Chapter VIII: Part 8

On the 18th of September the number of sick had increased to 60, and death had done fearful execution among them. Captain Trotter at first proposed sending the sick to enjoy the pure air at the summit of Mount Patteh; but ultimately decided on despatching them to the sea in the 'Soudan,' under command of Lieut. Fishbourne. A consultation of the Commissioners was held, at which Captain W. Allen and Mr. Cook earnestly recommended that the whole expedition should return to the sea on account of the malaria, which would assuredly ascend from the low grounds, as the falling waters, after the cessation of the rains, left them exposed to the heat of the sun. Captain Trotter and Commander Bird Allen, supported by the medical opinion of Dr. M'William, were of opinion that, by ascending higher up the river, a more healthy climate would be reached. They were also powerfully influenced by their earnest desire to carry out the object of the expedition; and undaunted by the dangers and difficulties before them, these brave men determined to proceed.

All the sick among the crews were informed that they might return to the sea in the 'Soudan,' but the greater number replied that they would stick to their ships to the last. The number of fever cases increasing on board the 'Wilberforce,' Commander William Allen, with a moral courage not inferior to that of his brother officers, from his former experience of the river, urged Captain Trotter to allow him also to carry his ship back to the sea. This request could not be refused, and accordingly, on the 20th, the two vessels separated, the 'Albert' to proceed up the river, and the 'Wilberforce, with nearly all sick on board, to return to the coast. Of all the officers who left England in the gun-room of the 'Albert,' but two only, Drs. M'William and Stanger remained, while the numbers of her crew also were sadly diminished; still, with unflinching courage, they continued their progress. In a very few days Commander Bird Allen and Lieut. Stenhouse were taken ill, and one of the engineers and a seaman were placed on the sick-list; to them were added shortly Mr. Fairholme and Mr. Webb, mates. On anchoring off Muye, which is in the territory of the Attah of Iddah, a canoe belonging to the chief came off with three slaves on board, a boy and two women. It was found that they had been purchased after the signature of the treaty. A trial being held, Captain Trotter instantly released them, and having clothed them properly, they were conveyed in safety to Fernando Po, where the lad was apprenticed to a carpenter, and the women placed under proper care, all showing the greatest gratitude for the treatment they had received.

On the 27th, John Fuge, an able seaman, died, and on the following day, soon after the ship anchored at Egga, the remaining engineer was taken ill, while several of the patients were in a very low condition.

A tornado came on, and was welcomed by all on board. George Syme, quarter-master, was added to the number of the dead in the evening. As the ship went on her course, her numbers slowly and hourly thinning, still her work of Christian love proceeded. At Egga the women unhesitatingly brought their children on board to be vaccinated. Today "James Macaulay, one of the Nufi interpreters engaged at Sierra Leone accidentally met with his sister in the streets of Egga. This man had been enslaved and sold 20 years before, when he was sent down to the coast. Her object in coming on board was to see if Captain Trotter could intercede with the Filatahs in her behalf, as they had lately carried off two of her children to Sokatu." Alas, that an undertaking which might have proved a blessing to thousands of the helpless sons of Africa should, by the inscrutable designs of Providence, have been denied success! All we can feel is, that He who rules all things has appointed some other means to accomplish it, which He will show us at the chosen season; or, rather let us believe, that it is a work by which he will try the sincerity of the Christian and philanthropist warrior. He shows us clearly the difficulties to be overcome, and says, "For my sake rise and conquer them."

EXPEDITION COMPELLED TO RETURN.

"On the 3rd of October," writes the undaunted Dr. M'William, "our hopes of penetrating further into the interior received a finishing blow. Our arduous, enterprising, and kind chief, who was complaining yesterday, has now unmistakable symptoms of fever. Commander Bird Allen lies in a very critical state, and upwards of 20 others of our companions are completely prostrated; in short, of the whites at all fit for duty there remain only one seaman, the serjeant, and one private of marines; John Huxley, sick attendant; John Duncan, master-at-arms; Mr. Willie, mate; Dr. Stanger, and myself. Mr. Willie, I fear, is not altogether well. How unfortunate is this! To be arrested, as it were, at the very threshold of this fine country, where the mountain ranges--tabular, rounded, and of all forms--seen afar, rising majestically on the clear horizon, invite us with all the interest and attraction that belong to unknown regions.

"Those only who were with Captain Trotter from first to last in the expedition, and had an opportunity of observing with what unceasing zeal, what untiring energy, he devoted himself to its grand objects, can form an idea of the painful sacrifice stern necessity compelled him to make when he issued the order to turn the vessel's head downwards, and relinquished designs which his benevolent mind had so long and so ardently cherished."

On the 5th communications were opened with the King of Buddah, to interest him in stopping the slave-trade. On the 6th Mr. Willie was too ill to take any charge on deck, so Dr. Stanger undertook to work the engines, with some assistance from Mr. Brown, the only engineer able to move; while Dr. M'William attended to the navigation of the ship, in addition to his duties with the sick. Captain B. Allen and Lieut. Stenhouse were both dangerously ill. Several times the vessel touched the ground, but got off without injury. Our narrative is melancholy, but it is instructive. It affords a fine example of the undaunted and persevering spirit which animates the bosoms of both officers and seamen in the navy.

On the 8th of October Dr. M'William writes, "Last night, about twelve o'clock, while snatching a few minutes' sleep on one of the gun-room lockers, I was awoke by a splash in the water, followed by a loud scream. Hushing on deck, I found, to my horror, that Mr. Wilmett, one of the sick officers, who had been delirious for some days, had contrived, notwithstanding that he was watched by two black men, to push back the slide of his cabin-window and to jump overboard. While the boat was being lowered, William Guy, a Gambia man, and Tom Osmond, a Kruman, leaped into the river and swam after him. Every one who could manage to crawl was instantly on deck. It was pitch-dark, and the cries of the poor fellow becoming more and more feeble as he was being carried rapidly down the river by the force of the current, broke dismally the dead silence of the night, and filled us all with the most fearful anticipations as to his fate. No one moved or spoke; the attention of everyone was kept painfully on the rack as the hollow sound of the oars in the rullocks, gradually becoming more distinct, denoted that the boat was returning. At length, after being kept in a state of torturing anxiety for 20 minutes, we again began to breathe freely when she came alongside with our shipmate, whom we had all but given up for lost. The Africans, guided by Willmett's cries, had followed him close, but did not come up with him until they were a mile below the ship. They contrived to hold him on until the boat dropped down and picked them up." We are glad to say, that the two brave Africans received the diploma and honorary silver medallion from the Royal Humane Society of London.

The following day another sufferer from fever, Mr. Lodge, the second engineer, in a fit of delirium, unfortunately succeeded in evading the observation of the sick attendants and the officers near him, and, jumping overboard, was drowned. In this manner, day after day, the numbers of the hapless crew continuing to thin, the vessel descended the stream under the anxious guidance of the two medical officers. On reaching the model-farm, all the Europeans were found suffering from sickness on board the 'Amelia,' and even Mr. Carr was ill on shore. Captain Trotter, therefore, took all the whites on board the 'Albert,' leaving the 'Amelia' and the farm in charge of some intelligent negroes. On sailed the death ship! How she was found we shall have to recount.

We left the 'Wilberforce' on the 21st September, about to part company from the 'Albert,' and to follow the plague-stricken 'Soudan' down the river. Captain William Allen being very unwell, Lieut. Strange took charge of the navigation of the 'Wilberforce,' which he conducted with great skill, and the vessel rapidly descended the river. Among other difficulties the Krumen had to contend with was, obtaining wood sufficiently dry to burn in the stoves, and sometimes it was so green that it would hardly get up the steam.

How different were the feelings of the crew on their return through the narrow and winding reaches to those they experienced on their way up. Then the elasticity of health and hope gave to the scenery a colouring of exceeding loveliness. The very silence and solitude had a soothing influence, which invited to meditation and pleasing anticipations for the future. Now it was the stillness of death, broken only by the strokes and echoes of the paddle-wheels, and the melancholy song of the leadsmen, which seemed the knell and dirge of their dying comrades. The palm-trees, before so graceful in their drooping leaves, were now gigantic hearse-like plumes.

At length, on the 25th, they anchored just inside Cape Nun, where they might enjoy the advantage of the sea-breeze; but on the following day, Sunday, poor Mr. Cyrus Wakeham breathed his last, and of the whole ship's company fourteen only were able to attend divine service, performed in the captain's cabin.

On the 30th, on their way to Fernando Po, Mr. Green, the second master, and a stoker, were taken ill, and they had now only one officer, Lieut. Strange, and one engineer, doing duty. The little 'Soudan' was there found in even a worse condition. It had been Captain Trotter's desire, that as soon as she had landed the sick on board, she should return to his assistance. On leaving the confluence on the 19th September, she had on board sixteen cases of fever from the 'Albert,' and six from the 'Wilberforce,' making with her own crew on the lists upwards of forty cases. Lieut. Fishbourne had charge of her, and Assistant-Surgeon Stirling was sent on board to assist Mr. Thomson. At this time nearly all the white men, and even some of the coloured West Indians, were laid down with fever, leaving only Mr. Sidney and four men able to do duty. Of this number fortunately two were stokers, and had some little knowledge of the management of the engines. Every place on deck and below was crowded with sick, either worn out and exhausted by the continuance of fever, or in the more active and excited stages.

In the commander's cabin were two officers, Lieut. Ellis and Mr. Marshall; in the gun-room, Lieut. Harston and Mr. Waters, clerk in charge; forward were two engineers in their cabins, and Mr. Belam, master, in the small midshipmen's berth; while the foremost compartment and decks were hung over with the cots and hammocks of the sufferers the latter under proper awnings, but so thickly stowed, that when administering remedies and food, it was necessary to pass or step from one over the other. On the 20th, the only remaining executive officer, Mr. Sidney, a quarter-master, and a marine, were added to the sick-list, so that all the duty of the ship fell on Lieut. Fishbourne. On the 21st Mr. Marshall, the acting surgeon, died, and Mr. Waters and Lewis Wolfe soon after followed him. Lieut. Strange was now put in command of the 'Soudan,' with orders to get her ready for sea as soon as possible, in order to proceed to the assistance of Captain Trotter. Fortunately a small merchant steamer, the 'Ethiope,' commanded by Mr. Beecroft, an old veteran of the coast, came in, and was engaged to proceed in search of the 'Albert.' On the 9th of October, the 'Wilberforce' put to sea, bound for Ascension, more like a wreck than a ship-of-war, with her coals yet not stowed away below. Her only officer was Commander W. Allen, and an engineer lent from the 'Pluto,' assisted by one of the remaining stokers, who was fortunately able to work the engine; and there were only two seamen, and a very few marines or idlers, able to do duty. The 'Pluto,' however, kept them company. Death had not yet deserted them, and Serjeant Cuthberton, of the Marines, expired on the 12th. At the island of Annobone they spent a week, and most of the crew recovered sufficiently to do duty. Lieut. Fishbourne and Mr. Bowden were now sent back in the 'Pluto' to rejoin the 'Albert,' as, should they succeed in falling in with her, Captain Trotter would find their services of use.

The 'Soudan' meantime, under command of Lieut. Strange, sailed on the 9th for the river Nun. Having but one person on board who understood the engine--a stoker from the 'Pluto'--and his knowledge being superficial, the machinery often came to a sudden stand-still, and against a head-sea and wind the vessel made but slow progress.

On the 13th there was a long delay on account of some derangement of the engine; however, after the loss of some hours, it was put in order, and on the morning of the 16th the 'Soudan was just going over the bar into the Nun, when the 'Ethiope' and 'Albert' were perceived coming out. It was a lovely morning, and the scenery about the river looked very beautiful, affording a sad contrast to the dingy and deserted look of the 'Albert,'

Many were, of course, the painful surmises as to the fate of those on board. On approaching, however, the melancholy truth was soon told. The fever had been doing its direst work; several were dead, many dying, and of all the officers, but two, Drs. M'William and Stanger, were able to move about. The former presented himself, and waved his hand; and one emaciated figure was seen to be raised up for a second. This was Captain Trotter, who, in his anxiety to look at the 'Soudan' again, had been lifted out of his cot. Little more than two months had elapsed since the 'Albert' entered that river with an enterprising crew, full of life and buoyant with bright hopes of accomplishing the objects in which all had so ardently engaged, and now, alas! how changed those brave and gallant spirits!--many in their graves, others dying, and all suffering from disease! If any of the few who afterwards called in question the enduring courage of those employed in the expedition had been there, such a picture might have repressed their unfeeling expressions.

Those two brave medical officers, Drs. M'William and Stanger, were almost worn out when the 'Albert' was met with by Captain Beecroft, to whose prompt and noble conduct their preservation was, under Providence, owing. The 'Albert' reached Clarence Cove, Fernando Po, in safety; but, alas! here several more of her officers died. The first was Mr. Willie, mate. The fever had seized him when all the other executive officers were sick; and feeling how much depended on his exertions, he continued at his duty in spite of the remonstrances of his medical friends, and it was only when strength and reason forsook him that he yielded. On the 25th, to the deep regret of all, died the brave and persevering Commander Bird Allen; and on the 28th Lieut. David Hope Stenhouse breathed his last. Many other brave men followed them to their graves.

Captain Trotter continued much debilitated, while anxiety for all the past distressing events preyed on his mind. Yet he never lost sight of those intrusted to his care: his own sufferings seemed to be altogether forgotten in his anxiety for the welfare of the expedition, and in the hope of yet being able to carry out the great design of its originators. The medical officers, however, were of opinion that on his return to England depended the preservation of his life. Accordingly, on the 22nd he embarked in the 'Warree' schooner, to the great regret of all he left behind.

SECOND ATTEMPT TO ASCEND THE NIGER.

Information having been received by Commander William Allen, now the senior officer of the expedition, that Mr. Carr had been murdered by the natives on ascending the river, and that the people at the model-farm were in danger of an attack, he resolved to proceed at once to the Nun.

Several officers on board the 'Wilberforce' volunteered to renew their services up the river, and thus again to undergo all the dangers they had lately escaped. Accordingly Lieut. Ellis was appointed to command the 'Soudan,' and under him were Lieut. Webb, Messrs. Sidney and Fairholme, mates, and J. B. H. Thomson, surgeon. She had been left at Fernando Po, where, after much labour, she was got ready for sea. Just, however, as the expedition was about to sail, H.M. steamer 'Driver' arrived on her way to China; and though she brought no despatches to guide Captain Allen, a newspaper she had on board contained a speech of Lord Stanley's, in which he remarked that it was not the intention of Her Majesty's Government to renew the exploration of the river on account of the risk to the white men. Captain Allen, therefore, determined to await instructions from England before he commenced the ascent of the river. Meantime the 'Wilberforce' and 'Soudan' were employed in surveying the coast, in visiting places for the purpose of inducing the chiefs to suppress the slave-trade, in endeavouring to win their affections, and in encouraging commerce. All Captain Allen's plans were formed, and his officers and crews had resolved cheerfully to undergo the terrific dangers they had before escaped in the execution of their duty, when, on the 24th June, H.M. steamer 'Kite,' Lieut. Gooch, arrived with despatches, stopping all further proceedings. Captain Allen was, however, directed to send one of the steamers, with a black crew, and only the number of white officers absolutely necessary to navigate her, to bring away the people and property from the model-farm. For this service the following officers at once bravely volunteered:--Lieut. W. H. Webb; Mr. J. H. E. Webb, clerk, Mr. Hensman, acting assistant-surgeon; Mr. J. Waddington. boatswain; Mr. Henry Davey, carpenter; Messrs. W. Johnston, Cross, and H. Collins, engineers. Mr. Webb selected 40 of the best Krumen to follow him, and among them was Captain Allen's faithful Jack Smoke.

On Sunday, the 26th, the captain performed divine service for his crew, and his officers dined with him afterwards; and on the 2nd July, having embarked in the 'Kite,' he saw the 'Wilberforce' over the bar, when she was lost to sight in a storm of rain. The remaining officers and crews who had composed the expedition then sailed in the 'Kite' for England.

Arrangements were made that a ship-of-war should be off the Nun, to afford any assistance to the 'Wilberforce' which she might require. The difficulties of the navigation were considerable, and as the 'Wilberforce' ascended the river she grounded several times, and was not got off without much labour. The most serious accident happened on the 12th of July, when she struck on a reef, which penetrated into the boatswain's storeroom. It was found necessary to send for the 'Amelia,' which had been left at the model farm, that some of the stores might be removed to her. After several days' labour, the damage was repaired, and she proceeded towards the confluence. Sickness, however, now began to show itself, Mr. Davey, carpenter, and Mr. Johnstone, chief-engineer, were first attacked, and Mr. Cameron, the second-engineer, was next taken ill, so that Mr. Collins, at last, alone remained to work the engines.

On reaching the model-farm, Lieut. Webb found that about twenty acres had been got into cultivation, and twelve mud huts and part of the model-farm-house had been erected. The settlers had, however, behaved far from well.

Mr. Hensman, acting assistant-surgeon, offered to remain six months to govern the settlement; but, Lieut. Webb, feeling that little permanent advantage would be derived from continuing the model-farm for so short a time longer, resolved to remove the people and their property, and to abandon it. This was accordingly done. On the way down, an attempt was made by a black chief, King Obi, to entrap Lieut. Webb, while visiting the shore. This was providentially frustrated by his courage and presence of mind. Some blacks had come on board, to lull suspicion, at the time, and these being captured, from their confessions there remained little doubt that Mr. Carr had been murdered on his way up, for the sake of the clothes and other property he had with him. On the 17th May, the 'Wilberforce' happily crossed the bar of the Nun, and proceeded to Fernando Po. All the whites were suffering from fever, and two fell victims to it--Mr. J. H. Webb, clerk in charge, a most enterprising young officer, and Mr. Waddington, boatswain, a noble specimen of a British seaman--active, daring, and good-natured. The 'Wilberforce,' in consequence of the injuries she had received, proceeded at once to England, and arrived at Plymouth, 17th November, 1842.

The conduct of Lieut. Webb, whose proceedings had been marked with so much energy, courage, and zeal, was approved of both by the Admiralty and the Foreign Office, and will probably not be overlooked in future service.

Thus terminated an expedition, which, had not the most deadly of climates opposed itself to it, must, from the determination and the zeal of all concerned, have been fully successful.

WARFARE ON THE RIVERS LA PLATA AND PARANA.

BATTLE OF THE PARANA,

November 20th, 1845.

On the eastern shores of South America, and to the south of the Brazils, will be found the mouth of the mighty river La Plata, with the city of Monte Video on the northern shore, and Buenos Ayres some way up on the southern. At the time to which we are about to refer, Juan Manuel de Rosas had, in the confusion which was created after the Declaration of Independence, by the South American states, worked his way up to power in that of La Plata. With a devoted army of gauchos, the wild horsemen of the Pampas, he took possession of Buenos Ayres, and afterwards assisted the butcher Orribe, in his attempt to make himself master of Monte Video, the capital of the Banda Oriental.[1]

Now, by an old treaty, the English, and French Governments had guaranteed the integrity of the Banda Oriental, and, accordingly, Rosas was ordered by these governments to withdraw his troops from the territory. As he did not do so, his squadron, assisting at the siege of Monto Video, was taken from him, and a blockade of the territory over which he held sway was proclaimed about the middle of 1845.

The province of Corrientes, which had revolted from him, and was under the government of General Maderiaga, and the independent province of Paraguay, had combined to overthrow the power of Rosas. He, in return, to harass and annoy them, had closed the outlets of their rivers, so as to put an effectual stop to all their foreign commerce.

An English and French squadron were off Monte Video, when this state of things having continued for some time, it was resolved to open up the channel of commerce, by sending an expedition to force the Parana.

Rear-Admiral Inglefield was Commander-in-Chief, with his flag on board the 'Vernon.' The French squadron was commanded by Admiral Lainé. The command of the English force was given to Captain Charles Hotham, of Her Majesty's steam-frigate 'Gorgon,' and he had under him, 'Firebrand,' steam-frigate, Captain J. Hope; 'Philomel,' surveying-brig, Commander B. J. Sulivan; 'Comus,' 18 guns, Acting-Commander E. A. Inglefield; 'Dolphin,' brigantine, Lieut. R. Levinge; 'Fanny,' tender, Lieut. A. C. Key.

The French force was under Capt. Trèhouhart, of the 'San Martin,' 10 guns, with the steamer, 'Fulton,' 2 guns; 'Expeditive,' 16 guns; 'Pandour,' 10; and 'Procida,' 4 guns.

Strong gales prevented the squadron meeting at the appointed rendezvous, off the Guassu (one of the mouths of the Parana), so soon as was expected, and consequently they did not begin to ascend till the 8th of November. On the 18th the expedition arrived within three miles of the defences General Rosas had caused to be thrown up on the right bank of the Parana at Punta Obligado, to oppose their progress. This spot was about 30 miles below the river San Nicholas, and 100 from the mouth of the river.

At daylight the following morning the two Captains reconnoitred the position of the enemy, and soon discovered that great military skill had been evinced, both in the ground chosen and the plan of defence pursued. Four batteries had been erected; two on heights 60 feet from the water-line, and two in the intervening valley, the whole mounting 22 pieces of ordnance, 32, 28, 24, 18, and 12 pounders, and, with the exception of a small open space, were backed by thick woods; three heavy chains, supported by 24 vessels, were extended across from the mainland to the island; astern of these lay 10 fire-vessels, and the west end of the chains was defended by an Argentine schooner-of-war, carrying six guns. The river at this point is 800 yards wide, and the current runs three miles an hour.

Captains Hotham and Trèhouhart also gained information from various sources that 3,500 men (cavalry, infantry, and artillery) were collected, so that it was evident that the enemy had resolved to make a determined resistance, and that there would be an abundance of work to be performed.

The two Captains, having completed their reconnaissance, agreed on their plan of attack. It was as follows:--The ships were to form in two divisions; the north, under the direction of Capt. Trèhouhart, to be composed of the 'San Martin,' Capt. Trèhouhart; 'Comus,' Acting-commander Inglefield; 'Pandour,' Lieut. Du Paie; 'Dolphin,' Lieut. E. Levinge.

The south division was placed under the command of Commander Sulivan, and composed of the 'Philomel,' Commander Sulivan; 'Expeditive,' Lieut. Miniac; 'Fanny' (hired armed), Lieut. Key; 'Procida,' Lieut. Maria de la Pinzêre. These divisions were to anchor on the north and south shores at a distance of 700 yards from No. 1 Battery.

The steamers 'Gorgon,' Capt. C. Hotham; 'Fulton,' Lieut. Mazeres; and 'Firebrand,' Capt. J. Hope, were to anchor at a distance of 1,500 yards from the farthest battery. The morning of the 20th broke dark and foggy, but about 8 A.M. the weather cleared, and a southerly breeze sprang up. At a quarter to nine the southern division weighed, and with a light breeze stood towards the batteries, followed shortly afterwards by the 'San Martin' and 'Comus.' The 'Dolphin' and 'Pandour' had previously anchored on the north shore. Two of the 'Dolphin's' crew, R. Rowe, gunner's mate, and W. Ross, caulker's mate, though severely wounded, refused to leave their quarters till the day was won.

At about ten minutes before ten the batteries commenced the action by opening a heavy fire on the 'Philomel' and the southern division, which Commander Sulivan speedily returned with interest. On this occasion the gallant Lieut. Doyle, of the 'Philomel,' had his arm shot away, and for some time his life was despaired of; but, notwithstanding the agony of his wound, he still showed his interest in the progress of the action. On this the 'Dolphin' weighed, to support the ships in action, but as some of her sails were shot away before she could reach her appointed station, the current drove her astern, and compelled her to anchor; Lieut. Levinge, however, contrived to place her in a position where her guns did good execution; she, however, was unavoidably exposed all the time to a tremendous shower of shot, shell, grape, and rockets, which came flying over her. During it several of her people were wounded, and Mr. G. Andrews, clerk in charge, was unhappily killed, while assisting the surgeon in his duties to the wounded.

The remaining ships of the north division were gallantly led into action by the brave Capt. Trèhouhart, whose brig succeeded in reaching her appointed station. A terrific cannonade was now taking place, increasing as the ships, one after the other, got into action. It had, however, unfortunately the effect of making the wind fall light, and in consequence, the ships of the northern division having to contend with a current running three miles an hour, were compelled to anchor two cables short of the stations assigned to them. About this time the Spaniards cast loose the fire-vessels, chained two and two together, and as they came drifting down rapidly towards the squadron, the steamers kept moving about, to tow them clear, should they drift against any of the ships. Fortunately they did no harm, but till they had drifted past, the steamers could neither anchor nor open their fire. At about ten minutes to eleven the action became general, and the effect of the admirable gunnery practice, both of the English and French crews, was soon evident by the unsteadiness with which the enemy continued their fire; no men could, however, have fought more bravely than they did. No sooner had the fire from the British ships swept one set of men from their guns than they were replaced by others, compelled, if not determined of their own accord, to fight to the last. Their cavalry also hovered round the wood, and drove back those who attempted, as some did, to quit their guns. The action had continued with unmitigated fury on both sides, when, at half-past 12, the 'Argentine' schooner 'Republicano,' which guarded the chains laid across the river, blew up. On this Capt. J. Hope gallantly volunteered to pull up in his boat and cut the chain, so as to allow some of the squadron to pass up above the batteries. Instantly manning his boat, he pulled away to perform this hazardous exploit. He succeeded in cutting the chain without any casualty, and a passage being thus cleared, the 'Fulton' passed up the river and flanked the batteries. She was speedily followed by the 'Firebrand' and 'Gorgon.' The fire of the batteries had before this told most fearfully on the 'San Martin' and 'Dolphin.' The cable, indeed, of the French ship having been shot away, she dropped astern, with upwards of 100 shot-holes through her sides, and a number of her people killed and wounded. The 'Expeditive' and 'Comus' were now ordered to place themselves within musket-shot of the batteries, in order to assist the flanking fire of the steamers. This they did forthwith in a most dashing way, under a hot fire, by which the brave and gallant officer Lieut. C. Brickdale was killed. At length the fire from the batteries began to slacken, some of the guns being dismounted, and the gunners driven from the others; and at 4 P.M., an occasional shot only being fired, Capt. Hotham made the signal for the boats of the squadron, manned and armed, to rendezvous alongside the 'Gorgon' and 'Firebrand,' sending at the same time to the French commander, to propose that the remaining part of their plan, which was that they should land and storm the batteries, should be carried, into immediate execution. The officer who bore the message found Capt. Trèhouhart occupied in moving the French squadron close in to cover the landing; trusting, therefore, to the covering fire of the French ships, and knowing that Capt. Trèhouhart would follow with his division of seamen, Capt. Hotham landed with 180 blue-jackets and 145 marines, when, giving three hearty British cheers, they formed on the beach preparatory to making a rush up the hill. Commander Sulivan, who had under him the skirmishing party and light company of seamen, led the way up the hill, the rest quickly followed, and, as they reached the crest, they were received by a smart fire of musketry; the enemy were, however, quickly driven back before the bayonets of the marines, under the command of Capt. F. Hurdle, R.M., while, at the same time, the light company of seamen, under Lieut. A. C. Key, made a dash at the wood, which it was most important to possess, and carrying it in a few minutes, took possession of it. Shortly after this the French brigade landed, and the enemy taking to flight in all directions, little more remained to be done beyond spiking the guns and destroying the batteries. Captain Hope, after cutting the chain across the river, landed with Captain Hotham, and acted as his aid-de-camp throughout the day. So also did Lieut. J. E. W. Lawrence, of the Marine Artillery, who had exerted himself very much in drilling a brigade of seamen till they had become most efficient light troops, and capable, as Captain Hotham states, of resisting cavalry.

The French commander, Trèhouhart, behaved in the most gallant manner throughout the action, his brig being exposed all the time to a very hot fire, by which he lost many of his crew. The casualties of the French were, 17 killed, and 60 wounded.

The British casualties were as follows:--

Lieut. C. Brickdale, H.M. sloop 'Comus,' killed; Mr. G. Andrews, clerk in charge H.M. brigantine 'Dolphin,' killed; Lieut. C. Doyle, H.M.S. 'Philomel,' very severely wounded--lost arm; Mr. R. Warren, second-master of ditto; Mr. J. Gallagher, assistant-surgeon of ditto; Mr. T. Ellstob, assistant-clerk of ditto--all slightly wounded. Lieut. A. C. Key, 'Fanny,' tender, slightly wounded; 'Gorgon,' one seaman, one marine, one boy, slightly wounded; 'Firebrand,' one seaman killed, one seaman severely wounded; 'Philomel,' one seaman killed, two seamen, one boy very severely wounded, and two seamen slightly wounded; 'Comus,' one boy killed, two seamen slightly wounded; 'Dolphin,' three seamen and one boy killed, six seamen severely wounded, two seamen slightly wounded. Total, 9 killed, 24 wounded.

When we consider the small size of the vessels employed, and the light weight of their metal brought up to oppose immensely strong stone batteries, with heavy guns posted on the summit of perpendicular cliffs, this action may take rank as one of the most gallant on record.

In consequence of it, Captain C. Hotham was made a Commander of the Order of the Bath, Commander B. J. Sulivan was posted, and Lieuts. Inglefield, Levinge, Doyle, and Key, were made commanders; R. Howe, gunner's mate, was made a gunner; and W. Ross, caulker's mate, was made a warrant officer; both of whom, though severely wounded, had refused to quit their quarters till the battle was over.

Two ships of war being left to prevent the enemy offering any obstruction to the navigation of the Parana, the squadron proceeded to convoy a fleet of merchantmen up the river.

[1] The following extract from a letter, written by an officer of the squadron, will more clearly explain the state of affairs:--

"It is somewhat difficult to describe correctly the precise causes of the fratricidical war which for so long devastated those liberated Spanish Provinces of South America, the Argentine and Oriental Republics. It would be even still more difficult to state what were the aims of the combatants; for when questioned themselves on the subject, each man had a specific cause of complaint, and a specific remedy for the evils they wished to cure. The different causes of this wretched condition may be resolved into one--the misgovernment of the mother-country, which causing them to throw off their allegiance to her, left them without a recognized ruler; the bad education, or rather the entire want of it, the result of which has been a general moral and and political profligacy, discord, and confusion. On looking at the map of South America, the magnificent river of Parana will be seen running a course of many hundred miles nearly north and south before it falls into the river Plate, and has on the east side the provinces of Paraguay, Entre Rios, and Banda Oriental; and on the west and south those of Santa Fe and Buenos Ayres, comprised under the general name of La Plata. These provinces the Buenosarian President, General Rosas, wished to unite in one Confederation with himself, nominally as President, but doubtlessly as Dictator or Emperor. The party opposing him called themselves Unitarios, professing to wish to unite all of them into one state; and for this slight difference of opinion, they for many years were employed to the utmost of their power in knocking each other on the head. The Buenosarian forces having blockaded Monte Video, and shut up or captured some French merchantmen, the French sent a squadron to take satisfaction, and to open up the commerce of the Plate. The English soon followed their example, but Rosas boldly set their power at defiance: the combined squadron, however, were always successful in their operations, and fought their way with convoys of merchantmen many hundreds of miles up the river Parana. In England, when speaking of a river, one thinks of such respectable little streams as the Thames or the Rhine, but we must remember that everything in America is on a gigantic scale: estates are measured by square leagues instead of by acres: herds of cattle and horses are counted by thousands; trees are upwards of a hundred feet high; and rivers are many miles broad and thousands in length. This will enable us to understand the possibility of making a trip of three or four hundred miles up a river, such as the Parana.

DESTRUCTION OF THE 'CHACABUCO.'

Information having been conveyed to the two captains, that a war-schooner, the 'Chacabuco,' and two gun-boats, belonging to General Rosas, were at anchor in the Arroyo del Paebon, Captain Hotham directed the 'Firebrand,' in company with the French vessel the 'Fulton,' to go in search of them, and to destroy them.

Accordingly, on the 24th November, the 'Firebrand,' taking the 'Fulton' in tow, proceeded on that service. On arriving at the mouth of the Paebon, Captain Hope discovered that there was not water sufficient to enable his ship to get up it. Taking, therefore, three boats and fifty men, he started in pursuit of the schooner, which he found had gone up the river. On his way up he learned, from an intelligent native, that the whole force of the enemy collected to protect the schooner, amounted to no less than 250 men, and that below where she lay, a strong iron chain was drawn across the river; so that he could not hope to take her by surprise. This was very vexatious, but as he would have risked the destruction of all his people, without anything like an adequate benefit to be gained, he very wisely returned.

At his request, however, Captain Hotham again despatched him by another channel to intercept the schooner, should she venture to attempt escaping by it.

This she did before long, and the 'Firebrand' would soon have caught her, had not the windings of the river enabled the people on her decks to descry the approach of the English vessel, at a considerable distance. The Spaniards soon saw that if they kept to the main stream the 'Firebrand' would overtake them, they accordingly commenced hauling the 'Chacabuco' up a narrow and shallow creek, by means of warps, manual labour, and horses. Captain Hope still pursued her as long as there was water to float the 'Firebrand;' but after a chase of sixty miles, she grounded. Captain Hope had now driven the schooner into a net, and was about to send his boats away to bring her out, when the enemy, convinced that they had no prospect of saving her, set fire to her, and blew her up. After this little affair, the squadron re-assembled at Punta de las Pedras. During the night of the 2nd, the enemy brought down four field-pieces, and opened a fire on them, but without doing any injury. On the 3rd, the squadron, on their passage up the Parana, passed the strong point of the Rosario, where they expected to meet with much opposition; but, instead of troops, a number of country people, women and children, were collected on the beach, to see the ships pass, and not an armed man was visible. Rosas, not yet knowing exactly what stuff British seamen are made of, contemplated the possibility, perhaps, of catching them all in his net, and of preventing them ever returning. Or, it is possible, that the lesson he had just received at Obligado made him unwilling again to interfere with them. However, as we shall see, he did attempt to stop them on their way down, whether or not he then thought of so doing. As the convoy proceeded up the river, the enemy took every opportunity of annoying them with their flying artillery, and as they possessed an unlimited supply of horses, this they were able to do whenever the channel of the river approached the shores of the Argentine Republic.

The most formidable position, however, on the whole river, was the cliffs, or barrancas, as they are called, of San Lorenzo. They run for several miles along the banks of the river, and are nearly perpendicular, with a perfectly level surface on their summit, along which artillery can travel without any impediment whatever. It is thus evident that flying artillery could be run to the edge of the cliff, and, after firing at the passing vessels, could again retire, without a chance of a shot in return, from the ships' guns.

To add to the difficulties of the passage, a strong current is always running down, so that sailing-vessels require a fresh breeze, and steamers have to put on all their power to go ahead.

ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE BATTERIES OF SAN LORENZO.

After the squadron and convoy had passed up, which they did without the loss of a single vessel or man, Rosas set to work to fortify the cliffs of San Lorenzo. This he did in the most effectual way in his power, by throwing up large works of earth, and in collecting guns from every direction, and also in training his men to the use of them. He had plenty of time to effect these objects, as the squadron was detained some time at Corrientes, while the merchantmen were disposing of their cargoes, and collecting fresh ones to to take back in return. May 1846, indeed, had arrived, before the different vessels of the convoy had settled all their affairs, and, to the number of 110, were ready to descend the river.

In the mean time a constant communication had been kept up with the Admiral at Monte Video by the men-of-war, which had on each occasion to run the gauntlet of the batteries, and, in some instances, with severe loss: their commanders at the same time affording a noble display of gallantry in obeying the orders they had received. Commander Sulivan, among others, made himself very conspicuous by the accurate knowledge he possessed of the river, which enabled him to pilot the ships up without risk.

The 'Philomel' having been despatched from Corrientes to Monte Video, as she approached the batteries of San Lorenzo, Commander Sulivan made preparations to pass them. Knowing that he could pass under the cliffs, he judged it best to hug them as closely as possible, lest any guns should already be mounted. Having made a barricade of hammocks and bags for the helmsman, he sent all hands below to be out of harm's way; he himself only and his first-lieutenant remaining on deck to con the brig. Slowly and silently the little vessel drew near the point of danger. A light and favourable air filled her sails, and almost grazing the perpendicular cliff, she glided slowly by. When the brig was close under the first battery, the enemy opened their fire at her, but so near was she to the cliffs, that they could not sufficiently depress their guns to touch her decks: their lowest shot going through the boom mainsail, four or five feet above the hammock-netting. They continued their ineffectual fire till the gallant little 'Philomel' was quite clear and out of range.

H.M. steamer 'Lizard,' H. M. Tylden, lieutenant, commanding, which was sent up the Parana on the 21st of April, was not so fortunate in escaping without damage. When about six miles from San Lorenzo, Lieut. Tylden observed that large batteries had been erected on a commanding point, and that the adjacent coast was lined with artillery and field-pieces. As the 'Lizard' approached the batteries, Lieut. Tylden ordered three ensigns to be hoisted, as a signal to the enemy that he intended to fight as long as his ship floated. At half-past eleven A.M., the northern batteries opened a heavy fire, and, on approaching nearer, the other batteries and artillery commenced a quick and well-directed fire also, which was returned by the 'Lizard' with rockets and her forecastle gun, until the rocket-stand was shot away, and the gun could no longer be elevated sufficiently to bear on the enemy. When the gallant commander found that the heavy shot, grape, and musketry were riddling his vessel from stem, to stern, he ordered the officers and men to go below, with the exception of those absolutely required on deck, in the hopes that they might thus escape injury. Scarcely, however, had they gone below, when two shot entered the gun-room, one of which killed Mr. Barnes, clerk in charge, and the other Mr. Webb, master's assistant. Two seamen also were killed, and Mr. Miller, assistant-surgeon, and three men were wounded. As the wind and current were against her, and there was a great deal of water in the hold, she made but slow progress, and it was not till 25 minutes past one P.M. that she got out of fire. She received 7 shot between wind and water, besides 9 cannon, 14 grape, and 41 musket balls, in the hull and bulwarks, and 7 cannon and grape in the funnel and steam-pipe; while her boats, mainmast, and rigging were shot through and through by cannon.

H.M. steamer 'Harpy,' E. H. B. Proctor, lieutenant, commanding, went up the river under similar circumstances on the 11th May. As she passed the forts of San Lorenzo, a galling fire of musketry, field-pieces, and other guns was opened on her within sixty yards. The fire was kept up on her for upwards of an hour; and as she passed slowly up the stream, she was followed by field-pieces and a large body of troops, who, remaining concealed, lined the banks, keeping up a constant fire of musketry. About ten minutes before she got clear of gun-shot range, her gallant commander was hit in the fleshy part of the right arm by a round shot. He immediately fell, and was carried below, when Mr. Bruce, mate, took charge of the ship; while Mr. Ward, second master, in the most cool and steady way, notwithstanding the tremendous fire to which she was exposed, attended to her steering. No other person on board the 'Harpy' was hit; but she was greatly cut up about the rigging, and received many musket balls and grape in her hull, funnel, topsails, and boats.

H.M. steam-sloop 'Alecto,' Commander F. W. Austen, had previously early in April gone up, towing three heavily-laden schooners against a current of three knots and a head wind. On approaching a place called Tonelero, a number of workmen were seen throwing up batteries, clearly for the purpose of annoying the convoy on their way down. Opening her fire on them, she soon put them to flight. She came up to the batteries on the morning of the 6th, with a strong wind and current against her, and the heavy schooners in tow. She had been accompanied all the way by a squadron of cavalry, who kept pace with her in an easy walk, halting every now and then. At two her crew went to quarters; and at forty minutes past two, having before fired a few shot, her three guns and rockets were got into full play. This was answered by the lower guns on the batteries with round shot, until she reached the narrowest part; when the enemy opened with round shot and grape together. Their guns were raking her at this time from head to stern, in such a way that none of her guns could be brought to bear in return. In this state she remained for twenty minutes, scarcely going a-head, and receiving the fire of seven eighteen-pounders, several of which were pointed down on her decks. During this time she fired away in return at the enemy, who appeared abreast of her, every round of grape and canister on board, and was then reduced to round shot. For a few minutes also she exchanged with them a sharp fire of musketry. She then went gradually a-head, and as the river widened, and the current decreased in strength, she drew out of shot, having been an hour and fifteen minutes under fire. Captain Austen, her commander, was the only person hurt, a spent grape-shot having struck him a severe blow on the thigh. Commander Mackinnon, then a lieutenant, who has written a most amusing account of the affair, says, "that in going into action the men appeared to take it as a matter of course; but as the plot thickened, and they warmed at the work, they tossed the long guns about like playthings, and indeed managed them in an admirable manner." This he attributes to the system taught on board the 'Excellent.' The crews of the Monte Vidian schooners were in a dreadful fright all the time, expecting to be sent to the bottom. On sounding the well on board the 'Alecto,' a considerable quantity of water was found in the hold. When search was made, a shot-hole was discovered forward between wind and water. This was speedily plugged. Just as she came in sight of the convoy, after her long and tedious voyage, she got on shore, and remained for some days before she was again floated off.

GALLANT EXPLOIT OF LIEUT. MACKINNON WITH HIS ROCKET
BATTERY AGAINST THE FORTS OF SAN LORENZO.

Santa Fe is situated on the east bank of the river. It is a place of some size, built partly at the foot, and partly on the side of a lofty hill, surrounded by _corrales_, where thousands of cattle are slaughtered, their hides and the tallow being shipped from the port, while vast flocks of vultures, carrion-crows, and other birds of prey, hover over them to consume the refuse beef which there are not human mouths sufficient to eat. As may be supposed, it is far from an agreeable place. The greater part of the English and French men-of-war were lying at Baxadar de Santa Fe, which was the appointed rendezvous of the merchantmen. Here the greater number having effected their object, collected towards the middle of May. The difficulty was now to get the convoy safely back past the batteries of San Lorenzo. Sir Charles Hotham had gone up to settle some diplomatic affairs with the Government of Corrientes, and on the 16th of May he returned in the 'Alecto.'

A plan had occurred to Lieut. Mackinnon of that ship by which the passage of the convoy might be facilitated; and having proposed it to Sir Charles Hotham, he, after a short consideration of its possibility, expressed his willingness to have it carried out, provided the ground was found as suitable as supposed.