'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎367] (386/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
367
Kemball, Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. at Bagdad and Consul-General in
Turkish Arabia A term used by the British officials to describe the territory roughly corresponding to, but not coextensive with, modern-day Iraq under the control of the Ottoman Empire. , in political charge; Captain Hunt, 78th High
landers commanding the military detachment; Captain Wray,
Deputy Quartermaster-General; Captain Malcolm Green, Mili
tary Secretary to Sir James Oatram; Lieutenant Baigrie, Com
missariat Department; and Lord Schomberg H. Kerr, attached
to the Persian Mission.
Sir James Outram's instructions to Commander Rennie were,
" to steam up to Ahwaz, and act with discretion according to
circumstances," and should the Persian Army, known to be
there in considerable strength, make a determined stand, he
was to return after making a reconnaissance. Commander
Renirie, who had been specially selected to command the Ex
pedition on account of his great reputation not only for dash,
but for that which has been described as " the better part of
valour," increased that reputation, and still further showed that
had opportunity ever placed in his way a chance of making
some great coup on a larger stage, he would have made the
world ring with his name. He can scarcely be classed with
those described by Shelley as,
tl inlieritors of unfulfilled renown,"
because in China and Burmah, and in the recent operations,
he had already achieved a reputation. Of athletic frame, iron
constitution, and courage of the description defined by Napo
leon, as 44 two o'clock in the morning valour," those who knew
him best also gave him credit for possessing that combination
of qualities which is denominated 44 genius,^ when opportunity
affords an arena for its display.
Commander Rennie's report to Sir James Outram is brief
and meagre as to details, and, as in the case of his despatch on
the Expedition to Lamena, in Burmah, in conjunction with
Captain Fytche, when he gave all the credit to that officer, so on
this occasion he says, 44 it is to Captain Kemball who planned,
and to Captain Hunt who executed, this bold stroke, that
thanks are more especially due."
Ahwaz is situated on the left bank of the Karoon river at a
distance of about one hundred miles from its junction with the
Shatt-ul-Arab. Close to the town, which is surrounded by an
old wall, and has about three thousand inhabitants, two ruinous
bunds, or dams, are thrown across the river, through which the
water rushes with great rapidity ; these bunds, which are
wMcli many would have made an excuse for avoiding it. Should his Excellency
take a favourable view of this officer's performance of his duties, I respectfully
rust that he may be recommended to the favourable notice of the Right Honour
able the Grovernor-in-Council, and that a communication of his merits whilst
serving with the army may be made to that department of State to which he
more particularly belongs."