up the whole of the flood; when Lieutenant Kellett, having most fully accomplished my instructions and wishes, returned, destroying, on his way down, quantities of materials for fire-rafts, and a great many canoes laden with earth-oil. The enemy’s loss in killed and wounded must have been very great; we, I rejoice to say, had not a man hurt, the steam-vessel having been stockaded to secure the people.
“I cannot find words sufficiently strong, in which to recommend Lieutenant Kellett’s uniform gallantry to you; his conduct on this, as well as former occasions, proves him a most valuable officer. Lieutenant Goldfinch, of the Sophie, I have also frequently had occasion to name to you, and, with pleasure, I repeat my former recommendations; he was in the Sophie’s pinnace, with Mr. Murray, midshipman. Mr. Tomlinson, admiralty midshipman, commanded the Arachne’s pinnace; and Mr. Winsor, admiralty midshipman, was in charge of the steam-vessel, and shewed his usual judgment and good conduct.
“Lieutenant Kellett speaks in the highest terms of the determined steady conduct of every man under him, soldiers, sailors, and marines; and feels much indebted to Lieutenant Collinson, commanding the Prince of Wales, for the able assistance that vessel rendered him.”
During these operations, of which Major Snodgrass takes no notice, Sir Archibald Campbell attacked the enemy in the same direction, and gained a most brilliant victory. With only 1300 infantry, he stormed, and carried by assault, the most formidable intrenched and stockaded works which he had ever seen, defended by upwards of 20,000 men, under the command of the Maha Silwah, an officer of high rank and celebrity, late Governor-General of Assam. In the despatch announcing this great achievement. Sir Archibald says, “our gallant friends afloat were determined not to let the auspicious day pass without their share of its operations. Every day’s experience of the zeal and cordiality with which Captain Chads, and every individual composing the naval part of the expedition, co-operates with me in carrying on the combined service, increases my sincere obligations, and merits my warmest thanks.” The loss sustained by the British army, on the 15th December, amounted to 18 killed and 118 wounded.
Previous to the intelligence of Sir Archibald Campbell’s last victory reaching Calcutta, the Supreme Government had issued a general order, of which we shall here give two extracts:–
