satisfaction of finding that his conduct was approved by the commander-in-chief, whom he had apprised of his intended proceedings. The following is an extract from a letter addressed to him by Sir Edward Pellew, dated at Trincomalee, Nov. 4, 1805:
“I have much satisfaction in expressing my entire approbation of the manner in which you have conducted that part of the public service committed to your charge, as well as the zeal and attention you have shown to those objects to which your letter bears reference.”
On his return from the above cruise, Captain Dobbie was entrusted by the Bombay government with the command of a flotilla fitted out to chastise the same piratical powers he had been employed against in Feb. and Mar. 1803. The force placed under his orders consisted of one mortar-vessel, two schooners, and twelve pattamars, with which he sailed on the 1st Dec, the Fox still without any commissioned officers, and fully succeeded in all the objects of the expedition, but not before he had bombarded the fortified town of Dwarka, set it twice on fire, and laid the greater part in ruins[1]. Among the property rescued by him on this occasion was a valuable cargo of elephants’ teeth, rhinoceros’ horns, hides, &c. and a sum of 12,600 rupees paid by the Rajah of Dwarka as compensation for three vessels which had been taken and plundered by his lawless dependants. We here subjoin the copy of a letter which was afterwards transmitted to Captain Dobbie through Sir Edward Pellew:
“Sir,– In acknowledging the receipt of your letters dated the 19th and 27th Dec, and 10th instant[2] I am directed to signify to you that the Governor in council has great satisfaction in expressing his entire approbation of your proceedings during your late expedition against the pirates of Baite, Dwarka, &c., the salutary impression of which on these depredators cannot fail to be productive of material advantage to the general trade and navigation on this side of India. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Captain W. H. Dobbie, R.N.[3]”
