The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-16 00:00:00

LoNDOLN, SATURD A Y

I:4N IIiNG-1 MAY 16, 18574

' as the inland one on the north side. Besides the fire main-
tained on the forts, frequent discharges of shell and grape
were. made in the direction where it was supposed the
enemy's entrenched camp was situated.
So effective was the fire from the sh:Pe, that in less than
three-quarters of an hour from its commencement the bat-
teries were only able to reply from three or four guns. At
this period (7.45 a.m.) of the engagement, the Ferooz, fly-
ing my pendant, hoisted the rendezvous flag at her mast=
head, which was repeated by the other vessels engaged,
being the preconcerted signal for the troopships to advance.
This movement on the part of vessels iu question not
being made with such celerity as could be desired, COM-
mander Rennie, of the Ferooz, volunteered to proceed
through the fire to accelerate their aivance, which was
accomplished in admirable order, although at the time the
fire from the batteries was far frum being silenced.
From between '9 and 10 o'clock five heavy explosions, in
different parts of the fortifications, indicated the over-
whelming nature of the attack, and let me to suppose that
the resistance hitherto offered could not much longer con-
tinue. I was therefore anxious to have the troops landed
as expeditiously as a due regard to their security would
allow, so that a combined and simultaneous movement by
the naval and military forces might be made with the cer-
tainty
of a successful issue, and with this view passed up
the river, until bloc() to Jaber's Fort, where the disembark-
ation was effected easily, and without interruption.
After the batteries had ceased firing artillery, a fire
of musketry was opened from them, as well as from breast-
works in their vicinity, and maintained with great spirit
for some time, when storming parties were landed from
the Semiramis, Clive, Victoria, and Falkland, who drove
before them the last of the enemy, and took possession of
their works and guns.
Considering the strength of the fortifications, both as
regards position and construction, with a numerous& garri-
son, anti the large number of guns which could be brought
to bear on the ships. in epirsequence of their closeness to
the enerny'a defences, which were likewiee strenathened by
breastworks bccupied by large bodies of small-arm men,
whose fire at times was annoying, I am thankful to say
the casualties sustained by the squadron during the en-
gagement amounted only to 5 killed and 18 wounded.
Before concluding' I feel it to be the most pleasing part
of my duty to bringto your notice the great gallantry and
coolness displayed by every officer and seaman under my
command duiiug the operations so successfully carried
out.

The important services rendered by Com. Rennie, of the
Ferooz are a further and honourable addition to an Already
well-established reputation.
Commander Selby, to whose local knowledge I am much
indebted, elicited my warmest admiration by the dashing
manner in which ho carried the Setnirauois into thecbannel
leading to Alohnmra. between the forts on either banks.

To the excellent way in which Commander Grieve, of the
Clive; Acting Commander Manners, of the Victoria • /and
Lieut. Tronson,' of the Falkland ; and Worsley, Of the
Ajadha, handled their respotive ships, and to the close-
ness and precision of their fire, much of the success of the
day is to be attributed. Special commendation is due to
Commander Adams, of the Assaye, for the gallant and
most efficient manner in which he seconded my attack on
the Northern Forts. The conduct of Lieut. Chitty, of the
Berenice, also calls for my approval, for conducting his
vessel, under shelter, of the ships of war, past the batteries
with about 1,409 troops and followers on boar.l.
Corn. Nisbett, agent for transports, by the assiduity
with which he bad my arrangements carried into effect,
was of material assistance.

To Acting Master 3 Commanding M'Laren, of the Napier;
Holl4nd, of the Comet ; Fletcher, of the Planet ; Neal, of
tha Assyria; Davies, of the Etherley Flat; and Mr. Dark
of the Hugh Lindsay, my warmest acknowledgements are
due for the zeal and intelligence wish which they acted on
this occasion, and by all of whom my instructions were
ably carried out.

The peculiar nature of tho services required to be per-
formed rendered unavoidable the exposure of the steam
transports to the effects of the musketry fire. The able
manner, however, ,in which the officers in command of
those vessels brought them through the ordeal, with all
but immunity, was highly creditable and praiseworty.
To the commanders of the transports generally too much
praise cannot be accorded for the willing assistance they
rendered throughout the day, both personally, and with
earnestness of the means at their disposal, fur the further-
ance of the public service.
Finally, allow me personally to acknowledge the many
obligations I owe you for the great assistance you afforded
me in maturing and facilitating measures that appeared
likely to conduce to the success of the enterprise. My
thanks are also due to your staff for the completeness with
which every arrangement was made for the immediate
landing of the troops, in a fit state for active service.
I feel confident that, although the victory is a naval one,
it would not have been so complete but for the sight of the
imposing force with which the enemy felt he must soon
come in hopeless contact, unless he ma le an immediate re-
treat.—l have, &c.,

J. NV. YOUNG, Acting Commodore,
Commanding Persian Gulf Squadron.

P.S.—The many matters of detail to be attended to at a
period of such hurry has placed it out of my power to obtain
an authenticated list of the casualities sustained during the
action; you will, however, observe that, according to the
numbers already given, they have been comparatively few.
This is, in a great measure, to be attributed to the very
efficient protection afforded thocraws by a breastwork made
of trusses of pressed hay, which were placed on the bul-
warks round the several vessels. Neither have lan account
of the damage inflicted on the ships by the enemy's fire.
They have been, however, considerably cut up in the rig-
ging, and injured in the hull,'although rarely, if at all, be-
low the water line.

I had almost forgotten to mention the services of my flag
lieutenant, Mr. Swenoy, who besides buoying off the chan-
nel across the bar of the river, was invaluable to me in com-
municating orders to the shipsof war and transports. His
coolness durin., the action, when performing the office of
flag lieutenant:was conspicuous.
Mr. Rogers. my, secrete, y, likewise deserves being brought
to notice for his services on the occasion, which were such
as to meet with my warm app•ovaL .

COLONEL E. LUGARD, C.B. CHIEF OF THE STAFF, TO
COMMODORE J. V. YOUNG, I.N.
Camp, near Mohumra, March 27, 1857.
Sir,—l am instructed by Lient -General Sir J. Outran],
K.C. B.; commanding the expeditionary force, to express to
you in warm terms his appreciation of the great service
rendered.by the Indian navy yesterday, in reducing the
strong batteries which the enemy had erected on the left
bank of the Euphratei to defend their position at Mohuthra,
a service so ably planed and conducted by yourself, and so
gallantly and effectuAly performed by the armed steamers
and eloops of war Forooz, Samiramis, Asaaye, Ajdaha,
Victoria Clive' and Falkland, with their • brave crews,
commanded by Captains Rennie, Selby, Grieve, Manners,
Adams, and Lieuts. Tronson and Worsley, that nothing
was left for the army to do, after being conducted by the
navy past the silenced batteries, than to land and take pos-
session of the enemy's entrenched camp, which they had.
abandoned ro precipitately as to leave behind all their
tents and property, public and private, with a vast amount
of ordnance st ,res and 16 guns, having carried away only
a small portion of the' persoual effects of the Sbahzada
and five guns.
The lieutenant-general tenlera to you, your officers and
crew, his best thanks for your services, and his hearty con-
gratulations upon the successful issue of the undertaking.
He further begs you will thank Lieutenant Chitty and Mr.
Holland for the impor tent services they rendered in the
Beranico and Comet, and also the masters commanding the
several steamers and transport ships, for their zealous as-
sistance throughout the expedition.—l have, &c.,
EDWARD LITGARD, Colonel,
Chief of the staff.

(The Gazette here gives a return showing that 16 guns
and one mortar were captured from the enemy, and pow-
der to the amount of 158,400 lb. either destroyed or cap-
tured ; besides 132 tents and other materials of war.)

LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR JAMES OUTRAM, K.C.8., COMMAND-
ING EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, TO HIS EXCELLENCY LIEUT.
GENERAL SIR H. SOMERSET, K.O 8., K.H , COMMANDING
IN CHIEF, BOMBAY.

Camp, Mobninia, April 4, 1857.
Sir,—ln my despatch, dated the 27th ult., I announced
to your excellency my intention of immediately dispatch-
ing op the Kamen River to Ahwaz an armed flotilla, be-
ing the only means I had of effecting a distant reconnais-
sance,
owing to the total of bag e cattle; but a> the
steamers bad to be coaled, and seven o.ays' provisions for
the troops put on board, whilst all ;. -busily engaged dis-
embarking tents and stores from the tr atisports, some liLle
delay occurred ; and it was not until the afternoon of the
29th that the party could be dispatched.
2. The flotilla I placed under the immediate command
of Captain Rennie, Indian navy, aided by Captain Kern-
ball, Political Agent in Turkish Aretbia, who zealously
undertook the political conduct of the ea pedition ; Captain
Hunt, 78th Highlanders, commanded the military detach-
ment ; and Captain Wray, deputy guar termaster-general,
and Captain M. Green, my military seore tary, accompanied
the expedition, for the purpose of reporting upon the coun-
try in the vicinity of Abwaz.
My instructions to Captain Rennie were "to steam up
to Ahwaz, and act with discretion a ccording to circum-
stances." Should the Persian army have arrived, and
apparently be prepared to make a de';ermined stand, the
party was to return, after effecting the reconnoissance ;
but, in the event of the enemy having; proceeded beyond
Ahwaz, or if they continued their flip ht on seeing our
steamers (as I fully expected they wou Id, under the im-
pression that the flotilla was the advance guard of the Bri-
tish army), it was my desire that the p .trty should land,
and destroy the magazines and stores w nich the Persians
had collected.

3. By the annexed reports from Caz tains Rennie and
Wray, which I have the honour to submit ~ your excellency
will learn bow admirably my instructions .have been carried
out, and the complete success which boa attended the
energetic and judicious measures adopted b y all concerned ;
indeed, it is impossible to calculate upon the advantages
which must ensue from the successful recur t of this expe-
dition, in the effect it will have upon the A.r.113 tribes, who,
in crowds, witnessed the extraordinary sea, ie of a large
army of 7,000 infantry, with five et six gums,* and a host
of cavalry, precipitate!y retreating before a .letachment of
300 British infantry, three small river ateamors, and three
gun-boats.
4. I feel that I cannot sufficiently express t 0 your excel-
lency the great obligation I am under to the several officers
and men of the expedition.
f 5. Captain Rennie, Indian navy, whose gall wit conduct
at the bombardment of Mohumra I so recent l 3 recorded,
has again earned my highest praise and warue ,st thanks
for the able manner in which he has conduct° cl this ex-
pedition.
6. Captain Kemball, who on this, as on every . occasion
of difficulty and danger upon which I have reci wired his
services, has rendered me most valuable assistance, mate•
tinily contributing to the success of the expedit ion by his
counsel and energy. Great praise is also due :to Captain
Hunt, 78th High!anders, who so successfully c; trried out
the military operations; to Capt. Wray, deputy-quarter-
master general, and Capt. M. Green, my military secre-
tary, for the part they so ably performed ; and to all the
officers and men employed in the expedition. . t have to

4t Ono or two prge are pia to }Aye joined them g<t Anwar.

thank them all, and beg to recommend those specially
named in your excellency's notice.-4 have, &c ,
J. OUTRAN, Lieut.-General, Commanding
Expeditionary Force.

ACTING COMMODORE J. RENNIE, 1.N., COMMANDING
SQUADRON IN THE PERSIANNGULF, TO LIEUT.-GENERAL
SIR JAMES OUTRAN, K.C.8., COMMANDING EXPEDI-
TIONARY FORCE.

Ahwaz, April 3, 1857.
•
affords me much gratification to report the
complete success that bee attended the expedition you
did me the honour to place under my commaud.
On arrival near Ahwaz on the moining of the Ist in-
stant, the Persian army was observed posted on a strong
position on the right bank of the river ; and having reason
to believe that whatever force there might be on the left
bank, did not amount to such a number as would entail
serions risk to our force, it was at once deter.nined to
carry Ahwaz.
Our arrangements for attack were speedily completed,
and by 10.33 a.m. Captain Hunt, his advance flanked by
the gun boats, moved off with his gallant bead of 109
men; and, in one hour and a half feorn the time of the
gun boats opening fire, he was in possession of Ahwaz ;
and the Persian army, consisting of 6,000 irfantry, 5
guns, and a cloud of Bukhtiaree horsemen, were in full
retreat upon Dizful, leaving in our possession 1 gun (a
brass 14-pounder field-piece), 151 stencl of arms, 56 mules,
230 sheep, besides an enormous quantity of grain, wheat,
and barley.
Captain Kemball requested me to remain at Ahwaz for
two days, to afford him time to communicate with the
Arab tribes, as also to ensure the impossibility of the de-
feated Persians returning to Ahwaz. They retired so
precipitately as •to have beeu unable to carry with them
means of subsistence for more than two days.
It would be presumptuous in me to offer a remark upon
the gallantry and zeal of those serving with me. I shall,
therefore, merely take the liberty of attachiegi.a nominal
list of officers, with the number of men under their com-
mand, composing an expedition that penetrated over 100
miles beyond Muhumra, and which, in so short a time,
compelled the Persian army to abandon a depot of provi-
sinus on which it almost entirely depen led for sub
sistence.

In conclusion, I beg to add that it is to Captain Kem-
bAll, who planned, anti to Captain Hunt, who executed,
this bold stroke, that thanks are morn especially due. Fur-
ther comments from me are unnecessary. —I have, &e.,
J. RENNIE, Commander I. N., Acting Commo-
dore, Counnanding Squadron, Persian Gulf.

NOMINAL .ROLL OF OFFICERS AND MEN COMPRISING TIIE EXPEDITION
TO AHWAZ, UNDER COMMANDER JAMES RENNIE, I N., ACTING COM-
MODORE, PERSIAN GULF SQUADRON, COMMANDINGIIIE EXPEDITION,
Lieutenants Crockett., Hag (sic), and Tozer, naval aides
de camp.
Armed Steamer Comet.—Commander W. B. Selby, I.N,
Acting Master Holland, Acting First Class Quartermaster
Salmon, Assistant Surgeon W. Wood, M.D. ; 21 seamen
and 16 Mussoolies.
River Steamer Planet.—Acting Master Fletcher, in
charge ; Acting Master Keen ; 6 Europeans and 13 lascars.
River Steamer Assyria.—Acting Master Neale, in
charge ; Acting First Class Second Master Fa,vey ; 5 Eu-
ropeans and I*.t natives.
No. 6 Gun Boat.—Lieut. Edwards, Midshipman Burn,
and 16 seamen.
No. 5 Gun Boat.—Mate Hewett, Midshipman D'Arcy,
and 14 seamen.
No. 9 Gen Boat.—Lieut. Lakes, Midshipman Ennis,
and 11 seamen.
Falkland Cutter.—Midshipman Law and 11 men.
Ferooz Cutter.—Midshipman Booth and 11 men.
Assaye Cutter.—Midshipman Scamp and 9 men.
Assistant Surgeon Asher in medical charge of gun boats
and cutters from Ferooz.
Mr. Sims, 31 class gunner of Ferooz, temporarily at-
tached for the expedition to steamer Planet.

NOMINAL ROLL OF OFFICERS OF DETACHMENT, UNDER THE COM,
HAND OF CAPTAIN G. 11. HUNT, 78TH HIGHLANDERS.
Her Majesty's 61th Regiceent.—Capt'dn Goode, Lieut.
Haldane, Basin" Pack. Assistant Surgeon Lundy.
78th R)ghlanbders—Copt. Haut, Capt 11%A.thlrew, Lieut.
Cassidy, Lieut. Finley, Lieut. Barker.
Detachment consisting of 300 men, being 150 from each
of the above regiments.

NOMINAL ROLL OF POLITICAL AND, STAFF OFFICERS PRE-
SENT WITH THE DETACHMENT UNDER CAPE. HUNT 76TH
HIGHLANDERS, IN THE ADVANCE UPON AHWAZ, ON THE
IST OF APRIL. 1857.
Capt. Kern ball, Bombay Artillery, Political Agent in
Turkish Arabia.
Lord Schomberg H. Kerr, attached to the Persian Mis-
sion.

Capt. Wray, Deputy-Quartermaster-General, P.F.F.
Capt. Malcolm Greene, Scinde Horse.
Lieut. Baigrie, Commissariat Dapartment.

CAPTAIN J. WRAY, DEPUTY-QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL,
P.F.F., TO COLONEL LUGARD, C. 8., CHIEF OF THE STAFF.
Camp, Alohumra, April 5.
Sir,—According to the instructions received from you, I
have the honour to forward the following report upon
Ahwaz and the country in its vicinity, with a brief account
of the military operations of the expedition.
Ahwaz is situated on the left bank of the Karoon River,
at about 100 miles from its mouth. The town is in ruins,
and not more than one-third of the houses appear to be
occupied. There is no fort or defence of any kind beyond
an old ruinous stone wall round part of it. The inhabitants
number about 1,200, chiefly Arabs of the Chab tribes.
Clo e to the town are two old broken-down bands, across
the river, through which the water rushes with great rapi-
dity; one of these is just opposite to the town ; the other
considerably below it. These bands am impassable for boats
drawing mere than a few feet water, and the strength of
the cerrent renders the passage of any boats a matter of
great difficulty. Indeed, we did not ascertain satisfactorily
that boats could pass at all. The river here is from 90 to
110 yards wide, and there are several low islands in the
middle covered with low tamarisk jungle. The banks of
the river are generally high, and the water so deep that
our small steamers could lie close alongside. The country
on the town side of the river is a bare plain, with very
slight patches of cultivation here and there, and on the
south-east side of the town is a range of satalstoue hids,
perfectly bare. The country on the opposite ride of the
rivet is much the same, a barren plain, without a tree, and
the most desolate-looking• place imaginable. A few hun-
dred yards above the bank is a ridge, which, when we ap-
proached Ahwaz, we found occupied by the Persian army.
The liver passes round this point, reit:tering the position
very strong ; but, at the same time, a fince driven out of
it by an enemy atsacking at A, and being obliged to em-
bark and retire down the river in boats or small steamers,
would be exposed to the fire of batteries or musketry from
the river banks from any point which an active enemy
might select. The advantages of this site fur a canton
went, are, first, that our commissariat and stores coming
by land from Mobumra could joie our camp without having
to cross the river; second; the strength of the position.
It is impossible to form any idea of the healthiness of
this place. There had been a good deal of rain when we
were there, and the surface of the ground was vvry heavy ;
but these is no reason to suppose that troops stationed hers
would be otherwise than healthy. At present the climate
is very pleasant, the mornings delightful, and the days,
though warm, quite bearable. The Arabs furnished ua
with sheep in abundance, milk, ghee, &c.
The Karoon River has already been reported on by Capt.
Selby, and I found the map drawn' up by that officer per-
fectly correct. The river is generally from 90 to 180 yards
a fine stream with very rapid earrent ; the banks
for the first few miles after leaving Mohuinra, are covered
with data trees, afterwards with eypressa or dwarf poplar
jungle, for a hundred yards or so from the watel's edge—
the interior a barren desert. We passed a few Arab vil-
lages on the left bank at long intervals, and anchored for
th night at two of them to got supplies. :Excepting here
we did not see a single soul the whole way ; the country
on the right hank appears to be an uninhabited wilderness.
The operations against the enemy were conducted as
follows, under the orders of Captain Rennie, I.N.

At 3 a, m., April 1, our little fleet le: t Kost Oommra, an
Ar,:b viih.ge on the lett batik, where we had r2rnained
during the night. S )on after daylight we c,lne sightof Anwaz, and found the Persian army collected behind
ridge on the right bank—crowdo of horsemen, apparently
some guns on the ridv, and infantry innuin,rable. An-
chored at one and a-half miles from the place. Some
horsemen came down, bat a rifle shoe sent them off at full
gallop, and no one attempted to come very near again.
Heard from the Arabs that Ahwaz was not occupie 1, and
that the troops that had bean there had gone up the river
the day before, frightened by the appearance of our
steamers, and that nothing now remained but 30 horse-
men ; that they had no means of cro,sing excepting by
two boats and two canoes. It was therefore determined to
land all our party (30J men), alvance up the left bank
upon Ahwaz, and endeavour to destroy the enemy's depot
of grain and ammunition, and, in the event of our finding
that we had been deceived, or that they were in force in ,
the town, that we should turn our move into en armed re-
connaissance, and return to our ships. Meanwhile wo
captured a bugla lying under the left bank, with a brass
12-pounder gun, which was taken on board. At 11 a.m.
the troops commenced landing, and a.ivancecl at once in
three columns covered by skirmishers, the whole party being
extended iu such a way that they looked like a large body
of men. Capt. Hunt, of the 78th, commanded and ar-
ranged it all. The left column consisted of the light I
company 78th, divided into skirmishers and supports,
both in one rank, the remainder of the company in I
columns of threes, also in single ranks The Glth Gre-
nadiers, and the other company, 78th, formed centre
and right columns in the same way. The two gun-
boats were sent off in advance up the river, and
took up position within shell-range of the enemy's ridge,
and opened fire. The enemy apparently had some guns in
position on the ridge, but the moment the gunners made
their appearance the gun-boats opened, and drove them
away; they consequently did not return a single shot,
though they attempted a little musketry, which did no
harm. In the meantime the troops pushed on ; the Per-
sians still collected, though in reduced numbers, on the
opposite bank of the river, at about 1,000 yards from us.
At 12 o'clock the troops approached the town, when the
Arab Sheik came out, tendered submission, and informed
our party that the enemy were retreating, and with our
glasses we saw a large army of 7,000 men, with a perfect
swarm of Bukhtiaree horsemen, and five or six guns, re-
tiring from a very strong position, before a body of 30‘1
infantry, three small steamers, and three gun-boats. The
enemy retired in tolerable order, covered by their horse,
the Shazaria himself travelling in a green palankeen car-
riage, the wheel =lrks of which we had peen ma the several
encamping grounds on the river.
The town was filled with flour, wheat, barley, Sze- ; 53
mules_ and a horse were also found, besides 14 boxes of new
flint muskets, Tower mark, each containing ten-
and set arty
fire
crossed the river, examined the enemy's caw!),
to the remains of their magazine.
The Arabs had plun-
A p
dered it before we arrived, and bad carried off the powder,
ball, ammunition, and muskets, the cases of which wr
found, but the enemy had left a gloat quantity of loos(
shot on the ground, which could not be destroyed or carried

away.
Thus ended a very successful day. It was expected that
when our troops reached the town the enemy would open
tire with their guns from the ridge on the opposite lank.
but that we should be able to hold our ground under cove
,f the houses and wall until all the stores were destroyed or
carried oil; but in this little or no loss was anticipated ;
and as the enemy were unable to crone the river, and it was