of Captain Spencer, who volunteered on this occasion, and succeeded in getting the guns up the heights, over a very heavy and difficult ground.
“Day-light on the 17th shewed the very great advantage obtained over the enemy in the attack of the preceding day, as he had abandoned in the night the battery on the beach, as well as the water-battery; both of which being very low, had much annoyed the shipping. Shortly after some shells were thrown from the fort at our positions on the heights, without doing any injury, while the shot from our batteries in return, were seen to have considerable effect.
“This decided superiority, and the ships being ready to advance again, induced me, after landing and examining with Captain Court the strength of our positions, to send in a summons; and, in consequence, terms were submitted by the commandant of Amboyna, for the surrender of the island; and after some alteration the articles of capitulation were agreed to.
“At nine o’clock on the morning of the 19th, the force originally landed under Captain Court marched in and took possession of Fort Victoria for his Majesty, the enemy having previously laid down their arms on the esplanade, when the British union was hoisted under a royal salute from the fort and shipping.
“I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the acquisition of this important colony, defended by 130 Europeans, and upwards of 1000 Javanese and Madurese troops, exclusive of the officers and crews of three vessels sunk in the inner harbour, many of which are Europeans, amounting to 220 men, aided by the Dutch inhabitants and burghers, who were stationed in the batteries on this very formidable line of defence. I trust it will appear, that the characteristic coolness and bravery of British seamen and soldiers have seldom shone forth with greater lustre than on this occasion, in the intrepid conduct displayed by the handful of brave men which I have had the honor and good fortune to command.” * * * * * *
On taking possession of fort Victoria, and the batteries on the heights to the right and left thereof, it was found that they contained no less than 215 pieces of mounted ordnance, of which number 4 were thirty-two pounders, 6 twenty-fours, 10 eighteens, 61 twelves, 36 eights, 20 sixes, and 18 small mortars. The three vessels sunk in the inner harbour were, the Dutch national brig Mandurese of 12 guns (afterwards weighed by the British), the cutter San Pan of 10 guns, and a cutter, name unknown, of 12 guns.
Shortly after the capture of Amboyna we find Captain Tucker reporting the surrender of the valuable islands of Saparoua, Harouka, and Nasso-Laut, as well as those of Bouro and Manippa. He also acquainted Vice-Admiral Drury that two large ships, a brig, and a ketch, had fallen into his hands,
