'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎260] (279/622)

260
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
accomplished our reconnaissance, I caused the Naval Brigade
to return to the river stockade; Sir John Cheape recalled the
Koyal Irish at the same time, and we burned the greater part
of the lower breastwork, leaving the larger and more valuable
timber on the beach, to be brought to Prome to-morrow, for the
use of the steamers. It is with much satisfaction that I have to
express my approbation of the zeal, good conduct, and bravery
of every officer and man of the force employed." Lieutenants
Lewis and Windus, of the 6 Sesostris,' were also specially re
ferred to.
On the 4th of November, Captain Loch, who was an officer
of great enterprise, was again engaged with the enemy. He
says:—" I landed with the seamen and marines noted below,*
stormed the heights of Akoukton, and captured five guns, de
fended by three hundred and fifty or four hundred men, yester
day afternoon between the hours of three and half-past five p.m.,
and I am happy to say without the loss of a man. The landing
was covered by the fire of the Hon. East India Company's
steamer'Medusa,'Lieutenant Fraser commanding, which was
so admirable, that to it I attribute our good fortune in being
able to ascend a narrow pathway, winding up the ridge of the
hill to the outer breastwork, every yard of which might have
been defended by a handful of men, screened from sight in the
dense underwood growing on either side, against any number
of assailants. We found a Burmese, wounded by a shell from
the steamers, lying in the entrenchment. He told me the
troops were before us, so on we went, and at last were met by
a partial fire, which, after an immediate and rapid charge, was
never renewed, nor could we again see the enemy through the
jungle everywhere as thick as a bramble bush. The guns were
loaded and primed, with the exception of one which was fired
with a volley of musketry and some jingalls at the 'Medusa' as
she approached the cliff, just before anchoring; four of them
were iron nine feet 18-pounders, one an iron six feet 9-pounder.
Having no powder to burst them, I threw them over the cliff,
and moved the force slowly back to the boats, protected by a
rear-guard. When it was embarked, I directed Lieutenant
Fraser to anchor the ' Medusa' for the night at the entrance of
the creek facing the cliff, and commanding the entire front.^ I
experience great pleasure in having so soon again to bring
before your Excellency's notice the gallant bearing and good
# ' Winchester's' boats—Gig, Commander ¥. B. Seymour, (volunteer,) Mr.
Gregory, naval cadet, four men, three marines; barge, Lieutenant Hillyar,
Mr. Round, mate, Mr. Slade, assistant-surgeon, fifteen men; pinnace, Lieutenar^
Pearse, Mr. Bond, mate, thirteen men. Hon. Company's steam-frigate keses-
tris,' Lieutenant Lewis, Mr. Duval, mate, twenty-two seamen, a jL 1 e . r ^
men; Hon. Company's steamer 'Medusa,' Mr. Brazier, mate, Mr. . 1 T '
midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. , fifteen seamen, twelve artillerymen. Total force landed, eig J
two.