Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p1.djvu/354

  in the H.C. cruiser Mercury, Captain Richard E. Goodridge, with three companies of the 41st regiment, the Thetis cruiser, and several row-boats, under the command of Captain Ryves, for the purpose of observing the Burman force, and making a diversion in favour of any attack which might take place by land.

At 7, the cruisers and flotilla anchored and commenced firing on a large stockade, while the soldiers of the 41st regiment landed and burnt the enemy’s encampment, destroying also one war-boat, and capturing another, without the least annoyance.

In the course of the morning, the two columns coming down from the Shwe-da-gon pagoda met close to the principal stockade, a work of unusual strength land extent; but as they moved through a thicket, within gun-shot of their friends afloat, they were mistaken for a body of Burmese, and received a heavy cannonade, which occasioned some loss, and disconcerted the troops, so that they could not afterwards be led to the attack. The following is an extract of the report made by Captain Ryves to Captain Marryat:

“The pinnaces of H.M. sloops Larne and Sophie, when proceeding in advance, carried a small stockade, from which was brought an 18-pounder carronade; they were afterwards engaged under a most harassing fire of carronades and musketry from another stockade, and I am sorry to say, suffered severely, though infinitely less than could have been expected on such service.

“The commander of the Honorable Company’s cruiser Thetis being severely wounded when I was on board, I took command of her; but Sir A. Campbell having embarked on board the Mercury, all orders to the cruisers and flotilla proceeded from him.

“When every man did his duty, it is difficult to bring into notice the conduct of individuals; yet I cannot avoid particularizing the prominent and gallant conduct of Mr. George Goldfinch, and I much regret the severe wound he has received, as it will deprive me for a time of his valuable 