CO129-030 - Bonham - 1849 [8-12] — Page 290

6.

verthrow of his formers confederates.

I have the further satisfaction official return of Chinese

-to enclose an of

Piratical pessels captured and destroyed

nossols by Her Majesty's ships, between the

months of May and October, 1849.

I have, &o, (Signed) h. G..

(Irue

Copy)

Bonham!

·lonial

Secretary

5.

Inclosure Not in Gespatch No 142 of 1849.284

HEB MAJESTY'S SLOOP Columbine, TYPSUNG BAY, 30th September, 1849.

SIR,I have the honour to inform Your Excellency, that on the evening of Thursday the 27th instant, I left Hongkong in search of a Piratical Fleet, commanded by the notorious "Chui-a-poo," and proceeded to Harlaim Bay where I arrived at Noon on the 28th, and found that after sacking the village there, they had gone to Tysami, off which place, I descried at 11 P. M., the Flect under weigh, consisting of 14 Junks formed in two lines, making off for the S. W. The village at this Bay we observed smouldering.

I attacked one of the largest I could reach, the wind being very light, at 11.45, and continued engaged with as many as I could bear upon, until calm and their sweeps prevented further engage-

nient.

I chased them with sweeps and light airs through the night, and came up with them again at near noon yesterday, the 29th, when, to my satisfaction, the wind being still very light, I observed the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's Steam Vessel Canton coming from the westward; that vessel seeing me chasing, as soon as she could opened her fire, and thereby threw the Junks into confusion, when numbers began to jump overboard and took to their boats. Mr Watkins who had chartered her for the purpose of looking after the Coquette missing vessel, and who carries this despatch, and who eventually served in our boats, most kindly gave up his charter to admit of Mr Jamieson, the Commander of the Steam-vessel, rendering me the assistance of getting near the Pirates, I so much needed.

I have the satisfaction of acquainting Your Excellency that three Junks have been abandoned, and one blown up, and destroyed, in these operations, the latter by the boats of the Sloop under the command of Lieutenant Bridges, Senior of the Columbine, of which I purpose furnishing Your Excellency more detailed particulars.

The remainder of this formidable Piratical Fleet, 10 in No., are now at anchor at the head of Byas Bay near Fan-sokong in sight, and I feel confident, if promptly assisted by the Fury, and such other disposable force as Your Excellency may be pleased to send rue, can be effectually destroyed; as they shew no intention at present of coming out; and I have good information that they purpose repairing their damages where they are.

We have destroyed at least 250* Pirates since 11 e. M. of the 28th, but I regret to state that our loss has been three killed, one officer and six men wounded,

My ship's company having now been 40 hours at the sweeps and quarters, are necessarily much fatigued, and the sick list leaves me not more than 60 effective people ou board.

Mr Watkins will give Your Excellency every information of the proceedings of the Sloop under my command since noon yesterday, which, from iny anxiety to put Your Excellency in possession of these proceedings, and to get the Canton under weigh for Hongkong, I cannot at present furnish,

My ammunition is much reduced, but if, to increase my present stock, would detain the expedition, what I have must suffice.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant,

JOHN C. DALRYMPLE HAY, Commander.

J

10.50 A. M. 30th September, 1849, Sunday.

His Excellency

Rear-Admiral Sir F. A. COLLIER, C.B., K.C.II.,

Commander-in-Chief.