a deep sand, frequently exposed to a galling fire from the enemy.
At Wyneberg, a post at a small distance from Cape-Town, the Dutch had planted nine pieces of cannon, and collected their forces, determined to make a firm stand; but they were so resolutely pushed by the British, as to be under the necessity of retreating; and nearly at the same time, they were alarmed by the appearance of Commodore Blankett, with several vessels which Sir George K. Elphinstone had detached into Table-bay, to cause a diversion on that side. Further resistance on the part of the enemy being now fruitless, M. van Sluyskin sent out a flag of truce, asking a cessation of arms for forty-eight hours, to settle the terms for surrendering the town; but only half that time was granted; and on the 16th, this valuable colony fell into the possession of Great Britain. The regular troops taken in the garrison amounted to about 1000 men.
In his despatches to the Secretary of State, General Clarke made the following honourable mention of his naval coadjutor: “The general character of Sir George Keith Elphinstone, and his ardent desire to serve his country, are too well known to receive additional lustre from any thing I could say on that subject; but I should do injustice to my feelings, if I did not express the obligations I am under for the ready and cordial co-operation and assistance that he afforded upon every occasion, which so eminently contributed to the success of our joint endeavours.” In a former despatch, Major-General Craig thus expressed himself: “My sense of the obligations I am under to Sir George Elphinstone is such as I should not do justice to in an attempt to express it; his advice, his active assistance, and cordial co-operation on every occasion, have never been wanting, and entitle him to my warmest gratitude.”
This conquest being finally secured, the Vice-Admiral proceeded to the Indian seas, and instantly commenced operations for distressing the enemy; and so rapid were the movements of his squadron, so well laid were all his plans, so admirably adapted were the means to the object, that in a very short time the islands of Ceylon[1], Cochin, Malacca,
- ↑ Columbo, and its dependencies, in the island of Ceylon, submitted to
