Page 488 - INDIANNAVYV1

456 HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY. ; .

distance, and then confusion commenced in the enemy's boats
they pulled in shore, and made fur the jungles; we then
advanced, as fast as possible, without regard to the line, and
took possession of seven boats, three of which had 6-poiU)ders
in the bow; one with a 9-pounder, and three with muskets,
spears, &c., in great number ; and also took the flags, one of
which was red, bordered green, Brahmin goose in the centre
;
in the boats with guns were found one hundred round shots
and five barrels of inferior powder. As soon as we were in
possession of the enemy's boats, we gave way for the ' Sophie,'
but in passing their entrenchments, experienced a volley fire
of musketry ; but three cheers from a British sailor has a
powerful effect on inexperienced warriors, and invariably
inspires them with fear. I regret to say that one war-
boat escaped ns. Two attacks on Kemmendine stockade this
day, but shipping and boats quiet, otherwise than flanking the
stockades; notwithstanding the duty of this day, fortune
favoured us all—not a man was touched.
" December 5.—At nine a.m. returned
to Rangoon in No. 6,
for a supply of ammunition, having fired about four hundred
and fifty rounds since the 3rd inst. ; at three p.m. returned to
my station with four hundred rounds; the enemy all silent
afloat during the night, but mounted two 6-pounclers abreast
of the Hon. Company's cruiser ' Teignmouth,' with which
they hulled her several times. Row-boats at anchor in their
station.
" December 6.—Row-boats at anchor in their station ; at
eight a.m. enemy made a desperate attack on Kenuxiendine
stockade, but were driven from both flanks by the ' Sophie's'
and boats' guns ; at nine they retired with three horrid yells.
"December 7.—At seven a.m. enemy sent down twenty-six
rafts of split wood, lashed together, placing six large
boats on them filled with petroleum oil ; war-boats in the rear
firing at the shipping and boats. All boats away to tow rafts
clear of the ships, and then let them go ; lost two iron grapnels
in the rafts.
"December 8.—At four a.m. steam vessel arrived from Ran-
goon ; at five a.m. made all boats fast astern of her ; at 5.30
p.m. proceeded up in chase of the enemj-'s boats, but unfortu-
nately could not fall in with them ; no firing from the enemy's
lines. At seven p.m. received orders to proceed to Rangoon
Avith all boats except four ; at eight p.m. received orders from
Captain Chads to be ready to start at midnight.
"December 9.—At one a.m. rendezvoused alongside the
transport ship ' Good Hope,' waiting the flood to attack Dalla;
at 1.30 left, and proceeded up Dalla Creek ; anchored by the
stern, and fired on the enemy's flank, shot from our troops
falling about and in the boats very thickly. Troops having