When every thing is taken into consideration, the vast superiority of the enemy's force, and the noble exertions made, the defence is highly credible to the captains, officers, and ships' companies, as well as to the passengers, cadets, and soldiers, on board of both ships, all of whom evinced the utmost gallantry. Had the enemy attempted to board either of the Indiamen, I am convinced the event would have been glorious to us. Vizgapatam, Dec. 7, 1809. ENGLISH FORCE. Charlton-26 eighteens, ship's company 109,-lascars 27, soldiers 75. Killed, James M'Gahy, private, 69th regiment. Wounded, Robert Sunman, ordinary seaman, severely. One gun rendered unserviceable. United Kingdom-Ship's company 108,-Lascars 18, soldiers 50, carrying 32 guns, 12-pounders. Killed, W. Holmes, seaman, and one lascar. Wounded, four seamen, (one since dead) one lascar. FRENCH FORCE, La Venus-28 long eighteen pounders, 10 ditto nines, eight thirty-six pound carronades, 46 guns, and 25 swivels, 380 men; commanded by Mons. Hamelin, capitaine de vaisseau et officier de la legion d'honeur. La Manche--The same number of guns and men, commanded by Mons. Donaldeguy, capitaine de vaisseau et membre de la legion d'honeur. A list of officers and passengers, arrived on board the Creole, French corvette, who were taken prisoners in the honourable company's ships, Charlton and United Kingdom, on Sunday, November 19, 1809. Captain Mortlock, commander of the Charlton; mates, Mr. Sennet, Mr. Martyr, Mr. Furlong, Mr. Hyter; midshipmen, Mr. Webb, Mr. Swinton, Mr. Forrester, Mr. Broker; purser, Mr. Fecon; captain's clerk, Mr. Knox; surgeon, Mr. Salkeld; assistant ditto, Mr. Stokes. Mr. Benford, chief mate, and Mr. Brocker, midshipman, were detained on board. Captain D'Esterre, late commanding the United Kingdom; mates, Mr. Burne, Mr. Aikman, Mr. Ward, Mr. Randall, Mr. M'Lardie; midshipmen, Mr. Howell, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Dow ton. Mr. Redout, Mr. Mallet, purser, Mr. Russell, assistant ditto. Blanche, chief mate, and Mr. Ward, midshipman, were detained. Mr. Mrs. Passengers per Charlion Green, Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. Muston, Miss Muston, Miss S. Muston, Miss Carter, Miss Denton, Miss Brietzcke, and an attendant on Mrs. Green. Major Caldwell, of the company's artillery; ditto Kinlock, of H. M. 67th regiment; lieutenant Tucker, of H. M. 24th dragoons; ensign Baxter, H. M. 12th regiment; ditto Stack, H. M. 14th ditto; ditto Gillman, H. M. ditto; Mr. Muston; Mr. Smart, assistant surgeon, H. C. service; Mr. Kage, Mr. Marriott, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Swinton, Mr. Hall, Mr. Gordon, and Mr. Crawford, cadets. Passengers per United KingdomMiss Long, and Mr. Doveton, cadet; 12th regiment, 3 privates, 2 women, and two children; 69th regiment, 3 serjeants, 3 corporals, 9 privates, 4 women, and 2 children. BOMBAY Occurrences for JANUARY, 1809. JANUARY 19-1st. The honourable the governor in council is pleased to permit lieutenant-colonel Alexander Walker, of the 1st regiment of Nativeinfantry, to proceed to England, according to the existing regulations; with the option of returning to or retiring from the service, at the expiration of his furlough. 2d. In thus announcing the departure of lieutenant-colonel Walker, the governor in council discharges one of the most gratifying obligations of his public duty, in recording, in concur. rence with the sentiments of the commanding-officer of the forces, his unreserved testimony to the distinguished merits of an officer, whose progress throughout the service has uniformly reflected the highest credit on the profession of which he has proved himself so respectable a member. 3d. The character of lieutenantcolonel Walker first attracted the notice of this government in the confidential situation which he held of secretary to lieutenant general Stuart, as commander-in-chief of the forces under this presidency; who having moreover appointed him to the office of deputy-quarter-master general in January, 1799, the lieutenant-colonel subsequently accompanied that experi enced officer in charge of the arduous duties of quarter-master-general to the Bombay army, that co-operated in the reduction of the fortress of Seringapatam in the memorable campaign of that year. 4th. The selection of the lieutenantcolonel to fill eventually the appointment of the assistant to the auditorgeneral having been communicated to the honourable the court of directors, they were pleased to diret, in the year 1801, that he should succeed to the responsible situation of auditor-general at this presidency, on the occurrence of any vacancy in the department. The several occasions, however, which the administration of this presidency has had to avail itself of the experienced talents and acquirements of that officer, having intercepted his succession to the principal charge of either of the two above-mentioned offices in the immediate line of his profession, in view to which he had thus successively been selected, and in both of which he was eminently qualified to promote the public service. 5th. Having accompanied the committee of government that proceeded to Malabar, in the year 1797, the knowledge which colonel Walker thence acquired of the state of the affairs in that province, joined to his conciliatory character, led to his being nominated a member of the commission, that was formed for regulating the affairs of Malabar; at a crisis which demanded the selection of servants of approved judgment and talents. 6th. On the abolition of the commission, lieutenant-colonel Walker returned to this presidency, and would have succeeded to the office of auditorgeneral, pursuantly to his nomination to the situation by the honourable court, had not the course of events called for the exercise of his tried abilities in promoting the national inte " rests in a more active and delicate scene detachments, from Madras, of horse of operation. 7th. The Baroda state having solicited the interposition of the honourable company's power and authority in extricating the government from the various difficulties and distresses under which it then laboured, this officer proceeded to the northward in the year 1802, and in the short warfare which ensued, lieutenant-colonel Walker's services attracted the thanks of his excellency the most noble the governor-general in council," for the judgment and address which he manifested in the conduct of the negotiation with the minister Rowba, and for major Walker's distinguished exertion of military talents, in the contest in which he was unavoidably engaged, with the superior force of Mulhar Row Guicowar." 3th. Having successfully engaged in the production of the active, and dangerous opposition that immediately distracted the Guico war state, the attention of lieutenant-colonel Walker has for these last seven years been sedulously devoted, in his capacity of resident at Baroda, in co-operating with the administration of the Guicowar government towards the restoration of its affairs, after the attainment of which important object he is now retiring to his native country with the regret of his own government at the loss of his able assistance, with the distinguished approbation of the governor general of India for the emiDent services he has rendered, and the general good wishes of the sovereign and subjects in the country of the honourable company's ally at the court of which he has thus long and usefully resided. BOMBAY BOMBAY, February 3.-Yesterday morning the governor inspected the brigade under the command of brigadier general Malcolm, consisting of his majesty's 65th regiment of foot, commanded by licut. colonel Lionel Smith, artillery under the command of captain Poignard, of artillery under captain Shower, of cavalry under major Russel, the Bengal marine, commanded by lieut. colonel Shuldham, and a detachment of pioneers under the command of captain Fitzpatrick. On this occasion brigadier-general Malcolm presented the colours to the Madras cavalry, and addressed them as follows: Major Russel,—It is with a pride, which nothing but my knowledge of the officers and men under your com. mand could inspire, that I present them with their standards. The greater part of them are volunteers from regiments of high and established reputation, and as such, it is impossible they should ever forget, that when they obeyed that noblest of all impulses, which leads a soldier to step forward at even the prospect of fatigue and danger, they imposed upon themselves a sacred obligation, not only to fulfil the promise they made by that act to the state they serve, but to the respective corps to which they belong, whose honour and character they became, from that moment, pledged to maintain, in all scenes, and under all circumstances, in which they might be placed. "To men whose breasts are animated with a sense of such duties, it would be a waste of time to say more than that I commit these standards to their charge, in the assurance that they will always be regarded with those proud feelings they are meant to excite, and with the fullest conviction that, when an opportunity is afforded to the officers and men of this corps, they will more than fulfil these solemu obligations they have thus voluntarily incurred, and by doing so not only entitle themselves to the gratitude of the state they serve, but be, at their return, cheered with the welcome applause of those corps, whose glory and fame they have promoted and extended by their spirit of enterprize, discipline, and valour." After the inspection a numerous assemblage of ladies and gentlemen adjourned to brigadier-general Malcolm's tents, were they partook of an elegant breakfast. Orders by the honourable the governor. FEB. 3.-The honourable the governor had the greatest satisfaction in inspecting brigadier-general Malcolm's brigade under arms this morning. The steady and orderly movement of the column, as it marched round in review, was truly gratifying. The uniform and animated appearance of the detachments of horse artillery, and cavalry on foot, attracted particular attention, and the honourable the governor had only to regret, that he had not the pleasure of seeing them mounted. The coast artillery have long deservedly enjoyed a high character for skill and discipline, such as there is no doubt they will continue to merit. The soldier-like appearance, and steadiness, of H. M.'s 65th regiment was conspicuous; and the honourable the governor has the fullest confidence, that the well-established discipline of this corps will continue to reflect honour and credit on themselves and their country, whenever they are called into active service. The Bengal battalion is a fine body of men, who will, doubtless, continue to support their distinguished reputation. The honourable the governor was, also, much pleased with the appear ance of the corps of pioneers, who have already obtained a badge of merit for foreign service. This settlement is moreover indebted to their voluntary and very useful labour, in occupying their late leisure time in the repairs of the roads in Bombay and Salsette, for which their commandant captain Fitzpatrick has already the acknowledgements of government. Of general Malcolm his merits are so well known, that the governor has only to express his belief, that, this officer's well-earned reputation, however high, will receive new lustre by his successful exercise of the very honourable and important command FEBRUARY 4.-The latest accounts from the north-western frontier of Persia state, that a battle had been fought between the Russians and Persians, under the command of the heir apparent, Abbas Murza. The slaughter on both sides appears to have been considerable; but the Russians, as usual, claim the victory; and a royal firmaun has directed illuminations throughout the Persian empire, in honour of the success of his majesty's arms. Although the rumours, respecting the present state of the French embassy, at Tehraun, differ in some slight points, yet no doubt can be entertained, that the influence of our enemies in the Persian cabinet has considerably diminished, in consequence of the recommencement of hostilities with the Russians. Some private letters assert, that the French embassy has been actually dismissed; others, that a period for its departure has been fixed; but all accounts agree in stating, that his Persian majesty attributes the late irruption of the Russians to the intrigues of the French, who hoped to intimidate him into a compliance with their demands, by the pressure of great and immediate danger. The consequence of this impression has been the complete alienation of the king of Persia from the French nation. It is but reasonable to suppose, that a continuance of hostility, on the part of Russia, combined with a distrust of the French, would lead the court of Persia to solicit the assistance of the English government. Whatever may be the degree of credit to which this intelligence is entitled, or the extent to which the late news from Europe may be expected to influence the politics of the court of Tehraun, it would not be desirable, immediately, to suspend those measures of defensive policy; which it is the character of a wise nation to continue, until the danger, that rendered them necessary, shall, have ceased to exist. His majesty's ship, Culloden, Point de Galle Roads. FEBRUARY 14.-Sir,-Having this day accidently seen, in the Bombay courier, of the 7th ultimo, the resolutions of a general meeting of the merchants, ship owners, and underwriters, of which you were chairman, delivering the sentiments of that respectable body regarding the protection I have afforded to the commercial interest of Bombay, during the period of my command in India, I cannot leave this anchorage, from which I am now on the eve of departure for Europe, without expressing to you the satisfaction with which I have perused this public testimony of their favourable opinion; and I request, Sir, you will convey to the members of that meeting, my sincere acknowledgments on this occasion. While I perceive the great advantages which have resulted to your commerce by a cordial co-operation in the system of convoy which I established for its protection, I think it proper to observe, that, if the same principles of liberal policy had influenced the mercantile interests of India at large, the greater part of those losses, which individuals have sustained by capture, would have been prevented by a strict adherence to such a plan of general protection, which, while it provided for the welfare of the mercantile community, imposed a wholesome restraint on that spirit of private speculation, so evidently injurious to the common advantage. With my sincere wishes for the increase of your commercial prosperity, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) ED. PELLEW. To Charles Forbes, esq. chairman of a meeting of the merchants, ship owners, and underwriters, Bombay. (A true copy,) CHARLES FORBES. BOMBAY Occurrences for March. MARCH 10.-Yesterday, at noon, a salute of 19 guns was fired, on the occasion of rear admiral Drury hoisting his flag, incident to his succeeding to the chief command of his majesty's naval forces in India. It is with concern that the governor in council announces the death of Mr. Joseph Cumberlege, a gentleman who has, for upwards of seven years, held the respectable and important office of the honourable company's solicitor, at this presidency, the du ties of which he has discharged with equal justice to the public, and credit to his own character, as well as to the entire satisfaction of government. In consequence of the death of Mr. Cumberlege, Mr. Hungerford is ap pointed to the situation of company's solicitor. Demaun, March 17th, 1809. DEAR SIR,-The intended removal of the left wing of the regiment from hence to join the head-quarters of the corps at Bombay, affords us an opportunity of offering our grateful acknowledgments for the happiness we have enjoyed while under your command. The harmony and good understanding which has existed amongst us, the satisfaction we have experienced in performing our respective duties; the constant regularity and meritorious conduct of the men so justly appreciated by his excellency the governor, in his public dispatches to the presidency, we are convinced have arisen from your own well-regulated and most admirable mode of discipline, by which you have added to the reputation and character of a corps we have had the honour of serving in for many years. We trust you will permit us to present you with a piece of plate as an emblem of our respect and esteem. In the hope that an officer of so long a standing in the service, possessed |