118 Capture of Columho 
into the fort, and had nearly entered before the Dutcii were 
aware of it. They were found by us in a state of the most 
infamous disorder and drunkenness ; no discipline, no obedience, 
no spirit. They now began to vent the most bitter reproaches 
against the governor, accusing him as the author of that dis- 
grace which their own conduct had brought upon them ; and 
seemed in a tumultuous crowd determined to display a despe- 
rate courage when it was now too late. The Malay troops 
alone kept up any appearance of discipline. Even they, how- 
ever, were led away by the contagious example of the rest ; 
and several of them in concert with the jacobin party among 
the Dutch, attacked the governor’s house, and fired into it 
with an intent to kill him ; crying aloud that he iiad betrayed 
them and sold them to the English. Nor was it without much 
difficulty that these mutineers were compelled to evacuate the 
fort, and ground their arms. 
It was grateful to the heart of a Briton to behold the stea- 
dy conduct and excellent discipline of our troops on this oc- 
casion, when contrasted with the riotous and shameful conduct 
of the Dutch soldiers. An officer, who was an eye-witness, as- 
sured me that the Dutch soldiers went so far as even to strike 
at our men Avith their musquets, calling them insulting and 
opprobrious names, and even spitting upon them as they pass- 
ed. This behaviour entirely corresponded with their former 
cowardice, and was equally despised by our countrymen. A 
have often since conversed on the subject with the Malay offi- 
cers, who seemed to have embraced entirely the same senti- 
ments with regard to it. They were all highly disgusted with 
the pusillanimous conduct of the Dutch, particularly in the 
aiTair at the Grand Pass, where they left them without any 
