by John Marshall

“ That gallant officer having instantly declared his readiness for action, and the situation of the enemy affording a prospect of success, Captain Pym decided on an immediate attack; but his intentions were unfortunately frustrated by the Sirius running aground in the inner passage, and remaining fast for many hours, during which the enemy moved farther in, erected several batteries, prepared the Indiaman for defence, and strengthened the crews of the frigates and corvette. ”

“ In consequence of this accident, and the enemy’s increased means of defence, Captain Pym was under the necessity of deferring the attempt until the arrival of the Iphigenia and Magicienne frigates, commanded by Captains Henry Lambert and Lucius Curtis, whom he had already recalled from their stations to the northward. ”

“ Paul’s was effected by the cruising squadron from off the Isle of France, under Commodore Rowley [3] , assisted by a party of the 56th regiment, and some Bombay sepoys, under Lieutenant-Colonel Keating. It appears that the soldiers, 136 royal marines, and 100 seamen, were lauded before day-break, and soon carried three of the forts. ”