Blue Jackets

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 5,000l. 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 2,000,000l. was to be paid to the Sultan, besides about 2,000,000l. 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."

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

* 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UNDER CAPTAIN W. D. TROTTER, 1841.

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.

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.

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."

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:—

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

UNDER CAPTAIN G. G. LOCH, R.N.

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.

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.

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.

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.

December 26th, 1851.

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.

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.

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.

1851.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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 50l. 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 5l. 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 8l. each for their gallantry. Quarter-master Canney was presented with a piece of plate value of 12l., and Mr. Slater presented with a piece of plate value 20l. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 20l. by vote of the Lords of the Treasury, and 5l. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 100l. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 2501. 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:—

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.

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—

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.

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:—

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.

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.

Lieutenant commanding, Sherard Osborn; Second-master, J. H. Allard; Assistant-surgeon, F. B. Picthorn; with a crew of 30 men.

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.