all human probability every soul must
have perished. The circumstances we have narrated, having been
represented to the Royal Humane Society, the Silver Medallion of the
Society, with a complimentary letter, was sent out, and presented on
the quarter-deck of the 'Seringapatam,' by Captain Leith, to each of
the two young officers, in presence of the whole ship's company, a
suitable and gratifying reward for their gallantry, in addition to
that their own consciences could not fail to afford.
A SECOND ACT OF GALLANTRY RECORDED OF
MR. W. R. SMITH.
Some years after the events I have just described, Mr. W. E. Smith
having reached the rank of lieutenant, belonged to H.M.S. 'Endymion.'
On the 4th of February, 1847, she was at anchor off Sacraficios
Island, near Vera Cruz. The night of the 4th was excessively dark,
and a strong current was running past the ship, when Mr. West, mate,
slipped his footing from the gangway, and fell into the sea, striking
his head against the ship's side. On the cry of "a man overboard,"
which was instantly raised, Lieut. W. E. Smith and others, rushed on
deck; but, owing to the excessive darkness and the strong current, no
object could at first be seen floating: at length, some white
substance was perceived at a distance, when Lieut. Smith immediately
plunged into the water, and struck rapidly out towards it. On
reaching the object, he found it to be Mr. West, who was lying quite
motionless, though, from his head sinking under water, he would
speedily have been deprived of life. Lieut. Smith at once raised his
head above water, and kept him floating, until, by repeatedly
calling, he attracted a boat to his assistance, when he and his
companion were carried on board. The crew were thickly clustering on
the rigging, to see them return, and from among them another man
missed his footing and fell overboard, from the main-chains. Mr.
Smith, who saw the accident, not knowing whether the man could swim,
instantly plunged in again to his assistance, but found, on reaching
him, that he was perfectly able to keep himself afloat till the boat
could arrive to pick him up.
ACCOUNT OF RESCUE OF BOAT'S CREW OF H.M.S. 'WOLVERINE'
BY LIEUT. ARTHUR BURRARD KINGSTON, R.N.
January 16th, 1840;
ALSO OF HIS SAVING THE LIFE OF A BOY OF
H.M.S. 'SARACEN.'
March 13th, 1840.
Among the many acts of gallantry it has been my privilege to recount,
there are few which afford me more satisfaction, or which I am more
likely to narrate with correctness[1] than the following, as the
chief particulars were given me by one of the actors, Lieut.
Kingston. Should it, however, by chance, be discovered that I have
made any mistake in my account (which I do not think likely will be
the case) I alone must be answerable. I have, however, in order to
confirm my account, given the official reports on his behaviour on
two occasions, when he displayed the most conspicuous gallantry,
courage, and presence of mind. At the time of which I speak, H.M.S.
'Wolverine' formed one of the African squadron, and was commanded by
the brave and kind Commander Tucker, whose noble conduct and lamented
death I have elsewhere described. She had been cruizing off the
coast, when, on the 15th of January, 1840, she anchored off the River
Brass or St. John, one of the mouths of the far-famed and mysterious
Niger. Captain Tucker had made himself thoroughly acquainted with
the coast, as well as with the modes of proceeding of the
slave-dealers, and of the slavers, and he was thus enable to capture
a very large number of vessels, though with single-minded purpose, as
his object was to stop the slave-trade, he endeavoured to take them
before they got their slaves on board. Soon after she had brought up
about four miles from the shore, Captain Tucker ordered the boats to
be hoisted out and to be fitted for service, during an absence of
three days. While this work was going forward, a canoe was observed
paddling off from the shore towards the ship. On her coming
alongside, she was proved to contain two natives of great
consequence, it seemed, judging from their costume--that is to say,
if scarlet dresses, or rather wrappers, round the loins, and
ornamented caps, might be admitted as tests of rank. They came up
the side without hesitation, and after some cross-questioning they
informed Captain Tucker that they had seen a fine schooner, under
American colours, up the River Nun, and that from her appearance and
movements there could be no doubt that she was a slaver. The promise
of a reward induced them, with negro eagerness, to undertake all
Captain Tucker proposed, to act as spies, and to bring further
information about the vessel, and then to perform the part of pilots
in conducting her, when captured, down the river. This information,
which, it was hoped was correct, hurried the departure of the boats.
Lieut. Dumaresq took charge of the pinnace, as commanding officer of
the expedition; Mr. Arthur B. Kingston, then only a mate, had the
cutter; and Mr. Thorburn, another mate of the 'Wolverine,' went in
the gig. Water, provisions, and arms, having been placed in the
boats, and all being ready, they shoved off from the ship at
half-past 10 in the morning.
Lieut. Dumaresq had one of the black pilots in his boat, and Mr.
Kingston had the other with him. Sometimes sailing, when there was a
breeze, and at others, when it fell light, the crews, eager for work
of some sort, pulling away with a will, they soon reached the mouth
of the River Brass. The river is here pretty broad, its banks, as
far as the eye can reach, covered with tall mangroves, their dark
foliage imparting a sombre and almost funereal aspect to the scenery.
After the boats had pulled about ten miles up the Brass, they reached
a sort of natural canal, which connects the Brass with the Nun.
After they had passed through this, and had entered the Nun, they
hove to for dinner, a meal not at all unwelcome after their long
pull. When the crews were refreshed, they again bent to their oars,
and proceeded about 30 miles up the Nun. Darkness now rapidly came
on, and they were no longer able to see ahead, nor had they been able
to discover anything of their looked-for prize. On questioning their
black volunteer pilots, the worthy gentlemen seemed very uncertain,
not only whether the slaver had sailed, but where she had been, and
where they then were. One declared that they had come much higher up
than where she was last seen, and that she had probably been
sheltered from their observation in one of the numerous creeks which
run through the banks of the river. In this dilemma a council of war
was held; and at first it was proposed to retrace their steps, till
the elder of the black pilots offered to take a small canoe they had
with them, higher up the river, to ascertain whether or not the
slaver was there. This proposal being agreed to by Lieut. Dumaresq,
the two negroes pulled away, and were soon lost in the darkness, not
without some slight misgivings as to whether or not they would ever
return. However, to pass the time during the absence of the negroes,
they piped to supper. A small portion only of the ship's biscuit and
salt-pork had been discussed, and a glass of grog had just been
served out all round, when the canoe was seen gliding at full speed
out of the darkness, the dip of her paddles just breaking the
stillness of the night. "Well, my man, any news of the slaver?"
asked the lieutenant, in an eager whisper, for the return of the
canoe gave him hopes that a prize was at hand. "Ship live there;"
answered the elder black, in the clear and distinct tones in which
his race can speak, but still only in a whisper. No sooner was this
announcement made than the oars were got out simultaneously, and at a
word from Lieut. Dumaresq, the boats went ahead like magic. Not a
word except the necessary ones of command was uttered. Everyone knew
the importance of silence. The three boats, urged on by their eager
crews, advanced all abreast at full speed. Ten minutes, or little
more, were sufficient to show the dark outline of a schooner, masts
and spars relieved against the starry sky. Silent as the grave, the
boats pulled on--their oars so carefully dipped, that scarcely a
splash was heard. Those on board the schooner slept, or seemed to
sleep, for not a sound was heard from her decks. A slaver's crew,
however, conscious of the risks they are running in their nefarious
traffic, are seldom off their guard, and the British seamen were
fully prepared for a reception with a shower of grape and musketry.
Yet without a thought of the consequences--on getting close to her,
on they dashed with a cheer, and in another instant were alongside
and scrambling up her sides. So unexpected had been their attack,
that not an attempt at resistance was made, and, to the no small
delight of Lieut. Dumaresq and his followers, they found themselves
in possession of a fine little schooner, which proved to be the
'Lark,' with a crew of no less than 30 Spaniards. They were first
all properly secured and sent down below, with orders to behave
themselves, and a hint that if they did not, it would be the worse
for them.
A slaver's crew have a right, it is understood, to try and retake
their vessel without being treated as pirates, and hung in case they
do not succeed, or are afterwards captured, so it becomes necessary
to keep a very sharp look-out after them. Her papers were at the
same time secured, and on her circumstances being investigated, not a
doubt remained as to her character.
Bending sails, and getting all ready for an early start, occupied
some time, when the watch being set, with strict orders to keep a
wakeful eye on the prisoners, the rest of the party lay down on the
sails, and were soon as sound asleep as they would have been in their
own hammocks, or in the quiet homes of their childhood's days, when
pirates and slavers were rather beings of the imagination than
disagreeable realities.
At early dawn all hands were roused up, and the schooner was very
soon got under weigh. There was little or no wind to fill her sails,
so the boats' crews had to tow her down the river, hoping to find a
breeze as they got near the mouth of the river to take her out. Nine
miles of their distance had been thus accomplished, when, at about 7
o'clock, as she was passing through a long reach of the River Nun, a
sail hove in sight, which was soon discovered to be a rakish
two-topsail schooner. She stood boldly on up the river towards the
barracoons, either not observing the little 'Lark,' or, at all
events, not suspecting into whose hands she had fallen. Lieut.
Dumaresq on this instantly ordered the man-of-war boats to be hauled
up alongside of the schooner on the opposite side to that on which
the stranger was, so that she should not observe them, and, by taking
fright, endeavour to make her escape. At the same time the pinnace
and gig were manned and held in readiness (the crews being well
armed) to board the schooner, Mr. Kingston receiving orders to remain
in charge of the 'Lark' with the cutter's crew. On slowly came the
stranger, the light wind only just enabling her to stem the current.
She seemed totally unconscious of the neighbourhood of her enemies.
On a sudden something seemed to awaken her suspicions, and Lieutenant
Dumaresq, judging that the best time had arrived for taking
possession, shoved off and pulled towards her as fast as the crews
could lay their backs to the oars. Mr. Kingston meantime was left in
command of the 'Lark' with the cutter's crew, Mr. Thorburn
accompanying their leader. Away went the boats. The stranger now,
for the first time, was aware of her danger, or rather, certainty of
capture, unless she could blow the approaching boats out of the
water; but of attempting to do so with any chance of success she
could have had but slight hopes, as she saw that the 'Lark' was in
the hands of her enemies, and she could not tell how many people
might be remaining on board to avenge the destruction of their
comrades. Still slavers, when they have seen a chance of success,
have often fought desperately, and the cutter's crew on board the
'Lark' watched with deep interest the approach of the two boats to
the big schooner, not knowing what moment she might open her fire on
them; but the slaver's crew had not even the brute-like courage to
induce them, to fight in defence of their accursed calling, and
without firing a shot they allowed the two boats to come alongside.
Once with their boat-hooks having a firm hold of the slaver's chains,
the British seamen very quickly scrambled on board. The crew, who
were chiefly Spaniards, made no opposition, nor did a number of other
people, who, dressed in shore-going clothes, announced themselves as
passengers. There was certainly a wonderfully sea-going look about
them, though they all seemed very anxious to leave the vessel as fast
as possible. Now as the consequences of detaining people against
their will are often very disagreeable, Lieut. Dumaresq, whatever
might have been his suspicions, thought it best to allow the
gentlemen to take their departure. It was afterwards discovered that
the fellows, who were all of them belonging to the slaver's crew,
took on shore a very considerable number of doubloons, which form, in
general, the most valuable portion of a prize, unless she has her
cargo of slaves on board; the slave-vessel herself and her stores
rarely sell for much. What was called head-money has, of late years,
been reduced to one-fourth of what it was formerly. The new prize
proved to be the 'Asp,' a fit name for a slaver, though she was now
effectually deprived of her sting. As soon as she was thoroughly
overhauled, and all her forthcoming papers secured, the Spanish crew
were sent below, and the man-of-war's boats began towing the two
schooners down the river. It was laborious work, after the incessant
labour for so many hours the men had gone through, but a prize tows
easily, and the gallant fellows cheerfully bent to their oars. Thus
the vessels proceeded on rapidly between the mangrove-covered banks
of the river. By 5 P.M. the entrance of the Nun appeared in sight,
and preparations were instantly made for crossing the bar; I must
rather say, bars, for there are three, one within the other, at some
distance apart, and over them, when the current sets out and the wind
blows in, the sea breaks with great violence, so that, under those
circumstances, the crossing them, even in a decked vessel, is a work
of very considerable danger. On this occasion appearances were far
from favourable: the wind was foul and blowing very strong, a heavy
sea was breaking over the bars; its incessant roar seeming like a
warning not to venture into its power; while evening was rapidly
closing in, the coming darkness threatening to increase the
difficulties to be encountered. Still Mr. Dumaresq was unwilling to
expose his followers to the baneful atmospheric influences of another
night spent within the mouth of the river, or to the chances of
attack from any of the slavers' friends who might be in the
neighbourhood, and who would always be ready to win back a prize at
any sacrifice of the lives of the captors; though that was a
contingency not likely to happen. He was rather influenced probably
by his anxiety to secure his prizes and to report his proceedings to
his superior officer. The schooners had anchored just inside the
inner bar, and all the necessary preparations having been made, and
the tide serving, they again got under weigh. Mr. Dumaresq led in
the 'Asp,' directing Mr. Kingston to follow in his wake. This Mr.
Kingston did, approaching the bar on the starboard-tack, the 'Lark'
leaving the cutter towing astern, and her own boat, which could not
be hoisted up on account of the tackles being unrove, and a net full
of vegetables being worked athwart the davits. Neither could her
boat be got on board, on account of the crowded state of the decks.
As the 'Lark' drew close to the bar, the appearance of things in no
degree mended. Hands were placed in the chains, who kept the lead
constantly going; and, as the water shoaled, the schooners had to
tack repeatedly, wearing sometimes, as the heavy swell threatened
otherwise to prevent their coming round. From the first Mr. Kingston
had but little confidence in the black volunteer pilot who had
accompanied him on board the 'Lark,' and now, though he urged him by
threats to perform the duty he had undertaken, and tried to stimulate
him to exertion, by reminding him of his promised reward, he only
answered, "This no my bar!" and finally threw himself down on the
deck, under the bulwarks, refusing to take any further charge of the
vessel. It must be remembered that the boats had entered the Niger
by the Brass river, the bar of which was his bar, and that he had
bargained to act as pilot through its mouth, so that there was ample
excuse for the poor wretch: this, however, in no degree lessened the
danger of the position in which the little 'Lark' was placed.
It was now perfectly dark and very squally, while nothing was visible
to mark the course the vessel should pursue but the phosphorescent
light of the breakers stretching across the bar from shore to shore;
while to all appearance there seemed to be reef only beyond reef,
destruction on which it was scarcely possible the schooner could
escape. Though the 'Lark' was pressed to the utmost, the 'Asp' soon
distanced her; and though Lieut. Dumaresq showed lights, they were of
little or no use in guiding her course. Squall after squall struck
the little schooner, and as she heeled over, it sometimes appeared
that she would never again rise, or be able to beat out through the
tremendous surf which came rolling in. At length Mr. Kingston judged
it wise to shorten sail, which he forthwith did, having set only his
mainsail, jib, and fore-and-aft foresail (fore-trysail). He also
sent a good hand on the fore-yard to look out for any break which
might happily appear in the white wall of surf which came rolling in
over the surrounding shoals. The little 'Lark' had now reached the
innermost of the three bars, and was pitching into the seas, which
came foaming up and rolling over her decks. She had the cutter
towing after her, and astern of that was the schooner's boat. That
very soon began to fill, and finally swamped, when it became
necessary to cut her adrift. This was done, and she quickly
disappeared. At about a quarter to eight a blue light was observed
close to windward; and as the 'Lark' was wearing off the heaviest
part of the bar, some voices were heard hailing her. It was soon
discovered that they proceeded from the pinnace, which had apparently
several hands in her. Again they hailed, imploring to be picked up,
stating, as far as could be understood, that they had broken adrift
from astern of the 'Asp' with the gig, which was lost; and from the
words which reached the 'Lark,' Mr. Kingston was very much afraid
that several lives were already lost, while it seemed too probable
that those in the pinnace would share the same fate unless he could
manage to get near them to take them on board. Not a moment was to
be lost. The pinnace, it must be understood, was inside the 'Lark,'
higher up the river, the 'Lark' having passed her after she had
broken adrift from the 'Asp.' In another minute she would have
drifted among the breakers, when the destruction of all on board
would be sealed. To pick her up under weigh was almost impossible;
and with the tide and heavy sea, the schooner could not be steered
with any degree of certainty even near her, and could even this be
done, the probabilities were that she would be swamped before the men
could be got out of her. The young officer, therefore, saw that but
one course only was open for him to pursue with any chance of
success, and that involved immense risk both to the vessel and his
people. To think is to act with a British seaman in a case of
emergency. He saw that to intercept the boat he must anchor, and
having both anchors clear, and a hand by the weather one all along,
he ordered it to be let go, though he had but two fathoms at the time
under the vessel's keel; while the surf from the second bar was
curling up round the vessel's sides, threatening to make a clear
sweep of her decks. His order to let go was perhaps not understood,
or the Spanish crew, some thirty in number, who seeing what was about
to be done, and expecting instant destruction in consequence,
endeavoured to impede it: at all events, he had to rush forward and
cut the stoppers with an axe, which he luckily had at hand. The
schooner brought up all standing, the sea at the same instant making
a terrific breach over her; but the helmsman was a good hand, and
sheered her over to the exact spot the pinnace must pass. The whole
was the work of a moment. The boat drifted near, a rope was hove
into her, and providentially caught by the nearly exhausted crew.
She was hauled alongside, her people being got out; while some fresh
hands went down into her and secured her with her own cable and the
end of the schooner's main-sheet. At the same time the schooner's
fore-sheet was passed into the cutter as a preventer. Four men were
saved from the pinnace. They stated that she and the gig had been
towing astern of the 'Asp,' with two hands in each, when, on crossing
the inner bar, they both broke adrift together. Instead, however, of
the two men in the pinnace getting into the gig, which they might
have managed, those in the smaller got into the larger boat, fancying
they would be safer, when they found themselves totally unable to
pull her against the tide or to guide her to shore. The 'Lark' very
soon after this began to drive, when the other anchor was dropped
under foot, while they veered away on the larboard cable. She now
held, but the breakers made a clean breach over her decks, washing
adrift the numerous casks, loose spars, fowl-coops, and a variety of
other things; and in addition, what was worse than all, a large
scuttle-butt of palm-oil. Meantime, to increase the confusion and
danger, the cutter and pinnace were striking the stern and quarters
of the vessel with great force, often coming as far forward as the
main chains on both sides. The Spaniards had from the first been
very unruly, and they now gave symptoms of an intention of breaking
into open mutiny. In addition, therefore, to the variety of other
duties the British seamen were called on to perform, it became
necessary for them to keep their arms in readiness, to repel any
sudden attack the fellows might venture to make on them for the
purpose of regaining the schooner. The palm-oil, also, which is like
very thick red mud, had coated the whole deck, from before the
foremast nearly as far aft as the mainmast, making it more slippery
even than ice, so that no one could either stand or walk on it. The
water also had no effect on its greasy composition, and as there were
no ashes on board to strew over it, one part of the deck became
almost separated from the other. The Spaniards were evidently
watching their opportunity, and kept eyeing the British seamen with
no friendly intentions. They were four to one of them, and though
deprived of their muskets and cutlasses, they had still the long
knives in their belts, without which no Spaniard ever thinks his
costume complete. The wretches kept up such a hubbub, and did so
much to impede the work of the vessel, that some of them very nearly
got shot as a hint to the rest of what they might expect if they
proceeded to extremities. The gallant young officer himself had
little fear of what they might venture to do, as considering the
dilemma the vessel was placed in, surrounded by shoals, with heavy
breakers close at hand, and in thick darkness, they could scarcely
hope to get out to sea and escape that way; or, if they returned up
the river to avoid recapture, should they regain possession of the
vessel. In obedience, however, to his written instructions, he kept
some of his people under arms to watch the fellows. For full half an
hour the little schooner lay in this way, it being expected every
instant that her anchors would part, when a roller, more severe even
than the others, threw the cutter on board on the larboard quarter,
breaking the bunk adrift and capsizing it. As the vessel rose again,
the boat fell aft and immediately filled, when she was of necessity
cut adrift to prevent her doing more damage; and as soon as this was
done she sank.
Shortly after this the squalls began to become less frequent, and the
breakers moderated gradually; an opening also was seen in the line of
sparkling foam from the foreyard, so Mr. Kingston resolved to make
sail and to get out of the river. He contrived to weigh the
starboard or lee anchor, after very many fruitless attempts to do so,
on account of the heavy surges; but as it was found impossible to
purchase the weather one, it was slipped, and the schooner wore round
under her jib in a quarter less two fathoms. A sharp-sighted seaman
stood on the fore-yard, from whence he conned the vessel--the lead
kept going as before. The mainsail was then set, and the schooner
stood out towards the opening which appeared in the surf. She obeyed
her helm readily, the rocks and shoals were avoided, and at length
the outer bar was safely passed. At about 10 P.M. she came up with
the 'Asp,' anchored a short distance outside. Lieut. Dumaresq stood
with speaking-trumpet in hand, and hailed the 'Lark'--"I'm glad
you've got out safe; but I fear four of my poor fellows are lost, and
our two boats." "They're safe on board, and I've your boat in tow,"
was the answer. A loud congratulatory cheer from the British seamen
on board the 'Asp' signified their satisfaction at the success of Mr.
Kingston's gallant exploit. He then anchored, and going on board the
'Asp,' was further thanked and congratulated by his superior officer;
for he had not only given up all hopes of the people in the pinnace
and gig having escaped, but of the 'Lark' herself, he having had a
most perilous passage across the bars. He had struck three times, in
one of which shocks the boats had broken adrift. The two schooners
again weighed and ran down to the 'Wolverine,' lying off the Brass,
ten miles distant. On their arrival, Mr. Kingston had the
satisfaction of receiving the warmest approval of his excellent
commander for the gallantry and judgment he had displayed. The
vessels were afterwards sent to Sierra Leone, where they were
condemned and cut up.
[1] Lieut. A. B. Kingston is a cousin of the Author's.
BOY'S LIFE SAVED BY LIEUT. A. B. KINGSTON.
Mr. Kingston having taken the 'Lark' schooner to Sierra Leone, where
she was condemned, he was appointed to H.M.S. 'Saracen,' which soon
afterwards arrived there. From that place the 'Saracen' sailed for
the river Gambia, soon after the 2nd of March.
On the evening of the 13th of the same month, while on her passage
there, when it was blowing fresh, with a heavy cross sea, a lad, aged
19, named John Plunket, fell overboard from the
main-top-gallant-yard. In falling he struck against the topsail-yard
and the sweeps stowed on the quarter, and was bleeding at the mouth,
and almost senseless when he reached the water. The lad could not
swim, and his death seemed inevitable, when Mr. Kingston, who was on
the quarter-deck, without a moment's hesitation, sprung overboard,
exclaiming to his commander as he ran aft, "Send a boat as quick as
you can, Sir, I'll save him." He struck out bravely towards the poor
lad, but before he could reach him, he sank. A cry of horror arose
from, all on board, for they thought the lad was lost, though every
exertion was made to get a boat in the water to pick up Mr. Kingston.
Plunket, however, again rose, and Mr. Kingston grasping hold of him,
supported him above water, though with much difficulty, as the lad,
who bled profusely from the mouth and nostrils, convulsively clung
round him, and almost dragged him down to the bottom. Fortunately he
released himself from the clutch of the now senseless youth, and
continued to support him by swimming and treading water. For fear of
exhaustion, he afterwards threw himself on his back, and placing the
head of his almost inanimate shipmate on his chest, he kept him up
for a quarter of an hour, till a boat reached them, and took them on
board.
On another occasion, while on the coast of Africa, in a spot where
sharks were known to abound, Mr. Kingston leaped overboard after
another lad who had fallen into the water. Fortunately the life-buoy
was let go at the same time, and wisely catching hold of it, he towed
it up to the sinking youth, and providentially preserved his life. I
cannot refrain from giving the only notice he takes in his journal of
the former circumstance. It is characteristic of the brave and
modest seaman. "I yesterday had an opportunity of saving a poor
lad's life, who fell overboard from the main-top-gallant-yard, by
jumping after him. A boat picked us both up. Though stunned and
bleeding at the mouth, he is recovering in his hammock."
I give a copy of Captain Tucker's certificate relating to the two
circumstances we have described. Mr. Kingston was deservedly
promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for his gallantry.
_Captain Tucker's certificate of Lieut. A. B. Kingston's conduct._
These are to certify to my Lords-Commissioners of the Admiralty, that
Mr. Arthur B. Kingston (mate), served as supernumerary mate on board
Her Majesty's sloop under my command, from the 28th day of November,
1829, to the date hereof, during which time, by his judgment and
presence of mind, he saved the lives of four of this sloop's crew,
when he had charge of the 'Lark' schooner (detained in the river here
for being engaged in the slave-trade) when bringing her out of the
river, in company with another detained schooner (the 'Asp') in
command of Lieut. Dumaresq, senior lieutenant of this sloop, when
both vessels were in imminent danger of being lost on the bar, over
which the sea was running very high and breaking very heavy. The
'Asp' having crossed the inner bar, and being outside the 'Lark,' and
on the outer bar, had the pinnace and gig of this sloop in a
tremendous sea washed away from the stern, with four men in them.
The 'Lark,' at the time being on the inner bar, with the sea breaking
over and into the vessel, and in great danger of being lost. Mr.
Kingston, seeing the imminent danger the men were in, and that they
must be lost if he did not pick them up, let his anchor go when he
considered the vessel in that position when, if brought up, the boat
must drift close to him, when the sea made clear breaches over the
vessel, and nearly filled her; but he had the happiness of saving the
lives of the four men in the boat, by throwing ropes into the boat as
they drifted close by, saving not only the lives of the men, but the
boats, having himself lost the boat of the vessel and the cutter of
this sloop which had been secured astern, the cutter having been
thrown by one of the rollers in and on the quarter of the 'Lark,'
where she remained until the next sea and roll, when she fell over
the side and sank. On picking up the boat, Mr. Kingston not being
able to shorten in the cable and weigh, slipped the cable and made
sail, and after many risks of striking on the bars, for which he had
no pilot, he succeeded in taking the vessel out, although it was
sunset when he saved the men, and dark before he got clear of the bar.
"Mr. Kingston also jumped overboard from this sloop in the river at
Sierra Leone, to save a boy who had fallen overboard, and, in
falling, struck against the sweeps on the top-sail-yard, stowed on
the quarter. During the time he served on board the 'Wolverine,' Mr.
Kingston conducted himself in every respect very much to my
satisfaction.
"Given under my hand on board H.M.S. 'Wolverine,' at Sierra Leone,
this 3rd day of March, 1840. (Signed) "WILLIAM TUCKER, Commander."
RESCUE OF CREW OF 'MINERVA' BY MR. SLATER, SECOND
MASTER OF H.M. MAIL-PACKET 'WIDGEON,' OFF CALAIS,
March 10th, 1842.
H.M. Mail Packet, of Dover, Lieut. Scriven, Commander, was lying in
Calais Harbour on the 9th of March, 1842, when about 9 P.M. a heavy
gale sprang up, which continued increasing in fury all night, and a
terrific sea in consequence was running by the following morning. At
that time, soon after daylight, a brig was discovered in the offing,
with her sails blown to shivers. At about 11 A.M., she let go her
anchor to the eastward of the pier, about a mile from the shore,
where was a very heavy sea, which soon broke completely over her.
Here she continued for some time in a most critical position,
pitching bows under, and threatening every instant to go to the
bottom. At length she began to drag her anchors, when all hope of
her preservation, unless the gale should suddenly abate, was small
indeed. The lives of all on board were now placed in the greatest
jeopardy, and since this, at about 3 o'clock, no effort being made by
the French authorities to send to her rescue, two English gentlemen
offered 50_l._ for the life-boat of the Humane Society at Calais,
with the intention of getting her manned by an English crew, who
volunteered their services. The boat, however, was refused on this
very account; and at length, with the prospect of the reward, six
young men, mostly boys, undertook to put off in her. Instead,
however, of launching her close to the pier, they shoved off in the
very middle of the breakers. After half an hour's vain and foolish
attempt to reach the vessel, they gave it up, and returning, declared
that the boat was injured. By this time, Mr. Slater, of the
'Widgeon,' had come down to the beach, and with the following brave
fellows belonging to the same vessel, Richard Canney, quarter-master,
Thomas Sinclair, Thomas Lawrence, Watkin Edwards, and Daniel Trim,
able-bodied seamen; as also--Nicholson, belonging to the 'Frederick,'
collier of Sunderland, whose intrepidity and gallantry throughout was
conspicuous, volunteered to man the first boat to be procured to put
off to the 'Minerva.' She by this time, half-past 6 o'clock, having
cut away her anchors, in the hope of drifting on shore, had struck;
the tide was coming in, and the sea was breaking over her.
In a short time more it was very evident that the crew would be
washed off the wreck, and meet with a watery grave, though within a
quarter of a mile of the shore. The cries of the poor fellows for
help were dreadful. Twice had Mr. Slater, with determined
perseverance in his humane object, to apply to the harbour-master for
the use of the life-boat. At length he consented to give up the key
of the boat-house and to allow the English to take it on being
assured that he would be paid for any damage it might receive. After
this not a moment was lost by 200 Englishmen in the lace-business,
who, under the superintendence of Lieut. Scriven, the commander of
the 'Widgeon,' nobly assisted in launching the boat through the
boiling surf. The seven gallant men, fearless of the awful risk they
ran, in the hopes of saving the lives of their fellow-creatures,
pulled away on this enterprise. They started from the westward, and
had to pass the head of the pier, a dangerous service even in
ordinary weather. It took them half an hour to get over the bar,
when, had it not been for the admirable management of Mr. Slater, and
the intrepidity of his crew, the boat herself and all would have been
lost, so terrific was the sea they had to encounter. In spite of it,
by persevering efforts, they made head-way, though two hours elapsed
before they could reach the brig. She was found to be the 'Minerva,'
of Jersey, bound from Sunderland, William Percy, master, laden with
coals, and of 163 tons. She was now a perfect wreck, her mast
swinging backwards and forwards, and threatening every instant to
destroy the boat, while the sea was making a clean breach over her.
Seven human beings were clinging to the wreck, every soul of whom in
ten minute more must have perished. With no little difficulty they
were all hauled in safety into the boat which then in triumph
returned to the shore.
The Lords of the Admiralty testified their sense of the gallant
conduct of the crew of H.M. packet 'Widgeon,' by presenting the sum
of 5_l._ to each of the seamen engaged under Mr. Slater in rescuing
seven human beings belonging to the 'Minerva.' A public dinner was
given on the 30th March at Calais to Lieut. Scriven, R.N., commander
of the 'Widgeon,' and to Mr. Slater--Mr. Scott, R.N., presiding.
Five of the crew were presented with 8_l._ each for their gallantry.
Quarter-master Canney was presented with a piece of plate value of
12_l._, and Mr. Slater presented with a piece of plate value 20_l._
The town-council of Calais also voted Mr. Slater a silver cup value
of 300 francs, and ordered silver medals to be given to the crew of
the 'Widgeon,' who accompanied him.
Besides the gallant acts of which I have been able to give tolerably
full accounts, I have collected notes of a number of others, yet a
portion only of the many which have been performed by naval men since
the Queen came to the throne. They all show the readiness of sailors
to risk their own lives in the endeavour to preserve those of their
fellow-creatures; and I have no doubt that in another edition of this
work I shall have the opportunity of describing a considerable number
of other instances of gallantry and heroism, of which I have at
present no exact information, and which had I, indeed, my space would
scarcely allow me to give.
MR. HENRY SHEA, ASSISTANT-SURGEON, R.N.,
MEDITERRANEAN,
July, 1837.
On the 8th July as H.M.S. 'Asia' was standing out to sea from
Cagliari, in Sardinia, a seaman named Anthony W-- jumped overboard in
a fit of drunkenness; and while the ship was being hove to, Mr. Henry
Shea, assistant-surgeon, dropped himself from the spanker-boom into
the sea, and after struggling with the man, succeeded in keeping him
above water until the boats reached them.
LIEUT. F. H. STEVENS, R.N., MEDITERRANEAN,
August, 1837.
On the 5th August, 1837, H.M.S. 'Rodney' was on her passage from
Palmas Bay (Sardinia) to Minorca, when a seaman, named James Ray,
fell from the maintop-sail yard-arm into the sea. On the cry being
raised of "A man overboard!" Mr. F. H. Stevens, mate, seeing the man
floating past the quarter in a state of insensibility, without
waiting to take off his clothes, jumped overboard, and by great
exertion, kept him above water until the boat reached them.
LIEUT. JOHN STEPHENS, R.N., LISBON,
December, 1837.
On the 3rd December, 1837, an alarm was given on board H.M.S.
'Inconstant,' at Lisbon, of a man overboard. Mr. John Stephens,
mate, ran to the spot whence the person fell, plunged overboard,
dived, and succeeded, after much danger and difficulty, in bringing
him from a considerable depth to the surface of the water: both were
carried by the tide a long way astern of the ship. Mr. Stephens
found it difficult to support the man, and both were sinking, when
William Henry White, seaman, fearlessly plunged from the topsail,
swam to their relief, and supported them in the water, until a boat
reached them.
WILLIAM JENNINGS, COAST-GUARD BOATMAN,
November, 1838.
On the 27th November, 1838, the brig 'Bellissima,' from Odessa to
Amsterdam, was driven, during a heavy gale of wind, on the rocks, a
mile and a half to the westward of Looe. She was breaking up fast,
and her crew were evidently getting disheartened, when William
Jennings, commissioned boatman of the coast-guard, at the risk of his
life, nobly swam off to the rock with a rope, and by throwing it to
the vessel, the crew, thirteen in number, were enabled to get to the
rock, from which they were taken by a boat, carried overland from
Looe by the indefatigable exertions of several inhabitants of that
town.
HENRY JOHNSON, SEAMAN, ENGLAND,
June, 1839.
On the 20th June, 1839, a boat from H.M. sloop 'Fairy,' was sent up
the river Stour to obtain a supply of water. The weather was
squally, and the boat was completely overturned in the middle of the
river by a sudden gust of wind. The crew were precipitated into the
sea without any prospect of relief, there being no boat nearer to
them than the town of Harwich. Providentially an officer of the ship
discovered the catastrophe, and two boats were instantly despatched
to their aid, but it was thirty minutes before they reached them.
One of the crew, George Cochrane, could not swim, and Henry Johnson,
regardless of himself, devoted his whole efforts to succour him, and
finding him to be encumbered with heavy clothing, actually stripped
him in the water to his shirt, and when washed away from the keel of
the boat, restored him to it again.
Another man, named John Stevens, at the expiration of twenty minutes,
became exhausted and came also under Johnson's care, and both
acknowledged that had it not been for his exertions they must have
perished.
INSTANCE OF COURAGE AND HUMANITY.
During a severe storm in the autumn of 1839, a French vessel was
wrecked in the dead of night in Weymouth Bay. A coast-guard man,
named John Mantle, thinking he saw human beings moving on the deck,
jumped into the raging sea and swam to her. On getting on board he
found two boys and the captain, who had broken his leg, on the deck.
Mantle took the boys safely to shore, and then, returning to the
wreck with a rope, which was made fast to the shore, he slung the
captain in a running tackle, and he was safely landed. The gallant
fellow then groped in the cabin to find if any living being remained,
and afterwards jumped into the sea, and swam to the shore in safety.
He was rewarded by the Humane Society and Lloyd's, and received a
beautiful watch, with a suitable inscription, from the inhabitants of
Weymouth, 20_l._ by vote of the Lords of the Treasury, and 5_l._ from
the Shipwreck Association, besides being promoted in the service; all
which honours he received with great modesty, declaring that the
result of his endeavours was his richest reward.
ARTHUR HASSETT, BOATMAN, COAST-GUARD, COVE OF CORK,
October, 1839.
On the 24th October, 1839, Ralph Allen fell from the Revenue Quay
into the water in the harbour of the Cove of Cork, when a strong ebb
tide was carrying him off. Arthur Hassett, revenue boatman, saw the
accident, jumped in with his clothes on, and brought Allen safe to
shore. Hassett has on three previous occasions been instrumental in
saving life at the risk of his own.
COMMANDER ALDRIDGE, R.N., VASIKA BAY,
October, 1839.
On the 4th October, 1839, John Burke, a seaman belonging to H.M.S.
'Pembroke,' commanded by Captain Moresby, then lying in Vasika Bay,
fell overboard, and, the man being unable to swim, was in the act of
being carried away by the current. Commander Aldridge, of the
'Pembroke,' observing from the poop the inevitable fate of the
seaman, leaped from thence a height of 30 feet into the sea, and
succeeded in saving him.
MR. RICHARDS, R.N., OFF BRIGHTON,
June, 1842.
On the morning of the 13th of June, 1842, Mr. Matthew Richards, about
17 years of age, and acting-master's assistant of H.M. brig
'Nautilus,' jumped in the most gallant manner from the
hammock-netting of that vessel into the sea off Brighton, and saved
the life of a boy who had fallen overboard. The boy was unable to
swim, and, being exhausted by his struggles, was sinking at the
moment Mr. Richards arrived to his rescue. The crew were cleaning
decks at the time, and the noise consequent upon that operation
prevented the boy's cries from being heard; it would, therefore, have
been impossible to have cleared away a boat in sufficient time to
have saved him.
ABRAHAM HART YOUNGS, CHIEF BOATMAN OF FISHERGATE
STATION,
January, 1843.
On the 13th of January, 1843, the smack 'Prince Regent,' of London,
was driven on shore at Fishergate station; and, on her being observed
in distress, Lieut. Franklin, and the chief boatman of Blackrock,
Lieut. Pratt, with the Brighton crew and rockets and life-boat (which
latter was found upon her arrival not to be required), Mr. Stanbridge
and the Hove crew, and Abraham Hart Youngs, chief boatman of
Fishergate, and his crew, proceeded to her assistance, and rescued
the whole of the crew. The gallant conduct of Abraham Hart Youngs
was very conspicuous, he having been hauled on board through a heavy
surf, in which he had also to contend with the malevolent efforts of
some fishermen to detain him and throw him down; he, however,
succeeded in slinging the crew and landing them.
JAMES DORAN, SEAMAN,
January, 1843.
On the 5th of January, 1843, James Doran, an able seaman of H.M.S.
'Vanguard,' at Port Mahon, perilled his own life to save that of a
shipmate, in a manner that called forth the admiration of the whole
of the officers and crew of that ship. It blew a violent gale of
wind at N. by E.; the top-masts were struck, and when at its greatest
fury, a man fell overboard who could not swim. James Doran gallantly
dashed into the sea, and succeeded in bringing the poor fellow
alongside, although he was quite dead from the effects of his
submersion.
MR. THOMAS DAVIS, MATE, R.N., AND JOSEPH BRATHWAITE,
SEAMAN, R.N., BANTRY BAY,
January, 1844.
In the month of January, 1844, Her Majesty's steamer 'Flamer' was
lying at anchor in Bantry Bay, when the jolly-boat belonging to that
vessel was capsized through the boys letting go the brails too soon,
while in the act of wearing. The life of one of the boys was saved
through the coolness of Mr. Thomas Davis, mate of the 'Flamer,' who
was in the boat at the time. Instead of swimming for the ship, he
remained with the boy until assistance reached him. Joseph
Brathwaite, sailmaker, seeing the other boy was sinking, instantly
jumped overboard and brought him on board in a senseless state. He
had, on a previous occasion, been the means of saving two lives. It
was blowing very hard at the time, which rendered their services more
difficult.
MR. W. C. GEARY, MATE, R.N., GULF OF EGINA,
August, 1844.
On the 24th August, 1844, a tender belonging to Her Majesty's
surveying-vessel 'Beacon,' in charge of Mr. W. C. Geary, mate, was
occupied in taking soundings in the Gulf of Egeria. In reefing the
mainsail, the iron strop round the gaff, to which the peak-halliards
are hooked, was carried away, and the gaff, in descending, struck
John M'Cardle, seaman, who was standing to leeward, so violently on
the head, that he was stunned, and fell overboard. Mr. Geary, who
was abaft, immediately jumped after him, and getting hold of him
under his arm, succeeded in keeping his head above water until picked
up by a boat sent from the vessel.
LIEUT. F. P. WARREN, R.N., IN MADRAS ROADS,
June, 1845.
On the 9th of June, 1845, John Newman, seaman, serving on board
H.M.S. 'Fox,' in the Madras Roads, fell from the mizen top-sail yard
overboard, whilst exercising, striking, in his descent, the
davit-guy, breaking both collar-bones, and bruising his head; and in
this state most probably would have been drowned had it not been for
the prompt assistance afforded him by Lieut. F. P. Warren, R.N., who
sprang into the water, and succeeded in sustaining the man above the
surface until a boat picked them up. The usual heavy Madras swell
was running at the time.
LIEUT. WILLIAM E. FISHER, R.N., COVE OF CORK,
November, 1845.
On the night of the 17th November, 1845, a seaman, one of the gig's
crew of the 'Crocodile,' flag-ship, at the Cove of Cork, when walking
on the stage leading to the 'Predonia,' merchant-vessel, alongside of
which his boat was temporarily made fast, having slipped, fell into
the river, a strong tide and heavy sea on at the time, the night
dark, and blowing a terrific gale. Mr. W. E. Fisher, senior mate of
H.M.S. 'Crocodile,' the officer in charge of the boat, observing that
the man was stunned from the fall, and unable to assist himself,
leaped from the deck of the 'Predonia,' swam to his assistance, and
with great exertions brought him on shore in a senseless state. It
was a considerable time before the man recovered, and the gallant
officer was so much exhausted that it nearly cost him his life.
LIEUT. HENRY W. HIRE, R.N., MEDITERRANEAN,
December, 1845.
On the 12th December, 1845, William Richardson, A.B., of Her
Majesty's steam-sloop 'Hecla,' was washed off the forecastle, whilst
securing the anchor, between the islands of Cyprus and Rhodes: a
heavy sea was running at the time. The ship was backed and stopped
within a short distance of the unfortunate man, who was then
exhausted, and on the point of going down, when Mr. Henry W. Hire,
First-lieutenant, in a most gallant manner, at the risk of his own
life, jumped overboard, and supported him until a boat was lowered
that picked them both up.
COMMANDER WOOLDRIDGE AND MR. BIRTWHISTLE,
MATE, R.N., SHEERNESS,
June, 1845.
On the 9th June, 1845, whilst at anchor off Sheerness, when reefing,
owing to a point slipping through the hand of one of the seamen, he
fell from the fore-topsail yard of H.M.S. 'Spy' overboard, striking
the fore-rigging and spars in the chains, broke his arm, and received
violent contusions in many parts of his body. Lieut.-Commander
Wooldridge, being on deck and seeing the man sinking, jumped after
him, dressed as he was, with the hope of getting a rope round him;
finding, however, when he was in the water, from having heavy clothes
on and a thick pair of wash-deck shoes, and not being a very good
swimmer, he was too heavy to trust himself too near a sinking man, he
swam round him, occasionally lifting him, and encouraging him by
talking to him. Mr. Birtwhistle, mate, the moment he saw the danger,
threw off his jacket and shoes, and sprang after them, and being a
strong swimmer and disencumbered, kept the man up. The tide was
running very strong at the time, and they had thereby drifted about
four times the 'Spy's' length from her, when they were all eventually
picked up in a very exhausted state by a boat crossing the harbour.
LIEUT. NEWMAN, R.N., AND BOAT'S CREW, COAST-GUARD,
DUNGENESS,
January, 1846.
The 'New Flora' pilot-boat of Dover was wrecked at Dungeness on the
22nd January, 1846. On the circumstance being made known to Lieut.
Newman, R.N., of the Dymchurch Coast-guard station, by one of the men
who had providentially succeeded in swimming on shore through the
surf, he proceeded immediately to the spot, and ordered his boat to
be drawn round by land, a distance of a mile and a half, to a
convenient place for launching, where she was manned by the
lieutenant with a hardy crew of five men. After buffeting for some
time with the waves, they succeeded in reaching the ill-fated vessel,
and found the boats washed away, and the crew, consisting of five
men, obliged to take to the rigging, the sea making a clean sweep
over her, and thereby rendering it very hazardous for the galley to
approach. The gallant commander and tars, nothing daunted,
determined to rescue their fellow-creatures, which they ultimately
effected.
MR. F. S. GIBSON, R.N., GRAND BASSA, AFRICA,
January, 1846.
On the 12th of January, 1846, while crossing the Grand Bassa, in
Liberia (Africa), one of the 'Lily's' boats, containing Mr. F. S.
Gibson, paymaster and purser, and five other men belonging to the
said sloop, was pulling for the mouth of the river; and when in the
act of crossing the bar, the rollers broke heavily, and the sea
washed over the stern of the boat and capsized it. Soon after the
accident one of the crew, James Monk, was missing, when Mr. Gibson
plunged in, dived, and, with the greatest difficulty and exertion,
swam with him to the boat, very much exhausted.
LIEUT. TATHAM, R.N., CHATHAM,
April, 1846.
On the night of the 22nd April, 1846, a marine fell into the river
Medway from H.M.S. 'Raleigh,' and was rescued by the timely
assistance of Lieut. Edward Tatham, who, leaving his bed, lowered
himself down the vessel's side, and supported the man (who had also
hold of a rope) until a boat picked up both in an exhausted state.
COMMANDER J. W. FINCH, R.N., PORTSMOUTH,
July, 1846.
On the 16th July, 1846, as James Bradford, a seaman, was casting
loose the frapping of the jolly-boat on the starboard quarter of the
'Naiad,' 64-gun frigate, under the command of Lieut. J. W. Finch, the
boat swung or heeled over, and the man fell over the bows into the
water at a time when the tide was running with unusual strength out
of the harbour, and the wind blowing nearly half a gale. The cry of
"A man overboard!" was instantly raised, when Lieut. Finch, who was
in his cabin dressing at the time, looked out and saw the man
struggling with the tide. He threw off what garments encumbered him,
and plunged through the port into the water. At this time Bradford
had sunk twice, and was carried at a rapid rate from the ship, being
no swimmer. Mr. Finch, however, followed, and persevered in his
humane exertions to save the man's life, in which he happily
succeeded, after being in the water a quarter of an hour, and got his
man (to all appearance dead) on board a victualling-hoy, where the
usual remedies were applied.
This was not the first time Mr. Finch had similarly risked his own
life to save that of his fellow-creatures. In 1840 he, assisted by
three others, saved the crew of a vessel, wrecked off Seaham, and
received the honorary bronze medal of the Royal Humane Society.
MR. CHARLES E. H. FARRANT, MASTER'S ASSISTANT, R.N.,
VALPARAISO,
September, 1848.
On the 5th September, 1848, at 5 A.M., whilst H.M.S. 'Samson' was at
anchor off Valparaiso, James Smith, private marine, then engaged
stopping his hammock on the gantlin, lost his balance, and fell
overboard. It being quite dark at the time, and he not able to swim,
with a heavy swell and a set of current out of the bay, he was
carried away from the ship; when Mr. Farrant, master's assistant,
mate of the watch (a young officer only 17 years of age, and at sea
for the first time), ran to the sponson, and, observing that the man
was in imminent danger, instantly jumped overboard into 30 fathoms'
water, and swam to his assistance. Some minutes elapsed before Mr.
Farrant could reach him. He at length succeeded in getting hold of
the man, and had made considerable progress on his return to the ship
with him, when a boat reached them, but not until after he had been
taken twice or thrice under water, through the man clinging so
closely to him.
LIEUTENANT SHERARD OSBORNE, R.N., PORTSMOUTH,
September, 1848.
On the 20th September, 1848, while H.M.S. 'Dwarf' was fitting out in
the basin of Portsmouth Dockyard (the depth of water at the time
being 27 feet), the attention of Lieutenant Sherard Osborne was
suddenly drawn to the cry of "A boy overboard!" when, without the
slightest preparation, but with his full uniform on, including his
sword, he jumped in, and catching at a rope (which, however, proved
not to be made fast to the vessel), he saved a second-class boy of
the same ship, who, but for the gallant conduct of Lieutenant
Osborne, must inevitably have been drowned.
HENRY LAUGHRIN, BOATSWAIN'S MATE, H.M.S. 'CALLIOPE,'
RIO DE JANEIRO,
November, 1848.
On the 1st November, 1848, Captain Edward Stanley, of H.M.S.
'Calliope,' whilst returning from the shore to his ship in his gig,
was upset, together with the rest of his boat's crew, owing to the
boat being caught aback in a sudden squall; when Henry Laughrin,
boatswain's mate of the same ship, gallantly jumped overboard at the
risk of his own life, and saved Captain Stanley, whose life was
greatly endangered (though an expert swimmer) by a man clinging to
him. Several of the boat's crew were also rescued by the noble
conduct displayed by Laughrin.
This was the third instance of Laughrin's courage and humanity, he
having saved the lives of two shipmates in the years 1845 and 1848.
JOHN HUGGINS, QUARTER-MASTER OF H.M.S. 'SCOURGE,'
TRINIDAD, ETC.,
February, 1849.
In February, 1849, whilst H.M.S. 'Scourge' was at anchor off the
island of Trinidad, a boy named Thomas Burgess, of the same ship,
fell overboard, when John Huggins, quartermaster, prompted by the
most gallant spirit, instantly jumped overboard, and, by diving,
fortunately rescued the boy from drowning, but not without
encountering very great risk of his own life, owing to the number of
sharks which infest those waters. Independent of this gallant act,
Huggins, during his short career at sea (being still a very young
man) had, by his humane and meritorious conduct, been fortunate
enough to save at different periods eleven lives.
COMMANDER J. W. TARLETON, R.N., GENOA,
March, 1849.
On the 21st March, 1849, a seaman named Hayes, whilst employed
painting ship at Genoa, fell overboard, and not being able to swim,
would inevitably have been drowned before assistance could have
reached him but for the intrepid and gallant conduct of Commander J.
W. Tarleton, R.N., of H.M.S. 'Vengeance,' who instantly jumped
overboard from his cabin-port and succeeded in saving the poor fellow
from a watery grave, and he was promptly got on board again, to the
delight of all hands. The praiseworthy and noble act obtained for
Commander Tarleton the admiration of every one in the ship.
He had previously received the thanks of the American Government for
his exertions in 1847, when he went to the assistance of the crew of
the U.S. brig 'Somers,' which foundered off the port of Vera Cruz.
COMMANDER OLIVER JONES, R.N., COVE OF CORK,
March, 1849.
On the 24th March, 1849, as H.M.S. 'Ganges' was lying at the outer
anchorage of the Cove of Cork, Edward Galloway, a seaman belonging to
that ship, fell from the futtock shrouds into the water, striking
several times against the rigging and the ship's side, when Lieut.
Oliver Jones immediately ordered Fisbee's life-buoy's ropes to be
thrown to him; but the man, who was stunned by the fall, was unable
to avail himself of the use of them, and sank in between nine and ten
fathoms; upon which Lieut. Oliver Jones, in the most gallant manner,
at great risk of his own life, leaped overboard, and dived after him,
and brought him up in a state of insensibility, and held him until
further assistance was procured. But for the prompt and spirited
conduct of this officer, the man's life would have been lost.
Lieut. Oliver Jones had previously saved the life of a seaman
belonging to H.M.S. 'Melville,' in Halifax harbour, on the 4th June,
1837.
LIEUT. C. S. STANHOPE, R.N., H.M.S. 'ASIA,' AT SEA,
August, 1850.
On the 7th August, 1850, on the passage from Valparaiso to Pisco, in
lat. 19° south, and long. 75° west, about 6 P.M., while exercising
furling sails, two men fell overboard from the main-top-sail yard.
One of these men caught hold of a rope and was saved unhurt: the
other man in his fall struck his head against the main channel, and
fell into the water senseless, but not dead.
Lieut. C. S. Stanhope, being then on the poop, saw his helpless
state, and immediately, with great coolness and excellent judgment,
jumped into the main channel, and thence overboard, to save the
wounded man from drowning.
Lieut. Stanhope, supporting the man in the water, swam with him to a
life-buoy which had been let go on the first alarm, where he remained
with the man until brought on board by the boats which were lowered.
MR. T. H. JULIAN, SECOND-MASTER, R.N., PLYMOUTH,
July, 1851.
On the 15th July, 1851, a boy named Stephens, belonging to H.M.S.
'St. George,' at Hamoaze, fell overboard, and as the tide was running
strong, he soon drifted away. A seaman named Boyd jumped after him,
but not being able to swim, could render little assistance; both
being, therefore, in a perilous situation, Mr. T. H Julian, second
master, the officer of the watch, gallantly plunged overboard, and
providentially sustained them, until rescued by a boat when at a
considerable distance.
Mr. Julian was full dressed. This was not the first instance of his
gallant and humane conduct.
LIEUT. SAUMAREZ, R.N., H.M.S. 'VOLCANO,' OFF
SIERRA LEONE, AFRICA,
March, 1851.
On the evening of the 31st of March, 1851, a seaman named Sullivan,
of H.M.S. 'Volcano,' fell overboard off Sierra Leone, while under
weigh. Lieut. Saumarez, who was in the gun-room at the time, on the
alarm being given, instantly rushed on deck, jumped overboard, and
succeeded, after much difficulty, in rescuing him. Lieut. Saumarez
has, in several instances, displayed similar acts of bravery in
saving the lives of his fellow-creatures.
CHARLES LOXTON, SAILMAKER's MATE, H.M.S. 'ROLLA,'
DOVER,
August, 1851.
On the 26th of August, 1851, while H.M. brig 'Rolla' was proceeding
into Dover Hoads, at a distance of six miles from shore, and going at
the rate of four knots, with studding sails set on both sides, a
naval apprentice, in descending from the main rigging, accidentally
fell overboard, when Charles Loxton, a sail-maker's mate, gallantly
jumped overboard and succeeded in reaching him, and, after severe
exertion, swam with him to the line of the patent log which was
towing astern, where he continued to hold the boy with cool presence
of mind until assistance arrived: the crew being at breakfast, a
quarter of an hour elapsed before the ship was rounded to and a boat
lowered, and when hauled in, Loxton was completely exhausted.
MR. SKEAD, SECOND-MASTER, AND MR. LAMBE, MIDSHIPMAN,
R.N., OF H.M.S. 'TRAFALGAR,' OFF MALTA,
1852.
On the afternoon of the 5th of February, 1852, while H.M.S.
'Trafalgar,' Captain Greville, was going through a heavy sea off
Malta, Mr. Sheepshanks, a cadet, lost his balance while sky-larking
on the poop, and fell from the upper-stern gallery into the sea. The
alarm was instantly given, when the second master, Mr. Skead, plunged
from the gun-room port, and picking up a chair that had been thrown
overboard, he swam towards the drowning lad: on his approach, the
boy, exhausted, gave a scream, and sunk; but quickly rising, Mr.
Skead was enabled to push the chair within his grasp, and, throwing
himself on his back, he continued to support him until assistance
arrived. In the meantime Mr. Lambe, midshipman, jumped off the poop,
a height of upwards of 40 feet, and ultimately succeeded in saving
his little messmate and Mr. Skead, who, from his great exertions, was
taken into the boat in a state of convulsions.
On being asked by Captain Greville, why he had encountered so much
danger, Lambe gallantly replied, "Oh, Sir, young Sheepshanks is the
pet of the mess; we could not afford to lose him, at any rate!"
MR. WARD, BOATSWAIN, R.N., H.M.S. 'GLADIATOR,'
AFRICA,
1851.
On the coast of Africa, the 28th May, 1851, W. McCarthy, a seaman
belonging to H.M.S. 'Gladiator,' fell from the fore sponson
overboard. Mr. Ward, boatswain, without a moment's hesitation,
gallantly plunged after him, and, although the ship was going at the
rate of nine knots an hour, succeeded in holding him above water
until assistance arrived: this making the ninth person Mr. Ward, by
his intrepidity, has rescued.
COMMANDER ALAN H. GARDNER, H.M.S. 'WATERWITCH,'
AFRICA,
1851.
On the 7th of October, 1851, at 8 P.M., as H.M.S. 'Waterwitch' was
anchoring at Monrovia, on the west coast of Africa, a boy named
Clarke, fell overboard out of the forerigging. Commander Gardner,
though dressed in heavy blanket clothes and thick boots, immediately
jumped overboard and saved the boy. There was a strong tide running,
and it was perfectly dark: the boy's struggles were so great, and so
much time elapsed before assistance could reach them, owing to the
sailors being aloft furling sails, that they were both in the act of
sinking, and Captain Gardner was taken up almost lifeless.
LIEUT. PYNE, R.N., H.M.S. 'PRINCE REGENT,' LISBON,
December, 1851.
On the 26th of December, 1851, at Lisbon, a seaman named Edward
Clements, let go his hold on the mainyard and fell with a fearful
crash on the lower-port deck, and from thence overboard; Mr.
Frederick Pyne, mate of the upper deck, immediately sprang from the
starboard gangway after him, and swam, to his assistance; but having
on the whole of his uniform, had great difficulty in keeping Clements
up; the only boat near was Captain Halstead's gig, which was on the
port side; he sunk twice, the poor fellow he supported being so heavy
from the effects of the fall. Captain Caldwell, seeing the danger of
both officer and man, plunged in to their aid; and by this time the
dingy, and Captain Halstead's gig rescued them from, their perilous
situation. This is the third instance in which Mr. Pyne has been the
means of rescuing a fellow-creature under similar circumstances.
MR. SULLIVAN, MIDSHIPMAN OF H.M.S. 'MEGÆRA,' AT SEA,
1852.
On the 29th of May, 1852, four days after the departure of H.M.S.
'Megæra,' from St. Vincent, an act of great daring was performed.
The ship was going seven knots through the water, when William
Tizzard, captain of the fore-top, in the performance of his duty,
unfortunately fell overboard from the main-yard. Mr. Sullivan,
midshipman of H.M.S. 'Megæra,' with all his clothes on, immediately
jumped from the poop, a height of 20 feet, into the sea, and happily
succeeded in seizing the man, who could not swim, conveying him to a
life-buoy, and keeping him above water until they were both secured
by the ship's boats.
COMMANDER TARLETON, H.M.S. 'FOX,' RANGOON,
1852.
On Saturday morning the 2nd of October, 1852, a seaman, whilst
employed in painting the ship at Rangoon, missed his footing and fell
overboard, and not being able to swim, must have perished, but for
the promptitude and humanity of Commander Tarleton, of H.M.S. 'Fox,'
who instantly jumped from his cabin window, and succeeded in saving
the poor fellow from a watery grave.
This was the second occasion on which Commander Tarleton saved a
seaman's life under similar circumstances.
WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS
VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD.
ATTACK ON TAMATAVE, MADAGASCAR,
1845.
The Island of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, lies 40 leagues east
of the continent of Africa, from which it is separated by the
Mozambique Channel. The country yields many sorts of timber, as well
as indigo, crystals, tortoise-shell, ebony, gums, honey, and other
valuable productions; but civilization is in a backward state. The
inhabitants are generally tall, well made, and of an olive
complexion, with black but not woolly hair. They are divided into a
number of tribes, and the island into 28 provinces, each of which has
its chief, or king, whose riches consist chiefly in cattle and
slaves. They are all tributary to the Ovahs, whose chief is, in
fact, king of the island, the seat of government being Tamatave.
In 1845 this dignity was vested in a female, the Queen Ranavala
Manjaka.
In June, 1845, H.M. frigate 'Conway,' and his French Majesty's ships
the 'Zelée' and the 'Berceau,' met in Tamatave Roads, according to an
arrangement agreed to by the Governors of Bourbon and the Mauritius.
The object of their voyage was to obtain from Ranavala Manjaka less
harsh conditions than those which she had imposed upon the European
traders, whom she had threatened with immediate expulsion and the
confiscation of their property, if they did not become naturalized
Malagash, that is, slaves. The representatives of the two nations
not having succeeded in their negotiations, an obstinate combat took
place, in which the English had 4 men killed and 1 officer and 11 men
wounded. The French, 3 officers and 14 men killed, and 1 officer and
42 men wounded.
On the afternoon of the 15th, 350 men, of whom 100 were French
soldiers, and the others belonging to the crews of the three ships,
under the command of Captain Feiseck and Lieut. Heseltine, landed and
advanced across a plain, under a sharp fire from the forts and
battery of grape and musketry. The enemy was driven out of the
battery, and the guns spiked. The outwork, or screen, which had been
supposed to be the fort itself, was stormed and taken. They here
discovered the real fort, which was a circular one, and mounting
about thirty guns, which were casemated, and in a circular gallery.
The wall was about thirty feet high, and surrounded by a ditch of
about the same width. Possession was kept of the top of the screen
for upwards of half an hour, and a constant fire kept up. Having no
means of breaching the wall, and the men falling fast, they retired,
carrying off a flag, for the possession of which the French and
English sailors disputed for a long time. The flag-staff had been
shot through, and it fell inside the circular fort on the edge of
which it had stood; it was then put on a lance, or something of the
kind, and stuck again on the wall, in a crevice of the stones. It
was shot away again, and this time it fell outwards, hanging down
within a few feet of the bottom of the ditch, between the inner fort
and the screen. Two English sailors and a midshipman, and two or
three Frenchmen, made a rush into the ditch after it, seized it, and
neither party being able to get it from the other, after struggling a
considerable time for it, in the very hottest part of the Malagash
fire, they were about to come to cutlass blows with one another, when
Lieut. Kennedy, of the 'Conway,' to prevent mischief, rushed down,
and with his knife cut it, giving half to each party. The standard
was of pure white, with the queen's name, "Ranavala Manjaka," in
large letters; two or three letters remained with the flag-staff.
The English got the "Manjaka," and the French, the major part of the
"Ranavala;" the English the "fly," and the French the "luff" of the
colour, as the sailors say.
In returning from this admirable arrangement, Lieut. Kennedy was
getting through one of the embrasures in the screen, when the gun
went off and killed several men, but he escaped with a wound from a
splinter through both thighs. The guard-house, custom-house, and a
considerable part of the town were burnt. The firing from the
men-of-war was pronounced excellent. The English and French landed
next day, and carried off all the remaining European property. The
wounded were all brought off, but not the killed, whose heads were
next day exposed on the beach, stuck on pikes. The men-of-war, and
all the merchant-ships there, sailed from the harbour. Nearly all
the Malagash balls had passed over the ships, which were anchored
about 800 yards from the shore.
LIEUT. F. J. D'AGUILAR DEFEATS AN ATTEMPT TO RETAKE
A PRIZE CAPTURED BY H.M.S. 'GRECIAN,' BRAZIL,
1848.
The 'Grecian,' having captured a clipper, Brazilian hermaphrodite
brig, with nearly 500 slaves on board, Lieut. D'Aguilar was placed in
charge of her as prize-master, with ten men, and ordered to proceed
to Bahia, the sloop following him thither. The prize duly arrived,
and anchored at Bahia before the 'Grecian,' and not the slightest
suspicion was entertained but that she was safe. In the course of
the day, however, Lieut. D'Aguilar received some hints to the effect
that a combination was being made on shore among the slavers to
attempt to retake the prize, and although nothing definite was
communicated, it was sufficient warning to him to be on the alert,
and to take precautions which saved him and his men from being
massacred. The evening passed off without disturbance, but, about
ten o'clock at night, several boats from the shore were soon pulling
for the brig, containing, it was estimated, 150 Brazilians. As they
neared the prize, they were hailed, and ordered to keep off, but with
some boldness they advanced alongside. Having approached too near to
be agreeable, Lieut. D'Aguilar endeavoured to check them by a
discharge of musketry, and this commenced a most severe conflict, as
the fire was returned by the pirates as they dashed alongside and
attempted to board. That firmness and undaunted bravery, however,
which is characteristic of British seamen, was here displayed in an
eminent degree, and the Brazilians, with their overpowering numbers,
were completely beaten off by Lieut. D'Aguilar and his little band,
with a loss, on the enemy's side it is said, of upwards of 10 killed
and 30 wounded. As may naturally be supposed, where the contest was
one at close quarters, and where each of the gallant defenders had so
many assailants to wait upon, they did not come out of the _mêlée_
unscathed. Scarcely one of them escaped a mark, and several of them
were severely wounded. Lieut. D'Aguilar received many hurts about
the head. It subsequently transpired that it was the intention of
the Brazilians to have silently got alongside the vessel, and to have
secured the prize-crew. They would then have cut the cables and made
sail, to land the cargo of slaves at another part of the coast. This
affair was the theme of general applause in the squadron on the
station.
DESTRUCTION OF A CHINESE PIRATE FLEET BY H.M.S.
'COLUMBINE' AND 'FURY,' AND STEAMER 'CANTON,'
CHINA,
1849.
The Chinese pirate chief Chin-a-poo first became known to the foreign
community of China as the murderer of Captain Da Costa and Lieut.
Dwyer, in February, 1849, at Hong Kong. On the discovery of his
crime, he fled from the island; a reward of 100_l._ sterling was put
upon his head, but nothing was heard of him until the 30th of
September following, when he was found at the head of a formidable
pirate fleet of 23 sail, averaging 500 tons each, and mounting 12 to
18-pounder carronades. H.M.S. 'Columbine' and 'Fury,' and the
Oriental Steam Navigation Company's vessel 'Canton,' were despatched
in search of him, and discovered the squadron in one of his
dockyards, upon the north-east coast, called "Pirates' Cove," not 50
miles distant from Hong Kong. All the junks were destroyed by fire,
besides three new ones on the stocks and two dockyards; and of the
1,800 men who manned them, about 1,400 were killed, the rest being
dispersed without a place to fly to. After the destruction of his
fleet, the pirate chief fled into the interior of China, and nothing
more was heard of him up to February, 1851, when he was unexpectedly
delivered up, bound and gagged, on board the H.E.I. Company's steamer
'Phlegethon.' He was tried for the murder, and sentenced to
transportation for life; but while the convict-ship was waiting to
convey him to Penang, he crowned his desperate career by strangling
himself in his cell in the Hong Kong prison.
DESTRUCTION OF PIRATES BY H.M.S. 'MEDEA,' CHINA,
March, 1850.
At the request of the Chinese authorities at Cawloon, opposite Hong
Kong, H.M.S. 'Medea,' Captain Lockyer, was despatched with a mandarin
on board to Kut-o, a bay about thirty-five miles from Hong Kong, in
search of pirates. Thirteen piratical junks and four cargo junks
were found at anchor, twelve of the number swept in shore on the
appearance of the steamer, one of the largest remaining at anchor
without offering the slightest resistance. As it became dark the
paddle-box boats were despatched, under the command of Mr. William
Brodie, acting-master, with orders to take possession of the junks
which had swept in shore; but finding that he was resisted, Captain
Lockyer proceeded to his assistance in the gig, accompanied by the
pinnace of H.M.S. 'Hastings,' commanded by Lieut. Webber, and the
'Medea's' cutter under the command of Lieut. Gibbons, and found Mr.
Brodie very closely pressed by a large number of pirates, who made
strong endeavours to recapture the junks.
All were, however, brought to the ship, and eight destroyed, one
caught fire and blew up, and the remainder, which were recent
captures hastily fitted up for piratical purposes, were given up to
their owners who were pointed out by the mandarin. There were no
casualties amongst the English force.
COMMANDER HAY DESTROYS PIRATE FLEET, CHINA,
October, 1850.
In the month of October, 1850, a squadron under Commander Hay,
consisting of H.M. steam sloops 'Columbine' and 'Fury,' and the East
India Company's steam sloop 'Phlegethon,' left Hong Kong in pursuit
of a great piratical fleet on the 8th, and proceeding along the
coast, arrived at Hainan on the 13th, where they met with a most
cordial reception from the Chinese authorities, who prepared a small
force of eight war-junks to co-operate with them, and offered a
mandarin to accompany them, who was accordingly received on board the
'Fury.' The squadron set sail again from Hainan on the 14th; on the
16th reached Chook-shan, which the pirate fleet had left five days
before, and found the same sad story of towns destroyed, men
murdered, and women taken away marking its track along the coast.
After a close search all along the coast, they fell in with the fleet
on the 20th October in the bay of Tonquin. Proceeding into Chokeum
for the purpose of reconnoitring, 37 of the fleet were discovered
under weigh. From 7 o'clock until 4 P.M. they hunted for the channel
like terriers at a rat-hole, till a pilot managed to escape from the
shore. The 'Phlegethon,' with the 'Fury' astern, and 'Columbine' in
tow, proceeded over the bar, and the ships were soon warmly engaged.
Shapng-tsai's junk blew up with a tremendous crash, and at half-past
5 they had ceased firing. Before 8 o'clock 27 of the pirate fleet
were in flames, and the squadron in position to blockade the river.
The next day 24 more were destroyed by the steamers and boats; and
nine of them gave Lieut. George Hancock, in a paddle-box boat of the
'Fury,' who was assisted by Captain Moore, R.M., and Mr. Close,
acting-mate, with Mr. Leon (a Brazilian lieutenant), an opportunity
of distinguishing himself. Two large junks turned at bay to defend
the retreat of the rest, but Mr. Hancock so handled his boat and her
gun, that after an hour and twenty minutes he had beaten them from
their guns, and carried them, by boarding without loss of life, and
then pursued and destroyed the other seven. On Monday 22nd,
Commander Hay proceeded in the 'Phlegethon' and boats to destroy all
that were left. The mandarins had destroyed four, and they finished
two others. The low flat islands at the mouth of the river were at
times covered with men deserted from the junks, yet afraid of the
Cochin-Chinese who had assembled in great numbers to attack them.
The ships' boats and small-arm men harassed and destroyed many by
constant fire of shell and grape, whilst the Cochin-Chinese destroyed
and captured the rest. The fleet consisted of 64 war-vessels of
various sizes, carrying amongst them 1,224 guns, and 3,150 men. Of
these six of the smaller escaped with Shapng-tsai, and about 400 men,
but without much ammunition.
DESTRUCTION OF A SLAVE ESTABLISHMENT IN THE
MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL, BY H.M.S. 'CASTOR' AND 'DEE,'
MOZAMBIQUE,
1850.
On the 8th of June, 1850, an attack was made by a division of seamen
and marines of H.M.S. 'Castor' and steamer 'Dee' under Commander
Bunce on the town of Keonga, river Hambeyzy, at Mozamba in the
Mozambique channel. It contained an establishment for several
thousands of slaves and large storehouses filled with merchandize for
conducting the vile traffic. These were defended by a 6-pounder gun,
and by about 300 free natives, with muskets, besides several bowmen
and spearmen. So rapid were the movements of the seamen and marines
that the natives, although very war-like and courageous, had scarcely
time to get under arms before the place was totally demolished, the
guns carried and spiked, and a large slave dow blown up. No lives
were lost on the part of the English. The slave barracoons at
Masain, near Cape Delgado, were also attacked by a division of seamen
and marines from the 'Castor' and 'Dee' at daybreak, and before the
natives could effect resistance, were destroyed. This was also a
notorious slave-market.
CAPTURE OF THE BRAZILIAN STEAM-BRIG 'PAQUETE DE
SANTOS,' LATE 'PROVIDENCIA,' BY H.M.S. 'RIFLEMAN,'
LIEUT. COMMANDER CROFTON, BRAZIL,
1850.
No slaver had so long and successfully eluded the vigilance of the
British squadron, under the command of Commodore Sir Charles Hotham,
as the Brazilian steam-brig 'Providencia.' On one occasion, with
1,500 slaves on board, she stood a twelve hours' chase, by H.M.S.
'Contest,' and escaped by changing her course in the dark. During
this chase the 'Providencia's' engines were so hard-worked that she
lay at Rio for some months, until she had been repaired by engineers
expressly sent for from Europe. On another occasion, a boat from the
'Penelope' (flag-ship), missed capturing her, just after she had
shipped 1,200 slaves.
In July, 1849, this notorious slave-steamer left Rio de Janeiro, with
complete equipments for a slaving voyage, ostensibly bound to Santos,
a port on the coast of South America, but in reality, to the opposite
direction, the coast of Africa. Before she was well clear out of the
port at Rio, she was chased by H.M.S. 'Hydra,' but escaped and took
refuge in Santos Harbour; where, notwithstanding several
representations made by the British Vice-Consul and Commander
Skipwith of the 'Hydra,' the more suspicious portion of the slaver's
cargo and equipments were allowed to be landed, and afterwards
transhipped to a sailing-vessel. The 'Hydra' being under orders for
England, H.M.S. 'Rifleman' was ordered to remain at Santos to keep
watch on the 'Providencia,' which, being thus prevented from leaving
the harbour without detection, remained unemployed for six months.
At length, in December, the 'Rifleman' left the port, with the view
of intercepting the arrival of several vessels, expected with slaves
from the coast of Africa, when having changed owners, under the name
of 'Paquete de Santos,' the notorious craft made an effort to pursue
her voyage during the absence of the cruiser. On the very day she
left Santos, she was discovered by the 'Rifleman' standing away from
the land, but, on being observed, she altered her course and made
every effort to escape; a well-directed shot from the 'Rifleman's'
long gun, however, astonished her and brought her to; she was then
boarded and searched by Lieut. Crofton, the commander, and Mr.
Beckett, a midshipman, and her real character and object easily
proved by the slave-deck being found temporarily nailed up. She was
seized, and condemned at St. Helena.
CAPTURE OF FOUR NOTED SLAVERS BY H.M.S.
'CORMORANT,' COMMANDER HERBERT SCHOMBERG, ON THE
COAST OF BRAZIL, AMERICA,
1850.
On the 26th of June, 1850, H.M. steam-frigate 'Cormorant,' Commander
Herbert Schomberg, left Rio Janeiro, having received orders from the
Commander-in-chief to cruize for the suppression of the slave-trade.
Proceeding to the northward, she captured and destroyed the
celebrated slaver 'Rival,' in the Rio Frio, a service which was
performed with great promptitude by the ship's boats, under the
command of her First-lieut. Mr. C. M. Luckcraft. After the
destruction of the slaver, the 'Cormorant' had to run the gauntlet,
at the entrance of the river, under a sharp fire of musketry, from
hundreds of persons assembled on the beach: she then steered to the
southward for the Bay of Paranagua, distant about 400 miles, off
which she arrived on the morning of the 29th, and passing the fort
(mounting 14 or 15 guns), at the entrance, between which and the
'Cormorant' the usual civilities passed, she proceeded up the bay
about 15 miles, and at noon opened several large vessels, lying at
anchor off an island inhabited only by slave-dealers, the
trading-port being some four miles further up the bay. Abreast of
where these vessels were lying at anchor were erected large sheds,
surrounded by leaguers, slave-decks, &c. The 'Cormorant' having
steamed in as close to these vessels as she could possibly get, the
channel being very narrow and circuitous, and surrounded by shoals,
Commander Schomberg anchored with a spring on the cable, to cover the
boats, at 5 minutes after 12, and immediately despatched the two
cutters and gig, under the command of Lieut. C. M. Luckcraft, Lieut.
de Kantzon, Mr. C. W. Buckley (midshipman), and Mr. Hambly
(assistant-surgeon), to overhaul suspicious vessels. One or two
legal vessels lying near, immediately weighed and left this
anchorage, not wishing to remain among the black sheep. The boats
then boarded one of the brigs and took possession; the first cutter
boarding another brig, and the gig a large ship, both of which were
also taken. The boats were now employed in towing and warping the
two brigs towards the 'Cormorant,' but unfortunately, owing to the
intricacy of the channel, they soon took the ground, which occasioned
much delay; the 'Cormorant' then weighed and endeavoured to close,
but, having only 15 feet water, was obliged to desist; she,
therefore, as the two brigs were now afloat again, dropped a little
further out, and brought up about a mile from them. Both paddle-box
boats were now hoisted out, and, together with the whale-boat, sent
to the assistance of the other boats, the captain visiting and
examining them in one of the former boats. The ship was then got
under weigh, and by 10 P.M., after a hard day's work, the three
vessels were anchored under the 'Cormorant's' beak.
On the following day, June 30th, Commander Schomberg was employed
surveying and preparing his little flotilla for sea. The ship was
called the 'Camperdora,' but on ripping some painted canvass off her
stern, there was found in large letters the name; 'Lucy Ann,' of
Greenport: and from her being American built, and having the flag of
the United States on board, and carrying two whale-boats at her
quarters, she might have been passed by our cruisers a thousand times
at sea without the slightest suspicion. The two beautiful brigs were
found to be the noted slavers 'Serea' and 'Donna Anna,' which,
unfortunately, had no sails on board, and were unfit to make a voyage
across the Atlantic. The 'Donna Anna' had her cargo on board, and
all three were fully equipped for the slave-trade. There were also
at anchor a Portuguese barque, a Brazilian ship (but from having
landed her fittings, she could not be detained) and an American
barque, which no doubt only lay there to be fitted for carrying
slaves. Besides these, there was a large brigantine called the
'Astro,' which the 'Rifleman' had previously blockaded in Santos for
some 10 days, as also had the 'Cormorant,' but she managed to elude
their vigilance, and to escape to this port. Commander Schomberg
intended taking her in the morning, but when day broke she was found
sinking, giving a lift to starboard and then to port, going down
head-foremost, having been scuttled during the night by her own crew,
to prevent capture. The captain and master went up to examine and
measure her; she had gone down in six fathoms water (soft mud), and
numerous boats were employed landing sails, &c., which had been taken
out of her.
The whole of the day (30th) it rained and blew very hard from the
S.W.; it was, therefore, deemed advisable not to start till the next
morning; but the time was not thrown away, for the vessels were
prepared for towing, and a prize-crew, &c., placed on board the ship,
so as not to be detained when they got outside; at sunset all were
ready for a start.
On the morning of July 1st the 'Cormorant' weighed, and by 8 A.M. had
got the little squadron in tow, proceeding down the bay. On opening
the fort, at about 10 o'clock, and when about a mile off, Capt.
Schomberg was astonished at a blank gun being fired at him. The
engines were immediately eased and stopped, and a boat left from
under the fort, but immediately returned; at the same time a shot
from the fort fell close under the bows. The 'Cormorant' beat to
quarters, but refrained from returning it, although perfectly ready.
In about two minutes a second shot fell close under the counter,
followed by a third, which flew across the forecastle netting. The
'Cormorant' went on at full speed (not being built for a target for
the Brazilians), and opened fire from starboard broadside with shot
and shell, firing as the guns would bear, going through a very narrow
channel with three large vessels in tow. At this period the action
became general on both sides, the fort firing grape occasionally,
which fortunately fell short of the 'Cormorant,' although not 400
yards from it. At fifty minutes past 10, having passed the front of
the battery, unable to return the raking fire from the sea-face of
it, in consequence of the vessels in tow, but throwing shell
occasionally from her stern gun, as the opening between the vessels
in tow would admit of it, the 'Cormorant' ceased firing, the fort
still continuing until their last shot fell short of the ships in
tow. The bar not being passable, the 'Cormorant' anchored. A party
was then sent to destroy the brigs 'Donna Anna' and 'Serea,' which
were shortly in a blaze, and drifting into the breakers, soon went
into a thousand atoms. In performing this service the second cutter
unfortunately was drifted near the breakers, and in great danger. A
whale-boat was sent to her assistance, and she was shortly released
from this imminent peril. The 'Cormorant' was anchored barely three
miles from the fort, so that they had a good view of her proceedings.
By 4 P.M., the tide having sufficiently risen to enable the
'Cormorant' to pass the bar, she weighed, and having the ship in tow,
proceeded to sea, casting her off next morning for St. Helena, and
then proceeded herself with all despatch to join the Admiral off Rio.
The casualties of the affair were one killed and two wounded. Five
shots were fired through the hull, one of which was picked up on the
lower deck. The conduct of Commander Schomberg, in capturing these
slavers, and avenging the insult to the British flag, was highly
approved by the Admiral on the station, and justified by the
authorities at Rio.
CAPTURE OF 'VENUS' SLAVER, OFF THE HAVANNAH, BY
H.M.S. 'VESTAL,' CAPTAIN HAMILTON,
1852.
Taking advantage of the moment when the vigilant 'Vestal' was
refitting in the harbour of Havannah, a finely-built slave-schooner,
the 'Venus,' with the concurrence of the captain of the port, slipped
out to sea during the night. At dawn she was missed, and in less
than three minutes after Capt. Hamilton heard of the circumstance the
'Vestal' was on her way out of the harbour under a crowd of canvas.
There were 11 foreign ships-of-war at that time in the Havannah, and
the Americans, like good kinsmen, gave the 'Vestal' a loud cheer as
she departed. When the 'Vestal' got out to sea there were several
distant specks to be seen, but the 'Venus' was detected by the
superior whiteness of her new sails, and every effort was made to
gain upon her, and with success. In the course of the night a
tornado came on, during which the 'Venus' was lost sight of; and now
came a difficulty, in which direction to pursue her. Upon
consultation, it was conjectured that she would make for the Bahama
shoals, that being a dangerous navigation for larger vessels. At
sunrise this conjecture proved correct, for the 'Venus' again
appeared, but it was an extremely dangerous passage, and the 'Vestal'
had brought no pilot; the breakers appeared ahead, and it was
impossible to pursue the 'Venus' further. Capt. Hamilton then
determined to try the effect of a long gun, with an enormous charge
of powder. It pitched into the 'Venus;' down went her colours, and
she gave in. There were two other slave-schooners amongst the
breakers, and the 'Vestal' was unable to follow them, for want of
water, but Capt. Hamilton would not be foiled thus; he went on board
the 'Venus,' held a pistol to the captain's head, made him steer
after the other schooners, and successively captured them both. On
board each vessel was found a large store of swords, muskets, the
usual provision of slave-decks and slave-irons, together with several
letters implicating many persons, and other vessels, as well as their
own, amongst others, a large black brig, which was captured a few
days afterwards.
CAPTURE OF THE 'POLKA' SLAVER, BY H.M.S. 'SHARPSHOOTER,'
LIEUT.-COMMANDER BAILEY, ON THE COAST
OF BRAZIL.
H.M.S. 'Sharpshooter,' Lieut. John Bailey, commander, arrived off Rio
on the 18th June, 1849, with despatches, ordering the admiral on that
station to take slave-vessels out of Brazilian ports when it could be
attempted with a fair prospect of success--a measure which had
hitherto been unlawful. Before entering the harbour she captured one
slaver, which was sunk, being unfit for sea; and a second on the
night of the 20th, while in search of the admiral, who was cruising
outside. Having fallen in with him on the morning of the 22nd, and
at the same time received intelligence that a notorious slaver was
lying in the port of Macahi, about 80 miles off, Mr. Bailey
immediately obtained leave to take advantage of the new regulations.
Although the ship had been but half an hour in Rio, and consequently
had not had time to revictual, water, or coal, and had only half a
day's water, two days' bread, and about 15 tons of coal remaining, no
time was lost, and she arrived off the port of Macahi at half-past 3
P.M. on the 23rd. The slaver was moored with stout chain-cables,
ready for sea, and within pistol-shot of an eight-gun battery, and
lying immediately under the guns. The boats were sent to examine
her, and found no captain or papers, but a regular slave-deck. The
beach was crowded with ruffians, firing off muskets in all
directions; and while the young officer in command of the boats was
searching, a body of soldiers marched into the battery and loaded the
guns; upon which, not knowing exactly how to act, he returned for
further orders.
Mr. Bailey then went away in a four-oared boat to speak to the
commandant of the battery, and see if it was practicable to get her
out. It was now dusk, and, while walking up the bank, a musket was
fired at him from behind a hedge. Having seen the commandant and
examined the vessel, a perfect little beauty, called the 'Polka,' but
a palpable rogue, Mr. Bailey returned on board his own ship, steamed
out a little way, and, having cleared for action, and loaded with
grape and canister, manned the boats, towed them to within
musket-shot of the schooner and fort, and then cast them off, as
there was not water for the ship to approach any nearer. The men in
the boats had orders not to fire even if their boats were struck, but
to reserve their fire until some of them had received personal
injury, when in self-defence they were to return it. The
'Sharpshooter' remained within short musket range of the fort, ready
to open upon it had any injury occurred to the boats. They dashed
alongside the slaver on the side opposite to the battery, whilst a
perfect blaze of muskets and rockets was going on around them, though
at so cautious a distance that no one was touched. In a few minutes,
however, her sails were loosened, cables slipped, and out she shot
like an arrow. Directly she did so a gun was fired from the battery,
which went far over the mark; and then a second, which splashed them
from head to foot; a third flashed in the pan, and by that time the
prize had run across the bows of the 'Sharpshooter,' which
immediately steamed in across the line of fire. The battery ceased
fire directly, and giving them three good cheers as the only return
for the shot, the two vessels dashed off to sea together at the rate
of eight miles an hour. It was the work of ten minutes, and was done
without even the snapping of a cap.
THE AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE.
NATURE OF THE SERVICE.
Since the settlement of Europeans on the continent of America and the
West Indian Islands, a trade in slaves, brought from the African
coast across the Atlantic, has existed to a less or greater extent.
The unfortunate black-skinned sons of Africa were first captured to
supply the loss of the mild and yielding natives of the New World,
destroyed by the avarice and cruelty of their Spanish taskmasters.
The British settlers, seeing what they believed the advantages which
the Spaniards derived from the introduction of this forced labour,
yielded to the temptation, and, entering into the nefarious traffic,
bequeathed to their descendants a curse which is even now weighing
heavily on their prosperity, and may some day overwhelm them. For
centuries, indeed, although many wise and good men saw the
slave-trade in its true light as a deadly outrage against the laws of
God and the rights of man, yet the great mass among the civilized
nations of the world were unconscious of its enormity, or indifferent
to its practices. In those days it was carried on like any other
trade in the present day. Vessels came out for slaves, ran down the
coast, touching at all the principal native settlements, and
purchased such slaves as were offered for sale, until their cargoes
were completed. Sometimes the unsuspicious natives, who came off in
their canoes to trade, were kidnapped in numbers sufficient to form a
cargo. Sometimes a well-armed slaver carried off by force the
negroes on board another slaver, ready to sail, and unable to defend
herself. There were besides, along the coast at convenient points,
forts and stations, established by the British and other European
Governments, for the very purpose of facilitating the slave-trade.
At length, by the indefatigable efforts of Wilberforce and other
philanthropic men, a brighter light dawned upon the eyes of the
British public, as well as that of the United States, and they were
taught to look on the slave-trade in all its dark and revolting
colours.
The truth having once become manifest, the honest-minded of the
people began to look with horror on a system they had so long
sanctioned by their silence, and the desire to put an end to it
became general among them.
On the 25th of March, 1807, the Royal Assent was given to the Bill
for the Total Abolition of the British Slave-trade on and after the
1st of January, 1808. At first only a penalty in money was exacted
from those convicted of slave-dealing; but this, of course, being
found inefficient, in 1811 slave-dealing was made punishable by
transportation for 14 years. This being afterwards discovered to be
a most inadequate check, the offence was declared in 1824 to be
piracy, and the punishment death. This law continued in force till
1837, when the punishment inflicted on British subjects for trading
in slaves was changed to transportation for life.
A squadron of small vessels supposed to be suited for the purpose was
forthwith equipped and sent out to the African coast to capture
slavers wherever they could be found north of the equator, either
embarking their cargoes or prepared to receive them, or with full
ships, or up rivers on the coast, or out at sea; but though much
energy and gallantry were displayed, and though there was an immense
amount of boat-service of a hazardous description, often proving
fatal to those engaging in it, there were, from the year 1819 to 1839
(twenty years), only 333 slave-vessels captured by the squadron,
owing to the inefficiency of the cruisers employed, while from the
year 1839 to 1849 inclusive (eleven years), 744 slave-vessels were
captured. The slave-trade, at the former time, existed on the coast
from Port St. Louis, on the river Senegal, on the north, to Cape St.
Martha, in Benguela, in the south--a coast line of 3,000 miles and
upwards. Till the year 1839 only a few 10-gun brigs and other
inefficient vessels were employed,--indeed, there were never more
than six cruisers at a time on the coast. So inferior, generally,
were the vessels in sailing qualities, and so disastrous was
frequently the result from the deadly climate when their boats were
sent away up the rivers, that the officers were often disheartened,
and persuaded themselves that the plan of blockading the coast would
not put any effectual stop to the slave-trade. When, however, a very
superior class of 16 and 18 gun brigs and sloops-of-war, and,
latterly, of fast screw-steamers fitted for sailing as well as
steaming, were sent out, the state of affairs was completely changed,
and, as we have before remarked, in about half the time twice as many
slavers were captured as under the old system.
The following extracts from the work of the Rev. J. Leighton Wilson,
an American missionary on the Gaboon river, west coast of Africa,
will more clearly prove what the British squadron has done to put an
end to the slave-trade, and the subsequent accounts will show how
they accomplished their work:--
"When the trade became illegal, it was banished from most of the
European settlements; and the Spaniards, Portuguese, and others who
determined to persist in it, notwithstanding its illegality, had to
adopt a new mode of operations.
"They could no longer perform their usual voyages along the coast
without being seized as prizes, and having their property
confiscated. It became necessary, therefore, to erect barracoons on
those parts of the coast where slaves could be collected with the
greatest ease and in the largest numbers; and at the appointed time
the vessels returned and took away these slaves without being
detained on the coast more than twenty-four hours, and in some cases
only a single night. The points thus occupied at one time could not
have been less than forty or fifty.
"The English have never had any treaties with the Spanish,
Portuguese, or Brazilian governments that would authorize them to
destroy these barracoons. Hence they have been compelled to do what
they could by guarding the coast and seizing slave-vessels in the
vicinity of these barracoons. But as the numbers of the places
occupied by the slave-trade greatly exceeded the number of cruisers
employed to watch them, and were seldom less than fifty or a hundred
miles apart, it will be readily seen that the cruisers had a
difficult task to perform, and the frequent escape of slavers was
inevitable. At the same time the profits of the trade were so great,
that the escape of a single slaver would cover the profits of three
captures.
"Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, such have been the
diligence and activity of the officers of the squadron, that they
have forced this trade out of more than three-fourths of the
strongholds which it once occupied.
"From the Senegal river, on the borders of the Great Desert, to Cape
Lopez, a few miles south of the equator, a distance coastwise of
something like 2,500 miles, there is now no trade in slaves whatever.
In fact, the trade is now confined to what is called the Congo
country, in which there are not more than eight or ten points where
slaves are collected, and from which they are shipped. Thus more
than 2,000 miles of the frontiers of the best and fairest portion of
the African continent has been relieved from this unparalleled
scourge, and perhaps more than 20,000,000 of human beings in
banishment have been restored to comparative peace and happiness by
the operations of the squadron along the coast."
"The Bight of Biafra, into which run the rivers Benin, Bonny, Brass,
Calabar, and Cameroons, once the chief seat of the trade, having been
subjected for several successive years to a virtual blockade [adds
Mr. Wilson], not only did the Spaniards and Portuguese find
themselves under the necessity of relinquishing it, but at the same
time the natives saw that they could derive a larger and more certain
profit from lawful commerce, and consequently turned their attention
to the manufacture of palm-oil. The number of vessels now engaged in
carrying on a lawful trade in these rivers is between forty and
fifty; and so decided are the advantages reaped by the natives from
this change in their commercial affairs, it is not believed they
would ever revert to it again, even if all outward restraints were
taken away." "Palm-oil, however, is only one of a great variety of
other products of the country equally valuable and capable of quite
as much augmentation. Regarded merely in a selfish point of view,
for its commercial results, England will be repaid for every dollar
she has expended upon this enterprise, not only by the market she
will have created in Africa for her manufactures, but likewise in the
immense amount of valuable products that will be brought to her own
shores from that country. But if these results acquire importance in
connexion with commercial enterprise, how must they appear when
contemplated in the light of humanity! We cannot contemplate this
sudden and wonderful development of commerce in any other light than
as one of those efficient agencies employed by Providence, not only
to raise up Africa from the lowest depths of barbarism, but to place
her on a footing of respectability with the most favoured nations of
the earth." The squadron has also put down piracy most completely,
and has enabled a number of settlements belonging to various nations
to exist and flourish. But it has done more than that, it has aided
in protecting a number of zealous workers in Christ's vineyard, who
have been employed in sowing the seeds of the gospel in the land.
"To the south of Sierra Leone, and between that and the Equator, that
part of the coast where the efforts of the squadron to put down the
slave-trade have been most successful, there have been founded, in
fifteen or sixteen years, as many as twelve independent missions, at
the distance of 100 or 200 miles from each other, embracing three
times that number of distinct stations along the coast, and a still
greater number of out-stations in the interior. The gospel is
statedly preached to thousands and hundreds of thousands, not only
along the frontier regions, but far in the interior. More than
10,000 youths are now receiving a Christian education in the schools
connected with these missions, and will ere long be sent forth to
spread the blessings of education and Christianity far and near among
the benighted inhabitants of the land."
_In all these varied ways has the British squadron rendered important
service to the cause of humanity. It has put down piracy on the
African seas; has restored peace and tranquillity to a line of
sea-coast of more than_ 2,000 _miles; has called into existence a
large and flourishing commerce, and, at the same time, has thrown the
shield of its protection over the cause of Christian Missions, and
all the varied agency that has been employed to promote the cause of
humanity and civilization among the benighted inhabitants of this
great continent_. IF THESE GREAT OBJECTS ARE NOT WORTHY OF BRITISH
PHILANTHROPY, WE KNOW NOT WHERE TO FIND THOSE THAT ARE.
The Committee appointed by the Lords of Parliament, also report to
the same effect, from the evidence collected from a number of
officers employed on the coast, and other persons acquainted with the
country:--
"With respect to the effect of the squadron on the coast of Africa,
it appears, in the first place, that all other means of direct
impression, as well as all moral influences which tend to the same
result (such as the extension of Christianity and commerce, the
return of liberated Africans and others to their native countries,
&c.), depend on its maintenance; that, in proportion to its
efficiency, these become more widely spread and more deeply rooted;
but, if withdrawn, or materially reduced, that these secondary means
could not continue to exist.
"With regard to the actual and direct effect of the squadron in
suppressing the slave-trade, it has been proved that, when its
operations began, the traffic extended over almost every part of
Africa, from the Equator, as far as Cape Verde, a distance of nearly
2,500 miles. To this quarter, the efforts of the cruisers were
entirely confined from 1815 to 1839; the slave-trade south of the
Equator, from which Brazil was almost altogether supplied, being
prosecuted with perfect security, and indeed protection. Yet, within
this time, the slave-trade has been expelled from every quarter,
north of the line, except from the Bight of Benin, a space of less
than 300 miles. In the Bight of Biafra, (in which 15,000 slaves per
annum were very recently exported from the river Bonny alone, while a
large export also took place from the Old and the New Calabar, the
Cameroons and other rivers), the slave-trade has been entirely
extinguished. Complete treaties, enabling the British force to land
and put it down, if resumed, have been concluded; and a consul,
resident at Fernando Po, periodically visiting these rivers, and
assisted by an occasional visit from a vessel of war, will, it is
expected, be able to secure their fulfilment. In the place of the
slave-trade, a great increasing commerce is springing up in this
bight.
"Mission stations have been established, and the comparatively small
means which suffice to prevent the revival of the slave-trade,
compared with those which were required to put it down, show that
wherever the slave-trade has once been effectively suppressed, a
large reduction of force may follow, without danger of its revival.
"On the Gold Coast the influence of the English forts has entirely
eradicated the traffic. At Cape Palmas, to the northward, as far as
Cape Mount, the settlements of Liberia have been equally efficacious
to that end.
"At Gallinas, under the treaty of 1840 (the operation of which was
long suspended by a doubt as to the legality of destroying
factories), the slave-trade has been recently entirely rooted out,
mainly by the assistance of the surrounding natives. In this quarter
a Government agent or consul on shore, aided by the presence of a
single cruiser, will, there is reason to hope, prevent the
slave-trade breaking out afresh; so that here, as well as in the
Bight of Biafra, effectual repression may be followed by a great
reduction of force.
"Further north, the natives themselves have risen against the
traffic, requesting the captain of a cruiser to land and destroy the
factories. A profitable trade has sprung up in its place, and the
Sierra Leone Commissioners report that not a slave has been shipped
for the preceding twelvemonth.
"To the south of the Equator the continuance of the slave-trade is
owing partly to the shorter period during which repressive measures
have been tried; partly to the inadequacy of the force which has
hitherto been employed in that quarter; and in some degree to the
assistance derived from the occasional connivance of certain of the
authorities in the colonies of Portugal. But there is no reason to
doubt that an adequate force, employed on the best system, would soon
reduce that traffic to a very small amount.
"The general tenor of the evidence establishes, beyond all doubt,
first, that the English cruisers have greatly checked and crippled
the slave-trade; secondly, that their removal would be the signal for
its breaking out with unexampled vigour at every available port along
the whole sea-board; thirdly, that this would lead, amongst other
results, to the whole coast swarming with piratical vessels, which
would utterly destroy the legitimate trade, now daily increasing in
value, between Great Britain and Africa; whilst all the beginnings of
civilization, and all attempts to Christianize Africa, would be
wholly defeated and destroyed; also that the legitimate trade cannot
coexist with the slave-trade; but that if the slave-trade be
suppressed for any lengthened period, its revival would be prevented
by the lawful trade."
The following description of the barracoons at Gallinas, and of
slave-vessels, empty and full, is taken chiefly from Captain Forbes'
account of the African coast blockade, a service we may feel assured
as important as any on which our navy is employed.
DESCRIPTION OF SLAVE BARRACOONS.
Gallinas is the largest establishment for the sale of slaves on the
northern division, besides which there are factories at the Pongos,
Sherbero, Shebar, and Grand Bassar, and the line of coast to be
guarded is about 150 miles. Some of these are migratory. At Shebar,
along the Kiltain coast, a distance of about 60 miles, there are
stockaded barracoons for the reception of slaves, should the Gallinas
be well blockaded.
In Gallinas, the chiefs still have remains of the ancient splendour
acquired by the profits of the trade in former times. Huge bowls of
solid silver adorn their tables, while satin and cloth of gold bedeck
their jet-black bodies. The trade, by no means so lucrative, is now
carried on in muskets, powder, spirits, and piece-goods, &c.,
supplied by vessels under American, French, Sardinian, or other
colours of nations whose Governments have rendered their treaties as
abstruse as possible; and as was the case with the 'Maid of Islay'
steamer, sometimes by English vessels. These receive money in
exchange, or, should the opportunity be a good one, a cargo of slaves.
A factory consists of several large dwelling-houses for the members,
clerks, &c., of huge stores for the reception of goods, to the amount
of sometimes one or two hundred thousand pounds.
When purchased, the slave is imprisoned in a barracoon, a shed made
of heavy piles, driven deep into the earth, lashed together with
bamboos, and thatched with palm-leaves. If the barracoon be a large
one, there is a centre row of piles; along each line of piles is a
chain, and at intervals of about two feet is a large neck-link, in
one of which each slave is padlocked. Should this method be
insufficient, two, and sometimes, in cases of great strength, three,
are shackled together; the strong man being placed between two others
and heavily ironed, and often beaten half to death beforehand to
insure his being quiet. The walls of the barracoon extend from four
to six feet high, and between them and the roof is an opening about
four feet, for the circulation of air. The floor is planked, not
from any regard to comfort to the slave, but because a small insect,
being in the soil, might deteriorate the merchandise, by causing a
cutaneous disease. Night and day these barracoons are guarded by
armed men; the slightest insubordination is immediately punished.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMPTY SLAVER.
The equipment of the regular slaver is attended with a large outlay;
in short, no expense is spared. She is run up for the voyage, and
should she be found strong enough for another, she undergoes a
thorough repair. In order to make her light and buoyant, her timbers
and beams are small, and screwed together: when chased, these screws
are loosened to give the vessel play. After the hull is built, she
is placed in the hands of the coopers, who erect, in the hold, huge
water-casks, called leaguers. On these are stowed the provisions,
wood, &c., above them, is the slave-deck. Thirty-six inches may be
considered a medium height, but they sometimes measure four feet six
inches, though occasionally only fourteen or eighteen inches,
intended for children only. The upper deck is generally clear,
except of the sweeps or oars for calms, &c. There is a covered
sleeping-place, about six feet long by three feet wide, on each side,
for the captain and pilot. Some have guns, but the system of arming
is by no means common now. When they carry a boat, it is a very
small one, and generally serves as a hen-coop. The rigging and sails
are fitted with a sailor-like neatness not to be surpassed.
The sails, on account of the frequency and force of the tornadoes,
are very low, and bent broad: thus the fore-yard of a brig of about
140 tons taken by H.M.S. 'Dolphin,' was seventy-six feet long, and
her ropes were so beautifully racked aloft, that, after a cannonade
of sixty shot, in which upwards of fifty had taken effect, not one
sail was lowered.
The following are the articles by which a slaver can be condemned, if
found on board: a slave-deck, or planks ready for a deck; slave-irons
and slave-coppers, which are a large cooking apparatus for the slaves
and crew, standing generally amid-ship of the upper deck; an extra
quantity of farinha, rice, water, or other provisions which cannot be
accounted for. The slaver leaves her port equipped with provisions,
wood, and water, for the return voyage, carrying the outward passage
stock, which frequently comprises all sorts of luxuries, on the
slave-deck. The officers consist of a captain, who tries to pass for
a supercargo or a passenger if taken, and whose salary is seldom less
than 250_1._ for each hundred slaves; a man called Capitano de
Bandiera, who acts as substitute for the captain if the vessel is
taken; a pilot, and a boatswain, frequently a superior class of
sailors.
DESCRIPTION OF A SLAVER WITH CARGO ON BOARD.
The horrors of a full slaver almost defy description. Arrived on the
coast, and the port reached, if no man-of-war be on the coast, two
hours suffice to place four hundred human beings on board. On the
slaves being received, the largest men are picked out (if not sent
with bad characters) as head-men, and these, dividing the slaves into
gangs, according to the size of the vessel, of from ten to twenty,
keep them in order. The slave-deck is divided into two unequal
parts, the greater for the men, the other for women and children.
The stowage is managed entirely by the head-men, who take care that
the largest slaves shall be farthest from the ship's side, or from
any position in which their strength might avail them to secure a
larger space than their neighbours. The form of stowage is, that the
poor wretch shall be seated on the beams, and the head thrust between
the knees so close that when one moves the mass must. The slave is
fed twice a-day; in order to give room, one-half are allowed at a
time on deck. At the hour of the meal they are ranged into messes,
and when all is ready, at a signal from the head-men, they commence.
The food consists of either rice, calabancies (a kind of bean), or
farinha (the flour of the cassada, a species of potato) boiled. As a
relish to these are either salt pork, beef, fish, chillies, or
palm-oil, in small quantities. After each meal they are made to
sing, to digest the food, and then the water is served out, the
fullest nominal allowance of which is one quart each, daily, though
seldom more than a pint is given. Irons are seldom used on board,
unless after a mutiny, or if closely chased by a man-of-war; in which
case the condition of the slave becomes truly dreadful; they are all
barred below, for fear of their rising, are seldom watered till the
chase be over, though it may last two or three days, while everything
that can be thought of to make the vessel sail is done, whatever
misery it may cost the cargo: often some of the unfortunate wretches
are thrown overboard in empty casks or small boats, in the hope that
the cruiser will stop to pick them up and thus delay the chase.
CHASES AND CAPTURES OF SLAVERS BY H.M.S. 'BONETTA,'
ON THE AFRICAN COAST.
We give some accounts of the chases and captures of slaves by the
ships of H.M.'s squadron employed in blockading the west coast of
Africa to prevent the slave-trade. The accounts will show a part of
the description of work the officers and men of the Navy are called
on to perform.
In the year 1848, H.M.S. 'Bonetta,' Commander Forbes, formed one of
the northern division of the squadron on the west coast.
SLAVE-SCHOONER RUN DOWN.
On the 6th of March, as she was standing in for the land, near Cape
Mensurada, at about seven in the morning, a schooner appeared in
sight, and from her endeavours to escape, left no doubt of the
illegality of her trade. Between the land and sea breeze, which set
in about eleven, it was nearly a calm, with light variable airs. The
chase took advantage of this to lighten, and casks, boats, planks,
everything that could be, were thrown overboard: after eleven the run
became very exciting, the schooner making for the land; presently she
took in her studding-sails and hauled to the wind. In-shore, lay at
anchor a man-of-war, and in a short time the chase was joined by
H.M.S. 'Rapid,' and her yawl, making now four in all. Finding the
'Bonetta' too close on her, the schooner again bore away, and by
sunset (the 'Rapid' a long way astern) both were under all sail,
running before the wind. The schooner appeared almost in their
grasp, when a tornado took all aback; every rope being manned, the
sail came in, and running off the land, they lost sight of the chase
before eight o'clock. At half-past nine, when all but the watch on
board the 'Bonetta' were in bed, a most severe shock was felt by all;
one of the watch, without orders to do so, sprang to the lead, and in
answer to the question why he did so, declared, as did the whole
watch, that the ship was on shore. Some below were completely thrown
out of their beds; no bottom was found, and the ship was at least
fifteen miles from land. It might have been the shock of an
earthquake. Could it have been the sinking hull of the lightened
schooner?
BRAZILIAN SLAVE-BRIG CAPTURED.
On the 14th of March a vessel seen from the mast-head at 3 P.M.,
immediately tacked and endeavoured to escape. By sunset she was
discernible from the deck, and a clear moon left little difficulty in
keeping her in sight all night. Every manœuvre imaginable was
tried in vain, proceeding on almost every point of the compass;
still, when daylight broke, the vessels were so close that, after
firing three shots at the slaver, she hove to, and the Brazilian brig
'Dois Amigos' became the 'Bonetta's' first prize, with a cargo of 408
negroes.
Bearing an important cipher despatch from Sierra Leone to Captain
Moneypenny, at Cape Mount, on the 16th May, the 'Bonetta' was
becalmed for an hour, about four miles from a brigantine. Having
delivered the despatch she was ordered to proceed to Sierra Leone.
This brigantine shipped her slaves at Gallinas, and was captured in
August by H.M.S. 'Sealark,' under the name of the 'San Francisco;'
she was returning for another cargo.
BRAZILIAN SLAVER DESTROYED
Returning from Sierra Leone on the 31st of May, standing in for the
land about Gargwa, the 'Bonetta' chased a schooner, and in about four
hours brought her to, when she proved to be the Brazilian
slave-schooner 'Phoco-foo' (which means lighthouse). Her crew had
perfectly cut her to pieces; all her masts were sprung, and so much
damage had been done that a party of officers, sent on board to
survey, condemned her. Having removed the crew, a train was laid,
and having set fire to both ends, she scarcely touched the shore when
she blew up; but continued burning nearly all night. This was a
vessel fully equipped for the trade, but with no slaves on board.
SLAVE SCHOONER CAPTURED.
On the morning of the 12th of June, owing to the prevalence of strong
currents and light winds, with a heavy swell, the 'Bonetta' had
drifted so close to the land between Manna and Gallinas, that at 4
A.M. it was deemed prudent to anchor. A few hours after daylight a
boat was seen pulling for Gallinas. Immediately sending another in
chase, they were both soon alongside the brigantine, now under weigh,
and the boat proved to be one from a slaver in the offing, sent in to
make arrangements for the cargo.
By information derived from this boat's crew, it appeared that their
vessel would stand out for a time, but that on a certain day she
would be off Little Cape Mount. Acting upon this information, a
sharp lookout was kept, and on the morning of the 19th, at daylight,
a schooner was in sight. The wind being very light she was scarcely
visible from the deck; Mr. Smallpage (midshipman) being therefore
detached in the gig, after a pull of nearly 15 miles he succeeded in
capturing a schooner, claiming the protection of no flag, with all
fittings necessary for the slave-trade. It was called the 'Tragas
Millas.'
The next prize was descried at daylight on the 28th of June, having
Cape Mount Bay under her lee. Her captain preferred trying to cross
the bows of the 'Bonetta,' to the chance of being embayed;
accordingly they neared each other on opposite tacks, each carrying
studding-sails. As it was suspected from his object that the chase
was a superior sailer, a cannonade was opened upon her, and so
effectually, that after four shots she hove to. The prize's crew was
immediately removed, though scarcely in time; one shot had passed
completely through her, and tumbling right over, she nearly capsized
the boat, which was bearing the last of the crew. This vessel, the
'Andorimha,' Brazilian, fully equipped for the slave-trade, had first
put into the most southern part of the coast on the 5th of May, but
was chased from thence by a steamer. On the 3rd of June she again
put into Ambriz, but a second time escaped, after being chased.
Finding this part of the coast too well guarded, she made a voyage of
about 1,500 miles, and sent a boat into the Pongos to arrange the
cargo again. She was chased, and running from Charybdis this time
fell upon Scylla.
On the 10th of August, after a run of about seven hours, and firing
three blank-cartridges, the 'Bonetta' captured a schooner, the
'Alert.' She was under no flag, and had recently been bought for Don
Jose Luiz, the factor at Gallinas; for whom, besides a full equipment
for the slave-trade, she had a quantity of wine and other articles.
On the 5th of September H.M.S. 'Sealark' chased a schooner beyond the
limits of her station, when about 3.30 P.M. she was descried and
taken possession of by the 'Bonetta.' She proved to be a vessel
called the 'Louiza,' and her supercargo (who passed for one Don Jose
Segui) was one of the most notorious slave-dealers on the coast. His
name was Theodore Canot, a Florentine by birth, but American, French,
or English, when either suited. If all the horrible murders said to
have been committed by this miscreant are true, he must have been the
most atrocious of mankind. While a factor at Cape Mount, almost a
hundred human beings are said to have fallen victims to his
avarice--nor were all these negroes, but many of them white men.
The last vessel taken on the northern division was captured, in fact,
by the 'Sealark,' but virtually by the 'Sealark' and the 'Bonetta.'
In September, on her passage to Sierra Leone, the 'Bonetta' chased a
brig; while making sail, about noon, a man fell overboard, and after
lowering a boat and saving the man, she made sail again, when H.M.S.
'Sealark' was observed in chase also. A fine breeze now added to the
interest of the scene. The 'Sealark' and chase were some distance
apart on the port-tack. Coming up with them at two, the 'Bonetta'
tacked and opened fire at extreme range, and kept it up with shot and
shell till four. At seven, after the 'Sealark' (by change of wind)
opened fire, the brig wore round and hove to windward. She proved to
be the 'Achilles,' with a double slave-deck, equipped for the
shipment of a thousand slaves, and hoisting no flag.
The captain of this vessel was the same who had made the successful
voyage in the 'San Francisco,' and three out of four thousand dollars
cleared by that voyage he had laid out on the 'Achilles,' and he now
lost all.
CAPTURE OF THE 'CATHERINE' SLAVER, BY H.M.S.
'DOLPHIN,' CAPTAIN R. H. DUNDAS,
1839.
The system pursued in order to elude the vigilance of the British
cruisers is clearly exemplified in this affair. H.M.S. 'Dolphin'
fell in with the 'Catherine' on the 13th August, 1839, off the coast
of Africa, about 20 miles from the harbour of Quipo. She gave her
chase, and compelled her to bring to by firing several shots. The
'Dolphin' boarded her, and found that, though she was sailing under
American colours, she had the necessary planks for a slave-deck, and
all other equipments usually found on board a vessel engaged in the
slave-trade. The cargo consisted of tobacco and spirits; her crew,
of six American seamen and 25 Spaniards. No slaves were found on
board, however, but a negro boy, said to be the son of an African
prince, whom they had shipped to be used on the coast of Africa.
Among other papers on board, was the following letter of
instructions:--"The main thing for you to do on the voyage is, to be
ready, in case you are boarded by a man-of-war, to show your log-book
(which must be regularly kept from the time you leave here), your
ship's papers, your charter-party for the voyage, your ship's roll
and instructions; and you are, in that event, to make all concerned
with you American sailors according to your roll; all the others are
to be passengers. You are to be very careful that, in any
cross-questions, you do not commit yourself. Always stick to the
same story. When the vessel is discharged, you must at once cut your
register in two pieces; one piece you must endorse, direct, and send
to Messrs. Thomas Wilson and Co., Baltimore; the other piece you will
bring with you, and give to me when you return here. You must be
very particular about that, and do not let any time pass after the
cargo is out, before you cut the register in two pieces; and be
careful to keep them separate: throw one piece overboard if you are
obliged to do so by being boarded by a man-of-war." The 'Catherine'
had been fitted out at Havannah, cleared there, and the necessary
papers obtained through the office of the American vice-consul.
CAPTURE OF BRAZILIAN SLAVER 'FIRME,' BY THE BOATS
OF H.M.S. 'DOLPHIN,' LIEUT. LITTLEHALES,
ACTING-COMMANDER; UNDER THE COMMAND OF MR. AUGUSTUS
CHARLES MURRAY, MATE, AND MR. JOHN F. REES,
SECOND MASTER,
1841.
The particulars of this successful and gallant enterprise, for which
both the above-named officers were promoted, were as follows:--
At daylight, on the 30th May, 1841, the 'Dolphin' being under easy
sail off Whydah, a brigantine was observed on the lee-bow. All sail
was immediately made in chase; but as the stranger increased her
distance, the cutter, a 20-foot boat, with nine men, including the
officer, and the gig, with six, were despatched at half-past six
o'clock, under command of Mr. Murray and Mr. Rees, to endeavour to
come up with and detain the chase before the setting in of the
sea-breeze. Both boats being soddened from constant blockading,
pulled heavy, and the crews had been employed during a squally, rainy
morning in trimming and making sail; but after a harassing pull of
two hours and a half under a hot sun, they came up with the chase,
the gig being rather a-head. The brigantine bore down upon her,
opening a sharp and continued fire of musketry, which was returned,
when both boats, after steadily reloading under her fire, cheered,
and boarded on each quarter. The sweeps of the brigantine were
rigged out, which prevented their boarding by the chains, thereby
rendering it difficult for more than one or two to get up the side at
a time.
Mr. Murray was the first on board, and though knocked back into the
boat with the butt-end of a musket, which broke his collar-bone, he
immediately clambered up the side again, in which act his left hand
was nearly severed at the wrist with the blow of a cutlass. Another
cut was made at his head, which he parried, cutting the man down.
The bowman of the gig was shot through the heart while laying his oar
in, and the bowman of the cutter in getting up the side. After a
resistance of 20 minutes the vessel was captured, most of the crew
running below, firing their muskets as they retreated.
Mr. Rees had previously proved himself a most zealous and active
officer, particularly in the destruction of the slave factories at
Corisco, by the boats of the 'Wolverine,' Captain Tucker.
VOYAGE OF THE 'DORES,' A SLAVER, CAPTURED BY H.M.S.
'DOLPHIN,' FROM ACCRA TO SIERRA LEONE, UNDER
COMMAND OF LIEUT. AUGUSTUS C. MURRAY,
From August 12th, 1840, to January 5th, 1841.
The 'Dores,' a schooner of about 60 feet in length and 15 in breadth,
had been taken at Quittah, in June, and sent in charge of the
'Dolphin's' gunner to Sierra Leone. Six weeks afterwards she was
found about 20 miles below Accra, having performed scarcely 30 miles
of her passage, and lost almost all her prize crew, including the
gunner, from fever. Mr. Murray, who had but just recovered from
wounds received in the action with the 'Firmé,' was then put in
command of her, with a crew of two men, two boys, and a prisoner boy,
the only one who had survived the fever.
His orders were to proceed to Sierra Leone, and the indomitable
perseverance with which he adhered to them, through formidable
dangers and difficulties, together with his care of the men under his
command during a voyage of 146 days, are well worthy of being
recorded.
The only cabin which was at all habitable was eight feet in length,
five in height at the centre, and three at the sides, the breadth
decreasing from eleven to two and a half. It was entirely destitute
of furniture, swarming with vermin, and before the end of the voyage,
the fumes of the rotting tobacco with which the vessel was laden,
clinging to the beams, formed a coat nearly an inch in thickness.
This, with an awning of monkey skins, manufactured by themselves, was
the only refuge for the young officer and his men. The fourth night
of the voyage was ushered in by the most fearful squalls, which
gradually freshened till about two in the morning, when a tremendous
storm came on and obliged them to bear up under bare poles; the seas
washing over the little vessel, and the wind blowing in the most
terrific manner until about seven, when it moderated and fell calm.
The schooner was then observed to float much deeper than before, and
on sounding, nearly three feet water were found in the hold. The
pump was immediately set to work, but it hardly fetched when it broke
and became useless. This was repaired by about sunset, and in two
hours afterwards the vessel was cleared. They then made sail and
tacked, steering for Sierra Leone, till, on the morning of the 14th
of September, they sighted land just below the River Sestos. Finding
that they had but three days' provisions left, the commander
determined to make them last for six, and stood on in the hope of
weathering Cape Palmas. This was baffled by a tide that set down
along shore; but on the 20th of September, they anchored off Cape
Coast Castle. Having no provisions remaining, the governor supplied
them directly with sufficient for forty days, and having refitted,
the schooner put to sea again on a close sultry morning, which was
succeeded by a violent gale, lasting three days. About two o'clock
one afternoon, a rakish-looking brigantine was perceived standing
towards the 'Dores,' and judging her to be a slaver, the young
officer called his crew together, and having loaded the muskets and
got the cutlasses ready, they silently awaited her coming up,
determined to defend themselves. To their great joy, when she got
within two miles and a half of them, a strong breeze sprang up, which
placed the schooner dead to windward, and in the morning the
brigantine was out of sight. Their sails were now so worn that they
were obliged to lower them, and drift about for a whole day to repair
them. Having neither chronometer nor sextant, and only a quadrant of
antique date, often ten, and even twenty miles out of adjustment, the
position of the vessel could only be guessed. The men behaved
admirably during this weary time, employing themselves in cleaning
their arms, fishing, or making their clothes. The rain generally
fell in torrents till the 4th October, when the day closed in with
very heavy appearances. All preparations were made for the coming
gale; all the sails were lowered down but the fore stay-sail, and
everything lashed and secured. The fore stay-sail was kept up to
place the schooner dead before it. At about five in the evening the
gale began; it became dead calm, the atmosphere close, and all around
dark. After about half an hour, a sound like heavy thunder was heard
in the distance, and through the gloom a bank of foam was seen
hastening towards the schooner; in a few minutes the stay-sail was
stowed, and the wind caught her, gradually freshening until it burst
upon her in all its fury: the rolling sea broke in upon her, and
completely filled her upper deck; but the side bulwarks were open,
and the sea found vent. Having battened his crew down below, Mr.
Murray lashed himself to the deck, and steered the vessel through the
storm, which continued with heavy thunder and torrents of rain till
about two in the morning, when, completely exhausted, he fell asleep,
and was aroused by the crew (who having knocked once or twice without
reply, believed him to have been washed overboard), hammering at the
sky-light to get out. This gale so strained the schooner, that the
water gained to two feet a-day; and, to add to the disasters, one of
the crew was ill for a fortnight. From the 10th of October till the
4th of November, when land was again discovered, the 'Dores'
continued her course for Sierra Leone, experiencing the whole weight
of the rainy season. It now became evident that she could not stem
the current; and that in the course of many days she had not made
more than four or five miles. Mr. Murray then determined to try
again to reach Cape Palmas, by standing along the land, and thus
nearly incurred a new danger from the natives, who assembling on the
beach, armed with pikes and clubs, as night drew on, prepared to
attack the schooner should she run on shore. Happily a slight breeze
sprung up, which gave her steerage way, and enabled her to draw off
the land. No resource remained but to shape her course again for
Cape Coast Castle to obtain provisions, their stock being exhausted.
The governor made every effort to prevail on Mr. Murray to relinquish
the undertaking, which now appeared so hopeless; but he was resolute
in staying by the charge intrusted to him, and calling his men
together, he gave them the choice of going on shore to await a
passage down to the 'Dolphin.' With one consent, they replied, that
they would never leave him; holding to the old feeling of a true
seaman, never to leave his officer at a time of difficulty till death
parts him. Their provisioning was just completed, when a fatal
accident diminished the number of the crew. They had been bathing
after their day's work, and one of them, a black, was still in the
water, when he was seized by a shark, and so fearfully injured that
he died before he could be got on board. The weary voyage
recommenced, and, as before, their chief diversion was fishing. The
sharks, skipjacks, dolphins, and bonetas which were caught were
counted by hundreds, for they literally sailed through a sea of fish.
Two parrots had been added to their crew, and were a great amusement,
becoming so tame that they would obey their master's call, and follow
him afterwards through the streets like dogs. The 9th of December
was marked by a serious disaster. Seeing a huge shark alongside,
they had fastened a boneta as a bait to a piece of small line, and
made a running bowline in the end of the peak halliard with the fish
towing a little ahead of it; the shark immediately saw and swam after
it: they were already on the bowline to run him up the side with his
head a little out of water; gliding silently along, not two feet from
them, he came up to the bowline, which was held wide open, while the
bait was quietly hauled ahead until he was far enough through it,
then giving a sudden jerk on it, they closed it just behind the two
side-fins and tried to catch a turn with the rope; but, quick as
lightning, the shark gave a terrific plunge and tore it through their
hands, when Mr. Murray unfortunately got in the middle of the coil,
and as the men had all let go, it had got a half-hitch round his leg,
and in an instant he was drawn up and over the gunwale. Catching at
the peak halyards, which were belayed close to him, he held on with
his only sound hand as he was flying overboard, the men also seizing
him by the arm. Before he could be extricated, the limb was severely
injured and torn. The only remedy which could be applied was bathing
it in oil. In the meantime the 'Dores' progressed, though very
slowly; she had become much more leaky, the cargo was completely
rotten, and the stench drove them all on deck; nor could they heave a
particle of it overboard, for then the vessel would have capsized, as
she had no ballast in. The sails were perfectly rotten, so bad that
the vessel was often a whole day without a stitch of canvas set when
the wind fell light, that they might be repaired with monkey-skins,
of which there was a good stock on board. The fourth month closed,
and the schooner had not yet performed a voyage of ten days, from
seven to fifteen miles a-day being the progress lately made; but now
the current seemed to favour her, for a change of forty miles a-day
was observed in the latitude, and the hearts of officer and men grew
lighter, notwithstanding their miserable plight, always wet to the
skin, and unable to change their clothes for days together. Two
terrific storms were still to be encountered, and at the commencement
of the second Mr. Murray sent the men below, and remained alone on
the deck, which he never expected to leave alive. The heat of each
flash of lightning was felt as if from a fire; the rain falling in
torrents, leaked in every direction through the deck, and the
schooner was fast filling with water. At length the rain ceased, and
the lightning became fainter, when they made sail again, pumped out,
and proceeded till they had made sufficient northing for Sierra
Leone. They then bore up east, and on the 31st December, the colour
of the water showed that they were nearing the land. On this day
they kept their Christmas, and many were the hearty toasts they drank
to those at home. It was not till the 6th January, 146 days from the
commencement of their voyage, that they anchored off Sierra Leone,
where it was fully believed that they were lost. Here Mr. Murray
found his promotion awaiting him for the capture of the 'Firmé,' and
was at once invalided home.
CAPTURE OF THE 'JOSEPHINE' SLAVER.
The 'Josephine' brigantine was the fastest sailer in these seas, and
had been chased by H.M. ships 'Wolverine,' 'Bonetta,' 'Cygnet,' and
'Lyra,' all of which she escaped by her superiority of sailing. She
was at length captured by H.M.S. 'Fantome,' Captain Butterfield, in
May 1841, with 299 slaves on board, after a severe chase of 24 hours,
going over 257 miles of ground, and carrying a press of sail that
placed every spar in jeopardy. During the chase the captain of the
brigantine supposed he had to encounter the celebrated 'Waterwitch,'
and treated with derision the idea of his being captured by a
ship-of-war. Captain Butterfield was obliged to send his
first-lieutenant in charge of the prize, leaving himself as the only
officer on board, having lost by death the master, second-lieutenant,
and surgeon.
CAPTURE OF AN ARMED SLAVER, BY A FOUR-OARED GIG,
UNDER COMMAND OF MR. TOTTENHAM, MATE,
1844.
On the 13th of August, 1844, Mr. John Francis Tottenham, mate of
H.M.S. 'Hyacinth,' Commander Scott, performed a gallant and dashing
exploit, which obtained for him his promotion to the rank of
lieutenant, and the testimony of his commander to the coolness,
decision, and gallantry displayed by him on the occasion. When off
Fish Bay, on the west coast of Africa, Mr. Tottenham was sent in a
four-oared gig, with one spare hand, to communicate with the
Portuguese Governor. The weather became thick and he missed his
port, but, knowing that the 'Hyacinth' was working along the coast,
anchored for the night, and pulled to the southward. On the morning
of the 13th he discovered a brig at anchor without colours, and saw
her slip and make sail, on which he gave chase. Being to windward,
and the breeze light, he was enabled to approach her weather-beam,
and fire a musket ahead, to induce her to heave to and show her
colours; this, and a second were disregarded, but a port was opened
and a gun run out, and brought to bear on the boat, which caused the
officer to pull into her wake, when part of the crew of the brig
commenced firing musketry, while the others got the gun on the poop
and pointed it at the boat.
Mr. Tottenham now commenced firing, as fast as the spare hand could
load for him, being just able to keep way with the brig.
Having hit four of the men on board, they left the gun, and after
firing muskets for twenty minutes, finding they were unable to
weather the land or tack, without being boarded by the boat, they ran
the brig on shore, and abandoned her to the number of 18, including 3
wounded men, leaving another mortally wounded on board.
In the course of the afternoon the brig was perceived from the
masthead of the 'Hyacinth,' which stood in and anchored, and hove her
off, when she proved to be of 200 tons, fully equipped for conveying
about 1000 slaves, with two guns of four pounds calibre, loaded, a
barrel of powder, and a quantity of langridge-shot, a number of
muskets, swords, and bayonets, on the deck. Almost every bullet
expended in the gig, was traced to the gun-carriage or its immediate
vicinity on the poop.
LIEUT. LODWICK's (IN THE 'GROWLER'S' PINNACE)
GALLANT ATTACK ON A SLAVER,
1845.
On the 12th of January, 1845, Lieut. Lodwick, First-lieutenant of
H.M. steamer 'Growler,' Captain Buckle, who had been away for some
time cruizing in the pinnace, on the look-out for slavers, fell in
with a felucca, which, on seeing the pinnace, hove to; and the
officer expected that she would make no resistance, as she might have
got away if she had chosen. When the pinnace, however, was within 30
yards, they observed a whole range of muskets, fore and aft the
felucca; after this, Lieut. Lodwick cheered his men on to get up to
her before she discharged this fearful battery; but no sooner was the
cheer out, than the felucca opened on the boat. This was a staggerer
for the poor boat; but fortunately, this time they fired too high
(the felucca had now filled and was going just as fast as the boat
could pull). Lieut. Lodwick now returned this with a round shot and
180 balls in a bag. In the first volley from the felucca, the rim of
the officer's hat was shot through; but their second volley told with
mortal effect: two men were shot dead, and Lieut. Lodwick and two men
severely wounded--the officer having been struck on the left knee and
thigh. This left the pinnace with so few men, that having had six of
its oars shot away, it was obliged to leave the field, and was picked
up by the 'Growler,' standing towards the 'Gallinas,' boat and gear
literally riddled with shot.
Lieut. Lodwick was promoted for his gallantry. The felucca had been
chased by every vessel on the coast, and always got away clear. She
was afterwards captured by a war-steamer, and bore evident marks of
her conflict with the pinnace. There were about 70 men on board,
English, French, and Americans, and she was commanded by an
Englishman.
CAPTURE OF THE 'FELICIDADE' AND 'ECHO' SLAVERS,
BY H.M.S. 'WASP,' AND RECAPTURE OF 'FELICIDADE,'
BY H.M.S. 'STAR,'
1845.
As H.M.S. 'Wasp,' Captain Usherwood, was cruizing in the Bight of
Benin, near Lagos, on the 27th February, 1845, a strange sail was
seen, and Lieut. Stupart was immediately ordered in pursuit. At
about eight o'clock in the evening he came up with her, and found her
to be the 'Felicidade,' a Brazilian schooner, fitted for the
slave-trade, with a slave-deck of loose planks over the cargo, and a
crew of 28 men. With the exception of her captain and another man,
they were transferred to the 'Wasp,' and Lieut. Stupart, with Mr.
Palmer, midshipman, and a crew of 15 English seamen, remained in
charge of the prize. On the 1st March, the boats of the
'Felicidade,' under Mr. Palmer, captured a second prize, the 'Echo,'
with 430 slaves on board and a crew of 28 men, leaving Mr. Palmer,
with 7 English seamen and 2 Kroomen, onboard the 'Felicidade.'
Several of the 'Echo's' crew were also sent on board, as prisoners,
with their captain. The officer and prize-crew were overpowered and
murdered, and an unsuccessful attempt made to regain possession of
the 'Echo.' The 'Felicidade' was seen and chased on the 6th March by
H.M.S. 'Star,' Commander Dunlop. When she was boarded, no one was on
her deck, the crew being concealed below; and on being found and
questioned, they stated the vessel to be the 'Virginie,' and
accounted for their wounds by the falling of a spar; but there were
traces of a conflict, and many tokens which proved that English
seamen had been on board. She was then sent to Sierra Leone, in
charge of Lieut. Wilson and 9 men. Whilst on the passage, during a
heavy squall, the schooner went over, filled and sank, so as only to
leave part of her bow-rail above water. When the squall passed, the
whole of the crew were found clinging to the bow-rail. Some expert
divers endeavoured to extract provisions from the vessel, but without
success; and nothing but death stared them in the face, as the
schooner was gradually sinking. Lieut. Wilson ascertained that there
were three common knives among the party, and it was resolved to make
a raft of the main-boom and gaff, and such other floating materials
as remained above water. These they secured by such ropes as could
be cut and unrove from the rigging, and a small quantity of cordage
was retained to make good any defects they might sustain by the
working of the spars; a small top-gallant studding-sail was obtained
for a sail, and upon this miserable float the ten persons made sail
for the coast of Africa, distant 200 miles, without rudder, oar,
compass, provisions, or water. Being almost naked, and washed by
every wave, their sufferings were very great. Famished for food and
drink, scorched by a burning sun during the day, and chilled with
cold during the night, they thus remained twenty days. Delirium and
death relieved the raft of part of its load of misery, two blacks
being the first to sink under their sufferings. The question
naturally suggests itself, how did the survivors support life? Some
persons would be almost afraid to put the question, or hear the
answer. There is nothing, however, to wound our feelings, but much
to admire, in the admirable conduct of Lieut. Wilson and his men
during these melancholy and miserable twenty days. Showers of rain
occasionally fell: they caught some water in their little sail, which
they drank, and put some into a small keg that had floated out of the
vessel. The sea was almost always breaking over the spars of the
raft, which was surrounded by voracious sharks. The famishing
sailors actually caught with a bowling-knot a shark, eight feet in
length, with their bare hands, and hauled it upon the raft, they
killed it, drank the blood, and ate part of the flesh, husbanding the
remainder. In this way three other sharks were taken, and upon these
sharks the poor fellows managed to prolong their lives till picked up
(in sight of the land) in what may be termed the very zero of living
misery. Lieut. Wilson and four seamen survived and recovered their
strength. Order and discipline were maintained upon the raft;
fortitude, forethought, a reliance upon Divine providence, and good
conduct, enabled these Englishmen to surmount such horrible
sufferings, whilst the Kroomen and Portuguese sank under them.
CAPTURE OF A SLAVER BY H.M.S. 'PANTALOON,'
1845.
H.M.S 'Pantaloon,' 10-gun sloop, Commander Wilson, had been for two
days in chase of a large slave-ship, and succeeded in coming up with
her becalmed, about two miles off Lagos, on the 26th May, 1845. The
cutter, and two whaleboats, were sent under the command of the
First-lieutenant, Mr. Lewis D. T. Prevost, with the master, Mr. J. T.
Crout, and the boatswain, Mr. Pasco, some marines and seamen,
amounting to about 30 altogether, to make a more intimate
acquaintance with the stranger. The pirate gave the boats an
intimation of what they were to expect as they neared, by opening on
them a heavy fire of round-shot, grape, and canister, in such a
spirited style, that, after returning the compliment by a volley of
musketry, the boats prepared for hard work. Animated by the show of
resistance, each boat now emulated the other in reaching the enemy,
the pirate continuing a sharp fire as they steadily advanced; the
marines as briskly using their muskets. In half an hour from the
discharge of the first gun from the slaver, the boats of the
'Pantaloon' were alongside; Lieut. Prevost and Mr. Pasco on the
starboard, and Mr. Crout, in the cutter, on the port side. The
pirate crew, sheltering themselves as much as possible, nevertheless
continued to fire the guns, loading them with all sorts of missiles,
bullets, nails, lead, &c.; and amidst a shower of these our brave
sailors and marines dashed on board. Lieut. Prevost and his party,
in the two boats, were soon on the deck of the prize. The master
boarded on the port bow, and, despite the formidable resistance and
danger, followed by one of his boat's crew, actually attempted to
enter the port as they were firing the gun from it. He succeeded in
getting through, but his seconder was knocked overboard by the
discharge. The gallant fellow, however, nothing daunted, was in an
instant up the side again, taking part with the master, who was
engaged in a single encounter with one or two of the slaver's crew.
Having gained the deck after a most determined resistance, they now
encountered the pirates hand to hand, when the cutlass and bayonet
did the remainder of the work. Lieut. Prevost finally succeeded in
capturing the vessel, but the pirates fought desperately, and it was
not until 7 of their number lay dead on the deck, and 7 or 8 more
were severely wounded, that they ran below and yielded. In the
encounter, 2 British seamen were killed; the master and boatswain,
and 5 others, were severely wounded. Lieut. Prevost received
immediate promotion.
LIEUT. MANSFIELD AND PRIZE CREW--DEFENCE OF THE
'ROMEO PRIMERO,' AGAINST AN ATTEMPT AT RECAPTURE,
1847.
On the 22nd of July, 1847, H.M.S. 'Waterwitch,' with H.M.S. 'Rapid,'
in company, captured the Brazilian brigantine 'Romeo Primero,' which
was subsequently given in charge to Lieut. W. G. Mansfield, R.N., and
four seamen, to be conveyed to St. Helena for adjudication. Owing to
adverse winds, and the unmanageable qualities of the prize, the
officer in command found it necessary to alter his destination, and
to bear up for Sierra Leone. On the 11th of August, about mid-day,
two of the crew being engaged aloft and the others in the bunks,
where the arms were stowed, the lieutenant, being at the moment
pulling a rope which had been recently spliced, was murderously
assailed from behind by one of the prisoners with an axe used for
chopping firewood. There were four of them who were during the
day-time allowed the liberty of the vessel. At the same moment, the
other three prisoners furiously attacked the sailors in the bunks,
who, from the unexpected nature of the assault, were driven from
their post wounded and unarmed. Lieut. Mansfield, laying hold of a
piece of firewood, gallantly, but unequally, contended with a
Brazilian, armed with a cutlass; in the course of a desperate
struggle the officer received no fewer than nine wounds, more or less
severe; a great coat which he wore being, under Providence, the means
of saving him from instant death. The two sailors who had been
occupied in the shrouds, having reached the deck, of course, unarmed,
the lieutenant, nearly exhausted by profuse hæmorrhage, made a
violent effort to join them, in which he fortunately proved
successful, though in his progress one of the prisoners discharged at
him a marine's musket, the contents of which took effect, inflicting
a most dangerous wound on his head, and bringing him for an instant
to the deck. Having succeeded in recovering his feet and gaining his
men, he encouraged them to rush aft upon their armed antagonists; a
piece of service which three of their number performed in the most
daring manner; the fourth seaman (since dead) being _hors de combat_
from his wounds, and the lieutenant himself fainting at the instant
from loss of blood. The intrepidity of the three British tars
rendered them more than a match for their armed antagonists, whom
they speedily overpowered; one of the prisoners leaping overboard and
perishing in the waves. Believing their officer to be killed, the
seamen, in the excitement of the moment, were about to hurl the
surviving prisoners over the gangway, when Lieut. Mansfield,
partially reviving, ordered them to be imprisoned, that their wounds
should be washed, and that they should be reserved to be dealt with
by the authorities at Sierra Leone. On the 1st of September, the
'Romeo Primero,' the scene of this bloody encounter, entered the
port. Lieut. Mansfield, who, since the day of the conflict, had
scarcely been able to stir hand or foot, was promptly conveyed to
sick-quarters, and for many days his life was entirely despaired of
by his medical attendants. The gallant little crew, all wounded,
were also looked after in the best manner which skill and sympathy
could suggest, but two were soon beyond the reach of human succour;
one dying of the direct consequences of his wounds, and the second,
of fever induced by them. After a fortnight of extreme danger on
shore, Lieut. Mansfield showed symptoms of recovery, and in the same
year received the rank of commander.
RESCUE OF SLAVES IN THE RIVER PONGOS, BY
COMMANDER H. DUNLOP, H.M.S. 'ALERT,'
1849.
Captain Dunlop, of H.M.S. 'Alert,' having anchored off Biombo Point,
on the night of the 10th of December, 1849, his object was to
ascertain with as little delay as possible whether the slaves that he
supposed Jozé Vaurell had sent up from the river Pongos were still in
the barracoons of the slave-dealer, Don Victor, as by that means he
could judge whether any slaver had been lately in the river, or
whether it was probable that one was expected. With this view, he
sent the pinnace, in charge of the second lieutenant, to examine the
St. Martinho and other creeks, in the immediate vicinity of the ship,
up one of which Capt. Dunlop had reason to think Don Victor's
barracoons were. He directed the officer to land the pilot wherever
it was probable he could with safety obtain information; the pilot
being a native of this part of the country, Capt. Dunlop had hopes
that he might be found useful.
The pinnace brought back intelligence of the exact locality of the
barracoons, and that there were certainly slaves in them; Captain
Dunlop therefore determined to wait for some days, in hopes of
intercepting the vessel sent for this cargo. On the 22nd instant the
pilot was sent on shore, with a party of Kroomen, to cut some wood at
Biombo Point, and while so engaged, some of the slaves came to him
and told him that Don Victor had a number of slaves in chains in his
barracoons who were very ill-treated; that it was against the law of
their country to carry on the slave-trade, and that they hoped the
English would liberate these slaves; and that their king (whose name
is Branco, King of Biombo) would himself have gone on board the
man-of-war to make the same request, but that he was ill. This
announcement was quite voluntary on the part of these natives, and
they received no present of any kind, either before or after making
it.
On hearing this intelligence Capt. Dunlop determined, as far as lay
in his power, to turn it to the advantage of the unfortunate people
chained in the barracoons; he, therefore, at daylight the next
morning took the boats up the creek and landed at the town where the
barracoons were, and having personally communicated with the natives
through an interpreter, he found that what the pilot had told him was
strictly true as regarded their feelings; and he received a second
message from the king, stating his inability to come and see Capt.
Dunlop in consequence of his illness, and the distance of the town in
which he resided from the place where Capt. Dunlop then was. Capt.
Dunlop then took a party of men with him and proceeded towards Don
Victor's barracoon. The latter met Capt. Dunlop on the way, who told
him that he understood he had slaves in his barracoon; that the king
and natives of the country represented to him that Don Victor's
having slaves for exportation was contrary to their laws, and that,
although afraid to do so themselves, they had applied to him to
liberate them; that, consequently, he should take them out of the
barracoons, and give them their choice of either remaining where they
were at liberty, or of going with him to Sierra Leone. Don Victor at
once confessed that the slaves were in the barracoon, but said that
they did not belong to him, but were the property of Jozé Vaurell,
who had sent them up from the Pongos, and that he merely took charge
of them for him until such time as they could be shipped.
Capt. Dunlop then entered the barracoons and found 21 slaves, 19 of
whom were heavily ironed; the two without irons were in a dying
state. He had the irons knocked off by one of Victor's own men, and
the slaves were then told they were at liberty; but that, if they
were afraid to remain where they were, they might go with Capt.
Dunlop to Sierra Leone, upon which they all proceeded to the boats,
with the exception of the two above mentioned, who were too ill to be
moved. Capt. Dunlop then requested Don Victor to accompany him to
another barracoon he had some miles higher up the creek, which he
immediately consented to do. At the second barracoon Capt. Dunlop
found 48 slaves, men, women, and children included: as they were on a
small island on the creek, from, which they could not easily have
escaped, they were not kept in irons during the day, but were chained
by the neck to each other at night. The same choice of staying in
the country at liberty, or of going to Sierra Leone, was given to the
slaves, when they all immediately declared their wish to be taken
away, excepting one woman, who was accordingly left behind, and who
had probably connected herself with one of Don Victor's people. Not
being able conveniently to stow so many people in their boats, Capt.
Dunlop borrowed a canoe from some of the natives, in which to put a
part of them, promising to return the canoe the next day, and to pay
for the use of it; but when the money was offered to them, they
positively refused to receive it, and therefore, from first to last,
got no present of any kind. This circumstance is merely mentioned to
show how decidedly their feelings were in favour of Capt. Dunlop
liberating these slaves, as they were, on other occasions,
exceedingly alive to the advantages to be derived from the possession
of money, and made those who purchased fowls or fruit pay a high
price for them. Capt. Dunlop having ascertained from the liberated
negroes that there were about 30 more slaves who had been sent up
lately from the Pongos by Jozé Vaurell, on a small island called
Papagaio, within a few miles of the ship, he took the boats there the
next day. When he landed, Don Victor's men positively denied that
any slaves were there; but upon sending parties to search the island,
they very soon discovered, hid in the thickest part of the jungle, a
party of 15 slaves, chained by the neck, who pointed where 19 women
and children were likewise hidden. The chains being taken off these
people, they expressed their anxiety to be taken on board Capt.
Dunlop's ship, which he accordingly did; and finding that he had now
liberated all the slaves held by Don Victor, with the exception of
the two dying men (whom it was impossible to move from the place
where they were lying), and the woman who wished to remain, he lost
no time in proceeding with them to Sierra Leone.
CAPTURE OF A SLAVER BY H.M.S. 'PHŒNIX,' COMMANDER
WODEHOUSE,
1850.
On the morning of the 13th of April, 1850, whilst H.M. steam-vessel
'Phœnix' was dodging about on her cruizing-ground, the exciting
cry of "Sail, oh!" from the mast-head was a sufficient inducement to
get her steam up and make all possible sail in chase. The stranger
was about 14 miles off when first seen, and running towards the
'Phœnix' under all studding-sails; but no sooner did she discern
the English cruizer (and a steamer to boot), than she took in every
studding-sail, and hauled dead on a wind which soon proved what she
was to the satisfaction of all on board the 'Phœix.' She was
chased from one o'clock until eight, P.M., the last two hours of the
chase being so dark that there was some risk of losing sight of her,
when, after six or eight 63-pound shot had been dropped uncomfortably
close to her, she hove to and showed a light over the stern, it being
very dark. The 'Phœnix' then ranged up alongside of her to
leeward, when the slavers, driven to desperation at their being
captured, put the helm up, filled and ran right into the cruizer, no
doubt thinking she was a paddle-wheel steamer, and intending to
damage the wheels. However, the 'Phœnix' bore the shock nobly.
The slaver struck her on the starboard bow, and only carried away a
few of the shifting bulwarks and a little iron-work of the
'Phœnix,' leaving on board her jib and flying jib-boom, with all
the sails and gear attached, which were broken off short. She then
gradually dropped astern close alongside the 'Phœnix,' which still
had a great deal of way on her, though the engines were stopped
immediately, when the gear in-board of the 'Phœnix' by which she
was hanging dragged her fore-top-gallant-mast, top-gallant-sail, and
royal and main-top-mast, with all the gear and sails attached, over
the side. She then dropped astern clear of the ship, a perfect
wreck, her bowsprit, completely unshipped, lying over her starboard
bow--her masts gone by the board, lower masts unstepped, and her
cut-water and bows completely knocked to pieces, and leaking like a
sieve. A well-manned and armed boat was immediately sent in charge
of the first-lieutenant to take possession of her. On first boarding
her a large poopoo-tub was found with a small spar placed in it, and
a lantern lashed to the top of the spar all ready to be put
overboard, with the intention of misleading the British cruizer into
going in chase of it instead of the vessel, but the 'Phœnix' was
too old in the service to be duped by this common device.
The crew of the slaver were landed the next day, and a survey held on
the prize, which proved so crippled and unseaworthy that she was
forthwith burned. Eight slavers were captured by H.M.S. 'Phœnix'
about the same time.
CAPTURE OF THE SLAVER 'ANNE D. RICHARDSON,' BY
H.M. STEAM-FRIGATE 'PLUTO,' COMMANDER JOLIFFE,
1850.
On the morning of the 14th of February, 1850, about half-past six
o'clock A.M., a sail was seen from the deck of H.M.S. 'Pluto,'
cruizing off the coast, but owing to a dense fog she could not be
made out. The steam was immediately got up, and the 'Pluto'
proceeded in chase. About seven o'clock the stranger was made out to
be a large barque standing along the land on the starboard tack. She
hoisted no colours as the cruiser approached her, although the
'Pluto' had carried hers from the time she was first sighted. As the
'Pluto' passed under her stern, the captain was ordered to hoist his
colours, and forthwith the American ensign was shown. On being
requested to heave to, he refused, saying he could not afford to lose
time, but on the request being repeated, he complied, and Commander
Joliffe then going on board, demanded his papers, which he produced,
with the exception of the manifest of his cargo. On closely
examining his papers, Commander Joliffe observed that two signatures
which should have been in the same hand were signed by different
hands; this immediately excited suspicion, which was strengthened by
the fact that the whole of the vessel's sails were made of light
cotton canvas, and of such a size that no legal trader could afford
to carry a sufficient number of men to work them. He stated his
doubt and pointed out the signatures, which, not being accounted for,
he returned on board; and on referring to the officers and ship's
company, he decided upon detaining her on suspicion. Lieut. Shewell
was therefore sent with a party of men to take charge of her. The
captain of the barque inquired what was to be done with her, and on
being answered that he would be sent to an American man-of-war unless
he opened his hatches and proved he was an honest man, the main
hatchway was opened, and a Brazilian crew, 13 in number, found
concealed on a slave-deck. The captain then hauled his colours down
and threw them overboard, after which the barque was taken in tow and
brought to an anchor off Ambriz, her captain protesting against the
whole proceeding, stating that he was a lawful trader and should
protect his vessel; though, on preparations being made to send him
away for that purpose on the following morning, he withdrew his
protest, and gave certificates stating that he did not claim the
protection of any nation, and did not wish to defend his vessel. He
was then landed with the passengers and crew, at their own request,
and the prize sent to St. Helena for adjudication.
ENCOUNTER WITH BLACK PIRATES,
1850.
A merchant ship having been captured by black pirates, who murdered
some of the crew and carried the vessel up the river Seba, the French
governor of Senegal sent a small man-of-war steamer and some marines
to accompany the 'Centaur,' Captain Buckle, and 'Teazer,' Lieut.
Selwyn, with a number of marines and 60 soldiers to chastise the
marauders. The two British men-of-war, and the French steamer
'Ruby,' having gone up the creek where the island is situated,
anchored off the place where they were to land. The 'Centaur,' being
too large to come up so far, sent up her boats, 12 in number, while
she remained about three miles down. Captain Buckle and Mr. Selwyn
then went in advance of the other boats near the shore, intending to
demand the restitution of the vessel, together with the men who
murdered the crew, when they were fired at, and Mr. Young, midshipman
of the 'Centaur,' was dangerously wounded in the breast. The
'Teazer' and 'Ruby' then opened a furious cannonade, which lasted
nearly half an hour. The natives stood it without answering a shot,
but as the first boat attempting to land came near the bush through
which it was necessary to pass, a volley was fired which took fatal
effect, killing Lieut. Crockets commanding the marines, and
dangerously wounding eight others, sailors and marines. They then
withdrew, and the men in the boats landed without further opposition;
and after beating about for some time returned to their vessels. The
single shot which wounded Mr. Young, and the volley, was the only
firing from the enemy. The next day the party went 10 miles up the
creek and recovered the merchant vessel without opposition or seeing
a man.
SKIRMISH ON THE CONGO RIVER,
1852.
On the 19th of June, 1852, while H.M. brigantine 'Dolphin,'
Lieut.-Commander Henry Temple, was lying in the river Congo, an
American brig, the 'Mary Adeline,' attempted the passage up the
river; but on reaching Sharks' Point, a position of great danger,
owing to the strong currents sweeping round it, she touched the
ground, and in a few minutes the stream and surf imbedded her fast
ashore. The danger of the brig was instantly observed by the
'Dolphin,' which at once made preparations for her assistance; but
while doing so, the master of the vessel in distress, seeing that he
and his crew could do nothing towards getting the vessel afloat, made
the distress-signal by hoisting the American ensign reversed. Within
half an hour of the disaster the brigantine's boats, with anchors,
hawsers, &c., were alongside the stranded brig; but the tide falling
at the time, rendered merely preparatory measures necessary for
heaving off the vessel next day. To the surprise of all, on the
following morning the river was crowded with canoes, from 10 to 40
natives in each, all armed, and at least two-thirds with muskets.
Their movements left no doubt as to their predatory and hostile
intentions. A boat's gun with ammunition was sent on board, and
fitted in the brig. The 'Dolphin,' as soon as circumstances could
permit, took up a position within gun-range for her protection. The
natives appeared determined not to lose their prey, and poured a fire
of musketry into the stranded vessel, and brought their
scaling-ladders in front, evidently determined on boarding. Under
these circumstances the 'Dolphin' opened a fire of shot and shell,
and in a little time cleared the beach of the assailants, whose
numbers must have exceeded 3,000. This being done, the next object
was to get the brig off, and every endeavour was made to do so. In
the evening H.M. steam-ship 'Firefly' arrived, and sent her boats to
assist. During the night the natives, who had merely retired to the
bush, again returned to the beach, and fired a few muskets on the
brig, but without injury. The next morning another movement took
place on the part of the enemy. They appeared to concentrate and
meditate a second boarding attack; but a shot from the 'Dolphin'
fortunately again dispersed them. The surf rolled in heavily during
the day, increasing considerably the difficulties and dangers of the
necessary operations; so much so, that the 'Dolphin's' cutter and
crew were capsized by the rollers, and one man seriously injured.
Finding it necessary completely to lighten the brig, the cargo was
transferred to the 'Dolphin,' and by great industry and exertion the
brigantine succeeded in heaving off the 'Mary Adeline' on the evening
of the 22nd.
ATTACK ON MEDINA, SIERRA LEONE RIVER, BY H.M.S.
'TEAZER,' LIEUT. RICH, AND 'LINNET'S' BOATS,
1853.
Medina, one of the largest and most regularly-built of the native
Mandingo towns, is situated at the mouth of the Sierra Leone river.
It stands on flat land, at an elevation of 150 or 200 feet from the
sea, and is surrounded by a strong mud wall and stockades, and
fortified by a battery of five small pieces of ordnance, placed in a
commanding position for defence. The town of Medina, and the country
for one mile inland, is within British jurisdiction, and the chief
had entered into a treaty for the protection of British interests,
and suppression of the slave-trade; but he is, nevertheless,
suspected of having connived at it; and on his refusal to deliver up
a British subject, who had been kidnapped and carried to his town, as
well as the perpetrator of the deed. Governor Kennedy made a
requisition on Commander Need to send the 'Teazer' either to bring
back the parties in question, or to destroy the town. The 'Teazer'
accordingly got up steam on the morning of the 11th March, 1853, and
proceeded to the Bulloni shore with the 'Linnet's' boats in tow; and
at 9 A.M. came to anchor one mile off the land. All the boats were
then manned, and, having effected a landing, the men were marched up
to the town, where Commander Need and Lieut. Rich were received by
Kelch Moodah and his headman, Sirreh Moodah. Commander Need then
explained the object of his visit, and desired to have a conference
with the chiefs. On this the tom-tom immediately beat for a war
palaver; and in less than 10 minutes numerous petty chiefs, with war
men, numbering about 500, all armed with spears, cutlasses, and
firelocks, and no lack of ammunition, flocked to their chiefs'
rendezvous. Having heard the governor's despatch, which Commander
Need read, they conferred together for some time; and having resolved
not to deliver up the captive and the accused, Commander Need retired
with his men to their boats, followed by the native warriors, who,
imagining that they had scared the white men, performed a war-dance
on the shore. In the course of half an hour a fire with shot and
shell was opened on the town from the 'Teazer,' supported by a
cross-fire from the gun-boats of the 'Linnet,' which was continued
for a quarter of an hour, when Captain Need again landed, and marched
up to the now-deserted town. The chief appeared after a little
delay, gave himself up to spare the town, and was brought off as a
hostage for the men demanded, who were given up in a day or two, the
chief having meanwhile been allowed to be at large, on giving his
word not to attempt to leave the colony. These measures were
necessary to impress on the chiefs the duty of adhering to the treaty
they had signed, as it appears that Kelch Moodah considered himself
too strong within his town to be made to feel the power of British
law.
CAPTURE OF SLAVERS IN THE RIO PONGOS, BY THE BOATS
OF H.M.S. 'LINNET,' COMMANDER H. NEED.
Information having been given to Commodore Seymour that two suspected
vessels in the river Pongos were being prepared for slaves, Commander
Need, of H.M.S. 'Linnet,' proceeded up the river on the 30th April,
1853, in her pinnace and two gigs to search for them; and on the
following morning learned from an English schooner that a large
Spanish schooner was lying in a small creek, about 5 miles up,
waiting for a cargo. They soon came in sight of her, with most of
her sails spread over her sides, and green bushes hanging around her
bows. The moment the crew perceived the boats they left the vessel
and got on shore. She proved to be the 'Bellona,' of Barcelona, a
fine brigantine, of about 350 tons. Having anchored her in a wide
part of the river, with the crew of one of the gigs in charge, the
pinnace and the other gig proceeded up the next creek, where a fine
schooner was soon discovered, without cargo or crew, but having her
beams laid, and the slave-deck piled up in her wings, ready for
laying when the slaves came on board.
DESTRUCTION OF BARRACOONS, BY COMMANDER J. STRANGE,
AFRICA,
1851.
The natives at the mouth of the Benin River have for some time past
borne a bad name. About the latter end of the year 1850 they were
guilty of several acts of piracy upon the long-boats of merchant
vessels entering the river for the purposes of trade. Early in 1851
Mr. Beecroft, the British Consul for the Bights of Benin and Biafra,
in consequence of the representations he had received from the agents
and masters of vessels trading to the Benin, visited the river in the
'Jackal,' a small man-of-war steamer commanded by Lieut. Norman B.
Bedingfield, with the intention of remonstrating with the chiefs, and
of settling the matter, if possible, by peaceable measures.
In order to put affairs on a permanently satisfactory footing, he
found it necessary to proceed to Warree, the seat of government,
about 100 miles up the river. On his return from thence, he learned
that during his absence the factory at the mouth of the river had
been attacked by the natives of Bonbee and Battary, and property to a
large amount plundered, the European residents having only escaped
with their lives by taking refuge on board a merchant schooner.
This audacity on the part of the natives, whom usually the mere
mention of a man-of-war was sufficient to overcome, determined the
consul to take stronger measures, and accordingly a schooner was
despatched to look for a man-of-war, with a letter addressed to her
commander, urging him to repair to the Benin as soon as possible for
the purpose of chastising the pirates.
On the 23rd March the 'Archer' anchored off the bar of the river, and
her commander, Captain Strange, having learned the particulars, left
two boats, a cutter and a whaleboat, with 20 men, to assist Lieut.
Bedingfield in the protection of the factory, while he proceeded in
search of his pinnace, which had been left watching Lagos during his
absence. On the 26th the 'Archer' again anchored off the bar, and
her remaining boats attempted to pass it, but finding the sea
breaking the whole way across, were compelled to return to their
ship. On the following day, however, they succeeded in joining the
'Jackal' off Factory Isle.
It was hoped that the increase of force would have a salutary effect
on the marauders, and that matters would be settled without having
recourse to hostilities; and in this hope Mr. Beecroft and Captain
Strange agreed that no offensive demonstration should take place that
afternoon.
The latter, however, with Lieut. Bedingfield, in their respective
gigs, proceeded to reconnoitre the mouth of the creek, where the town
of Bonbee was situated, and if possible, to find a passage deep
enough for the large boats to enter. On approaching the shore, a
number of men appeared armed with muskets, who after a preliminary
volley of abuse, opened a fire upon the two gigs. The distance was
too great for doing mischief, but the fire was returned while the
boats continued sounding, and succeeded in the object of finding a
channel.
This act of aggression on the part of the Bonbees now left no
alternative; but the tide was then falling, and any attack that
afternoon must have been indecisive, while it would probably have
been attended with much unnecessary bloodshed. The boats which had
come promptly up to the support of the two gigs, were therefore
ordered back to the 'Jackal,' and preparations were made for an
attack the following day.
The town was situated on a branch of the river running in a southerly
direction. Between the town and the river was a small creek running
parallel to the main stream, and divided from it by a narrow
peninsula of sand covered with brushwood about eight feet high, which
had the effect of masking the town and concealing any preparations
that might be making inside, while it afforded a most favourable
cover for musketry. The channel which had been sounded on the 27th,
approached the entrance of the branch above mentioned in a winding
direction, and compelled the boats to pass the peninsula in single
file, and so near as almost to touch it with their oars.
At 11 A.M. of the 28th, the 'Jackal' weighed from her anchorage off
Factory Isle, and took up a position abreast of the town, as near as
the shoals would admit of, in order to cover the boats with the fire
of her 18-pounder. The boats' crews took an early dinner, and at
noon (the tide being about quarter-flood), after an experimental shot
from the 'Jackal's' gun at long range, which was seen to throw up the
muddy water out of the creek, the force, consisting of eight boats,
viz., the pinnace, two cutters, and two whaleboats of the 'Archer,'
and the cutter, gig, and jolly-boat of the 'Jackal,' containing in
all 92 officers and men, including 14 Kroomen, started off on their
expedition.
On nearing the shore, the musketry with which the jungle was filled
opened upon the boats. Soon after the firing had begun, the pinnace
grounded several times, the tide having scarcely risen enough, and at
last it became necessary for the Kroomen to jump into the water to
shove her over the flats, the other boats closing round her to
protect them, during all which time a heavy fire was kept up on both
sides, but, as far as our people were concerned, a harmless one.
At length the intricacies of the channel being past, the boats made
for the entrance of the creek, the pinnace, under Lieut. Badge of the
'Archer' leading. The point of the peninsula above described, which
appeared from outside the most critical part, was passed without a
shot being fired, it having been well swept by the canister and
shrapnell shell from the pinnace's 12-pounder.
On rounding the point, five war-canoes, each holding about 40 men,
and armed with a swivel (about a 3-pounder) in the bow, were seen
drawn up across the creek. Three more small guns were planted in
front of the town; the whole in such a position as to rake the boats
as they entered. Their fire, however, as well as the musketry from
the town, although delivered at about 30 yards, did no damage.
A well-directed shot from the pinnace sent the canoes to the
right-about, and the town was taken possession of and burnt without
further opposition. In this affair the boats suffered no loss. That
of the pirates, at the lowest estimate, was about 40 killed. It is
impossible to say what number were engaged on their side, but 400
would not be over the mark.
The following morning the boats again proceeded into the creek, and
destroyed another town close to the one burnt on the 28th, but which,
from being concealed by the jungle, had escaped notice. The
resistance on that occasion was trifling, and no casualty occurred.
The effect of these operations upon the pirates and upon the natives
in general was very satisfactory. Several canoe-loads of stolen
property were returned immediately, and at a meeting of chiefs and
headmen of towns on board the 'Jackal,' the most powerful one was
unanimously elected chief of the Benin River, who was to be
responsible for the protection of trade in future.
MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM TUCKER, R.N.,
1842.
Captain Tucker was the third son of the Rev. O. Tucker, vicar of
Borden in Kent, and was born in 1795. In 1809 he joined the
'Arniston' East Indiaman, but preferring the king's service he left
this ship in India, and was received as a volunteer on board the
'Diomede.' He afterwards served in the 'Ramillies,' and then in the
'Cumberland,' both 74's, the latter of which was successively
employed in the West Indies, and in watching the Dutch fleet in the
Texel during the last year of the war. He then sailed again to the
East Indies in the 'Liverpool,' Captain Collier, in which ship he had
the rating of mate. She was employed for five months on the Isle of
France station, during which time her boats captured five
slave-vessels. Mr. Tucker was constantly in command of a boat, and
was sometimes absent from the ship for six weeks at a time. His
exertions on this service were most conspicuous. At the attack on
Ras-ool-Khyma, in the Persian Gulf, in which the 'Liverpool'
subsequently assisted, he commanded one of the gun-boats, and nearly
lost his life. He was ashore when a night attack was made on the
camp, and two midshipmen were creased close to him. The sickness
caused by the weather during this expedition, when the thermometer
stood at 108° in the night, was a formidable addition to the other
dangers of the service. After twelve years of active service, Mr.
Tucker was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and served
successively in the 'Pylades,' the 'Atholl,' and the 'Maidstone.'
While on the coast of Africa, in command of the 'Maidstone's' tender,
the 'Hope,' a schooner of 140 tons, armed with a long traversing
12-pounder, and four 18-pounder guns, and manned with 32 officers and
men, including eight native Africans, he fell in with the 'Prince of
Guinea' slaver on the 5th August, 1826. She was a brig of 280
American tons, pierced for 16 guns, but having only 9 mounted, viz.,
a long traversing 24-pounder, four long 9-pounders, two long
6-pounders, and two swivels, and manned with 72 men. After a chase
of 28 hours, and upwards of two hours' hard fighting, Lieut. Tucker
having three out of his five guns disabled by the heavy fire of the
brig, resolved on boarding her, but being prevented from leading the
boarders by a very severe wound in the right foot, received at the
commencement of the action, he notwithstanding continued throughout
to fight the traversing gun. They were led in the most gallant
manner by Mr. R. N. Pengelly, Admiralty mate of the 'Maidstone,' and
they succeeded in obtaining a footing on the vessel's deck, and,
after a fight of several minutes, in getting possession of her. She
had but recently sailed from Whydah with 578 slaves on board.
Captain Tucker's commanding commission was sent out the moment the
news of the gallant capture arrived at the Admiralty. A handsome
watch presented to him by Commodore Bullen, bears in its inscription
that he had while in the 'Maidstone' "liberated 1,003
fellow-creatures from the bonds of slavery." In 1837 Captain Tucker
was appointed Inspecting Commander in the Coast Guard service, and
afterwards to the 'Wolverine' sloop, then at Malta, but destined for
the slave coast; with this vessel he captured 14 slavers, and also
destroyed the slave-factories at Corisco. His complete knowledge of
the coast, and of the habits of the slavers, enabled him not only to
terminate but to anticipate the horrors of the slave-ship, and to
turn all his energies with success to the task of capturing the
pirates before they got into the ports where they were to take in
their cargoes. When the West Coast station was separated from that
of the Cape of Good Hope, Captain Tucker, having then succeeded to
the command of the 'Iris' frigate, and having been made Post Captain
(Oct. 26th, 1840) became the senior officer, and continued the same
career most successfully, making upwards of 20 more captures. His
health, however, gave way, which obliged him to return to England.
He took his passage from the Cape of Good Hope in the 'Reliance' East
Indiaman, which was wrecked on the 12th November, 1842, in a dreadful
storm off Boulogne, and he was lost almost in sight of his native
land. The last seen of him was on the poop-deck until it was broken
up by the fall of the mizen-mast, supporting in his arms a young
midshipman of the name of Ford, whose leg had been broken by the fall
of the main-mast. Those who survived saved themselves by swimming.
Captain Tucker was himself an excellent swimmer, and had twice jumped
overboard to save the lives of others. It seems probable, and in
perfect accordance with his character, that he lost his life in
attempting to save his wounded companion, and the composure thus
evinced in remembering the duties of humanity when death is close at
hand, has at least as much of merit as the courage shown before an
enemy.
LOSS OF H.M.S. 'AVENGER.'
The 'Avenger,' Captain Napier, was a fine, fully-equipped
steam-frigate of 1,500 tons, with a splendid ship's company, and had
been much distinguished in the evolutions of the experimental
squadron in 1847. She left Gibraltar for Malta on the 17th December,
1847, having onboard 270 persons, including crew and supernumeraries;
and about 10 o'clock on the evening of the 20th, while the captain
and master were in the act of consulting the charts, she struck on
one of the Sorelle rocks, two dangerous subaqueous mountain peaks,
lying about a mile apart, opposite to the islets on the coast of
Barbary, called the Fratelli, and about 12 miles and a quarter,
W.S.W. of the uninhabited island of Gralita.
The least water on the eastern peak is three feet and a quarter; and
on the other, which is exactly on the same line of bearing from
Gralita, there are from three to five fathoms. Between the two is a
channel of 30 fathoms, and at a little distance around, not less than
100. In some winds they may be perceived five or six miles off by
the breakers; but in fine weather it is difficult to see them, even
when pretty close. The rest of the channel between Galita and the
Barbary shore is everywhere clear from danger; but it is remarkable
that, within the island, the current sets to the westward, and
without it to the eastward, unless in gales of continuance.
Two boats were lowered directly the ship struck, one containing
Lieut. Francis Booke, the surgeon, the second-master, Mr. Betts, the
gunner, Mr. Larcom, and four seamen; but they were at once carried
away from the ship, which they saw thrown upon her beam-ends an utter
wreck, the sea making a clean breach over her. The boat lay some
time off the spot to save the lives of any who might seek safety, and
then steered for the coast of Africa, which she reached at Bizerta,
but was swamped in the attempt to land, only five persons, Lieut.
Booke, Mr. Larcom, William Hill, and James Morley (boy), gaining the
shore. By the aid of some friendly Arabs, they were enabled to reach
Tunis; and the French authorities there lost no time in sending off
the 'Lavoisier,' war-steamer, to rescue any of the crew that might be
still alive. Meeting with the Peninsular and Oriental Company's
steam-ship, the 'Pasha,' the two repaired in company to the scene of
the disaster; but found only some small portions of wreck floating
about, four persons only being the survivors of 270 gallant men, who
formed the complement. The deepest and most universal sorrow was
felt for this fatal catastrophe, and a large subscription made for
the support of the families of those who perished, to which the navy
contributed largely.
MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN NAPIER.
George Charles Elers Napier, second son of Lieut. Elers, R.N., was
born 22nd May, 1812. In 1815, Captain, now Rear-Admiral Sir Charles
Napier, married the widow of Lieut. Elers, and adopted the boy, who,
at the age of 12 years, entered the navy under the auspices of his
step-father. His first ship was the 'Ganges,' on the South American
station; afterwards, he served as mate in the 'Galatea,' under the
command of his step-father, and subsequently was appointed to the
'Excellent,' where he remained engaged in the study of gunnery after
his promotion to the rank of lieutenant in 1832. On Sir Charles
Napier succeeding Admiral Sartorius in the command of the Portuguese
fleet, during the war of succession in that country, his step-son
joined him, and acted with the rank of captain, as his aide-de-camp,
on the day of the capture of Don Miguel's squadron, contributing not
a little, by the brilliant valour he displayed, to the success of the
day. Admiral Napier hoisted his flag on board a small frigate called
the 'Rainha,' and sweeping under the stern of a gigantic Miguelite
line-of-battle-ship of the same name, ran through a tremendous fire
alongside of her. The ships were lashed with the mainsheet, and
Commodore Wilkinson and Captain Charles Napier, heading the boarders,
passed from the bowser anchor to the enemy's bulwark, driving the men
across the forecastle along the larboard gangway. At this critical
moment, the ships yawing asunder, Captain Napier was left alone and
unsupported on the enemy's deck. Here he held his ground till his
sword becoming entangled between the ramrod and barrel of an enemy's
musket, was suddenly wrenched from his grasp, and as he grappled with
his nearest opponent, both fell over a gun, and were borne down on
the slippery deck. Just then, Admiral Napier, boarding in person,
with another party, rescued him from death, took possession of the
'Rainha,' and thus decided the fate of the day.
This was the first time Captain Charles Napier had ever been under
fire, and of the 14 sabre and bayonet wounds then received, he
retained many of the scars through his life. He was carried back to
his own ship in an insensible state; but the next day,
notwithstanding his sufferings, he wrote to relieve his mother's
anxiety with assurances of his safety. On recovering from his
wounds, he was placed in command of the 'Eliza,' a fine corvette, and
was invested with the Order of the Tower and Sword.
Shortly after the termination of the war by the establishment of
Donna Maria on the throne of Portugal, he was appointed, as
lieutenant, to H.M.S. 'Vernon,' on the Mediterranean station. In
1838 he was promoted to the rank of commander, and appointed to
command the 'Pelican,' in which he had his full share of service
during the war in China. Being posted before its conclusion, and
consequently superseded in his command, Captain Napier joined the
land-forces as a volunteer, and subsequently acted as aide-de-camp to
Sir William Parker, in which capacity, ever foremost in danger, he
scaled the walls of Ching-kang-foo, at the storming of that place.
On his return from China he applied himself to the study of steam,
and was offered the command of a fine steam-frigate, which he
declined, that he might devote himself to the comfort of his mother,
proving in many ways that the zeal and courage which he evinced in
his profession were fully equalled by the kindlier features of his
character.
He had joined the 'Avenger' only one month before the close of his
brief and gallant career when she was lost.
WRECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR'S BOAT, CHINA,
1841.
While H.M.S. 'Conway' was lying off Whampoa, a party, consisting of
Lieut. Beadon, Mr. Smith, assistant-surgeon, Mr. Turnour, midshipman,
and 14 men, left her in a large boat, and proceeded to Macao, where
they stayed a few days, and left that place to return to the 'Conway'
about noon on Easter Monday. A fine breeze carried them safely over
half their distance, when, it being too dark to see the numerous
fishing-stakes laid down at the mouth of the river, or to discover
any of the landmarks, they cast anchor about midnight. At 1 o'clock
A.M., on the 30th April, Lieut. Beadon, feeling the boat ride
uneasily, gave orders for the cable to be cut; but before even this
could be done, a heavy squall took her, and she filled head foremost,
becoming instantly a wreck. The miserable crew hung on till
daylight, in spite of a terrific tempest, accompanied by violent
thunder and lightning. Several junks passed and avoided them (which,
perhaps, is not surprising); but to their shame be it spoken, an
European boat, belonging to Macao, passed the hapless group with
equal apathy. At length, after being washed about for some hours on
rafts, which Lieut. Beadon, almost single-handed, had constructed
(for, with the exception of a man and a boy, the crew were too
panic-stricken to render much assistance in lashing them together),
they descried a Chinese fishing-junk, containing one old man. Lieut.
Beadon forbade any whining supplication, but ordered the men to give
three good hearty English cheers. The good old fisherman waved his
hand, and instantly bore down to their assistance, picked up their
scattered and exhausted party, and gave them food and covering.
Lieut. Beadon offered him 40 dollars to take them to H.M.S.
'Wellesley,' that being the nearest. He did so, carefully concealing
them from his own countrymen. They sustained the loss of one man, a
carpenter, named Shronshire: he was washed off the deck when too much
exhausted to retain his hold, and sank to rise no more. Lieut.
Beadon endeavoured, during 14 hours of awful and appalling danger, to
stimulate the crew to exertion, telling them that it was a mockery to
God to give themselves up to prayer, without at the same time using
the bodily powers and mental faculties He had given them for the
preservation of their lives; but immediately they were on board the
junk he addressed the men upon the awful warning they had just
received of the uncertainty of life, exhorting them to make that the
era of a new life by the help of God; and, lamenting his own
unfitness to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving, earnestly implored
each to offer up one in his own heart. Upon their arrival on board
H.M.S. 'Wellesley,' they were warmly welcomed by Captain Maitland and
his officers. The former immediately ordered 80 dollars of the
public money to be paid to the old Chinaman, in addition to the 40
Lieut. Beadon had promised from his own private purse. Lieut. Beadon
was promoted soon after to the rank of commander.
WRECK OF A BOAT OF H.M.S. 'GANGES'--DEATH OF
LIEUT. BREEN, MEDITERRANEAN,
1850.
As one of the boats of H.M.S. 'Ganges,' forming part of the British
fleet in the Piræus, with Lieut. Breen, Mr. Chatfield, midshipman,
and 16 men, was returning from the shore, laden with water, she was
swamped and turned over just half way between the 'Queen' and the
east point of the Island of Lypso.
Mr. Breen, Mr. Chatfield, and most of the men, immediately struck out
for the island, and reached it. The gale increased, and the cold
became so intense that their clothes were frozen stiff upon them. In
the morning they could see the fleet, but were unable to catch
attention by signals. One of the men suffered so much from the cold,
that Lieut. Breen generously stripped off his coat and put it on him.
As the day closed, most of the men retired into a cave; but Mr. Breen
separated himself from the others and was no more seen. On board the
'Ganges' it was thought that they had not put off from shore; but
next night it was known that they had set out and a boat was sent to
search. As it was passing by Lypso at dawn on the third day, the
wrecked boat was accidentally descried on the beach. Mr. Chatfield
and half-a-dozen men were found in the cave in a torpid state; Mr.
Breen was found dead, crouched under a bush; and ten seamen were
missing. There is little doubt that poor Mr. Breen lost his life
from his generous act in favour of the suffering seaman. The
survivors found in the cave all recovered.
NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS.
Since the early part of the sixteenth century, attempts have been
frequently made to reach the Pacific through a passage round the
northern shore of America, nor had the desire of the British nation
to accomplish the object ceased when Her Majesty came to the throne.
In the year 1836, Sir George Back, having just returned from a
land-exploring expedition on the northern shore of the American
continent, undertook a voyage up Hudson's Straits in the 'Terror.'
The winter commencing early with great rigour, the ship was frozen
in; and on the ice again breaking up, was driven about for some
months, amid masses of ice grinding her sides and frequently
threatening to overwhelm her. For three days she was thrown on her
beam-ends, when her destruction appeared inevitable; but she happily
righted, and ultimately returned home, though in a desperately
shattered condition. Two officers of the Hudson's Bay Company,
Messrs. Dease and Simpson, about the same time explored a portion of
the Arctic shores of the American continent left undiscovered by
Captains Franklin and Back. It was not, however, till the year 1845
that any further expedition for Arctic discovery was undertaken by
the British Government. The command of the one then planned was
sought for and obtained by Sir John Franklin, and certainly no
subject has so long and so painfully excited the interest of the
nation as the fate of him and his gallant companions. When we
contemplate the terrific dangers to which they have been exposed, we
may well fear the worst; but when we think of the talent, the
courage, the fortitude, and the perseverance they possess among them,
hope still rises above our fears, and we trust, not without reason,
that through the protecting hand of Providence, they may have
surmounted the perils which have surrounded them, and may yet be
restored to their country and their friends. Nowhere can all the
noble qualities which adorn the British seaman be more fully called
forth than during a voyage in the Arctic seas, and the detention to
which he is subject for years together on its ice-bound shores. From
the first entering these regions dangers beset him. Suddenly he
finds his vessel among immense fields of floating ice, through which
he can with difficulty find a passage or escape shipwreck. Then in
the darkness of night, icebergs of vast height are seen close aboard
towering above his mast-head, the sea dashing with fury round their
bases, from which, should he not scrape clear, his destruction is
certain. Sometimes, to prevent his vessel being drifted on icebergs,
or the rocky shore, or fields of ice, to leeward, he secures her on
the leeside of some large berg. The base of the mass beneath the
water is continually melting; and while he fancies himself secure, it
decreases so much as to lose its balance, and its lofty summit
bending down it may overwhelm him in its ruins. Then, again, large
masses become detached from its base, and rising up violently from
far down in the sea, strike the bottom of the vessel with terrific
force, capable of driving in her planks and breaking her stout
timbers. Often, also, he has to saw his way through sheets of ice,
cutting out canals with untiring perseverance to gain a piece of
clear water beyond. Sometimes his vessel is so tightly frozen within
a field of ice that he has no power to extricate her; then the field,
urged by the tides or wind, moves on at a rapid rate for hundreds of
miles, till it encounters some other field or a projecting shore.
Now commences a scene of horror which may well make the stoutest
heart tremble. The field breaks into thousands of fragments, huge
masses of many hundred tons weight, and larger than his ship, are
thrown up, one on the other, rising almost as if they had life, till
they tower far above the sides of his vessel, and appear ready every
instant to crush her, as she lies helplessly among this icy mass of a
seeming ruined world. Sometimes a huge lump, bigger than the ship
herself, becomes attached to her bottom, and as the mass around her
melts, it rises to the surface, and throws her on her beam-ends.
Sometimes, as she is sailing in an open space, two fields suddenly
close in on her. If he has time to cut a dock in the field nearest
him, or finds a bay ready formed, she may escape; if not, when the
fields meet, her stout ribs are crushed in as if they were of wax,
and he is fortunate if he escapes to the ice with some of his boats
and a few provisions and clothes before his vessel disappears, to
encounter a voyage without shelter in that frigid region, till he
falls in with some whaleship, or can gain its inhospitable shores.
But suppose he escapes the dangers of the sea I have described, and
many others, and takes shelter for the winter in some bay or gulf
where, icebound, he must remain during the winter without any
communication with the rest of his fellow-creatures besides those who
form his own adventurous band. The sun sinks below the horizon, and
is not seen again for months together; darkness is around him, and
one dreary mass of snow covers the face of nature. The intense cold
prevents him often from venturing from beyond the shelter with which
he has surrounded his vessel, or if he is tempted to do so,
frost-bites may attack his hands and his feet and deprive him of
their use. Sometimes the Arctic explorer has had to journey for
weeks together across the barren waste of ice or snow-covered ground,
dragging his sledge after him, and sleeping night after night under
the thin roof of a canvas tent; and as summer draws on, often wet
through from the melting snow without an opportunity of drying his
clothes. Seldom has he an abundance, and often he suffers from a
scarcity of provisions, while, if his strength fails him from illness
or injury, he can scarcely hope to regain his ship alive.
Notwithstanding the dangers and hardships I have mentioned, and many
others to which the Arctic explorer is exposed, as soon as it was
known that another Polar expedition was in contemplation, and that
Sir John Franklin would probably command it, numbers of volunteers
crowded forward to obtain appointments under him.
Among them was the gallant Fitzjames, whose name has been so often
mentioned in these pages as being actively engaged wherever work was
to be done; the talented and persevering Captain Crozier, who had but
lately returned from a long and hazardous voyage of discovery; Harry
Goodsir, an enterprising surgeon, whose brother has shown his
fraternal affection by undertaking a voyage in a whaler in hopes of
meeting with the expedition; also Lieut. Gore, who had before braved
the most terrific dangers of a Polar voyage on board the 'Terror,' in
the last expedition under Captain Back, and who was likewise with
Ross in the Antarctic expedition; and there was also Lieut.
Fairholme, who was in the Niger expedition, when he encountered
dangers undaunted, scarcely inferior to those to be met with in the
icy seas. Then I must mention John Irving. He had quitted the
service and settled in Australia. He had once gone down to Sydney to
sell his wool, when he found a ship-of-war in the harbour. He went
on board--a number of old shipmates greeted him. He was then a
mate--a vacancy existed in the ship. He got appointed to fill it,
and directing a brother, who was also in the colony, to take care of
his property, he sailed at once for England, scarcely again setting
foot on shore; and on his arrival, receiving his commission as
lieutenant, he joined the Polar expedition.
The following is a list of the officers who were finally appointed to
the expedition:--
'EREBUS.'
Captain Sir John Franklin, K.C.H.; Commander James Fitzjames; Lieuts.
Graham Gore, Henry T. Le Vesconte, James William Fairholme; Mates,
Charles T. des Vaux, Robert O'Sargent; Second Master, Henry F.
Collins; Surgeon, Stephen Stanley; Assistant Surgeon, Harry D. S.
Goodsir; Paymaster and Purser, Charles H. Osmer; Master, James Reid,
acting; 58 Petty Officers, Seamen, &c. Full complement, 70.
'TERROR'
Captain Francis E. M. Crozier; Lieuts. Edward Little, George H.
Hodgson, John Irving; Mates, Frederick J. Hornby, Robert Thomas;
Ice-master, T. Blakey, acting; Second Master, G. A. Maclean; Surgeon,
John S. Peddie; Assistant Surgeon, Alexander M'Donald; Clerk in
Charge, Edwin G. H. Helpman; 57 Petty Officers, Seamen, &c. Full
complement, 68; making in all 138 souls.
The expedition sailed from England May the 26th, 1845. They arrived
at the Whale-fish Islands, a group to the south of Disco, on the 4th
of July. On the 26th they were seen moored to an iceberg, in 74° 48'
north latitude, and 66° 13' west longitude, by a Hull whaler, the
'Prince of Wales,' Captain Dannet. The ships had then on board
provisions for three years, on full allowance, or even four, with the
assistance of such game as they might expect to obtain. Every one on
board had resolved to persevere to the utmost in pushing their way
through any channel which might offer a prospect of success towards
the west; but the letters of Captain Fitzjames especially seem to
point clearly to Wellington Channel as the passage they would most
probably first attempt. No news of the expedition having reached
England up to the year 1847, some slight apprehensions began to be
felt, though the general hope was that Sir John had pushed on perhaps
into the Polar basin, and might make his appearance by way of
Behring's Straits. However, it was thought right, in 1848, to
despatch another expedition to search for the missing ships. Two
vessels were commissioned for that purpose, and placed under the
command of Sir James Ross, an officer who has been nearer the
northern and southern poles than any other human being. The ships
were not ready for sea till the 12th of June. They were fitted to
contend with the dangers of the Polar seas in a way no former ships
had been, and every means that could be devised for the comfort and
convenience of their crews were liberally supplied; while the
officers and men were influenced by an earnest zeal to discover their
missing countrymen, and to rescue them from the forlorn condition in
which it was too probable they were placed. Such have been the
motives which have induced, year after year, numbers of other gallant
officers and men to volunteer their services to encounter the
terrific dangers and hardships of a Polar voyage to search for Sir
John Franklin and his brave followers. But while I am mentioning the
brave and bold spirits who are eager to rush into danger, and to
undergo toil and suffering for that object, I cannot omit to speak of
one, a sailor's daughter and a sailor's niece, who has proved herself
indeed a heroine--a true chip of the old block. Most people have
heard of the noble efforts and sacrifices Lady Franklin has made to
despatch expedition after expedition in search of her gallant
husband, and all honour be her due; though few can understand but
those who have the happiness of knowing her, the untiring zeal, the
deep earnest devotion of his affectionate niece. How she has
laboured on, month after month and year after year, with talents,
mind, and endurance, unsurpassed by any man; sitting up night after
night to write letters to all parts of the world, and spending day
after day in receiving visits from officers anxious to form part of
some expedition, and in examining every variety of invention, plan,
and proposal. No words of mine can do adequate justice to the lady
of whom I write. All honour be to Miss Sophia Cracroft; she is
indeed a true daughter of old ocean, and worthy to be loved and
reverenced by all who love and respect the British Navy, and admire
the gallant spirit which imbues it.
But to return to our narrative. My space will not allow me to give
more than a very brief sketch of the several searching expeditions
which have been sent out, and the names of the ships and officers
composing them.
The first, then, was that under Captain Sir J. Ross, consisting of--
'ENTERPRISE,' 540 tons.
Captain Sir James C. Ross; Lieuts., R. J. L. M'Clure, F. L.
M'Clintock, and W. H. J. Browne; Master, W. S. Couldery (acting);
Surgeon, W. Robertson (acting); Assistant-Surgeon, H. Matthias;
Second-Master, S. Court; Clerk, Edward Whitehead; total complement,
68.
'INVESTIGATOR,' 480 tons.
Captain E. J. Bird; Lieuts. M. G. H. W. Ross, Fredk. Robinson, and J.
J. Barnard; Master, W. Tatham; Surgeon, Robert Anderson; Mates, L.
John Moore and S. G. Cresswell; Second Master, John H. Allard;
Assistant-Surgeon, E. Adams; Clerk in Charge, J. D. Gilpin. Total
complement, 67.
The expedition left England on the 12th of June, 1848, and reached
Barrow's Straits by the end of August. Sir James Ross then
endeavoured to find a passage through Wellington Channel; but it was
so completely blocked up with ice that he was compelled to give up
the attempt that year as hopeless. The ice closing in on the ships
at an unusually early period, after running great risk of being
crushed, Sir James took refuge in Leopold Harbour for the winter.
Hence several expeditions were sent out on foot. Sir James Ross and
Lieut. M'Clintock set out in May, with sledges, each accompanied by
six men, and explored the whole of the north and west coasts of North
Somerset; and being absent thirty-nine days, returned to the ships on
the 23rd of June. Meantime Lieut. Barnard started for the northern
shore of Barrow's Straits, crossing the ice to Cape Hind. Lieut.
Browne visited the eastern shore of Regent Inlet, and Lieut. Robinson
the western shore, and reached several miles to the southward of Fury
Beach. No traces were discovered, however, of Sir John Eranklin, but
every device that could be thought of was employed to let his party
know of the position of the ships. At Fury Beach, Lieut. Robinson
discovered Sir John Ross's house, and much of the provisions left
there by the 'Fury' in 1827 still remaining, and in excellent
condition. On the 28th of August, the vessels quitted Leopold
Harbour, where, at Whaler Point, a large supply of provisions, fuel,
and a steam-launch were left, in the hopes that some of Sir John's
party might visit the place. Again, from the 1st to the 25th of
September, the vessels were so closely beset with ice, that it was
feared they might be compelled to spend another winter in those
regions, if they escaped being crushed to fragments. Happily they
got clear after drifting into Baffin's Bay, and reached England in
November.
The 'North Star,' an old 26-gun frigate of 500 tons, had in the
meantime, in the spring of 1849, been despatched with provisions for
Sir James Ross, under command of Mr. J. Saunders. Having got blocked
in by the ice for sixty-two days, she was compelled to winter in
Wolstenholme Sound, on the western coast of Greenland.
Immediately on the return of the 'Enterprise' and 'Investigator,'
they were recommissioned and placed under the command of Captain B.
Collinson, with directions to proceed to Behring's Straits to resume
the search in that direction. H.M.S. 'Plover,' Commander Moore, was
already there, employed in surveying the north-western coasts of the
American continent.
The following were the officers appointed to them:--
'ENTERPRISE.'
Captain E. Collinson; Lieuts. G. A. Phayre, J. J. Barnard, and C. T.
Jago; Master, E. T. G Legg; Second Master, Francis Skead; Mate, M.
T. Parks; Surgeon, Robert Anderson; Assistant-surgeon, Edward Adams;
Clerk in Charge Edward Whitehead. Total complement, 66.
'INVESTIGATOR.'
Commander B. J. M'Clure; Lieuts. W. H. Haswell and S. G. Cresswell;
Mates, H. H. Saintsbury and E. J. Wyniatt; Second Master, Stephen
Court; Surgeon, Alexander Armstrong, M.D.; Assistant-Surgeon, Henry
Piers; Clerk in Charge, Joseph C. Paine. Total complement, 66.
Mr. Miertsching, a Moravian missionary, who had spent five years on
the coast of Labrador, was appointed to the 'Enterprise,' as
interpreter. The vessels sailed from Plymouth on the 20th of
January, 1850, and reached the Sandwich Islands on the 29th of June.
Meantime the 'Herald,' Captain Kellett, had been ordered up from Oahu
to Behring's Straits, to assist in the search. At Petropaulski she
met the Royal Thames Yacht Club schooner, 'Mary Dawson,' owned by Mr.
Shedden, who had come along the Chinese coast to Behring's Straits,
also in search of Sir John Franklin. After exploring for some time
in company, they were compelled by the ice to leave the Straits, but
the 'Plover' wintered there, while Lieut. Pullen led a boat
expedition of a most arduous nature along the northern shores of
America, towards the Hudson's Bay establishment on the Mackenzie
river. Sir John Richardson also led a land party from the South to
the Polar Seas, but was compelled to return without discovering any
trace of the expedition.
In 1846, also, the Hudson's Bay Company sent out an expedition,
commanded by Dr. John Rae, to survey the unexplored portion of the
American continent, between the further point reached by Dease and
Simpson and the strait of the Fury and Hecla. However, the
expeditions which have created the greatest interest are those which
have been despatched during and since the year 1850.
The first consisted of H.M.S. 'Resolute' and 'Assistance,' with the
screw-steamers 'Pioneer' and 'Intrepid,' as tenders, under the
command of Captain Horatio T. Austin.
His chief aim was to visit Melville Island, and to explore the shores
of Wellington Channel, and the coast about Cape Walker. The ships
were provisioned for three years, and a transport completed their
supply at Whalefish Islands.
The following of the many officers who volunteered were appointed to
the expedition:--
'RESOLUTE.'
Captain Horatio T. Austin, C.B.; Lieutenants, R. D. Aldrich and W. H.
J. Browne; Mates, R. B. Pearse and W. M. May; Purser, J. E. Brooman;
Surgeon, A. R. Bradford; Assistant-surgeon, Richard King; Midshipmen,
C. Bullock and J. P. Cheyne; Second-master, G. F. M'Dougall. Total
complement, 60 men.
'ASSISTANCE.'
Captain E. Ommaney; Lieutenants, J. E. Elliot, F. L. M'Clintock, and
G. F. Mecham; Surgeon, J. S. L. Donnett; Assistant-surgeon J. Ward;
Mates, R. V. Hamilton and J. R. Keane; Clerk in Charge, E. N.
Harrison; Second-master, W. B. Shellabear; Midshipman C. B. Markham.
Total complement, 60 men.
'PIONEER' (Screw-steamer).
Lieutenant commanding, Sherard Osborn; Second-master, J. H. Allard;
Assistant-surgeon, F. B. Picthorn; with a crew of 30 men.
'INTREPID' (Screw-steamer).
Lieutenant commanding, B. Cator; with a crew of 30 men.
No expedition ever left England with a greater prospect of
success--every one engaged in it being enthusiastically resolved to
use every exertion to advance the noble cause in which they were
engaged.
The ships were commissioned on the 28th of February, 1850, and left
England the 3rd of May. On the 16th of June, they arrived at the
Whalefish Island, where they received the remainder of their supply
of provisions from the transport.
At the same time that Captain Austin's expedition was fitting out,
another was arranged and placed under the command of Mr. William
Penny, an experienced whaling captain of Dundee, to act in concert
with it. Mr. Penny, by the directions of the Admiralty, proceeded to
Aberdeen and Dundee, where he purchased two new clipper-built
vessels, which were named the 'Lady Franklin' and 'Sophia,' the first
in compliment to Sir John's devoted wife, the latter to his admirable
niece. These vessels were placed under Mr. Penny's command, with
separate instructions direct from the Admiralty. The ships showed
during the voyage the good judgment employed by Mr. Penny in their
selection, and the men acquitted themselves throughout the enterprise
in a way not to justify any contempt on the part of their associates
in the ships-of-war. Mr. Penny has been employed in the Arctic Seas
since he was 12 years old, and has commanded a whaling-ship for 16
years.
The ships left Aberdeen on the 13th of April, but did not fall in
with Captain Austin's squadron till the 28th of June, off Berry
Island, on the west coast of Greenland.
About the same time that the above-named ships left England, three
other expeditions were despatched. One in the 'Prince Albert,' under
Commander Forsyth, chiefly at Lady Franklin's expense. She had a
crew of 20 men. Her mates were W. Kay and W. Wilson, and Mr. W. P.
Snow acted as clerk. She sailed from Aberdeen on the 5th of June,
and was thus the last vessel which left England that year. Another
in the 'Felix' yacht, with a tender, the 'Mary,' under the veteran
Captain Sir John Ross, at his own charge. The Americans, likewise,
showed a generous sympathy in the fate of the missing expedition, and
sent out one to aid in the search, under Lieut. De Haven, in the U.S.
brig 'Advance,' and the U.S. vessel 'Rescue,' commanded by Mr. S. P.
Griffin.
These various expeditions were to examine the different channels up
which it was supposed Sir John Franklin might have endeavoured to
work his way. The result of their examinations has proved beyond
almost all doubt that he proceeded up Wellington Channel.
Without following the ships step by step through their laborious
progress across Baffin's Bay, down Lancaster Sound, and Barrow's
Straits, we will carry them at once to Beechey Island, which lies at
the south-eastern extremity of Wellington Channel, just at its
entrance into Barrow's Straits. Here, on the 27th of August, Mr.
Penny discovered undoubted traces of Sir John Franklin. Here,
accordingly, the ships assembled to prosecute the examination. Dr.
Sutherland, who went out in the 'Lady Franklin,' gives the following
account of the interesting event:--
"Traces," he observes, "were found to a great extent, of the missing
ships; tin-cannisters in hundreds, pieces of cloth, rope, wood--in
large fragments and in chips; iron in numerous fragments, where the
anvil had stood, and the block which supported it; paper, both
written and printed, with the dates 1844 and 1845; sledge-marks in
abundance, depressions in the gravel, resembling wells which they had
been digging, and the graves of three men who had died on board the
missing ships in January and April, 1846. One of the shore party was
despatched with this intelligence to Mr. Penny, who immediately came
on shore, accompanied by Sir John Ross, Commander Phillips, of the
'Felix,' Sir John's vessel; Commander De Haven and Lieut. Griffiths,
of the American expedition, which had joined our ships in Barrow's
Straits, and other officers. These were unequivocal proofs that the
missing ships had spent their first winter in the immediate vicinity
of Beechey Island. A finger-post was picked up, which we at once
supposed had been made use of to direct parties to the ships during
winter, if they should happen to have lost their way in a snow-storm.
Captain Parry adopted the same precautions around his winter-quarters
at Melville Island; and it is not improbable some of the posts may be
found after a lapse of 30 years. Our ideas were that the ships had
wintered in a deep bay between Beechey Island and Cape Riley, which
we called Erebus and Terror Bay.
"Immediately adjacent to the supposed position of the ships, we found
the site of a large storehouse and workshop, and smaller sites which
were supposed to have been observatories and other temporary
erections. Meat-tins to the amount of 600 or 700, and a great number
of coal-bags, one of which was marked 'T-e-r-r-o-r,' were found. But
there were no papers found anywhere that had been left by the missing
ships."
This station, in the opinion of Captain Penny, was occupied by Sir
John Franklin's party until the 3rd of April, 1846, if not longer, as
a look-out up Wellington Channel to watch the first opening of that
icy barrier which so frequently seems to block it up.
Other still more interesting vestages of the expedition were three
graves, with neatly carved oaken head-boards, and the following
epitaphs:--
Sacred to the
Memory of JOHN HARTNELL, A.B., of H.M.S.
'EREBUS,'
Died January 4, 1846,
Aged 25 Years.
Haggai, chap. i. verse 1,
"Thus saith the Lord of Hosts,
Consider your ways."
Sacred to the
Memory of W. BRAINE, R.M., of H.M.S.
'EREBUS,'
Died April 3, 1846,
Aged 32 Years.
'Choose you this day whom you
will serve,'
Joshua, chap. xxiv. verse 15.
Sacred to the
Memory of JOHN TORRINGTON,
Who departed this Life, January 1st, A.D. 1846,
On board of H.M.S.
'TERROR,'
Aged 20 Years.
No record, however, was left to show in what direction the bold
explorers had proceeded. With deep regret, therefore, that no
further information could be gained, the various vessels proceeded on
the search. Captain Forsyth had, however, before this returned in
the 'Prince Albert' to England, with news of an interesting discovery
made by Captain Ommaney of some articles left by Sir John Franklin on
Cape Riley. He reached Aberdeen on the 22nd of October, having been
absent somewhat less than four months.
Early the next year the 'Prince Albert' was again despatched, under
the command of Mr. Kennedy, an old Arctic explorer, but he was unable
to effect more than to prove where Sir John Franklin and his
followers were not.
Captain Austin's ships were constantly placed in great peril as they
proceeded on their voyage. "The 'Assistance' was hemmed in by the
ice in the centre of Wellington Channel, and was in such imminent
danger of being crushed to pieces, that every preparation was made to
desert her," writes an officer belonging to her. "Each person on
board was appointed to a particular boat, provisions were got on
deck, and every two men were allowed one bag between them for spare
clothes, attached to lines which were passed through the upper deck,
ready to be pulled up at any moment. One day the vessel was raised
six feet out of the water by the pressure of the ice, and it became
so probable that she would fall on her broadside, that the men were
employed with shovels and pickaxes in smoothing a place on the ice
for her to lie upon." Again, on the 6th a large floe came down upon
them with great violence, and pressing the vessel against the land
ice, lifted her several feet out of the water. Every one rushed on
deck, with the exception of the carpenter, who coolly sounded the
well, to ascertain the depth of water in the hold. For some hours
the ship was in danger of being driven on shore; the ice continued to
grind and pile up round her, while all the ice-anchors were laid out,
one of which was wrenched in two by the tremendous strain, and thrown
high up into the air. The wind, however, providentially changed, the
ice slacked, and they were safe. At length, while Captain Austin's
squadron were secured for the winter in a field of ice between
Cornwallis and Griffiths Islands, Mr. Penny and Sir John Ross reached
Assistance Harbour, where they wintered. A variety of means were
taken to amuse the crews during the depth of winter; and as soon as
spring began exploring parties went out in every direction. I cannot
trace the progress of the several parties in boats and sledges.
Their persevering struggles serve to prove the present existence, at
all events, if that were required, of the heroic endurance of
hardships, the indomitable courage, the invariable cheerfulness under
the most depressing trials, and the unconquerable ardour, in spite of
every obstacle, characteristic of British seamen. About 2,000 miles
altogether were traversed by the different parties. Mr. Penny made
every effort to ascend the Wellington Channel; but his success was
trifling compared to his unwearied endeavours. When his sledge was
stopped by open water, and after incredible labours a boat was
brought to the spot, thick-ribbed ice had collected to impede its
progress. All the efforts of the heroic explorers were in vain.
Lieut. De Haven's ships returned to the United States after enduring
many hardships, and Captain Austin, Sir John Ross, and Mr. Penny came
back to England in the autumn of 1851.
Another year, however, was not allowed to pass before a further
expedition was intrusted to the command of one of the most talented
and boldest officers in the service, Sir Edward Belcher. The
'Assistance' and 'Resolute' were again commissioned, and with the
'Pioneer' and 'Intrepid,' screw-steamers, were placed under Ins
orders, many of the officers who before accompanied Capt. Austin
volunteering their services.
They proceeded early in the spring for Wellington Channel, and when
last seen, favoured by an open season, they were entering that
mysterious inlet, with a favourable breeze, in high health and with
buoyant hopes, and we have still some foundation for trusting that
they have before this brought succour to our long-lost countrymen.
The 'Isabel,' screw-steamer, was sent out to examine Smith's Sound,
under the orders of Commander Inglefield, but he returned, as
directed, in the autumn, and commissioned the 'Phœnix' screw
steam-sloop. His orders were to proceed to Beechey Island, with a
fresh supply of provisions and other stores, which will be turned
over to the 'North Star,' Commander Pullen, expected to be found
stationed there, as a rendezvous for the vessels of Sir Edward
Belcher's expedition. The 'Phœnix,' having accomplished that
object, will proceed, at Commander Inglefield's discretion, to
Smith's and Jones's Sound, to follow up the discoveries he made in
1852. The 'Lady Eranklin,' sailing-tender to the 'Phœnix,' is to
be left at the Carey Islands, or other eligible winter quarters, as a
rendezvous for the crew of the 'Phœnix' to fall back upon, in the
event of any unforeseen accident to the steam-sloop.
Mr. Kennedy again proceeded in the 'Isabel' to perform an overland
journey towards the Polar Basin. The Americans also have sent out a
further expedition of a similar character, under Dr. Kane, who, with
great energy of character and power of endurance, is firmly convinced
that Sir John Eranklin and his brave companions still survive. There
is an account in existence of four Russian seamen who subsisted in
Spitzbergen, on the produce of the country, for upwards of six years.
They had, to begin with, only a few ounces of tobacco, 12 musket
charges of powder and shot, and a small bag of flour. If this
narrative be true, and there is no reason to doubt it, may not a body
of British Blue Jackets, commanded by officers with the Arctic
experience, unconquerable courage, and fertility of resource of
Eranklin, Crozier, Fitzjames, and their companions, find the means of
existence for a far longer period in that not more barren region, and
the way ultimately of escape?
I wish that my space would have allowed me to dwell longer on a
subject of such intense interest and of so much instruction; but I
must conclude, with an earnest hope, that notwithstanding the faults
and omissions, which, I fear, may exist in my narrative, the Navy
will forgive them, in consideration of my wish to do justice to their
noble service; and that my countrymen will look with a favourable eye
on the "Chips of the Old Block."
LONDON: PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET.
[Transcriber's note: Inconsistent and archaic spelling is as printed.
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