Chapter VII: Part 7

Fortunately one of the rafts which composed this floating bridge caught in the stump of a tree and broke the line. It simultaneously occurred to Capt. Keppel and Mr. Brooke, that, by dashing through in the gig, they might draw off the attention of the enemy to themselves. The effect was as they desired. Mr. Brooke steered about mid-channel, while Captain Keppel, with his never-failing rifles, having his coxswain to load, picked off the leaders from among the savage mass, on which he kept up a rapid fire. Mr. Allen, in the second gig, quickly coming up, opened upon them from a Congreve rocket-tube such a destructive fire, as caused them to retire behind the temporary barriers where they were concealed before they attacked Patingi Ali; and from whence they continued to hurl their spears and other missiles. Many employed the sumpitan (a tube from which poisoned darts are shot); but though many of the British were wounded, no fatal results ensued, owing to the expeditious manner in which the wounded parts were excised by Mr. Beith, the assistant-surgeon, afterwards any poison that might remain being sucked out by one of the comrades of the wounded men.

The greatest loss was owing to the Patingi and the gallant Mr. Stewart's imprudence. When leading, six large war-prahus, carrying 100 each, bore down on his boat, and out of a crew of 17, one only escaped to tell the tale of his destruction. When last seen, Mr. Stewart and the Patingi were in the act (their own boats sinking) of boarding the enemy, and they were of course overpowered and killed. On the side of the British 29 others lost their lives, and 56 were wounded.

A few miles further up was the town and capital of Karangan, which place, the pirates having fled from it, was completely destroyed without opposition.

On the 22nd, the expedition returned to Patusen, where they were reinforced by the boats of the 'Samarang,' under Sir Edward Belcher, who having heard of their loss, had come up 120 miles in about 30 hours. Mr. D'Aeth, on coming alongside the 'Phlegethon,' was capsized and nearly drowned, and shortly after Mr. Brooke, hearing a cry of distress, shoved off in his Singapore Sampan, and picked up three half-drowned Dyaks who alone escaped out of 11, their boat being capsized by a bore.

On the 24th, the expedition again reached Sarawak.

MEMOIR OF LIEUTENANT WADE.*

* From Keppel's 'Borneo.'

"Lieutenant Charles Francis Wade, whose melancholy death is recorded in these pages, was the third son of the Rev. Thomas Wade, of the county of Tipperary, and from an early period of life displayed a strong predilection for that profession in which Providence ordained that he should pass a short yet honourable career. His family did not encourage this disposition, having no interest to ensure its successful enterprise; but the youth, when in London, having casually heard that the late Earl of Huntingdon was about to proceed to the West Indies, in command of H.M.S. 'Valorous,' immediately waited upon his lordship, and volunteered his services. Though he had no previous acquaintance, nor introduction, the frankness of his manners, and the good sense he exhibited at the boyish age of 14, so won upon the noble Earl, that he at once became his patron and friend, and he was appointed to the 'Valorous,' and sailed in her on her destination. On her being ordered home, he was transferred to the 'Barham,' flag-ship on the West India station, and, by his good conduct, strongly recommended himself to her commander, the Honourable Elphinstone Fleming, to whom, as well as to Lord Huntingdon, he expressed his grateful attachment through life. At a later time, whilst he was serving as mate on board H.M.S. 'Ocean,' at Sheerness, it was suggested to him by several of his naval friends, that he might distinguish himself by joining the British Legion, in Spain; he accordingly accepted the rank of Captain of Artillery in the British Legion, under Colonel Colquhoun, R.A. In 1837, he returned from this employment, after two years' gallant devotion to it, and memorialized the Government for promotion in the navy as a reward for his services. In this he respectfully represented his meritorious actions in common with the navy at sea, and the marines, and other forces in the field; with both of which he had fought in several very sharp engagements; in honour of which he had received the Spanish crosses of St. Ferdinand and Isabella Catolica, and a gold medal for commanding the guns which breached the walls of the town of Irun, through which a party of troops entered, and under so heavy a fire, that he had two-thirds of his gun-detachment killed and wounded. In short, his conduct throughout was of the most gallant description, though a slight wound was the only mark he bore of having fought in almost every affair between the Legion and the Carlists during the period of his stay. His preceding eight years in the West Indies; his having been afloat from 1824 to 1835; and his having passed his examination for a Lieutenant in 1830, with a high character from every officer under whom he had served, were truly urged as a farther title to the favour he solicited. Lord Minto, then First Lord of the Admiralty, consequently appointed him to the 'Rhadamanthus,' in the Mediterranean; and in the June following, at the coronation of Her Majesty, he obtained his commission as Lieutenant. In 1840, he joined H.M.S. 'Curaçoa,' in the Pacific; and here an incident occurred which may serve to show the intrepid and chivalrous temper which formed so distinguished a feature in his character. Cruising not far from the Southern Tropic, and a few leagues from the meridian of the island that became the refuge of the descendants of Christian and his comrades, another island was seen, which was thought to be a discovery. The nature of the shore and the sea that broke against it forbade any attempt at landing from a boat, but access to a swimmer seemed possible; and it being considered desirable that the new-found territory should be examined and possession of it taken, Lieutenant Wade volunteered to perform this service, and to swim on shore with the union jack secured to him. He succeeded in landing, explored the island sufficiently to ascertain that it had neither inhabitants nor shipwrecked mariners upon it, and that it had already been visited by a British ship-of-war. He then returned safely on board; but the consequences of the adventure were serious, for it was followed by a severe attack of rheumatic fever, occasioned by having remained so long in wet clothes; and finding there was no hope of regaining his health at sea, he quitted his ship with regret at San Elas, and returned through Mexico, to England.

"In December 1842, hardly recovered from the effects of the disease, but determined to deserve and to obtain promotion, he was appointed First-lieutenant of the 'Samarang,' then fitting for the survey of the Indian Seas. In March 1844 he joined, for a short time, H.M.S. 'Driver;' and on the 5th June following was appointed First of the 'Dido.'

"It is not easy to express in adequate language, says one who knew him intimately, the qualities by which poor Wade was distinguished, and how much he was beloved by all his acquaintance. Brave and enterprising, yet gentle, affectionate, and considerate of others; firm in principle, and exact in the performance of every duty, but unpretending, generous, and loyal: there seemed to be united in him all the properties which, joined to skill in his profession, would have ensured to him an eminent place in the brilliant annals of his service. But he was of those who fall in the front, and who die too soon for their own glory.

To his family and intimate friends his amiable, generous, and affectionate manners endear his memory; and although they must mourn his loss, yet they have the consolation of knowing that his whole conduct was influenced by a sincere Christian spirit, and that he was not less willing to devote his life to the service of his country than to manifest in his whole conduct the exalted principles by which he was ever influenced.

MEMOIR OF MR. GEORGE STEWARD.

The late George Steward, who fell in August 1844, whilst fighting as a volunteer in the expedition against the pirates of Borneo, commanded by Captain Keppel, was the youngest of seven children of the late Timothy Steward, Esq., of Yarmouth. Having shown an early predilection for the sea, a midshipman's berth was procured for him in the maritime service of the Hon. East India Company, in which he rose with as much rapidity as its regulations would admit; but unfortunately for him, precisely at the period when he became eligible for, and had secured, the command of a first-class ship, the Act of Parliament was passed which abolished the mercantile privileges, and consequently extinguished the maritime service of the Hon. East India Company, whose officers thereupon retired on pensions. Not being disposed to continue at sea as a private adventurer, Mr. Steward remained unemployed for several years; but in 1842 his adventurous and daring spirit led him to embrace the proposition of his friend and brother-officer, Mr. Henry Wise, now connected with the East India and China trade, to undertake the charge of a commercial expedition to the infant settlement established at Sarawak under the auspices of Mr. Brooke. In the month of March 1843 he left England in the 'Ariel,' a smart fast-sailing brig, purchased, fitted out, and armed by himself and Mr. Wise, in pursuance of the mercantile operation referred to, and for the additional security of Mr. Brooke. The vessel arrived at Singapore in the following July. Here Mr. Steward was informed that the Borneo seas were swarming with pirates; and the master of the brig having left her at that port, Mr. Steward assumed the command. On his arrival at Sarawak, he received from Mr. Brooke a welcome, the cordiality of which was enhanced by their recognising each other as schoolfellows. Of the enterprise, intelligence, liberal mind, and friendly disposition of Mr. Brooke, Mr. Steward has, in his correspondence, spoken with the utmost warmth, and to him he was at all times indebted for much valuable assistance and counsel. At Sarawak Mr. Steward remained until he unfortunately joined the expedition against the pirates, in which his life was sacrificed.

DESTRUCTION OF MALLUDU,

August 19th, 1815.

In consequence of the atrocities committed by Sheriff Houseman, it became necessary to destroy his stronghold in Malludu Bay; and to effect that object Captain Talbot, with the 'Vixen,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Pluto,' accompanied by the boats of 'Agincourt,' 'Dædalus,' 'Vestal,' 'Cruiser,' and 'Wolverine,' then composing the squadron off Borneo, proceeded to that place, which they reached on the 18th.

The Bay of Malludu has high-wooded banks on either side till in the bight, where the land is flat and covered with mangroves. Here the water is shallow, and there are several rivers, one of which is that of Malludu. The enemy, from 500 to 1,000 in number, were posted in two forts, mounting 11 or 12 heavy guns, and protected by a strong and well-contrived boom. Before the fight commenced Sheriff Houseman sent a flag-of-truce, and asked for Mr. Brooke. On being informed that he was not present, he invited Captain Talbot to meet him, and offered to admit two gigs to be hauled over the boom. This offer being declined, the enemy instantly opened their fire. They fought well, and stood manfully to their guns, the fight being protracted for 50 minutes. The boom had first to be cut away before the boats could advance. While working, axe in hand, to clear it, the gallant Gibbard of the 'Wolverine' fell mortally wounded. The boats all the time were under a very heavy fire; but at length advancing, they carried the place with a loss of 6 killed, 2 mortally wounded, and 15 severely wounded. The loss of the enemy was proportionably great. In the evening a detachment of 10 boats and fresh officers and men quitted the 'Vixen' to complete the destruction of the forts. Numerous proofs of the piracies of the Sheriff now came to light. The boom was ingeniously fastened with the chain-cable of a vessel of 300 or 400 tons; other chains were found in the town; as also a ship's long-boat, two ships' bells, one ornamented with grapes and vine-leaves, and marked "Wilhelm Ludwig, Bremen," and every other description of ships' furniture. Some piratical Illanun and Balagnini boats were burned; 24 brass guns captured; the iron ones, stated to have been got out of a ship, spiked and destroyed. Thus Malludu ceased to exist, and Sheriff Houseman's power received a fall, from which it could never recover.

Leonard Gibbard made his first trip to sea under charge of Captain Keppel in 1834, when he commanded the 'Guilders' in the Mediterranean; and at that early age promised, what he afterwards proved himself to be, a gallant officer and thorough seaman. He was a general favourite wherever he went.

In this action Sheriff Houseman was wounded dangerously, and it was supposed died soon afterwards in the jungle to which he had escaped.

The following is a detail of the naval force employed in the attack on, and destruction of, Malludu, under the command of Captain Charles Talbot, H.M.S. 'Vestal,' with his official letter:--

Her Majesty's ship 'Agincourt's' gig, Captain Lyster; Mr. Creswell, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 5 seamen. Gun-boat (launch), Lieut. Lowther; Mr. Whipple, assistant surgeon; Mr. Burnaby, midshipman; Mr. Barton, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. Gun-boat (barge), Lieut. Paynter; Mr. May, mate; Mr. Patrick, assistant surgeon; 1 petty officer and 14 seamen. Pinnace, with rockets, Mr. Reeve, mate; 3 petty officers and 18 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Simcoe, midshipman; 11 seamen. Gun-boat, manned from 'Agincourt' and Hon. East India Company's steam-vessel 'Nemesis,' with 1st Company small-armed men. First cutter, Lieut. Reid; Mr. Hathorn, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 10 seamen. Gun-boat (second cutter), Mr. Young, mate; 1 petty officer and 10 seamen. Gunboat, with 'Agincourt's' field-piece men.

'Pluto's' cutter, Lieut. Heard; 2 petty officers and 15 men.

Her Majesty's ship 'Vestal's' barge, Lieut. Moritt, senior lieutenant. Gun-boat, Mr. Pym, second master; 1 petty officer and 13 seamen. Pinnace, Lieut. Pasco; Mr. Ward, assistant surgeon; Mr. Sanders, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 13 men.

Her Majesty's ship 'Vestal's' gun-boat (cutter), Mr. Durbin, mate; 11 seamen. Gig, Mr. Eccles, clerk; 5 seamen.

Her Majesty's ship 'Dædalus'' gun-boat (launch), Mr. Wilkinson, second master; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. Barge, Lieut. Randolph, senior lieutenant; Mr. Huxham, midshipman; 2 petty officers and 17 seamen. Pinnace, Mr. Nolloth, mate; Mr. Balcomb, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Protheroe, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 8 seamen.

Her Majesty's steam-vessel 'Vixen's' gun-boat (pinnace), Lieut. Wilcox, senior lieutenant; Mr. Dent, mate; 1 petty officer and 15 men. First cutter, Mr. W. Sainsbury, midshipman; 9 seamen. Second cutter, Lieut. Benham; 11 seamen.

Her Majesty sloop 'Cruiser's' gun-boat (pinnace), Lieut. Rodney, senior lieutenant; Mr. Cotter, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12 men. Gig, Commander Fanshawe; 1 petty officer and 4 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Tuke, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 8 seamen.

Her Majesty's sloop 'Wolverine's' pinnace, Lieut. Hillier, senior lieutenant; Mr. Johnson, midshipman; 1 petty officer and 12 seamen. Gig, Commander Clifford; 1 petty officer and 4 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Gibbard, mate; 1 petty officer and 4 men.

ROYAL MARINES EMPLOYED.

Captain Hawkins, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' Lieut. Hambly, H.M.S. 'Dædalus;' Lieut. Dyer, H.M.S. 'Vestal;' Lieut. Kennedy, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' Lieut. Mansell, H.M.S. 'Agincourt;' 8 sergeants, 8 corporals, 3 fifers, 178 privates.

Total number of seamen, 344; marines, 202.

"Her Majesty's Steam-vessel 'Vixen,'
Malludu Bay, August 20, 1845.

"Sir,

"I have to report the proceedings of the expedition you did me the honour to place under my command.

"Your Excellency's flag having been flying on board the 'Vixen,' you are aware of its progress to the anchorage at the head of the Malludu Bay; I commence, therefore, the details from that period:--

"The force, consisting of 530 seamen and marines (the details of which I annex), conveyed in 24 boats, of which 9 were gun-boats, left the 'Vixen' at 3 o'clock P.M. on the 18th inst., and, after some little difficulty in hitting on the channel, was anchored off the mouth of the Songybuyes a little after sunset. Here we were joined by a boat from the 'Pluto,' carrying the 'Agincourt's' field-piece. The tide serving, about 11 A.M. we weighed, and, passing the bar, anchored within it. At daylight on the 19th we proceeded up the river in two divisions. After advancing about two miles, I was informed by the Brunè pilots that we were nearing the town. I, therefore, went ahead with Captain Lyster to reconnoitre. On coming to an abrupt turn in the river, about three miles higher, we found ourselves suddenly in front of the position, which consisted of two stockaded forts, of eight and three guns each, commanding the reach. About 200 yards below the forts was a boom across the river, apparently well constructed. The forts appeared to us to stand on a tongue of land, from which we were separated by the river, which at that point divided into two branches, and the pilots declared such to be the case; the one turning to the right, we observed, was still further defended by a floating battery. There appeared, therefore, to be no means of carrying the position but by forcing the boom.

"On rejoining the force, arrangements were made for the gun-boats to advance to the boom, to cover the party appointed to cut through it, the remainder of the force to hold itself in readiness to act when ordered. We had approached the boom to within 100 yards, when a flag-of-truce was observed to be coming towards us. Conceiving the object of the enemy was merely to gain time, I sent back a message, that unless Sheriff Houseman came to me in half an hour, I should open fire. This being conveyed to the fort, the flag returned with an offer to admit me with two boats, that I might visit the Sheriff. I declined, and the flag retired. The moment it was clear of the line of fire, the three-gun battery opened, and the cannonade became general on both sides.

"The boom was composed of three large-sized trees, each supporting a chain-cable, equal to 10 or 12 inches, firmly bolted and secured around the trunk of a tree on each bank. A cut in the right bank allowed a canoe to pass, but was impassable to any of our boats. One hour nearly elapsed before we could in any way remove the obstacle, during which time the fire of the enemy was well sustained, all the guns being laid for the boom. I need hardly mention it was briskly returned from our side, both from guns and small-arms; and some rockets, well thrown by a party which had been landed on the right bank, appeared to produce considerable effect.

"As soon as the passage was open for the smaller boats they passed through rapidly, and embarked the marines from the large boats across the boom: ultimately the whole force passed through. The enemy immediately quitted their defences, and fled in every direction. The marines and small-arm men having cleared the town, the former were formed as a covering party, and parties of seamen were pushed up both banks of the river, but met with no opposition; at the same time preparations were made for spiking the guns and destroying the stockades and town; in a short time these were completed and the whole in flames, as well as three large prahus and several smaller ones.

"Being anxious to save the tide, and conceiving that the object contemplated by your Excellency was accomplished, I ordered the force to be re-embarked, and proceeded down the river to the 'Vixen.' When your Excellency considers the strength of the enemy's position, and the obvious state of preparation in which we found him, you will be prepared to learn that the service has not been performed without considerable loss. I regret very much to state it at six killed and 15 wounded. The loss on the part of the enemy was unquestionably very great, but the surrounding jungle afforded the enemy the means of carrying off their dead, according to their custom in these cases; nevertheless, some of those left on the field we recognised as persons of considerable influence.

"Whilst I record my admiration of the gallantry and steadiness of the whole force under a galling fire, sustained for a long period, I must particularly mention Captain Lyster, who directed his attention to the boom, and by whose personal exertions that obstacle was overcome.

"Mr. Gibbard, mate of Her Majesty's ship 'Wolverine,' was, I grieve to say, mortally wounded by an early shot whilst gallantly working at the boom with an axe.

"I beg leave to point out to your Excellency the conduct of Mr. Williamson, Malay interpreter to Mr. Brooke; he was with me during the attack, and was exposed to the whole of the fire.

"I have the honour, &c.,
(Signed) "CHARLES TALBOT.

"His Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, C.B.,
Commander-in-Chief."

In a political point of view, the destruction of Malludu may appear of little consequence, but it was of considerable importance, as a severe blow struck to piracy in the Eastern Seas, and as affording a wholesome lesson to other pirate chiefs of the fate awaiting them should they persevere in their malpractices. The battle was also a very desperate and hard-fought one; and had not the British, with determined gallantry, forced their way through the boom in front of the fort they would have been compelled to make a disastrous retreat. As all fought with equal bravery, I have thought it best to give a list of those engaged in the attack. Captain Talbot, too, had a narrow escape; for had he accepted the pirates' invitation to pass within the boom, there can be no doubt that he and all with him would have been destroyed.

CAPTURE OF BRUNÈ,

July 8th, 1846.

The principal chiefs of Borneo, among them the brothers of the Sultan himself, who were supposed to be favourable to Rajah Brooke and the English, and opposed to piracy, were all cruelly murdered early in the year 1846. Information of this event having reached the Admiral and Rajah Brooke, they were convinced that no terms could be kept with the Sultan.

Sir Thomas Cochrane, the Commander-in-Chief, accordingly ordered the very considerable squadron which was now collected on the coast, to rendezvous off the mouth of the river of Borneo, for the purpose of attacking the chief city, Brunè. Mr. Elliot, the master of the 'Agincourt,' having sounded the bar, and discovered sufficient water, the Admiral determined to take the flag-ship over it. Accordingly at day-light on the 6th July, the signal was made to weigh and to proceed into the Borneo river. The wind was light and directly out. The 'Agincourt' was taken in tow by the 'Spiteful,' the 'Phlegethon' going ahead to show the soundings, and by 8 A.M. the flag-ship was anchored within Moarra Island. On the 7th, at an early hour, the Captains of the squadron received the plan and details of the operations to be undertaken against the city of Brunè, should the Sultan act hostilely against the steamers going up the river. Seven gun-boats, manned by 100 seamen, were placed under the command of Captain Mundy. The Admiral having shifted his flag to the 'Spiteful,' she proceeded up the river with the 'Hazard' and 'Royalist' in tow. The 'Spiteful,' lightened of every spare article on board, was forced through the mud across 100 yards, with two feet less water than she drew. The 'Royalist' followed, but the 'Hazard' stuck fast.

At 4 A.M., July 8th, Captains Johnstone and Mundy embarked in the 'Phlegethon,' with a detachment of marines under Captain Hawkins; the rocket field-piece party and howitzers, under Lieutenant Paynter, assisted by Lieutenant Heath, with the seamen and small-arm men, accompanied by the gun-boats of the squadron. On joining the Commander-in-Chief, he gave them their final orders. Captain Mundy was to lead up the river in the 'Phlegethon' to the city, taking the gun-boats in tow, and to prepare for action. The rocket and field-piece party also remained in the Company's steamer, and the following arrangements were made under the direction of Lieutenant Paynter:--

The rocket-tubes, 24 and 12-pounders, six in number, were fixed on the bridge connecting the paddle-boxes, and the howitzers and field-pieces forward, ready to act on either bow. All the marines and small-arm men were on board the 'Spiteful' and 'Royalist,' the latter being in tow of the steam frigate. The whole number of bayonets was 600, viz., marines, 200; 'Agincourt's' seamen, 186; 'Iris's' seamen, 64; 'Hazard's' seamen, 50; 'Ringdove's', 40; 'Spiteful's,' 40; 'Royalist's,' 20. The boats to land the party were the 'Spiteful's' paddle-box boats, which held 130 marines; 'Agincourt's' pinnace and two cutters; 'Iris,' two cutters; 'Ringdove,' one cutter; 'Hazard,' one cutter; 'Phlegethon,' four cutters. At half-past nine the signal was made to proceed. On turning an angle of the river four batteries were seen, two of which were directly ahead, in a raking position. They now found the river staked across, and as they were sounding their way through the piles, the enemy's fire opened at a distance of 1,000 yards. The shot, round and grape, passed between the masts of the 'Phlegethon,' and beyond the 'Spiteful,' without striking. The former instantly returned the compliment with rockets and the pivot-guns; the Javanese, under an able officer, Mr. Ross, behaving admirably. After a quarter of an hour's cannonade, Captain Mundy shoved off in the gun-boats, Lieutenant Patey being ordered to pull for the shore and to storm the batteries. They were erected on a precipice nearly 100 feet in height from the brink of the river, and the pathway leading to them was almost perpendicular; so true, however, had been the fire from the steamer and gun-boats, that the resolution of the enemy failed them, and the gallant crews met with little opposition in forcing their way through the embrasures. In capturing the flag, a skirmish took place between the leading party of the British and the rear-guard of the enemy, as they escaped into the jungle. The iron-guns were spiked and the magazines, &c., destroyed, while three brass guns of great beauty were carried off.

The steamer then taking the 'Royalist' and gun-boats in tow, passed two other batteries, and anchored half-a-mile below the city, when all hands went to dinner.

At half-past one the expedition was again in motion, an ebb-tide of three knots rendering their advance very slow. As the 'Phlegethon' opened out round the point, the city battery and the hill-forts (the three together mounting 18 guns) commenced firing. The first 32-pound shot passed through the paddle-box, breaking part of the wheel, and entering the galley amidship killed the cook. This was followed by showers of grape and canister, so well directed, that in five minutes another man was killed and several wounded; the 'Phlegethon's' return fire, however, destroyed the enemy's aim, and she pushed on without further loss. Captain Mundy again shoved off in the gun-boats to attack the batteries at close quarters, but the steamer's fire had been so hot that the enemy fled before they could be reached. Nine grape-shot had entered the iron side of the 'Phlegethon,' below the water-line, and had she not been divided into compartments, she would inevitably have sunk. As soon as the 'Spiteful' and 'Royalist' had taken up their berths abreast of the large battery, _à-fleur-d'eau_, the marines were landed and marched to occupy the heights above the Sultan's palace, the batteries on which had been silenced and captured by the rocket and field-piece party under Lieut. Paynter.

The Admiral, observing that the batteries in the rear were again manned, sent Captain Mundy with the gun-boats down the river to destroy them. This he partially did in five hours; but from their great strength, it would have taken days to do so effectually. Thirty-nine pieces of cannon, mostly of large calibre, and 19 of them brass, fell into the hands of the British. The Sultan, his boasted army, and all the inhabitants had fled; not a native was to be found in the capital, and a place which for 500 years had been under Mahomedan rule, now fell into the hands of a Christian power.

PURSUIT OF THE SULTAN OF BRUNÈ.

Mr. Brooke having heard that the Sultan, with a bodyguard of 500 men, had retreated to the village of Damaun, a strong port about 30 miles from the capital, an expedition was formed to follow him. Sir Thomas Cochrane gave the command of it to Captain Mundy, who was accompanied by Mr. Brooke.

The force consisted of 160 marines, under Capt. Hawkins; 300 seamen with eight lieutenants, and a proportionate number of junior officers. Lieutenant Vansittart acted as Captain Mundy's aid-de-camp, and Lieutenant Newland, First of the 'Spiteful,' afterwards joined them with a few small-arm men from that vessel, making altogether a body of nearly 500 men.

They were to proceed as far as possible in boats; three cutters-full under Lieutenant Heath, being kept ahead to clear a passage up the narrow stream. After seven hours of tracking, hauling almost in the dark from the overhanging jungle, and with the heat most oppressive, they effected a landing. They advanced under heavy rain and through thick mud and swamps, but after destroying some newly-erected forts, they were finally compelled to retrace their steps. The weather however clearing, though continuing very sultry, the expedition again advanced. On the way they fell in with a large house, in which were found some shields, arms, and other property belonging to the Sultan, which showed that he had lately occupied the spot. The natives now observing that no injury was done to private property, joined them and offered their services as guides.

On reaching a river, Captain Mundy called for volunteers to swim it, to aid in forming a bridge. Immediately one of the carpenter's crew of the 'Iris,' William Burchet, leapt in with his heavy axe, and succeeded in crossing. Another large building was fallen in with, containing a magazine of powder, cartridges, and a brass-swivel gun. This house was found to belong to the Sultan, and that he had but a few hours before quitted it. It was therefore set fire to and destroyed.

The Sultan and his followers still evading pursuit among the almost impenetrable jungle, the expedition returned to the city of Brunè, some twenty of the officers and men suffering slightly from fever brought on by exposure to the damp and heat they had encountered in their march.

The inhabitants clearly understanding the object of the British, now returned with confidence to the city, and they appeared fully to appreciate the philanthropic motives which had saved it from destruction.

CAPTURE OF PIRATE PRAHUS, AND DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE
STRONGHOLDS.

On the 31st, as the 'Phlegethon,' with other vessels in company, was cruising off the Tampassuk river, a large prahu was seen pulling towards it, and which Mr. Brooke recognised as a war-boat of the Illanuns. The steamer soon got between her and the shore, and three boats sent after her brought her to.

She was 60 feet long, fitted for 60 oars, with regular boarding-nettings, and was armed with one long twelve-pounder and two brass six-pound swivels. She had on board a coffin, in which was found the body of a chief lately killed in action. A Spaniard on board the 'Phlegethon,' and who had been rescued from slavery at Brunè, recognized one of the crew as the man who had murdered the master of the Spanish vessel to which he belonged, and had made him prisoner. Soon afterwards, two Spaniards came forward from among the crew and declared that they had been taken off the Manilla coast, and had since been compelled to labour as slaves on board the pirate. When the chief saw that his character was known, he and his people leaped overboard and endeavoured to reach the shore, but they were brought back and handcuffed.

The town of Pandassan had long been celebrated as a notorious haunt of the Illanun pirates. The town of Tampassuk also had the same character. The latter was destroyed, with all the prahus found near it by Captain M'Quhae, of the 'Dædalus,' and a force of 250 seamen and marines. The expedition against Pandassan was placed under command of Captain Mundy.

The force consisted of 40 marines, and 150 men, exclusive of the 'Javanese' crew under Mr. Ross. Lieuts. Heath and Norcock commanded the division of seamen, and Lieut. Alexander the marines. The position of this pirate stronghold was most beautiful, and the soil around it fertile in the extreme. As the British advanced, the enemy retreated, skirmishing with the advanced guard, and they had several men killed and wounded. The town and all the war-prahus were at once destroyed. The pirates taken by the 'Phlegethon,' were transferred to the 'Ringdove,' for passage to Manilla, where they were to be given up to the Spanish Government for trial. The Spanish Captains went with them to act as witnesses against them on their trial.

On August 3rd, in the afternoon, three large prahus were observed from Her Majesty's ship 'Iris,' standing alongshore under a press of sail. The signal was accordingly made for the 'Ringdove' and 'Royalist' to chase.

The 'Royalist' having got within range of the prahus, and her Commander, Lieut. Reid, finding it impracticable to take her nearer to the reef, lowered his gigs, and sent them away under the orders of Mr. Quin (mate) and Mr. Ray (midshipman). The prahus having separated, pulled at once for the shore, upon which Mr. Ray was directed to push quickly towards the beach, and to endeavour to cut off the largest one in her attempt to escape to the northward, whilst Mr. Quin gave chase to the other two, which were retreating in an opposite direction. One of the latter managed to get so close to the surf before she was overtaken, that the crews jumped overboard, and swam to the shore, when she was immediately captured and destroyed, and Mr. Quin then observing that an engagement was going on between the other prahu and the small gig, pulled in that direction to her assistance. Mr. Ray, in the mean time, had come up rapidly with the large prahu, which, on observing that only one small boat was approaching, faced about, and opened a fire of musketry, and then endeavoured to board the gig. This, however, was prevented by Mr. Ray, who manœuvering judiciously, kept within long range of the pirates, waiting for support, but at the same time maintained so good a fire, that many of those desperate men were killed; others jumped overboard, and swimming to the gig, clung with one hand to the gunwale, and with invincible courage attacked the crews with their knives. Mr. Quin came up as this sharp affair terminated; and when the large prahu was taken possession of, ten men were found dead on board; and out of her crew of forty, only a few managed to get on shore. It was at this time dark; the boats were only a few hundred yards from the beach, which was lined with hundreds of natives watching the conflict. The prahu was afterwards destroyed, and the gigs returned on board the 'Royalist,' the third vessel effecting her escape under cover of night. Mr. Ray was complimented by the Admiral for his judgment and mode of attack in this gallant affair, and Lieut. Reid for the judicious management of his vessel. Mr. Quin has since received his promotion.

DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE MADE BY A PIRATE CREW.

While H.M.S. 'Ringdove,' Commander Sir William Hoste, Bart., was cruising off the island of Balambangan, he chased three suspicious-looking prahus, till the brig had shoaled her water to her own draught. He then lowered his boats, and despatched them in pursuit, under Lieut. Norcock. That officer having boarded them, shortly after they had run on shore, and were deserted by their crews, found them to be laden with rice and other products of the country--while they had no guns or arms of any sort below. Imagining, therefore, that they were trading-vessels, he returned towards the 'Ringdove,' upon which the crews immediately regained the prahus, and were again making off from the shore, when a second order from Sir William Hoste, despatched by another boat, directed Lieut. Norcock to bring one of the prahus to the brig, in order that the Commander might himself judge of her character.

One of the prahus was accordingly taken possession of. and brought alongside the 'Ringdove,' the crew willingly rowing it themselves. During the long pull, they appeared perfectly satisfied with the excursion, and chatted good-humouredly, through the interpreter, with the marines and seamen. As a precaution, however, a guard, of three marines and several seamen, was placed over them. At first, while being made fast alongside the brig, they remained perfectly quiet. Suddenly, however, without the slightest previous warning, the pirates, (for such they were, they having skilfully concealed their arms,) arose, and flew simultaneously with their krisses upon the seamen and marines, when before they could defend themselves, one marine was killed, and two marines and a seaman severely wounded, they being indeed the only English on board the prahu at the time. She was, it must be understood, under the quarter, and touching the counter of the brig. The chief of the pirates, it is said, himself killed the marine placed sentry over them, with his kriss, and as the unfortunate man fell into the hold of the prahu, he seized his musket and fired it at the officers standing at the gangway. Another desperado lunging his spear through the after-port of the 'Ringdove,' mortally wounded the master, who was standing near. The pirates then cut the hawser adrift, and seizing their paddles, made off for the shore.

As it was at this time nearly dark, their desperate manœuvre might have succeeded, had not the boats of the brig been quickly manned and sent in chase. The prahu was overtaken and boarded in less than ten minutes, upon which, the crew retreated below, and with their long spears through the bamboo flooring, made a desperate defence, and finally, refusing all quarter, they were slain to a man, and the prahu was sunk by the gun of the pinnace.

CONCLUDING REMARKS ON BORNEO.

The accounts I have above given will sufficiently show the nature of the work the British squadron on the coast of Borneo is called on to perform, and the character of the people with whom it has to contend, as also the difficulties our gallant officers and men have to encounter, and triumphing over them, the benefit they have secured, both to the native inhabitants and to Great Britain herself. When Mr. Brooke first went to Borneo, he found the country desolated by internal wars, the strong remorselessly preying on the weak in every direction, and, though possessing a soil abounding in the most valuable natural productions, and capable of yielding, under cultivation, an almost unlimited supply of the fruits of the earth, yet, without any domestic or foreign commerce. Within a few years, by his enlightened exertions, he has, in a great degree, put a stop to piracy, by aid of the naval force placed at his disposal, he has induced the native tribes to live at peace with each other, and to attend to agriculture, and he has opened up an increasing commercial intercourse through all parts of the country. There breathes not a truer patriot or a more honest single-minded man than James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak. He has since received the honour of knighthood; but such a man honours those who bestow honours on him--by accepting them. Whatever may be said to the contrary, we may be well assured that the British squadron on the coast of Borneo has not only supported the cause of humanity, but has advanced, in no small degree, the material interests of Great Britain.

EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER,

UNDER CAPTAIN W. D. TROTTER, 1841.

OBJECTS OF THE EXPEDITION.

The civilized nations of the world have from the earliest ages possessed but a very imperfect knowledge of the interior of Africa. Numerous attempts have been made to penetrate into the mysteries of that unknown region, but they have, one after the other, failed, either from the treachery of the natives, or the still more deadly effects of the climate. The discovery of the Niger by Mungo Park, in 1796, opened a new track to adventurers, which many were not slow in following. The most enterprising of these were the brothers Lander, who, reaching the banks of the great river at Bussah, a town upwards of 600 miles from the mouth, descended the stream in a frail canoe to the ocean. In consequence of the reports of the quantity of ivory they had seen, an expedition was fitted out in Liverpool, under Mr. Laird, now well known as an enterprising explorer, for the purpose of commencing a trade in it. Lieut. W. Allen was directed by the Admiralty to accompany this expedition for the purpose of surveying the river. As a mercantile speculation, the expedition was a failure, as a very little ivory was found; but much information was obtained, which afterwards proved useful. But a still nobler object than the extension of commerce animated the originators of the expedition, an account of which we are about to narrate. This was the suppression of the slave trade. In spite of all England had done, the unremitting efforts of her Government, the treasure she had expended, and the lives of her gallant seamen which had been sacrificed, that nefarious traffic still flourished. Among the warmest advocates of the rights of the Africans was Sir Fowell Buxton, by whose means chiefly a society was formed, of which His Royal Highness Prince Albert was president, entitled "A Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of Africa." The means for effecting this object, proposed by Sir F. Buxton, was the employment of her own resources, by impeding the slave trade, establishing legitimate commerce, promoting and teaching agriculture, and imparting religious and moral instruction. To carry them into execution, the Society induced the Government to send out three steamers, with directions to establish trading posts and agricultural stations at convenient spots on the banks of the Niger. The three vessels 'Albert,' 'Wilberforce,' and 'Soudan,' were built for the express purpose by Mr. Laird, of Liverpool. The two first were 139 feet 4 inches in length on deck; 27 feet breadth of beam; 11 feet depth of hold; 6 feet draught of water, fully laden; and 457 tons measurement. The 'Soudan' drew only 4 feet 6 inches; was in tonnage, 249; in length, 113 feet 4 inches; breadth of beam, 22 feet; and depth of hold, 8 feet 8 inches. They were fitted with ventilating machines, and every improvement which science has contributed was employed in their structure and fitting up. The command was given to Captain Henry Dundas Trotter, R.N., and he had under him Commanders William Allen and Bird Allen. These three officers, to whom was added Mr. William Cook, well known for his humane exertions in saving the lives of the crew and passengers of the 'Kent' East Indiaman, burnt at sea, were appointed by the Queen to act as her Commissioners, to for, treaties with the native chiefs for the suppression of the internal slave trade, and for the establishment of lawful commerce. Every means that science could devise was employed for the preservation of the health of the crews. The two larger vessels were armed with one long brass twelve-pounder, two brass twelve-pounder howitzers, and four brass one-pounder swivels, besides musketoons and small arms. The 'Soudan' had one howitzer and two swivels of similar calibre. They had lofty masts, and were square-rigged forward and schooner aft; but though excellent sea-boats from being flat-bottomed, when hauled on a wind they made much leeway.

The following is a list of the officers employed in the expedition:--

H.M. steam-vessel 'Albert'--H. D. Trotter, captain; E. G. Fishbourne, lieutenant; *D. H. Stenhouse, lieutenant and assistant-surveyor; *G. B. Harvey, master; Theodore Muller, chaplain; J. O. M'William, M.D., surgeon; *James Woodhouse, assistant-surgeon; F. D. Nightengale, assistant-surgeon (in 'Amelia'); William Bowden, purser; *William C. Willie, mate; James H. Fairholme, mate (served in 'Amelia'); E. T. Saunders, second-master; W. E. Bush, clerk; *W. H. Willmett, clerk; Richard Mouat, assistant-clerk; William Merriman, gunner; John Langley, engineer 1st class; *Albion Lodge, ditto, 2nd class; James Brown, ditto, ditto; William Stanger, M.D.; with a crew of 25 white men, 13 coloured, 8 marines, and 4 sappers and miners.

H.M. steam-vessel 'Wilberforce'--William Allen, commander; James N. Strange, lieutenant; Henry C. Harston, lieutenant (served in 'Amelia'); William Forster, master; Morris Pritchett, M.D., surgeon; J. E. H. Thomson, assistant-surgeon; John Stirling, assistant-surgeon; *Cyrus Wakeham, purser; Henry C. Toby, mate; W. H. T. Green, second-master and assistant-surveyor; *J. H E. Webb, clerk; William Johnston, engineer 1st class; Joseph Graystock, ditto 2nd class; George Garritte, ditto 3rd class. Civilians:--William Cook, commissioner; J. E. Terry, chief clerk to commissioner; William Simpson, clerk to ditto; Rev. J. E. Schon, missionary; *Dr. E. B. Vogel, botanist; C. G. Rocher, miner and geologist; Lewis Frazer, naturalist; Alfred Carr, superintendent of model farm; John Ansell, collector of plants; crew of 23 white men, 7 coloured, 9 marines, and 4 sappers and miners.

H.M. steam-vessel 'Soudan'--*Bird Allen, commander; William Ellis, lieutenant; John Belam, master; *W. B. Marshall, surgeon; *H. C. Collman, assistant-surgeon; W. H. Webb, mate; F. W. Sidney, mate; *Nicholas Waters, clerk; *William Kingdon, assistant-clerk and schoolmaster; G. V. Gustaffson, engineer 1st class; William Johnson, ditto 2nd class; crew of 15 white men, 4 coloured, and 4 marines.

Of the crews 27 died from the river fever, and of the remainder of the white men the greater number caught it, though the coloured men all escaped.

* Those marked with an asterisk died from the river fever.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE VOYAGE.

On the 12th of May, 1841, the three vessels left Plymouth; the line-of-battle-ships anchored in the Sound, manning their rigging and cheering them as they passed by. After touching at Madeira, St. Vincent, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and other places on the coast, they reached Cape Coast Castle on the 24th of July. At Sierra Leone, a schooner, a condemned slaver, was purchased; she was called the 'Amelia,' and the command of her was given to Mr. Harston. Here also a hundred negroes, chiefly Krumen, were taken on board to assist in working the vessels and save the white men from exposure to the sun and heavy rains. Their head-man was named "Jack Andrews," and he had under him "Jack Fryingpan," "King George," "Jack Sprat," "Prince Albert," "Bottle of Beer," and "Tom Tea-kettle," with a number of other similar cognomens. Already fever had broken out, and two had died from its effects.

The 'Wilberforce' had a narrow escape in running between Cape Palmas and Cape Three Points. Being short of wood, she was standing on under canvass, with a very light air, during a dark night, when it was discovered that a strong current was setting her on shore. In the centre of the bay there is a twisting channel, of vast depth, called the "Bottomless Pit." In the early and middle part of the night no bottom was found by the lead. This must have been when they were crossing the pit. At 3 A.M. fortunately they struck soundings in 37 fathom. At 4.40 it decreased to 18 fathom, and five minutes afterwards to 10 fathom, when they anchored, and as they did so the roar of the breakers gave them fearful warning of their proximity to the coast. The land being here very low and covered with underwood, and the sand of the beach being of a light colour, it would not have been seen had not the decrease of the soundings caused them to look out for it. At daylight they found themselves close to breakers, about half a mile from the shore, with a very heavy surf all along the beach. Having got up the steam, they made a good offing, and passed Cape Three Points, when they arrived off a place called Bobsum Accra. Here a heavy surf gave little prospect of their being able to procure wood. A boat was, however, sent to try to communicate with the natives; and Mr. Toby, mate, volunteered for the service, which was one of considerable danger. He succeeded in landing; but in attempting to come off again, the boat was swamped and upset, and all hands were thrown by the surf on the beach. Happily the natives were of a friendly tribe, and rendered them every assistance. Had a similar event occurred off the Bottomless Pit, where the natives are hostile, they would have probably been put to death.

At Cape Coast Castle the Governor, Mr. M'Lean, afforded the expedition every assistance. Here Mr. Marshall, surgeon, and Mr. Webb, mate of the 'Soudan,' volunteered to proceed overland to the confluence of the Niger and Chadda; but as their services in their ships could not be spared, their gallant offer was not accepted.

Proceeding to Accra, they left it on the 4th of August to their rendezvous off the mouth of the Niger; and, on their passage there, encountered some heavy weather. On Friday, the 13th of August, the 'Albert' and 'Soudan,' having completed their preparations, weighed at daylight, and, under the pilotage of Lieut. Levinge, commanding H.M.S. 'Buzzard,' one of the squadron on the coast, he having previously examined it, steamed over the bar in safety, though a considerable surf was running. The 'Wilberforce,' having more goods and furniture to take for the model farm, was not ready till the 15th.

SHIPS ENTER THE NIGER.

The moment that the ships entered was one of deep and breathless expectation, both on account of the difficulty of the passage, but more especially as it was the first step on that path so full of novelty and interest, yet, as all knew, so fraught with danger; but their zeal made them, overlook the peril, and three hearty cheers announced the safe accomplishment of the exploit. The next day another death, that of Bach, the instrument-maker, occurred from fever. Having accompanied the expedition up some way, Lieut. Levinge, commanding H.M.S. 'Buzzard,' took his departure, bearing letters from many, alas! the last their friends at home were destined to receive from them. Difficulties of various sorts beset the explorers on their passage up the river, though the natives generally showed a friendly disposition. Besides the enervating and deadly effects of the climate, the vessels frequently took the ground, and much labour was required to get them off. They had a strong current to contend with; and they also suffered from a new species of pest in the shape of snakes, many of them venomous, which climbed on board and stowed themselves away in all corners. Crocodiles also were seen in numbers floating down the river. On the 2nd of September they reached the city of Iddah, governed by a powerful chief, with the title of Attah, with whom a treaty was formed for the suppression of the slave-trade and of human sacrifices, and from whom also a tract of country was purchased for the establishment of a model-farm. About the 12th of September the stores, &c., for the model-farm were landed. In disembarking some heavy ironwork, the paddle-box boat of the 'Wilberforce' got adrift, and, owing to the strength of the current, filled and sunk in a deep part of the river, whence she could not be recovered. This was a very severe loss.

We now come to the most melancholy part of our story. Dr. Thomson thus writes on the 17th September:--"For the last three days the fever had been progressing rapidly in all the vessels, and in the little 'Soudan' only six persons were able to move about, and these showed evident proofs by depression of spirits and lassitude--that the dreadful climate was too surely doing its work. Lieut. Ellis, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Waters, and several of her crew, were still in a most dangerous state. On board the 'Albert,' Mr. Nightingale, the assistant surgeon, was at the point of death; and several in the 'Wilberforce' in almost as hopeless a state. The scenes at night were most agonizing. Nothing but muttering delirium, or suppressed groans were heard on every side on board the vessels, affording a sad contrast to the placid character of the river and its surrounding scenery. Nearly every person, even the unattacked, complained of the enervating feeling of the climate. One day Mr. Collman, the acting assistant-surgeon, was desired by Commander Bird Allen to go on board the 'Amelia' tender as medical officer. He burst into tears; and, on being asked the reason, he replied, it was from involuntary weakness, produced by the climate. It also appeared afterwards that he had, during a little repose snatched from his duties, been disheartened by a feverish dream of his home and family."