1832.] 
ACTION COMMENCED. 
Ill 
while the main body still moved onward, up a little steep ; when 
Lieutenants Pinkham and Edson both marched off to their re- 
spective forts ; while the third division and Betsey Baker, accom- 
panied by Lieutenant Shubrick, still passed through the town. In 
a few moments the attack became general, the Malays in no in- 
stance allowing time fox parley ; but received each division with 
an unexpectedly spirited fire from their small cannon, muskets, 
and blunderbusses. Lieutenant Hoff, as the nearest division, was 
the first engaged, and a spirited fire was kept up, while a part of 
his division attempted to breakdown a heavy gate which appeared 
to form the only or principal barrier to coming within close quar- 
ters. This being forced, a part of the division entered, but still 
found themselves distant from the citadel within, on account of a 
barrier of close jungle which surrounded it. Here, however, the 
men were partially protected from the fire of the Malays, which . 
was now idly directed. At this time Lieutenant Hoff called to 
them to desist, by a few words he had learned for the purpose 
from Mr. Barry, and the attack should cease ; but they only an- 
swered with shouts, and redoubling their exertions, by hurling 
javelins and firing down upon them. Two men were wounded. 
This put a stop to all further conference, and the men were or- 
dered to prepare for storming, which they did by throwing up a 
platform of brush and other loose materials found lying on the 
beach, but a short distance from the fort. Having hterally buih 
themselves up to a level with the top of the wall, an effort was 
made to reach its summit, where they were met by the Malays, 
hand to hand, when several of the assailing party were severely 
wounded ; but Mahomet and the principal leaders having fallen, 
but feeble resistance was made by the rest, and the fort was in- 
stantly carried. 
Lieutenants Edson and Terrett, with the marines, with equal 
success, had forced their way into the fort destined for their attack. 
The Malays met them with firmness, but could not stand before 
the superior discipline of the marines, whose ardour seemed fully 
to compensate for their want of numbers. Lieutenant Terrett, 
with a guard, being left in charge of the fort. Lieutenant Edson, 
with the remainder of his men, proceeded through the town to 
join Lieutenant Shubrick, and receive his further orders. 
In the meantime Mr. Barry, who had been sent to point out 
