The garrison which was left by Sir Hugh Gough upon the island of Kolingsoo consisted of three companies of the 26th regiment, with a wing of the 18th, and a small detachment of artillery, comprising altogether about five hundred and fifty men; the whole under the command of Major Johnstone, of the 26th; and the Druid, with the Pylades and Algerine, were also to remain there, under the command of Captain Smith, C.B., as a further support, to ensure the complete command of the harbour of Amoy. The number of troops employed during the operations against Amoy was as follows:-- Officers. Men. Artillery, European and Native, Captain Knowles 9 240 18th Regiment Royal Irish, Lieutenant Colonel Adams 30 648 26th Regiment (Cameronians), Major Johnstone 8 153 49th Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Morris 24 460 55th Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Craigie 26 731 Madras Sappers and Miners 6 184 --------- Total 103 2416 Four native officers, and serjeants and drummers, are included in the second column.[56] In the afternoon of the 4th of September, the weather having become calm and fine, the preconcerted signal for the embarkation of the troops from the town and island of Amoy was made on board the flag-ship. Upon this sudden order, the troops were paraded in perfect regularity, without a single instance of drunkenness or misconduct, after eight days of harassing duty on shore, amid temptations of every kind. Under the direction of Commander Giffard, of the Cruiser, the whole force was embarked without any accident, by half-past six o'clock, on board the Nemesis and other steamers, which conveyed them out to their respective transports, in readiness to sail on the following day. Not even a camp-follower was left behind (and they are generally a very troublesome class); but, in order to make sure that there was no straggler, the Nemesis was afterwards sent in again to the town to bring off any one that might accidentally have been left. But the only straggler which was found, happened to be a fine _fat bullock_, which was soon put on board the Nemesis and carried off. Every preparation was now completed for the departure of our forces on the following morning, the 5th of September. FOOTNOTE: [56] List of H.M. ships and vessels, and of the Honourable Company's steam-vessels, in action at Amoy, 26th of August, 1841.