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438 HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY. ;
' Gunga Saugor,' and ' Vestal,' the headmost vessels. The
' Research,' with the Commodore on board, was soon within
half-pistol shot, and commenced a heavy cannonade and fire of
musketry upon the stockade and breastwork, which was
returned by the enemy with great regularity and spirit. On
ranging to the northern end of the stockade, with intent to
anchor and flank it, as well as to allow the other vessels to
come into action, the Commodore found his ship raked from
forward by another stronger battery and stockade, of which he
had no previous information, and the strength of the enemy
was greater than had been anticipated, amounting, as was
subsequently ascertained, to three thousand men, commanded
by the son of the Rajah of Arracan, and other chiefs of rank.
After a severe engagement of two hours' duration, the tide
beginning to fall. Commodore Hayes was obliged to wear
round and drop down the river. The ' Research,' ' Asseerghur,'
'Asia Felix,' and 'Isabella,' took the ground, and remained
fast for several hours near the batteries ; but the enemy made
no attempt to fire at or molest them. The loss in this attack
was severe. Amongst the killed were Mr. Rogers, second
officer of the • Research,' and Majqr^chalch, a distinguished
officer of the Company's service, commanding an extra pioneer
and pontoon corps attached to the army, who was on board the
'Research' for the recovery of his health. He was struck
while standing on the poop by a musket ball in his breast, and
died on the morning of the 25th. He was an officer, says
Horace Hayman Wilson, " of high scientific attainments, as
much admired for his talents as for the amiability of his dis-
position." On receiving his wound, he fell into the arms of
the Commodore, exclaiming, " I am a dead man," but lingered
for two days in excruciating pain, imploring the bystanders to
shoot him through the head, and put an end to his sufferings.
" The old Commodore," writes Captain Bellew, of the staff,
describing this hot day's work, " was a genuine heart of oak,' as
'
brave as a lion, time not having reduced the temperature of his
blood much below the boiling point."
In this action two officers and four men were killed, and
thirty-two wounded, of whom five died. The Commodore*
attributed his failure to the unexpected number and strength
of the stockades, regarding which he had been deceived, his
information inducing him to understand there was only one
also to the tide falling in the course of the engagement, and
the breadth of water diminishing in consequence, the vessels
were cramped for room to manoeuvre, which resulted in some
running aground.

* The following is Commodore Haves ofScial letter of the 25th of February,
detailing the action at Chumballa :
it was called
'• On the 23rd, at two p.m., came in sight of the stockade (as