The arrival of Matthews' squadron therefore brought a welcome addition to the Bombay armaments.
A camp was formed for the expeditionary force; drilling was the order of the day; Cowan was named general, and various commissions as colonels, majors, and captains were granted to officers of the navy who volunteered for land service.

On the 30th October, a seven days' fast was ordered, to secure the Divine blessing on the undertaking, and the chaplain was directed to preach an appropriate sermon.
On the 29th November, the expedition left Bombay, and anchored off Chaul, where the Portuguese force had already assembled.

The English force consisted of 655 Europeans and topasses, a troop of 40 horsemen, and 1514 sepoys.

Matthews also contributed 200 seamen, of whom 50 were to serve the guns.

The artillery consisted of two 24-pounders, two 18-pounders, four 9-pounders, six small field guns, two mortars, and eight coehorns.