_Forte_ and _Persian_, having been swung broadside to the point of attack, the boats formed into two lines abreast: lighter boats landing storming parties, gunboats following to cover disembarkation. The point to be carried was a high mound at the head of the bay, about two hundred yards inland. The landing to be effected under cover of the ship’s guns. The enemy’s picquets were driven in, and their skirmishers retired. The hill was stormed and carried, supposed forts blown up. Enemy, having received reinforcements, endeavoured to outflank and cut off retreat. On the order to retire, the mound was reoccupied by the enemy, and pressing us with artillery on a retreat, desperate fighting was the result. The storming party would have been made prisoners, had not their re-embarkation been covered by the ships, who opened fire and kept the enemy in check. So ended the Battle of Tombeaux Bay, a successful exhibition which delighted some twenty thousand natives and residents, without an accident. A ball in a house kindly lent by Mr. de Courson, the Mayor, finished the night. [Sidenote: Nov. 21.] Returned to Port Louis. [Sidenote: Mahébourg, Nov. 22.] Grand ball given by Governor and Mrs. Stevenson. Weighed at daylight. _Persian_ in company. Came to in the harbour of Mahébourg, where I was kindly entertained by the Colonel and officers 5th Regiment. [Sidenote: Nov. 28.] Inspected _Persian_--fine crew and in good order. Steamed out of the harbour: exchanged cheers from the rigging on parting company. [Sidenote: Simon’s Bay, Dec. 15.] 2.15 A.M.--Storm coming on, ran for Simon’s Bay. Furled sails. Came to with both bower anchors after having brought up with 75 fathoms of cable ahead; ship drifted to a fresh squall; parted small bower cable, and, as we afterwards discovered, stock of best bower broken. Ship brought up by sheet and spare anchors when within half her length of the rocks, but held on by help of steam screw until evening, when gale moderated. It _can_ blow in the neighbourhood of the Cape! Found here _Brisk_, _Lyra_, _Hornet_, and _Enchantress_, the latter our prize, _Manula_, rechristened, and bought into the service for use in suppression of slavery on the east coast. Found also the _Pioneer_ from England refitting for the Zambesi expedition. [Sidenote: Dec. 16.] Rather bored with continued gales, unusual at this time of year. Went up to Cape Town to visit my kind friends. The races were going on at Green Point, to which I went, attended by groom only. Among others found myself, without seeking him, close to His Excellency Sir George Grey, my late passenger in the _Forte_, surrounded by his staff. Found a letter from my clergyman friend, Eyre, dated September 30, in which he stated that he had some qualms of conscience about writing on the Sabbath, but recollecting what he had read in the Gospel for the day, he determined to continue.