Page 279 - INDIANNAVYV1

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY, 247
boats with the troops.* Little progress was made on the 19th of
April, owing to the continuance of the ebb tide until four in the
afternoon, and some of the vessels, while under weigh, got
entangled among the branches of the trees and shrubs, which it
was necessary to cut awa3\ On the following day an envoy
arrived from the Sultan, requesting to be informed what were
the intentions of the British Commander in advancing towards
his master's capital with so large a force, to whom Colonel
Gillespie replied that he would, in person, acquaint the Sultan
with the nature of the propositions of the British Government,
of which he was the bearer. Little progress was made on the
20th and 21st of April, owing to the flood tide being slacker
the further they went up the ri\'er, and, on the latter day, two
messengers arrived in quick succession with letters from the
Sultan, professing friendship for the English, to which Colonel
Gillespie replied, expressing his intention to be in Palimbang in
two days. At sunrise on the 22nd, the batteries at Borang
appeared in sight, but, owing to the grounding of the ' Procris,'
the flotilla came to an anchor about five miles i'rom them.
During the course of the day the defences were reconnoitred,
when it was found that the passage of the river was further
disputed by a large Arab ship with guns, and a number of
armed proas and floating batteries, which were moored across
the stream eji echellon so as to rake the line of advance, whilst
* The following were the directions and orders of sailing, issued by the com-
—
manders of the Expedition: "When tlie signal is made to anclior it will be
accompanied with a red pendant over. If the squadron are to anchor in a line
with the same pendant under. If a line abreast, or athwart the river,
the division of light boats under Lieutenant Monday, will always anchor in line
abreast, about half a mile ahead of the leader of the line of battle. Tlic other
boats will anchor in their stations. Tlie gunboats, Hats, and launches rather ahead
of the leader of the line, and on each bow.
" The line of battle abreast will be formed by the division of light boats in
advance, anchored in a line abreast. Tlie gunboats, flats, and launclies in the
'
next line. ' Mercury,' ' Wellington,' ' Procris,' Young Barracouta,' and ' Teign-
mouth.' In this order, if it should become necessary to bring the broadsides of
the sliips to bear up the river, the signal will be made for the boats first and
second line, to retire through the intervals of the third line, and form in tlic roar,
in two hues as before. The light boats arc to keep a strict look out and liave
the fire graplings and dogs constantly ready. The look out boats of the light
division are never to be more than one mile from the liyadmost ships or vessel of
the squadron, unless otherwise directed by signal ; and no boat whatever, except
the Commander of the Forces be in her, to pass ahead of the headmost look-out
boat without permission. The boats of the liglit divisioi\ are never to lose siglit
of the squadron, even though the winding of the river should enable tliem to do
so without exceeding their prescribed distance. On the approach of armed boats
of the uatives, the look-out boats are to retreat in silence and good order to tlie
body of their division, whicii is also to fall back to the ' Procris,' wlicre they will
receive further orders, and no boats are, ou any account, to fire a shot, or altcmi^t
a dash, tliough the circumstances bo ever so favourable ; nor, in short, commit
any act of hostility witliout orders. Tlie squadron are to observe and obey the
signals of the ' Barracouta,' where the Commander of the Forces is embarked.
The 'Barracouta' wears a Union Jack wlule the Commander of tlie Forces
remains on board." Here follow various signals for formuig the line of battle
according to circumstances.