lunteers towards the unfortunate wretches we found on their knees imploring for mercy, might have been averted, and our colours still unsullied. Over seamen I had control, and could make myself understood, but these Bengalese would not understand.

It is unnecessary to relate the numerous acts of ferocity and brutality that I witnessed. I saw one of them deliberately fire his musket at a magazine door, and mentioned it to an officer of the 26th; but it was of no avail; he was in the same predicament, and could only place a sentinel to prevent a repetition.

On my return, I met the Commodore and Captain Maitland. They were also busy in putting a stop to these irregularities. I do not believe, from

the instant we landed, (and I was the first,) that one single individual was found in arms, and yet hundreds were killed.

Quitting Wangtong, I rejoined Captain Herbert, who, with Captain Elliot, moved into the Nemesis, and ran over to have a finger in the Anunghoy affair. But Sir Le F. Senhouse, in the Blenheim, and Captain Dundas of the Melville, had already done their work brilliantly. We saw Sir Le Fleming leading his men on to the second battery in good style. A shell was sent into the near corner, and it was then decided that it would not be fair to interfere with his laurels.

Before sunset the enemy were driven from every

154 LIGHT DIVISION PASS UP THE RIVER. [1841.

post, even from their hill encampment; and the British were the only colours in sight. Captain Herbert having intimated his intention of moving on at dawn, I dropped Sulphur up to Tiger Island, leaving, en passant, a beacon on "the sixteen feet rock."

At half past six, A.M. Feb. 27th, we weighed, and led, followed by Calliope, Herald, Alligator, Modeste, Nemesis, and Madagascar steamers. The batteries on Tiger Island were deserted, and the guns withdrawn. probably for the new defences on Wangtong. At fifty minutes past ten we passed the second bar creek, and about a quarter past twelve, observed an extensive battery and encampment within the first bar. The channel was barred at the Chop House below Golgotha, by a floating bridge, and the Cambridge, now converted into a Chinese ship of war, moored above to cover it.

By signal, at half past one, we anchored off the first bar. I immediately joined Captains Herbert and Elliot in the Nemesis, and went in to reconnoitre. The Nemesis and Madagascar having anchored within, in an enfilading position, fired a few shots to try range. This was returned by the Celestials, and the question then became,-" can we retreat without their claiming a victory?" No one was bold enough to give his consent to such a proposition. It was, therefore, determined that our ships should come in. By the advantage of our boat signals the Sulphur was instantly underway to meet me; but

I had promised Captain Herbert, the instant he approached, to join him. The Sulphur anchored ahead, in support of the steamers, and after watching the effect of a few of our red-hot shot, I joined Calliope, when she was placed within and ahead of the Sulphur, and after one broadside it was determined to storm. The other ships anchored in rotation.

In refutation of Commander Bingham's hearsay account, (p. 152 to 158,) it is merely necessary to refer to the public despatch on the capture of First Bar Fort, and it will then appear that the junior corvette did not lead into action, but that the facts are as above stated.

A hard embankment fortunately afforded us excellent footing, and the marines having been drawn up, and Captain Herbert joined the van, we entered without opposition on the S.W. angle of the battery, one party taking the eastern line, and the remainder the sea face. At some points the enemy behaved well; but as they could not stand an instant against disciplined men, a very few moments made the battery our own. The only living prisoners were two fine little horses, which were cast in the ditch, but helped out. One of the party mounted one of them, but was glad to be left behind, as, immediately on regaining the use of his limbs, he scampered off to the enemy.

The instant the battery was attacked, Lieut. Watson, first of Calliope, crossed their gig over the