land, out of the enemy’s fire, till they were ordered to storm by signal[1].
Immediately after the capture of the Than-ta-bain stockade, Captain Chads sent boats up both branches of the river, under Lieutenants Keele and Kellett, who took and destroyed many of the enemy’s war-boats. On the morning of the 7th Feb., Lieutenant Keele was again sent up the Panlang branch to explore; and Captain Chads, accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Godwin, went up the main branch for the same purpose. Both parties met with and destroyed hundreds of fire-rafts and canoes similarly prepared, lying on the banks for upwards of fifteen miles, some of which the enemy lighted and launched as the boats approached. The following is an extract of a letter from the Secretary to Government at Calcutta, addressed to Sir Archibald Campbell:–
“I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch relative to the capture of the strong post ot Than-ta-bain or Quangalee, by a detachment of troops under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Godwin, aided by a party of seamen under Captain Chads, and Lieutenants Keele and Hall.
“The Governor-General in Council is happy to observe in the signal and complete success which attended the operations against Than-ta-bain, the same judgment, energy, and skill, on the part of Lieutenant-Colonel Godwin, which distinguished his conduct on the occasion of his being detached against Martaban, and which again demand the unqualified approbation and applause of his Lordship in Council.
“To Captain Chads the Governor-General in Council desires to express his constant acknowledgments for the distinguished share he bore in the action. His Lordship in Council has also noticed, with particular satisfaction, the characteristic gallantry displayed by Lieutenants Keele and Hall, of H.M. ships Arachne and Alligator, who, with their boats’ crews, were the first to enter the enemy’s post, followed by Captain O’Reilly of the grenadiers of H.M. 41st regiment. His Lordship in Council requests that these sentiments of the Supreme Government may be conveyed to Captain Chads, and Lieutenants Keele and Hall, through the senior officer of His Majesty’s ships, &c.”
“Fort William, 18th March, 1825.”
From this period Lieutenant Keele appears to have been
- ↑ One seaman drowned; four sailors, three soldiers, and two lascars wounded.
