of the first officers in the service, and not less distinguished for
business habits and talents, in every post of duty. His capture of the
strongly fortified island of Banda Neira, garrisoned with 1,200
soldiers, with a mere boat party of 180 men, was an exploit, perhaps,
unequalled. He was in charge of two frigates and a sloop of war, and
having obtained the Admiral's permission to attempt the capture, nor
without a strong caution, he proposed to come upon the place
unexpectedly at day-break, and, like Sir Charles Brisbane at Curaçoa,
lay the ships as close as possible, and storm the works under their
fire. This plan was baffled by the premature discovery of the ships by
the enemy. He then resolved upon a night attack with the boats, and left
the ships soon after midnight with 400 men: but the wind rose and
dispersed the party, and at day-break he found himself with only 180 at
hand. Undismayed, he pushed ashore with his little handful of heroes,
rushed up the hill to Fort Belgica, which crowned and commanded the
island, mounted the walls, swept the ramparts like a whirlwind, followed
with the panic stricken enemy through the gate of an inner
fortification, and carried the fortress, and with it the island, without
the loss of a man, and even without a wound. He was second in command of
the naval force at the capture of Java, and directed the landing of the
troops, which, by his promptitude, and wise arrangements, was effected
without loss. He twice received the thanks of the Supreme Government of
India for important, political services. From his sovereign he received
the rank of K.C.B.; from the Admiralty, a naval medal; from Oxford, the
honorary degree of D.C.L., and from the East India Company, a service of
plate. He represented Glamorganshire in Parliament for twelve years; was
captain of the _Royal Sovereign_ yacht, and colonel of marines. He died
suddenly, August 24th, 1836. It may encourage young officers whose
promotion is slow, to learn that the brilliant successes of Sir
Christopher Cole were preceded by thirteen years active service as