'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎447] (466/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
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stationed up here had returned to Calcutta on the expiration of
their term of service, Assistant-Surgeon White, and Mr. Mid
shipman Mayo.
The following is the report of their operations, by Lieu
tenant-Colonel S. F. Hannay, Commanding the 1st Assam Li"ht
Infantry, dated Gowhatty, Pashee Ghat, 28th February, 1859 :
—"I have the honour to acquaint you that the Expedition*
under my command reached the vicinity of Pashee Ghlt on
Saturday, the 26th inst., and on Sunday morning, the 27th
inst., I proceeded from that point with a party to the attack of
Pashee and the adjoining Meyong Abor village of Romkang,
which was effectually carried out, and these two positions taken
and completely destroyed by four p.m., when I returned to the
camp established at Pashee Ghat. I beg to state that the
resistance made by the Abors to our advance was most ob
stinate and determined; which they were enabled to do, from
their thorough knowledge of the ground, their peculiar skill as
marksmen, and their formidable barricades and stockades,
eleven in number, from the river bank, nine of which the enemy
defended, and in three instances it was necessary to use a
12-pounder howitzer gun to open the way for the assault. The
enclosed list of killed and wounded (Europeans and Natives)
will show that we had to contend against a formidable enemy,
armed with a powerful weapon in skilful hands; the strong
nature of the defences keeping the attacking party unavoid
ably exposed, not only to the fire from the front, but from both
flanks, and from trees and heights occupied by the enemy.
However, all went down before the gallantry of the troops.
The village of Romkang and three strong positions were car
ried at the point of the bayonet by our gallant band of Euro
peans, Indian Navy, and the advance guard under Lieutenants
Lewis and Davies, with Mr. Midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. Mayo. The position
of Pashee was taken by Major Reid and myself, the main body
of Native troops, with the local Artillery and a 12-pounder
howitzer gun. In such jungle positions, and with the pre
vailing practice of carrying their wounded, the loss of the
enemy cannot be ascertained; but they must have suffered con
siderably, particularly in the defences of Romkang, where the
conflict was hand-to-hand. I beg leave to express my utmost
satisfaction with the conduct of the troops engaged, European
and Native. I would especially notice for your information,
and that of the Right Honourable the Commander-in-chief, the
* Europeans, Indian Navy—Sixty-two men, three officers, one assistant-
surgeon. Assam Local Artillery—Thirty-five men, one European officer, two
12-pounders, two mortars. 1st Assam Light Infantry Battalion—one hundred
and sixty rank and file, one European officer, one European non-commissioned
officer. One hundred and fifty auxiliaries.