Chapter X: Part 10

After a long march, and considerable difficulty in getting up the guns, the place was regularly approached by trenches. While they were in progress, small parties of Maories might be seen daily going out to reconnoitre. Plunging singly into the forest, they glided from tree to tree with noiseless steps, carefully peeping round the stems before they moved forward, and listening with bent head to every sound. Skirmishes would occasionally take place, and be carried on with great vivacity for about an hour. The advanced batteries of the British being completed, notice was brought that some of the Christian natives were performing the church service at the rear of the fort. This was on the 11th of January 1846. The assault was instantly ordered; and, with comparatively small loss of life, the place was taken. The naval branch of the service lost 9 men killed and 1 midshipman, and 17 men wounded. Old Kawiti made his escape, and was received afterwards on board H.M.S. 'Driver,' when he gave in his allegiance to the Queen of England.

During the storming of the pah, one of the 'Castor's' sailors, named Sargeant, climbed to the top of the stockade, and commenced loading away and firing at every one of the enemy that he could see; and when ordered by Colonel Wynyard to come down, he coolly replied, "Oh, no, your honour; here's the place to see 'em. Come up here!" It was afterwards found that his cap had been shot off, his coat shot through in four places, and the palisade on which he sat was riddled through and through; but the man himself was never touched.

The northern part of the island being quieted, the Governor was able to turn his attention to the south, where two powerful chiefs, Te Rauperaha and Rangehaieta, were committing havoc in every direction. After some fighting, a combined naval and military force was put on board H.M.S. 'Driver,' for the purpose of attacking the rebels as she moved down the coast, and taking the veteran chief in his lair. The latter object was at length accomplished. On the 23rd July, 1846, Major Lurt, of the 29th, with Captain Stanley, of H.M.S. 'Calliope,' and a party of about 130 seamen and marines, landed before daylight, with such perfection and order, that the stockade of Taupo was surrounded and entered before the inmates caught the alarm. A party of seamen seized the chief, Te Rauperaha in his bed, and in spite of all opposition, carried him off to the 'Calliope' without any casualty.

Rangihaieta was soon afterwards attacked in his stronghold; but, driven from it, he retreated from post to post, closely followed by the British force, and watched by the 'Calliope' whenever he approached the coast. After this he remained quiet, and never again appeared in arms. Several chiefs in the Wanganui district, however, were still disposed to try the fortune of war, and several skirmishes with them took place; but as, however, the British military and naval forces were now rapidly increasing, the elder chieftains began to perceive that the war was a losing game with them. Accordingly they were glad to accept of peace, and by the consummate tact of Sir George Grey, they have all since given in their allegiance to the British Government.

ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S. 'NEMESIS,' 'COLUMBINE'S'
BOAT, AND BORNEO PIRATES,

30th May, 1847.

A severe, though brilliant action, took place on the 30th May, 1847, between the H.E.I.C. steamer 'Nemesis' and a number of piratical prahus. Early in the morning the steamer, with Mr. Brooke and Captain Grey on board, and having in tow a cutter of H.M.S. 'Columbine,' left the town of Brunè to cross over to the new British port of Labuan. Information was received on the way down the river that some fishermen had been chased at daylight, and on rounding the point of the island of Moarra, the look-out of the 'Nemesis' descried a fleet of Balanini or Sulo pirates in full chase of a trading prahu in the offing. Immediately the steamer appeared, the pirates, quitting the chase, pulled in shore to the westward, and at the same time cut away the small boats they had in tow, whilst the steamer, pursuing at full power, lost much ground by having to round the extensive shoal which stretches from Moarra Point (Ujong Sapo) to the islet of Pilong Pilongau. The Balinini were first descried at half-past 9 o'clock A.M., and about mid-day, finding the steamer gaining upon them, came to an anchor. At 1 o'clock P.M., the pirate fleet was plainly made out from the 'Nemesis.' Eleven large prahus, anchored in line, at a distance of 10 yards one from another, along a sandy beach, with their heads to sea, their sterns (fast by stern-warps ashore) in the surf, with a hawser passing along from boat to boat. The bows of the prahus were protected by ampilans, formed of musket-proof planks; they appeared well armed, crowded with men, and in this formidable position awaited the approach of the steamer.

At 1.30, the pirates opened fire on the steamer, and the action commenced in earnest, at a distance of about 200 yards, the steamer being in two fathoms' water, and rolling heavily in a ground-swell. For two hours a heavy fire was kept up from the 'Nemesis,' and the fire from the pirates being nearly silenced, and their prahus evidently greatly damaged, Captain Grey, with three cutters (one belonging to H.M.S. 'Columbine,' and two to the 'Nemesis'), resolved to make a dash at the left of the pirates' position, whilst the steamer poured in grape and canister upon the centre and right, to prevent their rendering aid to their comrades. On the advance of the boats, the pirates, casting loose the hawser which attached the prahus together, pulled away to the eastward in a crippled state, leaving two prahus in possession of the boats, and numbers of men on the beach or jungle. The 'Nemesis' pursued to the eastward, and one after another, drove six of the flying enemy ashore, all of which were for the time abandoned by their crews, but could not be taken possession of, owing to the small number of British boats in the action. In the meantime, whilst Captain Grey was securing the two prizes already mentioned to the westward, and the 'Nemesis' in full pursuit of the last three prahus to the eastward, five out of the six deserted boats were remanned, and, with a resolution praiseworthy in a better cause, bore down to the attack of the three small cutters. Captain Wallage, commander of the 'Nemesis,' perceiving this manœuvre, and convinced that these prahus must at all events escape to the westward, returned in that direction, while the sixth deserted prahu being remanned, and favoured by a breeze, crowded all sail to the eastward after her three consorts, and thus the four escaped. The five pirate prahus, now advancing boldly towards the three cutters, perceiving the retrograde movement of the 'Nemesis,' made every effort to escape to the westward, and a severe action took place between the sternmost prahu and the boats, the enemy defending himself with the utmost resolution, and inflicting a severe loss on the British. Whilst Captain Grey was engaged in the capture of this large prahu, the 'Nemesis' pursued the four to the westward, two of which were captured, while the remaining two escaped in the darkness in a completely shattered state, after having been several times deserted and as often remanned. Thus concluded this successful action with a pirate force consisting of 11 prahus, two of the largest size, four somewhat smaller, with crews of fully 50 men each, and five with a complement of 35 to 40 hands. The force of the pirates, at a moderate computation, must be reckoned at 500 men, exclusive of captives, and these, on the testimony of some rescued Chinese, were above 100 persons. The loss on the side of the pirates was estimated at 80 or 100 killed, and about double that number wounded. One man was killed in the British force, and seven wounded; two mortally and the rest severely. Ten brass guns, varying in size from nine-pounders to "lelas," and five iron guns (three to six-pounders) were captured. Between 200 and 300 of the pirates took refuge in the jungle, whence they were hunted out by the Sultan's people. Five prahus were taken, and the escape of the rest is to be attributed to the small number of British boats engaged, as at one time eight prahus were lying on the beach abandoned by their crews; and had the British boats been sufficient to have secured them, the other three would have been overtaken by the 'Nemesis.' From the statement of some of the liberated captives, it appears that the pirates had visited the southern coasts of Borneo, the Straits of Banka, Sinkess, the Anambas, the Natunas, and the north-west coast of Borneo, ransacking trading-boats and villages, and taking prisoners men, women, and children. One Chinese, who was too ill to work, was hung up and cut to pieces. During the action with the 'Nemesis,' the captives were compelled to sit on the decks of the prahus, by which some lost their lives; others swam ashore with the pirates, and were attacked at first by the Kadyan Dyaks, who, however, on ascertaining which were the captives, conducted them to Brunè to the Sultan, by whom they were kindly treated. About 40 pirates were brought in alive, and the captives were desired by the Sultan to take their revenge. This they declined, saying, "God is great, and will punish the wicked."

EXPEDITION TO SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA,

UNDER CAPTAIN G. G. LOCH, R.N.

CAPTURE OF FORT SERAPAQUI,

February 21st, 1848.

The State of Nicaragua will be found towards the southern portion of that narrow neck of land which joins the two mighty continents of North and South America. A variety of outrages and insults having been offered to British subjects, two individuals especially having been carried off from San Juan by Colonel Salas of the Nicaraguan army, Mr. Walker, Her Majesty's Consul-General and Agent, stationed at Bluefields, sent to Admiral Austen, the Commander-in-Chief on the West India Station, requesting the support and protection of some ships-of-war for British interests in that part of the world.

In consequence of this request, the Admiral despatched H.M.S. 'Alarm,' Captain Granville G. Loch, and H.M.S. 'Vixen,' Commander Ryder, to Bluefields. They reached that place on the 5th of February, when Mr. Walker particularly requesting to be allowed to accompany the expedition Captain Loch proposed at once to lead against the Nicaraguans, he embarked with them, and they again sailed on the 7th for San Juan de Nicaragua, accompanied by a boat belonging to Mr. Walker. They reached the mouth of the river the following day, where the ships came to an anchor. The nearest Nicaraguan settlement was at Serapaqui, about thirty miles up the river, but which, from the strength of the current and various rapids, is generally a four days' journey by boats. It was understood that Colonel Salas was stationed at this fort with a considerable body of troops. Nothing daunted by this, by the known strength of the fort, and the difficulty of approaching it, on account of the rapidity of the current of the river which there flows by it, Captain Loch resolved to insist on Colonel Salas making all the reparation in his power, or, in the event of his refusal, to compel him to do so by force.

The fort of Serapaqui was situated on a point projecting into the river very abruptly, to the height of fifty feet. It was protected in the rear by a dense forest, and in the front by an abattis formed of large trees felled, with their heads and branches reaching into the river. The defences of the fort consisted of six angular stockaded entrenchments, formed of very tough timber, eight feet high and four feet thick, one side of each stockade looking across the river, and the other down the reach. The principal stockade commanded the only landing-place, on which also a gun was at the time mounted. The fort was only to be approached by heading a rapid current of nearly five knots an hour, in order to pass the fort and descend towards the landing-place, which was above the stockaded batteries, and excessively steep and narrow. The fort is situated at the head of a straight reach about a mile and a half long, the banks on either side affording an almost impenetrable shelter to a concealed foe.

As soon as the ships anchored, the expedition, consisting of 260 officers and men, left their sides in twelve boats--consisting of the ships' launches, the 'Vixen's' paddle-box boats, the gigs, Mr. Walker's boat, a spare pinnace, commanded by Lieut. Johnston of H.M.S. 'Alarm,' and the ship's barges.

The representations as to the strength of the current were found to be in no way exaggerated, but with a gallantry, zeal, and perseverance never surpassed, Captain Loch and his brave followers pulled on hour after hour against the stream. Often they had to pass over downfalls and rapids, when it was only by the greatest exertions the heavy boats could in any way be forced along, and in this service Lieut. Scott, First of the 'Vixen,' showed the most praiseworthy zeal and gallantry. At night they rested, but at an early hour again each morning they recommenced their exertions, and at length, after a most fatiguing pull of 72 hours, they anchored a short distance below the fort. Here a most melancholy accident occurred, which threw a gloom over the whole band.--A friend of Mr. Walker's had accompanied him in his boat, and in the night, by some chance, he slipped overboard, and was swept down the stream by the rapid current. Mr. Walker heard his despairing cry for help, and regardless of the risk he ran, he leaped overboard in the boiling waters, in the vain hope of saving him. He, too, was at once whirled away by the current, and carried far away, before, by any possibility, assistance could be afforded him: both gentlemen thus unhappily losing their lives. Early on the morning of the 12th of February, the expedition got under weigh, and proceeded up towards the fort. Captain Loch and Commander Ryder went on ahead in their gigs, in order to communicate with Colonel Salas, and to state the object of Her Majesty's forces being in the river. No sooner, however, were they seen from the fort than they were fired at by two guns, and directly afterwards, by musketry from both sides of the river. As this act effectually prevented any peaceable arrangements, Captain Loch immediately ordered up the boats for the purpose of storming the fort. The two gigs then took the lead, followed pretty closely by some of the lighter-pulling boats, consisting of a spare pinnace, commanded by Lieut. Johnston, H.M.S. 'Alarm,' containing some of the 38th Regiment, the 'Alarm's' barge, commanded by Lieut. Ridge and First-lieut. Boyle of the Royal Marines, with a part of his detachment, and the 'Vixen's' port paddle-box boat, with the head-quarters of the detachment of that regiment, commanded by Captain Smith. On they went, pulling against the rapid current, which, as they advanced, grew still stronger, and exposed all the time to a hot fire of musketry from men concealed behind both banks of the river, so that there was little use even in attempting to return it. From this severe fire several men were wounded, and one officer very severely--Mr. H. Turner, midshipman--and two killed. The boats were also almost riddled with shot, and nearly half the oars were broken; and it seems surprising, considering also their crowded state, with the millstream rate of the current, that a greater number of casualties did not occur. In this exposed position, often appearing to be quite stationary, they had to pull one hour and forty minutes before they were enabled to pass the batteries sufficiently high to drop down to the landing-place previously mentioned.

By this time nearly all the boats were up, and Captain Loch gave the order to land, he himself leading the way, accompanied by First-lieut. Boyle and the Royal Marines of his ship, who, with his detachment, acted as his guard, and showed an example of gallantry which his men were not slow to follow. Captain Smith, commanding the detachment of H.M. 38th Regiment, was near him on landing, and Commander Ryder, at the head of his division, was close to him, while Lieuts. Johnston and Ridge, of the 'Alarm,' led on their men in gallant style. The boats' crews uttered a truly British cheer, as they leaped on shore and gallantly charged the enemy. The Nicaraguans withstood them for some time, but the cutlass and pistol soon did their work, and in ten minutes they had taken to flight, and the British flag was hoisted on the fort. One of the first on shore was a seaman of the 'Vixen' (Denis Burke, stoker), who quickly fought his way up to the enemy's colours, and captured them. As the enemy fled, the British pursued them into the thick woods, but after they had been chased for about thirty minutes, Captain Loch considering that they had been sufficiently punished, ordered the recall to be sounded. They then destroyed the stockades, spiked the guns, broke the trunnions, and threw them, together with all the muskets and ammunition left behind, into the river. The force was next embarked, when the whole of the defences were set on fire. Owing to the density of the cover into which the enemy retreated, it was difficult to ascertain their loss--but twenty were found dead, and probably twice that number were wounded. The enemy's force had consisted of about 200 soldiers, besides some boatmen pressed by Colonel Salas into his service. Two officers were taken prisoners, who were sent on board the ships, and seven men were captured, who were distributed among the boats, to act as pilots in their perilous descent of the river. This, however, was fortunately accomplished without any accident. Captain Loch, besides the officers already mentioned, speaks in his despatch of Mr. Martin, purser of the 'Alarm,' who accompanied him in his gig, and was of the greatest value and assistance; of Mr. Collins, purser of the 'Vixen,' who was a volunteer in the head-quarter port paddle-box boat; the Hon. H. A. Moreton, mate of the 'Alarm,' who commanded the pinnace; Mr. Tyler, mate of the same ship; Mr. N. C. B. Turner, midshipman of 'Vixen,' who was badly wounded; and Mr. F. A. Dewdney, midshipman, also of 'Vixen.' The British loss consisted of two men killed and one officer and twelve men wounded.

From the dangers to which the party were exposed, and the difficulties they overcame, this affair may well be considered as one of the most gallant among those we have to record.

RECAPTURE OF THE BRIG "THREE SISTERS"
FROM THE RIFF PIRATES,

BY H.M.S. 'POLYPHEMUS,' COMMANDER J. M'CLEVERTY,

1848.

The empire of Morocco, occupying the north-west corner of the African coast, and lying between the 28th and 36th degrees of north latitude, is divided into the kingdoms of Suse, Morocco, and Fey, which again are subdivided into provinces. The inhabitants of the province of Riff, bordering on the Mediterranean, have always been notorious pirates, and are supposed to have destroyed many merchant vessels which have not been heard of after approaching that coast. They are a singularly fine race of men, well formed, active, and powerful, and prove somewhat untractable subjects of the empire. The circumstances which led to the gallant affair now to be recorded are as follows:--

On the 31st October, 1848, the merchant brig 'Three Sisters,' left Gibraltar with a cargo of gunpowder and bale goods for Malta. She was becalmed on the second day off Cape Tres-Forcas, and while in this helpless condition several boats were observed pulling towards her from the shore, each boat pulling from ten to fourteen oars, with extra hands standing in midships with their long muskets, all ready for action; and large guns on their gunwales. Soon comprehending their intentions, and that there was no hope of defending his ship, the master ordered his crew into their boat, and boldly put out to open sea, as the only chance of preserving their lives. The pirates fired a volley at the retreating crew, none of whom were touched; and for about ten minutes one of the boats chased them, the rest remaining abreast of the ship firing at her from a distance, and eventually towing her into a bay ten or twelve miles to the westward of Cape Tres-Forcas. Making towards the Spanish coast, the boat was picked up by the brig 'Dawn,' and the intelligence conveyed without delay to the owners at Gibraltar. They immediately communicated it to Commander James M'Cleverty, of H.M. steam sloop 'Polyphemus,' requesting him to take such steps as he thought necessary. The same evening the 'Polyphemus' started to the Riff coast, and at daylight ran into Al Khoyamich Bay, and coasted from thence close to the shore towards Cape Tres Forcas, for the purpose of discovering the brig, should she have been taken to the westward. At eleven A.M., on the 8th of November, on opening the Point of Calla Tramontana, she was discovered anchored close to the shore, in a small bay, partly surrounded by an amphitheatre of precipices, high rocks, and ravines, all of which places were crowded with men, armed with long muskets, evidently for the purpose of protecting the brig, which lay considerably within musket-shot range.

Their boats, seven in number, were hauled upon the beach, and in the mouths of caverns, with a strong party of armed men, lying under cover for the protection of part of the cargo, which they had landed. Their whole force appeared to consist of at least 500 men. As the 'Polyphemus' neared the brig, a fire of musketry was opened upon her from all points, which she returned with grape, canister and musketry, sending the pirates flying about in all directions to take up more secure positions. Having dislodged them from, the beach, Lieut. Alan H. Gardner volunteered to take the cutter, with a hawser, and weigh the brig's anchor, so as to take her in tow. Just at this time a fire was opened from a gun, supposed to be a 6 or 9-pounder, and as the stern of the steamer was unavoidably towards the nearest point of low rocks, and therefore she could make no return, the pirates were encouraged to approach quite close, and open a well-directed fire of musketry, which unfortunately severely wounded Lieut. Edward Wasey, and slightly two seamen on board the ship; and one seaman severely in the cutter. Nevertheless Lieut. Gardner performed his mission gallantly, and having taken the brig in tow, the 'Polyphemus' steamed to sea. Captain M'Cleverty refrained from landing to burn the boats, as from the secure position taken up by so large a body of well-armed men, it would inevitably have been attended with great loss of life to the British, and they had already been rendered unserviceable by the fire of the steamer's great guns.

ACTION WITH THE RIFF PIRATES,

BY H.M.S. FRIGATE 'JANUS,' COMMANDER POWELL,

1851.

The Moorish pirates soon forgot the severe lesson they had received from the fire of the 'Polyphemus,' and continued their depredations. Amongst other vessels captured in 1851, were the schooner 'Emelia,' and the brigantine 'Violet.' The latter had carried away her fore-top-mast, and as it was blowing fresh, she stretched across to get under shelter of the Riff coast. When within 15 miles of it, she was becalmed about one o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, 5th October. Four boats then rowed towards them with about 150 men: when about 300 yards off, they lay to on their oars to ascertain whether the brig was armed, and being satisfied on this point, they towed up alongside, two boats on the port and two on the starboard side, and hailed to ask whether the brig were French or English, at the same time commencing so hot a fire that the crew could not get aft to hoist the ensign.

The master was badly wounded, and a seaman shot dead; and, after searching the vessel, the pirates gave the crew charge of her, to take her into the land. Seven more boats came out to meet them, all well armed, and a scuffle ensued amongst the pirates, as to who should take possession, which ended in one man out of each boat coming on board, and the rest taking the vessel in tow. After three days and three nights, they reached a bay where the crew were ordered to let go the anchor, and furl sails. They were then sold to a chief Shereef Alhadary, who came on board, and who treated them with humanity, and would have sent them back to their vessel had not his people threatened to shoot them. The master died of his wounds, and the owner of the brig also.

The four surviving seamen were marched to the chief's house. In the mean time rumours of the capture of the two vessels had reached Gibraltar, and H.M.'s steam frigate 'Janus,' Commander Powell, started from Gibraltar on the 17th October, and reached the Riff coast on the 18th. She found the 'Emelia' a wreck on the beach, stripped by the Moors, and after totally destroying the piratical boats with shot and shell, set out for Cape Tres-Forcas. There she found the ribs of the 'Violet,' and prepared immediately to attack the pirate fleet; but the overwhelming numbers of the pirates compelled the British to re-embark and return to their ship, which during the contest had been firing shot and shell. Commander Powell was severely though not dangerously wounded, and seven men were also wounded, four of them dangerously. Through the intervention of H.B.M.'s Consul at Tangiers, Mr. H. Drummond Hay, the survivors of the 'Violet' were at length liberated, and embarked on board H.M.'s ship 'Dragon,' to be conveyed to Gibraltar on the 10th January.

DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE FLEET,

BY COMMANDER FARQUHAR,

July, 1849.

The efforts of Sir James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, to establish a peaceable and commercial community on the coasts of Borneo, had been greatly impeded by the sanguinary onslaughts of bands of pirates, who massacred or led into captivity all who came in their way, burning their ships and villages, and committing the most horrible barbarities.

The season when those worst of barbarians, the pirates of the Indian seas, commence their operations having arrived, and their fleets being known to be at sea, an expedition was prepared to chastise them. The force consisted of Her Majesty's brigs 'Albatross' and 'Royalist,' H.E.I.C. steamer 'Nemesis,' and the steam-tender 'Ranee,' under the orders of Commander Farquhar. To these was joined a native flotilla under Rajah Brooke. The force took up a position across the mouth of the Sarebas River, the inhabitants of which district were known to have been marked out for massacre. In this position they remained until the evening of the 30th, when tidings were brought that the pirates had attacked Palo, and after threatening destruction to the inhabitants unless they supplied them with salt, had gone to a river named Si Maring, where they were then lying. On the evening of the 31st, the 'Ular,' one of the scout-boats, arrived with the intelligence that the pirate fleet was advancing in full force. In about 15 minutes all were in motion to meet them, the 'Nemesis' proceeding seaward to command them, and prevent their escape to sea. As soon as she was descried by the pirates, they made at once for the Kaluka River, where their progress was intercepted by the native boats, and those commanded by Lieutenants Welmshurst and Everest. The pirates then, as a dernier resort, made a dash to reach their own river, when they came in immediate contact with the men-of-war boats, and the action became general. It was now dark, and the great danger was that of firing into each other, or into the native allies. The pass-word selected was "Rajah," and the Malays screamed this out at the top of their voices when they thought any of the Europeans were near them. Commander Farquhar, who directed the operations, was in the midst of the _mêlée_, giving orders, and exhorting the crews of the various boats to be careful and not to fire into each other. Two large prahus were seen by the Commander escaping seaward, and the steam-tender was ordered to chase; the nearest one, having barely escaped one of her six-pounder rockets, made for the river, and met a pirate's doom. The 'Nemesis,' which had been dealing death and destruction to all around her, ran her down, and the scene which took place, as her crew, above 60 in number, came in contact with the paddle-wheels, was fearful. A large Congreve rocket from, the little steamer entered the prahu that had continued out to sea, and rendered her destruction complete. A signal was now made to close.

A rapid running fire was kept up along the margin of the bay, which, having gradually subsided at half-past 12 on the morning of the 1st July, Commander Farquhar ordered the boats of the various vessels in tow; and having sent the 'Ranee' with despatches to Sir James Brooke, then in some part of the Kaluka River, commenced the ascent of the Sarebas, to prevent the escape of the pirates by the Rembas branch. At daylight the bay was one mass of wreck; shields, spears, and portions of destroyed prahus extended as far as the eye could reach, whilst on the sandy spit which extends a considerable distance seaward, on the left bank of the Sarebas, were upwards of 70 prahus, which the natives were busy clearing of all valuables and destroying. The punishment inflicted on these fierce barbarians was most complete. Of 120 prahus which are said to have started on the expedition, and all of which were in the bay on the preceding evening, more than 80 were destroyed, and the loss of life on their side must have been immense--scarcely under 1,200 men. On the part of the British, saving a few slight casualties, all were unscathed. No more convincing proof of the inhuman disposition of the pirates need be cited than the fact, that the bodies of women were found on the beach decapitated and gashed from the shoulder to the foot. These are supposed to have been captives taken by the pirates in the expedition from which they were returning. The force having rejoined, sailed up the river, and destroyed a piratical town, some villages and war-prahus; they then passed up the Rejang River, and severely chastised the natives, who were known to be addicted to piracy. Some prisoners were secured, among whom was a child apparently of European origin. In other districts hostages were taken for the future peaceable demeanour of the inhabitants. It was hoped that this severe example would check their piratical habits effectually, and give an opportunity to the nascent civilization of those regions to develop itself. Nevertheless the occurrence gave rise to severe animadversions at home, and it was represented in some quarters as an unjustifiable massacre, dictated by motives personal to Sir James Brooke.

THE DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS,

December 26th, 1851.

DESCRIPTION OF LAGOS.

The town of Lagos, built at the mouth of the River Ogun, which debouches in the Bight of Benin, is a healthy place, and well situated for trade. It is the seaport also of Abbeokuta, a town of considerable dimensions, 60 miles inland from it, and which it is hoped will become a very important place now that Lagos is open for legal commerce. The River Ogun is navigable for vessels for some burden as high as Abbeokuta, but it was formerly entirely closed by the people of Lagos to all trade except that in slaves. Abbeokuta is in the Toruba country, a most fertile tract, far larger than England, and it is about 150 miles from Abomey, the capital of Dahomey, while Lagos is on the other side of it. Clapperton, who passed through the country in 1825, describes it as rich and fertile, well supplied with native manufactures, and free from the curse of the slave-trade, the people living happily in perfect peace and security. Shortly afterwards, however, it was ravaged by slave-trade wars, and the peace and prosperity he witnessed was succeeded by the most frightful atrocities and devastation. Within the last 30 years not a single house stood at Abbeokuta; the natural strength of its situation, however, pointed it out as a place of refuge from the curse that was desolating the country, and the remnant of the population of no less than 130 towns assembled together for mutual security. Abbeokuta now contains at least 50,000 inhabitants.

Since 1839 the gradual diminution of the slave-trade effected by the British squadron had favoured the progress of agriculture, and secured another interval of rest and peace for the country; when, in 1840, a movement commenced, which appears to be providentially directed to exercise a powerful influence over the destinies of Africa.

A very large number of the Toruba tribe, who during the wars spoken of had been shipped as slaves at Lagos, were captured by English cruizers, and liberated in Sierra Leone, where they imbibed the habits of civilized life, while their hearts still yearned towards their native land.

In 1840, fifteen of the Toruba people were deputed by the rest to visit their country, in order to obtain information relative to its state. They landed at Lagos, where they were treated with great cruelty by the slave-dealers. They were robbed of their property, and some lives were lost. The remainder escaped into the interior, and reached Abbeokuta, which, to their surprise, they found had sprung up on a spot where no habitation had existed formerly. They then embarked at Badagry, and returned to Sierra Leone, carrying with them the intelligence that the country was comparatively safe, and that they had been most kindly received by the inhabitants. In 1841 a number of these people, clubbing together, returned to their native country, and others following, 3,000 British subjects are now settled in Abbeokuta, and others at Badagry, the only available seaport to it while Lagos prevented the navigation of the Ogan.

In 1845 the Church Missionary Society formed an establishment at Abbeokuta, under the title of the Toruba Mission, with a branch at Badagry, and far distant from British protection, six or seven missionaries are now devoting their lives to the great work Providence has opened to them in the heart of Africa.

The Rev. Samuel Crowther, one of the mission, is himself a native of the Toruba country. In a midnight attack upon his town, when quite a child, he was carried off as a slave. The vessel he was shipped in was captured by a British cruiser, and after being liberated at Sierre Leone, he was educated at the Church Missionary school. He then became a schoolmaster; and, after several years' trial, he was sent to England for ordination, and then proceeded to his native land to Christianize his fellow-countrymen. One of the first persons he met was his own mother, and she was his first convert. Thus by the wonderful dispensation of Providence, slaves torn from their homes and their country have traversed 1,500 miles by sea, to return Christian and civilized men, and to spread these blessings over the land of their birth.

Now as the power of the king of Dahomey depends on the success of his slave wars, which have been the source of his wealth, the influence Abbeokuta was spreading adverse to the slave-trade was too important to be longer neglected, and he therefore, with a great army, suddenly appeared before its walls in March, 1851. The attack, however, was expected, and the Dahoman army was utterly defeated.

This event was followed by an attack on Badagry by the chief of Lagos, when an Englishman and a Krooman were killed, and a large amount of English property destroyed. Since his defeat the king of Dahomey had been preparing for the destruction of Abbeokuta, in which he was to be aided by the chief of Lagos. The people of Lagos had long been trained to arms in their habitual slave wars, and they possessed at least 5,000 muskets and 60 pieces of cannon.

From these facts, added to which they had 100 armed canoes, we may estimate the enormous power of mischief possessed by Lagos over the comparatively defenceless country around. It therefore, for the cause of humanity, became very important that a check should be given to the proceeding of the chief of Lagos. Indeed, as a nest of piracy and plunder, the destruction of Lagos was a duty owing by civilized nations to themselves. Indeed, the treatment of the liberated Africans in 1840, the destruction of English life and property at Badagry, and the constant buying and selling of the people of Sierra Leone, and other outrages, loudly called for redress. Indeed, common justice to the heroic devotion of British officers and men at Lagos requires that the great importance of this enterprise should be fully understood by the people of England, who have so long demanded the suppression of the slave-trade, and who will not fail to appreciate the gallant struggle which has struck the death-blow to the last remnant of the crime over 2,500 miles of coast.

The more immediate cause of the attack on Lagos appears to have been in consequence of an application made for assistance by Akitoye, the lawful chief of Lagos, to Mr. Beecroft, the British Consul for the Bights of Benin, residing at Fernando Po.

Akitoye, the younger of two brothers, had, by his father's will, succeeded as king of Lagos. The elder Kosoko had been, for misbehaviour, banished. After the death of the old king, Akitoye recalled Kosoko, and took him into favour; but Kosoko, bribing the army, usurped the government and drove Akitoye to take refuge at Badagry. On this Kosoko prepared to attack Badagry, and had he been successful would doubtlessly, as he intended, have attacked Abbeokuta also, and given a blow to the advance of Christianity and civilization in Africa, from which it would have taken her long to recover. On this account Mr. Beecroft felt it his duty to apply to the senior officer on the coast for a force to destroy Lagos, his movements being hurried by hearing that the king of Dahomey had sent 1,000 picked troops for its support.

FIRST EXPEDITION TO LAGOS, AND ATTACK ON THE
'BLOODHOUND' AND BOATS OF THE SQUADRON BY THE
FOLLOWERS OF KOSOKO.

After Akitoye had escaped to Badagry, when he was in danger of being pursued by his brother, he applied to Mr. Beecroft for British protection, if not for assistance to restore him to his government. The Commodore, on receiving Mr. Beecroft's report, and believing that Kosoko would not venture to offer any annoyance, despatched the 'Bloodhound,' with a few boats in tow, to accompany Mr. Beecroft, with a flag-of-truce up the river Ogan to Lagos, the seat of his government. Mr. Beecroft was directed to represent to Kosoko that he came as a messenger of peace to advise and negotiate with him, but in no way to commit any act of hostility. Indeed the strength of the squadron of boats was totally inadequate for any such purpose. Kosoko, however, somewhat naturally, did not comprehend this system of proceeding. Seeing a steamer and eighteen armed boats coming up towards his town, he disregarded the flag-of-truce, and became firmly impressed with the idea that they had hostile intentions. Instantly collecting his war-canoes, a very considerable and formidable fleet was got together to retard the advance of the supposed enemy, while the barracoons at the side of the river and every available spot was lined with his troops, well armed with muskets, and possessed of no small number of great guns. As the 'Bloodhound' and boats, therefore, advanced up the river, in spite of the flag-of-truce, they encountered a severe fire from the concealed batteries along the whole line of the shore. Still steadily on they went, returning the fire with interest from their own guns till they got abreast of the town. A desperate and gallant dash was then made for the shore. Some of the stockades were carried, the enemy driven back, and the town entered and fired; but again the negroes rallied and came down in overwhelming numbers on the British. It was soon evident that their force was inadequate to hold the place: two officers were already killed and several men wounded. Unwillingly, therefore, they were compelled to retreat, and gaining their boats, pulled out of gun-shot, and anchored till the following morning. They then left the river, well assured that the treachery of Kosoko would speedily be punished.

SECOND ATTACK ON AND DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS,

December 26th, 1851.

The first expedition against Lagos having failed solely from want of sufficient force to keep possession of the town, Commodore Bruce resolved, as soon as he could collect a sufficient number of vessels, to send one of ample strength and thoroughly organized, which should not fail to drive the slave-dealing chief, Kosoko, from his stronghold.

The British squadron which, towards the end of December, the commodore had assembled off Lagos, consisted of H.M.S. 'Penelope,' 46, flag-ship of Commodore Bruce, Captain H. Lyster; H.M.S. 'Sampson,' 68, Captain Lewis T. Jones; H.M.S. 'Waterwitch,' 8, Commander A. Gardner; H.M.S. 'Volcano,' 5, Commander Coote; H.M.S. 'Harlequin,' Commander 'Wilmot; H.M.S. 'Bloodhound,' Lieut. Patey, tender to 'Sampson;' H.M.S. 'Teazer,' 2, Lieut. Leckie, tender to 'Penelope;' H.M.S. 'Sealark,' 8, Commander Edward J. Southeby. The smaller of these vessels were able to cross the bar of the river, while the rest furnished an ample supply of boats for the expedition. The command was given to Captain Lewis T. Jones, of the 'Sampson,' with Captain Henry Lyster, of the 'Penelope,' as his second, both volunteers on the occasion. They were accompanied by Commander Hillyar, of the 'Penelope,' and Lieut. Saumarez, of the 'Sampson.' An iron boat with rockets, belonging to Mr. Beecroft, which was also sent, was commanded by Lieut. John Corbett, and two paddle-box boats, by Lieutenants Edward Marshall and F. D. Rich. Everything being ready by the 23rd of December, Captain L. T. Jones anchored the 'Sampson' at the back of the surf, in the most advantageous position for throwing shells occasionally across the lagoon into the town. He then crossed the bar of the Ogan with the boats of the 'Sampson' and some of the other vessels, preceded by the 'Bloodhound,' and anchored off Point Bruce for the night. On the morning of the 24th, on landing on the shore some way from the town, he found Mr. Beecroft with the ex-king, Akitoye, who had arrived just before, bringing with him from Badagry and Abbeokuta some 500 men; while others, who came in through the course of the day, made their numbers amount in all to 640. Having mustered and inspected these troops, Captain Jones distributed to them, as a mark of recognition, a white neck-tie, with which they seemed much pleased. He likewise ordered that they should be supplied with three days' bread from the 'Bloodhound.'

At 2 P.M. the 'Bloodhound' weighed, and crossed to the opposite side of the river, where the boats of the 'Sampson,' under the orders of Lieut. Thomas Saumarez, were sent to launch all the canoes at the slave-station on the left bank worth bringing off. At 3 Lieut. Saumarez returned, having in a very short time launched seven large and two small canoes--a most desirable acquisition for the conveyance of the auxiliary forces. The landing party was covered by the guns of the 'Bloodhound,' firing to the right and left, and over the heads of the men, to check the advance of an armed force seen from the mast-head approaching. This service accomplished, the 'Bloodhound' dropped up the stream with the tide, for the purpose of gaining a knowledge of the navigation of the river, and of examining the lines of defence. The line of sea-defence extended from the south point of the island of Lagos to the north point, along the west point, a distance of nearly two miles; and in parts where the water was sufficiently deep for boats to land, stakes, in double rows, were driven in 6-feet water; and along the whole of this distance an embankment and ditch for the protection of infantry, and at chosen points exceedingly strong stockades, made from stout cocoa-nut trees, were erected for guns, the guns being laid for the difficult points of the passage. Twenty-five guns were found to be so placed. As the 'Bloodhound' ascended the river, three guns from the south end of the island opened on her, the fire being very well directed, but faulty in elevation. As her commander now knew the channel, he was able to return under steam. At 3.30 P.M., she, according to agreement, accompanying the boats of the 'Penelope,' was seen crossing the bar; and at 5 the 'Bloodhound' and 'Teazer' anchored near together, out of range of the enemy's shot. Captain Lyster, then on board the 'Bloodhound,' arranged with Captain Jones the plan of attack. They decided that the auxiliaries should keep on the right bank of the river, proceeding up as the steam-vessels advanced; then that the steamers and boats should pass the line of defences as quickly as possible; and then, keeping round the north of the island, should at that point make the grand attack. It was there that the king Kosoko and the slave-dealers resided; and it was considered right that they should be the first to receive punishment. The day was now too far advanced to commence the attack; and the following day, the 25th, being Christmas-day, it was resolved that it should be spent as quietly as possible, and be a day of rest. This it was, except that the enemy wasted a vast quantity of ammunition by firing their guns at the squadron, which was far beyond their range.

At dawn of day on the 26th the 'Bloodhound' weighed, accompanied by the 'Sampson's' boats in two divisions, the one preceding, the other following, and proceeded up the river. The 'Teazer' came directly after her, with the boats of the 'Penelope' arranged in the same order, and accompanied by Mr. Beecroft's iron boat 'Victor,' fitted for rockets. As soon as the vessels got within range, the enemy opened a fire of great guns and musketry from the whole line of the embankment, which was filled with men; but so well sheltered were they, that the muzzles of their muskets only were visible. This fire was returned by the steamers with their great guns only, and though with very beautiful precision, yet with very little apparent effect; indeed, from the soft nature of the green wood of which the stockades were composed, the shot could not do them much injury, while the guns themselves, being retired, could not be seen. At 7.20 A.M. the 'Bloodhound' and her division of boats had passed the north-west point, and in trying to get round the north point, grounded in 8 feet. The black pilot, John Johns, was in no respect to blame for this, as the channel had filled up since he was there last. Mr. Beecroft, who was on board with his interpreter Richards, had also been assisting in piloting the steamer. She had hitherto carried three fathom all the way up; but now, on sounding, it was found impossible to get further. Anchors were, therefore, immediately laid out to heave her off. During this time a very beautiful and deliberate fire was kept up from her 18-pounder, directed by Mr. Barry, the gunner, and from her 12-pounder howitzer by Lieut. M'Arthur, R.M.A., with shrapnel and common shells, by which means the enemy's great guns abreast of her were silenced. Nothing, however, could put an end to the perpetual showers of musketry which the blacks kept discharging at the vessel. The greater part of the balls, however, fell short; but every now and then one or two would fall on board, and hit the men slightly. As they were of necessity very much exposed, very few escaped a slight touch. Meantime the 'Teazer,' in following the 'Bloodhound,' had also grounded at a considerable distance from her, so that the two vessels could afford no support to each other. While the 'Bloodhound' remained on shore, the division of boats under Captain Jones continued to throw shot and shell as any movement was observed on shore, and to check the operations of the enemy, who had succeeded in bringing a gun under shelter to bear, the shot at each discharge coming nearer and nearer, though the gun itself could not be seen. At 10 A.M. Captain Jones despatched Lieut. T. Saumarez in command of the 'Sampson's' gun-boats, viz., first and second life-boats and pinnace, round the north-east point, to ascertain the strength and position of the guns on that side the island. As they neared the stockades, a fire from four guns in a strong position was immediately opened on them. This fire was returned from the life-boats and pinnace by the 24 and 12-pound howitzers with such good effect as to have upset and turned out of its carriage one of these guns.

The object of ascertaining the position of the guns on the north-east side being attained, the boats were recalled, as it became requisite to reserve the ammunition and shells for the grand assault, when the other division under Captain Lyster should have joined.

As the fire from gingals, petrals, and muskets continued from the ditch and embankment abreast of the ship, and as the enemy were observed trying to bring their guns into position, at 2.30 Lieut. Thomas Saumarez, with the boats of the 'Sampson,' accompanied by Lieut. E. M'Arthur, R.M.A., in command of the marine artillery, was despatched to attempt a landing and to spike the guns. They did all that men could do; but it was found impossible to make their way through the showers of musketry opened against them. Mr. Richards, a gallant young midshipman, was mortally wounded, and 10 men severely wounded; while so hot was the fire, that there seemed every prospect of the whole party being cut off. Still they bravely persevered. While undaunted efforts were being made to get on shore, Mr. William J. Stivey,[1] carpenter of the 'Sampson,' setting a noble example, which others followed, leaped on shore, and, axe in hand, hewed manfully away at the stakes to make a passage for the boats to go through them. All, however, was in vain; their numbers were thinning rapidly, and at length Lieut. Saumarez himself, being hit in three places, reluctantly, but very properly, gave the signal for return. The remainder of the day was spent in throwing shot and shell, as circumstances required, so as to prevent any guns being moved against the steamer. The nearest shot passed about 10 yards astern of her.

We must now return to the 'Teazer,' and the operations connected with her. As soon as she grounded, Captain Lyster ordered the anchor to be run out immediately, and kept up a steady fire from the ship and boats. At half-past 8 the water seemed to rise, and all the exertions of her own crew, and the crews of the boats accompanying her, failed to get her off, up to this time her 32-pounder bore on the enemy's battery, and kept it in check, but it was not long before two guns were brought to a stockade, about a point on her quarter, and in a position which none of the 'Teazer's' guns could reach. These guns were admirably served, and it soon became evident that they would destroy the vessel before the tide rose again. Under these circumstances but one of two courses remained, either to blow up the 'Teazer,' to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy, should the expedition have ultimately failed, or to land and destroy the guns annoying her. As may be supposed, Captain Lyster, supported by Commander Hillyar and the other officers with him, were not very long in deciding on the course to be pursued. Not a doubt existed on the minds of any of them of the success of the proposed plan, but all were aware of the great loss of life they would too probably suffer in carrying it into execution. The following boats were at once formed in line abreast, ready for the attack:--

1, gig, Captain Lyster, Mr. Wroughton, midshipman; 2, whaleboat, Commander Hillyar, Mr. Park, midshipman; 3, 1st lifeboat, Lieut. P. Marshall, Mr. Puddicombe, midshipman; 4, 2nd lifeboat, Lieut. E. D. Rich, Mr. E. Brown, naval cadet, Mr. Wilson, carpenter; 5, Victoria (rocket-boat), Lieut. J. Corbett, Mr. Gillham, master's assistant, Mr. B. F. B. Clark, master's assistant, Mr. James Blight, boatswain; 6, pinnace, Mr. H. Hathorn, mate; 7, 1st cutter, Mr. S. B. Balfour, acting mate. Mr. H. A. Dewar, gunner; 8, 2nd cutter, Mr. F. R. Fletcher, midshipman.