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junks, mounting sixty-four guns, were destroyed by the two steamers, as well as a battery of thirty guns, in a manner deserving of great praise.
On the 16th I received information that some piratical vessels, which had committed several murders and robberies the same day, were at anchor in the neighbourhood of Stonecutter's Island. I immediately dispatched Her Majesty's ship "Niger" and the "Auckland" in pursuit, and they shortly returned with eight vessels and about sixty prisoners, which were delivered over to the Civil power.
Captain Cochrane deserves great credit for the prompt manner in which he executed my orders. No resistance was offered.
I have, &c.
(Signed) M. SEYMOUR.
Inclosure 2 in No. 25.
Commander Drought to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour.
Hong Kong, February 16, 1857.
Sir,
I HAVE the honour to report having proceeded in search of the piratical fleet on the 14th instant, with Her Majesty's steam-tender "Eaglet," Mr. H. F. Ellis, Master of Her Majesty's ship "Minden," in charge, in company. Passing west of Ling-ting, I went round the Sam-moon Islands to Chung-chow Bay, on the south-east of Lan-tao, then along its southern shore to Ty-ho, off which I anchored for the night.
On the morning of the 15th, I dispatched the "Eaglet" by the western channel to Lin-tin, whilst I took the "Auckland" by the eastern channel to Nam-tao, off which I anchored to await the "Eaglet's" arrival. At this place I observed several large boats going up river, but not having a pilot I did not consider it prudent to follow.
Taking the "Eaglet" in tow, I went to Toong-chung Bay, on the north side of Lan-tao, for the purpose of attacking five mandarin junks which had been seen on our upward passage. Owing to the shallowness of the water I had to anchor in three fathoms, the ship grounding as the tide fell, otherwise we should not have been within range.
The "Eaglet," on taking up a position near the junks, received the fire of five batteries in addition to that of the junks, and soon expended her ammunition, having received three or four shot in her hull. Mr. Ellis coming for ammunition, I sent the "Auckland's" boats, under command of Lieutenant Davis, I.N., in tow of the "Eaglet," to destroy the junks, the "Auckland" attacking the batteries and junks with shell and round shot at the same time.
A smart fire was kept up on both sides for a short time; the boats of both vessels then charged and fired the junks; the men were then landed and stormed a battery of thirty guns (which had been silenced by the "Auckland"), and spiked the guns.
The junks were all armed, one carrying sixteen, and the others twelve guns each, besides a large number of 2-pounder swivels, jingalls, and match locks, and plenty of ammunition; the latter igniting rendered the destruction of junks complete. Lieutenant D. Belin, of the "Auckland," and Mr. Ellis, R.N., of the "Eaglet," were blown overboard by the explosion of one of the junks, and were slightly wounded.
Lieutenant Davis speaks in the highest terms of the officers and men under his command, as also of the cordial cooperation of Mr. Ellis and the boats of the "Eaglet;" and I beg to add my acknowledgments of the gallant manner he took his little vessel into action, and his cheerfulness in obeying my orders and wishes whilst under my command.
In an affair of this nature under a heavy cross-fire from five batteries and four junks, some loss must occur.
I regret having to report the following list of killed and wounded:
- P. Alemen, O.S., killed.
- Lieutenant D. Belin, I.N., slightly wounded.
