The short siege of Trincomalee

The British first offered to land a small protective force under the Kew Letters, then began the invasion when negotiations failed. Heavy surf and high winds stretched the landing north of Trincomalee from 3 to 13 August, but the Batavian garrison made no effective move to disrupt it. Eight 18-pounders and other artillery, including guns loaned from Suffolk, opened fire and created a practicable breach wide enough for several men to attack abreast. British troops visibly organized storming parties and a forlorn hope, whose survivors could expect promotion, while their commander renewed the surrender demand. The 679-man garrison capitulated, yielding more than one hundred guns and the key harbour without a costly assault; Fort Oostenburg followed days later.