'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎140] (159/622)

140
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAYY.
before Captain Moresby's resignation, Captain Pepper, an old
and distinguished officer, resigned the post of senior officer at
Surat, from the 1st of January, 1841, and proceeded to England
for the benefit of his health. On this occasion the Governor in
Council, under date the 29th of December, 1840, took the
opportunity of recording the "high sense he entertained of
Captain Pepper's valuable services in the various offices he has
filled during his long professional career."
In 1840 war broke out with China, and a large fleet and
army were despatched thither, a great portion of the latter
being drawn from the three Presidencies. The 6 Queen,' a
steamer built at Northfleet for the Bengal Government From c. 1758-1858, the East India Company's administration in Bengal. From 1773-1833, the most senior of the three subdivisions of India, also known as the Supreme Government of India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. , at the
same time as the ' Cleopatra' and 4 Sesostris,' and which ulti
mately was brought into the Indian Navy, and the 'Mada
gascar/ also a steamer, were despatched to China by the
Supreme Government, and the Indian Navy was most
efficiently represented by the 4 Atalanta,' and, at a later
period of hostilities, by a fine squadron of steamers, the
6 xluckland,' 4 Sesostris,' 4 Akbar,' 4 Memnon,' 6 Medusa,' and
4 Ariadne.'
The 4 Atalanta'only arrived from sea on the 9th of April,
1840, w 7 hen she was immediately fitted with heavy guns, and
Commander T E. Rogers placarded Bombay for 44 fifty young
and active sailors," to fill up his complement of European
seamen. The 4 Atalanta' sailed on the 28th of April, and
arrived off Canton river on the 20th of June, in company with
the 4 Wellesley,' bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Sir
J. J. Gordon Bremer, and H.M.'s ships 4 Cruiser,' 4 Algerine,'
and 4 Rattlesnake,' with eighteen transports, having troops on
board. The Bocca Tigris was blockaded, and, on the 28th of
June, Admiral Elliot, Commander-in-chief, arrived in the 4 Mel
ville,' seventy-four guns. The first operation was the capture
of Chusan, on the 5th of July, by Sir Gordon Bremer. The
'Atalanta,' which had been employed on the previous day re-
you propose to undertake on this side the isthmus of Suez, and in closing your
career in the Indian seas you may be justly proud of the prominent part you
have taken in the establishment of steam navigation between India and your
native country. To your distinguished labours as a maritime surveyor we are
indebted for the safe navigation of the Red Sea; to you it fell to establish the
first coal depot at Aden, you were the first to complete the direct line of commu
nication between England and Calcutta, and you have, in the splendid vessel we
are now leaving, kept up that communication uninterruptedly for a period 01
three years and a half. We are glad to learn that your valuable services are
likely to be continued to the Peninsular and Oriental Company, and you have our
best wishes that a more congenial climate may preserve you in health, and that
your career may be as successful in the European as it has hitherto been m the
Indian seas. And now, dear Captain Moresby, with our best wishes for the health
and happiness of yourself, your amiable lady, and your family,
" Believe us, very sincerely yours.'
(Appended were the signatures of eleven ladies and twenty-seven gentlemen.)