The action off Tai O, Hong Kong was to rescue captured merchant vessels, held by a fleet of armed war-junks.

When shallow water prevented her from attacking, she left to seek aid from the Eaglet and USS Powhatan, a sidewheel steam frigate of the East India Squadron commanded by Commodore William J. McCluney.

[1] On August 4, the steamer Eaglet arrived at Ty-ho Bay, she was towing at least six boats of different types, filled with British and American sailors and marines.

When the Chinese sighted the approaching enemy, half of the pirate junks began to flee while the other remained behind to engage.

[1] The pirates began a heavy fire on the British and Americans but most of the shot was not well directed and passed over the Eaglet and the armed boats.

The British suffered several wounded and four men killed, officer George Mitchell, and crewmen James Silvers, John Massey, and M.

[1] The battle is largely forgotten but a monument was erected at Happy Valley in commemoration, it was later moved to Hong Kong Cemetery.