Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p2.djvu/183

  branches of the river, and reconnoitre them occasionally, making remarks of the soundings, bearings, &c., sending me the same by every opportunity. Co-operate with Captain Ross, the officer commanding the land force, who will furnish you with seven soldiers for each transport: a guard of twenty-five of the European regiment will be stationed on board the Satellite, and I shall hold you responsible for the conduct of every person afloat. The property and habitations of the Carians to be protected, as well as their religious buildings.”

On the evening of the 24th Feb. the light and advance divisions took up a position in the Irrawaddy; on the 27th, it was found necessary to unload the steam and gun-vessels, the last of which did not get over the bar at Yan-gain-chay-a before the 5th of March. From this period until April 19th, on which day he received orders to give up his charge and rejoin the Larne, Lieutenant Dobson was indefatigably employed in forwarding provisions and other supplies to the army and flotilla; an important service, well performed, and duly appreciated, as will be seen by the following short extracts from Captain Alexander’s letters:–

“Mar. 10. – From reports brought in by some Carians, it is necessary you should be on your guard, as troops have even crossed over from Donoobew to intercept our supplies.

“Mar. 21, – I am all anxiety for the arrival of the 18-pounders and ammunition. You are to send by the first boats that can bring them, the Satellite’s two long 12-pounders.

“April 10. – Should any coals arrive at Panlang, forward them by every early opportunity, or the steamer will be rendered useless. We cannot get a thing here (Sarrawah), the country being completely deserted. We only await provisions from Panlang to proceed, and hope to be in Prome by the 21st or 22d.”

In another letter. Captain Alexander says, “I am very much pleased with your exertions, and shall not fail to recommend you to the notice of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.”

On his return to Rangoon, Lieutenant Dobson found that his friend Captain Marryat had at length removed into the Tees 26, to which ship Commodore Coe had appointed him nearly nine months before, A memorandum, of which the following is an extract, appears to have been issued by that officer previous to his quitting the Larne:–

