'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎271] (290/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
271
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Very remarkable was the judgment and gallantry displayed
by Commander Rennie, of the steam frigate 6 Zenobia,' in some
operations which he undertook against a strong Burmese force,
under the Menghee, or Governor, of Bassein, in conjunction
with Captain Fytche, the newly-appointed Deputy Commis
sioner.
Commander Rennie only arrived at Bassein on the evening
of the 19th of January, and, at eight a.m. of the 21st, accom
panied by Captain Fytche, started in the 'Nemesis,' leaving fhe
boats of the 'Zenobia' up the Dugga Creek, for the purpose of
driving out the chief at Khyoung Gou. On reaching the village
of Khan Gee Goung at five p.m., Commander Rennie found that
the depth of water would not permit of the 4 Nemesis ' proceed
ing further; accordingly, at eight, he left with the boats* of
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Commander Hewett wrote to him :—
"I have the greatest pleasure in forwarding you a certified copy of a letter to
the address of the Commander-in-chief of the Indian Navy, from the G-overnor
in Council at Bombay, wherein his Lordship in Council conveys the expression of
his regret that the severe wound received by you deprives the Service, for a time,
of your valuable assistance. You will, I trust, allow me to express the same senti
ments whilst gallantly storming for a second time that unfortunate stronghold
which has proved so destructive to life and health."
On his return to Bombay, Lieutenant Mitcheson was ordered home on sick
leave, and the Hon. the Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. obtained permission from thp
Admiralty for him to study gunnery on board H.M.'s ship 'Excellent' at
Portsmouth, when the gallant officer obtained a first-class certificate in gunnery,
and a first-class certificate in mathematics. Sir Thomas Maitland notifying at its
foot:—" Notwithstanding the loss of his leg, I consider Lieutenant Mitcheson
well qualified for the superintendence of the gunnery instruction." Whilst
on leave he also studied to prepare for the duties of naval instructor, obtaining
a certificate on the subject, and on his return to India was appointed to act
as Indian Naval Instructor pending the pleasure of the Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. ,
the duty involved being to examine, as well as to instruct, officers of the Indian
Navy in navigation. He was also afterwards made a member of the Local
Marine Board, and Special Member for Examinations in Navigation, and from
September, 1860, to September, 1861, during the absence on leave of Lieutenant
Pergusson, was Superintendent of the Bombay Observatory, and also Indian Naval
Draughtsman.
* The following is the strength of the force with which Commander Rennie
proceeded on the 22nd of January.—
Zenobia/—GHg, Commander Rennie, Mr. Dowell, midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. , six seamen;
pinnace, one 12-pounder, Mr. Wood, mate, Mr. McE^oy, warrant officer, thirteen
seamen; port paddle-box boat, one 12-pounder, Lieutenant Aylesbury, Assistant-
Surgeon Crawford, fourteen seamen, two artillerymen, two natives 5 starboard
paddle-box boat, one 12-pounder, Lieutenant Manderson, Bengal Artillery, (who
volunteered his services), Mr. Eckley (a), midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. , six seamen, three artillery
men, ten Natives ; cutter, one 3-pounder, Mr. Channon (a), midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. , thir
teen seamen. Total: one commander, two lieutenants, one assistant-surgeon, one
mate, three midshipmen An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. , one warrant-officer, fifty-two seamen, five artillerymen,
and twelve natives.
' Nemesis.'—Mr. Arthur Baker, first officer, in charge of starboard paddle-box
(a) These two officers belonged to the Bengal Service, and were received on
boam at Rangoon for passage to join the surveying vessels ' Krishna' and
bpy, and, having no midshipmen An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. , Commander Rennie availed himself of their
services.
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