Two days after this first rencontre with the enemy’s flotilla (of which Major Snodgrass makes no mention whatever), the commander-in-chief issued a general order, of which the following is an extract:
“Sir Archibald Campbell will take an early opportunity of communicating to Captain Marryat, R.N. how gratified he was by his prompt support at the point assailed, and the gallant pursuit of the flying enemy by himself and his brave followers; and which he will not fail to request Captain Marryat to communicate to the officers and men of H.M. navy, and also those of the transport service, who so handsomely came forward on this, as they have done on many former occasions.”
On the 9th September, Lieutenant Fraser was sent to search for the passage up to Thon-tai, by way of the Dalla creek; but, after an absence of three days, he returned without being able to find it. While on this service, Mr. Lindquist, commanding a detachment of row-boats, and one man, were wounded, by musketry from the shore.
The scurvy was now making a rapid progress among the crew of the Larne, in consequence of their having been for some months confined to a diet of salt and damaged provisions, added to a total privation of vegetables, and the usual effects of a long continued wet season. Supposing that a period of at least six weeks would elapse before active operations could be re-commenced. Captain Marryat was thereby induced to submit to Sir Archibald Campbell the propriety of proceeding with his ship to Penang, leaving the Sophie and Satellite to protect the transports, &c. at Rangoon. On the 10th September, he received the following answer:
“Under these circumstances, I most fully coincide with you in opinion, that no time should be lost in proceeding to Penang, where those comforts essentially necessary for the recovery of your crew are at present most conveniently to be had; aware as I am, that the most urgent necessity alone induces you to suggest the removal of the ship Under your command. I feel fully convinced that you will not lose a moment in returning to partake of the farther, and I trust more active, operations of the approaching campaign.
“In taking I hope a very short leave of yourself, and the officers and men of the Larne, I shall not dwell, as I otherwise would, on the valuable and ready aid I have invariably received from you all, since the commence-