and parties of seamen were sent on shore to assist in the erection of the batteries.
“Ras-al-Khyma appeared of considerable extent; the buildings large and flat-roofed; the fortifications in good repair, with high walls built of mud and stone, and flanked by heavy ramparts. It stood upon a sandy peninsula, the isthmus of which was defended by a well flanked battery, whilst the line towards the sea was fortified throughout the space of one mile and a quarter by batteries mounting only one gun each, ranged at regular intervals. A suburb of bamboo huts adjoined the town, immediately behind which lies a capacious basin, unapproachable to large vessels, in consequence of a bar of sand stretching across its mouth, so that large ships must discharge their cargoes previous to crossing the bar. The batteries of the town bore directly on the entrance of the port; – the harbour was full of shipping. The main land on the opposite coast appeared picturesque and verdant, with innumerable date-trees: the mountains of Arabia reared their dim, hazy outline in the back-ground. The place of our encampment, and the soil of the tongue of laud, was parched, sandy, and herbless. Two thousand of the Imaum’s troops joined us; they had forced the passes in the hills, deemed impregnable, and brought in some prisoners.
“On the 4th Dec. the Curlew weighed, and stood nearer the shore, opening her fire on the town. Smart skirmishing took place during the day. The rifle company of the 65th advanced within twenty yards of the largest groharrie, and reconnoitred. The gun-boats particularly distinguished themselves by their activity.
“The first line of trenches having been made by means of sand-bags, an advanced battery opened on the place, at the distance of three hundred yards. A mortar battery to the right was served very effectively. There was a gun from one of the enemy’s batteries which enfiladed the trenches, whilst we could get none of our artillery to bear on it. It did considerable execution among the men. Major Molesworth, of the 47th, mounted the parapet of the trench, to reconnoitre more minutely, and to ascertain how that formidable gun could be silenced. ‘I see them loading it now,’ said he; ‘now, now, they are running it out! Look to yourselves, my lads?’ In an instant he fell back in the trench, his head blown to atoms. At length, however, we succeeded in silencing that annoyance, and disabled the piece.
“The Liverpool and Eden having approached nearer the town, in conjunction with our butteries, opened a most vigorous fire on the morning of the 5th. Shells were thrown with evident effect; the gun-boats contributed, as before, their powerful assistance. Towards the close of that day’s work, a Joasinee spy was brought in prisoner; he informed us that the enemy had suffered great loss, nearly ninety killed, besides wounded. The Sheikh’s brother had lost his log by a cannon-shot.
“The duties of the seamen in the trenches were severe and unremitting. Whilst the soldiers were relieved every four hours, the sailors remained frequently twenty four hours, without any rest or respite. Jack grumbled a