1842.
Official Reports of Capture of Amoy.
149
the castellated wall with the sea-line, while the remaining vessels should engage
several flanking batteries that extended byond these works.
5. At the same, the two heavy frigates and the Modeste were to run in and open their fire upon the works of Kúláng sú, where I instructed major Johnstone, with a company of artillery, and the three companics of the 26th regiment, support- ed by 170 marines under major Ellis, to land in a small bay to the left of the bat- teries, which they were to take in reverse.
6. About hast past one o'clock, the attack commenced, the enemy having pre- viously fired at the ships as they proceeded to their statious. Sir William Parker will no doubt communicate to your lordship, the very conspicuous part taken by her ma- jesty's ships on this occasion. From the difficulty of getting the boats collected in tow of the steamers, the troops did not land quite so soon as I could have wish- ed, notwithstanding the judicious arrangements of captain Giffard of H. M. sloop Cruizer, who conducted the disembarkation. The 18th and 49th regiments however landed about 3 o'clock, with very little opposition. The former regiment I directed to escalade the castellated wall, while the 49th were to move along the beach and get over the sea face, or through the embrasures. These two operations were performed to my entire satisfaction, and the greater part of these corps were soon in position within the works, and rapidly moved along the whole line of sen- defence, the enemy flying before them. Upon reaching the outskirts of the outer town, they were joined by a party of marines and seamen, whom sir William Parker had most judiciously landed in support, and whom I directed to occupy a rocky hill in our front in the neighborhood of which firing was still heard. This duty was promptly and ably performed by capt. Fletcher, of H. M. S. Wellesley, and captain Whitcomb of the Royal Marines.
7. While these operations were going on upon the Amoy side, the island of Ku̸- lăng sứ was ably attacked by the frigates, and the troops landed. Major Ellis, with some of the marines and Cameronians who first landed, climbed up the rocks to the left of the easternmost battery, and, gallantly driving the enemy from thạ works on the heights, which were defended with some spirit, continued his progress to the north side of the istand, while major Johastone, who closely followed up with the rest of the troops, proveedel across į! tad carried the remaining works, thus putting us in possession of this very important position. Major Johnstone reports that brevet-captain Grigg had an opportunity of distinguishing himself in driving a Jarge body of the enemy from a battery, upon which he came unexpectedly with a
detachment of 12 men.
8. On Amoy, a chain of steep rocky hills running from the range already men. tioned, transversely to the beach, still intercepted our view of the city, though the outer town lay beneath my advanced post. The guns having been landed by the exertions of the Artillery and Sappers, and brought on far enough for support, had a strong force opposed our advance, I decided upon forcing the position in
my front which appeared extremely strong, and well calculated to be held during the night, Having made the necessary disposition, I directed the 18th regiment to advance up a precipitous gorge, where the enemy had two small works, while the 49th were to pass through the outer town by the road to the same hills, extending their left, after gaining the pass, to the works above the breach, so as to open communication with the shipping. This movement was also executed with spirit, the enemy merely firing off their guns and flying; and at dusk, I found myself in position close above the city, and perfectly commanding it.