Arriving at the Lie-wan-moon, I was informed that the seven Junks had slipped a few hours previously, and ran higher up the Creek. The Villagers in pointing out their position were graphic in their account of the barbarities they were committing, and hailed our arrival with the most enthusiastic rejoicings. A Hamlet had been sacked and a Passage-boat taken that very morning. Advancing until dusk I anchored, and prepared (by getting Pilot) for prosecuting my search in the morning.
March 15.—Weighed at Daylight and piloted by Boatmen, who had been robbed by these Pirates on the Evening of our visit, threaded the remainder of the tortuous Reach connecting Broadway with a River running in a parallel direction.
The Piratical Squadron were shortly discovered ahead, using every effort to escape.
When the sternmost one, mounting 24 Guns, was brought to, she proved to have been a Rice-boat captured in January last, from a Hongkong Chinese Merchant, who accompanied Mrs Caldwell. I caused her, therefore, having previously removed the Guns, to be restored. Seven large Passage-boats were likewise released.
The Gunboats now unfortunately taking the ground, I despatched the Boats to capture the remainder, a service I am bound to add most ably executed, the Pinnace under Lieutenant Blake (the senior Lieutenant present), after a running fight of one hour and a quarter driving one of 9-guns on Shore, her Crew being immediately pounced upon by Mandarin Soldiers. Another Junk of 12-guns after a vigorous resistance, in which two Stinkpots were thrown into Boats of Janus, under Lieutenant Knevitt, was carried by boarding; and three others, mounting respectively 7, 9, and 22-guns, were captured and burnt by Lieutenant Villiers, with the two Cutters in co-operation with the Clown. Exclusive of the Crew who fell into the hands of the Mandarins, Twenty-one Pirates were killed on this occasion by the fire from the Boats. I then returned to the Boats, and the Guns, mostly 18 and 24-pounders, of American manufacture, were sunk beyond means of recovery.
I proceeded to Macao, arriving at midnight, from whence I proceeded this morning to join your Flag.
In bringing before you the important results achieved by the zeal and gallantry of the Officers of the Boats and their Crews, I beg to record the great assistance derived from the Gunboats, to Lieutenants Lee and Knevitt, and the 2d Masters Messrs Gilpin and Worsfold, so unceasing in their attention, every praise is due. Yet to Mr Caldwell the success attending this expedition is mainly owing; without his experience and adept method of gaining information, I fear our endeavours would have been futile.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,
His Excellency Rear-Admiral SIR MICHAEL SEYMOUR, K.C.B., &c., &c., &c., Commander-in-Chief.
GEORGE S. COLVILE, Acting-Captain.
No 52.
Military
286
52/2. Hong Kong.
Government Offices, Victoria, Hongkong,
21 MAY 1859.
22nd March, 1859.
Sir,
I herewith have the honor to transmit to you copy of a Despatch from Captain Brocroft of Her Majesty's Steamer Retribution, the Senior officer of this station, reporting the success of an Expedition commanded by Commander Bythesea of Her Majesty's Steamer Janus.
The Right Honorable Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, Bart., M.P.