Admiralty-Office, July 2, 1811. Extract of another letter from Vice-Admiral Drury, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels in the East Indies, to John Wilson Croker, Esq. dated on board the Samarang, in Madras Roads, January 3, 1811. You will be pleased to lay before the Right Honourable the Lords Com missioners of the Admiralty, the enclosed copy of a letter I have received from Capt. C. Cole, of his Majesty's ship Caroline, detailing his successful enterprise against the strong, and generally supposed impregnable fortress of the valuable island of Banda, the principal of the Spice Islands in the Molucca Seas, with a handful of men, led on to the storm of the place by Capt. Cole, Lieutenant Richard Kenah, acting commander of the Barracouta. Captain Cole's plain and modest narrative marks so strongly the intrinsie merit of himself and his gallant associates, that it would be almost presumption were I to offer a word of commnendation to their Lordships, further than expressing my high approbation of the judicious conduct of Captain Cole, in his provision with the very small force he had for the protection of this most important position, as well for the preservation of our eastern trade, as for its immense value. The Caroline was my flag-ship, and going on another service, but seeing the necessity of sending immediate relief to Captain Tucker, and my entire confidence in the ability of Captain Cole, determined me on sending him with the Caroline and Piedmontaise, as the only certainty of reaching the Moluccas against a contrary monsoon in any reasonable time. His Majesty's Ship Caroline, Banda Harbour, Aug. 10, 1810. SIR,-I have the honour and happiness of acquainting you with the capture of Banda Neira, the chief of the Spice Islands, on the 9th August, by a portion of the force under my orders, in consequence of a night attack which completely surprised the enemy, although the approach of the ships had been unavoidably discovered the day before. The weather proved so unfavourable for boat service on the night of the 8th inst. that although nearly 400 officers and men had been selected for this occasion, yet on assembling under Great Banda, at two on the following morning, I found that the state of the weather would deprive us of the services of some valuable men under Lieutenant Stephens of the Royal Marines, and the greater part of the detachment of the Madras European regiment, and from whom I had expected the most steady support and assistance. The attempt was now to be made with less than 200 men, consisting of the seamen and marines, and about 40 of the Madras European regiment, or our labours in the boats through a dark and squally night, in the open sea, must end in the severest mortification. After getting under shelter of the land, the same circumstances of the weather which before operated against us were now favourable to us, and the confidence I had in the handful of officers and men about me, left me no hesitation; and with a degree of silence and firmness that will ever command my heartfelt acknowledgments, the boats proceeded to the point of debarkation. A dark cloud with rain covered our landing within one 100 yards of a battery of ten guns, where, by the promptitude and activity of acting Captain Kenali and Lieutenant Carew, who were ordered with the pikemen to the attack, the battery was taken in the rear, and an officer and his guard made prisoners, without a musket being fired, although the enemy were at their guns with matches lighted. From the near approach of day-light, our situation became critical, but we had procured a native guide to carry us to the walls of the castle of Belgica; and leaving a guard over the prisoners, and in charge of of the battery, the party made a rapid movement round the skirts of the town, where the sound of the bugle was spreading alarm among the enemy. In 20 minutes the scaling ladders were placed against the walls of the outer pentagon of Belgica; and the first muskets were fired by the enemy's sentries. The gallantry and activity with which the scaling ladders were hauled up after the outwork was carried, and placed for the attack of the inner work, under a sharp fire from the garrison, exceed all praise. The enemy, after firing three gnns and keeping up an ineffectual discharge of musquetry for ten or fifteen minutes, fled in all directions, and through the gateway, leaving the Colonel Commandant and ten others dead, and two officers and thirty prisoners in our hands. Captain Kenah, Lieutenants Carew, Allen, Pratt, Walker, and Lyons, of the navy, Lieutenant Yeats and Ensign Allen (a volunteer), of the Madras service, were among the first in the escalade; and my thanks are due to Captain-Lieutenant Nixon, of the Madras European regiment, for the steady and officer-like conduct with which he directed the covering party entrusted to his charge, and to Lieutenants Brown and Deker of that regiment, attached to the Marines. With such examples our brave fellows swept the ramparts like a whirlwind; and, in addition to the providential circumstance of the service being performed with scarcely a hurt or wound, I have the satisfaction of reporting, that there was no instance of irregularity arising from success. The day now beaming on the British flag, discovered to us the Fort of Nassau, and the sea defences at our feet, and the enemy at their guns at the different ports. I dispatched Captain Kenah with a flag of truce to the gover nor, requiring the immediate surrender of Nassau, and with a promise of protection for private property. At sun-rise the Dutch flag was hoisted in Nassau, and the sea-batteries opened a fire on the Caroline (followed by the Piedmontaise and Barracouta), then approaching the harbour. Having selected a detachment to secure Belgica, the remainder, with their scaling ladders, were ordered for the immediate storm of Nassau; but Captain Kenah had returned with the verbal submission of the Governor, and I was induced to send a second flag, stating my determination to storm Nassau that instant, and to lay the town in ashes, if the colours were not immediately struck. This threat, and a well-placed shot from Belgica (which completely commands all the the principal defences) into one of their sea-batteries, produced an immediate and unqualified submission, and we found ourselves in possession of the two forts, and several batteries, mounting 120 pieces of cannon, and defended by near 700 disciplined troops, besides the militia. The ships had been left with so few men to manage them, that I had merely directed Captain Foote to lead into any anchorage that he might be able to obtain, to make a diversion in our favour; but they were worked against all the unfavourable circumstances of a dark and squally night, in a narrow channel, with the most determined perseverance, and with that degree of zeal that I expected from an officer of my own rank, whose heart and hand had always been with me on every point of public service. Captain Kenah, who led the storming party, crowned a series of valuable services during two months difficult and intricate navigation through the eastern seas, by his bravery and activity on shore. The colours of Fort Nassau and Belgica will be presented to your Excellency by Lieutenant John Gilmour, who has served nine years in this country as a lieutenant, and a large portion of that time as first lieutenant under my command. Although labouring under severe illness, he took charge of the ship on my quitting her; and his seaman-like and zealous conduct in the discharge of his trust were most conspicuous. I also transmit a plan of the defences of Banda Neira, with the position of the the Dutch troops, and our route from the landing place to Belgica. The enemy had advanced a strong corps towards the place where Admiral Rainier's forces had formerly landed; and a suspicion that this would be the case, and that the roads would be destroyed, determined me as to the point and method of our attack. The service performed was of such a peculiar nature, that I could not do justice to the merits of my companions without entering much into detail; and I feel confident that in your Excellency's disposition to appreciate duly the merits of those under your command, I shall find an excuse for having taken up so much of your time. I am, &c. (Signed) To his Excellency William O'Brien Drury, Esq. Admiralty-Office, July 2, 1811. CHRISTOPHER COLE. Extract of another letter from Vice-Admiral Drury, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels in the East Indies, to John Wilson Croker, Esq. dated on board the Diomede, in Madras Roads, Jan. 28, 1811. You will be pleased to lay before the Right Honourable the. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the accompanying detailed account of the gallant and judicious proceedings of Captain Edward Tucker, of his Majesty's ship the Dover, whose great exertions for the perfect security of the Moluccas (by possessing himself of Ternate, one of the strongest islands in the Molucca seas, which he accomplished in the most gallant manner), and every dependency on the Celebes, the resources of which he has turned to the supply of the Moluccas, claim my highest commendation. His Majesty's ship Dover, at sea, off Gorontello, June 16, 1810. SIR,-In prosecution of your Excellency's orders, to distress the enemy as much as possible in the Molucca seas, I beg leave to inform you that, after having sent all the Dutch officers and troops from Amboyna to Java, I proceeded to the Dutch port of Gorontello, in the bay of Tommine, on the northeast part of the island of Celebes, where I found the colours of the King of Holland flying on the fort, and on the three batteries at the entrance of the harbour. Finding, however, that no Dutch officer had charge of these posts, but that the whole settlement was vested in the hands of the Sultan and his two sons (who bore Dutch commissions) for the Dutch Company, I therefore, instead of making a descent, landed and waited upon his Majesty, to whom I addressed the letter, a copy of which I have the honour to enclose. The proposals contained in this letter having been duly considered by his Majesty and the nobles in council, were acceded to with much satisfaction. The Dutch colours were hauled down, and the British supplied their place in Fort Nassau, under every demonstration of their attachment to the English government. Having thus opened a large proportion of this part of the Celebes to the English trade, from whence also various kinds of supplies can be constantly thrown into our possessions in the Moluccas, it is my intention to proceed to Manado, where there is a very good fort with a heavy battery in front close to the sea, and the fort again commanded by a battery on a hill immediately over it, and from whence musketry can play into the fort: but as the ship can be brought to bear on the latter and lower battery, and sixty picked men under Lieutenants Incledon Incledon and Higginson are ready to storm the battery on the hill, I have no doubt but the attack will be successful.-I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) Rear Admiral Drury, Commander in Chief of his EDWARD TUCKER. His Majesty's ship Dover, Manado Roads, June 25, 1810. SIR,-Conformable to my intentions as expressed in a former letter to your Excellency, dated the 16th inst. off Gorontello, I proceeded to Manado, where I arrived yesterday at two p. m. and having taken up a station in his Majesty's ship under my command, to the right of Fort Amsterdam, and well reconnoitered their other positions, I instantly sent a flag of truce on shore, with a summons to the Governor, a copy of which I herewith inclose. The enemy having thought proper to accede to the terms proposed, the marines were landed under the command of Lieutenant Higginson, assisted by Lieutenant Fireworker Nelson, of the Honourable Company's Coast Artillery, and 30 of Amboynese troops, embarked in the Dover, for the purpose of garrisoning it, after its capture, who immediately took possession for his Majesty. Had the enemy chosen the other alternative, I am well convinced, from the experience I have repeatedly had, that the officers and men I have the honour to command, would have added to the credit which they have already so well earned, particularly in the attack on Amboyna. The dependencies which have fallen with Manado are very extensive, being the ports of Kemar, Le Copang, Amerang, and Tawangoo; the capture thereof, as well as Gorontello, has been very opportune, as large supplies were preparing at all these places, and ready to be shipped for the isles of Ternate and Banda. I have the honour to transmit returns of the garrison found here, and of the ordnance in Fort Amsterdam and the adjacent batteries.-I have the honour to be, &c. Rear Admiral Drury, Commander in Chief of his EDWARD TUCKER. To Marinus Bulfour, Esq. Prefect at Manado. SIR, It has, no doubt, ere this, been made known to you, that the English are in considerable force in these seas, and that the island of Amboyna, with all its dependencies, are already in their possession. You now see before your fort and batteries, an English frigate, ready to open her fire, and volunteers in her boats, only waiting the order to land, and storm your position. It remains for you to decide on this point. Being perfectly acquainted with the exact strength of your garrison, and all your means of defence, I am enabled to judge with what probability of success you can oppose me. I therefore summon you to surrender the fort of Amsterdam with all the dependencies thereunto belonging. On condition of your instantly complying and delivering up all public property, I promise protection to the persons and private property of the inhabitants; that the Dutch civil servants shall be at liberty to return to Java. The military, being prisoners of war, may likewise return there, on their parole of honour. The officer in charge of this has instructions to wait half an hour for your determination, which, should it be in the affirmative, be pleased to notify by striking striking the colours of the Fort: if in the negative, by hauling down the flag of truce.-I am, Sir, &c. EDWARD TUCKER. (Signed) His Britannic Majesty's ship Dover, off Castle Amsterdam, Manado, June 24, 1810. (Signed) Return of the Garrison found in Fort Amsterdam, Manado, June 24, 1810. One captain commandant, lieutenants, 3 serjeants, 1 bombardier, 13 corporals, 1 fifer, 1 drummer, 79 privates, 1 boatswain, 10 foremastmen.-Total, including officers, 113. EDWARD TUCKER. Return of Ordnance found at Manado, June 24, 1810. One brass 6-pounder, 4 ditto 1-pounders, 5 ditto half-pounders; 3 iron 12pounders, 5 ditto 8-pounders, 9 ditto 6-pounders, 6 ditto 4-pounders, 3 ditto 2-pounders, 14 ditto 1-pounders.-Total, 50 guns. (Signed) EDWARD TUCKER. H. M. S. Dover, Ternate Harbour, Aug. 31, 1810. SIR,-I have much satisfaction in communicating to your Excellency the conquest of the island of Ternate, by his Majesty's ship Dover, under my command, and a detachment of the Honourable Company's troops from Amboyna, under the command of Captain Forbes, of the Madras European regiment. The detail of this affair (which I am in hopes your Excellency will deem very creditable to the officers and men employed), I have the honour to transmit. Having made application by letter, dated the 21st August, to Captain Court, commanding at Amboyna, for 100 troops to assist me in reducing the island of Ternate, they were on the same day embarked on board his Majesty's ship Dover. We pushed to sea, and got sight of the island on the 25th, but, owing to light airs and calms, it was not until the morning of the 28th that the party [Europeans of the Coast Artillery, and Madras European regiment, 74; natives from Amboyna Corps, 32; Royal Marines, 36; seamen, 32. -Total, including officers, 174] were embarked in the boats, and effected a landing. The boats left the ship about one a. m. on the morning of the 28th, under the direction of Lieutenant Jefferies, with the intention of landing close under the walls of Fort Kayo Meirah, which was immediately to have been stormed, double scaling ladders and planks having been prepared for crossing the ditch and mounting the works; but meeting unexpectedly in shore an unfavourable current, their progress was but slow, and they had at day-light the mortification to find themselves at some distance from Fort Kayo Meirah. Captain Forbes, under this circumstance, did not hesitate a moment in directing a landing to be attempted to the southward and westward of the fort, out of the line of its fire, which was happily made good, without annoyance from the enemy; but their difficulties, accompanied with great labour and fatigue, commenced, for the particulars whereof, and their further operations, so extremely reputable to them, I beg to refer your Excellency to Captain Forbes's report to me, that I have the honour to forward; from which your Excellency will perceive that great judgment and resolution, with the most determined courage, has been displayed, and particularly so by every officer, under the heavy fire from Fort Kayo Meirah and the enemy's detachment, with its brigade of guns that were in advance. These officers constantly headed and led on their men with the utmost gallantry, shewing an example of intrepidity impossible to be excelled. The calm that intervened between the land and sea breezes on the morning and forenoon of the 28th, prevented the ship closing until two p. m. when learning exactly the situation of the troops, I hoisted a flag of truce, and sum moned, |