'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎340] (359/622)

340
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
' Napier,' Acting-master McLaurin ; ' Planet,' Acting-master
Fletcher; and 'Assyria,' Acting-master Neal.
Sir James Ontram, who was in England, was nominated to the
supreme command. Major-General Stalker proceeding in charge
of the first division of five thousand men. Sir Henry Leeke,
at his own request, was authorised to command the Indian
Navy squadron, but was instructed to return immediately after
the capture of Bushire. It was certainly a most unfair act of
Government to send an officer to supersede the Commodore
of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. squadron, and a great slur upon that
officer, than whom a more gallant and high-minded sailor did
not exist in any Service. Sir Henry Leeke was not an Outram,
or he would not thus have consented to pluck from Commodore
Ethersey the chance of distinction thus almost placed within
his grasp; and it is well known that the latter felt keenly what
was virtually an act of supercession, and in no small degree it
prompted him to the commission of the rash act which shortly
after terminated an honourable and not undistinguished career.
The appointment of Sir Henry Leeke was the more unjustifi
able as it was owing to the extreme pressure brought to bear
upon him that Captain Ethersey held the post of Commodore
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . On Commodore Robinson's return to the
Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. , in March 1855, the Bombay Government, appre
hending difficulties with Persia, offered the post to Captain
Ethersey, then Superintendant of the Indus flotilla; but he de
clined it, owing to his broken health, which had decided him to
proceed to England and resign the Service. Government, how
ever, which had the highest opinion of his capacity, urged him
to reconsider his decision, and, in an evil hour, he sacrificed
the prospect of repose he had so well earned by long and
meritorious service, and acceded to the request alike honourable
and flattering to him. Accordingly he was gazetted to be
Commodore of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Squadron from the 12th ot
April, 1855, and, hoisting his broad pennant on board tbe
' Clive,'assumed charge from the 17th of June, Commander
Daniell succeeding him on the Indus. Sir Henry Lee e
assumed command of the fleet from the 8th of November,
hoisting his flag on board the ' Assaye,' his assistant, Uptain
Powell, being appointed to officiate as Superintendent uring
hl The S follo'wing were the ships and commanding officers of the
Indian Navy squadron employed in the Persian W ar: Assay ,
flag-ship of Rear-Admiral Sir Henry J. Leeke, Captain Cnflitn
Jenkins (Captain of the Fleet), and Acting-Cotnman er . •
Adams; 'Falkland,' Commodore Ethersey and LieutenMt .
Tronson; 'Semiramis,' Captain J. W YoungFerooz ^m_
mander J. Rennie; ' Punjaub,' Acting-Commander A. FouM
' Ajdaha,' Lieutenant M. B. Worsley; 'Berenice, Lieutenant