PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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8. We then proceeded slowly up the river with our ensigns and pendants flying, and on arriving within 2,500 yards of the stockade, two large row-boats with about 50 to 60 men in each came out of a creek and pulled fast towards us. I immediately prepared to receive them, and attempted with my boat to try and drive them to seaward; they then opened fire, but unfortunately directly after the firing commenced, the native pilot dropped the tiller and went into the hold, the schooner flew up into the wind and grounded on a mud bank; I therefore returned to her in my boat, and after a great deal of trouble and laying out her anchor, succeeded in getting her afloat.
9. During the time she was aground a smart fire of rifles was kept up by Sub-Lieutenant Abraham Hamilton Lindesay and Sub-Lieutenant William Rooke Creswell (belonging to Her Majesty's ship "Thalia," lent to do special duty), and two marines, the seamen also firing whenever they had a spare moment from their duties in getting the boat off. I also used rockets to check their advance, which finally caused them to retreat and take shelter under the stockade, who also fired upon me; the fight lasted for about an hour, the firing from the row-boats being well directed, chießy muskets and with occasional round of grape from their guns, repeatedly hitting our boats: and I have great regret in reporting that Sub-Lieutenant Abraham Hamilton Lindesay and Sub- Lieutenant William Rooke Creswell of "Thalia," were both dangerously wounded.
10. I have to request that you will be pleased to move the Commander-in-chief to bring under the most favourable notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the great zeal and gallantry displayed by these two officers.
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11. Sub-Lieutenant A. H. Lindesay was on the sick list at the time from bad feet, but was so very anxious to be employed on boat service that I consented to allow him to go; although badly wounded he did not give in until unable to move.
12. Sub-Lieutenant W. R. Creswell also afforded me every possible assistance, and be, although badly wounded, did not leave the deck until we were out of the river, being very energetic in getting the boat afloat.
19. They are both very zealous officers in the performance of their duties, and the loss of their valuable services is much to be regretted.
14. The men worked hard and quickly which enabled me to get the boat afloat, although the tide was falling; and they are deserving of great praise.
15. The row-boats having taken shelter under the stockade, it was impossible for me to attempt to do any more with the force I then had, so I returned to the ship where I arrived at 7 P.M.
16. It being neap tides and not water enough to take the " Midge" over the bar for the next day or two, I decided on going back to Penang to endeavour to procure a steam launch (which for this kind of service is invaluable), as these row-boats have at least twenty oars aside and pull very fast, they also have fighting-men independent of the
carsmen.
17. I am of opinion that they suffered a good deal from our rifles, as several oars were disabled when they retreated.
18. It is my intention as soon as I can cross the bar in the "Midge," to proceed
up the river and destroy the stockade for having fired on me.
19. I have often been up this river before, but never saw a row-boat until this time.
20. I beg to attach the surgeon's report of the wounded in this affair.
21. Under the strong recommendation of the surgeon of this ship and the Colonial Surgeon, I have landed the wounded officers for medical treatment.
22. These officers are at the Colonial Surgeon's quarters, there not being suitable accommodation for officers at the General Hospital, Penang.
Captain H. B. Woollcombe,
I have, &c. (Signed)
Her Majesty's ship "Thalia,"
Senior Officer, Malacca Straits.
JOHN F. G. GRANT, Commander.
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Inclosure 16 in No. 61.
RETURN of Wounded during a Piratical Attack on the Boats of Her Majesty's ship 'Midge," in the Laroot River, on the 16th September, 1873.
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Name.
William Rooke Creswell
Abraham Hamilton Lindesay
Sir,
Approved,
Rank,
Nature of Wound.
Sub-Lieutenant.. Qun-shot
Ditto..
Ditto..
(Signed)
(Signed) JOHN F. G. GRANT, Commander. "Midge," Penang, September 17, 1873.
Inclosure 17 in No. 61.
Remarks.
Ball entered behind hip bone. It bas not been ascertained as yet whether the ball is lodged or not.
Ball apparently struck the lower edge
of first rib, and, penetrating the muscles of left side of chest, came out in the arm-pit.
Both wounds are dangerous.
JAMES SIMMS, Surgeon.
Thalia," at Penang, September 25, 1873. WITH reference to my telegram of the 18th instant, informing their Lordships that I was on the point of leaving Singapore for Laroot, to pnnish the offenders in that river for firing upon the "Midge's" boats, by which Sub-Lieutenants W. R. Creswell and A. Lindesay were severely wounded, I have now to report, that on Saturday morning, the 20th instant, the boats of this ship, in conjunction with the "Midge" and her boats, engaged, and captured, and totally destroyed, three large fighting junks, and two stockades, in the Laroot River, mounting in all about between twenty-two and twenty-eight guns, and also armed with Snider rifles. The town of Laroot, with nearly 4,000 men, surrendered to me, unconditionally. Everything was done for the relief of their wounded.
2. I have only to report, that two men were wounded, one, I fear, very dangerously. 3. Nothing could exceed the cool gallantry of both the officers and men; and, through my Commander-in-chief, I shall beg to bring the names of the following officers for the favourable notice of their Lordships, viz. :-Commander John F. G. Grant, Her Majesty's ship "Midge" Lieutenant Wm. H. Lewin, and Sub-Lieutenant S. A. Hungerford, of Her Majesty's ship "Thalia" Navigating-Midshipman Arthur S. Woodley, who acted as my Aide-de-camp, and carried a large junk singly; he is very anxious to become a Midship- man, and I can strongly recommend him as a zealous officer and good seaman.
4. The Laroot River is now clear, and the whole coast has been visited. A gun-vessel shall be left on the coast to watch proceedings. The Headmen have entirely surrendered, and confess themselves perfectly beaten. I am unable to estimate the loss on the pirates' side, but they have been punished sharply. I have to remark, that the stockade and junks fired upon me first. Soon after they had opened fire on the boats, the Orang Rajah Mantri's yacht showed signs of inaction, notwithstanding Lieutenant Honourable Lascelles was using his best endeavours to urge them forward. Commander Grant left the "Midge" in charge of Lieutenant Cochran, and proceeded to direct the Mantri's Head- men to cause those under them to advance. Mr. Ellis, Gunner, second class, of "Thalia," rendered great assistance to the yacht, by laying out a stern anchor for her in the first barge, under a heavy fire from the stockade, during which the steamer was frequently
bit.
5. A small steamer, having the Rajah Muda, of Perah, on board, was captured by the "Midge," on the 23rd instant. She is claimed by the Orang Rajah Mantri. I have sent her to Penang, for the Lieutenant-Governor's investigation.
6. The fishing-villages of Korrow and See lee Sing, have been examined; but I regret to say I have been unable to gain any information respecting the row-boats owned by the piratical party.
7. The "Thalia" will remain in the neighbourhood of Penang during the absence of the "Midge," about to return to Singapore for coal and provisions.
8. I am unable to forward any information respecting affairs in Sumatra, beyond those already furnished.
October 2.
9. Since writing the above, I have to report, that I returned to Penang yesterday, from a cruize off the Laroot River, having left on the 29th September for the capture of