Finding, on his arrival at Madras, that the commander-in-Chief was absent on an expedition against the Mauritius, Captain Cole proceeded from thence to Bombay, for the purpose of refitting his frigate. The following extracts are taken from letters which he afterwards received: the first in answer to a letter presenting Rear-Admiral Drury with the colours of Belgica, and 2 brass guns from the captors; the second in answer to the despatches sent to the Bengal government:
“Sir, I have great satisfaction in the highly flattering communication you have made to me of the sentiments of yourself and of your brave companions who so nobly and successfully carried the supposed impregnable fortress of Banda Neira, the colours of which, and 2 guns taken under your auspices, by a handful of men composed of seamen and marines, and the intrepid officers and soldiers of the Madras European regiment, confer on me an honor and happiness far beyond my deserts, but most gratefully and thankfully received, as coming from a body of men so highly and particularly distinguished. I beg you to make my acknowledgments to the Banda heroes, whose heartfelt encomiums on their gallant leader do equal honor and justice to theai selves, and place on your brow a never-fading laurel.
From the Secretary to the Bengal Government, dated Nov. 23, 1810.
“The details of this brilliant achievement, and of your arrangements for the administration and security of the islands, have been communicated to his Lordship in council, who observes with just admiration the judgment, ability, and foresight, manifested by you in the plan of attack, and the zeal, intrepidity, and precision, with which it was carried into effect by the gallant officers and men of the naval and military services under your direction. His Lordship and council consider the rapid conquest of a place so strongly fortified by nature and by art, in the face of a superior force, without the loss of a man, as forming a singular event in the annals of British enterprise, reflecting a peculiar degree of credit on your professional skill, and affording an extraordinary instance of discipline, courage, and activity, on the part of the men under your command.”
Vice-Admiral Drury having returned to India from the Isle of France early in 1811, Captain Cole received orders to join his flag on the Malabar coast; and on his arrival at Madras found that an extensive armament was about to be fitted out for an expedition against the island of Java. The
