Page 300 - INDIANNAVYV1

2(J8 HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
On the 8th of June, 181fi, the 'Teignmonth' lost her entire
detachment of marines, numbering one non-commissioned oflficer
and seventeen privates. On that day, they had been placed in
charge of two proas which iiad been detained, when it is supposed
the Malay crews, taking advantage of a dark and stormy night,
cut the cables, and, having overpowered the Sepoys, managed to
make their escape; whether the Sepoys were murdered or
drowned was never known, as nothing was ever heard of them
or the proas. The marines of the 'Benares' performed good
service during the period of their service in the Eastern islands,
and it is only just that we should chronicle their faithful and
courageous conduct both on shore and afloat. Originally num-
bering twenty-eight non-commissioned officers and privates,
they returned to Bombay in 1817, at the end of the commission,
reduced to a strength of only eleven, and there was not one of
the survivors but could show scars of from one to three or four
wounds. The Naick, or native corporal, who returned in com-
mand, was promoted to be a native commissioned officer, as also
was the drummer, who had discarded his instrument for the
bayonet. These men belonged to the old Bombay Marine
Battalion, and, like the marines of the 'Aurora,' who distin-
giiished themselves at Mauritius by their fidelity, Avere natives
of the Concan.
Whilst hostilities were in progress against the Rajah of Boni,
it became a matter of great importance to prevent his receiving
supplies of military stores from his agents at Penang and
Malacca. To prevent this. Captain Eatwell placed two smart
midshipmen, Messrs. William Denton and Duff, in charge of
two gunboats, to cruise in the track of the proas from the Straits
of Malacca, while the ships took up the stations most likely to
conduce to the attainnjent of the object in view ; the cruisers'
boats also, under the command of Lieutenant Guy, an able and
zealous officer, were stationed at various islands, and were suc-
and obtainins; the command of the pass from whence he withdrew his supplies ;
but at tlie moment of this success, the officers of tlie party were unfoi'tunately
wounded, the men were drawn off and screened from the fire of the redoubts,
but at tlie same time enabled to keep a fire on them. We got a 6-pounder up,
which fired occasionally ; the battery continued to play, but the enemy still
appeared resolute, nor did he waver till about four in the afternoon. It was
instantly perceived, the assault in the most intrepid manner followed, and the two
principal redoubts were in a few seconds in our possession.
" Tlie enemy's chieftain, Datoo Cheeta, resisted to the last, and is reported to
have been killed in the assault ; the royal flag of Boni was found by his side.
After carrying the principal redoubts we experienced no further resistance ; the
enemy fled in many directions, and in a clo^e intricate country, was innnediately
concealed from our view. The loss of the enemy was eousiderable. I liave
sincerely to lament that our loss in men is severe ; but when the nature of the
attack is considered, and the obstinate defence made by the enemy, our loss in
numbers may be deemed perhaps moderate. For the present achievement I am
entirely indebted to the cordial assistance of the officers and men in tlie perform-
ance of my duty, and the determined bravery with which they completed its
intent."