landing-place to Belgica: the enemy had advanced a strong corps towards the place where Admiral Rainier’s forces had formerly landed; and a suspicion that this would be the case, and that the roads would be destroyed, determined me as to the point and method of our attack[1].
“The service performed was of such a peculiar nature, that I could not do justice to the merits of my companions without entering much into detail and I feel confident that, in your Excellency’s disposition to appreciate duly the merits of those under your command, I shall find an excuse for having taken up so much of your time. I am, &c,
“To His Excellency,
Rear Admiral Drury, &c.”
After making every arrangement for the security of this valuable possession, and appointing Captain Foote Lieutenant-Governor of Banda Neira and its dependencies, Captain Cole delivered the charge of the islands to that officer, and returned to Madras in the Caroline. The Baracouta had previously been sent to communicate his success to Rear-Admiral Dairy, and the Government of India. On the day of his departure he received the following letters from the officers who had served under his orders on this brilliant expedition:
“My dear Cole, Kenah and myself request your acceptance of a silver cup (to be made in England) in commemoration of the gallant manner you led on to and directed the attack and capture of the forts at Banda; it may possibly have been equalled, but can never be surpassed: we therefore hope you will receive it as a testimony of our high esteem and friendship, and admiration of your spirited and noble conduct on the 9th of August. Most sincerely do we both wish that you may live long to enjoy the fruits of your labour, and to follow up your present success. Believe us, my dear Cole, your sincere and affectionate friends,
(Signed)“Richard Kenah."
- ↑ In the year 1811, Mr. William Daniell, an eminent painter and engraver, published “A View of the Island of Banda Neira, with an illustrative Account of its Capture by Captain Cole.” This tribute to the memory of that achievement we have used every endeavour to obtain, but without success: should a copy of it hereafter fall in our way, we shall not fail to make such extracts therefrom as may serve to explain the particular conduct of individuals employed in that enterprise.
