'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎365] (384/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
365
manner in which the task was performed is most honourable
to the Indian Navy.
"That the officers, seamen, artillerymen, marines, and others
of the squadron did their duty with intrepidity and ardour is
the smallest part of the praise which is owing to them. The
plan of the naval attack, which was to be carried out in shoal
and narrow waters, and in a rapid current, by steamers of
heavy draught, some of them encumbered with vessels in tow,
and the thoroughly successful execution of every part of it
without miscarriage or confusion of any kind, in the face of
strong defensive works at point-blank range, have given proof
of a cool judgment, a well-ordered discipline, and a skilful
management, of which Commodore Young and the officers and
men under his command may well be proud.
u The cordial thanks of the Government of India are emi
nently due to Commodore Young and to those who shared that
day's work with him ; and the Governor-General in Council will
have pleasure in expressing to the Hon. Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. his
hearty approbation of the conduct of all concerned. It will be
his agreeable duty to bring to the especial notice of Her
Majesty's Government and of the Hon. Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. , the
meritorious services of those whom Commodore Young has
named in his despatches of the 27th of March.
44 The disembarkation of the troops above the forts took place
under the able direction of Brigadier-General Havelock, C.B.,
rapidly and in good order ; but before the landing was effected
success was already complete. The whole Persian army was
in full retreat, leaving in our hands seventeen pieces of ord
nance, their tents, baggage, stores of all kinds, and large
magazines of ammunition and provisions. An accurate return
of casualties has not yet been received. These were confined
to the squadron, and it is believed that the number does not
exceed six killed and thirty wounded."
On the 28th of March, Commodore Young, his health having
failed him, resigned the command of the squadron to Com
mander Rennie, and sailed for Bombay, whence he proceeded to
England on sick-leave.
The 27th and 28th of March were employed in removing
the guns, collecting the stores, and landing supplies for the
troops; also in coaling and provisioning the armed steamers
'Comet,' 6 Planet,'and 4 Assyria,' which were to be employed in
conveying the troops for an Expedition up the Karoon river to
Ahwaz, as owing to the total" absence of baggage cattle, this
was the only available means of transport.^ Sir James Outram
* At this time Lieutenant Pengelley, Indian Navy, Senior First Assistant to
Major Curtis, Director of the Land Transport Corps of the Persian Expedition
ary Force, was employed in collecting baggage-cattle. The following is the
report of Major Curtis to the Quartermaster-Greneral of the Army, of the 23rd