'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎348] (367/622)

348
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
c Assaye,' who, with Lord Dimkellin, of the Coldstream Guards,
and Major Taylor, of the Persian Embassy, was attached to
him :— 64 To Mr. Johnston's knowledge of the country and its
inhabitants, with the unwearied zeal he has exhibited, I am
much indebted."
The night before the attack on Bushire, Commander Remrie
sent Acting-Lieutenant Sconce, of his ship, in a boat with
muffled oars to buoy a fourteen-foot channel off the batteries;
and that officer performed the task in an admirable manner, and
enabled the * Ferooz' to advance three hundred yards within
the other ships. On the capitulation of Bushire, the Governor
and his staff were sent on board the 'Punjaub,' as prisoners of
war, and the 4 Semiramis' left for Bombay, where she arrived
on Christmas Eve. Sir Henry Leeke sailed from Bushire in the
6 Assaye,' three days after the capture of the town, bringing
with him the three principal prisoners and the captured flag.
While running down the Gulf for Bassadore, an Arab chief
boarded the 6 Assaye' for the purpose of proffering the aid of
his tribe to the English, as, he said, all the people of the coast
would prefer the British rule to that of the Shah. In the course
of conversation with him. it transpired that a well-equipped
Persian division of three thousand men was assembled near
Lingah, with the intention of crossing to the Island of Kishm
and attacking the depot station at Bassadore. Dismissing the
Sheikh with fair words, Sir Henry steamed on, and, soon
coming abreast of the Persian camp, opened upon it with his
heavy guns. The fire was immediately returned, but the havoc
caused b}^ the 8-inch shell crashing through the camp, and
knocking over horses and men, soon caused the enemy to retire,
which they did in good order. The safety of Bassadore was
henceforth assured by the presence of the 6 Punjaub,' and a
force of marines was entrenched on shore. On the arrival of
the 'Assaye' at Bombay, Sir Henry Leeke hauled down his
flag and resumed the duties of Commander-in-chief; though his
appointment to a command on active service was made by Lord
Elphinstone it was discovered that the proceeding w 7 as directly
in contravention of the orders 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. made
six years before. On the 19th of Januar}^, Captain Jenkins
assumed the duties of Assistant-Superintendent, and Acting
Commander Adams remained in command of the 'Assaye.
of Persia's flag-staff having been felled in token of submission. This ® ccl ^ a ^ 1 ( ] n
of Bushire on the mainland of the Persian territories was anuounced o cia y
this day, with a salute of twenty-one guns from the fleet, the ships being dresse
in the usual form. God save the Queen." A
Captain Felix Jones, with his Assistant, Lieutenant Disbrowe, was engage ^
after the occupation in giving confidence to the towns-people, securing t e maga
zines, granaries, and other public stores, endeavouring to re-open the b ? zaar '
and in adopting measures for the public safety, as well as in taking steps or
taining supplies.