'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎264] (283/622)

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HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
head, and transhipping the troops from her, landed them at
four a.m. on the 14th, At seven o'clock General Godwin
marched for the Pagoda with his whole force, accompanied by
seventy-five seamen with two boats' guns fitted as field-pieces
under command of Commander Shadwell and Lieutenant Robin
son, I.N., " whose excessive labours," says the general in his
despatch, "in a close country, without a road, were most cheer
fully borne." General Godwin marched on the eastern gate of
the Pagoda, and, as the enemy had established their batteries
on the southern face, where he had attacked before, this move
ment turned all their works on the banks of the river and round
the Pagoda. The enemy, finding themselves outflanked, aban
doned their defences, and the relief of Major Hill's gallant
little force was effected with the loss of only three killed and
nine wounded.
Meanwhile, Captain Tarloton, who had remained behind in
charge of the steamer and boats, had not been idle. Leaving
sufficient men to work the guns in the boats, he had landed all
the disposable seamen, and, with a rocket party, commanded by
Mr. Freeman, of the 4 Moozuffer,' proceeded on shore to drive off
the enemy, who had been firing upon some of the camp fol
lowers. He says:—" This demonstration, and the fire of a few
shells and rockets, served to check their advance. At this time
the 'Nerbudda/ on the falling tide, had unfortunately grounded
on a stake, and her two foremost compartments filled with
water. It became necessary to put her on shore to repair the
damage, to move from our position was therefore impossible,
and I proceeded to strengthen it by landing some rockets,
felling trees, and throwing up entrenchments. The march of
the army to the eastward of the Pagoda had left the enemy in
possession of the lower defences on the river's bank, and 1 was
sensible that he had it in his power greatly to annoy us. He
reconnoitred our position with a few horse in the evening, but
did not further molest us. At two p.m. I had the satisfaction
of observing the preconcerted signal that the army had forced
its way into the Pagoda, which intelligence was confirmed to
me by Commander Shadwell, on the morning of the 15th. In
the evening this officer returned with his party of seamen and a
guard. He informed me of the river bank being cleared of the
enemy; and it is therefore my intention to move up with the
boats with the morning flood-tide. I reconnoitred the river
defences now evacuated, and am only surprised that Com
mander Shadw T ell should have been able to pass and repass
them in his late attempt to communicate with the garrison at
Pegu. They are, for the purpose, of the most formidable de
scription, and completely command the passage of the river for
a distance of nearly five miles. Your Excellency, knowing the
nature of the service that has been performed, will appreciate