Henry Lambert, and succeeded that officer as Governor of the Naval Hospital at Madras. We should here observe, that the zealous conduct of Captain Vashon’s detachment during the late expedition was acknowledged in warm terms by the Governor and Council of Bombay.
About this period, accounts were received in India of the angry discussions between Great Britain and France, respecting Malta, &c., and that a garrison for Pondicherry would leave Brest at a certain time. Vice-Admiral Rainier, in consequence of this intelligence, hastened round from Bombay to the Coromandel coast, where he arrived in time to prevent the French troops under General de Caen from obtaining possession of that fortress, which he would not allow to be delivered up until farther advices came from Europe. Much chagrined at their disappointment, the General and his naval colleague, Mons. Linois, returned to the Isle of France, where they received official despatches from the First Consul, acquainting them that hostilities had recommenced, and containing instructions for their guidance. In conformity thereto, Rear-Admiral Linois immediately sailed for the Eastern Seas and made an attack on Bencoolen, in the island of Sumatra, where he burnt three store-houses filled with spice, rice, and opium, captured three valuable prizes, and caused the destruction of eight other merchant vessels.
The French Admiral’s proceedings were reported at Madras in Feb. 1804, and it was naturally supposed that his ultimate object was to intercept the homeward bound China fleet. The Albion, Sceptre, and Russel, third rates, had recently arrived from England, and Captain Ferrier, the senior officer, was extremely anxious to go in pursuit of the enemy; but experienced some little difficulty, there being no person on board either of the ships at all acquainted with the intricate navigation of the Eastern Seas. To obviate this difficulty. Captain Dobbie immediately volunteered his services which were thankfully accepted, and the Albion and Sceptre sailed the same night, proceeding to the straits of Malacca, where they fell in with the valuable fleet under Captain Dance, ten days
