On the 26th at daybreak the “Bloodhound” proceeded up the river
with the boats of the “Sampson” in two divisions, the one in front
the other following. The “Teazer” followed with the boats of the
“Penelope” similarly arranged, and accompanied by the consul’s iron
boat “Victoria,” fitted for rockets. The enemy immediately opened a
heavy fire of guns and musketry, the whole line of the embankment being
filled with men, of whom nothing was visible but the muzzles of their
muskets. The fire was returned from the British guns, but produced
little effect, as the shot could not do much injury to the green wood
of the stockades.
In trying to get round the northern point of the island with her
division of boats the “Bloodhound” grounded. As the tide was falling
it was impossible to get her off; but her guns, opening fire, silenced
a battery of the enemy which was abreast of her, though nothing could
silence the furious fusilade of musketry. A slight breeze springing up
at this time it was seen from the “Bloodhound” that the “Teazer” was
also aground, nearly in the same position as the former vessel was at
the attack of November 25th.
Abreast of the “Teazer” was a battery, which her solitary 32-pounder
contrived for some time to keep in check; but it was not long before
two other guns were brought to a stockade, and opened fire from a
position which was quite unassailable from the “Teazer.” These guns
were admirably served, and Captain Lyster of the “Penelope,” who was
in command of the “Teazer” and her division of boats, seeing that the
vessel would be inevitably destroyed before she could be got off at
high tide if the enemy’s fire were not silenced, determined to land and
carry the guns. The eight boats which had accompanied the “Teazer” were
formed in line, and pulled in directly for the stockade, which appeared
to be the best spot for landing. As the boats touched the shore a
tremendous discharge was poured into them; but the men formed up on the
beach, and entered the stockade, from which the enemy retreated into
the bush, which was close in rear. Lieutenant Corbett rushed ahead and
spiked the guns.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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