March, 1850.
At the request of the Chinese authorities at Cawloon, opposite Hong
Kong, H.M.S. 'Medea,' Captain Lockyer, was despatched with a mandarin
on board to Kut-o, a bay about thirty-five miles from Hong Kong, in
search of pirates. Thirteen piratical junks and four cargo junks
were found at anchor, twelve of the number swept in shore on the
appearance of the steamer, one of the largest remaining at anchor
without offering the slightest resistance. As it became dark the
paddle-box boats were despatched, under the command of Mr. William
Brodie, acting-master, with orders to take possession of the junks
which had swept in shore; but finding that he was resisted, Captain
Lockyer proceeded to his assistance in the gig, accompanied by the
pinnace of H.M.S. 'Hastings,' commanded by Lieut. Webber, and the
'Medea's' cutter under the command of Lieut. Gibbons, and found Mr.
Brodie very closely pressed by a large number of pirates, who made
strong endeavours to recapture the junks.
All were, however, brought to the ship, and eight destroyed, one
caught fire and blew up, and the remainder, which were recent
captures hastily fitted up for piratical purposes, were given up to
their owners who were pointed out by the mandarin. There were no
casualties amongst the English force.