Page 335 - INDIANNAVYV1

HISTORY OF THE IXDIAN XAVY. 303
hour to force an entrance, the retreat was rehictantly ordered,
and with difficulty effected, many having to swim to the boats,
which were found to be riddled with bullets. The storming
party sustained a loss of eight killed and twentj'-four wounded,
the detachments from the ' Topaze' and 'Benares' being the
chief sufierers. The ships reopened their fire on the return of
the shore party.
On the following morning another flag of truce was received,
which was followed by two hostages, who conveyed an assurance
from the Dowlah that, in fourteen days, the demands should be
complied with. This term of grace was conceded, but, on its
expiration, a deputation of merchants came on board, praying
for a further prolongation, in consequence of the approach
of the Bedouins, who, they expected, would enter and plunder
Mocha in the confusion ; as two of the deputation engaged to
go to Zebeed, and bring in Haji Futteh, two additional days
were granted, on condition that, before the date of the expiry of
the truce, a notification should be received that the ex-Dowlah
was on the road.
The unsuccessful attack on the North Fort, however, had led
the Dowlah and his people to suppose that their fortifications
were impregnable, and they, accordingly, delayed their
submission. The truce of fourteen days was, under various
pretences, extended to twenty, daring which })reparations were
making on both sides for a renewal of hostilities. British
prestige having suffered by the repulse experienced in the attack
on the North Fort, it was decided to direct the first efforts to
destroying the work. Accordingly, the ' Benares' and ' Antelope,'
each equipped with two additional long 18-pounders and an
8-inch mortar, and the ' Thames,' with her two long 18-pounders
and 13-inch mortar, were hauled in under the north side of the
fort, at a distance of less than 600 and 400 yards respectively ;
while the 'Topaze' took up a position about 800 yards to the
westward of the fort, her draught of water not allowing a
nearer approach. Finding that no dependence could be placed
on the faith of the authorities, tiie flag of truce was hauled down
on the morning of the 2()th of December, and, at seven a.m.,
the squadron reconnnenced the attack on the North Fort, calk-d
"Taire,"* or the "Impregnable," a strong work of ten guns,

* After the capture of " Taire," the Green Flag of the Prophet was found in
the ruins, and a jioriii bv one of tlio defenders, of which the foUowinjj is a trans-
— " It happened on a certain day that live Kiii;Usli sliips of war eanie here
lation :
tofightabattlc with the warriors of this i'ort; tiieir t^niis eowKl do but iitth- against
true behevers, for we fouglit that day—and who wouUl not iight luuh'r our gal-
lant commander—we fought the battle of tlie Imaum, under tiio holy banner of
our Prophet like the sons of Tliunder. Tlicy came to land, but wc soon put
; we drove them to their boats, and many tiiere were of them who
them to ilight
bit the dust, wlio left their bodies at tiie Ahnioody Gate festering ni the sun, a
prey to the dogs. Thus we Sous of Thunder light and conquer; let tliem