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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of An Account of the Campaign in the West
+Indies, in the Year 1794,, by Cooper Willyams
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: An Account of the Campaign in the West Indies, in the Year 1794,
+ Under the Command of their Excellencies Lieutenant General
+ Sir Charles Grey, K.B., and Vice Admiral Sir John Jervis,
+ K.B.
+
+Author: Cooper Willyams
+
+Release Date: November 30, 2011 [EBook #38178]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ACCOUNT OF THE CAMPAIGN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by StevenGibbs, LN Yaddanapudi and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ AN
+ ACCOUNT
+ OF THE
+ CAMPAIGN IN THE WEST INDIES,
+ IN THE YEAR 1794,
+
+ UNDER THE COMMAND OF THEIR EXCELLENCIES
+ _LIEUTENANT GENERAL SIR CHARLES GREY, K. B._
+ AND
+ _VICE ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K. B._
+ COMMANDERS IN CHIEF IN THE WEST INDIES;
+
+ WITH
+ THE REDUCTION
+ OF THE
+ ISLANDS OF MARTINIQUE, ST. LUCIA, GUADALOUPE,
+ MARIGALANTE, DESIADA, &c.
+
+ AND THE EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED THOSE UNPARALLELED SUCCESSES,
+ AND CAUSED THE LOSS OF GUADALOUPE.
+
+ _By the Rev. COOPER WILLYAMS, A. M._
+ VICAR OF EXNING, SUFFOLK,
+ AND LATE CHAPLAIN OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP BOYNE.
+
+ LONDON:
+ _PRINTED BY T. BENSLEY_;
+
+ FOR G. NICOL, BOOKSELLER TO HIS MAJESTY, PALL-MALL; B. AND J. WHITE,
+ FLEET-STREET; AND J. ROBSON, NEW BOND-STREET.
+
+ 1796.
+
+
+
+
+ TO
+
+ GENERAL SIR CHARLES GREY,
+ KNIGHT OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH,
+
+ AND
+
+ ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS,
+ KNIGHT OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH, AND COMMANDER
+ IN CHIEF OF HIS MAJESTY'S FLEETS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN,
+
+ _THIS SHORT ACCOUNT_
+
+ OF
+
+ THEIR BRILLIANT EXERTIONS IN THEIR COUNTRY'S CAUSE,
+
+ IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY
+
+ THEIR OBEDIENT
+
+ AND GRATEFUL HUMBLE SERVANT,
+
+ COOPER WILLYAMS.
+
+ EXNING, AUGUST 10, 1796.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+When an author lays his book before the public, unless it be a work of
+genius, some account of his motives for so doing is generally expected.
+As this is a work that pretends to nothing but authenticity, and to be a
+plain relation of facts, I shall only premise, that, placed in a
+situation which gave me an opportunity of being witness to most of the
+principal transactions of the expedition under Sir CHARLES GREY and Sir
+JOHN JERVIS in the West Indies, and having leisure and inclination to
+minute down the occurrences as they presented themselves, I venture to
+appear before the public with such humble pretensions alone, as the
+result of that opportunity and leisure can give me.
+
+My original intention reached no further than to publish a few views of
+some interesting subjects, which abound in the Caraibean Islands; but I
+selected those only which were rendered most so by particular events.
+Though I pretend not to the powers of an artist (being self-taught), yet
+I beg leave to urge in excuse for that want of spirit and picturesque
+effect which, I fear, is but too apparent in my drawings, that they are
+scrupulously exact, and accurately delineate the subjects they profess
+to represent.
+
+When I at first communicated my design of publishing a few drawings,
+taken during the West India Expedition, many of my friends, and some of
+the officers who served with me, knowing that I had kept a journal of
+the transactions, desired me to add a short account of them to accompany
+the engravings.
+
+To those, at all conversant with writing such accounts, it will not
+appear strange, that, as I proceeded to retrace those events which form
+the most prominent feature of my life, I found a pleasure in recognising
+many a transaction that had almost faded from my memory, and by degrees
+it increased under my hand, till it became of size sufficient to form a
+volume, and I was enabled to lay it before the public in a more
+respectable form than I at first intended. But, that I may not
+appropriate to myself merit belonging to another, I take a pleasure in
+avowing, that through the kindness of an officer, who, from his rank, is
+not more conspicuous than respected by the general tenor of his conduct,
+I have been favoured with the assistance of a journal by an ingenious
+and active officer of his division, which has greatly contributed to the
+embellishment of my work, by the communication of many local
+circumstances, impossible for me otherwise to have been acquainted
+with. The like assistance I have also to acknowledge from a friend who
+served under General Prescott during his gallant defence of Fort
+Matilda.
+
+By the favour and indulgence of the Commander in Chief, I have been
+permitted to make extracts from the public order-book of the army; these
+form a large appendix, which, I trust, will not only confirm the
+accuracy of my narration, but will prove both useful and entertaining to
+the army in general.
+
+Such has been the origin and progress of this publication; to the
+candour, therefore, of the public I commit myself, trusting that, as my
+ambition has been humble, I shall not be exposed to the severity of
+literary criticism for not having obtained that which I have never
+attempted.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Expedition to the West Indies determined on ... Sir Charles Grey and
+Sir John Jervis appointed Commanders in Chief ... The Boyne sails from
+Spithead ... Occurrences on the voyage from thence to Carlisle Bay,
+Barbadoes._
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_The Commanders in Chief prepare for the expedition against Martinique
+... Gun-boats constructed, and described ... A short account of
+Barbadoes ... Sale of slaves ... A list of the fleet._
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_The fleet sails from Barbadoes ... Anchors on the south coast of
+Martinique ... Capture of a battery ... General Grey lands with his army
+... Flag of truce fired on by the enemy ... The Commanders in Chief
+attack the island at three different places at the same time._
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_March of the Commander in Chief from Trois Rivieres to Sallee ...
+Occurrences on the march ... General Whyte detached.... Takes Pigeon
+Island ... The Admiral anchors off Pigeon Island ... Description of the
+Bay of Fort Royal ... The third brigade lands at Cas de Navires._
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_General Dundas lands on the north east side of the island ... Trinite
+taken ... Colonel Cradock attacked, Captain McEwen killed ... General
+Dundas forms a junction with Sir Charles Grey ... March towards St.
+Pierre ... Colonel Campbell killed ... St. Pierre attacked by sea, and
+taken ... Description of that town._
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The enemy retire into Fort Bourbon and Fort Louis ... The Admiral
+attacks Fort Louis with the bomb-ketch and gun-boats ... Camp of seamen
+formed at Point Negro ... A wharf built in the Cul de sac de Cohee;
+stores and ammunition landed there ... General Bellgarde attempts to cut
+off the communication between the army and navy, but is beaten, and his
+camp on Sourier taken ... Head Quarters established on Sourier ...
+General Rochambeau sends an aid-de-camp to the Commanders in Chief ...
+The navy make a road, and drag the guns to the heights of Sourier._
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Forts Bourbon and Louis closely invested ... Batteries on the first
+parallel erected ... The seamen employed in getting guns to the
+batteries on the west side ... A dangerous pass described ... Captain
+Miln mortally wounded; he dies; his character ... Bellgarde delivers
+himself and army into the hands of Sir Charles Grey ... His Royal
+Highness Prince Edward arrives, and takes a command ... Batteries opened
+against Fort Bourbon ... Lieutenant Bowen's spirited conduct ... Fort
+Louis taken by storm ... Captain Faulknor's gallant conduct ... Fort
+Bourbon surrenders._
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_General Prescott is left governor of Martinique ... The Commanders in
+Chief sail for St. Lucia ... General Dundas lands near Pigeon Island ...
+The fleet anchors at Marigot de Rosseaux ... Prince Edward lands with
+the grenadiers, and marches towards Morne Fortune ... Colonel Coote
+lands with the light infantry ... The fleet anchors in Barrington's Bay
+... Colonel Coote storms a redoubt on the Morne ... General Ricard
+surrenders the island ... Colonel Sir Charles Gordon left governor of
+St. Lucia ... The Commanders in Chief sail to Martinique._
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_Expedition against Guadaloupe ... The Isles de Saintes attacked and
+taken ... The Boyne and Veteran anchor off Grozier ... The troops land
+under cover of the Winchelsea frigate ... Captain Lord Garlies wounded
+... Fort Fleur d'Epee taken by storm ... Fort Louis and the town of
+Point a Pitre taken ... Casualties ... General description of the
+island._
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_The General embarks his army, and lands on Basse Terre at Petit Bourg
+... Occurrences on the march towards Palmiste ... The Admiral anchors in
+Ance de Baillif ... General Dundas lands, and forms a communication with
+Sir Charles Grey ... The Palmiste taken by assault ... General Collot
+delivers up Fort St. Charles, and the island of Guadaloupe and its
+dependencies to the Commanders in Chief._
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_The charges of extorted contributions and oppressions, alledged against
+the Commanders in Chief by certain interested individuals, refuted ...
+The real causes of the loss of Guadaloupe._
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_General Dundas dies of the yellow fever ... His character ... A French
+squadron arrives in the West Indies, and takes possession of Grande
+Terre ... The Commanders in Chief on receiving an account thereof return
+to Guadaloupe ... General Grey lands at Grande Terre, and takes
+possession of the heights of Mascot ... Several actions take place ... A
+truce to bury the dead ... An unsuccessful attack on Point a Pitre._
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_The Commanders in Chief sail to Martinique ... Proceedings there and at
+Guadaloupe ... Camp Berville taken ... Occurrences thereupon ... General
+Prescott enters Fort Matilda, which is invested by the French ... Sir
+John Vaughan and Admiral Caldwell arrive in the West Indies ... Sir
+Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis resign their command, and return to
+Europe._
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
+
+_His Royal Highness Field Marshal the Duke of York._
+
+
+A
+
+Charles Abbott, Esq. Queen's Square, Bloomsbury.
+
+John William Adams, Esq.
+
+.... Armit, Esq. Army Agent, Dublin.
+
+Colonel Harvey Aston, 12th regiment.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Astley, Norfolk light dragoons, Burgh Hall, Norfolk.
+
+J. P. Allix, Esq. Swaffham Court, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Richard Allnutt, Esq. South Park, Penthurst, Kent; two copies.
+
+Mr. Alken, No. 2, Francis Street, Gower Street.
+
+
+B
+
+Right Honourable Lord Blaney, Lieutenant Colonel 66th regim.
+
+Honourable Captain Charles Boyle, 62d regiment, Aid-de-camp to the Lord
+Lieutenant of Ireland.
+
+Colonel Brownrigg, Coldstream regiment of guards.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Bayley.
+
+Thomas Barrett, Esq. Lee, near Canterbury.
+
+I. Bargrave, Esq. Eastry Court, Kent.
+
+S. Baker, Esq. Lynn Regis, Norfolk.
+
+James Rickard Barker, jun. Esq. Swaffham, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Reverend Dr. Bates, Freckingham.
+
+Major Barnard, New Romney light dragoons.
+
+Henry Bell, Esq. Wallington, near Downham, Norfolk.
+
+Colonel Blackwood, 33d regiment light dragoons.
+
+William Boys, Esq. F. R. S. and F. S. A. Sandwich, Kent.
+
+Mr. Boys, Eastry, Kent.
+
+Rev. Edward Tymewell Brydges, Wootton Court, Kent.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Brydges, New Romney light dragoons.
+
+Samuel Egerton Brydges, Esq. F.S.A. Denton Court, Kent, Captain in the
+New Romney light dragoons; two copies.
+
+Mrs. Brydges, Precincts, Canterbury.
+
+Mrs. Bryant, Exning, Suffolk.
+
+Mrs. Breton, Gogmagog Hills, near Cambridge.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Brereton, 63d regiment.
+
+Lieutenant Samuel Brown, New Romney light dragoons.
+
+Major Burnet, 43d regiment.
+
+Mr. Brome, Dublin Castle.
+
+..... Blades, Esq.
+
+Mr. Bensley, Bolt Court, Fleet Street.
+
+
+C
+
+His Grace John Lord Archbishop of Canterbury; two copies.
+
+His Excellency Earl Camden, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
+
+The Right Hon. Lieutenant Colonel, Viscount Conyngham.
+
+Colonel Lord Clements.
+
+Colonel Sir Edward Crofton.
+
+Honourable Lieutenant Colonel George Lowry Cole.
+
+Right Hon. General Cuningham, Commander in Chief in Ireland.
+
+Right Honourable William Burton Conyngham.
+
+Brigadier General Cradock, Quarter Master General in Ireland.
+
+Lieutenant General Crosbie.
+
+Reverend Edward Cage, Eastlinge, Kent, Chaplain to the New Romney light
+dragoons.
+
+Reverend Thomas Cookes, Barbourne House, Worcestershire.
+
+Mrs. Cookes.
+
+Lieutenant Henry Cookes, New Romney light dragoons.
+
+Mr. Thomas Secundus Cookes, of his Majesty's ship St. George.
+
+Mr. Denham Cookes, Worcester college, Oxford.
+
+Mr. Charles Cookes.
+
+Colonel Coote, 70th regiment.
+
+Mrs. Coote.
+
+.... Coote, Esq.
+
+Christopher Cooke, Esq. Beaufort Buildings, Strand.
+
+T. Collingwood, Esq. Gray's Inn.
+
+Rev. T. Cogan, East Deane, Surrey.
+
+T. W. Coke, Esq. Holkham, Norfolk.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Crosbie, 22d regiment, and Deputy Adjutant General in
+Ireland.
+
+Robert Cromp, Esq. Frinsted, Kent.
+
+Mr. John Cruikshank, Rector of the Academy in Banff.
+
+
+D
+
+Right Honourable Lord Delaval.
+
+Reverend Dr. Dering, Prebendary of Canterbury.
+
+Col. Cholmely Dering, New Romney light dragoons.
+
+John Thurlow Dering, Esq. Crow Hall, Norfolk; two copies.
+
+Captain Donkin, 44th regiment.
+
+James Dallaway, M. B. F.S.A.
+
+
+E
+
+Right Honourable Mr. Elliott, Secretary at War, Ireland.
+
+Edward Everard, sen. Esq. Lynn Regis, Norfolk.
+
+
+F
+
+Right Honourable Earl Fitzwilliam; two copies.
+
+Honourable Edward Foley, M. P. Lower Seymour Street.
+
+Mr. Farringdon, Foulkes Buildings, London.
+
+Miss Farringdon, Camberwell.
+
+Mrs. Faulknor.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Fisher, 9th regiment, Manchester Square.
+
+Captain Finlay, Richmond House.
+
+Lieutenant Foster, 38th regiment.
+
+Reverend Dr. Frampton, D. D. Exning, Suffolk.
+
+
+G
+
+General Sir Charles Grey, K.B.; three copies.
+
+Right Honourable Lord Glentworth.
+
+Sir Henry Grey, Baronet, Howick, Northumberland.
+
+Lady Gresley, Drakelow, Derbyshire.
+
+Sir Robert Goodere, Cavendish Square.
+
+Mrs. Goodere, Exning, Suffolk.
+
+W. Gordon, Esq. Aberdour, Banff.
+
+Charles Grey, Esq. M. P. Hertford Street, Mayfair; two copies.
+
+Mrs. Grey, Hertford Street, Mayfair.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Henry Grey, 18th regiment light dragoons.
+
+Major Thomas Grey, 39th regiment.
+
+Captain George Grey, Commander of his Majesty's ship Victory.
+
+Captain William Grey, 21st regiment.
+
+Edward Gregory, Esq. Leman Street, Goodman's Fields.
+
+J. Graeme, Esq.
+
+George Gipps, Esq. Canterbury.
+
+Isaac Gervais, Esq. Doctors Commons.
+
+
+H
+
+Sir Henry Harpur, Baronet, Upper Brook-street.
+
+Sir Benjamin Hammett, Knight, Lombard Street.
+
+Major General Hewitt, Adjutant General of Ireland.
+
+Mrs. Harrison, Bourne Place, Kent.
+
+Major Hare, 12th regiment light dragoons, Aid-de-camp to the Lord
+Lieutenant of Ireland.
+
+Mr. K. S. Haggerstone, Cambridge.
+
+Christ. Hand, Esq. Cheveley Green.
+
+Reverend James Hand, Cheveley, Cambridgeshire.
+
+C. J. Harford, Esq. Stapleton, Gloucestershire.
+
+Henry Wise Harvey, Esq. Hearnden, Kent.
+
+Captain John Harvey, of his Majesty's ship Prince of Wales.
+
+Mr. George Gerard Haughs.
+
+Mrs. Herring, Precincts, Canterbury.
+
+Reverend J. Hippisley, A.M. Stow on the Wolde, Gloucestershire.
+
+Reverend Thomas Hey, D. D. of Wickham Breux, Kent.
+
+
+J
+
+Admiral Sir John Jervis, K. B. Commander in Chief in the Mediterranean;
+three copies.
+
+Christopher Jefferson, Esq. Dullingham, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Henry Jackson, Esq. 106, Fenchurch Street, London.
+
+Major General Johnson.
+
+
+K
+
+Honourable George King, Colonel of the Cork regiment of militia.
+
+George Kittoe, Esq. Ridge House, Antigua.
+
+Sir Edward Knatchbull, Bart. M. P. Marsham Hatch, Kent.
+
+
+L
+
+His Grace the Duke of Leinster.
+
+Right Honourable Lady Charlotte Lenox.
+
+Honourable Colonel Lenox.
+
+Sir William Lemon, Baronet, M. P. Carelew, Cornwall.
+
+John Lagier Lamotte, Esq.
+
+Mr. Henry Lamotte, Clapton, Middlesex.
+
+Captain Locke, 26th regiment light dragoons.
+
+Reverend Dr. Lynch, Archdeacon and Prebendary of Canterbury.
+
+Rev. William Long, LL.D. Sternfield, Suffolk.
+
+Reverend Daniel Lysons, F.R.S. and F.S.A. Putney, Surrey.
+
+Mr. W. H. Lunn, Bookseller, Cambridge; four copies.
+
+Rev. N. C. Lane, A. M. Christ's College, Cambridge.
+
+
+M
+
+Lady Mill, Arlingham, Gloucestershire.
+
+Brigadier General Myers.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Manley, royal artillery.
+
+Lieutenant Col. M'Clary, Aberlash, Carmarthenshire; two copies.
+
+Lieut. Col. Madden, 15th regiment.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel M'Donald.
+
+Sir Charles Mitchell, Knt. Commander of the William Pitt East Indiaman.
+
+Mr. James Miln, Arbroath.
+
+
+N
+
+Major General Needham.
+
+Reverend James Nasmith, A.M. Leverington, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Reverend Edward Nares, A.M. Fellow of Merton College, Oxford.
+
+Mr. Norton, Bookseller, Bristol.
+
+
+O
+
+William Owen, Esq. Trinity College, Cambridge.
+
+
+P
+
+Right Hon. Sir John Parnell, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ireland.
+
+James Palmer, Esq. Dulwich, Surrey; two copies.
+
+Reverend Dr. Pennington, D. D. Eastry, Kent.
+
+Rev. Montagu Pennington. A. M.
+
+Mr. Philpot, Canterbury.
+
+George Ponsonby, Esq. Bishop's Court, near Dublin.
+
+J. Plumptre, Esq. Fridville, Herts.
+
+Reverend Charles Powlett, A. M. junior, Hackwood Farm, Hants.
+
+Edward Roger Pratt, Esq. Ryston Hall, Norfolk.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Pratt, royal Irish artillery.
+
+Captain D'Arcy Preston, royal navy.
+
+George Purvis, Esq. Titchfield, Hants, Secretary to Admiral Sir John
+Jervis.
+
+Major Perryn, Great George Street.
+
+
+R
+
+Reverend Anth. Luther Richardson, LL. B. Kennet, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Mr. James Robertson, Gellymell, near Banff.
+
+William Rose, Esq. Mountcoffer, near Banff.
+
+E. Rolfe, jun. Esq. Hankoe, Norfolk.
+
+
+S
+
+Right Hon. Lord Sondes, Rockingham Castle.
+
+Colonel Sir James St. Clair Erskine, Bart. 12th reg. light dragoons.
+
+Charles Henry Selwyn, Esq. Lieutenant Governor of the island of
+Montserrat.
+
+Reverend George Selwyn, King's Road, Bedford Row.
+
+Matthew Henry Scott, Esq. Captain in the royal navy.
+
+W. Sharpe, Esq. Fulham, Middlesex.
+
+Samuel Shirt, Esq. 27, Mincing Lane, London.
+
+Rev. Stebbing Shaw, B.D. F.S.A. Fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge.
+
+Reverend Mr. Alexander Simpson, Old Aberdeen.
+
+Rev. Thomas Jenyns Smith, A. M. First Fellow of Dulwich College.
+
+Mr. David Souter, Melrose, near Banff; five copies.
+
+Mr. Stewart Souter, Duff House, Banff.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Stuart, 3d regiment guards.
+
+Rev. James Symes, Hollis Street.
+
+Powell Snell, Esq. Guiting Orange, Gloucestershire, and Captain of the
+royal Gloucestershire yeomen cavalry.
+
+Richard Sill, Esq. A. B, Clare Hall, Cambridge.
+
+
+T
+
+Right Honourable the Earl of Tyrconnel.
+
+George Talbot, Esq. Temple Guiting, Gloucestershire.
+
+T. Tyndall, Esq. Weston Lodge, Somersetshire.
+
+Captain Thomas, 28th regiment.
+
+Captain Herbert Taylor, 2d dragoon guards, and Aid de Camp to his Royal
+Highness the Duke of York.
+
+Captain Edward Taylor, New Romney light dragoons.
+
+Mr. William Thompson, Mile-End Green.
+
+Mrs. Treacher, Henley on Thames.
+
+Reverend Stephen Tucker, A. M. Linsted, Kent.
+
+John Townley, Esq. Clare Hall, Cambridge.
+
+Lieutenant Colonel Thewles, 30th regiment light dragoons.
+
+
+V
+
+Captain George Vaughan, of the royal navy.
+
+Mrs. Vernon, Norwich.
+
+Captain Vaumorel, 30th regiment.
+
+
+W
+
+Colonel, the Earl of Westmeath.
+
+Sir Charles Watson, Baronet, Swaffham, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Sir Edward Winnington, Bart. M. P. Winterdyne, Worcestershire.
+
+Major General Whyte.
+
+Mrs. Watson, Swaffham, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Mr. J. Webster, Merchant, Banff.
+
+Charles Hollis Western, Esq. M. P. Felix Hall, Essex.
+
+Edw. Weatherby, Esq. Newmarket.
+
+Thomas M. Waller, Esq. Lieutenant royal navy.
+
+Samuel Whitbread, sen. Esq. M. P.
+
+Samuel Whitbread, jun. Esq. M. P. 17, Lower Grosvenor Street; two
+copies.
+
+Rev. Edward Wilson, B. D. Moulton, Suffolk.
+
+Mrs. Willyams, Exning, Suffolk.
+
+John Hanbury Williams, Esq. Coldbrook, Monmouthshire.
+
+Major Wilder, Pall Mall.
+
+Captain Isaac Wolley, royal navy.
+
+Reverend Godfrey Wolley, Hutton Bushel, Yorkshire.
+
+J. Whatley, Esq. Wraxall Lodge, Somersetshire, and Captain in the Royal
+South Gloucestershire regiment of militia.
+
+James Wyborn, Esq. Hull, Kent
+
+.... Western, Esq.
+
+Mr. Thomas Henry Wilson, No. 13, Cornhill.
+
+
+
+
+ EXPEDITION
+
+ AGAINST THE
+
+ _FRENCH WEST INDIA ISLANDS_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ EXPEDITION TO THE WEST INDIES DETERMINED ON ... SIR CHARLES GREY AND
+ SIR JOHN JERVIS APPOINTED COMMANDERS IN CHIEF ... THE BOYNE SAILS
+ FROM SPITHEAD ... OCCURRENCES ON THE VOYAGE FROM THENCE TO CARLISLE
+ BAY, BARBADOES.
+
+
+In the latter end of the year 1793, his Majesty having determined to
+send a formidable armament to the West Indies, to reduce the French
+islands in that quarter, and to secure his own from any attack of the
+enemy, Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey, Knight of the Bath, was
+promoted to the rank of General in America, and Commander in Chief in
+the West Indies. Several officers of distinguished abilities were also
+appointed to act under him; and Vice Admiral Sir John Jervis, Knight of
+the Bath, was nominated Commander in Chief of the naval force on the
+same expedition.
+
+After much delay, occasioned by nearly half the original force being
+withdrawn from the armament intended for the West Indies, and applied to
+another purpose, on the 24th of November, 1793, the Boyne of 98 guns,
+Captain Grey commander, having Vice Admiral Sir John Jervis's flag
+flying at the fore-topmast head, made the signal for sailing to the
+fleet destined with her for this expedition, and dropped down to St.
+Helen's, where she lay at single anchor, waiting for those ships that
+were not ready; the ordnance storeships were particularly tardy. This
+morning an unfortunate accident befel Mr. Scott, second lieutenant of
+the Boyne, whose arm was broken by a block giving way in the fore part
+of the ship, where he was stationed; but happily, by the care and skill
+of Mr. Weir the surgeon, he was nearly recovered by the time the ship
+reached Barbadoes.
+
+On Tuesday the 26th of November the Boyne weighed anchor, and with the
+rest of the fleet sailed from St. Helen's with a fair wind down channel.
+On the 27th we lay to off Portland Road, waiting for the Quebec frigate,
+which remained at Spithead to hasten the storeships and transports (that
+were not at first ready to sail with the Boyne), and to convoy them
+through the Needles.
+
+On the 28th of November, in the morning, we were off the Land's End, and
+were soon afterwards becalmed for a short time. In the evening, a fresh
+breeze springing up, we proceeded on our voyage. Before it was dark
+eight sail were seen from the mast head.
+
+On the 29th we passed Commodore Paisley in the Bellerophon, with several
+frigates in company. The Commodore saluted the Admiral's flag with
+thirteen guns, which was returned from the Boyne with eleven guns.
+
+As it may be proper to inform the reader that, in consequence of a
+particular invitation from the Admiral, the Commander in Chief and his
+suite, with several of the officers on the staff under him, were
+passengers in the Boyne, I shall here subjoin their names.
+
+ His Excellency Sir Charles Grey, K. B. Commander in Chief.
+
+ Major General Thomas Dundas.
+
+ Lieutenant Colonel Symes, Quarter Master General.
+
+ Major Henry Grey, Deputy Quarter Master General.
+
+ Lieut. Col. Fisher, Secretary to the Commander in Chief.
+
+ Major Lyon, Deputy Adjutant General.
+
+ Captain Finch Mason, }
+ Lieut. John Cunningham,} Aid de Camps to the Commander in Chief.
+ Captain Newton Ogle, }
+
+ Capt. Maitland, Aid de Camp to Major General Dundas.
+
+ Dr. Wardle, Surgeon on the Staff.
+
+ Also Chevalier Sancee, a brave and ingenious French Officer, whom
+ the Commander in Chief took with him, as being acquainted with the
+ island of Martinique, and the fortifications of Fort Bourbon and St.
+ Louis, having served under the Marquis de Bouille at the construction
+ of the former works.
+
+Thus, by the friendly intercourse subsisting between the two Commanders
+in Chief, the time on the passage was most usefully employed in forming
+plans of operation, which could not have been executed with that
+promptness that distinguished the ensuing campaign, had it been
+otherwise.
+
+On Tuesday the 3d of December, the Rose frigate, Captain Riou, parted
+company; as did, on the 7th following, Commodore Thompson and part of
+the convoy, and we proceeded with the greater dispatch on our voyage.
+
+On the 8th of December the wind proved foul, with rain and hazy weather.
+At night, in the middle watch, we were attacked by a squall of wind and
+rain, accompanied by a heavy sea, which struck the rudder with such
+violence, that the men at the wheel losing their hold, were thrown down;
+and the tiller breaking loose, stove in the gunner's cabin; at the same
+time the pinnace, a six-oared boat, that was suspended over the stern,
+was washed away, and totally lost.
+
+On the 9th of December in the morning, the ship was taken aback by a
+sudden squall of wind, attended with thunder and lightning, with a most
+tremendous sea; we then wore ship, and stood to the south west. Those
+who have never sailed in a ship of war of the first or second rate, can
+form no idea of the grandeur and awfulness of the scene when so large a
+body is struggling with contending elements. As the ship rolls through
+the high swell her sides appear to twist and bend in a surprising
+manner. The guns hanging on one side, and pressing against the other,
+seem as if, at every roll, they would, by their immense weight, force
+their way through; which, added to the cracking of the cordage, the
+roaring of the wind, and a variety of other noises, forms a scene of
+surprise and alarm to the inexperienced voyager.
+
+This squally weather continued at intervals for four days. On the 12th
+we saw some sea gulls. On the 13th two strange sail hove in sight; the
+Ulysses chased one of them, and we made sail after the other, and fired
+several shot at her to bring her to; but in the evening were obliged to
+give up the pursuit, for fear of parting from our convoy, which however
+happened in the following night, during a heavy gale of wind.
+
+On Saturday the 14th we saw a gull, and several turtle passed near the
+ship.
+
+On the 16th land was discovered at four P. M. supposed to be the island
+of Porto Santo. All this day we sailed at the rate of seven and eight
+knots an hour. Tuesday the 17th of December we found that during the
+night we had passed by the island of Madeira; but this morning tacked
+and stood towards it, and arrived off Funchial, the capital of that
+island, of which we had a delightful view. As we approached the land the
+surrounding country had a very beautiful appearance, especially after a
+long voyage, when the eye has been wearied by the uninteresting sameness
+of an extended ocean. The town of Funchial, so named from the Portuguese
+word funcho, fennel, which grows in great abundance on the neighbouring
+rocks, is situated at the bottom of a bay, and is a large ill-built
+town: it has many churches and convents; but as we did not go on shore,
+I can give no particular description of them. Immediately behind the
+town the hills rise gradually one above the other, terminating in
+prodigious high mountains, which are plentifully covered almost half-way
+up with plantations of vines, interspersed with churches and elegant
+houses. High up in the mountains, in a valley is seen a convent, which
+we were informed is dedicated to our Lady of the Mountain. All the
+buildings being white, formed very conspicuous, and not unpleasing
+objects in the landscape. The mountains in this island are very high.
+Pico Ruevo is supposed to be from its base near a mile in perpendicular
+height, much higher than any land in England or Wales. The sides of all
+the hills are well covered to a certain height with vines, above which,
+to a vast extent, are woods of pine, chesnut, and a variety of other
+trees unknown to Europe. The principal refreshments to be procured here
+are wine, water, and onions; the latter are the finest in the world, and
+in great plenty.
+
+It being the Admiral's determination to lose no time, we only lay-to off
+Funchial, till the wine intended for the use of the officers and ship's
+company was taken on board; and it being the birth day of the Queen of
+Portugal, we saluted the fort in honour of the day with twenty-one guns,
+which was returned with an equal number. In the evening we made sail for
+our destination; and fortunately from this time had a fair wind till we
+got into the trades. On the 24th we passed the tropic of Cancer, lat. at
+noon 23. 21. N. long. 32. W. The usual ceremony was observed by the
+crew (having first obtained the Captain's permission): a grotesque
+Neptune and Amphitrite were drawn by their attendants on the
+quarter-deck, where, after a solemn ditty chaunted by his aquatic
+majesty, the usual collections were made, which, from the munificence of
+the General and his friends, together with the contributions of those
+officers of the ship who had never crossed the tropic before, amounted
+to a sum sufficient to supply the ship's company with plenty of
+vegetables on their arrival at Barbadoes.
+
+The 25th of December, being Christmas day, divine service was performed
+on the quarter-deck by the Chaplain, the crew appearing as on a Sunday,
+in clean trowsers and jackets: and here I must beg leave to mention,
+that I never saw more regularity and decorum in any place of worship
+than is invariably observed on board of his Majesty's ships of war.
+
+This day we passed an American brig; and the weather being fair,
+Lieutenant Bowen and Captain Mason went on board her. She was from
+Cadiz, and reported, that yesterday she passed a Spanish man of war
+bound for Europe.
+
+On the 26th of December we saw several albicores, dolphins, and grampus,
+and shoals of flying fish; lat. at noon 22. 10. N. long. 34. 46. W.
+
+On the 29th of December, being Sunday, and the weather fair, divine
+service was performed as usual.
+
+The heat of the climate now began to be troublesome to those who had
+been unaccustomed to it.
+
+On Monday the 6th of January, 1794, land was discovered from the
+mast-head, which proved to be the island of Barbadoes; and by noon the
+Boyne anchored in Carlisle Bay[1].
+
+ [1] On our arrival we found several of the ships that had parted
+ company on the voyage; and each day after brought more of them,
+ till the whole were collected.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF PREPARE FOR THE EXPEDITION AGAINST
+ MARTINIQUE ... GUN-BOATS CONSTRUCTED, AND DESCRIBED ... A SHORT
+ ACCOUNT OF BARBADOES ... SALE OF SLAVES ... A LIST OF THE FLEET.
+
+
+The first news we received on our arrival at Barbadoes was, that the
+yellow fever had, in the course of last year, carried off fifty-eight
+officers of the army in this and the neighbouring islands, and privates
+in proportion. It proved fatal to great numbers of the inhabitants also
+of Barbadoes; from fifteen to twenty whites died daily in the town of
+Bridgetown, and about half that number of blacks and people of colour.
+We were at the same time comforted with an assurance that the disease
+had entirely subsided; but the reader will soon see how fallacious were
+our hopes in this respect. Alas! too many families have to lament the
+fatal effects of this dreadful disorder; and the kingdom at large may
+attribute to it the losses we afterwards sustained, rather than to any
+other cause. But of this more hereafter.
+
+His Excellency Sir Charles Grey landed at Bridgetown on the 7th of
+January, and resided at a house called the Government House, on
+Constitution Hill, a healthy situation, about half a mile out of town,
+where he was busily employed during his residence on the island in
+concerting plans for future operations, in reviewing the troops, and
+providing against those exigencies which in an enemy's country an army
+must be exposed to. A report was here circulated that General Rochambeau
+the commanding officer at Martinique, and Bellegarde the popular leader
+of the people of colour, were at variance; but this news by no means
+caused the least relaxation on the part of our commanders, who continued
+their preparations with as much ardour as before; and it is well they
+did so, as we afterwards found the enemy on their guard, and prepared to
+resist us with their united force.
+
+The Admiral in the mean time was equally employed in preparing every
+thing in his department, and for that purpose remained on board (a
+conduct he invariably followed), by which every thing was carried on
+under his own inspection, and delay (the consequence of neglect) was
+thus prevented.--On our voyage, whenever the weather permitted, a
+certain number of seamen were exercised, and formed into companies, to
+be commanded by lieutenants of the navy, with the rank of captains on
+shore. While in Carlisle Bay these seamen were again exercised, and
+instructed in the use of small arms and pikes. This plan of training the
+seamen for more duty was highly beneficial on this expedition, as will
+hereafter appear.
+
+Every exertion was now made both by sea and land. The gun-boats, which
+were constructed in England, then taken to pieces, and brought to the
+West Indies in storeships, were put together with as much speed as
+possible; yet, from the nature of their structure, could not be finished
+until a day or two before we sailed. There were six gun-boats, each
+carrying a twenty-four pounder in the bow, which moved backwards and
+forwards on a groove: round the whole on the gun-whale was a moveable
+barricade or breast-work, composed of several folds of bulls' hides,
+nailed to some boards of an inch thick in partitions, and capable of
+turning a musket ball. Each boat had two masts; the foremast inclined
+forward (to give more room for the gun to recoil), and had a latine sail
+and jib: the mizen was a lug-sail. Sweeps, or large oars, were also
+supplied, to be used when there was no wind, or when becalmed by the
+high lands near the shore. Each of these vessels was at first commanded
+by a midshipman, who, as his conduct merited, was promoted to the rank
+of lieutenant[2].
+
+ [2] I have given an exact representation of one of these boats in
+ the view of the town and bay of St. Pierre.
+
+In the mean time the troops were landed from the transports, the sick
+comfortably lodged in the hospitals, and every attention paid, to render
+the service complete. As the major part of our army consisted of the
+flank companies, great pains were taken by the commanding officers to
+train them for the most active service: the light infantry were
+exercised daily by Major General Dundas, who had, in America and on the
+continent, distinguished himself at the head of that battalion.
+Particular attention was paid to instruct the army in the absolute
+necessity of strict obedience to orders; for which purpose the
+Commander in Chief published in the general orders to the army such full
+and comprehensive instructions, as to preclude the necessity of
+multiplying them in future, and to take away the possibility of any one
+pleading ignorance of them[3].
+
+ [3] See in the Appendix, page 1.
+
+Before we quit this island, it may be agreeable to the reader to have
+some account of it, and of the general appearance of the country.
+Barbadoes is situated in 13. 10. N. lat. and 59. W. long. from London.
+It is called one of the British Charaibe Islands, though at present none
+of those ancient inhabitants remain on it. The island has a flat
+appearance; but, from the variety of plantations, the beauty and
+freshness of the verdure, and the numerous houses, mills, and other
+buildings, scattered in great profusion, it presents a delightful
+prospect to strangers on their approach to it after a long voyage. I
+shall not pretend to give an history of the island, but must refer the
+reader to the elegant work of Bryan Edwards, Esq. whose account of the
+British West India Islands is written with every advantage to be derived
+from local residence and connections, as well as from the indefatigable
+attention and abilities of the author.
+
+During our residence at this island curiosity led me to be present at a
+sale of slaves, just imported from the coast of Africa. As this horrid
+traffic in human flesh has been the topic of public investigation for
+some time past, and much learning and ingenuity has been displayed on
+both sides of the question, I shall not give any opinion on it, but
+merely state facts that came within my own knowledge. The sale is
+proclaimed by beat of drum, and is held (at Barbadoes at least) not in
+the open air, as I had been taught to believe, but in a commodious house
+appointed for that purpose. At the time I am speaking of, there were
+about forty men, women, and children, sitting on benches round a large
+room, with no other covering than a cloth round their waists. Some of
+them were decorated with beads, given to them by their captors, and
+bracelets round their wrists and ancles, and were much tattooed on their
+faces and breasts, which I understood from a seaman who came with them,
+was a mark of distinction in their own country. I was also informed that
+they had buried one hundred and forty-nine on the passage, having had a
+very bad and protracted voyage: the crew had suffered equally, and had
+buried one third of their original complement. As soon as the planter
+has fixed on a slave he retires with him and the salesman to another
+room, there concludes the bargain, and departs with his purchase to his
+plantation, where the newcomer, being clothed in a coarse jacket, and
+provided with a hat, knife, and other trifles, is placed with one of the
+old negroes, by whom he is instructed in his business. In regard to the
+severity exercised by the slave owners on their slaves, whatever may
+have been the case, I am well assured that now there are seldom
+instances of those cruelties which have been so feelingly described, at
+least in the islands we visited on this expedition. At Barbadoes they
+appeared to be in as comfortable a situation as the lower ranks of
+society generally are; and as the climate is peculiarly favourable to
+poverty (clothes and firing, the great articles of expence to the poor
+in other countries, being here hardly required), I may venture to
+affirm, that the slaves in the West Indies are in a better situation,
+_as to the necessaries of life_, than the labouring poor in England, or
+any other country in Europe. Far be it from me, however, to justify
+slavery in itself; it most certainly is an evil: but when a matter of
+great importance is in agitation, every information should be obtained,
+and both sides of the question ought to be strictly examined. Certainly
+the benevolent intentions of the friends to the abolition of slavery in
+the West Indies have, by their exertions in the cause of humanity,
+occasioned a more minute inquiry into the situation of the slaves than
+had ever been made before; and several excellent laws to regulate the
+treatment of that unfortunate class of human beings have in consequence
+been passed in the different islands. It is affirmed by many very humane
+people, that the entire abolition of the traffic _itself_ would not help
+the cause of humanity so much as was at first contended (for I believe
+the former plan of immediately emancipating those already imported, is
+allowed by all to be dangerous in the extreme); and it is the opinion of
+many writers, that the greater part of those Africans sold to our
+plantations would remain slaves in their own country, or be put to death
+by their captors. If so, surely it is better for them to be carried to a
+country where they have a chance at least of better treatment, and where
+many of them are instructed in their duty to their God, of which before
+they had no idea.
+
+While we were lying in Carlisle Bay the fleet that sailed with us from
+Europe, and parted company on the voyage, came in, together with the
+transports, &c. from Ireland. The following is, I believe, a correct
+list of the men of war that composed our fleet at the commencement of
+the campaign. A few others that are hereafter mentioned joined us in the
+course of it.
+
+ Boyne 98 guns {Vice Admiral Sir John Jervis, K. B.
+ { Commander in Chief of the naval
+ { force in the West Indies.
+ {Captain G. Grey.
+
+ Vengeance 74 {Commodore C. Thompson.
+ {Captain Henry Powlett.
+
+ Irresistible 74 John Henry.
+
+ Veteran 64 Charles Edmund Nugent.
+
+ Blanche 32 Christopher Parker.
+
+ Terpsichore 32 Samson Edwards.
+
+ Blonde 32 John Markham.
+
+ Solebay 32 William Hancock Kelly.
+
+ Beaulieu 40 John Salisbury.
+
+ Quebec 32 Josias Rogers.
+
+ Rose 23 Edward Riou.
+
+ Vesuvius bomb Charles Sawyer.
+
+ Nautilus 18 James Carpenter.
+
+ Rattlesnake 18 Matthew Henry Scott.
+
+ Seaflower 16 William Pierrepoint.
+
+ Zebra 18 guns Captain Robert Faulknor.
+
+ Experiment 44 Simon Miller. }
+ Woolwich 44 John Parker. } armed
+ Dromedary 44 Sandford Tatham.} en flute.
+
+These ships joined us in Fort Royal bay during the siege of Forts
+Bourbon and Louis.
+
+ Asia 64 guns Captain John Brown.
+
+ Santa Margarita 36 Eliab Harvey.
+
+ Assurance 44 Velters Cornwall Berkley.
+
+ Ceres 32 Richard Incledon.
+
+ Winchelsea 32 Lord Viscount Garlies.
+
+ Roebuck 44 hosp. ship Andrew Christie.
+
+The land force employed on this expedition was as follows. A detachment
+of white and a detachment of black light dragoons, three battalions of
+grenadiers, three battalions of light infantry, the sixth, ninth,
+fifteenth, thirty-ninth, forty-third, fifty-sixth, fifty-eighth,
+sixty-fourth, sixty-fifth, and seventieth regiments, with detachments
+from the second, twenty-first, and sixtieth regiments. The troops were
+divided into three brigades; the first commanded by Lieutenant General
+Prescott, the second by Major General Thomas Dundas, and the third by
+Major General his Royal Highness Prince Edward (till whose arrival from
+Canada the command of this brigade was given to Lieutenant Colonel Sir
+Charles Gordon.) The total force that embarked for the attack of
+Martinique was six thousand and eighty-five, two hundred and twenty-four
+sick, and nine hundred and seventy-seven left sick at Barbadoes[4].
+
+ [4] An idea was started of raising four hundred white men in the
+ island of Barbadoes to augment the army; but there was not time to
+ arm and discipline them; therefore it was dropped. However, a
+ certain number of negroes were provided to attend the army, four
+ hundred of whom were sent from Dominica for that service; some more
+ were brought from St. Vincent's; and the council of Barbadoes made
+ an offer of supplying a large number of them to serve on very
+ liberal terms; but when the matter came to be investigated, the
+ terms were found to be far from equitable, and therefore were
+ rejected.--Mr. Baillie and Mr. Monro, two planters of Grenada, were
+ here introduced to the Commanders in Chief, and were received on
+ board the Boyne as guests, and treated with the greatest
+ hospitality; they proceeded with us on the expedition. Mr. Gibbs,
+ one of the council of Barbadoes, also accompanied us.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ THE FLEET SAILS FROM BARBADOES ... ANCHORS ON THE SOUTH COAST OF
+ MARTINIQUE ... CAPTURE OF A BATTERY ... GENERAL GREY LANDS WITH HIS
+ ARMY ... FLAG OF TRUCE FIRED ON BY THE ENEMY ... THE COMMANDERS IN
+ CHIEF ATTACK THE ISLAND AT THREE DIFFERENT PLACES AT THE SAME TIME.
+
+
+On Monday, Feb. 3, 1794, the fleet of men of war, transports,
+storeships, &c. sailed from Carlisle Bay, and the next morning land was
+seen, which proved to be the island of St. Lucia, bearing west several
+leagues. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, we approached the island of Martinique on
+the south east coast, off the bay of Maran; two forts, one at Pointe du
+Jardin, the other at Pointe de la Borgnesse, which defended the entrance
+to that bay, began to fire on our ships as they approached;
+notwithstanding which, the Boyne and the rest of the fleet anchored by
+four P.M. not far from the battery on Pointe de la Borgnesse, Lieutenant
+Bowen having previously run along shore in a small schooner to sound the
+depth of water. Our troops were now preparing to land, and had filled
+several flat-boats which lay along-side the men of war, when the
+battery opened a heavy fire on them, which was quickly answered by the
+ships; the troops at the same time pushed in and landed, covered by the
+gun-boats: seeing which, and alarmed by some well-directed shot from the
+Boyne and Veteran, the enemy fled in disorder from the fort, which our
+troops immediately entered, and having hoisted the British colours, were
+saluted with three cheers from the fleet. A trench was found in the
+battery, communicating with the magazine, in which a train was laid, and
+a brand or match laid across it. Happily (by the exertions of the
+officers and men) this dastardly plot was prevented taking effect. The
+guns were immediately turned upon the enemy in their retreat, and
+against the town of St. Anne; but as this was a post of no great
+consequence, after they had spiked the guns and broke the carriages, the
+troops reimbarked[5].
+
+ [5] During the landing of our troops, Lieutenant Bowen, who was in
+ a gun-boat, perceived a number of the enemy collecting in the woods
+ near the shore, and being scarce noticed by them, was suffered to
+ approach without molestation, and having loaded his gun with
+ langrege, he dealt such destruction among them, that they fled in
+ all directions. A shot from the battery, which stuck in the
+ larboard bow of the Boyne, when cut out, proved to be a thirty-four
+ pounder, and to have been heated, but not sufficiently to do any
+ mischief by fire.
+
+In the evening the enemy in the battery on Pointe du Jardin burnt the
+sugar plantations near them, as we suppose, out of revenge for our
+success at Pointe de la Borgnesse; from the dryness of the canes the
+fire spread with great rapidity, and did much damage. Near us was the
+village of St. Luce, where a two-gun battery, directed by the cure of
+St. Luce, seeming disposed to trouble us, the Veteran opened her lower
+deckers on it, and soon drove the enemy from thence[6].--On Thursday
+morning, Feb. 6, our troops landed at Trois Rivieres, in the bay of St.
+Luce, without opposition, to the number of two thousand four hundred and
+eighty-four men, under the direction of Lieutenant General Prescott. Sir
+Charles Grey and his suite then landed, and the whole army moved off
+from the landing-place in two divisions; the first division began to
+march about twelve at noon, the second division at five in the
+afternoon. Lieutenant Rogers of the Boyne soon after landed at the
+cure's battery at St. Luce, and found the two cannon there to be
+twenty-four pounders, that had belonged to the Raisonable man of war,
+wrecked some time since on this island. They destroyed these guns, and
+returned on board without any loss. This evening a gun-boat and
+flat-boat with seamen, under the command of Lieutenants Rutherford and
+Ogle of the Boyne, and Mr. Johnson, midshipman, attempted to cut out
+some vessels in the harbour near Maran, where they were much exposed
+both to the great guns and musquetry of the enemy; but they succeeded so
+far as to bring off two American schooners; two others saved themselves
+by running ashore close under the guns of Fort St. Etienne.
+
+ [6] The Generous Friends transport, laden with officers' baggage,
+ &c. dragged her anchor on the night of the 5th, struck against a
+ rock at the entrance of the bay, and was wrecked. Fortunately,
+ however, the hands on board and the baggage were saved.
+
+On Feb. 7th the Admiral sent (with a flag of truce) Lieutenant Miln of
+the Boyne, accompanied by Lieutenant James of the fifteenth regiment,
+and the Chaplain of the Boyne, with a letter for the municipality or
+governor of Maran. As they approached the town they perceived hostile
+preparations making in the fort of St. Etienne; but, in hopes of
+preventing a flag of truce being insulted, Mr. Miln boarded one of the
+American ships that had been run aground the day before, intending, in
+case the captain of it was on board, to take him in his company. Being
+now within half gun-shot of the fort, the enemy began to fire on the
+boat, notwithstanding the flag of truce, and continued to do so,
+although Mr. Miln endeavoured to proceed towards the shore: but the
+enemy seeming determined to oppose his landing, and several of their
+shot falling close by the boat, he at length judged it most prudent to
+return. As he passed Pointe du Bourgnesse he perceived some negroes near
+the fort, and sent the two gentlemen who accompanied him armed, to
+endeavour to cut off their retreat, and to give them the papers which
+were to have been delivered to the commander at Maran; but the negroes,
+on perceiving them land, immediately made off towards the town: they
+however found a wounded man, whose leg had been broken by a cannon ball,
+with whom they left the papers, adding a note to express their surprise
+and indignation at a flag of truce being fired on[7].
+
+ [7] The French have since said that they fired on the boat because
+ it had a white flag hoisted: this was a most ridiculous objection;
+ for, though with them a mark of aristocracy, it has ever been
+ acknowledged by all nations as a signal of peace and cessation from
+ hostilities. However, we found it necessary afterwards to comply
+ with their wishes; and whenever a boat was sent from either party
+ on a truce, they carried the flag of the opposite party in the bow
+ of the boat, and their own colours abaft.
+
+In the afternoon Mr. Miln went with the gun-boats against Maran, to form
+a diversion in favour of Lieutenants Rutherford and Rogers, who had
+landed with two companies of seamen to carry fresh provisions to Sir
+Charles Grey's army. This had the desired effect, as soon after a large
+body of troops came down from the hills to the town and fort, which
+might otherwise have fallen in with the seamen on their march.
+
+The next day, Feb. 8, the Admiral sent another flag of truce by the same
+officer to the town of St. Anne. He took with him an American captain of
+a ship, in addition to his former complement; and having been so roughly
+handled the day before, he also ordered a gun-boat to attend. St. Anne's
+was entirely deserted. The American then proceeded a mile up the country
+to the house of a planter, who had left it; but finding his mulatto
+mistress there, he left the papers with her, to forward to the
+commanding officer at Maran. On this estate the American told us he saw
+three hundred slaves, and every thing in perfect order; from whence we
+judged the owner of it had been a friend to the revolution, the houses
+and plantations of the royalists being universally destroyed. The enemy
+now entirely evacuated this part of the country, to throw themselves
+into Fort Bourbon; and in their retreat burnt several fine plantations,
+and murdered many slaves of the royalists with circumstances of the most
+horrid cruelty.
+
+I should have mentioned that, on our approach to this island, the
+Commanders in Chief dispatched General Dundas with Commodore Thompson to
+the attack of Trinite, and another division under the command of Colonel
+Sir Charles Gordon, assisted by Captain Rogers of the Quebec, to Case de
+Navirre; while Sir Charles Grey, assisted by Lieutenant General
+Prescott, and under cover of the Boyne, &c. made good his landing at
+Trois Rivieres: thus, by making three attacks upon distant parts of the
+island at the same time, the force and attention of the enemy was
+divided; and by that spirited conduct, which animated all parties, more
+particularly by the unanimity which prevailed between the army and navy,
+they all happily succeeded. And here I must beg leave to observe, that
+where the commanders are united in friendship, and equally inspired with
+an earnest desire to serve their king and country, their example will
+always have such influence on the conduct of those under their command,
+that the same friendly intercourse will be sure to subsist between the
+subordinate ranks of the two services; and, from the Commanders in Chief
+to the private soldier and sailor, they will join hand and heart, and
+form a phalanx that nothing can withstand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ MARCH OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF FROM TROIS RIVIERES TO SALLEE ...
+ OCCURRENCES ON THE MARCH ... GENERAL WHYTE DETACHED ... TAKES
+ PIGEON ISLAND ... THE ADMIRAL ANCHORS OFF PIGEON ISLAND ...
+ DESCRIPTION OF THE BAY OF FORT ROYAL ... THE THIRD BRIGADE LANDS AT
+ CAS DE NAVIRES.
+
+
+I have already said that his Excellency Sir Charles Grey, with
+Lieutenant General Prescott, and that part of the army which landed at
+Trois Rivieres, marched from thence on Feb. 6th across the country to La
+Riviere Sallee, a distance of two leagues, over very mountainous roads,
+and that evening they reached the town of the same name, situated on its
+banks, where the troops were lodged. They met with no opposition on
+their march, and lost only one man (a sergeant), who died of fatigue and
+heat. On the march the Commander in Chief detached Brigadier General
+Whyte, with the second battalion of light infantry commanded by
+Lieutenant Colonel Close, with two amuzettes, to force the batteries of
+Cape Solomon and Point a Burgos, in order to get possession of Pigeon
+Island, as our shipping could not go into the bay of Fort Royal till
+that was accomplished; nor indeed could our boats with provisions and
+ammunition go with safety round to the army at Riviere Sallee. On Feb.
+7th General Whyte took two small pieces of cannon loaded, at a village
+in the bay of d'Arlet (one hundred and fifty mulattoes having fled at
+his approach); and immediately marching to the attack of the two posts
+above mentioned of Point Solomon and Burgos, the enemy surrendered at
+discretion, their retreat being cut off. In the interim the Commander in
+Chief received intelligence of a body of the enemy having crossed the
+bay from Fort Royal, and landed near Morne Charlotte Pied, where they
+took post to intercept the communication between General Whyte and head
+quarters at Sallee: on which he instantly dispatched Adjutant-General
+Colonel Dundas, with the seventieth regiment, commanded by Lieutenant
+Colonel Johnson, with two howitzers, to dislodge them. This was executed
+that night with great spirit, and the post taken possession of early the
+next morning, the enemy being completely defeated at the first charge.
+In this action Captain Nares of the seventieth regiment distinguished
+himself so as to gain the notice of the Commander in Chief in public
+orders[8].
+
+ [8] Vide Appendix, page 14.
+
+Brigadier General Whyte (being now reinforced with a detachment of the
+royal artillery, some ordnance, mortars, &c.) Colonel Symes, with a
+detachment of the fifteenth regiment and two hundred seamen from the
+Admiral, armed with pikes and pistols, under the command of Lieutenants
+Rogers and Rutherford, ascended the heights on the 9th instant, and got
+possession of Mount Matharine, which commanded Pigeon Island, at the
+distance of not more than four hundred yards, where they erected their
+batteries. On this day his Excellency the Admiral sailed from Maran Bay,
+and anchored in Petite Ance d'Arlet, from whence he could send succours
+of men and ammunition to General Whyte; who accordingly instantly landed
+two companies of seamen, with several cannon, which they in vain
+attempted to drag over the hills to General Whyte's post, a distance of
+four or five miles; for the steepness and ruggedness of the roads,
+rendered every effort ineffectual. However he sent him a plentiful
+supply of shot and other ammunition, with one howitzer; and in the
+evening Lieutenant Miln was dispatched with a party, carrying provisions
+and spirits for the army. We found the country on the march from Ance
+d'Arlet to General Whyte's camp beautiful in a high degree, but the
+roads almost impassable: a succession of steep roads, through thick
+woods, at length brought us to the summit of a hill (on which our seamen
+were posted), commanding a fine view of the bay of Fort Royal, with
+Islet aux Ramieres, or Pigeon Island, in front; and on each side rose
+hills finely clothed with wood, on one of which our little army was
+posted. During the time we were there, the enemy on Pigeon Island
+annoyed us with their shells and shot, by which one of our seamen was
+killed, and another mortally wounded. The two five and a half inch
+howitzers, brought by the seventieth regiment from head quarters, being
+now placed in a battery under the direction of Captain de Rivigne of
+the royal artillery, so as to take the island in reverse, and Colonel
+Dornford having also joined with a company of artificers, the batteries
+were completed during the night of the 10th instant, and opened on
+Tuesday morning, February 11th, under the conduct of Major Manley, who
+kept up so incessant and well-directed a fire upon Pigeon Island, that
+in two hours the garrison struck their colours, and surrendered at
+discretion, having fifteen killed and twenty-five wounded. When our
+batteries opened, it consisted of two hundred and three men.
+
+After the strong orders the Commander in Chief issued during the time he
+was preparing for the commencement of the campaign at Barbadoes, in
+which, among other things, he declared his determination to punish with
+the utmost severity any one who should presume to maraud or plunder the
+inhabitants, it is surprising that on the first day's march any soldier
+should have had the temerity to offend against that order: but we had a
+melancholy instance of it in William Milton of the tenth light dragoons,
+and Samuel Price of the black dragoons, who were tried and convicted of
+a robbery in the house of Jacques, an inhabitant of Sallee; and the
+General, being determined to put an early stop to such enormities, had
+the sentence put in execution, and they were both hanged in view of the
+whole army on February 8th[9].
+
+ [9] Vide Appendix, pages 10, 11, 12.
+
+On the capture of Islet aux Ramieres, or Pigeon Island, the Admiral
+sailed with the rest of his fleet from Ance d'Arlet on Wednesday, Feb.
+12th, and anchored in Fort Royal Bay, off Pigeon Island, by which means
+he could co-operate with his colleague, and supply the army with
+ammunition and provisions at pleasure. As the ships worked into the bay,
+several shells were thrown at them from Fort Louis, but happily without
+doing any mischief.--It is impossible to conceive a more beautiful scene
+than presented itself on our entrance into this fine bay. On the north
+side we saw Fort Louis and the town of Fort Royal; and immediately
+behind it, on the top of a steep hill, was the strong fortification of
+Fort Bourbon, which, with the tri-coloured flag waving on its walls,
+formed a conspicuous object in the landscape; the parapet being built of
+white stone, strongly contrasted with the vivid glow of verdure on the
+surrounding hills. To the westward rose majestically prodigious
+mountains, called Les Pitons du Carbet, the hills on the side of which
+were cultivated, while the mountains themselves were covered with wood
+to their summits. Eastward the bay opens to several bays and harbours,
+into which some noble rivers discharge themselves, and pleasant islands
+of different dimensions and forms, embellish the whole. Pigeon Island,
+or Islet aux Ramieres, is situated on the south side of the bay of Fort
+Royal, about two hundred yards from the shore, and is a steep rock,
+inaccessible except on one side by a ladder fixed against a
+perpendicular wall. The summit is about thirty yards above the level of
+the sea, and is three hundred paces round. It contained the following
+ordnance, viz. Eleven forty-two pounders, six thirty-two pounders, four
+thirteen-inch mortars, and one howitzer, with an immense quantity of
+stores and ammunition, and a large stove to heat shot; it also had good
+barracks. It is famous for having prevented Admiral Rodney with twelve
+sail of the line from entering the bay in 1782.
+
+On the 12th of February the fifteenth regiment, led by Major Lyon, and
+commanded by Captain Paumier, surprised several hundreds of the enemy,
+very strongly posted on the heights of le Grande Bouclain, killed
+several of them, and took all their ammunition and arms, with their
+cattle.[10]
+
+ [10] Vide Appendix, page 16.
+
+Sir Charles Gordon with the third brigade had landed on the 8th instant
+to leeward, on the side of Cas de Navires, under cover of a division of
+the fleet commanded by Captain Rogers in the Quebec[11]. The enemy being
+masters of the grand road and the heights above it, he made a movement
+towards the mountains, and turning them (unperceived) with part of his
+force, gained the most commanding post in that part of the country. By
+day-break on the 9th instant Colonel Myers, descending the heights, took
+possession of la Chapelle, and a post established by the enemy above it;
+and on his return to the column, Sir Charles Gordon proceeded through
+most difficult ground to the heights of Berne, above Ance La Haye. The
+enemy, after having abandoned the battery of Cayman, and set fire to the
+village, still keeping a constant fire on him from the batteries of St.
+Catharine, he took a position which gave him an easy communication with
+the transports; when on the 12th he observed the battery and works at
+St. Catharine, and the posts which guarded the first ravine, abandoned
+by the enemy, on which he took possession of them, while Colonel Myers,
+with five companies of grenadiers and the forty-third regiment, crossed
+four ravines higher up, seizing all the batteries that defended them.
+This movement was completely successful, the enemy flying on every side,
+and our troops were soon in possession of the five batteries between Cas
+de Navires and Fort Royal. They then proceeded, and occupied the posts
+of Gentilly, La Coste, and La Archet, within a league of Fort Bourbon.
+
+ [11] They met with considerable opposition in this business; and
+ the boats employed in landing the troops by some mistake got close
+ under the enemy's batteries, before they discovered their
+ situation. Our loss however was less than might have been expected.
+ The Dromedary, venturing too near the battery of Point Negro,
+ received a shot between wind and water, entering under the counter,
+ and a second shot went through the quarter-deck barricade, killed
+ one man, and wounded four, among whom was Captain Tatham.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ GENERAL DUNDAS LANDS ON THE NORTH EAST SIDE OF THE ISLAND ...
+ TRINITE TAKEN ... COLONEL CRADOCK ATTACKED, CAPTAIN M'EWEN killed
+ ... GENERAL DUNDAS FORMS A JUNCTION WITH SIR CHARLES GREY ... MARCH
+ TOWARDS ST. PIERRE ... COLONEL CAMPBELL KILLED ... ST. PIERRE
+ ATTACKED BY SEA, AND TAKEN ... DESCRIPTION OF THAT TOWN.
+
+
+When Commodore Thompson with his division (having on board Major General
+Dundas and the second brigade) parted from the fleet on their voyage
+from Barbadoes, he proceeded with the utmost expedition to the north
+east part of the island; and on Feb. 5th arrived off the bay of Gallion.
+Captain Faulknor in the Zebra led in, and placed himself along-side of
+the battery on Point a Chaux, from whence he soon drove the enemy. The
+Beaulieu, Captain Salisbury, and the Woolwich, Captain Parker, followed;
+and the troops were landed without further opposition about a league
+from the town of Trinite, which was situated on the further side of the
+isthmus that formed the bay of Gallion. Here General Dundas halted for
+that night. Early the next morning he began his march towards Trinite.
+As he moved off from the ground he had occupied during the night, the
+enemy annoyed him much by a brisk fire of musketry from the cane fields,
+where a large body of them were concealed; from thence however they were
+soon driven by the bayonet, which (as the Commander in Chief
+observed[12]) in the hands of a gallant British soldier is the first of
+weapons. In this business we had one artilleryman killed, and two
+officers and three privates wounded. The General then continued his
+march to La Bruen, a strong post situated on an eminence immediately
+over the town of Trinite. The light infantry drove the enemy from this
+post after an action of about fifteen minutes. We had two men killed and
+seven or eight wounded, among which were two officers. The enemy's loss
+was much greater. Early on the night of the 6th our troops took
+possession of Fort Louis (and changed its name to Fort Dundas), and Fort
+Bellgarde, a post that commanded the harbour of Trinite. Mons.
+Bellgarde, general of the army composed of people of colour, finding
+that we had taken possession of the forts, made a precipitate retreat
+towards the mountains, having previously set fire to the town of
+Trinite, the best part of which, together with a great quantity of
+stores of all kinds, was consumed; but Commodore Thompson took
+possession of the vessels in the harbour and road. In all these attacks
+the seamen (under command of Captain Salisbury) bore a part, and by
+their intrepidity and good conduct gained the esteem as well as
+applause of the army.
+
+ [12] Vide Appendix, page 7.
+
+On the evening of the 7th General Dundas proceeded with his brigade to
+the attack of Gros Morne, where he was informed General Bellgarde was
+strongly posted in considerable force; but on his arrival he found the
+forts evacuated. Gros Morne is a situation of great importance, being
+strongly fortified, and commanding the principal pass between the
+northern and southern parts of the island, and famous for being the
+rendezvous of the democrats during the revolution, previous to our
+arrival. Besides the principal fort, there is a redoubt on either side,
+about a mile distant, commanding the road leading to the fort. A
+detachment of the queen's regiment and a party of the marines being left
+to garrison Trinite, under command of Major Skerret, and the battalion
+of the 64th to garrison Le Gros Morne, the remainder of the brigade
+marched early in the morning of the 9th instant, and on the evening of
+the same day took possession of a strong situation called Bruno, where
+there had formerly been a fort, some of the guns of which were still
+remaining: it lies about two leagues north east of Fort Bourbon, and
+from it our army could see the enemy in their out-posts from that
+fort[13]. After the troops had halted for some time, Colonel Cradock
+with three companies of the second battalion of grenadiers was ordered
+to advance and take possession of the post of Maltide, where a
+considerable number of the enemy were assembled with their colours
+flying; but on his approach they evacuated the place in haste. Of this
+post our troops had the quiet possession that night, and all the next
+day; but in the night between the 10th and 11th they were attacked by a
+party of the enemy, commanded by Mons. Bellgarde, amounting to about
+eight hundred men, who, having crept up under cover of the canes and
+underwood, commenced a heavy fire on our troops, who, though rather
+taken by surprise, charged the enemy in their turn with such vigour and
+determined bravery, as forced them sorely to repent their temerity, and
+retreat towards Fort Bourbon with considerable loss. In this action
+Captain M'Ewen of the thirty-eighth regiment and seven privates were
+killed, and nineteen wounded. Next day a great quantity of fire arms
+were picked up, which the enemy had left behind them in their
+precipitate retreat. In the evening of the 11th the post was reinforced
+by three companies of grenadiers and part of the second battalion of
+light infantry; but that night all was quiet. Early on the morning of
+the 12th the grenadiers were ordered back to Bruno, and the battalion of
+the sixth regiment, commanded by Major Scott, took their place at
+Maltide, and the wounded were sent on board the hospital ship.
+
+ [13] About this time the army had nearly experienced an irreparable
+ loss. As General Dundas was writing in his tent, a notorious
+ villain, of the name of Barbarose, presented himself at the door of
+ the tent, demanding to speak with the General, who, to drive him
+ away, called to the centinel to "bayonet the fellow;" on which, in
+ his fright, he dropped a dagger well oiled; and on being seized,
+ proved to have been the assassin of a French royalist.
+
+As the bay and harbour of Fort Royal were now completely opened to our
+shipping by the capture of Pigeon Island, the Commander in Chief moved
+forward on the 14th from La Riviere Sallee to Bruno with the remainder
+of the first brigade, a principal part of which had, under General
+Prescott, reached that place the day before; having previously concerted
+the attack of St. Pierre with General Dundas, that general marched on
+the evening of the 13th from Bruno with the second battalion of
+grenadiers, the thirty-third and fortieth light companies, and the
+sixty-fifth regiment, to Gros Morne, where he halted that night, and
+early on the 14th marched to Trinite; from whence he dispatched a sloop
+with the packs and blankets of his army round towards la Basse Pointe,
+in order to expedite his march toward St. Pierre, the capital of the
+island, the capture of which was now his object. From Gros Morne General
+Dundas had detached Colonel Campbell through the woods by Bois le Buc
+with the second battalion of light infantry and sixty-fifth regiment to
+Montigne. At five o'clock in the evening of the 14th General Dundas
+marched from Trinite (being joined by a company of the second or queen's
+regiment, commanded by the Honourable Captain Ramsay): after marching
+all night he halted for three hours; and soon after day-break on the
+morning of the 15th, having passed the river Capot, arrived at the
+heights of Calbass, after a march of thirty miles over a rough
+mountainous country. The fatigue of such a march in a tropical climate
+can only be conceived by those who have experienced it: harassed and
+worn down, it was necessary to give the troops some rest before they
+attempted to ascend the steep and craggy mountain, over the top of which
+was their road, commanded by a battery, where the enemy appeared in
+great force, with their colours flying. The spirit of our soldiers
+however overcame all difficulties, and they ascended the heights with
+such alacrity, that the enemy, alarmed at their determined conduct,
+evacuated the fort (fortunately for our men), without making any
+resistance; as, by the time they reached the summit of the mountain,
+they were so exhausted, that a steady opposition might have proved fatal
+to them. From hence (the post having previously been destroyed by the
+enemy, who had broken the guns and scattered the ammunition) General
+Dundas proceeded about four miles further, to a place called Morne
+Rouge: here he halted, and shortly after saw Colonel Campbell at Post au
+Pin, half a mile short of Montigne, under a heavy fire from five or six
+hundred of the enemy, strongly posted. General Dundas instantly pushed
+forward his advanced guard, under command of the Hon. Captain Ramsay,
+who gained the summit by extraordinary exertions, fired on the enemy, at
+that time engaged with Colonel Campbell, and silenced their fire; and,
+when joined by the second battalion of grenadiers, took possession of
+Montigne, where he was reinforced by two companies of grenadiers. The
+major general took post himself on Morne Rouge, and visiting Colonel
+Campbell's column, found he had been attacked at half past nine o'clock
+in the morning, and the enemy being within twenty yards of the fortieth
+light company, at the head of which he was, had charged them with
+bayonets, when, to the great grief of the whole army, he fell by a ball
+through his head from the musket of a mulatto, who had concealed himself
+behind a bush till the Colonel came close up to it. Colonel Campbell
+was a man high in estimation as a military character, and no less
+respected for his private worth, being sincere in his friendships and
+steady in his attachments. When General Dundas arrived at Morne Rouge,
+the enemy were on their march to re-attack our troops; but the
+appearance of our grenadiers so near them, caused them to relinquish
+their plan at that time: but in the evening of the same day the General
+observed bodies of the enemy moving towards his front at Morne Rouge,
+and forming under a small redoubt near that post. The thirty-third,
+thirty-fourth, and forty-fourth companies of grenadiers, with a field
+piece, and Captain Whitworth of the artillery (the whole under the
+command of Major Forbes), were ordered to advance, when a smart
+engagement commenced. The enemy were covered by a brisk fire from two
+field pieces on Morne Bellvieu, a strongly situated battery immediately
+in their rear. The action continued for about half an hour, when the
+enemy gave way, and during the night abandoned the fort, leaving two
+field pieces behind them. From the number of graves observed the
+following day (corroborated by the accounts of some prisoners), their
+loss must have been considerable; ours consisted of one officer
+(Lieutenant Keating of the thirty-third regiment) and two privates
+wounded, and one private killed.--At two o'clock the following morning
+the sixteenth, thirty-fifth, and fifty-fifth companies of grenadiers
+were ordered to advance and storm the battery upon Morne Bellvieu, and
+were to be supported (if necessary) by the ninth and sixty-fifth
+companies. All their flints were taken out, the bayonet alone to be the
+soldier's defence. However, the enemy had been so roughly handled the
+day before, that they thought fit to decamp during the night, and our
+troops took possession of the fort without any opposition. Our army had
+now arrived within two leagues of St. Pierre, from whence by day-break
+the enemy sent a flag of truce, requiring three days to consider of a
+capitulation; to which General Dundas returned an answer, that instead
+of three days, he would allow them only three hours; and if they did not
+surrender within that time, he would advance against the town. The
+fifty-fifth company of grenadiers being left in possession of Bellvieu,
+the remainder of the battalion moved on towards St. Pierre. In the mean
+time the Admiral, Sir John Jervis, to co-operate with the land forces
+under General Dundas, had ordered the following ships to sail for the
+bay of St. Pierre, the Asia, Veteran, Santa Margarita, Blonde,
+Rattlesnake, Zebra, and Nautilus, with the Vesuvius bomb. On board of
+this fleet Colonel Symes had embarked with three light companies, and
+Major Maitland with a detachment of the fiftieth regiment; Colonel Myers
+with five companies of the first battalion of grenadiers, and five
+companies of the third battalion of light infantry, (for the same
+purpose of co-operating with General Dundas) had marched from Camp la
+Coste towards Trinite.
+
+The fleet on their arrival in the bay prepared for instant operation.
+Colonel Symes, with the troops and seamen who were to land with him,
+had, previous to their entering the bay, embarked on board of the Zebra
+and Nautilus sloops, and some other vessels, which, being small, could
+get nearer the shore, thereby rendering the debarkation of the troops
+much less difficult.
+
+In the evening of Feb. 16th they began to work towards the north part of
+the bay, beyond the Jesuits' College, the other men of war standing
+towards the town to cover them. About eleven o'clock the vessels with
+troops and seamen on board were under a cross fire from two batteries of
+red hot shot, which happily did them no damage, though they fell round
+and near them. Captain Harvey in the Santa Margarita, perceiving the
+troops were likely to be much annoyed, went close under the guns of the
+most considerable of the two batteries, which he silenced; and about
+four in the morning of the 17th the troops and seamen made good their
+landing, and found that the enemy had left the other battery. During the
+night the Vesuvius bomb did much execution with her shells, many of them
+falling in the town, to which it set fire in some places: the fire
+however was soon extinguished. The batteries in the town and on the
+adjacent hills kept up a constant fire of shot and shells on the men of
+war, as they advanced towards the town, which was returned with great
+spirit. The Santa Margarita was struck with a shell, which fortunately
+neither fired her, nor did any considerable damage. Colonel Symes on
+landing advanced with the troops towards St. Pierre, which the enemy
+evacuated on his approach, leaving their guns primed and loaded, and
+their colours flying, which were hauled down by our people, and the
+British union hoisted. About ten the whole of the troops and seamen had
+marched into the town. No man was suffered to quit his ranks, nor was
+the least injury done to any of the inhabitants, who, with the women and
+children, sat at their doors and windows to see our army march in, the
+same as when troops pass through a town in England. While our men were
+drawn up in the market place, a flag of truce came in from General
+Dundas, who with his army was on the hills near the town, and was on his
+march to attack it. This flag was in answer to one sent by the enemy to
+him, offering to capitulate. The officer who brought the flag was
+agreeably surprised to find on his entering the town that it was already
+in the possession of his countrymen. In the evening General Dundas with
+the army marched in; and having taken possession of the
+government-house, he instantly established quiet and good order in the
+town. As our troops marched into St. Pierre a drummer was discovered in
+the act of plundering one of the peaceable inhabitants, for which he was
+instantly hung up at the gate of the Jesuits' College, by order of the
+provost marshal. In the evening the seamen embarked on board their
+respective ships. The men of war having anchored in the bay, were busily
+employed in taking an account of and unbending the sails of the
+different ships in the harbour. Unfortunately at day-break of this
+morning, when the town surrendered, a schooner got out of the south side
+of the bay, in which it was reported there was a considerable quantity
+of money and some people of distinction. She passed within gun-shot of
+the Santa Margarita, who (for some reason or other) did not fire at her
+to bring her to. The next morning the Santa Margarita sailed to Fort
+Royal bay with Mons. Au Cane[14], the mayor of St. Pierre, and Abbe
+Maunier, the vicar general of the island, and other prisoners.
+
+ [14] On our first arrival at the island of Martinique, the
+ Commanders in Chief dispatched Captain Mason (aid de camp to the
+ General) bearing a flag of truce, with a summons to the town of St.
+ Pierre. Au Cane, the mayor, met him on the quay on horseback,
+ attended by a numerous body of armed men, with a field piece; &c.
+ and instead of reading the letter and summons, dismissed him rudely
+ with threats.
+
+St. Pierre is a long handsome town, situated on the shore of an open
+bay, and flanked by a strong battery at either end; also defended by two
+redoubts on the hills which overhang the town. The surrounding country
+rises in a succession of hills beautifully variegated with woods and
+sugar plantations; and near the town are some fine gardens, which before
+the revolution had been kept up in a superior stile of elegance and
+convenience. Each street of this beautiful town is watered by a clear
+stream from the mountains, running rapidly down the middle, which adds
+greatly to the health as well as convenience of the place. The streets
+in general are narrow and rough paved, but very regular; the houses are
+built of a fine stone like free-stone, the lower apartments of which
+were in general handsomely, and sometimes superbly, furnished.
+
+There are two convents of nuns, one dedicated to St. Ursuline, the other
+called Les Blancs. The Ursuline convent has very beautiful gardens,
+situated at the declivity of a hill, which rises immediately behind the
+town: it was in a wretched state when we took it, the poor nuns having
+been deprived of their revenues by the revolutionists. Near this convent
+is a neat church, whose high altar, as well as pavement, is of good
+marble. Not far from the church is the opera house, which, from its high
+roof, is a very conspicuous object. Towards the south end of the town is
+the church of Notre Dame de bon Porte du Mouillage (of which Pere
+Maunier, one of the chiefs of the revolution, was cure). It is a
+handsome building: round the grand altar (which is of polished and well
+sculptured marble) are several tolerable paintings of saints and the
+Virgin Mary, as large as life. Over the bridge, at the north end of the
+town, is another large church, and several others, small and mean in
+their outward appearance and inside decorations. I was informed that
+most of these churches were well endowed before the revolution, and the
+religious houses were amply provided for, as is the case in all parts of
+the new world where the Roman Catholic religion is professed.
+
+At the northern extremity of St. Pierre is a spacious handsome house,
+with good offices, stables, and gardens, which formerly belonged to the
+Jesuits, in whose district the town and surrounding country is situated.
+The Capuchins and Dominicans had the two other parts of the island.--The
+government-house, which on our taking it was inhabited by Au Cane, the
+mayor, is conveniently situated near the centre of the town, and was
+formed for the residence of the chief magistrate or governor of the
+island. The rooms are large and lofty, and there is a good garden at the
+back of the house, in which, amongst a variety of fruit trees, was a
+fine bread-fruit tree: how it came there, I could not learn, unless
+some French ships had paid a visit to the islands in the South Sea, for
+the same purpose that our ships of late have made that voyage; but then
+I think more of the trees would have been seen in this and the
+neighbouring French islands.--Towards the southern end of the town is a
+large and commodious hospital, which had good revenues attached to it,
+and was well regulated and attended. This we found of infinite use for
+our sick and wounded, who were far better provided for here than they
+could be in the hospital ships, or with the army.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+ THE ENEMY RETIRE INTO FORT BOURBON AND FORT LOUIS ... THE ADMIRAL
+ ATTACKS FORT LOUIS WITH THE BOMB-KETCH AND GUN-BOATS ... CAMP OF
+ SEAMEN FORMED AT POINT NEGRO ... A WHARF BUILT IN THE CUL DE SAC DE
+ COHEE, STORES AND AMMUNITION LANDED THERE ... GENERAL BELLGARDE
+ ATTEMPTS TO CUT OFF THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE ARMY AND NAVY,
+ BUT IS BEATEN, AND HIS CAMP ON SOURIER TAKEN ... HEAD-QUARTERS
+ ESTABLISHED ON SOURIER ... GENERAL ROCHAMBEAU SENDS AN AID DE CAMP
+ TO THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF ... THE NAVY MAKE A ROAD, AND DRAG THE
+ GUNS TO THE HEIGHTS OF SOURIER.
+
+
+St. Pierre being now captured[15], the enemy's strength was concentrated
+in one point at Forts Louis and Bourbon: the latter is a work of late
+date, being built under the directions of the present Marquis de
+Bouille, and is a well planned as well as strongly situated
+fortification; but in this mountainous country it is hardly possible to
+find any spot that may not be commanded by some neighbouring height,
+unless on the tops of the mountains, where it would be difficult to
+procure water and provisions sufficient for the subsistence of an army
+during a siege of any length. The town of Fort Royal is situated on a
+flat and swampy ground, at the foot of the hill on which is Fort
+Bourbon; and Fort Louis, the ancient strong-hold of this island, is on a
+neck of land running into the sea, and forms one side of the Carenage,
+an excellent harbour for shipping of all kinds.--The Admiral, from the
+day he anchored in Fort Royal Bay, began a heavy cannonade on Fort
+Louis. The Vesuvius bomb, commanded by Captain Sawyer, and under the
+direction of Captain Suckling of the artillery, threw shells into the
+fort from an eighteen-inch and twelve-inch mortar with great effect; and
+as soon as the evening shut in, the gun-boats, attended by several
+row-boats from the ships in the fleet (to assist in case of their being
+sunk by the enemy's shot) moved towards the mouth of the Carenage, and
+commenced a brisk fire on the fort, which was generally returned with
+equal spirit; but, from the smallness of the object, and frequently
+shifting their situation, they were less often hit than could have been
+expected, considering that they constantly were within the range of
+grape-shot, which fell in showers round them. Towards day-break they
+returned to their respective ships.--In the night of February 15th, the
+second and third companies of seamen, under the command of Lieutenants
+Miln and Ogle, left the Boyne; and, with other seamen from the fleet,
+the whole under command of Captain Rogers of the Quebec, landed at Cas
+Navire, and (occupying the posts that the troops under Colonel Myers had
+that day quitted, to assist in the attack on St. Pierre) formed a camp
+near Point Negro.--Our shipping having now, by the capture of Pigeon
+Island, free ingress to Fort Royal bay, most of the transports and
+store-ships, under convoy of his majesty's ships Santa Margarita,
+Solebay, Nautilus, &c. got up into the Cul de sac de Cohee, an harbour
+at the north-east end of the bay, from whence they had a communication
+with the army under Sir Charles Grey, and where they built a wharf to
+land provisions and stores; and a chain of posts was established from
+thence to the heights of Bruno, on which duty the fifteenth and
+twentieth regiments were employed.--On February 18th in the morning,
+General Bellgarde moved with nearly his whole force from his camp on the
+heights of Sourier, to attack the landing-place in the Cul de sac de
+Cohee, and by that means to cut off the communication between the army
+and the fleet. Sir Charles Grey, with that quickness of perception that
+has rendered him so often useful to his country, instantly perceived his
+design, and without loss of time ordered the grenadiers, under the
+command of Colonel Buckridge, and the light infantry, under that of
+Colonel Coote, to advance with the utmost expedition, and attack Mons.
+Bellgarde's camp at Sourier; and detached a strong corps from the
+heights of Bruno to support them. They began their attack on the enemy
+in the wood; and having driven them from thence, began to mount the
+rugged and almost inaccessible sides of the hill on which Sourier was
+situated. The troops gallantly forced their way through every
+obstruction, and mounted the heights under a heavy fire from the
+retreating enemy, whom they fairly drove up the precipice, and gained
+the heights, where they found an excellent dinner (provided for
+Bellgarde and his people) to refresh them after their fatigue. Our loss
+in this affair[16] was by no means so great as might have been expected,
+considering the length of ground, and the many disadvantages under which
+our troops engaged. While this was doing, General Sir Charles Grey
+cannonaded Bellgarde from the camp at Bruno, whose troops soon retired
+in confusion to their late camp at Sourier, which they found occupied by
+the British grenadiers, who turned their own guns on them (consisting of
+three brass field pieces), and drove them in confusion under the walls
+of Fort Bourbon. Our soldiers could not now be restrained, but with an
+impetuosity that General Prescott could not for the moment prevent,
+advanced so near the fort, that the enemy opening a heavy fire of grape
+shot on them, obliged them at length to retire with some loss to their
+new acquisition on Sourier, a post which Sir Charles Grey had intended
+to have attacked the following day, as being absolutely necessary to
+enable him to carry on his plan of attack against Fort Bourbon, and
+which the temerity of Bellgarde had thus put into his hands a day
+sooner.--The whole business of this action was conducted in such a
+manner, that each individual concerned partook of the glory of it; and
+when considered as to its utility, it was perhaps one of the most
+fortunate, as well as the best conducted, enterprises that happened
+throughout the campaign. The day after this event General Rochambeau,
+who commanded in Fort Bourbon, sent an aid de camp on board the Boyne,
+who went thence with Captain Grey to the Commander in Chief at head
+quarters. The terms of capitulation that he brought were, that the whole
+island should be delivered to the English on condition that, in case
+Louis the Seventeenth should ever come to the throne, it should be
+restored to him; if not, and the republic should be established, it
+should be given up to that government. The Commander in Chief returned
+for answer, 'that he came expressly to take this island for his
+Britannic Majesty; and that he hoped to take all the French islands in
+this quarter on the same account.'--The troops now pitched their tents,
+and formed their camp on Sourier. General Prescott's quarters were in
+this camp, where he commanded; and Sir Charles Grey established his head
+quarters at a small distance in the rear.--General Dundas having
+arranged every thing relative to the government of St. Pierre, left
+Colonel Myers of the fifteenth regiment with the battalions of the
+fifty-eighth and sixty-fifth regiments to garrison that town, and on
+February 20th embarked with the grenadiers on board the Veteran for Fort
+Royal Bay. The morning following they disembarked in the Cul de sac de
+Cohee, and marched directly to head quarters at Sourier, where they
+pitched their tents, and with regret parted from General Dundas, their
+commander hitherto, who went to Camp la Coste to take the command of
+the light infantry.--The artillery, artificers, and engineers, were now
+busily employed in landing stores and ammunition preparatory to the
+formation of the batteries necessary for the siege; in which business
+they received great assistance from a body of seamen landed for that
+purpose: three hundred of these brave fellows were landed at the wharf
+in the Cul de sac Cohee from his majesty's ships Santa Margarita,
+Captain Harvey, with his Lieutenants Woolley and Harrison; the Solebay,
+Captain Kelly, with Lieutenants Carthew and Schomberg; and Nautilus
+sloop, Captain Carpenter; with Lieutenant Bennet, Lieutenant Collins,
+and a party of marines, from the Santa Margarita. They instantly began
+to proceed with a twenty-four pounder and two six pounders[17] towards
+Sourier. They halted with the twenty-four pounder that evening on the
+side of the road between Fort Royal and the town of Lamantin, as they
+were obliged to cut a road through a thick wood for nearly a mile. The
+next day they completed the road, and also made a sort of bridge, or
+rather passage, across a river, which at times was of considerable
+depth, though fortunately there was now only four feet water in it. This
+they effected by filling it up with large stones and branches of trees,
+and then they proceeded with the twenty-four pounder and two eight-inch
+howitzers, which they left that night in charge of a piquet from the
+post above mentioned. On the third day they, to the astonishment of the
+whole army, got a twenty-four pounder to the heights of Sourier before
+the night shut in, and two howitzers within a mile of it; and to add to
+the difficulty, a considerable part of that day was employed in
+levelling the banks of the river that runs by Dillon's plantation, and
+making it fordable, by removing immense stones and fragments of rock. On
+the fourth day (notwithstanding they were obliged to employ a
+considerable party in making the road more complete) they got the two
+howitzers above mentioned, and two more twenty-four pounders, to the
+heights of Sourier. The distance from the wharf to those heights is near
+five miles; and when we consider that the road was to be formed for near
+four miles of the way, one of which was through a very thick wood, and
+that, as they approached the heights of Sourier, for near a mile the
+road was so steep, that a loaded mule could not walk directly up it, it
+seems scarce credible that so small a number as three hundred men should
+be able to have undergone such severe fatigue, considering the climate
+and the nature of the soil, which was a very stiff clay, intermixed with
+large rock stones.--A few days after, a reinforcement of seamen was
+landed from the Veteran, Captain Nugent, with Lieutenants Leaf and
+Whitlock, and the Winchelsea, Lord Viscount Garlies, with his
+Lieutenants Dixon and Watson; also Lieutenant Treminere of the marines,
+with a sergeant's party. They took post by the side of the road leading
+from Lamantin to Fort Royal, where the first twenty-four pounder was
+halted.--The first party of seamen took post on the banks of the river
+running past Dillon's plantation, at the foot of the heights of
+Sourier. But the Veteran being wanted for other service, in the course
+of the week one hundred and fifty men were reimbarked on board her, and
+the Winchelsea's crew joined the former party. The compliments paid the
+seamen in general orders for their spirited conduct, is a convincing
+proof that they never once relaxed from their first exertions from the
+beginning of the siege to the surrender of Fort Bourbon, a period of
+five weeks. Indeed their astonishing exertions were almost beyond
+probability: after rain (which in this climate is frequent) the steep
+parts of the road were so slippery, that a man even with the greatest
+care would frequently slip back ten and sometimes twenty feet at a time:
+but so determined were the honest tars not to fail in what they
+undertook, that when once they set out with their gun after a heavy
+rain, and they found it impossible to keep their feet, they have crawled
+up as they dragged the twenty-four pounder, and kept themselves from
+sliding back by sticking their fingers in the ground. But among the many
+compliments paid the seamen, none pleased them so much as having a
+battery appointed solely for them[18], where they used to relieve one
+another by turns, without even an additional allowance of grog as an
+encouragement. Sir Charles Grey paid the highest compliments to the
+zeal and ability with which the Admiral seconded all his plans. Indeed
+there never was an instance in which two commanders carried on a
+business of such importance so unalloyed by the least difference in
+opinion, or jealousy of command: each strove to prove his readiness to
+assist his friend and colleague; of course every thing succeeded, and
+was carried on with a promptness of execution that seldom has been
+equalled, never exceeded.
+
+ [15] Information having arrived that some of the enemy had retired
+ from St. Pierre to a five-gun battery on that part of the island,
+ Major Manningham was dispatched with a strong detachment in
+ flat-boats, under the protection of the Zebra sloop of war, and was
+ completely successful in driving them from thence.
+
+ [16] According to the best account I could collect, ten killed and
+ forty-four wounded.--I must here beg the reader will pardon the
+ inaccuracy of my account of the killed and wounded in this and the
+ other actions that took place. Though I have made every possible
+ inquiry, I have not been able to meet with the regular returns,
+ which must have been given in to the adjutant general's office at
+ Martinique.
+
+ [17] The two six-pounders were to strengthen the post that
+ commanded the road to Fort Royal by Dillon's house.
+
+ [18] One day, when the Commander in Chief met them on the road,
+ they (being ignorant that a battery was appointed for them to serve
+ in) surrounded the General, and offered him their services,
+ swearing they thought it d----d hard to have all work and no
+ fighting; and hoped his Honour would let them have some share in
+ it. The General, with that kindness which won the hearts of all
+ that had the happiness to serve under him, said, "Well, my lads,
+ you shall have a battery to yourselves." On which, having saluted
+ him with three hearty cheers, the honest fellows went readily to
+ their work again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ FORTS BOURBON AND LOUIS CLOSELY INVESTED ... BATTERIES ON THE FIRST
+ PARALLEL ERECTED ... THE SEAMEN EMPLOYED IN GETTING GUNS TO THE
+ BATTERIES ON THE WEST SIDE ... A DANGEROUS PASS DESCRIBED ...
+ CAPTAIN MILN MORTALLY WOUNDED; HE DIES; HIS CHARACTER ... BELLGARDE
+ DELIVERS HIMSELF AND ARMY INTO THE HANDS OF SIR CHARLES GREY ...
+ HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE EDWARD ARRIVES, AND TAKES A COMMAND ...
+ BATTERIES OPENED AGAINST FORT BOURBON ... LIEUTENANT BOWEN'S
+ SPIRITED CONDUCT ... FORT LOUIS TAKEN BY STORM ... CAPTAIN
+ FAULKNOR'S GALLANT CONDUCT ... FORT BOURBON SURRENDERS.
+
+
+From the 20th of February Forts Bourbon and Louis, with the town of Fort
+Royal, were completely invested, and the General was busily employed in
+erecting batteries on his first parallel. On the north-east side the
+army under General Prescott broke ground on the 25th of February, and on
+the west side towards La Coste (where Sir Charles Gordon commanded,
+Prince Edward not having as yet arrived from Canada) fascine batteries
+for mortars and cannon were erecting with every possible expedition. In
+this business the seamen, who formed a camp at Point Negro under Captain
+Josias Rogers of the Quebec, eminently distinguished themselves; and
+though the roads were not quite so bad as on the Sourier side, yet they
+had many severe difficulties to encounter, that rendered dragging the
+mortars and heavy ordnance to the batteries fatiguing and hazardous in a
+great degree. Part of the way which they were obliged to go was in sight
+of Fort Bourbon; soon after which they descended into a hollow way or
+ravine, where a rivulet invited them to refresh themselves, and it was
+with difficulty their officers could prevent them from slaking their
+thirst at this stream, which crossed them at a time when the fatigue and
+heat they sustained rendered the temptation almost irresistible,
+especially to men fearless of danger, and thoughtless to a proverb. No
+sooner did they begin to descend into this ravine, than the enemy threw
+their shells with such judgment, that they frequently fell at the moment
+our people were passing the rivulet. It was in the afternoon of the 22d
+of February that Lieutenant James Miln of the Boyne was proceeding with
+his company of seamen to relieve those who had been the fore-part of the
+day at work on one of the advanced batteries, and having been observed
+on his march by the enemy in Fort Bourbon, they as usual began to fire
+their mortars into the ravine; Mr. Miln, who, added to the greatest
+courage, possessed much prudence, was hurrying his men through this
+dangerous pass, and was in the act of calling to two men who were
+drinking at the rivulet (the rest of his company having passed on), when
+a shell burst near him, carried off one of his legs, and shattered the
+other in a dreadful manner. At the same time one of the men, who had
+loitered, lost a leg. In this dreadful situation he was carried two
+miles to Sir Charles Gordon's camp, before his wounds could be bound up,
+and from thence to his own quarters at Point Negro, where he suffered
+amputation of one leg. The next day the surgeon general of the navy went
+to him from the Boyne, and finding his situation dangerous in the
+extreme, having no better place than the ground, in an open sugar-house,
+part of which was the head quarters of the naval officers, and being
+within range of the enemy's guns, which frequently threw their shot and
+shells over him, he was conveyed to the royal hospital at St. Pierre;
+but from the loss of blood he had sustained, and the nature of the
+climate, he was seized with the lock jaw, of which he died on Sunday the
+9th of March, and the next day was buried in the garden of the hospital
+with the honours of war, together with Lieutenants Spencer and
+Rosehill[19] of the Beaulieu, and Lieutenant Smith of the fifty-eighth
+regiment. The burial service was performed by the Chaplain[20] of the
+Boyne, and attended by Colonel Myers, commandant of St. Pierre, Captain
+Salisbury of the Beaulieu, and the other naval and military officers,
+and the principal English gentlemen who were in that town. The Admiral,
+who always distinguished merit, and rewarded it when in his power, had
+promoted Mr. Miln[21] to the command of the Avenger sloop, late
+Marseillois, taken at St. Pierre.
+
+ [19] The Admiral had lately promoted Mr. Rosehill to the rank of
+ Lieutenant for his spirited behaviour at Trinite.
+
+ [20] Who this day performed the funeral service over thirteen
+ people belonging to the army and navy.
+
+ [21] As it was my lot to be much in the society of this excellent
+ young man, having from the time we arrived in the West Indies
+ enjoyed his friendship, and on several occasions accompanied him on
+ service, afterwards attending him from the camp at Point Negro to
+ the hospital at St. Pierre, and remaining with him at intervals
+ till the time of his death: these circumstances will, I trust,
+ plead my excuse for detaining the reader from more important events
+ of the campaign while I pay the tribute of respect to the memory of
+ my gallant but ill-fated friend. Mr. James Miln was a native of
+ Arbroath in Scotland, and after serving for near thirteen years
+ with credit in the navy, was promoted to a lieutenancy on board the
+ Blanche frigate by Admiral Sir John Laforey, and was afterwards
+ taken on board the Boyne as fifth lieutenant by Sir John Jervis on
+ his arrival at Barbadoes. His general good conduct as a man and
+ officer soon attracted the notice of the naval Commander in Chief
+ (than whom no man is more quick sighted to discern merit, and happy
+ to reward it). By him no doubt he would have been much employed on
+ the most active service, had not that melancholy event taken place,
+ which deprived the service of a good and brave officer, and left me
+ only the sad task of deploring, while I commemorate the death of a
+ friend, from the excellency of whose heart and understanding I was
+ in hopes of reaping future entertainment and improvement.
+
+Bellgarde found it in vain to attempt any thing further, after his last
+shameful defeat; and being with his black army shut out of Fort Bourbon
+by General Rochambeau (who, when he retreated after the loss of his camp
+on Sourier under cover of the fire of that fort, shut the gates against
+him), he now determined to make the best bargain he could for himself;
+and accordingly on the 25th of February sent a message to Sir Charles
+Grey, offering to give up his army, on condition that himself, and
+certain others that he named, should be permitted to go to America;
+which request the Commander in Chief complied with; and on the 4th of
+March, Bellgarde, with his secretary, a white man, by whose councils he
+had always been guided, and eight people of colour, sailed in a
+schooner for America, whither he had taken the precaution at various
+times to forward a quantity of wealth against any change of
+circumstances should make such a retreat desirable[22].
+
+ [22] Since writing of this, news has arrived from the West Indies
+ of the capture of a ship belonging to Victor Hughes (the present
+ republican tyrant of Guadaloupe) loaded with wealth amassed by this
+ plunderer to the amount of half a million sterling. Such has been
+ the general conduct of the French Commanders, while ours have been
+ vilified for claiming even the legal bounty for their suffering and
+ exhausted followers.
+
+On Tuesday the 4th of March his Royal Highness Prince Edward arrived at
+this island, and was received with a royal salute from the fleet.
+Immediately he took the command of that brigade of the army encamped on
+the Cas Navire side, and at La Coste, which had hitherto been under the
+direction of Sir Charles Gordon[23].--Intelligence having reached the
+Commander in Chief that a number of brigands, composed of some runaways
+from Bellgarde's army, and other wretches, had committed many
+depredations and murders, pillaging and burning houses and villages in
+several parts of the island; he dispatched a detachment of the fifteenth
+regiment, commanded by Lord Sinclair, with a party of the Prince of
+Wales's light dragoons, commanded by Lieut. Shadwell, and conducted by
+Captain Cunningham (one of his Excellency's aid de camps), who surprised
+one hundred and fifty of these people in the act of burning and
+plundering the village of Francois[24]. At the first charge the enemy
+were routed, thirty-six of them, with their chief (who was cut down by a
+dragoon), were killed, and four taken prisoners, who were instantly hung
+up, to deter others from such infamous acts as had been committed by
+these miscreants.--Every preparation was now made for opening our
+batteries against Fort Bourbon, which were constructed only about eight
+hundred paces from the fort, and about six hundred in front of our own
+lines. These batteries would have been constructed much sooner, but,
+owing to the heavy rains that fell almost constantly, and which, at this
+season of the year, were unusual, the works had been greatly retarded,
+and the difficulties encreased. On the morning of the 6th of March,
+every thing being ready for a heavy cannonade, Sir Charles Grey sent a
+flag of truce with a summons to the garrison to surrender, which was
+refused by General Rochambeau. Accordingly, at day-break on the 7th (the
+gun-boats having as usual attacked Fort Louis during the night) mortars,
+howitzers, and great guns, opened from five batteries at the same
+instant, keeping up an incessant fire on the fort and advanced redoubt
+the whole of that day and the night, from each of which it was returned
+with equal fury. All the following day the same spirited attack and
+defence was continued. On the 9th the enemy made a sortie from the fort,
+and attacked the advanced picquet from the camp at La Coste, composed of
+part of the third battalion of light infantry, and some sailors under
+command of Captain Faulknor of the Zebra. After an engagement of some
+length the enemy gave way, and were imprudently followed by our troops
+under the guns of the fort; by this excess of ardour we lost some men,
+while the enemy suffered but little. The gun-boats and Vesuvius now kept
+up a constant fire from Fort Royal Bay: in the former two seamen were
+killed by grape, and part of the head of the bomb ketch was shot away.
+On the 13th a melancholy accident occurred in one of our batteries,
+which was formed and manned entirely by seamen. Captain Faulknor of the
+Zebra, who commanded in it, being provoked by the interference of an
+officer of artillery in the works which one of the seamen of the Asia
+was employed in, and the sailor not obeying him with alacrity, was
+provoked to strike him with his sword, which unfortunately wounded him
+mortally, and he died in a few minutes. Captain Faulknor was acquitted
+by the court martial that was instantly summoned by the Admiral to
+investigate the matter; and the circumstance of its happening in the
+heat of action, when the least disobedience of orders involves the most
+fatal consequences, as well, as that it appeared there was no
+premeditated intention of killing the unfortunate man, but was a blow
+given from the impulse of momentary passion; the sentence was confirmed
+and approved.--From this time the siege was carried on with unremitted
+exertion by night and day; shot and shells were constantly flying, and
+new batteries daily constructed; so that our advanced batteries were at
+length brought within five hundred yards of the fort, and not more than
+two hundred from the redoubt: the latter indeed was so battered, that it
+might with ease have been stormed; but the General knew that a mine
+which communicated from the fort would involve in certain destruction
+all who attempted so desperate an action; and therefore preferred the
+more sure means of success, by regular and methodical approaches. On
+Monday the 17th of March two new batteries opened on Fort Louis from
+Point Carriere, a neck of land that forms the south-west side of the
+Carenage, and not more than two hundred yards across the mouth of that
+harbour to the walls of the fort; one of these was commanded by Captain
+Riou[25] of the Rose.--The French had a fine frigate called the
+Bienvenu, which was anchored in the centre of the Carenage, on board of
+which it was reported a number of English prisoners were confined, and
+were consequently exposed to the fire of our batteries. Lieut. Bowen of
+the Boyne formed a resolution to extricate his countrymen from their
+perilous situation; and having obtained the Admiral's permission, and
+approbation of his plan, at noon he boldly pushed into the harbour from
+Point Carriere, where he had collected his boats destined for the
+enterprise, well manned by tried and determined seamen. The instant he
+appeared round the point, the enemy prepared to give him a warm
+reception. The walls of Fort Louis were covered in an instant with
+troops, which kept up an incessant fire of musquetry on him; at the same
+time the frigate endeavoured to keep him off, by plying both her great
+guns and small arms; but at length, intimidated by the boldness of the
+attempt, they fled from their quarters, and Mr. Bowen at the head of his
+men boarded the frigate, and took the captain, officers, and crew of her
+prisoners without resistance. All this time the enemy in the fort
+continued to pour vollies of grape and musketry on the frigate, which
+was returned with great spirit by the British seamen, who now turned
+their own guns upon them, and would have brought her out of the harbour,
+but the sails being all unbent, it was impossible in such a situation to
+bend them: the tri-coloured flag, which was fastened to the gaff of the
+mizen, they were not able to strike, though a sailor had the audacity to
+go aloft for that purpose, scorning the musketry of the enemy. Mr.
+Bowen, seeing no chance of getting the ship out of the harbour, and
+finding that the English prisoners were in another vessel further up,
+from whence it was rendered impossible to release them, contented
+himself with securing the officers and crew of the frigate, whom he
+brought off, in spite of every effort made by the republicans to prevent
+him. As the bullets were flying thick around him, he suffered the
+Frenchmen to lie down in the bottom of the boats, that they might not be
+killed by their own countrymen; a very different conduct from what they
+had observed to our people who were in the same situation[26]. In this
+business he lost only three men killed, and four or five wounded. The
+success of this enterprise gave the Commanders in Chief confidence, that
+a spirited attack by land and sea on Fort Louis would succeed.
+Accordingly the Admiral ordered a number of bamboos of thirty feet long
+to be cut and made into scaling ladders, connected with strong line. The
+gun-boats and row-boats were collected in the bay round the Point
+Carriere, and the sailors' camp at Point Negro, with Prince Edward's
+camp at La Coste and Cas Navire, held themselves in readiness to
+co-operate in the grand attack. The navy to be employed in this business
+was under the immediate direction of Commodore Thompson. On Thursday the
+20th of March, before day-break, the third battalion of grenadiers,
+commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Buckridge, and the first battalion of
+light infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Coote, marched by the
+hill on which Fort Bourbon is situated from the camp on Sourier,
+unperceived by the enemy, and took a position that gave them the command
+of the bridge that connected the town of Fort Royal to the road leading
+up to that fort, the batteries on the second parallel being ready, those
+on Morne Tortenson and Point Carriere kept up a well-directed and heavy
+fire on Fort Louis, and all the other batteries cannonaded Fort Bourbon
+during the whole of the day and night of the 19th instant, and on the
+morning also, till about ten o'clock, when the Asia of 64 guns, Captain
+Browne, and the Zebra sloop of 16 guns, Captain R. Faulknor, got under
+way. The Zebra led in towards the mouth of the harbour, receiving the
+fire of grape and round, without returning a shot: the Asia had got
+within the range of grape shot, when, to the surprise of every body, she
+wore and made sail from the fort[27]. The Admiral, Sir John Jervis, had
+previously made the signal for the rest of the fleet to be ready to
+second the attempt of these two ships, by loosing the topsails of the
+Boyne, and lying at single anchor ready to slip and run in; on
+perceiving the Asia was foiled in her attempt, and supposing, as she was
+under a heavy fire from the fort, that either Captain Browne was killed,
+or that some other desperate accident had happened, he instantly
+dispatched Captain George Grey of the Boyne to take the command of the
+Asia, and if he could not get in, to run her aground under the walls of
+the fort. Captain Grey soon returned, and brought the pleasing
+intelligence that not a man was hurt on board of the Asia. She then
+stood in again, and again put about, when near the mouth of the harbour,
+and sailed from it. Captain Faulknor, seeing that he stood no chance of
+being seconded by the Asia, and being all this time under a dreadful
+fire from Fort Louis, boldly pushed in towards that fort, still
+reserving his fire till he came close to the walls of it; and then
+running his ship aground, plying his small arms and great guns, he drove
+the enemy from thence, and leaping into a boat, scaled the ramparts.
+Seeing the Zebra go in, all the boats with scaling ladders, attended by
+the gun-boats, seemed to fly towards the scene of action. Those from
+Point Carriere mounted the walls near where Captain Faulknor had so
+gallantly run his ship, and seconding him, drove the enemy out of the
+fort, hauled down the republican flag, and hoisted the British union in
+its stead[28]. The storming party of seamen from the camp at Point
+Negro, under Captain Rogers, landed at the town of Fort Royal, of which
+they soon took possession, being aided by the first battalion of
+grenadiers, under Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, and third light infantry,
+under Lieutenant Colonel Close, from Prince Edward's camp at La
+Coste.--While this was doing, Lieutenant Colonel Coote kept up a heavy
+fire of musketry on the bridge and road, over which the enemy were
+retreating to throw themselves into Fort Bourbon; and Captain de Revigne
+covering the attack of the infantry by a well-directed fire of some
+field pieces, the whole action was so eminently successful in every
+part, that it is hard to say where was the greatest glory, every one
+performing the service allotted to him in so excellent a manner. General
+Rochambeau, seeing that all resistance would now be useless, Fort Royal,
+his grand depot of provisions and ammunition, being lost, sent a flag to
+General Grey, offering terms of capitulation; and commissioners being
+named, who met at the house of Madame Dillon to arrange the preliminary
+articles of it, the terms were finally adjusted and agreed to on the 22d
+instant; and the ratification thereof being signed by the Commanders in
+Chief on both sides, on the 23d following, at four o'clock in the
+afternoon, his Royal Highness Major General Prince Edward took
+possession of both gates of the fort with the first and third battalions
+of grenadiers, and first and third light infantry. On Tuesday the 25th
+of March, 1794, the garrison marched out of Fort Bourbon, to the number
+of nine hundred men; and being allowed the honours of war for their
+gallant[29] defence, they marched down the hill with their colours
+flying; and laying down their arms on the parade of Fort Royal, were
+embarked on board of ships which took them immediately to France. Our
+troops, both army and that part of the navy that had served (during the
+siege) on shore, lined the road as the enemy passed; and entering the
+fort, they struck the French and hoisted the British colours, changing
+the name from Fort Bourbon to Fort George, in compliment to our gracious
+Sovereign, which it now bears, and Fort Louis bears the name of Fort
+Edward.--At the commencement of the siege the garrison of Fort Bourbon
+consisted of one thousand two hundred men, which were reduced to nine
+hundred at the conclusion of it. Five stands of colours laid down by the
+garrison, and two colours of Fort Bourbon, were brought to England by
+Major Grey, second son of his Excellency the Commander in Chief, and
+presented by him (with the dispatches) to his Majesty, who ordered them
+to be hung up in the Cathedral of St. Paul, as a lasting memorial of the
+gallant action atchieved by Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis, and
+their brave forces[30]; by which one of the most valuable of the French
+islands in the West Indies was added to the British dominions,
+possessing (besides great revenues and prodigious sources of wealth) one
+of the finest harbours in the world, in which the whole British fleet
+might safely anchor.
+
+ [23] See Appendix, page 24.
+
+ [24] See Appendix, page 25.
+
+ [25] The same officer who distinguished himself by his gallantry in
+ saving his Majesty's ship the Guardian at the Cape of Good Hope in
+ the year 1789. See Gent. Mag. vol. lx. page 465.
+
+ [26] See Appendix, pages 26 and 27.
+
+ [27] Monsieur de Tourelles, the ancient lieutenant of the fort,
+ either through fear, ignorance, or treachery, refused to run the
+ ship in under pretence of shoals.
+
+ [28] The whole fleet, witnessing this gallant action, instantly
+ saluted the British colours with three hearty cheers.
+
+ [29] The gallant defence made by General Rochambeau and his
+ garrison was strongly manifested on our entering Fort Bourbon, as
+ there was scarce an inch of ground untouched by our shot or shells;
+ and it is but justice to say, it did them the highest
+ honour.--Among the casualties that happened during the siege, the
+ following deserves notice. A party of the besieged were in one of
+ the chambers of the Bomb-proof in the Traverse, when a shell from
+ one of our batteries fell into the arched way, and rebounding,
+ burst the door of the chamber, and killed the whole party.
+
+ [30] It is much to the credit of the officers, who served on shore
+ from the landing on the island till the reduction of Fort Bourbon,
+ a period of forty-seven days, that they shared the same hardships
+ as the privates without a murmur, sleeping in their clothes the
+ whole time; and being so situated that they seldom could have the
+ benefit of tents or any kind of hovel, they were exposed
+ continually to the heavy rains and nocturnal damps which in a
+ tropical climate so severely try the constitution; but, owing (as
+ it was imagined) to the flannel shirts which were invariably worn
+ by all ranks, they, as yet, suffered less from sickness than could
+ have been expected.
+
+
+ ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION OF FORT BOURBON.
+
+ On the 21st of March, 1794, by order of their Excellencies Sir
+ Charles Grey, K. B. General and Commander in Chief of his Britannic
+ Majesty's forces in the West Indies, &c. &c. &c. and Vice Admiral
+ Sir John Jervis, K. B. commanding his Majesty's fleet, &c. &c.
+ Commodore C. Thompson, Colonel R. Symes, and Captain J. Conyngham,
+ met at Dillon's house to receive proposals of capitulation for Fort
+ Bourbon, from Colonel d'Aucourt, Captain Dupriret, and Gaschet
+ Dumaine, jun. nominated Commissioners for that purpose by General
+ Rochambeau.
+
+ _The following_ ARTICLES _were proposed, discussed, and modified,
+ at a second conference held at Fort Royal on the 22d of March,
+ 1794_.
+
+ Article I. The garrison, composed of the troops of the line,
+ artillery, gunners of the marine, and national guard, shall march
+ out with colours flying, thirty rounds a man, and two field pieces
+ with twelve rounds.--ANSWER. The colony of Martinique, already
+ reduced by the arms of his Britannic Majesty, and the forts and
+ towns of St. Pierre and Fort Royal taken with sword in hand,
+ General Rochambeau can only capitulate for Fort Bourbon, and what
+ it contains.--Granted. But they are to lay down their arms at a
+ place appointed, and not to serve against his Britannic Majesty,
+ or his allies, during the present war.
+
+ II. Three months pay to be allowed to the troops of the
+ line.--ANSWER. No pay will be given. All their effects will be
+ allowed them; and they will be provided with whatever may be
+ necessary for their voyage to France.
+
+ III. The thirty-seventh regiment, formerly Marshal Turenne's, shall
+ keep their colours and arms.--ANSWER. Refused, being contrary to
+ all customs of war. The officers may keep their swords.
+
+ IV. They shall be furnished with ships to carry them to
+ France.--ANSWER. Granted.
+
+ V. The emigrants, who have returned to Martinique, shall not be
+ present where the garrison lay down their arms or embark.--ANSWER.
+ Granted.
+
+ VI. Such persons of the national guard, who can give proofs of
+ their property, shall be permitted to remain in the island, giving
+ that property as security for their conduct.--ANSWER. Those of the
+ national guard in Fort Bourbon who have affairs to settle, and
+ whose sojourn may not be deemed dangerous to the colony, may remain
+ according to the declaration of the General, dated January 1, 1794.
+
+ Such as wish to go to France shall be allowed, leaving their agents
+ here.--ANSWER. Granted.
+
+ VII. Persons not included in the above article, who are compelled
+ to return to France, shall be allowed a certain time to settle
+ their affairs.--ANSWER. A proper time shall be allowed: fifteen
+ days at least.
+
+ VIII. Persons belonging to the garrison of Fort Convention,
+ possessing no landed property, but who exercised some profession or
+ trade previous to the present capitulation, shall be allowed to
+ continue their trade or calling; nor sent to France, provided their
+ future conduct should not make such a measure necessary.--ANSWER.
+ They are regarded in the same predicament with those in Article VI.
+
+ IX. The legal regulations of the constituted authorities shall be
+ confirmed.--ANSWER. Refused.
+
+ X. The code of civil judicature in force through the island shall
+ be continued for the space of two years.--ANSWER. Granted, till his
+ Britannic Majesty's pleasure be known.
+
+ XI. The property of owners and captains of ships shall be secured
+ to them on board and on shore.--ANSWER. Granted, as to their
+ property in Fort Bourbon.
+
+ XII. The inhabitants of St. Pierre, embarked on English ships,
+ shall be set at liberty, and their property, under seal, secured to
+ them.--ANSWER. This article cannot come within the present
+ capitulation. The claimants may apply to the commanders of the
+ fleet and army.
+
+ XIII. The ordonateur and officers of administration shall have
+ permission and time to regulate their accounts, and to take with
+ them the papers relative to that end.--ANSWER. Granted.
+
+ XIV. There shall be an entire and absolute oblivion of the past,
+ and an end to all animosities.--ANSWER. Granted, according to the
+ proclamations.
+
+ XV. The rights of free citizens inrolled in the national guard
+ shall be preserved.--ANSWER. Refused.
+
+ XVI. The liberty of individuals composing the companies of
+ l'Enclume, d'Octavius, de la Croire, and de Pontouur, shall be
+ confirmed.--ANSWER. Refused. The slaves must be restored to their
+ owners.
+
+ XVII. A period shall be fixed for the taking possession of the
+ fort, and the necessary time allowed for the garrison to take out
+ their effects.--ANSWER. The two gates of Fort Bourbon to be
+ delivered up to the troops of his Britannic Majesty immediately
+ after the exchange of the present articles. The garrison will march
+ out at the great gate, and be conducted to the place appointed for
+ each corps, by the commissioners who have managed the present
+ capitulation, and will lay down their arms at the place of their
+ embarkation. Three days will be allowed for the evacuation of the
+ fort, and the commissaries of artillery and stores will remain in
+ the forts to take inventories of all the magazines.
+
+ XVIII. The greatest attention shall be paid to the sick and
+ wounded; and they shall be furnished with ships to carry them to
+ France as they recover.--ANSWER. Granted; but at the expence of the
+ French government, and to be attended by their own surgeons; if not
+ sufficient for the purpose, surgeons shall be furnished.
+
+ XIX. General Rochambeau, immediately upon the surrender of the
+ fort, shall be at liberty to take his measures for his return to
+ France. A frigate to be furnished him, his aides de camp,
+ secretaries, and suite.--ANSWER. A commodious vessel shall be
+ allowed to General Rochambeau, with the necessary passports for his
+ safe return to France.
+
+ XX. The effects, trunks, chests, private papers, and all that
+ General Rochambeau shall declare to belong to himself and suite,
+ shall be put under the protection of an English guard, when the
+ troops of that nation shall have taken possession of Fort
+ Convention, and shall be embarked with him.--ANSWER. Granted.
+
+ XXI. The civil ordonateur, or intendant of the colony, shall have
+ liberty also, with the officers of administration, comptroller and
+ treasurer, with those employed in the public offices at St. Pierre
+ and Fort Royal, to return to France.--ANSWER. Granted.
+
+ XXII. The same demands made by General Rochambeau in Art. XX. shall
+ be granted to the intendant and those under him.--ANSWER. Granted.
+
+ XXIII. All papers of accounts in the forts or town shall be
+ carefully collected by the principals of each department to which
+ they belong, and embarked in the same ship with the
+ ordonateur.--ANSWER. All papers, not essential to be left in the
+ colony, shall be given, and free access to take authentic copies of
+ such as it may be thought necessary to retain.
+
+ XXIV. Captains and officers of merchant ships, who have not settled
+ their affairs, shall be allowed time to do so. The former the space
+ of four months, the latter of two months, under the protection of
+ the commander of his Britannic Majesty's forces, that they may
+ recover their debts; after which they will procure the readiest
+ passage to whatever place may be expedient for their affairs, with
+ passports from the English commanders.--ANSWER. Granted.
+
+ _Additional Article._ Fort Bourbon to be delivered up to his
+ Britannic Majesty in its present state, with no deterioration of
+ its batteries, mines, magazines of artillery or provisions, and
+ every thing it contains which is not the private property of the
+ garrison.
+
+ Fort Royal, March 22, 1794.
+
+ Signed.
+
+ D'AUCOURT. C. THOMPSON.
+ GASCHET, Fils. RICH. SYMES.
+ DUPRIRET. JOHN CONYNGHAM.
+
+ Approved by me, Approved by us,
+
+ DTE. ROCHAMBEAU, CHARLES GREY.
+ Commander in Chief of the French JOHN JERVIS.
+ West India Islands.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+On the 21st of March Captain Faulknor was promoted from the Zebra sloop
+to the command of the Bienvenue French frigate of 40 guns, taken in the
+Carenage of Fort Royal, and which was now named the Undaunted by the
+Admiral, to express the greatness of that action, which finished the
+capture of the whole island. At the same time Lieutenant Bowen was
+promoted to the command of the Zebra sloop, for his gallant conduct on
+the 17th instant, as well as at various other times.
+
+The gun-boats, which by the French were called "Les Petit Diables," were
+of infinite service, and gained the officers commanding them immortal
+credit, by the steady and well-directed fire they kept up constantly,
+both night and day, on Fort Louis; and though continually exposed to an
+heavy fire both of grape and round shot, their loss was small, not more
+than four killed and wounded, during the siege. The several ships of the
+line contributed their aid, by sending row-boats armed to attend them in
+case of accident.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ GENERAL PRESCOTT IS LEFT GOVERNOR OF MARTINIQUE ... THE COMMANDERS
+ IN CHIEF SAIL FOR ST. LUCIA ... GENERAL DUNDAS LANDS NEAR PIGEON
+ ISLAND ... THE FLEET ANCHORS AT MARIGOT DE ROSSEAUX ... PRINCE
+ EDWARD LANDS WITH THE GRENADIERS, AND MARCHES TOWARDS MORNE FORTUNE
+ ... COLONEL COOTE LANDS WITH THE LIGHT INFANTRY ... THE FLEET
+ ANCHORS IN BARRINGTON'S BAY ... COLONEL COOTE STORMS A REDOUBT ON
+ THE MORNE ... GENERAL RICARD SURRENDERS THE ISLAND ... COLONEL SIR
+ CHARLES GORDON LEFT GOVERNOR OF ST. LUCIA ... THE COMMANDERS IN
+ CHIEF SAIL TO MARTINIQUE.
+
+
+His Excellency the Commander in Chief, having left Lieutenant General
+Prescott to command at Martinique, with the fifteenth, thirty-ninth,
+fifty-eighth, sixty-fourth, and seventieth regiments to garrison that
+island, on the 30th of March he embarked the following troops on board
+his Majesty's ships in the bay of Fort Royal, viz. the brigade of
+grenadiers, commanded by his Royal Highness Prince Edward; the brigade
+of light infantry, under command of Major General Dundas; and the sixth,
+ninth, and forty-third regiments, commanded by Colonel Sir Charles
+Gordon; with engineers under Colonel Dornford, and a detachment of Royal
+artillery, with some light ordnance, under Lieutenant Colonel
+Paterson.--On the 31st the Admiral made the signal for the fleet to sail
+by eleven A. M. and by half past nine the next morning was off the north
+part of the island of St. Lucia, where he lay to for the rest of the
+fleet that had fallen to leeward. Every thing having been previously
+arranged between the General and Admiral, they effected three different
+landings on the island with little resistance, and no loss. By half past
+one P. M. Major General Dundas's division, consisting of the third
+battalion of light infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Close, and
+conducted by Captains Kelly and Lord Garlies of the navy, made good
+their landing at Ance du Cap, not far from Le Gros Islet[31]; and the
+second light infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Blundell, conducted by
+Commodore Thompson, at Ance du Chocque, who were ordered to join the
+first column, taking the enemy's batteries in reverse, and to occupy a
+position for the purpose of investing the works of Morne Fortune on the
+side of the Carenage; all which, notwithstanding a sharp fire kept up by
+the enemy from several small batteries, was executed by General Dundas
+with his usual spirit and abilities. As the Boyne and the rest of the
+fleet passed along the coast they received the fire of many small forts
+and batteries, without returning it; and though considerably within the
+range of their shot, which passed over and through their sails and
+rigging, not a man was hurt in any of them. At four P. M. the fleet
+anchored in twenty fathom water, within a cable's length of the shore,
+at Marigot de Rofeaux; at which place his Royal Highness Prince Edward
+with the grenadiers landed about six o'clock in the evening, under the
+immediate direction of the Admiral, and began their march soon after. At
+night they halted on the heights opposite to Morne Fortune, from which
+they were separated by the Grand Cul de Sac, or Barrington's Bay. Soon
+after sun-set, Lieutenant Colonel Coote, with the first battalion of
+light infantry, landed from the Boyne at Ance de la Tocque, proceeded to
+and took the four-gun battery of Ciceron, investing Morne Fortune on
+that side; at the same time covering Cul de Sac, or Barrington's Bay,
+for the entrance of our fleet, which anchored there the next morning,
+being the 2d of April. This morning early the Prince dispatched two
+companies of grenadiers, with Lieutenant Smyth of the 7th regiment, his
+brigade major, to attack two batteries on the coast, which they found
+evacuated, with the tri-coloured flag still flying; this they brought
+off with them, and spiked the guns. Sir Charles Grey, visiting the
+Prince's quarters, found his men were halted in a very swampy and
+unhealthy place, and ordered them to change their ground, and move on to
+a house at the bottom of Morne Fortune, which they performed that night
+without any loss, though part of their road (near a mile in length) was
+exposed to the fire of the fort on the Morne, as also of a little
+two-gun battery on a point of land under the fort, which, as they passed
+the ravine at the head of the Grand Cul de Sac, played upon them with
+round shot and grape: however, the distance was too great for any
+mischief to happen from the latter. In their march they had to pass a
+swampy thicket of plantain trees, which concealed them from the view of
+the enemy, who nevertheless kept up a constant fire of random shot; and
+though the distance was now very trifling, and the cannonade extremely
+heavy for a long time, not a man was killed, and a few only slightly
+hurt by the splinters of stones and rock which flew in great plenty
+round them.--Early in the morning of the 3d of April, Lieutenant Colonel
+Coote, with four light companies, stormed a redoubt and two batteries
+close to the enemy's principal work on the Morne, and killed two
+officers and thirty men, made one prisoner (a surgeon), and liberated
+one British seaman from captivity: he then spiked six pieces of cannon,
+and fell back to Morne Ferre, where he established his quarters[32]. The
+Commander in Chief now determined to carry the works on Morne Fortune by
+assault, and accordingly a plan was formed for a general attack to be
+made on it the next morning by the troops which now invested it, aided
+by a party of seamen under command of Lord Garlies: but General Ricard,
+perceiving the determined behaviour of our troops, prevented the plan
+being put in execution, by agreeing to terms of capitulation, which had
+been offered by Sir Charles Grey, who had sent in Major Maitland with a
+flag of truce to summon the garrison to surrender. The gates of the fort
+were put into our possession the same evening by nine o'clock. On the
+4th the enemy marched out of the fort, with the honours of war, to the
+glacis, where they piled their arms, and were embarked on board of
+transports, which conveyed them to France, under conditions that they
+should not serve against his Britannic Majesty during the war[33]. When
+his Royal Highness Prince Edward marched into the fort of Morne Fortune,
+and hoisted the British colours, he changed its name to Fort Charlotte,
+in honour of his august parent.--Major Maitland had been dispatched to
+Pigeon Island with a summons, which, by order of General Ricard, was
+delivered up to his Majesty's troops on the same terms as the Morne. The
+Commander in Chief left the sixth and ninth regiments, with detachments
+of artillery and engineers, as a garrison for this island, under the
+command of Colonel Sir Charles Gordon, who was appointed governor till
+his Majesty's pleasure was known.
+
+ [31] By us called Pigeon Island. On it is a very strong battery,
+ which commands a great distance.
+
+ [32] The conduct and abilities of Colonel Coote in this enterprise
+ gained him the particular thanks of the Commander in Chief, whose
+ orders he had so ably executed; and he was well supported by the
+ whole of his department, particularly by Major Evatt, Captains
+ Buchanan, Crosbie, Welch, Thomas Grey (one of the General's aid de
+ camps), and Stovin; also by Major of Brigade Vischer, with
+ Lieutenant Drozier, and the detachment of royal artillery, who
+ spiked the guns.
+
+ [33] The garrison that marched out with General Ricard, and laid
+ down their arms as prisoners of war, were about three hundred men,
+ troops of the line (among which one hundred and twenty-five were of
+ the regiment d'Aunai), some artillery, and a few people of colour.
+ General Ricard, at his own request, was sent to America, as had
+ been General Rochambeau, who chose that place in preference to his
+ own distracted country, where the system of blood that was then the
+ order of the day under the tyranny of Robespierre, would have
+ immolated even these men, who had with so much bravery defended the
+ posts intrusted to them by their country.
+
+The island of St. Lucia had its name from the day, dedicated to the
+virgin martyr St. Lucia, on which it was discovered. It is about six
+leagues south of Martinique, and twenty-one north-west from Barbadoes:
+it is fifteen miles long, and eleven broad; is very hilly, and covered
+in a great many places with thick woods, of whose timber the planters
+of Martinique and the neighbouring islands build their houses and mills.
+The fustic and cocoa tree is found here also in great abundance. This
+island has frequently changed its masters, being alternately possessed
+by the French and English: it has many good bays and harbours, and is
+well watered by several fine clear rivers. Two of the mountains are said
+to have been volcanos. Morne Fortune is a high hill which overhangs
+Basse Terre, the principal town of the island. On the summit of the
+Morne is a fortification, as yet unfinished; by nature it is very
+strong, but art has done little for it; for, when the outworks fall, the
+fort is incapable of withstanding a siege. We found but little
+ammunition or military stores, and one small uncovered tank was the only
+reservoir for water. Here is also a Pigeon Island, which is called by
+the French Gros Islet, and is so strongly fortified both by nature and
+art, that if it was well supplied with provisions and stores, would be
+capable of braving a very formidable attack. The bay of the Grand Cul de
+Sac is a fine harbour for ships of any size to ride in, during the
+hurricane months.
+
+Lieutenant D'Arcy Preston, being promoted from a lieutenancy in the
+Boyne to the command of the Rattlesnake sloop of war, sailed for England
+this day, carrying Captain Mason, one of the aid de camps of the
+Commander in Chief, and Captain Parker of the Blanche, with an account
+of the further success of his Majesty's arms in the reduction of the
+island of St. Lucia[34], happily effected without the loss of a single
+man, though there had been a good deal of cannonading from the enemy's
+batteries and works. The flank battalions being reimbarked on board of
+their respective ships, and Sir Charles Grey with his suite being as
+usual with the Admiral on board the Boyne, the whole fleet weighed and
+made sail from this island by eight in the morning of the 5th of April,
+and by nine at night they anchored in Fort Royal harbour, Martinique.
+Thus, in the short period of something more than two months, by the
+efforts of this army and navy, inconsiderable indeed in numbers, but
+united in an ardent desire to prove themselves faithful to their
+country, and strenuous to defend and promote her welfare, and increase
+her consequence, was the British standard a second time hoisted on the
+walls of a republican fortress, and another island added to the British
+dominions.
+
+ [34] The General transmitted also a plan of the projected works on
+ Morne Fortune, earnestly recommending them to be finished, as it
+ was a very strong post, not commanded, but commanding every other
+ post around it.
+
+To provide for the future order and good government of their conquests
+was now the task of Sir Charles Grey and his friend and colleague, Sir
+John Jervis; and as, in the attainment of them, their hearts and
+counsels were in unison, so in this most arduous business were their
+united exertions employed to establish a system of government for the
+conquered islands, which might be equally serviceable to their country,
+as conciliatory to the minds of the newly acquired subjects of it; but
+at a moment like this, when they were pushing on from one field of
+conflict and glory to another, it was impossible to render any system of
+government perfect; they therefore thought that the best mode would be
+to leave them a government which appeared to have been most desired by
+the majority of the people, and which agreed better with our own forms
+than the wild confusion of democratic and revolutionary power.
+Accordingly, they for the present left them in the exercise of their
+accustomed laws, such as they had been at the happiest period of their
+own government, and which appeared best calculated to forward a system
+of confidence among their own order, and to prepare them for that form
+of government (we from experience know the blessings of, and) which
+unquestionably, on the same experience, would become earnestly desired
+by all ranks of people. To further also the desirable object of
+conciliating the minds of the conquered by an act of moderation and
+indulgence, the conduct of all civil affairs[35] was principally
+entrusted to those whose influence in the colony pointed them out as
+proper to be confided in; and whilst every tendency to licentiousness
+would be checked by the vigorous direction of General Prescott under his
+military government, the former courts, for the administration of
+justice agreeable to the laws and customs before the revolution, were
+allowed to go on, that the affections and gratitude of his majesty's new
+subjects might in the surest manner be attached and secured. However an
+arrangement of officers, guided by the constitution of the other British
+colonies, was not neglected, and accordingly several nominations were
+made and transmitted home for approval. St. Lucia was left in the same
+state, as to its government, as Martinique.
+
+ [35] The revenue department was however an exception to this
+ arrangement of the civil departments, as the purpose of trade could
+ not of course be answered through the forms of a French
+ custom-house, or the revenue laws adhered to but by the
+ establishment of our own people to carry on that necessary branch.
+ Those places therefore in the district of the island of Martinique,
+ which were immediately necessary to be filled, were attended to,
+ and a list of them sent home, that when his majesty's pleasure
+ should be made known with regard to the future civil government,
+ they might be put in motion without any delay.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ EXPEDITION AGAINST GUADALOUPE ... THE ISLES DE SAINTS ATTACKED AND
+ TAKEN ... THE BOYNE AND VETERAN ANCHOR OFF GROZIER ... THE TROOPS
+ LAND UNDER COVER OF THE WINCHELSEA FRIGATE ... CAPTAIN LORD GARLIES
+ WOUNDED ... FORT FLEUR D'EPEE TAKEN BY STORM ... FORT LOUIS AND THE
+ TOWN OF POINT A PITRE TAKEN ... CASUALTIES ... GENERAL DESCRIPTION
+ OF THE ISLAND.
+
+
+On Tuesday the 8th of April, the fleet[36], having the Commander in
+Chief on board, with the remainder of the forces which were not left to
+garrison the two islands of Martinique and St. Lucia, weighed anchor by
+seven o'clock A. M. and sailed from the bay of Fort Royal on an
+expedition against Guadaloupe (the troops having been previously shifted
+from the men of war to the transports). The Admiral detached Captain
+Rogers in the Quebec frigate, Captain Faulknor in the Blanche, Captain
+Incledon in the Ceres, and Captain Scott in the Rose, to attack a
+cluster of small islands called the Saints, lying between Dominique and
+Guadaloupe, which they executed with much spirit and gallantry: having
+landed a party of their seamen and marines, they carried them without
+any loss on their part, on the morning of the 10th instant; and when the
+fleet arrived the same morning off the islands, they had the
+satisfaction of perceiving the union flag hoisted on their two
+commanding batteries. These islands are valued principally on account of
+a small harbour, where a few ships of war may ride in safety during the
+hurricane months; and also that they overlook a good deal of the coast
+of Basse Terre.--About noon on the 10th of April the Boyne and Veteran
+anchored in the bay of Point a Pitre, off the village of Grozier, and
+some more of the fleet in the course of the afternoon; but a fresh wind
+and lee current prevented most of the transports from getting in till
+the day after. Without waiting however for the arrival of all the
+troops, the General determined to land those that were with him,
+immediately; and accordingly the first and second battalions of
+grenadiers, one company of the forty-third regiment, fifty marines, and
+four hundred seamen detached by the Admiral, under the command of
+Captain George Grey of the Boyne, made good their landing by one o'clock
+in the morning of the 11th, under a severe fire from Fort Fleur d'Epee,
+and a three-gun battery at Grozier. As it was impossible for them to
+land without the latter being silenced, Lord Garlies in the Winchelsea
+was ordered on that service, which he performed in a masterly manner,
+laying his ship within half-musket shot of the battery, as near indeed
+as the depth of water would allow him to approach; and after a smart
+fire for some time on both sides, he drove them from their guns, and the
+troops then effected their landing without any loss. In this business,
+though every shot from the battery hit some part of the Winchelsea,
+cutting the masts and rigging, Lord Garlies was the only man wounded,
+receiving a bad contusion in his face. Some more of the troops having
+arrived on the 11th, the General, perceiving the enemy to be in
+considerable force at the strong post of Fort Fleur d'Epee, determined
+to attack them without loss of time, and accordingly arranged his plans
+in the following order: the first division, under command of his Royal
+Highness Prince Edward, consisting of the first and second battalions of
+grenadiers and one hundred of the naval battalion, was to attack the
+post on Morne Mascot, an height within musket-shot of the fort; the
+second division, commanded by Major General Dundas, consisting of the
+first and second battalions of light infantry, and one hundred of the
+naval battalion, to attack the fort of Fleur d'Epee in the rear, and to
+cut off its communication with Fort Louis and Point a Pitre; and the
+third division, commanded by Colonel Symes, consisting of the third
+battalion of grenadiers and the third battalion of light infantry, and
+the remainder of the naval battalions, to proceed by the road on the
+sea-side to co-operate with Major General Dundas. The soldiers were
+particularly directed not to fire, but trust solely to the bayonet; and
+the seamen, who were commanded by Captain Nugent and Captain Faulknor,
+to use their pikes and swords; all which was most scrupulously obeyed;
+the several divisions having marched earlier, according to the distance
+they had to go, that they might commence the attack at the same instant.
+The signal for the attack, which was a gun from the Boyne, was given by
+the Admiral at five o'clock in the morning of the 12th. The troops moved
+forward with the most determined intrepidity. As they advanced to the
+first picquet the alarm was given; the out-posts were driven in, or put
+to death; and in an instant the sides of the hill on which the fort was
+situated were covered by our people, who scrambled up, under a most
+tremendous discharge of grape shot and musketry: some sailors jumped
+into the embrasures, driving the enemy before: the soldiers, who had
+reached the gates, at length succeeded in forcing them open, and a scene
+of dreadful conflict took place: the enemy still continuing to make a
+stout resistance, were put to the sword in great numbers; at length, as
+many as could escape through the gates and embrasures, or by leaping
+over the walls, fled with the utmost precipitation towards the town of
+Point a Pitre. Our victorious troops soon followed, driving them across
+the Carenage to Basse Terre, whither they and several of the inhabitants
+made their escape in boats, before the Ceres and two gun-boats could get
+into the Carenage to cut off their retreat, though this service was
+performed by Captain Incledon with the greatest alertness. With Fleur
+d'Epee fell Hog Island, and Fort Louis, an old fortification commanding
+the entrance into the harbour of Point a Pitre, which town also was
+taken possession of at the same time by Sir Charles Grey. Our loss in
+this action was considerable, in proportion to the smallness of our
+numbers, being fifty-four killed and wounded; the enemy lost in all two
+hundred and fifty. Fort Fleur d'Epee is strongly situated on the summit
+of a hill, two sides of which are towards the sea, from whence it has a
+very formidable appearance; but being commanded by Morne Mascot, when
+that falls into the power of an enemy it is of little consequence. On
+the brow of the hill, a little below the fort, is an half-moon battery,
+which commands a great distance along the coast. Among the many
+accidents worth notice, I beg leave to mention the following, which I
+hope will be a striking instance (among many of the same kind which have
+happened this war) that it behoves all our people serving on shore,
+whether military or naval, to be distinguished by red dresses. The
+French, as well as several other continental troops, are dressed in
+blue; of course, in the confusion of an assault, especially if it
+happens before day-break, a seaman's blue jacket may, and I am convinced
+often has, been the cause of his death by the hands of his own
+countrymen. A seaman of the Boyne, belonging to the first company,
+expressing a wish that he might have an opportunity of lowering the
+French flag, and hoisting our own; and being a remarkably fine fellow,
+was pitched upon to carry the union flag on this attack for that
+purpose, in case the fort should be taken; and accordingly it was
+wrapped in many folds round him, and he was to defend it as well as he
+could. When he approached the fort, the first object that attracted his
+notice was the flag-staff, and, regardless of every danger, he rushed
+forward, pike in hand; and having once got into the fort, away he ran to
+the desired spot, and had already struck the tri-coloured flag, and was
+endeavouring to disengage himself from his wrapper, in order to hoist
+that in its stead, when some soldiers coming suddenly round the corner
+of a building, and taking him for one of the enemy, in an instant
+attacked him, and he fell severely wounded before they discovered their
+mistake. I am happy however to add, that the poor fellow, by the care
+and skill of Mr. Weir, the surgeon-general[37] of the navy, recovered
+sufficiently to shew, before the end of the campaign, that his courage
+was undiminished by the accident.--Captain Faulknor, who had so
+eminently distinguished himself at the capture of Fort Louis in
+Martinique, had a narrow escape in this business: having led his men on
+to the assault with his usual gallantry, he was encountered by a French
+officer, whom he instantly struck at with his sword, which falling on
+the epaulette on his shoulder, did not penetrate: the Frenchman closed
+with him, and being the strongest man, threw him to the ground; and,
+wresting the sword from his hand, was in the act of plunging it into his
+body, when fortunately a seaman belonging to the Boyne, seeing the
+danger his gallant leader was in, with his pike pinned his adversary to
+the earth.--As at this time I was the only chaplain on the expedition
+(Mr. Ruxton, chaplain of the fifty-sixth regiment, having died soon
+after his landing in Martinique), and several of our men having fallen
+in this gallant attack, I went on shore up to Fort Fleur d'Epee to pay
+the last honours to our unfortunate countrymen, eighteen of whom were
+killed on the spot. The scene I beheld surpassed my powers of
+description. It was early in the morning, soon after the action was
+over. At the foot of the hill lay several of our seamen badly wounded,
+waiting to be carried on board their respective ships: a little further,
+under the tall trees that grew within a few yards of the sea, several
+naval officers reposing after the fatigues of the morning, and their men
+not far from them. As we went up the hill we met some of the wounded
+prisoners brought in by our people; and at the gates of the fort was an
+heap of the slain, who had all died by the sword or bayonet. Within the
+fort the destruction appeared more dreadful, being more confined; a
+multitude of miserable wretches expiring of their wounds, and many of
+our own people in the same situation: in the midst of this was his
+Excellency writing his dispatches on a table, on which, fatigued with
+the action, an artilleryman was sleeping, whom the General would by no
+means have disturbed; one proof among thousands that the truest heroism
+may be, and often is, united to the greatest humanity.--It would be
+invidious to mention particularly, who distinguished themselves in this
+business, where all seemed emulous of glory; but as the greatest
+responsibility is attached to the higher ranks, it will be but justice
+to say, that Prince Edward, General Dundas, Colonels Symes, Cradock,
+and Coote, with the other officers of rank, as also Captains Nugent and
+Faulknor, the officers commanding the naval battalions, received the
+thanks of the Commander in Chief in public orders, for their excellent
+conduct and resolution, displayed through the whole of the action.
+
+ [36] Consisting of the Boyne, Irresistible, Veteran, Winchelsea,
+ Solebay, Quebec, Ceres, Blanche, Rose, Woolwich, Experiment, and
+ Roebuck, together with the transports with troops, and the ordnance
+ and hospital ships and victuallers.
+
+ [37] As this is an office, I believe, hitherto unknown in the navy,
+ I shall explain the reason of its being now established. The
+ Admiral had in a former war experienced the attention and zeal of
+ Mr. Weir, and being well acquainted with the fatigue and danger
+ that would unavoidably be the lot of his surgeon, if he did his
+ duty, he pitched upon him for that office, and as an encouragement
+ he procured permission to appoint a surgeon general to the navy,
+ and his appointment did honour to his discernment. Mr. Weir was
+ indefatigable in attending the wounded and sick in his own ship,
+ and equally ready to visit others; and even where his duty had no
+ demand on him, his humanity led him to give his advice and
+ assistance. In his mode of treatment of that dreadful disease, the
+ yellow fever, he was more successful than was generally the case,
+ as the Boyne lost a less proportion of patients under that
+ afflicting malady than any other ship on the expedition.
+
+Point a Pitre is the capital of that part of Guadaloupe called Grand
+Terre, which is separated from the other part, called Bass Terre, by a
+narrow arm of the sea, in form of a river; it is called the river
+Sallee. The town is neat and well built, but in an unhealthy situation,
+being on the borders of a large extent of swampy land; it has a good
+harbour called the Carenage, the entrance to which is guarded on one
+side by an half-moon battery lately erected on Islet a Couchon, or Hog
+Island, and on the other by the ancient castle of Fort Louis; it is also
+defended on the land side by a hill called Morne Government, on which is
+a strong battery. The country on this part of Guadaloupe is remarkably
+flat, forming a strong contrast to Basse Terre, which gradually rises
+from the sea-shore till it forms a chain of hills extending from one end
+of that part of the island to the other.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ THE GENERAL EMBARKS HIS ARMY, AND LANDS ON BASSE TERRE AT PETIT
+ BOURG ... OCCURRENCES ON THE MARCH TOWARDS PALMISTE ... THE ADMIRAL
+ ANCHORS IN ANCE DE BAILLIF ... GENERAL DUNDAS LANDS, AND FORMS A
+ COMMUNICATION WITH SIR CHARLES GREY ... THE PALMISTE TAKEN BY
+ ASSAULT ... GENERAL COLLOT DELIVERS UP FORT SAINT CHARLES AND THE
+ ISLAND OF GUADALOUPE AND ITS DEPENDENCIES TO THE COMMANDERS IN
+ CHIEF.
+
+
+On the 13th, the forty-third regiment being landed to garrison Fort
+Prince of Wales (late Fleur d'Epee), the town of Point a Pitre, and the
+other ports on Grand Terre, the General and the rest of his army
+reimbarked on board of their respective ships; and in the evening the
+Sea Flower brig, Captain Pierrepoint, sailed for England with
+dispatches. At twelve o'clock the next day, the Quebec and the other
+frigates, with the transports, sailed over to the other side of the bay;
+and in the afternoon the troops, consisting of the grenadiers and light
+infantry, commanded by his Royal Highness Prince Edward, landed at a
+village called Petit Bourg, where many of the principal people of the
+island were assembled, who received the Commander in Chief and the
+Prince with the greatest demonstrations of joy. A party of sailors also,
+under the command of Captain Rogers of the Quebec, landed at the same
+time. That night the General returned to the Boyne; the next morning he
+landed at St. Mary's, where he found Colonel Coote, with the first
+battalion of light infantry, who had marched in before day-break from
+Petit Bourg. The troops now marched forward, principally along shore,
+without any remarkable occurrence, and halted for the night at a small
+village between Cabes Terre and Petit Bourg. On the 16th the troops,
+still advancing along shore, reached Trou Chien, a very strong post,
+which the enemy had abandoned; and before dark the army halted on the
+high ground over Les Trois Riverres, from whence they saw the enemy's
+two redoubts and their strong posts on the heights of Palmiste. The
+General intended to have attacked the enemy that night; but the troops
+were too much fatigued from the long and difficult march they had just
+finished. Here, at a beautiful plantation belonging to Monsieur
+Bellisle, the Prince and several of his officers were sumptuously
+entertained at supper by that gentleman, who repeated his hospitality
+the next day. All this time the Admiral stood off and on near the shore,
+to be ready to pour in assistance in case there should be any necessity
+for it: but on the army retiring up the country towards Palmiste on the
+17th instant, he came round towards the town of Basse Terre. Fort St.
+Charles fired a few shot and shells at the Boyne without effect. At half
+past one P. M. we were becalmed off the town, and had a beautiful view
+of the country round it, which, rising gradually inland, presents a
+varied amphitheatre of plantations, woods, hills, and vallies,
+interspersed with elegant and well-built houses, ornamented by many fine
+plantations of palms, cocoa-nut, and other tall and majestic trees. By
+five P. M. we anchored in Ance de Baillif, about a mile from the town of
+Basse Terre, which was hid from our view by an high point of land
+forming the bay. On the 17th Major General Dundas, with the third
+battalion of grenadiers, and second and third battalions of light
+infantry, landed at Vieux Habitant, some miles north-west of Basse
+Terre, meeting with little opposition and no loss, taking possession of
+Morne Magdalene, and destroying two batteries, then detaching Lieutenant
+Colonel Blundell with the second battalion of light infantry, he in the
+night forced several difficult posts of the enemy. On the 17th General
+Sir Charles Grey made a disposition for the attack of a redoubt called
+d'Arbaud, and a battery named d'Anet, both near Grand Ance; the troops
+pushed forward, and halted within a league of the village of Trois
+Riviere. By day-break on the 18th Lieutenant Colonel Coote, with the
+first battalion of light infantry, attacked and stormed the battery;
+every man in it was either killed, wounded, or made prisoner, and not
+one of our own was hurt. At the same time the grenadiers were ordered to
+advance against the redoubt, which was commanded by this battery, and
+which they found had been deserted by the enemy early in the night, who
+burnt and destroyed every thing in and near it. On the night of the 17th
+instant, the enemy in the town of Basse Terre (being divided in their
+opinions, and party running very high among them) set fire to the town,
+the whole of the west end of which was consumed, containing much
+valuable property, and many fine houses. The motives for this mischief
+we never could learn, as they were at that time in full possession of
+the town; and as it was entirely commanded by Fort St. Charles, there
+could be no danger of its falling into our hands until the fort was
+taken. At one o'clock in the morning of the 20th, the Commander in
+Chief, at the head of his troops, advanced to the attack of the
+principal dependance of the enemy, which was a chain of batteries on the
+heights of Palmiste, extending above a league. The grenadiers were
+commanded by Prince Edward, and the light infantry by Lieutenant Colonel
+Coote. At five in the morning the attack commenced by the light infantry
+advancing to the assault of the highest and most formidable battery,
+which, though well defended by nature and art, was soon obliged to yield
+to the superior activity and bravery of our troops, who with their
+bayonets forced the works, putting thirty of them to death. It is
+remarkable, that in this affair the three first sentries at the advanced
+batteries, on firing their muskets on the alarm, shot two advanced men
+of the light infantry and their guide. The instant our men had made
+themselves masters of this post, perceiving that it commanded all the
+others, they with infinite spirit and address turned the guns against
+them, under cover of which our troops marched up and took them all in
+succession, without much further opposition, although, by every
+appearance, they had determined to make a vigorous resistance, having
+felled trees and laid them across the road, and at the entrance of their
+batteries, and the guns being mostly loaded with grape-shot, or bags of
+musket balls, it seemed as if they expected to have come to close
+quarters. General Dundas had now formed a communication with Sir Charles
+Grey by Morne Howell, and the Palmiste (the key of the town and Fort St.
+Charles) being thus in our possession, the governor, Monsieur Collot,
+sent a flag of truce to Sir Charles Grey, offering to deliver up
+Guadaloupe and its dependencies on the same terms as had been granted to
+General Rochambeau at Martinique, and Ricard at St. Lucia: the garrison
+to march out with the honours of war, and lay down their arms, and to be
+sent to France, on condition that they should not serve against the
+British forces and their allies during the war; General Collot and his
+suite to be allowed a certain time to settle their affairs, and to be
+conveyed to North America in a frigate. Accordingly, the light infantry
+being left in the batteries on the Palmiste, the remainder of the troops
+marched down and took possession of the gates of both town and fort that
+night. The next day the Boyne weighed anchor, and was towed by boats
+round from the bay of Baillif to the road of Basse Terre, where she
+anchored within a cable's length of the shore. At night a design of the
+garrison, to rise upon our people and murder them, was happily made
+known to General Dundas, who instantly rode down to the fort, and took
+the necessary precautions to prevent the completion of this infamous
+plot. At eight o'clock in the morning of Tuesday the 22d of April the
+French garrison of Fort St. Charles marched out, consisting of
+fifty-five regulars of the regiment of Guadaloupe, and the fourteenth
+regiment of France, and eight hundred and eighteen national guards and
+others; Prince Edward, with the grenadiers and light infantry, taking
+possession immediately, struck the republican and hoisted the British
+colours, changing the name of it to Fort Matilda. From the returns found
+among General Collot's papers it appeared that the number of men capable
+of bearing arms in the island of Guadaloupe was at that time five
+thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven; and the number of fire-arms
+actually delivered out to them was four thousand and forty-four[38]. On
+the 26th Prince Edward with his suite embarked on board the Blanche
+frigate, commanded by Captain Faulknor, and sailed for North America;
+his regiment, the seventh or royal fuzileers, being stationed at Quebec.
+The spirit and enterprise of his Royal Highness on this expedition, with
+his strict attention to discipline, merits the highest applause, and
+deservedly gained him the respect and esteem of all who served with him.
+Before the troubles (occasioned by the revolution) commenced in these
+islands, the town of Basse Terre was a place of very considerable
+traffic, and much resorted to by merchants and others: it is regularly
+built, well watered, and beautifully situated on the sea-shore, and
+well defended by several batteries and forts, particularly to the
+eastward by Fort St. Charles (now called Fort Matilda), which is a
+regular fortification of great strength and extent; but being commanded
+by surrounding high lands, particularly Houelmont, a steep hill, on
+which is a battery that overlooks, not only the fort and town, but the
+bay, and much of the country near it, it is incapable of maintaining a
+long defence against a powerful attack by land, but is impregnable by
+any that can be made against it from the sea only. In the centre of the
+main street is a spacious walk shaded by handsome well grown trees,
+which forms an agreeable relief from the heat which in this climate is
+so very oppressive. Above the town is a large and commodious hospital,
+which at this period we found of infinite use. The island of Guadaloupe
+was discovered by Columbus, who named it after some mountains in Spain
+to which it bore resemblance, but by the native Caraibs it is called
+Karukera: it is situated thirty leagues N. W. from Martinique, and is
+reckoned the largest and most valuable island the French held in these
+parts; and, from its vicinity to Antigua and Dominica, as well as to
+several of our smaller islands, is of great consequence to us. The
+island is divided into two parts by a narrow channel called La Riviere
+Sallee, or the Salt River: the eastern part is called Grand Terre, and
+is comparatively flat; it is nineteen leagues long and nine broad: the
+western part is properly called Guadaloupe, but is now known by the name
+of Basse Terre, and is again subdivided (by a ridge of mountains
+extending from one end to the other) into Capes Terre and Basse Terre:
+this part of the island is thirteen leagues and a half in length, and
+about seven at the broadest part. The islands immediately dependent on
+Guadaloupe are Marigalante, Deseada, and the Saints. Marigalante is of a
+round form, about forty miles to the S. E. of Guadaloupe; it is about
+five leagues long and four broad, and was discovered by Columbus in
+1493, who gave it the name of his own ship. Deseada, or Desirada (that
+is, the Desirable Island), was the first of these islands discovered by
+Columbus in his second voyage in 1493; it is about fifteen miles N. E.
+of Guadaloupe, and is not very fertile. The Saints are a cluster of
+islands on the S. E. side of Guadaloupe, of which the westernmost is
+called Terre de Bas, or the Low Island; the easternmost the High Island:
+there is a good harbour here for a few ships. These islands received the
+name of Sanctos from the Spaniards, who first discovered them on All
+Saints day. There is some good land in the valleys, but the hills are
+covered with rocks.--Thus, in the short period of three months,
+concluded a campaign, in which three valuable islands and their
+dependencies were added to his majesty's dominions. To the unanimity
+which subsisted between the Commanders in Chief, together with their
+allowed high professional knowledge, and seconded by the spirited
+conduct of all the inferior ranks, must this unlooked-for success be
+attributed, as the force employed to effect it was certainly far short
+of what it ought to have been for so great an enterprise. The originally
+small army was now obliged to be divided, to garrison and secure our
+newly-acquired possessions; the fatigue became the more burthensome,
+and the troops that had gone through the campaign with unexampled
+bravery and patience, at length began to feel the effects of a climate,
+that even in peaceable times is often found too trying for European
+constitutions; and which was at this period rendered tenfold more severe
+by that dreadful malady the yellow fever, which, though it had subsided
+when we first came to the West Indies, was now, as it were, awakened by
+the arrival of fresh victims, and acquired more strength from the small
+resistance that could be made against it by constitutions already broken
+by fatigue under hardships and difficulties unparalleled.--As there were
+no expectations of any reinforcements of consequence being sent till
+November, the General determined to return to England, after he had made
+a proper arrangement to render the conquests permanent, and secure them
+against any attempt that might be made by those perturbed spirits that,
+notwithstanding his utmost vigilance, might remain in the colonies; and
+which he in a short time effected to his satisfaction, so far as it
+related to any attempt that could be made by the enemy in these parts:
+but it is not to be imagined that, with the small number of men he
+originally brought out, now reduced by a variety of causes to half their
+number, and daily decreasing in an alarming degree, any resistance could
+be made against a strong reinforcement, if the French nation should be
+able to send out one, from Europe[39]. Previous to his return, however,
+he was determined to leave the islands in the best possible state of
+defence; and for that purpose he, with the Admiral, visited all the
+islands in this quarter, inspecting the strong posts and fortifications,
+while the Admiral paid attention to the naval department in each; and in
+the beginning of June, after having taken formal leave of the army in
+general orders, he sailed for Europe.
+
+ [38] Lieutenant George Vaughan of the Boyne was this day promoted
+ to the command of the Zebra sloop, and the Chaplain of the Boyne
+ was appointed to the chaplaincy of the garrison of Guadaloupe,
+ there being no other chaplain on the expedition; but government at
+ home did not think fit to confirm the appointment. Lieutenant
+ Davers of the Boyne was promoted to be acting commander of the
+ Inspector, from whence he was promoted to the command of the Bull
+ Dog sloop. Lieutenant Ogle was also appointed acting commander of
+ the Assurance.
+
+ [39] After the islands were captured, a small reinforcement
+ arrived, which was to be retained by Sir Charles Grey, if he
+ thought fit; but as he knew it was much wanted to carry on the war
+ at St. Domingo, and as it was insufficient to enable him to
+ undertake an expedition against Cayenne, which he at first
+ intended, he sent it on to Jamaica, under the command of Brigadier
+ General Whyte; and Lieutenant Colonel Lennox, who came out soon
+ after, he dispatched thither also.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+ THE CHARGES OF EXTORTED CONTRIBUTIONS AND OPPRESSIONS, ALLEDGED
+ AGAINST THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF BY CERTAIN INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS,
+ REFUTED ... THE REAL CAUSES OF THE LOSS OF GUADALOUPE.
+
+
+After having given an account of the glorious success which had crowned
+the exertions of our gallant commanders and their forces, I now enter
+upon a less pleasant task, the loss of Guadaloupe, since followed by the
+capture of some other islands: but I do it the more willingly, because
+in the simple facts it will be my duty to detail, the real cause of
+those misfortunes will appear, and a clear refutation ensue of those
+gross calumnies, originally propagated by avarice, fraud, and falsehood,
+and repeated by ignorance and malice, which have endeavoured to fix a
+stigma on two commanders, whose integrity of heart and openness of
+conduct are as demonstrable, as their bravery is acknowledged.
+
+The accusation of plunder, confiscation, and _extorted contribution_, is
+founded on a tale, of which half only has been told, and that half with
+intentional inaccuracy.
+
+It has always been understood that property found in any place taken by
+storm or assault became the legal prize or booty of the captors;
+consequently the Commanders in Chief found no hesitation or difficulty
+in considering the produce, merchandise, &c. afloat and on shore at St.
+Pierre and Fort Royal (both which were literally so taken) as justly
+liable to forfeit and confiscation. The estates of the emigrant
+royalists had been sequestered, and the produce of them sold by the
+agents of the republic; consequently all manufactured or collected
+produce on them became in like manner, by his majesty's gracious bounty,
+the right of the captors.
+
+If what is found in places or vessels taken by assault be not considered
+as legal prize, what is? Is no booty, no prize money, to be the reward
+of successful heroism, after the dreadful fatigues, diseases, and
+dangers of war? Where then will be the spur to noble actions? Where the
+spirit that impels the soldier and the sailor to brave the horrors of
+arms and elements, of raging sickness, of excruciating death?
+
+All the produce and merchandise found in the town of Fort Royal and on
+board the vessels in the Carenage, and the same in the town and bay of
+St. Pierre and in Trinite in the island of Martinique, and at Basse
+Terre and Point a Pitre in Guadaloupe, were disposed of by public
+auction for the benefit of the captors: but those on the estates,
+manufactured and packed ready to be brought down to the ports for
+embarkation, were not sold at this time, because persons came forward on
+the part of the inhabitants themselves, and proposed a contribution, in
+lieu of that part of the property, as falling more easy on them, and
+consequently being preferable to confiscation; though they did not at
+that time pretend to dispute the legality of the forfeiture. The
+Commanders in Chief acceded to this _their own proposal_, through a pure
+wish of accommodation. The exorbitant and unprecedented contribution,
+therefore, levied on an unwilling people, turns out to be an _offered
+compromise for an undisputed prize, received by a merciful and tender
+conqueror out of kindness to the conquered_.
+
+How well bestowed this kindness was, how deserved the confidence placed
+in the honour of these people, will appear by the sequel! They received
+back the forfeitures, and then endeavoured to get rid of paying the
+compromise (themselves had offered) by infamous misrepresentations of
+the conduct of those Commanders, of whose generosity they made use, to
+defame, and then to rob them! For no sooner had they shipped off the
+property, and got it safe away from the power of the Commanders, than
+they began to demur at paying the stipulated sum, particularly at St.
+Lucia, which island had agreed to pay one hundred and fifty thousand
+pounds.
+
+Situated as I was, and having an opportunity of drawing my conclusions
+on the spot, I venture, with a very strong confidence of its truth, to
+relate the following as the secret history of this business. An agent
+for the prizes at St. Lucia, joining one of the agents who had already
+been employed in the sale of the vendible property at Martinique
+(possibly piqued by some diminution of confidence which the Commanders
+in Chief from good reason had betrayed towards them), no sooner met the
+inhabitants of St. Lucia, whom he had convened on the subject of raising
+the stipulated compromise for the plunder, than he offered, with an
+unparalleled duplicity, while confessing himself sent on the part of the
+captors, to suggest a mode by which the payment of this debt of honour
+might be evaded. "Send," said he, "an immediate deputation to the
+English government, anticipate the story of the Commanders, and a
+prohibition will instantly issue." The deputation was sent without loss
+of time: they relied on securing a large body of English merchants,
+particularly those in the West Indies, on their side; and their reliance
+was well placed, for they relied on that which they could easily prove
+to be their interest. The truth is, that many of these West India
+traders[40] had carried on an illicit traffic to the French islands
+before they were captured; and in consequence of it had at the time of
+the capture immense sums still due to them. Apprehending, therefore,
+that the payment of this contribution might retard, or even endanger,
+the discharge of their own debts, they joined heartily in every scheme
+for defeating this just and prior claim. They encouraged the French in
+their opposition; they misrepresented the facts to England; they
+attempted to blast the laurels of the Commanders; and became clamorous
+against the cruelty of plunder, and illegality and impolicy of
+confiscation, that they might enjoy the rewards of their own treason.
+While this plot was secretly carrying on, and a heavy storm brooding
+over their heads, the General and Admiral were proceeding in their
+expedition against Guadaloupe, little suspicious, till the dispatches
+from England discovered the success with which the artful stories of
+this party had been attended.
+
+ [40] Admiral Rodney used to say of these people, that "they were
+ smugglers in peace, and traitors in war;" an opinion, I believe,
+ confirmed by repeated experience.
+
+Thus was the unparalleled good order and discipline with which the army
+and navy had abstained from plundering the towns of St. Pierre, Fort
+Royal, and Trinite, &c. rewarded! This was the recompence of the ruinous
+and expensive service in which the officers had engaged; of the
+unexampled sufferings and dangers which they and their brave men had
+undergone. Is not contribution in lieu of booty, the custom of war? Was
+it not the case with Prince Ferdinand in a former war, through every
+town and village of Germany[41]? Did not the Marquis de Bouille levy a
+heavy contribution on the island of St. Christopher's, when taken by the
+French in 1782? Where then could contribution ever be proper if not
+here? Here was no capitulation; but, though the islands fell by storm,
+the Commanders, acting on the purest principles, to save the persons and
+property of the inhabitants from the plunder[42] of an enraged soldiery,
+agreed to accept as a recompence due to the forbearance and good conduct
+of that body, a composition the most easy to the conquered; and yet
+their fame has been vilified, and the hard-earned pittance of booty
+snatched away! for none of the contributions were ever paid, except a
+part at St. Lucia, _which was afterwards refunded_. Surely this is small
+encouragement for such a desperate service! If such be the future
+prospects of our army and navy, their spirits will droop, and half that
+ardour that generates success subside!
+
+ [41] Of this General Sir Charles Grey himself shared.
+
+ [42] During the time that Fort Bourbon was besieging we sent a
+ summons to the town of St. Pierre, which was rejected with an
+ uncommon degree of insolence, and Captain Mason (the General's aid
+ de camp, who went with the flag of truce) was insulted. About a
+ fortnight afterwards the place was taken by storm, without any
+ capitulation, consequently subject to plunder by the custom of war;
+ but so far from any irregularity being suffered, a drummer was
+ hanged by order of General Dundas for attempting it; and such exact
+ discipline and quiet behaviour was maintained among the troops,
+ that the shops were opened the day after the capture. From the time
+ of the refusal of the summons to the final capture, the republicans
+ continued to load all the property and produce on board vessels
+ under American colours, which they did constantly, in order to
+ deprive the captors of their just rights, in case the place should
+ be taken.--Interested American merchants were continually
+ endeavouring to wrest the hard-earned prize money from the army and
+ navy, while they were supplying the enemy with provisions and other
+ necessaries.
+
+I shall now mention the real cause of the loss of Guadaloupe, which,
+with that of some other islands that have since fallen, has been
+maliciously attributed to the oppression and peculations of Sir Charles
+Grey and Sir John Jervis; for this purpose I must refer back to the time
+when the expedition was first planned by our government, and the command
+given to those officers. As the capture of the French possessions in the
+West Indies was rightly judged to be of the greatest consequence both in
+a political and mercantile view, a very formidable armament was
+prepared, and Martinique was pitched on as the first object for attack;
+and, since the capture of that island had been attempted the year
+preceding, and failed, it was of course expected to be put on its guard,
+and rendered thereby more difficult. But at this period (unfortunately
+for this expedition) another object diverted the attention of
+government, and eight regiments[43], with a great part of the artillery,
+which were embarked and ready to sail, were taken from that force, which
+combined would in all probability have secured to us our conquests in
+the West Indies, and enabled us to extend them to St. Domingo, and all
+the other French islands in that quarter. Government was well aware, and
+acknowledged, that this diminution of force must so cripple the
+expedition, that it would render the prospect of any success doubtful;
+and no idea was entertained that the conquest of Martinique would even
+have been attempted, Fort Bourbon alone seeming too formidable for an
+attack by such an inconsiderable body: however, when Sir Charles Grey
+and Sir John Jervis arrived at Barbadoes, and had arranged every thing
+for an active campaign, they determined to begin with the strongest
+island, being confident that, when that was gained, the smaller places
+would soon fall; whereas, by attacking the lesser islands first, they
+must necessarily diminish their small armament, and render the capture
+of so well defended and strong a place as Martinique, with the
+formidable fortress of Fort Bourbon, totally impossible. The event
+justified their determination. But when this great object was gained,
+and St. Lucia and Guadaloupe taken, the army (originally too small) was
+divided into three parts to garrison the conquered places; and by that
+dreadful scourge, the yellow fever, which now began its ravages,
+together with the loss sustained in the several actions of the campaign,
+not one of the islands, nor indeed a single post on each, could be
+called properly defended, in case the French should send out an armament
+to the West Indies. If, as soon as the news of the capture of the first
+island had reached England, a strong reinforcement could have been sent
+out, and repeated on the conquest of each succeeding place, the small
+body of the enemy (who made their attack on Guadaloupe, and stole in at
+a moment when the gallant governor, General Dundas, was breathing his
+last, and when every post was reduced to extremity by sickness) would
+with ease have been repelled, or perhaps their whole party taken.--In
+the succeeding part of this work it will be my business to detail the
+events that gradually led to the evacuation of this island, and gave the
+enemy such advantage as enabled them since to extend their conquests to
+some other inferior places.
+
+ [43] Consisting of four thousand six hundred and forty-two men.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+ GENERAL DUNDAS DIES OF THE YELLOW FEVER ... HIS CHARACTER ... A
+ FRENCH SQUADRON ARRIVES IN THE WEST INDIES, AND TAKES POSSESSION OF
+ GRAND TERRE ... THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF, ON RECEIVING AN ACCOUNT
+ THEREOF, RETURN TO GUADALOUPE ... SIR CHARLES GREY LANDS ON GRAND
+ TERRE, AND TAKES THE HEIGHTS OF MASCOT ... SEVERAL ACTIONS TAKE
+ PLACE ... A TRUCE TO BURY THE DEAD ... AN UNSUCCESSFUL ATTACK ON
+ POINT A PITRE.
+
+
+On the evening of the 3d of June, Major General Thomas Dundas, the
+governor of Guadaloupe, became the victim of that dreadful fever, which
+once more began to desolate these islands. He was ill only three days.
+By his death the army in the West Indies suffered an irreparable loss,
+and the service in general one of its brightest ornaments. Amiable both
+in public and private life, brave and generous, possessed of that true
+courage which never exceeds the bounds of humanity, he justly gained the
+love of the army, and fell lamented by all that knew him[44]. At this
+inauspicious moment an armament arrived from France, under the
+direction of two commissioners from the national assembly. It consisted
+of two frigates, one corvette, two forty-fours armed en flute, and two
+other ships, with about one thousand five hundred land forces on board
+of them[45]. They instantly made good their landing on Grand Terre; and,
+after two unsuccessful efforts, at last succeeded in their attack on
+Fort Fleur d'Epee, which they carried by storm[46].--As soon as this
+news reached Colonel Blundell, he instantly dispatched a schooner to St.
+Christopher's, with an account of it to the Commanders in Chief, which
+fortunately found them there, the Boyne being off Old Road taking in
+water for her voyage to England. Sir Charles Grey was busy in inspecting
+the works on Brimstone Hill. The Commanders in Chief instantly
+determined to return to Guadaloupe, and accordingly pushed, under a
+press of sail, for Basse Terre, where they arrived in the afternoon of
+the 7th of June, and were joined by the Resource, Captain Ross, and the
+Winchelsea, Captain Lord Garlies; on board of which ships General Grey
+and his suite embarked to be landed at Basse Terre, in order to visit
+the ports in that quarter, and to give the necessary instructions for
+future operations. The Admiral ordered the Nautilus, Captain Bayntun, to
+proceed to Martinique, with orders from Sir Charles Grey for a
+reinforcement from thence, and himself proceeded in the Boyne to the Bay
+of Point a Pitre. On his passage he met Commodore Thompson with his
+squadron from Martinique, coming round the point of Vieux Port. On their
+joining, he ordered the Solebay and Avenger into Basse Terre Road, to
+carry the General's further orders into execution, touching
+reinforcements from the different islands.
+
+ [44] He was interred on the 4th of June, with all military honours,
+ on one of the highest batteries in Fort Matilda, which, from that
+ circumstance, was called Dundas's battery, and a stone with a
+ suitable inscription was placed over his remains. The command of
+ the forces, and the government of Guadaloupe, now devolved on
+ Lieutenant Colonel Blundell of the forty-fourth regiment.
+
+ [45] This armament appears to have sailed from Rochfort about the
+ 25th of April, and to have been forty-one days on the passage.
+
+ [46] Their success appears to have been greatly accelerated by the
+ treachery or cowardice of several French royalists then in the
+ fort, who offered their services to sally on the besiegers.
+ Accordingly they marched out; but, on approaching the enemy, they
+ were panic struck and fled, and few of them returned to Fleur
+ d'Epee. The British merchants and sailors from the town of Point a
+ Pitre had thrown themselves into this fort to assist the garrison,
+ which was greatly reduced by sickness and death. This little band,
+ under command of Lieutenant Colonel Drummond of the forty-third
+ regiment, did all that gallant men could do; twice they repulsed
+ the assailants; but at length, overpowered by numbers, and the
+ royalists having demanded that the gates should be thrown open, and
+ the enemy now pouring in from all sides, the few remaining troops
+ were obliged to make the best retreat they could to Point a Pitre,
+ which, not being tenable after the loss of Fleur d'Epee, was
+ abandoned by them, and they crossed over to Basse Terre. In this
+ affair, besides the loss of many others, Captain Suckling of the
+ artillery was wounded at his gun by a bayonet, and left behind at
+ Point a Pitre.--There were in Guadaloupe when taken by the French a
+ larger proportion of troops than in either of the other conquered
+ islands.
+
+At noon of the 8th of June, the Boyne and the rest of the fleet anchored
+off Grozier, and saw the union jack displayed on Fort Fleur d'Epee as a
+decoy to British vessels, which we found had been successful in several
+instances; from hence, too, we had a view of the French fleet lying in
+the harbour of Point a Pitre. The Admiral, without delay, arranged every
+thing in his department to prevent a surprise from any future
+reinforcements of the enemy which might arrive. At day-break of the 9th,
+the enemy in Fort Fleur d'Epee, on hoisting their colours, opened an
+heavy fire of round and grape-shot on the Boyne, as did the two-gun
+battery at Grozier on the rest of the fleet, but happily without any
+material damage to them. This morning the London transport, having
+troops on board, got on shore on the Basse Terre side of the bay.
+Lieutenant Thompson of the Boyne, was sent with the launch to take the
+men out of her; in doing which he was exposed to a severe fire from a
+battery on Islet a Couchon, or Hog Island; but he succeeded in removing
+them without any loss. In the evening Sir Charles Grey and his suite
+came on board the Boyne,[47] from whence he could for the present with
+greater ease arrange his troops, and communicate with them at their
+different posts. This day also Lord Viscount Garlies in the Winchelsea
+frigate attacked the two-gun battery at Grozier, where he had
+distinguished himself in the last campaign, and once more drove the
+enemy from their guns: but very few troops having yet arrived, no
+attempt could be made to land there, as before. The Boyne having been
+much annoyed by the fire of Fort Fleur d'Epee and Grozier battery, was
+now warped a cable's length further from the shore. On the 11th, in the
+morning, several boats full of men, attended by a gun-boat, were
+discovered making towards our post at Petit Bourg, from the harbour of
+Point a Pitre: their intention seemed to be to attack a transport and
+sloop of ours. The Winchelsea frigate was ordered towards them, and
+receiving the fire of the battery on Hog island, and another near Fort
+Louis, she obliged them to return into the harbour. The enemy had
+crossed the river Sallee to Basse Terre, and had taken post at Berville,
+a fine plantation belonging to a gentleman of that name. They instantly
+set fire to the house, and destroyed all the mills, sugar-works, and
+store-houses, belonging to it, to a very large amount; they then
+encamped at the post of St. Jean, or Gabbare, a point of land opposite
+to the harbour of Point a Pitre. General Grey thought this a favourable
+moment to attack them, which was accordingly done at eleven o'clock at
+night on the 13th, under the command of Brigadier General Dundas, who
+with the 1st light infantry led by Brevet Major Ross, with the 39th
+regiment under Major Magan, and a detachment of artillery and two
+field-pieces, attacked the enemy with such determined bravery, that
+after a severe conflict they fled in the utmost disorder, precipitating
+themselves into the sea in order to swim across the harbour to Point a
+Pitre; but few succeeded in the desperate attempt, many being drowned,
+and more shot by our light infantry, who followed close at their heels:
+they left one hundred and seventy-nine dead on the field; our loss was
+trifling, seven men killed and twelve wounded. The enemy's camp,
+colours, baggage, and ammunition, with one piece of cannon, fell into
+our hands.[48] The light infantry and the 39th regiment remained at
+Berville, having for their advanced post Savonge, and St. Jean on the
+banks of the river Sallee. On this point of land, which runs into the
+harbour of Point a Pitre, Captain Pratt, commanding a detachment of
+artillery, was ordered to erect a battery of two twenty-four pounders
+and two howitzers, which he effected with such dispatch, that by the
+next morning it was completed, and opened with a most tremendous fire on
+the republican frigate La Pique, lying within gunshot of the shore, to
+the no small surprise and astonishment of the commodore, who was then on
+board. The frigate retaliated, and a brisk fire was kept up for some
+time, when she thought it advisable to weigh anchor, and take shelter
+under the guns of her own batteries, after having lost between forty and
+fifty of her crew in killed and wounded, and being much damaged in her
+hull and rigging. On the 14th the Roebuck, Captain Christie, arrived
+with troops (draughted from several regiments), and two gun-boats also
+came very seasonably; one of which, under command of Lieutenant Wolley
+of the Boyne, attacked the battery at Grozier, and again made the enemy
+retire from their guns.[49]
+
+ [47] Accompanied also by the Honourable Captain Stewart, brother to
+ Lord Garlies; who having received permission to return to England,
+ handsomely came forward at this time to offer himself as a
+ volunteer.
+
+ In this second campaign (see Appendix, page 37) Colonel Symes,
+ Colonel Francis Dundas, and Colonel Sir Charles Gordon, were
+ promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
+
+ [48] See the Appendix, page 32.
+
+ [49] On the 18th of June, Lieutenant Colonels Coote and Cradock
+ arrived from St. Christopher's, where they had been detained by the
+ yellow fever, which they had caught on board a transport in which
+ they were proceeding to England on leave of absence, and though not
+ recovered from the baneful effects of that disease, they now came
+ forward to offer their services to the Commanders in Chief, which
+ were accepted in a manner highly honourable to both parties.
+
+On Thursday the 19th of June, General Grey once more made good his
+landing on Grand Terre, about six miles to windward of Grozier, under
+cover of the Vanguard, Veteran, Vengeance, Solebay, and Winchelsea, and
+immediately moved on to Grozier, from whence he drove the enemy, who
+retreated towards Fort Fleur d'Epee, burning the houses and sugar-works
+that lay in their road.[50] About this time Lieutenant Macnamara, of
+the marines, was sent to Deseada to secure that island against any
+attempt of the enemy. On his landing he was attacked by a party of the
+inhabitants, who had formerly surrendered the island to us, aided by
+some brigands and a mixed rabble. In a short time, however, he drove
+them to the mountains, having killed twelve, and hung up six, as an
+example to deter others from similar acts of rebellion. On the 20th the
+enemy sunk one of our gun-boats by the fire of their battery on Hog
+Island, but none were killed in her. On the 21st they set fire to, and
+burnt a fine house on the heights of Mascot, near Fleur d'Epee, leaving
+the foundation walls only standing. Our troops now encamped at Grozier
+were employed in erecting batteries against Fort Fleur d'Epee, as the
+enemy were in too great force for our reduced numbers to attempt an
+assault on their principal work. On the 22d the Honourable Captain
+Stewart, commanding the 9th grenadiers, and a party of seamen under
+Lieutenant Wolley,[51] marched from Grozier to attack St. Ann's Fort, a
+strong post about twelve or fourteen miles to windward. After a most
+fatiguing march, during which some heavy showers of rain rendered the
+roads hardly passable, they reached the foot of the hill on which the
+fort was situated; up which our people scrambled so leisurely, and such
+a profound silence reigned among them, that they approached within
+fifteen or twenty paces of the centinel before he perceived them, though
+he was apparently alert on his post. Our French guide was now so
+terrified that he fired his pistol at the centinel, which gave the
+alarm; instantly our troops turned forward, and with three cheers began
+to storm the works. The enemy were completely surprised, and not more
+than two of them escaped. During this the French emigrants who had
+accompanied our people, had marched into the town, where they began the
+most brutal excesses; but the humane exertions of our officers soon put
+a stop to their mischievous proceedings. In this attack near four
+hundred of the enemy were killed, and one prisoner taken: on our part
+one only was wounded. Several sloops and schooners were found in the
+bay, all in ballast and their sails unbent, except one of them, in which
+Lieutenant Thomson was sent with an account of their success to the
+Commanders in Chief. It being impossible to keep possession of this
+post, from the small number of our troops, and intelligence being
+brought that a large detachment of the enemy were on their march to cut
+off the retreat of this party, it was determined to return to the camp
+without loss of time, all the ammunition having been previously
+destroyed, and the guns of the fort dismounted.--The day proving
+unusually hot, and the roads being deep and slippery from the incessant
+rains that had fallen during the preceding night, the troops were not
+able to reach the camp without halting; in consequence of which they
+took post at a planter's house on an eminence, where they were received
+with great hospitality. By three in the afternoon the men who had
+dropped down by the way from fatigue, were brought in (except two who
+reached the camp next morning), and the party proceeded to their
+different stations without further accidents.[52]
+
+ [50] In the afternoon one hundred and eighty seamen from the Boyne,
+ Commanded by Lieutenants Wolley, Thomson, and Maitland, landed
+ under the Salines to windward of Grozier, and took post on the
+ heights near that place; other parties of seamen also were landed
+ at Grozier, forming altogether a strong reinforcement for the army.
+
+ [51] With whom on this occasion Lieutenant Thomson served as a
+ volunteer.
+
+ [52] In this business Lieutenant Wolley had some narrow escapes.
+ The commanding officer of the fort rushed out of the guard-room on
+ the alarm, with a lighted match in his hand. He first fired an
+ amuzet, luckily pointed in an opposite direction; he then three
+ times attempted to fire a twenty-four pounder as Mr. Wolley and his
+ men were advancing to the muzzle of it; but fortunately, either
+ from the dampness of the powder, or trepidation of the man, it
+ missed taking effect; on which he flung down his match, and
+ retreated to the further end of the fort, whither Mr. Wolley
+ followed; but, from the darkness of the night, he soon lost sight
+ of him. As he returned he was met by his own men, who, taking him
+ for an enemy, were about to put him to death, when his voice
+ discovered their mistake. Had the cannon in the first instance gone
+ off, it must have made considerable havock among our men, as it was
+ loaded with a bag of musket balls.--This day Captain Armstrong of
+ the 8th regiment, was killed by a cannon ball at the landing-place
+ at Grozier, while giving directions to a serjeant about some
+ ordnance which was to be landed there. He was on horseback, and had
+ just remarked, that there could be no danger from the fire at Fleur
+ d'Epee at that place; a shot, however, from the fort dipped over
+ the point of land which seemed to shelter the landing-place, and
+ cut him asunder. He has often been heard to say that he thought
+ that a man must be truly unfortunate who fell by a single cannon
+ ball.
+
+On Tuesday the 24th of June, General Grey opened his batteries, which he
+had erected near Grozier, against Fleur d'Epee; at the same time
+Brigadier General Dundas kept up a smart fire on Point a Pitre, where
+the enemy seemed to be making preparations against the hurricane months,
+now approaching, by stripping the ships in the harbour of their sails
+and rigging. On the 26th, early in the morning, the enemy, to the number
+of three hundred, made a sortie from Fleur d'Epee, on our advanced post,
+consisting of one hundred men, but were soon obliged to retreat; we lost
+one man killed and eight wounded: at the same time our batteries and
+gun-boats cannonaded the fort; in the latter two seamen were wounded.
+On the 27th, the batteries at Grozier having opened as usual on Fleur
+d'Epee, a detachment of our troops under Brigadier General Fisher
+marched forward to attack a piquet of the enemy posted on Morne Mascot,
+from whence they drove them after a sharp contest, and established
+themselves, as our advanced post, within musket shot of the fort.[53]
+During the preceding night the light infantry at camp Berville were sent
+by Brigadier General Dundas, under command of Major Ross of the 25th
+regiment, to Petit Bourg, where they embarked, and joined the army at
+Grozier. This movement, by which the main body was much strengthened,
+was effected unperceived by the enemy, and the 39th and 43d regiments
+only left at Berville.
+
+ [53] In this affair Captain Morrison of the 58th regiment was
+ killed by a musket ball through his head as he was leading his men
+ on to the attack; he fell regretted by all who knew him, being an
+ accomplished, amiable, and brave man: I too felt severely on this
+ occasion, having enjoyed much of his society and friendship. The
+ Commander in Chief, who knew his worth, paid the tribute of
+ applause to his memory; and the Admiral, when he heard of his fall,
+ exclaimed, "He has left few equals behind him."
+
+Several skirmishes now daily took place, and many fell on both sides;
+though, from want of steadiness at the last, the enemy were always
+greater losers than ourselves. On the morning of the 29th of June, a
+large body of the enemy, to the number of one thousand, marched out of
+Fort Fleur d'Epee, and seemed to meditate an attack on a detachment of
+light infantry under Colonel Gomm, posted to the right of the grenadiers
+who were on Morne Mascot, under Brigadier General Fisher. By this false
+movement, they hoped that a detachment of the grenadiers would be sent
+to reinforce the light infantry, and thereby weaken the force on Morne
+Mascot, which was their real object of attack. In a short time, however,
+they were perceived mounting the side of Mascot heights, with colours
+flying and singing the national songs, covered by a heavy fire of round
+and grape-shot from Fleur d'Epee, which prevented our grenadiers from
+shewing themselves till the enemy were close to them; on which General
+Fisher made them prostrate themselves on the ground, and wait the
+approach of the enemy in that posture. The instant the republicans came
+within a few yards of them they started up, and an obstinate engagement
+commenced, which terminated at length by the grenadiers advancing to the
+charge; on which the enemy fled, and were pursued down the hill with
+great slaughter. Our loss amounted to thirty killed and wounded: among
+the former was Lieutenant Toosey of the 65th regiment; of the latter,
+Captain De Rivigne of the artillery, received a ball in the side of his
+neck. Brigadier General Fisher was hit three times by grape-shot, which
+caused contusions only, and his horse was killed under him. In the
+evening the enemy sent in a flag of truce, requesting permission to bury
+their dead and carry off their wounded, which was granted them;[54] yet
+they left a number of both, on the side of the hill, to the great
+annoyance of our piquet, which during the following night was disturbed
+by the groans of the dying and wounded. The day following the enemy
+again made an attempt, in equal force, against our post on Mascot, and
+was again repulsed with great loss. The rainy season being already set
+in, and the hurricane months now approaching, determined the Commander
+in Chief to make an effort to finish the campaign at once. From his
+success in the two last engagements, and the excellent manner in which
+he had planned the attack, it would no doubt have succeeded, had his
+orders been punctually obeyed. The plan he had laid down was, for a
+large body of troops under General Symes, to march during the night, and
+make themselves masters of Morne Government, and the other commanding
+heights round the town of Point a Pitre, whilst himself, at the head of
+the rest of his army, was in readiness on the heights of Mascot to storm
+Fort Fleur d'Epee, on receiving a signal from General Symes; but, from
+some unfortunate misapprehension, the whole of General Grey's
+well-concerted plan was rendered abortive, and the almost total
+destruction of our exhausted forces ensued: but it is my business to
+detail the events of this unfortunate affair as accurately as the
+confused accounts I have received will permit. Brigadier General Symes,
+having under his command the first battalion of grenadiers, commanded
+by Brigadier General Fisher, and the first and second light infantry,
+led by Colonel Gomm, with a detachment of seamen from the Boyne[55] and
+Veteran, commanded by Captain Robertson of the Veteran, marched from the
+heights of Mascot at about nine o'clock at night, on the 1st of July.
+They first descended into a deep ravine thick planted with coffee
+bushes, through which there was no road, the seamen bringing up the
+rear. The night was uncommonly dark, which rendered their march both
+dangerous and fatiguing. After proceeding about a mile they halted on a
+road, and were joined by two small field-pieces, which were put under
+the charge of Lieutenants Thomson and Maitland, to be dragged by their
+seamen. During the halt some people, who were heard to speak French,
+were seen near the rear; Lieutenant Wolley endeavoured to secure them,
+but they escaped through the bushes, and no further notice was taken of
+this. The army moved forward about two miles further, on a road leading
+through deep ravines, and made a second halt for about an hour; the
+march was then re-commenced, but no orders ever passed during the time:
+they now proceeded for some miles without meeting with any obstruction,
+when an order came for the seamen in the rear to advance to the attack,
+which they did by running as fast as they could for upwards of a mile.
+The parties they passed were not in the best order, owing to the
+quickness of the march, until they came to the grenadiers, who were
+drawn up as a corps de reserve. About this time the bugle horn sounded
+to advance, and soon after a heavy firing of round and grape-shot from
+Morne Government, and also from several other batteries of the enemy,
+commenced, as also from some twelve-pounders landed from the shipping in
+the harbour, which were placed in tiers, and entirely enfiladed the road
+along which the troops were advancing. After passing the grenadiers, the
+seamen were halted for a few minutes to form, they being perfectly out
+of order from running; but scarce thirty of them were got together, when
+Lieutenant Wolley was ordered to advance with them, and Captain
+Robertson remained to form and bring up the rest. The cannonading from
+the enemy's guns was the most severe the oldest soldier ever witnessed,
+especially from the guns which were on the road; two or three tiers of
+which were planted behind each other, from which the enemy were driven
+by the bayonets of our gallant fellows, who no sooner had taken one
+battery, but another opened on them from behind. The whole now became a
+scene of confusion impossible to describe. Instead of any of the heights
+being attempted, the greater part of the troops and the seamen were got
+into the town, where they were mowed down by the grape-shot, which
+played upon them in every direction,[56] as well as musketry from the
+windows of the houses. Where-ever our men perceived this, they broke
+open the doors, putting all they found in them to death; and those who
+could not stand the bayonet were shot as they leaped from the windows.
+General Symes was by this time badly wounded,[57] and his horse killed
+under him. Colonel Gomm (who led the light infantry), with several other
+officers, was killed, and a great many more desperately wounded;[58] and
+Captain Robertson, who commanded the seamen, was blown up. At length
+General Fisher (the second in command, who, as well as every other
+officer on this service, was ignorant of General Symes's plans) sounded
+a retreat, and the miserable remains of this gallant party marched off,
+the enemy harassing them in their retreat, though kept at bay by the
+gallant exertions of the Honourable Captain Stewart with a party of
+grenadiers, assisted by Lieutenant Wolley and the seamen of the Boyne,
+who covered the retreat; till at length the latter fell by a musket-ball
+through his leg, and was brought off by his men. When the remains of
+this unfortunate detachment got back to Mascot,[59] General Grey found
+it in vain to attempt any thing against Fleur d'Epee, being obliged to
+detach the second battalion of grenadiers to cover the retreat, and his
+troops being all so much reduced and exhausted, yet from the effect of
+the batteries he had erected to cover his attack of Fleur d'Epee, which
+opened on that fort in the evening, there could have been no doubt of
+success had not the above-related misfortune taken place.[60] It being
+totally impossible to attempt any thing further at this season, the
+General that night began to reimbark his cannon and mortars, and in two
+days had got off the whole of his troops without loss; he then
+strengthened the posts on Basse Terre, and having made the best
+arrangements possible to maintain them, and to enable him to renew his
+attacks on Point a Pitre and Fleur d'Epee after the hurricane months, in
+case any reinforcements should arrive (without which it would be totally
+impossible), he embarked on board the Boyne, leaving Brigadier General
+Colin Graham to command on Basse Terre, and then repaired to St. Pierre
+in the island of Martinique, where he established his head-quarters. The
+Boyne proceeded to Fort Royal Bay, where she was laid up for the
+hurricane months in a snug harbour, called Trois Islet Bay, and the sick
+and wounded were landed for the benefit of fresh air, and every
+attention paid to them that could alleviate their sufferings.
+
+ [54] A young officer, formerly of Walsh's regiment, took this
+ opportunity of escaping to us. His name was Clarke, his family of
+ Martinique, where his father was a counsellor at law. He had been
+ imprisoned three months at Bourdeaux, on his endeavouring to avoid
+ joining the armies on the frontiers, and was released to embark on
+ this expedition, as the only chance of rejoining his friends. He
+ reported, that one Fremont, a daring fellow, who, though not first
+ in command, had great influence, was killed this morning on the
+ walls of Fleur d'Epee, by a musket-ball from one of our people. The
+ enemy lost in this action upwards of three hundred men. On the
+ 29th, the Commander in Chief sustained a heavy loss in the death of
+ Captain Newton Ogle, of the 70th regiment, one of his excellency's
+ aid-de-camps; he was a young man of an excellent understanding, and
+ had distinguished himself on all occasions where his exertions had
+ been called forth.
+
+ [55] Lieutenant Wolley of the Boyne, was appointed acting major of
+ brigade; and Lieutenants Thomson and Maitland, and Mr. Oswald,
+ commanded the three companies of seamen.
+
+ [56] One of the frigates in the harbour did great execution; by a
+ single discharge of grape-shot, killing three officers and
+ thirty-six privates of the light infantry, who were unfortunately
+ drawn up in a street effectually commanded by her guns.
+
+ [57] General Symes died soon after of his wound.
+
+ [58] Captain Burnet of the 43d regiment, who had led his company of
+ grenadiers into the town, was blown up at the time Captain
+ Robertson was killed. His clothes being on fire, were pulled off by
+ his brother officers. His face and hands were rendered entirely
+ black by the explosion. In this situation he first received a
+ musket-ball which broke his arm, and was then met by his own
+ grenadiers, who, taking him for one of the French blacks, attacked
+ him with charged bayonets, and wounded him in three places before
+ he could make himself known to them. The instant they discovered
+ their mistake they expressed the utmost horror and contrition, and
+ brought off this excellent officer in their arms; who, I am happy
+ to be enabled to add, survived, notwithstanding the dreadful
+ situation he was in. Lieutenant Conway of the 60th regiment, was
+ also blown up, and in that condition continued to lead on his men
+ and encourage them, till unfortunately he fell by a musket-ball
+ through his body.
+
+ [59] General Grey was waiting on Morne Mascot for Brigadier General
+ Symes's signal of his having succeeded in taking the heights near
+ Point a Pitre; having the second battalion of grenadiers, the 65th
+ regiment, and six companies of Grand Terre, and second battalion of
+ seamen commanded by Captain Sawyer, ready to attack Fort Fleur
+ d'Epee by storm.
+
+ [60] Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing, amounted to
+ thirty-eight officers, forty-three serjeants, and six hundred and
+ eleven privates.
+
+ I must here beg leave to add an extract from Admiral Sir J.
+ Jervis's public letters to the Lords of the Admiralty on this
+ subject. "The fate of Captain Lewis Robertson, who had
+ distinguished himself highly, fills my mind with the deepest
+ regret; he had long been a child of misfortune, although he
+ possessed talents to merit every success and prosperity; and, as I
+ am informed, has left a widow and infant family unprovided for. I
+ beg leave to recommend them to the protection and good offices of
+ their lordships, to obtain a suitable provision, which will be a
+ great encouragement to officers in similar circumstances, to
+ emulate so great an example."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ The celebrated Brigadier General Arnold, being on business of a
+ mercantile nature at Point a Pitre, was captured at the time the
+ place fell into the hands of the republicans, and, being
+ apprehensive of ill treatment, changed his name to Anderson. He was
+ put on board a prison-ship in the harbour, and had considerable
+ property in cash with him, of which, it is supposed, Fremont and
+ Victor Hughes were informed, as he received an intimation from one
+ of the French sentries, that he was known, and would soon be
+ guillotined. On this alarming intelligence he determined to attempt
+ an escape, which he effected in the following masterly manner. At
+ night he lowered into the sea a cask containing clothes and
+ valuables, with a direction on it, that if it floated to the shore
+ of our camp at Berville, it might be known, and restored to him; he
+ then lowered down his cloak bag to a small raft which he had
+ prepared, on which also he got himself, and proceeded to a small
+ canoe, in which he pushed for the British fleet, directed by the
+ Admiral's lights. On his making towards the mouth of the harbour he
+ was challenged by the French row guard, but by the darkness of the
+ night escaped from them, and arrived on board the Boyne by four
+ o'clock on Monday morning, the 30th of June.
+
+ During the whole time of this latter campaign the fever, which had
+ been so destructive the preceding year, continued to rage in our
+ army and navy with unabated violence. General Grey lost all the
+ servants he brought from England by it, including two who had lived
+ with him for many years. It first broke out with violence when the
+ former campaign ended.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF SAIL TO MARTINIQUE ... PROCEEDINGS THERE,
+ AND AT GUADALOUPE ... CAMP BERVILLE TAKEN ... OCCURRENCES THEREUPON
+ ... GENERAL PRESCOTT ENTERS FORT MATILDA, WHICH IS INVESTED BY THE
+ FRENCH ... SIR JOHN VAUGHAN AND ADMIRAL CALDWELL ARRIVE IN THE WEST
+ INDIES ... SIR CHARLES GREY AND SIR JOHN JERVIS RESIGN THEIR
+ COMMAND, AND RETURN TO EUROPE.
+
+
+Sir Charles Grey, after giving the necessary orders for erecting
+batteries to protect and secure the camp on Basse Terre, sailed with the
+Admiral to Martinique, and established his head-quarters at St.
+Pierre;[61] having previously distributed the troops (which were not
+left under General Graham on Basse Terre) throughout the islands, where
+the Brigands began to be very troublesome; and even at Martinique, where
+the Commander in Chief resided, they had the audacity to shew
+themselves, encouraged by the sickness which raged in all quarters, and
+daily weakened our posts. At Grande Rivere and Calabass they appeared in
+some force; on which the Commander in Chief detached Captain Hare, at
+the head of a detachment of the Prince of Wales's light[62] dragoons,
+with Lieutenant Colonel De Soter and the island rangers, who attacked
+and routed them, taking three of their leaders prisoners, and dispersing
+the rest. At Guadaloupe no time was lost by Brigadier General Graham in
+preparing both for attack and defence; he erected gun and mortar
+batteries upon the banks of the river Sallee, in the different
+situations where it was most likely the enemy might attempt to cross it
+from Grande Terre; namely, at the gabarre or ferry, which heretofore was
+the point of communication between the two parts of the island; at Morne
+Savon and at St. Jean, both commanding the town of Point a Pitre and
+Morne Government. By these precautions the Commander in Chief hoped to
+prevent the enemy from crossing into Basse Terre till he could get a
+reinforcement from England, which he had expected for some time, and had
+now dispatched Brigadier General Francis Dundas to explain to government
+the absolute necessity there was for a supply of troops in the conquered
+islands. The head-quarters of the army in Guadaloupe were at Camp
+Berville, a very commanding ground, flanked by the sea on one side, and
+on the other by an impassable swamp and wood; about a league in front
+was the river Sallee, on the opposite banks of which stood the town of
+Point a Pitre; and at the rear, about a mile from the camp, was a narrow
+pass, by which alone it could be approached. The batteries under the
+direction of Captain De Rivigne, destroyed a great part of the town, so
+that the inhabitants were obliged to evacuate it, and encamp on the
+adjacent hills. The baneful effects of the climate, together with the
+neighbouring swamps, began now to be severely felt by our army, the
+officers and men died daily in numbers, and by the middle of August the
+list of sick and convalescents composed by far the majority in the camp.
+Two frigates and two sloops of war were ordered by the Admiral to cruize
+off the harbour of Point a Pitre, to prevent supplies being carried to
+the enemy; notwithstanding which many American and other vessels from
+the neighbouring disaffected islands, contrived to elude their
+vigilance. Victor Hughes, the commissioner from the French convention,
+and now commander in chief of their troops in this island (the
+commanders of the army and navy that came out with him being dead), was
+indefatigable in gaining over the blacks and mulattoes to his interest;
+and, in consequence of his late success, they flocked in great numbers
+to his standard. As they came in he formed them into different corps,
+and had them instructed in the use of arms. The remains of the second
+battalion of grenadiers[63] were ordered about the latter end of August
+to Guadaloupe, to relieve the flank companies of the 15th and 64th
+regiments: they embarked at Fort Royal on board the Dictator, and landed
+at Petit Bourg, from whence they marched directly to the camp. During
+the month of September the troops in the different camps were, from
+sickness, inadequate to furnish guards for the different batteries.
+Several companies could not produce a single man fit for duty; the 43d
+could not afford a corporal and three men at night, for the protection
+of their own camp, much less give their complement for the batteries.
+The greater part of the town of Petit Bourg was converted into hospitals
+for our sick, besides great numbers ill in the camps; the officers were
+equal sufferers with the men, so much so, that field officers were
+obliged to mount captain's guard. The different islands were drained of
+their troops, in order to keep up some appearance in front of the enemy;
+and the royalists had taken the duty of the Gabarre for some time past,
+where they conducted themselves with much spirit in several attacks made
+upon them by the enemy from the opposite side of the river. The
+grenadiers that arrived last, were now reduced, in less than three
+weeks, to twenty men; and from the situation of the several camps on the
+verge of the swamps, a ground they were obliged to occupy, was truly
+deplorable. About this time General Prescott arrived at the town of
+Basse Terre, where he took the command, and no appearance of any
+reinforcement from England as yet cheered our drooping spirits. On
+Saturday, the 26th of September, the enemy from Point a Pitre and Fort
+Louis embarked a large body of troops in small vessels, and passing our
+ships of war unperceived, under cover of the dark night, effected two
+different landings on Basse Terre; the one at Goyave, to the eastward of
+Petit Bourg, and the other at Lamantin, near Bay Mahault. As soon as it
+was known that this landing was effected, most of our sick were carried
+from Petit Bourg on board the ships that lay near that place, and when
+the news was received at head-quarters, General Graham ordered all the
+troops from the different camps to join at Berville, as the strongest
+situation. Every exertion was made to fortify this post in the best
+manner possible: across the narrow pass by which alone it could be
+approached by land, a strong breast-work was thrown up, with embrasures
+for six field-pieces; on the flanks, and immediately in the rear of
+this, another was thrown up; and in front of both, on the brow of the
+hill, a strong abbatis was formed. The enemy that landed at Bay Mahault
+soon possessed themselves of that place; they then marched on to the
+Gabarre, where they had nearly surrounded the royalists before they were
+able to make their retreat to the camp. The possession of the Gabarre
+afforded them an easy conveyance for guns, ammunition, cattle, &c. from
+Grande Terre, and they now made their appearance in sight of our camp.
+The enemy, who had landed on the opposite part of the island, as soon as
+day broke upon them, began their march to Petit Bourg. Lieutenant
+Colonel Drummond of the 43d regiment, with some convalescents from the
+hospital, and a party of royalists, advanced to meet them; but
+perceiving their great superiority of numbers, found it advisable to
+retreat through Petit Bourg, and took post at a battery upon the shore
+called Point Bacchus, between that village and Camp Berville. The enemy,
+on taking possession of Petit Bourg, exercised the most unheard of
+cruelties on the unfortunate sick in the hospitals, putting all they
+found to death; some of them were fortunate enough to be taken off by
+the boats belonging to the men of war lying there. Too much praise
+cannot be given to Captain Boyer[64] of the Assurance, for his humane
+exertions on this occasion. From the hospitals to the wharf was a
+continued scene of misery and horror, being strewed with the bodies of
+the sick, who were barbarously put to death as they were crawling to the
+shore, in hopes of being taken off by our boats. The next movement of
+the enemy was to Point Bacchus, where Colonel Drummond and his party,
+being surrounded, were made prisoners. The enemy keeping possession of
+this post, entirely cut off all communication between the camp and our
+shipping. They then proceeded to possess themselves of the surrounding
+heights, and formed a junction with the other party which landed at Bay
+Mahault; by which Camp Berville was completely surrounded on the land
+side. The utmost strength of Berville camp was now about two hundred and
+fifty regular troops, and three hundred royalists; but none of these
+could be called effective, being reduced to extremity by sickness and
+fatigue. The enemy instantly began to form batteries, one of which, on
+an eminence, in some measure commanded our camp. On the 29th of
+September, in the morning, the enemy in a large body attacked our
+advanced work; our field-pieces and musketry opened a heavy fire upon
+them, and an engagement ensued, which continued with equal fury for
+three hours; when, after having been charged the third time by our
+troops, the enemy retreated, leaving on the field in killed and wounded
+seven hundred men, our loss amounting to about twenty. In the forenoon
+of this day, the enemy had sent a number of gun-boats from Point a
+Pitre, some of which anchored off the shore at Berville, and others
+under Point Bacchus, with a view to stop the communication between our
+camp and shipping, and force the latter out of the harbour of Petit
+Bourg. Each of their schemes succeeded, so that now the camp (ill
+supplied with provisions and stores, which were left chiefly at Petit
+Bourg) saw no possibility of getting a further supply. This morning
+Major Irvine was killed by a twenty-four pounder from the enemy's
+gun-boat, as he was sitting in the cabin of the Assurance; in which he
+and a number of others had embarked. As soon as the news of these
+disasters reached the Commanders in Chief, the Boyne was got out of
+Trois Islet Bay, without loss of time; and, although the hurricane
+season was not entirely past, the Admiral embarked, and sailed on
+Tuesday, the 30th of September, from Martinique, and anchored off
+Grozier, in the bay of Point a Pitre, by 10 A.M. On Thursday, the 2d of
+October, the two-gun battery there, opened upon us with red-hot shot,
+and continued to fire for a considerable time, but without effect. This
+night the Admiral endeavoured to open a communication with Camp
+Berville, but was prevented by the vigilance of the enemy, who now
+occupied every avenue to it. On the morning of the 30th, the enemy
+renewed their attacks on General Graham's camp at Berville, and again on
+the 4th of October, still bringing (hydra like) greater numbers to the
+charge; their success, however, was the same as on the first attack,
+having lost during the three attacks, on a moderate computation, two
+thousand men. In the second attack General Graham was wounded by a
+musket-ball in the leg, and several of his officers fell.[65] After the
+third action the enemy sent in a flag of truce, offering terms of
+capitulation, which General Graham in a spirited manner refused; the
+officers, however, waited on the General, and stated, that the troops,
+reduced by sickness and fatigue, were no longer able to undergo the
+duty, which now pressed heavy on them, and were so harassed as to be
+incapable of withstanding another attack, which the enemy promised to
+make on them the following morning. General Graham therefore,
+reconsidering the matter, consented to send a flag to the enemy, and,
+after some time, the terms of capitulation were agreed to; but, alas!
+the unfortunate royalists were not included, though the General
+endeavoured all he could to make terms for them: he succeeded however
+thus far, to have permission to send a covered boat to the Boyne, in
+which he embarked twenty-five officers of the royalists; their
+unfortunate brethren, to the number of three hundred, who had defended
+their posts to the last, with the most determined resolution, were
+doomed to suffer death by the hands of their republican countrymen in
+cold blood, in a manner hitherto, I believe, unheard of, at least
+unrecorded in the annals of the most savage and abandoned people.[66]
+Humanity must shudder at the idea; the republicans erected a guillotine,
+with which they struck off the heads of fifty of them. Thinking,
+however, this mode of proceeding too tedious, they invented a more
+summary plan; they tied the remainder of these unhappy men fast
+together, and placed them on the brink of the trenches which they had so
+gallantly defended; they then drew up some of their undisciplined
+recruits in front, who firing an irregular volley at their miserable
+victims, killed some, wounded others, and some, in all probability, were
+untouched; the weight however of the former dragged the rest into the
+ditch, where the living, the wounded, and the dead, shared the same
+grave, the soil being instantly thrown upon them. The English troops
+were to be allowed to march out with the honours of war, and to be
+embarked on board French ships, which were to sail for England within
+twenty-one days after the surrender,[67] on condition that they would
+not serve against the French during the war. A great quantity of arms
+and ammunition fell into the hands of the enemy at this camp, and at
+Petit Bourg. Immediately after the surrender of Berville, Victor Hughes
+moved towards the town of Basse Terre, now our last stake on this
+island, laying waste the plantations, and burning the beautiful seats of
+the royalists as he passed along. Sir John Jervis, who had made every
+attempt to succour General Graham's camp at Berville, and had been an
+unwilling spectator from the fleet, of the surrender of that camp to the
+enemy, now made sail for Basse Terre, to render every assistance in his
+power to General Prescott;[68] and on the 9th of October, anchored
+within half a cable's length of the town. General Prescott instantly
+came on board to consult with the Admiral on the best mode of procedure
+in this critical state of affairs; and it was determined that the whole
+force which the General could collect, should go into the fort, and the
+Admiral, in the Boyne, would render every assistance in his power to the
+garrison; a promise he performed in a manner that drew the warmest
+thanks and approbation of General Prescott and his officers. At this
+time the French royalists had entirely abandoned us, and the militia,
+who had demanded arms, positively refused to enter the fort, and soon
+after deserted to the enemy: a party in the town seemed also ready to
+rise upon our people; but by the vigilance and activity of General
+Prescott they were overawed, and he continued to ride into the town
+unattended as usual. The fort was in a miserable state, nothing having
+been done to it since the peace of 1783; and Clairfontaine,[69] a
+royalist, who had been appointed administrateur general, wanting either
+influence or ability to procure negroes for the purpose, the fort was
+no way better than when it fell into our hands, except being cleaner,
+and supplied with provisions. On the 12th of October, a schooner bearing
+a flag of truce, arrived from Victor Hughes; in it came Captain Eiston,
+of the 35th regiment,[70] for a supply of money and baggage for our
+captured countrymen, with which he returned in two days to Point a
+Pitre. General Prescott had taken the precaution to order all the
+batteries along the coast, as well as those on the passes of the
+Palmiste, to be destroyed, their guns spiked, and magazines blown up;
+but, owing to the shortness of the time allowed for it, and the weakness
+of the force employed, the enemy soon got them repaired to use against
+us. Captain Bowen, in the Terpsichore, was dispatched to Trois Riviere,
+to destroy a battery there,[71] where he saw and fired on the enemy, who
+were marching in great force towards the heights of Palmiste. On which
+he returned, and informed the Admiral of this, by whom the intelligence
+was instantly forwarded to General Prescott, who had sent Captain Thomas
+of the 28th regiment (his aid-de-camp) to request some seamen to
+reinforce his garrison, which were most readily granted by the Admiral.
+While Captain Thomas was on board the Boyne, the enemy, to his great
+astonishment, were seen on the heights of Palmiste. As there were a few
+royalists about the General, some of whose slaves were with the enemy,
+of course he ought to have received earlier information of their
+approach; but this shews how all intelligence was withheld from us. For
+ten days after the General had withdrawn the whole of his force into the
+fort, he occasionally sent parties into the town, as the Boyne still
+kept the enemy quiet there; but in a short time they got some guns up to
+an eminence, named by us the White-house Battery, that obliged the
+Admiral to weigh anchor: but he still continued to hover about the
+coast, occasionally sending reinforcements and provisions, and keeping
+up a constant intercourse with General Prescott in the fort. In the
+course of this business the Boyne was frequently engaged with the
+different batteries, and was exposed to great danger from the mortars,
+which the enemy began to play upon us with much judgment. On the 20th of
+October, the battery on Houelmont opened on the Terpsichore, but without
+effect. Our garrison in the fort threw some shells which drove them from
+thence; they, however, soon returned again to their guns. The next day
+they again attacked the frigate, and hit her; which obliged Captain
+Bowen to get near the land, out of the direction of their guns. On the
+23d, the White-house Battery, having several heavy guns mounted, began a
+smart fire on the Boyne, which was returned from her lower deckers;
+afterwards we engaged a battery, into which the enemy had just come, at
+the N. W. end of the town, from whence we drove them; but being obliged
+to haul off shore occasionally, they at length completed their purpose,
+but not so as to be able to hinder us from approaching the land to keep
+up an intercourse with the garrison. On this service (as on every other)
+Captain Bowen eminently distinguished himself, having anchored the
+Terpsichore, within a short distance of the fort, in a bay under
+Houelmont. On the 25th the Quebec, Captain Rogers, Beaulieu, Captain
+Riou, and Zebra, Captain Vaughan, arrived from a cruise. The enemy now
+increased their forces daily in this part of the island, pressing into
+their service all the negroes who were on the different estates; and if
+from timidity or any other cause they demurred, they were instantly
+shot: from the ship we saw them firing on some negroes of their own,
+who, from fear, were endeavouring to get off. On the night of the 26th,
+Lieutenant James, with a party of seamen, marched out of the fort to the
+military hospital, which he set on fire, being a place that the enemy
+would soon have made a considerable post against us. On the 29th, the
+Boyne, as usual sailing towards the fort, was becalmed by the high land
+of Houelmont, and being within a short distance, was cannonaded from
+that battery for several hours. From the height of its situation none of
+our guns could be brought to bear against it; however, after
+considerable danger, the ship got out of the bay without any damage. On
+the 5th of November, the enemy opened ten batteries against the fort at
+the same instant, and a party of them, with a field-piece, under cover
+of the night, had taken post on the brow of the hill under which the
+Terpsichore and Experiment were anchored. As soon as the seamen were
+arranged at day-break, to wash the decks as usual, they were surprised
+by a heavy shower of musketry from over their heads. The Experiment
+endeavoured to get away, but being totally becalmed, it was some time
+before she could accomplish it. (Captain Miller had gone on board the
+Vanguard, and Captain Skynner was then in the Boyne, receiving his
+commission.[72]) Captain Bowen, with a presence of mind that never
+forsook him, ordered up all the muskets that could be procured, and,
+encouraging his men with great spirit and some effect, returned the fire
+of the enemy, who now brought their field-piece to bear on the ship; he
+was therefore obliged to weigh anchor, and get out of the bay as well as
+he could, his great guns being totally useless from the elevated
+situation of the enemy: two or three only of our people were wounded,
+though the deck was studded with musket-balls. The fort[73] was now
+closely invested by land; by the sea a communication was continued the
+whole siege, Captain Bowen, in the Terpsichore, never relaxing for a
+moment in his exertions to serve and assist the garrison. The water in
+the tank being bad (the enemy having cut off the aqueduct that supplied
+it), General Prescott ordered an armed party every morning and evening
+to the river Galion, to protect those sent thither for water. This was
+continued during the whole siege; cohorns and grape-shot being fired
+into the ravines and woods beyond the river, and other precautions
+taken, these parties met with little molestation. All the buildings in
+the fort being destroyed by the fire of the enemy, the garrison was
+obliged to take shelter in the Bomb-proof, a close and unwholesome
+confinement in this climate. On the 6th of November, Victor Hughes sent
+an insolent summons to General Prescott, to surrender the fort in two
+hours, which if not complied with, no further terms would be offered,
+and the whole garrison would be put to the sword. To this the General
+made a short answer, "that he would defend it as a soldier to the last
+extremity." The instant the hour was expired that the General allowed
+the French officer to return to Victor Hughes, he opened a heavy fire
+from all his batteries against the republicans, and continued it through
+the day without any return from them. Some stores and provisions were
+about this period sent to the garrison from Dominica, and the merchants
+of St. Pierre also made a welcome present of refreshments; the enemy at
+the same time began to supply their advanced batteries with necessaries
+by sea in small boats, that, keeping close in shore, evaded our
+cruisers, and landed at the town of Basse Terre. On the 12th of
+November, the Boyne was exposed for some time to a heavy fire from
+several batteries; one shell burst immediately over her, but without
+doing any mischief. At nine A. M. on the 14th of November, the Beaulieu,
+being then off Vieu Fort, made a signal to the Admiral, of an enemy of
+superior force being in sight. Immediately all hands were ordered to
+quarters, and every preparation made to give them a warm reception; at
+length three line-of-battle ships hove in sight, which, to our great
+joy, proved to be a reinforcement from England; the Majestic, Captain
+Westcott, with Vice Admiral Caldwell's flag on board; the Theseus,
+Captain Calder; and Bellona, Captain Wilson: by them we were informed
+that Sir John Vaughan had arrived at St. Pierre, and Sir Charles Grey
+had given up the command to him. Sir John Jervis, worn down by long and
+severe exertions, the fatigues of which were augmented by his anxiety
+for the welfare of the service, that not all his exertions could promote
+without the arrival of a strong reinforcement, together with the
+unhealthiness of the climate, found himself no longer able to continue
+on this station, and therefore, to the great grief of General Prescott,
+was obliged to give up his command to Admiral Caldwell, and embarking
+his seamen (under Lieutenant James) from Fort Matilda, sailed for St.
+Pierre; when, every thing being arranged and settled between the several
+commanders, Sir Charles Grey and his suite embarked once more with Sir
+John Jervis on board the Boyne; on the 27th of November they sailed for
+England, and after a tedious voyage (being for near a month tossed about
+in the Channel by contrary winds) arrived at Spithead the 21st of
+January 1795.
+
+ [61] Among the many causes of uneasiness that now bore hard upon
+ the Commanders in Chief (by the failure of their well-concerted
+ plans, the dreadful mortality among their troops, and the despair
+ of reinforcements arriving from Europe) the misconduct of one high
+ in estimation as an officer, and hitherto looked upon as a man of
+ strict integrity, was not the least galling. The case was this: At
+ the taking of St. Lucia, Colonel Sir Charles Gordon, who had
+ repeatedly distinguished himself by his gallant conduct, was
+ appointed governor of that island, and in the last promotion was
+ advanced to the rank of brigadier general; soon after which some
+ very unpleasant reports prevailed, of extortions and peculations by
+ him, and taking bribes of the inhabitants, who were supposed to be
+ disaffected, in order to suffer them to remain on the island, and
+ then breaking his word with them. At length a regular complaint was
+ laid before the Commander in Chief, who instantly ordered a court
+ martial to be summoned, and sent an officer to St. Lucia to arrest
+ Sir Charles Gordon, and convey him to Martinique, in order for
+ trial. At this time the fever raged so violently that the two first
+ courts-martial that met on this business, were dissolved by the
+ death of a majority of the members. At length, in order to prevent
+ the like accident from again interrupting the course of justice,
+ the General appointed a greater number of officers than usual to
+ attend, and the trial proceeded; the event of which was, that the
+ prisoner was found guilty of the crimes laid to his charge, and was
+ sentenced to refund the money he had extorted, and to be rendered
+ incapable of serving his majesty again: but, in consequence of some
+ favourable circumstances that came out on the trial, he was allowed
+ to sell his commission. See Appendix, pages 42, 43, 48.
+
+ [62] The horses that were sent from America for the purpose of
+ mounting the light dragoons, were so bad, that only three out of
+ forty were sound, or fit for service, insomuch that Captain Hare
+ was obliged to present a memorial to the Commander in Chief on the
+ subject.
+
+ [63] Consisting of seventy rank and file only.
+
+ [64] I am sorry to add, that this officer soon afterwards fell a
+ victim to the yellow fever.
+
+ [65] In one of these attacks Monsieur Vermont was shot through the
+ body, his lieutenant, Monsieur De Lisle, was shot through his
+ breast, and another of his officers killed; in this situation he
+ beat off the enemy. This gallant, but unfortunate officer, was, at
+ the beginning of the revolution, possessed of a good estate near
+ Trois Riviere on Basse Terre, which soon made him an object of
+ republican vengeance; his house was attacked, but he escaped into
+ the woods, supposing that his amiable wife would be safe from their
+ fury, being far advanced in her pregnancy; but the monsters, not
+ regarding her situation, put her to death with circumstances of
+ barbarity too dreadful to relate, and such as would fill, I trust,
+ every Briton's breast with the utmost horror; his aged mother too,
+ and beautiful sister, shared the same fate. He was taken and thrown
+ into prison at Fort Matilda, to reserve him for a public spectacle
+ on the guillotine, when we arrived, and released him from thence by
+ the capture of the island.
+
+ [66] Their conduct prior to, and since the enemy had attacked the
+ camp, deserved a far better fate: finding themselves excluded from
+ terms of capitulation, they wished permission to cut their way
+ through the enemy's army, by which a few of them, at least, might
+ escape, and the rest meet an honourable death; but this request, it
+ is said, was refused; perhaps it was believed that on their capture
+ the enemy would relent, and not put their sanguinary threats into
+ execution. Two of these unfortunate men hastened to the shore, in
+ hopes of getting on board the covered boat; but being disappointed,
+ and aware of the fate that awaited them, they instantly shot
+ themselves on the beach. On hearing of this melancholy business,
+ General Grey published an order that did equal honour to his
+ feelings and his mind. See Appendix, page 53.
+
+ [67] This part of the agreement, however, was not complied with, as
+ they remained prisoners for more than a year afterwards, during
+ which time many of them died.
+
+ [68] General Prescott had so small a force in that quarter, that he
+ could not possibly afford any material assistance to General
+ Graham; but he had made an effort by sending a detachment from the
+ 35th regiment to support some royalists at St. Marie, which however
+ proved ineffectual; and the numbers at Martinique being now too
+ small for the defence of it, General Grey was unable to afford any
+ assistance from thence; however he ordered the flank companies of
+ the 4th battalion, of the 60th regiment from St. Vincent's, and
+ part of the 21st from St. Christopher's, to reinforce Brigadier
+ General Graham. Fortunately, however, they arrived too late, as
+ their numbers were inadequate to save it, and they afterwards made
+ part of the garrison at Fort Matilda.
+
+ [69] This gentleman, after having enjoyed a lucrative post, was
+ unwilling to lose the fruits of it, and, instead of rendering any
+ assistance to General Prescott, he took French leave, not
+ forgetting to carry with him a chest well lined, in order to render
+ his residence at Antigua comfortable.
+
+ [70] The republican officer who came with him informed us that he
+ saw the execution of the unfortunate royalists, and that
+ twenty-seven heads were struck off in seven minutes and a half!
+
+ [71] On the 19th of October the Admiral sent Lieutenant Skynner
+ with a party of seamen to a battery at the N. W. end of the town,
+ from whence he brought off some cannon and mortars.
+
+ [72] On the 2d of November, Captain Miller was promoted to the
+ command of the Vanguard, Captain Sawyer being removed to the
+ Assurance, vice Captain Bryer, deceased; and Lieutenant Launcelot
+ Skynner of the Boyne, was appointed commander of the Experiment,
+ vice Captain Miller.
+
+ [73] Fort Matilda, formerly Fort Charles, was at first a battery
+ only, erected to command the road; afterwards it was enclosed as a
+ depot for arms and ammunition in case of insurrection among the
+ slaves; and during the last war the French added to its outworks,
+ which were now totally in ruins, but served the enemy, particularly
+ those on the opposite side of the Galion river, as trenches, and
+ effectually covered their musketry that commanded the principal
+ works of the besieged: in short, the fort was completely commanded
+ on the three sides by land, so that not a man in it could move
+ without being seen by the enemy.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+As we left General Prescott in a perilous situation, it may be proper to
+give an account of the conclusion of the siege, though it comes not
+within the original plan of my work, which professed only to relate the
+events that took place under the immediate command of Sir Charles Grey
+and Sir John Jervis. This I am enabled to do from the communication of a
+brave and intelligent friend who was there during the whole siege. On
+the 29th of November, Captain Cockburne, aid-de-camp of General Sir John
+Vaughan, was sent by his Excellency to Fort Matilda, with the unwelcome
+news that no more men could be sent thither. On the 5th of December,
+General Prescott dispatched Captain Thomas, his aid-de-camp, to the
+Commander in Chief, with an account of the fort being almost in ruins;
+this officer returned thither on the 7th, and found that the bastion
+towards the river Galion was totally silenced, and so completely
+commanded by the enemy's musketry, that not a man could approach it; the
+adjoining curtain was much in the same state; the bastion towards the
+town was giving way, and expected to tumble into the ditch every moment.
+General Prescott no longer thought of defence, but to secure his small
+garrison, now highly necessary for the defence of the other islands, the
+unparalleled mortality having left them almost without troops. The
+pestilential fever had been, in proportion, more fatal to the officers
+than the men; in the garrison, for instance, there was no officer of
+intermediate rank between the General and his aid-de-camp Captain
+Thomas, who was second in command. On the 9th of December, this officer
+was dispatched to Admiral Thompson, and after the plan of embarkation
+was settled, he returned to the fort, and the evacuation commenced at
+nine o'clock on the 10th of December, and was conducted with so much
+skill, that not a man was lost. In the morning two of the garrison
+deserted to the enemy; but the General had concealed his intentions so
+well, that not the least intelligence of it seems to have been given by
+them. There was no interruption to the retreat except a few musket-shots
+on the beach, from one of which that active officer Captain Bowen was
+badly wounded in the face. The enemy, unconscious of this movement,
+cannonaded and bombarded the fort as usual, until two o'clock the next
+morning, though the embarkation had been completed by eleven the
+preceding night. The whole force that marched out of Fort Matilda, was
+between four and five hundred: some of them were sent to the Isle de
+Saintes and Antigua, and the remainder to Martinique. Thus concluded a
+siege of eight weeks and two days, during the whole of which General
+Prescott evinced the most perfect coolness and true soldierly
+resolution, neither appalled by the tremendous and well-directed fire
+constantly, both night and day, kept up against the fort, nor by the
+insolent and threatening summonses of Victor Hughes.[74] In the
+handsomest manner he bore testimony to the zeal and activity of Sir John
+Jervis, who relaxed not in his attention to the wants of the garrison,
+till he was obliged to quit the station; leaving however, in Captain
+Bowen, a man whose existence seemed to be preserved, amidst the greatest
+dangers, for the service of his country. Admiral Thompson had his share
+of praise too for the manner in which he had conducted the embarkation.
+During the siege seventeen were killed, and seventy-nine were wounded.
+General Prescott immediately repaired to Saint Pierre, at Martinique,
+where he received the well-earned thanks and congratulations of all
+ranks, for his spirited and gallant defence of Fort Matilda. Victor
+Hughes,[75] on taking possession of the fort, ordered the monument that
+had been erected over General Dundas, to be destroyed, and his remains
+thrown into the river Galion; a conduct as mean and brutal, as it was
+undeserved. I cannot conclude without mentioning the death of that
+gallant officer, Captain Faulknor, commanding the Blanche frigate of
+thirty-two guns, who, on the 5th of January, fell in with the republican
+frigate, La Pique of thirty-eight guns, off the harbour of Point a
+Pitre; the action was maintained with the greatest fury and obstinacy
+for five hours, during which Captain Faulknor fell by a musket-ball as
+he was a second time lashing the bowsprit of La Pique to the capstern of
+his own ship. The loss of this brave man must be deplored by every
+friend to the service; his courage and determined bravery had been often
+tried, and always with success, as in the course of this work I have
+frequently had occasion to mention. On his death the command devolved on
+the first lieutenant, Mr. Watkins, who continued the action in a manner
+that did him immortal honour. The French ship having lost her main and
+mizen sails, the Blanche took her in tow, still continuing the
+engagement, when the stern ports not being large enough, they blew the
+upper transom beam away, and fired into her bows for three hours. The
+marines under Lieutenant Richardson, kept so well directed a fire, that
+not a man could appear on her forecastle until she struck; sixty-seven
+of her crew were dead on the decks; many had been thrown overboard; one
+hundred and ten wounded were landed at the Saintes; and one hundred and
+seventy-four were taken to Martinique. The Blanche had ten killed,
+including the Captain, and twenty-four wounded. Captain Faulknor's
+exertions in forwarding the service on every occasion, both during, and
+since the campaign, were unremitting. Indeed the English cause in the
+West Indies, at this instant, could hardly have received a deeper wound
+than it did by the death of this brave and zealous man.
+
+ [74] During the siege a cannon ball took off the fore part of the
+ General's hat. He coolly observed, "that a miss was as good as a
+ mile!"
+
+ [75] So much having been said of this man, it may be agreeable to
+ the reader to be informed of his origin, and pursuits in the former
+ part of his life.--Victor Hughes was originally a petty inn-keeper
+ at Basse Terre, Guadaloupe; from whence he was driven for some
+ misdemeanor, and became master of a small trading vessel at St.
+ Domingo; then a lieutenant in the French navy; and afterwards a
+ deputy in the national assembly: from whence he came out to the
+ West Indies as commissioner, with controlling powers over the
+ commanders of the army and navy. His abilities were certainly good,
+ his courage and perseverance undoubted; but, from the ferocity of
+ his character, he was both feared and hated. Colonel Drummond, who
+ with his small party was taken at Point Bacchus, relates that the
+ republicans put to death all the sick they found in the hospital at
+ Petit Bourg, many of the women, and some children, cutting off
+ heads, and otherwise mutilating the bodies; that, as the men who
+ surrendered with him at Point Bacchus, fainted in their march, they
+ were instantly bayonetted; the Colonel himself was, by particular
+ directions from Victor Hughes, ordered to clean the prison ship in
+ turn with the others; but from this disgrace he was relieved by the
+ dutiful attachment of his men, who would not permit it: his food
+ and lodging were the same as the rest, no attention being paid to
+ his rank; but from the respect and good behaviour of his men, not
+ one of whom would desert from him. A great number of people of all
+ ages, sexes, and conditions, were condemned to the guillotine by
+ this inexorable tyrant, all of whom were conducted in boats round
+ the prison ship, in order to distress and intimidate the British
+ prisoners.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Barbadoes, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1794._
+
+ Parole, ST. DOMINGO. C. S. WILLIAMSON.
+
+The Commander in Chief, having nearly finished all his arrangements to
+open the campaign with vigour, thinks it necessary, during the few days
+the troops remain at Barbadoes, to give out the orders proper for the
+regulation and conduct of the troops; and he anxiously calls upon every
+commanding officer of brigades, regiments, and corps, to support him in
+the due and strict observance thereof. The object of the campaign is to
+complete the conquest of the French West India Islands. Great
+sufficiency of provisions and a numerous train of artillery are
+provided. The General is so thoroughly convinced of the zeal and
+intelligence of the officers and soldiers under his command, that he
+knows many orders upon the present occasion are unnecessary; yet, to
+shorten orders in future, it may not be improper to explain to the
+soldiers the fatal consequences of straggling ever so little away from
+camp in quest of plunder; it is next to a certainty they will fall
+ignobly by the hands of the country people: or if they should escape,
+they may depend upon suffering the severe punishment due to disobeying
+military orders; as the General will never allow (while he has the
+honour to command such troops) practices of that nature to gain ground,
+as that alone, in time, will defeat the bravest army in the world, and
+render all their efforts useless. The British soldiers cannot be
+ignorant of the high reputation they have always acquired for obedience,
+attention, and expertness, in arms; and consequently they must be
+sensible how much their king and country expect from them: and the
+General is impressed with every assurance, that the troops will not
+disappoint them upon this occasion. The General takes the liberty to
+assure them, that they are able to fight any troops upon earth; and he
+will be answerable that it would not be a contest of ten minutes between
+this army and the best troops of France, whether the affair was to be
+decided by fire or bayonet. This last method is always to be preferred,
+but much more so when acting against such bad troops as the army we are
+now to be opposed to, the enemy being made up chiefly of negroes and
+mulattoes, with a very small proportion of regular troops; to be beat by
+whom would be so disgraceful, that he cannot entertain the most distant
+thought of it. The present distracted state of France makes it
+impossible to support them, therefore it only requires the usual
+perseverance and gallantry of British soldiers to conquer the first
+island that an attack is made upon, which will certainly decide the fate
+of the whole, shorten the campaign, and put an honourable end to the
+labour and exertion of the troops. The General thinks it a duty
+incumbent on him, and which he doubts not will be taken well, to point
+out further what he thinks necessary, either for their own particular
+good, or that more noble object, the good of their king and country. The
+General desires the soldiers will consider what hardships must attend
+their profession; that there is as much true honour in bearing them with
+manly fortitude, as in forcing the cannon of an enemy; patience under
+difficulties being one of the first virtues in a military character, and
+without which no man, however brave, will ever be a soldier. In times
+like the present some sacrifice of convenience must always be made to
+necessity; at the same time the soldiers may be assured that every
+attention will be paid by the Commander in Chief, and every other
+officer, to have them well supplied with every article that the nature
+of the service will admit. On the other hand, he hopes the soldiers will
+be so thoroughly convinced of this, that not one of them will be so lost
+to honour and virtue, and the service of their country, as not readily
+and most cheerfully to put up with every inconvenience, and even to the
+scarcity of provisions, if it should so happen. The General means to
+carry the business through with as little loss as possible, and with the
+strictest attention to the preservation of the troops: to this end he
+expects that every duty required will be carried forward by the troops
+without the least unsoldier-like behaviour or complaint, and that all
+orders will be strictly obeyed. The army is sent to carry on honourable
+war against the French colonies, and by their conduct, in preserving
+the persons and properties of the peaceable inhabitants, to conciliate
+the minds of the people to the British government; therefore the General
+determinately assures the troops, that he will allow of no drunkenness
+or licentious behaviour, no burning of churches, houses, or edifices of
+any description, without orders, or plundering in any shape whatever.
+All persons that with their property remain in their habitations, shall
+be treated with humanity. No violence to be offered, particularly to
+women, on any pretence whatever. The strictest subordination and
+discipline to be preserved throughout the whole army; and the commanding
+officer of brigades, regiments, and corps, must be responsible
+accordingly to the Commander in Chief.--The commanding officer will be
+careful that these orders, and every other that comes out, are
+distinctly read to their men by an officer, and be clearly understood by
+both officers and soldiers.--However it may hurt the General's feelings,
+he is determined to make immediate examples of all those who shall
+presume to disobey his orders; more particularly that part of them
+relative to plundering, ill treatment of peaceable inhabitants, or
+firing of houses, &c. And Captain Vipond, provost marshal, has his
+orders to execute upon the spot every offender caught in such horrid
+acts, without trial.--It may be necessary here to acquaint all officers'
+servants (not soldiers), and followers of the army of every description,
+that they are subject to military law, and liable in like manner with
+the troops to the punishment of death, or corporal punishment, according
+to the nature of the offence. Each regiment and corps will apprize them
+of this, that ignorance may not be pleaded as an excuse. The success of
+this army totally depends upon a proper and strict degree of order and
+discipline being maintained; the General therefore again calls upon
+officers of every rank to assist him in enforcing it; for the whole are
+not to suffer by a disorderly few, who, if allowed to go on, would be
+the destruction of the whole army.
+
+The provost marshal's guard to mount to-morrow morning at six o'clock,
+consisting of one sergeant, two corporals, twelve privates; and Captain
+Vipond will direct patroles to go out as he judges necessary, for the
+purpose of preserving order and regularity.--William Allen, sergeant
+major, of the forty-eighth regiment, is appointed deputy to the provost
+marshal; Captain Scott, of the sixth regiment, to act as major to that
+regiment; and Quarter Master William Haugh to do the duty of adjutant
+till further orders.--Carpenters are much wanted to expedite the
+equipment of hospital ships, and other necessary work on board the
+fleet; returns to be given in by each corps to-morrow of the number of
+carpenters they have, and such as they can furnish; to be supplied on
+the application of Captain Armstrong, assistant to the quarter master
+general, who will receive and take care to return them on board their
+respective transports. Working parties from the troops afloat are
+necessary for the same purpose, and will be supplied in rotation, by
+corps, with a proper proportion of non-commissioned officers, on the
+application of Captain Armstrong to the officers commanding regiments
+or battalions. The sixth regiment, and such of the flank companies not
+yet completed with camp equipage, will receive it on board the Sincerity
+brig to-morrow morning at six o'clock. The quarter masters of the
+respective battalions will attend to receive it.--Lieutenant Geyer of
+the sixty-seventh regiment to do duty with the sixth
+regiment.--Provost's guard, first battalion grenadiers. One sergeant,
+nine privates of the ninth regiment on board the army brig to be landed
+this evening, and to march to St. Ann's, where they are to remain till
+further orders. The light companies at St. Ann's Castle will fire ball
+this evening, &c. &c.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Lieut. Colonel Gomm was left to command at Barbadoes.
+
+
+
+
+FURTHER ORDERS BEFORE EMBARKATION.
+
+ ORDERS. _Barbadoes, January 24, 1794._
+
+ EXTRACT.
+
+The safety of an army depending in a great measure upon the guards and
+out-posts, they cannot be too vigilant; therefore the Commander in Chief
+expects, that whatever post or guard an officer is ordered to take, he
+will first visit his situation and ground around it, and post his
+centinels so as to render it out of the power of the enemy to surprise
+him. It is the greatest disgrace that can possibly befall an officer;
+and so much so in the General's opinion, that any officer, or
+non-commissioned officer, who shall suffer himself to be surprised, must
+not expect to be forgiven.--All out-posts to fortify themselves as well
+as they can, to prevent any insult from parties of the enemy. The troops
+always to form two deep; and, the roads being so narrow in the island,
+it will be necessary for them to march by files: if there is room to do
+otherwise, the commanding officer will be the best judge.--The soldiers
+will bear in mind the use of the bayonet, which in possession of, they
+can have no excuse for retreating for want of ammunition, the bayonet
+being the best and most effectual weapon in the hands of a gallant
+British soldier; in which mode of attack (the General assures them) no
+troops upon earth are equal to them. In case of a night attack,
+ammunition and firing are totally out of the question, and the bayonet
+is ever to be preferred and made use of. Every reason is in favour of
+this system; amongst many others the following, viz. It conceals you and
+your numbers from the enemy; the enemy direct their fire wherever they
+see or hear fire, consequently fire upon each other, whilst you are
+concealed, and they fall an easy prey. The General assures the troops of
+this from his own repeated experience; and the soldiers may rely in
+confidence upon him, that if it is strictly adhered to, it will seldom,
+if ever, fail of success.--As it may be necessary at particular times to
+order the grenadiers, light infantry, and advanced corps, to retire, in
+order more effectually to secure the defeat of the enemy, the Commander
+in Chief thinks it necessary to apprize the army of this, to prevent any
+alarm such an appearance might otherwise occasion amongst the
+soldiers.--Weak and sickly men are not to embark with their regiments or
+corps; proper measures will be taken to get those men to their regiments
+as soon as they are in a state fit for duty. No women to come on shore
+till particularly ordered, &c.
+
+The undernamed are the officers of Royal Engineers to serve the army on
+the expedition.
+
+ Colonels Elias Durnford, Chief Engineer.
+ John Chillcotts.
+ Robert Douglas.
+
+ Captains William Johnston.
+ James Gieddes.
+ Lewis Hay.
+
+ 1st Lieutenants Richard Downe.
+ Douglas Lawson.
+ Richard Fletcher.
+
+ 2d Lieutenant Elias Walker Durnford.
+
+No emigrants allowed to go as servants or otherwise from Barbadoes with
+the expedition, without particular leave from the Commander in Chief;
+nor any negroes to be hired by the officers, without the consent of
+their owners.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 6, 1794._
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS.
+
+ Parole, MARTINICO. C. S. MORNE.
+
+ Field Officer for the day, Lieut. Colonel Buckridge.
+
+ The army will halt to-day.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief cannot but express the highest sense he
+entertains of the exertion of the officers and soldiers in a long
+fatiguing march yesterday, and the orderly behaviour of the men during
+the whole march, and which must at all times demand his utmost
+attention; and he assures them the same conduct will (and speedily) put
+an end to the campaign.--The Commander in Chief is pleased to order an
+extra day of fresh provisions and rum to be issued out to the men this
+day as soon as possible.--The regiments which loaded yesterday on their
+march will draw their pieces immediately; and no regiment to load in
+future without orders, except the advanced guard.--A general court
+martial to be convened immediately for the trial of William Milton, of
+the English light dragoons, and Samuel Price, of the black dragoons, for
+robbery; and all such prisoners as shall be brought before them. Capt.
+Cunningham, and Jacques and Falice, to appear as witnesses.
+
+ Lieutenant Colonel Blundell, President.
+
+ Lieutenant Colonel Johnston.
+
+ Major Watson.
+
+ Major Ross.
+
+ Major Baillie.
+
+ Third battalion grenadiers 2 Captains.
+
+ Second light infantry 1 Ditto.
+
+ Third ditto 1 Ditto.
+
+ Third brigade 4 Ditto.
+
+Names of the members, and dates of their commissions, to be given in
+immediately to Major Lyon, deputy quarter master general, acting judge
+advocate. List of the evidence for and against to be given in at the
+same time. The quarter masters of the different regiments at head
+quarters to give in to the quarter master general a return of the
+effective strength immediately.
+
+
+
+
+AFTER ORDERS. _Feb. 7, 1794._
+
+
+William Milton, private in the detachment of British light dragoons, and
+Samuel Price, a negro, attached to the dragoons, tried by a general
+court martial, of which Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Blundell was president,
+for having entered the house of Jacques, an inhabitant of this place,
+and robbing him of a sum of money, are both found guilty of the crime
+laid to their charge; and, by virtue of the power and authority vested
+in the court by the fourth article of the twenty-third section of the
+articles of war, the said prisoners, William Milton and Samuel Price,
+are adjudged to suffer death; which is approved of by the Commander in
+Chief, and the general court martial is dissolved.
+
+The Commander in Chief feels most sensibly, and laments the necessity of
+making examples so immediately after landing, notwithstanding the
+strongest and most pointed orders given by him so recently against every
+kind of irregularity and improper behaviour in soldiers on service, but
+particularly against this very crime committed by the prisoners.
+Determined, however, to have his orders obeyed, to preserve discipline
+in the army, which is so essential to its success, and to prevent a
+repetition of crimes so base, disgraceful, and detestable, the
+prisoners, William Milton and Samuel Price, are ordered to be executed
+at eight o'clock to-morrow morning. The troops to parade at seven
+o'clock to-morrow morning, in readiness to attend the execution. The
+ninth and fifteenth regiments to send four men each in augmentation of
+the castle guard in the rear of the head quarters. Six mules will be
+delivered to each of the flank battalions, and four to each regiment, at
+nine o'clock to-morrow morning, at the quarter master general's.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 8, 1794._
+
+ Parole, WHYTE. C. S. BATTERIES.
+
+ Field Officer of the day, Major Watson.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief hopes the awful scene of this morning will have
+its proper effect, and not lay him again under the most feeling and
+painful necessity of repeating it, but which must certainly be the
+unhappy case in the persons of future offenders. The General could not
+be justified in the eyes of his king and country, and this army he has
+the honour to command, in acting otherwise, their existence and success
+depending (of which every good thinking soldier must be sensible) upon a
+proper degree of discipline and subordination, with the most minute and
+strictest obedience to orders, &c.
+
+The General has the pleasure to announce to the army the complete
+success of Brigadier General Whyte, at the head of the third light
+infantry, in gallantly storming and taking the batteries of Cape Solomon
+and Bourgis. In Cape Solomon were four thirty-six pounders and two
+twenty-four pounders; in Bourgis three twenty-four pounders, all in
+perfect order to turn against the enemy; with powder and shot in
+abundance. This success opens a near communication with the fleet, by
+enabling them to come into Ance d'Arlet Bay, with every supply the army
+may be in want of; and what still renders it more valuable, carried with
+the loss only of one man.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 9, 1794._
+
+ Parole, DUNDAS. C. S. GROS MORNE.
+
+ Field Officer of the day, Major Baillie.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief has again the pleasure to announce to the troops
+the further success of his majesty's arms towards the conquest of the
+island of Martinico, by the able conduct of Major General Dundas, and
+the gallantry and spirit of the troops under his command, in attacking
+the enemy's troops under the command of Mons. Bellgarde at Trinite with
+bayonets, and putting them totally to the rout with great slaughter, he
+narrowly escaping with a few followers into Fort Royal. The Major
+General with great spirit followed up the blow, and took possession of
+the very strong fort of the Gros Morne, where the English colours are
+now flying.
+
+He has also the pleasure to add the gallantry of the seventieth
+regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, and led by Colonel
+Dundas, who with so much spirit and promptitude attacked the enemy
+posted upon Morne Charlotte Pied, and put them totally to flight, taking
+possession of that important commanding ground looking down upon Pigeon
+Island, which, when, attacked (in conjunction with Brigadier General
+Whyte) and taken, will enable the English fleet to come up into Fort
+Royal Harbour, in full view of the enemy's Forts of Bourbon and Royal.
+
+The Commander in Chief is happy in the opportunity of making honourable
+mention of Captain Nares of the seventieth regiment, who led the
+advanced guard with so much true courage and judgment in the above
+attack, as reported to him in the strongest manner by Colonel Dundas.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 11, 1794._
+
+ Parole, GORDON. C. S. CASE NAVIRE.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief is happy again to assure the army of the progress
+of our arms towards the reduction of Martinico. Colonel Sir Charles
+Gordon, and Captain Rogers commanding a squadron of his Majesty's ships,
+by their good conduct, activity, and spirit, have made a landing good at
+Cape Pilote, and taken all the batteries upon the coast from Cape Pilote
+to Cape Navirre. The gallantry of the troops, in charging and putting to
+flight the enemy wherever they dared to appear, was never more
+conspicuous.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 12, 1794._
+
+ Parole, WHYTE. C. S. PIGEON ISLAND.
+
+ Field Officer of the day, Major Baillie.
+
+
+It is with the utmost satisfaction the Commander in Chief announces to
+the army the capture of Pigeon Island, which surrendered yesterday
+morning about eleven o'clock, being a post of great strength, and of the
+utmost importance towards the success of our future operations. The
+Commander in Chief gives his thanks to Brigadier General Whyte, who
+commanded and conducted this service with such spirit and ability as to
+do him honour. Likewise to Colonel Symes, quarter master general, for
+his able assistance and zeal upon the occasion.--The Commander in Chief
+returns his thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Close, who commanded the third
+battalion of light infantry; and to Major Manningham, for his
+conspicuous exertions. Likewise to Lieutenant Colonel Paterson and Major
+Manly, who commanded the royal artillery, which was well and ably
+served; and to Colonel Durnford of the engineers.
+
+The Commander in Chief gives his thanks to all the officers and soldiers
+employed on that difficult and particular service, whose courage and
+exertions (so eminently manifested) merit the greatest praise.
+
+The Commander in Chief also has to offer his warmest acknowledgments and
+obligations to Lieutenants Rogers and Rutherford, commanding the seamen,
+and to all the other officers and seamen of his Majesty's navy; whose
+perseverance, able assistance, and good conduct, contributed much to the
+capture of the island.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 13, 1794._
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS.
+
+ Parole, YORK. C. S. GLOUCESTER.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief is happy in the opportunity of expressing the
+pleasure he received from the report of Major Lyon, deputy adjutant
+general, of the spirited conduct of the fifteenth regiment, commanded by
+Captain Pomier, in the attack of a very strong post of the enemy at
+eleven o'clock last night, in which attack two hundred of the enemy were
+surprised, and totally routed, with some loss, and all their cattle,
+provisions, arms, &c. and some prisoners taken, with the loss of one man
+only of the fifteenth regiment killed, and two wounded.
+
+The fifteenth regiment, at the same time that they accept the Commander
+in Chief's acknowledgments for their spirited conduct, will allow him
+to say, that if they had not fired, the surprise might have been more
+complete; and firing, he trusts, they will in future, in all night
+attacks, on all occasions, avoid, and which, they well know, how very
+strongly he recommended previous to the opening of the campaign; and he
+desires the commanding officers will turn back to their orders, and read
+them to the officers and men.
+
+The Commander in Chief desires that the warm sense he entertains of the
+spirited service of Captain de Rivigne (who commanded the howitzers in
+the siege and capture of Pigeon Island, as reported by Brigadier General
+Whyte) may be made known to the army, &c.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Heights of Brunot, Feb. 17, 1794._
+
+ Parole, CONQUEST. C. S. ST. PIERRE.
+
+ Field Officer, Major Campbell.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief hopes that every care is taken of, and humanity
+shewn to, the negroes attached to the regiments, and to all those
+employed with the army; and that they are victualled, attended to, and
+encouraged. This the commanding officers of regiments and corps, and
+every officer in all departments, will attend to, and inquire into: as
+many have fled from the camp, which must be owing to their having been
+neglected, or ill used by some of the men, such treatment must be
+prevented in future, otherwise the army will suffer every inconvenience.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Brunot, Feb. 19, 1794._
+
+ Parole, ST. PIERRE. C. S. DUNDAS.
+
+ Field Officer, Colonel Coote.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief has the pleasure to announce to the army the
+complete capture of St. Pierre, the most considerable town in this
+island, which contains the greatest part of its wealth, its roads
+crowded with ships and merchandise, now the prizes of the army and navy.
+
+The Commander in Chief holds himself highly obliged to the troops for
+their spirited and cool conduct in the course of the attack yesterday;
+and congratulates them upon so easy an acquisition of the strong ground
+hitherto occupied by the enemy, owing to the prompt and spirited
+movement of Lieutenant Colonel Buckridge, and the support of the light
+infantry under Lieutenant Colonel Coote and Lieutenant Colonel Blundell:
+this being the very ground intended to be occupied, and essential for
+the impending siege. The sixth, ninth, and second light infantry, with
+all the artillery of the camp at Brunot, to march and form the line of
+the new camp at Sourier at day-break. The seventieth and fifteenth
+regiments to remain at the port of Matilda, and the covering of the
+landing place, till further orders.
+
+The commissary to order the provisions, &c. of the army to be escorted
+to the most convenient and contiguous situation for the supply of the
+army in their new position; which, from their present landing place,
+will be nearer than their former encampment. The cavalry, provost's, and
+every other department attendant on the army, to move to-morrow morning.
+The post of Colomb, occupied by Lieutenant Colonel Coote, to be retained
+by two companies, and that of Lieutenant Colonel Buckridge by one
+company.
+
+No bullocks for draught, which are necessary for agriculture to the
+inhabitants, or milch cows, to be slaughtered by the army.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Heights of Sourier, Feb. 22, 1794._
+
+ Parole, NAVY. C. S. ANIMATION.
+
+ Field Officer, Major Campbell.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief saw with pleasure and surprise this morning the
+great progress that has been made in forming an excellent road for the
+battering train through so difficult a country, and the fair prospect of
+the artillery shortly arriving at the destined ground. Nothing can
+exceed the order and indefatigability of the British sailors, and the
+zeal and pleasure with which they appear animated in the most laborious
+exertions; he has remarked this with the utmost satisfaction.
+
+He begs Captains Hervey, Kelly, and Carpenter, with the officers and men
+under their command, will accept his best thanks and acknowledgments of
+how much he owes them. When the two services thus combine and
+co-operate, the greatest obstacles may be surmounted, and every
+difficulty vanish. The Commander in Chief has given orders to the
+commissary that the seamen shall be amply supplied with provisions and
+rum.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, Feb. 24, 1794._
+
+ Parole, GREAT GUN. C. S. MORTAR.
+
+
+Not that the Commander in Chief has any reason whatever to suspect the
+advanced posts and guard of the camp are not alert, but, on the
+contrary, their steadiness and attention give him true satisfaction:
+nevertheless he thinks it right to warn them, that the enemy, in their
+present hopeless situation, may be desperate, and attempt to insult some
+of the posts: more they cannot do; but the slightest advantage gained,
+their expiring cause may for a moment be spirited up to hold out a
+little longer, and cause the loss of a few brave men; this the Commander
+in Chief wishes to avoid, and to make the conquest of this valuable
+island of Martinico with the least loss possible, he being ever
+attentive and watchful of their preservation. He particularly desires
+the advanced posts will, if possible, increase their vigilance, and in
+case of an insult, to meet it coolly, not risking themselves by darting
+forward (this not being the time for such exertion), but to check their
+ardour, and content themselves by standing on the defensive, and
+repulsing the enemy, covering steadily the bringing up the battering
+train to their destined ground, which will very soon be completed, and
+the batteries ready to open powerfully upon the enemy from three points
+at one and the same time; which done, the Commander in Chief assures
+the army that he has every reason to believe they will be in possession
+of the enemy's last stake in a little time, and honourably put an end to
+their labours.
+
+The Commander in Chief again repeats his orders for all the out-posts
+that are the least exposed to the enemy's fire, to fortify and shelter
+themselves, throwing up blinds at certain distances to run behind when a
+shell falls, and which will effectually secure them.--In the trench of
+Lieutenant Colonel Coote's post three or four cross blinds should be
+made; and the engineer is immediately to order it. The advanced guns
+also to be guarded, to prevent a shot damaging a wheel or carriage;
+which Lieutenant Colonel Paterson will order to be done.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Camp, Heights of Sourier, Feb. 28, 1794._
+
+ Parole, PUSH. C. S. FORWARD.
+
+ Field Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Craddock.
+
+
+Alexander Ross, second gunner, royal artillery, and Edward Brookes, of
+the royal Irish artillery, tried by the general court martial, of which
+Lieutenant Colonel Buckridge was president, for absenting themselves
+five hours from the post of Gros Morne; and on suspicion of having
+robbed Madame Lamalle of a gold watch and chain, with various other
+articles, viz. six silver spoons, six forks, and a large soup spoon. The
+prisoners are further accused of robbing a washerwoman of some wearing
+apparel belonging to Adjutant Wilkinson, of the sixty-fourth regiment.
+The court, having maturely considered the evidence in support of the
+charge against the prisoners, together with what they had to advance in
+their defence, acquit the prisoners, Alexander Ross, second gunner of
+royal artillery, and Edward Brookes, of the royal Irish artillery, of
+the charge against them of having robbed Madame Lamalle and the
+washerwoman: but the prisoners, Alexander Ross, of the royal artillery,
+and Edward Brookes, of the royal Irish artillery, are both found guilty
+of absenting themselves from the post of Gros Morne without leave, in
+breach of the fourteenth section of articles of war, and are therefore
+adjudged to receive four hundred lashes each on their bare backs.--The
+Commander in Chief approves of the above sentence, and directs, that the
+punishment of four hundred lashes each be inflicted on the prisoners
+to-morrow morning at seven o'clock, at the head of the English and royal
+Irish artillery.--The Commander in Chief is clearly of opinion that the
+prisoners, Alexander Ross and Edward Brookes, were also guilty of the
+charge of robbery advanced against them; but the evidence not being of
+that force to justify the court martial in finding them guilty, they are
+fortunate in escaping, and he thinks it will make a lasting impression
+on their minds; for the Commander in Chief assures them, had they been
+found guilty (however painful to him), they should have suffered the
+last punishment, death, at the head of the army.
+
+The prisoner Phelps, soldier in the fortieth regiment of foot, tried by
+the same general court martial for desertion, is found guilty, in breach
+of the first article of the sixth section of the articles of war, and
+sentenced to receive eight hundred lashes on his bare back, in the usual
+manner. The Commander in Chief approves of the above sentence; but, in
+consideration of the great length of time the prisoner, John Phelps, has
+been confined, he is pleased to pardon him; and hopes this instance of
+lenity will make a deep and lasting impression on his mind, and induce
+him to behave like a good and faithful British soldier to his king and
+country in future.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Camp, Sourier, March 5, 1794._
+
+ Parole, AIM. C. S. WELL.
+
+ EXTRACTS.
+
+
+His Royal Highness Prince Edward, major general, to take the command of
+his Majesty's troops forming the investment of Fort Bourbon, on the Cape
+Navirre side, and the camp at La Coste, with all the posts depending.
+
+The Commander in Chief observes the soldiers do not dig a trench round
+their tents to carry off the wet: the commanding officers of regiments
+and corps to order it to be done immediately, and to send for the
+hammocks belonging to the round tents, to make the men as comfortable as
+possible.
+
+Captain J. A. Wetheral, and Lieutenant J. Vesey, of the eleventh foot,
+are appointed aid de camps to his Royal Highness Prince Edward, major
+general, and to be obeyed as such.--The Commander in Chief has the
+pleasure to announce, that a detachment of the fifteenth regiment,
+commanded by Lord Sinclair, and a detachment of light dragoons,
+commanded by Lieutenant Shadwell, and conducted by Captain Cunningham
+(his aid de camp), surprised at ten o'clock this morning a strong corps
+of the enemy near Francois, which they had set on fire. The enemy were
+completely surprised, who had been burning, plundering, and murdering,
+wherever they went; thirty-six were killed, with their chief, who was
+cut down by a light dragoon. Four prisoners were taken, who were hung up
+as an example to such rascals in future; which method the General is
+determined uniformly to pursue with all such taken in arms.--The
+Commander in Chief returns his best thanks to Lord Sinclair, Captain
+Cunningham, and Lieutenant Shadwell, for their zeal and exertion on this
+occasion; and to all the officers and men employed. The fire of Francois
+was extinguished, and only four houses burnt. Our loss only two men
+wounded.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, March 9, 1794._
+
+ Parole, ADVANCE. C. S. NEARER.
+
+ Field Officer, Major Baillie.
+
+
+Lieutenant General Prescot will advance, and post the seventieth
+regiment to cover the new batteries; which done, the captain and sixty
+men, and subaltern and thirty, posted at and near M. Ragout's house, to
+be withdrawn, excepting a serjeant and twelve men posted on the height
+in the rear of that post, which must be continued until further orders.
+Surgeon's mate William Wood, of the seventieth regiment, is appointed
+surgeon's mate to the general hospital in the West Indies. The following
+gentlemen are appointed to act as assistant engineers: Mr. Thomas Hall,
+Lieutenant Fenton, forty-third regiment, Ensign Snell, fifteenth
+regiment, Ensign Garroway, king's Carolina regiment, and M. la Granche.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, before Fort Bourbon, March 18, 1794._
+
+
+The gallant attack of the seamen, headed by Lieutenant Bowen of the
+Boyne, in boarding the Gabarre, in the carinage of Fort Royal, in open
+boats, at noon day yesterday, under a shower of grape shot and musquetry
+from the garrison, taking the captain, lieutenant, and twelve men
+prisoners, being all there were on board, and even firing some of the
+guns of the Gabarre against the fort, merits the highest praise and
+admiration. This gallant transaction the Commander in Chief was a
+witness of, and takes this opportunity of repeating how perfectly
+sensible he is of their meritorious services, with those of the navy in
+general, and of their unwearied exertion in forwarding his majesty's
+service in every way, and on this critical occasion; and begs they will
+accept of his best thanks. Lieutenant Robertson to do duty as major of
+brigade, in the room of M. B. Forbes, till further orders.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, before Fort Bourbon, Friday, March
+ 21, 1794._
+
+ Parole, FORT. C. S. ROYAL.
+
+ Field Officer, Major Baillie.
+
+
+During the present truce no relaxation of duty, vigilance, or
+preparation for a continuance of the siege, to take place; on the
+contrary, every exertion to be used for opening again with more vigour
+than ever, should the present conference break of, by not agreeing on
+terms; which may be the case.
+
+The Commander in Chief has great satisfaction in congratulating the army
+on the most important capture of Fort Royal, effected with so much good
+conduct and gallantry, which he trusts must lead to a speedy surrender
+of Fort Bourbon.--The first battalion of grenadiers, commanded by
+Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, and third battalion of light infantry,
+commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Close, from camp la Coste, with the
+third battalion of grenadiers, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
+Buckridge, and first light infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
+Coote, from the camp of Sourier, behaved with their usual spirit on the
+occasion, and such as must always command success. Captain de Rivigne,
+of the royal artillery, has done his duty in so excellent a manner,
+shewing superior judgment in conducting the fire of the field pieces on
+the left, and so effectually covering the approach of the troops, as has
+done him the greatest honour, and proves him to be a most valuable
+officer.
+
+The Commander in Chief acknowledges great obligations to the navy, on
+their gallant escalade of Fort Royal, under the able conduct of
+Commodore Thompson, with the assistance of the Asia, Captain Brown; but
+particularly to Captain Faulkner of the Zebra, whose gallantry and
+judgment have justly gained him the admiration of the whole
+army.--Commodore Thompson's judicious arrangement of the gun-boats and
+flat-boats, with the assistance of Captain Rogers, who landed and
+entered the town of Fort Royal from the side of Tortenson, contributed
+most essentially to the success of the enterprise, in which the zealous
+assistance and activity of Captain Sancee of the Guides, was highly
+meritorious and useful. The Commander in Chief's thanks are justly due
+to every person employed on that service, which he gives with infinite
+pleasure and satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Fort Royal, March 25, 1794._
+
+ Parole, FORT GEORGE. C. S. FORT EDWARD.
+
+ Field Officer, Colonel Coote.
+
+
+The Commander in Chief orders Fort Bourbon now to bear the name of Fort
+George, and Fort Louis to bear the name of Fort Edward; and to be called
+so in future.--The Commander in Chief, with heartfelt satisfaction,
+congratulates the army on the complete conquest of the island of
+Martinico, a most important acquisition to his majesty's crown. He begs
+permission to return the army in general his warmest thanks for their
+zeal, perseverance, gallantry, and spirit, so eminently distinguished,
+and never before exceeded, by every rank, from the general to the
+soldier, throughout this service; and this justice he cannot fail to do
+them in the strongest language to his majesty.--The works of the
+trenches to be levelled, and every preparation made by all departments
+for embarkation on another expedition. The transports are ordered round
+to Fort Royal; and the cannon, ordnance stores, and every thing
+belonging to the engineer and military departments, to be conveyed down,
+ready to be embarked on board their respective ships, regularly, and
+with such method, that no sort of confusion or retardment may happen
+upon a second disembarkation. The artillery will always be the first
+called for.--All officers of the army and navy to have permission to go
+into Fort George.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS.
+
+ _Head Quarters, Boyne, off Guadaloupe, June 4, 1794._
+
+
+Colonel Richard Symes is appointed brigadier general from the 25th of
+May, 1794, in the West Indies; and also governor of Guadaloupe, until
+his majesty's pleasure is known.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Guadaloupe, June 8, 1794._
+
+
+Colonel Francis Dundas is appointed Brigadier General from the 26th of
+May, 1794, in the West Indies. Surgeon Thomas Wright, from the garrison
+of Guadaloupe, to be purveyor of the general hospital, vice Dundon,
+deceased. The Honourable Captain Stewart, of the twenty-second regiment,
+to be extra aid de camp to the Commander in Chief.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Guadaloupe, June 10, 1794._
+
+
+Captain Donkin, of the forty-fourth regiment, to do duty as major of
+brigade.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, June 13, 1794._
+
+
+The Commander in Chief feels great satisfaction in acquainting the army
+with his majesty's entire approbation of their gallant exertions and
+bravery during this campaign, to the time of the capture of Fort Bourbon
+(now Fort George), and the complete conquest of the island of
+Martinique; which is communicated to him in a letter from the secretary
+of state, bearing date the 22d of April, 1794, of which the following is
+an extract. "I am therefore to signify to you his majesty's most perfect
+and entire approbation of your conduct, and of the gallant behaviour of
+all the officers and soldiers under your command; and to desire that you
+will convey to them the just sense his majesty entertains of the honour
+they have done themselves, and of the services which they have rendered
+to their country."--The Commander in Chief has also the pleasure of
+notifying to the army, that having made application for exempting it
+from paying postage, his majesty has been graciously pleased to comply
+therewith; which is communicated to him in a letter from the secretary
+of state of the same date, the following being an extract. "His majesty
+is most graciously pleased to comply with your request that the army
+under your command whilst on service may be exempted from paying postage
+for their letters; and I shall immediately signify the same to the post
+master general."
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, June 14, 1794._
+
+ Parole, LIGHT INFANTRY. C. S. ----
+
+
+The Commander in Chief thanks Brigadier General Dundas, and the first
+light infantry, under the command of Major Ross, supported by the
+thirty-ninth regiment, under Major Magan, for the usual spirit with
+which they attacked the French camp at Point Gabbare, and congratulates
+them on the complete success of it.--The able and gallant conduct of
+Major Ross, in leading the light infantry so handsomely to the charge,
+as reported by Brigadier General Dundas, demands the Commander in
+Chief's particular acknowledgments; and which he will not fail to report
+to the ministry, to lay before his majesty.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS.
+
+ _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, Guadaloupe, June 15, 1794._
+
+ Parole, BOYNE. C. S. ----
+
+
+The grenadier companies of the sixth, ninth, fifteenth, twenty-first,
+fifty-sixth, fifty-eighth, sixtieth, fourth battalion of the
+sixty-fourth, sixty-fifth, and three companies from the Irish regiments,
+to be formed into a battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel
+Fisher, of the sixtieth regiment. The light companies of the sixth,
+ninth, fifteenth, twenty-first, fifty-sixth, fifty-eighth, sixtieth,
+fourth battalion of the sixty-fourth, sixty-fifth, and three companies
+from the Irish regiments, to be formed into a battalion under the
+command of Lieutenant Colonel Gomm.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, June 18, 1794._
+
+ Parole, ---- C. S. ----
+
+
+The Commander in Chief feels with great concern the necessity of again
+assembling part of the troops to dislodge an enemy who have stolen into
+Pointe a Pitre, and the posts in its neighbourhood, at the moment when
+the gallant General Dundas was expiring. He had hoped that the troops,
+whose meritorious services had acquired so much glory during a most
+successful campaign, would have found rest and comfort during the
+remainder of this year at least. Relying however on the cheerful and
+utmost exertions of the gallant troops he has the happiness to command,
+he cannot entertain a doubt of finishing the service speedily and
+gloriously, to enable the troops to return very soon to the quarters
+from whence they are now called forth to service.
+
+The Commander in Chief assures the troops that their situation on this
+extra service shall be made as comfortable and agreeable to them as it
+is in his power to render it; and that no time shall be lost in
+advancing against the enemy, consistent with the attention he always
+pays to the preservation of his soldiers, not wantonly or prematurely
+exposing them to danger.
+
+The same conduct, good behaviour, and cool bravery, which gained such
+rapid and complete success hitherto, will insure it on the present
+occasion, against about five hundred regular troops, joined by a
+despicable and motley crew of mulattoes and negroes, with some seamen,
+the whole a forlorn hope, who put in here for the want of provisions,
+and at a time the forty-third regiment was weakened by sickness.
+
+The troops to be ready to get into the flat boats to-morrow morning at
+three o'clock. The boats, when the men are embarked, are to assemble
+astern of the Assurance forty-four gun ship, there waiting for orders to
+proceed on shore. The troops to carry on shore with them three days
+provisions dressed, one day's grog, and rum in kegs for another day:
+also to land with their tent blankets, camp kettles, water kegs,
+canteens, and hand hatchets; the sailors to land with ditto and
+tomahawks.
+
+The light infantry to be first to land with two amuzettes, supported by
+the battalion of grenadiers with two three-pounders.
+
+The sixty-fifth regiment then to land with two six-pounders; Captain de
+Rivignes commanding the artillery. After the troops are landed, and have
+got the heights opposite, the spare artillery, howitzers, stores, &c.
+are to be landed at Grozier. The commanding engineer will land at the
+same time all the artificers, and every thing belonging to his
+department, that no time whatsoever may be lost in forwarding the
+enterprise. The first troops that land will immediately take advantage
+of the strongest ground, houses, &c. there posting themselves; not
+advancing until the whole are landed. Brigadier General Symes will
+direct the landing, and is to command the troops on shore. The Commander
+in Chief has been pleased to appoint Captain John Cunnyngham, of the
+forty-third regiment, to be deputy adjutant general, vice Lyon,
+deceased.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Head Quarters, Grozier, Guadaloupe,
+ June 20, 1794._
+
+
+The Commander in Chief is much surprised to find, from the report of
+Brigadier General Symes, that the seamen and soldiers straggle from camp
+in search of water, which, when found in the neighbourhood, is not fit
+for drinking, though it may answer for cooking. The Commander in Chief
+forbids any officer from quitting the post of his company, except on
+duty; and directs that the rolls be called every two hours. If any
+soldier or seaman be found marauding or straggling from camp, he will be
+punished in the most severe manner. The officers commanding corps to see
+their battalions fall in, and the rolls called, from which no officer is
+to be absent, as the enemy are lurking about the posts.
+
+The piquets are not to suffer any person to pass them, without a pass in
+writing from the brigadier general.
+
+Each corps will send an officer for orders to head quarters every day at
+ten o'clock, and an orderly serjeant from each corps to attend
+constantly. All applications for provisions to be made to Mr. Johnstone,
+the quarter master of the sixtieth regiment. These orders, as well as
+all others, to be read to the men by an officer of each company.
+Captain Robins, of the sixtieth regiment, to do duty with the
+sixty-fifth regiment; and Lieutenant Milnes, of the forty-ninth, with
+the ninth light infantry.
+
+The Honourable Captain Stewart, of the twenty-second regiment, having
+offered his services to the Commander in Chief on this present occasion,
+they are accepted; and he is ordered to do duty with the ninth grenadier
+company.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Head Quarters, Grozier Camp,
+ June 21, 1794._
+
+ Parole, ENGLAND. C. S. PROSPERITY.
+
+
+On account of the brilliant success of his majesty's arms, and his
+allies, in France, by the complete victory gained by the Duke of York at
+the head of the British, and also by the Austrians, on the 26th of April
+last, in which the French General Chapuey was made prisoner, with
+fifty-seven pieces of their cannon taken, and a great slaughter of their
+troops, with a very inconsiderable loss of the British troops and their
+allies, the Commander in Chief orders a _feu de joie_ on the occasion at
+six o'clock this evening; for which purpose all the troops will be under
+arms and assemble with the naval battalion at five o'clock, and are to
+be marched to a conspicuous situation, in view of the enemy, to give
+three rounds of running fire. The whole of our artillery, drawn up in
+front of the line, are to fire three rounds. Each round of artillery to
+precede a round of small arms: running fire beginning at the right of
+the line; and to conclude with three hearty cheers.--Brigadier General
+Symes, who commands the line, will be so good as to place and arrange
+the troops on this occasion, pointing out the ground they are to
+assemble upon. The whole navy will fire a _feu de joie_, and the troops
+under the command of Brigadier General Dundas at the camp at Berville,
+at the same time.
+
+The Commander in Chief desires that his long, spirited, and determined
+orders, given out when the army sailed from Barbadoes on the expedition
+to Martinico, dated the 22d of January, may be read to the troops,
+particularly to the seamen, many of whom have not served on shore. This
+the commanding officers of corps and naval battalions will be answerable
+to the Commander in Chief is done; and at the same time to assure their
+men, that however it may hurt his feelings, he will put the said orders
+in full force upon any and every offender in future; for without strict
+discipline and good order, no good service can possibly be effected: and
+he again calls upon every officer in the army to assist him in this
+necessary work. The troops to receive one day's fresh meat, and two days
+salt provision and rum, to-morrow morning at day-break. Returns to be
+sent to the commissary general this evening.
+
+
+
+
+ AFTER ORDERS.
+
+
+Cattle of every description to be brought to head quarters, or delivered
+to persons ordered to receive them; and no person whatever to kill any
+beast without orders. It is strictly forbid that any officer, soldier,
+or seaman, shall presume to take any negroes, except those delivered to
+them by the quarter master general's department. The marauding which has
+taken place obliges the General to remind the commanding officers of
+corps to refer to orders already given out on that head. It will give
+him extreme concern to be obliged to punish with severity such crimes;
+but as the existence of the army depends on its discipline, it must be
+maintained. The first man caught in the act of plundering, to be hung on
+the spot. The provost is ordered to visit the environs of the
+encampment, and to execute this order with the utmost vigilance. Piquet
+to parade at six in the evening.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Grozier, June 24, 1794._
+
+ Parole, CAMBRAY. C. S. YORK.
+
+ Field Officer for the day, Major Crosbie.
+
+
+The two divisions of marines are to do duty with the battalion of
+grenadiers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Fisher. The troops
+will be particularly careful of their camp kettles, canteens, and
+haversacks, as no more can be procured for them.
+
+Only two quarts of water per man can be issued for the troops, and that
+early in the morning, from the men of war. Four days provision to be
+issued to the troops to-morrow morning.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _July 6, 1794._
+
+
+The Commander in Chief has just received another letter from the
+secretary of state on the subject of postage of letters to this army, of
+which the following is a copy.
+
+ "SIR, _Whitehall, May 8, 1794._
+
+ "As I find the post master general is restrained by law from
+ discharging any letters from the payment of postage, I have, in
+ order that the officers and soldiers under your command may receive
+ their letters free of expence, notified to the different army
+ agents, that all letters for the said officers and soldiers, if
+ sent to this office, will be forwarded to them. I have accordingly
+ directed that such letters shall be put in a separate packet or
+ bag, and addressed to yourself, and transmitted by each mail.
+
+ (Signed) "HENRY DUNDAS."
+
+
+
+
+_Extract from another Letter from Mr._ DUNDAS _to Sir_ CHARLES GREY, _K.
+B. May 21, 1794._
+
+ "It is peculiarly grateful to his Majesty in directing me to
+ signify to you his most entire and perfect approbation of your
+ conduct, and of the gallant behaviour of all the officers and
+ soldiers who served upon this occasion; and which you will convey
+ to them in the most particular manner, and that such important
+ conquests have been attained with so little loss on the part of his
+ majesty. I take this opportunity of inclosing you the votes of
+ thanks to you and Sir John Jervis, which I moved yesterday, with
+ the unanimous concurrence of the House. You will observe they are
+ to be officially communicated to you by the speaker. Similar votes
+ were unanimously passed by the Lords."
+
+
+
+
+_Extracts from the Votes of the House of Commons._
+
+ "Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the thanks of this House be
+ given to Sir Charles Grey, Knight of the most honourable order of
+ the Bath, for his late able, gallant, and meritorious conduct in
+ the West Indies."
+
+ "Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the thanks of this House be
+ given to Lieutenant General Prescott, his Royal Highness Major
+ General Prince Edward, and Major General Thomas Dundas, and to the
+ several officers of the army under the command of Sir Charles
+ Grey, for their late gallant conduct and meritorious exertions in
+ the West Indies."
+
+ "Resolved, nem. con. That this House doth highly approve and
+ acknowledge the services of the non-commissioned officers and
+ private soldiers in the army serving under Sir Charles Grey in the
+ West Indies; and that the same be signified to them by the
+ commanders of the several corps, who are desired to thank them for
+ their gallant behaviour."
+
+ "Ordered, That the speaker do signify the said resolutions to Sir
+ Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis."
+
+
+
+
+Colonel Colin Graham, of the twenty-first regiment, is appointed
+brigadier general from the 26th of May, 1794.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, Martinique, July 13, 1794._
+
+ Parole, NORTHAMPTON. C. S. BURFIELD.
+
+
+A General court martial to assemble at St. Pierre's, Martinico, on
+Friday next, the 25th instant, at eight o'clock, for the trial of
+Brigadier General Sir Charles Gordon, lieutenant colonel of the
+forty-first regiment of foot, and such other matters as shall be
+brought before them. The witnesses, both on the part of the prisoner and
+prosecution, to attend; lists whereof to be sent to Major of Brigade
+Lorraine, at St. Pierre's, immediately. The above general court martial
+to consist as follows.
+
+Lieutenant General Prescott, president.
+
+And such other members as shall be hereafter ordered.
+
+
+
+
+ _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, July 20, 1794_.
+
+ Parole, BRITAIN. C. S. ----
+
+The Commander in Chief orders a _feu de joie_ to be fired this evening
+at six o'clock, to celebrate the most signal victory that ever was
+gained over the French fleet, on the 1st of June last, by Earl Howe, in
+the English channel. The French fleet consisted of twenty-six ships of
+the line, the English fleet of twenty-five. Of the French seven sail of
+ships of the line were taken, one sunk, and many of them dismasted and
+crippled; so that most probably many more would fall into the hands of
+the English. In short, the General has the satisfaction to announce to
+the army the total ruin of the French fleet.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, July 28, 1794_.
+
+ Parole, JERVIS. C. S. ----
+
+The Right Honourable Lord Loughborough having transmitted to the
+Commander in Chief the votes of thanks passed by the House of Lords to
+himself, Lieutenant General Prescott, his Royal Highness Prince Edward,
+and Major General Thomas Dundas, and all the other officers of this
+army; the Commander in Chief loses no time in giving out the following
+copies of those votes in general orders.
+
+
+ "_Die Mercurii_.
+
+ "Ordered, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords spiritual and temporal,
+ in parliament assembled, That the thanks of this House be given to
+ Sir Charles Grey, Knight of the most honourable order of the Bath,
+ for his late able, gallant, and meritorious conduct in the West
+ Indies."
+
+ Signed, G. ROSE, Clerk of Parliament.
+
+
+ "_Die Mercurii_.
+
+ "Ordered, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords spiritual and temporal,
+ in parliament assembled, That the thanks of this House be given to
+ Lieutenant General Prescott, his Royal Highness Prince Edward,
+ Major General Thomas Dundas, and to the several officers of the
+ army under the command of Sir Charles Grey, for their late able,
+ gallant, and meritorious conduct in the West Indies."
+
+ Signed, G. ROSE, Clerk of Parliament.
+
+
+ _May 21, 1794_.
+
+ "Ordered, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords spiritual and temporal,
+ in parliament assembled, That this House doth highly approve and
+ acknowledge the services of the non-commissioned officers and
+ private men in the army serving under Sir Charles Grey in the West
+ Indies; and that the same be signified to them by the commanding
+ officers of the several corps, who are desired to thank them for
+ their gallant behaviour."
+
+ Signed, G. ROSE, Clerk of Parliament.
+
+The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London having transmitted to the
+Commander in Chief the unanimous vote of thanks of the Common Council of
+the city to this army, he takes the earliest opportunity of
+communicating the following extract thereof in general orders.
+
+ "At a common council holden in the chamber of the Guildhall of the
+ city of London, on Tuesday, May 27, 1794, Le Mesurier,
+ Mayor,--Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be
+ given to Sir Charles Grey, Knight of the Bath, and the officers and
+ soldiers serving under his command, for the signal services they
+ have rendered to their country by their able, gallant, and
+ meritorious conduct in the West Indies."
+
+ Signed, RIX.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 1, 1794_.
+
+ Parole, MATILDA. C. S. ----
+
+One serjeant, one corporal, and twelve privates, from each regiment, to
+parade every morning at six o'clock, and evening at five, and to be
+instructed in the exercise of the artillery; and when perfected, the
+commanding officer of artillery will report to the general or commanding
+officer on the spot, that they may be relieved by an equal number, to be
+taught in the same manner, that there may be no want of artillerymen to
+man and fight the guns on the batteries, in case of an attack.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 3, 1794_.
+
+ Parole, SPITHEAD. C. S. ----
+
+It is the Commander in Chief's orders, that all negroes belonging to the
+islands, who still continue with the army, or are known of, shall be
+sent to St. Pierre or Fort Royal immediately, in order to their being
+sent home, and a final settlement made of their accounts.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, August 4, 1794_.
+
+ Parole, HURRICANE. C. S. ----
+
+His Majesty having been pleased to appoint John Jeoffray, Esq.
+commissary general of stores and provisions, and Valentine Jones, Esq.
+to be commissary of accounts, for the Leeward and Windward Islands, all
+accounts in the commissary general's department, for which warrants have
+not been already granted, as well as those of the assistants stationed
+in the different islands, as those of the moving army, are to be settled
+with him, and to be examined and certified by the commissary of
+accounts, previous to their being brought to the secretary's office, as
+no warrants for money can be granted on them until that shall have been
+done. Warrants for the subsistence of the army, and for the pay of the
+officers employed on the staff, will be granted in the usual manner, on
+application at the secretary's office.
+
+
+
+
+ AFTER ORDERS. _August 4, 1794_.
+
+The proceedings of the present general court martial being impeded by
+the sickness of some of the members, makes it necessary to add more
+members to the strength of it, that, the business may go forward
+without interruption in future. The Commander in Chief therefore orders
+a general court martial to assemble at nine o'clock on Friday morning
+the 8th instant, at the same place, and to begin the trial again of
+Brigadier General Sir Charles Gordon; and which general court martial is
+to be composed of a president and eighteen members. All evidences to
+attend; and a list of them to be given to the deputy judge advocate as
+soon as possible. The corps of island rangers, commanded by Lieutenant
+Colonel Toler, to be augmented twenty men a company, making them seventy
+instead of fifty.
+
+Members of the General Court Martial.
+
+ General Prescott President.
+ Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone seventieth regiment.
+ Lieutenant Colonel Stewart fifty-eighth. _Dead_.
+ Captain Whitworth royal artillery.
+ Captain Flood fifty-eighth.
+ Captain Taggart fifty-fifth.
+ Captain Ingram fifty-fifth. _Dead_.
+ Captain Forbes thirty-fourth.
+ Captain Pomiere fifteenth.
+ Captain Dunbar seventieth.
+ Captain Sharpe sixth.
+ Captain Harvey thirty-third. _Dead_.
+ Captain Gillespei thirty-first.
+ Captain Blacker sixty-fifth regiment.
+ Captain Lorrain ninth.
+ Captain Hindson fifteenth.
+ Captain Macdonald fifteenth.
+
+
+
+
+ _St. Pierre, August 5, 1794._
+
+ Parole, ANTIGUA. C. S. ----
+
+
+The officers of the army will understand, that should the order of the
+3d instant (respecting the negroes being returned), not be strictly
+complied with, that for every negro kept back, the officers to whom they
+belong, and who detained them, will certainly have to pay, not only the
+full price of such negroes, but their hire during the time of
+service.--On account of the indisposition of Lieutenant Colonel Stewart,
+fifty-eighth regiment, he is not to be a member of the general court
+martial ordered for the 8th instant. Captain Rose, seventieth regiment,
+is to be a member thereof, in the room of Lieutenant Colonel Stewart.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 9, 1794._
+
+ Parole, ANTIGUA. C. S. ----
+
+
+The British inhabitants of the town of St. Pierre are to be embodied,
+and to form a corps under the command of Captain Bontein, who is
+appointed lieutenant colonel commandant thereof, to be called the Royal
+Martinico Volunteers. The following gentlemen are to be the officers.
+
+ Lieutenant Colonel ---- Bontein.
+
+ Captains James Clifton.
+ Andrew Smith.
+
+ First Lieutenants William Moore.
+ Cayley Johnstone.
+
+ Second Lieutenants ---- Popham.
+ ---- Heyland.
+
+ Adjutant Mr. Randal Ripton.
+
+The above corps is to parade at the Pere Blancs, which is to be their
+alarm post.
+
+All British born subjects, resident in or near the town of St. Pierre,
+are required forthwith to give in their names to Lieutenant Colonel
+Bontein, of the royal Martinico volunteers, at the custom house; and
+every person of the above description meaning to leave the island, is
+required to make known his intention to Lieutenant Colonel Bontein: they
+are likewise required to give in their names upon their arrival. The
+Commander in Chief has no doubt, from the voluntary and handsome offer
+of the English in the town of St. Pierre, that all who are able will
+willingly join the corps of the royal Martinico volunteers, under the
+orders of Lieutenant Colonel Bontein, to preserve good order, and defend
+their properties.
+
+F. MAITLAND, deputy adjutant general.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 11, 1794._
+
+ Parole, CORNWALLIS.
+
+
+In consequence of the death of Captain Blacker, sixty-fifth, and the
+illness of Captain Ingram, fifty-eighth, Captain Lee of forty-fourth
+grenadiers, and Captain Holland of sixtieth regiment, are to replace
+those officers as members of the general court martial ordered to meet
+this day.
+
+
+
+
+ GENERAL ORDERS. _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinico,
+ August 31, 1794._
+
+
+The appointment of Captain Hare, of the light dragoons, to be aid de
+camp to the Commander in Chief, is not to interfere with or prevent his
+having the entire command of the detachment of British light dragoons,
+which he retains as if no such appointment had been made.
+
+
+
+
+ AFTER ORDERS.
+
+
+The general court martial, of which Lieutenant General Prescott is
+president, is hereby dissolved; and all officers are to repair to their
+posts, where they are so much wanted.
+
+F. MAITLAND, deputy adjutant general.
+
+
+
+
+ _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, Nov. 7, 1794._
+
+ Parole, UNANIMITY.
+
+
+The recent act of inhumanity and barbarity committed at Guadaloupe by
+the enemy (by whom a considerable number of royalists were murdered in
+cold blood, after having fallen into their hands at Berville camp as
+prisoners of war, and who had become subjects of Great Britain, by
+taking the oath of allegiance to the British government, after the
+conquest of that island), calls aloud for the following order and
+declaration of the Commander in Chief: That all persons residing in the
+conquered islands of Martinico, Guadaloupe, and St. Lucia, and their
+dependencies, whether French or of any other nation, having taken the
+oath of allegiance to the government of Great Britain, and who demean
+and conduct themselves accordingly, shall receive every protection that
+the other subjects of Great Britain do in these islands: and should such
+cases of extremity happen as may render a capitulation necessary, no
+terms are to be proposed or accepted, which do not give equal security,
+safety, and protection, to them as to the other subjects of Great
+Britain, as well those with arms as those without; consequently, no
+place is to be surrendered before this is expressly and explicitly
+acknowledged and subscribed to by the enemy, that in any extremity we
+may stand or fall together: and the Commander in Chief earnestly
+recommends a continuance and confirmation of this order to his
+successors in command, as a measure of justice, dictated by honour and
+humanity.
+
+The Commander in Chief hopes that this explicit order and declaration,
+giving such ample security to the royalists on his part, will ease their
+minds; and, confidence being restored, that it will produce a becoming
+zeal and exertion to unite for the public interest heart and hand, in
+contributing to good order and tranquillity; and that he may expect
+there will not be any further emigration on the bare report of an
+enemy's approach, or even on being actually landed; as every
+apprehension of danger must be dispelled when all are heartily united
+for the common safety and defence.
+
+The Commander in Chief, hoping therefore for this effect and conduct
+from the people in general, does in a more particular manner recommend
+to persons of consequence to set a laudable example of fortitude on
+every occasion, and to assemble and embody under proper leaders, to act
+in conjunction with his majesty's regular troops, for the protection of
+their honour, families, and fortunes, which must be dearer to them than
+life.
+
+
+
+
+The King having been pleased to order that the colours taken at
+Martinique by the forces under Sir Charles Grey, K. B. and Sir John
+Jervis, K. B. which were brought to the palace at St. James's, should be
+deposited in the Cathedral of St. Paul, on Saturday, May 17, 1795,
+detachments of horse and foot guards were ordered to parade at St.
+James's at ten o'clock, and marched before his Majesty, who was pleased
+to see them pass by in the following order:
+
+ A Captain and forty life guards,
+ A serjeant and twelve grenadiers,
+ Music of the first regiment of guards,
+ Twenty-nine serjeants with the FRENCH COLOURS,
+ A Field Officer and one hundred life guards.
+
+In this manner they proceeded to the west gate of St. Paul's, where the
+colours were received by the Dean and Chapter, attended by the choir,
+about which time the guns at the Tower and Park were fired.
+
+The colours are since put up in the said cathedral church as a lasting
+memorial of the success of his Majesty's arms in the reduction of the
+important island of Martinique.
+
+
+
+
+ EXTRACT FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY REGISTER,
+
+ Vol. xxxviiii. p. 329.
+
+ HOUSE OF COMMONS.
+
+ "_Tuesday, May 20, 1794._
+
+
+"The following resolutions were severally put, and passed nem. con.
+
+"That the thanks of this House be given to Sir Charles Grey, Knight of
+the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, for his late able, gallant, and
+meritorious conduct in the West Indies.
+
+"That the thanks of this House be given to Sir John Jervis, Knight of
+the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, for his late able, gallant, and
+meritorious conduct in the West Indies.
+
+"That the thanks of this House be given to Lieutenant General Prescott,
+his Royal Highness Major General Prince Edward, and Major General Thomas
+Dundas, and to the several Officers of the army under the command of Sir
+Charles Grey, for their late gallant and meritorious exertions in the
+West Indies.
+
+"That the thanks of this House be given to Rear Admiral Thompson, and to
+the several Captains and Officers of the fleet under the command of Sir
+John Jervis, for their late gallant conduct and meritorious exertions in
+the West Indies.
+
+"That this House doth highly approve and acknowledge the services of the
+Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers in the army serving under Sir
+Charles Grey in the West Indies; and that the same be signified to them
+by the commanders of the several corps, who are desired to thank them
+for their late gallant behaviour.
+
+"That this House doth highly approve and acknowledge the services of the
+Sailors and Marines serving on board the fleet under command of Sir John
+Jervis in the West Indies; and that the same be signified to them by the
+captains of the several ships, who are desired to thank them for their
+gallant behaviour."
+
+Mr. Dundas then moved, "That Mr. Speaker do signify the said resolutions
+to Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis."--Passed nem. con.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY
+
+_Who died or were killed during the Campaign in the West Indies, under
+Lieutenant General Sir_ CHARLES GREY, _K. B. and Vice Admiral Sir_ JOHN
+JERVIS, _K. B. in the year 1794._
+
+
+_Killed, or died of their Wounds._
+
+ Where killed or wounded.
+
+ Brigadier General Symes Quarter Master Gen. Point a Pitre.
+ Lieut. Colonel Campbell 9th regiment Martinique.
+ Lieut. Colonel Gomm 55th regiment Point a Pitre.
+ Major Irving 70th regiment On board the Assurance.
+ Captain Armstrong 8th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
+ ... Combe 15th regiment Point a Pitre.
+ ... M'Donald 21st regiment Fleur d'Epee.
+ ... Grove 35th regiment Point a Pitre.
+ ... M'Ewan 38th regiment Martinique.
+ ... Fenton 43d regiment Point a Pitre.
+ ... Morrison 58th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
+ ... Forbes 34th regiment Berville.
+ Lieut. Thong 6th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
+ ... Booth 8th regiment Ditto.
+ ... Newport 12th regiment Point a Pitre.
+ ... Lyster 12th regiment Ditto.
+ ... Croker 15th regiment Ditto.
+ ... Knollis 21st regiment Ditto.
+ ... Price 21st regiment Fleur d'Epee.
+ ... Cockrane 39th regiment
+ ... Manson 40th regiment Point a Pitre.
+ ... Crofton 43d regiment Ditto.
+ ... Hennis 58th regiment Ditto.
+ ... Conway 60th regiment Ditto.
+ ... Toosey 65th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
+ ... Auchmuty 17th regiment Point a Pitre.
+ ... Mercer Marines Ditto.
+
+
+_Died of the Fever or other Disorders._
+
+ Major General Thomas Dundas.
+
+ Captain Dally }
+ Lieutenant Gale } 6th regim.
+ Surgeon Barton }
+
+ Captain Saumarez }
+ Ensign Armstrong } 8th regim.
+ Ensign Caulfield. }
+
+ Captain Campbell 9th regim.
+
+ Captain Twedie }
+ Lieut. Perryn }
+ ... Wallace } 12th regim.
+ ... Wright }
+ ... Miller }
+
+ Captain Combe }
+ Lieut. James } 15th regim.
+ ... Napier }
+
+ ... Cane } 17th regim.
+ ... Ritchie }
+
+ Major Rowley }
+ Lieut. Mewt } 21st regim.
+ ... Stornton }
+
+ Lieut. M'Donald } 22d regim.
+
+ Lieut. Garnons } 23d regim.
+ ... Polhill }
+
+ Lieut. Tilth 29th regim.
+
+ Lieut. Davis }
+ ... M'Kenzie } 31st regim.
+ ... Williams }
+
+ Captain Wallace }
+ Lieut. Morndrew } 32d regim.
+ Surgeon Taylor }
+
+ Captain Harvey } 33d regim.
+ Lieut. Beaty }
+
+ Captain Roache }
+ Lieut. Innes }
+ ... Forrester } 34th regim.
+ ... Wattle }
+ ... Nash }
+
+ Captain Johnson }
+ ... Graves }
+ Lieut. Mukins }
+ ... Fitzgerald } 35th regim.
+ ... Phaire }
+ ... Sands }
+ ... Barry }
+
+ Captain Douglas }
+ Lieut. Mytton }
+ ... Clarke } 38th regim.
+ ... Brown }
+ ... Bawer }
+
+ Lieut. Col. Freemantle }
+ Captain Johnston }
+ ... Shaw }
+ ... Purdie }
+ Lieut. Burslen }
+ ... Atherton } 39th regim.
+ ... Reynell }
+ ... Scanlan }
+ ... M'Rea }
+ Ensign Tidsley }
+ ... Hutchinson }
+ ... Atkins }
+ Adjutant Simpson }
+ ... M'Kenzie } 39th regim.
+ Surgeon Campbell }
+
+ Captain Head 40th regim.
+
+ Captain Vignoles }
+ ... Bayard }
+ ... Affleck }
+ ... Spencer }
+ ... M'Dowal }
+ Capt. Lieut. Jones }
+ Lieut. Butler }
+ ... Graham } 43d regim.
+ ... Dennison }
+ Ensign Daniel }
+ ... Kirwan }
+ Qr. Mast. Burnett }
+ ... Bruce }
+ Surgeon Hodskinson }
+ Lieut. Phipps } 44th regim.
+ ... Davis }
+
+ Lieutenant Moe 45th regim.
+
+ Major Lyon, Deputy
+ Adj. General }
+ Captain Taggart }
+ Lieut. Main } 55th regim.
+ ... M'Kenzie }
+ ... Taylor }
+
+ Captain White }
+ ... Cuthbert }
+ ... Fancourt }
+ Lieut. Perry } 56th regim.
+ ... Hague }
+ ... Stowell }
+ ... Warren }
+ ... O'Hara }
+ ... Taylor }
+ Chaplain Ruxton }
+
+ Lieut. Col. Stewart }
+ Captain Ingram }
+ ... Hood }
+ Lieut. Maudsley }
+ ... Hamilton }
+ ... Berford } 58th regim.
+ ... Murray }
+ ... E. Smith }
+ ... Bouchier }
+ ... Tonson }
+
+ Lieut. Cunningham }
+ ... Sneider }
+ ... Cook } 60th regim.
+ ... Montmallin }
+ ... Belt }
+
+ Lieut. Col. Buckridge }
+ Major Compton }
+ Lieut. Usher }
+ ... Thornhill }
+ ... M'Guire }
+ ... Wilson } 64th regim.
+ ... Strafford }
+ ... Knight }
+ Adjutant Wilkinson }
+ Quart. Mast. Molloy }
+ Surgeon Wingate }
+
+ Lieut. Col. Close }
+ Major Dalrymple }
+ Captain M'Gregor }
+ ... Blacker }
+ ... Oliver }
+ Lieut. Brimlow } 65th regim.
+ ... Kennedy }
+ ... Adams }
+ ... Milward }
+ Surgeon Brown }
+
+ Captain Nares }
+ ... Eiston }
+ ... Ogle }
+ ... Atkinson }
+ ... Bruce } 70th regim.
+ Lieut. Cox }
+ ... Floyer }
+ ... Gifford }
+ Surgeon Raye }
+
+ Captain Shadwell 10th lt. dra.
+
+ Lieut. Col. Dornford }
+ Captain Chilcot } engineers.
+ ... Lawson }
+ ... Dawse }
+
+ Major Shewbridge }
+ Captain Tygrell }
+ Captain Harris }
+ ... Smith }
+ ... George }
+ ... Nugent }
+ ... Thornhill } artillery.
+ ... Coulston }
+ ... Malony }
+ ... Jones }
+ ... Dawson }
+
+ Doctor Dundon }
+ ... Brown }
+ ... Wright }
+ Apoth. Vanderguest }
+ ... Carnigue }
+ Mate Mallet } hospital.
+ ... Green }
+ ... Harris }
+ ... Cooper }
+ ... Turnbull }
+ ... Hennings }
+
+ 27 killed or died of their wounds.
+ 170 died of the yellow fever, and other diseases incidental
+ --- to the climate.
+ Total 197
+
+I was informed by Captain Shank of the royal navy, the agent for
+transports, that during the expedition 46 masters of transports, and
+1100 of their men, died of the yellow fever. The returns of the masters
+were given in, of the men a rough calculation to the above amount was
+made. On board the Broderic transport the fever raged with such
+violence, that the mate, the only survivor, was obliged to scull his
+boat on shore to fetch off negroes to throw the dead overboard, and
+himself died soon after.
+
+Of the royal navy the loss was considerable; but it has not been in my
+power to procure a list of the officers who died or were killed on this
+expedition.
+
+
+LIST _of the_ OFFICERS _Prisoners to_ VICTOR HUGHES, _who were living at
+Point a Pitre the first of January, 1795._
+
+ Brigadier General Colin Graham
+
+ Lieut. Ekins, since }
+ dead of his wounds } 6th regim.
+
+ Capt. Lieut. Smith 9th regim.
+
+ Lieutenant Hurst 15th regim.
+
+ Captain Stovin 17th regim.
+
+ Lieutenant Keating 33d regim.
+
+ Captain Eiston }
+ Lieutenant Strickland } 35th regim.
+ Ensign Holmes }
+
+ Ensign Barclay 38th regim.
+
+ Lieut. Col. Magan }
+ Lieut. Horsburg }
+ ... Dale } 39th regim.
+ Ensign Divignes }
+ Quar. Mast. Clements }
+ Surgeon Ormsby }
+
+ Captain Dansey } 40th regim.
+ Lieutenant Holwell }
+
+ Lt. Col. Drummond }
+ Captain Thomson }
+ ... Cameron }
+ ... Thorley }
+ Lieut. Hull }
+ Lieut. Cameron } 43d regim.
+ ... Tidey }
+ ... De Yonge }
+ Ensign Deshon }
+ ... Delisle }
+ Surgeon Salmon }
+
+ Lieut. Philips } 44th regim.
+ ... Miller }
+
+ Lieut. Hamilton } 55th regim.
+ ... Dixon }
+
+ Captain Owen }
+ Lieut. Barclay }
+ ... Johnson } 56th regim.
+ ... M'Causland }
+ Mate Bell }
+
+ Ensign Richardson 58th regim.
+
+ Lieut. Cudmore 64th regim.
+
+ Cornet Garside 10th lt. dra.
+
+ Captain Suckling } artillery.
+ Lieut. Stackpole }
+
+ Lieut. Dornford engineers.
+
+ Mate Ramage } hospital.
+ ... Anderson }
+
+THE END.
+
+
+ +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+ | |
+ | Transcriber's Note |
+ | |
+ | Words with variable hyphenation and accents have been |
+ | preserved as in the original. A few obvious punctuation |
+ | errors have been corrected silently. The following |
+ | typographical errors have been corrected. |
+ | |
+ | +----+------------+------------+---------------------------+ |
+ | |Page| Original |Corrected to| Context | |
+ | +----+------------+------------+---------------------------+ |
+ | | ii|to |too |too apparent in my drawings| |
+ | | xi|Surry |Surrey |East Deane, Surrey | |
+ | | xiv|Surry |Surrey |Dulwich, Surrey | |
+ | | 62|fron |from |from the fort | |
+ | | 84|the the |the |the purpose of trade | |
+ | | 103|apppear |appear |misfortunes will appear | |
+ | | 115|dedetachment|detachment |a detachment of artillery | |
+ | | A13|prompitude |promptitude |spirit and promptitude | |
+ | | A14|Case Pilote |Cape Pilote | | |
+ | | A14|Case Navirre|Cape Navirre| | |
+ | | A24|Case Navire |Cape Navirre| | |
+ | +----+------------+------------+---------------------------+ |
+ +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of An Account of the Campaign in the West
+Indies, in the Year 1794,, by Cooper Willyams
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