Page 45 - Gulf Precis (1-B)_Neat

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possible to warfi the ships nearer, hauled down the signal for engaging, and run
a little out, the Revenge and Bombay Grab has suffered a good deal in their
masts and rigging, and a number of shot in their Hulls, the enemy directing
their shot very well, and stood to their Guns, much hotter than could be
expected, which we imagine was entirely owing to our not being able to got
so near as wo intended—the Revenge had three of her mens legs shot off and
the Bombay Grab had 10 men wounded some of them mortally, and the
Dolphin schooner had one man killed.
In the evening another Council of war was called composed as the former
for renewing the attack again in the morning, if the weather would permit of
it—it was unanimously agreed, that in consequence of Mi Skipp's communica­
tion to the Factors at Bushire dated the 8l* instant it seemed advi6eable to defer
another attempt, untill we should he certain whether the Caun would really
send any troops to our assistance or not, which should ho still not do after
hostilities are commenced, wo will then renew the attack by ourselves. Having
the Caun’s troops would in a manner insure us success whereas at present it i6
rather doubtful—should a breach be made and even stormed, it is a matter of
great doubt whether we could maintain it afterwards with our small numbers,
and if we should meet with a repulse either with the ships or in landing our
troops it may in all probability ruin our Hon’ble Employers affairs here in
the Gulph for the present.
You will please to favor us as soon as possible with your opinion of our
resolution, and beg you will duely consider our reason for not renewing the
attack.
The three Ganivats we mentioned to you on our last belonging to the
Meer are not yet returned.
We shall use our utmost endeavours to prevent their getting in.
As we have a number of sick ann wounded in the fleet, we think it
necessary to send them to Bushire and there to have an hospital, under the
direction of Mi George Birch. The Bombay Grab will be sent down as soon
as the Surgeons think the people with stumps can be moved with safety.
We have the pleasuro to acquaint you that every person under our com­
mand did their duty with great spirit.

We have the honour to be with Respect,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedr servt*-,

CHARLES ELPHIN8TONE.
LAWRENCE NILSON.
Ship Revenge,
The UI'J May 1768.
CLXXVIII.
Charles Elphinstonb & Lawrence Nilson to Henry Moorb, Eaqg, Agent, etca, Council
at Bussora.
Gentelmen,
By the Albion we expected ice expected to have acquainted you with our DiiMterat
eorgo.
success in burning three of the Meer’s Ganivats, which we attempted this
morning between three and four O’Clock, with our boats manned and armed,
under the command of Lieutenants Dutton, Sheriff, Scot, and Blair, but they
2678 F. d.