'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎311] (330/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
311
Brigadier, at their earnest request, commenced his return march
to Aden, having first blown up the fort and village of Sheikh
Othrnan with the powder captured there. On the following
day supplies began to pour into Aden in great abundance, and,
soon after, the Sultan's brother arrived at the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. to
settle the basis of a reconciliation. Brigadier Goghlan's
demands were complied with, and, for a time at least. Sultan
AU's overweening self-importance received a check.
The detachment of seamen distinguished themselves both by
their gallantry in storming the walled village and by their
marching powers. The Brigadier highly commended them for
their activity and discipline, and the officers and men received
the thanks of the Bombay Government.
Sir William Coghlan, at our request, has supplied us with
the following particulars of this well planned and happily
executed little Expedition
"I possess no record with regard to my Expedition against
the Arabs on the 18th of March, 1858, and my report of that
day's proceedings was not published. Our troubles in India
were then recent, and it was not expedient to let the world
know that we had difficulties in Arabia. But what happened
was in this wise:—The Sultan of the Abdali (Lahej) had for
some time previously given me much trouble. I bore it as long
as possible, for our policy was one of peace. At length, how
ever, his insults became intolerable, and I resolved to go forth
with part of my garrison, and settle all scores at once. This I
did with entire success. The force included a detachment of
seamen from the k Elphinstone.' We had a hard day's work
under a blazing sun, and I was glad to get back to Aden in the
evening without any loss from that enemy. The Arabs opposed
us at the Khore Mucksa, where, by their numbers, they pre
sented a formidable appearance, but they never checked our
advance. When we approached the village and fort of Sheikh
Othman, the 6 Elphinstone's' party scaled the walls, and had
the British flag at the mast-head in a few minutes. Thus they
attained the object prayed for in the accompanying letter,^
which I received a day or two previously. They were 'the
forlorn hope, having nothing else to do!' This curious docu
ment may recall some of the signatures to your recollection.
Thus ended this little affair, which was a hard day's work,
thoroughly successful, and of more importance than some
of those then occurring in India which were made a good
deal of."
Not long after their return from this service, the crew of the
'Elphinstone' were attacked with cholera, and, in a few days, there
died Assistant-Surgeon Brigstocke, Mr. Midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. Dodd, Mr.
Taylor, boatswain—a genuine salt of the old school, well known
# This is the " round robin" already given.