the principal fort, which from its situation commanded the bay and adjacent country, whilst the boats of the Valiant and other ships were to make a simultaneous attack upon the batteries near the sea. The military part of the expedition to be commanded by Colonel (now Sir William) Stewart, and the naval portion by Captain John White, of the Adventure 44.
On approaching the enemy’s position, a division of boats was placed under the command of Lieutenant Hancock, who received directions to land and attack the batteries on the beach as soon as the troops showed themselves on the eminence near the fort; and so admirably was the whole affair conducted, that the blacks were driven from every post with great slaughter, but not until they had made a most desperate resistance.
In the course of the same day, whilst the British were employed blowing up the fort and batteries, destroying the guns, burning the carriages, and bringing away the plundered articles, a formidable body of brigands assembled under the cover of a thick wood, and endeavoured to regain possession of the beach; but were prevented by the judicious conduct of Lieutenant Hancock, who placed the launches with carronades in so masterly a manner as to secure the embarkation of the troops and stores, which would otherwise have been a service of very great hazard and difficulty. Upwards of 10,000 barrels of beef, pork, and flour, which had been taken out of English victuallers bound to Cape Nichola Mole, formed part of the valuable property re-captured on this occasion. The loss sustained by the British appears to have been very small, considering the nature of the attack, and the circumstances under which they effected their retreat: it did not exceed 20 men killed and wounded.
On the following morning. Lieutenant Hancock had the gratification of finding that Colonel Stewart and Captain White had made a most favorable report of his gallant and able conduct to the commander-in-chief, Sir Hyde Parker, under whom he had served as midshipman in the Goliath, and whose lasting friendship he had now the good fortune to obtain.
