1811	Capture of Java	29

the boats proceeded to the attack, and, on opening the point, were challenged by the sentinels, who almost at the same instant fired their pieces; a proof that all hopes of a surprise had vanished. Still resolved, Lieutenant Lyons ran the boats aground, in a heavy surf, under the embrasures of the lower tier of guns ; and he and his gallant fellows, placing the ladders, sprang up them in an instant. Some of the first that gained the walls killed three soldiers, who were in the act of putting matches to the guns ; and in a few minutes the British found themselves in complete possession of the lower battery. Lieutenant Lyons now formed his men, his 34 men ; and, leading them on, stormed and carried the upper battery. On reaching the summit of the hill, the little band of British perceived the Dutch garrison drawn up to receive them. The sailors fired, then rushed to the charge ; Lieutenant Lyons calling out, that he had 400 men, and would give no quarter. On hearing this, the Dutchmen fled in a panic through the postern gateway at the rear of the fort.

At 1 a.m. on the 30th the Dutch opened a fire on the fort from a small battery in the rear, also from two gun-boats at anchor in the harbour. This fire was returned by a few guns ; and, in the mean while, the remainder of the small party of British were employed in disabling the other guns, and in destroying as much as practicable of the battery. The first shot, fired at Fort Marrack from the battery in the rear, had struck the top of the postern or gateway through which the garrison had retreated ; the second shot went through the gate; and the third shot, taking the same direction, convinced Lieutenant Lyons that the Dutch had previously ascertained the range. The situation of the British was now critical and alarming, as the barracks in which was a whole battalion of Dutch troops was only half a mile distant, and the drums were heard beating to arms. At this moment midshipman William Langton, the second British officer in command, and who had greatly distinguished himself in the assault, suggested to Lieutenant Lyons to open the gate, and allow the shot to pass harmlessly through. This was done, and in the course of half an hour the enemy directed his shot considerably to the right of the gate ; which left no doubt that the troops were advancing to the attack. Two 24-pounders, loaded almost to the muzzles with musket-balls, were now placed near the entrance of the gateway. This was hardly done when the enemy's column was seen advancing; and, lest the guns should be fired too soon, Lieutenant Lyons held one match and Mr. Langton the other. The head of the enemy's column, on arriving within about 10 yards of the gate, perceived that it was open. The Dutch troops immediately shouted, cheered, and rushed on. At that instant the two guns went off, and the gale was shut. The foremost of the assailants were mowed down by the murderous

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