Note 23 — CHAP. III. RESIDENCE OF THE MISSION AT BUSHIRE.
Reading edition
“This account is from the mouth of a Persian; it may therefore not be uninteresting to contrast it with the statement in the log-book of the Nereide.
“H. M. S. Nereide, Thursday, 21 Oct. 1808.
“At 9. A. M. saw two dows standing towards us under Arabian colours. 10.30. saw a strange sail S. S. E. Employed working up junk, &c. Noon: the above vessel past us, which proved to be the Honourable Company’s schooner Sylph. P. M. moderate breezes and fine. 1.30. observed the dows haul-up and board the schooner; in studding sails, and haul’d our wind in chase of them: by this time they had the schooner in tow. Tacked occasionally to close. At 4. got within gun-shot and commenced firing. 4.30. observed the schooner’s tow-rope gone, supposed by our shot; still keeping a constant fire on the dows. 5.30. shot away one of the dow’s yards. At 6. ditto, firing whenever the guns would bear: observed the schooner make signals of distress, and fire guns. The crew immediately deserted the dow when the yard was shot away, and went on board the other; continuing firing within musket shot round grape and musketry; hailed her repeatedly, but received no answer. At 8. ceased firing; the dows apparently sinking: made sail for the schooner: at 9. hove-to, and sent a boat for the commander of the schooner; he being severely wounded, gave Lieutenant C—— charge of the schooner, but returned with a seapoy severely wounded.”