CAPTURE OP A SLAVE DHOW.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2403, 3 December 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

CAPTURE OP A SLAVE DHOW.

# Tin-; Gazette contains a letter from Captain Woodford, R.N., to tho Secretary of the Admiralty in reference to tho capture of an dhow and fifty-three slaves by Lieutenant Frederick P. Fegnn, in the piimacc of her Ma jesty’s ship Turquoise, at Pemba, on 30th May, Captain Woodward states : “ It is especially my duty to mention that on the dhow attempting to run down the pinnace, with the intention of carrying her by boarding, Lieutenant Fcgan immediately rushed forward to repel the Arabs (the dhow having caught the pinnace’s forostay with her bowsprit), seven of whom were ready’ to board. He promptly shot two with hirevolver, then drew his cutlass and ran another through the body. Whilst thus engaged he received a severe sword cut on the right arm from an Arab, who came to assist the one he was engaged wiih. This Arab was run through tho body by John W. Pearson, A.8., before ho had time to inflict further injury. Notwithstandinghissevere wounds, this officer still continued fighting with his ontlass until tho dhow got clear (at this time there were three men in the bottom of the boat wounded), the remainder of tho crew, three in number, fighting hard and supporting him. When the dhow got clear nine Arabs bad already been killed. No sooner had this occurred than she endeavoured to escape. Lieutenant Fcgan, picking up his dingy, gave chase, and a running fight was imuntaiued until tha helmsman of tho dhow was shot, when she broached to and capsized in shallow water. Ho immediately anchored his boat as near the sunken dhow as possible, and proceeded to rescue the slaves, the four an wounded men saving as many as they’ could by means of the dingy, and also jumpingoverboard. Fifty-three all told were saved. I am informed by Mr Holmwood, Consul-General, that of tho thirteen Arabs on board the dhow nine were the most notorious slave dealers in Pemba, and in all there were upwards of twentyarmed men (the arms being Snider rifles and swords). Of the thirteen Arabs eleven have been killed, which will doubtless deal a heavy blow against the slave trade. Two Arabs succeeded in reaching the shore, one of whom died subsequently of his wounds, and the other escaped. Measures have been adopted for his capture. I cannot speak too highly of the brave and gallant behaviour of Lieutenant Fcgan and Ids crow in rushing forward and preventing the Arabs from boarding his boat. He, in my’ opinion, saved annihilation. The advantage of numbers (three to one at least) and position was decidedly in favour of the dhow. He was backed up most bravely by Ids boat’s crew. Four received severe wounds, one since having died. I would respectfully’ suggest that you will be pleased to submit for the favourable consideration of their lordships the conduct of Lieutenant Fcgan and his boat’s crew. This is not the first time that tins officer has been the subject of a special report from me. The gallant defence made by tho boat’s crew makes selection invidious, but Lieutenant Fegan informs me that Frederick J. Russell and Joseph E. Creep, leading seamen, fought with most distinguished gallantry. Surgeon W. 11. Norman, of H.M.S. Reindeer, deserves great credit for skilful surgery under trying circumstances. The patient behaviour of tbe wounded whilst undergoing acute suffering prior to the arrival of medical assistance was most praiseworthy.” By direction of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a letter has been addressed to the Commander-in-Chief, East India Station, setting forth that they consider Lieut. Fegan's conduct reflects great credit on him, and announcing that, to mark the appreciation of his gallantry’, they have promoted him to the rank of commander. Tho two seamen, Russell and Grcep, will bo promoted to the rank of warrant officers ; tlie other seamen to petty officer ratings; and private Blyth to be corporal.