INDIAN INCIDENTS.

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 113, 19 November 1858, Page 3

INDIAN INCIDENTS.

Arrival of the Naval Brigade at Calcutta. The first part of the Shannon's Naval Brigade arrived in Calcutta some ten days since, and the occasion was made the most of by the Government and all classes. I enclose far the best account of the matter, which appeared in the Indian Held, and which will be read with some little interest, from the melancholy fate of their noble leader, Peel, and a certain je ne sais quoi, which always attaches to nautical deeds amongst Englishmen ail over the world:— We feel assured that the whole British army in India, and we may add every British resident, will thoroughly appreciate the cordial and hearty reception given by the inhabitants of Calcutta to the gallant Naval Brigade of H.M.S. Shannon, on its return from active service in the field. Some days since, an official advertisement followed the notification of the President, in Council (which announced that the Brigade was to be received with all the honor due to its distinguished services), and intimated to the public the police regulations which were to be observed on the occasion. The Master-Attendant, anxious to perform his part in honoring the brave, issued a circular to the shipping, requesting them to dress their ships as an additional compliment to our naval heroes; and public expectation was excited to the utmost. On Thursday morning it was made known that the Shannon's Naval Brigade was expected to reach the railway terminus by the afternoon train, and at half-past 4 eager crowds of Eui'opeans and natives, in carriages of every description, on horseback and on foot, were to be seen hastening towards the banks of the river. From the Railway Ghaunt, which was tastefully decorated, to a little before the Shannon's moorings, opposite the Eden • Gardens, the road was lined by her Majesty's troops in garrison, and the Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry of the Volunteer Guards; police were also stationed at intervals, and great credit is due to Messrs. Wauchope and Roberts for the excellent order which was preserved throughout. The principal military officers and. the Staff, together with several members of the Council and Civil Service, amongst whom we noticed the Honorable Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Harrington, the AdvocateGeneral, &c, proceeded to the Railway Pier to receive the Brigade on its disembarkation from the: steam ferry, and at about half-past 5 the firing of guns gave the signal of its approach. The men on landing formed, headed by the band of the Shannon, and, preceded by the cavalry, who fell in at the word of command from Major Turnbull, marched down the Strand amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the spectators. They all looked remarkably well, and somewhat astonished the natives by their juvenile and healthy appearance. But one shadow of regret passed across the minds of all—their gallant leader was not, alas! with them to receive and participate in the heartfelt honor done to his brave seamen by their grateful countrymen, and many a voice whispered —"■ I wish you were here !•" Upon reaching their ship, it was re marked that eager eyes were turned towards their floating home from which they had been nearly twelve months absent, and their first act was one highly characteristic of British tars; with one accord, like so many cats, they ran up the shrouds, in a style which shewed that long shore service had not affected their sea legs, and manning the yards of the noble frigate made the Strand ring again with three hearty cheers, in return for those with which they had been welcomed. Sir James Outram, ever (as the popular, phrase of the day goes) the right man in the right place, was on the deck of the Shannon, with a small party of ladies and gentlemen, to greet his old comrades of Lucknow, and had a kind word and a friendly smile for all, down to the little middy, who had safely gone through dangers and hardships which many a strong man had succumbed to. The river presented a gay and beautiful appearance; every ship was dressed in all the varied hues of national flags, Marryatt's code and private signals, and all hands afloat and ashore seemed to vie with each other in the .enthusiastic

welcome given to our naval warriors. The scene on; board was described to us by an eye-witness as glorious —the hearty meeting of old and attached messmates, the friendly grasp of the hand, the eager questions, which nights of Jong watches and still longer yarns can alone answer,.when sailing on the midnight deep, was at once pleasing and exciting, and never did any man in'their country's service more richly deserve the ovation paid to them than Peel's Naval Brigade.' For once Calcutta was unanimous: the housetops were crowded with spectators, and we observed several trees laden with sailors from the merchant ships, in reference to whom a facetious friend remarked that he wished many more of the trees in India bore such Jack fruit. The naval j brigade of H.M.S. Shannon left Calcutta, under Captain Peel, on the 18th August, 1857, and then I numbered 436 men, exclusive of officers. They were afterwaids reinforced by Captain Vaughan and 125 additional hands, and have lost altogether during their arduous service, 96 by climate and I the enemy, besides 30 who have been invalided from wounds and sickness. They have participated in the engagement at Kudgwah, in which Colonel Powel, of H.M. 53rd Regiment, was killed—at the relief of Lucknow, —the battle of Cawnpore— Kallanudde Bridge, near Furruckabad, and the j taking of Lucknow, since which they have been j occupied in garrisoning Gya, Sasseram, and Shergottee. About 200 men arrived in Calcutta on ! Thursday last, and 150 still remain at the latter place, from which they are expected to join their ship in about a fortnight. The officers have all (at least,such as were eligible from length of service) received promotion, and we hope that the share of prize money coming to the seamen will prove sufficient in amonnt to indemnify them in some degree for a year's hard service on shore, ceaseless toil in handling heavy guns with cheerful and ready alacrity, and continual exposure to all the vicissitudes of au Indian climate. Long will the Shannon's Naval Brigade and its lamented chief, Sir William Peel, be remembered1 throughout India, and as cordially as we welcomed them back amongst us do we wish them a long career of honor to themselves and glory to their country.