406
up a fire of two hours, which was returned with much spirit, at the end of that time we had driven the Pirates from their Guns into a fire and got our own! Rockets, Gingalls, and Rifles, Double barrelled Guns were still kept up from the Lower decks of the Sunks. On making any important movement they returned to their Guns - The night was now setting in; so I left Lieutenant Murray with 30 Marines and the Rocket party to hold the position whilst if anything could be done towards getting the ship further in, and to make the necessary arrangements to prevent their escape. I returned on board to see that all was ready during the night; as soon as it was dark the Pirates began to move their vessels, but the constant fire kept up by the shore party, made them relinquish the attempt, they then tried to land their Guns, in which they suffered great losses, and finally they abandoned the Junks a little before day light 15th instant, having succeeded in carrying off only a small Guns out of forty-five.
Our casualties were few considering the heavy fire we were under and the cheerful behaviour of the Officers and Men throughout. The manner in which the Operation was carried on for thirty hours without time for rest and scarcely for ... was cool and decided.