Admiralty, March 23, 1874.
following Despatches and Enclosures have been received by the Secretary of the
Admiralty from Commodore W. N. W. Hewett, V.C., Senior Naval Officer on the Gold Coast :—
 

SIR,
    I HAVE the honour to forward for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty a letter I have received from Captain J. H. Glover, R.N., Special Commissioner in the Volta, bringing to my notice the good services of Lieutenant George H. Moore (late " Druid") and Sub-Lieutenant Henry Ponsonby, belonging to Her Majesty's ship "Active," and Retired Sub- Lieutenant Henry H. Adamson late "Argus") while attached to the expeditionary force commanded by him in that river.

SIR,
    I HAVE the honour to forward for your information extracts from report furnished by me to His Excellency the Major-General, of Services of
Officers ^N  attached to the Volta Expeditionary Force, and to request that you will bring the services of the Officers named in margin to the notice of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

(Extracts.)

   Lieutenant Moore, of Her Majesty's ship " Druid," joined the expedition as a volunteer, with the approval of his commanding officer, on the 1st October last.
   For the first part of his service he rendered valuable assistance in piloting vessels over the bar of the Volta, in landing stores., and in command of " Lady of Lake" steamer in the river. On the 2nd December he went to Blapah, and planned and cleared there the camp on the Volta, previous to the arrival of Captain Sartorius.
   On the 25th December he had charge of the battery on the right bank of the river, covering the lauding on the opposite shore, and subsequently of the " Lady of the Lake" steamer, and had a narrow escape from sunstroke due to his exertions in the heat.
    When it was decided to leave the left bank of Volta on 27th, he was left as Commissioner with 3,000 Aquapims and Crobboes, and served with them with Deputy-Commissioner Goldsworthy up to 11th January, and successfully brought 1500 of these native levies, across the Prah, to join me at Odumassie on the 6th of February. Since that date he has had command of the Yorubas, and has marched with them to this place.
    During the whole of this time he has shown great energy and constant willingness to carry out any duties required of him, and deserves my thanks for the assistance he has afforded me.
    Sub-Lieutenant Ponsonby, Her Majesty's ship " Active," joined us just before the crossing of the Volta, on the 24th and 25th December. His skilful firing was referred to in General Orders of that date.
   He was left in charge of the steam launches on the Volta, and subsequently received orders to join Head Quarters, which he did at Chibbi, on 11th January. He accompanied Lieutenant Barnard in charge of rockets to Jaarsie, and in his reports of attack on Odumassie, 26th January, Lieutenant Barnard remarks on the splendid way in which the rockets cleared the bush. On this occasion he was struck by a spent slug on the knee, with such violence as to cause him to fall.
   He was also with Lieutenant Barnard on the 2nd February, when the enemy were driven from the line of Annonu River.
   He has since acted under Commander Larcom, in charge of artillery of the expedition, and on the return march has had charge of the loads and transport.

 

"Active," at Cape Coast, March 3, 1874.

SIR,
    THE operations against the Ashantees being now ended, it becomes my pleasing duty to bring to the notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the highly satisfactory manner in which the Officers, seamen, and marines of the squadron under my orders have, on all occasions, carried out their duties during the trying time they have been employed on the Gold Coast.
   All indeed have realized my highest expectations; and in making special mention of any, who, under my own observation, especially distinguished themselves by their gallantry, zeal, or ability, I am anxious that their Lordships should not under-rate the value I set upon the services of those, who, lacking an opportunity, were not so fortunate as to render themselves conspicuous.
    The manner in which Captain W. J. Hunt Grubbe, of Her Majesty's ship "Tamar," performed special duties which devolved upon him, throughout the period he commanded the Naval Brigade, is deserving of my warmest approbation, and I beg to call their Lordships special attention to the fact that, although severely wounded in the left hand at the battle of Amoaful, he would not relinquish his command until the campaign was finished.
    The services of the Brigade itself are recorded in the enclosed letter from Captain Hunt Grubbe. Of the Officers specially mentioned therein Lieutenant Gerard H. U. Noel, of Her Majesty's ship "Active" was landed on the 27th November, 1873, in charge of a party of fifty seamen and marines, who previous to the arrival of the European regiments were detailed to act as a guard to Sir Garnet Wolseley, on the occasion of his proceeding to the front to inspect the progress made in the construction of the road to the Prah.
    Lieutenant A. B. Crosbie, Royal Marine Light Infantry, and Sub-Lieutenant Gerard R. Maltby, of Her Majesty's ship "Active," and Surgeon Henry T. Cox, of the " Amethyst," also landed with this party, and none of them rejoined their ships till the cessation of hostilities. I regret to say that I have lost the services of Lieutenant Noel as Senior and Gunnery Lieutenant of this ship, he having been invalided for the preservation of his life, through the ill effects of this prolonged stay ashore.
    Captain James W. V. Arbuckle, of the Royal Marine Battalion, who was appointed to take command of the Marines attached to the Brigade, having fallen sick, his place was most efficiently filled by Lieutenant Crosbie, who was present with his men in every engagement with the enemy, in one of which he was slightly wounded.
    Mr. Maltby, who is temporarily filling the Lieutenant's vacancy caused by the deeply to be regretted death of Captain William Hans Blake,
of the " Druid," (who landed in command of the Brigade), is a young Officer of great promise in the service, and I am pleased at having the opportunity of bringing his name to their Lordship's favourable notice.
    The services of Mr. Cox and the other Medical Officers of the Naval Brigade, will be brought to notice in a separate Despatch, in which it is my intention to lay before their Lordships the excellent arrangements of Staff-Surgeon Second Class Henry Fegan, M.D., of this ship (who landed in charge), for the care and comfort of the sick and wounded.
    The steady behaviour of Lieutenant Robert B. Pipon, of this ship, and his Company when returning from the affair at Bouborassie, on the 31st January, on which occasion the rear guard was greatly harassed, has been specially brought to my notice ; and on another occasion this Officer is mentioned as having, with his Company, rendered the most material aid to Lord Gifford and his scouts at the destruction of Becquah.
    I have a high opinion of Lieutenant Pipon's professional ability, and it is with much pleasure that I recommend him to the favourable notice of their Lordships.
    Captain Hunt Grubbe informs me that the services of Lieutenant William F. S. Mann, of Her Majesty's ship " Amethyst," who acted as Adjutant to the Brigade, were most valuable. This Officer bears a reputation of being a smart and energetic Officer.
    Sub-Lieutenant Wyatt Rawson, of Her Majesty's ship "Active," did very excellent work while attached to the Land Transport Service.
    His energy and tact did much to encourage the curriers, and as there was often very great difficulty in procuring people to transport stores and provisions to the front, the value of Mr. Rawson's services cannot be over-rated. There being a vacancy in the "Himalaya" for a Lieutenant, I gave this Officer an acting order to fill it, and he has proceeded to England in that ship. Sub-Lieutenant Rawson was wounded in the thigh by a slug.
   I notice with satisfaction that the services of Lieutenant Angus McLeod, of the " Barracouta," and Mr. Charles Gladstone, Midshipman of the " Druid," who acted as Aide-de-Camp to Captain Hunt Grubbe, are favourably recorded.
   At the battle of Amoaful the left and right wings of the Brigade were respectively commanded by Commander Percy P. Luxmore (now acting Captain of the " Druid" ), and Lieutenant Gerard H. U. Noel, already referred to, and the manner in which they led their men into action was highly creditable to them. It is now my duty to place upon record the valuable assistance I have received in the conduction of affairs at the hands of Captain George Henry Parkin, of Her Majesty's ship " Victor Emanuel."
    During my absence in the front, this Officer carried out the duties of the port most ably and efficiently, and for this, as well as for the activity and zeal he displayed in his superintendence of the re-embarkation of the troops, my thanks are due to him.
   The landing of the several regiments was superintended by Commander Herbert F. Crohan, the principal Transport Officer afloat, assisted by Mr. H. H. Hannay, Navigating Lieutenant of the " Active," and the manner in which both these Officers carried out this important service reflects very great credit on them. Their Lordships will easily conceive the heavy and responsible duties which have devolved upon Commander Robert Lowther Byng, of my pendant ship, during these operations, and it is with much satisfaction that I have to record the efficient and thorough manner in which he, at all times, conducted them.
    The important service of blockading the windward coast, has, for the most part, been carried out under the direction of Captain Richard Bradshaw, who, in the " Encounter " was some time Senior Officer of a Squadron, specially placed under his orders. Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Day of the "Merlin," was for a long time detached on this service, and in common with the Lieutenants Commanding the other gun vessels similarly employed, showed great vigilance in preventing the landing of munitions of war within the limits of the blockade.
     Captain Alfred John Chatfield, in Her Majesty's ship " Amethyst," at all times showed great zeal and activity in carrying out the service he was detailed for. For some time he was employed in guarding our position at Addah-Foah, at the entrance of the River Volta, and had charge of a station extending from Accra to Elmina-Chica. I regret that my multifarious duties gave me no opportunity to make an inspection of the "Amethyst," as, from what I have seen of the ship, I feel convinced my report could not have been other than satisfactory.
    I must now bring to the notice of their Lordships the valuable services, of Acting Commander John Hext, who, when Lieutenant in Command of the "Decoy," was constantly employed in active service, which he always conducted with much intelligence and zeal; and I readily endorse the high enconiums which have been passed upon him by the various senior Officers whom he has served under during the many months he has been stationed on the Gold Coast. The appointment this Officer at present holds was given to him as a mark of my appreciation of his good services.
    I wish to bring to the favourable notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the services of Mr. Thomas Cowd, Gunner Second Class, of this ship ; this Officer landed at the commencement of the operations, and had charge of the carriers who transported the first supplies of stores and provisions sent to the front.
    Fever, brought on by exposure and hard work, obliged Mr. Cowd to return to the coast soon after the Naval Brigade was landed; he soon, however, resumed his ordinary duties on board the ship, and his conduct at all times deserves my praise. I cannot pass by the manner in which Mr. Harry S. F. Niblett, Sub-Lieutenant of this ship, has throughout performed his onerous duties. This young officer has had charge of the steam pinnace during the operations, and I cannot speak too highly of the way in which he executed his orders—I would point out that the services he performed were not merely those ordinarily assigned to an Officer of his standing—and on many occasions he has, attracted my attention by the cheerful, active, creditable way in which ho carried out whatever was required of him.
   Their Lordships would observe that good conduct, zeal, and activity has characterised the services of the whole squadron, and in concluding my Despatch I have only to add that the aid rendered by those artificers of the squadron who were landed to construct huts, &c., along the road to the Prah, and who are reported to me for their good services in the enclosed letter from Major Home, R.E. (under whose directions they worked), was most valuable.

	I have, &c. (Signed) W. N. W. HEWETT, Commodore.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.

 

Her Majesty's Ship " Tamar" Cape Coast Castle February 19, 1874.

SIR,
    I HAVE the honour to report the return of the Royal Naval Brigade under my command at Cape Coast Castle this morning, also that in pursuance of orders received on the beach the Officers, seamen, and marines comprising it have been sent to their respective ships.
    On assuming the command of the Brigade at Acarafoum, on the 22nd of January, the strength was as follows :—Officers, 18 ; seamen, 154 ; marines, 54. The names of the Officers, with the respective duties assigned to them are as follows:—
 

Commander Percy Luxmore, Her Majesty's ship " Argus," Second in Command.
Lieutenant Gerard Noel, Her Majesty's ship " Active," Brigade Major.
Lieutenant Edward S. Evans, Senior Lieutenant, Her Majesty's ship "Encounter," Commanding No. 4 Company.
Lieutenant A. B. Pipon, Her Majesty's ship " Active," Commanding No. 1 Company.
Lieutenant W. F. S. Mann, Senior Lieutenant Her Majesty's ship "Amethyst," Adjutant.
Lieutenant Angus McLeod, Her Majesty's ship " Barracouta," in charge of Transports.
Sub-Lieutenant Victor Bradshaw, Her Majesty's ship ''Encounter," Sub-Lieutenant of Company.
Sub-Lieutenant Charles Windham, Her Majesty's ship "Active," Sub-Lieutenant of Company.
Sub-Lieutenant Gerald Maltby, Her Majesty's ship "Active," Commanding No. 3 Company.
Sub-Lieutenant Tom Ficklin, Her Majesty's ship "Active," Sub-Lieu tenant of Company.
Sub-Lieutenant Wyatt Rawson, Her Majesty's ship " Active," Transports.
Sub-Lieutenant Augustus Coker, Her Majesty's ship " Druid," Commanding No. 2 Company.
Sub-Lieutenant Archibald Kennedy, Her Majesty's ship "Druid," Sub-Lieutenant of Company.
Midshipman Charles Gladstone, Her Majesty's ship " Druid," Aide-de-Camp to Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Adolphus Crosbie, Royal Marine Light Infantry, Her Majesty's ship " Active," Commanding Royal Marines.
Lieutenant Richard Deane, Royal Marine Light Infantry, Commanding No. 2 Company Royal Marine Light Infantry.
Staff-Surgeon Henry Fegan, M.D., Her Majesty's ship " Active," Principal Medical Officer.
Surgeon John Fisher, Her Majesty's ship "Decoy."

In addition to these, at Prahsu,  Sub-Lieutenant Lloyd Matthews and Dr. Henry Cox were left in charge of sick, and at Quisah Sub-Lieutenant
Robert L. Mundy and Mr. C. J. May, Midshipman joined the Brigade.

   The Brigade proceeded by marches ranging from 10 to 13 miles per day en route to Coomassie. Nothing of note occurred until our arrival at Medowina, a small village adjacent to Kiang Boassa. Here we were ordered, in company with some of the 23rd Regiment, Wood's and Russell's Regiments, and Ralt's Artillery, to attack the village of Boubarasu, where it was known a large body of the enemy was assembled. This was most successfully accomplished, with the loss on our part of 3 men wounded. No. 1 Company, commanded by Lieutenant R. B. Pipon, especially being noticed by Colonel M'Leod, C.B., for their steadiness when the rear guard was attacked in returning from the village.
    On the 31st January the battle of Amoaful was fought, full details of which have already been forwarded.
    On this occasion the conduct of the whole Brigade was most creditable. My best thanks are due to Captain Percy Luxmore and Lieutenant Gerard Noel, who commanded the left and right wings respectively, and to the Officers under them, for the manner in which the men were taken into action and the steadiness shown under a heavy fire. Dr. Fisher accompanied the left wing and Dr. Turton (Staff), of the Army, the right, and our numerous wounded were, by them, on the field treated with the greatest skill and care.
    Lieutenant Angus McLeod on this occasion, through the temporary indisposition of Lieutenant Deane, commanded his company of Marines
throughout the day, and was highly spoken of by Captain Luxmore.
    On the following day the Brigade was again engaged in the destruction of Bequoi, having 1 man killed and 2 wounded. On this occasion Lord Grfford states, that " but for Lieutenant Pipon's Company, his scouts would, have suffered most materially. The forward march was resumed on the 2nd February, the Brigade forming the rear guard, which position it retained until the occupation of Coomassie, occasionally detaching a portion for the purpose of protecting convoys. The night of the 3rd was marked was by incessant rain, with thunder and lightning, the men being without shelter having left the baggage packed at Agomana to facilitate the rapid forward movements. On the morning of the 4th the battle of the Dah was fought, of which I have already furnished details. On this, as on every occasion, the Brigade evinced the same steadiness and good conduct.
   On February 6, at 6.30 A.M., we left Coomassie as advance guard, and after a very fatiguing march reached Agamama, distant about seventeen miles. The recrossing of the Dah was effected with great difficulty, the bridge being two feet under water. The Blue jackets and Kroomen here showed great skill in strengthening the buttresses and placing handrails.
   From this time the health and strength of both officers and men became much impaired, and I regret to say that several serious cases of dysentery arose, many of which have since terminated fatally.
   We reached Prahsu on the 12th, leaving next day for Yancoomassie (Assim), en route, by regular stages, to the coast.
    The strength of the Naval Brigade on arrival at Cape Coast was as follows:—7 officers, 78 seamen, 32 marines.
    I especially wish to recommend the following officers to your notice :— Lieutenant Gerard Noel who has been landed since 27th November, 1873, and who is a most deserving steady Officer. Lieutenant W. IT. S. Mann, of whom, I cannot speak too Highly. He has been Adjutant to the Brigade, and is a most smart and energetic Officer.
   Staff Surgeon Second Class Henry Fegan, has been night and day unremitting in his care of sick and wounded, his conduct has been beyond praise.
   Sub-Lieutenant Wyatt Rawson, the efficient manner in which this Officer conducted the Transport, not only for the Naval Brigade, but in assisting the Control has been very noticeable. He was wounded at Amoaful.
    Mr. Gladstone, Midshipman, served as my Aide-de-Camp and made himself of great use.
    I have desired the different Officers who commanded companies to bring to the notice of their respective Captains, those petty officers, seamen, and marines whom they may think to be deserving.

I am, &c., (Signed) W. HUNT GRUBBE, Captain in Charge of Naval Brigade.

Commodore W. H. W. Hewett, V.C., R.N., Her Majesty's ship " Active"

 

Royal Engineer Office, Cape Coast Castle, February 20, 1874.

SIR,
    I HAVE the honour to report that the Naval Carpenters, as per margin, ^N  placed at my disposal some weeks ago by your kindness, have been paid up to date, and ordered to rejoin their ships this evening.
    I have much pleasure in reporting to you the universal good conduct of these men ; their readiness in performing every duty they were called on to perform, no matter whether like pickaxe and shovel work they had no training in it, their cheerfulness under all difficulties, often very great, and their readiness to help in every way, gave me the greatest satisfaction, and they were really most important and valuable assistance, more especially in the construction of the Prah bridge, made before the arrival of the 28th Company Royal Engineers. Where all have done their duty it is an invidious and unpleasant task to make selections, but those who more especially attracted my notice were Carpenter's Mate William Hansom, Shipwright Joseph Parminter, Carpenter's Mate James Salter ; I need not say that when under fire all these men behaved most admirably. I shall be very glad if these mens' services receive some recognition.

 

I have, &c., (Signed) R. HOME, Major, Commanding Royal Engineers. . West Coast of Africa.

The Commodore Commanding the Squadron.

SIR,
    IN my letter of the 3rd March, I abstained From touching upon the individual services of the Medical Officers of the Squadron, as I felt that they demanded my special attention, and that I could not have done justice to them excepting in a special Despatch. 
    I have now the honour to request that you will acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the care and attention paid to the wants of the sick and wounded, as they came down from the front, by the Staff-Surgeons in charge of the Hospital arrangements at Cape
Coast, viz.:—
Dr. Ahmuty Irwin (of the " Simoom," and afterwards in the " Himalaya"); Dr. John Watt Reid, R.N. (of the Transport No. 15, "Nebraska"); and Dr. William J. Hamilton, of the "Tamar" (for a short period during the absence of the " Simoom" and " Himalaya," and before the arrival of the " Nebraska"), could not have been surpassed.
   Referring to the enclosed letter addressed to me by Major-General Sir Garnet Wolseley, forwarding a copy of a report made to him by Surgeon-Major W. A. McKinnon, the Army Principal Medical Officer, their Lordships attention will be attracted by the excellent services of  Dr. Henry Fegan Staff-Surgeon Second Class of this ship (who was in medical charge of the Naval Brigade), and Dr. James W. Fisher (late "Decoy"), attached to his Staff.
    I cannot say more in praise of these Officers, services, than that I fully concur in the opinions expressed by the Major-General and Dr. McKinnon. Dr. Fegan's kindness and unremitting attention to the sick have on many occasions during the period he has served under my command, come under my special notice, and in my letter of 7th January, 1874, I referred to this Officer's conspicuous conduct in the field. Dr. Fegan has represented to me that Surgeon James W. Fisher, M.D., identified himself 'from first to last most thoroughly with his duties, much to his satisfaction. Whilst attached to the left wing at the battle of Amoaful, this Officer had to endure heavy fire for five hours.
   Surgeon James McCarthy, M.D., was selected for the onerous and highly responsible duty of taking charge of the Naval Hospital established at Prahsu, -where the sick and wounded accumulated from the front. Whilst in the route of march, he shared the duties of the brigade, and night and day this Officer performed his duty in a manner which excited the esteem of all.
   Surgeon H. T. Cox was selected from the squadron for charge of the first landing party, and subsequently joined the Brigade. He was detailed to convoy the sick and wounded along the line of march, and he performed his duty with such care and regard for their comfort as to merit the special approbation of his superiors. The services of Dr. Walter Reid, attached to the Transport Service, in his capacity as Health Officer, deserve the favourable consideration of their Lordships. His duties have been very important, having to board all ships to inspect their bills of health, and to his careful inspection of the state of the health of those on board, may in a great measure be attributed the happy circumstance of there having been no epidemic disease introduced amongst the Europeans stationed at Cape Coast from the many infected ports to leeward of it.
    Dr. Fegan has specially drawn my attention to the valuable services of 15th Company, Plymouth Division, Richard Townsend (invalided), and he states that though efficiently performing his other duties he attended the sick and wounded throughout the campaign, and on the termination of each day's march he acted as dispenser.Ishould be glad if their Lordships deemed it right to give this man some pecuniary reward.

I have, &c., W. N. W. HEWETT. Commodore.

The Secretary of the Admiralty.

 

	Government House, Cape Coast, 23rd February, 1874.

SIR,
   IN forwarding you the enclosed copy of a letter received from the Principal Medical Officer of the force under my command, I have much pleasure in bringing to your notice the excellent service performed by Staff-Surgeon Fegan, R.N. I fully concur in everything that has been said by Surgeon-Major Mackinnon regarding this Officer, his great exertions and untiring zeal having come under my personal observation.
    I have by this mail forwarded a copy of the Principal Medical Officer's letter to the Secretary of State for War.

I have, &c. (Signed) G. J. WOLSELEY. Major-General.

Commodore Hewett, V.C., Cape Coast.

SIR,
     I HAVE the honour to bring to the notice of his Excellency the Major-General Commanding, for the information of the Lords of the Admiralty, the valuable services rendered during the Ashantee campaign by Staff-Surgeon Fegan, R.N. In the several engagements this Officer was always present with his Brigade under fire, and was most devoted and fearless in the performance of his duties in the field: his constant care and attention to the sick and wounded always merited my highest approbation; and the admirable arrangements made by him for their welfare evidenced that he is possessed of high administrative abilities. I cannot speak too highly of the manner in which this Officer has performed his duties, and co-operated with myself and the other Medical Officers, and of his excellent services, not only to the Officers and men specially under his own care, but to all others of the force that required his aid. I have no doubt his services will be brought to the notice of the proper authorities by the Senior Naval Officer, but I feel that I would not be doing my duty, as Principal Medical Officer of the expedition, if I did not specially record my opinion of the zeal and ability displayed by this Officer in the discharge of his professional duties, and of the valuable services he rendered throughout.
   Before concluding this letter, I must also bring under your most favourable consideration the very excellent services rendered by Surgeon Fisher, R.N., who was in all the engagements under fire, and who has been most favourably reported to me by his superior Officer for his zeal and devotion to duty, and during the whole time he has been in the field.
 

 

	I have, &c., (Signed) W. A. MACKINNON. Surgeon-Major, Principal Medical Officer.
The Chief of the Staff, Head-Quarters, Cape Coast.