Battle of Aberdeen (Andaman Islands)

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The prelude to the battle was long drawn out series of skirmishes. On 6 April 1859, 248 convicts were shot at with arrows by 200 tribals on Haddo. On 14 April another bunch of convicts were attacked at noon by 1,500 armed tribals. The convicts were forced to jump into the sea to escape. The tribals were described as showing intent to attack only those who did not have fetters (legcuffs) on them. According to the account of Portman, the Andamanese objected to the destruction of the jungle by clearings that were being made by convict workgangs. On 28 April a seaman aboard the schooner Charlotte was struck by an arrow off North Point and Dr Walker forbade anyone from landing there. On 14 May, the tribals attacked Aberdeen from Atalanta Point. The navy schooner Charlotte was nearby and fired its guns at the tribals. The British fended themselves with guns, and the natives never returned to fight again. Shortly after this incident Dr Walker resigned from duty and was succeeded by Colonel J.C. Haughton.