'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎355] (374/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
355
however, grounded 200 yards from the mouth of the HafFer Creek,
and thus became exposed to a concentrated fire, receiving eighteen
shots in her hull, whilst the rigging was much cut away. The
'Ajdaha,' 'Semiramis.' 4 Falkland/ and 6 Clive,' were soon in
position, and a heavy fire was maintained on both sides with
great spirit. All the ships anchored, except the 4 Assaye/
which was unable to do so owing to her great length (280 feet),
but Commander Adams manoeuvred his ship with the seaman
like skill for which he was distinguished. It being ebb-tide, he
steamed close to the 4 Ferooz,' and then dropped till he could
rake the Huffer face of the northern fort; then going ahead he
repeated the manoeuvre until the termination of the action,
when he anchored off the fort. The manner in which he
worked his ship in a tide-way, and engaged the Persian bat
teries at pistol-shot range, excited the admiration of all be
holders/* Equally inspiriting was the way in which the
squadron was led into action by the gallant Commodore, who,
in the heat of the bombardment, received in his face the blood
and brains of a seaman killed at his side by a round shot,
while Commander Rennie fought the 4 Ferooz,' the leading ship,
with the coolness and judgment that were expected of an
officer of his character and experience.
The 4 Semlramis/ 4 Ajdaha/ and 4 Victoria'were handled with
the celerity and precision under fire, in a crowded stream, that
might have been anticipated from the antecedents of the expe
rienced officers who commanded them; while the beautiful
spectacle presented by the sailing sloops-of-war, 4 Clive' and
'Falkland/ as they simultaneously furled all sail and fired a
broadside into the opposing batteries, drew forth expressions
of admiration from the nautical spectators in the transports,
and alike demonstrated the skill of Commanders Albany
Grieve and Tronson, the smartness of the officers and crews,
and the high class of practical seamanship that obtained in the
Service.
About ten o'clock, the magazine in the north fort blew up
with splendid effect, when deafening cheers rang from each
ship, and the seamen worked the guns with renewed vigour.
This explosion was quickly followed by three others, and from
this time the enemy's fire slackened. At one o'clock, the for
midable works having been completely silenced, the 4 Berenice'
—having General Havelock on board, and crowded with the
Highlanders—and steam transports moved up, and landed the
# Colonel Barr wrote to Commander Adams :—" The gallant way in which
you took the ' Assaye' into action at Mohamra, and the determination with
which, at pistol range, you engaged the northern fort, I have often spoken of with
many others, who were, like myself, eye-witnesses of the affair, and I never heard
but one opinion expressed, viz., that your handling of the ' Assaye' was most
admirable, and the pluck with which you attacked and overthrew the batteries
was heart-stirring to witness."
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