While the fleet lay off Beyrout, it was considered important to drive
the Egyptians out of Sidon, a strong and important place. Commodore
Napier undertook to perform the work, and be back off Beyrout in three
days. With two steamers and five other ships, having on board 750
English and 800 Turkish marines, he appeared off the place on the 26th
September. The town having been summoned to surrender, and no answer
being given, was cannonaded for half an hour. Captain Austin, at the
head of the Turkish battalion, landed, but was very warmly received, and
several of his followers were killed. The fleet again accordingly
opened fire, and battered down a number of houses, after which the
commodore, at the head of the main body of the British marines, and
Captain Henderson at the head of another, in the most spirited manner
broke open the gates, fought their way in, and took possession of the
castle. Numberless acts of gallantry were displayed. Among others,
there was a complete race from the spot where they landed between Mr
James Hunt, a midshipman of the _Stromboli_, and Signor Dominica Chinca,
a midshipman of the Austrian frigate _Guerriera_, who should first plant
their colours on the walls of the town. All now appearing quiet in the
town, the commodore left a guard in the castle, and descended into it.
No town was ever taken where less blood was unnecessarily spilt, or
disorders more speedily put a stop to.