soon; I therefore conceive an attack on Fort Marrack, may draw his forces towards that quarter, and make a favorable diversion, and for this reason I intend to storm it on Monday night, which I hope may meet with your approbation.
“I beg to assure you, that Mr. Langton and I have succeeded in inspiring the men with a degree of confidence necessary for the undertaking, and have no doubt of a favorable issue. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Captain Hoare, &c.”
Immediately after this most splendid exploit, Lieutenant Lyons was despatched in the Minden’s cutter to await Commodore Broughton’s arrival oflF Batavia, and to communicate to him the destruction of Fort Marrack. In a letter from that officer to the Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Aug. 10, 1811, he says, “I beg you will be pleased to inform their Lordships, that, although the attack was made contrary to orders; yet I cannot refrain from highly approving the gallantry and zeal displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant Lyons, and the petty officers and men under his command, against the very superior force of the enemy.”
On the arrival of Commodore Broughton, Lieutenant Lyons was appointed to command five gun-boats, which had been most gallantly taken a few days before by Captain Robert Maunsell[1]. We subsequently find him serving in the batteries opposed to Meester Cornelis, under the orders of Captain Sayer, who had made a special request for him to be thus employed, instead of returning to his ship, which was then at a distant part of the island. In answer to this application. Captain Sayer received the following message from Rear-Admiral the Hon. Robert Stopford:–
“I beg you will tell Mr. Lyons from me, that I consider myself fortunate and happy in procuring the services of an officer who so eminently distinguished himself by his gallant and successful attack on Fort Marrack, and I fully approve of his remaining with you.”
In order to avoid repetition, we must here refer our readers to the memoir of Captain Sayer, C.B. for an account of the services performed by the naval brigade, under his command, during the operations against the enemy in Java. It will
