'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎120] (139/622)

120
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY,
in towards Seerah Island, piloted by Commander Haines, and
followed by the 6 Cruiser,' towing the mortar-boat, the enemy
opened fire with musketry and several large guns, but the
4 Coote' and transports not having come up, Captain Smith
hauled off and anchored for the night. On the following morn
ing, the whole of the ships having arrived, the signal was made
to prepare to attack, and for the troops to be held in readiness
for landing in two divisions. At 9.30, the 4 Volage' anchored
with a spring on her bower cable, at about three hundred yards'
distance from the lower battery on the northern side of the
Island of Seerah, and at the same time the 'Mahi' took up a
position on the southern side. Both ships opened a heavy fire
on this formidable work, and also on the Round Tower and
batteries on the heights, to which the enemy replied with spirit
from all their batteries; but, owing to the vessels being laid
close to the shore, most of the shot passed over them. At
10 a.m., the 6 Cruiser' anchored near the 6 Vol age,' and, soon
after, the 4 Coote' opened her guns on the southern side. Thus
the fire was kept up, the Queen's ships on one side, and those
of the Company on the other, the seamen working their guns
in generous rivalry, and cheering as the rapid and effective fire
brought dowai the solid masonry in heavy masses. " In a short
time," says Captain Smith, 44 two of the guns in the lower
battery w T ere dismounted, and most of the people were driven
from the remainder ; they, however, took shelter behind the
ruins of the battery, and kept up an incessant fire of musketry
upon the ships, and although the lower battery was almost
knocked to pieces, still we had great difficulty in dislodging the
men. At this period, I directed the fire to be opened on the
Round Tow'er and batteries on the heights, which were filled
with men armed with matchlocks, and in the course of an hour,
I had the satisfaction to see this Tower, though sixty feet high
and strongly built, a mass of ruins."
The fire of the lower battery continuing. Captain Smith directed
the 4 Mahi' to drive the enemy from behind it by musketry.
44 This service," says Captain Smith, 44 was performed by her
Commander, Lieutenant Daniell, in a most gallant manner;
but, I regret to say, that Mr. Nisbett, midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. , was
severely wounded." Nothing could exceed the spirit and
dash with which Lieutenant Daniell acted on this occasion,
and he was gallantly seconded by his officers and men,
w 7 ho, though but a handful, acted like heroes. He first
ordered the soldiers below, and then, with his two officers,
Lieutenant Hamilton and Mr. Nisbett, by his side, and two or
three men to work the schooner, the rest being at the guns,
steered his small craft right up to the work. On approaching,
he fired a couple of broadsides, and then 44 boarded" the battery
before the Arabs could divine his purpose. The enemy were