Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p1.djvu/452

 Captain Dawson, of H.M.S. Arachne, killed in action with the enemy on the U1s ultimo. We have the honor to be, &c.

(“A true copy) (Signed)“''Geo. Swinton'', Secretary to Government.”

On the 6th of the same month. Sir James Brisbane, then at Patanagoh, a town upon the river, directly opposite to Melloone, issued the following general memorandum:–

“The termination of a long and arduous contest, by an honorable peace, enables the Commodore to return his unfeigned acknowledgments to Captain Chads, and the officers of all descriptions for their prompt obedience, unwearied exertions, and gallantry, which they have conspicuously displayed throughout the late campaign.

“The various materials of which the flotilla was composed, brought together for one grand object, might have occasioned frequent collisions between the members of different services, had not a spirit of emulation pervaded all ranks, surmounting all difficulties, and producing a universal feeling of harmony and good will.

“The British Commissioners have most handsomely acknowledged the services rendered by the flotilla in forcing the passage of the river, as tending most materially, by such a display of our power, to impress upon the minds of the enemy, a strong sense of our superiority, and thus convincing them of the hopeless inutility of further prolonging the contest. The Commodore will long remember, with feelings of the highest gratification, the period which he has commanded this branch of the expedition, and the personal acquaintance it has afforded him with individual merit.

"The Commodore begs the officers, without distinction, to be assured that he has brought under the notice of their superiors, his opinion of their merit, and the brave men who have served with them, giving as they have the most striking examples of activity and exertions, under the greatest privations in open boats.

“Although it is not the province of the Commodore to eulogize the enthusiastic gallantry displayed by the military part of the force employed in the late operations, he cannot avoid expressing his admiration of those soldierlike qualities when embarked, which are indispensable in combined operations.

“The selection of Brigadier Armstrong to command the water column, and the well earned character of H.M. Royal regiment, were most eminently calculated to ensure that hearty unanimity which has been fully manifested.

“The good conduct of the native seamen in the H.C. gun and 