advanced to the rank of Commander Sept. 25, 1804; and posted into the Minden 74, at Bombay, Oct. 16, 1810.
In the spring of 1811, Captain Hoare was despatched from Madras to the coast of Java, with two companies of troops on board, in order to await the arrival of the expedition then fitting out at the different ports of India for the attack of that island, the only colony in the Eastern hemisphere still possessed by the enemy; and to which so much importance was attached, that the Governor-General, Lord Minto, had resolved to accompany the expedition in person. The following extracts of an official letter, contain an account of a battle; between 200 seamen, marines, and soldiers, landed from the Minden, and 500 of the enemy’s European and native troops, near Bantam, in which the latter were routed and dispersed, with a loss of above 50 killed and 100 wounded.
“Sir,– I beg leave to acquaint you, that the detachment I some time since landed opposite the Minden, for the purpose of keeping open the communication with the Pangorah, and procuring supplies for the squadron, was yesterday morning, a few minutes after day-light, unexpectedly attacked by a considerable body of the enemy, on their right, within pistol-shot, which was sustained on both sides, for the space of fifteen minutes, with much obstinacy; when the enemy were repulsed, and retired in confusion.
“During the attack, I landed from the Minden, the remainder of the detachments of the 14th and 89th regiments, with the seamen trained to small arms, to support our brave fellows; whom they had scarcely joined, when our little army, consisting in all of 200 men, were a second time attacked on their left by a fresh body of the enemy coming on in force, and with remarkable steadiness, reserving their fire till within fifteen paces; when a spirited contest commenced, which was in a short time decided in our favor, the enemy finding it impossible to withstand the steady determined fire of British troops * * *. It is impossible. Sir, after so severe a contest, but to expect some loss, and I have to lament that ours has been considerable[1] * * *. From information I have just received, it appears the enemy have retreated to Choriegong, a post about fifteen miles to the eastward of this place. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To George Sayer, Esq. Senior Officer
of H M. squadron off Batavia.”
Great praise appears to be due to Captain Watson of the 14th regiment. Lieutenant Dunscombe of the 69th, and Cap-
- ↑ 2 marines killed; 1 seaman, 12 marines, and 10 soldiers, wounded.
