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PRICE ONE GUINEA IN BOARDS* # »- , # <» Hmi i i i i'T l . .. 41 te .»■ 1 \ ■-.,1, » • « • U ^ ♦ ' ' ' • \ ' '^1' ■ • *- \ '-?: ! .-*' ■M #1 hs ■« * m .K7^ # 'S'- >av &* J.. 35-?, '^nc >. i- '*• # ' AH % :^ s -s 5 I « ~ s 5 I ill 1 HISTORICAL REVIEW ''-; OF THE ROYAL MARINE CORPS, FROM ITS . . »'||| ORIGINAL INSTITUTION DOWN TO THE PRESENT ERA, ^ J 803. ^ DXDICATID, (V FIKMISSIONi TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. BY ALEXANDER GILLESPIE, nUST LIEUTENANT ANO OPWABOS OF TWENTT-FOCB TEAIS AN OFPiQKfl ||f |'t'i ' PER MARE, TERRAMQUE VINCIMUS." BIRMINGHAM: ^^ PRINTED AND SOLD BY M. SWINNEY, No. 73, HIGH-STREET) SOLD ALSO BY T. EOBBTON, M ILIT A B Y-LIBBABT, WHITEHALL; MBSSUS, B ICH A8 t)N9 J« I BOVAI. EXCHANOB; MESSRS. LONGMAN AND BEBS, P ATEBNOST BBBQW | AND T. OSTEI.L, &VE-MABIA-I.ANE, LONDON. ° 1 1803. . X. f '^ t» Most Gracious Frmcct yv ITH mixed sentiments of Loyalty and Gratitude, I now lay the ^ following Work under your Royal Shelter. ,,; ju./ In having deigned to become its Patron your' Royal Highness has placed me under, a double tie, as it is a precious mark of condescension bestowed upon myself, enhanced in value from its being a sure earnest of predilection for my Corps. 1 b \ ' ■/ ' . - ' ■' -> ■■!; ■>i . ■■ • -• f C • .- ■ •• -^^B -f - f • i^H ^ %! '"''*r.' M ', '#' m - '^''^' f A - To cherish Patriotism, Subordination and Allegiance, is the boun^en duty of every subject; but more peculiarly so, during times of public danger, and of general convulsion. This has been my leading aim, iiot by the displays of Theory, but of Facts. m Conscious that such were my predominant motives, and anxious to maintain consistency throughout, I looked around for a Protector who imited within himself all those exalted endowments which I have laboured to establish. My eyes tiu'ncd, to wards your Royal Highness, and my pen did not solicit in vain. With talents filled for an lionorahle discharge of the most important trusts ; early trained in the hardy employs of a profession which has long been the prop of the British Empire; and a Prince of the greatest Realm on earth, your Royal Highness has nobly foregone all those pre-eminent dairos, and with a manly humility, you have associated yourself, tn arms, with the Volunteers of your Country. Although the field of glory may not be so wide as on that clement for which your Royal Highness was destined from your youth, and where you are so well qualified to shine, still you have NV, ▼a exhibited the brightest example to EngIiflLin«n» and by it alone, yon have ailready rendered the most signal services. The deed, august Prince^ will be reviewed by Posterity with all the generous feelings of Britons ; and it must convince the collected hosts of a rapacious enemy, now arrayed for the avowed purpose of overturning our Religion, our Liberties, and our Laws, of the many serious dangers which they must encoimter, ere they can subdue those Isles, where but one spirit pervades, and animates every rank, from the Palace to the Cottage. Were I allowed to penetrate into futurity, and were your energies to be ever called forth, I should then behold your Royal Highness emulating the recognized valour of your illustrious Ancestors, by deeds of heroic gallantry against the foes of your revered Father, and of his Throll*'; but I will forbear to dwell upon the issues of an after day. v Whether it shall be your lot to wave your banner or your flag in combat against the enemies of our land, may victory and success ever follow in your train, and may your Royal Highness enjoy the honorary recompence of a Brave Nation, annexed to its habitual respect for your public virtue, and your private worth ! Such, Most Gracious Prince, are the cordial wishes of one, who has the distinguished privilege of attesting that fidelity and devotion, with which he remains, ^ Ypur Royal Highness's* Very attached, > And most obedient humble Servant, AjuEX. GILLESPIE. Birmingham, I5th Nov. 18 03. . ;rt' i4*':'(c;n'! ■ 1 ; Qfft. ■ a. it\^i> >iii. j\)v-'J'- «*?.>V' • 'it .:UUW %.i;ti'f)'i w INTRODUCTION. There is no Fame so liable to decay as that which has been ncquired by the subordinate Soldier. The admiration and applause too, which follow military deeds, however brilliant, are but fickle passions, as they successively transfer their affections to every new conqueror, and all are too often buried in the same grave, after the trumpet of war has ceased to sound. To drag from the land of forgetfulness, actions, long lain in oblivion ; to place the revolutions and the achievements of a corps, endeared to its Country by a train of loyalty and valour, in one connected and analysed point of view, were the leading motives which urged the Author to essay a history of its origin and progress. Whilst he laments that the undertaking has not been allotted to superior talents, at the same time he will venture to affirm that it could not have been prosecuted with a stronger zeal. Never was military prowess more loudly called for, than at the present crisis. — Ardour should be raised in every rank. It is a plant, which, by fostering attention flourishes and grows; but if neglected, soon droops and dies. Courage is the natural birth-right of an Englishman, uiid it needs only a directing hand, under Providence, to give it an invincible aim. It is policy then, as well as justice, to stamp upon record the feats of the meanest, anxiously to search for worthy examples in every walk, and to proclaim them to their brethren, and to the world, as meiited tiibult.s, and powerful incentives to achievement. The Author regrets that his range has been so limited, and that, in many instances, the adduced anecdotes have not been more specific; but the foundation stone is laid, upon which a structure may yet l)(: reared. lie trusts, therefore, that the following requst may not be unavailing, which !i, — That his brotlicr Officers will have the goodness to preserve, in wiittea memorial, the names of those gallant fellows who may hei'eafter distinguish themselves, as well as a minute description of the circumstances. As error is a bye path to knowledge, he anticipates from tlie meml)ers of his own household, corrections of the many defects which have unsvoidably crept into a work of such miscellaneous detail. A Soldier from his infancy, lie begs that the public, and thse V)hO' controiil its opinions^ may be tender with the lash ! It would be a pity U> bring a veteran, for his first offence, to the halberts, and that too fof grammatical inaccuracies. — He has taken up the pen merely to b© useful' not in the pursuit of literary fame.. v The arrangement of his subject will appear classed undor distinct chapters, which engross the events of each separate year, excepting such a» comprehend the intervals of peace; a season that yields little interesting matter, and what is uniformly comprized in one division. An Appendix is added, which contains the essence of every Ad of Parliament now in force, so far as they affect the interests of the familiei, the widows, or representatives of the forlorn orphans of Seamen and Marines. A reference to it, will enable the Clergyman or private Gentleman, to become the immediate and solid friend of these meritorious and destitute objects 09 the regular mode of transaction and correspondence is clearly pointed outi by which, to realize their little properties. The Author takes this public method of tendering his warmest tlinnka to the many respectable characters in this loyal spot, who have befriended his labours, and to that wide circle of Royalty, Nobility, and Gentry, wiio although strangers to him, have yet deigned to countenance the humblfi individual, from affection to his Corps. Birmingham, 15th Nov. 1803 - . '■f'T. CONTENTS. ■'•••Ma GHAP. I. Introductory remarks— The original design of Marine Soldiers— Established in the year 1684— A detail of tire first established Corps — Disbanded at the peace of Ryswick — Interesting events to the military— -A digression respecting half pay.— Page 1 to 8. i') GHAP. II. — The revival of Marine Corps in the reign of Queen Anne — ^Expencea incurred by them — Marines no longer considered as a nursery for the Navy — Rulcs^ for their future government and conduct — Under the controul of the Lord High Admiral — Independent Companies also raised and embodied. — P. 9 to 15, CHAP. III.— ^The high estimation in which the Marines were held as Soldiers— Their %'arious enterprizes in favour of King Charles III. in his views upon the Spanish monarchy. — P. 16 to 25. GHAP. IV.-^The reduction of Port Royal, now named Annapolis' Royal, in honour of Queen Anne.— P. 26 to 27. CHAP. V. — Reflections on the views of King Charles of Spain respecting the Spanish monarchy— The heroic perseverance exhibited by the Marines when besieged in the town of Alicant — Expedition against Cette, in the province of Languedoc— Taken, but afterwards recovered.^— P. 28 to 30. CHAP. VI.— An unsuccessful attempt on the town of Quebec. — ^P, 31. CHAP. VII. — Death of the Emperor of Germany — King Charles called to fill the Austrian throne — Peace restored by the treaty of Utrecht — Moderate expences of this long war.— P. 32 to 33. CHAP. VIII, — A retrospect of arrangements as to the allowances to Officers of the Army and the Marines — Reforms in the constitution of Marine regiments — George I. commenced his reign with a signal mark of royal favour to the Marine Corps— Marines disbanded. Again embodied. Considerably augmented — Admiral Vernon's encomium on the subject of Marine Soldiers— War with Spain detailed, by the taking of Porto Bello, the bombardment of Carthagena, and an attack on Chagre — A disastrous expedition against Carthagena— Heavy losses. — P. 34 to 57. CHAP. IX. — Marine regiments augmented — Indulgencies granted them — Established regulations for them — Hardships experienced by the Officers in drawing their arrears of pay,— P. 58 to 60, i^ 4- MkM«■ P. 209 to 214. , ' f^""^^'«'«-— — -•«- CKAP. XXX.>»The Grenadier Marine Companies accompany Sir William Howe- Detail of military operations throughout the American continent.— P. 215 to 220. XIV '-%i-: CHAP. XXXI. — Treaty between France and America — Rapid and gallant successes of Colonel Maitland — Hostilities with f ranee — Single encounters at sea — ^Warlike events in America and the West jindies.*— P. 221 to 225. CHAP. XXXn.— A retrospective view of the uniform good conduct and discipline of the Marine battalion at Halifax— Honours rendered to all in consequence. — P. 226 to 238. CHAP. XXXin.— i'ondichcrry taken — D'Estaihg's success in the West Indies — Drawn battle at sea — His attempt upon Savannah — ^^Is repulsed with loss— Marine gal hi n try- there — Colonel Maitland dies — Spanish war — Omoa taken — Anecdote there — Subordinate details at sea.*— P. 239 to 247. CHAP. XXXIV. — Admiral Rodney's successes — Political digressions — Opcratiot in Americar— Admiral Rodney's battles in the West Indies — Undaunted conduct of '" Commodore Cornwalli*— Single actions between ships. — P. 248 to 255. CHAP. XXXV.— War with Holland— Dutch losses in the West Indies— Unequal contest off Martinique — French successes in that qu:irt«r — Reduction of West Florida by the Spaniards^— Naval engagements— Transactions in India, in which the Marines were peculiarly active — Disasters in America — Single actions during 1801— Admiral Kempenfelt's bdd attack on a French convoy.— P. 256 to 271. CHAP. XXXVI.— Admiral Hood's brave conduct at St. Kitt's— Victory of the 12th of April — Anecdote of Lieutenant Mouniep— Engagement in the East Indies — Signal repulse of the combined forces from Gibraltar — Subordinate actions at sea— Peace negociated.— P. 272 to 276. CHAP. XXXVII. — A genei-al peace — Instances of mutiny — Conduct of the Marines — A hea^y reduction in that establisment — Striking anecdote respecting the Duke of Clarence- Detachments to New Sou' i Wales.— P. 277 to 280. CHAP. XXXVIII. — War with France— Inadequate augmentation — Remarks upon it — Noble patriotism of the town of Manchester- Successful operations — The surrender of Toulon to Lord Hoo— Testimonials in conse- quence—Lieutenant Vyvion's fall.— P. 363 to 390. CHAP. XLVII.-^A general peace-^Marine Corps honoured with tlie title of Royal— Terms in which the boon was bestowed— Other marks of recompence- — The distingHishcd perseverance evinced by a Marine detachment in quelling a mutiny at Dominique — ^Particulars of it— High encomiums rendered to the Marine parties on board the Gibraltar and Excellent.- P. 391 to 399. CHAP. XLVni.— Eari St. Vincent's reforms— War with France— His Lordship's attention to the Corps of Royal Marines— Subordinate exploits.— —P. 400 to 402. INDEX TO APPENDIX. Privileges of the Marine Soldier and the progressive indulgencies granted to him stated and discussed-— Useful instructions for recovering wages and prize-money due to the heirs of deceased Marines— Forms of procct lure, the prescribed fees attending every claim, and some hints as to the execution of wills and letters of attorney, v> ith sundry other particulars, of general benefit to the relatives of Seamen as well as Marines* ERRATA. Page 52. for (fafa read iAiriwf<-6o, for gvfMR read ijHfMi. — 74, for a force of 11,556 v/trr read teaif^St, for ttTtvtd to rabvert read urivm. — 95, for Tht afterward* destined against L,Orieiit read Tbij ; and same page, for txjiniKX rciAifuhutlr— 111, {or etmfliat rtad timfhti^— 125, hi Selfi rtzi Stlf.—iig, for Mafitii read A£iHa«.— 190, forifarf not, read He. kC. HISTORICAL REVIEW or THK ROYAL MARINE CORPS, FROM ITS ORIGINAL FORMATION TO ISOJ. CHAP. I. A.T a period when the commerce of this Country bore no pi'^rtion to its present state, the supplies of Seamen, under a lyitem of impresi, were extremely precarious, and often inadequate to the public emergencies. Experience had alfo shewn, that raw landimen were most improper substitutes for this want, as the «uddon elmnge of life rendered them subject to immediate disease, and le^-sleknesg, at a time when their active services were required. * These united causes originally suggested the expediency of form- ing an establishment of Marines, who were raised and embodied wiUi the sole view of being a nursery to man our fleets. They were always B quartered in the vicinity of our principal sea-ports, where they were ' regularly trained to the different methods of ship fighting, and to these various manoeuvres of a vessel, in which numbers were neces- sary. Being thus locally placed, their value was early felt by their exertions in equipping the squadrons fitted out, when but little confidence could be placed in the sailor, perhaps just impressed into the service. ^ r v ^^ \^, The general principles and regulations that were instituted for the conduct of the Marine regiments, from their formation, to the close of the reign of King William III. evidently shew that they were entirely devoted to naval purposes. As each individual became properly qualified to act on board of ship as a foremast-man, which was uni- . formly encouraged, he was - discharged from his regiment, entered upon the books as such, and levy-money was granted to the officers of his corps, in order to supply the vacancy of him who was thus transferred. . ., .. 7*; ,ll-JU-^- ;..3' ,.,;ifcyK^.:^l Oi The first authentic instance of any regiment of this description appears in the Army List of 1634, and from the. return of the general review on Putney Heath, upon the first day of October in that year. Neither the exact sera of its establishment, or that of the other maritime forces, is clearly ascertained ; and it would be absurd to speculate upon dates which can yield no material result. The return which I have mentioned runs thus, and is annexed at large : *• The Lord High Admiral of England^ tiis Royal Highness the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment ofFoeitt commanded by the Honourable Sir Charles Littleton, called also the Admiral Regliuent. « Sir Charles Littleton, Colonel. Oliver Niclas, Lieutenant Colonel. Richard Bagett, Major. '*^* CAPTAINS. Col's. Co. commanded by Capt. Lt. Lt. Colonel's Co. commanded by Major's Co. commanded by Geo. Littleton, Captain • Sir Thomas Cutler - - . Edward Nott - - . - Francis Ezod - • . - Edward Harris ... Samuel Scudamore ... Chicheller VVray Charles Herbert Edmund Plowden :MA- :V,&^ LIEUTENANTS. Robt. Crawford, Capt. Lt. Lieut. Edm. Yarborough Lieut. Theoph. Bleehenden Lieut. Edmund Wilfon Robert Lloyd Francis Hobblin Francis Butler ' ' John Thorn > i'^Hw./* George Rooke t^# '' ' Henry Hewys ^j^, ^,, Thomas Whaley William Oglethorpe ENSIGNS.' Philom. Powell Arthur Townfliend William Pearron ^ James Man John Hill Alexander Erwin Thomas Man William Somers Gilbert Simen» t Geo. Littleton [ Francis Ezord Jo. Whaley 'li/i^kfeeKi ' '' state Major, or the StafF Officers of the Admiral Regime;it, #. ; Richard Beauvoir, Adjutant. * ' \ r? Wm^^^ Tobias Legrols, Quarter-Maften ^ ^ ■> •mii ^iu ' fir,'? 5 '■ .;< Samuel Tatham, Chirurgeon. > ' / * A^v ta John Tatham^ Chirurgeon's Mate. •' . '^ B 2 v:ti>...> .-i) ^^- *»vvi»v » ■■i-^^jtt'* ■-*,-^j^t>'^^ 4 h 'This regiment consisted of twelve companies, without any grena- diers, had yellow coats lined with red» and tiieir colours were a red cross, with rays of the sun issuing from each of its angles. It stood the third in seniority in the line of that day; and it may be presumed, from its subsequent reduction, that a step was obtained in it by the 4th, then the Regiment of Holland, commanded by John, the second Lord Mulgrave, and now entitled The Old Buffs. Betwixt 1687 and 1698, there were several maritime regiments raised for the purposes, and under the regulations I have stated. They were Colonels Mordaunt, Colt, Seymour, and Brudenell's ; also, Sir Cloudesley Shbycl's, my Lord Torrington's, and the Marquis of Carmarthen's ; all of which were disbanded during the currency of 1697 and 1698. The expences incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person especially appointed to receive and pay it. Under this system, the Admiralty and Navy Boards were subjected to much trouble, in forming and directing its different arrangements. !■*>;:■ ^'njiLi-:- From the nature of the marine service, at this period, few or no achievements occur which can be peculiarly attached to it as a corps. We find them honourably mentioned in the operations against St. Christopher's, and the successful attack upon Cork, under the aera of 1 690. The detail of loss upon the former occasion is thus described, and evinces that their energies also, as soldiers, were called forth when occasion might require them. " In this action we had killed ** and wounded upwards of 130 men, and Captain Keigwin, a *• sea commander^ who was appointed Colonel of the Marme Regiment ^ '* (which consisted of about 230 seamen) was shot through the thigh, *' of which wound he died, before he could be carried on board, and " Captain Brifbane, who acted as First Captain to the Marines ^ receiving *' a shot through the body, expired the next night on board the •• Bristol.' lOltU'i i>,^ Embodied under similar circumstances, they of course partook in the various services of debarkation, which the emergency of those times might have demanded, until the peace of Ryswick, which, for a while, closed the existence of marine forces. liJ r|<*^;^' .a»o^li-4». >Sjfw^r?' • ' '\ 'OTi ' '•I'SJlJiHI. . •,,.-. vJ' Thfe expetifces of King William's war, upwards of eight years' duration, are so moderate when contrasted with these of later days, that they merit a place in any retrospect which treats of that period ; and it is to be remarked that 40,000 seamen were maintained during the last years of it.^^, ,v,nk.b.l«.^ i^ %^ iJ;^ii^ '.iJ m W.n,iMi ri.:>o Total navy estimates allowed . . . ^16,303,713 15 Total army do. do. ... j^ 18,487,671 17 10 ^34,764,385 12 10 ''//J.i '-^'u^i .4; .':i/-:r ,<^:>\^ i;:~: ^: ;•■» fi:lq.. • ^ '■ !>;. ^ .;!><'.>, .'••-Vu jji/bi. Oi vicL U. r ^4 ; • t .hf.' In all, thirty-four millions seTen hundred sixty-four thou- sand three hundred dghty-five poiuids, twelve shillings and ten pence I. I cannot bid adieu to the transactions of this auspicious reign, vrhich has established the happiness rd the liberties of my country, -without commenting upon two events of it, that must be materially interesting to every military man— I mean the code of laws for the good order and discipline of our axroies, and the grant of lialf-pay bestowed upon disbanded officers. ' ,Urjii:H ?*'^i, jb The first was adopted in an hour of urgent expediency, in order t» restrain the uncontrooled outrages of a' discontented soldiery, on aocount of arrears due to them. This act was passed in great haste upon the 12th day of April, 1689, and has progressively experienced these various improvements that arise out of occasions. It undergoes suinually a legislative sanction, under the title of the Mutiny Bill. i^r fi^fw "nmTJiMm im ^*ft' 'ftmmwh ■ Half-pay was a gift decreed upon the I8th of January, 1697, and has subsequently involved many a doubt, whether as having been intended in the light of a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services. Opposite decisions have authorised different construc- tions, while the lapse of more than one hundred years has not yet Mb explicitly brought the point to an issue. )i ^i . -'^.idT^t^-.A- The manly and independent spirit of our judges, pure as these laws that controul their opinions, has not been able to adjust the question. 1^ In the case of General Ross, which was submitted to their enquiry and determiaation^— -they resolved that he could not be amenable, as a half-pay officer^ to military jurisdiction ; but the discus^on extended no farther. ,^ In 1715 a number of officers, however, who drew this recompence from the public, most ingloriously joined the Pretender. The issue being unfortunate for them, they were all taken prisoners, and afterwards tried and executed by martial law ; altliough they might have been capitally convicted as rebelst by the common law of the land* ziiii iCilOni'j/.* •"t In having adduced these opposite examples, I cannot withhold a remarlc, that under no one head of tlie articles of war is this description of men noticed ; and I can readily anticipate the answer of an Englishman, were I to ask him if any laws should affect such an object as I have defined, in which he is not expressly specified? V" ??'i':v' ^ ;l In this flourishing country, where industry and enterprize are open to all, it often happens that an officer, when the State no longer wants his services, turns his attention and the little capital he may possess, to commercial pursuits. In this new profession lie very probably advances the public interests more essentially than were he recalled to his former duties, upon every fresh emergency. 8 ^ That patriotism and loyalty, which I am ednviiiced ih those days influence ievery soldier, who, in die smallest portion, tastes of the bread of his Kiiig, will enforce through each quarter of Britain a local activity, and when necessary, a military zeal* As volunteer companies in the present, and very probably under the future political circumstances of our country, must form a branch of our force, who are there more capable of animating them than men who have been trained to arms, whose alle- giance is undisputed, and whose early sentiments and ideas no change of life can extinguish? Some legislative assurances of exemption in favour of officers of this description, and who engage to discharge the obligations of general association when required, would be politic and gratifying. Half-pay might also very properly be no longer considered as a retainder of those wlio have served any marked number of years ; for I would discriminate between the veteran and the stripling, who are alike entitled to tlie same remuneration ; though, I should humbly conceive, to separate indul- gencies. Having made this digression, suited, I trust, to the present topic and the present times, I return to the train of my narrative, '.. • ■'''.. ; " /■/■•;-■• ■■•■ •..n> CHAP. II. Upon the death of King William III. whose royal memory must long be dear to Englishmen, Queen Anne ascended the British throne. Previous to this event, the seeds of a new war had been forming, which was proclaimed against France and Spain, upon the 4th day of May, 1702. The French King having advanced his grandson, the Duke of Anjou, to the vacant Spanish monarchy, her Majesty espoused the interests and claims of the Archduke of Austria upon that sovereignty, and resolved upon sending a strong fleet into the Mediterranean, which was to become the theatre of their hostile efforts. One of the first acts of her reign was a revival of the corps of Marines, but they were placed upon a different footing from these that existed under her royal predecessor. Destined for the mingled and active services of co-operation with the well-trained forces of our allies, along with a new establishment, a new constitution was also requisite* Tlieir meritorious conduct, as soldiers, in the sub- sequent duties that were allotted them, reflected honour upon their discipline and their country, and they shared in the royal thanks of Him whose cause they maintained, by their frequent debarkations upon the sea-coasts of France, Spain, and Italy. C - 10 Her Majesty's order for levying this body of men was issued upon the first day of June, 1702, and runs thus : I Vi ANNE R. . /- ,,■,. '* ii'_ - Our pleasure is, that this establishment of six regiments ** of Marines, and six other regiments for sea service^ ••do commence and take place from the respective times *• of raising. And our farther pleasure is. That the order •* given by our dearest Brother the late King deceased, *' and such orders as are or shall be given by us *• touching the pay or entertainment of our said forces, *' or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, ** shall be duly complied with, and that no new charge . ** be added to this establishment, without being com- ** iimnicated to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners ** of our Treasury for the time being. *• Given at our Court at St, James's, first day of June in the *• first year of our reign. ! s- *' By her Majesty's command, •• GODOLPHIN." u I annex, also, the expences incurred by description, which will be a guide to the total one regiment of this charge for the whole VI iii«;iii> - , ^ ;•;•- y^l'JXatl One Company, per daij. /■'. Aif per year, ' Field and Staff Officers, ' js'i' ; Colonel as Colonel - £o 12 - ;C219 Lieut. Col, as Lieut, Col. - 7 - " 127 15 Major as Major - - 5 - 91 5 Chaplain _ - - o 6 8 - 121 13 4 Adjutant - - - ' 4> / _ ai 73 Quartermaster - - 4 , it ' 73 Chirurgeon - - - . 4 - ~ 73 One Mate to ditto - - 2 6 1^' ''^ItJvi-l ' 45 12 6 • . iC2 5 2 ^824 per 5 10 One Company, '-/f' '•'^- per day, - year* Captain t- - - - jC ^ 8 - ^146 First Lieutenant - - 4 - 73 3 Second Lieutenant - - 3 - 54 15 2 Serjeants, each Xs^d - 3 - 54 15 3 Corporals, each \s - o 3 - 54 15 2 Drummers, each U - 2 - 3Q 10 59 Privates, each %d - \ 19 4 4 "■':: "' ^ in 16 8 ■-'-'u: }ir.miii.'-fr^, •,;>.- j, ^ 2 ' 1,137 11 8 Pay of 1 Comp. more of the j like number and same rates ) 3 5 4 8 - £ 11,375 16 34> 12,5 13 8 4 C 2 ie One Company of Grenadiers to complete this Regiment, as follows.: 1 Captain 1 First Lieutenant 1 Second Lieutenant 3 Serjeants, each ls6d 3 Corporals, each is 59 Grenadiers, each sd Total this Regiment - Pay 5 Regiments more, at the same rates, &c. - Total for Marines - ^ 238 14 o £o 8 -040 - 4 - 4 6 -030 - 1 19 4 - 39 15 8 >198 18 4 - jC^4.6 73 73 - 82 2 6 54 15 717 16 8 £ 14,520 18 4 - 72,604 11 8 £87,125 10 The six regiments of Foot for sea service were exactly the same numbers and same denominations, excepting as to officers, who among these corps, were detailed as Ensigns iiiStead of Second Lieu- tenants. Classed under one general head, the twelve regiments cost the public £ 238 14 o per day ^ and^^ 174,251 ^.er year, .jv^g > The idea of this class of men being raised with a view of becoming a nursery for the Navy, seems to have been now re- linquished, and the following articles for their government and conduct were framed, and adopted, by her Majesty in council, upon the 1st of July, 1702. - * > ,. , ' , '' X' i3 1st. They were to be em,')loyed on board her Majesty's ships as there should be occasion, and quartered at, or as near as might be to the dock-yards, when on shore, to guard them from embez2lements, or any attempts of an enemy. 2d. lu all matters relating to their subsistence and clearings, when on board and on shore, they were to be paid in like manner as the land forces, and the same deductions to be made from them for clothing, and one day's pay, once a year, from each officer and soldier for the hospital. 3d. They were to be allowed an equal proportion of provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay for the same. ji./fc.»,*t i. 4th. And to have the same allowance for short provisions (when circumstances render the issue of full allowance imprudent) as the seamen^^to be paid to themselves, or their assigns. ,. r^ay^- 5th. Such regiments, or parts of them as should be on shore, were to he mustered by a commissary or commissaries in the same manner as the land forces, excepting in this case, that they, the said commissaries, were obliged to allow at each muster on his or their rolls, all such officers and soldiers as should appear to him or them by autheMic vouchers, or certificates, to be put on board any of her Majesty's ships or vessels, and that such part of the aforesaid regi- ments as should be at sea, might be paid while they were so, it was m % directed, That the commanding Marine Officer with them should, every two months, return to the Commissary General of the Musters^ " a perfect list of all the officers and soldiers on board each ship, signed by himself, and all the Marine Officers, expressing the times of entry, death, and discharge of each man, that so the Commissary might compare the said lists with the monthly books sent to the Navy Office, and allow such of the officers and soldiers as should appear to him fit to be so allowed. H-^^di'th 'Tft/t? oiit {>ffc ,'r;^oi(ii bjrrci.i,ftJK'iS w\) litij^. 7th. And for the ease of the whole a particular Pay-master was appointed, with power to solicit the arrears of the regiments, and to receive all sums of money from the Treasurer of the Navy ; and immediately upon the receipt thereof, to issue the same to the respective Colonels, or their Agents; he was also required, diligently and carefully to adjust all accounts relating to the regiments, ac- cording to such muster rolls as should be delivered to him by the Commissary, or Commissaries ; and those muster rolls were to be allowed of, as sufficient vouchers for the charges in the accounts, and for making out debentures and warrants. -h -vB-'i , uiU^rr. . iT^t. <> f. , m This Fortress, seated upon the tcnitorics of our natural lot-, has long stood a monument of our naval power, which has oftener than once been especially devoted to relieve its wants ; and has also afforded to tlie world, a brilliant instance of military defence unflcr the late Lord Heathfield. ,/ .. ; Nothing worthy of notice occurred until iho montli of September 1705, when it was deemed essential by the Earl of Peterborough Commander in Chief, to attempt something worthy of our arms, and the service of the King. . ' ' . « ' ■ ' ' ' ■ ' At the desire of his Lordship, a large body of Seamen and Marines were landed at Barcelona, who were auxiliary in the reduction of that important place, at which his Majesty was present. This city was destined to an attack from the enemy, early in 1 706, whither Sir John Leake, having the Earl of Peterborough on board, proceeded in April. ' - His Majesty, King Charles, who was then within its walls, very strongly urged the immediate debarkation of all our forces ; upon which, 1400 land troops, and the Marines of the fleet, were on the 9th of April, sent to his aid. Their appearance was well timed, as the French had made a practicable breach, which they would other- wise have stormed upon the following day. — After repeated attempts they relaxed in their efforts, and many volunteers from the city, as well as peasants from the mountains pouring down in numbers, D2 20 obliged them to raise the siege precipitately, upon the nth. — After ten at night the enemy began to retreat ; but first setting fire to their magazines, and placing matches to their mines. Many of the former, however, were preserved by the natives, and a number of the latter were extinguished by the soldiery. The morning's dawn presented their army retreating in disorder, and grievously harrassed by our troops, and the enraged Catalans. , , . .. , . ,■ An eclipse of the sun, followed by a total darkness about nine, suspended for a while every operation, which, when dissipated, the slaughter was renewed, till prudence recalled them from the carnage* The enemy's camp, with 100 brass cannon, and stores of every description, were the fruits of our efforts. ; .; , ,, ; ^1 ¥ m M m i Having thus relieved this important place, the fleet sailed upon the 18th of May, and landed the forces of every description, upon the coast of Valencia on the 25th. ,. *■ ^.« . « • ■ ■ . A ■ This was preparatory to the attack of Alicant, which was deemed almost impregnable. — Having been apprized that it was reinforced, and that a regular siege alone could reduce it, the idea was dropped for a time, and they proceeded against Carthagena, which immediately submitted ; and where a garrison of 600 Marines under Major Hedges, ivho ivas appointed Governor of it^ was established for its defence. An attempt upon Alicant was then resolved upon ; but Brigadier Gorge having upon a close review of the place, and learning the resolute spirit of its Governor, Major General Mahoni, represented that not less than 3000 men were necessary to reduce it.— Having with him not more than 1450 troops, and he being of opinion that no dependence could be placed in the Spanish Militia, it was deter- mined to withdraw the garrison of Marines fromCarthagena, in order to assist in tliese active operations, and to put another in its stead, The fleet arrived off Alicant, upon the 26tli of June, when a summons was forwarded to General Mahoni, who, like an Officer, answered, that he would hold out to the last. His force consisted of more than 1000 Soldiers, and many inhabitants of the town, who had volunteered in its defence. t';!jiiu o:; , '<<,•..; Brigadier Gorge having moved from Elche upon the 2l8t of July, where he had remained waiting for reinforcements, to within a mile of Alicant, all the Marines of the fleet, with 800 Seamen, were landed upon that day, and the following morning, and the bombard- ment commenced in the evening of the 22d. A detachment of the Naval force under Sir George Byng, rendered very essential service,, by dismounting many of the enemy's guns opposed to the sea, and driving the men from them. . ' ,. Upon the 24th of July, the Marines arrived from Carthagena, and were immediately landed. Four days after, when the troops Imd gained possession of the suburbs, all the boats were manned and armed, in order to attack the town. On the 29th, the ships having made a practicable breach in tlie round tower, at the west end of the place, 22 111 and another at the middle of the curtain, between the mok and the eastermost bastion, tlie Soldiers advanced to storm them. An Officer with fifteen Grenadiers rashly pushed on 'against the breach in the town, but were repulsed before they could be supported. Upon this occasion there were particularly distinguished. Captains Evans, Passenger, and Watkins, of the Royal Navy. Capt. Evans, at tiie head of a few of the boats crews, was the first to mount into tiie breach, and they were rapidly seconded by the whole forces, who, upon reaching the town, secured every post, with but little loss ; there being only 30 killed, and 80 wounded, although the Spaniards had prepared for this event, by forcing temporary loop holes in their houses, from which they kept up a sharp fire upon our men as they approached. General Mahoni now retired into the Castle, and was again summoned by Brigadier Gorge ; his answer was such as became him, and what might have been expected from his character. At this time the detached squadron had dismounted many of his guns, beat down a part of the walls, and his Garrison was extremely annoyed by slicUs from the bomb vessels. Composed chiefly of Neapolitans, they at last compelled the brave Mahoni to yield, who, from this cause alone, surrendered his charge, after a heavy loss, upon the 35th of August. Having adjusted every thing, the fleet proceeded to the Island of Ivica, where it arrived upon the 9th day of September. The Gover- nor instantly saluted, and tendered submission and obedicnee to King Charles the III. It was afterwards resolved to attack Majorca, to the Viceroy of "which a summons was sent in, upon the 1 4th of Scn^iMubcr, 23 He, with some others in the interest of the Duke of Anjoii, appeared resolute to defend themselves ; but when a few shells were thrown into Palma, the capitol, the inhabitants obliged him to retire to his palace, and there enter into terms, A Garrison of one Captain, one Lieutenant, and lOO Marines was placed here, and all the disafFecteci to our cause, were withdrawn from the island. ' • '^T^:'' " ■■ •* Nothing farther, connected with my subject, appears on the face of the military transactions of this year. In the month of June, 1707, an opportunity presented of co-operating with the Duke of Savoy and Prince Eugene in an intended attack upon Toulon. Towards the close of it, the fleet proceeded for the coast of Italy, where it anchored upon the 28th, between Nice and Antibes, about a league from the Var, — A conference took place on the following day betwixt the Commanders in Chief, when it was decided, that a joint attack should be made upon a part of the enemy's army then entrenched upon that river, before they could be reinforced. ' '-''"''' ' " ' These works being exposed o the fire of the ships, as they could stand within little more than musket shot, were hastily evacuated, and in less than an hour they were occupied by 600 Seamen and Marines. The passage was now open for the Duke of Savoy to prosecute his destination, while frigates were stationed along the different parts of the sea coast, in order to keep up a mutual communication. Having reached Toulon, every aid was afforded by the fleet both as to men and cannon, but the enemy daily augmenting his forces, /?« 4 and having made a successful sally, induced the raising of this siege ' upon the 10th of August, after a loSs of more than a thousand men. One happy result arose from this attempt however, which was, that the French, under a sudden dread of consequences, sunk a number of their largest men of war, which were ever after unfit tor service. King Charles having often urged the reduction of Sardinia, with a view to open a paiTage for his troops in Naples to attack Sicily, as well as on account of its sources of supply of all kinds of provisions for his armies, of which they were much in want, a body of Murines was drawn from Tarragona, a strong sea port and Garrison in Catalonia, to assist in this enterprize. Upon the 1st day of August, 1708, tlie whole arrived before Cagliari, the capital. Upon receiving a very equivocal answer to a summons sent in, the bombardment com- menced that evening, and continued without intermission until next morning, when at the break of day, Major General Wills, and the wliole of the Marines, with one Spanish regiment were landed. The place, in consequence, almost instantly surrendered. The whole '.:aving been re-embarked, the fleet again set sail, upon the 1 8th of August, for Minorca, and arrived at Port Mahon upon the 25th. , /; At this period, two of the Marine Regiments were drafted, and both officers and men were incorporated with the other four, now employed upon this service. The measure was necessary, in order 25 to supply the casualties that had occurred, and to render these corps effective, — For this purpose, all the Maunes capable of duty, were drawn from a number of the fleet about to return home, as well as to assist in the reduction of an island, which, every officer conceived, would make a spirited and tedious defence. ■'.'''''' * ' - • The first attack was against Port Fornelle, which was can- nonaded by two of the ships, and fell after a contest of four hours. j;m;; ;«;■-,. UKf-: A detachment having been pushed to Cittadello, tlie capital, it surrendered without resistance. " I >. . , The batteries were opened on the works defending the town of Port Mahon, upon the 17th of September, when, after a short but brisk fire, and the loss of only six men, a lodgment was effected under the very walls of St. Philip's Castle ; and next day the enemy capitulated. Thus was this strong fortress, and important island, gained by a force of only 2400 men, while the garrison consisted of more than one thousand Soldiers, with upwards of 100 pieces of cannon mounted, and having every thing requisite for sustaining a long siege. Sir George Byng arrived at Lisbon upon the 1 4th of October, having her Majesty the Queen of Portugal on board, but, although many other objects of service were in contemplation, nothing farther was attempted during 17O8. E 26 CHAP. IV. Early in 1709, a plan was formed to attack Port-Royal in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the French. — For this purpose a body of 400 Marines was embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the land-forces, and Captain Martin of the navy. — The squadron proceeded for Boston, where they were to be reinforced by some ships, and such provincial auxiliaries, as might be ready, or were neceflary for this intended conquest. Here a Council of War was held, which arranged the future operations of a body, . now consisting of 2000 men. — ^They reached their destination upon the 24th of September, and the proper ground for landing having been reconnoitred, the debarkation took place on the following day. — The enemy opened a heavy fire upon the boats from their guns and mortars, but with little effect. A bomb- vessel drifting up with the tide of flood within reach of the Fort, rendered important service during the two first days, which was spiritedly aided by the military exertions on shore. > Upon the first day of October, the Governor of the Fortress having expressed an inclination to surrender upon terms, they were taken 27 into consideration and agreed to. Here a Garrison of Marines was left. Having thus reduced the place, it was now named Annapolis Royal, in honor of her Majesty, under whose auspices it was conquered. ■mn>':'': '■i'lf'^ E 2 him % *■ ' ■*yji^iii*/\ ,..r. yyi'iV'VmiV} CHAP. V. 1 KE British Nation, ever true to its Allies, often has had cause to complain of a want of this reciprocal honour. Limited in my scope, it belongs not to me to develope errors, and far less to expose such as have arisen from high causes. But, in vindication of the military fame of my country and my corps, I have to regret, that the zealous and gallant services of both should have been unavailingly exerted in the unprosperous views of King Charles upon the Spanish monarchy. To th'^ want of co-operation and unanimity must be ascribed the many chequered events, and reverses, that marked his royal efforts during this contest. Unsuspported by his family, or his nation, whose immediate interests it must have been to place him effectively on that throne, he was exposed to many fatal disappointments when he could not remedy them, and was thus often obliged to adopt the measures of necessitous expediency, when he should have been enabled to prosecute the objects of an arranged system. Early in 1709, the town of Alicant became hard pressed, having sustained a long and obstinate siege against a very powerful force of the combined enemy. The garrison, composed in a great 29 proportion of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perieverance in maintaining the place. Unable to reduce it, the besi^gt'rii nttempted to undermine the re .. upon which the Castle stood, of which they apprized its defenders ; but this had no effect upon their ifenolution. A partial shock, which buried above twenty in its effects, did not intimidate them, and they bravely continued to defend themselves till the fleet, under Sir George Byng, appeared (I believe) on the 4th of April. General Stanhope, with the troops on board, were to have attempted its relief, under cover of a squadron that was at the same tinae to have attacked the enemy's lines along the sea shore ; but a heavy gale coming on, and many of the ships being itt ihallow water, it was judged proper to stand tarther out into th« roadi i The weather continuing severe, and being unable to gain any intelligence as to^ the state of the garrison, the Commanders in Chief dreading^ the worst, and in pity to their sufferings, by a flag of truce, proposed terms of surrender, which being agreed to, the brave remnants were embarked on board of the fleet, which now proceeded to Tarragona, Port Mahon, and afterwards to Bareelonai | During the remainder of this year, nothing farther was attempted by our squadrons, which, in their attached duties, were employed to harass the commerce of our foes, and to protect the convoys of provisions destined wherevernecessary, 30 Upon the 13th of March, 1710, Sir John Norris arrived at Port Mahon, as Commander in Chief of the Naval Forces. After having arranged every thing, transporting troops to the different quarters, where required, and some inferior attacks upon the enemy, he reached Barcelona upon the 18th of June, inorder to concert future operations writh his Majesty. . .nri -r;.>M. ""I' f"''\ An expedition was meditated against Cette, in the province of Languedoc, where the Troops and Marines were landed upon the 1 3th of July. The place made but a feeble resistance ; and the fort, upon which eighteen pieces of cannon were mounted, surren- dered the same day. Major General Seissau, then advancing against Adge with the regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines, that town was delivered up without resistance. , The Isle of Cette, however, was shortly afterwards recovered by the French army stationed in the province under the Duke de Roquelaure ; but all our soldiers were previously re-embarked. Nothing further occurred in 1710, which is in any respect con- nected with my subject. 3i it t •f 1 CHAP. VI. Early in 1711 it was resolved to attempt the town of Quebec, the capital of the French dominions in Canada, for which service Sir Hovenden Walker and General Hill were nominated as Com- manders in Chief, A respectable force was appointed, and they were directed to proceed for Boston, in New England, there to arrange every thing necessary for this undertaking. They reached Nantasket, near Boston, upon the 24th of June, and having prepared the Provincial Corps, and withdrawn the Marines who garrisoned Annapolis Royal since its surrender, they sailed for the object of their destination, after many delays, upon the 30th of July. This attempt was rashly adopted, without examining the difficul- ties it involved. The urgent suggestions of the American Provinces first gave the idea, in order to get rid of a hostile and dangerous neighbour, but their energies were by no means adequate to the extent of their designs. A general ignorance of the navigation of the river St. Laurence very early exposed us to the loss of more than 800 brave men, who perished from this fatal cause, and these sad examples put a period to an expedition formed in misrepresenta- tion, and conducted by incapacity. The whole squadron and forces returned to England on the 9th of October, after having left the provincial auxiliaries upon their own coast. 32 CHAP. VII. ^IR John Jennings arrived at Barcelona upon the 20th of March, 1711* in order to assume the command of the British Fleet. . To watch the enemies ports, to distress their trade, and to keep open the communication of intelligence and supplies for the detached forces of our Allies, were all that he could now attempt in the tottering cause of King Charles the Third. /cfi.^li; About this time died Joseph, Emperor of Germany, whose bequeath of all his dominions to our Royal Competitor compensated for past struggles, and averted that blow to his pride which must soon have ensued from the desperate state of his affairs, by a total dereliction of his object. . >hrV Hi ■,. That event called upon him to fill the throne of his country ; to obey which, his Majesty soon after embarked on board the English fleet, and was escorted to Italy. :•) '); His Royal Consort still remained behind, with a view to inspire a motive for farther efforts, but the suspension of arms between Great Britain and France put a period to every active co-operation. The Empress, with her retinue, embarked at Barcelona, early in 1712, and landed at Genoa upon the 26th of March, from whence she pro- secuted her journey towards the destined seat of her power. SB ; to '^B .» i 'II '. 1 1 ' 'V '. ;tW^K 1 ('• 1 i . .;1 (.1 o U! ;.• ■ After a tedious negociation, the stages, or the detailed terms, of which it is not my task to retrace, peace was restored by the Treaty of Utrecht, on the 3 1st of March, 1713. We retained possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia ; each conquered by our arms during the war, and in effecting all of which the Marine forces, established during the reign of Queen Anne, very essentially con- tributed, ja liiuntti-M\Wui '.)-jiu, vrit iij s«i»:»n u'jciv/ The extraordinary expences of this long war, notwithstanding its duration, did not much exceed forty-four millions, which, con- sidering the immense forces kept on foot, and the subsidies granted to so many of the Continental Powers, appear but a small sum^,-] 1,1.- . j " ' ' I , ■■ ' ■ - - '; ■.fiyi^ i ■;;•/!- ijji:ru', ' - - - >. • ''i- J :;,>J-m!'.''' "■.'■'--■ ' - " -,'■■• ■-■-.. /' j^-Tii--/-' i>! < ! (• s:?. ,\ i/i.'.Tpjf!ir (hu<: "io-.afnis: »iSai ;j >^3iA .:..., cd loh'ziiiiiihlvj C HAP. VHI. V, -tj {> ^iij f,(> ,jdaMiU lo 1 HE allowances made to the respective ranks on the Staff of the Army, which was employed in Spain and Portugal, and in which officers of Marines shared, when upon this service, and when acting in any one of the undermentioned capacities, were arranged by her Majesty in Council, previous to the expedition. '^' General of tiie Horse and Commander in Chief per day ^lo o o Three Aids de Camp, each 10^ Lieutenant General Two Aids de Camp, each l oj - ' Two Major Generals, 2/ each One Aid de Camp to each, lox - Three Brigadiers, each l/ lOx - Three Majors of Brigade, each lOj Quarter-master General Adjutant General - - Judge Advocate - - Pay-master Secretary to Commander in Chief Chaplain to Commander in Chief Physician to Commander in Chief Chirurgeon to Commander in Chief Provost Marshall bs and 6 men, each 3j Waggon Master .• •( 1 10 4 1 4 I 4 10 1 10 10 10 10 5 10 6 10 10 1 3 3 6 0. 8 Daily amount >C ^2 8 2 35 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 6 10 6 8 10 10 3 3 8 2 And for Contingencies upon Account, the J sum of j^eooo. " By her Majesty's command, .rJiri "GODOLPHINk" Established 1st June, 1702. Jifii g; ..ni ■' The death of the Lord High Admiral, in a retrospective view, also produced some trivial reforms in the constitution of the Marine Regi- ments, which were accomplished under the auspices of the same ministry that had framed their original regulations. Some existing abuses were, I believe, the pretext for this change, as the Commissaries, after the decease of the Royal Consort, were enjoined to transmit their ctCcbtmtsr^nd otherwise correspond with the Secretary at War, upon the subject of these establishments. Many omissions seem to have pre- vailed in making regular returns from the different detachments, neces- sarily extended over every quarter of the globe, which first arising from individual neglect, ultimately retarded the proceedings of the Commis- sioners, who were appointed to investigate the national expenditure, at the close of the war. The following is their report upon this head ; •• Soon after the commencement of our Commission, wo required *• Mr. Whitfield, late Pay-master of the Marines, to lay the accompts *• of these Regiments before us; which after many delays he did, " but in a very imperfect manner. .^. . , ,^ '• We insisted upon a more distinct accompt, whereupon he, ** (being very ill) sent liis chief Clerk Mr. Sizer to us, who deposed, F 2 . 36 ♦* that the accompts could not be malde more perfect without muster •♦ rolls, which Mr. Lynn the Commissary had not returnedf '"J'*- .-** In answer to this, Mr. Lynn hath declared, that he could not '* make up the muster rolls farther than the 24th of December, 1 709, *• for want of the ships books, and the certificates from the Agents ** of the Commissioners of the sick and wounded : which books and " certificate* could not be had from the distant ports of the service, •* till those employed there came to England. ~ • '■ ■•^>-- ' "These difficulties prevent our stating the accjmpti of the ** Marines, but it is obvious, that the expence of the Navy is " increased by them. '- " For the JPay of 8000 Marines, according to the establishment, amounts to j^l28,l 33 5 o per annum. :p ,': >■.". i . I' (. it/''^..!: I,. .,;.-> ** The Pay of 8000 ordinary Seamen, is ^98,800 per annum. i .% ■i%, ** The extraordinary charge therefore, is ^'29,333 ft 0— and •* how far it may be thought necessary to continue Marines in time ** of peace, is humbly left to the judgment and determination of ** Parliament.— The next great expence to the public, is that of tlie Navy, &c.'* ' •- .^ . , ; • .. After the work of peace was accomplished, a great reduction of the forces took place, and the half-pay list for the year 1714, exhibits upon ft Hie' folltJwirig Regiments of Marines ;-— The whole having been difbanded, and the officers thus remunerated. n^nr^tj Lieutenant General Holl's, Sec. ■iy'^} /]S'/'ij:._.E iyril •;,[;* .•*Miu ; [Here is a detailed list of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Majors, Captains, 1st Lieutenants, 2d Lieutenants, Chaplain, Adjutant, Quarter-master, and Surgeon.] ; .■r,-,r. . \,i:>%'V:,-.).:,l: 1,-^'.? '^U'- ]. :'V 7: ^ Ui'^ ^ Major General Wills's - *. - > do. Brigadier Borrs do. Lord Viscount Shannon's do. 3ne Muster-master General, and Three Deputies, j , - . ' : Tranquillity was scarcely restored to the nation, when it had to lament the loss of its Sovereign, who closed an amiable and a virtuous life upon the 1st day of August, 1714. The eyes and hearts of every Briton, who was capable of appre- ciating, and solicitous to maintain the blessings he enjoyed, naturally turned towards a successor, the recognized virtues of whose illustrious House, were the surest pledge of a continuance of their religious and civil liberties, . . Accordingly, the Crown was tendered to, and accepted by King George the First, whose wise and mild reign, amidst subsequent 38 convulsions, fully realized every hope which the nation had formed. 1.:;; .pvhh / isi' (>•■•«■ Ke had scarcely been seated on his throne, when a rival appeared, the unfortunate dupo of the hostile and ambitious designs of France, against his khigdoms. ■ ; 1 .. a-'i..' ^ • ■ t * ,.\.y'':<:./. But the loyalty of his subjects, and the courage of his troops, defeated ar. attempt that must have renewed the evils which urged on a recent and a glorious Revolution. >-ji.J V*!''; In the first year of his Majesty's Government, it >Vas judged proper to grant a signal mark of royal ffivour, in consideration of the extensive and gaUant services of the Marine Regiments, Accord- ingly, all the officers attached to those of Lieutenant General Holl's, Major General Wills, and Brigadier Barr's were restored to their rank and full pay, and were generally incorporated with the different corps of the line. Four invalid companies were also granted. A spirit of public oeconomy, as well as of public jealousy against the very idea of a standing army, that existed during the icra of which I treat, preclude any retrospective details from me within the periods of 1715 and 1739 — During those days the very name of a Marine Soldier carried within it hostility to British liberty. It was a term which the most enlightened could not comprehend , and afforded a handle of discussion to the leaders of parliamentary debates, and of popular prejudices. "" During the above interval, the nation encountered a short war, and was also placed in the attitude of preparation for a second — but the events of neither fall within my limited scope ; as no force, except the nominal and unattached title of General of Marines existed, with four independent companies of invalids, f. y. /i uj,,ff . > It was not until 1739, upon the repetition of Spanish cruelties and aggression towards the industrious and defenceless subjects of Britain, that the system of Marine Regiments was renewed. The sword was again drawn upon the 19th of October of that year, and an Order of Council of the 12th of December, determined upon the immediate levy of six of this description. The Colonels who were nominated to command them were as follow : :. ' ; .. 1st. Edward Wolfe, esq. from 3d Foot Guards. 2d. William Robinson, esq. Lieutenant Colonel from Handyside's Regiment of Foot. '. v •—T-- — -■ ■ >.--n.:-' :-.:;: ■ '_;■ ■■^ ■ ■--.■ • - ■ / 3d. Anthony Lowther, esq. from 2d, Foot Guards. "•*■*, ■.'■■ .J . *, 'iUi 4th. John Wynyard, esq. from Colonel Tyrrel's Regiment of Foot. /J-v»f«j; £th. Charles Douglas, esq. from Colonel Howard's Regiment of Foot. " Cth. Lewis Ducie Morton, esq. from 3d, Foot Guafds. In order to render them immediately effective, and with a view to discipline them, five men from each company of the Regiments of Foot Guards, were appointed as Serjeants and Corporals, and mingled with the whole.— That they might also be rapidly completed, a bounty of one pound ten shillings was tendered to the first 1800 men of our regular army who should volunteer this transition of service. It was not long, by the use of such energies, before the whole were raised, and no part of the royal speech was more generally applauded than that which proposed this levy. The notion of their being an appendage to the standing army, seems to have been, at this time, considerably effaced, though the phantom was still kept alive by those who studiously search into and proclaim every apparent grievance. Early in the year 174-0, three additional regiments "were raised in America, and the Royal Standard was erected at New York, as the signal-post to which every volunteer Marine was to repair. ?% It was supposed, that from climate, the natives of that Continent were better calculated for the service to which they were destined than the Europeans, and they were clothed in a manner well adapted for the future scene of their duties. The Colonels, Lieutenant- Colonels, Majors, and Subalterns, were appointed by the Crown, and the Captains of Companies were nominated by the American Provinces. Their uniform was camblet coats, brown linen waist- coats, and canvas trowsers. Colonel Spotiswood, of Virginia was Colonel Commandant of the whole. vjb-.' / w- i . . In January, 1740, the six Marine Regiments received an effective augmentation of 2040 men, and one Lieutenant to each Company, 4J 1 :'™ An addition also of twenty men was granted to each of the four Companies of Invalids, and another allowed to the retired Marine establishment. '!; I'Vi* 'f'?n:':'.^ vU- 'T'?'.''-!' i;"s:^ Previous to the sailing of Admiral Vernon for the West Indies, he, in an Address to the Duke of Newcastle, and in terms of an honest zeal for the public service, thus expresses himself upon the subject of Marine Soldiers : .'..,' t . u ■■.■^ .... - * - ^^ * *' I could wish, indeed, we had each of us a company of regular * troops sent on board of us, which would, have strengthened us in ' numbers, as well as had their expertness in handling their arms, * to have incited our Seamen to the imitation of them. If we should * come to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe ' your Grace will have already perceived, from the difficulty of * manning these ships as they are, the necessity there may be of ' converting most of our marching regiments into Marines ; and if, ' as they become Seamen, they were admitted to be discharged as ' such, that would make a good nursery for breeding them, at a * time we might probably find such a necessity for them. ' ' ' " As I have always looked upon our fleet as what must not •' only protect our trade, but secure us the blessings of a Proiestant " succession, your Grace will be so good as to excuse the overflowing " of a sincere, though it may be an imprudent zeal ; being strongly " convinced in my own judgment, that preserving a superiority at G 42 •• sea is the best security of his Majesty's government, as well as the " trade and prosperity oi this kingdom." \-;rUi v;! '..■■ >.r.i' q.;;*^ ; The above ideas seem principally drawn from that system whicl existed as to the Marines previous to the reign of Queen Anne, and what has been already noticed. The arguments also bear a simi- larity to those subsequently adopted by General Lloyd, whose Treatise I shall have a future occasion to quote. . ,. „ If the subordinate arrangements of a ship could allow of it, much benefit would ensue to the public service by a greater number of Marine Soldiers being added to the complement of each, instead of a set of men denominated ivasUrsy who are partly composed of criminals that have compromi&cd with the injured laws of their country, who rarely, even upon a stretch of years, become real seamen, and who, from their former habits of life, are too often the leaders of discord and insubordination. ;, , < > ' ) ? On the contrary, if the plan which is suggested were generally adopted, with such an additional force on board, capable of striking terror upon either element, not a British squadron would put to sea that must not be viewed by our enemies with a jealous eye ; but what would keep their extensive coasts for ever on the alert, and by that rapidity aud s(icrecy which are peculiar to all naval movements, objects might be effected, and conquests achieved that never were anticipated by the political surmises of our countrymen, or the A ■ .ft 43 intelligence of our foes. Many other weighty cyusldemtions might also be adduced to enforce this expedient, which more properly fall within discussion under a future detail of eventi. ' * ' At no period of time was ever the voice of the nation niore una- nimous for war. The evidence of Captain Jenkini, before the House of Commons, stating his sufferings from Spaniili eruelty, aroused the indignation of every member, and notwithstanding the pacific temper of the Minister of that day, and his powerful influence, all were anxious to vindicate the insulted honour of the nation. m M ,'. ifi '■■ffi Before the declaration of hostilities. Admiral Vernon tailed for the West Indies, and arrived at Jamaica in the month of October, 1739. The aspect of public affairs previous to his leavin| Europe, fully sanctioned immediate enterprize against the enemy. Afier taking in refreshments at Jamaica, and having embarked 200 Soldiers under Captain Newton, to serve as Marinei, he ihaped his course for Porto Bello, the desthied object of l)ig attack, &nd at that time the great mart for the wealthy commerec of Chili and Peru. , The attempt was fraught with many apparent obstaeles, but it was undertaken and peformed with an unexampled spirit and promptitude, which are the surest means of success in military enterprize ; but more particularly when it is aimed against the distant territories of an enemy. G 2 44 h a Upon the 2 1 st of November, tlie attack was commenced by tlie ships in line of battle, against the Iron Castle, a strong fort of 22 guns, at the north point of the entrance into the harbour. The Spaniards flying from several parts of it, an instant debarkation of the Seamen and Marines was resolved on, from the Burford, Norwich, and Worcester, under cover of these ships. With the loss of only two killed, thoy efFedted a landing, when they compensated for the want of scaling ladders, by each man mounting upon the shoulders of another, and thus entering the embrazures. — This Fort was carried although no breach had been made, which indeed was almost im- possible, against walls of 9 feet in thickness, and such as afterwards withstood for a while, the explosions of those mines that were used to raze them. ; i -f - ' This gallant beginning struck terror into the Garrison of Gloria Castle, and Jeronimo Fort, both which defended the town ; the former had two regular bastions, and a curtain between them mounted with 22 guns, besides many more pointing towards the mouth of the harbour. * > '. H' ■ ^ » •■ Upon the 22d, an attack was intended against the whole, but the enemy hung out the white. flag, a signal of surrender. Upon this occasion, Captain Downing of the Navy led the attack on the Iron Castle. After having landed, he very properly wished to form his men into some order for it. One brave but impetuous Sailor, disdaining such precautions, pushed on, who, on being ordered to halt, answered with an ingenuous oath, " Don't let us halt, Captain, till we are lamed," : • 45 *' • In this operation we sustained a loss of only twenty killed and wounded, while the enemy were lessened in their numbers by desertions into the country, and by action, nearly three hundred men. " -s : • After destroying the fortifications, which from their strength required some time, the Admiral with his squadron sailed for Jamaica upon the 13th of December, and previously received from the Governor and inhabitants of the place the warmest acknowledgments for the humanity and generous treatment they had experienced. J The bombardment of Carthagena, in February, 1740, and the attack upon Chagre (a fort situate upon the mouth of a river of that name, a little to the north-west of the Gulf of Darien), were all that could be performed before the arrival of reinforcements and supplies from Europe, now much wanted. The latter surrendered, after a contest with the men of war and bomb-ketches, upon the 24th of March, when the Castle situated on a rock, and the Custom-house, under its protection, were demolished and burnt. The fleet after- wards returned to Porto Bello, and from thence to Jamaica. At this period considerable exertions were making at home, with a view to attack more effectually the Spanish possessions in South America, as well as their own coasts. A large number of men of war was assembled at Spithead, and Lord Cathcart, with six regiments of Marines, now considerably 46 strengthened, with other forces, were encamped in the Isle of Wiglit, and continued in readincfs for these intended services. It was not until the 26th of October that the fleet set sail from St. Helens for Jamaica, where they arrived in the month of Januar)', 1741. The united forces which were embarked on board were Wentworth's, Harrison's; and Cavendish's regiments of Foot, with the six regiments of Marines already detailed. Un£artunately for his country, and that profession of which lie was so bright an ornament. Lord Cathcart very early fell a victim to the climate, when tlie command devolved upon the Honourable Brigadier General Wentworth. The whole force sailed from Irish Bay, in Hispaniola, upon the 25th of February, 1741, consisting in all of one hundred and twenty- four sail, having been reinforced by two of the Marine regiments raised within the American provinces, and other levies which liad been previously formed in those colonies. Upon the 4th of March, in the evening, the whole anchored in the Grand Playa, to windward of the town of Carthagena, the intended object of their attack. After the necessary arrangements, the fleet moved forward in two divisions, upon tlic 9th, to silence the different forts, as preparatory to the landing of the troops. After little more than ^ one hour's cannonade, those of St. Jago and St. Philip were deserted by the enemy, when five hundred grenadiers made a descent under their walls, and took possession of them. Against the I5th, every soldier, witli the tents, tools, artillery, and ordnance stores were landed, the ground was cleared, and an encampment formed. About this time, the Admiral being informed by General Went- worth that the army was much incommoded by a strong fascine battery on the opposite side of the harbour, called the Barradera side, he detached a number of boats, full of men, -.mder the conduct of Captain Boscawen, having under him Captains Law > and Coats, of the navy. Upon no occasion was intrepidity ever more conspicuous, and that great man at this time gave an earnest of what his country might expect from him. In their approach they did not observe from its situation a small battery of five guns, but they soon remedied their error, by resolutely pushing on shore, and gaining possession, after a slight resistance. The enemy rousing a little from i! cir surprise at the other, con- sisting of fifteen 24.-pounders, opened their fire from two guns ; but following up the same spirited course, the seamen, headed by their gallant leaders, advanced most rapidly, and carried this strong battery also, ' 48 m Here they spiked up all the guns, destroyed the platforms, and completely effected this important object with but little loss. The enemy, well knowing the value of this position, soon mounted two heavy cannon, which were again silenced by a ship ordered for that purpose. A third opportunity — and the same scene of action afforded a display of Naval courage, when six oihcr guns were once more destroyed, with every appendage to them. ;,;;.!.) These repeated efforts much aided the operations of the Army now employed in the reduction of the Castle of Bocca Chica. Upon the 25th of March, a practicable breach having been made in it, the general communicated his determination to storm it. Accordingly Admiral Vernon assembled all the boats, in order to co-operate, having landed their men within view of the enemy, where the fascine battery was fixed. This was a well-judged diversion ; for when the grenadiers advanced to storm, at the hour appointed, they met no resistance, as the Spaniards fled without firing a shot. ^ A panic had now seized the enemy, who set fire to one of their ships. Taking advantage of this state, the boats resolved to attempt the fort of St. Joseph, which was immediately evacuated. Being now within the boom thrown across the harbour, and the Dons, seeming determined to sink their ships, they judged it proper to row on, and soon boarded the Galicia, carrying the flag of the Spanish Admiral. — These obstructions being removed, the 49 Admiral and the squadron, still with much difficulty, moved into the harbour. ^ ,,, . , , , After various services, the Castle of Grande Castillo having been gained, and the enemy sunk all their men of war, farther preparations were made for landing the troops nearer the town, in order to cut off all communication witli the main land. Our loss, up to ti.e beginning of April, was two Colonels of Foot, one of Marin»js, with one Captain of the Royal Navy, besides other Officers slain, and upwards of four hundred of different descriptions killed and wounded. That mortality, which is the never-failing result of protracted operations in this inhospitable clime, now began its ravages* Matters were pushed on — the bomb-ketches on the 2d of April began to play upon the town, and the other passages of approach cleared from the ships sunk by the enemy, as being necessary for tlie disembarkation of the forces near the city. After these difficulties were removed, they were landed at the dawn of the 5th, under the coninmnd of General Wentworth, who, after a spirited contest, established his encamp- ment within a mile of the fort of St. Lazar.— Things now drawing to extremities, it became necessary to forego the cercMnonies of a regular siege, and, however hazardous, to rest the issue upon a storm. Accordingly, before day-break on the 9th, five liundred Grena- diers, supported by a thousand Marines, and some Janmican levies, advanced against tlie enemy's lines in front of tlie fort. These were H 50 distantly followed by a body of Americans, with wool-packs, scaling ladders, and hand grenades. M, tC'il '!. F! ,/i •'^■\ Vli - The Spaniards were entrenched to the shoulders, and their works over-awed by St. Lazar ; but neither intimidated th© gallant progress of our men, who, led by Brigadier General Guiie, were much annoyed, suffering extremely from flanking firts, which they had not foreseen, and enduring a heavy loss before they could reach the object of their attack. The persevering and undaunted bravery of British Soldiers was never more displayed than on this day. They at last gained their point by intrepidly leaping into the entrenchments, and driving their enemies into tile fort, which communicated by a draw-bridge with tlie lines. ' " ' i • ■ : if. - ' " It was now those gallant fellows felt the precipitate errors of their superiors. The unarmed Americans in their rear, many of whom were killed without possessing the powers of resistance, dispersed, and threw away the charges committed to tliem. Three only did their duty, and with these scanty supplies, a held effort to scale the walls of St. Lazar, was made by ten grenadiers, headed by a serjeant.' — They mounted them, but being unsupported, were all cut to pieces, except him who saved himself by trusting his destinies to a lieadlong adventure. -if 'XI :li Cooped up within a narrow fpot, exposed to the grapeshot and marksmen of the enemy above tliem, the situation of these brave remnants became desperate after the break of day, 51 ' ^ A retreat was now the only expedient left, which was accom- plished under the countenance of a strong reinforceir ;nt from the camp, but under the effects of a galling fire from the fort. The Spaniards, however, did not dare to pursue a body of men, now weakened by loss, but covitsd with glory. Nearly seven hundred composed the list of killed and wounded upon this occasion, i^- 'j:n-'-yi: t'::iur)fmiir n- ■;.(-(:: ' ihi i'. The future operations of the army ceased to be offensive, and their exertions necessarily became precautionary. Dissentions, with their arising results, delay and disease, accomplished what the enemy durst not attempt. '• '-'^f' ^ . ^ It belongs not to me to enlarge upon either causes or effects in my limited detail, excepting where in either there may seem a tendency to involve the military character of those men whose memoirs and services I have undertaken to record. The Soldier may appear as often distinguished amidst misfortune, as the Citizen, though his country will render honours to the victorious alone, like the world, which, too often, confines its incense to tlie pros- perous. It is a tribute due to the gallant subordinates of the fleet and land force to say, that, throughout their arduous duties, they evinced a courage and perseverance worthy of their country and their cause. While history is bound to publish truths, it never ought to extenuate the errors of any branches of its subject. H2 T •i. :, ^% By the 16th of April some hundreds became sick from exposure to the weather, the heavy rains that periodically set in about this time, and the scanty supplies of water ; among whom were many of tiio principal officers. ...r-.v •• <.•• •»■'{( Ui ,' ir;< ! !<:. \-.-^i..y^j-: r Upon the 23d and 24th, Jouncils of War were held, which decided upon an immediate re-embarkalion. Captain Knowles of the Navy, who had throughout bore a distinguished part in the duies of an Engineer, was now entrusted with the demolition of Castillo Grande, which was with much labour completed on the 25th, and all the guns rendered unserviceable. The same was effected at Bocca Chica. Upon the whole, the Spaniards sustained a heavy loss, as appears fiom the following detail ; ,■ Kf tm m Bocca Chica Castle - - - Fort St. Joseph - - - - Fort St. Philip - - - - Fort St. Jago _ . - - Fascine batteries on Barriadera side Four men of war at Bocca Chica Two batteries at Passe Cavalla Castilio Grande - - - - Port Mazinello - - - - Seven galleons - - - - Conqesadon and Dragon men of war Gum so 20 ,. 15 6 20 332 13 63 12 128 ,,' 134* 723 53 ^ Such events to the enemy were for some time irretrievable, and long felt. The charges of repairing the different fortifications must have been prodigious, when we consider the strength with which they were constructed ^ • , ..-A ' . :■.' ..'f?' Our loss upon the whole was undoubtedly great, being in all nearly two thousand men, and I annex a detail of the Officers of European Corps who were killed, died of the diseases incident to the climate, or of the wounds they received; Wentworth's Regiment of Foot. Killed Lied Lieut, Colonel (Sandford) 1 - Major - - 1 Captain - - - 1 Lieutenants - 9 - - ' -'b" Ensigns - "• .. - 10 ' 2 9 Gene ral Harrison's. t Killed Died Lieut. Colonel (Daniel) - 1 Captains «• 1 - 4 ' Capt. Lieutenant - - - 1 Lieutenant - - 2 - 6 Ensigns - 3 • 2 13 54 ■:.iii:,,:' '*-■(•■■ V. il<-' ii*p Cavendish. , >/ 34fji|i ^TK>«fi^V^/;- ^'^■^ j:kv^.-; f|#t?>,, , • 'm Killed '■^' '■^^^'-^. 1>^4 ^^#«:-.::: Lieut. Colonel (Grant) - - i - - 1 (Hely) Captains - - - - I " " lieutenants - - - - ^ ' 2 2 '#iv' «.v^' Ensign . . - - i 3 - ?'• , ■^■.■ ■ V; ■ • :--'':h. ---■> - ■ ■^^^- '••^'^-■-^'''■'" ■" ''■"''" ■5- % /^ ' • ''" ' Wo r.FE'3 Marines, •' '^ '■ Killed Died V .0 Major . - - - • - - 1 (Watson) Captains - • - • ^ " " 5 First Lieutenant - - - l - - ' Second lieutenant - - ^ 1 1 7 Douglas's Marines, (succeeded by Lt. Col. Cochran.) - KiUed Died Colonel (Douglas) ' m 1 Captains ■m m 1 I First Lieutenants • m m 1 2 Second Lieutenants - ^ 1 r s 4 55 •,;ir':t:r : LowTHER*s Marines. > • Killed Died Captains - 1 - 3 ■ ''" t.'"- First Lieutenants - - 3 •« , in Second Lieutenants - 1 - 1 " 1 2 7 Robinson's Marines. ...... t Killed Died Lieut. Colonel (Thompson) 1 - Captains - - - - - 2 First Lieutenants - - 2 Second Lieutenants 1 m Wynyard's Marines. 4 .r*'"S: Killed Died Major (Hall) - M m - 1 Captains - - 1 - - 2 Captain Lieutenant - - m ■M 1 First Lieutenants - - m - 6 Second Lieutenants m " 1 2 m m 3 13 I: V:'\ . 56 Morton's Marines. .. -:-"-■ Killed Colonel (Morton) Lieut. Colonel (Blagrave) Major (Macloed) Captains - - - First Lieutenants - Second Lieutenants 1 1 Died 1 1 I 2 S 2 15 Being a total loss of nineteen Officers killed, and seventy-seven who died from disease or their wounds. . , , The casualties of the other auxiliaries which were drawn from America, were not proportionate to the above, as they were better calculated for the climate ; but the regiments of Marines were newly-raised levies, and by an erroneous policy, they were too early destined for a country, the air of which alone will always outdo the works of the sword. . It is remarked, that young formed Corps are the worst adapted for it, as it is too sudden a transition of life witli many who com- pose them, and are often strangers to that re ;ulated system of discipline which, in establishing their comforts, secures their health. Upon no service, however, were men ever more distinguished for bravery, but all who ever visited these quarters of the globe well know, that its diseases will conquer and control the boldest minds. Every thing having been arranged, the fleet lailod for Jamaica upon the 6th of May, where they arrived upon the l{)th, and found their reinforcements and supplies, of which they now &tuod in much need. :.-.1,-.n.r. > r-' .::/•',> ,i;;..'.^f.;;:/^:,^' Cf^rrJ, !> rM-;>;r'; ■ K ■ i; >'■' I <, ',,i'J ) •■'♦:)ii 1 r I 58 'f i. f^T': I 4 ,»■• •*"i' ■■<; t,-;, CHAP. IX. During 1741, the number of Marine Regiments was aiigmentetl to ten, and the sums voted to maintain them were ^201,75 2 13 o. If the same force had been established before the peace of Utrecht, they would not have exceeded the estimate of ^186,666 1 8, as the following indulgencies were granted, and annual allowances made subsequent to that period : For servants allowed to Officers - - £7,7S6 13 4 Allowance to the Widows of Officers - ,4J3 6 8 To Colonels, for clothing lost by deserters 2,129 3 4- To Captains, for recruiting their Companies 1,825 o o To Agents of different Regiments - - 912 10 ^1.5,086 13 4 i At this time the whole Half-pay Establishment of Great Britain, including Horse, Dragoons, Foot, Invalids, and Marines,, consisted of only five hundred and fifty-one Officers, and the annual expen- diture upon the whole was ^34,492 10 0, being at the rate of £94 10 per day, and so considerate and oeconomical were the public measures, that the House of Commons addressed his Majesty, praying, that those upon this list, if fit for service, might be ap- pointed to the first vacant commissions which occurred in the different Regin ents. But an ill-judged parsimony, as to the number of 59 Officers attached to Corps, seemed also to exist, and the same spirit was constantly urging the conversion of tiie Land Forces into bodies of Marines. The regulations for this establishment were nearly similar in tlieir principles to those framed for the line. The Colonels of Marine Regiments clothed their respective Corps, and had the liberty of recommending for conmmissions — Excepting that the whole battalion was destined for a particular service, none of the Field Officers were embarked. The greatest number of men on board the largest ships did not exceed one hundred under a Captain, three Subalterns, and the smallest was not less than twenty under an Officer, ' I The Commanders of Marine detachments were enjoined to for- ward effective returns of them every two months to the Commissary General of Marines, attested by the Captains and Pursers of each. This was necessary, in order to conduct the musters of the Regi- mental Companies, and to |uide the recruiting service on shore. The same deductions were made from them as the Army, for clothing and Chelsea Hospital, whether embarked or not. When attached to any ship, their indulgencies were equal to those of the Seamen, as to the receiving provisions without any deductions from their pay on that account, they had short allowance money, and the benefit of Naval Hospitals, When sent tiiither, either sick or wounded, they were deemed effective in the musters ashore, if 12 eo producing a certrficate from the Surgeon of the Ship to wliich tht> belonged, and another from the Commanding Officer at head-quarterSr when in Great Britain. The Paymaster General of Marines issued the pay, upon receiving Jt, to the Colonels of Regiments, or their Agents, and the Pay- master of each settled all their accounts agreeably to the muster-rolls they had from tlie Commissary General* These muster-rolls, with the receipts of the different Colonels or their Agents, were esteemed sufficient vouchers for passing the Pay- master's accounts, aod for making out warrants or debentures for clearings; which terms shall undergo a more particular discussion, under the head of Examples. When brigaded abroad, they were paid exactly in the same manner as the Army ; but the arrears of Marine Officers were much longer withheld, and the Captains of Companies were exposed to very peculiar hardships, which will be ftated more at length in a subsequent stage of the narrative. — It is enough at present to remark, that the Officers of these Regiments, when abroad, were often obliged to assign that branch of their pay, at fifty per cent, discount, in order to answer their temporary exigencies. What a contrast does this sytem present to the reforms, which have been recently established, in favour of this class of men. 61^ . , t>r[t rf! ..u 1 :>, /• . CHAP. X. ; . In consequence of the heavy losses sustained at Carthagena, and the mortality which still coniinued to rage after their arrival at Jamaica, the transit between the Regiments of Foot and Marines was rapid and immediate. Upoi this service promotions were established by rotation in the whole line. Within the short period of five weeks, the Corps, originally Douglas's, numbered amongst its casualties, three Colonels, two Lieutenant Colonels, and two Majors. ' It was not until the beginning of July that the fleet and army were in a state of readiness to renew their operations, when it was resolved to proceed against the Island of Cuba, where they anchored upon the 18th of July, in Walthenham Bay, immediately named Port Cumberland, in honor of his Royal Highness the Duke, about' eighteen leagues to windward of St. Jago, the firft object of their intended attack, and properly speaking, the Capital, although it was not then the seat of the Governor. The troops were all landed upon the 24th, consisting nearly of four thousand men, including one thousand chosen negroes, levied by the Island of Jamaica, with a view to sustain the laborioui; duties of this service. Having established a position upon the side of the river, nearly three leagues from the mouth of the harbour, the General on tlie 25th pushed some detachments into the country, which every where beat back the outposts of the enemy, and in a few days returned to the Camp, with plentiful supplies of provisions. / It was originally the intention of the Commanders in Chief to have made a joint attack upon St. Jago, but the want of unanimity which had sometime past, and now existed to a .fatal degree, ruined every purpose. — Contentious debates, and dilatory measures, took place of cordial co-opeyation and pushing enteiprize, wliile the Country's interests end the lives of the Soldiery were daily sacrificed to the bitterest feuds. , ciiir-t""*^ ;ljNj>i, < li *>vrj biU' .%\-i:n'h:J tr':i:'-ytnt:.'. o-^n y^} rJiWA '.:.■■:( ?l-;i; About the middle of August the General stated the impractica- bility of advancing into the interior country with his present force, and expressed a wish to await the arrival of fresh levies from America, and the expected reinforcements from Europe, which now became essential to complete the skeleton Corps of his Army. The first resource was planned at the outset of the West India expe^ dition, and instructions had been early given to the Commander in Chief to avail himself of it, when compelled by emergency. ; ...i*? ;i;' fit: Accordingly, recruiting parties were sent to New England to raise volunteers, and General Wentworth, by a personal appeal to the Governor of that province, urged the necessity of their being seconded with public spirit and public liberality. Similar steps were adopted in the State of New York, to fill up the American Regiments of Marines ; and tlie Governors, by an impressive address to the Legislative Houses of both, strongly recommended their energies, not only on the ground of patriotism, but of political Qxpe\*.f*J>*J 't I > ^«i4.t4i t. . Ji^"('. The transports, under a proper escort, returned to Jamaica upon the 29th of November, while the squadron continued at sea to meet •the anxiously looked-for reinforcements. •• : .!• I'., I >. iiv •; • i/' '.,;:/(. • '• • (' '( - ! (-' I »' |i i I ) » ?. W''^ ..:; . CHAP. XI. ; ;. A It was not until the I5th of January, 1742, that nearly three thousand men, including two thousand Marines, arrived at Jamaica. Another expedition was now meditated, which put to sea early in March, but adverse winds, the separation of transports having on board the working negroes, and the expectation of the periodical rains now nearly setting in, suggested to a Council of War held at Porto Bello, at the close of that month, the immediate return of the whole armament, to the port they had left. This afforded another instance of unfortunate discord. The fleet arrived at Jamaica upon the 15th of May. m In order to give n specious appearance to things, and to compen- sate for the national expenditures and past miscarriages, it was now judged proper to detach a force to take loi- session of Rattan, an island in the Bay of Honduras, and a situation highly proper for maintaining a commercial intercourse with South America, as well as the trade » * ■ - in logwood. I ti^ I-': An establishment there having been formed early in the year, it was determined in a Council of War to send a force of fifty Marines and two hundred Americans, under Major Caulfield, in order to place the island in a state of military defence. 66 On the 23d of August, they reached Port Royal, on the south side of it, where they formed a camp and erected Fort George to defend th'» harbour, as well Fort Frederick, on the western part of it. A great proportion of the American soldiers being papists, they formed a plot to lendci *^c settlement abortive, and to rise upon the Marines and the well-affected of their countrymen. His Majesty's ship, Litchfield, then in the harbour, hearing the alarm guns, instantly landed her party of Marines, who with those on shore soon checked this daring mutiny, secured the delinquents, and preserved the settlement to his Majesty. . Nothing farther was done during the inauspicious commands of Admiral Vernon or General Wentworth, who both soon afterwards returned to Great Britain, excepting the detaching five hundred men of different descriptions to the aid of General Oglethorpe, in South Carolina, and repelling che menaces of the Spaniards against the infant colony of Georgia. Orders of recal for both arrived at Jamaica upon the 23d of September, and the General was directed to provide the fleet with a number of commissioned Officers, and men, from the Marines, sufficient to supply its wants ; also to fill up the vacancies in the eight Inde- pendent Compq^nies raised for the defence of Jamaica. For the former purpose, eleven hundred were required, which were nearly all tliat were now \ch and fit for duty* The supernumerary Officers and €T sick were sentt home, and the American troops were invited to become volunteers for both. • ■■ ,. . . ' J i - ■ -'-'.•■■ /' '- Government, under the experience of past disasters, now vested the controui of the Marines in Sir Chaloner Ogle, upon whom the naval command devolved after the departure of Admiral Vernon. Notwithstanding the personal animosities that had existed, this Officer bore his testimony to the zeal and distinguished bravery of the Soldiery, whose gallant efforts and patient endurance under the greatest privations, were uniformly conspicuous throughout a series of misfortunes. >i > Upwards of seven thousand Marines and nearly four thousand of other troops were the lamentable victims to pestilence and disunion, but not to defeat. The objects which were accomplished, although not adequate to their country's hopes, were still distressing to the enemy. Their principal harbours were in a manner rendered defenceless, and the Spanish government experienced much embarassment from nearly a total suspension of these pecuniary supplies, which could alone enable it to maintain the war with vigour and effect, while the distress pervaded every class of its subjects. Our forces were ever after too feeble to undertake any enterprize of importance against the enemy in that quarter of the world. — Self- defence was now the system adopted by Sir Clialoner Ogle, as the Spanish squadron at the Havannah was superior to iiis own, since the departure of Admiral Vernon. K2 ■ Mi The supplies which were voted for the year 1743 provider^ for a ^ large levy of Marines to fill up their casualties--cleven thousand five hundred and fifty being the number decreed, and forty thousand seamen* Nothing further, consistent with my subject, appears on the face of the public transactions of the year 1742. >-A :o 'f'. ?r-. '■• A 'K> .' i i- -tVf ',;',,/ ,«no''^; ^4 :i i .■' i :-^ <■/-.■; -i"'^ i'^-- ■*•-■' r,;* ■| r- m. .fri iwiiv/ ^ < :« ''^iM'XWm': CHAP. XII. Early in 1743, an impression upon some part of the continent of South America being resolved on, the conduct of these operations was entrusted to Captain Knowles, of the Navy, having on board his squadron four hundred of the regiment of Dalzell, and about six hundred Marines. They -weie first ordered to rendezvous at Antigua, from which island they sailed upon the I2th of February, w^ith a view upon La Guira, a town in the district of the Carac- cas, in Terra Firma. The attack against it was commenced on the 18th, but owing to a very heavy swell, the men of war could not approach the shore, and in consequence, the troops were not landed. — ■ After a very heavy cannonade, which was only ended by the night, the ships withdrew from the combat. The town suffered extremely, many breaches were made in the fortifications, and the enemy sus- tained a loss of more than seven hundred men. -. ^' The Spaniards behaved well, as the squadron suffered very con- siderable damages, besides having nearly four hundred killed and wounded. ,. • . ] It proceeded to Curaecoa to relit, where they prepared for another attempt upon the sea-coast of Terra Firma. Having been reinforced ^,^.,^fi K'l mi"'- 70 by some Dutch Volunteers, Commodore Knowles sailed from this island upon the 20th of March, and shaped a course for Porto Cavallo, where there was a respectable force, and a town in the best state of defence. h J*. Owing to strong lee currents, it was not until the 1 5th of April that the ships anchored under the keys of Barbarat, to the eastward of the place. Having reconnoitred the different points of opposition, which were every where formidable, two ships were ordered upon the 16th of April against Ponta Brava, to commence upon it a flanking fire, which its low situation, and the injudicious construction of the works, evidently permitted. V;. .J: / k'l-fh'- After they were silenced, it was agreed to land the troops of every description, in order to take possession, and to turn the guns against the Castle ; their retreat being secured by a man of war within pistol shot of the shore. — By sunset the ships had accomplished their object, and by dark a force of twelve hundred sailors, soldiers, and Dutch Volunteers were disembarked under the command of Major Lucas. - About eleven at night the Van gained one of the fascine batteries upon Ponta Brava, when a Spanisii centinel discharged his musquet, and gave a general alarm. Two guns being fired from the other battery, which was tlie next for capture, put into an unaccountable confusion nearly the whole of this mixed detachment, when under the influence of B panic they retreated to the ships with precipitation. Upon the 21st it was resolved to wipe away the disgrace of the late miscarriage, by an attack of the sqtiadron and foreei againit the Castle and fascine batteries. — Four ships were deitined to batter the former 'upon the 24th » while three others were placed against the latter. The cannonading began at eleven on the noon of that day, and was maintained with a mutual obstinacy till nine at night, when after a short interval the firing was renewed. Soffit of the ships having now expended all their amunition, and otheri being damaged, they were ordered to slip, and to anchor without the reach of the enemy's shot. ' ' . This attack being friutless in its object, which wai to knd the troops, and fatal in its consequences, by a low of more than two hundred men, it was now deemed impracticable to puih any farther enterprize, and upon, the 28th, in a general coniuUation, it was resolved to return to Jamaica* i,-. i -,, j, ' The extended operations of our fleets in. otlier quar&eti being marked with no events in which his Majesty's Marine forces were pajfricularly called forth, no- farther details eonnctfted V^Uii my nar- rative appea^ withip the ann^vls c^ I74t3»- - > ' if f-iih 72 CHAP. XIII. f.rni 7?rm ijBi Although Great Britain, as a guarantee of the balance of continental power, had, during a past period, exerted her resources in the cause of her Allies, opposed to the interests of France, although his Majesty King George the Second, in quality of Elector of Hanover, had been highly distinguished in the field at the head of these armies, still a specious cordiality continued to exist between the two nations. .•'. ,. "';':W4^-ii>ntfft At the outset of this year, however, their projects were developed by the equipment of powerful naval armaments in their ports, and the assembling of armies upon their sea-coasts ; the avowed aim of which was against the Crown and Liberties of the British Empire. ,''ii^tii\i'^ A Prince, delegated by his Father, and drawn from his retreat in another country, mild in his temper, and amiable in his manners, was induced to renew their almost forgotten claims upon our monarchy, and to revive the quickly decaying prejudices within our land, in favour of his family and himself. 73 Unable now no longer to restrain her views, France declared war upon the 20th day of March, which was answered by a similar proclamation of the 3 1st, on the part of England.-— That Providence which has often so signally interposed for our country was now conspicuous.— The elements were employed in the destruction of many of their transports and troops at Dun- kirk, while our floating bulwarks chased their covering fleet from our coasts. At this time the whole prc^ ay o naval prizes was vested in the captors, his Majesty having generously relinquished that share which hitherto had pertained to the Crown. ., ly,,, ,, The arrival of Commodore Anson from his expedition, which was originally intended to co-operate across the isthmus of Darien, with the fatal one conducted by Admiral Vernon, diffused a joy into the nation. *, .^,. . , .. t, , ., ,.<. f ^. . .,? ;■ ,1; ■.-, ■■'f^.. ,. The specie which was gained by his enterprize, courage, and per-, severance was immense ; and although it was obtained antecedent to the royal grant, still it was divided amongst his squadron, unimpaired by claims. * About three hundred and thirty marines shared in the toils, and the many debarkations which took place in his tedious progress ; having been drafted from the different regiments to fill up the con^plement of his ships, and to supply the place of a number of L -^;^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (M7-3) ^O ^A^ 1.0 1.1 11.25 ^|Z8 |2.5 - Ill U 11.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STRICT WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4S03 A^ \ w :\ \ [\ ^ ♦■> 74 Invalids under Lieutenant Colonel Cracherode, who dreading their approaching hardships, deserted from the service. '^ ji^ «w "'■•'Fleets were now detached to every quarter of the globe, and a foriie of eleven thousand five hundred and fifty-six Marines, were again the establishment of 1744>. It falls not within my scope to enlarge upon the wide and mingled events of this year. A partial afl&ir in the month of May, occurred in the Mediterranean, in which the party of Marines disembarked from the Essex signalized themselves. That ship being on a cruize, gained sight of twenty-six Xebeques and Settees, bound to Antibes, from whence they were to carry troops to Italy. The former were a convoy to the latter, which were laden with powder, cannon, ordnance stores, and provisions. Thirteen having taken refuge in the Creek of Cassi, the Marines were landed in order to co-operate with the boats, and to repel any enemy that might appear to retard their progress. They were soon attacked by a body of Spaniards, whom they beat back, and thus effected the object on which they were employed. Eleven vessels were burnt and two captured, which was a material loss in its consequences. '^ -jt : ^ '.n; Nothing further, that properly falls within my notice, appears ■J within the period of this year: our numerous cruizers were peculiarly j successful, and although few traits of achievement appear on the face ■i of our public transactions during this limited era, still both the nation i and the individual felt the benefit and the incitement that resulted 75 from the liberal sacrifice recently made by their Sovereign, which, while it promoted a general activity and zeal amongst every class of his subjeds, struck deep also into the commercial vitals of our enemies. The ten Regiments of Marines, by order of the Secretary at War, were directed to recruit with expedition, and in order to render them speedily effective, a number of impressed men were allotted to each. This expedient was also adopted with regard to many Regiments of Infantry,->fi-j ^yti.^if«UJ(!^;ilam>«^oiit^ ST Ini the Bill for the more easily recruiting his Majesty's Land Forces and Marines, a claufa was inserted, that every 2j " Hi e - «ri?^#3»S^ 5 ' b^ or 1 4 . ; - . ,J ^ - ■ i^K't-,^ »-!t%> •, . The Parliament met upon the 27th of November, and granted a vote of ^206,253 15 to support an establishment of eleven thousand five hundred and fifty Marines during the ensuing twelve months. 4'ij5liiitr>:iirjst|<>r .^^'^'JHh^A' L2 '1^2•■;'^;^i'ii?f:^H^!.; ^iatt ft ts nJ 'vvr ^XS^tK ;ij^ 'ia CHAP. XIV. . t Some inferi6r attacks having been made, during the last year, by the Govtmor of Cape Breton, upon Canso And Annapolis, in Nova Scotia, the former of which places was burnt by the French^, the Northern Colonies of British America became alarmed for their safety. Roused by the representations and the united patriotism of Mr. Achmuty, Judge of the Admiralty Court, in New England, and Mr* Vaughan, an individual of great fortune and public spirit, they coAimenced preparations for an expedition against Louisburg. Accordingly considerable levies were begun, and a coH)perating naval force was requested by Governor Shirley, of Massachusets Bay, from bis Majesty's Ministers. r. r ; , ' At this time Commodore Warren commanded upon the V-^-^t India station, who was ordered to repair to Canso with thr.«: vt A meritorious secresy prevailed throughout, which half secured the success of an attempt that, considering the strong means of defence possessed by the enemy, and the inexperienced troops employed against them, was extremely doubtful. The activity of the Americans upon this occasion, was fully equal to the important interests they had ar scaKe* «.■ ,» fv^ ■-'-,■ ■-. >. -, n " ' Upon the 4th of April the levies from New England reached Canso, and were encamped there, where they were improved in their discipline until the arrival of the other troops from the diflferent Provinces, while the ships of war upon the coast, and some stout privateers, continued off the harbour of Louisburg, in ordei to cut off all supplies, as well as intelligence of the projected enterprize. .Hi-iv. " Vr'jf.ir.? • Upon the 23d of April, Commodore Warren arrived at Canso, and against the 29th all the land forces were embarked, whea they proceeded for Gabarus Bay, about four miles from the capital of Cape Breton. . : ,. -.•- .V .f- .■-i*ji*c:-' ■.•if-*\i ^t ..4'? k; -iri'-'ni. Britons, little accustomed to hear the sound of war at their own, gates, were at first alarmed at the novelty, but they soon evinced both loyalty and union in sustaining the fixed rights of their Monarch,, and in defending their own liberties. — Party became dumb, while M 82 addresses, backed by associations were the tenders daily made to their King". It was reserved for a branch of that House which he c?imo to destroy, to vindicate its claims and its honor. His Royal Higliness the Duke of Cumberland, by the battle of Culloden, nut only ptiit a close to the Rebellion, but for ever ended the aspiring hopes of the family of tlie Stuarts ; the remains <^ whieh have survived to exist upon the bounty ei a Prince whose throne they bad strived to subvert. i The events of a short day transformed Charles from an imaginary Monarch to a humbie beggar, and be would fain have quickly retraced hif 8tepa to that shore, upon which he had landed with such elated pro- spects. But many sufierings and hardships were yet in store ; an interval which has immortalized the charr.cter of those poor but virtuous natives amongst whom he flew for refug''*"'', ' ;" O t ' •'.a ' 85 CHAP. XV. Early m 1746, a Committee was appointed to investigate the state and grievances of the Land Forces and Marines. A con- siderable increase of expence had accrued in the maintenance of both, which was one of the objects of this inquiry. Such as affected the Marine Regiments I have already detailed, and assigned the causes of the additional charges in this establishment since the peace of Utrecht. The same are applicable to the Army at large, in the allowance which was made to Commission-Officers in lieu of servants, in 1713, in a similar indulgence granted to the Quarter- masters in marching Regiments in 1718, and the annuities to Officers Widows, to Colonels for clothing lost by deserters, to Captains for recruiting, and to the Agents of Corps, which were all the newly-adopted establishments of the latter year.. j,. ,, » These additional grants, while they meliorated the situation of the Officer, cost the Nation but little. ^ ^ .,^. - ,. ■e '^^v < i. ij >! . It appears, in the course of this inquiry, that the perquisites of a Colonel, in clothing a Marine Regiment, exceeded those of the Foot, from the comparative superiority in their numbers, and the articles being of an inferior quality. - , , ,. 86 The grievances which had existed, and were peculiar to those Regiments, appeared conspicuous in the course of this public research. (« 4« «( (t t( «( *( <( (( (I «t «t t( (« 4( tt t( «( (( (( (( ** Upon the whole business, witnesses were examined by the Committee who deposed that the Marines, while on the West India expedition, vrett paid according to the returns of effective men made mcHithly to the Commander in Chief, and the account of the off-reckonings was kept by the Pay-Officc ; and that At Officers clearings of the £rst raised six Regiments had been paid onli/ to the 25 th of December, 1740» and of the other four to the 24th of June, 1741, df which the Pay -Master cannot nov) make any demand, till muster-rolls are delivered into his office, which he must compute, and then certify a state of th« Regiment's account to the Secretary at War, who lays it bef ;'*54i.c; <-;i7;i/i; m One of the Agents, upon his evidence, suggested to the Com- mittee an expedient, by which to remedy this evil, which was, that muster-rolls might oe made up from the books of the Men of "War already come home, and from the muster-rolls of the men now at quarters. He additionally submitted it as bis opinion, that it was the dutj/ of the Commissanf to make up this account, and within bis instruSUonSf to accept of such books as immediate vouchers. This Gentleman farther certified, that the off reckonings were regularly paid, but that the charings were not, and that the Colonel usually saved near ^1,000 out the off reckonings ^ after clothing a Marine Regiment ; and he conceived, that the Officers clearings might also be paid by a warrant from the King to the Secretary at War ; more particularly as there was ro deficiency of Officers, though there might be of Private men ; and the returns made being strictly upon honor, might supply the want of muster-rolls. ' From anotlief witness it was obvious, that no account had ever been settled with the Captains of Marines for their Companies, the Agents always ailed ging, that it could not be done without muster* rolls : and that though the Marines, when in tlw West Indies, were mustered and paid in the same manner as the marching Regiments were ; and though the latter were cleared when they came home, yet the former were not^ , m That in the sununer of 1745, indeed, a warrant, countersigned by the Secretary at War, was sent to the Pay-Master for clearing the four last jsisedi Regiments of Mariae&„ notwitlisanding the want '■'11 of muster-rolls ; but not being signed by the Lords of the Treasury, it was not attended to. , ' ■ This hardship was peculiar to the Marine Regiments, as it became evident to the Gentlemen forming the Committee of Inquiry, .^ that the different Corps of Foot employed upon the same service had been cleared by such authority countersigned by the Secretary at War alone, without any objection, though the pay had been issued in the same manner to them, and the want of muster-rolls equally their - case. ■-.-,:- ' -'• ---■;■< Marine Officers, it appeared, were not allowed to take their servants, when ordered to embark. At this period ( there was a sum of ^101,551 3 4< in the hands of the Pay-Master of Marines ; the amount of the above-mentioned , claims, whose character and motives, however, were clearly exculpated from any blame ; but it was not so with his Deputy or Cashier, who had appropriated near ^90,000, bearing interest upon land-tax tallies. East India Bonds, and clothing assignments, without the knowledge of his Superior f who had been informed, and till this investigation took place, always understood that the whole had been deposited in the Bank of England. - V/' 'v -^' ^:^^• Another Suborbdinate, the Accountant of the Pay-Master, shared in the annual profits of these investments, which were derived from the invaded rights of the injured Officer. — After having divided the 89 spoils during some ye . and having made a restitution of the prin- cipal, they were both deprived of their situations. Such a scene of grievance appeared through the whole of this scrutiny, that the Committee emphatically closed their ' report, by the ingenuous avowal, that the facts which appeared called for public notice, and highly deserved the attention of Parliamehil ' til |',h, Hi U\-,' ■ . -. .;.v , , ' It ought to be related, to the honour of these suffering Corps, that during the long period of nearly six years they suppressed their feelings until the. present occasion, of which they very properly availed themselves. t They now submitted their wrongs to a Board, instituted by legis- l^tive sanction, and for the express purpose of redress, as well as of inquiry ; the following are the terms in which the Memorial of one of the Marine Regiments were couched ; *• '''•' f-'i '<■■ ; 'xT^'j on, A ■■■•: t ,. .. ■,. . . . .; , To the Gentlemen of the Committee, and which may be J considered as engrossing the general sentiments of the whole that were employed in the Expedition to the West ,. '.^'"'^ Indies. .■ v.- ■. ^ -■ • ^-''■"'/^-'I'^t^-.r'^'-.'- - " ■ 1st. ** That in the month of August, 1740, when thif regiment ** was one of those embarked for the expedition to the West Indies, ** the Captains were ol?liged by order, out of their own pockets, to •• provide and lay in a stock of sugar, tobacco, snuff, shirts, shoes, N ^■^^^4' 90 «( i* it «i stockings, jackets, trowzers, and other sea stores, for the use of their Companies ; and were considerable losers in the waste and weighing, and in the division of the several species to the men ; that farther, if any man died (which was frequently the case,) who had not lived long enough to pay the charge of their slops, the Captain was the only sufferer, as he received his mens* sub- sistence according to the effective monthly returns only^ by order of the General ; nay, the ordinary allowance of the two Warrant Men, paid in Great Britain and Ireland monthly to the Captains, with their subsistence, was here deducted, not>yithstanding they embarked complete. -2r (( 2dly. *• The exchange of money between England and Jamaica, at that time was 40 per cent, and money enough to be had at that exchange for the payment of the Army ; nevertheless the Officers and Private Men on that expedition were obliged to receive their pay at 20 per cent, for some time : indeed, upon a general murmur made by the army upon that occasion, there was 5 per cent, more added ; so here was still a deduction of 15 per cent. A noted instance of this severity dX the end. j^.t-j.:^),< sdly. " The Agents now deny making up tlieir accounts with the Captains of Marines, in the same manner that other Captains are accounted with ; and in short deny giving any accounts at all. By this means a good deal of that martial dependence a Soldier ought to have on his Officer is withdrawn, as he finds the Agent is his fac totum in affairs of money, and his executor 9J ♦♦ in case he dies. The Agents, in order to support these their unjust ♦• proceedings, endeavohr to screen themselves under some wrested *• paragraphs in the Mutiny Act ; for (as we apprehend), from the *• Legislatures designed intent, and quite contrary to the King's *' Order in his Articles of War, which must always he consequent to " the above actj as by the said act it is, that his Majefty is "' empowered to make such orders or articles. 4thly. " The Officers of Marines are by the same terms of " chicanery kept from receiving their arrears, there being five '• years and a half due the 24.th of June of the present year *♦ (174.6), notwithftanding the other parts of the Army receive '* them punctually, though in no part of the service ought the ''arrears to be quicker paid than iii the Marines, where Officers " are put to certain and immediate necessary expences on every - 5thly. " It is plainly evident that no Officer in the Marine *^ service (whilst dealt and accounted With in this manner), enjoys " the same privileges with the other Officers of the Army, which " muft of consequence Create heart-burnings, to the detriment of the ♦• fervice. Seeing, therefore, that these Officers have (notwithsanding ** their cruel usage) on 'all occasions and at all times been most ready '•^ with their lives ^diabilities to deVote themselves to the service of " their King and Country, we humbly beg that this their situation '* may be inquired into." r.'t ^ih h^iettm :<>ti^n':^^i i^dufi^^ loi d-;uivx'~ni .T'^"' "iL 92 • v-7 , r f, ,, I. ii r-'i ;j .fj_The instance which was referred to from the 2d article is as follow : f.\ "<3 • >1.. T „ V. A Pay-Master, while the Marines were employed in thelsland ^' ' -^ »!'. - Jf' . 1.,,... * of Cuba, by order of his Conimanding Officer, did receive between * 3 and ^400 of the decease^ Officers money, for which he ga,ve * bills upon the Agent of the Regiment in London, and issued out ' this money to the Officers, on account of their subsistence at the * full exchange, which they were in great need of. o :i,v ** When tjiis Pay-Mafter was in the course of passing his *» accpMnts with the Agent of the Regiment, he was told that the •' ' ';- ' '■• [..> ,. ,-,j.^ ^ 1,.,,... ** Pay-Master General would not allow him this money, because ** 911 inon^y on account of the . Regiment (a scheme of which " the Pay-Master knew nothing) wax to be drawn from the ** Contractor St that is, the Marines were to receive their subsistence . " at 15 per cent, less thap the currency of ' le country; though ** God knows, and the world are competent judges of the hardships „** and severities of campaigning in such a climate with sea ** provisions only, and bad water ; besides, it was utterly impossible ., ** for men thus curtailed of their small subsistence, to purchase the ** least refreshments, when it is considered that a poor sheep was sold •* . for ^4, . a turkey at ^l 3 9, and so in proportion for every thing '* that could be termed fresh provisions. ; •,.j n :u.: •.iU #1 ** In return for such sufferings, the few who remained alive to ** revisit their native country, with the entail of broken constitutions 93 ** scaitely ■''•'TWth Ihfe cftjbyfhfg, 1;i ^n:^:^i^ \j,!-'j;i\'0 d'^^ :■ ■•-k";;: > Z Such air^'tfie d^ails of "piivatiort ivihich this meritorious* body had * long cbhlihti^d td eiidWre in silfeht loyalty. Thus cairly'did^they aaord ' the Brightest' exahiples bf iste^dy iatttgi^nte, ' Wbich^ has transoended 'to their posterity tJndef teVery tharigefef '=^'-'-: . , ' • . , . . Having introduced , in the preceding part of this inquiry, some terms which may not be understood by all, I shall take a retrospect of each, and define them in rotation. ',;. The first that occurs is off-reckonings — of these there are two kinds, gross and nett off-reckonings ; the former consisted of all the pay of the Non-commission Officers and Private Men above their subsistence : for instance, during the period to which I allude, the full pay of a common Soldier was 8i*Ui*,' Clearings were the balance of each Officer's pay above his subsistence , after the deductions stated were made, which ought to have been regu- if ^iaiiy paid by the Pay-Master General to the different Marine Agents. - 95 Warrants were documents with the sign-manual attached to each which authorized the receipt, and disbursements of money from the Treasury. They may be considered as the sanctions of any Board. Debentures were commonly made up at the Pay-Office, by virtue of warrants from the War-Office, annexing a general statement of the charges of each Regiment, upon which proceeded z final or clearing warrant. Debentures originated in l649, and they were a mode in the form of a bond, or bill, by which Government obliged itself to render payments of such monies as might be due to the Soldier, or his assigns, upon examining and closing the account of his arrears* f>'j>iif?iii> jorf 2fi.'/ Nearly twelve thousand Marines was the vote of 1746. Early in this year, an expedition was meditated against Quebec, and a considerable force assembled at Spithead for that intent, amongst which was Colonel Powlet's Regiment of Marines ; but from unaccountable delays, there the whole remained until the season was too late for such an attempt. - • - >:x%W. v.ir^;%tu. The were afterwards destined against Port L'Orient, with a view to distress the French East India Company, as well as to create a. diversion in favour of the Austrian operations in Provence. The Commanders appointed were Admiral Lestock and Lieutenant General Sinclaih'""" '"""""- "^ ""*"*"''""■ -■" i- • aarvnd:)')':;!-; "iir .]^}\ilumi\}^' 'vi;j'ii^ -n:a:*; '^-rV' Ij'^fil-u.u ;• . ' i!>iai;' ' The long detention of so respectable a force, until the period of Exquinox not only gave time for the enemy to ascertain its object, 9$ but €Ddan£er«d its jpi;qg»ess iJoog 9J|^tUe .(;w4it^ ft $9 y^ ,f;,4^cal a season. ■ . " . At last, having assembled at PlymQutb,, .^e ;^bo|e ^et .s{^l.up9a the 14th of S^ptembei;, steering dii^eQtly {qt the cpast of Pfit^qy.rr Five tbousand.Infantiy to be sti;eiigthepif.n^c«s?ftry,1t|y the ^fariniEts of sixteen Sail of the Linq, and eight ^rjjpateis, .^e^ the jauiobi^r iBiqplQyediiin this- /occasion* They. made the coast, mpon. the. 1 8th,; but from a4verse circum- stances, a debarkation was not eilected until the 20th. The u^ep'l^l was advantageous for the enemy, who by alarm guns during the day, and lighted fire-beacoos , upon i |he tops 9f cojrresponding hills during the night, soon fippKi$«d th^r distant . countryipe;! ,9f an invader's approach. . , r - ■ ? k: ^ * -i .r ■ v : It was .in vain that pppositipn was attjempted agai^st \\^e descent of our troops, 'by a body of undisciplined .Aflilitia.. ^(ier having landed the cannon, with the ammunition and stores, in Quimparley-^Bay, the whole were^.l^ft under ;^,he cljiarge of a small party of the Royal ArtiUery,, ^nd a body of ope hundred Marines* ■' " """" '..'•'/" ■ • ■ .. On the 2 1st. the army advanced in two columns against IJlymeur, which they reached after some slight skirmishing. The place having agreed to surrender, but . afterwards., trieaqhffously Jfifjng upon a ■ r..- 97 detachment, it was given up to plunder. On the following day, the whole moved on to a rising groud within a mile of Port L'Orient, the ultimate object of their view s. After a fruitless parley, which the French had established, in order to gain time and to collect their scattered means of defence, hostilities commenced on the 24th. Some af&irs took place between that and the 26th, when afler a cannonade, which did considerable damage to the town, a retreat was commenced under cover of the night* . ^ ^ ,.._ . . The French were now pouring from all quarters, and the situation of our forces became critical. The fatigues endured by our men of every description were excessive. The opportunity of conquest seems to have been lost in the want of early energies, which allowed a valuable interval to the enemy for defence. . j,i ,, After a loss of about one hundred and fifty killed, wounded, and missing, and some Artillery, the re-embarkation was effected, when the fleet set sail upon the 1st of October, for the Bay of Borneuff, off Quiberon, and to the South of Quimperlay. •\i> , itStS'U-. f* '■. v » ■». jTr'iiiV. The body of Marines I have mentioned, were intrenched at Quimperlay, to guard the landing-place, and the rest, under Colonel Holmes, were united with the Army. ., .i, J ^i x, ,"[ ji''-, Upon the 4th of October, some tfoops vrevt landed on the peninsula of Quiberon, without epposition> from whence the natives O m fell 9d had fled with all their effects. After remaining ashore some days, the whole returned to England, without having effected any thing during that time, worthy of remark. Nothing of moment appears farther on the face of the military operations of the present year, in which the Marines had a share. In the gradual increase to the Establishment of the Army during \^ the present war, the Marines became incorporated with the Line, and their numerical precedence commenced with the 44th Regiment, entitled, The First Marines. The following is the detail of the Field Officers and Agents of .: each Corps, all of which were quartered in Great Britain, and in the vicinity of the principal sea-ports, at the close of the present year. K 44th Regiment, or First Marines. George Churchill, Colonel. N. Mitchell, Lieutenant Colonel. James Macdonald, Major. J. Winter, Dartmouth-street, Westminster, Agent. s5''>l?; 45th Regiment, or Second Marines. Robert Frazer, Colonel. J. Leighton, lieutenant Colonel. T. Mathews, Major. T. Paterson, Conduit-street, Agent. 99 46th Regiment, or Third Marinei. ^ . H. Holmes, Colonel. P. Damar, Lieutenant Colonel, W. Brown, Major. T. Fisher, Privy-gardens, Whitehall, Agent. 47th Regimen^ or Fourth Marines. C. George Byng, Colonel. B. Hutchison, Lieutenant ColoneL J. Read, Major. T. Paterson, Conduit-street, Agent. 48th Regiment, or Fifth Marines. C. James Cochran, Colonel. C. Whiteford, Lieutenant Colonel. J. Stuart, Major. Maynard Guering, St. James's-park, Agent. 49th Regiment, or Sixth Marines* '■ , vacant. Colonel. /? : >' ^.>.Jf-l. C. Gordon, Lieutenant Colonel. C. Leighton, Major. William Adair, Pall-mall, Agent. I,' ;;V'f'«.«f, , i 03 50th Regiment, or Seventh Marines. H. Cornwall, Colonel. J. Paterson, Lieutenant Colonel. R. Bendish, Major. T. Fisher, Privy-gardens,^ Whitehall, Agcnt.^ i . I » m "?*'i:f JOO . 5 1st Regiment, or Eighth Marines. J, Duncombe, Colonel. J. Cunningham, Lieutenant Colonel, t-.i' J. Brewse, Major. Maynard Guering, St. JamesVpark, Agent. - 5 2d Regiment, or Ninth Marines. C. Pawlett, Colonel. ^.rk^^,^-. G. Walsh, Lieutenant ColoneL -i . ^ ii i , Major, vacant, ,, - I ^ Mr. Guering, Agent. , 53d Regiment, or Tenth Marines. Sir Andrew Agnew, Colonel. ' ' • " C. Pawlett, Lieutenant Colonel. C. Durand, Major. ^-^ -- .iu Mr. Guering, Agent. These Regiments, when complete, were supposed to consist of one thousand Rank and File each, and every battalion of ten Companies. At this period the whole forces upon the British Establish- ment amounted to eighty-five thousand six hundred and eleven men. As institutions of honor, and distinctions of merit, are necessary incentives for animating the zeal both of Corps and individuals, as like every other inheritance, peculiar privileges ought to be iOI transmitted, unimpaired, to the lineal successors of Public Bodies, if not forfeited by misconduct, or abused by wantonness, I am thus led to remark, an occurrence that took place in London, and which is authenticated by Major Donkin, in his *♦ Military Collections," who was a cotemporary and intimate with the Officer to whom the circumstance happened. It is thus expressed : ". 1 (( (C ** The 3d Regiment of Foot y raised in 1665, known by the ancient title of The Old Buffs, have the privilege of marching through London with drums beating, colours flying ! which the city disputes not only with all other Corps, but even with the King's Guards going on duty to the Tower ! It happened in the year 1746, that as a detachment of Marines were beating along Cheapside, one of the Magistrates came up to the Officer, requiring him to cease the drum, as no Soldiers were allowed to interrupt the civil repose. The Captain commanding (an intimate friend of mine) immediately said. Sir, we are Marines. — Oh, Sir ! replied the Alderman, I beg pardon ; I did not know it ! Pray continue your route as you please." It has been already noticed in the early part of this retrospect, that the Corps of Marines was originally engrafted upon that Regiment to which the Major alludes — that the Old Buffs of the present day gained one numerical step in the Line, from the extinction of its predecessor, previous to which circumstance it had no claim to the privilege in question, and could establish no subsequent one from merely a sameness in name. r 502 The conclusion which naturally arises must be, that after having ascertained our First Parent ^ as children^ we should enjoy unalienated the honors of our forefathers. — Whether or not, in authenticating the fact he has stated, the Major means to advance a similar inference by a like train of analogy, 1 know not, but it appears to carry a feasible construction. Although the metropolis is but rarely the sceue of our service, except that of recruiting, still no one can anticipate the reforms which may be judged necessary in the different military establishments of our Country. In adducing one example of undisputed right, it must certainly fix it as a recognized principle under all future con- tingencies, excepting that the laws of police shall have utterly abolished the practice. r-.r ; i')pr:ii^ ■»J4 ■ -U' ..'-•.l^'-f' .If.-',: ,■■■ {r^t li i" :t "' . - :-.._.!,. ■-" • ■ ■, :_ --'- > 1 ;-v!v;, ,)t u \M- A0 •■:;{. ■•.-'• i ■' -.. ■if^j:^.0.. t ,;;-;■ :': > -. y-' ■■: . ■ (1^ <.'-}*^\^ '^ v.- .., . '' ,-', . •; ••■. ./i'^jV'f ,; '':. ■ '■■ : --'f , ■■ 'r •';(■ V ; i ml ,^^ ''.* i.--- -■ -■'■.'■■ , '- y-, '• , , '-.?/•''-•> UJt; '4 103 j^iffff% CHAP. XVI. KLEVEN thousand one hundred and fifty Marines constituted the vote for 1747. ■■' Notwithstanding the disasters of the last year in a projected expedition under Duke D'Anville, against Cape Breton, still the ministry of France persevered in their designs upon that important possession. Another object, more extensive in its nature and more fatal in its aim, formed also a part of their plan in the subsequent operations of the war, which was directed against the British dependencies upon the Coast of Coromandel. These armaments equipped, under different destinations, set sail from France in united force, under the fond persuasion that no hostile interruption could stop their progress. .■aa<:(: L^., ;*:n/i ju !"!>^i(^;' ,t£-, A happy genius appeared at this time to guide our Naval Councils, Early intelligence was obtained of the enemy's views, and adequate measures were soon taken to counteract them. The occasion afforded a fresh display of the zeal and intrepidity of Vice Admiral Anson, and Rear Admiral Warren, who with a superior force fell in with and captured, upon the 3d day of May, five sail of the line of battle, a large frigate, and four stout armed ships freighted on account of the French East Ii^disi Company, with troops and storest :;>,•: tr '; 1. i'l 104 Above _^300,000 in money, which was intended to answer the contingencies 6f these expeditions, was found on board the Men of War, which altered its course to the Bank of England, and whither it was escorted by a party of Marines, in military procession, amidst the acclamations of the populace. For this achievement the Vice Admiral was created a Peer of Great Britain, and Rear Admiral Warren was invested with the Order of the Bath. — ^The whole Fleet received the cordial thanks of their Sovereign, through its Commander, in these words, and who became the organ of the Royal wish : rfjit^ ** Sir, you have done me a great service — I thank you, and " desire you to thank, in my name, all the Officers and Private Men, ** for their bravery and conduct, with which I am well pleased," . . . ,1 V- ■ -'-■- ■': i Soon after the enemy sustained a heavy commercial loss in forty- eight sail of homeward bound West Indiamen. The 1 4th of October, in this year, memorable for our naval successes, was another day of triumph. '' - ■• C' ' '* t.^-^- ^ Rear Admiral Hawke, whom the vigilance of our Ministry de- tached early in August to intercept a numerous convoy then collecting for the West Indies, continued upon bis cruizing ground until that morning, when their wished-for object was e«pied. After the most gallant defence, six ships of the line struck their colours, and were i05 , "■ carried into Portsmouth. The Order of the Bath was the well-earned laurel of this victory to the Commander, and the legislative thanks of a grateful country were rendered to the subordinate Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Scjuadron, While victory thus crowned the British Flag, its Commerce also continued protected by the same guardian care. A few short months accomplished the conquest of the flower of the French Navy, the consequences of which were soon felt in the security of our trade and the increase of public credit. Those of the enemy were both fast on the decline, and a general despondency prevailed throughout their country, from which all their boasted victories upon the Con- tinent could not revive the nation. • . , Towards the close of this year. Rear Admiral Boscawen sailed for the East Indies with a powerful squadron, having nearly two thousand troops on board, in order to reinforce our ships then inferior to the enemy upon that station, and to retrieve our affairs in that quarter of the globe. All our exertions during iliis era were employed on our proper element, in which the Marines bore a share, and they leave not to me a single detached incident for record. In the early part of this year, his Majesty directed that the several Regiments of Marines which were then existing, or might afterwards be raised, should for the future obey such orders as they, from time to time, might receive from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, from which period our present Constitution may, in some degree, be dated, • - ' - . P tf-''i J 06 ^■m^ ■.»T CHAP. XVII. fijyi.a K*f ei '• n !*«« KSKu)'. The distresses of France had now reached their height in the destruction of her navy, and the annihilation of her commerce. Spain also, cut off from her resources by the vigilance of our fleets, was equally poor, and her subjects still more wretched ; while Britain, now directed by unanimity and wisdom, seemed as if invigorated by the strusfffle. -. ».■,«. Great must have been the sufferings of his people, when Louis XV. condescended to express his ardent wish for the return of peace to an individual who was then his prisoner. That Sovereign ingenuously avowed to Sir John Ligonier the pressures which had induced him to urge the topic ; and it was a hint too interesting for humanity to pass unnoticed. Accordingly, a Congress was soon after held at Aix-la- Chapelle, in order to arrange the terms of ncgociation. The pp opect however, did not relax our efforts, which were still greater than ever. 'X. *lMfl!i,i !'/. Eleven thousand five hundred and fifty Marines were the estab- lishment of 1748, *:; ; ^ -; f ! ■•» «??£.•> 'li-^i--; Zil. ..} Admiral Boscawen, who had sailed from England in November of the last year, got sight of the Mauritius upon the 23d day of June. His orders were to make an attack upon it, but this object was subordinate to the conquest of Pondicherry, which was the chief view of the cxpeditiont The enemy had long been aware (^ his destination, and were well prei>ared to receive him. After having recontioitred the coast, and sounded where a probability appeared of effecting a disembarkation, it was at last ascertained, that the powerful means of defence which presented every where, and the dangers of approaching the land in many places, must necessarily involve a great sacrifice of men, and render success even ultimately doubtful. The coming on of the autumnal monsoons had also an influence in the decision of a Council, which was to relinquish this attempt, and to proceed without delay for the Coast of Coromandel, the enjoined scene of operations. . . ..^ , . ,^ . , '.■";• ■ Upon the 27th of June, the Admiral bid adieu to the island, and arrived at Fort St. David on the 29th of July. Here the troops were landed and encamped, with all the necessary stores. At no- period could the Nation ever boast of a more zealous dr faithful servant than Admiral Boscawen. It was now but a short interval ere he pro- ceeded to carry his instructijOns into effect, under his own auspices ; having entrusted the Fleet to Captain Lisle, the next in command, who had orders to co-operate to the utmost.. ■ \ Previous to the departure of Vice Admiral Griffin, with four ships intended for Europe, the Marines were drafted from them, and added to the battalion, which upon this service consisted of eight hundred and eighty rank and file. The whole amounting to four thousand one hundred and twenty British and Country troops, to be afterwards reinforced by two thousand native auxiliaries, and one thousand one P2 J08 hundred sailors, trained to small arms, were to form the besieging army. The battering cannon, mortars, and every implement were conveyed by the squadron within two miles of the town, while the land forces began their march towards Pondicherry, on the ath of August, about thirty miles distant. They were uninterrupted till the nth, when a shew of opposition was made by an intrenched force of the enemy on the banks of a river. These gave way, however, upon the advance of a detachment to attack them. On the other side stood the fort of Arian-Coupan, which it was essential to carry previous to opening the siege. A force of seven hundred men^ composed of grenadiers, and the piquets of the Army were deemed adequate to this attempt by the Engineers who reconnoitred the works. In this service they had been unhappily deceived, from the peculiarity of the ground in front of the fort, the real strength of which was hid from their view» . Unprepared for the assault, our brave men, when too late, found its formidable state, but with a persevering though an unfortunate spirit, they continued an attack which afforded no hope of success. The enemy now galling tfiem extremely by flunking fires from two batteries on the opposite side of the river, a retreat was made after the loss of 150 men killed and wounded, and amongst them some of our best officers. The fall of Major Goodere of the Artillery, upon this occasion, was peculiarly lamented, and from his high professional talents, was considered as an event inauspicious to the future operations of the army. ..'.,« i09 The datachment being repulsed, retired towards the sea, in order to preserve a communication with the ships, and thus to > embark the cannon and stores. Here they slept all night upon their arms, and on the following day, the 13th of August, were joined by the army. In the afternoon the 1100 Seamen were landed under Captain Lloyd. ">1-VT J ." It was now determined to carry on approaches in regular form* Upon the 17th a battery of four guns was opened, but being injudiciously placed it produced no efifect. The Artillery Officers having volunteered to construct another, it began on the following morning with such success, that a desperate attempt was made by the enemy to destroy it. This at first succeeded, but our men soon rallying from a temporary panic, the French were beat back and their Commanding Officer taken prisoner. Major Lawrence, however, and some officers scorning to participate in the early terror which seized the troops,, became captives. - - ? - '- Upon the 20th some gunpowder taking fire within the Fort, the principal Battery blew up, by which explosion upwards of 100 of the enemy perished. They then, by putting matches to the different mines, demolished all the fortifications, and the remains retreated to Pondicherry. The ruins were soon occupied by our troops, who were employed until the 25th in rendering this post tenable. They afterwards crossed the river of Arian-Coupan, and got possession of a strong no situation within a mile of the place, without a shew of contest. This being to the north west of the town^ a communication was from thence maintained with the ships tathe northward of it, and all the implements necessary for the siege were now landed. . f r", Early in the morning of the 1st of September the Advanced Guard of 100 men, consisting principally of Marines, was attacked by very superior forces, which were headed by Mons. Portalis, the principal Engineer of the enemy ; who was mortally wounded, besides four other Officers, and the whole were repulsed with a loss of upwards of liO soldiers. ,..„ Upon this occasion a woman fought in the Marine Ranks of the name of Hannah Snell, a native of Worcester, who, after many chequered destinies, inlisted at Portsmouth in Colonel Frazer's regiment, from whence she was embarked with a detachment on board the Swallow sloop, one of Admiral Boscawen's squadron. In this affair she behaved with distinguished courage, having fired si rounds, and received a ball in the groin, which, two days afterwards, she herself extracted, and likewise dressed the wound. Eleven others in both legs, but of inferior consequence also, rendered her removal to the Hospital, at Cuddalore, absolutely necessary, where she continued three months. - . :. - When recovered she was ordered on board the Eltham frigate, in which she continued till that ship returned home and was paid off. After receiving her discharge from the Marine Service, in • comj^ahy with many of b«r companions, she set but for London. The time arrived when they were to bid each other a long adieu ; this moment she chose to discover her sej^, in order to attest the truth of her adventuces. One of her friends tendered his hand, which was declined. She afterwards wore the Marine Dress, and having presented a petition to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, he, with a princely spirit, attended to her prayer, and placed her on the King's list for a pension of thirty pounds a year for life. Tliis she enjoyed until a few years ago, when, after a long residence at Walsall, in Staffordshire, her days were closed. .' * It was not until the 25th of September that the batteries were compleated, when they began to play. Owing to a general ignorance of the plan of Pondicherry, our first attack was directed against its strongest quarter, and after different approaches, it was discovered that a deep and intervening morass prevented their being carried within a distance near enough to produce effect. Notwithstanding a com- bined cannonade on the part of the squadron, against the town, it Was found that the enemy's fire rather gained an ascendency. Sick- ness becoming prevalent, from the fatigues endured by the troops, often up to the middle in water ; the rainy season being daily expected, which would inundate the country and cut off their retreat to Fort St. David's, and the army rapidly diminishing in its numbers, afforded strong grounds for immediately abandoning the siege. A Council of War, held on the 30th of September, determined upon this measure, after which period the only objects to be accomplished were reimbarking the men and stores, ai\d setting m U2 fire to the batteries, all which were effected upon the 5th of October, and the whole were in motion upon the morning of the 6th. They had happily chosen the critical moment for retreat, as the rains which fell upon the same evening, had nearly rendered the rivers impassible ; however they reached Fort St. David's upon the evening of the 7th, after having demolished the Fort of Arian-Coupan on their way. The want of Engineers was bitterly felt throughout the whole, and though it was in many instances amply compensated by the handsome and voluntary tenders of service, from the Officers of the Corps of Royal Artillery, still these were of too subordinate a nature to remedy the errors committed in the leading plan of operations, tc^ »■ , : s We had also to combat a garrison nearly equal to our own army, which was but little aided by the Native Auxiliaries, whose chief .use lay in guarding the skirts of our Camp from surprize, or harassing .parties.; for they would never defend any post without being supported by European troops. v- H 'tf if This disaster involved a loss of 1065 Whites of every description, wliile that of the enemy did not exceed 600, ' ^f ' T In the West Indies an attack was again intended against St. Jago, in Cuba, by some land forces embarked at Jamaica and the Marines of the squadron, with which design the whole put to sea, but after a us long perseverance against strong northerly winds, vvhich prevented their approaching tliat coast, it was given up, and diverted to an enterprize against Port Louis on the south side of Hispaniola. This service was performed by the ships in line of battle, which, after three hours heavy cannonade, compelled its Governor to surrender upon terms, when Major Scott, with a detachment of Governor Trelawney's regiment, and the Marines, were landed, and took possession of the Fort in the name of his Majesty. After having shipped or destroyed upwards of 80 heavy cannon, and blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked. i;?:; Towards the close of the present year a very serious mutiny occurred on board his Majestys ship Chesterfield, upon the coast of Africa, but like all attempts of so diabolical a nature, it was suppressed by the spirited efforts of a few well disposed of her crew. This leads me to the reflection, that, however brave and intrepid the character of a British Seaman is, still his valour becomes palsied the moment it is exerted in a wrong cause. Such indeed must ever be the consequence of such ill aimed combinations. The wretch who is capable of subverting his country's interests cares but little for those of his friends. In principle a villain, he never fails being the first to desert and betray the unfortunate men,, who are the dupes of his counsels, particularly when his own life appears in danger. In order to exhibit how dangerous it is even to conceal the existence of a mutiny, I will state an instance which arose out of the §m U4 , above occasion : — After the Cliestorfield was recovered from those daring insurgents, she was carried into Barbadocs, when all the culprits were put on board the Richmond, excepting two. Some of them were indulged with their liberty and to mess with that ship's company ; so liberal are our laws even, to the criminal, before trial and condeinnation. Having, by their protestations of innocence, interested some of the people in their favour, T. Ferriman, the ship's Steward, I believe from pure motives, and wishing to discover those who had united in planning their escape, drew out a paper for the signature of all who wished well to the scheme. Witlun two hours he was himself informed against, by one who had subscribed to it, and being found in his pocket, it was too powerful an evidence to resist tliat article of War which holds him equally guilty with the perpetrator, who knowingly conceals any gathering mutitiy even for a moment. ^ , ' , Every detail of active operation closes %vith the peace of Aix La Chapellc, now a second time rendered memorable by the growth of the Olive. After more than nine years hostility, all the powers agree:l to a L'-eneral restitution of conquests. France and Spain v/ere left to lament a ruined Navy, and au impoverished people, while Gicat Britain felt an accession of more than i'our millions of circulating specie, which concealed from the public view a large addition to her national debt. U5 At this time the respective rank between the sea and land Officers was decreed by his Majesty, and an order issued for an exact uniformity of dress throughout tlie naval service. Amongst the many reductions which now progressively took place, during 1748, and the early part of the ensuing year, maybe remarked the total extinction of the Marine establishment, the Officers of which, at these successive periods, were placed on half pay. ■}.m '^M Q2 ue --f^' CHAP. XVIII. Peace having been proclaimed upon the 2d of February, 1749, the liberal policy of Government was soon after conspicuous towards its disbanded servants. The settlement of Nova Scotia, hitherto a neglected spot, presented itself to the enlightened mind of the Earl of Halifax as a proper field for improvement, and it readily occurred to' him, as a fit occasion, for rendering useful to the State a body of men, that might have other- wise been let loose upon society. Accordingly grants of land in that Province, were tendered to every rank of his Majesty's land and sea forces, and as a spur to immediate population, an extension of privilege and property was allowed to him, who should embark his family, in proportion to its numbers. Some of the liberal professions, and mechanicks of different descriptions were also invited to beeome adventurers, under similar inducements, and the plan of a happy Civil Government emanating from a British fountain, was early framed for the permanent happiness of these military colonists. Ul Under such assurances abov? 4000 bid adieu to their native shore, and upon the 21st of June the whole anchored in the bay of Chcbucto, upon the southern coast of the Province, where a town was quickly- raised, fortified, and divided into lots, which was named Halifax; a monument of the liberal and humane views of its noble patron. The occasion merits many a reflection which I am not allowed to indulge. While it is the wisdom, it is also the interest of every Country to frame employ for those who have served it faithfully in war. A distinction between the industrious and the profligate would soon be marked by Society, and the worthless wanderer roaming about unpitied, would be compelled to contribute to his own support, and thus promote the general good. Every circumstance after the peace tended to shew that it was only a temporary expedient on the part of France. Alternately they continued to inflame and negociate during nearly the whole interval of public repose, and by their extensive Na^val preparations, which were not confined to their own Country, they obviously evinced the intention of renewing hostilities when they felt themselves in sufficient power. Upwards of six years provocation and remonstrance had elapsed, when repeated insults aroused the Nation. Early in 1755 our armaments began, at which time a levy of 50 Companies of Maiines, us was ordered, and the following appointments of Officers to them appeared in the Gazette of the 5th of April; r ^ Lieutenant Colonels. James Patterson, Thomas Drury, Charles Gordon, Majors. Richard Bcndyshe, Charles Leighton, James Burleigh. Captains. Hector Boisrond, Gabriel Sediere, John M'Kenzie, Charles Repington, Alexander Gumming, Sir Robert Abercrombie, ^ Alexander Douglass, Edward Rycaut, John Wright, Thomas Dawes, John Tufton Mason, Thomas Sheldon, Thomas Moore, John Gordon, Richard Baker, James Dundas, George Maxwell, James Robertson. First Lieutenants. Daniel Campbell, Dudley Crofts, George Langley, James Hillj Alexander Cathcart, Francis Hay, Donald M'Donald, John Shuttle, Edward Howarth, Robert Duglass, John Phillips, John Brown, Colin Campbell, Robert Ewer, Archibald Campbell , George Ord, Laucelor Willan, William Fraizer, U9 Captains. John Campbell, Claud Hamilton, John Bell, John Dennis, Thomas Dalton, Thomas Whitwick, James Hamilton, Robert Barker, John Groeme, John Beaghan, Samuel Prosser, Patrick M'Donal, Alexander Irons, Charles Webb, William Stacy, Richard Broiigh, Henry Smith, John Johnston, Leathes Jolmston, Christopher Gauntlctt, Tooker Collins, Walter Canuthers, John Vere, William Picton, Richard Shuckburgh, Richard Hawkins, First Lieutenants. James Short, George Bossuque, James Mercer, John Frazer, W. Ay ton Douglas, Dennis Bond, Thomas Backhouse, Gerard Dennet, Thomas Troy, Edward Shyffin, George Gulston, Richard Dennison, William Thompson, John Elliot. John Pitcairne, James Perkins, William Dennis, Ralph Teasdale, Pierce Dcut, Robert Shirley, Daniel Campbell, John Blinkhan, William Lutman, Thomas Wright, William Rowley, Thomas Stamper, 520 Captains. George Maddison, Charles Grey, Robert Burdet, John Yeo, Robert Packhurst, Alexander Leslie, First Lieutenants. Thomas Airy, Thomas Smith, Waller, Charles Fletcher, Benjamin Edwards, Enoch Markham. These, formed into three divisions, were placed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, under the controul of the Board of Admiralty, and an Act was passed for their regulation while on fliore. Some of the names detailed, still live, while others, like them, survived to hold distinguished rank, and to prove ornaments to their profession, and the British Army. From this era the Marine Corps has ever constituted a branch of the peace establishment, the sale of Commissions was abolished, although a transit between the Army and it, was still kept up, which, from the casual introduction of men of infmence, animated promotion. But this system was soon changed, by which reform all Officers rose in regular rotation, and what is the regulation of the present day. Every appointment in the Marine Corps was notified from the Admiralty, and appeared in the London Gazette; a practice for reasons I know not, has been since discontinued. m , Although no declaration of war had taken place, still hostilities of a serious nature had been committed in America, and captures to an immense amount were made by our cruizers during 1755. Even since the signature of peace, ndeed, the French maintained a spirit of invbteracy in the East, which aimed at universal dominion. Pre- parations were at last commenced, and the country at large began to feel their wrongs. , , . ; CHAP. XIX. ■\ An unaccountable dread pervaded the nation, which the public measures certainly tended to heighten. In the early part of 1756 the enemy had collected immense forces upon their coasts with the avowed object of invading England. Foreign auxiliaries were called in, measures of precaution and defence were adopted, while the real objects of attack from all their mighty threats, were entirely forgotten and neglected. Amongst the additional forces voted during the present year, 9138 Marines were decreed by Parliament; in order to complcat which 30 additional companies were ordered to be raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, in the form of an *' Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his Majesty's Land Forces and Marines," but which was suspended by a Royal Order upon the l st of May, in consequence of the zealous and patriotic co-operations of the nobility and gentry, who, by their purses and their energies, rendered it unnecessary. ■^ " I: J 22 The real designs of the French having been developed in an expedition against Minorca, while they continued to amuse the nation by the terrors of an invasion, produced a declaration of war upon the 1 8th of May, against that power. Admiral Byng had been detached for its relief, and had previously been ordered to disembark all the Marines from his ships, in order to take on board a number of land forces destined for the relief of that garrison. Commodore Edgcumbe, who commanded the British squadron in the Mediterranean, foreseeing an attack upon the island, had landed 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 4 Serjeants, 4 Corporals, .3 Drummers, and 104 Rank and File, being nearly the whole of his Marines, to strengthen its defence, who shared in the fatigues and the glory of that distinguished siege under Lieutenant General Blakeney. Much spirit and determined bravery was evinced in the course of it. After more than two jnonths tedious approaches, the enemy stormed, upon the 23th of June, in different points, but with partial success. The firing had continued from ten at night until four upon the following morning, when Marshall Richelieu beat a parly in order to bury his dead. Bu* he shauiefuUy invaded the interval of suspension, by reinforcing the lodgments he had gained, which communicating by subterraneous passages, afforded easy access into the body of the place itself. ' ■ This led to its immediate fall,^ by capitulation, after seventy days contest, and is an instance of what little confidence should be placed in the French character, under every similar occasion. i23 The Nation, always too apt to despond from slight causes, most bitterly lamented this event, which was preceded by the very unwelcome tidings of a drawn I: ...le between the hostile fleets. Sir Edward Hawke succeeded the unfortunate Admiral, who became a victim to tlie strict letter of the law, and the general prejudices of his Country. From a vast superiority our commerce in those seas was well protected, while that of the enemy suffered extremely. The constant threats of descent appeared to paralyse every exertion but that of domestic security ; while the enemy were carrying on their schemes cf distant conquest under the panic which these had produced. - . Towards the close of the year a new Ministry was formed, to which the Nation looked with confidence and hope. •. . V. In this administration that great and manly character, Mr. Pitt, was one. — N-o farther details occur under the era of 1756.— The Marines, in common with their brethren in tlie British Fleet, shared in the credit which was gained by some partial actions during the year. , '. ; ; * \'^ -. : /li' - 'i ', i '■*rr4U R2 m 124 .J 'J • ,: ••' ■• CHAP. XX. ;'i An addition of twenty companies was ordered early in the year 1757, to complete the parliamentary vote of eleven thousand four hundred and nineteen marines. The happy change which had taken place in the councils of the nation seemed to extend its effects through every department. — That vigor and unanimity was, however, again suspended by intrigue and faction, of which the enemy availed themselves, by detaching with impunity, reinforcements to their distant dominions. ■ A coalition of parties having been accomplished, re-animated the country, but nothing peculiarly interesting or falling within my scope, can be remarked within the current incidents of this year. Some partial naval actions, which did honor to the leaders, and which reflected credit upon all the subordinates who had a share, were fought within this period. They evinced that our spirit was not extinguished, but that it only awaited the auspices of some guiding hand, and a higher occasion, to render it of substantial benefit to the public. J 25 CHAP. XXI. 1 HE fears of an invasion began now to subside, and tliese waiiikf preparations which had hitherto been made with a view to selfs defence, were, under the bold and enterprizing genius of Mr. Pitt, soon to be turned against the enemy's coasts. This was necessary to animate the people, as well as politic in forcing the French to withdraw a part of their immense forces upon the Continent. A farther augmentation of thirty Companies was granted to the Corps of Marines, to keep pace with the general energies, wiiich completed their establishment to fourteen tliousand eight hundred and forty-five, being the vote for the service of 1758. At this period too, that highly useful body of men, the National Militia, was ordered to be raised and organized for domestic security, while our regular armies were employed in retaliating tlie terrors of invasion, and in carrying the war into the foreign possessions of our enemies. Early in this year was fought the memorable action between the Monmouth and Foudryant, which must ever be considered as one of the most distinguished events upon our Naval Annals. Monsieur De Quesne, with a nobleness that did him the highest honour, in delivering his sword to Lieutenant Carkett, the representative of the gallant Captain Gardiner who fell, was not ashamed to avow that he had surrendered only to the force of the Monmouth. Tlie great inequality in this contest confers a lasting credit upon tlie meanest individual who bore a part in it. m ■^:' \yi GiiHH "■'^iHlil ^':«l|H| Iki 'f ^H ifllj f 'ilHi ^K|j||H ^Hln^'' "^ ■ ' BfA ^wf^'^ ■Hi'' r ^^HcBFT''' ^^K IVjil ^^1 ■I'lil ni HjI m J 26 Sir Edward Hawke, commanding a squadron of seven sail of the line, observing a number of the enemy's ships, with forty transports full of troops, at anchor oflF the Isle of Aix, he pushed on with a view to attack them ; but they slipped their cables, and were run ashore upon the mud, after having thrown their guns and stores over board, by which means they escaped. The enemy had been employed in repairing the works upon the island that were destroyed in our expedition of last year. The Admiral disembarked Captain Ewer, with a party of one hundred and forty Marines, upon the 5th of April, with orders to demolish them. This service was cflfected with discipline and humanity, as it was accomplished most completely, and without the smallest molestation to the inhabitants. An expedition having been meditated to the Coast of Africa, consisting of two hundred Marines, under Major Mason, and a detachment of Artillery, it sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of March. Upon the 24th of April, this squadron, under the command of Captain Marsh, arrived off the river Senegal, and against the 29th, the small craft got over the sliallow bar, being opposed by some vessels of force, which were, however, obliged to retire, when a landing was made. Early on the following day, being about to advance against Fort Lewis, situated upon a small island about twelve miles farther up the river, a deputation from the Superior Council of Senegal arrived, with articles of capitulation, which were accepted. In consequence. Major Mason, with liis Marines, took possession of the Fort npon the 2d of May, in which was a garrison of two hundred and forty soldiers and ninety pieces of cannon, with . A: J 27 treasure and merchandize to a great amount. During this short service, the sufferings of the men were great, as many of tiie boats having the tents, cannon, and ammunition, were overset upon the bar, which circumstance exposed them to the niglitly dews and the scorching sun upon that inclement coast, without a shelter. Being a key to their grand Establishment at Goree, this acquisition was of much importance. ,. --. It falls a second time to my lot to mention the active services of my Corps in tiie conquest of Cape Breton, and its Capital» now ren- dered more formidable by experience. A violent surf prevented the landing of our forces, under the conductof Sir Jeffrey Amherst, seconded by the Brigadier Generals Whitmore, Laurence, and Wolfe, from the 2d until the 8th of June, during which the ships were exposed to a cannonade from cannon and mortars. Upon that day, the debarkation took place in different points, amidst the greatest difficulties, during which Gen. Wolfe was very highly distinguished. Some lives, and about one hundred boats were lost in the attempt. Aiter different preparations and approaches, which would be too wide a field for my detail, the Marines of the Fleet were landed, on the 26th of June, when being formed into a battalion, they took post at Kennington-cove, and afforded a vast relief to the Army then occupied in very extensive duties. Upon the 30th, they were engaged at this post, and repulsed the enemy. Their ships in the harbour continuing to incommode our troops, an enterprize was formed against them during the night of the 25th of July, which occasion very much signalized Captains Laforey and Macbride of the Royal Navy, who took and destroyed the Beinfaisant and '.'^, t'?' J 28 Prudent. Upon the 26th, the French proposed terms, by which five thousand six hundred and thirty-seven soldiers and sailors became prisoners of war, and in the capitulation was included the surrender of the islands of Cape Breton and St. John's. Gen. Amherst, in public orders, desired the Commanders of every Corps to accquaint the Officers and Men with the high satisfaction which he felt from the bravery and good conduct of the ♦^'oops — a conduct that had, and always must insure success, and what he would take the liberty of reporting to his Sovereign. A severe blow to the navy of France, was one of the happy circumstances of this achievement. Considering the many detached enterprizes with which the year 1758 was marked, the most sanguine could not hope that all would succeed without loss, where the chief objects were to land upon, to harass, and keep in alarm the widely extended coasts of France. Although the affair at St. Cas, in the month of September, was unfortunate in its issue, still no incident occurred that tarnished the honour of our arms. More impetuous courage was never shewn, than by the handful of men which formed the rear guard of the British Army upon that service, who had to combat very superior numbers. Previous to this, an opportunity offered to signalize the parties of Marines belonging to three ships of Commodore Howe's Squadron, in an attack upon the Castle of Lattc, situated on a peninsula in the entrance to St. Maloes* harbour. A joint attempt had been concerted between a Naval force and a detachment from the Army upon the heights above Arborough Bay, upon the 4th of September, but the ships could not stand near enough to produce effect without an imminent risk ; when after a short contest, it was J 29 relinquished, by the co-operating troops. These parties of Maines having been landed upon the night of the 9th, attacked and carried it without loss. In consequence of the success which had attended the expedition against the coast of Africa, another was formed against Goree, which sailed from Cork upon the llth of November, under the joint conduct of Commodore Keppel and Lieutenant Colonel Worge, the newly-appointed Governor of Senegal, A body of land forces, and the Marines of the squadron were the forces intended to carry this service into effect. After a very dangerous passage, the whole gained sight of Goree, upon the 2Sth of December, excepting the Lichfield of fifty guns, and a transport, that were wrecked upon the inhospitable shore of Barbary. About two o'clock the squadron reached a-breast of the island, then four miles distant, while the transports were ordered to a bay between Point Goree and Point Barabbas, to be in readiness to land the troops on a signal being made. Every disposition being arranged for an immediate attack, ea ly in the morning of the 29th, the troops were embarked in the flat-bottomed boats, in order to push a-shore upon the island when adviseable, while a general cannonade was opened by the ships against the different points of defence. After a most tremendous firing of some hours continuance, the enemy struck their cclouis, in order to establish a parley, that ended in an almost immediate renewal of hostilities, which soon obliged Monsieur dc St* Jean to surrender at discretion. Commodore Keppel instantly landed all the Marines, who took possession and occupied the fort until every arrangement was made. The loss upon this service was extremely trifling. S m J 30 Many were the occasions that distinguished the Naval and Military Forces of his Majesty during the present active year, which, from their number, cannot fall within my detail. Both Corps seemed animated with a spirit of unsurpassed zeal and enterprize, which the Marine of France, her Commerce, and her coasts most bitterly felt. This era exhibited many early specimens of the courage and talents of some individuals, whose merits aiid great abilities very justly placed them in high commands during the subsequent stages of their lives, and whose names can never be mentioned but with encomium. The amphibious duties of the Marine Soldier necessarily placed him in many of these active scenes, and from that close connection in which he now stood towards the Naval Establishment of his country, he may be said to have always been a sharer in the honours that arose from the brilliant single actions at sea, with which the year abounded* ^r ^ » n^ . A bill framed in wisdom, policy, and humanity, originated and passed in 1758, under the able and enlightened auspices of the Honourable Mr. George Grenville. This was for the encouragement of Seamen in the Royal Navy, by which these well-meaning, but unthinking men, were enabled to casit an eye of compassion and relief towards their suffering families. By this institution they might allot such a part of their pay as they did not choose to receive, to their wives, parents, or others, to which amount they had tickets from the Commissioners, which on being remitted to any part of the country, were payable on demand by the Collectors of Customs and Excise within Great Britain. Its liberal tendency is too obvious for remark ; and it is only singular, that from its Jd5 acknowledged influence, such was not earlier extended to the Marine Soldier, who constantly participated in the dangers, the glory, and the duties of our Fleets.— The man who has resolution and virtue to forfeit his own comforts, and to alienate a great part of them towards the subsistence of his distant relatives, affords the strongest test of his genuine character. He who is true to domestic ties, will never, by insubordination, dissolve those that unite him to his country. .^-> ' rC^fJ:K>-/ V«: >•. .,,;^i;,; ■'■^- m^' :'/.'?, i clit i«V i\;(Ss' • CHAP. XXII. V .^ r OURTEF ? ousand eight hundred and forty-five Marines formed theEstablis:;c.»^.it of 1759. " - ; The manly, daring, and enlightened mind of nim who guided the public measures, was never more conspicuous than in the extensive plans wh.'.ch directed the operations of the present year. Superior to the menaces of invasion, though still not despising them, he did not limit the national energies to a system of self-defence, but resolved upon carrying war and conquest against the distant territories of our enemy. The spirit of Englishmen, thus roused, kept pace with the bold views of Mr. Pitt, and while it has convinced the world how invincible ve are when knit together in the bonds of union, let us imitate the examples of this happy period, upon every return of public danger ! One of the most gallant single actions with which this contest was marked, occurred in the West Indies, towards the close of iS2 1*^5 8. It is narrated by Captain Tyrrell, of the Buckingham, who fought it, in all the honest simplicity of a British Seaman, and bears high testimony to the gallant conduct of those under his command. This gratifying tribute, when merited, should never be withheld from the meanest, and it mu^t ever honourably characterize the man who bestows it. Falling in with the Florissant, of 74 guns, and two heavy frigates, iu his Majesty's Ship Buckingham, of 70, he bravely engaged them arid obliged the first to strike ; but night coming on, sb .» >v ^..^^ , . The whole of this armament sailed against Martinico on the l .5th day of January; the land forces having been already reduced by the fever and small pox. V -I,. During the night of the 15th the squadron beat up into the Bay of Port Royal, and on the following morning his Majesty's ship Bristol i4 J 34 •i» attacked and silenced Fort Negro, a strong battery of seven guns. Her Marines, as well as those of the Rippon, were immediately landed, who, with fixed bayonets, climbed up the rocks and entered the embrazures, without resistance, as the enemy had abandoned the works. The British colours were hoisted at ten, and the army was afterwards disembarked in the neighbourhood of that post, where they slept on their arms. Next day a Council of War determined to change the attack against St. Pierre's, when the troops returned on board, and the guns were destroyed. After some consideration this idea was also relinquished, and it was resolved to proceed against Guadaloupe. Having made that island upon the raotning of the 23d, a disposition of attack, against Basseterre and the Forts, was given out, which commenced at nine, and continued, without an interval, until night, when the whole were silenced. ^^r The loss was confined, in this long and heavy cannonade, to Lieutenant Roberts, of Marines, in the Norfolk, killed ; Captain Trelawney, of the Lyon, Lieutenants Curie and Chaudy, of Marines, on board that ship and the Rippon, wounded ; with SO of different descriptions killed and 60 wounded. The town was unhappily set on fire, which irritated the flying inhabitants to a more vigorous defence of the island, v - - > , .u;; i Upon the 24th the troops were landed, when the French abandoned the works they had began on the rising ground behind Basseterre, without opposition. Our army took possession of them and halted there during the night. Next morning the enemy also deserted the citadel, retiring towards the mountains with the resolution of resting their future defence upon the chance of sickness gaining ground amongst our troops, and of succours from Europe. The 6 1st regiment, under Major Teesdale, was directed to occupy the town and citadel. This detachment owed their salvation to a Genoese deserter, who informed the Commanding Officer, when on the eve of entering the latter, of their impending danger from the explosion of a mine to which the train had been laid, and that was to have been Hred by a Negro, who, unaware of the hazard to himself, was bribed to this duty. By pushing rapidly into the citadel, the train was found, and timely swept away, as the dark coloured emissary was advancing, with drunken and staggering steps, to have executed the diabolical design. Upon the 25th the field pieces, and every necessary implement were landed, and the ground marked out for the different regiments, in such a manner as to co-operate instantly when required. A corps of Ligl . Infantry, drawn from the several Battalions, was also formed and placed under the command of Major (now General) Melville, which rendered very essential services. ^^ -^ * The French Commandant, Mons. Nadau, took post in a deep cleft of the mountains, which commanded his supplies from Cape Terres, by far tlie best cultivated quarter of the island. Every approach to this recess was also guarded by ihtrenchments. Upon the 26th a summons was sent him, which he modestly but firmly rejected. -■- ---^---- ' >•■ ■-- Some trifling skirmishes, that involved nothing except a loss of men took place, instead of that active system of enterprize, which should, if possible, be ever followed in a West India warfare. 11 ' l,i 136 The enemy gathered spirit from bur inactivity, and in their turn harassed and insulted the Citadel itself, and the relief of our Guards. This error, however, afforded an opportunity of distinguishing the 6 1st Regiment, which was successfully employed in dislodging the enemy from the grounds they occupied. * An attack being meditated against Fort Louis, upon the Grande Terre, or North East side of the Island, a Squadron was ordered, under Captain Harman, of the Berwick, with some Companies of the Highland Regiment, under Major Campbell, of the Marines ; he having also a considerable detachment of his own Corps. The whole proceeded to execute this service upon the 6th of February, from which day, till the 1 3th, the ketches continued a brisk bombardment. The Squadron advanced to the contest early on that morning, and after five hours cannonade, silenced the Fort and its numerous dependant batteries. During this attack, the Highlanders and Marines were in the flat-bottomed boats, ready to seize upon the first favourable moment for debarkation ; and on this signal being made they, bravely pushed ashore, under a heavy resumed fire from every point of the enemy's defence. Major Campbell, upon this occasion, allowed them no breathing time ; for finding that the ammunition was generally injured by landing at an improper place, he resolutely pushed on with fixed bayonets, and after a severe action carried the Fort, with all the batteries. This was not accomplished without a considerable loss. - ^ ,,,,,;,,, - .y^^.v.j y: .¥-'rAn unhappy plan of procrasUnated operation continued to mark our progress in the neighbourhood of Basseterre, which a led, however, a more active form under Gen. Barrington, 1^7 who succeeded to the command of the Army, after the death of General Hopson, on Abe 27th of February,— Revolving to change the plan of operation, he withdrew his forces from Basseterre, leaving a garrison in FurtRoyal« and blowin|( up the other works. .,-' I!: , , " ^» - p(.jf>'f*T "'' The whole now directed their course to Fort Louis on the 7th of March, where the transports did not arrive until the 20th, ov/ing tp the prevalence of strong lee currents. Intelligence being received of a powerful French Squadron having reached Martinique, induced the Commodore to leave the Array a'f this critical period to their own energies, and to proceed whither he might be enabled to counteract its future schemes. Accordingly the Marines were withdrawn from the shore, and distributed amongst their proper ships ; but such was their reduced state in consequence of this service, that detachments were also necessarily solicited from the General to supply the heavy casualties which had occurred to them. .„ ^,,.,r-, ..,i r»,. si^i , - After a tedious, fatiguing, and spirited train of operation, upon which I am now precluded from remark. General Harrington effected the conquest of Guadaloupe on the 2d of May, and with it the neighbouring islands of Marigalante, Deseada, and TlieSaintes. Every one conversant in the military obstacles which present in that inhospitable country, cannot restrain his applause of the dis- tinguished perseverance of tlie Commander ia- Chief, and the gallant Subordinates during the whole course of their arduous duties. It exhibits a powerful example of what may be achieved by the talents and active spirit of one man ; but they are inherent in that noble family, whose virtues I cannot enhance by any panegyric of mine* T •' ii 13« Wherever we cast an e3re the most glorious achievements appear before us. The conquest of Canada and its Capital, was a most conspicuous event, but it was dearly purchased with the life of one man whose exalted genius and patriotic soul were fitted to turn the scale of Empires* The Plains of Abraham will be a lasting memorial of the superior steadiness and valour of British Soldieri, when led by- courage and ability. The fetigues and services of the navy throughout the whole of this campaign were severe and highly honorable. This leads me to notice a very ludicrous circumstance that occurred on the morning of the 1 sth of September, previous to that battle which decided the fate of Quebec. — A number of Tars who had been employed in dragging tlie cannon to the heights upon which they were planted, when returning to their ships, observed the army drawn up in battle array, instead of continuing their route, they fell into the ranks with the Soldiers, some having cutlasses, others sticks, and a few having nothing in their hands. General Wolfe remarfcing their zeal, addressed them with that complacency which was so familiar to him, thanked them for their well meant spirit, urged them to go on board, and pdnted out the probable ba-fctt ,i«*rM />«i#^i v.i1 n^sa'], itrtifitS / • -nV y Discomfited in every quarter, the enemy now confined their designs to domesti4S preparations, which aimed at a general but connected invasion of this island. Of these our Cabinet was fully apprized, and weU knew how to frustrate them. Admiral De La Clue, T 2 I J40 with a considerable force, having put to sea from Toulon, in order to effect a junction with their grand armament at Brest, was soon after observed by Admiral Boscawen, and defeated with a loss of five of his ships, while the remains took shelter in the port of Cadiz, wiiere they were blocked up by an Engliih squadron. This reverse was little expected by the Frencli Ministry, who could not conceive that our energies were every where. , . - . ^ii^jk" , The enemy defended themselves with bravery, and they had set them, by their Chief, a most heroic example. Such as migiit have been expected was given by Admiral Boscawen to his Rear Admiral Rodney destroyed a link of that chain of preparation by the bombardment of Havre de Grace, where a large collection of boats had been formed, denominated Frames. These were flat bottomed, were about 100 feet long, 24 broad, and 10 in depth, each mounted two heavy cannon, bad one mast, could sail or row when most convenient, and was capable of transporting 280 troops, or nearly 50 cavalry compleat. Our good friends, the Dutch, ever ready to supply all parties, suffered a heavy loss during the blockade of Havre, in naval and military stores, with which their avarice had prompted them to supply our purposed invaders. ""-"'f™., The honourof our arms was this year most gallantly supported by Vice Admiral Pocock, in the East Indies, who was opposed to very superior forces, but still afforded that general protection to our territory and our commerce, which must ever constitute the most predominant objects of our naval efforts. A sharp action was fought, which, as might have been anticipated, ended iu a drawn conflict. .. UJ . d , At tins moment of public danger, the protection of our coasts was confided to Sir Edward Hawke, who shewed himself worthy of the trust. iTaking his station off Brest he detached to every quarter within his limits, to reconnoitre and to destroy. Captain Harvey very highly distinguished himself by a train of activity upon his post, which was close to the mouth of that harbour. Some boats, seconded by his flying squadron, achieved the capture of several neutral vessels laden with naval stores, in the Bay of Camaret, which Mons* Conflans determined to resent. He accordingly employed a very superior forcti to gratify his spleen, which, however, did not stagger Captain Harvey's resolution, who, on the contrary, advanced to meet them. In turn he became the pursuer, which ended with ihe exchange of some distant shot, and the French ships taking shelter under their batteries. ... . ,.,. .,::. v - . .-r.The consequences that were averted by this seemingly unim- portant affair, were great, as the enemy had in view, after driving this: Squadron from its ground, to have proceeded to the Morbihan, another pari of the coast of Britanny, where we had a small blockading force stationed ; after destroying which, they were to return to Brest with the numerous land forces that were then ready for embarkation. With such material objects before them, it is a stigma upon their naval spirit, in not having perse'' eu-d. The repeated enterprizes of this vigilant Officer derive a peculiar merit from the time and manner in which tiiey were performed. When the enemy were every where proclaiming their threats, Capt. Harvey landed his Marines from the Monmouth, upon the little island of Molines, and exacted from its inhabitants a small supply of cattle, stock, and vegetables. ■ t',' !« U2 ' The priest upon this spot stepped forth, as the organ of his flock, who, he said, were poor. Captain Har/ey's reply was, ** that he " regretted to distress the wretched ; but what he now did was ** merely to shew the enemy and all Europe, that the French could *• not protect their people within their own sight, much less dare ** the invasion of England !" He afterwards, in his own barge, being seconded by some other boats, brought off the tender of Admiral Conflans, from a small bay close to the harbour of Brest) within sight of their fleet, under a prodigious cannonade of guns and mortars, and an extensive line of musquetry. This brave man felt for the dignity of his country, and he maintained it. r:r •< The enemy, every where ready to catch a favourable moment, only awaited the time when our blockading Fleets should be driven from their coasts, in order to carry their long-boasted threats into effect. A heavy gale upon the 9th of November not only forced Sir Edward Hawke from his station, but brought into Brest Monsieur Bompart and his Squadron from the West Indies in safety. This circumstance very much strengthened the ships of Conflans with prime seamen, who sailed on the 14th, and steered for Quiberon Bay, with a view to annihilate Commodore DufTs detachment, to bring out his transports witli troops, and finally to attempt the invasion of our isles. (,'?,?"--•-, But Sir Edward Hawke anticipating his schemes, also put to sea ; and notwithstanding that contending elements, for a while, opposed his MMshes, still, by perseverance, he arrived in time to save our Flying Squadron, just on the eve of being captured, and to give a death blo^\ to all their mighty hopes. U3 • "The victory of the 20th of November must ever stand as one of the most brilliant upon our naval annals, not so much from the extent of its success in captured ships, as the dangerous circumstances under which it was achieved, and the happy consequences that were its immediate results. Our loss upon this signal occasion was only fifty killed, and two hundred and forty-eight Seaman and Marines wounded. . . » Thus foiled in every quarter, their commerce cut off by the conquest of their most valuable colonies, expensive preparations sacrificed, without the attainment of a single object, a partial bank- ruptcy took place in the national funds of France. At this trying period, however, the sufferings of its monarch, and of the public, were alleviated by the substantial tenders of loyalty and patriotism. Numerous we *e the individuals who manfully stepped forth to heal the wounded pride of their Sovereign, and to revive the drooping cause of their country. It is grateful to record such instances of public virtue from whatever source they flow. In the greater part of these events, so productive of glory and good, the Corps of Marines bore a share, as well as in the many inferior but distinguished Naval contests that took place in 1759. During its progress, the Fleet of our enemy acknowledges a diminution of thirty-five Ships of the Line and an equal number of Frigates. There are many names which still survive, and others that have not long since closed useful and honourable lives, who were at this period familiar to the public ear, by their gallant deeds. To particularize all, would carry me beyond my limits, and I would not be partial to survivors alone. m .im ■m j n'ii i.'ii ';,;<'! I •' ^m 144 jC 800 £ 800 His Majesty, in consideration of the very signal services rendered by Admirals Boscawen and Sir Charles Saunders, towards the close of this year, instituted a new Establishment of Marine Officers, intituled, " General and Lieutenant-General of Marines," to which soon after there were added three Colonels, nominated from Post-Captains in the Royal Navy, who had been conspicuous by their good conduct. The Gentlemen who first occupied these appointments were, <, v- Admiral Boscawen, - - General of Marines, - ^2,000 Sir Charles Saunders, K.B. - Lieutenant-General '- ^^1,200 Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. - ,.- Col. of Portsmouth Division jC 800 Hon. Augustus Keppell, - Col, of Plymouth Division Lord Viscount Howe - - Col. of Chatham Division Tliis establishment has subsequently been enlarged by the attachment of a Major-General, and in this form it now exists* .Disclaiming every prejudice, I am led to ask how far either policy or justice can sanction the transmission of such an institution to posterity ? They were originally the benevolent grants of a grateful Monarch, to distinguished individuals. As such, indeed, they have continued to be ; but experience has shewn, that Field Officers are the very life of discipline, and that if so respectable an addition were unalienated from the active members of the Corps, this principle would be still more animated. — A man who suppresses his feelings upon any occasion that demands them, is unworthy of the name. — How degrading is the thought, that the Marine Veteran, who ascends by the rules of slow gradation, can never reach the summit of his profession ! God forbid that any reform should affect the living. Those who now enjoy this mark of favor are highly worthy of it. But J45 . confining such appointments to the corps would be gratifying to all, for I am sure that the Naval and Marine Officer are so united in their interests and their duties, that an accession of consequence, or benefit to either, would be warmly felt by both. CHAP. XXIII. A Large augmentation to the Marine corps was voted for the year 1760, which amounted to 130 companies, comprizing in all 18,355; being more than one fourth of our naval forces. Their merits and usefulness became conspicuous by the most zealous and spirited services, on either element, to which their mingled duties called them. It was the happy destiny of Captain Elliot to deliver his country from the remaining terrors of invasion, kept alive by the adventurous and enterprizing squadron of Thurot. After having accomplished every thing within the power of a mortal, for the good of his Nation, this Commander outlived not his defeat, but fell gloriously; leaving behind him a name equally revered for humanity as valour. The enfeebled state of France, unable to extend support to the distant members of her Empire, exposed them as easy and alternate U m Mi 146 conquests to our successful arms. Although but few naval achieve- ments occur through this year, still the spirit of o\x seamen continued the same, in every instance that presented for their efforts. ^ This era first brought into public and deserved notice, the great military talents of Colonel, afterwards General Sir Eyre Coote. To him may be chiefly attributed the recover;, of jur drooping in- terests in the East, at one time nearly annihilated by the bold and vindictive genius of Monrieur Lally. » Soon after the decisive battle obtained by Colonel Coote over tliat General at Wandewash, Admiral Cornish reached Madras with a reinforcement of six -ships of the line. The French squadron not appearing on the coast, enabled our joint forces to prosecute future schemes of conquest. The first step was tiie advance of Colonel Coote against Waldour, and the united blockade of Pondicherry by sea and land. Major Monson, the second in command, was destined to attack Carical, and accordingly embarked on board the squadron with that view. The forces which he was to head consisted of 300 Marines, to be afterwards joined by a small body of Artillery, some Europeans, and a considerable number of Seapoys from Trichinopoly. Admiral Cornish having arrived in the road of Carical upon the 28tli of March, Major Monson was landed with the Marines and some native pioneers, at five in the evening, where they halted during the night, and advanced against the town early on the fol- lowing morning, wliich they gained with a trifling loss. Being annoyed by Fori Dauphin, the enemy were also driven from it into Fort Louis, by a few fhells. 147 Upon the 3d of April all the expected reinforcements arrived, by which the latter was immediately invested. . . ^ Learning on the 5 th that the garrison had a prospect of relief, and having already done considerable damage to the enemy's works, the Commandant was summoned to surrender, to which he agreed ; the whole being considered as prisoners of war. The Seamen were meritoriously active in landing the necessary stores during the night-time. ; By the successive operations of this force, the French were de- prived of many important possessions, and Monsieur Lally, with an army, which a little while ago were the dread of that quarter, be- came shut up in Pondicherry, at the commencement of May. These material services having been effe6ted, the Marines were reimbarked on board their respective ships, and lionoured by the thanks of him who had led them. In the mean time. Colonel Coote had carried his object, and had advanced within four miles of Pondicherry, towards which he threw up redoubts. Rear-Admiral Stevens having assumed the command of the British Fleet, proceeded off that place, and at the instance of tlie Governor and Council of Madras, as well as of Colonel Coote, landed the Marines at Cuddalore, upon *he 29th i^f August, in order to accelerate matters before the sctthif in of the rains. They im- mediately joined the Army, and were materially assisting in the many active and tedious services that ensued. Major Monson having received a superior commission to that of Colonel Coote, this respectable Officer, for a while, relinquished these bustling scenes ; but the former being wounded most severely U2 U8 in a successful enterprise, which he conducted witlt great gallantry against the enemy's batteries, was in turn compelled to resign tlie command of the Army. Recent experience had convinced the pub- lic of the value of him who had been superseded, and the highest testimony that could have been yielded to an Offictr, was recalling him to fill the important situation he had held. ■•■■■ Tiie high-spirited Lally, jealous only of his own honor, but unfeeling towards the unsurpassed sufferings of those beneath him, persevered in defending Fondicherry, while a glimpse of hope remained. A dreadful disa: i;er to our Fleet had nearly realized his deliverance ; but the steady seainansiiip of our Officers, amidst one of the greatest hurricanes that evei blew, preserved a valuable reniaifis for the service of their Countrv, vhich soon resumed the blockade of that important Capital. '^ ■ .;q «^* '7fSd itati-.^r M-fviLni >Jj Admiral Rodney was very active with his flying squadron, whil€ our Grand Fleet, by its vigilance and occasional descents, entirely cut up the enemy's commerce, and kept their sea-coasts in a state of constant alarm, under the successive commands of Admirals Boscawen •and Ha^yke..^ sn.i-^; h-r id ,fjI;i^-iO',.i i^ivi jr.vi Wt-Ll L^i r* ; ' ■ ^ aj^. ^•" The nation had to deplore the loss of its Sovereign on the ■morning of the 25th of October, who died alike beloved and regretted by every class of his subjects. >' .^^ ; --^ , . ;,.*... 'ii Upon the noon of the following day, his present Majesty was proclaimed King of these Realms, and very early aftbrdcd the most impressive earnests of predeliction for his native Land, its glo y, and its happiness. ' The magnanimous benevolence of Englishmen was at this period highly conspicuous to their distressed fellow-countrymen, who were 15) prisoners In France, and whose sufferings from penury and nakedness were of a kind the most extreme. • , * , /,/ Sympathizing with their distresses, subscriptions were set on foot, and it was not long ere they were relieved by the most liberal supplies. The public generosity was not confined within the pale of its own kindred, but was stretched forth even towards our captive foes, whose wants were most imperious, but from which their nation was unable to deliver them, '-: - -► • • -;'>Jv .; • When we reflect upon such noble acts of fellow-feeling, the man who is insensible to the reciprocal duties of fidelity and gratitude, deserves not the virtuous title of a Briton. The world also must cease to wonder at the many signal instances of Divine interposition in favor of this little island, when it considers that Providence is thus vindicating his own ways, in behalf of a people^ who are uniformly guided by the sacred precepts, and godlike im- pulse, •' of forgiving, and doing good to their enemies." ■> ■■ - - !!!| 'm . .' ^' J52 n, CHAP. XXIV. , -)..,r '•#! .':fc; IjIGHTEEN thousand three hundred and fifty-five Marines were again voted as the establishment for 1761. A secret expedition was prepared early in this year, which was committed to the joint conduct of Major-General Hodgson and Commodore Keppell, and was subsequently directed against the island of Belleisle. niiiii; ^iiv fc ■»? -• *a*^ ^ -; Eleven battalions of Foot, four troops of the 16th Light Dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne, a detachment of the Royal Artillery, and a corps of 1000 Marines formed into two battalions, commanded by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel John Mac- kenzie, amounting nearly to 10,000 men, composed the strength of the Army upon this service. The whole were escorted and spi- ritedly seconded by ten ships of the line, eight frigates, three bomb ketches, and two fire ships ; which set sail upon the 29th of March from St. Helens, but did not gain sight of their wisl>cd for object until the 6th of April. This force was afterwards aug- mented by troops and men of war, . In addition to the natural strength of tiiis island, no means of defence had been neglected by the enemy, who, aware of the attack, had constructed works, and placed guns on eveiy spot, that afforded a possibility of descent. K^'« i53 . Upon the 7th the Fleet stood along tfic South end of Belleislc, with a view to reconnoitre its strength, and to ascertain a proper quarter for debarkation. Coming to anchor in the road of Palais on the noon of that day, the principal Officers of both services, accompanied by some of the Engineers, proceeded to the Northward, in order to finish their observations upon the general state of the coast. The final result convinced all, that great obstacles were to be surmounted every where, and that the sacrifice of many lives was unavoidable in attaining the first object of their views. After mature deliberation, it was resolved to effect a landing early in the morning of the 8th of April, for which purpose the flat-bottomed boats were hoisted out, and the troops placed in them ready to advance towards Port Andro, on a signal being made. They were preceded by his Majesty's ships Dragon and Achilles, commanded by the Hon. Captains Harvey and Harrington, whose orders were to silence the battery, which protected the entrance into this Bay. Tiiese gallant Officers soon accomplished the duty, and intimated that no opposition to the landing of our forces was to be dreaded from that point of defence. The boats having proceeded under the imrr^diate superintendance of Commodore Keppel, who had shifted his pennant from the Valiant into the Prince of Orange, were then ordered to row towards the shore, arranged in three divisions, under the direction of Captain Barton^ of the Royal Navy. Notwithstanding a prodigious fire of musquetry, our brave Soldiers made good their landing, and evinced a series of valour that must have conquered any thing within the power of man, , • ■ t; ^ . X I ''J? i5A The French were intrenched to the chin on a steep hill, the base of which they had cut into a perpendicular form, which prevented our gallant fellows from ascending their works without scaling ladders, of which there were unfortunately none. After a heavy l<»s, and a contest which did them honor, a retreat became the only alternative. """' ^ ^'' .•^'.^. . On this trying occasion, the distinguished courage and coolness of Generals Crawford and Carleton, were very highly conspicuous ; the latter was wounded. '-A''^'^-^'^*«*«'<»*»4"',jf»«<-**«»»«^»*u»''-i-;i.i:-.'**iitw m... One boat landed sixty of Erskine's Grenadiers, under Captain Osborne, who were unobserved by the rest of our force, and not being supported, fell victims, excepting twenty, to very superior numbers, after the most noUe resistance. Their brave leader was classed among the unfortunate. The fire from the ships was opened to cover the return of our troops, who sustained a loss of nearly 500 men. A diversion was carrying on in another quarter during these operations, in order to aid them, by attracting the enemy's force from the real object of attack, towards Saucon. This was composed of the 96th and 97th Regiments, and the Marines ; but nothing could avert the disaster. «>;r;;=^ . .s,;. . /j ynl A dreadful gale coming on after the return of the boats, occasioned the loss of many of them, which was felt extremely ; and the transports were also very considerably damaged. After it ceased, the attention of the whole Fleet was turned to repair these accidents. ' J'-'*-^^-^ — -^' v., '■•^•'>4^'^h .:?:;>:, .^/..■*.. , ,■1 ■.,, ,-,.,n.: ' Having obtained some reinforcements, and after a second very minute review of the island, it was determined to make another J 55 descent at Fort D'Arsic, to be supported by two separate attacks, in order to distract the enemy, near St. Foy, and at Saucon. ' " '' The last, which was intended merely as a feint, was composed of the four troops of Light Dragoons under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne ; which being distributed amongst a number of transports, and escorted by a large Naval Force, appeared the most formidable of the whole. Ships of war were allotted to co-opferate with the other two, headed by Major-General Crawford and Brigadier Lambert, in covering their debarkation and silencing the difibrcnt batteries* -^ •■• ""^""" k'-^-' -•'-■■• ,-i...t. .^v .. t, ' Early on the morning of the 2 2d of April, the men of war having accomplished this latter object, the troops were ordered by signal to advance, in two divisions, in close order, till abreast of their respective points of attack. The enemy, suspecting that the principal impression would be directed against Fort D'Arsic, overlooked the defence of these stupendous rocks, which offered natural obstacles, sufficient to deter the most daring invader. ""' •" "^ -^r «- -• < Brigadier Lambert^s division, to which the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie were attached, approached under this high coast, when it appeared to this gallant Officer, that a fit opportunity for enter- prize presented itself. He accordingly moved onwards unperceived, and with a rapid resolution. Captain Paterson, at the head of the Grenadiers of the I9th Regiment, quickly supported by Captaia Murray, with a company of Marines, landed and climbed the rocks. Soon afterwards other troops followed their intrepid example, when having reached the summit, the whole formed upon it. The X2 )56 French were amazed at the attempt, but pushed on a veteran Corps of JO men to atone for their want of precaution. ,t>v^i^4 Contiguous to the ground occupied by our troops, there was a wall, which suggested itself as an eligible post of defence. This enabled our inadequate numbers to oppose the enemy, until they were farther reinforced by Brigadier Lambert, at the head of the Grenadiers of the 30th, and the rest of the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie. The tables were now turned, when the Regiment of Bigorre was beat back to the rising ground from which it had advanced. ;;j<_. ;;;:.. Captain Sir Thomas Stanhope, whose duty it was to co-operate v/ith this brigade, had watched these spirited efforts with an anxious zeal. He instantly manned and armed all the boats of his squadron, which rowed ashore as a farther support, while the force that had proceeded against Fort D'Arsic, observing this unexpected success, also pushed on to unite with Brigadier Lambert. Thus strengthened, that active Officer allowed no interval, but moved against the enemy upon the hill, whom he drove to their main body, taking their field-pieces, and some prisoners. * ^ - , ;, -' Captain Paterson, of Beauclerck's regiment. Colonel Mackenzie and Captain Murray of the Marines, were wounded ; all of whom were much distinguished during the whole comse of this short, but sharp service, which did not exceed the space of two hours. About five in the evening the debarkation was completed, the Army was pushed upwards of three miles into the country, and took post upon an eminence through the night, rj^.^^,-, ;, .i^.^^ /r/^f-wj.'; The enemy, during the day, had withdrawn all their detach- ments from their extensive batteries on the coast, blown up their J 57 magazines, and united all their forces under the command of General de St. Croix. On the morning of the 23d, the British Army was in motion against the town and citadel of Palais, while that of the French occasionally seeming determined to dispute our progress, at last retired without a conflict, into that strong fortress, and its dependant works. ,:m^}-^-wj •■ •'' Some days of boisterous weather prevented the landing of our battering cannon and other necessary stores, that were essential for commencing operations against Palais, of which General St. Croix availed himself, by constructing six different redoubts ; all of which were to be carried before breaking ground in front of the town and citadel. f^o ,' m^it, : 'v;- The English Commander also profited himself of this interval, by dispersing assurances of protection to the laws, religion, and property of the natives, who should submit themselves ; which were not without their effect. A short time, however, enabled General Hodgson to employ more convincing arguments, by opening his batteries upon the 2d of May. The brave St. Croix answer to a summons was, that be would defend his charge to the last extremity. , .. . , . .. , The enemy attempted a sortie on the night of the 3d against our most advanced works, which they carried, killing a number of our troops, and making General Crawford and both his Aids- de-Camp prisoners. Following up this success, they advanced against the trenches, when a sharp action commenced that remained doubtful, until a party of Marines, under Captain Hepburn, arrived, i5B who charged the enemy, and forced them to rerirt^ with considerable loss. 4*i In order to facilitate our approaches, the Engineers pronounced that it was absolutely necessary to carry one of the intervening redoubts. Accordingly a detachment of 200 men composed of a part of Loudon's regiment, and Marines, under Captain Carruthers, of the latter corps, were warned, upon the evening of the I2th, for this duty. A heavy fire, of shot and shells, was kept up during the night upon that object, with a view to make some breach, and to- harass the enemy. Soon after the dawn of day, those assailants advanced against the works with fixed bayonets, when, after a very spirited contest, they soon carried the redoubt, and maintained it. Captain Carruthers, with a ready promptitude, observing the panic amongst the French, did not permit it to subside, but instantly pushed on against two others, which were successively evacuated by their defenders, who retreated with precipitation into the Citadel. This party becoming reinforced by 370 of the 69th Regiment, under Major Nesbit, achieved the conquest of the whole of the French Redoubts, and with an impetuous persevering ardor entered the town of Palais, pell mell, with the flying enemy. - ,= ..,,.. ;., i^-.i:,- The gallantry exhibited by all who fought on this memorable day, very justly immortalized the military fame of every individual, which extended its honorable influence to those corps at large, from wliom they were detached. , ., , . . . Very distinguished encomiums were bestowed by the enemy upon ** Les Petites Grenadiers;" a title derived from the caps worn by the Marine Soldiers. ,1 lu::: n:^.f''iitsii:.- uonx'^. ' <■., ■ ' r Ii^m? ,: .■,!.; i' V. 559 Thus was every obstacle removed, which prevented the close investment of the Citadel of Palais ; a fortress that had been planned and raised under the superintending genius of the celebrated Vauban. During this period the fleet rendered very material services, by their stopping supplies from the Continent ; and their vigilance during the subsequent continuance of the siege was highly meritorious. ' ' ' •' '-= :;-■;. The conduct of the French Commander reflected honour upon himself and the French arms. From the I6th of May until the 7th of June he persevered in maintaining his post against an unceasing fire from 4.4. heavy cannon, 50 mortars and howitzers, besides field pieces, which, in many places, ruined the works, killed numbers, and from which there was no safe retreat but within the casemates. This interval afforded the display of many instances of bold intrepidity, amongst the individuals of the line and of my corps, from the many sallies which were attempted by the active St. Croix, during the course of it. One of these being aimed against a post occupied by Captain Wright, of Marines, having u'^der him three Companies of his Corps, which was of peculiar importaixe, this brave Officer, notwithstanding orders were given to retreat from it, assumed a personal responsibility, and, well knowing il- consequence in the future operations of the Army, determined to maintain it. He repulsed the enemy, and received the flattering sanction of Brigadier General Howe, who, in the course of duty, afterwards visited it, for his very resolute conduct. Anoth'jr conspicuous instance of this kind occurred in Lieutenant Lachlan Cuthbert, of the Army, who evinced the greatest personal ti J 60 courage, and though abandoned by his men, pointed and fired the guns of a battery at which he commanded. Being soon supported, the enemy were forced to retire with loss. , After an incessant cannonade, which liad effected a large breach sufficiently practicable to encourage a storm, preparations for it were accordingly made ; observing vvhich, General St. Croix proposed to capitulate, after a loss of 922 men within the walls of the Citadel, upon the 7th of June. In consequence of their gallant defence, honorable terms were granted to the garrison, which was immediately shipped for France. During the whole of this service, so highly creditable to our Army, and to the corps of Marines, we have to recount 34- Officers, 30 Serjeants, 8 Drummers, and 710 Rank and File killed and wounded. .-?— ^t, .-•■ .>■ . c'v':",- •■■ "'- ■ . ^■. -^-■, — .- .'•-.. ^ General Howe was amongst the latter, as well as Brigadier Carleton, already mentioned, • .,--,, ;. ;,f „ - , v. Much unanimity between the naval and land forces prevailed, and the nation had to look with equal gratitude, to both, for the happy issue. Major General Crawford being appointed Governor, and every thing arranged, the troops that could be spared were afterwards embarked for more distant duties. ' .. ^ - The following orders were given out by the Commander in Chief to the Army, sometime after the complete surrender of Beileisle : " General Hodgson has the greatest pleasure to acquaint the Officers ** and Soldiers under his command, with his Majesty's satisfaction •* in the spirit, patience, and chearfulness with which they have '* sustained the fatigues of this siege." ;, ^...V ...' , 561 Commodore Keppel in his public letter to the Right Honorable Mr. Pitt, says, respecting the corps of Marines, *• Major General •* Hodgson by his constant approbation of the battalion of Marines '* landed from the ships, and put under his command, gives me the *' pleasing satisfaction of acquainting you of it, that his Majesty may *' be informed of the goodness and spirited behaviour of that corps." During the summer of this year, the Fleet and Arnjy, under Sir James Douglas, and Lord Rollo, reduced the island of Dominica, which had maintcined the assumed name of neutral, but had evinced the most marked partiality for France ; after a conference betvvreen these joint Commanders, and the principal Natives, v^^ho at first appeared much inclined to capitulate, the islanders, urged on by the artifices of Mons. Longprie, the Governor, seemed resolved to defend themselves. The ships soon moved close to the land, and, after a heavy cannonade, silenced all the batteries, when the troops were pushed ashore. A successful and uninterrupted train of attack continued through the whole day of the 6th of June, with but little loss on our part, in which Lieutenant Colonel Melville, who led the grenadiers of the Army, was much distinguished for promptitude and spirit. lli(^ capture of the entire island, upon the 7th, was the effect of such active energies. ■•»a Nothing farther was achieved during this year, that ftdls piopeily under my review, in the light of conquests. • Numerous were the gallant single actions that were fougljt at sea. One of the most prominent for daring spirit, and slead\- Y !i f! J)6^ perseverance occurred upon the 23d of January, between the Minerva, commanded by Captain Alexander Hood, (now Lord Bridport), of 52 guns, and the Warwick, formerly a British ship of 60, but with only 34 mounted. Military exploits often derive their chief merit from the bold ideas in which they originate. Such an application may well be advanced on the present occasion, for the immense superiority of the enemy, must have been early a^^p-r-nt to a seaman's eye. Captain Hood was not intimidated at the view of a two decker, but continued the chace, until he go^ r!w longside. The Frenchman soon sustained damage, which w ncct-cded by a much greater on the part of the Minerva, in the •^e^lot- I s of her bowsprit and foremast. These being quickly cleared a. ay, this zealous Officer moved once more against the Warwick, and towards the close of day renewed the combat. His brave exertions were crowned with sue i ess and with lionor; a share of which his rtiodest recital, diffused amongst his Officers, his Seamen, and Marines. Another instance endeared to tbeii Country, Captains Faulkener and Logic, by a well fought engagement, which terminated in the capture of the Courageux of 74< guns. The Bellona and Brilliant put- ting into Lisbon to land the wounded, and to discharge their prisoners, these unfortunate men applied to the Consul of France for relief, but he would grant them none. The occasion oalleU forth British humanity, and they were relieved by those w\ bad conquered them. . It would not have been so witli the Seamen of England, who kindly anticipates, and provides for the wants of those her valuable servants, in every port, and in every clime, ^ • J63 Our Commerce v/as also well protected, when we consider its vast extent in every, qiarter of the g lobe. This year carried vrithin it a happy event, by the espousal of our beloved Monarch to our most gracious Queen. It has fixed a long train of succession to nis throne, in a numerous and amiable family, who yield to none of his Majesty's subjects in patriotism, and high talents tor the mingled duties of the Cabinet, the Ocean, and the L France had shewn, apparently, a cordial wish for peace, but it appeared principally from a motive to distract our Councils, and to involve their Spanisli Allies in the sad calamities of war. In both she succeeded, for the Country lost one of her most faithful and zealous servants in the Right Honourable Mr. Pitt, who resigned all his employments, and early in the following year we had to combat an additional foe. ■ - - , r ,. At the close of 176I the Field Officers upon the Marine Establishment were Lieutenant Colonels Theo, Drury, Richard Bendyshe, James Burleigh ; Majors, Hector Boisrond, John Mackenzie, John Pincell Kempe, Samuel Boucher, Edward Rycaut, John Tufton Mason. There were also Majors by Brevet, John Campbell, Claud Hamilton, John Bell, Thomas Weightwick, Arthur Tooker Collins. !f..i-\ .. ( -^ ',■-' -) '«t<^ Vi "'( t m 16A CHAP. XXV. On the 4th day of January, 1762, War was declared against Spain, which was reciprocal on the part of that Power on the 1 8th, and realized the acute forebodings of Mr. Pitt. A treaty framed for consolidating the interests and ambitious views of the House of Bourbon, and evidently levelled against the existence of our Empire, accelerated this event. So accustomed had the Nation been to victory, however, that it beheld this mighty Family Compact without dismay. -.; The public energies kept pace with the imperious occasion, and 70,000 Seamen, including 19,061 Marines, comprized in 135 companies, formed the naval establishment of the year. A plan for the reduction of Martinico, digested by the late Minister, was now carried into efFeft by the forces from North America, who had finished a successful career upon that Continent, by four battalions drawn from Belleisle, with strong detachments of Seamen and Marines from the Fleet. Sixteen sail of the line, and many ships of an inferior rate, composed the escort whicn set sail from Barbadoes on tlie 5th of January, and anchored in St. Anne's Bay on the 8th. The batteries here were soon silenced by the sliips, when Rear-Admiral Rodney detached a squadron, with two brigades, to the Bay of Petite Ance, i65 having orders to debark and take post there, under the direction of Generals Haviland and Grant ; they were afterwards reinforced by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, with a Corps of Light Infantry. Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, proceeded against the Grande Ance, landed a few Seamen and all his Marines, who, by a com-> bined attack, carried the battery, and occupied it, till relieved by a body of 800 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Melville. After destroying the works in St. Anne's Bay, the Admiral and General Monckton, seeing the difficulties of extending their operations from that quarter, followed to leeward, and reconnoitring the coast, resolved upon landing the whole forces between Point Negro and the Cas de Pilote. A squadron having cannonaded the line of batteries, secured this object, when the Army was disembarked upon the evening and morning of the 16th and 17th of January. Nine hundred Marines, formed into two battalions, were united with the troops attached to the Brigade of General Rufane, and had an active share in the subsequent duties allotted to all. <5i;:s The whole encamped on the heights above the Case de Navires, from which the General employed detachments to throw up such works as were necessary for covering the passage of the troops over some intervening gullies, between them ar(d iLe enemy on Morne Tartenson. ■ .^■'^' '^^'^'F .;:r^' '■^^-«^>f^^^■^■^.J ■ .'.4.^v_:, " ' The disposition of attack being made, Brigadier Grant began il ' with the French advanced posts, at dawn on the morning of the 24th, while Brigadier Rufane advanced against tlieir redoubts along the sea coast upon the right, seconded by looo Seamen in flat- bottomed boats, keeping pace with it. ' ' ■ ' ' ^^*" ^.n^' s^= c :^ J 66 Lord Rollo's Brigade supported the Grenadiers, and General Walsh with his, the Corps of Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, who was ordered to make a circuit, with a view to flank or get behind the enemy. This essentially contributed to the success of the day, as that body gained their left, and continued to incommode it, while the Grenadiers were carrying every thing before them. Brigadier Rufane performed bis part with rapid and impetuous success, being aided most spiritedly by the Seamen. The final result of the day was gaining Morne Tartenson, other subordinate works liaving many cannon, and driving the fugitive enemy across a deep ravine, into the town of Fort Royal and Morne Garnier. - ■ General Haviland, with his Brigade, and two Battlionsofa Highlanders, with a few Light Infantry, under Major Leland, were directed to effect a passage over this gully, considerably to the left, and cut off a detuched force of the FrtfUcJi from their main body. Insurmountable difficulties, howevti, prevented this well-designed combination ; but they did not check their reaching in time to suppc 'ie Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, in a very impoitant post which they had gained opposite to Morne Garnier ; while a.i upper plantation of consequence was occupied by Walsh's brigade, and the Grenadiers. The space between tl/ese two was filled by the Marines. , ^. . . ,;l,.^, ,.>„;, ;,^ ; ■;.... .j , Batteries were opened on the 25th against the Citadel of Fort Royal, which being much annoyed by the guns from Morne Garnier, it was judged expedient to attack it on the left, where the Light Infantry and Haviland's brigade were. Here cannon were opened 5«T agiinst it, in order to harass the enemy, and to ensure the future passage of the ravine. An attempt of the French on the evening of the 27th, signalized this British outpost, which drove them back, not only across the gully, but followed them and gained possession of their batteries, where they established themselves ; having been gallantly seconded by the brigades of Walsh and Grant. Before nine at night the enemy had abandoned this strong ground, and so precipita' was their retreat, that they left behind them some serviceable o \nd ammu- nition, which were felt by the Citadel early ne a ig, Genertil Monckton, finding his batteries on Morne Tartenson at too great a distance to produce material effect, resolved to push on to Morne Capuchin, little more than 400 yards from the Citadel. Observing this meditated essay, the en«iny beat the chamadc on the evening of the 3d of February, and terms were signed on the 4th. . The testimonies of the Commanders in Chief to tlie respective Corps were strong and animated. As usual, the services of the Seamen were arduous hi transporting cannon, and fearless amidst dangers. ' ' ' Monsieur De La Touche, the Governor General, who had fallen back upon St. Pierre, with an intent of holding out, soon after surrendered, and the extensive dependencies of that valuable island, very early availed themselves of the benign and faithful tenders of British protection. ',/;!•' , . • The final consent of La Touche was much hastened by the detaching Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, to the harbour of La Trinity, where he landed some Seamen and his Marines, who 'M IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (Mt-3) ^"^. ^f' 1.0 I.I 11.25 lis «.,. I 2.5 2.2 1.8 U IIIIII.6 ^% ^f^ ^ v^ ^M^ % HiotDgraphic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4S03 A^^ 566 maintained their ground, and convinced the enemy how unavailing would be their farther obstinacy. This conquest, which added so much to the lustre of our arms, was obtained at the expence of 7 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 86 rank and file killed, and 32 Officers, 20 Serjeants, and 337 rank and file wounded. , The enemy experienced a loss of nearly 1000 men. St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, fell soon after, under our dominion, and added to the commercial wealth of the Nation. ^^ ti^,. Solid were the results that accrued from the repeated triumphs of our Fkets and Armies, during this active year. The Revenue was improved, while the individual became enriched by the con- quered territory, and the spoils of our enemies. The rupture with Spain suggested immediate enterprize against her distant and wealthy Colonies. In this plan, no little or inferior views controuled our Councils, which boldly directed our force at once, against the vitals, and the strong hold of her South American Empire. Lord Anson having submitted his ideas upon the accomplishment of this great object, they were readily embraced upon the present occasion, and adopted throughout. The Fleet and Army which were destined to execute these designs, were committed to Admiral Pococke, and the Earl of Albemarle, who sailed from Portsmouth on the 5th day of March. They took only a small force from England, as they were to be joined by those troops who had achieved the conquest of the 169 French Caribbee Islands, to be reinforced by auxiliaries from Jamaica and North America ; which, with the Marines of the Fleet that were subsequently landed, constituted an Army little short of 15,000 men. . -■^UtmM Admiral Pococke reached Martinique on the 26th of April, where every thing was arranged, fascines made, the troops brigaded, and 500 Negroes collected to perform the rough parts of these . laborious duties that were before them, m tivmU On the 6th of May the whole put to sea, and, on their passage to leeward, were successively joined by the squadrons under Captain Harvey and Sir James Douglas. _;^,.i,. i. _ c^ j. u v ^jh:^ -,.* i ..(U Ij,. It was now that the superior talents and solicitous zeal of Admiral Pococke appeared conspicuous. . From the very advanced season of the year no time could be sacrificed in fulfilling his instructions, as dilatory measures might have proved ruinous, from the setting in of the rains. Two alternatives were before him— a tedious and circuitous navigation round the Island of Cuba, or a dangerous passage through the Old Straits of Bahama, > hitherto avoided by single ships, and at no period of the world explored by so large a Fleet. The latter he chose, and it was crowned with success. ..,.;v- :;..i.r; . :. j- .^ . .. . ^ * • On the 6th of June the Admiral brought to about five leagues to the Eastward of the Havannah, to issue instructions ; when having confided the superintendance of disembarking the troops to Com- modore Keppel, he bore away for tlie mouth of the harbour, rniou The Marines were ordered into the boats early on the morning- of the 7th, as a feint, while the whole Army, under the Earl of Z .■^ ito Albemilrlot landed without op{$()$itidh blet^llre^n tWt A^^k Btxik N^d and Coxithar^ tli\e latter dF whi<$h Was Ah6 passed; fift^tr taptdin Harvefi ih the Dragon, had ftiiene^d A caistld^ that cotn- manded it. .: Havii^ a large garrison » headi^ by the md^t gallatlt Officers, the enemy « though but recently aj^^ri^ed of thi& fexjpeditioh, pirepaned for the hiost vigorous defcrttet Lord Albemarle, after some skirniishing iA his prog^s^ having intimated} on the I0th> to the Adniiial, his jp^tpOs^ of att^king the CaVantiosv situated on the t^ast sldie of tfed htttbowt, an«d com* manding part of the Moro Fort, as well as tiie whole of the ttotth ^st of the Ciiy> v^ith thte stibng works in t4iat viritiity, Captain Kr^tv in the Belleisle, waswdered agaiftfet the Cafette of Chbrfcra, to facilitate the entei^ifse, white the Marinies W^re enibatk^ iti the boats to attract the enemy's atteii^on towards the Havanhaii quarter. This service was ably perforrrted by Colotttl Carleton, on the ^oon of the 11 th, at the head of the Grehadiei^ and Light Inftihtry. ^'- ^ ^^ ' Tire Spaniards were not only dtiVen into \he M^'-o, but they also abandoned the Castle of Chorera ; which ?lIo« our imme- tiiately breaking ground on the advantageous scite of the Cavannos. Never w^rc .greater obstacles encountered and overcoiwe, than through the whole series of this siege. The Seainen Were highly active in landing the x^ohnon, mining the batteries, and supplying the Army with Water, on a spot thdt yielded not a dro{). Much harmony 4>revailed throughout these ^tig^ies between the services. ^ ni Pii Xh» Uth, 900 Marine^ were lan46i[)i formwl int,o tw» ?^t^liops, under i^^jfUf^ C^mpbpU 0nd CplUtts, uod atUichfid to tUe ppminand of ^Jojiel and A4jttt3nt Genierol Willian) Howe, upon t|)^ (^jiorera sidi?. . Owing to the f|)ip^i^s6 of soil upon the Cavanuos it w^ not until . thi? ^9th of June tliat onr batteries conM open Against thp Morp* ' ' , ., . In iprder to obtain a superiority of 6re on slioce, Capti^in Harvey, ; i^ the Dragon, having under him two other ships, volunteered to pj[,a)ce them against that Castle, which ho di4t in tlie most gallant stile, upon the morning of the 1st of July. 3y this diversion the object was gained, but with the loss of Captain jCopstrey of the Caoibridge, and il61 killi^d and wpund|il4. The labour of xnany .days w^s destroyed by a fire that bro^e out frQxn the dryness of the fascines, an4 the caniU)na4e kept up, upoin tb^ 24* which wa$ nojt extingM^sljLed nntil the night of the 6th. ^ , .^nqh an unfbr«tunate q^^u^Uy de^pres^e^i but ,djd t^ conquer tt^e spirits of our men,* who were ^.dditionally exposed to the most extreme fatigqe, a scanty supply of waiter, and unwholesome provisions.-^Xbey had al$o to encoynter ftn enemy i,n Ron yelasco, worthy of his important trust. ; ' ■ Fortun^te;ly Sir James Pouglas arrive^ iVoni Jamaica wjkth some re- inforcements, which were soqn followed by others from Nort^ America. It falls not within my scope to enter minutely into the protrjicted events of this sieg?, which was carried on and sustained by both sides, with unexampled perseverance, and steady vjilour. About one o'clock in the afternoon of the 30th of July, by .the explosion of one of our advanced mines, a practicable breach for one Z2 J 72 file in front was ef!ected, which was soon noticed, and assaulted by our troops, lit the head of which was Lieutenant Forbes, of the Royal Scotch. Many of the Spanish Soldiers were within the casematesy and little anticipated so bold an attempt, but they were soon under arms, and encouraged to their duty by their brave Chiefs Don Velasco, and the Marquis Gonzales. Both these Gentlemen fell on the occasion ; the former surviving only for a short time, the effects of a mortal wound. The Moro was soon carried, which led to the final conquest of the Havannah, and its dependencies upon the 13th of August. Twelve sail of the line, and a large treasure, were its immediate fruits. Although nothing peculiarly brilliant fell to the lot of the corps of Marines co-operating in the fatigues of this arduous campaign, 'still their zeal and discipline kept pace with the other classes of his Majesty's servants-, and justly entitled them to a share of that gratitude, bestowed in general terms to all, by their Leaders and their Country. -^'" A predatory attempt against Newfoundland, by a squadron that stole out of Brest, under Mons. Ternay, having on board two regiments, was the only offensive operation on the part of the French during the year 1762. , -v^**- .j— (.^w This Officer might have tried his fortune in a manner far more suitable to the interests and dignity of his Country by aiming a blow at our East, West India, and North American convoys, protected by a very inferior force to his, instead of prosecuting a relentless fury against the insignificant garrison of St. John, and the tackle and stages of our poor, but industrious fishermen. Captain (afterwards Vice Admiral) Joshua Rowley, in the Superbe of 74 guns, the f7S Gosport of 44, Captain Jervis, (now Earl St. Vincent), and the Danae of 38, Captain Henry Martin, having charge of these valuable fleets, were chaced by Mons. Ternay, on the llth of May, having under him two line of battle ships, two heavy frigates, and a bomb-ketch. The steady countenance of Commodore Rowley, who formed into order of battle, convinced the l^'renchman that he must wade through a bloody and perhaps a successless conflict, before he could reach his object. The precarious issue induced Mons. Ternay to be off, and to pursue his course for less dangerous game. As might have been expected, the garrison of St. John, with a number of contiguous posts in no state to make resistance — fell without a contest on the 25th of June. Captain (afterwards Lord) Greaves who was then at Placentia, on the South East part of the island, landed his Marines from the Antelope and prepared for defence ; at the same time he apprized our Commanders at Halifax and New York of his situation, and solicited immediate support. . .. .t- Lord Colville soon joikied him, when, after disembarking a number of Marines as a farther reinforcement, with his very inferior squadron, he went out to meet the enemy on the 22d of August, and proceeded off St. John's to give him battle.. * - ' ")-^ The French having adopted a system of plunder and destruction along the coast, wherever they could with impunity, his Lordship detached an Officer and 30 Marines to the Island of Boys, which spot, that party had the honor to defend for his Majesty. During this period the works at St. John's had been much strengthened. In consequence of the invasion and intelligence of it reaching North America, a force was detached under Lieutenant Colonel n4 Amherst, which reached the coast of Newfoundland upon the lUh of September. After a train of sharp and active services, on the part of the Army, in which the Navy coHjperated* St. John's was recovered upon the 18th I and the whole island was freed from those freebooters, who^ in turn, became prisoners. A friendly fog which had covered Mons. Ternay's departure fronj Stance, was also auspicious in his escape from that haiisour. His conduct through the whole cf diis «x|>ediUun wa« marked alike by cautious timidky, in ike fight of his eneuiies, as by oppr^essive inhumanity over these he iiaid conquered. , The acute observations^ and active talentsof Sir William Draper^ not only laid the foundatiooi, Init wrere highly conducivie towards the success of one of the boldest designs, that was ever patronized by a British Ministry. That Officer^ affcer the most approved good conduct, during the siege of Madrass, had leave toisetire to Canton in China, on account of extreme bad health, it was here that his enquiries commenced about the scate of the Spanish Philippine lUlands, and he had complete intelligence both as to their commercial importance, and military defence. This he treasured up for his Country, against the day of emergency, by whom he was amply recompenced for such early zeal, by his suggestions being eagerly embraced, and he employed to execute them. A disclosure of such a nature, however, would not have been received, but spurned at, by our Cabinet during a period of tranquillity with Spain. The whole continued dormant within the breast of Sir William Draper, till hostilities were mevitable, when he was 1H5 dispatched in the Argo, for the East Indies, with the most liberal powers to carry this object into effect. Arriving towards the close of June, he lost not a moment in arranging every thing for the expe > Our total loss upon tins brilliant service was 4 Officers, i Serjeant, and 29 Privates killed ; l Lieutenant drowned ; and 6 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 102 rank and file wounded. Among the first were 5 Marines, and the latter. Lieutenant Spearing, besides 6 Privates. .♦-.••:■' ;.': Aa MS M J 78 The East India Company, in consequence of the aids they had afforded, was entitled to one third of the settled ransom, which was four millions of dollars ; and the acquired conquest was given up to its servants in trust for his Majesty. Such united harmony existed between the naval and land services, that they agreed to share their fortunes mutually, afloat and ashore. From the intelligence gained at Manilla, the Admiral detached a force to intercept the annual galleon. The Panther and Argo overtook the ship which had sailed from that place, on the 1st of August, much to tlieir surprize, instead of the one that had been expected there. Nearly three millions of dollars were on board the Sanctissima Trinidad, which were defended with much obstinacy, but she was at last compelled to strike. Both Commanders, upon the Manilla expedition, very meritedly received the public thanks of their Country, and the honorable marks of a Sovereign's gratitude. . -ynu.^ Immense captures were made at sea, and repeated were the occasions which displayed the British naval character during this year, so fertile in momentuous events. ,,, , ^., ^ Amongst these may be reckoned the Hermione, worth one million sterling, the treasure of which enriched the crews of two sloops of war, and was carried in proud triumph through the streets of London, the very hour in which the Heir Apparent to the British Throne was ushered into the world. A Marine shared upwards of 500l. from this capture. ti j*. The enemy, discomfited in every quarter, were not ashamed to own their weakness, and they were the first to sue for peace. H n9 A few short months had alienated or destroyed a great portion of the Spanish Navy, had given a deep wound to their Commerce, v/^ich would have been most sensibly felt under a continuance of hostilities, and had convinced Europe and the World, that the resources of Britain could only be estimated amidst accumulating dangers, and that her native spirit could only be known amidst increasing difficulties. 'nsv. During the whole of this memorable war, the Marine Soldier not only shared in the everlasting glory of our Fleets, but carried with him, through all the mingled destinies of his profeflion, a steady discipline, combined with a well-regulated valour. Excepting the drawn battle off Minorca, not a naval action was fought in which he did not bear a part, and there were but few. of our widely-extended conquests that do not, in their detail, recognize his name. -' . v . ,; i The preliminaries of a peace, which are not my business to discuss, upon tiie 3d of November, and ratified in February of tiie following year, closed the military services of the Marine Corps for a long period, until they were again drawn forth into actiofi by an enlightened patron^ who had marked their conduct, and who resolved to avail himself of their animated zeal and spirit, upon the earliest emergency that his Country required them. ;»ri|» liti ;>, ' • ■ - ■' ^80 , r. CHAP. XXVI. •l-<- \FHE era of peace was marked, as usual, by a general reduction of his Majesty's servants. • . ' .^ % .-,•'.':; In the course of the year 1763, a very considerable and impolitic diminution took place in the efiective force of Marine ; but as it is a narrow system, which experience and their acknowledged utility have subverted, at the period I now write, any discussion upon its erroneous principle would be superfluous and unbecoming. ^^ As I have already noticed that the Field Officers of my Corps are peculiarly calculated for maintaining discipline and good order throughout, it is a matter of surprize that the establishment should have been so very low at this time, and that their situations should have been more generally considered as posts of sinecure than of active duty. - - . >r The meritorious services of the Marine Corps, during the late brilliant contest, well entitled it to some solid marks of public recompcnce, as well as of public applause. With this view, and striking home to the national gratitude, as yet unallayed by time, the following proposals for increasing the number of established Marine Field Officers were ushered in to the Board of Admiralty in 1763 : — ** Proposals for increasing the number of established Marine ** Field Officers from six to fifteen, at a very inconsiderable addi- 185 ** tional expence to the public. The Field Officers to have *• Companies, and to serve on their present pay until six Companies " become vacant ; those Companies to be given to the six senior Field *• Officers; the nine junior Field Officers have Companies already. ** The fifteen senior First Lieutenants to have Brevets as Captains, *' or to be appointed Captain Lieutenants, and to do all duties as '* Captains on their present pay. u,' - ** This plan will cause no present additional expence, and but «< a very trifling one after the whole is completed, as will appear from '* the following scheme: i)j.-^ :>uv^ . .1 i . k^ . . .■ 1763 ... :v' '. ,• ^ . ^ Present Establishment. ■■■ PER OIBM. 3 Lieut. Colonels a j^2 1 1 3 Majors a 2 5 9 Brevet Captains a 4 10 Total Prc^osed Establishment* PER DIIH. 3 Colonels a j^3 12 6 Lieut. Colonels a 5 2 6 Majors 9 6 Difference a 4 10 Total 13 4 \C0 18 Deducted pay of six Captains fewer on the proposed establishment, Additional expence when the establishment is completed, The above would have been a moderate number of Field Officers to regulate the divisional duties, and to superintend the discipline of 70 Companies, consisting of 4287 men; to which the corps was reduced by a legislative vote at the close of 1763. Whether from dissent as to the expediency, or a non-compliance with the object St;' 1«2 of these sugge^ons, is immaterial, but they were unnoticed, although their propriety and justice did hot escape the discriminating and iliberal mind df Earl Sandwich, whose distinguished talents introduced .him to the naval councils of his Country, and whose elevated rank in them, enabled him to controul those necessary reforms at a subsequent era. A commendable but limited policy, in providing foT the discharged servants of the state, prevailed at the close of this war, by holding out the inducements of land in the' ceded province of Canada, to such Officers, Sailors, and Soldiers only who had aided in its subjection. When we contemplate the connection that e}dst$ in the events of war, how much local coiiquests are often promoted by the use of extraordinary energies, in quarters dista:nt from the scene of good fortune, like the judicious diversions and stratagems of an active Officer, to promote his real designs, no principle ought to restrain sucb national grants to the partial few who have been the happy agents of success. It is an old axiom—- /^ : \{>f^ .-:^ CHAP. XXVIII. 1 1 .<■:- . t!J .■.i:^^C- From the era of 1764, we may date tlie fatal American rebel- lion, and those revolutionary principles which have long continued, and what still menace the quiet and independence of Europe, and the World. • ,; ... . . ,. Political topics, from that period, were predominant amongst the Colonists, and all who know how easy it is to sway popular prejudices, will readily allow it is as little diflicult to give them action. Grievances, whether real or imaginary, which is not my business to decide, unceasingly agitated the public mind, weaned by degrees every filial affection, and from their tedious speculative existence, they implanted within the breasts of many, the lurking sentiments of jealous rancoujr. Such in their progress became principles, and those men, very early, either filled the Armies of North America, or guided her Councils. A public character, much respected for his private as well as military virtues, was placed at Boston. General Gage, from a long residence upon the Continent, was well qualified to allay the B« iS6 general ferment ; but it was too deeply rooted, and the duty he owed his King, was soon necessarily paramount to every other consideration. ^ In the year 1774- an assemblage of troops, under that Officer, gave umbrage not only to the Bostonians, but to their surrounding neighbours, and the placing of a guard at the Neck, which is the narrow isthmus that joins the Peninsula to the Continent, afforded an additional cause of suspicion. At this time, and from a very trifling circumstance, a spirit of military union, and also of hostility, was peculiarly apparent among the New Englanders. A report, very industriously propagated, and seemingly with a view to probe the general feelings, gained ground, that the British had occupied the Neck, had cut off all communi- cation with the Continent, in order to compel the inhabitants of Boston into the unlimited assent of every measure. This being spread abroad, the adjacent country assembled, intimated to the people within the town their readine s to assist them ; but that if they should sacrifice their liberties, such an inglorious compact would extend no farther. They moreover avowed their intentions of combining together in what manner and form they chose for mutual security. Every thing foreboding hostile events, General Gage fortified the Neck at Boston, and as precautionary steps he also seized upon the provincial arsenal at Cambridge, and the powder lodged in the magazines of Charles-town. These measures were sufficient to rouze the popular indig- nation, in no want of inflammatory materials ; but although J 87 they might not have been political, they were still, however, cxpe- di&wu, under existing circumstances. ^ To ascertain the views and opinions of so many provinces, different in their manners, and in some respects opposite in their interests, a general Congress was held at Philadelpliia, on the 5th of September, 1774., by deputies from the whole. I'heir pro- ceedings were marked by moderation, but by firmness. \iHiy "> The terms of conciliation arising from them having been rejected by the mother country, his Majesty communicated a message, recommending the augmentation of his forces,, by sea and land. The union which pervaded America, sufficiently proves how widely popular had been the resolves of their deputies. These were almost every where the political creed of the Colonies, and the crowd. * Things arrived at such a crisis early in 1 775 , that the die could not be long suspended. A trivial affair, upon the 26th of February, shewed by what a slender thread the tranquillity of the Empire hung, and although it was not accompanied by any act of hostility, still it tended to ground a mutual antipathy between the Soldier and the Native. General Gage having learned that some brass guns had been collected in the town of Salem, sent a detachment in order to bring them to Boston. Landing at Marblehead, they continued their march towards the place of destination, but not finding the cannon, which had been removed, tliey penetrated farther into the country in quest of them. - •■ . ", In the course of their route there was a draw-bridge, which the numerous populace on the other side bad taken up, on purpose to stop the passage of the troops. An order from the Commanding J88 Officer to let it down was disobeyed, who attempted to seize on a boat, in order to get possession of the bridge. A scufHe ensued, but nothing occurred which could be denominated sanguinary force. This was owing to the address of a neighbouring Clergyman, who, while lie consulted the feelings of an Officer in prosecuting his instructions, also expostulated with him who headed the detachment, upon the endless and calamitous results if blood was spilt. Appealing to the people also, he invoked them to concede their point, which, for a short time, delayed the awful quarrel. J .u - This party returned without success, but without mischief. A body of Marines was at Boston, under Major Pitcairne, whose personal destiny it was to be employed in the first hostile aqt, which eventually involved the separation of Britain and America, r. At the town of Concord, where the provincial Congress was held, a quantity of military stores having been collected, the Com- mander in Chief ordered the Grenadiers and Light Infantry of the Army, under Lieut. Col. Smith, and Major Pitcairne, to destroy them. They embarked during the night of the I8th of April, and proceeding up Charles River, landed at Phipp's Farm, from whence they advanced, with silent rapidity, towards Concord. The country, however, was alarmed before the dawn of day, and on the arrival of the British at Lexington, the Militia of that town was assembled, under arms, at five in the morning. . An English Officer, in the van, called out, *' Disperse, you •' rebels ;" when our soldiery, firing a few partial shots, a general discharge followed, by which some were both killed and wounded. A mutual recrimination upon the scorb of first aggression, was 169 afterwards agitated, which, instead of staying, only tended to stimulate the spirit of war. , Colonel Smith having pushed forward some Companies of Light Infantry, before his arrival at Concord, in order to secure two bridges, by which the Provincials might carry off the stores, another body of Militia that appeared on a hill in their route, retired at the approach of the British troops, across one of them, who soon after possessed themselves of both. , ^ , , r , : ^:v , . .v;. The main body were, in the mean time, employed in destroying every military article within the town. The American Militia, observing some conflagration of houses in Concord, immediately returned to one of the bridges they had recently passed, when the Light Infantry occupied the side of the river towards that place. On the approach of the Provincials tlic former fired, which was soon returned. After a skirmish, the English detachment fell back, with the loss ©f some killed and wounded, besides one Lieutenant and a few other prisoners. ^ .• ... :. • About this time the whole country was in one state of alarm, which compelled an immediate retreat to Lexington. This was effected under the disagreeable circumstances of a hot day, and an incessant fire from the hourly collecting numbers in the rear of the troops, and from houses, walls, and every hidden place of defence, in their front and flanks. , •-,. Lord Percy had most judiciously been dctaclied from Boston very early in the. morning of the I9th, with a reinforcement of sixteen Companies, and a body of Marines. This force arrived at Lex- J90 ington just in time to aftbnl a respite to Colonel Smitii's detachment, now much harassed by fatigue, and overpowered by very superior- numbers. Having two field pieces, tjjey kept the rebels in awe, until the British resumed their march towards Boston. Major Pitcairne's horse was twice wounded very severely, and he made some narrow escapes during these tumultuous attacks. ' '^"^^^ A:it\->n -*,;? x Lord Percy, who Itad advanced to Lexington, by the way of Cambridge, with a penetration and foresiglit that reflected high honour upon his military talents, determined upon returning to Boston by a different route. The numerous hordes of Americans who had collected on the expected lino of his retrograde march, were by this foiled in their hopes of blood, as his Lordship most judiciously turned off towards Charlestown, where he was not looked for, and gained the heights of Bunker's Hill, whitlier they dare not follow him. To this happy rooenuvre tlie whole detachment owed its salvation, and Boston also may acknowledge his Lordsiiip as its preserver at that early and important crisis. .ivuo.h, . Throughout the whole of this toilsome service, our loss was by no means equal to the seeming dangers, being only 65 killed, 2 Lieutenants and 20 men taken prisoners, and Colonel Smith, besides some other Officers, and about 174 wounded. Thus was the fatal torch lighted, and it never was extinguished but with American independence, i The whole Country was now roused to arms, and General Gage, with his little array, became invested, within the works of Boston. Earl Sandwich, wlio presided at the Board of Admiralty, sensible of the high state of discipline, to which the corps of Marines had 59J readied, pusiicd them early mto the American War. Their conduct upon every tluty, reflected credit upon his Lordship's discernment. In addition to tho'e under Major Pitcairne, who were attached to Lord Percy's Brigade, a farther reinforcement arrived at Boston in the month of May, commanded by Major Short. ' It is a tribute justly due to those Officers who so very gallantly supported their Country 's honor, and their own, to detail their names, and battalions, agreeably to the arrangement issued in public orders, at Boston, upon the 20th of May, Battalion orders, •• The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the ** Admiralty having directed a reinforcement of Marines to serve •• under Major Pitcairne, in General Gage's Army, consisting of the •• following number: 2 Majors, 10 Captains, 27 Subalterns, *' 2 Adjutants, 1 Surgeon, 2 Surgeon's Mates, 28 Serjeants, 25 " Corporals, 20 Drummers, 600 Privates. • ' ...--' ii--- - , - ** The Commanding Officer finds it necessary, for the good of •' the service, to form the whole under his command, into two *' Battalions. Officers in 1st Battalion. GRENADIERS. ..-.o. Officers in 2d Battalion. r/ r .. GRENADIERS. Thos. Avarne, Capt. ,.,,,^„ ■ ,, j^, Geo. Logan, Capt. . ; .„.: Wm. Finney, 1st Lieut. Alex. Brisbane, 1st Lieut. Geo. Vevers, 1st Lieut. ,, ;. i,.. >. Francis Gardner, 1st Lieut. ; ] 1st COMPANY^ ,i4 c, v.jii.' 1st COMPANY. 'j .r.V. Stawel Chudleigh, Capt.;,!^^ .t,j,y Hon. John Maitland, Capt^ .:^,A"r l\ 192 Officers in 1st Battalion. Rich. Shea, 1st Lieut. — Hewes, 1st Lieut. Sd COMPANY. Stephen Ellis, Capt. James Robertson, 1st Lieut. P. D. Robertson, 2d Lieut. 3d COMPANY. Thos. Lindsay, Capt. Wm, Lycett, 1st Lieut. David Collins, 2d Lieut. 4tb COMPANY. Wm. Forster, Capt. Wm. Graham, 1st Lieut. i«^ "Officers in 2d Battalion. Jesse Adair, 1st Lieut. Roland Carter, 1st Lieut. 2d COMPANY. Chas. Chandless, Capt. Fenton Griffiths, 1st Lieut. Henry D'Oyley, 2d Lieut. 3d COMPANY. Thos, Groves, Capt. John Hadden, 1st Lieut. ■^j* Titus Conyers, 1st Lieut. '• rK^!\i^ £4^ 4th COMPANY. . Samuel Davys, Capt. ,,, Walter Nugent, 1st Lieut. Isaac Potter, 2d Lieut, ^v, ,^.,,. Robt. Carey, 2d. Lieut. 5th COMPANY. Robt. Ross, Capt. CHas. Steward , i st Lieut. Jonas Mathews, 1st Lieut. 6th COMPANY. Wm. Sabine, Capt. B. McDonald, 2d Lieut. Henry Tantum, 2d Lieut. ' " ^" '' 7th COMPANY, '-' •' J. H. Branson, Capt. 6th COMPANY. • ■ Edw.Henvill, Capt. . :r Thos. Biggs, 1st Lieut. James Lewis, 2d Lieut. 6th COMPANY. Geo. Elliott, Capt. Alex. M'Donald, 1st Lieut. John France, 1st Lieut. 7th COMPANY. ''^^^ Arthur Walker, Capt. "^^ James Anderson, 1st Lieut. Wm. Creswell, I st Lieut. Thos. Trollope, 2d Lieut. . •"'^•^ Robt. Moore, 2d Lieut. ■! }" •'■■.If ^/ i> .1 \ J93 ' ... Officers in 1st Battalion. Officer? in 2d Battalion. tJfVtlOS 8tll COMPANY. . 8th COMPANY, ' Om>j' John Perceval, Capt. j-jq ,«' John M*Fie, Capt. /.,-f.iWfv>f'» Aaron Eustace, lstLieut»V»i^'V'^ Sir John Dalston, Bart. 1st Lieut, f* Thos. Woodcock, 2d Lieut. FranciiDogherty, ist Lieut. 4 '/>^ LIGHT INFANTRY. m«iu . LIGHT INFANTRY. . Wm. Souter, Capt. Arch. Campbell, Capt. Wm. Pitcairne, 1st Lieut, m- n:} John Dyer, 3d Lieut. Philip Howe, 2d Lieut. '' ■ N. Harris Nicholas, 2d Lieut. ' 1st Lieut. John Waller, Adjutant. 1st Lieut. John Fielding, Adjut. *' l8tLieut.J. Pitcairne, Qr. Master. Thos. Smith, Quarter Master. o.)" Captain David Johnston, Superintendant Adjutant, and Deputy Paymaster to the 2d Battalion. "v^- ^!H*«>'-'«'^rr'mo'> " Hill, Surgeon to the sd Battalion, Wm. Tervant, Surgeon's Mate, Silver, Surgeon's Mate. .~ ^1*..:,..^. .„-..!, ii: „ ,;..-.,. :..'^^a^.i Thus united with the Army in garrison at Boston, these Battalions continued to contribute their proportion to its incidental duties; in discharging which, they received the uniform commendation of their superiors, for their regularity, discipline, and subordination. In the Battalion orders, of the 3d of June, the following regulations for the payment of Companies were notified, .ivl ,*fHif|oa;'"* ,9:jR©i;v^i . ** The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the •* Admiralty having directed, by their letter to Major Pitcairne of ** the 2d of March last, that the Captains of Marines commanding ** Companies on shore at Boston, should pay their Companies in the '* same manner as practised by the Land Forces, the Captains or •♦ commanding Officers of Companies, will receive from Captain •_ -iU ^(;.■■.t .,..!' ;i"^.; 1:3 /i'l'V' -m!] fti;!'!'/; ^tJJib.J.-iniK- r.i nii/i .'T-i^'fri^. .■i^r.^-;. ■.:> ,iini,,T;i ..• •.■;i; i / frvOij."i«i' J .0 .Jiffies. l|l 194 " Johustonc, Deputy Paymaster, one jaaoiith's subsistence for the " non-commissioned Officers and private men of their respective •' Companies, deducting £o is. 5-|d. per week eacli, for provisions, '• and the usual stoppages as directed by the Admiralty, vizr i .:..:._ For one Serjeant per week . - -»ki £>* jC© O 2 o/i T , For one Corporal or Drummer - - o if For one Private Man - - - - o 0i>'t'v\rn7' Dollars to be taken at - - o 4 8 '- *• Captains ar6 to give the Deputy Paymaster compleat monthly " Pay Rolls, accountkig for the subnstence 'Attributed to their •• Companies, and specifying every )partict^ It appearing highly necessary to dislodge the Americans from so very important a post, the Commander in Chief, at noon, detached ten Companies of Grenadiers, an equal number of Light Infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, and bid regiments, under Major Gen. Howe and Brigadier Pigot, with that view, which being embarked, landed and formed on the Peninsula, without opposition, under cover of the shipsofwar. ' •' • '^ > '.v r.^-:%:.-,.;. .,?^ iv ■• ■- • • ■.'^ - " ' The position of the rebels nvas strong indeed. A small but well contrived redoubt, besides some other works full of soldiers, and defended with cannon, as well as numbers of rifle men placed in the houses of Charlestown, covered their right flank ; their centre and left were protected by a breast work, partly gun proof, which reached from the redoubt, to the Medford River. Major General Howe, upon examining this powerful state of defence, and observing fresh columns pouring in to the enemy's works, solicited "i reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of some Companies of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, the 47th regiment, and the first battalion of Marines. Having been formed in two lines, they advanced with slow but steady step? to the conflict. Majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Sliort, led my coj-ps upon this distinguished day. t'.ii .o . v 2 196 ' The roar of cannon and howitzers, on the part of the British, occasionally halting to yield them effect, marked their progress towards the rebel works. Not a shot was returned by the enemy, imtil our troops had nearly reached their entrenchments, when a tremendous and destructive fire was opened, which, it must be confessed, somewhat staggered our men. The awful occasion exhibited General Howe most conspicuously for the valuable resources of coolness and reflection amidst danger. It also afforded an opportunity of signalizing the discipline and intrepidity of the Battalion of Marines, which dealt destruction and carnage around them. Brigadier General Pigot, who was destined to attack the redoubt and lines, that covered the American right flank, was likewise exposed to a hot fire from the houses in Charlestown. His loss was severe, but his exertions were animated, and displayed the most brilliant courage, as well as talents. General Clinton, who had crossed from Boston during the action, attached to himself the merit of rallying the troops, whom he led against the rebel works with fixed bayonets, and with that daring impetuosity which so strongly characterizes the British Soldier. " They soon forced them, and drove the Provincials across the neck of Charlestown, who were also much harassed by the cannon of his Majesty's ship Glasgow, in their retreat. ;:.i.; .. ;( = The Glory of the Army, upon this day, was great, but it was dearly earned. Their total loss amounted to i Lieutenant Colonel, 2 Majors, 7 Captains, and 9 Subalterns of the knd forces and Marines killed ; besides 70, of different descriptions in both, wounded. Two J 97 hundred and seven Non-commissioned and rank and file also fell, and 828 were wounded. ' Amongst the slain was Major Pitcaime, of the Marines, whose death was alike deplored by his Corps and his Country. Major Short also left behind hira a reputation sufficiently worthy of deep regret. The Marine Battalion sustained fully more than its proportional share of casualties, and its gallant conduct upon the 17th of June, demands, from the whole of our Establishment, its commemorative and indelible gratitude, when each of us casts an eye upon that laurel which now encircles his button, and reflects that it was pur- chased ^j/ /A«r Wowr. 7 ; - '. - -• The following appeared in the General Orders of the 1 9th of June, 1775 :— ■'■■ •'■ :'^— -■ - '■"■ ■"•■• ■ '■'' -- *' The Commander in Chief returns his most grateful thanks to •' Major-General Howe, for the extraordinary exertion of his mili- *• tary abilities on the I7th instant. He returns his thanks also to *' Major-General Clinton, and Brigadier Pigot, for the share they '• took in the success of the day, as well as to Lieutenant-Colonels *♦ Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke ; Majors Butler, " Williams, Bruce, Tupper^ Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel, and " the rest of the Officers and Soldiers, who, by remarkable efforts •* of courage and gallantry, overcame every disadvantafe, and *' drove the rebels from the redoubt and strong liolds on the heights •♦ of Charlestown, and gained a complete victoiy." By the return of Major Tupper to Europe, and the fatal events of the 17th of June, the command of the Marines soon after devolved upon Major (now Lieutenant-General) Souter, '■■}M If 198 Bunker's Hill was fortified, and our troops retained the Peninsula, which rendered their duties very severe. The A^iericans prevented every supply from the interior, and compelled our Army to subsist upon salt, and indifferent provisions. Cut off from the Continent, their sufierings were great, when sickness became prevalent. ! ^- ' The Provincials having constructed works upon a hill opposite Bunker's, completed the blockade of the Peninsula, which they gradually extended close to the fortifications on Boston Some predatory enterprizes were attempted by them, by no means deficient in spirit or success. In one of these they burnt the light- house at the entrance of the harbour, communicating with it by some whale boats, from which they carried off, or killed, the whole of a small detachment of Marines, who protected the carpenters in * erecting a new one. Thus matters continued for some time, and the situation of a brave Army, cooped up and unable to act, was rendered both distressing and degrading. In the orders of the 27tli of September, the Royal thanks were tendered to the forces, for their intrepid conduct upon the 1 7th of June, in the following terms : — 1/5- ,/ „> *' The King has been pleased to order the Commander in ** Chief, to express his Majesty's thanks, both to the Officers and *• Soldiers, for the resolution and gallantry with which they attacked *• and defeated the rebels on the 17th of June last, who had every ** advantage of numbers and situation ; and more especially expressed •• to the Generals Howe and Clinton, and to Brigadier General " Pigol, the sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, 199 " and condoct by which they distinguished themselves* to their ** honor, upon that day." ^ 3ffiiut>J . ,jr IhilLj ':J: i^r The Battalion Orders of that day, also contained the annexed communications: — ., . -t.^v. . , >.. >< *• The King has been pleased to make the following promotions «• in his Marine Forces, serving in North America : — ** Captain William Souter, Major vice Short, killed. '* Capt, Lieut. Francis Lindsay, Capt. — Campbell, ditto. '« Robert Ross, Captain — Ellis, ditto. " David Johnson, Capt. — Souter, promoted. *' 1st Lieut. Jesse Adair, Capt. Lieut. — Lindsay, ditto. ♦♦ SirJohnDalston, Ditto «• SirJohnHadden, Ditto «« Wm. Pitcaime, Ditto " 2d Lieut. James Lewis, 1st Lieut. '• Robert Moore, Ditto " Thos.Woodcock, Ditto " Isaac Polder, Ditto — Walker, returned home, -— Ross, promoted. — Johnstone, ditto. — Shea, killed, — Finnic, ditto. — Gardener, ditto. — Adair, promoted. — Daiston, ditto. " Robert Carey, Ditto " Ronald M'Donald, Ditto — Hadden, ditto. " Philip Howe, Ditto «« : Henry Tantum, Ditto — Pitcaime, ditto, " — . David Collins, Ditto — Spencer, dead, '* Volunteer Samuel DaVys Bowman »— Lewis, promoted.' H m IWm :-.:' .'(■-:,' 200 In consequence of these new arrangements a change took place. in the 2d Battalion, which became commanded by the undcr- mentioned Officers :— ■^•,.£, t ^^i.. ". 1st COMPANY. Captain M*Fie, 1st Lieut. Griffiths. -._; ,*(djj;/;". yh^r ■ 2d COMPANY. Captain Henvill, 'Ifri;:!' i - ~— • * , 1st Lieut. Lewis. ,^ ■ :"-^.w;nix.: 2d Lieut. Hale. ,>? :r V/ -if ..- ■ . .3d COMPANY. Captain Elliott, .i.iri .;.,,,] ;■ ... • * v"?i^ T'-'i^ ( r , 1st Lieut. France, j ;' . — - .-, ' . " .r '^ . 2d TJeut. Walker. ,> , . ... 4th COMPANY. Captain Dalston, A >^fV >v '^1:3; . '" k ; - qUr, ' ■■■^iiint':,: ::;-j>i1-; T _ . 1st Lieut. Moore, a r>u^ ri —- ^ _;. '„■_ ■ 5th COMPANY. Captain Stretch, ^ ,: . • > -„ i . '1<;j . ■■'' ' '/' . 1st Lieut. Nugent, • ,,'-.... ..— * • -^.?P '. .-' -.}<- - 2d Lieut. D'Oyley. : - r i J V :■ ; . b- ' 6th COMPANY. Captain Davys, i >» \, • :i .■.'-:.'.' >" ' - - , ; ■ ■ ; 1st Lieut. Carey, ; T . ... •' 2d Lieut. Bowman. t !_ . .■. 7th COMPANY. Captain Adair, ; ; 'j -.- -^ _ ' • r ' ■( 1st Lieut. Carter, :, .. V ~~ *—• ■ ..,. - ^ 2d Lieut. Ellis. --- <■— 8th COMPANY. Captain Groves. ,, * . ' _.; ^ , _^ - ' 1st Lieut. Dogherty, " ,_- _ . -. • . 2d Lieut. F. Lewis. ;• f . ;, x:\-'l GRENADIERS. Captain Logan, 1st Lieut. Brisbane, 2d Lieut. Ragg. V:. 20 J (( <( .'>nui,. LIGHT iNFANTRYt Captain Pitcaimc, 2d, Lieut. Dyer, ,tnhlA fiAflilL l>. 2d. Lieut. Nicholas. It was fartlier intimated upon the same day, •* That in coiisc- *♦ quefice of the application of Major Pitcairne to have the same *' allowance for paying the Companies of the 1st and 2d Battalions *' of Marines, serving on shore in North America, as the Army have, and that the Captains should be answerable for the debts, &c. " The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, ever ready to give every reasonable mark of their indulgence, were pleased to *• consent that each Captain, commanding a Company, should be *' allowed after the rate of is. per day ; being equal to tlie pay of ** two men per Company, during their continuance o shore, as is ** practised in the Army ; and the Deputy Paymaster is authorized ..* ■ . .- .... ., .f. V..... .. , . •• to issue the same. ; ** The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased •* to approve Major Pitcairne's appointing Mr. Smith Quirter-Mastei •' to the 2d Battalion of Marines." ^ , . .; . • General Washington having been appointed to command the Armies of America, he, in company with Major General Lee, reached the camp before Boston, in order to animate them in the general pursuit of continental independance. ,'• . , .^ Their military spirit had arrived at such a height, that tlie younger branches of Quaker families at Philadelphia, waving their principles, associated themselves in arms. Boston continued to be blockaded daring the year, with but little variety. ,. , . Dd 202 The rebels did not confine their hostile views to this object alone» A number of paitizan adventurers sprung up, whose rapid motions and unknown existence under Colonels Easton, and Ethan Allen, were the means of achieving some conquests of much importance to their infant cause. Their intermediate object was to seize upon the passes on the great lakes, which command the intercourse between Canada and the British Colonies, until their Government, (for so I now call it,) was enabled to advance a force sufficiently adequate to conquer that Province. This they effected by siirprizing the garrisons of Ticonderago and Crown Point. ;fi02S»f novo ovh; - The American Congress, with the ncvtes of conciliation and peace ever sounding within the walls of their House, had taken early pains to interest the Canadians in the destinies of their neighbours, by inflammatory addresses, and by artful and apposite inferences drawn from the immortal writings of Montesquieu, their Countryman, suited to their prejudices and their political feelings. Having thus placed the train to a deep design, those wilcy Continentals trusted to time in accomplishing its intended effects. ,. . , . • America soon availed herself of that enthusiasm which pervaded her Citizens, to turn it to a purpose. Already had she disseminated her doctrines over Canada, which slie was determined to follow up with her arms. Generals Montgomery and Schuyler headed the troops which were destined to invade that Colony, who found many of the natives either wavering or friendly to the infatuating name of Liberty. After a series of successes in the capture of Forts Chamblee and St. John's, the defeat of General Carleton, at Longueil, and the surrender of Montreal, all in the Upper Province, the only 203 hope that remained of preserving Canada for the British Crown^ centered in the town of Quebec. Within the defenceless walls of Montreal, was tha, /rave and valuable Officer, General Carleton, now Lord Dorchester. Feeling the weight of his duties, and also conscious of his own importance, at so perilous a crisis, he resolved upon escaping from its impending surrender, which would have deprived liis Country of his services. The impulse was patriotically great, and the event was happy. Committing himself, in the night, to sL boat, with mufRed paddles, he escaped the vigilance of the rebel guards, and reached the seat of his Government. Here he arrived in the hour of danger. " r v; A co-operating expedition, under Mr. Arnold, against the Lower Province of Canada, unequalled in military annals, for the originality of plan, and boldness of execution, had threatened the Capital, in the absence of its Governor. Without a distinct object of reference, it would be useless attempting to delineate the progressive advances of these daring invaders, from New England. It is enough to say, that a body of Soldiers, ultimately formidable, with their arms and other necessaries, traversed a path, in many places liitherto untrodden by human steps, of upwards 170 miles, interspersed with thickets, precipices, and swamps, and often obliged to rariy, on their shoulders, the numerous batteaux attached to their little Army. Such were their sufferings, that many returned, but those, whom constancy supported in following their Chief up to the walls of Quebec, merit the highest encomiums w^hich can be rendered to man for undaunted perseverance and steady fidelity. .-.-.'':'• ■'^' 'i" , '' ■- >. 11 o 264 We may often derivfl the most impressive examples from Otii enemy, and they ought never to be rejected. A British Soldier only needs the recital of any dcrd, in order to rival it. Self interest obtained what patriotism and natural duty could not stimulate in the souli of the inhabitants within the town of Quebec. For some thno, discord, and even disaffection were prevalent, both of wliich fiendly passions were absorbed in the venal virtue of defending tlieir property, now threatened by tlic approach of General Arnold and his magic troops. All united in the cause of their King, and some Sailors and Marines were landed from the ships in tlie river, to second their energies. Feeling himself unequal to a siege or a storm, Arnold fell back, and awaited tlie cast of better fortunCi It was soon after this that General Carleton arrived, who quickly adopted those measures vvlilch were worthy of himself and the imperious emergency, .v;; vjiy; ' . One company of tlie 7th regiment, might be termed ;he only regular force under his command, his chief strength being in M'Lean's newly raised corps of Scotch Emigrants, and the associated bodies of English and Frenclj Volunteers. To tliese a valuable addition was given of all the Marines belonging to the ships of war, and upwards of 40 o Seamen, who had claims to a great share of merit for tlieir steadiness and spirit through the whole train uf this defensive service. ' - ' ? .- - The works had scorcely been repaired, in the best manner that was possible, when GciummI Montgomery, united to Arnold, having subdued, witjj little difficulty, the other fortresses of Canada, 205 appeared in the sanguine and immediate hope of coii mmating ,ig glory by also carrying its Capital. >* His personal zeal, and the endurance of his troops during the bitter frosts of winter, were only equalled by a similar vigour in their comparative opponents. Temporizing measures being but ill adapted for the season, or the occasion, and little suited to the intrepid genius of Montgomery, he followed its dictates, which were to rest the issue upon a general assault. . f ..,;......;,,. t. : .j?„...! . , ...i • It was the last day of the year 1775, and the last of his life, that this brave man, ambitious of fame, and true to the interests he had espoused, advanced against Quebec, in four divisions, to execute his daring purpose ; reserving to himself the chief post of honour and of danger, which was directed against the Lower Town at Aunce de Mere, while another, almost equally bold, was allotted to Arnold and his hardy followers, which was aimed' at another part named •' the Saut au Matelot." The two others were devoted to puzzk the garrison by false attempts upon their very extensive lines, and to succour where necessary. .'.-.•.. Under cover of a snow storm, the whole moved towards the towns. The British were alarmed, and at their stations. Montgomery had to encounter many natural difficulties, but success for a while attended him. Having gained the first barrier, he pushed on to the second, from which issued forth a tremendous fire of grape shot and musquetry, which closed his days, and the hopes of his detachment ; who, strange to say, under the conduct of A Campbellt retreated without making one effort to avenge his fall. ' ' 206 Soldiers who have been conspicuous for discipline, will inosl assuredly be ever distinguished by courage when it is called forth. Those faithful fellows who had accompanied Arnold through the desart, without a murmur, followed him to battle and through all its reverses with an unsurpassed bravery. -. They, too, were early deprived of their leader, by a shot which shattered his leg ; when he was carried from the field. But thib did not appal them. The garrison, now freed from .their distracted duties, levelled their united force against this impetuous detachment, who had advanced too far to retreat with safety, and which became endangered by accumulating difficulties on every side. Their dilemma did not escape the keen eye of the Governor, who pushed a considerable force in their rear. Upwards of three hours did they withstand the unequal combat, when they were at last compelled to surrender prisoners of war. That tribute which justice stretches forth to an enemy must reflect its rays upon those who have had the honor to contend with them. I cannot superadd a higher testimony to the British General and his Garrison, than by thus appreciating the foe whom they had to encounter. It yields me a proud retrospect that the corps of Marines had their proportion of desert in defending Quebec, and by it, maintaining this remnant of America to our Empire. . .. United by the feelings of sympathy, I would remark the spirit of Mr. Vivion, then Purser, I believe, of a small sloop, and now of his Majesty's ship Robust, who most patriotically stepped into tlie ranks, and served as a private during the whole siege. He too produced a son who yielded not to his father in honourable deeds, whose 207 subsequent fall in the cause of bis country end in bravely advancing the glory of his corps, was sensibly deplored by my brethren, and by me. -itMfcj/ General Carleton sealed and ennobled his gallant defence, by acts of humanity and mercy to the vanquished. A cool prudence in not hazarding his acquired success to the contingencies of fortune, enabled him to preserve the fruits of it for the solid interests of his King. '^r^i jico.'^'r ' , . M';. •' i .. The besiegers retired, but he did not follow tliem ; after which, all their attention was devoted to the interception of supplies for Quebec. Arnold, who now succeeded to the command of the rebels, evinced that resolute mind and ready expediency by which his conduct had been hitherto marked, ' "^ During the course of this year may be noticed the active duties of some small parties of Marines, in supporting the legal authority of Lord Dunmore in the Province of Virginia, v*rhich had not yet disavowed its allegiance. The spirit of rebellion beginning to shew itself, the Governor, after having sent off his family, entrusted his personal safety > the detachment from his Majesty's sloop Fowey, who fortified his house at Williamsburgh, planted artillery, and from which lie issued all his proclamations, and, as long as was prudent, > ontinued to exercise in it, his official functions. It was at last jvidged proper, under this escort of Marines, to proceed on board the Fowey, from whence his Lordship still corresponded with the Province. The political discussions that ensued, are foreign to my review, Kis Lordship's military exertions to reclaim or to conquer the i 208 disaffected, were fatal in their issue, from being impotent in the means. By the combined attack, however, of a few ships of war, and two parties of Sailors and Marines which were disembarked, the town of Norfolk, first in rank for commercial wealth, was set on fire and reduced to ashes, upon the New Year's Day of 1776. ■ ^ v:. tr Many other hostile measures against the sea roasts of America, and her different interior Provinces, spread widely the calamities of war and the mutual desire of retaliation* • - . . Amongst the augmentations to his Majesty's forces, 6665 Marines were voted for the year 1776 ; being an additional number of 2373. 209 CHAP. XXIX. 1 HE sufferings of the troops in cantonments at Boston were uncommonly great, from the want of fuel and other supplies, while these of the regiments and Marines upon Banker's Hill, exposed in tents to all the storms of winter, and necessarily for ever on the alert, in the vicinity of a superior enemy, were proportionally still more severe. Military enterprize, however, fell asleep on both sides, and it did not awaken but with the return of spring. A dread of famine floating in the minds of many, superadded to their temporary evils. During these existing hardships, a detachment of Marines, under the escort of an armed ship, was sent to Savannah, in Georgia, with a view to procure provisions, either by purchase or by force. The Militia assembled to oppose their landing, and after some unpleasant discussions, erected batteries along the shores of the river so named. Proceeding to extremities, a short contest ensued, which terminated in burning seven vessels deeply laden, and the loss of a few lives ; after which the party returned to Boston. A few arrivals from Europe tended to alleviate the wants of the garrison, who often beheld the humiliating sight of the triumphs of little rebel privateers, in capturing their most important aids, without our ships of war having in their power either to retaliate or to prevent them, Ee :'^f^ • 1;- 2J0 Some Parliamentary decrees, which left but little hope of the renewal of friendship, having reached America, its Congress strongly urged General Washington to push the siege of Boston with vigour, in order that their forces might be enabled to oppose those dangers, which they anticipated in other quarters of the Continent, Accord- ingly a cannonade and bombardment began from Phipp's Farm on the evening of the 2d of March, that continued during some successive nights, and, on the morning of the 5th, another battery from the heights of Dorchester Point, on the other side of the town, which had been constructed with unexampled secrecy and dispatch, also opened. These fired some houses, and occasioned other losses. General Howe felt indignant in being thus cooped up. His communication with the other part of his Army, at Boston Neck, becoming endangered, and foreseeing that the rebels would still extend their works to those heights which command the town and harbour, resolved upon dislodging them from such as they held. ' ' ■ ■ Hazardous was the attempt, and it was only prevented by an intervening storm on the night of the 5th of March, when the troops destined for the attack were on the eve of embarkation. All who know how to appreciate the military character of that gallant officer, will readily sympathize with him in his feelings upon so degrading an occasion, when his high talents could avail nothing, and the energies of as fine a body as ever entered the field were stayed by the hand of prudence. Thus situated, he lamented in common with the meanest Soldier, a total suspension of their services, . . an ' An instant alternative of engaging a very superior Army strongly entrenched, or evacuating the place, became hourly more and more imperiously urgent. The former expedient held out but little hope of surmounting their difficulties, in balance with many disastrous consequences in the event of defeat ; while tlie latter let loose an inactive corps against a more vulnerable, or in co-operation with a more loyal Province of America. ' This the Commander in Chief adopted, but it teemed with many obstacles and dangers, calculated to try the strongest soul. He had not the safety of his Army alone to consider, in this retreat, but the lives and property of numerous followers, whose allegiance to their King no misfortunes could subdue, ^^-i The duty was sacred, and it was discharged with that humane care which characterizes our nation, and him who performed it. Upon the I7th of March the rear-guard of the British troops embarked without molestation, when General Washington marched in proud triumph into tlie town of Boston. The Army reached Halifax, after some delays, early in April, but it was now diminished, by hardships, to about 9000 effective men. The battalions of Marines were landed, and did duty under the command of Major Tupper*, in garrison there, w'. i much credit to themselves and their corps. These testimonials, which were the honorable results of their uniform good conduct, more usefully fall under a future detail. * An enor occurred under the details of 1775, which meiuioiis, tluit in consequence of the casualties of Bunker's Hill, and the return of Major Tupper to Europe, the command of the Marines devolved on Major Soutcr, instead of suppressing entirely the departure of Major Tupper, which did not happen till fonic time after their arrival at Halifax, The command at Boston was in Major Tupper after Major Pitcairnc's full. :tili! Ifiii •i' t 2J2 . In the early part of 1776, General Arnold continued the blockade of Quebec, under the greatest pressures, while its garrison, cut off from evcy supply, and exposed to many bitter privations, was equally conspicuous for a resolute firmness. Some attempts to burn the British ships of war in the harbour, in order to favour an escalade of the town during the existing confusion, worthy of the inventive resources of Arnold, were made, but they were counteracted by the vigilance and spirit of General Carleton. Small Pox, dreaded, by the Americans, as the most fatal plague, began to make its appearance, and dispirited their troops. Discipline and good order were soon supplanted by imaginary fears, and the precautionary cares of all to ward off that contaminating evil. Murmurs succeeded, which, as must ever be the case, paralyzed every noble effort. By the indefatigible zeal and activity of that highly respected name, Sir Charles Douglas, his Majesty's ship Isis, with two frigates, having penetrated the ice, hove in sight, and reached Quebec on the 5 til of May. The situation of the enemy's investing force was now critical. Having landed the few troops brought from Europe, these siiips also disembarked their Marines, with which, in addition to those of the garrison , the General instuntly advanced against the American camp. A very precipitate flight ensued, which ended in a trifling carnage, tcrking some prisoners, and all the rebel artillery and stores. Many of their sick and wounded took refuge in the woods, or concealed themselves in the hamlets, towards whom General Carleton extended, not only the generous tender of oblivion, but of 253 protection. This benevolent act which proceeded from the instanta- neous impulse of his own breast, casts a bright lustre upon the military virtues of that great man, and is alone sufficient to immortalize his character. Having been afterwards reinforced, a train of successful operation, extraneous from my subject, soon took place, which expelled the rebels from the Province. < Thus, a second time, were tlie partial efforts of tlie Marine corps exerted most usefully upon Canadian ground. A naval and military expedition, against the Southern Colonies, having sailed from England, they did not reach the first object of their instructions until the beginning of June. The squadron under Sir Peter Parker, after passing the bar, moved against a newly raised Fort on the South West point of Sullivan's island, which was deemed the key to Charlestown, while the Army, under Sir Henry Clinton, advancing against it by land, and crossing a supposed shallow creek on the North Eastern extrcnuty, was to make a combined sttack. Upon the noon of the 28th of June the ships took their stations, and commenced a furious cannonade, which was returned with equal spirit and much effect from the fort. Erroneous intelligence, as to the depth of water, it appears, prevented General Clinton from approaching, as well as the very formidable state of the provincial redoubts at the end of Sullivan's island. After one of the hottest conflicts that almost ever occurred, in which the cool valour of British Seamen was cmintiitly conspicuous. ■' V: '^f r^ aj4 the squadron withdrew with the loss of a frigate, and upwards of 200 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded. intoaalui 1 Captains Morris and Scott, of the Bristol and Experiment, were both considered as mortally wounded, after extraordinary displays of personal courage. Commodore Sir Peter Parker approved himself a brave man upon this trying service. '-» During the summer of 1776, the Congress of America, unwilling to attach to itself the responsibility of an arbitrary declaration of independance, published a circular address to every Ccdony, in order to ascertain their general sentiments, upon so eventful a topic. The 4th of July must long stand as a memorable day on our political epochs, as having been marked by their formal renunciation of allegiance to the British Crown. "^ General Howe continued at Halifax upwards of two months waiting farther reinforcements, which was but ill suited to his disposition, or his military opinions. Wearied out, he at last put to sea, under the escort of Lord Shuldham's fleet, and arrived at Sandy-hook at the close of June. After gaining information of the strength of New York and Long Islands, he judged it most advisable to occupy Staten Island, where he landed without opposition, and was soon joined by a number of loyalists. It was a considerable time before the different reinforcements from England reached Halifax, which immediately proceeded to join the main Army, and enabled General Howe to undertake duties more extensive in their aim, and more congenial to his wishes. Upon that range of continental services whicli followed, I am precluded from remark, as the battalions of my corps were restrained 2)5 from much active participation in them, by their having been allotted for the defence of Nova Scotia. A Parliamentar/ Vote of 10,129 Marines passed in November, which involved rn augmentation of many companies to the Establishment for the service of 1777. .rjcTJ/- iam^: :<^f -». •- -.• f, »U^ *f4V#ii CHAP. XXX. i ,- *' f L.ORD Howe, who had arrived in America during the last year as Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Naval Forces, was united with his brother in a civil, as well as a military commission. Exerting the conciliatory influence of the former, they proclaimed to the deluded, these tenders of forgiveness which emanated from their power. The term ** guilty," however, was not understood by the Americans, who, from the era of general independance, qualified every individual action as proceeding under the sanction of a Free Government. Of course these well meant offers produced but little effect. •> After ..nany battles and skirmishes between the contending parties, in which British valour was ever conspicuous, and the resources of General Washington uniformly great, Long Island, New York, and Rhode Island, were subjected to the Royal dominion, and the Jerseys over run by our forces. They in turn, however, met with reverses, which must always be expected in. war. To follow all those movements is not within my range^. Ill 'i.•>,* ii.',,i- SchUylkill. "^ \,f^t^\u '.>v ji.,.j ►i#' iv ;i ; . .. ,.:v.;^ * i i^r ■'• 'It was necessary also to attack Red Bank, on the opposite shore of New Jersey, where the enemy had constructed a very strong redoubt, filled with heavy artillery. ■ i In co-operation with a powerful fire against Mud Fort, from some guns planted on the Western, or Pensylvania side, an attack upon it and the rebel craft was resolved on. For this service, the • Augusta, of 64 guns, and Merlin sloop were allotted. ''/i.'iU % m w *' 211 Owing to tho nnvigation of Uic Channel being oLurcd by the simken obstacles whidi tVAty wUece presanted dn ^Ic^p water, both can aground, ns tlvc bud of the livor was also aiiected by tbem. Tlus did not jrosUaln Captain Keynolds, dow Xiord Ducie, from maintaining a heavy cannonade Qgain.st the American works and vessels, or from auccoufully combating the effects of some fire-&bips that approached £or his dastcviction. The Augusta, eiUier from a red hot shot, or her owji wadding, wa&, after a warm €Oiito»ti -in fUunes, which suspended every liostile ttSottt and turned tho attention of jaioat to their own preservattoai. Amidst the awful conflagration, and aji incessant discliargc from the rebels, Captain Rcyn(>l(U retained his intrinsic coohiess. After each had consulted his own safety, and ino hope remained of stifling the flames, he continued alone, alternately toc^ ^QS' his coat, waist- coat, and stock, placed tliem on the gangway, and committed him- self to the doop. Heaven interposed at this perilous moment, and preserved a life, wltich was subsequently marked by the most gallant .deeds, and is still prolonged to justify the goodness of Providence, by the display of every virtue that can adorn human nature. Captain, at present Major General Barclay, of Marines, was a companion in this trying scene, and was much distinguished for his steady conduct. The Merlin was also destroyed. *h^>i «.,. Tliis fatal attempt by sea, was alike disastrous on tlte part of the Army. A well-concerted ond bold attack upon Red Bank, by a large Corps of Heiiians, terminated in repulse and a heavy loss. Unfortunate as was tho issue of both, still each department well merited a sprig of the laurel. " , ^- 2i9 From the importance of the object, the views of our CommaDders were renewed against these strong posts. The exertions of the OfHcers and Seamen of the Fleet wore great, and toilsome in trans- porting cannon and stores to a small morassy spot, named Province Island, which would effiectu^ly disturb the enemy. Having opened fire from it, and a fair breeze springing up, a well-digested plan of naval attack was carried intoefi^t. ■^ Proceeding by diifecent channels, the ships were brought against various points of Mud Fort, and otheE branches of defence, upon the I'Sth of November, when, after a long destructive cannonade, the rebels deserted it in- the ni^it. Captain Cornwallisi in the Isis,, s4iewed much judgment and spirit upon this occasion. " A detachmenrt from the Army having been also directed against Red Bank, the Americans hastily withdrew,, after |>artly destroying the woiks, but leaving their artillery and stores., They also set fire to matiy of their vessels' on the rivwrvi.ijr -fii v.-;/; yrn-Hlvvmn- •>i Tlius was a way;, in some degree, opened for supplies to tlie troops in Philadelphia.. General Washington, wlio had followed the Royal Army, remained in its vicinity, but constantly resisted every effort in bringing him to a general action. The unhappy issue of the expedition under Lieutenant General Burgoyne, previous to this era, threw a general damp, and accelerated the decision of France in entering the list against us. By apparent and occasional concessions, that insidious Power observed a tem- porizing system, until she had attained the means of following up t ill 220 her hostile views. So suspicious were her designs, however, that considerable armaments continued to be carried on in our ports. During this period of national despondency, the towns of Liver- pool and Manchester nobly stepped forth in aid of their Country. Each tendered looo men, which was accepted, and their patriotic example was diffused throughout the land. Involved in a civil contest, the natural energies of Britain were paralyzed by the floating hopes of reconciliation, and an enfeebling compassion towards her American fellow-subjects. An unhappy faction continued also to oppose our ill-guided . councils, at this awful crisis, from which the rebels derived a fatal, but animating spirit. No true Englishman can throw an eye upon the transactions of that momentous era, without the most poignant reflections for his suffering country. Long may the sad precedent, and its baneful results, be stamped on every heart ! May the imperious obligations of fidelity to our King, and general union amidst public danger, be coeval with the age at which every Briton is taught his duties to his God ! !!»'.. ,': y-Ol 'I MU-l ■ ' l) f,- -.'*.- *_-♦ # v Kfv1,- >i 225 i-MtiAimti '/• f ^A^-> .. ^,is; tuiM ' CHAP. XXXI. JEjLEVEN thousand Marines constituted the establishment of 1778. ' .. .1 . 'I . ■'i!: --. li 'f ■ i Until the close of the last year France stood in awe, and con- tinued to cherish the flames of rebellion by assurances only of support. Remarking the humbled spirit of our nation, at all times too prone to over-rate its calamities, that Power became less cautious, and in a little time avowed her inimical purposes. This was accelerated by a meditated plan of reconc'iiation, which had undergone the sanction of Parliament, and was about being submitted to the American revolters. Jfc j: To circumvent its effects, our natural enemy closed with these States a treaty of commerce and defensive alliance upon the 6th of February, which inspired them with a well-timed hope of rising superior to all their pressures. Never did Mercy appear in such odious colours, as when she went forth to the Colonists. Her good offices were every where rejected with contempt and disdain, of which the American Congress gave a conspicuous example. The British Army too, could not recognize Her, and doubted much whether Slie was of true English origin. ■ • Winter had suspended every active essay on the part of both armies, excepting in the case of some detachments that were from •IH, •■..#. 2i2a. necessity pushed into the country for supplying our numerous forces in Philadelphia ; to afford a protection to the suffering Loyalists, and to annihilate the ships and vessels of the rebels, which still remained higher up the Delaware river. One of these was entrusted' to the Hon. Major Maitland, who had long served with distinguished credit in the Corps of Marines, whose high military talents had recently paved the way for his transit into the line, and which placed him, at this time, at the head of a Battalion of Light Infentry. .... ^_^ V In conjunction with Captain Henry,. o£ the Royal- Navy, wlio commanded a force of three gaUies and otlier armed: small, craitj the Mijor embarked in some flfat-bottoined boats, with the 2d Battalion of Light troops, upon the 7th of May;. Agreeably to his instructions,, he proceeded to destroy, the rebel Marine between Philadelphia: and. Trenton. At ten on the noon of the 8th, he landed at White-hill, where a superior force of the enemy, chiefly Cavalry, seemed determined (o oppose his progress. After having got ashore sonac field-pieces. Major Maitland pushed on towards Bordentown with great alaerity,. driving before him the rebels, and surmounting, with much spirit,- many local obstacles. Hero he took five guns that commanded the river, and burnt a large quantity of provisions, tobacco>. military stores, and camp equipage. " ^..«*...*« ^ ™ „. a > . Tl)c. enemy began to collect in* great numbers at Trenton, w-liere tliey looked for this flying detachment; but their leader, after indulging them in this idea, suddenly struck off towards the river, i-e-embarked, and took post on the Pennsylvania shore. .'lifir!. 1^4 ■ 223 Early an the morning of the 9th, he advanced to Biles-island Creek, 'burnt sonie valuable vessels, moved on to Bristol, thirteen miles distant, in the afternoon destroyed every ship there, and returned, with his active followers, on board the boats at sun-set. Never was the distinguishing motto of *• hllariter et cekriier" mor^ truly exemplified than throughout these rapid duties. The manner in which this service was performed, was liighly characteristic of the genius ctf that man who so completely achieved it. The rebel loss amounted to 2 frigates, 9 large ships, 6 privateers, 23 brigs, and many schooners ; besides an immensity of goods and stores, ■■^•"-^ ■;^,f^" ,;.v;.; .; '-.v^vr ■ The Navy very justly were entitled to their share in these honourable transactions. ''■'''- '»;*^ *^ General Howe soon after resigned his command to Sir Henry Clinton, whose first measure was the evacuation of Philadelphia, upon the morning of the 18th of June. In this retreat they were materially aided by the sliips of war, as the whole Army, by the admirable dispositions of Lord Howe, were conveyed and encamped on the Jersey shore before ten at noon. Their retrogade progress to New York, with its attending incidents, are events unconnected with my purpose. The preparations of Fran-^e had preceded her hostile avowals. Count D'Estaing, putting to sea from Toulon in April, made the Virginia coast early in the month of July. His hopes were to have found the British Fleet and Army, in the Delaware, and at Piiila- delphia, and by an united attack with General Washington on both, to have struck a blow at once decisive of the fate of America. ■:^J>: " 224 Disappointed in these, he proceeded ofF New York, and after a few menaces he again disappeared, at first shaping his course to the Southward. But this was merely to cover liis design against Rhode Island, in concert with a rebel force under General Sullivan. The French Admiral entered that harbour upon the 8th of August, anchoring his fleet between Newport and Conanicut, ,,,^ i Advice having been sent to Lord Howe, at New York, of the enemy's motions, his Lordship hastened to relieve the Garrison, .'nd arrived in sight of it on the morning of the 9th. • D'Estaing, seizing a favourable wind, pushed out again, and formed in line, with the evident resolution of hazarding a battle, , After two days of able moenuvring on the part of Lord Howe to gain the wind, which was thwarted by adverse circumstances, he quietly awaited the enemy'^ attack. Just on the eve of conflict, Neptune interposed, and scattered the hostile fleets. , , "^?m i ' This produced some single actions, in which Englifli valour uniformly triumphed against powerful superiority, but was rendered unavailing in every instance, by the contingencies of fortune. The gallantry of Dawson, Hotham, and Raynor will appear indelible upon our Naval annals, as well as the bravery of those Seamen and Marines who so nobly seconded them. ■ j|| , ^ . • Tlie French Fleet, after recovering from the storm, again peeped into Rhode Island, from whence the rebels had retreated in con- fusion. It gladly took refuge in Boston, whither Lord Howe fol- lowed it, but durst not attempt so strong a position. , , . Thus D'Estaing gained but little from his system of surprize. He was a fit agent to have executed the insidious schemes of his w 225 Court,' v/heh we recollect his breach of parole in the East, which would have made him the sanctioned victim to a halter, if he had fallen within our power, " The appearance of a new and natural foe seemed to revive in every breast the flame of patriotism. At no period of our national existence did the English character appear more great. The Com- mercial Sailor vied with his Majesty's servants in the Fleet and Army in this noble and emulous zeal. , , Admiral Byron having sailed from England in the beginning of June, reached»?^e ^^.merican coast with his fleet, but in a detached and shattered state. An evil planet seemed to rule over all his destinies, and his good fortune fell much short of his merit. Lord Howe having resigned the Naval command to that Officer, he proceeded off V^iton, after haAJj^pg repaired aU damages, from which he was dri ;-" ' J Rhode Island by a heavy gale that proved fatal to some of his ships. Of this D'Estaing took occasic.i to slip out, and with a powerful force aimed his future efforts against our West India islands, , r^.;-. .:;, , . .■tr;,- .^•■. " ^:-. .,'-.%;-, .-■:•■,/-,. Thither Commodore Hotham was detached with ten regiments, under General Grant, who joined Admiral Barrington at Barbadoes on the 10th of December, and on the I2th proceeded against St. Lucia. Here the army landed, while the squadron anchored in the Cul de Sac, where some Seamen and Marines were disembarked to man the batteries on each side of the harbour. D'Estaing, who had reached Martinique, sailed also to realize his plans of conquest ; but hearing of the descent upon St. Lucia, he resolved upOn relieving it. The attempt was fruitless, but it yielded G G » m 226 the display of much obstinate valour on both sidesi The Frencli trere completely beaten, and the island fell. It would carry me beyond my purposed bounds to dwell upon the many e^/ents of this year. The Marine Soldier was almost entirely limited to Naval dudes, which' were, m a detacbed; sense, both numerous and brilliant upon the coasts of America. ^'<^ «»^.>.v"rv . In the :ndtecis)-e battle of tire 27th of July, between^ the grand Fxects of Britain and France, Lieutenant John M'Donald, of Marines, on board the Prince GeorgCi was wounded. ' *>» A if* f » 1 kf.* ici/iAj^ 1 "/'ftrji' ■"" * V *i* 'fin ■■fu'i^^r .:h^- tvy;Mldit'' 1wl.f: ^* r/- nr. ,mrryru: CHAP. XXXII. ^ ''-^'^ • ■"■"^' JlT is a tribute meritedly due to tKe Battalions of Marines who acted so gallantly in the field, to take a retrospective, view of their general good conduct at Halifax, and the series of events connected with them. As it has already been stated, they accompanied General Howe from Boston to t^at place. The active exertions of the subordinate ranks on board of the transports, not half manned, and encumbered besides with the persons and property of the faithful Loyalists while on the passage, were such, that a pecuniary recompence was given to many of them, on their reaching Nova Scotia. Soon after their arrival, both Corps were reviewed by that dis- tinguished Officer, Lord Percy, whose testimony, in consequence, was couched in the following terms : — a 22T .i' ** Lord Percy bdmg vkU. pleased with the apipearatice and " performance of the Marine fiattaiions yesterday (April 30, 1776), " desires his thanks to the OfHoers (in particular) and the raen, for *• their steadiness and attention in their Bcreral movements." ' Lieutenant Colonel (afterward General) Collins had assumed the command of them soon after their reaching Halifax^ and retained it until his health obliged him to return to Europe, when it devolved upon Major Souter, by orders from the Board of Admiralty. Both Battalions were extremely solicitous to have united with the Army under Sir William Howe, when 'On the eve of leaving Halifax for more active services ; but t!he defence of Nova Scotia being at that period a very important object, if^lfAS partly entrusted to them, and the Grenadier Companies alone Tverc permitted the honour. On the ist-of June the notice of am additional indulgence to the Captains of Marine Companies was published to both Corps. ' ' - " The Lords of the Admiralty are pleased lo rllow the Captains •* of Marines the pay of an additional man per Company, which " will increase their" present allowance to is. 6(1. per day, for •' paying their Companies, providing necessaries, repairing arms, •* and burying their dead, in like manner as is practised in the *' Army, and still on shore in Nortli Amerit^^f The Deputy •* Paymaster will issue the same. Tiie additional man per day •♦ to commence from the time the Army in America was allowed '• the same." . , ^ - In order to inspire emulation, and to fotitcr in the memoiies of all the glorious I7th of June, Colonel Collins issued the following Battalion-orders upon that day : — 2 m si m I 3^ ^B *' In consequence of this day being the anniversary of the 17th •* of June, when the Marines behaved in a brave gallant manner *' at the attack of the rebel redoubt on the heights of Cbarlestown, " Colonel Collins extends pardon to all offenders to this day." If the enemy had attempted Halifax, the line of battle directed by Major General Massey was, " That Lieutenant Colonel Collins, ** with the 1st Battalion of Marines, should draw up his right at '• the house this side of Pedley's Hill. The Royal Highland ** Emigrants, Royal Americans, Loyal Nova Scotia Volunteers^ ** and 2d Battalion of Marines, under Major Tupper, on the left ; *f the whole to form on the road. Lieutenant Gillespie, with the ** field-pieces, in the centre ; (j^tain Ramsay, with his detach- *• mcnt of the I4th Regiment, to form on the grand parade, and ** wait for orders from the Governor or Geperal. TJie faithful well- ** tried old Soldiers left here for garrison-duty, under command of *• Lieutenant Needham, and the other Overseers of the works to •• form on the Citadel Hill. Lieutenant Lindsay, with his troops, " to form at the Dutch Church, where Genial Massey will have ' ' two mortars, with two howitzers fixed for his Corps ; and he " makes not the least doubt of their readiness to assist in crushing ♦* rebellion.** ^ ■ ■'■ '.>;-: ^..;> . -- i^.. .. .• Lieutenant Colonel Collins having obtained leave to return to England for his health, bid farewell to his Corps in these words, upon the 1 6th of September : — ^, .:js;ii;«; urj • ' *• The Commanding Officer begs leave ta assure the two Bat- *• talions of Marines, that it is necessity, not inclination, which *' forces him from hence. His highest ambition woidd have been m n9 *' to have conducted them to England, when this distempered state *• of America was settled. He begs leave to return the Officers '* thanks foi their constant attention, and flatters himself the ** service will be carried on in the same uniform line it has hitherto " been, and if the change of climate permits the re-establishment of *' his health, he will join them as soon after as possible." " As a just compliment to the discipline established by Lieutenant Colonel Collins, Major Souter, who succeeded him, gave out these orders, to both battalions of Marines, on the I8th of September. *' Major Souter desiring that the orders Lieut. Colonel Collins ** has issued for the regulation and management of both '^Jiattalions ** be uniformly and invariably pursued; particularly those of an ** Officer of a Company seeing that the men are properly dressed *• and appointed, when, ordered on duty, before they are brought ** to the parade, and that no drunken men are allowed to fail into «• the ranks at roll-calling.. The Captains are likewise to keep ** up the necessaries and ^pointments that have been ordered^" The gallant conduct of the Light Infantry Companies of Marines on a preceding occasion, drew forth the encomium of Major General Massey, upon the 1 9th of December, in these handsome words : *' His Honor the Lieutenant Governor having made application " to Major General Massey, that the two Light Infantry Companies '• of Marines should continue at Fort Cumberland, the General has *• consented to it, and takes this opportunity to inform their Brother " Soldiers that Major Bald, (who commanded tliere in a la'T •' skirmish with the banditti rebels), in liis report to Major General ** Massey, tells him " that the two Light Companies run at the ."■.*■'. ■fi'ir 230 ** rebels like lioDS, und behaved most b^jively/' MrHoh Ooneral *< Massey comnaunkatcs to the garfisoR witih V!ast pleasure." That gallant and good Ofiijer, now Lord Ciaxkia, ever ready to attend to suppliant saerit, and the Soldiers wants, in general (wders of the 24th of February, 1777> thus answers the Petition of the 1st BafttalioB of Marines :— '* Major General Massey often receiving a petition from the ** ist Battalion o( Mariiaes {signed Launcelot Poverty)., is happy to *' comply with their ^^quest, as their uniform good behaviour, ** during the winter, well merits tha^ indulgence. It is therefore " has ordj^s, that Major Souter permits the men to work as he shall ** judge proper, but that no substitutes must be allowed in their puoiic duty. "I'jMj jr.ij 4K»ij* .fnn^^te v ^ '**"<•« «'«'■-'■ 'J "' ' I ►»',' ■»«>'«'■'•■ In tlie month of March, the Commander ia Chief expecting some actual service, was pleased to uominaie Lieutenant (now Colonel) TroUope, with a party of Marines, to be trained under Lieutenant Gillespie, of the Royal Artillery, to practice quick firing and traversing the great guns. . , .^..^ ..„. , „. Early in April the two Battalions were consolidated into one, by orders of the Board of Admiralty, addressed to Major Souter, to the following effect : — ^ • • - ;■! . -*" ! *' By the Commissioners for executing tlie office of Lord High " Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, ice. " Whereas the Earl of Sandwich has signified to us his Majesty's *' pleasure, that the two Battalions of Marines, serving under your " command, shall be formed into one Battalion, to consist of one *♦ Captain, four Subalterns, five Serjeants, five Corporals, four %^ Q^i *• drummers, and 100 private men each, conformable fo the present •• establishment of the Corps, together t^ith the following Field and *• Staff Officers, viz. two Majors, one Adjutant, one Chaplain, one ** Quarter Master, one Smgeon, and one Surgeon's Mate ; you are •* hereby required and directed to form the said two Battalions into ** one Battalion accordingly, with the Field and Staff Officers as •• before mentioned, and having so done, you are to cause the non- ** commissioned Officers and private men which may remain after ** this Battalion is formed, to be embarked in such of his Majesty's " ships serving in North America under the command of Vice '* Admiral "discount Howe, as may be in want of them, agreeable ** to the requisition which will be made to you by his Lordship for * * that purpose ; but with respect to the commissioned Officers, over ** and above the number necessary for compleating the said Battalion, ** you are to send them to England by the first opportunity that *• offers, in order to join their respective Divisions, unless Lord .iowe *• shall apply to you, for any of them to serve in the ships of his ** squadron, in which case you are to supply them accordingly. " Given under our hands, 1st January, 1777. "Sandwich, J. Buller, " H. Palliser." " To Major Soutet or Commanding Officer Marines, Halifax." ** fii ■ 4' *• By command of their Lordships, ** Phil, Stephens.' k!J c 232 ** III consequence of the above arrangement, such Officers as '* choose to return to England are desired to give in their names to '* the Commanding Officer." Pursuant to this order from the BoArd, the following Officers, non-commissioned Officcri, and drummers, were appointed to compose the new Battalion-— Field Officers — Majors Souter, Hon. John Maitiand. Orf ICIRt, OKINADIKRIt IRRJIANTI. CORPORAIS. DRUMMERS. , Capt. Averne Markhole Daffey Sweeton Lieut. Ragg Sargent >« Martin Saul y Vevers Pollock Blake Stewart West Pike Cunningham Saul— Wallace Bryald Pichen j.KU Midway ^, tlOHT IMfAHTRVr ■ Capt. Pitcaim Davii Ross Edwards 1 1 1 1 Lieut. Dyer Hill Turtle Maclean 1 Short Collier ' ' Sutherland Cook 1 Pritchard Wilkinson Leeson 1 Jarvii . Baker 1 Capt. Elliot 1 ! >• Edwards Davis . Wm. Cuminc 1 Lieut. Ewing Gallaghar Flinn ' ''■ Grant I Moore Pugh Allen Isgrove I ' J. Lewis Bible Gurney Wood I ' — Bowman Pulford— .Watkins Smith • 1 * « 233 LIOHT UriANTHT. GRENADIERS. SBRIEAKT3. CORPORALS. DRUMMERS. Capt. D. Johnson Pitches Wheeler J, Cumine Lieut. Kempe Fitzimons . ^ Jones M'Donald Hillman Cooper ')(,' f. Foliard Flanagan Tantum Newman Almint Lane TroUope Franklin— -Perry Coxan — Tooze nJi.- J.!,. Capt. Macdonald Bowden Lieut. F. Lewis Higgins — — Jacobs Southway ^ Long Crea", , .. Breffeld Williamson Morris Birmingham Shea Bottey Gilbert Hardy— Carey Styles mo J Pithrick Higgins Capt. Griffiths Hay ward Silby Lieut. Eustace Woodliouse Parker - -- , r ''■ ■ iJik •<()<' Handford Carey ,^ . Poole Norraway Meredith Traffles Brookes Creswell Campbell — Rowe Hill . ; STAFF. Robinson Shuter Roper Miles W :>•=^!^.U >;r'';' :> ( .;tl-. Doctor Boyles John Waller Thomas Smith Charles Hill James Silven ./ ti" Chaplain. Adjutant. Quarter Master Surgeon Surgeon's Mate. m-tn m.§ Hh vt',- Uin, 234 An order, upon the 29th of April, to the Marine Battalion, extended the allowances of six contingent men to Captains of Companies, until the pleasure of the Admiralty Board was known. In consequence of a review of the Battalion by the Commander in Chief at Halifax, the following after-orders were given out on the 9th of June : — •* Major General Massey approves so very highly of the steadi- '• ness as well as the appearance of the Corps of Marines which '* he had the honour to review this day, that he returns Major " Soutcr, the Officers, and Soldiers, his most grateful thanks for *• their performance in the field." Lieutenant TroUope, of Marines, was appointed to the duty of attending tlie Commander in Chief; and Lieut. Waller as Brigade Major to the Provincial forces, during 1777. In December of that year. Lieutenant John Oldfield, who had lately received a Marine commission, after having served with much credit as a Volunteer, was directed by General Massey to accompany Colonel Goreham to Fort Cumberland, in these handsome terms : — " Lieutenant Oldfield, of the Battalion of Marines, is to return *• with Lieut. Colonel Coreham to join the Light Infantry of that *' Corps, Lieut. Oltlfn-ld having acquired so thorough a knowledge ♦' of that country, which the General hopes will recommend him to " farther notice and future promotion," His Majesty's sliip Milford having run on shore, was nearly lost in the beginning of December. Sucli were the exertions of the Marines upon the occasion, tliat Sir William Burnaby, her Com- mander, felt it his incumbent duty to tender them his thanks- in 233 these words—-'* Sir William Burnaby desires his thanks may be •• given to the Officers and men of the Battalion, who so actively '• assisted in getting oft' his Majesty's ship Milford." Tliis was read to the Companies at evening roll-calling. . Lieutenant Trollope having been appointed Secretary to Major General Massey, Lieut. Tantum, a respectable young Officer (who was afterwards unfortunately drowned in the Ville de Paris), was attached as an assistant Artillery Officer in his stead ; a party of Marines was trained to the great guns, and the command of the Half-moon Battery, as well as of the Citadel, was allotted him under the event of an alarm. '■■. «- , ■■■- . ..... Although neither the circumstances of the action, or i ame of the achiever, are alluded to in the following detail, still it carr'.sj in it that zealous anxiety to promote discipline, by recompencin;;* r.ierit, that I cannot omit its insertion. ...... *' General Orders, Halifax, February 27, 1778. i-ii* •* That good Marine Soldier who was yesterday with General •' Massey, and who now forgets his name and Company, the " General wishes to sec to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, as he *• wants to reward him for his loyalty. General Massey will be " much obliged to Major Souter to order this to be read by an Officer, *' at roll-calling, to the different Companies." . . In April, Lieutenant Jacobs who was r; \ ornament to his Corps, (subsequently drowned at St. Lucia) was appointed to act as Overseer to the King's Works, which were carrying on. ' No occasion seemed to have been lost by General Massey in calling forth talents wherever they were to be found, and applying 2 «3 236 v^ them to the public good. Such precedents, if generally adopted upon service, would stimulate the Marine Officer to the early study of every branch of military education. It is but rarely that we are . . . *. inclined to devote our attention to sciences which may never be called into action, and what our professional views seem almost to render unnecessary. This knowledge may adorn the man, but it is too often restrained from being useful to our Country. •• ■)' Upon the 25th of August the Marine Battalion was struck off the roster of duty in the garrison of Halifax, previous to its embarkation for Europe. • >o sa Ixsn ^^^s n;x'?:.>!i iiii^iti-U^^i Major Genp.ral Massey delivered, in Public Orders of the 30th, his testimony of the general conduct of both Officers and men to this effect: — ,.^,.^ _ ,,.•-. „_ ,, ** The Commander in Chief cannot part with the Marine Corps, *• without telling them he was pleased with their soldier-like *• appearance at the review of yesterday, and now has the pleasing *' satisfaction to s-ay, that he has had the honour to command that " Corps for above two years, 'without ever hearing of a Court Martial *' in it, or ever rebuking an Officer or Soldier, .-,... ...;,>..-.. .^^.,. ... " He will therefore make such a report of that respectable body ** of men as they merit, and now wishes Officers and Soldiers •' plenty of prize-money, and makes not a doubt but they will '• always contribute to the glory of his Majesty, King George's arms." On the 1st day of September the whole embarked, but in consequence of a petition from the Lieutenant Opvernor and Council , of the Province of Nova Scotia, intreating their continuance, in order to yield their tribute of respect, the Commander in Chief 237 was pleased to intimate the following notice, in Public Orders of the 7th:-- - " The Lieutenant Governor and Council having made applica- *' tion to Major General Massey, praying the Marine Corps may be *' detained here, and Lord Viscount Howe having left the deter- " mination to him, the Major General is happy to comply with the *• Lieutenant Governor's request ; they, therefore, are to continue in " the harbour till further orders, and Major Souter will please to " land the mei\ on board the transports, at either Dartmouth or the " Eastern Battery, in order to give them an airing, at such times as " he may choose to order." ■ t Notwithstanding that the result of this liberal indulgence pro- duced a constant intercourse between the town and transports during their stay, still the same harmony reigned during their social hours ; and to the eternal honour of the meanest Marine Soldier, neither the merchant, the fatherless, the widow, or the orphan, could cast an eye after him for an unliquidated shilling. Such conduct necessarily drew the grateful sentiments of the Constituted Powers, which were expressed to Major Souter by a letter from Mr. Bulkeley, of which the following is a copy : — '* Halifax, Sept. 10, 1778. Sir, " I have singular pleasure in obeying the request of the ** Members of his Majesty's Council, by conveying to you, and " the rest of the Officers, our acknowledgments and thanks for *' the good order and discipline observed by the Battalion of *'- Marines under your command, during the whole time they W Si I',. 'J < 238 "Lave beea on duty in this town. I have the honour to ":be, Sir, .... ,,;.- *' Your most obedient humble servant, *• Richard Bulkeley." Major Souter. ' ' Those steady Soldiers soon after sailed for England, and they continued to preserve the same conduct through all their subsequent destmies. Ihave thus placed this train of honourable retrospect under one connected view. To have interspersed the incidents amongst the successive and fleeting periods in which they occurred, and what have been already discussed, would have been uninteresting and less impressive. I have peculiarly addressed myself to my Corps throughout this domestic narrative ; and while I have exhibited a bright pattern of valour, combined with steady discipline, in the Marine Battalions that were employed upon the soil of America, I am sanguine to hope, that after having viewed the picture, not one amongst our numerous ranks will ever deface its beauties. Jii' 239 -H' _/i?ii::, .r' ntaiu;. .■ :. Ji'F-S'A i'' C^.'-V ■■ ''':«!; ' '■ -jr CHAP. XXXIII. I The public emergencies called for a very considerable addition to the Corps of Marines in 1779. Seventeen thousand three hundred and eighty-nine were voted, being an efiective augmentation of 5560. ■'■ ■•• ''^-v;-;.- - --.^ .-■-/- ■ ,- .^ ■ .... Early in the year accountis were received of the capture of Pondicherry, by the united efforts of the Navy under Sir Edward Vernon, and a large force of European and Company's troops under Sir Hector Monr?. After more than two months of very fatiguing duties, owing to the heavy rains, the siege was brought to that issue,, which invited a general assault* The works having been much battered in every quarter of approach, three diflferent attacks were meditated ; against L'HospitaL Bastion to the southward, the East face of the North West Bastion, and from the sea to the northward. These arrangements having been made, nearly L'OO Seamen, and all the Marines of the squadron were landed on the ir)th of October 1778, in order to have joined in the storm, which was to have taken place on the 1 7th. But Monsieur Belleconib, who had hitherto defended himself with much obstinacy, dreading this event, proposed terms of surrender, which were accepted. Many were of opiiuoii, that had he withstood the onset, its result would have 'm v . 1( ■ \ :/ 1 11 ' M 240 been fatal to the British Army, from the extensive mines that he might hnve sprung. Athniral Byron, who arrived in the West Indies in the beginning of 1779, rendered our Naval force in that country superior to the enemy. He was foiled in every attempt to bring D'Estaing to an action, who kept close in Martinique. The English Admiral having • oi. to leeward, with a view to collect the ,'iomeward-bound at St. Kitt's, and to escort them, a small detachment of French troops took St. Vincent, after a very inad'.'quatc resistance ; and the conquest of Grenada soon after followed, but under circumstances highly honourable to Lord Macartney and our arms. At this, D'Estaing, who united in himself the character of the Soldier and the Seaman, was present, and led a Frencli colunui in storming the British linej upon Hospital Hill. These were carried, after a gallant defence, which led to the immediate surrender of the Island. . ., .^1 ,. ,„, • : ,:},•.. Scarcely was this accomplished, when he was called to act upon another clement by the approach of Admiral Byron, who, deceived by intelligence as to the French force, hastened down under a press of sail and in a scattered order. A general ardour pervaded all to close with tlie enemy, whose numbers could only be gradually porcrivcd as Ihey stretched out from the land. They were at last dihcovered to be far superior to the chacing fleet, when the advanced ships of it, led by Admiral Barrington, nobly seconded by Captain, now Lord (Jardiner, in the Sultan, and Sawyer in the Boyn«, had begun tlu; battle. To these names may be added Captains Colling- wood, Edwards, and Cornwallis, as having been highly distinguished 24 J on the 6th of July, Lieut. Jonah Vealc, of Marines, was killed in this action, and Lieut. Richards wounded. ■' ■ D'Estaing evinced a total want of Naval cnterprize through the day. He returned to Grenada during tl)c following night, while Admiral Byron proceeded to St. Kitt's to repair his damages. , ^^ The approach of the hurricane season dctcrnnned the French Admiral to take refuge, with his fleet, nt Hispaniola, where he received an urgent call to unite with the Armies of America iu recovering the Province of Georgia. Elated with his success at Grenada, he anticipated to himself the glory, not only of driving the British from this Colony, but of exterminating them from every post which they occupied along the sea-coasts of that Continent. There was not, to appearance, a force sufficient to stem his ambitious views ; but they were opposed and frustrated by a spirit wliich often compensates the want of numbers, ^ D'Estaing's arrival on the coast of Georgia, early in September, was marked with a partial success by capturing the Experiment, of 50 guns, after a gallant defence on the part of Sir James Wallace. Unaccustomed to such an event as the <;apture of an English two- decker, it was considered as a favourable omen, and swelled his presumptuous hopes. The appearance of such ar armanient struck wonder into General Prevost and the Garrison of Savannah, which were intended as the first, victims to its power. .t^r^ General Lincoln, with the Rebel Army from South Carolina, hearing of their new allies, moved towards Georgia, to combine in the attempt. ?^ '3« «# mi t.'.; ;'«. 242 ■H^: # «■ General Prevost issued orders to concentrate his detacliments, and began to add to his works. Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, commanded that force in the river Savannah with much zeal. It became expedient, ruon the nearer advance of the French Fleet, to move the ships of war close to the town, to land the gun'; and Seamen, and to incorporate their Marines with the Grena*liers of the 60th RegimenU '^ '■ '';' ' •' :•»?■ : ^ M. After D'Estaing had debarked his army of 5000 men, he in- stantly marched against Savannah, without waiting lor Lincoln, and desired the Garrison to surrender, on the 1 6th of SepteMiber« General ■^ Prevost solicited delay in answering his summons ; in ortler to givv*; time for his outposts to jovi> him, ^ - ' ^^' — - Durhig the critical inteiHrrJ of 24 hours, which were allowed, that brave and active Officer, Lieut. Colonel Maitland, v/hom i have formerly ipentioned, reached Savannah with a force of 800 me a, after having encountered obstacles and difficulties of the most tryiUj/ kind. Already, during the campaign of 1779, had he shewn himself most consummate in all the requisites of a Soldier, by the stand he m ide at John's Island with a handful of men, against ten times his numbers, under General Lincoln. That deed alone was enough to fix his military fame, which acquired additional glory by his wading march from Beaufort, to the relief of Prevost. In this, few men could have equalled, and none surpassed his undaunted fortitude and steady perseverance. It was the means of saving Georgia and its Capital. Such were his personal fatigues and anxieties to reach the scene of liis future duties, that both struck at the vitals of his existence, 243 which afterwards closed a life long valuable to mankind by habitual exercises of the most amiable benevolence, and happy to himself by the approving consciousness of its having never been stained by dishonour. The activity of his spirit, however, buoyed him up^ under every bodily suffering, while Savannah was besieged by the enemy. -.*/ ,;■-■( >' ■■■>*^. -'■, :.<■ , .;';j; "i;'rr ■ .;.• . • ^:.:':;vv,.. ; .,/,>>^ ■;,.- My limits will not allow me the extent of detail, which was very creditable to the courage and exertions of all. Count D'Estaing, little looking for such protracted operations^ and growing impatient under them, determined to storm early ott the nBorn:ing of the 9th of October. _., Two feigned attacks by the American Militia, were planned against the Garrison, to attract its attention to the centre and left, and it was also resolved that, whilst D'Estaing and Lincoln moved against Spring-hill redoubt in front, Count Dillon, with another column, should advance along the edge of a swamp which com- municates with the river above the town, silently pass the redoubts and batteries, and thus gain the rear of the British lines. This column losing its way, was erabarrasced in the morasses, and after tlie dawn was exposed to a heavy fire, tiiat threw it into a disorder from which it could not recover. ; D'Estaing, under the cover of darkness, got near the redoirot just as the day began to break ; but he was received with inccssaiU voUies and heavy discharges, which committed a dreadful carnage. Tlas part of defence was entrusted to Captain Tavvse and his little Corps of Provincial Dragoons, who maintained it with enthusiastic bravery. Alternately had the French and American standard been 2 •I-. i M:'-^^\ &; tf 244 planted on the parapet, when that gallant Chief, defending in person the gate of his redoubt, and his sword still unentanglcd from the body of an impetuous Frenchman, received his own death-wound. Here there still continued a doubtful contest for possession, when Lieut. Colonel Maitland, commanding the force upon the right of our lines, pushed on the 60th Regiment and the Marines, who, with charged bayonets, soon decided the struggle. The assailants were driven from the ditch, and retreated quickly, with the loss of 901 killed and wounded. ; •,* ^;i!:..i'i.,« 'v .- ...i::ii;iv^ .; jurr;.,' It was with difficulty the British could be restrained from following their superior forces, whose future operations were limited to the re-embarkation of their troops and stores, and the retreat of the Rebel Army into South Carolina. -■.■- -. •- . ... . .. . . • The Cmmt D'Estaing, with a part of his fleet, returned to France, after having achieved nothing worthy of notice, and his- other ships proceeded for the West Indies. ' ' "''*'■; - ^'^ • - Throughout this service the Navy were justly entitled to a great share of merit. Never were the exertions of the Sailors at the great- guns more animated or useful. " '• Captain, afterwards Colonel MoncriefFe, of the Engineers, ex- hibited symptoms of the highest talents in his profession ; and a share of iionour truly falls to the lot of Captain Charlton, of the Corps of Royal Artillery, which has been eminently and uniformly great upon every service allotted them. , - .. r .^ ; Lieut. Colonel Glazier, who led the Grenadiers and Marines in the charge which decided the fate of every thing, attracted much praise. 245 i,)' i ,{ Soon after the raising of the siege, Lieut. Colonel Maitland' fell a sacrifice to his fatigues, which, producing a bilious fever, deprived his Country of a faithful servant, and the Soldier of a true friend* - .. Si* George Collier was most usefully attive during the period of bis command in North America. He undertook notiiing in which he did not succeed, and in every instance of service exhibited a prompt and decisive mind. The enemy's Commerce and Naval Power suffered much by his spirited measures, in which I cannot i follow him. : , ; .. . , In the month of June^ Spain, after having received her treasures in safety, entered the lists against Great Britain, whose situation now seemed desperate to all the surrounding Powers. But the hour of danger is the only occasion in which the native spirit of Englishmen can best be known or appreciated. It called forth that union which should ever constitute the pride, as it can alone secure the inde- pendence of a nation; / tvidi in*! K; >/ •-..■■ 1 if'^i: :, (iji^,/ nc Notwithstanding the immense superiority gained by this accession,^ still the vigour of our combined enemies was by no means in an adequate proportion. Their fleets soon after appeared on our coasts, in numbers we were unable to oppose ; but their exertions against them were at first repressed by discord, and finally averted by disease. ;'.(«.■;.(: , .i.iEh:f:a--i ••.;: . .• 'i:ii.J.'if' ^iii,:; I •• : .-ci The only service upon which the Corps of Marines was employed during the remainder of the present year, was in the capture of Omoa, effected by parties from the Charon, Lowestoff, and Pomona frigates, in conjunction with tlie Seamen of these ships, who were Ji-'i: ¥-.1. mh, I' 'rim 246 trained to 8m It is to be regretted tliat the name and locat origin of one intrepid Sailor, upoU' tlHs occasion, should liave been lost. Ascending with two cutlasseiy Ite iioon found an enemy almost asleep, whom 24T lie disdained to sacrifice : rousing him from his slumbers, he rut one into the Spaniard's hand, idling hhn they were now equal. Whether from a dislike to the combat, or in gratitude for such generous conduct, the tender, however, was not accepted. The Commanders declined some offers of ransom made by the enemy which would have been highly advantageous to themselves ; but they militated against their Country's interest. This conquest was obtained with a very trifling loss. Some valuable captures were brought into our ports during the year, and our Commerce was well protected. ■ •• ' Sir James Wallace, by an exploit in Cancalle Bay, recalled to the public mind the deeds of former times, by the capture or destruction of three frigates under the French batteries. Lieutenant A. J. Field, of the Marines, still lives an instance of Providence, by an escape from the melancholy fate of too many of his shipmates in the Quebec frigate, which blew up in action with La Surveillante. ■■Vf'.,". In this, British valour would have ultimately triumphed ; but it was obliged to yield to destiny. The most amiable manners, in union with a cool courage, were .he predominant features of Captain Farmer's character. *« :i;i: -yv" r: ; r. .. - . . . ; Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, ennobled himself by a brave defence against a much greater force, which assumes an historical importance, from its happy consequences in saving a large and valuable convoy entrusted to his care. ^^^ An action was fought between his Majesty's ship Pearl and the Spanish frigate St, Ammonica, which very much signalized 248 Captain, now Admiral George Montague, and in wliicli LieutenaiT* Fowke, of Marines, was also distinguished. Nothing of attached moment farther, appears within the review of 1779. CHAP. XXXIV. .*^^, ,1N every war it has been evident that state necessity has required an annual increase to the establishment of Marines. Eighteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine were the number decreed for the service of 1780. '5^ ,f ;^ »« »r^ It was at this period, and has since been too prevalent a custom, to embark recruits not only unscienced in discipline, but utterly untrained to arms. Such deficiencies could only be compensated by native valour, aided by the care of Officers in rendering them good marksmen, and by that punctual system which prevails in our ships of war. A few regular-built Soldiers should always be intermingled with every detachment ; a rule that can only be observed by main.- taining a sufficient strength during peace, or by a prompt levy on the commencement of hostilities. jiv iBr/m s' T.'luc^is ootr?!;!)' The year of 1780 was ushered in by some well-timed successes of Admiral Rodney. While nature has so clearly pointed out our means of defence, she has also taught our islanders to greet, with tenfold joy, every victory that is gained upon their favourite element. ^49 After eighteen months of war against an inveterate foe, nothing had been achieved worthy of being considered as a balance in the scale ; of course the taking of Langara in the Phoenix, with three other ships of the line, the explosion of the St. Domingo, and the destruction of the St. Julian and St. Eugenio, of 70 guns, added to the recent capture of one 64, escorting a valuable convoy, so croudcd together, filled the Country with general exultation. Admiral Rodney exhibited much enterprize, although he possessed superior numbers, by pursuing and vanquishing an enemy upon his own coasts, during a most dreadful gale, and on a lee shore, which had nearly proved fatal to many of his fleet, who, from their ardour, became entangled amongst the dangerous shoals of St. Lucar. " Sir George Rodney was most ably seconded by the vigour and counsel of his Captain, Young, whose talents as an Officer stood meritedly high. -v- , - j^m^m ; i» .\, '• Although the Spaniards fought bravely, still they plainly shewed that they were no adepts in the most essential branches of discipline ; as the blowing up of the St, Domingo, and a partial explosion in the Princessa, proceeded entirely from a want of internal system. ..i Lieut. Strachan, of Marines, brother to the present Sir Richard, was killed upon the forecastle of the Edgar in this action. ;.i < The immediate and happy effects of it were the relief of Gibraltar and Minorca, besides convincing the coasts of the Medi- terranean that Britain was still able to assert her former dominion on the seas. The Admiral prosecuted his course for the West Indies, while the bulk of the Fleet returned to England under a continuance of the same good fortune. •• ' :'•.;? ..r;i v :;k..;-,' , ■.^;, K K 250 Our enemies lost nine sail of the line upon the whole of this • expedition, which was suggested by necessity, but terminated with the most signal consequences. Accounts were received early in this year of the death of the - celebrated Captain Cooke, at the Island of O'why'he ; in defending whose valuable life, threatened by a horde of savages, four out of tiine of my Corps shared his destiny. !V,»'> Long had our avaricious neighbours, tlie Dutch, continued to foment the spirit of rebellion in the Western World, by various supplies, without which its virulence, nay its existence must have ceased. With one uniform character for punctuality in dealing, to an extent and nicety rarely known but in our own land, these moral virtues, which can alone give joy to the wealthy, are absorbed in •the Hollander by an unceasing pursuit of the same object. The bonds of nature, and all the ties of honour which unite nation to nation, are sacrificed by him to the call of self-interest. This friendly passion, and the repeated injuries sustained by England, brought on a rupture between the two countries, friends by alliance, but enemies in their principles of action. The detention of Count Byland added fuel to the flame, by furnishing means to the emissaries of France, in Holland, who were active in working upon the popular mind. From the beginning of 1780, the cause of these hostilities, which commenced towards the close of the year, may be dated. The conduct of the neutral Powers, at this crisis of accumulating difficulties, was equally ungrateful. At the head of them was Kussia, whom we had nurtured in Naval tactics and the arts of 25) civilization, by a long train of friendly good offices. But her early energies were levelled against the life of her Patroness, and in defiance, too, of that maritime code of laws, which had been long recognized by Europe as the fixed standard of commercial inter- course. ■„.■ .,..-.,-.... ,;..,.„ ....... , - -.-.-.,.,.,,->,-,, ..v,^. If ever there was a period of our existence that urged general union it was this. Our Country seemed doomed to destruction, and, like vultures hurried on by instinct to the spot of animal dissolution, every nation crouded against our island to lay claim for its share of our tottering Empire. To prevent the repetition of such a period in our history, a fostering care of our Navy, and every branch attached to it, appears the wisest system, and the most incumbent duty. ■■ - ■' ■ ■ ^ ■ '■ : ■'-■ '< - Sir Henry Clinton having been freed from every fear by the glorious repulse of D'Estaing from Savannah, had it in his power to carry the British arms to any part of the American coast. His first essay was aimed against tlie province of South Carolina, and his operations commenced on the 1st of April against Ciiarlestown, its Capital, after having landed upon John's Island, and from thence advancing by slew steps ; which afforded time to the Rebels of fortifying every point of defence. Admiral Arbuthnot, with the squadron, soon after passed Fort Moultrie with trifling loss, and anchored just without the range of shot from the town, which completed its investment towards the sea, though a communication was unavoidably open between the Garrison and the Country, by means of Cooper's River *o the North- '^,^H ■mp Xi H III 11 ■i 252 east. This was soon cut off by a large detachment under Colonel Webster, which General Clinton was enabled to spare, from his access to the sea being kept up by the ships of war. A very brilliant affair took place between the advanced guard of that force and a body of Americans, at Monk's Corner, which reflected much honour upon Colonel Tarleton and Major Fergusson, the former of whom, soon after, very justly secured permanent fame, by beating a Rebel Corps of Cavalry upon the banks of the Santee. Early in May, the besiegers having completed their third parallel. Captain Hudson, of the Navy, was landed with 200 Seamen and Marines on Sullivan's Island, in order to have stormed the important post of Fort Moultrie, at the same time the ships were to attack by sea. The garrison surrendered to that party on the 6th of May. This had a strong effect upon our subsequent operations, as the town fell by capitulation on the 12th. i, /, .i.- ; ', -. -^ , ... >{., , Very high commendations were bestowed upon Generals Earl Cornwallis, Leslie, and Paterson *, Lieut. Colonels Webster and Tarleton, and Major Moncrieffe, also had their share of applause in Sir Henry Clinton's detail. The services of Captain Elphinstone, now Lord Keith, were also very signal. Much good was anticipated from this happy event, which was not, however, eventually realized. .,;, The gallant exertions of Lord Cornwallis in the subsequent progress of the campaign, upon a minute retrospect, must rank him as a great and a zealous Officer. Colonel Tarleton also stands high upon its annals, which will be recognized in terms of eulogium by posterity. 253 ,*i A«^lmir?l Rodney, who had proceeded to the West Indies from Gibraltar, found himself opposed to a superior force of the enemy. Confiding in the long-tried valour of a British Fleet, he was deter- mined, however, to dispute the palm with them. Monsieur Guichen, previous to his arrival, had paraded before St. Lucia, seemingly with a view of attempting something ; but Rear- Admiral Hyde Parker and General Vaughan had evidently made such judicious dispositions, as deterred him from even a partial trial of force. Sir George Rodney soon returned the visit, and offered battle, which was not accepted. Leaving some coppered frigates to watch their motions, he returned to Gros Islet Bay. - .' ,"::.;-< :<^\v In the night of the I5th of April, De Guichen put to sea, and was quickly followed, when a general chace ensued. At the close of day on the ioth, the English formed into line, and a series of able manoeuvring on both sides took place next morning. At eleven the conflict began, which ended after four, when the enemy bore away. The English Fleet, obliged to repair its damage-?, could not pursue. Most tremendous was" the fire of the Sandwich, Admiral Rodney's ship, upon that day, and so visible were its effects, that it is impos- sible to calculate what can be achiei'ed by I"' itons, when their valour is let loose, against any force, however great. Captain Carey, of Marines, was wounded in tue Grafton, and Lieut. Herriot, who now so ably conducts a well-known paper entitled The SiWy in the Elizabeth. ' v • • - . Regaining sight of the French Fleet, they run for shelter under the guns of Guadaloupe upon the 20th. The talents of Captain Young, of the Sandwich, were peculiarly flisplaycd upon this i! ■m ^% J, -Ml i-'ll m 254 V' occasion, nnd wcfe most auxiliary to the Commander in Chief. Thus wa.'J the Empire of these Seas recovered by an inferior Fleet, which was productive, however, only of a flimsy triumph, as there were no English troops to follow it up by an attack upon their islandst !£nglish commerce, however, was protected, while that of the French suffered much. Two other actions of lesser note were fought on the lr> .. and 19th of May, but equally indecisive. The spirited countenance of Captain, now Admiral Cornwallis, off Monte Christi, in the Lion, of 64 guns, having under him the Bristol of 50, and Janus of 44-, which were opposed by Monsieur La Motto Picquet, reputed one of the best Officers in the French Navy, with four 74 gun-ships and two frigates, must ever be noticed as one of the most brilliant incidents of the American war. It lias been the lot of that brave man, to have saved to his C'ountry, in two instances, a respectable portion of her Naval forces, when apparently doomed to fall and overwhelmed by numbers. With his little squadron he resisted, successfully, this united attack, through the night of the 20th of March, and on the following day maintained tlie unequal combat nearly three hours. On the 22d the English Ruby, of 64 guns, and two frigates appeared, with which he, in turn, became the pursuer of La Motte Picquet, who, by his own account, and in the true spirit of a Frenchman, asserted iiis claim to two hearts, as being emblematical of his courage. ' Some single actions were fought during 1780, that would have done honour to any period of our maritime greatness. Amongst these may be noticed the capture of La Capricieuse, of 44 guns, by La Prudente frigate, Captain Waldegrave, now Lord 235 Radsdale. Speaking of the conduct of his Maiiiies on this occasion, he says, •* In justice to Lieutenant Banks of the Marines, I must beg •• leave to observe to their Lordships, that his party behaved with the " utmost steadiness and bravery, keeping up a regular and constant " fire from the beginning of tlje action, till necessity called them " to the great guns, when they shewed an equal share of spirit and *' good order." Another terminated in the taking of La Nymphe by the Flora, Captain Peere Williams, which was manned principally by landsmen, and a raw party of Marines. Soon after the conflict began, the Flora's wheel was shot away, when both ships fell on board each other. This afforded some instances of individual gallantry, by repelling the enemy's boarders, and by the British returning the compliment, and eventually striking tlie flag of La Nymphe. Although complete adepts in the small sword, still it proved unavailing against the cutlass and the axe. Lieutenant, now Captain Busigny of Marines, very mucli distinguished himself, and his sword bore marks of his valour. Although not properly within Uiy scop'.-, still the braveiy of Captain Moore in the Fame privateer of Dublin, cannot pass unnoticed. It reflected honour upon his Country. In his little ship of 24. guns and 108 men, he attacked five sail of the enemy formed into line, carrying 54. guns and IG7 sailors. Four out of that number were taken, and recompensed his courage by their wealtli. The alertness of a British Seaman, whose name cannot be retraced, was the means of developeing sufficient matter for reprisals against the Dutch, upon the 20th of December. N<-vcr did there appear such I !. M 'lil »i V I. ' 1 ! J'^ i, t . id ^56 a scene of low intrigue, and selfish cunning as in these papers which were saved from the ocean. They betrayed a treaty of comn.erce, which had existed, in secret, ever since 1778, with the rebel states, wiiich would have been soon cemented by one of alliance, under the same dark cover, if this disaster had not discovered all, and brought down the vengeance of Britain for such perfidy. . Jisyj] ofi'l ©i 1., . • a m. -i' <4'' . -'i,' ''^HiM .,< .^■ ;riU: . ^^■^^* ^^^Y,*' f?'^:?l^.'>'■i«^> ;>?ii.)M ^U ■■,•*•! • • .. .'i'X "!j'> ";-;_'''4, tjHV ) i5 f li.^ir^ ^■t,'. 1 WENTY thousand three hundred and seventeen Marines were voted for the service of 1 78 1 , The widely extended commerce of Holland now lay open to general enterprize, which was soon successfully exerted. As avarice was the predominant cause of hostilities, so it was the object of chastisement. Gibraltar attracted the early attention of our Ministry, by an effort to relieve it, which was accomplished by Admiral Darby, with the Grand Fleet, under circumstr. sices -^f apparent difficulty, but of eventual good fortune. If *he Ccmbincd Forces had been united, which was their annual policy and within their power, such an attempt must have been abortive, or performed at an unwarrantable risk. 257 , That fortress persevered ia a system of defence, peculiarly destructive to the enemy, and of a kind the most honorable to General Elliot and his garrison. Captain Hervey in the Panther, with his smsill squadron, also gave proofs of wonderful courage, in frustrating t le aim of some fire vessels that were employed to burn it. , France always intent upon her own interests, embraced this occasion of reinforcing her West India fleets by a powerful detachment under the Compte De Grasse. This became necessary, from the return of De Guichen to Europe, who, after having joined Don Solano's fleet, went down to Hispaniola, with an evident purpose of attacking Jamaica, but from whom he separated without a stroke. Although the battles of Admiral Rodney afforded no signal marks of victory in captures, still their effects had a strong influence in the conduct of De Guichen for proceeding homewards with those shattered ships, from amongst his fleet, that could be refitted only in Europe. Holland soon felt the consequences of its baseness, by the loss of all its West India possessions, and some valuable convoys. The free port of St. Eustatius, hitherto the depot of America, and of every adventurer v/lio had money, fell early in February without firing a gun. Demeraia, Issequibo, and the Dutch Settlements on the Spanish main were successively taken, together with the Mars of 60 guns. Admiral Krowl, with 28 sail of merchantmen under his protection, who was killed by a musquet ball, in a short action with the Monarch, Captain Reynolds. _, ^.^, >;. , , Sir Samuel, now Lord Hood, having been soon after sent to windward to cruize for De Grasse, was limited to a station, which gave little hope of ultimate success, Ll f •^.J v,m 258 Tliree sail of the line were unfortunately retained at St. Eustatius, which would have been a valuable addition to his force, thus inferior to the expected arrivals from France, The British Admiral continued off Fort Royal, Martinique, until the 28th of April, when a signal was made for the enemy's approach. Every effort was used to close with the land, and of course with them, who, in line of battle, on the morning of the 29th, afforded protection to a numerous convoy that soon reached a safe anchorage. De Grasse was immediately strengthened by 4 ships of the line, from the Bay, which authorized him to have followed up the most decisive views. Sir Samuel Hood formed his fleet into close order, and was joined by the Prince William of 64 guns. Captain Stair Douglas, who then watered at St. Lucia, but had weighed with an unexampled dispatch to share in the conflict, and who continued to cheei along the British Line, until he fell into his station. De Grasse opened his fire, but at a distance little calculated to balance the scale of victory. He had the option of it though he never availed himself of his fortune. Three hours cannonade was kept up, during which it appeared that the French powder was much stronger than ours, when the British Admiral seeing the unavailing expendi- ture ceased to waste it. V" .'!•'-'■■■ ' ■■UtS --n. , ,,,,..:: rLi.r-^iij:. This period could not boast of that liberal attention to the seaman's wants, which has characterized our Country, during the late war, towards her naval servants. Scurvy, at that time, was the prevalent disease in our fleet, and this had reached an alarming height in many of the ships attached to Sir Samuel Hood. " » ' - . . i .... 259 «t' The world too generally ground their opinions upon external circumstances, without examining minutely into inferior details, which, when known, will be considered, by the judicious, as often constituting the solid merits of human action. To a great superiority of fresh ships and healthy crews, as yet unbraced by the climate. Admiral Hood was opposed with 7 sail less in number, reduced in effective strength by scurvy, and against an enemy, whose naval confidence had never arrived at a greater summit. That steady countenance which he evinced in their presence, was yet surpassed by a noble effort, on the following day, which shewed the invincible spirit of his mind, and these resources so usually annexed to magnanimity and talents. 1 .. ^rr^'^ i ' ' ; ; :, Observing the scattered order of the French, and catching a change of wind in his favor, not common in that Country, he directed a general chace, and levelled all his force against their most vulnerable point. ;;>4fr7lv ': I "^i*/; I?; ."• But the elements were fickle, and disappointed his manly views, after which he bore up for Antigua to refit, and land his wounded. The interval was seized by De BouiU^ and De Grasse to carry St. Lucia, who were happily resisted by the united energies of Captain Campbell of the 87th Regiment, and Lieutenant, afterwards the unfortunate but amiable Captain Miller of the Theseus. Improving the same occasion, another, but more prosperous expedition, was undertaken against Tobago, which was finally seconded by the whole French fleet and nrmy. , , ,,„..-.. . Sir George Rodney, having assumed the command, reached Barbadoes on the 23d of May, where he learned tlie attack upon i iik Ir'ii- m M 260 that island. Lieutenant Johnstone of Marines was s^nt in an Advice Boat in order to gain intelligrnce, and other information of a secret nature. His ability and zeal fully qualified him tor the task, but nothing could avert iti iurrcndcr, after two fruitless attempts tn relieve it. ThU n»oy be snid to have ended the campaign of 178I, in the West Indies. i.-^^.i .......,, In tliis summer thu total reduction of West Florida was efilcted by the Spaniards, who persevered in recovering the possessions, formerly wrested from them. The combined fleets, after covering a debarkation at Minorca, towards the close of August, proceeded in triumph to the mouth of the British Channel, while Admiral Darby retired to Torbay. Discord and sickness were agnin the agents of heaven to counteract their menaces, and a kind Providence wafted home our commerce in safety, soon after those powerful enemies had each returned to his own ports. The 5tli of August exl'ilmod a display of obstinate bravery not unworthy of tovihct uiucs when the Empire of the Seas was so strenuously iiigpute<:i by Gicat Britain and Holland. Two squadrons headed by OHiceii, who were animated by the same stem spirit, met on the Dogger Bank, each with a convoy under his protection. Having secured their safety, Admiral Parker bore down against his rival, Zoutman, whndence with those of France. Inviolable secrecy must ever be tht >reign expeditions, but it unhappily did not exist at this Ci ., and more particularly in that which was set on foot against the Dutch Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope. '■'■■ ' This was undertaken under the joint auspices of Commodore Johnstone and General Mcadowes, who departed from England on the 13th of March, and reached Port Praya Bay, in St. Jago, one of the Cape de Verd islands, on the loth of April. r- ■ During war there ought never be too confident a security. Vigilance and alertness are the essence of discipline, and they never should be relinquished even within the bosom of a friendly country. A surprize can find no palliation. Anchored in a scattered form, which a little time could not entirely remedy, our squadron was unexpectedly assailed by Admiral Suffirein, one of the few of liis countrymen who met Englislimen on their favourite plan of close fighting, and whom the early intelligence . of his court had detached with a force sufficient to counteract the schemes of our Cabinet. After a most spirited attack which strongly 1 1(1'!, 'VI i-»iiii" r 1:1 if;;* i] if:': it- ■ tim til ^^w IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V 1.0 1.1 11.25 |so "^ lliaH " 1^ 1112.2 1^ I^ It 1^ 2.0 U IIIIII.6 % ^^ /^ > ■) Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ? ,.3, on the same day, and a battalion of 827 seamen upon the 22d. The looked for shift cf Monsoon, and lateness of the season prompted the roost active measures. Owing to a heavy surf the cannon and ail necessary implements were conveyed by rafts to the shore, in which the zeal of our Sailors, under the superintendance of Captain Ball, was most praiseworthy. ,Xv, ■J* ."'il.yj ) 'j'iv,ri'!;i/^ 265 /v The enemy having thrown up strong lines flanked by redoubts, to defend the approaches to Negapatam, they were stormed and carried on the night of the 29th ; much of the success and glory of which very justly attached to the Seamen and Marines, whose intrepidity was never more conspicuous. They also evinced an unrelaxed zeal in prosecuting the necessary works of labour. During the siege two sorties were attempted by the garrison, which originally consisted of 8000 men, but in each they were quickly repulsed. After a severe and well aimed fire, from the 3d to the I2th of November, the Dutch proposed terms which were accepted. i: During the whole course of this fatiguing service, 1 7 Seamen fell, and 27 were wounded, and the detail of Marines was 13 killed, and 29 casualties, most of whom died, besides a number of both who became victims to sudden cramps, the effects of hard duty amidst the rains. '"^ • -v . v, r • ' ' vf The happy results of this conquest were the immediate evacuation of every post in the Tanjore by Hyder's troops, and the return to allegiance of all those petty Princes who had been seduced, by him, from their obedience to the Nabob of the Carnatic. ni i ?»« ';»/»- Uc^n " On the 25th of October the Seamen and Marines were re- embarked ; when, following up his farther plans, the Admiral set sail for Trincomale upon the 2d of December, where he arrived the 4lh. Early in the succeeding morning the Marines, to whom two field pieces were attached, were again put on shore, and they were soon joined by a body of Seamen, who, with some Seapoy pioneers, instantly formed and marched towards the fort of Trincomale. While its Governor was employed in framing terms of capitulation, M M * ' -m *. "• .♦ U6 Lieut. Samuel Orn, at the head o£ the Mswiine Gisttadier Company, intjiepidiy rushed through the gateway^ and sai^d* him the trouble of such a discussion- — ^taking prisoners three Officers amd 40 me«i. This bold exploit led to the niiost important consequences, as the fbrt commanded, with 10 pieces of cannon, the only place where the requisite stores could be landed for the Army» The enemy's; defences now became limited to Fort Ostenburgh;, situated on the top of a hill which sweeped the harbour, and on the summit of another above it, where there was posted an Officer's guardl From this they were driven by a detachment of Seamen and Marines, who in every essay were entrusted to execute those hazarduous and honorable duties. A summons was then tendered to the Governor, whose reply was firm. Finding that he was not to be intimidated' by threats, a general storm was planned and executed on the 1 1th by 450 Seamen and Marines, who, in column, and their flanks covered by pioneers, followed by 20 Sailors with scaling ladders, and supported by a> reserve of six companies of both descriptions, advanced against the fbrt early on the morning of tliat day. These were farther strengthened by some native troops in the rear. ,. - . - r A Serjeant's party of Marines, in firont of the whole, most promptly got into the embrasures, unperceived by the enemy, who, being seconded witli much alacrity, the Dutch were finally driven from their works, the fort gained, and with it all the ships in the harbour. Much do I regret in not being able to give the name of this gallant Serjeant, who seemed to have combined talents with spirit. To commemorate the worthy deeds of the meanest Soldier, is a tribute justly due to hiiii* The extensive observance of it would tend to 267 rouse emuiatioD, and the jealous pride of character. He who knows that be stands on the page of record, will be loth to forfeit so honorable a distinction. It is a oonscious dignity which will accom- pany biin into society, when his Country no longer wants his services ; would diffuse its loyal influence amongst tlie private walks of life, and reanimate the possessor to become a ready Volunteer under every public emergency. If disabled by years, be may, perhaps, have aa aii&pring, whom he chearfuUy sends forth to battle, not the obdurate and callous victims to injured laws, not the mercenary and wretched anxiliaries of necessitous expedient, but the manly and independent as- seitors of Britain's rights and freedom. In resigned confidence, most willingly would he entrust their destinies to a corps, where courage and conduct never remain unnoticed, and are neither forgotten or pass away without cecompence* - ' Fwt Ostenburgb was not ^ined, however, without a contest and lc»s ; Lieutenant Long, who commanded a company of Seamen, was slain, besides 20 non-oommisnoned and private Sailors and Marines ; Lieutenant Wolseley, of the Royal Navy, and Lieutenant Orr, of the Marine Grenadier Company, who officiated as Brigade Major with much credit to himself throughout this service, were wounded, as well as 40 of both descriptions.— Humanity, the brightest gem in the cap of a Soldier, became the property of each assaulter ; who, when resistance ceased, spared, in every instance, his suppliant foe. Thus were our unnatural enemies expelled from the coast of Coromandel. Unanimity, the sure presage of success, was early apparent, and uniformly prevailed. # Hil .,,, '^fi m 268 I cannot yield a higher testimdny, as to the merits of my Corps, than that which was bestowed by Sir Edward Hughes, in these words : •* The whole of the Officers, who have been landed from the ** squadron for the attack of Negapatam, and this place, (Trincomale), ** have, on all ocGaiions« manifested much honor, courage, and good ** conduct, and the private Seamen and Marines have acted with ** great steadineii and bravery." Major Geils, of the East India Company's Engineerit evinced great professional knowledge in his department* iiuv^v ..i.*-.i~- i->--'* After a moit active campaign to the southward, during the progress of which Earl Cornwallis appeared in his wonted attitudes of a great and zealous Officer, the affairs of America were much on the decline, and it was not from their own energies alone they could now hope for that independence which had been their sanguine avowal, and the summit of all their aims. Every military resource began to fail in the summer of 178I, and it was only by one bold effort, or an initantaneoui appeal for foreign aid, that their desponding troops could be longer kept together, or their expiring prospects be rekindled. -" - - At this awful period tlje genius of Washington was exerted as a Politician as well at a Ceueral. Mons. Barras had arrived at Rhode Island to assume tli© command of the French squadron there, whither the Rebel Chief hastened to impart the secrets of his anxious heart. In a conference with General Rochambeau a joint attack upon New York was deiig>ied ; for which future purpose, Washington in a formal demand urged the immediate completion of every battalion in his Army, as well as a strong levy from New England. Tlie bearer of 269 these dispatches, with all his papers, fell into the hands of the Brit'^h, under Sir H. Clinton, who considered it his duty to prepare against the meditated blow. Orders were accordingly transmitted to Earl Cornwallis to detach from his Army in Virginia, when mutual discus- sions betwixt those distinguished Commanders ensued, upon which I feel no authority to enlarge, that finally limited his Lrrdship to the defence of York Town and Gloucester, in the River Chesapeak, upon the 22d of August. : .anwtu li I- The French and American Armies united at the close of June, but they could attempt nothing against the formidable positioii occupied by General Clinton, at. Kingsbridge, or could they strike at any other quarter without the support of a superior fleet. After a tedious suspence, news reached them of the approach of Admiral De Grasse, who intimated his intention of entering the Chesapeak. After having indicated views upon New York, the combined force suddenly struck across the Jerseys, in order to co-operate and level all their power against the defenceless posts of York Town and Gloucester. i Sir Samuel Hood reached Sandy Hook on the 2Sth of August, when the command devolving upon Rear Admiral Greaves, he put to sea on the 31st with 19 sail of the line, the day after De Grasse had anchored in the Chesapeak with 28. The French /drniral immediately commenced the blockade of York River, having detu jhcd four of these to carry on different services in James River, and with the rest bringing up in Lynn-haven-bay. nmu ...i i.avi-i-j': '- The British fleet got sight of the Capes of Virginia on the morning of the 5th of September, and in a few hours observed the French working out in a very confused manner, forming their line as they m ■:^ ' jl'« ?!■»!! £70 m beat could, after detcing Cape Henry. Sir Samuel Hood then led the ran with his division, whose acute eye, noticing the moment of itiikiog a decisive blow, be resolved to seize the occasion by sdicit* ing bis second. Captain Reynolds (the present Lord Ducie) in the Monarch, to lead him down within point blank shot of the scattered enemy. To this order Capt. Reynolds's reply was, ♦♦ That I will, Sir Samuel, with a most sincere pleasure.** In an instant his ship obeyed the summons, and was advancing with hasty strides to victory, . but ber sigtukl was roadeio baul ike wind, -and to ivesume her station in Hbe line.—- An action afterwards cocamenced^ in no respect worthy ofncAice, but that of rendering the gallantry of Captains Rbbinson and MoUoy, of the Shrewsbury and Intrepid, very highly conspicuous. ^'. This was followed by the return of each fleet to the anchorage it had left. De Grasse preferred the emancipation of America, to a precarious combat on the sea. ^ ^ Sir Henry Clinton attempted a diversion in Connecticut, but nothing could attract General Washington from his main object. United to Rochambeau they pushed on to the head of Elk River, where their troops were received on board of French transports, and soon joined those at Williamsburgh under Generals La Fayette and at* ounon. ».iv- .^-fw.TMijw; »*-st»jt Moving forward to York Town, Earl Cornwallis withdrew within its works on the 29th of September, with the resolve of preserving it, until relieved by promised succours from the northward. Some parties of Marines, from frigates in the river, were incorporated with his garrison, of whom his Lordship was pleased to make honourable mention in the public details of his persevering defence. Speaking 9^f of a redoubt which was advanced over a creek upon the right of the British Lines, he saysy thai k was^ maintained againit titc fire of several batteries, with vncommon gallantry, by about 1 30 inrn of tlie 23d Regiment and Marines. This body, under the command of Captain Apthorpe, and subsequently strengthened by detachments under lieutenant Colonel Johnstone, received hit Lordship's most grateful encomiums at the unfortunate cloise of all their operations. The post at Gloucester fell with that of York Town, whoio garriioh met with those soothing attentions and sympathy, which a brave enemy ever extends to a worthy opponent. '' ''''^^'"^ ^ AMUmim: « Admiral' Kempenfelt, in December, achieved the capture of some transports and store ships, protected by a very superior force, which demonstrated that his great nautical abilities were not confined to theory alone. His exploit, in sight of De Guichen, with nearly double his own strength, was much enhanced, when we remember that it occurred in days too barren of such examples. Some brilliant single actions, at sea, occurred during the year, amongst the foremost of which was that fought between the Nonsucli, of 64, Sir James Wallace, and a French 80 gun ship. Aflcr n loss of go Seamen and Marines killed and wounded. Sir Jnmes could not follow his Hying foe. Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, a most promising Officer, was killed in the Pearl, Captain Montague, in an action which terminated in the capture of L'Esperance Letter of Marque, on the coast of America. :iii I- I L\i ;j?; j r^n 272 1*, X) CHAP. XXXVI., \ n'iotq'f,^ XwENTY-ONE thousand three hundred and five Marinea were voted for the year 1782. rr Accounts were received in March of the fall of Minorca, after sustaining a siege which immortalized its defender, General Murray, and his brave garrison. It was scurvy alone that conquered it, which a body of Seamen, formed into a Marine Corps^ withstood. Many were the honourable traits of patience and zeal shewn by the Soldiery of every description, through sufferings under disease and fatiguing duties. The Royal Artillery was, as usual, conspicuous for their courage and exertions. , ,;^ The disasters of the last year, and a change of Administration, whose views and sentiments, as to the future conduct of the war, were very opposite to those of their predecessors, produced a suspen- sion of every offensive attempt upon the American Continent. J- The West Indies was doomed to become the theatre of our Naval efforts, and the scene on which to revive our drooping glory. Sir Samuel Hood commanded the English Fleet in that quarter, after his return from America ; but was opposed to De Grasse at the head of overpowering numbers. No example of our history can afford a brighter instance of daring enterprize, with practical science, than was evinced by the British Chief in attempting the relief of St. Kitts. 273 Although it was not succeeded by fortunate events, still that does not shade its merit. His able plan of attacking an immense superiority at anchor in the road of Basseterre, was superseded by the French Admiral, who, decoyed by his able manoeuvres, relinquished that advantage, which was quickly seized by his acute opponent. -^ In the different actions that followed. Captain, now Col. Strickland, and Lieuts. Forster and Griffiths, of Marines, were wounded. A want of troops placed not within Sir Samuel's power to raise the siege of Brimstone Hill, which hpld out as long as possible, but at last capitulated on honourable terras. ..^^i^Jv, «« . 5 « My bounds will not allow me to extend these details, in which the Marine Corps bore always a zealous, though a subordinate sh^re. Rear^Admiral Hood soon after joine4 Sir George Ilodney, who brought out a powerful reinforceqient of ships, that was most judici- ously augmented by the single arrivals of others ; by ;which method the West India Fleet became superior to the enemy, without their being apprized of it. • ■ A train of success had elated De Gra?se, v^hp, with a mighty force, put to sea from Martinique on tlie 8th of April, in the certain confidence of adding Jamaica to his other conquests. The British Fleet soon followed him, and a partial af&ir took place on the gth ; when an opportunity was lost by the French, of making a serious impr^on on the English van, unde)^ Sir S^ipiuel Hood, unsupported by the centre and rear, from a ca^i^l failure of wind, under the island of Dominique. , (,^. j-j:^{iiA >irv/ -i'.yfiuh .*; ' i - :r Little hope of bringiiig the eneiny to ^decisive battle contiI^^ed from that day, until the 1 ith, when a general chace was directed Nn m ■i IJ i: ■ ;•■' . i 2T4 • •.- * against two ships, wliose recent damages had forced to leeward of their fleet, and exposed them to capture. Observing their danger, De Grasse, who might have weathered Guadaloupe, sacrificing that object, bore up to save them. The Zele falling on board the Ville de Paris during the night, by which she lost her main-mast, was chaced in the morning by the Monarch, to support which ship the French Admiral hazarded all, with his united force. Captain Reynolds was then recalled to his station in the line, and the conflict began at seven, on the 12th of April. That glorious day, with its important consequences, at io critical a period of our history, must be recognized by the latest posterity. To particularize any belongs not to me on so great an occasion, where all were entitled to praise. The high talents of Sir Charles Douglas afforded his gallant superior mucli useful aid through the day. De Grasse being carried a captive to that island* which he had but a little while ago viewed the certain spot of his triumphs as a conqueror, is an impressive example of the vicissitudes of fortune. He had the mortification to witness those grateful effusions of its natives, poured forth to their saviours, which, under different circumstances, would have been offered to him under the constrained forms of political adulation. "'' '■- ■'" "' •' i-^'-' ' . ' ^^-^ «"■'■ '^-^ In this long-contested action four Captains of Marines were wounded, but only two were named in the public dispatch — Bell and Bagg. Lieut. Mounier was killed, and the Subalterns Breedon, Buchan, Harris, and Laban were wounded. . ^ . .. . . "f • »'»»-\^ 275 • Respecting Lieut. Mounier, of the Torbay, I am led to notice the following anecdote, as having been narrated to me by Lieut. Collins of that ship. In the morning, after the two hostile fleets had formed the line and were approaching each other, Mounier, whose spirit in single combat had previously been fatally experienced by his antagonist, expressed a sensation of an immediate change in his destiny. Under this impression he requested Lieut. Collins to play a game at picquet to divert the time, until they opened fire. This they continued to do, when each went to his respective station. The sad presentiment was soon realized to poor Mounier, who was early in the battle cut in two, and the greater part of his remains were stattered on the sea. - » -^w^v. ; r- Sir Edward Hughes encountered, in four different actions, Mon- sieur Suffrein, one of the bravest Officers in the Naval service of France. Possessing, in each, a great advantage in numbers, the utmost height of valour, but productive of no immediate effects, was exhibited in all by the British Fleet. The French Admiral shewed himself worthy of the trust confided in him by his Sovereign. In one of these battles, fought on the 12th of April, the Mon- mouth, Captain Alms, suffered extremely, and was particularly distinguished. All the Marines on her poop were either killed or wounded, excepting Captain Pearce and Lieut. Mounier, who nobly volunteered to assist in fighting her guns on the main deck, after they had lost all the brave men under their own command. The discomfiture of the combined armaments before Gibraltar in September of this year, must ever stand as a memorable event upon our annals. Humanity and victory walked hand in hand, and, as 2 -ll'll <■■] ^m usuali adorned the national chai-acfer, on thi^t grand occd^ion. The long-tried valour of General Elliot, and the Spirited feerVi'ces of Sir R(^er Curtis, with those undier th6ir dontro'til, were sealed and consummated by deeds of mercy, which will never be forgotten by our enemies. That fortress was sooil after reli'eVed by Lord Howe, under circumstances most honourable to his Lordship, the OMcers, Seamen, and Marines who sedotfded him. In every incidental combat at sea, durh^g "the currency of 1782, our wonted prowess was at all tinies cbnspidtious. The short, but well-contested fight of Captain Jervis (how Edrl St. Vincent) in the Fbudroyant, with Le Pegase, hffbrddd a powerful evidence how much success is dependent on seamanship artd discipline. While a dreadful carnage was the Frenchman's lot, 'the English loss was confined to a few slightly Woundied, among Whom Whs riiihi'bei'ed her Commander, whose professional Address obtained a bloodless victory. - -- The names of Pole, Luttfell, jihd Sdlter, Were destin&d to be conspicuous, and their ettco^niuihsti'hriscifailed to Lients. Powhol and Rankine, of my Corps, for their steady co-operdtion dnd bravery in: the Success and Niediatdr. '' ' " -i' '^ . ...w u.-,. .. . The year closed with Hog6ciatioris for a getlieral peace, ^lie provisionary articles of which Were rniitually signed at Paris by Commissioners from Britain drtd AmeHca, on the 2ad of November. V These were soon after fbll6#ed by the exchirige 6f prdiminafy articles with France and S^ih, on the 20th of January, 1783. ' ' fii -■' c srr nhkivJij -.^9tj^I 'itll ■. '■''"■. I Peace was most arden% desix consideration asid expediency, i^, f' Amidst the awful storm, Britain began to emerge, by degrees, from under the heavy oloud which had long overcast her political horizon, and to reclaim h'er ancient seat amongst the nations. Every subor- dinate occasion that called forth iher iNaval energies, seemed to display a 'Spirit worthy of the brightest periods of her Maritime iglory* ?mil mM -iJ-aiwjioij^i.q ilua.«tte..i(;;*sii i .vMfhjiK 1; ? fi^.-i jiii '^■' However delicate the 'topic, 'i am dtill induced to notice the reiterated instances of baneful rautiny.in-..,.;..*..; Another vindictive conflict occurred in the East, but without any important consequences; in which Sir Edward Hughes, as il79 hitherto, nobly maintained the honor of the British flag, against Admiral SufFrein and superior numbers. The sound of peace soon after reached their ears, and closed all their differences, ^ry***'^'^ ^rrU,^,/. Acts of generous hospitality, and works of mercy in the western world, superseded stratagem in war, and the thirst of fame. ._._. . Prince William Henry, now his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, whom professional zeal had carried to that quarter, was at the cessation of hostilities, under that able master, Lord Hood. Since his entry into the Navy he had shewn a peculiar attention to every branch of its duties, and had afforded the earliest presage of the most distinguished talents upon its hazarduous, but popular element. A princely wish to qualify himself for this honourable calling, had urged him to foriego all the luxuries of his station, and to risk a life naturally dear to his august family, and deservedly valued by all who had the privilege of his intercourse, in a clime, where no one can count upon to-morrow. It was not his lot, indeed, to wage war in it, but to behold the refined manners of a gallant enemy tranquillized into a cordial ftiend, and to be the Agent of Providence in rescuing, from a seemingly irrevocable doom, some of Iiis condemned countrymen, whose misguided patriotism had stimulated disaffection within the Spanish Province of Louisiana. - i .ui., , • The elegant attentions of Mons. de Bellecomb, at Cape Francois, were still outdone by the noble humanity of Governor Don Galvez. This brave Spaniard placed the forfeited lives of those unfortunate delinquents, at his Royal disposal. It was the most precious gift that could have been tendered to a British Prince — who was recognized under this great and solemn offering as sharing in all the «>i 280 generous sympathies of fln Englishman. Ttie hour which permitted him to restore those wretched victims, in a foreign land, to their native society, must be reviewed as the happiest of his life. It must still yield many a consoling reflection in his retirement, and although restrained from adding to the triumphs of our Realm, by deeds of carnage^ he may yet rejoice that he stands upon the records of mercy and benevolentre by the most exalted displays of fellow feeling. r, ^ By the definitive articles of peace America found herself an Independent Empire. Recent injuries alienated her citizens from our Country ; but similarity of manners, the dictates of interest, and allayed prejudices must, ere long, re-unite us in the bonds of friendship. The retreat of Washington from the head of her Armies, unambitious of recompence or power, forms one of the grandest examples of h'dman virtue ever given to the vrorld, and must immortalize his name througli every stage of its existence. lw im wt^ , Holland ivas compelled to suppress her phlegm, and to mourn over her degraded character, and commercial losses. **: ^p... ^-v. . . * Few inciidertts of moment occurred within th^ intervals of 1783 and 1792, connected with my retrospect. A voluntary embarkation of OfHc&rs and men, for our distant settlement in New South Wales, occurred in 1786 which has eventually afforded scope for the able pen of Lieuterrant Colonel Tench, and has hitherto ,given grounds for iasserting the untarnished discipline of the Marine corps, when mingled even with the contaminating orders of vice and infamy. In other respects the same dull routine of detached services took place from year to year. During this period also many were the suppliant petitions of our establishment for Its tMlioxation, •but^soiry lam tliat, 28 J on casting an eye upon the details of each revolving reason, they are unmarked by •< " auspicious results, excepting the institution of a retired establishment, and the addition of 5 companies in 1791. ' It was found that farther exertions were still necessary to place them on the high list of public recompence, and that the faithful discharge of ten years duty in peace, had but little influence in strengthening their claims for favor. ^^^ mo y^imkS^ MriJktf: iMtts^^i .-;f-: ^j^ .' .■•■,^L; j% \^\k^' ,..'■>*' V L't.i'- ■ %i '-v -' ' 1 >• ..i^usa-MUi^i^^'i. -i'l. .^Xlv, ...■■.;..■.-'... ;^ ■■,?'■,' 'u^ <,'-y'li^.**i(t%'Xlf r'if^j^ . *'*,' t ;- •:f, , :;.^«,;,^f,i!l.i,JiU;^«^^d i^ff^.f^J^i-^, ,i}u^i-:4'iii ^^a- ' CHAP. XXXVIII. ■/.■-.-^'•'-^'■-.- HO »• ,»--■'- -■ W-»« V- «^ ' ■ 1^ t. XV^ITHIN the womb of American liberty, was partly contained that revolution in France, which, after a long and sanguinary struggle, has not as yet accomplished any permanent system. It is not my task to retrace its extensive causes, and it would be presumptuous to anticipate its final issue. In this, reason, unguided by precedents, is soon lost in the labyrinths of speculation. Confining myself to such points alone as affect the dignity of my Country, or the honor of my corps, fancy shall not assume the reins, but I will strike at once to that momentuous day which again involved those arbiters of Europe in all the horrors of war. ' A conventional decree of I9th November, 1792, circulated through every Country, and translated into eiiery language ^ seemed to represent the French Nation as the encouragers and protectors of reform in every State. At this period Britain was recovering fast Oo I -I" 28ii from licr late di^u^tious ciluits. An unexampled influx of wealth, added to her native joys of contentment and freedom. An edict so much militating against tlie internal peace of every society, therefore, naturally iuu»tid the watcliful jealousy of our Government. Discus- sions ensued, which were agitated with temper, until those libertines in the cause of emancipation, brought their amiable Monarch to the scaffold. I bluih to say that there were even Englishmen who were capable of exteniiallng the bloody deed, while there were others, but under a more gencroui impulse, who, tasting pure freedom themselves, wished that the blessing might also flow through all the channels of mankind, A Sfct of free thinkers in politics, and Philanthropists in theory, also started up, who, with all the enthusiasm of laudable zeal, woishippctl a statue erected by an American Stay-Maker, on which were inscribed *• Tiic Rights of Man." The maniz: of that day, thank God, is exlinguishcd, and an Englishman has now only \o contrast the fawning attitude of the French People, under the present yoke of a fon'igti and unprincipled Usurper, with their uncontruled and lieenli. us barbarity towards a good but fallen King, in Older to form l)is opinions, and to suppress his sympathies in behalf of a nation, whiclj, to gain its own ideal liberties, has uniformly aimed to desolate and enslave the world. He must also cease to admire the boasted victories and conquests of its soldiery, few of whom but do not now feel those chains which their triumphs have forged, and what all tiiese once brave legions dare not now wrest from the hands of and ww//.— But to resume my narrative — Towards the close of 1 792 a small addition was granted to the corps of Marines, and a much greater took place early in 93, in 283 consequence of the intermeddling policy of France, and the war which followed it. The narrow views that had influenced so great a reduction at the peace of 1783, were bitterly apparent at the commencement of hostilities. In every contest our enemies begin with superior advantages, from their despotic means. Impress is precarious and slow— com- pulsive registration enforced by terror, brings forth a host at once. It is to the faithful Marine Soldier who knows not the meaning of desertion, that the nation, under such sudden emergencies, is often obliged to have recourse, in equipping as well as manning her fleets ; for it is not in human nature to place a confidence in that man who has been constrained to serve, and who recognises not either a voluntary will, or a sacred obligation to discharge his allotted duties. ■^.'-■ii';:» It has always been remarked, that the corps of Marines recruit more successfully in every part of our isles, where their nature is ascertained, than any other under his Majesty, From this circum- stance must have originated the motive of low bounties being given by its parties in 1793, while those of the line, and other departments were considerably higher. .i».. ...=s ..«*;■. ■(=?* -,<*,,, ..»:.,,.. This restriction upon our increase loaded our service with difficulties, and presented almost insurmountable barriers to the attainment of that knowledge in tactics, in which every Marine Officer and Soldier should be conversant previous to his embarkation. For a time there seemed but little disposition to remedy former errors, until the imperious demands of an increasing Navy urged the adoption ]VV,V of more active measures* 2 ^i-..-i. J .'t: . J. 284 At this period of surrounding danger the liberal patriotism of the town of Manchester was highly conspicuous, and gave a local spur to sccess in strengthening the neglected ranks of the Marine corps. What enhanced its manly and honest zeal, was, that the expression of it was almost coeval with that day, on which our Gracious Sovereign imbosomcd his insulted feelings, and the perils that hovered round his Country, to a convened Legislature. A sum of >^550l 4^. 9d, was soon subscribed by that Loyal Society, which was applied to the auxiliary purpose of raising and sending forth to battle 1065 recruits, between the 19th of February and 3d of October, when a General Meeting, to inspect and close the accounts of their acting Committee, was dissolved, and their thanks tendered to William Douglas, Esq. its Chairman. These volunteers were levied under the endearing and uniting name of *' The Manchester Marine Corps" My feelings lead me to diverge more extensively upon this meritorious theme, which my bounds, however^ compel me to close with an earnest hope, that while tlie virtuous action shall long stand registered on our annals, its imitative influence may also be felt by the present, aod transcend to the latest generations of my countrymen. Owing to an inadequate establishment, from the cause assigned, many sliips put to sea with only half a complement of Marines, while others had none at all. What prevented Capt. Faulkener, in tiie Venus, from consummating a gallant action^ by victory, but this deficiency ? In md;ny cases, regiments of tl>e line were substituted ; an alternative which can only be the ofiipring of necessity, but not the suggestion of public good. ' h ,::«i^.;.v i: irn:2u m^at: ^ . 285 "'^' The I3ritis!» arms we»-c very early triumphant in tlie Wcit, under tiie joint auspices of Major General Cuyler and Sir Jolin Loforey. Tlieir force wliicli include ' Major (Viow Colonel) Briglit, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Serjeants* i Drummer, and 27 private Marinei, not amounting to 400 men, carried Fort Castries by storm, and witli it tile island of Tobago, garrisoned by greater numbers. Some untoword circumstances arising from the cowardice or treochery of & guide, added to a dark night, occasioned a small derangement in our approach to the attack, but it was amply attoned by o general intrepidity in the troops ; the main body of which putiiied boldly towards the barrier, who attracted the whole attention of tlie enemy, while the flank companies of the 9th and GOth regiments eiitered their works. This allair was achieved by tlie bayonet, with little loss on either side; for mercy, as usual, was sliewn by Englishmen to tlic vanquished. /..t, ;:■ ■ >.. -i. ' ^ ,. » ' . / St. Pierre and Micquelon also soon became easy conquests. Such are the crouded and brilliant instances of this war, that I cannot venture upon a minute detail of any, or render justice to their merits. Lord Hood, who had been recently called fortli, by his Country, ill the hour of threatened danger, and who, upon its hftviiig been dispelled, had again become the citizen, was once more placed at the head of a powerful fleet. This lie was destined to carry to the Mediterranean, where it was his lot to perform very important services, throughout which, he approved himself an accomplished adept in the schools of a Sully and a Marlborough, Never since our existence before, have the talents of a Na-val Office butui exerted on so wide a field. I I':' rUii If' *^!fr t (= I 286 Uiittaincd to tlie courtly habits of life, uninstructcd In the arts of diplomacy, the world usually attaches to him no embellish- ments of character, but professional bravery, uncorruptible zeal, impressive unadorned manners. The Nation, however, could not have had a more dignified representative, a cooler agent, or a more indefatigable servant than Lord Hood upon so trying an occasion, and amidst such mingled and arduous duties. His intercourse with the deputies from different departments in the South of France, was guided by wisdom and led to success, while his appeals to their com- munity breathed a well timed humanity towards that oppressed land. After an interchange of terms, the Honourable Capt. Elphinstone (now Lord Keith) took possession of Fort La Malgue with 1800 troops and Marines upon the 2Sth of August. The fleet of Spain hove in sight, anchored, and reinforced that post with lOOO men* Atfirst the inhabitants of Toulon, though royalists, were still jealous of the issue of things, but they were tranquillized in all their fears, by a solemn assurance, that the place and ships were held in trust for Louis the 17th, their lawful Sovereign. The approach of a part of Carteaux army, to OUioules, produced a very spirited attack from La Malgue, headed by Capt. Elphinstone, and consisting of 600 Spaniards, British troops and Marines, who drove a superior enemy from that village, and took their cannon, ammunition, and some prisoners. The dispositions of the English commander were masterly, and attested his abilities to wage war on either element. • Lord Mulgrave arrived at Toulon early in September, and assumed the command of the combined detachments, with the local rank of Brigadier General. .;: . ,^.^ <^^ ,,, ... 287 The Marines of the fleet were dispcrf;cd over the different posts of defence, so j of which were cannonaded by the enemy, daily increasing in numbers. All the military talents of Lord ^' ilgrave were requisite at this trying juncture. They were soon displayed in the most active measures, by occupying situations essential for checking the enemy's attacks, and affording a temporary security to many extensive objects, until reinforcements should arrive. His Lordship had to guard against the insults of the Army of Le Poype on the East, as well as that of Carteaux on the West, in which h*; was materially aided also by the activity and steady bravery of the Officers and Seamen of the fleet. At this time' too, the Spaniards were actuated by a spirit of cordial union. On the 28th of September, a seasonable supply of 28 00 Sardinian and Neapolitan troops arrived, who, in three days after, in con- junction with the other allied corps, of which the British Marines formed one, had an opportunity of signalizing themselves, led by Lord Mulgrave liimself, in recovering the important heights of Pharon, which had been surprized and carried under cover of a fog, upon the 30th. ' " >*.-.-.,*. .. "^.: ..-s To the rapid entcrpvizc of his Lordship, as much as the seconding valour of every subordinate Soldier and Seaman, may justly be ascribed tlie glory and success of the 1 st of October. Very honorable mention was made of Serjeant Moreno, and three privates of the Spanish Marine Corps, who, with a daring and judicious zeal, traced out the line of march for the allied column on the right, to within pistol shot oftheworks. •. , < . , 288 Directed by genius, the laurel was obtained, and its value enhanced by a very trifling loss, wliile that of the^^French exceeded 1400 killed and wounded ; Lieutenant Carter, of Marines, was amongst the English wounded. A very bold sortie, from Fort Mulgrave, took place on the 8 th of October, against the enemy's batteries, opposite the Hauteur de Grasse, evidently constructed with a view to incommode the fleet. In this, 50 British Marines co-operated, and shared in the honor of destroying their guns on the Hauteur de Reinicr ; a service which was peculiarly allotted to the seamen under Lieutenant Serocold. Fort Pomet, partly garrisoned by my corps, had been exposed to a severe cannonade, particularly from 2 guns and 1 mortar above it, which allowed no tests but of steady courage. Captain Elphinstone bore testimony of Marine spirit, in an attack from Fort Pharon upon the French forces to the eastward, when Captain Dexter was distinguished for his services. Much am I inclined to diverge upon the meritorious acts of all, but my scope is necessarily limited. Lord Mulgrave resigned the command of the combined troops to Major General O'Hara, upon the 27th of October, after the most creditable discharge of his trust. The British posts were extremely wide, and the duties of all were of the most fatiguing kind ; but they were supported with the fortitude of Soldiers. One of the most brilliant events of thij checquer6d warfare, although unnoticed in any of the official details of it, and generally unknown, was raeritedly attached to Lieutenant (afterwards Captain) 289 Thomas Nailor, who was entrusted with the defence of a fort, having under him a little garrison of 120 men, principally Marines. A body of 2000 French moved on to attack him upon the morning of a day, with which I am uninformed as to date, under cover of a fog, and sanguine in the hope of surprising him. But he was on the alert, and prepared to receive them. With a thoughtful but unshaken valour he awaited the onset, ordering his little band to reserve their fire, until the republicans were close, and to maintain it by platoons ; but by no means in a scattered form. A Neapolitan Lieutenant Colonel had thrown himself into the fort when on the eve of its being attempted, but he fell early in the conflict. After repeated essays to carry it with those superior numbers, the French relinquished the field with the loss of nearly 400 killed and wounded ; casting back an eye of disappointment, mingled with admiration, of their undaunted opponents. , ; .i • That young man is now no more. Owing to bad health, he retreated from public to private life, both of which he adorned by modest merit, the mildest manners, and most intrinsic worth. The final destiny of man, but recently closed his life unstained by dishonor. During the progress of this siege too, a very flattering occasion intervened of testifying the personal zeal of Lieutenant (now Captain) Burdwood, in one of the sorties from Toulon. Embarking in it originally as a Voluuteer with the Light Company of the Royals, his talents were decreed to conduct the retreat of its remains, after having been deprived of its Officers. So much were his merits appreciated by that gallant corps, that a deputation of Serjeants waited on him Pp '1i>'|ili;i| ' : :il MJliN' tr ^\ 290 the following clay, to solicit that, if a similar opportunity should again offer, he would give a preference by attaching himself to the First Regiment of Foot. The Officers of it also, anxious to express their feelings, voted him a perpetual member of their mess ; upon which books, his name now stands in record of their gratitude. Jealous feuds were apparent in the breast of the Spanish Com- mander, Don Langara, early in October. It has since appeared that he spoke the sentiments of his court, which was basely negociating with the authorized agents of the diabolical Robespierre. Every trifling incident was seized as a subject for contention, and the subsequent conduct of the Spanish troops warrants the suspicion that this influence was general. The address of Lord Hood, under this dilemma, was great and manly. The Enemy, from constant reinforcements, became daring in their attacks. On the 1 5th of November they attempted Fort Mulgrave on the Hauteur de Grasse, with a large force. This post was occupied by the Spaniards on the right, who soon gave way, and retreated, firing their musquetft in the air. To Capt. D. Campbell of the 2d battalion of Royals, and Lieut. Lemoine of the corps of Artillery, was owing the repulse of the enemy, and saving that very important post. Towards the close of November, the French having opened against Fort Malbousket, and their shells also reaching the town, it was requisite to dislodge them from the ground they held. A body of 2300, under Gen. Dundas, of which the MariAes composed a part, advanced against it, under many obstructions, on the 30th, drove the enemy from it, but, under an ill judged iiupctuosily, rushfed onwards, 29J instead of maintaining the post they had gained. The republicans gathering in numbers, in turn recovered all, and took Gen. O'Hara prisoner, after he was wounded, and had used the utmost endeavours to rally our Soldiers. This Officer foresaw not the unfortunate ardency, but had arrived at the. post in order to arrange its defence. He unhappily fell a sacrifice to his overstrained zeal. Little hope now remained of preserving Toulon ; the enemy, from his numbers, pushing matters to a close. Sickness began its ravages ; and no reinforcements were at hand to supply them. The very material post of Fort Mulgrave, partly garrisoned by British Marines, was much annoyed by shells, without having the means of retreat from their effects. On the 1 7th of December, at two in the morning, the French advanced to storm it. Here again the Spaniards gave way, and it was in vain tliat English courage alone was exerted in supporting their quarter of it. From hence our men retreated to Fort Baiaguier, under cover of the different posts on the heights. After dawn, one unceasing fire against the different posts on Pharon, commenced, which ended in the republicans gaining possession of the mountain that overlooks Toulon, These reiterated disasters could not now be retrieved. To withdraw every detach- ment within the town of Toulon, for re-embarkation, became the only alternative. On the 18tli it was directed that the whole combined forces should assemble near Fort La Malgue with secrecy, and about ten at night they began their march and the evacuation of Toulon, Avoiding the Fort of St. Catharine, which had been BhamefuUy quitted during the day, without orders, the whole struck through a sally post, by which they gained an advanced part of the it .ri- ll 4 292 road, and arrived at Fort Malgue, where they formed on the rising ground above the shore. The Army reached the ships by day break, without loss. ' « General Dundas says, •' it was impossible for him to express, but •• in general terms, the high approbation due to the Officers and •* men of the Regiments and Marines, for their exertions during a •• service the most harassing, distressing, and severe, seldom " experienced by troops, for so long a time." The Royal Artillery was included in this encomium, as well as the Sardinian, Spanish, and French loyal auxiliaries. ..;.;., \/ It was supposed that Lieutenants John Williams, Barry, and Lynn, with 71 Marines, besides other gallant companions of the British Army, had fallen sacrifices in defending the posts of Mulgrave and Fort Pharon, but all the former and many of the latter rejoined, after having been prisoners, who now live ornaments to tlieir corps. - Towards this seat of perilous duty Sir Sidney Smith had repaired in a private character, which, however, did not restrain him from tendering his services to Lord Hood. He was accordingly employed to carry into execution the destruction of the ships in the inner road of Toulon, the arsenals and magazines. Short was the time allowed him, and many were the attending dangers. ' It called forth all the resources of his ample mind, and all the courage of his intrepid followers. Besides an open enemy, he had to counteract the schemes of a treacherous friend, which had well nigh overwhelmed him and his seamen, by the precipitate explosion of two powder ships, to whicli the Spaniards set fire, instead of sinking them. The conduct of Langara, throughout, but ill accorded with the reputed honor of his nation. 293 It is not the calling of an Officer, and a brave man, to be the hidden agent of perfidy. Although the plan laid down by Lord Hood was well entitled to success, it still was not to that extent he wished. From the conflagration at Toulon, however, may be dated the wide triumphs of the British flag through the subsequent stages of the war, an achievement which can never be forgotten by a grateful nation, which must recognize its safety, and its commercial prosperity, in that early event. ■ ■*' * * * . In whatever quarter of the globe we cast an eye each continued to witness the exertions of the Marine Soldier. The convulsions at St. Domingo called aloud for British protection, whither an expedition sailed from Jamaica, under Commodore Ford. Proceeding first to Jeremie, it entered into terms ; after which the Europa, carrying his broad pendant, went to Cape Nicola Mole, where she arrived on the 2,'d of September. On the following day, matters having been aiianged, Captain Robinson, an Officer of distinguished merit and nbilities, was landed with 50 Marines, to whom the Commodore granted the Brevet rank of Major, and invested hira with the com- mand of its garrison. This gentleman acquitted himself with so much credit to himself that, when superseded in this important key to St. Domingo by Lieutenant Colonel Dansey, every thing had been s'o properly conducted, that no trouble accrued to his successor, in the adjustments usually consequent upon such events. Commodore Ford gave his cordial approbation of the firm and regular conduct of the Seamen and Marines of his squadron, in the most unequivocal language, and their steadiness through every allotted duty, in that destructive clime, was uniformly observed. " . •• }: m f 294 The operations of the squadron and army, in the East, were most active and early. Pondicherry, and many subordinate places surrendered without much resistance, owing to the zealous intelli- gence conveyed by Mr. Baldwin, British Consul, in Egypt, of the commencement of hostilities. Some gallant single actions were fought during 1793. That between La Nymphe and La Cleopatra was well contested, and in which Lieut. John Whitaker, of Marines, is mentioned, as having ably seconded Sir Edward Pellew on the quarter deck. The former was wounded in the course of it, besides 10 of his party killed or maimed. Another equally brave, but not alike fortunate, happened on the coast of America, betwixt the Boston, Captain Courtenay, and L'Ambuscade, French frigate. That promising Officer, ever anxiously in search of an occasion to distinguish himself, decoyed his antagonist from Sandy Hook. They met and fought ; during the heat of the combat, one fatal shot decided the fate both of Captain Courtenay, and Lieutenant Butler, of Marines. A sincere friendsiiip existed between them, and as they had been united in their lives, so were they also united in their deaths. Those amiable young men were hand in hand chanting every loyal Briton's anthem, *' God save the King," at the moment their golden pitchers were broken. Adored by the crew, they unhappily left their guns to bid their departed father a long adieu, but he was no more, and to this circumstance alone was owing the Frenchman's escape, whom the Boston was unable to follow. The capture of La Reunion, by the Crescent, Captain Saumarez, ■ was a proof of English discipline, as the republican frigate sustained S9d a loss of 120 killed and wounded, without one accident on our side. The Honorable Captain Yorke, in the Circe, hastened to share in the glory,, but was prevented by light winds. This closes my details for 1793* CHAP. XXXIX. A Number of additional Companies were deemed necessary to the ' ." corps of Marines, which was composed of 12,115 for the service of 1794>. During this year a number of First Lieutenants were appointed to Companies in Black Regiments ; a transit which many embraced. A correspondence with General Paoli having been opened hf Lord Hood, relative to the state of Corsica, that active Officer determined, in consequence, upon driving the French from all their ports in the island. , Throughout the whole of this arduous business, the constancy and persevering valour of the Naval Officers and Seamen were never more conspicuous. To their scientific and laborious exertions in dragging cannon to the top of a hill which commanded the Fort of La Con- vention, must be ascribed the success against that important key to St. Fiorenzo itself. The storm which was consequent upon it, reflects high honor upon that shining Officer Col. (now Gen.) Moore, Hi' Hi 1' iii I ■: >'l J ■ m: i.i a "J" I PM ■ The Nrt vfll CUki' was not contented with possession of the G ulf atul Fortress of St. Fiorcnzo alone, but followed up his views also against Bastia, the capitiil. 'This he resolved to attempt with the skeletons of four reglmentB, serving in his fleet as Marines, and a brigade of Seamen. Thu fuml fitirrcnder of that town and citadel, garrisoned by 4000 French lUid Corsican Soldiers, to a besieging force of 124-8, and of minglgd descriptions, must ever stand as one of the most brilliant events that ndorn our military history. His Lordship was lavish in praise of ull his brave coadjutors, which was repeated on the reduction of Calvi and with it the fall of Corsica. This closed his meritorious careci". The defenceless and disaffected state of the French West India islands had prompted an enterprize against them, which sailed from England towards the dose of 1793. These objects were confided to Sir John Jervis (now Earl St. Vincent) and Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey. The rapidity and success of all tiieir movements convinced their Country that tiie trusit could not liavc been reposed in more able handi. Soon after their arrival at Barbadoes little time was lost, when their first efforts were levelled against the strong and valuable island of Martinique. My bounds will not authorize me to enlarge upon the train of operations, which preceded its surrender, so very honorable to the talents and zeal of those distinguished Commanders, in roost of •which, the corps of Marines appears to have had but a trifling share. The chief duty, of an active nature, which fell to their lot was against Fort St. LoaU, upon which a combined attack was planned, by a brigade of lOOO Seamen and Marines, under Commodore Thompson, 297 and supported by Captains Riou, Rogers, and Baynton of tlie Hoyal Navy, approaching from Point Negro towards its western side, wliile it was assailed by the Asia and Zebra sloops in front, and harassed by the enfilading fire of two batteries on shore. A body of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, from the camps of La Coste and Sonrriere, were also to advance, on the land side, under the cover of a hill. This joint attack was, however, anticipated by the unparclleled enterprize and courage of Captain Faulkener, of the Zebra sloop, who dashed close to the walls of the Fort, and carried it, at the head of his ship's company of Seamen and Marines, at the very moment when the republicans were in consultation about its defence. ■ ,. Mons. Rochambeau, instead of turning the guns of Fort Bourbon against the town, afterwards occupied by Colonel Symes and the flank corps, as well as Fort Louis, both of which it commands, immedi- ately stipulated for its surrender, and the whole island, which took place on the following day being the 2 1st of March, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, (now Duke of Kent), who had lately arrived from Canada, commanded at the Camp of La Coste, witli deserved credit. '),■:.. i.y -l^\.:!^iii^ri^A^ ■ -i. if! :>.'-.. {, ••; ■ ■•■■': ' No time was lost in proceeding against St. Lucia, which became an easy conquest. The islands of the Saintes were likewise carried by the Seamen and Marines of the Quebec, Blanche, Ceres, and Rose. The reduction of Guadaloupe immediately followed, wlierc a landing was effected in the Ance dc Cosier, of some infantry and abody of 500 Seamen and Marines, under cover of the Winchelsea, Lord Garlics, who, carrying his ship close to the enemy's batteries, quickly silenced them. ; ' • ' • Qq '.I m M' ; m m ■r-* '* if. fPI ill If >'iti)f ' Stti'i ■.■.i< ^!'l it- i- ila : : ii i . . ,.,■ f. ; il 1 '■; jm|I 1 1' m n 298 The assault of the Fort of La Fleur d'Epce, was attempted in throe divisions, headed by Prince Edward, Major General Dundas, and Colonel Symes; to each of which was attached a part of the Naval battalion. Tiie storm was most decisively conducted with the bayonet, but, amidst the heat of the contest, a great part of the garrison was put to the sword. Having thus obtained possession of the quarter of Grande Terre, from the republicans also abandoning Fort Louis, the town of Point a Petre, and the battery upon the islet ^ Couchon, the 43d Regiment was left at D'Epee, and the rest of the forces were re-embarked. Two divisions of tiic Army under Prince Edward, and Colonel Symes, were again landed on the evening and morning of the I4>th and 15th of April, at Petit Bourg, who seized the evacuated redoubt of D'Arbond, carrying Arret by assault, in which was involved the material post of Palmiste, by day break of the 20th ; while Major General Dundas, having been put ashore near the town of Basseterre, led his division against Morne Ma^daline, which he also gained. ,,,; General CoUot being now cooped up within the town, and Fort Charles, both of which were commanded by the heights in possession of the British, he proposed terms for the surrender of Guadaloupe, which were discussed, and subscribed* - •' ' ~ ■, ,»» Sir Charles Grey says, " that to the unanimity and extraordinary •* exertions of the Navy and Army, under fatigues never exceeded, '• l)is Majesty and their Country, are indebted for the rapid success in '• extending the British Empire, by adding to it the valuable islands ♦' of Martinique, St, Lucia, Guadaloupe, the Saintes, Marigalantc, " and Descada." Sir John Jervis remarked, «♦ that the unabated 299 " exertions of tlio Offic^iis and men, under his command t could '♦ never be surpassed, and that keeping constant pcice with tlic troops •• no difficulty or danger arrested, for an instant, tlifir tareir of •* glory." .'l^'fA .M'ri-hi-.v ri Jn: >h 1} •Amut)Y'< ,••.•.;!] i\ \« A kind of forlorn detachment from France, which fNCiiped nil our cruizers, achieved the recovery of Guadalou|x*, after a nurh'H of iiardy contests, in which the Marines bore a part — Lieuteiiunt Jolin Mercer, of ray corps, was wounded in one of them, and hecninti a victim to fever, lamented by his friends, and his corps, Frultltfis would have been all the enemy's efforts, if fascinating liberty had not erected her standard, whither numbers repaired, in the Baiiguinc hope of sharing in her gifts. . . ' ^ Tlie 1st of June, 1794, presents one of the best fought actions that appears on our Naval records. France had continued to molest our commerce by her cruizing squadrons, but lier internal necessities, during this year of general scarcity, obliged her to concentrate her ships, and, with all her united forces, to cover the safety of an immense convoy from America. This was the main object, for which nothing too much could be risqued. - From the instances of defection which had so often occurred in her military leaders, that republic, jealous of its baneful extension, combined Mons. St. Andre, an approved democrat, in tlie public character of a Commissioner, with their Chief Vice Admirnl Villaret Joyeuse, on board the Montagne. ^ During three preceding days the fleets were in sight, two partial affairs took place, and some very able manoeuvring. The wind having been gained by Lord Howe, on the evening of tlie :i I st of May, at 2 Hi- • If V ^M •' .;iH ' t^i ; ■W'^ ;:rl Um I:' 300 seven in the morning of the following day, he bore up to battle, while the French cooly awaited his approach to so close a distance that little more than an hour decided the victory. The republican Chief gave the first example of flight, in which St. Andre, doubtless, coalesced, in spite of all his popular enthusiasm. Seven captured ships were amongst the fruits of that glorious day, which enervated all the subsequent exertions of a vindictive foe, during the war. Many of the fleet having been supplied with acting Marines, from different regiments,, the loss which befel our establishment was, on that account, proportionally less. Captains (now Colonel) Smith, and C. Money, besides Lieutenant S. Mitc.hell, were among the wounded, and comprized the total of our casualties in Officers. The carnage amongst the French was dreadful, and in the ships alone that were taken, it far exceeded the whole sustained by the British fleet. The united thanks of a grateful Country were conveyed to the Oilicers, Seamen, and Marines, for their faithful services on this proUd day. . ?■ '.v ii.ioa. v.l-'i- •-' -iii'-ii^iu Few single actions appear on the face of this year. One which was fought betwixt the Artois and La Revolutionaire French frigate, did honor to Captain Nagle in achieving her capture ; but it deprived his King of a brave and good soldier, his family of a promising member, and his corps of one of its most shining ornaments, in Lieut. Peter Craigie, of Marines, who was severely wounded, aiid died soon after amputation. .'. IB .'Y^gfr-'H hr 'a SOi W4?»lfiilHKffi:«»tf;8oahB^ "l^aacntfO '>.n pjvn'~,Ti.- ojicaiis.ii ■41 JL.i^ li-'id 'i/tjjj: at 'im iM CHAP. XL, :IJ*. Oiir. ^flo ^FIFTEEN thousand Marines were voted for the service of •179S. •''<-. ii In consequence of the reverses of France at Toulon, and in the battle of the 1st of June, her commerce was neglected, and her Sailors became dis|>irit^d. Limiting nearly the whole of her energies to one element, she was thus enabled in every quarter, to pour from her frontiers a host of Soldiers aiid of Conquerors. x Holland, hitherto our ally, was ovier-run by her legion., who, wherever they directed their steps, found the success of their arms already ensured by the delusive power of their principles. Although, in reality, a province, still a s' '^w of acknowledged independence Was maintained, and the Dutch were admitted as principals in a treaty af alliance which was concluded between the two republics. Thus fraternized, Great Britain had to reckon a new and decided enemy in a recent friend. ^•' Accordingly, orders were issued in February 1795, for the deten- tion of vessels and property belonging to the subjects of Holland, an expedition was framed against the Cape of Good Hope, and an authority to subdue her settlements in the East, were transmitted to our Commanders in thiat quarter of the worldv « -^ '■ j!^^' V !■''> }3m In those distant services the Corps of Marines bore a partial, but an active share. The attempt against the Cape was entrusted to the immediate conduct of Sir George Elphinstone and Major General Craig, who arrived in Simon's Bay early in July. A fruitless summons to sur- render it having been forwarded to !ts Governor, a debarkation of ' 450 of the 78th Regiment, and 350 Marines, under Major, now Colooel HiU» wafii e^ted upoi^ the )4th« it) tiw^ to saive tbat town from devoted destruction. Our troops had been expressly ces};i;aini;d ffoi^hp^^ility against the Dutch £otces, but such wa^ their condw^t that it: sqon provoked zetaiiation. It being necessary to ditslodge then) frpoi the str<»)g post of Mysenburgfa, which wf»£ott^(4with heavy ^n^, an4 ^jspured from approach both by land aud sea, by 4 ^teep tpountaiii op tlie right, and shallow water, constantly agitate4 by 9^ ^v£i on its^ left, 800 Seamen were landed under the Ca{H:«ins ^prangei* ^^ H^^^y* which constituted a total strewgtb pf ieop p^ep^ ,A*:they,,w«fe without cannon, the whole awaited the foj^iune of a wio4 tha|: would allow the ships of war to unite in the attack* This occurred on the 7th of August, when Qommodore 31aiikett got under weigh 'w^ith the America, Stately, Echo, and iPLat(|§$nake ; while General Craig advanced with his little army. So judicioufi wa^ the Naval dispot* sition, that the Dutch were driven by the Hrq of those ships, and •ome lAunehes armed wilU carronades, from one post to anoJier, which the troops sucoessively occupied* ,; Wrt* »!rw •if.fHfwny'? Retinogto a ridge of roqky heights beyond their capip, which they had abandoned, thi$ ^fn^m^ wejce very spiritedly assaulted by aod Major Moneypenny» at the head of the advanced guard, supported by the whole of the gallant 7Sth* Although seconded by some heavy guns that over-awed it from across the lagoon towards Cape- town, and possessing a hold almost impregnable from its situation, they were still forced from it, after a contest which closed only with, the day. In the course of it, the Dutch left behmd them some artillery, which wete drilled, and once more rendered serviceable by Lieutenant Coffin and his com^ny of {^kemen, from the Rattlesnake^ itijjw «i^v . : ; ^. On the morning of the 8th of August, the enemy having drawn their whole force from Cape-town, aimed it to recover the post* they had lost, Ob»ei!ving, however, the strength of the British positions, they desiated fitom any ^tempt, and the day was chiefly spent in skirmtslung with the 1st battalion of SfameWi under C;iptain Hardy, and the Marines under Major HiUi who had passed the lagoon* General Craig $Ay«, that bothv Corps were distinguish^ throughout by re^ulaiityiin imaoceuvre* and the most steady reso9>i lutioo. Major Hill was very ably assisted hy th/^ valuable advice of Captain, now Lieut. Colonel Sir Jolw Pouglaf* during the whole of these fatiguing andi combined dutieSiL>*i)9|-%rafiwjfl^f«!i{ 4tr li. A small reinforcement amved on the /^h from St* Helena; but the po^ssures of tlie army daily increased to such a degree, that it became expedient^ in order to alleviate them» to bisque .the. storm of one of the enemy's principal out^posts on the aith of August, which unfortunately failed. So critically were matters, cii^ciumstaiocedt that k was determined hetwaen the tCommaadeis ift: Cjueftg try the fortune of anoUier aasaylt in s» div^, if % ,AJU)r^d,.Ql^^ »hpuld I i 304 not appear with the expected reinforcements. The Dutch had" resblve<3,' however, to anticipate this issue, which was, in event, toi decide the fate of the Colony. : w&^^j^w ifirfj /Hff. A disastrous affair on the 1st of September, in which the picquei: was driven in with loss, and Major Moneyptewny most severely > wounded, encouraged them to this daring effort on the 3d. With a' train of eighteen field-pieces, and all the strength they could muster,; they appeared after break of day, but were stayed in their progress by the signal for a fleet having hove in sight. .•K>l'^r'? "IiIpH On the 4th, Major General Craig resigned the command to Sir Allured Clarke, not without expressing ^ife high sense of the animated exertions of all, in the face of a ^ujierior enemy, as well as for their cheerful resignation under the greatest hardships and fatigues. ■ From the powerful aids which had arrived, matters were pushed on most briskly, and the Army moved against the post of Wyneberg on the 14th. Here the Dutch demonstrated a shew of resistance ; but Commodore Blanket appearing in Table Bay with three ships^ in order to create a diversion, the enemy retreated, and early on the morning of the I6th, pK^osed terms of surrender. By these, the whole settlement was added to the British dominion^.r h » % *vi ■*?* ^-w -^ »^'* ■*?*v ^r Allured Clarke uBited his cordial testimony with that of Sir George Elphinstone, of the very meritcmous conduct of the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the squadron, during a tedious service of labour and even privation of necessary food. Only nine Marines were wounded throughout. 'Ii*f:y|nr> O^. ,t. ..''oT yl..f/>j.rfjjr^;4„. In the East, the Islands of Cejrlon and Manar, the Peninsula of Malacca, Coehih, a seaport on the coast of Malabar, and, in fine, 305; most of the valuable settlements of the Dutch in Hindostan, fell successively under the combined eftorts of our Naval and Military forces ; in all of which, however, intrigue was more conspicuous than active hostility. It falls not within my scope to enlarge upon the many disastrous events that took place in the West. There Victor Hughes, a man of the most consummate talents, but which were stained by inhumanity, acted both as the agent and the organ of republican^ France. He per- fectly assimilated himself to the temper of his employers ; recognizing only the rules of expediency, he was ever the ready advocate for the most sanguinary works, and f<^t not the controul of principle where it opposed his interests. His .incendiary attempts will long be reviewed with horror by those islands which were the theatres of his plots. This year abounded with Naval achievements. — In the Medi- terranean the French suffered a defeat, on the 8th of March, from an inferior force, when on their way to recover Corsica. Admiral Hotham's loss, in killed and wounded, upon tliis partial occasion, was 315 Seamen and Marines. *'*''' •'^- - -- -. ^ : Another action was fought on the I2th of July which terminated in the capture of one ship. Captains Tbwry and Middleton, the Seamen and Marines of the Dido and LowestofFe, were eminently noticed for their gallantry in a successful contest with two of the heaviest frigates from France, which terminated in the surrender of one ; while the other found refuge in flight. ..^v*' ' '^ ■^ On the coast of America tfli^'lHon, Captain Cochrane, with Captain Beresford, were equally conspicuous in subduing their R R f? li'- M ' km. ,'ifV^''' ■\a i ;ii !|. :.""■■ ,.;»••" ' 'mM 3' ,.it;i'; i:; iiil 306 superior antagonists ; in wliicb the former says, that the carronades on the quarter deck of the Thetis, were very ably served by Lieut, (afterward Captain) Paul Crebbin, and the Marines under his command. The masterly retreat of Vice- Admiral Cornwallis, in the face of an enemy nearly thrice his force, exhibited such a display of cool valour, as not to produce a parallel upon our annals. The energies of his pen bespoke the feelings of his invincible mind ; and although the merit was exclusively his own, yet he generously shared it amongst his faithful associates, in these words : — ♦• Royal Sovereign, June 18, 1795. ** Vice Admiral Cornwallis returns his sincere thanks to the ** Captains, Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fleet under his •' orders, for their steady and gallant conduct in t''e presence of the ** French Fleet yesterday ; which firmness, he has no doubt, •• deterred the enemy from making a more serious attack. It would *• give the Vice Admiral pleasure to put the whole of their exertions *' in efiect by meeting a more equal force, when the Country would ** receive advantage, as it now does honour, from the spirit so truly *' manifested by its brave men." This gratifying tribute was followed up to each, by the most precious tender which can be offered to a Briton—that of the legislative thanks of his Country. The Marine Soldier can often be retraced upon those proud records. It was reserved for Lord Bridport to convince the enemy of the decisive weight of an equal force. On the 23d of June they owed 307 the salvation of all their Fleet to their formidable batteries, and the strong Naval port of L'Orient. Lieut. William Jephcote, of Marines, fell upon that day, which augmented our Fleet with three sail of the line. The engagement betwixt La Blanche, Captain Faulkner, and the French frigate La Pique, fought early in 1795, off the island of Guadaloupe, affords a lasting test of the superiority of English fliscipline and courage. While our loss was confined to 29 killed and wounded, that of the republicans exceeded a total of 212. After exhibiting every quality of a judicious and 4)rave Officer, Captain Faulkner was shot through the heart, who left not behind him a brighter example of true heroism. The Marines of La Blanche behaved^.nobly, and maintained a constant fire under Lieut. Richardson, who, with Serjeant George Dice, did honour to their Corps. n 308 CHAP. XLI. Eighteen thousand Marines was the establishment of 1796. The extensive and lamentable casualties which had befallen our troops in the West Indies, with the enterprizing successes of Victor Hughes, demanded auxiliary aids from Europe, not only to remedy misfortunes, but to fill up their exhausted ranks. •• ' ' After a train of unprecedented bad weather, which was combated by Rear Admiral Christian with an uncommon perseverance, this squadron and army, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, reached Barbadoes early in 1796. An expedition was instantly undertaken against the Dutch settlements in Guiana, to which Demerara, with Issequibo, capitulated on the 22d of April, as did Berbice on the 2d of May, without resistance. The first object of the main Army was against St. Lucia, upon which island, a debarkation was made on the 27th of April. A series of attacks took place against the enemy's posts, in which Brigadier General Moore, and the 27th Regiment, were particularly noticed. On the 2d of May 800 Seamen and 320 Marines were landed, who co-operated on shore with much credit, until the total subjec- tion of St. Lucia, upon the 26th. I cannot express their good «pnduct in stronger terms, than in these which proceeded from Sir Ralph Abercromby, in General Orders of May 27th : — 309 -. J, *• During the services which have been carried on in the island •• of St. Lucia, all the courage* and every exertion of the Army, ** w^ould have proved inefFecttal, if Rear Admiral Sir H. C. ** Christian, and the Royal Navy, had not stepped forward with " the alacrity which had been so conspicuous in forwarding the *• most arduous part of the public service ; to their skill and unre- ** mitting labour is, in a great measure, owing the success which *' has attended his Majesty's arms. It will afford the Commander *• in Chief the greatest satisfaction to be able to lay before his " Majesty the eminent services which have, on this occasion, been •• performed by the Royal Navy ; and Admiral Sir H. ,C. Christian •• will confer a particular obligation on Lieut. General Sir R, ** Abercromby and the Army at large, if he will communicate to •• the Royal Navy, and particularly to Captains Lane, Ryves, and •' Stephenson, and the other Officers who acted on shore; and to *' the Corps of Marines, the great obligation which they consider " themselves under to them. „ r ■; .. " T. Busby, Adjutant General." St. Vincents and Grenada, disorganized by the bustling Victor Hughes, were again restored to order ; in effecting which objects, the Marines were also auxiliary, in union witli their brethren of the Navy. ,■ , : . . - -,•,--„ ,. , ..^^ . Early in this year the Dutch possessions of Amboyna and Banda were taken by th(j c^iertions of the squadron under Admiral Rainier, and the reduction of Columbo in the isle of Ceylon, with an immense booty, also occurred, by the joint forces under Colonel J. Stuart, and Captain Gardner of the Heroine, Although devoid of much i;»l'f V'm '■m 3J0 military intereit, itill those settlements were of high importance in a commercial view, and I reflect with a mixture of pleasure and of pride, upon every instatice in which my Corps has been instrumental in promoting the solid interests of their Country. An expedllion, tlmt was destined for the recovery of the Cape of Good Hope, under Admiral Lucas, became a prey to the active vigilance of Sir George Elphinstone, who, with a cool judgment, and anxious to spare the efiusion of blood, proposed terms of sur- rendering his squadron. By this exemplary address, eight ships of war were gained without a shot, or the loss of a man. *«^- The French settlement of Foul Point, on the island of Mada- gascar, on the coast of Africa, was destroyed by the Seamen and Marines of the Crescent, Braave, and Sphynx, in tlic month of December, Captain, now Lord Nelson, gave croudetl displays of his zeal and courage upon various services in the Mediterranean during this year, by the cutting out some vessels from under the batteries of Loano, the capture of a Spanish frigate in La Minerve, and in obtaining possession of the Isle of Elba, without any loss. Porto-Ferrajo, afterwards not d for its distinguished defence by a few Marines -and some mixed troops, likewise capitulated to him, on the Captain, of 74 guns, having been placed against the grand Bastion. '" ' '' < ^ ■ The able valour of Captain Macnamara, of the Southampton, in boarding and bringing oif, from under a heavy fire of the batteries on Porquerollos, one of the Hieres islands, the corvette Utile, is beyond praise. Lieut. Lydiard behaved most spiritedly, and William 3n Oirton, private Marine, was the only man killed on this brilliant service. The conduct of Captain Bowen, ^is Seamen and Marines, in the Terpsichore, was twice most gallantly evinced by the capture of El Mahonesa and La Vertale, in the months of October and i/eceniuer* ^ .,.., ^ ,, ..„ ,. ,,^-^^_., iji^j^-^p, -^ ,-, , Returning homewards, the Naval incidents of the year were repeated and animated. On the 17th of March, Sir Sidney Smith, with that intrepidity in hazard so na*:ural to him, destroyed a small convoy within the port of Herqui ; which was not accomplished, however, without landing some Seamen, under Lieut. Pine, and the Marines of the Diamond, under Lieut. Carter, who, in spite of a body of troops, pushed ashore, climbed the precipice in front of their batteries, and re-embarked, after having spiked the guns. Lieut. Pine was wounded, and Lieut. Carter mortally, of which he soon died, leaving behind him the merited character of a most excellent Officer and amiable man. ■ ■ < ^ ' . .if i-"? " : ■ • ,;;: On the 20th, Sir John Warren, with his little squadron, engaged a very superior force, taking one frigate and four of a convoy. Lieut. Williams, of Marines, appears mentioned by Sir Edward Pcllew as having rendered essential service on board the Indefatigable, in capturing La Virginie upon the 21st of April. ' , -.> ; ■* The fortunate contest between the Unicorn, Captain Sir Thomas Williams, and La Tribune, began under an obvious disadvantage, and while it has fully established the fame of that Officer, it was likewise most honourable to liieut. Hart of ray Corps. The Seamen and ^m w^ % 3J2 Marines of La Margaretta were also much distinguished in Captain Martin's official dispatch, announcing the capture of La Tamise. Captain TroUope, in the Glatton, of 54<, armed with heavy carronades, stands most highly on the records of this year, by his having encountered and beat a squadron carrying upwards of 200 guns, and in every respect nearly thrice his force. While the cir- cumstances of the battle reflect a lustre upon all wlio fought, the unsubdued spirit of Captain Strangeways, of Marines, was truly heroic, and demands the grateful sympathy of his Country and his Corps. After having received a ball in his thigh, he was necessarily carried below, and on a tourniquet having been ap- plied by the Surgeon, he insisted upon going again to liis quarters, where he continued to animate his men until he fainted from loss of blood, when Captain TroUope was obliged to interpose his authority for his removal from danger. He afterwards fevered and died, forsaking by destiny a distressed widow and family to deplore his fall, to the tutelar care of Providence and the British nation. William Hall, Corporal of Marines, was, besides, the only one wounded in this memorable action. Sir John Warren, by his reiterated exploits through the year, has very meritedly founded a name for spirit and zeal. u/, ^^ (^ j Towards the close of 1796 the French fleet put to sea from Brest, with the direct aim of invading the sister kingdom of Ireland. To it an army of 15,000 men was united under General Hoche. Heaven again stepped forth to thwart their schemes, whose ele- mentary agents were employed to overthrow them. Scarcely had they set sail, when the winds began to blow with violence, which burst 313 into a storm after gaining sight of the wished lor h\\n\. Their, armament was finally scattered, ami while a part of it, was buried in the ocean, others were doomed to augment the Hrilinh Navy, and the remains to hasten back, in disappointment and in tuiror, towards their own ports. ,„* .,^. , .., .. . ,-.^ „;..r,, .... Judging, from external evidences, their reception would have been worthy of Irishmen, had their invaders reached their ihorei. ,,,*' - Patriotism shone forth in every rank of society, and one godlike churchman* exerted those powerful energieii, whicli muit always be attached to every reputable member of his honorablo calling, in keeping alive the sacred flame. ni«; Tfj- ,'yffi • Dr. Moylan, Titular Bishop of Cork. hmm-y^il^m- oiH - .¥:}■ ^Jll^•4"*':•l.>■s■^^? CHAP. XLII. I . I ' , . ;i(,' a / ■f-- Spain having become a compulsory ally of France, during the last year, an expedition took place against the valuable island of Trinidad, on the North East coast of Terra Firma, in South America, which surrendered after a very trifling resistance, to the joint forces under Sir Ralph Abercrombic and Rear Admiral Hervey. Blunded with this capture, were 4 sail of the line and one frigate, which oflercd no opposition to our fleet, but were destroyed by the enemy, excepting the St. Damaso of 70 guns, , i ... Ss m m ■ ■ (■■■! m Ml ii^mm •iJ bt«iyi I m 111 Mil .;ifl h ■ y-m 314 '' ' Another but less fortunate attempt was made upon Porto Rico, but it was relinquished from the inadequacy of means to carry it, after some loss. On both occasions the Marines were placed in readiness to act, but were not required to land. ' ' 'kf.;. Sir John Jervis (now Eail St. Vincent) had the honourable distinction of standing foremost in the list of Naval Heroes, who, unappalled by very superior numbers, dashed at every thing. His masterly manoeuvres, upon the 1 4th of February, rendered this encouraging advantage unavailing to the Spanish Fleet, which, by a bold and decisive push, he separated, and defeated. This immortal action was not only crowned with the glory of capturing 4 sail of the line, but it had also its influence upon the spirits of our enemy, in every subsequent combat on the sea. An uncommon display of personal intrepidity was evinced by Commodore Nelson, Captain Miller, and Lieutenant (afterwards Captain) Berry, who at the head of the boarders from his Majesty's ship Captain, assaulted and carried, sword in hand, the San Joseff and St. Nicholas. The battls raged from 1 in the morning, until the close of day, which screened this powerful armament from destruction. Major William Norris, Lieut. G. A. Livingstone, and Serjeant Watson, of Marines, finished their lives, and 6 privates were killed, besides 21 wounded, in a contest where all were distinguished. The Legislative thanks were bestowed upon every class of out victorious fleet, and aU these honours which a grateful Country could give, were conferred upon her meritorious servants. The port of Cadiz was afterwards most effectually blockaded, and was twice bombarded, in one of which Captain John Oldfield, of Marines, was wounded. .-.„-. . ...... . 3)5 ^ No war, in which England was ever engaged, has produced so many high examples of suboulinate entcrprize, as that of which I treat. Like the gymnastick games, it is a spirit which should always be kept up, and although similar to petty skirmishing, it is as a drop in the bucket in the scale of importance, it still has a tendency to animate an emulous zeal, and the love of glory. It is the school in which greater deeds are taught, and to which all should be invited. ' ^t) .if' ' ju , ,.4>;<*n * i ii < ;^;ii . . ,^•>t»«'.•i•^:*i^'" ,l 3)8 % A peculiar spirit of activity seemed to pervade our squadron upon the Jamaica station, during the year 1797. Above 60 vessels of different descriptions were taken or destroyed, imder batteries where they rode in confident security, but which were uniformly inadequate to shelter them from determined valour. The zeal and directing genius of Captains W. H. Ricketts, and the unfortL»nate Pigot, were always well seconded by their Officers, their Sailors and Marines. ^ At the eventful period when Britain was contending for the general liberties of mankind against the most vindictive and powerful enemies she had ever encountered, when our islands were menaced with invasion, and treason stalked throughout our streets, she suddenly found herself deserted by her long tried and guardian fleets. The turbulent demon first appeared in the garb of justice, but after having gained its ends, he soon threw away the mask which covered his mutinous and corrupt heart. Those liberal concessions made by a considerate and grateful Country, appeared to stimulate, instead of suppressing revolt, and its contaminating principles diffused themselves over every quarter of the world. "^ Many were the individual instances of fidelity in my coi*ps, at this awful crisis. Many were the gallant fellows in it who preferred the honorable distinction of allegiance to their King, to the mercenary attainments of self interest. The partial support of the party of Marines on board the London, given to Admiral Colpoys and his Officers, at a time when they were surrounded by thousands of disaffected comrades, afforded a faint display of what would have been their general energies had such been called forth. They were •i> ■s-^ 3i9 indeed overpowered by numbers, after a contest, Jn which Lieutenant (now Captain) W. Sims was severely wounded. The loyal conduct of Serjeant Sweet, on board the Poropee, was evident to the members of a Court Martial which sat upon the trial of some misguided mutineers of that ship. ; An instance of true heroism appeared in Charles Cubitt, private Marine, (in the Royal Sovereign I think,) who, after having been «* stabbed in the belly, by a Sailor, with a pike, pursued him with a loaded musket at his ear, but on the fellow begging for life, h^ nobly spared him." "^ ^r^; The steady faithfulness of all those Marine Soldiers who had served during the American war, and had survived the heavy reduction at its c'ose, was uniformly conspicuous. At the outset of these lamentabi - v-jts, an unshaken resolve to stand or fall with their Officers, inspired every breast, which, had it been accepted, might have led to the sacrifice of those brave men who would have been opposed to uneven numbers, in the Seamen and many of their fellows, whom public emergency had embarked, untrained even to the common duties of their profession, and unhabituated to that strict obedience, which is the essence of every military virtue. Uncon- scious of that dignity which belongs to his character, the raw recruit readily gives in to any scheme urged by tlie designing ; of which there were too many drawn from the dregs of society, amongst those provincial conscripts who had previously been levied at the most enormous bounties, to man the fleet. -This fiendly spirit soon found its way to the Mediterranean, where all the achievements of Earl St. Vincent's life were yet, I may ii'(f ii m t 'V:' ir;: 1 *.:i^ Ii aso safy, surpassed, by the evidences of that manly vigour with vrhicli he subdued it. In this, iiis Lordship was zealously seconded by all the Officers and the Marines of his fleet, and by one uniform system of subordination which emanated from his high example. The conduct of Admiral Duncan, at Yarmouth, and Admiral Pringle, at the Cape of Good Hope, was alike ericrgetic. >i»A«5m' Subsequent events have 5h' wn that this flame was only stifled, but not extinguished, and it would have yielded me the highest gratification to have here bidden an adieu to the hateful topic, , „_„. It is an occasion, worthy n{ the gratitude of Britons, to notice the relative situations r': ciir republican foes at this alarming juncture. France would have eagerly embraced such au houjr of calamity to consummate her ambitious views upon our happy Country, but she was paralyzed by similar principles in her own Navy, while the .meditated expedition against Ireland, was detained in the ports of Holland by r.nabating and contrary winds, r > ru}i cj iv,ti /v^vs^; j;); - This year was remarkable by an increase of pay to his Majesty's subaltern Officers, the abolition of arrears to them, to Captains of the Army, as \ ell as Marines, besides a very handsome addition to the wages of Seamen, and to inferiors in all the other departments of our military forces. That liberal allowance of provisions which was also granted to the Sailors and Marines of the fleet, has rendered their situations truly enviable, as upon a general aggregate tliey arc more tha'i they can possibly consume. The overplus being con- verted into money is nearly adequate to the purchase of those cordials of which they stand in need, and, in consequence, a pru- dent man is under little necessity to encroach upon his pecuniary 32J gains. No class of his Majesty's servants is more independent, or might be more happy. The gallantry of our Navy in the face of an enemy, notwith- standing these outrageous scenes, was uniformly^ apparent. That expert Seaman and intrepid Officer, Sir Edward Pellew, stands first on the list, accompanied by his brave supporter Captain .R. C. ' Reynolds, of the Amazon, who nobly seconded the Indefatigable, in a cont:est, with but few intervals, of ten hours. Their opponent, Les Droits de L'Homme, of 74 guns, had been attached to the squadron • destined for Ireland, and was on her return to France when attacked by those daring Officers. She had 1600 men on board, by which she fought her cannon on both sides, and thus enjoyed her great supe- riority. The winds blew a storm, and all their animosities subsided at last in the predominant duty of self-preservation ; tor a glimpse of the moon providentially penetrating the sullen clouds, pointed out the breakers on a near shore, and the gloomy presage of instantaneous destruction. They were fatal to the unhappy Frenchman, who merited a better doom, as well as to the Amazon, after all her efforts. Sir Edward Pellew expressed his grateful feelings to Lieuts. O'Connor and Wilson, of Marines, for their conduct under these trying occasions. >-vk ?vj,-rv y.-./, .^ ^^^^?7, '/• v^ A disastrous fate seems to have always pursued every modern aim at the conquest of our isles. A petty attempt on Wales, by means of a set of Wretched criminals, terminated with their immediate surrender to Lord Cawdor ; and the capture of the frigates that had transported them, by Sir H. Neal and Captain J. Cooke, of the St, Fiorenzo and Nymphc, in sight of their own fleet in the road of T-r ■ '■ t.-'^--. W**'- •*' 32'!L ••:.W; Brest. Lieut, (afterwards Capt.) Carruthers, who wai subsequently drowned in the Invincible, and Lieut. Campbell, of Marines, were distinguished in this spirited affair. Sir John Warren and his squadron were highly active in annoying the enemy's Naval force and coasting trade during this year. ' ,t It is needless to enlarge upon the merits of the brilliant victory of the nth of October, achieved under the most hazardous circum- stances, and signally productive of the most important consequences. The very modest recital of Admiral, now Lord Duncan, of tlie proceedings of that day, adds a lustre to bis well-earned glory. Long baulked in the hopes of meeting his cautious enemy, no wonder his joy kept pace with his zeal to close with them when he had them in his power. The Dutch Marine has not yet recovered the blow, and the services of the North Sea fleet have, experimentally, transcended in their effects to enervate tlie Naval exertions of that province of France, in two wars. During the very able and vigilant administration of Earl Spencer, reward was the rapid follower of desert, and the British Commander, after not many hours absence from his Country, found himself, on return to it, elevated, from a commoner, to a Peer of the Realm. A suitable tribute was bestowed upon his brave second Vice Admiral, now Sir Richard' Onslow, and Captain H. Trollope, who was bearer of the glad tidings, as well as W. G. Fairfax, the Admirars Cap- tain ; both of whom were created Knights Banneret*, by a benevolent * They take precedence next to Kn^ts ©f the Bath, and are creations exclusively granted to military men, who have performed any feats of valour. They are always understood to take place on the field of battle, for tliough Sir William Erskine wn? aod grateful Sovereign. The Thanks of the Nation were also con- veyed to Uie Officer*, Seamen, and Marines, through its repre- sentatives. ' The generous contributions of the patriotic and the wealthy of our land, were likewise extended to many a disconsolate widow, a fatherless ofl^pring, and a helpless <»phan. The sufi^ings of the wounded and indigent Officer too were alleviated by public kindness, which sought for objects upon which to exercise its benevolence amongst the lowest ranks of those brave defenders* How criminal it is in any to violate the duties of fidelity to such a Country ! W In this well-fought battle 751 Seamen and Marines were killed and wounded, amonlg^t the latter of which were numbered Captains Cuthbert and Cassel, Lieuts, Chambers, Smith, Walker, Charles Ria, and Sandyst v., -K;i:uiv ; ..^'i . r. j.;: ^ A da^ at the Brutus, of 74 guns, by Sir Thomas Williams, after the battle, was ineffectual ; but did honour to himself, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines, in the Endymion. The capture of La Nereide, by Captain, now Sir Robert Barlow, in a night action, displayed the courage and talents of that Officer, and was highly honourable to Lieut. Stewart and his detachment. ' On the 19th of December, one of the most delightful scenes ever witnessed in the metropolis of any Empire, was exhibited in ours. It was the procession of the best of Kings, his amiable consort, every -.' ' ;' J-' invested with the order by his present Majesty, in Hyde Park, for his bravery in the battle of Emsdorif, at the head of the 15th Light Dragoons, still he was not acknow- ledged as such in this country. 2 1 m i'bfi: 'W I! H , I !l:!! 3U branch of the Royal Family, and the representatives of the greatest Nation on earth, tmnrardi the altars of their God. Never did prayers ascend on high with a greater fervor of devotion, which was heightened by every lurrotinding object* The occasion was well calculated to convert the heedless infidel, and to excite a military enthusiasm net to be easily effaced. Bodies of Marines, drawn from Portsmouth and from Chatham, chiefly formed from thoie who had so often contributed to the Naval victories of the State, in union with their brethren the Seamen, were allotted for the protection of these trophies which their valour had con- quered, and what moved along towards the spot, where all were to pour forth tlieir solemn thanksgivings. Their Majesties were greeted on the way by thouiandi of their affectionate subjects, and the Prime Minister of the day, who had presided over the Councils of his Country with lueh ability during its unexampled difhculties, was received with that unconstrained applause, which attested that Englishmen knew how to appreciate his transcendent virtues. ■'■tr.€^0^m. 4¥?>ie*life i^- M»l>i* 3^5 Pfl '<.:«>»;.".= ...j;,.^: CHAP. XLIir. 'pv.fi' *<^, Twenty thousand Marines constituted the force of 1798. No occurrences worthy of particular remark happened this year either in Asia or America ; but few opportunities presented to sig- nalize our Navy, anu these were of an inferior ratCf while the diminished territory of our enemies iu both, left but a limited range for further conquest. i;f <* The possession of Port-au-Prince, and its dependencies in the island of St. Domingo was relinquished, after a struggle truly honourable to our soldiery and squadrons ; but in which the loss of many lives, and an immense expenditure, were unhappily involved. « It is to the shores of the Mediterranean and the coasts of Africa, the eye is called to witness scenes of insatiable arnbitioo, but of unrivalled glory. , - -;^;rv, ^- .« „ " At this era France bad overcome her numerous foes by the enchantments of her principles, the charms of her gold, or the terror of her arms. Hitherto she had almost supported her immense armies within those provinces she had subdued, or the countries she had invaded. Peace shut the channel of such resources, as there were now but scanty gleanings from an unabating rapacity, which had desolated every soil that had been visited by her citizens. . .™„^, , *»» An army, long inured to plunder and to victory, became a natural object of jealousy within the bosom of their Country. One -v ft ; J. 3.11:5 .*;: .■:i, :i:f m M su enemy, manly in politics, unexhatnted in wealth, and unbended in attitude, continued to oppose this innnuating monster, too long arrayed in the borrowed garb of freedom* The riches of our island, and the virtues of its natives, had each their effects in stimulating this mass of men to &rther dangers, and in attracting the hatred of a Govern- ment, which, consciously, derived all its temporary energies from that infidelity to God, and annihilation of every moral princi{^c which, by pervading France, had wcenciled Frenchmen to the commissioa of any act* The title of ** Invading Army of England** was bestowed upon these extended corps, who were diverted from employing their speculative ideas as subjects, by pointing out to them future duties as soldiers* We may judge of this mighty force when we refkct that its right wing alone, posted on the coasts of the Mediterranean, exceeded 40,000. At the head of it was Buonaparte, denominated the Con()ueror of Italy^ and deservedly standing high as a General ; but his ex{doits had rendered him an object of suspicion to the rulers of France, who were well aware of his popularity amongst the soldiery, and his thirst for power* An expedition to Egypt, with a view to overthrow the British power in the Ekist, had long been a favourite scheme of the Monarchy, and it was revived under the Republic, who was anxious to get rid of its legionary troops. It was well suited to the ambition of Buonaparte, and he was an admirable agent to execute their faithless purposes. v^^t>> My limits will not allow me to indulge in farther theories, nor cin I accompany him in his unprincipled progress* Malta, that 327 key to all his hopes, soon fell under hit intrigues ; after which he proceeded, with an unexampled secrecy, to the friendly an4 unsuspecting sea-coasts of the Turkish Empire* Alexandria and Cairo became easy and alternate conquests to hit delusive pro- mises. The covering fleet, under De Bruix, in the mean time anchored, and formed into order of battle, in the Bay of Aboukiri protected by flanking batteries, and seemingly impregnable by any force. I , Rear Admiral Nelson, long distinguished for the moit gallant and active zeal, was destined to oppose this formidable combination, and to achieve one of the most brilliant Naval victories that stands upon the annals of the world. I will forbear to dwell on an event which is so generally appreciated, and what must be immortal as time itself. "" y Captain Faddy, of Marines, fell on tho memorable 1st of August, whose widow and family recognized -, protector and a friend in Lord Nelson. Captains J. Cresswell, John Hopkins, and Lieut, John Jewell, were wounded ; 46 Marine Soldiers were killed, and 78 were • As usual, the honorary and pecuniary gratitude of the Nation was stretched forth to every rank amongst the conquerors, and its Legislative Bodies conveyed their sense of such splendid deeds, in adequate and animated terms, to all. ,^ Upon the following day a general thanksgiving was o^red up to heaven, which made not a greater impression upon ourselves, than on the captive Frenchmen, who could not but express their H I I ,.( y«l.)Ji M m I ■ .t ! M ■■■••'ly m Hi 328 admiration of so 'Solemn an assemblage, at a time of seeming con- fusion, and when every heart felt all the elations of success. The Admiral also tendered his acknowledgments to all the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, for their gallant behaviour, and for a victory that had been gained by their discipline and good order. » ' No battle on the sea ever produced more signal consequences- It stimulated Austria to resume hex arms, and aroused tiie effeminate States of Italy to a sense of their glory and their danger. Although eclipsed in comparison, still the subordinate Naval transactions in the Mediterranean were guided by a similar spirit* Lieut. Perry, of Marines, distinguished himself upon a voluntary dash at the corvette Mendovi, which was carried by the boats of the Flora, under a heavy fire from the batteries of Corigo, that brig, and tlie vessels in the harbour. John Perks, private Marine, was the only brave fellow killed in this daring attempt, and Lieut. Perry was slightly wounded. Captain Digby, and the crew of the Aurora, were likewise noticed for a train of enterprize ; and Captain Foote, with all his coadjutors, in the Seahorse, by the capture of La Sensible French frigate. The action of Captain Manley Dixon, in the Lion, of 64, with four heavy Spanish frigates, one of which he took, was a most brilliant affeir, in which all under his command were alike de- serving. „j,. The combat between Le Genereaux, of 74-, full of, men, and the Leander, of 50, upon the IS th. of August, though unfortunate ■t ,- 329 in its issue, was yet highly honourable to our arms, when the cir- cumstance of her diminished crew is considered. Captain Thompson, whose conduct in the battle of the Nile had been most conspicuous, says, that •' his antagonist run the Leander on board the larboard ** bow, with a view to cnrry her, and continued along-side tor some ** time ; a most spirited and well-directed fire, however, from our • ** small party of Marines (commanded by a Serjeant) on the poop, ** and from the quarter-deck, prevented the enemy from taking [ " advantage of his good fortune, and he was repulse i in all his , ** efforts to make an impression on us." '^ cf The Leander, afterwards reduced to a wreck, surrenr^sred to her superior foe ; but not without killing or wounding one-third of their number. The brave Serjeant Dair and seven Marines were slain, and nine wounded ; being nearly a half of their little party, "^ ' - -- ■ The capture of La Legere gun-boat, by the Alcmene, Captain Hope, afforded a striking instance of intrepidity in James Harding, Marine Drummer, and John Taylor, Seaman, on board the British frigate. Although going through the water more than five miles an hour, yet, observing a packet of dispatches to have been thrown overboard from the republican vessel, they dashed into the sea and recovered them, at the imminent risk of their 'ives ; those fine fellows were, however, picked up by a boat, and each of them was rewarded by a pension of 20l. a year, from the Corporation of London. The contents were of much importance, as being from the National Convention to their General Buonaparte, in Egypt. Harding afterwards shared upwards of 200l. from the galleons taken on the 1 6th of October, by the Alcmene and others. lohU- -^ .It'. Uu ' i? >4< iifl ■vm ''i I 330 .'* So Sensible was the Common Council of London of their tneriU; and sty atoxious to recoihpence them, that ihey made special enquiry » through their clerk, to the Board of Admiralty, in order to ascgr-* ' tain the diciunstances and families of those brave iven, atid the above annuity was consequent upon that investigation. '^ On the 28th of October the fortified island of Goza, abaut five miles to the North-west of Malta, belonging to tlie Knights of thsit Order, surrendered to Captain Ball, of the Alexander ; when Caiptain» now Major Cresswell, with a party of Marines, took possession of it. ■^' The detachments firom the Leviathan and Centaur had the honour of being attached to the Army, under General Stuart» to whom, and the squadron under Commodore Duckworth, the important island of Minorca capitulated, on the 15th of November, after a trifling resistance, and without the loss of one British Soldier. ' His Sicilian Majesty took refuge on board of Lord Nelson's ship, and retired to Sicily on the 2 1st of December, as the French had possessed themselves of Naples. It fell to the lot of a branch of my Corps, under Lieut. Colonel Strickland, to be highly instnunental in restormg that Prince to the Neapolitan throne, in a short but brilliant campaign, during the summer of the ensuing year. Few periods of our Naval history have presented so many instances of achievement on the home station, as tliat under discussion, x K'i'-nt^'^if^'U':-'^v{?''(r"Kf •^'ttv-^^t'^' -t f On the 2 1st of March a desperate action was fought between the Mars and La Hercule, of nearly equal force, both ships touching during the space of one hour and a half. English valour at last 33i prevailed, but with a lieavy loss. Capt&in Alexarder Hood^ who blended in himself all the talents and virtues of his ancestors, fell in the moment of victory ; and Captain Joseph White, ctf Marines, shared his fate, wliile discharging the duty of a gallant Officer. ■■ .0^ih^:,ijf;.ii-; iiti:^&iik^ai.}t,'jiebsi^&m^ .-y Much do I laritent in not being able to commemorate the names of five brave privates of my Corps, who. With an habitual intrepidity^ attempted to board the enemy, but dropping into the sea, we*e crushed between the sides of the contending ships. >xr .■*;*" '• ''^ "*^'- ■ The defence of the little islands of St, Marcou, against an immense flotilla of the enemv, manned with nearly 800a Soldiers, is inferior to none of the many exploits of our arms. Garrisoned chiefl*y by Marines, I am well assured that their cool courage on the 7th of May ^vas never surpassed, and it was iiideed evidenced by a scene of carnage amongst their enemies, while their own casualties were limited to Thomas Hall, private, killed ; Richard Dunn and Thomas Williamson, privates, and Thomas Banks, Seaman, wounded. The attack having been levelled against the westernmost island, although both were in the line of shot, prevented any efforts on the part of Lieut. Bourne, who commanded on the eastern battery. M\ich might have been otherwise expected from the abilities of that Officer, and the system of discipline he invariably maintained. He would have also been well seconded by Lieut. Lawrence, of 'my Corps, whose gallantry upon an ulterior occasion fiiUy justifies my assertiow, 'fp^ Nothing could exceed the steadiness of Lieuts. Maughan and Ensor, of Marines. It was worthy of tlie Country and the service, whose honour was in their hands* 2 n ^"Hi 'n Milb 1 sit" 1 [|i * ' ■ r : !*| m ll S32 . 1; Lieutenant (now Captain) Charles P. Price also mentioned the conduct of Serjeant Henderson, of the Royal Artillery, in handsome terms. Indeed that borily is outdone by none in the world, '\ylxerever it is called forth. The capture of La Seine, French frigate, on the 29th of June, drew forth the encomiums of Captains Stirling and Milne, of the Jason and Pique, upon the spirit of Lieutenants Symes and Macdonald. The former of these amiable young men has now paid the debt of nature, but he will long be remembered by his friends. Lieutenant Ross was much distinguished in a very daring affair in the port of Corigiou, upon the morning of the 4th of August. After having carried the dbrvette Adventurier, a contrary wind sprung up, which exposed her, nearly two hours, to the fire pf- all the batteries, working out in a narrow passage which was at last effected. That Officer is also now no more. »? • • ' Notwithstanding all the boasts of invasion, still the French dared not any thing upon a scale of consequence. A few frigates landed General Humbert, who, with his followers, were made prisoners in Ireland ; but not without making a respectable opposition. It was reserved for our naval bulwarks to render abortive another attempt, and to give some creditable earnests of their Officers' talents and courage. On the 12th of October, Le Hoche of 80, the fiigates Bellone, Coquille, and Ambuscade were t: ken by Sir John Warren's squadron. The decisive spirit of that gallant and rising character Captain Graham Moore, was fully shewn in the prompt attack of La Resolue of 40 guns, and taking her before she could be supported by her consort. They were both superior in force to the Melampus. 333 The conduct of Lieutenant Hole, and his party of Marines \vas mentioned in gratifying terms. .d '^ji^vi^ ■^ On the 20th of October another action, alike brilliant, was fought between the Fishguard, Captain Martin, and L'Immortalite, which, after a spirited contest of more than two hours, ended in the Frencii- man's surrender. ^nu siii jas3ft'-'-<^oi'; . ^ m x.]fii0.-^'& . LieuteYiant Gerrard, of Marines, was wounded upon that occasion. So unubrmly respectable, was the course of that Officer's life, and so creditable his services, that it may not be amiss to state here, a very honorable testimony subsequently bestowed upon him, from the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fishguard. The gift of a sabre and belt was accompanied to him, with the following very , flattering eulogium: '• Tliis sabre and belt are presented to 1st Lieut. ** Gerrard, of Marines, by those who served with him on board *' his Majesty's ship Fishguard, in memory of the action with •* L'Immortalite, the 20th October, l^gs, the boarding expeditions "at the Saintes, Penmarks, Quimper, Noirraoutier, St. Mattliew, •• St. Andero, and Corrunna ; on which he served as a volunteer, " and bore so distinguished a part." He has recently been appointed to an Adjutancy at Plymouth vacated by the promotion of Captain Perceval. ■ ■ ; . ..--^.-:,. .:-^.'-. :.;hm,:,^\,/-C::'^.. _-:,,.: i^r...', ..^,:.-^,, - La Loire frigate was engaged by the Mermaid, of 32, Captain Newman, who, after the most persevering courage, was obliged to relinquish the unequal combat, which afforded an additional test of the zealous intrepidity of Captain Durham, in the Anson, who, although much disabled by the prevailing gales, attacked and carried her after an hour and one quarter's dispute. First Lieut. W. A, Bell, i H»M ''•?! iJ jt-d ^51 < ! H'i 534 of Mstria&t was wounded^ and Captiiin Durham acknowledges tire services he derived from him, as well as Lieutenant Derring, who Buperintended the carronades of the Anson, during the fight. The privates James Cummings and Robert Dillon Were also wounded. Captain Countess, in the Etlhaiion, likewise to<^ 1 *s bird* 43 ^..^,„. By such successive exploits, was the invasion of Ireland averted, and so important were they deemed by the ]S..tion, that its public thanks were expressed tc Sir J» Warren, his Officers, §ea«nen, and ■ Marines. ' . -' ^^4^j,>|,;^ii yj:,,,.y:^^,i:..i ,,.j^mm ,eui:;ik:. ...... .^ '-** An unfortunate meeting between' tlit Atntius*eade and ta Bayon- naire, of equal force, closed the transactions of 1798. So habituatetl are Englishmen to con(^uer on the sea, that they never reckon upon the many accikknts to which <;ontests, on tliat ebttietit, are subject* The courage of Captain Jenkins couLi not compensate for his want of fortune. He and Lieutenant Sinclair, of Marines, were badly wounded, before the colours were struck, ami the enemy, for once, successfully availed themselves of a. panic, .occasioned by the bursting ofagun, to gain her by boarding.'! >..;»:^«jit'!0>*ij, itwA-^.. ni^ " > ,•'. - ?'„■ ^■'- .■ ' - '->-•'..<''. ' .' , ' 'vJ'i? 1' "J 1 335 ^1"\ CHAP. XLIV:''' ;'*%^^^^ ^^^ii^ltrf ' .)"wl^^*1r ufn'i IHVI ^''''^tefYyr^jrk f.f'V- f.V'VfUv-r.; <-.?^' f«o4*li!iTA^ w.,,«,i- ,?i»*Jl»,r. Twenty thousand Marines formed the; establishment of 1799. ' An event truly brilliant int itself, and most important in its results, claim a merited precedence in my narrative of the transactions of this year. I mean the noble defence of St. Jean d'Acre, in the land of Palestine. Yielding to the habitual sentiments of my mind, I am always led to exult in any occasion, upon which the energies of Uie Soldier^ but more especially of my corps, have been conducive to the protection, or tlie aggrandisement of commerce. It constitutes the very vitals of our Country, and demands the fostering care of every member of it. The world is well apprissed of tJie ambitious vif^ws which directed the expedition of Bonaparte to Egypt, Although his army had been cut off from all intercourse with France ever since the decisive battle of Aboukir, still the inventive resources of his genius had established within a few months, a little independant Empire guided by social institr.ces, and a egulated police. Versatile and accommodating in his principles, tney always veered with his interests,, and he knew human nature too well not to make them subservient to the religious prejudices of these superstitious natives, over whom lie had usurped a government. Wherever hostility appeared, it was successively overcome, and liis dominion over Lower Egypt might be said t6 have been compleat at the opening of 1799. « y ni HI S36 This solid position, on the high road to our valuable possessions in the East, soon awakened all the active jealousy of the British Nation. Although secrecy had marked the steps of this unprincipled and hypocritical crusader, still they vyere guessed at, and traced by an enlightened Cabinet. -;«^ r^ Sir Sidney Smith was selected to arrange and animate a plan for chacing this encroacher from his Strong holds, v/bo sailed from England for Constantinople, vested both with diplomatic as well as military powers, in the Autumn of 1798, ■ f triple alliance between Great Britain, Russia, and the Turk. The ootlincs of future operations were also framed, which suggested an atiatk by the Pacha Djezzar from the d(iserts of Sytia, upon the frontiers of Lower Egypt, who was to be seconded by an . Army, penetrating across Asia Minor, while a ti;aritime diversion took place at the different mouths of the Nile, and the remnants of Mourad Bey's forces, already twice defeated, should adopt a harassing system from the Upper Province. ■ .- •>' -u. ■'-(-'■,'.■) -: li j,ln.-- ;-fi;, ;'»-•'/». ff; •j.i'V,^.. ■i^',:-:-"}-' I \'i' Bonaparte having learned the active views of Djezzar, and the arrival of Sir Sidney, which foreboded instantaneous hostility, resolved to anticipate their schemes, and to march into Syria, After having adjusted all his measures in Lower Egypt, he put his Army in motion early in February, consisting nearly of 12000 men. — To detail his progress across the deserts would exceed my limits. > " Upon the lOth of that month Bonaparte, in person, left Cairo to heed his troops, whom he joined at El Arisch on the 17th ; which '(-■■ .■ village and its castle, were completely gained on the 25th. Ghazah likewise surrendered, and Jaffa, that theatre of his indelible crimes, was carried by storm upon the 7th of March. After the most incredible hardships, and many a harassing contest with the numer- oiis Mamelukes, the French Army ascended the heights which command St. Jean d'Acre, upon the morning of the I8th of March, and commenced its investment. ^ .^-^-^ > .. r Sir Sidney had employed this momentous interval, in a train pf judicious measures. Leaving Constantinople on the 19th of February, he arrived off Alexandria upon the 3d of March, where he relieved Commodore Trowbridge, and assumed the command of the Naval Forces. Tliat city had been long closely blockaded by Capt. Hood, and Sir Sidney, anxious to divert the French from their purposes against Syria, commenced its bombardment, but perceiving it fruitless, he proceeded for that coast in order to rally its afFrightened Pacha, and to intercept the battering cannon destined for the siege of St. Acre, which he well knew must be transported by sea. His conceptions were most prophetic, and all his plans were executed in a masterly stile. Reaching CaifFe upon the nth of March, he afterwards steered for St. Jean d'Acre, where he arrived on the 15 th, and concerted a system of defence with Djezzar. On the 18 th he chaced and captured the looked for flotilla off Cape Carmel, afterwards landed the ammunition it contained, and mounted the heavy cannon upon the ramparts of the Syrian bulwark and capital. Its works were much strengthened under the able eye of Colonel Philippeaux, and never were a few critical hours better applied than those which preceded the investment of St. Acje. The X X ! I •I If' mm 3- III 338 - \ greater part of the Marfrt^ of the Tygre, Theseus, and Alliance were dUembarkecl, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel (now Sir John) DouglQI* who was vested by Sir Sidney with the Brevet CommiMion of Colonel, in order that the Turkish Forces, and the Seamen, who were alio landed, might be under his orders. - - f From the 1 7th to the 23d of March the boats of the Tygre and Theseus were conitantly employed in union with some gun vessels, in barasilng the enemy's posts, checking his approaches, and cutting ofFhis coasting lupplies, upon which services Lieutenant Burton and the Marinci under his command were distinguished for persevering gallantry. * Upo» the 20th the French opened their trenches against the front of tlie saliant angle, on the East side of the town, and within goo yards. Between that and the 1st of April, they kept up a cannonade^ when it appearing to the enemy that a breach had been made in the tower, against which their fire had been levelled, and conceiving also tljat tlie counterscarp had sufFereil from a mine they had sprung, the republicans advanced to storm it* In both, however, they were deceived ; and though the Turks were at first panic struck, yet stimulated t^ the heroic examples of the Seamen and Marines, they returned to their post, and continued to pour down a shower of stones and grenades upon the assailants, until they retired with a heavy loss. The squadron having been driven from its anchorage in tlie Bay, encouraged the French to push on their approaches to the counterscarp, a part of which they destroyed, and also made a lodgment in the North East angle of the wall, whence they began to undermine the tower. To avert its efHjcts a sortie was deemed adviseable on the 7th 339 of April, in which the British Seamen and Marines were to dash into the mine, while the Turks were to attempt the republican trenches to the right and left. Colonel Douglas led this attack, in three columns, at the head of each of which were the Marines, just before the break of day, and it would, most probably, have been a surprize, if the undisciplined clamour of their Mahometan Allies, had not proclaimed their approach to the enemy. This handful of Seamen and Marines carried the first and second lines of the French trenches, parallel to the mine, although defended by the flower of Buonaparte's Army, and maintained them, until the mine was destroyed by the gallant exertions of Lieutenant White and his Sailor pioneers. That OfEcer very much distinguished himself, and with many others, who were badly wounded, was indebted for an escape from captivity to the cool intrepidity of Sir John Douglas and the remains of his little detachment, who bore them off into the garrison amidst a tremendous fire from the enemy. ,, , ., « - I must here pause to render justice to the memory of one of tlie mildest and bravest of men, who unfortunately fell upon that day. I mean Major Thomas Oldfield of the corps of Marines. No eulogy of mine is necessary to adorn his tomb. I go to the records of a brave foe, where his epitaph is written, and who witnessed and recognized his valour. It is the honest testimony of a Soldier — of Gen. Berthier, whose own name has ofi:en been conspicuous amongst the splendid details of the Armies of France. He speaks in these emphatic terms : ♦* On the 18th Germinal (7th April) the enemy, at break of t^ay, *• came on with an attack on our lefl and our centre ; each column *» was headed by British Marines belonging to the ships, and their 2 JHittl m t-:m m it iii 1 !iii! 340 *' colours were seen waving with those of Djczzar, and the batteries . " were all manned by English troops. The enemy made an attempt *• to surprize our advanced posts ; but their design was seen through. *• We received them with a brisk fire from our parallels, and all that " appeared were either killed or wounded. The enemy ultimately ♦* retired without gaining an inch towards destroying our works. *• The central column acted with more obstinacy. Their object was •• to penetrate to the entrance of our mine ; they were commanded " by Major Thomas Oldfield. He advanced boldly towards the ** entrance of the mine, at the head of some of his intrepid country- ** men ; they attacked like heroes, and were received by heroes ; »* death only checked their bold career ; the remainder retreated, '* and took refuge in the fortress. The approaches of our parallels •* remained covered witli the dead bodies of English and of Turks. •* The corpse of Major Thomas Oldfield was carried off' by" our ** Grenadiers, they brought him to our Head Quarters, he was on the *♦ point of death, but on his arrival he was no more. His sword, ** to which he had done so much honour, was also honoured after •• his fall — it remains in the hands of one of our Grenadiers ; he was ** buried amongst us, and has carried with him the esteem of the •• whole French Army." .n>3?a«?4ij - .,.>>^w ■^ After liaving spoken of the many virtues of the amiable Captain Miller, Sir Sidney thus enlarges upon the merits of his departed M \V 3Ai li ij;! 41 (I friend, Mujor Oldfield :— •* The next ii Major Oldficld, of the Marines. I will tell the company where thu body of this brave man was contended for, and tiiey will judge where and how he ♦• died ; it was a sortie of the garrison of Stt Joint D'Acre, when *• attacked by General Buonaparte, that Major OlUlicld, who com- " manded a column, was missing. On our troops advancing he *• was found — his body was found at the mouth of one of tlie enemy*s " mines, and at the foot of their works* Our bravo men hooked •♦ him by the neckcloth as he lay dead, to draw him oil'; the enemy *' at the same time pierced him in the tide with a halbert, and each " party struggled for the body. The neckcloth gave way, and the *' enemy succee?"**} > ' Feeble is my panegyric of the unsurpassed heroism, the decisive resources, the conciliating address, and bold expedients of Sir Sidney Smith, during 25 hours of almost constant action. They have been but rarely equalled, and will never be outdone. He was well seconded by his able coadjutor Sir John Douglas, who combines a natural perseverance of character with the most manly judgment. Their virtues transcended to every subordinate rank, and animated all. ■ ■: —.^ ., _._... — :. .-.:v-,,;i- -;.,,._... ^,.;,.. ^ ..„-, ^ • The British uniform was every where, even in the individual, a rallying point, and my Countrymen and my Corps, through this unrivalled defence, lay claim to the pre-eminent glory of having fixed a barrier to the boundless ambition of Buonaparte, and of republican France, Egypt was conquered at Acre, and India pre- .served. The Turks, aroused by the daring examples of a few British Seamen and Marines, performed feats of enthusiastic valour, and the French were driven, with immense slaughter, from every The dispirited and reduced state of the Army before Acre, in consequence of these heavy losses, urged Buonaparte to withdraw the division of Kleber, from the fords of the Jordan. Much was anticipated from this Corps, from its recent good conduct near to Nazareth, It was early destined to ascend that breach, in which SO many of their countrymen had fallen victims. But the gallant sortie oF a Turkish regiment, anxious to wipe away the stigma of indiscipline, cut out sufficient work for them, and carried the third parallel of the enemy* Their forward zeal exposed them to some loss in pushing on to the second trench ; but they found sufficient employ i^ Kleber, who, instead of proceeding against the breach, was obliged to devote all his efforts to regain his works. 4 The attacks upon the loth of May, were the last vigorous essays of the French to carry St. Acre. Hitherto, lavish of blood, Buonaparte saw its ineffectual waste, and the Soldiery perceiving themselves ofiered up as daily sacrifices to his insatiable ambition, lost all their ardour. Unrestrained by the principles of honour, he resorted to the blackest treachery, and the unexampled refuge of a Soldier — ^that of poisoning his opponent, and demanding a cessation of arms, in order to break it. His vain attempt to subdue a brave garrison during this sacred interval, in one day withered all his laurels, most impressively delineated his genuine character, and will one day be numbered amongst his crimes, by the historian of that country which he now rules with tyrannic despotism* ^ ^4 jfi Precluded from every hope of success, Buonaparte retreated in disorder from before the walls of Acre, during the night of the 20th of May. Sir Sidney and his brave associates did not fail to pursue him, and to annoy his flying columns along the sea beach, while the Arabs, assembled by his counsels, harassed their rear. ; -, ; : - Thus ended this memorable siege, during which, 52 British Seainen and Marines were killed, 13 drowned, 113 wounded, t«r"' -t- t y'B- I ■ ill I !» ''11. i Yv >;i'^fi?rf$ "^■V*'"^y- r: t* 346 and 82 taken prisoners, Ife has immortalized every gallant fellow who bore a part in it, ^ ^. ' The services of Sir Sidney Smith and Colonel Douglas did tVot terminate here. Although in many instances they were unfortunate,, through Turkish indiscipline, they were still splendid in their nature, and momentous in their conseq^uences. Sir Sidney, returning to Cyprus, by hJa zeal" and the general esteem in which he was held, raised an army of 13,000 men, whicli, being united to the Turkish fleet, and some English Seamen and Marines, proceeded to Aboukir, were landed, and headed by Colonel Douglas, who volunteered to lead them against Buonaparte in person.. The Turks taking flight, were all either killed or taken, and their Chief, with Colonel Bromley, a French Emigrant Officer, owed' their preservation from the sabres of the republican cavalry by riding into the sea, where they were picked up by Sir Sidney, who bravely rowed in shore, and kept their pursuers in. awe, with a. field-piece in the bow of his boat.. •^**^ ^t^sLwc^^..,. ,^«*. , .r..,y. A second army, collected from R4iodes and other islands, attacked the French at Damictta, under Sir Sidney and Colonel Douglas, destroyed their magazines there, and had erected cannon against the French redoubt ; but Turkish disobedience and insubordination subjected this niass to a disaster similar to that of Aboukir. Sensible of Colonel Douglas's professional talents, the Grand Vizier entreated Sir Sidney to permit his repairing to Jaffa, in order to organize his- army there ; he accordingly went thither.. '^••'«?'*^''"'fc^'''''>^«*'»'fe Colonel Douglas, during four months, sliared in the scanty allowances of the Ottoman army, subsisting upon two ounces of rice 347 daily, sent from the Vizier's table, at which no Christian can sit ; drinking brackish water, and constantly sleeping in the open air of the desart. Under all these pressures and privations, the energies of that Officer were, however, so great, that he gained possession of the wells of El-Arisch ; seized a supply of provisions there, of which the troops were in utter need, carried the place, and by tliat means kept togetlier the Ottoman army, on the eve of self-dissolution. Monsieur Cazel, the French Commandant, who delivered up his sword to the Colonel, avowed that its conquest was almost solely achieved by the gallant British detachment which he led. '^^ This important key to the Syrian desart, again restored to its proper owners, facilitated the convention of El-Arisch, by which the whole French army yvas to evacuate Egypt, and return home. This having been subsequently cancelled, afforded a fresh field for the valour of my Corps upon its shores. ,p The following letter from the Grand Vizier to Sir Sidney Smith, fully identifies his grateful sense of the merits of Colonel, now Sir John Douglas, of Marines.- > 5 ^ ' » ' -UPml *' To the Commander of his Britannic Majesty's Fleet, to our ** much-esteemed and beloved friend Sir Sidney Smithj our best " greeting. May your destiny be ever prosperous, and your health "flourishing. .».,-.;». ci.., .>, • " We send you by the present our friendly advice and informa- *' tion concerning his Britannic Majesty's Officer, Colonel Douglas, " to make known unto you, that, during his stay at, and co- ** operation with the army under our command, he has evinced not ** only the greatest activity and skill, but also the most undaunted M ii U- 548 «(. ** *( «( it 4 courage and bravery. As his glorious and faithful services have afibrded us the highest satisfaction, so do we wish the same ma^ prove to him most honourable and advantageoiu ; and as we think it just and expedient for all Powers and Sovereigns nobly to reward eminent merit, so have we written tliis letter, for the express purpose, to beg ye- o tmnsmit to our dear, most respected, and great friend and ally, the King of Great Britain, a faithful narrative of Colonel Douglas's gallant behaviour,.- that accordingly he may be raised to the rank he so well deserves. We hope and trust, that at the receipt of our letter, you will act in conformity with this sincere desire. *' Given at our camp, before El-Arisch, L. S.'* ."ifS^^^ '• ** Feb. 2, isoo.* J| : Sir John Douglas has lately received a solid mark ©f his country's approbation, in a pension of 400l, a year, commencing from that day upon which Buonaparte retreated from the walls of St. Acre, " It was the destiny of my Corps to participate in a short, but brilliant campaign, which drove the French out of the Neapolitan kingdom, and restored its Mormreh to the tlirone, ji? Amongst the followers of tl>e fallen fortunes of his Sicilian Majesty, in his retreat to Palermo,, wa» CardiiKtl RuiFo, whose enterprizing genius planned the loyal design of paving the way for the return of his^ self-exiled King, to the former seat of hir. power* Repairing to Co'labria, he quickly cc^leeted- a large army, by re- kindling a spirit of royalism-, esierting his clerical inHuence amongst a people alike fanatical and- ignrntint, and. by alternately exercising ^hc fuactioBs of t4i« Soldier and of the- Cardinal^ -4 ^Hdt-''^, ' ' -.--. 349" ■ ' ' ' . ■ " * * , * %J Captain, now Sir William D*Arley, of Maimes, landed angly in tlie Neapolitan territory, in otAev to acquitt a knowledge of the state, strength, and views of the Royal party ; during which period he made many a hair-breadth escape. So Judiciously did he diischarge this important mission, that the command of a district v/as assigned him; he was entrusted with a high military post? ui %T:hich he continued to animate the motley army of RufFo, by hi» .counsels and' his energies. In a variety df^' actions they fought, and beat the united French and rebel troops, who had possessed themselves of the kingdom of Naples, and had organized it into-a pepublic; taking also Cotrona and Cantanzaro. I 04,4;, : In^li^l Introductory to their princi'pal operations, the British squadron was extremely active. In April, Captain l^Wowell, wfth> some Seamen and Marines, obtained Frocita and it9 eastie, in the- Gulf of Naples ; while Captain Knox, of my Corps, was i i if! ii I 3^Q ^bGardinal Ruffo, learning the \<{vacuation of Naples, and th» . defeats of the French armies by ^^e, Russian General Suwarrow, put in motion bis army towards that Capital ; part of which he gained upon the day of St. Anthony's feast. Exceeding his powers, a treaty which he had concluded with the Members of the Republican Government, and the Patriots in the Forts, was cancelled by his Sicilian Majesty, and the transports in which they were embarked for Toulon, were blockaded by the B|itish squadron, v.v-.v~ - ,j i Many of the rebel j^.ufiy, united with their allies the French, retiring to the strong ' •H? of St. Elmo, Ovo, and Nuova, it was judged expedient * • land ihe Marines, who, with other auxiliaries, were destined tc ice them. On the 27th of June they were disembarked, to the nu .r of 800 men, under the following Officers, who hid the honour of accomplishing the important services that ensued, with much credit, ,^ Lieut. Colonel Strickland, Commanding Officer. .4. jo{;>, 4 ^ Captain Creswell (Brevet Major, />ro /tfOTpom) 't.t,,>,,u,^ .i^tU^\^M^ Capt. Weir I Dunsmuire •m- f^rs*rt*^ — Minto ■ ■ ■ ■ Knox Wolfe ,, — — Torkington ' Williams* ^ Lieut. Noble " I Hare ~ M'Carthey fi •»««». '■ '*.-i. ■^.iv^ Lieut. Pearce ' Burford ^ Short Wills — — Harvey .-— £. )biK : ■ ■ A ' ' Ross Wyemysis 5 Tyldsley S Adjutants TO 4i' Vyviojii Quarter-master, m BuzotfiWiiii 'V- r% 'Four 'hundred Portugueze Marines were also landed, which, joined to 50O Swiss, 450 Russians, and 70 Greeks, formed a total of 2170, besides Officers^ - Vn^' . Ij^^^ •'■j^t^-iT>^r **' Captain Hood took possession of the Castles of Ovo and Nuovo, in which he was placed with as garrison of Seamen, and in his public character preserved the peace of that turbulent Capital, during the whole series of that trying duty. : ) *io r-Lin-.:? xii '■r' Captain Trowbridge, of the Royal Navy, conducted with much ability those military operations, which may be said to have rein- stated the Neapolitan King upon his throne. • :'\j * At five on the morning of the 30th" of June, he marched from Castle Nuovo, with the British and Portugueze Marines, was joined by the Russians in Naples, and proceeded instantly against St. Elmo, whose Commandant he summoned to surrender. Being answered in the negative, that zealous and spirited Officer lost no time in erecting batteries against the Castle, Between the 3d and 5th of July, nine " heavy cannon and eight mortars were opened on its garrison and woiks, which played incessantly, in the hope of effecting a breach sufficient to storm. On the 6th, four mortars were added, and by the indefatigable labours of the Seamen, six 36-pounders were I ' '■■ v\ i It: 352 '■'' * dragged to the lummlt of lin almost inaccessible predpiece, which soon compelled Moniieur Mejan to capitulate. 'Hie Marine Grena- diers marched into theCastkon the I2th, and the -enemy, upwards of 1500, were allowed ttie honours of war. On the I Sthf the main body of the army ret^irned to Castle Nuovo, from whence they advanced against Capua, that key to Naples, upon the 19th, where they arrived on the a 1st, pitched their tents near to iti walls, and in a short time opened batteries, which continued to play against the town until the 37th, when terms were discuued and agreed on. On the SPth, the French, to the number of 1500, marched out, and weve conveyed to Naples, under aa esci!»t of 4*00 Marines, and two fquadfOM of General Acton's Cavalry. The conduct of Captain Trowbridge was prompt and animatecf, ahd he spoke highly of the unremitted attention and discipline of Colonel Strickland, Major Creswell, the Officers and men. The exertioni of those of the allied troops were alsc highly meritorious. .. Returning to Naples, an embarkation took place against Gaieta on the 30th of July, where they landed on the 3d of August, gained possession of iti gates on the next day, and upon the 5th, delivered up the town to the loyal subjects of his Majesty the King of Naples. The retreat of the French armies was felt throughout Italy, and their disaiters routed the Tuscans to arms, who drove them from their bosom. Florence was abandoned, and Leghorn was evacuated ; but Rome wai unsubdued. Its besiegers had been driven from its walls, and every effort to reduce it was ineffectual. It did not. ' •-• ■ - :. - -•■> 353 ' ' ' . " ■ . '. ■ ■ . ■ •• . » however, resist against the tenders of British honour ; for on Captain Trowbridge appearing off the mouth of the Tiber, and a sumnions being sent to General Gamier, he agreed to surrender Rome, Civita Vechia, and every dependancy within the state, to that Commander. Some Seamen, and the Marines of the CuUoden and Minotaur, occupied Corneto and Tolsa, as well as Civita Vechia, during the 29th and 30th of September, while the enemy, amounting to 5000, were sent off, agreeable to the terms of capitulation. Captain Trowbridge maintained the acknowledged faith of his Country, in every article, with a dignity becoming the high character in which he stood. Colonel Strickland supported that discipline in his Corps, which must have ensured success against a contending €;iiemy. This train of important services, derives a double merit, from that rapidity with which they were performed. .. i During the present year Earl St. Vincent resigned the command of the Mediterranean Fleet. The system by which he maintained its good order, is worthy of being adopted by every Officer in the British Navy. One of the most gdlant boarding contests took place upon that station, daring the day of the 9th of June, which appears on the face of this war. It was cutting out a Spanish polacre of 1 o guns and 113 men, from the port of La Selva, supported by a. heavy battery, and a large body of men under arms on the shore, by the boats of the Success, carrying only 42 nien, ; - - Lieuts. Facey and Stupart, of the Navy, and Lieut. Davison, of my Corps, headed this daring enterprize. They were all distin- guished ; but limiting the detail of it to my peculiar province, I am led to notice the cool courage of that promising brother Officer, who, ..Z z, ■ 'I In \f. ?m i|: M I u 1 : 1 W: i ■. , t 1 1" ii I !ii ! ;.> S55 ''* Every domestic event of this year sifjkii, In coimequence, wliett compared to the expedition against HoUandt ItR detaiU, however, do not properly fall within my narrative. After having gained possession oftheHelder, the duties allotted to the MariiU'ii, were to garrison its forts, while the Army, under Sir Ralph Abcrcronibie, penetrated into the Country. Th^se my corps performed with their usual alertness and zeal, and much to the satisfaction of iheh* sn' -rlors. Unfortunate as was the issue of the attempt, originall •••lertukcn at a late season of the year, and against a danger , still the very important capture of the remains of the ..ituviuu Navy, amply compensated for its final miscarriage. An unsiirjiasscd unanimity between the land and naval services prevailed, and English valour was conspicuous throughout. / A garrison of Seamen and Marines having "been placed at Limmen Town, in West Friezland, under Captain Boorder, of the Navy, consisting of only 157 men, was attacked at five on the morning of the llth of October by more than 700 of the enemy, in four quarters. Their advanced party against file North battery was. surrounded and taken by the seamen, and after a long contest, the whole gave way. The Marines immediately purstied, killed and wounded more than 4-0, and would have taken tlieir colours and cannon if they had not, in the rout, broken clown a bridge, which checked our progress. Captain Boorder says, •• that Lieutenants •* Wyburn, Howel, Higginson, and Gardner, of Marines, behaved ♦• with honour to themselves, and credit to tlicir Country, and •* that their men distinguished tlieniselves in a most gallant manner." The names of Captains Mortlock, Sir ITavry Ncale, Winthoip, . 2 I 'i'r^' m\ i i If! f liis ^j^ ^ ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1^128 ■^ 1^ 122 ui Hli Z \& 12.0 1125 lllll 1.4 m 1.6 v Photographic Sdences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WEBSTER, N.Y. 14SS0 (716)t72-4S03 o^ 356 Bolton^ Macnamam, anH Cuninghaine* wiA tbeir Officers, Seameni and Marines, stand meritedly bigh in the suboxdinate catalogue of llus yeail^tnayal 4eeds» GHAP. XLV. XWENTY thousand Marines were voted forthe service of leoo. Every revolving year seemed to add to the. naval superiority of Great Britaio*^ In each. quarter. the. ^leniyls fleets were blockaded within their ports ; the happy result of ourjceiterated victories. . In the Mediterranean. ,Lord Keith, by his^ cruizers, was highly iastruiheiital in producing the .fall of Genoa, to the Austrian, General MeUs, by^cuttingoffjts supplies, and occasional bombardraents». ..-.■ Early in 1800 a battalion of Marines was lanckd at Malta, which had withstood atedious blockade, and still held out with uncommoa perseverance. . . The occasion presented no oppprtunities of signalizing themselves, byt by the mpst exemplary good conduct, under th^ following Officers : . ' Captain Weir» (Major Commandant.) , Capt..Knox, lieut. Bunce, — Wolfe, — Torkinton, ',.., «,— . Davison^ lieut* Burford,. — ^ McCarthy,. 357 Xieut* Jones, Lieut. Hodgkinsr Pearce, ..i— — Tyldedey, Adjutant, — Tdgson, . •— . Scobell, Quarter-Master.^ Onthe 5th of September La Valette capitulatecH* of which the Marines took possession. The indefiitigable exertions of Captain (now Sir A.) Ball, of the Royal Navy, did him much honor, and it was partly owing to the seasonable arrival of Major General Pigott with .a reinforcement^ as well -as to the debarkation^ of the Marines, that this important key to E^pt was so soon added to our dominion. The steady vigilance of the Navy, during- a blockade of two years, had a pre-«minent share in this final event. The fortress of Savona, reduced to famine, by the activity of Captain Ifownman and his^little squadron i surrendered also to him and the Austrtaa General St. Julien^ on the 16th of May... The.Genereux and Ginllaume TelU of 74 and 84 guns, were captured by our cruizers in February and March. They were the only remnants of the French fleet after, the memorable battle of Aboukir.- u This year abounds with many examples of inferior enterprise', in, which the subalterns of my corps gave very handsome pledges of what may be expected, from them upon every ^allotted opportunity. ■ The attack and bringing^ out the Spanish corvette, San Josef, protected also by a heavy battery of five guns, from under the fortress of Fangerolle, reflected the highest credit upon the spirit of Lieutenants Beaufort and Huish, of the Pheaton, and Duncan Campbell^ of Marines. He.with Mr.Beaufort were wounded. . I '1 :ii '<(1 358 The S^eamenmd Mailing «if the Mermaid, under Ca{>tain Oliver, ' merit notice in hairtng ciiit ^eut -and destroyed 9 vessels, under a fort near Cape Cors^tte. The conduct cf Lieut. Yeb aiid bis brave followers in the port of <>ecdnatico^ where they rfenldered lit merchantraen unserviceable, was most distingmsfaed. Lieut. Jewell, of Marines, in a detachment df this Stature under Captain Hillyer*, which gallantly brought out two large corvettes from the road bf Barcelona, amidst a sh6wer of shot and shells, behaved With mi. ch courage and conduct throughout that service. . Tbes^ detauHede^qploits were performed on the Mediterranean station during this year. i The Dutcb island 6f Cuxacoa, in South America, when 6n the eve of being {xwsessed by a Frdnch force, clamed the protection of Captain Watkins, of his Majesty's frigate Nereide, who landed his Marines and some Seamen, who had the honor of deterring the eiiemy from his attdm'pt, and securing that settlement. "Goree, on the coast (if Africa,, surrendered to Sir Charles Hamilton, of La Melpomene, when Captain M'CI.everty, with the Marines of the squadron, were landed to garrison it. Avery gallant single action was fought oF*'*. Domingo, between La Seine, Captain Milne, and La Venge'iuc . znch frigate, which terminated in the republican ship striking her flag. Captain Milne, who had oftener than once approved himself a brave Officer, thus spealcs of Li^tenant Macdonald, who commanded the Marines of La Seiner ** I iim iridebted to the services of Mr. Macdonald, of ** Marines, who was taken down wounded, and came up again *' when dressed, but was obliged, from a second wound, to be tak^n S59 ** below ; but I am happy to state, the life of this yaluabk Officer H ivill hi saved, to rendei further services to hb Majesty. The ** bel^gvioiirof the Marines viras such as does them the highest credit." I^j t|w East, Lieutenant Owen, of my corps, vohinteered from the A^^s^nt to asust in decoying the French frigate La Precieuse, which had been run on shore by that ship and the Tremenduous near Fort Louis, op the Isle of i'rance; a service that was spiritedly executed under a heavy fire from the batteries, and they brought off some of the Officers and men prisoners. The achievments upon the home station in this style of warfare, were both cr^uded and'hrilliant, and it is with a mixture ojf exultation and of pride, that so many amongst the Hsing generation of my brethren, appear upon those honorable annals. Amongst the foremost stands the name of Lieutenant (how Adjutant) Gerrard, of Marines, who Volunteered from the Fisguard, . to attack a convoy at St; Croix, laden with provisions and stores for the French fleet at Brest; which material object was in part eiected, in opposition to the fire from a strong battery, three armed vessels th^y took, and a line of musquetry on the shore. Eight of inferior note w«re captured, and twenty were run on the rocks. < Lieutenants Burke,- Deao, Stamp, and Price, of the Royal Navy, also gave shining patlerns of yalour. Another attempt upon some of the enemy's vessels at the mouth of the river Quiinper on the 23d of June, although not equally {^osperousi was still alike glorious to Lieutenants Bui^e of the Renown, aad Parker of the Defence, as well as Lieutenant Gerrard. A£bei reaching the mouth of tliat river-^ the Marines were landed on > rf IS m m I ■f ijotlitts sides, under 'the command ofLieutenanti Burke end Gerrard^ who were to protect t^e boats under Mr. Parker, in their approiKJh to the vessels of war and small -craft. But the enemy had removed them to an inaccessible 'distance, and this bold eisay terminated in the destruction of three strong batteries with their gum, by these divisions. The cutting .nit LaDesiree, -from the roads of Dunkirk, will be long remembered, and must for ever establish the personal intrepidity of Lieutenants M'Dermitt and Pierce, of the Royal Navy. TJie vigilance of Sir John Warren and his flying squadron, afforded another display of subordinate zeal ou the ist and 3d of July. The scene of action was within the island of Noirmoutier, and in the bay of Bourneuf« and the object was to attack some armed .vessels and a .convoy bound for Brest, covered by 6 heavy' batteries on the South East part cf the former, besides flanking guns on every point. By 13 on the night of the 1st of July, they carried 6 armed ships, and i^ merchantmen, but on finding it impossible to bring them out over the sand banks, they were all burnt. This dashing business was achieved by 1 1 3 Seamen, and 6 1 Marines, headed by Lieutenants Burke, Dean, ;and Garrett, of the Navy, 11 petty Officers, and Lieutenants Thompson, Ballingbaro, Gerrard, and Hutton, of my corps. All the boats upon returning, grounded, and in this situation they were exposed to an unceasing fire from the forts, and from the platoons of 400 troops in their rear. It was under this trying circumstance, that, with true British intrepidity, they resolutely dragged their boats upwards of two milet over the sands, until they floated, when they levelled all their efforts 36 f against one vessel, sufHciently Iargt> to accomplish their retreat. Four Officers and eighty-eight men, however, became prisoners, while more than 1 00 secured their safety by unrekxing valour* The capture of Le Cerbere gun-brig^ made under tlie batteries of Port Louis, the fire of some small craft, within a mile of three French meh of war, and against four times their numbers, has immortalized the fame of Lieut. Cc^hlan, and Mr. Paddon, of the Royal Navy, and all their associates. It can scarcely find a parallel upon the registers of history. , Lieut. Burke, of the Renown, the Seamen and Marines under his auspices, were again conspicuous in the assault of La Guipe French privateer, of 22 guns and 161 men, which they toc^, after a desperate resistance, near the Narrows of- Rendonella, in the bay of Vigo. That valuable Officer, Lieut. Burke, was badly wounded, besides twelve Seamen and five Marines, and four of both classes were killed. It was iu testimony of those repeated deeds that the Officers and ship's company of the Fisguard, presented Lieut. G.errard, of Marines, with a sword, accor panied by the flattering tribute I have already described. His Country, as I have said, has recently attested her gratitude, by conferring upon him one of the Adjutancies of his Corps, for which he is eminently qualified. The determined spirit of Lieut. M'Cullen, of Marines, and' his little party of twenty-four men, in following up Captain Price's orders, against the Victoire privateer, of Boulogne, near to Issigny, is worthy of much commendation. He towed her off from the sliorc under the discharge of some hundred rausquetry, and brought her a 2Aa set pri2!e to the island of St. Marcou. Lieut. Steevens covered him most gallantly in his gun-brig, the Sparkler. Imitating this brilliant system, another blow to the enemy's commerce was given by the boats of the Montague and Magnificent, conducted by Lieuts. Blissett, l^night, Griffiths, and Dunlop, of the Royal Niavy, and in which Lieuts. Alexander, Montgomerie, Mit- chell, and Jordan, of Marines, bravely volunteered. The whole proceeded against a coi\voy of fourteen sail in Port Danenne, near to L'Orient, all of which were grounded under a battery, that fired round and grape shot, as well as tw9 of the vessels which wer& armed, upon the bo^ts as they approached. This service was most completely executed, as they took eleven, and burnt one ; leaving only two behind which they were unable to bring out. Captain Knight acknowledged the conduct of all to have been most regular and bold. These little details are powerful evidences of the spirit of the times. Upon an aggregate scale they are certainly of national moment, and sufficiently prove how much may be accomplished by English intrepidity, when happily seconded by a well-regulated discipline. 363 CHAP. XLVI. At no period of her existence as a Nation, did Britain portend a speedier dissolution, although at none did she ever appear in a mqxe dignified attitude, than at the commencment of 1801. Alternately deserted by every Ally, she was not only engaged in an arduous contest with some of the most powerful States of Europe, but was threatened by the revival of a Maritime discussion, backed by an armed neutrality amongst its Northern Powers, evidently levelled against her existence. A confederacy so hostile to our very being, could not but arouse the land to assert their long established rights ; and, however hazardous an appeal to arms might be under the existing crisis, it was still deemed a better, and more glorious alternative, than tacitly to allow any innovators, however powerful, to undermine those commercial pillars, upon which the Empire had so long flourished, and stood. Temporizing measures being but ill suited to the occasion, and little c ^^ ntinued to prevail. Three boats fitom the Trent, led on by Lieutenants Chamberlayne, Soallion, Bellamy, Tate, of Marines, and Mr. Hoskins, on the Jd of April, in/>pposition to numerous batteries on the shore, the constant fire of a lagger and cutter, and the aid of a number of small crafi, boldly ^kttacked and drove the logger amongst the rocks, besides some of the boats. lieutenants Chamberlayne and Tate afterwards boarded and carried off a large ship w^ich was under their convoy, and what was their main object, on her ivay from Brehat to PlampouL In that service Lieutenant Tate, of my «orpo, unfiMrtunataly lost a leg* One of the most daring attempts, ever conceived, was originally undertaken by lieutenant, Losack, but finally executed by Lieutenant Maxwell, against the French corvette La Chevrette, in presence of the combined fleets in the road of Brest, under protection of the batteries of Camerat, and in spite of neariy 400 men of which her crew was composed, aU ready to q>pose ^he auailants* Upon this perilous duty Lieutenants Sinclair and Ros6, of Marines, spiritedly volunteered. From the strong position of the enemy, who set every attack at defiance, no better contested affair oceuned through the wliole of tins gldriotis war, lieutenant Sinclair who had been tbmkAf WouihImI ilpSnli thniltr mterprifle» was slain In (£« liicl of warding off alike dcitiny from a Midthipman of the Poils^ H« would have done honor to any rank in Kfe; The carnage was gi^t on the side of the repubiioans, being above 1 50 killed and woifndedi' while that of the British exceeded 66. Lieutenant W. Burke, an Officer of the highest hopes, received 4 mortal wound, and Lieutenant Neville was hurt* Mr. (now Captain) Maxwell, with all his intrepid companioiis, will long appear conspicuous on the records of fame, Capt. Charles! Brisbane says, ** Any comments of mine would fall far short of the ** merits due to those gallant OfHcers, Seamen, and Marines ** employed OR this service." Such examples of irresistible heroism insubordinate warfare, must have a permanent influence on *bge feelings of our enemies upon whatever scale they may he opposed to us. On the 4th of August a successful bombardment took place against the French flotilla off Boulogne^ and the. attack was renewed upon the 15th by the boats of Ijord Nelson's squadron. Aklioiigh assembled for the avowed purpose of invading our isles, still the event of that night plainly shewed that their preparations had been distinguished much more by steps for self preservation, than for offensive measures^ for our brave fellows, after the strongest feats of valour, were obliged to abandon their hard earned prizes, from their having been listened by chains, or hard on the shore. The issue was unfortunate, but it added to the glory of the British arms. One hundred and seventy two Officers, Seamen, and Marines were killed and wounded in this patriotic attempt. Such were the exertions of all that the thanks of Earl St, Vincent and of tlieir brave Chief, were i •IP i i ^' ^: V#^ 369 expi^ssed to everjf dass in tlie sciuadronV The senruse ,wa» deprive4 of a gallant Officer in Captain Paricer of the Naivy, and Captain Young, of my corps, was badly wounded. Lieutenant Gofrkrd, of 'Mariries, was again a volunteer in cutting out some vessels of force, fwm the p«t of.Coninna, happily without loss. Admiral Cornwallis, with that perseverance so peculiar to his character, oohtinaed' to block up the combined fleets in Brest, who condhued a^ useless load of expenditure tc France -aiid Spain, until a cessation of arnis gaVe tliera freedorai ■ 1 Mtterly lament.that I catinot Ind 'ferewell to the domestic events .of the presenit year without diverging iipon that baneful spiri^ of mutiny, which again broke forth In a detadiment of our fleet on the Jooast of Ireland^ . - ;>ilt first burst out oti board the Temeraire, a ship hitherto noted for %dod order, and eommanded by men who ytddedntp none-in the British Navy, for talents^ humanity. It was a renewal, of the same foul game that was played at the close of the American war, but it was subverted in a diflbrent manner, and with a, manly energy, which bids fur to advance the future interests of discipline.. The party of Marines, under Captain Vallock, after resisting all the efforts of seduction from their duty, behaved with the fidelity of good 'Soldiers, and nobly ponded the 6rm resolution o( Admiral Campbell and the Officers under bis command. As must ever bethe ^ase, this little phalanx, inspired with all the consciouspess of a good cause, quickly overcame their guilty opponents, whose ringleaders e3(;piat^d their crimes by an untimely death. ^ m 369 Vi:' The, address which those -iinfortunate men left behind them to their misguided ship-mates, bespoke the deepest contrition, and affords the most impressive lesson to the wretch who may ever be so unguarded as to admit the ini'oads of discord or disobedience. In justice to those parties of Marines who loyally avowed their principles during such commotions, which, indeed, were general, and the same amongst every detachment in the squadron, I annex copies of letters from two under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Tench, and Captain Forshall, directed to those Oiiicers. «• Sir, '?tljM We, the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, serving as ** Marines j under yOur command, on board his Majesty's ship •* Princess Royal, htwing heard with pleasure , the gallant conduct •« of our brother Soldiers on board the Temeraire, and, therefore, •* bfeg leave to express alike with them, our deterinination to oppose, " with all our might and power, all unlawful combinations and our ** readiness to obey our Officers night and day. •* Signed by the Whole Party. *♦ Lieut.-Col. Tench, his M;ajesty'? ^ «• ship Princess Royal." sirojiW ; yi^n ^* Si R , Resolution, Bantry Bay, 1 6th Dec. 1 8 o l . . i •♦ I hope you will pardon the liberty we take in addressing you, ** but as we understand that some ships companies have disobeyed the ♦• just commands of their Officers, and knowing the dreadful •• consequences that formerly attended similar practices. For our »• parts we abhor the idea, and we hope you will inform Captain ♦♦ Gardiner, likewise the Admiral, that it is our firm resolution, to 2Bb l» III I /I I :lfl ':'! I *f Marines, '* Youroioat obedient bumble senraot, ** WilUain Hcratas, Seijeant. " Captain Forshall, Marines.*' The steady allegiance of toy corps was such, throughout this^ period of indiscipline, tbat the IbUoiwing te^imontes were the * ^ honorable result: ** The Lords, Commissioners of tlie Admiralty ** haviag expressed their lugh sati^ctieiv of tfoe good conduct of the ** Makises of sevekol ships, under my command wkh you at ** Seerhatren, in declanoig their tbhorrenoe of ^ mutinous proceed- ifi^ wUeh had latoiy takeo place at the >anfilieirage, and of their IfaTing come ifertfa on that oeoasion, so much to the honor of their ^*'Cefps, «nid inilciests «£ 4iMir Country, I tai to desiie you will be ** pleased to communioate Ibe sauae tx> tiiero, aRd«S8i»eyiem that I * * feel Mghly ^tiidd «a tbe present occasion . '^l^. " («gncd) Wiffiam Comwallisi ** Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell, &cc. &c." In consequence of the above rety bmidsome communication from Admiral ComwaiUis, Cennnadder inChief of the Channel Fleet, Sir l^ndTtiW MCchell issued the foUowing order : , ** It is-ttty directions to (the Coptaons of the ships, named in the ** 'nieirgin,* tMHtermy ontors, tocdmnnmicatetothe Marines, serving ** dn board the iei^)ective ships under their comiuMid, the above * IVindsor Casfle, Princm Royal, Malta, Glofy. «« «• tut' mf 'fttter frdiA the Comraander la Chiefs and I feel equally happy ** their good conduct has merited such a mark of approbation from- '* him and tiie Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. V ♦» (Signed) A. Mitchellw ** S9th December, I80l.** Much to the credit of the Formidable, Captain Grindall, that ship wastotally exempt ftx>m the diabolical spirit, and it is proper to be remarked that the thanks of the Board of Admiralty were withheld from the parties of Marines in the Vengeance and Resolution, entirely through mistake, as both were truly entitled to them, for a amilar zeal, wiili the rest of their brother. Soldiers. I now bid adieu to> the domestic transactions of is 01, and hasten t^ those quanevs of the worlds where tlKs British character appears ift ail its maoiLy and native vigour, not palded by murmvrs, but invlneihb by discipline. . ^ r After the desoftion of Buonaparte fsom his Egyptian Army, and the annulment of tlie Treaty of £1 Arisch, the genius of Kleber, his successor, retrieved every thing* Bf ^e battle of Heliopolts he evhave resolved upon fixing a permanent Empire in Lower Egypt. He i^'- <.■■ ;' !. Ifi I n^ rejected, with disdain, every pvgrture towards a renewal of the Treaty of El Arisch, and, excepting a number of Greeks embodied under the • auspices of Kleber, who were trained in European, tactics, rested- all his hopes of defence against native inroads, or foreign invaders, in the remnants of his countrymen. . . . . ,ii . . ; ,<|t was reserved for abranch bf my corps, combined with a British Army* to assist in rooting out this powerful force, to restore those conquered dominions to their rightful Lord, and thus to close a war by' subduing those motives .of ambition which had continued to cherish it. : ,: - -S'^m'shRiiv '^* A very considerable armaitient, which had been employed on other services during the last year, had «Qtered the Mediterranean, and the troops who formed a part of it, were landed at Malta and. Minorca. These were destined to expel the French from: £^ypt, in. co-operation with an Army, under General Bairdi.ftonKitbe reglon$.of In4ia>. s^nd an Ottoman forc^, under th^, Grand Vjlzier, .wJblchinir^s to cross the deserts of Syria.- I ' Lord Keith, with the English fleet, rendezvoused early in January 1801, in the Bay of Marmorice, on the coast of Caramania,*' where prepgrationsi .necessary for tbe> intended expedition,, wiere' carried on* Two- days pi;evii.ous to their sailing for Egypt, his Lordship signified his :;ciili'ecti<]!ns to Lieutenant Colonel Smith, who commanded the ^ Marines, to hold himself im readiness to disembark with the Officers and men from the different ships, and to place himself under the ordefs of General Sir Ralph ^b|rgrp|nbie ; at the same tim^, Y^eAting '7 fJCaramania is a Province of Turkey, in Ada, in the South part of Natdlia.'i^ Satalia is its Capital. . 37S bim; With' a 'po^r,x>f issuing such preparatory instructipQs. as be. might deem prpper^/or ^h^ £u£uj<6 regulations of his battalion.) con vising an arfpy of 1 5,3 30 Soldiers, and anchor.ed iq thfi^usiHgious Bay 4»fr AibsQiM^irK on the 3d of March. An incessaQt gale pifeyctnted: any debarkation uptil the, 8th, when a landing was effected- by the. giHzater part of the Army, under circumstances that .very sigoaUy attested their discipline and their valour. The Officers , and Seamen of the fleet bad likewise their share of these attached merits. This' important object baying been accomplished. Sir Ralph Abercromt^e: advapced to v/ithin six miles of Aiexapdria, and three of the enemy, who were strongly posted on a ridge, with the canal of that city on their right flank and the sea on their left. %< Agreeably to the arrangement that had been made in the B^y of Marmorice, the following was the order of battle, by which ^,^he MariiMs were, attached to the ;3d, brigade under Lord Qavan, and, united in it with the 50th and 78th Regiments. . ,, Previous to the landing of the Marines, Lord Keitli addressed th? following letter to Lieutenant Colonel Smith : ^^j^^v.^ij^j^i^ . f . -••'wj- *' ^^^* Foudroyant, in Bayof Aboukir, 9th March, I801. ,., '* If it shall be requisite to land the Marines froin some of the ',^.«l|ips for a short time, I beg ypi^ will furnish me with tl^e arrange-. *;f ments you have made, and ,th,e temporary ranks necessary to .be •* given, so that I may furnish the. Officers with authority. •• I am, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant, *,V Lieut.-Col. Smith, Marine Forces^ . '•(Signed,) Keith, ♦ his Majesty's ship Kent." ""t- 'I •"li 3T4 iii^ ootiMi]ii«n««« mstky Offloen <4)«tin«d braret mifk, in the ooum of the Egyptian oiRij^gfi', fltid i«6dved odditimtfll pay acooidliig to th«: ^f^jptf^oiM of ^tfhi Ati: itisfitutidn ilikti libeiral flfid jtiftt #m adbpted by Lord lUlth toWMtktrie iStuAM Cbtpi^ that wMie iu OffieeM and Sddiort w«m employed on shore, in advamcing the interests of lh«ir Gdnntry, their claiittst for pris»»Money iiittee considered as valid during t4i whole ^tiod of their absence. It was ott the iffiorrilng pf the i^ of Mai JO dHfet^ent ships, unknown to oni^ anotf^tr, ahd a graat many of tb«m tidily ignorant of every iniiltary evolution^ The battalfon, howevet, was fbrmcd beiwtseti the faonis of if and $ upon that day, under a scorching sun, and on^ a burning sand, after Which one half was detached t6 fill bags for the batteries, whilst the other was inarched a condderable distance, all the wbtie nearly knee-deep in sand, and laden withrtheif comrades miisquets and knapsacks. After such labours, during the day, orders arrived at seven In the evening for thewhde to join the main body of the Army, then 15 miles distant, which they effected^ after much fatigue, at one on the morning of the 1 3th of Maith. At five they were again under arms, with a view tt> have attacked the enemy, advancing towards him in two lines by the left, in order to have turned bis right flank. But anticipating the movements of the British, he descended f^om the St5 tieights which he had occupied, and struck at the leading brigades of both our lines. The battle began on the right at seven, and tboie on. the left instantly formed. :: lit cannot i)e supposed that this detachment of/iny^orps, hitherto lAtmined tamiHtary tactics,i could eviiiQe that regularity and precision in faBanceuvce which so vmuch distin^ished those vdecan Soldiers with whom they served* But if they failed in the imnutiie of ^scipline, they were not behind th^m in valour. The engagement tttooming^ warm and general, tihey were somewhat crowded in their ranks by the alignment of the regiments on their right and left, owing to the narrowing of fliePentasula mpon which they acted, aind at the. moment when they sustained their sevecest loss. Although not perfectly regular to command, they slMl, under a gallant impulae, rushed forwavd in diatge towards the enemy, and acquired, ^fon their . ocmspicuaus-biaTery, theaf^peUadoD of the Bull Dogs of; the Auny* Tlie French were driven at last, with an irr^istible impetuonty, to lake shelter imder > the foctftfied ibdghls, that constoiule the o^ef djefenoe of Alexandria. The 'details of loss weffe fuily {nroportlonate^ to those of their brethren in arms, being 2 Officers and 92 sank and i^file killed, 4 Officers, 2 Serjeants, 2 Drummers, and 27 raflk and £le woundedi Arooi»gst the former twere Litotenants Paul Hussey, and Ldnzee SheQi holding rank as Captains 'inlhe'Marineibattalioni and Captain Minto, with that of brevet as Major, be^des Captain Robert Torkington, Ut Lieutenant John Parry, and 2d Lieutenant George Peebles. ' ^'rUpon the day after the bottle the fcxUawing were tlie pubBc oideis issued by the JComiaaiider In jQhifif, who ibad intinMUd II' V f! mB to ' ;flidrd Keith the gallantry of ' the Marines Upon that occasion: ■ '^^ ■ i . ■■ .' ''fo' ** Camp, 4) miles from Alexandria, 14 March, iSOl*. .jtM.'Sir Ralph Abercrombie desires 'that Lieutenant Colonel Smith A* and the battalion of Marines^ will accept bis Thanks for their Vjiconduct, in the course of the service of yesterday ; at the request lt> of ILofd Keith. d^^>r:ff,.The Commander iniChief has the greatest satisfaction in i^'-tkadkirig the troops for their soldieir4ike conduct inv the action ■^♦f,"ofyesterday."ftl;'>n ii , ;..•';■•■ '>rf: In the afternoon; 'the battalion marched to Aboukir, where tiiey "were placed under the connnand of Earl Dalhou^e, and remained •there some time after the sunE continent of Italy, afFcnrded refuge to Mr. Isaac Grant, English Vice Consul at Leghorn, and others of his countrymen, who fled from our rapacious enemies on their entrance into Tuscany. His example and precepts roused the natives to arms, while the v^y females shared in the patriotic impulse of defending their families and their Country, from those universal spoilers. Mingled with its garrison, were Lieutenant Lawrence and his party of Marines from the Pearl, whose animated efforts, during a long series of six montiis fatigue and danger, are little known, but were such as to entitle the whole to the highest praise. This little force, by their constancy and courage, ever set the best of examples, were always foremost on service, and stood to their post and guns when the Tuscan and other foreign troops gave way. They were likewise unremitedly 385 Tiseful in preparing shells, mounting and transporting cannon, and in repairing their carriages, as well as constructing works. Their knowledge of gunnery, acquired by experience in a long siege, and their ambition to gain honor to their corps and themselves, induced them to live in the batteries, and the little sleep which they enjoyed, was by their cannon. Such zealous perseverance impaired the healths of this brave detaclmient, and if the place had not been relieved by other troops. Lieutenant Lawrence and his faithful companions must have fallen victims to incessant toil. The merits of Colonel Airey, in the defence of Porto Ferrajo, were great indeed. Nothing could surpass his cool judgment and spirited exertions in foiling a very superior enemy in all their attempts. The bravery and. good conduct of Mr. Isaac Grant, in repeated sallies, were eminently conspicuous. Few occasions have exhibited a more manly patience, or a nobler stand. ,ii^Upon .the I2th of September Sir John Warren appeared with his squadron to relieve this brave garrison. He had previously given an order to Captain John Richardson, of Marines, to act. as Brigade Major to Lieutenant Colonel Airey, and he was disembarked, as well as Captain Johnstone, from the Gibraltar, 12 Subalterns, 17 Serjeants, 18 Corporals, U Drummers, and 390 Privates. A force of 240 Seamen was also landed under Captain Long of the Royal Navy. Captain James Weir, (now on retirement), who commanded the Marines at Malta, served in Porto Ferrajo at the head of a Maltese corps, with distinguished reputation. It having been resolved to destroy the enemy's works, a debarka- tion of upwards of 1000 men took place early on tlie morning of the 2 D D • ' I ' ■ -•« I I I 1 1 m > : l\ I M m •f. . * 386 14th of September, while a sortie from the garrison was attempted against the battery which overawed the harbour. Captain Long, with his division of Seamen, Marines, and Swiss, proceeded to demolish the batteries on the right side of the bay, which he performed in a gallant stile. That Officer was shot through the shoulder very early in the action, but persevered in the attack, until his little advanced party, consisting of 26 Seamen and Marines, reached a spot where the enemy had a field piece, and were in considerable force. It was within IS yards of their position that this brave young man received a mortal wound, when he was carried from the field. He lingered and died, and so strongly impressed was the foe with admiration of his valor, that a suspension of arms was maintained, while his remains were borne, with military honors, to the grave. Lieutenant Campbell, of Marines, after this mishap, ' instantly charged, drove the republicans to a narrow pass, where, being reinforced, he was held in check; but having occom- plished the chief object which was intended, he efiected a retreat to the garrison. <^ Captains Johnstone and Richardson, who headed the division against the enemy's works on the left side of the harbour, did every thing that could have been expected from brave and experienced •Officers. After having ruined the batteries of Punta Pina, the grottoes, and giovanni, a vast quantity of ammunition, and having carried oif 150 barrels of powder, the British and Allied troops were attacked by very superior numbers in different quarters. Under existing circumstances a retreat was the only expedient, which, after a spirited contest, was wide to the boats and within the walls of the m 38T fortress. Lieut. Clarke, of Marines, was wounded and made prisoner. The general loss was by no means equal to the nature of this sei-vice. Colonel Airey expreissed himself highly indebted for the support and assistance given by the Seamen and Marines. Although the inadequacy of numbers prevented the completion of every object, still this diversion afforded a temporary aid to the brave defenders of Porto Ferrajo. Major Weir signalized himself in a subsequent sortie on the night of the 1 0th of October, and the garrison never relaxed in the most animated perseverance, until peace threw open its gates to a new sovereign, Captain Halsted, previous to the appearance oi Sir John Warren, had captured or destroyed the whole of the French blockading squadron. Those Northern Powers, against whom Britain had reluctantly drawn the sword, experienced a severe and early chastisement in the loss of all their West India Colonies, which successively yielded to the prompt and vigorous measures of Admiral Duckworth and Sir Thomas Trigge. St. Bartholomew's, St. Martin's, which alone offered any resistance, St. Thomas, and Santa Cruz submitted to the Army and Fleet during the month of March, and the islands of St. Eustatius and Saba were occupied by our forces in April. These conquests afforded no field for achievment, but they gave opportu- nities for the display of much united zeal. f Captains Manby and Butcher, their Officers, Seamen, and Marines were noticed fot gallant single actions, and Lieutenant Mackenzie, with those under him, for much intrepidity iu cutting out a schooner from under the batteries at Guadaloupe. , , ... "ii m m Ii 366 It is with a heartfelt pain that I am constrained to blend with these honorable details, another instance of baneful insubordination which occurred on board the Castor frigate, upon Sunday the 1 3th of December. The trying hour produced another example of steady fidelity in Lieutenant J. S. Smith and his loyal party of Marines. Captain Fanshawe upon observing the first symptoms of revolt, ordered the detachment under arms, which was obeyed with an unsurpassed alacrity. The young but spirited Officer, who headed them, needed no prompter to a decisive conduct. He, with an unlocked for rapidity, charged bayonets, drove the guilty criminals to the larboard side of the lower deck, where, cooped up, they were forced to surrender their ringleaders. The heroic feelings of a private Marine, who was confined to his hammock at the outset of this commotion, would have done hcmor to any age of the world. Though depressed with fever, still he arose, put on his accoutrements, to(^ his musquet and his post in the ranks. On being questioned why he was there, he nobly replied to his Officer, *• Oh, Sir, this is not a time to be sick." This action obtained for him a subsequent promotion, and on retrospect, it still merits a pecuniary tribute. It is under the impulse of cordial esteem, as v/ell as of public justice, that I annex the very flattering tuitiniony of the Court Martial, which sat upon those deluded mutineers, respecting the firm conduct of Lieutenant Smith and his party. Captain Western, the President, addressed him in these words ; •* I have it '• in command from this Court to express to you the high sense they '• entertain of your very Officer like conduct on the evening of the ♦* I3tli of December, and the good and steady conduct of the party «* ---,ij" 389 ** of Marines embarked under your orders. Your prompt and " spirited execution of Captain Fanshawe*s orders appears to the " Court to have stopped a very dangerous mutiny, and the token of " their approbation of your conduct will be transmitted to the *^t Commander in Chief, and inserted in the minutes of the Court ** Martial." This became much enhanced by the following very judicious and handsome order from Admiral Duckworth ; y|g.:- ^it .-f «« Southampton, Fort Royal Bay, 26th December, I80i. • M^'J^. Memorandum— Whereas the members of the Court Martial on ** the mutineers of his Majesty's ship Castor, have felt called •• upon, in justice to the exemplary . nd meritorious conduct of " Lieutenant J. S. Smith, of the Marines, and the party under hit ." command, to express their high sense of such spirited behaviour.. .^^ ♦* It is my directions that these sentiments of the Court are read " on board his Majesty's ship under my ordi\'-s, to testify how fully I ** accord with the Court in the commendation so deservedly " bestowed. (Signed) J. S. DUCKWORTH." t-t i^n Early in 1 801 Lieut. Vyvian, of my corps, fell in a galinnt attempt to bring out two vessels, at anchor, within the bar of Senegal, protected by heavy batteries on the shore. Nothing could exceed the obstiuatt? courage of all under Lieutenant Dick, who commanded in the atta«k. After twenty minutes contest they carried his Majesty's late sloop the Senegal, which they were obliged to destroy, and with much difficulty the boats eftected a retreat across a tremcnduous surf, and y i m m m m 390 exposed to a dreadful discharge of grape shot. This success ^vas dearly purchaced with the lives of Lieutenant Palmer* i Midshipman, and 8 Seamen and Marines. Lieutenant Vyvian left not behind him his superior for promising talents, or correct manners. Two very gallant actions were fought in the East, which did honor to Captains Adam, of La Sybille, and G. R. Collier, of the Victor. La Chifibne and La Fleche yielded to the discipline and valour of British Seamen and Marines, which were exemplified in a striking degree, by each ship having been opposed to batteries on the shore, intricate shoals during the battle, and to an equal force in those antagonists which they combated. Nothing occurred upon the station of Jamaica. Society had to deplore the loss of one of its most valuable members, and the Royal Ndvy one of its brightest ornaments, in Lord Hugh Seymour, the Commander in Chief. [AiJ^if'jf:.,^ ir^,. ■'h^':^':^Jvii-\:Cf 39i CHAP. XLVII. XHE wide and important interests to be discussed, necessarily- protracted the desirable event of a Definitive Peace, during which anxious interval both na^ons rested on their arms. f^^- The powerful detachments of our republican neighbours, to the western world, could not be viewed by a vigilant Ministry, but with a jealous eye, whom it behoved to push a force adequate to counteract their schemes, if directed against our Colonies* Such mighty armaments taking their departure for a distant quarter, during pending negociations, had doubtless an influence in spinning them out, and it was not until the 27th of March, 1802, that this salutary work was consummated ; a day which diffused a general joy through each rival land. - ' . Public gratitude did not cool after the return of tranquillity, but with an enlightened policy, as well as a liberal justice, it embraced and anticipated the wants and feelings of those brave men who had vindicated their Country's honor, her glory, and independence. ]V|any revolving years had witnessed the distinguished gallantry, the unimpaired loyalty of. the corps of Marines ; the records of a . British Legislature had long teemed with grateful memorials of their ^ merits upon the shores, and the ocean of every clime, but with scarcely one solid mark of recompence for all their brilliant services. . 392 It was reserved for the year 1S02, and the ministerial auspices c^ Earl St. Vincent, to draw this body of faithful Soldiers into aclose alliance with a family aTid a throne, for which tliey had so often bled, and round whom they will rally to the latest period of their existence. The title of Royal was not the acquirement of influence. No ! it was the gain of more than one hundred years of undiminished zeal; a Monarch'*s tributary sacrifice at the altar of honor! It is » sacred appellation which, I trust, we will not sully, and what we never will surrender into any hands, without a glorious struggle, but into those of a branch of that Illustrious House, from which we received it. A Sovereign's favor cheers the Soldier, .sootJiss all his past sufferings, and cares, and turns his eyes to future glory alone. The boon was accepted by the Marine Corps with all the manliness of conscious desert, and with a thankful exultation. It was conveyed, in the following terms, from Sir Evan Nepcan, to Lieutenant General Souter Johnstone, Commandant in Chief: " SiB, ' •• Admiralty Office, April 29, 1802. ** The Earl St. Vincent having signified, to my Lords Com- *• missioners of the Admiralty, that his Majesty, in order to mark ".his Royal approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the corps *• of Marines, during the late war, has been graciously pleased " to direct that, in future, the corps shall be styled '* The Royal ** Marines. ** I have great satisfaction in obeying their Lordships commands ** to communicate this intelligence to you ; and in offering their 393 ** Lordships congratulations on this testimony of the uioii i|| ** Majesty entertains of the very distinguished services • iiat pant ** of his forces to which you belong. "lam, Sir, &c. &:c. (Signed) •♦ EVAN NEPEAN." ** Lieut.-Gen. Souter Johnstone, Commandant ^ " of the Marines." ft- • < ' A respectable and eflfective force of lOO companies, was the peace establishment, and subsequent events have realized the wisdom of that measure. . ' The retired list was also considerably augmented, which yielded a retreat, not only to the worn out veteran, but likewise to those who could identify an incapacity for future service. Every necessary reference as to the former and present details of the corps, may be had to that list which is annually issued from the Board of Admiralty, upon the 1st of January, and is in the hands of almost every Officer. Although hostility h^d ceased in every quarter, still the Marine Soldier was oftener than once conspicuous upon the annals of the year, by a steady fidelity and valour. ^^''^'' - ^ A very dangerous insurrection of the 8th West India regiment in the island of Dominica, marked by circumstances of the most shocking barbarity, was checked in its immediate effects, in part, by his firm countenance. It fortunately occurred, when those murderous revolters first shewed their spirit, that his Majesty's ship Magnificent was at anchor in Prince Rupert's Bay. Some shot, from the Lower 2 E E I :' 3m Cabareta, which went over her, was the first lymptoin of mutiny on the sliore, and it was soon confirmed by intelligence that the Blacks had risen in arms, and had assassinated a number of tiicir Officers. Captain GifFord tendered his services to tlio President of the island, who, conceiving it only the prelude to a general com- motion, gladly accepted the offer. Lieutenant O. Nealu volunteered the duty of disembarkation, and he felt it a diffictdt task to restrain the ardor of the whole party of Marines, to follow him. Hut his number was confined to 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, and a0 Privates, with which he put off from the ship just at dawn on the morning of the 1 oth of April. Observing the rebels advancing rapidly to the beach, he anticipated their object, quickly effected a lanfling, and took post on a hill, after the exchange of some scattering shots. Opposed to nearly 500 Blacks, whom he kept at bay during the day, reinforcements became necessary, and he was farther strengthened by two successive detachments of Marines under Lieutenants Lambert and Hawkins. Upon this rising ground, those brave fellows, not exceeding 66, gave refuge to many Officers who flew from the ferocious hands of the mutineers. They were after- wards joined by some Colonial Militia, who were little calculated, from the mixed nature of their arms, to oppose a resolute enemy. The dispositions of Lieutenant Lambert through the night, aided by the counsels of Mr. O. Neale, were like a good Officer. The native troops gave way to slumber. His outposts were, therefore, confided to his faithful companions, and all his energies were derived from his own brethren. Incessant rains had nearly rendered useless all their ammunition. ; nok'j »,'*;'•. ,; 395 f '.. On the following day the Marines were ordered to Grand Aucc, in order to protect the inhabitants, and through that night were posted in the swamps to prevent the escape of the Blacks from Fort Shirley, Many of our men had been 56 hours on shore amidst the greatest privations ; having had nothing to eat but raw salt beef and biscuit. The stagnated smell from their position, pointed out the necessity of obtaining some other refreshment to recruit nature, and to avert disease. A Marine of the party, overhearing the discussion amongst his Officers, nobly said, '» I will go to the village and bring •* them — I know I must go and repass the enemy's fire, but my ■ 'j - •' is not mine, it is at the constant command of his Majesty's seivl' c " He accordingly performed his duty, and escaped unhurt. Bread was distributed, and brandy administered, in scanty portions, through the night, by the Officers, who exhorted the men to keep up their spirits. . The feelings of the brave are ever reciprocal in acts of kindness. One and all they exclaimed " We *• wish to add another laurel to our corps, we will follow you where ** evci you go." The mud collected by the rains, had, in the course of marching, deprived many of their shoes, which could not be remedied but from the ship. Frequent flags of truce had- passed between General Johnstone and the fort. Mr. Roberts, an Officer of Engineers, requested to storm it, if the mutineers would not surrender the barrier, providing the Marines accompanied him, who, to a man, volunteered, saying, *' We don't mind shoes, we can fight without them." The Governor applauded their gallant zeal, and assured them of a preference, if their services should be wanted. ,'; ^ ;f| m hi- '. ..^-u-^t'JU ' J'tj b'*i >.:.":> s'-) -»,. G 396 The Marines united with detachments from the Royal Sc6tch, and 68th Regiments, marched intte the- fort ujpoh the ISth, and drew up in front of the Black Corps, which presented arnvs to the troops ; having three of their own Officers, as prisoners, placed between their colours* Genera! Johnstone was obeyed by them in his orders to slioiilder^. order, and ground their arms ; but on be»ng commanded to step threr paces in front, the cry was *• No," they instantly resumed them and fired a volley : this was returned, and was followed up with a charge of bayonets, which broke their ranks, and dispersed the mutincei-s in every direction. The greater part fled up the Outer Cabaret » keeling up a fire until they reached the rocks, down which many precipitated themselves, and those who could afterwards crawl from the bottom were exposed to a discharge of grape and cannister horn the Magnificent. John' Badd<, private Marine, distinguished himself most signally during th*) pnrswit. He ^Vas attacked singly by four black grenadiers, one of whom he killed with his first fire, wounded another, when eooly awaiting a return from the other two, reloaded hi« musqdet, with which he shot a third, and bayoneted the fourth. Afterwards turning to him who was wounded, he closed his destinies, and throwing the remains of the whole over the rocks finished his exploit by saying ** This is the way I shall serve all traitMs." The conduct of John Lamswood, and Alexander Livingstone is also worthy of notice; both were severely wounded, hut they persevered in their duty until the loss of blood, brought them to the ground. The former received a ball in his mouth, which lodging in his throat, was afterwards extracted by an able operation of Mr. Veitch, Surgeon of 397 the Sistarn. I am authorised likewise to detail the name of John Batt, private, whose alacrity, during these arduous services, cheered his. associates. As uiy scope is limit<;d, I would not detract from the *^merits of these corps, with which mine was united. Theirs were sucU as to maintain their long established reputation. Upon their return to Martinique, the whole detachment met a mark of public recompence in those necessaries which they had expended, and the Officers received the thanks of General Johnstone, and of the Presidency of Dominique, which they liad probably saved from general revolt. I wish I could close the year with a more gratifying topic than that of insubordination, which first shewed its lurking spirit in the Mediterranean, by the most daring acts. It broke out on board the Gibraltar, vf hose crew chose to decide the propriety of fulfilling or disobeying the orders for their future destination. Attempts of violence were opposed by the noblest firmness in Captain Johnstone and his gallant party on board, by whose spirited and prompt exertions, with those of the Officers, good order was restored, the flame stifled from spreading farther, and the services of a brave squadron preserved to their Country at a momentous crisis. Two of the ringleaders suffered death ; upon whose trials the distinguished merits of the Marine detachment were apparent to the Court, who gave testimony of their gratitude by inserting them upon their records. The following communication bespoke, in suitable terms, the very high sense which the Commander in Chief entertained of their meritorious conduct, which was read throughout his fleet. hi 398 <( (( It <( «( «t ** Kent, Oristagni Bay, 4th November, l^OS* ** Memorandum — ^Whereas it appears in the minutes of the late Court Martial, on the mutineers of the Gibraltar, that the detachment of Marines, serving on board that ship, bore no part in the disgraceful proceedings of the 6th of October last, but much to the credit of the Officers and themselves, maintained the character of the loyal and respectsble corps to which they belong, by a steady adherance to their duty. The Rear Admiral takes this public method of expressing his approbation of their good and soldier like conduct, and requests Captain Johnstone to accept his thanks. (Signed) •• RICHARD BICKERTON." To the respective Captains, &c." A similar instance of indiscipline occurred on board the Excellent upon Christmas Day, which was subdued by the firmness of *her Officers, aided by the undaunted allegiance of her party of Marines. Nothing from me can superadd to their honor. I annex the result which proceeded from Commodore Hood, and is such as carries a powerful evidence of their fidelity. » ** Blenheim, Carlisle Bfly, Barbadoes, 30th Dec, 1802. " Memorandum — ^The Commander in Chief had flattered himself ** in the hope, that all those ill disposed acts of mutinous conduct •» were at an end in the Royal Navy, and that Seamen would ** endeavour to heighten their characters in the eyes of the rest of his '* Majesty's subjects ; but he trusts the punishment he has been 399 i 1 (t «(i t( M «t .(( tt «(. 4( tt ob^'ged to order to "be carried into execution on those unfortunate men may be sufficient example to deter a few evil minded persons from disturbing the repose and good order amongst the Seamen in future. " The Commander in Chief (as well as the members of the Court Martial) is highly sensible of the active exertions- of the Officers of his Majesty's ship Excellent, in quelling the late mutiny on board her, and also the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Private Marines belonging to the said ship, who, by their firmness in resisting the attempt to seduce them from their duty, and in opposing men in actual mutiny^ have increased, if possible, the high character the corps has so justly acquired ; and begs to assure the ivholie of them t they have his best thanks, and he shall not fail to represent their meritorious conduct to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. , (Signed) s •• SAMUEL HOOD." To Captain Maxwell, Blenheim." k\ -'KX) :Ja':iW)"iOhT:i '^?.Oii' CHAP. XLVIII. j.i:.\. Besides the many useful reforms adopted by Eal St. Vincent, for the internal oeconomy of the British Navy, his Lordship also turned his attention to the corps of Royal Marines. Upon the 1 8th of March, 1803, a new code of instructions was published for their regulation when on shore, which vests in the four Senior Captains of each division, the management and superintendance of many concerns that had formerly been placed under separate departments. It would exceed my bounds to attempt the discussion of arrangements whiph are obviously well designed to promote the interests of the public and the individual, as well as to establish a facility in subordinate transactions. Experience, doubtless, will attest their wisdom, and posterity recognize with gratitude their enlightened author. The joyous work of peace had scarcely been fulfilled, when disappointed ambition began to wreak its rancour, through the low channels of a venal press. Hitherto the organs of knowledge, and sometimes of liberal opinion, the jpapers of republican France, under the controul of its First Consul, became the contemptible interpreters of degrading scurrillity and the most inflammatory philipics against the English Government. Like the noise of the rattlesnake, they proclaimed a latent danger, while all the public institutes of Buonaparte were levelled at the foundations of our commercial \i: 40J greatness, A banditti of unauthorized agents also set themselves •down in our seaports, who, under the specious pretexts of trade, -were commissioned to explore our coasts and to contaminate our principles. By such subtle means had the courage and the energies of almost every State which- had fallen under the French yoke, been previously undermined, and they well merited the instant and retaliating vengeance of a great kingdom. But war is a serious evil, and every expedient to avert it should be tried by a commercfal Country, ere it has recourse to arms. There can be no compromise, 'however, where national security and honor .are at stake. Ours were involved; and we again took up arms in defence of our dearest birthrights. * My corps very soon met an increase of 43 companies to complete the legislative vote for 1803. This has introduced to actual service, all who were upon the half pay list, and produced many vacancies ■upon tlie establishment, which, to the perpetual honor of Earl St. Vincent, have been filled by the offspring or kindred of the veteran Marine Officer^' who have uniformly met a preference from hisi Lordship, to the adopted sons of power. A detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Collins embarked for Port Phillips, in the Southern part of New Holland, -who wns nominated Lieutenant Governor # it. His personal kncwledge of the Country, and the habitual discipline of my corps, will, I trust, unitedly render that fertile spot, of future public benefit, and its society of unfortunate criminals conspicuous by a reform of manners. ' Few occasions, during the present war, have offered to signalize Marine valour. Wherever they have occurred, the most powerful incentives to the human mind, have been held out to every hero who 2 F F ■ I 402 shall imitate such examples. The gallantry of Charles O'Reilly, private, on board the Loire, who assisted in carrying the national brig Venteux, and bringing her out from under the hcnvy batteries of the Isle of Bas, was condescendingly noticed by the Board of Admiralty, and he was immediately promoted, by General Averne, ' to the rank of Serjeant, at the request of their Lordshipi, This was likewise followed by a pecuniary recoropence from the society of Lloyd's ; an institution founded in the most noble munificence, the purest benevolence, and the most exalted patriotism* lieutenant Irvin, of Marines, also shewed his zeal in a detached enterprize from the Naiad, against a French schooner at anchor in the Saintes, which was achieved without loss. My narrative here reaches its close, and I will not dive into futurity. Thus much I will venture to anticipate, that whether in union with his gallant brethren of the fleet* or blended with our disciplined Armies on the. shore, the Marino Soldier will never forfeit that distinguished name which he now holds, of loyalty to his King, fidelity to his Country, and unshaken valour against the enemies of both. If such continues to be his lortues, may he never want a patron and a guardian ! and when the Nobleman, who now so ably guides the Naval counsels of the Nation, iiall be removed from the seat of power, either by a mortal or a political decree, ina]^ his succeesjBor, like him, possess the disposition to recoropence our merits, although unbefriended by influence ! mm APPENDIX. 1 HE very important services of the fleets of Britain, through succeiiive generations, have justly entitled her Seamito to public recompence and protection. Every means, therefore, which good policy or expediency could suggest, have t}een adopted at different times, for their comfort! ind welfare. ■V. Whether from an illiberal distinction, or a faulty omission, I know not, «till the Marine Soldier, habitually a sharer in the dangers and the glory of our Navy, notwithstanding such natural claims to notice, was, for a long while, excluded from a participation in these humane regulations wMch afforded independance to the destitute families of our Sailors when afar off in their Country's service. It was reserved for a recent and a more enlightened era to extend also to the Marine, a privilege which roust constitute the sweetest joy of every good man — that of allotting a part of his pay, when embarked, and distant from his home, for the constant support of a wife and family otherwise doomed to want, an aged parent weighed down by poverty and years, or a dependant friend struggling hard against adversity. -it I shall state the nature of those rights which have progressively been granted to the Marine Soldier, and point out the mode by which they can be practically adopted. It is a tribute, however, meritedly due to the Right honorable Mr. Dundas, to remark, that from his intelligent and generous conceptions, first emanated all these estimable privileges to the subordinates in the Royal Corps of Marines, which were eagerly discussed and sanctioned by a grateful Legislature. 2 • ^ Without. recurrifl^ to the express Acts of Parliament, u|X)n wliich those indulgencics are founded, I will simply digest their spirit, and detail the necessary steps to be observed, under every possible contingency. It wilt be proper to mention, in the first place, that every Marine Recruit should intimate to his wife or kindred, immediately-after his joining Head Quarters at Chatham, Portsmouth, or Plymouth," ihenuttihetofthe divisional Company to which he has been attached. Young men too frequently name only their parade Companies which is of no use after they are embarked on board, a? such often undergo a change while they continue on shore. By particularizing the former, it serves as a certain clue to their friends in tn'cry enquiry concerning their destinies, and will correct mistakes when two, or more, of a similar ni|i|e shall happen to belong to the same ship or divis%n. In April, 1763, Marine Soldiers obtained the right of following their trades in any town of Great Britain (except those having Universities) after their discharge from the service. This remains the same. It is to be obser\'ed, for the guidance of legal heirs to prize nioney, which may be due to any deceased Marine Soldier, that if they do not exhibit their claims within three years after notice has been given by the Agent or Agents, of its being in course of payment, such goes into the funds of Greenwich Hospital. This shews the absolute necessity of every family or kindred^ maintaining a constant correspondence with their distant military friends, and as the life of a Soldier is ever precarious, he should not foil to report, by letter, the circumstantial particulars of each fortunate capture at sea, in which he may have an interest, in order that his legal or designed heirs may meet with little difficulty in tracing out where his property lays, in the event of death. *w As the Country wisely permits the Marine, in common with all the subordinate servants of his Majesty, an oeconomical communication with his dear an^ remote friends, by the abolition of every postage excepting the payment of one penny, no occasion should be lost of availing himself of this valuable privilege. From this item being lodged with each letter into the office from whence it is dispatched, I am afraid, however, it often happens, when on the eve of putting to sea, that those poor fellowty in the hurry of theoccasion, entrust their money and their secrets to unprincipled watermen, who may be tempted to pocket the one, and destroy the other without a chance ^f defection. Were the receivers of each letter obliged to pay thif little impost, Correspondence might be more regular, such frauds prevented, and the revenue continue unaltered. By the benevolent Act of 1792 Non-Commissioned Officers and Private '^Marines were allowed the privilege of allotting a portion of their pay (usually a moiety) to their wives, families, or others, which, till that period, was confined to the Seamen alone. Immediately after embarkadon, he who has a relative or a frieml to whom he incMnes to allot such a part, should execute this instrument, which the Captain of the ship he may belong to, will fwward to the Navy Board ; the Treasurer of which, authenticates .the ticket and transmits it to. the person for whose benefit it is designed.^ The Receiver General of Land Tax, Collectors of Customs or Excise," and Clerks of .the Checque, are officially obliged to pay these allowances to the holder of it, every four weeks^ and should no money be in hand for the purpose, one or other must n&me a dai/ of recall within a fortnight, under a penalty, as likewise if any deduction shall be made from the net sum. Tickets of allottment are irrevocable by the grantor, while he lives and is in public pay, unless he shews a very solid cause for cancelling them. If a wife who holds one, having children under fourteen, shall die, the fact must be attested by the Minister and Churcte^^ardens of the parish, a person named who undertakes to receive their future allowances, and all the circumstances thus established must be remitted to the Navy Boaid for its sanction. He who becomes the representative ought to appear in person to receive such monies, unless prevented by sickness. But should a wife die (leaving children of the above description) and if no steps are taken or any claims made for their benefit, within six months, such allotments become void, and they will in future be paid e'tlic^to the grantor himself, or his heirs and executors after his decease. Those who l|||d such tickets may always be assured o( the Mends who ga^e them being alive, up to the date of the latest payment, as the Navy Board never fails to acquaint those Agents who have been accustomed to issue the money for allotments, with every death that happens; each of whom is bound, under a penalty, to acknowledge the receipt of such an intimation within two days. The same forms are observed in Ireland, where allotments arc paid by the Collectors or Commissioners of Revenue. All enquiries concerning the situation or destinies of distant relatives serving in the Royal Marines when embarked on board of ship, should be preferred to the Navy Boa|^ Somerset Place, London, and through its preftnt Secretary, (R. A. Nelson,) or whoever may succeed him, as the returns of ships are transmitted to that oflSce, in which the Marines arc included. In order to identify the Soldier, about whom an enquiry is made it is necessary to hand, at the same time, the n$m6er of his divisional con^pany, as well as that of his allotment ticket, if he has granted one. Successful reference may also be had to the division, where he is attached, by addressing a letter, " On his Majesty's service," to the Adjutant of it ; made by either, after his dischargefrom the service, or any power of Attorney affecting pay^ prize-money^ or other property acquired by him, tvkite on hoard bis Majesty's fleets if executed within the bills of London or Westminster^ must be attested by an Officer appointed by the Treasurer of the Navy, where wages are paid. If either 0v;ill or power of Attorney, as above, \% made in England or Ireland, it must be witnessed by the Minister and 1^\ Church Wardens ; if in Scotland, by the Clergyman andtliro Elders of that Iprish in which the executor of such an instrument may reside. Any Marine dying on board intestate^ upon information of his decease reaching his friends, he who is entitled to his effects must give in a petition to the Inspector of Wills, (J. Bedingfield, Esq.) Somerset Place, London, ' or whoever may be his successor, statirg the name of such Marine, to what part of the King's dominions he belonged, the name of the ship or sliips in W which he served, the applicant's own name, at full length, his relation to, or connexion with the defunct, what other kindred the deceased may have alive to the best of the petitioner's knowledge, and where resident. This must be certified by two respectable housekeepecs of the parish, town, or place where the applicant dwells, who must aver that they believe such ac«punt to be true, which is also to be attested by the Minister and Church Wardens, that those subscribing witnesses live in the parish, and are of honest repute. Upon a petition and a certificate, executed agreeable to such prescribed forms, being transmitted to the Inspector of Wills, he will enquire into the truth of all, and when satisfied that ^lo will of, the d^eased remjiins with him, he will send or deliver to the cl^iinants an abstract of his petition, with a note or ticket signed by himself and subjoined, marked by his stamp, representing that such statement of the claimant appears just, and that the person so petitioning may h9v« letters of administration to tlie deceased, provided he is otherwise entitled by law, which will be addressed to a Proctor . in Doctor's Commons, that letters may pass in favour of the appliciut, while the original petition and certificate are preserved on the records of the ' Treasurer of the Navy and kept by him, and the letters of administration must be lodged and registered in the same^manner as the probates of wills, with the Inspector, who nmst give a cheque signed and stamped by him, ot his representative, to the Administrators or their Attornies, which will be sufficient for either to demand payment of all sums due to them on account , of the deceased. Proctors are liable to a penalty of 6001. if aiding to procure probates or letters of administration to empower any to receive pay, prize- money, &CC. for service in the fleet, without having first obtained a certificate . , from the Inspector of Wills and. powers of Attorney, and they will, moreover, be incapacitated, from acting in any Ecclesiastical Court of Great Britain or Ireland* s. •-- > :^ - % w.*" Non-CommisilHied Officers and Private Marines ihould bo cautions 40 execute latter wiHs and powers exactly conformable to the prescribed rul4| for if not attended to, they will be of no effect, besides the testator or (!kecutor being subject to a penalty. 'g| The stated fees of Proctors are as foillow, and with them I shall close an Appendix, which, I humbly trust, will prove of general benefit. Every remark which it contains is alike applicable in pursuing the interests of the heirs of Seamen as well as of Marines. ^w For teal, parchment, writiDg, imd luiog forth 11m probate grants to the Executon of any Mume whose property is 901* .... To Proctor on letters of admlmitratioa on dp» when 201. ,„. To Proctor for probate when property M 4Plt ,0, «..• „„ Ek). letter* of administration .whence, do. ,.„ .,mi •••• ' To Proctor for probate when property is 601. To do. letters of administration when doi do. To Proctors for probate when property is 1001. Do. letters of administration when do. do. ,„i .... £ 15 » .... 1 i 2 .... I 1 8 8 ..H 1 17 S .... £ \ 11 i «..# M V 6 £113 9 11 8 If the funds exceed my statements, the charges progressively become augmented, of which any Proctor can inform, as they are uniformly limited. .1 iVw*? ,-a iriMis. 99aHK^B9=SBSB M. Swinney, Printer, Biimioghani. » \ 4 m ''' : * .* - f m